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
Leading telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria has joined hands with premium airline company, Air France - KLM, to package an unbeatable offer of up to 25% discount on Business class tickets to London.
Commercial Director Nigeria and Ghana, Air France KLM, Mr. Arthur Dieffenthaler; Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Rahul De and Human Resource and Corporate Services Executive, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola at the MTN - Air France KLM partnership announcement in Lago
The partnership between MTN Nigeria and Air France KLM will offer this amazing discount from October to December 2016. In addition, customers will enjoy free incoming calls on the MTN network while outside the country.
Commenting on the partnership, GM, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge said, "The partnership was conceived towards rewarding our current Platinum customers at this time. This is one of MTN's ways of supporting its loyal customers as they engage in their regular travel for different purposes."
Iweanoge added, "The goal of our partnership with Air France KLM is to add value to our customers. Air France KLM and MTN are two companies that place a high premium on customers and with the Yuletide drawing near, there is no better deal for business travellers, tourists and holiday seekers than this offer."
Speaking on the partnership, Commercial Director, Air France KLM, Nigeria and Ghana, Arthur Dieffenthaler said, "We share a bank of loyal customers who frequently use both our products not only in Nigeria but also abroad. Roaming outside Nigeria, they need to know that we care, that is why we decided to create an unbeatable offer for the end consumer."
L-R: Customer Relations Executive, MTN Nigeria, Ms. Ugonwa Nwoye; Commercial Director Nigeria and Ghana, Air France KLM, Mr. Arthur Dieffenthaler; Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Rahul De; Human Resource and Corporate Services Executive, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola and General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Richard Iweanoge at the MTN - Air France KLM partnership announcement in Lagos
On how the loyalty offering will run, Dieffenthaler went on to reveal that the customers who intend to take up this offer will receive a special code from MTN as a unique identifier and send travel plans to a dedicated Air France KLM email address -mail.mtn.afkl@airfrance.fr quoting the unique code, amongst other information.
Air France will then send a confirmation response to the customer, advising on travel itinerary and giving details of the discounted price. Once payment is effected, an e-ticket is issued to the customer.
The period of purchase of the tickets runs from the 14th to 31st October 2016; while tickets remain valid till the end of December, which means that beneficiary customers must travel and return before 31 December 2016.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday launched an Adult Education Programme tagged 'Lagos is Learning (Èkó nk? kòó)', a move he said was in line with his administration's commitment to combat the illiteracy level in the State.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the launch of the programme, held at the Police College, Ikeja, said the target was to raise the literacy level in the State from 85 per cent to 100 per cent within the next three years.
To achieve this, the Governor said the adult education centers in the State would be increased from 522 to 1000, while additional 1000 teachers would be engaged, adding that the programme would be free of charge for participants so as to accommodate more people.
Governor Ambode, who was represented at the launch by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the number of illiterate persons in the State was not consistent with his vision to make Lagos Africa's model mega city, hence the need to address the situation.
He said, "In Lagos, research also shows that 13 per cent of the population, meaning about three million persons, are illiterates. This level of illiteracy is unacceptable. The high population of illiterate people is not consistent with our vision to become Africa's model mega city because illiterate person lack basic literacy, numeracy and essential skills which makes them more vulnerable to activities of criminals and they can easily be lured into anti social groups.
"Basic literacy is essential for economic empowerment and to understand and follow simple instruction in the areas of health, transportation, safety and others. Today, we are launching this Eko Nke Ekoo project with the objectives of kicking illiteracy out of Lagos. Our goal is to achieve 100 percent literacy for all Lagosians. Towards this end, we plan to increase the number of basic and post literacy centers from the current 532 to 1,000. We will also engage additional 1,000 facilitators who will be trained in basic skills and techniques in the teaching of adult education."
The literacy centres, according to the Governor, would offer courses including Education, Fashion designing, Soap making, Hair dressing and Bead making, among others.
Besides, Governor Ambode said the State Government would aggressively promote literacy initiatives through all media channels, while channels of literacy contents, radio literacy programmes, mobile literacy centres and other innovative channels would be multiplied and diversified across the State.
"To achieve this, the Ministry of Education, through the office of the Special Adviser on Education and Agency for Mass Education under the direction of the Deputy Governor, will strengthen relationship with various stakeholders including private organizations, international funding agencies, government agencies, religious organizations, community based and several NGOs running literacy and empowerment programmes".
"I encourage residents of Lagos to take the opportunity to learn. It is never too late to learn; age is not barrier to acquire basic literacy. It will help the learners forge a better understanding between the government and the people and as well aid personal development," he said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said the initiative was to improve the standard of living of adults without formal education while growing up and make them self reliant and employable.
