finally olamide the street rapper is out with his new hit video science student.
the musical goes like this the street rapper wall through a buliding with drug addict and started abusing the drug in different ways.
The father of one later comes out of the building dancing with a group of people dressed in an African local dress and the musical video like this "say no to drug abuse"
kaffy is also back of creative while the video was shot and was directed by unlimited L.A
Monday 26 February 2018
Friday 23 February 2018
FA charges Pep Guardiola over Catalonia political symbol
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was Friday charged by the Football Association over his wearing of a yellow ribbon in support of jailed Catalan independence leaders.
Guardiola
The FA said in a statement that the symbol worn by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket was in breach of its kit and advertising regulations.
Guardiola, whose side face Arsenal in the League Cup final on Sunday, has until 1800 GMT on March 5 to respond to the charge.
Guardiola
The FA said in a statement that the symbol worn by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket was in breach of its kit and advertising regulations.
Guardiola, whose side face Arsenal in the League Cup final on Sunday, has until 1800 GMT on March 5 to respond to the charge.
Davido releases locations, dates for `30bn Africa tour’
David Adeleke a.k.a Davido, has released dates for his latest “30 billion Africa tour, ” after expressing excitement on his social media platform successes recorded from his two hit singles, “If” and Fall”
The two songs, ‘If’ and ‘Fall’ have gone diamond and platinum respectively.
Davido
Davido who just completed a “UK tour” which included performances in Birmingham, Manchester and London said the tour will include to five different countries.
The current Best African Act (MOBO) revealed the different countries in a picture to his fans on Twitter and Instagram.
He wrote in a caption, “30 billion Africa tour starts next month!! What countries will you be attending” #30BillionAfricantour!! We not stopping. New music comes too”.
30 billion Africa tour will kick off on March, 3rd, 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The music star will showcase his talent to Central Africa when he will be performing in Kinshasa and Brazzaville respectively.
West African cities, Niamey and Dakar will also have the opportunity to see the music star perform some of his hottest hits.
The two songs, ‘If’ and ‘Fall’ have gone diamond and platinum respectively.
Davido
Davido who just completed a “UK tour” which included performances in Birmingham, Manchester and London said the tour will include to five different countries.
The current Best African Act (MOBO) revealed the different countries in a picture to his fans on Twitter and Instagram.
He wrote in a caption, “30 billion Africa tour starts next month!! What countries will you be attending” #30BillionAfricantour!! We not stopping. New music comes too”.
30 billion Africa tour will kick off on March, 3rd, 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The music star will showcase his talent to Central Africa when he will be performing in Kinshasa and Brazzaville respectively.
West African cities, Niamey and Dakar will also have the opportunity to see the music star perform some of his hottest hits.
#BBNaija: I disgraced my mother,fans, cries out Kbrule
Big Brother Naija 2018 ex-housemate, Kbrule, who was disqualified alongside Khloe on the show last Sunday, has revealed that he cannot date Khloe. He also said that he’s sad to have disgraced his mother and his fans.
Speaking during a question and answer session organized by Payporte for evicted housemates on Instagram, Kbrule said he’s quite angry with himself and he believed he should have done better on the show if only he had taken the caution and behaved himself while on the Big Brother Naija show.
Kbrule and Khloe
“I am angrier with myself for disgracing my mother letting her and my fans down. I want nothing more than to make it up” he said after a fan told him she was mad at him .
When asked if he was going to go on with dating Khloe, he said “Hahaha Nah” and when further asked how he felt when Khloe kept insulting him in the house, he replied: “This poor broken lady is acting out of insecurity take it easy on her”
Kbrule was then asked about the housemate that he would love to see evicted from the show and he responded saying:”I think Cee-C should leave.”
Speaking during a question and answer session organized by Payporte for evicted housemates on Instagram, Kbrule said he’s quite angry with himself and he believed he should have done better on the show if only he had taken the caution and behaved himself while on the Big Brother Naija show.
Kbrule and Khloe
“I am angrier with myself for disgracing my mother letting her and my fans down. I want nothing more than to make it up” he said after a fan told him she was mad at him .
When asked if he was going to go on with dating Khloe, he said “Hahaha Nah” and when further asked how he felt when Khloe kept insulting him in the house, he replied: “This poor broken lady is acting out of insecurity take it easy on her”
Kbrule was then asked about the housemate that he would love to see evicted from the show and he responded saying:”I think Cee-C should leave.”
BBNaija 2018: Stop this immortality, ERA tells FG
..condemns Buhari’s aide comment on BBNaija smoking scene
The ongoing reality show, Big Brother Naija 2018, BBNaija, has come under serious criticism over alleged immorality that is taking place in the show.
Big Brother 2018
Consequently, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, has called on the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, to sanction Multi choice owners of DSTV and GoTV to stop promoting smoking scenes on the BBNaija show.
The Deputy Executive Director of ERA, Akinbode Oluwafemi while speaking to journalists in Abuja, said that the smoking in BBNaija has not only generated shock among Nigerians but also sparked calls for the BBNaija Show to be banned.
Oluwafemi also expressed disgust over the remarks credited to the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie who had wrote on her Twitter page over the call on the Federal Government to do something about BBNaija smoking scene said that government has no power to move against immoralities in the show.
He said “Nigerians were shocked to the marrows on February 13, when smoking scenes were glamorized in the current Show of the Big Brother Naija2018 Show themed Double Wahala.
” In a clip in the particular edition, two housemates- Khloe and Teddy A are seen puffing away after Khloe had a very heated argument with fellow housemates.
“Government at all levels and the relevant agencies should begin enforcement of the nine key provisions of the NTC Act that prohibits smoking in public places and bans sale of cigarettes in single sticks among others.
“Relevant agencies of government such as the Consumer Protection Council and the security services begin a clampdown on infractions.”
The ongoing reality show, Big Brother Naija 2018, BBNaija, has come under serious criticism over alleged immorality that is taking place in the show.
Big Brother 2018
Consequently, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, has called on the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, to sanction Multi choice owners of DSTV and GoTV to stop promoting smoking scenes on the BBNaija show.
The Deputy Executive Director of ERA, Akinbode Oluwafemi while speaking to journalists in Abuja, said that the smoking in BBNaija has not only generated shock among Nigerians but also sparked calls for the BBNaija Show to be banned.
Oluwafemi also expressed disgust over the remarks credited to the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie who had wrote on her Twitter page over the call on the Federal Government to do something about BBNaija smoking scene said that government has no power to move against immoralities in the show.
He said “Nigerians were shocked to the marrows on February 13, when smoking scenes were glamorized in the current Show of the Big Brother Naija2018 Show themed Double Wahala.
” In a clip in the particular edition, two housemates- Khloe and Teddy A are seen puffing away after Khloe had a very heated argument with fellow housemates.
“Government at all levels and the relevant agencies should begin enforcement of the nine key provisions of the NTC Act that prohibits smoking in public places and bans sale of cigarettes in single sticks among others.
“Relevant agencies of government such as the Consumer Protection Council and the security services begin a clampdown on infractions.”
Shocker! Monkeys swallow N70m belonging to Northern senators
After a shocking confession of an official of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, which claimed that a mysterious snake allegedly swallowed N36 million naira, from the Board’s vault, which she made from the sale of scratch cards, another N70m handed over to the Northern Senators Forum has been allegedly swallowed by monkeys in the farm of a ranking senator.
This was revealed to newsmen by Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna) minutes after Senator Abdullahi Adamu was removed as the chairman of Northern Senators forum.
Monkeys
Senator Adamu was accused of mismanaging N70 million belonging to the Northern Senators.
Shehu Sani said it was alleged that some monkeys swallowed the money.
He said the money was swallowed by the monkeys at the senator’s farm.
Sen. Shehu Sani, told newsmen that under Adamu’s leadership, the forum could not account for part of the money inherited from the 7th Assembly.
According to him, it was alleged that the former Chairman of the Forum handed over N70 million to Adamu at the inception of the 8th assembly but part of the money cannot be accounted for.
“There are some things that some of my colleagues cannot say but I’m not used to holding back what is the truth.
“When we resumed as senators, Sen. Ahmed Lawan tendered the sum of N70 million to the 8th Senate.
“That N70 million was monies gathered by northern senators from the 7th senate. So it was handed over to the 8th senators from northern Nigeria under the 8th Senate.
“I think this country is becoming a huge joke. First of all it was the rodent that drove away the President and we now have snakes consuming about N36 million, and you now you have monkeys,” Sani said.
This was revealed to newsmen by Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna) minutes after Senator Abdullahi Adamu was removed as the chairman of Northern Senators forum.
Monkeys
Senator Adamu was accused of mismanaging N70 million belonging to the Northern Senators.
Shehu Sani said it was alleged that some monkeys swallowed the money.
He said the money was swallowed by the monkeys at the senator’s farm.
Sen. Shehu Sani, told newsmen that under Adamu’s leadership, the forum could not account for part of the money inherited from the 7th Assembly.
According to him, it was alleged that the former Chairman of the Forum handed over N70 million to Adamu at the inception of the 8th assembly but part of the money cannot be accounted for.
“There are some things that some of my colleagues cannot say but I’m not used to holding back what is the truth.
“When we resumed as senators, Sen. Ahmed Lawan tendered the sum of N70 million to the 8th Senate.
“That N70 million was monies gathered by northern senators from the 7th senate. So it was handed over to the 8th senators from northern Nigeria under the 8th Senate.
“I think this country is becoming a huge joke. First of all it was the rodent that drove away the President and we now have snakes consuming about N36 million, and you now you have monkeys,” Sani said.
Vimbai Mutinhiri replaces Toke Makinwa on Moments Nigeria
TRAGEDY struck yesterday iEx-Big Brother Africa contestant, model and TV personality Vimbai Mutinhiri is taking on new and bigger projects this year as she joins co-hosts Bolanle Olukanmi and Laulah Doherty on Moments Nigeria.
Moments Nigeria is an African talk show (a spin-off of Moments with Mo) with a selection of hosts from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa discussing on key matters that touches Africa, her diverse cultures and peoples.
Vimbai
Having carved a niche for herself on the continent as one of the most sought-after TV and show hosts, Vimbai now forges a new alliance with Ebony Life TV as co-host on Moments Nigeria.
The 31 year old TV personality with prior hosting experience has been chosen to replace Toke Makinwa in the talk show’s fourth season. Vimbai has taken on other hosting gigs such as Africa Magic Star Gist, first co-host for Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards as well as modeled on the runway for South African Fashion Week and Zimbabwe Fashion Week.n Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the nation’s capital, Abuja, following gas explosion which left three persons killed and others with degrees of injuries.
It was gathered that those who died in the unfortunate disaster were the gas attendants and the customer.
The Gas explosion incident, is coming barely three days after the death of three pupils died from suspected food poisoning, in Kubwa 11 Local Education Authority (LEA ) primary school in Bwari Area Council.
According to a source, the deceased, Naima Yahaya,14, primary five; Yahaya Garba,14, primary four, and another (name not given) allegedly lost their lives after the consumption of biscuits that were shared by an undisclosed birthday celebrant, on Tuesday.
Aside the 3 pupils that lost their lives, two others were hospitalised from school in circumstances that are still under investigation from relevant authorities including the Nigerian Police Force and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT.
On yesterday’s gas incident, an eye witness, Miss Victoria Martins said, “the incident happened at about 9 am on Friday , when a boy, an apprentice of a welder brought their cylinder to refill, there were four persons in the gas shop, the wife and three apprentices. When the boy came to refill the gas, two of the gas attendants came to attend to him, as they were trying to refill the gas, there was an error as the attendants tried to figure out the fault, the gas cylinder exploded and blasted them into shreds with limbs scattered all over the place”.
According to her, the wife of the owner of the shop and one of the apprentices escaped death by whiskers and an apprentice of the neighbour who sells phones and accessories was injured were rushed to the hospital at Diamond Crest for treatment.
Moments Nigeria is an African talk show (a spin-off of Moments with Mo) with a selection of hosts from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa discussing on key matters that touches Africa, her diverse cultures and peoples.
Vimbai
Having carved a niche for herself on the continent as one of the most sought-after TV and show hosts, Vimbai now forges a new alliance with Ebony Life TV as co-host on Moments Nigeria.
The 31 year old TV personality with prior hosting experience has been chosen to replace Toke Makinwa in the talk show’s fourth season. Vimbai has taken on other hosting gigs such as Africa Magic Star Gist, first co-host for Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards as well as modeled on the runway for South African Fashion Week and Zimbabwe Fashion Week.n Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the nation’s capital, Abuja, following gas explosion which left three persons killed and others with degrees of injuries.
It was gathered that those who died in the unfortunate disaster were the gas attendants and the customer.
The Gas explosion incident, is coming barely three days after the death of three pupils died from suspected food poisoning, in Kubwa 11 Local Education Authority (LEA ) primary school in Bwari Area Council.
According to a source, the deceased, Naima Yahaya,14, primary five; Yahaya Garba,14, primary four, and another (name not given) allegedly lost their lives after the consumption of biscuits that were shared by an undisclosed birthday celebrant, on Tuesday.
Aside the 3 pupils that lost their lives, two others were hospitalised from school in circumstances that are still under investigation from relevant authorities including the Nigerian Police Force and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT.
On yesterday’s gas incident, an eye witness, Miss Victoria Martins said, “the incident happened at about 9 am on Friday , when a boy, an apprentice of a welder brought their cylinder to refill, there were four persons in the gas shop, the wife and three apprentices. When the boy came to refill the gas, two of the gas attendants came to attend to him, as they were trying to refill the gas, there was an error as the attendants tried to figure out the fault, the gas cylinder exploded and blasted them into shreds with limbs scattered all over the place”.
According to her, the wife of the owner of the shop and one of the apprentices escaped death by whiskers and an apprentice of the neighbour who sells phones and accessories was injured were rushed to the hospital at Diamond Crest for treatment.
Gas explosion kills three in Abuja
TRAGEDY struck yesterday in Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the nation’s capital, Abuja, following gas explosion which left three persons killed and others with degrees of injuries.
It was gathered that those who died in the unfortunate disaster were the gas attendants and the customer.
The Gas explosion incident, is coming barely three days after the death of three pupils died from suspected food poisoning, in Kubwa 11 Local Education Authority (LEA ) primary school in Bwari Area Council.
According to a source, the deceased, Naima Yahaya,14, primary five; Yahaya Garba,14, primary four, and another (name not given) allegedly lost their lives after the consumption of biscuits that were shared by an undisclosed birthday celebrant, on Tuesday.
Aside the 3 pupils that lost their lives, two others were hospitalised from school in circumstances that are still under investigation from relevant authorities including the Nigerian Police Force and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT.
On yesterday’s gas incident, an eye witness, Miss Victoria Martins said, “the incident happened at about 9 am on Friday , when a boy, an apprentice of a welder brought their cylinder to refill, there were four persons in the gas shop, the wife and three apprentices. When the boy came to refill the gas, two of the gas attendants came to attend to him, as they were trying to refill the gas, there was an error as the attendants tried to figure out the fault, the gas cylinder exploded and blasted them into shreds with limbs scattered all over the place”.
According to her, the wife of the owner of the shop and one of the apprentices escaped death by whiskers and an apprentice of the neighbour who sells phones and accessories was injured were rushed to the hospital at Diamond Crest for treatment.
It was gathered that those who died in the unfortunate disaster were the gas attendants and the customer.
The Gas explosion incident, is coming barely three days after the death of three pupils died from suspected food poisoning, in Kubwa 11 Local Education Authority (LEA ) primary school in Bwari Area Council.
According to a source, the deceased, Naima Yahaya,14, primary five; Yahaya Garba,14, primary four, and another (name not given) allegedly lost their lives after the consumption of biscuits that were shared by an undisclosed birthday celebrant, on Tuesday.
Aside the 3 pupils that lost their lives, two others were hospitalised from school in circumstances that are still under investigation from relevant authorities including the Nigerian Police Force and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT.
On yesterday’s gas incident, an eye witness, Miss Victoria Martins said, “the incident happened at about 9 am on Friday , when a boy, an apprentice of a welder brought their cylinder to refill, there were four persons in the gas shop, the wife and three apprentices. When the boy came to refill the gas, two of the gas attendants came to attend to him, as they were trying to refill the gas, there was an error as the attendants tried to figure out the fault, the gas cylinder exploded and blasted them into shreds with limbs scattered all over the place”.
According to her, the wife of the owner of the shop and one of the apprentices escaped death by whiskers and an apprentice of the neighbour who sells phones and accessories was injured were rushed to the hospital at Diamond Crest for treatment.
El-Rufai Slams N2bn Defamation Suit on Senator Shehu Sani
Governor Nasir El Rufai has slammed N2billion naira suit at the Kaduna state high court against Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central over alleged defamation of character.
The suit filed by the governor represents deterioration in the worsening crisis between key gladiators in the All Progressive Congress in the state.
Governor El-Rufai in the suit seeks compensation for the injury he allegedly suffered as a result of “the malicious statements” made by Senator Sani through the mass media to humiliate him and defame his integrity by calling him a drunk, loose cannon and an embarrassment to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Among other reliefs, Governor El-Rufai is seeking a declaration that the derogatory remarks made against him by Senator Sani are totally false and injurious to his person in the eyes of the public.
Counsel to Governor El-Rufai, AbdulHakeem Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told journalists at the court premises that each of the four actions attract the sum of N500 million.
He also dismissed insinuations that the governor by virtue of his position does not have the constitutional right to sue any citizen.
The suit filed by the governor represents deterioration in the worsening crisis between key gladiators in the All Progressive Congress in the state.
