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Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon.Najeem Salaam has advocated the preservation and full development of historical and cultural heritage of the Yorubas
The lawmakers which described the measures as a potent ways out of economic quagmire in Nigeria made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye to congratulate the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the people of Ifeland on the celebration of 2016 annual traditional Olojo festival.
It said, there are a lot of potentials hidden in the cultural heritage of Yorubas that can be annexed and developed to drive as well as unleash economic development of the zone.
The Assembly regretted that the heavy reliance on oil has whittled away the country away from concentrating on other sector such as tourism.
“There are several hidden treasure in the cultural heritage of the people of Nigeria, especially in Yorubaland, that have been left untapped and under-developed.
“This inaction of ours has contributed to the pains of economic recession when there was fall in the price of oil that we focus on, because the country had no alternative of economic development to fall back on.
“No doubt, we are very rich in culture, tradition, heritages and festivals that can be developed to serve as a long term solution to economic quagmire in this country, but we are not paying serious attention to them.
“In Osun for example, we are blessed with cultural heritage such as Olojo festival, Olojo has potential of evoking a pilgrimage potential especially for the black in diasporia
"Other land marks such as Oranmiyan staff and Oduduwa Shrine among others in Ile-Ife; Osun Osogbo festival and grove in Osogbo; Olumirin waterfall in Erin-Ijesa; Kiriji memorial war site in Imesi-Ile and many more all over the state are notable and worthy of attention"
“These potentials have the capacity to create job for youths, enhance their creativity and sell the tourism potential of the state to the world for a self-sustaining economy”, it said.
Noting that though, the government of Osun under Governor Rauf Aregbesola has done a lot to invest in the tourism sector, the parliament said there is the need for greater partnership between the state and the Federal Government towards making the tourism potentials more attractive.
Congratulating Oba Ogunwusi and the people of Ile-Ife for the Olojo festival celebration, the Assembly urged all stakeholders to support the monarch and the government towards making the festival more attractive.
Abeokuta – Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Saturday, said the solution to the Nigeria's challenges was for the citizenry to unite and collectively evolve solution to the problems.
Abubakar stated this at the 8th Convocation of Crescent University, Abeokuta.
He cautioned political leaders to avoid making frivolous promises to the people in the face of the prevailing difficulties, and for the credibility of the fledgling democracy.
He remarked that fulfilling promises made by political leaders enhanced the credibility of leadership and raised the integrity of leaders.
The former head of state maintained that in times of difficulty, leaders would be measured by the promises kept.
He admonished the people to be moderate in their expectations, saying that there could be no quick fixes to all national challenges.
He explained that challenges were not strange to the country and recalled that collective resolutions to such challenges had seen the nation through in previous times. "We must accept that Nigeria has always had social, economic and political problems and it will continue to have them to varying degrees of intensity.
"The real joy lies for us in our determination to pursue them and solve them as brothers," he said.
Abubakar stressed the need for government at all levels to institute monitoring teams on higher institutions in the country in a bid to discourage education tourism of Nigerian students.
He explained that the step would also enable Nigeria to return to its lost glory among the comity of nations in the area of education.
He called for continued monitoring of academic performances of all tertiary institutions, especially the private ones, in order to improve the quality of education in the country.
Abubakar, who bagged Doctor of Science degree (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration of the university, described the award as one he and his family would cherish forever.
Similarly, the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who was invested as the Chancellor of the university, was also honoured with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemi expressed gratitude to the management of the university for the honour.
The monarch recalled how he, as the former Pro-Chancellor of the Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, helped to build the institution from scratch.
He, however, promised to try everything at his disposal to position Crescent University to an enviable height.
He commended the proprietor of the school, Chief Bola Ajibola (SAN), for his contribution to the development of education in Nigeria by investing his assets in the establishment of the university.
In his remarks, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, said that involvement of the private sector was the only way to improve the nation's economy, with education inclusive.
Amosun reaffirmed that his administration would not relent in ensuring that the sector remained accessible and affordable in the state.
Announcing automatic employment for the first-class graduating students, the governor advised them to strive to become self-reliant and avoid over-dependence on white collar jobs.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, had charged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the university and use their training to contribute to the growth and development of the society.
The convocation, which produced 28 First Class graduates from the 435 graduating students, saw Miss Rasheedat Modupeola of Accounting Department emerge as the overall best graduating student.
Kano – The Kano State Government has expressed concern over the violent clash between members of Shiah sect and some group of individuals individuals in the state.
It said the clash occurred because of flagrant disregard to an earlier ban by the police on public procession in the state.
The Commissioner for Information,Malam Muhammad Garba, made this know in a statement to newsmen in Kano on Saturday.
"This unfortunate violation of police order by the Shiites and taking law into their hands constitute criminal breach of law and order and will not be condoned ?henceforth.? ? "The government, therefore, reminds the group and the general public of the ban of any form of public procession in whatever guise without prior authorization," Garba said.
He said that the government would deal with any person, group, organization or individuals that violate this order.
According to him, this is part of government effort to ensure maximum security of lives and property and maintenance of law and order in the state.
?He then advice members of the shiah group and the general public to be law-abiding and live peacefully with one another.
Nigerian army has debunked claims widely publicised on some national dailies (Not Vanguard) and some online media that the military said it has no knowledge of the release of 21 Chibok girls by the islamist Boko Haram sect.
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF (COAS), LT.-GEN. TUKUR BURATAI BRIEFING NEWSMEN DURING NIGERIA ARMY COMBAT ARMS TRAINING WEEK IN BAUCHI ON TUESDAY .NAN
In a release made available to newsmen on Saturday, the military said it is working in harmony with sister security agencies to ensure the freedom of the remaining girls as well as rid the country totally of the terrorist group. It however said negotiations for the girls’ release solely rests on the shoulders of the politicians and not the military. It read thus:
“The Defence Headquarters attention has been drawn to an online and newspaper publication insinuating that there is a mix feelings among Nigerian military ranks and files as a result of the recent release of some Chibok girls. The military wishes to state unequivocally that the Armed Forces will continue to work closely with all our sister security agencies to achieve more feat in this direction.”
“The military also want to debunk the baseless and unfounded story that there is disquiet in the military over the condition of release of the girls. The Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies are one, working together to finish the war on terror and other criminalities which can be done covertly or overtly. The most important thing is achieving our strategic objective. The DHQ has said before that negotiation with the terrorists or any other group rests purely on our respected political leaders. The military operations to rid our land of terrorists continue.”
“It is important to state that not all information are meant for public consumption due to processes which is purely political. More so, the ongoing military operation is making unprecedented progress with rescue of many captives held by the terrorists. The general public should discountenance with this baseless and misleading story.”
“While the Armed Forces holds the media veritable partner, it urges the media to be mindful and clarify with the military when reporting security and defence issues bothering on sensitive national matters of this nature.”
Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, has said that Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama will return to the national team if Nigeria qualifies for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Vincent Enyeama
Rohr who fielded questions from journalists said that he called Enyeama and convinced him to return from retirement to the Super Eagles.
When asked if the Super Eagles still need Enyeama owing to the goal performance of Carl, he said, "Yes, I said it that I wanted Vincent Enyeama to return from retirement and I called him and we spoke with him. He will come back if we qualify for the World Cup."
"We need very good goalkeepers in the Eagles. We have two local goalkeepers whom I don't know if they will fit in if Carl sustains an injury, so I think we need two big goalkeepers. Of course for this moment, Carl is number one. We cannot change him, he will be number one for the next game," Rohr said.
Recall that the former Super Eagles Goalkeeper had announced his retirement from Nigeria’s senior football team in October last year.
Enyeama who took to his Instagram page, 'vinny 2908', had said that he had served Nigeria his best while in the pitch and decided to retire from active play with Eagles to focus on his club career.
Abuja – Dr Musa Olaofe, Chief Imam, Ansar-ud-deen Mosque, Abuja branch, has admonished Muslims to imbibe the habit of sacrifice and good morals in the society.
The cleric, who gave the advice while speaking as a Guest Lecturer at the 1438 Annual Hijrah Anniversary Lecture organised by the Abuja Muslim Forum (AMF), on Saturday in Abuja.
The lecture with the theme: " the Significance of Hijrah to the Muslims," was part of activities to mark the new Islamic year, 1438, which began on Oct. 2, 2016.
He said that the significance of hijrah was not limited to the Muslims or Islamic history, adding that it had reshaped socially and politically the Arab Peninsula and impacted on worldwide civilisation.
Olaofe, who is also the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Abuja, said that hijrah taught Muslims to strive to be a source of blessing and relief to mankind wherever they find themselves.
The don added that the lessons of hijrah also encouraged adherent of Islam to remain persistent in standing for truth, no matter the cost.
He, however, lamented "today, those who call to the truth are rare and even those who do have little of the patience require to follow through. "
Olaofe, therefore, urged Muslims to learn from the struggle encounter by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and always put their trust before Allah.
" Hijrah, no doubt, kindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims, who set a shining example for all Muslims, in every generation to emulate.
" It is for this reason Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) adopted hijrah date to calculate months and years in Islam, in fact Muslims chose hijrah as the focal point to reckon their chronology," he said.
