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
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness with slim chances of early morning isolated light rains over Abuja and its environs on Sunday morning.
This is contained in the Weather Outlook issued by NiMet's Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Saturday.
NiMet predicted that localised thunderstorms were not unlikely over the high grounds of the central cities including Abuja, Kaduna, Jos and Nassarawa in the afternoon.
It also predicted that evening with day time temperatures would be 26 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius.
It stated that the Northern states would experience cloudy condition over most parts of the region in the morning hours.
The Agency predicted prospects of isolated rain showers over Sokoto, Gusau , Kano and Yelwa in the afternoon and evening with day time temperatures of 31 degree Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.
According to the prediction, there will be relatively stable weather condition in the morning over the country with chances of localised thunderstorm, rains in central and southern cities in the next 24 hours.
It added that there would be increased cloudiness over the region in the morning with localised rains.
It noted that showers were not unlikely over the inland and coastal cities such as Lagos, Delta, Calabar and Port- Harcourt.
NiMet predicted that there would be rains also over Oshogbo, Akure, Ibadan, Enugu and Awka in the afternoon and evening with day time temperatures of 28 degree Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius.
The Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) says train carrying about 500 cows which left Gusau on Thursday arrived Oko-Oba, Lagos on Saturday hours ahead of schedule.
This information is contained in a statement issued by the organisation's Coordinator, Research and Strategy, Mr Bello Abba, on Saturday in Abuja.
The statement quoted the Managing Director, Mr Aliyu Abdulhameed as describing it as a pleasant surprise.
According to him, it is a good omen for the innovative project of moving cattle from the North to the South by rail.
"We are indeed happy to hear that the wagons had arrived ahead of schedule.
“We are very delighted that the historic train has arrived earlier than projected.
“It is a source of encouragement as we strive towards improving and deepening our Farm to Market Scheme," he said.
NIRSAL, two days ago in Gusau, launched the commencement of its National Farm to Market Scheme.
The scheme aims to provide low cost transport link between agricultural producers and consumers across the country with an initial focus on livestock movement from North to South by rail.
Under the scheme, NIRSAL has a mandate to de-risk and incentivize investment into verified impactful projects across the agricultural value chain.
It will provide bank guarantees for the financing of critical requirements involved in the movement of the cattle including logistics and equipment.
Connect Rail Services Ltd., a bulk freight and logistics service provider is the first technical partner on this aspect of the Farm to Market scheme.
The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, has lashed out at the Minority Leader, Hon. Safiriyu Akinwole for seeking cars for members of the house at a time the state is facing hardship.
The speaker stated that official cars for members of the Osun State’s 6th Assembly is not a priority as it does not translate to development in the State.
Salaam said this in a swift reaction to a comment passed by the Minority Leader, Akinwole was given the floor to pass comment on the 25th anniversary of the State.
Hon. Akinwole who represents Ife East State Constituency (PDP), said “Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola started well but recently due to the economic crunch, the governor is lagging behind in some areas sighting the instance of members of the State 6th Assembly not having official cars….” but the speaker reacting promptly said “Giving cars to honorable members of the State Assembly is not a priority and does not in any way translate to development”
The Speaker added that they are elected to serve the people and not themselves and that members must be ready to make sacrifices till things get better. The honourables unanimously appreciate the works of the past governors of the State and especially the present governor Rauf Aregbesola for his doggedness and the ongoing massive development in the state.
He furthers, “Kenyans should stop attacking Nigeria on twitter. They must know their place. Truth is the worse Nigerian is better than the best Kenyan.”
When Kenyan leaders were still doing “mau mau”, swinging from trees and eating one another ours were at Oxford and Cambridge university” He noted
When Kenyan leaders were still doing “mau mau”, swinging from trees and eating one another ours were at Oxford and Cambridge university - Femi Olu-Kayode(FFK) (@realFFK) September 3, 2016
Recall that the clash started following unclear reports and speculations which surrounds the back-and-forth movement of the billionaire Facebook CEO, between the two African nations.
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Thursday blamed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the country's woes.
He also accused the party of mismanaging the country's economy.
"The APC has not fulfilled its promises. It has not solved the social problems, neither has it solved the economic problems. It has destroyed the economy, particularly the nation's currency. The poor can no longer buy garri, rice and other foodstuff. APC is making a mess of the nation's situation" he lamented.
Igbuya who spoke in Sapele described the change agenda of the APC as a mere propaganda, the APC government as clueless and the members of the party as great liars.
He attributed the current economic situation in the country to the propounding of half-baked solutions by the current national government.
Igbuya who took time to look deeper and higher about the present day predicament said "our deliverance lies in our own hands"
The representative of Sapele State constituency urged Nigerians at home and abroad to reject the APC in 2019.
"The APC preaches the gospel of change. Who is deceiving who? As a people, we must face realities squarely and decide what we want.
Igbuya who was in oil rich Ugborhen, Okuovu, Edegbrode, Amukpe and Sapele-Okpe community for the 2016 town hall meetings urged the people to see politics beyond the spectator-spot.
He said the progress of the country can only be measured by the improvement of the quality of the citizen's life.
"The House of Assembly will continue to promote good governance, enhance unity and expand the economic base of the state. It will continue to protect the disadvantaged group" he said.
He thanked the people for voting PDP in 2015.
"Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is doing very well. He is a listening governor. The dualization of Amukpe- Ajogodo Road is aimed at making Sapele a modern city. Governor Okowa will work on all the roads in Sapele. He will complete the Sapele market and the stadium. The PDP government will continue to empower the people of Sapele" he said..
Igbuya who endorsed Okowa for the 2019 governorship election urged the people to support the governor.
By Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta Twenty four hours after Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun swore in fourteen Permanent Secretaries, one of them Mrs. Olubunmi Odumusi has died.
Odumusi was reported to have died in her sleep in the bedroom on midnight of Friday,at the age of 57,after a prolonged cancer ailment.
Vanguard learnt that the ailment has gulped huge money from the family to get the deceased treated both within and outside Nigeria.
Odumusi was a thoroughbred journalist who rose to the rank of a Director at the Ogun State Ministry of information and Strategy,before her recent elevation to the post of Permanent Secretary.
A strong earthquake struck early Saturday in Oklahoma, where the incidence of temblors has been on the rise amid a boom in controversial hydraulic fracturing to release oil and natural gas.
The US Geological Survey said the 5.6 magnitude quake hit at 1202 GMT near Pawnee, a city in the northeastern part of the state.
The quake was felt in seven states, from Texas to Iowa.
“In town there’s been no fire, no injuries reported, we’ve been very, very lucky,” the mayor of Pawnee, Brad Sewell, told Fox News.
Saturday’s quake matched the strength of the strongest quake in the central state’s history in the preceding decade, the USGS said.
A smaller quake of 3.2 magnitude occurred Thursday nearby.
“Oklahoma Corporation Commission staff is at the office reviewing disposal wells in the vicinity of the earthquake near Pawnee,” Governor Mary Fallin said in a Twitter message.
The primary cause for human-induced earthquakes in many parts of the central and eastern United States is wastewater disposal, according to a USGS report published in March.
The agency has begun including human-triggered earthquakes on its forecast maps for the first time.
The USGS said the states at highest risk of induced seismic activity are, from highest to lowest: Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas.
One source of wastewater is from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the process of shooting water mixed with sand and chemicals deep into the earth to crack rock formations and bring up oil and natural gas trapped inside.
The process has unlocked massive amounts of oil and gas in the United States over the past decade.
But along with the oil and gas come large quantities of brackish water, which is disposed of by injecting it into separate wells that are dug as deep as a mile (kilometer) below ground.
The unnatural addition of the water can change pressure along fault lines, causing slips that make the earth shake, experts say.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi have commended the Lagos State Assembly for promoting and preserving the rich Yoruba cultural heritage.
File: Ooni of Ife?, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
The monarchs gave the commendation when the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa led other members of the House on a courtesy visit to the monarchs’ palaces in Oyo and Ile-Ife.
The Alaafin of Oyo, who commended the lawmakers for conducting their Thursday plenary session in Yoruba Language, urged the Yoruba to unite in order to ensure growth and development of the race.
Adeyemi, who said that the mastery of the Yoruba language helped in proficiency in other languages, admonished Yoruba youths never to neglect their culture for a foreign one.
