₦airaland Forum

With various food crops produced in or hauled into Abuja from neighbouring states such as Nassarawa, Kogi, Kaduna and Niger, bread remains one of the staple foods consumed daily in large quantity in the nation’s capital.

Bread consumption is boosted by the swelling population in the city and pressure of work which bars many residents from cooking. Consequently, Inside FCT findings revealed that more bakeries are coming up in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as proprietors of such bakeries and vendors smile to the bank daily. At present, the costliest bread in the FCT is sold for N350 (bakery price) and N400 (retail price). There are well over a dozen of brands competing for the consumer market in the capital. The leading brands virtually parade the same features – “Ingredients: flour, salt, sugar, butter, bread improver, (bromate free), milk, water, yeast”.

A defining uniqueness of bread consumption in the city is that residents enjoy fresh product everyday as sellers display various brands, mainly in their vehicles, along major highways around the sunset. This enables workers returning home from in the evening to take away choice product. Plus, buyers head straight into the bakeries, which in some cases are annexes to supermarkets owned by the same proprietor. This further allows buyers shop for other products.


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General overseer of Divine Justice Church, Owerri, Imo State, Pastor Clement Ezeigbo, who is currently cooling his heels in the police Anti Kidnap Unit of the state police command, told the police: “I don’t know anything about kidnapping but I am the owner of the Indian hemp (Igbo) but the good thing is that I don’t smoke it but I use it to prepare my food. Ienjoy eating food prepared with Indian hemp.”

“I don’t think there is anything wrong when you use Indian hemp to prepare your food; it gives inspiration and it makes one have sober reflection and that is why I recommend it to my Church members. I use to preach to my members against smoking it but I encourage them to cook their food with hemp. “Some of my members do prepare some delicacies with it, which they serve me. I love Indian hemp because after eating Indian hemp, it gives me inspiration, then when I mount the pulpit, you will notice the efficacy of hemp.” Explaining what brought him to the police, he told CrimeWatch that “on the fateful day, I was in my Church, praying when the police stormed the place, claiming they were looking for some kidnappers, who used to hide their victims near my Church. I told them that I was not aware of the hideouts of kidnappers. You see, it was while searching my Church that they saw the Indian hemp. Well, I did not deny ownership of the hemp, it belongs to me; I love it.”

When he was confronted by Crime- Watch whether it was right for a man of God to indulge in using Indian hemp, he said: “Let any man show me where it was written in the bible that thou should not cook with Indian hemp.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, told CrimeWatch that some kidnappers were living beside the Church. He said some victims were rescued by the police, who stormed the scene. Katsina said the pastor and other accomplices took to their heels on sighting the police. He said the police were able to arrest the pastor.

According to him, when a search was conducted on the Church premises, a bundle of Indian hemp was recovered. The CP added that the police were on the trail of the runaway kidnappers, who escaped arrest.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/cover/my-members-and-i-eat-indian-hemp-pastor-arrested-for-kidnapping/
source: www.cybernewsupdate.com

Nigeria has sent a “massive deployment of men and resources” to combat Islamist militants in three north-eastern states.

A statement said the drive was aimed at “asserting the nation’s territorial integrity” and “enhancing security”.

On Tuesday President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states after a series of deadly attacks by militants.

Fighters from the Boko Haram group are blamed for most of the violence.

The group, which has its roots in north-eastern Nigeria, is linked to bloodshed in which some 2,000 people have died since 2010.

Boko Haram has seized control of parts of the north-east over the past three years, and much of the violence has been confined to that region.
Continue reading the main story
Analysis
image of Will Ross Will Ross BBC Nigeria correspondent

There is no doubt that the situation in northern Nigeria is deteriorating fast and now President Goodluck Jonathan has admitted as much. No-one else in the government had dared say a word.

The frequency and scale of the attacks carried out by Boko Haram have forced the president to take action and to silence some of his critics who accuse him of being out of touch and slow to react.

Some analysts have suggested that if left to fester there is little to stop Boko Haram from setting up its own Islamic institutions in the extreme north-east.

Will more boots on the ground improve the situation? Much will depend on how the troops behave. Analysts argue that the military has already lost the battle for hearts and minds and residents feel trapped between the two sides of this murky conflict.
source: www.cybernewsupdate.com

Singer Beyonce and her rapper husband Jay-Z welcomed their first child, baby Blue Ivy into the World last year and Beyonce has talked about her child’s upbringing. Beyonce says that she hopes to give Blue Ivy as normal a life as she possibly can, admitting that her own life has changed dramatically since Blue Ivy’s arrival.
An insider explained to Mail Online, “I am very protective. I just want to make sure that she can have a healthy, safe, normal life, in the back of my mind, she’s my priority. And life is completely different now. So I’m – I feel really, really just lucky that I can still do what I love, and now have a way bigger meaning. And that’s to be her mother.”

