₦airaland Forum

INCUMBENT Joseph Kabila has won a new five-year term as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the election commission said, announcing the much-delayed full poll results.
Election commission chief Daniel Ngoy Mulunda said overnignt Mr Kabila had obtained 49.0 per cent of the vote to 32.3 per cent for his nearest rival, veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi.

"The Independent National Electoral Commission certifies that candidate Kabila Kabange Joseph has obtained the simple majority of votes," Mr Mulunda announced.

Mr Kabila got 8.9 million votes, Mr Mulunda said, about three million more than Tshisekedi. The voter turnout rate was 58.8 per cent.

Mr Kabila, in power since 2001, ran against a divided opposition field of 10 candidates in the November 28 polls.

The supreme court, which is seen as close to Kabila after he expanded it from seven to 27 judges at the start of the campaign, has until December 17 to hear election disputes on the provisional result and declare the definitive winner.

Inauguration day is set for December 20.

Mr Tshisekedi's party had condemned early results showing Mr Kabila in the lead as "illegal, opaque and biased", and fears of post-poll unrest are running high.

Mr Tshisekedi has made veiled threats of violence, warning Mr Kabila and Mr Mulunda to "respect the will of the Congolese people".

"If they don't, they risk committing suicidal acts. I call all our people to stay vigilant so that if needed they can execute the orders I will give them," he said Saturday.

The tumultuous November 28 vote was rocked by chaos and rioting at polling stations, reports of millions of voters being turned away, and a pair of deadly rebel attacks in the restive city of Lubumbashi.

The campaign was also marred by clashes between rival partisans and deadly police crackdowns on opposition rallies. Human Rights Watch said at least 18 civilians died from November 26 to 28, most of them shot dead by Mr Kabila's presidential guard as they put down a Tshisekedi rally in Kinshasa.

Provisional parliamentary results are expected mid-January.

http://www.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/kabila-declared-winner-of-congo-election/story-e6frfku0-1226218733205

Former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, has been responding to allegations of contract inflation, abuse of office and misappropriation of funds by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

A statement issued by the anti-graft commission states that the former governor came to ICPC on Monday for questioning by a special team of ICPC investigators. Shekarau was said to have arrived the Commission at 4pm and left 8pm for interrogation over allegation of financial scam of N420 million.

It is gathered that the decision to invite Mallam Shekarau for questioning was prompted by the petition of a Kano- based Non- Governmental Organization (NGO), alleging breaches of several provisions of the ICPC Act 2000. The petitioner alleged Shekarau engaged in the diversion or embezzlement of billions of Naira belonging to the state government through a dubious expenditure referred to as “reciprocal arrangement”.

Shekarau is being investigated over the award of contract for the construction of an 11-bedroom apartment to the tune of N286, 434,168.51 while in office. The governor is also alleged to have awarded contracts to a company in which he had substantial interest with furniture paid for twice.

Prior to Shekarau visit to the ICPC, a team of investigators had visited the state and stumbled on a lot of documents in the award of contracts relevant to the petitions against the former governor. It is believed that the contractor and officials of the state’s Ministry of Works had made useful statements to investigators from the commission.

In relations to one of the contracts for which Shekarau is being investigated, NigerianEcho gathered that the contractor handling the project was allegedly mobilized, on October 18, 2007, to the tune of N119,330,995.91 which represents 50 percent of the contract sum, contrary to section 35 of the of the Procurement Act which provides for 15 percent mobilization for the award of any contract.

http://www.

http://nigerianecho.com/?p=617

Workers in the oil and gas sector have threatened to embark on strike over alleged illegal deductions from their salaries by the management of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
The statement signed by the union general secretary, Mr Elijah Okougbo, gave SPDC three days to refund the deductions or face a nationwide strike.
“If the SPDC fails to, among other things, refund the illegal monies deducted from members’ salaries for over one year and halt the increasing unfair labour practices, we will shut down operation,” the workers said.
They also threatened to report the management of the company to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over an alleged connivance with an expelled official of the union on the sale of oil blocs, without due process.
They alleged that about N3 million was being deducted monthly from workers salary, and that the illegal deduction commenced over a year ago.
“This levy is illegal as it is not approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) as required by the union’s constitution.
“This is fragrant violation of the letter and spirit of NUPENG constitution and, therefore, constitutes a criminal act. It lacks probity and accountability.
“We call on SPDC management to immediately refund all deductions to the workers or else, we will petition the EFCC to swing into action to ensure that deductions are paid back to the workers who are members of NUPENG,” the workers stated.
They also condemned the continuous outsourcing and contract staffing of workers by the company.

