₦airaland Forum

….Dedicates award to late mum

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, has been honoured and decorated by the Ebira Youth Congress, EYC, for his administrative excellence in the state.

The governor dedicated the award to the memory of his late mother Hajia Hauwa Bello who he said inculcated every good virtue which he exhibits.

The Governor was conferred with the award on Saturday while attending the first Ebira Education Summit and the launch of the Ebira Education Foundation where he made a 300million commitment in a span of three years towards the Foundation.

Governor Bello who was represented at the event by the Chief of Staff, Pharm. Abdulkareem Mohammed Jamiu stated that his administration deemed it fit to establish the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara as a suitable platform to create an enabling environment for education development in the state.

He affirmed that the establishment of CUSTECH has created the urgent need to train valuable youths and enable them partake fully in the governments plans hence his support and donations towards the trust fund.

Governor Bello affirmed that the funds gathered through the trust fund would be used to sponsor worthy and qualified Ebira sons and daughters towards attaining the peak of academic qualification noting that a reputable Board of Trustee has been put in place to serves as watch in a bid to ensure accountability and proper allocation

The Governor called on the Ebira Youth Congress to preach against cultism, drug abuse and other forms of criminal vices as a pathway towards ensuring peace, progress and development.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/yahaya-bello-awarded-for-administrative-excellence-in-kogi

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra has said its members were not responsible for an explosion which rocked a church reportedly owned by the father of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

No fewer than five hoodlums invaded the church, Christian Universal Church International, on Azikiwe Street Mile, 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt and detonated the explosives suspected to be dynamite, on Saturday night.

The group, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said IPOB had no involvement in the attack.

IPOB said Governor Wike and the police should stop dragging its name into the explosion, adding that it had no such plans.

The group said, “The attention of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, ably led by our great leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the fabricated and state-sponsored propaganda peddled by Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers that peaceful and innocent members of IPOB are responsible for an alleged attack on his father’s building on Saturday night.

“We want to state categorically and for record purposes that IPOB knows nothing about the said purported attack. We do not indulge in explosive devices, and we do not have any intentions to do so soon.

“We have said it on numerous occasions that violence is not part of the plan in our quest to restore Biafra. Any day we decide to take up arms against the state, which is not in our immediate contemplation, it won’t be done in secret.

“The whole world is now aware of the heinous crimes against humanity committed by Gov Wike against innocent Biafrans living in Obigbo Rivers State. Wike and his people used the nationwide disturbances that trailed the EndSARS protests as a cover to murder hundreds of innocent men, women and children in Obigbo Rivers State. He never denied it; in fact, he boasted about it during his numerous televised interviews.

“We seek to advise the Nigerian police and Wike to stop peddling outlandish lies in the mould of Lai Mohammed. Wike used a mere concocted allegation and without recourse to judicial process, to unleash another round of genocide on Biafran soil in Obigbo.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/stop-lying-like-lai-mohammed-we-know-nothing-about-your-father-s

The Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio has said that Nigeria is a great country that citizens should be proud of and contribute meaningfully to her overall development.

Mrs. Akpabio stated this when she reviewed the parade during the closing ceremony for the 2020 Batch 'B' (Stream 1A) corps members deployed to Ondo State and those dislodged from Lagos State.

The State Coordinator who stood in for Governor Akeredolu said that the corps members should strive and leave lasting legacy and cultivate good relationships at their various places of primary assignment.

"My outstanding, wonderful and excellent corps members, let the three weeks of intensive orientation course be a litmus test that would propel you to greater heights".

The NYSC Coordinator said that she had no doubt that the crop of patriotic Nigerians that have obeyed the clarion call and presented themselves for mobilisation into the laudable Scheme will give good account of themselves as they move into the second phase of the four cardinal programmes of NYSC.

"I am confident that all of you will represent us very well wherever you are posted and I want to admonish you to be good image makers whose outstanding services will justify the huge investment every sector has made on you."

"Be a good ambassador at your places of primary assignment and within your host communities so that the confidence reposed in your ability to turn the country to an enviable economy among the comity of nations would be achieved," she said.

It would be recalled that 634 prospective corps members made up of 436 deployed to Ondo State and 198 dislodged from Lagos State registered for the service three weeks ago at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko out of which 161 secured relocation to other states on health and marital grounds.

In addition to this, 200 corps members from 2020 Batch 'A' service year who could not finish their orientation course in March because of COVID -19 joined the Batch 'B' (Stream 1A) to fulfill the requirements for the induction programme.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/nigeria-a-great-country-to-be-proud-of-akpabio-to-corps-members

Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Kingsley Fanwo has described his boss, Governor Yahaya Bello as the “younger version of President Muhammadu Buhari” who works to improve the living condition of the poor.

In an interview with Temidayo Akinsuyi of Daily Independent Newspaper, Fanwo said Governor Bello is a firm and focused leader who has demonstrated proven ability to lead the nation if given the opportunity.