Beyonce also told The Mirror that she would love to have more children, “Definitely I would like to have more children. Motherhood has changed everything. You see things a bit differently after you give birth and my biggest job now is to protect my child. After giving birth there’s a moment of rediscovery when you are making sure you still have goals and take care of yourself as a woman,” she added.Beyonce recently spoke her relationship with her sister Solange Knowles, admitting that if anybody was to ever cross her sister, then they would feel the wrath of Beyonce.

source: www.cybernewsupdate.com

The biggest reality show in Africa is back and AfricaMagic can reveal that Season 8 of Big Brother Africa has been dramatically titled The Chase.

28 housemates from 14 countries will not only be chasing after the 300 000 USD cash prize but the chance of becoming a household name and perhaps even finding romance.

Launching on Sunday 26 May, Big Brother The Chase will combine electrifying twists and big surprises that will require housemates to use their charm to get ahead, possibly leaving room for cupid’s arrow to connect two hearts or more.

Setting the tone, in line with theme, the new season’s logo showcases a glittering and slightly flirtatious feel with chic, edgy gold plated lines. The iconic Big Brother eye has an enchanting gold dust finish with a dazzling diamond centre, featuring a teasing hint of ruby red.

More good news is that the witty and entertaining IK Osakioduwa returns once again in 2013 to host The Chase. He has won many fans across the continent for his ability to speak openly with housemates and allow them to be at ease at their most vulnerable moments. “Big Brother Africa is a pretty unique show. Every season has its own special moments and features. I’m super excited to be invited back to host the show. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past seasons and I look forward to bringing a fresh and energetic approach to The Chase,” says the popular TV and radio presenter.

Commenting on the new Season M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi says, “Without revealing too much, I can say that AfricaMagic always strives to deliver the best in entertainment and Big Brother Africa remains at the forefront of our plans. We want to give audiences and loyal fans of the show, a truly unforgettable viewing experience once again. This season audiences can expect a show encompassing suspense, emotions, drama, fun, excitement and quite possibly, as we have seen in previous seasons, a little romance.

Having produced Big Brother Africa from Season one, Endemol promises a sterling edition of The Chase, “Endemol is excited to present another season of Big Brother in Africa. Another vintage season lies in store with fresh new twists and surprises and ultimately great reality entertainment” adds Managing Director of Endemol South Africa Sivan Pillay.

With less than four weeks remaining to the big launch night, audiences can get the latest Big Brother Africa updates right here and by liking the Facebook page Big Brother Africa and following us on Twitter: @BigBroAfrica.

For 91 days, Africa biggest reality series will be screened live 24/7 on DStv channels 197 and 198 while GOtv audiences will be able to see highlights. So stay tune…Biggie has returned and the fun is about to begin!

http://www.dstv.com/News/BBA-8-The-Chase/51874
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Dr Holumidey Lawrence is the founder of Paragon Group of Schools NIgeria. He spoke with our Staff on how he started a business that has grown to be the talk of the town in Nigeria and abroad.



Background



Well, Nigeria is part of a continent called Africa. This content is within the space of either developing or under developing. Using Africa standard, where the quality of life is on the high side, the so called privileged people here are like common people in other continents. Anybody from Africa, Nigeria in particular must have these shape of humble beginning of which I am not an exemption



Your experience (inspiration and challenges)



Jesus Christ our lord came as a child. He grew in stature and wisdom. Everything that will last must pass through a test of time. It must have the capacity to grow. Like I say when you jump up you come down, when you grow you stay up. We started small in 1994 with four children and by the grace of God several thousands of students have passed through the school and they are doing very well in their endeavours.



It has been challenging and of course inspirational. At every level of our challenges, inspirations are drawn. We can say authoritatively without mincing words that when you stay on your job having defined it meticulously, Getting there will be easy.



From four students to this level. What is the secret sir?



I have learnt to live with my warrior goal Since the beginning. Anything that is not in education line is not my goal. I am focused. God told me “you don’t owe your world explanation, you owe them education”. The more you package your focus the more grace you will enjoy.

I have not made money my ultimate goal.

What is your joy on the job?