The joint military task force deployed to the Niger Delta to protect oil facilities said it arrested several oil theft suspects and killed a suspected militant in a gun duel.
This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Cdr. Thomas Otuji, Spokesman of the military force "Operation Delta Safe,".
According to the statement, the operations were carried out within the past seven days across the Niger Delta region.
"In one of the operations, troops arrived the suspected militants' hideouts following a tip off and engaged them in a gun battle.
"One was killed and two suspects arrested.
"Items recovered include one AK- 47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition."
In another development, troops of Operation Delta Safe deployed to Southern Akwa Ibom received distress calls from the public of illegalities along Quo Iboe Terminal Jetty waterside in Ibeno community.
According to Otuji, the troops cordoned the area up to Oron waterside and encountered suspected oil thieves engaged in illegal refining activities.
"Some of the criminals absconded on sighting our troops, however, 13 oil thieves were apprehended."
He said that the suspects are in the custody of the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE in Ikot Abasi for further investigation.
Items recovered from the suspected oil thieves include- three wooden Cotonou boats, 180 units of 200 litres capacity drums filled with illegally refined petroleum products and one locally made pistol.
Following a distress call received by troops in Bayelsa, indicating that sea pirates were terrorising innocent citizens at Ogubene Creeks, troops deployed to Kulama oil rig trailed the pirates to the location.
"The pirates fled on sighting gunboats from a distance. The troops, however, rescued one Mr Dokubo Charles who said pirates absconded with his 25 Horse Power engine mounted on a wooden boat.
"The pirates are being trailed for possible apprehension," Otuji said.
He said that the troops also discovered and seized two large metal barges at Adokiri around Okrika axis used by oil thieves.
The barges contained about 500,000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude oil.
Also while on surveillance patrol of Chevron pipeline at Sagbama Creek in Warri West Local Government, the troops discovered an illegal pipeline buried under ground by suspected vandals, Otuji added.
"The pipes were neatly connected to wellheads with a recoiling wire. The pipes and recoiling wires were detached and destroyed."
Otuji applauded the support of the Niger Delta communities in the ongoing efforts to rid the region of criminals and restore peace and urged them to sustain the efforts.
Leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has expressed gladness at the release of 21 school girls out of the 200 kidnapped from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno, in April, 2014.
In an interview in Abuja on Thursday, Ndume said that the release of the girls was a sign that more girls would be released.
He said that he was excited on the news because the kidnapped girls were like his own children.
"This is pleasant news coming to us, especially because these are our own children; so it gives us hope, it shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
"It gives us that confidence; we have 21 girls now plus the 22 that had escaped earlier.
"We are praying and we will continue to pray and we will continue to encourage everybody that is involved in one way or the other to do everything to get these girls back whatever it would take.
"I actually appreciate the government's effort.
"Even though we have been bombarding the government with demands, issues, noise making, the results have started coming out.
"We want to really commend the effort of whoever that is involved," he said.
Nigerian Senate has approved the allocation of three per cent of Value Added Tax (VAT) accruable to the Federal Government in the next 10 years for the rebuilding of the North-East.
This was sequel to the adoption of the recommendation of the Ad hoc Committee on North-East Development Commission Bill, which also proposed that the commission be domiciled in Borno.
It would be recalled that in June when the Bill came for third reading, the two issues of allocation and headquarters of the commission stalled its consideration.
The Committee on Special Duties had proposed that the commission's headquarters be located in Abuja but Sen. Ali Wakil insisted that it should be sited in Bauchi.
Other senators from North-East states of Gombe and Borno, who also deferred, insisted that the commission headquarters be located in their own states.
Another contentious issue which the senators kicked against then was the proposal that 15 per cent of federal allocation to every state of the region be deducted at source for funding the commission.
The proposal that 50 per cent of ecological fund meant for each of the six North-East states should be deducted at source for the funding of the commission was also rejected by the lawmakers.
Due to the disagreements, the upper chamber was forced to suspend the clause-b- clause consideration of bill, and therefore, formed a committee to look into the contending issues.
During plenary on Thursday, the lawmakers agreed with the ad hoc committee which proposed that three per cent of Federal VAT be allocated to the commission for the next 10 years.
Presenting the report of the committee, its Chairman, Sen. Sam Egwu, said that the committee agreed with all other funding arrangements proposed by the bill.
"The committee reviewed and agreed with the funding arrangement that was proposed in the Bill but for the aspect that sought five per cent of the Federal VAT without a time frame.
