Lassa Fever: Rat poison, trap sellers record high sales

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOmmt4yUn1rb1nInf6sEsIGvvFp2V6wXySpphxP82m0OUGo2izpCaw5spLXTLJC_SmZ8RbO8X_m_q1fDa9ERcH9RzqpjtylQNSOC2tML7ObBVZlJXYfayzaLKz1z2K7GQoOUJvZ8jDY7D/s1600/rap+trap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOmmt4yUn1rb1nInf6sEsIGvvFp2V6wXySpphxP82m0OUGo2izpCaw5spLXTLJC_SmZ8RbO8X_m_q1fDa9ERcH9RzqpjtylQNSOC2tML7ObBVZlJXYfayzaLKz1z2K7GQoOUJvZ8jDY7D/s400/rap+trap.jpg" width="282" /></a></div> <br /> Sellers of rat poisons and traps in Abuja have reported a rise in sales following the outbreak of Lassa Fever in 10 states.<br /> <br /> A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Saturday in Abuja, showed that residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were buying either the rat poisons or other traps than hitherto.<br /> <br /> At Garki, Utako and Wuse Markets, rat poison sellers were seen brandishing their products and winning the attention of eager customers, who before the Lassa outbreak never paid attention to the products.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Malam Usman Abdullahi, a rat poison seller in the Garki market, told NAN he had recorded enormous sales in the past two weeks since the outbreak was recorded.<br /> <br /> “The demand rose immediately one person was reported killed by the fever in Abuja.<br /> <br /> “People now patronise us; the most expensive rat poison that used to go for N600 is now sold for N700, but people still buy without complaining,” he said.<br /> <br /> “Most of the time, customers ask for the strongest poison that will kill rats instantly; the poison that kills and dries up the rats are really in demand.<br /> <br /> “Although the Lassa disease is a bad thing, for us it is good business since we are making our profit,” he said.<br /> <br /> At traffic points, hawkers included those selling rat poison products to customers in the vehicles.<br /> <br /> Mrs Patricia Eloma, a housewife, said that people are now paying attention to the elimination of rodents around their houses since they had become a serious threat.

Latest-News Lassa Fever: Rat poison, trap sellers record high sales

Sellers of rat poisons and traps in Abuja have reported a rise in sales following the outbreak of Lassa Fever in 10 states. A survey con...

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Fire scare causes pandemonium at Shoprite

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb-Kbo98vhygDCJgxFMy09zk3ZGYrcg4hw2RuL9gFmrJPQ5mbUdSVsqy8TRLPNq8UMCaT4JZfBcqkn96dWOU1oa6SHPFJYpS6elTSyTjkwQj57Z5RrcDDeix3g1Ib-hiXcyCsTU5VsxTL/s1600/delta+mall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb-Kbo98vhygDCJgxFMy09zk3ZGYrcg4hw2RuL9gFmrJPQ5mbUdSVsqy8TRLPNq8UMCaT4JZfBcqkn96dWOU1oa6SHPFJYpS6elTSyTjkwQj57Z5RrcDDeix3g1Ib-hiXcyCsTU5VsxTL/s640/delta+mall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> There was pandemonium at the popular Shoprite at the Delta Mall complex in Effurun in Uvwie Local Government area of Delta State and a suburb of Warri metropolis as thousands of shoppers were hurriedly evacuated Saturday due to fire scare.<br /> <br /> The cause of the fire that led to the scare was not known immediately. But eyewitnesses said that the fire broke out at noon from one of the conveniences.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The fire scare happened a few days after armed youths invaded and looted some shops in the mall, which is located at the popular Effurun roundabout.<br /> <br /> According to an eyewitness who was also a shopper, “we were moving about from shop to shop when pandemonium broke out. When we asked what was happening, we were told that there was fire.<br /> Everybody ran outside and it was while we were there that we heard that the fire started from the toilet.”<br /> <br /> The quick response from firefighters from Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, successfully put out the fire after a spirited battle that lasted for about an hour.<br /> <br /> Most of the traumatized shoppers were scared to return even after fire was put out.<br /> The cheery news was that there was no casualty. However, the extent of damage and estimated cost of items destroyed were not immediately known.<br /> <br /> Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Celestina Kalu, could not react to the incident at press time because she said she was yet to be briefed by the police in Effurun.

Latest-News Fire scare causes pandemonium at Shoprite

There was pandemonium at the popular Shoprite at the Delta Mall complex in Effurun in Uvwie Local Government area of Delta State and a su...

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Obafemi Martins settles the Wizkid/Dammy Krane beef

Latest-News Obafemi Martins settles the Wizkid/Dammy Krane beef

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Celine Dion’s brother dies of cancer few days after losing husband to the disease

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExPi4Jx8UFOZQYad0crVPLmvPNauWi3nwP396me2QXJ6f4o6LCAMxXsfYUOsqwBu2zuZWW4UtM9QmMzpmQ0wvKgs__-RyrKHG-MkVCCQ6Ol6HHi3YbwW5I5bVqDQLqmwoHRjDlW_lJJwL/s1600/celine+dion+husband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExPi4Jx8UFOZQYad0crVPLmvPNauWi3nwP396me2QXJ6f4o6LCAMxXsfYUOsqwBu2zuZWW4UtM9QmMzpmQ0wvKgs__-RyrKHG-MkVCCQ6Ol6HHi3YbwW5I5bVqDQLqmwoHRjDlW_lJJwL/s640/celine+dion+husband.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Days after her husband and manager died of cancer, Canadian singer Celine Dion has lost a brother also to cancer, a family spokesman said Saturday.<br /> <br /> The AFP reported that Daniel Dion was 59 and the eighth of 14 Dion siblings.<br /> <br /> The singer’s husband, Rene Angelil, who discovered the Canadian pop diva and managed her career, died on Thursday at the age of 73 at the couple’s home in Las Vegas.<br /> <br /> Both men suffered from throat cancer.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Angelil’s funeral will be held Friday at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal where the couple married.<br /> <br /> The following day a memorial service will be held for her late brother, with a formal funeral a few days after that, the family spokesman said.<br /> <br /> In 1994, when Celine Dion was 26 and Angelil was twice her age, the couple married in an extravagant wedding that was televised live in Canada, and splashed all over glossy magazines.<br /> <br /> Angelil’s funeral will unfold at the spot where, “21 years ago, he chose to marry the one who will remain as the great love of his life, the artist for which he had the most respect, the woman who gave him light and happiness until his very last breath,” a statement by the family spokesman read.<br /> <br /> Beginning Thursday, a chapel at the basilica “will be open to the public to pay a last tribute” to the Montreal native, whose body will be displayed, it added.<br /> <br /> A large crowd is expected Friday for the funeral, including show business and political figures.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, a commemorative celebration will be held on February 3 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.<br /> <br /> Following Angelil’s death, Dion cancelled two previously scheduled performances there that had been set for this weekend.

Latest-News Celine Dion’s brother dies of cancer few days after losing husband to the disease

Days after her husband and manager died of cancer, Canadian singer Celine Dion has lost a brother also to cancer, a family spokesman said...

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Lassa Fever: 92 people under watch in Lagos

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCXOvEeGYhC4Yg9CxC94961okWpRhsUjSztI-KHeUqMClvMjeenDoRKBhNeq78878ykGyM-P82oq1JeD0wQkJ7dcdKJUwhQhUalGdKuHgo-TgvPm_zjAouXe1Pq3haB_tHk4m0h1IwY9l/s1600/lassa-fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCXOvEeGYhC4Yg9CxC94961okWpRhsUjSztI-KHeUqMClvMjeenDoRKBhNeq78878ykGyM-P82oq1JeD0wQkJ7dcdKJUwhQhUalGdKuHgo-TgvPm_zjAouXe1Pq3haB_tHk4m0h1IwY9l/s400/lassa-fever.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Lagos State Government says 92 people who had contact with the Lassa fever patients are currently being followed up, even as it allays fear on the outbreak of the disease.<br /> <br /> At a press conference on Saturday, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris called on residents to remain calm over the outbreak of Lassa fever, and assured that the state government is doing everything possible to curtail the spread of the virus in the state.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Idris said in line with international standards, 92 persons who had direct and indirect contact with the index case are currently being followed-up.<br /> <br /> He confirmed that the index case, a 25-year-old male undergraduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, was reported to have fallen ill after arriving in Lagos and was taken to Ahmmadiyyah Hospital, Ojokoro on 9 January with complaint of fever, sore throats and difficulty in swallowing.<br /> <br /> He said the patient was subsequently placed on admission for six days and was thereafter referred by the said private hospital to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) on January 14, 2016 owing to the fact that the fever was persistent and his condition was not improving.<br /> <br /> According to Idris, the patient was confirmed as a case of Lassa fever on January 15, at LUTH, and is currently being managed to the extent that his condition is now stable.<br /> <br /> Idris added that 15 in-patients who were admitted alongside the index case as well as 25 health workers who attended to them have been placed on compulsory 21 days monitoring, and that the phone numbers and addresses of the persons in that category have also been collected for proper tracking.<br /> <br /> Any of the persons in that category with temperature above 38.5, according to Idris, would be isolated so as to prevent the spread of the disease, while they have also been advised on the need to maintain little or no contact with others, at least for now.<br /> <br /> “Though Lassa fever and Ebola Virus Disease belong to the same Viral Hemorrhagic fever group, Lassa fever is milder and can be treated and cured if detected early. Therefore, any persistent fever should be reported to the nearest public health facility.<br /> <br /> “Residents are urged to watch out for the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever which typically occur with incubation period of 1-3 weeks after the patient comes into contact with the virus. Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, chills, diarrheas, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, backache, and joint pains.<br /> <br /> “Late symptoms include bleeding from the eyes, ears and nose, bleeding from the mouth and rectum, eye swelling, swelling of the genitals and rashes all over the body that often contain blood. It could progress to coma, shock and death,” he said.<br /> <br /> While stating that drugs and other materials had been prepositioned at the designated facilities across the state, Idris said isolation centres had equally been prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases, adding that the state government was fully prepared to manage the situation and as such people should not panic for whatever reasons.<br /> <br /> On steps to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease, Idris urged residents to “avoid contact with rats, ensure proper collection and disposal of waste, cover all foods, including left-over and water properly, wash their hands properly before and after cooking of foods, block all rat hideouts and store food items in rodent-proof containers.”

Latest-News Lassa Fever: 92 people under watch in Lagos

The Lagos State Government says 92 people who had contact with the Lassa fever patients are currently being followed up, even as it allay...