http://www.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/12/09/nupeng-threatens-strike-over-shell-deductions/

Victims of the November 2010 flood in Ogun State on Thursday dragged the former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel, and his successor, Ibikunle Amosun, before the state’s truth commission sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta.
The petitioners, who approached the commission through the African for Human Right International (AfriRight), accused Daniel of short-changing them in the payment of N740 million meant for compensation.
AfriRight also accused Amosun of compounding the situation by denying the victims their “token relief monies.”
The commission, set up by Amosun on 14 September, was to investigate the death, disappearance of persons and alleged illegal dealings of government officials between January 2003 and May 2011.
NAN recalls that the commission had its inaugural sitting on 30 November and adjourned till 8 December to hear various petitions before it.
But at the commission’s hearing on Thursday, Daniel’s counsel, Mr Yemi Oke, told the court that the immediate past governor would not respond to the petition against him.
Oke argued that the past governor had filed a suit challenging the competence of the commission at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan.
He said that his appearance was not to defend Daniel as a counsel, but to watch his client’s brief.
“My appearance is not to defend Daniel because he did not believe in the legality of this commission and as such, I am here in protest appearance.
“The matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction to determine the competence of this commission; until the court makes a pronouncement on the matter, we shall not be represented legally,” he said.
In his response, the Chairman of the commission, Justice P.O. Aderemi, said the matter concerning whether the commission could go on had been resolved at the inaugural sitting on 30 November.
He ruled that the matter would go on as scheduled and, thereafter, took the appearance of counsel to the commission, Mr Olubunmi Koleowo, and that of others.
The commission then adjourned till 9 January for definite hearing, because of lack of proof of service on Amosun.
“ We must see proof of service before any case can go on, and I am sure you all know that,” Aderemi said.

http://www.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/12/09/ogun-flood-victims-drag-daniel-amosun-to-truth-commission/

THE North-South highway by the River-Niger-Murtala Muhammed Bridge along Lokoja-Abuja Road was yesterday blocked by suspected former Niger Delta militants, causing a major gridlock in vehicular traffic.
The blockade lasted eight hours from 4:00 a.m.
The former militants were intercepted by the police on their way to Abuja to protest alleged non-implementation of the agreement reached between them and the Federal Government as part of the amnesty deal.
Consequently, they have issued a four-day ultimatum to the government to implement the amnesty agreement reached with them or risk their going back to the creeks.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chief Executive of the Federal Government’s Amnesty Office, Kingsley Kuku, yesterday condemned the blockage of the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja roads by some Niger Delta youths, who claimed to be former militants.
Kuku, at a media briefing on the issue yesterday in Abuja, stated that the youths were not the responsibility of the Amnesty Office because they did not accept the amnesty offer, which closed on October 4, 2009.
According to him, the agitators were genuine youths of the Niger Delta, but did not belong to any known former militant camp in the region.
He added that they could not be admitted into the amnesty programme, as it has been closed since 2009.
According to Kuku, only President Goodluck Jonathan can order their admission, “and until he does so, the amnesty programme cannot include them.”
It was gathered that the militants, numbering about 1,600 in about 300 vehicles, comprising luxury buses, mini buses as well as cars, were stopped at Jamata toll gate check point by men of the Nigeria Police.
The incident caused heavy traffic gridlock along the Lokoja-Abuja highway before a combined team of Nigerian Army and police came to the rescue of travellers and cleared the obstructions.
It was further gathered that the leader of the militants, who identified himself as ‘Gen.’ Ramsey, told the policemen that they were on their way to Abuja to meet with the President to register their displeasure over their alleged exclusion from the amnesty programme.
Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Amana Abakasaga, confirmed Ramsey’s story.
Ramsey reportedly said: “The government asked us to come out of the creeks and lay down our arms which we did. But since then, the government has failed to fulfill its own part of it but kept promising us.
“While we have embraced the amnesty programme, the Federal Government is frustrating it by refusing to pay us and we don’t want to go back to the creeks or pick up arms again,”
Ramsey reportedly added: “The 1,600 militants en route Abuja are all ‘generals’ who have foot soldiers under them who equally laid down their arms. Now the foot soldiers are skeptical of the excuses we are giving them because they believe we have collected the money from the government and only come back to deceive them.”

