₦airaland Forum

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship flagbearer, Engr. Wada Musa and Senator Dino Melaye have been reconciled ahead of the 16 November gubernatorial election in Kogi.

This development was followed by the reconciliation of the Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello with the All Progressive Congress (APC) national and state excos.

The duo (Dino and Wada) were recently spotted on camera while embracing each other in a friendly way.

Recall the last PDP primaries in the state saw the declaration of Wada as the party flagbearer having scored the highest number of votes cast while Dino came fourth with 70 votes cast.

Here is a template for writing a CDS project proposal for NYSC Corp members.

I hope you find it useful.

Title: A PROPOSAL FOR PERSONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

Project idea: WRITING, PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION OF FREE COPIES OF THE BOOK:

“COMPUTER STUDIES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS” AND CONDUCTING AWARENESS PROGRAMS ON THE IMPORTANCE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PRESENTED BY: KINDSON MUNONYE

[/b]STATE CODE: RV/08B/1626

[b]CALL UP NUMBER: NYSC/UST/2008/453223

PLACE OF PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT: MODEL BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL, OMOKU, ONELGA, RIVERSSTATE FEBRUARY 2009

[b][/b]INTRODUCTION

Over the years the world has seen a remarkable increase in the use and benefits of Computer/Information Technology. With the aid of Information and Communication Technology, information dissemination becomes easier, learning becomes more interesting and skill acquisition improves.

However observation shows that Nigeria has not been able to tap into the full potential of the merits of Information Technology. This is not because the technology is too difficult or too abstract or even too expensive (as computer systems have become cheaply available lately) but because the awareness on the benefits of Computer knowledge has not been sufficiently created.

It is against this backdrop that this project is been carried out, to address the serious lag in the growth and development of Information Technology. The aims and objectives of this project is outlined in the next section.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Encourages Integration of Information Technology in Schools While it is true that in recent years, some schools (secondary schools) have started offering computer studies as a subject, the interest and emphasis laid on it remains at minimum.

The publication(as mentioned in the cover page) will help all and sundry, teachers especially to see the need to implement the integration Computer Studies into the school curriculum if it has not already been done.

We are living in the Information Age where almost everything is based on Information and Communication Technology: registering for exams (UME, SSCE, GCE etc), payment of fees and bills, record keeping among others. As such what subject could be more important than Study of

Information (Computer Studies) which is at par with the age we are living in? Moreso, why should students be left in the dark with respect to what is happening in the civilized world? Therefore Computers should be viewed as a priority in Secondary Schools as it incorporates close to equal amount of theory and practicals together with other benefits.

2. Encourages Personal Development for Teachers The field of Computer Technology is an evolving one, ever improving with each passing day and changes with the changes of the industrialized world. Consider the evolvement of Programming Languages. Some decades ago saw the use of procedural languages like FORTRAN and BASIC but today such are not much useful as we now have Object Oriented Languages and Database Oriented Languages. This being the case, I am not sure that any teacher that strongly welcomes Computer Technology would in any way like to be left behind as development unfolds. Such teachers would certainly like to keep in touch with latest improvement in the field and be up-to-date with the latest developments. And how can this be achieved? No other way than research personal studies through the use of the Internet, Libraries, E-Libraries, forums, workshops and the like. If this happens, the economy will certainly grow as teachers are the engine that churns out the future drivers of the country’s economy.


3. Helps Students Acquire Useful Skills A student that is good in the use of computers right from his secondary school has one of the most important skills this dying world has to offer.

Observably, many students in the tertiary institution have been able to sustain themselves and even their schooling by harnessing the computer knowledge they acquired during their years in secondary schools. Such students take up part-time jobs doing computer-related works and even handling technical problems arising in computer systems. What better skill can be bestowed on students?

4. Raise Interest Level in IT Generally, students’ interest level in certain subjects (Mathematics for example) if found to be low. This can be attributed to factors like: teachers inefficiency in teaching, unseriousness on the part of the students, lack of awareness on the benefits of the subject or even, inadequate textbooks and reading materials among other factors. But in the case of Computer Studies, the low interest level arises mainly due to lack of awareness on the benefits of the subject and partly by lack of effective textbooks. This project addresses these problems as the book makes the concept in Computer Studies less abstract, more practical and thereby more interesting and easy to understand. The style of writing is also tailored to the outlook of the Nigerian teachers and students.

WHO THE PROJECT IS AIMED AT

1. Students in Secondary Schools

The project will especially benefit secondary school students as the book being prepared covers the government approved syllabus for computer studies and more. Especially with the review questions at the end of each chapter, students are assisted to prepare for any exams.

2. Teachers

The book will also help teachers develop skills needed for effective teaching of computer studies in schools as well as other practical knowledge of computers.

3. Parents

Parents are would also find the book very important as it becomes necessary for them to know to a reasonable extent what the child is really being taught in the classroom. They also have the opportunity of developing themselves in the aspect of computer appreciation

4. Students in Higher Institutions

For students in higher institutions, Computer related course has always been part of the Foundation courses. compulsory for every student. You will be helped to appreciate why computer needs to be studied no matter your discipline or area of specialization.

5. Those aspiring to go into study of Information Technology

For those would later specialize on Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other areas of ICT, the textbook provides the rudimentary knowledge on the principles of what would be studied.

