₦airaland Forum

[size=13pt]Ejide, Taye Taiwo return to Super Eagles[/size]

AUSTIN  Ejide and Taye Taiwo are expected to make a return to the Super Eagles when Samson Siasia names his squad for next month's African Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea. Ejide may take the place of Vincent Enyeama, for whom Siasia still requires the go-ahead from the NFF to include in the squad.

Enyeama was one of three players who questioned the team's travel arrangements for this month's trip to Madagascar.  AC Milan defender, Taiwo, withdrawn from the last squad due to an ankle injury, should also be back in Siasia's squad.

Brown Ideye, who left the coaches impressed after leading the line against Argentina, will keep his place.

http://tribune.com.ng/sun/sports/5103-ejide-taye-taiwo-return-to-super-eagles

[size=13pt]Kwara gov to provide 20,000 jobs in one year[/size]

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has stated that  the objective behind the State Bridge Empowermment Scheme (KWABES) is to provide permanent and pensionable employment opportunities to 80 per cent of the 28,000 unemployed registered youths in the scheme in his first 365 days.

Speaking at the official launching of KWABES and presentation of employment letters to 2,000 youths in the first phase of the project in  Ilorin on Saturday, the governor said the 2000 youths out of the employment data bank gathered across the 16 LGAs of the state had been empowered to commemorate his celebration of 100 days in office.

The governor also said that the scheme would train youths in essential skill acquisition, adding that it would also support youths in the establishment of small and medium scale enterprises through funding, management, marketing etc, with the collaboration of both public and private sectors in the absorption of the youth.

He said part of the objectives was also to capture all unemployed youths on the data bank, adding that the data base will from time to time serve as the source of selection of youths for acquisition of skills, knowledge and other forms of training required for capital development of the youth of the state.

http://tribune.com.ng/sun/news/5116-kwara-gov-to-provide-20000-jobs-in-one-year

[size=13pt]Lagosians groan as Apapa-0shodi road gets flooded again[/size]

Lagos residents were once again subjected to another round of hardship, as some of the major roads became flooded after a downpour that lasted for over three hours yesterday. Prominent among the places affected was the ever busy Oshodi-Apapa-Mile 2 expressway.

When Sunday Tribune visited the Festac side of the expressway, motorists were seen struggling and having a hectic time meandering their way out of huge pools of water that had gathered on various sections of the road. Needless to say, there were ensuing gridlocks that saw many drivers delayed for a very long time.

Perhaps aggravating this problem was the ongoing road repair work being undertaken by Julius Berger Plc, coupled with the fact that no traffic officials or those of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were in place to aid the control of traffic, hence, motorists were left with  no option but to find a way for themselves.

Flooding of roads, especially after downpours, has become synonymous with many Lagos roads, while in some instances, puddles would even take over an entire section of the roads.

Motorists have once again called on the government and the construction company to speed up the repair exercise, as well as make the drainage system along the road functional so that the problem would be a thing of the past.

http://tribune.com.ng/sun/news/5112-lagosians-groan-as-apapa-0shodi-road-gets-flooded-again

[size=13pt]Universities tighten up security as Boko Haram panic spreads[/size]

Security has been beefed up in tertiary institutions across the nation following last Monday’s threat by the Boko Haram sect to attack 19 higher institutions of learning in different parts of the country, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.


The threat which was said to have been issued via email reportedly mentioned the University of Benin as a prime target.


A copy of the mail which was sent through bokoharamewe@yahoo.com to the Registrar of UNIBEN said with regard to the eradication of western education in Nigeria, the university had been shortlisted among the other 19 universities that would experience a series of bomb blasts.


It read, “Please, this is not a threat, it is an instruction and should be strictly adhered to. This exercise shall kick-off from 12th of September to the 17th in any of the days. May Allah bless us.”


Our correspondents report that shortly after the mail became public, other institutions of higher learning gripped by the Boko Haram scare tightened their security system, while some requested military and police presence on their campuses.


Already, the National Association of Nigerian Students has urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security on campuses nationwide.


An email signed by NANS President, Mr Dauda Mohammed, said the FG must not take the terrorism threat by Boko Haram, with levity.


FUTA, Adekunle AjasiN varsity


The Federal University of Technology, Akure, has alerted the authorities of the 323 Artillery Brigade of the Owena Military Barracks and the Ondo State Police Command to the security threats posed by the Boko Haram sect.


The spokesperson of the University, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro, said, “We have put necessary measures in place to safeguard the lives and properties of our students and staff. There is no way we can take chances. We are on top of the situation. There is no cause for alarm.”


Also, the Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba -Akoko, Mr. Sola Imoru, said since students of the institutions were in session, the authorities did not want to make public any arrangement that would scare them.


He, however, said the authorities had put thorough proactive measures in place to enlighten the students and members of staff on the need to employ personal security.


UNIPORT


SECURITY has been tightened up at the University of Port Harcourt, President Goodluck Jonathan’s alma mater as a result of the recent Boko Haram threat to tertiary institutions.


UNIPORT’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Williams Wodi, explained that both visible and invisible security measures had been put in place to forestall any bomb attack on the institution.


