A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
*Nominate Charles Okah as leader, Dr. Dozie Ikedife as deputy leader
By Emma Amaize
ASABA- THE Re-branded Indigenous People of Biafra, TRIPOB, and Renegade Indigenous People of Biafra, RENIPOB, a breakaway faction from the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, have merged.
Rather than burn the Biafran flag as vowed earlier, both groups have decided to surrender to the Federal Government on January 15, 2017, while appointing Mr. Charles Okah, an Ijaw from the Niger Delta, as its leader, and Dr. Dozie Ikedife as deputy leader.
TRIBOB in a statement by spokesperson, Chima Phillip Effiong Osuji, said: "TRIBOB gladly and warmly welcomes into its fold the Comrade Emma Powerful-led breakaway faction from the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who now go by the name Renegade Indigenous People of Biafra, or RENIPOB.
“Following this development, all subsequent TRIPOB/RENIPOB statements shall be jointly signed by Comrade Emma Powerful and the undersigned. Any statements from IPOB using “Emma Powerful” as its signatory are that of an impostor.
"And following appeals by well-meaning Nigerians across the world, especially civil war veterans of the defunct Biafra Republic, TRIPOB shall no longer burn the flag of the defunct Biafra Republic as earlier planned for October 1, 2016, a date which has also been rescheduled," he said.
He said: "Replacing the burning of the flag ceremony shall be the ‘surrender’ ceremony of the defunct Republic of Biafra flag on the symbolic date of January 15, 2017 at the Eagle Square Abuja, FCT.
"The general public as well as all relevant agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly, the Presidency is pleased advised to take note of the date.
"We strongly believe that the leaders we have nominated shall use their respective offices to help propagate an intense campaign of inclusiveness, love, peace, progress, industry and free enterprise, social justice and democracy within and amongst our compatriots in an indivisible, united and prosperous Nigerian federation," Osuji added.
*…Says Investment Confirms Nigeria'll Come Out Of Recession
*…Firm To Create 15,200 Direct Employment, Train 800 Annually
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, demonstrated his commitment to attract foreign investors into the State by approving land for the establishment of a training centre in Lagos where architects, civil engineers and craftsmen will be trained on modern trends and technologies in the construction sector.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); with Leader of Delegation, Knauf Group Management Committee, Isabel Knauf (left) and Consul General of Germany, Mr. Ingo Herbert (right) during a Courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, September 8, 2016.
Governor Ambode, who gave the approval when he received a delegation from The Knauf Group, which is a German firm currently establishing a $75miilion building/construction tools manufacturing factory in Lagos, said the approval for the land became imperative in view of the need to encourage investors to continue to invest in Lagos.
The Knauf Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of modern insulation materials, dry lining systems, plasters and accessories, thermal insulation composite systems, paints, floor screed, floor systems, and construction equipment and tools.
The delegation was led by a member of the Management Committee of the firm, Isabel Knauf and Consular General of German Embassy in Lagos, Mr. Ingo Herbert.
Governor Ambode, who recalled the last time Herbert visited the Lagos House about eleven months ago, said his administration has remained focused to the promise of upholding judicial and security sector reforms, as well as creating a friendly environment for investment to thrive.
He said the massive investment by The Knauf Group in Lagos was a pointer to the fact that investors were still willing to invest in Nigeria despite the economic recession, and that the country will come out of the economic doldrums even stronger.
“I must commend the German government and The Knauf Group for showing something important to all Nigerians that beyond the economic recession, their total believe in our economy is unshaken because it is not enough for any investor to come into an area where they have never invested before and months after, the parameters for investment are not really looking good, but you stuck in there and beyond the fact that you have gone to procure land, you also have an established office within the last eleven months and you are already pumping in money into what you want to do.
“This is a great pointer to the fact that you believe in the Lagos economy and also believe in the future of Nigeria and I like to encourage other investors to emulate what your firm and government is doing in Lagos and as they show interest, we will not hesitate to give them the necessary support,” the Governor said.
Governor Ambode said The Knauf Group specifically deserved to be commended for not just investing in Nigeria, but also bringing the German vocational expertise on an area of construction that was hitherto not in existence in Nigeria into Lagos.
Besides, the Governor said he was excited about the fact that the firm was not just establishing a factory here in Lagos, but also a training centre where Nigerians will be trained, adding that he would stop at nothing to encourage investors such as The Knauf Group.
Earlier, Isabel Knauf said the team was at the Lagos House to brief Governor Ambode on the progress made so far since the project started in September 2015.
She said the firm has 23 training centres all over the world training about 14,000 people annually, and that they would like to build the same training centre in Lagos where architects, civil engineers and craftsmen would be trained on how to technically install their products.
