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
A billion dollars are needed to provide aid for victims of Boko Haram jihadists in Nigeria’s restive northeast next year, the United Nations said Friday, calling the conflict “the largest crisis in Africa”.
“The narrative on this humanitarian crisis can no longer be ignored and we are appealing to the international community to help us prevent the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians over the coming 12 months,” the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Peter Lundberg said in a statement.
“This is the largest crisis on the African continent and I am confident that with the support of the international community and the private sector, we can begin to bring hope to the people of the northeast,” he said.
The UN said the humanitarian response plan would address the needs of almost seven million people, in dire need of nutrition, food, shelter, healthcare and education.
“A projected 5.1 million people will face serious food shortages as the conflict and risk of unexploded improvised devices prevented farmers planting for a third year in a row, causing a major food crisis,” it said.
Nigeria’s junior budget minister Zainab Ahmed was quoted as saying the government would continue to demonstrate strong commitment to work with the international humanitarian community on the crisis.
The scale of humanitarian suffering became more apparent after Nigerian troops recaptured swathes of territory held by Boko Haram since 2015.
The Boko Haram jihadist group has waged a brutal seven-year insurgency in Nigeria’s mainly-Muslim north, with violence spreading to Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
At least 20,000 people have been killed and 2.6 million more displaced by the unrest, mostly in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, the epicentre of the Islamist uprising.
By Udeme Clement The Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) Zone 'C' Owerri, of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 29 prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1billion and under payment recovery of over N54 million.
The Unit swiftly arrested 18 suspects in connection with the seized items. The confiscated items include 2,522 bags of foreign rice, 61,333 cartons of imported foreign poultry products, 720 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 1,618 cartons and 1,466 pieces of furniture, 269 pieces of unused tyres. Others were 1,964 pieces of spare parts, 39 pieces of used compressors, 29 bales of second hand clothing, 480 pairs of used shoes and 9 assorted vehicles.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba disclosed this, saying that the items were seized along South East and South-south geo-political zones of the country, through reinvigorated anti-smuggling activities of the Unit.
He said, "The 18 suspects who were arrested in connection with the shady deal are now undergoing interrogation for possible prosecution.Beyond the above statistics, the seizures represented protection of the nation's economy and security of the citizenry. Let me state clearly that it is simply not enough to inform you about the seizures and its DPV, what is of paramount importance is that we are implementing government's policies that would boost our economic growth to provide employment. Many 50kg bags of imported foreign rice seized were cleverly re-labeled by the smugglers to beat security checks on the roads, and to give false semblance of locally produced ones. Just as some items such as body sprays were criminally used to conceal other unauthorized imported seized items".
He regretted that accidents had continued to occur on the nation's highways as a result of the rampant use of second hand tyres being imported by smugglers, stressing that the ban on importation of furniture and rice was meant to encourage public patronage and consumption of the locally produced ones to further boost the nation's economy.
"If the rampant incidence of rice importation is allowed to go on, it would definitely discourage local production and consumption with a devastating effect on our economy."
The Customs boss, however, made it clear that his men were not out to frustrate individuals who are into genuine business but are only interested in facilitating legitimate trade, stressing that those in legitimate business have noting to fear, as the Service is poised to detect, arrest and prosecute only those who fail to comply with the relevant positions of the law.
He further appealed to members of the public with useful information about smugglers, their agents and collaborators to make such information available to the Service or to other sister agencies for necessary action. He added that the 29 seizures made was as a result of official intelligence gathering and information supplied to his men by some patriotic Nigerians.
INSIDE IBADAN PALSY CHILDREN HOME By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan
"Omije oju mi beere aanure baba, fi aso ojurere wo mi Olorun mi, araye n reti ohun ti mo mubo lodo re baba mimo, Odun yi nlo, odun yi nlo, Omije oju mi n beere aanu ree", meaning:
"My tears are asking for your mercy oh God,
Lord, clothe me with garment of favour,
People are anxious to see your presence in my life
The year is about ending,
Father,my teary eyes are praying for your mercy".
With unsteady dance steps and incoherent voice, this song by Bunmi Akinnanu was the tune that Damilola Temidayo, a 10-year-old cerebral palsy boy, sang. He nearly moved all of us in the home to tears.
Just as the little innocent boy sang, he and others in the home actually deserve mercy. If a person whose heart is made of steel and iron enters Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, located at Ifelodun Street, Monatan, Iwo Road, Ibadan, he would be moved to tears because of their conditions as some of the kids who have cerebral palsy, defective spinal cord lay on their back while being fed by care-givers. To them, that is the most convenient way they can be fed.
And that is the way the President of the home, Pastor Mrs Ololade Adamolekun; the Administrator, Mrs Adekunle Funmilayo; the care-givers and therapists had been of tremendous help to the newly married Grace Olufunke Omooba who tied the nuptial knot with Paul Egbezokhai last week.
Mrs. Adamolekun gave Sunday Vanguard details of how the bride got to the home in 2010 even though she had been under her sponsorship since four years earlier.
How the bride was abandoned
She said Olufunke was abandoned at Galilee Foundation where she was taken to after a Mercedez Benz car reportedly dropped her and sped off. The cleric said, "I have been going to the Galilee Foundation for quite some time. It was there I knew about her story. I was moved with pity and since then, 2006, I decided to sponsor her. She went to a school, Ido Faboro School for the Physically Challenged in Ekiti where she was trained for three years. She could only identify and write number one throughout the time she stayed there.
"When I learnt that she was not coping academically, I sent her to a cobbler's shop to learn, she still could not cope. I then sent her to be trained on how to make nylon where she also couldn't cope. "Later, we tried tie and dye, but because of the dangerous caustic soda, she could not continue.
"But, when it comes to household chores, she is very good at it. She is very hard working. As big as this compound is, she would sweep it, wash plates and do other things. Due to her efficiency, we nicknamed her, 'matron'.
Treatment cost of N350,000
"Apart from suffering from cerebral palsy, her right arm is not okay and we tried at a time to carry out surgery on the arm but when we were charged N350,000 just for test, we could not go further because we could not afford it. We don't know how much it will cost now.
How the children got to the home
"You know, we can't go to streets to pick abandoned babies without getting approval from the police. All these children were brought to us by their parents, churches, government, missionaries, among others. We have scares of children with various conditions here. We noticed that people and government always take care of older ones, what about these little ones from age zero".
Care and education of the children
The home has 66 children but only 45 of them are there right now while the remaining are outside the home due to lack of psychotherapy facilites in the home. All the care-givers who stay with the children 24 hours and therapists, including the President of the home, relate with the children to the extent that they(children) don't want to go their biological parents. This is possible because Adamolekun said she had undergone training that borders on care for physically challenged children.
According to her only five parents visit the home out of the 45 that have children while others have abandoned them and even relocated so that they the home would lose their contacts.
The President said eight of the children had been registered in private schools. Two of them are in secondary school while the remaining are in primary.
Mrs Adamolekun
Feeding
She said the children eat five meals a day due to their conditions. "As you can see the care-givers, they can spend three hours feeding just one child. It is not easy feeding them but God is helping us to play our roles as mothers. You have to be patient with them. Like these particular ones, they can't eat while sitting down because of their spinal cord problem. They have to lie down flat on their back before they can be fed".
Misconceptions that made parents abandon disabled children
The mother of little Abigael Olasupo died minutes after childbirth and the innocent baby was left at the mercy of his poor father. According to the President of the home, some people believe that when the mother of a baby dies, such a baby is a witch or agent of the devil. "So, the baby was taken to the village of the father. It was the missionaries that went to the village that saw the baby and brought him here with his father", Adamolekun said.
In the case of Tomiwa Oluwole, a nine-year-old down with tuberculosis of the spine, he was treated but his two legs are stiff due to a problem from the spine. It was double tragedy for him as his only surviving parent is helpless to do anything for him. His father, according to the President of the home, has no accommodation but sleeps in a church. He "even wants to sell his landed property at Osogbo to take care of the boy, but there is no buyer up till now.
Adamolekun said the condition of the boy is treatable but there is no money for his surgery. "He is to undergo surgery. The test alone, according to the doctor, costs N85,000 and we have not been able to get the money."
Lara Adedeji, a 23-year-old girl who is able to grasp only an English statement,"I didn't know", the home is her own paradise where she's ready to stay till God knows when. When asked if she is willing to leave the home later, she shook her head and when asked why, she gave her usual answer, "I didn't know".
'How I got call from God'
Adamolekun spoke on how she began to take care of physically challenged children: "When I finished from school, College of Education, Ila Orangun, Osun State, I ventured into business and it was a success. So, when I got the call from God, I did not give heed to it. Some pastors also told be that I should heed the divine call of taking care of the physically challenged. I had a fashion design shop at Ajibode which I named Yeside Clothiers Fashion. I had many people that I employed. But, suddenly, burglars struck and carted away all my sewing machines and other equipment. In fact, there was a week when burglars burgled my office three times. So, I was forced out of business. I later went into decoration, but I had nerve problem which made me discontinue with the business.
Still adamant to God's call, I started a phone centre business in 2003 and I had many centres and everything looked so well. Again, I fell sick and I couldn't go to work again. Thieves burgled my shops at Osogbo and my worker in Ilorin told me she lost all our equipment in a fatal motor accident. To worsen the situation, I developed kidney problem. It was at this point I surrendered to God. Can you believe that immediately I obeyed God to take care of disabled children, all my health challenges vanished and I am perfectly okay now".
Two of the care-givers of the centre, Temitope Olaleye and Mrs Atoyebi Bimpe, who spoke on behalf of other workers, said though the task of taking care of the children is enormous and challenging, they are coping. Part of the task, according to them, is that since most of the kids can't feed or go to toilet on their own, they do potty training and other lessons that would make them useful to themselves and society.
In conclusion, the founder of the home says she spends millions of naira on feeding the children, drugs, treatment and physiotherapy every month. She pleaded with well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies, international organisations like UNICEF and other bodies to help the kids.
"We will humbly request your support in building the destinies of these children. This may be in form of financial or material contribution. You can also join our partners list by choosing from any of the partner plans which can be weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. Our desperate needs now are to operate on the kids that urgently need it, lands to build befitting and comfortable accommodation for the kids,physiotherapy, sppech therapy for those concerned, food items and toileteries. Your generous donation will be instrumental in providing wonderful care and support for children affected by disability for years to come". The account details of the home are GTB, name of account- Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, acct. no. 0131269890 and Diamond Bank, acct. name-Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, acct. number. 0034057576. The phone number of the founder is 08037212600, E-mail: jesuskids2007@yahoo.com
We all believe that health is wealth, and we should spare no expense in making sure we glow with health most of the time. One of the fast fix ways for most of us to stay healthy is popping all manner of vitamin pills. Only recently, it's been alleged that many people who take high doses of certain vitamins and minerals could be damaging their health. According to recent advice from Britain's Food Standard Agency (FSA), most of us don't need supplements as we get enough nourishment from our food.