Speaking in a telephone interview with SUNDAY PUNCH on Friday, Wodi said the visible security measures put in place by the university included the suspension of night activities in the school, prevention of vehicles to park 200 metres close to the campus and the compulsory frisking of people coming into the school.


Wodi said the school was always in contact with security agents and Alsatian dogs had been bought to help guard the university premises.


He said, “The President attended UNIPORT and we noticed that we are number five on the list of institutions Boko Haram wants to destroy.


“But the truth is that the students are not scared, they are at alert. If these Boko Haram members don’t want education, then they should stay away from it.”


UNIZIK, OKOPOLY


The authorities of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have stepped up their security to forestall any attempt by the Boko Harm sect to infiltrate their campuses by terrorist groups.


Though everywhere appeared calm on Friday, the spokesmen for the two institutions told SUNDAY PUNCH that they were not leaving anything to chance.


The Director of Information and Public Relations of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, said, “The University is peaceful. But we have been taking necessary measures to check any security threat.”


The Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, said the management of the polytechnic would ensure that every student was monitored.


“Our anti-cult organisation has ensured that even the students that were cult members renounce their activities. Oko is a peaceful area. But we are not leaving anything to chance,” he said.


On its part, the Anambra State police Command have also taken measures to check terrorist attacks. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, said the Commissioner of Police had ordered that all abandoned vehicles be removed from police stations


UNIUYO


The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr. Onyeka Orji, has said the police are fully prepared against attacks by Boko Haram in any of the higher institutions in the state.


He said, “We are already partnering with the higher institutions to ensure that they are security conscious. We have our intelligence units in place so that no disaster happens in the state.”


A senior staff of the university, who craved anonymity, said the school had been strategising and putting all its security operatives on the red alert against a possible attack by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.


UNIABUJA


The management of the University of Abuja is also not taking things lightly as it has put in place appropriate security measures to protect lives and property, said the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Waziri Garba.


He said the authorities had met to discuss the threat by the Boko Haram.


“We are aware of the threat to the universities and the school management has met with the student affairs department and the student union. I can’t reveal the security measures that are being put in place, but we intend to embark on a public enlightenment campaign in addition to whatever security measures that are being taken,” he said


UNIILORIN, KWARAPOLY


Students and workers of Kwara State tertiary institutions have said they are not afraid of the Boko Haram but appealed to the authorities of the institutions, federal and state governments, to take proactive measures to forestall any attack in any of the institutions.


The Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Polytechnic, Mr. Yunus Abdulkadir, said, “We do not have any fear although the school is on vacation. Our security men are in charge. We do not even think of it at all. We have taken proactive measures against any possible attack.”


The Deputy Director, Information, UNILORIN, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, also said, “The university is doubling its partnership with the security agencies, hoping that its security internal, external and divine layers of security, will not fail. The community would be safe from all enemies.”


DELSU, DELPOLY


In Delta State, our correspondent gathered that the feeling of students is that of defiance and anger, rather than fear.


A 400 level student of Accounting of the institution who identified herself as Becky Ovozuorie, said, “Destroying the nation’s ivory towers is an act of cowardice. Disputes are not settled by reckless killing and maiming of scores of defenceless people.


Also at the Delta State Polytechnic, the feeling was the same. A student, Obaro Oghenekaro, told our correspondent that keeping the fear of the sect at heart was capable of ‘’killing one slowly.” He called on the security agencies to tackle the menace head-on.


Ekiti varsity


The authorities of the Ekiti State University (formerly known as UNAD) have said that there is no threat of Boko Haram sect against the university.


The Public Relations Officer of the EKSU, Mr. Ajibade Olubunmi, said, “There is no Boko haram threat against Ekiti State University. I think the sect threatened two universities but we are not their target. Our security personnel have always been at alert.”


Our correspondent observed the heavy presence of security personnel along Ado-Ekiti- Iworoko Road where the university is located. Police and other secutity personnel were seen patrolling the road.


UNAB, MOPOLY


The Public Relations Officer of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Mr. Sam Oyeleye, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone said the varsity was not apprehensive of any attack.


He said, “We do not have our environment charged. And we are sure that our students are not showing anxiety over the Boko Haram issue.”


He, however, did not disclose whether the school authorities would beef up security to forestall any attack.


At the Moshood Abiola Polytechic, Ojere, Ogun State, our correspondent learnt that security men were only drafted to the school last Thursday to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Students’ Union elections.


UNILAG


There was calm at the campus of the University of Lagos, with students and staff engaged in various activities normally. A cross-section of students said they were not afraid of Boko Haram’s threat.


When reached on the phone, the Deputy Registrar, Information, of the university, Mr. Dare Seth, said he was not authorised to speak on the matter. He said information on what the institution was doing to secure its campus in the light of the threat of the Boko Haram sect could only be obtained at the information centre or office of the registrar.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109182521248

[size=13pt]. . . his visit insensitive, an ego trip — Soyinka[/size]

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Maiduguri visit to the family of Mohammed Yusuf, the slain leader of the fundamentalist Boko Haram sect, as one of the ‘crassest, most insensitive, self ingratiating acts ever recorded in the history of any nation in recent memory.’