Speaking on 2023 presidential election, Fanwo confirmed that Nigerians from far and near have been calling on Governor Bello to give the exalted office a shot. He, however, clarified that the Governor has not taken any decision on the clarion call, to accept or reject.

“Governor Yahaya Bello’s political journey has always being a dictate of God. He doesn’t make decisions without God’s direction. Secondly, he was elected massively for a second term to continue his good job in Kogi State. He is completely given to that assignment. His complete focus is on how to make life better for Kogites and people living in the State.

“He is economically engineering the state to deal with the recession foisted on us by the promoters and marketers of COVID-19. So, he has his hands full at the moment. God will take care of 2023 while GYB will not be distracted from his task in Kogi state.

“GYB has shown with his management of Kogi State that he can solve the problems of Nigeria. He has united a once divided Kogi State. He confronted insecurity in the State. And he has diversified the economy of the State with his excellent policies in the areas of agriculture, tourism, solid minerals and many others. Nigerians are keenly following the trend of happenings in Kogi State. What I know is that whether he accepts to run for President or not, he will continue to work for this country. He loves Nigeria passionately,” he said.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/2023-yahaya-bello-younger-version-of-buhari-commissioner

Human rights activist from Kogi State, Comrade Austin Okai has handed down 48 hours ultimatum to the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja to withdraw allegations levelled against him.

Okai made this known while speaking with our reporter in Lokoja on Sunday.

He vowed to institute a legal action against Onoja if the latter fail to withdraw allegations bordering on impersonation against him.

“I will never stoop so low and impersonate someone whose name is not bigger than mine in Kogi political terrain. Edward Onoja is a chronic noise maker and I am ready lock horn with him on this defamatory allegations.

“For over four years, he has done everything to kill me and destroy my hard earned reputation. Just like devil, he will not give up easily and here is another attempt from a frustrated character.

“It is obvious the position of Deputy Governor is still not helping his quest for more power and whoever is being viewed as threat to his plot to conquer entire Igala Kingdom is marked. I am aware of this and I am also aware that my name is on the list of his next victims to be assassinated in Anyigba or somewhere else around Kogi state or Abuja. I am also aware that part of his plans is to come to media and accuse me of what I know nothing about.

“By the way, who is Edward Onoja? What good name does he have that I will impersonate him? His name is tantamount to evil, looting and other vices,” he said.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/alleged-impersonation-activist-gives-kogi-deputy-gov-48-hours

Following the continued closure of the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja by the Federal Ministry of Health, a group of Kogi Youth on Friday assembled at the Medical institution to protest and demand the removal of the current Medical Director, Dr. Olatunde Alabi.

The group through its spokesperson Mr. Saliu Abdulmalik noted that the reason for their demand was founded on several allegations leveled against the MD one of which was his continued resolve not to open the health institution despite the urgent need for it services by the people.

He further alleged the carelessness and negligent of medical staff which has reportedly led to several preventable deaths of citizens in that hospital, narrating that in one of the numerous acts of negligence perpetrated in Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja under the watch of the MD, the wife of the Governor conveyed victims of Road traffic Accidents she witnessed on her way to Abuja from Lokoja in November, 2017.

Mr. Saliu Abdulmalik noted that, these patients to her excellency’s dismay were left unattended to by the staff of Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit of the institution despite her persuasive efforts, without any regards for her status as the first lady of the state and no disciplinary measure was put in place to forestall such level of negligence in the institution.

The Kogi youth spokesperson also faulted the hospital’s management of infectious diseases particular during the Lassa Fever and Covid -19 pandemic, stating that the lack of desire and dedication of the management of Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja to put up structure to care for these patients even on temporary bases to complement the State owned withholding/treatment centre where such patient are managed successfully were truly worrisome.

Closely related according to him were series of complaints of service deprivation during Covid-19 Pandemic in what appeared to have culminated and exceeded the threshold of the locals leading to protest against the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja by unknown group of youths.

He also recalled that in April, a pregnant woman in labour was left unattended to while she eventually gave birth within the hospital premises on a bare floor an event that led to the death of the baby and riots by unidentified group of youths in the state capital.

Mr. Abdulmalik also mentioned that the MD was found culpable of diverting hospital consumables to private hospitals which are not affordable for the common people of the state.

He attested that in 2018, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, was alleged to have diverted the medical supplies meant for Kogi Free cataract surgeries under the ‘‘President Buhari Restore Visions’’ as part of ‘‘Rapid Result Initiative’’ of the Federal Ministry of Health.

These supplies according to him were said to have been diverted by the MD, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja to carry out Medical Outreach program in Osin, Kwara State.

The group’s spokesperson also accused the MD over complaints about skewed appointment of staff into the institution to the disfavour of the state indigenes adding that Some of the staff that have drawn the attention of the management to such trend have been victimized one way or the other so much that they have decided to keep quiet about it.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/kogi-youths-demand-removal-of-fcm-md-over-negligence-others

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi mourned his fellow countryman Diego Maradona after the Argentine died Wednesday, saying "he leaves us but does not leave".

