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
AN indigenous multimillion Naira jewellery designing firm, Rare Gems Limited, has introduced Rare Gems special wristwatches brand to its bouquet of offering.
The CEO of the firm, Talatu Olulana, at the unveiling of the product weekend in Lagos, said the wristwatches which were designed and manufactured for tropical environment comes into Nigerian market with over two years warranty.
Talatu who said she started jewellery selling business with only N5,000 in the year 2000 assured consumers that the new watches are made to withstand African climate and higher temperature. This, she said would definitely elongate the life span of the product. According to her, the wrist watches which are coming in seven designs are water resistant
Rare Gems CEO who said she designs but produces in Switzerland said the new wrist watches were introduced to satisfy Nigerian market which desires durable and quality wrist watches.
On her jewellery, she said they are made five times stronger than conventional jewellery and they fit the African climate. She said that jewellery made for other climes wash when they come into African market.
THE Chief Executive Officer of Lords Promotion, Dr. Olusegun Okeowo, said the company took the franchise of Blue Nun wine in West Africa to fill the yearning gap in the drinks and beverage sector. Blue Nun is a German wine.
Speaking at the launch of the drink in Nigeria, he stated: "Preliminary market studies have shown that there is a huge gap to be filled in the drinks and beverage sector and we intend to fill this gap.
He also said Lords Promotions is working closely with a German company with Nigerian ownership, Syntec Group to ensure a successful and effective market entry with plans underway to ensure a robust launch campaign that will help engage and endear the target consumers towards accepting the brand.
He said that the intention of Lords Promotions was to become a major player in the Nigerian drinks and beverages sector through the Blue Nun brand.
Coach Abubakar Bala of Niger Tornadoes FC, Minna on Tuesday said that the club would win their match against Katsina United on Wednesday, if his players adhere to instructions.
Niger Tornadoes
Bala, who made this known to newsmen in Minna, said he was confident that the club would get a good result in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Katsina.
He told reporters ""I have a game plan to win the match if my players stick to what I told them.''
The Coach urged his players to put behind their goalless draw against Rangers International of Enugu at the Confluence Stadium Lokoja on June 18.
""I told my players to remain focused, as Rangers match has come and gone. We need to concentrate and get something out of our match with Katsina United.
""We are not in Katsina for revenge mission, it ended 1-1 in the first stanza of the league in Lokoja but we are here to play football and I know that is exactly what we are going to do.
""It is going to be a tough and good match, my players know this and we are not going to take the match lightly.
""We know what is involved. So we are doing all that it will take for us to return to winning ways,'' he said.
He, however, said that the team was not under any pressure to get a continental ticket, but if the opportunity comes they would gladly grab it.
Bala advised his boys not to put themselves under an unnecessary pressure of getting continental ticket, saying that they should enjoy every game as they may end with a continental slot after the league.
The Coach further said that he has developed a three-year plan for Niger Tornadoes if the coaching crew was given the opportunity to continue after this season.
He explained that the current season was for stability, second season to create a philosophy of play and the third season was to win the league and get a continental ticket.
" "For now I know that some of my players are really working hard to make it to the top.
"I like their courage and spirit, but I want them to be calm all opportunities they seek for will come their way,'' he said.
Tornadoes occupies the 10th position on the current leagle table with 37 points in 25 matches, while Katsina United is 15th with 32 point from same number of matches.
Video shows leader of the Indigenous People of Bifra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu being hailed thunderously when he visited the Ijaw Elders’Council in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state on Tuesday.
Whats your take on this? Type your comments below lets see.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy weather conditions over the Central States with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Lafia, Abuja, Jos, Bauchi, Makurdi and Gombe during the morning hours.
NiMet's Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office (CFO) on Tuesday in Abuja, also predicted day and night temperatures of 27 to 34 and 19 to 26 degrees Celsius respectively.
It added that there would be prospects of isolated thunderstorms over Bauchi, Minna, Gombe, Jos, Makurdi, Abuja and Minna during the afternoon and evening hours.
The agency predicted that Southern States would experience morning cloudiness over the inland cities with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Obudu, Akure, Ikom, Abeokuta, Ogoja and Enugu in the afternoon and evening hours.
It also predicted isolated morning rains over Lagos, Warri, Yenagoa, Port-Harcourt, Calabar and Eket with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over the coastal cities during the afternoon and evening hours.
NiMet added that the entire southern states would experience day and night temperatures of 29 to 33 and 20 to 25 degrees Celsius respectively.
