Nairaland

FIFA Confederations Cup: Italy Vs Japan 4 - 3 (Full Time)

Italy will secure their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup should they beat Japan on Wednesday.
Cesare Prandelli's men kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mexico, as Andrea Pirlo's fabulous free-kick and Mario Balotelli's late goal cancelled out Javier Hernandez's penalty.

Japan, meanwhile, suffered a 3-0 humbling at the hands of hosts Brazil, and need to avoid defeat at the Itaipava Arena in Pernambucano if they are to stand any chance of progressing.

These teams last met in 2001 and shared a 1-1 draw at the Saitama Stadium as the hosts stepped up their preparations for hosting the 2002 World Cup.

But Italy should be firm favourites for victory this time around, with the Euro 2012 finalists having not tasted defeat since losing to France in November 2012 - a run which spans seven fixtures.

Japan's performances over that period have been less encouraging, with a 1-0 victory against minnows Iraq providing their only win in the last five outings.

Coincidentally, the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions have an Italian coach: former Juventus, Inter and Milan manager Alberto Zaccheroni.

Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is expected to earn his 130th international cap for Italy in this fixture and will move just six short of all-time leading appearance maker Fabio Cannavaro as a result.

Yuto Nagamoto, who plays his club football with Inter in Serie A, is likely to get the nod at left-back again for Japan.

And he will come up against some familiar faces, with all but one member of the Italy squad - Paris Saint-Germain's Salvatore Sirigu - currently plying their trade in the Italian top flight.

Japan have met European opposition in the FIFA Confederations Cup on three previous occasions, with all of those games decided by a single-goal margin.

DSS Rescues 17 Pregnant Girls In Aba

SIXTEEN pregnant girls have been rescued from a ‘Baby Factory’ in Aba, the commercial city of Abia state by the Abia state Command of Directorate of State Service,DSS.

Aba and its environs have of recent become notorious for illegal charity homes where babies are delivered and sold to buyers who are always available to patronize the business.

According to the state Director of DSS, Mr. Matthew Obodoechi, who paraded the young girls yesterday at the Command’s state Headquarters, Umuahia, the girls whose ages range between 17 and 37 years, were rescued on Monday from a ‘charity home’.

Obodoechi said that they were rescued from a charity home, named Cross Foundation International, located along Anyamele Street in Umungasi area of Aba.

He gave the name of the proprietor of the baby factory home as Dr. Hyginus Ndudim Orikara, who also has been arrested.

The DSS Director has also vowed that the medical practitioner, Orikara, would be prosecuted.

The Medical Doctor is said to be an employee of Abia state Government, that has been actively involved in the fight against this menace in the state.

Obodoechi expressed great concern, affirming that the issue of baby factory has emerged as a new trend of crime in Abia state and other parts of the South East.

His words: “It is another kind of kidnapping where babies are snatched at point of birth and sold. It is a big shame, a big problem and it all boils down to the kind of values we have in the society today, life is not valued”, Obodoechi lamented.

However, the proprietor of the home, Dr. Orikara denied running a baby factory. He claimed that his Cross Foundation was legitimately registered as a charity home.

According to him, babies were not sold in home after delivery, but were usually released to their mothers to go home and nurse them.

He defended the large number of pregnant girls at the charity home, saying that it was because “we are running operation nurse your own baby”.

Dr. Orikara also claimed that girls with unwanted pregnancy brought to the home were usually encouraged and assisted to cope with their pregnancies, deliver them and nurse the babies.

However, Obodoechi dismissed Dr. Orikara’s claim saying that confessional statements made by the pregnant ladies have revealed that the doctor was indeed operating a full-time baby factory business.

He disclosed that the ladies “upon delivery are given a paltry sum of N50, 000 and sent away, while their babies are sold to people from different parts of the country”.

The DSS Director regretted that some people have chosen to hide under the cover of non-governmental organizations,NGOs “to perpetrate various forms of illegal activities, including baby factories”.

According to him, “those hiding under the cover of NGOs to perpetrate modern form of slave trade are warned to abstain from such illegalities as security agencies will stop at nothing but to ensure that they are apprehended and made to face the law”.

Obodoechi advised the public “to desist from encouraging pregnant ladies to go to ‘baby factories’ for whatever reason, whether financial or otherwise”.

http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/06/19/dss-rescues-17-pregnant-girls-in-aba-photo/

FIFA Confederations Cup: Brazil Vs Mexico 2 - 0 (Full Time)

Host versus the North American Champs. Would there be an upset like there was when both sides faced each other in the 2012 London olympics?let's watch out.

FIFA Confederations Cup: Nigeria Vs Uruguay On June 20th At 11pm

Nigeria take on Uruguay in their second group B match

The Uruguayans have one of the most dangerous attacks in the world, led by elite strikers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, while Nigeria finally lived up to its vast potential by winning this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

More detailed Preview + team lists to be posted later

Dolce & Gabbana Sentenced To Prison For Tax Evasion

Fashion design duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana were on Wednesday handed a suspended prison sentence of one year and eight months for hiding hundreds of millions of euros from the tax authorities.

The designers, who are nearly as famous as the stars they dress, were not present in court in Milan and have denied the charges. Given the complexity and length of the appeals process, they are unlikely to spend any time in jail.

Public prosecutor Gaetano Ruta had asked for two and a half years. The judge gave them a suspended sentence.

A company spokesman declined to make an immediate comment.

The success of Dolce and Gabbana's sexy corset dresses and sharply tailored suits favored by celebrities like Kylie Minogue, Kate Moss and Bryan Ferry have earned them a glamorous lifestyle.

They hosted friend and client Madonna for her birthday in 2009 at their villa perched above the chic boating resort of Portofino.

The case dates back to an investigation that began in 2008, when authorities unleashed a tax avoidance crackdown as the financial crisis began to bite. But the probe that ensnared the two designers is one of the few high-profile cases to come to trial so far.

The judge on Wednesday ruled that the pair sold their brand to Luxembourg-based holding company Gado in 2004 to avoid declaring taxes on royalties of about 1 billion euros ($1.3 billion).

The pair's flamboyant designs are inspired by the sultry southern Italian island of Sicily, where Dolce was born in 1958. He met Gabbana, now 50, in the latter's home town of Milan, where they showed their first collection in 1985. The brand took hold internationally in the 1990s and global revenues hit just under 1.5 billion euros in 2011.

The pair have always said they are innocent.

"Everyone knows that we haven't done anything," Gabbana tweeted in June 2012 after the trial was ordered.

But Gabbana's only reaction so far on Wednesday was to tweet a close up photograph of the branch of a colorful citrus tree, just seconds after the verdict.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/19/us-dolcegabbana-verdict-idUSBRE95I10F20130619?feedName=businessNews&feedType=RSS

Business Ideas For A Full Time Employee

Dear people, please I need your suggestions on the type of part time business I can start with capital of N200,000 or less. I need your opinions please. Ideas rule the world.

Ps: I am not a fan of networking business or multi level marketing, please do not suggest such. I need businesses that would involve sales of goods, I will prefer mobile shop business ideas please.

Thank you.

Mods: please assist in moving this topic to the front page for more ideas. I am in dire need of responses. Thank you.

Nigeria Drops Arms Charges Against Nine Russians

LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian authorities dropped charges on Tuesday against eight Russian sailors suspected of trafficking arms, their lawyer said, but another seven will face trial.

The 15 Russian sailors were charged with illegally bringing weapons into Nigeria last year, after Nigerian authorities intercepted a ship on October 23, saying they had found several guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

The court case has raised tensions between Nigeria and Russia, whose Foreign Ministry has spoken out against the charges. Russian media have reported assurances from Nigeria that the sailors would be allowed to return home. Nigeria has not commented on this alleged promise.

Their defence lawyer Abubakar Onegbu told reporters outside the court that the charges had been dropped because they had not been on the ship when it was detained, but had arrived by air to carry out a crew change. The prosecuting counsel was not available for comment.

Justice James Soho adjourned the trial of the others until Friday. They are free on bail.

"In general we regard this development a positive step," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday evening. "We expect a similar decision to be taken (in regard to seven remaining sailors) at the upcoming court sitting."

Arms smuggling to and through Nigeria is rife. Demand for weapons is high because of an Islamist rebellion in the north, armed robbery and kidnapping by gangs in the south and oil theft and piracy in the southeast.

The country is also sometimes used as a conduit for shipping arms to other conflict-ridden parts of West Africa.

http://news.yahoo.com/nigeria-drops-charges-against-russian-arms-suspects-063902667.html

How Often Do Your Wear Your Wedding Ring?

I've noticed that married guys and ladies wear their wedding rings religiously while some others do not wear at all.

If you are married and you don't wear your wedding rings while going out,why?

And if you constantly wear it, please is it a must?

In short is it necessary to wear it always or not?

Mature inputs pls.

Red Cross Drops Tonto And Stella Damasus As Ambassadors

Few weeks ago, Olu Jacobs, Alex Usifo Omiagbo, Joke Silva, Tonto Dikeh, Stella Damasus, 2Face Idibia, P-Sqaure, Davido, 9ice, Banky W, Naeto C, Ali Baba Don Jazzy, Julius Agwu, AY among others were honoured with a Red Cross Society of Nigeria, ambassadorship deal.

Some Nollywood names have been screened out now and they include Stella Damascus and Tonto Dikeh.

According to reports, the duo didn’t meet the scrutiny standard of a Red Cross ambassador. The duo did not pass the health and personality exercise arraigned by the Society.

Tonto asides her heavy tattoos also had personality problems, especially the excess use of tobacco. While Stella was screened out from the race because of a recent marriage scandal between fellow actress Doris Simeon’s husband and her.

According to the Red Cross, personality reputation was necessary and such would not be welcomed by the Society.

What do you think about their disqualification, are the reasons just?

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Man Commits Suicide In Onitsha

It is quite unfortunate how people can take their lives because of their conditions or their predicaments in life. Its sad. Early hour of today a young man or would I say guy committed suicide along 33 road Atfer the 33 mini bridge.
The young man brought along with him some pictures of him and that of his family before he committed the unGodly act.
The scene has caused hold up on that road because people are gather around that area to see for their self the terrible scene…
View pictures below…
(You might find the pictures u see disturbing).

