Saturday 31 May 2014

Algeria Confirms First MERS Cases

Two Algerians have tested positive for the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus, after returning from pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.


The Algerian health ministry confirmed the cases on Saturday but did not give the condition of the men, aged 66 and 59.


Other countries including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and the US have also recorded cases, mostly in people who had been to Saudi Arabia.


MERS, a SARS-like virus has killed 187 people in Saudi Arabia since it first emerged in 2012. Hundreds more have been infected.


Studies have confirmed that the likely source of the disease is among Saudi Arabia’s huge camel herd.


The virus attacks the respiratory system, causing a lung infection, with patients suffering coughing, breathing difficulties and a temperature. It also causes rapid kidney failure. [AFP]

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US Soldier Freed In Taliban Prisoner Swap After Being Held For 5 Years

The only US soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed as part of a swap deal with the Taliban, brokered by the government of Qatar.


Bowe Bergdahl’s release was part of a negotiation that included the freeing of five high-profile Afghan prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, statements from the US government said.


The US president, Barack Obama, thanked Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his commitment to the mediation between the US and the Taliban.


The 28-year-old Bergdahl, a sergeant in the US army, had been held by the Taliban since June 30, 2009. He was handed to US troops by the Taliban on Saturday evening in an area of eastern Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border


Officials said the exchange was not violent and Bergdahl was in good condition and able to walk.


The Taliban prisoners were to be handed over to authorities in Qatar. They were named on Saturday as Mohammad Fazl, Mullah Norullah Noori, Mohammed Nabi, Khairullah Khairkhwa and Abdul Haq Wasiq.


All were high-ranking members of the Taliban government toppled by the US in 2001. Fazl was the deputy defence minister, while Noori was the governor of Balkh province.


The Taliban said in a statement that their release brought “great joy”.


In a statement, Obama said: “The American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl.”


“On behalf of the American people, I was honoured to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal.


“For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier’s return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Emir of Qatar.”


A senior White House official told Al Jazeera that the US administration would not transfer any prisoners from Guantanamo “unless the threat they may pose to the US can be mitigated”.


He added that the Taliban prisoners would be “subject to restrictions on their movement and activities”.


The deal was agreed through indirect talks with the Taliban’s political commission, the official said.


Bergdahl’s parents, Bob and Jan Bergdahl, in a press conference with Obama, thanked everyone domestically and internationally involved in their son’s recovery.


“The complicated nature of this recovery will never be comprehended. We can’t communicate the words this morning when we heard from the president,” Bob Bergdahl said. [AlJazeera]

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Ozekhome Urges FG To Negotiate With Boko Haram For The Sake Of Abducted Chibok Girls

Lagos Lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome, has called on the Federal Government to negotiate with Boko Haram with a view to bringing back the Chibok abducted school girls.


The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said in a statement, yesterday, that Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution mandates the Federal Government to ensure the security and welfare of the citizenry.


“The controversy over whether or not the Federal Government should negotiate with Boko Haram with a view to releasing the abducted Chibok school girls is nauseating and demeaning to our humanity, to say the least. Let it be made clear that the security and welfare of Nigerians are the primary purpose of Government (Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution).


“It is unthinkable that some people would want the lives of these innocent future of Nigeria to be wasted on the altar of Government grand standing and engagement niceties. There are times when a Government stoops to conquer. The international odium, obloquy and embarrassment the abduction is causing Nigeria, whose image is being serially battered, should be halted immediately through negotiation with these insurgents,” he said.


Recalling that former US President, J.F. Kennedy once promulgated the concept of negotiation, Ozekhome said Nigeria cannot continue to experience the orgy of bloodletting which has claimed over 12,000 lives amid wanton destruction of schools, churches and mosques.


“It was J.F. Kennedy, former American President, who once declared that we should never fail to negotiate, just as we should never negotiate out of fear. Negotiating with Boko Haram will not amount to negotiating out of fear. It is simply an irritating sacrifice to be made to justify the sanctity of the lives of these young, innocent souls. I dare say that the Federal Government should negotiate even with satan, if that would bring back our girls. Even satan would be humbled and diminished by such an unprecedented strategy”, Ozekhome, who is also a delegate to the National Conference in Abuja stressed.


“Recall that part of the main brief of the Turaki Committee was to negotiate with the Boko Haram group, an offer it had imperiously rejected. Now that the same Boko Haram has thrown up the “Olive branch”, for that is what it clearly is, the Federal Government should seize it, and make gains out of it.


“It affords a golden opportunity, not only to negotiate the release of the Chibok girls, but to holistically negotiate amnesty and halting of the horrific insurgency and bloodletting that have claimed over 12,000 lives and wanton destruction of houses, schools, churches, mosques, public buildings, bus stops, etc.


“The Federal Government should, for once, think of the trepidation, unease, cries, tension, suspense, psychological trauma and mental torture, that the abduction of these children is causing their parents, teachers, siblings, friends and loved ones.


“I call upon the Federal Government to immediately set up the machinery (even if discretely, clandestinely, surreptitiously), to enter into dialogue with the Boko Haram group, with a view to bringing “back our girls”.




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US Warns China Over South China Sea Dispute

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has warned China against “destabilising actions” in the South China Sea, and backed Japan’s plans to take on a more muscular military role as a counterweight to Beijing.


Stressing US commitments to allies and friends in Asia, Hagel called for a peaceful resolution of maritime disputes and issued a blunt message to China, which was represented by a high-level military delegation at a security forum in Singapore.


“In recent months, China has undertaken destabilising, unilateral actions asserting its claims in the South China Sea,” Hagel told the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.


He accused China of restricting the Philippines’ access to Scarborough Shoal, putting pressure on Manila’s longstanding presence in Second Thomas Shoal, beginning land reclamation at various locations and moving an oil rig into disputed waters with Vietnam.


Hagel said that while the United States does not take sides on rival claims, “we firmly oppose any nation’s use of intimidation, coercion, or the threat of force to assert these claims”.


“The United States will not look the other way when fundamental principles of the international order are being challenged,” he said.


China reacted angrily to Hagel’s comments, with Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Wang Guanzhong describing them as baseless.


“This speech is full of hegemony, full of incitement, threats, intimidation,” Wang was quoted as saying by a reporter from state broadcaster China Central Television.


The lieutenant-general is due to make his own speech on Sunday.


Veteran diplomat Fu Ying, head of the foreign affairs committee in China’s rubberstamp parliament, did not refer to Hagel by name but said countries should “not keep resorting to the 20th century mentality which is about war and conflict.”


She added that “in the 21st century, we don’t have a world state and no country can claim that they own the law, they own the management of the sea.


“All countries have to work together based on mutual respect,” she said.

Four Southeast Asian states — Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam — claim parts of the South China Sea, which China claims in nearly its entirety, citing what it calls historic rights. Taiwan is the sixth claimant.


In his speech, Hagel reiterated that the United States opposes “any effort by any nation to restrict overflight or freedom of navigation, whether from military or civilian vessels, from countries big or small”.


Restating a US declaration, he said “the Senkaku Islands fall under our mutual defence treaty with Japan” and backed Tokyo’s plans to play a greater role in maintaining security in Asia.


Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened the Singapore forum Friday by saying his country would play a more “proactive” role in Asian security, including providing coast guard vessels to the Philippines and potentially Vietnam.




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Dialogue With Boko Haram Still On The Table – Abati

The Federal Government, yesterday, declared that it had not ruled out dialogue with Boko Haram to stop its killings in the Northeast and the release of the over 200 schoolgirls it abducted in Chibok, Borno State on April 14.


Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, who disclosed this, said that whereas government was pursing a military campaign against the Islamist group, dialogue option remained on the table.


“The Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflict in the North-east is a standing one. There is also a Presidential Fact-Finding Committee both of which have been engaging stakeholders and have been offering advice,” Abati told Vanguard.


“The position of government has been that the military option is there to deal specifically with impunity because no responsible government will fold its arms and allow any group supported by Al Qaeda to overrun the country or threaten to divide the country,” he said.


