The was a bid of disagreement
between President Goodluck Jonathan and
the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, following unscrupulouse pride by the the governor of central Bank, for which his passport was seize from him. The cease passport had prevented the Emir from going be young boarders. The
State Security Services has returned to the
Emir his travelling documents seized from him on
May 3 at the height of his disagreement with the
President.
Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi meets President
Goodluck Jonathan for a Ramadan Breakfast
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rabiu
Kwankwaso on Chieftaincy and Emirate Council
Affairs, Tijjani Mailafiya, told journalists the SSS
returned the Emir’s passport through the director
in charge of its Kano state command, Bassey
Itang.
Mr. Mailafiya commended the Federal Government
for releasing the passport six months after it was
seized at the Aminu Kano International Airport in
Kano as the Emir made to board a Turkish airline
flight for a planned trip to Saudi Arabia for lesser
hajj.
He said with his passport now in his possession,
the Emir was now better placed to serve his people
locally and abroad, when necessary.
The SSS had confiscated the Emir’s travelling
documents as he made to board the May 3 11:
10p.m. Turkish Airlines flight to Turkey where he
would have connected another flight to Saudi
Arabia.
The agency’s action was a contravention of the
April 3 judgment of a Federal High Court in Lagos,
which restrained it and the Nigeria Police from
arresting or harassing the then CBN Governor or
seizing his passport.
Mr. Sanusi had sued after the SSS seized his
passport on February 20 shortly after he arrived
Lagos from Niger, where he had gone to attend a
meeting of governors of central banks in the West
African sub-region. He had then been suspended
from office in absentia.
Shortly after his plane landed at the Executive Jet
Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International
Airport in Lagos, he was accosted by SSS
operatives who detained him briefly and insisted he
must surrender his passport.
Speaking on the release of the passport Saturday,
Mr. Mailafiya thanked the Kano state government
for being in the vanguard of those who pressed for
the release of the document.
Some Nigerians may however see the handing
over of the document as President Goodluck
Jonathan’s direct gesture of saying everything is
now alright between him and the Kano Emirate
Council.
After nearly a year of bitter relations, President
Jonathan and the Emir met on October 30 in Abuja
and reconciled differences that once drove both
men to the extremes of their offices.
Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of
Nigeria, was fired by the president on February 20
after accusing the government of diverting $20
billion oil revenues.
The government denied the claim, and in turn,
accused Mr. Sanusi of “financial recklessness”.
After leaving office, Mr. Sanusi was appointed the
Emir of Kano in June, assuming one of the most
powerful traditional stools in Nigeria.
His appointment by Kano State’s Governor Rabiu
Kwankwaso, a member opposition All Progressives
Congress, was opposed by the presidency which
ordered the emir’s office blockaded for days.
The emir reportedly initiated peace moves, and the
two men met for the first time in July during the
breaking of the Muslim fast, a yearly routine in
which the president meets top government officials
who are Muslims and other prominent Islamic
leaders in the country.
Our sources say the October 30 meeting sealed
the reconciliation moves between the two sides.
The emir was accompanied to the meeting by all
senior members of the Kano Emirate council, while
Vice President Namadi Sambo, the National
Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, Attorney General,
Mohammed Adoke, and the Foreign Affairs
Minister, Aminu Wali also attended the meeting.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that days after the
meeting, the President asked the SSS to release
the Emir’s passport as a further proof that he had
buried the hatchet and was now ready for a warm
relationship with the traditional ruler and his
emirate
Tuesday 11 November 2014
The was a bid of disagreement between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, following unscrupulouse pride by the the governor of central Bank,
OAU STUDENTS WINS CHIEF WOLE MOCK COMPETION
Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU law students
won Chief Wole. Olanipekun National Moot & Mock
Competition – 2014 Edition.
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife,
Osun State, has lifted the 4th edition of the Chief
Wole Olanipekun National Moot & Mock
Competition.
The two-day competition organised annually in
honour of Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), a former
President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), featured
intense stages of Moot, Debate and the grand
finale, Mock Trial.
The OAU edged out the University of Ilorin and four
others – University of Abuja, Lagos State
University, Babcock University, and Nnamdi
Azikiwe University, Awka, to win the prize.
The six schools were the ones that scaled through
preliminaries of the competition nationwide. Of
these, four schools progressed from the Moot Stage
to the debate stage. Two schools were further
eliminated at the debate stage leaving the last two,
the host school – OAU and the University of Ilorin –
to slug it out at the grand finale which was a mock
armed robbery trial in a fashioned court setting.
The representatives of the Obafemi Awolowo
University eventually proved too much for their
UNILORIN counterparts and the former were
unanimously declared winners of the competition by
the panel of judges that presided.
The event, organised by Radiant Justice Chambers,
a student body in the university’s Faculty of Law,
was graced by seasoned legal professionals,
including the Executive Governor of Osun State,
Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by his
Senior Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Dr. Anwo
J.O; the Acting Chief Justice of Oyo State, Hon.
Justice L.M. Abimbola; Dean Faculty of Law, OAU,
Prof. M.O Adediran; Justice Adebusoye from the
Ondo State Judiciary and a host of others.
The Mock Trial was presided over by sitting judges:
Hon Justice D.O. Afolabi, Hon. Justice O.F. Oloyede,
Hon. Justice Siyanbola from the Osun State
Judiciary and Hon. Justice Ganiyu from the Oyo
State judiciary.
Speaking at the event, Chief Olanipekun praised his
former classmate and friend, Dean of the Faculty of
Law, OAU, Prof. M.O Adediran for his top-notch
administration of the faculty as manifested in the
quality of its graduates.
He praised the brilliant display of the competing
students at the mock trial and urged them not rest
on their oars as it would eventually pay off in future.
The Chairman of the Day, Hon. Justice L.M.
Abimbola, praised Olanipekun for his immense
contributions to the advancement of the legal
system and legal education in the country.
Abimbola also praised the Radiant Justice
Chambers for the ingenious initiative behind the
annual hosting of the programme.
The event rounded off with the presentation of
laptops and cash prizes to the representatives of
OAU and UNILORIN by Olanipekun.
Three students, Samuel C. Chukwu (UNIABUJA),
Zuqulnain Muhammed Dayo (UNILORIN) and
Olugbemi Kayode (OAU), who emerged as
Outstanding Counsels from the Moot Stages were
given with monetary prizes for their performances.
Delegates of Babcock University and OAU were tied
for the Best Moot Memorial prize.
DR MYLES MUNROE CONFIRM DEAD.
Death the say is no respecter of a person when it tramples. Whatsoever has a beginning must has an ending but it is always tragedic if someone leaves this world untimely or by accident.
THE leader of Bahamas Faith Ministries, Dr Myles
Munroe, and his wife Ruth have been killed in a
plane crash in Grand Bahama.
nine people on board the private jet. The plane
reportedly struck a crane at the Grand Bahama Ship
Yard, exploding on impact and crashing into the
ground near a junkyard area.
The Department of Civil Aviation reported that the
plane was a Lear 36 executive jet which departed
the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) for
the Grand Bahama International Airport.
The plane left LPIA at 4.07pm with nine people on
board and crashed while making an approach for
landing at Grand Bahama International Airport at
5.10pm, the Department of Civil Aviation said.
The police source also said it was believed the
group was heading to a conference hosted by
Pastor Munroe.
The identities of the other people on board have not
yet been confirmed.
The statement said while the department was
advised of fatalities, it was awaiting confirmation
from police on if there were any survivors.
The Grand Bahama Airport Company Crash Fire
Rescue Department responded to the incident, and
the Police and Bahamas Air Sea Rescue (BASRA)
are presently on the scene.
HOW TO BUILD A STRONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP
Some relationship are broken no doubt because of distance. Its true that a person maybe far from the eyes and close to ur heart. Distance, especially if a long one, is
a real drawback in a relationship. It
could end up in a home comming or
simply drifting away. In most cases
where distance is getting into a
couple's relationship, both must do some effort to
work it out. It always takes two to tango and
when one is left on the dance floor to dance with
the beat, everything will soon prove to be a real
show just to humor the one that stays to watch.
