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
His career is full of many splendid firsts. And he’s now added another remarkable one.
The pop giant is being hosted this week, at the Campari house situated on the outskirts of Milan, on the invitation of the respected Italian Organisation.
The singer and his team kept the news on the low, refusing to let the cat out of the bag, even after word leaked that they were spotted arriving in Milan.
2baba is a brand ambassador for Campari, the first African act to be so decorated in over 200 years. He now joins a global elite list of celebrities who have been invited to the home of Campari, where he toured the Campari museum, brewed his own Campari cocktails and had lavish lunch at the summer home of the company’s founder Gaspare Campari.
Two generations of Camparis lived at the sprawling property, which housed the first ever Campari bar. The property is now enveloped by the massive Campari global headquarters, housing corporate offices, a multi-purpose venue, first-class museum, and an academy.
Idibia joins the list of global celebrities like Eva Mendez, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Milla Jovovich, Benicio Del Toro, Eva Green and Kate Hudson, that have either paid a visit or participated in signature Campari activities since the drink was first brewed in 1860.
The visit, Idibia says, is a continuation of his amazing relationship with Europe where he won his first-ever international award at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Portugal 11 years ago.
While in Milan, he has participated in a workshop at the Campari academy, visited Italian landmarks, taken a tour of relevant facilities and work with select experts to create his own special Campari cocktail.
He is accompanied by his friend and manager of many years, Efe Omorogbe. Also on the trip is Campari Head of Marketing Abayomi Ajao and public relations expert, Ayeni Adekunle from Campari’s PR agency BHM.
The team is expected back in Lagos by the weekend.
. FBN becomes first financial institution in Nigeria to achieve and sustain this feat
Interswitch Group, Africa's leading digital payments and commerce company, thursday, formally recognized First Bank Nigeria Ltd. as the first financial institution in the country to achieve sustained transaction volumes of 100 million transactions, first in December 2015 and again in May 2016.
The record transaction volumes represent the total transactions processed by First Bank's Front End Processor running on the Interswitch transaction-switching platform, which seamlessly links all financial institutions in Nigeria to facilitate better and quicker transactions across all platforms.
In December 2015, First bank was recognized as the first-ever financial institution in the country to achieve this feat. Being able to sustain this in May 2017 is a pointer toward the bank's desire to promote the CBN cashless policy and boost economic growth via e-payments across Nigeria and the African continent.
In his remarks, Group Managing Director/CEO, Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe commented
"It essentially reflects the strength and development of electronic transactions in Nigeria that a single banking partner can record 100 million transactions in a single month. When this figure is aggregated with that of our other partners, then you can begin to have an idea of the sheer size and demand for electronic financial services in Nigeria. Interswitch is excited by this sustained achievement by FirstBank and we look forward to partnering with the Bank to further consolidate the gains of digital transaction innovation. "
Also speaking, the MD/CEO of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, noted that the bank will continue to employ novel approaches in providing secure and convenient banking services to its customers and promised to drive innovation and extend its leadership of the financial sector services with specialized and technology-driven products and services. In his words,
"First Bank's investment in e-business reflects our commitment to promoting financial inclusion which is widely regarded as a lever for sustainable economic growth and development as well as enhancing entrepreneurship. Our passion to serve and extend financial services to the unbanked has since inspired several innovations and we thank our esteemed customers for their continued patronage and trust in our services whilst dedicating the recognition to them".
It is on record that FirstBank was one of the foundational shareholders of Interswitch, prior to the company's acquisition by a tripartite consortium led by Helios Investment Partners, and including the IFC and Adlevo Capital. The milestone by First Bank is another marker of the scale of success recorded by Interswitch since its launch in 2002. It will be recalled that the company in 2014 was listed by Deloitte as the fastest growing tech company in Africa with a year-on-year growth rate of over 1500%.
Lagos - The Sheraton Lagos Hotel is opening its doors to all sports lovers and enthusiasts to enjoy the Olympic Games.
During the Olympics, the hotel will be delivering an exciting experience and creating a thrilling environment which will see all sports lovers, fans and enthusiasts alike at their Goodies Pub enjoying various games from the Olympics starting on Friday.
During the period the Goodies Pub will be opened daily from 2pm for all guests, so they can enjoy each game amidst a great ambiance while catching up with family and friends.
Sports lovers living within the Ikeja environs are not left out as they will be able to walk in and join in the fun while watching various countries compete in different games from swimming to long jump.
There is something for every guest and the Sheraton Lagos and the promise that no one will miss out on their favorite sport.
Guests will also be treated to special food items or national dishes from participating countries.
All customers are encouraged to drop their business cards in the raffle box to stand a chance of winning great prizes ranging from items from Olympic sponsors to meals at the restaurant.
The hotel promises it will be a month of fun and excitement at the Goodies Pub, as the Sheraton Lagos Hotel is sure that all guests who watch the Olympics 2016 with will have an exhilarating time.
The Sheraton Lagos Hotel is set to host all lovers of beer and lager to celebrate International beer day at the renowned Goodie Pub Friday.
The hotel team believes it is important to celebrate the day as Beer unites the world under a themed banner; by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day.
The celebration will include a commemoration of those responsible for brewing and serving beer.
At the Goodies Pub, Sheraton Lagos is inviting everyone to sample various brands of unique beers especially the Salito Beer. The Goodies Pub is known for serving some of the best beers in town for great deals such as 500ml Castle Draught Beer for N500; there will also be buy one get one free opportunities so beer lovers will definitely be in for a treat.
Sheraton Lagos promises that there will be an advocate for each beer being displayed explaining the art and unique blend of their brand. The idea is for everyone to gather with friends or make new friends while enjoying the taste of beer.
The Sheraton Lagos team says it looks forward to having all beer lovers and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the world's most widely consumed and one of the oldest alcoholic beverages.
Mrs Comfort Akanle: “I have been believing God for the fruit of the womb for seven years and doctors said I have multiple fibroid which must be operated upon before I can conceive. We deposited N50,000 for the surgery but the doctor to perform the operation failed to turn up.
A cross section of Mass choir at a plenary, yesterday. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele
I attended the Holy Ghost service in September, 2014, and during the service, Daddy G.O. said God will give someone a new womb. I claimed it. I went to see the doctor by October and told him that I was pregnant, he did not believe it. I delivered my baby in June.
Husband healed of 17 years cancer of the nose
Deaconess Deborah Umukoro from Edo Province 6: “My husband had cancer of the nose since 2004. I wrote to Daddy and Mummy G.O. during the women’s conference in February 2016. After that I had a dream where Daddy G.O. prayed for me. I woke up and prayed for my husband. I received a text from Daddy G.O. that God has healed my husband. We went for a test, and it was confirmed that he has been healed.
Wife delivered from six years mental challenges
Bishop Jessey of House of Excellence Church, Togo: “My wife was mentally challenged for six years and the issue divided my church into three camps. I attended Daddy G.O’s 70th birthday with my wife and Daddy made a prophetic declaration that: “The fire that is burning in your family has ceased and your joy will know no bound.” I claimed it. My wife’s case which has got to a level that she used to sleep in public places, received a miraculous healing.
Adeboye and his wife
God gave her a new ankle
Pastor (Mrs) Vera Icheke of RCCG, Victory Centre, Lincoln, United Kingdom: “I attended the 2015 convention, I visited my mother after the convention before I left for United Kingdom. I had a fall and before I knew it, my left leg had swollen. I traveled to UK, went to hospital and I was given crutches and the doctor said I will not be able to walk normally with my legs for the rest of my life. The doctor said he will perform a surgical operation and place a screw on my left leg to assist me.
Before the operation, I tied an anointed handkerchief that was blessed by Daddy G.O. on the leg, on the day of the operation, I was taken to the theater where I met 17 doctors, the leading doctor stopped and said he is seeing something miraculous, the broken ankle bones have joined and there was a new ankle”.
