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
INNER Wheel District 911, a non-governmental organisation, has urged the Lagos State government to build cancer centers across the divisional areas in the state. Mrs. Fathiat Rufai, chairman of the District, made the appeal during a cancer roadshow campaign in Lagos recently. The campaign took off at the Ikeja Local Government Area and ended up at state House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja.
Members of Inner Wheel during the walk in Lagos
Rufai said the purpose of the cancer roadshow was to create awareness on cancer, especially breast cancer. "Cancer kills. It has claimed several lives in the society. We are not happy about this occurrence. We want the Lagos State Government to come to women's aide by providing early solution/cure to this disease. We are your mothers, your wives, sisters, aunties and daughters; therefore, you need to come to our rescue in providing solutions to this disease at an early stage," she said.
According to her, building cancer centres in the divisional areas of the state would help women have easy/quick access to intervention. Rufai appealed to members of the state House of Assembly to pass a pending bill on cancer awareness in the state. "This will help to reduce the death rate of cancer patients, as there will be easy and quick access to centres where vaccines and other drugs will be given at an early stage, " she said.
She appealed to all women and girls not to hesitate to go for check up once they sense any strangeness on their body, and also commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on his effort in infrastructural development, health awareness and adequate security around the city. Hon. Omotayo Oyeledun, the Lagos House of Assembly Deputy Chief Whip, who received the group, expressed satisfaction over the solo roadshow on cancer awareness. Oyeledun said that a bill on cancer awareness had been forwarded to the assembly and that deliberation was still ongoing, for its quick passage into law.
Earlier, Hon. Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, while also receiving the women, said the House would ensure swift passage of the cancer awareness bill into law.
MAKE UP can be your best friend or your worst enemy and when it turns on you, you are generally the last to notice. You wear your make up for hours; hence it has to be a combination of beautiful, comfortable and resilient- just like your man.
If you started wearing make-up more than ten years ago, chances are you will struggle with today's make-up techniques and products, which is about as hi-tech as today's technology. To catch up, you need to buy, learn about and use the new basics below:
Primer One of the fist things one learns when painting with oils is to treat the canvas with Gesso first. This protects the fabric and fills in the cracks, providing an even surface texture for a painting that looks beautiful for centuries. The same theory applies to painting your face. Once upon a time, all you needed for great make up was a good moisturizer base. Not these days. There's a make- up primer for every skin type – moisturizing, anti-ageing, anti-blemish, mattifying and even sweat-proof.
Eyelashes You might have thought putting on a fake pair of lashes was something of an overkill but not today. It is virtually impossible to pull off a complete made-up look without a pair. Look for reusable human hair lashes and a VERY good fixer.
Brow kit Forget about your eyebrow pencil- or you can keep it, but as a keepsake. These days there are far more important materials to attain the perfect brow, as the brow has become the focal point of every well made up face. Rather, you will be needing an entire kit consisting brow powders, gels, concealers and tools such as would make a regular pedicure kit green with envy.
Contour/highlight Forget blushes, which is now only relevant to the white skinned make up user. Contour makeup is your fast-track to cheekbones worthy of the catwalk; by playing around with light and shade, you can totally transform your face, whether it's a slimmer nose or a more defined jawline. The world of contour cosmetics has come a long way since the craze began seven or so years ago. It's an art that is here to stay, one that's worthy of investing some time in.
Setting spray It is no longer enough to wear make up and go. It is also no longer customary to excuse yourself to go powder your nose when you are at a public function. This is where setting spray comes in. In addition to keeping your make up fresh, setting sprays are usually infused with moisturizers, sunblocks and acidity regulators.
New Delhi – Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday offered to step down following two rail derailments few hours after the Chairman of Indian railway board A. K. Mittal tendered his resignation.
Mittal, who was the administrative head of Indian railways, voluntarily resigned from his position on Wednesday morning following the derailment of Utkal Express and Kaifiyat Express in a gap of five days.
The minister, who met with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took moral responsibility of two back-to-back accidents, and offered to quit.
"I met with Modi taking full moral responsibility and the PM has asked me to wait," Prabhu wrote on his twitter page.
At least 74 people were injured after 10 bogies of a passenger train derailed early on Wednesday in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
On Saturday, at least 23 people were killed and over 150 others injured.
Some of the victims were critically injured, after 14 coaches of the train derailed fell upon one another in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh state, around 100 km from New Delhi, India's national capital. (Xinhua/NAN)
By Providence Emmanuel SME 100 Nigeria is set to empower 25 innovative entrepreneurs who are under the age of 25 years with the aim of reducing the high mortality rate among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
For well over an hour, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors & Ministers walked through booths where hundreds of MSMEs showcased and advertised their products. 20th July 2017.
