25-year-old Charity Uzoechina, the daughter of a Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor, recently converted to Islam and this development has sparked off serious controversy.
Her father, Pastor Raymond Uzoechina, accused the Estu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubukar, of hypnotizing his daughter, who now bears A’isha, to embrace Islam.
However, in this interview with Daily Trust, she bares her mind on why exactly she switched religions.
Excerpts:
Weekly Trust: What is your name?
Aisha Uzoechina: I was formerly known as Charity Uzoechina and now A’isha Uzoechina.
Why the change of name?
I changed my name because I have accepted Islam.
What brought you to Bida?
I came to Bida in 2012 to read Public Administration at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.
Are you still a student of Federal Polytechnic Bida?
No, I am not. I have withdrawn from the school.
Did you go back home?
No, I did not go home. At the beginning I was planning to go back home, because I wanted to tell my father that I have converted to Islam. When I converted, I was afraid to tell my parents, because of the way my father would behave. I know he will not take it lightly with me. So, for that I refused to go back home.
Did anybody force or enticed you to join Islam?
I joined Islam on my own. Nobody enticed me with anything to join Islam.
What informed your decision to join Islam?
I converted to Islam because I love the character of Muslims, particularly the way they behave. You know Muslims believe in God. I have Muslim friends and I watch what they do, that enticed me to join Islam. I used to read Qur’an when I was a Christian. I always join them to read Qur’an and through that I found out that it is the same one God they worship. So I embraced Islam.
How did your father come to know about your change of faith?
When I ran to the palace, I told you, it was very difficult before I could see the Emir. When I saw him, the emir refused to accept me, because my father did not know about it. He, therefore, collected my father’s number from me and called him. The following day my father came and said he wanted to see me. When we met we talked one on one.
What did you tell him?
Well the emir told him that I have converted to Islam. When my father talked to me, he said let’s go home, but I refused. I told him that I will not change my faith, because I have already accepted Islam and this is where I want to stay. He, therefore, threatened me so much so that I became scared of him.
What did he do to you amounting to a threat?
In the first place you know, I put on Hijab (veil), he said I should remove the Hijab. He was angry and used some harsh words on me, directing that I should remove the Hijab, but I refused. He threatened to take me to a village where nobody will set his eyes on me. So I became scared of him, therefore I refused to follow him. That is it.
Did the emir intervene?
The emir gave him one week to come back, but he came back even before it reached one week. He said he must take me home. He will not take me to our house, but he’ll take me to somewhere that nobody will set his eyes on me. I quickly ran back to the emir and to the Shari’a Court for protection. I don’t want to go back to my father, because he is threatening me.
How did you come to know about the Shari’a Court?
I found out from people. I went to them on my own to formally lodge my complaint.
Why Shari’a Court?
They have to protect me. You know when you take a case to court over life threatening issue, the court must protect you. That is it.
Did your father come back after you refused to follow him?
He came back. He kept on coming back. The other time he even threatened to bring some people to kidnap me.
Is it true that at a time your father came with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) officials to you?
Yes.
Is it true that you also went to the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI)?
Yes.
Why did you go to JNI?
I told you and I’ll still repeat it, though I don’t want to repeat my words again. I want them to intervene on my behalf, the threat is too much. Now I can’t go anywhere, I cannot even continue with my schooling. I cannot do anything because of the way he has been threatening me. He is still bringing people up till now to keep watch on me.
How do you know that your father has assigned people to keep watch on you?
There was a time that I wanted to go out, information came to me that my father was around and I had to stay back since I don’t want him to take me away. I know that if I gout anytime,I he’ll pick me up.
How did you come to know about JNI?
I have been reading about them. That is why I went to them.
How did you present your case to JNI?
I wrote to them seeking for their intervention, because I do not know how to go about convincing my father. I also learnt that the emir wanted to hand me over to my father, because the burden of my case is becoming too much for him to bear.
If your father should promise to allow you to practice your new faith, will you go with him?
I’ll not. In a family that you are the only Muslim, how can you practice in that house? You know when he (my father) came along with my mother the other time, his actions and the harsh words he used, even if I go back home, my life will not be secured in his hand. That is why I said I’ll not go.
Did you start learning anything about Islam?
Yes, I started learning how to perform ablution. I have learnt how to recite Surah Al-Fatihah, I am now in my second surah.
Do you pray five times a day?
Yes I do. I am even fasting now. I have been fasting since the beginning of the month of Ramadan.
What is your massage to people wanting to join Islam?
I have only one massage. Islam is good. Muslims are truthful, everything they say, they believe in God and they carry people along. Once a person converted to Islam, he’ll be carried along until he is strong to stand on his own.
What is your appeal to your parent?
I am appealing to my parents not to be angry with me. My conversion to Islam will not separate us. I still love them, even though I am here. They can come and visit me and I can also visit them. They shouldn’t think my new faith will take away the love I have for them. It will not. I am very sorry.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Elikem and Nando face off!
The House came to a standstill yesterday evening when Nando and Elikem got into a fight of major proportions.
All sorts of unpalatable were hurled atElikem by Nando, who finds Elikem’s childish ways offensive. “You’re a b*tch n*gga. You’re 22 and I’m 24 but you shake your butt in front of the cameras. Who does that? Now I’m regretting why I never Nominated you,” an aggravated Nando said. Nando was clearly pulling the wool over everyones eyes because he actually Nominated Elikem on Monday.
When Elikem said “I have nothing to say to you”, Nando told him “I have plenty to say and I will say it”. Nando then lunged at Elikem and grabbed his beanie. “That’s my beanie and only real n*gga’s are allowed to wear it. Not people like you”. After more insults were hurled, Elikem finally exploded and told Nando “I dare you to start this on the outside. I double dare you.” he shouted as Bimp, Oneal and Melvin scrambled to break up the volatile situation. The argument looked like it would turn catastrophic as soon as Elikem told Nando “F*ck you and your mother”.
Bimp and Melvin then dragged an incensed Nando to the bathroom so they could calm him down. “Nobody double dares me. I swear. I felt like stabbing that n*gga. These are the n*ggas that deserve to die,” the Tanzanian said. Nando already has a Strike after concealing a knife under his jacket during one of the Channel O parties.
Many of the Housemates said Nando was probably carrying it in case he and Sulu got into a fight. Because of his actions, Nando got a Strike. “Nando don’t do this. This could be seen as extreme provocation. You already have a Strike,” Bimp said.
Nando wasn’t having any of that and told Bimp “If he didn’t dare me, it would be fine. I won’t let it go. The whole weekend I will speak my mind,” Nando said.
All sorts of unpalatable were hurled atElikem by Nando, who finds Elikem’s childish ways offensive. “You’re a b*tch n*gga. You’re 22 and I’m 24 but you shake your butt in front of the cameras. Who does that? Now I’m regretting why I never Nominated you,” an aggravated Nando said. Nando was clearly pulling the wool over everyones eyes because he actually Nominated Elikem on Monday.
When Elikem said “I have nothing to say to you”, Nando told him “I have plenty to say and I will say it”. Nando then lunged at Elikem and grabbed his beanie. “That’s my beanie and only real n*gga’s are allowed to wear it. Not people like you”. After more insults were hurled, Elikem finally exploded and told Nando “I dare you to start this on the outside. I double dare you.” he shouted as Bimp, Oneal and Melvin scrambled to break up the volatile situation. The argument looked like it would turn catastrophic as soon as Elikem told Nando “F*ck you and your mother”.
Bimp and Melvin then dragged an incensed Nando to the bathroom so they could calm him down. “Nobody double dares me. I swear. I felt like stabbing that n*gga. These are the n*ggas that deserve to die,” the Tanzanian said. Nando already has a Strike after concealing a knife under his jacket during one of the Channel O parties.
Many of the Housemates said Nando was probably carrying it in case he and Sulu got into a fight. Because of his actions, Nando got a Strike. “Nando don’t do this. This could be seen as extreme provocation. You already have a Strike,” Bimp said.
Nando wasn’t having any of that and told Bimp “If he didn’t dare me, it would be fine. I won’t let it go. The whole weekend I will speak my mind,” Nando said.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Chinese newspaper erects ‘giant penis’ building
When it comes to office buildings, does size really matter? It just might, if China’s main state-run newspaper has its way.
The People’s Daily is used to breaking news, but recently it became the news after some dirty, dirty minds realized the paper’s new headquarters was starting to look like, well, a giant penis.
The building, which stands 150 meters tall, is currently under construction in Beijing. Due to its rather distinctive shaft — er, shape — mischievous pictures of the construction zone began cropping up on China’s Twitter equivalent, Sina Weibo.
More than one person pointed out that, with a little creative Photoshopping, the “Giant Penis” building fit snugly between the “legs” of the infamous China Central Television (CCTV) headquarters, sometimes referred to as the “Big Underpants” building.
If you think about it, the two buildings actually embody the traditional Chinese philosophy of yin and yang harmony, writes blog Hug China.
“As the CCTV headquarters nicknamed as Big Underpants plays the role of Yin (negative, female) with large hole under the ‘two pants,’ the People’s Daily new headquarters are the Yang (positive, male),” Hug China states. “The two key mouthpieces of CPC are really perfectly embodying the traditional Yin-Yang concept.”
Phallic puns aside, word of the mockery soon reached China’s censors, who were decidedly unamused and set about spoiling everyone’s fun, reports the South China Morning Post. Now, Weibo visitors searching for “People’s Daily building” are instead met with this message: “According to relevant laws, regulations and policies, search results cannot be displayed.”
“This points to both the frustration among young Chinese Internet users, and the sensitivity among censors to even silly dissent online,” Reuter’s Anita Li noted.
The People’s Daily is used to breaking news, but recently it became the news after some dirty, dirty minds realized the paper’s new headquarters was starting to look like, well, a giant penis.
The building, which stands 150 meters tall, is currently under construction in Beijing. Due to its rather distinctive shaft — er, shape — mischievous pictures of the construction zone began cropping up on China’s Twitter equivalent, Sina Weibo.
More than one person pointed out that, with a little creative Photoshopping, the “Giant Penis” building fit snugly between the “legs” of the infamous China Central Television (CCTV) headquarters, sometimes referred to as the “Big Underpants” building.
If you think about it, the two buildings actually embody the traditional Chinese philosophy of yin and yang harmony, writes blog Hug China.
“As the CCTV headquarters nicknamed as Big Underpants plays the role of Yin (negative, female) with large hole under the ‘two pants,’ the People’s Daily new headquarters are the Yang (positive, male),” Hug China states. “The two key mouthpieces of CPC are really perfectly embodying the traditional Yin-Yang concept.”
Phallic puns aside, word of the mockery soon reached China’s censors, who were decidedly unamused and set about spoiling everyone’s fun, reports the South China Morning Post. Now, Weibo visitors searching for “People’s Daily building” are instead met with this message: “According to relevant laws, regulations and policies, search results cannot be displayed.”
“This points to both the frustration among young Chinese Internet users, and the sensitivity among censors to even silly dissent online,” Reuter’s Anita Li noted.
NLC threatens to join ASUU strike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday threatened to join the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in solidarity strike if the Federal Government failed to address the ASUU demands.
NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, made the threat at the opening ceremony of the “2013 Rain School” in Uyo.
“We call on the Federal Government to have meaningful dialogue with ASUU with a view to implementing the agreement.
“The State Governments should equally obey the law and pay minimum wage to teachers and the local government workers as well as the 27.5 per cent teacher's enhanced salaries.
“Should these strikes persist, workers of Nigeria will not hesitate to join them in solidarity," he stressed.
NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, made the threat at the opening ceremony of the “2013 Rain School” in Uyo.
“We call on the Federal Government to have meaningful dialogue with ASUU with a view to implementing the agreement.
“The State Governments should equally obey the law and pay minimum wage to teachers and the local government workers as well as the 27.5 per cent teacher's enhanced salaries.
“Should these strikes persist, workers of Nigeria will not hesitate to join them in solidarity," he stressed.
Crisis: PDP sets up reconciliation panel o Dickson heads 30-man committee o Rivers says Bayelsa gov will be partial
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State was on Monday named as the Chairman of the 30-man Peoples Democratic Party National Reconciliation Committee.
Dickson, who hails from the same state with President Goodluck Jonathan, is one of the 16 governors backing the Governor Jonah Jang-led faction of the Nigeria Governors' Forum. Dickson's headship of the committee has already been faulted by the Rivers State Government which described him as one of President Goodluck Jonathan's "hatchet men."
The PDP became more polarised since the conduct of the NGF election, which the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, won with 19 votes.
Few days after the forum's election, the PDP announced the suspension of Amaechi, claiming that the action was taken because he declined to reconstitute the executive of Obiokpor Local Government council of the state.
Even though Amaechi is currently challenging his suspension in court, there has been a series of crises in the state.
Few days ago, four governors elected on the PDP platform were in the state to see him but were reportedly molested by youths said to have been sponsored by those opposed to the governor.
The setting up of the committee came few days after some PDP governors visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they complained about happenings in the party.
Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Tony Okeke, who announced the setting up of the Reconciliation Committee, said its members would be inaugurated on Thursday.
Alhaji Asheik Jarma and Mr Umar Damagun, will serve as the Deputy Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
Other members include; Dr. I.A. Obuzor, Alhaji Salisu Suleiman, Sen. Walid Jibrin, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Alhaji Bello Mohammed, Alhaji Niyi Fadimula Mr Jerome Eke, Mr Tijani Kiyawa, and Mr Chris Marizu.
Dr Christy Silas, Mr Jangwe Yusuf, Mrs Ngozi Olejeme, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Yakubu Shehu, Mohammed Kuchazi, Mrs Adedeji Olarenwaju and Prince Arthur Eze, are also members of the committee.
The list also includes, Chief Emma Iwuagwu, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, Sen. Umar Gada, Dosun Fatokun, Mr Harold Eze, Hajia Fati Sabo, Alhaji Wakili Mohammed, Alhaji Shittu Mohammed and Chief Dapo Sarumi.