When our correspondent visited the National Kitchen, security men were seen preventing vehicular movement along the Kitchen Road while a crowd of people gathered on one side of the road patiently facing the kitchen and repeatedly saying Amen to prayers coming from the kitchen department.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Some of the onlookers held bottled water, anointing oil and Bible and when asked what was happening inside the kitchen, one of them said the General Overseer is coming to the kitchen to pray and bless the kitchen workers who are always absence from the convention programmes due to the nature of their work at the camp.
He said: “Daddy G.O. will be at the kitchen today (Thursday) to pray for the workers and he always does this every year since those people cooking don’t always have time to attend the various programmes. I believe as he is praying for the workers inside the kitchen, the prayer will also have positive impact on my life outside here and that is why I came with this water”.
By Favour Nnabugwu The federal government Thursday, said it was ready to pay death benefits, promotion arrear and other outstanding debt running close to N300billion to civil servants.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-in a statement in Abuja that Government would pay the outstanding S to Federal Civil Servants in phases, particularly those bothering on promotion areas, first 28 days, repatriation allowance and death benefits, among others which amounts to about N293bn.
Oyo-Ita who addressed the press as the activities marking the 2016 Civil Service Week Celebration draw as to a close, said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to explore ways of making the payments.
Coach of the Nigerian Olympic football team, Samson Siasia, has said the delayed departure of his team will not affect his team’s performance in the Olympic.
The Nigerian Olympic football team finally departed their training base in Atlanta for Brazil on Thursday after they failed on four other occasions to do so.Nigeria’s national football team head coach Samson Siasia during the African Cup of Nations qualification match between Egypt and Nigeria, on March 25, 2016, in Kaduna.
“The team have finally left for Manaus on a chartered flight,” said an official of the Nigeria sports ministry.
Securing tickets was a major challenge for officials, beginning with their first attempt to fly out last Friday.
When they got a chartered plane for the team on Wednesday, it was “too small” for the squad and staff.
Coach Samson Siasia, who guided the country to the final at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has insisted the delayed departure will not affect his team.
Gold medallists 20 years ago in Atlanta, Nigeria open their campaign on Thursday against Japan.
Sweden and Colombia are the other teams in their group.
Lagos The Assistant-Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mr Abdul-Majid Ali, on Thursday said the police would soon revive highway patrol on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Ali said in Lagos that the police high command had ordered intensified patrol of the highway following reports of attacks on motorists during gridlocks.
“There is a specific directive that constant patrol should be carried out, especially where there are vehicle breakdowns so as to assist distressed motorists to finish repairs.
“Ibafo, Mowe and Warewa were directly under my command when I was the Commissioner of Police in Ogun, so, I am familiar with the terrain,'' Ali said.
The AIG said that the command was addressing the challenges of inadequate patrol vehicles to stem the rising criminalities on the road.
“I have directed the Commissioners of Police in the zone - Lagos and Ogun — that patrol vehicles and dispatch police riders should be brought back to effectively police the area.
“We have enough men and also men from other security agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) among others in the area.
“Soon, life will be back to normal in the area as the road is undergoing repairs,'' he said.
NAN reports that many motorists have reported attacks by hoodlums who dispossessed them of valuables during the unending gridlock along the long bridge.
When you think of child care, your mind automatically goes to women irrespective of their status in the society. According to the UNICEF, pre-school age corresponds to a critical period of rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of the child.
Itoro Ugorji
The quality and intensity of care, nutrition and stimulation a child receives during this period determines to a large extent the level of physical and cognitive development a child can attain. Today, appreciable progress has been made in early childhood care; unfortunately, in Nigeria caregivers of these centres are generally unqualified. About 85 per cent do not possess basic qualifications and more than half have no formal education.
Investigations have shown that another major issue in Nigeria's early childhood care and development is the poor state of the infrastructure, equipment, facilities and learning resources. Essential learning resources are lacking in most facilities while the national curriculum is not yet widely operational.
Mrs. Itoro Ugorji, an Early Years professional believes that early childhood care centres remains low in Nigeria. The Founder of Baby Lounge, an independent facility, of Kidstone, which focuses on designing, set up and management of crèches said childcare is an exciting and fulfilling prospect for anyone with a passion and natural energy for children.
Itoro spoke to Chioma Obinna on the need for standardised childcare centres.
What motivated your interest into child care?
I had always have interest in child care. In Nigeria today, the number of full-time housewives in urban areas is in on the decline. Many women are working at paid jobs or running their own small businesses. As a result of this trend, there is a growing opportunity for convenience services like crèche and day-care centre businesses. Many of the centres you find in the country today cannot be classified as good centres. We talk about work and life balancing, the balance of life comes from the family and the other part should come from the employer. Some companies have spent a lot on less benefiting projects, but setting up crèches won't cost much to set it up and it needs to be run by proven professionals.
This is why our focus was initially on the cooperate organisations. And what we are looking forward to achieve is to provide support for working moms of young children, infant and toddles. Apart from the Baby Lounge, we build, design, set up and manage child care centres for corporate organisations all in effort to ensure that children of working mothers do not suffer and denied access to good nutrition and education among others. We walk with children in early years within age 0 to 5 years, so its care and education.
How would you describe Baby Lounge and what you do here?
The Baby Lounge is an independent facility, of a company called Kidstone. It is not a school in strict sense of it, but a support for parent.
We have managed to calve a niche for ourselves. We go to companies and convinced them why they should have a crèche for their female employees and their babies within the work place. We also educate people on how to run the centre. Day care centres are meant for professionals not just anybody because it has to do with the well being of a child including early development and education. We could also go ahead and manage it for you, which mean that, we would bring in our expertise, a team of professionals and manage the day to day running, of the facility.
But we realised in the process that most companies have space challenges, within their office, so we decided to set up Baby Lounge. At the Baby lounge, companies are allowed to buy block of spaces, and for such subscriptions, we have group discounts.
Again, another challenge is location. It is very critical, which is about comfortability, and that was why we located where we have the target markets. Many Lagosians work in the Island.
How would you assess Day care Centres in Nigeria?
With few that I have visited, Day care should not be business venture because we are having the life of these children entrusted to us, so it is a sensitive thing and it should be treated as such. The time has changed, nowadays mothers are contending with so much, and it will be unfair to describe it as a failure on the part of mothers. That is why we believe that Day care is not all about keeping a child till the mom comes back to pick him or her. Besides learning, care is also critical. For the children in the Baby Lounge, we track their developments periodically, we look at how they develop in different areas, physical, and emotional cognitive, certain things and skills a child suppose to have achieved in those areas, so we track them and if a child is falling short we are able to identified that and communicate it to their moms, that does not mean that anything is wrong is just an indication that we should look out and help that child in that area.
At the end of each day, we give parent a report, and that is a snap shot of the child daily activities, like time the child was brought in, what and quantity of her meal, sleeping hour, diaper changing among others.
For the toddles we teach them how to be responsible, social skills, they know how to interact and appropriate behaviours. We also have reading programme and the objective is to rekindle reading culture among young children.
In this time where we have a lot of parent, running serious schedules and have limited time to spend with children and these children grow up very fast, we are here to provide support for every mother. It is much more than academic, we are teaching the children values, how to talk to each other.
How would an ideal crèche or Day care look like?
The environment alone must be stimulating enough for a child to be comfortable and learn. It has to be clean, it has to be well laid and well ventilated. Another thing is content, what they children are taught and the qualities of the personnel in the centre.
We invested in surveillance, CCTV so that we can monitor the activities and interaction of children and care givers. Secondly, we located ourselves in a building that is largely secured. In which access is very limited.
What should be government role in monitoring Day care centres?
The government needs to step up their games in terms of putting in place monitoring mechanisms so that they have a data base of every Day-care and this has to be updated regularly. There should be proper registration and inspectors should come out periodically to check if standards are in place. Periodically, we have inspectors to check our facilities.