Though normally, people in this kind of situation
find it hard to survive, the fighting-power of real
love still works out magic in the end. However,
we need not see things in its fairy view, but rather
work out on it in a more practical sense. So we
need to therefore take to take some time studying
why things happen as they are? How we can
prevent their happening? How we can handle the
situation once we start facing it. It doesn't matter
how a problem occurs or how many problems
you had encountered but the real issue is how
you deal with your problems.
Facing the Real Situation
At the start, it could be that you are about to be in
it, you are in it or you are in the verge of getting
out of it. Whatever, the case you are in, you had
to face the truth that you are facing a dilemma
that only you and your partner can deal with. Even
in a situation where only is left to face the
problem, still you need to be tough to get on with
life. Everything is not permanent, no matter what
happens, you got to get moving. Life does not end
in a difficult situation. Just as there's always a
new morning, one day you will wake up on the
brighter side of the bed. It only depends on you on
how long you will hang on with those worst
situations in your life.
Adjusting to Drawbacks in your Relationship
Before the situation
There are several drawbacks you had to contend
with while you are in a relation. A long distance
relationship is always so difficult to handle
especially at the start. How annoying it could be
for you not to be able to see, do things or share
activities with someone you love as you used to
do before and suddenly everything stops because
of the long distance that separates you from each
other.
This kind of situation will put you and your partner
on various test drive to see if you had patience,
love and commitment to see through those days.
Here again, you need to be more realistic and
accept what life has to offer you. Be contented
that you have someone to love. Know the real
essence of Agape love. This does not deal only
with its spiritual meaning but putting into
practicality, Agape love connotes a kind of love
that goes beyond time, distance and commitment.
It's a kind of unconditional love. Settle your mind
with the fact that you are in love with your partner
and you are happy with it. It's not easy doing this.
It would depend on strong you are in letting your
mind control over your emotions. You need to be
stronger than who you think you are to do this.
But somehow, through the situation you're in at
the moment, you will find out the true relationship you are into.................to be continue
Thursday 6 November 2014
BREAKING: FIRST LADY PATIENCE JONATHAN DEFECTS TO APC
Politics they say is an intriguing game, The
people’s Democratic Party and the presidency has
been put into a state of quagmire, This is coming as
the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan against all
odds have pitched tent with the main opposition
party the All Progressive Congress(APC).
FNN state house correspondent reports that this
surprising twist in the electoral calculations in the
country could be as a result of the unfolding plot of
President Jonathan to declare the office of the first
lady vacant.
As it appears, mama P cannot work with the PDP to
ensure the success of her husband in the
forthcoming elections and not be the first lady,
hence she was reported saying “First family is not
by force, let us all go to Otuoke and live together
happily.”
Further investigations revealed that the First Lady
has loads of supporters across the Nation,
especially women groups because she has been
able to use her office to influence the government
into implementation of about 30% women in
governance, even though it is widely considered
that this support, especially amongst the masses is
as a result of the bags of rice, salt, garri, oil etc that
mama P has tirelessly distributed to women
nationwide.
Some of the women supporting the recent actions of
the first lady stated that “mama P is tired of hearing
rumours about her husband, the other day it was
Alison Madueke, tomorrow it is Lott J, now we are
hearing he wants to marry a second wife from the
North, As if that’s not bad enough, he now wants to
sack her from first lady. All this didn’t happen when
they were in Otuoke, so let them quietly return
there, if Aso Rock is the problem.” a woman leader
of the PDP stated.
Even as most people are concerned about the
politicking involved in this, some are viewing this
development from a different angle; that Patience
Jonathan is giving all glory to the Lord for safely
sustaining herself and her husband to almost the
end of their first tenor in office, especially with the
Boko Haram menance and do not want to extend it
any further, in order not to give room for any evil
thing to happen to herself or her husband. Probably
thinking about some of the previous First Families
in recent times.
Meanwhile the APC national leadership as iterated
that the party is open to all Nigerians, especially
those that has seen the ills of PDP and resigned
from a PDP led government, probably referring to
the recent resignation of Mrs Patience Jonathan
from her position as Permanent Secretary, Ministry
of Education, Bayelsa state.
As at the time of this report, it hasn’t been
confirmed if Patience Jonathan has been able to
make peace with the leader of the APC in her home
state, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, but since Nigerian
politics is of individual interest rather than public
service, we won’t be surprised to see Amaechi and
Patience Jonathan reconcile, especially as they
both want the same thing now, which is for
President Jonathan and PDP to lose the
presidential elections come 2015.
AKWA IBOM ARTISANS AND TRADESPEOPLE HOLDS ITS 5TH GENERAL MEETING
AKWA IBOM ARTISANS AND TRADESPEOPLE HOLDS ITS 5TH GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday 5 November 2014
Akwa ibom set to open its international stadium
His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, CON, the government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State welcome you to the commissioning ceremony of the Ultra Modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
Join us as we welcome a transformational leader, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, world football legend, Pele of Brazil (Edson Arantes do Nascimento), Dr. Issa Hayatou, The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), The President and Executive Board Members of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and other international icons to Uyo on Friday, November 7, 2014 by 3pm.
Come and witness the making of history. Welcome to Africa’s most prestigious sporting edifice — The Nest of Champions, Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
OPENING FRIENDLY MATCH – Super Eagles of Nigeria VS Black Stars of Ghana.
official opening of akwa ibom international stadium
His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, CON, the government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State welcome you to the commissioning ceremony of the Ultra Modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
Join us as we welcome a transformational leader, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, world football legend, Pele of Brazil (Edson Arantes do Nascimento), Dr. Issa Hayatou, The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), The President and Executive Board Members of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and other international icons to Uyo on Friday, November 7, 2014 by 3pm.
Come and witness the making of history. Welcome to Africa’s most prestigious sporting edifice — The Nest of Champions, Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
OPENING FRIENDLY MATCH – Super Eagles of Nigeria VS Black Stars of Ghana.
SEE WHERE THE MISSING FIGHTER JETS IS
On September 12 the Nigeria air force lost a jets which was assigned to fight insurgents in Adamawa. Since then the country has search the nook and crannies of the Nigeria airspace looking for the fighter jets. However the local Fishermen have reportedly discovered some part jets in river Benue, suspected to be the the missing fighter jets that was sent on a mission. The NAF jets disappeared on September 12 during a routine operation by the arm force in part of Adamawa. The air force jets was allegedly discovered at kwa Ine Demsa local Government area of Adamawa.
According to one of the Fishermen in the area, " At the time its crash, the level of water rose occasionally with the raining season, we are able to see its now since the volume of water is reducing, the fishermen are seeing its part clearly. The security operatives are preventing people from visiting the scene. Another resident of the area said that the saw the jets wavering at the area before its may crash.
The spoke person of the defence headquarters Chris Olukolade, a major general said that he will make enquiry about the report and the revert.
MOROCCO NOT YET SETTLE ABOUT HOSTING THE CAF CUP
Since the coming of the Ebola virus, first in Africa before its spread to other part of the world. The have been speculations that the confederation for Africa Cup CAF may lead to the vast spread of the disease, since the disease is predominant in Africa.
The to host country Morocco is expressing doubt of hosting the CAF games schedule to be hosted between January 17th and February 8 2015 as earlier propose. Responding , the CAF Executive committee has said that the date will not be change and Morocco has until November 8th to confirm if the will still host the tournament.
Meanwhile Morocco ministry of youth and sport had earlier approached the continental football body CAF to move the tournament because of the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.
Meanwhile CAF are still seeking alternative host countries in the event of eventual Morocco refusal to stage the tournament, but South Africa has turned down the hosting right and Ghana remains undecided.
100 NAIRA NOTE SET FOR COMMISSIONING
ALL is set for the new 100 naira note to be unveil by the president of the country, as part of the centenary celebration. In a statement The Central bank director for cooperate apartment Ibrahim Mu'azu, said that the comorative note is part of the bank contribution to the centenary celebration, which is in line with its mandate of issuing legal tender currency in Nigeria.
The choice of the 100 naira denomination note is to mark the centenary celebration of Nigeria and its consistent to best global practices for central banks around the world during the celebration of national events.
