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
Thousands of sympathisers, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, on Tuesday attended the funeral prayer for the late Dr. Maitama Sule, the Dan masanin Kano. Kyari led the Federal Government's delegation to the occasion.
The late elder statesman died in the early hours of Monday in Cairo, Egypt following a brief illness.
The Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zaharaddeen, conducted the prayer at 6:08pm, with Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje and his Deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II in attendance.
Other important dignitaries include the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Sarki, the Minister of Interior, retired Lt,- Gen. Abdurrahman Danbazau and the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Others were; the Minister of Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu, the Minister of Defence, retired Brig.- Gen. Mansur Dan'ali and Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris,
Also in attendance were the Governors of Jigawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Borno states among, others.
Maitama Sule
Members of the Northern Elders Forum, such as Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Galadiman Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi, Justice Mamman Nasir, the Business Moguls also witnessed the funeral.
Busines moguls, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and Alhaji Samaila Funtua politicians the business community and prominent Islamic scholars, among others were not left out. The remains of the late diplomat arrived at the Nigerian Air force Base, Kano in an Air force plane with registration number NAF 913 at exactly 4.08 p.m.
The late Maitama-Sule (87) was later buried at Kara Cemetery at Kofar Mazugal in Kano metropolis.
IN his resolve to make a huge difference in the Nigerian aviation industry, chairman/chief executive officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, has taken delivery of a new aircraft he acquired to increase the airline's fleet to 22.
Onyema
The new aircraft, a Boeing 737-300, which touched down at the Murtala Muhammed Airport last week, is the thirteenth so far acquired in less than three years of its commercial flight operations.
It was gathered that the carrier is finalising arrangements for bringing in other aircraft, including B737, B777 and Embraer 145 jets, it recently acquired to increase its fleet to 22. While the B777 aircraft would be deployed to service the airline's international routes, including South Africa, London, Guangzhou-China, Dubai, Mumbai and Atlanta, the B737s would strengthen the carrier's expansion to more destinations in the West Coast of Africa, including Lome, Abidjan, Douala, Dakar and Niamey.
Air Peace currently operates daily flights from its Lagos hub into and out of Accra-Ghana.
African Leaders on Tuesday unanimously endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari to champion the fight against corruption in the African Union.
The endorsement came at the end of the 29th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU in Addis Ababa.
President Buhari is expected to lead the AU summit scheduled for 2018 entitled: "Winning the Fight Against Corruption: Sustainable Path to Africa's Transformation,''
Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, who gave a synopsis of the summit told newsmen that the endorsement was in recognition of the President Buhari administration's commitment and glowing success in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and globally.
AU Summit in session in Addis Ababa
"The endorsement is very significant because it is the recognition of the negative role corruption and bad governance had played.
"I think it is also significant that President Buhari was also asked to champion this because he has been a major inspiration to Africa in frontally combating corruption and bringing positive change towards building a sustainable and prosperous continent.
He said the president will therefore be expected to provide exemplary and resourceful leadership by working closely with the other African Leaders.
Others are, the AU Commission and development partners to collectively fashion out common programmes for Continent-wide application of the anti-corruption theme in all Member States.
Buhari
"The championship role by President Buhari will also involve a number of diplomatic initiatives to sensitise and raise awareness of the International Community on the dire consequences of corruption and the collective strategies to defeat it.
On the need to set up the African Security Fund (ASF), Onyeama said the time has come for the continent to be independent and break free from foreign support.
"Up until now, a lot of our security activities were funded by non African partners and what we have seen is that they have suddenly decided to cut back on what they were providing.
"This is impacting seriously on some of the AU missions like the mission in Somalia, South Sudan not being able to meet up financially.
"So, the decision was taken that when member states pay their financial contribution to the union, there should be a fund set aside to finance peace and security in the continent.''
The minister, who spoke also on the role of Nigeria in ECOWAS, said the time has come for the country to take its leadership role in the organisation.
He said further that in order to have an organisation that works, it is also important that Nigeria does not act like a tyrant and that there are mechanism for consensus.
"Nigeria can assert leadership and can also do it in a non conflicted, inclusive and positive way, and that is what we are trying to do.
"There are currently 17 (political) positions allocated to certain countries.
"We (Nigeria) are looking for the position of internal services considering that we are largest contributors to the body.