Okeke, in a statement said, "In furtherance of the efforts to ensure comprehensive reconciliation among members and interests in the party, the National Working Committee of the PDP has set up a National Reconciliation Committee to harmonise all interests and achieve genuine reconciliation across board."
But in Port Harcourt, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Tony Okocha, expressed dissatisfaction that Dickson, an interested party in the crisis rocking the party, was selected to lead the reconciliation committee.
He argued that the PDP should have nominated a Nigerian that had no interest in the crisis affecting the PDP so that the committee would appear genuine.
Okocha stated that there were prominent Nigerians known for their ability to broker peace in crisis situations and wondered why none of them was selected to head the committee.
He added that bringing in those that were the masterminds of the NGF crisis to head such a committee would not help to achieve the reconciliation, which the party was seeking.
Okocha said, "That committee headed by Dickson has a script to act out. When you are out to make peace, you must try as much as possible to isolate interested parties. Seriake Dickson is one of the hatchet men of the President.
"There are Nigerians who are peaceful. They (PDP) should look at them in selecting those that would reconcile aggrieved members of the party. What has just happened is like appointing (Godswill) Akpabio to head a committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party that include Governor Amaechi.
"You can't bring those that were the masterminds of the crisis in the NGF to head the reconciliation committee. It will not help any reconciliation effort. I can sit here now and tell you the outcome of the panel's efforts. Like I said; they are only acting a script."
Meanwhile, the Presidency has said that Amaechi misfired by accusing the President of turning the PDP into a "one-man-show."
Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Monday.
Apart from accusing Jonathan of running a "one-man-show" in the PDP, Amaechi had in an interview granted the Financial Times of London,alleged that Jonathan was condoning "impunity and authoritarianism" in an effort to ensure re-election in 2015.
But Gulak said there was nothing farther from the truth than the governor's statement.
He said the President does not only abide by the constitutions of the country and the PDP, he consults robustly before party decisions are taken.
The presidential aide added that contrary to Amaechi's claim, all constitutionally recognised party organs take part in decision-making.
He cited an example of a recent decision to hold the party's special convention, saying that resolution was taken by the party's National Executive Council.
Gulak said, "That statement credited to Ameachi is very wrong; it is not true that the President is running the PDP as a one-man show.
"I can tell you authoritatively that every senior stakeholder in the party is consulted before decisions relating to the party are taken. All constitutionally recognised organs of the party such as the National Working Committee, the NEC and the Board of Trustees take part in decision-making processes.
"For example, it was the NEC that recently decided that the party should hold a special convention. The President is a man that abides by the constitutions of the country and the party. He consults robustly before taking decisions.
"If it is true that Amaechi made that statement, he misfired."
Dickson, who hails from the same state with President Goodluck Jonathan, is one of the 16 governors backing the Governor Jonah Jang-led faction of the Nigeria Governors' Forum. Dickson's headship of the committee has already been faulted by the Rivers State Government which described him as one of President Goodluck Jonathan's "hatchet men."
The PDP became more polarised since the conduct of the NGF election, which the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, won with 19 votes.
Few days after the forum's election, the PDP announced the suspension of Amaechi, claiming that the action was taken because he declined to reconstitute the executive of Obiokpor Local Government council of the state.
Even though Amaechi is currently challenging his suspension in court, there has been a series of crises in the state.
Few days ago, four governors elected on the PDP platform were in the state to see him but were reportedly molested by youths said to have been sponsored by those opposed to the governor.
The setting up of the committee came few days after some PDP governors visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they complained about happenings in the party.
Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Tony Okeke, who announced the setting up of the Reconciliation Committee, said its members would be inaugurated on Thursday.
Alhaji Asheik Jarma and Mr Umar Damagun, will serve as the Deputy Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
Other members include; Dr. I.A. Obuzor, Alhaji Salisu Suleiman, Sen. Walid Jibrin, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Alhaji Bello Mohammed, Alhaji Niyi Fadimula Mr Jerome Eke, Mr Tijani Kiyawa, and Mr Chris Marizu.
Dr Christy Silas, Mr Jangwe Yusuf, Mrs Ngozi Olejeme, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Yakubu Shehu, Mohammed Kuchazi, Mrs Adedeji Olarenwaju and Prince Arthur Eze, are also members of the committee.
The list also includes, Chief Emma Iwuagwu, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, Sen. Umar Gada, Dosun Fatokun, Mr Harold Eze, Hajia Fati Sabo, Alhaji Wakili Mohammed, Alhaji Shittu Mohammed and Chief Dapo Sarumi.
Okeke, in a statement said, "In furtherance of the efforts to ensure comprehensive reconciliation among members and interests in the party, the National Working Committee of the PDP has set up a National Reconciliation Committee to harmonise all interests and achieve genuine reconciliation across board."
But in Port Harcourt, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Tony Okocha, expressed dissatisfaction that Dickson, an interested party in the crisis rocking the party, was selected to lead the reconciliation committee.
He argued that the PDP should have nominated a Nigerian that had no interest in the crisis affecting the PDP so that the committee would appear genuine.
Okocha stated that there were prominent Nigerians known for their ability to broker peace in crisis situations and wondered why none of them was selected to head the committee.
He added that bringing in those that were the masterminds of the NGF crisis to head such a committee would not help to achieve the reconciliation, which the party was seeking.
Okocha said, "That committee headed by Dickson has a script to act out. When you are out to make peace, you must try as much as possible to isolate interested parties. Seriake Dickson is one of the hatchet men of the President.
"There are Nigerians who are peaceful. They (PDP) should look at them in selecting those that would reconcile aggrieved members of the party. What has just happened is like appointing (Godswill) Akpabio to head a committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party that include Governor Amaechi.
"You can't bring those that were the masterminds of the crisis in the NGF to head the reconciliation committee. It will not help any reconciliation effort. I can sit here now and tell you the outcome of the panel's efforts. Like I said; they are only acting a script."
Meanwhile, the Presidency has said that Amaechi misfired by accusing the President of turning the PDP into a "one-man-show."
Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Monday.
Apart from accusing Jonathan of running a "one-man-show" in the PDP, Amaechi had in an interview granted the Financial Times of London,alleged that Jonathan was condoning "impunity and authoritarianism" in an effort to ensure re-election in 2015.
But Gulak said there was nothing farther from the truth than the governor's statement.
He said the President does not only abide by the constitutions of the country and the PDP, he consults robustly before party decisions are taken.
The presidential aide added that contrary to Amaechi's claim, all constitutionally recognised party organs take part in decision-making.
He cited an example of a recent decision to hold the party's special convention, saying that resolution was taken by the party's National Executive Council.
Gulak said, "That statement credited to Ameachi is very wrong; it is not true that the President is running the PDP as a one-man show.
"I can tell you authoritatively that every senior stakeholder in the party is consulted before decisions relating to the party are taken. All constitutionally recognised organs of the party such as the National Working Committee, the NEC and the Board of Trustees take part in decision-making processes.
"For example, it was the NEC that recently decided that the party should hold a special convention. The President is a man that abides by the constitutions of the country and the party. He consults robustly before taking decisions.
"If it is true that Amaechi made that statement, he misfired."
Husband demands refund of bride price
A husband, Zaiyanu Muhammad of Ibadan Street in Kaduna, has urged the Magajin Gari Sharia Court to recover the N80,000 bride and other expenses he paid in Saliha Abdulsalam as wife.
He told the court that the request became necessary because Saliha left the matrimonial home two days after marrying him.
“I married Saliha on January 13 but she came to my house on January 27.
According to him, when he married Saliha, her parents pleaded with him to give them time to prepare dowry for her before moving into the matrimonial home.
“But in spite of the N80,000 I gave her, she came to my house with nothing,’’ said the Mohammed.
Muhammad added that he had not seen Saliha since then until they met in the court on July 22.
“Since she is not interested in the marriage, she should return my bride price. I used every possible means to see her back but to no avail.’’
Saliha, however, denied the allegation.
She told the court that two days into their marriage, Muhammad told her mother that he was not interested in the marriage.
“He asked me to leave his house, which I did and left for Giwa Local Government Area in Kaduna state and later to Abuja’’, she said.
According to Saliha, she is ready to go back to his house “because I still love him.’’
The Khadi, Ibrahim Mohammed, said they should go and settle their differences since Saliha had agreed to return to the complainant’s house.
Mohammed adjourned the case to August 1 for report of settlement or continuation of hearing. (NAN)
He told the court that the request became necessary because Saliha left the matrimonial home two days after marrying him.
“I married Saliha on January 13 but she came to my house on January 27.
According to him, when he married Saliha, her parents pleaded with him to give them time to prepare dowry for her before moving into the matrimonial home.
“But in spite of the N80,000 I gave her, she came to my house with nothing,’’ said the Mohammed.
Muhammad added that he had not seen Saliha since then until they met in the court on July 22.
“Since she is not interested in the marriage, she should return my bride price. I used every possible means to see her back but to no avail.’’
Saliha, however, denied the allegation.
She told the court that two days into their marriage, Muhammad told her mother that he was not interested in the marriage.
“He asked me to leave his house, which I did and left for Giwa Local Government Area in Kaduna state and later to Abuja’’, she said.
According to Saliha, she is ready to go back to his house “because I still love him.’’
The Khadi, Ibrahim Mohammed, said they should go and settle their differences since Saliha had agreed to return to the complainant’s house.
Mohammed adjourned the case to August 1 for report of settlement or continuation of hearing. (NAN)
30 million girls still at risk of genital mutilation – UNICEF
United Nations – The UN Children Fund (UNICEF) has said that 30 million girls would still be at the risk of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the next decade.
This was contained in a report entitled “Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A statistical overview and exploration of the dynamics of change”, launched on Monday.
The report surveyed 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, where FGM/C persists, and found that while support for the practice was on decline, girls remained in considerable danger.
According to the report, the challenge now is to let girls and women, boys and men speak out loudly and clearly and announce that they want this harmful practice abandoned.
It pointed to a gap between people’s personal views on FGM/C and the entrenched sense of social obligation that fuels
its continuation, exacerbated by a lack of open communication on the sensitive issue.
“There are currently 125 million girls and women alive today who have been subjected to FGM/C, which refers to a number of practices which involve cutting away part or all of a girl’s external genitalia.
“The practice recognised globally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women has no health benefits, causes severe pain and has several immediate and long-term health consequences,’’ the report said, qouting UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Geeta Rao Gupta.
The report’s found that not only are most girls and women against the practice, but that a significant number of men and boys also oppose FGM/C.
It also said that in three countries such as Chad, Guinea and Sierra Leone, more men than women want the practice to end.
The report added that while FGM/C had been virtually abandoned by certain groups and countries, it remained entrenched in many others, even where there was legislation against it and efforts by governments and non-governmental organisations to convince communities to stop it.
“FGM/C remains almost universal in Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, and Egypt, with more than nine out of 10 women and girls aged 15-49 being cut.
“In countries such as Chad, Gambia, Mali, Senegal, Sudan, or Yemen, there has been no discernible decline.
“By contrast, the practice has declined in Kenya, Tanzania, Benin, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic,’’ the report said.
While noting that legislation against FGM/C is a welcome development, the report called for measures to complement
it, such as positive social dynamics that change the social norms to accelerate the decline of this practice.
It recommended opening up FGM/C to greater public scrutiny, to challenge the misperception that “everyone else” approves of the practice.
It also highlighted the role education could play in bringing further social change, noting that higher levels of education among mothers corresponded to a lower risk that their daughters would be cut and that while in school, girls may develop ties with others who oppose FGM/C.
Some of the key steps outlined in the report include finding ways to make visible the hidden attitudes that favour the abandonment of FGM/C, increasing exposure of groups that still follow the practice to those that do not, and promoting the rejection of FGM/C alongside improved opportunities for girls.
Since 2008, nearly 10,000 communities in 15 countries, representing about eight million people, have renounced the practice.
In December 2012, a UN General Assembly resolution called on Member States to intensify efforts toward the complete elimination of FGM/C.
In addition, some 1,775 communities across Africa publicly declared their commitment to end the practice last year. (NAN)
This was contained in a report entitled “Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A statistical overview and exploration of the dynamics of change”, launched on Monday.
The report surveyed 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, where FGM/C persists, and found that while support for the practice was on decline, girls remained in considerable danger.
According to the report, the challenge now is to let girls and women, boys and men speak out loudly and clearly and announce that they want this harmful practice abandoned.
It pointed to a gap between people’s personal views on FGM/C and the entrenched sense of social obligation that fuels
its continuation, exacerbated by a lack of open communication on the sensitive issue.
“There are currently 125 million girls and women alive today who have been subjected to FGM/C, which refers to a number of practices which involve cutting away part or all of a girl’s external genitalia.
“The practice recognised globally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women has no health benefits, causes severe pain and has several immediate and long-term health consequences,’’ the report said, qouting UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Geeta Rao Gupta.
The report’s found that not only are most girls and women against the practice, but that a significant number of men and boys also oppose FGM/C.
It also said that in three countries such as Chad, Guinea and Sierra Leone, more men than women want the practice to end.
The report added that while FGM/C had been virtually abandoned by certain groups and countries, it remained entrenched in many others, even where there was legislation against it and efforts by governments and non-governmental organisations to convince communities to stop it.
“FGM/C remains almost universal in Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, and Egypt, with more than nine out of 10 women and girls aged 15-49 being cut.
“In countries such as Chad, Gambia, Mali, Senegal, Sudan, or Yemen, there has been no discernible decline.
“By contrast, the practice has declined in Kenya, Tanzania, Benin, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic,’’ the report said.
While noting that legislation against FGM/C is a welcome development, the report called for measures to complement
it, such as positive social dynamics that change the social norms to accelerate the decline of this practice.
It recommended opening up FGM/C to greater public scrutiny, to challenge the misperception that “everyone else” approves of the practice.
It also highlighted the role education could play in bringing further social change, noting that higher levels of education among mothers corresponded to a lower risk that their daughters would be cut and that while in school, girls may develop ties with others who oppose FGM/C.