Supplements
Are we then wasting our money and endangering our health on supplements or is it a storm in a tea-cup? According to the FSA, high doses of supplements on top of a balanced diet could take our intake several times over the daily allowances of certain nutrients. It calls for the ban on the mineral, chromium picolinate and says that long term high doses of betacarotene, Vitamin B6, nicotinic acid, manganese, phosphorus and zinc could do irreversible damage; high doses of Vitamin C, calcium and iron may have harmful though reversible effects; and high doses of biotin, niacin, thiamin and Vitamin B12 have unknown effects.
FSA reports that its advice is based on a thorough, independent and expert review of available scientific evidence, though it alleges that ongoing research into the effects of some of the Vitamins and minerals may mean the advice will have to be modified at some future date. According to the FSA, supplements more than 100mg of Vitamin C, 1,500mg of calcium or 17mg of iron a day can cause abdominal pain, wind and diarrhoea, and more than 200mg a day of Vitamin B6 can make arms and legs numb. It advises that supplements of more than 7mg a day of beta-carotene may encourage lung cancer in smokers, and large amount might increase the risk of cancer in other people. It also recommends avoiding supplements of two minerals – these are chromium picolinate (which some people take to increase their levels of blood sugar), as there is an unproven suggestion that it may cause certain cancers, and germanium (which some people take to increase the energy they get from food), as its effects aren't clear.
These minerals occur at very low – and safe -levels in many foods (chromium in meat, while grains, lentils and spices, for example; and germanium in beans; tuna and garlic). It advises, however, that if you are taking high doses of Vitamin B6 or iron because your doctor advises it, you should continue. It also says that supplement of other forms of chromium (for example chromium polynicotinate) are unlikely to do any harm but advises not taking more than 10mg a day. Though supplement producers have maintained supplements are safe long term, if they contained no more than the BOA of each nutrient, the FSA says it plans to ask supplement producers to reduce the dose (and/ or provide label warnings for some high-dose nutrients.
So are extra nutrients really helpful? Yes, says the ROA though it's nearly always better to get them from a healthy diet, partly because food provides a complex mixture of nutrients that encourage each other to be absorbed and used well. The argument that many people need a daily supplement to make up for having a poor diet doesn't wash, since it is wiser to buy good food than supplements. However, it is true that intensive farming and certain modern food technologies have reduced that amount of certain nutrients in food, so our diet may not always supply enough.
Who needs extra nutrients? Women with heavy periods may need extra iron (discuss with your doctor). Women of child-bearing age, or pregnant, should take a daily O.4mg of folic acid. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should take a daily 10cg Vitamin D while some older people may need Vitamin D (discuss with your doctor).
Most children aged six months or two years (or five, if they don't eat a wide range of foods) should take Vitamin A, C and D drops. Some researchers would like everyone to take a multi-mineral and vitamin supplements ("multi"}, others, say that this is money down the drain. Some nutritionists are more specific, saying, for example, that a multi is wise for elderly people (since they no longer absorb nutrients as well) and those who are stressed or unwell (since they need more of certain nutrients – for example, Vitamin B and C).
Taking a multi and eating a healthy diet means that you may get a surplus of
some nutrients. That might not really matter since even if the multi contains 100 per cent of the RDA of certain nutrients, your total intake of anyone nutrient still won't be very high. However, it's very wise to avoid high dose supplements, unless recommended by a doctor, dietician or well qualified nutritionist.
One More Time With Feelings? (Humour)
A female golfer is horrified when her ball hits a male player. She sees him fall to the ground and clasp his hands between his legs, writhing in agony.
She rushes over to him and says: "I'm so sorry, but I can help. I'm a massager, so I'll ease the pain".
She quickly pulls down his trousers and begins to massage his groin area.
When she's finished, she asks: "How does that feel now?" "Fantastic", he replies, "But my thumb's still killing me".
The loss of the PDP in the Ondo election has been attributed to Governor Mimiko's refusal to heed warning not to leave his former Labour Party (LP) but to allow his candidate, Jegede, contest the poll on the platform of the former party. The founder and head of INRI Evangelical and Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, claimed to have prophesied that following the Mimiko mistake, the APC, working with others, including Senator Borrofice, would lead Akeredolu to victory in the Ondo election.Primate Ayodele
In Leadership Newspaper of Sunday Nov. 8, 2015 page 67, Ayodele said, "APC can take over Ondo if the party does its home work well and field a credible and popular candidate…" He then went on in Sunday Sun of December 27, 2015 page 11 to say that: "In Ondo State, if PDP does not pick the right candidate, they will lose the election.
If they work on somebody called Saka, it will help the party. If APC want to win the election, they should look towards Boroffice. Now Borrofice and Akeredolu will give them victory."
On solutions to Nigeria's problems
In a story titled, "Our P-H crusade is contact point to bring peace to N/Delta," published on August 23, 2016, Ayodele said, "Now, we are still going to have trouble in our economy and I have five solutions that God has revealed to me and I will release two. Solution number one, except Buhari change his economic team and take right and bold step to reorganize NNPC.
It is not even agriculture that will give us money because there is something that will give us money which has not been worked upon. All of this, God has revealed…Number two there is a wrong in the CBN, Central Bank of Nigeria, which the government has to correct. If they follow these ideas, you will see what is going to happen."
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Nigeria's Super Falcons on their victory over the senior female football team of Cameroon on Saturday at the final game of the women's Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde.Champions: Nigeria's Super Falcons on Saturday in Yaounde won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating Cameroon 1 – 0 to retain AWCON title.
In a statement his media aide, the President, who described the hard-earned victory over the Indomitable Lionesses as "very sweet and well-deserved," particularly commended the Nigerian women for their "indomitable spirit, resilience and team work" which spurred them to victory in spite of a vociferous home crowd.
He noted that the Nigerian team achieved "this feat of being African champions for the 8th time," a development he said has lifted the spirits of sports-loving Nigerians.
The president enjoined other Nigerian sports men and women to emulate the exemplary attitude of the Super Falcons who placed the interest of the nation above personal interests, while assuring that the Federal Government would not relent in doing its best to promote sports within available resources.
The President also “salutes the technical competence of the coaching crew, which enabled the Nigerian players to overcome their hard-fighting opponents throughout the competition.”
The Nigerian Navy on Saturday, concluded the annual sea inspection drill of the Chief of Naval Staff, christened "Exercise Eagle Eye" at Forward Operation Base, Formoso, Brass in Bayelsa
The exercise was conducted by officers and men of Central Naval Command (CNC) and Special Forces of the Nigerian Navy.
Commander, Nigerian Naval Ship, Soroh, Commodore Habib Usman, told NAN that the exercise was aimed at appraising the operational capabilities of the forces on ground, as well as conduct surveillance on territorial waters.
Usman, who led the CNS team, said the Exercise Eagle Eye was an annual sea inspection operation by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe-Ibas.
He said the exercise was also aimed at flushing out maritime criminals and securing Nigerian marine assets and territory.
"The exercise is part of the Chief of Naval Staff annual event. It started on December 1.
"The first phase was the riverine operations involving Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. What you have witnessed in Bayelsa is the team covering the state.
File Photo: Nigerian Navy
"The objective of the exercise is to assess the operational capability of the naval forces on ground.
"During the operation, a number of arrests were made; a number of militant camps have been razed and a number of illegal refineries have also been destroyed.
"This is all part of the ongoing efforts to rid the riverine areas of the Niger Delta of all forms of illegalities so that economic activities can thrive." Usman said.
Usman said the naval forces arrested four sea pirates when their camp was raided, adding that they (suspects) were armed with sophisticated weapons.
He added that on sighting naval troops, the suspects opened fire and the troops repelled and arrested them.
Usman stated that the arrested suspects were being interrogated to enable the force track other criminals in their camps.
On criminalities in the region, Usman urged the Niger Delta youths to embrace peace, look for legitimate businesses to do and shun all forms of illegalities.
Highlights of the exercise were the visit of the CNS team to various Naval boat houses, inspection of military drills and performance of simulation operations on counter – piracy attacks, among others.
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigeria's Super Falcons on their victory over the senior female football team of Cameroon at the final game of the women's Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde.
The President described the hard-earned victory over the Indomitable Lionesses as "very sweet and well-deserved".
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari commended the Falcons for their "indomitable spirit, resilience and team work" which spurred them to victory in spite of a vociferous home crowd.
President Buhari noted that the Nigerian team achieved "this feat of being African champions for the 8th time".
Nigeria’s Super Falcons won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating Cameroon 1 – 0 to retain AWCON title.
According to him, this development has lifted the spirits of sports-loving Nigerians.
He enjoined other Nigerian sports men and women to emulate the exemplary attitude of the Super Falcons who placed the interest of the nation above personal interests,
The President assured that the Federal Government would not relent in doing its best to promote sports within available resources.
President Buhari also saluted the technical competence of the coaching crew, which enabled the Nigerian players to overcome their hard-fighting opponents throughout the competition.
The Super Falcons defeated hosts Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 1-0 with a Desire Oparanozie's 84th minute goal, to win the 10th women's Africa Cup of Nations for their 8th continental title.
Abuja – Nigeria's Super Falcons on Saturday in Yaounde won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating hosts Cameroon 1-0 before a capacity 40,000 crowd.
An 84th minute goal from Desire Oparanozie was enough for Nigeria to retain the trophy they won in Namibia two years ago, when they beat the same Indomitable Lionesses 2-0.won the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time after beating Cameroon 1 – 0 to retain AWCON title.
The Super Falcons have dominated this competition, winning all but two of the 10 editions played so far.
In a repeat of the 2014 final, Cameroon finished as runners-up again despite enjoying massive home support.
In front of Cameroon president Paul Biya, the hosts had the best of the first half, with a number of chances for Aboudi Onguene.
But the Indomitable Lionesses failed to make the most of their opportunities, even with the Falcons looking like an average team and not the defending champions.
In the second half, Oparanozie, who also scored Nigeria's winner against South Africa in their semi-final, hit the decisive goal again when she broke the deadlock seven minutes from time.