Soyinka in a press statement on Saturday did not hide his disgust at the ex-President’s action and said the timing of the visit was wrong because the nation and the international community was still mourning victims of the August 26 suicide bombing attack of the United Nations office in Abuja — an attack the Boko Haram claimed responsibility for.


The playwright said this was not a time for anyone to play statesman because the country was yet to come to terms with the UN office bombing and the survivors of the attack were still in trauma.


He said Obasanjo’s visit had turned the UN commemoration event to a charade and an empty husk without the germ of authentic fellow feeling.


He said, “Timing is a crucial part of leadership intelligence and sensibility. It is in fact a bedrock formation of military training. Was it an accident of timing, or was it deliberate, that this ex-militrician president undertook his visit at the time when the major part of the nation attempted to come together in communion with the souls of the departed, and in sympathy with the trauma of the survivors?


“It is known as an ego trip. You do not play ‘statesman’ over the mangled bodies of victims, least of all where their violators insist on the righteousness of their very conduct.”


Soyinka said the visit to the late Yusuf’s family was unnecessary because the Boko Haram sect had not expressed remorse or conceded to error; rather the sect had threatened more bomb attacks after the UN incident.


He said, “It goes beyond politics and involves sheer decency, sensitivity and the capacity for just compassion. It is gross, indecent, worse than pornographic, an obsequious consecration of violence, a groveling, simpering inauguration of a culture of submissiveness in the face of aggravation; all masquerading as statesman conscience and pietistic justifications such as - Blessed are the Peacemakers.


“Peacemaking? Very well. But do you select a day on which the survivors gather to reconcile with their losses and gather strength for the future? What has happened here is a pitiable spectacle that covers a nation in shame; and let there be no mistake, it is anything but passive.


“It is an act of aggression, a slap in the face of the bereaved and wounded, including the permanently disfigured. It desecrates the memory of the fallen and casts doubts on any claim to humanism and capacity for compassion of the Nigerian people.”

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109183143720

[size=13pt]Maiduguri visit, not for negotiation — Obasanjo[/size]

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said his Thursday’s visit to the family of Mohammed Yusuf, the slain leader of the fundamentalist Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in Maiduguri “was a learning process.”


Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, Obasanjo explained that he had refrained from making comments on the sect’s insurgence because he did not have sufficient information on the radical religious group.


The former nation’s leader denied that he was in Maiduguri to represent the Federal Government.


The ex-President was reported to have visited the family of late Yusuf last Thursday ostensibly to facilitate a negotiation between the Federal Government and the fundamentalist group.


He was said to have held a closed door discussion with some representatives of the family, led by the late Boko Haram’s brother-in-law, Babafura Fugu, with a view to brokering a truce that would ensure that Boko Haram would stop its violent attacks in some parts of the country and embrace peace.


As a result of the reports, some Nigerians concluded that the former President was representing the FG in order to open a door for possible negotiations between the government and the radical sect, which had claimed responsibility for a number of high profile bombings including the August 26 attack on the UN building in Abuja, where 23 people died.


Obasanjo, however, dismissed the reports, saying he was not in Borno State for negotiation.


“No, far from it, I did not go there for negotiation; my visit was a learning process,” said the former President.


“I have heard about the activities of Boko Haram but no one seems to know much about the group or its grievances. Everybody is just talking about Boko Haram. I wanted to learn and know what is actually going on so that we can know what we can do about it.


“If I have learnt, then, when I’m asked questions about what is going on in my country about Boko Haram, I can talk from the standpoint of information and knowledge. So, the visit was just to learn.”


He argued that it would be difficult for a group of people to just come together and start fighting without a reason, wondering if the reasons for the emergence of the radical Islamic sect had been uncovered.


“A group of people cannot just come together and start fighting and bombing. They are not mad people. Something must be responsible for their action; that is what we need to find out,” he added.


Obasanjo, however, denied that the visit was at the instance of the Presidency or the Federal Government, arguing that he had done what an elder was supposed to do.


The former President did not foreclose the possibility that he would nevertheless make some recommendations to the FG based on what he had been able to learn from the Maiduguri trip.


He said, “Well, that is not impossible; at least to ensure that there is peace. I will make the recommendations. It is left for the people in government to do whatever they want to do with such recommendations.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109183131615

unbelievable . . .

Nurudeen Akanji, bronze medallist

I won bronze medal in boxing in 75kg category. I’m happy that at least I could go home with something despite the fact that I was robbed of victory in the semi final. I believe I deserve victory because I beat my opponent, whom was awarded the winner mercilessly to the extent that he could not fight in the final, but such is life. I accept my bronze medal in good faith and I believe I still have lots to offer in this sport.


Ademuyiwa Kehinde, silver medallist

I am boxing silver medalist in the 69kg. I have to give glory to God because if I was told that I will be where I am today, winning a silver medal at the All Africa Games, I will doubt it. But with faith in God and hard work, I was able to win silver.


Lukman Lawal, silver medallist

I fought in the 81kg category and I’m very happy to have won silver in my first appearance at the All Africa Games. This is a great motivation for me that I can achieve greatness in this sport.