Governor El-Rufai in the suit seeks compensation for the injury he allegedly suffered as a result of “the malicious statements” made by Senator Sani through the mass media to humiliate him and defame his integrity by calling him a drunk, loose cannon and an embarrassment to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Among other reliefs, Governor El-Rufai is seeking a declaration that the derogatory remarks made against him by Senator Sani are totally false and injurious to his person in the eyes of the public.
Counsel to Governor El-Rufai, AbdulHakeem Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told journalists at the court premises that each of the four actions attract the sum of N500 million.
He also dismissed insinuations that the governor by virtue of his position does not have the constitutional right to sue any citizen.
Experts call for relevant research on Africa internet policy
Internet policy experts have called for a more robust and relevant research from the academia and institutional actions that will promote the growth of Africa Internet Policy and Governance space.
This call was made at the colloquium organized by the African Academic Network on Internet Policy (AANoIP), it was hosted by the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP) in Ibadan, Nigeria.
AANoIP is a network for interdisciplinary scholarly engagement and discussion on the State of the Internet, related policies and regulatory regime in Africa. As part of its mandate, the African Academic Network on Internet Policy hosts seminar series / colloquiums to bring into focus and foster discourse on crucial issues as it connects the digital economy.
Director of Learning Information Networking Knowledge (LINK) Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa who was the guest lecturer, Dr. Lucienne Abraham spoke on ‘Fostering Good Internet Governance in a Complex Ecosystem of the Digital Economy: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective’. She identified issues such as limited academic input, outdated internet regulatory policies, power-play among industry regulators, and lack of innovative competition as some of the challenges confronting Africa’s digital ecosystem.
She called for a policy regime that promotes shared participation in the provision of innovative solutions to local challenges that will help enhance Africa’s technological readiness in the current digital economy. Abraham noted that Africa has a very complex internet ecosystem, and it is imperative for the players especially at the institutional level to be very adaptive. She challenged researchers particularly on the urgent need for a more evidence-based research in developing internal frameworks for technological readiness assessment.
In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman, ISGPP, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, lamented the dearth of cross-disciplinary engagements for shaping policy design. He therefore advocated for a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance issues in Nigeria. He opined that with over 2.5 billion Internet users today, it could become a ‘Wild Wide West’ as against the safe ‘World Wide Web’ if constructive engagement of multiple stakeholders is not taking place.
AANoIP Steering Committee member, and Research Partner at the Cyber Security Research Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr. Tope Aladesanmi, said that the objectives of the academic network is to raise the level of public discourse, deepen academic research and training in Internet policy and governance in Africa through advocacy, conferences & workshops, training, research partnerships and collaboration with universities and private sectors in curriculum development and mounting of joint academic programs. “With membership drawn from across the African continent, the academic network is focused on interrogating Africa’s Academic space and enriching seminal contribution to global Internet Policy and Governance”. he said.
Director of the African Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan Prof. Wole Olatokun who was the Chairman of the event, noted that the Internet plays a major role in everyday life, hence the need to participate in the governance structure with all sense of responsibility as the internet belongs to everyone.
In his submission, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association and the Chair, Board of Director of The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), Reverend Sunday Folayan provided an insight into the Internet Ecosystem in Nigeria and Africa. He explained to the participants the primacy of data as a key asset in driving digital economy and the imperative of individuals, businesses and government to treat same as such.
This call was made at the colloquium organized by the African Academic Network on Internet Policy (AANoIP), it was hosted by the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP) in Ibadan, Nigeria.
AANoIP is a network for interdisciplinary scholarly engagement and discussion on the State of the Internet, related policies and regulatory regime in Africa. As part of its mandate, the African Academic Network on Internet Policy hosts seminar series / colloquiums to bring into focus and foster discourse on crucial issues as it connects the digital economy.
Director of Learning Information Networking Knowledge (LINK) Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa who was the guest lecturer, Dr. Lucienne Abraham spoke on ‘Fostering Good Internet Governance in a Complex Ecosystem of the Digital Economy: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective’. She identified issues such as limited academic input, outdated internet regulatory policies, power-play among industry regulators, and lack of innovative competition as some of the challenges confronting Africa’s digital ecosystem.
She called for a policy regime that promotes shared participation in the provision of innovative solutions to local challenges that will help enhance Africa’s technological readiness in the current digital economy. Abraham noted that Africa has a very complex internet ecosystem, and it is imperative for the players especially at the institutional level to be very adaptive. She challenged researchers particularly on the urgent need for a more evidence-based research in developing internal frameworks for technological readiness assessment.
In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman, ISGPP, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, lamented the dearth of cross-disciplinary engagements for shaping policy design. He therefore advocated for a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance issues in Nigeria. He opined that with over 2.5 billion Internet users today, it could become a ‘Wild Wide West’ as against the safe ‘World Wide Web’ if constructive engagement of multiple stakeholders is not taking place.
AANoIP Steering Committee member, and Research Partner at the Cyber Security Research Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr. Tope Aladesanmi, said that the objectives of the academic network is to raise the level of public discourse, deepen academic research and training in Internet policy and governance in Africa through advocacy, conferences & workshops, training, research partnerships and collaboration with universities and private sectors in curriculum development and mounting of joint academic programs. “With membership drawn from across the African continent, the academic network is focused on interrogating Africa’s Academic space and enriching seminal contribution to global Internet Policy and Governance”. he said.
Director of the African Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan Prof. Wole Olatokun who was the Chairman of the event, noted that the Internet plays a major role in everyday life, hence the need to participate in the governance structure with all sense of responsibility as the internet belongs to everyone.
In his submission, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association and the Chair, Board of Director of The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), Reverend Sunday Folayan provided an insight into the Internet Ecosystem in Nigeria and Africa. He explained to the participants the primacy of data as a key asset in driving digital economy and the imperative of individuals, businesses and government to treat same as such.
A day ARO Foundation fetes with handicapped children
It was a day to remember for hundreds of less privileged members of the society as the Aham Rochas Foundation (ARO) took to the hospitals and schools to felicitates with them recently.
At the Nisa Premier Hospital, Jabi, Abuja, the foundation visited the children’s ward, with gifts items such as biscuits, candies and a host of others.
Adeola Adewunmi, Project Manager, One Home One World Project of the foundation said the non-profit organization chose to embark on visitation to sick and vulnerable children as part of its thematic focus of spreading love at all times.
According to her, the foundation’s “One Home One World Project is reaching out to less privileged brothers and sisters in the society. The love trip we embarked upon in the past three days was to see children in hospitals, orphanages as well as children in IDP camps. We shared love and kindness and valentine gifts to these children. We also reached out to sick children in the society, spreading love to them.”
Adewunmi said under the foundation’s emergency education program, scores of vulnerable children have been given the right to education despite the glaring difficulties they faced.
She added: “We have about 200 children at the Karmajiji IDP camp here in the Federal Capital Territory. We set up a school for them teaching them Mathematics, English language, Basic Science and Computer Science. We’ve been doing this for six months now.”
We also have the female entrepreneurial programme where we empower women with basic skills to promote self reliance. We also have the peace campaign initiative where we spread the message of peace and harmony, encouraging the youths and everyone out there to hold on to peace.
The foundation was also at the Abuja School of the Handicapped, Kuje where after it listened to the peculiar challenges of the students and promised to return at a later date in continuation of its humanitarian and selfless service to humanity.
At the Nisa Premier Hospital, Jabi, Abuja, the foundation visited the children’s ward, with gifts items such as biscuits, candies and a host of others.
Adeola Adewunmi, Project Manager, One Home One World Project of the foundation said the non-profit organization chose to embark on visitation to sick and vulnerable children as part of its thematic focus of spreading love at all times.
According to her, the foundation’s “One Home One World Project is reaching out to less privileged brothers and sisters in the society. The love trip we embarked upon in the past three days was to see children in hospitals, orphanages as well as children in IDP camps. We shared love and kindness and valentine gifts to these children. We also reached out to sick children in the society, spreading love to them.”
Adewunmi said under the foundation’s emergency education program, scores of vulnerable children have been given the right to education despite the glaring difficulties they faced.
She added: “We have about 200 children at the Karmajiji IDP camp here in the Federal Capital Territory. We set up a school for them teaching them Mathematics, English language, Basic Science and Computer Science. We’ve been doing this for six months now.”
We also have the female entrepreneurial programme where we empower women with basic skills to promote self reliance. We also have the peace campaign initiative where we spread the message of peace and harmony, encouraging the youths and everyone out there to hold on to peace.
The foundation was also at the Abuja School of the Handicapped, Kuje where after it listened to the peculiar challenges of the students and promised to return at a later date in continuation of its humanitarian and selfless service to humanity.
My husband is everything I prayed for in a man — Nkechi Emmanuel aka Nurse Titi
Nollywood actress, Nkechi Emmanuel is obviously still basking in love having recently tied the knots traditionally with her British-born, Sierra-Leonian beau, Ambrose Amara. In this interview, the actress who is popular for her role as ‘ Nurse Titi’ in popular TV sitcom ‘Clinic Matters’ revealed how she met her husband, why she chose him, as well as major causes of divorce among other issues. Read on..
What should your fans expect from you this year?
We have a lot of things on ground already – a new movie project from Breaking Screen Production which is my company. We intend to shoot two good quality movies and to also work with other producers as well. I also intend to do my white wedding this year as well and it will be coming up by summer.
Your husband is into movies as well?
Yes, he’s a movie director and a script writer.
How did you both meet?
We met through work. He spoke to a friend of his (who is an actor) in America that he wants to come and shoot a movie in Nigeria and that he needs some good actresses. He explained to the friend (who happens to be my friend as well) that he’s been searching but haven’t found the kind of quality he wants. And so he (our mutual friend) recommended me to him. So we got talking on a professional level, exchanged mails and pictures and gradually one thing led to the other… and we had our traditional wedding and court wedding.
Nkechi Emmanuel (Nurse Titi)
I’m sure you had other suitors, why did you choose him?
I had other suitors, but they actually weren’t what I wanted. They’re nice guys, but I didn’t see myself spending the rest of my life with them. I chose him because I saw everything I wanted in a man in him. He’s my better half. He’s the one God has ordained for me.
What are those qualities you saw in him?
I’ve always wanted someone who would understand me and the nature of my job. Most men wouldn’t want you to continue acting after marriage, but he came and he was even more concerned about my career. He’s been supporting me and he even said he wants to write a script about me. I used to pray to God that I need a man who I wouldn’t need to explain my job to. My husband is in the industry already, so he understands everything. He is also understanding, quiet, God-fearing and puts me first in everything he does. He even prays for me before praying for himself… Those are the qualities I like about him.
Are you saying marriage isn’t going to affect your acting career in any way?
Not at all. I don’t see it coming. It’s even going to multiply my progress, because hopefully most of the movies he’s going to be directing, I will be involved. So. it’s going to boost my career.
What was your first time on set like?
I was nervous and scared, but I was sure of what I wanted and with time the fear vanished.
How would you rate your progress as an actor?
I will say God has been good. It hasn’t been easy, but God has been faithful. I thank God that I kept striving. I’m happy for where I am now, even though I’m not yet where I want to be, but I’m definitely not where I used to be.
You’ve come to be popular especially for your role as ‘Nurse Titi’ in ‘Clinic Matters’. How do you handle the stardom?
It hasn’t been easy because personally, I love to live a simple life. I’m not the loud, flashy type. I love to jump on a bike or ‘Keke NAPEP’… Mix up with people and all. But when I’m all alone in my car with glasses all wound up listening to the radio, it’s really boring. I love to eat roasted plantain and groundnuts, I love to drink ‘garri’ and all the local food. But one can’t be seen doing all of this because of the way people think. They will just assume you’ve gone broke, they won’t understand that it’s what you want at that moment. So you have to keep ‘packaging’ yourself because you can’t explain to every single person that this is what you want. Though sometimes I just brave it and then go to Shitta to get my hot ‘Amala’. And there will always be one or two persons who would want to take pictures with you.
How would you rate the Nigerian movie industry?
We are trying, at least we’re among the top five in the world, though we need more alliances. When we watch Hollywood movies, we see about four or five top production houses coming together to produce something. But here everyone wants to be independent and that’s how we make mistakes. My husband and I will be working with some companies on a movie soon. When production houses come together to produce a single movie, you can be sure that it will be a hit. We’re also hoping to do some international collaborations as well. We also need to develop our scripts and story-lines because that’s the foundation for a good movie.
What should your fans expect from you this year?
We have a lot of things on ground already – a new movie project from Breaking Screen Production which is my company. We intend to shoot two good quality movies and to also work with other producers as well. I also intend to do my white wedding this year as well and it will be coming up by summer.
Your husband is into movies as well?
Yes, he’s a movie director and a script writer.
How did you both meet?
We met through work. He spoke to a friend of his (who is an actor) in America that he wants to come and shoot a movie in Nigeria and that he needs some good actresses. He explained to the friend (who happens to be my friend as well) that he’s been searching but haven’t found the kind of quality he wants. And so he (our mutual friend) recommended me to him. So we got talking on a professional level, exchanged mails and pictures and gradually one thing led to the other… and we had our traditional wedding and court wedding.
Nkechi Emmanuel (Nurse Titi)
I’m sure you had other suitors, why did you choose him?
I had other suitors, but they actually weren’t what I wanted. They’re nice guys, but I didn’t see myself spending the rest of my life with them. I chose him because I saw everything I wanted in a man in him. He’s my better half. He’s the one God has ordained for me.
What are those qualities you saw in him?
I’ve always wanted someone who would understand me and the nature of my job. Most men wouldn’t want you to continue acting after marriage, but he came and he was even more concerned about my career. He’s been supporting me and he even said he wants to write a script about me. I used to pray to God that I need a man who I wouldn’t need to explain my job to. My husband is in the industry already, so he understands everything. He is also understanding, quiet, God-fearing and puts me first in everything he does. He even prays for me before praying for himself… Those are the qualities I like about him.
Are you saying marriage isn’t going to affect your acting career in any way?
Not at all. I don’t see it coming. It’s even going to multiply my progress, because hopefully most of the movies he’s going to be directing, I will be involved. So. it’s going to boost my career.
What was your first time on set like?
I was nervous and scared, but I was sure of what I wanted and with time the fear vanished.
How would you rate your progress as an actor?
I will say God has been good. It hasn’t been easy, but God has been faithful. I thank God that I kept striving. I’m happy for where I am now, even though I’m not yet where I want to be, but I’m definitely not where I used to be.
You’ve come to be popular especially for your role as ‘Nurse Titi’ in ‘Clinic Matters’. How do you handle the stardom?
It hasn’t been easy because personally, I love to live a simple life. I’m not the loud, flashy type. I love to jump on a bike or ‘Keke NAPEP’… Mix up with people and all. But when I’m all alone in my car with glasses all wound up listening to the radio, it’s really boring. I love to eat roasted plantain and groundnuts, I love to drink ‘garri’ and all the local food. But one can’t be seen doing all of this because of the way people think. They will just assume you’ve gone broke, they won’t understand that it’s what you want at that moment. So you have to keep ‘packaging’ yourself because you can’t explain to every single person that this is what you want. Though sometimes I just brave it and then go to Shitta to get my hot ‘Amala’. And there will always be one or two persons who would want to take pictures with you.
How would you rate the Nigerian movie industry?
We are trying, at least we’re among the top five in the world, though we need more alliances. When we watch Hollywood movies, we see about four or five top production houses coming together to produce something. But here everyone wants to be independent and that’s how we make mistakes. My husband and I will be working with some companies on a movie soon. When production houses come together to produce a single movie, you can be sure that it will be a hit. We’re also hoping to do some international collaborations as well. We also need to develop our scripts and story-lines because that’s the foundation for a good movie.
Adeteju Dosekun soars with ‘Event Concierge’
Event Concierge offers a fresh perspective to the way events are planned, by providing quick solutions during the planning process with ease.
Adeteju Dosekun;
According to Adeteju, Event Concierge was birthed after seeing how events turn out without an actual event planner on site. “Our goal is to expand to other cities in Nigeria and Africa once the brand is fully established in Lagos. We understand the essence of producing a beautiful and tasteful event, our team of experienced vendors are committed to this vision and only provide the best quality products and services”.
The user-friendly platform can be used by individuals, corporate organizations, government agencies and more for successful event planning from start to finish.
Adeteju Dosekun;
According to Adeteju, Event Concierge was birthed after seeing how events turn out without an actual event planner on site. “Our goal is to expand to other cities in Nigeria and Africa once the brand is fully established in Lagos. We understand the essence of producing a beautiful and tasteful event, our team of experienced vendors are committed to this vision and only provide the best quality products and services”.
The user-friendly platform can be used by individuals, corporate organizations, government agencies and more for successful event planning from start to finish.
Wole Soyinka, John Momoh, Jason Njoku, others for SMW Lagos 2018
The Social Media Week Lagos 2018 themed ‘Closer’ slated for the 26th to the 2nd March 2018 is set to showcase the wealth of Africa’s vast heritage at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event promises to be a time of insightful conversations, reflections and laudable impact as it aims at teaching brands how they can grow their businesses in Africa and the world over.
Noble Lareate, Playwriter and Poet, Prof Wole Soyika
The event will have an array of interactive sessions with Africa’s top names in Tech, Decor’, Food, Music and Film Production. Headlining this year’s opening summit are top veterans in various industries; Nigeria’s Noble Laureate Wole Soyinka, veteran broadcaster and founder of Channels TV – John Momoh, awarding actress and movie producer, Rita Dominic amongst others.
The opening event tagged ‘Future of Media’ will converge Africa’s most inspiring broadcasters, journalists, content creators and bloggers to share best practices and discuss what’s next on the continents media landscape. The day will open with a conversation with Channels Television’s Chairman John Momoh.
JP Clark unveils fresh collection of poems, Remains of a Tide Nigerian literary icon and renowned poet, Professor JP Clark- Bekedere mo, has unveiled his latest anthology of poems, Remains of a Tide, published by Mosuro Publishers, at the JP Clark Centre, University of Lagos.
