Commercial poultry, Funtuna Farms, a
division of Animal Care Services Konsult
Limited, has warned Nigerians to avoid
taking raw eggs.
The General Manager of Funtuna Farms, Dr.
Kiran Kulkarni, gave the warning during a
sensitisation programme at Dansol High
School, Ikeja, as part of activities to
commemorate the World Egg Day in Nigeria.
Kulkarni explained that the consumption of
raw eggs was unsafe, adding that cooked
and boiled egg was more nutritious for the
body.
He said, “Do not eat raw egg. Raw egg is
dangerous because it is difficult to digest.
“Also, if you take raw eggs and they have
one or two deficiencies, it goes straight
into your body and the danger is high on
the immune system. But if you boil or fry it,
the danger will be reduced. It is advisable
we boil or fry eggs before taking them.”
Also, a veterinary doctor with Funtuna
Farms, Dr. Bukola Akintoye, in a
presentation, explained that consuming an
egg daily was beneficial to the body.
She noted that eggs were excellent and was
rich in protein with potential to enhance
health.
She said, “We are regularly told how
important it is to eat a balanced diet; we
need protein and plenty vitamins and
nutrients. Fruit, vegetables and meat
naturally come to mind, and when
combined, these fruits can provide all these.
However, one food contains them all –
eggs.”
Monday, October 21, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Yinka Ayefele band boys disappear in US
Gospel music styled secular singer, Yinka
Ayefele left Nigeria on September 2nd with
a 14-man band for a six-week musical tour
of the US, which took them to New York,
Washington, Houston, Atlanta, Baltimore,
Maryland and Dallas. He returned to Nigeria
this week with three band members
missing. The three missing men according
to a petition filed by Ayefele are:
1. The lead vocalist of Ayefele’s Merry-
Makers Band, Solomon Motimoke
popularly known as ‘Yatty’ who
dumped the band while they were in
Washington DC on 11th October.
2. Ojoyido Adegbenga Ezekiel
(Keyboardist), who disappeared at the
band’s hotel at Howard Johnson Inn on
Rockaway Boulevard, New York on
Tuesday, 15th October
3. Olusola Kayode Isaac (vocalist), who
disappeared at the La-Guardiala
Airport, New York on Monday, 14th
October on his way from Houston.
Yinke Ayefele has written to the US
Homeland Security, asking them to track
and deport these men.
Ayefele left Nigeria on September 2nd with
a 14-man band for a six-week musical tour
of the US, which took them to New York,
Washington, Houston, Atlanta, Baltimore,
Maryland and Dallas. He returned to Nigeria
this week with three band members
missing. The three missing men according
to a petition filed by Ayefele are:
1. The lead vocalist of Ayefele’s Merry-
Makers Band, Solomon Motimoke
popularly known as ‘Yatty’ who
dumped the band while they were in
Washington DC on 11th October.
2. Ojoyido Adegbenga Ezekiel
(Keyboardist), who disappeared at the
band’s hotel at Howard Johnson Inn on
Rockaway Boulevard, New York on
Tuesday, 15th October
3. Olusola Kayode Isaac (vocalist), who
disappeared at the La-Guardiala
Airport, New York on Monday, 14th
October on his way from Houston.
Yinke Ayefele has written to the US
Homeland Security, asking them to track
and deport these men.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Four year old boy kills self with father's gun
A four year old boy, Akinwale Semiu shot himself to death in error on Tuesday, with a loaded gun kept by his father in his romm at Iyana Bare villane, Ibadan in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
It was learnt that the father of the deceased, Mr Wahee Akinwale, said to be a hunter reported at Idi-Ayunre police station that he loaded his gun and kept it in his room in readiness for hunting on Tuesday night.
The man reportedly told the police that at about 9:30am, his son entered his room where he kept the gun, pulled the trigger and shot himself on the chest, dying instantly.
The shot was said to have been heard by othe children who were in the kitchen, cooking and they reportedly alerted a neighbour who also put a call through to the father.
Mr Akinwale told police that he and the child's mother were divorced, and that he had been taking care of him alone.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Okuwobi-Ilobanafor, confirmed the incident, saying that the corpse had been deposited in the mortuary at State Hospital for autopsy.
It was learnt that the father of the deceased, Mr Wahee Akinwale, said to be a hunter reported at Idi-Ayunre police station that he loaded his gun and kept it in his room in readiness for hunting on Tuesday night.
The man reportedly told the police that at about 9:30am, his son entered his room where he kept the gun, pulled the trigger and shot himself on the chest, dying instantly.
The shot was said to have been heard by othe children who were in the kitchen, cooking and they reportedly alerted a neighbour who also put a call through to the father.
Mr Akinwale told police that he and the child's mother were divorced, and that he had been taking care of him alone.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Okuwobi-Ilobanafor, confirmed the incident, saying that the corpse had been deposited in the mortuary at State Hospital for autopsy.
Man commits suicide in Osun over N350,000 debt
The celebration of Eid-El-Fitri was marred with tragedy on Wednesday, at Concord area of Oke-Omiru, Ilesa, Osun State when a sixty-year old building materials dealer committed suicide by jumping into a well.
It was learnt that the victim popularly known as 'Sunre' decided to terminate his life over his inability to pay a N350,000 debt he owed somebody in Abuja. The dealer had made attempt to jump into his residence well on October 15, 2013 but was stopped by his family member against such act. But, on Wednesday, he went to the house of his neighbours where he eventually terminated his life while the celebration of Eid-El-Fitri was ongoing.
His remains was discovered at about 6:00am by a resident who had gone to draw water from the well and consequently raised the alarm, which drew other members of the neighbourhood to the scene of the incident.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO) of the Osun State Police Command, Mrs Odoro said that a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer 'A' quickly moved to the scene wher the corpse was removed.
It was learnt that the victim popularly known as 'Sunre' decided to terminate his life over his inability to pay a N350,000 debt he owed somebody in Abuja. The dealer had made attempt to jump into his residence well on October 15, 2013 but was stopped by his family member against such act. But, on Wednesday, he went to the house of his neighbours where he eventually terminated his life while the celebration of Eid-El-Fitri was ongoing.
His remains was discovered at about 6:00am by a resident who had gone to draw water from the well and consequently raised the alarm, which drew other members of the neighbourhood to the scene of the incident.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO) of the Osun State Police Command, Mrs Odoro said that a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer 'A' quickly moved to the scene wher the corpse was removed.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Presidential aide's sister kidnapped
Bayelsa State police command have
confirmed the kidnapping of President
Goodluck Jonathan's Special Adviser on
Research, Documentation and Strategy,
Oronto Douglas' elder sister, Augusta
Douglas-Ayam.
Confirming the incident, Hilary Opara, the
commissioner of police, said Mrs Douglas-
Ayam was kidnapped at about 8 p.m. on
Monday night in Ogbia town by
unidentified gunmen.
The comissioner, upon returning to the
state capital after visiting the scene of the
kidnap, said no arrest had been made yet.
But, he assured, marine police had been
deployed to the creeks to effect the
rescue of the victim.
The spokesman for state's police
command, Alex Akhigbe (DSP) said officers
from Anti-Kidnapping Squad had been
deployed to go after the kidnappers.
"We are after the kidnappers and very
soon, they will be apprehended and the
woman rescued," he stated.
Another sibling to the President's aide, Mr.
Gift Douglas, said he received the
disturbing information on phone on
Monday night.
"I got the information this night that our
elder sister has been kidnapped by
gunmen who went to her shop at about 8
p.m. and shot into the air before taking
her away through the creeks," he
narrated.
The incident had thrown the entire family
into mourning.
The news shocked members of Bayelsa
Government. The Commissioner for
Information and Orientation, Markson
Fefegha, however, said the state
government remained resolute in its
determination to stamp out criminal
activities in the state.
"It is sad and embarrassing that it
happened at a time the present
administration is recording great
successes in the area of sustaining the
existing peace.
"The state government is, however,
optimistic that the security agencies will
go after the kidnappers and swiftly rescue
her," Mr Fefegha said.
confirmed the kidnapping of President
Goodluck Jonathan's Special Adviser on
Research, Documentation and Strategy,
Oronto Douglas' elder sister, Augusta
Douglas-Ayam.
Confirming the incident, Hilary Opara, the
commissioner of police, said Mrs Douglas-
Ayam was kidnapped at about 8 p.m. on
Monday night in Ogbia town by
unidentified gunmen.
The comissioner, upon returning to the
state capital after visiting the scene of the
kidnap, said no arrest had been made yet.
But, he assured, marine police had been
deployed to the creeks to effect the
rescue of the victim.
The spokesman for state's police
command, Alex Akhigbe (DSP) said officers
from Anti-Kidnapping Squad had been
deployed to go after the kidnappers.
"We are after the kidnappers and very
soon, they will be apprehended and the
woman rescued," he stated.
Another sibling to the President's aide, Mr.
Gift Douglas, said he received the
disturbing information on phone on
Monday night.
"I got the information this night that our
elder sister has been kidnapped by
gunmen who went to her shop at about 8
p.m. and shot into the air before taking
her away through the creeks," he
narrated.
The incident had thrown the entire family
into mourning.
The news shocked members of Bayelsa
Government. The Commissioner for
Information and Orientation, Markson
Fefegha, however, said the state
government remained resolute in its
determination to stamp out criminal
activities in the state.
"It is sad and embarrassing that it
happened at a time the present
administration is recording great
successes in the area of sustaining the
existing peace.
"The state government is, however,
optimistic that the security agencies will
go after the kidnappers and swiftly rescue
her," Mr Fefegha said.
ASUU strike continues unless.......
Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU of Imo State University (IMSU) and their counterparts at the Federal
University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) yesterday insisted that unless federal government implements the agreement
entered into with the union in 2009 and 2012, the strike would continue.
A communique issued after their meeting in Owerri and signed by ASUU chairman in IMSU Rev. Dr. Chidi Nwadiaro said the union
would remain at home if the Federal Government fails to implement the agreement.
Nwadiaro said the total sum of money due to Nigeria universities according to the agreement is about N500 billion, adding
that out of that amount, the Federal Government announced a release of only N100 billion.
He noted that the N500 billion is required to provide infrastructure in universities.
The union urged well meaning Nigerians to appeal to the Federal Government to revitalize public universities by implementing the 2009 agreement.
University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) yesterday insisted that unless federal government implements the agreement
entered into with the union in 2009 and 2012, the strike would continue.
A communique issued after their meeting in Owerri and signed by ASUU chairman in IMSU Rev. Dr. Chidi Nwadiaro said the union
would remain at home if the Federal Government fails to implement the agreement.
Nwadiaro said the total sum of money due to Nigeria universities according to the agreement is about N500 billion, adding
that out of that amount, the Federal Government announced a release of only N100 billion.
He noted that the N500 billion is required to provide infrastructure in universities.
The union urged well meaning Nigerians to appeal to the Federal Government to revitalize public universities by implementing the 2009 agreement.
Nigerian airlines owing Staff to be shut down
Nigerian airlines that do not pay staff
regular salaries will be shut and a
comprehensive audit of all carriers will soon
be conducted, aviation authorities said on
Monday as concerns are being raised over
the safety of Nigeria’s skies.
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Fola
Akinkuotu said at a press conference in
Lagos, southwestern Nigeria, that financially
distressed airlines will be stopped from
operating.
“NCAA will not permit any airline that is not
financially sound to continue to operate,”
Akinkuotu said.
He said NCAA has enough power to
intervene and to look at economic viability
of the airlines.
Captain Fola Akinkuotu
Akinkuoto said while the agency does not
intend to kill airlines or stifle their growth,
as a regulator it will ensure that only
financially sound airlines operate in the
interest of safety.
Akinkuotu, who spoke at the NCAA
headquarters in Lagos disclosed that all
Nigerian airlines will also be required to go
through an IATA Operational Safety Audit,
also known as IOSA audit.
An IOSA programme is an evaluation system
designed to assess the operational
management and control systems of an
airline. It is a programme designed by the
International Air Transport Association,
IATA.
“Airlines will be required to have IOSA audit
as we go forward and ensure that their
audit is tidy,” Akinkuotu said.
He said he will address the issue of airlines
interlining in the near future. But experts
say as a regulator, NCAA does not have that
power.
Interlining, also known as interline ticketing
is a voluntary commercial agreement
between individuals airlines to handle
passengers travelling on itineraries that
require multiple airlines.
Akinkuotu also debunked reports by some
NCAA staff that the agency is broke. An
aircraft inspector had told the media that
the agency is broke and training has
dwindled in the agency.
But Akinkuotu said the agency is financially
buoyant.
“The NCAA is not broke. As I speak, there’s a
group of young people in training in
Manchester. There is nobody who is
supposed to go to training who has not
gone for training. NCAA has a huge budget
for training. People go for training almost
everywhere,” he said.
NCAA DG said the incident involving an IRS
plane at the Kaduna airport on Sunday was
not very serious even though passengers
had to disembark on the runway and
firefighters and other emergency teams
were on standby.
He said information given to the media was
not correct and called on journalists to cross
check information before going to press.
“This briefing has become necessary, even
after our press statement yesterday,
explaining the circumstances that
necessitated the aircraft landing on the
runway, because of the misrepresentation
of facts on the incident in some sections of
the press,” Akinkuotu said.
“For the purpose of reinforcement, we wish
to restate that the affected F100 aircraft
operated by IRS Airline, Reg. No. 5N-HIR
landed safely at the Kaduna Airport,
following a hydraulic alert in the cockpit
while on final approach at the airport,” he
said.
Akinkuotu said he is willing to use his 40-
year experience in the aviation industry to
train Nigerian journalists on how to report
aviation stories.
However, when a journalist asked the
chairman and chief executive officer of IRS
airline, Rabiu Isyaku Rabiu, how many
aircraft he has in its fleet and when he last
paid his staff, Akinkuotu said the airline
boss should not answer because he was
invited as a guest.
He said Rabiu will provide the answer after
the press conference. However, after the
press conference ended Rabiu passed
through the back door and left.
regular salaries will be shut and a
comprehensive audit of all carriers will soon
be conducted, aviation authorities said on
Monday as concerns are being raised over
the safety of Nigeria’s skies.
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Fola
Akinkuotu said at a press conference in
Lagos, southwestern Nigeria, that financially
distressed airlines will be stopped from
operating.
“NCAA will not permit any airline that is not
financially sound to continue to operate,”
Akinkuotu said.
He said NCAA has enough power to
intervene and to look at economic viability
of the airlines.
Captain Fola Akinkuotu
Akinkuoto said while the agency does not
intend to kill airlines or stifle their growth,
as a regulator it will ensure that only
financially sound airlines operate in the
interest of safety.
Akinkuotu, who spoke at the NCAA
headquarters in Lagos disclosed that all
Nigerian airlines will also be required to go
through an IATA Operational Safety Audit,
also known as IOSA audit.
An IOSA programme is an evaluation system
designed to assess the operational
management and control systems of an
airline. It is a programme designed by the
International Air Transport Association,
IATA.
“Airlines will be required to have IOSA audit
as we go forward and ensure that their
audit is tidy,” Akinkuotu said.
He said he will address the issue of airlines
interlining in the near future. But experts
say as a regulator, NCAA does not have that
power.