“The Nigerian government has made that very clear and President Jonathan has always said that he will not allow anybody to disintegrate Nigeria under his watch. At the same time, government has a soft approach under which it offers those who are willing to renounce terrorism to lay down their arms and return to the fold as citizens. The door is open to them for dialogue. The door is open to them for repentance and rehabilitation. They are like the lost sheep and the President is saying even these lost sheep we are willing to bring them back to the fold. The door of the Nigerian state is open to anyone who has gone astray, who has been misled to think that violence is a solution to whatever problem he or she may have, to rejoin the Nigerian family and conduct themselves as true citizens”.


The special adviser however said President Goodluck Jonathan never mentioned the issue of amnesty for Boko Haram members during his Democracy Day speech.


Reacting to the statement by the Minister of Youths Development, Haruna, on Thursday, during one of the events marking the Democracy Day celebrations, that government would grant amnesty to Boko Haram members who renounce violence and lay down their arms, Abati told State House correspondents that the President never mentioned amnesty in his Democracy Day broadcast.




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42 Killed In Fresh Attacks In Borno

An attack in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday, by suspected members of Islamist sect Boko Haram has reportedly claimed about 42 lives.


The latest attack occurred in the villages of Kanari, Wazarde and Gula along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.


According to reports, yesterday’s attack in Gamboru Ngala LGA occurred after gunmen arrived the three border villages at about 3a.m in trucks with assault rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and petrol bombs.


Sources told Vanguard that the gunmen shot sporadically at fleeing residents, killing the victims.


“The shooting went on for about seven hours. The gunmen had a field day and operated unchallenged as they did not leave until about 9.30 am on Saturday,” one of the sources said.


The villages have been reportedly deserted as survivors took refuge in Ngala town and neighbouring Cameroon villages.


Borno State Commissioner of Police, Mr Lawal Tanko, told Vanguard when contacted, that he was not aware of the attack.


However, a top security source, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed the attack.


According to him, two of the attacked villages were razed by the invaders.




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Man Jailed In Turkey For Using Name Of Allah On Twitter

A Mathematics teacher in Turkey has been jailed after using the nickname of Allah on Twitter, which mocked Islam in a “humiliating” way.


The man, known as Ertan P, used the nickname “Allah C.C” on Twitter.

C.C. is an abbreviation of the Arabic phrase ‘Celle Celaluhu’ which means, “[Allah’s] glory is so almighty.”


Prosecutors in the eastern province of Muş alleged he was “writing harmful content” for including the name of God and the Prophet.


The court rejected his defence, that his Twitter account was hacked.


Court documents revealed he was charged with “humiliating the religious values accepted by a part of the people”, Hurriyet Daily News reported.


“The suspect has accepted the use of the nickname and the posts, but in order to avoid the crime, he said posts could have been written after the account was hacked.”


“It is understood that this claim is unfounded and the investigation files prove him guilty as charged.”


The man was jailed for 15 months.




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NUC Clamps Down On Illegal University Operators

National Universities Commission (NUC) said on Friday that its public sensitisation on the activities of illegal universities had yielded fruit, leading to the imprisonment of an illegal operator.


Professor Chiedu Mafiana, NUC Director, Quality Assurance, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that two suspected illegal university operators were facing trial before the court of law.


Mafiana said that the premises of the illegal institutions had since been sealed off.


He also said that members of the public had become more aware and cautious about the activities of such operators.


“One of the operators that had been running an unapproved affiliate university got jailed for about three years in February 2013, while two others are standing trial.


“We ought to have concluded that trial by this time, but for the transfer of the judges handling the cases. But I am happy to say that the case has been re-opened,” he said.




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Jobs at Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) saves lives and improves health, especially among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

We live our mission to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.


Click on the job title for details


Clinical HIV/AIDS Specialist, Sokoto

Community Care Specialist, Niger

Senior Laboratory Officer, Sokoto

Senior Laboratory Officer, Zamfara

Senior Organizational Development Advisor

Laboratory Systems Specialist, Zamfara




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SEE Stella Damasus’ New Photo





Husband ‘snatching’ (like a lot of people claim) aside. Stella still looks every inch like a queen we all knew her to be. Beautiful!





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SEE The First Transgender, On The Cover Of Time


American Transgender actress, Laverne Cox, of Netflix’s hit Orange Is the New Black becomes the first transgender woman to grace the cover of Time magazine for a story about ‘The TransgenderTipping Point.




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Julius Agwu And Wife Celebrate Wedding Anniversary





Comedian Julius Agwu and wife Ibiere celebrates their 6th wedding anniversary today May 31. They got married on May 31st 2008 and are blessed with two kids, a girl and a boy. Congrats to them.





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Oge Okoye Opens Makeup Studio…


Oge Okoye today opened her Makeup studio and also launched her makeup line, Crystal Glam in Lagos. See another picture below………..





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The Netherlands Name World Cup Squad

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie leads a list of five Premier League players named in the Netherlands’ final World Cup squad.


The striker- likely to captain the Oranje in Brazil, is joined by Swansea duo Michel Vorm and Jonathan de Guzman, defender Ron Vlaar of Aston Villa, Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer and Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul.


Injured midfielder Raphael van der Vaart is the most notable absentee from Van Gaal’s 23-man party for Brazil.


Louis van Gaal Unveils His Final 23-Man Squad for World Cup.

Louis van Gaal Unveils His Final 23-Man Squad for World Cup.



The 31-year-old Hamburg playmaker suffered a calf injury in training on Wednesday.


Feyenoord pair Tonny Vilhena and Jean-Paul Boetius, Manchester City’s Karim Rekik, PSV’s Jeroen Zoet, Chelsea’s Patrick van Aanholt and Twente’s Quincy Promes, along with Van der Vaart, are the seven players who all missed out.


Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, Fenerbahce’s Dirk Kuyt and Wesley Schneider of Galatasaray are among the other high-profile players selected by the manager, who takes over English club Manchester United after the World Cup.


The Netherlands open their campaign against defending champions Spain before facing Australia and Chile.


Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michel Vorm (Swansea)


Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman (both Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, (all Feyenoord), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa).


Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).


Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).




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Spain Names Final 23-Man Party for Brazil

Defending champions, Spain, have announced their 23-man squad for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.


Atletico Madrid and Chelsea strikers Diego Costa and Fernando Torres have both earned their respective rights to feature for the ‘La Roja Furia’ in next month’s tournament.


Costa has made the final cut, despite struggling with a hamstring injury suffered in the La Liga champions’ title victory over Barcelona.


Fernando Torres Named in Spain's World Cup Squad.

Fernando Torres Named in Spain’s World Cup Squad.



He will make the trip to his native Brazil, where he was born and raised and even made two friendly appearances for the country before becoming a naturalised Spaniard last year.


Torres is one of Premier League players in the squad, which excluded Manchester City’s pair of Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas.


The 30-year-old made just 16 league appearances for the Blues this season, scoring five goals.


Real Madrid’s Daniel Carvajal, Juventus’ Fernando Llorente and Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno were excluded.


Spain starts the defend of their title in a repeat of the 2010 final against the Netherlands on June 13. They follow that up with games against Chile and Australia in Group B.


Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).


Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).



Midfielders
: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).


Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid).




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NBBF Initiates Mentorship Programme for Grassroot Coaches

The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) on Wednesday announced the institution of a mentorship programme for youth development coaches across the nation.


This is in view to harness all the diverse human resources and experienced hands in grassroot basketball development in Nigeria, so as to create a healthy relationship amongst these coaches dedicated to the developmental basketball, in order to build a long lasting structure for the national youth programme which is centered towards the junior national teams, as well as other independent developmental programmes to be sanctioned by the federation.


The programme which will take place in Abuja will have twelve (12) coaches present for its first phase. The 2day programme will start on Saturday 31st May, 2014. However, non DStv coaches are expected in arrive the capital city on the Friday 30th, May 2014. The invited coaches include:


1.Adeka Daudu – Dodan Warriors

2. Abdulrahman Muhammed – Gombe Bulls

3. Emmnauel Odah – FCT

4. Ogoh Odaudu – Royal Hoopers

5. Mike Akuboh – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

6. Sani Tum – Kada Stars

7. Sanusi Shuaibu – Kano State

8. Peter Ahmedu – Mark Mentors

9. SpencerChineh – Benue State

10. Tony Nelson – Bayelsa State

11. Babatunde Adelanwa – Ogun State

12. Mark Balogun – Nigerian Police


Source: Afrobasket.com




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Praiz: “My Dream Was to Be a Footballer, Not a Musician”

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Apparently, if music didn’t exist in Nigeria, a lot of our superstar singers seem to think they would have been soccer players.


