Sunday 29 September 2013

Gov. Shettima Donates Blood To Pregnant Woman In Unscheduled Visit To Hospital


shettima1

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno on Sunday donated blood to a pregnant woman who was in need of transfusion during an unscheduled visit to Gen. Muhammadu Shuwa Memorial Hospital in Maiduguri
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Salma Kolo, told newsmen of the governor’s humanitarian gesture in Maiduguri.
Kolo said that Shettima made the donation because he was moved by the circumstances he met the woman in at the hospital.
“The governor was disturbed by the condition of the woman and wanted to help.
“He later discovered through the medical attendants that his blood group matched that of the woman, so he decided to help out,” she said.
“This is what is expected of a leader.
“Shettima has been teaching the people of Borno what it means to be a true servant leader,” Kolo said. (NAN)

My wish was to be Michael Jackson’s wife’ – Oma Iyasara


oma2

TELL us about the time you spent in the RoyalArts Academy.
My experience in the Royal Arts Academy was awesome. I learnt a whole lot about movie making and acting, and it was a stepping stone to Nollywood.
How did you get to feature in Uche Jombo’s movie False?
I actually got to feature in False through my first movie, which was Damage, featuring Uche Jombo and Kalu Ikeagwu. So, it built a relationship for me with the Uche Jumbo Studio.
What has been your most challenging movie so far?
Desperate House Girls. I had to scream and be angry – which I’m not used to. I also had to act as a village girl (laughs).
How well would you say you have fared in your acting career?
In life we learn everyday. I’m still learning and discovering I can do certain things, especially acting.
I am proud of how far I have come and I hope to go further, God willing.
What’s your relationship with Emem Isong and Uche Jombo?
Emem Isong is a lady I truly admire and I look up to her as a mentor. Uche Jombo is like a sister to me. She is always willing to advise me and boost my
morale. I have a good and wonderful relationship with both of them, and I won’t trade it for anything.
What is your level of education?
I studied Mass Communication at the Imo State University and I also have a diploma in Law from the University of Abuja. But I will love to go back to
school soon.
Who was the first person you had a crush on as a pretty young girl?
(Laughs) I am still a pretty young girl. Well, Michael Jackson. I really wanted to marry him.
How did you discover your acting talent?
I have always loved the camera actually, and ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) went on strike then. Instead of sitting at home doing nothing, I
decided to go to an acting school and that was the beginning. I didn’t really have many issues, because I had people guiding me through. And I want to use
this medium to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of them. God bless you all for me.
You’re also the CEO of Tataz Hair. How did that come about?
I have a thing for hair and I always know how to source for good hair. My friends wanted my hair, so I decided to go into buying and selling of weaves, and today, I have Tataz Hair.
What’s your greatest indulgence?
Hmm. That would be hair and books.
What attracts you to a man?
A good conversation with good looks; and someone who has respect for women.
What’s your favourite outfit?
Boyfriend tops, tights and high tops.
There was this story about your friend
snatching your boyfriend and you
crying in public.
What was that about?
It was a lie; no such thing happened.
You have such a beautiful skin. If you are asked to bare it all for a whopping sum of money in a movie, would you mind?
I can’t go full unclad for a movie, no matter what.
As a young and vibrant lady, what are your favourite hangout spots?
I love Karaoke and Sailors.
People say that Oma is wild.
Who is the real Oma Iyasara?
What you see is what you get; no dual personality, no alter ego.
Who is the lucky man in your life?
There is no one at the moment. I am currently focusing on building my career.

Many killed as Boko Haram opens fire on sleeping students

On

KANO  (AFP) – Boko Haram gunmen on Sunday stormed a college dormitory in Nigeria’s conflict-scarred northeast, firing on students as they slept, the military told AFP, in the latest such attack blamed on the Islamist insurgents.
Security forces were at the scene but details on the number of dead and injured were not yet available, area military spokesman Lazarus Eli said.
The early morning assault targeted the College of Agriculture in the town of Gujba in Yobe state, Eli said.
It was carried out by “Boko Haram terrorists who went into the school and opened fire on students,” while they were sleeping, he added.
A police source, who requested anonymity, told AFP that initial reports indicated the death toll could be high but he was not prepared to discuss figures.
Gujba is roughly 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the state capital of Damaturu.
Yobe has seen a series of brutal attacks targeting students in recent months, all blamed on Boko Haram.
The worst occurred in July in the town of Mamudo, where the Islamists threw explosives and sprayed gunfire into dormitories in the middle of the night, killing 41 students.
The name Boko Haram means ‘Western education is forbidden’ and the group has repeatedly attacked schools, universities and colleges during its four-year insurgency.
The military has described the spate of recent school attacks as a sign of desperation by the Islamists, claiming they only have the capacity to hit soft targets.
The defence ministry has said that an offensive launched against Boko Haram in mid-May has decimated the group and scattered their fighters across remote parts of the northeast.
While many of the recent attacks have occurred in more remote areas, often targeting defenceless civilians, the unchecked killing has cast doubt on the success of the military’s campaign.
The northeast remains under a state of emergency imposed on May 14.
Scores have been killed this month, including in the northeastern town of Benisheik in Borno state, where at least 142 people were slaughtered by presumed Boko Haram fighters who came disguised as soldiers, set up checkpoints and fired on motorists and bystanders.
Some of the recent violence has targeted vigilante groups which have formed to help the military.
Boko Haram has said it is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria’s mainly Muslim north, but the group is believed to made up of different factions with varying aims.
A toll earlier this year said the conflict is estimated to have cost more than 3,600 lives, including killings by the security forces. The current figure is likely much higher.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and top oil producer


