₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Army has announced that operation against agitators of Biafra, kidnappers among others will commence nextweek.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu has been very vocal against the Nigeria state in its secession clamour.

The army Headquarters said Operation EGWU EKE II, (Python DanceII), will hold in the South-east from Friday September 15 to Saturday October 14.
Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, told journalists through Maj-Gen. David Ahmadu, Chief of Training and Operations, CTOP, in Abuja, that the operations will cover Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi states.
Buratai said “Exercise EGWU EKE II has become more expedient due to the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the South Eastern part of the country.
“The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility in aid of civil authority calls for this exercise.”

The Army said that this operation will be conducted with the involvement of other security agencies such as Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“Additionally, OPERATION EGWU EKE II is also conceptualised to transit into real time operations thereby fulfilling both training and operations objectives of sharpening operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon”, the Army Chief stated.
He said that the Operation would be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
“It is pertinent to mention that Operation EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country”, he said.

Members of the public were enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times.
The Army also requested the public to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/nigeria-army-begins-crackdown-on-ipob.html

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) said yesterday that her resolve to boycott Anambra State governorship election on November 18 was in the overall interest of Ndigbo.

The group, which urged the Igbo to support the move, stated that there was no better way to “show our disdain for current situation in the land than to reject plans and policies of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government. It is obvious that the structure that has been in place does not support the inclusion of Igbo in the marriage called Nigeria, so why are they afraid to canvass their freedom and leave the rest of the country?”
Leader of IPOB in Enugu State, Cyprian Okoye, told journalists in Enugu that the group was resolute in the effort to achieve Biafra republic out of the present federation, stressing that it would not succumb to intimidation and threats from various quarters.
Okoye, who also spoke on the sudden disappearance of one of the leaders of the group, Anthony Ejike Ochi, stated that they would deploy all in their ability to ascertain his whereabouts.

Ochi, 34, married with two children, was said to have left his Lagos base three months ago to attend a meeting of the group in Enugu but allegedly did not get to the meeting or seen in Enugu.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has been urged to carefully and critically look into the agitation of IPOB and treat the matter with the right application of relevant laws without prejudice.
General Secretary, Bible Society of Nigeria, Dr. Dare Ajiboye, who stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2017 Five-Day Marathon Bible Reading at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa, Isolo, Lagos, underscored the importance of Nigeria remaining as an entity.
He said: “I believe that if a country has to be created, there should be a proper procedure to follow and where there is no law, there is no sin.
“If anyone is violating the law of the land by agitating for something illegitimate, then the law should be allowed to take its course.
“However, the government on its part should also do the right thing because if the agitation is based on neglect or denial of some rights, the government should do what is needful. If the agitation is as a result of the problem created by the government itself, then the government should not shy away from the truth but correct it self.
“If the agitation, on the other way round, is based on self-interest, the government should allow the law to take its full course and anyone violating the law of the land should be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/why-igbo-should-support-call-for.html

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye shocked a large congregation in Minna, capital of Niger State, yesterday, with a declaration that he does not want to live up to 120 years on earth.

Adeboye also said he did not think he would preside over the 80th birthday service of the celebrant, Pastor Yerima El-Samaila of the Faith Foundation Church who turned 70 and for whom the event was organised.

“It is not how long you live but how well you spend your life.

“I don’t want to be 120 years old. Longetivity is good but, there is a limit,” the cleric declared when he delivered a message at the birthday service held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna.

“People don’t want to die because they don’t know where they are going.

“I know where I am going, I have seen heaven, I have seen my house in heaven; I know what is waiting for me there. Heaven is beautiful and I cannot wait to go. I want to finish what I have to do here and finish it well. Any of us can go at any moment; we have to get ready for home.”

He challenged Christians to be committed to God more than ever before, and added that many Christians are getting distracted from God.

Adeboye said Christians should not forget the most important reason they are here, which is to show God’s glory.

Advising clerics to “stop playing church and be committed to the Almighty God.” He charged Christians not to forget the most important reason they are on this planet and do their utmost best “so that when you are leaving, you can say you have fulfilled your purpose”

Adeboye thanked God for the life of the celebrator, his family and his ministry, and also said they are all committed to the service of God.

“It takes a man like you (El-Samalia) to bring me to Minna, at a time like this, and I rejoice that I could come.”


Pastor Adeboye and his wife, Foluke, later joined Pastor El-Samaila in the cutting of the 70th birthday cake which he (Adeboye) presented to El-Samaila.

Niger State governor, represented by his Commissioner for Information, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, former Information minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, and clergymen from different denominations attended the ceremony.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/i-dont-want-to-live-up-to-120-years.html

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured Nigerians of his determination to continuing serving the nation, attributing his recent convalescence to divine act of God.

He gave the assurance while receiving associations of farmers, businessmen, youths, elders and politicians from Katsina at his Daura country home.

The President said he returned to the country with renewed hope and strength to pursue policies that would improve the livelihood of the people and reposition Nigeria for good.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said: “Considering the challenges we are facing as a nation, we have been doing our best to provide sustainable solutions and we will keep doing our best.


“I am happy you came here today and I am thankful for all the prayers. You are leaders of various groups at the grass root, and you are closer to the people so you understand these problems as well. We need your support.”
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/well-improve-quality-of-life-in-nigeria.html

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has picked his team for Monday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Cameroon.

According to former Media Officer of the Nigeria’s national team, Colin Udoh, the German has gone for the same players that started in the 4-0 win against the Indomitable Lions last Friday.

Udoh, who is on ground in Yaounde, tweeted: “Nigeria will play with the same starting XI from the last game #CMRNGA #CAFWCQ.”

This means captain John Mikel Obi will lead the team out. The Tianjin TEDA midfielder pulled the strings at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium last week, setting up Odion Ighalo for the first goal and scoring the second.

Ighalo starts in attack despite a tight hamstring and will be supported from the flanks by Victor Moses and Simon Moses.

Home-based Ikechukwu Ezenwa in his goal, while the Leon Balogun-William Troost-Ekong partnership continue in central defence.



Kick-off is 6pm.

GK: Ezenwa

DF: Shehu, Balogun, Troost, Elderson

MDF: Onazi, Mikel (c), Ndidi



FWD: Simon, Ighalo, Moses
Source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/cameroon-vs-nigeria-rohr-names-super.html

"If only Adam & Eve were modern and fashionable like us, they won't have fallen for mere apple"
source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/checkout-these-adam-and-eve-dress.html

Six players of FC Ifeanyi Ubah suffered varying degree of injury, as their team bus was involved in an accident yesterday.

Members of the team were on their way to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, for their Match Day 37 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) against Sunshine Stars.
In a statement yesterday, the club confirmed the accident. “Sequel to the reports making the rounds this morning, we wish to confirm that FC IfeanyiUbah team bus conveying players and officials was involved in a car accident along Benin/Ore Expressway while on our way to Ijebu Ode to honour the NPFL Matchday 36 fixture with Sunshine Stars billed for this Sunday, 3rd of September, 2017.