Praiz revealed details about his childhood dreams, his album which will be released in June 2014, the craziest thing a female fan has asked him to do – sign an autograph on her private part, and his MTN endorsement.


Read excerpts from the interview with Vanguard below: -


On his career ambition while growing up: “No. I loved Soccer, I was a huge fan of football and I play well too. I studied Computer Science in the university. I had this dream that I was going to be a big soccer star. I was dreaming to play for Barcelona FC because that has always been my club. I have played in several football clubs in the country back then in the North. For me, being an entertainer was something I never thought or dreamt of. But as nature has it, in everything we are doing, God has another plans for us. He knows where to place you and how to use you to inspire people.”


On how he got into music: “Well, I would say that I started liking music because of my environment. Before I went into the higher institution, I had this friend who used to be a music producer. So most times, I used to go to the studio with him and from there, I learnt how to do many things. I learnt how to make beat, and how to produce some sounds. For me, my love for music started developing from there. That is what I can say about my adventure into the music world.”


On his skills on the field: “I am a good footballer, I played for my department when I was in higher institution. I played for Kaduna Polytechnic, I also played for Highlander FC in Kaduna as well. That was the same club some big Nigerian players like, Celestine and Emmanuel Babayaro among others played for. It’s just that I grew up listening to music. What you have in mind that you want to do might be different from what God plans for you.”




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Tonto Dikeh And Phyno Pictured In Collabo Outfits

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Controversial Nollywood actress turned singer — Tonto Dikeh was photographed with fast rising music sensation — Phyno and the pair were wearing matching Alobam t-shirts.


The name ‘Alobam’ has been identified with Phyno after he dropped a single titled the fore-mentioned.


Do you think Tonto and Phyno would make a good couple?!?




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Are They Getting Back Together — Wizkid And Ex-Girlfriend Tania Omotayo Spotted Together

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The cute couple of Wizkid and Tania broke a lot of hearts when the both confirmed that they were no longer a couple on social media.


The couple who went their separate ways in March but were spotted together at the just held Pepsi Samba party which took place last week Thursday on the Island


A reader who was at the party said Wizkid and Tania were all over each other, and Tania stayed glued to him all through except when he was performing.




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Police to Stop England Football Hooligans from Going to World Cup- Report

More than 1,400 football hooligans in England will have to hand their passports to police in the coming days to stop them going to the World Cup.


Passports must be surrendered on Monday or Tuesday, ahead of the tournament in Brazil which starts on 12 June.


Police said the rule applied to people convicted of football-related violence and given a banning order including a condition to hand in their passport.


World Cup Police Are Set to Tackle Football Hooliganism in Brazil.

World Cup Police Are Set to Tackle Football Hooliganism in Brazil.



Anyone keeping their passport in breach of an order could face court action.


Read Detailed Report Here…




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Michael Essien Posts Er*tic Photo on IG

Capture



Guess the sharing of photos like this for public view is something that a lot of famous figures are now used to. What do you think of this?




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Govt Prosecuting 156 Contractors For Flouting Procurement Law – BPP

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF BPP - EMEKA EZEH

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF BPP – EMEKA EZEH



The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Emeka Ezeh, has said that 156 contractors are being prosecuted for violating the procurement law.


Ezeh, who made the fact known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, said the infractions ranged from forgery to tendering of fake documents.


The director-general said such contractors must have been cleared illegally by government officials in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to carry out jobs.


He warned that government officials who accepted incompetent contractors would be prosecuted.


“Naturally, the contractors go to various government MDAs because they are the ones that process their documents.


“All the government officers involved have been invited for questioning and possible prosecution.


“Already established rules for administrative and criminal breaches will be followed in their sanctions.


“The EFCC, ICPC will do the investigation to establish the culpability or otherwise of the officers involved.


“So depending on its findings, they will be prosecuted accordingly”, he said.


Ezeh said breaches of the procurement act were often caused by ignorance and as such BPP had set up a training school to educate key officers of MDAs on the right procurement processes.


He said “5,000 procurement officers and stakeholders have received training from us so far.


“We do this because we believe that the understanding of the rules makes it easier for people to get the job done.


“So after understanding the rules and if they still find a way to sidetrack them, they are on their own.


“But we will continue to encourage people to do the right thing”.


Ezeh said that the training was at no cost to the MDAs/


He said the procurement training school catered to different sectors from oil and gas to agriculture.


He said that as part of efforts to ensure good procurement practices, MDAs were encouraged to establish a department of procurement headed by a director.


“Since MDAs began to set up departments of procurement, there has been improvement in procurement procedures.


“There has been so much improvement in terms of not just the saving of money but in terms of compliance”, he said. (NAN)




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INEC Conducts Bye-Election For Vacant Yobe Assembly Seat

BallotBoxVote_0The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe on Saturday organised a bye-election into Nangere constituency of the state house of assembly.


The member representing the constituency, Adamu Degubi, was killed by gunmen in June 2012.


Two parties: the All Progressives Congress (APC) which fielded Alhaji Saidu Baba, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that fielded Shuaibu Ibrahim, are contesting the election.


A NAN correspondent, who covered the election, reports that security operatives have been deployed to all parts of Nangere Local Government Area to ensure peaceful conduct of the exercise.


INEC had deployed electoral materials and manpower to polling units by 8 a.m., with accreditation commencing immediately while voting started at 12.30 p.m.


Voters in the area said the election would afford them the opportunity to elect another representative to the state’s assembly.


The Emir of Nangere, Alhaji Muhammadu Ibn Grema, appreciated the efforts of INEC in the conduct of the election, saying it would give the people a representation in the state’s assembly.


“The people of Nangere have been without a member in the Yobe State House of Assembly for two years now, which means that our interests have not been represented there.


“The people have been well mobilised and sensitised for peaceful conduct of the election”.


Hauwa Usman, a house wife, said the election would help to provide the constituency with infrastructure. (NAN)




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CAN Condemns Killing Of Emir Of Gwoza, Urges Nigerians Not To Be Intimidated By Boko Haram

can_logoThe Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has decried Friday’s killing of the Emir of Gwoza, and the attack on two other Emirs, by suspected Boko Haram gunmen.


The three traditional rulers – the Emirs of Gwoza, Uba and Askira – were traveling in a convoy to Gombe State for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe, when they were ambushed by the gunmen, who opened fire on them.


The Emir of Gwoza, Idrissa Timta, died in the early morning attack while his colleagues narrowly escaped with some palace guards reportedly missing.


The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria noted that the killing again demonstrates the “evil plans of Boko Haram”.


A statement by CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor read in part: “I am pained by the fact that the attack is coming at a time when the wise counsel of the traditional institution is most needed to fight insurgency in that part of the country and to help check moral decadence in our society”.


Ortisejafor urged Nigerians to resist all forms of intimidation by Boko Haram reminding them that keeping quiet in the face of the sect’s violent activities will not stop the insurgents from coming after them.


“I want to use this opportunity to remind Nigerians of the need to continue to unite in the fight against terrorism in our land, it is an act that we all must denounce and fight with all that we have got, probably the emirs were attacked for their condemnation of Boko Haram but this must not deter us”, he said.




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Group Canvasses For State Police, Says Federal Police Has Failed

A group under the aegis of Civil Society Task Team on Security and Electoral Reform (CSTTSER) has blamed the growing insecurity in the country on the failure of Federal controlled Nigerian Police Force (NPF). It there called for State Police as a way out.


The Coordinator of the Group, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu stated this yesterday in a press conference in Abuja, where he spoke on the rising state of insecurity in the country.


Nwagwu, who is also a delegate to the ongoing National Confab, said that the network was established as a voice against the rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, assassination and terrorism, “as a result of the failure of the federal police to effectively police the country”.