Noble Lareate, Playwriter and Poet, Prof Wole Soyika
The event will have an array of interactive sessions with Africa’s top names in Tech, Decor’, Food, Music and Film Production. Headlining this year’s opening summit are top veterans in various industries; Nigeria’s Noble Laureate Wole Soyinka, veteran broadcaster and founder of Channels TV – John Momoh, awarding actress and movie producer, Rita Dominic amongst others.
The opening event tagged ‘Future of Media’ will converge Africa’s most inspiring broadcasters, journalists, content creators and bloggers to share best practices and discuss what’s next on the continents media landscape. The day will open with a conversation with Channels Television’s Chairman John Momoh.
JP Clark unveils fresh collection of poems, Remains of a Tide Nigerian literary icon and renowned poet, Professor JP Clark- Bekedere mo, has unveiled his latest anthology of poems, Remains of a Tide, published by Mosuro Publishers, at the JP Clark Centre, University of Lagos.
Breaking: 2 Dapchi schoolgirls killed in rescue operation, 13 still missing
Two dead bodies of the missing Dapchi schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists on Monday, in Yobe state, have been recovered by the Nigerian military during rescue operation on Wednesday Reuters report claims.
Dapchi schoolgirls during the headcount on Tuesday.
Reports also indicates that the Nigerian military rescued 76 of the schoolgirls.
Boko Haram terrorists had, Monday, attacked the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state, and abducted many of the girls.
Ever since, several conflicting reports have emerged as to the true situation of the incident.
While some reports claimed the Nigerian army rescued 68 of the girls and that 111 of them were still missing, other reports claim 76 of the schoolgirls have been rescued while two have been killed and their dead bodies recovered.
Meanwhile, the Yobe state Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has faulted the claim that the Nigerian army actually rescued some of the girls.
The Governor made the disclosure when he visited the affected families in Dapchi community, Yobe state.
Governor Gaidam was said to have told the people of Dapchi community that none of the abducted schoolgirls has been rescued yet. The report also said the Governor urged the affected parents and the community to continue praying for the safe return of their daughters.
Meanwhile, a report by Reutersclaimed that while the military has rescued 76 of the girls, two of the them have been killed while 13 others are still missing.
The report said a resident and a local government official said there is jubilation in Dapchi community over the rescue of the girls..
“Everybody is celebrating their coming with songs and praises to God almighty,” said Babagana Umar, one of the parents whose daughter had disappeared. “The only sad news is that two girls were dead and no explanation.”
They said the rescued girls were returned to the village of Dapchi late on Wednesday evening.
Earlier on Wednesday, sources said 91students were still unaccounted for after a roll-call was taken at their school on Tuesday.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, dispatched the foreign affairs and defense ministers to Yobe to investigate the situation.
Parents and witnesses who earlier revealed the news of the missing students to newsmen spoke on condition of anonymity because they said they had been warned by Nigerian security and government officials not to disclose the disappearance.
How the Boko Haram terrorists struck the Dapchi school
Witnesses who disclosed the incident to newsmen said the Boko Haram terrorists arrived in Dapchi on Monday evening in trucks, with some mounted with heavy guns and painted in military camouflage.
The terrorists reportedly went directly to the school, shooting sporadically, sending students and teachers fleeing. The witnesses also said that some people had returned to Dapchi after spending the night hiding in the bush.
Meanwhile, the Yobe state Police Commissioner, Sumonu Abdulmaliki, told newsmen on Tuesday that Boko Haram had also abducted three people from nearby Gaidam.
More than 20,000 people have been killed and two million forced to flee their homes in the northeast of Africa’s most populous nation since Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009.
Of about 270 girls abducted from their school in Chibok in April 2014, about 60 escaped soon afterwards and others have since been released after mediation. Around 100 are still believed to be in captivity.
Last month, Boko Haram released a video purporting to show some of the Chibok girls still in its custody, saying they do not wish to return home.
Aid groups have said that Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands more adults and children, many of whose cases have been neglected.
Dapchi schoolgirls during the headcount on Tuesday.
Reports also indicates that the Nigerian military rescued 76 of the schoolgirls.
Boko Haram terrorists had, Monday, attacked the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state, and abducted many of the girls.
Ever since, several conflicting reports have emerged as to the true situation of the incident.
While some reports claimed the Nigerian army rescued 68 of the girls and that 111 of them were still missing, other reports claim 76 of the schoolgirls have been rescued while two have been killed and their dead bodies recovered.
Meanwhile, the Yobe state Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has faulted the claim that the Nigerian army actually rescued some of the girls.
The Governor made the disclosure when he visited the affected families in Dapchi community, Yobe state.
Governor Gaidam was said to have told the people of Dapchi community that none of the abducted schoolgirls has been rescued yet. The report also said the Governor urged the affected parents and the community to continue praying for the safe return of their daughters.
Meanwhile, a report by Reutersclaimed that while the military has rescued 76 of the girls, two of the them have been killed while 13 others are still missing.
The report said a resident and a local government official said there is jubilation in Dapchi community over the rescue of the girls..
“Everybody is celebrating their coming with songs and praises to God almighty,” said Babagana Umar, one of the parents whose daughter had disappeared. “The only sad news is that two girls were dead and no explanation.”
They said the rescued girls were returned to the village of Dapchi late on Wednesday evening.
Earlier on Wednesday, sources said 91students were still unaccounted for after a roll-call was taken at their school on Tuesday.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, dispatched the foreign affairs and defense ministers to Yobe to investigate the situation.
Parents and witnesses who earlier revealed the news of the missing students to newsmen spoke on condition of anonymity because they said they had been warned by Nigerian security and government officials not to disclose the disappearance.
How the Boko Haram terrorists struck the Dapchi school
Witnesses who disclosed the incident to newsmen said the Boko Haram terrorists arrived in Dapchi on Monday evening in trucks, with some mounted with heavy guns and painted in military camouflage.
The terrorists reportedly went directly to the school, shooting sporadically, sending students and teachers fleeing. The witnesses also said that some people had returned to Dapchi after spending the night hiding in the bush.
Meanwhile, the Yobe state Police Commissioner, Sumonu Abdulmaliki, told newsmen on Tuesday that Boko Haram had also abducted three people from nearby Gaidam.
More than 20,000 people have been killed and two million forced to flee their homes in the northeast of Africa’s most populous nation since Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009.
Of about 270 girls abducted from their school in Chibok in April 2014, about 60 escaped soon afterwards and others have since been released after mediation. Around 100 are still believed to be in captivity.
Last month, Boko Haram released a video purporting to show some of the Chibok girls still in its custody, saying they do not wish to return home.
Aid groups have said that Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands more adults and children, many of whose cases have been neglected.
Buhari orders 24-hour monitor for Dapchi schoolgirls
President Muhammadu Buhari said his government has sent more troops and surveillance aircraft to the entire North East territory on a 24-hour basis, to recover the schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi in Yobe State.
Buhari
President Buhari said this today as he also gave assurance to the families of the students abducted on Monday by Boko Haram insurgents, almost four years after a similar abduction of 275 schoolgirls from Chibok Girls Secondary School, in Borno State.
The Nigerian leader said no effort will be spared to bring succour to the Dapchi girls and the parents.
“Our government is sending more troops and surveillance aircraft to keep an eye on all movements in the entire territory on a 24-hour basis, in the hope that all the missing girls will be found,” President Buhari said.
“When I received the devastating news of the attack on the school and the fact that the local authorities could not account for all the students, I immediately dispatched a high-level delegation on a fact-finding visit to the town. I also instructed the security agencies to deploy in full and not spare any effort to ensure that all the girls are returned safely, and the attackers arrested and made to face justice.
“The entire country stands as one with the girls’ families, the government and the people of Yobe State. This is a national disaster. We are sorry that this could have happened and share your pain. We pray that our gallant armed forces will locate and safely return your missing family members”.
Buhari
President Buhari said this today as he also gave assurance to the families of the students abducted on Monday by Boko Haram insurgents, almost four years after a similar abduction of 275 schoolgirls from Chibok Girls Secondary School, in Borno State.
The Nigerian leader said no effort will be spared to bring succour to the Dapchi girls and the parents.
“Our government is sending more troops and surveillance aircraft to keep an eye on all movements in the entire territory on a 24-hour basis, in the hope that all the missing girls will be found,” President Buhari said.
“When I received the devastating news of the attack on the school and the fact that the local authorities could not account for all the students, I immediately dispatched a high-level delegation on a fact-finding visit to the town. I also instructed the security agencies to deploy in full and not spare any effort to ensure that all the girls are returned safely, and the attackers arrested and made to face justice.
“The entire country stands as one with the girls’ families, the government and the people of Yobe State. This is a national disaster. We are sorry that this could have happened and share your pain. We pray that our gallant armed forces will locate and safely return your missing family members”.
Man sentenced to 42 years imprisonment over car theft
Lagos—Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya of a Lagos High Court, sitting in Igbosere has sentenced an apprentice barber, Samuel Edet, to 42 years in prison for robbery.
Justice Ogunsanya convicted Edet of robbing an aluminum technician, Adewale Elelo, of his Nissan Pathfinder on February 21, 2012.
She sentenced him to 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit robbery and 21 years for robbery.
The sentences will, however, run concurrently.
Edet, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, was arraigned on April 27, 2015, on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery.
The prosecutor, Haroun Adebayo, said the offences committed are punishable under sections 297 and 295(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Edet had pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, Elelo said: “On June 15, 2012 at 11p.m., I was returning from church after a revival when, at St. Paul Street, along Agbado Road, leaving Toyin Bus Stop, the second street by the left, I saw a black SUV ahead of me and I began driving slowly.
“The car flashed its full headlights at me and I became afraid. He (Edet) alighted from the SUV and accosted me. He asked me to get into the boot of my vehicle, but I ran away and pressed a remote control that was in my pocket to immobilise my vehicle .
“I got to a Police checkpoint at Toyin Bus Stop and alerted the Police. The officers and passers-by came to my rescue and found the defendant in the car because the remote control had made the car immovable.”
According to Elelo, Edet’s accomplices escaped as soon as the crowd arrived.
However, Edet denied the allegations, describing himself as victim.
Edet said: “I was looking for a shop or work when I saw people running and shouting ‘thief.’ I was then arrested and taken to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, where the Police wrote on paper and asked me to sign.”
Justice Ogunsanya convicted Edet of robbing an aluminum technician, Adewale Elelo, of his Nissan Pathfinder on February 21, 2012.
She sentenced him to 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit robbery and 21 years for robbery.
The sentences will, however, run concurrently.
Edet, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, was arraigned on April 27, 2015, on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery.
The prosecutor, Haroun Adebayo, said the offences committed are punishable under sections 297 and 295(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Edet had pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, Elelo said: “On June 15, 2012 at 11p.m., I was returning from church after a revival when, at St. Paul Street, along Agbado Road, leaving Toyin Bus Stop, the second street by the left, I saw a black SUV ahead of me and I began driving slowly.
“The car flashed its full headlights at me and I became afraid. He (Edet) alighted from the SUV and accosted me. He asked me to get into the boot of my vehicle, but I ran away and pressed a remote control that was in my pocket to immobilise my vehicle .
“I got to a Police checkpoint at Toyin Bus Stop and alerted the Police. The officers and passers-by came to my rescue and found the defendant in the car because the remote control had made the car immovable.”
According to Elelo, Edet’s accomplices escaped as soon as the crowd arrived.
However, Edet denied the allegations, describing himself as victim.
Edet said: “I was looking for a shop or work when I saw people running and shouting ‘thief.’ I was then arrested and taken to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, where the Police wrote on paper and asked me to sign.”
NDLEA destroys drugs worth N10b in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo Command on Friday destroyed illicit drugs valued at more than N10 billion in Benin.
Retired Col. Mohammad Abdallah, the Chairman of NDLEA who supervised the exercise, said that the quantum of drugs being destroyed clearly called for state of emergency over drug situation in the country.
NDLEA operative
Abdallah said approximately 137,000 kiligrammes of illicit drugs were destroyed, noting that
the figure was double the total figure recently destroyed in FCT, Oyo and Kano states.
The chairman said 20 tonnes of drugs were destroyed in FCT, 14 tonnes in Oyo and 50 tonnes
in Kano, while a whopping 136 tonnes destroyed in Edo.
He added that the quantity showed that drugs had become unacceptably pervasive in many parts of the country, with attendant implications on health, security and integrity of the nation.
He stressed that the connection between drugs and violent crimes was beyond any controversy, adding that this was because cannabis, tramadol and other psychoactive substances were often recovered in virtually all terrorist camps by the military.
Abdallah expressed concern over the increase in space of forest being used for the cultivation of cannabis sativa in the state.
He explained that in 2017, the state command destroyed 40.06 hectares of suspected cannabis plantations, while 37.9 hectares was destroyed in 2016.
He noted that the diversion of land to cannabis cultivation instead of food and economic crops remained a serious threat to food production in the country.
The state Commander of NDLEA, Mr Buba Wakawa, said it was sad that Edo was one of the highest cannabis producing states in the country.
Wakawa said that the problems of drugs and substance abuse in the state were of serious concern to the command.
He added that school age children were found to be using drugs even at an early age of 13, saying
this had affected the rate of school dropout, divorce, rape, as well as teenage pregnancy.
The commander said the event marked the last stage of drug enforcement circle which started with intelligence gathering, raid operations, investigation, successful conviction and finally execution of the court order for the destruction of confiscated drugs.
The quantity of drugs destroyed was the largest in the history of drug control in the country, he stressed.
Wakawa said cannabis sativa accounted for 136, 437.73 kilogrammes of the figure, while cocaine, heroin and other psychotropic substances accounted for 0.0139 kilo grammes, 0.0084 kilogrammes and 406.7 kilogrammes.
Retired Col. Mohammad Abdallah, the Chairman of NDLEA who supervised the exercise, said that the quantum of drugs being destroyed clearly called for state of emergency over drug situation in the country.
NDLEA operative
Abdallah said approximately 137,000 kiligrammes of illicit drugs were destroyed, noting that
the figure was double the total figure recently destroyed in FCT, Oyo and Kano states.
The chairman said 20 tonnes of drugs were destroyed in FCT, 14 tonnes in Oyo and 50 tonnes
in Kano, while a whopping 136 tonnes destroyed in Edo.
He added that the quantity showed that drugs had become unacceptably pervasive in many parts of the country, with attendant implications on health, security and integrity of the nation.
He stressed that the connection between drugs and violent crimes was beyond any controversy, adding that this was because cannabis, tramadol and other psychoactive substances were often recovered in virtually all terrorist camps by the military.
Abdallah expressed concern over the increase in space of forest being used for the cultivation of cannabis sativa in the state.
He explained that in 2017, the state command destroyed 40.06 hectares of suspected cannabis plantations, while 37.9 hectares was destroyed in 2016.
He noted that the diversion of land to cannabis cultivation instead of food and economic crops remained a serious threat to food production in the country.
The state Commander of NDLEA, Mr Buba Wakawa, said it was sad that Edo was one of the highest cannabis producing states in the country.
Wakawa said that the problems of drugs and substance abuse in the state were of serious concern to the command.
He added that school age children were found to be using drugs even at an early age of 13, saying
this had affected the rate of school dropout, divorce, rape, as well as teenage pregnancy.
The commander said the event marked the last stage of drug enforcement circle which started with intelligence gathering, raid operations, investigation, successful conviction and finally execution of the court order for the destruction of confiscated drugs.
The quantity of drugs destroyed was the largest in the history of drug control in the country, he stressed.
Wakawa said cannabis sativa accounted for 136, 437.73 kilogrammes of the figure, while cocaine, heroin and other psychotropic substances accounted for 0.0139 kilo grammes, 0.0084 kilogrammes and 406.7 kilogrammes.
Military denies halting operation to aid Shekau
The Nigerian Army has flayed insinuations that troops movement under Operation DEEP PUNCH II was temporarily halted to aid Boko Haram Leader, Abubakar Shekau, escaped.
Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement issued in Maiduguri, dismissed the report as “not true”.
Shekau
Nwachukwu said the ongoing clearance operation by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole under the operation DEEP PUNCH II was being executed according to plans.
He noted that troops movement were halted in view of the exigencies of time and in accordance with military plan and strategy, and not to give escape avenue to the insurgents’ leader.
Nwachukwu described the report as frivolous capable of demoralizing the troops and hamper progress of the ongoing operation.
He added that such misinformation is untenable and do not reflect the strong character and courageous disposition of troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
The spokesman urged the people to disregard such information and cooperate with the military to enable them succeed in its clearance campaign against remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents.
“The attention of Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been drawn to unfortunate mainstream and social media reports insinuating that troops advance at the ongoing Operation DEEP PUNCH II was deliberately halted to allow the escape of the purported factional Boko Haram terrorists group leader, Abubakar Shekau in Sambisa forest. This is not true.
“Contrary to the mischievous allegations, no such order or directive was given by anybody to any of the units and formations in the operation.
“It is crucial to point out that there are several factors in planning and conduct of military operations, whether kinetic or otherwise. The ongoing Operation DEEP PUNCH II, which is aimed at clearing Boko Haram insurgents from the Sambisa forest and the northern fringes of Lake Chad region, was planned to be executed in phases.
“It is a phase operation and therefore requires that at a predetermined point or stage, troops will be halted either preparatory for transiting to another phase or the other depending on the threat situation.
“During the operation, troops movement could be put on halt when vehicles or other mobile equipment are bugged down due to the difficulty of the terrain and for recovery purposes.
“In military operations avenues are deliberately provided for troops to habour, where they rest and carry out refitting of weapons and other equipment before resuming the operations.