SME 100 Nigeria is engaged in youth-driven entrepreneurship training and specializes in finding, preparing and connecting young entrepreneurs with the resources, training and support they need to run successful entrepreneurial businesses.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Founder and Executive Director of the organisation, Mr. Charles Odii, said members of the public were invited about six months ago to nominate under 25 entrepreneurs who were making quality impact on the economy.
He explained that more than 3,500 entrepreneurs were nominated and subsequently reduced to 100, adding that the number will be further slashed to 25 after voting and the winners will be awarded on August 26. He added that to qualify, businesses must be based in Nigeria, duly registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and in fields such as cyber security and technology; fashion; arts, crafts and culture; food; health & skincare; education, as well as energy & sustainability. Others are media & ICT, photography; music; software & design and event and planning.
Odii said: "SME 100 Nigeria is meant to encourage the entrepreneurs to make much more impact. "The difference between this award and others is that these people are founders, innovators and CEOs of their businesses. The short-listing is based on the impact the entrepreneurs make."
In his comment, Director of Programmes, SME 100 Nigeria, Mr Brian Oji, stated: "We identify young people doing phenomenal work across the country, shine the spotlight on them so that all others can see them and aspire to set up businesses as well. On the other hand, we are actively tackling the menace of widespread youth unemployment in Nigeria."
Tottenham finalised their signing of Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez for a reported club record £42 million ($54 million) on Wednesday.
We are delighted to announce that @daosanchez26 has completed his move to the Club subject to receipt of his work permit later this week. pic.twitter.com/GtppypuoIj
Sanchez’s move to the Premier League club was originally announced last Friday and Tottenham have now rubber-stamped the paperwork after he completed a medical.
The 21-year-old Colombia centre-back has agreed a six-year contract and his move is believed to have eclipsed Tottenham’s previous record fee of £30 million, which they paid Newcastle for midfielder Moussa Sissoko last year.
“We are delighted to announce that Davinson Sanchez has completed his move to the club subject to receipt of his work permit later this week,” a Tottenham statement read.
Sanchez joined Eredivisie side Ajax in June last year on a five-year deal after leaving Atletico Nacional in his homeland.
He played in last season’s Europa League final, which Manchester United won 2-0, and was named Ajax’s player of the year in May.
Enugu – A civil war veteran, Prof. Okoro Akpa, has urged various youth organisations issuing threats of quit notices and ultimatums to withdraw them and move for a more united and prosperous country.
Akpa, who fought on the Biafra side during the 30-months Nigeria-Biafra civil war, made the call while speaking to journalists on the indivisibility of the country on Wednesday in Enugu.
He urged the youth groups, especially members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Arewa youths, to join hands with the Federal Government to harness their potentials to build the country.
"Federal Government should sensitise Nigerians to love each other and to love the country because we have no other country than Nigeria.
"We must realise, understand and accept that the instrument that brought all of us together was an act of God.
"And all those who did it only came to fulfil that divine mission and mandate,'' Akpa said. According to him, Nigerians should be made to know that the country is equally owned by all and that a leader can emerge from any place, no matter how remote.
Akpa, a professor of alternative medicine, however, urged governments at all levels to ensure that youths are gainfully employed to check their restiveness.
He expressed the view that if industries are established, and the teeming youths gainfully employed, the country would be a better and peaceful place to live in.
"Establish industries in various communities in this country, in which indigenes will be employed to produce products and services that can be exported to other countries of the world.
"Organise a powerful organ for sending our youths to foreign countries like India, USA, China, etc, for high profile skill acquisition for the manufacture of aircraft, ships, motor cars, television, handsets, medical and engineering equipment,'' he suggested. (NAN)
Abuja – Mr Adams Oshiomole former Governor of Edo, has called for the review of the revenue allocation formula in favour of states and local governments in the country.
Oshiomohole made the call at the Colloquium organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The theme of the colloquium is: "The Labour Movement and the Future of United Nigeria: What Role for Restructuring?''He said that the review of the formula was overdue.
"We are now 17 years in democracy and for over 18 years that formula has yet to be reviewed,'' he said . He called for the transfer of resources to the states.
`If resources are transferred to each of the 36 states of the federation, those who want to grow can continue to grow, those who want to sleep and go slowly, let them do so.
"Those who want to run as fast as lion should be allowed to run, that could lead to the competition that we should have, ''he said. The former governor said that the country did not need federal roads but rather, states and local governments should be empowered to do so while states should be allowed to manage their own power to efficiency in power distribution.
"There are a lot of things we can do in the devolution of power and what I believe we must do is that, we can be mobilised to the National Assembly and tell our lawmakers what they must do as far as devolution of power is concerned. Contributing, Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President said the colloquium was convened in response to the recent developments in polity and calls for the restructuring of the nation.
