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Monday, October 13, 2014

PDP To Summon Minister Over Poor State Of Federal Roads - Politics

Piqued by the deplorable state of federal roads in the South East geopolitical zone, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, said it would summon the Minister of Works, Chief Mike Onolememe to “revisit all federal roads in the zone.” The national Publicity Secretary of PDP and the leader of the party’s Publicity and Evaluation Committee, Chief Olisa Metu, dropped the hint while fielding questions from journalists yesterday in Umuahia, Abia State, after the committee’s facility tour of some project sites in the state. Metu expressed dismay over the poor condition of federal roads in Aba in particular as well as other parts of the South East, and assured that the party would mandate the Works’ Minister to undertake a tour of all federal roads in the zone for first hand information on their condition with a view to fixing them. He noted that although some of the federal roads in the state were being rehabilitated, much needed to be done to make them passable and give the people more sense of belonging. Metu restated the commitment of the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration to improve on the welfare of the people of the zone and assured that very soon the woes of commuters and motorists in the zone would be a thing of the past. He also applauded the efforts of Governor Theodore Orji who he said had raised he bar of governance through identifiable legacy projects which have direct bearing on the people. http://www.punchng.com/news/pdp-to-summon-minister-over-poor-state-of-federal-roads/

Chibok Girls Campaigners Storm Aso Rock Today - Politics

The BringBackOurGirls Coalition said it would march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday (today) to engage with President Goodluck Jonathan over the 219 Chibok schoolgirls, who have been in Boko Haram captivity for over 180 days. The movement said the purpose of the engagement was to convey the urgency for the immediate rescue of the girls and to hear directly from the President the status of the rescue efforts of the security agencies. The group, in a statement by its Media Coordinator, Rotimi Olawale, on Monday in Abuja, stated that the last 180 days of the girls abduction had been “one of dashed hopes, intense pain and confusion for the families due to the lack of accurate information from the government on the current The BBOG said some parents of the abducted girls would be part of the march to the Aso Rock Villa and also called on concerned members of the public to join the engagement with the President. It said that its members would also engage in what it called a ‘walkathon’ on Wednesday, which would involve walking with red ribbons around the embassies of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic, as well as the embassies of selected key nations supporting the operation to rescue the girls. The statement partly read,” In continuation of our Global Week of Action to commemorate the unfortunate six months mark since the abduction of our 219 Chibok girls, We, the #BringBackOurGirls Abuja family, wish to notify the members of the public that we have requested for an appointment and will be marching to meet with our President on October 14, 2014. “The objective of our march to the Villa is to convey the urgency for the immediate rescue of our girls and to hear directly from our President and the Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces the accurate status of the rescue effort for our Chibok girls, whose six months period in captivity remains a source of deep anguish to their parents, Nigerians and people all over the world who believe in our shared humanity.” The coalition challenged all political leaders, the United Nations, civil society groups, religious leaders, development partners, celebrities and all well-meaning individuals “to come out in large number during the Global Week of Action and raise their voices to demand renewed actions for the immediate rescue of the schoolgirls.” http://www.punchng.com/news/chibok-girls-campaigners-storm-aso-rock-today/