Source: http://www.

The visit was for his birthday not some kind of political jamboree

Former President , Cheif Olusegun Obasanjo was at Christ Embassy on Thursday to celebrate with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome on the occasion marking his birthday at the church auditorium.

Also present at the occassion, was the Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State.

Source: http://www./2011/12/09/obasanjo-goes-to-christ-embassy/

Popular singer and actress, Mum Gee has confirmed that all is set for her traditonal wedding.

The wedding would take place on the 20th of December, 2011 at her father’s compound in Odiabidi, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The White wedding would take place on December 23rd in Port Harcourt.

Source: http://www./2011/12/08/muma-gee-announces-wedding-date/

UNITED States of America government has expressed satisfaction with the change of leadership at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC.)

President Goodluck Jonathan recently sacked the former EFCC boss, Mrs Farida Waziri, from office and appointed Ibrahim Lamorde in her place.

Reacting to the change of guard at the anti-graft commission and in an editorial to commemorate International Anti-corruption Day, which was made available to journalists in Abuja, the US ambassador to Nigeria, Terence McCulley, insisted that Nigeria must effectively address corruption as a way to foster the stability, security and prosperity of its citizens.

He applauded what he described as willingness of President Jonathan to seek a strong candidate to lead the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Stating, “I applaud President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent move to change the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and his willingness to seek a strong candidate to lead the ICPC,” the envoy maintained that the US government was ready to help build the institutions to address corruption effectively and make impunity a thing of the past.

He observed that corruption harmed the citizens of all nations in varying degrees and noted that all governments and their citizens, therefore, must remain vigilant to root out, punish, and deter corruption.

He said, “In Nigeria, for example, corruption diverts financial resources from building roads, hospitals, schools, and otherwise investing in infrastructure that would serve businesses, attract foreign investment, and create jobs. Corruption also acts as a disincentive for foreign investment. As a result, a large number of unemployed youths turn to other activities to stay active and make money, including criminal activities such as internet fraud, arms and other trafficking, and terrorist activity.”

In his words: “So, even when the proceeds of corruption do not go directly to criminal and terrorist organisations, corruption still serves to promote criminal and terrorist activity by creating barriers to legitimate economic endeavours.”

According to McCulley, “Addressing corruption remains key to combating emerging transnational criminal threats. In many countries, criminals and other illicit actors subvert and undermine state functions and transform some official institutions into de-facto criminal enterprises.

“Government protection of criminal elements can take many forms — officials may ‘turn a blind eye’ to a syndicate’s illicit activity, choose not to pursue investigative leads, opt not to enact or enforce certain criminal laws, or ignore the efforts of others to extradite wanted criminals.

“In some cases, corrupt officials may actively work for criminal organisations — supplying them with information or providing other services. In the worst cases, governments may effectively cede power and authority to criminal groups, allowing them to form their own territories and power networks,” he added.

http://www.

The Noni master is out with another bomber. SUWE

Nice Naija Tunes

Listen, Share and Download.

Download Here : http://www.playlistuncovered.com/premiere-samklef-suwe/

Source: http://www./2011/12/08/youtube-launches-in-nigeria/

YouTube has announced the launch of YouTube in Nigeria, showcasing the best and brightest local talent.

A screenshot of YouTube (image: YouTube)

YouTube Nigeria will now offer some of the most informative and entertaining video content from around the world through a local interface, www.youtube.com.ng that promotes content that is most relevant to Nigerians.

“With over 3 billion views a day, YouTube is the world’s largest audience, and a mode of communication that allows everyone’s voice to be heard. Nigerians are passionate about music, entertainment and many other genres that YouTube offers. By launching YouTube locally, we help people to find the most popular videos in Nigeria, along with those that are rising in popularity,” said Patrick Walker, YouTube’s Senior Director, Content Partnerships, for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

YouTube Nigeria makes it easier for Nigerian users to find and view the videos most relevant to them. Content uploaded by Nigerian users will show up as “browse pages” on the YouTube Nigeria site, creating a new virtual space for the national community and giving Nigerians the opportunity to increase their exposure online.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Wednesday presided over the meeting of the State Security Council with the Commander of the Army Brigade, Ikeja, Brigadier General Nasiru Muazu announcing a ban on the usage of Nigerian Army stickers of any form.