She said upon completion of the factory, the firm would create 25,000 direct employment, adding that the training centre will cost about two million Euros to establish, while at least 800 Nigerians will be trained annually in the first phase.
Knauf, however, solicited the support of the State Government in land space for the training centre and permit issues, a request which was instantly granted by the Governor.
Outgoing President Barack Obama condemned Donald Trump as unsuitable to be commander-in-chief Thursday, after the Republican nominee blasted US military brass and praised Vladimir Putin.
“I don’t think the guy’s qualified to be president of the United States, and every time he speaks, that opinion is confirmed,” Obama said in unusually caustic language while overseas.
Obama, who was in Laos for a summit with South East Asia leaders and his final trip to east Asia, said that Trump holds contradictory and “outright wacky ideas” and is “uninformed”.
*Obama
“I can tell you from the interactions I have had over the last eight or nine days with foreign leaders that this is serious business,” Obama added.
“You actually have to know what you are talking about and you actually have to have done your homework. When you speak, it should actually reflect thought out policy you can implement.”
Trump on Wednesday raised eyebrows by saying that Russia’s president was “far more” of a leader than Obama.
Putin is “very much of a leader,” Trump said in a televised interview.
“It’s a very different system, and I don’t happen to like the system. But certainly in that system he’s been a leader, far more than our president has been a leader.”
Trump also drew fire for criticising the military.
“The generals have been reduced to rubble,” Trump said, before noting he had “faith in certain of the commanders”.
The bombastic mogul will face Hillary Clinton in November’s election, which the Democratic former first lady is tipped to win.
Trump has previously angered many in the military community with mocking remarks against US Senator and former prisoner of war John McCain for being captured in Vietnam.
Speaking in Laos about Trump’s unsuitability for office, Obama observed that over the course of the election season “people start thinking behaviour that in normal times we would consider completely unacceptable and outrageous becomes normalised”.
Obama is expected to hit the campaign trail with Clinton when he returns to the United States, with voter turnout likely to be a key theme.
Obama won the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections handily by mustering large numbers of young, black, Latino and Asian voters to go to the polls
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that literary icon, Professor Isidore Okpewho, who passed on at the age of 74 brought pride, glory to Nigeria through inspiring novels and teaching skills.
The president who commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, prayed that God would grant Prof. Okpewho’s soul eternal rest.
“The President joins the people and Government of Delta State, the academia and the literary world in mourning the loss of the multiple award winning and exceptionally brilliant scholar who lived a simple, dignified and exemplary life.
“As one of the winners of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) in 2010, President Buhari affirms that the late Okpewho brought pride and glory to his country through inspiring novels, teaching skills and mentoring of young writers.
“The President believes the legacies of discipline, hard work and honesty which shaped the life and times of the scholar, and were interpreted in his works, will continue to inspire younger writers in Nigeria and across the world.
“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant him eternal rest, and also comfort his family”, the statement stated.
Hillary Clinton called Thursday for the United States to track down and kill Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as it did Osama bin Laden, insisting her Republican rival Donald Trump has no plan to defeat the jihadists.
Mrs. Hilary clinton
“We should make it a top priority to hunt down the leader of ISIS,” the democratic White House hopeful told reporters on a tarmac in White Plains, New York.
“Getting al-Baghdadi will require efforts at the top levels, but it will send a resounding message that nobody directs or inspires attacks against the United States and gets away with it.”
`Clinton and Trump have clashed repeatedly over foreign policy, but their battle rose to a new level Wednesday night when the two were separately grilled over their national security credentials.
Clinton, holding an impromptu press conference on a New York tarmac before flying to a campaign event, castigated the brash billionaire for failing to formulate a strategy to defeat IS extremists.
“One thing you didn’t hear from Donald Trump last night is any plan to take on ISIS, one of the biggest threats facing our country,” Clinton said, using an acronym for the group.
When asked at the forum about how he would stop the spread of global terrorism, “Trump’s answer was simply, ‘take the oil,'” Clinton added.
“He says his plan is still a secret, but the truth is he simply doesn’t have one. And that’s not only dangerous, it should be disqualifying.”
Instead of laying out a Middle East strategy, Trump “bizarrely” praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested the strongman is a stronger leader that US President Barack Obama, she said.
“Now, that is not just unpatriotic and insulting to the people of our country as well as to our commander in chief, it is scary,” Clinton said.
The New York real estate mogul’s campaign swiftly shot back, with Trump spokesman Jason Miller calling Clinton’s attacks “unhinged and dishonest.”
“These are the desperate attacks of a flailing campaign sinking in the polls, and characteristics of someone woefully unfit for the presidency of the United States,” Miller added in a statement.