“Six of our players sustained varying degree of injuries and two that are unconscious hitherto have regained consciousness and are receiving treatment presently at the closest medical facility near the site of the accident. We wish to express our felicitations for your concern, support, outpour of emotions, deepest thoughts and prayers at this sad times,” the statement said.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/fc-ifeanyiubahs-bus-involved-in-road.html

Ijaw national leader and convener of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has dismissed the groups who gave the October 1, 2017 quit notice to Yoruba and northerners resident in the South-South as nonexistent.

In a telephone chat with the Nation in Warri Friday, Chief Clark who said all Nigerians had the freedom to live in any part of the country, as Nigeria is just one country, said those who gave the ultimatum had nobody’s mandate and had no such authority to give such quit notice to anyone.

According to the elder statesman, he was one of the very first Nigerians to condemn the Arewa youths who issued an ultimatum to Indigbo earlier, saying that there was no way he could have permitted such action to take place in his own region.

While he vehemently cautioned those behind the quit notice to desist and withdraw the ultimatum, Chief Clark advised the Yoruba and northerners resident in the Niger Delta to continue to live peacefully in the region.


“I’ve already made a statement on that issue when Afenifere contacted me. Somebody represented me and I made a statement. As far as I’m concerned, Nigeria is our country, therefore anybody who is a Nigerian is free to live in any part of Nigeria. We even allow non-Nigerians to live in Nigeria, to do businesses of their choice.

“Therefore, if we have one country, we cannot prevent anybody from living in any part of the country. I’ve already advised those who made that statement to withdraw it, besides they have no authority from anybody; no elder not even PANDEF.

“The South-South, I mean PANDEF, has been having meetings with the Yoruba, the Indigbo and the people of the Middle-Belt in Lagos and Abuja, therefore we cannot say we don’t want the Yoruba or northerners.

“I was one of the first people to condemn the quit notice by the Arewa youths, why will I allow such a thing in my territory. Nobody knows those boys; they are just arrogating the powers they don’t have to themselves so they can’t. Some groups have done that before, we advised them and they backed down.

“The point I’m making is that all groups, including northerners, are welcome in the Niger Delta and that those people who made those threats have no authority from anybody, they don’t even exist and wherever they are we advised them in their own interest to withdraw their statement, if the do exist at all. But whether they do or not, they have no authority from anybody.

“We the people in the Niger Delta; the elders, the women and the youths, welcome the Yoruba and northerners. Nobody knows those names in the newspapers. Let them come out to meet us, make their statement. They don’t exist”, Chief Clark said.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/quit-notice-so-called-militant-groups.html

The coalition of Niger Delta militants, Friday, withdrew a quit notice they issued to northerners and Yorubas to leave the region on or before October 1st.

The Pan Niger Delta People’s Congress (PNDPC), a new group with the mandate to negotiate for the Niger Delta with the Federal Government and other interested stakeholders, said the issuers of the quit notice gave them the mandate to withdraw it.

The coalition of the militants initially disbanded the Chief Edwin Clark-led Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) after passing a vote of no confidence in it and constituted PNDPC as the new negotiator for the region.

The militant groups appointed His Royal Majesty Pere Ayemi-Botu, Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom as the Head of PNDPC and named Chief Mike Loyibo as the Coordinator/Convener of the group.


The coalition comprises the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers; Niger Delta Joint Revolutionary Crusaders Council; Niger Delta Supreme Egbesu Fighters; Niger Delta Red Scorpion Fighters; Niger Delta Youth Mandate for Justice; Niger Delta People’s Liberation Force; Niger Delta Fighters for Resource Control; Niger Delta for Urhobo Resource Control; and Bakassi People’s Liberation Force.

Loyibo, whom the coalition said was appointed following his track records of integrity and honesty, confirmed that the coalition mandated the PNPDC to announce the withdrawal of the quit notice.

Loyibo said the youths were remorseful after he and members of the new group met with them and told them the implications of the quit notice to the peace and development of the region.

He said: “People should disregard the quit notice from our youths. I have spoken to many of them and they mandated me to withdraw it on their behalf.

“Those that issued the quit notice do not have called off the quit notice and discharged it. Everybody in the region in the west, east and north should go about their normal business. I can guarantee them of their safety.

“The entire Niger Delta people are not in agreement with the quit notice issue. The boys that issued it are very remorseful. So, they have asked me, because they mandated me to speak for them and the region, to discharge the quit notice”.


Loyibo lamented that such unpatriotic remarks like issuance of quit notices had their origin from the Cold War involving the country’s founding fathers during the precolonial era.

“This quit notice and counter quit notice found their foundations from the precolonial days. The three leaders that negotiated the independence of Nigeria did not love themselves.

“It was the crisis that extended to our era where everybody begins to struggle for their own. I don’t believe in regional r tribal considerations. As Ijaw people, those that had been god to us did not come from our region”, he said.

He said the youths were only suspicious that the Federal Government was trying to weaken them through promises that they might not fulfill at last.

Loyibo said the leaders also told the youths to also hold their governors, appointees and regional interventionist agencies responsible for lack of leadership and development.

He further blamed the Arewa youths for causing tension in the polity and frowned on the way and manner the government treated them.

He noted that nobody should be treated as a second class citizen adding that all must be held as equal stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

The Ijaw leader, however, said the youths in the region still believed in the integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice -President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and their ability to fulfill promises they made to the region.

He said: “We are peace-loving people. Our diversity is our strength. Mr. President has brought a lot of integrity to governance and he came in with massive goodwill. So, I believe that this is the time he should be addressing the issue.

“Late President Yar’Adua took the bull by the horn and declared amnesty and today amnesty is working. The place is being transformed in human capacity building. The people are impatient. They are waiting for the promises because they believe that whatever is the strategic plan is a ploy to weaken them.

“The other day, we were in a critical stakeholders meeting with the amnesty boss. I had another meeting with NNPC again. They deliberately told us what, when and how these plans would be implemented.

“From their explanations and from the man, the President, I know to be passionate about the issues of the Niger Delta with the Vice-President, I believe that we as Niger Deltans should be patient and support the government at the centre.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/niger-delta-militants-withdraw-quit.html

The Nigerian Army said it has killed a number of top Boko Haram commanders during heavy bombardments of their hideouts in Sambisa forest, Borno State, within a week.

The forest covers 60, 000 square kilometres, comprising six council areas of Borno and parts of Yobe and Adamawa states in the Northeast.The Army said it recorded a number of breakthroughs with the bombardments through information it obtained about the location of the suspected leaders.
A statement signed by Army Spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, in Abuja said the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force in joint efforts have been carrying out heavy artillery bombardments and air interdictions on registered targets that have killed a large number of Boko Haram terrorists including some of the group’s key leaders.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army artillery using Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers has lobbed many rockets over the suspected location the terrorists’ leaders are hiding. “Video clips obtained on battle damage assessment, shows clear success of the exercise. More details of successes achieved will be made available as the operation continues.
“The key Boko Haram terrorists neutralised within the week during the joint artillery and Nigerian Air Force air and Armed Special Forces Mobile Strike bombardments include: Abu Dujana, Man Tahiru (Deputy to Boko Haram terrorists group Hisba leader), Man Chari, Malam Abdullahi Abu Sa’ad and Goni Bamanga.‘’
He said while Tahiru, is number 166 on the military’s wanted list of Boko Haram commanders and terrorists, Chari is on number 28.“The Nigerian military would continue with the concerted onslaught on the reported Boko Haram terrorists’ location till they have been eliminated,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) has pledged to assist the Federal Government overcome the challenges of internal security threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.
It equally lauded the government for its continuous contributions to peacekeeping operations across the globe despite its internal security challenges, adding that Nigeria’s efforts in ensuring peace in other countries cannot go unnoticed.
British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, stated this at the inauguration of the Abuja Memorial erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

The event was in honour of over 2000 fallen heroes from Nigeria who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin, the representatives of the Service Chiefs and others.
He said: “In the struggle against tyranny in the 20th century, British did not fight alone and therefore we will never forget the contributions of millions of people across the world who fought in defence of liberty and lost their lives in the process.
“We remember the immense contributions of Nigerian armed forces to peace keeping operations around the world despite the security threats here at home, it is commendable that Nigeria continue with its obligations on peace keeping operations.’’
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/military-kills-five-boko-haram.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday assured that the Federal Government would continue to provide the enabling environment and necessary assistance to private investors in the country.