I Could Not Woo Women During My Undergraduate Years – Saka - Celebrities

Hafiz Oyetoro aka Saka, speaks with Samuel Abulude of Leadership about his child hood story, personal life and how he finally made it big Nollywood . Source : http://leadership.ng/ entertainment/386748/woo-women- undergraduate-years-saka Read all below : What has Saka been up to lately? I have been acting and imparting my students at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED). I have been travelling around, doing what I love doing for decades now. My production titled We We, a TV comedy series with my students, is still in the works as a fire outbreak in my office destroyed the scripts and other vital documents. However, it should be out before the end of the year. I also compose songs; apart from TV commercials that I’m known for. We just did the MTN Yello jingle last month and as regards movies, they are numerous. I was part of a movie by Afiz Owo and Abelejayan, the sociopolitical comedy will be back soon with fresh episodes. How was growing up like? I hail from Adegbola-Iseyin in Iseyin town, Oyo State. I was born to Pa Dauda Oyetoro and my mother, Abike Oyetoro. I am the 4th out of 10 kids and I am the only child of my mother. I attended Baptist Day Secondary School, Iseyin. From there I gained admission to University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, to study Dramatic Arts. Now I have an M A in African Studies from the University of Ibadan and a post graduate degree from Lagos State University (LASU). I’m presently pursuing my doctorate- M Phil Literature of African Studies at the University of Ibadan. Growing up in a village setting was a bitter-sweet experience. I grew up in the home of an uncle who drove fear into me when correcting my mistakes. My uncle misconstrued respect as creating fear and I became so timid that I carried that baggage into the university. So ,on the Ife campus, I was a loner and could not socialise. In my year two or so, we needed to do a departmental stage production and I was given a role, but because of my usual timidity-I could not deliver and this became a concern for me. E pass stage fright my broda. Thankfully, one of my lecturers, Chuck Mike, an African American scholar, came to my rescue. Mr Mike, a revered threatre practitioner in the 80s, tutored and mentored me and many others. He took me to University of Ibadan for speech therapy and I had to see a speech expert- Mrs Ajayi- every Saturday. In 1986, I was part of a departmental production tagged ‘A toast to Wole Soyinka’. My first major production was in UI and it was a stage play titled, Raisin In the Sun. Wole Obadeyi, Yinka Akanbi and Gbenga Iwindapo were my colleagues then. The first theatre group I was part of was Akewi-Ebedi Theatre Group. For my final year project, I looked at theatre in Nigeria using Babasala as my case study. I met him at Orisun Cinema in Abeokuta. I appeared in my first home video during my 300 level as a student and was paid N1, 500- big money then. Considering how timid you were, did you date during your university days? I couldn’t ask women out during my undergraduate days. I was that timid; but I did have two failed relationships. My past relationships haunted me and I decided not to have anything to do with women, concentrating instead on my academic career and stage plays. I was part of Comic Palace Production, where Yinka Akanni, Muyiwa Amodu were my colleagues in 2002. I used to do a one-man drama as that was the only way I could express myself. I met my wife, Olaide Saidat (Oyetoro) in AOCOED and finally got married at the age of 40. My wife was a final year student when I first met her and for me, it was love at first sight. She had come to my office for something and I got her name down. Later, I spoke to her saying, beyond being her lecturer I would like to be her friend. She said okay, thinking I was unserious. What attracted me to Olaide was that she looked humble and appeared to be a good Muslim. She is a graduate of mathematics and has made a great home for me and our two kids. I love her so much. My friend, Gbenga Iwindapo aided in assuring her that I was the man for her. God has given me a woman who shares my vision. I don’t joke with my family. Why did you “port” from Etisalat to MTN? Ordinarily I’m not supposed to speak on this because it involves two big telecom brands, but I will put it this way: at a point, I was no longer feeling fulfilled with the former company’s endorsement and there is nothing you can do if you are not happy. The other brand approached me and we agreed on terms. The lesson I learnt from that phase is that- don’t compromise your emotional instability- follow your passion. Does teaching theatre arts add to your professionalism as an actor? Of course it has a lot of advantages! I act and I go to class to review my performance. Even my students criticise my performances, telling me the mistakes I made and what I could have done to make it better. Acting and teaching is fun for me. My success story is inseparable from AOCOED, who took me in as a lecturer. My friend, Gbenga Iwindapo aided in getting me into the college. He was part of House Apart. Iwindapo brought me to Lagos and he was my HOD. I have become better and fulfilled since I got here (talking about lecturing at Adeniran Ogusanya College of Education). I’m a product of different distinguished scholars who molded me into who I am today. Chuck Mike found me and bailed me out of timidity syndrome; Professor Femi Osofisan, Wale Ogunyemi and Professor Wole Soyinka all tutored me. What are the challenges facing actors in this clime? They are numerous. We are not given the respect we deserve here. Apart from the poor pay, actors and moviemakers go through a lot to get their movies out there. The law governing piracy is weak as well as its enforcement. We need a body, a unifying body that we can call our own. The MOPICCON bill has been there and when it is passed, we hope it solves a lot of issues and gives the movie industry a blueprint. Producers should go back to school and stop begging for money from marketers. They should know their worth and act likewise. We need to come together. Again, there is a disturbing trend in Nollywood, especially in the Yoruba movie industry. The issue is disturbing for us, the theatre practitioners who went to school to study this trade. Marketers have hijacked the role of movie producers and directors. Marketers should not determine for us who plays this role or that. This issue has reached a disturbing height and unless these marketers are put in their place, we will not go far artistically and technically. Marketers should focus on hyping and sponsoring movies! Yes, some marketers finance our movies like in the Yoruba genre of Nollywood. but these people have become demi-gods, dictating to directors and producers how a movie should go. This is wrong. In business, buyers determine the price of your commodity and how they want the commodity to meet their needs, not the other way round. What are 3 things people don’t know about you? I want my fans to know that I’m not a snub; unlike what some people think. I’m a very shy person but when I’m on stage, I’m a different person and I was the Outstanding Actor Of the Year in 1981. More here : http://www.kingebuka.com/2014/10/ i-could-not-woo-women-during-my.html