Source: http://www.tiwasblog.com/2013/06/man-commits-suscide-in-onitsha.html?m=1

Stunning Pictures Of Female Surfers Underwater

I bumped upon some stunning photos via yahoo news; I'd like to share them with my fellow Nairalanders.

These Photos weren't Photoshopped in fact they were taken by Underwater photographer Sarah Lee uses a technique known as "duck diving" to capture these stunning photos of surfers in Hawaii. Surfers "duck dive" under the water to avoid incoming waves so they can get further out to sea.

Check them out below:

Iyanya Signs N60 Million MTN Endorsement Deal

'Kukere' singer and MTN Project Fame West Africa winner, Iyanya, yesterday the 18th of June 2013, signed a whopping 60million naira a year endorsement deal with telecoms giant, MTN!!!

The N60million deal includes, appearances for the telecom's events for a year, performances, sign on fee, and commercials.

Iyanya was signed alongside five other artists - Wizkid, Davido, Praiz, Chidinma, and iMike as the brand's Ambassadors. According to reports, Wizkid signed close to 45millon naira while Davido signed close to 32million naira.

You will soon be seeing Iyanya on adverts and billboards anywhere you go! Congrats to all the Ambassadors!

http://www.gistmetro.com/2013/06/iyanya-signs-n60million-mtn-endorsement.html

Olisa Metuh Resigns As PDP Spokesman

I just heard it from network news that olise metuh has resigned.

New Born Baby Found In Moremi Female Hostel Toilet In OAU?

Tis is very sad and Disturbing, I got a tip from a student in Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife that a baby [Pictured Above] was found in One of the Female Hostel in The school [Moremi Hostel].

Why do young ladies do this?? If you cant live up to te responsibility of raising a baby, then avoid pre-marital sex.. or Be Full Protected..

Follow @Naijablogger on Twitter [www.twitter.com/Naijablogger]

Read More + More Pictures: http://ning.it/18ZqicF

Kaidence Donda West Is The Name Of Kim & Kanye's Daughter?

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have reportedly named their daughter Kaidence Donda west.

It has been top secret classified information since Kim Kardashian gave birth last week - but it appears some silly sod has spilled the beans.

A nurse at the fancy Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai hospital let slip Kim and Kanye West's daughter's name, according to reports.

And in klassic fashion, it's claimed Baby Kimye will be called Kaidence. Which is something we can imagine Tulisa would call a pet poodle.

The suggested name also rules out the hilarious possibility of calling the adorable tot North, which would go brilliantly with her rapper papa's surname.

But don't go and send the new mummy and daddy personalised baby-grows just yet.

A family insider hinted that Kim and Kanye would call the newborn Kai Georgia Donda West.

The sentimental choice would include the name of Kanye’s late mum, Dr Donda West, and a female version of Kim's late dad Robert middle name George.

However, unconfirmed reports from America now suggest Kaidence Donda West is the full name Kimye have chosen.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-gossip/kim-kardashian-baby-name-revealed-1962897

Charly Boy Is 62 Years Old Today!

Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy is 62 years today June 19th. Below is a birthday message from his wife, Lady Diane Oputa...

My dear Charles, you have been in our lives for many- many seasons, and I have chosen to lay my heart out for that reason. This is for the best Husband, Father and Son that I know. The one who is dedicated to his family and works hard for us. My Husband and Friend, our love shall never end, even when it goes through the fire, because you and only you are my true heart desire.

The children and I will always pray for you, the man who has inspired millions because you never gave up on your dream. I will always provide a home of love and emotional purity, and when life places pain in your heart, may I always fill it with love. Thanks for being there for us, thanks for loving me and for all the beautiful memories you have given me so far. To my soul mate, lover and best friend… Happy Birthday.”

See the birthday message from his parents

Letter to my beloved son
“Time does fly
I never want this to go unsaid
There are no words to express how much you mean to us
A son like you, I thought could never be.
God sent us a blessing, and that was you
A true definition of a son in every way.
You have shown us a new sense of being,
Out of everything we did, you are one of the things we did right.
Always remember that we know how much you care, we can tell by the relationship we share
May your children do the same for you
A very happy Birthday to a loving son.”

Justice &Mrs C A. Oputa

http://topeorekoya.blogspot.com/2013/06/charly-boy-is-62yr-today-see-birthday.html

Boko Haram Declare War On Borno, Yobe Youths Over Vigilante Activities

The Boko Haram leader said they now see the youth as their enemies.

A spokesperson for the Boko Haram, Abu Zinnira, has said his group will launch a manhunt for youth in Borno and Yobe states who partake in vigilante activities to identify and arrest members of the terrorist group.

Some youth in both states have formed vigilante groups to assist the Nigerian military to identify and arrest the terrorists in the towns. Their activities have been commended by the presidency and the military; but has now put them in a battle with the terrorists.

Abu Zinnira said his group is also waging a bloody war against the government of Borno and Yobe States in reaction to the massive arrest of their members by youth in the states.

The terrorists’ spokesman, stated these in a statement written in Hausa and emailed to journalists.

He added that they are waging a war against the Nigerian state in order to establish a Sharia legal system. He said while they maintain their hostility against the police, soldiers, politicians and other symbols of authority, they have now added the youth in these states to their kill-list.

“We have established that the youth in Borno and Yobe states are now against our course. They have connived with security operatives and are actively supporting the government of Nigeria in its war against us. We have also resolved to fight back,” he said.

Some members of the youth groups, who did not want their identity disclosed for security reasons, have also vowed to continue their fight against the Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri, saying that they will not be deterred from carrying out their mission and there will be no going back.

Borno and Yobe, as well as Adamawa, are under emergency rule with heavy deployment of soldiers by the federal government. This has, however, not stopped the terrorists who have killed dozens of people in separate attacks in the states.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/139063-boko-haram-declares-war-on-borno-yobe-youth-over-vigilante-activities.html

Beware Of Cloning On Facebook

In the past, most Facebook fraudsters limited their operations to cloning the accounts of popular Nigerians to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. For instance, a Facebook search of Goodluck Jonathan would produce tens of profiles bearing the President’s photograph and his bio-data.

Just last Friday, the State Security Service paraded an ex- student of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, Delta State, Mr. Philip Urieh, for allegedly cloning the Facebook account of Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan. According to the SSS, Urieh used the cloned account to defraud unsuspecting persons to the tune of over N5 million.

However, such a fraud, often perpetrated in the name of top government functionaries, politicians, Nollywood actors and actresses and other celebrities, is now applying to ordinary Nigerians.

Facebook profile cloning is a type of identity theft in which fraudsters make a second profile that looks exactly like your current one. It’s a scam that doesn’t basically require any hacking or guessing of passwords.

The scammer ‘clones’ a Facebook user’s profile, by simply copying and pasting the victim’s profile and cover pictures, contact information, education, work history and every other available information onto the duplicate profile.

These fraudsters also join and like all the Fan pages and groups the victim belongs to, with a view to making it very difficult to spot the duplicated profile as fake. As soon as the duplicate account gets the exact and same look as the victim’s real profile, these fraudsters then go through the victim’s friend’s list and send friend requests to the victim’s actual Facebook friends.

When unsuspecting friends get fooled into accepting friend requests from the cloned profile, they communicate with the fraudster, using the stolen identity. With this, they play the classic “Facebook friend in crisis’’ scam that involves pretending to urgently need money because they are in dire need.

Meanwhile, the smarter scammers, after perfecting the cloning, make attempts to block the real profile with the cloned one. The fraudsters do this by viewing the real profile with the fake account and simply clicking on “Report/block.’’ Once this is done, the victim will never be able to directly know about the existence of the fake profile.

Many prolific users of Facebook in the country say they are witnessing a surge in the cases of what many of them call “Facebook Profile cloning.’’

Our correspondent observes that many Facebook users now urge their friends and associates on the social network not to accept requests from people who appear to be posing as them online.

A Facebook user, Davidson Adejuwon, says on his Facebook wall that he “wrestled’’ to get his account from a fraudster who cloned his profile and warned his friends on the social service never to accept a friend request in his name.

He says, “Warning! warning! warning! Dear friend, please, ignore any friend request in my name on Facebook. I just wrestled my account from the hand of these unscrupulous elements with a stronger password security.

“What they are now up to is to create another Facebook account in my name, using my picture and begin to ask for friend requests as if I’m the one. Apparently, their evil intention is to use my personality to dupe innocent people. Please, do not transact any business with them. Don’t send money and recharge cards. Don’t even believe them.’’

Another Facebook user, Onikepe Oluwadamilola Owolabi, who might have also suffered in the hands of these fraudsters, says, “Please, I am not re-sending friend requests. So, please do not re-add me.’’

Editing one’s Facebook privacy settings such that only friends can see one’s posts and access basic information will go a long way in limiting the likelihood of this incident and prevent one’s friends and loved ones from falling victim to the fraudsters’ scheming. Also, steps should be taken to the extent that the privacy settings of each photo album on one’s profile is set in a way that only friends can see them. Changing your profile and cover pictures frequently may also be quite helpful.

http://www.punchng.com/i-punch/beware-facebook-cloning-now-the-order-of-the-day/

FIFA U20 World Cup: Nigeria Vs Portugal On June 21 At 7pm

Nigeria will play against Portugal in their first Group B match in the FIFA U-20 World Cup

These two sides met in the Toulon international tourney and Portugal won 2 -1,But the Flying Eagles played a mostly experimental side in Toulon as they tried out several new and fringe players ahead of the World Cup.

Flying Eagles midfielder Ovbokha Agboyi has highlighted the crucial need for Nigeria to get off to a winning start against a good Portugal team in Kayseri on Friday.

Agboyi who was one of several of the established players who did not play in Toulon reckoned that the faltering start recorded by the Flying Eagles at the Africa Youth Championships contributed a great deal to their inability to successfully defend the title they had won two years earlier

Good start

-The opening game is very important for us.

-We lost our first game to Mali at the AYC and it really affected us.

-We cannot afford this at the World Cup, the Bayelsa United defensive midfielder declared.

He continued -We saw Portugal in Toulon and they are a good team and so we have to be at our best on Friday.