Interlining, also known as interline ticketing
is a voluntary commercial agreement
between individuals airlines to handle
passengers travelling on itineraries that
require multiple airlines.
Akinkuotu also debunked reports by some
NCAA staff that the agency is broke. An
aircraft inspector had told the media that
the agency is broke and training has
dwindled in the agency.
But Akinkuotu said the agency is financially
buoyant.
“The NCAA is not broke. As I speak, there’s a
group of young people in training in
Manchester. There is nobody who is
supposed to go to training who has not
gone for training. NCAA has a huge budget
for training. People go for training almost
everywhere,” he said.
NCAA DG said the incident involving an IRS
plane at the Kaduna airport on Sunday was
not very serious even though passengers
had to disembark on the runway and
firefighters and other emergency teams
were on standby.
He said information given to the media was
not correct and called on journalists to cross
check information before going to press.
“This briefing has become necessary, even
after our press statement yesterday,
explaining the circumstances that
necessitated the aircraft landing on the
runway, because of the misrepresentation
of facts on the incident in some sections of
the press,” Akinkuotu said.
“For the purpose of reinforcement, we wish
to restate that the affected F100 aircraft
operated by IRS Airline, Reg. No. 5N-HIR
landed safely at the Kaduna Airport,
following a hydraulic alert in the cockpit
while on final approach at the airport,” he
said.
Akinkuotu said he is willing to use his 40-
year experience in the aviation industry to
train Nigerian journalists on how to report
aviation stories.
However, when a journalist asked the
chairman and chief executive officer of IRS
airline, Rabiu Isyaku Rabiu, how many
aircraft he has in its fleet and when he last
paid his staff, Akinkuotu said the airline
boss should not answer because he was
invited as a guest.
He said Rabiu will provide the answer after
the press conference. However, after the
press conference ended Rabiu passed
through the back door and left.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
ASUU STRIKE: ERC URGES NUT, NUEE, NUPENG TO COMMENCE SOLIDARITY STRIKE
The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) fully
welcomes the decision of three trade
unions – the Nigerian Union of Teachers
(NUT), the National Union of Petroleum and
Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the
National Union of Electricity Employees
(NUEE) – to embark on solidarity strike
actions to compel the Federal Government
to honour agreements signed with the
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The ERC urges the three unions to take this
beyond the realm of threats and
immediately name a day on which the
solidarity strike would take place and begin
active mobilisation of their rank and file
members as well as students who are
frustrated at home and concerned
Nigerians to come out en-masse for mass
protests and demonstrations on this day.
We commend the three unions for taking
this decision which we believe is in the best
interest of the education sector and the
Nation at large.
We agree that the ASUU strike has gone on
for far too long and the plethora of strikes
in the education sector are just too many.
On Tuesday 8 October, the ASUU strike
became 100 days old. Slowly the entire
public education sector is grinding to a halt.
For instance, the public polytechnics are
equally closed and it will not be too long
before the Colleges of Education Academic
Staff Union (COEASU) follow suit. The
Colleges of Education lecturers had recently
held a 7-day warning strike. Indeed, the
Academic Staff of Union of Polytechnics
(ASUP) had to resume the strike, they had
suspended in July after three months, due
to the insensitivity and insincerity of
government to their demands and terms of
the suspension of the last strike.
A wave of one-day solidarity strikes by the
labour movement accompanied by mass
protests and demonstrations can alter this
situation and compel the Federal
Government to meet the demands of ASUU,
ASUP, COEASU and other unions on
industrial actions so that the schools can
resume. This is why we commend the three
unions for taking this decision which we
believe is in the best interest of the
education sector and the Nation at large.
The three unions come from key sectors of
the Nation’s economy. As such their
decision to embark on solidarity strike if
given full and practical effect could help pile
pressure on the recalcitrant anti-poor
Federal Government to meet demands of
striking education unions so that public
Universities and Polytechnics can be
reopened for academic activities to resume.
This would also serve as an example for
other unions and the entire labour
movement to follow.
welcomes the decision of three trade
unions – the Nigerian Union of Teachers
(NUT), the National Union of Petroleum and
Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the
National Union of Electricity Employees
(NUEE) – to embark on solidarity strike
actions to compel the Federal Government
to honour agreements signed with the
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The ERC urges the three unions to take this
beyond the realm of threats and
immediately name a day on which the
solidarity strike would take place and begin
active mobilisation of their rank and file
members as well as students who are
frustrated at home and concerned
Nigerians to come out en-masse for mass
protests and demonstrations on this day.
We commend the three unions for taking
this decision which we believe is in the best
interest of the education sector and the
Nation at large.
We agree that the ASUU strike has gone on
for far too long and the plethora of strikes
in the education sector are just too many.
On Tuesday 8 October, the ASUU strike
became 100 days old. Slowly the entire
public education sector is grinding to a halt.
For instance, the public polytechnics are
equally closed and it will not be too long
before the Colleges of Education Academic
Staff Union (COEASU) follow suit. The
Colleges of Education lecturers had recently
held a 7-day warning strike. Indeed, the
Academic Staff of Union of Polytechnics
(ASUP) had to resume the strike, they had
suspended in July after three months, due
to the insensitivity and insincerity of
government to their demands and terms of
the suspension of the last strike.
A wave of one-day solidarity strikes by the
labour movement accompanied by mass
protests and demonstrations can alter this
situation and compel the Federal
Government to meet the demands of ASUU,
ASUP, COEASU and other unions on
industrial actions so that the schools can
resume. This is why we commend the three
unions for taking this decision which we
believe is in the best interest of the
education sector and the Nation at large.
The three unions come from key sectors of
the Nation’s economy. As such their
decision to embark on solidarity strike if
given full and practical effect could help pile
pressure on the recalcitrant anti-poor
Federal Government to meet demands of
striking education unions so that public
Universities and Polytechnics can be
reopened for academic activities to resume.
This would also serve as an example for
other unions and the entire labour
movement to follow.
Friday, October 11, 2013
36 Health benefits of Garlic
36 health benefits of garlic:
1. Helps treat atherosclerosis.
2. Helps lower cholesterol.
3. Has the ability to lower blood pressure.
4. Helps treat gout.
5. Treating and preventing the flu and upper
respiratory tract infections.
6. Prevents the growth and spread of
bacteria.
7. Helps treat Tuberculosis.
8. Treating purulent wounds.
9. Helps treat Trichomoniasis (a sexually
transmitted infection.)
10. Boosts your metabolism.
11. Prevents the spread of collon cancer…
12. …gall bladder cancer…
13. …rectal cancer…
14. …breast cancer…
15. …and prostate cancer.
16. Helps aid digestion.
16. Treats a yeast infection.
17. Dissolves blood clots.
18. Increases appetite.
19. Kills intestinal worms and parasites.
20. Helps treat cataracts.
21. Helps treat arthritis.
22. Helps treat diabetes.
23. Help treat staph infection.
24. Hells get rid of a tooth ache.
25. Treats acne.
26. Kills warts.
27. Helps treat tetter.
28. Helps in the treatment of boils on the skin.
29. Has a soothing effect on the intestines.
30. Garlic phytoncides are used to treat
asthma…
31. …chronic bronchitis…
31. …and whooping cough.
32. Helps cure insomnia.
33. Slows the process of aging.
34. Inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
35. Strengthens the body’s immune system
Source: Information Nigeria
1. Helps treat atherosclerosis.
2. Helps lower cholesterol.
3. Has the ability to lower blood pressure.
4. Helps treat gout.
5. Treating and preventing the flu and upper
respiratory tract infections.
6. Prevents the growth and spread of
bacteria.
7. Helps treat Tuberculosis.
8. Treating purulent wounds.
9. Helps treat Trichomoniasis (a sexually
transmitted infection.)
10. Boosts your metabolism.
11. Prevents the spread of collon cancer…
12. …gall bladder cancer…
13. …rectal cancer…
14. …breast cancer…
15. …and prostate cancer.
16. Helps aid digestion.
16. Treats a yeast infection.
17. Dissolves blood clots.
18. Increases appetite.
19. Kills intestinal worms and parasites.
20. Helps treat cataracts.
21. Helps treat arthritis.
22. Helps treat diabetes.
23. Help treat staph infection.
24. Hells get rid of a tooth ache.
25. Treats acne.
26. Kills warts.
27. Helps treat tetter.
28. Helps in the treatment of boils on the skin.
29. Has a soothing effect on the intestines.
30. Garlic phytoncides are used to treat
asthma…
31. …chronic bronchitis…
31. …and whooping cough.
32. Helps cure insomnia.
33. Slows the process of aging.
34. Inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
35. Strengthens the body’s immune system
Source: Information Nigeria
Osun State CAN gives Aregbesola ultimatum to return Schools
Osun State chapter of the
Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has
given a seven-day ultimatum to the state
government to reverse the merger of
schools and return them to their original
owners.
The state government had, last week,
commenced the merger of public primary
and secondary schools in the state under its
schools reclassification programme.
CAN in a letter addressed to the state
Governor, Mr’. Rauf Aregbesola and signed
by its state chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya,
urged Aregbesola to revert the new
education policy in the interest of peace and
tranquility in the state.
Also, CAN called for a reverse on the
changing of single sex schools to mixed
schools, saying that would help to preserve
the religious character of the schools.
The body said failure of the state
government to reverse to the status quo on
the state education system would make it
take further actions on the matter.
CAN also advised Aregbesola to take the
interest of all religions into consideration
while making policies, saying that he was
voted into office by both Christians and
Muslims.
The letter reads: “We observe that the
foundation of Christian faith is being
seriously threatened by some policies of the
state government, especially in the
education sector, which the church is
strongly averse to and it is not ready to
compromise.”
Reacting, to CAN threat, the Director of
Publicity, Research and Strategy of the All
Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Mr.
Kunle Oyatomi said: “You don’t reverse a
policy that will bring up decent, brilliant and
successful students in the schools.”
He appealed to CAN and other interest
groups in the state to be tolerant with the
state government on the new education
policy in the state, stressing that “if there is
any government with human feelings,
Aregbesola’s government has demonstrated
in many ways that Osun State is a reference
point in human development index.”
Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has
given a seven-day ultimatum to the state
government to reverse the merger of
schools and return them to their original
owners.
The state government had, last week,
commenced the merger of public primary
and secondary schools in the state under its
schools reclassification programme.
CAN in a letter addressed to the state
Governor, Mr’. Rauf Aregbesola and signed
by its state chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya,
urged Aregbesola to revert the new
education policy in the interest of peace and
tranquility in the state.
Also, CAN called for a reverse on the
changing of single sex schools to mixed
schools, saying that would help to preserve
the religious character of the schools.
The body said failure of the state
government to reverse to the status quo on
the state education system would make it
take further actions on the matter.
CAN also advised Aregbesola to take the
interest of all religions into consideration
while making policies, saying that he was
voted into office by both Christians and
Muslims.
The letter reads: “We observe that the
foundation of Christian faith is being
seriously threatened by some policies of the
state government, especially in the
education sector, which the church is
strongly averse to and it is not ready to
compromise.”
Reacting, to CAN threat, the Director of
Publicity, Research and Strategy of the All
Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Mr.
Kunle Oyatomi said: “You don’t reverse a
policy that will bring up decent, brilliant and
successful students in the schools.”
He appealed to CAN and other interest
groups in the state to be tolerant with the
state government on the new education
policy in the state, stressing that “if there is
any government with human feelings,
Aregbesola’s government has demonstrated
in many ways that Osun State is a reference
point in human development index.”
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Steps to burn stubborn belly fats for Men and Women
Belly fat is common. Many even face
humiliation and lose their self confidence/
self esteem on this issue. Naturally, men are
inclined to contain more fat around their
waistline, which are called love handles.
Frustrating? Yes but far from permanent. So
for speedier flattening, try this work-out
plan and watch stubborn belly bulge
disappear.
For the women:
1. Speed up your walks: Pick up your
pace and you’ll burn an average of 25 per
cent more calories and target belly fat. Aim
for two or three weekly speed sessions
lasting about 30 minutes each and walk at
an intensity level in which you can speak
only a few words at a time. If you’re unable
to maintain that effort for the entire work-
out, practise intervals, alternating short
bursts of fast walking with slower
segments. You can do the same on a
treadmill.
2. Get on the ball: To get a flatter
stomach, use a stability ball. That way you’ll
strengthen everything under your top
muscles.
3. Pump some iron: It boosts results and
firms your mid-section even more.
4. Turn in early: Eating right and
exercising regularly help ward off both
stress and belly fat, but only if you’re getting
enough sleep. There’s a definite association
between lack of sleep, increased stress
hormones, and weight gain around the
middle.
5. Sip on this: Green tea is good for your
skin and not only help to fight cancer, it is
also an effective belly buster, helping to
break down fat. Drinking the equivalent of
about four cups of green tea a day for 12
weeks helps you to lose over eight times
more abdominal fat than if you drank an
ordinary caffeinated beverage. It may help
speed the breakdown of fat.
6. Eat flat belly proven food: Counting
calories, watching portions, and minimising
junk food are all flat belly essentials, but
some foods can make it even easier to
achieve your goal. Foods like avocado pear,
grains, protein, vegetables etc.
For the men:
1. Engage in abdominal exercises:
Obviously, the core muscles are typically
involved while you perform any exercise.
But it’s good if you try appropriate
abdominal exercises. Perform them
properly and aim on different parts of your
belly— upper, middle and lower portions of
your abdomen.
2. Get cardiovascular exercises: Another
way to get rid of belly fat is through a blend
of cardio work-out and heavy weight
training. Losing your fat and getting more
flat and supple stomach can be a very slow
process, but it is absolutely worth these
efforts.
3. Eat generously: It will help you look
good again rather than looking gaunt.
4. Eat healthy and nourished food: One
of the easiest ways to lose belly fat is to
replace unhealthy fat with wholesome fat.
Eliminate junk food, canned products,
margarine, cheese, vegetable oil and other
fatty food items from your routine diet.
5. Ditch drinking: If you are a habitual
drinker, then try to overcome this habit.
High intake of alcohol is the major risk
factor that causes an increase in belly fat. It
is really important to completely avoid and
restrict drinking habits.
6. Always stay motivated and optimistic
with your routine: Motivation is a
significant factor in accomplishing your
desires. It is suggested to stay motivated
and stick with your exercise and diet plans.
It is the key component, which enables you
to get stronger at hard times, whether it’s
holiday season or any festivity that can
sidetrack your plan.
humiliation and lose their self confidence/
self esteem on this issue. Naturally, men are
inclined to contain more fat around their
waistline, which are called love handles.
Frustrating? Yes but far from permanent. So
for speedier flattening, try this work-out
plan and watch stubborn belly bulge
disappear.
For the women:
1. Speed up your walks: Pick up your
pace and you’ll burn an average of 25 per
cent more calories and target belly fat. Aim
for two or three weekly speed sessions
lasting about 30 minutes each and walk at
an intensity level in which you can speak
only a few words at a time. If you’re unable
to maintain that effort for the entire work-
out, practise intervals, alternating short
bursts of fast walking with slower
segments. You can do the same on a
treadmill.