"A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.

"I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."
Messi had wished Maradona well on his birthday on October 30.

The Argentines were jointly tipped by many football lovers as the greatest footballers of all time, especially in the history of Argentina.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/he-leaves-us-but-does-not-leave-messi-reacts-to-maradona-s-death

Brazilian football great Pele mourned his fellow legend Diego Maradona after the Argentine died Wednesday, saying he hoped they would “play together in the sky” one day.

“Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend,” Pele wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of Maradona hoisting the World Cup trophy in 1986.

“There is much more to say, but for now may God give his family strength. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky.”

Pele and Maradona, who often vie for the title of best footballer in history, had just celebrated milestone birthdays last month: 80 and 60, respectively.

Pele had wished Maradona well on his birthday on October 30, writing, “May your journey be long and may you always smile, and make me smile, too!”

Maradona had likewise congratulated Pele on his 80th a week before, joining in what he called “the universal tribute to the King.”

The Brazilian and Argentine were jointly named best player of the 20th century by FIFA in 2000.

AFP

Here's quick facts you need to know about the late Argentina and Napoli striker;

rounds up 20 of the most interesting tidbits about the iconic former Argentina and Napoli striker during his lifetime;

1. Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30, 1960 in the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

2. Maradona made 91 appearances for Argentina, scoring 34 goals.

3. He played in four World Cup tournaments for his country.

4. He helped Boca Juniors to the league championship in 1982 before making a move to Barcelona. But in 1984, he transferred to Napoli and helped them win their only two Serie A titles to date – in 1987 and 1990.

5. Maradona holds the record for making the most number of appearances as captain of any country in a World Cup. He skippered Argentina on 16 occasions.

6. In total, however, he made 21 appearances in World Cup tournaments.

7. A 15-year-old Maradona made his professional debut on October 20, 1976 for Argentinos Juniors.

8. Maradona was part of the Argentina youth squad that won the 1979 Youth World Cup in Japan.
9. On February 27, 1977, Maradona made his international debut against Hungary at age 16 at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.

10. He has a tattoo of Che Guevara on his arm, and a portrait of Fidel Castro tattooed on his left leg.

11. Maradona holds the record for suffering the most number of fouls in a World Cup – 53, during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

12. He also holds the record for the most number of fouls suffered in one game in a World Cup, when Italy fouled him 23 times in the 1982 edition of the tournament.

13. Maradona skippered Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, beating West Germany 3-2 in the final.

14. Diego also won the Golden Ball for being the tournament's outstanding player.

15. Diego scored using his hand in the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup against England. When he was quizzed about the incident, he said: “The goal was scored a little bit by the hand of God, a little by the head of Maradona.”

16. He won Serie A with Napoli in 1987, a feat that would be repeated in 1990. He also won the UEFA Cup in 1989.

17. In the 1994 World Cup in the USA, Maradona played only two games - scoring one goal against Greece – as he was sent home after failing a doping test.

18. Maradona married Claudia Villafane on November 7, 1989 in Buenos Aires, but the pair divorced in 2004.

19. In 2005, Maradona started hosting a talk show on Argentinian television. Pele was his main guest on his very first show, despite their rivalry.

20. He was confirmed as the manager of Argentina's national team in October 2008.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/diego-maradona-20-quick-facts-about-the-late-argentine-football

A petition is being considered by the United Kingdom to sanction the Nigerian government, after an alleged human rights abuses during the #EndSARS protests.

The parliament proceeding is being monitored by newsmen and it was noted that a representative of James Duddridge, UK minister of Africa, is briefing parliamentarians on the matter.

The action was taken following the signature of over 200,000 persons, asking the UK to sanction the federal government for allegedly clamping down on the rights of members of the #EndSARS movement,


The matter was raised by Theresa Villiers, member of parliament for Chipping Barnet.

The UK Government said that it was receiving all evidence concerning the petition, while stating that the petitioner accused the Nigerian government and its police of violating protesters rights.

They asked the UK to implement sanctions that would “provide accountability for and be a deterrent to anyone involved in violations of human rights”.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/uk-parliament-to-sanction-fg-over-endsars-crisis

Four secondary school students of Osun State have been arrested and handed over to the police for injuring Peace Corps members in two schools.

The injured Peace Corps members were hospitalized following the attack by the students.

A statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Hon Folorunsbo Oladoyin on Monday disclosed that four students have been arrested for disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of Ife Oluwa Co-Educational Grammar School and St Charles Grammar Osogbo.

He alerted that a section of students recently moved from single-sex schools were involved in rascally behaviour in a few schools, disturbing academic activities.

“The four students were caught with dangerous weapons and charms with which they caused bodily injuries on Peace Corps members who are now hospitalized. They have been handed over to the police for possible prosecution.”