"The discourse among the political elites in our country, in the last few months, has been so heated that suddenly, many of the elites involved in this debate have thrown caution, decency and decorum to the winds. "Also, the threats and counter threats have grave consequences for our cooperate existence as a nation.
"We have also heard stringent calls for Nigeria to return to regions of the first republic, others called for remodel our federation along the Abacha era. "Yet, others have called for a return of parliamentary form of democracy, ''he said.
He said the forum was called to seek sustainable effort to address the recurring problems affecting the country.
Waba said if the resources available to the nation were well managed in the past and not stolen by both the public and private sector operators, unemployment would have reduced.
He said that proper management of the nation's resources in the past would have enhanced building of infrastructure, effective funding of education sector, healthcare and other social services. (NAN)
Samsung on Wednesday unveiled a new model of its Galaxy Note as it seeks to leave behind the debacle over exploding batteries in the previous generation of the device, and mount a renewed challenge to Apple and its soon-to-come iPhone 8.
Introducing the Note 8 “phablet” at an event in New York City, executives repeatedly thanked fans who had remained loyal to the device.
“None of us will ever forget what happened last year,” said Samsung president of mobile communications business DJ Koh.
“But, I will never forget how millions of dedicated Note loyalists stayed with us; so let me express my deepest gratitude.”
The South Korean giant laid claim to being the first smartphone maker to field a “phablet” device — combining features of smartphones and tablets — when it introduced the first Note five years ago.
Samsung did not disclose the price of the Note 8, which will hit shops on September 15 but will be available for pre-orders starting Thursday.
Note 8 features include dual cameras on the back, with improved image capabilities, and a signature “S Pen” for drawing or writing on touch screens.
“All in all, it was a good day for Samsung,” Moore Insights and Strategy analyst Patrick Moorhead said at the event.
“The Note 7 is clearly behind them and now it’s onto the future with the Note 8.”
The analyst depicted the Note 8 as Samsung’s best opportunity in years to gain market share in the fiercely competitive premium smartphone market.
– iPhone turns 10 – The Note 8 debut comes on the heels of Samsung launching new Galaxy 8 smartphones, and as the South Korean consumer electronics giant and fellow market leader Apple seek wow factors that can help them fend off challenges from rising Chinese-based manufacturers.
Apple is under particular pressure to dazzle as the culture-changing California iPhone maker looks for a way to maintain its image as an innovation leader in a global market showing signs of slowing.
Apple is expected to unveil a 10th anniversary version of the iPhone in September.
“Clearly, Apple wants to do something different,” NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker told AFP.
Reports say the new iPhone will include a high-quality, edge-to-edge screen with a notch in the top for an extra camera supporting 3D facial recognition.
Some speculate that the back of the new handset will be glass and will offer wireless charging.
Meanwhile, Google-made Pixel smartphones that debuted last year will likely get a second generation in the months ahead.
Global smartphone sales saw a modest decline of 0.8 percent in the second quarter of 2017, an IDC survey showed.
Samsung maintained top spot in the crowded field with a 23.3 percent market share, while Apple held onto second place with 12 percent, according to IDC.
“Samsung had the Note 7 debacle, but it appears their troubles are behind them,” GlobalData analyst Avi Greengart told AFP. “Samsung is doing some amazing things with its display and design.”
– ‘Infinity’ and beyond – Note 8 handsets boasted “infinity” screens that span edge-to-edge on handsets, to enhance the viewing of video or help to juggle multiple tasks.
Samsung said it also built its Bixby virtual assistant smarts into Note 8 as it battles to compete with artificial intelligence being meshed into handsets powered by Apple or Google-backed Android software.
Note 8 also boasted water and dust resistance, along with wireless charging capability.
“We appreciate the relentless passion of the Note community,” Koh said during a presentation focused almost as much on Note fans as it was on the new handset.
“They’ve been a constant inspiration to us, and we designed the new Note for them.”
By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THE quick intervention of Senate President Bukola Saraki Wednesday stopped the Chief Executive Officers of some major multinational companies and Nigeria based Organisations from staging a walkout at the resumed probe of these firms by the Senate Joint Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, investigating the alleged N30 trillion revenue leakage.
Apparently tired of waiting for hours, the CEOs of these companies were prepared to leave the hearing room and go back to Lagos.
But for the very quick intervention of Senate President Saraki who pleaded with them to give the Committee members some more time, the Chief Executive officers, CEOs then waited for the Senators.
The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, on Wednesday, said the state government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI), would soon commence the disbursement of interest-free loans to two thousand women to grow their businesses in the state. The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, speaking on the activities of her pet project, Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise (EWAE), in Benin City, Edo State on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. Mrs. Obaseki who said this while speaking on the activities of her pet project, Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise (EWAE), assured women leaders from the eighteen local government councils of the state, that the scope of the project has been expanded.