The traditional ruler, who would clock 78 years in the next few months, said that God had blessed the Yoruba race in several ways.
The monarch, who had spent 46 years on the throne, maintained that the Yoruba people were the first to achieve feats in human endeavours.
The Oba listed such fields to include journalism, medicine, land survey and law across the country.
Meanwhile, Ooni of Ife also lauded the legislators for conducting their Thursday’s plenary session in the Yoruba Language.
The royal father commended the recent Yoruba Summit organised by the House towards making teaching and learning of the Yoruba language compulsory in public and private schools in Lagos state.
Ogunwusi, who is the 51st Ooni of Ife, urged the lawmakers to immortalise the founding father of Lagos, Olofin Ogunfunminire, noting that Lagos remained unique in the history of Yorubaland.
Earlier, the speaker thanked the monarchs for their presence at the Yoruba Summit recently organised by the House to seek stakeholders’ views on way forward for the language.
Obasa said that the summit was one of the giant strides he had taken in promoting unity among traditional rulers.
The speaker disclosed that the summit had earned the Assembly numerous awards from notable groups in the country and abroad.
He assured that the House would continue to support efforts to prevent Yoruba culture from going into extinction.
Obasa pledged that the recommendations of stakeholders' at the summit would be implemented.
He invited the monarchs to witness one of the Thursday's plenary of the Assembly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the two monarchs alongside other Yoruba traditional rulers graced the Lagos Assembly’s Yoruba Stakeholders’ Summit held on June 2 in Ikeja.
Bangladesh hanged a wealthy tycoon and top financial backer of its largest Islamist party late Saturday for war crimes, dealing a massive blow to the group’s ambitions in the Muslim-majority nation.Quasem Ali
Mir Quasem Ali, a key leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, was executed after being convicted by a controversial war crimes tribunal for offences committed during the 1971 independence conflict with Pakistan.
The 63-year-old was hanged at the Kashimpur high security jail in Gazipur, some 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Dhaka, amid stepped-up security outside the prison and in the capital.
“The execution took place at 10:35pm (1635 GMT),” the country’s law and justice minister Anisul Huq told AFP.
Six opposition leaders have now been executed for war crimes after the secular government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina set up a domestic war crimes tribunal in 2010.
With Ali’s death, all five top leaders of the Jamaat party have been hanged, a massive set back for the Islamists in the world’s third largest Muslim nation.
After the Supreme Court rejected his final appeal against the penalty on Tuesday, Ali declined to seek a presidential pardon, which would require an admission of guilt, paving the way for his execution.
Prosecutors said Ali was a key commander of the notorious pro-Pakistan militia in the southern port city of Chittagong during the war, and later became a shipping, banking and real estate tycoon.
The war crimes trials have divided the country, with supporters of Jamaat and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) branding them a sham aimed at eliminating their leaders.
The executions and convictions of Jamaat officials plunged Bangladesh into one of its worst crises in 2013 when tens of thousands of Islamist activists clashed with police in protests that left some 500 people dead.
Family members met Ali for the last time in the prison just hours before he went to the gallows.
“All along he said he was innocent. He said he is being killed unjustifiably,” said Tahera Tasnim, one of Ali’s daughters after 23 members of his family met him.
– Killing “to stop Islam” –
“He said this repressive government is killing them (Islamist leaders) to stop Islam being established in the society and the country,” Tasnim told AFP.
Ali had helped revive Jamaat and made it a potent force in Bangladesh politics by setting up charities, businesses and trusts linked to it after it was allowed to operate in the late 1970s.
Before he was arrested in 2012, Ali headed the Diganta Media Corporation, which owns a pro-Jamaat daily and a television station that was shut down in 2013 for stoking religious tensions.
He was convicted in November 2014 of a series of war crimes including the abduction and murder of a young independence fighter.
Defence lawyers have said the charges against him were baseless.
His son Mir Ahmed Bin Quasem, who was part of his legal defence team, was allegedly abducted by security forces earlier in August, which critics say was an attempt to sow fear and prevent protests against the imminent execution.
Jamaat, which is banned from contesting elections, has labelled the charges against Ali “false” and accuses the government of exacting “political vengeance”.
Russel Sheikh, a senior police official, told AFP that officials had taken the “highest security measures” ahead of the execution for fear of violence by his Islamist supporters.
More than 1,000 police were deployed in Gazipur and hundreds of paramilitary border guards were outside the prison and in Dhaka, security officials told AFP.
Rights groups have criticised the war crimes trials, saying they were flawed and lack any foreign oversight.
A group of United Nations human rights experts last week urged Bangladesh to annul Ali’s death sentence and to retry him in compliance with international standards.
But Hasina’s government has defended the trials, saying they are needed to heal the wounds of the conflict, which it says left three million people dead.
Independent researchers put the war toll much lower.
When Bangladesh’s independence war broke out, Jamaat opposed the struggle, siding with the military regime in Islamabad.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump promised African Americans prosperity and jobs Saturday in a gently delivered speech to a black congregation in a US city famous as a symbol of economic and urban decline.
Setting aside his usual stridency, Trump adopted a humble tone, telling his audience at the Good Faith Ministries International church that he came to listen, expressing sympathy for the out-of-work young men he had seen on boarded-up Detroit streets.
“Nothing is more sad than when we sideline young black men with unfulfilled potential, tremendous potential,” Trump said, speaking from notes.
“Our whole country loses out without the energy of these folks. We’re one nation. And when anyone hurts, we all hurt together,” he said.
Trump was received courteously and rewarded with occasional bursts of applause as he set about trying to allay the deep skepticism of African Americans who have swung overwhelmingly behind his rival, Hillary Clinton.
Blacks account for 12 percent of the US electorate, and Trump, who trails in the polls, recently has sought gingerly to widen his base.
– ‘Devil’s in the pulpit’ –
Before the speech, protesters chanting “Dump Trump” and “We’re going to church” tried to push through police barriers to gain entrance.
“The devil’s in the pulpit,” shouted Wyoman Mitchell, one of about 150 protesters who were pushed back by police on foot and on horseback in the tense encounter.
Church pastor Bishop Wayne Jackson had invited the New York billionaire to attend the fellowship service, and make some remarks.
Trump also sat for an interview with Jackson that will be aired at a later date. The New York Times reported that Jackson submitted questions in advance, but it was not known whether the two men went off script.
“I didn’t really know what I was getting myself in to. I didn’t know. Was this going to be nice? Was this going to be wild?” Trump said of the interview, in remarks to the congregation.
“He’s a great gentleman and a very smart guy. I just hope you don’t lose him to Hollywood.”
– ‘Nation too divided’ –
The church appearance contrasted sharply with Trump’s previous crude appeals for black support.
“What do you have to lose?” he said nearly two weeks ago, rhetorically addressing African Americans in a speech before a white audience in Ohio.
“They don’t care about you. They just like you once every four years — get your vote and then they say: ‘Bye, bye!'” he said of the Democrats.
Trump has been faulted for largely ignoring the black community during his campaign, and bypassing appearances before black churches and organizations in favor of rowdy, largely white rallies.
But in Detroit, he extolled African Americans’ contributions to America and the moralizing force of the country’s black churches.
“I am here today to listen to your message and I hope my presence here will also help your voice to reach new audiences in our country,” he said.
“Our nation is too divided. We talk past each other, not to each other and those who seek office do not do enough to step into the community and learn what is going on,” he said.
“I’m here today to learn so we can together remedy injustice in any form and so that we can also remedy economics so that the African-American community can benefit economically through jobs and income and so many other different ways.
“Our political system has failed the people and works only to enrich itself. I want to reform that system so that it works for you, everybody in this room,” he said.
– Detroit –
The African-American electorate traditionally leans heavily Democratic.
In 2012, about 93 percent of black voters backed Obama — an overwhelming enthusiasm that Clinton appears to have kept alive, taking 90 percent of the black vote in her primary contest against Bernie Sanders.
Detroit has the highest percentage of black residents — more than 80 percent — of any large American city.
Many neighborhoods have been hollowed out by decades of “white flight,” in which Caucasian families left downtown and midtown for more affluent suburbs.
