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
A billion dollars are needed to provide aid for victims of Boko Haram jihadists in Nigeria’s restive northeast next year, the United Nations said Friday, calling the conflict “the largest crisis in Africa”.
“The narrative on this humanitarian crisis can no longer be ignored and we are appealing to the international community to help us prevent the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians over the coming 12 months,” the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Peter Lundberg said in a statement.
“This is the largest crisis on the African continent and I am confident that with the support of the international community and the private sector, we can begin to bring hope to the people of the northeast,” he said.
The UN said the humanitarian response plan would address the needs of almost seven million people, in dire need of nutrition, food, shelter, healthcare and education.
“A projected 5.1 million people will face serious food shortages as the conflict and risk of unexploded improvised devices prevented farmers planting for a third year in a row, causing a major food crisis,” it said.
Nigeria’s junior budget minister Zainab Ahmed was quoted as saying the government would continue to demonstrate strong commitment to work with the international humanitarian community on the crisis.
The scale of humanitarian suffering became more apparent after Nigerian troops recaptured swathes of territory held by Boko Haram since 2015.
The Boko Haram jihadist group has waged a brutal seven-year insurgency in Nigeria’s mainly-Muslim north, with violence spreading to Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
At least 20,000 people have been killed and 2.6 million more displaced by the unrest, mostly in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, the epicentre of the Islamist uprising.
By Udeme Clement The Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) Zone 'C' Owerri, of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 29 prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1billion and under payment recovery of over N54 million.
The Unit swiftly arrested 18 suspects in connection with the seized items. The confiscated items include 2,522 bags of foreign rice, 61,333 cartons of imported foreign poultry products, 720 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 1,618 cartons and 1,466 pieces of furniture, 269 pieces of unused tyres. Others were 1,964 pieces of spare parts, 39 pieces of used compressors, 29 bales of second hand clothing, 480 pairs of used shoes and 9 assorted vehicles.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba disclosed this, saying that the items were seized along South East and South-south geo-political zones of the country, through reinvigorated anti-smuggling activities of the Unit.
He said, "The 18 suspects who were arrested in connection with the shady deal are now undergoing interrogation for possible prosecution.Beyond the above statistics, the seizures represented protection of the nation's economy and security of the citizenry. Let me state clearly that it is simply not enough to inform you about the seizures and its DPV, what is of paramount importance is that we are implementing government's policies that would boost our economic growth to provide employment. Many 50kg bags of imported foreign rice seized were cleverly re-labeled by the smugglers to beat security checks on the roads, and to give false semblance of locally produced ones. Just as some items such as body sprays were criminally used to conceal other unauthorized imported seized items".
He regretted that accidents had continued to occur on the nation's highways as a result of the rampant use of second hand tyres being imported by smugglers, stressing that the ban on importation of furniture and rice was meant to encourage public patronage and consumption of the locally produced ones to further boost the nation's economy.
"If the rampant incidence of rice importation is allowed to go on, it would definitely discourage local production and consumption with a devastating effect on our economy."
The Customs boss, however, made it clear that his men were not out to frustrate individuals who are into genuine business but are only interested in facilitating legitimate trade, stressing that those in legitimate business have noting to fear, as the Service is poised to detect, arrest and prosecute only those who fail to comply with the relevant positions of the law.
He further appealed to members of the public with useful information about smugglers, their agents and collaborators to make such information available to the Service or to other sister agencies for necessary action. He added that the 29 seizures made was as a result of official intelligence gathering and information supplied to his men by some patriotic Nigerians.
INSIDE IBADAN PALSY CHILDREN HOME By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan
"Omije oju mi beere aanure baba, fi aso ojurere wo mi Olorun mi, araye n reti ohun ti mo mubo lodo re baba mimo, Odun yi nlo, odun yi nlo, Omije oju mi n beere aanu ree", meaning:
"My tears are asking for your mercy oh God,
Lord, clothe me with garment of favour,
People are anxious to see your presence in my life
The year is about ending,
Father,my teary eyes are praying for your mercy".
With unsteady dance steps and incoherent voice, this song by Bunmi Akinnanu was the tune that Damilola Temidayo, a 10-year-old cerebral palsy boy, sang. He nearly moved all of us in the home to tears.
Just as the little innocent boy sang, he and others in the home actually deserve mercy. If a person whose heart is made of steel and iron enters Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, located at Ifelodun Street, Monatan, Iwo Road, Ibadan, he would be moved to tears because of their conditions as some of the kids who have cerebral palsy, defective spinal cord lay on their back while being fed by care-givers. To them, that is the most convenient way they can be fed.
And that is the way the President of the home, Pastor Mrs Ololade Adamolekun; the Administrator, Mrs Adekunle Funmilayo; the care-givers and therapists had been of tremendous help to the newly married Grace Olufunke Omooba who tied the nuptial knot with Paul Egbezokhai last week.
Mrs. Adamolekun gave Sunday Vanguard details of how the bride got to the home in 2010 even though she had been under her sponsorship since four years earlier.
