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
Eugene Anenih, son of the Peoples' Democratic Party ( PDP) chieftain, Chief Tony Anenih, has, reportedly slumped and died at a Lagos club on Saturday.
Reports had it that he was playing table tennis game when he suddenly slumped and died.
Late Mr. Eugene E. Anenih was, until his death, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nova Finance & Securities Limited. He was formerly the Head of Corporate Finance and Treasury Operations at A and Hatman Ltd before moving on to Nova Finance & Securities Limited as Chief Executive Officer.
He was an authorized Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
Eugene holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biochemistry from the great University of Benin. He also attended the Programme for Management Development (PMD) at Harvard. An alumus of the Harvard business School. He also attended several courses in capital Market Internationally including Capital Equity appraisals suite courses with the New York Institute of Finance, New York and Strategic valuations on equities with Euromoney.
Former Edo state governor, Lucky Igbinedion, turned 60thFormer Edo state governor, Lucky Igbinedion and Bovi during his 60th birthday yesterday in Abuja
Bovi
Ibori and BoviFormer Edo state governor, Lucky Igbinedion, turned 60th yesterday May 13th. He had a party in Abuja that was attended by his family members, friends and well wishers
Some journalists currently visiting Nigeria on Sunday described the country as a safe and peaceful country with very hospitable people.
The journalists under the aegis of the All China Journalists Association are visiting Nigeria on the invitation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
One of the international journalists, Miss Zhang Lu, Editor, China Watch, told journalists on Sunday in Lagos that contrary to popular perception, Nigeria is safe and peaceful.
"Previously, what I learnt about Nigeria and Africa is from the television stations and books; but this trip has helped me to know a little bit more about the people, their hospitality and culture." "Contrary to what I read in books and newspapers, I think that Lagos and Abuja are nice cities, safer than what I thought previously," she said.
She said she enjoyed pounded yam, adding that, only the media can truly report the real situation in both Nigeria and China. Also, the leader of the delegation, Mr Zhang Mingxin, said the visit had opened his eyes to fresh opportunities in Nigeria which would further strengthen the friendship between Nigeria and China. Zhang, who is also the Vice Chief Editor, China News Service, said media professionals and information communication were important for cultural exchange between people. "The media communication will also help economic development and the MoU we signed with the NUJ will further cement relationship between our countries in the future. Lagos is a beautiful prosperous state," he said. Earlier, the national president of the NUJ, Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile , told newsmen that the visit was to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
That is why the NUJ is hosting their colleagues from China.
The NUJ national president led the delegation on tour of important and historic places in Lagos in company of some executive members of the Lagos State Council of the union.
Odusile also told newsmen that the visit would improve economic, social and cultural relations between both countries. He said the union represented about one million journalists in China, adding that the partnership with the Chinese journalists became necessary to tell the right story about Nigeria. He explained that stories about Nigeria were usually told by the western media in negative ways and were not usually fair to Nigeria or Africa in their reportage. Odusile said that the visit would also help the Chinese journalists form the right impression about Nigeria.
He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between the two unions in Abuja before visiting Lagos and that the MoU would help in technology transfer and exchange programmes between both unions and countries. "In Abuja on Saturday, delegated representing both unions signed an MoU to exchange visits. By this time in 2018, Nigerians will be going to China to see their media, their culture and their people. "The aim is to bring the two nationals of both countries together, especially, now that China is playing a prominent role in the life of our nation. "We feel it is about time we as journalists also key into that cooperation between Nigeria and China and see what can be of benefit to both countries not just Nigerian journalists," he said. Also, the chairman of the Lagos Branch of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Alhaja Sekina Lawal, said the visit was "a good opportunity for colleagues to see who we really are". "It will be a nice gain to collaborate for technology transfer to better journalism practice in Nigeria," she said. The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Lagos State Television (LTV) where they were received by Mrs Funke Moore, its General Manager. Earlier the delegation visited Muri Okunola Park on Victoria Island, Freedom Park at Onikan and Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Alausa, Ikeja.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Sunday gave the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to rehabilitate and make the Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage Way and the access roads leading to the nation's sea ports motorable.