How should children be fed in a day care?
We recommend that children should not take juice; we encourage water, nutritious food. We say no to chololates and give them our own recommendation. We also have a food time table that parents can subscribe to and must abide with.
What will you say is the uniqueness of this centre?
Our service is excellent. You cannot find service like this anywhere in this country. You have to experience it. We work with three organisations. We work with Total, MTN and Access Bank. We are hoping to drive this initiative because employees are the lifeline of any company and employees' welfare is tied to the profitability of any company. So any forward looking organisation should come now. They said generally that women are more loyal employees, so we need to think of how best to help them and better ways of doing it is by creating a welfare package that will help them to be top performing employees and also successful at raising the children and supportive as wife.
The initiative ensures that while women are at work, they know that their children are close by, safe and comfortable.
Why do we need professionals to run Day care Centres?
It is simple, to prevent mothers running in and out of the offices. The only people allowed to check their children are nursing mothers and in case of emergency we allow the mothers in, anything outside that they have to wait till pick up time.
What is your advice for mothers?
We should let children be children so that they can be the best they can be. For parents, we need to buckle up, and ensure that children turn up right. When they do they will be source of pride to us and nation.
Abuja – Mrs Mercy Abeekaa, a business woman who resides in Jikwoyi, on Thursday told a Nyanya Customary Court that her husband insulted her because of his girl friend.
Mercy, who was the petitioner, said this while testifying in a divorce petition before the court.
“My husband is having an affair with his tenant, Ogechi, he has insulted me severally because of her.
“After I got married to my husband and moved in with him, I started noticing some kind of things between him and his tenant that I was not comfortable with.
“I told my husband to send her out of the house, but he refused. What my husband could say to me was that it is because of my illiteracy that I am complaining of his girlfriend.
“Even when I enrolled myself in school, he said that it was because of his girlfriend that I decided to go back to school," she said.
Abeekaa also told the court that on the day they had their marriage blessed, her husband did not sleep in the house.
“My husband slept in the hotel on the night of our wedding and when I asked him he said he was just waiting for his sacraments to be completed, so now he can do whatever he wants.
“He has chased me out of the house and has got himself another wife, therefore I beg this court to dissolve this marriage so that I can also remarry," she said.
Mr Ernest Abeekaa, who resided in Karu, denied all the allegations, saying that he thought that his wife was a God fearing woman, not knowing that she was a trouble maker.
“The moment my wife moved into my house she started fighting with my tenant because the tenant did not greet her good morning.
“My wife went around the neighbourhood telling people that I was having an affair with my tenant," he said.
He also said that his wife threatened to crumble him financially.
“My wife, on several occasions, said he was going to tell my boss that I was stealing his money, that I have built houses in the village and in Abuja.
“At a point I lost my job and everything I was doing to make money seemed unfruitful to the extent that I started borrowing.
“I am also no longer interested in the marriage," he said.
The Presiding Judge, Everyman Eleanya, adjourned the case to Aug. 15 for judgment since all efforts to reconcile the parties proved abortive.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA – Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari is currently in Washington DC, the United States of America, as the Special Guest of the 25th Anniversary of Zumunta Association.
A statement by her media aide, Zakari Nadabo stated that the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is expected to speak at the event taking place at the Silver Spring civic centre in Maryland.Aisha Buhari In Washington DC
The statement read thus: “The Event with the theme “Rebirth and Renewable “is also expected to have the attendance of the Emir of Kano as Guest speaker among other prominent Nigerians.
“Mrs Buhari Will also be hosted to a round table discussion by the United States Institute of Peace to explore an in-depth conversation with a group of senior United states policy makers and an invested group of practitioners focused on Nigeria.
“The institute is a congressionally funded, independent national institute dedicated to the proposition that peace is possible, practical and essential for united states and international security.
“Mrs Buhari who was accompanied by some wives of Governors will also hold meetings at the George Mason University Washington during her period of stay in the united states.”
Lagos – An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday remanded a university student, Mabel Bassey, in prison for bathing her neighbour with hot water and killing him.
Bassey is to be remanded at Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Bassey, a student of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and resident of Surulere Street, Ojo, Lagos, was arraigned before Magistrate Bola Folarin-Williams on a charge of murder.
She was alleged to have poured hot water on Efe Okotie ,38, on July 2 at their residence which resulted in his death.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Olatunde Kehinde, the deceased had advised Bassey to desist from her promiscuous lifestyle which did not go down well with her.
“Out of anger, she bathed the late Okotie with hot water.
“The deceased died six days after the incident due to the severe burns he suffered from the hot water,'' he told the court.
The offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 which prescribes death sentence for offenders.
Cotonou – An official of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, Mrs Beatrice Thomas has commended the relationship between Beninoire Customs and the Nigeria Customs Service in facilitating trade.
Thomas gave the commendation on Thursday in Cotonou at a meeting between top Customs officials of both countries.
She said that an expert group of Customs officials of both countries had been working hard in the past two days on Transit facilitation and interconnectivity to enable both countries have quick access to information.
Thomas, however, urged Customs officials to open up on the challenges facing the two countries to assist in coming up with solutions that would be a win-win situation for both countries.
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Retired, Col. Hameed Ali was on a working visit to Benin Republic.
He said that the NCS would be firm with the existing relationship between both countries to facilitate and ease challenges encountered during trade operations between Nigeria and Cotonou.
Ali said that the agreements had been existing in the past but some were not implemented to the letter.
“Nigeria Customs felt we should sit together and agree on way forward.
“The Republic of Benin has its own policy which was not applicable to Nigeria and this is why the NCS looks forward to a situation where there will be firm relationship,'' the news agency of nigeria (NAN) quotes Ali as saying.
The comptroller-general of Customs said that he was hoping that the meeting would be able to identify the challenges hindering trade facilitation and interconnectivity of ICT.
Ali was optimistic that the decision that would be taken at the end of the meeting would be frank resolutions for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
Also speaking the Director-General, Republic of Benin Customs, Mr Claver Tossou, said that the two countries were writing agreements to facilitate trade.
Tossou said that if the countries succeeded in the agreement, the incoming generation would enjoy the legacy they were about to put in place.
He said that there was need for digitalisation of Customs operations, adding that the two countries would implement computerisation in their operations.
Tossou said that the automation system about to be introduced would enable Nigeria Customs to get immediate information on operation being carried out as quick as possible on both parts of the borders.
Ekpoma (Edo) – Mr Godwin Obaseki, APC governorship candidate, said he would re-introduce scholarship and payment of bursary in all state-owned higher institutions, if elected.
Obaseki made the promise in Ekpoma on Thursday during campaign.Obaseki
He said the policy would ensure that under-privileged undergraduates were able to complete their education.
The governorship candidate said he would establish more infrastructure in Ekpoma to improve the education standard in the area.
He also promised to create 200, 000 jobs, saying some of the jobs would be created from e-commerce. Also at Ewu in Esan Central Local Government Area, the APC standard bearer promised to give provision of pipe borne water a high priority to improve the health condition of people.
The governorship candidate pledged to collaborate with the new investor who acquired the Ewu Flour Mill to boost the economy through creation of jobs in the locality.
He said he would encourage agriculture, especially grains production to service the needs of the company if voted into office.
Gov. Adams Oshiomhole led the candidate and his running mate, Mr Philip Shaibu to pay courtesy visits to the palaces of the Onogie of Ekpoma, Anthony Ehizoje, Abumere II, and that of Ewu, Abdulrasak Esesele, Ojiefo III.
Both monarchs offered prayers and wished the candidate well in his endeavour (NAN)
The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has pledged the cooperation of the church with the Federal Government to move the country forward.
Addressing protesting members of the Enugu chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Thursday, Chukwumah said that there was a need for all hands to be on deck to move the country forward.
