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
Nigeria's Dream Team is presently in an early lead as it battles two-time silver medallists Denmark in the quarter-finals of the Olympic football event.
The Super Eagles’ U23 squad got an edge over its Denmark counterpart after the team’s captain, Mikel Obi, scored a goal from a close range to put the Siasia side ahead in the ongoing match. See video
Determined to re-orientate the girl-child and youths generally in Delta State, Mrs. Tosan Ororo-Oghoshe, a renowned author, columnist and gender crusader, in this interview, calls on the state government to partner her NGO, Rochcare Foundation, on empowerment of youths and the girl-child. Excerpts:
Tosan Ororo-Oghoshe, author, gender activist
What informed your setting up an NGO to empower the girl-child and encourage youth development in the country?
When I published my first book in 2002 "Love Tangle", I realized my story dealt with issues relating to education, development and well-being of the girl child, so I sought to reach out to as many young girls as possible. That brought about the creation of The Girl In Development (TGID). Again, the support I got boosted my interest in the venture. I recall that Mr. Wale Aboderin invited me to his house at the Punch Estate to meet with his wife and Dr. Eleaza Ulinfun, who is an evangelist and an author of several gospel books. I found that encouraging. According to Ulinfun, "Every girl on earth should read Love Tangle". That statement alone from a renowned author meant so much to me.
What strategies do you intend to adopt to manage the NGO?
Being a writer and a caterer makes it easy to juggle things that I am able to feed my people and arouse their intellect
How do you see teenage pregnancy that is affecting our society today, particularly in Delta State?
As a gender crusader, and having in mind the case of Ese Oruru, I see an urgent need for young girls to be educated about sex as it relates to their bodies. There are at least five mistakes parents make on girls who are not exposed to sex education. They stunt the girls development, their confidence, and building of their economic independence. They also diminish the quality of their lives and ability to make meaningful contribution to their families and society at large. Even when mistakes are made, with sex education, the girl-child is able to retrace her steps. My father abandoned my siblings and I with my mother who was eight months pregnant while still in her teens. So, at a point in my life, I needed someone to take me in for a couple of years, but I couldn't find. I suffered abuse severally, and this helps you to understand where I am coming from. I met a teenage girl in Oghara, whose mother is dead and her father is in jail. Tired of abuse by relatives, she left home, desirous to get education.
Youths in Delta State particularly are being accused of engaging in kidnapping and ritual killings, tagged "Ghana Bugger". How do you intend to handle the vice?
I agree there are lots of youthful exuberance that can spin out of control in the area. However, a lot is being done to address the situation. Through the efforts of Rochcare Foundation, DESOPDEC recently sponsored 69 artisansfor the just concluded NABTEB Modula examinations. This effort by Chief Williams Makinde, the Director of DESOPDEC, will go a long way to curb crime and criminality in the area. If organisations like DESOPDEC would make this an annual issue then we will be seeing the end of this 'Ghana Bugger' gibberish.
How were you able to manage couples with varied family matters?
I see no constraints. As a content developer, I try to come-up with community development concepts. During the first ever Children's Day celebration hosted by Ethiope-West LGA, we sold the idea to Hon. Hope and I donated copies of my three children's books. The passion for what we do far outweigh the constraints. But I wish more people and organisations would support these laudable projects in order to impact the lives of youths in the communities. However, we intend to reach as many corporate bodies and individuals as possible to reach many young people. This month, we are having a two weeks vocational training programme for young people in Ethiope-West LGA in Ogharafe.
Are there plans to partner with other government agencies to reach the youth scattered across Delta and environs?
We have plans to meet with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to see how we can further tackle the problem of youth development and empowerment in the state. But, meanwhile, we are taking the bull by the horns, by tasking ourselves to make desired impacts. The government can help by putting in place basic amenities like electricity, so that the cost of running small businesses will reduce, otherwise what is the use training people who won't be able to operate due to high cost of running their businesses?.
Abuja Area of the Young Women Christian Association of Nigeria YWCA has visited the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, Camp in Kuje.
Carrying gifts to mitigate the sufferings of the IDPs, who are mostly from Chibok, Borno State, the association said that despite the cash crunch being experienced by the country, it believes that the sacrifice of love would go a long way to complement similar efforts by other organizations.
The Federal Capital Territory FCT Area Representative of the association, Mrs Chioma Cyril-Oleh urged other good-spirited individuals and organizations to extend helping hands to victims of insurgency.
She said the group did not choose to visit the camp because it is buoyant enough but "rather because we are fulfilling the word of God which says that when I was homeless, you visited me".