2. Get on the ball: To get a flatter
stomach, use a stability ball. That way you’ll
strengthen everything under your top
muscles.
3. Pump some iron: It boosts results and
firms your mid-section even more.
4. Turn in early: Eating right and
exercising regularly help ward off both
stress and belly fat, but only if you’re getting
enough sleep. There’s a definite association
between lack of sleep, increased stress
hormones, and weight gain around the
middle.
5. Sip on this: Green tea is good for your
skin and not only help to fight cancer, it is
also an effective belly buster, helping to
break down fat. Drinking the equivalent of
about four cups of green tea a day for 12
weeks helps you to lose over eight times
more abdominal fat than if you drank an
ordinary caffeinated beverage. It may help
speed the breakdown of fat.
6. Eat flat belly proven food: Counting
calories, watching portions, and minimising
junk food are all flat belly essentials, but
some foods can make it even easier to
achieve your goal. Foods like avocado pear,
grains, protein, vegetables etc.
For the men:
1. Engage in abdominal exercises:
Obviously, the core muscles are typically
involved while you perform any exercise.
But it’s good if you try appropriate
abdominal exercises. Perform them
properly and aim on different parts of your
belly— upper, middle and lower portions of
your abdomen.
2. Get cardiovascular exercises: Another
way to get rid of belly fat is through a blend
of cardio work-out and heavy weight
training. Losing your fat and getting more
flat and supple stomach can be a very slow
process, but it is absolutely worth these
efforts.
3. Eat generously: It will help you look
good again rather than looking gaunt.
4. Eat healthy and nourished food: One
of the easiest ways to lose belly fat is to
replace unhealthy fat with wholesome fat.
Eliminate junk food, canned products,
margarine, cheese, vegetable oil and other
fatty food items from your routine diet.
5. Ditch drinking: If you are a habitual
drinker, then try to overcome this habit.
High intake of alcohol is the major risk
factor that causes an increase in belly fat. It
is really important to completely avoid and
restrict drinking habits.
6. Always stay motivated and optimistic
with your routine: Motivation is a
significant factor in accomplishing your
desires. It is suggested to stay motivated
and stick with your exercise and diet plans.
It is the key component, which enables you
to get stronger at hard times, whether it’s
holiday season or any festivity that can
sidetrack your plan.
Armed Men attack Nigeria embassy in Guinea Bissau
ARMED groups Tuesday attacked the
Nigerian embassy in Bissau, capital of
Guinea-Bissau, a country of about 1.7 million
people. The reason for the action is not yet
known.
The event is happening just as the country is
preparing for its general elections slated for
next month.
Guinea-Bissau currently has an Interim
President, Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo, who
emerged in May 2012 to head a transitional
government following the sacking of the
country’s democratically-elected government
by a military coup.
According to The Guardian sources, armed
personnel and militias stormed the Nigerian
embassy in a commando style, attacking
everyone in sight and eventually causing the
closure of the Nigerian sovereign outpost.
As at press time, members of staff of the
embassy, including the Nigerian envoy to
that country, Ambassador Ahmed Adams,
were said to be taking refuge in a police
station. No casualty has so far been
reported.
All efforts by The Guardian to reach the
Nigerian envoy to the country failed.
Although his telephone rang, he did not
pick.
Although the Federal Government was yet to
officially react to the development yesterday,
it was learnt that the supervisory Minister of
Foreign Affairs 11, Ambassador Nurudeen
Mohammed, rushed to the Presidential Villa
yesterday ostensibly, among other things, to
brief President Goodluck Jonathan. All efforts
to reach the minister yesterday on the
matter failed.
Events in Guinea-Bissau took a dangerous
turn on April 12, 2012, when the army
arrested Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Júnior
who was about to be elected president. A
military junta accused him of conspiring
with Angola to curtail the military’s power
and quickly installed transitional authorities,
before officially stepping aside on May 22.
International condemnation was swift, but
differences developed between the
Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese
Speaking Countries (CPLP).
The country was actually in the process of
conducting elections when the military
overthrew the constitutional order on April
12, 2012. This incident resulted in the
suspension of the country from all
international organisations. However,
following the country’s inability to form a
government well over a month after the
coup, Nigeria, in close collaboration with
ECOWAS, assisted in negotiations that
resulted in the transitional government led
by President Manuel Nhamadjo. Since then,
Nigeria has provided various forms of
assistance to Guinea- Bissau to the value of
$50 million.
The Guardian learnt Tuesday that some high
grade pick-up vans meant to be donated
next week to Guinea-Bissau for the
upcoming elections have now been put on
hold following yesterday’s ugly development.
Nigerian embassy in Bissau, capital of
Guinea-Bissau, a country of about 1.7 million
people. The reason for the action is not yet
known.
The event is happening just as the country is
preparing for its general elections slated for
next month.
Guinea-Bissau currently has an Interim
President, Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo, who
emerged in May 2012 to head a transitional
government following the sacking of the
country’s democratically-elected government
by a military coup.
According to The Guardian sources, armed
personnel and militias stormed the Nigerian
embassy in a commando style, attacking
everyone in sight and eventually causing the
closure of the Nigerian sovereign outpost.
As at press time, members of staff of the
embassy, including the Nigerian envoy to
that country, Ambassador Ahmed Adams,
were said to be taking refuge in a police
station. No casualty has so far been
reported.
All efforts by The Guardian to reach the
Nigerian envoy to the country failed.
Although his telephone rang, he did not
pick.
Although the Federal Government was yet to
officially react to the development yesterday,
it was learnt that the supervisory Minister of
Foreign Affairs 11, Ambassador Nurudeen
Mohammed, rushed to the Presidential Villa
yesterday ostensibly, among other things, to
brief President Goodluck Jonathan. All efforts
to reach the minister yesterday on the
matter failed.
Events in Guinea-Bissau took a dangerous
turn on April 12, 2012, when the army
arrested Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Júnior
who was about to be elected president. A
military junta accused him of conspiring
with Angola to curtail the military’s power
and quickly installed transitional authorities,
before officially stepping aside on May 22.
International condemnation was swift, but
differences developed between the
Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese
Speaking Countries (CPLP).
The country was actually in the process of
conducting elections when the military
overthrew the constitutional order on April
12, 2012. This incident resulted in the
suspension of the country from all
international organisations. However,
following the country’s inability to form a
government well over a month after the
coup, Nigeria, in close collaboration with
ECOWAS, assisted in negotiations that
resulted in the transitional government led
by President Manuel Nhamadjo. Since then,
Nigeria has provided various forms of
assistance to Guinea- Bissau to the value of
$50 million.
The Guardian learnt Tuesday that some high
grade pick-up vans meant to be donated
next week to Guinea-Bissau for the
upcoming elections have now been put on
hold following yesterday’s ugly development.
Peter Okoye of P-square and Lola Omotayo set to wed
New reports surfacing online, claim that
Peter Okoye will officially wed his baby
mama and fiancée, Lola Omotayo on the
17th of November.
According to Nigeriafilms, "Peter and Lola
will be having their traditional marriage
on November 17, 2013 at Arc Events
Centre, Lagos while their white wedding
will hold at a later date in 2014."
The online portal also reported that "a
representative of P-Square confirmed this
to us when contacted...with this
development, arrangements are already
ongoing to make the day a memorable
one."
You will recall that Peter Okoye only
recently proposed to Lola Omotayo, with a
brand new Range Rover SUV
Peter Okoye will officially wed his baby
mama and fiancée, Lola Omotayo on the
17th of November.
According to Nigeriafilms, "Peter and Lola
will be having their traditional marriage
on November 17, 2013 at Arc Events
Centre, Lagos while their white wedding
will hold at a later date in 2014."
The online portal also reported that "a
representative of P-Square confirmed this
to us when contacted...with this
development, arrangements are already
ongoing to make the day a memorable
one."
You will recall that Peter Okoye only
recently proposed to Lola Omotayo, with a
brand new Range Rover SUV
Camerounian Soldiers killed over 100 Boko Haram Insurgents
A fierce gunfight launched against the
fundamentalist Islamist group, Boko Haram,
by Camerounian soldiers has led to the
killing of no fewer than 180 insurgents
and two gendarmes around a Nigerian
border with Cameroun.
It was gathered that during the battle
which took place on Tuesday evening, many
of the wounded insurgents were also
arrested.
About 200 rifles, 70 machine guns and
heavy military hardware were said to have
been recovered from the insurgents by the
soldiers.
A reliable military source confirmed the
development to our correspondent shortly
after the the Nigerian Army in Kano State
disclosed that it had foiled a plot to bomb
Kano during the forthcoming Sallah festival
by uncovering a bomb factory in Gezawa
Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the Camerounian
authorities directed the soldiers to launch
the attack against the Nigerian gunmen,
who had earlier on Tuesday, ambushed
and killed two gendarmes on patrol in the
border community.
Our source said the soldiers, while
pursuing the insurgents, sent a signal to
their Nigerian counterparts, to be on the
alert to avoid the escape of the fleeing
insurgents.
According to the source, the number of
those killed, the arrests and the recovered
arms indicated that many Boko Haram
members, who were forced out of Nigeria
through military operations, had already
“settled comfortably” in Cameroun.
He said, “The Camerounian troops have
been involved in a serious confrontation
with the insurgents. They have killed over
180 of them.
“Almost 200 rifles and 70 machine guns
were recovered from them by
Camerounian soldiers.
“What led to this operation was that the
insurgents killed two gendarmes on patrol
around the border with Nigeria on Tuesday.
I think this angered them to order a
comprehensive raid of the hideouts of the
insurgents.
“You can see from the casualty figure and
the level of seizures that they were already
comfortable in that part of Cameroun until
this incident.
“Ironically, the Camerounians who had
been reluctant in spite of complaints by
Nigeria at the diplomatic level are the ones
now reaching out to us to ensure that the
fleeing insurgents are not allowed to
escape. So, I can tell you that the heat is on
them.”
It was also gathered that Nigerien
soldiers in the Multinational Joint Task
Force killed an unspecified number of
Boko Haram members on some island
communities near Lake Chad on Sunday.
Investigations revealed that the Nigerien
component of the MNJTF went after the
insurgents on learning of the killing of one
of them.
Our source said the intensified military
action against the insurgents had made the
nation’s northern border rather too hot for
them.
When our correspondent contacted the
Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen
Chris Olukolade, he said, “Our
neighbouring countries, either through the
instrumentality of the Multi National Joint
Task Force or through their security
instruments, are involved in operations to
complement what we are doing against
terrorism.
“I am aware that the MNJTF and Nigerian
security agencies are combing everywhere
for any strange movement in our
territory,” Olukolade said.
Also in Abuja on Wednesday, the
Commander ‘3’ Brigade of the Nigerian
Army, Brig. Gen Illiyasu Abba, said that
operatives raided a house in Gunduwawa,
Gezawa LGA and discovered a bomb factory.
He told journalists at a press briefing in
Kano that bomb making items recovered
from the factory were meant to carry out
attacks in Kano during the Sallah and other
festivals this year.
A young man suspected to be a child of the
owner of the house rented out to the
suspected terrorists was shot dead.
Abba said, “At about 2 am on October 8, a
combined team of the JTF troops and
Department of State Services raided two
Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts at
Gunduwawa village in the Gezawa Local
Government Area.
“The raid, which was conducted following
a lead on intelligence reports, made no
arrests as the terrorists fled the village on
the approach of the JTF troops and DSS
personnel.
“The weapons and other dangerous
materials were meant to wreak havoc on
Kano during the Eid-el-Kabir and other
festivities before the end of the year.’’
He listed Improvised Explosive Devices, ‘two
AK 58 with 193 rounds of 5.56 mm
ammunition, one AK 47 magazine with 107
rounds of 5.56 millimeter ammunition,
bows and arrows as some of the recovered
items.
Three primed cylinders of IEDs, one primed
explosive suicide back pack, 18 empty IED
cylinders, 24 detonators, a small bag of
fertiliser, IED timers cortex wires, three
remote control devices, five Motorola hand
held radios, four communicators, six alarm
clocks, two cartons of nine -volt batteries, a
scale, one external hard drive and one
heavy duty charger/battery were also
recovered from the house.
Source: the punch
fundamentalist Islamist group, Boko Haram,
by Camerounian soldiers has led to the
killing of no fewer than 180 insurgents
and two gendarmes around a Nigerian
border with Cameroun.
It was gathered that during the battle
which took place on Tuesday evening, many
of the wounded insurgents were also
arrested.
About 200 rifles, 70 machine guns and
heavy military hardware were said to have
been recovered from the insurgents by the
soldiers.
A reliable military source confirmed the
development to our correspondent shortly
after the the Nigerian Army in Kano State
disclosed that it had foiled a plot to bomb
Kano during the forthcoming Sallah festival
by uncovering a bomb factory in Gezawa
Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the Camerounian
authorities directed the soldiers to launch
the attack against the Nigerian gunmen,
who had earlier on Tuesday, ambushed
and killed two gendarmes on patrol in the
border community.
Our source said the soldiers, while
pursuing the insurgents, sent a signal to
their Nigerian counterparts, to be on the
alert to avoid the escape of the fleeing
insurgents.
According to the source, the number of
those killed, the arrests and the recovered
arms indicated that many Boko Haram
members, who were forced out of Nigeria
through military operations, had already
“settled comfortably” in Cameroun.
He said, “The Camerounian troops have
been involved in a serious confrontation
with the insurgents. They have killed over
180 of them.
“Almost 200 rifles and 70 machine guns
were recovered from them by
Camerounian soldiers.
“What led to this operation was that the
insurgents killed two gendarmes on patrol
around the border with Nigeria on Tuesday.
I think this angered them to order a
comprehensive raid of the hideouts of the
insurgents.
“You can see from the casualty figure and
the level of seizures that they were already
comfortable in that part of Cameroun until
this incident.
“Ironically, the Camerounians who had
been reluctant in spite of complaints by
Nigeria at the diplomatic level are the ones
now reaching out to us to ensure that the
fleeing insurgents are not allowed to
escape. So, I can tell you that the heat is on
them.”
It was also gathered that Nigerien
soldiers in the Multinational Joint Task
Force killed an unspecified number of
Boko Haram members on some island
communities near Lake Chad on Sunday.
Investigations revealed that the Nigerien
component of the MNJTF went after the
insurgents on learning of the killing of one
of them.
Our source said the intensified military
action against the insurgents had made the
nation’s northern border rather too hot for
them.
When our correspondent contacted the
Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen
Chris Olukolade, he said, “Our
neighbouring countries, either through the
instrumentality of the Multi National Joint
Task Force or through their security
instruments, are involved in operations to
complement what we are doing against
terrorism.
“I am aware that the MNJTF and Nigerian
security agencies are combing everywhere
for any strange movement in our
territory,” Olukolade said.
Also in Abuja on Wednesday, the
Commander ‘3’ Brigade of the Nigerian
Army, Brig. Gen Illiyasu Abba, said that
operatives raided a house in Gunduwawa,
Gezawa LGA and discovered a bomb factory.
He told journalists at a press briefing in
Kano that bomb making items recovered
from the factory were meant to carry out
attacks in Kano during the Sallah and other
festivals this year.
A young man suspected to be a child of the
owner of the house rented out to the
suspected terrorists was shot dead.