How the bride was abandoned
She said Olufunke was abandoned at Galilee Foundation where she was taken to after a Mercedez Benz car reportedly dropped her and sped off. The cleric said, "I have been going to the Galilee Foundation for quite some time. It was there I knew about her story. I was moved with pity and since then, 2006, I decided to sponsor her. She went to a school, Ido Faboro School for the Physically Challenged in Ekiti where she was trained for three years. She could only identify and write number one throughout the time she stayed there.
"When I learnt that she was not coping academically, I sent her to a cobbler's shop to learn, she still could not cope. I then sent her to be trained on how to make nylon where she also couldn't cope. "Later, we tried tie and dye, but because of the dangerous caustic soda, she could not continue.
"But, when it comes to household chores, she is very good at it. She is very hard working. As big as this compound is, she would sweep it, wash plates and do other things. Due to her efficiency, we nicknamed her, 'matron'.
Treatment cost of N350,000
"Apart from suffering from cerebral palsy, her right arm is not okay and we tried at a time to carry out surgery on the arm but when we were charged N350,000 just for test, we could not go further because we could not afford it. We don't know how much it will cost now.
How the children got to the home
"You know, we can't go to streets to pick abandoned babies without getting approval from the police. All these children were brought to us by their parents, churches, government, missionaries, among others. We have scares of children with various conditions here. We noticed that people and government always take care of older ones, what about these little ones from age zero".
Care and education of the children
The home has 66 children but only 45 of them are there right now while the remaining are outside the home due to lack of psychotherapy facilites in the home. All the care-givers who stay with the children 24 hours and therapists, including the President of the home, relate with the children to the extent that they(children) don't want to go their biological parents. This is possible because Adamolekun said she had undergone training that borders on care for physically challenged children.
According to her only five parents visit the home out of the 45 that have children while others have abandoned them and even relocated so that they the home would lose their contacts.
The President said eight of the children had been registered in private schools. Two of them are in secondary school while the remaining are in primary.
Mrs Adamolekun
Feeding
She said the children eat five meals a day due to their conditions. "As you can see the care-givers, they can spend three hours feeding just one child. It is not easy feeding them but God is helping us to play our roles as mothers. You have to be patient with them. Like these particular ones, they can't eat while sitting down because of their spinal cord problem. They have to lie down flat on their back before they can be fed".
Misconceptions that made parents abandon disabled children
The mother of little Abigael Olasupo died minutes after childbirth and the innocent baby was left at the mercy of his poor father. According to the President of the home, some people believe that when the mother of a baby dies, such a baby is a witch or agent of the devil. "So, the baby was taken to the village of the father. It was the missionaries that went to the village that saw the baby and brought him here with his father", Adamolekun said.
In the case of Tomiwa Oluwole, a nine-year-old down with tuberculosis of the spine, he was treated but his two legs are stiff due to a problem from the spine. It was double tragedy for him as his only surviving parent is helpless to do anything for him. His father, according to the President of the home, has no accommodation but sleeps in a church. He "even wants to sell his landed property at Osogbo to take care of the boy, but there is no buyer up till now.
Adamolekun said the condition of the boy is treatable but there is no money for his surgery. "He is to undergo surgery. The test alone, according to the doctor, costs N85,000 and we have not been able to get the money."
Lara Adedeji, a 23-year-old girl who is able to grasp only an English statement,"I didn't know", the home is her own paradise where she's ready to stay till God knows when. When asked if she is willing to leave the home later, she shook her head and when asked why, she gave her usual answer, "I didn't know".
'How I got call from God'
Adamolekun spoke on how she began to take care of physically challenged children: "When I finished from school, College of Education, Ila Orangun, Osun State, I ventured into business and it was a success. So, when I got the call from God, I did not give heed to it. Some pastors also told be that I should heed the divine call of taking care of the physically challenged. I had a fashion design shop at Ajibode which I named Yeside Clothiers Fashion. I had many people that I employed. But, suddenly, burglars struck and carted away all my sewing machines and other equipment. In fact, there was a week when burglars burgled my office three times. So, I was forced out of business. I later went into decoration, but I had nerve problem which made me discontinue with the business.
Still adamant to God's call, I started a phone centre business in 2003 and I had many centres and everything looked so well. Again, I fell sick and I couldn't go to work again. Thieves burgled my shops at Osogbo and my worker in Ilorin told me she lost all our equipment in a fatal motor accident. To worsen the situation, I developed kidney problem. It was at this point I surrendered to God. Can you believe that immediately I obeyed God to take care of disabled children, all my health challenges vanished and I am perfectly okay now".
Two of the care-givers of the centre, Temitope Olaleye and Mrs Atoyebi Bimpe, who spoke on behalf of other workers, said though the task of taking care of the children is enormous and challenging, they are coping. Part of the task, according to them, is that since most of the kids can't feed or go to toilet on their own, they do potty training and other lessons that would make them useful to themselves and society.
