₦airaland Forum

An Igbo socio-cultural group, Igboekulie yesterday said that it is partnering with the West African Examination Council (WAEC), in the selection of winning candidates and schools that will be rewarded as the best Nigerian students in Igbo language, in an event slated to hold in Enugu on Saturday, November 25, 2017.

It said in a statement that the award ceremony which it plans to be an annual event is tagged ‘Asusu Igbo Amaka’ (Igbo language is very good), saying it will be rotated among the five South East states and two South South states of Rivers and Delta annually, even as the best host state will also be honoured during the award events.

The statement signed by the Chairman Planning Committee, Prof. Chibueze Jiburum and Secretary Planning Committee, Mr. Mecha Udo; said that the candidates, who will be rewarded in this first edition, will be determined by their performance in the last WAEC conducted examinations in Igbo language held in June this year. It added that the prizes shall be awarded at the ‘Asusu Igbo Amaka’ ceremony that will hold at the Main Hall of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), on Amaigbo lane in Enugu, Enugu State.

“At this event, the respective winning schools and Igbo language teachers will also be recognized and rewarded,” the statement said.

According to the statement, this year’s award ceremony shall feature the following: A public lecture on the need to promote and preserve the Igbo Language titled: “Language; An Indispensable tool in keeping a culture vibrant,’’ Presentation of Awards of Excellence in Igbo Language to students, teachers and schools as adjudged by WAEC, Rendition of lots of Igbo songs, Recitation of Igbo poems and proverbs and, The display of Igbo culture and tradition.

The statement further said that many prominent Igbo sons and daughters and other Nigerians are expected to grace the occasion that will be ably chaired by the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ebonyi State and former Deputy Governor, Prof Chigozie Ogbu, while the Executive Governor of Enugu State His Excellency, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.
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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/igboekulie-partners-waec-reward-best-igbo-candidates/

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Beauty brands her always looking for ways to sell their products to women. This is one reason why celebrities top the chart when it comes to signing endorsement deals.

It is a well known fact that many of these deals are worth millions of Naira and we are delighted that some of the juiciest ones go to our female celebrities.

Here 5 of them you probably don’t know hold come very mouth-watering endorsement deal.

1. Genevieve Nnaji

Its difficult not to love this thespian who had distinguished herself with her talent, hardwork and dedication over the years. Her deal with MUD Cosmetics has been one of most talked about in recent times. Genevieve landing this deal proves she is in a class all on her own.

2. Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage Recent Interview With Guardian

One of the top female performing artiste in Nigeria, Tiwa is one of the celebrities with the highest number of endorsement to her name. The ebony beauty was recently signed by Mega Growth to front their hair care brand.

3. Omowunmi Akinnifesi

Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigerian and avid business woman. Omowunmi is lady whose beauty is more than skin-deep. The gorgeous fashion lover became the first face of popular cosmetic brand, Nivea in West Africa. We are sure by now you must have seen her pretty face on the billboard somewhere.

4. Mercy Aigbe

The talented actress is also among the league of Nigerian celebrities stepping up for ambassadorial duties. Affiliated to BKunique Hair, you can find Mercy on her Instagram page proudly fulfilling her role.

5. Osas Ajibade


Former Miss Nigeria USA and actress, Osas also holds a deal with hair company WholesaleNaija. The pretty wife of fellow actor, Gbenro Ajibade earlier this year joined the brand as her debut campaign for them was widely accepted.

6. Bisola Aiyeola

Popular for her hilarious skits after her foray in the Big Brother Naija house, Bisola has quickly distinguished herself as a star to watch out for. Among many other recognition she has gotten, she is also the ambassador for luxury skincare brand, CianaFresh Skincare.

7. Tana Adelana

Signed by Ivory Soap, Tana Adelana holds her head high amongst celebrities with beauty deals in Nigeria. She signed a deal with the leading skincare brand in July 2017

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/7-female-celebrities-mouth-watering-beauty-endorsement-deals/

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s daughter, Carrissa Sharon Oyakhilome just got engaged to her fiance. Her Mother, Anita, broke the news on her Facebook Page.

Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome, a UK based gospel singer, is the beautiful daughter of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and his ex wife Anita. The young lady is reportedly said to be in her early 20s.

The excited Mother wrote as she shared a photo:

“Congratulations to my daughter and son-in-law to be. What makes marriage beautiful is when two become one flesh, inseparable and always enjoying the pleasure of each others company.”

Here is what the proud mother shared on social media :

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/pastor-chris-oyakhilomes-daughter-sharon-gets-engaged/

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Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara yesterday urged the executive to foster a good working relationship with the legislature to prevent delay in the passage f the 2018 Budget.

The President requested for the passage of the budget in time to ensure the return to the January to December budget cycle.

Also yesterday, it took about an hour of closed session for the leadership of the national Assembly to persuade some lawmakers from carrying placards in protest over the non- release of funds for the N100 billion Zonal intervention funds by the Executive.

Before the President read his budget speech, Saraki said: “I will like to advise and caution that there is no better time in this Administration than now for a rigorous drive for good working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

“The early passage of the 2018 budget will depend on this good working relationship. The passage of important Executive bills that improve “ease of doing business” is also dependent on this. So, Mr. President, the 469 Members in this chamber are your true partners that will ensure the success of your administration in achieving its goals and objectives. So, lobby them (not the PDP way), close ranks and let them work for you.”

Saraki said while the Federal Government focuses of “big ticket projects” like Power, Rail and A-Trunk roads,” it should also, not forget smaller projects which impact people’s lives..

” We must do both. Those in charge should ensure proper execution or face sanction,” adding that ” it is important that I emphasize that the presentation of the budget should in no way dampen enthusiasm for the implementation of the 2017 Budget.

“Whatever needs to be done to ensure that we achieve close to full implementation of the budget, is what must be done,” the Senate President said.

Dogara said “Once again, let me place it on record that the 2018 Budget preparations suffer from inadequate consultations between the MDAS and various over- sighting Committees of the National Assembly. Consequently, one can only hope and pray that it does not lead to delay in consideration and passage of the Budget.

“The success of this event separates us as true Leaders who in the midst of a hazy Executive – Legislative relationship elected not to turn on ourselves but to turn to each other in the very interest of our constituents and national progress. This is the way we must go as our Constitutional Order is organized in a way that deliberately denies any of the three Arms the strength to go at it alone on any national issue.

“Where that has happened, it’s progress that suffers. That reminds us of the adage that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together”. Examples abound on how fast but not far, the Executive has gone on some national issues where they have decided to go alone. There is no national challenge we cannot overcome if we work together.”

The Speaker, who commended President Buhari for leading the country out of recession, however, said that many Nigerians were still confronted with economic difficulties.

‘‘Although recession has technically ended, most Nigerian families are still struggling.

‘‘As a government, we must do all within our powers to hasten their long night of panic and fear into a glorious morning.

‘‘We must never allow this nation to slide into recession, not now, not ever again.

‘‘We cannot therefore discountenance policy consistency and synergy between all stakeholders, if we must sustain economic growth and development, going forward,’’ he said.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/saraki-dogara-achieve-smooth-passage-budget/

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A Benin lawyer, Mr. G.C. Igbokwe, has been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

Igbokwe, the chairman of Benin Law Week Organising Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association, was abducted on Monday evening near Okhuaihe village, on Benin-Aghoro-Onitsha Expressway.

He was said to be on his way to Enugu when he was kidnapped.

Police spokesman Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the kidnap, described it as a sad incident.

He said the police were searching for the kidnappers and assured residents that the lawyer would soon be rescued.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/gunmen-abduct-lawyer-edo/

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The Kaduna State government has condemned the use of primary school pupils for protests by teachers who failed the competency test. It vowed not to tolerate the reckless endangerment of minors by adults.

A statement by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, lamented that the children, who are victims of bad teachers, are now being used as cannon-fodder by the same teachers. It vowed to take legal measures to punish the wrongdoers.

The statement described as callous and despicable, the act of involving children in illegal, politically-inspired demonstration.