The American University of Nigeria (AUN), on August 29, matriculated new intakes among whom were four out of the 24 Chibok girls who escaped from Boko Haram in 2014.
Since their lucky escape, all the 24 have been on AUN's scholarship studying under a special preparatory program.
Also among the new students were those accepted for the maiden class of AUN's new School of Law that kicked off this semester. The AUN Law program concentrates on Humanitarian, Gender and Environmental Laws.
Others who took part in the ceremony were those pursuing various postgraduate programs, among them were 18 winners of the 67 competitive AUN scholarships on offer, while several intakes were transferring from other universities in Ghana, Lebanon, Egypt, the US and some EU countries.
AUN admitted the largest number of undergraduates in a semester in the past three years, signaling a return to pre-insurgency admission figures. In her address, AUN President, Dr. Margee Ensign announced that the type of education the new students will receive will ensure that they become leaders in their chosen fields.
"This kind of education will train you to look at problems from varying perspectives. All universities identify new problems, come up with new ideas, discover new truths and some change society. At AUN, Africa's first Development University, this is what we are trying to accomplish," she said.
She noted that upon graduation, the students would be well equipped and ready to confront the challenges in their community, country and continent.
Whether it is poverty, illiteracy, inequality, injustice or violence, "AUN students deal with such problems during their time at the university, asking questions about them, and finding solutions that improve the lives of their fellow human beings," Ensign said.
The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has called on African leaders to urgently address problems afflicting agriculture to fight food insecurity and create employment in the continent, as he commits to set aside $200 million to benefit 150,000 young farmers.
Just as President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said putting agriculture sector at the centre stage of the continent's development has the power to shape Africa's economic future.
The two presidents spoke on Thursday, at the official opening of the 2016 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) at the UN Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya.
Uhuru Kenyatta said Africa Continent is faced with incredible opportunity, but at the same time, it is faced with profound threats in almost equal measure in terms of food insecurity and youth unemployment problem.
"In the shadow of a shared, pervasive, continental challenge of youth unemployment, and in the wake of a 'demographic dividend' versus 'ticking time-bomb' debate, agriculture also provides an avenue for all our nations to open up opportunities for decent jobs, and dignified lives to millions of African youth."
“Today, I commit to set aside $200 million to benefit especially 150,000 young farmers and entrepreneurs to access markets, adopt mechanisation, improve agriculture value addition and agro-processing in the country.” President Uhuru added, " as a Continent we all know the significance of this sector. We understand that it is not just the backbone of our national economies it is the bread and butter of our people.
"We are aware that growth in agriculture is up to 11 times more effective at reducing poverty than growth in any other sector.
“And we recognize that until this sector is transformed, our hopes for industrialization, for a flourishing manufacturing sector, will be little more than a pipe dream.”
He said the realization of the role of the agricultural sector in the transformation of the continent led to the agreement during the Malabo Declaration, to usher in Africa's Agenda 2063, that emphasized the need to invest in agriculture.
“We pledged in Malabo to pursue a future of prosperity that is led by agriculture. We promised to double our 2014 agricultural productivity levels by the year 2025. We vowed to make agriculture a multi-trillion dollar industry.
“Together, we outlined a bold and daring vision for our Continent. Now, we must take bold actions to give effect to our shared dream.”
He therefore called for the streamlining of national plans and strategies to clearly align to the Malabo commitments, and to give specific time frames in which it will happen.
"It is clear that without integrating our shared continental vision into our respective domestic policies, we will not only hold back one another, more significantly, we will keep our citizens from experiencing a range of benefits.
“Today, let us make that commitment specific. I propose we pledge to mobilise at least $400 billion of public and private sector investment over the next five years. With goodwill and partnership, this is more than possible.”
President Kenyatta also called for a greater push for accountability by creating a continental agricultural performance scorecard, which will measure and track the continent's progress against all of the commitments made through the Malabo declaration.
Speaking during a panel session alongside Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rhoda Tumusiime, the African Union commissioner for rural development and agriculture, President Paul Kigama of Rwanda said African countries ought to view the agriculture sector not only as a sector in their economies but as the backbone of their economies and agent for transformation.
This, he said, can be done by linking the sector to other priority sectors that also have an impact on transforming the continent's economy.
“We should not only seize the moment but continue momentum for transformation of agriculture and economies of our continent," Kagame said.
Among the ways to increase agriculture's role in Africa's social economic development, the President said, was to increasingly involve young people and women in the sectors value chain.
The President added that the agricultural sector can also benefit greatly by adopting technology to increase awareness as well as value of the output, which would see the sector move from a subsistence one to commercial.
“Technology is important and practical when applied to assist with something. Technology has brought about awareness and also increased the value of the output. Modernisation of agriculture is key. We have to make it much more than subsistence," the President said.