Earlier, the Ameer of the Forum, Malam Luqman Amoo said that the purpose of the lecture was to publicise the new Islamic year to the Muslims across the globe.
Amoo called on Muslims to endeavour to be acquitted with important Islamic events and contribute meaningfully toward the progress of the religion.
He said that the forum would undertake a philanthropic visit to the Nyanya General Hospital to offer assistance to patients on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Ilorin – Nigeria's trio of John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho were on Saturday named among 30 nominees for the 2016 CAF African Player of the Year Award.
According to the list posted on the website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the three Nigerians would be in contention at the award ceremony scheduled for Jan. 5, 2017 in Abuja.
The three Super Eagles players will vie for the award with other top African stars like Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon, Andre Ayew of Ghana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon.Mikel and Iheanacho
NAN reports that Mikel, who captains the Eagles and plies his trade at Chelsea of London, led the Nigerian Dream Team to win a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.
On his part, Musa helped his former team CSKA Moscow to win the Russian title before moving to England in July to join reigning English champions, Leicester City, while Iheanacho is in Manchester City's first team.
For the Award of African Player of the year based in Africa, two Nigerians also made the list of 25 nominees for the award.
The nominees are Mfom Udo of Enyimba FC of Aba and Chisom Chikatara of Wydad Athletic Club, Casablanca, Moroco. (NAN)
By Janet Adetu Everyday now more than ever there is always a reason to complain about your journey to work, office, an event etc. If it is not screaming at a public transport driver, or playing the blame game after a slight collision.
Somehow no matter how careful you may claim to be you may just fall victim of a number of the following bad motorist habits. Uncivilized behaviour on the roads is a huge problem that needs to be tackled by the authorities. Some of these behaviours have become habitual, annoying and prone to be the cause of many accidents causing accidents. Here are some of the bad behaviours we see regularly:
Are you an uncivil driver?
Speaking on phone while driving
How many times have you multitasked speaking on your phone whilst driving at the same time all without using an earpiece? Psychologists argue when you're talking on your cell phone, you're as likely to cause an accident as when you are drunk. What annoys most is that the other driver is willing to risk your life because of that mere phone call. No matter if it is for just a few seconds you become an uncivil driver each time you do this avoid all distractions.
What should you do: Ignore your phone while driving, stop to take or receive calls, then proceed.
In spite of the speed limit driving too fast
Residential estates are becoming more venues for accidents where in spite of the free road accidents continue to occur. Some drivers simply love the freedom of an empty road so tend to speed down it regardless of the speed limit expected in residential areas. Other drivers still speed even when the road is bad filled with potholes and have a slippery surface ideally this should trigger you to slow down.
What should you do: Be safe always and consider the condition of the road, the environment you are in and observe all speed limits.
Inability to signal before turning or changing lanes or leaving a signal on
Signalling your intentions is one of the most basic facts of courtesy you can engage in. Some drivers are signalling one direction but end up going the opposite way. Others simply forget to stop indicators even after navigating the said road confusing all other road users. If we can't predict what other drivers are going to do, we can't make informed decisions about what we should do, and the result is mayhem.
What should you do: Always use your indicators or signals while driving and turn them off after making the change.
Driving with a beaming full light
Driving at night introduces a variety of risks, all related to the fact that our vision becomes limited. The less well you can see, the less well you drive. There are two dangers of being on full light. You blind oncoming motorists and even those driving your way since the lighting can reflect on their side mirrors, hurting their judgement. Too many drivers careless about fellow road users
What should you do:Ensure your headlights are properly timed and use full lights when necessary, dim to oncoming vehicles.
Eating & Texting while driving
Lunch on the go is a major source of uncivil driving prone to multiple accidents. More so is texting while driving, there are way too many unfortunate incidents occurring when drivers take that one second life changing risk of texting while moving the vehicle. Either way both are extremely bad behaviour habits that risks the lives of you and many others.
What should you do: Ensure you refrain from eating and as a must never text while driving
Use of unroad worthy and unserviced vehicles.
Is your car burnt out? Too many cars are patching on our roads today forming ticking time bombs. From the wrecked body to worn out tires, broken headlights, poor wiper blades you name it all risks your life and others'. Some cars produce so much fumes which are not only a health risk to you but also to other road users.
What should you do: Ensure your car is well maintained and road worthy always.
Occupying two spaces in a parking lot
Bay parking is not so common in Nigeria so the tendency is for drivers to take up two spots instead of aligning well with other parked cars. Sometimes parking can be so tight it is an act of incivility to dominate a large parking space meant for more cars.
What should you do: Ensure your car is aligned to the well drawn marking lines showing the parking space.
Driving slowly on an overtaking lane
Do you know what lane is the fast or slow one? There is a specified lane for overtaking too are you in the wrong lane?
Too many times drivers meander anyhow on our roads and fail to keep to a dedicated lane even with heavy traffic delays. Some drivers permanently maintain a slow speed while on a fast lane, then forcing others to follow behind them at all costs.
What should you do:Keep left unless overtaking and on the left, don't block other drivers, return to the left after overtaking.
Medical experts in Lagos on Wednesday advised men to eat some walnuts daily to improve their fertility, reduce cardiovascular diseases and risk of suffering from prostate cancer.
Walnuts
They told newsmen that the seasonal fruits contain other health benefits that could reduce infertility among its consumers.
Dr Oriola Idris, a gynaecologist at Rains Hospital in Lagos, said that infertility and sub-fertility affect a significant proportion of humanity; a burden relatively unknown in men.
"Walnuts are part of foods that can enhance men's fertility; other seasonal fruits are also packed with a lot of health benefits.
"It contains high antioxidant content along with numerous micro-nutrients that may boost male fertility.
"The nuts have vital nutrients such as plant-based Omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is necessary for the improvement of reproductive health in men.
"Consuming a high amount of ALA derived from walnuts has been linked to a reduction of aneuploidy occurrence or the abnormal production of sperm cell chromosomes.
"Being a rich source of a-linolenic acid, a natural plant source of Omega-3, eating about 75 grammes of walnuts daily can help improve sperm quality, sperm vitality, motility and morphology," he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Remi Esunrunoso, a nutrition- biochemist, advised people to always eat walnuts.
Esunrunoso said that eating walnuts daily for three months would increase sperm-count and male fertility.
"We know that walnut is a seasonal fruit, but it is usually available in the market all the year round.
"Studies have shown that this fruit can reduce many sicknesses in the body.
"Walnuts contain many variants of Vitamin B : Folate at 115 mcg, B6 at 600 mcg and thiamin at 400 mcg.
"Walnuts are also high in manganese, selenium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phytosterols. That is why they can cure many cardiovascular diseases.
"Walnuts may help to reduce not only the risk of prostate cancer, but breast cancer as well.
"Walnuts also contain the amino acid l-arginine, which offers multiple vascular benefits to people with heart disease, or those who have increased risk of heart diseases due to multiple cardiac risk factors.
"Walnuts contain several unique and powerful antioxidants that are available in only a few commonly eaten foods.
"It also helps in weight control and offers support for brain development and type 2 diabetes.
Nigerians have reacted, in various ways on the social media, to the controversial comments between the wife of Nigeria’s president, Aisha Buhari and her husband, Muhammadu Buhari.
Recall that in a BBC Hausa service programme last week Friday, Buhari’s wife, Aisha had alleged that cabals have hijacked her husband’s government and are dictating to him how he should run the APC-led government as against the initial template promised the electorates during campaigns.
However, President Buhari who was on a state visit to Berlin, Germany laughed off his wife’s claims and, ‘jokingly’ said his wife, Aisha belonged to his kitchen, his living room and the other rooms. He also said he did not know which party his wife belongs to and that he claims superior knowledge of Nigeria’s political terrain more than she does.
Nigerians, however, expressed their opinions on both party’s comments thus:
It is no longer news that economic recession is taking its toll on every segment of the society and making life difficult for many Nigerians.
When the pulse of the economy is measured, emphasis is normally placed on the banking sector, the oil and gas sector, the service sector and the small and medium scale enterprises. Curiously, not many pay serious attention to the crucial informal economic sector whose drivers make their money by the roadside with all sense of pride, audacity and zeal.
The Abuja vanishing jobs!
And they come with various appellations! "Master-I-Want-Work", "Half Bread is Better than None", "How We Go Do", etc, all refer to the die-hard labourers or artisans, who spend most of their days waiting in the sun or rain on the roadside of Abuja to be hired by clients to carry out menial jobs for the patrons at fees much lower than those who own shops spread across the city.
Some of them are highly skilled while others are mere apprentices, who shuttle between their masters' shops and the roadsides in search of clients. Many others are elements frustrated out of other professions merely taking refuge in the trade just to eke a living.
The roadside workmen, a sector not usually captured by the economic planners, constitute a large chunk of Nigerians, whose contributions to the economy is high but often not measured. Although most of them are not highly educated, their trade has affected the lives of many Nigerians in many ways than one.
That is largely because hardly is any house built without the services of these individuals; no major civil work is done without the engagement of these labourers.
