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
By Udeme Clement The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a bullion van belonging to a commercial bank in Nigeria, but used in smuggling rice into the country through the land border. The bullion van meant for conveyance of bank currency was intercepted by operatives of Oyo/Osun Customs loaded with smuggled rice through a tip off.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Compt. Ogunkua Tope, who disclosed this, displayed the vehicle at the Command's office in Ibadan , loaded with 50kg bags of rice. According to him, "The interception of a bullion van meant for carrying cash, but used in concealing smuggled imported foreign rice into the country illegally should send a serious signal to recalcitrant saboteurs of the Nigerian economy that there is no hiding place for them, especially as the juletide approahes".
The Bullion Van loaded with 50kg bags of rice
He went on, "We are determined to beat all their concealment patterns with our superior intelligence network, because the Service has equipped us with necessary work tools and adequate training to curb the menace of smuggling in the region.
It is worrisome to see that some Nigerians still remain unrepentant, even as they continue to lose. Not even the Federal Government's visible efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production as well as increase prevalence of expired imported rice with its hazardous health implications have touched their conscience to avoid rice smuggling.
However, our resolve to deal with them remains unshakened, more so now that the present management has directed thorough investigation with a view to prosecuting all those found connected to this illegal act. I am using this opportunity to appeal to well-meaning members of the public who want to engage in legitimate business to come forward for clarification or visit the Command headquarters for trade facilitation and enquiries."
"The recalcitrant ones who still insist on engaging in the illicit business of smuggling should be well advised that they would not escape the long arm of the law, especially as the yuletide approaches.
You will recall that we had reiterated our resolve to increase the revenue profile of the Command and to tirelessly reduce the incidence of smuggling. In keeping to this promise, the Command initiated new anti-smuggling strategies, which led to remarkable exploits seen in the seizures that include one bullion van loaded with rice, a fairly used Rover, one fairly used Toyota Highlander, two fairly used Toyota Camry, two fairly used Volkwagon, two fairly used Mecedes Truck loaded with rice, two fairly used Nissan Land Rover, one fairly used Man diesel truck, two fairly used Nissan Urvan loaded with rice, five fairly used Toyota Hiace loaded with rice, one fairly used Nissan Vannet loaded with smuggled imported rice, two fairly used Toyota Land Cruiser, one fairly used Mazda 626, one fairly used Honda Accord Saloon, one fairly used Toyota Duet,one fairly used Lexus GX470, one fairly used Daihatsu Atrai, one fairly used lite Ace bus, two brand new Land Rover Discovery truck carrying smuggled brand new Honda Accord, made at different locations within the Command's area of coverage".
Victor Anichebe was Sunderland's hero as they completed back-to-back Premier League victories despite the Stadium of Light briefly failing to live up to its name.
Anichebe's double after Jermain Defoe had racked up his 150th Premier League goal sealed a priceless win over fellow strugglers Hull and gave the Black Cats, who had Papy Djilobodji sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time, renewed hope of dragging themselves out of trouble.
Victor Anichebe in action for Sunderland
However, they were left sweating when the floodlights went out, prompting a unscheduled nine-minute second-half break. After order was restored, David Moyes' side killed off the game through the excellent Anichebe to claim their first three-point haul of the season at home in front of a crowd of 41,271 and ease themselves to within two points of the visitors.
On a day when Sunderland honoured 80-year-old Charlie Hurley, captain of the 1964 promotion team, the focus quickly shifted to the present and a future which remains uncertain. Black Cats keeper Jordan Pickford was called upon for the first time with less than two minutes on the clock when Dieumerci Mbokani showed Djilobodji a clean pair of heels to test him at his near post.
The factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has been accused of conspiring with the All Progressive Congress, the Federal Government and some selected media organisation to scuttle and frustrate the efforts of the judiciary in resolving the leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party.
This position was made by Comrade Austin Okai on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party Youth Frontiers in a statement addressed to reporters on Friday in Abuja.
Comrade Okai, who is the National Coordinator of the PDP Youth Group, said that the Sheriff faction has been employing gimmicks in a bid to frustrate the efforts of the Appellate Justices and the party since the commencement of hearing of the appeal filed by the party’s governorship candidate in Ondo state gubernatorial election, Barrister Eyitayo Jegede SAN, and the party’s National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi against the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“You will appreciate that Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his people have been frustrating the efforts of the members of the court of Appeal panel since the very day the appeal hearing commenced.”
“First, they blackmailed the first panel with false and baseless accusation which made them to recues themselves to save their honour.” “After a new panel was constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal, they employed the same tactics on this new panel hearing the appeal but sensing that this panel were not giving to their blackmail, they, in connivance with APC went to Supreme Court to file frivolous appeal in order to truncate the sitting of the Appeal panel that vowed to expedite justice. When it became clear to them that this new panel was determined to give justice, they filed a baseless case before the Supreme Court including the learned Appeal court justices as respondents. They got what they wished for when the panel announced suspension of the delivering judgement indefinitely pending the outcome of the case at the Supreme Court”.
“It is interesting for the world to know that Sheriff and his friends in APC have started working round the clock to scuttle the sitting of the Supreme Court that is scheduled to commence on Tuesday next week”.
“Already, an online media outfit that is known for propaganda has been recruited to launch media attacks on the personalities of the learned justices of the Supreme court”.
“We are also aware of the open boasts of the Sheriff camp saying that they will deploy every weapon in their arsenal including the federal might to scuttle and frustrate the Apex justices from expedite justice delivery, and thereby continue to distract the party from playing her patriotic opposition role, and also frustrate the efforts of the good people of Ondo state to freely elect Mr Jegede SAN, the party’s governorship candidate in November 26 election”.
“While we express absolute trust in the judiciary, we wish to warn Sheriff and his collaborators to desist from their evil acts that is already heating up the fragile polity and is threatening law and order”.
Comrade Okai concluded by lashing at both the federal government and the ruling APC.
“Nigeria is facing myriads of challenges, poverty is sweeping everywhere, recession is blowing everywhere, yet the federal government still feel that their problem is PDP. As for APC, they should first remove the wool in their eyes. They should fix the disagreement of their various factions. PDP is interested in PDP and Nigeria project. We shall overcome this in a couple of days and prepare for the government that our party shall form in 2019.” He concluded
Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) says about 6,000 students will be accommodated in the first phase of the institution's hostel projects.
Fagbohun disclosed this plan at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Lagos.
"Hostel is a critical component of university life; one of the major things that it does is bonding.
"It allows and assists for bonding within the students and even for effective management of the students.
"The good thing about it, the House of Assembly and pursuant to the directives of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, we have now been authorised to go ahead with hostel accommodation for our students.
"One of the things that is very common with Nigerians is uncompleted projects and you see a lot of interferences of political this; political that; everybody wanting to be part of hostel development.
"We did not want to engage ourselves in that. So we brought in transaction advisers, we brought in Price Water Coppers.
"We did an advert for expression of interests and it was heavily subscribed, we had about 40 companies that applied.
"We have now passed all of that to Price Water Coppers to do the selection, checking financial capability; checking the technical competence; checking the track records; doing a comprehensive diligence on all of those who have applied and making a selection.
"What we want to do in the first phase is to accommodate between 5,000 and 6,000 students.
"This development is going to be done at Ojo; it will also go on at our Epe campus where we have the Faculty of Engineering, the School of Agriculture and PGS programme (Post Graduate Students).