The President of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, gave the ultimatum while responding to questions from journalists in Lagos.
He said that it was sad that the access roads to the ports were in a deplorable condition.
Adeyanju said that the union was worried that the access roads to the nation's seaports and the Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage Way that leads to Apapa and Tin-Can had been abandoned.
"It is sad that the gateway to the nation's economy is abandoned. We have written several letters including issuance of ultimatums over these roads but all to no avail.
"'We can no longer live with the abandonment of access roads to the ports which have been in the state of disrepair for years in spite of efforts to draw government attention to the need to fix them," he said.
The union president said that for a long time, the Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage Way as well as other port access roads had become death traps to road users.
He said that the roads had been recording fatal accidents on a daily basis, and in December 2016, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said that the contract for rehabilitation of the Dual Carriage Way had been awarded.
"We are in May 2017, nothing has been done. The sad thing is that no sign that any contract had been awarded to any contractor," Adeyanju said.
He further said that last week, NPA wrote again to the union that contracts had been awarded for the rehabilitation of the roads.
"If after three months to six months, the rehabilitation project does not start, we shall be compelled to take necessary action without further notice," the union leader said.
He appealed to the government to repair the roads to save lives of innocent Nigerians that get trapped on the road or being attacked, robbed, harassed, intimidated and abused by hoodlums.
He said that hoodlums had been taken advantage of the deplorable roads to perpetuate all sorts of crimes.
Lagos – Police in Ogun have arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly killing his 27-year-old roommate, Friday Michael.
The police spokesman in Ogun, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi, said in a statement that the incident happened on Friday at Mamu area of Awa-Ijebu.
"The suspect came in around 6.30 a.m. and shot the deceased, who was sleeping, with a locally-made pistol.
"The sound from the gun attracted other occupants of the house to the scene and they quickly alerted the police.
"The DPO of Awa-Ijebu Division led his men to the scene and the suspect was promptly arrested,'' said the police spokesman.
He said that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was member of a notorious armed robbery gang terrorising the area.
According to the police spokesman, the deceased had accosted the suspect on several occasions while coming from robbery operations.
"It was the fear that the deceased may expose him that prompted him to sniff life out of him.
"The suspect has, however, gave useful information to the police which will help in nabbing other members of his group,'' Oyeyemi said.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the transfer of the suspect to the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad for further investigation.
The body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy.
Homegrown hero Harry Kane scored Tottenham Hotspur’s last goal at White Hart Lane as they bade farewell to their home with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
Harry Kane
Kane, born up the road in Chingford, added to Victor Wanyama’s early header to secure a victory that confirmed Spurs will finish in second place in the Premier League and ended United’s hopes of a top-four finish.
Demolition work at the Lane, Spurs’ home since 1899, will start on Monday, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side playing at Wembley next season before moving into their new ground, which is being built on the same site, in 2018.
“What a way to finish,” said Kane, who was mobbed as hundreds of fans poured onto the pitch at the final whistle.
“We wanted a win so badly in our last game here. I said before I’d love to score the winning goal and for it to happen is brilliant. To see it go in was special.”
The Lane has been graced by such Spurs greats as Jimmy Greaves, Steve Perryman and Glenn Hoddle and it was fitting that Kane, emblem of their exciting current side, should be their final goal-scorer there.
It was Spurs’ 14th successive home league win — equalling the club record, set over two seasons in 1987 — and meant they finished a league campaign unbeaten at home for the first time since 1964-65.
Supporters flooded onto the pitch at the end of the game before eventually being persuaded to return to their seats for a ceremony featuring famous figures from the club’s past.
Sixth-place United, who replied through Wayne Rooney, fell to a second successive league defeat, having seen a 25-game unbeaten run ended by a 2-0 loss down the road at Arsenal last weekend.
Guaranteed to finish outside the top four for the third time in four seasons, Jose Mourinho’s team must now beat Ajax in the Europa League final to procure a place in the Champions League.
