₦airaland Forum

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President Barack Obama has made history as the first US president to visit the mosque .He visited a mosque in Baltimore on Wednesday in an attempt to recast what he said was a warped image of Islam.
Obama, in his first visit to a mosque in the United States, described Muslims as essential to the fabric of America and decried GOP plans that would single them out for extra scrutiny. He said those plans only amplify the messages coming from terrorist groups who suggest the U.S. is at war with the Muslim faith.Obama told the audience at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, a 47-year-old mosque with thousands of attendees...

There are voices who are constantly claiming you have to choose between your identities..Do not believe them.."Let me say as clearly as I can as president of the United States: you fit right here," "You're right where you belong. You're part of America too. You're not Muslim or American. You're Muslim and American."
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Obama said of an earlier conversation with young Muslim community leaders.

"Some of them are parents, and they talked about how their children were asking, 'Are we going to be forced out of the country? Are we going to be rounded up? Why do people treat us like this?' Conversations you shouldn't have to have with children. Not in this country."

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-obama-first-visit-to-us-mosque.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Teachers at Matshitsholo High School, Ulundi, SA, arrived yesterday morning only to be confronted by angry parents threatening to bury them alive in coffins because they are lazy and selfish. The parents said they came to show the teachers how serious they are about their children's education.
One of the parents said:

"They are no better than ghosts, so we will bury them alive"


According to Daily Sun SA, the parents are demanding the immediate removal of the teachers.They said the teachers are expected to be teaching pupils during school hours, but instead use the time to rest or take care of personal matters.

"You are putting the future of our children at risk," said the parents.

Worried parent Mthembeni Sokhela, 47 told Daily Sun there is an ongoing fight at the school between teachers who belong to the National Teachers Union (Natu) and those who have joined the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu).

"I went to this school recently and found Sadtu teacher sitting under a tree. When the principal, a Natu member, told him he was supposed to be in class, the teacher told him to go there himself," said Sokhela.

He said the parents believe this is why the pass rate at the school had dropped. In 2014 and in 2015 only four pupils passed.

"How can children pass when teachers just sit around and still get a full salary every month?” asked Sokhela..

A worried grade 11 pupil shared her frustration with Daily Sun.

"Our teachers are selfish and they’re gambling with our future. We find ourselves caught in the middle of something that has nothing to do with us. Most of the times we are just sitting around because teachers refuse to come to class," she said.

SGB chairman Zweni Mbatha said:

"The situation is very tense. Angry parents threaten to bury the teachers alive if the department does not take action."

KZN Education spokesman Sihile Mlotshwa said the matter has reached their office.

"The MEC was due to hold a meeting at these school but had other commitments. She has sent a task team to meet the parents. We promise that a satisfying solution will be found," said Mlotshwa.

KZN Sadtu deputy secretary Dolly Caluza said:

"We distance ourselves from speculations that the misunderstanding between teachers at this school is union-motivated. We will try our best to support the school."

Natu deputy president Allen Thomson also denied that the ongoing fight has anything to do with the unions.

"It started in 2014 when teachers reported the principal for mismanagement. Ever since then he has been provoking them in every possible way," Thomson said.

Thomson appealed to the community to stop threatening teachers with coffins.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photo-parents-threatening-to-bury-lazy.html

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Following President Buhari's Mutual Legal Assistance agreement with the United Arab Emirate on the repatriation of stolen funds and extradition of indicted officials, the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, met with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Mahmud Muhammad Al- Mahmud today in Abuja.

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Magu called for the strengthening of the existing relationship between Nigeria and United Arab Emirate, UAE, with a view to effectively tackle corruption within the African continent.

"The fight against graft requires the collaborative support of all and sundry, most especially the international community for it to be won", he said.

According to the EFCC boss, the present administration in the country is poised to recover the nation’s commonwealth looted and laundered in foreign countries by corrupt elements. He said the Commission has intelligence that the UAE is considered a safe haven by corrupt politically exposed persons in Nigeria.