"Consequently, the committee reviewed the amount to five per cent of the Federal VAT for the period of 10 years that will serve as intervention from the Federal Government," he said.
With the adoption of the committee's recommendation, the funding of the commission will also include 15 per cent of allocation to the six North-East states.
Also forming part of the funding is a 50 per cent deduction of the ecological fund due to the six North East states.
After adopting the recommendations, the Senate referred the Bill to the Committee on Special Duties chaired by Sen. Murtala Nyako.
The committee is to effect the changes in the area of funding and location of the commission and bring the Bill back for final passage (Third Reading).
Controversial Paris Saint-Germain full-back Serge Aurier is under investigation by FIFA after making a throat slitting gesture duing a World Cup qualifier last weekend.
Ivory Coast international Aurier celebrated a goal against Mali by turning to the crowd and dragging his finger across his throat.
“A preliminary investigation is underway,” football’s world governing body told AFP on Thursday.
The tough 23-year-old made the hand gesture after his cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Mali’s Salif Coulibaly to give the Ivory Coast a 2-1 lead in Bouake before they went on to win the match 3-1.Serge Aurier
Although he came under fire in some quarters on social media, Aurier was the subject of some rare positive attention on Wednesday.
Mali coach Alain Giresse praised the player Wednesday in a French radio interview, claiming Aurier’s quick-thinking had helped save Malian Moussa Doumbia’s life as the unconscious player was in danger of swallowing his tongue.
“Serge Aurier, along with one of our players, had the presence of mind to quickly put him (Doumbia) on his side and to use his hand to pull his tongue out as he was dying,” Giresse told RMC.
“It was incredible from Aurier. I spoke to him afterwards and I even thanked him for his cool head.”
The FIFA probe, however, is the latest in a series of incidents involving the talented right-back.
Shocking comments on social media about his then-PSG coach Laurent Blanc and current Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw him sidelined from the team for six weeks last season.
Last month he was sentenced to two months in prison for assaulting a police officer in May outside a Paris nightclub — although in France such short sentences are automatically commuted.
The Advisory Board of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, sponsored essay competition, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, led by Professor Ayo Banjo has announced Abubakar Adam Ibrahim as winner of the 2016 edition of the prestigious Prize for literature.
Ibrahim, who won for his entry, A Season of Crimson Blossoms, received a cash prize worth §100, 000, with his novel, Season of Crimson Blossom.
Professor Banjo described Abubakar's Season of Crimson Blossoms, his first novel, as "skilful and sympathetic narrative."
The novel is set in the conservative northern Nigeria and tells the story between a 55-year-old widow, Binta and 25-year-old 'area-boy' Reza. Their lives become intertwined when Reza tries to rob Binta.
Adam, a journalist, won the Prize beating, Elnathan John’s ‘Born on a Tuesday’ and past winner Chika Unigwe’s 'Night Dancer’.
The prize for the winners, which is awarded annually by the NNLG was announced Wednesday at a World Press Conference held in Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
Three finalists had earlier been named for this year's edition of the prize.
They were Elnathan John (author of Born On A Tuesday); Chika Unigwe, (author of Night Dancer), and, Mr. Ibrahim.
A total of 173 authors of prose fiction entered for the competition this year, which had at the head of its judging panel Prof. Dan Izevbaye, the renowned professor of Literature and literary critic.
The other judges include Asabe Usman Kabir, professor of Oral and African Literatures at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and Isidore Diala, professor of African Literature in the Department of English, Imo State University, Owerri.
Celebrating literary excellence for the twelfth year running, the Nigeria Prize for Literature has since 2004 rewarded eminent writers such as Gabriel Okara for his Volume, The Dreamer, His Vision (co-winner of the 2005 prize, awarded in the genre of poetry); Ezenwa Ohaeto, for Chants of a Minstrel (co-winner in 2005 for poetry); Ahmed Yerima (2006, drama) forHard Ground; Mabel Segun (co-winner in 2007, awarded for children's literature) for her collection of short plays Reader's Theatre; and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner in 2007, children's literature) with My Cousin Sammy.
Also, Kaine Agary (in 2008, for prose) for her novel, Yellow Yellow; Esiaba Irobi (2010, for drama) who won the prize posthumously with Cemetery Road; Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, children's literature) with The Missing Clock and Chika Unigwe (2012, prose), with her novel, On Black Sisters' Street, Tade Ipadeola (2013, for poetry) with his collection of poems, The Sahara Testaments and Sam Ukala (2014, drama) with his play, Iredi War.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly amongst four literary genres - prose fiction, poetry, drama and children's literature. The 2016 Prize is for prose fiction and comes with a cash prize of $100, 000. Next year's prize will be for poetry.