Independence: Boko Haram plans more attacks – Police

On

FROM: KINGSLEY.
Following the massacre of about 77 persons including 50 students of a College of Education in Yobe State by the Boko Haram terrorist group at the weekend and intelligence reports showing that the group was planning more strikes on the eve of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has placed all officers and men of the force on red alert.
The directive of the IGP in a signal to all Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Command Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and Abuja, is for them to ensure that pre-emptive actions and proactive actions aimed at intercepting the murderous plans of the terrorists before they carry them out.Special Juma’at Prayer: From left: Inspector General Of Police Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar; Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Chief Of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim during Special Juma’at Prayers for the 53rd Independence Day Celebration at Central Mosque in Abuja On Friday.
A statement from Force headquarters signed by Force Public Relations officer, CSP Frank Mba said, “As part of deliberate and comprehensive efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a hitch-free Independence Day Anniversary Celebration, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar has placed officers and men of the Nigeria Police, as well as other special operatives, on red alert nation-wide.
“The IGP has specifically directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Command Commissioners of Police, including the Maritime Command to ensure adequate and effective deployment of all operational tools and manpower within their Commands”
“They are to pay special attention to Shopping Malls, Public Parks and Beaches, Highways and other critical infrastructures and sensitive areas in order to guarantee the safety and well being of the citizenry”.
The IGP assured Nigerians that the Police will do everything within available resources to discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities of providing safe and secure environment for all, particularly during this period of Independence Anniversary.
The IGP has equally, on behalf of Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, heartily congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and the entire people of Nigeria, on the nation’s 53rd Independent Anniversary.
He saluted the courage and determination of Nigerians to build and sustain a strong, indivisible and virile nation, in spite of all confronting circumstances.
Furthermore, the IG called on Nigerians to put their differences aside and courageously continue to support the Police in the face of current security challenges confronting the country.
He enjoined all well meaning persons and groups to cooperate with the Force by providing useful information, especially with regards to the on-going fight against terrorism and other forms of crimes and criminalities, for the mutual benefit and collective interest of the citizenry.

Many students feared dead as Boko Haram attacks Yobe school

By Peter on 29th September 2013
KANO - Boko Haram gunmen on Sunday stormed a college dormitory in Nigeria’s conflict-scarred northeast, firing on students as they slept, the military told AFP, in the latest such attack blamed on the Islamist insurgents.
Security forces were at the scene but details on the number of dead and injured were not yet available, area military spokesman Lazarus Eli said.
The early morning assault targeted the College of Agriculture in the town of Gujba in Yobe state, Eli said.
It was carried out by “Boko Haram terrorists who went into the school and opened fire on students,” while they were sleeping, he added.
A police source, who requested anonymity, told AFP that initial reports indicated the death toll could be high but he was not prepared to discuss figures.
Gujba is roughly 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the state capital of Damaturu.
Yobe has seen a series of brutal attacks targeting students in recent months, all blamed on Boko Haram.
File: Baga attack by Boko Haram
File: Baga attack by Boko Haram
The worst occurred in July in the town of Mamudo, where the Islamists threw explosives and sprayed gunfire into dormitories in the middle of the night, killing 41 students.
The name Boko Haram means ‘Western education is forbidden’ and the group has repeatedly attacked schools, universities and colleges during its four-year insurgency.
The military has described the spate of recent school attacks as a sign of desperation by the Islamists, claiming they only have the capacity to hit soft targets.
The defence ministry has said that an offensive launched against Boko Haram in mid-May has decimated the group and scattered their fighters across remote parts of the northeast.
While many of the recent attacks have occurred in more remote areas, often targeting defenceless civilians, the unchecked killing has cast doubt on the success of the military’s campaign.
The northeast remains under a state of emergency imposed on May 14.
Scores have been killed this month, including in the northeastern town of Benisheik in Borno state, where at least 142 people were slaughtered by presumed Boko Haram fighters who came disguised as soldiers, set up checkpoints and fired on motorists and bystanders.
Some of the recent violence has targeted vigilante groups which have formed to help the military.
Boko Haram has said it is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria’s mainly Muslim north, but the group is believed to made up of different factions with varying aims.
A toll earlier this year said the conflict is estimated to have cost more than 3,600 lives, including killings by the security forces. The current figure is likely much higher.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and top oil producer.