"There is no difference between us. We are all human beings created by God and it is only due to some circumstances that you are in this camp", she added. Activist and member of the association, Hon. Chichi Ezenwokike, stated that displacement is not the end of the world, asking victims to leverage on their arable land especially in Kuje to better their lots through agriculture while also taking advantage of the various skills acquisition initiatives at their disposal.
Taking the IDPs through a health-talk, she noted that a balanced nutrition is very important for their day-to-day living and that "a balanced died cannot only be derived from expensive meat and fish, but even from your own agro-produce like soya beans, vegetable and fruits".
Also speaking, immediate past Area Representative of the association, Joice Ebirim, harped on the need for other organizations to emulate the gesture of YWCA and touch lives when it matters most. She also encouraged the IDPs to learn more skills which will help in their situation, urging to see themselves as vessels unto honour rather than victims.
ABUJA – CENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, reiterated that its current economic policies are in the right direction to rescue the dwindling economic situation in the country.
CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele
The Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele faulted critics of the apex bank's policies, saying they are operating the best policies needed to address the present economic crisis in Nigeria.
Recently, Governor of KadunaAhmed El-Rufai had criticised the CBN over the sad state of Nigeria's fiscal regime, saying that the bank's 14 per cent monetary policy rate has led to unprecedented job losses in the country.
The CBN's Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) had been increased from 12 per cent to 14 per cent.
Emefiele, who stated this at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Everlasting Arms Parish, Garki, Teens' Career Conference, in Abuja, stressed that the bank's policies at present remain the best option to Nigeria's ailing economy.
He was represented by CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Dr Sarah Alade.
According to him, "At this moment, what we are doing is what is best for the economy. The concern even in this hall has been the slide in the naira.
"And I have told you, I did answer the question by saying that we also need to ensure that we diversify the economy, so that we can earn more dollar, we can have more export.
"And this, we are also supporting the efforts of the government, once we are able to do this; we would then be able to earn the interest rate that people want. At this particular time, to be able to get out of the situation we are in, we need to have the decisions we have taken at the right time.
"The Monetary Policy Committee considers (MPC) all these factors before we take decisions and we will do what is right for the economy. Whatever policies we need to take to ensure that the economy comes out stronger, we do it and at the right time."
CBN Boss assured Nigerian youths that the bank takes their growth and development seriously, adding that "one think that keeps me awake at night is how to create an enabling environment for our youths to grow."
He advised them to stay focus on their dreams for greatness, stressing that, hard work, focus and commitment remain the key to success.
Also, the Director General of National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu said under her watch the Nigerian pension sub-sector has grown to the tune of about N5.7 trillion with about 7.1 million subscribers.
Anohu-Amazu urged the youths to ensure that the virtues of discipline, focus, honesty remain cardinal in the day-to-day life as they pursue their various dreams.
The former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mrs Ifueko Omoigui Okauru encouraged the youths not to mortgage their souls in the course of wanting to be great in life.
Okauru implored them to rather pay attention to putting extra efforts in the pursuit of their goals in life.
Also, Nigerian Comedian, Mr Atunyota Akporobomerere, popularly known as Ali Baba made a presentation at the session, urging the youth to follow their respective dreams with all their energy.
Getting my bra size can be very difficult - Ronke Ojo
Veteran Yoruba actress is arguably the most frontally endowed woman in Nollywood. Even other busty actresses have had to doff their hats to her, for being the number one in the mammary region, saying she belongs in the A-category.
"Getting my bra size can be very difficult. It makes it more expensive. I always want to 'pack' myself. I wouldn't want to appear in a movie where I would need to run or walk fast and my boobs would be bouncing. I don't like it. When you 'pack' yourself very well, when anything happens, you are ready. I have to go the extra mile to look for good bras.
"I spend at least N10,000 on a bra. At times, I get my perfect size when I travel abroad, especially in the US. If anybody is going to the US, the only favour that person can do for me is to buy bra for me. It is the only gift that I can appreciate from anybody and it would make me happy," she lamented.
When guys look at me, they see nothing but my boobs - Ebinabo Potts-Johnson
Maybe her chest isn't as heavy as Cossy Orjiakor, or as monstrous as Foluke Daramola's, but upcoming actress and model, Ebinabo Potts-Johnson has a pair of mammary that stand out – far out from her chest to get you thinking you are seeing a trick of nature or something.
"Although God put it there and really, at some point in my life I was actually thinking that I need to reduce this thing (her boobs) because most times when people see me, it's just the boobs they're seeing, they're not seeing the other parts of me. It can be embarrassing that people can only see you as a sex object" she complained.