He said that the federal police has failed to lived up to expectation, and without security, individuals within the State would find it difficult to engage in productive activities.


“The security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated over time, there are increased cases of armed robberies, kidnapping, assassination and terrorism. The NPF has been unable to stem the tide of insecurity and increasing crime wave in the country. This has led to the agitation of State Police.


“The country is now divided along two lines: those who support the creation of state police and those are opposed to it, meanwhile, there is little discussion on a framework for the operation of state police that prevent abuse and ensure greater security for the country,” Nwagwu said.


According to him, the argument by the protagonists that State Police would be used to intimidate political opponents and used to rig elections was not tenable, as Nigeria during the first republic operated federal, regional and native or local administrative police.


Citing the examples of advanced countries like United States of America (USA), Canada and India that are operating both federal and state police and are doing so successfully, Nwagwu however explained that, “for the operation of State Police in Nigeria, there is the need to establish a State Police Service Commission made up of a Chairman who must be non-partisan and members drawn from interest groups such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Media, Civil Society, Women, Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) and the private sector”.


He added that the power of Governors could be limited to policies and appointment of the State Chief Executive of the Police and should not extend to operational use of the force.


“We cannot pretend we don’t have State police in one guise or the other, what we are just saying is to constitutionalise it. With State Police, there would be better security of lives and property and the barrier of language which is presently a problem would be dealt with”, he said.


The group however recommended among others that, the 1999 constitution should be amended to provide for State Police, and that the police force should be removed from the exclusive list and be placed on concurrent list to enable the establishment of State Police.


It also recommended that Federal Police Service Commission should set up standard and policies for the operation of State Police in the country, and that a proper framework for its operation should be adopted and implemented to prevent the abuse of State Police.




by Greenstarnetwork admin..

IPMAN Crisis: NUPENG Issues 14-day Ultimatum To FG

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) yesterday gave the Federal Government a 14-day-ultimatum to intervene in what it termed the abuse of the judicial process in the protracted leadership crisis within the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) failing which it will mobilise members for a nationwide strike.


NUPENG President, Igwe Achese, made this known at a press conference in Lagos, while expressing the union’s concern over the judgement passed by the High Court Justice Valentine Ashi on Wednesday overturning the judgement of a high court in Port Harcourt on the 20th of March 2014.


He expressed sadness that the judiciary could allow itself to be used to truncate justice, adding that the judgement has discredited the judiciary and the wheel of justice, equity and truth.


He therefore appealed to the Chief Justice of the Federation and Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice (Mrs.) Alooma Muktar to intervene in the abuse of the judiciary process, especially the “sale of judgement, when an appeal on the case is still pending at the court of appeal, Port Harcourt”.


He equally called on the intervention of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice on the abuse of the courts to obtain Kangaroo judgement, as done in the judgement given in the IPMAN Crisis at the High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.


“We condemn the judgement in its entirety and still stand by the judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which declared Chief Obasi Lawson as the IPMAN President, until a superior court of law says otherwise.


“The idea of using the judiciary to buy judgement does not augur well for the democratic process that the nation has been enjoying for the past 15 years. It does not in any way protect the constitution of our great country in the eyes of the world”, Achese said.


Speaking further, he said the union was involved in the leadership crisis because 60 per cent of IPMAN members are in NUPENG, adding that the union cannot fold its hands and allow members in IPMAN to suffer.


He noted that the collective bargaining agreement signed with IPMAN and Independent Marketers Branch was yet to be implemented for about 10 years due to the leadership crisis that has become the hallmark of the petroleum marketers association.


The past leadership of IPMAN, he lamented, had frustrated the union’s efforts towards unionising workers in IPMAN depots.


He said the union had written several letters to the federal government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the State Security Services for their intervention, adding that the efforts had not yielded any positive result due to the non-challant attitude of the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke on the crisis.


“There have been intervention and reconciliation by the Department of State Security Services but the outcome was never adhered to by the Aminu Abdukadir’s faction. They deliberately refused to obey the court judgement of the federal High court in Port Harcourt that declared Chief Obasi Lawson as the IPMAN President”, he regretted.


“We advise the Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo faction, to first of all go and vacate the judgment in favour of Chief Obasi Lawson, in a higher competent court of jurisdiction (Appeal Court) before parading themselves and supporters as the national executive of IPMAN,” the NUPENG boss said. [Thisday]

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Charly Boy: “Hmmm E Don Shele Oh, My Papa Don Die – Breaking Bad News”

chs


Area father of Abuja entertainment has become quite famous for his straight to the point open letters of recent. He lost his father weeks ago and decided to write one specially dedicated to him.


Read below: -


My Fada,


By Charly Boy


For you my people who have been following my stories on my dad and I, one of my many ways to escape trauma/frustration is through writing. This is the saddest one of all, losing my Best Friend. I guess I have just become the newest member of the fatherless club in Naija. Ever since I can remember, I have always had the ability to sense things before they happen. Sometimes some of my actions, unknowingly, are usually preventive of disasters in my path. I used to get worried about this gift of intuition, because in my teenage years many of my playmates made me feel bad about this special gift, as if something was wrong with me. I used to spook my friends sometimes with the things I would say, things that only them alone knew, naturally it made them uneasy in my presence.


From the 1st of May till the Black Sunday of the 4th of May, a certain unexplainable feeling seized me. I was so depressed, agitated and I had the feeling of butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I actually felt I was going to be sick. For almost 2 days I was holed up in my room till I decided on the morning of the 4th to go see how my Daddy was doing over at his quarters in the Punk Palace, hoping that seeing him that morning would brighten my day. As I entered his room, he was beckoning on me to come with what I believe was a smile playing on his lips. When I bent over to kiss his forehead while saying good morning, he said “I’m sorry”. Surprised, I asked why and what he was apologizing for. “I know all the troubles my ill health has put you through”, he said, “God knows how much you have spent so far”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Daddy please we want you to get better quickly. That’s most important so we can have our evening discussions like we usually do. Ok, take your bath let me do same, when I come down again, we will both have lunch” I ordered trying to change the subject. Truth is I was taken aback by my father’s words. I tried my best not to think about them but they kept on replaying in my mind no matter how hard I tried.


Na wa oh, bad news sure travels fast. My dad died at about 3:30pm on the 4th of May. I called all my loved ones, family and friends to give the bad news and as funny as it sounds, the more I called the more I wished it would bring him back. I really can’t tell you how many calls I made or received within 30 minutes of my very, very sad loss. God punish MTN for making it worse with their horrible, terrible network, I found myself repeating myself a hundred times and screaming at the top of my voice as if that will make it better.


Well, telling my mother was the most difficult part of relaying the news to my relations, so, I made a wise decision. “I will just hold off till tomorrow” I thought to myself. Maybe then I will have the courage to face her and tell her that the love of her life, her best friend, her life partner, someone she’s been with for almost seventy years had passed on. Hmmm e hard oh. I took her phone from her so she won’t get any calls since we had told her that I took Papa back to the hospital. You trust my mama, James Bond, she took the nurse’s phone who was taking care of them. She started calling us up and down. PI (private investigator). At this time we were in the comfort of my living room pretending we were still at the hospital. She kept calling tirelessly. That was when some friends and my darling daughter Yvonne said to George, my brother, and I that we had to tell her. There was no point waiting.


E no easy oh, we all set out on the journey to their side. The house I built for them. O boy how do we break this dreadful news to my mum. “Oya now stay in front” said my brother. “You nko”, I retorted just as fast as he had commanded. Anyway I gathered everyman in me, had to be tough now, abi no be two people rolled into one. Haba! Here comes Mr. Macho I thought. I had just done up the house for them to make it cozier and more relaxing whilst he recovered from his illness. As we entered her room I almost broke down but I had made up my mind that I won’t cry for my dad. He lived a good fulfilling life so it was going to be a celebration. I started by hailing her. “Mummyoooo, mama-mama”, I began to stutter. Thank God for my sister in-law who stepped in at that moment. She said those four words “mama papa is gone”. It was like a knife just pierced my heart again!