In conclusion, the founder of the home says she spends millions of naira on feeding the children, drugs, treatment and physiotherapy every month. She pleaded with well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies, international organisations like UNICEF and other bodies to help the kids.
"We will humbly request your support in building the destinies of these children. This may be in form of financial or material contribution. You can also join our partners list by choosing from any of the partner plans which can be weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. Our desperate needs now are to operate on the kids that urgently need it, lands to build befitting and comfortable accommodation for the kids,physiotherapy, sppech therapy for those concerned, food items and toileteries. Your generous donation will be instrumental in providing wonderful care and support for children affected by disability for years to come". The account details of the home are GTB, name of account- Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, acct. no. 0131269890 and Diamond Bank, acct. name-Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, acct. number. 0034057576. The phone number of the founder is 08037212600, E-mail: jesuskids2007@yahoo.com
We all believe that health is wealth, and we should spare no expense in making sure we glow with health most of the time. One of the fast fix ways for most of us to stay healthy is popping all manner of vitamin pills. Only recently, it's been alleged that many people who take high doses of certain vitamins and minerals could be damaging their health. According to recent advice from Britain's Food Standard Agency (FSA), most of us don't need supplements as we get enough nourishment from our food.
Supplements
Are we then wasting our money and endangering our health on supplements or is it a storm in a tea-cup? According to the FSA, high doses of supplements on top of a balanced diet could take our intake several times over the daily allowances of certain nutrients. It calls for the ban on the mineral, chromium picolinate and says that long term high doses of betacarotene, Vitamin B6, nicotinic acid, manganese, phosphorus and zinc could do irreversible damage; high doses of Vitamin C, calcium and iron may have harmful though reversible effects; and high doses of biotin, niacin, thiamin and Vitamin B12 have unknown effects.
FSA reports that its advice is based on a thorough, independent and expert review of available scientific evidence, though it alleges that ongoing research into the effects of some of the Vitamins and minerals may mean the advice will have to be modified at some future date. According to the FSA, supplements more than 100mg of Vitamin C, 1,500mg of calcium or 17mg of iron a day can cause abdominal pain, wind and diarrhoea, and more than 200mg a day of Vitamin B6 can make arms and legs numb. It advises that supplements of more than 7mg a day of beta-carotene may encourage lung cancer in smokers, and large amount might increase the risk of cancer in other people. It also recommends avoiding supplements of two minerals – these are chromium picolinate (which some people take to increase their levels of blood sugar), as there is an unproven suggestion that it may cause certain cancers, and germanium (which some people take to increase the energy they get from food), as its effects aren't clear.
These minerals occur at very low – and safe -levels in many foods (chromium in meat, while grains, lentils and spices, for example; and germanium in beans; tuna and garlic). It advises, however, that if you are taking high doses of Vitamin B6 or iron because your doctor advises it, you should continue. It also says that supplement of other forms of chromium (for example chromium polynicotinate) are unlikely to do any harm but advises not taking more than 10mg a day. Though supplement producers have maintained supplements are safe long term, if they contained no more than the BOA of each nutrient, the FSA says it plans to ask supplement producers to reduce the dose (and/ or provide label warnings for some high-dose nutrients.
So are extra nutrients really helpful? Yes, says the ROA though it's nearly always better to get them from a healthy diet, partly because food provides a complex mixture of nutrients that encourage each other to be absorbed and used well. The argument that many people need a daily supplement to make up for having a poor diet doesn't wash, since it is wiser to buy good food than supplements. However, it is true that intensive farming and certain modern food technologies have reduced that amount of certain nutrients in food, so our diet may not always supply enough.
Who needs extra nutrients? Women with heavy periods may need extra iron (discuss with your doctor). Women of child-bearing age, or pregnant, should take a daily O.4mg of folic acid. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should take a daily 10cg Vitamin D while some older people may need Vitamin D (discuss with your doctor).
Most children aged six months or two years (or five, if they don't eat a wide range of foods) should take Vitamin A, C and D drops. Some researchers would like everyone to take a multi-mineral and vitamin supplements ("multi"}, others, say that this is money down the drain. Some nutritionists are more specific, saying, for example, that a multi is wise for elderly people (since they no longer absorb nutrients as well) and those who are stressed or unwell (since they need more of certain nutrients – for example, Vitamin B and C).
Taking a multi and eating a healthy diet means that you may get a surplus of
some nutrients. That might not really matter since even if the multi contains 100 per cent of the RDA of certain nutrients, your total intake of anyone nutrient still won't be very high. However, it's very wise to avoid high dose supplements, unless recommended by a doctor, dietician or well qualified nutritionist.
One More Time With Feelings? (Humour)
A female golfer is horrified when her ball hits a male player. She sees him fall to the ground and clasp his hands between his legs, writhing in agony.
She rushes over to him and says: "I'm so sorry, but I can help. I'm a massager, so I'll ease the pain".
She quickly pulls down his trousers and begins to massage his groin area.