Some of the key steps outlined in the report include finding ways to make visible the hidden attitudes that favour the abandonment of FGM/C, increasing exposure of groups that still follow the practice to those that do not, and promoting the rejection of FGM/C alongside improved opportunities for girls.
Since 2008, nearly 10,000 communities in 15 countries, representing about eight million people, have renounced the practice.
In December 2012, a UN General Assembly resolution called on Member States to intensify efforts toward the complete elimination of FGM/C.
In addition, some 1,775 communities across Africa publicly declared their commitment to end the practice last year. (NAN)
Barcelona gets new coach
Argentine coach Gerardo Martino has been named as Barcelona’s new boss on a two-year deal, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
“FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the hiring of Gerardo Martino as the new coach of the first team for the next two seasons,” said a statement on the club’s website.
“FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the hiring of Gerardo Martino as the new coach of the first team for the next two seasons,” said a statement on the club’s website.
Toll from China quake hits 94, with 1,000 injured
Rescuers with shovels and sniffer dogs chipped away at collapsed hillsides Tuesday as the death toll rose to 94 from a strong earthquake in a farming region of northwest China.
Just one person was listed as missing and 1,001 as injured in Monday morning's quake near the city of Dingxi in Gansu province.
About 123,000 people were affected by the quake, with 31,600 moved to temporary shelters, the provincial earthquake administration said on its website. Almost 2,000 homes were completely destroyed, and about 22,500 damaged, the administration said.
The quake toppled brick walls and telephone lines, shattered mud-and-tile-roofed houses and sent cascades of dirt and rock down hillsides, blocking roads and slowing rescue efforts by crews trying to reach remote areas.
Hospitals set up aid stations in parking lots to accommodate the injured, while hundreds of paramilitary People's Armed Police fanned out to search for victims in the region of terraced farmland where the quake struck about 1,200 kilometers (760 miles) west of Beijing.
Min county in Dingxi's rural south accounted for almost all the deaths and the worst damage.
Urban areas where buildings are more solid were spared major damage, unlike the traditional mud and brick homes in the countryside.
Tremors were felt in the provincial capital of Lanzhou 177 kilometers (110 miles) north, and as far away as Xi'an, 400 kilometers (250 miles) to the east.
The government's earthquake monitoring center said the quake was magnitude-6.6, while the U.S. Geological Survey said it was 5.9. Measurements can often vary, especially if different monitoring equipment is used.
The Chinese Red Cross said it was shipping 200 tents, 1,000 sets of household items, and 2,000 jackets to the area. Other supplies were being shipped in by the army and paramilitary police, which dispatched around 6,000 personnel and two helicopters to aid in rescue efforts.
But heavy rain is expected later in the week, raising the need for shelter and increasing the chance of further landslides.
Gansu, with a population of 26 million, is one of China's more lightly populated provinces, although the New Jersey-sized area of Dingxi has a greater concentration of farms in rolling hills terraced for crops and fruit trees. Dingxi has a population of about 2.7 million.
China's worst earthquake in recent years was a 7.9-magnitude temblor that struck the southwestern province of Sichuan in 2008, leaving 90,000 people dead or missing.
Just one person was listed as missing and 1,001 as injured in Monday morning's quake near the city of Dingxi in Gansu province.
About 123,000 people were affected by the quake, with 31,600 moved to temporary shelters, the provincial earthquake administration said on its website. Almost 2,000 homes were completely destroyed, and about 22,500 damaged, the administration said.
The quake toppled brick walls and telephone lines, shattered mud-and-tile-roofed houses and sent cascades of dirt and rock down hillsides, blocking roads and slowing rescue efforts by crews trying to reach remote areas.
Hospitals set up aid stations in parking lots to accommodate the injured, while hundreds of paramilitary People's Armed Police fanned out to search for victims in the region of terraced farmland where the quake struck about 1,200 kilometers (760 miles) west of Beijing.
Min county in Dingxi's rural south accounted for almost all the deaths and the worst damage.
Urban areas where buildings are more solid were spared major damage, unlike the traditional mud and brick homes in the countryside.
Tremors were felt in the provincial capital of Lanzhou 177 kilometers (110 miles) north, and as far away as Xi'an, 400 kilometers (250 miles) to the east.
The government's earthquake monitoring center said the quake was magnitude-6.6, while the U.S. Geological Survey said it was 5.9. Measurements can often vary, especially if different monitoring equipment is used.
The Chinese Red Cross said it was shipping 200 tents, 1,000 sets of household items, and 2,000 jackets to the area. Other supplies were being shipped in by the army and paramilitary police, which dispatched around 6,000 personnel and two helicopters to aid in rescue efforts.
But heavy rain is expected later in the week, raising the need for shelter and increasing the chance of further landslides.
Gansu, with a population of 26 million, is one of China's more lightly populated provinces, although the New Jersey-sized area of Dingxi has a greater concentration of farms in rolling hills terraced for crops and fruit trees. Dingxi has a population of about 2.7 million.
China's worst earthquake in recent years was a 7.9-magnitude temblor that struck the southwestern province of Sichuan in 2008, leaving 90,000 people dead or missing.
First day of parenting faces William and Kate
It's Day One of parenting for Prince William and Kate. After the excitement and fatigue and joy of childbirth — emotions shared with a nation — the young couple is expected to bring the prince home Tuesday.
It is a daunting moment for any young couple, even one with as much support as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The infant's name — and what he looks like — remain a royal mystery. And as he begins a long journey expected to see him someday become a king, Britons, and supporters from around the world, have been joining the royal family in celebration.
Kensington Palace announced that the Duchess of Cambridge had given birth to the 8 pound, 6 ounce (3.8 kilogram) baby boy at 4:24 p.m. Monday, triggering an impromptu party outside Buckingham Palace and in front of the hospital where Kate gave birth.
Tourists and well-wishers were back Tuesday, lining up outside the gates to take pictures of the golden easel on which, in keeping with royal tradition, the birth announcement was displayed.
"This was a great event — yet again our royal family is bringing everyone together," said 27-year-old David Wills, who took a two-mile detour on his run to work to pass the palace. "I kind of feel as though I am seeing part of history here today."
Kate, William and their son spent the night at the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital. Officials have not said when the family will leave but, barring any health concerns for mother or child, they should be able to go within hours.
More celebrations were expected Tuesday, including gun salutes by royal artillery companies to honor the birth and the ringing of bells at London's Westminster Abbey.
At Buckingham Palace, a band of scarlet-clad guardsman delighted onlookers with a rendition of the song "Congratulations."
Halfway around the world, royalist group Monarchy New Zealand said it had organized a national light show, with 40 buildings across the islands lit up in blue to commemorate the royal birth, including Sky Tower in Auckland, the airport in Christchurch, and Larnach Castle in the South Island city of Dunedin. A similar lighting ceremony took place in Canada; Peace Tower and Parliament buildings in the capital, Ottawa, were bathed in blue light, as was CN Tower in Toronto.
The baby isn't even a day old — and may not be named for days or even weeks — but he already has a building dedicated to him.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said an enclosure at Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo would be named after the prince as part of a gift from Australia. The government would donate 10,000 Australian dollars ($9,300) on the young prince's behalf toward a research project at the zoo to save the endangered bilby, a rabbit-like marsupial whose numbers are dwindling in the wild. The prince's name — when known — will be added to the bilby enclosure.
"I don't know if the royal family would need this, but we'll probably give them a free pass to Taronga Park Zoo as well," Rudd said.
British media joined in the celebration, with many newspapers coming out with souvenir editions.
"It's a Boy!" was splashed across many front pages, while Britain's top-selling The Sun newspaper temporarily changed its name to "The Son" in honor of the tiny monarch-in-waiting.
"Regal has Landed," the paper cried.
The Mirror, in an allusion to the fact that news of the baby's birth first broke online, spoke of: "The Twitter of Tiny Feet."
Beyond the newsstands, the birth of the royal baby brought welcome tidings in a country where polls show the monarchy is as popular as any time in recent history. Most Britons are thrilled to have a fresh royal heir, and in the Yorkshire village of Bugthorpe — which Prince Charles was visiting as part of a tour through northern England — the baby was on everyone's lips.
"Morning Granddad," said local resident Robert Barrett, which drew a chuckle from the prince.
Back in London, there was a healthy interest in the baby's name — combined with a note of concern for the royal baby's future.
"I hope the child is given the opportunity to have a normal childhood," said Julie Warren, a 70-year-old retired schoolteacher waiting for her grandson outside one of the capital's subway station.
Others expressed less interest.
"It's a baby, nothing else," said Tom Ashton, a 42-year-old exterminator on his way to work. "It's not going to mean anything to my life."
The skeptics notwithstanding, new additions to the royal family typically set off a tug-of-war between the royal household and the media as the public clamors for news. The feverish media excitement ahead of Kate's engagement to William led to a warning from Britain's press watchdog, and the appetite for footage, pictures, and other details about the third-in-line to the British throne is likely to be similarly intense.
So far, it's the palace which has largely set the pace of the wall-to-wall coverage, using social media to keep followers abreast of the news.
William, whose mother Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997 while being hounded by paparazzi, was likely to insist on a measure of privacy, former royal press secretary Charles Anson told the BBC.
"I think Prince William and the duchess will be very keen to protect their young child from too much attention," he said.
On the other hand, he said that "people want more news about this royal baby."
He said the palace would have to find some way to handle that, predicting "a bit of negotiation, a bit of arrangement with the media to get it right."
It is a daunting moment for any young couple, even one with as much support as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The infant's name — and what he looks like — remain a royal mystery. And as he begins a long journey expected to see him someday become a king, Britons, and supporters from around the world, have been joining the royal family in celebration.
Kensington Palace announced that the Duchess of Cambridge had given birth to the 8 pound, 6 ounce (3.8 kilogram) baby boy at 4:24 p.m. Monday, triggering an impromptu party outside Buckingham Palace and in front of the hospital where Kate gave birth.
Tourists and well-wishers were back Tuesday, lining up outside the gates to take pictures of the golden easel on which, in keeping with royal tradition, the birth announcement was displayed.
"This was a great event — yet again our royal family is bringing everyone together," said 27-year-old David Wills, who took a two-mile detour on his run to work to pass the palace. "I kind of feel as though I am seeing part of history here today."
Kate, William and their son spent the night at the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital. Officials have not said when the family will leave but, barring any health concerns for mother or child, they should be able to go within hours.
More celebrations were expected Tuesday, including gun salutes by royal artillery companies to honor the birth and the ringing of bells at London's Westminster Abbey.
At Buckingham Palace, a band of scarlet-clad guardsman delighted onlookers with a rendition of the song "Congratulations."
Halfway around the world, royalist group Monarchy New Zealand said it had organized a national light show, with 40 buildings across the islands lit up in blue to commemorate the royal birth, including Sky Tower in Auckland, the airport in Christchurch, and Larnach Castle in the South Island city of Dunedin. A similar lighting ceremony took place in Canada; Peace Tower and Parliament buildings in the capital, Ottawa, were bathed in blue light, as was CN Tower in Toronto.
The baby isn't even a day old — and may not be named for days or even weeks — but he already has a building dedicated to him.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said an enclosure at Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo would be named after the prince as part of a gift from Australia. The government would donate 10,000 Australian dollars ($9,300) on the young prince's behalf toward a research project at the zoo to save the endangered bilby, a rabbit-like marsupial whose numbers are dwindling in the wild. The prince's name — when known — will be added to the bilby enclosure.
"I don't know if the royal family would need this, but we'll probably give them a free pass to Taronga Park Zoo as well," Rudd said.
British media joined in the celebration, with many newspapers coming out with souvenir editions.
"It's a Boy!" was splashed across many front pages, while Britain's top-selling The Sun newspaper temporarily changed its name to "The Son" in honor of the tiny monarch-in-waiting.
"Regal has Landed," the paper cried.
The Mirror, in an allusion to the fact that news of the baby's birth first broke online, spoke of: "The Twitter of Tiny Feet."
Beyond the newsstands, the birth of the royal baby brought welcome tidings in a country where polls show the monarchy is as popular as any time in recent history. Most Britons are thrilled to have a fresh royal heir, and in the Yorkshire village of Bugthorpe — which Prince Charles was visiting as part of a tour through northern England — the baby was on everyone's lips.
"Morning Granddad," said local resident Robert Barrett, which drew a chuckle from the prince.
Back in London, there was a healthy interest in the baby's name — combined with a note of concern for the royal baby's future.
"I hope the child is given the opportunity to have a normal childhood," said Julie Warren, a 70-year-old retired schoolteacher waiting for her grandson outside one of the capital's subway station.
Others expressed less interest.
"It's a baby, nothing else," said Tom Ashton, a 42-year-old exterminator on his way to work. "It's not going to mean anything to my life."
The skeptics notwithstanding, new additions to the royal family typically set off a tug-of-war between the royal household and the media as the public clamors for news. The feverish media excitement ahead of Kate's engagement to William led to a warning from Britain's press watchdog, and the appetite for footage, pictures, and other details about the third-in-line to the British throne is likely to be similarly intense.
So far, it's the palace which has largely set the pace of the wall-to-wall coverage, using social media to keep followers abreast of the news.
William, whose mother Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997 while being hounded by paparazzi, was likely to insist on a measure of privacy, former royal press secretary Charles Anson told the BBC.
"I think Prince William and the duchess will be very keen to protect their young child from too much attention," he said.
On the other hand, he said that "people want more news about this royal baby."
He said the palace would have to find some way to handle that, predicting "a bit of negotiation, a bit of arrangement with the media to get it right."
Boy Inhales Blowgun Dart
A 15-year-old boy in Ohio required a visit to the emergency room after he inhaled a dart from a homemade blowgun, according to a new report of his case.
The dart lodged in the boy's airway after he inhaled deeply while holding the blowgun in his mouth. Blowguns are designed to allow darts to be propelled outward by the force of an exhaled breath. The gun mostly consists of a narrow tube.