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/four-secondary-school-students-arrested-for-beating-peace-corps

Four secondary school students of Osun State have been arrested and handed over to the police for injuring Peace Corps members in two schools.

The injured Peace Corps members were hospitalized following the attack by the students.

A statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Hon Folorunsbo Oladoyin on Monday disclosed that four students have been arrested for disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of Ife Oluwa Co-Educational Grammar School and St Charles Grammar Osogbo.

He alerted that a section of students recently moved from single-sex schools were involved in rascally behaviour in a few schools, disturbing academic activities.

“The four students were caught with dangerous weapons and charms with which they caused bodily injuries on Peace Corps members who are now hospitalized. They have been handed over to the police for possible prosecution.”

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/four-secondary-school-students-arrested-for-beating-peace-corps

Operatives of the Ogun State command of the Nigeria Police have arrested a 40-year old house wife, Iswat Taofeek for allegedly dehumanizing a 12 years old boy (name withheld) living with her.

Iswat Taofeek, a resident of No 36 Isoka Kugba Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The Ogun State Police command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi disclosed this to newsmen in a statement issued in Abeokuta.

Oyeyemi said, "the suspect was today arrested at about 8:30am, following a complaint by one of her neighbours who came to Adatan police station with the little boy whose body was full of injuries inflicted on him with a hot knife and cutlass".

"While the report was being lodged, the little boy fainted at the station and was quickly rushed to a hospital for medical attention".

"On the strength of the report, the DPO Adatan division, CSP Samuel Aladegoroye detailed his detectives to the woman’s house where she was promptly arrested".

"On interrogation, the suspect explained that the little boy is a son to her brother-in-law and he has been living with her for some time", Oyeyemi said.

"She stated further that she kept the sum of #5,000 somewhere in the house but couldn’t find it and she believed that it was the boy who stole it and that was why she put a knife on fire until it was red hot before she used it to burn the little boy all over his body."

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/ogun-woman-arrested-for-dehumanising-boy-over-missing-n5k

Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP – Abia South), has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has done nothing for the South-east region.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Friday, the Abia Senator disclosed that the APC has been unfair to the region adding that all the region wants is ‘justice and equity’. He opined that if the Presidency is leaving from the north and coming to the south, then the South-East must be given a chance.

He also condemned the Muhammadu Buhari-led government for clamping down on #EndSARS protesters and labelling them terrorists. He asked the federal government to own up to its mistakes during the protests which led to widespread violence and destruction of lives and properties.

Abaribe noted that the #EndSARS protests showed the failure of the APC government and how it could not handle such a delicate matter. He said the present government is mired in the past and has no connection to the 21st century and the information age.

He accused the the current administration of using propaganda to get to power and now blocking Nigerians from speaking through its agencies. The lawmaker also berated Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State for claiming that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been unfair to the Southeast.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/abaribe-says-apc-has-done-nothing-for-the-south-east-gives

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged filmmakers to always seek proper approval before using corps members’ uniform while shooting their movies.

Mr Christian Oru, NYSC Assistant Director of Legal Services, said this in Lagos during a meeting between National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and creative industry stakeholders on enabling laws and strengthening of professional guilds and associations.

The NYSC official said that illegal use of its uniform in movies would no longer be tolerated by the management. Oru said that before using NYSC uniform in movies, the filmmaker must submit an application letter, stating exactly what the uniform would be used for and must acknowledge NYSC in the movie.

He said that the filmmakers would also have to submit their scripts to NYSC to enable them observe how NYSC would be represented in the movie. “For any film maker that wants any of his casts to wear the corps members’ uniform while shooting movies, we require that you write an application letter to NYSC to indicate your interest.

“We also demand that you submit your script to us for proper vetting to know how NYSC will be represented. “We know the script is your copyright and we will do everything to ensure confidentiality,” he said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/11/get-approval-before-using-corps-members-uniform-in-movies-nysc-tells-filmmakers/

Kogi State government has refuted reports that a strange disease killed 50 persons in Olomaboro local government council of the state, saying deaths were recorded in neighbouring state, Enugu.

Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Audu made the clarification on Channels TV Sunrise Daily which was monitored by our correspondent, Wednesday.

He also explained why it was impossible for the disease to cross the boundary from Enugu to Kogi stressing that the dead were within the economic and productive age of 25 to 40 years and also listed the symptoms to include headache, red eye, loss of appetite, inability to urinate or defecate and convulsion before death.

However, the state Health Commissioner, Dr. Audu, faulted the lawmaker’s claims and urging journalists to be sent to Etteh community for on-the-spot assessment and validation of his (Audu) stance.

In the Health Commissioner’s words: “There is no death from any strange disease on our side of the divide.

“Etteh, a border community with Enugu State, is in Olamaboro Local Government of Kogi State. I have been in contact with Enugu Health Commissioner, who said samples have been taken (from the Enugu residents), while even NCDC had said the deaths (in Enugu) are from Yellow Fever.