Part of features of the commorative bank note is a theme of the centenary celebration which is " one Nigeria, great promise" as a micro text while returning the portrait of the late chief Obafemi Awolowo at the front, the new notes features traditional dancers at the back. The commorative note comes in diff rent nominations with convenient predominant colours.
AFRICAN UNION INTERVENES IN BURKINA FASO CRISIS
following the resignation of the president of Burkina Faso, the citizens of Burkina Faso had protested against the military take up of government. The have been controversy between the military head and the opposition leaders after thousand gathered to denounce his appointment.
The African union peace and security council yesterday decided to give two weeks to the military to return the country to constitutional rule or face sanctions. It would be recalled that the Army stepped into power after Blair. The former president currently in the neighbouring Ivory coast with his family, was force to resigned the presidency last week following a violence protest and demonstration over an attempt to extend his twenty seven years rule.
Still on the foreign scene
The united Nations Refugee Agency has kick off a global campaign to end the plight of at least 10 million refugees on a year 2024. Also supporting the campaign south Africa Noble peace laureate Ach Bishop Desmond Lawrence Holly Hood actress along side with other celebrities have called for a opened letter for ten million signature to change ten million lives.
Monday 3 November 2014
SCHOOLS TO REOPEN IN BORNO
Born state the home of peace was turned to a home of pieces by the boko haram terrorist. The North east state has sustained several attacks by the dreaded terrorist in the country. Boko Haram which means western education is evil, have affected the educational progress of the state and the country at large.
Following the security crisis in the state, schools still open being watcful of the terrorist, but the last straw that broked the camel's back was the kidnapped of more than two hundred Chibok girls in borno, which led to the close down of public schools in the state on march 14.
The Borno state government has seen the need for education of the children to be advocated no matter the security threat in the state by the boko haram insurgents, and have order that schools be reopen on the 17th of November. The order close down of the schools was only issued to the public schools in the state.
The education officer of Borno state stated that proper security measures where adopted in the state inorder and the students security will be ensure.
However despite all odds the primary school will open first, while secondary school will open later after the the refugee might have relocated from to a convenient place.
DANGOTE GROUP REDUCED CEMENT PRIZE
The managing director of Dangote cement Mr. Edwin Devankumar said that the company had mend the prize of the 32.5 cement grade to sell for 1,000 naira while the 42.5 grade will sell for 1,150 naira a bag.
The managing director of Dangote cements stated that the reduction of the price is to complement the effort of the government in infrastructural development and also to reduce the 20 million housing deficit.
"We recognize the need for a dramatic
response to the huge infrastructure and housing deficit in the country, and one of the ways of adjusting to the issue us breaking the prize of the building material to much more affordable prize especially the cement which is within our own control as part of our own contributions to the Goodluck Johnathan administration, and the attaientment of key milestone in the millennium development goals.
The prize if cement has drastically reduce as that of the year 2005. For 12 years now, the local cement industry has risen from over 2 million metric tones per annum to 32 million metric tones per annum.
The dangote cement which had long existed in the country for many years engage in the production, research, and the distribution of cement and other related products. The Dangote group occupies a vital position on the Nigeria stock exchange. The have widen their operation across boarders as the operate in many known countries in Africa and beyond.
ASSU AND THREE OTHERS SAYS F.G SHOULD DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR.
The union vow to develop and present to the government the new education policies to reflects aspiration, cultures values and quality of the people within the context of a vibrant world.
The four unions which held a summit with a team " towards existing education collaboration in Nigeria." Warns the government not to use public funds such as tertiary education trust funds, petroleum trust education funds among others to fund private educational institutions and other initiated enterprises.
The union called on its members nationwide to desist from corruption, lack of professionalism burden opportunistic leadership and unethical conducts on a lofty environment and integrity of teaching and research.
Thursday 23 October 2014
Dominic Adesanya arrested for jumping white house fence
According to a video on YouTube, Dominic had jumped the fence in the early night, after moving twenty yards from the fence, Dominic was noticed by the k.9 security dogs who ran after him, he was latter caught by the dog with the security officials after series of running around in the white house. The video showed that after Dominic was caught he removed his shirt showing the security officials that he is armless, after a while Dominic was seen beating and kicking the security officials, but more attacks were lunch by the k.9 security dogs, which brought him to a total control of the security guards. According to the U.k Guardian, the boy's mission to the white house was not understood because he was armless, though he was armless, he was still charge for crime by the U.S government.
The 23 year old body built Adesanya live in Maryland, he studied and graduated from a university in maryland. From Dominic pending post on Twitter ( #Impeach Obama# and fuck you Obama ) he is said to be anti-barack 0bama government. The culprit is said to be receiving treatment at the hospital due Ti some injuries he sustained from the security k.9 dogs. Two of the security dogs are said to have also revived injuries during the incident and they ( dogs) were discharge to the veteran for treatment. When the security guard Were spoke to journalist, the said that Dominic's case will be trial in the law court soon after he finish his treatments.
Your Soda Habit Is Aging You Almost 5 Years
cavities, and even water pollution . Now you can add
accelerated cellular aging to that list, according to
research published in the American Journal of Public
Health .
More From Rodale News: How Soda Destroys Your Body
Looking at DNA samples of 5,309 participants, the
researchers found that drinking soda was related to shorter
telomere length in white blood cells. The researchers
estimated that drinking 20 ounces of soda daily made you
4.6 years older.
"[Telomeres] are protective caps at the ends of
chromosomes," says Lauren Kessler, author of
Counterclockwise . "Just as plastic tips keep your shoelaces
from unraveling, telomeres keep your DNA from beginning to
fray during cell division." Previous research has shown that
as telomeres get shorter (generally from age-related
damage), your cells stop dividing. Cell division is what
keeps us youthful and our organs functioning properly.
More From Rodale News: 6 Ways to Make Your Cells
Younger
Essentially, cellular aging due to telomere shortening is at
the root of many health issues, such as oxidative damage to
tissue, inflammation, insulin resistance. The researchers
point out that telomere length has even been connected to
lifespan.
"Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas might
influence disease development, not only by straining the
body's metabolic control of sugars, but also through
accelerated cellular aging of tissues," said Elissa Epel, PhD,
professor of psychiatry at University of California–San
Francisco and senior author of the study.
Surprisingly, the connection between sugar and telomere
length was independent of other sugar-related issues like
obesity or diabetes. In fact, sugar issues and aging go hand
in hand, according to Kessler. "One of the most devastating
of the so-called age-related changes, according to Tufts
[researchers], is reduced blood sugar tolerance, the body's
ability to use glucose in the bloodstream," she says. "By
age 70, they say, 20 percent of men and 30 percent of
women have abnormal glucose tolerance levels."
So, how many people are shortening their lives by 4.6 years
by downing a daily 20-ouncer? According to the
researchers, the answer is 21 percent of Americans. (Need
more inspiration to quit? Check out these two new reasons
to give up soda .)
50 million bed; Fayemi is wicked......says gov. Fayose
The Governor said through his special adviser on information, Mr. Lere Olayinka, in Ado- Ekiti. Mr. Lere said that the former governor, instead of rendering services to the people,was trying to exploit the poor masses secretly without pity, which has put the Ekiti state government in a greater debt. The special assistant to the governor explained thus" the former governor had spend more than a 100 million in only two bedrooms, toilet and bath room " in a statements released by Mr. Lere, was titled "Fayeni show of wickedness " the statement showed that the former governor was heartless inflicting suffering upon the poor masses.
"How can Fayemi claiming to be a responsible governor, running a responsible government, borrowed funds to provide himself and his family with this type of luxury, in a state where people can not even afford to feed more than ones in a day "
The former governor was allege to be selfish for not renovating the governors office, because he saw that his days in office were being counted.
The governor also said that the former governor was owing the workers as well as pensioners, but he was lavishing the state treasury for his own benefit.
" here is Fayemi who could not pay workers salaries owning them two month salaries before he left office. Fayemi who was out of sheer wickedness, refused to pay pensioners 2.4 billion naira pension and gratituities.