She followed through on a pass from the tournament's leading scorer Asisat Oshoala to give her team the trophy.
The winning goal from Nigeria was a huge blow for the hosts and the thousands of fans who filled the 40,000 capacity Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium more than five hours before kick-off.
Security in the stadium was stepped up for the final because of the presence of President Paul Biya and roads were blocked for several kilometres around the stadium since early morning.
Thousands more supporters were locked outside after tickets were given out free as "invites''.
There were three fan parks around Yaounde set up for people to see the game.
Ghana finished as bronze medallists after a 1-0 win over South Africa on Friday.(NAN)
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, has slashed fees paid by its students at the Ebonyi State University by N10,000 in a bid to end the prolonged agitation by students over the increase in school fees by the former administration of former governor Martin Elechi in the state.
Umahi had during his campaign promised to reduce the fees if he won the 2015 election.
The governor, spoke weekend during an interactive session with the management and staff of the university at Ezzamgbo, pointing out that the reduction would take effect from next year for both students of Ebonyi origin and non-indigenous people of the state.
The non-indigenes had been paying N128000 while those from the state paid N87,000 before this development, which was about the highest in the South East geopolitical zone.
Umahi
“Now, there is going to be conditional reduction of school fees. If there is any case of cultism I will reverse it. So, I have reduced every body’s school fees, both indigenes and non-indigenes by N10,000 each,” Umahi said.
He however, asked the students to avoid cultism and criminal tendencies in order to continue to enjoy the tuition reduction.
The governor had while announcing a donation of 3,000 bags of rice and N10 million for the students of the university as their Christmas gifts, over heard them chanting, “Reduce our fees, reduce our fees.”
He also donated two buses to the Students Union Government for easy transportation of students to lectures.
Earlier, he announced the donation of rice each to all staff of the university with N5m to be shared by all of them for the Yuletide just as he approved all promotions of university staff which had been kept put on hold for years and gave the university authorities N100m loan for agricultural activities, causing wild jubilations on campus.
Umahi also advised that for any student to graduate from the Department of Agriculture, he/she should have at least one hectare of farm.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Francis Idike who commended the governor for not only gazetting the university staff but bringing commendable changes to the system and assured the preparedness of the university community to support the vision and mission of his administration.
By Ishola Balogun Yuletide is here again with all its signs. The Lagos Street Party, a two-day street carnival, kicks off today on Victoria Island with 500,000 fun-makers converging to herald the advent of Yuletide.
Already, White Stars, an entertainment firm, has wrapped up "The Lagos Street Party (TLSP)" for residents to have fun and relax in spite of the country's economic conditions. Unlike One Lagos Fiesta conceived and driven by the state government, the street carnival, which kicks off today and ends tomorrow, is purely a private initiative. Though with support from the state government, White Stars came up with the initiative to enable residents enjoy Yuletide with some amusement. Executive Director of White Stars, Mr. Akin Akinyelure explained that the street carnival "is to provide a platform for the residents to relax and enjoy themselves within two days." He added that it would indeed offer real entertainment, live music, diverse cuisine and creative indigenous games in a beautiful environment.
The first day, according to him, will feature colourful cultural parades, displays, acrobatic acts and live performances by several musicians from Nigeria. He named some musicians that would play at the party to include Olamide, Phyno, MI Abaga, Kaffy and Ice Prince while some of the DJs are Humblesmith DJ Spinall, and DJ Lambo. Akinyelure, assured that the street carnival would truly be two days of amusement and fun. He also noted that the organisers would not limit the artistes "to a particular number. Several artistes will perform at the two-day party. While some will perform briefly, others may perform for a longer period."
The carnival will not leave any category of people behind, according to White Stars director. He said that there "is provision for senior citizens and elder statesmen at the carnival. We are planning something special for them in terms of high life music to make them relax and enjoy themselves within the two days."
Besides entertaining and fun-making, the carnival offers upcoming artisans and tradesmen opportunity to exhibit their skills and talent, which Akinyelure said, fit into the agenda of the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. Therefore, there will be a mini exhibition section at the carnival,
The Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said: "it is a gain of Lagos brand campaign, launched to showcase the state's potentials for tourism, arts and entertainment globally."
Ayorinde explained the significance of the street carnival, which he said, at least one million fun lovers across the state "are expected to attend. It is a mega street carnival to welcome Yuletide in an unusual way. It will also kick-start series of festivities lined up to celebrate Yuletide into New Year."
One daily basis, the commissioner said at least 500,000 persons "are expected each day, thus bringing the number of participants to one million. It will hold from mid-day to 12 midnight between December 3 and 4, 2016. The carnival will witness local and foreign visitors." Contrary to what some people think, he said, it will not kill other carnivals like One Lagos Fiesta, but complement them.
Ayorinde, equally, cited the gain of Light-up Lagos, which he said, gave residents confidence "to drive, even walk anytime. Under the Ambode administration, almost all highways, inner-city roads and streets have been lit. Aside, security operatives patrol all nooks and crannies of the state day and night. So, we have nothing to fear at all. We have made adequate security arrangement."
The commissioner explained that the street carnival "is in line with Ambode's initiative to use entertainment in driving the state economy and market the state's potentials to domestic and foreign investors," who he said, would contribute meaningfully towards making Lagos Africa's model megacity.
Traffic diversion
However, the street carnival will lead the closure of Ahmadu Bello Way, a major road on Victoria Island. Similarly, Tiamiyu Savage, Akin Adesola and Bishop Oluwole will be cordoned off on December 3 and December 4. But Ayorinde said alternative routes would be created for motorists.
Early this week, the Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Olarenwaju Elegushi allayed fear and panic the street carnival "has generated," noting that businesses "do not have to close down because of the carnival." Elegushi assured that adequate arrangement "has been made to ensure traffic flows with ease."
Elegushi, also gave details of roads and streets, which he said, would be affected by the street carnival. He said the whole stretch of Ahmadu Bello Way would be closed to vehicular movement.
Likewise, Tiamiyu Savage, Akin Adesola and Bishop Oluwole would consequently be condoned off.
Elegushi noted that those returning to Ahmadu Bello "will use Akin Adesola from where they could connect to Falomo. Also, those going to Falomo will use Akin Adesola to connect Falomo Bridge through Saka Tinubu through Karimu Kotun and Olosa Street," where he said, traffic operatives "have been stationed to ensure traffic flows.
It is no longer news that one of the biggest families dominating the entertainment scene is the Afolayans, children of late theatre legend, Adeyemi Afolayan popularly known as Ade Love.
However, we only hear the names of Kunle, Moji, Gabriel, Toyin and Aremu Afolayan on daily basis because of their roles in the entertainment industry.
It should also be noted that Gabriel Afolayan combines music with his acting career, but unknown to many, there is another son of Ade Love in the music industry whom we hardly talk about.
He is Ibukunolu Afolayan popularly known by fans as IB Kord.
•Ibukunolu Afolayan
The graduate of Civil Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, is a gospel artiste who delved into music decades ago.
Ibukunolu is also a notable music producer, composer and a creative concept developer from his polytechnic days. He has done a couple of radio jingles and TV adverts for corporate bodies and private business concern to his credit.
The multi-talented singer launched his debut album titled Confirmation, December 3, 2016 at RCCG Elim sanctuary, Dopemu, Lagos.
According to him, his passion for music was discovered from childhood when he made himself active in series of cultural activities during his primary and secondary school days.
His love for music became more pronounced as a teenager, when he served in various Church choirs as he was often attracted to musical shows in these churches.
Crimson Multimedia in conjunction with Blue Pictures on Friday Nov 18, 2016 released the popular J.K Rowling's movie, 'Fantastic Beast' in cinemas across Nigeria.
Days before the release, the two foremost distribution companies organised a private screening for entertainment industry stakeholders, members of the media and students from Royal Victory Edge, Ibafo -Ogun State.
•Fantastic Beast
The release of the first of a five-part franchise from the popular author ventured into the wizardry and magic which Harry Potter is renowned for. The movie has been described as a special movie which has the effect to sustain the attention of lovers of JK Rowlings' work The Fantastic Beast movie has lots of special cinematographic effects and action-packed theme, with plenty of hilarious moments which made the film more enjoyable to watch.
The movie was released across cinemas penultimate Friday and has been enjoying favourable reviews.
According to Joy Ilibeno Odiete, the CEO of Blue Pictures, Fantastic Beast will bring rich cinematic experience to viewers. 'We have always aimed at improving film experience of people going to cinemas, Fantastic Beast will reinforce that aim and give cinema goers values for their money'.
Popular Nollywood actor cum producer, Mike Ezuruonye's debut production, 'Brother Jekwu' was premiered on Sunday November 27, 2016 and had major Nigerian celebrities in attendance. The likes of Ufomma MacDermott, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Oge Okoye, Iyabo Ojo, Dayo Amusa, AY, Wofaifada, Bimbo Thomas, Eniola Badmus, Fathia Balogun, Seyi Law, Nedu (Wazobia FM), Yaw, Funny Bone, IK Ogbonna, E-Money and many others graced the premiere.
•Mike Ezuruonye (m) with other stars
The movie which was released in cinema on Friday December 2, 2016 stars talented actors and comedians such as Mike Ezuruonye, Angela Okorie, Funny Bone, Wofaifada, Nedu, Klint D Drunk, Huddah Monroe, Sabrina Stadler and so many others.
'Brother Jekwu' is set in Kenya and Nigeria and it stresses the adventure of travelling abroad in search of greener pastures, love and the beauty of Africa.
The very comical movie tells the story of a village man with native intelligence that is full of adventure, proud and conceited. He is lucky to make it to Kenya on the bill of his corrupt cousin where he gets lost in a tale of his adventure while exploring a new land and his encounter with other folks and two beautiful ladies led to the various comical scenes that add a twist to the story. The movie 'Brother Jekwu' was directed by renowned Nigeria director, Charles Uwagbai.
Nollywood diva and singer, Cossy Orjiakor has never had to worry who has charge of any hall she finds herself as she is sure to hug all the attention, thanks to her humongous boobs that never fail to be on a stake-out. She has been described on too many occasions as Nollywood's queen of boobs.
Her reign has even extended to every part of Africa and the world. Last year, she was honoured in Germany as one of the most daring actresses out of Africa. But the spot she enjoys as supremo uno in the mammary region is fast becoming crowded as more and more challengers are springing up, not only to compete with her but also taking the challenge to her doorstep.