Mr. Ibrahim, journalist and writer is a first-time novelist. He was winner of the BBC African Performance Prize, the Amatu Braide Prize for Prose; a Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow (2013) and Civitella Ranieri Fellow (2015) - lays out the influences that have shaped his world view, and his hope of possibly winning the grand prize.
Donald Trump fought back hard Thursday against a cascade of sexual misconduct allegations that threatened to derail his troubled White House bid, slamming the media revelations as politically-motivated slander.
Claims by at least six women have come to light in accounts reported by The New York Times, NBC, People Magazine and other outlets, most of them after the Republican nominee asserted in Sunday’s debate with Democratic rival Hillary Clinton that he had never sexually assaulted women.
Trump’s accusers, who include a beauty queen, a journalist and a sales representative, countered that claim, saying the brash real estate mogul made unwanted physical advances against them in years past, including groping and kissing.
With his campaign in free-fall since last week’s release of a damning tape in which he boasts of groping women, Trump lashed out, denying any of the alleged incidents took place, while his legal team branded the Times story “libelous.”
“The phony story in the failing @nytimes is a TOTAL FABRICATION,” Trump posted on Twitter early Thursday.Trump
Trump’s campaign threatened to sue unless the paper retracts the article.
“Your article is reckless, defamatory and constitutes libel per se,” the candidate’s lawyer Marc Kasowitz wrote in a letter to the Times, calling it “a politically-motivated effort to defeat Mr Trump’s candidacy.”
The incendiary reports come with just 26 days left in a presidential race that has descended to unprecedented levels of vulgarity — and six days before the final Clinton-Trump debate, in Las Vegas.
With Clinton leading in national polls, the 70-year-old billionaire is desperate to set his campaign back on track after a video recording from 2005 surfaced last week in which he boasted of grabbing women by the crotch.
“When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything,” he said.
Trump has apologized for the comments, but also sought to minimize them as “locker room talk.”
– ‘Like an octopus’ –
The allegations against Trump, which date from between 10 and 30 years ago, suggest a pattern of sexually inappropriate behavior towards women.
Jessica Leeds, a 74-year-old former businesswoman, told the Times that Trump groped her on a flight in the early 1980s as they sat next to each other in first class.
About 45 minutes after takeoff, Trump began grabbing her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt, she said.
“He was like an octopus,” Leeds told the daily.
“His hands were everywhere,” she added. “It was an assault.”
A second accuser, Rachel Crooks said she was a 22-year-old receptionist at a real estate company in Trump Tower in 2005 when she encountered Trump outside an elevator one morning.
After she introduced herself, he “kissed me directly on the mouth,” she told the Times.
“It was so inappropriate,” Crooks added. “I was so upset that he thought I was so insignificant that he could do that.”
“None of this ever took place,” Trump told the paper, calling its reporter a “disgusting human being.”
– ‘Against the wall’ –
Among the other accusations, Mindy McGillivray, 36, alleged that Trump grabbed her rear end as she worked as a photographer’s assistant at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in 2003, the Palm Beach Post reported.
“I was startled. I jumped,” she was quoted as saying.
The New York Times and Palm Beach Post both spoke with friends and family of the women, who corroborated their accounts and knew of the incidents before Trump’s “hot mic” video was released.
People Magazine also published an account Wednesday by a former staff writer who said Trump forced himself on her when she interviewed him at Mar-a-Lago in 2005.
“Trump shut the door behind us,” Natasha Stoynoff wrote. “I turned around, and within seconds he was pushing me against the wall and forcing his tongue down my throat.”
Trump denied the allegation outright, tweeting: “Why didn’t the writer of the twelve year old article in People Magazine mention the ‘incident’ in her story. Because it did not happen!”
In yet another account published on Facebook, Cassandra Searles, who was Miss Washington 2013, claimed that Trump had “continually grabbed my ass and invited me to his hotel room,” Yahoo News reported.
Former Miss Utah Temple Taggart McDowell also told NBC that Trump inappropriately kissed her on the lips when she was a 21-year-old contestant in his Miss USA pageant in 1997, and again in Trump Tower.
None of the women reported the incidents to police at the time.
Trump had repeatedly threatened to damage his Democratic rival by reviving allegations of sexual misconduct against her husband.
He made good on that promise by appearing with three of Bill Clinton’s women accusers ahead of Sunday’s debate, and alleging on stage — before tens of millions of viewers — that the former president was “abusive.”
But heading into the final stretch of the brutal campaign, it appears the tables have been turned — with allegations of sexual misconduct instead tipping Trump’s campaign into chaos, and fuelling a crisis that Republicans fear could cause lasting damage to the party.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telecommunication consumers against the usage of substandard handsets.