The statement read: “The Kaduna State government has received reports of primary school pupils being pushed to the streets, by their unqualified teachers, for illegal protests.

“The government condemns this wanton disregard for the life and safety of pupils put in care of these unqualified teachers. It is grievous enough that bad teachers have been allowed to imperil the educational future of these children. But for these same teachers to endanger the children by using them to block and lie on highways, illustrates a high level of irresponsibility that no law-governed society can accept.

“These children are not union members; our pupils are the victims of bad teachers who evidently do not mind making these children cannon-fodder for their desperation. Exposing minors to hazards, and endangering their life and limbs shows that some teachers want to jeopardise the present and future of these children.

“These irresponsible actions, by these unqualified teachers, at the behest of their union, affront both morality and the law, including the Penal Code and the Young Persons’ Law. Those involved will bear the consequences.

“The government, hereby, warns everyone to desist from illegal and irresponsible acts. Sound education is not a matter of sentiment. Parents who send their children to public schools have a right to expect decent tuition for their wards. Being poor should not mean that the prospects of their children should be truncated.

“Nobody will be allowed to play politics with the future of our children, their education and their safety.

“Government urges parents to be vigilant, report to the relevant authorities any attempt to use their children to threaten law and order.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/kaduna-condemns-use-pupils-protests/


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Oil prices hit their highest since July 2015 yesterday as Saudi Arabia’s crown prince cemented his power over the weekend through an anti-corruption crackdown, while markets continued to tighten.

Brent crude futures were trading 26 cents higher at $62.33 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 25 cents to $55.89 a barrel, breaking above $56 for the first time since July 2015.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tightened his grip with the arrest of royals, ministers and investors, including prominent billionaire Alwaleed bin Talal and the powerful head of the National Guard, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah.

Analysts for now do not see Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, changing its policy of boosting crude prices.

Prince Mohammed’s reforms include a plan to list parts of state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco next year, and a higher oil price is seen as beneficial for its market capitalisation.

“We believe the kingdom will stick to the OPEC deal and continue to focus on reducing global oil inventories,” UBS oil analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said while there is “satisfaction” with a production-cutting deal between the OPEC and other producers led by Russia, the “job is not done yet”.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/oil-rises-62-33/

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Contract staff comprising cleaners, security guards and potters at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) on Monday staged a peaceful protested over non-payment of their six months salary arrears.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest led to gridlock on Dobi road connecting the hospital with the main town as both doctors and patients were stranded outside.

The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions: “Pay us our money’’ “Are we not Nigerians,’’ “some of us are widows, “our children are out of school’’.

Speaking to newsmen, leader of the protesters, Mr Leonard Mbanile, said several talks with the management demanding payment of the back-load of the salaries yielded no positive result.

“This is why we have embarked on this peaceful demonstration to show our grievances over unpaid six months’ salary arrears.

“We have not been paid for over six months and some of us can no longer eat or take our children to school any longer.

“The salary is just N15, 000 per month and yet they find it difficult to pay the little stipend to their workers.

“We will give them a one day ultimatum after which the gate will remain locked until they pay all the salaries and allowances,’’ he said.

Reacting to the development, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the hospital said efforts were under way to clear the back-load of salary arrears owed.

He said that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital has gone to the Federal Ministry of Health to fast track the payment of the back-load of salaries.

“It is not about ultimatum, but peaceful dialogue, I can’t assure you what will be done between now and the next twenty four hours until we dialogue.

“Our CMD has gone to the Ministry to see how he can fast track the payment of the salaries.

“Their services are on contract basis and very important to the hospital but the fault is not from our management,’’ he said. (NAN)

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/uniabuja-hospital-staff-protest-non-payment-salary/

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Four Nigerian weightlifters have qualified for the 2018 Commonwealth Games scheduled for Gold Coast in Australia, an official of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) said on Monday.

NWF Secretary-General, Umar Lambu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the lifters qualified following their performance at the recent African Junior Championships in Uganda.

