₦airaland Forum

Video on the missionary journey of late Pa Sydney Granville Elton to Ilesha, Nigeria:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=V6Mb2mivXWo

God's agenda for Nigeria's greatness:

https://terrificheadlines.com/2018/06/10/sunday-tonic-gods-agenda-for-nigerias-greatness-revd-sydney-granville-elton/

Three suspected kidnappers have been shot dead in Kogi State during a shooting encounter with a combined team of soldiers, policemen and local hunters. The state police command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Saturday, said that two of the kidnappers also escaped with gunshot injuries.

Aya said that the five-man armed kidnappers had, on Sept. 11, kidnapped six persons between Iyamoye and Ekinrinade road in Ijumu Local Government area of the state.

The kidnappers, who were masked, were said to have, on the said day, kidnapped Chief Ganiyu Popoola, the Elemoh Aran of Omu-Aran, his brother, Dr Sule Popoola, their nephew, a woman and her husband, said to be a medical doctor, and an unidentified victim. They were said to be travelling to Lokoja in their separate vehicles when they and another commercial bus ran into a road block mounted by the suspects.

The driver of the commercial bus was, however, able to quickly manoeuvre his vehicle and escaped with a bullet-shattered windscreen towards Omuo-Oke, a border town between Ekiti and Kogi States. The kidnappers, after robbing their victims, later marched them into the nearby thick forest.

Popoola, one of the victims, who spoke with NAN, said that the kidnappers took them to their hideouts where they were detained for hours before they released him, his brother and the only woman among them. He said that they were given instructions to go and look for ransom to secure the release of others.

Before releasing them, Popoola, who spoke on the telephone, said that their captors took their phone numbers and returned their handsets to them. He said that they trekked for hours before finding their way out of the forest and came out at a spot at Egbeda-Egga community.

On coming out, Popoola said that they sighted two policemen on leg patrol and some other people who they narrated their ordeal to. He said that it was while doing this that some armed soldiers, led by a major, came to join them, saying that the soldiers were informed of the incident by the driver of the commercial bus who was lucky to escape.

Popoola said that the soldiers, numbering about five, the two policemen and the head of local hunters in Egbeda-Egga, led them back to the kidnappers’ hideouts. He said that the head of local hunters, being familiar with the terrain, asked them some questions, and with answers given to him, was able to lead them to the hideouts with ease.

On sighting them, he said that the kidnappers opened fire, adding that the security agents immediately engaged them in a fierce gun duel during which three of the kidnappers were killed, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds. The soldiers were said to have carried the corpses of the kidnappers to Iyara divisional police station and also handed over two rifles, one AK-47 and a pump action, to the policemen on duty.

In addition, Aya said that a sum of N57,510 and five different telephone handsets were found on them.

SOURCE: https://t.guardian.ng/news/three-suspected-kidnappers-shot-dead-in-kogi/

If We Remove Sex, Most Of We Ladies Have Nothing To Offer In Relationship - Nigerian Lady

Over the week, this has been the trending story online after one Nwanneka Odoh shared her view on what most ladies offer in a relationship. According to her, most ladies are so dependant on men that they don't like to cater for themselves; they are only proud of having a vag*na. She said that it's only s3x that most ladies have to offer in a relationship.

Read what she posted below:

"If we remove S3x from relationships you will discover that most of we ladies have nothing to offer in relationships..... Search your conscience, what else do you offer aside from S3x Remove money from a relationship and you will discover that over 90% of ladies won't see a reason to be in a relationship. We want our men to take care of us but we add no value to their life other than s3x and troubles.... Let's change our mindset, let's learn to be valuable in a relationship..... Let's pray for them when they are down... Motivate them to hustle harder, give them listening ears; Let's give them reasonable advise, let's play a role of a mother in their life"....Nwanneka Odoh

SOURCE: https://www.gist mania.com/talk/topic,398604.0.html

What do you think? Do you agree with her?

The Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday inaugurated two seagoing gunboats to boost its anti-smuggling capacity on waters. This followed the news that most of the smugglers that were prevented from entering Nigeria through the border by the joint security enforcement team had decided to bring in their goods by sea.

The boats, christened ‘Pride of Customs’ and ‘Group of Nine’ are expected to be deployed to deep-sea patrols, surveillance, interdiction and reconnaissance on water. The Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ali(retd), disclosed at the inauguration that Nigeria’s quest for non-oil revenue was dependent on the NCS to fight smuggling and bring it to the barest minimum.

According to him, experience has shown that whenever smugglers face stiff enforcement by Customs anti-smuggling operatives on land, they turn to the waterways to carry out their illegal trade. He said, “Unfortunately, before now the service has been weak on the water arising from the lack of seagoing vessels to effectively checkmate smugglers on the high sea.

“This situation led to the death of nine Customs Marine officers while confronting deadly petrol smugglers on the sea in 2014. It is in honour of this group of nine gallant officers who died in the service of their fatherland that one of the seagoing vessels is named ‘Group of Nine’ while the other represents the ‘Customs Pride’ on the sea.”

He explained that the inauguration of the two seagoing vessels, well equipped with necessary firepower and other requirements for long-time water patrol, was in line with the ongoing repositioning of the service to effectively deliver on its mandate to the nation. He said, “With these vessels, I hope smugglers will no longer take advantage of NCS vulnerability on water to smuggle in contraband. NCS Marine operatives can now sail to intercept them right on the high sea.

“The timing of this commissioning is strategic as it will on the immediate boost the ongoing joint security Ex-Swift Response on the water and henceforth remain symbol of NCS’ strength on the sea. The service now has four marine Commands, namely Western Marine, Eastern Marine, North-Western Marine and North-Eastern Marine Command. It is therefore the resolve of management that smugglers find no space to operate either on land, air or sea.”

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/border-closure-customs-acquire-gunboats-comb-waterways/

High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can damage one’s heart. High blood pressure or hypertension is known as a ‘silent killer’. It often has no symptoms but is a major risk for heart disease and stroke. If left uncontrolled, it raises one’s risk of heart disease and stroke.

X-raying the body anatomy, your blood pressure depends on how much blood your heart is pumping, and how much resistance there is to blood flow in your arteries so therefore it is often said that The narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. To know your blood pressure range, see the classification below:

-- Blood pressure lower than 120/80 mm Hg = NORMAL.
-- Blood pressure that’s 130/80 mm Hg or more = HIGH.

If your numbers are above normal but under 130/80 mm Hg, you fall into the category of elevated blood pressure. This means that you’re at risk for developing high blood pressure.

So here are few tips to control one’s high blood pressure without necessarily using medications or continuous blood pressure supplements:

1. REGULAR EXERCISE
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lower high blood pressure. Regular exercise helps make your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood, which lowers the pressure in your arteries.

2. REDUCTION OF SALT INTAKE
Salt intake is high around the world. In large part, this is due to processed and prepared foods. For this reason, many public health efforts are aimed at lowering salt in the food industry. In many studies, salt has been linked to high blood pressure and heart events, like stroke.

3. REDUCTION OF ALCOHOL
Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure. In fact, alcohol is linked to 16% of high BP cases around the world. While some research has suggested that low-to-moderate amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, those benefits may be offset by negative effects. Drinking alcohol in any quantity may raise one’s blood pressure. There’s need to limit the drinking rate to not more than one drink a day.

4. EAT MORE POTASSIUM-RICH FOODS
Potassium is an important mineral. It helps your body get rid of sodium and ease pressure on your blood vessels. Modern diets have increased most people’s sodium intake while decreasing potassium intake.

Foods that are particularly high in potassium include:
-- Vegetables, especially leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes and sweet potatoes
-- Fruit, including melons, bananas, avocados, oranges and apricots
-- Dairy, such as milk and yogurt
-- Tuna and salmon
-- Nuts and seeds
-- Beans

5. LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS
Stress is a key driver of high BP. When you’re chronically stressed, your body is in a constant fight-or-flight mode. On a physical level, that means a faster heart rate and constricted blood vessels. When you experience stress, you might also be more likely to engage in other behaviors such as drinking alcohol or eating unhealthy food that can negatively affect blood pressure.

6. QUIT SMOKING
Among the many reasons to quit smoking is that the habit is a strong risk factor for heart disease. Every puff of cigarette smoke causes a slight, temporary increase in blood pressure. The chemicals in tobacco are also known to damage blood vessels.

7. EAT FOODS RICH IN MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is an important mineral that helps blood vessels relax. Eating a magnesium-rich diet is a recommended way to ward off high BP. You can incorporate magnesium into your diet with vegetables, dairy products, legumes, chicken, meat and whole grains. Magnesium is an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.

8. REDUCE CAFFEINE INTAKE
Caffeine raises BP, but the effect is temporary. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, you may want to cut back on your coffee consumption, or try decaffeinated coffee.

In summary, Keeping tabs on the scale will help your blood pressure take care of itself. Check your BP readings regularly at home, and try to stay in your target range.

SOURCE (abridged): https://thenationonlineng.net/eight-ways-to-control-high-blood-pressure-without-medication/

Even with the nature of our society, retiring early is possible and achievable (especially if this has always been your lifelong goal). You only need to be willing to make some sacrifices.

Here are four things to do if you want early retirement.

1. AVOID SPENDING MINDLESSLY
The most important step in controlling your finances enough to make early retirement possible, is to track your spending. You have to know what you’re spending on and if it’s necessary for you to spend that much on it, or even spend on it at all. Know how you spend, determine necessary expenses and focus your efforts on reducing or eliminating negligible or unnecessary expenses.

2. STOP LIFESTYLE INFLATION
Try to avoid living at the maximum standard your income allows. Find a middle point and contently build your life around that, while you save and wisely invest the rest to further increase your earnings. If your income increases, try not to over boost your spending and put a reasonable portion of the extra money into savings. You can also apply this strategy to other surplus money like bonuses, and other small windfalls. This will benefit you far more than buying the latest gadgets and travelling to the most exotic locations all the time.

3. GO HOME-MADE
Opt for home-made food, as opposed to eating out all the time. If you’re skeptical about just how financially beneficial this strategy is, give it a shot for a month and see the results. You can even save some more money if you know how to negotiate well for groceries and food stuffs at the market. In addition to the financial benefits of going home-made, there’s also the health benefit of eating fresher and healthier meals.

4. STOP TRYING TO PLEASE YOUR FRIENDS
This is one of the biggest money wasters and the greatest enemy to early financial independence. Keeping up with the Joneses and trying to live up to your friends' standards can end up not only robbing you of a chance at early financial independence, but can also mess you up financially. Avoid going out all the time, spending in places you never intended to spend in, and spending lavishly on things that you could care less about because of so-called friends. Stick with friends who have the same financial mindset as yours and who will contribute positively to your goal of achieving early financial freedom. You’ll be better off for it!

SOURCE: https://thenationonlineng.net/four-important-things-to-do-if-you-want-to-retire-early/

A lady, Miss Ogochukwu Igwe, was allegedly beaten to coma by her landlord, identified as Obidike in Umudim Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The victim, a hairdresser, was reportedly beaten up by the suspect, together with his son for asking them to stop using their vehicles to block her salon shop.

The Nation gathered that trouble ensued when the landlord, on arrival to his house, parked his car in front of the salon, which resulted into a brawl. Speaking to newsmen on her hospital bed at Glory hospital and Maternity, the victim alleged that the landlord strangled her after hitting her with the drier in her salon.

She said, “I pleaded with him to shift the car from blocking my shop but instead of yielding, the landlord told me to pack out of the shop and that he would deal with me when his son returned in the evening. The son later arrived with his tipper, came with his father into my salon and used the drier in my salon to hit me. He held me by the neck and tried to strangled me and I fell down unconscious. The next place I saw myself was at Glory hospital and Maternity, Umudim Nnewi.”