Fagbohun said that the university had to take that initiative because if it asked government to build the hostels, "it will not work because we all know there is so much demands on the purse of government. So government cannot do it alone''.
He explained that part of what the PWC was doing was to determine the rent at which to give the hostel rooms to students.
"This was a resounding point by the management during discussion that the charge must be affordable,'' he said.
He noted that the hostel charges must not be beyond the reach of the average student; it must be such that a student from any of the income group is able to afford.
According to him, the project will be done through public private partnership (PPP) as there is so much demand from the government by different sector.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr Godwin Emefiele, says Nigeria is on the verge of being self sufficient in food production.
The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN)reports that Emefiele spoke in Isa town, Sokoto State, on Saturday when he launched the 2016 Wheat planting season.
"The journey to make Nigeria self sufficient in food production, especially rice is being realised.
" This is where the country can feed itself and even have surplus for export," he said
Emefiele also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his ongoing efforts to diversify the nation's economy from heavy dependence on oil revenue.
He further said that the president also deserved commendation for allowing the bank to initiate the Anchor Borrowers Programme.
Emefiele commended Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for providing adequate subsidised fertilisers and other inputs to the farmers.
Tambuwal commended CBN for introducing the Anchor Borrowers Programme, saying that it had provided the needed funds to farmers in the country.
Tambuwal called on the Federal Government to come up with emergency plans to purchase excess grains from the farmers.
He also raised the alarm the massive exportation of grains from Nigeria portends great dangers to Nigeria's future food security.
Also, Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi extolled the programme, saying that Nigeria would be self sufficient in rice production by the end of 2016.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, also noted that the current laudable efforts of the Federal Government would lead to self sufficiency in food production.
Abubakar also pointed out that this was crucial as food security was next to nothing.
The Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Prof. Danbala Danju, said that the country is facing some existential threats.
" The population of the country is growing rapidly without corresponding increase in food production," he said.
Danju, who called for the urgent repositioning of the bank, hailed President Buhari for diversifying Nigerian economy away from oil.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, called for the support of the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 26 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
Buhari made this call stated at the Democracy Park, Akure, during the .
President Muhammadu Buhari and the The paramount ruler and Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, being entertained by members of the Akure South Cultural Troupe during a courtesy call on the Paramount Ruler as part of the visit of the President to participate in the Ondo State APC Grand Finale campaign for the forthcoming Gubernatorial Polls in Akure. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA 19/11/2016President Buhari joined by R-L: Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki , APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife as he joins in a group photo with Ondo APC Gubernatorial Aspirants shortly after meeting with APC Stakeholders in Ondo State on 19th Nov 2016President Buhari with R-L: Governor of Plateau State H.E. Simon Lalong, APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Wife of Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu and APC National Organizing Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso during the APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th Nov 2016President Buhari with Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Minister of Mines and Steel Kayode Fayemi and Jigawa State Governor H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar shortly after the Ondo APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th Nov 2016
By Evelyn Usman The International Police, INTERPOL, Abuja is investigating the disappearance of goods worth N24 million, packaged to be shipped from Birmingham, United Kingdom to Nigeria."Consequently, a UK-based Nigerian businessman and representative of a shipping company in the UK (names withheld), was arrested but later released while on a visit to Nigeria,
over his alleged involvement in the missing goods."Sunday Vanguard gathered that the indicted company, as contacted by another Nigerian businessman to ship three heavy duty power generating sets and other items to Nigeria, three months ago."
"The representative of the shipping firm was said to have sent an empty 40-foot container to the premises of Eagle Generators Limited, where the power generating sets were purchased in the UK, for onward journey to Nigeria at the sea port."However, apprehension set it , following a report of the disappearance of the heavy duty power generating sets."While the owner of the goods claimed that they were loaded into the container brought by the representative of the shipping company, the latter claimed the empty container was abandoned at the premises of the company where it was purchased, following the failure to load the goods into it."Speaking with Sunday Vanguard, the distraught owner of the three goods, Olowodola , explained that: "The three heavy duty generators as well as other items were actually loaded into the container by the representative of the shipping company and the staff of Eagle Generators Limited, which was witnessed by my humble self and one of my children."
"For avoidance of doubt and in accordance with cargo movement regulations, a fine is placed on any customer that extends beyond an agreed hour of loading. The shipping company’s representative made it clear between himself and and the seller who provided the equipment for loading that his company was going to be paid 55 Pounds for every extra hour spent in the process of loading outside the agreed number of hours. ""The shipping company’s representative’s trailer driver had been visibly agitated immediately he got to the point of loading because, according to him, he had been overworked and had worked till 3 a.m. of the previous day “.
""The shipping company’s representative informed everyone present that we had up till 6.30pm to complete the loading of the container. But to the amazement of all, by 6.11pm, the driver had removed the cabin of the loaded container and driven off the premises without waiting till 6.30pm bench mark set for the exercise."”It was more startling that the removal before the agreed time between the shipping company’s representative and his driver was not protested by him at all .
This act"suggested a suspected connivance between the driver and the shipping firm’s representative.""All entreaties by the seller and his assistants to persuade the driver from removing the cabin of the loaded truck and driving it away without the container proved abortive .""”As there was nothing nothing we could do since the container was loaded and sealed before the agreed 6:30 pm ,we left the loaded container,already on the flat bed, in the premises of the seller, since the shipping company’s representative assured that his driver was coming back the following morning by 8:00 am to pick up the loaded container to the seaport ."
“But by 2:00pm the following day (August 16, 2016), the shipping company’s representative called me on phone to say the loaded container had been stolen.""Germane to my suspicion also was that, on the morning of August 16 when the disappearance of the fully loaded container was detected, at our arrival (the shipping firm’s representative and Olowodola) we were told by Mr David, a staffer of the company that sold the generators, that agents of the shipping company had come earlier that day and made away with all the fragments of the broken seal used in securing the loaded container."”The shipping firm’s rep said that the truck we left behind was an empty container but I have pictorial evidence of when they were being loaded into the container. When I requested that the rep should submit his company’s insurance details, he refused. I also requested that he should take us to the company he rented the truck and container from, yet he refused, saying I had no business with the company but with him."
“Inspite of this great challenge, he told me that he was traveling to Dubai for a business meeting few days after the incident and from Dubai to Nigeria where he was going to remain for six weeks, hence leaving me in the cold. He truly left me in UK about the fifth day to sort myself out without any feeling of concern as to how to unravel this great mystery of the disappearance of a 40ft fully loaded container. The shipping company’s representative should tell the world what happened to my goods already delivered to him, in the container he provided". "He appealed to the INTERPOL not to allow itself to be blackmailed into shying away from investigating the matter."