Tiwa Savage As Pump Attendant At Forte Oil Station (Photos) - Celebrities

Pop star, Mavin artiste and Forte Oil ambassador, Tiwa Savage is visiting various gas stations owned by the company around Lagos. This is part of the celebration of Forte Oil’s Customer Service Week. Tiwa is not just making a call on these stations, she is actually selling fuel to customers as seen in the pictures. "Good morning #MyDarlings I've been up bright and early today working as a pump attendant as part of Forte Oil's Customer Service Week. We are visiting several Forte Oil Gas stations today as part of the celebrations," she stated. Isn't she looking hot as a pump attendant? http://instagram.com/p/uF1lJktiPk/ http://instagram.com/p/uFrC92xOzj/

Why I Am Not Active In PDP - Obasanjo Opens Up

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has denied leaving the ruling party, PDP rather he explained his decision to be active only at the ward level of his party till the leadership does what needs to be done. Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo Obasanjo, a former Chairman Board of Trustees of the PDP who stated he holds no grudge against anyone made this known, yesterday in a statement issued to newsmen in Abeokuta. Obasanjo, however, said he had never left PDP and will never leave as it was wrong for the party leaders to be inviting him back to the PDP, describing it as a great misrepresentation. He said his being passive in the party was based on “principle, morality, honour, integrity, commitment and character which are paramount.” READ ALSO : PDP Begs Obasanjo For Forgiveness Obasanjo said: “Last week when I was in South Africa as the chairman of AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan, I received avalanche of news and cacophony of appeals and pleadings from some quarters of PDP leadership. “There are misunderstandings and misrepresentations which some of those appeals and pleas manifested; hence this explanation from me. Talking of inviting me back to PDP is wrong and it is a great misrepresentation as I have never left PDP and I will never leave PDP. I have said it before and I will say it again, I rose to become the President of Nigeria on the platform of PDP and for that reason alone, I will remain a card-carrying and ward-active member of PDP for as long as I have to be a political party member. “Secondly, nobody has personally offended me as a result of my membership of PDP. If, however, anybody or group feels offended by my continued membership, I will offer an unreserved apology but continue to remain in the Party. READ ALSO : CRISIS: PDP Chairman, Governors In Cold War I have had occasions to say to the President, the Senate president and the Party chairman separately that I have no quarrel with any individual or group in the Party. There are, for me, issues of principle, morality, honour, integrity, commitment and character which are paramount. “For instance, as a former President of Nigeria, the chairman of West Africa Commission on Drug and a member of Global Commission on Drug, I cannot accept that the zonal leader of my political party and, worse still in my zone, will be an indicted drug baron wanted in America. How do I explain that to friends outside Nigeria? This is only one of the many issues that I have pointed and still pointing out. I have national and international standard to maintain and reputation to keep and sustain. For these reasons, I opted to remain active only at the ward level of the Party till the leadership does the needful. But under no condition will my commitment to Nigeria be diminished. “And, for me, it is commitment to Nigeria first and any other commitment can only follow in second or third place. Where any other commitment is in tandem with what I see and understand as commitment to Nigeria, such other commitment will share a pride of place with Nigeria. I must hasten to thank the President, the Senate president and the Chairman of PDP with whom, at their instances, these issues have been discussed and laid to rest. My interest and commitment to Nigeria go beyond partisan politics. “Today, Nigeria needs all hands on deck to deal with our pressing problems of security including the issue of Chibok girls, widening inequality, infrastructure, impunity, corruption, poverty and youth education, skill-acquisition, empowerment and employment. These are issues of concern to most Nigerians. We all need to join hands to move Nigeria forward. I don’t need to be begged for that. “Rather, I beg and appeal to those who are begging me to realize that we must put Nigeria’s interest above politics – party or personal – otherwise, we will all be judged at the bar of history if not the bar of current affairs. In addition, we must preserve, sustain and deepen democracy and democratic practices.” On October 8, it was reported that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) went to begthe former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abuja for forgiveness and asked him to come back to the party . PDP Leaders include National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Senate president, David Mark and former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. “All of us must beg Obasanjo to forgive us. We need to beg him. He is very prayerful and we need to ask him to forgive us so that we can be forgiven. We are your children. We have made mistakes and baba, please forgive us. Come and lead us. We are your followers and we assure you that we are all good boys and girls. We have sinned. Baba please forgive us