He said that only a peaceful resolution of the impasse involving the leadership of the Senate would soothe frayed nerves.
He said that the Anglican Church in the state was in support of the peaceful protest, adding that there must be peace in the country for Nigerians to enjoy good governance.
"We are happy that students are behind this cause to allow the deputy senate president to have peace and work because Ekweremadu is not a threat to the Nigerian government.
"If you allow him to stabilise, he is going to be one of the finest politicians the government in power will like to work with. We are ready to cooperate with the APC government," he said.
Chukwuma called on the Federal Government not to allow any of its officials cause disharmony between it and other arms of government, adding that the suit against the leadership of the Senate was uncalled for.
"Ekweremadu has performed in his zone more than other senators, so to ridicule him will not be accepted," Chukwuma said.
Earlier, the leader of the students, Mr Chidi Ilogebe, said that the students viewed with concern the current impasse involving the leadership of the Senate.
Ilogebe said that the deputy senate president deserved to be allowed to contribute in the current economic recovery initiative of the Federal Government.
"However, if the removal of Ekweremadu will stabilise the economy; if his removal will put food on the table of Nigerians, strengthen the naira and bring down the price of fuel, then let him go," Ilogebe said.
The students had marched to the Government House where the state's Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Charles Ndukwe promised to relay their message to the appropriate authority.
The students had embarked on the solidarity march in support ofthe Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.
Ekweremadu is facing trial in the Federal High Court, Abuja for his alleged role in the forgery of the Senate Standing Rules.
Abuja – The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja rescheduled its stakeholders' consultative meeting with unions in the banking and financial sector to Aug. 9.
Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment gave the new date following the low level representations of the unions at the meeting originally scheduled for Thursday.
The stakeholders' meeting was initiated by the minister to address labour related issues bordering on retrenchment and mass sacking of staff by some banks across the country.
NAN also reports that those present at the Thursday meeting were the officials of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions.
Others were the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees and representatives of Mortgage Bank, among others.
“The banking sector is a very sensitive sector especially at this time and considering the gravity of issues to be discussed, in which unforeseen circumstance has prevented your heads from being in charge of your delegations.
“We have to postpone this meeting so that your heads of delegations will be here with us when we reconvene for the meeting.
“We will do that because we are going to take very weighty decisions here that will be binding on the banks, unions and the workers as a whole.
“We do not want to have haphazard arrangements. We want to have full compliments of this meeting before we proceed.
“That is why I feel it is important that we postpone this meeting to early next week,'' Ngige said.
The minister said that the banking sector was an essential part of the Nigerian economy.
He also said that the industries, construction, railways, transport, among others, were physically involved in the banking sector in their own various ways.
“But at the end of the day, everybody is talking about money and the banks control the monetary instruments of the economy.
“So it is not an institution that we should take lightly or discuss its matter in a hurry.
“Therefore, any interaction that we would have in this particular sector will be an interaction that will be fruitful to the banks, the unions and the employees themselves,'' he said.
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
…as gas flaring, supply infrastructure deny Nigeria gas sales benefit
By Ediri Ejoh, Prince Okafor & Iloaze Blessed- Odidi
The challenges in the country's oil and gas industry may not see a new turn, as experts, on Wednesday, identifies ethics and transparency gaps, supply security and others as major hindrances robbing the country of potential benefits in contracts in the petroleum industry.
These were the views of stakeholders at the ongoing Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition, NAICE, 2016, in Lagos.
*Gas flare
In his presentation titled: Ethics and Transparency for Block Concession and Divestments in the Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry, the Chairman, Energy Institute, and former director of Director of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Mr. Osten Olorunsola stated that despite the development experienced in the industry, more is needed to be done in other to reap good returns in the pain of dwindling crude oil price.
He lamented that the guidelines and rules for operators are too flexible and confusing, low entry requirements; all comers game and no yellow or red cards; weak disqualification provisions.
But for processes and tools contracts, he identifies, insufficient due diligence, predominantly manual (Many toll gates), suboptimal evaluation of bids, skewed evaluation of bids, self interests, political pressures, injections (Forced marriages) and approval delays, as hindrances.
He also, faults the system as well as the individuals involved in the process, saying it thus encourage padding, winning the race from the end, bribery and corruption and partiality of referees (no level playing fields).
The implication of these unethical practices had brought about mistakes, disputes, court cases and other related issues respectively.
He however, urged for collaboration between all players to commit to fixing the problems. "We must tighten the rules, ensure level playing field Simplify and automate processes, minimize human intervention work on the character and refine attitude of players
Also speaking, Managing Director/CEO First E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, added that major under investment, especially in exploration and appraisal activity has been the main cause of reserves decline.
Others he identified as Insecurity across the Niger Delta hindered key activities, adding that at 3 million barrels per day, reserves will only last 30 years, and there is need to find more oil.
Moreover, for marginal field, he highlighted asset acquisition and management, operating environment, government policies, funding and personnel, capacity and technology, as other challenges and huddles confronting its success.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineering Nigeria Council, Mr. George Kalu, lamented the increase in gas flaring as well as inadequate infrastructure identifying them as major hindrances robbing the country of potential benefits from gas sales.
He explained that the challenges confronting the industry include, funding (rising from cash call arrears), exchange rate differential in a cyclical oil price regime.
Others, according to him, involve high operational costs due to long contracting period and several delayed payments to vendors, as well as high cost of borrowing.
He further attributed the belated passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, as a major setback to investment in the sector, adding that such challenge had brought activities down to their lowest point.
He argued that the level of crude oil and gas reserve discoveries do not match the rate between 2013 and 2016, and this has resulted to minimal exploration and a reduction of new development activities when compared to other oil and gas producing countries.
He added that "The country's petroleum industry had experienced massive capital flights due to bureaucratic bottlenecks in releasing information on prospects, fiscal regime, extant laws and feedback on performance of contractors. This resulted in significant delays in permits approval while providing a breeding / enabling environment for sharp practices.
"However, with all the challenges enunciated above, an average Upstream Technical Cost, UTC, (below US$20 per barrel) is required for global competitiveness for the industry."
The Commandant, Command Day Secondary School, (CDSS) Ojo, Lt. Colonel Usman Ndana has emphasized need for students in Nigeria to explore and embrace the dynamics in learning made possible by the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform.
Ndana disclosed this at the 16th Speech and Prize Giving/Graduation ceremony of the School as he stressed the need for students to comprehend the new dimension in academic performance which has enhanced excellence globally. "Generally, there is the perception that the standard of education has declined in this country, but I differ, rather, it has taken a new dimension. Gone are the days when learning was strictly by books, now we have a lot of available platforms which are ICT oriented and we cannot isolate ourselves in a world dictated by internet and various web platforms."
While charging the graduating students to go forth with pride as great ambassadors of the school to explore their world with knowledge and discipline instilled in them by the school, he commended them for showing great enthusiasm in learning and adherence to set rules which makes CDSS, Ojo stand out as the most disciplined school among the rest.
Meanwhile, the Vice Principal, (Academics), Mr. F.O. Abang, commended the high standard, strict discipline and character moulding methods of the school which results in high performance in exams, both internally and externally.
"In CDSS, Ojo, we don't compromise. Students are rewarded according to merit, that is why Victor Ale emerged the overall best student in 2015/2016 WASSCE and NECO exams,” he said.
Lt. Col. Ndana who assumed duty 18 months ago lamented that the perception that Nigerian Command Schools only belongs to Ministry of Defense is wrong, as this fallacy accounts for the reason education supporting agencies and the Ministry of Education are keeping aids away.
He urged the relevant bodies supporting education to help develop the school as the school has raised the standard of education for both the children of the military and civilians.
Lauding the efforts of the Parents Teachers’ Association, he said; "New structures are being built while old ones are being remodelled. It couldn't have been possible without the great assistance of the school PTA, the school management, staff and cooperation of the students themselves."