“I fully understand that the African-American community has suffered from discrimination and that there are many wrongs that must still be made right. They will be made right. I want to make this city the economic envy of the world,” Trump said.
All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced its primary election in Ondo State for the Nov. 26 governorship poll, amidst tight security and peaceful environment.
Ondo APC contenders
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the election commenced at 12:15 p.m after the accreditation, which started at 7:00 a.m ended.
NAN also reports that APC had 24 governorship aspirants and 3,000 delegates participating in the primary election.
The APC Primary Election Committee was chaired by the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar.
Abubakar urged the delegates to be orderly and stressed the need to end the process on time and peacefully.
NAN reports that INEC officials and the party chieftains were all present at the primary election with security personnel provided by Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
NAN also reports that some of the aspirants such as Mr Olusola Oke, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, Victor Olabimtan and only female aspirant Mrs Olajumoke Anifowose-Ajasin and others were present at the venue.
Former Arsenal striker, Nwankwo Kanu, Saturday, score a hat-trick in a charity match at the Emirates.
Kanu alongside other Arsenal legends took on Milan Glorie - formed of AC Milan counterparts -in aid of the Arsenal Foundation, with Arsene Wenger and Fabio Capello coaching the respective sides.
Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited and President, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, is 45 today. As torrents of tributes from Nigerians, home and abroad, continue to pour in for the Nnewi-born Billionaire and Chairman, Anambra State Football Association, ASFA, celebrating him at 45, the uncommon leader and philanthropist, took to his Facebook page, seizing the opportunity to pen down his captivating reflections on happenings in Nigeria.
He wrote:
It’s been 44 long and hard years since my birth. The journey to where I find myself today has been rocky, to say the least.
First and foremost, I would like to give all thanks and praises to my Father in heaven for the gift of life. His grace is the reason for my continued existence and all glory must be given to him.
Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah
In the midst of all that currently defines the world we live in, God has been faithful, extremely faithful. His blessings in my life are too many to mention, such that they cannot be enumerated.
May I use this avenue to thank everyone who has contributed both positively and negatively to my journey through life.
At 45, I feel very fulfilled. I count myself a man highly blessed by God in all ramifications, starting from family to friends to employees and to business associates, be it financially, cerebrally and otherwise.
Today marks the beginning of my 45th year on earth, a day I have chosen to reflect on a country I love so much and a nation so blessed by God.
Inasmuch as I would have loved a birthday celebration bereft of publicity as I soberly reflect on the unflattering happenings in our dear country, I recognize the fact that I cannot restrain well meaning Nigerians who desire to wish me well via the pages of the newspapers and on different social media platforms. To these people, I wish to say thank you very much for the public display of affection.
All efforts to put myself in a celebratory mood for reaching yet another milestone has proved abortive. I even had to take time off work to travel with my family as I needed to spend ample time with them, as well as give myself some room to reflect in sobriety.
If I am to be perfectly honest, in the midst of all the blessings God has so much bestowed on me, the current state of our nation Nigeria has rendered me an unhappy man.
How can I be happy when all I see around me are people who are wallowing in hunger? What is happiness when my fellow Nigerians can no longer engage in business activities because of the escalating rate of the US Dollars which now exchanges for over N400 per Dollar?
Where will happiness come from when Nigeria’s inflation rate keeps rising and prices of common commodities are fast getting out of the reach of the average Nigerian? Nothing is being done to empower our women and some people are able to find happiness?
Nigerians are losing jobs everyday and I am expected to find joy in celebrating? I cannot! It is just not possible as I sincerely believe there is nothing worthy of celebrating. My heart is heavy, saddled with so much to reflect on as thoughts on the way forward for our beloved country clouds my mind.
In a country with over 180 million people, I can boastfully say we possess the capacity to turn this nation around. Nigerians are very resourceful and highly industrious. The fact that we have not been able to get it right after 55 (soon to be 56) turbulent years beggars belief. As Nigerians, we need to learn to work without greed.
Contentment should be the underlying feature in everything we set out to do. As a nation, we must fashion out a multi-policy intervention scheme that will not end up on the screens of our televisions and the pages of our books, but policies that will open up our system for job creation and reduction in the rate of poverty.
Our problems are man-made and same man who made it can make things right. But first, those saddled with the responsibility of steering the ship of our nation must favour a government of inclusion.
They must open the doors to Nigerians (irrespective of one’s ethnic or political leaning) who possess the requisite skills, knowledge and ideas on how to get Nigeria back on its feet.
Earlier in the year, I came out to tell Nigerians that the escalation of the Dollar could be reversed if given the chance to proffer solutions and I meant it. I also challenged the Government of the day to do the needful which entailed making consultations which I offered on a platter, even staking my life’s work to see that this ugly trend is reversed. Regrettably, my advice was not heeded to and my calls fell on deaf ears. Nigeria’s current problem is beyond academics. It is also beyond the vocabulary technocrats are known to toss around.
There are other components and qualities needed alongside the technicality associated with education to create the right mix as we seek solutions to the poor state of our economy. I believe that I am one Nigerian who possesses some of these components.
I am highly confident in my ability to provide answers to most of the problems Nigeria is faced with and hopefully, God will give me a chance if man would not. Permit me to state this loud and clear to avoid being misconstrued: when I discuss the public policies of the government or make suggestions on alternate policies for our government, it is because I want the government of the day to succeed as their success will make Nigerians happy. I am a Nigerian who derives joy in seeing our people happy.
After all said and done, I wish to rededicate myself to the service of humanity. At this stage in my life coupled with the achievements I have made and the milestones I have reached, I believe it is high time I channeled all my resources (financially, intellectually and otherwise) to promoting humanity, starting from Nigeria with Anambra state being my first port of call.
My biggest regret in life is that I have not been able to help humanity the way I would have loved to. We can never get things right unless we put conscious efforts into promoting humanity. In view of this, I pledge this day to continue serving humanity to the best of my ability and as the Good Lord permits.
At this juncture, I would like to expressly appreciate those who have made my journey through life a laudable one.
First and foremost, special thanks must go to my wife and beautiful children who have been my firm pillar of support and strength throughout my journey. Your presence in my life has given me wings to soar as high as I can dream. For this, I remain eternally grateful to all of you.
Also, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my employees across all sectors that I am actively involved in which includes Oil and Gas, Media Publications, Sports, Construction, Agriculture to mention a few. Your belief in me has never wavered and your support for me has stood the test of time.
Even at the most difficult of times, you all rally around me, giving me the needed assurance that we are in this race together. My belief in the depth of God’s love for me and his immense blessings upon my life stems from you all. Thank you. To my friends and well wishers, I wish to also say thank you for being there. Your prayers and words of support have gotten me this far and I would not trade you all for anything the world has to offer.
To Ndi Anambra, umu nwannem, this piece would be incomplete without expressing the depth of my gratitude to you for all the love and support you ceaselessly showered on me.
How can I forget my humble beginnings? How can I forget how my beloved brothers and sisters contributed immensely in shaping the man “Ifeanyi Ubah” and all he has achieved today? From the bottom of my heart, I say daalu umu nnwannem. Let us endeavour to keep our leaders in our prayers as we continue in our quest for greatness.
My fellow compatriots, our strength lies in our togetherness. Let us keep praying for Nigeria and her leaders. Let us keep believing in our country and strive to ensure that we make the best out of our nation. We have no other country to call our own. We must make Nigeria great for ourselves and for the generations yet unborn.
To our leaders, I wish to remind you all that the position which you find yourselves in today is God given and has a mandate attached to it. I implore you all to do all you can to better the lives of those who voted you into power. The welfare of the masses is paramount and the betterment of their living standards should be the driving factor behind every action of every leader.
In everything we do, we should always remember that a day of reckoning will come and we will all be made to answer to the creator. On that day, would the Almighty be happy with your report?
Once again, I wish to thank everyone for the birthday wishes. I feel highly blessed and honoured.
An unending Twitter war is ongoing between netizens from Nigeria and Kenya over Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg’s visit to Africa.
The clash started following unclear reports, speculation which surrounds the back-and-forth movement of the billionaire Facebook CEO, between the two African nations.