When he arrived at the emergency room, the boy had already been coughing for three hours. Although the boy said he had just been playing with his siblings — with no mention of the blowgun — X-rays of his airway revealed the dart. After further questioning, the boy admitted to using the blowgun.
The case highlights the potential dangers of blowguns for teens, especially when the blowguns are made by using instructions on the Internet, which the boy had done. Most websites that provide instructions regarding how to make blowguns do not adequately warn about the guns' risks, the researchers said. [See 9 Weird Ways Kids Can Get Hurt].
"It's really a setup for foreign body aspiration," study researcher Dr. Kris Jatana, an ear, nose and throat doctor at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, said of blowgun use by teens. (Aspiration means inhaling a foreign material.)
When a child inhales deeply (to produce a forceful breath to propel the dart forward), their vocal chords open fully, which makes it easier for objects to enter their airway, Jatana said.
The boy underwent a nonsurgical procedure in which a tube is inserted down the throat to view objects in the airway, and the dart was removed. Despite inhaling a sharp object, the boy was not harmed by the ordeal, according to the case report.
Over the next three months, the doctors saw two more cases of teen boys (ages 14 and 15) who inhaled darts from homemade blowguns. In both cases, the darts were removed without complications.
But the three boys were all very fortunate not to have any serious complications, Jatana told LiveScience. Anytime an object is inhaled and trapped in the airway, it can be a life-threatening problem, he said. A dart could puncture a hole in the airway or lungs, or injure the voice box.
Because of their risks, blowguns should probably not be used by children or teens, Jatana said.
With the Internet providing easy access to blowgun instructions, such cases may become more common in the future, the researchers said.
As shown in this case, teens do not always tell the truth, which can complicate receiving a correct diagnosis. If a teen boy comes to the emergency room with vague respiratory symptoms, doctors should be suspicious that he may have inhaled something, the doctors wrote in their report. Symptoms of aspiration include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing and spitting up or coughing blood.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
BBA Evictions: Pokello walks out gracefully!
Zimbabwe's hot and sexy Pokello has been Evicted from the Big Brother House. The ever-graceful lady simply kissed her man, Elikem before passing hugs around to the rest of the Chasemates.
There was an akward silence and a few whispers here and there as the Zimbabwean Housemate made her way through the Chasemates.
Pokello followed her favourite Housemate and best friend Bassey who became the 15th Chasemate to be booted out of The Chase.
Leaving behind her beloved Elikem is possibly one of the hardest things she's had to do throughout her stay in Biggie’s House. But as we all know, the lovers in Biggie’s House are bound to either leave together like LK4 and Koketso or leave one after the other like Bolt and Betty.
Earlier in her Diary session, Pokello said her goodbyes to Biggie, stating how content she was with her stay in his House and even happier about her game.
When Biggie asked her whether she’d miss Elikem, she admitted with no doubt that she would and insisted that this was not the end of his game but hers.
In her interview with IK on the red couch, Pokello said she was really feeling Elikem and was ready to wait for him out of the House.
Nigeria's debt rises to N7.93tn
The nation's appetite for borrowing to finance critical development projects has been growing in recent times with both the domestic and foreign indebtedness rising by $13.91bn in the last two years, EVEREST AMAEFULE writes
The country currently owes local and international creditors a total of $50.91bn (about N7.93tn), the Debt Management Office has said.
Statistics obtained from the DMO website showed that as of June 30, 2013, the nation's external debt stood at $6.92bn (about N1.08tn), while the domestic debt component stood at N6.85tn ($43.99bn).
The external debt component comprises debts owed by both the Federal Government and the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
However, the domestic debt of $43.99bn is owed by the Federal Government alone. The domestic debt of the states could not be obtained as at press time.
By June 2011, the total debt of the country stood at $37bn. This means that in the last two years, the debt stock had risen by $13.91bn. This shows a growth rate of 37.59 per cent.
In terms of instruments, FGN Bonds accounted for N4.03tn or 58.87 per cent of the Federal Government's domestic debt stock as of June.
Nigerian Treasury Bills accounted for N2.48tn or 36.25 per cent of the domestic debt component of the Federal Government.
On the other hand, Treasury Bills accounted for N334.56bn or 4.88 per cent of the total domestic debt owed by the Federal Government.
Multilateral sources such as the World Bank and African Development Bank accounted for $5.54bn or 80 per cent of the external debt.
Bilateral debts made up of money borrowed from China and France accounted for $845.4m or 12.22 per cent of the nation's external debt profile.
Commercial debts, including Eurobond and debts owed to Chinese firms, accounted for $536m or 7.75 per cent of the external debt stock.
The Director-General, DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, had recently said that compared to the level of foreign debt, the Federal Government had over-borrowed from domestic sources.
While unfolding the details of the nation's Middle Term Debt Management Strategy, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council, Nwankwo said there was an urgent need to rebalance the structure of the nation's debt because the interest rate payable on domestic debt was too high.
He said the ratio of the Federal Government's domestic debt stood at 88, while the ratio of the foreign debt stood at 12.
Nwankwo said the appropriate ratio should be 60 for domestic debt and 40 for foreign debt, adding that the newly approved Medium Term Debt Management Strategy would seek to achieve this ratio.
One of the ways of doing this is through the establishment of a sinking fund for retiring matured local debts. The second is by borrowing more from foreign sources.
Our correspondent had reported that with the assumption of office of former Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the nation would see a reduction in local debts and an increase in foreign debts.
As managing director of the World Bank, Okonjo-Iweala had criticised Nigeria's debt structure on the grounds that the Federal Government was crowding out private sector borrowers from the debt market.
Although she had championed the exit of the country from the Paris Club of Creditors during her first tenure as Minister of Finance, she is now insisting that the nation's ballooning domestic debt is not healthy for the economy.
Okonjo-Iweala had reasoned that the Federal Government could do with more foreign sources than borrowing from the domestic market.
It is this scenario that is now playing out under the new Medium Term Debt Management Strategy.
Nwankwo had said, "The main objective of the medium term debts is to develop a strategy that will meet the financing needs of the government at minimum cost, maintain risk at a prudent level and support the development of the market.
"The exercise reflects and addresses, among other realities, the disproportionate reliance on the domestic bond market to fund government deficits - the ratio of domestic and external debt stock as of the end of 2011 was 88:12, whereas the appropriate ratio will be 60:40."
Other issues addressed by the strategy, he said, included high rate of domestic debt accumulation; and rising debt service payments occasioned by growing debt stock coupled with upward pressure on the average cost of funds and the risk of crowding out the private sector.
The DMO boss said the time of high borrowing from the domestic had served its purpose, which included developing a market structure and culture for long term savings and investment.
He said the new strategy had the capacity to reduce the rate of public debt in general and domestic debt particular to ensure debt sustainability and make budgetary provisions for the repayment of part of maturing FGN Bond obligations instead of refinancing them by creating a sinking fund.
It will also reduce the amount spent on debt service by achieving an optimal mix between the relatively more expensive domestic debt and less expensive foreign debt.
At present, Nwankwo said the difference between the domestic and external average cost of borrowing was about eight per cent per annum.
The country currently owes local and international creditors a total of $50.91bn (about N7.93tn), the Debt Management Office has said.
Statistics obtained from the DMO website showed that as of June 30, 2013, the nation's external debt stood at $6.92bn (about N1.08tn), while the domestic debt component stood at N6.85tn ($43.99bn).
The external debt component comprises debts owed by both the Federal Government and the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
However, the domestic debt of $43.99bn is owed by the Federal Government alone. The domestic debt of the states could not be obtained as at press time.
By June 2011, the total debt of the country stood at $37bn. This means that in the last two years, the debt stock had risen by $13.91bn. This shows a growth rate of 37.59 per cent.
In terms of instruments, FGN Bonds accounted for N4.03tn or 58.87 per cent of the Federal Government's domestic debt stock as of June.
Nigerian Treasury Bills accounted for N2.48tn or 36.25 per cent of the domestic debt component of the Federal Government.
On the other hand, Treasury Bills accounted for N334.56bn or 4.88 per cent of the total domestic debt owed by the Federal Government.
Multilateral sources such as the World Bank and African Development Bank accounted for $5.54bn or 80 per cent of the external debt.
Bilateral debts made up of money borrowed from China and France accounted for $845.4m or 12.22 per cent of the nation's external debt profile.
Commercial debts, including Eurobond and debts owed to Chinese firms, accounted for $536m or 7.75 per cent of the external debt stock.
The Director-General, DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, had recently said that compared to the level of foreign debt, the Federal Government had over-borrowed from domestic sources.
While unfolding the details of the nation's Middle Term Debt Management Strategy, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council, Nwankwo said there was an urgent need to rebalance the structure of the nation's debt because the interest rate payable on domestic debt was too high.
He said the ratio of the Federal Government's domestic debt stood at 88, while the ratio of the foreign debt stood at 12.
Nwankwo said the appropriate ratio should be 60 for domestic debt and 40 for foreign debt, adding that the newly approved Medium Term Debt Management Strategy would seek to achieve this ratio.
One of the ways of doing this is through the establishment of a sinking fund for retiring matured local debts. The second is by borrowing more from foreign sources.
Our correspondent had reported that with the assumption of office of former Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the nation would see a reduction in local debts and an increase in foreign debts.
As managing director of the World Bank, Okonjo-Iweala had criticised Nigeria's debt structure on the grounds that the Federal Government was crowding out private sector borrowers from the debt market.
Although she had championed the exit of the country from the Paris Club of Creditors during her first tenure as Minister of Finance, she is now insisting that the nation's ballooning domestic debt is not healthy for the economy.
Okonjo-Iweala had reasoned that the Federal Government could do with more foreign sources than borrowing from the domestic market.
It is this scenario that is now playing out under the new Medium Term Debt Management Strategy.
Nwankwo had said, "The main objective of the medium term debts is to develop a strategy that will meet the financing needs of the government at minimum cost, maintain risk at a prudent level and support the development of the market.
"The exercise reflects and addresses, among other realities, the disproportionate reliance on the domestic bond market to fund government deficits - the ratio of domestic and external debt stock as of the end of 2011 was 88:12, whereas the appropriate ratio will be 60:40."
Other issues addressed by the strategy, he said, included high rate of domestic debt accumulation; and rising debt service payments occasioned by growing debt stock coupled with upward pressure on the average cost of funds and the risk of crowding out the private sector.
The DMO boss said the time of high borrowing from the domestic had served its purpose, which included developing a market structure and culture for long term savings and investment.
He said the new strategy had the capacity to reduce the rate of public debt in general and domestic debt particular to ensure debt sustainability and make budgetary provisions for the repayment of part of maturing FGN Bond obligations instead of refinancing them by creating a sinking fund.
It will also reduce the amount spent on debt service by achieving an optimal mix between the relatively more expensive domestic debt and less expensive foreign debt.
At present, Nwankwo said the difference between the domestic and external average cost of borrowing was about eight per cent per annum.
Buhari, Tinubu are not democrats - PDP
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has told the leader of Congress for Progressive Change, Maj.- Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to stop parading themselves as saints and democrats.
It said it had taken stock of the activities of the two men and came to the conclusion that they were bitter because they knew that "they will lose the 2015 general elections despite the so-called merger of their parties which is built on deceit, corruption and falsehood and as such want to invent excuses" ahead of time.
PDP Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Okeke, in a statement in Abuja said, "Buhari and Tinubu, who are well-known despots, lack the moral justification to pontificate on democracy, especially when all their actions are dictatorial."
But the ACN, through its spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, berated the PDP, saying its leadership lacked knowledge on happenings in the party.
Mohammed asked the PDP leadership to look inward in order to be able to realise that there were works to be done in-house before it could accuse others of inaction or dictatorship.
Okeke said, "In 2003, he forced John Nwodo Jr. and other presidential candidates in the then All Peoples Party to step down for him, leading to the famous 'I weep for Nigeria' statement by Nwodo. In 2003, Buhari imposed himself and failed. In 2007 and 2011, he imposed himself and failed. If he imposes himself and his lackey, Tinubu or Tinubu's wife as a running-mate in 2015, he will also fail."
The statement also described Tinubu as a man lacking in democratic credentials.
Okeke said, "Tinubu has been going around making statements to portray himself as a hero of democracy from which imaginary pedestal he continues to vilify and accuse the PDP of working against Nigeria's democracy.
"It is to say the least, rather pathetic that the opposition leader has failed to realise that Nigerians have since become fully aware of his antecedents as he has continued to exhibit crass dictatorship in the leadership of the ACN and states controlled by the ACN."
Mohammed, however, carpeted Okeke on his claim, saying he had little or no knowledge of issues he was raising.
He said, "Oluremi Tinubu represents Lagos Central Senatorial District while Mamora was representing Lagos East. You can see the level of ignorance from the people who are representing the self-acclaimed biggest political party in Nigeria."
He said, "The PDP seems not to know the different between endorsement and election. Endorsement does not stop election and primary.
"What is happening in Rivers State is a case of intolerance. What happened in Bayelsa State when Timipre Sylva was stopped by a single person, was that not the height of dictatorship. The PDP is known for intolerance."
It said it had taken stock of the activities of the two men and came to the conclusion that they were bitter because they knew that "they will lose the 2015 general elections despite the so-called merger of their parties which is built on deceit, corruption and falsehood and as such want to invent excuses" ahead of time.
PDP Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Okeke, in a statement in Abuja said, "Buhari and Tinubu, who are well-known despots, lack the moral justification to pontificate on democracy, especially when all their actions are dictatorial."
But the ACN, through its spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, berated the PDP, saying its leadership lacked knowledge on happenings in the party.
Mohammed asked the PDP leadership to look inward in order to be able to realise that there were works to be done in-house before it could accuse others of inaction or dictatorship.
Okeke said, "In 2003, he forced John Nwodo Jr. and other presidential candidates in the then All Peoples Party to step down for him, leading to the famous 'I weep for Nigeria' statement by Nwodo. In 2003, Buhari imposed himself and failed. In 2007 and 2011, he imposed himself and failed. If he imposes himself and his lackey, Tinubu or Tinubu's wife as a running-mate in 2015, he will also fail."