A-Mahmud pledged the support of his country to Nigeria's anti-graft war.
"No counrtry can be an island on its own without the support of others." the UAE Ambassador said.
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/photos-efcc-chairman-meets-uae-envoy.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Love their boldness. While entertaining Pres. Buhari and other top dignitaries at the 40th Presidential Luncheon to mark Ogun state's 40th anniversary in Abeokuta yesterday February 2nd, comedians Alibaba and Gbenga Adeyinka joked about the current Dasuki $2.1 billion arms deal probe.

"You know before now, when I perform, especially when Mr. President Obasanjo, found out how much I got paid for the event, he was livid. When they now asked me to come and perform for the new president considering that he’s asking money from everybody, he said, how much do you want to charge? I said anything you want to give me sir, there’s no need to tell him the amount, he’ll add me to that Dasuki’s list. Olorunmaje! ..and you know that man has not finished confessing”he said

Gbenga Adeyinka who was co-anchoring the event with Alibaba, said everything Alibaba was saying was his personal opinion because before leaving his house, his wife warned him to mind what he said at the event because she doesn't want a situation where "they" will come and search her house. He said Alibaba should continue with his joke at his own risk. Watch the video....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CclZuyg06A8

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/02/video-alibaba-gbenga-adeyinka-make.html

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Remember her ? This is Wizkid'a first known girlfriend,Sophie Rahman .She featured in Holla at your boy and was with him before fame took him away!She just got married today .
I like ladies who know there is no time to waste.Congrats to her !
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-wizkids-ex-girlfriend-weds.html

cc: lalasticlala

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The US based Nigerian rapper touched down Lagos this evening.He is very proud of his roots..

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photo-rapper-wale-poses-with-armed.html

cc: lalasticlala

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I don't know how to explain this but I will try. The woman sitting and backing the camera is said to be a mentally unstable woman. The people gathered around her believe she gives lucky numbers for betting games as a few have supposedly testified. So they take their bets to her for her to help them pick a lucky number...that's how the www.metronaija.com reader who sent in the pic explained to me...:-)
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-people-gather-around-madwoman-in.html

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, met with entertainers including Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, MI, Paul and Jude Okoye, Sunny Ade, Mo Abudu and others at the Southern Sun Hotel in Lagos yesterday January 24th. The meeting was to sensitize the entertainers on the 'Change Begins With Me' project that is to be launched by this administration.
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-tiwa-savage-don-jazzy-mi-ksa-and.html

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Sometime last week, one of Nigeria's biggest fast food restaurants tweeted this ad on their official twitter page; "Why eat your words when you can eat our meals" and "Special delivery for Olisa" with an EFCC logo on the ad, which is in reference to reports that PDP Spokesman Olisa Metuh allegedly ate or tried to eat a document containing statements he made to the EFCC so it won't be used as evidence against him in court which Metuh has since denied he did. But that didn't stop Chicken Republic from latching on the controversy and using it as a publicity stunt for their brand.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/chicken-republic-mocks-olisa-metuh-in.html

cc: lalasticlala

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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-rotimi-amaechi-at-burial-of.html

drop your caption

cc: lalasticlala ishilove

Correspondent in Ikorodu reported that one person has died and several injured in a boat accident in Ikorodu.

A Victoria Island-bound boat, which left the Orijin Jetty was said to have collided with another boat deep inside the Lagoon as heavy fog hindered the vision of the boat captains.

The impact of the collision was said to have split open the Victoria Island boat leaving two critically injured. They were rushed to the Ikorodu General Hospital but sources from the hospital said one of them have lost the battle for life.