Osinbajo gave the assurance when a delegation of UK ministers led by British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.
Also at the meeting were Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama and Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma.The Vice President said the relationship between Nigeria and United Kingdom is very important, assuring that “the next few years are certainly going to be more interesting.”

He said Nigeria has a huge potential and “investors would salivate if those potentials were realised.” According to him, the country is “close to the tipping point in terms of making that happen.”
He added that in terms of trade, Nigeria had no choice but to diversify from oil and now more attention is focused on agriculture, agro-processing and more interest in technology.
According to a statement by the Vice President, “UK are our natural partners and it is much easier for business because of the relationship over time and because of the robust presence of the UK here in Nigeria through the DFID which has been tremendously supportive.’’
In the area of housing, Prof. Osinbajo said Nigeria would be looking to partner with the United Kingdom, adding that government is interested in construction companies with the expertise and technical know-how to deliver mass housing projects across the country.
The Vice President, according to the statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, also emphasised the role of the private sector as well as the role of government in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the country.
He assured investors that the Federal Government is prepared to partner with them, provide assistance where necessary and solve the problems as they emerge.
In his remarks, Johnson, observed that “Nigeria has an amazing future,” and as such, the United Kingdom is partnering with Nigeria in different areas including intelligence sharing in the fight against terrorism.
Johnson added that the UK is also working to build an economic partnership with Nigeria given the country’s status as the powerhouse of Africa and the biggest economy in the continent.Secretary of State for International Development, Priti Patel, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright and other top officials were on the entourage.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/fg-will-assist-investors-osinbajo.html

The game is finally here. This is the day many Nigerians and Cameroonians have been waiting for and it promises a lot for the victorious side. There are three points at stake, but a win for Nigeria will all but stamp the Super Eagles’ ticket to the Russia 2018 World Cup. A Super Eagles’ victory will take Nigeria to nine points, meaning the team only need one more win to cement their place in Russia.

Cameroun on the other hand needs to get at least a draw and beat Nigeria in the reverse fixture in Yaoundé to get within one point of their adversaries.

Yesterday at a meeting with the Super Eagles, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel reminded them of the significance of the game scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Emmanuel, who promised to give the team $10,000 for every goal they score against Cameroun, redeemed the $30,000 he promised the Eagles for the three goals they scored against Algeria in the earlier match. He also promised to mobilise support for team to ensure total victory over the Indomitable Lions.
Udom told the players, “We are here because there is nothing as good as appreciating people, especially when the people are working for the general good. A love not expressed is a love wasted and so we are here to tell you that we appreciate what you are doing for Nigeria.
“I also want to tell you that no matter how wild a cat is, there is a place you will hold it and it will not be able to harm you. Go there and win the game for us.”
Speaking for the players, Skipper John Obi Mikel apologized to Nigerians for the loss to South Africa in the Nations Cup qualifier, assuring that they are here to make amends.
He said the team has been training hard for the game and would show Nigerians that they are hungry to be at the World Cup.Mikel, who debuted at the World Cup two years ago in Brazil, revealed that the team are united in the quest to beat Cameroun, saying a win today would help them actualize that dream.
“I think the players know what is at stake here. The players always know what the task ahead is all about despite winning our opening games. We want to go to the World Cup. We have to win games and make sure we are focused all the time and also play well. The truth is you can’t play well in every game; a win is a win.
“We just want to win… it doesn’t matter how well we play. I am sure the players all know that is the important thing and I always speak to some of them and let them know how important it is to play for this country and how important it is to go to the World Cup and the Nations Cup. So on Friday we can hopefully get a win and move close to qualifying for the World Cup,” Mikel said.
Also speaking on the game, midfielder, Moses Simon admitted that Cameroun could be a tough nut to crack, adding, however, that every danger has a solution.
“We were not at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon when Cameroun won the trophy but we have respect for them as the African champions.“The important thing is that we must win and get the points that will take us closer to Russia,” he said.

Some of the players revealed that they have been conditioned by the NFF to put in their best and promised to reciprocate that gesture by getting at least four points from the two matches against Cameroun.
Apart from the payment of outstanding match bonuses and other entitlements, the players revealed that they are camped in a cozy, but secluded hotel, where they are allowed to relax after training sessions without disturbance by fans.
The players also have special security operatives guarding them in and outside the camp and training ground, as they get ready for the task of taming Cameroun. The match holds by 5.00 p.m.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/eagles-declare-war-on-lions-as-akwa.html

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has disclosed the unique approach being applied by his administration to ensure adequate housing units for the good people of the State.

As the Guest of Honour at the 17th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Society of Engineers held at Beautiful Gate Resort and Conference Centre, Awka, the governor ably represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Project Supervision and MD of Anambra Road Maintenance Agency, Engr Emeka James Okoye while welcoming the visiting Engineers to the Safest State in Nigeria, implored them to "explore every breadth and corner of the Light of the Nation to appreciate the good works and developments in the State"

The conference which has the theme "Overcoming the challenges of housing deficit in Anambra State" had the President of Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Otis Anyaeji as the Chairman of the Occasion.

Announcing that the government has, in the last three and half years, attracted investment in housing sector worth over $1bn, Gov Obiano re-echoed how serious his administration is about housing development.

According to the governor, "ndi Anambra should have affordable houses to stay in... This government ensures that its policies remove bottle necks in the way of development"

Gov Obiano noted that in appreciation of the fact that policies help to drive development, Anambra State Government set up the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, ANSIPPA, a one stop shop where investors in less than two weeks get their proposals approved.

The governor further explained that the State government stopped the processing of Certificate of Occupancy from getting to the office of the governor to make it very easy to get one at a very short time.

According to the governor, "...because of the security which this government has achieved... housing is not developed in Awka alone but in every community in Anambra State."

"With the wonderful good network of roads... it becomes easy for people to come to work from any part of the State."

"When you combine houses with the roads and off course with the security, it immediately directly translates into good life and good standard of living for ndi Anambra," Gov Obiano concluded.