Abba said, “At about 2 am on October 8, a
combined team of the JTF troops and
Department of State Services raided two
Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts at
Gunduwawa village in the Gezawa Local
Government Area.
“The raid, which was conducted following
a lead on intelligence reports, made no
arrests as the terrorists fled the village on
the approach of the JTF troops and DSS
personnel.
“The weapons and other dangerous
materials were meant to wreak havoc on
Kano during the Eid-el-Kabir and other
festivities before the end of the year.’’
He listed Improvised Explosive Devices, ‘two
AK 58 with 193 rounds of 5.56 mm
ammunition, one AK 47 magazine with 107
rounds of 5.56 millimeter ammunition,
bows and arrows as some of the recovered
items.
Three primed cylinders of IEDs, one primed
explosive suicide back pack, 18 empty IED
cylinders, 24 detonators, a small bag of
fertiliser, IED timers cortex wires, three
remote control devices, five Motorola hand
held radios, four communicators, six alarm
clocks, two cartons of nine -volt batteries, a
scale, one external hard drive and one
heavy duty charger/battery were also
recovered from the house.
Source: the punch
Thursday, October 03, 2013
PLANE CARRYING AGAGU'S CORPSE CRASHED IN LAGOS
An Associated Airlines plane carrying 20 people crashed shortly after take-off from Lagos airport.
The plane was said to be carrying
passengers which also include members of former Gorvernor Olusegun Agagu family to Akure for the burial of the former Ondo
State governor.
The plane was also said to be carrying a coffin containing the body of the late former Governor Agagu.
According to Mr Supo Atobatele, spokesman for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the plane “was going to Akure, the
engine failed on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames.”
At least eight people reportedly died and five bodies have been recovered and one person
is said to be receiving treatment after sustaining serious injuries.
Among the survivors is the son of former Governor Agagu who has been taken to a nearby hospital.
More details later…
The plane was said to be carrying
passengers which also include members of former Gorvernor Olusegun Agagu family to Akure for the burial of the former Ondo
State governor.
The plane was also said to be carrying a coffin containing the body of the late former Governor Agagu.
According to Mr Supo Atobatele, spokesman for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the plane “was going to Akure, the
engine failed on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames.”
At least eight people reportedly died and five bodies have been recovered and one person
is said to be receiving treatment after sustaining serious injuries.
Among the survivors is the son of former Governor Agagu who has been taken to a nearby hospital.
More details later…
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS
Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli converted an injury-time penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw for AC Milan at Ajax in the Champions League.
Milan had looked set for defeat when Stefano Denswil headed in unchallenged in the last minute of normal time.
But Balotelli slotted home after Mike van der Hoorn was controversially ruled to have pulled him down in the box.
Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund brushed aside Marseille 3-0 as boss Jurgen Klopp served a touchline suspension.
Striker Robert Lewandowski, who denied last week that he has signed a pre-contract agreement with Bayern Munich, scored
twice - with Marco Reus's free-kick
deceiving Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda in between the Pole's strikes.
Milan's draw means they lie second in Group H, two points behind Celtic's conquerors
Barcelona ahead of back-to-back European games against the Catalans.
Dortmund lead those chasing Group F leaders Arsenal, who maintained their 100% record in the Champions League with
a comfortable 2-0 home win over Napoli.
Chelsea, the other Premier League team in action on Tuesday evening, recovered from a home defeat to Basel in the group opener with an emphatic 4-0 win away to Steaua Bucharest in Group E.
Basel's home match against Schalke was temporarily halted in the first half when environmental protestors abseiled from the
roof of St Jakob Park.
The visitors took all three points with 20- year-old Germany international Julian Draxler's superb half-volley from the edge of the area proving decisive.
Atletico Madrid emerged victorious from the meeting of two of Europe's form sides as Turkey international Arda Turan scored an 86th-minute winner against Porto.
The Spaniards have won all seven of their league games this season, including a 1-0 win over city rivals Real Madrid last time out, but fell behind to Jackson Martinez's header before Diego Godin and Turan struck to turn the tie around.
In Group G's other game, Austria Vienna and Zenit St Petersburg played out a drab goalless draw, which will suit neither side after defeats in their opening games.
Source: BBC SPORT
Milan had looked set for defeat when Stefano Denswil headed in unchallenged in the last minute of normal time.
But Balotelli slotted home after Mike van der Hoorn was controversially ruled to have pulled him down in the box.
Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund brushed aside Marseille 3-0 as boss Jurgen Klopp served a touchline suspension.
Striker Robert Lewandowski, who denied last week that he has signed a pre-contract agreement with Bayern Munich, scored
twice - with Marco Reus's free-kick
deceiving Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda in between the Pole's strikes.
Milan's draw means they lie second in Group H, two points behind Celtic's conquerors
Barcelona ahead of back-to-back European games against the Catalans.
Dortmund lead those chasing Group F leaders Arsenal, who maintained their 100% record in the Champions League with
a comfortable 2-0 home win over Napoli.
Chelsea, the other Premier League team in action on Tuesday evening, recovered from a home defeat to Basel in the group opener with an emphatic 4-0 win away to Steaua Bucharest in Group E.
Basel's home match against Schalke was temporarily halted in the first half when environmental protestors abseiled from the
roof of St Jakob Park.
The visitors took all three points with 20- year-old Germany international Julian Draxler's superb half-volley from the edge of the area proving decisive.
Atletico Madrid emerged victorious from the meeting of two of Europe's form sides as Turkey international Arda Turan scored an 86th-minute winner against Porto.
The Spaniards have won all seven of their league games this season, including a 1-0 win over city rivals Real Madrid last time out, but fell behind to Jackson Martinez's header before Diego Godin and Turan struck to turn the tie around.
In Group G's other game, Austria Vienna and Zenit St Petersburg played out a drab goalless draw, which will suit neither side after defeats in their opening games.
Source: BBC SPORT
ASUU WONT SUBMIT TO GOVERNMENT THREATS--FAGGE
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has maintained that it won’t back off from its industrial action irrespective of the amount of threats the lecturers receive from the government.
ASUU President, Nasir Fagge The Lecturers’ union disclosed this after when he spoke with newsmen shortly after the meetingon Tuesday The meeting at Benue State University (BSU) held to evaluate contributions of its members in the ongoing strike
nationwide.
Fagge in his reaction to government’s threat to institutionalize laws that would
end the incessant strikes in the nation’s universities said the government was derailing from the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
He lamented that rather than implement an agreement it has signed, Nigeria as a signatory to the International Labour Organization (ILO) was threatening the
union on making laws that would keep them in check.
He noted that the union would its position on the strike public after collecting and compiling the reports from the all ASUU chapters nationwide.
Fagge urged the members of the public desist from to seeing its fight as a bid to politicize the education sector but as the union’s fundamental stake aimed at improving the sector.
He also said the union is at loggerheads with the Needs Assessment Committee because of the committee is not capable of ensuring the implementation of the recommendations of the agreement.
Meanwhile, a group of former students’ leaders, Past Rivers State Students’ Leaders’ Forum (PARSLEAF) has urged the Federal Government to honour the previous agreement with ASUU to save the educational sector from collapse.
Chairman of PARSLEAF, Mr. Amakiri
Amakuro, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the disagreement between ASUU and the Federal Government would have been
resolved if government had acted swiftly on the warning notice from the union.
“We, however, call on the Federal
Government to make further commitment to honouring the agreement entered into with ASUU in order to save the educational
system from total collapse” he said,
“We passionately appeal to the Federal
Government, ASUU and other stakeholders
in the educational sector to sheathe their
swords,” he said.
He pointed out that use of strike should
not be made so elongated more than a
few hours as it’s practiced in developed
countries.
ASUU President, Nasir Fagge The Lecturers’ union disclosed this after when he spoke with newsmen shortly after the meetingon Tuesday The meeting at Benue State University (BSU) held to evaluate contributions of its members in the ongoing strike
nationwide.
Fagge in his reaction to government’s threat to institutionalize laws that would
end the incessant strikes in the nation’s universities said the government was derailing from the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
He lamented that rather than implement an agreement it has signed, Nigeria as a signatory to the International Labour Organization (ILO) was threatening the
union on making laws that would keep them in check.
He noted that the union would its position on the strike public after collecting and compiling the reports from the all ASUU chapters nationwide.
Fagge urged the members of the public desist from to seeing its fight as a bid to politicize the education sector but as the union’s fundamental stake aimed at improving the sector.
He also said the union is at loggerheads with the Needs Assessment Committee because of the committee is not capable of ensuring the implementation of the recommendations of the agreement.
Meanwhile, a group of former students’ leaders, Past Rivers State Students’ Leaders’ Forum (PARSLEAF) has urged the Federal Government to honour the previous agreement with ASUU to save the educational sector from collapse.
Chairman of PARSLEAF, Mr. Amakiri
Amakuro, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the disagreement between ASUU and the Federal Government would have been
resolved if government had acted swiftly on the warning notice from the union.
“We, however, call on the Federal
Government to make further commitment to honouring the agreement entered into with ASUU in order to save the educational
system from total collapse” he said,
“We passionately appeal to the Federal
Government, ASUU and other stakeholders
in the educational sector to sheathe their
swords,” he said.
He pointed out that use of strike should
not be made so elongated more than a
few hours as it’s practiced in developed
countries.
160 killed, 10 women abducted in Zamfara
The government of Zamfara State has disclosed that about 160 people lost their lives to terrorist attacks as 10 married women from various villages were abducted in the state over the last 90 days.
Governor Abdulazez Yari of Zamfara State said this in Gusau while addressing members of the state House of Assembly on security situation in the state.
Yari revealed that the hooligans to terrorized the villages and stole over 6,000 cows and 4,000 sheep within the period causing disaffection between residents of
the affected villages and the state
government.
After claims of having committed a lot of its scarce resources on security issues, the governor urged the Federal Government
to increase the deployment of security personnel to the state to further protect lives and property of the people.
Meanwhile, after the gruesome attack which left over 40 students in a dormitory in Yobe Sate dead, the federal government has begun are take measures to improve security around schools premises.
This includes enhancing patrols and putting armed soldiers outside them and guarding school buses.
A Government sources revealed said President Goodluck Jonathan has met senior security aides shortly after the attacks to deliberate on measure to respond to the latest deadly forms of
attacks by the terrorists.
Governor Abdulazez Yari of Zamfara State said this in Gusau while addressing members of the state House of Assembly on security situation in the state.
Yari revealed that the hooligans to terrorized the villages and stole over 6,000 cows and 4,000 sheep within the period causing disaffection between residents of
the affected villages and the state
government.
After claims of having committed a lot of its scarce resources on security issues, the governor urged the Federal Government
to increase the deployment of security personnel to the state to further protect lives and property of the people.
Meanwhile, after the gruesome attack which left over 40 students in a dormitory in Yobe Sate dead, the federal government has begun are take measures to improve security around schools premises.
This includes enhancing patrols and putting armed soldiers outside them and guarding school buses.
A Government sources revealed said President Goodluck Jonathan has met senior security aides shortly after the attacks to deliberate on measure to respond to the latest deadly forms of
attacks by the terrorists.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
ISLAMIC CLERICS SUPPORT DEATH PENALTY IN EDO STATE, CONDEMN RIVERS STATE CRISIS
Islamic clerics in Edo State have thrown their
weight behind the recent execution of
condemned criminals in Edo State, saying it
was in accordance with the laws of God.
Led by the chief imam of Benin and
chairman the League of Imams in Edo State,
Abdul Fattah Enabulele, the clerics also hailed
the Governor for frowning at same sex
marriage proposal.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the
governor yesterday, the chief imam, who led
other imams in the state to the Government
House in Benin City, commended the
Governor for abiding by the dictates of the
constitution of the nation and his readiness
to uphold and support the African value
system.
“Recently when the Comrade Governor
signed the warrant for four convicted
criminals in the state, there were criticisms
from some quarters. We, the League of
Imams, took a look at the gravity of the
crime, which they committed, that
warranted such. After carefully studying the
briefing of the Honourable Commissioner
for Justice and Attorney-General of Edo State
on the issue, we were all satisfied Edo State
government has done the right thing at the
right time.
“Even the Almighty God will not be happy if
the Governor had not signed the death
warrants. Apart from the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, the holy books,
(the Bible and Glorious Quran) support that
those who kill by the sword should die by
the sword. Those criticising your action
should study the constitution properly and
seriously evaluate the seriousness of the
crime committed by these fellows. It was a
grievous crime committed against innocent
souls, nobody has the right to take another
person’s soul,” he noted.
The Imams, who also frowned at the crisis
in Rivers State said, “When the good people
refuse to do anything, evil people will
continue to prosper in such environment.
The latest drama in Rivers State is not an
issue one should shy away from. It is not
only a slap and shame on democracy; it was
a civilian coup d’etat, which is treasonable in
nature.
“Nigerians are watching an executive
Governor come under assault, supported
and sanctioned by the powers that be. We
need not just watch. Those of us living in
other states should not be indifferent, what
is happening in Rivers State can happen in
any other state. An attack on the state
Governor, who is the chairman of the
Governors’ Forum is an attack on all state
Governors,” he added. Source: Daily Independent
weight behind the recent execution of
condemned criminals in Edo State, saying it
was in accordance with the laws of God.
Led by the chief imam of Benin and
chairman the League of Imams in Edo State,
Abdul Fattah Enabulele, the clerics also hailed
the Governor for frowning at same sex
marriage proposal.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the
governor yesterday, the chief imam, who led
other imams in the state to the Government
House in Benin City, commended the
Governor for abiding by the dictates of the
constitution of the nation and his readiness
to uphold and support the African value
system.
“Recently when the Comrade Governor
signed the warrant for four convicted
criminals in the state, there were criticisms
from some quarters. We, the League of
Imams, took a look at the gravity of the
crime, which they committed, that
warranted such. After carefully studying the
briefing of the Honourable Commissioner
for Justice and Attorney-General of Edo State
on the issue, we were all satisfied Edo State
government has done the right thing at the
right time.
“Even the Almighty God will not be happy if
the Governor had not signed the death
warrants. Apart from the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, the holy books,
(the Bible and Glorious Quran) support that
those who kill by the sword should die by
the sword. Those criticising your action
should study the constitution properly and
seriously evaluate the seriousness of the
crime committed by these fellows. It was a
grievous crime committed against innocent
souls, nobody has the right to take another
person’s soul,” he noted.
The Imams, who also frowned at the crisis
in Rivers State said, “When the good people
refuse to do anything, evil people will
continue to prosper in such environment.
The latest drama in Rivers State is not an
issue one should shy away from. It is not
only a slap and shame on democracy; it was
a civilian coup d’etat, which is treasonable in
nature.
“Nigerians are watching an executive
Governor come under assault, supported
and sanctioned by the powers that be. We
need not just watch. Those of us living in
other states should not be indifferent, what
is happening in Rivers State can happen in
any other state. An attack on the state
Governor, who is the chairman of the
Governors’ Forum is an attack on all state
Governors,” he added. Source: Daily Independent
ARMED ROBBERS ARRESTTED IN OSUN STATE
The Police in Osun State have
arrested a gang of robbers said to be
terrorizing the people of the state and other
neighbouring states.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mrs
Dorothy Gimba, said six robbery suspects
were arrested in various locations in the
state following tip-off by members of the
public.