“The Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise initiative has been successful. We have recorded over 85 per cent success rate, and most of our women have done well. Due to this success, I have decided to expand the scope of the programme to include general enterprise that can grow the state’s economy and empower our people," Mrs. Obaseki said.
She explained that there were several programmes in the bouquet of the Bank of Industry, designed to support the initiative, and grow the micro, small and medium enterprise sub-sectors. She added: "I am also working towards getting support and funding from outside the state and country as part of my contributions to the economy of the state.”
She said the criteria for qualifying for the loan facility includes membership of a registered cooperative that has serious and credible executives, whose members must be diligent traders who are ready to pay back the loans at the stipulated time.
Mrs. Obaseki said the loan amount would be between fifty and one hundred thousand naira with a repayment period of six months.
.Moves to block tax leakages, targets 75 percent from IGR
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Barely 27 days assumption in office of the new administration, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, has awarded the rehabilitation of the deplorable Raufu Tijani Road, a link road from Idimu-Ejigbo for immediate construction which is aimed at ensuring smooth movement of traffic around the axis.
Meantime, the council, also unveiled a special tax revenue team, which was created recently, with the aim of reducing the high level of leakages associated with collection of cash by revenue officials.
Chairman of the council, Alhaji Monsurudeen Bello, disclosed this yesterday, during a Town Hall Meeting, which focused on infrastructural development and effective means of generating revenue internally, held at the council's Secretariat.
Bello, addressing the mammoth crowd, which included; Members of Community Development Associations, CDA, traditional ruler, clerics, traders, stakeholders, among others, stressed the need for a collective responsibility from residents to further engender overall development of the area among other councils in the state.
He reiterated commitment to his campaign promise of ensuring a transparent, evidence-based plan to support infrastructural development with high quality public investment and effective service delivery in all sector.
According to him, "Local councils are systematically designed as close as possible to the people at the grassroot levels with the objective of facilitating development which cannot be achieved by government alone.
"Our roads are in terrible shape, our waterways need urgent attention, and some of our communities are in need of government schools, clinics, among others. Our drainage system is worrisome and shameful while our youths need to be meaningfully engaged.
"I am happy, therefore, to notify you that our administration has awarded the rehabilitation of Raufu Tijani up to Kolawole Sebilli Street, which is about 152 meters in length and Moshalasi Road from Idimu Junction down to Alhaji Obe, which about 540 meteres in length.
"These two link roads which will further ease movement of traffic in Alimosho axis are expected to be completed before the end of December, 2017."
Bello, explained that the project which had been awarded to a local contractor is to further complement the on-going construction of 181 inner roads already embarked on by the state government.
"This roads links, Lagos-Abeokuta Road, LASU-Iba, Ikotun, Oke-Afa, Ipaja, Ayobo roads, thereby, reduces man-hour loss as result of traffic gridlock, as well as boost business activities of residents in the area," the council boss stated.
Tax net
While lamenting on the challenges facing the council due to scarce resources, Bello stressed the need for private partnership and cooperation from residents.
His words: "Ejigbo has the potential survive on Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, if the right parameters are set. We are considered weak in our IGR because we do not have comprehensive data on who should pay the approved revenue license fees and permits or the key economic activities that can generate levies.
"It is important for all of us to look inwards and start to engage in resource development in order to fashion out a more effective means of generating revenue while encouraging Public-Private Partnership, PPP, within our locality.
"Today we intend to make Ejigbo LCDA self sufficient so that we can generate at least 75 percent of our revenue from IGR which is achievable through your support and cooperation and by implementing a customized data base with cutting-edge technology methods."
Unveiling the special tax team, Bello, stressed, "We are willing to partner with you in order to reduce the high level of leakages associated with the collection cash by revenue officials, hence, we have trained and retraining our revenue officers who will from today (Wednesday) be going about their official duties in a uniform for easy identification, thereby, eliminating possible impostor in the process."
Prof. Chris Bode, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, on Wednesday said nobody died of any "strange disease" linked to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the hospital.
Bode spoke in a statement in Lagos against the reported death of 13 people in the hospital as a result of HPV.
According to him, no doctor made such a claim from this institution and nobody died of any "strange disease" in LUTH.
Bode said: "HPV does not cause sudden mass deaths in humans.
"Medical literature informs us that the human papillomavirus causes a number of diseases in man, and the ordinary wart is the commonest of these.
"The virus is also known to cause cancer of the cervix in females, genital cancer and cancer of the throat. Occasionally, it can prevent pregnancy.
"The virus is found only in humans and it can be transmitted through sexual contact and infects the anus and genitals.
"HPV vaccines can prevent the most common types of infection and it is now recommended to be given to young girls between the ages of 9 and 13 to prevent cervical cancer.''