Unlike white collar jobs which require sitting in the office, carrying out their daily duties, the labourers scramble for customers on the road side in order to make ends meet. "Speaking about his experience, Mr. Peter Uwakwe, a painter who has been doing the same job for over 30 years, complained bitterly about the state of the economy.
He said, "Before the present administration, things were not as difficult as they are. I and my family lived very comfortably from my daily earnings.
I made between N4,500 and N5,000 for any work I did each day. But since this government came into power and they began to talk about low oil price and recession, I hardly see customers in three days. How do I fend for my family?"
Mr. Abdul Fatai, a carpenter, disclosed that he had been standing by the roadside and getting jobs for about four years and had been using the proceeds to support his education.
"With the way things are going, I will not be able to cater for my schooling. I do not want to be a dropout," he lamented. "Mr. Friday Benjamin, a technician, disclosed that he preferred to stay by the roadside in search of customers because of the cost of renting a shop.
"To rent a shop in the city centre in Abuja is between N1 million and N3 million, which I cannot afford. How much do I make a day and I have to cater for my family too? That is why I am on the road," he said. "Benjamin pleaded with the government to make provisions for apprentices in the cities willing to fend for themselves until they can stand on their own.
“If government builds small kiosks for people whose businesses are very small, the price of such shops would be affordable," he noted.
The reason you find most of us on the road is due to the cost of shops and lack of money. No one in his right state of mind would enjoy staying on the road”."He also noted that if he gets a better opportunity, he would leave his present job and switch to something more honourable to protect his image as a family man.
Another labourer, Uwen Nelson, stated that he ventured into the "Master-I-want-work'' business because of lack of job.
“I have been unemployed for about three years now and can no longer wait for any white collar job because I need to cater for my family. I had been wandering all over town looking for formal employment but none came my way and I could not continue being jobless while I am getting older and with increasing family responsibilities", he said.
"We have this adage that 'an idle hand is the devil's workshop'"."Nelson pleaded with government take urgent measures to create massive jobs for Nigerians and take them off the road amid mounting frustration and hazards. "The Information and Public Relations Officer of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Mrs. Biodun Dada, while reacting to the development, assured that the Federal Government was aware of the situation facing youths and was working hard to address it through various employment schemes.
"I can tell you that job creation is one of the major functions of the NDE", Dada said.
She explained that the NDE had designed programmes aimed at providing graduates and non-graduates with skills to earn a living.
But as many in the society look down on the roadside job seekers, many of them may be quietly smiling to the bank as no agency has ever demanded a dime from them as tax, levy or rent like the 'troubled' Abuja shop owners, who get regular quit notices for not paying rent promptly or routine invasion by tax officials from the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and agencies and groups posing as security agencies all in a bid to extort them.
The roadside job-seekers had hoped for a brighter prospect of being gainfully employed with the coming of the new administration with the mantra of 'Change' but with the slum in oil price and the slipping of the nation into full recession, the hope has fizzled, giving way to hopelessness and frustration. That, in itself, has heightened the sense of despair among them.
Family planning for underage girls poses a serious health challenge says Dr Gbolahan Oyebambi of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
Teenage-pregnancy
Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, Oyebambi warned against the common practice of underage family planning in the country.
According to him, some girls under the age of 18 are fond of taking measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
He added that such measures are safest when carried out in the institution of marriage where it ois legalised.
The doctor said some parents were aware of their children's wayward ways and aided them by seeking family planning options for them.
"When a girl of 17 year-old knows she is safe to be sexually active, it will make her misbehave and be wayward without any fear,'' he said.
He warned parents not to encourage the use of pills for their underage children, adding that "it was evil and suicidal''.
The doctor also advised medical practitioners to seek proper clarifications before adopting any family planning method for patients.
Oyebambi called on government to reach out to the public through the media, schools, religious houses and hospitals to discourage such practices in the society.
"It is time for the three tiers of government to take a bold step to save the future of our female children by campaigning against underage family planning,'' he said.
Japan has withheld its 2016 financial contribution to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) totalling some 4.4 billion yen (42 million dollars).
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has confirmed that the decision was made after weighing the matter in a "comprehensive" manner.
However, many analysts pointed out that the move came after the UN body's decision in 2015 to list Chinese documents relating to the 1937 Nanjing Massacre as a Memory of the World.
The invading Japanese military brutally killed over 300,000 Chinese including defenseless civilians and unarmed soldiers, following the capture of Nanjing in 1937.
Japan has been trying to whitewash its atrocities by claiming that the number of people killed were not as many as 300,000.
Japan's decision to withhold the dues was also reportedly aimed at putting pressure on UNESCO.
China believed Japan deliberately put pressure on UNECSO at a time when an international alliance of civic organisations is bidding to have over 2,700 "comfort women"-related documents listed as a Memory of the World.
Many women were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II, most of whom were from Asian countries.
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa moved closer to a fairy-tale CAF Champions League title with a 3-0 home victory over Zamalek of Egypt Saturday in the first leg of the final.
Liberian Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langerman scored in the first half of a lively match watched by a capacity 30,000 crowd at Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Stadium on the outskirts of Pretoria.
The home team moved three goals ahead less than a minute into the second half when Islam Gamal conceded an own-goal on an uncomfortably hot afternoon for the players.
Continental success for the South African outfit owned by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe will complete a remarkable turnaround this year in the premier African club football competition.
Sundowns were eliminated by V Club in the final qualifying round last April only to be reinstated when the Democratic Republic of Congo side were disqualified for using an ineligible player.
The Pretoria team went on to defeat five-time African champions Zamalek narrowly at home and away in the group stage, but taking a three-goal lead in the final exceeds their wildest dreams.
Should Sundowns be crowned champions after the return match in Alexandria next Sunday, they will become only the second South African winners of the competition after Orlando Pirates 21 years ago.
Sundowns and Enyimba
History favours Sundowns as just one club, Mouloudia Alger of Algeria in 1976, have overcome a three-goal first-leg deficit in a final.
“It is essential that we keep our feet on the ground,” warned Sundowns coach and former South Africa striker Pitso Mosimane as his players celebrated with the crowd.
“I have been in football too long to take anything for granted. We should remember that Zamalek scored four goals at home against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the semi-finals.
“What a beautiful sight this is,” he added, referring to a singing, dancing crowd that had crammed into the rudimentary venue west of Pretoria.
“These wonderful supporters are enjoying history — this is the first time a South African club have won the home leg of a CAF Champions League final.”
Sundowns quickly stamped their authority on the game and Laffor scored with a thunderous shot past Ahmed El Shenawy on 31 minutes after a millimetre-perfect Hlompho Kekana through ball.
Langerman doubled the lead with a cross-cum-shot that dipped behind El Shenawy into the far corner of the net off the post.
When Gamal turned another cross-cum-shot, this time from Percy Tau, into his net, the record five-goal winning margin for the first leg of a final appeared in danger of being eclipsed.
But Zamalek did not wilt in the heat and 1,520-metre (4,995 feet) altitude and dominated second-half territory and possession while rarely testing Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
By Funmi Komolafe Glory be to God! That we are alive today , we have every reason to thank God for His mercy. Take a few minutes to reflect on events in the last nine months of this year and you would see that many people with whom you started this year are no more. Not necessarily because you are more righteous, it is because God in his mercy has kept you alive. He has not kept you alive for nothing.
You are alive for a purpose. It could also be that God wants you to fulfil the purpose for which He created you. Whichever it is, brethren, it is clear that the miracle you are still trusting God for is still possible.
By His Grace, you will not miss your miracle.
For instance a certain man built his dream house and had concluded arrangements to move into the house, but the forces of darkness around him stopped him. He was poisoned and he died. As his Christian wake keep was going on, his siblings were already fighting over his assets. This will not be your portion in Jesus name.
For us not to miss our miracles however, we have certain responsibilities. In other words, there are steps we must take as Christians. One of these is self denial.
Self-Denial: Self denial com in several forms, such as fasting, evangelizing, etc. but in this edition , I'll focus on THE NIGHT.
We'll discuss why the night is important and what could happen at night.
The night is the time we all need rest. After hours of work, we need rest. God Himself rested, Genesis 2 vs 2. " And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the Seventh Day from all His work which He had made".
It therefore means that rest is desirable and indeed necessary. However, the forces of darkness according to knowledgeable men of God are very active at this time. This explains why people are tormented in their dreams, others eat in their dreams. One of the most dangerous evil spirits, the spirit husband or wife engages in intercourse with his or her victim, mostly at night. One can go on and on.
However, as Christians , we need not be afraid of the night . Why? Luke 10 vs 19 gives us authority. It states:" Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and all powers of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you".
In other words, we can conquer and defeat the devil and his forces of darkness.
So what has night got to do with this?
First, I suggest that anyone facing a major challenge that his or her physical ability cannot tackle, must not be a Jonah. You cannot afford to spend the entire night sleeping. You must find time to pray in the night . No matter how short the prayer is.
Why? Physically, the entire environment is quitet. which makes it easier for you to concentrate on your prayer. Secondly, your prayer at this time of the night becomes your weapon to fight your spiritual battles. Thirdly, it is easier to hear from God at night. We can hear from God during the day but you must have attained a higher level spiritually, for you to hear the Lord loud and clear during the day. The night is easier for many people.