What followed afterwards eghn, I can’t even explain my people. My mom cried like I’ve never seen in my entire life. I held unto her, kissed her, I held her so close she and I kept crying. “Difu, that’s not what you promised me” she kept saying between sobs. “Mama, I know it’s painful but it is a celebration of life” I said, trying to console her. “Charles”, she said turning her face to me, “you will not understand”. “Our marriage is not like any other in the world, black or white”. “Hmmm dim (my husband)”, mum cried endlessly. We tried sedating her and trust me it didn’t work. What was I to do? I was helpless. My people for the first time I could do nothing to console my grieving mother. What love they shared, they were just too connected.


Me CharlyBoy, no be me dey solve people problems? No be me be adviser? No be me dey fight people battles? Na me dey calm people down naa, but here I am and I can’t bring him back, I can’t wake him up. Death has stung my old man. Oh death, why art thou so final. Papa, daddy, father, my friend and my inspiration I never knew it will be this painful.


Adieu my sweet loving father… My best friend.




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Golden Eaglets Complete Double Wins Over Egypt

Nigeria’s under-17 men’s football team, the Golden Eaglets, completed a double against Egypt at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, on Friday.


The coach Emmanuel Amuneke-led side saw off the Young Pharaohs 3-1, to seal a 6-3 aggregate win, following Wednesday’s victory at the same venue.


Ebere Osinachi scored a first-half brace before Victor Osimhen added a third in second-half regulation time. Hosam Adel scored Egypt’s only goal via penalty, after Lukman Halilu mistakenly handled the ball in the penalty area.


Coach Emmanuel Amuneke Not Satisfied With Eaglets' Performance.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke Not Satisfied With Eaglets’ Performance.



Eaglets head coach says there are rooms for more changes ahead of their CAN qualifier in July, after admitting he was not too satisfied with the boys’ performance.


“Yes, we won but I’m not too impressed,” Amuneke said. “But the most important thing is that we have been able to see the players against a very good Egyptian team.


“We would continue to work hard and we still have more players that we would give opportunity to in the days ahead.”


“We would continue to work hard and we still have more players that we would give opportunity to in the days ahead.”




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Keshi Already Knows World Cup Squad

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has already conceived his 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup in his mind, but will wait two days before the warm-up match against Greece to unveil the names.


The African champions have started training sessions in Philadelphia ahead of Wednesday’s game against Brazil-bound 2004 European champions at the Union Stadium in the USA city, and the ex-Mali and Togo tactician says he has a blueprint of those to make the Brazil trip.


“Yes I have an idea of those who will go with us to Brazil but we will still wait till the last minute before we announce the list,” Keshi is quoted as saying by the team’s spokesperson Ben Alaiya.


Stephen Keshi Already Has World Cup Squad on His Mind.

Stephen Keshi Already Has World Cup Squad on His Mind.



Alaiya also disclosed Keshi had decided to delay the announcement of his final World Cup squad to enable him “have a second look at those who are not measuring up.”


Nigeria play their final World Cup warm-up against USA on June 7 in Jacksonville.




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Watch Davido and Shatta Wale Thrilling Performances at the 2014 Ghana Meets Naija Concert

gghh


Probably the two hottest artistes in Nigerian and Ghana at the moment, Davido and Shatta Wale are winning thousands of fans daily.


For the first time ever, they performed live to their hit song, Whine Ya Waist at the 2014 Ghana meets Naija.


Watch and enjoy: -


http://ift.tt/1wFShr8




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‘ Suarez is better than Messi and Ronaldo ‘

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not at the same level as Luis Suarez, according to loyal Uruguay team-mate Cristian Rodriguez.


The Liverpool striker underwent a knee operation earlier in May and is a doubt to be fit in time for the World Cup, which kicks off in under two weeks, although senior Uruguay figures insist he will play in the tournament.


Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi are widely considered to be the best players on the planet, but Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodriguez contests the status quo and claims Suarez is the cream of the crop.


“Suarez is the best player in the world,” the Uruguayan, 28, told the Daily Mail. “And I’m not saying that because I’m Uruguayan and so is he.


“As far as I’m concerned Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are a notch or so below Suarez. He has demonstrated it for club and country. Messi and Ronaldo are not as good for their countries as for their clubs.


“Everyone loves him in the squad. He is a rebel on the pitch who fights for every ball but that is what we love about him in Uruguay. We hate to lose at anything, we want to win – so his will to win makes him a good Uruguayan.”


Suarez enjoyed a bumper season with Liverpool in 2013-14, firing 31 goals to take them within touching distance of the Premier League title before dropped points in the final straight allowed Manchester City to triumph.


However, Ronaldo also put in a stunning season with Real Madrid as he scored a record number of goals in a single Champions League season to help the club win La Decima, with the Copa del Rey also in the Blancos’ bag.


Messi’s campaign was muted, by comparison, as Barcelona finished 2013-14 with just the Supercopa to show for their efforts after failing to defeat Atletico Madrid on the final day of the season when a win would have given them La Liga.{GOAL}





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NY Police searching for Nigerian high school student who attempted suicide [PHOTO]

Capture


Nigerian-American student Omotayo Adeoye (pictured above) went missing after attempting to commit suicide. Omotayo, a student of High School of Mathematics and Science, had attempted suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge Thursday afternoon May 29th around 3.30pm.



According to Sahara Reporters, New York Police say they were told by eye-witnesses that Omotayo jumped from the bridge and hit the Hudson River but astonishingly survived the jump as she was seen surfacing from the river shortly after jumping and then swimming towards the New York bank of the Hudson river. She hasn’t been seen since then.



Police officials told SR that Adeoye is “still considered missing” and that their investigation in this case is ongoing.




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Popular Gay Man Turns Straight and Now Has a Baby.

Capture


How did this happen? Lol. It’s really a miracle when a flaming gay man, who has lived proudly as a gay man almost all his life turns straight and then have a baby with a woman. Who remembers Antoine Dodson? He’s the gay guy who became an internet sensation back in 2010 when he famously helped his sister fend off an attempted defiler … and told a reporter, “Hide ya kids, hide ya wife, hide ya husbands … cause they rapin’ everybody out here.” lol. Y’all remember him?



Well, he’s now a father. He announced on twitter yesterday that he and his girlfriend have welcomed a son…and proudly showed off his new family.



In 2013, Antoine announced that his religion ‘Hebrew Israelite’ had cured his ‘gayness’ and that he planned to have a family of his own. Well, it’s happened. Halleluyah! :-). See more photos below.















Source: LIB



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Biafra Day: MASSOB Demands Six New Republics, Says ‘The Anger Of God’s On Nigeria’

MASSOB-360x233The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital asked for the creation of six new republics in the country, including Biafra Republic.


MASSOB members in their thousands, who converged on the Ojukwu Memorial Centre in New Owerri for the inaugural edition of the commemoration of Biafra Day on May 30, when the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra in I967, agreed that the time was ripe for the Igbos to have their own republic.


MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, decked in the navy blue Biafran uniform with the other members of his group, urged the Federal Government to do the will of God and let their people go.


Uwazuruike, who addressed the large followers of the group in company of two representatives of MASSOB in the United Kingdom, Mrs Francese Joseph and Tina Joseph, said May 30 was a watershed in the life of every Igbo man and woman.


“It is the watershed in the history of the geographical expression called Nigeria. It is the aftermath of the mistake of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates by Lord Lugard.


“It is the reflection of the deep-rooted hatred among the major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. It exposes the irreconcilable disdain existing between Islam and Christianity. It is all about a failed state called Nigeria”, Uwazuruike said.


The MASSOB leader noted that 47 years after Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra, the reasons that informed his declaration are still playing out in the country.


“The reality of May 30 can no longer be hidden”, Uwazuruike said adding: “[but] the Abuja politicians and contractors are not deterred. They believe in the elusive one Nigeria, the one Nigeria that is their cash cow. The one Nigeria that is their source of corruption and impunity. The one Nigeria that is their instrument for inequality. The one Nigeria that is shielding them from all sorts of evils”.


He expressed dismay that it was the common man who bears the brunt of the evil perpetrated by the Abuja politicians and contractors, who he said God has hardened their hearts like the biblical Pharaoh of Egypt.