“Additionally, booby traps and land mines could also compel an advancing troops to halt to enable some specialized squad or scout assess the situation before movement resume. These and several other factors could precipitate the halting of troops during operations.
“It is therefore very appalling and unimaginable that a fundamental operational procedure could be misinterpreted and be mischievously used as a psychological weapon to indirectly dampen the morale of our troops”
Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement issued in Maiduguri, dismissed the report as “not true”.
Shekau
Nwachukwu said the ongoing clearance operation by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole under the operation DEEP PUNCH II was being executed according to plans.
He noted that troops movement were halted in view of the exigencies of time and in accordance with military plan and strategy, and not to give escape avenue to the insurgents’ leader.
Nwachukwu described the report as frivolous capable of demoralizing the troops and hamper progress of the ongoing operation.
He added that such misinformation is untenable and do not reflect the strong character and courageous disposition of troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
The spokesman urged the people to disregard such information and cooperate with the military to enable them succeed in its clearance campaign against remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents.
“The attention of Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been drawn to unfortunate mainstream and social media reports insinuating that troops advance at the ongoing Operation DEEP PUNCH II was deliberately halted to allow the escape of the purported factional Boko Haram terrorists group leader, Abubakar Shekau in Sambisa forest. This is not true.
“Contrary to the mischievous allegations, no such order or directive was given by anybody to any of the units and formations in the operation.
“It is crucial to point out that there are several factors in planning and conduct of military operations, whether kinetic or otherwise. The ongoing Operation DEEP PUNCH II, which is aimed at clearing Boko Haram insurgents from the Sambisa forest and the northern fringes of Lake Chad region, was planned to be executed in phases.
“It is a phase operation and therefore requires that at a predetermined point or stage, troops will be halted either preparatory for transiting to another phase or the other depending on the threat situation.
“During the operation, troops movement could be put on halt when vehicles or other mobile equipment are bugged down due to the difficulty of the terrain and for recovery purposes.
“In military operations avenues are deliberately provided for troops to habour, where they rest and carry out refitting of weapons and other equipment before resuming the operations.
“Additionally, booby traps and land mines could also compel an advancing troops to halt to enable some specialized squad or scout assess the situation before movement resume. These and several other factors could precipitate the halting of troops during operations.
“It is therefore very appalling and unimaginable that a fundamental operational procedure could be misinterpreted and be mischievously used as a psychological weapon to indirectly dampen the morale of our troops”
EFCC recovers N102m for Bank of Agriculture
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna zonal office, has recovered N102 million diverted from the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) in Kebbi.
A statement by the spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the funds were diverted by beneficiaries of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme, disbursed by BOA.
EFCC operatives
Uwujaren said so far a total of N297 million had been recovered by the commission in favour of BOA in Kaduna and Kebbi states.
The Head of Operations of the Kaduna office, Ibrahim Bappa, formally presented a bank draft for the N102 million to one Mohammed Babangida, who represented the BOA Managing Director.
Bappa assured the bank that the EFCC would continue to assist it in the discharge of its statutory duties.
He, however, decried the worrisome trend in which beneficiaries of the scheme diverted the funds, and urged the BOA to ensure proper orientation before loans were disbursed.
Responding, Babangida lauded the efforts of the EFCC in the recovery, saying the action had restored confidence in the bank.
The EFCC spokesman said investigations into the matter began in 2017 following a complaint.
According to him, the complaint bordered on the diversion of part of the N12 billion disbursed to some rice farmers through BOA in which Kebbi acted as uptaker for the purchase of paddy rice.
“In the course of investigations, it was revealed that some rice mills in Kebbi collected bags of rice but failed to remit the total agreed sum.
“So far, the Kaduna zonal office of the EFCC has been able recover N297 million in favour of the Anchor Borrowers Programme in Kaduna and Kebbi States,” he said.
A statement by the spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the funds were diverted by beneficiaries of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme, disbursed by BOA.
EFCC operatives
Uwujaren said so far a total of N297 million had been recovered by the commission in favour of BOA in Kaduna and Kebbi states.
The Head of Operations of the Kaduna office, Ibrahim Bappa, formally presented a bank draft for the N102 million to one Mohammed Babangida, who represented the BOA Managing Director.
Bappa assured the bank that the EFCC would continue to assist it in the discharge of its statutory duties.
He, however, decried the worrisome trend in which beneficiaries of the scheme diverted the funds, and urged the BOA to ensure proper orientation before loans were disbursed.
Responding, Babangida lauded the efforts of the EFCC in the recovery, saying the action had restored confidence in the bank.
The EFCC spokesman said investigations into the matter began in 2017 following a complaint.
According to him, the complaint bordered on the diversion of part of the N12 billion disbursed to some rice farmers through BOA in which Kebbi acted as uptaker for the purchase of paddy rice.
“In the course of investigations, it was revealed that some rice mills in Kebbi collected bags of rice but failed to remit the total agreed sum.
“So far, the Kaduna zonal office of the EFCC has been able recover N297 million in favour of the Anchor Borrowers Programme in Kaduna and Kebbi States,” he said.
FG to establish specialised bank to assist innovators, science/tech ventures
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, says Federal Government is working toward establishing specialised bank to assist innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology ventures.
The minister said this after listening to presentations by some student inventors and innovators at the ongoing 1st International Workshop on Science Parks and Innovation Eco-system for National Development (SPIE4ND) on Friday at University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Ogbonnaya Onu
He said the delay in the coming on board of the specialised bank was due to the earlier economic recession in the country, noting that the bank should have taken off by now “but we had a challenge of recession and accompanying paucity of funds.
“But I believe that with the picking up of the economy and other economic activities now; I believe it would not be long it would be a reality.
“Talks were in progress with stakeholders and government partners on the specialised bank project.”
Onu said that with the coming on stream of the bank, funding issue for innovations, science and technology ventures, as well as to an extend science researches meant to solve societal challenges, would be taken care of.
He said Federal Government had also made innovations and development in science and technology as the focal point of its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
He advised young innovators to protect their work through patenting them and jealously guard the secret of their work against intellectual theft.
The minister assured UNN that he would be sending heads of parastatal agencies under his ministry to discuss and know how to help the university to develop its science park programme and other technological-driven programmes.
He added that “the ministry and its agencies will assist you in various ways to ensure that we build the capacity of young inventors and innovators.
“Heads of parastatal agencies under the ministry will be coming down here to discuss with the vice-chancellor on how best to assist you in any aspect of these programmes to create jobs and wealth needed from it.”
Onu urged the students not to give-up hope, saying “I see many Bill Gates and other great inventors and innovators among you.”
The four-day workshop, which started on Feb. 21, was organised by UNN; Ideon Science Park, Sweden and LundaVision AB, Sweden.
It was attended by over 100 lecturers from across Nigerian and African universities, including investors.
The minister said this after listening to presentations by some student inventors and innovators at the ongoing 1st International Workshop on Science Parks and Innovation Eco-system for National Development (SPIE4ND) on Friday at University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Ogbonnaya Onu
He said the delay in the coming on board of the specialised bank was due to the earlier economic recession in the country, noting that the bank should have taken off by now “but we had a challenge of recession and accompanying paucity of funds.
“But I believe that with the picking up of the economy and other economic activities now; I believe it would not be long it would be a reality.
“Talks were in progress with stakeholders and government partners on the specialised bank project.”
Onu said that with the coming on stream of the bank, funding issue for innovations, science and technology ventures, as well as to an extend science researches meant to solve societal challenges, would be taken care of.
He said Federal Government had also made innovations and development in science and technology as the focal point of its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
He advised young innovators to protect their work through patenting them and jealously guard the secret of their work against intellectual theft.
The minister assured UNN that he would be sending heads of parastatal agencies under his ministry to discuss and know how to help the university to develop its science park programme and other technological-driven programmes.
He added that “the ministry and its agencies will assist you in various ways to ensure that we build the capacity of young inventors and innovators.
“Heads of parastatal agencies under the ministry will be coming down here to discuss with the vice-chancellor on how best to assist you in any aspect of these programmes to create jobs and wealth needed from it.”
Onu urged the students not to give-up hope, saying “I see many Bill Gates and other great inventors and innovators among you.”
The four-day workshop, which started on Feb. 21, was organised by UNN; Ideon Science Park, Sweden and LundaVision AB, Sweden.
It was attended by over 100 lecturers from across Nigerian and African universities, including investors.
Yobe attack: Many school girls were taken by Boko Haram -Escapee reveals
Aishatu Abdullahi, one of the schoolgirls that escaped Boko Haram’s Monday attack on Dapchi town of Yobe State, has said some of the girls were abducted.
According to her, not all the girls escaped the armed insurgents’ attack.
The Police in Yobe state on Tuesday disclosed that no life was lost in yesterday’s attack on Government Girls’ Secondary School, GGSS, Dapchi, in Bursari LGA of Yobe state, by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect.
The Yobe state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdulmaliki Sumonu revealed that there has so far not been any report of abduction of any of the girls in the school.
The insurgents had attacked the town on Monday and carted away foodstuffsat the College, while firing sporadically forcing staff and students to flee for safety.
The traumatised school girl told Premium Times that she saw some of the girls being whisked away by the armed men.
Aishatu, who spoke in Hausa said: “My name is Aishatu Abdullahi. I am a Senior Secondary (SS) student of GGSS Dapchi.
“I was in the school when the Boko Haram insurgents came at exactly the time we were preparing to break our usual Monday fast. They were shooting guns and everyone was confused; then we started running helter skelter but they were able to. We saw some people pushing some of the students to enter their vehicles.
“There were no soldiers at the time of the invasion. It was later after the principal placed a call that some soldiers came and then we began to see helicopter hovering around the village.
”We were in the mosque when the Boko Haram gunmen came into the town. According to the accounts of some of my mates, the Boko Haram told those that were caught in the mosque to sit on the floor, including our teachers. One of our teacher was injured in his leg and hand – I don’t know if it was from gunshot. We don’t know what later happened, the gunmen later left the people in the mosque.
“They came in three trucks. But they didn’t cart away food from our store as claimed.
“Some of the other schoolgirls ran with some of our teachers to a house near the school. We saw the women in the house running away, but we had to enter and hide inside the house. All of us that escaped including our school principal, the vice principal and some other teachers stayed in the deserted house till morning.
”I cannot say how many of us (were involved) but I know that our game master was able to escape with about 60 students into the bush.
“Many students cannot be accounted for till this moment, some classes are empty, some classes had less than 15 students; some said ten could not be accounted for; mostly all of the classes have missing students.
“Many of us are traumatised; many were even fainting upon hearing any unusual sounds due to the experience.
”The school has given us one week to go home for a break; but in all honesty, I am not willing to come back here because we are scared of what could happen to us in the future.”
According to her, not all the girls escaped the armed insurgents’ attack.
The Police in Yobe state on Tuesday disclosed that no life was lost in yesterday’s attack on Government Girls’ Secondary School, GGSS, Dapchi, in Bursari LGA of Yobe state, by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect.
The Yobe state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdulmaliki Sumonu revealed that there has so far not been any report of abduction of any of the girls in the school.
The insurgents had attacked the town on Monday and carted away foodstuffsat the College, while firing sporadically forcing staff and students to flee for safety.
The traumatised school girl told Premium Times that she saw some of the girls being whisked away by the armed men.
Aishatu, who spoke in Hausa said: “My name is Aishatu Abdullahi. I am a Senior Secondary (SS) student of GGSS Dapchi.
“I was in the school when the Boko Haram insurgents came at exactly the time we were preparing to break our usual Monday fast. They were shooting guns and everyone was confused; then we started running helter skelter but they were able to. We saw some people pushing some of the students to enter their vehicles.
“There were no soldiers at the time of the invasion. It was later after the principal placed a call that some soldiers came and then we began to see helicopter hovering around the village.
”We were in the mosque when the Boko Haram gunmen came into the town. According to the accounts of some of my mates, the Boko Haram told those that were caught in the mosque to sit on the floor, including our teachers. One of our teacher was injured in his leg and hand – I don’t know if it was from gunshot. We don’t know what later happened, the gunmen later left the people in the mosque.
“They came in three trucks. But they didn’t cart away food from our store as claimed.
“Some of the other schoolgirls ran with some of our teachers to a house near the school. We saw the women in the house running away, but we had to enter and hide inside the house. All of us that escaped including our school principal, the vice principal and some other teachers stayed in the deserted house till morning.
”I cannot say how many of us (were involved) but I know that our game master was able to escape with about 60 students into the bush.
“Many students cannot be accounted for till this moment, some classes are empty, some classes had less than 15 students; some said ten could not be accounted for; mostly all of the classes have missing students.
“Many of us are traumatised; many were even fainting upon hearing any unusual sounds due to the experience.
”The school has given us one week to go home for a break; but in all honesty, I am not willing to come back here because we are scared of what could happen to us in the future.”
Nollywood: Actors Guild gets new leadership
The Abuja chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has inaugurated new Executive Members to steer the affairs of the guild for the next two years.
Alvin Ahmed, new Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (FCT) taking oath of office
Newsmen report that the nine-member executive took their oath office on Thursday night at the ‘Inauguration and Fund Raising Night” of the Guild held in Abuja.
The new executives led by Prince Alvin Ahmed as Chairman, was elected on Dec.2, 2017.
Other members of the leadership team include Anithan Audu-Vice Chairman, Josep Nwanze-Secretary General and Patience Eze as the new Public Relation Officer for the Guild.
Also, Etukudoh Godwin, Treasurer; Ifeoama Nwakozo, Financial Secretary and Jackson Oluwafemi, Chief Whip.
In his inaugural speech, the new chairman, Ahmed, on behalf of the excutive pledged their commitmennt to the guild adding that they would consolidate on the successes recorded by their predecessors.
He noted that member’s welfare was to be given uttermost priority to ensure that actors in the Fedeal Capital Territory strive and remain outstanding.
“We are set to hit the ground running as we reposition our noble guild towards ensuring that actors in Abuja take their pride of place.
“Nollywood has other guild as well, we hope to build a better working relationship with them and other relevant stakeholders for the growth of the film industry in the Territory,” he said.
In his remark, the National President of the AGN, Emeka Rollas, who handed certificate of office to the new executives, urged them to maintain the good legacies of the immediate past leaders of the guild.
He noted that while many other state chapters of the AGN were being factionalized, the FCT chapter remains united and strong, and thus was a reference point.
“Abuja chapter, under the leadership of Agility Onwurah, has really shown that it is the centre of unity indeed, as it grows stronger, I therefore urged this new executive to maintain the good name.”
In the same vein, Agility Onwurah, the out-going president of the guild in the FCT, urge the new executives to remain steadfast, adding that he was ready to give necessary advice to the new leaders whenever that was required.
Newsmen report that Nollywood actors, leaders of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) and the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN),and other bodies were present at the event.
Alvin Ahmed, new Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (FCT) taking oath of office
Newsmen report that the nine-member executive took their oath office on Thursday night at the ‘Inauguration and Fund Raising Night” of the Guild held in Abuja.
The new executives led by Prince Alvin Ahmed as Chairman, was elected on Dec.2, 2017.
Other members of the leadership team include Anithan Audu-Vice Chairman, Josep Nwanze-Secretary General and Patience Eze as the new Public Relation Officer for the Guild.
Also, Etukudoh Godwin, Treasurer; Ifeoama Nwakozo, Financial Secretary and Jackson Oluwafemi, Chief Whip.
In his inaugural speech, the new chairman, Ahmed, on behalf of the excutive pledged their commitmennt to the guild adding that they would consolidate on the successes recorded by their predecessors.
He noted that member’s welfare was to be given uttermost priority to ensure that actors in the Fedeal Capital Territory strive and remain outstanding.
“We are set to hit the ground running as we reposition our noble guild towards ensuring that actors in Abuja take their pride of place.
“Nollywood has other guild as well, we hope to build a better working relationship with them and other relevant stakeholders for the growth of the film industry in the Territory,” he said.
In his remark, the National President of the AGN, Emeka Rollas, who handed certificate of office to the new executives, urged them to maintain the good legacies of the immediate past leaders of the guild.
He noted that while many other state chapters of the AGN were being factionalized, the FCT chapter remains united and strong, and thus was a reference point.
“Abuja chapter, under the leadership of Agility Onwurah, has really shown that it is the centre of unity indeed, as it grows stronger, I therefore urged this new executive to maintain the good name.”
In the same vein, Agility Onwurah, the out-going president of the guild in the FCT, urge the new executives to remain steadfast, adding that he was ready to give necessary advice to the new leaders whenever that was required.
Newsmen report that Nollywood actors, leaders of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) and the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN),and other bodies were present at the event.
Thursday 22 February 2018
Man, 58, sentenced to 60 years imprisonment for raping 6-yr-old girl
A 58-year-old man, Obinna Izegben, was, yesterday, sentenced to 60 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a six-year-old old primary school pupil by Justice Sybil Nwaka of the Ikeja Special Offences and Sexual Court.
File: Rape06
Justice Nwaka sentenced Izegben after he found him guilty of the charge of defilement brought against him by Lagos State.
He held that “this defendant is charged with the offence of defilement of a child, contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
“Upon his plea of guilty, the prosecution stated the fact of the case and it was established that he was found guilty of the offence. I cannot agree less with the prosecution, because of the rate at which men in large number defile children.”
‘Children no longer safe’
Justice Nwaka further said that children are no longer safe with uncles, teachers and even fathers.
He said: “This is sad. I encourage children to come out and report all cases of assault and defilement against them. The state of Lagos has zero tolerance for defilement.
“I, hereby, sentence the defendant to 60 years imprisonment with hard labour,” Justice Nwaka pronounced.
His conviction is the first since the inauguration of the special court on February 1.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr. B. T. Boye, the convict was arraigned on February 12, alongside two others, Raimi Jimoh, first defendant, and Kazeem Olohunwa, second defendant, on a three-count charge bothering on defilement.