Gracing the event were Major General I.H Edet, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army as special guest of honour, Brigadier General L.F. Abdullahi, Acting Commander, NAEC. Others are Brigadier General Solomon Daku, Commandant, Nigeria Army School of Medical Science, Ojo, Colonel Yakubu Momoh, Director of Education, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Royal fathers and others.
By LAIDE AKINBOADE-ORIERE Abuja – PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday, said he was deeply worried over low ranking of Nigerian universities and pledged to ensure that the lost glory of the nation’s Ivory Tower is restored.
He therefore tasked the new Executive Secretaries of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, and National Universities Commission, NUC, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa and Professor Abubakar Rasheed respectively to close rank in ensuring Nigerian universities become globally competitive.Buhari and daughter, Zahra when he celebrates her on her graduation
Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa, who is the newly appointed Executive Secretary of TETFund, revealed this on his official assumption of Office in Abuja.
Baffa, said President Buhari’s clear directive was for him to work with relevant stakeholders towards ensuring that Nigerian universities rank among the best 100 universities in the World.
He said this could not however be achieved if the culture of impunity that pervaded most of the agencies in the education sector in the past was allowed to continue.
He, therefore, warned the Vice Chancellors and heads of beneficiary tertiary institutions that the “era of everything goes is over”.
He charged all the heads of beneficiary institutions to ensure judicious utilisation of the intervention funds allocated to them.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission, Professor Prof. Abubakar Rasheed has described as vain the assumption and air with which many Vice Chancellors of universities carried themselves as though they are Chief Executive Officers.
Speaking in Abuja when he assumed duty as the substantive Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rasheed said it was wrong that many Vice Chancellors thought that they were CEOs. “They are not Chief Executive Officers,” he said.
According to him, “University administration requires team work and everyone in the system has a role to play from the driver to the VC” he said .
Rasheed, a former Vice Chancellor Bayero University Kano, said he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari with specific mandate to ensure that Nigerian universities were restored to their lost glory, working with relevant stakeholders.
He pledged to give welfare of staff of the Commission priority attention by ensuring that the workers get their salaries, promotion and due allowances as at when due.
Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, handed over the mantle of leadership of the Commission to Rasheed at a brief ceremony attended by two former Presidents of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Abdullahi Sule-Kano and Dr Nasir Fagge.
The new NUC boss, however, disclosed that the immediate past Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, would properly handover to him (Rasheed) on Friday while also appealing the staff of the Commission to work together in the efforts to transform the nation’s university system.
By Kingsley Omonobi Abuja – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said Wednesday that there was no need for apprehension and panic by members of the public living around the area of ongoing air operations at AREPO and its environs following its air bombardments of oil and pipeline vandals.
A statement by the Director of Airforce Public Relations noted, "It has become necessary to allay the fears of the people with a view to sustaining public confidence and support for the ongoing operations against pipeline-vandals codenamed Operation Awatse in the South West region of the Country.
"Therefore, the NAF wishes to assure the general public, within the affected areas, of their safety as the ongoing air operation is carefully planned to avoid collateral damage to the civil populace and property.
"The NAF is careful to ensure that only legitimate targets, such as observation post, anti-aircraft gun position, boats laden with suspected stolen petroleum products and armed combatants, are selected for strike.
"In aligning with this global best practice, the NAF usually undertakes surveillance flights before and after each strike to mitigate incidental harm to civilians and property.
"While pre-strike assessment missions are undertaken to help identify and select legitimate military targets for neutralization, post-strike or Battle Damage Assessment missions are meant to ascertain whether the desired degree of impact was achieved or not, and if a follow-up re-attack is required.
"It may also be necessary to state that NAF pilots are adequately trained, and as professionals, would not engage in human right violations and abuses.
"The successes recorded in the past 5 days since the NAF commenced strike mission in Arepo, in support of surface forces under Operation Awatse, attest to this display of absolute professionalism by NAF pilots involved in the operation as no single incident of collateral damage has been recorded.
"Meanwhile, it is necessary to add that the NAF, working in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Services (SBS), has set on fire the hideouts and camps used by the pipeline vandals in Arepo.
"As a result, Community leaders and members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the fleeing vandals and other criminal elements are please requested to oblige such information to the Security Agencies.
"Furthermore, the civil populace is please advised not to panic but to go about their legitimate businesses."
Indications emerged on Wednesday, that former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi and his estranged god-son, Governor Willie Obiano have finally reconciled.
Both politicians have maintained an arm’s-length relationship since the former handed-over power to the latter in March 2014.
Obi and Obiano reconcile at Very Rev. Fr. Chukwuemeka Tagbo’s Burial Ceremony, in Onitsha
But today, Governor Obiano and former Governor Peter Obi, were said to have embraced total reconciliation at the Burial Service of Late Very Rev. Fr. Chukwuemeka Nichola Tagbo, held, in Onitsha, to the applause of jubilant Old Boys of Christ the King College, CKC, Onitsha.
Both Obi and Obiano are Old Boys of CKC, Onitsha, where Rev. Fr. Tagbo was the first African and longest serving Principal of the legacy school.
They both had their Secondary Education at CKC, Onitsha, in the 70s.
Abuja – Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Club Owners Association has appointed the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as its Patron.
Isaac Danladi, Chairman of the association, said Saraki's selection as its patron would help advance the course of football in the country.Bukola Saraki
“This visit is aimed at advancing the course of football development in Nigeria through total consolidation of the positives already achieved, while opening new pages in the system.
“Football development globally has assumed a phenomenal dimension and all these are centred on the socio-economic development and empowerment of youths and making them useful in all facets of the society.
“Your Excellency, this is in consonance with your vision which you are already advancing through your club Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS), FC Ilorin; one of the numerous institutions you established through which many players have risen.
“We must also not forget the Kwara Football Academy which is today one of the strongest reference points of your glorious reign as Governor of Kwara State, that platform has continued to serve as a veritable springboard for youths to step into the realities of life.
Danladi also said the choice of Saraki was in recognition of the role he played in resolving the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), leadership crisis which almost brought the nation's football to a standstill.
He said the association would continue to complement the effort of the League Management Company (LMC), and also ensure fairness in the country's elite league.
The club owners chairman noted that the collaboration between the LMC and the club owners led to the developmental agreement signed between the NPFL and the Spanish La Liga.
“This agreement will give the NPFL All Stars the opportunity to play some league clubs in Spain; the NPFL All Stars will on Aug. 10 to Aug. 17 play three top clubs in Spain.
“Majority of our members will be part of the trip to Spain to understudy the workings of the Spanish La Liga.
“Some of our members will also accompany FC Ifeanyi Ubah to London next week where the club will sign a landmark partnership agreement with West Ham United.
Danladi extolled the leadership qualities of the Senate President and noted that it had manifested in the leadership style of his club ABS which is piloted by the Chairman Seni Saraki and the Director of Football Aloy Chukwuemeka.
He pleaded with Saraki to ensure the Senate expedited action on bills that would strengthen football development and assured that the league and LMC would not disappoint him at ensuring that football evolved in Nigeria.
Saraki assured the group that as a former member of the association, he would promote any bill supporting private sector participation in the league and football in general.
“If this visit had happened three years ago, I would have been part of your delegation; this is your place and you are my people. I commend all of you for where you have taken the league to.
“There is no doubt about it that progress has been made because when we compare where we are and where we were, you will see that we are moving in the right direction.
“We must do more for the league for it to move forward because football plays a key role in our society's social and economic development.
“I don't see any reason why our football cannot be like its European counterparts.
“I reassure you that the senate is ready to give you all the backing and legislation required to take our football to that level'', Saraki said.
The LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Secretary Salihu Abubakar were among those that visited the Saraki.
20 premier league club chairmen attended the occasion which took place in the Senate President's conference room.