“You can’t play two big competitions with 15 players,” said Mourinho, who made eight changes to the team that had edged Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.
“At the moment, the Premier League matches are the ones we don’t want to play.”
– Lennon support –
The teams emerged to find the famous old arena awash with blue and white as Spurs’ fans waved flags bearing the legend “THE LANE, THE FINALE” and filled the air with songs.
Mourinho, whose changes included 19-year-old defender Axel Tuanzebe lining up in midfield, saw his side fall behind in the sixth minute.
Spurs played a corner short on the left and Ben Davies’s deep cross was emphatically headed home by Wanyama.
United briefly threatened, Rooney heading over from a Daley Blind corner and then playing an outside-of-the-foot pass down the line to Anthony Martial, who cut in and curled wide.
But with Spurs’ fans happily serenading favourites of yesteryear — Ledley King, Teddy Sheringham, Aaron Lennon, who is fighting mental health issues at present — the hosts reasserted control.
United goalkeeper David de Gea was the busiest man in the stadium, parrying a strike by Son Heung-Min, acrobatically denying Dele Alli and saving with his legs from Kane, who also clipped the bar with a header.
Kane struck three minutes into the second half, innovatively volleying home Christian Eriksen’s free-kick from the left to take his goal tally for the league campaign to 22.
Rooney reduced the arrears in the 71st minute, prodding in Martial’s low cross and giving United their first goal in an away game against another member of the top six this season at the fifth and final attempt.
“It was a perfect performance and I am happy for the victory for our fans,” said Pochettino.
“We need to feel that Wembley is our home and we need to find a balance between White Hart Lane and there. Next season we will feel it is our home.”
By Marie-Therese Nanlong. Jos – The General Overseer Worldwide of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has tasked Christians in the country not to lose hope in God but believe that He is Almighty and capable of helping one out of any ugly situation there may be in life. Adeboye
Pastor Adeboye equally urged the people to maintain a peaceful disposition towards all men no matter the situation they find themselves so that their prayers would be answered.
He gave the charged Sunday at the RCCG Inter-denominational Service held at Kassa in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State where he rounded up the RCCG 2017 Northern Ministers and Workers Conference.
Speaking on the topic: "The Almighty" with his text taken from the book of Genesis 17:1-10, the General Overseer said God revealed himself to Abraham and if we walk in obedience and trust in Him, He will always be available to us.
He said, "Know that there is a God who is the Almighty, hide nothing from Him no matter the situation but put your trust in Him and the Almighty will be available to you. Though you have no one to help, the Almighty will help, remember that He knows all."
Earlier, the State Governor, Simon Lalong who expressed happiness at the coming of Pastor Adeboye to the State appealed to him to "continue to pray for lasting peace to be restored to the State" and appealed to citizens to "love one another because if there is love, there will be no crises."
Liverpool are on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League after Philippe Coutinho inspired a 4-0 rout of West Ham, while Tottenham said a fitting farewell to White Hart Lane with a 2-1 win against Manchester United on Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur fans celebrate on the field after the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane in London, on May 14, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
In contrast to Liverpool’s jubilation and Tottenham’s celebratory send-off, there was only misery for Hull as they were relegated after a 4-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace.
It was a day of high emotion as the Premier League’s remaining issues at the top and bottom were played out in dramatic fashion.
At the London Stadium, Liverpool took the lead when Coutinho’s sublime pass was converted by Daniel Sturridge early in the first half.
Coutinho stole the spotlight again in the second half with a superb solo strike and a cool finish to put Jurgen Klopp’s side three goals ahead before Divock Origi netted to cap the Reds’ swaggering display.
Liverpool moved back one point above Manchester City into third place.
Although City and fifth placed Arsenal both have a game in hand, Klopp’s men will be guaranteed a Champions League berth if they beat relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield next Sunday.
In the unlikely event Arsenal lose at home to relegated Sunderland on Tuesday then Liverpool will clinch a top four spot without playing.
“At the end it was amazing but the start was not that good,” Klopp said.