"Sometimes you just don't know why a guy is coming after you. You don't know whether it is because of your personality or your body. Though I don't like to think a guy is coming for me because of my body but I get compliments a lot over my boobs. Sometimes. A guy just passes and says, ""Wow, your boobs are big" and I just give a smile and walk off.
From my mum to my sisters, everyone is blessed - Ejine Okoroafor
When they talk of Nigeria's queen of boobs, the names like Cossy Orjiakor, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Foluke Daramola and others come to mind, forgetting there are a couple, like Ejine, around who would have all these screen stars going green with envy.
Hers is natural and seems to have something of bloodline about it. "Everybody in my family has big boobs. It is something that runs in the family. From my mum to my sisters, everyone is blessed" she once told me.
No direct sucking, no breastfeeding for my kids - Cossy Orjiakor
Boobs-toting Nollywood diva and singer, Cossy Orjiakor, is never one to go missing in a crowd. Not by a long shot. Her humongous mammary has become such a legend, that both men and women cannot ignore her. Though many may find her repulsive but it doesn't seem to take any hair off her skin as she flaunts them readily anywhere the opportunity presents itself
The Nutty Queen crooner recently took to her Facebook page to tell her fans how much she cherishes her boobs by heaping praises on God for bestowing her with such gift of life. "I am so grateful to God for this lovely boobs. Though sometimes they are such a burden. The load gets big but I love them" she says. " In ten years my boobs will still be firm and good because I will use sucker to pull the milk for my kids. No direct sucking. No breastfeeding" she quips. Then, she added a line that must have got some guys day-dreaming "OMG My boobs fell out again yesterday at TBS. I was so shy of myself as a guy helped package it for me "
Guys always want to hug me - Mitchell Ozakpolo
For Mitchell Ozakpolo, her gigantic boobs are blessings from God and she thus feels no scruples, flaunting them. She once said she elicits the most shocking responses from guys, who at many instances look for excuses to want to hug her
"Some would beg me to just provide them a hug.When guys react that way, I don't blame them because they love what they see. I know I have the hip and peak to carry my boobs. From time to time, when I walk the streets of Yaba, Lagos, particularly, most of the guys there can't help shouting 'Jesus Christ all these boobs for you by myself?' Are these all yours?' they might expect me to reply to them. I do answer them anyways and they hail me and say 'yes mama I really like that'. I try to avoid bus stops because when guys see me, they scream 'wow' and I do respond too 'wow' that's just my lifestyles" she said of her boobs and their effect on guys.
Even kids buy me lunch because of my boobs
- Annette Cookey
Beautiful, sexy and petite singer Annette Cookey has said she often gets sexually harassed by men who curry sexual favours from her. Looking at how cutely her chest is stacked with those twin towers the reason stares one in the face.
"I am not going to say that I am a sex symbol but for some reasons, I often get sexually harassed and that really affects me as a person," she quips in an interview.
Speaking about her special assets, she said her eyes, voice, stature and boobs win her some nods but the boobs are top.
"I was standing somewhere recently, and a guy saw my boobs; he had to take some steps backwards and fixed his gaze on my boobs; he didn't turn. I now asked him what he was doing but he pretended he was not doing anything. Even little children are affected by my boobs. The other day at the cinemas, some kids offered to buy me lunch because of that. So I get that a lot," she said of her boobs
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola dropped goalkeeper Joe Hart in favour of Willy Caballero for his opening Premier League game against Sunderland on Saturday.
Guardiola
Guardiola has been linked with German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who plays for his former club Barcelona, and cast doubt on Hart’s future during a press conference on Friday.
“Joe is a player I’m so happy about his qualities, his behaviour, what he means to this club,” Guardiola said.
“After, we are going to decide inside the doors. Now, he is a player of us.”
Hart, 29, has been City’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past six seasons, contributing to two Premier League title wins, two League Cup successes and their 2011 FA Cup triumph.
But he had a poor Euro 2016 for England and was at fault for goals in their group-stage win over Wales and last 16 elimination by Iceland.
Caballero, 34, joined City from Malaga in 2014.
The Argentine deputised for Hart in cup competitions last season and saved three penalties as City defeated Liverpool in a shootout in the League Cup final.
Navy authorities at NNS DELTA, Warri, on Saturday said two middle-aged men suspected to be involved in the series of attacks on oil installations belonging to Chevron in Delta had been nabbed.
Commander of the Naval Base in the oil city, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, told newsmen that the suspects were apprehended in Sapele area of the state following a tip-off.
Dzunve said that the attacks on the oil facilities located in Warri North Local Government Area were carried out between May, 2016 and July, 2016.
He added that the suspects were already providing the authorities with useful information that could assist in arresting other members of the group.