Other injured passengers have been taken to Haruna Ogun hospital and other private hospitals.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/boat-accident-leaves-1-dead-in-ikorodu.html

cc: lalasticlala

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NEMA officials donated blood to Internally Displaced Persons ‪on sick bed at Federal Medical Center as part of the humanitarian service render to the IDPs in Yola Adamawa state. More photos after the cut...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-nema-officials-donate-blood-to.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Ten pro-Biafran protesters arrested between January 16-18 were on Wednesday Jan. 21st arraigned in court by the Rivers State Police Command. Onu Ifeanyi, Prince Onwazor, Princewill Anyanywu, Sunday Egbim and Uzoma Onyegbu, Chigozie Moses, Chukwudi Enyidau, Anthony Ochuel, Enam David Okon and Friady Nwahiri were arraigned at Magistrates’ Courts 7 and 14 in Port Harcourt on two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and treasonable felony.
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Hearing on the cases was adjourned till Thursday, January 21, and 28 respectively while the presiding Magistrate ordered for the suspects to be remanded in prison custody.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of Rivers Police Command, Ahmad Muhammad, the suspects were arrested while on their way to infiltrate Port Harcourt from neighbouring states with the intent to engage in a conduct likely to undermine public peace.
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Muhammad warned that "the command will not stand idly and allow any person or group of persons to violate the laws of country by engaging in conducts that are perilous to public peace and order as well as the lives and properties of other law abiding citizens."

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-10-pro-biafran-protesters.html

cc: lalasticlala ishilove

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Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung, NFF President Amaju Pinnick and a contestant in the election for the presidency of the NFF , Chris Giwa, pictured above in a group hug after both men, Amaju and Giwa, almost went physical on each other during a peace meeting in the Minister's office in Abuja yesterday January 20th. More photos after the cut...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-sports-minister-dalung-pinnick.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Jonah Okoji ,42, of south Manchester is wanted by Greater Manchester Police for a number of alleged rapes that took place in the Levenshulme area of Manchester between August 2011 and July 2014. He is also wanted for an incident of criminal damage linked to the rapes that occurred in July 2014. The police believe that Okoji - also known as Joe Helma - has possibly moved to Ireland.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photonigerian-man-on-greater-manchester.html

cc: lalasticlala

The Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, says former President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to put him in a hole after the presidential elections in 2015 was concluded. Oshiomole made the allegation while speaking with some APC leaders in Edo state yesterday January 14th.

"Around this time last year, in January, a few weeks to the election, many were saying quite recklessly on radio and television that we were finished.
The former President, Goodluck Jonathan told our National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun to inform me that after the election, he will put me, Adams, the son of Oshiomhole in a hole and I told Chief Oyegun to inform him to dig that hole very deep because although I am short, in the course of pushing me into the hole, nobody knows who will get there first. Since he is taller than me, he needs to dig the hole deep enough so that either of us can get in. In the end, he is inside the hole and I am busy putting dust into that hole. In this hall, around this time last year, we held a meeting to share information about what was going on in various local governments and the specific challenges in each of those local government in order to fashion out appropriate response. Some of the statements that we shared in those meetings included threats that by June, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole would have been impeached because PDP would write results whether we liked it or not. They would overrun the House of Assembly and once the House is proclaimed in June, before the end of June, Comrade would be banished to his house in the village and from there to prison. Those who made those threats, who supervised those processes, even now in their early 90s are writing letters to explain how they shared money meant for defence. Every evil weapon they fashioned against me did not prosper and even the ones they are fashioning now will not prosper.”

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/jonathan-threatened-to-put-me-in-hole.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung paid a condolence visit to the management of the Nigerian Football Federation over the death of its protocol officer, Ibrahim Abubakar. 43 year old Abubakar was killed by armed robbers who came to rob his Abuja home this morning. He is survived by a wife and three sons. Continue for more photos...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-sports-minister-visits-nff-over.html

cc: lalasticlala

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The Malian superstar is in Abuja for the Glo CAF awards happening tomorrow. See more pics after the cut..

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http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/photos-dbanj-meets-malian-starsalif.html

cc: lalasticlala

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After what many considered silence on their part, the #BringBackOurGirls group have announced plans to march to Aso Villa on January 14 ,2016 to re-engage President Buhari over the Chibok Girls..
This comes as the president admitted during his media chat that, there is no concrete information on the whereabouts of the girls.He also vowed to negotiate unconditionally with any bokoharam group or leader who can prove the girls are still in one piece ..