Brigadier Muazu spoke to State House Correspondents after the meeting and said the decision was necessitated by the rising level of insecurity and impersonation in the state.

The meeting which took place at the State House in Marina had in attendance top security personnel of the state which include Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Major Tunde Panox (RTD), Director, State Security Service in Lagos, Mr Achu Ben Olayi, Commanding Officer, NNS Beecroft Naval Base Apapa, Commodore Jonathan Ango, Commander 9 Brigade Ikeja, Brigadier Sanusi Nasiru Muazu and Commander 435 BSG.

Source: http://www./2011/12/08/nigerian-army-bans-use-of-its-stickers-in-lagos/

“Anybody caught will face the law, including our personnel and family members. Nobody is allowed to use any form of Army sticker anywhere anymore. I want to appeal to residents of Lagos who still have it on the cars to remove them”.

He stated further that the arrest of 20 criminals was effected by members of a joint military operation over the weekend in Ikorodu. He also promised to make the operation state wide.

He warned that Lagos would be no hiding place for criminals and that the choice such criminals have is either to relocate or abandon criminality as a way of life, while urging all law abiding residents to go about their normal businesses.

“We are there to provide security cover for everyone. We will provide the necessary security for them especially at this time when festivities of Christmas are just by the corner”, he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr Tunde Sobulo said the meeting reviewed the strategies on ground, especially as there are also new developments.

He said the council was particular on the menacing Okada issue and the need to ensure they obey traffic lights and rules in the state.

“All the Commanders are partnering on this matter, even our men from the barracks have been lectured on the issue of riding against one way, riding without crash helmets, carrying more than one passenger and riding Okada on the highway. It is forbidden to ride Okada on those express roads”.

“We are going to fight this to a standstill. Some people are saying that they do not have any other job. Even if you do not have any other job and you have been allowed to go on and use the Okadas for commercial purposes, you must obey the law. That is what we are asking them to do. Stay out of the express roads”.

“You are all aware that 80percent of robbery in this State is being committed by people who use Okadas. We cannot fold our hands. The Governor has said it. Even think of what they are doing to themselves. Go to the hospitals, go to Igbobi and see them. The Governor is even more concerned about their safety”, he stated.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa who also spoke with newsmen after the meeting urged all Okada groups to join the recognized unions.

The commissioner also warned that should there be any attack on any Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) personnel or security personnel, the leadership of the union and associations will be held responsible.

Source: http://www./2011/12/08/nigerian-army-bans-use-of-its-stickers-in-lagos/

lol

There are a whole lot of them making money from oil.

Is he another Okworocha because you said people feel his impact

nice.

Only if they can continue to stay on top.

We pray so ooo

The worlds oldest dog that has been certified by Guinness World records has died in Japan its home, at the age of 26 years and nine months

‘I’m so sad,’ owner Yumiko Shinohara was quoted by local paper Shimotsuke Shimbun as saying.

‘I would like to tell him that I appreciate he lived a long healthy life.’

Pusuke, a male cross breed, died peacefully Monday afternoon, five minutes after Shinohara returned home from running errands.

‘I think he died of natural causes,’ she said.

‘It was at least good for him to pass away at home, not at hospital.’

Source: http://www./2011/12/07/world-oldest-dog-dies-at-26/

According to a survey by Durex, a premium condom company, Nigeria has been placed amongst the world top countries with the most unfaithful women.

According to the survey,62% of Nigerian women confessed to have betrayed their partners.

Thailand and Malaysia follows Nigeria behind.


Source: http://www./2011/12/07/nigerian-women-are-most-unfaithful-in-the-world/

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU) on Tuesday suspended the ongoing strike called by its national body to enable students of the institution write their second semester examination.

The local ASUU had written to the national body to seek permission to enable students of the school write their examination which had earlier been slated to commence last Monday.