N70,000 Mysteriously Turns To Pieces Of Paper

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU
ABUJA — Pension money withdrawn from a second generation bank by a 24-year-old woman for the upkeep of his ailing father mysteriously turned to pieces of newspapers after she alighted from a commercial taxi in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The woman who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that she had gone to the bank located at Murtala Muhammed Highway, Calabar Road, to withdraw N70,000.00 but later discovered to her surprise that the money which she wrapped in a black cellophane bag before boarding a taxi had turned to pieces of paper.

The bewildered lady while narrating the incident to policemen on duty and concerned commuters amidst tears, said after making the withdrawal she boarded the taxi to Watt Market to buy some items.

According to her, after the withdrawal she stopped a commercial taxi with four passengers behind and one in front and she was asked by the driver to squeeze herself in the front seat.

As she was about to enter the front seat, a male in front came down for her to go in. Not suspecting anything, she entered and sat close to the driver, while the male passenger entered and sat by the door.

She said: “When I got in, the other man followed and was telling me to adjust. The driver, in pretext of helping me to sit well kept pulling my left hand that held the black polythene bag containing the money.

“In a short while, the driver said there was no space for me, that I should alight. Moments after I alighted, after the car had zoomed off, I experienced coldness when i realised that the polythene bag was now lighter”

The woman further said to clear her doubt, she reached for the bag only to discover that her father’s pension money had turned to pieces of paper.

She said she immediately stopped another taxi to go after the earlier one and when she could not catch up with it, she stopped and reported the matter to policemen.

She told Vanguard that she was afraid of telling her ailing father what happened, saying the father might drop dead.

To salvage the situation, she said she decided to borrow the money from her friend with the hope of paying back latter.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/n70000-mysteriously-turns-to-pieces-of-paper/

Calm Returns To Uniben As Rival Cults Hold Talks

Calm is gradually returning to the University of Benin. From what I have been told, most members of the warring secret cults have gone into hiding after attacks in the past few days.

The popular Guest House of the University of Benin, which usually plays host to students who wish to relax, was empty on Saturday and Sunday. A waiter, who requested anonymity, complained that they have witnessed a serious drop in revenue because the students are scared.

This has been the biggest cult war that the institution has witnessed recently, and while the officially confirmed death toll is six, rumours have it that the true toll is more like twenty-two.

On June 14, a 200 level Mathematics student, Uche Emmanuel Alajemba, popularly known as Snazzy, was shot in the head. The incident happened at the University’s Sports Complex during a biometrics registration exercise. According to eyewitnesses, the shooter calmly dropped the gun afterwards and walked into the crowd before he could be identified.

"I made attempts to speak with members of both rival gangs and was able to attract the attention of a member (he claimed to be an official) of the Black Axe confraternity who opted to speak on condition of anonymity.

The Official said that the rival groups are currently in negotiations to address the issue and that all other things being equal, they should resolve the issues in the coming days. According to The Official, himself and his executive members are not in support of a war between the two factions and that they would do everything possible to resolve the crisis soon.

He also stated that the members of the Black Axe confraternity who initiated the crisis would be sanctioned, and if found culpable of inciting the crisis, they would be dealt with.

Silence in the ivory tower

The University of Benin has taken on a sombre mood and Ehis, an Electrical Engineering student, hopes that lasting solutions would be found to the recurrent crisis of cult clashes within the university, so students who are not affiliated to any of these cult groups can continue their studies unhindered."

Latest events

Despite The Official’s claims, the battle is not showing signs of abating. Governor Oshiomhole’s recent ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in large swathes of Edo state has been interpreted in some quarters as an attempt to reduce the violence. As of the time of writing, locals say that 10 arrests have been made by the police, the latest being a policeman who’s name the police have so far refused to release. A short conversation with DSP Moses Eguavoen, the state’s police spokesman confirmed that indeed some people have been arrested, but no names were given.

In their official reaction though, the police in Edo state say that measures have been put in place to stop the violence. Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, said that the Police is collaborating with the Management of the University of Benin to curb the menace in and around the campus.

“We are not relaxing at all. We are in search of the leaders behind these killings. Already, we have arrested some persons in connection with the crisis while others are on the run. The killings will stop because policemen are all on the alert now,” Adebanjo said. “All security agencies in the state are concerned. The governor is equally concerned and residents of the state are concerned. So, we will not relent in stopping this madness. It is very sad that people no longer value human lives; it is sad.”

The school authority is yet to issue an official statement about the incident(s), and attempts to speak with the Public Relations Officer of the University of Benin, Harrison Osarenren, have so far proved abortive.

source

Selfish And Narrow Interests, Bane Of Nigeria's Development

After a careful analysis of the Nigeria situation and slow development, I found completely missing in action, the will, desire and push for COLLECTIVE progress and development. What is very obvious is that selfish and narrow interests is the order of the day. The attitude of the average Nigerian, politicians and non-politicians, is every man for himself/his tribe and God for us all.

Consequently, the nation has seen very slow and staggered progress and development.

In this country, decisions, policies and programmes that ought to be directed at the COLLECTIVE good of all are skewed or tampered with to satisfy narrow and selfish interest. In the process, benefits of such decisions, policies and programmes are either delayed or LOST.

Even the average Nigerian do not see any reason to take ownership of the govt except for personal gains, ethnic or tribal sentiments.

Examples of this ugly situation and the aftermath abound:

1 The wrong siting of some of the NIPP power plants by the OBJ govt. OBJ sacrificed good business strategy and economy of scale on the alter of the narrow regional interest. As a result, Nigerians are yet to reap the full benefits of these power plants about 10yrs after.

2 The Yar Adua govt actually stopped the building of the power plants started by OBJ because he was uncomfortable with their location. Again, narrow interest stalling development. No doubt, some of the plants were wrongly located, but the solution cannot be outright stoppage of work.

3 The privatisation programme under the OBJ govt was marred by narrow and selfish interests. As a result, majority of the privatised companies are now DEAD, dying or worse off.

4 The hate for the current president by certain sections of the country. They have not given the president any chance of succeeding since he was elected in 2011. Reason? He does not satisfy their selfish and narrow ethnic and partisan interest.

5 It will be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of needle than to carry out the much needed re-structuring of the country. Why? Because the politicians have their eyes fixated on the oil money and so overlook the bigger picture. Again, narrow and selfish interest at play.

6 The first refinery in the country was built AND well managed by a private company, at a time when govt had no refinery. But 50yrs after, govt now has four dysfunctional refineries while the private sector has none. What happened? The govt in a populist, short-sighted move to buy political patronage, seized the private refinery and embarked on building of publicly owned refineries. That has now backfired. Today, Nigeria is biggest importer of refined petroluem products.

6 Siting of a refinery in Kaduna. Assuming the people that built a refinery in Kaduna were to build the refinery with money from their pockets, would they have chosen Kaduna as the location? Never. The problem of getting crude to the Kaduna refinery has been an extra burden.

7 What was the logic behind govt seizure of missionary schools? The govt was obviously pursueing the narrow interest of curtailing the spread of certain religion. That singular action killed quality and discipline in our school system. The result today is obvious.

8 Narrow and selfish interest is behind the mindless looting of our common wealth by public office holders.

I can go on and on. But until we put aside our narrow and selfish interest and pursue at all times, the COLLECTIVE good and interest, we will continue to falter as a nation.

Nigerians Can't Have Free Potable Water - Minister

The Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, said on Monday that it will be impossible to have free potable water in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Ministerial platform in Abuja, Mrs. Ochekpe said it will not be possible to have potable water due to the cost of distribution and maintenance of equipment

“It is not possible for water to be free, because water is so expensive to process, there’s the use of reservoir, building treatment plants, chemicals, payment of professionals and also channeling water to homes; all these cost money,” Mrs. Ochekpe said

The minister also spoke on the river basins in various parts of Nigeria. She said they cannot be privatised because the lands do not belong to the Federal Government and cannot be taken away from the farmers. The federal government can only partner with private professionals to bring their expertise to strengthen the skills of the local farmers on irrigation, she said.

Mrs. Ochekpe said the government has done more in the past three years than in previous years in the use of irrigation to increase food production and enhance food security; and also completed nine additional dams in the country.

The minister also said that provision of water supply to rural and municipal areas is not a federal responsibility but that of states and local governments. She said the Federal Government has strengthened its relationship with states and local governments in water provision. She also discouraged the drilling of water boreholes by individuals to avoid sinking of the earth’s surface while she advised individuals to seek recommendations from drilling regulators before any water borehole drilling.

Mrs. Ochekpe identified challenges of her ministry as low budget, inadequate and untimely release of budget, and security challenges.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/138966-nigerians-cant-have-free-potable-water-minister.html

Three Sisters With Werewolf Syndrome Fear They'll Never Get Married

This story first broke out last year as reported by Sun Newspaper (UK) but the gist is that these three sisters who are based in India say their dreams of getting married is a nightmare and fear they will never find husbands because of their uncontrollable hair growth!

The sisters suffering are from Hypertrichosis Universalis simply referred to as Werewolf Syndrome; a condition affecting just one in a billion people means their bodies are covered in extra hair — giving them extremely bushy eyebrows and beards.

And Savita, 23, Monisha, 18, and 16-year-old Savitri fear the will leave as life-long spinsters.
Savita said: “Marriage is not an option for us. Who is going to marry us when hair keeps growing on our faces?”

The sisters are now using hair removal cream but the hair returns too quickly to maintain.
Savita added: “When I used to go to school the boys and girls would shout ‘hairy face’, ‘horrible looking’, and ‘don’t sit next to her’.”

The condition was passed down by the girls’ father with whom Anita was forced into an arranged marriage by her uncle and aunt when she was 12.

She said: “It was only on the day of my marriage that I discovered what my husband was, hairy on his face, ears and body. He scared the hell out of me when he arrived at the altar."

God works in mysterious ways

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4116862/Werewolf-sisters-fear-a-life-of-loneliness.html
http://www.tutubranch.com/2013/06/warewolf-syndrome--sisters.html#more

Nigeria To Train Astronauts For Space Travel

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the federal government is to start the training of local astronauts for space travel by 2015.

Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Ewa, Monday announced the government's intention to train astronauts for space travel while giving a report of the achievements of his ministry in the past two years, at a press conference in Abuja.

Ewa who said the ministry was waiting for President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the training programme, added that the country would also collaborate with the Chinese government for the development of a space rocket.

Already, the minister said a launch site with a 20-kilometre launch capability had been set up in Epe, Lagos State, adding that 12 engineers from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) are in China for training.

Speaking on the benefits to Nigeria from an improved space programme, the minister explained that once the president has approved the programme, the country would start preparing the launch of two more communication satellites.

According to him, the socio-economic benefits of such deployment of satellites include; security surveillance, flood management, environmental surveillance for pest and diseases infested areas, desertification and pollution, especially oil spillage in the Niger Delta.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201306180284.html?aa_source=sptlgt-grid?aa_source=sptlgt-grid

Our maternal mortality at child birth is off the scale.
If you drive from Lagos to Kano, you put your head on the chopping block for bad road, LASTMA, robbers, Boko
See children who do not have books to read or shoes for their uniform.

With all this, we want to burn money when education, health, travel is not adequately provided for. SMH

Mr Nairaland June 2013 - Elimination Round 3

Welcome to the third elimination round in the 3rd edition of Nairaland's most popular bi-annual competition; The Mr & Miss Nairaland Competitions...

On Monday, we flagged off the Mister Nairaland competition. 28 Nairaland men contested. We have eliminated 18. The 10 who made it through are the ones you'll see as you scroll down.

We have 10 contestants left, but we can only have 1 Mister Nairaland. Mister Nairaland can only be decided by your votes. Please vote wisely and devoid of sentiments...

Our task today is simple: SAVE 5 CONTESTANTS FOR THE FINALS!

Here are the Contestants:

Youths Arrest District Head Connected To Boko Haram In Maiduguri

youths who are on a voluntary mission to help security operatives hunt suspected Boko Haram members, arrested a young district head (Bulama)believed to be a Boko Haram member and handed him over to soldiers in Gwange area of Maiduguri metropolis in Borno State.
The man is said to be the Bulama of Laying Bori in Gwange I Ward in Maiduguri metropolis, who had played major roles in the ugly activities of the sect here in Gwange I ward and other areas of Maiduguri.
Prior to the Bulama’s arrest, we succeeded in catching two suspected Boko Haram members who used Bulama’s house as a hideout.
“We made attempts twice to catch him but he was not available at home during the day time because he used to go out very early in the morning and would not come back until he made sure that people were busy praying Magrib prayer; then he would and enter his house. So for the 3rd time we ambushed him very early in the morning, caught and handed him over to the soldiers,” a youth group leader in Gwange I said.

http://www.informationng.com/2013/06/boko-haram-youths-arrest-district-head-in-maiduguri.html

Lagos To Acquire Traffic Software Vehicles

The Lagos State Government has said that plans are underway to procure hi-tech software vehicles to enhance traffic and transport management in the state. Speaking at the workshop on traffic signalisation and synchronisation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said the move was to take transportation management from present analogue to a more sophisticated and scientific based mode.

He said the one-week workshop was aimed at sensitising state traffic managers on rescue and incidence management, traffic signalisation and synchronisation, road safety audit and hi-tech traffic management systems.

The Commissioner stated that the plan to procure the software vehicles necessitated the training of officers to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills to utilise the equipment.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/lagos-to-acquire-traffic-software-vehicles/

Over 40 People Killed In Zamfara State

Report from kizara, Tsafe LGA indicates that some unknown gun men killed over 40 people including the district head and local imam....
more details later..

source: bbchausa.com

Clerics, Village Head among victims
Gunmen yesterday raided a village in Zamfara State and killed at least 48 people including the district head, chief imam and the local vigilante leader.

The attack in Kizara village of Tsafe local government area started at about 4am and lasted for more than five hours, residents told a Daily Trust reporter who visited the area soon after the incident.
Witnesses said dozens of unidentified gunmen arrived on motorbikes, and laid siege on the village, firing at residents.

Some of the gunmen climbed a hill behind the village and shot at people trying to escape the attack as well as those trying to come in to help from neighbouring villages.

The gunmen also went house-to-house, shooting men dead. They told residents that they were looking for vigilante members who they said were threatening them for a long time.

During the attack, chief imam of the village, his deputy and three of his disciples were killed. Also shot dead were 11 people who came in from neighbouring villages to offer help.

The gunmen also set fire to many houses and shops before they fled the village around 9 am.
Residents said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Keta division engaged the attackers in a shootout for hours but he was overwhelmed and had to retreat.

Alhaji Ali Hakimi, who survived the attack, gave an account of the incident to our reporter: “I woke up in the morning to get my children set for work on my farm. I suddenly started to hear gun shots. I listened attentively and I realized that sounds of the gun shots were coming directly behind me.

“I then sensed trouble and quickly run into my house. I saw one of my children standing at the compound and I told him to hide himself in a room close to mine but before he did that they came and shot him dead.”

Another resident, Idi Namarake, told Daily Trust that when he heard the gunshots, his wife advised him to hide under the bed, and soon after the gunmen forced their way into the room. They asked the wife where her husband was and she told them he had travelled. “That was how I escaped being killed,” he said.

The attack in Kizara came just two days after the security agents stationed at the village were withdrawn.
State police commissioner Mr Akila Usman Gwary confirmed the attack, saying the police would leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
This was the deadliest in the series of bandit attacks on villages in Zamfara State over the past two years.

http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php/top-stories/57250-gunmen-kill-48-in-zamfara

Army Frees Kidnapped French Sailor

A French sailor was freed on Tuesday after being captured by pirates last week from his ship off the coast of Togo and taken to Nigeria, a military commander said.
Pirates attacked the oil products tanker Adour on June 13, around 30 nautical miles off the coast of Togo.
General Bata Dembiro, a commander in Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta region, said the Nigerian navy and Frenchmarines stormed the vessel after the hijackers seized it, but they took Benjamin Elan hostage to enable them to escape. They released the other 14 crew, he said.
The rescued foreign ship worker was abducted in Togo aboard an oil tanker and brought to Bayelsa State (in Nigeria) by suspected kidnappers.
The pirates took the Frenchman to a smallvillage in Bayelsa State in the delta, but youths from the local community alerted the authorities, enabling them to mount a rescue operation. The gang had fled before they arrived in the house, he said.
The shipping company in charge of the boat, ST Management SAAM, declined to comment except to confirm that there had been an incident with the Adour.
Pirate attacks off West Africa’s mineral-rich Gulf of Guinea have almost doubled from last year and threaten to jeopardize the shipping of commodities from the region.
say.
channelstv

Lagos/Ibadan Expressway To Be 10 Lanes — FERMA

The Federal Government is planning to make the controversial Lagos/Ibadan expressway a 10-lane road.

Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr Jide Adeniji, made this known in Lagos on Tuesday.

He also disclosed that in the next two years, every federal road in the country would be motorable.

He spoke with reporters at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ forum.

According him, “you can see that there has being a tremendous improvement on our roads, because all my men work days and nights and I can tell you that in the next two years, every federal road in the country will be motorable, as Ferma is working hard towards that.

“All this was made possible by the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.”

Speaking on the state of Lagos/Ibadan expressway, the Ferma boss said the road was on its way to redemption as there would be reconstruction of the road.

“Lagos/Ibadan route is better than what it used to be. It is going to be a pure reconstruction and realignment as the government tends to increase the number of each side lane to five.”

“The Minister of Works had talked about it and there is an agenda from the Ministry of Works and by the time the agenda comes out, proper attention concerning Lagos/Ibadan expressway will be given to it,” he said.

http://tribune.com.ng/news2013/en/news/item/14695-lagos-ibadan-expressway-to-be-10-lanes-%E2%80%94ferma.html

FIFA Disqualifies Echejile As First Goal Scorer Against Tahiti

The the world football ruling body, FIFA, has disqualified Uwa Echiejile as the first goal scorer of the match between Nigeria and Tahiti.

Echiejile was initially thought to have scored the first goal which led to a 6-1 drubbing of the tiny Oceania country yesterday.

However, FIFA technical committee says the goal was in fact an own goal scored by one of tahiti's amateur soccer player, Nicolas Valler.

FIFA released a statement today clarifying the status of the first goal

See full FIFA statement below:

"Following further studies of the video of the match between Tahiti and Nigeria on June 17 in Belo Horizonte, FIFA's Technical Study Group has decided the first goal of Nigeria, scored in the fifth minute, was an own goal by Tahiti number 10 player, Nicolas Valler'

'The goal was initially awarded to Nigeria's Uwa Echiejile but after careful review was credited as an own goal'.

A second player Jonathan Tehau also scored an own goal for Tahiti after scoring the first goal ever in a FIFA tournament for Tahiti, making him the first player in the history of Confederations Cup to score a goal and an own goal.

Nigeria tops Group 'B' of the FIFA Confederations Cup with 3 points, the same as Spain but ahead on goals' difference.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play against the national team of Uruguay tomorrow Wednesday in Salvador, Brazil.

http://mobile.saharareporters.com/sports-page/fifa-confederations-cup-fifa-disqualifies-uwa-echejile-1st-goal-scorer-against-tahiti

Disrespecting The Office Of The President Is Not Good Enough

I genuinely think if an opposition party want to grab power from the ruling party, they should be able to sell their ideology to the masses and not disrespect the same office they are seeking to occupy.
What I have seen in APC today is a party made up of a clique of dissatisfied politicians from ACN, CPC, PDP, ANPP,APGA etc coming together to try and wrestle power off the ruling party without any ideology.

We need to know what APC will represent. The signals so far give reasons for discomfort considering statements made by supposed leaders of the emerging party that a fight to dislodge terrorism is a war against the north (Buhari) and that the declaration of emergency rule in the north is an infringement on the fundamental human rights of a people (lia Mohammad ). The question is: who does APC represent?

Much as we clamour for better governance, we need to begin to ask ourselves if disrespecting the President and the office of the President is good enough strategy towards occupying the same office?

Troops In Mali Haven't Been Paid For 3 Months - Premium Times

Five months after the deployment of Nigerian troops as part of the Africa-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) to fight Islamic insurgents, there is no respite in sight for soldiers who have suffered untold hardship and total neglect of the contingent.