However, the shipping firm’s representative accused the INTERPOL of meddling in a case that was being investigated by the police in the UK."In his petition to the Inspector-General of Police , Ibrahim Idris , through HURMA, he stated that the matter was being handled by policemen at the Birmingham Police Station under reference number 205W158583E16."The petition read in part: " Eagle Generators Limited failed to load the generators into the container between the hours of 11.30a.m. and 1.30pm as agreed and this necessitated the driver of the truck to leave the empty container behind so that it could be loaded at the seller’s convenient time and that the truck would return the following morning to take it to to port. "
" However when the driver returned to Eagle Generators Limited the following day, he found out that the container was missing. Owner of the firm, Nasir, reported the matter to Birmingham Police Station". "He stated that while on a visit to Nigeria for his father’s burial, he was arrested by men of the INTERPOL who were invited by owner of the missing goods, Olowodola, who was at the same time in Nigeria."The shipping company’s representative further alleged that his traveling documents were seized by the police, wondering why the case could not be transferred to the place of commitment for discreet investigation. "”When contacted,
Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Abuja ,Mr Olusola Subair, admitted that the shipping company’s representative’s passport was seized, but he assured that it would be released immediately they got a response from INTERPOL Manchester , which oversees England, on whether the case was reported at Birmingham or Stafford station as stated by the shipping company’s representative.
Akur – President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, called for support for the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 26 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
Buhari made this call stated at the Democracy Park, Akure, during the party's mega campaign rally.
"I am pleased with the Sept. 3 APC primary election that presented Rotimi Akeredolu as our party's candidate.
"We are here to show our support for Akeredolu and I am proud of APC and Akeredolu and God willing, he is going to be the winner of the forthcoming election.
" Talk to your colleagues, friends and family that there is no turning back," he said.
President Buhari joined by R-L: Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki , APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife as he joins in a group photo with Ondo APC Gubernatorial Aspirants shortly after meeting with APC Stakeholders in Ondo State on 19th Nov 2016
Also speaking, the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyige-Oyegun, said that the presence of the entire family of APC was highly significant.
Issac Kekemeke, the state chairman of APC, expressed optimism that APC would take over the state and join the the mainstream politics of the centre.
Kekemeke, who described the APC and Mr president as responsible, said that the APC was united, strong and set to deliver, come Nov.26.
Dr Oluwole Akinyelure, the APC South West National Vice Chairman, said that the state had yet to benefit from the present administration of PDP in the state despite oil producing benefits.
Akinyelure asked the people to vote for Akeredolu for a real change.
Gov. Simeon Lalong of Plateau, said that the president was taking people from captivity to prosperity, saying that Akeredolu was a known man of integrity.
Gov. Rochal Okorocha, the chairman of APC Governors' Forum, said that the president's visit was a sign of change, adding that a vote for the APC would be a liberation of the people from political bondage.
Appreciating his supporters, Akeredolu noted that the state could be in no other party than the APC.
The governorship candidate said that the state must join the mainstream politics to derive its benefits from the government at the centre.
He, however, called on the party supporters to mobilise and organise for vigorous campaign for the party in ensuring its victory in the coming election.
"After leaving this ground, go to your units, wards and do the needful," he said.
The dignitaries present at the rally include: Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Gov. Adams Oshiomole of Edo; Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Muhammed.
Among others were, the Minister of Solid Minerals Resources, Dr Kayode Fayemi and eight sitting governors.
Ahead of its commercial launch of satellite broadband in Africa in 2017, Satellite operator, Eutelsat Communication, Eutelsat Communications, has disclosed plans to cover more than 20 Sub-Saharan countries by 2019 with its Satellite broadband.
Announcing details of the phased roll out of its ‘Konnect Africa’ broadband venture at the just concluded AfricaCom held in Cape Town South Africa alongside a move to give the project a separate identity, the Marketing and business Development Director for Konnect Africa, Francois Boullet , who spoke to Vanguard in a telephone interview said that Satellite provides a quality, affordable and immediate solution, which can be adapted to both private and public needs.
Konnect Africa is expected to l offer a range of services from bandwidth supply to end-to-end solutions in Benin, Burundi, DRC, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda throughout 2017.
Noting that 341 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa live beyond a 50km range of fibre, he said that and many people in the continent may not ever have access to broadband if this is done only through fibre or 3G/4G technology.
He assured that Konnect Africa satellites would deliver high quality affordable broadband services in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Nothing that a similar project was launched successfully more than six years ago in Europe reaching more than 200 000 consumers, he said that Konnect Africa addresses any type of users and applications in any given point of the territory.
He said that Africa' brand by Eutelsat Communications marked a change in scope of the 'Broadband for Africa' venture set up to galvanise the market for satellite broadband services in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He said that the Konnect Africa 5-year development plan is built on 2 phases, adding that in phase 1 will have their operations over key regions ain second quarter of 2017. Phase 2 of the project, he said dedicated HTS satellite will be launched in 2019.
In post -5-years, Konnect Africa, he said is considering the upcoming VHTS technology to further increase the performance and economics of satellite broadband.
"Satellite provides a quality, affordable and immediate solution, which can be adapted to both private and public needs . Satellite based broadband provides national coverage with a homogeneous quality of service.
"Each location that is covered can benefit from the installation of a satellite link that offers the same service quality in sub-urban and rural areas.", he explained.
Bridging digital divide
The 'Konnect Africa' brand and new slogan, 'Taking Broadband Further', he added have been devised to reflect Eutelsat's ambition to accelerate satellite broadband connectivity across the African continent.
With a 20 strong team located in key African markets and in Europe, Konnect Africa , according to him, aims to become one of the leading suppliers of new-generation services, working in close partnership with African partners to promote high-quality broadband at affordable prices for homes and businesses, and contributing to reducing the digital divide on the continent.
Commercial launch on track for 2017
"The new brand is a new milestone in advance of the launch of commercial services that will start to
roll-out in 2017, ramping up to cover more than 20 Sub-Saharan countries by 2019", he said.
Konnect Africa's portfolio of services will be adjusted to the profiles and needs of its partners, to
match their position in the value chain: data, mobile or VSAT operators, ISPs and pay-TV platforms
that can bundle TV with Internet services. Konnect Africa will offer a complete range of services,
Rome – Pope Francis warned of a "virus of polarization and hostility" within the Catholic Church and broader society on appointing 17 new cardinals in the Vatican on Saturday.
"The virus of polarization and hostility is penetrating our way of thinking, feeling and acting. We are not immune to this and we should take care that such behaviour does not take root in our heart," the pope said.
In a ceremony at St Peter's Basilica, he named five new European cardinals, four from North America, two from South America, three Africans, two Asians and an Oceanian.
The diverse lineup is part of a bid to raise the international profile of the Catholic Church on the eve of wrapping up the 11-month Jubilee of Mercy.
The new cardinals were appointed at an official meeting of the College of Cardinals, known as a consistory.Pope Francis AFP PHOTO
Two Archibishops from war-torn countries were among those in line for promotion: Mario Zenari from Syria and Dieudonne Nzapalainga of the Central African Republic, which Francis visited in December just before the start of the jubilee.
Another notable figure to join the cardinalate is Ernest Simoni, 88, a simple priest who was persecuted in Albania during the country's communist past. Francis heard his story when he flew to Tirana in 2014.
The pope intended to visit his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery after the ceremony, with his newly ordained cardinals in tow, according to a statement from the Vatican.
Cardinals are known as the "princes" of the Catholic Church, and their main task is to elect popes. Only those aged under 80 can take part in the exercise, and 13 of the new appointees meet that requirement.
Argentina-born Francis, the first non-European pope since the 8th century, has worked to internationalise the Vatican.
Under his watch, the share of Europeans eligible to take part in the conclave, the papal election panel, has fallen from 52 to 45 per cent.
On Sunday, the pope and all cardinals were due to celebrate Mass in St Peter's Basilica to end the Jubilee of Mercy.
Francis was to close the Holy Door, which he opened at the start of the Catholic festival on December 8, 2015.