"This is a portfolio that will give us the best oversight regarding our interest.
"The other is the position of a Judge at the ECOWAS Court Justice,''
He said though there are challenges in filling the positions, "it is a work in progress and will not damage the EC0WAS too much.''
Onyeama said that there was no agreement on the issue of position sharing in the ECOWAS but just a question of buying into a process.
He said that a technical committee has been set up to negotiate on what will be inclusive for all countries.
He said there is also the challenge of electing the President and the Vice of the ECOWAS Commission after the two years of setting up a reform committee.
On women and youth empowerment, the minister said the Federal Government was already addressing the issue by making it top priority.
Onyeama said the AU's theme this year, "Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in the Youth" could not have come at a better time.
He said Nigeria was taking advantage of the issue of demographic situation in Africa with the large youth bulge with the introduction of the Federal Government's N-power programme.
He said it was absolutely important that women and youth are empowered to enable them play more significant roles in the development of the nation.
"The N-Power programme and the social intervention of government are geared towards women in addition to the programmes for the youth.
"Especially, the vocational programmes, there is also a large part for women including entrepreneurs and helping those in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) with loans.
"So, on the economic front the empowerment of women is very much on and government is investing very much in it.
He, however, expressed concerns over lack of adequate representative of women in political and elective positions.
"In terms of elective positions, we are still not there yet, maybe it is something we should consider constitutional provisions in providing quotas on gender basis.
"Whether it will be a good thing or not, it is something that can be done; Rwanda has that and South Africa too.
"That is probably where we are going too but some will still argue that quota systems are not always the best because it gives the impression that beneficiaries do not usually have the capacity.
"But the reality is of course women are just as good if not better than men in many areas academically and so on.
The minister said a level playing field was required in recruitment of women, adding that it was the trend globally and in the continent.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday said only a legitimate court order could stop process for the recall of Sen. Dino Melaye as demanded by his Kogi West constituents.
Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the commission, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that filing a lawsuit was not enough to stop the recall process.
INEC had on Monday released the schedule of activities for the recall of Melaye, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the Senate, with Aug. 19 fixed for verification of signatures of petitioners demanding his recall.
But, various suits have been instituted in courts to stop the process.
The cases include those by Melaye and Concerned Kogi Registered Voters, filed separately at a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order to halt INEC from conducting the verification of signatures and the recall.
Oyekanmi said that the actions of the commission were being guided by the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
"The constituents came with sacks of documents which they said were `the signatures' of more than half of the voting population of Kogi West Senatorial District, which Melaye represents.
"They also presented a register of the said signatories and a letter, asking INEC to begin the process of recalling the senator representing that particular district.
"Subsequently, the commission, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Sections 116 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), on Monday issued a timetable and schedule of activities for the recall of the senator.
"The first stage is a verification exercise slated for July 10, 2017.
"To that extent, filing a lawsuit is not enough to stop INEC from carrying out its legitimate duty.
"Only a legitimate court order or an injunction can be considered by the commission,'' he said.
On claims by Melaye that some of the signatures submitted to INEC were forged and that names of dead registered voters were also included, Oyekanmi said that the process of verification would clear all that.
On method INEC would adopt in verifying thumbprints of registered illiterate voters who are part of the signatories for the recall, he said that it would be handled.
"The commission will adopt its normal way of conducting the verification exercise, which will be applicable to both the literate and not-so-literate.''
He said that the commission would apply its standards in a situation where people believed to have signed the recall letter, failed to show up for signature verification.
"If the verification fails to meet the established standards, the commission will not proceed to the next stage. The recall process automatically terminates there,'' he stated.
A top official of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning says the ministry is reviewing the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP 2014-2043) to ensure its successful implementation.
NIIMP is Federal Government's blue print for building world class infrastructure required to grow the economy, enhance quality of lives of the citizens, create jobs and improve the country's global competitiveness.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday that a firm had been supporting the ministry in the review.
He said the ministry had been receiving technical support from its global firm, Akintola Williams Deloitte Inc. in the review of the document.
"We will soon organise a workshop for relevant stakeholders to make their input in the review of the Plan.
"When you look at that Plan, it envisaged that there will be five years Medium Plan which will serve as operational plan that will be used to implement it.