By learning from past trends in the sector and avoiding repetition of old cycles, Kagame said agriculture can undergo a revolution, increasing its productivity and impact on the continent.
He called on stakeholders in the sector, including citizens, governments and development partners, to pool their efforts to put agriculture at the center stage of transforming the continent's economic path.
"Let's stop talking a lot about things and just do them. Let's do more action and less speeches," the President said.
Jos – The Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Traditional Council, Da Jacob Buba has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take a look at the recommendations made at the National Conference organized by his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan as there are areas where if implemented would improve the lot of the citizens and add value to the society.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba
Da Buba who acknowledged that the Confab was not a perfect one added that the recommendations were not entirely irrelevant so as to be thrown into the thrash bin.
Speaking at his palace in Jos while playing host to the Senior Special Adviser to President Buhari on Disability Matters, Dr. Samuel Ankeli, the Royal father also assured people with disability resident in the State that members of the traditional institution would work with them and create room for them to contribute their quota in improving the values in the society.
He commended President Buhari for appointing a disabled person into office as a Special Adviser on Disabled Matters and urged the SSA who is on a nationwide tour to sensitized the people on the need to give the disabled to chance to add value in the society not to relent in his good work.
His words, “I appreciate what you are doing, we are going to work together because there are values which people with disability can add to the society. Honestly we do not consciously consider the disabled persons in projects but I promise to accommodate the needs of the disabled in our projects.
“At the national conference, many issues including that of the disabled were discussed. President Buhari should have a look at the recommendations made, they may not be perfect but can add value to governance. We can leverage on them to build the capacity of the disabled and the traditional institution will lend its support in your areas of engagement with government.”
Earlier, the Senior Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Disability Matters, Dr. Samuel Ankeli had appealed on traditional rulers in the country to impress upon their subjects the need to allow children with disability to attend schools so as to gain knowledge which will enable them contribute their quota in governance and eradicate the begging habit which some disabled persons engage in.
Dr. Ankeli also urged the Traditional institution to give room in their cabinets to disabled person who would add value in key decision making as well as sensitized parents on the need to allow their children get married to physically challenged persons if they so desire.
The Senior Special Adviser lamented the plight of the disabled in the country saying despite their contributions to national development, the society disdains and harasses them to the point that they recoil, become disillusioned and lose interest in life.
According to him, “We are touring the 36 States to discuss disability issues. People with disability are Nigerians but this set of over 25million people suffer the most in every situation. When there is crises, they suffer the most so the rights and privileges of the disabled should be protected.
“We are here to ask you as an ambassador for the disabled persons to advocate to include the disabled persons in discussions. A living dog is better than a dead lion, we can do things better than some able bodied because our brains are functional but the key is education and empowerment. Three million children living with disability are out of schools. Encourage parents to release their disabled children to go to school and people should not harass or intimidate them.
“We are also being faced with the challenge of marriage, people don’t like marrying us but our brains are intact. Please talk to people to allow their children marry the disabled if they so desire. The disabled are not remembered for titles but we can contribute our quota if given the opportunity. We need all the supports from government, traditional rulers and individual to add value to thw society.” End.
Adequate investment on technological advancement would pave way for local manufacturers and as well proffer lasting solution to the realisation of the present economic struggle in the country.
The Managing Director Innoson group of companies, Dr Innocent Chukwuma disclosed this during a one day visit to the Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, noting that for any country to become an exporting nation, it has to patronise locally made goods to boost local production and the country's economy. Dr Chukwuma, noted that the decline in technological advancement at rural communities were the causes of the present economic challenges in the country, streesing that the need for local manufacturers to collaborate with government research agencies and universities, in order to actualise the vision of the present adminisration in the country and the Minister for science and technology Ogbonnaya Onu, for Nigerians to patronise locally made goods.
According to him, "any country that depends on importation of products would forever continue to depend on other countries for its economic survival. The more a country imports everything the more the economy of such country declines. Patronising locally made goods will not only improve the economy of the country but also help to reduce unemployment in the country" he said.
Dr. Chukwuma expressed satisfaction on the standard of work at the centre through research and pledged to collaborate with the centre as Innoson group of companies makes use of research findings in its day to day production.
He noted that the present economic challenges in the country was normal as every developed country in the world once went through the same hardship before attaining high economic standard, appealing to high level civil servants in Nigeria to avoid bribery and corruption while those in manufacturing sector should ensure its products meet international standard so that it can be used locally as well as be exported.
The M/D Innoson group also said that developed countries like America and China at one time went through the same economic hardship, they did not run away from their countries rather they joined hands to caution the effect of its economy.