“Also, a Rapid Response Team from Kogi Ministry of health has been to Etteh twice. No death was recorded.”

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/strange-disease-kogi-govt-debunks-rumoured-death-toll-says-all

Me: I would rather embrace COVID than allow my hands to be satanised... Lol

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has called on Nigerians to pray against bloodshed, unrest and confusion.

He made this known in a statement forwarded to Daily Post on Tuesday.

According to him, the unrest will be severe and it will affect everyone in the country including political leaders in the country.

He stated that if President Buhari doesn’t sack his service chiefs, there will be another protest that will call the attention of the international communities.

The cleric further revealed that it might cause Nigeria’s disintegration and will expose the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“There is something mysterious that will happen, I can’t say when but it will bring unrest in Nigeria, this will also affect the presidency and President Buhari will be in total confusion.

“Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb. I am seeing people running helter-skelter confused, I see people stoning governors, honorable, abusing Buhari, People will be running for safety.

“God isn’t happy with Buhari’s government because He has not done what the Lord has sent him, anybody can criticize this, blood will flow in Nigeria, we need prayers, I see unrest everywhere, either you are a governor or president, you are not going to escape it.

“If Buhari doesn’t sack his service chiefs, I am seeing another protest against the Buhari government which will call the attention of the international communities.

“This will expose Buhari’s government more, apart from corruption, Nigerians are no more safe, police won’t be safe because I am seeing attack everywhere, and this might even cause our disintegration, Buhari should wake up before it’s too late, I am seeing trouble, sorrow, Nigeria needs prayers’’

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/blood-will-flow-nigeria-may-disintegrate-primate-ayodele-s-fresh

...Promises to pay each Corps member a sum of N10,000

The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has assured the newly deployed 2020 Batch 'B' Steam 1 (A) members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, of their safety, insisting the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been demystified in the state and they should feel free to have a breath of fresh air.

The governor made the disclosure, Monday, at NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kabba during the Official opening/Swearing in ceremony of the scheme.

Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja admonished the Corps members to go into the society, various community and begin to live the creed, adding “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”.

"As the Chief Security Officer in Kogi State, I can assure you of 3 things:

"1. Your security is assured.

"2. In Kogi State, we have demystified the COVID 19 Pandemic and urge you all to feel free and have a breath of fresh air.

"3. Kogi State people are not only hospitable, but are good people to live with as long as you stay away from vices, crime and criminality," Gov Bello noted.

He also promised to pay a sum of N10,000 each to all serving Corps members in the state as an additional allowance to the N33,000 monthly stipend by the Federal Government.

His words; "Being a youth like you and as it has been my usual practice, I shall be handing out a token of N10,000 naira to each person via your account number. I will equally urge the coordinator to quickly provide us with the Names, State of Origin, Bank Details and Phone Numbers of the Corp Members as soon as possible."

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/gov-bello-to-corps-members-we-ve-demystified-covid-19-feel-free

...As the affected official undergoes scrutiny


Following the recent widely spread report of bread levy allegedly introduced by the Kogi State Government, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Usman A. Ibrahim on Tuesday, has been queried for official misconduct over the purported report.

This was contained, in a letter signed by the Head of Service, Kogi State Government, Mrs. Deborah Ogunmola, where the affected official was directed to respond within 24 hours to exculpate himself on why disciplinary action should not be taken for gross misconduct.

The HOS stated that the concerned official on the 9th of November, 2020 signed a letter addressed to the Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) kogi state branch on the subject of introducing an identified consulting company and levies on bread to all bakers and caterers doing business In and across the state.

Mrs. Ogunmola added that investigation revealed that the official acted without obtaining the approval of the Honourable Commissioner of the ministry and could not provide any file documenting the approval for the dissemination of such information.

The HOS stipulated that despite the official’s denial, his actions contravened the provisions of Public Service Rules, Section 4 – 030402 (1), (N) and (o) which might lead to his dismissal from the service.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/bread-levy-kogi-govt-may-sack-perm-sec-over-official-misconduct

It's as a result of the effective media coverage given to the camp by the OBS team

GeoAfrikana:
What's up with Ondo camp? Can anyone explain why Ondo camp is the only camp that has been making the headlines?

In the late hours of Sunday, about six hefty men fully armed reportedly kidnapped wife of a former House of Representatives member in Cross River, Patrick Orok Agbor.

One of the daughters of the former lawmaker who served in Akampka constituency from 1999 to 2003 told our reporter about the development, Monday.

Her words; "Good morning. Please my mother, Eno Patrick OROK was kidnapped yesterday, at about 10pm from our home, at Uyanga, Akamkpa LGA. About 6 gun men, fully armed with face masks, forced themselves into our compound and abducted her.

"She is about 60 years old. Works at Federal Training Institute Calabar, besides Roadsafety office Marian."