She said items including automatic pistols,
cutlasses, axes and charms were recovered
from the suspects, adding that items stolen
including Blackberry phones, Nokia phones
and other items were recovered from the
suspects.
Gimba who disclosed that the six suspects
will soon be charged to court, said 18
robbery cases were reported to the state
Police Command between June and July
2013.
She stated that the suspected armed
robbers had operated in Osogbo, Ile-Ife,
Ilesa and other major towns in the state,
stressing that the Police were able to arrest
them as a result of their unrelenting efforts
at ensuring a secured state.
Also, the Police Commissioner hinted that
the four students of the Osun state
Polytechnic, Iree arrested for involvement in
cult activities would be arraigned before the
court soon, stressing that the state Police
command has descended heavily on cultists
in the state. Source: The Vanguard
arrested a gang of robbers said to be
terrorizing the people of the state and other
neighbouring states.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mrs
Dorothy Gimba, said six robbery suspects
were arrested in various locations in the
state following tip-off by members of the
public.
She said items including automatic pistols,
cutlasses, axes and charms were recovered
from the suspects, adding that items stolen
including Blackberry phones, Nokia phones
and other items were recovered from the
suspects.
Gimba who disclosed that the six suspects
will soon be charged to court, said 18
robbery cases were reported to the state
Police Command between June and July
2013.
She stated that the suspected armed
robbers had operated in Osogbo, Ile-Ife,
Ilesa and other major towns in the state,
stressing that the Police were able to arrest
them as a result of their unrelenting efforts
at ensuring a secured state.
Also, the Police Commissioner hinted that
the four students of the Osun state
Polytechnic, Iree arrested for involvement in
cult activities would be arraigned before the
court soon, stressing that the state Police
command has descended heavily on cultists
in the state. Source: The Vanguard
NLC THREATENS TO JOIN ASUU STRIKE
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on
Monday threatened to join the Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in
solidarity strike if the Federal Government
failed to address the ASUU demands.
NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, made
the threat at the opening ceremony of the
“2013 Rain School” in Uyo.
“We call on the Federal Government to
have meaningful dialogue with ASUU with
a view to implementing the agreement.
“The State Governments should equally
obey the law and pay minimum wage to
teachers and the local government
workers as well as the 27.5 per cent
teacher's enhanced salaries.
“Should these strikes persist, workers of
Nigeria will not hesitate to join them in
solidarity," he stressed. Source: The Punch
Monday threatened to join the Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in
solidarity strike if the Federal Government
failed to address the ASUU demands.
NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, made
the threat at the opening ceremony of the
“2013 Rain School” in Uyo.
“We call on the Federal Government to
have meaningful dialogue with ASUU with
a view to implementing the agreement.
“The State Governments should equally
obey the law and pay minimum wage to
teachers and the local government
workers as well as the 27.5 per cent
teacher's enhanced salaries.
“Should these strikes persist, workers of
Nigeria will not hesitate to join them in
solidarity," he stressed. Source: The Punch
Monday, July 22, 2013
CHILD MARRIAGE: MATTERS ARISING
Upset by Senate bid to peg official
marriage age in Nigeria at 18, northern
youths, yesterday, lashed out at the
lawmakers, warning them not to stoke the
embers of religious war over the
controversial legislation.
The Senators had last week voted in favour
of amending the Nigerian Constitution to set
the marriage age at 18, a decision that was
promptly challenged by former Zamfara
governor, Ahmed Yerima, who described the
decision of the lawmakers as anti-Islam.
Apparently joining forces with Yerima, who
also initiated Sharia in his state when he
was governor, Arewa youths asked the
Senators to desist from taking action on the
matter so as not to further heat up the polity
along religious, ethnic and political lines and
create avoidable cold war.
The President of the Arewa Youth Forum,
Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, said in a statement in
Abuja, yesterday, that the Senators had
missed the point in amending the law and
exposed themselves as people who were
confused on what to do to justify their
presence in the upper chambers of the
National Assembly.
“The approach by the Senate to this matter
shows how grossly insensitive and poorly
equipped they are in the rudiments of
legislative functions and totally insensitive to
the critical challenges Nigerians are facing
as a people,” the AYF leader said.
“The Senate must be told in plain terms
since it has lost focus, that their core
function as parliamentarians is not to
debate, moderate or decide religions for
Nigerians, or to divide Nigerians on
Christian-Muslim basis or North and South
factions.
“They must also be made to know that their
function does not include breeding
religious war from their politicization of the
Constitution Amendment exercise but to
make laws for peace, good governance,
stability and indivisibility of the Nigerian
Federation as contained in Part II, Section
Four (1,2,3) of the 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The senators must be told that what
Nigerians expect is basically principled
oversight functions to address insecurity
tearing the country apart, the increasing
unemployment rate, collapse of health,
education, agriculture and dilapidated
infrastructure.
“Another expectation of Nigerians from the
Senate is to address monumental corruption
being perpetrated with impunity by elected
public office holders and top government
officials that has stifled Nigeria any
meaningful development in Nigeria for
decades.
“But we are sad to note that the Senate has
been painfully reduced from that honoured
pedigree to a mere religious moderation
centre and place of petite issues that tend to
divide the citizens along religious and
ethnic lines and not an arm of government
that should confront our national
challenges.
The youths warned the lawmakers to
abandon the attempt to further instigate
friction in Nigeria by ensuring that every
Nigerian has the religious Freedom to
practice their faith without harassment,
limitation and intimidation.
marriage age in Nigeria at 18, northern
youths, yesterday, lashed out at the
lawmakers, warning them not to stoke the
embers of religious war over the
controversial legislation.
The Senators had last week voted in favour
of amending the Nigerian Constitution to set
the marriage age at 18, a decision that was
promptly challenged by former Zamfara
governor, Ahmed Yerima, who described the
decision of the lawmakers as anti-Islam.
Apparently joining forces with Yerima, who
also initiated Sharia in his state when he
was governor, Arewa youths asked the
Senators to desist from taking action on the
matter so as not to further heat up the polity
along religious, ethnic and political lines and
create avoidable cold war.
The President of the Arewa Youth Forum,
Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, said in a statement in
Abuja, yesterday, that the Senators had
missed the point in amending the law and
exposed themselves as people who were
confused on what to do to justify their
presence in the upper chambers of the
National Assembly.
“The approach by the Senate to this matter
shows how grossly insensitive and poorly
equipped they are in the rudiments of
legislative functions and totally insensitive to
the critical challenges Nigerians are facing
as a people,” the AYF leader said.
“The Senate must be told in plain terms
since it has lost focus, that their core
function as parliamentarians is not to
debate, moderate or decide religions for
Nigerians, or to divide Nigerians on
Christian-Muslim basis or North and South
factions.
“They must also be made to know that their
function does not include breeding
religious war from their politicization of the
Constitution Amendment exercise but to
make laws for peace, good governance,
stability and indivisibility of the Nigerian
Federation as contained in Part II, Section
Four (1,2,3) of the 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The senators must be told that what
Nigerians expect is basically principled
oversight functions to address insecurity
tearing the country apart, the increasing
unemployment rate, collapse of health,
education, agriculture and dilapidated
infrastructure.
“Another expectation of Nigerians from the
Senate is to address monumental corruption
being perpetrated with impunity by elected
public office holders and top government
officials that has stifled Nigeria any
meaningful development in Nigeria for
decades.
“But we are sad to note that the Senate has
been painfully reduced from that honoured
pedigree to a mere religious moderation
centre and place of petite issues that tend to
divide the citizens along religious and
ethnic lines and not an arm of government
that should confront our national
challenges.
The youths warned the lawmakers to
abandon the attempt to further instigate
friction in Nigeria by ensuring that every
Nigerian has the religious Freedom to
practice their faith without harassment,
limitation and intimidation.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
AREWA YOUTHS MOBILIZE TO IMPEACH JONATHAN
Angered by the current political crises facing
Nigeria, northern leaders, youths as well as
progressives from other parts of the country
are planning a series of protests geared at
pushing the National Assembly to begin
impeachment moves against President
Goodluck Jonathan.
The President of the Arewa Youth
Consultative Forum, AYCF, Alhaji Shettima
Yerima, disclosed this to P.M. NEWS
Wednesday, saying this was the outcome of
the meeting he was part of Tuesday.
He said the mobilisation had begun and
that, all other things being equal, the mass
protests would begin in the coming weeks.
“We are going to organise a mass protest to
the National Assembly for the impeachment
of President Jonathan. The situation under
him is no longer bearable and we cannot
fold our hands to see him truncate a
democracy many fought for with their lives
and blood. We are currently meeting,” he
told P.M.NEWS on the phone.
He urged other progressives to join the
effort to sanitise governance in the country,
saying it was for the benefit of every citizen.
Recalling the incident that occurred in Port
Harcourt, Rivers State, southsouth Nigeria,
Tuesday, during which four governors from
the northern part of the country were held
hostage by anti-Governor rotimi Amaechi
protesters, he said this was why well-
meaning Nigerians had clamoured for a
change of the constitution for true
federalism.
“They came to see the chairman of the
Nigerian Governors Forum(Amaechi)and to
show solidarity, but what happened was
unfortunate.
“We have decided not to look at the issue as
an attack against ‘northern governors’ but
an attack on duly elected governors of the
country. This government does not have
respect for the rule of law.
“Any moment from now, we are going to
start compelling the National Assembly to
start the impeachment of the President,” he
declared.
He also noted that such brigandage cannot
happen in the United States as President
Barack Obama cannot demean any governor
of a state in that country like it is happening
here in Nigeria.
Yesterday, in reaction to the current political
turmoil in the country, six prominent socio-
cultural and political groups in the north-
the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, the
Northern Elders Forum, NEF, the Northern
Union, NU, the Arewa Reawakening Forum,
ARF, Arewa Research and Development
Project, ARDP, and the Code Group, CG,
accused the President of leading the country
to anarchy, lamenting the level of
lawlessness and high-handedness that has
overtaken the political landscape of the
country.
They also accused Patience Jonathan, wife of
the President, of abusing the rule of law just
because of her husband’s desire to stay in
office beyond 2015.
Speaking through Ango Abdullahi, former
Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University,
they warned President Jonathan not to
recontest, saying he “must be ready to
concede power to a northerner in 2015.
According to them, “the alarming rate at
which politicians tend to manoeuvre
themselves to vantage positions for the
electoral contests of 2015 is a major threat
to the elections themselves and ultimately
the democratic process.
“The clumsy and embarrassing conduct and
fallout of the election in the Governor’s
forum, the engineered crisis in the ruling
party, the role of the spouse of the President
in affairs of the state and shameful and
disturbing abuse of power and rule of law
in Rivers State are signs that Nigeria is
descending into anarchy and lawlessness
rarely seen in our history.”CULLED FROM PM NEWS
Nigeria, northern leaders, youths as well as
progressives from other parts of the country
are planning a series of protests geared at
pushing the National Assembly to begin
impeachment moves against President
Goodluck Jonathan.
The President of the Arewa Youth
Consultative Forum, AYCF, Alhaji Shettima
Yerima, disclosed this to P.M. NEWS
Wednesday, saying this was the outcome of
the meeting he was part of Tuesday.
He said the mobilisation had begun and
that, all other things being equal, the mass
protests would begin in the coming weeks.
“We are going to organise a mass protest to
the National Assembly for the impeachment
of President Jonathan. The situation under
him is no longer bearable and we cannot
fold our hands to see him truncate a
democracy many fought for with their lives
and blood. We are currently meeting,” he
told P.M.NEWS on the phone.
He urged other progressives to join the
effort to sanitise governance in the country,
saying it was for the benefit of every citizen.
Recalling the incident that occurred in Port
Harcourt, Rivers State, southsouth Nigeria,
Tuesday, during which four governors from
the northern part of the country were held
hostage by anti-Governor rotimi Amaechi
protesters, he said this was why well-
meaning Nigerians had clamoured for a
change of the constitution for true
federalism.
“They came to see the chairman of the
Nigerian Governors Forum(Amaechi)and to
show solidarity, but what happened was
unfortunate.
“We have decided not to look at the issue as
an attack against ‘northern governors’ but
an attack on duly elected governors of the
country. This government does not have
respect for the rule of law.
“Any moment from now, we are going to
start compelling the National Assembly to
start the impeachment of the President,” he
declared.
He also noted that such brigandage cannot
happen in the United States as President
Barack Obama cannot demean any governor
of a state in that country like it is happening
here in Nigeria.
Yesterday, in reaction to the current political
turmoil in the country, six prominent socio-
cultural and political groups in the north-
the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, the
Northern Elders Forum, NEF, the Northern
Union, NU, the Arewa Reawakening Forum,
ARF, Arewa Research and Development
Project, ARDP, and the Code Group, CG,
accused the President of leading the country
to anarchy, lamenting the level of
lawlessness and high-handedness that has
overtaken the political landscape of the
country.
They also accused Patience Jonathan, wife of
the President, of abusing the rule of law just
because of her husband’s desire to stay in
office beyond 2015.
Speaking through Ango Abdullahi, former
Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University,
they warned President Jonathan not to
recontest, saying he “must be ready to
concede power to a northerner in 2015.
According to them, “the alarming rate at
which politicians tend to manoeuvre
themselves to vantage positions for the
electoral contests of 2015 is a major threat
to the elections themselves and ultimately
the democratic process.
“The clumsy and embarrassing conduct and
fallout of the election in the Governor’s
forum, the engineered crisis in the ruling
party, the role of the spouse of the President
in affairs of the state and shameful and
disturbing abuse of power and rule of law
in Rivers State are signs that Nigeria is
descending into anarchy and lawlessness
rarely seen in our history.”CULLED FROM PM NEWS
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
GOOD TIPS FOR YOUR HEALTH
Brush up on hygiene. Many people don't know how to brush their teeth properly. Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush
for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in
the same way that would hold a pencil, and
brush for at least two minutes. This
includes brushing the teeth, the junction of
the teeth and gums, the tongue and the
roof of the mouth. And you don't need a
fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy,
soft-bristled one that you replace each
month.
Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain
fizzing with energy. American researchers
coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which
activate the brain's own biochemical
pathways and to bring new pathways
online that can help to strengthen or
preserve brain circuits. Brush your teeth
with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to
work or choose your clothes based on
sense of touch rather than sight. People
with mental agility tend to have lower rates
of Alzheimer's disease and age-related
mental decline.
Get what you give! Always giving and
never taking? This is the short road to
compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and
receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to
a point where you have nothing left to
give. And hey, if you can’t receive from
others, how can you expect them to
receive from you?
Get spiritual. A study conducted by the
formidably sober and scientific Harvard
University found that patients who were
prayed for recovered quicker than those
who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of
the prayer.
Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions
and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for
you. A study at the Child’s Health Institute in
Cape Town found that eating raw garlic
helped fight serious childhood infections.
Heat destroys these properties, so eat
yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or,
if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form.
Knock one back. A glass of red wine a
day is good for you. A number of studies
have found this, but a recent one found
that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant)
in green tea, red wine and olives may also
help protect you against breast cancer. It’s
thought that the antioxidants help protect
you from environmental carcinogens such
as passive tobacco smoke.
Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by
popping a tab, chugging milk or eating
yoghurt. It’ll keep your bones strong.
Remember that your bone density declines
after the age of 30. You need at least 200
milligrams daily, which you should combine
with magnesium, or it simply won’t be
absorbed.
Berries for your belly. Blueberries,
strawberries and raspberries contain plant
nutrients known as anthocyanidins, which
are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries rival
grapes in concentrations of resveratrol –
the antioxidant compound found in red
wine that has assumed near mythological
proportions. Resveratrol is believed to help
protect against heart disease and cancer.
Curry favour. Hot, spicy foods
containing chillies or cayenne pepper
trigger endorphins, the feel-good
hormones. Endorphins have a powerful,
almost narcotic, effect and make you feel
good after exercising. But go easy on the
lamb, pork and mutton and the high-fat,
creamy dishes served in many Indian
restaurants.
Cut out herbs before ops. Some herbal
supplements – from the popular St John's
Wort and ginkgo biloba to garlic, ginger,
ginseng and feverfew – can cause
increased bleeding during surgery, warn
surgeons. It may be wise to stop taking all
medication, including herbal supplements,
at least two weeks before surgery, and
inform your surgeon about your herbal
use.
I say tomato. Tomato is a superstar in
the fruit and veggie pantheon. Tomatoes
contain lycopene, a powerful cancer
fighter. They’re also rich in vitamin C. The
good news is that cooked tomatoes are
also nutritious, so use them in pasta, soups
and casseroles, as well as in salads. The
British Thoracic Society says that tomatoes
and apples can reduce your risk of asthma
and chronic lung diseases. Both contain
the antioxidant quercetin. To enjoy the
benefits, eat five apples a week or a tomato
every other day.
Eat your stress away. Prevent low blood
sugar as it stresses you out. Eat regular and
small healthy meals and keep fruit and
veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe
your frazzled nerves. Eating unrefined
carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts
the formation of serotonin, another feel-
good drug. Small amounts of protein
containing the amino acid tryptamine can
give you a boost when stress tires you out.
Load up on vitamin C.We need at least
90 mg of vitamin C per day and the best
way to get this is by eating at least five
servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every
day. So hit the oranges and guavas!
SOURCE: THE INTERNET
for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in
the same way that would hold a pencil, and
brush for at least two minutes. This
includes brushing the teeth, the junction of
the teeth and gums, the tongue and the
roof of the mouth. And you don't need a
fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy,
soft-bristled one that you replace each
month.
Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain
fizzing with energy. American researchers
coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which
activate the brain's own biochemical
pathways and to bring new pathways
online that can help to strengthen or
preserve brain circuits. Brush your teeth
with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to
work or choose your clothes based on
sense of touch rather than sight. People
with mental agility tend to have lower rates
of Alzheimer's disease and age-related
mental decline.
Get what you give! Always giving and
never taking? This is the short road to
compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and
receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to
a point where you have nothing left to
give. And hey, if you can’t receive from
others, how can you expect them to
receive from you?
Get spiritual. A study conducted by the
formidably sober and scientific Harvard
University found that patients who were
prayed for recovered quicker than those
who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of
the prayer.
Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions
and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for
you. A study at the Child’s Health Institute in
Cape Town found that eating raw garlic
helped fight serious childhood infections.
Heat destroys these properties, so eat
yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or,
if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form.
Knock one back. A glass of red wine a
day is good for you. A number of studies
have found this, but a recent one found
that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant)
in green tea, red wine and olives may also
help protect you against breast cancer. It’s
thought that the antioxidants help protect
you from environmental carcinogens such
as passive tobacco smoke.
Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by
popping a tab, chugging milk or eating
yoghurt. It’ll keep your bones strong.
Remember that your bone density declines
after the age of 30. You need at least 200
milligrams daily, which you should combine
with magnesium, or it simply won’t be
absorbed.
Berries for your belly. Blueberries,
strawberries and raspberries contain plant
nutrients known as anthocyanidins, which
are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries rival
grapes in concentrations of resveratrol –
the antioxidant compound found in red
wine that has assumed near mythological
proportions. Resveratrol is believed to help
protect against heart disease and cancer.
Curry favour. Hot, spicy foods
containing chillies or cayenne pepper
trigger endorphins, the feel-good
hormones. Endorphins have a powerful,
almost narcotic, effect and make you feel
good after exercising. But go easy on the
lamb, pork and mutton and the high-fat,
creamy dishes served in many Indian
restaurants.
Cut out herbs before ops. Some herbal
supplements – from the popular St John's
Wort and ginkgo biloba to garlic, ginger,
ginseng and feverfew – can cause
increased bleeding during surgery, warn
surgeons. It may be wise to stop taking all
medication, including herbal supplements,
at least two weeks before surgery, and
inform your surgeon about your herbal
use.
I say tomato. Tomato is a superstar in
the fruit and veggie pantheon. Tomatoes
contain lycopene, a powerful cancer
fighter. They’re also rich in vitamin C. The
good news is that cooked tomatoes are
also nutritious, so use them in pasta, soups
and casseroles, as well as in salads. The
British Thoracic Society says that tomatoes
and apples can reduce your risk of asthma
and chronic lung diseases. Both contain
the antioxidant quercetin. To enjoy the
benefits, eat five apples a week or a tomato
every other day.
Eat your stress away. Prevent low blood
sugar as it stresses you out. Eat regular and
small healthy meals and keep fruit and
veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe
your frazzled nerves. Eating unrefined
carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts
the formation of serotonin, another feel-
good drug. Small amounts of protein
containing the amino acid tryptamine can
give you a boost when stress tires you out.
Load up on vitamin C.We need at least
90 mg of vitamin C per day and the best
way to get this is by eating at least five
servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every
day. So hit the oranges and guavas!
SOURCE: THE INTERNET
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
FG STILL OWES NUP EIGHT MONTHS ARREARS
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), has
said the federal government is yet to pay
eight months arrears of the check off dues
owed the union after President Goodluck
Jonathan authorized the payment of 14
months arrears to pensioners.
According to a statement by Secretary
General of the NUP, Elder Actor Zal, said only
6 months arrears were released to the
union.
President Jonathan had late last year in a bid
to avoid an industrial action agreed with the
leadership of NUP, NLC and TUC to pay all the
outstanding arrears of the union's check-
off dues.
Comrade Elder Actor Zal said the amount
released which totaled about N90 million
covered November 2012 to April 2013, and
about 8 months arrears are still pending.
The statement also said the NUP is the only
voice and representative of the entire civil
service pensioners, adding that one
Emmanuel Omoyeni who is claiming to be
national chairman of a group of pensioners,
Association of Federal Civil Service Retirees
(AFCSR), cannot represent pensioners.
“NUP is a registered and legitimate Trade
Union recognized by the extant labour law
and constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. And just like other registered trade
unions is entitled to collection of check off
dues from its members.
“The association chief Omoyeni claims to
represent is a business outfit registered
with Corporate Affairs Commission and not
a registered trade union which would be
entitled it to any check off dues.
“Chief Omoyeni should have at the back of
his mind that as a pensioner he is bounded
by the code of practice of the union and that
his anti-union activities are punishable
under the union's constitution could earn
him expulsion from the union.
“It is therefore unreasonable and
incomprehensible for Chief Omoyeni and his
illegal association which is not entitled to
check off due to have demanded for it in the
first place,” the statement said.
said the federal government is yet to pay
eight months arrears of the check off dues
owed the union after President Goodluck
Jonathan authorized the payment of 14
months arrears to pensioners.
According to a statement by Secretary
General of the NUP, Elder Actor Zal, said only
6 months arrears were released to the
union.
President Jonathan had late last year in a bid
to avoid an industrial action agreed with the
leadership of NUP, NLC and TUC to pay all the
outstanding arrears of the union's check-
off dues.
Comrade Elder Actor Zal said the amount
released which totaled about N90 million
covered November 2012 to April 2013, and
about 8 months arrears are still pending.
The statement also said the NUP is the only
voice and representative of the entire civil
service pensioners, adding that one
Emmanuel Omoyeni who is claiming to be
national chairman of a group of pensioners,
Association of Federal Civil Service Retirees
(AFCSR), cannot represent pensioners.
“NUP is a registered and legitimate Trade
Union recognized by the extant labour law
and constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. And just like other registered trade
unions is entitled to collection of check off
dues from its members.
“The association chief Omoyeni claims to
represent is a business outfit registered
with Corporate Affairs Commission and not
a registered trade union which would be
entitled it to any check off dues.
“Chief Omoyeni should have at the back of
his mind that as a pensioner he is bounded
by the code of practice of the union and that
his anti-union activities are punishable
under the union's constitution could earn
him expulsion from the union.
“It is therefore unreasonable and
incomprehensible for Chief Omoyeni and his
illegal association which is not entitled to
check off due to have demanded for it in the
first place,” the statement said.
THIRTEEN AIRPORTS DESIGNATED AS CARGO AIRPORT
Thirteen airports in Nigeria have been
designated as perishable cargo airports,
authorities said on Tuesday, describing the
move as a way of transforming the aviation
sector into a major revenue earner for
Nigeria.
The perishable cargo terminals would be
located in Abuja, Akure, Calabar, Ilorin,
Jalingo, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Minna,
Owerri, Port Harcourt and Uyo airports.
“These airports which are in proximity to
food baskets will be developed with
international standard perishable cargo
facilities to enhance their operations,” said
Yakubu Dati, spokesperson at the Federal
Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
Nigeria has 22 airports operated by FAAN,
four of which are functional international
airports. Africa’s most populous country also
has a state owned airport located in Akwa
Ibom State.
In addition, there are airstrips or airfields
scattered around the country, built mainly by
the Nigerian Air Force and multinational oil
companies.
But only few of these airports have a
perishable cargo terminal like the Murtala
Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja,
Lagos, southwest Nigeria. The authorities
said that must change.
Dati said state governments have also been
encouraged to partner with the Federal
Government to revive smaller airports.
He said the move is to enable them key into
the over N250 billion annual air freight
export market out of Africa.
“Countries like Kenya, South Africa, Benin,
Cote d’ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia,
Tanzania and Egypt are participating in the
trading in commodities such as fruits, fresh
fish, vegetables and flowers while Nigeria,
which produces these produce in
abundance, records zero participation.
“The strategy is therefore to create the
much needed storage infrastructure in view
of the large volume involved and to facilitate
the evacuation of agricultural produce to
domestic markets, in conformity with
international standards,” he said.
designated as perishable cargo airports,
authorities said on Tuesday, describing the
move as a way of transforming the aviation
sector into a major revenue earner for
Nigeria.
The perishable cargo terminals would be
located in Abuja, Akure, Calabar, Ilorin,
Jalingo, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Minna,
Owerri, Port Harcourt and Uyo airports.
“These airports which are in proximity to
food baskets will be developed with
international standard perishable cargo
facilities to enhance their operations,” said
Yakubu Dati, spokesperson at the Federal
Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
Nigeria has 22 airports operated by FAAN,
four of which are functional international
airports. Africa’s most populous country also
has a state owned airport located in Akwa
Ibom State.
In addition, there are airstrips or airfields
scattered around the country, built mainly by
the Nigerian Air Force and multinational oil
companies.
But only few of these airports have a
perishable cargo terminal like the Murtala
Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja,
Lagos, southwest Nigeria. The authorities
said that must change.
Dati said state governments have also been
encouraged to partner with the Federal
Government to revive smaller airports.
He said the move is to enable them key into
the over N250 billion annual air freight
export market out of Africa.
“Countries like Kenya, South Africa, Benin,
Cote d’ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia,
Tanzania and Egypt are participating in the
trading in commodities such as fruits, fresh
fish, vegetables and flowers while Nigeria,
which produces these produce in
abundance, records zero participation.
“The strategy is therefore to create the
much needed storage infrastructure in view
of the large volume involved and to facilitate
the evacuation of agricultural produce to
domestic markets, in conformity with
international standards,” he said.
150 GUNMEN ATTACK VILLAGE IN ZAMFARA STATE
An armed gang has raided a village in
Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, and killed
48 people in an apparent reprisal attack
targeting a local vigilante group, a state
official said Wednesday.
The attack saw gunmen move house to
house as well as take positions atop a hill
and open fire, the official said. Houses were
also burnt, but it was not clear how many.
“There was an attack by armed bandits early
Tuesday on Kizara village where 48
residents were killed in apparent targeted
killings by cattle rustlers that have been
terrorising the state for some time now,”
said Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, commissioner
for information in Zamfara State, where the
remote village is located.
Dozens of gunmen arrived in the village
before dawn on motorbikes, he told AFP.
“Some of them climbed up the hill
overlooking the village and opened fire
indiscriminately,” he said.
“They later moved house to house, telling
residents that they were looking for
members of local vigilante (groups) whom
they said had been disturbing them.”
He said those killed included the Village
Head, Alhaji Lawali Muhammad, the Chief
Imam, Alhaji Usman Adamu, and his
assistant.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara, Mr
Usman Gwary, who visited the village under
tight security, confirmed that 32 persons
were killed while the villagers claimed that
58 persons lost their lives.
The police chief told newsmen that he had
mobilised his men to search for the fleeing
gunmen.
“The police from nearby Keta mobilised and
engaged the bandits in a shootout, but they
were overwhelmed by the gunmen’s
superior firepower and were forced to
retreat,” said Birnin-Magaji. The Chairman of
Tsafe Local Government Council, Alhaji Aliyu
Abubakar, also said the villagers had been
living in fear since suspected men of the
underworld sent a letter to the head of the
vigilance group threatening to kill him.
Following the attack also, several residents
of the village were seen fleeing the village
for fear that the attackers would return to
kill them.
Many villages in Nigeria form local vigilante
groups to defend themselves against violent
cattle rustlers or other criminal gangs,
sometimes leading to a cycle of clashes and
reprisal attacks.
Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, and killed
48 people in an apparent reprisal attack
targeting a local vigilante group, a state
official said Wednesday.
The attack saw gunmen move house to
house as well as take positions atop a hill
and open fire, the official said. Houses were
also burnt, but it was not clear how many.
“There was an attack by armed bandits early
Tuesday on Kizara village where 48
residents were killed in apparent targeted
killings by cattle rustlers that have been
terrorising the state for some time now,”
said Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, commissioner
for information in Zamfara State, where the
remote village is located.
Dozens of gunmen arrived in the village
before dawn on motorbikes, he told AFP.
“Some of them climbed up the hill
overlooking the village and opened fire
indiscriminately,” he said.
“They later moved house to house, telling
residents that they were looking for
members of local vigilante (groups) whom
they said had been disturbing them.”
He said those killed included the Village
Head, Alhaji Lawali Muhammad, the Chief
Imam, Alhaji Usman Adamu, and his
assistant.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara, Mr
Usman Gwary, who visited the village under
tight security, confirmed that 32 persons
were killed while the villagers claimed that
58 persons lost their lives.
The police chief told newsmen that he had
mobilised his men to search for the fleeing
gunmen.