Catholic jubilees have been celebrated since 1300. Initially they were celebrated every 100 years, but the time interval was gradually shortened to 25 years.
In addition, popes can declare "extraordinary" jubilees, like the one ending Sunday.
They offer the faithful a chance to seek a general pardon for their sins as they walk through symbolic holy doors in churches.
For the Jubilee of Mercy, they were opened not just in Rome, attracting more than 20 million pilgrims, but also across the globe.
In a Friday interview with Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire, Francis said there was no "plan" behind his decision to hold the festival, except for strengthening people's faith in God's forgiving nature.
"Mercy is the name of God and is also his weakness," Francis said.
"I like to think that the Allmighty has a weak memory. Once he has forgiven you, he forgets."
Pope Francis created 17 new cardinals from across the globe on Saturday, elevating them in a time-honoured ceremony to an elite body that advises and elects popes.
Three of them are from the US, while others come from corners of the world where the Catholic Church needs a boost.
Dressed in red robes, the “princes of the Church” knelt before the pontiff to pledge their allegiance in a solemn ceremony.
Thirteen of them are under 80 and therefore eligible to take part in the next secret conclave to elect or become the head of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. They are known as cardinal electors.
History’s first Latin American pope is famed for wanting to reach out to far-flung dioceses often overlooked by Rome and he has largely shunned European candidates, favouring low-key, pastoral figures or men he knows.
The cardinal electors come from Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Central African Republic, Italy, Mauritius, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Spain, the United States and Venezuela.
Francis warned them against falling victim to a “growing animosity” between people, including within the Church, in a possible reference to divisions within the hierarchy over the pope’s bid for a more open, forgiving Church.
He also urged them to fight growing xenophobia in the world and protect those such as refugees, who are often classed as enemies.
– ‘Our greatest wealth’ –
“How many situations of uncertainty and suffering are sown by this growing animosity between peoples, between us! Yes, between us, within our communities, our priests, our meetings,” he said.
“We come from distant lands; we have different traditions, skin colour, languages and social backgrounds; we think differently and we celebrate our faith in a variety of rites. None of this makes us enemies; instead, it is one of our greatest riches,” he said.
The pope gave each man a three-cornered red hat, telling them that the colour symbolises “your readiness to act with courage, even to the shedding of your blood” for the Catholic Church.
They were also handed a gold ring of their high office.
Newly created Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago said he and the others were ready to act on the pope’s words.
“It’s getting out of hand in society today, where people almost have this contagious inflammation of animosity towards each other because they’re different, they speak different languages, they look different. Are we going to be swept up in this violence?
“We’re going to reach out to those we disagree with, we’re going to love our enemies,” he told AFPTV.
Cardinal Sergio da Rocha from Brazil echoed his words, saying: “We cardinals have to contribute… to make sure there is respect and dialogue everywhere, both in the Church and in the world.”
After the ceremony, the new cardinals visited retired pope Benedict XVI at his home inside the Vatican.
– Honorary ‘red hats’ –
The unexpected pick of three Americans reverses a trend that saw Francis pass over US candidates in his first two consistories.
The youngest of the new cardinals is 49-year old Dieudonne Nzapalainga, the archbishop of Bangui, who organised the pope’s 2015 visit to Central African Republic, where Francis opened the first “Holy Door” outside of Rome.
Some come from areas where Catholics are a distinct minority: Patrick D’Rozario is from Bangladesh where Christians represent just 0.03 percent of the total population, and only fifty percent of those are Catholics.
The sole Italian cardinal-elect is Mario Zenari, who is currently the papal envoy to Syria.
Among the four “red hats” over 80, who are given the title for service to the Church, is Albanian priest Ernest Simoni, who reduced Francis to tears in 2014 when he recounted the two decades he spent imprisoned for his faith during Albania’s brutal communist rule.
Another of the over 80s, Sebastian Khoarai from Lesotho, was not present because of ill health.
Francis has now named 44 cardinal electors, just over a third of the total of 120 allowed by Church law.
From the era of the 31 Ogisos to the reign of the current Monarch, the 40th, Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare N'Ogidgan 11, who had a historic and majestic ascent of the throne of his ancestors on Thursday, October 20, 2016, the Palace of the Benin Monarch, Eguae Oba N'Edo Ore Nokhua has remained a fortress, impregnable, Osa N'Ugiabi as revered as the exalted throne itself, and as majestic in splendor as the wise one,
Oghodua, who seats in grandiose panache surrounded by a galaxy of dignified Palace Chiefs in ready obeisance to the King's royal directives. However, like any other such glorious creation, Eguae Oba also has its challenges. It has been admired, envied and regarded with keen covetousness, even with Ekpen N'Owa, Home Leopard, Adimila, sitting time indeterminate to carry out the bidding of the gods of the land!
For the Benins, even in Erinmwin – the Spirit World – it is known, that "Aise agbon ri o Oba", Kings are created, and not made by man; this is a tradition to which generations of great sons and daughters of the Kingdom have become accustomed, for this reason, the law of primogeniture, succession by birth, subsists in this Kingdom, a definitive law re-enacted by Oba Ewuakpe who reigned from about 1700 AD- 1712AD.
Benin Monarchy
The Benins consider their Oba as God's supreme ruler and priest on earth. Prof. P.A. Igbafe, in an article written in 1979 affirmed the deification of the Benin Monarchy thus: 'The socio-political organization of Benin during the pre-colonial years of its history was dominated by the special position occupied by the Oba of Benin who was, and still is, the pivot around which everything revolved, the supreme religious as well as the civil authority in the land." The playwright, poet, historian, antiquarian journalist, teacher, native doctor and controversial African Traditional
worshipper, High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon in his book, Olokun Worship in Benin Kingdom also described the awe-inspired reverence for the personality of the Oba, "…taking metaphor to an expansive height, he is considered as God. Only God appoints, deposes him."
It was therefore for the Benin people the making of a taboo, a sacrilegious act, aigbe uru ebo, awua, breaking the pots of the gods, when Arisco Osemwegie, in connivance with some persons declared himself as Imperial Majesty, the Ogiamien of Utantan Benin Nation after a failed attempt to usurp the position of the reigning Ogiamien, Osarobo Okunghae, though said to have been last seen in public in 1998, a move which the Palace viewed as a rebellion in the Kingdom and resisted. Like a drunken poltergeist, the Osemwegie family moved on further to lay claim to the stool of the revered Benin Monarch in a publication in 'Ogiamien Trumpet' part of which claim is to the effect that …Ogiamien is the traditional and original landlord of Igodomigodo now Bini Kingdom." This insinuation as well as breaching the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law of 1979 which prohibits any person or group from proclaiming self as a Chief or Traditional Ruler, a breach of which is a criminal offence, was also irksome and drew the ire of both the traditional institution and the state government.
The Benin Traditional Council, BTC, expressed its angst in that regard and also, the Edo state Government, in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof Jullus Ihonvbere cautioned the section of the Ogiamien and Osemwegie families from bringing the name of the Benin Monarch, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa into disrepute by claiming to be a traditional ruler through imposition.
History, they say remains a great teacher and to ensure there is a place of reckoning for such historical event, the book, The Benin Monarchy and Ogiamien Connection, The Historical Facts was birthed, written by the duo of Chief(Hon.) Osayomwabo Ero and Simeon P. Owie, great sons of Benin Kingdom who so far as any claim to knowledge of history would go, have been bestowed with residue' knowledge of the Benin History and Tradition, and have been described by some members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm as "Mobile Archives for Benin History and Traditions".