Earlier, the director centre for basic space science (CBSS) University of Nigeria, Nsukka Prof. Fidelis Opara expressed gratitude for the visit of Innoson group of companies, adding that the breakthrough of Innoson in the manufacturing sector and vehicle assembling plant has shown technological advancement in Nigeria.
Prof. Opara said that Innoson has become source of inspiration to many people in the country because of breakthrough in producing made in Nigeria vehicles, expressed optimism that the visit would open doors of partnership with the centre.
The director noted that the centre have team of scientific engineers who have the potential of producing sophisticated scientific equipment that that will help to fast track technological development in the country but the centre greatest problem has been inadequate funding.
Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Thursday, said that it will not succumb to the act of intimidation, harassment and an attempt to silence them by the Department of State Services, DSS, with the list of 38 alleged IPOB members both in Nigeria and the Diaspora, it released as wanted people.
DSS OPERATIVES
The IPOB members in a statement signed by their Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful, alleged that the DSS in Abuja recently listed the names of IPOB members and Biafrans, including the wife of its leader Mrs. Uchechi Okwu Kanu, as wanted people they will lynch through suffocation.
The statement read: "the DSS is trailing unarmed members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, including the wife of our leader, Mrs. Uchechi Okwu Kanu, who is in London nursing a new born baby, to be killed through suffocation, when they should be arresting Fulani terrorist group who disguised as herdsmen that rears cattle to unleash terror on innocent villagers all over Southeast and South south states".
"The list as released by DSS through its headquarters in Abuja includes, Sunday Onyekachi, Ogechukwu Obiorah, Ann Okafor, Amaechi Sunday Kanu, Dickson Ekene, Ndidi Ojukwu, Emma Powerful, Emma Nmezu, Uchechi Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s wife) and Sidney Okoli.
“Others included in the list are, Andy Obeche, Ifriam Ezeiwu, Chukwuemeka Mfon, Ikenna Sunday Egonu, Chijioke Ekwueme, Godwin Osinachi, Udoka Amarachi, Uche Martin Doludo, Nduka Enuma, Ambrose Ero, Clifford Mbamere, Andy Obina Okafor, Stephen Oko, Onyeka Joseph, Eric with no surname.
“The list also have Dike Benson, Uche Emmanuel Uche, Udoka Okechukwu, David Martins, Michael Chidi Okafor, Daniel Ifeanyi, Roland Abumere, Kenneth Uche Opara, Emenike Anyanwu, Obinwanne Markson Chukwujekwu, Chukwu I Ojiugo, Ezinwanne Mba, and Jeff Amechi, as those wanted by DSS".
IPOB further stated through its statement that "there are seven others in the list that could not be read because it was not visible and could not be deciphered. However, we want to tell DSS that it has been involved again in another shameful act and playing to the gallery for which it is known in Nigeria”.
"We are therefore calling on the International community, human right organizations, United Nations, UN, Amnesty International, Human rights watch, Christian community, America, Russia, France, Germany, China, Japan, Israel and other countries which love freedom, and all the lovers of freedom to warn DSS to desist from its act of intimidation and harassment in Nigeria, because we are a non-violent group that is determined to achieve our sovereign state through non violence”.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday led an All Male Walk against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), vowing that his administration would leave no stone unturned to ensure that all perpetrators of such crimes are made to face the wrath of the law.
The walk, which proceeded from Ikeja under Bridge through Awolowo Way to Lagos House in Alausa, witnessed the participation of dignitaries from all walks of life, including members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, key government functionaries, entertainers, youths, artisans, workers, among others.
Addressing participants at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Ambode, decked in a black T-shirt and armed with a placard with the inscription 'Stop Rape, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse', said it was time for men to stand up and take the bull by the horn in tackling the menace of SGBV in the society, as recent research has shown that women are more prone to being victims of these crimes.
"There is also an evident trend of suppressing the voice of these victims due to the fact that these acts are perpetrated largely by men. We should not take for granted the potential exponential effect of having emotionally and psychologically damaged women in a society as the effect could transcend to their children who grow up in an environment, thinking this is the norm," the Governor said.Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); with Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (2nd left); members, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu (left); Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (2nd right) and Commissioner for Science & Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi during the All Men Walk Against Sexual and Gender Based Violence at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
While alluding to the fact that the State Government had initiated several programs ranging from the provision of legal aid, shelter and psychological counseling services to assist these women, he said it was also pertinent to address the violent behavior of men as it concerns Rape, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.
He said, "The scale of men's violence against women is enormous and its effect, demoralizing. Men as grandfathers, fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and public advocates have a pivotal role to play in condemning all forms of violence against women, girls and boys.
"We firmly believe that the way forward is to continuously engage the male folk as well as the community as a whole. Community engagement is an essential part of working to prevent and respond to all forms of Gender Based Violence.