The chief medical director said that though, warts have been documented since the time of ancient Greece, its viral nature was described over a hundred years ago.
"It is, therefore, absurd to attribute the discovery of this old disease to any LUTH doctor.
"It damages the ethical standards of the Nigerian Medical community when such reckless claims are made,'' Bode said.
Abuja – The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND) has called on Niger Delta youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction by greedy and selfish politicians.
Mr James Erebuoye, President of the group, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to recent wave of hate speeches in the country. Nnamdi Kanu
According to him, some politicians are in the habit of using unsuspecting masses to instigate crisis in the country while their children are overseas studying and enjoying.
He added that rather than engaging in ventures that would heat up the polity, youths in the region should focus more on monitoring constituency projects and fund disbursement to and in the region.
He said they should also strive to work towards ensuring the country´s unity while supporting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to enable it deliver true democracy dividends to the people. Erebuoye particularly called on youths in the region to shun the call being made by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for the disintegration of the country.
He maintained that the unity and development of the country should be the interest of all well meaning Nigerians, adding that youths in the region should stay clear from IPOB activities and embrace peace.
"We must not give room to Nnamdi and his IPOB group to course panic and destruction to this great region and the country generally.
"The Niger Delta region has suffered several crises in the past and it is time for us to give peace a chance to enable us benefits from the Buhari administration.
"I am very sure that we all know that nothing good comes out of crisis; it is high time we stop participating in illegal rallies out of personal interest,´´ Erebuoye stressed.
He maintained that Niger Delta youths should join hands with the Federal Government and its anti- graft agencies in fighting corruption which he noted had left the country and he region in a very bad shape. (NAN)
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has approved the release of the admission list of successful candidates into the Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) for the 2017/2018 academic year.
Malam Adamu Adamu
A statement by the Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday quoted the minster as saying that admission list into JSSI was on notice boards in the colleges and on their websites.
The statement signed by Mrs Priscilla Ihuoma, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, said the list was also online: http:htt//www.fmeinterviewtest.com or the ministry's website www.education.gov.ng.
"Students who have been offered provisional admission have two weeks after the release of the results to accept the offer, otherwise, they will be replaced by other candidates,'' the statement quoted Adamu as saying.
The Kogi House of Assembly has constituted a five-man committee to "critically investigate" the remote and immediate causes of the attack on members while in session on Aug. 1.
The action followed the adoption of a motion to that effect brought by Victor Omofaiye (APC,Ijumu) under matters of urgent public importance, on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Hoodlums, on August 1, invaded the house and attacked members and staff of the assembly.
The hoodlums, who left many members critically injured, also destroyed furniture.
Omofaiye, while moving the motion, described the incident as "ugly and unpalatable", saying that the attack desecrated the chamber that was supposed to be a sacred place for the legislators to carry out their constitutional roles.
"It is unfortunate that the thugs turned the hallow chamber into a theatre of war; they physically assaulted some members, forcing many of us to scale the walls to escape to safety.
"This evil deed on the members of the House of Assembly is uncivilised, barbaric and should be checked, investigated and condemned by a resolution of the House," he said.
Seconding the motion, Edoko Moses (APC-Dekina-Biraidu), explained that whenever there was crisis in any Assembly, it was usually among members.
"But on Aug. 1, the House was disrupted by evil guests; hoodlums invaded the Assembly that day. One keeps wondering what brought them and why the lawmakers became their target," he said.
Contributing, Pedro Obaro (APC-Mopa-muro), decried the inaction of security operatives on the day the attack took place.
"There were security agents all over the place, but they did not protect the lawmakers; they left us vulnerable and the hoodlums had a field day," he said.
Speaker of the House, Prince Matthew Kolawole, in his ruling, condemned the attack and constituted a five-man committee to critically investigate its remote cause.
Mover of the motion and Chairman, Ethics and Privileges Committee, Omafaiye is to chair the committee that has the Deputy Speaker, Hassan Abdullahi, Lawi Ahmed, Haruna Idoko Musa and Oluwatoyin Lawal as members.
The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND) has called on Niger Delta youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction by greedy and selfish politicians.
Mr James Erebuoye, President of the group, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to recent wave of hate speeches in the country.
According to him, some politicians are in the habit of using unsuspecting masses to instigate crisis in the country while their children are overseas studying and enjoying.
He added that rather than engaging in ventures that would heat up the polity, youths in the region should focus more on monitoring constituency projects and fund disbursement to and in the region.
He said they should also strive to work towards ensuring the country´s unity while supporting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to enable it deliver true democracy dividends to the people.
Erebuoye particularly called on youths in the region to shun the call being made by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for the disintegration of the country.