Number one is Sarafina Onyekachi, who took the Nutty Queen on in the movie 'Ara Sarafina', where the duo went head to head in a boobs contest.
" Yes, there was boobs competition which I won. But I must confess Saraphina is bigger than me. I only won the contest because she failed a question and I was the next best and more enlightened, so, I won," Cossy would say of the movie contest afterward.
Number two is an unknown Instagram celebrity, who calls herself Roman Goddess. According to Cossy, the girl, who was a fan turned up on her birthday and pronto, Cossy had another challenge on her hands.
"She's a super sexy curvy chick," says Cossy. "She carry front, she carry back. She is too packaged. I must examine and evaluate this super sexy curvy chic. She's a good fan that has turned a friend" she said.
Number three is a Ghanaian upcoming actress and model called Duchess Ella. Unlike the duo mentioned earlier she has never met Cossy but people have been blowing up a possible confrontation between them. Duchess made a great hit with Instagram followers notching up close to fifty thousand followers.
She's very huge in the bosom but she doesn't flaunt it like Cossy or Roman Goddess. Just like Sarafina once said, " What's the use of flaunting my boobs when they are all out there for people to see". Duchess Ella must share the same belief.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the state will remain a PDP state despite what he described as the intimidation of the people by security agencies.
In a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike said that the support the State Government enjoys stems from the performance of his administration which had touched the lives of the ordinary people , positively .
The governor spoke during a Church Service to dedicate the PDP Campaign of Ikwerre /Emohua Federal Constituency .
Represented by his Chief of Staff , Engr Chukwuemeka Woke , the governor commended the people of the state for their support to his administration and the PDP .
The governor said: “As we prepare for the rerun elections , the members of the PDP in Emohua/ Ikwerre Federal Constituency resolved to dedicate their campaign to God.”
“We won before and we are going to win again. This state is a PDP state. No amount of manipulation or Federal might will take the will of the people from them. See the level of excitement and support for the PDP shows that the election has been won.”
Governor Wike added: “For those who are not preparing, who are busy forging result sheets, we will resist them. They cannot use such result sheets because they don’t have the people.”
“If you have the people that will vote for you, you will not look for fake result sheets . The people will cast their votes and their votes will count. Come December 10, PDP will conclude the remaining elections in victory by God’s grace .”
Nwanosike Samuel , Ikwerre Local Government Area Caretaker Committee Chairman said: “We decided to dedicate our Federal Constituency campaign to God because we require God’s blessing, wisdom , favour and protection to win again . ”
He said the will of the people will prevail despite the attempts at manipulation by some persons using security agencies .
John Wokoma, Caretaker Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area said the PDP Leadership in Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency has handed their campaign to God, urging them people to come out in their numbers to vote for PDP.
He said that PDP members should be law-abiding , but they must monitor the electioneering process from the beginning to the end.
The Abuja Carnival which began on Saturday recorded poor turnout of FCT residents due to the economic hardship in the country.
Some of the residents who spoke with newsmen, said that the carnival should not be the priority of the Federal Government, adding that measures should be taken to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.
This year's carnival was devoid of the usual fun fare that used to characterise the event.
In the past, the streets used to be lined up with residents of the FCT who created time to watch the event, while others simply closed down their businesses just to catch a glimpse of the street procession.
Even some designated streets of the FCT that were usually decorated for the carnival were left bare as they were not decorated.
Samuel Olawale, who was at a newspaper vendor's stand while the street procession was going on, said that though there was a bit of awareness on the carnival, "but the citizens are hungry''.
"I am aware of the carnival, flyers were distributed, but it is not masquerade dance that people want to hear.
"The president should know that people are hungry and are more interested in putting food on their table,'' he said.
Afolabi Alade, a taxi driver around Area One, however disagreed with the respondent above, saying that there was no awareness on the carnival, and it didn't hold in 2015.
"Other years when the carnival held, you would have seen the obvious signs on the road that carnival is holding.
"This time around, we did not see the signs compared to other years where the Police would have barricaded the roads and vacate us from our parks,'' Alade said.
According to him, the low awareness can be attributed to lack of interest from the Presidency to project the carnival.
The driver also concurred that there was massive starvation in the country and people were keen about their basic needs.
Naeema Abduraman, a spectator also agreed that the turnout was low and not really eventful considering the insecurity in the country.
"The carnival does not look eventful and people did not come out that much unlike the previous years.
"There is also insecurity in the country which will discourage people from participating.
"The most of it all is that the economic situation of the country is so bad and people will prefer to satisfy hunger before coming for carnival,'' Abduraman said.
Mrs Blessing Ayiba-Dusa, the Head Research, Documentation and Publication, Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, also agreed that the turnout of participants was poor, compared to previous years.
Ayiba-Dusa noted that celebrating the heritage and culture of the country was the common goal of the carnival.
"People didn't really come out for the carnival and for sure it is due to the hardship in the country.
"Whatever the situation is, the most important thing is that we are here to celebrate the common heritage and culture of our country.
"Bayelsa State is not regretting participating in the carnival, because we are celebrating one Nigeria,'' she said.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called for the sensitization of local communities across Africa in order to raise their consciousness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage against marauders.
The Minister made the call at the two-day International Conference on the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Conflicts Areas, which rounded off in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.
He said during the crisis in Mali in 2012-2013, the great majority of historic manuscripts which were saved were housed by family libraries, adding: ”These private individuals, knowing the inestimable value of these manuscripts, devised strategies that got them out of harm's way.”
Alhaji Mohammed said the $100 million Fund to be established for the purpose of protecting cultural heritage in areas of conflict should make provision for the sensitization campaign
”For us in Africa, the pivotal position of the local people cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, the international fund to be established should also cater for the sensitization of local people. Another point linked to the issue of funding is that in Africa, we lag behind in electronic preservation of heritage monuments, sites and manuscripts. The fund should also cater for this in the Internet age,” he said.
The Minister stressed the need for political will in order to sustain the efforts to protect cultural heritage in times of conflict.
Lai Mohammed
”I talk about political will because this will not be the first or only attempt that has been made to safeguard our cultural heritage during armed conflicts. There are historical precedents and existing legal framework in this regard. The 1954 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict and the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property readily come to mind here,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed disclosed that Nigeria has joined all the Conventions aimed at dealing with the threat to and destruction of cultural property, and that the country is now in the process of domesticating them.
”It is absolutely important for all the countries of the world to subscribe to all these conventions. Countries must show their deepest concern about cultural genocide being manifested in the the activities that have led to the convening of the conference. In addition to joining the treaties, it must be emphasized that nations must adopt or receive the Conventions into their domestic laws,” he said.
The Minister said Nigeria, like many other countries in the world, including Mali and Afghanistan, has recorded attacks on its cultural heritage, adding: ”One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, the Sukur Cultural Landscape in the North-eastern State of Adamawa, was not spared by the Boko Haram insurgency.”
While calling on States to declare as a war crime the intentional destruction of cultural heritage, he stressed the need to check the activities of those involved in the art trade as well as the universal or encyclopedic museums.
”The art trade, by which I mean auction houses – from the multi nationals like Christie's, Sotherby's and Bonhams to the lesser ones – must be held to greater accountability with regard to their patronage of individuals and groups who come to them with unprovenanced cultural heritage objects… The Universal Museums like the British Museum, the Louvre, the Prado and the Armitage should desist from purchasing objects of uncertain provenance,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
At the end of the conference, which was attended by representatives of 40 nations, including several Heads of State and Government, the Abu Dhabi Declaration for the establishment of the International Fund for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Armed Conflicts and the creation of an international network of safe havens to protect cultural property during armed conflict was adopted.
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
I have cousins who act – Uche and Chinelo Ndigwe. They were the ones who got me into the field. Uche’s friend at the time, who’s a big producer now, was working on a movie with a whole lot of cast and she needed kids. One day, she came to the house and I was just running my mouth. She had to ask me how old I was and I said six. When I was about eight, she was ready to shoot her movie.
She called my cousin and said she wanted me to be in her movie. My sisters taught me my lines and that was the first time I acted. I played the younger version of Genevieve Nnaji. That was in the year 2000 and it was the movie ‘The Cast Away’. It affected my school, so my dad said I wasn’t going to act again because I went all the way from the first to ninth position in class.
My dad was so pissed. Then again, when I was in SS1, my cousin came back from London and she wanted to produce a movie and she needed young people, so she put me in it. That was where I met Desmond Elliot and I tried to sell him a script. It was the first time I ever wrote a script, though it wasn’t a full script, it was more like a scene break-down.
He liked the story and so I gave it to him. The next year, my cousin was ready to shoot another film in London and she wanted me to play a lead role in it. But I couldn’t get the visa then due to some glitches. I was unhappy, but she called and told me Emem Isong was doing an audition. After auditioning for her, she gave me a role in her series ‘Catwalq’ and from there, the rest is history.
That was my first audition and it was pretty amazing. She gave me two totally different characters and asked me to choose one. I didn’t know which one to take and so I asked her if I could play the two characters. I guess I impressed her because I was switching from being happy to really sad. She was so impressed and called the attention of some people working with her to come and watch me.
After that, I went for other auditions, I got picked for Tinsel, Dear Mother and many others. I never got picked for movies but I was picked for series. From there, I wrote a script ‘Damage’ for Uche Jombo and I also played a role in the movie. That was pretty much how I started.
How has it been for you so far?
I’ve been really blessed, because so many people who tried to come into the industry at my age got misled. I met the good, the bad and the ugly. A few people tried to sexually harass me and deceive me that I had to be certain way before I can act. But I was just blessed to be smarter than my age. I came into the industry after my SS3. At that time, I had written about fifteen scripts.
But I was scared because people told me that they’d steal my scripts and not give me credit and all. I held them so closely to myself and I only gave out ‘Damage’. Damage didn’t get me as much credit or acknowledgment as I expected in the script writing area and so I hid the rest. Within one year of waiting for admission, I had done eleven films and I had won an award as the Best Young Actor, BON Awards 2011.
Nicole Ndigwe
Given your experience, what’s your impression of Nollywood?
Nollywood is a very competitive industry. Everybody wants to be the best. Everybody is running their own race, so you have to be on top of your game to be an achiever. Nollywood is an industry where only the smart, the lucky and the best can survive. You need to be both book-smart and street-smart. You’ll meet different type of people, the horrible ones and the ones who just want the best for you.
Having done movies and TV series, how would you assess both?