See some of the tweets exchanged between the two countries…
Bangladesh was set to execute a wealthy tycoon and top financial backer of its largest Islamist party late Saturday, as his family paid him a final visit.Quasem Ali
Mir Quasem Ali, a key leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, faces the gallows after being convicted by a controversial war crimes tribunal for offences committed during the 1971 independence conflict with Pakistan.
Police told AFP all preparations have been made to execute Ali, who is imprisoned at the Kashimpur high security jail in Gazipur, some 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Dhaka.
“It (the hanging) is likely to take place tonight,” Gazipur district police chief Harun-or-Rashid told AFP.
After the Supreme Court rejected his final appeal against the penalty on Tuesday, Ali declined to seek a presidential pardon, which would require an admission of guilt, paving the way for his execution.
Two other police officials speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the execution would occur between 10:00 pm Bangladesh time (1600 GMT) and midnight.
Ali was a key commander of the notorious pro-Pakistan militia in the southern port city of Chittagong during the 1971 war, and later became a shipping and real estate tycoon.
Russel Sheikh, a senior Gazipur police official, told AFP that officials have taken “highest security measures” ahead of the planned execution for fear of violence by his Islamist supporters.
“More than 1,000 police have been deployed in the district,” Sheikh told AFP.
Past convictions and executions of high-profile Jamaat leaders have triggered violence in Bangladesh, which is polarised along political lines.
“All along he said he was innocent. He said he is being killed unjustifiably,” said Tahera Tasnim, one of Ali’s daughters after 23 members of his family went to meet him in the jail.
“He said this repressive government is killing them (Islamist leaders),” Tasnim told AFP.
The Supreme Court’s decision to reject Ali’s appeal was a major blow for the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which the 63-year-old tycoon had helped to revive in recent decades.
Five opposition leaders including four leading Islamists have been executed for war crimes since 2013. Ali is the last prominent Islamist leader to face execution.
The war crimes tribunal set up by the government has divided the country, with supporters of Jamaat and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) branding it a sham aimed at eliminating their leaders.
Ali was convicted in November 2014 of a series of crimes during Bangladesh’s war of separation from Pakistan, including the abduction and murder of a young independence fighter.
His son Mir Ahmed Bin Quasem, who was part of his legal defence team, was allegedly abducted by security forces earlier in August, which critics say was an attempt to sow fear and prevent protests against the imminent execution.
The Islamist party, which is banned from contesting elections has labelled the charges against Ali “false” and accusing the government of exacting “political vengeance”.
Akure – Mr Taye Adeuti, on Saturday, emerged as governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the Nov. 26 governorship election in Ondo State.
Adeuti emerged with unanimous voice votes after the second aspirant, Mr Gbenga Ojo, withdrew his candidacy when both men were nominated as aspirants for the primary election.
Adeuti, 63, from Idanre Local Government Area, is an economist and marketer with a Masters degree in Business Administration.
In his acceptance speech, Adeuti thanked the party members and the chairman of Congress Committee for finding him worthy to carry the flag of the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
“I will do my best, we all want to work for the development of our state, and I am very happy to lead this famous party; our goal is November 26.
“Ondo is an enlightened State with educated people, so the development of this state is my major project and we shall achieve it together,” he said.
Earlier, the State Chairman of LP, Mr Wale Gbakinro, said the primary election was being conducted in line with the article 28, sub-section 3 of the party’s constitution.
Gbakinro also said that the primary was conducted with INEC guidelines and directives.
He implored the two aspirants to accept the outcome of the primary as decided by the delegates and exhibit sportsmanship towards each other.
Addressing newsmen, Mrs Ladi Iliya, Chairperson, LP Primary Electoral Committee, urged the candidate to always include women and youths in his programmes as they form majority of the electorate.
Iliya, also the Deputy National Chairman of the party, said the doors are wide open for any member who defected and wanted to return to the party.
Also addressing newsmen, Mr Gbenga Ojo, said his decision to withdraw his candidacy was based on past experiences.
“I withdrew my candidacy after wide consultation within the party leadership.
“I also realised that since it is only two of us, it would be good if I stepped down for my co-aspirant in the interest of peace,” he said.
The Lagos State Government on Saturday said owners of the buildings demolished in Ikoyi were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out, and that it will not succumb to blackmail in any form just as it vowed to intensify efforts to rid the State of illegal structures.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the Government said it had noted with dismay, the flagrant disobedience of Building Regulations, and has therefore resolved to ensure removal of all structures that are in contravention of the law.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent demolition of some illegal structures in Ikoyi, Ayorinde reiterated Government’s determination to rid the State of Illegal developments saying "In our effort to maintain a sustainable, organized, liveable and friendly environment, the Government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.
He also warned that all those who choose to erect illegal structures in violation of our laws in order to take advantage of third parties will not only have those structures removed but will also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
According to the Commissioner, the buildings in question were situated in an area originally designated as residential area, but the developers unilaterally and without recourse to the State Government commenced development of industrial and commercial concerns in these locations thereby distorting the master plan of the area; causing environmental nuisance, traffic snarls and more importantly a security threat to the neighbourhood.
On the allegation that the buildings were not duly served with necessary contravention, stop work and removal notices, the Commissioner said that the State Government will not succumb to blackmail in any form.
"We have documentary evidence of service of all statutory notices, the buildings were also marked with the X red oxide to also call the attention of the owners to physical planning contraventions”.
Ayorinde added, “Having served the Statutory Contravention Notices on the offending structures and when owners of such structures failed to remove them within the statutory notice period, we were compelled to remove such structures”. This Government is committed to following due process and will strictly enforce provisions of the law on this subject matter.
He said the State Government is desirous of restoring the original master plan of all residential areas in the State, adding, “Arbitrary location of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside restaurants and other unplanned commercial centres have contributed in no small way to distorting physical planning designs of the State".
While reiterating Government’s commitment to “a safe, clean and prosperous Lagos”, the Commissioner warned that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as the organ of government saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with town planning laws, will not allow the State's planning aesthetics to be destroyed by people who have no regard for beauty, serenity, law and order.
While expressing the determination of the current administration to restore the original master plan of the State, he vowed to do everything possible to ensure that people observe the various planning laws and regulations in every part of the State.
“This is an exercise in progress; it is an on-going operation to sanitize the environment, we have also developed strategies to prevent re-occurrences of illegal developments and for the sustenance of a cleaner Lagos," he said.
Ayorinde, however, called on those who have structures within the Right of Way of Public Utilities to remove them or face the full wrath of the law.
He further urged the general public to ensure that they obtain necessary planning permits before embarking on any renovation, construction or other forms of development, adding that the public should also avail themselves of the provisions of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Regulations.
By LAWANI MIKAIRU The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika yesterday assured the workers of Aero Contractors Airline that the federal government will do everything within its power to prevent the airline from dying and the workers loosing their jobs, as the government will restructure the airlines.
Senator Hadi Sirika gave the assurance when he addressed workers of the airline who occupied its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Friday.
He told the workers that the federal government would make sure that the problems plaguing the airline was solved, noting that it is the responsibility of government to create jobs and therefore would not allow any business concern to die under its watch.
The Minister told the protesting workers that he would meet with Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the management of Aero Contractors to discuss some of the challenges facing the airline and get back to the workers on Monday.
"I landed from Riyadh to Lagos and before I left Riyadh I was informed by the people in charge in Aero that things were getting worse and they have only one airplane operational at the moment and I said to myself since I have time between my flight to Lagos and connecting one to Abuja, I decided to come and see Aero and probably discuss a few issues with the managers and possibly see the staff, but unfortunately I came here and saw that there is a protest going on, so I had to stop by, listened, discussed and came to an agreement."
"The primary purpose of government, especially this APC government is to help to promote, nurse, sustain, develop, keep businesses so that they can continue to provide services and employ our people, so it is not the government of APC that will kill jobs and close down shops; our intent is to promote jobs and promote businesses in Nigeria so that businesses will be growing," the Minister said.
Sirika also told the workers that they have the right to protest because they could not just be relieved of their jobs, so he assured them that government must resolve the issues concerning the airline to have it back on track.
"I think the protest is justifiable and I agree with the issues raised, but we will look into it and come up with a solution that will be mutually beneficial to all of us both the staff, the company and government itself.