The highpoint of the event was the Induction of new Corporate Members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers which incidentally includes Rtn Ifeanyi ANIAGOH and Uche Kanu who are respectively Senior Special Assistant on Social Media and Special Assistant on Awka Capital Territory Development Authority to Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra State.Source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/policies-help-to-drive-development-gov.html?m=1

No be small thing ooooo
Source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/see-youngest-biafra-supporter.html?m=1

The joint military patrol team attached to the 19 battalion of the Nigeria Army in Sapele, Delta State has arrested a kidnap kingpin identified as Robinson Okotie. While the Okotie’s criminal activities has unsettled the people of Sapele community, leader of the patrol team, Lt Col. Aji Mohammed confirmed his arrest yesterday, saying the suspect was arrested around Ugbeyiyi Junction by Memory Super Market in Sapele, upon which he duly confessed to being a member of the kidnapping ring that has been operating in Sapele and its environs.

He said that the suspect also confessed to have been responsible for the killing of two soldiers in the area recently who were on routine patrol along Ovoh Creek.
Accordingly, the suspect led the team to their hideout where they arrested one David Adogbefi, another gang member. Okotie also confessed to terrorizing the creeks including Benin River Oil Workers in the recent times.

Mohammed added that during search for the arrest of other gang members in the creek, the team engaged a few members in a fierce gun battle where two of the suspects were killed by the military, while others escaped with bullet wounds.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/kidnap-kingpin-arrested-in-delta-two.html

The Oyo State Government yesterday issued letters of conferment of Obaship on 21 chiefs in Ibadan, just as it announced that their coronation would hold tomorrow, Sunday, August 27 at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.


The government explained that its decision was in line with the provisions of the recently amended 1959 Declaration of Olubadan and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland, as well as the government White Paper as conveyed in Government Gazette No 14, Notice 27, Vol. 42 of August 23, this year and Gazette No. 15, Notice 28, Vol. 42 of August 24, this year, respectively.

The government stated that the action was in exercise of Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s powers, as conferred on him by Section 28 (i), Cap. Vol. 1 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and the amended 1959 Declaration.


The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, who presented the letters at the House of Chiefs, explained that eight High Chiefs were given letters elevating them to Obaship and changing their titles to “His Royal Majesty,” while 13 Baales were elevated to “His Royal Highness,” noting that nine vacant Baale stools were not conferred, but their positions are now recognised as Obas.
Alli said High Chief Lekan Balogun, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland; High Chief Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; High Chief Akinloye Owolabi Olakuleyin, Balogun of Ibadanland; High Chief Tajudeen A. Ajibola, Osi Balogun of Ibadaland; High Chief Latifu Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland; High Chief Kolawole Adegbola, Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland; High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland and High Chief S. Amidu Ajibade, Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland would now be addressed as Royal Majesties, while the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, remains the Imperial Majesty, with no disruption or amendment to the traditional Olubadan Chieftaincy ascendancy system or structure.
He stated that Chief Lasisi Akano, Onijaye of Ijaye; Chief Ismaila Olasunkanmi, Oniroko of Iroko; Chief Moses Olasunkanmi, Onikereku of Ikereku; Chief Mudasiru Omodele Adebayo, Baale Olodo; Chief Victor Sunday Okunola, Elegbeda of Egbeda; Alhaji Wahab Olabamiji Okedina, Baale Okelade-Okin; Chief Olabamiji Ahmed Thomas, Alakufo of Akufo; Chief Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, Onido of Ido; Chief Dauda Omotoso, Baale Awotan; Chief Tiamiyu Labiyi Ladipo, Baale of Abanla; and Chief James Oladipo Obisesan, Baale Akanran were conferred with His Royal Highness status.
Speaking on behalf of the new Obas, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, thanked the government and Ajimobi for answering the call of the people to review the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959, stressing that the new development is God ordained.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/ajimobi-confers-obaship-on-21.html

marryjesus:
Source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/photosucl-group-stage-draw-result.html?m=1

Source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/photosucl-group-stage-draw-result.html?m=1

Kwara state government yesterday confirmed another case of Lassa fever in the Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA), of the state. The new confirmed case is that of the father of a 10-year-old boy said to be the index case.

Speaking with reporters in Ilorin yesterday after the state executive council meeting, the commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mahmud Ajeigbe, said: “the father of the 10-year-old boy that earlier tested positive for the disease was the second person to be infected.”
The commissioner, who allayed fears of the outbreak among people in the state, said that the state government was on top of the situation.

He said that the development called for better hygiene among people, adding that the government was committed to ensuring healthy living among its citizens.
The commissioner, who said that nomadic nature and ignorance of the affected people had compounded challenges posed by the disease, added that treatment and isolation centres had been set up at Omu Aran, Ajase and Babanla health facilities with necessary infrastructures.
But surprisingly the index case before his forceful isolation at General Hospital Omuaran was alleged to be playing road side football with some of his peers fuelling a speculation about the authenticity or otherwise of the disease as claimed.
Besides, speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to the governor on media and communication, Dr Muideen Akorede, said that 400 cases of certificate forgery had been discovered in the ongoing certificate verification exercise among civil servants in the state.
The governor’s aide, who said that the culprits of the forgery case would be dealt with according to civil service rule, advised others yet to be identified to exit the state civil service before they could be detected.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/kwara-confirmed-second-case-of-lassa.html

Nollywood actor and entrepreneur, Yul Edochie, has his eyes on the gubernatorial seat in Anambra State.
To prove that he means business, the award-winning actor, on Tuesday picked his nomination form to run for governor of Anambra State at the Jabi, Abuja office of the Democratic People’s Congress Party.
He said, “My nomination form event, as anticipated, amassed a large number of Igbo youth who are pledging allegiance to their 35-year-old gubernatorial aspirant; which is my humble self.”
Citing his reasons for running for governor, Yul, who is one of the sons of veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, said,
“Politicians have failed us‎. So, I am in the race to touch the lives of Anambra people positively. The people are tired of stories. The Anambra youth have an opportunity to show Nigerians if truly they feel it’s their time to rule or not.”
The 35 years old soft-spoken actor said he has all it takes to be the next governor of Anambra.
“It’s time for the youth to take over. Old ways can never open new doors. Always remember that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. The problems of Anambra people have come to the last bus stop.
“I want to become the next governor of Anambra State because I want to reduce poverty in the state, create jobs and rescue the future of the youth. I joined the race to harness the creative potentials of the youths and the resource-endowment of Anambra to move the state to the next level of development. I will also ensure the provision of infrastructure and development of critical sectors in the state is my agenda if elected.”
more details http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/yul-edochie-unveil-his-priority-to.html

No fewer than 31 vessels are expected to arrive at the Lagos pilotage district with various cargoes, including petroleum products, wheat, corn, fertiliser and a host of others.

This is coming on the heels of another four motor vessels carrying fertiliser, maize, and general cargo; and five motor tankers with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, base oil, and Palmolein are waiting to berth at the Lagos ports.

But these fuels, which are expected to boost supply in the downstream market are yet to be cleared for discharge, as the cargo is labelled, Customs release not applicable (CRNAPP).