STRATEGY ON ACTUALIZING THE PROJECT

This project does not just end with distribution of the book but conscious creation on awareness on the importance of Computer Knowledge in our society with emphasis on schools.

In the light of this, the following are strategies or analysis of how the the project will be actualized, that is to say, the work to be done in the course of the project as well as work already carried out.

(a) Obtaining the syllabus for Computer Studies for secondary schools
(b) Engaging in intensive research in Libraries and the Internet to obtain the relevant information
(c) Actual organizing and producing the manuscript for the publication as enclosed with this letter.(a draft copy of the publication is enclosed)
(d) Involving IT professionals including lecturers in proof-reading and accessing the produced manuscript
(e) Actual publishing of the textbook
(f) Printing about 100 to 200 copies of the book to be distributed freely to the public.
(g) Reaching out to schools and organizing computer awareness lectures in schools

(h) Giving out of free copies of the books to as many schools as possible as well as members of the public who are youths.


DURATION OF THE PROJECT

The project will be divided into five (5) phases which totally will cover a period 16 weeks that is about 3 months and 3 weeks. What is involved in each phase is outlined below.

PHASE NO

PHASE

DURATION

STRATEGIES

I Information Gathering
2 weeks

II Producing the Manuscript
8 weeks

III Assessment
2 weeks

IV Production
2 weeks

V Distribution and Enlightenment
3 weeks

CONCLUSION

I am very sure that with this project will make a considerable impact on the outlook of student, teachers and the public at large. It is very obvious that challenges would be encountered in the course of the project, but I will not relent or be overwhelmed by any challenges as I am determined to see improvement in the general interest in Information Technology.

Granted, this no doubt marks a step in the right direction but it would not be necessary to stop at this as other related projects needs to be carried out.

Many countries that achieved a high level of Industrialization never achieve it in one day and so we also believe that with the necessary support given to projects like this, we would no doubt find a place among the leading nations in technology.

Read also: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/30-must-have-things-for-nysc-orientation-camp

First runner up in the People's Democrtic Party (PDP) primaries, Alh. Abubakar Ibrahim Idris has raised concern about the results of the exercise.

Speaking after the decalration of Engr. Mus Wada winner of the primary election, Ibrahim, who came second, said that the winner defeated him with 38 votes, which he said, was not up to the missing 247 ballot papers.

He expressed the confidence that if the missing ballot papers could be recovered, he would emerge the winner.

Recall the Chairman of the governorship primary election committee, Gov. Ahmadu Fintri, told newsmen on Wednesday in Lokoja that Wada emerged by polling 748 votes to beat 12 other aspirants including the embattled Senator Dino Melaye who polled 70 votes.

Fintri also said that the 247 missing ballot papers could be as a result of the invasion of the venue of the primary by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, saying that the number was not enough to damage the integrity of the exercise.

He added that any aggrieved aspirant was free to lodge appeal with the national secretariat of the party.

Following the just concluded People's Democratic Party primary in Kogi state, the embattled Senator Dino Melaye has rejected the outcome of the election.

Melaye made this known on his verified Facebook handle (Senator Dino Melaye) on Wednesday after the declaration of Engr Musa Wada as the winner.

He said: "It is ridiculous to declare a final result of PDP Governorship primary election in Kogi state when my votes sorted out yesterday in 8 out of 10 ballot boxes are missing.

"Only to declare votes in 2 out of 10 ballot boxes as my votes. Totally unacceptable."

Recall that the primary was reportedly distorted by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday that led to the death of one party faithful as many others were injured while running for safety.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/kogi-pdp-primary-dino-melaye-rejects-results-as-wada-emerges-winn

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to Governor Yahaya Bello and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the gun attack at its governorship primary election in Lokoja, Kogi state.

In a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said the resort to violence and bloodletting cannot save the failed governor and his party, the APC, as the PDP and the people of Kogi state are firm in the irreversible resolve to use every means available in a democracy to confront and vanquish APC’s evil plots ahead of the November governorship election.

“It is clear to all that Governor Yahaya Bello has become chaotic in the face of his rejection by the people as well as the soaring popularity of the PDP in Kogi state, and has now resorted to violence in a failed desperate attempt to prevent our party from presenting a candidate for the election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP had a peaceful, decent, clean, clear, credible and transparent process in the conduct of our primary. Accredited delegates had voted and the balloting had been concluded in a very orderly manner before the vicious attack by the gunmen, who were shouting pro-Bello mantra and accompanied by known APC faces.

“The PDP only has pity for Yahaya Bello and the APC because our processes are still intact and nothing can sway our resolve as well as strong will by the people of Kogi state to kick them out of office in November.

“This is more so as the attack has further united our governorship aspirants, critical stakeholders, leaders and teeming members and supporters across the state for a common front against Yahaya Bello and the APC."

Read also: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/just-in-yahaya-bello-slams-pdp-over-gunmen-invasion-at-primary

ome protesters on Wednesday morning stormed a Shoprite mall in Abuja to protest the attack on Nigerians in South Africa.

The protesters, who appear to have been prevented by the police from attacking the mall, burnt tyres and a billboard along the Abuja-airport road.

Their actions caused a traffic build-up on the Abuja-airport expressway causing diversion of traffic.