The institution's Chairman of ASUU, Ayan Adeleke, said the suspensio was done purely to enable the students write their examinations and had nothing to do in honour of the new Vice Chancellor, as being speculated.

``That is untrue, we only got permission to write exams. It has nothing to do with the new VC", the chairman asserted.

The examinations will begin on Wednesday.

http://www.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5749118-146/story.csp

nice. Atleast it would make him time conscious.

I do not think its about population"

Akpabio has really done well

This is a great warning to everyone both foreign tourists and business visitors to Lagos, please under no circumstance should you change money from those who hang around the front of Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

It was just like a dream to one of my friends who we met peradventure at the Lagos Airport Hotel on Saturday, 3 December, 2011.

For long time friends to meet after 20 years deserves celebration, so we made an appointment for 7.30 pm.

At 7:30 p.m we met at the reception of the hotel and we decided to cross the road to feel the pulse of Lagos just away from the comfort of our hotel rooms.

As we strolled outside the gate of the Airport hotel, Kunle realised that the few naira notes on him might not be enough for the evening fun.

As he muted the idea of changing a few foreign currency on him, I told him to let us go back into the hotel for the transaction because I remember that the management always warn guests not to transact business with those who hang on the road in front of the hotel.

But Kunle’s response was that since he was changing a few pounds, he needs no fear of a little change that would go into the hands of these scoundrels.

I concurred with him.

As I was telling him the management’s warning, a middle aged man appeared from a triangular round- about on the left of the hotel asking whether we wanted to change money.

We nodded in affirmation.

He then asked us to come close to the side of the Total Petrol Station.

We asked him how much is a pound to naira, he said N255, which I said should be N260.

He did not agree, but rather called one Alhaji who agreed to N260.

At this point, four of these scoundrels had surrounded us. One took a calculator and came to the conclusion that the 50 pounds would be N13,000.00. He brought out a bale of N500 naira notes, counted 25 notes and handed it over to Kunle who counted the money only to find out that it was less by one.

Angrily, I said, ”You people have been dubbed fraudsters. That is why everyone has been warned not to transact business with you.“ We never knew we were in for a big surprise.

With apology, he got the money back, counted it and he found out that it was less by a note.

He offered apology again and added the less note, while one of them remarked that the man who counted the money is not good at mathematics.

We crossed the road to a supermarket opposite the hotel where Kunle wanted to pick some toiletries.

As he was about paying, he realised that the N13,000.00 was short of N5,000.00.

“We have been duped,” Kunle exclaimed.

“What?” I asked. Then, the Hotel management’s warning which I had earlier told Kunle popped up in my mind. But it was not the best of time to rehearse it.”

We explained to the supermarket attendant what had happened to us and he reeled out examples of many incidences of such bizarre practices by the fraudsters who always hang around the entry of Lagos Airport Hotel as money changers.

He told us of a case of another victim who was duped the same way to the tune of sum N250,000.00. The guy, a military officer, came back and killed one of them.

We were cleverly duped. And many have been fleeced probably with diabolic means by these fraudsters hanging outside the entering gate of Lagos Airport Hotel.

Many are on their way to be duped by these scoundrels and you should not be among them.

However, will these people go on with this evil act with impunity?

Where is our law enforcement agencies? The police must rise to the occasion.

Once again, please, and please, never change money outside the vicinity of Lagos Airport Hotel.

A word is enough for the wise.

http://www.

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/tourism/32389-dont-change-money-at-lagos-airports-entrance-

Governor Akpabio presents N397.141b budget


Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday presented a N397.141billion budget to lawmakers for the 2012 financial year.

According to Akpabio, the  budget is a decrease of N22.644billion against the total revised appropriation of N419.785billion for the 2011 fiscal year.

In the budget outlay, N66.244 billion is for recurrent expenditure.  About N330.897 billion is for capital expenditure, representing a recurrent capital ratio of 1:5.

The governor puts the total projected revenue at N263.777 billion, representing a decrease of N12.817billion as against the 2011 corresponding revised estimate of N276.595 billion.

The “Budget for Industrialisation”, Akpabio said, will derive its revenue from derivation N200. 132billion, Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) N21.646billion, Statutory Allocation N36billion and Value Added Tax (VAT) N6billion.

Akpabio praised the House for the cooperation given to him, saying such has led to the uncommon transformation the state is experiencing.