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which revealed these in its shipping position on Tuesday, said the four motor vessels were currently at ENL port and GDNL, while the motor tankers are at ABTL, ACJ, and SBM terminals.
Meanwhile, the 31 other ships that are expected in the Lagos pilotage district were scheduled to start arriving from August 22 to September 16th, 2017.
The vessels expected include; Bro Nibe, Torm Timothy, Alithini, Nord Express, Elandra Spruce, Corona, Huanghai Pioneer, Tasing Swan, Sea Clipper, Histria Ivory, RHL Conscientia, and Hammaonia. Others are Istral, JPO Gemini, MSK Cunene, Safamarine Chachai, MSK Cunene, MSK Cameroun, JPO Aries, Schliemi Rickmers, Thuringa, MSK Cadiz, Rossini, Diamond Habour, Kota Singa, Kota Sempena and a host of others.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said it would put a stop to vessels with high amount of sulphur in the fuel that allow for emission of carbon monoxide into the air from calling at the nation’s seaports.
Ships contribute to emissions of carbon monoxide into atmosphere and this contributes to climate change, and if not checked overtime, will have effect on the atmosphere and in turn on the environment.
NIMASA Director-General, Dakuku Peterside, who disclosed this at a stakeholders’ forum in Lgaos, said the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) through Annex VI, has put a cap to the amount of sulphur and nitrogen dioxide emitted into the air and the amount of sulphur contained in the fuel a ship used and emitted to the air.
According to him, the penalty for vessels that violate the latest convention would be to be barred from calling at the nation’s seaports.
“When vessels berth at our various ports, we take sample of the fuel and ‎so many other things we do to check the quality of fuels and emissions thereof. But the penalty for violation of Marpol Annex VI would be not allowing such vessels to call in our territorial waters‎,” he said.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/31-vessels-laden-with-fuel-others.html

With the apparent desire of the National Assembly to increase the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, their rewards now seem certain to be on earth than in heaven, writes Head, Education Desk, Iyabo Lawal.

Glasses sitting delicately on the bridge of her nose, chalk in hand, with a back slightly bent, she gesticulated as she instructed her class on elementary science. She loves children and she has been teaching since she was 18 years old.
Mrs. Memunat Shobanjo is now 75 year old; retired from public service but not tired. She left her job as a teacher in a public school about 20 years ago. Even though Shobanjo would love to teach as long as she could, the 60-year retirement age for teachers forced her out of job.
Fortunately for her, she has continued to pursue her passion in a private school. Not many teachers do have that opportunity and they end up like a beautiful library that no one visits to study.

Among passionate professionals in the world, teachers are exemplary because of their desire to want to keep imparting on tomorrow’s leaders – children.
It is cheery news that the Federal Government is intent on increasing the retirement age of teachers after much agitation by various teachers’ associations.
Little wonder, in August 2015, the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Kogi State called on the then Governor Idris Wada to review service year of retirement for teachers upwards to 65 years to enable them give their best in the profession.
The State chairman of NUT, Suleiman Abdullahi, had noted that the best brains in the teaching profession are wasting away due to early retirement from service.
In view of that, Abdullahi was convinced that there is the need for the government to adjust retirement age of teachers, just as it did in the case of university lecturers and those in the judiciary.
“In the university system, it was discovered long ago by the Federal Government and it has been raised to 70 years,” he said.
Education experts have noted that many teachers who retire at the age of 60 are still agile and mentally fit to teach in the class. They are of the opinion that it will be a disservice to throw them out of the public service if they are willing and able to impact knowledge.
With less number of people taking genuine interest in teaching profession particularly in public schools, the government may be wise to allow experienced teachers to stay on the job as long as they are able, some scholars noted.
In doing so, the government is charged to give adequate attention to the remuneration and welfare of teachers, especially payment of minimum wage, if it wants genuine restoration of the lost glory to public schools.
“We can achieve a lot if the retirement age is pushed to 65 years, because at the moment, we are losing the best hands in this profession. Those who joined the teaching job between1979 and 1985 are those who are properly trained. The current problem is that employment into the teaching profession these days is by patronage.
“There is no amount of workshops or seminars that can ginger teachers to perform if there is no adequate remuneration and motivation for them. We have well trained teachers in the state but until the issue of welfare is taken care, you cannot see effective results,” Abdullahi added.
Part of the bane of the teaching profession, as those knowledgeable about the education noted, is the issue of political patronage.
Politicians are often accused of offering teaching jobs to those who assisted them to win elections, irrespective of whether they can express themselves or be able to do the job.
In that same year, the School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Dominic Ondeku, explained that the rate, at which trained, active and productive teachers are retiring from service as a result of the 35 years service policy, is alarming.
He said, “This is having a negative effect on basic education in the state. We are suggesting a review of the service year of retirement to chronological age of 65 years.”
But a year after the Kogi State clamoured for increment in retirement age, Lagos State University raised its professors’ retirement age to 70.
This is coming barely one month after the vice chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, had claimed that retirement was not part of the newly amended LASU Bill
In May last year, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode approved a new retirement age for the teaching and non-teaching staff of the institution.
“The new Section: 42 (6) of the Lagos State University (as amended) Law 2016 is as follows: Retirement Age: 42 (I) as from the commencement of this law, the retiring age for: – (a) Academic staff in the professorial cadre shall be 70 years; (b) Academic staff (not in professorial cadre) shall be 65 years; and (c) Non-academic staff shall be 65 years,” a bill by the state government stated.
The bill, signed into law on January 5, 2016 by Ambode, puts the retirement age for academic staff at 70 and 65 years for non-academic staff members.
The 2015 LASU Amendment Bill was an improvement over two previous amendments in 1990 and 1992.
In a similar development, before the end of his tenure, former President Goodluck Jonathan had signed a law increasing the retirement of polytechnic and university lecturers.
That law also increased retirement age of staff in the professorial cadre and non-academic staff in Nigerian universities to 70 and 65 years respectively.
The president signed the law five months after the National Assembly passed the bill for the Act titled, ‘Retirement Age of Staff of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education (Harmonisation) Act, 2012 and the Bill for an Act to further amend the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No. 11, 1993.’
The laws are major components of the Federal Government’s agreement with the various tertiary institution unions. The law also exempts the lecturers from the Public Service Rule, which requires a person to retire from the Public Service after serving for 35 years.
Few months after these developments at the federal level and in Lagos State, the NUT threatened to embark on a strike action if the demand of its members that their retirement age should be increased from 60 to 65 years is not met.
As a symbolic protest, the union chose the Teachers’ Day to drive home their point.
“In the same vein, the union calls on the government to ensure that the benefits (gratuities and monthly pensions) of retired teachers are paid promptly.
“NUT restates its demands that the state governments should appreciate and take up their constitutional responsibility of providing and maintaining primary education, including the provision of funds for payments of teachers salaries, in line with the 2002 judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the head of the NUT, Alogba Olukoya, had said.
According to him, the union resolved to make 2016’s celebration low-key in consideration of the economic recession in the country, which has adversely affected the welfare of teachers, smooth running of the school system and the entire education sector.
Speaking passionately about the teaching profession, he charged the Federal Government to ensure that only professionally trained and qualified persons are engaged in the proposed recruitment of 500,000 teachers to promote professionalism and effective service delivery in the school system.
NUT advised the state governments to avoid promoting privatisation and commercialisation of education especially at the primary and secondary levels through the handover of schools to voluntary agencies in the guise of seeking higher standards.
The union urged the Ministry of Education to address the issue of discrimination in the terminal grade levels of graduate teachers in both primary and secondary schools across the country by ensuring a uniform scheme of service for all teachers.
But he warned, “It is time to take the bull by the horn. I want to assure you what is customary is two weeks after our teachers’ day we hold our meetings and we call for situation report state-by-state pertaining to the demands of the Nigerian teachers. If in two weeks’ time we meet and nothing positive has happened, do not wait for any other directive, we will call Nigerian teachers out on strike.”
It was no small joy when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, reassured Nigerian teachers that the National Assembly would increase their retirement age from 60 to 65 years to retain more experienced teachers in public schools.
Dogara disclosed this when he received a delegation from the NUT who paid him a courtesy recently in Abuja.
The speaker said the House will support an upward review of teachers’ retirement age to benefit Nigerian children.
“We have done it for the Tertiary institutions and the Judiciary, so nothing should stop us from taking the bull by the horns. They say that wine gets better with age. It was the same consideration that motivated us to raise that of university lecturers, raised that of judges. So this is something we can pursue.
“Thankfully, it doesn’t require constitutional amendment; it is something we can achieve by amending the existing law. That is the responsibility of the parliament and we assure you that we will do something about that.
“If we don’t have people who will sacrifice their time and energy to impart knowledge on our children, then like I said, we have lost the future. This government which is a government of change must be prepared to change the narrative by ensuring that teachers are motivated and the condition in which they work are conducive at all levels, so that they can deliver on their professional calling,” he said.
The speaker also advised the union to channel their request for salaries of teachers to be handed over to state governments or paid from first-line charge from the federation account through the Universal Basic Education Commission to the Constitution Review of the House of Representatives for consideration.