When she's finished, she asks: "How does that feel now?" "Fantastic", he replies, "But my thumb's still killing me".
The loss of the PDP in the Ondo election has been attributed to Governor Mimiko's refusal to heed warning not to leave his former Labour Party (LP) but to allow his candidate, Jegede, contest the poll on the platform of the former party. The founder and head of INRI Evangelical and Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, claimed to have prophesied that following the Mimiko mistake, the APC, working with others, including Senator Borrofice, would lead Akeredolu to victory in the Ondo election.Primate Ayodele
In Leadership Newspaper of Sunday Nov. 8, 2015 page 67, Ayodele said, "APC can take over Ondo if the party does its home work well and field a credible and popular candidate…" He then went on in Sunday Sun of December 27, 2015 page 11 to say that: "In Ondo State, if PDP does not pick the right candidate, they will lose the election.
If they work on somebody called Saka, it will help the party. If APC want to win the election, they should look towards Boroffice. Now Borrofice and Akeredolu will give them victory."
On solutions to Nigeria's problems
In a story titled, "Our P-H crusade is contact point to bring peace to N/Delta," published on August 23, 2016, Ayodele said, "Now, we are still going to have trouble in our economy and I have five solutions that God has revealed to me and I will release two. Solution number one, except Buhari change his economic team and take right and bold step to reorganize NNPC.
It is not even agriculture that will give us money because there is something that will give us money which has not been worked upon. All of this, God has revealed…Number two there is a wrong in the CBN, Central Bank of Nigeria, which the government has to correct. If they follow these ideas, you will see what is going to happen."
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Nigeria's Super Falcons on their victory over the senior female football team of Cameroon on Saturday at the final game of the women's Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde.Champions: Nigeria's Super Falcons on Saturday in Yaounde won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating Cameroon 1 – 0 to retain AWCON title.
In a statement his media aide, the President, who described the hard-earned victory over the Indomitable Lionesses as "very sweet and well-deserved," particularly commended the Nigerian women for their "indomitable spirit, resilience and team work" which spurred them to victory in spite of a vociferous home crowd.
He noted that the Nigerian team achieved "this feat of being African champions for the 8th time," a development he said has lifted the spirits of sports-loving Nigerians.
The president enjoined other Nigerian sports men and women to emulate the exemplary attitude of the Super Falcons who placed the interest of the nation above personal interests, while assuring that the Federal Government would not relent in doing its best to promote sports within available resources.
The President also “salutes the technical competence of the coaching crew, which enabled the Nigerian players to overcome their hard-fighting opponents throughout the competition.”
The Nigerian Navy on Saturday, concluded the annual sea inspection drill of the Chief of Naval Staff, christened "Exercise Eagle Eye" at Forward Operation Base, Formoso, Brass in Bayelsa
The exercise was conducted by officers and men of Central Naval Command (CNC) and Special Forces of the Nigerian Navy.
Commander, Nigerian Naval Ship, Soroh, Commodore Habib Usman, told NAN that the exercise was aimed at appraising the operational capabilities of the forces on ground, as well as conduct surveillance on territorial waters.
Usman, who led the CNS team, said the Exercise Eagle Eye was an annual sea inspection operation by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe-Ibas.
He said the exercise was also aimed at flushing out maritime criminals and securing Nigerian marine assets and territory.
"The exercise is part of the Chief of Naval Staff annual event. It started on December 1.
"The first phase was the riverine operations involving Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. What you have witnessed in Bayelsa is the team covering the state.
File Photo: Nigerian Navy
"The objective of the exercise is to assess the operational capability of the naval forces on ground.
"During the operation, a number of arrests were made; a number of militant camps have been razed and a number of illegal refineries have also been destroyed.
"This is all part of the ongoing efforts to rid the riverine areas of the Niger Delta of all forms of illegalities so that economic activities can thrive." Usman said.
Usman said the naval forces arrested four sea pirates when their camp was raided, adding that they (suspects) were armed with sophisticated weapons.
He added that on sighting naval troops, the suspects opened fire and the troops repelled and arrested them.
Usman stated that the arrested suspects were being interrogated to enable the force track other criminals in their camps.
On criminalities in the region, Usman urged the Niger Delta youths to embrace peace, look for legitimate businesses to do and shun all forms of illegalities.
Highlights of the exercise were the visit of the CNS team to various Naval boat houses, inspection of military drills and performance of simulation operations on counter – piracy attacks, among others.
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigeria's Super Falcons on their victory over the senior female football team of Cameroon at the final game of the women's Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde.
The President described the hard-earned victory over the Indomitable Lionesses as "very sweet and well-deserved".
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari commended the Falcons for their "indomitable spirit, resilience and team work" which spurred them to victory in spite of a vociferous home crowd.
President Buhari noted that the Nigerian team achieved "this feat of being African champions for the 8th time".
Nigeria’s Super Falcons won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating Cameroon 1 – 0 to retain AWCON title.
According to him, this development has lifted the spirits of sports-loving Nigerians.