Do you doubt this? Remember Samuel; the child who wiped away the tears of Mummy Hannah. He was residing with Eli . Genesis 3 verses 3-9. But let's consider verses 3 &4 " And the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep : That the Lord called Samuel and he answered , Here I am". For those who are familiar with this story, God called Samuel thrice but he thought it was Pastor Eli that was calling.
Let's read what happened after the third call: "Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if He call thee that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth".
From that moment, Samuel began to get the attention of God. This season, by the Grace of God, you too will get the attention of God in the name of Jesus.
Are you faced with a troubled marriage? Is your situation such that you have a feeling that you are putting on a golden wedding ring but the marriage itself is rusty. First, examine yourself, honestly, and see what you have been doing that is not right. Be prepared to change for the better. Resolve to be patient and seek the forgiveness of your partner. Be humble enough to do this. Stop nagging. Then rise on your feet and take back your marriage with prayer. Every stranger threatening your marriage, the Lord will put a burden on them and they will have no option but to leave your spouse alone. I'm assured in my Spirit that this message is for someone. This season as the Lord lives, as Pastor J.T. Kalejaye of RCCG often says, "You will move from enduring your marriage to enjoying it in the mighty name of Jesus Christ". You shall testify soon.
God reveals at night. In several cases, God has revealed secrets at night and used the night to transform lives. Let's consider Exodus 12 vs. 31 " And he ( God) called for Moses and Aaron by night , and said, Rise up and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel and go serve the Lord as you have said ".
We all know that the transformation of the lives of the children of Israel from slavery to freedom began at night.
Let's also refer to Exodus 12 vs 12: "For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and I will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt , both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord".
Can you see the full manifestation of the power of God here. When did it happen? At night. Brethren, this does not mean that God is limited to the night. Remember, David killed Goliath during the day and not at night but our focus in this edition is the night and its importance.
What do you do with your night?
Pastor Peter Olawale, leader of the praying team at the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in a sermon made reference to Psalm 30 vs 5 " the later part of it which states, "weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning".
He declared "The Lord will give you His attention, He will show you his intentions and He will put your enemies in detention in the name of Jesus".
When you give God attention by spending some time praying at night, then you are sure he will show you His intentions. That is when a woman who has been waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb sees herself carrying her baby in the dream. That is when the one who has been waiting for a marriage partner begins to see herself having a wedding or people congratulating her.
All of these happens in dreams.
For the one who has been praying for a job, that is when you begin to see yourself in an office. If you have been asking God to break the yoke of tenancy, that is when you see yourself in your own house.
Bear in mind that our God is unlimited. He can do all things.
Let's also consider Genesis 26 vs 24 &25 " And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father; fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake". Here God was speaking to Isaac; the Child of Promise.
Note that God appeared to him at night and also revealed his intentions for Isaac, who was being oppressed by all sorts of enemies.
I am confident that as you dedicate sometime to present your issues to the Lord in the night, you will receive the attention of the Almighty God and He will fight your battle for you in the name of Jesus.
I'll end this edition, sharing with you a prayer point released by Pastor Samson Ajetunmobi " Every Altar resisting my fruitfulness, my promotion, my marriage (or whatever is yours, I command the altar to be destroyed in the name of Jesus".
Brethren, use the authority that God has given you confidently and in the name of Jesus you will be victorious.
Editor's Note- I intend to conclude the topic on the importance of the night in the next edition, by God's Grace , if the Lord Jesus tarries.
US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, are to meet Saturday in Switzerland for a fresh round of diplomatic talks on Syria.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov before their meeting at the Russian Ambassador’s residence in Paris March 30, 2014. Kerry and Lavrov met in Paris seeking to hammer out the framework of a deal to reduce tensions over Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region. REUTERS/Jacquelyn Martin/Pool (FRANCE – Tags: POLITICS)
Their already frosty relationship was further chilled earlier this month when Washington said it had broken off bilateral talks with Moscow on Syria, accusing the Kremlin of failing to do its part to end the bloodshed.
The discussions at the Beau-Rivage Palace hotel in Lausanne is also expected to involve regional powers with stakes in Syria's five-year war, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The focus of the meeting is a new ceasefire for Aleppo in northern Syria and humanitarian aid deliveries to the city's civilians, the US State Department said this week.
The US, which suspended cooperation because of Russia's continued bombing of Aleppo, emphasized that the meeting is taking place amid broader talks with several countries concerned about Syria.
Kerry "certainly wants to sit down in that format and have that discussion and continue to pursue a diplomatic approach," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in Washington.
"How the Russians react, what they come . willing to do or not is really up to them. The secretary's expectations are that all attendees will come purposefully and genuinely interested in pursuing a cessation of hostilities," Kirby said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that the meeting would have a broader focus to "consider possible additional steps for creating conditions for resolving the Syrian crisis."
Russia has maintained that its airstrikes on Aleppo have targeted militant groups, including al-Qaeda-linked fighters, holding parts of the city.
However, the US and other Western powers are calling for such airstrikes to end because of civilian casualties.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview published Friday by the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda that his military, which is strongly aided by Russia, will conquer Aleppo.
He said that the victory will provide momentum to push militant groups northward toward Turkey, "where they came from."
Novak Djokovic, defending champion and world number one has been knocked out of Shanghai Rolex Masters by Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.
Novak Djokovic
It was Agut's first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final and his first victory against Djokovic in six matches.
He beat Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 and will now meet the winner in the second semi-final match, between Andy Murray of Britain and Gilles Simon of France.
The 28 year old right handed player, ranked 19th in the world, had on Friday ousted ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4 .
His first semi-final came two years ago on home soil in Madrid, where he lost to Rafael Nadal.
"I am playing well and I'm doing the things well to face Novak," said the Spaniard on Friday.
"For sure it's a good moment to face him. Novak is one of the best tennis players in history. I played against him a couple of really good matches. I know if I play good I can make it a difficult match for him," he said.
And he really played well,bigger than Djokovic, recording only one double fault to Djokovic's two and winning six break points out of 7. He also recorded more aces, 5-4, in comparison with World Number One.
He took the first set in 42 minutes with his first break point and broke three times in the next one for victory.
Djokovic trailing 3-5, after he was broken by Agut, broke Agut back to stay alive in the second set.
But he failed to save a match point, when he was serving 4-5.
U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Friday accused the New York Times and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim for his travails and his lagging in the polls.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are tightening their grips on the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations.
He accused Slim, with net worth of over $50billion, of trying to help Democrat Hillary Clinton win the Nov. 8 election through his connection to the New York Times.
Trump said Slim, as a major New York Times shareholder, is helping bankroll what he called the Times' attempt to help Clinton win the presidential election.
Slim is the largest shareholder of New York Times Co, according to a report by reuters in January 2015. He controls a stake of 16.8 percent.
Entities affiliated with Slim exercised the warrants he bought in 2009 when he loaned the company $250 million during the height of the financial crisis. Slim's total stake is valued at $341.4 million.
The Times published a story from two women accusing Trump of groping them.
"They're not journalists," Trump said of the Times reporters. "They're corporate lobbyists for Carlos Slim and foreign corporations."
"They're not journalists," Trump said of the Times reporters. "They're corporate lobbyists for Carlos Slim and foreign corporations."
At a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Trump also again said a variety of women who have accused him of making unwanted sexual advances are making up their stories.
At another rally in Charlotte, Trump said that he was a victim of a 'great political smear' to damage his campaign.
"It's not hard to find a small handful of people willing to make false smears.
"They are coming after me to try and destroy what is considered by even them the greatest movement in the history of our country."
"These claims defy reason, truth, logic, common sense. They are made without supporting witnesses.
"When the media does what they're doing now, that's rigging the system. The election is rigged," he said.
Two new accusations came from an ex-Apprentice contestant who cited a 2007 incident and a woman who described a case from the early 1990s.
Trump insists that the allegations are all false and a "concerted effort" to take down his campaign.
October may be a month in the last quarter of the year, but it certainly provides excellent opportunities for travel. Aside from the fact that travelers get to deal with fewer crowds as it is off-season, most destinations experience moderate temperatures around the time and so are favorable for all kinds of visitors.
If you are looking take advantage of all that October offers and you are planning a trip, Jumia Travel, Africa's No.1 online hotel booking portal shares 4 essential tips for traveling in October.
Check for deals and discounts when planning your trip
Most people do not know this, but some of the best travel discounts and deals are offered in the month of October. Value - Flights, accommodation especially in hotels like Beni Gold Hotel & Apartments and Grand Ibro Hotel, entrance fees and more can be found at big discounts, even up to a 50% discount. That can mean luxury at an affordable price and a cheaper vacation.
Tinapa Lakeside Hotels, Calabar, Cross River
Air travel is most reliable
Flight cancellations as result of bad weather conditions is not as common, from the month of October, especially here in Nigeria. The weather condition in October is favourable. The month features cool days and nights, also, the rains are less, so air travel is not as tedious as it could be in other months.