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/01/bringbackourgirls-group-ready-to-march.html

cc: lalasticlala

As the biggest opposition to the ruling party in the nation, All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party has described the proposed budget for 2016 by the Federal Government, as a recipe for doom and disaster.
The party stated that given the details of the proposed 2016 budget the N1.84 trillion to be borrowed means that the nation would be borrowing N5 billion a day for the next one year beginning from January 1, 2016.
Even as the country would be borrowing, there is no corresponding provision for economic production and a clear repayment plan, a scenario that spells doom for the future of the nation, the opposition party opines.
Olisa Metuh, spokesperson for the party explained why it was important for the party to cry foul.



“Some people may be wondering why we raised an alarm about the budget. The reason is simple.
“When we analyzed the budget, we discovered it is a misshapen attempt at a Keynesian economics of applying deficit spending to stimulate growth even when studies have proven that GDP growth rates decrease by over 50% when debt goes from low or moderate to high. But then we know the borrowing here is to pay huge campaign debt and fund a political war chest.”


The PDP opines that the budget is in no way to the benefit of the country giving the breakdown their experts have done.
“By every standard, this budget is a booby trap against the nation. When you break down the proposed N1.84 trillion borrowing, you discover that it amounts to borrowing N5 billion everyday for the 365 days in 2016. The questions are: for what specific projects are they borrowing N5 billion per day and how do they intend to pay back?


“The President should explain to Nigerians how they intend to pay back the loan. Is it by continuous borrowing to service the interests, and does he intend to accumulate colossal debt for future generations of Nigerians?


“The truth is that this administration cannot justify this proposal. There is no known economy in the world where you can justify borrowing N1.84 trillion without specific projects and precise repayment outline.
“This is worse still in an oil-driven, mono-economy at a time crude oil is selling at $30 dollars per barrel and is speculated to go down to about $20 dollars or even lower in the next one year.
“The idea can only come when you diversify the economy and boost production capacity in manufacturing and other critical sectors, a direction, which the budget clearly failed to provide.


“From all indicators, the borrowing will be negative. They are driving us to be like Greece, and to plunge us into unnecessary debt.
“When the PDP took office in 1999, we achieved the cancellation of inherited debts. This administration, in seeking to accumulate debts, should know that there is no possibility that any country in the world will give us debt cancellation anymore.”


Metuh further stated, “More importantly, we are really worried about negative economic policies of the present administration and the copying of strategies that failed in other economies.
“Recall that we had earlier alerted on the negative consequences of the retrogressive foreign exchange controls wherein this government is making it impossible for honest Nigerians to engage in free trade and regulate their personal activities.


“There seems to be the erroneous belief that the controls will create foreign exchange stability or strengthen the Naira by limiting foreign currency outflows.
“This policy had badly affected other countries in the recent past; including Argentina, whose new government had to reverse the policy to save their economy. Why then are we copying a policy that failed in other countries?


“In practice, the kind of crude controls the Federal Government is implementing have been proven ineffective in preventing capital flight.
“By limiting the local availability of foreign exchange, the controls have instead increased the demand for foreign exchange, putting greater pressure on the naira and achieving the exact opposite of what the government in its naivety believed would happen.


“The negative impacts of the ill-conceived controls include the hindering of international trade and discouraging of foreign investment.
“We have seen first-hand the crippling of the private sector in the last six months, upon the implementation of these measures were out. Traders, importers and all manner of businesses are being destroyed as a result of the contrived unavailability of foreign exchange.”



In conclusion, Metuh dared the Federal Government to a public debate where the sentiments of the APC-controlled National Assembly would be absent.

He stated that the APC lawmakers in the Assembly are only concerned about protecting their allocations from cuts.

Meanwhile, Nigeria would reportedly incur expenses up to N714,540,706,197 as traveling cost of President Buhari in 2016.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/buharis-budget-will-see-nigeria-borrow.html

cc: lalasticlala

Universities rankings organisations, WeboMetrics World and 4International have released their list for the Universities they consider prestigious in 2015.