According to NiMet, Northern States will experience cloudy morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Yelwa, Gusau and Maiduguri during the afternoon and evening hours.
"The region will have day and night temperatures of 30 to 38 and 21 to 25 degrees Celsius respectively.
"The entire country is characterized with moisture laden winds which are favourable for thunderstorms and rains over most places in the next 24 hours," NiMet predicted.
I have been married for close to 30 years. Eighteen years ago, my husband and I went through a rough patch when his philandering took an alarming turn. Out of frustration, I did something I regret by starting an affair with a man from my office.
He was single then but in serious relationship with a lady he eventually married. Neither my lover nor his friend knew my husband at the time.
A couple of years ago, I found out that my husband and these two men were members of the same club. I have this belief that one of them has told a few more of their circle, including a man who is close to my husband. This man brings up my former lover's name in my company. I have a feeling he may be testing my reaction.
Or do you think this is just my guilt coming out? I live in fear that my husband will find out. He'd never forgive me. I don't want to carry on like this with my marriage in jeopardy from something that took place ages ago.
Boma, bye-mail.
Dear Boma,
The scariest secret a woman can keep is that on infidelity. All of us have skeletons in the cupboard but yours has been rattling around and haunting you for far too long! Almost two decades ago, when you felt in need of affection, you momentarily lost control and had an affair. Your husband had his share of affairs too. But what makes you think this lover of yours who is now married with his own children, will want to upset the apple cart now after all these years? He has as much to loose as you.
If your worst nightmare were to come true, it would be your word against his.
And what explanation would he give to his wife for bragging about a stale affair?
Do you know how many affairs this man's had after yours? I would put the whole
incident at the back of my mind if I were you. Both you and your husband are in your middle years – you have more constructive plans to grapple with.
In the bid to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with their relations, alleged citizens of Dhaka, Bangladesh were spotted jumping unto a train. Their risky act undoubtedly is a symbol of self-denial and piety.
Recall that president Buhari in his message to Nigerians on Ramadan said ; piety, self-denial, prayers and generosity to the poor and needy are the lessons from Eid-el-Fitr. However, the need for them to go and help the poor and needy amongst them in their home town arises as they travel at all cause to reach home.
Reuniting with their families was at the moment their utmost priority as they took the train jumping risk for Eid-el-Fitr’s celebration.
I am a single mother of a six-year-old I had when I was with her dad for four years. I recently found out that he was unfaithful to me with the woman he cheated on to be with me and may be the father of her child.
Since I confronted him, he's become really cagey. When he visits our daughter there's a bad atmosphere, as if I accused him wrongly. I know that my daughter needs to have a relationship with her dad, but not if it's going to be so unpleasant.
Also, he doesn't pay anything to help with her up-bringing. I honestly don't know what to do for the best.
Bella, by e-mail.
Dear Bella,
Of course, you know what to do. You recognise that you must put your small daughter's needs before yours. But the resentment you now feel towards her dad is encouraging you to exact revenge by obstructing their relationship.
And that would be unforgivable.
Allowing your daughter to spend time with her father is more important than your temporary desire to punish him. You need to find a clear-cut way to express your hurt that doesn't affect your child.
If you still love him and want him to know, by all means tell him. But get
your feelings off your chest once and for all and let your anger go. If you need
to ask him to help pay for his daughter's upkeep, let him know.
But you need to make it clear that under no circumstances will you presume to limit his relationship with his child. Both of you need to sit down and sort out your differences once and for all.
I've just been promoted to the post of a secretary to one of the top managers in the company I work with. We joined the company together though, he did at a higher level. He has always been a friend and I find him one of the most wonderful men in the world to work with. Unfortunately, he is very unhappy. He's always told me about his wife's insane jealousy and nagging.
Quite frequently, we work till late evening and my boss takes me to dinner, nothing fancy, just a meal at a decent but cheap eatery. I see no reason why I should not accept these invitations to share meals with him as he's also my friend. But his wife objects and has the nerve to tell me to my face. Isn't this ridiculous?
Kudirat, by e-mail
Dear Kudirat,
If you want to sit on a red hot stove, you are at liberty to do so. And if you want to cut your hair into a boyish look, you're your own boss. But neither of these projects is as silly as getting yourself mixed up with a married man who talks about his wife to his secretary in a negative way. You're obviously single or your partner would have put his foot down to such a dangerous liaison.