“After that we controlled the game and took our chances. We scored some really nice goals.”
Playing their last game at White Hart Lane after 118 years, second placed Tottenham responded to the end of their title dreams by stylishly bringing down the curtain on 118 years at the famous north London stadium.
Chelsea were crowned champions after their win at West Bromwich Albion on Friday, but Tottenham had the ideal occasion to forget that frustration as they prepare to temporarily play at Wembley while the Lane is demolished to make way for a new arena.
– Chaotic –
With numerous Tottenham legends watching from the stands, Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama put the hosts ahead in the sixth minute.
Harry Kane doubled Tottenham’s lead in the 48th minute with his 28th goal of the season.
United’s Wayne Rooney who had the distinction of scoring the last goal at the Lane with a close-range finish in the 71st minute.
Down in south London, Hull knew only a victory would give them a realistic chance of staying up, but goals from Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke, Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt consigned them to the drop.
Third-bottom Hull, winners just once in their last six matches, return to the Championship 12 months after their promotion via the play-offs.
They paid the price for a chaotic campaign marred by poor signings and boardroom turmoil.
Marco Silva was unable to save them despite improved performances following his January appointment and he said: “You need to prepare better. The most important thing is for the club to understand what they did in a bad way.
“You start to win or lose a season ahead one year in advance.”
Palace had needed a point to stay up and their dominant display completed boss Sam Allardyce’s latest survival mission after he rescued Sunderland last season.
“I said to myself this would be the hardest one, given the quality of the teams we had to play on the run-in,” Allardyce said.
“Building for the future relieves the stress on you. I wouldn’t want to keep fighting relegation at the end of every season.”
Team Lagos on Sunday emerged the best state at the 2017 Asaph Zadok National Scrabble Championship held in Abuja.
Lagos retained the title, after five out of their six players emerged as the top six on the scores table.
With the victory, Lagos won a trophy and a cash prize of N100,000.
Delta and Akwa Ibom came second and third best respectively .
Dipo Akanbi, representing Lagos state, emerged the 2017 individual champion after winning 18 games with an aggregate of +743.
Akanbi, with the victory, earned a trophy and a cash prize of N150,000
Dayo Tayo, also of Lagos state, came second with 16.5 wins and +346 aggregate and a cash prize of N100,000.
Moses Peter of Akwa Ibom came third with 16 wins and a +1351 aggregate, for a cash prize of N50,000.
Olatunde Oduwole, the 2016 national champion and Lagos representative, came fourth with 16 wins and +764 aggregate.
The reigning world scrabble champion, Wellington Jighere, finished 14th on the score table after winning 14 games and +1076 aggregate.
Speaking after the games, Akanbi dedicated his victory to God, saying hard work and the fact that he has been reading and competing with others helped him a lot.
"In Lagos, we add fun when playing scrabble. Scrabble is part of us because we play everyday. We give all glory to God.''
In his remarks, former President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Suleiman Gora, congratulated the winners, noting that the competition was keenly contested.
Gora urged all players and state scrabble associations to do more in the area of grassroots development of the game.
He said the greatest challenge of the sport was funding and called on corporate bodies and stakeholders to support the game.
Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has urged clerics to offer special prayers for good health for President Muhammadu Buhari.
He made the call at the launch of an appeal fund ahead of the Muslim Ramadan fast by the Jama'atul Izalatul Bid'ah Wa'ikamatu Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Birnin Kebbi.
The governor also urged clerics to sustain prayers for peace, unity and economic advancement of the country.
A statement by the Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Mu'azu Dakingari, on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi said the governor donated N5 million, a Coaster Bus and Hilux Van to the group.
The governor, who also attended the foundation of the Tijjaniya Islamiyya Mosque and school in Jega Local Government Area of the state, reaffirmed his resolve to uplift religious education and pledged financial support to religious groups.
The leader of the Tijjaniya movement, Khalifah Ahmadu Tijjani, performed the foundation laying for the Mosque and school.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has said that the All Progressives Congress, APC, will win the Anambra state governorship election come November.