He enjoined other Nigerian sports men and women to emulate the exemplary attitude of the Super Falcons who placed the interest of the nation above personal interests,
The President assured that the Federal Government would not relent in doing its best to promote sports within available resources.
President Buhari also saluted the technical competence of the coaching crew, which enabled the Nigerian players to overcome their hard-fighting opponents throughout the competition.
The Super Falcons defeated hosts Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 1-0 with a Desire Oparanozie's 84th minute goal, to win the 10th women's Africa Cup of Nations for their 8th continental title.
Abuja – Nigeria's Super Falcons on Saturday in Yaounde won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating hosts Cameroon 1-0 before a capacity 40,000 crowd.
An 84th minute goal from Desire Oparanozie was enough for Nigeria to retain the trophy they won in Namibia two years ago, when they beat the same Indomitable Lionesses 2-0.won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating Cameroon 1 – 0 to retain AWCON title.
The Super Falcons have dominated this competition, winning all but two of the 10 editions played so far.
In a repeat of the 2014 final, Cameroon finished as runners-up again despite enjoying massive home support.
In front of Cameroon president Paul Biya, the hosts had the best of the first half, with a number of chances for Aboudi Onguene.
But the Indomitable Lionesses failed to make the most of their opportunities, even with the Falcons looking like an average team and not the defending champions.
In the second half, Oparanozie, who also scored Nigeria's winner against South Africa in their semi-final, hit the decisive goal again when she broke the deadlock seven minutes from time.
She followed through on a pass from the tournament's leading scorer Asisat Oshoala to give her team the trophy.
The winning goal from Nigeria was a huge blow for the hosts and the thousands of fans who filled the 40,000 capacity Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium more than five hours before kick-off.
Security in the stadium was stepped up for the final because of the presence of President Paul Biya and roads were blocked for several kilometres around the stadium since early morning.
Thousands more supporters were locked outside after tickets were given out free as "invites''.
There were three fan parks around Yaounde set up for people to see the game.
Ghana finished as bronze medallists after a 1-0 win over South Africa on Friday.(NAN)
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, has slashed fees paid by its students at the Ebonyi State University by N10,000 in a bid to end the prolonged agitation by students over the increase in school fees by the former administration of former governor Martin Elechi in the state.
Umahi had during his campaign promised to reduce the fees if he won the 2015 election.
The governor, spoke weekend during an interactive session with the management and staff of the university at Ezzamgbo, pointing out that the reduction would take effect from next year for both students of Ebonyi origin and non-indigenous people of the state.
The non-indigenes had been paying N128000 while those from the state paid N87,000 before this development, which was about the highest in the South East geopolitical zone.
Umahi
“Now, there is going to be conditional reduction of school fees. If there is any case of cultism I will reverse it. So, I have reduced every body’s school fees, both indigenes and non-indigenes by N10,000 each,” Umahi said.
He however, asked the students to avoid cultism and criminal tendencies in order to continue to enjoy the tuition reduction.
The governor had while announcing a donation of 3,000 bags of rice and N10 million for the students of the university as their Christmas gifts, over heard them chanting, “Reduce our fees, reduce our fees.”
He also donated two buses to the Students Union Government for easy transportation of students to lectures.
Earlier, he announced the donation of rice each to all staff of the university with N5m to be shared by all of them for the Yuletide just as he approved all promotions of university staff which had been kept put on hold for years and gave the university authorities N100m loan for agricultural activities, causing wild jubilations on campus.
Umahi also advised that for any student to graduate from the Department of Agriculture, he/she should have at least one hectare of farm.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Francis Idike who commended the governor for not only gazetting the university staff but bringing commendable changes to the system and assured the preparedness of the university community to support the vision and mission of his administration.
By Ishola Balogun Yuletide is here again with all its signs. The Lagos Street Party, a two-day street carnival, kicks off today on Victoria Island with 500,000 fun-makers converging to herald the advent of Yuletide.
Already, White Stars, an entertainment firm, has wrapped up "The Lagos Street Party (TLSP)" for residents to have fun and relax in spite of the country's economic conditions. Unlike One Lagos Fiesta conceived and driven by the state government, the street carnival, which kicks off today and ends tomorrow, is purely a private initiative. Though with support from the state government, White Stars came up with the initiative to enable residents enjoy Yuletide with some amusement. Executive Director of White Stars, Mr. Akin Akinyelure explained that the street carnival "is to provide a platform for the residents to relax and enjoy themselves within two days." He added that it would indeed offer real entertainment, live music, diverse cuisine and creative indigenous games in a beautiful environment.
The first day, according to him, will feature colourful cultural parades, displays, acrobatic acts and live performances by several musicians from Nigeria. He named some musicians that would play at the party to include Olamide, Phyno, MI Abaga, Kaffy and Ice Prince while some of the DJs are Humblesmith DJ Spinall, and DJ Lambo. Akinyelure, assured that the street carnival would truly be two days of amusement and fun. He also noted that the organisers would not limit the artistes "to a particular number. Several artistes will perform at the two-day party. While some will perform briefly, others may perform for a longer period."