Lambu named the lifters as Monica Uweh, Fatima Yakubu, Michael Anyalechi and Favour Agboro, and added that the qualification was good for Nigeria.

He said their performance had also led to an improvement in their ranking.

“The October Commonwealth Ranking puts Uweh in the ninth position in the women’s 48kg category, while Yakubu is ranked 12th in the women’s 53kg category.

“Anyalechi is ranked seventh in the men’s 85kg category, while Agboro is ranked 16th in the men’s 62kg category,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Nigerian lifters won a total of 18 medals — 13 gold, four silver and one bronze — at the championships in Uganda.


Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/4-nigerian-lifters-qualify-2018-commonwealth-games/

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The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ( ASUP ) is set to embark on an indefinite strike action with effect from Monday, November 13, 2017 to press for the implementation of its agreement with government, accusing government of treating polytechnic education with disdain and levity.

Rising from the emergency meeting of its National Executive Council, ASUP said it has no choice than to embark on an indefinite strike after the expiration of its earlier 21 days ultimatum, adding that the conciliatory meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour failed to produce positive result because the Ministry of Education was not interested in resolving the dispute.

National President of ASUP, Comrade Usman Y. Dutse also accused the government of using endless verification exercises to delay the payment of entitlements of members of the union, adding that while the union is not against government carrying out verification exercises, it should not endless and the exercise should not be used to denied workers their rights.

He said that despite the 21 days notice given to the government, they did not consider it necessary to address their demands for an improved funding of polytechnic education in the country.

Dutse said “Our union is therefore constrained to lament again that our sector is on the verge of collapse and needs all the emergency attention it urgently deserves. Until now, it should be noted that the issues raised here today have been there since 2014 and none of these issues has since 2014 been concretely resolved to improve the sector.

“It is against this background that we wish to remind governments at all levels and indeed all Nigerians that we cannot continue to be complacent in the face of imminent and seemly strategic annihilation of a sector that feeds and caters for millions of youths and families. A sector that if well harnessed will boost Nigeria’s technological know–how, improve ICT, create millions of employment opportunities and raise the level of both theoretical and practical technological literacy.”

Some of the issues include the non implementation of the NEEDS assessment report recommended the injection of N6.5 billion int the polytechnic education in 2014, adding that this has risen to about N8 billion, adding that without Imo,emerging the report, the essence of using tax payers money to embark on the exercise is wasted.

He said the issues also include the Non – passage of the Amendment Bill of the Polytechnics Act, adding that “the delay and indifference to the passage of this bill is viewed as a ploy to fester chaos and continued crises in the sector. Recall that this bill passed through public hearing since December 2016. One wonders why an all important bill such as this still remains unattended to even when assurances have been extracted from the Senate Committee on this bill, our regulatory agencies and ministry of education.

Passing this bill will go a long way to resolving majority of the contending issues in the sector, reduce conflicts, improve on the efficiency levels of the administrative organs and ultimately bring the sector in tune with global best practices. Same bill died with the 6th and 7th assemblies and the current effort is now being threatened to go same way as it is stuck in the Senate since the public hearing in December, 2016.

“Shortfalls in Personnel Releases and Withdrawal of Allowances and emoluments due to cuts in personnel releases. This phenomenon has persisted till date. As if this was not enough, government added salt to injury by withdrawing allowances which hitherto were part of salaries.

“Equally, unpaid arrears of promotions have continued to mount. While verifications of staff have been conducted over and over, only five institutions have received repayment of their 2016 shortfalls. This situation is compounded by the continued penchant of Governing Councils to siphon the meagre internal resources of institutions in order to assuage their unbridled appetite for luxury.”

He also said that the Non Release of CONTISS 15 Migration arrears has lingered since 2011 when the approval to migrate to the CONTISS 15 salary scale was secured from the government effective 2009, adding that “Since then, only the upper cader has been fully taken care of. Staffs in the lower cader are being short changed since then as they are yet to gat the full benefit of this policy. In response, government continues to set up committees without terminal dates and any meaningful response to the union’s protests.