PREMIUM TIMES can exclusively report that the 873-man contingent is still making do with poor nutrition, and unpaid allowances of up to three months.

The overwhelming perception of other participating countries in the mission is that the Nigerian contingent has fallen short of the United Nations' standard.

"They are struggling to remain in Mali," a defence source said. They are not being fed good food. They have been eating plain boiled spaghetti twice daily without condiments."

PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported the abysmal condition of the troops and the lack of morale caused by the absence of logistics and basic provisions. But defence authorities had denied it, saying the soldiers were well taken care of.

Four months after our initial reports, nothing seems to have changed, as the condition of the soldiers seems to have worsened.

Our source said allowances haven't been paid for up to three months.

The Commanding Officer (CO), of the contingent, Colonel T. E Gagariga, has been particularly manipulated as encouraging soldiers to keep mute and pretend things are fine.

"Commanding Officer told soldiers to pretend that everything is all right because been promised a good appointment. They're really suffering."

Morale is said to be at an all time low within the 333 Arty Regiment with the codename NIBATT 1.

It is not true

But the battalion commander says claims of hardship and low morale by troop are untrue.

"All that is pure lie," said Col. Gagariga, when contacted by PREMIUM TIMES.

"We are doing our very best in every circumstance. My soldiers are of high morale."

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/138985-exclusive-hardship-mounts-as-poorly-fed-nigerian-troop-in-mali-are-unpaid-for-three-months.html

Nnaji’s Power Generating Firm Begins Operation In Aba

UMUAHIA— A power generating firm, Geometric Power System, owned by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji will begin generation and distribution of power in Aba next month.

Prof. Barth Nnaji, who is also served as Chairman of the firm said, necessary arrangements have been concluded for the power company to take off.

Nnaji explained that distribution of electricity from the power plant will be carried out under the name of Aba Power Limited.

He, however, maintained that generation of power will be carried out by Geometrics Company located at Osisioma in Aba.

Nnaji spoke on Monday while hosting the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who was in Aba to inaugurate a chapter of the union in the new company.

The former Minister, however, disclosed that the company would be officially commissioned in August by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He disclosed that 141 Mega Watts of electricity would be generated at the plant. According to him “the power needs of Aba will be supplied and excess supplied to the national grid.

Professor Nnaji explained that the major target of the project which began in 2004, was to make Aba become the industrial capital of Nigeria.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/nnajis-power-generating-firm-begins-operation-in-aba/

Nnamdi Oduamadi Gets Recalled To AC Milan

Nnamdi Oduamadi described his hat-trick against Tahiti at the Fifa Confederations Cup as 'massive' and says it is the reward of hard work.

The goals have also earned him an immediate recall to his parent club AC Milan.

"I am very happy. I really worked hard and getting three goals in the Confederations Cup is massive for me," he told KickOffNigeria.com.

Oduamadi, on loan to Varese from Milan, was to find out just how massive it was indeed when he discovered that after his second goal, AC Milan president Adriano Galliani called up manager Massimilliano Allegri and directed him to bring the Nigerian back Milan's pre-season training camp.

"That's fantastic for me and I want to give glory to God."

Oduamadi spent last season on loan at Varese, playing a very good second half of the season after returning from injury, which cost him a spot on Nigeria's Nations Cup squad.

But on a night of personal glory, Oduamadi, like the rest of the Nigeria squad felt a tinge of disappointment not only at the numerous missed opportunities, but also at his wrongfully disallowed goal.

"I'm a little bit disappointed that we missed so many chances and that the referee cancelled a good goal which I scored.

"But let’s see what happens in the second game."

http://www.kickoff.com/news/35091/nnamdi-oduamadi-described-his-hat-trick-against-tahiti-at-the-fifa-confederations-cup-as-massive-

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Turkey 2013

The 27th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup gets underway in 7 Turkish cities from June 21 - July 13. 24 teams will be battling to lift the trophy last won by a fantastic Brazilian side in 2011 in Colombia. Here are the groups below:

Group A: France, Ghana, USA, Spain

Group B: Cuba, Korea Republic, Nigeria, Portugal

Group C: Turkey, El Salvador, Colombia, Australia

Group D: Mexico, Greece, Paraguay, Mali

Group E: Chile, Egypt, England, Iraq

Group F: New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Uruguay, Croatia

Nigeria's fixtures:
June 21: Nigeria v Portugal @ 7pm

June 24: Cuba v Nigeria @ 4pm

June 27: Korea Republic v Nigeria @ 4pm

Odemwingie Still Wants To Play For Nigeria

Nigerian international, Osaze Odemwingie has hinted that he hasn’t shut the door on his international career,adding that he will be available to play for Nigeria if selected. Odemwingie has been left out of the Super Eagles since February 2012,after he fell out with coach Stephen Keshi and also the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF),taking to the social media,Twitter, to vent his anger.

“ I would like to play international football again of course, if my country calls on me I will go and help them, I can never say no to my country,” Odemwingie said on the BBC while acting as a pundit in Nigeria’s game against Tahiti in the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The West Brom attacker also had a problem with his club,after he failed to secure a move away from the club in January,to join Queens Park Rangers.

But Odemwingie who was frozen out of West Brom’s team,before making substitute appearances,said that he would likely leave the midlands club in search of regular football.

“I thought things could be done easier, there was a new manager who came in and it didn’t go in my favour. I was moved out of my position. I made my name by scoring goals.” “It looks like I will leave the Hawthorns. We are talking now – but where I’ll end up I don’t know,” Odemwingie said. “I want playing time. Even if it is a team that is not so good, from the Championship – I will go” there as I just want to play.”

Stunning Photos Taken From A Plane’s Cockpit

"Sunrise in the Office" (Karim Nafatni/500px.com)

Dubai-based pilot Karim Nafatni has posted several pictures that provide a stunning view from inside a commercial cockpit at 37,000 feet.
Nafatni told the website PetaPixel that he began bringing his Nikon D300s aboard flights when he worked as first officer to capture images from inside his own unique version of an “office.” Nafatni's website explains that when he began flying professionally in 2007, he became fascinated by the unique perspective of how the world looks from an aerial view and became inspired to capture the images with his photography.

The horizon is domianted by brlliant rays of sunlight (Karim Nafatni/500px.com)

Along with the images taken from within the cockpit, his website also showcases several breathtaking images taken from rooftops across Dubai.
To capture the images, he told PetaPixel that he shoots a number of bracketed exposures then combines the images into HDR views.
Most of the photos are taken aboard an Airbus A320 and capture stunning landscapes taken above Dubai and other regions. Nafatni was recently promoted to captain and now sits in what he terms the "hot seat," that is, the left chair.

The view from Dubai at 37,000 feet (Karim Nafatni/500px.com)

Nafatni contemplates a skyscape of clouds (Karim Nafatni/500px.com)

You can view more of Nafatni's photography on his website, 500px.com

SOURCE: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/pilot-showcases-stunning-photos-taken-inside-plane-cockpit-231503317.html

Tukur Will Not Resign As PDP's Chairman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb3mZWooeTU

The National Chairman of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur on Tuesday said he will not resign on Thursday as published by a local newspaper.

Addressing journalist after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the presidential villa in Abuja, Mr Tukur said elections would be held for the positions, not contested for, during the last national executive council meeting.
He dismissed as untrue and complete falsehood stories that President Jonathan has directed the leadership of the party to resign or be prepared to be booted out by Thursday.
A Nigerian newspaper had on Monday reported that Mr Tukur will be succeeded by former Bauchi State governor Ahmed Adamu Mu'azu.

www.channelstv.com.

Court Awards N15M Compensation To Man Rendered Blind By Soldiers

The Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division on Tuesday awarded N15 million damages to Joseph Agu against the Nigerian Army for the torture, inhuman and cruel treatment by a soldier, which led to his permanent loss of sight.
Mr. Agu had sued the Nigerian Army in December 2010 for the enforcement of his fundamental human right over the incident that occurred on 15 January, 2009.

On the fateful day, Mr Agu, who was driving a truck, was suddenly overtaken by Sgt Ogah who was driving a Mitsubishi bus.

The soldier blocked and pulled Mr. Agu out of his truck and started beating him, while other soldiers joined him. In the process, Sgt Oga hit Joseph several times on his face with the iron buckle of his army belt, and blood started gushing out of his eyes and nose, while the soldiers fled and left him in pool of his blood. Mr. Agu was later taken to hospital by passers-by for treatment.

Mr. Agu’s complaint to army authorities was ignored, and after several medical treatments spanning more than one year, the truck driver became totally blind. He reportedly sold all his family and personal belonging to meet his medical expenses during the treatment. Though they eventually acknowledged the incident and promised to punish Sgt Ogu, the army authorities gave no assistance to Mr. Agu.

In his judgment, Justice N. Agishi of the Federal High Court, Enugu Division, after hearing the submissions of the applicant’s counsel, Ike Ugwuoke from the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) in Enugu, who handled the case, ruled among others that the respondents pay to Mr. Agu the sum of N15,000,000 “being compensation for the aforesaid unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional violations of his fundamental rights.”

Reacting to the ruling, Mr. Ugwuoke said: “By this judgment, the courts have again shown that there is hope for the poor and vulnerable. This is a very pitiable case. This man’s life was ruined by the solders of 82 Division for no just cause. We call on the Nigerian Army to immediately comply with the order of this judgment.”

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/06/18/court-awards-n15m-to-man-rendered-blind-by-soldiers/

Tonto & Others At Soundcity's Nokia Lumia Beat Party

Nokia Lumia held a youth orientated give away party on Friday, 14th of June 2013, at the Oriental Hotel Lekki, Lagos. The event which was sponsored by Hennessy and Nokia Lumia in partnership with Soundcity, saw the attendance of celebrities like Tonto Dikeh, Alex Ekubo, Ik Ogbonna, Chidinma Kedike, Skuki and many more.

http://www.gistmetro.com/2013/06/tonto-dikeh-alex-ekubo-chidinma-skuki.html

Boko Haram Kills 9 Students & 13 Fishermen In Maiduguri

The Boko Haram leader declares war against youths in Borno, Yobe.

Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, said suspected members of Boko Haram on Monday killed 22 persons in separate attacks. They said the terrorists were on a revenge mission against youth vigilante groups that have been hunting them.

The gunmen on Monday at about 3 p.m. attacked a secondary school, Ansarudeen Private School, Maiduguri, and opened fire on students writing their final year exams. Nine students were killed, while several others were seriously injured in the attack, residents of the area said.

The incident occurs less than 24 hours after gunmen attacked a school in neighbouring Yobe State, killing seven students and two teachers. Borno and Yobe, alongside Adamawa, are under emergency rule with a massive deployment of soldiers to the states.

In another incident in Borno on Monday, the gunmen attacked a group of fishermen on the banks of the Alau River, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, killing 13 of them.

Some of the witness who were spared by the attackers said most of those killed at the river bank were relatives of the youth vigilante group currently hunting Boko Haram members.

“I was lucky to be left out because I am not a resident of Gwange or Hausari where the Civilian-JTF (the youth vigilante) came from,” said a fisherman, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons.

A resident of Bulumkutu in Maiduguri, Inuwa Umoru, said a prominent fish merchant, Garba Garus, was among the 13 killed.

“We were busy fishing at Alau River when suddenly a gang of gunmen appeared from nowhere, rounded us up and asked all those who are residents of Husari and Gwange to fall on one side. After sorting us out, they said, “Your children brought this fate upon you; they are busy catching our members and handing them to soldiers to be killed.”

“They then shot them dead and asked the remaining of us to run for our lives and take the message to the youth vigilante,” he narrated.

A top security official in the state, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the attacks but declined further comments on the number of casualties.

The youth vigilante have been commended by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Nigerian military for helping in the battle against the terrorists.

The JTF spokesman in Borno, Sagir Musa, could not be reached on telephone for official reactions to the incidents.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/139062-boko-haram-kills-nine-students-13-fishermen-in-maiduguri.html

How Alamieyeseigha, And Silva Looted Bayelsa Treasury ?

How to Defraud a Nation and Enslave the Next Generation: the Bayelsan Example

I came across this article recently about how treasury of Bayelsa State was looted in the last 14 years.

I have the link but I have problem uploading the pictures and the entire article. Please open the link below:

In Bayelsa State, the state of President Goodluck Jonathan, and former governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who was convicted and pardoned by the President, the state government planned upgrading of 5 secondary schools to boarding schools, N2B ($12.5M) was budgeted in 2012 and N135M ($850k) in 2010. We paid a visit to Sagbama, Kaiama, Nembe and Ogbia. No Upgrade was done.
Nigeria: officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Its coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean.

Nigeria’s major source of earning is crude oil and the financial structure of the government is such that all national earnings are managed at the federal level and shared between the three tiers of government: The Federal, The State and the Local government. So every month our 36 state governors’ head to Abuja to get a cheque for monies accrued to the states and their local governments respectively.

The state governors are supposed to use the funds from the federal government as well as internally generated revenues to develop and run their respective states; the level of development in every state cannot go beyond the level of the management competence and integrity of managers in the state, so we have had a situation in Nigeria were money meant for development and creation of opportunities for the people of the state are mismanaged and in most cases out rightly stolen. You might see some work done at the state capitals but a step into other towns and villages outside the capital in all states you will be attacked by such a high level of poverty, lack of opportunities, failed or no infrastructures at all, a crumbled educational setup and a hopeless future for children born in such communities.

Since 1960, over $600 billion in oil revenues has flowed into Nigeria’s coffers; it represents an opportunity unavailable to much of the developing world. These petrodollars could have been spent productively, and could have transformed agriculture, laid the foundation for an effective public education system, provided much-needed infrastructure. Yet, according to the World Bank, of that $600 billion, $300 billion has simply disappeared into overseas bank accounts through theft and corruption. We paid a visit to some of the states in Nigeria and below are what we found out about there budgets on projects and how public funds are looted:

In Bayelsa State, the state of President Goodluck Jonathan, and former governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who was convicted and pardoned by the President, the state government planned upgrading of 5 secondary schools to boarding schools, N2B ($12.5M) was budgeted in 2012 and N135M ($850k) in 2010. We paid a visit to Sagbama, Kaiama, Nembe and Ogbia. No Upgrade was done.

Fencing of schools – N200M ($1.3M) in 2012, N200M ($1.3M) in 2011 and N150M ($1M) in 2010. In all schools visited no fencing exists at most you see very old fences like this one.

At Chief Melford Okilo Memorial Hospital – N1.4B ($8.8M) was budget in 2012, N6B ($37.5M) in 2011, N415M ($2.6M) in 2010, N3.5B ($22M) in 2009. The project has been completed but abandoned and non-functional.

Completion of on-going health facilities- N350M ($2.2M) was budgeted in 2012, N986M ($6.2M) in 2011 but no facility was completed in 2012 or 2011.

Construction and renovation of General Hospitals- N1.8B ($12M) was budgeted in 2012 on visit to the general hospital Sagbama, no renovation has taken place- here is a photo

http://www.ynaija.com/opinion-how-to-defraud-a-nation-and-enslave-the-next-generation-the-nigerian-example-photos/

Dekunle Fuji Is Now A Nurse In America?

Do you guys remember Dekunle Fuji of "lelelelele, mo like Jesu gan, mo nife Jesu gan..." that beautiful gospel fuji song. Well, in the search for greener pastures, the popular Nigerian gospel fuji musician, Dekunle Fuji is now a certified nurse in the US.

The former Storm Records artiste who several years ago was a toast in the gospel scene is now based in the US State of New Jersey where he went through a nursing course to become a qualified nurse.

The former artiste had left Nigeria for a show in the US in 2011. Getting to the US, Dekunle began considering the thought of settling down in the States. In no time he quickly applied for a nursing course and finished with the course a few months ago.

Prior to his sojourn in the US, the musician (although does not like to be referred to as a gospel artiste) had joined the Nigerian Police Force even before moving to the US.

‘Dekunle had joined the police force where he was appointed a senior officer because of his qualification. It just so happened that his travelling came through just about the same time the Police force had employed him’, the source said.

We also discover that in the US, the musician turned nurse is still taking up shows in churches and crusades where he gets paid up to about $5000 (N790000) per performance....

http://www.kemifilani.com/2013/06/gopel-singer-dekunle-fuji-becomes-nurse.html

CBN Reiterates Plans To Change Some Polymer Notes To Paper

Lagos – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday reiterated its decision to change some naira notes from polymer to paper.

Mr Ugochukwu Okoroafor, Head of Corporate Communications Department of CBN, however, in Lagos said that the change would be gradual.

The Deputy Governor of CBN, Mr Tunde Lemo, on April 2013, in Washington, said there were plans to withdraw the polymer notes.

Okoroafor said that there was no fixed date for the change, but the apex bank would complete the phase-out before December 2013.

“We will print all the paper notes here in Nigeria as usual, but it is only when we have cash in hand that we will print the naira notes abroad.

“It depends on the volume the CBN intends to produce. Our hope is to print everything here in Nigeria, “ he said.

Okoroafor said that the change became necessary because of the challenges associated with the use of polymer notes.

He said that one of the challenges was the fading of the polymer notes and the high cost of printing.

Okoroafor said that in spite of the CBN’s plan to print paper notes, the bank would not relent in its effort to ensure that the cashless policy was effective.

He said that the apex bank was working with the service providers to reduce challenges that could arise from banks’network connectivity.

“We want less of cash in the system. We are encouraging people to use their payment devices such as Point of Sale (PoS) machines, phone lines and ATM cards, “ he said. (NAN)

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/cbn-reiterates-plan-to-phase-out-polymer-notes/

South-West PDP Endorse Jonathan For Second Term

Lagos – The South West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in 2015.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by the Chairman, South West Caretaker Committee of PDP, Chief Ishola Filani at the end of a meeting of the forum.

The forum said it endorsed Jonathan because of his leadership qualities and transformation efforts.

“After carefully x-raying the President’s qualities and in view of the fact that he is constitutionally qualified to seek re-election, the forum unanimously endorsed him for a second term in 2015,” the communiqué said.

It also passed a vote of confidence in the transformation agenda of Jonathan and the leadership role of the National Chairman of the PDP.

The forum also passed same on the PDP National Working Committee, as well as its Zonal Caretaker Committee.

The forum commended the President on the measures so far taken in combating the current security challenges in the country.

The meeting agreed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be the grand patron of the PDP in the South West.

It agreed to work as an entity for the success of the PDP in all forthcoming elections in Nigeria, starting with the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun, to the presidential and general elections in 2015.

The South West PDP approved the setting up of the PDP Southwest Stakeholders Council under the Chairmanship of Sen. Lekan Balogun.

The reports that the adoption was agreed upon at the Party’s Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting held atthe airport hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The motion for the adoption of the communique was moved by Chief Tola Odulaja from the Ogun chapter of PDP and was unanimously supported by all the members present through voice voting.

Earlier in his remarks, Filani said that the meeting was part of efforts to reconcile the factions of the party in allthe states in the South West.

“This meeting is also to reposition our party for electoral success in our zone,” he said.

The former Minister for Works, Sen. Seye Ogunlewe; former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayo Fayose; Sen Ayo Arise, Sen Isiaka Adeleke, Dr Olu Alabi, Lekan Balogun and Dr Ade Dosunmu, attended the meeting.
Others in attendance were, Sen. Bode Olowoporoku, Chief Yomi Fini, Mr Jide Adeniji, Prof. Julius Idowu and Chief Dave Salako.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/south-west-pdp-endorses-jonathan-for-second-term/

Baby Stolen From Imo State Maternity Ward

There is nothing as painful as nursing a pregnancy for nine months and losing the baby immediately after birth. That is the agony Mrs. Ezinne Chukwuemaka Osuji has been subjected to by those who stole her son a few hours after the baby was born on 5 June, 2013 at a ‘Maternity home’ in Nworiebi, headquarters of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The incident has generated a huge public outcry, prompting the arrest of the owner of Elizabeth Maternity Home, Mrs. Elizabeth Obi and her daughter by officers from the Police Divisional Headquarters who transferred the case to the Imo State Criminal Investigations Department and the child trafficking unit.
It is the worst form of treatment a mother could be put through in a so-called maternity home. It is not a surprise to many that this is happening in Imo State at a time girls are impregnated and their babies are sold after delivery to child trafficking syndicates that buy babies and sell them to make profit as if the babies are ordinary commodities that could be bought and sold in the open market.