The abductors are yet to contact the family as at press time.

However, the Nigeria Police Force and a closet Army checkpoint at Odukpani area of the state have been informed about the incident.

Efforts to reach the security operatives to get further details by our reporter met rebuff as at the time of filing this report.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/11/breaking-former-lawmakers-wife-kidnapped-by-gunmen-in-cross-river/

When it comes to Nigerian news, there is no limit to how bizarre the story can get. From horrible hair stories to exorbitant charges, the list seems endless.

In this story, however, internet users have been made to see how very much multi-purpose a kitchen grater can be.

A video recently surfaced online which captured the moment a client was treating himself to a pedicure.

However, his was not just any type of pedicure, as what took the place of a regular foot scrub was none other than an iron grater.

The pedicurist is seen grating away what presumably is dead skin off the customer's foot.

Although only the foot undergoing the treatment appeared in the video, the customer's lack of resistance showed he didn't seem to mind.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/funny-reactions-as-pedicurist-uses-grater-on-customer-s-foot-in

Growing as a kid, my teacher told me 'Education is the key to success'. But I forgot to ask him of the door to unlock success if education is the key to it. What's the door?

The pictured young lady with white is a first class graduate of the Niger Delta University, Faculty of law as well as a first class graduate Nigeria law school. According to unsolicited reports, the said graduate was not honnoured by her state having make a jawbreaking record courtesy of her intellectual prowess. You're surprise, isn't it? Same here too!

The half naked girl with black, on the other hand, is a third class graduate of Big brother Nigeria, she was given a state reception and was also honnored with an appointment and was also declared role model to the Bayelsa state girl child (the face of the Bayelsa girl child). Isn't it amazing?

That reminds me... be mindful of the role model your kids open up their minds to because 'not all role models are good mentors'. That sinks right? Yes, it is deep!

Back to our discussion, I think it's now clear that my longheld question has finally gotten an answer... if education is the key then, entertainment is the door. But is this not a misplaced priority on our part?

For the past months, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has been in a seem to end industrial action with no sight of when the strike would be put to an halt. And our parents keep telling us we're the future leaders of tomorrow when we quite know the older generation are both leaders yesterday, today and till eternity rolls.

Before I hang my pen, let me quickly congratulate our ever-outstanding Nigerian graduates for making us proud in spite of the nonchalant and myopic attitude of some of the so-called leaders who think the 'door' is the only answer to everything while forgetting the 'key' in their narrow-minded brains. That sounds insulting, isn't it? It's permitted until they (the leaders) start majoring in the majority and not the other way round. My name is the voice that cannot be silenced.

Pen up!

Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group, says he's a die-hard supporter of the Oduduwa Republic.

Kanu made this assertion known via his verified Facebook handle, Sunday.

He posted;

“Next Yoruba nation peaceful rally 1st week of December 2020 infront of our royal fathers palace in Southwest —Kogi state, Ekiti state, Ondo state, Kwara state, Osun state, Oyo state, Ogun state, Lagos state,” said the separatist group.

""Wike and the irredeemable Efulefu brigade did you read that? Yes! Kwara and Kogi. Did any of you condemned souls notice that the governors of Kwara and Kogi have not invited Fulani supporter of APC army to start killing Oduduwa agitators or mouthing any garbage like Yoruba in Kogi is not the same as Yoruba in Ekiti as Wike did. Ndi iberibe.

"You won't even hear those evil and hypocritical Yoruba journalists saying, "leave Kogi and Kwara out of your agitation for Oduduwa" but the same journalists for hire will be writing their usual nonsense about #obigbo. I hope they learn from the commendable Oduduwa agitators are doing in trying to unify the Yoruba speaking groups in Nigeria.

"I am a 100% supporter of Oduduwa Republic comprising of ethnic Yoruba populations in Kogi and Kwara. We Biafrans are not as evil and vindictive as some Yoruba newspapers and those shamelessly foolish morons in Ohaneze."

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/i-m-100-supporter-of-odu-a-republic-nnamdi-kanu

The Ondo NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio has asserted that the orientation course put in place by the NYSC is to put prospective corps members in correct perspective for selfless service and nation building.

This was contained in a statement forwarded to our reporter by the Head, Public Relations Unit of the Ondo NYSC, Bankole Simeon, Sunday.

According to him, the State Coordinator made the assertion while giving overview of the NYSC in a lecture she delivered to 2020 Batch 'B' (Stream 1A) prospective corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare Akoko, Ondo State.

Mrs. Akpabio said that as Nigerians, we should believe in our country and cooperate with leaders to make it a better place for us all to live.

"My prospective corps members, I want you to do away with the erroneous impression that this country has no meaningful solutions to offer the young and vibrant youths in their quest for better future. Right from the three weeks orientation course, we have packaged programmes and activities that will impact positively on your future."