“It is worthy to note that a lot of these issues constitute violations of the agreement signed between our union and the government in 2010. This is in tandem with the now well documented penchant of government to renege on agreements. Recently efforts to address these issues led to the convening, on the 24th of October 2017, of a conciliatory meeting by the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja.

“Curiously, the ministry in eye of the storm (The Federal Ministry of Education) was so poorly represented that no memorandum of action was agreed upon. This clearly showed the level of disdain and disrespect with which issues of the polytechnic sector are being handled by relevant agencies of government.

“In view of the above, our union rising from this emergency meeting hereby resolved to commence an indefinite and comprehensive strike action effective 13th November, 2017. This action shall be sustained until our demands are met or an implementable memorandum of action is agreed upon by our union and relevant agencies of government.

“We therefore call on well meaning Nigerians and indeed the public to prevail on the government to do the needful and avoid this imminent shutdown of the sector on an indefinite basis.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/asup-begin-indefinite-strike-november-13/

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While it is not in doubt, that veteran broadcaster and actor, Sadiq Daba his seriously ill, it is not clear, if he is in dare need of financial help to foot his medical bills.

After dispelling reports of the severity of his sickness two months back, the Kano-born entertainer became liberal recently, when he admitted being diagnosed with prostate cancer, following the earlier reported case of leukaemia.

Amidst outcry by fans on the social media, asking for financial help for the actor, he told The Nation on Monday that he detests the way the media is reporting his health issue. “I’m not a beggar!” he declared.

Daba, who had earlier rescheduled a chat with the reporter on the excuse that he was on his way to his doctor, said, “I’m alive… I’m about to see the doctor. Call me back anytime in the afternoon.”

Whatever the situation was at the hospital, it was confusing, as his reaction, much later, was of disinterest. Declining any useful comment, he said, in very frail voice, that he didn’t want to be misconstrued as ‘begging Nigerians’ for support.

It took another call for the veteran broadcaster to make it clear that he was not soliciting funds because of his condition, even though he disclosed he is receiving treatment at LASUTH and OAUTH.

“My name is Sadiq Daba,” he introduced himself in a feeble voice when told the purpose of the call was to ascertain his health status.

“And I will never ever be a beggar. The way you people (journalists) are going about my case is as if I’m carrying a bowl in hand, moving around Nigeria, begging people; that I am a destitute. I am not.

“Yes, I have health challenges. Yes, I am sick. So, what is the big deal? The way people are taking it, ‘Sadiq Daba is dying’, ‘Sadiq Daba is doing this.’ I’m a journalist. I’m a broadcaster. There are certain ways you can go about it if you want to help somebody. You do not whip up stories to sell your newspaper because you must sell your papers. If I die today, that’s the end of story. I’m no longer news. It’s because I am sick now that I am news.

“Yes, I have challenges but I am not a destitute. If I have been of relevance to my nation and my nation wants to help, so be it. But I am not going to go out of my way to go cap in hand. That is why when your other friend called (The Nation reporter), I said I’m tired. You’re not the only paper who has called me.

“Yes, I am sick. Will I be the first person to be sick? I’m dealing with Prostate, I’m dealing with leukaemia. That is no news. And by the special grace of God, I’ll get over it. I have that faith that God is in control.”

Daba who is currently holed up in Lagos said he is due to take a test on Friday to determine further treatment options.

“If I leave my house, I go to the hospital,” Daba who starred as Bitrus in the now rested soap opera, ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’ and played a major role in October 1, a film by Kunle Afolayan, said.

“If I’m not in the hospital, I’m in my house. I don’t have the luxury of traversing Nigeria as I used to do. I’m over 60. I’m not a small boy.”

He also disclosed that on Friday, he would be going to the hospital to get a biopsy.

“And that will determine whether I would go for proper surgery or not,” he said.

“It is painful. It has to do with the rectal and all of that. You’re battling with Leukaemia, you’re battling with Prostrate… No bi headache or stomach ache. Those ones, you can take tablets and dem don go one time. Dis one na different situation. To God be the glory sha,” he said.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/im-not-beggar-says-ailing-sadiq-daba/

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