Akpose Ifetubo, silver medallist

A Nigerian boxer and I won silver in the 91kg category at the Games. It give me pleasure that I was able to achieve this and I want to thank my coaches for the confidence they have in me. This medal is just the beginning for me.

Jessica Ohanaja, silver medallist

I feel good winning the silver because this is my fourth race and my coach told me to come out here and do the country proud. I did not feel any pressure because I knew it will be between me and my team mate. As long as we won the gold and the silver, we are fine."


Seun Adigun, gold medallist

I won gold in the Women’s 100m hurdles. I feel great and I also want to give God the glory. This is because my spiritual faith is very strong and everything is possible when you have God by your side. Every step and every breath I take, I always thank God, He has been my strength."


Samuel Okon, bronze medallist

I won bronze in the 110m hurdles. I feel good winning the medal. I don’t have any challenge. In games it’s either you win or you lose, such is life. My preparation was okay and I’m satisfied with the bronze medal, compared to others who don’t have anything.


Ogho Oghene Egwero, gold medallist

I won gold in the Men’s 4x100 relay race. It was painful that we couldn’t do well in the 100m but we said to ourselves that we are going to make up for the disappointment. We thank God that we were able to do just that.


Peter Emeloze, gold medallist

I’m part of the Men’s 4x100m relay winning team and it’s a good feeling that we won. As you can see in the 100m, I didn’t do pretty well, but I said I’m going to make it up here in the 4x100m and that is nice. Winning a gold medal in All African Games is a great achievement and we also ran a decent time. So I’m very grateful.
My next target is the Olympics. I’ll go back now and train pretty well and pull myself together probably when the Olympics comes I’ll de very well.


Tobi Ogunmola, silver medallist

I made a promise that I’m going to make my country proud and I did the job by winning silver in the 400m men race. I give glory to the almighty God. My next target is to prepare for the Olympics next year and we believe we are going there for victory and God will help us. The team we have is year is a wonderful team and this is just the beginning. 2012 is going to be a great one for the country. I’ll just advice the sports commission is to continue to support us and put more interest in track and field because we give more medals as you can see.

Uhunoma Osazuwa, silver medallist

I had a silver medal in high jump. I’m happy and it’s great to win a silver medal for my Nigeria and I’m very happy to have represented my country. I’m also happy to have a medal behind my fellow Nigerian. Though I may have loved to win gold also, but she is more experienced and more talented than I am. All the same it’s great to have ended up winning a silver medal at my first appearance of the All Africa Games.


Obinna Metu, gold and bronze madallist

I’m so happy because this year I’ve not really done lots of competition to know my ability in the 100m and 200m, but here, it’s a very good start for me. This is the first major championship I’m running this year, I didn’t compete after our national trials because of certain obstruction.
At least I got two medals and this will motivate me against next year to prepare very well for the Olympic Games, so I’m very happy.
My major goal is to prepare for the Olympics now that I’m done with school. Several years I’ve been suffering, combining education with track, but I’ve graduated and I’m so happy that I’m free from studies so I can concentrate on my track.


Adeola Iwajomo, bronze medalllist

I won bronze for 500m k2 Double. I’m very happy but we do not have the kind of boats used here in our country. Here, we used new ones and to balance it was not easy but later we got used to it, though not comfortable and that was why I came third. Had it been we’ve been using that type of boat before, we would have done much better.


Lilian Jepheth, silver and bronze medallist

I won silver in Slalon and bronze in 200m. I’m very very happy for winning the medals. We were faced with many problems and the first one is the boat we used here which is different from the ones we used back in Nigeria. It was not easy but we had to manage it. I’ll advice the authority to get us the NELO boat so that we can do better later in the future. The athletes we compete with have been training with the boat for so many years, but I just came into the sport in May this year. So I’m very to have won these medals.

[size=13pt]We came, saw, conquered[/size]

After enduring a slow start at the 10th All Africa Games, Maputo 2011, it was indeed a medal rush for Team Nigeria in this last week of the event, as the country’s representatives put up a better performance that shot the country to the second spot of the Games’ medal table. And as the competition comes to an end tomorrow, many of the athletes are proud of their achievements and could not hide their feelings when they spoke to the duo of AKEEM LAWAL and STELLA BAMAWO in Mozambique.


http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/football-golf-boxing/19760-we-came-saw-conquered.html



Adewale Adewunmi Deborah, 3 gold medallist

Well, the challenges start from the training, if you want to do well, you must train very hard. I’ve been preparing for this competition for the past two years and here it has come and I thank God and give Him all the glory that I made it.


Mary Awase, silver 2 bronze medallist

I’m a sprinter and won bronze in the 100 and 200m Para athletics. I thank God because this is my first competition and I thank Him that I made it and I believe I’m still going to do more than that.


Doreen Amata, gold medallist


I won gold medal in High Jump. It feels good to win again, to defend my title. I was looking forward to doing better which I’ve done this year. This year I’ve done a 1.95 and was 8th in the World Championship final, so next step is to do better. I’m going for the Diamond League in few days time. The Diamond is on the 16th of this month and hopefully I can perform well.
My personal best is 1.95 which is a National record. I’ve equaled it twice this year. This games is 1.80m and I think it’s ok. The most important thing is that I won the gold medal.