The theft of Mrs. Osuji’s son could be the fallout of the crackdown on owners of ‘baby factories’ in the state who have resorted to another easy way of continuing with their evil trade by stealing new babies from maternity homes.
This should serve as a wake up call to expectant mothers about to put to bed, especially in private hospitals or so-called maternity homes, as dubious people could conspire with hospital workers to steal their babies. Expectant mothers in maternity homes must be suspicious of the sinister motives of the people around them so that they don’t’ end up facing the kind of trauma Mrs. Osuji is now facing.
Theft of babies may well be another form of kidnapping. If that is the case, owners of hospitals with maternity homes should improve security in and around their hospitals to prevent this kind of ugly incident from happening.
The police must not allow the Nworiebi incident to be swept under the carpet. They must get to the root of theft of Mrs. Osuji’s son and not only recover the baby but also bring the culprits to book.

Citizens of Imo State must prevent their state from becoming notorious for these kinds of sordid happenings. They must assist the police and other law enforcement agencies to stamp out baby factories and other despicable activities of criminals in the state. A society that places a great premium on moral values will not allow its people to descend to the level of stealing a day old baby and subjecting the baby’s parents to a harrowing experience.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/06/17/expectant-mothers-beware/

Commuter Bus Drivers Protest In Ikoyi

Scores of commuters including school children going to Ikoyi, Eti-Osa, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, were on Tuesday morning stranded at Obalende Motor Park when commuter bus drivers plying Ikoyi axis, Lagos, withdrew their vehicles from the area.

They were protesting against alleged indiscriminate seizure of their vehicles by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and Task Force.

The drivers alleged that LASTMA officials and the Lagos State Task Force usually impound their buses on the excuse that the state government has banned commuter vehicles from plying Ikoyi and its environs.

The drivers have called on Governor Babatunde Fashola to come to their rescue and direct the security personnel to allow them do their job, since there has not been any official ban on commuter buses plying Ikoyi.

A commuter, Mr. Joseph Etuk, who claimed that he works at Gerhard Road in Ikoyi, also begged the governor to call the security personnel and LASTMA officials to order because their activities are affecting not only the transport workers but commuters who are working in the area.

He said since last week when the officials began to arrest commuter bus drivers plying the area, commuters have found it difficult to get to their places of work on time.

“What we are saying is that, apart from the green and white painted buses plying Ikoyi, there is no other alternative means of transportation to the area. If the government wants to ban commuter buses from plying Ikoyi, it should first announce it to the public and provide alternative means of transportation to the area.

“We are appealing to Governor Fashola to call the security men to order and stop the arrest of commuter bus drivers conveying us to our places of work on a daily basis. But we still believe that the governor is not aware of what is happening to bus drivers and commuters plying Ikoyi axis in Lagos”, he stated.

A bus driver, who identified himself as Jude, said: “For a long time, we have been warned by the transport union leader not to ply Gerrard, Alexander and Bourdillon roads in Ikoyi, and we have stopped plying those areas. We drop off passengers going to Ikoyi at Lugard Avenue and those going to JAMB Office on Glover Road by Milverton Street Roundabout and then turn back. Yet, each time the task force officials arrest us, they will deliberately drive us to Alexander Road, Ikoyi and claim they arrested us there so as to extort money from us.

“We decided to withdraw our vehicles from the area when the situation became unbearable. We are now begging Governor Fashola to direct the security personnel to allow us to do our job since we are not plying the prohibited areas such as Gerrard, Alexander and Bourdillon roads.”

When P.M.NEWS visited Obalende Motor Park Tuesday morning, stranded commuters were seen waiting to board the unavailable buses plying Ikoyi.

The drivers refused to work because they claimed that they could be arrested.

Efforts made to speak to the transport leaders in charge of the park proved futile as at the time of writing this report.
http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/06/18/commuter-bus-drivers-protest-in-ikoyi/

Old Number Plates, Driver's Licence Expire On Sept 31 - FRSC

Fo your information:
Old Number Plates, Driver's Licence Expire Sept 31, Says FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said on Wednesday that the old number plates and the old driver’s licence would expire by Sept. 31

The Sector Commander of the commission in Plateau, Mr Sunday Maku, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.

Maku said that officers and men of the commission would commence enforcement by Oct. 1.

He called on motorists without driver’s licence to obtain one so as to stream into the changes taking place in the society.

He said that the new number plate would reduce criminal activities nationwide, adding that the new system had ``a tremendous advantage over the old ones’’.

“Before, it was possible for you to sell your car with your number plate; but nowadays, number plates are registered in the name of the owner.

“If you want to sell the car, you cannot sell the car with number plate, you have to remove the number plate, the new buyer will have to get his own number in his own name. So, with this system, it becomes very easy to trace criminals that are using number plates for criminal activities.``

He allayed the fears that the process of obtaining the new number plate was cumbersome, and urged those with old ones to come for revalidation. (NAN)

http://leadership.ng/news/120613/old-number-plates-drivers-licence-expire-sept-31-says-frsc

"Should I Tell My Husband Our Twins Were Adopted"

I wish God will forgive me ,it started 2004 when I got married and after some years we could not conceive. Me and my husband went to hospital and I was told that am suffering from blocking of fallopian tubes while my hubby had low sperm count.

After some treatment no results and my hubby wanted to travel to London and hoping
to come back in 2yrs time. I decided to lie to my hubby that am pregnant and he was happy, after 2months he left for London and I was staying alone. My hubby kept asking after our child and I told
him the baby was kicking.

I decided to make enquiry about how to adopt. I arranged with one man in river state about adopting twins likely a girl and a boy or 2 boys.

After 9months of faking my pregnant to my hubby, doctor told me that the children are ready, I rented a 2 bedroom flat far away from where i was living before. I went and brought those children, I paid 700,000 to doctor and I gave the young mother 100,000. I just felt like giving the mother the money because I know the doctor will settle her later.

I saw many young girls there waiting to deliver. I called my hubby and him that I have given birth to twins a boy and a girl, my hubby was very happy. I hired bus from river state to Lagos here, I came back smoothly and with a nanny helping me out. My hubby kept sending me money every month.

My twins are very beautiful, I sent the pictures to my hubby, he was very happy. After 5yrs my hubby came back, he loves those children more than me.

My problem is this. How can I tell my hubby that those children does not belong to us. How can I tell him that I adopted them with his money.

How will he react to it. He is suffering from HBP that started 2yrs ago. He doesn’t joke
with the kids.

I need your advice please.

http://www.9jaworlddaily.blogspot.com/2013/06/should-i-tell-my-husband-our-twins-were_4189.html#more

What's Your Favourite Thing About Nigerian Weddings?

Hello all!

Nigerian Wedding Lover over here!

Okay, So my Naija wedding paroles cannot be complete without

Small Chops ( Mosa for life!), Malt, Some Iyanya on the beat and Jollof Rice....Dazz alll

U nko?

Labaran Maku Disgraced At 20th Anniversary Of June 12

June 12 Anniversary VIDEO: A Tough Day In Lagos For Nigeria's Information Minister, Labaran Maku

Posted: June 15, 2013 - 03:00

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku failed to impress audience at 20th Anniversary of June 12 tagged 'Democracy Audit' held in Lagos, 2013.

The minister tried unsuccessfully to convince a critical audience that the administration of Pres. Goodluck Jonathan has taken the country forward, as other speakers in the forum exchange debunked his claims, these speakers include Kola Abiola, the first son of late M. K.O Abiola, Lagos politician- Jimi Agbaje, former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, one time member of the house of representatives -Dino Melaye, one after the other analyzed the current socio-political and economic status of the regime relative to earlier administrations and concluded that things have gotten worse in Nigeria under President Jonathan.

Mr. Labaran Maku resorted to personal defense after discussants dismissed his theories with empirical evidence.

http://saharareporters.com/video/june-12-anniversary-video-tough-day-lagos-nigerias-information-minister-labaran-maku

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dZWJ2V5dy8

Fashola Hated School, Failed WAEC & Almost Became A Mechanic

I Hated School, Failed WAEC And Almost Became A Mechanic” – Governor Fashola Reveals All
Posted by: foluso on June 18, 2013

It was not like any of the interviews he had granted in the past. For two hours he held a select group of editors spellbound and reeling in laughter as he spoke about his hatred for school, love for soccer and the cinema until his father whipped him into line with a threat to make him a mechanic’s apprentice.

Let’s go down memory lane with Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola as he clocks 50 years in another 18 days.

We will start by saying congratulations” because in a number of days, you will be 50. So,what are your reflections at 50?
Nobody knows what day he was born; so I am going to take the question on reflection from perhaps the time some consciousness began to form in my mind about the future. In that sense, the kind of country I had so much faith in really has not materialized. So, it’s an anniversary of mixed blessings for me. If you like, it’s positive in the sense that there is life.

Also, in many respects, some of the things I wanted personally for myself, maybe in terms of career, have largely materialized, although like in my profession, I still believe that there is an unfinished business there. But, when I look back, I’ll say there were some decisions I took as a young person, the opportunity to study abroad that I rejected because I felt that I could never be all I could be in a land where I was not a citizen. That was one reason.

I look at the decisions that presented themselves when I left the university and close to half of my colleagues that we graduated, left Nigeria out of frustration. I was one of the few who said, “No, I think that the problems of this nation will be solved and this is where my best opportunities lie.” In that sense again, that opportunity has not materialized. I see so much that we can do but are still undone. So, it’s a season of mixed blessings for me. Personally, I can’t say that is the kind of fulfillment that I desired.

You warned everybody off a loud birthday celebration, what explains that decision?

Well, my birthday has always been a private thing. But in the last few months, there has been, for want of a better expression, building excitement; people planning all sorts of things, committees being set up and I said, “No, you don’t do this to me, not this time.” For me, I think my best birthday was at 10. I remember it was the last birthday that my mum organized. I celebrated every birthday, cut a cake and I still think I can find some old pictures. I remember I wore a French suit.