The 269-page, eight chapter book with 8 appendixes, 2 tables, and 7 figures has beautiful histories and pictorial representations of important people, places and events which shaped the overall history of the great Benin Kingdom, from the Ogisoship which is said to have evolved from the Odionwere system to Oranmiyan whose memory has now been so celebrated by the current Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare N'Ogidigan 11, who declared on ascension to the throne of his ancestors that Oronmiyan be listed as the first Oba of Benin, making him, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare N'Ogidigan 11, the Oba of Benin' , the 40″ rather than the previously thought 39th Oba of Benin. The "Untold Story" of Prince Oranmiyan is an interesting one as vividly captured in this book, a table of great historical 'meals' served in 65 stylish and equally historical plates of moving images!
In the foreword, the lyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, vent into his akpama, bag of wisdom, and gave a vivid insight, like a refresher course, on how" a brand new version of Ogiamerusrn emerged in the year 2015 with unjustified, yet venomous tantrums of anti-royalist pretensions," and stated clearly that The Ogiamien Trumpet, as tool in the hands of a section of the Ogiamien family, was used to ridicule the highly revered Benin Monarchy and "Thus, it became necessary for us, as Omo
N'Oba's chiefs, to try and explain to enquiring friends and well wishers of Benin people, the non-existence of an origin for these attacks. 1t also became imperative to tell the story of the Ogiamien connection in Benin history."
According to him, it was during one of such usual meetings that the idea to sponsor the production of this tableware of histories arose. The foreword also delved into how, during the Ekaladerhan interregnum, Evian, later described in Chapter Three as " very hard working, brave blacksmith, farmer and renowned herbalist" spread the theory of Ogie mianwe n'aga, his idea that, "Kings are difficult to serve," a move which propelled the Ogiamien's attempted revolution.
"Nature abhors a vacuum and emptiness. The Ekaladerhan interregnum therefore, encouraged Evian, who was then an Okao Evbo, an administrator, to originate efforts to sell the idea of his offsprings becoming rulers in Benin to the people … this however, motivated the Edion N'Isen to intensify the restoration of the monarchy, the vital engagement to bring Prince Ekaladerhan back to his throne. The counter efforts, the saga of Ogiamien's attempted revolution, and the strong response of the Edion 'lsen, listed in Chapter Two as five elders and members of the Uzama Chiefs(Kingmakers or Crowners) who fought for the restoration and re-establishment of the Benin Monarchy which culminated in the second dynasty in about 1170 AD, which frustrated their efforts, constituted the genesis and the denouement of the Ogiamien anti-royalist insurgence in the Benin history, and thus, fast-tracked the beginning of the Oba Dynasty in the land. These events are admirably covered in this book." The lyase wrote.
The book makes a vivid incursion into the making of Kings in Benin Kingdom and the prominent, highly indispensable role of the Uzama Chiefs as Kingmakers or crowners, a group currently led by the 24th Oliha of Benin Kingdom, Chief Oliha Edionwe, starting from the first, Oliha Ogidan from about 1165AD.
From one mythology to another, historical accounts of how Benin snowballed into a great kingdom, with properly organized traditional leadership settings which naturally evolved from the Odionwere system, the ascertaining of the link between the Benins and Yoruba's through the person of Ekaladerhan, Evian in Igodomigogdo, and the position of Ogiamien in Benin history are all vividly captured in the book.
From the narrative, it becomes clear that Ogiamienism is not a new insurgency in the Benin Kingdom, from the Oba Ewedo who was the 5th Oba and on to eleven others.
The book, The Benin Monarchy and Ogiamien , The Historical Facts is a research material with hard work and experience as its imprints. It is a reference point and a handy manual for students of history . For anyone else who may be interested in studying the inimitable and indivisible Benin historical antecedence, this book is an encyclopedia to rely on,
Jose Mourinho was left frustrated as Arsenal rescued a late 1-1 draw at Manchester United, while Yaya Toure was back in Pep Guardiola’s good books with a brace in Manchester City’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Olivier Giroud converted Arsenal’s first effort on target in the 89th minute to salvage a point for Arsene Wenger’s side after Juan Mata’s 69th-minute strike looked to have earned United a much-needed win.
Arsenal remain without a league win at Old Trafford in 10 years and Wenger has still not beaten Mourinho in the league in 12 attempts.
But this was a draw that will have felt like a win for the Frenchman, particularly after Mourinho provocatively cited his 12-year wait for a league title in the build-up to the game.
“They could not be Arsenal the way they normally play football. We were phenomenal defensively,” Mourinho said, after Giroud’s thumping header extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions and left United with just two wins from their last nine league fixtures.
“They are the lucky ones and we are the unlucky ones. This team at the moment is the unluckiest team in the Premier League. That is the reality.”
Wenger, an old foe of the Portuguese, added: “The result in the end is positive for us because we were 1-0 down with two minutes to go.
“We lacked a bit of sharpness today. What is it down to? I don’t know, but at least we came back.”
Out-of-favour Toure’s only previous appearance since Guardiola’s appointment as City manager came in a Champions League qualifier against Steaua Bucharest in August.
But he was given a first Premier League start this term after he apologised to Guardiola for “misunderstandings of the past” and the Ivory Coast midfielder made up for lost time as he put City ahead with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area in the 39th minute.
City, who lost injury-prone defender Vincent Kompany with a first-half head injury, conceded a 66th-minute equaliser when Palace striker Connor Wickham beat a weak attempted save by Claudio Bravo.
Manchester City’s Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure (C) celebrates with Manchester City’s Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (L) and Manchester City’s Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho (R) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park in south London on November 19, 2016. Manchester City won the game 2-1. AFP
Guardiola’s men hit back to grab the winner in the 83rd minute as Toure slotted home following confusion in the Palace defence.
“I always want to improve my game. I was prepared mentally and I knew that one day my manager would need me. You must always stay professional,” Toure said.
– Floodlight failure –
Toure’s heroics lifted City to second place and they are behind leaders Liverpool only on goal difference after the Reds had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Southampton.
Liverpool had made their best start for eight years, sparking talk of a first title since 1990, but Jurgen Klopp’s side were unable to convert a host of chances.
Swansea were denied a first win under boss Bob Bradley as Everton left it late to earn a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
Bradley’s team struck in the 41st minute when Gylfi Sigurdsson was fouled in the penalty area by Phil Jagielka and the Swansea midfielder picked himself up to convert the spot-kick.
But Seamus Coleman saved Everton with an 89th-minute leveller as Swansea slipped to the bottom of the table.
Sunderland maintained their recent revival with a 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Hull in a match interrupted by floodlight failure.
David Moyes’ relegation-threatened side had lost four of their five home league games this season, but they went in front through Jermain Defoe’s 150th Premier League goal in the 34th minute.
At the Stadium of Light, of all venues, floodlight problems early in the second half forced a 10-minute halt in play.
When the light was restored, Victor Anichebe illuminated the afternoon for Sunderland with their second goal in the 62nd minute and another in the 84th minute to seal a second consecutive win for the Black Cats, who had Papy Djilobodji sent off in the closing moments.