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Chinese scientists develop artificial liver

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6Yd2JvNdfXKEjPlE2jGwYiAXpiScW7IR6M0KI0RzfVzJCYqwzMBo7XjelbevL9UnobJOst5MZWi-nhh_HzE4rMUoWS1WsyJxa57pIH-LtuRvd4MbsE38AGBUcJjdE4ocnob6_yIKTDzh/s1600/hhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6Yd2JvNdfXKEjPlE2jGwYiAXpiScW7IR6M0KI0RzfVzJCYqwzMBo7XjelbevL9UnobJOst5MZWi-nhh_HzE4rMUoWS1WsyJxa57pIH-LtuRvd4MbsE38AGBUcJjdE4ocnob6_yIKTDzh/s320/hhh.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> Chinese scientists have developed a new bio-artificial liver that can help liver failure patients survive long enough for an organ transplant.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Designed to be attached outside a patient’s body, the bio-artificial liver is based on human liver cells, according to research findings published in the new issue of international science magazine Cell Research on Friday.<br /> <br /> In its first clinical use last week, the device saved a 61-year-old woman who was dying from acute liver failure, said Prof. Ding Yitao, a member of the research team, which comprised scientists from the Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences and doctors from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.<br /> They are planning more clinical tests in Shanghai and the neighbouring cities this year.<br /> <br /> A bioartificial liver can help recover patients’ liver functions and prolong their lives so they can wait for suitable donor livers for a transplant, which is currently the only solution to critical cases.<br /> <br /> Prof. Ding said Chinese researchers have been using artificial livers since 1998, and earlier devices used liver cells from pigs.<br /> <br /> “The new device is based on cells taken from human skin, fat or other tissues and reprogrammed into [liver] cells,” he said. “It is safer and less likely to cause a rejection reaction.”<br /> <br /> Tests on lab animals found pigs with acute liver failures had an average 80 percent survival rate after they were treated with the new bioartificial liver, whereas untreated pigs died in about three days.<br /> <br /> The researchers believe the artificial liver is a blessing for China, which has a lot of patients with hepatitis B and liver cancer.<br /> The country has more than 100 million people infected with the hepatitis B, according to official figures.

Latest-News Chinese scientists develop artificial liver

Chinese scientists have developed a new bio-artificial liver that can help liver failure patients survive long enough for an organ transpl...

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Okada rider killed by car door

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5hsijY6weuGhHjuYxXiuR36D1XknEUPs6e6crFGF0HvVq7X4SU561s7BErRuesUIO0dJ7jboA-8h4_KPaNZktDPuVjDrYm0ZbklWq6HdKOKAIraZspGOwwfG-xxg_wcwnqVnLAhrirXQ/s1600/gavel+law.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5hsijY6weuGhHjuYxXiuR36D1XknEUPs6e6crFGF0HvVq7X4SU561s7BErRuesUIO0dJ7jboA-8h4_KPaNZktDPuVjDrYm0ZbklWq6HdKOKAIraZspGOwwfG-xxg_wcwnqVnLAhrirXQ/s400/gavel+law.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A 53-year-old man has been arrested and charged before Isolo Magistrates’ court for allegedly killing a motorcycle rider on the road with his car door in Lagos State, western Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The suspect, Musibau Ajani Ishola, allegedly drove his car in a dangerous manner without regard to other road users by opening his car door that caused the death of the victim, Bashir Umar.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It wasgathered that the door tore the victim almost into two due to high speed with which the victim ran into the door.<br /> The incident happened in front of the LUTH gate along Idi Araba road in Mushin area of Lagos.<br /> <br /> Ishola is now facing a murder charge before the presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Adedayo.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that Ishola who works with Pentiac Vibe, was going to his place of work in the morning in his car with registration number LND 285 BR when the tragedy occurred.<br /> <br /> He had got to LUTH, parked and opened the car door to come out when the late Umar rammed into the door at high speed and he was almost torn into two.<br /> <br /> He was rushed to the LUTH emergency unit where he was confirmed dead.<br /> <br /> The matter was reported at Alakara Police Division and Ishola was charged to court with murder under the Criminal Code.<br /> <br /> When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty.<br /> <br /> The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Adedayo granted Ishola bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.<br /> The court also directed the prosecutor, Inspector Abayomi Abass to send the file to DPP for advice.<br /> <br /> Ishola was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when he will perfect his bail condition.<br /> <br /> The matter was adjourned till 13 February, 2016 when the DPP’s advice is expected to be ready.

Latest-News Okada rider killed by car door

A 53-year-old man has been arrested and charged before Isolo Magistrates’ court for allegedly killing a motorcycle rider on the road with...

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Foreign currency deposits in domiciliary accounts restored

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHW0CXGMqD7oyjPZKjzutmGy2hKZ6TIbJdMHNjVnun-4IIoUkZ6-GVWykErytStuX291VnWU5pIoqR9y2bqzuUbUGujstXGVTi5u0ykzZcxCo-tVQi6OMAgcJPN2UNeiyNB0FROZxnFS2/s1600/dollars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHW0CXGMqD7oyjPZKjzutmGy2hKZ6TIbJdMHNjVnun-4IIoUkZ6-GVWykErytStuX291VnWU5pIoqR9y2bqzuUbUGujstXGVTi5u0ykzZcxCo-tVQi6OMAgcJPN2UNeiyNB0FROZxnFS2/s640/dollars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Bank customers can now transfer Foreign Currency Cash deposits made into their domiciliary accounts via Internet Banking, Mobile App or at any branch nationwide.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Amount to be transferred is however subject to a daily cumulative limit of $10,000.<br /> <br /> The new policy has been communicated to bank customers.<br /> <br /> Late last year, the Central Bank of Nigeria banned cash deposit into domiciliary accounts.

Latest-News Foreign currency deposits in domiciliary accounts restored

Bank customers can now transfer Foreign Currency Cash deposits made into their domiciliary accounts via Internet Banking, Mobile App or a...

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Obasanjo bags Master’s in Theology, to proceed for PhD

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-svJB7XGhyhT7YpLxixVfDCVq8Wi08fvzUUJwovw7GtHCjgKLEQX9I7Z1_85kPt99h7dT8GXkDZoZMJJOxTCwQekaFcc7IBfSk-cwFg4AlWY6z6U9zzSbtvxh-D-dTpIPjNuciawou80V/s1600/obj+obasanjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-svJB7XGhyhT7YpLxixVfDCVq8Wi08fvzUUJwovw7GtHCjgKLEQX9I7Z1_85kPt99h7dT8GXkDZoZMJJOxTCwQekaFcc7IBfSk-cwFg4AlWY6z6U9zzSbtvxh-D-dTpIPjNuciawou80V/s400/obj+obasanjo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, was on Saturday awarded a Master’s Degree in Christian Theology by the National Open University of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Obasanjo was among the 10,653 students who were awarded degrees in various academic fields at the institution’s 5th convocation ceremony held at its permanent campus in Abuja.<br /> <br /> About 15 of the students graduated with First Class Honours.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Obasanjo had enrolled for the Master’s in Christian Theology after earning a first degree in the same discipline from the university.<br /> <br /> Others who graduated with him include the Emir of Hadeija, Adamu Maje, and paramount ruler of Agwu, His Royal Highness Felix Asad.<br /> <br /> Obasanjo had graduated with a pass in Christian Theology with a GPA of 4.25 from the Abeokuta Centre of the institution.<br /> <br /> He is expected to continue his PhD degree at the institution, according to the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Joshua Tenebe.<br /> <br /> “It is interesting to know that former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, will be graduating with a Master’s Degree (MA Christian Theology) having met the requirements for the award, during the convocation. Having been given admission to study MA/PhD in Christian Theology, Chief Obasanjo will continue with his PhD fully,” he said.<br /> <br /> Tenebe commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for releasing funds through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for the construction of structures at the university’s permanent site.<br /> <br /> He also appealed for more funds to be able to adequately equip and furnish the completed projects.<br /> <br /> He said, “Mr. President, Sir, NOUN remains ever grateful and very appreciative for the special intervention that ushered us into our promised land today. If we have judiciously and effectively utilised the funds given to us in record time to complete the projects, then we are sure that the Federal Government will grant us more. We need more funds to adequately equip and furnish the completed projects.<br /> <br /> “We also need to build more structures that will house so many other schools and departments of the University. There is need to complete the road network and completely landscape the University Village as a project. We are very thankful because we are confident that our request will be granted.”<br /> <br /> Buhari, represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, said that education remained the most important sector that defines the life, values, political culture and economic power of a nation.<br /> <br /> Other prominent Nigerians who graduated include the over 70 years-old retired Naval Officer, Rear Admiral Orissa who graduated with First Class in Mathematics; 78 year-old Chief Femi Balogun, the Mayegun and Tunwase 1of Isara, who graduated from the School of Law; a blind student, and Mr. Obinna Bede, who bagged B. Ed English from Abuja Study Centre.<br /> <br /> Udo Effiong emerged the best graduating student with highest First Class Grade score of 4.71 in Environmental Sciences and Resouce Management.

Latest-News Obasanjo bags Master’s in Theology, to proceed for PhD

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, was on Saturday awarded a Master’s Degree in Christian Theology by the National Open University of N...

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Fayose cautions Buhari over probe of military chief

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB07d8ZuS4kb9PF9NTAQY-NfaUn2qCFJ-8heQ4zkp_TcwcM_AK7Ex-gJmj7Qs3kXrH9fBrV2kSVRdNJTbyW_3wRCojruO2oCoti4EgLgk9POyGvy8mY_sZeW8Jfq-eRNSHhxGlWP96he38/s1600/Buhari+Fayose.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB07d8ZuS4kb9PF9NTAQY-NfaUn2qCFJ-8heQ4zkp_TcwcM_AK7Ex-gJmj7Qs3kXrH9fBrV2kSVRdNJTbyW_3wRCojruO2oCoti4EgLgk9POyGvy8mY_sZeW8Jfq-eRNSHhxGlWP96he38/s640/Buhari+Fayose.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Weekend, advised President Muhammadu Buhari on his order for 18 Military Generals to be probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in the $2.1 billion arms deal.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Governor Fayose, who reacted to President Buhari’s order for the 18 serving and retired military chiefs to appear before the EFCC from Monday, through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the military officers ought to have been probed in accordance with the armed forces rules of engagement.<br /> <br /> The governor, who reiterated his support for the fight against corruption, however, dismissed the $2.1 billion arms deal as a scam, noting that “all they are just doing is to brandish figures to deceive Nigerians and demonized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and those opposed to<br /> his dictatorship in the All Progressive Congress (APC).<br /> <br /> “Till today, the amount they have charged people for stealing is not up to N10 billion and $2.1 billion they claimed was stolen is about N600 billion.<br /> <br /> “The president must let Nigerians see where the arms deal is in the 2015 Budget and publish details of the imaginary $2.1 billion scam. Also, the President must tell Nigerians how his friend, Jafaru Isa was able to return N100 million to the EFCC within three days because there are insinuations that the N100 million refunded came from the Presidency.”<br /> <br /> Fayose said it was strange for serving military generals to be interrogated by junior police officers, adding that “The president should not act in a way that he will be perceived as ridiculing the armed forces.”<br /> <br /> He said: “Even though I am not a military officer, but I know that there is what us called orderly room trial or court martial, which military men who erred in the performance of their duties are made to go through. It is until they are found guilty and probably dismissed that they are made to face court trial.<br /> <br /> “In this case, how does it feel for a serving Military General to be interrogated by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)?<br /> <br /> “I think we should not destroy our democratic institutions, especially the judiciary and the armed forces because we are fighting corruption.<br /> <br /> “Already, the President has ridiculed the judiciary by disobeying the courts and coming on television to say that orders oyf the court do not hold waters. He is also destroying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by turning it to commission for inconclusive elections. He should not ridicule the military, and men of goodwill should advise the President to thread cautiously.<br /> <br /> “Also, the international community, especially the United States, United Kingdom and the United Nations should caution the President against actions capable of bringing down institutions of government under the guise of fighting corruption.”