From there, I think she focused more on my younger ones because I was already in secondary school. So, the transition was complete. No more children’s birthdays for me from then on.

So, in that sense, the next birthday that I remember was when I was 18 and I did that myself. I saved money for about six months and I went partying with my friends and I really enjoyed myself. The next one I remember was 21 and I was in the university then. It was my friends and I on campus and as difficult as it was then, because there was no telephone, my mum made it a sense of duty to ensure that I got a birthday card. I still keep it till today. It was a very touching birthday card and after that, there were really no birthdays in that sense.

When I got married, on my birthdays I get home early. If it’s a working day, we don’t cook, we order food, people come in – my parents, siblings come – each one at his own time and really by 7 or 8 pm, I leave them in the house with my wife and I am gone; maybe to go and play snooker or tennis at the club. So, there was no ceremony around it. I am not a ceremony person. I don’t like those formalities and I remember that when I was Chief of Staff, I turned 40 and my friends said, “No it’s a lie; we are going to have a party” and I said, “No, if you do it I am going to run away.” Someone suggested Sunny Ade because they know I like him. They said they were going to bring him and I said, that’s the one that would make me run away; but in the event, I remember that we actually printed an invitation card. How they got me to do it, I can’t quite say. What I remember was that I had to wake up very early and I said, “this shouldn’t be; this is my birthday, I should be sleeping.

But as early as 7am, we’d started prayers and from there, it was breakfast though I must confess that it was a day that I enjoyed. I had so many people around me; the governor, the Chief Judge and the Speaker came; everybody was there. But the party went on beyond my birthday because at 3am the following day, we were still there. So, I was living in another person’s day and I said, “No, this is not how it is supposed to be.” I remember that in the course of shaking everybody’s hands, you know, going from table to table, I think somebody had conjunctivitis and I picked it. When I woke up in the morning, I couldn’t open my eyes. But, I think the fun I had the day before, more than compensated for the discomfort. I had to send for my optometrist because it was very painful. This time, with all the plans going on, I said, ‘no’, that if this is my day, then those who really love me should allow me to do it my way. It didn’t cost me that much also to receive my visitors. I funded my 40th birthday by myself. I am not quite sure I can’t do the same now.
How do you mean?

As governor?

No. I am not even sure that I want to spend that kind of money on a party. If we can’t eat small rice and chicken in the house and I don’t even know if I want to dress up in a formal sense. I just want to feel free, see the people I want to see and if there is something going on, on television, I want to watch, instead of, ‘Oh, come and say hello to this person or that person.’ I am sure I am not mentally prepared for that and I don’t want to offend people. The idea that probably, I will have a birthday at taxpayers’ expense is something that doesn’t sit quite well with me and it’s only for 24 hours anyway.

Monalisa Chinda & Ini Edo At Genevieve Magazine Event

They look nice! I would have said gorgeous but you people will now say I like famzing! Lol

OIL PRINCEE.BLOGSPOT.COM

Heavy Security Following Patience's Visit In Port Harcourt Affects Resident

First Lady’s visit: Port Harcourt residents groan under security siege

Residents of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, are groaning under a security seige that resulted in heavy gridlock and unusual presence of scores heavilyarmed police. The situation followed the visit of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, as her aides and associates stormed the city.

On Saturday, residents woke up to the presence of roadblocks and diversions, especially in the GRA where even residents were now scrutinised before being allowed to enter the area.

To underscore the high level security operation surrounding the First Lady’s visit, Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC, have been stationed at both ends of Bauchi Street where her palatial mansion is located along with machine gun positions complete with sandbag walls and scores of mobile policemen on guard.

The president’s wife is expected to stay in the state for 11 days. National Mirror learnt that even the River State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has been caught up in the security lockdown and he was unable to attend a wedding on Saturday.

It was learnt that by the time the governor was ready to go out, the road leading to the Government House had been blocked, while the rear entrance which is close to the First Lady’s mansion was also shut to traffic.

One of the governor’s aides, who was contacted by telephone yesterday said: “The road was not opened until noon and by the time His Excellency arrived at the venue, the wedding was over.”

The First Lady had attended the wedding ceremony of one of her aides, who is also a member of the House of Assembly, Evans ‘Bibi’ Bapakaye, at the Civic Centre in Port Harcourt and traffic was hectic as there were marked diversions around the Isaac Boro Park, Marine Base, Station Road, Hospital Road, Bereka Street and Moscow Road within the old city.

All these roads are the major highways connecting the State Secretariat and the Downtown of the city to the other areas of the metropolitan city and they serve as the hub for vehicular and human movements in the city.

Disruption of traffic flow in the areas always leads to a punishing gridlock, which was exactly what happened on Saturday. Cars were not allowed near these areas and residents walked for hours to reach various destinations. Journalists, who covered the assignments have to make use of hotels and cybercafés around the area to file their stories as traffic was still hectic until around 9p.m.

Even though the First Lady has not been involved in any serious official business since Saturday, there is still heavy security presence in the city, with a lot of diversions still causing heavy traffic jams around the GRA areas where she resides.

To press home the importance of her visit to the state, Divisional Police Officers were directed to personally take charge of traffic in their divisions, while all vacations among police officers in the state have been cancelled or put on hold until the departure of the President’s wife.

A DPO, who spoke with National Mirror on condition of anonymity, said most of the security personnel in the state are engaged in ensuring the safety of the First Lady as it is the priority assignment in the state now.

“We can’t go on leave or vacation now and we have all been ordered to personally supervise traffic and security operations in our various formations. We understand she will be around for 11 days, that means another seven more days,” he said.

Investigations by National Mirror, revealed that the First Lady will be commissioning the South- South Zonal Office of her Pet Project, ‘Women for Change and Development Initiative’, while she is also billed to be involved in the burial of her grandfather, slated for the coming weekend. Some Port Harcourt residents expressed disgust at the huge inconveniences the visit was causing especially since her stay will be prolonged.

“How long are we going to cope with all these problems now? We thought she was only going to be here for the weekend only for us to get to the Azikwe end of the road and still meet heavily-armed policemen, on getting to Isaac Boro park, we were turned back by stern-looking policemen again,” Egi Dombraye, a businessman in the state lamented

Source

Durella Or D'banj Who Really Owns "Blame It On The Money"

After dbanj dropped his new single"blame it on the money"some weeks ago where he featured big names like snoop lion and 2chainz,durella dropped his own version of the song this week.now his camp ikonic records claims Durella sold “Blame It On The Money” to D’banj so they decided to put out Durella’s version..now the question we are asking you all now is who really own "blame it on the money.

JAMB Releases 2013 Cut-off Marks: Universities 180 & Polytechnics 150

The Education Minister announced this on Tuesday.

The Minister of Education, Ruqayatu Rufai, has announced the cut-off marks for students that sat for the 2013 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, higher institution examinations.

The minister announced that the cut-off mark would be 180 for universities, and 150 for polytechnics and colleges of education.

More details later…

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/139015-jamb-cut-off-marks-for-nigerian-universities-is-180-polytechnics-150-minister.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=jamb-cut-off-marks-for-nigerian-universities-is-180-polytechnics-150-minister

Is Honeymoon Compulsory And What Is It's Usefulness?

marriage is at the corner,many people has used money for it but do not know it's use
WHAT'S YOUR SAY ON THIS

How Does Driving Through Deep Pools Of Water Affects Cars?

Hi everyone,
am just wondering how driving through a pool of water deep enough to almost swallow the tyre of sedan cars can affect d car.

Car experts in d house, whats your take on this. Its a common thing here in naija bc of bad roads. Effects on d car n precautions to minimize d effects r welcomed.

Best Regards

Romantic Names You Can Call Your Spouse In Your Local Dialect

I am a yoruba girl and the most common love/pet names i hear are Ifemi ,Ayomi and Idunumi .Almost every yoruba girl calls dre beau this way. I am wondering if there are any other pet names in yoruba language and would love to learn what other tribes call their beau..

When Your Wife 'Steals' From Your Wallet?

Dfew

Blame It On The Money By Durella

So some say Durella made this a long time ago and sold to D,banj who then created the monster collabo Blame It On The Money Ft. Big Sean & Snoop Lion. Some will even argue this is a better song that that joint D’banj made with it… Either ways a song has been made and another has surfaced. Listen and share your thoughts.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Gov. Okorocha's Convoy Attacked In Oguta

Governor Rochas Okorocha’s convoy was attacked yesterday in Oguta Council Area of the state by youths allegedly recruited by a candidate for the rescheduled Imo House of Assembly elections scheduled to hold next week.

It gathered that Governor Okorocha, who was in Awa community in Oguta to drum up support for Chief Walter Uzonwanne, the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for the election slated for next week was on his way out of the community when an opposition candidate was also on his way to Awa community.

According to an eyewitness account one of the outriders on the Governor Okorocha convoy had knocked down one of the motorcyclists on the campaign train of the candidate and that instead of the security details on the governor’s convoy to assist the man, they descended on the hapless man and started beating him.

It was learnt that the attitude of the governor’s security men angered the youths, who blocked the passage of the governor as the youths reportedly descended on one of the outriders, who was beaten to stupor by the irate youths and was dispossessed him of his walkie-talkie.

“For several hours, the irate youths barricaded the road and prevented the governor’s convoy from continuing on the journey while some of them were throwing sachet water and other objects at the security operatives, who ordered them to vacate the road.”

It was further gathered that the situation could have degenerated to bloodshed but for the prompt intervention of the governor, who directed his security aides to handle the situation with utmost care.

However, when contacted, the candidate described the allegation as unfortunate, insisting that he had no powers to attack a governor’s convoy.

In his words: “I was going to Awa community to address my supporters ahead of next week’s election when I saw the governor’s convoy coming from the opposite direction. At first I thought it was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.

“One of the outriders knocked down one of the motorcycle riders in my campaign train and the boy was seriously wounded and instead of giving him first aid, the security men pounced on him and began to beat him and this infuriated the youths and they blocked the road and asked the governor to kill all of them.”

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/cover/thugs-attack-okorochas-convoy/