Manslaughter: Pistorious in court today

Oscar Pistorius will be back in court in South Africa today to learn his fate over the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The “Blade Runner”, 27, was cleared of murdering 29-year-old Reeva in a Valentine’s Day shooting at his home. Pistorius could be imprisoned for up to 15 years, or he could go free with a community order. However, he was convicted of the lesser charge of culpable homicide following a six month trial in Pretoria which ended last month. Judge Thokozile Masipa said that prosecutors had failed to prove an intent to kill when he fired four nine millimetre rounds through the door of a toilet cubicle. Pistorius, who often broke down sobbing during the protracted proceedings, always maintained he thought he was shooting an intruder who had broken into his home. The Mirror, UK, reported that the hearing is likely to be a lengthy affair because the judge will hear arguments from prosecution and defence lawyers and possibly from psychological experts. Public opinion is divided in South Africa with some people demanding he goes to jail while others maintaining he should go free. He can be punished by anything from 15 years behind bars to a suspended sentence or even community service. Steve Tucson, a law professor at Witwaters Rand university in Johannesburg, said: “We have many judgments which essentially say ‘if you point a firearm at someone and shoot then you intend to kill them.” Pistorius could appeal against his culpable homicide conviction - the equivalent of manslaughter under British law. However, legal experts in South Africa said that under their law an appeal cannot be launched until the sentencing process has been concluded. Pistorius, once a celebrated athlete who ran in the 2012 Olympics, was charged with premeditated murder in a televised trial that transfixed many people around the world, but Masipa found him not guilty of that charge. She drew criticism from some South Africans who thought Pistorius could at least have been convicted of a lesser murder charge on the grounds that he knew a person could die when he fired four bullets through a toilet door in his home early on Valentine’s Day last year. Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model, died in the hail of bullets, and prosecutors said Pistorius had opened fire in anger after the couple argued. The runner testified that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder who was about to come out of the toilet and attack him. South African lawyers vary widely in predictions about what kind of sentence Pistorius will get. Some say he is unlikely to go to jail because defence lawyers will successfully argue that the athlete is a first-time offender with a disability that would subject him to particular hardship in prison, while others anticipate that Pistorius will be sentenced to some prison time because of the severity of his crime. “I think that the probabilities are that the judge will send him to prison for a certain period, but not a very long one,” said George Bizos, a human rights lawyer. There are “clear aggravating and mitigating factors” that could influence the judge’s decision-making but that it was difficult to accurately predict the penalty because the “sentencing law is so individually applied”, said Kelly Phelps, a senior lecturer in the public law department at the University of Cape Town.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news/top-stories/item/18507-2015-saraki-opts-out-of-presidential-race-kwankwaso-declares-oct-23