[size=13pt]Insecurity: FG embarks on perimeter fencing in all airports[/size]

By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, calabar
The Federal Government has commenced Attention of perimeter fencing in the nation’s airports to boost security in all the airports. Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun disclosed this yesterday Friday while reopening the Margret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar which was closed down four months ago for renovation.

Mr. Aisuebeogun said Attention of perimeter facing has started in seven airports and that four have been completed. The 2,400 metre runway of the airport was completely renovated and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority issued certificate of reopening of the airport for commercial activities.

The FAAN MD in an interview said that the security situation in all the nation’s airports is paramount and upgrade of facilities to that regard has commenced. “The perimeter fencing of this airport is crucial to us and I can assure you that in 2012, it will be completely addressed. Currently in the 2010/2011 budget, we have addressed seven airports in the area of perimetre fencing and as I speak to you, out of the seven, four have been completed. It means four additional aiports now have complete perimetre fencing which of course will help to guarantee some level of security”, he said. Aisuebeogun further disclosed that FAAN was working closely with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Secuirty and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to ensure safety at all the nation’s airports. Also responding to questions on infratsructure upgrade in airports, Aisuebeogun said already the Minister of Aviation had approved the remodelling programme for all the airports. According to him, in the next four weeks, 12 airport terminals will be given facelifts.

“In the next four weeks, we will start remodelling 12 airports while within the next three months 11 others will have their terminal buildings remodelled. “Most of our airports are over 30 years old and they need renovartion,” he stressed.On the reopened Calabar airport, Aisuebeogun said a complete rehabilation work which covers the 2,400 metre runway was carried out, adding that the new runway is expected to last for the next 15 years.

He commended the Cross River State Government for providing a 500 KVA generating set to boost power at the airport.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/insecurity-fg-embarks-on-perimeter-fencing-in-all-airports/

[size=13pt]Cement price remains high in Lagos, Bayelsa[/size]

It appears that cement might still be beyond the reach of most people for awhile.


This situation is coming a month after the Federal Government held a series of meetings with cement manufacturers and other market players on how to raise the existing capacity for local production and tackle the unprecedented hike in the unit price of the product nationwide.


SATURDAY PUNCH investigations showed that not much had changed since the government promised to ensure that cement was not sold beyond the price it had officially approved.


In Lagos, the price of a bag of cement, which hovered between N1,800 and N2,400 on Friday, had given sellers and end users a cause for concern.


Noting that cement sold almost twice as much as the current price in July and August, a cement dealer at Egbeda, Lagos, Mr. Olalekan Alabi, said that September had witnessed a reduction in the price of the product.


Similarly, Mustapha Ayodele, another seller in Sasha, Lagos, remarked that unlike the past two months, some Lagosians could now afford cement.


Ayodele said, “There is no shortfall in the supply. We still get our supplies as we used to. But I don’t think many people can afford to buy cement at the current prices.”


Counting his losses, another Lagosian, Mr. Kenneth Ndu, said he had been unable to complete his house because of the hike in the price of cement.


Another resident of Sasha, Mr. Rotimi Lawal, said the price of cement had made him to reconsider his decision to embark on a building project.


Lawal said, “I initially wanted to start developing my land in this area, but I had to change my mind when the Federal Government said the price of cement would fall. I don’t know if it is going to fall lower than it already has.”


Block makers in Lagos, especially those operating on the mainland are lamenting the high cost of cement. Most of them told our correspondents that the lingering rise in the price of cement did not necessarily give them the leverage to raise the prices of their own products.


Adesoye Ayodele, the owner of Murphy & Associate, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, said that when he decided to raise the price of his blocks, he incurred the displeasure of most of his customers.


He said, “My customers still complain a lot about the price of my blocks. But it is hardly my fault. Cement was sold for N1,650 before it rose to N2,400. Now a bag of cement goes for N2,000.


“I was selling my nine inch vibrated block for N140 and the six inch vibrated block for N130. The hand made block sold for N120. Now the vibrated nine inch goes for N150 per unit, while the six inch goes for N140. The hand made one goes for N120.”


Three factors, SATURDAY PUNCH discovered, accounted for the fluctuating price of cement, especially in Lagos. One of them is the tendency among some manufacturers to always change their prices at will and without carrying a proper survey of the market.


Second, the rising cost of diesel compel distributors and sellers to pass the burden to end users by selling at the current price.


The third factor is the brand of cement that is preferred by most buyers. A survey of the prevailing price index in the market by our correspondents showed that some brands cost more than others. For example, while the Elephant and Dangote brands sold for N1, 850 and N1, 750, respectively; Burham sold between N2,000 and N2, 200 in some parts of Lagos.


A Lagosian, Mr. Samuel Ajayi, blamed the FG for the increase in price of cement.


He said, “The government should just come out and say they do not want us to build houses again. They are meant to encourage people to be house owners, but the reverse is the case.


“How can a bag of cement that used to go for N1,600 just shoot up to N2,400? Then settle at N2, 000? It’s just unfair.”