He pleaded guilty while the two others denied the charge.
File: Rape06
Justice Nwaka sentenced Izegben after he found him guilty of the charge of defilement brought against him by Lagos State.
He held that “this defendant is charged with the offence of defilement of a child, contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
“Upon his plea of guilty, the prosecution stated the fact of the case and it was established that he was found guilty of the offence. I cannot agree less with the prosecution, because of the rate at which men in large number defile children.”
‘Children no longer safe’
Justice Nwaka further said that children are no longer safe with uncles, teachers and even fathers.
He said: “This is sad. I encourage children to come out and report all cases of assault and defilement against them. The state of Lagos has zero tolerance for defilement.
“I, hereby, sentence the defendant to 60 years imprisonment with hard labour,” Justice Nwaka pronounced.
His conviction is the first since the inauguration of the special court on February 1.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr. B. T. Boye, the convict was arraigned on February 12, alongside two others, Raimi Jimoh, first defendant, and Kazeem Olohunwa, second defendant, on a three-count charge bothering on defilement.
He pleaded guilty while the two others denied the charge.
Demolition of Kaduna APC office: Army gives chairman 3 days to apologize
Abuja – The Nigerian Army has demanded for an apology from the Acting Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Kaduna State Branch, Alhaji SI Danladi Wada for his unfounded allegation against the GOC 1 division, that soldiers of the division alongside officials of KASUPDA carried out the demolition of the APC office.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, Secretariat, a building said to be owned by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, along Sambo Road, Kaduna, demolished yesterday by the Kaduna State Government. PHOTO: Olu Ajayi.
The army in a statement noted that despite the fact that the allegation credited to Alhaji Wada ere not true, the Acting APC Chairman has is yet to be remorseful over such misdeed and futile attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army through such spurious allegations.
The Army has therefore called on the acting Chairman of Kaduna State branch of APC, Alhaji SI Danladi Wada to withdraw the statement and tender an unreserved apology to the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army within 3 days from today.
“Failure to do so, we will be obliged to take legal action against him”, the army said.
The statement signed by Col AA Yusuf on behalf of Brigadier General Sani Usman, Director, Army Public Relations is entitled, ‘Re: Army Demolishes APC Secretariat in Kaduna, Nigerian Army Demands Retraction and Apology.
It reads, “ The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a press statement by the Acting Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Kaduna State branch, Alhaji SI Danladi Wada, in which he made some unfounded allegations against the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, his officers and soldiers. Alhaji Wada further alleged that Kaduna State Government used soldiers in conjunction with KASUPDA to demolish a property in Kaduna.
“The statement is baseless and not true. The 1 Division Nigerian Army through a press release categorically states that no Nigerian Army soldier was involved in the said demolition exercise.
“The allegation and the attempt to drag the Nigerian Army into the issue of demolition is yet another baseless and unsubstantiated claim to malign the hardworking, loyal and professional officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army to discredit them.
“Contrary to claims, the Nigerian Army has not been involved in any illegal activity of either harassment of politicians or demolition of their properties in Kaduna and its environs.
“Despite the fact that his claims were outright false and mischievous, Alhaji Wada is yet to be remorseful over such misdeed and futile attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army through such spurious allegations.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Army therefore calls on the acting Chairman of Kaduna State branch of APC, Alhaji SI Danladi Wada to withdraw the statement and tender an unreserved apology to the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army within 3 days from today.
“Failure to do so, we will be obliged to take legal action against him.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, Secretariat, a building said to be owned by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, along Sambo Road, Kaduna, demolished yesterday by the Kaduna State Government. PHOTO: Olu Ajayi.
The army in a statement noted that despite the fact that the allegation credited to Alhaji Wada ere not true, the Acting APC Chairman has is yet to be remorseful over such misdeed and futile attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army through such spurious allegations.
The Army has therefore called on the acting Chairman of Kaduna State branch of APC, Alhaji SI Danladi Wada to withdraw the statement and tender an unreserved apology to the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army within 3 days from today.
“Failure to do so, we will be obliged to take legal action against him”, the army said.
The statement signed by Col AA Yusuf on behalf of Brigadier General Sani Usman, Director, Army Public Relations is entitled, ‘Re: Army Demolishes APC Secretariat in Kaduna, Nigerian Army Demands Retraction and Apology.
It reads, “ The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a press statement by the Acting Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Kaduna State branch, Alhaji SI Danladi Wada, in which he made some unfounded allegations against the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, his officers and soldiers. Alhaji Wada further alleged that Kaduna State Government used soldiers in conjunction with KASUPDA to demolish a property in Kaduna.
“The statement is baseless and not true. The 1 Division Nigerian Army through a press release categorically states that no Nigerian Army soldier was involved in the said demolition exercise.
“The allegation and the attempt to drag the Nigerian Army into the issue of demolition is yet another baseless and unsubstantiated claim to malign the hardworking, loyal and professional officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army to discredit them.
“Contrary to claims, the Nigerian Army has not been involved in any illegal activity of either harassment of politicians or demolition of their properties in Kaduna and its environs.
“Despite the fact that his claims were outright false and mischievous, Alhaji Wada is yet to be remorseful over such misdeed and futile attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army through such spurious allegations.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Army therefore calls on the acting Chairman of Kaduna State branch of APC, Alhaji SI Danladi Wada to withdraw the statement and tender an unreserved apology to the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army within 3 days from today.
“Failure to do so, we will be obliged to take legal action against him.
On FG’s declaration of hate speech as act of terrorism
The UN Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1948 declares that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Ms. Joy Arinze, Self-Employed.
Bad leadership creates hate and hate speech. This administration is full of hate and causes hate speech. Now they’re fabricating an illegal law against hate speech. In a democracy, only the legislature makes laws, not acting presidents. Mr. Anthony Ibekwe,Businessman.
Hate speech
Trump has been ridi-culed through drawings and speeches, yet, he still kept on working and acting as if he did not see or hear anything; it doesn’t disturb his decisions. Our way of doing things is always different. So these speeches are actually eating them up? Then they should do what is right, and they will get praises instead. Mr. Paschal Edogwo,Disc Jockey.
This is dictatorship. Whatever happened to the nose must affect the eyes. Tit for Tat! This government should take things easy because they started the hate speech and now they are planning to arrest people, so they tagged hate speech an act of terrorism. I do not think it is a good idea.Mr. Ajunwa Vincent,Worker.
Before you talk about hate speech, talk about hate actions and attitude because that is what is bringing up hate speech. You cannot be doing something bad and expect people to talk good of you. What system of government are we really operating in Nigeria – democracy, dictatorship or anarchy? Mr. Anthony Philip,Student.
What is the relationship between hate speech and the constitutional fundamental human right of freedom of speech and the freedom of information bill enshrined in the constitution of the country? Even as I am talking, I am just suggesting by exercising my right, not a directive. Ms. Anne Kelechi,Fashion designer.
FG declares hate speech as terroris m
Ms. Joy Arinze, Self-Employed.
Bad leadership creates hate and hate speech. This administration is full of hate and causes hate speech. Now they’re fabricating an illegal law against hate speech. In a democracy, only the legislature makes laws, not acting presidents. Mr. Anthony Ibekwe,Businessman.
Hate speech
Trump has been ridi-culed through drawings and speeches, yet, he still kept on working and acting as if he did not see or hear anything; it doesn’t disturb his decisions. Our way of doing things is always different. So these speeches are actually eating them up? Then they should do what is right, and they will get praises instead. Mr. Paschal Edogwo,Disc Jockey.
This is dictatorship. Whatever happened to the nose must affect the eyes. Tit for Tat! This government should take things easy because they started the hate speech and now they are planning to arrest people, so they tagged hate speech an act of terrorism. I do not think it is a good idea.Mr. Ajunwa Vincent,Worker.
Before you talk about hate speech, talk about hate actions and attitude because that is what is bringing up hate speech. You cannot be doing something bad and expect people to talk good of you. What system of government are we really operating in Nigeria – democracy, dictatorship or anarchy? Mr. Anthony Philip,Student.
What is the relationship between hate speech and the constitutional fundamental human right of freedom of speech and the freedom of information bill enshrined in the constitution of the country? Even as I am talking, I am just suggesting by exercising my right, not a directive. Ms. Anne Kelechi,Fashion designer.
FG declares hate speech as terroris m
Edo govt in rice scandal
…As govt insists rice was judiciously disbursed
BENIN—EDO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, insisted that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration must account for the missing 4, 781 bags of rice of the 6,822 approved for the Internally Displaced Persons Camp at Uhogwa in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state by the Federal Government.
Godwin Obaseki
It will be recalled that the Comptroller of Customs, Col Hammed Ali (retd), in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that all perishable goods seized by the Customs should be donated to the IDP camps, allocated the consignments from various Customs warehouses across the country to the IDP camp in Benin City.
Other items donated to the IDP camps in the country were vegetable oils and used shoes.
However, Edo State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih while receiving defectors from All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and Freedom Foundation Movement, FFM, into the party, described the rice scandal as unbelievable, insisting that the governor must account for the missing bags of rice.
However, in its reaction, the state government said that all the bags of rice and other items like shoes, apart from the ones that were damaged in storage before they were allocated, were distributed to the Internally Displaced Persons camp and other orphanage homes within the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said: “The allegation is laughable and completely false and is a design of detractors to smear the image of a performing government.
“They have tried and failed on all other fronts, now they have stooped lower to a commodity as cheap as rice.”
BENIN—EDO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, insisted that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration must account for the missing 4, 781 bags of rice of the 6,822 approved for the Internally Displaced Persons Camp at Uhogwa in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state by the Federal Government.
Godwin Obaseki
It will be recalled that the Comptroller of Customs, Col Hammed Ali (retd), in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that all perishable goods seized by the Customs should be donated to the IDP camps, allocated the consignments from various Customs warehouses across the country to the IDP camp in Benin City.
Other items donated to the IDP camps in the country were vegetable oils and used shoes.
However, Edo State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih while receiving defectors from All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and Freedom Foundation Movement, FFM, into the party, described the rice scandal as unbelievable, insisting that the governor must account for the missing bags of rice.
However, in its reaction, the state government said that all the bags of rice and other items like shoes, apart from the ones that were damaged in storage before they were allocated, were distributed to the Internally Displaced Persons camp and other orphanage homes within the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said: “The allegation is laughable and completely false and is a design of detractors to smear the image of a performing government.
“They have tried and failed on all other fronts, now they have stooped lower to a commodity as cheap as rice.”
Wither Nigeria: National or State Police?
NOW that there appears to be consensus but not unanimity on the desirability of State Police, let me serve a caveat before its implementation. But before then, may I adumbrate my understanding of the concept of State Police.
Concept of a State Police.
Policemen on training
Simply put, State Police means the absence of a National Police Force. It means a locally controlled Police Force. The Police Forces in the state will not be under the control or supervision of the Inspector- General of Police. Rather, it will be the responsibility of the Governors of states to maintain law and order without the interference of the Inspector-General of Police or the President.
In other words, section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended which provides for the whole country, Nigeria, a single Police Force and prohibits the establishment of any other Police Force for Nigeria, has to be further amended.
Concomitantly, section 215(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended has to be altered to remove the authorisation of the President or the Minister to give direction to the IGP on the maintenance of law and order and public safety.
Similarly, the Proviso in section 215(4)of the Constitution which requires that the direction given to the CP by the Governor of a state may be referred to the President, has to be amended. This proviso has, in fact, to be deleted in order to have a State Police.
Caveat
I wish to remind all that sometime in the 80s, the Federal Government experimented with State Police but had to revert to status quo. All officers from DSP downwards, including Inspectors and Rank and File were transferred to their states of origin. The result of the experiment was revealing. Some states do not have enough manpower.
Others had more manpower than they required. More importantly, attainment of Justice was threatened in the states. Non-native civilians residing in the states other than theirs could not get justice.
Have you also averted your mind to impending conflicts that may arise in
Concept of a State Police.
Policemen on training
Simply put, State Police means the absence of a National Police Force. It means a locally controlled Police Force. The Police Forces in the state will not be under the control or supervision of the Inspector- General of Police. Rather, it will be the responsibility of the Governors of states to maintain law and order without the interference of the Inspector-General of Police or the President.
In other words, section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended which provides for the whole country, Nigeria, a single Police Force and prohibits the establishment of any other Police Force for Nigeria, has to be further amended.
Concomitantly, section 215(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended has to be altered to remove the authorisation of the President or the Minister to give direction to the IGP on the maintenance of law and order and public safety.
Similarly, the Proviso in section 215(4)of the Constitution which requires that the direction given to the CP by the Governor of a state may be referred to the President, has to be amended. This proviso has, in fact, to be deleted in order to have a State Police.
Caveat
I wish to remind all that sometime in the 80s, the Federal Government experimented with State Police but had to revert to status quo. All officers from DSP downwards, including Inspectors and Rank and File were transferred to their states of origin. The result of the experiment was revealing. Some states do not have enough manpower.
Others had more manpower than they required. More importantly, attainment of Justice was threatened in the states. Non-native civilians residing in the states other than theirs could not get justice.
Have you also averted your mind to impending conflicts that may arise in
Bridging gaps in radiotherapy support for cancer care
RADIOTHERAPY is one of the major modalities of treatment and care for common cancers. On average, radiotherapy is recommended for 52 per cent of cancer patients. Inequality in access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care continues to make reducing premature deaths from cancer difficult.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, recognises that while at least 55 per cent of all cancers in Africa could respond to radiotherapy, radiotherapy is available to only five per cent of the African population.
The Union for International Cancer Control, UICC, says the biggest gap between radiotherapy machine availability and need in the world today is in Nigeria, a fact that is corroborated by the Society of Oncology and Cancer Research Nigeria, SOCRN. This is really another sad reminder that Nigeria is behind in most developmental indices.
A World Health Organisation, WHO, Cancer Country profile for Nigeria shows that radiotherapy is not considered generally available under the public health system. There are great inequities in access to radiotherapy services at the national and regional levels, coupled with shortage of trained personnel.
An equity gap case study on access to radiotherapy in Nigeria conducted by the IAEA’s Directory of Radiotherapy Centres showed that there are only three functional radiotherapy machines in Nigeria.
This is equivalent to 0.016 radiotherapy machines per one million population compared to 1 to 250,000 population in the developed world. Worse still, a 2016 study of patients at the Radiation Oncology Department at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan in Oyo State, carried out by the IAEA, had observed that 80 per cent of patients were unable to afford radiotherapy without financial assistance.
Past attempts towards improving availability of equipment for cancer treatment include installation of radiation equipment in eight Federal Teaching Hospitals across the country.
In December 2017, the Federal Government announced a new machine for the Radiotherapy Department at the National Hospital, Abuja while a second machine is to be installed by June 2018 also at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.
All this is but a drop in the ocean. Cancer in Nigeria has reached epidemic proportions and is increasing at an alarming rate. Quick and decisive action is required to make access to cancer management services more equal across the country if the goal of health for all is to be attained.
Nigeria should key into successful initiatives such as the widely acknowledged Africa Radiation Oncology Network, AFRONET, a pilot telemedicine project supporting professionals in radiotherapy centres within Anglophone Africa.
Nigeria needs to better implement curriculum to ensure quality control in radiotherapy centres. If there is to be progress in reducing premature cancer deaths, urgency is required in addressing the access, infrastructure and human resource gaps in delivering radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients in the country.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, recognises that while at least 55 per cent of all cancers in Africa could respond to radiotherapy, radiotherapy is available to only five per cent of the African population.
The Union for International Cancer Control, UICC, says the biggest gap between radiotherapy machine availability and need in the world today is in Nigeria, a fact that is corroborated by the Society of Oncology and Cancer Research Nigeria, SOCRN. This is really another sad reminder that Nigeria is behind in most developmental indices.
A World Health Organisation, WHO, Cancer Country profile for Nigeria shows that radiotherapy is not considered generally available under the public health system. There are great inequities in access to radiotherapy services at the national and regional levels, coupled with shortage of trained personnel.
An equity gap case study on access to radiotherapy in Nigeria conducted by the IAEA’s Directory of Radiotherapy Centres showed that there are only three functional radiotherapy machines in Nigeria.
This is equivalent to 0.016 radiotherapy machines per one million population compared to 1 to 250,000 population in the developed world. Worse still, a 2016 study of patients at the Radiation Oncology Department at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan in Oyo State, carried out by the IAEA, had observed that 80 per cent of patients were unable to afford radiotherapy without financial assistance.
Past attempts towards improving availability of equipment for cancer treatment include installation of radiation equipment in eight Federal Teaching Hospitals across the country.
In December 2017, the Federal Government announced a new machine for the Radiotherapy Department at the National Hospital, Abuja while a second machine is to be installed by June 2018 also at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.
All this is but a drop in the ocean. Cancer in Nigeria has reached epidemic proportions and is increasing at an alarming rate. Quick and decisive action is required to make access to cancer management services more equal across the country if the goal of health for all is to be attained.
Nigeria should key into successful initiatives such as the widely acknowledged Africa Radiation Oncology Network, AFRONET, a pilot telemedicine project supporting professionals in radiotherapy centres within Anglophone Africa.
Nigeria needs to better implement curriculum to ensure quality control in radiotherapy centres. If there is to be progress in reducing premature cancer deaths, urgency is required in addressing the access, infrastructure and human resource gaps in delivering radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients in the country.
Wednesday 21 February 2018
NCAA, AIB launch probe after Dana Air plane overshoots runway
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has commenced investigation into how Dana Air plane overshot the runway at Port Harcourt International Airport.
Dana Airlines plane landing in Port Harcourt ends up in the bush
The Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, according to its spokesman, Mr Tunji Oketumbi, has also dispatched some of its men to Port Harcourt for the investigation.