Bournemouth won 1-0 at Stoke, with Nathan Ake scoring with a 26th-minute header before Stoke forward Bojan Krkic hit the crossbar with a second half penalty.
Leicester’s dismal defence of the Premier League title shows no signs of improving as they were beaten 2-1 at Watford.
Walter Mazzarri’s side went ahead after just 32 seconds when French midfielder Etienne Capoue volleyed home.
Roberto Pereyra doubled Watford’s lead when he fired in from the edge of the penalty area.
Leicester reduced the deficit through a Riyad Mahrez penalty following Miguel Britos’s foul on Jamie Vardy.
Latest Ericsson Mobility report just released has indicated that there will be 550 million 5G subscriptions in 2022.
The Ericsson Mobility Report is an industry-leading publication on mobile data traffic, providing in-depth measurements from live networks spread around the globe.
The report uses these measurements and analysis, together with internal forecasts and other relevant studies, to provide insights into current traffic and market trends in the Networked Society.
According to the report, North America will lead the way in uptake of 5G subscriptions, where a quarter of all mobile subscriptions are forecast to be for 5G in 2022.
Similarly, Asia Pacific , the report further indicated will be the second fastest growing region for 5G subscriptions, with 10 percent of all subscriptions being 5G in 2022.
This year, Ericsson has published 5 Regional Reports with the Global Mobility Report. The Sub-Saharan Africa Mobility Report reveals that while total mobile subscriptions penetration in the region is currently 85 percent, this number is expected to reach 105 percent by 2022 with over 1 billion mobile subscriptions. This makes Sub-Saharan Africa, the region with highest growth rate in mobile subscriptions globally.
From 2016 to 2022, according to the report, Sub-Saharan Africa will dramatically shift from a region with a majority of GSM/EDGE-only subscriptions, to around 83 percent of all subscriptions on WCDMA/HSPA and LTE.
Internet-speed
By the end of 2016, according to the new study, there will be 3.9 billion smartphone subscriptions globally.
Almost 90 percent of these subscriptions, the report revealed will be registered on WCDMA/HSPA and LTE networks.
"By 2022, the number of smartphone subscriptions is forecast to reach 6.8 billion, with more than 95 percent of the subscriptions registered on WCDMA/HSPA, LTE and 5G networks. In Sub-Saharan Africa smartphones penetration will reach around 80 percent by 2022 while mobile subscriptions on smartphones will rise by 21 percent annually from 2016 to 2022", the report said.
Accordingly, the report also highlights the role Internet of Things plays in providing new means to deliver efficient, innovative solutions that meet socio-economic challenges and transform business models to unlock growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, the report projects cellular IoT connections growing from 11 million in 2016 to 75 million connections in 2022.
The latest Ericsson Mobility Report also forecasts that in 2022, there will be 8.9 billion mobile subscriptions, of which 90 percent will be for mobile broadband. At this point in time, there will be 6.1 billion unique subscribers, the report added.
"As of Q3 2016, 84 million new mobile subscriptions were added during the quarter to reach a total of 7.5 billion, growing at around 3 percent year-on-year. India grew the most in terms of net additions during the quarter (+15 million), followed by China (+14 million), Indonesia (+6 million), Myanmar (+4 million) and the Philippines (+4 million).
"Mobile broadband subscriptions are growing by around 25 percent year-on-year, increasing by approximately 190 million in Q3 2016 alone. The total number of mobile broadband subscriptions is now around 4.1 billion.
"Mobile data traffic continues to grow, driven both by increased smartphone subscriptions and a continued increase in average data volume per subscription, fueled primarily by more viewing of video content. In Q3 2016, data traffic grew around 10 percent quarter-on-quarter and 50 percent year-on-year.
"A rise in access and viewing of video content is also a driver for mobile data traffic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Other drivers are wider network coverage, continued reduction in prices of both devices and services and a growing population with 57% of the current population under 15 years old", the report explained.
Commenting on the report, Jean-Claude Geha, President of Ericsson Sub-Saharan Africa said that, "Data traffic is forecast to grow by around 55 percent annually between 2016 and 2022 , that is a 13 times growth. This rapid growth is driving operators to explore methods of optimizing network capacity, one of which is complementing traffic via Wi-Fi networks – with traffic expected to rise 70% annually between 2016 and 2022."
Highlights from the Ericsson Mobility Report;
Mobile video traffic is increasingly dominant: Mobile video traffic is forecast to grow by around 50 percent annually through 2022 to account for nearly 75 percent of all mobile data traffic. Social networking is the second biggest data traffic type after video, forecast to grow by 39 percent annually over the coming six years.
Live streaming joins social media: Consumers are increasingly using live video streaming apps to interact with friends, family and followers.
Around one in five smartphone users in the US express an interest in live video broadcasting, with twice as many smartphone users in high growth markets like India, Indonesia, Brazil and Oman who are interested in such apps.
IoT in focus: Around 29 billion connected devices are forecast by 2022, of which around 18 billion will be related to IoT.
Included in the latest edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report is a deeper look into IoT, with three feature articles with different perspectives on IoT and its transformational potential. Two articles are co-written with operators that have built IoT solutions around their core assets, creating additional business value. The third article explores the cellular networks' capabilities to support a realistic massive IoT use case scenario.
Abuja – Bishop Benjamin Kwashi of the Anglican Diocese, Jos, has advocated life imprisonment for any political office holder caught diverting funds allocated for the development of education, health matters and the economy.
Kwashi, who is also the Northern Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the National Conference of Northern Nigerian Christian Politicians (NNCP)
He said that funds earmarked for the three sectors were important and their judicious usage would directly touch on the lives of the people.
"If money is allocated to develop education, the economy and health matters, please don't divert it.
"I want to propose that any politician who divert money allocated to these sectors should be served with life imprisonment," Kwashi said.
He urged politicians to use the opportunity offered them to assist the less privileged, street orphans, widows, the sick and the needy in the society because God cares for them.
"The first rule in democracy is to admit that everybody is equal before the Lord. Therefore everybody is equal in the eyes of the law before God
"Political and democratic leadership and governments at all level of human existence stand to succeed or fail at the foot of justice, equity and righteousness," he said.
The Bishop urged pastors to encourage the youths to venture into politics.
He said: "if we are going to change Nigeria, it is no longer going to be by the barrel of guns, it is by politics.
"Righteous men and women are sitting down and don't want to go into politics.
"Yes politics is dirty; but that is where God wants you to be," he said, adding that one of the things that made people to be irrelevant in politics was lack of vision and agenda.
He disclosed that since the 2001 crisis in Jos, his family had been taking care of over 400 irrespective of their religion.
The clergyman identified the major problems facing the country as corruption and insecurity and urged Christian politicians to shun corruption.
Highlight of the conference was the reception to honour the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogora, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.
For 10 days beginning October 28, the oil city of Warri, Delta State was alive as the 2016 Jubilee Word Festival, held at the International Gospel Centre, headquarters of Papa Ayo and Mama Helen Oritsejafor's Word of Life Bible Church, featured local and international gospel preachers, including PFN National President, Rev. Felix Omobude; Bishop George Bloomer; Dr. Ini Okpon, Rev. Ayuk R. Ayuk and American televangelist, Rev. Benny Hinn. The theme of the conference was, Rock of Ages. After ministering for two days at the event, Benny Hinn who, in 2005, caused a stir after a failed crusade in Lagos where he screamed blue murder about shoddy preparations by the local organisers, spoke to Sunday Vanguard on the incident and many other issues about Nigeria. Excerpts….