Both organisations make use of different ranking parameters. www.metronaija.com has taken a closer look at both lists to present to you the top ten Universities in Nigeria.

10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, (FUNAAB) was established on 1 January 1988. The university has 179 academic programmes made up of 44 undergraduate programmes, 135 graduate programmes which include 22 Postgraduate programmes, 57 Masters Degree programmes and 56 Doctorate Degree programmes.

9. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is a federal government research university located in Zaria, Kaduna State ABU was founded on October 4, 1962. The Ahmadu Bello University is notable for producing numerous prominent people, and Nigerian leaders: including many former and serving state governors and Ministers like Late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, Namadi Sambo, Atiku Abubakar, Attahiru Jega, amongst others.

8. University of Benin

The University of Benin was founded in 1970. It started as an Institute of Technology and was accorded the status of a full-fledged University by National Universities Commission (NUC) on 1 July 1971.

7. University of Nigeria

The University of Nigeria (UNN), is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Founded in 1955 and formally opened on 7 October 1960, the University of Nigeria has four campuses – Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku-Ozalla – located in Enugu state and one in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.

6. Federal University of Technology, Minna

Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA) specializes in technological education. The University is a designated Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering and has a core competence in the development of vaccines and drugs.

5. University of Ilorin

The University of Ilorin, also known as Unilorin was established by a decree of the Federal Military Government in 1975 and is a federal government owned tertiary institution of education located in Ilorin, Kwara State.

4. Covenant University

Covenant University is located in Ota, Ogun State. It is a Private Christian University and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The University was opened in 2002

3. University of Ibadan

The University of Ibadan(UI) is the oldest and one of the most prestigious Nigerian universities. The university provides such amenities as Internet cafés, Knowledge Hubs, cafeterias, Laundry Centres, Mini Marts, Press Boards, common-rooms, gymnasium (in some halls), kitchenettes, etc.

2. Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo University was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962. In terms of research productivity, Ife is ranked as the most productive university in Nigeria by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and by Shanghai University world rankings as it relates to Africa.

1. University of Lagos

The University of Lagos was established on 22 October 1962 on the authority of the University of Lagos Act of 1962. The University has remained one of the most competitive in the country in terms of admissions. Notwithstanding, with approximately 45,000 students as of 2010, the University of Lagos has one of the largest student populations of any University in the country.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/top-10-universities-in-nigeria-of-2015.html

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1. Burna Boy – “On A Spaceship”

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2. Falz - "Stories That Touch"

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3. Seyi Shay - "Seyi or Shay"

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4. Runtown - "Ghetto University"

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5. Orezi - "The Ghen Ghen"

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6. Reminisce - "Baba Hafusa"

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7. LeriQ - "The Lost Sounds"
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8. Naeto C - "Day 1"

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9. Oritse Femi - "Money Stops Nonsense"

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http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/9-best-album-covers-of-2015.html

cc: lalasticlala

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National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was at the scene of a gas explosion along Bosso Road in Minna, Niger State.



The Zonal Coordinator of NEMA in the state said that effort were being put in place to relocate all those selling gas within residential areas to less populated areas to avoid further occurrence.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Bala Elkana, also confirmed the incident and the death of Mr Sani Adewale.



Less than a week before this, eight people had been killed and several others injured following a gas explosion at a gas plant in Nnewi, Anambra State.



The incident occurred around midday on Monday (Dec 28, 2015 when a consignment of gas was about being transferred to the company’s dump, due to leakage, there was a massive explosion which quickly spread to nearby houses wreaking havoc.



The fire left bodies of victims burnt beyond recognition.

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http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photos-nema-visits-scene-of-gas.html

cc: lalasticlala

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This happened beside Nipco filling station around Sangotedo, Ajah on Dec. 27th. But thankfully, no one died, only badly injured. See more photos after the cut...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/shocking-photos-from-accident-in.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Boko Haram terrorists this evening arrived at a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) filling station in the outskirts of Maiduguiri, Borno State on vehicles and opened fire on motorists queueing for fuel. Photos above show residents fleeing for safety after the attack. See another photo after the cut...
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http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photos-boko-haram-attacks-nnpc-filling.html

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The Peoples Democratic Party, Lagos State chapter, has decried the fuel scarcity in the country, claiming that it was APC's Christmas gift to Nigerians.

