Leadtimes African Magazine will confer the prestigious Africa Merit award on prominent Nigerians and Africans who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession.

Most of the 68 Nigerians to be pardoned are former high-ranking military officers. A presidential advisory committee has recommended that the 68 Nigerians, most of whom are no longer in detention, receive a full pardon allowing them to regain property and retirement benefits, the source close to Nigeria’s Council of State said.

The legal battle between Ekiti State Governor, Engr Segun Oni and his arch political rival, Dr Kayode Fayemi of the Action Congress (AC) over the May, 2009 governorship re-run election has snowballed into a new dimension, as the governor yesterday personally appeared in the court to sign his statement on oath, just as he filed a cross appeal challenging the scores recorded by Fayemi in Ado Local Government during the April 14, 2007 governorship election.

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State chapter has expressed its determination to support and collaborate with Lagos State Government in the realisation of its megacity project as well as the on-going development projects.

By Emmanuel Ovuakporie ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Managing Director of National Film Corporation (NFC), Mr Afolabi Adesanya and four directors over an alleged N11.8million fraud bordering on money collected for re-location from Jos to Abuja that was not used but instead it was shared by the directors.

Providence prevented what would have been a major fire disaster at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, yesterday when a petrol tanker laden with fuel lost control and rammed into the perimeter wall of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Training School.

By Liade Akinboade ABUJA—Minister of Women Affair and Social Development, Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman has revealed that 70% of people living below poverty  line in Nigeria are women.

The Management of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has restated its commitment to the growth and development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, with a view to stimulating and deepening the economy of the continent.

*Doctors remain adamant By Dennis Agbo ABAKALIKI—Different labour unions, except the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH), who embarked on an indefinite strike since April 7, yesterday, suspended the strike on the grounds that the state government has agreed to pay an Enhanced HATISS Plus package instead of the […]

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned indefinitely, further hearing in the suit by Zenon
Petroleum and Gas Limited against Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc and others over the divestment of 60 per cent equity stake in Chevron (formerly Texaco Nigeria Plc).

By Tony Edike ENUGU—THE police in Enugu has arrested a five-man  kidnap gang that specialized in kidnapping prominent businessmen and personalities in the South East states. Also recovered from them by the police were two AK47 riffles and one Barreta pistol. Members of the gang were intercepted at a police check point manned by  the […]

THE face-off between Governor Olugbenga Daniel of Ogun State and members of the House of Assembly yesterday claimed its first casualty as the Governor yesterday ordered the redeployment of his Special Adviser on Legislative matters, Mr. Sesan Lawal. He was immediately replaced with another former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Sina Aroyeun who was until yesterday Special Adviser in the Bureau of Employment Generation.

By Isiaka Oyibo Kogi LOKOJA—THE police,yesterday, shot dead one member and arrested several others who belong to the kidnap gang that earlier abducted a 3-year-old boy in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The legal battle between Ekiti State Governor, Engr Segun Oni and his arch political rival, Dr Kayode Fayemi of the Action Congress (AC) over the May, 2009 governorship re-run election has snowballed into a new dimension, as the governor yesterday personally appeared in the court to sign his statement on oath, just as he filed a cross appeal challenging the scores recorded by Fayemi in Ado Local Government during the April 14, 2007 governorship election.

By Tony Edike ENUGU—THE defunct Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly in Enugu is to be renovated as part of plans by Enugu State Government to immortalize members of the assembly during the Centenary celebration of Enugu City, slated for December this year.