150 Passengers Capsize In River Niger!


story by Peter
Click for Full Image Size
Nigerian authorities on Saturday were looking for survivors after a boat carrying traders capsized, killing at least 42, an emergency agency official said.

The overloaded boat was on the Niger River between two villages in north-central Nigeria when it capsized Friday evening, said Mohammed Shaba, head of the state emergency agency.

The boat was carrying 150 people, of which 42 were confirmed dead, eight were rescued and 100 were missing, he said.

The boat originated in the village of Malale, located in Niger state, and was heading to Wara, a town in Kebbi state. The two states are connected by the Niger River.

"The accident may have been caused by the overloading of passengers, mostly traders with goods and the high level waters on the Niger River," Shaba said.

PDP Crisis: Between VP Sambo’s loyalists and the opposition in Kaduna


BY PETER
The eerie calm in  the security and socio-political space of Kaduna State, on Monday, burst into cataclysmic political excitement never seen since the death of its former governor,  Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, and the swearing-in of his deputy, Alh. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, last December, to succeed him.
Three closely linked events took place. And they may well set the agenda that would profoundly determine the fortunes or otherwise of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the state and that of the characters that ride on it.
First, like bad dream turn real, Vice President Namadi Sambo, whose outings in the last three polls in the state showed that he could not win even his own street and ward, woke up to find that the  party had developed a very bitter faction that announced its loyalty  to the Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led “New” PDP’. This would make his political relevance both in the state, the North-west and, by extension, the entire North come to question when viewed from the fact that out of the seven “rebel” governors of the ruling party, six are from the North, with four from the North-west. And now his own state had joined the fray, with him seemingly looking helpless.
The woes of the Vice President in a series of events, last week, started with the press statement by Alhaji Audi Yaro Makama -Kaduna State PDP Chairman (2001-2007) and Gideon Yakubu Morik, member, Kaduna State House of Assembly (1999-2007) and Chairman, Jema’a Local Government Council Area of Kaduna State (2007 – 2010).
The statement, supported by Ambassador Sule Buba (a former Kaduna State PDP Chair, 2007 – 2011), Hon. Isaac Bodams, Hajia Aisah Mairago, among other PDP bigwigs in the state, read in part: “In the last few weeks, a political tsunami was unleashed on the nation with the emergence of a new leadership to pilot the affairs of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).
“The decision of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and seven governors elected on the platform of the party, is not only worthy of commendation but worthy of emulation. . .
“The revolutionary decision to sack the erstwhile leadership under Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and replace it with the current one led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje needs to be replicated in all states chapters of the party, especially Kaduna state where the support base of the party has been shrinking since 2007 when Arc Namadi Sambo became governor and decided to rubbish the party and its supporters to no end.
“The PDP in Kaduna State therefore proudly and wholeheartedly identifies with the new leadership of the party, under Alhaji Kawu Baraje and follows in the footsteps of its sister chapters of Adamawa, Jigawa and Taraba States in setting up new leadership to give our party a new lease of life.
“We are also reassuring our teeming supporters that they truly own the party and not impostors with little or no inkling about PDP’s founding ideals and people who don’t have the passion for the party’s interest and growth.
“Fundamentally, this decision has been taken after deep reflections on happenings in Kaduna State since the elevation of Architect Namadi Sambo as Vice President.
“ It is instructive that since his elevation, the fortunes and prestige of the party in the state has been declining rather than improving, because he has been incapable of rallying the people under its umbrella.
“Although this is hardly surprising since he lacks the political wherewithal and the requisite structure to preside over the politics of the state, but it was expected that he would come to terms with his inadequacies and enlist the support of established political actors.
“ This expectation has been a forlorn hope because the Vice President has surrounded himself with political paperweights. These hangers on drive Sambo’s vehicle of political exclusionism by hunting for enemies even where they don’t exist.
“All efforts by concerned party members and elders to make him see reason, as well as draw the attention of the sacked party leadership were in vain.
“We are therefore, once again affirming our loyalty to the new leadership of PDP under Alhaji Kawu Baraje”. The statement was wildly celebrated by the ‘New PDP’ supporters and the opposition in the state.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the mainstream PDP repudiated the statement.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna PDP,. Ibahim  Mansur, reads:: “It has come to our notice that a group of self serving and out of favour politicians masquerading as members of our great Party, PDP in Kaduna State have resorted to seeking cheap relevance by declaring loyalty to the illegal and outlawed faction of the party led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje and his co travelers.
“The group of political opportunists led by a former chairman of the PDP in Kaduna State, Alhaji Audi Yaro Makama and a former member of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Gideon Morik, is completely on the derailed path as the Kaduna State Chapter of the PDP remains solidly behind the leadership of our National Chairman, Alhaji (Dr) Bamanga Tukur.
“There is only one PDP, which is the one led by Bamanga Tukur, this much has been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The claim by the so called group is false and totally criminal, as the party is intact and united under the able leadership of Dr A G Haruna”, reads the statement.
Many watchers of the party in the state were, in the least, surprised about the altercation..
According to a  top PDP member in Kaduna State, who was deep in the 2011 gubernatorial election: “The actions of the Namadi Sambo have been very strange politically. He does not seem bothered about his little political capital that has been almost depleted through his naïve handling of issues. He chooses only his friends and that of his wife into both state and federal appointments. He has personally attracted no meaningful federal projects here.
He is detached from the electorate and is aloof to the media in the state. And I see Yero, his god-son, doing the same. We that form the base of the party have suddenly become observers, with our supporters also going awry.”