Shoprite, a retail shopping outlet of South African origin, has been a major victim of retaliatory attacks by Nigerians.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/just-in-xenophobia-protesters-target-abuja-shoprite-burn-tyres-bi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has totally condemned the renewed attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses in South Africa which has led to the loss of lives and properties worth Millon’s of Naira.

In a communique by spokesperson to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwonye, the Nigerian Government said it is engaging the relevant South African authorities via the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Consulate General in Johannesburg and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja to ensure that definite measures are put in place to curtail the unfortunate attacks.

The Federal Government commended the arrest of some perpetrators of the dastardly act by the South African Police and call on timely prosecution to serve as deterrence to others.

However, due to the tension created by the attacks, the Government of Nigeria wished to advice Nigerians to avoid travelling to high risk and volatile areas until the situation is brought under control.

Mr. Nwonye in his statement assured Nigerians that that the Government is committed to protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians in South Africa.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/xenophobia-avoid-travelling-to-sa-fg-warns-nigerians

A total of 34 governorship aspirants have been cleared by the Peoples Democratic Party to contest its governorship primary in Bayelsa and Kogi states today (Tuesday).

Kogi State produced 13 aspirants including Bayo Averehi, Aminu Suleiman, Wada Idris, Dino Melaye, Erico Ameh, Grace Adejoh, Abubakar Ibrahim, Kabiru Haruna, Musa Wada, Saliu Atawodi, Mohammed Adah, Victor Adoji, and Emmanuel Omebije.

On the other hand, 21 aspirants emerged from Bayelsa State. They are Oliver Tariela, Kaniebi Okoko, Great Maciver, Franklin Osaisai, Ndutime Alaibe, Benson Agadaga, Frederick Agbedi, Reuben Okoya, Diri Douye, Talford Ongolo, Kemlea Okara, Gboribiogha Jonah, Benson Konbowei, Godknows Igali, Johnson Kiyaramo, Paulker Emmanuel, Anthony George-Ikoli, Robinson Etolor, Nimibofa Ayawei, David Alagoa and Igiri Ziperedein.

The aspirants who responded to our correspondent’s inquiries on Monday said they were hopeful of credible primaries, adding that the party had promised to ensure proper arrangements for credible elections.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said he was not aware if any aspirant was disqualified.

Ologbondiyan advised the aspirants to conform to the rules of engagement that would engender qualitative elections as planned by the national headquarters of the party.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/34-aspirants-contest-bayelsa-kogi-gov-pdp-primaries

Scenes of devastation in the Marsh Harbour area of the Abaco Islands has been shared on Twitter by eyewitness Vernal Cooper, who found shelter at a government building when the eye of the storm hit.

“There’s damages everywhere around my area,” Cooper said, who posted the video on Monday night. “Cars and houses destroyed. This is what’s left of Marsh Harbour. This needs to end.”

He says his home was also affected by the category 5 hurricane.

“The roof was blown off, with wind and rain battering inside the house. It was the single most scariest [sic] thing I’ve ever experienced in my life."

Cooper added that many people in Abaco are struggling to contact their relatives because power outages have cut communication lines.

"So many family members are worried."

Watch video at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/just-in-hurricane-video-captures-devastation-in-marsh-harbour-bah?fbclid=IwAR2Jg4i_VprObPV5P_MeoUhxGyXOmaLvcal_yRN8lCFOAQEaJrv6A0KwcC8

As the situation intensifies between foreign nationals and locals in most parts of Gauteng, Nigerians have launched a revolt against what is being termed as xenophobic attacks, and are calling on the infamous terrorist group, Boko Haram, to “unleash revenge in South Africa.”

Things have not improved in some parts of Johannesburg, where looters have targeted foreign-owned shops since Monday.

According to the latest information released by the police, at least 100 people have been placed under arrest for their alleged participation in the pillaging of foreign-owned shops we saw between Sunday and Monday.

“They were arrested on a variety of crimes including malicious damage to property, attempted murder, theft, housebreaking,” police spokesperson, Vishnu Naidoo, revealed in a statement.

He also confirmed that, as things stand, two people died, including a woman, as a result of the violence that broke out in the city. While things are said to have calmed down in some parts of the city, it seems that on Tuesday morning, the violence moved to the Alexandra township.

Watch video at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/xenophobia-nigerians-call-on-boko-haram-to-attack-south-africa-vi

The Federal Government has summoned South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, over the attacks and a meeting is scheduled to hold today.

Onyema had earlier on Monday vowed the Federal Government would take decisive measures following the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.

He described the news of the attack as ‘sickening and depressing.’

Received sickening and depressing news of continued burning and looting of Nigerian shops and premises in #SouthAfrica by mindless criminals with ineffective police protection. Enough is enough. We will take definitive measures.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/4565467:Topic:2867447

Nigerian Governors, as custodians of the people’s mandate at the state level, have so much expectations placed on their shoulders. These range from policy formulations to execution of sustainable projects targeted at improving the lives of citizens.

Admittedly, governance is a daunting task, especially in the face of lean resources. But even in the face of these huddles, some helmsmen have shown exceptional capacity to better their societies while others have appeared as laggards.

The debate is on, necessitating an urgent media intervention to guide public discourse. Ripples Nigeria, in line with our avowed mandate of holding leaders, especially elected ones, accountable on behalf of the people, will attempt a monthly performance review of the governors.