Mr. Taofik Gani, the Publicity Secretary of Lagos PDP, said this in a recent interview the Punch news reporters.

Mr. Gani recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari promise Nigerians there would be no scarcity again in the country, but claimed that the situation had worsen.




“The first Christmas that Nigerians, especially Lagosians, will mark under the APC will go down in history as one of the worst due to the worsening fuel scarcity. The electricity supply which President Buhari promised last year has not come to pass and those who want to use generators cannot make use of generators as filling stations are not dispensing fuel in jerry cans.”

Gani also lambasted Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, for blaming former President Goodluck Jonathan for the fuel scarcity.




“Nigerians know that it is not true that Jonathan is the reason why everything has gone worse under Buhari. The APC has the tendency to claim Jonathan’s achievements but blame him for its inefficiencies.

“A few weeks after President Buhari assumed power, he took credit for the improvement in the power sector, saying that his body language had evoked change when everyone knew that it was Jonathan’s achievement.”

“Now that Nigerians are groaning, the APC is blaming Jonathan. You cannot have your cake and eat it.

He claimed that APC is yet to fulfil any of their promises.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/fuel-scarcity-is-apcs-christmas-gift-to.html

cc: lalasticlala

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The container fell around stadium bridge, early today.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photo-another-container-falls-this.html

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“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:9-10)



“Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of … wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth” (1Cor. 5:



Imagine a calendar year without Christmas. No holiday; no fiesta; no gifts. Boring, you think? Nevertheless, undeniably the most popular religious festival, Christmas is fast turning into something else, hence, raising worries, fears and contentions in the hearts of concerned celebrators. And it seems the devil has not been silent about it at all. He has cunningly devised certain deceptions to mar the truth, peace, and joy of Christmas.



Primarily, we should reflect on the essence of Christmas, for the devil has made some to see it as unholy and hence they do not think of celebrating it at all. Moreover, chunks of such people who neglect its celebration go about criticizing and condemning those who celebrate it. Whereas some others who celebrate it do so for the wrong reasons and in wrong ways, for they have zeal but not according to knowledge. These things ought not to be so.



Although, unlike Easter that reminds of Christ’s death, nowhere in Scripture were Christians instructed or obliged to celebrate Christmas, the actual essence of the joyful celebration is to remind us of the birth of the Messiah and the blessing it brings. Such essence cannot be overemphasized or even relegated as to be counted unholy. The joy of that event was even heralded and celebrated by angels. See Luke 2:13-14.



Certain points of stumbling should therefore be addressed, while we seek to reconcile man to the original truth and joy of Christmas. Among the various reasons why many are discouraged from celebrating Christmas is the fault in the date attributed to the event. It has been long said – and perhaps truly so – that Jesus Christ could not have been born in December when the night is extremely cold, for then the Shepherds reported in Scriptures would not have watched their flocks by night. However, it must be restated that we are not celebrating the date of the Messiah’s birth, but the essence of it.



An uneducated old man in Africa might not know his birth date, but he still celebrates birthdays by choosing any date to do so. His date of birth could be termed an ‘assumed birthdate’. But it is not the date that matters to him; it is the essence of the celebration – he rejoices over the fact that he was born into the world. And generations after him might follow suit to celebrate such date in his favour. The error in the date notwithstanding, it is the essence of the celebration that matters to them. The date might be assumed, but the essence is certain. So also, the birthdate of Jesus the Messiah might be uncertain, but His hallowed birth being unique and special has a definite and original essence which we just cannot ignore in a hurry.



However, because many neither know nor understand this essence, they abuse it carelessly as they feast to satisfy their pleasures with wasteful spending rather than reciprocate God’s holy love to their neighbours. Many a man would commence Christmas celebration with a tear of joy had they truly known its essence.