The statement also described Tinubu as a man lacking in democratic credentials.
Okeke said, "Tinubu has been going around making statements to portray himself as a hero of democracy from which imaginary pedestal he continues to vilify and accuse the PDP of working against Nigeria's democracy.
"It is to say the least, rather pathetic that the opposition leader has failed to realise that Nigerians have since become fully aware of his antecedents as he has continued to exhibit crass dictatorship in the leadership of the ACN and states controlled by the ACN."
Mohammed, however, carpeted Okeke on his claim, saying he had little or no knowledge of issues he was raising.
He said, "Oluremi Tinubu represents Lagos Central Senatorial District while Mamora was representing Lagos East. You can see the level of ignorance from the people who are representing the self-acclaimed biggest political party in Nigeria."
He said, "The PDP seems not to know the different between endorsement and election. Endorsement does not stop election and primary.
"What is happening in Rivers State is a case of intolerance. What happened in Bayelsa State when Timipre Sylva was stopped by a single person, was that not the height of dictatorship. The PDP is known for intolerance."
Friday, July 19, 2013
Things heat up as Piers Morgan invites Larry Elder to “The Grill”: “I think you’re stupid!”
Amidst the aftermath of a crackling war of words that had been heating up Twitter of late, this evening Piers Morgan invited Larry Elder to take a seat on “The Grill,” and the live guest did not fail to fan the flames.
On Tuesday, the radio host used the micro-blogging site to criticize Piers Morgan’s recent interview of Rachel Jeantel, disputing the host’s claim that his guest was of strong intellect:
So @piersmorgan describes #RachelJeanel as "one smart cookie". Sure, it certainly explains why the 19yr. old is still in high school.
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) July 16, 2013
Referencing Elder’s social media commentary, Morgan asked a very straightforward question:
“Is she stupid, Larry?”
Choosing not to answer the question asked, Wednesday’s guest fired back at Morgan instead:
“I think you’re stupid for saying that kind of thing, for trying to get black people convinced that race and racism remains a major part of America when it doesn’t,” he blurted. “Racism is not a major problem in America anymore. The number one problem facing black people are the large number of black people born outside of wedlock.”
As the live interview continued, it certainly did not become any more congenial.
“Just out of interest, how many languages do you speak,” Morgan asked Elder, setting up the point that the aforementioned Jeantel speaks three.
“I don’t speak ebonics as well as Rachel, if that’s what you mean,” came Elder’s response.
Finally, after quite a bit of time spent listening to his guest shout, and dodging any specific questions, Piers Morgan simply ended the interview:
“Thank you Larry Elder,” he said calmly, before introducing the next story.
On Tuesday, the radio host used the micro-blogging site to criticize Piers Morgan’s recent interview of Rachel Jeantel, disputing the host’s claim that his guest was of strong intellect:
So @piersmorgan describes #RachelJeanel as "one smart cookie". Sure, it certainly explains why the 19yr. old is still in high school.
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) July 16, 2013
Referencing Elder’s social media commentary, Morgan asked a very straightforward question:
“Is she stupid, Larry?”
Choosing not to answer the question asked, Wednesday’s guest fired back at Morgan instead:
“I think you’re stupid for saying that kind of thing, for trying to get black people convinced that race and racism remains a major part of America when it doesn’t,” he blurted. “Racism is not a major problem in America anymore. The number one problem facing black people are the large number of black people born outside of wedlock.”
As the live interview continued, it certainly did not become any more congenial.
“Just out of interest, how many languages do you speak,” Morgan asked Elder, setting up the point that the aforementioned Jeantel speaks three.
“I don’t speak ebonics as well as Rachel, if that’s what you mean,” came Elder’s response.
Finally, after quite a bit of time spent listening to his guest shout, and dodging any specific questions, Piers Morgan simply ended the interview:
“Thank you Larry Elder,” he said calmly, before introducing the next story.
IMO ODDITY: Gov Okorocha dissolves cabinet, sack aides
The governor of Imo State, Mr. Rochas Okorocha, has sacked all his Commissioners, Political Advisers, Special Advisers, and Special Assistants. According to a statement issued Wednesday, July 17, 2013 evening and signed by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), Prof. Anthony Anwukah, all the affected former public officials were directed to complete and submit all their hand over documents “on or before Friday”, July 19, 2013.
The statement further stated that while all the sacked Commissioners are to submit their hand over documents to the Permanent Secretaries in their ministries, all the sacked Special Advisers are to hand -over to his office. All the sacked Political Advisers, the statement directed, are to submit their hand -over notes to the SGI, while all the affected SSAs and SAs are to hand -over to the Chief of Staff.
In the main, the statement directed all the Permanent Secretaries to attend a meeting convened by the governor on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Owerri, at 8 a.m.
The statement further stated that while all the sacked Commissioners are to submit their hand over documents to the Permanent Secretaries in their ministries, all the sacked Special Advisers are to hand -over to his office. All the sacked Political Advisers, the statement directed, are to submit their hand -over notes to the SGI, while all the affected SSAs and SAs are to hand -over to the Chief of Staff.
In the main, the statement directed all the Permanent Secretaries to attend a meeting convened by the governor on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Owerri, at 8 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Harvard celebrities
Did youknow that the Minister of Finance Mrs Ngozi Oknonjo Iweala is a graduate of the prestigious Harvard University and so are her four children - Onyinye, Uzodinma, Ikechukwu and Uchechi?
Mrs Okonjo-Iweala studied Economics at Harvard, graduating magna cum laude with A.B in 1977.
Her eldest, Onyinye received her Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology from Harvard University in 2008 and graduated Harvard Medical School in 2010. Onyinye is a wife and mother.
Her son, Uzodinma Iweala received his A.B in English and American literature from Harvard and MD from Colombia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is the author of the critically acclaimed novel, Beasts of No Nation (2005).
Her other son, Ikechukwu Iweala studied social studies at Harvard and graduated in 2005.
Her last child Uchechi graduated from Harvard in 2009 and majored in Economics
And don't forget that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala's parents also graduated from Harvard.
Are you inspired? :)
Mrs Okonjo-Iweala studied Economics at Harvard, graduating magna cum laude with A.B in 1977.
Her eldest, Onyinye received her Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology from Harvard University in 2008 and graduated Harvard Medical School in 2010. Onyinye is a wife and mother.
Her son, Uzodinma Iweala received his A.B in English and American literature from Harvard and MD from Colombia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is the author of the critically acclaimed novel, Beasts of No Nation (2005).
Her other son, Ikechukwu Iweala studied social studies at Harvard and graduated in 2005.
Her last child Uchechi graduated from Harvard in 2009 and majored in Economics
And don't forget that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala's parents also graduated from Harvard.
Are you inspired? :)
Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Americanah’ wins American Prize
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s third novel AMERICANAH has been awarded the 2013 Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize for fiction.
The Heartland Prize is a literary prize created in 1988 by the Chicago Tribune Newspaper.
According to Elizabeth Taylor, the literary editor of the Chicago Tribune, the prize is awarded yearly in two categories, fiction and non-fiction, to books that are concerned with American issues, causes and concerns.
“We loved AMERICANAH. It’s a powerful, resonant novel and we would be delighted to celebrate it and try to share it with a wider audience,” Taylor wrote.
Reacting, Adichie expressed delight at the honour.
“I’m very pleased. You never know what will happen when you write a novel. And for me, a Nigerian, to have written this book which is partly about America, and to receive this quintessentially American prize means that I have said something about America as seen through Nigerian eyes that Americans find interesting.
“I take that as a wonderful compliment. It reminds me of the ability of literature to make us become briefly alive in bodies not our own.”
Past fiction winners of the Heartland Prize include Jonathan France for his novel FREEDOM and Marilyn ne Robinson for her novel GILEAD
The prize will be awarded on November 3, 2013 at an audienc
The Heartland Prize is a literary prize created in 1988 by the Chicago Tribune Newspaper.
According to Elizabeth Taylor, the literary editor of the Chicago Tribune, the prize is awarded yearly in two categories, fiction and non-fiction, to books that are concerned with American issues, causes and concerns.
“We loved AMERICANAH. It’s a powerful, resonant novel and we would be delighted to celebrate it and try to share it with a wider audience,” Taylor wrote.
Reacting, Adichie expressed delight at the honour.
“I’m very pleased. You never know what will happen when you write a novel. And for me, a Nigerian, to have written this book which is partly about America, and to receive this quintessentially American prize means that I have said something about America as seen through Nigerian eyes that Americans find interesting.
“I take that as a wonderful compliment. It reminds me of the ability of literature to make us become briefly alive in bodies not our own.”
Past fiction winners of the Heartland Prize include Jonathan France for his novel FREEDOM and Marilyn ne Robinson for her novel GILEAD
The prize will be awarded on November 3, 2013 at an audienc
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Electricity tariff will increase despite poor supply -NERC
electricity tariff will continue to rise, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has said.
NERC, while defending the Federal Government's position on the recent increase in fixed electricity charges, said the Multi Year Tariff Order had an approved tariff stipulated for 2012 to 2016.
The MYTO, which was prepared by NERC and obtained by our correspondents, showed that there would be increases in electricity tariff every year till 2016.
The tariff schedule showed that consumers would have to pay higher on two fronts. Every year, the fixed cost will go up. Similarly, the energy cost or cost per kilowatt hour of electricity will also go up.
NERC had consistently said that increase in electricity tariff would be for the short run and that the amount payable by consumers would begin to fall when the country had produced enough electricity.
The annual tariff increase, our correspondents gathered, would be automatic not minding whether there was appreciable improvement in power supply or not.
The Chairman, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, while briefing journalists on Monday following public outcry against the recent increase in the fixed charge from N500 to N700 or N800, depending on the location, said, "The truth is that the tariff must increase despite shortfalls in service delivery."
He argued that the inability of power distribution companies to live up to expectation was not a tenable reason to slash tariff, adding that it was in the interest of Nigerians not to reduce the charges.
Amadi said most of the shortcomings in the sector were structural and insisted that the commission would not reverse itself on the approved tariff regardless of the underperformances of power distribution companies.
He said, "We regret that the distribution companies have not been very committed to meeting their obligations in the MYTO. NERC recognises that the quality of service has not seen significant improvement, especially in the area of metering and accurate billing of customers.
"Our expectation for significant and sustained improvement in electricity supply and quality service lies in the expected takeover by the privatisation preferred bidders, who have better incentives and commitment, and have made enforceable promises to invest continuously in providing better services to consumers.
"These investments and commensurate improvements will not all be made in one day but over the coming months, years and decades following the entry of new investors and managers of our distribution companies."
The Nigeria Labour Congress on Sunday condemned the new tariff designed by NERC, with its President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, saying the body rejected the latest figures because of the epileptic electricity supply and the low purchasing power of the working people.
But reacting to the NLC position, Amadi argued that two minor reviews conducted by the commission did not result in increase in tariff.
This, he said, was because the fundamentals of the MYTO and the financial model published on NERC's website had not significantly changed.
"We must state that the commencement and results of both minor reviews were announced via various national print and electronic media, including some that carried various provocative statements that bear absolutely no connection with the truth," Amadi said.
On what the penalty was for distribution companies that failed to provide stable electricity despite collecting high fixed charges, the NERC boss stated that the commission had responded with regulations to enforce correct billing of unmetered customers.
He said NERC had also introduced the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation policy to help protect electricity consumers.
"We will continue to enforce these regulations and interventions to improve quality supply before the preferred bidders take over the networks," Amadi said.
NERC, while defending the Federal Government's position on the recent increase in fixed electricity charges, said the Multi Year Tariff Order had an approved tariff stipulated for 2012 to 2016.
The MYTO, which was prepared by NERC and obtained by our correspondents, showed that there would be increases in electricity tariff every year till 2016.
The tariff schedule showed that consumers would have to pay higher on two fronts. Every year, the fixed cost will go up. Similarly, the energy cost or cost per kilowatt hour of electricity will also go up.
NERC had consistently said that increase in electricity tariff would be for the short run and that the amount payable by consumers would begin to fall when the country had produced enough electricity.
The annual tariff increase, our correspondents gathered, would be automatic not minding whether there was appreciable improvement in power supply or not.
The Chairman, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, while briefing journalists on Monday following public outcry against the recent increase in the fixed charge from N500 to N700 or N800, depending on the location, said, "The truth is that the tariff must increase despite shortfalls in service delivery."
He argued that the inability of power distribution companies to live up to expectation was not a tenable reason to slash tariff, adding that it was in the interest of Nigerians not to reduce the charges.
Amadi said most of the shortcomings in the sector were structural and insisted that the commission would not reverse itself on the approved tariff regardless of the underperformances of power distribution companies.
He said, "We regret that the distribution companies have not been very committed to meeting their obligations in the MYTO. NERC recognises that the quality of service has not seen significant improvement, especially in the area of metering and accurate billing of customers.
"Our expectation for significant and sustained improvement in electricity supply and quality service lies in the expected takeover by the privatisation preferred bidders, who have better incentives and commitment, and have made enforceable promises to invest continuously in providing better services to consumers.
"These investments and commensurate improvements will not all be made in one day but over the coming months, years and decades following the entry of new investors and managers of our distribution companies."
The Nigeria Labour Congress on Sunday condemned the new tariff designed by NERC, with its President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, saying the body rejected the latest figures because of the epileptic electricity supply and the low purchasing power of the working people.
But reacting to the NLC position, Amadi argued that two minor reviews conducted by the commission did not result in increase in tariff.
This, he said, was because the fundamentals of the MYTO and the financial model published on NERC's website had not significantly changed.
"We must state that the commencement and results of both minor reviews were announced via various national print and electronic media, including some that carried various provocative statements that bear absolutely no connection with the truth," Amadi said.