However, the special adviser on media to the former governor came out to say that Gov. Fayose 's crititisn are false and out of jealousy. He the further urged the incumbent governor to stop acting drama but govern the people
THE FALLEN STANDARD OF OUR EDUCATION By Edidiong Peters
In Nigeria, our educational system is in a great mess, the United Nations have rank Nigeria very low in terms of education Nigeria is known as the giant of Africa, yet this giant of Africa is not at the apex when it comes to education.
Education is the bedrock of any meaningful development. In Africa, many countries are known globally for their high educational standard, countries like Ghana have upgrade their educational system, such that each major street in Ghana has its university, but this is one of the countries that once depended on Nigeria for foreign aids. Another country to point out is South Africa. In south Africa teachers earn twice more than what a Nigerian teacher earns, it should be noted that South Africans have easy access to education abroad than a Nigerian.
The facts that we are now facing a serious problem as a result of the falling standard of our education in Nigeria cannot be disputed. The are several actions, policies, decisions that are put up by government and individuals have contributed to our fallen standard of education. Charity the say begins at home , one of the Nigeria education greatest problem is the greedy and selfish attitude of the teachers, headmasters , principals and head teachers. For instance, in some state the free and compulsory education policy has been implemented, but this teachers still charge the students for one thing or the
other in order to get more money, even though salaries are being paid .
The say examination is the true test of knowledge, but I may disagree with this fact, examination malpractice is rampant in Nigeria, for instance a final year students of a university was discovered of not being able to read and write, but he latter disclosed that his success through exams were examination malpractice. The are some instances where students will pass their Jamb with high marks, but making its in UTME exams becomes a problem. God fatherism and nepotism is another threat to our educational sector.many people are denied admissions and scholarships because of failure to to have a godfather or what people call connection. in the other hand, many have have been awarded degrees, scholarships, certificate etc which they do not deserve, but because of the influence of their godfather. Must we close our eyes to see all this cankerworm listed above to destroyed our pride, if the answer is no then we and the government of have a vast role to play in other to stop the further damage in our educational system. My candid suggestion on this matter is that government should invest more in our educational system, check and balance should be promoted, and above all Moral and Citizenship education should should be taught in our schools.
Wednesday 22 October 2014
Oscar pistorius case over.
The prosecuition had sort for a ten years jail term but the defendant pleaded for a five years jail term, for which he will serve at home for three years performing community service under stricts supervision. The ruling judge Masipa said that any sentence on pistorius case should draw a balance between the criminal and the effect on the society " yes the accused is vulnerable but he has an excellent skill , excelling in his field as a south African athlete" she said
Oscar pistorius , a south African runner though both his legs were amputed below his knees when he was 11 months old, but he still competes at event for a single below knee ampute and for able body athletes. Steenkamp his girl friend was shot dead by him in his home on the Eve of Valentine. She was a graduate of law school and a model in the making. The paralympian said in his defence that he mistook steenkamp for an intruder in is house. Pistorius was also charged for lies and the possession of fire arms by the court. Oscar said that he didn't see the person he shot because he had fire the shot through the toilet door, but he had no evidence to proof his confession.
The parent of the late steenkamp said that the are please with the judgement of Masipa and the sentence, which put an end to the case. Oscar 's lawyer Barry Roax said that his client was expected to served for 10 month jail terms, after which he will be serving in his house under strict supervision for the remaining months.
POWER OF INFORMATION By Muyiwa Afolabi
that are or can be known about a given topic; communicable
knowledge of something; a subject matter.
The world we live in today is a complexity of different topical
situations, developments, forms, transformations and
transitions.
As we go through life, different things happen every day,
some we understand and so many more we do not clearly
understand. Everyday thousands of researchers are
supported with billions of dollars all over the world to tray,
find out new things, make new discoveries and generate
fresh information on different subject matters including
people, geographies, animals, weather and climate, sickness
and diseases, space travel and the galaxy, agriculture and
food supplies, marine life, natural resources, science,
technology and even the spirit realm. The world is extremely
complex and interconnected and the ability to manage this
planet effectively will be determined by how much facts
we're able to generate.
Information is power, once you know and understand a
subject matter, you have power over it. You can manage,
control and manipulate it. Being well informed and having
adequate knowledge on how to drive a car makes driving
pleasurable and easy. One who does not know how to drive
sees his attempt to drive as dangerous and a threat to is life.
Flying a plane to a good pilot is a piece of cake, to a novice
like me; I don't even want to find myself in a cockpit because
i don't have a clue on how to fly one.
When you lack the facts on a subject matter you're weak
against it. A man with intentions to woo a woman he loves
must know her first before making his intentions known if
not he may just be hitting the wrong buttons. The fact that a
girl loves to go to church on Sundays does not necessarily
mean she hates to club on Friday nights. And the fact that a
guy is always tucked in shirts and ties does not mean he's a
gentle man. Mini-skirts, low neck tops, piercings and tattoos
do not mean a girl is immoral, and ankle length baggy skirts,
turtle neck tops and head ties doesn't mean a lady is not
promiscuous.
What makes information imperative and research necessary
in this life is because nothing is ever as it seems. You can
never judge anything on face value. All things in life work by
principles and rules, to understand anything, manage it and
gain from it you must know the rules by which it operates
and thrives. The surface is only a cover; it's what's inside
that counts. A gentle flowing stream may have crocodiles
beneath and the tallest palm tree may have no kernel fruits
on it.
Nothing is ever as it seems. Many of us married today will
surely agree with me that there were more to our spouses
than what we saw before we got married.
However as important as information is, the danger of
information is misinformation. When you are wrongly
informed about any subject matter there is abuse, misuse
and danger lurking. If you're misinformed about for instance
a medication, a wild animal or insect, a treatment or
equipment, it could kill you.
If you're misinformed about people, a community, a culture
and nation you judge wrongly and miss the opportunity to
benefit or gain from such a people.
What can be worse is if you're misinformed by people you
trust and believe in it can affect you for a long time or even a
lifetime.
Many fail to reach their full potentials today and achieve
greatness because they were misinformed by their parents,
caregivers, spiritual leaders, community leaders and even
the media. These informants of course did not misinform
their victims deliberately. They were actually sincerely
wrong. The information or knowledge transferred is most
times based on their own experiences, exposure, fears and
conclusions.
The danger in misinformation is the power it possesses to
set your mind. May i say to you this morning my friend that
your mindset is an outcome of the totality of information
gathered over the years; whether correct or incorrect?
Your reasoning, choices and judgments are based on a
combination of knowledge and information gathered on all
subject matters over the years. This in effect influences your
choices, personal adventure; aggression; believe system and
attitude to life.
Your attitude to work, to money, to success, to marriage, to
children, to old age and life issues in general is determined
by what you know.
The way you treat your spouse, children, friends, siblings,
neighbours, colleagues, superiors, subordinates, domestic
servants, the less privileged and the rich is on the bases of
what information you've gathered and you believe about
these people.
The way you see yourself, your esteem, dress sense,
associations and interaction decisions is a function of
information.
Information is powerful, information shapes lives and
destinies. Information has the power to form, reform, deform
and transform you.
No child just grows and turns out by chance; we are all
formed from information. Our behaviours are not automatic,
they are formed from information.
That's why we are solely differentiated on the bases of
environment and upbringing. Our environment formed and
shaped us.
If an individual has been wrongly informed however, and is
exhibiting negative and unproductive behaviours if such a
one is exposed to superior argument and proof on a subject
matter, he or she can be reformed.
If on the other hand an individual was properly informed and
has been living with a particular conviction, such a one can
also be misled and misinformed and if he believes it, his
behaviours and attitude becomes deformed.
Our daily lives are a process through which information is
gathered daily, utilized for expected results.
If you're not getting your expected outcomes based on
information gathered, you may have been misinformed.
When people all around you are experiencing desired
breakthroughs and results based on certain information and
you're not, it could mean your information is wrong,
incomplete or has been applied wrongly.
The nature of the information you consume also affects your
output and productivity and by extension your capacity to
grow and succeed.