Dr. Ngige gave the statement uring a stakeholders' meeting of the party in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
According to him,nothing will stop an APC candidate from emerging and being sworn-in as the next Anambra state governor.
"Mark my words, on November 19, 2017, an APC candidate will be declared the winner of Anambra State governorship election and on March 17, next year, he will be sworn in as the governor of the state.
"Nothing will stop this because we will work hard for it. Besides, the man currently occupying the position has lost the support of the people because of poor performance."
Those at the meeting included Dr. George Moghalu, Senator Andy Uba, Dr. Tony Nwoye, Eng. Barth Nwibe, Dr. Obinna Uzor, among others.
Dr Chris Ngige
Also speaking, the leader of the South-East committee set up for the evaluation of the upcoming Anambra governorship poll, Senator Jim Nwobodo, said it would be a very easy task defeating the incunbent Governor, Willie Obiano.
"We won't fight but we will take over Anambra State. It's the easiest fight we shall do. The most important task we must achieve is to get a credible candidate that will win the election." Nwobodo urged members and delegates of the party to shun money politics during the party's primary."
A former Publishing Editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria Mr. Bonaventure Melah has commended the Fidelis Anosike led-management of the newspaper for efforts being put in place for its forthcoming Heroes Award to commemorate Daily Times 91st anniversary.
In a statement yesterday, Melah said the Daily Times Heroes Award would be the biggest and most successful event of its kind in Nigerian history.
Melah further condemned what he described as attempts by some misguided elements to frustrate the forthcoming event.
He also hailed the management for repositioning the paper, in spite of the challenges currently posed to mainstream media by the social media.
The statement reads: "You cannot reap the sweat of another man. After winning the bid and legitimately acquiring Daily Times, Fidelis Anosike has put in all of his life into bringing the newspaper into the limelight and in the process won all the legal battles associated with its ownership. Making posts on social media over the coming event is a clear evidence of what we call 'bad belly' in Nigerian parlance. Nigerians are looking forward to the coming Heroes Award.'
”I worked with Daily Times as Assistant News Editor for two years before taking up an appointment elsewhere with politicians. I returned to Daily Times in 2013 as Publishing Editor and was there till 2015 when I left to serve as Special Assistant to the Director General of Voice of Nigeria under secondment by the management of Daily Times led by Mr. Fidelis Anosike.
"You cannot but commend the vision, the commitment, the devotion and sacrifice that Anosike has made to bring Daily Times back to life after many decades that the paper went into limbo. There is no doubt that the Heroes Award would further help to take the paper to the number one position that has been the dream of its management.”
An environmentalist, Mr Samson Abatan, has called on state governments to involve producers of plastic bottles in removing their waste from the system.
The environmentalist told newsmen in Lagos on Sunday that plastic bottles were the major cause of blockage of drains and canals in metropolitan areas.
"It is about time state governments get all plastic producing companies to be part of the solution in eradicating the use of plastic bottles or reducing them.
"Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme should involve all producers of plastics used for soft drinks and table water in the evacuation.
"About 90 per cent of refuse from blocked drainage/canal is made up of this item; I see no reason why they should not be involved in the evacuation,'' he said
Abatan said that through the EPR programme, the producers would ensure that what is produced did not cause havoc to the environment.
He said it would also ensure that plastic bottle wastes were retrieved for recycling, thereby stressing the importance of recycling and creating jobs.
The environmentalist identified food packs used by food vendors as another menace in canal blockades, especially in densely populated areas.
"Food sellers should be discouraged from selling in disposable food packs; people should be encouraged to have food flasks or personal plates to buy their meals.
"If the state government can enforce a law on most of these items, our drainage system will be free from being blocked and avert flooding,'' he said.
He urged that waste baskets should be re-introduced in public transport to stop commuters from throwing wastes from moving vehicles.
He also called for designated dumps for generated waste in public transport for evacuation by the waste managers.
Abatan called on the public to be more environment-friendly.
By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA – The federal government has concluded arrangements to, this week, reunite the recently released 82 Chibok girls with their parents, Vanguard has learned.