On what the penalty was for distribution companies that failed to provide stable electricity despite collecting high fixed charges, the NERC boss stated that the commission had responded with regulations to enforce correct billing of unmetered customers.
He said NERC had also introduced the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation policy to help protect electricity consumers.
"We will continue to enforce these regulations and interventions to improve quality supply before the preferred bidders take over the networks," Amadi said.
Akon suggests blacks move to Africa following Zimmerman's acquittal
Akon took to his Instagram page immediately after the 'not guilty' verdict in the George Zimmerman trial and suggested that African Americans move back to Africa. He wrote:
Every African American in the United States need to move their money, family, knowledge back to Africa were u will be treated like the royalty you are. You don't deserve this treatment. This is not your country!!
Every African American in the United States need to move their money, family, knowledge back to Africa were u will be treated like the royalty you are. You don't deserve this treatment. This is not your country!!
Actress Funke Akindele's 1 year marriage to Kehinde Oloyede ends
Unfortunately this is not rumour, it's fact. A little over a year after tying the knot with Kehinde Oloyede, Funke Akindele's marriage has ended. Kehinde Oloyede shared the news of their split on his Facebook page (which he has since deleted). He wrote:
"It’s with heavy heart that am announcing the separation of me nd ma wife Mrs olufunke akindele,we’ve both agreed to go our separate ways coz of irreconcilable differences.we still best of friends nd we 4ever remain gud friends.
Later he added...
"Am doing just fine, gettn along without u,don't need u anymore in ma life.u d greatest mistake av made in recent time.
I reached out to Funke's publicist (the person I know to be her publicist...I hear there's another one now) after reading the Facebook message, and they confirmed that the two have indeed gone their separate ways. They've actually been having issues for a while and Funke had actually been planning to divorce him quietly, but Mr Oloyede decided to make it public.
Funke also recently changed her BB name from Mrs Funke Akindele Oloyede to Everybody loves Jenifa. Funke and Kehinde got married on Saturday May 26th 2012.
"It’s with heavy heart that am announcing the separation of me nd ma wife Mrs olufunke akindele,we’ve both agreed to go our separate ways coz of irreconcilable differences.we still best of friends nd we 4ever remain gud friends.
Later he added...
"Am doing just fine, gettn along without u,don't need u anymore in ma life.u d greatest mistake av made in recent time.
I reached out to Funke's publicist (the person I know to be her publicist...I hear there's another one now) after reading the Facebook message, and they confirmed that the two have indeed gone their separate ways. They've actually been having issues for a while and Funke had actually been planning to divorce him quietly, but Mr Oloyede decided to make it public.
Funke also recently changed her BB name from Mrs Funke Akindele Oloyede to Everybody loves Jenifa. Funke and Kehinde got married on Saturday May 26th 2012.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
World's largest building opens in China
Boasting its own artificial sun and a floor area three times that of the Pentagon, the "world's largest building" has opened in southwest China to mixed reviews from its first visitors.
The towering 100-metre (330-foot) high New Century Global Centre, which is said to be big enough to hold 20 Sydney Opera Houses, recently opened its doors Chengdu.
The complex, which Chinese officials say is the world's largest standalone structure, is 500 metres long by 400 metres wide, offering 1.7 million square metres of floor space.
But the first wave of visitors were divided over the attractions of the structure, which houses 400,000 square metres of shopping space, offices, conference rooms, a university complex, two commercial centres, two five star hotels, and an IMAX cinema.
"It lacks creativity," said one visitor on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter.
Another visitor poked fun at its name.
"Why is everything in Chengdu called 'global'," the poster said.
However, some Internet users were impressed with the complex, which opened on June 28.
"It will become the new landmark of Chengdu," said one poster.
The Global Centre has a marine theme, with fountains, a huge water park and an artificial beach, accented by the undulating roof, meant to resemble a wave.
The towering 100-metre (330-foot) high New Century Global Centre, which is said to be big enough to hold 20 Sydney Opera Houses, recently opened its doors Chengdu.
The complex, which Chinese officials say is the world's largest standalone structure, is 500 metres long by 400 metres wide, offering 1.7 million square metres of floor space.
But the first wave of visitors were divided over the attractions of the structure, which houses 400,000 square metres of shopping space, offices, conference rooms, a university complex, two commercial centres, two five star hotels, and an IMAX cinema.
"It lacks creativity," said one visitor on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter.
Another visitor poked fun at its name.
"Why is everything in Chengdu called 'global'," the poster said.
However, some Internet users were impressed with the complex, which opened on June 28.
"It will become the new landmark of Chengdu," said one poster.
The Global Centre has a marine theme, with fountains, a huge water park and an artificial beach, accented by the undulating roof, meant to resemble a wave.
Obama's Opinion on Zimmerman's Verdict
The US president said:
“The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis. We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this. As citizens, that’s a job for all of us. That’s the way to honor Trayvon Martin.”
“The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis. We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this. As citizens, that’s a job for all of us. That’s the way to honor Trayvon Martin.”
Selly and Natasha given the boot
After seven weeks of entertaining Africa and their fellow Chasemates with sexy dance moves, cleaning and brawls, Selly and Natasha's luck has finally run out.
This stunning news seemed to take the Chasemates off guard. Why wouldn't it considering that Natasha has been saved from the Eviction gallows many times by Africa's vote.
The Malawian's final Diary Session earlier this evening was more than cryptic. "Sometimes your luck runs out", she said. And sadly, it has! All the pretty Malawian could do when she heard the news was to look on in stunned silence. Clearly her cleaning strategy, nor her fun Airtel Show could save her.
Selly on the other hand had to contend with the bewilderment of hearing Oneal had saved Elikem and put her neck on the chopping block instead. Before she had even had a chance to process that information, IK called curtains on her Chase race.
This Eviction caps a difficult week in the game for the Ghanaian, who has had to navigate treacherous waters in both the Ruby and Diamond Houses, following a massive fight with former love interest, Sulu. Luckily the two buried the hatchet when Sulu told her "When other people saw rubbish, you looked at me and saw something precious". Before the dust had settled following her swap to the Diamond House on Friday, Selly and former flame, Nando, had a brawl of epic proportions.
Nevertheless, after all is said and done, the two gorgeous divas have a lot to be proud of. Reaching and exceeding The Chase's halfway mark is no ordinary feat.
This stunning news seemed to take the Chasemates off guard. Why wouldn't it considering that Natasha has been saved from the Eviction gallows many times by Africa's vote.
The Malawian's final Diary Session earlier this evening was more than cryptic. "Sometimes your luck runs out", she said. And sadly, it has! All the pretty Malawian could do when she heard the news was to look on in stunned silence. Clearly her cleaning strategy, nor her fun Airtel Show could save her.
Selly on the other hand had to contend with the bewilderment of hearing Oneal had saved Elikem and put her neck on the chopping block instead. Before she had even had a chance to process that information, IK called curtains on her Chase race.
This Eviction caps a difficult week in the game for the Ghanaian, who has had to navigate treacherous waters in both the Ruby and Diamond Houses, following a massive fight with former love interest, Sulu. Luckily the two buried the hatchet when Sulu told her "When other people saw rubbish, you looked at me and saw something precious". Before the dust had settled following her swap to the Diamond House on Friday, Selly and former flame, Nando, had a brawl of epic proportions.
Nevertheless, after all is said and done, the two gorgeous divas have a lot to be proud of. Reaching and exceeding The Chase's halfway mark is no ordinary feat.
BBATheChase: Angelo fingers Beverly
Nigerian rep Beverly Osu and fellow BBA housemate, South African rep Angelo, took their flirting to the next level last night after the Saturday party. The two went to one of the rooms where they kissed passionately and then Beverly allowed her dread locked wanna-be-lover to satisfy her sexually with his fingers. She kept yelling "baby" and couldnt hide the excitement.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Al Mustapha visits TB Joshua immediately after release
Al-Mustapha was released yesterday Friday July 12th after many years in prison, and his first port of call after his release was T.B Joshua's place.
T.B Joshua explains why Al-Mustapha visited him first:
I got to know him many years ago when a petition was addressed to General Bamaiyi who was the then Chairman of the NDLEA. As you know, several efforts had been made by my detractors to bring me and my ministry down. One of those efforts was that petition. I was arrested for investigation and it was later discovered that it was a tissue of lies. I spent nine days with them for investigation and they found the whole thing to be a fabrication. From there, I was taken to Aso Rock (City of Power) to see the president. It was there that I met Mustapha.
I was able to reveal to them who I am by telling them what was to come as a prophet. One of those things I mentioned to them and to Mustapha in particular, was what he went through, though he did not believe me then. That was why when it came to pass, I was the first person he remembered. I told him that he would spend several years in prison and would be finally released which no one else had ever told him.
That is why you see him coming here as his first port of call. Where there is no vision, people perish.
I am surprised you are asking me why he is coming here first. When you look into your archives as journalists, you will find many stories in the past about my visit to Aso Rock, (City of Power) while Bamaiyi was Chairman of NDLEA. Many magazines and newspapers published my visions and prophecies on the government and the presidency.
When you know your picture of tomorrow, it will impart a strength to endure your present difficulty. When you know what you are passing through now will not last long, you will endure it. This is vision; this is prophecy. This can only come by revelation. This is what the Bible means by, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). I will leave you here.
T.B Joshua explains why Al-Mustapha visited him first:
I got to know him many years ago when a petition was addressed to General Bamaiyi who was the then Chairman of the NDLEA. As you know, several efforts had been made by my detractors to bring me and my ministry down. One of those efforts was that petition. I was arrested for investigation and it was later discovered that it was a tissue of lies. I spent nine days with them for investigation and they found the whole thing to be a fabrication. From there, I was taken to Aso Rock (City of Power) to see the president. It was there that I met Mustapha.
I was able to reveal to them who I am by telling them what was to come as a prophet. One of those things I mentioned to them and to Mustapha in particular, was what he went through, though he did not believe me then. That was why when it came to pass, I was the first person he remembered. I told him that he would spend several years in prison and would be finally released which no one else had ever told him.
That is why you see him coming here as his first port of call. Where there is no vision, people perish.
I am surprised you are asking me why he is coming here first. When you look into your archives as journalists, you will find many stories in the past about my visit to Aso Rock, (City of Power) while Bamaiyi was Chairman of NDLEA. Many magazines and newspapers published my visions and prophecies on the government and the presidency.
When you know your picture of tomorrow, it will impart a strength to endure your present difficulty. When you know what you are passing through now will not last long, you will endure it. This is vision; this is prophecy. This can only come by revelation. This is what the Bible means by, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). I will leave you here.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Pep Guardiola lashes out at Barcelona for disturbing his 'peace'
Pep Guardiola has lashed out at the Barcelona president, Sandro Rosell, and the club's directors for not leaving him in peace after he left the club. Guardiola said he was incensed by the suggestion that he had not made the effort to see Tito Vilanova, his former assistant and current Barça coach, when Vilanova had travelled to New York for cancer treatment.
"I told them [the president and his directors] I was going 6,000km away and asked them to leave me in peace, but they haven't kept their word," Guardiola, now the Bayern Munich coach, said. "I did my time [at Barcelona] then decided to leave. I want them to get on with the job and I wish them all the success in the world, because their success will also be mine – I don't need to say what I feel for this club."
Guardiola left Barcelona in mid-2012 after four seasons in charge, saying he needed to "recharge my batteries" by taking a year's sabbatical in New York.
"Too many things have happened that have crossed the line," Guardiola told the media in Lake Garda in Italy, where Bayern are holding a pre-season training camp. "I will never forget that they used Tito's illness to cause me damage, because it's a lie that I never saw him in New York.
"I saw him once, and the reason I didn't see him more often was because it wasn't possible, and that wasn't my fault. To say that I don't wish the best of someone who was my colleague for so many years is very bad taste, and I didn't expect that.
"If any of the things I've said is not true, come out and rebut it, but it has to be them [Rosell and the board], not intermediaries or Barcelona messengers. Them."
Despite his anger, Guardiola intends to be cordial when Bayern play Barcelona in a pre-season friendly on 24 July. "I did the best I could at Barcelona," he said. "The staff and coaches have nothing to worry about. I left and have nothing to complain about – all I asked was to be left in peace.
"I went off to learn English and I ended up trying to learn German. That was all I focused on. I just ask the board to go their own way and leave me alone and stop using me and my friends to hurt me."
"I told them [the president and his directors] I was going 6,000km away and asked them to leave me in peace, but they haven't kept their word," Guardiola, now the Bayern Munich coach, said. "I did my time [at Barcelona] then decided to leave. I want them to get on with the job and I wish them all the success in the world, because their success will also be mine – I don't need to say what I feel for this club."
Guardiola left Barcelona in mid-2012 after four seasons in charge, saying he needed to "recharge my batteries" by taking a year's sabbatical in New York.
"Too many things have happened that have crossed the line," Guardiola told the media in Lake Garda in Italy, where Bayern are holding a pre-season training camp. "I will never forget that they used Tito's illness to cause me damage, because it's a lie that I never saw him in New York.
"I saw him once, and the reason I didn't see him more often was because it wasn't possible, and that wasn't my fault. To say that I don't wish the best of someone who was my colleague for so many years is very bad taste, and I didn't expect that.
"If any of the things I've said is not true, come out and rebut it, but it has to be them [Rosell and the board], not intermediaries or Barcelona messengers. Them."
Despite his anger, Guardiola intends to be cordial when Bayern play Barcelona in a pre-season friendly on 24 July. "I did the best I could at Barcelona," he said. "The staff and coaches have nothing to worry about. I left and have nothing to complain about – all I asked was to be left in peace.
"I went off to learn English and I ended up trying to learn German. That was all I focused on. I just ask the board to go their own way and leave me alone and stop using me and my friends to hurt me."
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Driver rapes his two daughters for over two years
Operatives attached to the Ikotun Police Station in Lagos state have apprehended a 35-year-old man, Adewale Adeleke, who has been accused of defiling his two daughters of 10 and 12Years since the past two years.