Bauchi – The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has described as demoralising, the erstwhile dichotomy between HND and B.Sc in the country.
Its National President, Comrade Usman Dutse, a lecturer in the Department of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
“At the last meeting of the council on establishment a memo was presented by the minister of education demanding the removal of the dichotomy placed on HND and B.Sc graduates.
"The minister said the reason dichotomy was placed ab initio, has now been overtaken by events.
“And now if you look at the environment and the situation that we have in the country at the moment, you would see that the abolition of the dichotomy is long overdue.
“One of the major reasons the meeting and other stakeholders gave for the abolition of the dichotomy is the hitherto different entry requirements into both the university and polytechnic.
“Now the requirements have been harmonised. There was also the issue of curriculum, which was not wide.
"The issue of dichotomy was demoralizing to polytechnic graduates.
“We have a lot of HND graduates in the civil service and they have contributed a lot, but that dichotomy is killing their morale because they feel that their qualification is not being appreciated.
"Now it has been discovered that performance at work is not based on the certificate that people have or where you come from, but on the skills and the ability you have.
"Experience has shown that there are a lot of HND holders that perform better than some degree holders.''
Dutse noted that the dichotomy had created a flawed mindset among parents and employers that university degrees were more prestigious than higher national diplomas.
"The dichotomy even made people to give preference to university education at the expense of polytechnic education because if you look at the patters of application for admission to tertiary institutions every year, you will see that applicants keep applying more to the universities.
"In the last admission, 1.6 million applicants applied to the universities, but only 38,000 applied to the polytechnics, while only 29,000 applied to collages of education.
“And the major reason for all that was this dichotomy thing.
"Out of the 1.6 million people that applied to the universities, only 300,000 were admitted.
“It means that 1.3 million applicants would not be offered admission.
"So, dichotomy has denied people polytechnic education, but with the abolition of that dichotomy now, the tide will change a little especially with the Federal Government now talking about diversifying the economy.
“I believe that the diversification process will lay a lot of emphasis on technical and vocational education and that is where polytechnic education is strongest.''
The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to disregard the letter by the former chairman of PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff urging the commission not to recognize the party’s convention slated for Portharcourt on August 17.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the spokesman of the caretaker committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said Sheriff’s letter to INEC was not only meant to scuttle the convention but to destroy the party.Sheriff-Makarfi
According to Prince Adeyeye, there is no basis upon which Senator Sheriff would ask the commission not to recognize the forth coming convention.
The statement reads:
“The latest attempt by the former National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his cohorts is not only to scuttle the forthcoming National Convention but also another clear evidence of his determination to destroy the PDP. The law and the facts are as follows:
“The ruling of Justice Okon Abang which Ali Modu Sheriff is relying on is a mere narrative of the Case before the Federal High Courts in Lagos and in Port Harcourt Divisions. It does not set aside or nullified the Judgment of Justice Liman which has authenticated the May 21st National Convention and the Resolutions emanating therefrom.
“The ruling did not anywhere direct INEC to do anything or not to do anything, to discharge or not to discharge any obligation; to perform any function or not to perform any function.
“In essence, it is a mere legal tale and the Order having been made without any application before him by either of the Parties has no foundation in law.
“Hon. Justice Valerie Arshi had in a Judgment nullified the appointment of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as Chairman of the Party. That Judgment has not been set aside. It is still valid and subsisting. And no Court of Coordinate Jurisdiction including the Federal High Court can make any other Order with the intention of rendering that Judgment ineffective.
“The National Convention which held in Port Harcourt on May 21st 2016 which resolutions were confirmed by Justice Liman of the Federal High NCourt, Port Harcourt on July 4, 2016 dissolved the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) and affirmed Nthe National Caretaker Committee as the Supreme body to run the affairs of the Party until another Convention was held within 90 days.
“That being the case, it was therefore the last Convention that in fact convened the forthcoming one slated for August 17, 2016, and not the National Caretaker Committee parse. The National Convention is superior to all other Organs of the Party.
“We call on INEC to disregard the letter from the former National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his cohorts. It belongs to the garbage bin. He is merely acting the script of his paymasters. The Caretaker Committee will continue with its dogged determination to organize the best National Convention in the history of our great Party” he said.
Abuja – The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Multi-lateral Competent Authority Agreement on Exchange of Country by Country Report to check tax evasion by multinational companies operating in the country.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made this known in Abuja on Wednesday, while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He stated that the implementation of the report will give government a better grip on its tax laws.
He said the movement of profits by multinational companies would be effectively monitored by relevant agencies of government once the report is implemented.
“In respect of the first memo, which is the memo for Multilateral Competent Agreement and the exchange of country by country report, the whole essence is to give the government a better grip on its tax laws and also to prevent tax evasions and avoidance by multinational companies.
“Where multinational companies operate in more than one country, it is quite easy for them to move profit from one territory to another territory, where the tax laws are very favourable to them.
“And what has happened over the years is that the revenue companies have lost a lot of money.
“As at the last count, over 1trillion dollars have been lost over a period of time and the revenue companies found out that they were losing more money in terms of tax evasion and avoidance than what they were even receiving in terms of grants from multinational agencies,'' he said.
The minister also disclosed that the council approved an outline Business Case for Development of Greenfield Port Facilities in Badagry, Lagos state.
According to him, the approval is the first step towards the establishment of a new seaport in the Badagry area.
“What is important to us in the approval is that it shows that despite all the challenges that Nigeria is facing, Nigeria is still a very preferred investment destination, '' he said.
Addressing the correspondents on the recently inaugurated Abuja-Kaduna commercial rail line, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Ameachi, dismissed reports that the fares that would be charged on the Abuja-Kaduna route would be on the high said.
Manchester City have signed 19-year-old Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras on a five-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
Jesus, who is reported to have cost City an initial fee of £27 million ($36 million, 32.2 million euros), will remain on loan at Palmeiras until December before moving to Manchester in January.
He is currently on duty with hosts Brazil at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world so I’m really pleased to sign,” Jesus said in comments published on the City website.
“We have many great talents in the team and a fantastic manager in Pep Guardiola that I can learn so much from.
“I’m looking forward to showing the City fans what I can do and I think we’ll have a great future together!”
News of Jesus’s arrival comes a day after City announced the signing of Germany international Leroy Sane from Schalke 04 for a reported fee of £37 million.
In total he is new City manager Pep Guardiola’s sixth signing, following Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aaron Mooy.
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “We are delighted that Gabriel has chosen to join us.
“He is one of the most exciting young prospects in world football and plays the game in a spectacular way. We look forward to him making a big impact at Manchester City in January.”
A pacy, skilful player who can play right across the front line, Jesus was named Best Newcomer in the Brazilian top flight in 2015.
He joined Palmeiras from amateur side Associacao Atletica Anhanguera in 2013 and scored a staggering 54 goals in 48 matches at youth level.
He duly made his first-team debut in a Sao Paulo state championship match against CA Bragantino in March last year and went on to score 26 goals in 67 games.
Jesus has represented Brazil at under-20 and under-23 level and will appear alongside Barcelona superstar Neymar, to whom he has been likened, at the Olympics.
Various sociologists, political scientists, anthropologists and social historians have attempted to stratify society into a set of hierarchical social categories or classes. They have attempted rather unsuccessfully to agree on the appropriate classes but the most common remain the upper, middle and lower classes.
It is however, still debated as to the basis for the various class systems. While renowned Philosopher Karl Marx argues that “class is determined entirely by one’s relationship to the means of production hence the proletariat, those who work but do not own the means of production; and the bourgeoisie, those who invest and live off the surplus generated by the former, Max Weber avers that “class is determined by economic position… which is determined by social prestige rather than simply just relations of production.