The picture was the same in most parts of the Lagos metropolis.


Apart from the end users, some builders and sellers also feel the pinch of the continued hike in the price of cement. One of them, Mr Jude Onyeka, who sold cement at Oja Market in Orile-Iganmu, said that he had no choice but to transfer the burden of the extra cost incurred from middlemen to the consumers.


Onyeka noted that the middlemen hoarded cement in order to create artificial scarcity and consequently trigger a hike in the price of the product. He pleaded with the government to curb the trend.


For artisans like Dike Odunsi, a further increase in the price of cement might translate into several days at a stretch without a means of livelihood.


He said, “If cement is made available, there would be jobs for us and that means more money for my family. The high price affected me. There was no job coming and it was as if the builders suspended work on their buildings making us to go most of the days without jobs.”


A bag of cement was still selling at N2,900 at the Yakoyo end of Ojodu area on Friday.


In Yenagoa, builders and residents decried the rising price of cement in Bayelsa and asked the government to make the product affordable.


Investigations by our correspondent showed that a bag of cement in Yenagoa was sold at N1,900. The product had maintained a steady increase shortly after it was sold for N1,650 last August.


A sales representative in one of the shops, who identified himself simply as Eze, attributed the development primarily to the high cost of transport, just as a resident, Chinwe Anya, said it could “affect the average Nigerian economically.”


She said, ‘’How can people with average salaries build their own houses in a country where the price of cement is as high as N1900? Are they saying that those who do not have access to stolen funds can no longer own houses?’’


President Goodluck Jonathan had said on Monday during the President Media Chat that Nigeria would attain self-sufficiency in December.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109173135354

[size=13pt]Group proposes 10 years jail term for abusers of national flag[/size]

By Chris Ochayi, Abuja

A bill seeking amendment to the 1960 National Flag to make room for stiffer penalty of ten years imprisonment against those who abuse the Nigerian national flag would soon be forwarded to the National Assembly.

Director General, Flag Foundation of Nigeria, FGN, Mr. Chris Agiri who disclosed this yesterday during the 51st birthday of the Nigerian national flag in Abuja, said the bill is seeking among other things, jail terms for individuals and organisations that either burn or flying tattered Nigerian flags within their premises.

Mr. Agiri said one of the reasons for the abuse of the flag is because of the weakness of national flag Act, adding, the penalty today is just a fine of N100, while penalty for same abuse of flag attracts life imprisonment in the United States of America, USA.

“Research has shown that Nigerian national flag is one of the best flag of the nations on earth, but ironically, it is the most abused national flag in the world.”

He noted that the bill specifically spelt out outright sack or dismissal for any head of organisations, which abuse the flag. According to him, burning of the national flag during protest is a crime and anybody found to be doing so will spend ten years behind the bar.

“Respect for national flag, is no indolence, it is a moral duty, a civil responsibility, a constitutional obligation and a national assignment.

“We therefore use this opportunity to propose that let the national flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, be given a name, let 16th of every September be marked by all as Flag Day, and let the national flag Act be amended to make room for stiffer penalty against those who abuse the flag.

“This flag, is the only property jointly owned by all Nigerians in equal capacity. It is therefore the burden duty of every patriotic Nigerian to protect it even with his or her last blood. The need to uphold the dignity of this flag cannot be over emphasized, as it represents the symbol of our great country.

“As we mark the 51st birthday of the existence of our national flag, for the first time in history, it must be recalled that the resolution of the parliament sitting in Lagos, the then capital of our great country, the Act that brought the national flag in existence was enacted.

“This Act originally known as Flags and Coat-of-Arms ordinance 48 of September 16th, 1960 placed the Ministry of Internal Affairs, now, Ministry of Interior as the supervisory and regulatory authority for the usage and protocol of the flag.”

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/group-proposes-10-years-jail-term-for-abusers-of-national-flag/

Odunnu:
She already has all that and in addition even a bouncer and a 'bed dresser' in OAM4MISSY.

any way, may I have my regular oxford cabin biscuit and a bottle of Zobo drink?

Na jolosy dey worry you, you wish am dressing your bed instead abi?

BTW, we are out of Cabin biscuits and Zobo drink, and we are not likely to have them in a long while, so check back only next year.


@Chamotex and Snthesis

This place is not a playground for boys or a place to chase after girls. My wife Missy B and I only want serious customers. Thank you!

@Chaircover

You are welcome after a long while. My wife will attend to you shortly. Pls come with Mr CC next time. We (MissyB & I ) promote family values here.

Quality Attributes!

Any man that has 8 or more of those attributes is a good man.

[quote author=naija_swag link=topic=759111.msg9159002#msg9159002 date=1316173528]No newbie is going to learn anything on Nairaland programming section because Fayimora is incharge.I will prefer someone based in Nigeria to handle this section.These folks abroad dont understand the system here.Am sorry for anyone coming here for programming assistance.[/quote]And where did you read it from that it is part of the moderator's duties to help anyone coming here for programming assistance? And how does his being a moderator here prevent newbies from learning here? Is it the duty of the moderator to teach newbie programming? If you or anyone can teach/help others what stops you from doing it? And what is the system in Nigeria that is different from the abroad system?