”Today, I am pleased to inform you that after persistent efforts, the NNS DELTA, being part of the maritime component of the Operation Delta Safe, has arrested two suspects responsible for the attack on Chevron facilities.
”They were deeply involved in various forms of crimes, including pipeline vandalism and sea robberies along the waterways in Warri North.
”The two apprehended suspects are not the only ones involved in the attacks on the oil facilities in Warri North. Others who are still at large will soon be apprehended,” he said.
Dzunve expressed the navy’s determination to rid the nation’s territorial waterways of all forms of criminal activities “in line with the Chief of Naval Staff's directive''.
As the celebration for the 2016 International Youth Day begins today across the world, the Lagos State Government has identified training and empowerment of youth as core elements for national development.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf made this known on Friday during a press briefing heralding the commencement of a week-long event slated for the celebration of year2016 International Youth Day.
She said that the State government believes that when youth are idle they become susceptible to perpetuate crime and commit all sort of atrocities, this according to her made the State Government intensified and widened the scope of its training programmes for the youth of the State.
'Our intention is to empower youth to be self-reliant and enterprising. We had trained no fewer than 2,000 youth in the heavy equipment sector in partnership with Rated Cranes and Scaffolding Nigeria Limited.
Majority of the youths were trained in the areas of Mobile crane driving, HIAB training, Crane Operation, Manufacturing safety among others' she stated.
Akinbile-Yussuf also added that 500 students had graduated from the Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (YEASAP) in different areas of vocations including bead making, cosmetology, Head Gear tying among others in order to empower and enhance opportunities for teeming unemployed youth in the society.
The Commissioner said that another empowerment avenue provided by the State Government was through the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) meant to provide capital for youths that are willing to engage in enterprise in different sectors of the economy.
She opined that if youth can properly and adequately utilise all these avenues and opportunities opened for them, achieving the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development would become fruition.
She called on other youths who are still perpetuating crimes to desist from such and take advantage of the several training programmes and empowerment initiatives to be productively engaged.
Akinbile-Yussuf urged the general public not to shield criminally-minded youth who are fond of disrupting peaceful co-existence of Lagosians. She promised that government would decisively deal with such individuals.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasumu, advised the youth to stop blaming the present situation of the country on past mismanagement by our some leaders but rather make the best of the present situation, stressing that the youth of the present age should discontinue the unprofitable bandwagon of the past.
He commended Governor Ambode for giving the youth a prime place in governance including the constitution of his executive members.
International Youth Day celebration is observed all across the world. It provides opportunity for government and others to draw attention to youth issues.
Uyo – The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Uguru Usani, has alleged that some state officials were sabotaging development initiatives in Akwa Ibom, especially infrastructure development in Oboyo, Ikot, Ita and Ikot Ekpene.
Usani made this disclosure on Saturday in Nsit Ibom and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of the state during an assessment of work done by contractors handling the 40 housing units.
The minister said that officials of the ministry in the state had failed to propagate the necessary information on the projects, which the ministry had been executing in the state.
“What are you doing here as a coordinator when you don’t know the contractors handling this project.
“As a state coordinator, you have no documents on this project to show that the owners of these property involved have been compensated,” he queried.
The minister alleged that some of the officials of the ministry were conniving with contractors on site, leading to contractors not taking the projects seriously.
He warned all contractors handling the ministry’s projects to go back to site and make sure that their work was commensurate with the money collected from the ministry or return the money for the contract to be re-allocated.
The minister explained that the houses were built to compensate the indigenes, whose lands were taken by the Federal Government for oil exploration.
The minister also said that some displaced people, who gave up their lands for the peace of the country would also benefit from the housing scheme.
He said that the nine oil producing states of Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, Imo and Abia would benefit from the 40 housing units.
Usani, however, said that the ministry would draw the modalities for the sharing of the houses and urged community leaders from the nine states to be democratic in the exercise.
“We have almost completed the housing schemes but we want to get the inputs of those on ground.
“The ministry had earlier met with chiefs and community leaders and had given its intention on how the sharing will be done.”
Usani assured that widows, the aged and children would be given priority during the allocation process.
He said that the physically challenged, married youths and members of neighbouring communities would not be left out in the sharing formula, which the ministry had proposed to various communities.
“The ministry will ensure that there will be no conflicts when it is time to allocate these houses to the communities.
“The houses are fewer than the demand and no matter how many you build, people will still require more.
“The ministry will work to sensitise people and work out a formula through which the sharing can be done equitably,” he said.
The former Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku, had met with some community leaders in the area in April 2014 to discuss the modalities of allocating the houses.
Benin – The Federal Government has mobilised back to site Reynod Construction Company (RCC), the contractor handling the dualisation of the Benin/Ehor section of the Benin/Auchi/Okene highway.