Just remember that when it comes to the crunch, the average man stays with his wife and family.
Many an unhappy girl who listens to the sad story of a misunderstood hubby has found this out to her regret. If I were you, I'd try if I could get transferred to a contented boss.
My new boyfriend and I are both 24 and he claims to be a virgin. The least problem I thought he would have was premature ejaculation, but the opposite is the case. We both haven't had full sex yet, but I have given him oral sex and he still hasn't had an orgasm even though I've done it for 30 minutes or more.
Does this mean he's lying about being a virgin? I've asked him why he doesn't orgasm and he says it feels good but he panics when he feels himself losing control.
He sounds suspicious but I've quizzed his friends and he does appear to be telling the truth.
Motayo, by e-mail.
Dear Motayo,
Your poor boyfriend! Not only does he have to confess to being a late bloomer,
now he's being accused of making it all up! Then, just in case all his friends didn't
know, you quiz them about it. It's any wonder he's able to get an erection for oral sex let alone orgasm!
I don't think your man is lying. So, if he's a virgin, his experience with women
is probably limited. You're assuming that even though he hasn't had an orgasm with a partner through intercourse, he has by other means. This may not be true. As a result, he's understandably nervous and anxiety is making him stop when he feels
himself going over the edge.
On the other hand, he may have developed an unusual or specific masturbation
technique that he uses all the time. He's trained himself only to orgasm this way and may be too embarrassed to tell you what he needs.
You need to make him feel comfortable with you. Let him know you want to
explore sex with him, at his pace, with no pressure. In the meantime, stop calling the poor man a liar when he's already struggling!
Google, the world's most popular internet search engine, has been slammed a record $2.7 billion fine by Europe's anti-trust agency over foul play in in dominating searches and smartphones.
The fine signalled a tough stance by the agency in the first of three investigations into the company's dominance in searches and smartphones.
It is the biggest fine the EU has ever imposed on a single company in an anti-trust case, exceeding a 1.06-billion-euro sanction handed down to U.S. chipmaker Intel in 2009, Reuters reported.
The European Commission said the world's leading technology company has 90 days to stop favouring its own shopping service or face a further penalty per day of up to 5 percent of Alphabet's average daily global turnover.
The fine, equivalent to 3 percent of Alphabet's turnover, is the biggest regulatory setback for Google, which settled with U.S. enforcers in 2013 without a penalty after agreeing to change some of its search practices.
Google
The EU competition enforcer has also charged Google with using its Android mobile operating system to crush rivals, a case that could potentially be the most damaging for the company, with the system used in most smartphones.
The company has also been accused of blocking rivals in online search advertising.
The Commission found that Google, with a market share in searches of over 90 percent in most European countries, had systematically given prominent placement in searches to its own comparison shopping service and demoted those of rivals in search results.
"What Google has done is illegal under EU antitrust rules. It denied other companies the chance to compete on the merits and to innovate. And most importantly, it denied European consumers a genuine choice of services and the full benefits of innovation," European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.
Google said its data showed people preferred links taking them directly to products they want and not to websites where they have to repeat their search.
"We respectfully disagree with the conclusions announced today. We will review the Commission's decision in detail as we consider an appeal, and we look forward to continuing to make our case," Kent Walker, Google's general counsel, said in a statement.
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – ACTING president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has assured all ethnic groups in the country that their legitimate agitations and concerns will be addressed by the Federal Government.
Prof. Osinbajo also said that the government was not deaf to such genuine demands by different ethnic nationalities but advised that every demand should be made with decorum in order not to offend the letters of the nation’s constitution.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande in a statement in Abuja said that it was the need to address all legitimate agitations as well as ensuring the unity of the country that Prof. Osinbajo embarked on consultations with different leaders of thoughts especially from the North and South Eastern zones in view of the attempt by the separatist group led by the leader of Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu to seek for Biafra Republic and the ultimatum by the Northern youths for the Igbos to vacate northern states before 1st October.
Akande in the statement Tuesday titled, “Outcomes of Acting President consultations on ethnic agitations with political, religious, traditional and media leaders” quoted Prof. Osinbajo as telling Nigerians to express concerns graciously not with scorn.
According to the statement, “Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has again assured Nigerians that the Buhari administration is not deaf to grievances in parts of the country, disclosing that the government will address them, while urging that such grievances be expressed with grace.