The incident involving a Dana Air Boeing MD-83 jet happened at about 7:30 pm,Tuesday. None of the 44 passengers and six crew on board was injured.
Spokesman of the agency, Sam Adurogboye, who disclosed this, yesterday, said the plane was badly damaged.
“We have launched an investigation.” Adurogboye said.
It is the second incident involving Dana Air plane this month as one of its aircraft, February 7, had its emergency exit door fell off as it landed in Abuja from Lagos.
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, said Tuesday’s overshoot “was suspected to have been caused by heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and a storm.”
CPC speaks on incident
Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Council, CPC, has directed Dana Airline to provide necessary logistics support to affected passengers on Flight 9J0363.
Director-General of CPC, Babatunde Irukera, in a statement, said he had contacted Dana Air management and had come to an understanding that the airline would provide logistic support and accommodation to affected passengers.
He said this was in compliance with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).
Mr. Irukera commended airport officials’ prompt response to the mishap and safe evacuation and management of what could otherwise have been a tragic event.
He said: “Cause of incident still unknown but under investigation. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, have been notified and already in control.”
Passengers threaten legal action
Meanwhile, passengers, yesterday, shared their experiences and fears over the incident while also threatening to sue Dana Air for ill-treatment and loss of luggages over the incident.
A lady among the lucky passengers, said: “I don’t know what happened. Along the line, we veered off the runway. Before we knew it, everybody was just shouting and praying to God to intervene before it landed us in the bush.
“There was nobody to direct us on where to go, no medical team. Everybody was just running in confusion. Now we are here to collect our luggages, they said the manager is at the incident’s scene.”
Another male passenger told the mewscaster that they have been here today (Wednesday) as early as 8 O’clock to get our luggages, they are not giving them to us. As I speak, my family is not even aware of what has happened because my phones, my bags are trapped in the plane.”
Some of the angry passengers further lamented failure of Dana Air management to officially address them going to 24 hours after the incident, threatening to sue the airline under the circumstance.
Effort to reach the Dana Air management on the issue proved abortive, even as no official statement haD been heard from the firm.
Dana Airlines plane landing in Port Harcourt ends up in the bush
The Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, according to its spokesman, Mr Tunji Oketumbi, has also dispatched some of its men to Port Harcourt for the investigation.
The incident involving a Dana Air Boeing MD-83 jet happened at about 7:30 pm,Tuesday. None of the 44 passengers and six crew on board was injured.
Spokesman of the agency, Sam Adurogboye, who disclosed this, yesterday, said the plane was badly damaged.
“We have launched an investigation.” Adurogboye said.
It is the second incident involving Dana Air plane this month as one of its aircraft, February 7, had its emergency exit door fell off as it landed in Abuja from Lagos.
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, said Tuesday’s overshoot “was suspected to have been caused by heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and a storm.”
CPC speaks on incident
Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Council, CPC, has directed Dana Airline to provide necessary logistics support to affected passengers on Flight 9J0363.
Director-General of CPC, Babatunde Irukera, in a statement, said he had contacted Dana Air management and had come to an understanding that the airline would provide logistic support and accommodation to affected passengers.
He said this was in compliance with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).
Mr. Irukera commended airport officials’ prompt response to the mishap and safe evacuation and management of what could otherwise have been a tragic event.
He said: “Cause of incident still unknown but under investigation. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, have been notified and already in control.”
Passengers threaten legal action
Meanwhile, passengers, yesterday, shared their experiences and fears over the incident while also threatening to sue Dana Air for ill-treatment and loss of luggages over the incident.
A lady among the lucky passengers, said: “I don’t know what happened. Along the line, we veered off the runway. Before we knew it, everybody was just shouting and praying to God to intervene before it landed us in the bush.
“There was nobody to direct us on where to go, no medical team. Everybody was just running in confusion. Now we are here to collect our luggages, they said the manager is at the incident’s scene.”
Another male passenger told the mewscaster that they have been here today (Wednesday) as early as 8 O’clock to get our luggages, they are not giving them to us. As I speak, my family is not even aware of what has happened because my phones, my bags are trapped in the plane.”
Some of the angry passengers further lamented failure of Dana Air management to officially address them going to 24 hours after the incident, threatening to sue the airline under the circumstance.
Effort to reach the Dana Air management on the issue proved abortive, even as no official statement haD been heard from the firm.
Reps approve N364b NDDC budget
ABUJA—THE House of Representatives, yesterday, considered and approved the budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
House of Representatives
The budget is N364.5 billion. Of the amount, N17.797 billion is for personnel cost, while N12.459 billion is for overhead.
Similarly, the sum of N4.402 billion is for internal capital expenditure while N329.85 billion is for developmental projects.
The consideration of the budget followed a motion by Mr Nicholas Mutu.
Drawn from a first line charge, the budget is for the period ending May 31, 2018.
2016: Senate reduces Buhari's NDDC budget by N18.5b THE Senate has reduced the N260,064, 000,000.0 0 2016 budget for the Niger Delta Developm ent Commissio n, NDDC submitted by President Muhamma du Buhari.
2016: Senate reduces Buhari's NDDC budget by N18.5b
THE Senate has reduced the N260,064,000,000.00 2016 budget for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari.
June 23, 2016
Senate reduces NDDC's budget by N19bn
June 24, 2016
NDDC, oil firms trade blames over 3% budget remittance STARTLING revelations emerged, yesterday, on how oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region had over the years, failed to remit mandatory three percent from their annual budget to the Niger Delta Developm ent Commissio n, NDDC.
NDDC, oil firms trade blames over 3% budget remittan ce
STARTLING revelations emerged, yesterday, on how oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region had over the years, failed to remit mandatory three percent from their annual budget to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
April 8, 2016
House of Representatives
The budget is N364.5 billion. Of the amount, N17.797 billion is for personnel cost, while N12.459 billion is for overhead.
Similarly, the sum of N4.402 billion is for internal capital expenditure while N329.85 billion is for developmental projects.
The consideration of the budget followed a motion by Mr Nicholas Mutu.
Drawn from a first line charge, the budget is for the period ending May 31, 2018.
2016: Senate reduces Buhari's NDDC budget by N18.5b THE Senate has reduced the N260,064, 000,000.0 0 2016 budget for the Niger Delta Developm ent Commissio n, NDDC submitted by President Muhamma du Buhari.
2016: Senate reduces Buhari's NDDC budget by N18.5b
THE Senate has reduced the N260,064,000,000.00 2016 budget for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari.
June 23, 2016
Senate reduces NDDC's budget by N19bn
June 24, 2016
NDDC, oil firms trade blames over 3% budget remittance STARTLING revelations emerged, yesterday, on how oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region had over the years, failed to remit mandatory three percent from their annual budget to the Niger Delta Developm ent Commissio n, NDDC.
NDDC, oil firms trade blames over 3% budget remittan ce
STARTLING revelations emerged, yesterday, on how oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region had over the years, failed to remit mandatory three percent from their annual budget to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
April 8, 2016
73-yr-old ex-soldier allegedly stabs nephew to death over land tussle
LAGOS—The Police in Lagos have arrested a 73-year-old man, who allegedly stabbed his nephew to death over a land dispute in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
Knife stab
However, the suspect, Emmanuel Gbolahan, an ex-military man, stated during interrogation that he never meant to kill his 50-year- old nephew, Adeniyi Oyebanjo, that he only wanted to demonstrate his skills as an ex- serviceman.
Vanguardgathered that there had been a lingering quarrel between the suspect and one of his brothers, Oyebanjo, over ownership of a portion of land at Lowa area of Ikorodu.
But the situation took a violent dimension last Friday, after the deceased reportedly challenged the suspect over the same issue, an action that was described as an affront by the septuagenarian.
A relative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, toldVanguardthat “During the confrontation, Baba soldier (as he is fondly called) boasted that the deceased cannot overpower him in a fight. He said he would use his tactics as an ‘old soldier’ to defeat him despite the age difference. As usual, we calmed both parties before I left. By then, it was 7 pm.
“ But we heard a shout for help around 11 pm and by the time people rushed there, we saw Adeniyi in the pool of his blood with a knife thrust in his stomach. At first, Baba soldier kept calling on Adeniyi to get up and continue the fight. We managed to rush Adeniyi to the hospital but unfortunately, he was confirmed dead. “
At the Igbogbo Police division where the matter was reported, the suspect admitted to having committed the offence but blamed it on anger.
He simply said when approached, that “ The boy has been insulting me for long. I only wanted to teach him a lesson.
“I attacked him first with my military skills before the knife thrust into his stomach. But I didn’t know it would result in his death.“
73-year- old man allegedly stabs nephew to death A septuagen arian, Emmanuel Ajasa, was, yesterday, taken before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’ s Court in Lagos for the murder of his nephew, who he allegedly stabbed to death.
73-year- old man allegedly stabs nephew to death
A septuagenarian, Emmanuel Ajasa, was, yesterday, taken before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for the murder of his nephew, who he allegedly stabbed to death.
February 20, 2018
Knife stab
However, the suspect, Emmanuel Gbolahan, an ex-military man, stated during interrogation that he never meant to kill his 50-year- old nephew, Adeniyi Oyebanjo, that he only wanted to demonstrate his skills as an ex- serviceman.
Vanguardgathered that there had been a lingering quarrel between the suspect and one of his brothers, Oyebanjo, over ownership of a portion of land at Lowa area of Ikorodu.
But the situation took a violent dimension last Friday, after the deceased reportedly challenged the suspect over the same issue, an action that was described as an affront by the septuagenarian.
A relative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, toldVanguardthat “During the confrontation, Baba soldier (as he is fondly called) boasted that the deceased cannot overpower him in a fight. He said he would use his tactics as an ‘old soldier’ to defeat him despite the age difference. As usual, we calmed both parties before I left. By then, it was 7 pm.
“ But we heard a shout for help around 11 pm and by the time people rushed there, we saw Adeniyi in the pool of his blood with a knife thrust in his stomach. At first, Baba soldier kept calling on Adeniyi to get up and continue the fight. We managed to rush Adeniyi to the hospital but unfortunately, he was confirmed dead. “
At the Igbogbo Police division where the matter was reported, the suspect admitted to having committed the offence but blamed it on anger.
He simply said when approached, that “ The boy has been insulting me for long. I only wanted to teach him a lesson.
“I attacked him first with my military skills before the knife thrust into his stomach. But I didn’t know it would result in his death.“
73-year- old man allegedly stabs nephew to death A septuagen arian, Emmanuel Ajasa, was, yesterday, taken before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’ s Court in Lagos for the murder of his nephew, who he allegedly stabbed to death.
73-year- old man allegedly stabs nephew to death
A septuagenarian, Emmanuel Ajasa, was, yesterday, taken before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for the murder of his nephew, who he allegedly stabbed to death.
February 20, 2018
State Of The Nation: Enough of bloodletting — Ooni OF IFE
Lagos—THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi yesterday, frowned at the incessant killings going on in the country even as they called for an end to the senseless bloodshed.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ooni of Ife
He said this yesterday in Lagos, at a conference on African origins tagged: ‘New scientific evidence on origins of Nigerian peoples’, organised by Adulawo media in conjunction with the Royal House of Oduduwa and Genetics Society of Nigeria.
The Ooni of Ife, who was a special guest of honour, in his remarks urged Nigerians to let peace reign in the country even as he insisted that nothing ought to warrant killings in the country.
Ooni Ogunwusi said historically, “we are all brothers and sisters and cannot afford to be divided; we need to embrace one another and put end to the incessant killings across the country.”
The Ife monarch, who called for unity among Nigerians, said there is need to put an end to the killings.
He said: “If we speak with one voice and protect one another across board, the generation yet unborn will be very happy that we fought for them. We can’t continue to be divided. Why are we killing ourselves? Enough is enough; let us look inward to take our region and country as a whole to another level.
He added that the unborn generation may find it difficult to forgive if “we failed to come together as one and promote our heritage.”
“There is no nation in the world that has grown without heritage, culture and tradition of that nation. Look at Japan, they didn’t jettison their culture”, he said.
He charged Southerners and Nigerians in particular to come together and promote what they share in common.
Blame colonialism for our challenges— Attahof Igala
Also speaking, the Attah of Igala, Dr. Michael Oboni blamed colonialism for the challenges confronting the country even as he urged Nigerians to take their destiny in their hand.
Oboni said: “When the colonialists came, they disorganized our well articulated system. They enslaved our people and divided us in their own interest.
“We can not continue to dwell on the past but chart a better way forward. It is better late than never. I am glad our eyes are getting open more every day, we are gradually realizing what we have in common and once we project it, it unites us more.
Don’t replace history with civic studies— Jaja of Opobo
On his part, the Jaja of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja urged government not to replace History with Civic Study in the curriculum even as he advocated the teaching of history right from elementary school.
“A country without history has no where to go to. When you make people to tell you your own history, they will do it the way they like.
“Some of our young men don’t even know their real origin and that is the basis for some of the problems confronting this country today”, he said.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, who spoke on behalf of the group, said: “We must know our identity and the reason for the clashes we are having in Nigeria is a clash of civilization. There cannot be a meeting point between farmers and herdsmen, the farmers want to grow his plant and herdsmen want his cattle to eat up the crop.”
Speaking during the launch of his book titled, ‘The Blackworld: Evolution to Revolution’,Mr. Justice Faloye said that historically, Western academia “turned history around to favour them. It’s evident that human evolution began in Africa and Nigeria in particular even though Western academia is denying this fact,” he said.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ooni of Ife
He said this yesterday in Lagos, at a conference on African origins tagged: ‘New scientific evidence on origins of Nigerian peoples’, organised by Adulawo media in conjunction with the Royal House of Oduduwa and Genetics Society of Nigeria.
The Ooni of Ife, who was a special guest of honour, in his remarks urged Nigerians to let peace reign in the country even as he insisted that nothing ought to warrant killings in the country.
Ooni Ogunwusi said historically, “we are all brothers and sisters and cannot afford to be divided; we need to embrace one another and put end to the incessant killings across the country.”
The Ife monarch, who called for unity among Nigerians, said there is need to put an end to the killings.
He said: “If we speak with one voice and protect one another across board, the generation yet unborn will be very happy that we fought for them. We can’t continue to be divided. Why are we killing ourselves? Enough is enough; let us look inward to take our region and country as a whole to another level.
He added that the unborn generation may find it difficult to forgive if “we failed to come together as one and promote our heritage.”
“There is no nation in the world that has grown without heritage, culture and tradition of that nation. Look at Japan, they didn’t jettison their culture”, he said.
He charged Southerners and Nigerians in particular to come together and promote what they share in common.
Blame colonialism for our challenges— Attahof Igala
Also speaking, the Attah of Igala, Dr. Michael Oboni blamed colonialism for the challenges confronting the country even as he urged Nigerians to take their destiny in their hand.
Oboni said: “When the colonialists came, they disorganized our well articulated system. They enslaved our people and divided us in their own interest.
“We can not continue to dwell on the past but chart a better way forward. It is better late than never. I am glad our eyes are getting open more every day, we are gradually realizing what we have in common and once we project it, it unites us more.
Don’t replace history with civic studies— Jaja of Opobo
On his part, the Jaja of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja urged government not to replace History with Civic Study in the curriculum even as he advocated the teaching of history right from elementary school.
“A country without history has no where to go to. When you make people to tell you your own history, they will do it the way they like.
“Some of our young men don’t even know their real origin and that is the basis for some of the problems confronting this country today”, he said.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, who spoke on behalf of the group, said: “We must know our identity and the reason for the clashes we are having in Nigeria is a clash of civilization. There cannot be a meeting point between farmers and herdsmen, the farmers want to grow his plant and herdsmen want his cattle to eat up the crop.”
Speaking during the launch of his book titled, ‘The Blackworld: Evolution to Revolution’,Mr. Justice Faloye said that historically, Western academia “turned history around to favour them. It’s evident that human evolution began in Africa and Nigeria in particular even though Western academia is denying this fact,” he said.
3 women sell 2-month-old baby for N300,000
PORT HARCOURT—Three women, including the mother of a two-month-old baby boy, who conspired among themselves to sell the baby for N300,000 without the consent of his father, have been arrested by the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Team, led by ACP Bennet Igwe.
The team also arrested four men suspected to be the killers of Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogbogoro community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Heaven Ihuigwe, who was murdered in September 2017.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, Cyril Okoro, while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, said: “Operatives of the IGP team unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Nkechi Uzoemene, Roseline Okey and Nwolu Rita, who conspired amongst themselves and sold a two-month-old baby boy belonging to Nwolu Rita for N300,000 without the consent of her husband.
Baby factory discovered
Okoro added that the team recovered the baby alongside nine pregnant girls, when they bust a baby-making factory in Imo State ran by one Mrs. Ngozi Egeonu.
His words: “The child was sold to Ngozi Egeonu in Owerri, Imo State. After searching the house and premises of Egeonu, the operatives discovered nine pregnant girls, whose pregnancies have been mortgaged.”
However, the suspects toldVanguardthat they were innocent of the crime, adding that the baby was not sold, rather the little boy was sent to the home in Owerri for care.
killers’ arrests
The team, according to Okoro, also arrested four men suspected to be the killers of Chairman of PDP, in Ogbogoro community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Ihuigwe, who was murdered in September 2017.
Okoro stated that the killers of Ihuigwe were arrested through investigations, adding that the suspects have confessed to the crime.
According to the Police boss, “following a tip-off, men of the IGP Monitoring Unit arrested one Ifeanyi Okoro, 25, residing at Omagwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to have been involved in the murder of Ihuigwe.
“He mentioned Ajade Niyi, Austin Isotec, Chief Joseph Iwuoku and another, who is at large, as being involved in the assassination.”