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/ondo-orientation-course-a-lifetime-experience-says-nysc-coord

Governor Yahaya Bello has vowed to deal with his men who hired a consultant to impose levies on each loaf of bread coming from Kogi state and has denied any knowledge of the recent development.

This is the same policy that the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo seriously defended on Friday, 13th November saying it would encourage indigenous bread bakers and thereby creating more jobs for the people in the state.

The governor denying any knowledge of this has attracted a strong criticism from a political commentator Usman Okai Austin who described Kogi state as a floating state under the leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the governor of the state whom he claimed has a perpetual habit of leaving the state in the hands of his Chief of Staff.

He further reiterated that his (Gov Bello) is only bourne out of the fact that the story has ignited bad press for him and has gone viral, creating so much embarrassment for him amongst his colleagues, and leaving him with no option than to shift blame on some else.

"It is imperative for a leader to stand up to bear the consequence of his action and inactions," he said.

He further stated that, "If truly he is unaware of this development then, it is a big shame, which further confirms my initial stand that the state is on autopilot. Kogi State is floating to only God knows where direction. The governor, who is supposed to be number one citizen of the state has abandoned the state for Abuja and is only interested in the state allocation."

"It is a big time disgrace that the state with abundant human and material resources has lost its leadership," he added.

The Comrade allegedly gave account of how Kogi state has been swimming in the ocean of embarrassment since Yahaya Bello took over the leadership of the confluence state.

Usman Okai speaking to media men in Abuja called on Yahaya Bello to return to the state and assume his leadership position.

According to him, the governor "is frolicking in Abuja, just driving expensive cars in convoy in and around Abuja. The state is left ungoverned and each of his aides are taking decisions without direction and without his consent".

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/bread-levy-kogi-is-on-autopilot-floating-without-direction-austin

The management of NYSC in Ondo State in conjunction with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) team is ensuring strict compliance to protocols of COVID -19 at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare Akoko.

The NCDC team has been working relentlessly to ensure that everyone entering the camp passes through the rigorous medical screening and cut edge testing to determine their status.
Less than twenty four (24) hours of arriving camp, the NCDC team led by Mr. Philips Olusola with the support of specially trained corps medical personnel had successfully conducted and completed the screening process for all the camp officials.

As a thoroughbred professional, Mr. Olusola is always going extra mile by moving around the camp to compel the recalcitrant ones to either conform with the guidelines or leave camp immediately.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator appealed to members of the camp community to protect themselves and others by wearing their nose masks in line with the approved standards.

"I want to make a passionate appeal to everyone to cooperate with the NCDC team to achieve the best for our camp. Some people who are using the face mask as chin guard should desist from doing so while all of us should become health educators," she said.

During the sensitisation on Coronavirus pandemic, the Director, Health Education from the Primary Health Care Authority, Akoko Northeast Local Government, Mrs. Adeola Belinda Omolayo said that the prospective corps members should promote personal hygiene to ward off the virus.

Mrs. Omolayo said that as the enlighten members of the society, it is incumbent on them to protect themselves as well as volunteer to educate both their colleagues and people of the host communities on dangers associated with COVID -19 pandemic.

She said that the war is far from being over as few of the advanced countries are in another wave of lockdown restrictions while others are still contemplating shutting down their respective countries to contain the spread of the disease.

The sensitisation which dwelt majorly on causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention was rounded up with practical demonstration of hand washing and basic techniques to prevent spread of the virus.

https://nyscondoeditorial.com/ondo-camp-ensures-strict-compliance-to-covid-19-guidelines/

The federal government says it will begin limiting the entry point of teaching only to individuals with second class upper and first-class divisions.

This was disclosed by the permanent secretary, federal ministry of education, Sonny Echono on Saturday, November 14.

Echnono said teachers without requisite qualifications, competencies and practicing license are presently migrated out of the Nigerian Teaching Service.

President Buhari had earlier stated that only the best should be allowed to teach.

His words: “By 2021, we will not engage teachers if they don’t meet the particular threshold, we are now limiting entry point of teaching only to the best who are qualified, we will engage individuals with second class upper and first-class divisions.”

Echono made the comment in Abuja while monitoring the conduct of the 2020 October Diet Batch B Teachers’ Professional Qualifying Examinations, (PQE).

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/fg-to-engage-1st-class-2nd-class-upper-graduates-as-teachers

Sierra Leone striker Kei Kamara has lamented at the poor state of mattress and pillows in his team hotel in Benin.

The Leone Stars arrived in Nigeria earlier this week ahead of their crucial 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday, November 13.

Both teams progress to Freetown four days later for the second leg of their encounter as the race for the competition hots up.

Coach Gernot Rohr's men already have six points from their first two games against Benin and Lesotho and victories for them in this doubleheader would guarantee them a ticket with two games in hand.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/sierra-leone-star-kamara-describes-mattress-in-nigerian-hotel-as

NaijaCoverBlog:
Click on the link on the thread and see for yourself bro

There's nothing like such in the video. We should ensure we know the truth of a matter deeply and stop taking laws into our hands.