I have appealed to the staff and they have agreed that we will reconvene here on Monday and listen to each other and also develop a road map and agree on what to do to rejuvenate the airline, being a premier company in this country," the Minister said.
He further said that although AMCON took over the airline because of the toxic loans it owed banks, but "I think what is going on now started sometime ago. The reason why AMCON came to rescue Aero Contractors or any other business was due to the wisdom of the government of the past and we respect that wisdom and because AMCON is constitutionally established by the Act of Parliament to take this responsibility, but in doing this job we must look at the fundamentals."
"So if there is a problem of this nature we must look and find out what is happening. We are aware of the problem of the legacy, we are aware of the management problems and we are aware of where the planes are and we are also aware of what has been going on with maintenance. So we will try to resolve these problems," Sirika added.
ABEOKUTA-A factional National Chairman of the People Democratic Party, Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo held a closed door meeting at his hiltop residence in Abeokuta.
Sheriff who arrived Obasanjo’s residence at 11:04 in four vehicles convoy went straight to Obasanjo’s inner room for a closed door meeting which lasted for one hour.
The security operatives attached to Obasanjo’s residence allowed only the SUV that carried Sheriff into the premises while other vehicles were asked to park outside the residence.
Sherif and National Chairman caretaker committee Senator Ahmed Makarfi have been dragging the leadership of the party with each other.
Political observers believed Sheriff’s visit was in connection with the crisis rocking the party.
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe joked Saturday that he had been resurrected as he returned from a foreign trip, mocking rumours that he had died or is critically ill.
The 92-year-old Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe,.
“Yes, I was dead. It’s true I was dead. I resurrected as I always do once I get back to my country. I am real again,” the 92-year-old ruler told reporters at Harare international airport after arriving from Dubai.
His comments came after an online news site reported he had died mid-air on his trip to Dubai.
Mugabe’s health has been increasingly under the spotlight in recent years, particularly after he fell down a staircase after addressing supporters last year.
He has denied ill-health reports and vowed to stand for reelection in 2018, but recent weeks have seen a surge of demonstrations against his rule, which stretches back to Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.
Zimbabwe police announced on Thursday a two-week ban on protests in the capital Harare, after a string of violent demonstrations in recent weeks calling on Mugabe to step down.
Zimbabwe has suffered an economic crisis since the start of the century, with 90 percent of the population not in formal employment.
The cash-strapped government has been slow to pay the salaries of public sector workers while banks are running out of cash.
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
High doses of painkillers used by millions can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, according to the largest study of its kind. It confirmed a 'small but significant' extra risk of dying from heart problems after prolonged use. The drugs, known as non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), include ibuprofen and diclofenac, and also newer medication called coxibs. They are used by people with arthritis and other forms of chronic pain.
For every 1,000 people with a moderate risk of heart disease taking them for one year, three extra people would have an avoidable heart attack including one death. This is more than one-third above the normal risk if not taking the drugs. The study found naproxen was the safest NSAID.
Researchers looked at the highest doses of painkillers prescribed by doctors, twice the daily amount recommended for headache and other minor ailments. They said a short course of tablets bought over the counter for a muscle sprain was unlikely to be hazardous.
The study pooled the finds from 639 trials involving over 353,000 people after numerous small trials showed a link between NSAIDs and heart side-effects. Study leader Professor Colin Baigent, of the Medical Research Council Clinical) Trial service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit at Oxford University, said the results would help patients to balance the benefits and risks of using the drugs, and that they should not panic.
He said: 'We're talking about really low risks. The extra risk of a heart attack is very small. But if patients are worried they could talk to their doctors about it and they can consider if the risks, which are real but small, are worth it for them.'
At least several million people with arthritis take painkillers, including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and coxibs. The research found for every 1,000 people with a moderate risk of heart disease having one year of treatment with high-dose diclofenac (150mg daily) or ibuprofen (2400mg daily), about three would experience an avoidable heart attack, of which one would be fatal.
I love s3x but I don't want anything serious. I am a woman of 28 and have gone through a lot in life to build myself. I am a working student and I train myself. Basically, I don't have time for any relationship and because of that, I have hurt a lot of people. You have so much information and advice for those who want to start, maintain, or end a relationship; but then there are people like me. In fact, I have no desire to be in a relationship with anyone.
s3x
Sometimes I work two jobs, and I like hanging out with my friends and family when I do have spare time. I'm not interested in the feelings, emotions, and time it takes to be in a relationship. I'll have s3x with anyone before I even think about holding their hand.
Then afterward, the guy will usually end up getting his feelings hurt because I don't want to date him. Is there anything strange or unhealthy about this? I know I look good but that is that. I don't have time for love.
Omoni, Benin City
Dear Omoni,
Some people love to pair off like lovebirds while others like to fly solo. There's nothing wrong with savouring your independence, as long as you are honest with yourself and your partners about what you want and don't want out of each connection, s3xually and otherwise. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what shape your relationships will take. But you must also understand the place of culture in relationships especially in this part of the world.
People are naturally social beings, and we spend a great deal of our time interacting with others. Sharing life's ups and downs with friends and family can bring a sense of closeness and fulfillment that can't be found in your professional or academic life. Likewise, some people enjoy romantic relationships for companionship, commitment, and physical and emotional intimacy. Other people partner up out of fear of being alone or pressure to "settle down."
As you implied, society often puts a premium on romantic relationships. From age-old love stories to reality dating shows, pairing is portrayed as the romantic ideal. In our culture, marriage is a strong form of "social glue" that binds together individuals, families, and communities. However, there are many other expressions of love and togetherness that don't require you to tie the knot.
To begin, it may be helpful to sort out your feelings, values, and desires related to s3xuality and relationships.
For example, are you satisfied with your current social scene, or do you to want make more time for friends or dating? Do you wish you had a "special someone" or are you truly happy on your own? And lastly, what's your take on s3x without commitment? Do you feel comfortable getting it on and then heading out, or would you prefer to get to know each other a bit more, before and/or after? There are no right or wrong answers here, so go with what feels best for you.
The tricky part is that everyone brings their own preferences to the dinner table and the bedroom. As you've experienced, it can cause discomfort and hurt feelings when, after a roll in the hay, your s3xy someone wants to take you out on a date and you'd rather part ways.
Since there's no way to predict how your partner may feel, perhaps you could try being more upfront about your intentions. For example, before things really heat up, you could say something like, "I'm not looking for a relationship, but I'd still like to have some fun together." Put into your own words, that warning gives your partner a fair heads-up about where you'd like the experience to go.
All that being said, one-nightstand or even steady commitments is easier said than done. Even a short fling requires some amount of time and effort, and it's likely that emotions will come into play at one point or another.
The three candidates for the UEFA presidency, Aleksander Ceferin, Michael van Praag and Angel Maria Villar Llona, have all successfully passed FIFA eligibility checks, European football’s governing body confirmed on Friday.
FIFA carried out the checks because whoever replaces Michel Platini at the head of UEFA will automatically become a vice-president of world football’s governing body.
The election will be held at the UEFA Congress in Athens on Wednesday, September 14.
Ceferin, of Slovenia, Dutchman Van Praag and Spaniard Villar are all bidding to succeed Platini after the Frenchman, in the post since 2007, was banned from all football-related activities by FIFA for four years for ethics violations.
Each one of UEFA’s 55 member nations has one vote in the election.
Evelina Christillin, who is running for a female position on the FIFA Council, also complied with the eligibility requirements, UEFA said.
Fixtures of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will continue to hold as scheduled, the competition's organisers, the League Management Company (LMC), said on Friday.
“The LMC, in doing this, is relying on the motion filed for stay of execution of Justice I.I. Kunda’s latest order made in disregard of the notice of appeal filed against his first order,'' the company's Head of Special Projects, Harry Iwuala, said in a statement.
The company said this was even one among several other grounds in taking its decision to continue with the league fixtures.
LMC also stated that, in addition to the stay of execution filed, it has also filed a notice of appeal against the order of the Plateau State High Court in Jos.
The Jos court order had stopped matches of the NPFL until full compliance with the earlier interim order of the court.
The interim order had directed the reinstatement of Giwa FC to the league and the rescheduling of the club's matches.
The LMC also said the decision to continue with the fixtures was part of some urgent steps to preserve NPFL's integrity and protect it from irreparable damage.