“The police from nearby Keta mobilised and
engaged the bandits in a shootout, but they
were overwhelmed by the gunmen’s
superior firepower and were forced to
retreat,” said Birnin-Magaji. The Chairman of
Tsafe Local Government Council, Alhaji Aliyu
Abubakar, also said the villagers had been
living in fear since suspected men of the
underworld sent a letter to the head of the
vigilance group threatening to kill him.
Following the attack also, several residents
of the village were seen fleeing the village
for fear that the attackers would return to
kill them.
Many villages in Nigeria form local vigilante
groups to defend themselves against violent
cattle rustlers or other criminal gangs,
sometimes leading to a cycle of clashes and
reprisal attacks.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
NIGERIA NEWS
MAN KILLS WIFE OVER N500
Oronna Street in Abule-Egba area of Lagos was, yesterday, thrown into confusion after a 60-year-old man who allegedly killed his wife over his missing N500, locked himself up with the corpse.
Reports said fight broke out after the man identified as Gbadebo Elegbede, accused his 17-year-old son of stealing his N500 at about 7am. His wife, Maria, was said to have defended his son, an action that reportedly led to a verbal confrontation with her husband,which degenerated into a scuffle. In the process, Gbadebo was said to have hit his wife with a hard object on the face, causing her to slump.
His son, Johnson, was said to have attempted to lift his mother from the floor only to discover that she was motionless and bleeding from the mouth and nose. Johnson reportedly ran out to alert neighbours to come to his mother’s help, but they met the door of the apartment locked from inside, with Gbadebo threatening to kill anyone who attempted to force the door open. Eye witnesses said some of the deceased’s relatives who rushed to the scene were also prevented from seeing Maria’s corpse as the door was still locked.
NIGERIA NAVY ARRESTS 40 SHIPS FOR STEALING CRUDE OIL.
The Nigerian Navy at the weekend, said that it had arrested over 40 vessels for allegedly stealing crude oil. Briefing newsmen in Abuja, as part of activities lined up for the Nigerian Navy week celebration and its 57th anniversary, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba, however expressed regrets that Navy’s job ended with the arrests, as it could not go further to bring the owners to book.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor, the CNS said that many barges used for crude oil theft were also destroyed. He said that the arrests were made throughout the three operational Commands of the Navy during their special operations to consolidate the gains of the Joint Maritime Patrol, “Exercise Farauta.” He said that to sustain this tempo in line with the Presidential mandate to end oil theft, “three OCEA fast patrol boats and NNS ZARIA have been deployed to Brass to beef up the patrol team in the area. In furtherance of this war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, he said that the Navy has launched a new website, www.cot.navy.mil.ng, to provide details relating to exploration, nominations, approvals, movement and trans-shipment of petroleum products as promulgated by relevant authorities.
GUNMEN ABDUCT BAYELSA EX-PERM SECRETARY'S WIFE, INJURE GOV'S AIDE WIFE.
Unknown gunmen, weekend, abducted the wife of a retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs Anne Ziworitin, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital. Also injured in a separate attack was the wife of the Special Assistant on Radio to the Governor, Mrs. Vivian Ikio Iziama. Both incidents which caught operatives of the state security outfit, Operation Doo Akpo, napping occurred Saturday night at Biogbolo, a suburb of Yenagoa.
While Mrs. Ziworitin was reportedly abducted along the Otiotio road area, Mrs. Iziama was injured with the butt of a rifle for refusing to part with the key of her Toyota Sienna car. Mrs. Iziama‘s daughter, it was learnt, was inside the vehicle when the gunmen struck as she was about to drive into her compound. Her younger sister, who was about to open the gate, was forced to raise alarm on hearing the cry of her niece.
The hoodlums were said to have fled in a black Golf salon car with which they trailed their victim. It was, however, learnt from a source close to the Ziworitin family that kidnappers of the retired permanent secretary’s spouse have demanded N5million for her release.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
$620,000 Bribe: Lawan, Emenalo must face trial- Court
An Abuja High Court friday dismissed an
application by the chairman and the
secretary of the House of Representatives
ad hoc committee on subsidy probe, Farouk
Lawan and Emenalo Boniface respectively,
to quash the charges of receiving $620,000
from businessman, Femi Otedola to
influence the report of the committee in
favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited.
Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi held that the
two accused persons had a case to answer
in the alleged $620,000 bribery charge.
Justice Oniyangi held that going by Section
185 (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, the
prosecution needed not attach the
witnesses’ statements adding that the only
process provided for to be attached was
the proof of evidence.
He added that non- attachment of the
witnesses’ statements does not make the
charge incompetent.
His Lordship said: “Even though I agree that
the witness statement is not attached but I
disagree that its non-attachment vitiates
the charge. Where a statute provides for the
manner in which a process should be filed,
such manner must be followed; applicant’s
counsel has a misconception of Section 185
(b).
“On that note, I hold that the court has
jurisdiction to entertain, hear and
determine the suit.”
On the argument that no prima facie case
had been established against the accused
persons, the court held that “a prima facie
case arises once there are circumstances
that can justify that an accused person have
committed an offence and he should be put
on trial.
“Once there is evidence that will suggest
that the accused has an explanation to
make to the court on a matter, then there is
a prima facie case.”
Justice Oniyangi further held that having
read the proof of evidence and the written
statements of the accused persons, it was
clear that a prima facie case had been
established against them which they need
to answer.
“The prosecution has presented sufficient
materials before the court to warrant the
grant of the leave to prefer charges against
the accused persons,” he added.
Ruling on the submission that the case was
an abuse of court process, the trial judge
held that there were sufficient materials
before him to warrant the grant of the
leave to prefer charges against the two
accused persons.
He said: “The court cannot turn around
here to say the materials brought by the
prosecution constitute an abuse of court
process.
“The complaints of the applicants have no
legal bases; the charge brought by the
applicant does not amount to an abuse of
court process.”
Justice Oniyangi with the consent of the
parties adjourned till June 19 for hearing
and ordered that the bail of the accused
persons should continue.
Lawan and Emenalo had asked the court to
quash the charges of receiving $620,000
from businessman, Femi Otedola to
influence the report of the committee in
favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited.
Their lawyer, Rickey Tarfa, SAN said that the
court ought not to have granted the
application for leave to prefer the charges
because the prosecution failed to provide
adequate materials necessary for the judge
to exercise his discretion to grant the
application.
Arguing the application to quash the
charges, Tarfa asked the court to discharge
the accused since no primafacie case had
been made against them.
He argued that the foundation of the case
against them was not legally laid.
According to him, the prosecutor failed to
comply with the provisions of section 155
(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code which
required that statements of witnesses be
attached to the application to prefer
charges.
Although the trial was schedule to
commence yesterday, Tarfa argued that the
court must first hear and determine the
application to quash the charges.
He said that the application to quash the
charges also challenged the jurisdiction of
the court to conduct the trial.
Responding, the prosecutor, Chief
Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN asked the court
to dismiss the application even as he
described it as a tactic to waste the time of
the court.
According to him, the Supreme Court had
held in many cases that the purpose of
seeking for leave of court’s to prefer
charges was to ensure that frivolous
criminal charges were not filed and not to
allow the accused persons to see the details
of the charges against them. He said that
the charges remained valid adding that
non-attachment of witnesses’ statement did
not vitiate the legality of the charges.
application by the chairman and the
secretary of the House of Representatives
ad hoc committee on subsidy probe, Farouk
Lawan and Emenalo Boniface respectively,
to quash the charges of receiving $620,000
from businessman, Femi Otedola to
influence the report of the committee in
favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited.
Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi held that the
two accused persons had a case to answer
in the alleged $620,000 bribery charge.
Justice Oniyangi held that going by Section
185 (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, the
prosecution needed not attach the
witnesses’ statements adding that the only
process provided for to be attached was
the proof of evidence.
He added that non- attachment of the
witnesses’ statements does not make the
charge incompetent.
His Lordship said: “Even though I agree that
the witness statement is not attached but I
disagree that its non-attachment vitiates
the charge. Where a statute provides for the
manner in which a process should be filed,
such manner must be followed; applicant’s
counsel has a misconception of Section 185
(b).
“On that note, I hold that the court has
jurisdiction to entertain, hear and
determine the suit.”
On the argument that no prima facie case
had been established against the accused
persons, the court held that “a prima facie
case arises once there are circumstances
that can justify that an accused person have
committed an offence and he should be put
on trial.
“Once there is evidence that will suggest
that the accused has an explanation to
make to the court on a matter, then there is
a prima facie case.”
Justice Oniyangi further held that having
read the proof of evidence and the written
statements of the accused persons, it was
clear that a prima facie case had been
established against them which they need
to answer.
“The prosecution has presented sufficient
materials before the court to warrant the
grant of the leave to prefer charges against
the accused persons,” he added.
Ruling on the submission that the case was
an abuse of court process, the trial judge
held that there were sufficient materials
before him to warrant the grant of the
leave to prefer charges against the two
accused persons.
He said: “The court cannot turn around
here to say the materials brought by the
prosecution constitute an abuse of court
process.
“The complaints of the applicants have no
legal bases; the charge brought by the
applicant does not amount to an abuse of
court process.”
Justice Oniyangi with the consent of the
parties adjourned till June 19 for hearing
and ordered that the bail of the accused
persons should continue.
Lawan and Emenalo had asked the court to
quash the charges of receiving $620,000
from businessman, Femi Otedola to
influence the report of the committee in
favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited.
Their lawyer, Rickey Tarfa, SAN said that the
court ought not to have granted the
application for leave to prefer the charges
because the prosecution failed to provide
adequate materials necessary for the judge
to exercise his discretion to grant the
application.
Arguing the application to quash the
charges, Tarfa asked the court to discharge
the accused since no primafacie case had
been made against them.
He argued that the foundation of the case
against them was not legally laid.
According to him, the prosecutor failed to
comply with the provisions of section 155
(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code which
required that statements of witnesses be
attached to the application to prefer
charges.
Although the trial was schedule to
commence yesterday, Tarfa argued that the
court must first hear and determine the
application to quash the charges.
He said that the application to quash the
charges also challenged the jurisdiction of
the court to conduct the trial.
Responding, the prosecutor, Chief
Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN asked the court
to dismiss the application even as he
described it as a tactic to waste the time of
the court.
According to him, the Supreme Court had
held in many cases that the purpose of
seeking for leave of court’s to prefer
charges was to ensure that frivolous
criminal charges were not filed and not to
allow the accused persons to see the details
of the charges against them. He said that
the charges remained valid adding that
non-attachment of witnesses’ statement did
not vitiate the legality of the charges.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Come With Your Sisters To Prove That I’m OK- Yinka Ayefele Throws A Challenge
A lot of people still don’t believe that the sensational musician, Yinka Ayefele, who had a fatal accident years back, can perform a duty of a husband in terms of procreation. The Ibadan based singer shocked many people, when he got married and started raring children.
Yinka said, “Doctors would tell you that my case is very special and rare; my case is one of a thousand cases. There are some things I may not want to say here but I challenge those who still don’t believe me that I can perform to come with their sisters to prove the point….what I am trying to say is that I’m fortunate to have proved the medical practitioner wrong in some aspects. They say I wouldn’t be able to have erection but the day they discovered I was able to have it was like a miracle; in fact, my consultant was shocked, I thank God for this.”
Well, for those out there who do not believe that Yinka is a complete man, get across to him, if you are a lady, for trial, who knows, he may be lying.
Paul Okoye Denies Knowing Elshama Benson Igbanoni
Respect to Tuface Idibia, the singer, for once, has never denied the paternity of any of his children, applaud to him. But for this Igbo born artiste Paul, half brother of Peter of P Square Group, he’s nothing closer to being responsible.
A few days ago, the news of Paul Okoye abandoning his baby mama and new born son in a London Hospital with the bill running into five thousand pounds was the news on every lip. It was also revealed that Ms. Elshama Benson Igbanoni is a very close friend of Paul Okoye's girlfriend who gave birth recently in America
Paul’s Representative has responded that there is no iota of truth in what has been on air. His publicist said that, ''Paul stated that it is a trivial issue because the allegation lacks substance and he would not be glorifying the accusing parties by responding to their claims and the fame and attention they seek.''So to say, Paul Okoye denied knowing anyone bearing such name.
Hmmm, the beginning of episode two of the Drama you would say! Buy the question on everybody’s lips now is that, why in God's name would this beautiful young woman call Paul Okoye's name if he wasn’t the one?
This sounds really messy and since Paul has enough money, he should call for a DNA test before reacting out of anger...........she’s young and she might have made a mistake by going to the press but perhaps she tried to make contact and was bluffed.......Perhaps.
NIGERIAFILMS
NEWS: IN NIGERIA
LAGOS STATE GOVT BANS KEKE NAPEP FROM MAJOR ROADS
Lagos State government Friday banned the activities of Tri-cycle popularly called Keke Napep from the major roads in the state, saying, “it is meant to protect the lives and property of the residents of the state.” The state government however vowed to impound any disused and abandoned vehicles across the state, explaining “4,632 vehicles were currently abandoned on over 9,100 roads in theState.
Commissioner for transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa disclosed this at the 2013 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa to mark the sixth anniversary of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration. Opeifa said that the state government had held several meetings with the unions on the development, adding “they have agreed to stay away from these roads.”
Some of the roads tri-cycles operation was outlawed were: the entire Victoria Island, Government Residential Area, GRA Ikeja and Ikoyi. Also on Awolowo road and Awolowo way, Alausa and entire major roads in Surulere Local Government.
MOTHER, NURSES ARRESTED OVER MISSING BABY
A twelve year old girl, Mary Nmakamba Eyo and two nurses Amaladi Isaac and Lillian Aloysius are being detained by the police in Akpabuyo, in the outskirts of Calabar, the Cross River State capital for allegedly stealing a baby delivered by the girl without the consent of her parents. Mrs Justina Eyo, elder sister to Nmakamba who reported the matter to the police which led to the arrest and detention of the three, said the girl who got pregnant sometime in 2012 went missing two months ago and resurfaced last week without the pregnancy or the baby.
According to Justina, the family searched every where for the girl but could not locate her whereabouts until last week when she came back. “She was impregnated by a married man in our village who for obvious reasons could not take her into his home but was taking care of her in the little way that he could but suddenly last March, the girl disappeared and we have searched everywhere without locating her”. She said last Friday, the girl came back without the pregnancy or the baby. She was asked where the baby was and she said the woman who took her away to Umuahia in Abia State collected the baby and gave her 2,000 naira to return to Calabar. “She said the woman met her here in Akpabuyo and took her to a Maternity home Abia and when she gave birth, the woman gave her some drugs and she slept off. When she woke up, she did not see the baby and the woman gave her money to return to Caalabar”
FG TO DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BORNO, OTHER STATES
Indications emerged on Friday that the Federal Government might declare a state of emergency in five states in Northern Nigeria, as a last-ditch measure to check the rising killings and insecurity. The states are Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau. A pointer to this emerged as President Goodluck Jonathan held an emergency meeting with security chiefs and some other top government officials in his bid to address the spate of insecurity in many parts of the country, with the latest being the killing of 47 policemen and 10 State Security Service operatives by the Ombatse militia in Alakyo forest in Nasarawa State on Tuesday. They also destroyed nine patrol vans.