Abandoned Gold Bars Found At Train Station Baffle German Police


gold

Attention all passengers: could the person who left a stash of gold bars and a pile of banknotes in the luggage deposit at Cologne’s main railway station kindly contact German police?
That was the appeal that police in the western German city issued Friday for information to track down the owner of the several kilos (pounds) of gold and a six-figure sum of euros in cash.
The stash was found in April in a luggage locker at the station, a major European transport hub. Police said they’re going public after being unable to link the haul to any crime and hearing nothing from any legitimate owner.
Whoever the owner is shouldn’t leave it too much longer. Police say that if nobody comes forward, the stash will be sold.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Man couldn’t kiss His Wife for FOUR YEARS until He had His Skull Operated


kiss
Delighted dad Mark Steadman kisses his wife Louise for the first time in four years – after being cured of a terrifying condition.
A squashed nerve had meant the slightest touch on his face caused agony.
Now surgeons have inserted Teflon in his skull to stop contact with a nearby artery which sparked the spasms.Pain from Trigeminal Neuralgia, which affects 12 out of 100,000 people in the UK each year, is so intense nearly a third of victims resort to suicide.
Relieved father-of-three Mark, a probation officer, said: “I can’t say how wonderful it is to kiss Louise and my kids again.
“The disease destroyed my life, the pain is so debilitating you can’t do anything.
“Once I was at my parents’ house for dinner and before the spoon even got to my mouth I was on the floor in agony.
“It feels like you have been hit in the face with a bolt of lightning, or at it’s worst like a whole thunder storm has hit you.
“There were up to 250 attacks a day. Sometimes the pain would drop me to my knees, other times it would feel like all of my teeth on the right hand side were on fire.
“I had to take 50 pills a day which left me like a zombie.”
Mark, 38, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, was left unable to go outside or even wash his face after being diagnosed with the condition in 2009.
But the gruelling six- hour operation at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, should leave him free of pain for at least 10 years.
Louise, 35, said: “I can’t describe how good it is to have my husband back. I can’t stop kissing Mark now.”

Tension Heightens In Taraba As Police Detain Suntai’s Aide


suntai
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State was last night arrested and detained by the police, increasing tension in the politically unstable state.
Sylvanus Giwa was picked up along with his friends by police men around 11 p.m. from the Sanaf Suite opposite Catholic Cathedral, Mile 6, Jalingo.
No reason was given by the police for his arrest, but sources said Giwa was detained in connection with offensive statements he made against the state’s acting governor, Garba Umar.Giwa was alleged to have issued a statement castigating Umar for claiming, last week, that he was 100 percent loyal to his boss, Suntai.

The acting governor is alleged to have been uncomfortable with the statement and asked security agents to invite him for explanations.
Although he was taken to the police station on Friday night, he was still being kept at the counter yesterday afternoon while spirited efforts were being made to release him on bail.
The acting governor’s spokesman, Sule Kefas, denied that his boss had any hand in the arrest.
One of the four arrested alongside Giwa was Bar. Hamidu Ali, said to be in the hotel for a religious purpose.
“As I speak to you, the acting governor is not aware of the arrest and did not ask anyone to arrest Giwa,” Kefas said. [Vanguard]



SSANU To Join ASUU Strike


ASUU-strike-Cartoon


Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, will tomorrow join the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU on strike as the union said it has mobilized its members across the country to embark on industrial action over alleged stoppage of their salaries for two months.
In a letter dated 27 September, 2013, and addressed to its branch chairmen in all the universities in the country, SSANU directed its members to stay away from work from tomorrow until the salaries are fully paid.The President of SSANU, Comrade Samson Ugwoke, said the strike will be total, while the General Secretary, who signed the letter directing members to stay at home from tomorrow, Comrade Promise Adewusi, said no member should go back to work until a counter directive was given.
Adewusi stated that the union took the decision following its letters to the vice-chancellors in universities, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Ministers of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu and Education, Nyesom Wike, as well as the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie.