These series of publications start August, 2019, and will run through the lifetime of this platform. Beginning August, therefore, we present a ranking of Nigerian governors, highlighting top 5 and bottom 5.

We hope that, through these special publications, we would engender a competitive spirit between and among the governors and ultimately drive our nation toward the path of lifting its citizens from abject poverty to prosperity.

Here the top 5 Nigerian governors below:

1. Seyi Makinde – Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State made a blistering start as the governor of Oyo State and may likely become the poster boy of Nigerian Governors if he continues in the current form. From publicly declaring his assets running into several billions, a feat largely alien to Nigerian politicians, he went ahead to refuse taking monthly salaries, electing to donate same to pensioners in the state. Aside this, the first term governor also took steps to sanitise the state by banning the activities of the highly violent transport unions in Oyo, restoring sanity to the environment by coming hard on illegal structures defacing Ibadan, the state capital. To cap his eventful August, Governor Makinde showed his belief in youths by appointing a 27-year-old as a commissioner, a move that incurred the wrath of members of his party.

2. Bello Matawalle – Zamfara

Before the coming on board of Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, the state gained immense notoriety for banditry, where lives became so cheap, with killings and kidnapping becoming the most frequent occurences. However, Zamfara has taken the back seat in these areas, thanks to Governor Matawalle’s ingenous handling of the volatile situation. Aside engaging in dialogue to rein in bandits and warring factions in the state, which had led to repentant bandits taking over the fight against banditry by personally going after recalcitrant bandits, the governor also showed courage and political will in sanctioning and removing traditional rulers indicted for aiding bandits in the state, a move his predecessor, ex-Governor Abdulaziz Yari lacked courage to implement. It is our hope, though, that the policy of appeasing bandits only represents a short term measure, and that a more sustainable security architecture is institutionalized with appropriate sanctions applied against societal deviants.

3. Professor Babagana Zulum – Borno

Governor Babagana Zulum has been a study in courage. Since he took charge of governance in insurgency-ravaged North Eastern state of Borno, he has courageously dared the terrorist group, insisting he would not be cowed or intimidated.

Determined to give governance a new face, the tough-talking governor has shown leadership in the way he is setting fresh standards for public or civil servants intent on their old ways of running government as an unserious business.

We are particularly impressed by Zulum’s resolve to publicly sanction erring civil servants who had made a habit of abandoning work and fraudulently earning salaries they did not work for. His Agro-rangers initiative, where a group of armed men are assigned to protect citizens in their farms, if followed through, is capable of ensuring food security despite the insurgency. The decision of the former University of Maiduguri professor to donate the dreaded Sambisa Forest to Nigerian Government’s RUGA Project is welcome, especially as the region is considered one of the nation’s largest land mass capable of sustaining an agro-allied industry.

See full story at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/ranking-nigerian-gov-2019-top-5-bottom-5

The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Olukoya and his wife, Pastor Folashade, have narrated what transpired during their marriage proposal and acceptance, with a throw back Picture in 1986.

This was contained in a Facebook post by Marital Success Academy on Tuesday, 27th August 2019.

According to Olukoya, "I asked God for a woman who would want to work and fit into what God wanted me to do and the Lord brought her image.

"I wasn’t sleeping o. It wasn’t a dream, and God said “this is the woman”. Again, I prayed three times and got the same answer “ this is the woman”.

"That was my first testimony.  "My father, who was a pastor also prayed. He had never seen her, but when he visited Lagos and saw her for the first time, he said “… this is the woman I saw too”.

"It’s not a question of I feel led, or I think so, I heard and I saw before I took a step."

Reacting to the above statement, Folashade said, "When I first met my husband, I was a chorister. I was very inexperienced and all I knew was to serve my God.

Read more at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/how-i-proposed-to-my-wife-in-1986-olukoya

The award Ballon d'Or, UEFA Best Player and FIFA World's Best Player have stirred a lot of controversies in recent times as a result of some of the misconceptions associated with it over the years.

The above categories of award have their peculiarities and differences as far as the game of Football is concerned.

Here are the three facts to know about Ballon d'Or, UEFA Best Player and FIFA World's Best Player:

Balloon d'or is a France award given to the best player in the world, usually voted by players(captains), international journalists and coaches.

UEFA player of the year is given to the best player in Europe.

The FIFA world's best award is the grand finale. It is a global award for the best player in the world. It is usually or sometimes given at the beginning of the next year.. e.g early 2020.

Balloon d'or award comes up September 23, 2019 in Italy.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/quick-facts-to-know-about-ballon-d-or-uefa-best-player-and-fifa-w

Ronaldo and Messi have been inseparable at the highest echelons of their sport for more than a decade as both have helped their respective teams to domestic and European trophies, scooping the majority of individual prizes to boot.

But on Thursday they demonstrated their rivalry may be a friendly one because of the Juventus FC striker's invitation for a night together.

"We shared the stage 15 years, me and him," Ronaldo, sitting next to Messi, said at the UEFA Champions League group stage draw, as broadcast by BT Sport .

"I don't know if its ever happened in football, the same two guys, in the same stage, all the time. So it's not easy. Of course, we have good relationship. We not have dinner together yet, but I hope in the future.

"Of course I miss playing in Spain," he added. "We have that battle. He push me and I push him as well."