Latest-News Fayose cautions Buhari over probe of military chief

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Weekend, advised President Muhammadu Buhari on his order for 18 Military Generals to be probed by...

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Aguero sends Man City top,

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNA2ag1tW-79H9okfN_lCWpwc8ym5pa8yJxX85jaqpPYnBZeZkQWCd6bzGuf0atJLLusD-bsYvyiQsErDy0EFtvTuLEio2EKXUwrYjDFE2e-jd-SvaiseAmTcVFCRgEefIPh_VJOf95tM/s1600/aguero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNA2ag1tW-79H9okfN_lCWpwc8ym5pa8yJxX85jaqpPYnBZeZkQWCd6bzGuf0atJLLusD-bsYvyiQsErDy0EFtvTuLEio2EKXUwrYjDFE2e-jd-SvaiseAmTcVFCRgEefIPh_VJOf95tM/s400/aguero.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Sergio Aguero sank Crystal Palace to send Manchester City top of the Premier League on Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Aguero scored twice, with Fabian Delph and David Silva also on target, as City beat Crystal Palace 4-0, and Terry atoned for an earlier own goal to earn Chelsea an improbable point at Stamford Bridge.<br /> <br /> City provisionally top the standings on goal difference above previous leaders Arsenal, who visit Stoke City on Sunday, and Leicester City, who travel to Aston Villa later on Saturday.<br /> <br /> City manager Manuel Pellegrini made a bold approach at a snowy Etihad Stadium by aligning Aguero up front with Kelechi Iheanacho in a 4-4-2 formation.<br /> <br /> After City goalkeeper Joe Hart had parried an early header by Damien Delaney, Delph opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a skidding 30-yard shot that beat Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey at his left-hand post.<br /> <br /> Aguero made it 2-0 shortly before half-time with an effort from outside the box that was deflected past Hennessey by the head of Scott Dann.<br /> <br /> The hosts had left-back Aleksandar Kolarov stretchered off in the 52nd minute with an apparent left calf problem, but Aguero struck again 22 minutes from time by tapping in a low cross from Kevin De Bruyne.<br /> <br /> The Argentine could have had a hat-trick in the 84th minute, but after sprinting clear of the Palace defence he unselfishly squared for Silva to tap in City’s fourth goal.

Latest-News Aguero sends Man City top,

Sergio Aguero sank Crystal Palace to send Manchester City top of the Premier League on Saturday. Aguero scored twice, with Fabian Delp...

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English Premier League results

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfC_lNZkmPsFTgyHJV01sgeILiGVN7ti_v4pP55J2gBUKzszOLKKs9tpkjbiDm3p06lA5K4H955W9ZcyOvL8JMQoFSpRedPevAldUgLDemJJOJMYA9Q29P1nXpMrK6Z_UvO78t9QN-J35H/s1600/epl_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfC_lNZkmPsFTgyHJV01sgeILiGVN7ti_v4pP55J2gBUKzszOLKKs9tpkjbiDm3p06lA5K4H955W9ZcyOvL8JMQoFSpRedPevAldUgLDemJJOJMYA9Q29P1nXpMrK6Z_UvO78t9QN-J35H/s640/epl_0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> English Premier League results on Saturday:<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Bournemouth 3 (Gosling 10, Daniels 54-pen, Afobe 75) Norwich 0<br /> <br /> Chelsea 3 (Costa 64, Fabregas 66, Terry 90+8) Everton 3 (Terry 50-og, Mirallas 56, Funes Mori 90)<br /> <br /> Manchester City 4 (Delph 22, Aguero 41, 68, Silva 84) Crystal Palace 0<br /> <br /> Newcastle 2 (Perez 6, Wijnaldum 15) West Ham 1 (Jelavic 49)<br /> <br /> Southampton 3 (Ward-Prowse 5, 35-pen, Tadic 72) West Brom 0<br /> <br /> Tottenham 4 (Eriksen 42, 67, Dembele 60, Kane 79-pen) Sunderland 1 (Van Aanholt 40)<br /> <br /> Playing later<br /> <br /> Aston Villa v Leicester (1730 GMT)<br /> <br /> Playing Sunday<br /> <br /> Liverpool v Manchester United (1405 GMT), Stoke v Arsenal (1615 GMT)<br /> <br /> Playing Monday<br /> <br /> Swansea v Watford (2000 GMT)

Latest-News English Premier League results

English Premier League results on Saturday: Bournemouth 3 (Gosling 10, Daniels 54-pen, Afobe 75) Norwich 0 Chelsea 3 (Costa 64, Fabr...

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Chelsea 3-3 Everton: Terry grabs 98th-minute equaliser in astonishing finish

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3K-kMtx5r_guaGYhD29GRmxjmJnIEvx7SpKvInLUTaFftlRkW4BDYdUUwc35iJqNYW1ov1cO2NCPFWlT13IwPiqeC-e0EP5_IBEVEbGZMRPfsixN6QAwlHmcUfbHGvz33jC_1QLjXZ9Q/s1600/terry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3K-kMtx5r_guaGYhD29GRmxjmJnIEvx7SpKvInLUTaFftlRkW4BDYdUUwc35iJqNYW1ov1cO2NCPFWlT13IwPiqeC-e0EP5_IBEVEbGZMRPfsixN6QAwlHmcUfbHGvz33jC_1QLjXZ9Q/s640/terry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> John Terry's 98th-minute equaliser rescued a point for Chelsea and capped a thrilling and controversial finish to their 3-3 draw against Everton.<br /> <br /> Ramiro Funes Mori had put Everton ahead in the 90th minute after the Toffees had blown a two-goal lead but Terry equalised deep into stoppage time from an offside position to preserve Guus Hiddink's unbeaten start.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The two sides exchanged few chances in the first half but the match burst into life when Terry sent a Leighton Baines cross into his own net shortly after the break.<br /> <br /> After Ross Barkley had hit the post, Kevin Mirallas worsened Chelsea's predicament with a sublime second in the 56th minute at the end of another flowing Everton move.<br /> <br /> But Diego Costa - who limped off late on - and Cesc Fabregas scored goals two minutes apart in a rousing comeback before Funes Mori's brilliant finish in the final minute of normal time.<br /> <br /> Not for the first time this season, Roberto Martinez's side failed to see the game out although they will be angered by the assistant referee's failure to flag Terry offside.<br /> <br /> Hiddink replaced Oscar with Nemanja Matic in his only change from Wednesday's 2-2 draw with West Brom, a move that offered Fabregas more freedom in midfield.<br /> <br /> It almost paid dividends within 16 minutes as the Spaniard slipped the lively Willian in behind the Everton defence with a well-weighted pass, but the Brazilian's powerful strike was deflected over by Howard.<br /> <br /> Everton threatened on the break with Hiddink's team guilty of giving the ball away cheaply, but it was not until five minutes before the interval that Martinez's side tested Courtois, who had to dive low to his left to keep Mirallas' effort out of the bottom-left corner.<br /> <br /> The hosts started the second half strongly, but fell behind when Baines' low cross from the left caught Terry out and the Chelsea captain inadvertently sent the ball into the back of his own net.<br /> <br /> Barkley came close to doubling Everton's advantage shortly after when his near-post effort crashed off the upright, but Mirallas did add a second when he expertly controlled another Baines cross and followed it up by lashing the bouncing ball beyond Courtois.<br /> <br /> Chelsea's response was brilliant, however, and by the 66th minute they had restored parity with two goals in quick succession.<br /> <br /> First, Costa capitalised on Phil Jagielka's indecision to sneak between the centre-back and Howard and the striker then returned the favour for Fabregas, producing a clever backheel to find the Spaniard, whose deflected shot from the edge of the area snuck inside the near post.<br /> <br /> Everton looked to have found the winner in the final minute of normal time when Funes Mori hooked Deulofeu's deep cross into the back of the net.<br /> <br /> However, Terry latched onto Oscar's header inside the box to score a sensational equaliser with 98 minutes the clock despite calls for offside.<br /> <br /> (Goal.com)

Latest-News Chelsea 3-3 Everton: Terry grabs 98th-minute equaliser in astonishing finish

John Terry's 98th-minute equaliser rescued a point for Chelsea and capped a thrilling and controversial finish to their 3-3 draw agai...

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Buhari set to leave Nigeria for UAE

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLa6ivsaKle2GAPsbmJsjB855vV19C_gjQM8lwHTElu0APDE6pbm4GXsDfZMufhk6OfmVfx7Bglwo_rurIc7CkUKpA14dmsAE3zCqi80tzBrnyDo7uuCHc07SBsJqmnRcZf1StP483xMo/s1600/buhari+plane+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLa6ivsaKle2GAPsbmJsjB855vV19C_gjQM8lwHTElu0APDE6pbm4GXsDfZMufhk6OfmVfx7Bglwo_rurIc7CkUKpA14dmsAE3zCqi80tzBrnyDo7uuCHc07SBsJqmnRcZf1StP483xMo/s640/buhari+plane+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday depart Abuja for a three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates.</b><br /> <br /> The President’s itinerary was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Shehu said in the course of the visit, Buhari would join the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon; Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and other participants as a special guest of honour at this year’s edition of the World Future Energy Summit.<br /> <br /> He said the summit which is now in its ninth year has developed into one of the world’s most influential events dedicated to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies.<br /> <br /> The statement read in part, “In a move signalling Nigeria’s reengagement with the Middle-East region, President Buhari will also lead a team of his ministers to bilateral talks with the government of the UAE.<br /> <br /> “After the talks, a number of agreements between both countries on economic, trade and bilateral relations are expected to be signed.<br /> <br /> “From the visit, Nigeria also expects to get more support from the UAE for its war against terrorism and the recovery of Nigeria’s stolen funds.<br /> <br /> “President Buhari is also scheduled to meet with leading UAE businessmen who are interested in Nigeria with a view to encouraging greater investment inflows to critical sectors such as power supply, oil, gas and agriculture.<br /> <br /> “The President, who will be accompanied by the Ministers of Power, Works and Housing; Petroleum, Environment; Justice; Trade and Investment; Finance and Foreign Affairs, as well as the National Security Adviser, will also meet with Nigerian professionals in the UAE before returning to Abuja on Tuesday, January 19.”