I've come across many people in career who were very
excited and grateful when they got their appointments or
employments. They were enthusiastic and felt privileged to
get the job. After a while the kind of information they chose
to take in and retain begins to colour their perception of
leadership, processes and performance. I hear many people
in employment complain bitterly about their companies and
every day they keep saying to themselves ‘ I'm going
nowhere here, this place is not for me, I hate this job, this
company is going to crumble, there's nothing for me here,
I'm only here for my salary and all such negative and
unfortunate comments.
Some other ones in the same company based on what they
hear and believe say to themselves, I love this place, i love
my job, this place is fantastic, there are issues but we can
solve them, we can win, we can overcome our challenges,
we can be the best, we have what it takes, we have it in us,
I'll support my team, winning we shall.
Information, influence, attitude and performance are all liked
together.
Get the right information, check every fact and be double
sure it's the truth, get into form, don't be deformed, be
reformed and experience real transformation.
All that you know and believe is it really the truth? Do you
really believe you're destined to be backward, poor, broke
and irrelevant? Do you really believe you cannot overcome
your poor background, academic deficiency, incompetence,
ignorance and low life?
If Nelson Mandela was born into and raised in an orphanage
as a child and he's today one of the greatest men , then i
challenge you to review your beliefs, separate the lies from
the facts then you'll truly know how much you're worth and
how far you can go. One truth about you I'm super convinced
about this morning is the fact that you're unlimited, you're
unstoppable; nothing and no one in life can stop you but
you. Whatever you believe apart from this i guarantee you is
a lie. This one information is powerful, believe it and use it.
Enjoy your day.
LOVE LETTER TO POVERTY By Muyiwa Afolabi
life; the challenges we face daily and why we keep
struggling through life. I see many people crying, trying,
struggling and hustling daily to make ends meet so as to
enjoy a decent life.
For many the harder they try, the harder it seems life gets
with them. So many of us are so uncomfortable in life, we
look at our dreams, expectations, desires and plans and all
we can do is hope and wish for a miracle.
The power to make it happen appears to be far removed from
our reach. We see life as something that is above and
beyond what we can comprehend, apprehend or manage and
we just take the days as they come.
Because we have given up charge, many of us have become
religious extremist to a point where common sense is now
failing. We do a lot of unwise things and get scammed by
people of lesser intelligence simply because they claim they
have exclusive access to divinity and have the power to
solve your problems; problems they also have.
A man that is broke will ask you to bring money giving it all
sorts of names, so that God would make you rich,
consequently he becomes rich from collecting from you and
many other people, then he tells you the God that made him
rich can make you rich too. They make crazy demands and
instruct you to do insane things; many fall for this not
because they are unwise but because they have completely
lost all hope and are looking for answers anywhere, anyway,
anyhow.
Also, many today having invested so much sweat in life with
little or nothing to show for it, have come to believe crime
and corruption is the only way out. Because they see every
now and again hard work and diligence failing to produce
good and quick returns, they turn to stealing and scam.
Many also who lack the evil guts to take on crime have
become professional beggars. They seem to have a list of
different contacts they suppose are a bit well-off and they
conceive and develop impressive pathetic stories about
themselves and situations. They tell these stories with so
much drama in their voice and body language if you're not
careful you would give them all you've got including all you
need. They come up with stories about feeding, about health,
about rent, about school fees and sudden crisis and they
keep telling these stories to different people including
strangers; begging has become a vocation for many people.
Incidentally, and typically, the fault is never ours, in an
environment where millionaires are emerging every day,
where expatriates are building Multi-billion naira businesses
in a couple of years; a nation that has produced the richest
black man in the world, with young, smart people making
money legitimately living a good life; we still want to hold on
to the thinking that there are no opportunities or supporting
infrastructures for wealth creation in our country.
I am not suggesting we have it all together as a nation; oh
no, there is still so much to be desired in terms of our
potentials and capacity as a nation, what I'm saying is you
still have the power to create your world and create your
success experience within the system as it is.
You see, I've tried analyzing it and I submit almost 90% of
the problems we face daily as people are money related.
Think about your various challenges today; things and
people frustrating you, truth is if you have enough money you
would have sorted out most of your problems. Many of you
are going to work this morning not because you want to but
because you need the money at the end of the month; if you
have so much money today, you won't be on your way to
work, you'd probably still be at home, on your way to the golf
course, the gym or a spa.
I'm a believer in the philosophy that any problem money
cannot solve; only God can solve it. Don't get me wrong, I'm
not a lover of money, I'm not desperate for money but I know
the importance of money.
I do not disdain its importance, yet I don't worship money, it
has its place, I put it in its place, you disdain the importance
of money, you pay for it.
Many people have died cheaply because they lacked money
for proper medical attention, many intelligent children are
not in school today because there is no money; many wise
people today have no say in critical matters within the family
and society because they don't have money. Many great
business ideas are yet to see the light of day today because
there is no money to execute; no capital.
Many have been exposed to danger, hardship, abuse and
crime because they lacked money. Shame, reproach,
disgrace and public embarrassment has become frequent
experiences for many simply because they don't have money.
Many parents today have lost control over their kids and
household because they're broke, many men can't manage
their wives anymore because they're broke.
Money should not be pursued at all cost, yet should not be
disdained as though not important.
Poverty is not lack of money actually, there is so much
money everywhere, what is lacking is legitimate access to
wealth. Many of us do not know how to access money; for
some we do but aren't willing to do what is really required to
access money.
As much as we keep longing for wealth and riches, many of
us by our attitude and behaviors daily, keep writing love
letters to poverty. You act in ways and take on behaviors that
make poverty very comfortable in your abode and your life.
The answer to poverty is not just hard work, the answer to
poverty is not just an education the answer to poverty is not
just a good employment.
There are attitudes and behaviors peculiar to people that
hate poverty, these are behaviors you may need to imbibe
also to absolutely escape that condition of lack.
As clear as it is today that people with answers and solution;
creative minds and those with ideas are the ones with the
highest reward and compensation, many people still don't
read. Many do not study. Many have refused to discipline
themselves to learn the answers and seek solution to
problems in their various fields, the problem of the society
and the real needs of their potential customers. If you do not
read, it will be difficult to have correct and superior answers,
hence difficult to escape lack in this day and age.
Also many have refused to develop their skills, if you do not
have the flair for intellectual ability and you're into skills,
learn it and know it well. Many do not know their jobs well,
excellence is alien to them, they do trashy jobs and tacky
jobs, they frustrate their customers and clients hence never
enjoy referrals from anyone. They do not know their jobs
well, they are not excellent in delivery and they're not willing
to improve, they conclude God will bring customers to them;
meanwhile expatriates from other west African countries are
taking over their jobs extensively; how sad.
Thirdly, many can't handle offence, they hold grudges and
wouldn't forgive people even those in positions to help and
connect them to great business or employment opportunities.
They're quarrelsome and not in speaking terms with many of
their helpers; they're offended, they're quarrelling with an
uncle, an aunt, a brother, a boss, a former colleague, a
sibling, a friend, an ex, and everyone in a position to help
them. This is not a suggestion to tolerate every unfair
treatment, this is an admonishing to forgive and let go. Move
on and secure your help from helpers.
Many also are too proud to ask for help or assistance or
even make a sale. Many people today would never consider
starting their own businesses because they are too proud to
chase customers or tolerate insults and insolence from
customers they assume are beneath them. What they fail to
realize is you don't run business for pride or ego tripping
purposes, you run businesses for money and profit. A Yoruba
adage says beneath every wealth is disdain, ignore the
attitude, and make your money. Be wise.
Many also love too much leisure and pleasure; we love to
lounge and indulge in ventures that make us spend and not
earn ventures that do not bring in money. We waste so much
time on unprofitable ventures; we waste our time and our
lives.
Many also are lazy. Indolent, slothful and lethargic, being
lazy is not the same as being inactive; being lazy is doing
what you like instead of what is necessary. A lazy person for
example is someone who wouldn't stay awake to read a
good book but would stay awake to see a movie or a football
game. They would not work overnight but can club
overnight. Would not research and read up relevant stuff on
the internet, but can chat for hours with friends on social
media. Many are brain lazy, not inactive. Laziness has little
to do with energy but so much to do with psychological
discipline. This also is tantamount to writing love letter to
poverty.