He noted that as long as the intent and purpose of the amalgamation of North and South were to disadvantage the latter, the country would never make progress.


Speaking on the state of the nation, Uwazuruike said: “The exercise was not done with clean hands. It failed to receive the blessing of God. That is why Nigeria remains a crawling baby after 50 years. The anger of God is on Nigeria. There is too much blood in Nigeria. The blood of the common man is used to sustain the evil called Nigeria. Insecurity in Nigeria can never abate. It is the sign of the anger of God”.


He, therefore, warned that his group would not guarantee its non-violent posture if anywhere in Igbo land is bombed or attacked by any militia or whatever group under any guise.


He said the only panacea to the myriad of problems bedeviling Nigeria was to grant independence to the six geo-political zones of the country.


“National Conference cannot solve the problems of Nigeria because there is deep-rooted hatred among the different nationalities. The hatred is so deep and cannot be wished away. We only pretend to love ourselves. The hatred is natural. It is in our blood. No amount of preaching on nationalism can change Nigeria.


“The only solution is to divide Nigeria into six geo-political zones: namely, South East (Biafra); South West; South South; North East; North West; and North Central”, he suggested, adding that was what Ojukwu tried to achieve in 1967 but was misunderstood.




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TY Danjuma Foundation Doles Out N2bn In Grants In Four Years

TY DanjumaThe TY Danjuma Foundation announced that it has given out a total of N2 billion to organisations in form of grants between 2010 and 2014 just as it disclosed that 75 organisations also benefited from the body within the stipulated period.


This was made known by the foundation’s executive director, Dr. Florence Etta-Akin Aina, at the occasion of the TYDF’s fifth grantees training on Friday in Benin City, Edo state.


The three core intervention areas of the foundation according to Aina include education, quality healthcare and income generation for women and youths.


She also pointed out that 7 million persons have been treated of non-tropical diseases by the Foundation within the same period.


The executive director stressed that this year alone, N77.5m grants have already been disbursed to 11 organizations across the country, adding that seven of the 11 organisations were implementing Edo Community Fund projects.


She noted: “The foundation has funded 75 organisations to implement 117 projects in 18 states of the federation, including the federal capital territory. This year, a total of 288 project proposals were received for the 2014 grant cycle.


“From the proposals, 44 were recommended by staff review team and forwarded to the board of trustees who approved grants to 25 organisations, totalling N250m for the year”.


Aina stated that the aim of the foundation was to continually impact on lives of the vulnerable in the society.


“We seek government collaboration with the NGOs that the foundation works with. This collaboration will enhance their effectiveness thereby making us achieve our core value”, she posited.


Information Nigeria reports that the foundation was established in 2008 by former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Y Danjuma (rtd) GCON, with the objective of improving the quality of life of Nigerians by supporting initiatives that improve access to health and educational opportunities.




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EXPOSED: Why Nigerian Military, Police Can’t Win War Against Terrorism

Since 2009 when the acts of terrorism being perpetrated by the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, became more pronounced, concerned Nigerians and the international community have wondered why the Nigerian security operatives could not end the the impunity of the terrorists.


Recently, during his declaration of state of emergency in five northern states, President Goodluck Jonathan said, “extraordinary measures” would be brought to bear against the insurgents with a view to “restore normalcy” to the region in the shortest possible time.


The president gave orders to Nigerian troops to carry out all necessary actions within the ambit of their rules of engagement to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.


Weeks after the declaration of war against the terrorists, nothing has shown to indicate the country is winning the war against terrorism.


Rather, the terrorists have carried out more daring heinous attacks which indicate that all is not well within the Nigerian military.


goodluck-jonathan


* President Jonathan under pressure to win war against terrorism


Many reports, within and outside the country, have suggested that equipment needed, both for the Nigerian Air force and the Nigerian Army who are in the fore-front of the battle to dislodge the hoodlums, are lacking or not in sufficient quantity while the available ones are in comatose state.

It was also gathered that intelligence gathering mechanism which should play pivotal role in containing the terrorists has remained nothing to write home about.


According to Saturday Vanguard’s investigations, the reason for these shortcomings are not far-fetched.


photo


* Boko Haram insurgents


Security experts believe what the Nigerian military have in stock as tools, modern military hardware, equipment needed to fight the type of terrorism we are facing are unbelievably short of the standard required.


A pilot told newsmen that what the Nigerian Air Force needed to clear the Boko Haram terrorists of f their camps and level those camps were attack helicopters fitted with sand proof facilities and night vision windscreens. These helicopters would fly into and land inside Sambisa Forest without noise. From the air and with the night vision, we can see through the jungle, map out our strategies without their knowledge. But this equipment is not there for us.


Not too long ago, while commenting on the lack of equipment in the Nigerian Military, the Army, Navy and the Police claimed that their budget has never received 100 per cent of the budgetary approvals. They claim that only about 60 to 70 percent is what they get at the end of every financial year.


nigerian-soldiers-5


* Nigerian soldiers


Stakeholders believe these amounts for modern equipment and hardware did not portray the nation as one ready or serious about fighting terrorism or insurgency considering the air equipment needed by the Air Force for instance, the type of armoured tanks needed by the army, artillery guns, surface to air demobilizers and other technical weaponry.


The challenges facing the military were recently summarized as “inadequate budgetary allocations”. And that’s how the military sees it. Others admit this but note that it also goes beyond budgetary allocations.


Reacting to journalists’ questions on the military budget, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that the Jonathan administration would give every necessary support to the troops who are hazarding their lives on behalf of all Nigerians.


NIGERIA-UNREST


*File photo of Boko Haram attack in Jos


She admitted that calling for increased funding was normal for military prosecuting a war or any special operation and that Nigeria’s case cannot be an exception, she adding that military funding was being treated with dispatch.


However, many people, including diplomats believe that the fight against the insurgency has dragged this long owing to the corruption in the system.


The US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Sarah Sewall, said recently that corruption is hindering Nigeria’s efforts at ending insurgency in the North-East.


Sewall, who appeared before a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, last week, alongside a Pentagon top Africa official, Amanda Dory, added that the military must overcome entrenched corruption and incompetence for it to rescue the over 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram on April 14.


She said that despite Nigeria’s $5.8bn security budget for 2014, “corruption prevents supplies as basic as bullets and transport vehicles from reaching the front lines of the struggle against Boko Haram.”


According to the New York Times, Sewall told the committee that morale was low and that desertions were common among soldiers in the 7th Army Division fighting the insurgents.


Hence, Vanguard believes if the war against terrorism is to be won, the Nigerian security agencies must cleanse themselves of Boko Haram sympathizers who frustrate the efforts of their colleagues and endangering the lives all Nigerians who have become targets of the murderers. The military will need to be well funded to purchase equipment and train their officers. And the fund so provided must be judiciously spent




by Greenstarnetwork admin..

Fashola Opens Yaya-Abatan Road, Asks Lagosians Not To Vote For PDP

The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, urged the residents to desist from voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2015 elections, stated that the ruling party had failed to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians, did nothing tangible for the people in the state.


fashola speaking to media


The governor made these comments while commissioning a 2.9 kilometre Yaya-Abatan Road in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government area and seven connecting inner-city roads on the Democracy Day, May 29, 2014, Thursday.


Fashola emphasised that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party was not bothered about security issues in Nigeria, preferred to focus on generating revenue for themselves. The All Progressives Congress (APC), on the opposite, was keeping its promises in delivering both development and democracy for the people.


“They (PDP) do not remember Lagos residents. But they are coming back to seek your votes. Will you give him? Please, do not give them your votes.”


It would be added that Fashola marked his seventh year in the office on the same day.


Commemorating the Democracy Day with completing the significant projects became a good tradition of his administration. Opening of the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge in 2013 had a great impact on the residents.


In 2012, the Lagos Traffic Radio was inaugurated, while the Democracy Day in 2011 was remembered by opening about 25 bus franchise holders, which have eased the transportation.