It is the best time for international trip
October is not a holiday season and so the ratio of foreigners to locals in most of the popular tourist attractions around the world will not be low. Thus, international travel during October, especially for tourism is best as you have a greater chance of feeling the local culture more than you would when a place is teeming with tourists. Basically, October will allow you a slice of good weather and a slice of quiet.
Start planning your Christmas trip
October is the best month to commence planning your Christmas holiday trip. Start your research on where you want to go and which of the numerous end-of-year festivals you would want to rope into your holiday trip; contract agents if you have to, but most importantly, book your flights and hotel rooms in October as the month is just 2 months away from December and gives you the specific amount of time you need to plan the perfect holiday.
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
Organizers of upcoming concert '3 Thrones' have unveiled popular dancehall sensation Timaya as the latest addition to the list of artistes set to perform at the highly anticipated concert holding on the 23rd of October, 2016 at EKO Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The "oracle" (Timaya) will perform alongside the previously revealed headliners; Tiwa Savage, Davido and Phyno as well as the show's "guardians"; veteran DJ Jimmy Jatt and DJ Neptune.
Timaya
Speaking on his inclusion to the list of performers for the concert, Timaya said; "I'm just as excited as my fans are. I'm all for creativity and uniqueness and 3 Thrones embodies these qualities. I urge everyone not to miss this remarkable concert!"
The monarchical themed event is the first of its kind in the history of the Nigerian entertainment industry and promises unforgettable performances from its esteemed line-up of performers.
“First they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me”- Martin Niemoller (1892-1984).
If there were ever a time that Niemoller’s words were appropiate in the Nigerian context, this is it.
The cold claws of persecution, victimisation, terror and marginalisation have certainly taken grip in our nation.
Yesterday it was the politicians, members of the opposition, presiding officers and key members of the National Assembly, dissenters, government critics, bloggers, journalists, Shia Muslims, Christians and carefully selected serving and former military and security personnel. Today it is the judges.
Their homes were raided by hundreds of fully armed DSS commandos between 1.00 and 2.00 a.m.
Their streets were surrounded and sealed up. Their gates and front doors were smashed open and they were forcefully and violently arrested and detained.
Their families and loved ones were traumatised and terrorised.
Their staff and members of their household were held captive, threatened and sent scampering for cover under their beds.
Yet those that suffered these gross violations of their fundamental human rights, civil liberties and indignities were not wily and desperate politicians or hardened miltary men that were fighting and conspiring against the government or plotting a military coup d’etat.
They were not dangerous dissidents or Boko Haram terrorists.
They were not battle-hardened Niger Deltan Avengers or seasoned OPC and IPOB fighters.
They were not members of a dangerous and evil armed cult that were plotting to kill innocent people and they were not a group of radical and desperate secessionists or freedom fighters.
They were not angry students or trade unionists that were planning to block the streets, to stop all movement and activity, to bring the country to a standstill or to burn the nation down.
They were none of these things and included none of these groups or people.
Instead they were all senior and respected members of the Nigerian judiciary.
They included two Supreme Court judges, three Federal High Court judges and a number of others.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state was almost shot dead when he attempted to protect the home of one of the judges in Port Harcourt and stop them from arresting him.
The truth is that we are in trouble in this country. The motherland and all that we hold dear is under attack from the Presidency and government.
When those that are constitutionally charged and empowered to protect us from tyranny and the abuse of power by a violent, and lawless government and its security agencies are themselves under siege all hope is lost.
If the judges cannot protect us and if they themselves have become victims of tyranny then it is time for the people to rise up and resist and fight against our oppressors.
Sons and daughters of Nigeria, we must not give in to fear and we must not be silenced.
We must defend the rights of our people and fight for our homeland.
Now is the time to protest in any way that we possibly can and to take our country back. Now is the time to say “enough is enough!”
If we do not do so we shall be slaves forever. It is our God-given right and sacred duty to resist tyranny in every shape and form.
If nothing else history, scripture and all the Holy Books of the three great faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism teach us that.
Now is the time to shed our fears and to stand up like the true patriots and free men and women that we were born to be and do so.
Now is the time to say “thus far and no further” and to say “no more” and be our brothers keeper.
Now is the time to stop sitting on the fence and acting as if all is well.
If anyone doubts I urge them to kindly consider the following words, titled “A Brief Score Card On “Corrupt” Judges”, which were sent to me by a friend. He wrote,
“Justice Liman gave judgment against Modu Sheriff and that hurt the APC. Justice Liman also restrained INEC from announcing any results or figures howsoever generated or compiled purporting to be result of the re-run election for any or all of Khana, Bonny, Gokana, Andoni, Eleme and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State or any part of the re-run election scheduled for March 19, 2016 which election was subsequently suspended or postponed. Justice Liman narrowly missed been “stinged” by the DSS.
Justice Pingina insisted on due process in the Rivers State Governorship election tribunal sittings. He was removed midway during the sitting of the tribunal when APC saw that PDP was having the upper hand. The rest is history. Justice Pingina has just been “stinged” by DSS.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola, a brilliant judge, eldest grandson of a great former CJN of Nigeria, Adetokunbo Ademola was a judge who knew his onions. He came from a tradition.
He could not be pushed around by powers that be. He ordered thrice that Dasuki be released. This did not go down well with Buhari and his government. They disobeyed his orders and concocted a new offence to rearrest Dasuki.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja also in May 26, 2016 dismissed Buhari’s preliminary objection in a suit filed by an Abuja-based legal practitioner Mr. Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe concerning Buhari certificate (WAEC). Justice Ademola has just been “stinged” by DSS.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, a brilliant judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja was the judge who warned DSS to stop disobeying orders of court and told them not to come to his court again if they would not obey court orders. DSS was angry with this.
They wanted to “sting” him but got a wrong name. However, they succeeded in breaking into his house and beating up his brother only for them to look into the paper they had on them to discover that it was not his name that was on the paper. That sure hurt them.
JSCs Ngwuta and Okoro sat on appeals that gave decisions against APC interest. They have just been “stinged” by DSS. Nigeria, I hail thee”.
The author is absolutely right and whichever way the government and its numerous friends seek to spin it there is cause for concern.
Yet sadly it gets worse. The Greek tragic dramatis and philosopher Aeschylus (525 BC – 456 BC) said “in war, truth is the first casualty”.
It is in this context that one has to view the absurd claims by the DSS that massive sums of cash ranging from 2 million USD to hundreds of thousands of euros and pounds sterling were found in the homes of all the judges that were arrested in the early hours of saturday morning.
If anyone honestly believes that such large sums of cash were found in the homes of ANY of those judges then that person needs to have his head examined.
The DSS has to say these outrageous things and tell these shameful lies in order to attempt to justify their illegal actions before the world. It is called disinformation and misinformation and that is their stock in trade.
That is what intelligence and securiry agencies all over the world are paid to do. They destroy their victims before the world with lies and baseless allegations knowing that most Nigerians will believe anything and everything that the government says.
It is sickening and pathetic. In any case nothing can possibly justify the gestapo tactics that the state has employed in this matter.
The storming of peoples homes in the middle of the night and the brutalisation and traumatisation of their families, loved ones and households is archaic and barbaric. And let us be clear: none of the judges were sent letters of invitation before incident.
Worse still the security agencies refused to go through the lawful, acceptable and time-tested route of calling serving members of the judiciary to order which is the issuing of a query to the National Judicial Council before whom they are supposed to present any credible evidence of wrongdoing before criminal proceedings are initiated.
The DSS, and by extension our government, not only ignored due process in this matter but they have also treated the Chief Justice of the Federation and the National Judicial Council with utter disdain and contempt.
May the Living God fill us with His Spirit and grant us courage. May He strengthen and embolden us.
May He guide, lead, protect and deliver us as we move forward to confront the evil that plagues our land and as we speak truth to power.
May He, at the very end, bless our land and grant us victory.
Come November 20, 2016, Nigeria, among other countries, will slug it out on the stage of one of the biggest beauty pageants in the world, Miss Multinational.
This year's edition is to be held in Davao City, Philippines, and Miss Stephanie Korie has been selected to represent Nigeria at the prestigious event.
Stephanie Chinwendu Korie, who hails from Ihittte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, is a HND 2 student of Computer Science at the Abia State Polytechnic. She was also Top 10 in Miss Garden City Beauty Pageant in 2011 and Winner of Miss Imo State Queen Nigeria in 2015.
Some months ago, the media was awash with the news of an alleged rift between singer, B-Red and his more popular cousin, Davido. It was said that B-Red wasn't pleased with Davido's new signee at the time, Mayorkun.
Some reports actually went further to state that B-Red was jealous of Mayorkun. At the time, Davido had also taken to his social media page to rail at his cousin who is signed to HKN Music, that, despite all what he has done for him, the dude has still yet to hug the limelight. It was this rift that reportedly led to Davido setting up a new record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).
However, the latest gist is that B-Red allegedly bought his latest song, 'Dele' from an unknown artiste. 'Dele,' a beautiful love song, talks about a guy who falls in love with a girl, and intends to take her home to mama.