My guy and I have been together for the past 10 years. We have been living together but we are not married and my family is kicking. I have always felt like we had a pretty good relationship and although I am away for work quite often, I have never felt tempted to stray.
But last year, I met another guy at a conference and we clicked well and ended up talking for hours. However, one thing led to another and things happened that I never intended to happen. I's not really a big deal but I'm actually dying inside over the guilt I have now.
I haven't seen the guy again but I am struggling because on one hand, I want to tell my partner but on the other, I feel like it will hurt him so much.
I don't know if it's the right thing to do. At the same time, I also wonder to myself why this happened and if I'm happy in my relationship, what made this so available and easy? Is there something more, is there a reason this happened?
Laila, Kogi
Dear Laila,
You are feeling guilty and confused. You seem to care but wonder how you could do this at the same time. The truth is, when our feelings, thoughts and behaviours don't match, we enter the state of cognitive dissonance, which is usually difficult until we get aligned by either reassessing our values or changing our behaviours, so that things line up again.
You are struggling because you are evolving and growing from the situation inside you. But I'm curious if you are more troubled by telling your partner the truth or feeling the judgments. The biggest judge is the person in the mirror. Just like you can love someone but not everything they do, you can love yourself but not everything you've done. That might be a starting point.
We often judge others for actions that don't align with their personal value system or the value systems of communities, families and so on. Everyone has their own value system and maybe it's a good time to evaluate your own. Behaviours are deeper rooted and until you examine what that is for you, it may be unclear as to not only why this happened but what you want to do next.
I have been dating my guy for five years but things are not working out as they should. We have been having conflicts . I don't think that I love him anymore! My friends think I should take things easy and give the relationship another chance but I'm confused. What should I do?
Juliana, Ughelli
Dear Juliana,
Love
Falling out of love with a boyfriend of five years is normal. Exploring your feelings regarding your boyfriend and the reasons why you may have fallen out of love with him may be a helpful first start for deciding what you "should" do.
Sometimes "falling out of love" is due to withheld anger, outgrowing the other partner, changing your mind, and/or developing or acknowledging different priorities. Sometimes it has more to do with one's self than it has to do with the other partner.
Although it's unclear whether you believe that falling out of love with your boyfriend is itself the "problem" or whether having problems with your boyfriend led you to fall out of love with him, it doesn't hurt to be a little introspective and examine more closely what may have led you to feel (or not feel) the way that you do.
You seem conflicted about the thought of not loving your boyfriend anymore. As such, you may want to consider asking yourself the following questions. Does the fact that you may not love your boyfriend anymore bother you? How long have you felt this way?
Do the two of you have mutual respect, friendship, and trust? Do you feel that your relationship is a caring one? Does your relationship enhance or diminish who you are? Do you feel that you need some time apart? Can you picture him as a life partner? What would your ideal relationship (with or without your boyfriend) look like?
Have you discussed this issue with someone you trust, such as a friend? Even so, have you considered talking to your boyfriend about this? While it may not be such a comfortable conversation to have, your boyfriend may certainly appreciate your honesty and your openness with your feelings. In addition, he may be having his own feelings about the relationship as well.
Open and honest communication, in any relationship, is key to expressing wants, needs, and desires. Perhaps such a discussion would be a good opportunity to communicate what you like/don't like about your relationship and how to improve it. Still, you may decide that taking some time apart would be a good experience for both of you, or that breaking up would be the way to go.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-Co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of social networking website, Facebook, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg has said that Nigerians were highly gifted in the Information Communications Technologies, ICT.
He said this after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The computer guru said he was impressed by the interest, energy and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by young Nigerians in all the ICT camps that he had visited in Lagos.
“I was highly impressed by the talent of the youths in the Co-creation Hub in Yaba. I was blown away by their talent and the level of energy that I saw,'' he said. Facebook Founder, Mark Zuckerberg visits President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Villa on Friday, September 2, 2016.
Recall that Zukerberg was in Nigeria earlier in the week but left Lagos for Kenya amidst speculations that there were no government officials to speak with him.
But on Friday, he returned to Nigeria and met with the Buhari in a meeting also attended by numerous ministers including Adebayo Shittu, Ogbonnaya Onu, Okechukwu Enalemah and Lai Mohammed who are respective Ministers of Communications, Science and Technology, Trade and Investments and Information and Culture.
The president commended Zukerberg for sharing his technological ideas with the Nigerian youths, saying such was mostly needed at the time.
He said: “Nigeria has always been identified as a country with great potentials for growth, especially with our youthful population, but now we are moving beyond the potentials to reality.
“I am impressed by your simplicity in sharing your knowledge and wealth with those with less income.”
The President who noted that the simplicity of the rich American entrepreneur said that such was alien to Nigerian culture.
“In our culture, we are not used to seeing successful people appear like you. We are not used to seeing successful people jogging and sweating on the streets.
“We are more used to seeing successful people in air-conditioned places. We are happy you are well-off and simple enough to always share”, he said.
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg, who was dressed in black suit and neck tie also attended Aso Villa Demo Day, a programme organized to pick winners of innovative ideas in start-up businesses organized at the old Banquet Hall of the presidential villa.
He later said he was in Nigeria primarily to promote the penetration of "fast and cheap" internet connectivity, Express-wifi, that would help people create online businesses and reduce poverty.
He said: “It’s so inspiring to see what you have built here. This trip has really blown me away by the talents of young entrepreneurs and developers in this country, and making a difference and making a change.
“It reminds me of when I wanted to start Facebook. I wasn’t starting a company at the time but wanted to build something to see if it will work.
“And that is what I see people here do, pushing through challenges, building things that you want to see in the world.
“If it will help the company great, if it will help the country great. You are not just going to shape Nigeria and the whole of Africa but the whole world.
“So, what I will say to the winners today and all the people that participated is that I’m blown away by what you are doing. I believe in you and I look forward to seeing what you do and congratulations.”
Speaking also, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said that Zukerberg’s coming to Nigeria has inspired people.
“It is really exciting to have Mark Zugerberg with us. I think one of the great things you have demonstrated is that is possible to live your dream, is possible to make your dreams not just come true but co r true so fabulously that it will not only influence your environment but you will influence the whole world.
“One of the things you have done is really to create connectivity across the world so that people are really able to interact across tribe, race, countries and feel as part of one family and one faith. So I think that is one of great things that you have done.
“And your coming to Nigeria has been especially energizing not just for the young people but for everyone else. As you can seek I am on Facebook and the president is also on Facebook so we are one of the 17 million.
He commended the 30 persons who made the shortlist of the Aso Villa Demo Day and the three eventual winners who went home with various sums of money.
“This is the first Aso Villa Day but the next year will be bigger and better. I don’t know if we will be able to get Mark to show up for that but somehow of the other, we are going to keep him in the loop and let him know what we are up to and how and how progress we are making.
“This country is going to built and is being built on the energy and the innovation and on the creativity of the young people. Whenever young people say that they want to be included, I believe very strongly that today you are included and no one has a choice in that matter. Today, Technology has created a level playing field, technology has made it possible for you seated somewhere, in your office or living room to create wealth, to create connectivity, to create all manner of things across the world.
“So this is not like when I was 25 years. It is a completely new day and I think that there is so much hope, so much your generation are going to do and I am certainly looking forward to being a part of that. By the time I am 80 I hope that I will be in a position to have an app that will enable me follow what you guys are doing, seated somewhere in my village, enjoying life.
“I’m sure you are going to have a great future and I certainly look forward to working with as part of the government of Nigeria to ensure that all that your talents and abilities are put in e best possible use and we I’ll support you all the way.
“We are also looking forward to cooperating with Facebook, I’m sure that in the next couple of months we will be working out the ways we can cooperate especially with connectivity and some of the great ideas that Mark has to improving connectivity in Africa”, he said.
Samsung on Friday, announced that it has halted sales of the new Galaxy Note 7 and issued a product recall, after confirming battery problems caused some devices to explode or catch fire.
Samsung-Galaxy-Note-7
The announcement follows widespread reports that the company was grappling with battery issues on the device, causing some of the premium phones to explode or catch fire while charging
In a statement, Samsung said it would issue replacements to those customers who had already bought one for free, while announcing it was stopping new sales.