Dear friend, you want to escape? Pay the price; do the
needful, stop complaining, beefing and pointing accusing
fingers. Set yourself free! Break it up with poverty.
Enjoy your day.
A 22-year-old Nigerian has emerged one of the top graduating students of John Hopkins University in the United
graduating students of John Hopkins University in the United
States with a Grade Point Average of 3.98 out of a possible
4.0 to earn a degree in Neurosciences
A 22-year-old Nigerian, Emmanuel Ohuabunwa, has made
history at John Hopkins University, United States of America.
Ohuabunwa from Arochukwu, Abia State, has done the nation
proud by becoming the first black man to make a Grade Point
Average of 3.98 out of 4.0 to bag a degree in Neurosciences in
the university. He was also adjudged as having the highest
honours during the graduation that was held on May 24 this
year.
For his efforts, he has won a scholarship to Yale University to
pursue a degree in medicine. Besides, he has been inducted
into Phi Beta Kappa Society, a prestigious honour group that
features membership of 17 US Presidents, 37 US Supreme
Court Justices, and 136 Nobel Prize winners.
According to Wikipedia, The Phi Beta Kappa Society is an
academic honour society. Its mission is to “celebrate and
advocate excellence in the liberal arts and sciences” and
induct “the most outstanding students of arts and sciences at
America’s leading colleges and universities.”
It was founded at The College of William and Mary on
December 5, 1776, and thus it is the oldest honour society for
the liberal arts and sciences and among the oldest
undergraduate societies in the US.
In an online interview with our correspondent, Ohuabunwa,
who was born in Okota, Lagos and attended Lilly Fields
Primary School, Lagos, said he left Nigeria after his junior
secondary school education at Air Force Comprehensive
School, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“My parents moved the whole family when I was 13 years old.
I was about to begin SS1 at Air Force, Ibadan. When I got to
the US, I was enrolled with my age mates, which meant at 13,
I was in middle school. I went to Fondren Middle School,
which was in the middle of the ghetto. That was one of the
darkest years for me because I encountered a lot of peer
pressure. Some of the students, ignorant about Africa, bullied
me and called me names such as ‘African booty scratcher’
because to them, Africans were dirty and scratched their butts
all the time.
“Some asked me if I lived in mud huts and ate faeces for
breakfast. I remember one day, when I was walking to the
school bus, a boy came from behind and punched me in the
face, called me an African and walked away. It took
everything in me not to retaliate. I knew that God had put me
in the U.S for a purpose and it did not involve fighting or
selling drugs or doing the wrong things.
“My experience during that year gave me a thick skin. I
learned to stand for what I thought was right even when the
opposition seemed insurmountable. I also learned to look at
the positive in all situations. Even though these kids were
bullying me, I was still gaining an opportunity to school in
America and nothing would stop me from making the best of
this opportunity.
“The shocker was that the kid that punched me in the face was
black. I would have expected the blacks to be nicer to me.
Nevertheless, I don’t blame those kids because they were
ignorant about Africa. All they knew about us was the stuff
they had watched on TV or documentaries, showing primitive
African tribes, living in the jungle and making noises like
monkeys.
“In regards to the whites, there might have been some minor
episodes but again I don’t blame them for it because it is a
problem with stereotypes,” he said.
But in spite of this humiliation and racial prejudice against
him, the first in a family of three was not discouraged. He
faced his studies and was always coming top in his class.
After he completed his middle school education, he passed the
entrance examination to DeBakey High School for Health
Professions. It was at this school that his interest in
neurosciences and medicine started.
“By the second year of high school, we were able to interact
with doctors, nurses and other administrators in the hospital.
The more I learned about medicine, the more it felt like the
thing God was calling me to pursue and by being in the US I
got a lot of people to support me to do this. Even though in
high school, I got to see first-hand what it meant to be a
doctor. We studied advanced anatomy and physiology,
learned medical terminology, and learned important skills,
such as checking blood pressure, pulse rate, and many more.
“I knew I wanted to go to the best school in the US. I had
heard that Johns Hopkins Hospital had been ranked the
number one hospital in the US for the past 21 years and I
wanted to be in that environment.’’
Worried that his parents might not be able to sponsor him to
the university, Ohuabunwa purposed to work very hard. He did
and when the result of the PSAT came, he performed so well
that he won the National Achievement Scholar.
By virtue of this award, he received certificates of recognition
from various organisations including senators from the
Congress of both Texas and the US. He also received
scholarship from the University of Houston; Rice University,
Texas A&M Honors College and many more.
He had also won the Principal’s Award during the annual
awards ceremony at DeBakey High School.
“During our graduation ceremony at DeBakey, I also won the
Award for the Most Outstanding Senior Young Man and the
student volunteer award for my volunteer activities in the
State of Texas,” he said.
But his breakthrough came when he won the Bill and Belinda
Gates Foundation full scholarship to any university of his
choice. He worked hard and gained admission to Johns
Hopkins University to study Neurosciences.
But why Neurosciences, Ohuabunwa said, “I studied
Neuroscience, because I was fascinated with the brain, its
control of our behaviours and how various diseases such as
Alzheimer’s disease, lead to a decline in its activity. I also
minored in Psychology because I wanted to understand
disorders in the psyche. What causes bipolar disorders or
schizophrenia. I did not just want to label them as crazy but
to understand what causes these conditions and how we can
treat them,’’ he explained.
But what does he consider to be the missing links in the
education sector of Nigeria when compared with that on offer
in US, Ohuabunwa said unpredictable academic calendar,
corruption, examination malpractice and inadequate funding
were some of the problems confronting his home country’s
university sector. These, he said, were absent in the US.
“There were a few problems with Nigerian higher education
that contributed to our emigration in 2003. The first was the
number of strikes that occurred in schools. It took my uncle
seven years to graduate with a degree that should have taken
him only four years. A second problem was the corruption. We
had heard of people going into universities, because they paid
someone to look the other way. I also heard of a few cheating
scandals, where people would pay someone to take their
exams for them or get a copy of the exam a few days before,”
he said.
But is he saying that US university system has no such
problems at all? Ohuabunwa said, “Although this sometimes
occurs in the U.S, it is less common because of the strict
security. I remember when taking the Medical College
Admissions Test, test required before one can matriculate into
medical school, each student had to get his fingerprints taken
every time we entered and left the hall. The whole place was
packed with cameras and security staff that monitored
everything we were doing. The exam was computerised to
make sure that no one saw the test before the actual date.”
Another difference, he said, is that America rewards hard-
work while the system also emphasises on a balance between
academic life and extracurricular activities.
On how he won the scholarship to Yale, Ohuabunwa said his
3.98 GPA in Neurosciences, and many awards he had won
and God’s grace, contributed to his winning the scholarship.
“As at the time of my application for medical school, I had a
3.98 GPA of a 4.0. This made me the only black student
inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa. I was also
awarded the Becker Family Scholarship for being the most
outstanding student in the Neuroscience major at Johns
Hopkins University. Furthermore, by God’s grace, I took the
MCAT and scored in the top five percentile.
“That, combined with my hours of volunteer service in different
hospitals across the US allowed me to gain acceptance into
every medical school I applied to, including Harvard, Yale,
Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and Cornell. As the time came to
make a decision, I had narrowed it down to Harvard and Yale.
Both schools, I enjoyed visiting. Nevertheless, while my
parents prayed, they asked God to give us a sign of what
school to attend. A few days later, I received a letter from Yale
Medical School, offering me a full ride scholarship for all four
years. That was the sign from God,” he said.
But would he come back to Nigeria after the completion of his
programme, he said yes.
“I am absolutely interested in the health care policy decisions
in Nigeria. Because there are many changes that need to
occur, I will not rule out the possibility of coming back after
my studies, in order to join hands with the leaders to make
these changes possible.’’
He added that his ambition is to become a medical doctor
specialising in brain surgery.
“Two weeks ago, my grandmother passed away after a long
battle with strokes. Even during emergencies, it was difficult
for her to get to the hospital, let alone get treatment. This is a
common theme not only in the health care system of Nigeria,
but in different countries in the world, where the poor get
neglected.