I really like movies. I don’t like things that stretch. I think I have a bit of impatience in me, so I like to do something and get it over with. That’s why I take my writing so special, because it takes time and patience. For TV series, having to be on a set in the same place for three months, it takes discipline. I’m claustrophobic. I can’t bath in a small bathroom. The truth is movies are easier for me. You get into a particular character and in two weeks you’re out of it. You do not have to be someone-else for eight or fifteen weeks.
What’s that thing that gives you an edge over others?
I don’t want to gloat, but I think it’s my mind. My mind is my favorite part of my body. I’m not someone who’s superficial. I used to be a tomboy, though I’ve become more of a lady now. It’s a punishment for me to wake up in the morning and apply body lotion. I prefer to just clean my body and get into my outfit. So, when I’m asked what distinguishes me or gives me an edge over others – It’s my mind.
How has that helped or advanced your career?
It has helped in the way I view things and people. People find it easy to connect with me. I don’t see anyone as better or lesser than me. I don’t even notice how people look at me. There’s nobody I can see now and not be able to talk to. My biggest regret in life… I have a regret and that’s one thing I hate because I don’t want to regret anything in life. I regret one thing in life – being in a room for forty minutes with Dangote and I had nothing to say to him. I had gone to do my passport and he came into the office (of the head) where I was and sat to wait for his passport. If I had met him today, I would give him four business proposals. (Laughs)
What influences the kind of roles you choose to do?
I think it’s first of all, my dad. My dad is too involved in my career. My mother is more like ‘Are you sure this is really what you want to do?’ He roots for me. Every single thing I do, my dad wants to watch, not because he wants to check if it’s good or bad, but because he wants to be a part of it. My dad comments on every of my Facebook posts. So sometimes, before taking up a role, I’m like ‘What would daddy say?’.
So, you’re saying there are certain roles you wouldn’t do?
Yes there are some, unless it’s for a cause. Right now, I’m about to do a film with Emem Isong. It’s something on sexual reproductive health rights. It has to do with genital mutilation and all that, so I don’t know what would be expected of me, but it’s for two organisations who are partnering to push this information. Those are the kind of films I would consider, like a film on breast cancer where I know it’s important for that kind of thing. But not just kiss and get up, those things that writers just write because they can write.
Are you saying you’ve never kissed on set?
Not until this year. I had to do it with Bimbo Manuel. Oooh, it was the scariest thing in my life. He saw that I was struggling, he was wise to have covered it and then we played the rest as if we were… The first one I rejected, I was only twenty then. There’s an age I would get to – say 27, 28 and you require certain things of me. I’m an adult and of age, then I would say maybe I want to do this. But at a time when you answer to mummy and daddy, even though you might not be under their roof and immediate care, but the respect you have for them at that time counts.
Any awkward moment so far as an actor?
Yes, I remember! The day I cried on the set of ‘Tinsel’. I had a crush on Gbenro Ajibade. Then I was really young, about eighteen or so. I was picked, though I missed the major audition. They said they were looking for someone to play ‘Shalewa’, she’s like ‘Jenifa’. And they weren’t sure If I would be able to play it because I speak well. I knew I could do it if I put my heart to it, but I didn’t want something that would stereotype me.
Eventually, I said I can’t play it. The director asked about my past works and got my details. Then, eleven days later, I was called to come and pick up the script. When I got there, I saw 23 other people, I was the 24th person for the same role. I was very scared because the other girls looked more exposed than I was. But I prayed, I actually used to pray a lot then.
At the end, we were three that were chosen and I got the main role and the others were chosen as extras. So the next day when I came on set, it felt so unreal because I’ve always watched Tinsel on TV and wished to be like the stars. It was unbelievable. So I was acting with Gbenro Ajibade, Linda Ejiofor, Ireti Doyle… When they said ‘action’, I was shaking to my bones.
They tried to calm me and then I started crying too, because I was so nervous. Gbenro came to me, held me and said ‘You can do it. You’ve already done the hard part, this is the easy part.’That really touched me and I started shivering and tears were flowing. Aunty Ireti Doyle took me outside and encouraged me. She spoke to me like a mother, cleaned my eyes and hugged me and she said ‘Go in there and kill it’. I eventually went in and I killed it.
After the shoot, Gbenro was like ‘Why?’ and I said ‘It was because of you. I always see you on TV and I couldn’t believe I was acting next to you’. He was like ‘Really?’ and we laughed. Eventually, I left. I didn’t even take a picture that day. I was just dazed that I did Tinsel. That was my most embarrassing moment. (Laughs). I cried because of Gbenro. I saw him recently at a show I organised with some friends in UNILAG and we laughed over it.
Abuja – Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on Friday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on emerging security challenges in the state occasioned by increasing influx of Boko Haram insurgents into Falgore forest in the state.
Ganduje was reacting to questions from State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
""I came to brief Mr President on the security situation in Kano especially on the fallout from the North Eastern part of this country in which some of the Boko Haram (insurgents) kidnappers will like to dominate Falgore where they will be operating to other parts of the North Western part of the country.
""So, the security agencies are working very hard and a lot of arrest had been made, investigation is going on.
""We will not allow them to dominate Kano and to make it as a launching pad.
""Certainly, we expect if they are dismantled from the North East part of this country they will find another location and Kano being an older city, is an attractive place for such elements to come in,'' he said.Ganduje
According to him, security agencies have apprehended three persons believed to be leaders of the criminal group.
The governor, who is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress' Technical Committee on Rivers by-elections, expressed optimism that all the APC candidates would emerge victorious in the exercise.
He said the APC would ensure a free and fair election in the state.
"We have fresh ideas even though the environment in Rivers is quiet different. We are consulting, we are coordinating and this time around, like in Ondo state, we must ensure free and fair election.
""You know in that part of the country, having free and fair election is not normal and we must make it normal this time around. We must make sure that there is security so that people can come out and vote and vote the person they like.
"That is our main preoccupation at the moment. We are making wider consultations with stakeholders and we believe we will succeed,'' he said.
Arik Air Lagos-bound passengers from New York who have been stranded since Thursday may now be lifted on Sunday, three days after their scheduled flight back to Nigeria.
The passengers had finished boarding Thursday at the JFK Airport when one of those loading cargo items into the aircraft accidentally bore a hole on the aircraft with a Forklift, causing a damage that compelled the airline to cancel the flight and asked the passengers to disembark.
The passengers spent almost the whole day at the airport as police report had to be obtained before their luggages could be released to them. Again, police wondered why the airport staff caused such a damage on the aircraft and had to begin investigations.
Arik airline does not have partnership with any airline that operates the New York route and could not move its passengers to another airline. They were making efforts to now fly the passengers back to Lagos on Sunday.
“We are sorry for what happened. It was not our fault. We will lift the passengers on Sunday which will be about midnight Saturday in New York,” a senior staff of the airline said Friday, adding that the aircraft that would lift the stranded passengers would leave Lagos tomorrow.
The airline quartered their stranded passengers in Radisson Hotel New York.
One of the ponzi schemes in Nigeria, Ultimate Cycler has crashed, sending panic waves across many of its Nigerian members who have invested their money in it as well as those who have equally invested in others such as MMM.
The ponzi website, Ultimate Cycler went down early Thursday morning, specifically around 10:30am(Nigerian time), shutting out every member who owns an account with it.
When accessed, the site initially displayed an error line of code, before displaying "Error 500" in bold letters, then it proceeded to display another message: "Be right back. We are currently updating the site to give you a more pleasurable experience and will be back online shortly. Our update estimation is to be complete over the next 6 – 12 hours. Thank you, Peter Wolfing."
Ultimate Cycler is a new ponzi scheme that followed MMM. This new money doubling scheme claims a promise of better returns on invested money than MMM.
The hook for Ultimate Cycler is members get a return of N50,000 after paying N12,500 to a fellow member he or she registered under.
As at the time of filing this report, the ponzi website has still not come to life.
Dangers for members who have invested in it or others like MMM is that when such websites go down, chances are that it never comes up again and hence, “investors'” money goes with it.
So, will Ultimate Cycler ever come back to life? This is question on the minds of every member.
Abakaliki – President Muhammadu Buhari will visit Ebonyi in March, 2017 to inaugurate three flyover projects being constructed by the state government.
The three flyovers, being constructed on the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal highway, is part of the trans-Saharan route to Cameroon.
Gov. David Umahi made the annoucement on Friday during his inaugural visit to the permanent site of Ebonyi State University.
He said: "the projects are in their eight months of construction and they are expected to be completed by March to be inaugurated by the President.
"Despite the criticisms that initially trailed their construction, the flyovers will enhance our infrastructural well-being and save lives lost on the road.
"In realisation that this institution is situated few meters from the road, we constructed a pedestrian crossing at junction of the school due to deaths of students on the road.
"My wife witnessed an accident at the junction where two students were killed by a vehicle and we decided to construct the pedestrian crossing to forestall further loss of lives."
The governor announced that a 'boxed-house' would also be constructed at the junction for the relaxation of the students while waiting to board buses to their various destinations.
"We have procured a 50-KVA solar-powered generator to ensure constant electricity supply at the junction to save lives," he said.
Umahi used the occasion to announce N10, 000 reduction in the school fees paid by all categories of students of the university.
He said that the students pay the highest amount of school fees in the South-East and South-South zones of the country.
"The reduction is however conditional because when there are reported cases of cultism and other vices in the institution, I will reverse the decision.
"The school has the highest number of staff in both zones; university community is not a place to share money in the name of social security.
"We will also reflect the 'state character' in our forthcoming substantive appointments in the university to give the 13 Local Government Areas, a sense of belonging," he said.
Umahi also announced the presentation of 3,000 (25kg) bags of rice and N5 million to staff of the institution for their Christmas celebration.
"We also present 3, 000 (25kg) bags of rice and N10 million to the students for their Christmas celebration," he said.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Francis Idike, thanked the governor for the visit, saying it signifies great tidings for the institution.
"We will continue to provide academic excellence to the students and collaborate with the government to enhance the state's educational sector," he said.
Prof. Ndubisi Idenyi, Chairman of the University's branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), also commended the governor for the visit.
He said that the governor had made `significant concessions' since the last meeting the leadership of the union had with him.
"We however plead that you implement our 2013/14 promotions especially the professorial ones and grant us additional salary payment (13th month) paid to other categories of workers in the state," he said.
Ibadan Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday in Ibadan reiterated that Nigeria's future was bright in spite of the pains caused by the economic challenge the country was currently experiencing.