Ogochukwu said it was after she recovered that she saw a female police officer who introduced herself as Inspector Nneka, the investigating police officer (IPO), from Central Police Station, Nnewi.

“She took my statement and told me that Onyeka who beat and tried to strangled me has been arrested but that they were yet to arrest his father. I later learnt that he was granted bail while his father has not been arrested,” she added.

She appealed to the state commissioner of police, Mr John Abang, to come to her aid by ensuring that the suspects face the wrath of the law. The counsel to the victim, Mr Kanayo C. Muoneke, in a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr John Abang made available to newsmen, urged the CP to intervene, adding that the victim had almost passed away if not for divine interventiom.

“Presently, the victim can’t conviniently eat because of the injuries sustained and the suspects are celebrating the victim’s fate,” he said.

SOURCE: https://thenationonlineng.net/landlord-son-beat-female-tenant-to-coma-in-anambra/

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has on Thursday advised the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the February 23, 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to accept defeat, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory is the shortest route for an Igbo Presidency come 2023.

The group through its President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro congratulated the victorious Buhari and asked Atiku to concede and accept defeat even though he has the constitutional rights to appeal the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, PEPT, at the supreme Court.

“We accept this validation of President Buhari’s mandate as the shortest route to have an Igbo man succeed him as President in 2023. “It’s historic that during the 2003 Presidential campaign when General Muhammadu Buhari was the flag bearer of ANPP with late Senator Chuba Okadigbo, Buhari came to Umuahia during the 2003 ANPP gubernatorial flag off campaign of Chief Enyinnaya Abaribe, and said” I’m destined to be the man that will handover to an Igbo man as President”, 20 years later by 2023, the prophecy is sure to be accomplish.

President Muhammadu Buhari should give massive projects and empowerment to the South East as a prompt response to some few Igbo detractors who erroneously see him as a tribalistic leader who hates Igbo. “He should reward the South East with projects and we urge Igbo to work towards getting Nigeria President of Igbo stock in 2023 by being less critic of him. It’s time to genuinely build bridges ahead of 2023".

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/09/accept-defeat-ohanaeze-tells-atiku-says-buharis-victory-shortest-way-for-igbo-presidency/

The number of Nigerians that made it back to Nigeria drastically reduced following moves by the South African government to frustrate the evacuation efforts. Only about 187 adults and children were successfully evacuated on Wednesday as against the 320 Nigerians expected back home.

The flight arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 9.43pm.

One of the returnees, Uche Victor, told journalists that he left his wife who he said was a Cameronian and a young daughter behind. He said, “I’m bleeding because I left my wife and baby but I have to come back because my mother cries for me to return. If something happens to me she will suffer. I left my business, I came back with nothing. South Africans believe all Nigerians are drug pushers, but I don’t know the colour of any drug.”

Victor, who explained that he left Nigeria for South Africa in 2007, explained that the attacks were anger against the government. “They are only venting their anger on foreigners. They started with black and will move to whites,” he said.

According to him, the flight would have returned earlier but the South African government made it difficult. “The didn’t want us to go but for Nigeria’s consulate,” he added.

Another returnee from Abia State, who gave his name as Onuoha, said a lot of Nigerians were still stranded as they could not return with their properties.

Aliu Saheed, from Osun State, said his shop was burgled and he came back home empty-handed. “But I’m happy to be home, I’m not going back again,” he said.

S’A CANCELS VISAS ISSUED TO RETURNING NIGERIANS
One of our correspondents learnt that the South African authorities went further to cancel visas that were issued to the returning Nigerians. A picture on Facebook showed a Nigerian passport with a cancelled South African visa as of September 10.

The Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said there was 15 hours delay before the flight left South Africa. She had earlier told journalists that the South African authorities brought new immigration rules before the affected Nigerians could be allowed to board the aircraft.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, the Federal Government is giving N40,000 worth of airtime to last them for two months as well as stipend of N10,000 for transport. She also said there were plans for the Bank of Industry to provide some money for the returnees to start small businesses.

Meanwhile, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs Toyin Olajide, said the evacuation would cost the airline about N300m. Olajide said the cost would include payment of passenger service charge, aeronautical and other charges.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/187-nigerians-return-safrica-employs-rules-to-stop-others/

Two days after the Federal Government extended rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the Kara end of the Long Bridge, two tankers, one laden with diesel, and the other, petrol, while coming from Lagos, during the early hours of Wednesday, September 4, 2019, plunged into the drain around Kara-Ibafo, in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The tanker accidents, which many said were caused by narrowness of the road, exposed the unpreparedness of agencies responsible for emergencies in the state. According to eyewitnesses, the diesel and petrol in the tankers remained intact despite the intensity of the accidents, but a bid to trans-load the contents led to a fire that burnt two tankers, killed one Mukthar Muhammod and inflicted various degrees of burns on eight others including Rabiu Umar, Sulaimon Sanni, Ibrahim Mohammed, Ibrahim Adebayo, Daud Rahif aka Baba Aliya, Nurudeen Yusuf and an official of the state fire service, Adeleke Adelekan.

The victims, most of whom were purportedly hired for the trans-loading, had successfully offloaded the diesel into another tanker and were almost finishing their job when the hose connecting the pumping machine to the tankers suddenly disconnected from the machine, causing the petrol to spill uncontrollably on the ground. This tense moment, according to one of the victims, Umar, made 22-year-old Adebayo to use his bare hands to block the outlet where the petrol was gushing out from. The blockage caused the petrol to flow into the silencer of the machine, which created the spark that led to an explosion.

Within seconds, residents and business owners scampered for safety, but some people, who audaciously confronted the fear of getting burnt, were said to have rendered a helping hand to some of the victims engulfed in the raging fire that ravaged the two tankers.

“The tragedy would have been averted if the machine was switched off when the hose disconnected or if the hose Mukthar held at the fallen tanker’s compartment was removed from it,” 36-year-old Umar, hinted while groaning in pain from the injuries he sustained, adding that Mukthar’s proximity to the tanker reduced his chances of surviving the explosion.

The Gombe State indigene said, “After the diesel was trans-loaded into another tanker and the vehicle was towed away, I opened the compartments of the petrol laden tanker and Muktar, held the hose used in trans-loading the petrol from the compartment into an empty tanker. At the top of the other empty tanker, the driver, Nurudeen, and one other guy held the hose firmly at the top of the compartment to control the pressure of the petrol passing through the hose.

“Daud and Adebayo were the ones controlling the machine, while Mohammed and Sanni were filling drums with drops of petrol from the compartment of the fallen tanker into another tanker to reduce wastage during the operation. We had trans-loaded the petrol from two compartments and were about to finish trans-loading from the third compartment when the explosion occurred. The boy (Adebayo) who blocked the petrol from spilling when the hose disconnected was inexperienced because the explosion would not have happened if we had switched off the pumping machine or removed the hose from the compartment.”

RESPONDING TO THE EMERGENCY
Although police and other traffic personnel reportedly controlled vehicular movements around the emergency scene, but another victim, Mohammed, 38, lamented the lackadaisical response of Ogun State Fire Service officials to the emergency, claiming that the Lagos State Fire Service got to the accident scene before them to wet the area with chemicals to forestall tragedy, before the diesel was trans-loaded.

He said, “The police and other traffic operatives were on ground to control vehicular movements around the axis, but they (the OGSFS officials) were to manage the trans-loading of the petrol after the LAGFS had assisted in wetting the scene of the accident with chemicals when the diesel was being trans-loaded. The OGSFS later came with only a water tanker.

“So, before we started trans-loading the petrol, they (the Ogun State Fire Service), wet the first compartment of the tanker and did same to the second compartment. We were surprised that they said water had finished when we were about to start trans-loading from the third compartment. Instead of them to go back to their base to refill the tank, they waited with the assumption that nothing would happen.

OGUN FIRE SERVICE MEN CAME WITH ONE TANKER
“We were all shocked when the explosion occurred and it was too late for them to control the situation. The most painful aspect was that the (OGSFS) officials switched on their vehicle’s engine and drove off, only to come back three hours later with two water tankers to put out the fire that had already caused severe damage. You need to visit the hospital, where some of the victims are receiving treatment to observe the extent of their burns.”

VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL
Medical Director, Divine Touch Hospital, Dr Babatunde Odofin, said Adebayo and Adeleke suffered 3rd degree burns from the fire incident, adding that Nurudeen, who suffered no burns, sustained bilateral open fracture on his two legs after he jumped down from the tanker in a bid to escape from the raging fire.

VICTIMS LAMENT ABANDONMENT, RECOUNT LOSSES
Daud, while grieving on the sick bed, appealed to government to rescue him from his misery, as it was observed that he had also sustained third degree burns in major parts of his body.

In a frail tone, the father of five said, “I am in serious pain, I can’t feed myself or have my bath, my skin has been ripped off and the flesh on my face, hands, thighs and legs is visible and can no longer be the same. The owners of the tanker, through the police, agreed to pay me N30, 000 for this job, till date, I have not been paid.

“The owners of the tanker gave the nurse N35,000, for my treatment when they visited, I have not seen them since then and for now, I have been abandoned. We have spent over N50,000, and the treatment is still ongoing. My machine, which is my source of livelihood, was also destroyed. I don’t know when I will start working as the nurse treating me said I will be here for months; I want the government to assist my family as we now rely on people to survive.”

Another victim, Sanni, while supporting his movement with a walking-stick, lambasted the government and owners of the petrol laden tanker for abandoning them after the explosion.

ACCIDENTS IN OGUN STATE
On Sunday, April 7, 2019, a woman was killed, while her daughter sustained injuries when the jeep with number plate JJJ 930 FL, which was conveying them to their destination, plunged into the Ososa river, along Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway, in the Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.

On Thursday, June 6, 2019, three multiple road crashes reportedly killed 4 people and injured 25 other victims in the Ososa-Ijebu area of the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway and along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. A month later, precisely on Thursday, July 4, 2019, three people died, while 11 others sustained injuries, when a Mazda E220 commercial bus plunged into the Ososa River, after the bus reportedly developed a mechanical fault while in transit, along the Ijebu-Ode/Sagamu Expressway.

However, the frequent occurrences of accidents in various locations make a case for adequate equipment of the agencies saddled with responsibility of responding to emergencies, to mitigate loss of lives and property in the gateway state that serves as nexus linking other parts of Nigeria and West African countries.

REGULATORY BODIES’ REACTIONS
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, said the government had resolved to equip the fire service to live up to expectations. He said, “The Ogun State Government is resolved to equip fire service to live up to expectations. The state has just launched vehicles for security and many of them will be on all roads to assist in search and rescue operations.”

The state Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Clement Oladele, said an emergency management structure that enabled its officials to respond to emergencies within 15 minutes had been established across the nation, adding that the command’s operatives complemented the efforts of emergency responders at the scene of the Kara-Ibafo tanker explosion.

Oladele said, “Our response was never slow. The FRSC rescue team from nearby Ibafo, after hearing the loud sound made by the crash, immediately raced to the scene. As standard practice, we immediately secured the crash scene, the victims, the crashed trucks, contents, and controlled road users using the road during that period. The safety situation was quickly assessed and the fire service and other agencies were alerted to prevent fire outbreak.

“After successfully trans-loading the diesel contents to another empty tanker, the diesel laden truck together with the crashed tanker was removed from obstructing the corridor. All known safety precautions were carefully implemented during the trans-loading of the 45,000 liters of petrol into another empty tanker but the generator of the pumping machine used for the trans-loading suddenly sparked and caught fire.