See more photos at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/photos-cristiano-ronaldo-and-lionel-messi-chatting-at-the-uefa-aw

Joshua Beckford is an 14-year-old boy with Autism.

Beckford studied Philosophy at the prestigious Oxford University.

This makes him special because he experiences the world differently.

He has a passion for making the world a better place and believes if we don't save our Planet nothing else that we do is important.

"I am passionate about making the world a better place because, if we don't save our Planet nothing else that we do is important."

He made this statement known during an exclusive interview with TED.

Watch the video at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/video-14-yr-old-joshua-beckford-in-exclusive-interview-with-ted

Arogbonlo Israel


Joshua Beckford, one of the smartest kids in world graduated from the prestigious Oxford University at the age 14, which naturally sent Nigerians flocking to social media.

At six, Beckford emerged the youngest person with autism to be accepted to Oxford University where he studied philosophy and history One of the world smartest boys Joshua Beckford is set to visit Nigeria.

According to report, Beckford was named as one of the most intelligent children in the world as he graduated from the prestigious Oxford University at age 14.

In a related news, the genius is expected to visit Nigeria where he is to raise fund for the building of a school project in Kaduna state.

VANGUARD gathered some reactions on Facebook as follows:

While reacting to the news @Victor James  said, "You have to be 16 before you are admitted into the university in UK how come he graduated before the age of majority?"

Another user @Sammy O Oluwole Olojede in disbelief said, "Why I did my own common entrance exam @18years in those days, nawaa oooo."

Happy about the news @Timi Crescent said, "Waw. Congratulations����.
Here in Nigeria he won't even given admission into some public varsities."

Commending Beckford on his feat @Ayuba Musa said, "But this should be in a Guinness book's of record."

Reacting to a user who goes by the name Alexander Uche @Abubakar Kadir said, "Dear Alexander nwateacher uche if you can't encourage people from doing the right thing. Just make sure you keep you mouth shut. By the way it is an information. You either know the authentication of the post so why all these?"

While @Lukkaz Obiagwu Kenneth in his views, advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to learn from Beckford's story by improving in its human developmental plans. 

"Its possible the boy is a genius and there are some like him abroad. Nigerian govt should learn how to harness her citizen talents early, so that they serve the country for a longer time and also, impact positively to the society."

Read also: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/joshua-beckford-youngest-boy-to-attend-university-at-6-set-to-vis

As a top army officer holding command position, he abused public trust and was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Realising that he had been boxed into a tight corner, with clear evidence of guilt laid bare before him, the officer sang like a canary as he confessed his thievery of public fund.

Sullen and distraught, he begged authorities, offering to forfeit more than two-thirds of his loot hidden in a secret bank account offshore, those familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES.

He did not want to be prosecuted or publicly humiliated over the matter. His traducers empathised with him, accepted his offer, secretly reprimanded him and allowed him the freedom to enjoy the remainder of his loot in peace.

But that man — Bashir Magashi, a retired army major general — who got away with a slap on the wrist after stealing and shipping abroad not less than $550,000 while in service, has now bounced back, emerging one of the country’s most powerful ministers.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/this-man-stole-from-nigeria-today-he-s-minister-in-buhari-s-cabin

The General Overseer of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), David Oyedepo recently spoke on security issues in the country, the constant attacks and bombing in the northern part of Nigeria.

Bishop Oyedepo pointed out that with the government’s slow response to combating boko haram insurgents, Nigeria may just be on the verge of a breakup.

He said that all that the Christian organisation can do to help is to pray for the country while the federal government combats this menace.

Bishop David Oyedepo said, "I hope that we are willing to find solution to it. I would be the last person in this world to believe that government has not discovered those who are behind Boko Haram. Otherwise, we don’t have any intelligence service in our country.

"Are they sacred cows that cannot be brought to book? Until we cut the source of their supplies and get those who are involved, we cannot stop them. But the danger is this, and I must say it here, we are at the verge of a break up. That is the truth. It’s unfortunate.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/nigeria-is-at-the-verge-of-a-breakup-oyedepo?fbclid=IwAR1qv-QRzYcdu-YiLqbGz6pfPkhEe1vlhlk3MtpSxijp658ZmiC6ZX-qZjg

Bordered by the North, West and East protectorates, Kogi is a state with a dichotomous view of the Nigerian people and culture. The state consists of a wooded savanna region bisected by the southward-flowing Niger River and the Benue River with a major tributary of the Niger forming part of the state's northeastern border. Endowed with a rich cultural diversity, Kogi boasts of three major ethnic group; the Igala peoples are the main ethnic group (east of the Niger), while the Ebira and Okun live in the west of the river respectively.

The people solely depend on Agriculture as the mainstay of the economy of the state. Major crops include: yams, cassava, beans, rice, maize, and cotton. Riverine fishing is also important. Coal is mined for national distribution from the Okaba fields in the northern Udi-Nsukka Plateau, east of the Niger River. Nigeria’s largest known deposit of iron ore is found on the Agbaja Plateau north of the state capital, Lokoja. Marble is quarried at Jakura, 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Lokoja, and the town has a lime-processing plant as well. While Ejiba housed one of the largest rice mill in West Africa. Ajaokuta is the site of a major iron and steel plant. Lokoja, on the west bank of the Niger River, is connected by road northward to Abuja and southwestward to Benin City. Idah, on the east bank of the Niger, is a major trading and ferrying port.