Truth is, he has hit the nail on the head, many of you guys are just too lazy to learn the right way and that is why many of our graduates are half baked, they are always looking for quick fixes/answers not wanting to understand how the answer is arrived at.

[size=13pt]Osayomi, Odumosu fetch Nigeria more gold[/size]

Taekwondo grabs one gold, one bronze

YESTERDAY at the Mozambique National Stadium in Zimpetu, Nigerian golden girl, Damola Osayomi, added another chapter to her comeback story when she won the women 200 metres race in 22.86 seconds.

The gold medal yesterday was the third time Osayomi would cause Nigeria’s national anthem to be played at the stadium in this competition, which is her first since returning from a six-month suspension for using banned substance at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India. Osayomi had earlier won the 100 metres women and the 4x100 metres relay gold.

Speaking on her feat yesterday, Osayomi, who could not stop praising God for being with her in her trying times, said she was grateful to Nigerians for their support, “even when it seemed that the whole world was against me.”

She said: “I go to church and I pray to God to guide me in all I do and this is the reward. Even though this is not my personal best (my best is 22.74 seconds), I am happy that I have been able to defend my crown.”

Earlier in the 400 metres women hurdles, Ajoke Odumosu ran a time of 56.27 seconds to win gold ahead of South Africa’s Wender Tyrone. Nigeria’s other entry into the race, Lesley Njoku, however, ended eighth. An ecstatic Odumosu said after the race that she was “happy to win against the difficult condition,” adding that she would continue to train hard for the challenges ahead.

“I am happy to be getting back at my best because it is important that I remain fit at all times,” she said. “I am looking forward to the Olympics because I believe anything can happen there once I am fit. The conditions here were very difficult, so I was forced to do my best to win the race.”

To Njoku, finishing last was a big disappointment, but he was not too bothered because he knows he could do better for his country. He said: “This is my first competition since the All Nigeria Championship in Calabar, and I must thank the Nigerian federation for giving me this opportunity to serve my country.

“I am now going back to my school, Georgia Tech, to train and prepare for the Olympics because I know there is more I can do for Nigeria.”

Also yesterday, Team Nigeria’s taekwondo star, Jamilu Mohammed, defeated his Cote d’Ivoire opponent in the 58 kg class to add another gold to Nigeria’s kitty, while Joy Ekhiator won bronze medal in the -48 kg after losing to her Malian opponent in the semi-final of the event.

Meanwhile, the national basketball team, D’Tigers, yesterday defeated Egypt by 72 to 59 points to also make the semi-final of the event.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61224:osayomi-odumosu-fetch-nigeria-more-gold&catid=59:home&Itemid=620

Tinubu denies sponsoring Boko Haram

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Thursday denied sponsoring the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, saying his belief in the sanctity of human life would not have allowed him to support such mindless killings of human beings in the name of religion.

Tinubu, who spoke to journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at about 7pm, however, advised the Federal Government to find reasons behind the agitations of the radical group.

He said, “The allegation that I am sponsoring Boko Haram is a very serious allegation that is very malicious and damaging. It is a very serious rumour, I cannot be involved in such a heinous act, because I believe in the secularity of Nigeria, remember my wife is a deaconess, so, I cannot be involved in such evil act.

“I cannot be involved in sponsoring Boko Haram, I believe in the rule of law, in all the battles I have confronted, I know how I am committed to the rule of law, I always headed for the court. I am convinced that it is politically motivated, from those who have failed to deliver good governance to Nigeria. I believe this country must strive for freedom, liberty and the inalienable right of individuals.”

He added, “If you talk about Boko Haram, you cannot examine one side alone. Government must look at all the sides, and ask, what is the genesis of Boko Haram? How did it start?

“Government has to find the cause of the Boko Haram crisis by addressing all the anger in the society, and examine all grievances and engage leadership at all levels, in particular prominent leaders to find a way to appeal to the promoters of Boko Haram, and investigate the theory that Al-Qaeda infiltrated Boko Haram, and also examine ourselves again.”

Tinubu challenged the government to investigate the circumstances behind the “summary execution” of the former leader of Boko Haram leader.

He explained that if the root cause of the Boko Haram crisis was unravelled, more extremist groups could spring up which will become a difficult nut for the government to crack.

He said, “The leadership of Nigeria did not handle this matter properly from the beginning, Did it just spring like locust, it all started gradually , what happened to the leader of Boko Haram, that was arrested, handed over to the police, but he was summarily executed.”



http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109162523445

Obasanjo in surprise visit to Jos

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday evening made an unannounced entry into Jos, Plateau State.

Though, the reason for his visit was not clear, our correspondent learnt that it might not be unconnected with the killings in the city and its suburbs.

Obasanjo was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, by Governor Jonah Jang.

Efforts to get the former president’s itinerary were not successful, but it was gathered that he was on a trouble shooting mission.

His visit came 48 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan transferred security control in the state to the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin.

When our correspondent visited Obasanjo’s house at Wase Close in Jos, it was heavily guarded by armed soldiers.