Newly found Chibok girl, Rakiya Abubakar and her baby
The government in a statement posted at the weekend on the website of the Presidency Office of Digital Engagement PODE, said, “the parents and families of all the girls have been contacted, and arrangements are already being made to reunite them with the girls. We expect that this reunion will happen in the week commencing 15th May, 2017”.
Government said the girls would be given appropriate and comprehensive medical and psychological care and support.
“The Federal Government will underwrite all of the care they will receive, as well as their educational ambitions. The ultimate goal is to reunite them with their families, reintegrate them into the society, and support them to achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals and ambitions”, the statement added.
It said the “previously released girls (21 freed in October 2016, and the additional 3 that gained their freedom in May 2016, November 2016 and January 2017 respectively) are in a secure location in Abuja, undergoing a 9-month Reintegration and Rehabilitation Programme comprising Psychological Counselling and Care, Remedial Education, Vocational Training (skills like Catering and Tailoring) as well as Sports and Recreation (Football and Handball)”.
About 106 of the abducted Chibok school girls have so far found freedom. 21 were freed by Boko Haram in October 2016, and 82 in May 2017. Three girls escaped individually, in May 2016, November 2016 and January 2017 respectively.
“In addition to the girls there are four babies, also in the care of the Government. All four babies belong to mothers within the batch of 24”.
It described as absolutely false, claims that the parents of the girls have been denied access to them or that the girls are being held against their wishes.
Besides, government added that those who complain about not having access to the girls are community people or activists who have no filial or direct relationships with the girls.
“The girls and their parents have made it clear to the Federal Government that they wish to remain under the care of the Federal Government in Abuja at this time. The girls are all in high spirits, and are enthusiastic about taking advantage of this opportunity for education and self-development. At no point have they or will they be compelled to remain in the care of the government against their will. At the end of the reintegration programme, the girls will take up Federal Government scholarships for the completion of their secondary education. The newly-released 82 girls will enjoy the same opportunities accorded the 24 previously rescued girls.
“The girls' families are regularly in Abuja to see them. Chibok girls are high-profile targets, and the Government is taking the utmost care to ensure their security and safety.
“The girls have also been scheduled for quarterly visits back home to Chibok, subject to security clearance by the authorities. They visited for Christmas, and were due to return at Easter, but the security conditions back home did not permit the April trip. Instead their families travelled to Abuja to see them.
“Also note that the persons complaining about being denied access to the 21 girls are not their biological parents or guardians. We are very careful who we grant access to, to see the girls. We will only grant access to their biological parents and/or direct guardians, and not community members, both for security and for psychological reasons. We do not want people to keep asking them questions that will make them relive the horrible experiences they had while in captivity”, government said.
The Chibok community in Abuja had at the weekend expressed concern about the welfare of the girls who were released last year.
Its chairman, Hosea Tsambido who stated these, also demanded a further probe of the 2014 Chibok girls abduction.
“The 21 girls, plus the three that were earlier recovered, making 24, are only there clapping and being trained how to bake cake. They are doing nothing, but I am happy that even the girls have started to protest now because when some august visitors are coming there, the handlers will school the girls on how to talk but when such guests come, the girls would protest saying they are tired and want to leave there”, he had said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it had taken measures to effectively respond to the recent outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Regional Director of WHO for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said that the organisation would work with the UN and other partners to halt the spread of the disease.
Moeti said WHO had assured the DRC Government of its preparedness to respond to the outbreak of the scourge after the government's alarm on it.
She said that as at Sunday, 11 suspected cases, including three deaths, had been reported, adding that the disease had been discovered in Likati health zone, Bas Uele Province in northern part of the country.
She stated that the organization had mobilised technical experts for deployment to Congo, adding that it would also provide leadership expertise to attain coordinated and effective response.
"On May 10, 2017, a multi-disciplinary team led by the Ministry of Health and supported by WHO under the new WHO Emergency Programme, and partners, was deployed to Likati health zone to conduct in-depth field investigation.