“Second, Nigerian hospitals lack the infrastructure required to
compete with major hospitals around the world. It would be an
honour to one day contribute to this transformation that is
necessary for improvements in Nigeria’s health care sector,”
he said.
He, however, advised Nigerian youths who have the
wherewithal, to go abroad to study. Ohuabunwa also called
on wealthy Nigerians to invest more in the education of the
poor rather than in acquisition of material things.
Ohuabunwa, however, said that his parents, who he described
as his greatest role models, contributed a lot to his academic
feat through Godly training, counsel and guidance. He also did
not forget the impact that his short stay at Air Force school
had on him.
“I was definitely not the brightest at Air Force. At that time, I
felt like I spent more time running away from seniors than
focusing on my studies. Nevertheless, I learned three things
at Air Force that have served me well in the US. I learned
discipline, adaptability and resilience. These attributes helped
me a lot in US,” he said.
Credit: SEGUN OLUGBILE of Punch Newspaper —
UNILORIN becomes first Nigerian University ranked in Africa’s top
AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has announced that for the first time in
history, a Nigerian university was ranked 20th in Africa and
1,842nd in the 2014 University Web Ranking which was
conducted by International Colleges and Universities (ICU)
“I am happy to restate that a remarkable thing happened to
the Nigerian university system this year, courtesy of
UNILORIN.
“For the first time since ranking began, a Nigerian university
was ranked among the best 2,000 universities in the world”, he
said.
According to the VC, on the ranking table include the
University of Ibadan, 4th in Nigeria and 38th in Africa; the
Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, 5th in Nigeria
and 59th in Africa; Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, 6th
in Nigeria and 63rd in Africa; the Federal University, Minna,
7th in Nigeria and 71st in Africa; the University of Benin, 8th in
Nigeria and 82nd in Africa; the University of Agriculture,
Abeokuta, 9th in Nigeria and 87th in
Africa; and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 10th in Nigeria
and 89th in Africa.
The ICU is an international higher education search engine
and directory that constantly reviews accredited universities
and colleges across the world. For the latest exercise, it
ranked about 11,307 colleges and universities by web
popularity in over 200 countries.
Excerpt: Punch
Picture credit: hotgistshotnews
Jonathan flags-off National Schools Agriculture Programme (NSAP), establishes School Agri-business Club (SAC) in 12 states of the Federation
Hall of the State House, Abuja while flagging off the National
Schools Agriculture Programme (NSAP) said and explained
that the 'Green Revolution' and 'Operation Feed the Nation'
might have failed because they were not properly articulated.
He said: "This is not just one of those programmes that we
have been having. As a nation, we have had the 'Green
Revolution' programme launched, we participated in that. We
also had 'Operation Feed the Nation'. But at the end of the
day, probably, it was not properly articulated, it just followed
the political class and disappeared."
According to him, the primary goal of the programme was to
build technical and entrepreneurship skills in the students, to
run agriculture as a business, equip school leavers with
practical life skills, create jobs for themselves and to enable
the youth develop a positive attitude towards agriculture.
Its first phase, a School Agri-business Club (SAC), is to be
established in selected schools from 12 states of the
federation across the six geo-political zones. Each club will
comprise 120 students.
The programme, he added will also focus on food/vegetable
production, horticulture, aquiculture, poultry, apiary,
livestock, production, small scale irrigation, nutrition,
processing, and packaging, and entrepreneurial skills for
members of the SAC.
He said: "We need the Under-20s to link up with the
Dangotes, Elumelus and other big Nigerian entrepreneurs.
This is part of our strategy to tackle youth unemployment. We
are developing agriculture Super Eagles".
“Farming is a white-collar job, but the approach is what is
wrong” he said.
About 4,400 students, spread across the country, will be
involved and about half a million youths will benefit from the
programme.
Also speaking at the event the Minister of Agriculture,
Akinwumi Adesina said food is also one of the biggest
money-making ventures in life, hence the need to bring in the
young people into the business.
Recalling that Nigeria was the first in the world to implement
the e-wallet system, he said the World Bank has agreed to
scale up the programme.
“This further strengthens our resolve to modernise
agriculture” he said, adding that “all the schools will be duly
registered under the e-wallet GES system”.
The Education Minister, Ibrahim Shekarau also noted that
school wasn’t only about reading and writing or just
acquiring knowledge but also being exposed to the activities
outside the world
Dutse International Airport, Jigawa commissioned yesterday by President Goodluck Jonathan.
by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Photo Credit: Reuben Abati
USED vs. LOVED
picked up a stone and scratched lines on the side of the car.
In anger, the man took the child's hand and hit it many
times; not realizing he was using a wrench. At the hospital,
the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures. When
the child saw his father.....with painful eyes he asked, 'Dad
when will my fingers grow back?' The man was so hurt and
speechless; he went back to his car and kicked it a lot of
times. Devastated by his own actions.......sitting in front of
that car he looked at the scratches; the child had written
'LOVE YOU DAD'.The next day that man committed
suicide. . .Anger and Love have no limits; choose the latter
to have a beautiful, lovely life..... Things are to be used and
people are to be loved. But the problem in today's world is
that, People are used and things are loved.... In this year,
let's be careful to keep this thought in mind: Things are to be
used, but People are to be loved. Watch your thoughts; they
become words. Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits
they become character;Watch your character; it becomes
your destiny. I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me as a
reminder. God bless you. If you don't pass this on nothing
bad will happen; if you do, you might change someones life.
Do u know the relationship between your two eyes? They
blink together, move together, cry together, see things
together & sleep together. Even though they never see each
other. Friendship should be just like that! Life is vanity
without FRIENDS.
Tuesday 21 October 2014
EBOLA; NIGERIA DECLARED FREE. (Edidiong Peters)
The outbreak of the the disease which came up like a thief, was brought by Patrick soya of Liberia in April. The virus has claimed the lives if many men on women, but due to Nigeria's rapt response, the virus was kicked out of the country as Nigeria is free from the Ebola virus disease.But the Nigeria geographical position and extensive boarders makes the country vulnerable to additional imported case of the virus, it is therefore relevant for the continuous vigilance about the virus, reporting any body suspected of the virus to the necessary authority. Recently, a man died of Ebola virus in a plane flying to Nigeria, and members of the Nigerian Army that contacted the virus in Liberia, the were immediately quarantine, but Nigeria still have the possibility of contacting the virus in the nearest future, and the is need to work together being prepared to combat the virus incase of any future outbreak.
The minister of health prof.Oyebuchi Chukwu who took a wow during the declaration said that the contentment of the virus represent the purposeful leadership of Nigeria of Nigeria, which other country affected with the virus must emulate. The minister of state for health Dr. Alaysan urged health workers to still maintain vigilance even after the declaration, while strong boarder activities should be carry out at the port of entering. A one minute silence was observed in honour of all those who lost their lives during the outbreak.
The Lagos state government has pledged to deploy health workers who had help to contain the the virus to Sierra Leone. Governor Babatunde Fashola said that the planned mission is not only going to help sierra Leone to fight the virus, but also to prevent the subsequent spread of the virus to other parts of Africa. Its is a joyous thing that Nigeria is free from the virus, but the is risk of future importation of the disease, therefore Nigerians must continue to watch.
The secret behind why 2face Idibia's rocks By Edidiong Peters
Sokoto polytechnic awards national speaker, Governor and sultan. By Edidiong Peters
Speaking on behalf of the awardees was the rector of cape coast polytechnic Prof. Lawrence Atepo .He expressed his delight, saying that the polytechnic has done well to honour him, and that he will continue to give his support to the institution in times of need. Speaking also at the event was the Governor of sokoto state governor Aliyu Wamakko, the governor said that the polytechnic has gone to a higher pedestal since the inception of prof.Bashir Garba as the rector of the polytechnic, he also applauded the polytechnic for the award, saying that the award will go a long way to boost the commitments of the people towards the polytechnic. The governor also added that the government will continue to provide funds and facilities to the institution.
The rector of the polytechnic, prof.Bashir Garba, gave a special appreciation to the NBTE for their financial support through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND.the rector also applauded the state government for the provision of busses and computers, he urged the government to do more in terms of provision of accommodation and facilities for the polytechnic.