But laudable as the proposal is, some stakeholders have described the move as unnecessary and in bad faith.
Rather than review the retirement age, they posited that improved welfare and special salary scale should be approved for teachers.
Lagos state Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUS) Kazeem Labaika described the idea as counter productive and must be discountenanced.
Labaika said if the old ones refused to leave the system, unemployment will continue to thrive among the young graduates.
“How can some people begin to clamour for such? Most of these people who are well advanced in age and are still in the system are no more productive; most of them do not even teach again. They have become principals, head teachers, and vice principals, why should they remain in the system when young graduates are out there without jobs? We are already preparing our own position paper to the National Assembly, we believe if the teaching profession is made attractive, the younger ones will embrace it and the society would be better off.

full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/increasing-teachers-retirement-age-as.html

Chika Ike's "African Diva Reality Show," which was launched in 2015, is set for a third season.

The reality series is currently in search of African ladies between the age of 18 to 35, who have a talent they want to showcase."African Diva Reality Show" features 22 ladies between the ages of 18 and 35 in a house for weeks as they complete various tasks and are evicted weekly.
The last season saw Ebony beat Beatrice to become the winner of $10,000, a brand new car, an acting contract, a cover feature in an international magazine and one year supply of Fancy Nancy accessories.Love Egbules, who won the first season of the reality series walked home with a cash prize of four million Naira and a movie contract.
In 2016, she shot her winning movie "All of Me," which starred her alongside Ike, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kenneth Okolie and more.In an earlier interview with Pulse Nigeria, the filmmaker said the show was inspired by her passion to give the African woman a voice.
"I wanted to empower the young African woman. I wanted to give a girl a chance because I for one for was given one," she said.The winner of the new season will win two million naira, one year movie contract, one year cover feature on an international magazine and one year supply of Fancy Nancy accessories.
source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/chika-ike-kicks-off-season-3-of-reality.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has traced at least N47.2Billion and $487.5Million in cash and property to former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

According to the EFCC, a “search of one of Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s palatial residences in Abuja turned up boxes of gold, silver and diamond jewelry, worth several million pounds sterling”.

Diezani's luxurious lifestyle, it appears, wasn’t limited to jewelry acquisition and state-of-the-art automobile.

Here’s a rundown of some of the palatial homes across Nigeria with Diezani’s name on them, according to the EFCC:

1. A Banana Island, Lagos property valued at $37.5m has been traced to Diezani.2. A block of six units serviced apartments at N0 135 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, has Diezani's name on it.

This house is located just a few metres away from the EFCC zonal operations hub in Lagos.

EFCC says “the apartment has a standby power generating set, sporting facilities, play ground and a water treatment plant. The property was bought at the rate of N800 Million (Eight Hundred Million Naira) on January 6, 2012".

3. N0. 7 Thurnburn Street, Yaba has also been traced to Diezani.

EFCC says “the Thurnburn Street property consists of 21 mixed housing units of eight 4-bedroom apartments, two penthouse apartments of 3-bedrooms each and six 3-bedroom (all en-suite) terrace apartments".
4. Diezani also allegedly owns the property on Raymond Street, Yaba.

This property is made up of two en-suite 2-bedroom apartments and one 4-bedroom apartment.

The Yaba properties were purchased by Diezani for N1Billion.

5. A twin four-bedroom duplex in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos,belongs to Diezani.

The duplex is located on Plot 33, Block 112, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos. It is valued at over N200 Million (Two Hundred Million Naira).
6. The EFCC says it has traced a large expanse of land at Oniru, Lekki, Lagos to Nigeria’s former petroleum resources minister.

According to the EFCC, the house is located in Oniru Chieftaincy Family Private Estate, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos.

It currently serves as a dumpsite and was bought on February 16, 2012, for N135 Million (One Hundred and Thirty- Five Million Naira).

7. Diezani owns a penthouse on the 11th Floor of Plot 8, Gerard Road Ikoyi, Lagos.

The penthouse is located on the Block B Wing of the building. It was bought for N12 Million (Twelve Million Naira) on December 20, 2011.8. Diezani owns Plot 10, Frederick Chiluba Close in Asokoro district of Abuja.

The EFCC describes the property as “a tastefully built and furnished duplex. In the compound, there are also a Guest Chalet, Boy’s Quarters, an elegant swimming pool, fully equipped sports gym and a host of other amenities”.This house was bought for N400 Million (Four Hundred Million Naira).

9. Diezani owns a mini estate at Mabushi, Abuja.

The estate which is located on Plot 1205, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi Gardens Estate, houses 13 three bedroom terrace houses, each with one bedroom en-suite maid’s quarters.

It was purchased on April 2, 2012 at the princely sum of N650 Million (Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira).

10. The EFCC says Diezani owns a property on Aso Drive, Maitama, Abuja.

Diezani reportedly acquired the 6-bedroom en-suite apartment made up of three large living rooms, two bedroom Guest Chalets, two bedroom Boys Quarters, two lock up garages and a car park on July 20, 2011 for N80 Million (Eighty Million Naira).
11. In Port Harcourt, the former minister owns Heritage Court Estate, located on Plot 2C, Omerelu Street, Diobu Government Residential Area, Phase 1 Extension, Port Harcourt.

The estate consists of 16 four bedroom terrace duplexes, equipped with--among other facilities--a massive standby power generating set.

Diezani reportedly shelled out N900 Million (Nine Hundred Million Naira) to acquire the property on May 30, 2012.

12. In Bayelsa State, Diezani acquired an apartment with two blocks of flats. This apartment comes with a maid’s quarters.