FORMER governor of Kwara State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bukola Saraki ,has withdrawn from the race for the presidential ticket of the party, citing the need to avoid rancour that usually follow keenly contested primaries as well as what he calls the complicated nature of the 2015 presidential election. Announcing the suspension of his bid, he said in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, in Abuja, on Sunday ,that Nigeria’s political outlook for 2015 is very complicated and “this is the time for every patriotic politician to situate his personal ambition in the context of the country’s overall interest.” Party stakeholders, particularly ,from Kwara State, had recently started to mount pressure on the APC leader to join the presidential fray for what they saw as his positive leadership qualities and track record of achievement. But he argued in his statement that even though, party primaries in any healthy democracy would always leave several contenders disappointed and bitter, as there could only be one winner, the party would be left to invest too much energy and time afterwards managing and reconciling various interests. Saraki said: “I don’t think our party can afford too much internal rancour going into next year’s election. I, therefore, think some of us need to make the sacrifice and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem of the party.” Saraki, who was one of the brains behind the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ,which led to his defection from the party along with some state governors, recalled the circumstances leading to the formation of the defunct New PDP and his ultimate decision to join the APC. He added: “I have always maintained that I did not leave the ruling party to join the opposition because of any personal interest. Anyone, who understands Nigeria’s politics would know that it takes courage and self-sacrifice to do that. “Therefore, whether it is on the issue of the party or all other issues that I have been pushing in my position as a senator of the Federal Republic, I have been driven primarily by my desire to see a better and more purposely governed country.” While he observed that the country requires a change, he said: “We need to change the way the country is run, we need change in our security and the values we place on human life, we need to change the current disgraceful situation in security and corruption. And I believe only the APC can bring about this change and give our country the leadership it deserves.” In order to be in a position to engender the change and live up to the expectations of its supporters, he counseled that APC must avoid distractions and acrimony from its primaries, especially coming close to the elections. “This is why some of us felt that we must make the necessary sacrifice and contribute to building a strong and united party that provides the only real alternative to the floundering government that has become so constipated on power and lost touch with the realities that ordinary Nigerians grapple with everyday,” he stated. He said that he was convinced that the APC presidential would be able to come up with a credible and acceptable candidate that would take the country on a different path. Kwankwaso declares for presidency Oct 23 ALL things being equal, Kano State governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will declare his ambition to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries on October 23, Nigerian Tribune gathered from sources close to him. Already, former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari; former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and host of other aspirants are also jostling for APC presidential ticket. Nigerian Tribune learnt that politicking and horse trading was going on in the various blocs within the opposition party, ahead of its October 25 national special convention to endorse and ratify the presidential candidate of the party. One of the campaign coordinators of Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition, Chief Olisaemeka Akamukali, said barring any unforeseen circumstances, the governor would be unveiling his presidential campaign next week Thursday. According to him, the governor has embarked on nationwide consultations with party leaders and political stakeholders regarding the 2015 presidential election.