“By the time the raging fire was extinguished, five casualties were recorded, one of whom got burnt to death. The injured victims were promptly rescued to Divine Touch Hospital, Ibafo, and the corpse of the burnt victim was deposited at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital’s mortuary, Sagamu.

The Director, Ogun State Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, said the agency got to the scene of the emergency before Lagos State Fire Service, adding that the agency’s operatives spent 24 hours at the scene of the incident at Kara-Ibafo.

Adefala said, “As per the incident that happened around Lagos-Ibadan expressway, we were on ground to forestall any occurrence. What led to the outbreak was that there was carelessness with the tanker when they were trying to trans-load to an empty tanker. It was during the third compartment that they were careless which led to the fire outbreak.

“We were there since 6:45am and left the next day after we tackled the fire. Saying the Lagos State Fire Service was there before us is a fallacy. Even though the Lagos State Fire Service left after the offloading of the diesel, we were on ground. We have 10 vehicles across the state and the government is still procuring more for us.”

SOURCE (abridged): https://punchng.com/emergency-response-in-comatose-lagos-ibadan-highway-crashes-defying-homemade-solution/

A bride and groom decided to wear T-shirts and jeans when tying the knot, and are sharing photos to show weddings don’t need to cost loads of money to be magical. Rebecca Maxwell, 26, and Glen Maxwell, 30, wore jeans, personalised ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ T-shirts and trainers for both their ceremony and reception.

The newlyweds bought similar personalised tops for the bridal party, best man and mother and father of the bride and asked their 40 guests to wear jeans and t-shirts too. Rebecca and Glen got engaged back in August 2016, and quickly started planning a massive white wedding. The more they planned, the more they realised a posh wedding just wasn’t right for them.

Totting up the costs of the occasion only caused the couple stress and they were fed up of agonising over a budget instead of being excited about the romance. One evening Glen told Rebecca: ‘We could get married in jeans and T-shirts and I’d still love you.’ The couple saved thousands by scaling down their big day. Cute, right? They chose to take that idea to its natural conclusion and have a casual wedding that was all about their relationship, not spending loads of money.

They’re sharing their story to encourage other people to ditch the pressures of a big wedding and focus on having a day that’s special to them. Rebecca, of Blyth, Northumberland, said: ‘When we were planning our wedding, we started doing everything to please other people. ‘Our guest list was getting out of hand. You feel like you have to invite people because you don’t want to upset them rather than because you want them there. We had spent hours looking through Pinterest at all the dresses, cakes and decorations and you do get sucked in.'

‘But at the end of the day me and Glen just really weren’t bothered about all of that. ‘I had even bought a wedding dress but after having [my daughter] Eleanor I went to try it on again and I ended up crying. It just was not what I wanted at all.’ The couple’s original wedding was planned to take place at a farm at Christmas time, set to cost them £14,000. Instead they said their vows at the town hall in Darlington on 26 April with 40 of their closest friends and family.

The ceremony cost just £250. After doing the official wedding bit, Rebecca and Glen took their guests to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in the Lake District for a carvery dinner costing £400. Instead of a pricey wedding cake, they spent £35 on a selection of Morrisons cupcakes and a sheet cake with a photo of the couple printed on top. With T-shirts and jeans for the wedding party coming in at £150, £200 spent on flowers and £70 for Rebecca’s hair and makeup, the couple’s big day cost just £1,105 in total.

Guests and the wedding party were invited to dress down as well. Saving so much on their wedding meant Rebecca and Glen were left with £6,000 savings, which they used to treat their wedding party to a weekend at Center Parcs. Rebecca and Glen say the lowkey day was perfect for them, as they ‘just like simple things’, preferring a night in to a posh holiday away. ‘We just love each other’s company,’ said Rebecca. ‘What was special was that we were going to join together and I was going to have the same surname as my little girl. ‘A big dress or fancy day, that all paled into insignificance.

‘I want to show other brides that if they don’t have a big budget, it doesn’t matter. They don’t have to spend a fortune or put all that pressure on themselves. ‘As long as you marry the person you love, surrounded by people you love, your day will be special. ‘Me and my husband are still married just like all those people who are in £20,000 debt.

‘I do really believe that so many people lose sight of the real reasons to get married. ‘It becomes like a big expensive show, a production for everyone else and the real reasons are lost in all that. ‘It should be about how in love you are. I don’t know anyone who gets married just because they think their partner is alright.’

SOURCE: https://metro.co.uk/2019/09/11/couple-get-married-jeans-t-shirts-show-weddings-dont-expensive-10720871/

A Lebanese, identified as Basan Khodari, has allegedly been murdered by his domestic workers. The remains of Khodari were found in a septic tank in his house on Bombay Crescent in the Apapa area of Lagos.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victim had travelled to Abuja and asked his workers to look after the house; however, upon his return, he discovered that some hoodlums had taken over his apartment, which led to an argument between him and the workers. Khodari was said to have been murdered during the scuffle that ensued by the hoodlums, led by his guard, who is now at large, while his remains were hidden in a septic tank.

Our correspondent gathered that some suspects were already in police custody and helping with the investigation.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, who confirmed the incident, said, “He was murdered by his domestic workers. Our men are closing in on the suspects.”

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/domestic-workers-allegedly-murder-lebanese-boss/

Some overseas graduates have been returning to the country to undergo the National Youth Service Corps, despite being above 30, The PUNCH has learnt.

Two of the corps members, who are in their 60s and based in the United States, Louis Ebodaghe and Olusegun Abebe, passed out with the 2019 Batches A and B respectively. It was learnt that they both served in Abuja, where they were involved in some community development service projects, including the donation of 25 stethoscopes to the Gwarimpa General Hospital.

Abebe, 60, who obtained his first degree in International Affairs from the University of Wisconsin in 1983, told our correspondent that his age was a huge advantage during the service year.

He said, “I started with Batch B 2018. I served in Abuja. My experience was nice and sad at the same time, knowing what the corps members experienced. Personally, I don’t like the way they are being treated. Generally, it was a nice experience; getting together and getting to know new people from different states and socio-economic backgrounds.

“Although I participated in the scheme at a time when I could be a father to most of the corps members, my age was a huge advantage to me. Nobody molested me; I was well respected. When I returned to the country, there was no exemption for me because I got my degree before the age of 30 years. So I was told I had to serve.

“Exemption will only arise if I graduated overseas after the age of 30. In the FCT, there was just one other corps member, Mr Ebodaghe (Loius), who is about my age. He was in Batch A. My intention was just to serve my fatherland. I had heard a lot about the NYSC and I wanted to participate in it. It was not for any political reason at all.”

Our correspondent learnt that the other sexagenarian, Ebodaghe, had his first degree in Microbiology and Medical Technology in North Dakota University and graduated in 1983. However, efforts to speak with him were not successful as of the time of filing this report.

According to the NYSC Act, CAP N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Nigerians who graduated overseas have to go through the national service, no matter their present age, if they graduated before 30.

The NYSC Act expects elderly Nigerians, like Abebe and Ebodaghe, to present themselves for the national service or risk a one-year jail term as stipulated in the act.

https://punchng.com/us-based-nigerian-sexagenarians-return-for-nysc/

A change of name advert has been trending on social media, due to its unusual content and the names of the persons listed in the advert. The advert, which was published in a national daily at a yet-to-be-confirmed date, had elicited different reactions from social media users.

In the advert, a woman claiming to be the first child of the former governor of Lagos State, Michael Otedola, announced that she was changing her name from Miss Florence Mosunmola Otedola to a longer one consisting of titles like “Assistant Pastor, Princess, Miss,’ 11 names and one compound surname.

The advert stated, “I, Miss Florence Mosunmola Otedola, the first child and daughter of late and former Governor of Lagos State, Chief Michael Agbolade Otedola, now wish to be known as Assistant Pastor, Princess (Miss) Jedidah, Mosunmola, Florence, Abimbola, Oluyemisi, Adenike, Mojisola, Imoletan, Jesupotefunmi, Omoaladeogo, Lioness, Michael-Agbolade-Otedola.

“All former documents remain valid. The following to take note, please:

1) The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Worldwide;
2) Daddy (Pastor) Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG Worldwide;
3) All the family members of the late and former Governor of Lagos State, Chief Michael Agbolade Otedola;
4) Miss Christiana Adedoja Abosede Onakomaiya -Mother of Ayokunle and Femi Otedola;
5) Family members of the mother of Ayokunle and Femi Otedola -the Onakomaiya family;
6) Florence Otedola (aka DJ Cuppy);
7) Nana Otedola (DJ Cuppy’s mother);
8 ) All my lawyers;
9) The Nigerian Police Force;
10) Chief Olusegun Obasanjo;
11) Dr Goodluck Jonathan; and
12) People of Odo-ragunsen, Odo-Agboju and Odo-Layanra.

and the general public to notice please.”

See reactions:

Why does the police, OBJ & GEJ need to know about this?
And “ALL my lawyers”? Why do you have so many lawyers, what have you done? ��� pic.twitter.com/2eKQAMg3R9
— Wale Gates ���� (@walegates) September 10, 2019

Anyone blessed with the gift of understanding that can help explain this to me? pic.twitter.com/vwyW8tdzLi
— tyro (@DoubleEph) September 10, 2019

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/woman-tags-dj-cuppy-obasanjo-adeboye-others-in-unusual-name-change-advert/

THERE WAS A MAN, S. G. ELTON: THERE IS A CHURCH UNCERTAIN OF HER TRUE IDENTITY AND MANDATE
By Olugu Olugu Orji mnia Feb 12, 2014

If you studied in the University of Ife before 1987 and you were an active Christian, you would certainly have been impacted by the ministry of a man named S. G. Elton; especially if you were also part of the Evangelical Christian Union.

Twice in each yearly cycle, he would attend the meeting of ECU in the company of his wife and sometimes, their daughter, Ruth. The first event was the inauguration of the new leadership of the Union that usually happened during the Harmattan Semester and coincided with the end of a calendar year. The second, and in my opinion, the more critical meeting took place in the Rain Semester during the valedictory service (send-forth) of the graduating set. In was in those meetings I discovered the true essence of the prophetic and apostolic ministry.

Maybe I need to back-track a little to throw light on what a British family was doing in the cradle of Yoruba civilization. Pa Elton – as he was fondly addressed – had arrived Nigeria in 1937 with a clear mandate to raise a new breed of leadership in the Nigerian Church, who, powered by the Holy Spirit, will take the message of God’s kingdom and the all-conquering King to the very ends of the earth. He lived in Ilesa (about 30km from Ile-Ife) from where he undertook those momentous missionary assignments. He is undoubtedly the father of the Pentecostal Revival Movement in Nigeria.

In Ile-Ife, he found a potent platform to impact and disciple young men and women who continue to be in the forefront of genuine Pentecostal revival and missionary enterprise in Nigeria.

“But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” These were the very last words Jesus uttered before his translation. They were the first and the strongest impetus for all that Pa Elton achieved in 50 fruitful years as the untiring avatar of a spiritual movement that was steeped as much in prayer as it was in prayer-inspired action.

The saintly Joseph Ayo Babalola and the gregarious Benson Idahosa are just two of the legion he mentored. Under his inspirational tutelage, young men like Emeka Nwankpa, Steve Olumuyiwa (Okitika), Austin Ukachi, John Okposio formed the core of what used to be the Christian Students Social Movement that led a massive crusade that recruited young people for focused kingdom service. Reuben Ezemadu of Christian Missionary Foundation and Egbuna Offodile of Children Evangelism Ministry trace their ministerial roots to this blessed man.

Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade, the foremost apostle of the creeks, received his marching orders while studying at the University of Ife. Even Francis Wale Oke of the Sword of The Spirit Ministries and Moses Aransiola of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries, though not ordinarily denizens of the Ife sheepfold, could not escape his vast apostolic influence.

In academia as in the corporate world are men and women who, as direct or indirect beneficiaries of Pa Elton’s ministry, continue to hold the fort; shinning the light in a world increasingly under threat of darkness. There are many more in public service who by their exemplary commitment and conduct not only amplify the merits of union with Christ, but also point to the good seed faithfully planted by one British many years back. Current Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina operates with an evangelical zeal and unwavering focus that one can now properly place. His path once crossed with Pa Elton’s.

After 50 years of a remarkably eventful ministry, Pa Elton passed on and was buried in Ilesa as was his wife who had preceded him. His daughter Ruth is now about 80 and still deeply involved in the ministry right here in Nigeria. Each time I recall his successful and most sacrificial life and ministry, I can only exclaim, “What a life, and what a legacy!” and I am happy and saddened all at once. Happy because I was privileged to drink from his wealth of prophetic insight; saddened as I behold the caricature currently making out as the bride of Christ.

Don’t be fooled by the expansive, expensive auditoria and the endless stream of trendily-attired worshippers. Take no census of the posh cars and the palaces from which their owners rolled out. That the noble in the world also now double as the pillars of the Church should confuse no one. What is playing out is simply the nurturing and maturation of a ministry relinquished by the apostles two thousand years ago.

A controversy had arisen in the early church when Greek-speaking widows complained of being discriminated in favour of Jewish-speaking widows in the daily distribution of food. Being leaders, the apostles were trying to resolve this knotty matter but had to restrain their deepening involvement. Here is my paraphrase of their dilemma. “It is not right for us as apostles to abandon the teaching of the word of God, and serve tables.” Corrective action was immediately inaugurated, freeing the apostles to attend to their primary concern; “…we will give ourselves to prayer, and the ministry of the word.”

Most of what is happening in our overflowing temples is simply ‘serving tables:’ a euphemism for attending to endless, temporal human needs. Very few disciples are being made and even fewer are committing to taking the message of the kingdom to the ends of the earth. We delude ourselves when we assume obedience to the eternal command by bequeathing one man with our resources to do the work on our behalf. So he tools around at breakneck speed and in unimaginable comfort purporting to perform the tasks divinely assigned to all of us. At the end of the day, because we lack accurate knowledge of the demands of the kingdom of God and our inalienable part in it, we remain as spiritual toddlers minded by those who have falsely assumed the position of our sole spiritual nannies.

Nigeria may host the world’s largest, single Christian congregation, she might be one of the world’s most religious enclaves, but she ranks dubiously as one of the most corrupt and lawless. The clue to unravelling this dilemma is not far-fetched: majority of the millions who purport to profess Christ are mere tots tied to the apron strings of those either ignorant of the truth or unwilling to expose the people to it; and by extension, to freedom. So the nation languishes, and the ends of the earth pine away awaiting the manifestation of God’s true sons; not this immature, carousing and lecherous lot.

It is nearly thirty years since this exemplar of missionary statesmanship concluded his earthly race survived by an illustrious company of fire-begotten men and women consumed by the eternal agenda of demolishing hell’s gate and extending the frontiers of the kingdom of the Christ.

But while Pa Elton sought painstakingly to define the criteria for the man that God uses, another company, in dubious mimicry, has been studiously moulding the image of the ‘God that man uses.’ That ‘God’ is equally touted as infinitely good, loving and merciful. The sole purpose of his being is to make his children happy by giving them designer spouses, children, wealth and every other thing their eyes and imagination can conceive. It is for their sake he runs a celestial supermarket where all they will ever crave for is stocked. So if they don’t possess it, they probably forgot to order it. Littered all over the landscape are these diaper-donning disciples of swanky apostles of conspicuous consumption enabled by their unfettered access to filthy lucre. This emerging scenario is still supremely perplexing to so many.

So while our cities and urban areas are crawling with these preachers and prophets peddling all manner of self-serving messages to undernourished spiritual babes, our villages and rural areas desperately await the arrival of the likes of Pa Elton who will give their life so they can obtain something infinitely better. It is like the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the celebrated saying: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep so he can gain what he cannot lose.” Sadly, most of what these so-called leaders currently consider as assets can be destroyed in a moment.

Ordinarily I should be despondent, but I’m not. I have hope – fervent hope – that either from within or from external prompting, this charade in the guise Pentecostal fervour will cease. Maybe we will call it a revival or a revolution: for me, it matters little. All I am assured is that once more, light and salt will be used in rightly describing the bride of Christ in Nigeria.

That is what S.G. Elton laboured so long to actualize. That is exactly what I fervently hope and pray will shortly materialize.

OLUGU OLUGU ORJI mnia
nnanta2012@gmail.com

SOURCE: http://saharareporters.com/2014/02/12/there-was-man-s-g-elton-there-church-uncertain-her-true-identity-and-mandate-olugu-olugu

FLOOD OF TRIBUTES FOR MISSIONARY, RUTH ELTON, AT 80
Adesoji Adeniyi by Adesoji Adeniyi
September 21, 2014

No distance was too long for admirers of Mama Ruth Elton, a British born misionary, particularly those who have benefited from her generosity and benevolence, to be part of her 80th happy birthday. Guests came from all parts of the federation. They particularly came from towns where Mama Ruth Elton had patiently served in spreading the gospel of the Lord – from Kogi to Ondo, Oyo and Osun states.

The celebrator since she was three years old had been in Nigeria when she followed her missionary parents, Pa Sydney and Mama Hannah Elton, in July1937. Since she was introduced to the Christian faith by her parents and following the consequence of the latter rain revival of the early 50s, Mama Ruth’s passion was inspiring to others. She proved herself a worthy enthusiastic assistant to her parents in spreading the gospel in many parts of the country, particularly rural communities, where residents were yet to hear of the Word of the Lord.

The King’s Event Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, the venue of the thanksgiving service and reception, two Saturdays ago, was filled to capacity. Adorned in their best attire, the guests paid glowing tribute to the woman described by the preacher at the thanksgiving ceremony, Rev. Mike Oye, as smallish in stature but giant in faith.

The preacher said: “How to know the love of God is to be prepared to die to save lives. In God’s words, we are made to know ‘That he lays down his life for us live.’ So we too like Mama Ruth must be ready to lay ours too for others to live. Ruth was raised by wonderful parents. They came to suffer, to teach, to help people, first class evangelists. Ruth was raised in an environment of love, she grew under parents who lived by God’s principles.”

Speaking further, Rev. Oye said there was an urgent need to raise children in the fear of God just as Timothy’s parents in the Bible and Ruth’s parents had done. He said Mama Ruth’s parents emphasis was not on material values but promoting Christian standards. Chiding Christians, who laid back and doing nothing about the insurgency of the dreaded Islamic Boko Haram in the North Eastern part of the country, he said soldiers don’t sit, they go to fight, they suffer, and come back to shine after conquering the enemies.

“Boko Haram don’t sit they go to fight, soldiers don’t sit but must go and conquer. I pity those who say Boko Haram can’t come to them in other parts of the country before the rapture. They are coming, so it’s important to go out and win souls and help others. The problem with us is being disobedient to the Word of the Lord. This smallish woman (Mama Ruth) sitting here is a giant of faith, a lioness like David fighting and receiving wounds.

One of the reasons why we are not making advances is fear of suffering and love of luxury. Even Jesus suffered. If there is any Christian not suffering for the faith, then something is wrong. Ruth Elton stands out in this regard. The Christians in the South are not talking and doing enough about evil of Boko Haram in the North. We are not helping the Christians affected by this evil. It is not pentecostalism but holiness and impeccable character that will speak to people. If not for her patience and courage, Mama Ruth would have gone back to England thirty years ago. She faced great challenges, some of which even threatened her life. So, as Christians, we are to endure persecution, suffering, difficulty.”

Sam Kputu, the International Director of the Calvary Ministries, said: “There are two ways to spend your life. You either waste or invest it. That life is wasted that is spent just on transient things and ephemeral glories. That life is invested that is spent fulfilling God’s eternal purpose, the redemption of nations. Sister Ruth Elton, like her parents before her, is an example of a life well invested. Many servants of God in Nigeria today, as well as many churches and ministries, including ours, Calvary Ministries, are either direct or indirect fruits of the labours of the Eltons in this land.”

According to Emeka and Bade Nwankpa of the Intercessor For Nigeria: “The story of our lives cannot be told without the testimony of the immeasurable deposit that God made in us using Pa S. G. Elton of blessed memory. We, therefore, appreciate the Elton family more than words can describe.”

Pastor Dejo Akande of the Christ’s Ambassadors Evangelistic Team said: “The contact with Mama Elton encouraged the interest of CAET in missions that culminated in a series of mission trips to the Okene-Keton mission field, beginning from 1988. The trip exposed us to great works Mama was doing over years, especially among the Ebiras, Bassa Komo people and others around the Middle Belt of the country.”

Also, Bishop Joel Ejingwon of the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental, Agasa-Okene, Kogi State asserted: “Mama, you have positively affected the lives of the entire Ebira nation and its environs through your passion for soul wining. Your labour for the kingdom gave birth to the church now known as the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental.”

Pastor J. B. Aladega of the Kingdom Gospel Mission declared: “Sweet mother, congratulations on your 80th birthday. You have been a great blessing to your generation. Your sacrificial life and dedication to the work of the kingdom is a challenge to us. You have been a seasoning salt and light to the world. You have been shining brightly, showing the glory of God wherever you are.”

According to President, Gospel Group, Oritamefa, Ibadan, Oyo State, Brother Yinka Olufayo: “Mama, having been born into mission by our late Papa and Mama S. G. Elton, missions colossus of note, you yourself have become mission incarnate by God’s grace and divine providence.”

The General Overseer, Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International and National Director, Nigeria Prays, Ibadan, Rev. Moses Aransiola, enthused: “The life and ministry of the Elton family was certainly a major influence that shaped the out look of Christianity in Nigeria from the 70s right through the 80s. It laid a strong foundation for and produced many ministries that are today blazing the trail of gospel advance both locally and internationally. Pastor S. G. Elton was a rally point for many of us on the campuses then and only eternity can reveal how much we have benefitted from the grace of God on the Elton family.”

Some of those present at the colourful event included the former deputy governor of Kogi State, Dr. Philip Salawu, Rev. Mathew Owojole from Kaduna State, Pastors Sarah and Olubi Johnson of the Scripture Pasture Christian Centre, Ibadan, Rt. Rev. Joel Ejingwon, who worked with Mama Ruth in Okene, Kogi State, Dr. Femi Soetan, the chairman of Planning Committee for Mama Ruth 80th birthday celebration, Pastor Tokunbo Salami and wife, Funmi and other eminent men and women of God.

SOURCE: https://thenationonlineng.net/flood-of-tributes-for-missionary-ruth-elton-at-80/

(CNN)From using less plastic to eating less meat, it seems like almost all anyone is talking about these days are ways to reduce our carbon footprints. But what is a carbon footprint, exactly? And how is it related to the climate crisis? Here are some answers.

WHAT IS A CARBON FOOTPRINT?
A carbon footprint is basically the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that anything -- a person, organization, event or product -- has produced. Greenhouse gases are the gases in the atmosphere that produce the "greenhouse effect" and contribute to global warming and climate change.
So your carbon footprint is a way to measure the environmental impact your lifestyle has. For example, if you drive to work every day your carbon footprint might be bigger than someone who relies on public transport because you're emitting more greenhouse gas.