It would be recalled that the company that started the dualisation work on the highway in 2012, moved out of site late 2014 due to non-payment.
Mr Denis Orji, the Federal Controller of Works, confirmed this in an interview in Benin on Saturday.
Orji said the mobilisation of RCC back to site has seen more than 300 workers that were laid off after they closed site in 2014, reabsorbed.
The controller said the first task before the construction company was to see that the potholes and failed sections of the highway are made motorable.
“Though their scheduled is between Benin/Ehor section of the road, but they are to ensure that the section up to Iruekpen is passable by carrying out maintenance work.
“If you go through the road as we speak, you will see that the company have done a lot of work on the area they are maintaining, what is left for them majorly is to put bitumen.
“You will see that they have moved equipment back to site, but by next week, you will see more of the equipment,” he said.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government, under Goodluck Jonathan administration, awarded contract for the dualisation of the highway from Benin to Lokoja.
Four different construction companies were awarded contract for the four lots/sections up to Lokoja.
The Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy has been blamed for the delay in the payment of allowances and bonuses of players and coaching crew of the Dream Team VI in Rio.
A statement issued by Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Assistant Director of Communications quoted the federation's President Amaju Pinnick as saying so when he communicated with the team's handler Samson Siasia, on telephone.Siasia-Dalung
“I just finished a long telephone discussion with Siasia and I explained to him the situation the NFF is in and why he has not received his salary.
“As I explained last week, we received some money from CAF and I directed that the money be used to offset the salaries of the U-23 team coaches and also for the Super Falcons' coaches.
“The money has come into the NFF account but it has to first go into our Treasury Single Account (TSA) before we can access it and then use it.
“The vouchers for the payment have already been done,'' the statement quoted Pinnick as saying.
It further quoted Pinnick as saying that the NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and the Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung had also intervened at different points to explain the football house predicament to Siasia.
“Siasia confirmed that before I spoke to him, the NFF General Secretary had also called him to explain the situation to him.
“We are not unmindful of what our coaches are going through in this challenging period and we praise them for their patriotism and hard work despite all these.
“I want to specially appreciate the Honourable Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who had already dispatched accountants to the U-23 team hotel to pay the allowances of players and officials before I called the team.
“The Honourable Minister instructed the accountants to also pay the four alternate players, who are not accredited for the Games; we commend him for his efforts," the statement also quoted Pinnick as saying.
Dalung and Pinnick have moved quickly to douse feelings of discontent in the Nigeria U-23 team camp, ahead of Saturday's Men's Olympic Football Tournament quarter -final clash with Denmark.
The Nigeria's Dream Team which won the event in 1996 were scheduled to have a feel of the Arena Fonte Nova, venue of the Olympics football quarterfinal match with Denmark, on Friday evening.
The Danes lost 0-4 to Brazil in their final group match on Wednesday, while Dream Team topped Group B in spite losing 0-2 to Colombia in the last group game. (NAN)
Abuja – Godfrey Gaiya, a former Chairman of House of Representatives' Committee on Sports, on Friday in Abuja said Nigerian football deserved the best in FIFA’s ranking.
He was speaking against the backdrop of FIFA's August ranking which moved Nigeria from the 70th position in the world to its latest 67th position.
Gaiya said the time was when Nigeria got to the fifth position in FIFA’s rating, saying “nothing stops the country from rotating now among the best 10 teams in the world''.
“Whenever you see an improvement, it's something you must applaud.
“If you are last and you are now second to the last, it should mean that you have moved from being the last to second to the last.
“So, from 70th we are now 67th, it means that we have climbed three steps from where we were the last time.
“At one point, Nigeria was number five in the world.
“I wouldn't bother if we keep rotating between the first 10 in the world and I don't think we are getting it right.
“Getting it right will mean that Nigeria is a consistent player in the top ranking where it does matter.
“But when we begin to celebrate climbing three steps within a month, I don't think we are doing ourselves any justice at all.
“There are so many problems bedevilling the game now that we need to work assiduously hard to improve.
“It is not just a temporary monthly ranking that should make us jubilate.
“Nigeria as a football nation, we have issues that we must tackle.
“The World Cup qualifiers for Russia 2018 will commence in October.
“As we talk to each other now, the preparation that will make our participation to yield the most needed fruit is in tatters''.
Gaiya added that the administrators of football must create a suitable environment for the players and the coaching crew to put in their best and win laurels for the nation.
He noted that the current FIFA ranking of the nation's football was gotten by sheer luck.
“We should not count on stumbling on success. We should build, be focused and determined.
“Ranking doesn't come by luck. For me, the three steps we have climbed is basically by luck and next time we may not be that lucky.''