Jonathan, who rushed back to the country from South Africa late on Thursday, was said to have reviewed reports from the security chiefs on recent violence in Baga and Bama in Borno State; Alakyo Village in Nasarawa State; and Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Among those at the meeting that lasted several hours were the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Said; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Alex Badeh; Director-General of State Security Service, Ita Ekpenyong; representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Bassey; and Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.
EAT MANGOES TO WARD-OFF HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY
Another season of mangoes is here again and most people relish this seasonal fruit but how many of these people know the health benefits of eating mangoes? Mango fruit is known as the king of fruits and one of the most popular, nutritionally rich fruit with unique flavour, fragrance, taste, and heath promoting qualities making it a common ingredient in new functional foods often called “super fruits”. Mangoes are perfect to replenish salts, vitamins and energy after physical exercise.
The enzymes of the mango, such as magneferin, katechol oxidase and lactase, clean the bowel of the “filth” within and are an ideal antidote for all toxic effects inside the body. They provide also sufficient resistance to fight any germs and afflictions.
Hartwell claims in his book “Plants Against Cancer,” that the phenols in mangoes, such as quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, as well as the abundant enzymes, have healing and cancer-preventing capacities. In gall bladder cancer a protective effect of mango consume has been proven. Mangoes contain also a lot of tryptophan, precursor of the “happiness-hormone” serotonin. It meets the vitamin and energy requirements of children of 6-24 months of age at three servings a day.
The bark of the mango tree contains 16 – 20 percent vitamin and also mangiferine. It acts as stringent and is believed to possess a tonic action on the mucous membrane. It is anathematic, useful in hemoptysis, hemorrhage, nasal catarrh, diarrhea, ulcers, diphtheria, rheumatism and for lumbrici. It is also used in diphtheria and rheumatism.
Mango is said to be an excellent natural source for pro-vitamin A; the content rises even after being picked before ripening.
Improving the consumption of mangoes would cover the needs of the population in third world countries like Nigeria. The content of carotenes is very high also in the dried fruit, and retains high levels over at least six months after harvest.
Further investigations have shown that eating mango slices with the skin on could help keep the weight off. A study by Australian researchers showed that mangoes could help you lose weight and stay slim – but only if you eat the skin you would normally throw away, a study suggests
Experts find that in tests, extracts from mango skin appeared to “inhibit development of human fat cells.” According to them, the secret is in phytochemicals that act as natural fat busters and are found only on the outside of the fruit.
Mangoes have many excellent nutritional properties but more work needs to be done to understand the complex natural compounds. A similar study also found that eating mangoes may help lower blood sugar and cancer risk. Consumption of mangoes may potentially have positive effect on blood sugar in obese individuals and help limit inflammation, according to research at Oklahoma State University.
SOURCE: VANGUARD
Friday, May 10, 2013
LAGOS STATE GOVT GENERATES #20B IGR MONTHLY
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in Lagos State averages a total of N20billion monthly, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze, has disclosed. Akabueze revealed the figure Thursday at the ongoing ministerial press briefing to herald the sixth anniversary of Governor Babatunde Fashola in office. He said the N20billion however was on the average as the figures rise and drop on monthly basis depending on the season and periods.
According to him, “IGR trickles in everyday across different agencies of the state, one month it could be up, the next month it could be down depending on seasonal considerations and all of that. At the end, we will have an aggregate for the year and you could average it out but as at today it is about N20billion monthly”.
He said the state had a projected an IGR of N316.578 billion out of its N499.605billion 2013 fiscal budget, saying it is more than the total budgets of each of the states in the country excluding Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.
To realise this target, the state is adopting measures including the expansion of the tax net to cover more taxable persons living and doing business in Lagos. Akabueze said the state government does not intend to introduce any new tax, but would leverage on existing taxes as approved and empowered by the law of the federation, to pursue the realisation of the objectives of this year’s budget.
According to Akabueze, major areas the budget has been addressing since commencement of implementation include security, food sufficiency, law and order, building of critical transportation infrastructure including the blue/red light rail, continuing expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway, ferry services, health and environment.
On the state’s debt profile, Akabueze, who would however, not give specific figure Lagos is owing its local and international creditors, said the debt was no threat, as the income accrued to the state’s coffers yearly, outstrips its total debts, some of which are long-term loans due for full repayment 35 years ahead.
According to him, “IGR trickles in everyday across different agencies of the state, one month it could be up, the next month it could be down depending on seasonal considerations and all of that. At the end, we will have an aggregate for the year and you could average it out but as at today it is about N20billion monthly”.
He said the state had a projected an IGR of N316.578 billion out of its N499.605billion 2013 fiscal budget, saying it is more than the total budgets of each of the states in the country excluding Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.
To realise this target, the state is adopting measures including the expansion of the tax net to cover more taxable persons living and doing business in Lagos. Akabueze said the state government does not intend to introduce any new tax, but would leverage on existing taxes as approved and empowered by the law of the federation, to pursue the realisation of the objectives of this year’s budget.
According to Akabueze, major areas the budget has been addressing since commencement of implementation include security, food sufficiency, law and order, building of critical transportation infrastructure including the blue/red light rail, continuing expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway, ferry services, health and environment.
On the state’s debt profile, Akabueze, who would however, not give specific figure Lagos is owing its local and international creditors, said the debt was no threat, as the income accrued to the state’s coffers yearly, outstrips its total debts, some of which are long-term loans due for full repayment 35 years ahead.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
NEWS: IN NIGERIA
YOUTHS PROTEST MURDER OF VARSITY STUDENT IN EKITI
Scores of youths, mainly students, yesterday, staged a protest at Ilupeju Ekiti over the killing of 400 level student of Ekiti State University, Mr. Seyi Fasere. Fasere was killed in controversial circumstances in February 28, in Oye Ekiti by the police after some armed bandits struck at a first generation bank in the town.
During the protest, commercial and social activities were paralysed, as the youths sealed off all the public and private schools in the town, and commercial centres for the over eight hours that the protest lasted. The aggrieved youths, who had trooped out as early 7am, were said to have engaged the police in serious battle, while being tear-gassed, which culminated in a stampede that led to the hospitalisation of one Deji Omoniyi.
FOREIGNER ARRESTED FOR N15M FRAUD.
The police, yesterday, arraigned a Canadian, Jim Mansfield, at a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly cheating one Hajiya Binta Muktar of N15 million. The prosecutor, Tope Falode, told the court that Muktar reported the matter to the Interpol on May 2012. Falode said in May 2012, Muktar leased her house located at 3, Udi-Hill Close, Aso Drive, to Mansfield with an agreement that he should pay N15 million into her account. However, he said Mansfield fraudulently possessed the said house and refused to credit Muktar’s account.
The prosecutor added that the accused, in July 2012, presented forged documents from Wells Faruo Bank to Muktar, claiming to have deposited the said sum into her account, an offence which contravened sections 312, 321 and 368 of the Penal Code. However, Mansfield, pleaded not guilty to the charges as his counsel, Mr David Ashaolu, prayed the court to grant bail to his client. Ashaolu said his client would not jump bail and would not jeopardise investigation in the case. But the prosecutor objected to the bail of the accused, and said “the accused is not a Nigerian and he is likely to jump bail.”
The prosecutor also alleged that the accused had two different passports bearing two different names. “The accused has a Canadian passport bearing the name Jim Mansfield and a UK passport with the name James Michael Mansfield.”
Mansfield’s counsel, however, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr Tony Ubani, granted the accused bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
COMMUNITY HANDS OVER KIDNAP KINGPIN TO POLICE.
THE leadership of Ekpan community in Uvwie council area of Delta State has apprehended an alleged kidnap and robbery kingpin, Gift Famous Etagvwene a.k.a Babune and handed him over to the Ekpan Police Headquarters.
The community was said to have arrested him last Wednesday after an alleged escape and gun fire exchange with security personnel in the community. Famous, said to be an ex-convict, was involved in the kidnap of a Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, staff (name withheld) on March 19, 2001.
NGIGE DECLARES GUBERNATORIAL AMBITION.
Former governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, yesterday, declared his intention to run for the 2014 governorship election in the state. Senator Ngige made the declaration in Awka on the occasion of Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), and Democratic People’s Party (DPP). Speaking on the occasion, convener of the meeting and coordinator of Rainbow Coalition, Chief Ben Oranusi, explained that after due investigations and understanding of the personalities aspiring for the 2014 gubernatorial election, they found that Ngige was the person good enough and better experienced to take up the task of piloting the affairs of Anambra State.
MULTIPLE KILLED IN BOKO HARAM ATTACK ON BAMA
Suspected members of Islamist sect, Boko Haram, on Tuesday, attacked Bama, Borno State, leaving 55 people dead, the Joint Military Task Force said on Tuesday. The gunmen, according to Reuters, killed 22 police officers, 14 prison officials, two soldiers and four civilians, while 13 of the sect’s members died in the clash with the task force members.
Spokesman for the JTF, Sagir Musa, confirmed this to Reuters. The suspected terrorists were said to have freed 105 prison inmates during the attack which reportedly began at around 5am. The JTF, which took journalists to Bama to assess the damage caused by the terrorists, added that three children and one woman, were among those killed during the multiple attacks in the town. Sources in the town claimed that about 300 suspected members of Boko Haram stormed the town, first attacking the 200 Tank Battallion, a military Barracks.
FOURSQUARE GOSPEL BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LAGOS
At least one person died, while several others were trapped in Lagos on Tuesday as a four-storey building under construction belonging to Foursquare Gospel Church, collapsed. The building on Bashiru Street, Berger, collapsed as some artisans were carrying out carpentry work on it .It was gathered that the incident happened around 3.30pm.
The cause of the collapse could not be ascertained, but observers said it might have been caused by the use of substandard materials. A 15-year-old apprentice, Joshua Ayandokun, who was among the artisans that were working on the building, escaped being trapped in the building. Joshua was sent on an errand to buy bread and beans for others, but before he came back, the building had collapsed.
EKITI HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY RATIFIES ADELABU AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR
Ekiti State House of Assembly, yesterday, ratified the appointment of Professor Modupe Adelabu as the new Deputy Governor of the state. The former university don was screened by the 26-member Assembly at 10.15am, yesterday, in Ado-Ekiti. Adelabu, present Chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education, was screened at the Houses’s parliamentary session.
Governor Kayode Fayemi sent the name of Prof. Adelabu to the House for ratification as replacement for late Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, who died of cancer on April 6, last Friday. The former chairman of the Education Board was ushered in to the assembly building by the Speaker of the House, Adewale Omirin, and drilled for about 30 minutes.
Speaking with the newsmen shortly after the exercise, Omirin said: “We conducted the screening at the parliament based on the decision of the lawmakers. “They drilled the nominee for over 30 minutes but she did not let us down. She answered us intelligently and we didn’t expect anything less.”
HEALTH NEWS: PROSTRATE CANCER -- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Prostate cancer develops in a man’s prostate — the walnut-sized gland just below the bladder that produces some of the fluid in semen. It’s the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm. But some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment.
Symptoms
In the early stages, men may have no symptoms. Later, symptoms can include frequent urination, especially at night; difficulty starting or stopping urination; weak or interrupted urinary stream; painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation; blood in urine or semen
Advanced cancer can cause deep pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Enlarged prostate or prostate cancer?
The prostate can grow larger as men age, sometimes pressing on the bladder or urethra and causing symptoms similar to prostate cancer. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia. It’s not cancer and can be treated if symptoms become bothersome.
A third problem that can cause urinary symptoms is prostatitis — an inflammation or infection that may also cause fever and, in many cases, is treated with medicine.
Risk factors: Growing older is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer, particularly after age 50. After 70, studies suggest that most men have some form of prostate cancer, though there may be no outward symptoms. Family history increases a man’s risk.
Again, diet seems to play a role in the development of prostate cancer, which is much more common in countries where meat and high-fat dairy are mainstays. The reason for this link is unclear. Dietary fat, particularly animal fat from red meat, may boost male hormone levels. And this may fuel the growth of cancerous prostate cells. A diet too low in fruits and vegetables may also play a role.
Detection
Screening tests are available to find prostate cancer early. You should talk with a doctor or, preferably, a urologist, about screening tests once you are 40. This is highly recommended for anyone at high risk such as those with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65, and those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age.
Your doctor may initially do a digital rectal exam to feel for bumps or hard spots on the prostate. A blood test can be used to measure prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by prostate cells. An elevated level may indicate a higher chance that you have cancer, but you can have a high level and still be cancer-free. It is also possible to have a normal PSA and have prostate cancer.
If a physical exam or PSA test suggests a problem, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is the best way to detect cancer and predict whether it is slow-growing or aggressive.
Survival rate: The good news about prostate cancer is that it usually grows slowly. In advanced countries, nine out of 10 cases are found in the early stages. Unfortunately, in our part of the world, most people only present when the disease has spread very far and is therefore in the late stages.
Treatment options
With low-risk cancer, one option is to watch and wait. This is determined by several factors. Your doctor will order periodic testing. Other treatments — with the risk of sexual or urinary problems — may not be necessary. Some men who are older or have serious health conditions may not need treatment. However, more aggressive treatment is usually recommended for younger men or those with more aggressive disease.
Radiation therapy: External beam radiation to kill cancer cells can be used as a first treatment or after prostate cancer surgery. It can also help relieve bone pain from the spread of cancer. In brachytherapy, tiny radioactive pellets about the size of a grain of rice are inserted into the prostate. Both methods can impair erectile function. Fatigue, urinary problems, and diarrhoea are other possible side effects.
Surgery: Removing the prostate, or radical prostatectomy, is used to eliminate the cancer when it is confined to the prostate. New techniques use smaller incisions and seek to avoid damaging nearby nerves. If lymph nodes are also cancerous, prostatectomy may not be the best option. Surgery may impair urinary and sexual function, but both can improve over time.
Hormone therapy may shrink or slow the growth of the cancer, but unless it is used with another therapy, it will not eliminate the cancer. Drugs or hormones block or stop the production of testosterone and other male hormones, called androgens. Side effects can include hot flashes, growth of breast tissue, weight gain, and impotence.
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells throughout the body, including those outside the prostate, so it is used to treat more advanced cancer and cancer that did not respond to hormone therapy. Because the chemotherapy kills other fast-growing cells in the body, you may have hair loss and mouth sores. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Cryotherapy freezes and kills cancerous cells within the prostate. It is not as widely used because little is known about its long-term effectiveness. It’s less invasive than surgery, with a shorter recovery time. Because the freezing damages nerves, as many as 80 per cent of men become impotent after cryosurgery. There can be temporary pain and burning sensations in the bladder and bowel.
Prostate cancer vaccine is designed to treat, not prevent, prostate cancer by spurring your body’s immune system to attack prostate cancer cells. Mild side-effects can occur such as fatigue, nausea, and fever.
Hope for advanced cancer. Your doctor will continue to monitor your PSA levels and may perform other tests after treatment for prostate cancer. If it recurs or spreads to other parts of the body, additional treatment may be recommended. Lifestyle choices may matter, too. One study found that prostate cancer survivors who exercised regularly had a lower risk of dying.
And be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking vitamins or supplements.
SOURCE: THE PUNCH
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