“This emerged from the Highlights of the series of consultations the Acting President called to interact with leaders from the North, Southeast and the media over the last two weeks between 13 June to 22 June 2017.”
He further said, “An updated statement from the presidency today noted that “the meetings were convened to provide a platform for frank and open discussions between the concerned stakeholders and by extension the Nigerian public on issues relating to the unity, peace and security of country.
“While this set of consultations were concluded last week, the presidency will continue to actively engage with different segments of the Nigerian population at different stages and format in the near future.
“In response to the recent spate of agitations pitting some groups in the North against others in the Southeast, the Acting President commenced a series of engagements and consultations with political, religious, traditional & media leaders from across the country.”
He enumerated the groups that had so far been met with the Acting President to include the Northern Leaders of Thought, the Southeast Leaders of Thought, the Southeast Traditional Rulers, Northern Traditional Rulers, all State Governors and Media Publishers and Editors.
The statement also said, “The Meetings were convened to provide a platform for frank and open discussions between the concerned stakeholders and by extension the Nigerian public on issues relating to the unity, peace and security of country.
“The Meetings touched on various issues relating to the ethnic agitations that have manifested most recently in a call for secession by some groups of youth from the Southeast, and an ultimatum by Northern youths for south-easterners living in the North to leave the region by 1st October 2017.
“The Meetings established common ground on a number of issues, as follows:
“Condemned all the hateful and divisive rhetoric by the concerned groups of Northern and Southeastern youths.
“Affirmed the primacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the ultimate basis for the unity of Nigeria. That Constitution guarantees freedom of residence and of movement for all Nigerians anywhere in the country, without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
“Affirmed the need to draw a line between the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution and the degeneration of such expression into hateful rhetoric, prejudice and hatred. Under no circumstances will Government condone or tolerate hate speech in any way or form.
“Affirmed the necessity of confronting all grievances and frustrations head-on, however uncomfortable that might seem now; instead of ignoring issues and allowing them to fester.
“Affirmed the need for all leaders and elders, regardless of political or ideological persuasion, to speak out more forcefully to counter divisive and hate speech and any form of warmongering.
“The Acting President expresses appreciation to all the leaders for their time and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of the Nigerian nation. He also assures the Nigerian people of the determination and resolve of the Buhari administration to ensure their well-being and security at all times.
“The Federal Government will continue to actively engage with Nigerians of all shades and opinions in its bid to move the country forward on a path of socio-economic development and ultimate greatness.”
He said the Acting President at the consultative meeting reiterated that “There is a point where a line has to be drawn, and that is when conversations or agitations degenerate into hateful rhetoric, where the narrative descends into pejorative name-calling, expressions of outright prejudice and hatred."
He also said, “We are not deaf to the legitimate concerns and frustrations arising from around the country. Every part of Nigeria has its own grievances. But these have to be expressed graciously and managed with mutuality rather than with scorn and disdain.
“All of us have agreed that our nation must remain one… I think that there is clarity as to that one thing, that our country ought to remain, must remain, a united country.
"It will be wrong of us to approach our grievances by threatening to disobey the laws or by threatening the integrity of our nation.
"I firmly believe that we ought to address these agitations and proclamations urgently and decisively. Burying our heads in the sand and expecting the storms to blow over of their own accord is not an option.
“One thing is clear – violence and war are not going to do anyone any good. They are easy to start but near impossible to end. We are witnesses to the unspeakable devastation that war continues to inflict across the world. No one who has seen the horrors of war – even merely on television – would wish it on their worst enemy.
"Our emotions must not be allowed to run wild in such a way as to endanger the lives of so many."
Nigerian pop singer, Wizkid has declared that he's Africa's number one music act. The Star Boy made the declaration on his Instagram page yesterday, after he emerged winner of BET Award for 'Best International Act: Africa' in Los Angeles, California.
Wizkid
Wizkid wrote, "No arguments, @wizkidayo is No. 1 in Africa #TeamWizkid…Yes!!! We won it. Best International Act (Africa). Thank you all."
Wizkid beat the likes of Tekno, Mr Eazi, Davido, Stonebwoy, Aka, Nasty C, Babes Wodumo who were also nominated in the category to clinch the coveted prize. The Star Boy was unavailable to pick his award at the star-studded event. He has received a total of 44 awards from 157 nominations as of June 2017. This is not the first time, Wizkid is bagging the award in this category, as he has gone home with the award in 2012. The star-studded event which celebrated achievements in music, entertainment, sports, television and movies was hosted by Leslie Jones of Saturday Night Live.