Latest-News Buhari set to leave Nigeria for UAE

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday depart Abuja for a three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The President’s itine...

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PDP loses one seat in House of Representatives

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBbsSEvhAOOqjAGNHYdxHlSojIphtKTPNnuLivUyweKjGF7Lq1_37z-ISqdbQCOqJmThcrhYVRdBAUmfxvSH2EbPzwLIOlqdPAVrQ2PLPfyW9FQ7s06uiulIusng77SHQfAXN16Y7Db75/s1600/PDP-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBbsSEvhAOOqjAGNHYdxHlSojIphtKTPNnuLivUyweKjGF7Lq1_37z-ISqdbQCOqJmThcrhYVRdBAUmfxvSH2EbPzwLIOlqdPAVrQ2PLPfyW9FQ7s06uiulIusng77SHQfAXN16Y7Db75/s640/PDP-logo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) capacity was reduced by one seat with a loss of its representative in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia federal constituency of Anambra State took over the seat.<br /> <br /> Nwankwo of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who was returned duly elected by the Appeal court was administered the oath of office by the Clerk of the House , Sani Omolori.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> PDP now has 139 members while APGA has 5.<br /> <br /> Noting that his victory was a reinforcement of the rule of law, the new lawmaker said Nigerians have cause to believe in the nation’s justice system.<br /> <br /> As a consequence, Nwakwo said the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government must be given all the support reqiured to succeed.<br /> Saying that the need to rid the country of corrupt practices has become inevitable, he promised to work in concert with his colleagues to make good laws required to ensure good governance in the polity.<br /> <br /> “I am here to make quality legislation. I am here to see how to enhance the laws that will benefit my constituency.<br /> <br /> “We will try our best to solve the multiple problems facing our people back home. I am an agent of change. I believe that the federal government is doing what it can .<br /> <br /> “I will support every good laws that would fight corruption. Corruption is an endemic disease ravaging us and we need to fight it with every quality laws that we can make, ” he said.

Latest-News PDP loses one seat in House of Representatives

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) capacity was reduced by one seat with a loss of its representative in the House of Representatives on Tues...

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Governor Dickson proposes N150bn budget for 2016

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKeAvwNBQ4ryjY-yS2M3tAn4D9JyAD4YDTy4AbZG7kESCJ6UQ1diktFb4gMh2JQSBRpFzAil9EDlqM72CPRITGqosU1ery2bSR4emy8lmMq-NMuxBllgsSWUytnqH1zLP8f4TfxUdpm86/s1600/Seriake-Dickson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKeAvwNBQ4ryjY-yS2M3tAn4D9JyAD4YDTy4AbZG7kESCJ6UQ1diktFb4gMh2JQSBRpFzAil9EDlqM72CPRITGqosU1ery2bSR4emy8lmMq-NMuxBllgsSWUytnqH1zLP8f4TfxUdpm86/s640/Seriake-Dickson1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has proposed a budget of N150.645bn for the 2016 fiscal year.<br /> <br /> The governor named the 2016 Appropriation Bill “Budget of Transition”, presented it to the state House of Assembly in Yenagoa for consideration on Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The current estimate is a sharp drop of 2015 budget of over N320bn.<br /> <br /> The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson, who presided over proceedings, received the 2016 budget document from Dickson.<br /> <br /> The state government plans to spend N99.380bn as recurrent expenditure with N51.265bn earmarked for capital receipts.<br /> <br /> The state government said it intended to spend N43.126bn as personnel cost and N20.270bn as overhead, while consolidated revenue fund charges stood at N6.850bn and capital expenditure was N25.399bn.<br /> <br /> Dickson allocated a lion’s share of N5.200bn to Works and Infrastructure. Education got N4bn; health, N2bn; sport, N1bn; community development N1.7bn and agriculture and natural resources N1.365bn.<br /> <br /> Others include tourism, N1.150bn; housing, N1bn; transport, N1.420bn; power, N720m; water resources, N384.240m; information, N460m; finance, N200m; and budget and economic planning N250m.<br /> <br /> The governor also told the 24-member Assembly that “security will receive massive investment” in view of the magnitude of violence that characterised the just-concluded state governorship election.<br /> <br /> Curiously, Dickson has yet to announce allocations for the ministries of Environment, Science, Technology and Manpower Development, Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Mineral Resources, and Women and Social Development in the 2016 budget.<br /> <br /> He, however, hinted that he would forward a supplementary budget to the Assembly if the revenue allocations to Bayelsa from the Federation Account and other revenue sources improved.<br /> <br /> He said the budget would prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and programmes of the state in the new fiscal year.<br /> <br /> He stressed that government would also think of ingenious ways of shoring up internally generated revenue.

Latest-News Governor Dickson proposes N150bn budget for 2016

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has proposed a budget of N150.645bn for the 2016 fiscal year. The governor named th...

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NIJ lecturers blast Korede Bello for missing lectures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARQ0z6xc5IOr6ktEg5eCa5geJx41plFrRTDfg1e4M1eboyV7NDBudoQyl7cLABjrA4wMrKYRiYWl7oV_p6dIbLGwSv0hyZxvOeXCZmXJNK_sglucbibbXeuLNnlBJIlCupa71kHmvOJ-e/s1600/Korede-Bello.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARQ0z6xc5IOr6ktEg5eCa5geJx41plFrRTDfg1e4M1eboyV7NDBudoQyl7cLABjrA4wMrKYRiYWl7oV_p6dIbLGwSv0hyZxvOeXCZmXJNK_sglucbibbXeuLNnlBJIlCupa71kHmvOJ-e/s640/Korede-Bello.png" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b> <b>Popular Mavin Records label artist Korede Bello who had his matriculation for his Higher National Diploma (HND), at the Nigerian Institu</b>te of Journalism (NIJ), on November 9, 2015, is <b>said to be have academic troubles in school.</b><br /> <br /> A source who on an anonymous ground disclosed that, some of Korede Bello’s lecturers have threatened to resign if the singer is allowed to write his exams because he has not met up with 70% of his class attendance for the semester.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He further added that the one of his lecturers in class on Wednesday, January 6, disclosed that he will resign if Korede Bello is allowed to sit for his exams later this year because he has not been attending lectures due to his busy schedule.<br /> <br /> NE's investigation revealed that 'Godwin' hitmaker is currently finding it to combine a teeming music career with schooling. The likes of Wizkid and Olamide have had to drop out while they pursued their careers.<br /> <br /> Efforts to reach Korede were abortive as at the time of filing this report as calls put through to his manager didn’t connect.

Latest-News NIJ lecturers blast Korede Bello for missing lectures

Popular Mavin Records label artist Korede Bello who had his matriculation for his Higher National Diploma (HND), at the Nigerian Institu t...

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Burkina Faso Attack: Dozens Freed, 23 Killed In Hotel Siege

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBToqrkaGh_PgToF-dof0EoxRZu1SVbRmmMH1MK4ZmRzddM_qY3lrD5t0_AtXkfVoD2ckirYi-oCKTHzYv857B7G-co9fiI1XCUDMnN83ggvz1S5qE1Dj1V-lJRzWnq_Fk1-om1bTKQM7/s1600/bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBToqrkaGh_PgToF-dof0EoxRZu1SVbRmmMH1MK4ZmRzddM_qY3lrD5t0_AtXkfVoD2ckirYi-oCKTHzYv857B7G-co9fiI1XCUDMnN83ggvz1S5qE1Dj1V-lJRzWnq_Fk1-om1bTKQM7/s640/bk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>Attackers raided a luxury hotel in Burkina Faso overnight, opening fire and seizing hostages in an hours long siege that left 23 people dead.</b><br /> <br /> An al Qaeda-linked terror group claimed responsibility for the assault at Splendid Hotel — a popular meeting place for Western diplomats in the capital of Ouagadougou.<br /> <br /> The attack started Friday night, and dragged on under the cover of darkness. Security forces circled the perimeter to assess the situation before they stormed in hours later.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Everyone was panicked and was laying down on the floor. There was blood everywhere, they were shooting at people at point blank,” survivor Yannick Sawadogo said.<br /> <br /> Security forces entered the besieged hotel early Saturday and freed 126 hostages, half of whom were hospitalized, said Alpha Barry, the nation’s foreign minister.<br /> <br /> The people killed were from 18 nationalities, according to security minister Simon Compaore.<br /> <br /> At least four attackers were killed, including two women, he said. It’s unclear whether their deaths were included in the 23.<br /> <br /> ‘We could hear them talking’<br /> Survivors described horrific scenes as the gunmen paced and fired in the hotel Friday night.<br /> <br /> “We could hear them talking and they were walking around and kept shooting at people that seemed alive,” Sawadogo told CNN affiliate BFMTV.<br /> <br /> Sawadogo said he escaped through a broken window, and could barely see because of smoke.<br /> <br /> Search for hostages, terrorists<br /> Burkinabe forces scoured through the rooms at the hotel, looking for terrorists and any remaining hostages. Those rescued included a government minister, state media reported.<br /> <br /> The West African nation’s forces got logistical support from American and French troops. Shortly after the forces stormed the hotel, the sounds of gunshots faded.<br /> <br /> Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the attack, which mirrored another one at a Mali hotel last year. The militant group claimed responsibility for the November attack in the neighboring nation as well.<br /> <br /> Hotel popular with diplomats<br /> The attack in Burkina Faso appeared well planned, with a group of terrorists coming to the hotel during the day and mingling with guests, Barry said.<br /> <br /> When darkness fell, more attackers joined the group, he said.<br /> <br /> Before the hotel assault, the gunmen attacked the Cappuccino café across the street, which had about 100 people inside, according to the state broadcaster.<br /> <br /> The gunmen then took off to the Splendid Hotel — a popular meeting spot for Western diplomats and business people. They fired and seized hostages.<br /> <br /> Witnesses said the attackers wore turbans and spoke a language not native to Burkina Faso, a former French colony.<br /> <br /> As the siege continued, the U.S. planned to fly a drone over the scene to provide surveillance, a defense official said.<br /> <br /> The U.S. has about 75 military personnel in Burkina Faso, including 15 assigned to the embassy, according to the defense official.<br /> <br /> An additional 60 help train and advise the French military in the nation.<br /> <br /> Al Qaeda claims responsibility<br /> Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the assault, local media reported. CNN could not independently confirm that claim.<br /> <br /> The al Qaeda-linked Al-Mourabitoun said it conducted the attack, which had similarities to one in neighboring Mali in November.<br /> <br /> Al-Mourabitoun had claimed responsibility for the attack at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali, which left 22 people dead.<br /> <br /> The group’s leader is veteran al Qaeda figure Mokhtar Belmokhtar, according to the Mauritania-based Al Akhbar news agency.<br /> <br /> In June, Libya’s interim government reported that he died in an American airstrike.<br /> <br /> ‘Odious and cowardly attack’<br /> The attack comes a few months after Burkina Faso marked a turning point following a historic presidential election.<br /> <br /> The West African nation elected a new President in November after nearly three decades of autocratic rule followed by a civil uprising.<br /> <br /> Roch Marc Christian Kabore, the nation’s former prime minister, won more than 53% of votes in that election.<br /> <br /> Elections were postponed the month before because of a failed coup against the transitional government.<br /> <br /> The West, particularly France, considers Burkina Faso a key ally in the fight against al Qaeda.<br /> <br /> French President Francois Hollande said he stands with the nation against the “odious and cowardly attack.”<br /> <br /> The U.S. Embassy also condemned the attack, describing it as a ” senseless assault on innocent people.”<br /> <br /> (CNN)

Latest-News Burkina Faso Attack: Dozens Freed, 23 Killed In Hotel Siege

Attackers raided a luxury hotel in Burkina Faso overnight, opening fire and seizing hostages in an hours long siege that left 23 people dea...