Background


The state was created in 1991 from parts of Kwara and Benue. The state as presently constituted, comprises the people of the Kabba Province of Northern Nigeria. One of the first Qadi in the Kogi State was Faruk Imam. Surprisingly, the name Nigeria, was coined in Lokoja, Kogi capital city by Lady Flora Shaw, the future wife of Baron Lugard, a British colonial administrator, while gazing out at the river Niger.

Leadership

According to report, Abubakar Audu was the first democratically elected governor of the state. He came into office in January 1992. After completing his first tenure in November 1993, he was reelected as governor on 29 May 1999 through the political platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) formerly known as All People's Party (APP). Ibrahim Idris of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) took over from Abubakar Audu on 29 May 2003 as the second democratically elected governor of the state. The former also served two terms in office before handing over to Idris Wada (PDP) on 29 March 2008. While Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello in a dramatic election held on 21 November 2015 that saw the death of Abubakar Audu, became the fourth executive governor of the state. Kogi state consists of twenty-one 921) Local Government Areas, which inlcude: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina (the largest LGA in the state), Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Koton Karfe, Lokoja, Mopa-Muro, Ofu, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, Okene, Olamaboro, Omala, Yagba East, and Yagba West. It is interesting to note that the history of Kogi can be best liken to a seasonal movie that comes in parts and forms with a lot of lessons to learn in the long run. Indeed, the state has risen from the file and rank to be reckoned with as one of the most dramatic states in the history of the Nigerian nation.

Education and people


Kogi is home to intellectuals with the state hosting the Federal University (Lokoja), Kogi State University Anyigba, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State Polytechnic (Okone), College of Education Ankpa), College of Agriculture Kabba, Kogi State College of Education, Technical (Kabba) among others. The state has produced some of the pronounced intellectuals Nigeria ever had. They include but not limited to the following: Late Francis Idachaba (one of the Nigeria’s most eminent men of letters), Dino Melaye (an outspoken senator representing Kogi west), Ado Ibrahim (a Nigerian paramount monarch who is the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland), Yayaha Bello (the embattled governor of Kogi), Michael Idakwo Ameh (a Nigerian paramount monarch who is the Attah of Igala), Smart Adeyemi (a former National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists from 1999 to 2006) etc.

Sports


Kogi State has produced sprinters such as Sunday Bada and other sportsmen, who have contributed to the growth of sports worldwide. Kogi United and Babanawa F.C. are football teams based in the state. Other sports, such as swimming, handball, and table tennis are actively promoted in the state. The Kogi state Sports Council had a track record of Directors and great personnel team Who at one time or the other had worked with the vision of putting the State fully on the world map. Among them are personalities like Mr. Francis Umoru, Mr. Mohammed Emeje, Mr. Benjamin O. Ameje, Mr. A. Ogido, Mr. Joel J. Abu and others. Among other sportsmen produce by the state is Shola Ameobi, an Ayetoro Gbede born Ijumu, English footballer, currently playing for Bolton Wanderers as a striker, late Sunday Bada 400 Metres Olympic Champion from Ogidi in Ijumu Local Govt. of the state.

Tourism


Tourist attractions in Kogi State include the colonial relics (such as Lord Lugard House), the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, Ogidi (An African town with formations of Igneous Rock mountains and a traditional art & craft industry) and natural land features hills and terrains that serve as hiking trails.

Now that the state is 28, there is a huge expectation on the part of the people to see a better Kogi come 16 November when they would be deciding the destiny of the state. It is believed that the journey so far is only a tip of the iceberg; as many things are yet to be unfolded. There is great expectation that the next phase of the state will mark the beginning of turning point to the development of Nigeria at large. Long live Kogi!



Arogbonlo Israel, writes from Lagos
gemid931@gmail.com

Following the celebration of the 30th anniversary/international convention of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, the General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya on Sunday awarded over 300 first class graduates alongside three NYSC presidential awardees.

According to him, this was in line with the 70-point agenda for the youths across all the nations in the world.

“As part of the 70-point agenda for the youths, I made a statement in 2010 that, any member of the MFM that perform excellently well in school would be giving an official car among other cash prizes. Dickson signs executive order for automatic employment for first class graduates.

“At the inception, 19 students benefited from the initiative while in 2015, it went up to 115 beneficiaries. I couldn’t withstand the burden so, I had to call for more sponsors to partner with me due to the rise of the first class graduates who have been so excellence freak in their various disciplines over the years.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/mfm-produces-largest-number-of-first-class-olukoya/

A Cameroonian boat conveying at least 100 passengers allegedly capsized on Nigerian waters on Sunday, resulting in some casualties.

A spokesman of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, Sub Liutenant A. A. Amai, confirmed the incident to our Correspondent in Calabar on Monday night.

“I am aware of the incident, but the information I got is sketchy.

“I don’t know the number of casualties yet,” he said.

He said rescue operation was going on as of the time of the report.

It was gathered that the boat was conveying dozens of passengers when it ran into stormy waters and capsized.

Sources said the boat, with over 100 passengers and crew members, left Terminal C of the Nigeria Ports Authority operated by Shoreline Logistics in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, en route Cameroon on Sunday when it capsized in the Gulf of Guinea between Nimunda and Edina, in Cameroon.