Osinbajo gave the assurance in Ibadan at the burial ceremony for Prophetess Christiana Abiara, the wife of Prophet Samuel Abiara, the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide.
The deceased died on Sept. 3, and was aged 70 years.
The vice president said there was nothing good that comes without pains, adding that the current hardship was " a road to bliss and will soon pass.''Osinbajo
He thanked God for the life of the deceased whom he said worshipped God as a Christian and bequeathed such on her children.
Osinbajo, who commiserated with the family on behalf of the Federal Government, said that Prophet Abiara had continued to serve God faithfully and would continue in this service inspite of his loss.
"Abiara is one of the fathers of faith in the country. He prays everyday for the people and the country at large. His prayers have helped us a lot.
"When I was nominated as the Vice Presidential candidate of my party, he was the second person I contacted after Pastor Enoch Adeboye. He counselled and prayed for me.
"Sir, you have chosen to serve God and I pray you will see it to the end. May God bless your seeds," he said.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said that the deceased was divinely blessed, adding that he had no doubt that she was resting on the right hand of God.
"The prophetess died peacefully and left behind good fruits. She was extremely godly.
" Mama lived an exemplary and fulfilled life.
"The greatest form of godliness is service to humanity. She served humanity, was very inspirational and fearless," Ajimobi said.
Ajimobi stated that the late Abiara was impactful, forgiving and accommodating in her lifetime.
In his sermon, Pastor Samuel Oladele urged the people to be patient in all their dealings in life, adding that with God there would be triumph over tribulation.
Oladele, the General Superintendent of CAC Worldwide, said that death was inevitable for all and life was very short, urging all to avoid procrastination in serving God.
He stated that the first duty of every human being on earth was to know, worship and serve God.
In his remarks, Abiara appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari, Osinbajo, Ajimobi and others for standing with the family.
Abiara urged Nigerians to keep faith with the present administration, saying the nation would soon witness prosperity.
"Please, don't listen to prophets of doom. The remaining part of the year will bring peace to you all," he said.
The remains of the late prophetess was committed to mother earth at the church premises.
In attendance were former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala and his wife, Kemi, former Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the wife of Oyo State Governor and Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, the Ogun Deputy Governor.
Others were Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Folu Adeboye, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, members of Oyo State Executive Council and other clerics.
Bloodshot eyes can be a sign of many things from dry eyes, too little sleep, or even overdoing it on certain eye drops, but whatever the reason, red eyes can spark a lot of questions from people wondering if you're sick, upset, or with a hangover.
Dryness
When your eyes are dry, they become irritated and inflamed. It's the inflammation that causes the redness. Dry eye is more common in adults over 50, but it often affects younger people who spend a lot of time staring at computer or cell phone screens. You don't blink as much when you look at screens, which cause dryness. Artificial tears can moisten your eyes, which reduces inflammation and eases the redness.
To keep the problem from coming back, try to blink more when you're at your computer. You can also try the 20-20-20 rule to help reset your blinks and reduce the dry-eye issues caused by staring at your computer: Every 20 minutes you're in front of a screen, focus on something 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. If that doesn't help, you could have chronic dry eye, so see your doctor.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergens like pollen and grass can cause swelling and inflammation in your eyes, which can lead to redness. Because allergies also tend to make your eyes itchy, you end up rubbing them, which creates even more inflammation and redness. Other symptoms include itchiness, sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.
To fix it, ease the redness and inflammation by applying cold compresses to your eyes for 15 minutes several times a day. Then, talk with your primary care doctor to figure out the best way to keep your allergies under control. He or she might recommend antihistamines, which decrease your body's response to allergens and ease inflammation. But because antihistamines make your eyes dry, you might also have to use artificial tears to prevent dryness and redness.
Medication
Antihistamines aren't the only medications that can potentially dry out your eyes and leave them red. Sleeping pills, anti-anxiety meds, and even pain relievers like ibuprofen can also cause dryness and redness.
These medications can reduce blood flow to tissue in and around your eye, making it dry and red. Get quick relief from the dryness—and redness—with artificial tears. But for longer-term relief, talk with the doctor who prescribed your medication. He or she may be able to adjust your dose, or offer an alternative prescription with fewer side effects.
Not getting enough sleep
Whether you stayed up late watching Netflix or spent half the night tossing and turning, your eyes will probably look a little bloodshot in the morning. The eyes need to be closed for an extended period of time for your tear layers to regenerate and replenish. And loss of tears leads to redness.
The eyes' muscles need to recharge overnight. If they don't get enough rest, you'll have a harder time focusing on things both close up and far off. To fix it, artificial tears can help you re-moisturize your parched tear layers. Getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep can keep the dryness from coming back.
Too much alcohol
Alcohol causes your blood vessels to relax. That allows more blood to flow through the vessels in your eyes, so they look redder. Other symptoms include headache, dehydration, nausea, and feeling like garbage overall. Use an over-the-counter eye whitening drop. It works by constricting blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to your eyes so they look less red. It'll ease the redness within 15 minutes or so.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke causes the blood vessels in your eyes to constrict, which dries out the surface of your eyes. When your body senses the dryness and lack of blood flow, it tries to compensate by dilating your blood vessels. And that means more redness. In the long-term, the blood vessel constricting-effects of smoking (or exposure to secondhand smoke) can raise your risk for macular degeneration and cataracts—which can cause vision loss and even blindness. If you smoke, take steps to quit. If not, seek fresh air. Your eyes should clear in about an hour.
Pinkeye
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a viral or bacterial infection that can strike in one or both eyes. It's highly contagious, so it's easy to spread from one eye to the other by just rubbing your eyes. The infection causes inflammation in and around your eye, which makes it look red and swollen.
By Emmanuel Elebeke Nokia on Thursday, announced its intentions to launch android powered smart phones in first quarter of 2017.
The HMD Global, which announced this in a statement said Nokia hopes to become a major player in the global smartphone market.
Its path to reaching that goal according to HMD Global will begin in the first half of 2017 with the arrival of the first Nokia-branded smartphone products running Google's Android mobile operating system.
The company has enlisted the help of FIH Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of Foxconn, to handle manufacturing duties.
Led by a number of former Microsoft and Nokia employees, HMD Global said it has given Nokia brand the best chance yet to succeed in a smartphone-first world.
''Given today's fiercely competitive landscape and the fact that several key markets are becoming saturated, finding success won't be easy,'' it said.
Before Google, Apple, Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony, Huawei and a host of other modern-day handset makers rose to prominence, Nokia ruled the roost. From the late '90s through the early 2000s, mobile phones like the Nokia 5110 and Nokia 3310 were ubiquitous.
Much like BlackBerry years later, Nokia became content with its lead and failed to make the transition to smartphones. A series of failed ventures with Microsoft over the last several years did little to help the cause.
In May of this year, Microsoft sold off what was left of the feature phone business to Finnish firm HMD Global. The company also signed a licensing deal that gives it exclusive use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets for the next decade. With this development, only time will tell, if Nokia could breakthrough into the already saturated Smartphone market in 2017.
Financial technology giant SystemSpecs emerged 'Online Payments Processing Company of the Year' at the just-concluded Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA) which held in Lagos recently.
The City Mall venue of the event saw over 40 nominee-organisations across the economic spectrum jostling for recognition over ICT compliance in 2016. SystemSpecs stood out from the pack for the pivotal role its fintech software Remita has played in online processing within the period.CEO, Peace Consult Ltd, Mr. Ufot E. Ufot presenting the Best Online Payment Processing Company of the Year award to Social Media Executive, SystemSpecs, Adewale Adetana and Brand/Events Executive, Systemspecs Damilola Ogundipe,during the 2nd edition of the Nigeria Technology Award ceremony in Lagos recently
Remita aggregates multiple bank accounts, giving customers the ability to perform the complete suite of eTransactions. It is also a useful tool for major billers, offering multiple payment options, generating instant receipts and transaction reports. Most notably, Remita is also the payment gateway for the revolutionary Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.
Since inception, the policy has reportedly instilled fiscal transparency and proper monitoring of financial transactions in the public service, enabling the government take full control of over N4.3 trillion of its cash assets as of Q4 2016.
"We are deeply appreciative of this special industry recognition of Remita in the fintech space," said SystemSpecs Managing Director John Obaro while commenting on the company's most recent win. "With this award, SystemSpecs is further encouraged to raise the bar in e-payment solutions that meet the needs of our teeming clients and the general public."
Since 2012, SystemSpecs has been winning series of awards for its role in driving financial technology adoption in Nigeria. In October 2016, the company was recognised as the ICT/Telecom Company of the Year at the Annual Leadership Award in Abuja.
Earlier in July, the company also got accolades as the 'Pan-African Software Solution of the Year' and the 'Most Revolutionary e-Government Solution of the Year' at the Titans of Tech Awards.
Nothing could have made me miss Omo’s wedding last week in Ilesha, Osun State, South-West, Nigeria. Those who know her would know why it was a must for some of us, her childhood friends. Her story is a testimony and inspiration for those waiting on the Lord for a miracle. It was a small but classy event, dinning and clinking of glasses, sweat drenched dancing and singing, we had great fun till late into the night.
For Omo as we fondly call her, it was a day worth every second of the long wait. I got her consent to share her story shortly before the wedding. As you read, may God meet you at your point of need too..
“At my age, some of my friends are already grandmothers. But I would soon be a bride and beginning a whole new life. At 49, it’s been a long time coming, but God knows best because He created us and is the author and finisher of our fate. Not man, not the enemy and not even us. I am believing in God that this time next year, I will hold my own baby too. The Lord who provided a husband would provide a child too.
I am also happy that my parents are alive to witness and share in my joy. My mother gave up on me a long time ago, in fact, everyone had written me off until now. Nobody thought I would ever marry.
Growing up, one would have thought that marriage would be paramount on my mind because of my mother’s fixation with the institution. My mother married my father at the age of 18 but she had just two of us. She says it was not by choice, but for the fact that she was always having miscarriages.
At a very early age, she began counselling me on the need to find a good man and marry early, so that I could give her grandchildren as soon as possible. In retrospect, I believe I started resenting marriage from that point. By the time I got to the university, I just wanted to have a boyfriend and enjoy myself like any young person would.
I was not worried about getting married because I believed that it would come naturally. Besides, I had my own plans about marriage, who I wanted to marry and how it would take place. I had my dream man. A tall, handsome, rich and very sociable guy, because I am an extrovert too. But top on the list was that I would never be a second wife.