"We are supposed to have had 2014 to 2018 Medium Plan from NIIMP as the first phase but one way or the other, we couldn't.
"We couldn't because of the election transition and also resources, it is just now that we have to go ahead with the Plan.''
In addition, the official said that the ministry would also organise a follow up dialogue to the Capacity Workshop for the Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) on infrastructure development.
"We are hoping to do another leg of that which will be the two day Public Private dialogue in infrastructure financing.
"It is through the PPP model that private and public sector can come together and pool their resources and finance infrastructure projects," he said.
NIIMP stipulates that Nigeria will need an average of 25 billion dollars per annum for the next five years to sustain a robust economic growth.
NIIMP further projects that to fund the infrastructure needs of the growing economy over the 30 years, the country would need to spend above three trillion dollars to close its infrastructure in core asset classes.
Rev. Isaac Komolafe, FCT Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to restructure and change the rules of governance in the country.
Komolafe made the appeal at the inauguration of the new FCT PFN Executives and Zonal Coordinators, which held at All Christian Fellowship Mission, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said restructuring the country would be a welcome idea, and called on the government to be fair in its dealings to avoid marginalization of any group.
The FCT Chairman also called on the government to uphold the rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution.
"We believe that as PFN body we support restructuring because we have been a nation in falsehood for so many years.
"We believe need to practice true federalism. We need to look at the best form of government that is fitting our culture and our lives.
"We should mind the way we are doing things so that we will avoid marginalisation,'' he said.
Komolafe also called on the government to create a centre for inter religious dialogue from the various religious groups across the country.
He said that the middle belt and the North Central Commission should be set up to address the immediate needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), orphans and widows.
"There should be a way of dialoguing from different religious groups and organisations in order to curb anger and dissatisfaction among the people,'' he said.
African Governments should hasten reforms in the education sector to ensure it responds effectively to pressing challenges in the continent like poverty, conflicts and ecological depletion, UN officials said.
Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa stated this at a four-day regional workshop on Tuesday in Nairobi.
Ndong-Jatta said that a transformed formal education underpins sustainable development, peace and prosperity in Africa.
"Africa is grappling with many challenges like conflicts, illiteracy, poverty and refugee crisis whose solution lies in a transformed system of learning," Ndong-Jatta said.
Dozens of African policymakers, scholars and representatives of multilateral agencies are attending the four-day regional workshop on achieving sustainable development through transformed education.
The workshop seeks to revitalise dialogue on the role of education in achieving equitable development, peace and environmental sustainability across the eastern African region.
Ndong-Jattta said that development of a curriculum centered on values was key to entrench patriotism, harmonious co-existence and tolerance among Africa's youth.
"Our education system should be a tool of advancing peace, tolerance for cultural diversity and prevention of violent extremism.
"It should ensure children grow in harmony with each other and their environment," said Ndong-Jatta.
She added that policy reforms and capacity building for trainers were critical to realign education sector in the region with evolving political, cultural and economic dynamics.
African governments must prioritise investments in quality education and training in order to accelerate progress towards attainment of key sustainable development goals (SDs) before the 2030 deadline.
Director of UNEP Regional Office for Africa, Juliette Biao, said that a reformed education system would elevate sustainability agenda in the continent to new heights.
"Higher education in particular will encourage citizens across the board to embrace sustainable lifestyles that will impact positively on the economy, society and built environment," Biao said.
She added that multilateral institutions have rallied behind training and capacity development to boost low carbon and climate resilient development in Africa.
When I met my boyfriend a year ago, the attraction was instant and our sex life was great.
Recently though, it is all gone down-hill since he got promoted at work and started working long hours. I've tried everything to get him interested again, but now I'm scared he's cheating on me.
Nnena by e-mail
Dear Nnena,
You're totally over-reacting. Every couple's sex life has slow times when one or the other just doesn't feel like doing it. And while you shouldn't simply sit back and let things slide, rushing into panic mode will just make the situation worse.
The fact you've desperately tried to get your boyfriend interested is probably making him feel really pressure. And you panicking that he might be cheating on you is only alienating him even more. No wonder he doesn't feel like sex.
Instead, start being supportive and sympathetic about his work problems and accept that for a little while, sex will be on the back burner. That approach is much more likely to get your sex life going again.