HOW IS IT CALCULATED?
It works by summing up the emissions from all your activities -- everything from what you eat to what setting you wash your clothes with. It's all measured in CO2e, which stands for carbon dioxide equivalent and is a standard unit for measuring carbon footprints. It essentially takes any quantity or type of greenhouse gas and expresses it in the amount of CO2 that would have the equivalent global warming impact. It just allows us to easily compare impacts across different gases.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT IS?
There are a number of online calculators that can help you figure out your carbon footprint, including one by The Nature Conservancy and another from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Once you know your carbon footprint, and what part of your lifestyle contributes the most to it, you can then find ways to lessen your impact.

CARBON FOOTPRINT FIGURES THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU
1. Meat products have bigger carbon footprints per calorie than grains or vegetables. That's because animals like cattle, sheep and goats produce a lot of methane gas. In 2016, they produced 170 million metric tons in CO2e of methane, according to a carbon footprint fact sheet compiled by the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan. And yes, all that ends up in the atmosphere.

2. Meat isn't the only problem, the center says. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt contribute almost 19% of greenhouse gases emitted -- even worse than poultry, seafood and eggs, which only contribute 14% of greenhouse gases. Vegetables, meanwhile, contribute a mere 4.9%. The center found that on average, one American household emits 8.1 metric tons of CO2e each year through food consumption alone. Yes, that's TONS. The production of food accounts for 83% of emissions, and its transportation accounts for 11%.

3. And the fact sheet points out that if you follow the speed limit, not only will you not get a ticket, you'll also improve your fuel economy and, by extension, shrink your carbon footprint through greater fuel efficiency. You'll also be better off -- literally. The center found that when driving 50 mph (80kmph) or more, every 5 mph increase is equivalent to paying between 20 and 40 cents more per gallon.

4. Speaking of your commute: Transportation is one of the biggest producers of CO2, only behind electricity generation, according to environmental advocacy group NuEnergy.

5. Reducing waste, surprise surprise, actually makes a difference. For every 10% of waste reduction, you can avoid 1,200 pounds of CO2e, according to the Center for Sustainable Systems. And that's not just recycling, that's also simply by buying products with less packaging and refusing plastic bags at the grocery store.

6. NuEnergy says that fossil fuels and coal are the source of 67% of generated electricity. If you're trying to reduce your carbon footprint, think about that next time you leave the lights on.

7. Corporations, unsurprisingly, have the biggest carbon footprints of all. Just 100 companies are responsible for more than 70% of the world's emissions, according to a 2017 report from the nonprofit CDP in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute.

SOURCE: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/08/us/carbon-footprint-facts-trnd/index.html

Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)A documentary by a Nigerian filmmaker on the missing Chibok girls has won an award at the Venice Film Festival. 'Daughters of Chibok' won best virtual reality story at the festival's closing ceremony on Saturday night.

The documentary, which also had its premiere at the festival, tells the story of Yana Galang, whose daughter was among the 276 girls kidnapped in April 2014 from their school dormitory in Chibok, northeast Nigeria. When the Chibok girls were kidnapped, there was global outrage, Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai called them her "sisters." Then US first lady Michelle Obama, said she saw her "own daughters" in them and Hollywood stars lent their voices to the movement.

Following government negotiations with the terrorists, 107 of them were eventually released. But 112 remain missing. The film's director, Joel Kachi Benson, said in his acceptance speech: "With this VR film, all I wanted to do was take the world to Chibok and show them these women who for five years have been living in pain because their daughters are still missing. I felt it was wrong for the world to just move on and forget."

Benson, who runs Nigeria's only virtual reality film studios, VR360 in Yaba, Lagos told CNN: "When my name was announced as the winner and I walked up on stage, it was the most surreal thing ever! Almost like an out of body experience. But I knew this was an opportunity to remind the world that Chibok is still here and the story doesn't have an ending yet. And so we must not forget."

A MOTHER'S ANGUISH
Five years on, the world appears to have forgotten and the Chibok story no longer commands global attention. But one mother has not given up hope. Yana Galang's daughter Rifkatu is one of those still missing. Every month, Galang, 51, washes and folds her daughters clothes -- praying that she will one day be released. "Rifkatu my daughter, for five years I have wept and waited, praying for you to return. I will not stop praying for you. I will never stop, and I know that one day my prayers will be answered." Galang says in the documentary.

Benson, 38, says he stumbled on making the film about the missing girls out of curiosity to find out more about the infamous kidnappings for himself. "When the story broke out years ago, there was a lot of talk about it. Some people thought it was fake; others thought it was political," he said. "I guess my original reason for making this film was curiosity, I wanted to get the information myself," he added.

The crew spent several days in the small village in Borno State speaking to families of those affected by Boko Haram abductions. The end result is an immersive storytelling style that give the audience a chance to feel and see what the characters in the story are experiencing through virtual reality. "I have always felt like my experiences in the northeast were not fully captured. But the moment I wore a VR headset for the first time, I knew I had found a way to engross people in my stories," Benson told CNN.

POVERTY AND PAIN
Many of the people in Galang's community are peasant farmers. These agrarian communities have been ravaged by a decade-long insurgency waged by Boko Haram in Nigeria's northeast. They suffer extremely high levels of poverty and deprivation, primarily because farming and commercial activities have been affected by the prolonged and unpredictable attacks by the terrorist group.

Chibok's farmers are mostly women and not only do they have to contend with poverty; they have to bear the pain of their missing daughters too. Worse, these women rely on ancient farming tools and methods, which limits the amounts they grow to make a decent living, says Samira Mohammed, associate producer of the documentary. "They are all farmers, and it's not easy for them to be grieving and trying to make ends meet at the same time," she told CNN. "At some point while we were shooting it (the film), we all broke down in tears; the pain was too much," she added.

The women have also never received any psychosocial support, something that Boko Haram survivors, including the rescued Chibok girls, have had access to over the years, through organizations such as the United Nations and others. "One of the most shocking things I found out was that none of the parents had received any form of support since the incident. Not therapy, not psychosocial support, nothing," Benson said.

In the documentary, Galang talks about prayer being her primary source of comfort. She is also the woman leader among the mothers of the missing girls. This means that a lot of time she holds meetings and engagements trying to comfort traumatized mothers.

Benson wants to use the film to create awareness of the plight of the Chibok mothers who are still waiting for their daughters' return. They also want to provide modern farming tools to help the women sustain their farms and create a decent standard of living. "I know it will never replace a missing child, but it will make a hard life just a little easier," Benson told CNN.

SOURCE: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/08/africa/vr-daughters-of-chibok-intl/index.html

BRIEF HISTORY OF RUTH ELTON (Daughter of the great pioneer of the Gospel, S. G Elton)

Mama Ruth Elton (a daughter of the great pioneer of the Gospel - Pastor S. G Elton) arrived in Ilesa, Nigeria in July 1937 at age three as the only daughter of her missionary parents from the Apostolic Church in England, Pastor and Mama S. G Elton.

Having been introduced to the Christian faith by her mother at age three, her passion for the Lord and for Mission grew as a consequence of the latter rain revival of the early fifties and as enthusiastic assistant to her parents, Pa Sydney and Mama Hannah Elton as they guided and nurtured the Pentecostal revival in Nigeria.

Mama Elton's personal missionary work began in 1959 after buying a small car from her earnings as a sewing teacher in the Women Training Centre in Ilesa, and some financial support from abroad. She then proceeded to Igbaruku and went on a missionary tour of Ebira, Okene. Her main focus has been the Ebira peoples in Kogi State where she has done extensive work over many years and has made a great impact on the mission field in Kogi State.

Mama Elton has by the Spirit, doggedly weathered opposition of indigenous religions, occultists and even physical violence, to pursue her missionary passion. She has also overcome challenges to her personal health, having been clubbed unconscious by a thief that stole her car, but miraculously the car was recovered by an alert policeman!

Mama Ruth Elton is also involved in training missionaries and sending them to work in rural areas. Sadly, however, at this time there are not many volunteers for missionary work. She is concerned that the saints are not passionate enough about getting the job of preaching the Gospel done.

Perhaps, it was Mama who first coined the term "Churchianity" to describe the situation where many people only go to church to enjoy themselves and are not in any way involved in fulfilling the Great Commission. Mama Ruth is firmly convinced that there is very little time left before the King comes! She is, thus passionate about seeing Christians get out of the old order of religion and becoming more focused on the work of the Kingdom.

Mama has been an inspiration to the missionaries and to Kingdom Ministers in Nigeria and abroad. Mama attends Kingdom Gospel Mission Ilesa and she is very much alive, well and strong in the spirit of Christ.

SOURCE: http://iroyinspot..com/2016/06/mama-ruth-elton-daughter-of-great.html?m=1

London (CNN)Tick, tick, tick.
The countdown to Brexit can now be measured in weeks, if not quite days -- and with time running out for an alternative way forward, Britain and the European Union are currently hurtling towards a no-deal split.

It's the outcome that Theresa May, the country's opposition parties, and a majority of lawmakers in Parliament have been working for three years to avoid, and it's shrouded in warnings from economists and business leaders. But after politicians repeatedly failed to agree on another path, a no-deal remains the default option -- unless MPs are unable to pass legislation to block it.

Confused? You're not the only one. Britain's Brexit paralysis has long resembled a tangled web of claims, counterclaims and outright shouting matches. But we can help -- here's what you need to know about no-deal.

WHAT IS A NO-DEAL BREXIT?
If Britain reaches the October 31 Brexit deadline without having a withdrawal agreement in place, the legal default is that it will just leave the EU without one. In an instant, the country would lose its access to the EU's single market and customs union, which facilitate trade between the bloc's members. All manner of legal arrangements agreed by EU bodies will no longer apply in the UK, and businesses, public bodies and citizens would have to respond to the changes that leaving the EU would bring.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE WANT A NO-DEAL?
Some Conservative MPs have been arguing in favor of a no-deal Brexit, on the basis that it would immediately increase Britain's freedom to manage its own trade deals, laws and border arrangements. It would revert to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and would be free to negotiate trade pacts with other countries, such as the US, as well as with the EU. It would also be able to set its own immigration laws, as it won't be bound by EU freedom of movement commitments.

And for many of the 17 million people who voted for Brexit, no-deal is appealing simply because it means Brexit will happen -- after a lengthy period of uncertainty in which the deadline has been delayed twice, and swirling speculation over the possibility of a second referendum which could cancel out the first one.

WHAT WILL THE EFFECTS BE?
The main certainty is uncertainty. Britain would be in uncharted waters if its splits from the EU overnight, and that would probably have an immediate impact on the strength of its currency. The UK would likely face food, fuel and medicine shortages, according to the forecasts compiled by the Cabinet Office under the code name "Operation Yellowhammer," which were leaked last month.

That dossier also predicted the introduction of a hard border in Ireland, which has been a main sticking point in negotiations, and severe travel disruptions at UK ports that could last up to three months. Medical supplies coming from Europe will be "vulnerable to severe extended delays," and the availability of fresh food will be reduced, causing prices to rise, the leak revealed.

But Michael Gove, the British minister responsible for planning for a no-deal Brexit, said after the leak that operation Yellowhammer was a "worst-case scenario" and that "significant steps have been taken in the last three weeks" to accelerate planning. Some have also disputed the accuracy of the report. The Government of Gibraltar -- which is a British territory on Spain's southern coast -- also told CNN the briefings were "out of date" and based on planning for worst-case scenarios which it has "already dealt with."