The boat was heading to Tiko Wharf in Cameroon’s Southwest region.

It was alleged that the boat was overloaded and that might have contributed to the incident.

See more photos at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/dozens-missing-as-cameroonian-boat-capsizes-with-over-100-on-boar

The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Daniel Olukoya has urged Nigerians particularly the Christians to move to the next level of revival so as to avert further calamities in the later days.

While addressing the congregation during the 30th anniversary/convention of the church held at Prayer city on Saturday, Olukoya said: "Many things have gone wrong in our world now. If you’re a true member or minister of God and you’re doing your work peacefully, the Lord will bless you in a dumbfounding way.

"The best is yet to come here in MFM. No one comes to MFM by chance, those who come here came by divine agenda.

"Even if what you’re looking for hasn’t arrived yet, by the divine covenant that established this ministry, you will be indeed be blessed. We (MFM) want to move to our next level, the next level is revival."

Olukoya who anchored his sermon on the topic 'Rearranged for revival' noted that the present generation is powerless and needs urgent revival.

"What we have now is powerless Christianity, many who are massively drinking from the waters of fornication, somersaulting preachers, they somersault from where they are to the place where the enemy has caught them, we have stingy church members, those who are glued to the world, spiritual laziness.

"A lot of people gravitate to those places where prayers are not taking place. Whey are they going there? It is because they have anti-prayer demon. What did the bible say? It said pray without ceasing. It didn’t say preach without ceasing."

He added: "Modern day churches have become entertainment freaks. They entertain in church. There is this loss of heavenly focus. You hardly hear messages about heaven again. I know some preachers I’ve been listening to for 40 years now and they don’t preach about heaven again.

"There is ignorance priesthood and darkened vision. There is lack of discipleship. There is plenty of junk vain Sermon. Sermons that goes out and bring nothing. There is plenty of spiritual bats.

"The present day modern church hates evangelism and witnessing. Many hates sharing the gospel with anybody. There is an epidemic of baby Christians. They are advanced in age but babies.

"There is plenty of shallow Christianity, holiness failure, zero righteousness, zero spiritual growth, Sexual perversion and fake prophets and fake pastors. These are signs of the modern day church. Church fights, then to worsen the situation; there are plenty of undone men in the pulpit.

"There is plenty of business pastors only interested in money but not in soul. There is a gradual death of intercession, only few people engage in it. Plenty of hell bound workers. Many have converted church to business. The spirit of sacrifice is long gone.

"A lot of things that Pentecostal churches do today can also be called penti-rascals. Plenty of prosperity message that has not done anything to people.

"Plenty of ungodly dress code that cannot be worn to a presidential villa or job interview. If you’re invited for interview, would you wear rugged jeans to banking interview? You will not wear it to face your maker. There is plenty of missionary failure and scarcity of spiritual gift and lack of baptism of fire."

In his closing remarks, the clergyman called for urgent revival as the only ultimate solution to the insecurity in the country.

"We need revival. You and I have only one life to live. What will be written about you when you leave this world.

"Let us get to the level of revival now before they begin to shoot at Christians and burn our Bibles. Let us start now before the enemies we refuse to convert now, become the ones confronting us. More than at anytime before, revival is needed."

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/mfm-30-we-must-move-to-the-next-level-of-revival-olukoya-urges-ni

Smart Adeyemi, former Kogi west senator, says Yahaya Bello, governor of the state, has performed better than his predecessors.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Adeyemi commended the governor for implementing water and road projects in the state.

He also said Bello has been able to handle the issue of payment of salaries, despite the challenge facing governors across the country.

“The land mass of Kogi state is more than about four states put together in this country that I know, and the communities are scattered. As I speak now, they are embarking on about one hundred borehole to extreme remote areas where there are no doubts and they have to provide them,” he said.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/yahaya-bello-has-performed-better-than-all-past-kogi-governors-sm

The suspects were said to have concealed the narcotic substance in their rectum, an act the Saudi Government says contravenes its narcotic and psychotropic substances rules.

See List at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/just-in-mass-execution-23-nigerians-kill-in-saudi-arabia-1

The Kaduna State Executive Council has risen from its Monday meeting to approve that payment of the new national minimum wage and consequential adjustments to civil servants begins from 1st September, 2019.

The Executive Council meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, noted the commitment of Governor Nasir El-Rufai to strengthen the public service and its capacity to deliver quality and responsive public service.

Read more at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/just-in-kaduna-approves-begin-payment-of-minimum-wage-september

Nigerians on Twitter have reacted to the news that United States authorities announced charges against 77 people, most of them Easterners, in a wide-ranging Internet fraud and money laundering operation of $40m.

The operation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is aimed at cracking down on Nigerian romance scam, which has been growing in the past months.

Reacting to the news, one Twitter user with the handle @gideonogbonnac, said, “I know that the 80 Nigerians arrested just further soils the image of the average honest Nigerian who wants a better life.

Unhappy at the news, @NnamdiUmunna said, “While we keep going back on the prevalent ethnic group on the 80 Nigerians, have we bothered to look at the fundamental issues that enabled this fraudulent acts. Unemployment.”

“But I also know 80 Nigerians do not represent the real truth of the Igbo race, neither the truth of all Nigerians. So we'll keep to #ChangeTheNarrative.”