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Ateke Tom denies giving Buhari 14-day ultimatum to establish the Republic of Biafra

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDCqh0MrPkdELCvAdYbxSM2Nj09JMhbz6X05JAlgUHGTZCOFT86aHMvgC19Ahmv-lFrXso2Z3hnLbhRybO97os6tb7SmM1WlvLnI-EBm6rATbAQUoq5JZuMKXphYhxEVgAxnuzJXmhLc7/s1600/Ateke-Tom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDCqh0MrPkdELCvAdYbxSM2Nj09JMhbz6X05JAlgUHGTZCOFT86aHMvgC19Ahmv-lFrXso2Z3hnLbhRybO97os6tb7SmM1WlvLnI-EBm6rATbAQUoq5JZuMKXphYhxEVgAxnuzJXmhLc7/s400/Ateke-Tom1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Former militant leader in the Niger Delta region, Chief Ateke Tom, has denied giving a 14-day ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari, to grant the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) the right to establish the Republic of Biafra, or he would resume armed struggle.<br /> <br /> He also debunked media reports that held a meeting with leaders of IPOB, and other groups pushing for the sovereignty of the former Eastern Region as Republic of Biafra.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking through his spokesman, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, Ateke, who is the leader of the defunct Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV), reiterated his warning to members of the public to stop using his pictures unauthorised.<br /> <br /> Emphasising that there was no such meeting and he never threatened to declare war on Buhari-led government, the ex-militant leader stated that the allegations were the handiwork of his detractors, enjoining Nigerians to support Buhari’s administration.<br /> <br /> Ateke’s spokesman said, “The High Chief has no time for such talk and he has been in his village of Okrika and has nothing to do with any Biafra meeting. Nigerians should be patient with the Buhari-led government and support him. Buhari is a good man; he is a peace-loving man.”

Latest-News Ateke Tom denies giving Buhari 14-day ultimatum to establish the Republic of Biafra

Former militant leader in the Niger Delta region, Chief Ateke Tom, has denied giving a 14-day ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari, to ...

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We are not in haste to return home, say Damaturu IDPs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmYg84H5yWEO3XY-4_sUhCyIYIY7smQb2NvyE19qZR8ML-922sgy87P8vXHQa6t0NQkuhpy5zswMQmwx6eL6ULHboGx-otL4bxZ6bCtQb9G-l6OTVRjZHuM7ZuRfnKYxVdOWQ2Tj-VeYa/s1600/IDPs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmYg84H5yWEO3XY-4_sUhCyIYIY7smQb2NvyE19qZR8ML-922sgy87P8vXHQa6t0NQkuhpy5zswMQmwx6eL6ULHboGx-otL4bxZ6bCtQb9G-l6OTVRjZHuM7ZuRfnKYxVdOWQ2Tj-VeYa/s400/IDPs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pompomari, Kukareta and Muhammadu Gombe IDP camps in Damaturu, Yobe, on Saturday said they were not in a haste to return home.<br /> <br /> Ali Bukar, a displaced person and community leader from Shettiram village, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his people were “comfortable at the camps and, therefore, in no hurry to return home’’.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We will remain here in the camps until all necessary arrangements have been put in place in terms of security and infrastructure by the authorities before we go back home,” Bukar said.<br /> <br /> Fanna Modu, a mother of two, said ” initially when we arrived Kukareta camp there were some challenges and we were desperate to return home.<br /> <br /> “The state government has overcome the challenges by providing us with tents for shelter, adequate feeding, drilled boreholes, toilets, blankets and sanitary kits for women, thereby making us comfortable.<br /> <br /> “Recently, over 60 male children, including orphans at the camp were circumcised by the authorities; we are home away from home,” Fanna said.<br /> <br /> Maimuna Abubakar, a widow said about 10 marriages had so far been consummated between widows and widowers and other displaced persons in the various IDPs camps.<br /> <br /> NAN reports that the ministers of Defence and Interior had separately visited the state to assess the security situation and plan toward the redeployment of civil authorities in the liberated communities preparatory for the relocation of the IDPs.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Yobe Government has constituted a Rehabilitation and Relocation Committee for the IDPs under the chairmanship of the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu.<br /> <br /> The committee was mandated to collaborate with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to oversee the welfare of the IDPs and their subsequent relocation to their respective communities whenever the security situation improved.

Latest-News We are not in haste to return home, say Damaturu IDPs

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pompomari, Kukareta and Muhammadu Gombe IDP camps in Damaturu, Yobe, on Saturday said they were not...

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Oshiomhole: Fearing Holes When Your Name Ends With ‘Hole’, By Reno Omokri

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWBFmUXOfLcJgi3CKi2oiD8o6ThjXv0ahsMnuVNnzx7_R-1LpGodUJ6vsv4Xrshyphenhyphen3EAAVrx8KcwzBfrCebIl2lp0cnWrvso3JdU30AzkScNM7QqzMn3B4gzjmOL_pg8jInK8Xj4VFvGlZ/s1600/2101-Adams-Oshiomhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWBFmUXOfLcJgi3CKi2oiD8o6ThjXv0ahsMnuVNnzx7_R-1LpGodUJ6vsv4Xrshyphenhyphen3EAAVrx8KcwzBfrCebIl2lp0cnWrvso3JdU30AzkScNM7QqzMn3B4gzjmOL_pg8jInK8Xj4VFvGlZ/s400/2101-Adams-Oshiomhole.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I read Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s comments to the effect that he heard from the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun, that former President Goodluck Jonathan had told him (Chief Oyegun) that after the election, he would put Governor Oshiomhole in a hole, but today the ex-president is the one in a hole.</span></div> <a name='more'></a><br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This statement, while seemingly an attack on the person of former President Goodluck Jonathan, says more about the character of the Edo State Governor than it does about the former President.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A good leader does not act on hearsay and gossip, especially when he has channels to verify such information.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One would have thought that Governor Oshiomhole would have learnt his lesson after the embarrassment from the gossip he shared, to the effect that unnamed US State Department officials told him that a minister under Jonathan stole a billion US dollars every month (which was confirmed to be a lie by an investigative report by a national daily).</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apparently no lessons were learnt from that misadventure.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even ex-President Jonathan’s arch opponents cannot deny the fact that no Nigerian was ever put in a hole or arrested for his comments or criticism during his time in office. Such is out of character for the former leader.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In fact, at the very moment Oshiomhole was making his fallacious claims, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was being honoured in Atlanta by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for his role in advancing peace and human rights as well as good governance. President Jonathan is to be similarly honoured in Europe in the coming weeks.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On July 17, 2012, Governor Oshiomhole said “President Jonathan has demonstrated statesmanship. I think there is hope for Nigeria”.</span></div> <div class="code-block code-block-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 8px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7650359907253916" data-ad-slot="6767693466" data-adsbygoogle-status="done" style="background: none !important; border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 90px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 728px; zoom: 1;"><ins id="aswift_0_expand" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: initial !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-size: initial !important; border: none; display: inline-table; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 90px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; width: 728px; zoom: 1;"><ins id="aswift_0_anchor" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: initial !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-size: initial !important; border: none; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 90px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; width: 728px; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="90" hspace="0" id="aswift_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="aswift_0" scrolling="no" style="border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; left: 0px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;" vspace="0" width="728"><ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7650359907253916" data-ad-slot="6767693466" data-adsbygoogle-status="done" style="background: none !important; border: 0px; display: inline-block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 90px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 728px; zoom: 1;"></ins></iframe></span></ins></ins> <div id="beacon_60055a4195" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; left: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: hidden; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img height="0" src="http://cat.nl.eu.criteo.com/delivery/lg.php?cppv=1&cpp=l%2FxAt3xHSHBNKy9URm90SUVBVzIweWJxUHh3eHpDSFhqME93SzF0UW5XS2JYT3IrMkVSYzdnaWVhczNVRTFBU1FmRXVOeVVRQWZmWmdGYVlSSXB1Y2h0ZTVvS0ZKdDNJMCs0MWRhb2loaWQ2WEdIak85OHk3MVg3UlZrYzRKeXd2cFRhenNCaHFFaVd0YjZxbjN4VUR2QThMVEVLRkJFbTl1S1J6dlZKYkV6OVRpWUQ5S0xiMVlvbFowVUpCTWZOcUxuQUp4NGlieTJkOWVOUUgvSjFWUEZ6K1NoMzdaN08vLzMyektOWkdzM1E3a3NZPXw%3D" style="border: 0px none; height: auto; max-width: 100%; zoom: 1;" width="0" /></span></div> </ins></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Suffice to say that I understand where Governor Oshiomhole is coming from.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously, when your name ends with the word HOLE, you will be afraid of holes, but Goodluck is the portion of Jonathan!</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me end by saying that Governor Adams Oshiomhole is a gifted labour leader and has made progress as Edo state Governor. He had previously been known for prudent speeches. I therefore scratch my head in wonder at what recent events may be making him as giddy as a teenager. Your guess is as good as mine.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, it is no guess, but fact, to state that Governor Adams Oshiomhole cannot put Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in a hole that God has not put him.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 26.25px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reno Omokri is the founder of the Mind of Christ Christian Centre in California dan the author of<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;">Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God</em> and <em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;">Why Jesus Wept</em>.</span></strong></div>

Latest-News Oshiomhole: Fearing Holes When Your Name Ends With ‘Hole’, By Reno Omokri

I read Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s comments to the effect that he heard from the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief John...