Nigeria moved three places from its earlier 70th position in the world to its latest 67th, it still maintained its 17th place in Africa.
The latest FIFA ranking was released on Thursday, and the next one will be out on Sept. 15.(NAN)
Abuja – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, says President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to bequeath a Nigeria that can provide plentiful opportunities to its people
Odigie-Oyegun said this on Friday in Abuja on the occasion of the 77th birthday party organised in honour by the APC's workers.
Odigie-Oyegun
The chairman appealed to Nigerians to support the efforts of the administration in building a solid foundation for a better tomorrow for all Nigerian youths.
According to him, this is the last economic hardship Nigerians will go through after the right structure anchored on sound economic policies is put in place.
“God in his wisdom has provided APC to the nation at this crucial time and in his wisdom gave us a man of strong will, iron determination, courage in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“ God gave us a president who is ready to take challenge, who has determined that this is the last economic hardship this nation will ever go through.
“He has decided that we will never ever again depend upon a single crop, so he is laying a very solid foundation for the take off of this nation such that all resources that God has endowed this nation with whether it is anything.
“The Nigeria of tomorrow will be a Nigeria that produces, that can give employment to its youth, will be a nation that can provide plentiful opportunities for its people.
“That is the Nigeria that President Muhammadu Buhari is building and my appeal is that we should all see ourselves as participants in this struggle, that we have sacrifices we have to make to ensure we get there,” he said.
Going down memory lane, Odigie-Oyegun said the party at the beginning worked under very challenging condition to reach where it is today,
He pledged readiness of the party to make life better for all the staff that weathered the storm with it .
“I remember when we were just a few staff, when this baby needed rehabilitation, when we had no chairs, when members of the National Working Committee were making sacrifices to prepare for the election that has now become history in the country.
“We have set up a committee to look into the working conditions of the staff of the national secretariat headed by the deputy national chairman south who has completed his assignment and we will have reasons to smile in the few months ahead.”
He said they knew things were bad with the economy but did not know the extent to which they were bad.
Speaking with newsmen afterward, the chairman responding to questions about his youthful look said life was a “lucky dip” and he got lucky.
“Most importantly, I don’t do anything that will worry me or that will lead to threats. I have no political enemies. I believe that there is room for everybody, no particular individual is in your way.
“My mother used to say don’t do anything that you want to see in the front page of the Daily Times, when it existed. Lead a simple life, try to succeed by trying to be the best, not by pulling anyone down.”
He said his sojourn into politics was by accident and he had no regrets whatsoever and he would strive to make his mark.
“No regrets joining politics whatsoever. It has been an era of service to the nation. I will do everything I can to influence events so that when time comes I will be on my deathbed with a smile on my face that this great coalition called the APC removed an incumbent government and finally we are now on the road and now addressing those issues that held this nation down.”(NAN) YETI/OSAMSAD
Lagos – The Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) has urged all tiers of government to enforce policies on healthier and sustainable food systems in the country in commemoration of the 2016 International Youths Day.
The General Secretary, Lagos State Chapter of the group, Mr Adekunle Aderibigbe, made the plea in a statement issued by the group and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
NAN reports that the 2016 International Youths Day, celebrated on Friday, was entitled: “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production''.
“Having led the various sustainability goals, we are advocating for the government to enforce policies to aid healthier and sustainable food systems.
“We expect to see more operative policies that enforce greener economy with a sustainable cyclical movement of produce that is eco-friendly,'' he said.
According to him, the organisation (BYO) is working in line with the United Nations goals by playing the leading role to ensure the above goals are attained.
“This, we are doing by emphasising the need to first consider the current state of affairs, while depicting the expected big picture of where we should be.
“With these global goals being focused on, we decided to engage the youths in Agriculture in order to make foods, water and energy to be more accessible and affordable to all.
“The purpose is to ensure a sustainable means of production while deploring eco-friendly approaches,'' he said. Aderibigbe said that the BYO was committed to bridging the knowledge gap between youths in the rural and urban areas to increase sustainable food production.
He said that the organisation was enhancing the movement of funds from the urban to the rural communities, where the main production is attainable through cooperative society.
“We have been able to set up a cooperative society that has attracted investments being pooled in smaller units from a good number of youths in the urban areas, while engaging those in the rural areas in production processes.
“We are also reaching out to institutions to partner with us to expand this project and campaigns taken to various parts of the country.
“Several efforts have been made to educate the youths on sustainable consumption patterns that will reduce the waste and or make the wastes recycled or re-usable products,'' he said.
The organisation frowned at importation of food items into the country when the country has vast arable land and other resources to grow them locally and create prosperity for the teeming youths.