Other big winners on the night included, Beyonce who won five awards; "Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award", "Best Female R&B/Pop Artist", "Video of the Year" and "Album of the Year" respectively.
Rave of the moment, Chance the Rapper, took home the highly coveted "Best New Artist" and "Humanitarian Award". The night saw performances by some of America's fan-favourite like Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Big Sean among others. Wizkid's victory is coming few days after he announced that he would be embarking on an international tour with American rapper and songwriter, Future later in July.
The Vice President of the Nigeria Darts Federation (NDF), Alhaji Amuda Alabi, says the new executive will work assiduously to ensure the development of Darts as a sport in the country.
Alabi stated this on Tuesday in Ilorin while receiving Kwara State Darts players and coaches that paid him courtesy visit.
The NDF Vice President said the new executive would map out strategies to strengthen the game in the country and pledged to assist the athletes to excel in their career.
Alabi, therefore, called on wealthy individuals and corporate bodies to contribute their quota to the development of sports through sponsorship of championship.
The NDF vice president, who explained that government alone, cannot shoulder the responsibility of developing sports, charged the players to strive to improve their performance on daily basis.
He promised to use his experience to attract competitions and sponsors for the game in the State and at the National Level.
Alabi commended the athletes for their commitment and dedication, urging them not to relent in flying the flag of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Ope Omole thanked God for the success of the election and urged him to use his experience to attract competitions and sponsorship to the game.
Omole, who later presented souvenir to the vice president, and pledged that the athletes would make the state proud.
THE Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change (NDIMRC), weekend said that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was not playing ethnic politics.
It would be recalled that the Coordinator, 4BetaNija, Bapakaye Georgewill recently accused the Board of being biased.
But the oil monitoring group, NDIMRC dismissed the accusation, describing the Board as transparent and serving the interests of all Nigerians and fingered Lagos based Contractors with Fabrication yards for being behind the accusation.
In a press statement signed by its President, Nelly Emma, Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Office (PRO) Stanley Mukoro, the group gave the Board a clean bill of health, saying that the Lagos based Contractors do not want anything good for the oil-rich Niger Delta Region.
According to the group, the Board is on course and had never deviated from the Federal Government’s policy on the development of local content.
“We want to express our disappointment with the recent accusation against the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) by the Coordinator, 4BetaNija, Bapakaye Georgewill.
The Board is on course with its mandate of developing Nigerian Content holistically. It is not true that the Board has aligned itself exclusively with certain private interests and not also championing the cause of one section of Nigeria to the detriment of all others.
The Board is not being sectional, regional or promoting tribal interests to the detriment of other qualified parts or people of Nigeria. These are cheap blackmail, calculated to paint the Board in a bad light”, the group said.
The group added that;”The management of the Board is not playing ethnic politics by directing that companies in the sector move their operations to a particular region. We want to make the coordinator of 4BetaNija to know that it was the directive of the Federal Government to multinational oil companies to relocate to their host States and so it is wrong for the Board to be accused of carrying out tribal, ethnic or regional sentiments on the relocation of oil companies to their host States. This directive of the Federal Government must be enforced”.
According to the group also;”To the best of our knowledge, NCDMB has been transparent in the protection of all Nigerians and never for once favour a particular ethnic group or private investor.
The activities of the Board are not partisan.The Board has been fair to all Nigerians and the records are there for all to see. The coordinator of 4BetaNija should not deceive Nigerians and should endeavor to get his facts right”.
The oil monitoring group said it was not true that the Board has taken over the mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), adding that;” The Board is fulfilling it’s mandate of developing local content and not in any competition with the NDDC in the development of the Niger Delta region. We want to make it clear to the coordinator of 4BetaNija and his sponsors that the Board that we know very well is not biased in anyway”.
“The present Board appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari is doing a good job, the current Board is doing the right thing as being directed by the Minister of state for Petroleum.
Those behind the accusation against the NCDMB are hired by very well known Lagos Contractors and they are doing all this because they have come to realised that President Buhari wants nothing but the best for the sector and doing everything possible to frustrate the efforts of the Federal Government.
These Lagos based Contractors with Fabrication yards who do not want the good of the Niger Delta Region should be watched, they should be investigated properly”, the group stated.
When you think you've heard it all from Nollywood screen-goddess, Ebube Nwagbo, she makes a return with bangs. This time, what can't really be verified is if she's sharing her experience when she said, "Love is not enough."