According to him, the policy thrust of the budget is based on consolidating the gains of 2011 and completing all projects.

Speaker Samuel Ikon assured the governor of the House’s support.

http://www.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/28885-akpabio-presents-n397-141b-budget.html

Nollywood actress Stephanie Okereke is the cover star of this issue. She looks sharp,lively and sassy.

http://www./2011/12/06/stephanie-okereke-covers-exquisite-magazine/

Have you noticed that Governor Rochas Okorocha,with all his immense personal resources,does not value,and of course,wear good wrist watches?

“No,the Governor is not a sucker for expensive watches.He prefers to wear anything so long as it keeps his time.But the story is not the same when it comes to building houses as he owns some of the best homes in the country,” revealed a close aide to the Governor.

But Okorocha’s taste and value for wrist watches were recently altered when billionaire and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil,Ifeanyi Ubah,gifted him a princely Rolex valued at over 350,000 dollars.

The Sheikh of Brunei,as Ubah is often addressed by his friends,was said to have gone for the Rolex after noticing severally that his friend does not wear good wrist watches.

Okorocha reportedly thanked his friend and accepted the watch,but no one appears to have seen him wear it again after it was presented.

http://www.

Source: Nigeria Films

Tiwa Savage is out with a banger.

Nice song from her as she featuures Don Jazzy in a song produced by one of the best in the World

Download here
http://www.playlistuncovered.com/tiwa-savage-ft-don-jazzy-without-my-heart/

Styl Plus is coming back into the music scene after a long absense.

The group of three would be releasing their new album before Christmas

The album is titled “Alive”.

They always have something new to say.

http://www./2011/12/05/styl-plus-to-rlease-new-album/

Popular Yoruba actor Baba Sala is down with stroke according to reports.

Things have not looked well for some Nollywood stars this year. Gold strengthen him

Source: http://www./2011/12/05/popular-yoruba-actor-baba-sala-down-with-stroke/

MOBIL Producing Nigeria, MPN, operator of the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, has, at the on-going Conference of Nigerian Association of Petroleum Exploratio-nists, NAPE, emerged 2010 best technologist of the year.

Receiving kudos from several prominent Nigerians and expatriates in the petroleum and gas sector and stakeholders, the company has also been praised for its track record of maintaining standard over the years.

NAPE, an affiliate of American Association of Petroleum Geologists, AAPG, presented the award to the company at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, venue of its 2011 conference and exhibitions

It said the company has actively supported community projects across the country, promoted Nigerian content, transferred technology through workshops and technical training of company staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR.

President of NAPE, Mr. Jide Ojo, noted that the company’s plan was to train and develop qualified Nigerians to fill positions within and outside its organisation.

He added that the firm has also been offering annual national post-graduate scholarship awards to deserving students and sponsoring university partnering programme, a project that aims to assist in developing and enhancing the quality of geo-sciences education in Nigerian universities.

He also lauded the company for making substantial contributions to the construction and renovation of schools and health centres in Nigeria, adding that it was “the number one technologists of the year 2010.”

http://www.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/mobil-wins-best-technologist-award/

Hmmm,

Is just too long a date

Goodluck Congratulates Wada,Promises to lend his full support to the Kogi State governor-elect
ARTICLE | DECEMBER 5, 2011 - 7:01AM | BY ELIZABETH EMBU, SHOLA AGBAJE

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Capt. Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on his victory in Saturday's governorship elections in Kogi State.

A statement released by the Special Adviser to the President, Reuben Abati, said Jonathan promised to lend his full support to Wada.

"As Capt. Wada and his running mate, Architect Yomi Awoniyi prepare to assume the mantle of leadership in Kogi, President Jonathan assures them of the full support and cooperation of the Federal Government in their quest to build on the efforts of their predecessors to develop the state," the statement read.

Jonathan also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ad-hoc staff recruited for the elections, especially members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the police and other security agencies "for working very hard to ensure that the trend of notably improved elections in the country was continued in Kogi State”.

Similarly, the PDP has described Wada’s victory as well deserved.

In a release signed by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Ahmed Alkali, the PDP said “the victory also silences the loud noises of a vocal minority who keep deluding themselves of their relevance in contemporary Nigeria”, stressing that "the people have truly spoken".