The house is located on Goodluck Jonathan Road, Yenagoaand sits on a large expanse of land.

Realtors spoken to by EFCC investigators say the apartment is valued at hundreds of millions of Naira.

The United State's Department of Justice Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, is also seeking to recover $144M in assets from Diezani which it will then return to Nigeria.

US Assistant Attorney-General, Kenneth Blanco, said: “Corrupt foreign officials and business executives should make no mistake: if illicit funds are within the reach of the United States, we will seek to forfeit them and to return them to the victims from whom they were stolen.”
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/here-are-12-luxury-homes-ex-minister.html

A 91-year-old woman became the oldest person to graduate from university in Thailand on Wednesday, receiving her bachelor’s degree from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Escorted by her family, Kimlun Jinakul travelled more than 700 km from the northern province of Phayao to Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, near Bangkok, to receive her bachelor’s degree in human ecology.

“It has always been my dream to continue my studies,” Kimlun told local TV station Thai PBS.
She said that she had finished junior high school but couldn’t continue her education at the time because her family couldn’t finance it.
Kimlun said: “When I was young, I actually received good grades.
“I have always enjoyed reading. I even bought manuals to educate myself so I could help my children with their homework.”
Kimlun said she became inspired to continue her formal studies in 2011, once her children and grandchildren had received university educations and found decent jobs.
“It’s never too late to study,” she said.
“She is a very determined person,” said Bhum Juasiripakdee, one of Kimlun’s grandchildren.
“We all support her while making sure she remains in good health.”
The university said Kimlun had not received any special treatment in terms of grading.
In fact, she failed half of her courses and had to retake examinations several times.
“The university provided me with a lot of convenience,” Kimlun said.
“They allocated rooms on the ground floor for me so I did not have to climb the stairs.”
The university is the first in Thailand to offer distance learning to elderly people.
Almost 200 people older than 60 have enrolled.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/91-year-old-woman-bags-bachelors-degree.html

A coalition of Middle Belt Youths has asked herdsmen to vacate the region before October 1 this year. They, however, distanced themselves from the quit notice issued to Igbo resident in the north.

Operating under the aegis of Middle Belt Renaissance Forum, the youths, which met in Abuja, threatened war at the expiration of their ultimatum.
A communiqué by its convener, Comrade Jones Simon Alfa, urged governors from the region to be alive to governance and desist from harassing media practitioners.

It reads: “The Middle Belt governors should sit up for governance and stop primitive accumulation of wealth. The region is not in any way part of the agitation for Igbo to vacate the north on October 1.
“We have been living with the Igbo peacefully and will not join in the call for secession.”
In a related development, Governor Samuel Ortom has vowed to go ahead with the anti-grazing law in Benue State.
The governor, who spoke yesterday in Makurdi against the backdrop of the court initiated at an Abuja High Court against the legislation by Miyeitti Allah Kautal Hore, said the move would not deter his administration in doing what was right for the people.
He maintained that the exercise was only a ploy to kill time, saying government would not watch idly while a few disturb the prevailing peace in the state. The governor pledged to tackle the group legally.
Joined in the suit filed by the association’s trustees, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodojo and Salleh Alhassan through their counsel, Aliyu Ahmed and Associates, are the National Assembly, Attorney General of Federation (AGF), Inspector General of Police, Benue House of Assembly, the state government and Commissioner of Police.
Besides, the Ika Diocese of the Anglican Communion has urged the Federal Government to halt the alleged killings and destruction of farmlands by herdsmen in Delta State.
President, Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild of the church, Dame Mercy Yetunde Onekpe, lamented the continued attack on persons in the state, saying the activities of the nomads were another major source of fear nationwide.
However, the peace meeting called to straighten ties following the eviction notice issued by northern youths for Igbo to vacate the region has been postponed.
The 10-day postponement, according to the committee of Hausa and Igbo leaders in Abuja, was to allow for more consultation.
The bi-partisan committee was set up on August 4 to proffer solution to the tension generated by the October 1, 2017 quit notice.
A statement signed by Chi Nwogu and Dauda Shamakiri gave vent to the shift.
Also yesterday, Yoruba leaders in the north urged the two ethnic nationalities to live peacefully and jointly contribute to a virile and prosperous Nigeria.
Rising from a meeting in Kaduna, the Ambassador Muhammad Arigbabuwo-led Yoruba Traditional Council Arigbabuwo expressed satisfaction at the role of northern governors, monarchs as well as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other bodies in dousing the tension.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/middle-belt-youths-issue-quit-notice-to.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, further intervened in the foreign exchange market with a $195 million auction to its three segments.The move followed a major stride last week, where it sold $462.3 million, made up of $267.3 million for the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) while $100 million went to wholesale interventions; $50 million for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) forex window and $45 million going to invisible items – Business/Personal Travel Allowances, tuition and medical fees.

The latest aid comes barely three days after reports from the apex bank indicated that it had grown the country’s reserves back to $31 billion, with rates now trending at N364/$ for the parallel market; N362 at the BDC segment while the investors and exporters’ window stays at N363.

The Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Isaac Okorafor, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustain liquidity in the market to ensure that genuine requests are met as well as improve flexibility in the market.
He said the leadership of the apex bank was upbeat about the positive impact its foreign exchange management was having on the manufacturing and agriculture sectors as well as the general economic activities nationwide.He also reiterated the CBN Governor’s desire to achieve stability and ultimately ensure convergence of rates in the market.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/cbn-further-boosts-forex-market-with.html

The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday said it generated N111.75 million as revenue between January and June.

The area comptroller, Mr Francis Adetoye, who disclosed this to newsmen in Yola , said the command also made 22 seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N42.765 million within the period under review.
He said that of the amount, the command recorded over N26 million as increment in revenue in June alone.

Adetoye added that the officials from the command also seized a truck-load of diesel allegedly meant for the Boko Haram sect in Samba forest.
He disclosed that the truck was conveying about 500 jerry cans filled with petroleum product when the customs’ officials impounded it.
The comptroller who displayed the seized items said that they were seized from the culprits along the Mubi- Madagali Highway.
“The men of the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) of the NCS patrolling the Mubi-Madagali highway in Adamawa, seized a Mitsubishi truck fully loaded with about 500 jerry cans of petroleum.
“The driver and other passengers of the truck ran into the bush on sighting the operational team.
“We suspected that the fuel was being transported to Sambisa Forest for Boko Haram use ” Adetoye said.
He also said that eight members of the team narrowly escaped being lynched by suspected smugglers in Wuro Bokki area of Adanawa.
Adetoye said that this happened when the team was chasing smugglers in the water ways along the Nigeria – Cameroon maritime border.
He said that the smugglers were involved in a head-on collision with a tricycle in their bid to escape arrest.
He said following the casualties recorded in the accident, the smugglers allegedly mobilized villagers for a possible attack of the patrol team.
Adetoye said that the timely intervention of sister security agencies and traditional rulers from the area saved the situation.
He, however, warned smugglers to quit the area, look for a legitimate job or be ready to face prosecution if apprehended.
full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/nigeria-customs-service-generates.html

Hausa Fulani / Yoruba people said Biafrans don't have fertile land but now my Class mate Jude can grow cucumber in Biafra Land. Please encourage him anyway you can. We studied Mechanical engineering in I.M.T Enugu but now he is a professional farmer. Let is show him some love.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/photos-see-cucumber-that-was-harvested.html

Few weeks after the Creative Industry Financing Conference hosted by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, the Federal Government has granted ‘Pioneer Status’ to the Creative Industry in a landmark move aimed at transforming the industry to a creative economy and creating jobs.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the decision to grant the industry ‘Pioneer Status’ is in fulfillment of the promise made by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, represented by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, at the opening of conference held at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The ‘Pioneer Status’ is granted to companies making investments in qualifying industries and products as tax holiday from the payment of corporate income tax and withholding tax on dividend from pioneer profits for an initial period of three years, extendable for one or two additional years. This covers music production, publishing and distribution (including online digital distribution); photography; production and post- production of digital content for motion pictures, videos, television programmes, commercials, distribution and exhibition (digital movies, animation, videos, tv programmes and commercials); publishing of books (copyrighted books) and development and Publishing of ready-made software (operating systems, software applications and computer games).