The move is in response to "recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note 7", and the company said it found a "battery cell issue" after conducting a thorough investigation.
Samsung confirmed there had been 35 cases reported globally, and it was now "conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market".
The issue led to the company delaying shipments in South Korea as it carried out quality control tests, following reports of strong initial sales which was also causing supply constraints.
The Galaxy Note 7 launched last month, and was a device that Samsung had a lot of high hopes for.
News of a recall could be especially damaging as it comes just a week before major rival Apple is expected to launch its next flagship device.
"We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause in the market but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to our customers," the statement, added.
PORT HARCORUT – 14 workers of an oil company, Nestoil Plc have been kidnapped by unidentified in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The oil 14 workers were kidnapped Friday afternoon around Omoku-Elele link road.
Vanguard gathered that the Costa bus which was carrying the company's workers was accosted and diverted to an unknown destination under heavy gunfire by the bandits.
A source privy to the incident but who preferred to speak on condition of anonymity disclosed that the workers were returning to Port Harcourt before the incident.
The source said the victims had gone to work at Omoku area and were coming back to their base in Port Harcourt before the kidnappers surfaced.
At press time, efforts made to reach company management to speak on the development proved abortive as the only known contact was not connecting. W hen reached, the Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the development and quickly added that the police was on top of the situation.
Omoni said, "We are combing the bushes in that area right now. Our men are all over the bushes. We are doing our best to rescue the victims and as well apprehend the kidnappers.
"We have seen the bus that the victims rod on and we believe that we will rescue the victims soonest", he added.
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Brig.- Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), has said that the Federal Government has no plans to enrol more militants into the Amnesty Programme. Boroh, who is also the Coordinato,r Presidential Amnesty Programme, made this known when stakeholders of the programme visited him on Friday in Abuja.
He explained that his mandate was to reintegrate 30,000 ex-agitators captured in the Amnesty Programme, stressing that he could not go beyond that limit. "Amnesty Programme worldwide has a limit because it is a master piece strategy to resolve militancy. When that of Nigeria was established in 2009, it was supposed to exist for a particular time.
"I do not intend to bring in more agitators into the programme because that is not my mandate. “My mandate is to reintegrate 30,000 ex-agitators that are already in the programme. "I do not think that the Federal Government is going to have another Amnesty Programme; it is very expensive and at present, our economy is not in the right status.”
He, however, said that the number was already bloated because communities affected during the conflicts were being taken care of by government. He added that some members of the communities had been enlisted in skills acquisition and training programmes.
According to him, the Federal Government has commenced dialogue with the Niger Delta Avengers through the Dialogue Committee. This, he said, was with a view to halting the lingering hostility and bombing of oil facilities in the region.
He charged the stakeholders to think of ways of creating jobs for those living in the region and how to develop the country. He stressed that though the Amnesty Programme had been a great success, it was better to work than to think of a programme that would give stipend every month.
According to him, the success of the programme has swelled the ranks of thousands of armed youths seeking to lay down their arms and live normal lives. He said that 22 ex-agitators under the programme had graduated from Jordan as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, adding that the programme had also recorded successes in automobile technology.
Boroh also said that 72 ex-agitators graduated in Aquaculture and Fishery at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar. The special adviser, however, advised youths to embrace agriculture as a primary or secondary means of earning income in order to generate jobs, create wealth and achieve food security.
He added that his office had designed a 12-month programme to train and establish cluster farms to reintegrate 10,000 ex-agitators captured in the Amnesty Programme. Boroh further added that his office had keyed into the Green Alternative initiative of the Federal Government through strategic partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).
The programme, he said, had also collaborated with the governments of the nine oil producing states, Ministry of Agriculture and National Biotechnology Resource Centre to achieve its target. Earlier, Mr Timi Ogoriba who led the stakeholders on the visit, said the objective of the visit was to discuss ways of restoring peace and stability to the Niger Delta region.
He, therefore, urged the governors of the nine oil producing states in the region to assist in integrating trained youths through sustainable human capacity development and job opportunities.
Lagos – The Naira on Friday appreciated against the dollar in all the segments of the Forex market.
The Nigerian currency exchanged at N422 to the dollar, gaining 3 points from N425 it traded on Thursday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N535 and N464 respectively.
At the Bureau De Change segment of the market, the Naira also strengthened against the dollar, exchanging at N415, and N535 and N460 to the Pound Sterling and the Euro, respectively.
At the inter-bank segment of the market, the Naira extended its gains, closing at N314.77 to the dollar, from N331 it recorded at the end of trading on Tuesday.
Traders at the market expressed the hope that the Naira would appreciate further with the lifting of the ban on nine banks from participating in the Forex market by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
CBN had earlier banned nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) from dealing on Forex for their failure to comply with government's directive on the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
Mr Adebayo Shittu, the Minister of Communication, said that Nigerians will, in the fullness of time, appreciate the proposed 10 per cent communication tax especially because it would help to enhance telecommunication services in the country.
Shittu told newsmen on Friday in Osogbo that the proposed tax would also help to improve telecommunication infrastructure. “We have a lot of deficiency in the provision of infrastructure in the telecommunication sector. “And I believe that those who proposed the bill must have thought that government centrally rely on tax because without tax, government cannot operate.
The minister said the ministry was proposing a workshop to sensitise stakeholders on the new bill. “We are proposing a workshop on the bill for all stakeholders in telecommunication services, operators and even ordinary man. “I hope that at the appropriate time, when the figures are out, everybody will appreciate the need for such a tax in which at the end of the day will improve services and make everybody happy.
“Everybody is complaining every day over lack of quality and good services, drop calls and all of that. “All these are caused by deficiency in infrastructure and Nigerians, I believe that we cannot shy away from what will provide government with resources to improve facilities,” Shittu said.
The minister promised that the government would continue to provide enabling environment for telecommunication operators in the country.
Benin – APC governorship candidate in Edo Godwin Obaseki has restated his commitment to the welfare of Edo people if voted into office.
Obaseki spoke on Friday when he addressed traders and residents of Evbareke motor spare parts market and environs during his campaign.
He said that with his stints in the private sector, he understood the challenges of businessmen.
Obaseki noted that though the outgoing administration had done well in view of the administration’s scorecard, there was still more work to be done.
He said that it was on the basis of this that continuity in programmes could not be ruled out.
Obaseki said he would continue from where the outgoing administration would stop and ensure that roads, schools, and other infrastructure not renovated or reconstructed were tackled.
He, however, said in spite of this, his administration’s main focus would be on empowerment through microfinance loans, agriculture and provision of technical schools.
Meanwhile, Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed optimism of the APC winning the forthcoming Sept. 10 governorship election in the state.
Oshiomhole said his conviction stemmed from the fact that the party had performed well in the state.
He noted that election periods were periods of making promises, but added that what mattered was fulfilling the promises made.
Oshiomhole urged the electorate not to make themselves gullible to empty political promises but to go out and vote wisely for the candidate they believed would deliver on his electoral promises.
Fashion lovers and enthusiastes in Ibadan, Oyo State, are in for a gig as Independence F-art-shion Show returns to the state.
Persiana Group’s retail outlet palms mall Ibadan would play host to the much anticipated fashion event of the year 2016 for the second time.
The maiden edition of the event with the theme: Made in Nigeria meets Made for Nigeria held from 29th September – 1st October 2015 starting with a tour of the host city on 29th, a Fashion Workshop on the 30th September and a fashion showcase and runway event on October 1st respectively.
The 2016 edition themed; PLAIN AND PATTERN, will also be a 3days long event kicking off with the Tour of the host city; Ibadan, on the 28th of September and A fashion Workshop on the 29th.
The runway show will take place on the evening of the 3rd day which is September 30th with the escalator area of the mall serving as runway for the models.
According to the chief coordinator of the event, Adegbite ‘3llionbuckschic’ Adenike ;” the event is beyond the show, the impact the show will have on the entire fashion industry is massive.
Our vision is progressing and I am excited about some of the organizations that would be partnering with us towards the execution of this great idea conceived and we are certainly open to having more.
The Independence F-Art-shion show will set standard for the Nigeria fashion industry and also open the eyes of fashion entrepreneurs to opportunities that abound in this space; it is massive! Our participation and selection process is open and fair, anyone with good designs can participate. Our workshop is also free to attend though with limited seating space.”