Jonathan Held Hostage By Power Mongers – Tunji Braithwaite


Dr. Tunji Braithwaite: Interestingly, all three are inter-related. If you are a lawyer, you’ve got to know what the constitution of the country where you are, says.  Beyond that, if you are expansive, you will even know the constitutions of other nations not to talk about the United Nations. And you become really international because the world has become a global village kind of. So as a lawyer, concerned with the rights of the society, corporate society and the rights of individuals, you will see that the three: law, activism and politics are related. The profession of law offers better platform for any budding politician. This is not to say other professions; other disciplines are averse to being in politics, but the profession of law gives the lawyer a head start ahead of others. So, it has not been difficult to combine these three together.
Besides, when I started law practice 52 years ago, there were lots of political challenges and as a young lawyer, I was quickly drafted into the defense of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. So, at the very early stage of my life, I had my work cut out for me especially the human rights aspect of it and politics. I was one of the young lawyers who defended him.

Two Sisters Killed As Gas Cylinder Explodes In Abuja


gas cylinder explodes
Two sisters were Friday night killed in an explosion rocked a village in Abuja.
Faith Oche, 31, and Mary Oche, 25, said to be co-tenants to Miss Rose died as a result of the explosion which arose from a domestic gas cylinder in Rose’s property.
The explosion, according to eyewitnesses, sounded like a bomb went off, as it rocked the village to its foundation with people scampering for safety The hardest hit by the explosion were the sisters whose remains were a gory sight, as the head of one was reportedly blown off, while the second had her head shattered.
According to an eyewitness, Mr. Joseph Mark, a tenant in the house, Miss Rose, who was cooking in her apartment, found that a fire had entered the nozzle of the cylinder and threw it outside the compound.
Mark said when people saw the cylinder with burning fire, they ran and prepared water and detergent solution and sands which they were throwing at a distance to put out the fire.
He said the two sisters, Mary and Faith showed some bravery as they approached the cylinder with the aim of throwing in more sand, but unfortunately, the cylinder exploded suddenly into their faces.
Police officers who visited the scene, said investigation had commenced into the matter while the bodies of the victims had been deposited at the mortuary of the National Hospital, Abuja.

Saturday 28 September 2013


Jonathan holds media chat tomorrow on September 28, 2013


President Goodluck Jonathan will tomorrow speak on current national issues during a Presidential Media Chat to be broadcast live at 7pm, local time.
In a release by Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said, President Jonathan will in the course of the programme, answer questions from a panel of journalists on current national issues and events, as well as policies and actions of his administration.

File photo:
File photo: President Goodluck Jonathan addressing the Nation at The State House in Abuja


He further asked members  of the public who have questions for President to respond to on the programme to send via Twitter to @mediachatng1. According to Abati, the  programme will be broadcast live on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
What are your expectations on the President’s chat? What are your questions?
Do write your expectations and questions on the comments section below.

Trailer crushes five persons in Ibadan on September 28, 2013


BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan
IT was a pathetic sight yesterday at Eleyele in Ibadan North West Local Government area of Ibadan when an articulated lorry crushed about five persons.
One young lady was crushed beyond recognition while four other persons sustained serious injuries. The accident happened around 12:25pm some metres away from Eleyele roundabout.
The truck which was marked XA 178 BDG loaded more than one hundred bags of cement and was coming from Dugbe end before the accident happened.
When the driver, who looked like a 23 year old man could not control the truck, it ran into an 18-seater commercial bus, some motorcyclists and other passersby.
After crushing the victims, it headed to another story building by the road side. But the locked iron gate of the house prevented it from going inside the building.
The remains of the young lady whose passports and other personal effects scattered on the road were left as people who could not withstand the gory sight ran helter skelter.
After a distress call to the Oyo State Mobile ambulance, it came and took the injured ones to the hospital. Though, the two drivers tried to escape, the people in the area chased and got them arrested.
In a related development, another truck that loaded scores of bags of cement also ran into a Church, Save and Serve, Eleyele just some close distance to the spot of the other accident.
An eyewitness said the truck was trying to ascend a hill when its brake developed faults, turned back and broke the fence of the Church. But, there was no reported casualty.
Residents in the area complained that  trucks always have accident on daily basis because they carry more than the capacity of the truck.
Policemen were at the scene controlling vehicular movements to prevent traffic snarl.