According to Aderibigbe, most imported foods always expired before getting to consumers.
He stressed the need for more investments in agriculture for home-grown hygienic foods for healthier society.
Aderibigbe said that in order to emphasise the need for controlled consumption and inclusive waste management, the Lagos Chapter of BYO had introduced its Monthly Community Service Initiative (MCSI).
He said that the initiative was aimed at identifying areas that could cause major disasters like floods for clearing and cleaning as well as sensitising the communities about control measures.
The group, however, urged the youth to always bear in mind the need to create a conducive environment for the generations to come.
President Muhammed Buhari before the inauguration of his Administration on May 29, 2015 has promised the expectant Nigerian electorate that he would fight corruption to a stand-still in the nation's public sector.
In fact one of the President's popular quotes that "if we don't kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria" is being displayed on the lobby of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja. And pronto we started hearing stories of how same former public office holders (especially those who served in former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration were returning the loot they allegedly cornered to themselves in billions of naira. Some arrests were made and some are also reportedly undergoing investigations and prosecutions.
And on a regular basis, the public is being fed with stories of how the security agencies especially the EFCC and the ICPC were recovering the loot from the alleged public looters in billions of naira and millions of dollars. On two occasions, there were reported cases of how millions of dollars were recovered from certain farm-lands in Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area. The identities of such suspects were not revealed nor the time of their possible prosecution before the courts of the land made known to the public.
It could be very annoying for most Nigerians who are losing their sanity and even lives under the pangs of hunger when they are constantly being inundated with stories of billions of naira or millions of other foreign currencies that have been recovered so far and which have not been appropriated with a view to lessen/reduce their sufferings. In the past, the public use to cheer up the government at the hearing or disclosure of such news.
But months after, the Nigerian public became wearied of such news and seem to be no longer interested since such disclosures do not put food on their tables nor solve any of their basic needs. The public has in fact become disoriented. To them, the much publicized fight against corruption may be likened to a storm in a tea cup. After all, there has been slow pace of prosecution of the identified cases with little or no conviction yet.
It was therefore a sign of better things to come when the Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation requested the Investigating Agencies to send the files of the alleged "big time looters" to his office.
And Nigerians are hoping that the Honourable Minister's Office will use his good offices to expedite the necessary actions in this direction. Nigerians are not interested in endless prosecution of the suspects. What they are interested in is in the recovery of the loots with their prompt appropriation especially to solve their social needs including "stomach infrastructure". Nigerians do not want to be driven into their untimely graves through hunger and penury while the Government may still be pursing shadows in the name of fighting endless war on corruption.
If the suspects want soft-landing through 'plea bargaining' with the government, so be it as long as they are willing to release the big chunk of the loot in their custodies. Dead bodies do not spend money in their graves or graveyard. And so the suffering masses need the recovery of the loot and the judicious use of the money recovered so far in order to improve their standards of living with a view to elongate their life - span.
The lawyers and other Nigerian Judicial officials in the Temple of Law can continue to use technicalities to delay other cases. But in this particular case of loot - recovery from any person who may have a case to answer, they should please excuse us from such legal technicalities. In fact, we are of the opinion that the government should even commend the so called looters who offered and voluntarily returned the loot in their custodies so as to encourage others to follow their good gestures.
In the face of dividing nation's fortunes from the Petroleum Resources as a result of heightened sabotage by the Niger-Delta Militants and their sponsors, another source of ready income that is available to government is this loot already in the government coffers and those that are in the process of being returned either through due-diligent prosecution or 'plea bargain'. The bottom line is to make money available to government for the common good of the common populace and generality of the people. Besides, the price of crude-oil has fallen from $140 to about $40 per barrel in the last one year.
Nevertheless, in spite of these legal technicalities that seem to slow down the pace of the fight against corruption, the current administration of President Muhammed Buhari should be applauded and given a pat on the back for having the courage to even challenge the hydra- headed monster called corruption that has become both systemic and endemic in our socio-economic and political life as a nation.
And whatever effort that the government may need to scale these legal hurdles/technicalities that seem to throw some spanners in the wheel of progress of this fight, the government should not hesitate to put in such efforts in the interest of the Nigerian electorate so that the trust that is reposed in the elected officials especially the President and his team is justified.
Gbemiga Olakunle, JP General Secretary, National Prayer Movement
There are so many blogs on the Nigerian media scene today, and the truth is, not all these blogs are getting the expected shares, subscribers, recognition or engagement. Of course, building a blog's audience does not happen overnight but most times, the reason is simply because the blogger is making wrong moves and they are constantly working against his/her endeavors.