Whether it is the Marxist or Weberian, it is important to observe that the concept of class is an appreciation of the correlation of income, education, wealth, social background, influence, power within the framework of our overall social interactions. It suggests that the degree of possession of any or all of the above variables determines the class such an individual belongs. Therefore, those possessing higher have been identified by scholars as the upper class, the bourgeoisie, the elite etc while those possessing little are identified as the lower class, the proletariat, the masses, the serfs etc.
Since income remains a determinant of social class, in Africa, the term elite has been loosely associated with the rich and educationally privileged few as against aristocratic bloodlines projected in other climes. In Africa, it can be agreed that the agitations for independence were championed by educationally privileged and sometimes relatively affluent individuals. They echoed what seemed to be the voices of the masses for freedom and boom! Sovereign states were springing up all over Africa.
It did not take long for Africa to realize that many of the independence champions only sought to consolidate on the new exposure garnered within the classrooms and on the streets of Europe to enthrone themselves as Africa’s foremost elite class. Their actions afterwards were precipitated on the need to perpetuate their fiefdom.
Soon, a new bar was set; break into the top echelon of government and remain there or amass a war chest of government treasury during your brief stay within government corridors and you have secured a lifetime of elite supremacy for even generations unborn. As a result, the daily struggle of the average African focused on wealth acquisition. He sees his self worth in his bank account statement and will spare no evil to ensure that it is constantly on the rise. Once his ‘self worth’ is aright then it must be flaunted to the indignation of all around.
Nigerians are akin to this trend and characteristically are indeed high flyers. As Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon once humorously remarked that …the microscopic few that have piloted the affairs of this nation live in peasantile luxury…" So much so that class is honoured in schools, hospitals, markets, prisons, offices, religious places of worship, to such extent that being poor seems repulsive.
World Bank president, Jim Yong Kim, stated at the IMF/World Bank spring meetings of April 2014 in Washington D.C. U.S. that Nigeria is ranked 3rd in world poverty index with 7% of the world’s poor. This according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics report (The Nigerian poverty profile 2010) released in January, 2014 represents 69% (112.519 million) of the country’s total population estimated to be 163 million. This is in paradox to the fact that we have in our recent history consistently featured individuals who grace the Forbes richest and even sit 'gloriously' atop the list of richest in Africa (Forbes richest list 2016).
Consequently, while many walk cap-in-hand for daily bread, others feed their dogs in golden bowl. They make bold to accentuate their distinct class in the faces of the masses. The legion of lower class men are forced to serve their upper class lords with utmost chivalry as they hope to receive pittance to their utter degradation. They indeed have to contend with being oppressed with what should have been their share of the common patrimony.
And so we hear of the man who sends his driver with N1.2million to purchase a brand of fine wine for a wild night but pays same driver N17,000 monthly and is not interested in his tales of a sick mother or the big boss whose Mai-guard washes his six cars every morning, cultures the flowers, sweeps the compound and shows up bright as he opens the gate for Oga’s visiting girlfriends but he is rewarded with a reminder of how lucky he is to keep a job as he pockets his pittance.
It is this unfortunate sequence that has made social commentators to caution that we are waiting by a ticking bomb that will soon ‘implode’ upon us to grievous consequences. They stress that the masses will soon revolt the status quo just like Aminata Sow Fall portrayed in her classic – The Beggars’ Strike. The looming danger for some is already blooming in the horizon.
When that day comes, the masses will blame the denial of what they believed to be rightfully theirs for their agitations; lament a gross insensitivity on the part of the elite; bemoan a denial of an opportunity to conveniently contribute to the nation’s discourse and grieve the lures of elite lifestyle. But they will forget that there is a moral rectitude which a person acquires irrespective of social class that dictates a propensity to do good no matter the reward or contrary attraction. They will forget that man is a product of choices made and the notion of choice implies freedom. They will forget that at no point did their actions cease to take to account duty to God, to others, to country and to self.
As I sit back to another news bulletin chronicling the problems bedevilling my dear country Nigeria, I ask, are the elite the problem?
Boko Haram, a Nigerian Islamist group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, may have a new leader, according to the jihadist group’s online weekly Al-Naba.
“In his first interview with Al-Naba magazine since his appointment as governor of west Africa, Sheikh Abu Musab al-Barnawi talks about the history of jihad in this region,” read the 41st edition of the magazine, published on Tuesday.
In the interview, Barnawi makes no clear reference to the movement’s leader Abubakar Shekau, except for a mention of Boko Haram’s pledge of allegiance to IS in March 2015.
Since the pledge, Barnawi has appeared in several videos distributed by Boko Haram, claiming responsibility for successive attacks, earning him the reputation of group spokesman, experts say.
Speculation over the fate — and alleged disappearance — of Shekau has been rife in recent months.
He last appeared in a video posted on YouTube in March, looking weak, and saying: “For me, the end has come.”
Sources close to Boko Haram say Shekau was injured in the abdomen.
With no proof of life since then, they say he has either been incapacitated and become unable to lead, or he has died.
“If (Shekau) is still alive then ISIS chose to replace him,” Kyle Shideler of the Washington-based Center for Security Policy told AFP, using another acronym for IS.
“This (Barnawi) is their preferred choice,” Shideler added.
– Was Shekau sacked? –
Romain Caillet, a French expert on jihadist movements, agreed.
“There is no indication in the interview that Abubakar Shekau has been killed, which means he was likely sacked,” Caillet wrote on Twitter.
A Nigerian security analyst said he believed Shekau is alive, but that IS may be seeking to clean up Boko Haram’s reputation among jihadists, by getting rid of a leader seen as disorganised and unreliable.
Barnawi may have taken over from Shekau, said Yan St-Pierre, a specialist on jihadist groups who works for the Berlin-based Modern Security Consulting Group (Mosecon).
Under Shekau’s leadership, “Boko Haram has lost its prestige and become difficult to control. Today, Boko Haram is divided into several little groups.”
Shekau became Boko Haram leader after the Nigerian security forces killed the group’s founding chief Mohammed Yusuf in 2009, sparking an insurgency that has left 20,000 people dead and forced 2.6 million people to flee their homes.
Sweden’s women claimed the first victory of the Olympic football tournament 1-0 over South Africa as Rio 2016 got off to an underwhelming start on Wednesday.
The sight of vast swathes of empty seats at the 60,000 capacity Olympic stadium in Rio will have embarrassed organisers at the first action of the Games.
Nilla Fischer bundled home the only goal of the game after South African goalkeeper Roxanne Barker fumbled a cross to give the Swedes a perfect start.
A much bigger crowd is expected at the same venue later Wednesday when hosts Brazil take on China in the other game in Group E.
Both the men’s and women’s football tournaments are being staged in six cities across Brazil that also hosted the 2014 World Cup.
World champions and four-time gold medallists the United States begin their campaign later in Belo Horizonte against New Zealand before Colombia and France also face off in Group G.
Two-time world champions Germany are expected to sweep aside Zimbabwe in their Group F opener.
2015 World Cup quarter-finalists Canada and Australia complete a busy first day of action in Sao Paulo.
By Henry Umoru ABUJA – FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday described former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih as a great asset to Nigeria as a country.
In a congratulatory message to Chief Anenih who will be 83 years old Thursday, Jonathan said that it would be on record the elder statesman’s wisdom, patriotism and time-honored commitment to the strengthening of democracy and national growth.Tony Anenih and Jonathan
In a one- page congratulatory letter dated August 3, 2016, former President Jonathan said, “I wish to most sincerely congratulate you on your 83rd birthday. I am glad the Almighty God has blessed you with the grace of long life and good health, in accordance with your manifest dedication to national development.
“There is no doubt that you have been a great asset to our dear nation while serving her in various capacities, especially in the critical areas of politics, peace building and security systems.
“Nigerians and the people of your home state will continue to be grateful to you because of your wisdom, patriotism and time-honored commitment to the strengthening of our democracy and national growth. You are a natural leader of the people and you have demonstrated that clearly over the years.