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Collapsed buildings: Survivors recount ordeal


By Uju Mbanusi
Incidence of building collapse in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, has assumed an alarming dimension following its frequent occurrence.
The recent one  occurred Wednesday night  in Tinubu area of Lagos, after a three-storey building on No 15, Alli Street,  landed  on a bungalow close to it, killing three  persons: an 82 year-old man, a four-year-old child and a middle-aged businessman with many others injured.
The incident which occurred at about 10.30 pm also rendered several families homeless.
*Survivors receiving treatment at the hospital.
*Survivors receiving treatment at the hospital.
Residents o f the buildings, particularly those of the bungalow located at number 16, were shocked over the disaster and wondered why they were victims.
The bungalow  had 10 rooms (popularly known as ‘face me I face you’ apartments) while the three storey building comprised three bedroom flats on the second and third floors and shops on the first and ground floors.
When Crime Guard visited the scene Thursday, some of those who managed to escape were seen thanking God for sparing their lives . Some were also sighted trying to salvage the remains of their property from the rubble,while relatives of those who lost their lives and the injured were seen wailing.
Capital 1 football match saved us— Survivors
Some of the survivors who spoke to Crime Guard said they would have been among those who lost their lives  had they not gone out to watch  Capital 1 cup football matches.
According to one of them who  identified himself as Chikwe, “  I was on my way back from a viewing centre where I had gone to watch the football matches when I heard a loud bang. At first, I thought it was a bomb and immediately took to my heels. Next thing I heard was series of cracks with people running from one direction to another.
At first, none was sure of where the loud bang was from, until we heard the shout of a woman informing us that a building had collapsed. By then, I had reached the end of  the street. I never knew our building was affected until I came close, only to find some of my neighbours who also ran for safety. I couldn’t believe my eyesat the sight  of the remains of what used to be home for me.
I lost everything I have laboured for, but I am grateful to God that I am alive because only the living can save for tomorrow”
How we dragged out an old man from the rubble- resident
Another resident of the area,Imoh, gave a graphic description of how they rescued one of the dead persons from the rubble. He also said he  stopped at a friend’s place to watch the football match.
“ When it was about 10.30pm, I left my friend’s house to avoid being queried by my wife for coming late. Immediately I got to my street, I saw the whole place was in disarray.  No one made any attempt to  get close to the scene because they were afraid if another building will collapse.
Just then, we had a faint cry of help from the rubble. I had to summon courage and invited some young men to go and save the person. But we could not locate the exact area because the whole place was dark. We had to use our phones and touch lights, in the process of which I even lost my phone. Just then, we saw a hand. We tried lifting the brick on the person but could not because it was too heavy. Other people came and joined us before we managed to lift it. But by then, it was too late because the man had died. I believe he was sleeping because he laid on  part of the mattress. We later discovered he was an old man who only moved in three months ago.”
We worked until the wee hours and managed to rescue about five persons alive, who were subsequently rushed to the Island General  Hospital”.
Survivors recount experience on hospital beds
Crime Guard also  paid a visit to Emergency Unit of the Lagos Island General Hospital where some of the injured  were receiving treatment. A middle aged woman identified as Ramota Oduwole, a trader  at the Lagos Island Market, who was brought in a state of coma reportedly demanded for her husband and children immediately she regained consciousness. Despite assurances from nurses that  members of her family were in good health, she reportedly insisted  on  seeing them, until her husband who was also being attended to at the emergency unit showed up. Their eight-year-old  daughter was also undergoing  treatment.
Narrating how she found herself in the hospital , she said: “ I was in the apartment with my husband and children, when we heard a deafening sound. Before we knew what was happening, it was followed by a loud bang, and that was all I could remember. I woke up to find  myself, my husband and our eight year-old daughter here”.
She paused for a while , looked to her left and right before continuing, “ A friend of mine sent a  huge amount of money  to me from abroad, to help her purchase some merchandise from the market that Wednesday. But I could not deposit it in the  bank because the banks had closed. I decided to keep  it at home with the intention of taking it to the bank today( Thursday).
At the moment, we are yet to find the money.  It must have been stolen by hoodlums who came to loot in the name of helping out. Apart from the clothes we have on, we lost everything in the collapsed building, but I thank God for sparing our lives. I only  sustained injuries on my legs and lower back. Right now, we would appreciate any kind gestures from the Lagos State Government towards helping us settle back to normal life”, she stated.
Another survivor who had a swollen face and blood-shot eyes, merely stared at this reporter, unable to identify himself when asked to, let alone to narrate his ordeal.
The Medical Director of the Lagos Island General Hospital, Dr. A.O Balogun,who spoke with Crime Guard concerning the  condition of the patients, said some of those rushed in had been treated and discharged, while others whose condition were critical ,were admitted and   still being attended to.
“There is a male victim with ‘uterium peritonium’  case. He  is currently under observation to ascertain if he needs to be operated on… the rest of them are in stable condition.  I was at the ward attending to them until few hours ago, when I had to rush down to my office for an important  meeting”. he said.