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If your blog is poorly branded, it will be difficult to grow your audience. No one finds a site appealing if it is cluttered, confusing, or visually unattractive. When running a blog, stick to a custom design and have a style guide. People will take you more seriously if you have a professional, consistent design.
You are not Engaging People. Your blog should not be a platform where you only post things for visitors to come and view. It should be engaging. Let your readers know that they can interact with you via the platform as well. The easiest way to engage the people who visit your blog is by replying when people leave comments on your blog. Replying comment also helps you create loyal followers.
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Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has been named as the Premier League club’s new captain even though the injured German may not play again this year.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger defended the curious decision and said he will choose from a pool of experienced players to lead the side during Mertesacker’s prolonged absence.
“Per is a very respected figure in the dressing room, is loved as well and is also a very demanding figure,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.
“I think it is absolutely natural to be him. In his absence that’s where it will be taken by the assistants.
“One of them will be Laurent Koscielny, also Santi Cazorla – the experienced players – Petr Cech maybe.
“We will have a group of people that will take care of the energy levels and the problems of the team. That will be down a lot to the experienced players.”
Arsenal needed to appoint a new captain following Mikel Arteta’s departure in the close-season.
The Spaniard’s injury problems over the last two seasons have seen several players fill in as temporary captain.
Mertesacker, who joined Arsenal from Werder Bremen in 2011, captained the side on occasions last season before he was dropped as Wenger preferred to partner Gabriel with Koscielny at the heart of his defence
BENIN CITY-SULTAN of Sokoto and the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, has warned Nigerian leaders to stop what he described as "blame game and face reality" as regards the bad state of the nation's economy.
He asserting that unless political leaders abandons their political affiliations and come together to fix the economy, the Nigerians will continue to groan, adding that though things are currently difficult for but Nigeria is better than some industrialized nations who are facing more crisis in different spheres.
Sultan Abubakar also urged political leaders in Edo state to avoid violence in the forthcoming governorship elections, stressing that the people must be allowed to vote candidates of their choice because "when you have something on ground, the people will compare the work and that of the other parties and make their choice".
Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Adams Oshiomhole, His Eminence who informed the governor that he was in the state for the annual meeting of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said all hands must be on deck to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams. His words: "Nigeria though is experiencing difficulties but we are much much better than so many other countries. It is only what you read in the papers that disturbs you, but most industrialized countries are worst than Nigeria but you hardly hear them. We have our own problems let's put hands together irrespective of religion. Let us salvage our economy, make the country work, let people feel free to walk at 2am.
"That is the country we crave for and we must all work for that to happen. We cannot sit down and think things will work out for us, no. I heard the governor (Oshiomhole) speaking on governors who are not paying salaries. And this is one of the things increasing criminal activities. Workers are not paid and they have families and when you are hungry you will be angry.
"So we know problems in the country so as leaders let's put hands together and see how we can resolve them. Nobody should blame anybody, let's stop the blame game and face reality. Let us come together irrespective of party affiliation and move this country forward".
While commending Oshiomhole for the developmental strides in the state, he said "We are very proud of your achievements in the last eight years. We have so many contenders but only one will occupy this seat. Only God will bring your replacement. Carry your campaigns in peace and harmony. Issue related campaigns, convince people to vote for you don't confuse them. We pray God to bring a leader who will work more than you.
"We have seen tremendous changes from the Edo we use to know and we believe that such changes can only come from people who are committed to making the lives of people better, God Almighty will always uplift such leader. We urge you to continue to work for the state and Nigeria as a whole.
"We want to call on all politicians in Edo state as you are preparing for elections in September, to put the interest of Edo state first and the common man who lives in the state because without the people there will be no leader. And throughout your campaigns and the swearing in you will still need people, so please you people should put the interest of Edo state first.
"There should be no violence of any kind and when elections will hold let it be free and fair. And whoever the Almighty picks as successor to the comrade governor should be supported by everybody".
Responding, Governor Oshiomhole who expressed his gratitude to the Sultan for his numerous counsels to Nigerian leaders noted that " part of the problems we face in Nigeria today, is discrimination. Every God fearing person will not resort to violence if he is conscience of the fact that every violence may lead to the death of somebody.
"The crisis arising from unfair distribution of wealth between nations and within nations substantially explains some of the dis-functional responses by aggrieved citizens. It does not matter how they chose to describe their primary motive. The truth is if the world is much better place, people will opt to live well rather than to kill another as a means of expressing their frustration".
Oshiomhole further hinted that the state government would recruit Islamic teachers in the state primaries schools, saying that "it is important because it is at that stage we learn the teachings of the Almighty God and morals. I believe we must all relate properly in this country, forget our religious background and cooperate for the growth of the nation".