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has reiterated the importance of revamping the state’s basic education structure to his administration's developmental policy, assuring that the sector would receive adequate funding.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Taiwo Akerele, gave this assurance while addressing members of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), who staged a protest to Edo Government House in Benin, on Tuesday.
Governor Obaseki explained that the primary school teachers' demands and requests were in line with the government’s plans for basic education in the state.
He continued that the appointment of a Special Adviser on education was to portray the present administration’s determination to remodel educational system in the state.
Furthermore, the Acting Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mallam Alli Sulayman, added the state government was trying to restructure the existing condition of the education sector, while also calling on the teachers to support the government in accomplishing the task.
Sulayman suggested that if autonomy was granted to LG councils, the funding of primary school teachers should be removed from their control.
Meanwhile, NUT Chairman, Edo State chapter, Comrade Loggle Iyalomhe, said the protest was to kick against the perceived plan to allow full control of primary school funding to local government authorities by granting them autonomy.
Iyalomhe said that the protest was nation-wide and had held in five states of the federation, continuing that the major agitation at the state level was sustained funding for primary education and payment of Leave Transport Grant (LTG) for 2015 to 2016.
“We are saying no to LGs handling the funding of primary education, we want the state government to do so because if the LGs are in charge it will lead to the collapse of the sector.
“The Federal government can also embrace the first line charge policy where emoluments of primary school teachers would be deducted straight from the Federal allocation and paid to the teachers," he concluded.
I met this girl at a party and she was all over me. She gladly came to the flat with me and we had sex all night.
The following day, she took my phone number and promised to call. But I really didn't fancy more romps with her. In the daylight, she looked a bit like a hustler, so I didn't pick her call when she phoned.
Now she sends me nasty texts and has used public phone booths to make threatening phone calls, saying she'll make me regret the day I met her. How do I handle this?
Kingsley, bye-mail.
Dear Kingsley,
She's right isn't she? You're regretting the day you met her already! Not to worry though, the woman making this threat is the one with the problem, not you.
People who are bullied can feel guilt and shame but that's just part of the bully's
tactics and you need to ignore her. Change your phone number if this will help get her off your back. If she still gets through to you, tell her firmly she should move on with her life – just as you've done. Next time a free lay rears its head, think
twice. Like the saying goes, if it's too good to be true, it probably is!
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba has commiserated with the people and government of Kano State over the demise of the late diplomat and elder statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule.
Wabba in the condolence letter addressed to the governor Abdullahi Ganduje described the late Sule as a national icon and a patriotic Nigerian that always kept his doors open to receive people with various problems.
The letter personally signed by Wabba read, “It is with a profound sense of loss and yet gratitude to God whose will in our lives we cannot question, that I, on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress, write to condole the Government and people of Kano State on the death of our elder statesman and Danmasanin Kano, Alhaji Maitama Sule.
“Alhaji Maitama Sule was a worker, a politician, a diplomat and a national icon who opened his doors to all Nigerians irrespective of their creed.
“A man of personable character, intense knowledge, good humor and inimitable oratorial skill, Alhaji Maitama Sule was a nationalist and one of the last symbols of the golden era of Nigeria.
“We commend your Excellency for having the presence of mind to declare a day of mourning in honour of this elder statesman. We however, would urge your Excellency to go a step further and immortalize his name at the appropriate time.
“Please do convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Maitama Sule.”
Last year, my husband left for their home town to visit his aged mum. At least, that was what he told me, not knowing he was holed up in his lover's flat for the whole period!
It broke my heart when I discovered that as we'd been married for 19 years and have four lovely children.
Since this incident, he's had lots more affairs and whenever he's found out, he is always apologetic.
Things have got to a stage that I'm much happier when he's not around. I still care for him in my own way and there are the children to consider. I'm quite omfortable and can provide a good home for us all without him.
Joyce, by e-mail.
Dear Joyce,
It's obvious that you've come to terms with being without the company of your husband, and you're enjoying the stability of being alone. If this is true, think: carefully before you make a decision about your future with your husband.
After so much unfaithfulness, you need some guarantee before you run the risk of being hurt again. The fact is he's broken the contract he made with you over and over again, so it's up to you now what happens next.