According to information gathered the two daughters Tomi and Bimbo (not their real names), who were in tears, confessed that their father has been sleeping with them since 2011 without the knowledge of their mother who left them since last year.
It was learnt that the incident occurred in Ikotun, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos.
The oldest of the two daughters confirmed to our correspondent that the barbaric act has been going on since she was 11 and when her younger sister was eight years old, and that it was her father who deflowered her.
In her words, “Our father sleeps with us frequently. The first time he slept with me, I saw blood coming out of my private part and he used his singlet to clean me up.”
We also gathered that Adeleke was exposed by the Vice Chairman, Freelance Broadcast Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Demola Olota, Mrs Esther Ogwu of the Esther Child Rights Foundation and Mrs Mary
Olasupo of the Compassionate Women and handed him over to the police.
It was gathered that the culprit allegedly admitted that he had been defiling his daughters since 2011 and that he should be forgiven.
He was quoted as saying that the devil pushed him to have sex with them and that whenever he is arouse sexually, he goes for his daughters.
Mother of the children, Kemi Adeleke, who left her husband last year to Ibadan, Oyo State was devastated when the news that her estranged husband had been sleeping with their children got to her. She said she could not eat for two days. Kemi said she left her husband because he was an irresponsible man.
She said she is the one that feeds the family and even on top of that, she gets seriously beaten up by her husband.
According to her, when she left for Ibadan, she left the children with her mother but her husband went there to return them to the house.
Executive Director, Esther Child Rights Foundation, Mrs. Esther Ogwu, said the man is wicked for defiling his two girls for two years, saying that her foundation would ensure that justice is done in the matter.
She stated that when she interviewed Adeleke at the police station, he admitted to the act, adding that the foundation was trying to see if the children’s mother could take custody of the children when she arrives from Ibadan.
Lagos State Police Command, Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ngozi Braide confirmed the arrest of the suspect, saying that he would be arraigned in court soon.
Meanwhile, the two girls are now under police protection, while their father will be arraigned at the Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court by the police.
According to information gathered the two daughters Tomi and Bimbo (not their real names), who were in tears, confessed that their father has been sleeping with them since 2011 without the knowledge of their mother who left them since last year.
It was learnt that the incident occurred in Ikotun, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos.
The oldest of the two daughters confirmed to our correspondent that the barbaric act has been going on since she was 11 and when her younger sister was eight years old, and that it was her father who deflowered her.
In her words, “Our father sleeps with us frequently. The first time he slept with me, I saw blood coming out of my private part and he used his singlet to clean me up.”
We also gathered that Adeleke was exposed by the Vice Chairman, Freelance Broadcast Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Demola Olota, Mrs Esther Ogwu of the Esther Child Rights Foundation and Mrs Mary
Olasupo of the Compassionate Women and handed him over to the police.
It was gathered that the culprit allegedly admitted that he had been defiling his daughters since 2011 and that he should be forgiven.
He was quoted as saying that the devil pushed him to have sex with them and that whenever he is arouse sexually, he goes for his daughters.
Mother of the children, Kemi Adeleke, who left her husband last year to Ibadan, Oyo State was devastated when the news that her estranged husband had been sleeping with their children got to her. She said she could not eat for two days. Kemi said she left her husband because he was an irresponsible man.
She said she is the one that feeds the family and even on top of that, she gets seriously beaten up by her husband.
According to her, when she left for Ibadan, she left the children with her mother but her husband went there to return them to the house.
Executive Director, Esther Child Rights Foundation, Mrs. Esther Ogwu, said the man is wicked for defiling his two girls for two years, saying that her foundation would ensure that justice is done in the matter.
She stated that when she interviewed Adeleke at the police station, he admitted to the act, adding that the foundation was trying to see if the children’s mother could take custody of the children when she arrives from Ibadan.
Lagos State Police Command, Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ngozi Braide confirmed the arrest of the suspect, saying that he would be arraigned in court soon.
Meanwhile, the two girls are now under police protection, while their father will be arraigned at the Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court by the police.
Drunken Diamonds kiss and confess
Just like vampires when the sun goes down the Diamonds come alive.
Now that they have alcohol in the House again the Diamonds are back to their wild ways. At first they took shots in the bedroom and Feza was the main attraction for all the boys they took turns carrying her and holding her down while pouring shots in her mouth.
Oneal's girl seems back to her lively self now that she is out of the Ruby House. Afterwards the booze laced Housemates played a game of spin the bottle/truth or dare which had no shortage of drunken confessions. Feza admitted that if she wasn't with Oneal she would be with Melvin. Later the Nigerian planted a little peck on the Tanzanian as part of a dare. But she quickly pushed him away and said that she is going to marry Oneal. But after that she licked a topless Melvin from his head to his navel.
Meanwhile Bimp confessed that if he didn't have a girlfriend outside of the House then he would have hooked up with Beverly. After that the two shared a little kiss and she gave him a lap dance after being dared by the Housemates. We can't help wondering what Angelo would do if he saw Beverly's getting up close with Bimp because he has said in the past that he is a very jealous man.
Other Housemates that snogged were Annabel and Bassey, afterwards the Kenyan described the kiss as "awkward". Ouch! It looks like Bassey is not the great kisser that he thought he was. Although Beverly did not seem to complain about the Sierra Leonean when it was her turn to kiss him.
One person Annabel didn't mind kissing is Melvin. She had a huge smile on her face when it was her turn to play tonsil hockey with the Nigerian. Then Nando gave Dillish a lap dance.
Woo child, what do you think of the Diamond’s drunken antics?
Now that they have alcohol in the House again the Diamonds are back to their wild ways. At first they took shots in the bedroom and Feza was the main attraction for all the boys they took turns carrying her and holding her down while pouring shots in her mouth.
Oneal's girl seems back to her lively self now that she is out of the Ruby House. Afterwards the booze laced Housemates played a game of spin the bottle/truth or dare which had no shortage of drunken confessions. Feza admitted that if she wasn't with Oneal she would be with Melvin. Later the Nigerian planted a little peck on the Tanzanian as part of a dare. But she quickly pushed him away and said that she is going to marry Oneal. But after that she licked a topless Melvin from his head to his navel.
Meanwhile Bimp confessed that if he didn't have a girlfriend outside of the House then he would have hooked up with Beverly. After that the two shared a little kiss and she gave him a lap dance after being dared by the Housemates. We can't help wondering what Angelo would do if he saw Beverly's getting up close with Bimp because he has said in the past that he is a very jealous man.
Other Housemates that snogged were Annabel and Bassey, afterwards the Kenyan described the kiss as "awkward". Ouch! It looks like Bassey is not the great kisser that he thought he was. Although Beverly did not seem to complain about the Sierra Leonean when it was her turn to kiss him.
One person Annabel didn't mind kissing is Melvin. She had a huge smile on her face when it was her turn to play tonsil hockey with the Nigerian. Then Nando gave Dillish a lap dance.
Woo child, what do you think of the Diamond’s drunken antics?
Thugs hammer Rivers State Deputy Governor. It Could Have Been the Governor, Amaechi
On his way out after making the presentation thugs who flooded the complex in their multitudes chanting war songs in support of a member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, descended on the Deputy Governor on sighting him.
His official car was badly damaged while other cars in his convoy also sustained some damage. Members of his entourage were also attacked and had to escape by running on foot out of the scene of the incident.
On his part, Hon. Evans physically assaulted the Channels Television cameraman and wrestled his video camera from him.
Some top government functionaries at the scene regretted the way the lawmaker conducted himself, lamenting that he has brought into utter disrepute the exalted office of an elected lawmaker.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Gunmen kill policemen in Taraba
Yola: Unidentified gunmen suspected to be armed bandits in the early hours of Saturday attacked the Divisional Police Station and an old generation bank in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba state.
Three policemen on duty were gunned down and many sustained injuries as the police station was completely destroyed by the attackers.
Three policemen on duty were gunned down and many sustained injuries as the police station was completely destroyed by the attackers.
Kidnappers invaded our lodge like commandos, seized our colleagues –Corps member
Before now, Abual/Odua Local Government Area of Rivers State was hardly in the news. The area has of recent been in the limelight for the wrong reason; the raiding of a corpers’ lodge and kidnap of three corps members. When the kidnapped corps members were posted to the state, it never for once crossed their mind that they would one day be kidnap victims.
Precisely on Saturday June 29, 2013, the people of Ogonokom community in Abua woke up to discover that three of their guests; Ogochi Martins (male), Chijioke Richard (male) and Esther Nwachukwu teaching at Egbolom Comprehensive Secondary School had been whisked across the waterside. The hoodlums, it was gathered, had been monitoring their prey and took them by surprise.
A corps member, Raymond (not his real name), witnessed the invasion of the Ogonokom Corpers’ Lodge. He said the bandits came in 20 minutes after they had switched off the generator supplying the entire building with power. He stated that the four hoodlums were armed with local pistols.
Raymond explained that about a dozen of his colleagues, who were in the lodge when the marauders came in at about 12.30am, ran into the bush while four corps members were held and warned not to move. One of them, a young man, was able to escape from their hold and join his colleagues in the bush. The incident was said to have lasted about 15 minutes with no security in sight to save the situation.
“Though the entire place was dark because we had already put off the generator, we heard their voices as they forced the three corps members away. We learnt that they took them to the waterside, put them in speed boats and sped off. The waterside is very close to the school and it was easy for the kidnappers to come in and take our colleagues away,” a distraught Raymond disclosed.
He told Saturday PUNCH that the council chairman, Mr. Udi Odum, immediately directed that they should be moved to Ominima Central Corpers’ Lodge, some kilometers away from the riverside where Ogochi, Chijioke and Nwachukwu’s abductors came from. Sadly, for more than five days, nothing cheery has come out of the kidnappers den, except for the demand of N20m as ransom.
Another corps member, who preferred not to be named as a result of the standing rule barring them from speaking to newsmen, said they had been living in fear since that night. He expressed worry that the Ominima Central Corpers’ Lodge was more vulnerable than the one located at the Government Comprehensive Secondary where their colleagues were seized.
According to the Mass Communication graduate, the entire building at the Ominima Central Lodge has no fence and no iron protectors.
“You can see for yourself that this place has no fence. Even the doors and windows are without iron protectors. What we see at the front of the building are banana trees and this can only serve as a hideout for kidnappers. It is not a fence. Since three persons among us were kidnapped, we have not been able to sleep well for the fear of being attacked again. But we are praying for the affected corps members,” she added.
But an indigene of the community, who spoke with our correspondent, said kidnapping had become a ‘trade’ in Abua/Odual within the last five months. He said the kidnappers usually invade the area in speed boats from the waterside, drive a waiting car to the point where they get hold of their victims, return to the river shore and force their victims into standby boats before speeding off to an unknown destination.
The indigene, who could only identify himself as Uzien Daniel, said any successful person within Ogolokom and neighbouring communities was a target. Daniel recalled how one Opokazari, a nurse at General Hospital, Degema, was kidnapped in May. A ransom of N2m was paid for his eventual release.
Daniel said the funds for Opokazari’s release were borrowed as the initial amount contributed by his relatives was quite low. Today, though Opokazari, a native of Egbolom Opedan in Abua/Odual, is a free man, his experience in the den of kidnappers for three weeks would rather be forgotten.
Narrating how Opokaziri was seized, Daniel said four kidnappers drove straight to the victim’s residence in an old Toyota Camry car. Surprisingly, the hoodlums drove Opokazari to the riverside and forced him into a waiting 75hp speedboat. They attempted to set the car on fire before the police came after them.
“The Toyota car they used that day was red in colour. It was an old car and after they had driven the man (Opokazari) to the shoreline, they took him into their speedboat that was on standby, came back to the car and tried to burn it. But a team of policemen trialed them to the waterside and they (kidnappers) immediately abandoned the vehicle and left.
“Their reason for burning the car was simple; they did not want the police use the car to trace the kidnapping to them during investigation. Opokaziri was with the kidnappers for three weeks before he was released upon the payment of the ransom. The truth is that the cases of kidnapping are many here.
“Many have been kidnapped and ransom paid before they were released. The kidnapping of the three corps members is the latest and I don’t think this crime will stop because those involved in it have taken it as a business.” Daniel stressed.
Jane, another inhabitant of Abua, told Saturday PUNCH how a money lender from Okpokuma in Otaba clan known as Walter was kidnapped about two weeks ago. According to her, Walter is still with his captors because his family has not been to raise the sum of N3m demanded by the hoodlums.
The situation in Abua made it difficult for indigenes living outside the area to come back home during Easter for the fear of being kidnapped. Jane, who was also apprehensive while speaking with our correspondent, explained that apart from economic reasons, kidnappers were now combing the entire locality in search of perceived enemies for abduction.
According to Jane, such victims were always tortured and allowed to go with serious injuries.
Again, some members of the community have in the past received calls where unknown persons called them to take huge sums of money to certain hidden areas or risk being captured. Jane narrated how a school principal, Mr. Zasper Willy, received a threat from an unknown person who called him and asked him to provide the sum of N500,000 or be ready to be kidnapped.
Jane pointed out that Willy had been living in fear since them. Jane said though the school principal reported the matter to the police, security operatives could do little or nothing to protect him.
“Joseph Sokolo, a 75 year-old man, also had a terrible experience in the hands of kidnappers. For three weeks, the old man was held hostage. He was only released when members of his family living in Abuja and other parts of the country were contacted and informed about the development. We learnt that the sum of N6m was paid for the release of ‘Joso’ (as he is fondly called),” Jane further said.
On the absence of a fence and a burglary proof at the Ominima Central Corpers’ Lodge, the Public Relations Officer of the National Youth Service Corps in the state, Mrs. Violet Appolo, said the authorities would speak with the Zonal Inspector of the area for immediate action to be taken to ensure the safety of corps members.
When contacted, Abua/Odual Local Government Chairman, Mr. Udi Odum, said there were plans to erect a fence at the new corps members lodge to enhance their security. Describing Abua/Odual as a riverine area bordering Kalabari and Bayelsa, Odum prayed that the kidnap of the three corps members would be the last in the area.
