The embattled Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesa, in the Obokun Local Area of Osun State, Oba Adebukola Alli who is standing trial over alleged rape of a 23-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who served in his domain could not appear in court yesterday consequent upon his ill-health.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has disbursed N185.172 billion intervention fund for the manufacturing sector to the Bank of Industry, BOI, for onward payment to participating banks.

FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday said that there was need for the Federal Government to seek more information on the activities of the Boko Haram sect in addressing the security challenge posed by the group.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has asked the Abuja High Court to dismiss the preliminary objection filed by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, challenging his trial before the court.

Tragedy struck on Kano- Gwarzo highway, yesterday, when a passenger bus plunged into Fada Dam, killing no fewer than six persons.

Igbo traders and other non-natives of Borno State have started fleeing the area and relocating to their home-states to avoid being killed by members of the Boko Haram who had murdered scores of people including soldiers, politicians, religious leaders and other security agents in the last two years.

PRIMATE of Anglican Communion, Nigeria, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, has described the introduction of Islamic banking by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, as a religious oppressive instrument and a tool for social coercion of the poor to convert to Islam.

THE State Police Commissioner, Christopher Dega had earlier announced the capture of Yusuf and said he was being held at Giwa Barracks. Announcing the death of the late sect leader, Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 12, Mr. Moses Anagbode, said Yusuf was killed in a shoot out with security men yesterday in afternoon.

How often do we have a music album talk about our experiences in life as Africans? Well, now we do. Eric Arubayi is setting new standards in his soon to be released album.

Godwin Esebamen a.k.a.Gee The Preacher is a gospel artiste whose genre of music is a fusion of r&b, rock, reggae and jazz.

The launching and investiture of patrons of Ogwashi-Uku professionals, holds today Saturday 9th July at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja Lagos.

The duo of Gbenga Adeyinka and Julius Agwu have been confirmed as hosts at the City People Entertainment awards.

Lady of Songs, Chief (Mrs.) Christy Essien-Igbokwe MFR, is to be buried on Friday, September 9, in Lagos. This decision was taken yesterday, July 6, 20110, at the inaugural meeting of the grand burial committee set up to coordinate activities and programmes for the final journey of the great music icon and Nigerian patriot.

World-renowned saxophonist; Kenny G staged an unforgettable performance last Sunday at the third edition of Sax Appeal. The Grammy award winner co-headlined the concert with host Mike Aremu. Sax Appeal is the annual jazz series created by Nigerian born international jazz performer; Mike Aremu.

WE are a country of debaters. The issues do not matter, the personalities are unimportant – knowledge is the least of the considerations in these engagements that are remarkable for their tendency to heighten tension in the country.