FG to employ 500 youths in Otuoke skills centre – Minister on September 28, 20


Uyo – The Federal Government is to recruit 500 youths in the skills Acquisition Centre in Otuoke, Bayelsa, in the next few months.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Godsday Orubebe, said this on Friday when he met with Niger Delta Youth for Physical Development (NDYPD) and National Association of Niger Delta Women in Uyo.
The minister said: “we will be recruiting 500 youths from across the nine states of the Niger Delta.
“They will be assembling ipad and telephones and we have also sorted out automatic employment for the youth that are coming in.
“They will be trained in the centre there. After the training they will be employed automatically.’’
Orubebe said that the selection of beneficiaries would be equitable across the nine states of the region.
“We will give equal number to the nine states of Niger Delta. Once you have secondary school certificate, you will be selected as one of the lucky ones to be part.
“We expect that all the youth groups should work with our Director of Youth in the ministry,’’ Orubebe said.
According to him, the centre is going to be a Public-Private Partnership and will focus on oil and gas as well as Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Orubebe said the other centres in eight states would focus on maritime and agriculture training, adding that the purpose was to give the youth the required skills.
He urged the youth to embrace peace to enable governments to develop the area.
Earlier, Mr Emmanuel Eyo, the National President of NDYPD, requested Orubebe to assist in training and empowering the youth in the area. (NAN)

Lamido blames ASUU’s strike on lack of trust

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Dutse – Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa on Saturday appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end the ongoing strike in the interest of the students.
Lamido made the appeal when he received a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Dutse.
He said it was unfortunate that the industrial action was still on almost three months since it began.
The governor blamed the protracted strike on lack of trust between the Federal Government and ASUU.
“It is really unfortunate that the strike has lasted up until this time. There is no trust between the two bodies and when there is no trust it will be difficult to have a common ground.
“As a parent, I am so worried seeing our children that supposed to be in school at home.
“I am appealing to ASUU to go back to the classroom while the negotiation with the government continues,” he said.
Lamido, however, pleaded with the Federal Government to continue to dialogue with the union, even after the strike had been called off.
He said this would enable the two parties to sort out the gray areas in the dispute, adding that ASUU and the Federal Government should approach the dialogue with sincerity.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Ahmed Jibril, appealed to Lamido to intervene to end the lingering industrial action.
Jibril, who is the Vice President National Affairs, NANS, said that it was unfortunate for students to be allowed to stay at home for more than three months as a result of the strike.
According to him, parents and students are left to bear the consequences of the strike.
He told Lamido that they were in the state on tour of education facilities. (NAN)
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Chidinma aka “Ms. Kedike” Clears The Air On Alleged unclad Photos, See Full Photo

“Chidinma darling, you know we bloggers were just looking out for you, we were as shocked as ever to see photos that looked like you were unclad.
Oya *hugs and kisses* :D” – Haliwud
Now, to the matter.
Petite cute singer, Chidinma, took to her Instagram page to share her displeasure over several headlines that hit the blogosphere sometime during the week about her unclad photos.
Everyone was shocked, because we all believe Chidinma to be a decent young lady and thank God we were right.
The singer shared the full photos which shows she wasn’t even unclad.
Read what she had to say about the photos and headlines below.