According to the peddlers of the new gist, 'Dele' doesn't follow B-Red's style of rap-songs. They also argued that based on his past songs, B-Red does not have the creative expertise to pen such a melodic song.
However, in the course of Showtime's investigations, a source close to B-Red pooh-poohed the claims that B-Red bought the song. In his words, "Music is all about evolution. An artiste that does not grow will not last. After his past efforts, B-Red decided to take a break and re-strategise, and the result is 'Dele.' Even if he bought the song, is that a crime? That is the problem with Nigerians; we are too judgmental without considering facts. International artistes buy songs, and there's no big deal in it. Anyway, a lot of people are already loving the song, and that's what's important."
Controversies have continued to trail the comments of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari in an interview with BBC Hausa-language service broadcast last Friday, where she alleged that cabals had hijacked her husband’s party and that she might not support her husband should he decide to contest the 2019 elections.
President Buhari who is currently on a state visit to Germany has responded to his wife’s claims by saying she belongs to his kitchen and other rooms.
Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari
However, below is the full transcription of the Hausa version of the interview the First Lady, Aisha Buhari granted BBC Hausa as translated by www.nishadi.tv,.
This is the full text from the interview of Fimrst Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, by BBC Hausa Service:
BBC Hausa: It has been One and a half years since President Muhammadu Buhari came into power, a lot of people are expressing their unhappiness over the way few acquaintance of the President have hijacked power while neglecting people that work for his success. Like we have promised, here is how the interview with Aisha Buhari and Naziru Maka'ilu from Abuja goes.
BBC Hausa: People have goodwill towards President Muhammadu Buhari, especially looking at the things he did before, but since coming into power things have not been working the way they should, what do you thing is the cause?
Aisha Buhari: I am not a government official, but in my opinion as a woman, a mother, what I think is it is well known that the first 4 years are not going to be easy. Firstly, it was people that brought the government into power.
More than half of those people are not appointed into the government. Some people that are not politicians, not professionals were brought into the government. They don't even know what we said we want and what we don't during the campaign. They even come out and say to people we are not politicians, but they are occupying the offices meant for politicians.
Some have parted with their wives, some lost their children lost, some women too have parted with their husbands because of politics, a lot happened during the time. The way things are going I too I am not happy.
We are just starting, we have not finished. Some people that worked for the government have been appointed. But those heading government agencies you can find one fighting his state governor, they contested together during election one in APC while in PDP. BBC Hausa: Who are those doing these kinds of things?
Aisha Buhari: Everybody knows them. Those people should know that people voted singly. Even Buhari too had one vote. Nobody voted 5 times. 15.429 Million People. That one that people are thinking too, he had only some 2 or 3 people. I am pleading to them to have the people at heart and embrace everybody so that we can all move together.
Not even now in 2016 or 17, lot of people are creating divisions within the APC, which is our source of concern. They think they have worked for the government while those appointed some of them had no voter's card. What I fear is uprising of 15.4 million people.
BBC Hausa: Is the President aware some people are subverting his government?
Aisha Buhari: Whether he knows or he do not, those that voted for him knows.
BBC Hausa: But you are the most closest to him, did you tell him?
Aisha Buhari: There is nothing I can tell him, he is seeing things himself. Out of the people he has appointed, take 50, 45 of them I don't know them. Perhaps he doesn't know them too. I have been living with him for 27 years.
BBC Hausa: Do you think there are some people that are dictating to the President things to do, not him?
Aisha Buhari: That is what I am saying, those that know they don't have voters card, they should give chance to those that have, they are the ones that struggled and knows what we want to do. Some of them if you go to a meeting with them they will tell you, we are not politicians, if somebody is wise, they will not accept to take any political office.
They didn't even work for it. Even if you are asked to, you should say it is not my profession. Those places not headed by politicians will cause people discontent.
BBC Hausa: One would wonder to hear you say some people have hijacked the government without him knowing, but who do you think are those people?
Aisha Buhari: I don't know them, I don't know them. I don't know them
BBC Hausa: But some people are calling names, saying 2 or 3 are the ones, do you that as well?
Aisha Buhari: Yes I agree. Because of those appointed apart from Fashola, Ameachi and some others, not much, I don't know them, most of us too don't know them, and he too does not know them
BBC Hausa: One would wonder that Buhari is not the one charge knowing him as a person who had leadership experiences, people would not believe
Aisha Buhari: Yes it is surprising; nobody thought it is going to be like this. But now that it is so.sometimes when one is doing something wrong without him knowing, but when people talk to them, they should listen. Because in the future, whether he is going to contest or not, it is that same people that would vote for APC. We hope those people don't come back, and everybody don't hope so too.
BBC Hausa: You said "Whether he is going to contest in the future or not", has he disclose it to you whether he is standing or not?
Aisha Buhari: He didn't tell me, but I have made up my mind.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he does not know which party his wife, Aisha belongs to.
Buhari made the statement while on a state visit to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, Germany.
Buhari-Aisha
When asked, the AP news agency said Buhari laughed it off and said: "I don't know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room."
Recall that in an interview with BBC Hausa-language service broadcast Friday, Aisha Buhari had said that her husband did not know many top government appointees in his cabinet. She also accused them of not sharing the vision of her husband’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although she did not mention any names, she however asked people to watch out for them on the television programmes.
Buhari has not said whether he will run again in 2019. but Aisha said, “He is yet to tell me, but I have decided as his wife that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.”
In his comments to reporters, Buhari also said he hopes his wife will remember that he ran for presidency three times before succeeding on the fourth effort. “So I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition, because in the end I have succeeded. It’s not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday wrapped up a week of Africa diplomacy aimed at slowing the flow of migrants to Europe from a continent battered by conflict and poverty.
She hosted Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, having also met Chad’s head of state Idriss Deby two days earlier following a three-day whirlwind tour of Mali, Niger and Ethiopia, the seat of the African Union.
As Germany, Europe’s top destination for people fleeing war and misery, looks to chair the G20 next year, she has pledged to step up efforts to help Africa and fight the causes of the mass migration.
“I think we will need to take a vastly greater interest in the destiny of Africa,” Merkel said at the start of her first major Africa trip in five years. “The well-being of Africa is in Germany’s interest.”
Data backs up that notion — while most asylum-seekers in Germany so far this year came from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, Germany has also taken in over 13,000 Eritreans and thousands from other African countries.
More than 10,000 came from Nigeria, the oil-rich economic giant now grappling with a plunge in crude prices and the Boko Haram jihadist insurgency that has claimed over 20,000 lives and spilled into Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
At a joint press conference with Buhari, Merkel stressed support for the country’s battle against Boko Haram, but also said that Germany would send back most Nigerians.
She said that while most refugees from war zones like Syria were granted asylum, “the approval rate for people from Nigeria is only eight percent. We presume that most of them came for economic reasons.”
– ‘Life-threatening journeys’ –
Merkel on her three-nation trip repeatedly warned Africans against crossing dangerous deserts and seas for an uncertain future in Europe.
President Buhari and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“Often it’s the young people who head for Europe with completely wrong ideas,” she said in Addis Ababa.
“They risk a life-threatening journey without knowing what’s waiting for them or even whether they’ll be able to stay.”
The best way to stop the mass flight would be to encourage greater stability in their countries of origin, Merkel said, picking up on the theme of an EU-African Summit held in Malta last year.
The list of goals is ambitious — promoting democracy, fighting terrorism and fostering prosperity through investment.
In Mali, Merkel said it was crucial that “African countries don’t lose their brightest minds” needed to develop their own countries.
Merkel said that as chair of the Group of 20, Berlin would next year host a conference on investment in Africa, especially in the transport and energy sectors.
In poverty-stricken Niger, a major migrant transit country, she pledged 10 million euros in military aid and 17 million euros to encourage human traffickers to switch livelihoods.
The aid was relatively modest compared to something on the scale of the “Marshall Plan”, the US’s $12 billion post-WWII assistance to Europe, that President Mahamadou Issoufou called for from the EU.
“Merkel’s trip was mainly a message sent to European and German audiences that said, ‘we are actively doing something’,” to reduce migrant flows, said Annette Weber of the German Institute of International and Security Affairs.
With huge youth unemployment, repression and conflict in many states pushing people to leave home, she said, the migratory pressures were unlikely to stop soon.
– ‘Accommodation centres’ –
Merkel — facing a backlash at home over last year’s huge migrant influx — is also working on more short-term solutions.
Berlin has proposed EU deals with North African countries modelled on the pact the bloc this year struck with Turkey, the main transit country for Middle Eastern migrants.
Under that controversial deal, the EU pledged billions in aid and eased visa access in return for Turkey taking back irregular migrants stranded on Greek islands and fighting traffickers.
The EU Commission has expressed skepticism about trying to apply the costly and uncertain approach in Africa.
Other approaches have also met with mixed success. Germany this year moved to declare Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia as safe countries of origin, to raise the bar for asylum requests.
But the bill has been stuck in the upper house for months over human rights concerns in those Maghreb nations.
On Thursday, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere suggested that migrants rescued at sea should be taken to “accommodation facilities” in north Africa.