I had graduated at 22, served the NYSC and at 25 had secured my first job at an Insurance company from where I moved into banking. Life was good and I was enjoying it. I did not really start giving things a serious thought until I’d crossed the ‘great 30 years’ and I still had not met someone I considered suitable. Many of the guys I dated did not fall into my classification of a husband.
Looking back, I did not understand why I dated them in the first place. And I had quite a number of them. As a rule, those that fitted my mother’s profile of a good husband were never considered as I did not want to live by her standards. Unfortunately, the few I really liked did not reciprocate my feelings. So, as time ticked away, I found myself still searching while many of my friends were already having their second or third babies. Eventually, I realised that the older I became, the more difficult it was to find a husband.
Many of the guys my age prefer to marry younger girls. They don't want the older ladies because they think they are already damaged and condemned goods. It's like, if you are not a virgin, at 30 and above, how come none of those men you’ve dated did not marry you? Two reasons, it is either the men did not consider you a wife material, or you could not submit yourself to the authority of a man.
Then, they start to insult you by laying all manner of conditions and its usually about money and pregnancy. Many think that older women will have problems conceiving a child since they might have messed up prior. This is something that gets the raw side of me. Is it not God that gives children? How do you determine who will or will not have children after marriage? Even virgin brides do have delays. I just wanted someone I would like considerably and who would be ready to marry me unconditionally, regardless of what his family or friends may think.
By the time I turned 40, I was forced to move out of the house as I was convinced that my mother already despised me. All I could see was bitterness in her eyes whenever she looked at me. I ensured that she lacked for nothing, yet she was not happy with me. We’d fought uncountable number of times over the years on the same issue, disowning and reclaiming me as her child severally.
When she became convinced I would never marry, she began begging me for a grandchild. Just get a baby. Any lunatic could father it for all she cared. My younger brother had given her a grandchild by one of his girlfriends and ran away to America because of her troubles. On my case, she would go from one church to another, fasting, praying and doing all sorts. Initially, I was unfazed by everything, but after an unpleasant and humiliating encounter with a former boyfriend, I decided it was time I gave her a chance to assist me.
At the time, I had just met this guy who obviously had all the qualities I wanted. He was 42 and I, 36 and we both had great jobs. The problem was that he had a roving eye and all the ladies also loved him. Only he loved himself more. So, I gave her his name and the other things required. She took me to a man whom she said was introduced to her by a friend as one who could perform wonders.
But after spending about N170,000 and eating something that looked like a cooked rat, the guy bade me goodbye to marry a young girl he’d sponsored to America for a Masters Degree. It was humiliating, but the man had excuses for what happened. It was either the guy or the young girl was very spiritually strong. The man assured me that I would soon find another guy, if only I could perform a spiritual cleansing of my head and follow his instructions first.
Normally, someone must be fingered as being responsible for my situation and the obvious culprit just had to be someone close to us. The man assured us that after the ritual, I will have men queuing for my hand. He said as soon as I meet three men that I like, I should bring their names so that he can check them spiritually to pick the one we should concentrate on.
But this was not to be because I did not see the admirers he talked about. Instead, I kept meeting married ones, old and young. He would have collected more if I'd allowed my mother to cajole me much longer.
Once you have a problem, that is where your weakness will be. So, another time, I allowed a friend to take me to another spiritualist. It was a white garment church. My friend at the time was married but yet to have a child. And after four years, her in-laws were becoming cold towards her even though her husband kept assuring her of his love. So, she was gathering experience in that terrain.
After the prophet finished praying for us, he told me that wicked people from my father’s family were behind my problem. We will begin the work with spiritual cleansing. First, he would prepare some potions with which I will have a bath, drink, eat and even rub on my body. The bath will be the final cleansing before the prayers for husband could begin.
I think he charged about N15.000,00 for everything. My second visit was to collect the potions and the third would be the spiritual bath. On the set date for the bath, I had to go alone since my friend did not have an appointment with him. He had other visitors, so he asked me to wait as my own was a special case and he wanted to supervise by himself. I was happy.
Finally, he was through and they all left. He turned to me and began praying fervently into the water and sponge that I would use for the holy bath. I felt so impressed by the prayers that I was also moved by the spirit. At that moment, I had no doubt in my mind he was a man of God. Then I went for the bath. Prior to this, he had told me that we would be going to a nearby stream for this bath, but I had refused, insisting that I could not take a bath in a public place where anyone I know could seen me.
So, he agreed that I could have the bath at the church premises as long as the water for the bath touched the earth. After my bath, he told me that I had to rub my body with something he had prepared for me. I was led into a room beside the church. Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind, clamping his filthy hands around my breasts. I was alarmed.
I turned around to find the prophet and pushed him off, asking if this was his idea of doing God's work. He mumbled some spiritual jargons and lunged for me again. I slapped his face, threatening to scream and draw the attention of other workers in the compound. Quickly, he apologised and said he was tempted by the devil. He said he'd been watching me and wondering why such a beautiful girl like me would be finding it difficult to get a husband, and swore that it was the work of my mother's enemies.
He promised to defeat them for me. I quickly wore my clothes and bade him goodbye. All the way home, I kept thinking about what could have happened between me and the prophet. I had been hearing of these prophets luring women into their beds but I used to think that the women must have asked for it. When it happened to me, I realised that I was wrong. His charm had either failed or he had not bothered to use one, believing that I would be an easy prey.
It was after this experience that I resolved to surrender everything to God. I became born again and rededicated myself to my work, my family and the church. When I turned 40, with the support of my pastor I was able to convince my parents and moved into my own apartment. Until God perfected my own miracle”.
Congratulations once again, dear Omo, as you step into your new world!! It is well with you.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has hailed the Federal High Court, Abuja judgement, ordering the release of the leader of the Shi'ite Muslim sect, Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife, as well as payment of payment of N50 million damages awarded against the Department of State Service (DSS).
The governor, who had called for the release of El-Zakzaky two weeks ago, however said he won’t be surprised if the federal government does not obey the judgment, adding that; “The judgement will be for posterity even if in their usual style of impunity, those holding power in Abuja ignore the judgment.”
He called on men of the judiciary to save democracy in Nigeria as well as Nigerians from tyranny by being courageous and firm even in the face of intimidation, harassment, blackmail and character assassination by those whose desire is to muscle opposition and turn Nigeria to as one party state.
In a statement issued on Friday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose reiterated his earlier call on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Amnesty International and other world bodies to investigate extra judicial killings in the country in the last 15 months, especially the murder of over 300 Shi’ite Muslims in Zaria and killing of over 150 Biafra activists.Fayose
He said under international human rights law governing the use of firearms during policing operations, the intentional use of lethal force is only permitted when strictly unavoidable, to protect life.
Governor Fayose noted that the detention since last year December, of El-Sakzaky, after the murder of over 300 of his followers was inhuman and wicked, saying; “the DSS claim that El-Sakzaky was being detained to protect him is not only laughable but barbaric. How can you keep someone in detention for 12 months and claim that you are protecting him? Against what?”
The governor, who described the APC led federal government as law breaker, noted that “the kind of impunity against the law of Nigeria being witnessed now has never happened before. Even the military still obeyed court judgements but here we are with a democratically elected government that holds our constitution with contempt.”
“I congratulate Justice Gabriel Kolawole and the entire judiciary for once against giving Nigerians hope that democracy can still survive and rule of law can still be sustained.
“The judiciary must remain steadfast in its uphold of the rule of law, so as to save Nigerians who are now being held by the jugular by those who do not want anyone that is not in the same political camp with them to exist,” he said.
MultiChoice Nigeria, has concluded plans to broadcast live the Sunny on Sunday concert on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29 on Sunday, December 11.
The world-class concert which will hold at Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island, Lagos, marks the grand finale of the 70th birthday celebration of one of Nigeria's music maestros, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade.
After decades of superlative performances as a Juju exponent, King Sunny Ade, who is understandably one of Nigeria's music greats, turned 70 on September 22, 2016. For those that do not know, the Grammy-award nominee has been performing on stage for upwards of 50 years. He has under his kitty over 70 albums, including collaborations with artistes such as Steve Wonder, Many Dibango, Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keia, among many others.
Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, speaking on the collaboration, said: "We are proud to celebrate Nigeria's foremost Juju exponent who, for over 50 years, has consistently made great music, videos, and art that have become legendary. As an undisputed authority in the Nigerian music industry, King Sunny Ade, has continued to earn more respect from his increasing and wider audience home and abroad.
We are aware of his contribution to the growth of the industry and that is why we are partnering with Temple Management Company to bring this historic celebration to our subscribers through a live broadcast."
Awka – The Nigerian Army has reacted to the controversy and tension being generated in the South East over the one-month field training code-named 'Exercise Python Dance' in the zone.
The Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the 82 Division, Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement in Awka on Friday, described the apprehension among the people as misplaced.
H said that since Nov. 27 when the exercise began simultaneously in the five states in the zone, various groups, including human rights activists, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and others had called for its suspension.
He said that the exercise was not targeted at any individual or group of people.
Musa said it was purely a command post and field training meant to enhance troops preparedness across spectrum of contemporary security challenges peculiar to the South East region.
"For emphasis and clarity, Exercise Python Dance is not targeted at MASSOB/IPOB or any individual or group. It is only a field training exercise.
"It is designed to, where necessary, dovetail into real time activities such as anti kidnap drills, patrols, raids, cordon and search, check points, road blocks and show of force.
"This is with the aim of checkmating anticipated rising wave of crimes usually prevalent during the yuletide,'' he said.
Musa recalled that similar exercises were successfully conducted in different regions of the country.
"For instance, Exercise Shirin Harbi was conducted from April 17 to April 19 in 3rd Division to take care of insurgency, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes in the North East region.
"Similarly, Exercise Harbin Kunama was held in 1 Division from July 9 July 15 to rid the North West region of banditry, insurgency and cattle rustling, among other menaces.
"Also, Exercise Crocodile Smile was conducted from Sept. 5 to Sept. 10 in the Niger Delta region with an overarching aim of reducing incidences of illegal bunkering, oil theft, sea piracy and other peculiar criminalities.
"These exercises were, in all standards, successful,'' he said.
Consequently, in the same vein, Exercise Python Dance has been planned for the South East region from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27..
"The prevalent security issues such as armed robbery, banditry, kidnappings, herdsmen-farmers clashes, communal clashes and violent secessionist attacks, among other security threats in the region, would be targeted.
"Members of the public are therefore requested to disregard the unfounded fear and allegations orchestrated by ill-meaning individuals and groups that the exercise is a plot to kill IPOB members.