He maintained that the unity and development of the country should be the interest of all well meaning Nigerians, adding that youths in the region should stay clear from IPOB activities and embrace peace.
"We must not give room to Nnamdi and his IPOB group to course panic and destruction to this great region and the country generally. "The Niger Delta region has suffered several crises in the past and it is time for us to give peace a chance to enable us benefits from the Buhari administration.
"I am very sure that we all know that nothing good comes out of crisis; it is high time we stop participating in illegal rallies out of personal interest,´´ Erebuoye stressed.
He maintained that Niger Delta youths should join hands with the Federal Government and its anti- graft agencies in fighting corruption which he noted had left the country and he region in a very bad shape.
………as agency shun request to handover case files of ex-Govs
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA – Ongoing cold war between the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, may frustrate the trial of more than 35 ex-governors.
Investigation by Vanguard revealed that the anti-graft agency had yet to transfer case files of the affected public officials to the AGF, though the request was made since July 2016. Magu It was further learnt that the rift between Malami and Magu was worsened by the AGF’s insistence that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, must be separated from the EFCC.
Further probe by Vanguard revealed that Malami had in a memo marked HAGF/SH/2016/Vol.1/2, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, expedite the process of securing autonomy for the NFIU which has been under the control of EFCC since it was established in 2006.
According to section 1(2) (c) of the EFCC Act, it is the NFIU that has “the responsibility of coordinating the various institutions involved in the fight against money laundering and enforcement of all laws dealing with economic and financial crimes in Nigeria”.
It will be recalled that the Egmont Group of national financial intelligence units, had at its 24th Plenary that held in China in July, suspended Nigeria for what it termed lack of independence of the NFIU from the EFCC.
The group, at the meeting where about 354 participants representing 112 Financial Intelligence Units were in attendance, anchored its decision to axe Nigeria, on repeated failure to protect confidential information relating to Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) derived from international exchanges, which it made available to the NFIU.
The group, which is the highest inter-governmental association of intelligence agencies in the world, gave Nigeria until December to comply with its standards on financial intelligence or risk expulsion in 2018.
Following the threat which came whilst President Buhari was on medical vacation, the then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, promptly constituted a Presidential Adhoc Committee headed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi.
Mandate of the adhoc committee included to recommend and facilitate legal and regulatory measures to ensure the financial and operational autonomy of the NFIU, as well to recommend other necessary steps to be taken by relevant stakeholders to ensure the restoration of Nigeria’s membership on the Egmont Group.
Meanwhile, the AGF, through his memo, persuaded President Buhari to re-transmit the Proceed of Crime Bill and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Centre Bill, to the National Assembly.
Though the two Bills were previously passed by the 7th National Assembly in 2015, however, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan could not assent to them before his tenure elapsed.
Consequently, Malami, SAN, urged President Buhari to re-transmit them to the National Assembly.
The AGF’s memo read in part; "In view of the fact that the thirty (30) days time limit permitted under Section 58 (5) of the Constitution for assent to a Bill has expired, I respectfully wish to request Mr. President to re-transmit the Bills to the 8th Assembly for accelerated hearing, as may be permitted by its Rules. I have reviewed the two Bills which are Executive Bills and can confirm that they are consistent with the agenda of the present administration.
"The two Bills have been prioritized because they will support the fight against corruption, money laundering, terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and a host of other crimes that are related to financial crimes. They will also enhance the legal measures for the recovery and management of stolen asset and ensure that all assets are recovered from within Nigeria and outside Nigeria in a prompt manner."
The memo signed by the AGF with the two Bills attached, dispatched and acknowledged same day by the presidency had as prayers that, "In the light of the above, Your Excellency is graciously invited to re-transmit the above-mentioned two Bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage, please", it concluded.
Besides, the adhoc committee that was setup by Prof. Osinbajo is expected to conclude its assignment and submit final report to the Presidency at the end of this month.
Meanwhile, the case files yet to be transmitted to the AGF as requested, included those involving the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who was former governor of Kwara State, Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Saminu Turaki (Jigawa); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Joshua Dariye (Plateau); Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara); Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); James Ibori (Delta); Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Danjuma Goje (Gombe); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Ikedi Ohakim (Imo); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Achike Udenwa (Imo).
Others are Jolly Nyame (Taraba); Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo); Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); Adamu Mu'azu (Bauchi); Lucky Igbinedion (Edo) and Peter Odili (Rivers) and Ubong Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom).
The Lagos State Ministry of Education on Wednesday said it has placed 5,278 successful candidates who scored 65 per cent and above in the last Model College placement test in the 16 Model Colleges/ Upgraded Secondary Schools.
Mr Adesina Odeyemi, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, said this while announcing the result of the test in Lagos.
He said that 10,592 candidates registered for the examination while 10,323 wrote test.