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Lassa Fever: Three dead, 200 under observation – Rivers Commissioner

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQs0IkrdZEXzrhhEcy9iqoopoAEoTaIzFNRWqzk5t-Sd4hjhQZOXz5NUKe5AmFBdh79LICLTmi_ucmDz_ETNx-TmTyF-9wf88txn6adKFG1tKieErAdd0B4Cvgi0TH9ZtswqnwMgDLGsA/s1600/lassa+fever+rat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQs0IkrdZEXzrhhEcy9iqoopoAEoTaIzFNRWqzk5t-Sd4hjhQZOXz5NUKe5AmFBdh79LICLTmi_ucmDz_ETNx-TmTyF-9wf88txn6adKFG1tKieErAdd0B4Cvgi0TH9ZtswqnwMgDLGsA/s400/lassa+fever+rat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Commissioner for Health in Rivers, Dr Theophilus Odagme, has confirmed that three persons have died, while more than 200 others are currently under observation, following the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state.<br /> <br /> Odagme made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said that up to 50 people who had contacts with the first reported two cases could be out of observation because they had not shown symptoms of the disease.<br /> <br /> The commissioner said that the medical doctor, who died after contracting the disease, had been buried after consultations with the family.<br /> <br /> He said the doctor died at a hospital outside Port Harcourt and that contacts he had hours before his death were among those under observation.<br /> <br /> <br /> According to the commissioner, government has set up a special centre to manage new cases of the disease, noting that no new case has been reported.<br /> <br /> Odagme also said that the State Government was working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Health to tackle the disease.<br /> <br /> “We have been working with WHO and the Federal Ministry of Health. They are with us in ensuring that their supports come on board.<br /> They are with us.<br /> <br /> He advised people with symptoms of the disease to report to the nearest health centre for test and treatment.

Latest-News Lassa Fever: Three dead, 200 under observation – Rivers Commissioner

The Commissioner for Health in Rivers, Dr Theophilus Odagme, has confirmed that three persons have died, while more than 200 others are c...

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Taiwan elects first female president

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSxDLzZabMtQggkVUVMkB2QksuS6WWQWKeFYRZ-xizr_67kDmvCvDOO6XB-DjYcLVsR6-NwyxEbVxHh077WFts3LNI8wqN5dhWaY5S_Lx-Lxr5G103kSR6oSYYgV1DdSCPn90K-xk5FXk/s1600/taiwan+president.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSxDLzZabMtQggkVUVMkB2QksuS6WWQWKeFYRZ-xizr_67kDmvCvDOO6XB-DjYcLVsR6-NwyxEbVxHh077WFts3LNI8wqN5dhWaY5S_Lx-Lxr5G103kSR6oSYYgV1DdSCPn90K-xk5FXk/s400/taiwan+president.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Tsai Ing-wen has been elected Taiwan’s first female president.<br /> <br /> Ms Tsai, 59, leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that wants independence from China, the BBC reports.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In her victory speech, she vowed to preserve the status quo in relations with China, adding Beijing must respect Taiwan’s democracy and both sides must ensure there are no provocations.<br /> <br /> China sees the island as a breakaway province – which it has threatened to take back by force if necessary.<br /> <br /> In her speech, Ms Tsai hailed a “new era” in Taiwan and pledged to co-operate with other political parties on major issues.<br /> <br /> The will of the Taiwanese people would be the basis for relations with China, Ms Tsai said, urging both sides to show “dignity and reciprocity” in their relations.<br /> <br /> She thanked the United States and Japan for their support and vowed Taiwan would contribute to peace and stability in the region.<br /> <br /> Ms Tsai had a commanding lead in the vote count when Eric Chu of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) admitted defeat.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chu congratulated Tsai Ing-wen and announced he was quitting as KMT head.<br /> <br /> Taiwan’s Premier Mao Chi-kuo also resigned.

Latest-News Taiwan elects first female president

Tsai Ing-wen has been elected Taiwan’s first female president. Ms Tsai, 59, leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that wants inde...

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Nigeria's Odion Ighalo wins Premier League player of the month

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk60eC1NE6vR9zEQt8_gabXB8h5zwtj7iYpeLYq71a5aMUsbidoXYwam93NQBiF_owIQnbY09r7F_49bLBWHJnt5fons-a79YeAn0UJI2mXonpkEoHoIcvfGvBdpuVWLR4ChraScIYEftn/s1600/odion+player.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk60eC1NE6vR9zEQt8_gabXB8h5zwtj7iYpeLYq71a5aMUsbidoXYwam93NQBiF_owIQnbY09r7F_49bLBWHJnt5fons-a79YeAn0UJI2mXonpkEoHoIcvfGvBdpuVWLR4ChraScIYEftn/s640/odion+player.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo, has seen off stiff competition from the duo of Mesut Ozil and Dele Alli to win his first Premier League Player of the Month Award.<br /> <br /> Ighalo, who has been nominated repeatedly in the past, finally got the morale boosting reward as he emerged as the best player in England’s top flight league for the last month of 2015.<br /> <br /> Happily, it was double delight for Watford as Manager Quique Sanchez Flores won the Premier League manager section having led the Hornets to important wins in the period under review.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Flores’ side amassed 10 points from five fixtures to finish the calendar year on a good momentum in which they recorded victories over Norwich, Sunderland and Liverpool.<br /> <br /> Ighalo scored five goals in the month, including two in the Vicarage Road win over Liverpool, to take his tally for the season to 13, tied for third in the Premier League behind Romelu Lukaku and Jamie Vardy.<br /> <br /> A creditable draw at Stamford Bridge followed four wins in a row including the victory at Aston Villa at the end of November, before Watford finished the year with a last-ditch loss at home to Spurs.<br /> <br /> Ighalo now joins the exclusive list of Nigerian players like Osaze Odemwingie, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Jay Jay Okocha who at different times had been voted best player of the month in England’s top flight.<br /> <br /> Though currently third in the top scorers’ category, it would not be surprising to see Ighalo overtake the duo of Vardy and Lukaku who are the current top guns in the EPL.

Latest-News Nigeria's Odion Ighalo wins Premier League player of the month

Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo, has seen off stiff competition from the duo of Mesut Ozil and Dele Alli to win his first Premier League Pl...

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PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh sent to Kuje prison

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9wbZfuQIYoqPzd7WBew7xZ1GUGHaeGtOeIeJtPE-rGKuxWD06sI9cD6Iryrc0mz88ye2TX731DrqYm8UqO48Buqct0ndQSpBZY_JEz88CgvYNFSCTS4GQGvBBbFxN5eagMfdOL_6yNcE/s1600/Chief-Olisa-Metuh-630x385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9wbZfuQIYoqPzd7WBew7xZ1GUGHaeGtOeIeJtPE-rGKuxWD06sI9cD6Iryrc0mz88ye2TX731DrqYm8UqO48Buqct0ndQSpBZY_JEz88CgvYNFSCTS4GQGvBBbFxN5eagMfdOL_6yNcE/s400/Chief-Olisa-Metuh-630x385.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, remanded the ‎embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Olisa Metuh in prison custody‎.<br /> ‎<br /> Metuh who is answering to a seven-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the ‎Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, ‎will remain in prison till Tuesday when the ‎court will determine whether or not he should be released on bail.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> ‎<br /> Meantime, the PDP spokesman who ‎is facing trial alongside his firm, Destra Investment Limited, ‎over alleged N400m fraud, yesterday, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.<br /> ‎<br /> ‎The charge against Metuh borders on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and criminal diversion of public funds.<br /> ‎<br /> ‎Specifically, EFCC, alleged that the accused person had in November, 2014, received the sum of N400m from the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, rtd.<br /> <br /> The fund which was withdrawn from an account the Office of the NSA operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was allegedly transferred to Metuh through account no. 0040437573, which Destra Investments Limited operated with Diamond Bank Plc.<br /> ‎<br /> The anti-graft agency ‎told the court that though the fund was siphoned to boost campaign activities of the PDP, it said that Metuh diverted most of it to his personal use.<br /> <br /> ‎It alleged that Metuh converted ‎part of the money to one Million US Dollars which he used for his personal business.‎<br /> ‎<br /> Besides, Metuh was alleged to have transferred the sum of N21.7m to another chieftain of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih.‎<br /> <br /> ‎The charge ‎marked ‎FHC/ABJ/CR/05/2016, was signed by the Assistant Director, Legal & Prosecution Department of the EFCC, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir.‎‎<br /> ‎<br /> ‎Metuh had after his arraignment yesterday, urged trial Justice Okon Abang to grant him bail pending hearing and determination of the case against him.<br /> <br /> ‎He made the oral bail application through his lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN.<br /> <br /> Ikpeazu, SAN, who anchored the request on the provision of section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015‎, contended that the offence allegedly committed by his client is a bailable one.<br /> <br /> He further placed reliance on section 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to insist that under the law, his client ought to be deemed innocent until ingredients of the charge against him ‎are established.<br /> <br /> Ikpeazu equally relied on the decided case-law in Abiola vs FRN, 2005, and argued that the court had powers to exercise its discretion in favour of Metuh, based on an oral bail request.<br /> <br /> ‎”My lord we do not intend to go outside the law, but to rest the application on the constitutional right of the defendant. We are not going beyond the charge against him, so the issue of bringing an affidavit does not arise”, Ikpeazu added.<br /> <br /> ‎However, EFCC, yesterday, vehemently opposed Metuh’s oral bail application.<br /> <br /> The commission, through its lawyer ‎Sylvanus Tahir, maintained that Metuh should have filed ‎a formal bail application.<br /> ‎<br /> The prosecuting agency argued that the nature of the charge against the accused person was not such that he could orally persuade the court to okay his release from detention, saying he ought to have deposed an affidavit in support of a written bail application.<br /> <br /> “It is our position that the accused person cannot orally move this court to grant him bail. As it stands, he has not placed any material that could sway the court to exercise its discretion one way or the other”, Tahir argued.‎<br /> ‎<br /> At that juncture, the defence counsel pleaded the court to allow his client to remain in the custody of the EFCC pending the determination of his bail, an application that was opposed by the prosecuting counsel.<br /> ‎<br /> In a short ruling, Justice Abang agreed with the EFCC, even as he directed Metuh to file a formal bail application.‎<br /> ‎<br /> ‎Consequently, the court remanded the accused person in prison custody.<br /> ‎<br /> Justice Abang further directed Metuh’s lawyer to file and serve the bail application within six hours from the time the ruling was delivered yesterday, just as he also gave EFCC 24 hours to file its objection to the application if it has any.<br /> ‎<br /> ‎Besides, the court, ‎yesterday, fixed January 25 to commence full-blown hearing on the substantive charge against Metuh.‎<br /> <br /> ‎It will be recalled that Metuh had been in the custody of the EFCC since January 5 when he was arrested.<br /> ‎‎<br /> ‎Already, the anti-graft agency has lined up 18 witnesses that will testify against him and his firm during the trial.‎<br /> ‎<br /> Among those to testify in the case are representatives of the Office of the NSA, representatives of Diamond bank, Access Bank, Sterling Bank, First Bank, Heritage Bank, Nneka Nicole Ararume, Alhaji Abba Dabo, Mallam Kabiru Ibrahim, Olayinka Badejo Okusanya of CMC comet, Ahmadu Umar of Kwalaye Investment Limited, Theophilus Musa of Capital Fields Investment and six EFCC investigators.<br /> ‎<br /> ‎The court had on Thursday, adjourned till January 20 to hear a motion challenging his continued detention in EFCC custody.<br /> <br /> Justice Abang adjourned hearing on Metuh’s fundamental right enforcement suit on a day the EFCC insisted that his detention was sequel to a valid court order.‎<br /> ‎<br /> Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Jacobs, SAN, had maintained that the commission obtained a remand order against Metuh in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.<br /> <br /> Jacobs said the ACJA, 2015, permitted the EFCC to detain an accused person pending completion of investigation into criminal allegations against such person, so far there is a valid approval from a competent court.<br /> <br /> “It is arrant nonsense for anybody or group to say that the suspect is being detained illegally for political reasons. EFCC is established by law and as such, cannot take the laws into its own hand. The truth is that there is a valid and subsisting court order that permitted the detention of the man.<br /> <br /> “The order was issued by the court based on the avalanche of documentary evidence that was placed before it”, Jacobs added.<br /> <br /> The EFCC lawyer told the court on Thursday that the commission would need time to study Metuh’s fundamental right enforcement suit which he said was only served on the anti-graft agency Wednesday morning.<br /> <br /> Arguing that EFCC have five days to respond to Me‎tuh’s suit, Jacobs, persuaded Justice Abang to adjourn the matter which he said was not ripe for hearing.<br /> ‎<br /> Some of the charges against Metuh ‎read: “That you, Olisa Metuh and Destra Investment Limited, on or about the 24th November, 2014, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, took possession of the sum of N400, 000,000.00 (Four Hundred Million Naira) only, paid into the account of Destra Investments Limited with Diamond Bank Plc. Account No. 0040437573 from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria without contract award, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) the then NSA (To wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.‎<br /> ‎<br /> “That you, Olisa Metuh and Destra Investment Limited on or about the 24th November, 2014 in Abuja converted the sum of N400m paid into the account of Destra Investment Limited with Diamond Bank Plc, Account No: 0040437573 from the account of the office of the National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria without contract award when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) the then National Security Adviser (To Wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2), (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.‎<br /> <br /> “That you, Olisa Metuh and Destra Investments Limited on or about the 24th November, 2014 in Abuja, did retain the sum of N400m on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party of its campaign activities by concealing the said sum in your account with Diamond Bank Plc, when you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), the then National Security Adviser, (to wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption), and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 17(b) of the same Act.‎<br /> <br /> “The you, Olisa Metuh and Destra Investments Limited on or about the 2nd Dec. 2014 in Abuja did make a cash payment through your agent one Nneka Nicole Ararume to one Kabiru Ibrahim, a non financial initiation to the tune of $1,000,000.00 USD (One Million United States Dollars) only and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act.‎<br /> <br /> “That you, Olisa Metuh and Destra Investments Limited on or about the 2nd Dec. 2014 in Abuja, did make a cash payment through your agent one Nneka Nicole Ararume to one Sie Iyenome of Capital Field Investment, to the tune of $1,000,000.00 USD (One Million United States Dollars) only and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act.‎<br /> <br /> “That you, Olisa Metuh and Destra and Destra Investments Limited on or about the 4th Dec. 2014 in Abuja, did transfer the sum of N21,776,000.00 (Twenty-One Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand Naira) being part of the sum of N400m which directly represented the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), the then National Security Adviser (to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust and corruption) to Chief Anthony Anenih and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act”.