‘Why we killed him’
Shockingly, one of the suspects in the murder of Ihuigwe, Niyi Ajade, disclosed that they killed the victim so they could have access to sell off a portion of land linked to him as caretaker.
Ajade said that the chief who wants to sell the land said the area will be sold for N20 million, adding that he was given N30,000 to carry out the killing.
The team also arrested four men suspected to be the killers of Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogbogoro community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Heaven Ihuigwe, who was murdered in September 2017.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, Cyril Okoro, while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, said: “Operatives of the IGP team unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Nkechi Uzoemene, Roseline Okey and Nwolu Rita, who conspired amongst themselves and sold a two-month-old baby boy belonging to Nwolu Rita for N300,000 without the consent of her husband.
Baby factory discovered
Okoro added that the team recovered the baby alongside nine pregnant girls, when they bust a baby-making factory in Imo State ran by one Mrs. Ngozi Egeonu.
His words: “The child was sold to Ngozi Egeonu in Owerri, Imo State. After searching the house and premises of Egeonu, the operatives discovered nine pregnant girls, whose pregnancies have been mortgaged.”
However, the suspects toldVanguardthat they were innocent of the crime, adding that the baby was not sold, rather the little boy was sent to the home in Owerri for care.
killers’ arrests
The team, according to Okoro, also arrested four men suspected to be the killers of Chairman of PDP, in Ogbogoro community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Ihuigwe, who was murdered in September 2017.
Okoro stated that the killers of Ihuigwe were arrested through investigations, adding that the suspects have confessed to the crime.
According to the Police boss, “following a tip-off, men of the IGP Monitoring Unit arrested one Ifeanyi Okoro, 25, residing at Omagwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to have been involved in the murder of Ihuigwe.
“He mentioned Ajade Niyi, Austin Isotec, Chief Joseph Iwuoku and another, who is at large, as being involved in the assassination.”
‘Why we killed him’
Shockingly, one of the suspects in the murder of Ihuigwe, Niyi Ajade, disclosed that they killed the victim so they could have access to sell off a portion of land linked to him as caretaker.
Ajade said that the chief who wants to sell the land said the area will be sold for N20 million, adding that he was given N30,000 to carry out the killing.
Ijaw cannot survive when divided —Ateke Tom
PORT HAR-COURT— His Royal Majesty King Ateke Tom has said that the Ijaw ethnic nationality cannot survive when there are palpable divisions amongst its stakeholders. Ateke, who was an ex-Niger Delta agitator, now a king and peace ambassador, stated this when he brokered a peace meeting to settle quarrels among youths of Ijaw nation. Ateke Tom He expressed worries over the recent tussle which had split the youth body in the region, Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, noting that skirmishes limited youth empowerment and development in the area. Ateke met the two factions of the body in the Eastern zone, led by Ibim Ibiwari and Sammy George in a bid to broker peace. The royal father pleaded with the two leaders of the factions of IYC to give peace a chance and avoid further attacks, adding that the people will lose if they are not united. He noted that development will set in only when there is peace, adding that Ijaw will not survive when there are divisions.
Petrol scarcity to linger over N650b debt
Respite will not come the way of motorists soon as Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) warms up for a strike that will compound the present petrol crisis.
The Association has given the federal government a 14-day ultimatum to settle a N650 billion debt owed its members.
The money is the outstanding subsidy claims inherited by the government from the previous administration.
The association warned that it would be forced to shut all its depots and disengage workers if the government failed to settle the debt within the period given.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Mr Olufemi Adewole, gave the 14-day ultimatum in a statement issued in Lagos.
Adewole said members did not have any other option to solve the problem of increasing debt burdens of borrowing to pay staff than to immediately commence massive staff disengagement.
“The unfortunate primary fallout of this step is the likely shut down of all DAPPMAN depots nationwide due to lack of manpower to operate same pending the time the Federal Government will pay off its indebtedness to petroleum marketers.
”This unfortunately will have a multiplier effect on the nationwide supply and distribution of petroleum products which presently is still a struggle,’’ he said.
NCS intercepts 2,200 jerry cans of smuggled petrol.
Adewole said that a letter was written to the presidency on Jan. 24, but government failed to respond to the plight of petroleum marketers, many of whom have become financially insolvent.
“We are continually under pressure from our banks/AMCON, with looming threats of imminent take-over of our petrol stations and tank farms.
”In the light of the above and after exhausting all formal avenues to secure payment of these debts, we have given government notice to the likelihood of disengaging our personnel.
”The unfortunate primary fallout of this step is the likely shut down of all DAPPMAN depots nationwide due to lack of manpower to operate same pending the time the government will pay off its indebtedness to petroleum marketers.
”This unfortunately will have a multiplier effect on the nationwide supply and distribution of petroleum products which presently is still a struggle,’’ he said.
According to him, this letter serves as a reminder and an opportunity for government and its agencies to speedily approve and pay off its remaining subsidy era indebtedness to all the association’s members and all petroleum marketing companies.
Serena Williams: I almost died giving birth to my daughter
Serena Williams has revealed her near-death experience after giving birth to her daughter Olympia in September, in an article she wrote for CNN.
Serena Williams
The tennis legend said she lives in fear of blood clots, a condition that surfaced during her harrowing post-natal ordeal. She said she got blood clot in her lungs, blocking one or more arteries.
“I almost died after giving birth to my daughter,” Williams wrote.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams said she had to have an emergency Cesarean section surgery after her heart rate plummeted dramatically during contractions. The surgery was successful and before she knew it she was holding the newborn.
“But what followed just 24 hours after giving birth were six days of uncertainty,” she said.
In a Vogue magazine interview in January, Williams said that during her postnatal ordeal she suffered a pulmonary embolism — when blood clots block one or more arteries in the lungs.
But this was not the first time the 36-year-old Williams has had a scrape with death from blood clots. In 2011, she spent nearly 12 months incapacitated after a cut on her foot from a piece of broken glass at a Munich restaurant led to a pulmonary embolism.
“Because of my medical history with this problem I live in fear of this situation,” the American said Tuesday.
Williams said that while recovering in the hospital, one day after the emergency Cesarean, she felt short of breath and after some convincing on Williams’ part, the hospital staff finally sent for a CT scan and then put her on a life-saving drip.
– Wound popped open –
But her ordeal wasn’t over. She started coughing so much from the blood clots that her Cesarean wound popped open.
“I returned to surgery where the doctors found a large hematoma in my abdomen. Then I returned to the operating room for a procedure that prevents clots from travelling to my lungs.
“When I finally made it home to my family I had to spend six weeks of motherhood in bed.”
Williams praised the hospital staff saying “if it weren’t for their professional care, I wouldn’t be here today”. She did not reveal the name of the hospital in the CNN piece.
Her kind words though were in contrast to some sharp statements she made in the earlier Vogue article where she says she had to coax the hospital staff to send her for a CT scan and hook her up to an IV.
“I was like a Doppler? I told you, I need a CT scan and a heparin drip (blood thinner),” Williams told the magazine.
Williams said it was a complicated experience and despite the agonizing ups and downs she “considers herself fortunate”.
Partly for surviving the ordeal and also because she can still live out her dream on the tennis court once she returns to competitive form.
The former world number one staged her long-awaited tennis comeback earlier this month by playing alongside her older sister, Venus, in a Federation Cup doubles match but it didn’t go well.
Serena — looking rusty and slow-footed — lost 6-2, 6-3 to the unheralded Dutch pairing of Lesley Kerkhove and Demi Schuurs.
Serena Williams
The tennis legend said she lives in fear of blood clots, a condition that surfaced during her harrowing post-natal ordeal. She said she got blood clot in her lungs, blocking one or more arteries.
“I almost died after giving birth to my daughter,” Williams wrote.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams said she had to have an emergency Cesarean section surgery after her heart rate plummeted dramatically during contractions. The surgery was successful and before she knew it she was holding the newborn.
“But what followed just 24 hours after giving birth were six days of uncertainty,” she said.
In a Vogue magazine interview in January, Williams said that during her postnatal ordeal she suffered a pulmonary embolism — when blood clots block one or more arteries in the lungs.
But this was not the first time the 36-year-old Williams has had a scrape with death from blood clots. In 2011, she spent nearly 12 months incapacitated after a cut on her foot from a piece of broken glass at a Munich restaurant led to a pulmonary embolism.
“Because of my medical history with this problem I live in fear of this situation,” the American said Tuesday.
Williams said that while recovering in the hospital, one day after the emergency Cesarean, she felt short of breath and after some convincing on Williams’ part, the hospital staff finally sent for a CT scan and then put her on a life-saving drip.
– Wound popped open –
But her ordeal wasn’t over. She started coughing so much from the blood clots that her Cesarean wound popped open.
“I returned to surgery where the doctors found a large hematoma in my abdomen. Then I returned to the operating room for a procedure that prevents clots from travelling to my lungs.
“When I finally made it home to my family I had to spend six weeks of motherhood in bed.”
Williams praised the hospital staff saying “if it weren’t for their professional care, I wouldn’t be here today”. She did not reveal the name of the hospital in the CNN piece.
Her kind words though were in contrast to some sharp statements she made in the earlier Vogue article where she says she had to coax the hospital staff to send her for a CT scan and hook her up to an IV.
“I was like a Doppler? I told you, I need a CT scan and a heparin drip (blood thinner),” Williams told the magazine.
Williams said it was a complicated experience and despite the agonizing ups and downs she “considers herself fortunate”.
Partly for surviving the ordeal and also because she can still live out her dream on the tennis court once she returns to competitive form.
The former world number one staged her long-awaited tennis comeback earlier this month by playing alongside her older sister, Venus, in a Federation Cup doubles match but it didn’t go well.
Serena — looking rusty and slow-footed — lost 6-2, 6-3 to the unheralded Dutch pairing of Lesley Kerkhove and Demi Schuurs.
Tuesday 20 February 2018
Senate to probe N3.4bn NNPC/Agip security account
THE Senate yesterday mandated its Committee on Public Accounts, headed by Senator Matthew Urhoghide, PDP, Edo South to thoroughly investigate the rationale behind a security account allegedly operated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company and report back within four weeks.
Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi-APC).
Moving the motion, Melaye said there was need for the Senate to unravel the objective of the account and source of its funding.
He alleged that the account opened with the name NNPC/AGIP Oil Company IPP Security Account with address NNPC Garki, Harbert Macauley way is domiciled in First Bank Nigeria Plc with account number 2006367288.
Melaye allaged that the account had an opening balance of N31.7 billion and a closing balance of N34. 5 billion as at April 25, 2017, adding that there were lodgments and withdrawals since January 2017.
“A lot of questions are begging for answers as regards this account. While we need to know the objectives of this account, we also need to know the signatories to the account ; is the account known to the Federal Government and what are the sources of the account’s funding.
“About N2 trillion is kept in various accounts of government, we are operating a Treasury Single Account yet money is kept in various personal accounts. If these monies are properly remitted to government purse, we will have no business borrowing. This Senate will continue to expose any corrupt practice in the country because it is time to protect the future of Nigerians unborn,” Melaye said.
In his contribution, Senator Sam Anyanwu (PDP Imo East), who seconded the motion, stressed that it had become imperative for the senate to carry out thorough investigation on the operation of an account by the NNPC/Agip Oil Company.
In his remarks, deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, directed the Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the matter and report back to the senate within four weeks of the assignment.
Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi-APC).
Moving the motion, Melaye said there was need for the Senate to unravel the objective of the account and source of its funding.
He alleged that the account opened with the name NNPC/AGIP Oil Company IPP Security Account with address NNPC Garki, Harbert Macauley way is domiciled in First Bank Nigeria Plc with account number 2006367288.
Melaye allaged that the account had an opening balance of N31.7 billion and a closing balance of N34. 5 billion as at April 25, 2017, adding that there were lodgments and withdrawals since January 2017.
“A lot of questions are begging for answers as regards this account. While we need to know the objectives of this account, we also need to know the signatories to the account ; is the account known to the Federal Government and what are the sources of the account’s funding.
“About N2 trillion is kept in various accounts of government, we are operating a Treasury Single Account yet money is kept in various personal accounts. If these monies are properly remitted to government purse, we will have no business borrowing. This Senate will continue to expose any corrupt practice in the country because it is time to protect the future of Nigerians unborn,” Melaye said.
In his contribution, Senator Sam Anyanwu (PDP Imo East), who seconded the motion, stressed that it had become imperative for the senate to carry out thorough investigation on the operation of an account by the NNPC/Agip Oil Company.
In his remarks, deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, directed the Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the matter and report back to the senate within four weeks of the assignment.
Herdsmen take oath in Ekiti to stop killings
…As Ajimobi orders arrest of gun-wielding herdersADO-EKITI—HERDSMEN in Ekiti State have taken a traditional oath binding on them to assure the host communities in Ekiti and the South West, that they would no longer behave unruly, kill or allow their cows to stray into farms.
herdsmen
This was as Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State ordered the arrest and prosecution of herdsmen carrying guns and other dangerous weapons across the state.
The traditional oath, revealed to be an effective cultural sanction on herders as its violation, is believed to bring tragedy on the culprit, was administered by the Sarkin Fulani of Kwara State, Alhaji Ardo Mairero, at a peace meeting of all parties involved in herdsmen challenge in the state.
It was resolved at the meeting that “all herders must obey the anti-grazing and relevant laws of the land.”
Besides, the meeting commended Governor Fayose for being a peaceful leader, “who represents hope for all.”
Those present at the meeting include, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, who represented the Emir of Kano; Alhaji Mohammad Leewa, National President, Miyetti Allah, Mohammad Kiruwa, Governor Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti Deputy Governor, Olusola Kolapo; Secretary to State Government, Modupe Alade; Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo; Agriculture Commissioner, Kehinde Odebunmi and other national and zonal Miyetti Allah leaders.
Also, a communiqué, co-signed by governor Fayose, Alhaji Shekarau, who represented the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, Mrs. Alade, Alhaji Kiruwa and others, was released through the office of the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fayose, Mr. Idowu Adelusi.
Adeslusi said: “Of most significance of the peace meeting of February 19 by the stakeholders was the traditional oath taken with kola nuts as agreement that the herdsmen in Ekiti will not behave unruly any longer, kill or allow their cows to stray into farms.”
“It was administered
herdsmen
This was as Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State ordered the arrest and prosecution of herdsmen carrying guns and other dangerous weapons across the state.
The traditional oath, revealed to be an effective cultural sanction on herders as its violation, is believed to bring tragedy on the culprit, was administered by the Sarkin Fulani of Kwara State, Alhaji Ardo Mairero, at a peace meeting of all parties involved in herdsmen challenge in the state.
It was resolved at the meeting that “all herders must obey the anti-grazing and relevant laws of the land.”
Besides, the meeting commended Governor Fayose for being a peaceful leader, “who represents hope for all.”
Those present at the meeting include, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, who represented the Emir of Kano; Alhaji Mohammad Leewa, National President, Miyetti Allah, Mohammad Kiruwa, Governor Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti Deputy Governor, Olusola Kolapo; Secretary to State Government, Modupe Alade; Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo; Agriculture Commissioner, Kehinde Odebunmi and other national and zonal Miyetti Allah leaders.
Also, a communiqué, co-signed by governor Fayose, Alhaji Shekarau, who represented the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, Mrs. Alade, Alhaji Kiruwa and others, was released through the office of the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fayose, Mr. Idowu Adelusi.
Adeslusi said: “Of most significance of the peace meeting of February 19 by the stakeholders was the traditional oath taken with kola nuts as agreement that the herdsmen in Ekiti will not behave unruly any longer, kill or allow their cows to stray into farms.”
“It was administered
Herdsmen attacks: FG reorganises army command, control structure in Benue, others — Osinbajo
ABUJA— The Federal Government has reorganised the command and control structure of army formations in areas around Benue State as part of the administration’s response to herdsmen attacks in the region, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed, yesterday.
In a special statement explaining the government’s response to the spate of conflict instigated by herdsmen attacks, the vice-president further disclosed that the army will next week launch a special exercise to checkmate the activities of the herdsmen, bandits and militias in areas around Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.
Herdsmen
In the statement issued on his behalf by Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) said the approach of the government has been to deploy the security forces in the troubled areas.
He said: “The approach of the government has been to deploy mobile police forces to troubled areas and also both the army and Air Force, the Nigerian Army formations and units in Benue State for example, especially 72 Special Forces Battalion, have consistently maintained Forward Operating Bases at the flash areas covering Guma, Logo, Katsina-Ala and Agatu Local Government Areas.”
“The operation has the generic name Operation MESA, but it is nicknamed Operation ZENDA in Benue State. The Army had within the last few days scaled up the size of troops and equipment in Agatu, Guma, Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State.
“The Army also recently deployed troops at Awe and Tunga Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, in order to monitor and block the gaps that were presumed to be used as staging points by armed herdsmen to attack communities in Benue State.
“Additionally, troops of 93 Battalion, Takum in Taraba State, also occupy blocking positions as well as maintain constant liaison with troops in Benue State.
“Furthermore, the command and control structure of the Army formations and units in Benue and contiguous states have been reorganized.
“Accordingly, more troops were deployed and the Commander 707 Special Forces Brigade was reassigned to Taraba State for effective command and control of troops operating in the entire Benue/Taraba general area. And next week, the Nigerian Army will flag-off Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA, to checkmate the activities of armed bandits and militias in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and environs.”
In a special statement explaining the government’s response to the spate of conflict instigated by herdsmen attacks, the vice-president further disclosed that the army will next week launch a special exercise to checkmate the activities of the herdsmen, bandits and militias in areas around Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.
Herdsmen
In the statement issued on his behalf by Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) said the approach of the government has been to deploy the security forces in the troubled areas.