He told Saturday PUNCH in a telephone interview that efforts were being made to ensure their release.
“We are planning to erect a fence and other necessary things that will ensure the safety of the corps members at Ominima. We had to move them from Ogolokom to Ominima so that they would be far away from the riverside. I pray to God that this (kidnap of three corps members) will be the last in the area.
“As I speak with you, we are consulting and talking to both security operatives and leaders in the area to ensure that the corps members are released. It is a pity that the people who came to assist us were kidnapped,” Odum said.
Also, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Angela Agabe, said the command had intensified the search for the three corps members, with a view to ensuring their quick release. Agabe promised that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the corps members regain their freedom.
HoH: Natasha and Pokello sit this one out
Having won the Power of No Task earlier this week, Natasha chose to sit the Head of House Task out and give her fellow Housemates a chance to compete for next week’s Head of House duty.
As the Housemates sat down to hear what the Malawian mama had to say, they were all eager to hear who would be excluded on today’s HoH Task only to find out that they are all safe and Natasha would be the one who would not participate. What a selfless act from Natasha, one Africa will not forget any time soon. This is how you get Africa to like you Housemates, by being a saint.
In the Diamond House Beverly was the one that won the Power of No and so she chose Pokello to be excluded from the Head of House Task. When she went back to tell her fellow Housemates, she said “I chose Pokello because she’s leaving anyway.” Pokello acted sad about the news but we all know she’s lazy to do anything anyway. What Beverly meant by this was rather confusing because she could’ve either meant that the Zimbabwean diva is going back to the Rubies or is leaving The Chase come Sunday.
What do you think Beverly meant when she said she excluded Pokello from the HoH Task because she’s leaving anyway?
Angelo, Bimp, Cleo, Fatima, Hakeem, Nando, Pokello are up for possible Eviction this week.
Pastor Chris Okotie finds new love? (photos)
It appears popular Lagos pastor, Pastor Chris Okotie, has opened his heart to Love again despite his unusual love stories with women.
“Her name is Delphine and she worships God in another popular church in Lagos. She just got a brand new car love gift from her pastor friend and the word got out. In this photo, those who know the pastor’s house in and out, please look at the curtains very well and you will know who I mean, keep starring at the pink curtains! Hopefully she will step into the wifely shoes soon. I wish them all the best,they are so beautiful…chewing bitter leaf and waiting for press release to deny…”
He sure has a thing for light complexioned women if Stella’s report is true!
Civil Service Commission boss converts office to detention centre
The Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Joan Ayo, has allegedly converted a cubicle into a detention centre inside the commission’s building at Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.
Investigations by our correspondents indicated that no fewer than four members of staff of the commission had been detained inside the facility for hours on the orders of Ayo over some alleged infractions.
The detention centre, which has two chairs, two tables and an air conditioner, is on the second floor of the civil service building. It is located opposite room 211 and made of aluminium and tinted glasses.
Checks by Saturday PUNCH revealed that three clerical staff members (names withheld) were detained a few weeks ago for allegedly delaying the verification process of letters for new employees.
It was learnt that some of the new employees were from highly placed people from the State House and some ministries.
It was learnt that the chairman had directed her security details to summon the personnel of the Director of Recruitment and Appointment to her office in respect of a list of 22 newly appointed officers forwarded to the office for authentication.
The chairman was said to have ordered the detention of the three clerical staff members while she sent a senior official to get the schedule officer (name withheld), who was directed to ensure an immediate conclusion of the exercise.
Findings showed that the first person who was detained was a secretary in the office of the commissioner representing Lagos and Ogun states in the commission, Mr. R.B. Tinubu.
The female secretary was said to have been speaking loudly when the chairman was passing on the corridor and she reportedly resisted entreaties to keep quiet.
The chairman was said to have overheard the reaction of the secretary, who sought to know when it became an offence for somebody to talk when the chairman was passing through the corridor. The chairman consequently directed her detention in the facility.
It was learnt that it took the intervention of a commissioner to secure the release of the secretary.
When one of our correspondents contacted the President of the National Civil Service Union, Mr. Kiri Mohammed, he said that operating a detention facility was unethical and a violation of the rules guiding the civil service.
Mohammed, a deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said the civil service was not a security formation that should be running a detention centre.
He said, “Civil service is not a military or paramilitary organisation. It is governed by rules; there are no rules that say the chairman can detain anybody.”
“The union cannot support it. The union will make further investigation; there are steps guiding the operations of the service. You issue queries, warnings, suspension, or pay half salary and others.”
However, the Chairman of the NCSU, FCT branch, Mr. Lawrence Amaechi, said that his union was aware of the detention of personnel in the commission.
He said that there was fear among the workers because of the chairman’s style of administration.
He alleged further that whenever Ayo was moving with her detachment of riot policemen, every worker was expected to stand still.
Amaechi said, “The truth of the matter is that I am aware of the things the woman is doing. She has no respect for anybody. She moves with a detachment of riot policemen, workers are afraid. When she is moving, nobody moves, nobody knows where she is drawing her powers from.”
But the Chief Security Officer of the commission, Sunday Ifeguma, denied that the chairman was operating a detention centre. He added that the cubicle was a place for her (the chairman’s) security details.
He dismissed the issue of the high number of security personnel in the escort of the chairman and explained that the security measures were put in place because of the security situation in the country.
When pressed for the GSM number of the chairman to enable our correspondents to get her response, Ifeguma declined to give the number.
The ‘BEEF’ between Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo
Unknown to many, two of Nigeria’s great and Ex-Super Eagles skippers, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo are not having the best of relationship but often try to keep it away from the media.
The sour relationship between them started many years ago after the midfield maestro quit international football.
Kanu who at that time won the FA Cup with Portsmouth FC was selected alongside Austin Okocha to decide who got the ambassadorial honour for Fidelity Bank Plc.
Due to the influence of Kanu among some South East governors, the former Arsenal striker won it and this did not go down well with Jay jay.
The two, according to a very close source, have often avoided each other any time event brings them together.
The source disclosed that, supremacy of sort thus exists between them and it is of note that either of them ever invited another for any personal event in the past.
46 Yr Old Cripple Reveals: Women Love Me Because >>>
Pedro Ken Ogbebor, alias New Yorker is a 46 year-old cripple, residing by the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City. He is one person that his disability had never hindered from embarking on any mission. Although he has not been to America before, his American accent gave him the name, New Yorker. Even as a cripple, he is popular and loved by many including women. Saturday Vanguard spoke with this father of three whose wife abandoned few months ago on why he is a fan of beautiful ladies despite his disability. This encounter was quite revealing. Excerpts:
Why do you bear the name New Yorker when you’re not from New York?
I started answering New Yorker when a friend of mine bought me a new bike. Then, a plane was flying above us at the same time, so we just said this is our plane flying to New York. So when I left there, I wrote New Yorker at the back of the bike and that was how the name became a house hold name in Benin City. In fact people outside Nigeria know me as New Yorker and I act like a New Yorker now. That is why I always advise anybody who is disabled not to feel ashamed, but mix up with people and make friends. Don’t allow people to intimidate you because you are disabled.
As I am now, a lot of people love me. I got married but my wife left me because I don’t have money. I have three children but since she left, I have been coping well with the beautiful children that God gave me: two girls and a boy. I don’t feel disabled each time I see my children. They go to school and mix well with other children. If you are disabled, don’t lament too much. All you need to do is thank God for your life, give joy to people around you, tell them that your disability is not a problem to you. I always have fun with people particularly girls and I am a happy man.
How did you become crippled?
My mother told me that when I was a baby, I woke up one morning and shouted. They rushed me to hospital and gave me injection. They said it was convulsion. It was that injection that affected my waist. They said it affected my veins and ever since,I couldn’t walk. I was crawling until my mother said I should stop crawling . It was when I grew up that I asked my mother why I was disabled. That is why people should be careful where they take injection. If it was now, I would have filed a suit against the hospital that did this to me. Look at me on a wheel chair but I don’t like to lament about it. Perhaps that is the way God wants it to be and I cannot question God.
Was it because of your condition that your wife abandoned you?
I don’t really know. All I know is that when she was with me, I tried to make her happy. She was a weight lifter when I met her and we fell in love. She had three kids for me and I was shocked when she left me. Maybe, it was the advice of friends but that was foolish. If you are a woman and you love a man, you don’t allow friends to deceive you. Obviously, her friends might have mocked her that she was married to a cripple and foolishly, she forgot how we loved each other and our three children.
But I believe she is regretting her actions now because few days ago, I went to the stadium as usual and somebody told me she came to my house and was calling the children but they refused to answer her. They said my children told her that she is wicked for abandoning them because their father is a cripple and that she should go and leave them alone. That was what happened. Friends have been helping me and my children are okay. My first daughter is 12 years old, the second one is seven years and my son is six years old.
How do you cope with sports?
The truth is that I love sports a lot but it did not favour me. I was the first black man to play wheelchair tennis in Africa. At that time, I was doing my best to sensitize people on the need to play wheelchair tennis but wheelchairs were not available then. I even told my coach then to help sensitize our people so that the rich people will help us provide wheelchairs but he did not show any commitment and that dream died. That actually demoralized me as a sportsman but today, you can see people benefiting from it. I played basketball, wheel chair tennis and table tennis but sports did not favour me.
I prayed to God to give me what would favour me because as the first disabled sportsman in the stadium here, I should have known my level now. I was a power lifter and some of the people I trained then went to America and the UK. So at a point, I said all my friends have traveled I am the only one here. I decided to quit the game. In fact after that time, when people would be training as weight lifters, I would be laughing at them but before I knew it, one of them traveled to America . One even got a presidential Award of MON. But I still give thanks to God because he knows the best. My only prayer now is for God to bring somebody that will help me train these children because I want them to be educated.
Since your wife left, how have you been coping with women because I found out you have a lot of female friends and people also claim you use charms to seduce beautiful ladies?
The truth is that staying with women gives joy though some people view it differently. I feel good when I am with a woman. If you can satisfy a woman, you don’t have a problem. It is not all about money. Women like men who satisfy them. And I think I am good in that. I don’t have money to spend on a woman but I have my own way of satisfying them. Women always love me even though I am a cripple.They don’t care. Women love bold men, people who can protect them and not really money.
It is only the greedy ones that are after money. But real women search for satisfaction. No woman has ever rejected me. You can see that I am a fine boy. There was a day a white girl walking along Airport road followed me till I got home. She gave me her numbers ,that she wanted to be my friend. So women admire me a lot despite my condition. I don’t use charms on anybody. It is all lies. You know some people would fail in getting a woman but when I succeeded, they would go about talking rubbish. I have never charmed any woman.
Let me tell you, I go to club, I party with friends and that created the impression that I may be a bad guy but I am not. People said I used charms to catch women because they noticed that any girl I talked to would always follow me. But when they now understood the kind of person I am, they no longer think that way. I don’t use charms on women at all. They love me naturally because I am gifted.
Again, I have never been involved in crime although I am aware there are disabled persons who get involved in crime. I have never been to a police station. I am even better than some people who walk with two legs because I don’t involve myself in anything I know is illegal. If I know that you are a criminal, I won’t even come close to you. I only want to do things that will give people joy, that will make people help me and not what will make people hate me. God has always been good to me.
What would you have loved to be if you were not disabled?
I would have loved to be a pilot or naval officer. That is why I am praying for my children. I would love my son to join the Army when he grows up. My daughter can be a doctor. I know God will come to my rescue.
You have been into sports for several years now in Edo state, what is your impression with sports management in the state?
We are begging the state government to bring back Bendel Insurance. Those days, each time they played match, people would be calling me from America and London to find out the scores but nowadays, things have changed. I know that the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole has tried in rebuilding the stadium and equipping it with modern facilities, but he should help us bring back Bendel Insurance which is the pride of every Edo man. In fact, I want to use this opportunity to thank our Comrade Governor for all the assistance he rendered to me. He bought me this wheelchair and I have been enjoying it. I want to also commend him for banning Okada in the state. People have been using it to terrorize our people. Since Okada was banned, we have been enjoying peace in the state.
Conjoined twins born to jobless Abuja couple
What should have been a moment of joy for a jobless couple, Mr. Elisha Bassey and his wife, Patience, turned to sadness when a set of conjoined twins was born to the family on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old resident of the Federal Capital Teritory, Abuja, who is from Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and his 30-year-old wife, are currently at a loss.
The conjoined twins were delivered at about 7 pm on July 2, 3013 at LUNA Hospital in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Bassey said, “The babies are joined from the stomach and chest down. They have three legs joined together, one liver, one kidney and one intestine.”
Ironically, the scan that was conducted didn’t reveal that it was conjoined twins.
He said, “The scan was done but we were not informed that it was conjoined twins. When we were told that the babies were twins, we were all happy. For now, my wife is still in the hospital, although not fully recovered. But she is responding to treatment.”
Bassey’s hopes were dashed when the management of the National Hospital told him that they had done their best but there was no hope that they could do the separation.
He said, “The doctors at the National Hospital said they have tried their best, including scanning and everything they could do within their power.
“They said there was nothing else they could do in that unit. But they told me that if I have anywhere in the world where the babies could be separated, they would assist and send an e-mail and refer the babies to that place.
“At what cost? For now, they have not told me but they said they could not do the separation here and would not know where they could transfer the babies,” Bassey stated.
The spokesperson for the National Hospital, Dr. Tayo Haastrup,said that series of procedures had been done on the babies’ state of health.
He said, “The babies were not delivered in the National Hospital. They were delivered through a Caesarean section in a hospital somewhere in Gwarinpa; they are fine and their mother is still in the hospital, where she delivered the children. But the babies are now in our Special Care Babies Unit.”
When asked if any surgery had been done to separate conjoined babies, Haastrup replied in the negative.
He said, “Surgical operation is not the issue for now; but we have carried out some tests and other things to find out their state of health. They are lying now well in SCBU as I am speaking to you.”
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