By Olayinka Latona
How do you describe your visit to Nigeria this time around?
I have been to Nigeria now four times. The first was with Benson Idahosa back in the 80s, one other time here in Warri and I also came to do a crusade in Lagos in 2005. Lagos was tough because things were not done well at that time; but I have told my staff that I was stunned by the different atmosphere in Nigeria today.
When we were here in the 80s, Benson took me to several places like Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, Benin, among others, where we had meetings. It was tough. The people were not as receptive in those days; in one of the places, they actually chased us and we had to run away with the crowd running after us and we had jump over the fence running for our lives. That was back then.
Benny Hinn
But, today, what I saw in Lagos at Pastor Chris's church, I was stunned with how powerful the anointing was and how strong the people received it. I am still kind of in shock because I have this kind of images of what we saw back then. With that and we came to see this wonderful reception, I am left with the impression that these are different people and a different nation.
I see much more elegance especially in Lagos. It's really a different world here. I have no doubt that the Nigerian people are being used to trigger the revival worldwide and it's quite amazing that most major churches in the world today are pastored by Nigerians. When you go to the UK, the biggest churches there are pastored by Nigerians. When you go to other parts of Europe, it's the same thing and same thing with America.
A lot of these men who began ministries that time and other men I met through Benson Idahosa in Kaduna, particularly Bishop David Oyedepo, who was our host in Kaduna, and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, now have big churches across the globe. Adeboye's church in London which Pastor Andrew, who is like a friend to me, heads, is doing great things.
The spirit of excellence is quite stunning and I am discovering more and more about Nigerian churches everywhere I go. When we had the pastors conference in June this year, there were pastors from Nigeria and, to my shock, they were telling me they had opened churches in Dallas, Texas, New York, Miami and all over America.
It's like Nigerians are taking over the world. Thank you Jesus. It's a very remarkable thing because the biggest churches in the world today are run by Nigerian pastors. They are springing out of the Benson Idahosa Movement – Adeboye, Oyedepo, Oyakhilome and several others – in Europe and I am amazed.
They are springing up everywhere. I don't know what it is about your people but it is very stunning really.
The first time I came it was very tough but, this time, I am blown away by the class, the excellence and the prosperity I see here. Benson Idahosa used to tell me, 'you preach prosperity, we live it', and I think it's true. It's really exciting! You are a blessed people.
You came from Lagos to Warri and you're going to Abuja from here. What's the prophetic word God has asked you to tell this nation as we prepare to enter 2017?
I tell you what the Lord is saying. There's a brand new generation of people, like in Lagos, when I called the young people to come out, I was stunned. More than half the crowd were young people and, when the power of God hit them, it was like thunderbolt. They were so receptive and just like here in Warri where young people are very dynamic and hungry for the Word of God. I don't see that very often in many places. I can say here that the Nigerian young people really want the Holy Spirit. You know that in many places, the Holy Spirit has become unknown, and in some places, sadly, unwanted but not here in Nigeria. Here, they just hit it up.
Last night meeting, I thought my skin was going to blow off. The first night, with about 6,000 pastors, when Sinach began to sing, I began to weep and when a young man called Martin began to sing about the Holy Spirit, I began to weep again. Dynamic anointing and I am thinking, where did this anointing come from? Elegant, anointed, dynamic. It's not the Nigeria I knew of. So, what I think, prophetically, this new generation will soon shake the world. I am not saying it to impress you, I just see it because…maybe it's happening in Ghana, Cameroun and other parts of Africa but I have not been there to see it. But I see it here.
I think the big churches all over the world are not people from other African nations, and that is a testimony. Some of the big churches in London today are led by Nigerians. When you go to Germany, it's the same thing and they are intense in a good way. I love that and I think I want to move here.
Nigeria today has been transformed, I believe, because of the fact that you've had mighty crusades here over the years…Benson spearheaded, several years ago, a great move of God here and later Rheihard Bonnke spent so much of his time here and others followed up with the masses that come to their meetings. The land is really ready for the revival and with a Christian TV like the African Broadcasting Network clouds unend. You really can't have a revival without Christian TV because Christian TV makes the ground soft for the gospel and for the seed of the Word. So we really need Christian TV because, without it, the land will not be soft. My prayer is that Nigeria should be saved from coast to coast and become a light house to Africa and the world because it's already getting prepared to shake the world. You have a blessed government, and I am hearing so many good things about Nigeria and what's happening here with your economy. The future is very bright for your country.
I am seeing it. When I came earlier and met with then President Olusegun Obasanjo and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, we talked so intimately about your economy and, today, when we flew out of Lagos, I could see several new high rise buildings, new hotels. It's really a bright tomorrow and Christian TV is a major instrument that God uses to prepare for a revival.
What's your recollection of the 2005 crusade that you talked about earlier?
I don't remember much of what happened back then. All I can recollect is that we spent a lot of money for the crusade but the crowd didn't come. I don't know why but I learnt from Rev. Bonnke that the promotion wasn't done properly but Pastor Chris told me yesterday that that was not true. He (Chris) said the man in charge did the promotion but the churches were not as involved. It doesn't bother me at all what happened. I have actually forgotten about it all. I don't remember the incident.
Have you been able to reconcile with some of the religious leaders who felt offended by your outbursts then?
I won't even know who they are. I don't know how to find them. I don't remember them, please forgive me. At that time, John Wilson handled all of it. I don't remember much of that now. I remember one man…I won't even be able to recognise him if I see him, neither do I remember his name but I am fine with it, I am peaceful with it but, if you feel there's need for some form of reconciliation, I am open it. Honestly, I will love to meet with them. I am a happy man. And everything is fine with me.
By Victoria Ojeme,Abuja As part of the effort to eliminate open defecation and institutionalise proper hygienic culture in the Niger Delta region, the European Union (EU) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have entered into partnership to train no fewer than 35 facilitators on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in Delta State.
The programme, expected to begin in Isoko South and Ndokwa Local Government Areas, has two pilot schemes in Delta State with the potential for reaching the remaining 23 local government areas.In a statement, the organisations said they would also sponsor a WASH Programme as part of the Niger Delta Support Programme in the state."Implementation here started with Capacity Building i.e. the training of 35 facilitators on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS).
CLTS is an innovative methodology for mobilising communities to completely eliminate open defecation (OD)."Communities are facilitated to conduct their own appraisal and analysis of open defecation (OD) and take their own action to become ODF (open defecation free). At the heart of CLTS is the recognition that merely providing toilets does not guarantee their use, nor result in improved sanitation and hygiene," the statement said.It, however, argued that CLTS focuses on the behavioural change needed to ensure real and sustainable improvements, investing in community mobilisation instead of hardware and shifting the focus from toilet construction for individual households to the creation of open defecation-free villages.
"As at today, 58 communities have been triggered to take action on on CLTS in Isoko South LGA with 6 certified Open Defecation Free (ODF). 26 others are being reviewed by the State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS). In meeting the special sanitation needs of schools, the programme is providing 13 new toilets as well as 25 special pumps i.e.