"As men, we must stand up and speak in one voice, condemning these acts. No more would we condone or tolerate peadophiles, women beaters and rapists. It is inhumane and totally unacceptable to protect or even ignore such behaviour when we see it manifesting in our environment".
Governor Ambode, while commending participants of the Walk, urged them to remain ambassadors and flag bearers in the fight against domestic and sexual violence, adding "the conversation must be sustained in our workplaces, religious institutions, residential areas, social media etc. If we all join hands and speak against this, we can truly make Lagos uncomfortable for perpetrators of these heinous crimes."
The Governor also commended the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), organizers of the Walk, which simultaneously took place in Festac, just as he assured that his administration would continue to do more to ensure the rights and welfare of the most vulnerable in the State are adequately protected.
"I will like you to join hands with me to say no to rapists, say no to women beaters and wherever they are, we know that the Task Force that we have set up will swing into action once it receives any petition from any member of the society. We are looking for the first 11 scapegoats whether highly or lowly placed in the society. We say no to domestic violence and sexual abuse," Governor Ambode said.
Among celebrities who joined the walk include Ace comedians, Alibaba, Teju Babyface, Omobaba and music artiste, Bez.
Spanish international striker Paco Alcacer recognised he will have to make the most of relatively few opportunities to make his mark at Barcelona as back-up to a fearsome front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
Alcacer was presented at the Camp Nou on Thursday after completing a 30 million euro ($33 million) move from Valencia on the penultimate day of the transfer window.
“I have come to the best club in the world, the club that plays the best football. To be here with Suarez, Messi, Neymar, I am going to learn a lot from them,” said Alcacer, who signed a five-year deal with a 100 million euro buyout clause.
“The role (I have) is for the coach to decide. The season is long and there are lots of games and all the players that are here are going to do their bit.
“I came here to improve as a player, I have to take the opportunities I have.”
Alcacer’s signing ended a long wait for Barca to replace Pedro Rodriguez, who left for Chelsea last August, as a fourth forward option behind the star South American trio.
However, sporting director Robert Fernandez insisted Alcacer can make an impact.
“You have three forwards of an unrepeatable level, but Paco is going to help us a lot. There are a lot of matches during the season.”
Alcacer is likely to make his debut on Saturday when Alaves visit the Camp Nou and could even do so from the start with Messi struggling with a groin strain and Neymar and Suarez recently returned from World Cup qualifiers in South America.
Meanwhile, director of sporting institutional relations Albert Soler, confirmed Barca are looking into their legal options against Brazilian club Santos over the transfer of Gabriel Barbosa to Inter Milan.
Barca had a first refusal option on Barbosa, who starred alongside Neymar as Brazil won Olympic gold last month, due to the complicated series of agreements that brought Neymar to Catalonia in 2013.
“We are in a judicial process. There was a first refusal clause that Santos didn’t comply with,” said Soler.
“We will decide in the next few days, but on the sporting side it hasn’t affected us.”
Barcelona daily Sport reported Santos did not give Barca three working days to match Inter’s 29.5 million euro bid as they were contractually obliged to.
By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief & Emmanuel Elebeke President Muhammadu Buhari launched the change campaign, code-named, "Change Begins With Me," in Abuja, yesterday, vowing to eliminate rent-seeking from the nation's public service.
He told the gathering of top government officials, civil society organizations and private sector operators that he was not under any illusion that the needed change would happen overnight.
The president said he was, however, optimistic that with a consistent campaign and determination of the Nigerian public, the desired change would be achieve.
He said, "Nigeria today is passing through a challenging moment where hardly anything works in a normal manner. Many have attributed this phenomenon to the total breakdown of our core values over the years.
" There is no doubt that our value system has been badly eroded over the years. The long-cherished and time-honoured, time-tested virtues of honesty, integrity, hard work, punctuality, good neighbourliness, abhorrence of corruption and patriotism, have given way in the main to dishonesty, indolence, unbridled corruption and widespread impunity.
"The resultant effect of this derailment in our value system is being felt in the social, political and economic spheres. It is the reason that some youths will take to cultism and brigandage instead of studying hard or engaging in decent living; it is the reason that some elements will break pipelines and other oil facilities, thus robbing the nation of much-needed resources; it is the reason that money belonging to our commonwealth will be brazenly stolen by the same public officials to whom they were entrusted; it is the reason why motorists drive through red traffic lights; it is the reason that many will engage in thuggery and vote-stealing during elections; it is part of what has driven our economy into deep problem out of which we are now working hard to extricate ourselves.President Buhari addressing the guests during the launch of the National Re-Orientation Campaign “Change Begins with Me” at the State House Conference Centre (SHCC) in Abuja.