Truck loads of riot policemen were on Thursday being deployed in the state Police command headquarters from some states and Abuja.

As the deployment took place, more than 1,000 Muslim and Christian youths in Jos resolved to forget their differences and work for peace in the state.

The youths, at a rally to commemorate the 2011 World Peace Day, expressed their displeasure with the series of violence in the state.

They were accompanied by security agencies attached to the state House of Assembly complex as they went round the major streets of Jos on Thursday.

They expressed their displeasure with the reoccurring crisis in the state and called on stakeholders to close ranks in the interest of peace.

Rev. Joseph Bot, who led the youths, said the crisis in the state must be reversed while restoration of peace should be everybody’s business.

Special Adviser to Governor Jonah Jang on Peace Building, Mr. Timothy Parlong, said the causes of the crisis in the state were not mainly religious.

Parlong said there must be peace in the state for government to be able to deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizenry. He therefore called for cooperation with security agencies to restore peace to the state.

The Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, John Shekarau, blamed the persistent crisis on religious leaders, alleging that they were in the habit of instigating their followers through their sermons.

The procession by the youths came just as Catholic faithful marked the feast of the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows by observing total fasting for peace in the state.

The Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, who ordered the fasting, had also asked them to abstain from meat on Friday (today) in memory of those who had lost their lives to the crisis in the state.

Masses were also held at various churches to celebrate the occasion.

The ceremony will be climaxed with a novelty football match between Muslims and Christians.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Dipo Ayeni, has appealed to the state House of Assembly to make a law that would empower vigilance groups to stem recurring attacks on rural communities.

Ayeni made the suggestion when he received the seven-man committee set up by the Assembly to investigate the midnight attacks on some communities.


http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109163153437

Bombing: Tribute, tears as UN holds memorial service for dead victims
By John Alechenu
Friday, 16 Sep 2011


The United Nations office in Nigeria on Thursday held a memorial service for the 23 dead victims of the August 26 bombing in Abuja. The memorial service held amid wailing by relatives of the dead in attendance. The 23 who died in the blast were made up of 12 UN staff and 11 non-UN workers.

Apart from the dead victims, 116 others were injured in the bomb attack for which the terrorist Islamic sect, Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility.

At the event were members of the Federal Executive Council, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin; members of the diplomatic corps; top government officials and staff of the UN. Also in attendance were the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; and the Chief Imam of Abuja, Ustaz Musa Mohammed.

The UN Country Representative for Nigeria, Mr. Douda Toure, who read a tribute, sent to the gathering by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, said not only lives were lost but that dreams were shattered. Ban paid tributes to a female security officer who ran towards the vehicle conveying the terrorist thinking he had had an accident and needed help. She was blown off when the assailant detonated the bomb.

The Secretary-General said the sad event would not deter the UN from partnering with the government and people of Nigeria to improve the quality of life. Ban also revealed plans by the UN to review security arrangements in its missions across the world, noting that attacks on the UN were on the increase.

He said “This attack is against every principle and values of the United Nations. This is a sign of a clear ignorance of the mission of the United Nations’ system as a global moral voice, a non-political and composed of non-sectional organisations and agencies committed to working with partners to alleviate human suffering, promote peace, human rights and solidarity and improve the status and capacity of governments to deliver human and socio-economic development.

“Although we mourn, we are not defeated. Though we grieve, we are the more committed to our work.”

In a message read by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, President Goodluck Jonathan, reiterated his administration’s pledge to bring the perpetrator of the UN office building to justice as well as rehabilitate the UN office building.

A young man at about 10.30 on the morning of August 26 drove an explosives-laden Honda Accord car into the building, blasting and leaving it substantially damaged. Boko Haram has since identified the suicide bomber as a 27-year-old Nigerian named Mohammed Abul Barra.

Jonathan said, “This act must stand condemned by all men and women of goodwill. We are, however, consoled by the fact that there is no wound on earth that heavens cannot heal. It is the prayer of us all that God will condole with the families of the departed.

“I hereby wish to re-affirm government’s commitment to continue to work with the United Nations as partners for peace, development and progress and also to ensure the immediate rehabilitation of the UN building and complex.

“Government will also ensure that all those responsible for this terrorist act are brought to justice.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the FCT shared in the grief of families of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

He also asked Nigerians to be united in the fight against fear, violence and terrorism.

Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, who represented his colleagues said he and other governors in the North had agreed to partner with Jonathan to curb acts of terror.

Boko Haram, an Islamic sect founded in the 1990s in Maiduguri, Borno State, opposes western education and claims to be fighting for the introduction of Sharia law in the country. It is currently prosecuting a violent campaign against the Federal Government. On June 16, a suicide bomber attacked the Nigeria Police Headquarters in Abuja. The yet unidentified suicide bomber and a policeman died in the attack in which 70 vehicles were either burnt completely or damaged substantially. Boko Haram also claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group allegedly sent threat emails to 19 universities recently, vowing to attack their campuses.

Following similar threats at the University of Ibadan, and protests by students, authorities of the institution on Wednesday closed down the school and ordered the evacuation of the students.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109163524423