As for travel, people seeking to head in or out of the UK face so many uncertainties in the event of a no-deal that it's almost impossible to plan effectively to avoid them. Downing Street has confirmed that freedom of movement rules for EU citizens will change "immediately," with tougher criminality checks among the amendments. Further details on the changes are to be set out in due course.

CAN A NO-DEAL BREXIT BE AVOIDED?
There are a number of routes which those opposed to a no-deal could still pursue, but time is running out. The first path is legislative: MPs voted on Tuesday to take control of the parliamentary order paper from Boris Johnson's government, allowing them to debate a bill that would rule out a no-deal Brexit and force the government to ask for another Brexit delay on Wednesday.

Johnson reacted to the rebel move by announcing he will seek an early election if MPs force his hand. The opposition has ruled out backing another election until no-deal is ruled out, but one can't be far way. An election could certainly change the course of the Brexit process, if it swings Parliament further behind or against a no-deal. Johnson could return with a healthy majority in favor of an immediate split from the EU -- or he could be forced out and see a no-deal wiped off the table.

And, for the optimists -- Johnson could still secure a deal with the EU in the coming weeks, which if passed by Parliament would avert the need for a no-deal Brexit. But a no-deal Brexit remains the legal default, and it's impossible to avoid on October 31 unless a new law is passed -- in agreement with the EU -- that says otherwise.

So any attempt to stop it has at least two formidable opponents -- the government, and the clock.

SOURCE: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/03/europe/no-deal-brexit-explainer-gbr-intl/index.html

REMEMBERING PA ELTON

Posted by Deji Okegbile | May 21, 2017

When l was teaching in my beloved home town, Osu, Ilesa (1981 – 1985), and in my Evangelical Christian Union days in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo (1986), l heard about Pa S. G. Elton who left his native country, England, to come to Nigeria in March 1937 saying that, in the coming revival, "Africa is like a hand gun turned downward; Nigeria is the trigger…"

Until his passage in Ilesa on January 13, 1987, PA Elton’s fifty years fruitful ministry in Nigeria concentrated on teaching prophetic truths and he was in partnership with the on-going Oke Oye 1930 Revival in Ilesa led by Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola. Pa Elton facilitated a potent platform to impact and disciple young men and women who continue to be in the forefront of genuine evangelical revival.

Among other prophecies of Pa Elton was that "Nigeria/Nigerians will be known for corruption worldwide but the tide will turn and Nigeria will also be known for righteousness worldwide. Many shall take hold of him that is a Nigerian, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

Pa Elton, a fruitful discipler influenced the leadership and ministry of many new generation churches in Nigeria including Archbishop Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission, Apostle Ayodele Babalola, of the Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Bishop of David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel, Bishop Wale Oke of the Sword of God’s Ministry, and many others in Africa generally.

According to Pastor Oluwanisola of Life Link Ministry International, Ilesa, Pa Elton would be remembered for his ability to handover several churches he planted to others as directed and spoken to by God.

The reflection and sad news is that God is no respecter of person or nation hence, He can pass over a generation if they are unwilling to obey and cooperate with God to achieve His missional purpose. In these days and time when God’s Truths are being compromised on the altar of immediate comfort, pleasure, power, and wealth, God is saying to the church, "it is not right for us as apostles to abandon the teaching of the Word of God, and serve tables".

God is calling us to repentance and to give ourselves unto prayer and the ministry of the Word. As we thank God for the ministry of Pa Elton and others all over the world, let us pray for church and leadership renewal.

SOURCE: http://dejiokegbile.com/remembering-pa-elton/

Sydney Granville Elton was a man who believed he had an apostolic message for the church in Nigeria and who stopped at nothing to deliver it. He played the most significant role in shaping Pentecostalism in Nigeria during its first half century. His impact on the movement was nothing short of revolutionary and his story is crucial to rediscovering the essence that created one of the most vibrant Pentecostal movements in the world.

Pa Elton, as he was affectionately called, left his native country, England, to come to Nigeria in March 1937, in response to a divine call to be a missionary to Ilesha. He came with a clear mandate to raise a new breed of leadership in the Nigerian Church, who, powered by the Holy Spirit, would take the message of God’s kingdom and the all-conquering King to the very ends of the earth. From that time right up to his home call 50 years later, he lived in Ilesa from where he undertook those momentous missionary assignments. He was always at the centre of revival, playing one key role or the other.

He discipled a lot of the men who led (and are still leading) the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria. He was part of the on-going revival at Ilesha (spearheaded by Apostle Joseph Babalola). In the 60's he provided a platform for international evangelists like Gordon Lindsay, T.L. Osborne and others seeking to carry out evangelistic work in Nigeria. In the 70's, he became the father of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement that emerged in the nation's campuses; in the 80's up to his passage in Jan. 13, 1987, he concentrated on teaching prophetic truths about the Kingdom of God and the emergence of the end-time overcomer company.

He is undoubtedly the father of the Pentecostal Revival Movement in Nigeria. S. G. Elton followed in the footsteps of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Paul the Apostle from Tarsus and many others like them who though may be dead yet their legacies live on through the lives they have touched.

In Ile-Ife, he found a potent platform to impact and disciple young men and women who continue to be in the forefront of genuine Pentecostal revival in Nigeria. Some of outstanding men of God he mentored include Joseph Ayo Babalola and Benson Idahosa.

Under his tutelage were young men like Emeka Nwankpa, Steve Olumuyiwa (Okitika), Austin Ukachi, and John Okposio who were foundation of what used to be the Christian Students Social Movement (CSSM) which led a massive crusade that recruited young people for ministry.

Men like Reuben Ezemadu of Christian Missionary Foundation and Egbuna Offodile of Children Evangelism Ministry also trace their ministry roots to Pa Elton. Other great men that he nurtured into ministry were people like Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Francis Wale Oke of the Sword of The Spirit Ministries, Moses Aransiola of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries and Paul Chuks Nwachukwu of Grace of God Mission.

After 50 years of a remarkably eventful ministry, Pa Elton passed on and was buried in Ilesa as was his wife who had preceded him.

SOURCE: http://naijachurchtrends..com/2018/06/pa-s-g-elton.html

Sydney Granville Elton (or Pa Elton as he was affectionately called) left his native country, England, to come to Nigeria in March 1937, in response to a divine call to be missionary to Ilesha. Since that time right up to his home call 50 years later, Pa Elton was always at the centre of revival, playing one key role or the other.

He was part of the on-going revival at Ilesha (Spearheaded by Apostle Joseph Babalola). In the 60's he provided a platform for international evangelists like Gordon Lindsay, T.L. Osborne and others seeking to carry out evangelistic work in Nigeria.

In the 70's, he became the father of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement that emerged in the nation's campuses; in the 80's up to his passage on 13th Jan. 1987, he concentrated on teaching prophetic truths about the Kingdom of God and the emergence of the end-time overcomer company.

Pa Elton's only child, Mama Ruth Elton following the footsteps of her parents, remains in Nigeria as a missionary in the middle belt of the nation.

SOURCE: http://pasgelton..com/?m=1

Leading brewery firm, Nigerian Breweries Plc, has reacted to media reports that it shielded its Dutch Chief Executive Officer from being thoroughly probed after he was accused of being involved in corruption.

In a statement signed by its Corporate Affairs Director, Ms Sade Morgan, the company said it does not tolerate corruption or bribery of any of its employees, no matter how highly placed he/she is. According to Nigerian Breweries, the matter being reported was looked into, with both internal and external audit and investigation conducted in conjunction with the board of Heineken.

“Nigerian Breweries Plc is aware of the recent publication by an online news platform about an alleged incident that occurred in early 2017. At HEINEKEN, we do not tolerate bribery or corruption at any level. If an allegation emerges, a thorough investigation is carried out to establish the facts and, if necessary disciplinary action is taken –regardless of the role or position.

“In this case, we took exactly that approach and moved quickly to comprehensively address the issue. Both the Board of Nigerian Breweries and HEINEKEN conducted an internal and external audit and investigation,” the statement said.

“The board and management of Nigerian Breweries Plc remain committed to upholding Nigerian laws and managing our operations in the most responsible and compliant way,” the statement assured.

SOURCE: https://businesspost.ng/2019/09/05/we-dont-tolerate-bribery-corruption-nigerian-breweries/amp/

WHY BENNY HINN'S REJECTION OF PROSPERITY GOSPEL IS A WATERSHED MOMENT FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY

When you have done things a certain way for almost your entire career, it can be exceedingly difficult to admit that you were wrong. This is true in any field, but it is especially true for those in the ministry. So Benny Hinn showed an enormous amount of courage when he completely repudiated the "prosperity gospel" on Monday night during a Facebook Live broadcast. This represents a 180-degree turn for his ministry, and it could be a watershed moment for American evangelical Christianity as a whole.

For decades, an extreme emphasis on wealth and prosperity has virtually drowned out the message of the cross on Christian television, and this has greatly damaged the evangelical movement. Having high profile leaders such as Benny Hinn renounce the "prosperity gospel" would do much to heal the damage that has been done, and he should be greatly applauded for his public repentance.

Of course, a lot of people out there are going to be skeptical, and that is unfortunate. Forgiveness is available to everyone no matter what they may have been through in the past, and we should all remember that there is literally nobody alive that is not in need of grace.

In addition, it is important to remember that ministries are always going to need resources in order to fulfill the Great Commission, and believers should always be supporting those ministries that are doing a great job of preaching the gospel. But the "prosperity gospel" twisted what the Bible says about giving into a message that appealed to the flesh, and Benny Hinn has now completely rejected that message. The following comes from the Christian Post:

Declaring that the "Holy Ghost is just fed up with it," controversial televangelist Benny Hinn, formerly one of the most aggressive proponents of the prosperity gospel, has for the first time in his career, delivered a full-throated rejection of the practice that made him and his family millions. The prosperity gospel teaches, among other things, that believers have a right to the blessings of health and wealth, and they can obtain these blessings through positive confessions of faith and the "sowing of seeds" through the faithful payments of tithes and offerings.

And Hinn didn't stop there. At one point during his Monday night message, he boldly declared that the prosperity gospel is literally making him "sick to my stomach": He said that "it is an offense to the Lord, it's an offense to say, 'Give $1,000.' I think it's offense to the Holy Spirit to place a price on the Gospel. I'm done with it."

At one point, Hinn asked viewers "Am I shocking you? Giving has become such a gimmick it's making me sick to my stomach," he said. "And I've been sick for a while too, I just couldn't say it." We definitely need a lot more of that sort of preaching in our churches.

In the end, this could result in Benny Hinn not being invited on Christian television as much. As we have seen, there have certainly been other prominent Christian ministers who have paid a great price for telling the truth in recent years. But Hinn is doing what is right for himself, his followers and for the American church as a whole, and that is what matters.

After all this time, Hinn says the way he views "prosperity" has completely changed. During his message, he pointed out that the great heroes in the Bible didn't have lots of wealth: "Did Elijah the prophet have a car? No. Did not even have a bicycle. He had no lack. ... Did Jesus drive a car or live in a mansion? No. He had no lack. How about the apostles? None lacked among them," Hinn said. "Today, the idea is abundance and palatial homes and cars and bank accounts. The focus is wrong ... It's so wrong."