"Every one of us must have a change from our old ways of doing things, we cannot fold our arms and allow things to continue the old way.
"We must resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship, pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our country for so long. Let us summon a new spirit of responsibility, spirit of service, of patriotism and sacrifice, Let us all resolve to pitch in and work hard and look after, not only ourselves but one another.
"What the current problem has taught us is that we cannot have a thriving army of rent seekers and vested interests, while the majority suffers.
"Rather than sit back and complain endlessly, we have decided to act pragmatically, with the launch of this National Re-orientation Campaign. The campaign will not be a sprint but a marathon that will run the course of our tenure. We are under no illusion that the changes we seek will happen overnight, but we have no doubt that the campaign will help restore our value system and rekindle our nationalistic fervor"
President Buhari called for the buy-in of all Nigerians into the change campaign, with a promise that his government would provide necessary leadership for the desired results.
"I am therefore appealing to all Nigerians to be part of this campaign. Our citizens must realize that the change they want to see begins with them, and that personal and social reforms are not theoretic exercise. If you have not seen the change in you, you cannot see it in others or even the larger society. In other words, before you ask 'where is the change they promised us', you must first ask how far have I changed my ways 'what have I done to be part of the change for the greater good of society.'
"While the government will drive the Change Begins With Me' campaign, it must be strongly supported by all concerned, individually. In this regard the private sector is a major stakeholder. Indeed when the campaign succeeds, it will impact heavily on the private sector. A punctual, diligent and hardworking staff can only be of benefit of not just himself or herself or the organization they work for but to various governments whether at local, state or Federal level," he said.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed, who made a multimedia presentation of the campaign materials, told the audience, "the change initiative has no political, ethnic and religious colouration but focused on rediscovering the Nigeria of our dream." He described it as, "a campaign to change the way we do things wrongly."
Alh. Mohammed urged the media to partner government in spreading the message to all nooks and crannies of the country.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, described the launching of the campaign as a significant land mark event in the annals of the country's socio-economic and political development.
According to her, "the campaign is expected to impact positively on the nation now and in the future. Our future lies on decision we take today. A progressive future is possible if we change the negative things we do to achieve our vision."
Earlier, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, NOA, said that the Buhari Change agenda has been designed to make all citizens, young and old, as well as, corporate entities exhibit positive values.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday dispelled rumours of postponement of the Sept. 10 governorship election in Edo.
Mr Solomon Soyebi, INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Voter Education and Publicity, said during a press conference held at INEC's office in Benin, that “the governorship election will go ahead on Saturday, Sept. 10 as scheduled.''
Soyebi, who said INEC as the body statutorily set up to conduct elections in the country, would not take orders from any institution with regard to the performance of its constitutional duties.
“We have therefore weighed all the consequences of a postponement in the election and have resolved to go ahead with the conduct of the election on Saturday as scheduled,'' he said. (NAN)
President Buhari hands over the Message of CHANGE to the Minister of Information & Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed as President Buhari attends Launch of the National Re-Orientation Campaign at the State House Conference Centre on 8th Sep 2016
President Buhari hands over the Message of CHANGE to the Minister of Information & Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed at the launching of the National Re-Orientation Campaign at the State House Conference Centre i Abuja
President Buhari at the launch of the National Re-Orientation Campaign at the State House Conference Centre
A trader, Margaret Agwu, on Wednesday told an Igando Customary Court, Lagos, that her husband, Onu, deceived her and her parents and paid just N600 as her bride price when she was still 12 years old. She also said that sometimes he strips her naked and beats her to pulp.
Margret, who made this known when she testified in a divorce proceedings against Onu, told the court that her husband had turned her into a punching bag
“He once punched me in my stomach and I lost my first pregnancy after a fight. I have lived every minute of my life in fear but I cannot go back to my parents because of the bride price,” she said.
Margaret, 45, had urged the court to annul her 33-year-old marriage citing husband’s duplicity.
“When I was 12 years old, my husband came to my village to ask for my hand in marriage with a promise to my parents that he would send me to school.
“He also lied to my parents that he is a businessman that he owned a provision store and that he lived in a flat.
“My parents told him that they cannot release me for marriage because I was too young and besides I was still schooling.
“Onu told my parents that he will send me to school after the marriage, my parent agreed and he paid the bride price,” she said.
Margaret regretted that on getting to the city, she discovered that her husband was not what he made her and her parents believe he was.
“When I got to his house, I discovered that he was staying in one-room apartment, selling popcorn at the roadside.
“He also refused to fulfill his promise of sending me to school,” she said.
The petitioner said that she would not have reminded herself of the husband's deceit but because he had turned out to be a brute, who beats her at the slightest provocation.
Margret also accused her husband of absconding with all their five children 16 years ago.