“Their need for protection would be verified and we would put into place a resettlement to Europe with generous quotas, fairly divided between the European countries,” he told reporters in Luxembourg.
“The others have to go back to their home countries.
No fewer than 250 youths have been recruited by the Bayelsa government to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the state.
The enlisted youths are to work with the Bayelsa State Oil and Gas Taskforce.
Inaugurating the task force on Friday, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa said that the aim of the initiative was to meaningfully engage youths in the state in curbing revenue lost from pipeline vandalism.
The governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Mr Felix Bonny-Ayah.
Dickson said that securing oil infrastructure against vandalism, bunkering and other anti social vices for the good of the state and the nation was of strategic importance.
He also said that the taskforce would be used to shut down facilities of companies that violate laid down rules.
Dickson, however, warned the new employees not to see their recruitment as an opportunity to acquire wealth.
He also advised them to remain law abiding citizens of the state and the country at large.
The governor assured residents that vandalism and bunkering activities would be completely tackled in the state soon.
"The taskforce will work with security agencies and other relevant bodies saddled with similar responsibility,'' he said.
Mr Tare Porri, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, said he was confident that oil and gas companies in the state would support the move to ensure a safer environment.
Porri urged the task force to be loyal to the course of their operations, adding that the administration was committed to sustaining an economically viable state.
Mr Dao Duc, Head of Trade Office of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Friday expressed his government's readiness to support Nigeria in the development of its non-oil sector.
Dao, who made the disclosure at the Nigeria-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NVCCI) Stakeholders' Forum in Lagos, advised Nigeria against over-dependence on oil as her revenue earner.
The theme of the forum is "Harnessing Export Strength of Products of Nigeria for Rapid Economic Advancement; Possible Lessons from Vietnam's Experience''.
"Nigeria and Vietnam are friends, and we know the current challenges being faced by Nigeria and this is really giving us concern.
"Oil cannot continue to be Nigeria's mainstay. Vietnam is really ready and interested in working with Nigeria in the development of its non-oil sector resources.
"We are ready to share our know-how and experiences with Nigerians for the development of their non-oil sector,'' he said.
Dao, however, said that it was currently impossible for more Vietnamese companies and investors to invest in Nigeria due to problems of infrastructure and other challenges.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Beijing, China, Amb. Oluwole Coker said that there was a lot for Nigerians to learn from Vietnam in developing their country's non-oil sector.
Coker enjoined Nigerians to reduce their travelling to Vietnam for just buying and selling, but to visit Vietnam to learn things that would make Vietnamese companies come to establish in Nigeria.
He said that it was imperative for Nigerians to know that Vietnamese had new technologies, discipline and patriotism that they should learn from.
The NVCCI's President, Mr Oye Akinsemoyin, said that Nigeria should learn from Vietnam, which after devastating wars was able to transform her economy from being import-dependent to being export-oriented.
"Vietnam has been able to resourcefully turn itself from poverty to a force to be reckoned with in the Association of South-Eastern Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"She has been able to radically transform its non-oil external trade sector from being import-dependent to being export-oriented within a short period of time.
"Nigeria can choose to learn from Vietnam to be able overcome its current economic situation,'' he said.
The highpoint of the NVCCI's event was the conferment of Award as its Grand Patron on the former External Affairs Minister, Prof.Bolaji Akinyemi.
NVCCI also conferred its Honorary Award on the Chairman of Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi.
ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has laughed off his wife Aisha’s comment that she may not support him if he runs for election come 2019.
President Buhari and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
President Muhammadu Buhari, laughing off the comment, said, his wife the first lady, belongs to his kitchen and that he knows not which party she belongs to.
“I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.”
His comments to reporters in Germany promted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, standing at his side, to give him a short glare and then laughed.
Recall that in an interview with BBC Hausa-language service broadcast Friday, Aisha Buhari had said that her husband did not know many top government appointees in his cabinet. She also accused them of not sharing the vision of her husband’s party, the All Progressives Congress party. Although she did not mention any names, she however asked people to watch out for them on the television programmes.
Buhari, who was a military dictator in the 1980s, was elected in his fourth run at the presidency in 2015 on the back of a coalition that includes former foes and opportunists who abandoned the former governing party of defeated President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari has not said whether he will run again in 2019. “He is yet to tell me, but I have decided as his wife that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again,” Aisha Buhari said.
In his comments to reporters, Buhari also said he hopes his wife will remember that he ran for presidency three times before succeeding on the fourth effort. “So I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition, because in the end I have succeeded. It’s not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government.”
Buhari had campaigned on promises to crack down on corruption and turn the tide against the Boko Haram insurgency. His government yesterday announced the first negotiated release of 21 of 218 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014.
However, Nigeria’s northeast faces a famine that threatens to kill tens of thousands of children after Boko Haram disrupted the region’s transportation and farming. Some areas remain dangerous and inaccessible.
Nigeria has also fallen into recession amid slumped oil prices and lost its position as Africa’s biggest petroleum producer as militants attacked pipelines in the south
ABUJA - CITIZENS of Edo state, Friday, have stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) office in Abuja in a peaceful protest, accusing INEC of complexity in the just concluded gubernatorial poll in the state.
Protesters under Coalition of Edo State Youth for Democracy
The protesters, under the aegis of Coalition of Edo State Youth for Democracy, insisted that the result declared by the electoral umpire at the election was not the true reflection of the choice of the people of the state.
They were singing solidarity songs and carrying placards with various inscriptions such as; 'Edo People reject INEC Result', 'INEC no-longer Independent', 'PDP won election in Edo State', 'We Reject Vote Declared by INEC', etc.
However, they were blocked by fierce looking men of the Nigeria Police Force, who claimed that their letter to stage a peaceful protest sent to the force was not approved by the FCT Commissioner of Police, leading to a brief hiccup along the road leading to INEC office in Maitama area.
Speaking at the rally, a member of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Prosper Iyere said; "We are here today to let fellow Nigerians known that democracy has been murdered, assassinated in Nigeria particularly the Edo state election."
"|The governor has orchestrated and tried to connive with INEC to rig the election without taking the people of Edo State into cognizant."
"They have denied us our votes; election was completely rigged and we are not comfortable with it. We have of course held the series of protests in Edo state, and again we felt we should come to the capital territory Abuja because of the same issue."
"We are marching to INEC office to register our complaint and displeasure and we are going to give them the copy of the petition letter that they should ensure our mandate is restored back to Pastor Iza moje of PDP that is why we are here," he said.
He also said that, "The issue is already in tribunal, and we think very strongly that this protest will also give sense of direction to the tribunal."
"We have a lot of evidences, we have video in CD plate and upon completion we are going to present it to all media houses for them to be guided and see that the election in Edo state was a rigged."
Also speaking, the Edo State People Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leader, Thaddus Irabor maintained that "It's not good for someone to seat in comfort of his or her room and write the result of the election."
Protesters under Coalition of Edo State Youth for Democracy
"As it is now, democracy is threatened in Nigeria, because people of Edo state will not come out and vote again because they felt they have been cheated and their votes never counted. What is the need for them to come out to vote?"
"If they know they have power to rig the election after primary election declared the person winner, don’t let us waste our resources, don’t allow people to stress themselves to campaign."
"We have our results, each of the unit, we collated our result and it showed that we have won even with landslide Victory. So the result they announced, we don’t know where they got it."
"It's unfortunate that APC have removed the independence on INEC, they are no longer independent. Stealing peoples' mandate is height of corruption, Edo people have been deprived of their right to choose who they want to govern them."
Wales international footballer Ched Evans was found not guilty of rape by a jury at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday following a retrial.
Evans, who plays for third-tier Chesterfield, was accused of raping a woman in a hotel room near Rhyl, north Wales, in May 2011.
The 27-year-old was previously found guilty of rape, but the jury was told that the Court of Appeal had quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial.
The verdict, which the jury reached in just three hours after being asked to consider the evidence by trial judge Mrs Justice Nicola Davies earlier on Friday, ended Evans’s five-year fight to clear his name.
“Mr Evans you are discharged and you can leave the dock,” Davies told Evans as she brought the eight-day trial to a close.
Evans was seen crying and hugging partner Natasha Massey, who has been staunch in her support of his case, after the jury foreman read out the verdict.
Ched Evans during his time at Manchester City
From the start, Evans insisted he was innocent of rape, saying he had been invited to “join in” by a fellow footballer in the early hours.
He admitted to having sex with the teenager, and cheating on Massey, also his girlfriend at the time, but always insisted the sex had been consensual.
Defence lawyer Judy Khan QC said Evans answered every single question he was asked by police and that officers would never have known about the sex session had it not been for the footballer’s honesty.
In his defence, Evans said he walked into a hotel room where fellow footballer Clayton McDonald was having sex with the woman, adding McDonald then asked her if he could join in, to which she replied: “Yes.”
Evans was adamant he had consensual sex with the woman before leaving via a fire exit door when he realised he was cheating on his girlfriend.
Prosecutors, however, alleged that the complainant was too drunk to consent.
In her summing up of the evidence, Davies told the jury of seven men and five women that the issue of consent was key to the case, adding that drunken consent was still consent.