Monday 20 October 2014
Social media rebranding agriculture
by Pauline Bugler
Innovators in ICT are now steadily eroding this outmoded image of agriculture with social media platforms, blogs and mobile phones. Farming is the mainstay of most African economies and one of the Continent’s biggest job sectors, employing 90% of the rural population. Agriculture accounts for 40% of export earnings and supports over 50% of household needs and incomes.
In 2012, Adebola Adedugbe, of Bonifab Nigeria Ltd., launched an ICT project to disseminate information about job opportunities in agriculture. This training programme targets both university graduates and unskilled youths – the mix reflects the opportunities available.
300 youths have already been trained directly and 800 along the agricultural value chain. Youth and youth-based organisations in Nigeria are now effectively involved in agriculture using ICT platforms.
Adedugbe said: “There is a need to acknowledge the importance of education in rebranding agriculture as a competitive career choice.” The sector has the potential to create millions of jobs for young people. ICT is becoming an educational tool and a strategy for promoting entrepreneurship, boosting the availability and diversity of online information. Young people can find credible and reliable information on capacity building, training and access to funding and how to start an agribusiness through social media. This, Adedugbe added, encourages youths in small to medium-sized enterprises to fight poverty through job and wealth creation and compete favourably and effectively.
As part of this innovative scheme, which was first rolled out in West Africa and Nigeria, farmers receive subsidies on fertiliser directly through a mobile-phone-based system in the form of electronic vouchers. So far it has reached 1.5 million farmers and 7.5 million felt the impact of the scheme in its first year. The objective is to reach 20 million farmers by 2015; 10 million farmers have already registered.
The scheme supports all sorts of agricultural practice across the Continent, from fish and snail farming in Nigeria to animal husbandry in Uganda. But regardless of the location, its impact is due in no small part to the engagement of youths. These tech-savvy people are busy grabbing the windows of opportunity offered by social media to pass on information, share their experiences and get to know the business side of agriculture.
“Many of these youths are bloggers and social medial coordinators… An increasing number of youths in the country are members of Young Professionals in Agriculture Development (YPARD)”, Adedgube.
Yet compared to other countries, agricultural production is still quite low in Africa and this prompts the question of sustainability. Agriculture should not be treated in isolation, if Africa is to realise its full potential to feed its growing population and achieve sustainability, he noted. ICT can link up farmers to markets, value chains and other networks. Exchanging information is essential for improving performance, productivity and economic competitiveness on both local and international markets.
Yet there are constraints to this development and one of them is power. Unreliable networks, poor infrastructure and high costs hamper the use of the Internet in Africa. And connectivity is often notably better in the cities. Of course, that’s of no help to farmers in far-flung regions keen to see the latest market price for their plantain crops. Thus it is up to young people to come up with solutions themselves.
However, current government policies and practices are not always conducive to youth involvement in agriculture and related fields and value chains. As the Nigerian government offers little financial support, Adedugbe runs free training workshops for youths, supported by his family. If this state of affairs is to be alleviated and the opportunities offered by ICT seized, both the government and the private sector must start building capacity among all stakeholders to achieve sustainable agriculture.
Find out more about the best in eAgriculture at eLearning Africa 2014, where Adebola Adebiyi Adedugbe will take part in a session entitled “Bloom Where You’re Planted: ICT for farmers”. Visit the programme page for more information.
Sunday 19 October 2014
The final road to reach 2015 MDGs
By Annika Burgess
Described by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, who launched the Report in New York this month, as ‘a pledge to uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity, and free the world from extreme poverty’, since their establishment in 2000, the MDGs have led to considerable advancements – for instance, 90% of children in developing regions are now attending primary school.
Photo source: The UN
However, when shining the spotlight on most recent developments, the 2014 Report states: “Despite impressive strides forward at the start of the decade, progress in reducing the number of children out of school has slackened considerably.”
In sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, the Report attributes the slowdown to ongoing conflicts and population growth. It also says that a decrease in aid to some of Africa’s poorest countries – a 5.6% decline in 2013 – is also taking its toll.
Between 2000 and 2012, the primary net enrolment rate in sub-Saharan Africa rose from 60 to 78%; however, compared to 2000, in 2012 there were 35% more children to put in school.
The Report says that the armed conflicts and numerous other emergencies experienced by some countries in the region have kept children out of school. Hence, although the number of children enrolled in primary education more than doubled between 1990 and 2012, from 62 million to 149 million, there were still 33 million children of primary school age who were not in school, of which 56% were girls.
Aida Opoku-Mensah, Special Advisor for the Post 2015 Development Agenda of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), described these results as ‘staggering’, saying that it illustrates why countries need to urgently step up girls’ education in the interest of national development.
“Countries need to realise that without education girls cannot reach their full potential, which in turn severely affects the economic and human development of countries. Apart from economic prosperity, some of the added value of educating girls is linked to lower infant and maternal mortality rates, health diseases and increased family planning measures.”
The Report also highlights, however, the overall progress that has been made to increase the number of girls attending primary school. From 1991 to 2012 in sub-Saharan Africa the net primary enrolment rate rose from 48% to 75%.
“The under-representation of girls in school enrolment and attendance in many parts of the developing world and in Africa – despite a significant increase – can be attributed to poverty, due mainly to limited funds of families and cultural practices and beliefs,” Ms Opoku-Mensah says.
“Public policy in ensuring a sustained and meaningful girls’ education has to address the aforementioned challenges. Therefore poverty reduction strategies and education on eradicating harmful cultural practices can go a long way in addressing the education of the girl child in Africa, alongside a strong focus on ensuring gender equality in society and in the economy!”
In the North Africa region, the primary education enrolment rate reached 99% in 2012, compared to 80% in 1990. The region is also moving towards closer gender parity in literacy rates. The Report stated that female literacy rates rose 29% from 1990 to 2011 compared to 16% for young men over the same period. The overall youth literacy rates in the region have increased from 67% in 1990 to 89% in 2011.
Sub-Saharan Africa is showing improved gender equality in other areas. Women are gaining more influence in politics – seats held by women in single or lower houses of national parliament increased from 13% in 2000 to 23% in 2014, which is the second-highest rate amongst developing regions. Women are also gaining more access to paid jobs outside the agricultural sector. In 1990 the percentage of women working in non-agricultural sectors was 23%; this rose to 33% in 2012.
Frustration over data
There have been concerns raised over ‘out-of-date’ data throughout the 2014 report. In some cases results are taken from 2013, while others date back to four years ago. Despite considerable advancements in recent years, the Report says reliable statistics for monitoring development remain inadequate in many countries. The authors ensure, however, that the statistics provided in the Report still show the general direction the figures are moving in from year to year and should not hamper progress towards meeting the goals.
As well as relying on Member States submitting progress reports, the annual MGD report is compiled using statistics from agencies including UUNICEF and the World Bank.
What’s next?
“After 2015, efforts to achieve a world of prosperity, equity, freedom, dignity and peace will continue unabated,” the UN states on its website.
Member States have renewed their commitment to meet MDG targets and will be holding a Heads of State and Government Summit in September 2015 to adopt a new set of goals for the post-2015 development agenda.
Photo source: UNESCO Africa
BOKO HARAM CEASE FIRE AGREEMENT, IS IT A FALSE RUMOUR ? By Edidiong Peters
Now the question is; is the popular cease fire story between the Boko Haram and the federal Government true?.the cease fire agreement was said to be an agreement between one Mr.Ahmadu who represented the boko Haram sects and president Goodluck Johnathan who represented the federal government. A journalist close to the Boko Haram terrorist said earlier that the claim cease fire agreement with the BokO Haram sects, is a false rumour, the journalist also said that he was told by the terrorist members that they know not Ahmadu.
It should be noted that the Boko Haram sects have never used anybody name Ahmadu to speak on their behalf in the past, so why now?.Before it was the story of alleged Boko Haram leader being killed, which many have concluded to be false, now it is the cease fire agreement.with the recent attack on the people of Abadam local Government, of Borno state, the question is; is boko haram cease fire agreement true ?