Forcelift hand Pumps for existing toilets. "CLTS triggers the community's desire for collective change, propels people into action and encourages innovation, mutual support and appropriate local solutions, thus leading to greater ownership and sustainability."According to the statement, the WASH Programme has two major components; water and sanitation/hygiene."The WASH Programme sponsored by the EU/UNICEF is part of the Niger Delta Support Programme which is a programme initiated in response to developmental issues of the Niger Delta, and especially the devastating floods in the area in 2013″.
The two organisations, under the water programme, also planned to provide solar motorised boreholes (SMBH) in 26 communities, 25 force-lift hand pumps for schools with existing toilets and 33 hand-pump boreholes in flood-prone areas.It said there would be a review of the water component of the WASH Baseline study to review gaps in rural water supply.
Prostate cancer is the No.1 cause of cancer death in men. It is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the prostate – a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate makes most of the semen that carries sperms and is a major health concern for men. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men.
Silent rage
The worst part of prostate cancer is that the symptoms don't appear in the early stage. This makes diagnosis difficult and treatment almost impossible in the advanced stage when the chances for recovery are very low. Many prostate cancers are slow growing and will not affect a man's health or life, because men generally die from other causes before the cancer kills them. But once prostate cancer begins to grow quickly or spreads outside the prostate, it is dangerous. This is why all men should do tests at least once a year as preventive measure.
Urinary red flags
Problems with urinating (in some situations while standing up) and urination especially during the night are typical. Other warning signs include inability to start urination or problem with holding back while urinating; weak urine stream or inability to complete the urination; burning sensation while urinating.
Other warning signs
Other red flags include blood in the urine or sperm; ejaculation problems; pain in the hips, thighs and lower back; pelvic distress; bone torment and Erectile Dysfunction. Dull or severe pain in the lower back, ribs, pelvis or upper thigh should never be ignored. In its progressive stage, prostate cancer can have other symptoms – weight reduction without a reason, tiredness, and nausea, loss of appetite, leg swelling and weakness in the lower limbs.While these symptoms do not necessarily appear as a result of cancer, it is often the result of blockage that occurs in the prostate. This is why the cancer progression influences urination and sexual activity. Hence it is necessary to go for screening and diagnosis.
Disease of old age
Generally, it is a disease of old age and rarely found in men under age 40. About 80 per cent of cases are in men over 60, and less than 1 per cent of cases are in men under 50. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to get it. As many as 75 percent of men over 80 are known to have had prostate cancer when they died, though the disease is not necessarily lethal.
Are you at risk?
Should you or shouldn't you get screened? Doctors can screen for prostate cancer using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, but its use in healthy men without symptoms remains controversial. Routine prostate cancer screening is known to save lives but may need to be carried out for more than 10 years to have a benefit.
Risk of meat consumption
Among the causes prostate cancer, diet is significant. Do you consume a lot of meat and meat products? Prostate cancer is much more common among meat and dairy consumers than among those that consume rice, soybean products, and vegetables. Eating lots of fat from red meat is a high risk. Meat cooked at high temperatures (roasting, broiling, sauteing or barbecuing) produces cancer-causing substances that affect the prostate. Eating fats raises the amount of testosterone (male sex hormone) in the body, and this speeds the growth of prostate cancer.
Professional risk
Welders, battery manufacturers, rubber workers, and workers frequently exposed to the metal cadmium seem to be more likely to get prostate cancer. Sedentary lifestyle also makes prostate cancer more likely. Age, race, diet, family history all play a part in contributing to prostate cancer risks.
Screening and diagnosis
Screening can help find the cancer at an early stage. Common screen tests are the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made mostly by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. The level of PSA may also be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged, but noncancerous, prostate. If a man has a high PSA level and a biopsy of the prostate does not show cancer, a more advanced test – the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) test may be done.
False negative and false positive tests
A man who receives a false-negative test result (one that shows there is no cancer when there really is) may delay seeking medical care even if he has symptoms. False-positive test results can also occur. Screening test results may appear to be abnormal even though no cancer is present. A false-positive test result (one that shows there is cancer when there really isn't) can cause anxiety and is usually followed by more tests, (such as biopsy) which also have risks.
Over-diagnosis problem
Over-diagnosis is a problem because men may receive tests and treatment they do not need. Before having any screening test, discuss with your doctor. It is important to know the risks of the test and whether it has been proven to reduce the risk of dying from cancer. Screening may not improve your health or help you live longer if you have cancer that has already spread outside of the prostate or to other places in your body.
Treatment
Treatments for prostate cancer may include surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, vaccine therapy, and other medical therapies that can affect prostate cancer cell growth. In its early stages, prostate cancer can be treated with very good chances for survival, but cancer that has spread beyond the prostate is not curable, but it may be controlled for many years. Some men with advanced prostate cancer live a normal life and die of another cause, such as heart disease.
Monitoring rather than treating
Currently, about 10 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer delay treatment, while the remaining 90 percent receive treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer could delay treatment with a strategy called "active surveillance", under which patients with low-risk prostate cancer receive regular follow-up testing and are treated only if the cancer becomes more aggressive. Active surveillance is a way to reduce the harms of screening.
Reducing risks
One way to reduce prostate cancer risk is with diet. Vegetarians have a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who eat meat. Adding certain foods including tomato sauce and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in diet may also help reduce the risk. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight; be physically active; eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid taking any supplements not prescribed by doctors. A nutrient called lycopene, found in tomatoes, has been consistently linked with lower prostate cancer risk. If you're living with prostate cancer, you may be able to live longer and healthier by making changes to your eating, exercise and lifestyle routine.
The much publicised brawl between 'Double Wahala' crooner, Oritsefemi and some bouncers at Quilox nightclub has pretty much been settled after the singer had issued a public apology to the owner of the club, Shina Peller and the bouncer he stabbed, Illiasu. However some details of the squabble that resulted in both Oritsefemi and a bouncer landing in the hospital have been made public by the singer's publicist, Tijani, who claimed that his client lost N8.5 million in jewellery during the squabble.
According to Tijani, "It is very unfair for club crawlers to insinuate Oritsefemi would visit the club to disrupt customers' peace. This is to clear the air on the allegation that Oritsefemi was drunk and that was the real reason he was ordered out of the club by Shina Peller the C.E.O of Quilox before the brawl went out of hand on early Saturday morning November 12, 2016.
Oritsefemi
"At the peak of the fight the bouncers beat him black and blue until he fainted. They stripped him naked inside the club premises. One of the bouncers stole his necklace jewellery worth 8.5 million naira on the spot. They dragged him on the floor for almost one hour before the Police came to rescue him. Even the Police officers who came to rescue him can bear witness.
"He was later invited to Maroko Police station in order to write a statement on what transpired between him and the bouncer. He narrated the whole scenes. The I P O settled the matter. He instructed him to treat the bouncer immediately while the I P O, ordered Quilox management to provide his necklace the bouncer stole or pay 8.5 million Naira, the cash equivalent," he said
Sexy Nollywood actress and video vixen, Mimi Ubini must be singing Faith Evans' song ' I never knew there was love like this before' as her boyfriend has just given her a love gift of a brand new car.
Curvy Mimi, flaunted the car on Instagram with gleeful captions 'my new toy' with no further news on how the gift came about.
Mimi Ubini
But in a chat with Potpourri, the sexy video model, owned up that it was a gift from her boyfriend, adding, she would not reveal anything more.
Mimi was rocking a Golf car around town before, until the car got totalled by a truck on her way to an event inVictoria Island, Lagos, some months ago.