“When I called him after he packed out, he just told me that he was no longer interested in the marriage and since then he refused to pick my calls.
“His relations told me he relocated with the children to Port Harcourt. It is 16 years now that I have not seen nor heard from them.
“I heard that my husband gave our first daughter’s hand in marriage without my knowledge and that she had given birth to a son,” she said.
Margaret urged the court to help her to return the N600 bride price paid by her husband and dissolve the marriage, saying “I am no longer in love and I want to move on with my life.”
When an official of the court called Onu on telephone, he said that the petitioner was no longer his wife.
In his judgment, the President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, said that it was obvious that the marriage had hit the rocks.
“Throughout the duration of this case, the respondent refused to honour court summons, therefore, the court has no other choice than to dissolve the union.
“The marriage between Margaret Agwu and Onu Agwu is hereby dissolved from today, both parties are no longer husband and wife.
“Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrances and molestation,” he said.
LOKOJA – Men of the Nigeria Police today stopped people who have come to show support for late Abubakar Audu’s son, Muhammed Audu from observe his (Muhammed) arraignment at the magistrate court.
The police also disallowed journalists from gaining entrance to the court premises, saying they are acting on ‘order from above’
One of the police officers stationed few meters from the court gate said “I have intolerance to anybody; journalist inclusive. Our order is straight, and that is to disallow ANYONE from entering here”; with that he turned the journalists (mostly of print media) back.
While it was not sure what ground Muhamed Audu was arraigned on, but political pundits have been reading political undertone to his case alluding to the quick manner he was arrested and arraigned today.
Muhamed Audu who is the first born of the late APC governorship candidate in last year guber election has been critical about the state governor, Yahaya Bello his government.
But government yesterday denied having hands in Muhammed’s police predicament.
The presidency on Thursday said it had approved an external borrowing plan after the cash-strapped African economy plunged into official recession.
“Low cost, long-term loans (1.25% interest, 20yr tenor)” would be sought from the World Bank, African Development Bank, China’s Exim Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, it announced.
A Eurobond would also be offered “in due course” and parliament has still to sign off on the plan, President Muhammadu Buhari’s office added in a series of tweets.
Recession in Nigeria was confirmed last month, when official data showed output in the three months to the end of June fell 2.1 percent — the second successive quarter of negative growth.
That followed months of turmoil including a failing currency, rising double-digit inflation, and foreign exchange shortages that have hit business, especially imports and investment.
The decline has laid bare OPEC-member Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil revenue and the lack of economic diversity, after global oil prices began free falling from mid-2014.
Nigeria’s government is dependent on oil export sales for 70 percent of its revenue. Militant attacks on facilities in the Niger delta have compounded the effects of the worldwide slump in crude prices.
Buhari has also blamed the economic troubles on his predecessors, saying he inherited a treasury that was “virtually empty” and that “mind-boggling” sums of public cash had been looted.
He has vowed to recover the money, prosecute corrupt officials and streamline government, cutting waste and improving efficiency, as well as diversify the economy, particularly agriculture.
The government said the external loans would be used mainly in the agriculture, power, mining development and healthcare sectors.
A record 6.1-trillion-naira ($19.4-billion) spending plan was announced in this year’s federal budget to try to stimulate growth.
International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde visited Nigeria in January but said at the time that no programme was needed.
President Muhammadu Buhari while launching the change campaign, code-named, "Change Begins With Me," in Abuja, Thursday, vowed to eliminate rent-seeking from the nation's public service.
He told the gathering of top government officials, civil society organizations and private sector operators that he was not under any illusion that the needed change would happen overnight.
The president said he was, however, optimistic that with a consistent campaign and determination of the Nigerian public, the desired change would be achieve.
President Buhari addressing the guests during the launch of the National Re-Orientation Campaign “Change Begins with Me” at the State House Conference Centre (SHCC) in Abuja.
By Emmanuel Aziken The Edo State governorship election is to go ahead, sources in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC despite security concerns raised by the Police and the Department of State Services, DSS.Ize-Iyamu and Obasek
Confidential sources told Vanguard on Thursday morning that the commission took the decision go ahead the Edo election after consultation with the security agencies and meetings among senior officials of INEC.
A statement to that effect Vanguard learnt is being prepared and is to be issued within hours.
Controversy stoked preparations for the Edo elections on Wednesday when the police and DSS issued a joint statement advising INEC to postpone the election on the claim that they had intelligence reports of a planned attack by insurgents or terrorists in some states between September 12 and 13.
The claim was immediately rebuffed by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP which said that the planned attack while not specific to Edo State, was timed after the September 10, election.
The postponement was, however, welcomed with reservations by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state who said it was only a postponement of the final burial of the opposition, PDP.
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