Hopefully thousands of other Christian leaders will see what Hinn has done and will follow his lead. He continues to be highly influential in the evangelical Christian world, and what he just did is likely to send shock waves all across the country. It would have been really easy for Hinn to continue to preach the prosperity gospel because that is what he has done throughout almost his entire career. But in the final analysis, he was very afraid about what God would say once he got to heaven:

Toward the end of the clip, the 66-year-old told viewers, "I don't want to get to heaven and be rebuked. I think it's time we say it like its: The gospel is not for sale."

I understand that this article is highly controversial, and I also understand that many will criticize me for writing it and that many will continue to deeply criticize Benny Hinn for things he has done throughout the course of his ministry. But it isn't how we begin the race that matters. What really matters is how we end the race, and Benny Hinn should be greatly, greatly applauded for setting himself on a new path.

SOURCE: https://www.charismanews.com/opinion/77895-why-benny-hinn-s-rejection-of-prosperity-gospel-is-a-watershed-moment-for-american-christianity

Volkswagen has sold out the limited edition of its ID.3, the first of a new generation of electric cars that the company is due to unveil at the Frankfurt motor show next week. The German carmaker said Wednesday it had received 30,000 reservations for the ID.3 1ST since online bookings opened in May. There were no plans to increase the number of first edition models available for purchase, Volkswagen spokesperson Christoph Oemisch told CNN Business.

People still interested in an ID.3 1ST, or an early model in the ID.3 production series, should still register, as Volkswagen was drawing up waiting lists, said Jürgen Stackmann, the head of Volkswagen passenger car sales, in a statement. "Experience indicates that there may still be some movement on the waiting list up to the deadline for binding orders," he said.

The ID.3 is the first of 70 electric models that the Volkswagen Group plans to release in the next decade as it makes an aggressive move towards electric cars, driven by pressure from regulators and the fallout from its diesel emissions scandal.
But it is not alone among traditional carmakers in pouring money into electric cars, as expectations rise of future mass adoption, encouraged by falling battery costs and government subsidies.

Elon Musk's Tesla (TSLA) has the headstart — it sold more than 220,000 electric cars in 2018, according to LMC Automotive, roughly 70,000 more than its nearest competitor, Chinese state-owned BAIC Group. Still, the race is now well and truly underway.

The ID.3 is the first vehicle to be built on Volkwagen's new modular electric car production platform, or MEB — a sign of the huge investment the company is making. Volkswagen's earlier electric cars, the e-Up! and e-Golf, were built on platforms made for petrol and diesel cars.

"The ID.3 has the exterior of a Golf more or less but the interior dimensions of a Passat because there is so much more room inside," said Oemisch. It has a range of 261 miles (420 kilometers), higher than previous Volkswagen electric models.
Production of the ID.3 will start at the end of 2019, with the first vehicles delivered around the middle of next year. Future electric vehicles include the Audi E-Tron and Porsche Taycan.

Most of the pre-bookings for the ID.3, which required a €1,000 ($1,100) deposit, came from Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom, Volkswagen said. The limited edition will cost less than €40,000 ($44,000) in Germany, while the price of the ID.3 series mass production model will start below €30,000 ($33,000).
Volkswagen will also unveil its "younger, more modern" new brand and logo at the Frankfurt motor show, said Oemisch.

SOURCE: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/04/cars/volkswagen-electric-id3-limited-edition/index.html

As part of efforts to provide equitable and sustainable health care to Lagosians, the state government has started a free health care delivery service under the initiative tagged, “Healthy Bee Project”.

The free medical mission is organised by Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat (BOSKOH) in collaboration with Healthcare Mission International, a non-governmental organization (NGO) to deliver free health care services especially to children between ages zero to 12 with a strategic vision to protect children from the sickness that may impede their potentials.

The programme involves screening children for visual and hearing impairments, and other ailments that can negatively impede their capacity to study.

The Lagos Healthy Bee programme commenced with a six-day screening of over 21,000 persons in seven Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, after which those whose conditions that required higher medical examinations and surgeries were referred to the tertiary healthcare facilities for free medical care.

Seven primary health care centres were carefully selected across the divisions of the state to ensure that residents in the five administrative divisions of the state, “IBILE”, benefit from the programme. The selected primary health care centres include: Ajara PHC Badagry, Akerele PHC Surulere, Ikotun PHC Alimosho, Iga Idungaran PHC Lagos Island, Epe PHC Epe, Onigbongo PHC Ikeja, and Ita Elewa PHC Ikorudu.

Children found to have visual or hearing impairments during screening and were provided with glasses and hearing aids to help them overcome the condition and those with more complicated issues were transferred to various General Hospitals in the state for surgeries. Even though children are the prime targets of this programme, vulnerable adults were also given health counselling and screening for tuberculosis and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) after which those found to be positive were managed using the established channel of treatment of the illnesses.

Interestingly, the surgical phase of the project commenced on August 12, 2019. Eye surgeries were held at Orile Agege General Hospital thereafter other surgeries held simultaneously across all designated hospital some of the surgeries conducted include: paediatric surgery, orthopaedic surgery, dental surgery, adult eye surgery and a host of others.

To ensure effective and efficient health care delivery, Health Mission International brought in to the state volunteer surgeons from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as within Nigeria to join their counterpart in the state’s general hospitals.

Underscoring the importance of the intervention, Executive Director, Health Mission International, Mrs. Nike Osa, told journalists that the Lagos State Government recognised the prime place of children in the survival of humanity which is why it is collaborating with her organisation to help them to be healthy to get well prepared for future roles and commitments.

“At present 806 surgeries have been conducted in the designated general hospitals in the state and yet another 615 has been booked for various surgeries. At the end of the mission over 1400 surgeries would have been carried out. This is an innovative program is meant to help our children to be healthy and prepare them for their roles in the future as leaders” she said.

A beneficiary, Adaramoye Lateef, stated that he has been battling with eye issue for quite a while and was informed that he needed to undergo eye surgery but could not because of lack of fund.

“When I heard that a medical mission would take place in my neighbourhood, I was so happy because I have been looking for such opportunities. After undergoing a screening exercise, I was told that I needed a surgical operation, which was done successfully. I thank the administration of Sanwo-Olu for this laudable initiative. God will continue to be with him and his government”. He said

Another beneficiary, Nike Lawal also expressed gratitude to the state government applauded the initiative, which according to her is targeted to the grass root.

“To say that I am happy is an understatement, my son has been having a sleepless night for about two weeks as a result of toothache. I heard of this programme through my uncle who instructed me to take advantage of it. After the screening, the doctor said they would extract the tooth, they did and I am most happy. Though he experienced some pains after the extraction he could sleep well now. I really appreciate the kind gesture by the Governor for giving succour to us and I pray for good health and God’s protection always,” she said.

SOURCE: https://t.guardian.ng/features/lagos-begins-free-medical-intervention-for-children/

Heineken suddenly transferred the Managing Director (MD) of Nigerian Breweries, Nico Vervelde, to Singapore shortly after Nigerian police interrogated him for alleged corruption.

This case would have been buried if journalists Olivier van Beemen and Femke van Zeijl had not picked it up. They recently won De Tegel, the most prestigious award for journalism in the Netherlands, for their revelations about high-end corruption at Nigerian Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of the multinational Heineken. Now PREMIUM TIMES presents their award-winning story for the first time to a Nigerian audience.

I – NIGERIA, THE PROMISED LAND
On February 6, 2017, Nico Vervelde gave an interview to the Dutch weekly Elsevier. The MD of Heineken’s subsidiary, Nigerian Breweries (NB), did not get any critical questions. At the Radisson Blu in Ikeja, Lagos, he talked freely about his life as an expat (‘I love an international environment’), the phenomenal success of his company and his love for golf and jogging. He had been living in the country for 7 years and had no plans to move. ‘I’m having a great time in Nigeria.’

Less than 3 months later, Mr Vervelde suddenly resigns and is transferred to Singapore for a role that is yet to be specified. There is no successor yet. What went wrong?

Mr Vervelde is not just anyone. As the MD for Heineken in Nigeria, he’s considered one of the most successful managers of the world’s number two brewing company (after AB Inbev). Nigeria is in the top 3 of its most profitable markets in the world and by far the most important African country: it delivers about half of the brewer’s revenue continent-wide. At the international headquarters in Amsterdam (Netherlands), Nigeria is sometimes referred to as ‘the promised land.’

What the Elsevier story doesn’t say is that one month before the interview, Mr Vervelde was interrogated at the headquarters of the federal police in Abuja. The questions he had to answer there were considerably more challenging. The police wanted to know everything about a notorious corruption case in which his wife was the prime suspect and he a key witness. The case made headlines in Nigeria and internationally, but was never followed up.

To understand what happened, we have to go back to a jet-set party in Lagos in 2013, attended by the oil trader, Amadu Sule. On that occasion, Mr Sule is introduced to Clémentine Vervelde. She gives him a business card in the name of her company, Limitless Mind Africa, specialised in musical productions, conferences, artist management ‘and more.’ This is no exaggeration. Clémentine does more, much more. Consultancies, for instance, and managing a network of excellent connections. She has a nice proposition: Would Mr Sule consider becoming the oil supplier for Nigerian Breweries?

Coming from the Islamic north and remembering his recently departed father had always forbidden him to do business with alcohol producers, he hesitates. But he is not that strict himself, and besides, it dawns on him that this is not a matter of a few barrels of diesel for some lorries. Most of the breweries rely completely on generators that consume millions of litres every year. Of course, he’s interested!

But what about the public tender? As a listed company and part of a multinational with operations around the world, Nigerian Breweries has strict procedures for these kinds of contracts. Nothing to worry about, assures Clémentine. In exchange for a fee, she will arrange everything, starting with meeting the MD, Mr Vervelde. Mr Sule is impressed by her straightforwardness and has a good feeling. It is only when he arrives home and puts the two call cards next to each other that he notices they carry the same surname. But he considers it impolite to enquire further.

Shortly thereafter, Mr Sule is invited to the Vervelde home in upmarket Banana Island. There, he also meets Jasper Hamaker, then finance director at NB Plc. “He saw opportunities for me,” Mr Sule says. And indeed there were. In the autumn of 2013, TMDK Oil Traders, Mr Sule’s company, became the oil supplier for the Kaduna and Ama breweries. The latter is Heineken’s largest brewery on the continent, located near the city of Enugu. The contract was valid for 3 years and Mr Sule claims he made an oral agreement with Clémentine for another 2 years. NB Plc was expected to buy 3 million litres per month, making the entire deal worth some $60 million. They agree on a first payment: $200,000 in cash. “I paid and she chucked out the previous supplier,” the businessman recalls.

But the honeymoon did not last. Irritation arose when Mr Sule was accused of delivering sub-standard oil, supposedly causing a fire in the Ama brewery. An internal inquiry concludes there is nothing wrong with his product, and rumours circulate that the fire may well have been arson, an attempt to tarnish Mr Sule’s name. And then there was drastic reduction in the monthly orders, as NB Plc made a partial switch from oil to gas, another setback for Mr Sule. The oil trader says that this is in breach of the deal he made wih Clémentine. Meanwhile, she kept asking for more money.

And she was not the only one. “Everybody has to be bought off,” Mr Sule says, “also at the lower levels.” A Dutch former internal source confirms that suppliers routinely have to pay bribes. “A guard charges you N100 to let you in. At a slightly higher level, you pay N1,000 and once you’re at the level of the financial controller, you easily need a couple of million naira if you want to get paid. That’s how it works.”

Mr Sule was fed up. His people, the Fulani, are known to be proud and headstrong, and he comes from an influential family; they are messing with the wrong guy. When the controller and a colleague demand another $20,000, he pays. But this time he does it through the bank, with proof of payment. He then confronts the top management of Nigerian Breweries and the auditing department. The company is forced to react: both employees were fired and an internal inquiry led to more dismissals. Amsterdam Head Office was also informed and started its own investigation.