The carnival will not leave any category of people behind, according to White Stars director. He said that there "is provision for senior citizens and elder statesmen at the carnival. We are planning something special for them in terms of high life music to make them relax and enjoy themselves within the two days."
Besides entertaining and fun-making, the carnival offers upcoming artisans and tradesmen opportunity to exhibit their skills and talent, which Akinyelure said, fit into the agenda of the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. Therefore, there will be a mini exhibition section at the carnival,
The Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said: "it is a gain of Lagos brand campaign, launched to showcase the state's potentials for tourism, arts and entertainment globally."
Ayorinde explained the significance of the street carnival, which he said, at least one million fun lovers across the state "are expected to attend. It is a mega street carnival to welcome Yuletide in an unusual way. It will also kick-start series of festivities lined up to celebrate Yuletide into New Year."
One daily basis, the commissioner said at least 500,000 persons "are expected each day, thus bringing the number of participants to one million. It will hold from mid-day to 12 midnight between December 3 and 4, 2016. The carnival will witness local and foreign visitors." Contrary to what some people think, he said, it will not kill other carnivals like One Lagos Fiesta, but complement them.
Ayorinde, equally, cited the gain of Light-up Lagos, which he said, gave residents confidence "to drive, even walk anytime. Under the Ambode administration, almost all highways, inner-city roads and streets have been lit. Aside, security operatives patrol all nooks and crannies of the state day and night. So, we have nothing to fear at all. We have made adequate security arrangement."
The commissioner explained that the street carnival "is in line with Ambode's initiative to use entertainment in driving the state economy and market the state's potentials to domestic and foreign investors," who he said, would contribute meaningfully towards making Lagos Africa's model megacity.
Traffic diversion
However, the street carnival will lead the closure of Ahmadu Bello Way, a major road on Victoria Island. Similarly, Tiamiyu Savage, Akin Adesola and Bishop Oluwole will be cordoned off on December 3 and December 4. But Ayorinde said alternative routes would be created for motorists.
Early this week, the Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Olarenwaju Elegushi allayed fear and panic the street carnival "has generated," noting that businesses "do not have to close down because of the carnival." Elegushi assured that adequate arrangement "has been made to ensure traffic flows with ease."
Elegushi, also gave details of roads and streets, which he said, would be affected by the street carnival. He said the whole stretch of Ahmadu Bello Way would be closed to vehicular movement.
Likewise, Tiamiyu Savage, Akin Adesola and Bishop Oluwole would consequently be condoned off.
Elegushi noted that those returning to Ahmadu Bello "will use Akin Adesola from where they could connect to Falomo. Also, those going to Falomo will use Akin Adesola to connect Falomo Bridge through Saka Tinubu through Karimu Kotun and Olosa Street," where he said, traffic operatives "have been stationed to ensure traffic flows.
It is no longer news that one of the biggest families dominating the entertainment scene is the Afolayans, children of late theatre legend, Adeyemi Afolayan popularly known as Ade Love.
However, we only hear the names of Kunle, Moji, Gabriel, Toyin and Aremu Afolayan on daily basis because of their roles in the entertainment industry.
It should also be noted that Gabriel Afolayan combines music with his acting career, but unknown to many, there is another son of Ade Love in the music industry whom we hardly talk about.
He is Ibukunolu Afolayan popularly known by fans as IB Kord.
•Ibukunolu Afolayan
The graduate of Civil Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, is a gospel artiste who delved into music decades ago.
Ibukunolu is also a notable music producer, composer and a creative concept developer from his polytechnic days. He has done a couple of radio jingles and TV adverts for corporate bodies and private business concern to his credit.
The multi-talented singer launched his debut album titled Confirmation, December 3, 2016 at RCCG Elim sanctuary, Dopemu, Lagos.
According to him, his passion for music was discovered from childhood when he made himself active in series of cultural activities during his primary and secondary school days.
His love for music became more pronounced as a teenager, when he served in various Church choirs as he was often attracted to musical shows in these churches.
Crimson Multimedia in conjunction with Blue Pictures on Friday Nov 18, 2016 released the popular J.K Rowling's movie, 'Fantastic Beast' in cinemas across Nigeria.
Days before the release, the two foremost distribution companies organised a private screening for entertainment industry stakeholders, members of the media and students from Royal Victory Edge, Ibafo -Ogun State.
•Fantastic Beast
The release of the first of a five-part franchise from the popular author ventured into the wizardry and magic which Harry Potter is renowned for. The movie has been described as a special movie which has the effect to sustain the attention of lovers of JK Rowlings' work The Fantastic Beast movie has lots of special cinematographic effects and action-packed theme, with plenty of hilarious moments which made the film more enjoyable to watch.
The movie was released across cinemas penultimate Friday and has been enjoying favourable reviews.