Friday 27 September 2013

http://yllix.com/fullpage.php?pub=978555§ion=General&ga=g

http://yllix.com/fullpage.php?pub=978555§ion=General&ga=g


Baby Born With Extra Head Undergoes Operation In Afghanistan



AFGHANISTAN-HEALTH-CHILDREN
A baby born with an extra head is recovering this week in Afghanistan after undergoing a risky procedure to have the head removed.
Only a few months old, Asree Gul was discharged from a hospital in eastern Afghanistan after doctors successfully removed the extra head from her scalp, reports the BBC.
Born to farmers in the Chaparhar district, Asree also has a twin sister, who was delivered without complications. Asree’s unique condition, however, made it difficult for her to sleep.
The hospital’s chief surgeon, Ahmad Obaid Mojadidi, told the Agence France-Pressethat the complicated operation performed on Chaparhar was the first of its kind in the region.Asree, whose name means “new flower,” was not in good condition after the procedure, according to the AFP. Her father, Nematullah, said he had not expected his infant daughter to survive the surgery.
“The doctors saved her life. I thank them,” Nematullah told AFP.
Doctors believe Asree’s birth defect is caused when a baby, in this case Asree’s potential triplet, does not develop correctly in utero, according to the BBC.
While not officially confirmed, this case appears similar to a rare condition called craniopagus parasiticus, in which an underdeveloped twin is attached to its fully-formed counterpart. One of the most famous examples of craniopagus parasiticus was Egyptian Manar Maged, who had the head of her twin removed in 2005 when she was 10 months old, reported The Telegraph. While that operation was initially successful, the girl developed a severe brain infectionand died about a year after the surgery.


Gov Obi In Tears As 4 Family Members Killed In Kano Blast Were Buried Posted by: niyi on September 27, 2013


Kano-Blast2
The remains of the four members of the Ezebuala family, who were victims of the Kano bomb blasts on July 29, were on Thursday buried at Uga Community.

Uga is in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.
The atmosphere was characterised by wailing and grief as the corpses of the victims were brought for final commendation service at the church.
The deceased were Nnamdi Ezebuala, 48, and his three children: Chinemerem, 14, Chiamaka, 12 and Nmesomachukwu, 10.
They were killed when Boko Haram sect members launched bomb attacks simultaneously at various points on two busy roads in the Sabongari area of Kano.
Gov. Peter Obi, who could not hold back his tears, described the incident as “a national calamity’’.
Obi said that Anambra had faced similar ugly incidents in years past when Anambra indigenes were slaughtered in various parts of the North by Boko Haram insurgents.
He expressed dismay at the level of destruction of lives and property in various parts of the North.
The governor said that his administration had fought to ensure security of lives and property, “which has made Anambra State a beautiful place for local and foreign investors’’The governor urged the Ezebuala family and the people of Uga to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.


He said that government would take over the welfare of the wife of the deceased and her two surviving children.
Speaking during the service, the ‘Commanding Officer’ of Uga Corps of the Salvation Army, Maj. Emeka Ezechukwu, described the death of the victims as manifestation of the love of God towards those who loved Him.
Ezechukwu said that the victims as children of God met their death in the house of God, where they had gone to worship God.
He noted Nnamdi Ezebuala and his children were strong members of the church, whose commitment were fervent.
The cleric prayed God to grant them eternal rest.
The Chairman of Uga Democratic Vanguard, Chief Peter Okala, thanked the governor for finding time to come to commiserate with the people of Uga and the Ezebuala family.
Okala said that the Uga Community had been over-shadowed by anguish and tears since the death of the Ezebualas.
He, however, prayed God to grant the departed souls eternal rest and for God to grant the family of the deceased fortitude to bear the loss.
The Founder of Konigin Des Friedens, Uga, Monsgr. John-Bosco Akam, where Chinemerem was a student, described his death as national tragedy that had affected the lives of the young generation. [NAN]

Abuja Killings: FCT To Demolish 100,435 Buildings

Abuja-Killings


The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday announced that 100,435 illegal, uncompleted buildings have been marked for demolition following a raid by security operatives on an uncompleted building believed to be a hideout of Boko Haram members near the legislative quarters at Apo, Abuja, last Friday, which claimed 10 lives.
Disclosing this when the House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Safety and National Security visited his office on oversight duties, FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed said 100,000 illegal buildings and 435 uncompleted houses have so far been identified in the FCT to be pulled down. He explained that his administration would no longer condone the delays by developers in completing their buildings, after being allocated plots of land .
Very soon, we will take a decisive action on uncompleted buildings in the FCT. We will ensure that all buildings that have exceeded the two-year period approved for building will be demolished. If we cannot demolish, we will make them police posts. This time around, we will take a definite action,” he said.

High Court Judge Kidnapped In Edo


Posted by: niyi on September 27, 2013

kidnapp
Kidnapping continues rearing its ugly head in Edo State as Justice Daniel Okungbowa of the Edo State High Court has been reportedly kidnapped.
Justice Okungbowa was reportedly kidnapped in Benin City, the state capital, while his whereabouts remain unknown as his abductors have not contacted anyone.
Meanwhie, the Benin branch of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by its Chairman, Mr. Oriame Akene led lawyers to protest to the Edo State Police Command office and the Department of Security Service, DSS, where they demanded for the release of the abducted judge unhurtThe lawyers described the Judge’s kidnap as one too many and appealed to the security agencies to do something about it.
Responding to the the lawyers’ demand, state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Eguavoen said that the police was working hard to ensure that the judge was released unhurt.
Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, however denied that the judge was kidnapped, noting that it was merely a case of missing person