Mr Joseph Atoyebi, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs of the commission gave the warning on Thursday in Abakaliki during a Consumer Outreach Programme .
According to him, such handsets are responsible for the various network and related problems they experience during dialing or receiving of calls.
"Consumers should use the handsets outlined in our manual as they have been certified to be efficient for telecommunication usages," he said.
Atoyebi also urged consumers who use smart phones to be aware of its complexities which are responsible for the difficulties experienced while using them.
"Many consumers complain that their data and credit are illegally deducted by service providers but they should understand that smart phones have various complex attributes.
"Smart phones should be switched-off when not in use as they automatically upgrade themselves and can deduct data in the process," he said.
He also informed consumers that borrowing of credit from service providers is a business strategy which is not offered without costs.
"There are stipulated deductions from credit lent to consumers by service providers as nothing is free in the business parlance.
"Consumers are obligated to ensure the security of telecommunication installations such as masts and ensure they are not vandalised.
"They should also not buy 'SIM' cards that are already registered and not use their phone lines for criminal activities such as kidnapping," he said.
Gov. David Umahi in his remark said that telecommunication plays an important role in advancing the growth and development of any society.
Umahi represented by his Deputy, Dr Kelechi Igwe noted that the nation would experience economic revitalisation if opportunities offered by telecommunication were properly harnessed.
"The NCC as the ombudsman can properly regulate unsolicited text messages, ring tones and illegal deductions by service providers and use it as a catalyst for economic growth."
He said that the state government has inaugurated the Ebonyi Telecommunication Infrastructure Compliance Agency to ensure legal and proper development of telecommunication infrastructure in the state.
Mr Temipope Ogunsola, a Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) official informed the audience that most messages they claim to be unsolicited were actually for educational purposes.
The outreach programme which is the 79th edition in the NCC series has its theme as, 'Information and Education as a Catalyst for Consumer Protection.'
1: 21 out of 218 have been released today (Thursday) October 13, 2016 .
2: They were abducted by terrorist Boko Haram group in their school dormitory beds in April 2014.
Some of the 21 released Chibok girls are shown Thursday in Banki, Nigeria, near the Cameroon border, in a photo. CNN.
3: Their release is part of a deal brokered by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss government with the terrorist group and presidency said negotiations for the release of the remaining girls are still on.
4: A close Presidency source said no jailed Boko Haram fighter was exchanged for the girls.
5: The girls are in the custody of the Department of State service, DSS and the agency's Director General, Malam Daura has briefed President Buhari of the development.
6: The names of the released girls are yet to be announced.
7: The girls are currently resting from the tedious journey back home.
8: The Presidency spokesman on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said the girls would be handed over to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
9: The President, Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed the girls.
10: Sources revealed that the girls were rescued Thursday by military helicopter in Banki area of Borno state where Boko Haram militants had left them.
Following Thursday’s release of 21 out of the 218 Chibok school girls abducted by the terrorist Boko Haram group in Nigeria, the former minister of Education, and leading voice on the global #Bring Back Our Girls campaign, #BBOG, Oby Ezekwesili has expressed gratitude to God and equally thanked both the President Muhammadu Buhari and the gallant Nigerian soldiers for seeing to the safe release of the girls.
Dr Oby Ezekwesili
Oby who took to the social media to express her joy over the release of the girls said her mood was that of weeping, a cry that is an admixture of multiple emotions.
Calling on all Nigerians and the world to join voices with the Psalmist’s song of 126 in thanking God, she said at 4am in California, she could not sleep again because of joy.
“I can only weep, right now. You know that kind of cry that is a mix of multiple emotions. Lord. Some of OUR Girls ARE BACK!!! B. A. C. K.!!”
“DAY913 of OUR #ChibokGirls. WE, @BBOG_Nigeria so thank our soldiers in the frontline of battle. You’ve given &keep giving so much SACRIFICE,” She concluded.
The released girls were among the 219 students stolen from their dormitory bed in Chibok community, Borno State on April 14, 2014.
The Chibok girls were exchanged for four Boko Haram prisoners in Banki, an officail of the Ministry of Information said. The girls were exchanged for four Boko Haram prisoners in Banki, northeast Nigeria, said a local source.
A government official said the 'insurgents released the 21 Chibok girls to the Nigerian government'
Other sources revealed that the Chibok girls were rescued in Banki area of Borno state where Boko Haram militants had left them Thursday by military helicopter.
Recall that in previous videos from the militant group, its leader, Abubakar Shekau had demanded the release of Boko Haram fighters in exchange for the Chibok girls.