Odeyemi said 8,147 representing 78.92 per cent scored above 50 per cent, adding that it is an indication that the placement test was not only competitive, but the pupils made an impressive outing.
Odeyemi explained that the 65 per cent cut off mark was a function of the available vacancies in all the model colleges and for fairness and equity all pupils who scored above the cut-off mark were placed.
He said that this was a change from the practice in the past where those who could not meet the cut-off mark of their schools of choice lost out completely.
He said that 190 pupils who chose Vetland Junior Grammar School and scored between 65 per cent and 79 per cent who could not be placed in the school would be placed in public junior secondary schools around the area because it was a day school.
The permanent secretary said the parents of successful candidates would be contacted through Short Message Service (SMS) on the contact telephone line made available on the form.
He, however, said the list of successful candidates would be on display at the headquarters of the six education districts from Aug. 25.
"Parents can check the results at the closest education district irrespective of the choice of school of their children or wards.
"Parents and guardians whose children or wards scored 65 per cent and above were advised to start making arrangement for the Sept. 10 resumption date preparatory for the beginning of new academic session in Lagos state," he said.
Abuja – Mixed reactions on Wednesday trailed the decision of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to peg the minimum cut-off mark for admissions into universities at 120.JAMB candidates
Most Nigerians decried the reduction in the cut-off describing it as `too low a requirement for admission' into the university.
Mr Ettu Ahmed, an Educationist, said that the pegging of the cut-off to 120 would encourage laziness and lower the standard of education in the country.
"Rather than lower it to 120, JAMB management should have used 180 as the cut-off, judging from the number of those who scored 200 and above.
"JAMB's decision to reduce the cut-off to such a mark could have a multiplier effect on the already lower standard of education in the country,'' he said.
Mrs Foluke Mathew, a concerned mother, berated JAMB management for toeing that path, adding that such ridiculous reduction would not augur well for the educational development of the country.
"When I was about entering the university in the 90s, the minimum requirement was 180 but instead of increasing it, the management of JAMB reduced it drastically.
"It saddened my heart when I heard the news of the reduction. The reduction is capable of destabilising the educational system,'' she said.
Mrs Adekemi Jegede, Headmistress, Methodist Elementary School, Oke-Omi, Osun, State noted that the reduction of the cut-off marks would only worsen academic performance in tertiary institutions.
Jegede said the level of academic excellence depends on the performance of candidates in the UTME.
"When I heard the news of the reduction in the cut-off mark by JAMB yesterday, I was so perplexed because this has not been the usual way of JAMB doing things.
"This will only reduce the level of performance of the students.
"I believe students should be made to read more but this reduction will only make them idle, especially as regards their academic performance,'' she added.
However, some parents, teachers and students in Bwari, FCT also expressed mixed feelings over the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)'s reduction of cut-off marks for admissions to tertiary institutions.
Mr Joseph Okon, a civil servant, told NAN that although the reduction in the minimum cut-off marks marked deviation from the past, he did not expect it to have been reduced to such level.
According to him, last year it was 180, I was expecting this year's cut-off marks will be pegged at 170, but not as low as 120.
Okon said "I only pray that Universities will give room for our children to secure admission, to enable them acquire tertiary education.
"Before now, securing admission into tertiary institutions used to be very difficult, due to high cut-off marks often placed by University authorities.
"At least with this reduction in the bench mark we are sure our children will secure admission with minimal effort."
Mr Femi Ogunle, a parent, decried reduction in cut off marks, adding that this negated his expectation about standards of the nation's public examination.
"I used to think passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) reflects candidate intelligence to an extent, but now to secure admission at 120 marks leaves a wrong impression," Ogunle said.
On the contrary, a Secondary School Teacher, who pleaded anonymity, said that the reduction in cut-off marks would not in any way affect admission standards to tertiary institutions.
He suggested that there should be a platform to examine student intelligence through aptitude test, to avoid a situation where dull ones get admission at the expense of the intelligent ones.
A student of Government Secondary School Dutse-Alhaji, Mr Paul Egbe, expressed delight in the reduction of the admission cut-off marks.
According to him, the reduction of cut-off marks will help to reduce the back log of candidates wanting to enter higher institutions, but cannot.
Egbe said "at least with this reduction, many candidates will be able to secure admission to study their course of choice and even attend the University they desire.
"I call on JAMB to sustain this feat because it will go a long way to encourage people wanting to enter higher institution to do so after passing the UTME''.
Miss Emmanuella Daniel, a student of Government Day Secondary School Bwari Central, said that the reduction of cut-off marks by the Board would hinder competition for excellence among candidates.
"I want JAMB to raise the bench mark to give room for those who really studied hard and passed the UTME, to be given admission.
"Reducing the cut-off marks to 120 will only benefit lazy students and contribute to the fallen standard of the nation's education," Daniel said.