"This assertion is not only insidious and mischievous, is also devious and bunkum and should be disregarded, please,'' Musa said.
Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to declare open the Chief of Army Staff's annual conference for 2016 scheduled to take place in Owerri from Dec. 4 to Dec. 10.
According to a statement issued by the army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman on Friday in Abuja, the theme of conference is "Consolidating on the Gains of Counter Insurgency Operations Toward Achieving National Security".
Usman said that the conference which was part of activities in the Nigerian army's forecast of events was designed to critically appraise its activities and operations in the preceding year.
According to him, it will also make projections for the incoming year.
He said that in line with the theme, special emphasis and appraisal of the counter insurgency and military operations in the North-East and South-South regions, as well as other operations would feature prominently.
"The conference appraisal is aimed at making the Nigerian Army more responsive in the fulfillment of its constitutional role of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria and providing aid to civil authorities.
"The choice of holding it in the South-East region of the country is in consonance with COAS' desire of moving the hierarchy of the army to dialogue with all regions of the country.
"This is to tailor security solutions peculiar to the people closely affected with their active participation,'' he said.
Usman noted that it was in that light that "Exercise Python Dance" would feature as part of the activities for the conference.
"Exercise Python Dance, a field training exercise is designed to exercise troops in the South-East region of the country,'' he said.
Usman said that as part of the Nigerian army's corporate social responsibility and to further enhance civil-military relations, the Nigerian Army Medical Corps would be deployed to selected communities in the region to providing free medical services. (NAN)
BY UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE ABA- As some groups within the South East zone continue to condemn the Operation Python Dance recently launched by the Nigerian Army, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, has described the operation as a measure intended to stop the agitation for an independent state of Biafra and destabilize Ndigbo, but would fail.
The organization lamented that Ndigbo had gone through much hatred, marginalization, harassment and killings from the Nigerian security forces since the civil war years and urged the federal government to dismantle the operation python dance in the interest of the people.
Chief MASSOB Leader, Solomon Chukwu, who spoke through the organization's National Director of Information, Sunny Okereafor, alleged that Operation Python Dance was meant to place the South East zone under siege and continue the killings of pro Biafra activists who are demanding an independent state of their own.
"MASSOB won't be deceived; Operation Python Dance is designed to stop the agitation for an independent state of Biafra and cripple the economy of the South East. They know that Biafra is at hand, the more the Nigerian government run from Biafra, the more it stare them in the face.
If we may ask, why will the Nigerian government place the South East under siege? Is not to continue the genocide against Biafran people? How many operation python dance have the Army set up in the killing field in Southern Kaduna, Zamfara and other volatile areas in the North? Though we are non violent, we warn that enough is enough on the killing of Biafra activists.
The Nigerian government should stop treating Igbo land as a conquered territory. Since Ndigbo survived the civil war, no machination of the Nigeria government that can intimidate us."
While calling on Ndigbo to be vigilant as soldiers may lay siege to their areas, MASSOB urged the people not to be intimidated into shunning their villages during the yuletide.
Ilorin – The Skylarks' Club of Omu Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, says it will award N200,000 scholarship to each winner of the community-organised mini-marathon.
A member of the social club, Alhaji Ali Durotoye, disclosed this in an interview on Friday.
Durotoye said that the club was putting the event together to encourage sports and education among young indigenes of Omu Aran, especially those studying within the country.
He also explained that the mini marathon was scheduled to hold on Dec. 23.
"We are trying to encourage sports and education all together.
" We are going to reward winners with scholarship worth N200,000 which we believe is enough to pay for secondary education in Kwara.
"To qualify to participate in the marathon, you must be an indigene of Omu Aran, studying anywhere in Nigeria.
"The event will be the first of its kind and we hope to sustain it by God's grace, " Durotoye said.
He also disclosed that the race would start from the gate of Federal Government Girls College at 7 a.m. and end at Bareke roundabout.
Durotoye, who is a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, said that the Omu-Aran monarch, Oba Charles Oladele Ibitoye, would be the Special Guest of Honour.
He said forms for the event were available in all secondary schools in Omu Aran, adding that registration would close on Dec. 20.
By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA – ‘Suspended’ Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Comrade Timi Frank has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to order an immediate investigation of a report alleging that the national leadership of the party was bribed by Senate President, Bukola Saraki to pave way for Thursday’s emergence of his ally, Bolaji Abdulahi as the substantive spokesman of the party.
This was even as Frank threatened to sue Abdullahi for contempt of court should he assume his new office and begins to speak for the party. APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Acting National Publicity Secretary Comrade Timi Frank
Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports and Youths Development was appointed the new spokesman of the ruling party on Thursday at the North Central Zonal Congress of the party which held in Abuja.
Frank was declared ‘suspended’ by the South South zone of the party for granting press interviews in which he was alleged to have made some disparaging comments about the national chairman.
However, speaking with journalists Friday in his Maitama, Abuja residence, Frank described the zonal congress as a meeting of North Central friends of APC saying non of the decisions taken there could stand legal scrutiny when juxtaposed with the party’s constitutional provisions.
“Another act of impunity has been executed once more by my party and the National Chairman. Those people behind what took place yesterday (Thursday) know the truth; they know what they did yesterday will not stand the test of time.
“I can assure you, Oyegun cannot retire me from politics. He’s my father, he’ll go before me.
“No meeting was held by any caucus of the party. I read online that my Chairman compromised his conscience.
“We have to investigate the allegation that Oyegun collected N10 million and a jeep to conduct the zonal convention held yesterday.
“The President must direct security agencies to investigate this allegation against the National Chairman”, he urged.
An online portal, Sahara Reporters had in a news report accused the Senate President, Bukola Saraki of compromising some members of the party’s National Working Committee NWC in order to ensure that Mr Abdullahi was made the party’s spokesman.
Neither the chairman nor the party has officially reacted the allegation which went viral on Friday in Abuja.
I will charge Abdullahi for contempt if he speaks for APC
Frank also warned Mr Abdullahi not to fall into the temptation of speaking for the party, saying he risks being taken to court for contempt.
“I will describe what they did yesterday as committee of friends of the North Central; Bolaji Abdulahi is not yet the publicity secretary of APC; he is a nominee till the National Convention ratifies his position.
“I respect Bolaji so much but we should not be desperate to occupy political positions. It is only the National Convention that can ratify his position as substantive National Publicity Secretary.
“I want to appeal to the media not to take any statement yet from Bolaji Abdullahi because his position has not been ratified by the National Convention. If he does, I will charge him for contempt of court”, he vowed.
By Chris Ochayi ABUJA – The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Friday, cautioned President Mohammadu Buhari against taking the $30 billion foreign loan proposed by the administration, saying there was no guarantee the loan would be repaid in the remaining two years in the life of the administration. Sanusi II
Sanusi, who spoke at a one-day dialogue forum organised by the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy & Development (SCDDD) supported by Ford Foundation, in Abuja, advised the government to be focus and make more investment in the economy instead of seeking for foreign loan.
The Emir, who however said he was not totally against the government's asking for foreign loan, suggested instead that, "If we can get it at concessionary it is good," adding, "But if you want to get the money, the government should look elsewhere."
Sanusi who said "Let me make this issue clear, I will be happy if they get the loan to invest in the power sector, energy and road," however, expressed concerned that, if the government would pay back the $30 billion in two years even though they cannot raise $2 billion after two years in office.
According to him, "If we cannot raise $2 billon in two years and you want to borrow $30 billion in two years to the end of the life of the administration. The government should rather pay more attention to investment and support the private sectors to grow the economy".
"The economy that has five exchange rates can't borrow $30 billion. They can't lend you the $30 billion when you have five foreign exchange rates and with the current bombing of oil pipelines by the Niger Delta militants. So, on which foreign exchange rate can you get the loan?"
He said the nation’s foreign exchange lacks credibility, thus federal government needed to embrace private sector investments as means to grow the economy out of recession.
Sanusi emphasised that oil cannot help the nation out of the current economic situation and it would "never make Nigeria rich."
He noted that the country’s population continued to grow to over 40 million people since 2015, yet government found it hard to increase capital expenditure.
By Peter Okutu ABAKALIKI-GOVERNOR David Umahi Friday announced the slashing of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) tuition fees by N10,000 in order to cushion the effect of the current economic recession on students and parents in the country.
This development, according him will help parents take care children who are in the institution of higher learning.
The Governor announced this during a visit to the institution where he interacted with the management of the university community.Umahi
He also approved all promotions which had been put on hold by the government during its investigations into the running of the school.
The Governor however regretted that the school staff strength was the highest in the south East geopolitical zone adding that the present administration would seek a review in that area.
He also counseled the students against indulging in cultism and other vices pointing out the repercussions of such acts will be too grave for such students to bear.
He also announced a grant of N100 million to the university to enable it engage in agricultural ventures next year and by so doing improve the IGR of the school.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Francis Idike thanked the Governor for all his efforts to improve the university and promised that the university administration will work harder to sustain the achievement so far recorded. Ends
Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has urged the public to desist from discriminating against persons living with HIV.
She made the call in Ikeja, at the 2016 World Aids Day commemoration with adolescents living with HIV, organized by the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA) in collaboration with Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA).
She noted that since HIV was not contracted through physical contacts like hand-shaking or hugging, it was unnecessary to deliberately avoid people with the challenge.
She said, "I urge Lagos State Aids Control Agency to continue to sensitize the public, on the negative impact of discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS. All relevant government agencies should also work in synergy, to address issues that relate to stigma and discrimination against those persons."
Mrs. Ambode who commended LSACA and PATA for a two-week camping recently organized for young adolescents living with HIV, advised the beneficiaries to follow expert advice, medical instructions, and to apply good discretion in their social interactions.
In his opening remarks, chief executive officer of LSACA, Dr. Olusheyi Temowo, advised that all Lagosians should know their HIV status, stressing that the infection was not a death sentence.
Corroborating him, the representative of United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDs (UNAIDS), Dr. Olubunmi Asa disclosed that the business of kicking out HIV was everyone's business.
She disclosed further that though the level of awareness was high on the scourge, the task of eliminating it completely was not over, but with concerted effort, it could be achieved.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of PATA, Mr. Francis Umoh lamented that much of the social and psychological needs of the young adolescents living with HIV were not met, stressing that they should be embraced and not isolated, and medication made available to them.
Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga, assured the adolescents living with the challenge, that they would not be abandoned by the state government.
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