*Ebube
Being the title of her much anticipated movie, "Love is Not Enough", there are strong indications that the beautiful actress is indirectly recounting her love story.
The movie, which premiered at the Silverbird cinema, Lagos, last year is now available on Irokotv YouTube platform. Starring the likes of Oge Okoye, Alexx Ekubo, Nazo Ekezie, Michael Bonny Bassey, Tina Amuziam, Ebube herself among others, the movie tells the story of two young sisters from an affluent family who, out of youthful exuberance, decided to know what the other side of life looks like, but they ended up endangering their lives in the hands of a make-for-all young man, Chukwudi, as played by Alexx Ekubo. It's rib cracking and educative as well. The movie was directed by Afe Olumowe.
Thirteen years after it ran uninterrupted on national TV stations, Nigeria's popular game show, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", hosted by Frank Edoho is going on an indefinite break.
The show, which has produced a lot of millionaires started showing every week on national TV stations in 2014, and was hosted by MTN Nigeria.
Edoho took to his Instagram page on Sunday, to announce that the Telecom giant has pulled out of the show. "Sadly,we are going on a break because our sponsor pulled out. But we thank@mtnng for being with us all these years,please thank them for us..Just an indefinite break," he wrote.
Though the app version of the show, according to Edoho, will continue, many fans of the show are not happy that the favourite TV game show show is going off the air.
Some of the past winners were Osazuwa Osahon Daniels – 5 million Naira (Year 2009),Aroma Ufodike Chimuanya – 10 million Naira (Year 2009),Babatunde Oni Oladipo – 5 million Naira (Year 2010),Nnaemeka Ubaekwena – 5 million Naira (Year 2012) among others.
Namibia and Botswana on Tuesday suspended poultry imports from South Africa with immediate effect, following outbreaks of highly contagious H5N8 bird flu.
South Africa has confirmed outbreaks of avian flu, which is often transmitted by wild birds, on at least two farms.
South Africa and Mozambique banned poultry imports from Zimbabwe this month after a bird flu outbreak there.
Botswana, which only imports 5 percent of its poultry needs, said it would no longer buy poultry meat, processed products and feeds from South Africa.
"The restriction is a precautionary measure to avoid equal infection here as well as protect our people," agriculture minister Patrick Ralotsia told Reuters.
Zimbabwe imposed a similar ban while Namibia also halted imports from Belgium which has experience an outbreak of bird flu earlier this year.
South Africa on Monday ended the sale of live hens throughout the country in a bid to control the outbreak that was detected on the farm of a commercial broiler breeder last week.
Poultry producer Astral had previously confirmed that H5N8 had been detected at its breeding facilities on the outskirts of the Free State.
Astral said on Tuesday that it had quarantined the affected site and culled 150,000 birds, around six percent of its breeding stock.
By Abdallah el-Kurebe Sokoto – Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has said that the people and government of the state believed in the in the unity of Nigeria.Tambuwal, Sultan Abubakar and Wike in Sokoto today
He stated this when he paid Sallah homage to Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar as well as his Sokoto state counterpart, Aminu Tambuwal on Tuesday.
While at the Sultan palace, Wike said that the people and government of Rivers state did not believe in the break-up of the country.
“Rivers state and its people believe in the oneness and unity of Nigeria and that is our stand. We Sultan is a father to all Nigerians and he is a peace builder in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Answering questions from journalists at the government house, Wike observed that there were better ways to solve the agitation and problems of Nigeria, rather than seeking break up of Nigeria. “My message to Nigerians is for us to call for the unity of Nigerians and continue to work for its unity. For all those who have one problem or another, there are many ways through which we can sit and resolve those problems and not to call for the break-up of Nigeria.
“The other time the Sultan of Sokoto was in Rivers and today I have come to pay homage to him and the governor. That shows you that we believe in the unity of this country. We don’t believe in the break-up of this country. We call on our people to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria and not to say something that will devide us,” Wike stressed.
Sultan Abubakar observed that the ongoing agitation in the country were symptoms of the rot in the Nigerian
“In the past, a lot of things were done by some people with impunity and nothing was done. That is why you find shortage of good governance now weighing us down now in the country. However, as it is now, no matter how bad your hand is, you cannot cut it and throw away,” he said.
The Sultan stressed the need to dialogue with sections of the country to resolve all the misunderstandings and problems in the country.