Another user, @omojuwa, said, “What has the Nigerian President said on the FBI issue? What role did Nigerian authorities play in the man-hunt? What does this mean for Nigeria-America relationship?

“How do you ensure other Nigerians aren’t made to pay for the crimes of these few? Where is the leadership?”

Bearing his mind on the situation, @eshobloss said, “We cannot keep acting like we don't know there's something fundamentally wrong with our value system.

“How did we manage to build a society that endorses terrible behaviour? Are you angry about the 80 Nigerians? You fuelled it.”

Another user, @arktraviningo said, “Only 80 Nigerians, this is not up to the tip of the iceberg.

“This syndrome is deep rooted in Nigeria even the politicians are not safe. If we to be sincere and get them all, some government officials will be behind bars too.”

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/see-full-list-of-nigerians-named-in-the-fbi-indictment

Reacting to the tribunal verdict that saw the removal of his political rival as the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, the embattled Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has vowed to defeat any opposition party in the Novemeber 16 guber election in the state.

This was contained in a video released by Dino Melaye on his twitter handle, where the governor was caught on camera addressing some of his aides on the credibility of his party, the All Progressive Congress in the state.

"So, I can assure you that all of us are moving together including the 'two sets'. And the third one is coming by the grace of God; by the way of tribunal and following my (laughs).

"I can assure you that APC is strong in Kogi state and that's why we were able to deliver 25 House of Assembly members in the history of Kogi state."

Watch video at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/leaked-video-no-credible-party-as-strong-as-apc-in-kogi-bello-vow

Cristiano Ronaldo, whose influence at Real Madrid mirrored that of Lionel Messi at Barcelona before he left for Juventus, admitted that the pair have never socialised together.

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted on Wednesday his long-time rivalry with Lionel Messi has made him “a better player” and that he enjoys a “healthy” rivalry with the Argentine great.

However, Portuguese star Ronaldo, whose influence at Real Madrid mirrored that of Messi at Barcelona before he left for Juventus, admitted that the pair have never socialised together.

“I really admire the career he has had and from his side, he has already talked of the disappointment when I left Spain because it was a rivalry that he appreciated,” Ronaldo told TVI in Portugal.

“It’s a good rivalry but it’s not unique -- Michael Jordan had rivalries in basketball, there was Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in Formula 1. The thing they all had in common is that they were healthy rivalries.”

Ronaldo and Messi have won the coveted Ballon d’Or five times each, a factor that helps each player flourish.

“I have no doubt that Messi has made me a better player and vice-versa. When I am winning trophies it must sting him and it’s the same for me when he wins,” he said.

He added: “We’ve never had dinner together but I don’t see why we can’t in the future. I don’t see a problem with that.”

In the same interview Ronaldo also dropped a major hint regarding his retirement as the Portugal star said that he could bring the curtains down on a glittering career next year or may even play till 40 or 41.

Ronaldo, who signed for Italian giants Juventus last year and guided them to the Serie A title, is currently one of the most celebrated footballers in the world and his rivalry with Argentina’s Lionel Messi has achieved legendary status.

“I have an excellent professional relationship because we have been sharing the same moments for 15 years."

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/lionel-messi-made-me-better-player-admits-cristiano-ronaldo

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Thursday described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a potent tool for actualising the objectives of the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement programmes of the state government.

Zulum stated this at the inauguration of the 2019 Batch B, Stream II corps members at the Borno State Temporary Orientation Camp, Government Science Secondary School, Batagarawa in Katsina.

Mr Sada Yahaya, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) in charge of Borno, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

Zulum, who was represented by Alhaji Mahmud Ghazali, the Chairman, NYSC Governing Board, said that corps members had made positive contributions in the reconstruction, resettlement and peace building process in the state.

He also called on the corps members posted to the state, not to relocate to other places, urging them to stay and contribute to the reconstruction, rebuilding and resettlement process.

“The state government has initiated reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement programme aimed at complementing the successes recorded by the Federal Government in the fight against terrorism.

“I urge you not to contemplate relocating to other states, but rather, come to Borno so that you can key into our recovery and development programmes, as well as contribute your quota in rebuilding the state”, he said.

Zulum said the state government would support Federal Government’s efforts to re-position the scheme for greater performance, to enable it to contribute to national development.

In his remark, Alhaji Rabiu Aminu, Borno Coordinator of NYSC, said 800 corps members were registered at the camp, adding that they comprised of 430 males and 370 females.

Read more at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/nysc-is-key-to-rebuilding-borno-gov-zulum

At maximum capacity, the Kogi Rice Milling Plant located on 800 hectares in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Council, Kogi State is expected to create 6,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The rice mill, now completed, is part of the projects embarked upon by the Yahaya Bello administration and is billed to be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of the activities marking the 28th anniversary of the creation of Kogi State on August 27, 2019.

It was gathered that the plant could easily run over 3000 tons of rice per month and over 36,000 tons per year. This is equivalent to the production of over 720,000 50kg rice bags per year.

Currently, the Industry has 800 hectares nucleus rice farm that feeds the processing plant. While the 800 hectares produce around 3200 tons of paddy rice yearly, the processing plant will consume the 3,200 tons in just a month meaning that expanded rice cultivation is encouraged to meet the feedstock.

Read more at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/kogi-rice-milling-industry-ejiba-to-generate-6000-jobs-for-nigeri