According to Joy Ilibeno Odiete, the CEO of Blue Pictures, Fantastic Beast will bring rich cinematic experience to viewers. 'We have always aimed at improving film experience of people going to cinemas, Fantastic Beast will reinforce that aim and give cinema goers values for their money'.
Popular Nollywood actor cum producer, Mike Ezuruonye's debut production, 'Brother Jekwu' was premiered on Sunday November 27, 2016 and had major Nigerian celebrities in attendance. The likes of Ufomma MacDermott, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Oge Okoye, Iyabo Ojo, Dayo Amusa, AY, Wofaifada, Bimbo Thomas, Eniola Badmus, Fathia Balogun, Seyi Law, Nedu (Wazobia FM), Yaw, Funny Bone, IK Ogbonna, E-Money and many others graced the premiere.
•Mike Ezuruonye (m) with other stars
The movie which was released in cinema on Friday December 2, 2016 stars talented actors and comedians such as Mike Ezuruonye, Angela Okorie, Funny Bone, Wofaifada, Nedu, Klint D Drunk, Huddah Monroe, Sabrina Stadler and so many others.
'Brother Jekwu' is set in Kenya and Nigeria and it stresses the adventure of travelling abroad in search of greener pastures, love and the beauty of Africa.
The very comical movie tells the story of a village man with native intelligence that is full of adventure, proud and conceited. He is lucky to make it to Kenya on the bill of his corrupt cousin where he gets lost in a tale of his adventure while exploring a new land and his encounter with other folks and two beautiful ladies led to the various comical scenes that add a twist to the story. The movie 'Brother Jekwu' was directed by renowned Nigeria director, Charles Uwagbai.
Nollywood diva and singer, Cossy Orjiakor has never had to worry who has charge of any hall she finds herself as she is sure to hug all the attention, thanks to her humongous boobs that never fail to be on a stake-out. She has been described on too many occasions as Nollywood's queen of boobs.
Her reign has even extended to every part of Africa and the world. Last year, she was honoured in Germany as one of the most daring actresses out of Africa. But the spot she enjoys as supremo uno in the mammary region is fast becoming crowded as more and more challengers are springing up, not only to compete with her but also taking the challenge to her doorstep.
Number one is Sarafina Onyekachi, who took the Nutty Queen on in the movie 'Ara Sarafina', where the duo went head to head in a boobs contest.
" Yes, there was boobs competition which I won. But I must confess Saraphina is bigger than me. I only won the contest because she failed a question and I was the next best and more enlightened, so, I won," Cossy would say of the movie contest afterward.
Number two is an unknown Instagram celebrity, who calls herself Roman Goddess. According to Cossy, the girl, who was a fan turned up on her birthday and pronto, Cossy had another challenge on her hands.
"She's a super sexy curvy chick," says Cossy. "She carry front, she carry back. She is too packaged. I must examine and evaluate this super sexy curvy chic. She's a good fan that has turned a friend" she said.
Number three is a Ghanaian upcoming actress and model called Duchess Ella. Unlike the duo mentioned earlier she has never met Cossy but people have been blowing up a possible confrontation between them. Duchess made a great hit with Instagram followers notching up close to fifty thousand followers.
She's very huge in the bosom but she doesn't flaunt it like Cossy or Roman Goddess. Just like Sarafina once said, " What's the use of flaunting my boobs when they are all out there for people to see". Duchess Ella must share the same belief.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the state will remain a PDP state despite what he described as the intimidation of the people by security agencies.
In a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike said that the support the State Government enjoys stems from the performance of his administration which had touched the lives of the ordinary people , positively .
The governor spoke during a Church Service to dedicate the PDP Campaign of Ikwerre /Emohua Federal Constituency .
Represented by his Chief of Staff , Engr Chukwuemeka Woke , the governor commended the people of the state for their support to his administration and the PDP .
The governor said: “As we prepare for the rerun elections , the members of the PDP in Emohua/ Ikwerre Federal Constituency resolved to dedicate their campaign to God.”
“We won before and we are going to win again. This state is a PDP state. No amount of manipulation or Federal might will take the will of the people from them. See the level of excitement and support for the PDP shows that the election has been won.”
Governor Wike added: “For those who are not preparing, who are busy forging result sheets, we will resist them. They cannot use such result sheets because they don’t have the people.”
“If you have the people that will vote for you, you will not look for fake result sheets . The people will cast their votes and their votes will count. Come December 10, PDP will conclude the remaining elections in victory by God’s grace .”
Nwanosike Samuel , Ikwerre Local Government Area Caretaker Committee Chairman said: “We decided to dedicate our Federal Constituency campaign to God because we require God’s blessing, wisdom , favour and protection to win again . ”
He said the will of the people will prevail despite the attempts at manipulation by some persons using security agencies .
John Wokoma, Caretaker Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area said the PDP Leadership in Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency has handed their campaign to God, urging them people to come out in their numbers to vote for PDP.
He said that PDP members should be law-abiding , but they must monitor the electioneering process from the beginning to the end.