“Your decision must be made calmly, objectively and without emotion,” she said. “You are not here to judge the morals of any person in this case and this includes the complainant and the defendant.
Evans and Massey are still in a relationship. They plan to marry and have a nine-month-old son
ABUJA: Claims by the immediate-past governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, that he ran a very lean administration and consequently left billions for his successor, Willie Obiano have been faulted by one of the aides of the ex-governor, Benji Obi, saying his former boss was far from the truth.
Peter Obi
The former Special Assistant on inter-party Affairs to Chief Peter Obi, who spoke during a telephone chat with journalists in Abuja queried his former boss on the use of public funds for private functions. “Who built the first Helipad at the Government House in Anambra for his personal use?
“Peter Obi used helicopters to travel often while he was the governor, and he usually travelled alone or with one trusted aide. It was not a secret within the administrative circles in Awka. When he went to the burial of his wife's sister, he flew in a helicopter. He took off from the Government House”, he said.
The former governor who was an Independence Day guest at a church programme, The Platform, in Lagos had told his audience how he ran Anambra state successfully and left a huge amount of money for the incumbent governor.
"Peter Obi increased the money for his private kitchen at the Government House to N2million monthly and increased the feeding for the Police officers attached to him to N7million monthly”, he alleged saying the increase was never translated to increased feeding
He alleged that his former boss lied when he said he stopped the buffet-styled dinner being served at the Government House.
“What he did was to sack all the previous cooks and butlers and employed over 30 cooks/butlers/stewards from Akwa Ibom and expanded the kitchen budget. The bills are still there. It is verifiable. The Akwa Ibom cooks and stewards were over 20; who were they cooking for? Buffet was always there.
“Peter Obi purchased a bulletproof BMW for his wife and two bulletproof land cruisers for himself. He even bought an additional one for his brother, Damian.
“He was always using private jets to travel as often as any other state governor in Nigeria. The records are there and can be made public.
"Peter Obi should be careful the way he opens his mouth because we can expose him to the public enough to put him behind bars. Obiano does not want to probe him, so he should shut up.
"We have information that he is lobbying to avoid being probed. What he does not know is that President Buhari is a no-nonsense person. He does not take kindly to hypocrites and corruption”, he said.
According to Benji Obi, Gov. Willie Obiano has asked Chief Peter Obi for forgiveness for any perceived offence known and unknown to him. "Still Peter Obi goes around talking about the Anambra Governor with disdain. Dr. Chris Ngige did not vilify him the way he is trying to do to Obiano. It is not fair”, he stated.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, approved a Special Secondary Market Intervention Retail Sales (SMIS) for airlines operating in the country.
Also, other critical sectors to benefit from the one-off exercise dedicated to the clearance of the backlog of matured Foreign Exchange obligations are raw materials and machineries for manufacturing companies and agricultural chemicals.
This resolution by the apex bank to intervene in the Inter-Bank Forex market through forward settlement is expected to engender market confidence, ensure access to Forex by the airlines to settle their obligations and sustain the integrity of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange market.
The import of this peculiar exercise is that the CBN will not apply the relevant provisions under clause 2.4.3 (i) of its Revised Guidelines for the Operation of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange Market which provides that "all SMIS bids shall be submitted to the CBN through the FXPDs". Consequently, CBN shall receive bids from all the Authorized Dealers.
The CBN will also not apply the relevant provisions under clause 2.4.3 (i) of the Guidelines which provide that "Spot Forex sold to any particular end-user shall not exceed 1% of the overall available funds on offer at each SMIS session".
According to the CBN, “Whereas the bids are on Spot Forex basis as the Authorized Dealers' accounts with the CBN will be debited in full for the Naira equivalent of the USD bid amount, the CBN will settle the bids through forward settlements of 2 months. Customers that are not willing to accept the settlement terms have been advised not to participate in this Special SMIS – Retail.”
Reacting to the development, Minister of State for Aviation has described the special intervention by the Central Bank as a great relief for airline operators in the country who have complained bitterly over their inability to access the required Foreign Exchange to settle their backlog of obligations and which has adversely affected their operations.
According to the Minister, the Aviation Sector is so critical to the nation's security and global image that it cannot be overlooked or toyed with, saying that the apex bank has taken the right decision that would not only strengthen existing airlines, but also inspire confidence in aspiring operators in Nigeria's aviation industry.
It will be recalled that Senator Sirika at a recent meeting with members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) promised to take up the issues with the authorities of the Bank after the operators had complained of lack of access to Forex, with many of them on the verge of folding up.
Controversies have continued to trail the comments of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari in an interview with BBC Hausa where she said cabals had hijacked Buhari’s government.
However, below are five takeaways from the said interview that has left some people’s mouths wide open in astonishment.
1] "Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position."
2] "The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years."
3] "You will know them [the people who hijacked Buhari's government] if you watch television."
4] "I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again."
Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, have suspended their five-day warning strike.
The doctors had on Wednesday commenced the strike to protest what they called insensitivity of the management to their plight and payment of half salaries to members.
The doctors are demanding that the hospital management must respect agreements reached over full lateral implementation of skipping and payment of outstanding salaries.
A NAN correspondent, who visited the hospital on Friday, however, observed that full medical services were ongoing and resident doctors were sighted attending to patients.
Dr Mashor Mbwas, the Public Relations Officer of the association, confirmed the suspension of the strike.
According to him, the industrial action was suspended following the intervention of some prominent Nigerians who prevailed on the management to make some commitments as regards the demands of the doctors.
He said that his members had since resumed at their respective duty posts in the hope that the management would honour its own part of the agreement.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of UCH, Mr Deji Bobade, said that the management would continue to explore all avenues to ensure peaceful co-existence in the hospital.
Abuja – The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to department stores in the Federal Capital Territory to withdraw all Genetically Modified (GM) food items from their shelves.
The Director General of the agency, Mr Rufus Ebegba, gave the ultimatum in Abuja on Friday during a meeting with department store operators in the FCT.
Ebegba said the move was in line with the mandate of the agency to ensure safety of human health and the environment.
The director general said the agency would not hesitate to shut down or prosecute the management of any departmental store that failed to abide by the directive or contravened its Act.
He said that the meeting was to intimate the operators on the provisions of the Act establishing the agency so that they would not feign ignorance of it.
"This is in line with the Act of the agency to refocus Nigeria in the area of modern biotechnology practice to ensure proper regulation for safety of human consumption and the environment.
According to him, no GMO should be in any of the supermarket stores, either labelled or not, until permits are obtained from the agency.
"We have segmented our meeting with stakeholders particularly those in the food and agriculture sector.
"This meeting is for them to understand that some of their products need to be properly ascertained before they are imported so that they will not run foul of the law.
" We are aware that some of these stores import foods from countries that are already consuming GMs.
"We understand the economic benefits of these stores to the Nigerian economy, especially in the areas of job creation and markets, but we must know that the law is not a respecter of persons.
"The idea that Nigerian laws are not being implemented by government agencies should be ruled out of this.
"NBMA will not make the mistake in the enforcement of this. We are very serious about this,'' he said.
Ebegba said the agency was currently working with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and National Agriculture Quarantine Service (NAQS) to ensure that permits were adequately issued.
Mr Umar Yahaya, the Customer Service/Surveillance Manager of NEXT Cash and Carry Mall, appealed to the agency to provide guidelines for the permit to enable operators comply with the laws.
Yahaya, who declined further comments, said that appropriate measures would be taken by the management of the store.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives from Shoprite, a South African-based chain stores operating across the country also attended the meeting.
Some businessmen in Lagos on Thursday expressed hope that the economy would soon rebound as the Nigerian currency continues to appreciate in all the major segments of the forex market.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, they called on their fellow businessmen to exercise patience and do all it could to salvage the Naira.
Mr Uche Mba, a motorcycle spare-parts dealer noted that the appreciation of the Naira at the forex market was gradually breeding calm in the economy.
According to him, the development will sooner than later lead to price stability of goods and services. Mr Obi Edwards, an importer of gas cylinders said that the liquidity challenge in sourcing forex was already reducing as most Bureau De Change (BDC) operators were selling forex.
Edwards expressed the hope that if the situation continued unabated, it would reduce the fluctuation in the prices of goods and services.
Mrs Stella Shogunle, a dealer in female handbags, said that it was good news that the Naira had continued to appreciate at the forex market for about three weeks.
She called for patriotism from all Nigerians to ensure that currency speculators do not thwart the wind of progress in the forex market.
The Naira on Thursday continued to hedge against the dollar in all the major segments of the forex market. At the parallel market, the Naira closed at N460 to the dollar, from N468 it posted on Wednesday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro traded at N560 and N510 respectively.
About 1, 700 BDCs in Lagos and Abuja sold dollar at N380, controlled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro exchanged at N558 and 500, respectively.
The Naira closed at N304.50 at the official interbank market, maintaining same rate as at Wednesday.
Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) called on all genuine forex buyers to purchase it from its members at the official price.
Gwadabe called on currency hoarders to sell the forex at their disposal as the naira was steadily on its way to full recovery
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