He said: “The approach of the government has been to deploy mobile police forces to troubled areas and also both the army and Air Force, the Nigerian Army formations and units in Benue State for example, especially 72 Special Forces Battalion, have consistently maintained Forward Operating Bases at the flash areas covering Guma, Logo, Katsina-Ala and Agatu Local Government Areas.”
“The operation has the generic name Operation MESA, but it is nicknamed Operation ZENDA in Benue State. The Army had within the last few days scaled up the size of troops and equipment in Agatu, Guma, Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State.
“The Army also recently deployed troops at Awe and Tunga Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, in order to monitor and block the gaps that were presumed to be used as staging points by armed herdsmen to attack communities in Benue State.
“Additionally, troops of 93 Battalion, Takum in Taraba State, also occupy blocking positions as well as maintain constant liaison with troops in Benue State.
“Furthermore, the command and control structure of the Army formations and units in Benue and contiguous states have been reorganized.
“Accordingly, more troops were deployed and the Commander 707 Special Forces Brigade was reassigned to Taraba State for effective command and control of troops operating in the entire Benue/Taraba general area. And next week, the Nigerian Army will flag-off Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA, to checkmate the activities of armed bandits and militias in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and environs.”
Gunmen kidnap youth leader in Akwa Ibom
UYO—THE youth leader of Udianga Enem community, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Itoro Inuaowo, was, yesterday, kidnapped by gunmen.
It was gathered that the youth leader was abducted in the early hours of the day by militants, suspected to be members of the Iceland cult.
gunmen
According to a local vigilante, who would not want his name in print, “the gunmen arrived the youth leader’s compound on three motorcycles at about 6a.m. and whisked him away at gunpoint.”
It was gathered the Iceland members, popularly calledThe Red, had been on the prowl to avenge the murder of their leader, Akaniyene Jumbo (Iso Akpafid), who was ambushed and killed by security agents last month.
The motive of the kidnap is yet unclear, but sources it is not unconnected with the efforts made by the youth leader to raise funds for security of the community.
It was gathered that the youth leader was abducted in the early hours of the day by militants, suspected to be members of the Iceland cult.
gunmen
According to a local vigilante, who would not want his name in print, “the gunmen arrived the youth leader’s compound on three motorcycles at about 6a.m. and whisked him away at gunpoint.”
It was gathered the Iceland members, popularly calledThe Red, had been on the prowl to avenge the murder of their leader, Akaniyene Jumbo (Iso Akpafid), who was ambushed and killed by security agents last month.
The motive of the kidnap is yet unclear, but sources it is not unconnected with the efforts made by the youth leader to raise funds for security of the community.
Inlaks: CBN right in licensing more microfinance banks
Inlaks, financial technology solutions provider in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for licensing additional 28 Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) in the country. This brings the number of microfinance banks in the country to 1,008, representing an increase of three per cent in that sector from 2016 to date.
Speaking on this development, Executive Director at Inlaks, Olufemi Muraino explained that this move was essential in order to effectively ensure the development of the Nigerian economy. He said, “The licensing of additional 28 MFBs in 15 States by the CBN is a welcome development which will not only attract investors and new businesses but will also boost the nation’s economy and further deepen financial inclusion in the country.”
Muraino further explained that this was an opportunity to integrate the newly licensed MFBs into the National Association of Microfinance Banks Unified IT Platform (NAMBUIT) to ensure a better regulatory framework. The National Association of Microfinance Banks Unified IT Platform (NAMBUIT) is an institutional collaboration between Inlaks, CBN and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB).
Already, Inlaks is partnering with the CBN to deploy a single core and agent banking solution for almost 1,000 microfinance banks in the country under the auspices of the NAMBUIT.
The banking solution is expected to link the Microfinance Banks [MFBs] in Nigeria to the platform of the Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement System [NIBSS] to enable the MFBs to engage the cash deposit banks in a seamless transaction.
Speaking on this development, Executive Director at Inlaks, Olufemi Muraino explained that this move was essential in order to effectively ensure the development of the Nigerian economy. He said, “The licensing of additional 28 MFBs in 15 States by the CBN is a welcome development which will not only attract investors and new businesses but will also boost the nation’s economy and further deepen financial inclusion in the country.”
Muraino further explained that this was an opportunity to integrate the newly licensed MFBs into the National Association of Microfinance Banks Unified IT Platform (NAMBUIT) to ensure a better regulatory framework. The National Association of Microfinance Banks Unified IT Platform (NAMBUIT) is an institutional collaboration between Inlaks, CBN and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB).
Already, Inlaks is partnering with the CBN to deploy a single core and agent banking solution for almost 1,000 microfinance banks in the country under the auspices of the NAMBUIT.
The banking solution is expected to link the Microfinance Banks [MFBs] in Nigeria to the platform of the Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement System [NIBSS] to enable the MFBs to engage the cash deposit banks in a seamless transaction.
CBN extends N200bn commercial agric fund to Non-Interest banks
TheCentral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said that Non-Interest Financial Institutions (NIFIs) can now participate in the N200 billion Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).
The CBN disclosed this in the revised guidelines for the scheme released yesterday via a circular titled ‘Amendment to the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) Guidelines’.
The apex bank explained that the extension of the scheme to NIFIs was part of its efforts to deepen access to finance and reduce exclusion rate.
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, headquaters, Abuja
“As part of the efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to deepen access to finance and reduce exclusion rate, the CBN has revised the existing Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) Guidelines to include Non-Interest Financial Institution (NIFIs). It is expected that the review of the Guidelines for other invention funds would follow in due course”, the CBN stated.
Among others things, the revised guidelines created a non-interest window for participation of NIFIs.
The guidelines stated: “The Non-Interest window shall be a two-tiered structure. The first is between the CBN and the NIFI. A restricted profit-sharing agreement shall be executed between the CBN and NIFI. The CBN, as Capital Provider disburses the funds for investment by the NIFI as the Implementing Party, based on a Business Plan commitment to be signed by the NIFI committing itself to the following terms as follows: Investment shall only be for financing of projects under the target activities, commodities and value chains; the financing shall have an overall target profit rate of 9.0 per cent; the profit distribution ratio between the CBN as Capital Provider and the NIFI asthe Implementing Party shall be in the ratio of 2:7 (i. e. CBN 22 percent and NIFI 78 percent); and the NIFI commits itself to achieving a target profit rate of 2 percent accruing to CBN.
“The second tier is between the NIFI and the Investor. The NIFI finances the customer (Client) using CBN approved non-interest financial contracts appropriate with the type of financing requested, likeMurabahah, Salam, Istisna, Ijara, Wakalah, etc.”
The CACS was created in 2009 by the CBN in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (FMA&WR) established the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) in 2009 to provide finance for the country’s agricultural value chain.
The scheme is financed through a N200billion Bond raised by the Debt Management Office (DMO), while loans under the scheme are disbursed at a maximum interest of 9.0 percent.
According to the CBN’s Economic report for the 4th quarter of 2017, “At end-December 2017, total amount released by the CBN under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) from inception to the participating banks for disbursement stood at N551.18 billion for 547 projects. The projects included sixty-five (65) state government projects under CACS and eight (8) Paddy Aggregate Scheme
The CBN disclosed this in the revised guidelines for the scheme released yesterday via a circular titled ‘Amendment to the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) Guidelines’.
The apex bank explained that the extension of the scheme to NIFIs was part of its efforts to deepen access to finance and reduce exclusion rate.
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, headquaters, Abuja
“As part of the efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to deepen access to finance and reduce exclusion rate, the CBN has revised the existing Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) Guidelines to include Non-Interest Financial Institution (NIFIs). It is expected that the review of the Guidelines for other invention funds would follow in due course”, the CBN stated.
Among others things, the revised guidelines created a non-interest window for participation of NIFIs.
The guidelines stated: “The Non-Interest window shall be a two-tiered structure. The first is between the CBN and the NIFI. A restricted profit-sharing agreement shall be executed between the CBN and NIFI. The CBN, as Capital Provider disburses the funds for investment by the NIFI as the Implementing Party, based on a Business Plan commitment to be signed by the NIFI committing itself to the following terms as follows: Investment shall only be for financing of projects under the target activities, commodities and value chains; the financing shall have an overall target profit rate of 9.0 per cent; the profit distribution ratio between the CBN as Capital Provider and the NIFI asthe Implementing Party shall be in the ratio of 2:7 (i. e. CBN 22 percent and NIFI 78 percent); and the NIFI commits itself to achieving a target profit rate of 2 percent accruing to CBN.
“The second tier is between the NIFI and the Investor. The NIFI finances the customer (Client) using CBN approved non-interest financial contracts appropriate with the type of financing requested, likeMurabahah, Salam, Istisna, Ijara, Wakalah, etc.”
The CACS was created in 2009 by the CBN in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (FMA&WR) established the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) in 2009 to provide finance for the country’s agricultural value chain.
The scheme is financed through a N200billion Bond raised by the Debt Management Office (DMO), while loans under the scheme are disbursed at a maximum interest of 9.0 percent.
According to the CBN’s Economic report for the 4th quarter of 2017, “At end-December 2017, total amount released by the CBN under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) from inception to the participating banks for disbursement stood at N551.18 billion for 547 projects. The projects included sixty-five (65) state government projects under CACS and eight (8) Paddy Aggregate Scheme
Police arrest mastermind of New Year killings in Benue, 3 others
Abuja—The Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, under the office of Inspector General of Police, have arrested the ringleader of the herdsmen and three other kingpins, who carried out the killing of scores of Benue citizens, following the enactment of the law against open grazing by the Benue State government.
A senior Police source attached to the IGP’s IRT disclosed that the ringleader, along with three other suspected killers, were nabbed in Tunga town, Nasarawa State.
Police
The officer said: “In line with the directives of the Inspector General, Ibrahim Idris, on the arrest of all persons involved in the killings in Benue State and those in possession of AK-47 rifles and other prohibited arms, four principal suspects were arrested in Tunga town, Nasarawa State, between February 16 and 19 by IRT in connection with the killing of Sergeant Solomon Dung and other Police officers and many innocent citizens in Benue State.
“They are Alhaji Laggi, 40, mastermind and gang leader of the herdsmen group; Mallam Mumini Abdullahi, 34; Muhammed Adamu, 30, and Ibrahim Sule, 32.
“They have confessed to the killings and mentioned other gang members in possession of the Police rifles they took from the slain officers as well as others in possession of arms.
“Security agents have commenced follow-up operations in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.
“The DIG Operations, who is heading the operations, has spoken more on behalf of the Inspector General of Police on the investigation.”
A senior Police source attached to the IGP’s IRT disclosed that the ringleader, along with three other suspected killers, were nabbed in Tunga town, Nasarawa State.
Police
The officer said: “In line with the directives of the Inspector General, Ibrahim Idris, on the arrest of all persons involved in the killings in Benue State and those in possession of AK-47 rifles and other prohibited arms, four principal suspects were arrested in Tunga town, Nasarawa State, between February 16 and 19 by IRT in connection with the killing of Sergeant Solomon Dung and other Police officers and many innocent citizens in Benue State.
“They are Alhaji Laggi, 40, mastermind and gang leader of the herdsmen group; Mallam Mumini Abdullahi, 34; Muhammed Adamu, 30, and Ibrahim Sule, 32.
“They have confessed to the killings and mentioned other gang members in possession of the Police rifles they took from the slain officers as well as others in possession of arms.
“Security agents have commenced follow-up operations in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.
“The DIG Operations, who is heading the operations, has spoken more on behalf of the Inspector General of Police on the investigation.”
Hawk attempts to fly away with 4-day-old baby in Abia
UMUAHIA—A disaster was reportedly averted at Umuohu Okpula, Ndume community, Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government area of Abia State, when a vigilant grandmother prevented a four-day-old baby from being carried away by a hawk.
The grandmother, who gave her name as Adeline Emmanuel, explained that she was lying down, when she heard the loud flapping of bird’s wings.
According to her, she heard noise of a struggling object as the bird was trying to fly through the window, but fell down on the floor of the one-storey building, prompting her to shout at her daughter, mother of the baby, to shut the window.
She said: “I saw the hawk drop down where my four-day-old granddaughter was sleeping and was trying to carry the baby who was probably too heavy for it.
“It was then that I started shouting, asking my daughter to close the windows.
“My shouting and that of my daughter coupled with others, who were by then aware of what was happening, attracted the community youths.”
She said the youths were able to catch the hawk and break its legs and wings.
In her account, the mother of the four-day-old baby girl, Mrs. Joy Emmanuel, said she was outside when her mother-in-law’s shouting made her rush in, only to be confronted with the unusual sight.
According to her, it was only the grace of God that made her to survive the shock, as she had never seen such an incident in all her life.
She explained that they live upstairs in one of the apartments in the building, but “because the weather on that Sunday was unbearably hot, we decided to leave the windows open, which was how the hawk flew into the room and tried to carry my baby.”
For the landlord of the building, Mr. Aaron Ibeji, he has never seen or heard that a bird, no matter its size, tried to carry a baby.
He said the incident nearly shattered the peace of the community.
Ibeji, however, expressed happiness that the youths of the community were able to catch the bird. He said that they were waiting for the elders of the community to decide on what they are going to do with the bird.
The grandmother, who gave her name as Adeline Emmanuel, explained that she was lying down, when she heard the loud flapping of bird’s wings.
According to her, she heard noise of a struggling object as the bird was trying to fly through the window, but fell down on the floor of the one-storey building, prompting her to shout at her daughter, mother of the baby, to shut the window.
She said: “I saw the hawk drop down where my four-day-old granddaughter was sleeping and was trying to carry the baby who was probably too heavy for it.
“It was then that I started shouting, asking my daughter to close the windows.
“My shouting and that of my daughter coupled with others, who were by then aware of what was happening, attracted the community youths.”
She said the youths were able to catch the hawk and break its legs and wings.
In her account, the mother of the four-day-old baby girl, Mrs. Joy Emmanuel, said she was outside when her mother-in-law’s shouting made her rush in, only to be confronted with the unusual sight.
According to her, it was only the grace of God that made her to survive the shock, as she had never seen such an incident in all her life.
She explained that they live upstairs in one of the apartments in the building, but “because the weather on that Sunday was unbearably hot, we decided to leave the windows open, which was how the hawk flew into the room and tried to carry my baby.”
For the landlord of the building, Mr. Aaron Ibeji, he has never seen or heard that a bird, no matter its size, tried to carry a baby.
He said the incident nearly shattered the peace of the community.
Ibeji, however, expressed happiness that the youths of the community were able to catch the bird. He said that they were waiting for the elders of the community to decide on what they are going to do with the bird.
Uche Okechukwu, others launch football academy
Former Super Eagles captain, Uche Okechukwu, also known as Gentle Giant, has launched a football academy, called Abia Greater Tomorrow Football Academy in Aba, the commercial city of Abia State.
The Aba-based academy is set up by the ex-Nigerian International together with another ex-Eagles player, Emeka Ifejiagwa and Emeka Uche, Okechukwu’s twin brother, who is also a footballer.
Uche Okechukwu
Okechukwu started his football career in Aba in the early 80s with a local side called Aba Greater Tomorrow, he also played for Falcon FC, a division 3 club in Aba, Flash Flamingos of Benin, Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, before heading out to Brøndby in Denmark, from where he went to Fenerbahçe in Turkey.
Speaking from his base in Aba, Abia State, Uche said: “I know people have been wondering where I am and what I am doing. They have been expecting to hear from me and what my plans are after retirement. I take my time in doing whatever I want to do.
“The plan to set up this academy has been part of my plans, but I have been waiting for the right time, and I think this is the right time. My twin brother Emeka Uche and our friend, Emeka Ifejiagwa, who also played for the Super Eagles are in this together. “When we concluded plans to start up this academy, we decided to revive the name of the club that the three of us started in Aba, that is Aba Greater Tomorrow, but we decided to call it Abia Greater Tomorrow Football Academy. We want to start our academy where we started our football career. We want to give back to same locality that gave us the opportunity to become what we are today.
“We have made necessary contacts, both here in Nigeria and outside to get necessary partners for the academy. As soon as we are done with the finishing lines, the game will begin.
“There are bundles of talents in Aba an its environs, and the target of the academy is to look out for them wherever they are, groom and prepare them for a greater tomorrow in the game of football, and help them to actualize their dreams as professional footballers. That’s all we want to do.” Uche said.
The Aba-based academy is set up by the ex-Nigerian International together with another ex-Eagles player, Emeka Ifejiagwa and Emeka Uche, Okechukwu’s twin brother, who is also a footballer.
Uche Okechukwu
Okechukwu started his football career in Aba in the early 80s with a local side called Aba Greater Tomorrow, he also played for Falcon FC, a division 3 club in Aba, Flash Flamingos of Benin, Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, before heading out to Brøndby in Denmark, from where he went to Fenerbahçe in Turkey.
Speaking from his base in Aba, Abia State, Uche said: “I know people have been wondering where I am and what I am doing. They have been expecting to hear from me and what my plans are after retirement. I take my time in doing whatever I want to do.
“The plan to set up this academy has been part of my plans, but I have been waiting for the right time, and I think this is the right time. My twin brother Emeka Uche and our friend, Emeka Ifejiagwa, who also played for the Super Eagles are in this together. “When we concluded plans to start up this academy, we decided to revive the name of the club that the three of us started in Aba, that is Aba Greater Tomorrow, but we decided to call it Abia Greater Tomorrow Football Academy. We want to start our academy where we started our football career. We want to give back to same locality that gave us the opportunity to become what we are today.
“We have made necessary contacts, both here in Nigeria and outside to get necessary partners for the academy. As soon as we are done with the finishing lines, the game will begin.
“There are bundles of talents in Aba an its environs, and the target of the academy is to look out for them wherever they are, groom and prepare them for a greater tomorrow in the game of football, and help them to actualize their dreams as professional footballers. That’s all we want to do.” Uche said.
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