Whatever you decide, think of yourself and the happiness of the children first.
A former governor of Jigawa State, Senator Saminu Turaki was on Tuesday arrested by agents of EFCC. He was picked up at the venue of the public presentation of a book on Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, the first regular combatant officer in the Nigerian Army, in Abuja.
Ibrahim Saminu Turaki
Before the arrest, EFCC has had to declare Turaki wanted for failing to present himself for trial since 2011 on 36 counts corruption charge before the Federal High Court, Dutse.
The court had issued a warrant directing the Inspector General of Police or his officers and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest Saminu Turaki and bring him before the court. Justice S. Yahuza gave the order after Turaki consistently failed to attend trial.
But attempts to execute the warrant failed as Turaki remained elusive. On May 19, 2016 operatives of the Commission acting on a tip-off had stormed the 16 Denis Osadebey Street Asokoro, Abuja home of the former governor but he slipped through their hands.
Turaki faces multiple charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, stealing, money laundering and misappropriation of public funds.
Following the strategic partnership earlier sealed between Interswitch, Africa's leading integrated payments and transaction switching company and EVSL, developers of FuelVoucher (fuelvoucher.com.ng) in 2015, the distribution network of the electronic fuel purchasing solution has been further broadened considerably in further partnership with 3 of the leading downstream oil marketing firms, OVH Energy Marketing, Forte Oil & RainOil in Lagos.
These partnerships were recently signed at a media event in Lagos involving key executives from Interswitch, EVSL, OVH and Forte Oil. Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Olaposi Williams, acting CEO OVH Energy Marketing stated that "We are happy to be a part of this partnership, as it allows us to provide innovative solutions to enhance consumer lifestyle while expanding the frontiers of our fuel retail operations. At OVH Marketing, we are committed to amplifying solutions that make life easy for our customers in today's current retail fueling space. Now consumers can redeem fuel purchased using the fuelvouchers at key Oando filling station across the country".
Also speaking on this progressive milestone in the life-cycle of the solution, Interswitch's Divisional CEO for Industry Vertical Markets, Chinyere Don-Okhuofu explained the rationale driving Interswitch's partnership with Fuelvoucher, as well as the tremendous potential for accelerating distribution of the service offered by the alignment with 2 of the leading downstream marketing organization is Nigeria. According to her; "As a business focused on providing products and services that are highly tailored to the African market, Interswitch has partnered with EVSL to launch this initiative in line with our desire to develop innovative payment products and services, facilitate transactions and strengthen the CBN cashless initiative. Following this alliance, FuelVoucher's online and mobile fuel purchasing systems have been integrated with PoS terminals deployed by Interswitch to service stations across the country.
Commenting, CEO of EVSL added that "This initiative will allow consumers to make payments for petroleum products on all Interswitch payment channels including Quickteller, ATMs and Mobile, and vouchers can be redeemed at every petrol station with the Interswitch PoS. As a result, anybody can easily buy fuel, gas or kerosene on-the-go via the FuelVoucher mobile app at any time of the day and FuelVouchers can be remotely sent to friends, family, domestic staff or drivers with ease".
Essentially, the solution will also enable petrol stations around the country run overnight by mopping up cash and accepting Fuel Vouchers thereby eliminating cash handling costs and risks. Because everything is automated and electronic, establishments no longer need to print paper vouchers with associated costs and reconciliation headaches. Corporate customers can also broaden their loyalty point's redemption options to include Fuel Vouchers, and they can also easily manage and control fuel purchase with analytical insights to help in fleet management. This partnership further buttresses the industry leading position of Interswitch on the attainment of a cashless Nigeria through the innovative use of technology.
The fuelvoucher solution is currently available across OVH and Forte Oil stations in Lagos, with aggressive plans for national coverage before the end of 2017.
Abuja – A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered the remand of 32-year-old Ismaila Isiaka in prison, for allegedly kidnapping two men.
The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, who gave the order adjourned the case until Aug. 14 for hearing.
Isiaka was arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping, offences he denied committing.
The prosecutor, Umoh Inah, told the court that the defendant was arrested based on a petition written to the Office of the Inspector General of Police.
Inah said the defendant conspired with some of his gang members, who are at large, and kidnapped one Ajaka Musa and Musa Adamu on April 22.