Not less than 209 road projects are in process across the state




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To Grant Amnesty To Boko Haram Is Wrong – Lawmaker Urges FG

Lawmaker Bitrus Kaze who represents Jos South/Jos East in the House of Representatives has described the reported efforts of the Federal Government to offer amnesty to Boko Haram sect despite its continued bombings and killings of innocent citizens as a step in the wrong direction.


senate-chamber_anti_terrorism_bill


On Friday, in a statement issued in Jos, Hon. Bitrus Kaze stressed that such effort, coming at a time the international community has declared to support Nigeria to stamp out terrorism, will boomerang.


His stated, “I do not subscribe to any form of dialogue with terrorists; we will not grow weary of making the point resoundingly clear that no country the world over has succeeded in curbing the menace that way.


“Motivated by the tension, anxiety and sense of fear permeating the nation as a result of terrorism, those who canvass this awkward idea cannot be right. This should explain exactly why the Alhaji Kabiru Turaki dialogue committee was and will continue to be a perpetual failure.”


He recalled that Boko Haram members earlier rebuffed the attempt made by President Jonathan to offer amnesty to them in April 2013 adding that “the terrorists categorically declined and instead offered amnesty to Mr. President.”


This amnesty “coming shortly after securing a reluctant approval from both Houses of the National Assembly, and when global outrage against the abduction of about 200 school girls from Chibok gingered foreign collaboration, the renewed offer of amnesty to the Boko Haram can’t be a step in the right direction as they continue to bomb and kill people.”




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Anti-Party Activities: Osun PDP Suspends Ex-Gov. Adeleke

Isiaka-AdelekeThe Osun State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended a former governor of the state, Sen. Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.


The State PDP chairman, Alhaji Gani OlaOluwa, announced the suspension in a statement made available to the journalists in Osogbo, the Osun capital on Friday.


According to OlaOluwa, “The decision was taken at the extended Executive Committee Meeting of the party where activities of Sen. Adeleke were x-rayed”.


The PDP chairman said it was embarrassing and “shameful that Adeleke could engage in anti-party activities when all hands should be on deck in ensuring that the PDP reclaims the state”.


Adeleke, who was a PDP gubernatorial hopeful, had on Thursday in Osogbo declared his intention to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.




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Abducted Chibok Girls: Presidency Welcomes Obasanjo’s Intervention

GEJ-OBJThe Presidency has welcomed ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s offer to mediate with Boko Haram on the release of the over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, last month.


But the Presidency’s approval of the ex-president’s intermediary role is on the condition that there will be no exchange deal involving detained insurgents.


The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, who made this known from Accra, Ghana, where President Jonathan is attending a meeting of West African leaders on security in Mali and Nigeria, said: “The President welcomes any initiative on how to address this insurgency. He has always said that tackling insurgency is a collective effort.


“I am not aware of any objection to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s initiative; we do not mind anyone assisting the government. As an elder statesman, the government welcomes his intervention”.


It would be recalled that Obasanjo had on Thursday night indicated his resolve to re-open new channels of dialogue with the sect after a preliminary meeting with families of Boko Haram in Abeokuta earlier in the week but stressed it would have to be with the blessing of President Jonathan.




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Jonathan, Obasanjo Come Together For Ex-Gov Otedola’s Burial In Lagos

obj-and-jonathanThe remains of a former Lagos State governor and father of billionaire businessman – Femi Otedola – Sir Michael Otedola, who died in April, have been laid to rest.


Sir Otedola’s final journey home was on a grand note in his native, Epe town amid tight security on Friday.


On hand to bid the former governor farewell as he ended his earthly sojourn were President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.


In his sermon at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibowon, Epe Local Government, Monsignor Philip Hoteyin, Chaplain of Marian Shrine, Lagos Catholic Diocese, urged President Jonathan to strengthen the unity in the country.


Hoteyin said: “Nigerians are everywhere. Everywhere you visit Nigeria is regarded as the greatest. Let us remain one of the greatest countries that we have always been”.


The chaplain noted that the country was regarded as a family, adding that efforts must be made to keep the country united.


Monsignor Hoteyin urged Nigerians not to forget that they are visitors on earth and would one day be called home.


He said, “We all must be the way, the truth and the light in whatever we do. This is because we will all die, but we do not know when, how and where it will happen. That is why man must be very careful while on earth.”


Though attendance at the burial ceremony was strictly by invitation, dignitaries that graced the event included the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola.


Others were the former governors of Ogun and Anambra states, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Peter Obi.




by Greenstarnetwork admin..

3 Ways To Deal with Cheating in Your Marriage; Don’t Just “Move Past It

article-20142484184615526000 Marriage isn’t easy and I’m sure many of you know that. It takes a lot of effort to maintain a happy home where both parties are truly getting what they need from each other. In many cases, this harmony between a couple is not being achieved which opens the door to many things such as cheating. The day you find out that your partner has cheated on you can be extremely difficult to handle. You may have always had a hunch or you may never have seen it coming. Either way you may be devastated and trying to figure out where do you go from here. You wonder if you can really stay in this relationship with them? Can things ever get better and back on the right track? Can you forgive them when they have hurt you this bad?


Forgive


Let’s start with forgiving them. Yes, you can forgive them and yes there may be hope. You give forgiveness because it is best for you. Holding on to the pain of what has occurred does nothing but create more pain and disappointment moving forward. It eats away at you. And whether you realize it or not, it hinders you in your life on a regular basis…Not to mention the fact that we all make poor decisions. This isn’t to minimize the seriousness of cheating but the reality is that we have all done something to hurt others whether we realize it or not. Forgiveness is freedom and many people are living in shackles wondering why things aren’t getting better in their life. Holding on to negative energy will lead you to operate in a negative manner and receive negative results. You may not forget but the power is in your hands to forgive and let it go. This will allow you to move in a better direction with or without that person.


When you forgive a person that does not mean you need to still be with that person. The reality is that if cheating has occurred, then there is an issue in the relationship or with that person. Either way, there is an issue that needs to be addressed and forgiveness is just the first step. Many people get cheated on and then the cheater says I’m sorry, begs to be taken back, and then the person who was cheated on eventually takes them back and tries to “move past it”. Well YOU CAN’T! Not if you aren’t going to sit down and truly discuss why the cheating happened, what may be wrong in the relationship, and how these things will be avoided moving forward.


Communicate


Having that necessary discussion (in a positive manner) will help you understand what fed into that person cheating. You can then properly evaluate it you two can fix this and put in the necessary effort. If that isn’t going to happen, then taking them back becomes pointless. Don’t overlook the fact that some situations can be fixed with proper communication, while others need to be recognized as a relationship that would be best to end. No matter what it is, you have to try to talk about it in a calm and receptive manner. Attacking them out of anger (that is why forgiveness is the first step) will only create a situation where an honest and open discussion will be difficult to have. So truly address the issue and then based on that conversation determine if being together is possible and something that can be worked out.


Decide


Nobody likes the idea of being cheated on. It sucks and having to face that situation will always be difficult. Do not allow the pain of cheating to cloud your judgment. Always take a step back, remember to forgive, and then properly address/discuss the situation. Proper communication is always a good thing… so embrace it even in moments like this. If needed, involve a third party such as a counselor, coach, pastor, etc to help facilitate this process. How others view you and your situation should not matter. This is between you and your partner, but do not be foolish to think that blowing up on them and walking away is going to solve anything. Neither will acting like you’re “over it” or trying to ineffectively “move past it”. Take a more positive open minded approach and you will get the results that are best for you…even if they aren’t what you had once hoped for them to be.


Source: StephenSpeaks.com




by Greenstarnetwork admin..

Must Read – Love Is Not Just A Chemical Reaction

article-201341199262333983000 Love! The moment the word falls on the ear drum, the entire body responds. It’s Instantaneous and immediate. The brain reacts like a tuning fork struck hard and suddenly a picture crops up in our minds making our lips form a broad smile that extends from ear to ear. Love, they say is a beautiful feeling that extends beyond words; beyond speech. A feeling that gives you wings. A feeling that makes everything seem better; makes the world brighter and life worth living. When you feel love, it’s like you live in heaven on earth.


But “love”; while being small in spelling, it’s larger than humanly imaginable. It’s complex, immeasurable, delicate and indefinable. With love comes many things; care, possessiveness, envy, pride, attitude, jealousy, joy, anger, fear, disappointment, regret, responsibility—all intertwined into one indescribable whole that has been christened “Love.”