An Icelandic deputy spoke in parliament on Wednesday while breastfeeding her baby daughter in the full glare of live television cameras, an act she described as “the most natural thing in the world”.
Unnur Bra Konradsdottir, of the right wing Independence Party, stood to make her comments in the Althingi (parliament) while feeding the six-week old girl.
“On the contrary, she would have been bothered if I had stopped feeding her to speak,” the mother-of-three added.
Icelandic media confirmed that this was a first for the country which is at the forefront of gender equality and gave the world, in 1980, the first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdis Finnbogadottir.
The deputy said the rigours and responsibilities of political life did not alter her duties as a mother.
“It’s like any job, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” she said.
Breastfeeding in public has become a hot topic in many countries. For the Icelandic MP, however, “it is the most natural thing in the world”.
Elected to parliament in 2009, Konradsdottir is a member of its social protection committee and heads the committee on school affairs
…Commissions Water Hyacinth, Debris Removal Machines …Boat Operators Laud Gov Over Equipment
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday begun the process of ridding the State’s waterways of debris and hyacinth, with the view to boost water transportation and positively scale up activities relating to the waterways.
Speaking at the commissioning of two Water Hyacinth and Debris Removal Machines held at Ebute Ero Jetty, the Governor said for a long time, hyacinth which is otherwise known as aquatic weed, had been a major source of concern with attendant challenges to the waterways sector.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said the machines were purchased by his administration to frontally address the challenges posed by water hyacinth, adding that same was in line with the strategic implementation of Lagos master plan for the waterways.
He said, "We have bought the machines to take away debris and hyacinth from the Lagoon. The machines will encourage water transportation and this initiative is necessary now that we are working towards clean-up of the waterways.
“It will also encourage fishery so that the water economy will be improved upon,” the Governor said.
Ambode
In her welcome remarks, Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr. Abisola Kamson, said the commissioning was a dream come true as the machines would go a long way in eradicating the menace of water hyacinth on marine ecosystems of the State particularly the Ikorodu, Ajah, Badagry, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Mile 2 and Epe axis.
She said aside negatively affecting the socio-economic activities of fishermen and inhabitants of the riverine communities, water hyacinth, which is a seasonal threat, had brought about damages to propulsion system of boats thus affecting water transportation.
Giving technical insight as to the workings of the machine, Kamson said it acts like an underwater lawn mower and cuts the vegetation, as well as collects and store weeds and debris, while it is fitted with a pick up conveyor at the forward end which can be lowered up to six feet deep into the water for effective cleaning of the waterways.
She said: “This symbolic gesture by the Lagos State Government is jump-starting the clean-up of our waterways and preparing ground for other revolutionary activities of LASWA’s development plan to transform the Lagos Waterways to world class standards.
“To us at LASWA and indeed the entire waterways family, we will remain ever grateful to Governor Ambode and the entire State cabinet for arming us with teeth to bite the water hyacinth menace that continuously traumatize our waterways.”
She also pledged that the machines would not be under-utilized, assuring that they would be deployed immediately for clean-up of the waterways.
Besides, Kamson said arrangement had been concluded with the Ministry of Environment to increase monitoring activities with the view to ensuring that those who disrespect the waterways through dumping of waste, pollution, defecation and other illegal activities are made to face the full wrath of the law.
On his part, Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of Association of Tourism Boat Water Operators, Chief Wellington Ilori-Akingbulu commended Governor Ambode and his team for the initiative, saying the machines would go a long way to remove the incessant accidents and engine problems caused by water hyacinth and debris.
The Nigeria Football Federation has again praised the Federal Government and the Federation's sponsors for the successful prosecution of Sunday's 2018 FIFA World Cup African Qualifying Matchday 1 encounter against Zambia in Ndola.
Two first -half goals by England -based Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho steered the three -time African champions to a 2-1 win, three precious points and early leadership of the so-called 'Group of Death' in the World Cup qualifying race.
"We cannot thank the Federal Government, and the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports enough for their kind gestures. We also cannot appreciate our sponsors enough, particularly Supersport. Their good intentions made everything possible, and made the victory even sweeter.
"The Government and our partners and sponsors are our strength. There is not much that we can do without them," NFF President Amaju Pinnick said on Thursday.
Pinnick
Aware of the challenges at hand, major partner Supersport paid the charter cost of the 148 -seater ARIK Air plane that conveyed the delegation to and from Ndola, in addition to paying ticket refunds for the overseas -based players.
"The gesture from Supersport was heartwarming, but we have always known the organization to be that responsive and of noble intentions. We thank our other sponsors as well, because at all times we must praise them for being there.