As you prepare for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, you must take note of these essential materials if you must make your stay in camp worthwhile:

PHOTOCOPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS: just make up to 10-12 copies of every document required. There would be photocopiers in camp at mami market but trust me, it is double the price and it saves time. Statement of Result (Original and Photocopies), School ID Card (Original and Photocopies).

COPIES OF PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPHS: This is very important. From experience, we advise you make up to 30. Reason being that you would need them at every registration point mostly. Then those of you who would likely redeploy, you would need more than others. It is always advisable to have extra copies of them too.
CALL UP LETTER: This is a vital part of camp and the only evidence that you are a corpsmember (otondo) and you are not impersonating anyone. so if at all you even forget, your luggage (laughs) never forget this. Word of advice —- keep it like its your life, do not laminate it. We know someone who was sent back because she forgot hers and also someone who had to beg severally before his letter was collected because he laminated his copy. So, avoid all these stress and make enough copies of this letter like 15.

STATIONERIES: BIRO, PAPER, GLUE, TIPPEX AND STAPLER: Yeah this saves time and lots of unnecessary begging. Also, do not forget to include pins in your stapler.

ROUND-NECKED WHITE T-SHIRTS: This is an essential outfit in camp. In fact, in most camps, this is the only approved uniform to be worn throughout your 3 weeks . Even to church, you might not be allowed to wear coloured cloths. You would be given 2 pairs of white T-shirts at camp to just fulfill all righteousness which surely would never be your size especially our very slim and small otondo in size. So, you can bring extra pairs (3). Word of advice: do not carry more than 2 pairs of coloured clothes because you won't need it.
WHITE SHORTS: It's advisable you come with at least two extra white shorts, you would also be given 2 pairs of shorts which are really poor in material. They tear easily and are thick . It can be annoying. So, our dear otondos bring like 4 pairs of shorts. Trust us, you won't like to wash everyday, hence, bring enough to last you like 3 days so that you wont be stranded.

PLAIN WHITE SNEAKERS/TENNIS SHOES: These are very important outfits. You would also be given a pair of low quality tennis shoes, that is, NYSC customised. It's either you are not given your size or it might be torn. So, just buy some while coming. They also sell this in camp in case you are not able to get you could buy in camp; just carry extra cash for that because the price would be higher since they know you have no choice than to buy.

WHITE SOCKS: Just get extra pairs. You would also be given 2 pairs in camp.

A PAIR OF SLIPPERS: This will be useful for bathing and doing other chores during camping.

DETTOL: This is very very essential. Firstly, the bathrooms can be very annoying and dirty and you would not like to have infection from camp. Bad idea? Yes, it is! Also, the water can be dirty. Most people always have reaction to it.

MOSQUITO NET: Sure, you wouldn't want to fall sick in camp from malaria. Just bring yours. Also, bring ropes you would use to tie it to the wall. You may also use yours as a room to protect your box and properties from thieves and also from some insects and ants.

OTHERS: Towel, bed spreads, a pillow and its cover. You could also get pillow from mammy market but at a very high cost.

NOVEL: For those who get bored easily, you may please carry some literatures while coming. And for guys, PSP or chess should be preferable. Also iPod and Mp3 are additional materials you may wish to come along with.

CASH: Extremely important. you would need between 15000 – 20000 for the extravagant spenders, and for those that can manage say 10000-15000. There are lots of things that take up money. Things like food (for those who don’t intend eating camp food), recharge cards, charging of phones, pleasures etc.

NOTE—- You won't be allowed to leave camp at will except in case of emergency, which is very rare. So, do not be stranded. Trust us, not a good idea. Just budget 1000 per day. You could carry your ATM card incase of miscellaneous.

ALMIGHTY WAIST POUCH/BAG: Very very essential . This served as your bank and locker for important items. Things like phones, money, ID card, keys, ATM cards etc. We even know someone who sleeps with hers on because of people on the loose to steal.

TORCHLIGHT OR RECHARGEABLE LAMPS: Most or in fact all camps do not give light except at a specific time of the day. It's very essential especially at night when you need to use the bathroom, early in the morning when preparing for morning drills and meditations, at night in case you need to do anything. At mami, there is always light till they close. You can charge them there at a little fee.

BASIC DRUGS: Like panadol or paracetamol, allergy medicine, menstrual pain drug, nausea relief drugs, antibiotics etc. The camp clinic is always inadequately filled with drugs so help yourself.

PADLOCKS: Please lock your boxes and bags to avoid regrets and crying. We know people who lost things to thieves due to carelessness

Toiletries /Sanitary Pad. Bucket, soap dish (buy at the camp site, don’t stress yourself taking one to the place, they always sell in the camp).

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/nysc-orientation-camp-list-of-things-you-must-not-forget-to-take