The Abuja Carnival which began on Saturday recorded poor turnout of FCT residents due to the economic hardship in the country.
Some of the residents who spoke with newsmen, said that the carnival should not be the priority of the Federal Government, adding that measures should be taken to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.
This year's carnival was devoid of the usual fun fare that used to characterise the event.
In the past, the streets used to be lined up with residents of the FCT who created time to watch the event, while others simply closed down their businesses just to catch a glimpse of the street procession.
Even some designated streets of the FCT that were usually decorated for the carnival were left bare as they were not decorated.
Samuel Olawale, who was at a newspaper vendor's stand while the street procession was going on, said that though there was a bit of awareness on the carnival, "but the citizens are hungry''.
"I am aware of the carnival, flyers were distributed, but it is not masquerade dance that people want to hear.
"The president should know that people are hungry and are more interested in putting food on their table,'' he said.
Afolabi Alade, a taxi driver around Area One, however disagreed with the respondent above, saying that there was no awareness on the carnival, and it didn't hold in 2015.
"Other years when the carnival held, you would have seen the obvious signs on the road that carnival is holding.
"This time around, we did not see the signs compared to other years where the Police would have barricaded the roads and vacate us from our parks,'' Alade said.
According to him, the low awareness can be attributed to lack of interest from the Presidency to project the carnival.
The driver also concurred that there was massive starvation in the country and people were keen about their basic needs.
Naeema Abduraman, a spectator also agreed that the turnout was low and not really eventful considering the insecurity in the country.
"The carnival does not look eventful and people did not come out that much unlike the previous years.
"There is also insecurity in the country which will discourage people from participating.
"The most of it all is that the economic situation of the country is so bad and people will prefer to satisfy hunger before coming for carnival,'' Abduraman said.
Mrs Blessing Ayiba-Dusa, the Head Research, Documentation and Publication, Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, also agreed that the turnout of participants was poor, compared to previous years.
Ayiba-Dusa noted that celebrating the heritage and culture of the country was the common goal of the carnival.
"People didn't really come out for the carnival and for sure it is due to the hardship in the country.
"Whatever the situation is, the most important thing is that we are here to celebrate the common heritage and culture of our country.
"Bayelsa State is not regretting participating in the carnival, because we are celebrating one Nigeria,'' she said.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called for the sensitization of local communities across Africa in order to raise their consciousness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage against marauders.
The Minister made the call at the two-day International Conference on the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Conflicts Areas, which rounded off in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.
He said during the crisis in Mali in 2012-2013, the great majority of historic manuscripts which were saved were housed by family libraries, adding: ”These private individuals, knowing the inestimable value of these manuscripts, devised strategies that got them out of harm's way.”
Alhaji Mohammed said the $100 million Fund to be established for the purpose of protecting cultural heritage in areas of conflict should make provision for the sensitization campaign
”For us in Africa, the pivotal position of the local people cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, the international fund to be established should also cater for the sensitization of local people. Another point linked to the issue of funding is that in Africa, we lag behind in electronic preservation of heritage monuments, sites and manuscripts. The fund should also cater for this in the Internet age,” he said.
The Minister stressed the need for political will in order to sustain the efforts to protect cultural heritage in times of conflict.
Lai Mohammed
”I talk about political will because this will not be the first or only attempt that has been made to safeguard our cultural heritage during armed conflicts. There are historical precedents and existing legal framework in this regard. The 1954 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict and the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property readily come to mind here,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed disclosed that Nigeria has joined all the Conventions aimed at dealing with the threat to and destruction of cultural property, and that the country is now in the process of domesticating them.
”It is absolutely important for all the countries of the world to subscribe to all these conventions. Countries must show their deepest concern about cultural genocide being manifested in the the activities that have led to the convening of the conference. In addition to joining the treaties, it must be emphasized that nations must adopt or receive the Conventions into their domestic laws,” he said.
The Minister said Nigeria, like many other countries in the world, including Mali and Afghanistan, has recorded attacks on its cultural heritage, adding: ”One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, the Sukur Cultural Landscape in the North-eastern State of Adamawa, was not spared by the Boko Haram insurgency.”
While calling on States to declare as a war crime the intentional destruction of cultural heritage, he stressed the need to check the activities of those involved in the art trade as well as the universal or encyclopedic museums.
”The art trade, by which I mean auction houses – from the multi nationals like Christie's, Sotherby's and Bonhams to the lesser ones – must be held to greater accountability with regard to their patronage of individuals and groups who come to them with unprovenanced cultural heritage objects… The Universal Museums like the British Museum, the Louvre, the Prado and the Armitage should desist from purchasing objects of uncertain provenance,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
At the end of the conference, which was attended by representatives of 40 nations, including several Heads of State and Government, the Abu Dhabi Declaration for the establishment of the International Fund for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Armed Conflicts and the creation of an international network of safe havens to protect cultural property during armed conflict was adopted.
DaddyMO 
(@officialdaddymo) 
No comments:
Post a Comment