Without love, we are lifeless. No human being, however magnificent, can live successfully without love. The saying “he/she died of a lonely heart” reigns true being that love plays a major role in our happiness and our desire to live! It’s not just a feeling experienced by humans; animals also have their own ways of displaying and desiring love. Human life is nothing without love; it’s the primary need for survival. Our drive to stay alive, our drive to protect; our drive to do things for others that in many ways we don’t like or necessarily care to do.


We need love for growth, for living, for strength! Right from the time we are born, to the time we take our last breath; we experience love in many different ways, at different times and through different means. Mom’s love through care and warmth, Father’s love through protection and direction, Brother’s love through teasing, Sister’s love through fighting,


Friends’ love through sharing, Lover’s love through delicate affection!


As we grow, our pride blinds us to the need for love and in turn we tend to no longer appreciate it or take it for granted. The anger a child develops toward an overbearing parent; the bitterness a person develops toward a possessive spouse, the hatred one nationality develops toward another nationality. The hateful actions one country takes toward another country. Love has long lost its true value and today; it is just a tool we use and throw toward people as need be.


May sound bitter but true!


Relationships are formed through love, however relationships are just as fragile as love itself or maybe more so. They need extra attention and care. They need effort from all sides to be maintained. One wrong move and all bets are off! Even if the relationship itself isn’t dismantled, the once strong bond is weakened with every mistake. A small misunderstanding, an unfaithful encounter, a little distance, a major disagreement—all could have massive effects on a relationship; even more so enough to dismantle the relationship entirely.


To bring clarification to the word itself, a “relationship” is not exclusive to the cuddling and mollycoddling between a boy and girl; what we share with our parents is a relationship; what we share with our siblings is a relationship; friends, cousins, pets, colleagues—are all relationships. In our lives, we are a part of so many relations that most of the time we don’t even realize it. The bonding is very underestimated and unappreciated especially in today’s “super fast and posh” times. Many of times, no value, no credential; pretty much no weight of importance is given to them. This is why almost every single day; we come across news headlines written in bold letters about a deadly shooting between two siblings, a stabbing between two spouses, a son murdering his father, a parent sexually abusing his/her children; etc.


Basically, materialistic pleasures rule today and love has taken the back seat!


Relationships need nurturing, fostering and careful upbringing. They need to be treated like a new born baby. Give them all it takes so they grow to be strong and unbreakable. Newton’s third law of motion applies most aptly here—every action will have an equal and opposite reaction! Nourish them and they’ll make your life beautiful. They bring in a whole new meaning to life and for many; they become a reason to live. But remember, a small error and they could devastate you. So take care of the wonderful relationships you are involved, but most importantly; remember it takes “real love” to secure your relationships for “real love” is the foundation to all that is right, and “real love” is not just a chemical reaction, but that in which is intentionally brought forth from within.

Source: opentalkmagazine.com




by Greenstarnetwork admin..

5 Scientifically Proven Tricks That Can Make You Attractive

article-201451479450735107000 We all like to believe that we can be more attractive than what we are; at least to that one special person. The good news is, you can look and even feel attractive, without putting in any extra efforts, and by following some very basic rules. If you thought that we are just going to talk about makeup or fashion tips, let us assure you that these tricks are proven and backed by scientific studies.

So, just read on to know how to become irresistible for your partner, or for someone who has been on your mind for a long time. We are sure these tricks can work wonders for your love life in no time.


1. Smile your way into their hearts

It has been proved that a smile makes you look less intimidating, and more attractive. When you throw a friendly smile at someone, you are directly conveying a message that they have no reason to worry about or fear, and this easily induces further interaction.


#2. Stand tall and confident

It is not a secret that most women like tall men. Ladies are biologically inclined to choose the alpha male, and if there is a taller contender, he is going to have his height as an edge. So guys, try to choose footwear with high-heeled insoles.


Although a girl’s height might not matter to most guys, the confidence that high heels impart does not go unnoticed. However, if you are very tall, wear flats and walk straight with shoulders pulled back firmly. This goes for both, men and women. In any case, be very confident when you walk. Nothing is more attractive than someone who walks straight and confident.


#3. Sometimes makeup is a must!

Ladies, men like makeup on you, as long as you don’t go overboard and paint your face colourful. You can be very confident with your makeup. Studies have shown that men are actually attracted towards women who wear natural makeup that hides blemishes and give them a smooth, flawless look. So, if you are planning to meet that special someone, make sure you wear subtle makeup.


But guys, please stay away from makeup of any kind! Yes, do away with tinted lip balm, compact, or even girlie, floral perfumes. It has been shown that on an average, for women, makeup on a guy is a big turn off.


#4. Be bold, wear red

This might sound strange to some, but having some red included in your look, either in the outfit or accessories, is like carrying a flame that will attract your mate like the proverbial moth! The colour red has been proved to be highly stimulating to the areas of the brain that dictate procreation.


A study from the University of Rochester has showed that men rated women in red more sexually attractive than those who weren’t in red. However, be warned that only the colour cannot work miracles. In fact, it can do nothing if you are unfriendly or unapproachable.


#5. Laugh your heart out

‘Laughter is the best medicine’, they don’t say this for no reason! It has been proved that when you laugh heartily, your best look comes out, and nothing can attract the opposite s*x better. When you both are talking, and you laugh at something that they say, it makes them feel that you appreciate them. However, remember not to get carried away. Laughing for a long time after the conversation, can be a definite turn off. Also girls, stay away from giggling


Now that you know what makes you attractive, don’t miss these 6 Scientifically Proven Ways to Make Someone Fall in Love with You

It is incredible how nature has pre-programmed us and our attractions. The secret is simply to be able to decipher the codes. With these five basic tips, we are sure you will be able to attract your dream guy or girl quite easily.


Source: Bollywoodshaadis.com




by Greenstarnetwork admin..

15 Things You Need To Know Before Even Thinking About Dating Again

article-2014514712063943599000 Read on!


1. “Think of it this way: You know what you DON’T want. Now go out there and figure out what you DO want.”


2. “Fix yourself first. When you’re able to tell your story and not cry then you’re ready to date.”


3. “The dating scene has changed since you were last part of it. It takes time to process that along with everything you’ve been through with the divorce. Be cognizant of that and try your hardest to take things slow.”


4. “Don’t cling to someone new just because you’re lonely. Be picky. Think long and hard about what you no longer want to invite into your life and once you have, don’t compromise those things for the sake of companionship (even if it is super hot companionship — sigh).”


5. “Only date when you’re ready and know that the time it takes to be ready varies from person to person. Once you’re open to dating, feel free to make mistakes and embrace this new phase in your life. I don’t mean be completely hedonistic, but feel free to be adventurous and get to know new people.”


6. “Date, date, date. But take time to make yourself happy first and don’t expect the people you’re seeing to help you get over your divorce. Dates are not band-aids.”


7. “Remember: Not everyone is just like your ex.”


8. “Find out who the person you’re dating is by asking questions — lots of questions.”


9. “Make sure that you are completely healed from all of your past relationships and that you’re no longer carrying around any sort of emotional baggage. If you’re emotionally unavailable, you’ll attract the wrong people, fall into the wrong types of relationships, and the vicious cycle will continue to repeat itself. Instead, go into any potential new relationship with a clear conscience and an open, pure heart that’s ready to give and receive joy.”


10. “The first one (or fifty) is not (usually) ‘the one.’ Have fun and don’t feel badly about that.”


11. “Take the time to heal yourself first; otherwise it’s not fair to you, or the person you date.”


12. “Don’t take dating too seriously. It should be fun! If it’s not fun, it’s time to take a step back and wait to get back out there.”


13. “Know this: If you’re going to try online dating, you need to develop some thick skin.”


14. “You have a better understanding of love now. Commit to loving yourself first and you’ll create an example of the love you expect from others.”


15. “Find strength in yourself. No man or woman will fill a void. Once you realize that, still go slow. Even when it hurts to go slow. Those were by far the hardest lessons for me to learn.”


Source: huffpost.com




by Greenstarnetwork admin..