‘’This is a shot in the arm for the Creative Industry, and it will definitely catalyze investments in the industry. It is also the answer to our quest to spur the establishment of world-class studios in Nigeria for production and post-production of movies and music videos,’’ the Minister said.
He said the need to grant ‘Pioneer Status’ to the Creative Industry, as well as tackle the piracy of creative works were among the key issues raised by participants at the Creative Industry Financing Conference.
‘’It is a measure of the increasing importance attached to the industry by the Federal Government that these issues are now being handled with utmost urgency. First, the ‘Pioneer Status’ has been granted within three weeks of the conclusion of the conference. Secondly, an Anti-Piracy Committee, comprising representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, industry stakeholders and the police, has been set up to work out the modality for tackling piracy in a lasting and sustainable manner,’’ Alhaji Mohammed said.
He thanked the stakeholders in the Creative Industry for supporting the Federal Government in its efforts that have succeeded in putting the industry in the front burner of the economy and made it a key plank of the government’s economic diversification policy.
‘’We are determined to do more for the Creative Industry in order to allow the creative talents of our youths to blossom, create massive jobs and position Nigeria as a global hub for the industry,’’ the
Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of COSON Chief Tony Okoroji has expressed dissatisfaction over an attempt by some individuals under the umbrella of PMAN to discredit the recently held Creative Industry Summit on the basis that they were not officially invited.
“On the 17 and 18 of July, I attended the Creative Industry Summit held at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. No one sent me a special invitation to the summit. I have always been interested in any serious conversation that can bring progress to the Nigerian creative sector. I therefore went to www.creativenigeria.org, the heavily advertised website of the summit, to register, cancelled previous engagements and attended the summit on both days and I was happy I did. To the best of my knowledge, most of the stakeholders, who thronged the venue on both days of the summit registered on line like me and no one who showed up was turned back,” he said.
Okoroji explained that he was in no way involved in the organisation of the summit, neither was he listed as a speaker. However, he enjoyed listening to the recommendations made by speaker after speaker to addressing the nation’s challenges in developing a truly vibrant creative sector.
“Having organised similar events in the past, I could not but appreciate the effort made to put together such a successful event. At the end, I sought out Ms Taiwo Olukunle of Think Tank Media whom I was told developed the idea for the summit and executed it. I was meeting Ms Olukunle for the first time and I commended her for what I thought was a very professional job.”
Apart from the Honourable Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who sat through every minute of the two-day summit and vigorously engaged the stakeholders to understand their challenges, the summit was also attended by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who represented the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Also present was the Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment, Mrs Aisha Abubakar.
“In my many years of actively fighting endless wars on behalf of the creative industry, I do not believe that I have ever witnessed such top level of engagement with the Nigerian creative community by any government. I was at the summit when the hundreds of creative industry stakeholders sensing a shift in our engagement with the Nigerian government gave a standing ovation to Minister Lai Mohammed, who sat for nine unbroken hours for two consecutive days discussing the problems of musicians, film makers, content producers, etc and trying to find ways to address the problems,” Okoroji hinted.
The COSON Chairman therefore expressed shocked by the efforts being made by some of his colleagues and friends in the name of PMAN to discredit the historic Creative Industry Summit and to drag the Minister’s name into the mud.

“I have written extensively on Intellectual Property and have lectured on the subject in respected international forums across the world. I’m therefore embarrassed that someone would in the name of PMAN accuse the minister of ‘plagiarizing’ an idea for a conference!”
Okoroji, who is a past president of PMAN noted that the respect gained by PMAN was based on the principles the music body promoted and the language it used to promote those principles.
“We never sought to use the platform of PMAN to chase after anyone with whom we have personal disagreements, real or perceived. We never deployed foul language. As a past President of PMAN and an elder in Nigeria’s creative industry, I completely disagree with the attempt to use the platform of PMAN to contrive a dispute with the Minister of Information & Culture and to seek to blackmail and terrorise him using language that is very unbecoming of our once great association. There is a lot of work to do and plenty to keep every willing person busy. Let us join hands and do the work for the good of the Nigerian nation and the well-being of our children,” he said.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/at-last-fg-grants-creative-industry.html

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday, said the State Government spent over N15billion last year to beef up security and ensure the safety of lives and property.

Ambode, who spoke at a dinner held at the Lagos House in Ikeja, in honour of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, who was on a two-day working visit to the state, said security, being one of the tripods upon which the administration is built, has improved drastically since he assumed office.

He attributed the development to the sustainability of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), a template, he said has helped to champion funding of security agencies to carry out effective policing across the State.

Earlier, IGP Ibrahim Idris said that despite the cosmopolitan nature of the state that makes policing difficult, officers posted to Lagos were enjoying the very best in terms of equipment and welfare.
He said the visit afforded him the opportunity to learn more strategies adopted by the State Government in the business of securing lives and property.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/lagos-spent-n15bn-on-security-in-2016.html

The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has described as false claim by former governor of the state and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, that he had been cleared of any complicity in the alleged misappropriation of its N852.9 million fund.

Chairman of Ekiti State SUBEB, Senator Bode Ola, who spoke yesterday with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, said the report of the judicial panel of inquiry set up by the government to investigate the financial activities of his government, which is now being celebrated by the former governor to confuse the public, was just for fact-finding and not to indict or exonerate anyone.

He, therefore, urged Fayemi and his men to seize the opportunity of the inquiry to clear their names of any allegation levelled against them instead of seeking to deceive the public with false reports.

He said that going by the content of the panel report being referred to, it is clear without any ambiguity that financial crime was committed. He said: “It was established that the Ekiti State Government under Dr. Kayode Fayemi obtained loan from the bank and moved the fund out of SUBEB account one year after.
“The loan was got from the bank without agreement as to interest rate, terms of payment and no Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO).“How could the said bank used to cause the suspension of the state from benefitting from UBEC funds have granted loan without first agreeing on interest rate and terms of payment?
“The money was paid into SUBEB account in November 2013, while it was moved out of the account in October 2014 – close to one year after the money was paid and used to access UBEC matching grant and contracts awarded.”
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/08/fayemi-not-cleared-by-panel-in-alleged.html