“The national chairman also wishes to congratulate the good people of Kogi State for this wise choice and wishes to pledge on behalf of the governor-elect and his deputy that we shall continue to pursue those policies that have consistently endeared us to the people. We, therefore, appeal to all the people in Kogi State to join hands with their elected leaders as we enter a new phase in the development of the state,” it said.

The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje said the victory has vindicated the party’s long held belief that it “remains the most formidable political party with the capacity to deliver quality service to the people”.

http://www.naijabbb.com

http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/goodluck-congratulates-wada

Ojukwu To Be Buried February 2, 2012 – S-east Govs

THE remains of former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu who passed on November 26, would be laid to rest on February 2, next year, the South- East Governors’ Forum announced on Sunday.

Chairman of the forum, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who briefed newsmen after their meeting in Enugu, said all the funeral ceremonies of the late Igbo leader  would commence in Enugu on February 2, after which his remains would be taken to his country home, Nnewi, for interment.

Obi said a committee would soon be set up to discuss further on the burial arrangements of the late statesman.

He disclosed  that all the South-East and South- South  states that made up the old Eastern Region as well as the presidency would participate in the ceremonies that would take place in Enugu.

He said: “On the 2nd of February, 2012, the burial ceremony of Ojukwu will take place in Enugu after which his corpse will be taken to his country home, Nnewi, for intermen.”

He explained that the decision to commence the burial ceremonies of the late icon in Enugu  was informed by the fact that Enugu was the capital of the old Eastern Region.

Meanwhile, more condolence messages continued to pour in for the late Odumegwu- Ojukwu at the weekend with his uncle, Chief Louis Carter Onwugbenu, explaining why the Ikemba Nnewi refused to join his father’s business empire.

He said Ojukwu refused to join the business empire of his billionaire father because he wanted to serve the people.

Ojukwu never wanted to break up Nigeria – Uwechue

President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Ralph Uwechue, said yesterday at the country home of the late Ikemba Nnewi who led the defunct Biafra against Nigeria in a 30 –month civil war, that the warlord never wanted to break up Nigeria. He said Ojukwu only declared the Biafran Republic when it was inevitable.

Uwechue led all the former and present leaders of Ohaneze on a condolence visit that took the team to the family of Ojukwu at Umudim, the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu, and later addressed a meeting of Nnewi people.

He said it was because Ojukwu loved Nigeria and wanted one Nigeria that he insisted on the implementation of the Aburi Accord.

He said that as the then Nigerian Ambassador to France, he knew the efforts Ojukwu made for Nigeria to remain one, noting that it was only when Ojukwu felt that the Igbo had been pushed to the wall that the war began.

He said: “He stood out at a time Igbos were in great difficulty and needed support and Ojukwu provided the much–needed leadership by saying no to oppression and standing by his people.”

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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/ojukwu-to-be-buried-february-2-2012-s-east-govs/

Women trying to conceive should take multivitamins pills as it could double their chances of becoming pregnant, say experts.

The study by the University College London found that women who took multivitamin pills containing vitamins A, C and E, plus zinc and selenium, boosted their fertility by 60%.

Researchers questioned 56 women aged between 18 and 40 who had been struggling to conceive during the last year. Half were given the Vitabiotics Pregnacare-Conception multi-nutrient and the others were given folic acid pills.

The results found that 60% of the women who took the prenatal multivitamins, fell pregnant by IVF and had a healthy, full-term pregnancy. In comparison, the women who just took folic acid only had a 25% pregnancy success rate.

The study, published in the Reproductive Biomedicine journal, also discovered that women taking the multivitamins needed fewer attempts to fall pregnant. Of the 60% of women who fell pregnant while taking the vitamins, 75% conceived during the first course of IVF.

“The implications of this study are far reaching as they suggest that prenatal micronutrient supplementation in women undergoing ovulation induction improve pregnancy rates,” says Dr. Rina Agrawal from the study.

“There is a large body of evidence establishing the relationship between placental development, foetal growth, pregnancy outcomes and adequate nutrition, particularly vitamin intake.”

If you’re struggling to conceive, find out how you can help improve your chances of falling pregnant with these fertility-boosting food tips.

Source: http://www./2011/12/04/how-to-increase-your-chances-of-getting-pregnant/