However, Clémentine Vervelde—nicknamed ‘Madame’—keeps asking Mr Sule for money. According to the businessman, the total amount was $878,000 at the time he discover NB Plc was swapping his company for another. He claims to know that the company in question is Forte Oil, a long-standing Heineken supplier, but the multinational insists it is a different supplier. In the end, he finds himself deprived of the extra 2 years he says he was promised and for which he claims to have paid ‘Madame’ an extra commission.

Mr Sule, now angry, visits the Vervelde’s residence, where he tells Mr Vervelde that his wife has been playing games with him. Mr Sule says the MD threatens him. “Don’t you dare take on Nigerian Breweries,” Mr Vervelde is supposed to have said. “Nobody does that, we’re too powerful. You had a 3-year contract. That’s over now. It’s best you leave quietly.”

II – THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT
The federal police headquarters is located at the Louis Edet House in Abuja, named after the first Nigerian inspector general, who took over from the British in 1964. Louis Edet House — and more precisely the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department – is where Clémentine and Nico Vervelde presented themselves on 23Jan, 2017. The department is a special elite unit of the Nigerian Police – it also deals with Boko Haram. Mr Sule is suing Clémentine for fraud and the case is taken seriously enough for her to be named as the suspect. Mr Vervelde and some other board members and managers at NB Plc are being heard as witnesses.

On that day in January, the police motto ‘The police is your friend’ didn’t apply to the Verveldes. The commissioner ignored phone calls from influential compatriots, recruited by NB Plc’s top management (according to an internal source) to put pressure on the police to drop the case. Before the interrogation, NB's lawyer was issuing threats: “This is a large company. Whatever it is you are planning to do, I’d be careful.” However, the police were not intimidated. Their case was solid, according to insiders.

Mr Vervelde had a hard time. “After 12 hours of questioning he looked terrible, he had suddenly aged ten years,” one of those present remembers. At first, Clémentine denies everything, but in the end, she admitted taking money. For others, she adds. The commissioner piles on: “Well, in that case, I would imagine that it’s in your interest, too, that we pursue our investigation thoroughly.” Relieved, Clémentine wanted to go home, but she needed a guarantor for her liberation or else, she would have to spend the night in a police cell.

Various sources state that the guarantor turned out to be Femi Otedola, Forte Oil’s top manager and one of Nigeria’s richest businessmen. Remarkably, Nico Vervelde has been on the board of this supplier since December 2016. Clémentine could go, but was considered a flight risk and had to leave her passport behind. In the end, it doesn’t come to a trial. Mr Sule agrees to a settlement of more than 2 million dollars, an amount largely in excess of what he has paid in commissions. Heineken decides to clean up its Nigerian subsidiary: those directly or indirectly involved have to look for other jobs and Mr Vervelde disappears to South East Asia.

Sources within the police say that the Heineken manager can count his blessings. “Had this gone to trial, he would have been prosecuted for abuse of power. Why did Clémentine have an office paid for by Nigerian Breweries while the company did not employ her? Abuse of power is a form of corruption, which is punishable. The prison sentence depends on the evidence provided: it can be anything between three and seven years,” a police source said.

Moreover, and in relation to the case, the police also discover that Nigerian Breweries has been evading taxes. “Each contract of this nature implies payment to the revenue authority. Nigerian Breweries had promised to pay N120 million in withholding tax on behalf of Sule, who later discovered that the company had only paid 19 million. So that is a N100 million fraud case,” the source said.

Heineken denies that its subsidiary was involved in tax evasion.

III – NOT AN INCIDENT, BUT A SYSTEM
“A good shopkeeper, a solid director, one that every company needs.” That is Nico Vervelde, as described by a former colleague: “But I did find him a little hesitant, slightly weak. And if your wife happens to be larger than life, you’re being overshadowed. It was never clear who was in charge: Mr or Mrs Vervelde. That does not work in Nigeria. You must always be hyper-alert and radiate authority.”

The former colleague finds it strange that Mr Vervelde still works for Heineken. “This is not the first time his wife has been linked to controversial practices, and he has always maintained that he knew nothing of her activities. We found that questionable. I assume that in a marriage there is no Chinese wall.”

“Nico must have known,” says a former manager who worked frequently with him. “He comes across as someone with integrity and his reputation is good. At first, I really thought he didn’t know, that he was naïve. But it’s simply impossible. It’s too big, it has too many tentacles. And he’s the boss.”

Various sources within the company say that the TMDK Oil Traders affair is just the tip of the iceberg and that it is unfair to blame just Clémentine (and Nico) for everything. What emerges from a series of conversations with those directly involved is the image of senior managers, both Dutch and Nigerian, indulging in all kinds of controversial deals and shady business practices in order to enrich themselves. It infected the entire organisation. An insider speaks about a company “rotten to the core, with fraud and corruption happening at every level.” He remembers the first clean-up. “It was mainly cosmetic. The top echelon stayed in place and the system did not change. Almost everyone gets their share, so what you have is a tight and unbreakable chain.”

The system revolved around Clémentine. “Everyone in the industry knew that she held all the power,” says a former Nigerian manager. “If you wanted to get anything done at Nigerian Breweries, go see Clémentine.” Whether it was a house for a new expat or airline tickets for a business trip, everything went through her hands. With Limitless Mind Africa, her company, she frequently organised conferences for Nigerian Breweries, usually at the Eko Hotel on the luxurious Victoria Island in Lagos. According to insiders, the hotel director Danny Kioupouroglou, who was a good friend, would give her a substantial discount while she would overcharge the brewery and pocket the difference.

Clémentine was also involved in sponsoring contracts, from small cultural occasions to major television events, and again there are indications of misappropriation. One person involved says: “You would go to such an event we were sponsoring to the tune of N40 million without any idea where the money had gone. The figures were often highly dubious.”

After the settlement with Mr Sule, many sponsoring contracts were abruptly ended. A prize for visual artists and a famous writers’ workshop organised by best-selling author Chimamanda Adichie did not survive. Heineken says these were austerity measures, but close associates are convinced that the real reason is that the managing director’s wife was involved. This time, a real house-cleaning was needed.

IV – GREAT CONNECTIONS WITH THE CEO
Clémentine Vervelde-Murekatete, which is her full name, was born in Rwanda where she maintains good relations and commercial interests. For instance, she mentioned to Mr Sule that RwandAir, the national airline with daily flights from Lagos into Kigali, could be another potential client. In Rwanda itself, Clémentine runs a transport company, about which a former Heineken top manager has this story: “She said that she’d be given a contract with our brewery to use those lorries but the director said: I don’t know anything about that, we don’t work that way. Next thing we saw was Ms Vervelde kicking up an almighty fuss, going all the way to the highest level in Amsterdam to get what she wanted. And again, Nico supposedly didn’t know. This I find hard to believe: a woman is investing in lorries to deliver beer, her husband is a man from the beer business—and they wouldn’t discuss these things?” Various inside sources say that, after the Executive Board intervened, Clémentine was allowed to distribute the crates of beer, which Heineken denies.

Nico and Clémentine met in the early 1990s after he had been appointed marketing director at the Heineken subsidiary in Rwanda. He succeeded none other than Jean-François van Boxmeer. Several sources who know the Vervelde couple confirm that they have had close ties with the chairman of Heineken’s Executive Board for well over twenty years and consequently enjoy some form of ‘protection’. One manager in Nigeria was struck by how quickly Clémentine knew about matters that had been relayed confidentially to Head Office. “Without protection, Nico would no longer be working for Heineken,” says a former colleague. Those in the know are also astounded by the fact that Mr Van Boxmeer allowed Nico Vervelde to take up the board position at Forte Oil, an important supplier. “That smells very strongly of a conflict of interest. In the Netherlands, this would very likely not have been permitted,” a former director in Nigeria says.

Has Heineken committed punishable offences in Nigeria? “If this story is correct, then we’re looking very likely at a classic case of corporate criminality, in this case, bribery and private corruption,” says Wim Huisman, a professor in criminology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. “Bribery is often linked with governments but that does not need to be the case. When companies do it, the law applies as well. Mind you, it is not illegal to award contracts to those close to you, but when bribes have been paid it’s a different story.”

A former expat is outraged: “To me, this represents everything Heineken does not stand for. “Everywhere in Nigeria, we write INTEGRITY in capital letters and we forbid our drivers to pay even the smallest bribe. We want to show that you can function in a climate where fraud pervades, that you don’t have to participate. And now that it is supposedly happening at the highest level it should all be swept under the carpet? No way.”
On this story

Heineken asked us not to publish this story, not because it is not truthful, but because it would be too painful and damaging to Nico and Clémentine Vervelde. Nico Vervelde refused to be interviewed for this story. We were only allowed to ask written questions.

This article is based on almost a year of investigation, both in Nigeria and the Netherlands and on dozens of conversations with people involved. Many sources wish to remain anonymous, because of potential consequences. Their names have been shared with the editor of Follow the Money, the Dutch website where this story was first published.
Heineken’s reaction

Heineken reacted extensively to this story and does not deny the settlement took place, nor that there was widespread corruption taking place within its Nigerian subsidiary. Heineken states that the Verveldes claim themselves they are not corrupt (but the company doesn’t state: De Verveldes are not corrupt).

Heineken writes that it conducted several internal investigations, ordered both by the mother company and NB, after the complaint on corruption from Mr Sule. For the company, the results were no cause for disciplinary actions against Nico Vervelde. However, the situation had become ‘unworkable’. Mr Vervelde resigned and was offered another position, “partly because of his experience and track record.”

Heineken admits that CEO Jean-François van Boxmeer and Nico Vervelde have known each other for a long time, but claims that does not give Mr Vervelde any privileges. The company states its Integrity Commission is carefully examining allegations of corruption and fraud, with the help of the Global Business Conducts and Internal Audit departments.

Heineken denies that Clémentine Vervelde got a contract for beer transports in Rwanda and claims there was no question of tax fraud in Nigeria. “There is no withholding tax for the local delivery of goods, in this case, petrol and diesel. There is only withholding tax for the delivery of some services, which has been applied in this case because TMDK delivered not only diesel but also service. So there is no base for these allegations.”

Olivier van Beemen is a Dutch journalist and author of the book Heineken in Africa, who has been researching the African activities of Heineken for more than six years. The book is available in Nigeria, for example at the Roving Heights bookstores in Lagos and Abuja.

SOURCE (abridged): https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/350188-investigation-how-nigerian-breweries-protected-its-dutch-ceo-suspected-of-corruption.html

The National Youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, has been reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

He was said to have been kidnapped on Monday evening in his farm at Ohumagu, Agbaogwugwu in Enugu State.

Details soon...

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/breaking-pdp-national-youth-leader-kidnapped/

Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army deployed on Operation Thunder Strike, on Monday, raided two kidnappers camps in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. A reliable military source told the News Agency of Nigeria that the raid on the bandit’s camps located in Ligari and Sabon Gayan villages was carried out at about 2:30 pm.

“During the raid, a suspected high profile kidnapper terrorising the Kaduna-Abuja highway, one Aminu Mallam alias Baderi, was apprehended at Sabon Gayan. The suspect later led troops to his hideout where he kept 108 herds of cattle he rustled. Efforts are currently ongoing to arrest other members of his gangs and collaborators,” the source said.

NAN reports that troops of operation thunder strike have been recording successes in their efforts to clear Kaduna-Abuja highway of kidnappers and other criminals.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/troops-invade-kaduna-bandit-camps-arrest-notorious-kidnapper/