JAMB had on Aug. 22 reduced university cut-off to 120, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education 100 at a policy meeting with the Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of higher institutions in the country.
NAN reports that Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB, had at the policy meeting of the stakeholders of Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja disclosed the reduction of cut off marks to 120.
The reduction decision on the choice of cut-off marks was an outcome of the unanimous agreement arrived at by heads of tertiary institutions at the policy meeting.
NAN reports 569,395 of the 1.7 million candidates that wrote this year's UTME scored over 200 marks. (NAN) FEA/FAK/GOM/AFA
Mixed reactions on Wednesday trailed the decision of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to peg the minimum cut-off mark for admissions into universities at 120.
JAMB candidates
Most Nigerians decried the reduction in the cut-off describing it as `too low a requirement for admission' into the university.
Mr Ettu Ahmed, an Educationist, said that the pegging of the cut-off to 120 would encourage laziness and lower the standard of education in the country.
"Rather than lower it to 120, JAMB management should have used 180 as the cut-off, judging from the number of those who scored 200 and above.
"JAMB's decision to reduce the cut-off to such a mark could have a multiplier effect on the already lower standard of education in the country,'' he said.
Mrs Foluke Mathew, a concerned mother, berated JAMB management for toeing that path, adding that such ridiculous reduction would not augur well for the educational development of the country.
"When I was about entering the university in the 90s, the minimum requirement was 180 but instead of increasing it, the management of JAMB reduced it drastically.
"It saddened my heart when I heard the news of the reduction. The reduction is capable of destabilising the educational system,'' she said.
Mrs Adekemi Jegede, Headmistress, Methodist Elementary School, Oke-Omi, Osun, State noted that the reduction of the cut-off marks would only worsen academic performance in tertiary institutions.
Jegede said the level of academic excellence depends on the performance of candidates in the UTME.
"When I heard the news of the reduction in the cut-off mark by JAMB yesterday, I was so perplexed because this has not been the usual way of JAMB doing things.
"This will only reduce the level of performance of the students.
"I believe students should be made to read more but this reduction will only make them idle, especially as regards their academic performance,'' she added.
However, some parents, teachers and students in Bwari, FCT also expressed mixed feelings over the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)'s reduction of cut-off marks for admissions to tertiary institutions.
Mr Joseph Okon, a civil servant, said that although the reduction in the minimum cut-off marks marked deviation from the past, he did not expect it to have been reduced to such level.
According to him, last year it was 180, I was expecting this year's cut-off marks will be pegged at 170, but not as low as 120.
Okon said "I only pray that Universities will give room for our children to secure admission, to enable them acquire tertiary education.
"Before now, securing admission into tertiary institutions used to be very difficult, due to high cut-off marks often placed by University authorities.
"At least with this reduction in the bench mark we are sure our children will secure admission with minimal effort."
Mr Femi Ogunle, a parent, decried reduction in cut off marks, adding that this negated his expectation about standards of the nation's public examination.
"I used to think passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) reflects candidate intelligence to an extent, but now to secure admission at 120 marks leaves a wrong impression," Ogunle said.
On the contrary, a Secondary School Teacher, who pleaded anonymity, said that the reduction in cut-off marks would not in any way affect admission standards to tertiary institutions.
He suggested that there should be a platform to examine student intelligence through aptitude test, to avoid a situation where dull ones get admission at the expense of the intelligent ones.
A student of Government Secondary School Dutse-Alhaji, Mr Paul Egbe, expressed delight in the reduction of the admission cut-off marks.
According to him, the reduction of cut-off marks will help to reduce the back log of candidates wanting to enter higher institutions, but cannot.
Egbe said "at least with this reduction, many candidates will be able to secure admission to study their course of choice and even attend the University they desire.
"I call on JAMB to sustain this feat because it will go a long way to encourage people wanting to enter higher institution to do so after passing the UTME''.
Miss Emmanuella Daniel, a student of Government Day Secondary School Bwari Central, said that the reduction of cut-off marks by the Board would hinder competition for excellence among candidates.
"I want JAMB to raise the bench mark to give room for those who really studied hard and passed the UTME, to be given admission.
"Reducing the cut-off marks to 120 will only benefit lazy students and contribute to the fallen standard of the nation's education," Daniel said.
JAMB had on Aug. 22 reduced university cut-off to 120, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education 100 at a policy meeting with the Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of higher institutions in the country.
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB, had at the policy meeting of the stakeholders of Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja disclosed the reduction of cut off marks to 120.
The reduction decision on the choice of cut-off marks was an outcome of the unanimous agreement arrived at by heads of tertiary institutions at the policy meeting.
According to reports 569,395 of the 1.7 million candidates that wrote this year's UTME scored over 200 marks.