But today, Christmas is seen as a mere funfair that it could almost be regarded as a pagan feast due to the profanities clogging it. It is now like Mammon and Eros rank high on the list of glorified gods during Christmas. And many do all sort of things – consciously and otherwise – that make for their worship; for materialism and sexual pleasure are the best flavours such people ever know to suit their own taste of the season.



In the first place, rather than being exclusive to the saints of the Church, it is now celebrated by the entire world. Some people even organize street jamz, wild parties and orgies to ‘celebrate Christmas’. In juvenile circles, you might hear a lady say that her virginity is her Christmas gift to her boyfriend. And it is no doubt that for some individuals more vanities and atrocities are committed during this season among other seasons on the calendar. Rather than leading people to Christ, many are led away from Him. O what a pitiable disaster! Little wonder the Puritan fathers detested the celebration of Christmas having labeled it ‘a feast of idolatry’.



Xmas has been used as an alternative word for Christmas, but such alternate is unnecessary since the number of syllables is unaffected. And should we consider it drudgery to spell out the grand title of our Saviour when writing? I think not. Yet the danger behind such substitution could be that we are losing the title of the ‘Christ’ who is the reason behind the season. Christ might be a title, but it is no ordinary one – and for no ordinary person. The title ‘Christ’ is sanctified, holy and blessed, reserved for the Son of God alone. Furthermore, the alphabet ‘X’ as a mark could mean ‘no’, hence, ‘No Christmas’. This denies not just the essence, but the event itself.



A final device of deception to be addressed here is the fact that the devil is fast replacing Jesus with Santa Claus as the eminent icon of Christmas. God is the Father of Christmas – not Santa Claus. It is God that gives us gifts for Christmas, not Santa Claus. And His greatest gift to us is Christ as the Author of our eternal salvation, not clothes or candies (Heb. 5:9).



My concern is not just for this generation, but for those unborn, since our toddlers and infants today are getting wrong – and terribly bad – impressions of Christmas. What shall be said of Christmas in generations to come? May there not arise a generation that new no Jesus, nor His works for us upon which Christmas is righteously premised (Judges 2:10).



Because it is nowhere written as an ordinance, a celebration of Christmas on the attributed date is optional for Christians, not a dogma or doctrine of classic theological standard. And celebration of Christmas does not qualify anyone for heaven. We do not judge anyone inrespect of an holyday (Col. 2:16).



But the essence of celebrating Christmas is honest, just … and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:. Hence, the Christian is encouraged to look upon the feast with admiration and partake in it with humility, grace and love.



When you think of Christmas, you should reflect soberly on John 3:16 and thank God for the event that marked the beginning of the fulfilment of the plan for our salvation. Then follow up with the practice of 1John 3:16which remarks “Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.” In fact, the true Christian should celebrate Christmas every day.



We are qualified to celebrate Christmas only when we have accepted John 3:16 and anchored our hope on it. Celebrating without this pre-requisite is not celebration at all; rather it is hypocrisy or mere mockery and sycophancy, and only leads to self damnation. However, if we have fulfilled the pre-requisite, the best way to respond to such love modelled by our heavenly Father is to replicate it to our fellow men as recommended by1John 3:16, beginning from the practice of meekness to other charitable deeds.



The text that follows the above Scripture goes thus:



“But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1John 3:17-18)



It is good consolation for us and indeed for heaven that though the devil has tried to hide the essence of Christmas and deface its beauties, some people still celebrate it well and God is glorified in their good works. Many a poor are relieved through the gifts of believers and Christian organizations: widows, orphans and destitute beggars of varying conditions benefit from such love packages and hope is restored thereby to the lost world of despairing people. Such physical gifts go a long way from bring many from their crisis to Christ their Saviour and Redeemer. Salvation encounters are still being recorded and spiritual blessings are procured.