My contribution to the advancement of education in Ogun State, Nigeria and Africa and seeing my students doing well in their endevours across continents..

How many years have you spent in this business?

This is the 18th year.

Does it mean one cannot start an venture within five years and break out. Most success stories I have come across will always read a bunch of years. Why is it like this?



There is a process in success. You cannot short circle it. It will not last that way. If your wife is pregnant and you are in a hurry to have the baby, you must to wait for nine good months. No short cut. there is a process. It is a laid down process from God. If you breakthrough within little space of start-up then It’s ungodly except you have been budding the ideas for a time unknown to anyone.



Yes we started the school in 1994. It does not mean the idea started that year. It has been in me since my undergraduate days.



That means young people in school should have a set mind of where they are going.



Yes. It will help them to get to where they are going earlier than when they don’t know where they are going to. I was offered a job at NDLEA after my graduation but I refused. I have a vision of where I am going. I worked with a school in Lagos for six month. There I saved N1000 out of every N1,050 I earned as salary per month. I left this school to start my business which I had already penciled down.



It is good to define your goal. Be flexible and don’t be rigid. Your flexibility must still meet the core of who you are. I told myself. It is either I become a teacher, pastor or a politician. When the issue of education was pressing in my mind, I had no choice. As a matter of fact I teach my students and friends the bible. I am still fulfilling my destiny.



With all your experience and achievement, do you still have major challenges?



Money has been my major challenge.



Education is expensive particularly the type of education we offer in paragon int’l school. In this school we give students free writing materials, free lunch and free health for a token. We desire the comfortability of our students and parents always.





Have you reached the pick of your carrier?



Laugh!!! We are just starting.



Do you have a mentor?



I don’t have anybody in person. Everybody is my mentor. Michael Jackson was my mentor when he was alive. I like the way he pulled crowd not his believe.



What is your life quote?



If you fake it, it will fade so if you don’t want it to fake don’t fade it.



Your message to up coming entrepreneurs.



It pays to be on your own as an entrepreneur. Don’t make money your primary goal. Package your vision. Challenges will come but be determined and define your pase.



Your best book.



The bible.

SOURCE: www.cybernewsupdate.com

The World Health Organization says it appears likely that the novel coronavirus (NCoV) can be passed between people in close contact.

This comes after the French health ministry confirmed a second man had contracted the virus in a possible case of human-to-human transmission.

Two more people in Saudi Arabia are also reported to have died from the virus, according to health officials.

NCoV is known to cause pneumonia and sometimes kidney failure.

World Health Organization (WHO) officials have expressed concern over the clusters of cases of the new coronavirus strain and the potential for it to spread.

Since 2012, there have been 33 confirmed cases across Europe and the Middle East, with 18 deaths, according to a recent WHO update.

Cases have been detected in Saudi Arabia and Jordan and have spread to Germany, the UK and France.

“Of most concern… is the fact that the different clusters seen in multiple countries increasingly support the hypothesis that when there is close contact this novel coronavirus can transmit from person to person,” the World Health Organization said on Sunday.
France’s second confirmed case was a 50-year-old man who had shared a hospital room in Valenciennes, northern France, with a 65-year-old who fell ill with the virus after returning from Dubai.

“Positive results [for the virus] have been confirmed for both patients,” the French health ministry said, adding that both men were being treated in isolation wards.

Meanwhile, the Saudi deputy minister of health said on Sunday that two more people had died from the coronavirus, bringing the number of fatalities to nine in the most recent outbreak in al-Ahsa governorate in the east of Saudi Arabia, Reuters news agency reports.

The Saudi health ministry said that 15 people had died out of the 24 cases diagnosed since last summer.

WHO officials have not yet confirmed the latest deaths.

In February, a patient died in a hospital in Birmingham, England, after three members of the same family became infected.

It is thought a family member had picked up the virus while travelling to the Middle East and Pakistan.

Novel coronavirus is from the same family of viruses as the one that caused an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) that emerged in Asia in 2003.

However, NCoV and Sars are distinct from each other, the WHO said in its statement on Sunday.

Coronavirus is known to cause respiratory infections in both humans and animals.

But it is not yet clear whether it is a mutation of an existing virus or an infection in animals that has made the jump to humans.

source: www.cybernewsupdate.com

Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan and N1.5 Trillion

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Nigerian Army announces ‘hi-tech device’ to tackle Boko Haram

source:www.cybernewsupdate.com

[Nigerian Army announces ‘hi-tech device’ to tackle Boko Haram

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breaking news: four dead in motor accident

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may God help us