According to the prosecutor, the Police are still searching for the other gang members.
I REMEMBER that about eight to ten years ago in the office, cucumber and groundnut snack was the favourite of many men. I often wondered why almost all the men in the Newsroom took to that menu. On asking, I was told that it had been discovered that the combo worked magic for men’s libido. As usual for Nigerians, it was embraced but after a few months, it faded out. Only a few still follow the menu.
Cucumber
Today, research has moved cucumber beyond men’s libido to many other health benefits. You are probably familiar with the phrase "cool as a cucumber", which speaks directly to the soothing and cooling nature that cucumbers have when eaten. Cucumbers are extremely beneficial for overall health, especially during the dry season since they are mostly made up of water and important nutrients that are essential for the human body.
According to research, the flesh of cucumbers is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid while the hard skin of cucumbers is rich in fiber and a range of minerals including magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium. Additionally, cucumber contains silica, a trace mineral that contributes greatly to strengthening our connective tissues. Cucumbers are known to heal many skin problems, under eye swelling and sunburn. Cucumbers also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids which prevent water loss, therefore cucumber is frequently applied topically to burns and dermatitis.
Cucumbers originated in India almost 10,000 years ago, but are now cultivated in many different countries and continents and it is found in abundance all year long. Cucumber benefits range from preventing acidity to keeping skin well toned. Cucumber has high alkaline levels, thus regulating the body's blood pH and neutralizing acidity.
Patients with gastric issues should consume cucumbers frequently. It regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, including those in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.
During the summer, cucumbers help to normalize body temperature. Cucumber juice is diuretic, so it is able to prevent kidney stones. Cucumbers also counter the effects of uric acid, which prevents inflammations and conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout. You will be quite surprised to know that this squash also promotes healthy hair growth and can treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
A five day Training of Trainers (TOT) organised by Activista Nigeria/SCEEP for young people in the just concluded boot camp had about 71 participants from different areas of the country together with facilitators from ActionAid Nigeria with the theme on “Youth participation in governance and election”.
Participants at the event
The aim of the training is to empower young people in the decision making processes that directly affect their lives which cannot be achieved without dealing with issues around governance and election.
The avenue also provides youths both members and non Activistas opportunities to learn how to participate in governance and elections, taking up leadership roles and how to be an entrepreneur.
Activista National Coordinator, Oyinkansola Mabeko, “said Youth participation in Governance is a key element in Activista.
She said “this is a paramount issue in the way Activista wants to really see change in the world and the significance of giving young people the necessary tools as well as the tactics to utilize to hold government or policy makers accountable.
Many things were discussed amongst which were the Discussions on Some Political Icons like Thomas Sankara, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Feminist and Feministic Leadership, Youth and Empowerment, Leadership Challenges and Skills Young Women in Society, Young People, Election and Democracy in Nigeria etc.
These topics went through lots of discussions and through the learning arena, those with inferiority complex were able to build more confidence in public speaking and leading in a discussion role.
At the end of the training each state mapped out an action plan to be implemented in their various cells around the theme of the camp “Youth Participation in Governance and Elections”.
The Justice Gabrie Kolawole-led Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has, Tuesday, dropped the four charges of terrorism brought against the immediate past Senate leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.
The judge ruled that Ndume’s case was that of prima facie, meaning a no case submission.
Sen. Ndume
Mr. Ricky Tarfa who argued the case on behalf of senator Ndume said a no case was brought against the lawmaker.
Delivering judgement on the case, Justice Kolawole held that the prosecution failed on all fronts to link Ndume with the alleged crime of hoarding information on terrorism activities and sponsoring Boko Haram terrorists in the country.
The senator representing Bauchi Central constituency, Hon Isa Misau has said that since the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria is respected and adhered to, the Executive arms of the government should know that the National Assembly is supreme and should be respected as such. If they abhor democracy let them come up with another system of government, he said.
Disclosing this in today’s plenary, Hon Isa Misau pointed out and faulted the overriding functions of the executives, saying it is unconstitutional for EFCC to search a National Assembly members house and thus alleges it to police. This illegal invasion and unwarranted search of our top members should be questioned and challenged. Why haven’t they searched corrupt ministers houses, he asked.
Watch all that he said and pen down your comments.