But we must do more. Moreover, amidst the mixed multitudes who celebrate Christmas, we must continually distinguish ourselves from the world in our approach to the celebration. We must let our lights so shine that they impressively reflect to the world the goodness of our God – and that in greater intensity – until they are overwhelmed by it. We must deliberately seek out means to do this, and bring more souls to Christ since the essence of His coming was to seek and save them which are lost (Matt. 1:21; Luke 19:10).



What then is the conclusion of the whole matter? Celebrate Christmas; and do so for the right reason, and in the righteous ways, never losing your head nor defiling your heart in the ecstasy of celebration.



Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things (2Tim. 2:7).
Your Brother,

John.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/christmas-essence-and-excess.html

cc: lalasticlala

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Thousands of Shiite Muslims in Kano, hit the streets on Thursday, December 24, for the annual Maulud Nabiy procession and also to mourn the death of their members in Zaria.Army.

Led by Mallam Sanusi Abdulkadir, the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, comprising of women, children and men, clad in black attires, marched through the city streets.

Over 300 Shiite Muslims were gunned down on December 12, in Zaria, Kaduna, during a clash with the Nigerian Army.

The military had claimed that Shiite members, had attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

However, the Muslim sect has denied the allegations, which was described as the lie of the decade.

See photos below.

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http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/photos-shiite-muslims-in-kano-mourn.html

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The Lagos State Government, through LAGBUS and its franchisees, will provide Free Bus Ride to Lagosians on Friday 25 December, to commemorate this Year’s Christmas celebration. This move is aimed at promoting the use of public transportation, as well as reducing congestion on Lagos roads during the festivities.

According to the release signed by the Managing Director of LAGBUS, Mr. Idowu Oguntona, the Free Bus ride will be provided on all LAGBUS routes across the metropolis within normal operational hours (6:00a.m – 10:00p.m) on Friday 25 December, 2015.

While imploring Lagosians to take the opportunity of the free bus service provided by the State Government, Oguntona appealed to motorists not to drink and drive so as to prevent avoidable accidents during festivities.

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/free-brt-tomorrow-in-lagos.html

cc: lalasticlala

In Nigeria, as with other parts of the world, the preparations for Christmas often hit the roof on the 24th December. To join in the excitement with pomp and pageantry, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares tips on the things you can do on the day before Xmas.


Do last minute shopping


Many Nigerians have the knack for doing things at the eleventh hour. If you are yet to do your shopping, you still have ample opportunities to visit the mall. However, do not expect to walk in and walk out at the snap if your fingers because the malls will be flooded with other shoppers.


Go to Lagos shut down party


The Lagos shut down party is one of the biggest gigs going down on Christmas eve in the center of excellence. The party will feature A-list artistes and disc jockeys. The event kicks off at 7 pm at Muri Okunola Park, close to Radison Blu Anchorage Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.


Attend midnight mass


For the religious and spiritually inclined, you can have a tranquil and solemn moment with the most-high at your primary place of worship. Many churches will be open round-the-clock to people who want to have an encounter with their maker. Now you finally get the chance to pray, praise and meet with long lost friends under one roof.


Open a Christmas Gift


Even though the official day designated for opening gifts is boxing day, you can deviate from the norm by peeking in one of the goodie bags you have received on the eve of Christmas. Whichever gifts you want to open, ensure that it is something you can use immediately like a holiday movie, Christmas pajamas or a special ornament.


Propose to your spouse


If you have been looking for the ideal time to propose to your girlfriend, then Christmas Eve is the best time to pop the will ‘you marry me question’. The reason to take advantage of this day is because you will stand a better chance of your proposal being accepted in the spirit of Christmas. Do not forget to make it romantic!


Watch the Stage play Hear Word!


Watching a stage play is another pleasant way to usher in Christmas. Hear Word is a theatre production that concoct real experiences of women with social commentary. The play parades actresses like Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola and Deborah Ohiri among other top notch female acts. The play will be staged at Muson centre with two performances on Christmas eve at 2 pm and 7 pm.



Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer

http://www.metronaija.com/2015/12/5-things-to-do-on-christmas-eve.html

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