Latest-News PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh sent to Kuje prison

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, remanded the ‎embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic P...

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Niger-Delta Militants hit major oil/gas pipelines

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJNjYYZF2pBB5KxiSA0vpN5pw-EGcrQg4BY_DHd5YT7WIwvBuu90ypXj5ePxJgrbWbqkrVSKmnAJSNSC8IQfxUSM-VlCYcmZZtCoWYcfLSK8zqahZaHv3eqQMkv4yytf7xpOHhJYLbxae/s1600/Niger-Delta-militants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJNjYYZF2pBB5KxiSA0vpN5pw-EGcrQg4BY_DHd5YT7WIwvBuu90ypXj5ePxJgrbWbqkrVSKmnAJSNSC8IQfxUSM-VlCYcmZZtCoWYcfLSK8zqahZaHv3eqQMkv4yytf7xpOHhJYLbxae/s400/Niger-Delta-militants.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Chevron Nigeria Limited and other oil companies in the riverside areas of Delta state are shutting down their operations on Saturday after after another wanton destruction of oil facilities crippled a large portion of production.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the major crude and gas line to the Chevron Tank Farm in Escravos were hit over night by militants in the wake of Government Ekpemupolo’s face-off with the EFCC.<br /> <br /> Although Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) denied responsibility for the earlier attack on Friday morning, source in the area and security operatives believe that he is masterminding the attacks.<br /> <br /> The attack started hours after an arrest order was issued on him by a Federal High Court.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that major assets of Chevron and other indigenous oil firms in the area were hit in the overnight attacks.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It was learnt that the gas line from Olero creeks to Escravos were hit.<br /> <br /> The main crude line from Makaraba through Otunana, Abiteye and others were also reportedly put out of operation by the hoodlums.<br /> <br /> As at the time of this report on Saturday morning, it could not be ascertained if the fire that erupted at Odidi pipeline after Friday morning attack had been extinguished.

Latest-News Niger-Delta Militants hit major oil/gas pipelines

Chevron Nigeria Limited and other oil companies in the riverside areas of Delta state are shutting down their operations on Saturday afte...

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MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVQsJF8MAyuA4Zap7EulnlQiCkt6v4_l_XNoqRv8ys1bEXT9QsRotHB7cX5j2N4vjorIueIGAeazUUmdPj8ZfkjDajNxiMB7G6mnEVI1NrADEqwYDWV748aFeG8p8212epP8TBYZNIK3N/s1600/massob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVQsJF8MAyuA4Zap7EulnlQiCkt6v4_l_XNoqRv8ys1bEXT9QsRotHB7cX5j2N4vjorIueIGAeazUUmdPj8ZfkjDajNxiMB7G6mnEVI1NrADEqwYDWV748aFeG8p8212epP8TBYZNIK3N/s320/massob.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has directed its members to resume massive protests from Monday 18 January.<br /> <br /> The directive came after rising from a one-day meeting of national executive officers at MASSOB headquarters, Okwe Onuimo Local council of Imo state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A statement signed by the secretary of Uchenna Madu led faction, Ibem Ugwuoke Ibem and the director of Information, Samuel Edeson states that<br /> <br /> ” MASSOB after series of public protests, demonstrations, civil disobedience and stay at home against the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Nigerian Government through the DSS and the non-compliance of Buhari led administration to obey three different competent court orders for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, MASSOB demands that Nnamdi Kanu must be release now or more diplomatic, image, and political damages will be fall the already battered Nigeria’s image with massive, self-determined and non-violence worldwide Biafran Demonstration/protest including non co-operation and civil disobedience.<br /> <br /> “That MASSOB directs all our members at home and in Diaspora to prepare for a massive demonstration, protest and a civil disobedience against the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB Leader) starting from Monday 18th January 2016.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> “MASSOB also directs former members in Ralph Uwazurike’s BIM to join and participate in the non violent world wide demonstration against Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention as a mark of Love and respect for Biafra.”

Latest-News MASSOB to resume mass protests Monday

The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has directed its members to resume ...

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FG clarifies N5,000 unemployment stipend

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqlHru_7i4n7Tf4aGMeBlgJ2iZesi-l98XiroVobHZVaO4IeB5fx2nWHvge3hra2Oz0X9RxeCmEg0Ayh8xg1_b60RFehRUBmBfdWv0Asoi6glCyaYYrOOZkOHiukf-2P2xOuMxk3K4XAG/s1600/ngige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqlHru_7i4n7Tf4aGMeBlgJ2iZesi-l98XiroVobHZVaO4IeB5fx2nWHvge3hra2Oz0X9RxeCmEg0Ayh8xg1_b60RFehRUBmBfdWv0Asoi6glCyaYYrOOZkOHiukf-2P2xOuMxk3K4XAG/s400/ngige.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Federal government said yesterday that it has no plan to pay N5000 to Unemployed Nigerians just to be indolent and unproductive, saying such payment will be made as allowances to those undergoing different skill acquisition programmes.<br /> <br /> Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at the APC secretariat said no country can afford to pay stipend to her citizens to be indolent, adding that Nigeria will not be different.<br /> <br /> The Minister however explained that while some people will be paid N5000 under the cash conversion scheme, some will also get N10000 while other may get more than N15,000 while in training.<br /> <br /> He maintained that some people that will be given such stipend will go through different training and later get employed by either the state or federal government.<br /> <br /> “We also have the programme on the commission cash transfer. Though even you the press has said it, we won’t pay N5000 for people to be indolent. No country in the world, would pay people to go home and sleep and collect cash, so Nigerian would not be an exception.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We will pay some people N5000, we will pay some N10,000, and even for people in teacher conversion scheme, we will pay more than N10,000, N15,000 as stipend while in training, and then after the training, they are going to be employed by state government and the federal government in different institution.<br /> <br /> “It is not a programme we shall run alone, the state governments are going to buy into it, they are going to synchronize with us, we are going to do it in synergy”<br /> <br /> He also disclosed that the present administration has mapped out some poverty alleviating and employment generating programs for Nigerians which will be carried out by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Labour and Employment.<br /> <br /> On the planned Skills Acquisition Scheme, Ngige said “The Ministry has specialists skills acquisition centres; we have seven like that base in the ministry under the commissioner of skills or directorate for skills.<br /> <br /> “The NDE have over 120 centres scattered all over the country, we also have those that have been built by state government and we want to capture all of these into that scheme and then get people to the scheme; to be bricklayers, to be POP designers, builders, welders, electronics repairer and the one they called Mecha-tronic, repair of vehicles, automobile carpentry, painting and fabrication of all sorts.<br /> <br /> “We are going to do it, teach people, give them certification, because many people do not know that Ministry of Labour is the only place that can certified tradesmen. This skills acquisition centres are in grades, we have grade A certification, Grade B, Grade C, D and E Certification, they all still exist.<br /> <br /> “So we want to get back our youths, capture them, teach them to use their hands, and when they used their hands, they can earn money by employing themselves. If you get a bricklayer, or a painter today, you cannot pay less than N5000 for a daily job.<br /> <br /> “If somebody is able to work 20 days in a month for N5000, he already has N100,000. But, today it is a sad story that Togolese, Ghannians, people from Benin Republic, people from Niger Republic that do all these skilled job for us.<br /> <br /> “80 percent of workers in that specialize category in construction site all over Nigeria, be it in Abuja, in Lagos or in Onitsha, they come from outside, and we don’t know that little drops of water, form ocean, the money or the naira they are paid is repatriated to their country and all of them will come at the end of the day to put pressure on naira in the foreign exchange market.<br /> <br /> “So we have decided that we have to train our own youths, let them use their hinds to fend for themselves. We will also want to advance some of them into entrepreneurship. If you are very good, we can open a place for you and give you money through the Bank of Industry and SMEDAN and then you move to the next stage where a number of youth will work with you.”