"The Honourable Minister was marvelous. He took our case to the Government and we got good support. We also cannot forget his leadership role on the trip. He put everyone at ease, played the good Leader of Delegation and delivered an inspiring message from President Muhammadu Buhari just before the team left for the Stadium in Ndola."
Pinnick said the NFF and the team have put behind the victory in Zambia and already fully focused on next month's Matchday 2 clash with the Fennecs of Algeria, who like Nigeria played at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.
"We have three points and lead the group, but we do not have the World Cup ticket yet. We must keep our heads. Picking three points in the encounter with Algeria next month is paramount."
"We also want to use this opportunity to appeal to other corporate organizations to join and assist the NFF with more financial support to help the Super Eagles land safely at Russia 2018, as Government alone cannot afford the huge cost of prosecuting these games, with so many other sectors in need of support."
By Rotimi Ojomoyela Ado – Ekiti-Ekiti state Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has the described the celebration of the Federal Government over the release of 21 Chibok girls by the Boko Haram, as not only diversionary, but a tactic employed to divert the attention of Nigerians away from the hunger and outrage generated by crackdown on judges.
The governor said “Nigerians have had enough of anti-corruption war” saying it is high time President Muhammadu Buhari addressed massive hunger that is killing many people in the country.
Fayose said this on Thursday at the commissioning of a three-block classrooms built at the Erelu Adebayo Children’s Home in Iyin Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area as part of activities marking his second year in office.
In his words, “What they came out today to tell Nigerians that 21 abducted Chibok girls have been released by the Boko Haram group is diversionary.
Nigerians have never had it so bad. People are very hungry. What they did today is just to divert attention from what they did last week by clamping judges and justices into detention. While no one is saying corruption should be condoned, but the due process must be followed.
“The Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government that they labelled as inept, did better than this. The exchange rate of the naira to the dollar is unacceptable. The situation has led to hyper-inflation where what people used to buy for N30,000 can not be bought with N100,000?. Look at the elections that have been conducted since they came to office, all the gains recorded by the previous government as far as democracy is concerned are being eroded,” he said.
Fayose said: “Food security is number one, they should stop fooling us; our economy must be urgently addressed because Nigerians voted for the government in power so that they can enjoy better lives.
“There is hunger everywhere, many husbands had turned to wives in their families. Nigeria is hard to live in and we pray that God will change this change for us.
“It is not good for a government to be catching thieves and kidnappers everyday while its citizens are hungry. Everybody is now a thief in Nigeria, we need prayer in Nigeria and we need divine intervention.
“Our people are suffering under the APC government, I am not afraid of what man can do to me. They have taken our rights away from us but I am not afraid because if you want to catch me you must slaughter God.
“We have had enough of diversionary tactics, they are using the report of Chibok girls’ release to cover up the undue arrest of our judges. Trampling on our rights is trampling on the Constitution.
“We want food on our table because propaganda does not amount to food on the table of our citizens. Let them continue to conspire, I will continue to rule them.
“Those waiting for me, tell them that they will continue to wait in vain. I am going somewhere, God is taking me to somewhere in Nigeria whether my adversaries like it or not, Fayose said.
He accused the Buhari Administration of resort to propaganda to deceive Nigerians whom he said urgently need food on their tables.
The governor announced the donation of N250,000 to purchase uniforms for the inmates in the orphanage and another N250,000 for their food supplements placing a curse on any official who diverts the money into his/her private pockets
Venus Williams was eliminated from the Hong Kong Open Thursday by France’s Alize Cornet after a tightly fought match.
The 49th-ranked Cornet beat the American, ranked 14 in the world, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 7 minutes.
She will face defending champion Jelena Jankovic of Serbia at the next stage.
Top seed Angelique Kerber of Germany won her match against America’s Louisa Chirico, which was suspended after a little over two sets on Wednesday when rain stopped play.
Kerber dominated in the third set on Thursday, ultimately winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, and is in the top spot on the road to Singapore’s WTA finals. She will play Australia’s Daria Gavrilova in the next round.
Britain’s Johanna Konta saw her chance to play in Singapore’s WTA finals fade after she withdrew from the Hong Kong Open with an abdominal injury Thursday.
“Obviously never the ideal way to finish the tournament, never the intention when you come here to play,” said Konta.
Konta was in Hong Kong to try to cap a stunning rise over the last 15 months from 146th to ninth in the rankings.
The 25-year-old Sydney-born Briton broke into the top 10 with her run to the final at her maiden appearance at last week’s China Open.