"The health zone is situated in the remote, isolated and hard-to-reach northern part of the country with limited transport and communication networks.
"These factors have impeded transmission of information about the suspected outbreak. Currently, it takes about two to three days to reach the epicenter from Kinshasa.
"The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) has been activated to provide additional support if required.
"Reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, case management, and community engagement are under way," Moeti said.
She added that the full extent of the current outbreak of Ebola in DRC was yet clear, stating that extensive investigation and risk assessment were still being conducted.
She said that the findings from the investigation would be communicated accordingly.
According to Moeti, WHO does not recommend any restriction on travel and trade to DRC based on available information.
She urged the public in DRC to work with health authorities and take necessary preventive measures to protect their health.
In the statement, she quoted DR Congo Minister of Health, Dr Oly Kalenga, as expressing appreciation to WHO for the swift support in carrying out investigations that led to the confirmation of the outbreak.
Kalenga said a strong multi-sectoral response, better coordination, public awareness, community engagement and adequate resources would be critical in the country's effort to stop the Ebola spread.
According to him, the first case occurred on April 22 in a 45-year-old male. He was transported by taxi to hospital and was dead on arrival. The driver also fell ill and later died.
"A third person who cared for the first case also became ill and has subsequently died. At present, 25 contacts of the second patient who died are being followed.
"Of the cases and deaths, one has been tested PCR-positive for Ebola. This is the eighth outbreak of Ebola virus disease in DRC since its discovery in 1976.
"On November 20, 2014, in line with WHO recommendations, the DRC Ministry of Health and WHO declared the end of the Ebola virus disease outbreak that started on August 24, 2014.
"This outbreak resulted in a total of 38 laboratory-confirmed cases and 28 probable cases, including 49 deaths in the Boende, Equateur province," Kalenga said.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has admonished Nigerians to always stand by the truth in their daily lives in order to honour God and secure His intervention.
Osinbajo gave the charge in a sermon he delivered on Sunday to the congregation at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus House, Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Central Area, Abuja.
In the sermon, titled "The Image of Gold'', the acting president said that a decision to stand by the truth always entail a level of discomfort or even outright persecution, but that God will always show up to justify the righteous.
Taking his text from the Book of Daniel Chapter 3 verses 1 to 29, Osinbajp, a pastor of the RCCG, recalled the story of Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused to bow to the golden image of the idol as ordered by Nebuchadnezzar, the then King of the global empire of Babylon.
He said the three Jewish young men, who were then being held in captivity in Babylon, refused to bow to that golden image as a result of which they were hauled into the pit of fire.
Osinbajo said that the captives survived the fiery fire because the Living God was with them in the fire, adding that God honoured His word in their situation as He promised in the Book of Isaiah 43: 2.
"When God showed up in the fire through His Son, it was the first direct appearance of God in the Old Testament. If they had chosen to bow to the golden image and thereafter seek to make amends through prayer and fasting, it would not have helped them.
"It is when you are passing through fire that you make a choice for God to honour Him. God said He will show up then,'' the acting president said.
Osinbajo said that in every circumstance of life, people, especially Christians, must stand up to what is right and just.
"God is asking us to stand and stand up for something, be it against corruption, dishonesty, stealing or fraud in our offices etc. If we do not, we are bowing to that image of gold. We should stand for what we believe in as the three Jews did.
"Every time we look at the scripture, God is saying: `Stand for something. You cannot afford to stand for nothing. Stand for Christ. The choice that faced the three Jews is still before us today. We face it every day and we must stand for Christ, especially Christians.
"Are you going to bow to the image of gold or take a chance with God and expect Him to show up? If you stand for Him, He will surely show up. God wants us to trust Him and to believe Him.
"Are you going to bow to the image of gold or trust God to show up when you are thrown to the fiery fire? There are certain things that honouring God can do which fasting and praying cannot do.
"Praying and fasting is good but it is better to Honour God in all that we do to provoke His intervention in our situations.
"The image of Nebuchadnezzar is alive and well today – it exists. That image of gold stand before us everyday and everywhere. We must choose God.
"Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon had represented the system of the world, the corrupt system of the world governed by the devil.
"Nebuchadnezzar was the king of that world system representing Lucifer, the Satan. So Nebuchadnezzar is saying to the people of all nations that Satan rules there. So you have to choose whether to serve the living God or bow to the image of the devil.
"You must choose God. That is a decision which you and I make face everyday,'' Osinbajo declared.
Earlier, the acting president was ushered to the altar by the Parish Pastor of the Church, Pastor Pat Akem.
Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo accompanied the acting president to the church service.
There is nothing comparable to mother’s on earth. The success of a man lies within the circumference of a genuine motherly advice. Believe me, women are the foundation to which men stand.
However, United States of America celebrates Mother's Day today, thus to continue the legacy and foundation laid by Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis. Many believed that the above mentioned women laid the foundation for the celebration of Mother's Day to fight injustice and stereotypes against women.
Mother’s Day in the United States is annually held on the second Sunday of May. This is done to celebrate motherhood and curb women stigmatisation in the practice of culture and social heritage in the system.
Now is time to appreciate mothers and mother figures that have contributed variably or invariably to the economy and socio-political development of this state called Nigeria. Since we look upon United States of America for assistance and collaboration, we need to emulate their system to keep ours abreast. And how could this be? Partnering with them in all they do is the answer to the poser.
A cross section of Methodist Church Women Fellowship at the event
As U.S celebrates Mother's today we join hands together to felicitate both the living and the dead heroin in Nigeria and America. In a loud voice we say, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to every mother on earth.
Remember to give something to any mother you know, it will surely bring good fortune for you. Many people give gifts, cards, flowers, candy and meal in a restaurant or other treats to their mother and mother figures, including grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers. Try and give yours today.
A brief Background of Mother's Day existence in United States of America
The origins of Mother’s Day are attributed to different people. Many believe that two women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis were important in establishing the tradition of Mother’s Day in the United States. Other sources say that Juliet Calhoun Blakely initiated Mother's Day in Albion, Michigan, in the late 1800s. Her sons paid tribute to her each year and urged others to honor their mothers.
Around 1870, Julia Ward Howe called for Mother’s Day to be celebrated each year to encourage pacifism and disarmament amongst women. It continued to be held in Boston for about ten years under her sponsorship, but died out after that.
In 1907, Anna Jarvis held a private Mother’s Day celebration in memory of her mother, Ann Jarvis, in Grafton, West Virginia. Ann Jarvis had organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to improve health and cleanliness in the area where she lived. Anna Jarvis launched a quest for Mother’s Day to be more widely recognized. Her campaign was later financially supported by John Wanamaker, a clothing merchant from Philadelphia.
In 1908, she was instrumental in arranging a service in the Andrew’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which was attended by 407 children and their mothers. The church has now become the International Mother’s Day Shrine. It is a tribute to all mothers and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
By Bashir Bello KATSINA – A Director with the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Aliyu Umar Radda and another staff, Unit Head of Education Management Information Services, EMIS, Aminu Musa Funtua have been sacked following their involvement in a shady supply deal of scrap computer and internet facilities to the tune of N138 million in the state’s education board.Bello Masari
Governor Aminu Bello Masari ordered the sack of the duo following submission of report by a committee, Expanded Senior Staff Management Committee of Governor’s office to investigate the scam on contract for the supply and installation of Education Management Information Services, EMIS computers to SUBEB in the state.
A copy of the report leaked to Vanguard, stated that the Governor also directed that a case be filed at the court of law against the contractor, M/S Karama Industrial Ventures for not executing the supplies and violating the terms of contracts. More details soon
The Nigerian Army on Sunday arrested a suspected terrorist who had been on the run at Fika Local Government Area of Yobe.
The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement that four suspected kidnappers were also arrested at Mundu village in the state, following a tip off.
"They were found to be in possession of one locally made six-loader single barrel gun, one empty cartridge, two machetes, a knife, two handsets, two packets of tramol tablets and N360," he said.
He said further investigation into the arrests would continue. =======
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