Latest-News FG clarifies N5,000 unemployment stipend

The Federal government said yesterday that it has no plan to pay N5000 to Unemployed Nigerians just to be indolent and unproductive, sayi...

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Nigerian Army kills 14 Boko Haram members as sect attacks military base in Yobe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTsSo3CuJSHm2HYj3HrMrShVTaUqSsXiD8Mcg1iA-9kdjpjJ-EFwx2uIrgaGg8c_JQCXatXiRjAEUyiBcOMB1HOg8XxlEBJ9Unipq8fxWZGAU4LsZgU_05YnttfK2D3TeFGAxB1nLSFU1/s1600/buratai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTsSo3CuJSHm2HYj3HrMrShVTaUqSsXiD8Mcg1iA-9kdjpjJ-EFwx2uIrgaGg8c_JQCXatXiRjAEUyiBcOMB1HOg8XxlEBJ9Unipq8fxWZGAU4LsZgU_05YnttfK2D3TeFGAxB1nLSFU1/s400/buratai.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Boko Haram insurgents yesterday attacked the 120 Task Force Battalion of the Army at Goniri in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe state.<br /> <br /> The insurgents appeared to have come from Shettimari in the Borno axis of the town and engaged the soldiers in a fierce fight that lasted for almost four hours.<br /> <br /> A military source said the attack was effectively repelled.<br /> <br /> “But we lost one soldier in the fight,” the source said .<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Spokesperson for the 27 Task Force Brigade in Damaturu Lt. George Okupe who confirmed the attack told newsmen that no soldier lost his life in the attack except one soldier that was wounded.<br /> <br /> He said that the terrorists came by foot to the 120 Task Force Battalion in Goniri at about 5.50am on Friday and immediately launched an attack.<br /> <br /> They were over-powered and the rest fled,he said.<br /> <br /> Lt. Okupe said about 14 Boko Haram terrorists were killed in Tashan Fulani Village around Chorokusko in Babangida Local Government Area of Yobe State while weapons including 6AK 47 riffles, 3 IEDs, four 36 handheld grenades 1GPMG, 4 magazines, 382 Rams of 7.62 MM Nato were recovered from the terrorists.<br /> <br /> Goniri is one of the communities in Yobe state recently recovered from Boko Haram by soldiers and it is currently being cleared of deadly mines laid by the terrorists.<br /> <br /> Yesterday’s attack came less than 24 hours after the Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau visited Yobe in company of all the service chiefs including Police Inspector General SolomonArase, the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Martins Kure Abashe, Comptroller General of Prison Service, Dr. Peter Ekpendu ,and the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, Abdullahi Gana to assess the extent of destruction to police and other security formations .

Latest-News Nigerian Army kills 14 Boko Haram members as sect attacks military base in Yobe

Boko Haram insurgents yesterday attacked the 120 Task Force Battalion of the Army at Goniri in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe state....

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I didn’t blow up pipeline – Tompolo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlDjumT0ZdPLYarZUrILPm5mS3FHoRs7YLT9_oz72KKt_oOLytu9RkH4edd4EKT8qVQzY7-VvIcHl19KZjK6TEBcv959Y3eB57NF9vVLRAZlSrf3EAoXec5TtoTRYhFmyoPS2LxLbYfGF/s400/tompolo.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> Government Ekpemupolo (AKA Tompolo) has dissociated himself from th<br /> e wanton attacks on oil installations in the Warri area of Delta state on Friday.<br /> <br /> Tompolo, who condemned the attacks in a telephone chat with our reporter, did not rule out connection between the destruction and the arrest warrant issued by a Federal High Court in Lagos.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said, “I am not responsible for the attack and I condemn it as a dastardly act. I am aware that some persons might want to destroy oil installations and link it with me that was why I said before time that I have nothing to do with it.<br /> <br /> “I could not have gone ahead to carry out such action knowing that every finger will be pointed at me because of my case with the Federal Government,” he added.<br /> <br /> Tompolo, who spoke through Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, his media aide, urged those who carried out the attacks to change their ways.<br /> <br /> He said he was willing to help the Federal Government and relevant security operatives fish out the masterminds of the attacks and bring them to book.

Latest-News I didn’t blow up pipeline – Tompolo

Government Ekpemupolo (AKA Tompolo) has dissociated himself from th e wanton attacks on oil installations in the Warri area of Delta sta...

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Jonathan threatened to cage me – Oshiomhole

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gOY2jAvjIFZTspQFeMCaYxchEHHpQI9j4VP4WR9WA4rt88HgAKmpBdxWfbHG2U7V3sFR0j8nyQJV2FvL92WRmQO7dGu8rZdMskNJn8LxnQlhzYwB2H1ByGVjRmBprNSzX5aumVrxUSlq/s1600/jonathan+oshiomole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gOY2jAvjIFZTspQFeMCaYxchEHHpQI9j4VP4WR9WA4rt88HgAKmpBdxWfbHG2U7V3sFR0j8nyQJV2FvL92WRmQO7dGu8rZdMskNJn8LxnQlhzYwB2H1ByGVjRmBprNSzX5aumVrxUSlq/s400/jonathan+oshiomole.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has revealed how former President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to cage him after May 29 for throwing his weight behind the candidature of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last general elections.<br /> <br /> Speaking at a meeting with APC leaders across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State on Thursday, a highly elated Oshiomhole said “around this time last year, the tension in Nigeria was such that Prophets of doom around the world were almost unanimous that Nigeria would not survive 2015 but as you can see, man proposes, God disposes.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Around this time last year, in January, a few weeks to the election, many were saying quite recklessly on radio and television that we were finished.<br /> <br /> “The former President, Goodluck Jonathan told our National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun to inform me that after the election, he will put me, Adams, the son of Oshiomhole in a hole and I told Chief Oyegun to inform him to dig that hole very deep because although I am short, in the course of pushing me into the hole, nobody knows who will get there first.<br /> <br /> “Since he is taller than me, he needs to dig the hole deep enough so that either of us can get in. In the end, he is inside the hole and I am busy putting dust into that hole”.<br /> <br /> Oshiomhole continued, “In this hall, around this time last year, we held a meeting to share information about what was going on in various local governments and the specific challenges in each of those local government in order to fashion out appropriate response.<br /> <br /> “Some of the statements that we shared in those meetings included threats that by June, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole would have been impeached because PDP would write results whether we liked it or not. They would overrun the House of Assembly and once the House is proclaimed in June, before the end of June, Comrade would be banished to his house in the village and from there to prison.<br /> <br /> “Those who made those threats, who supervised those processes, even now in their early 90s are writing letters to explain how they shared money meant for defence. Every evil weapon they fashioned against me did not prosper and even the ones they are fashioning now will not prosper.”<br /> <br /> Reminding the party leaders of the journey so far and how the Party has risen from ground zero to become the leading party in Nigeria, Oshiomhole said, “When we came in about 7 years ago, my party had no control even of one ward. We had no control of one local government, but today, we control wards, local, state and by the special grace of God, federal. Things have changed. The one who tamed a lion with bare hands, now with automatic weapons, no antelope can dare us in our own forest.”

Latest-News Jonathan threatened to cage me – Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has revealed how former President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to cage him after May 29 for t...

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I have learnt not to look down on a fellow mortal, except I’m admiring his shoes — Jonathan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBw9AW8EVkrRX1KT56gaBl8M_f7lrsCkfukGNUBGaHW1RoCbdrN6Pe2p2G8pPgf4Az8Uc1c8is_P2e_ObVWVEZbSmKTCq4SBa11yX-srSXjeHJqeocW4BT1mCmX0s2NE9BqpoOseSEbd1I/s1600/jonathan+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBw9AW8EVkrRX1KT56gaBl8M_f7lrsCkfukGNUBGaHW1RoCbdrN6Pe2p2G8pPgf4Az8Uc1c8is_P2e_ObVWVEZbSmKTCq4SBa11yX-srSXjeHJqeocW4BT1mCmX0s2NE9BqpoOseSEbd1I/s400/jonathan+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Remarks by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria<br /> <br /> The Southern Christian Leadership Conference,<br /> <br /> Atlanta, on Thursday 14th, January, 2016.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Protocols<br /> <br /> I thank the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, for inviting and honoring me today, and especially so, as this invitation comes right about the period when the world stands still in recognition of the selfless sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<br /> <br /> I have learnt not to look up to any man, except he is taller than I, or to look down on a fellow mortal, except I am admiring his shoes.When we think of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), it is virtually impossible to separate this worthy body from its founder, the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, or from epoch making landmark events of the American Civil Rights movement.<br /> <br /> I am pleased to know that the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is not just one of the great American institutions, it is also one of her more potent vehicles for the advancement of liberty and freedom for all God’s people. For that, I also commend Charles Steele for his leadership and commitment to peace and justice nationally and globally.<br /> <br /> The Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s principles of non violent protests played a great part in the independence movement in my native country Nigeria and indeed throughout Africa as a whole.<br /> <br /> Dr. Martin Luther King Jr witnessed the British Union Jack being lowered in Ghana in 1957 when Ghana became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, an action which set off a positive chain reaction all over the continent.<br /> <br /> In 1963, Ambassador Leslie O. Harriman, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who prosecuted our anti apartheid strategy at the UN, testified of the support he received from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in kick starting that noble effort.<br /> <br /> Suffice to say that the efforts of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in advancing Liberty and equal rights transcended national boundaries.<br /> <br /> Speaking for my foundation, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I must say that I have been inspired by this great man and the worthy institutions and legacies he left behind and I am further inspired to continuing doing good and advancing human freedoms just by being present here today.<br /> <br /> My personal takeaway from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, is service to God and the brotherhood and equality of all men before their Creator.<br /> <br /> In keeping with that, I have learnt not to look up to any man, except he is taller than I, or to look down on a fellow mortal, except I am admiring his shoes.<br /> <br /> Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said: “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love”.<br /> <br /> Those words helped me deliver on my stated promise to deepen democracy in Nigeria and in the process demonstrate through action that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.<br /> <br /> Once again, I thank the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for having me. May God bless you and continue to raise up from among you men and women who will continue in the footsteps of your worthy forebears.

Latest-News I have learnt not to look down on a fellow mortal, except I’m admiring his shoes — Jonathan

Remarks by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria The Southern Christian Lead...

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