She pulled out before a second-round match against China’s Wang Qiang, who will now face Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki on Friday.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has applauded the Police for the rescue of students and teachers that were kidnapped at Igbonla Model College, Epe Lagos.
In a statement by NANS President, Comrade Chinonso Obasi on Thursday, he urged the Federal Government to beef up the security apparatus in all the schools in the country so as to prevent such occurrence in the future.
The statement read: “An apt and timely efforts of men of the Nigerian Police Force in rescuing the Nigerians students and their teachers that were kidnapped at Igbonla Model College, Epe Lagos worth to be generally applauded.
“The students and their teachers that were abducted by unknown gunmen last week later regained freedom in the early hours of Tuesday 11th, October 2016. These students and their teachers after emancipation were reunited with their lovely families.
“Nigerian Students sincerely appreciate everybody that has contributed to this success, most especially, the men of the Nigerian police force for according maximum respect to the plight of Nigerian Students.
“We thereby urge the Federal Government to beef up the security apparatus in order to prevent such occurrence in the future.”
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-The Presidency has said that it is giving urgent medical attention to the 21 Chibok girls who regained their freedom from Boko Haram’s grip on Thursday.
To this end, a group of medical experts are currently attending to the girls in Abuja.
In a tweet, Mr. Laolu Akande, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s spokesman, said that “FG is now gathering medical and other support and care in Abuja for the just released 21 Chibok girls.”
Some of the 21 released Chibok girls are shown Thursday in Banki, Nigeria, near the Cameroon border, in a photo. CNN.
The girls may also be formerly received later today by the vice president.
But Akande told Vanguard on phone that Presidency’s priority was to ensure an improved health status of the girls first having stayed for more than 2 years in Boko Haram dungeon.
“Government wants to make sure that the girls get the best medical attention now.
“We will keep you informed of any development”, he said.
It will be recalled that the released 21 girls were among the 219 abducted school girls from Chibok community, Borno State on April 14,2014 by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
Some residents of Enugu on Thursday expressed joy over the release of some Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno in April 2014.
Speaking in Enugu, the residents commended the move by the Federal Government that led to their release and called for immediate psycho-social support for the girls.
The Executive Director, Women Aid Collective (WACOL), Prof. Joy Ezeilo, said the federal government had done well in that move irrespective of the condition of their release.
Ezeilo, a former United Nations Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, said the development had given Nigerians hope that the remaining girls still in detention would be freed by the insurgents.
"The Federal Government should make sure that the girls receive all the counselings and psycho-socio support they need for reintegration into the society," she said.
Ezeilo said even if the release of the girls was done on a swap deal between the government and insurgents, the process was a standard practice all over the world.
"Swap deal is allowed all over the world. It is done in exchange of prisoners and we welcome anything that will be done to release them," Ezeilo said.
The Archbishop, Episcopal Province of Enugu, Anglican Communion, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, said the release of the girls was cheering news.
Chukwuma, however, faulted the manner of their release, saying, "It is a good development but why are they releasing them bit by bit. There should have been a way to release all of them at once.
"We commend the federal government and urge them to make the girls comfortable before reintegrating them back to the society."
The President, Coal City Literary Forum, Mrs Adaobi Nwoye, said it was gratifying the girls were still alive in spite of whatever condition they were in.
Nwoye appealed to the federal government to ensure prompt rehabilitation of the girls as well as make necessary efforts to release the remaining girls.
"We thank God the girls are still alive whatever may have happened. The most important thing is their release.
"Government should help them to pick up from where they stopped," Nwoye said. (NAN) EOA/MNA/IM
The Federal Government has said that the release of the 21 Chibok school girls was never based on swap but on confidence building.
The minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this in Abuja at a world press conference held on the latest development on the abducted Chibok Girls.
Contrary to earlier report that the girls were released on swap basis he said the release was secured based on a very delicate negotiation and confidence built over time.
''We can confirm that 21 of the girls were released, safely to us by 5.30 this Thursday morning and they were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release.
Some of the 21 released Chibok girls are shown Thursday in Banki, Nigeria, near the Cameroon border, in a photo. CNN.
This is the most glaring manifestation to date of the unwavering commitment of Mr. President to secure the safe release of the girls and reunite them with their families.
It is also a result of the round-the-clock efforts by the administration to put a closure to the sad issue of the kidnap of the girls. We expect the released girls to land in Abuja shortly.''
Ahead of their arrival, he said that Federal Government had assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, trauma experts, etc to properly examine the girls, especially because they have been in captivity for so long.
He also disclosed that government will adequately debrief the girls and had started contacting their parents as part of the necessary verification exercise, adding that government will release the names to the public as soon as the verification is concluded,