“I join your family and numerous admirers around the country to wish you more productive years in your determination to see our great country progress in peace and prosperity.”
A Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Bode Ojomu has joined the race for the party’s National Publicity Secretary at the National Convention billed for August 17, at Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
Ojomu who hails from Irepodun Local Government area of. Kwara State, North Central, Nigeria said he’s going into the race to enhance the rebuilding the party and return it to the people.
He promise to impactfully mobilize Nigerians through all forms of media to return PDP to power in 2019, rallying all media professionals in the party together.
The PDP had earlier zoned its National Publicity office to the North Central geo political zone.
Bode Ojomu had been a tested student activist at national level before his admission into the University of lbadan, having participated actively in NANS as Speaker of Oyo State College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
Bode holds a Masters Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies and B.A. Hons in language and Communication Arts and his a member of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
During the tenure of Chief Barrabas Gemade as National Chairman, Bode was appointed as a Member of the PDP National Committee on Media and Publicity to formulate a Media Policy for the Party.
He was the Director, Media and Publicity, MANDATE 2003 – the Governorship Campaign Organization of Dr. Bukola Saraki in Kwara State.
In 2004-2005, he served with both Chief Audu Ogbeh and Dr. Amadu Ali as Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Acting National Publicity Secretary for 3 months.
During his tenure, he participated as Member of so many important Committees including the Governor Joshua Dariye Investigation Panel under the Chairmanship of Governor Donald Duke and functions very effectively with the several organs of the party.
A 42-year-old man, Wasiu Lawal, who allegedly raped a 38-year-old woman on the pretext of helping her spiritually, was on Wednesday in Lagos brought before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court. The accused, who lives at No.1, Adeleke Agodo St., Ikorodu in Lagos State, is facing a charge of rape.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Christopher Okoniko told the court that the accused committed the offence at about 9.00p.m. on July 1 in Lagos. He said that the accused, who claimed to be a pastor, native doctor and a Muslim cleric (alfa) forcefully had a sexual intercourse with the woman under the guise of “praying” for her.
The complainant said she did not know how she ended up sleeping in the man’s house till the next day. “She said the next day she narrated the story to her husband who reported the matter at Ikorodu police station which led to the arrest of the accused,” she said.
“The accused uses one room for pastoral work, the second room to consult as a herbalist and the third one for muslim cleric (Alfa) work, “ he said. The offences contravened Section 258 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, Mrs A. Dan Oni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties. She said that one of them must be gainfully employed with an evidence of tax payment. The case was adjourned till Sept. 14 for mention.
The Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested five internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno state on Wednesday, saying there are "bad eggs" among IDPS.
In an interview with NAN, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Borno commandant of the corps, said while some displaced persons have been engaging in prostitution, others are into drug abuse.
He said items recovered from the arrested suspects include windows, blends, noggin roofs, pipes and rubbers, among others.
"The IDPs are now causing more havoc by vandalising the hard-earned structure that the government put in place.
"There are bad eggs among the IDPs who can do anything to get money.
"Some of them engage in prostitution and sexual abuses while some are into illicit hard drug use.
"The command warned the culprits to desist from such crimes or face the full wrath of the law."
YENAGOA – THE Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, indicated on Wednesday that the supposed Federal Government banter with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, which both claimed to be dialogue with Niger Delta militants, was simply a monologue.
Avengers in an exclusive online interview with Vanguard reechoed that MEND does not represent militants in the region and those promoting it were APC chieftains in the region, including a former governors and a group of ex-militant leaders with some northern power brokers looking for relevance and appointment from government.
It spoke just as former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, told Vanguard on phone that Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, never opined at a consultative meeting of the Ijaw leaders, weekend, in Warri, Delta state, that any discussion with militants without the involvement of Niger Delta elders was a nullity.
"What Clark said is that the Federal Government should include Niger Delta elders and leaders in its dialogue with militants in order to achieve a meaningful result. I was there at the meeting, he said there should dialogue but it should be done with the appropriate persons," he said.
In spite of Bozimo's clarification, a group, Voice Delta, opposed to the violent agitation of NDA, declared that MEND was constructively engaging government and slammed Chief Clark and his group for their insistence that discussion with MEND was unacceptable.
The group in series of tweets said MEND has made a considerable inroad in the ongoing dialogue with militants and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore Chief Clark.
The Avengers, however, made it clear that its path would not cross with MEND as far as the struggle was concerned.
Its words: "From all reality checks to date, all members of the defunct MEND have remained disbanded as a group. The current paper and internet- based platform called MEND is orchestrated by some APC political thugs and criminal elements from the Niger Delta region and some Northern politicians."
"So the currently re-branded and rearmed MEND is only speaking for the political interest of some APC chieftains that are looking for relevance/ appointment, and so the NDA and the people of the Niger Delta cannot be part of any dialogue imitated by them.
"A careful look at the underlying factors behind the resurrection of this new media-MEND, one cannot but only see the release of Mr. Henry Okah, Charles Okah and Edmund Ebiwari as their main agenda," it said.
The former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin, says the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, bribed some members with 25,000 dollars each to sign vote of confidence on him. Jibrin said this in a statement he gave to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
He added that the money was for selected members to sign a vote of confidence on the speaker and three other principal officers accused of padding 2016 budget. According to him, some Representatives were given 25,000 dollars to sign a register opened at the Speaker's guest house in Asokoro.
“This disgraceful act was coordinated by Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba and Deputy Chief of Staff to Speaker, Hon. CID Maduabum. “It is a shame that Mr Speaker has not responded to any of the allegations against him but has resorted to look for fraudulent cover.
“My stand on this is that the corrupt Speaker Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa and Ogor must listen to Nigerians, reconvene the House immediately and step aside. “Investigation by anti-graft agencies is already on and I pledge to support the investigation and prosecution of these corrupt public officers'', he said.
Responding, Rep. Zakari Mohammed said the allegation was false. “My attention has been drawn to yet another tweet by the former chairman appropriation committee, Hon. Jibrin, saying that I and others were distributing 25,000 dollars to each member of the House.
“That the money was to generate signatures for speaker Dogara as vote of confidence on him. “The accusation is not only untrue but it is another tale by moonlight to hoodwink Nigerians to malign my image. “Fellow countrymen please disregard this cheap blackmail aimed at playing to the gallery. I challenge Jibrin to name at least 10 members or less who benefitted from the bribe.
“My advice to Jibrin is that he should stop the mudslinging and concentrate on licking his self inflicted wounds'', he said.
Former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, says there is nothing wrong with restructuring the country provided it is done within one Nigeria context. Gowon stated this when Sen. Shehu Sani, the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.
Reacting to calls by some Nigerians to restructure the country, Gowon said there was nothing wrong with restructuring. He recalled that Nigeria was restructured under his leadership as the head of state with the creation of states in 1967.
“We can restructure within one Nigeria context. I did it in 1967; we created states to stop eastern Nigeria from seceding. “We had to do something to ensure the fear of their seceding did not exist; a serious issue of a part of the country wanting to breakaway when we already lost a part to Cameroon.
"If we had allowed the eastern region to go away, the map of Nigeria would have looked funny; it would have been tilted one way. “So, we decided overnight to break the fear through the creation of states. If we had to save the country that was the only way to do it. “We also ensured that no state was too big or too small to threaten the unity of the country,'' he said.
Gowon, through a broadcast in 1967, announced the creation of 12 states; which are, North-Western, North-Eastern, Kano and North-Central states. Others are, Benue-Plateau, Kwara, Western, Lagos, Mid-Western, Rivers (a South-Eastern state), East-Central and East-Central states.
The former head of state added that the call for true federalism by some Nigerians was also not a bad idea, as long as it was done within the context of the nation's unity. “What is true federalism? As long as it means respect for oneness of our country, it is alright, but if it means to breakaway, it is not my way of thinking'', he said.