To participation in the show or attend Fashion workshop, kindly visit www.f-art-shion.com to register.
You can also connect with the event via social media @f_art_shion on Twitter and instagram and using the hashtag #IFS2016.
Producers of 'Superstory' which recently entered into a partnership with Society for Family Health, SFH, Nigeria to produce a special season, titled "Free to Live", have announced plans to hold auditions for actors and actresses who would feature in the production.
Wale-Adenuga-Jnr
The production, according to the producer, is aimed at increasing awareness on Malaria Prevention and Treatment.
Wale Adenuga Jnr., Producer of Superstory, had this to say: "SFH has been doing an awesome job across Nigeria for over 30 years. We are excited with this partnership and have put together this fantastic Superstory: Free to Live script. All we need now are the right actors and actresses; and this audition is the perfect opportunity to discover some fresh talents to portray certain characters as they begin their journey to worldwide stardom."
The free audition commences tomorrow at the PEFTI Film Institute Auditorium located atAjao Estate, Isolo Lagos. Aspiring artistes within ages 16 to 40 who would be selected will go on to star in the multiple-award-winning Superstory which is watched by millions of families weekly on NTA Network .
Popular stand-up comedian, Bovi Ugboma, who has worked with top Nigerian comedy giants and featured in umpteenth comedy shows within and outside the shores of the country, including Opa William's Nite of 1000 Laughs and Basketmouths' Basketmouth Uncensored and 'Lord of the Ribs among others may have seen it all.
Bovi
He has declared that he has conquered the stage and the next challenge for him now is to conquer the screen.
Bovi recently delved into movie production and he's looking good to give his all in his desire to rule the screen. Ahead of premiering of his debut movie as a producer, "It's Her Day", Bovi who first gained popularity for his acting skills after featuring in the sitcom, "Extended Family" which he also conceptualized and produced in 2007, recounts the undying love he has for film making despite his flourishing career as a stand-up comedian.
His foray into the entertainment industry, in 2004, after he worked as Richard Mofe Damijo's Personal Assistant set the stage to delve into film production.
"I started out as an actor. I have conquered the stage and film is the next stage for me. Film has always been in the picture," he said.
Bovi's upcoming romantic movie, "It's Her Day" is directed by Aniedi Anwah. Bovi basically featured new faces with the exception of Omoni Oboli and Amanda Ebeye. The new faces include Ini Dima-Okojie, Shaffy Bello, Toni "Tones" Adefuye, Thelma Ezeamaka, Enajite Dede and Gregory Ojefua.
Speaking on his preference for emerging faces in the industry, Bovi said, "Ï am not a strong believer in the known faces, not because they can't deliver their lines. I believe in good stories and it's not that established actors don't sell any more. We know they drive traffic to the cinemas."
He however allayed the fears that he might dump stand up comedy for film making. "I am not dumping stand up comedy. They are all my wives,"he said.
The movie, which he describes as "the worst love story ever told," is scheduled to hit the cinemas on the 9th of September.
The movie talked about, a soon-to-be wed couple from different backgrounds who have contrasting ideas of what their wedding day should be like. The husband-to-be (Bovi) who has to deal with the demands and antics of his fiancée and her sisters during his wedding preparations.
Island Records superstar Seyi Shay has announced an online competition for her critically acclaimed single "Air Brush".
The Air Brush Accapella Competition is a competition put together by Seyi Shay to shine a light on undiscovered producers and deejays who look forward to creating music on the highest level.
Seyi Shay
Aspiring deejays and producers now have an opportunity to be involved in the creative process for Seyi Shay's next hit song. Interested participants are to download the Acapella version of Seyi Shay's hit single 'Air Brush' on Tooxclusive.com and create their remix version based on their style of music (reggae, soul, house, hip hop e.t.c), and follow instructions on the flyer and upload their version on the Tooxclusive.com platform.
The best participants will be selected and voted for on the platform & the winner stands a chance to produce/feature on Seyi Shay's next hit song with an A-list artiste and win N100,000, there will also be more goodies from Pepsi & Cloud 9.
One of Hennessy Artistry's most engaging series The VS Class is back for the third season! Since its premiere in 2014, it has become one of radio's strongest shows where up-and-coming rap MCs showcase their talents to millions of people.
To show it's appreciation to a music genre which has played an important role in its global growth, Hennessy (Nigeria) created The Hennessy VS Class platform to promote hip-hop, hip-hop culture and discover talented MCs with a true passion for the art in Nigeria. The show from its inception has become widely accepted and highly anticipated.
The show brings together the talented MCs to compete in a lyrical battle and fends the season with the best of the best and give them the privilege to be a part of The Class. The Class of 2014 and 2015 in both years were given an opportunity to create their own track put together by hip-hop producer, Kid Konnect.
This year, the stage is set and the floor is wide open for up and coming emcees who feel they have what it takes to be winners of the class of 2016. To enter this year's contest, interested participants were simply required to upload a one (1) minute clip video rapping their best bars on Instagram or Twitter. Tune on to the show every Thursday from September 1st to 22nd on The Beat 99.9 FM from 10pm.
Following reports over the weekend that Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor, Julius Agwu, aka 'Julius the genius', is in a precarious health condition in a hospital in London after having a relapse of the brain tumor surgery he had undergone last year, his manager has come out to clear the air, confirming that the comedian is healthy and in a perfect health condition.
Julius Agwu
"It's nothing serious; Julius just went for a checkup. He was grounded on routine visit to the doctor on Friday because he hadn't been having enough rest as prescribed by the doctor. He's doing pretty well and might even come over to US to complete his much needed rest and routine doctor's visit" he revealed.
Meanwhile, lots of 'get well' wishes and messages have been pouring in from Julius' social media followers and fans as well, wishing the talented comedian a quick recovery.
Civil Society Groups on Friday took to the streets of Lagos State to protest against Amnesty International's interference in war against terrorism in the country, saying it is a grand ploy to frustrate the security agencies.
The coalition led by the President-General, Progressive Citizens Congress, Mr. Abiona Desmond marched around the Embassy of the United States in Lagos to register their grievances against Amnesty International.
The group which brandished placards such as , " Amnesty International are you for terrorism or you are war against terrorism," "Amnesty International leave Nigeria alone to defeat Boko Haram," "Amnesty International Don't Demoralize our security agencies" among others urged the global movement to stop making statements that could fuel act of terrorism in the country .
Desmond said, "There is apparently a concerted effort to make Nigeria into a failed state and recent events are proof of such plot. Our dear country has battled all manners of insurgency in the north east especially the Boko Haram terror group, which was once an assemblage of ragtag of misguided youths that turned into an international terror organisation within the shortest time possible.
"There have also been several other sects that tried to spread extreme ideologies and radicalise youths, starting from the northern part of the country, but for the timely intervention of the law enforcement agencies."
He added that," one common thread runs through the terror attacks and plot of terror. That link is called Amnesty International (AI), an NGO that has repeatedly abused its position by doctoring reports to exonerate the real criminals while vilifying those avowed to fighting such criminals on behalf of the nation. It does all in its power to make the people and the government look bad while the terrorists are canonize as saints."
According to him, the restoration of law and order in the north east is seemed not to be appreciated by Amnesty International, accusing it of regularly slowing down the pace of military operations against terrorists through the reports it issues whenever it sees that its clients are being defeated.
"We are therefore not surprised that Amnesty International has again secured itself a contract for the destabilization of Nigeria in partnership with Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups in the Niger Delta region. The groups were unable to hide their elation at signing on Amnesty International to run their propaganda and have thus gone to town to expose their partnership.
"This unholy alliance is another of Amnesty International's trick at intimidating our law enforcement and security agencies from being able to fight terrorists and leave Nigeria vulnerable to suit its paymasters' goal for us as a country.
"We therefore demand that Amnesty International immediately shuts down its subversive operations in Nigeria and leave the country forthwith. If Amnesty International fails to comply with this quit notice we shall occupy the premises of every single facilities it operates from, "he said .?
But last year, I met another guy at a conference and we clicked well and ended up talking for hours. However, one thing led to another and things happened that I never intended to happen. I's not really a big deal but I'm actually dying inside over the guilt I have now.