I’ll never leave PDP —OBJ

FORMER president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, maintained his stance that he is still a card carrying and active member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he would continue to be actively involved at the ward level against the national level, until issues raised by him concerning the party were addressed. Obasanjo, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was speaking against the backdrop of an appeal made by the leadership of the party, asking for his forgiveness in any way the party had wronged him. The two-time elected president said he had no issue with any individual or group of people, as far as the party was concerned, but contended that issues of principle, morality, honour, integrity, commitment and character remained paramount to him. Obasanjo added that he had never for once left the party, noting that the issue of re-inviting him back was mere misrepresentation. “Sometimes last week, when I was in South Africa as the Chairman of African Union (AU) Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan and while with my fellow commissioners, we were deliberating on how to help that new country out of its problem of security and violence, I received avalanche of news and cacophony of appeals and pleadings from some quarters of PDP leadership. “There are misunderstandings and misrepresentations which some of those appeals and pleas manifested; hence this explanation from me. “Talking of inviting me back to PDP is wrong and it is a great misrepresentation, as I have never left PDP and I will never leave PDP. “I have said it before and I will say it again, I rose to become the president of Nigeria on the platform of PDP and for that reason alone, I will remain a card-carrying and ward-active member of PDP for as long as I have to be a political party member,” he said. The former president said he would remain active in the party at the ward level until the party leadership did the needful on some of the issues he had, at different times, raised in the interest of the party. He pointed out the fact that he would not accept “an indicted drug baron said to be wanted in America” to be the leader of his party in his zone. Obasanjo said his position as the former president of the country, chairman of West Africa Commission on Drug and a member of Global Commission on Drug would not allow him to accept “an indicted drug baron wanted in America” to be the leader of his party in the South-West zone. He added that he remained committed to the service of the nation, urging all Nigerians to work towards solving the challenges of insecurity, including the continued abduction of the Chibok girls, widening inequality, impunity, corruption, poverty and youth education, infrastructure, empowerment and employment generation. “Nobody has personally offended me as a result of my membership of PDP. If, however, anybody or group feels offended by my continued membership, I will offer an unreserved apology but continue to remain in the party. “I have had occasions to say to the president, the Senate President and the party chairman separately that I have no quarrel with any individual or group in the party. There are, for me, issues of principle, morality, honour, integrity, commitment and character, which are paramount. “I have national and international standard to maintain and reputation to keep and sustain. For these reasons, I opted to remain active only at the ward level of the party till the leadership does the needful. “But under no condition will my commitment to Nigeria be diminished. And, for me, it is commitment to Nigeria first and any other commitment can only follow in second or third place. Where any other commitment is in tandem with what I see and understand as commitment to Nigeria, such other commitment will share a pride of place with Nigeria. “I must hasten to thank the president, the Senate President and the chairman of PDP with whom, at their instances, these issues have been discussed and laid to rest. My interest and commitment to Nigeria go beyond partisan politics. “Today, Nigeria needs all hands on deck to deal with our pressing problems of security. These are issues of concern to most Nigerians. We all need to join hands to move Nigeria forward. I don’t need to be begged for that. “Rather, I beg and appeal to those who are begging me to realise that we must put Nigeria’s interest above politics – party or personal – otherwise, we will all be judged at the bar of history if not the bar of current affairs. In addition, we must preserve, sustain and deepen democracy and democratic practices,” he said.

Ogundipe emerges PDP S/West zonal chairman

THE South West Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at its zonal congress on Saturday, elected Chief Makanju Ogundipe from Ekiti State as its new zonal chairman and national vice chairman. He replaced Chief Ishola Filani, who had held the position since 2012. Other officers elected at the congress, supervised by Senator Emmanuel Anozike, included Chief Pegba Otemolu from Ogun State, secretary; Lanre Orimoloye from Ondo, treasurer; Gabriel Gbesedo from Lagos, financial secretary; Alhaji Rasak Adekola from Oyo, auditor; Mr Wale Adeleke from Oyo, youth leader; and Mrs Atinuke Oyewole from Osun, women leader. Others included Mr Dare Omotoso from Ekiti State, public relations officer; Mr Supo Ojabadeniyi from Ondo State, legal adviser; and Femi Carena from Lagos State, Organising Secretary. Six zonal and national ex-officios were also elected.

Soldiers shoot selves •To avoid deployment to Boko Haram communities

AS the battle to rout out Boko Haram terrorists from communities seized in Adamawa State continues, military source have disclosed that some soldiers and officers are inventing pranks to avoid deployment to the battlefield. At the weekend, seven soldiers allegedly opened fire on different parts of their bodies and later claimed that Boko Haram terrorists shot them, but when medical examination was carried out on them, it was discovered that the shots were self-inflicted. The army high command has also discovered that information about its strategies and operational road map in the North East were being passed on to Boko Haram terrorists by orderlies and close aides of commanders on the field. It was gathered that some of the perpetrators of the crime had been arrested, while a board of inquiry had been set up to carry out further investigation, after which a court martial to try them would be set up. The source revealed that many of the soldiers had devised means, so as not to be set for battlefield, while others faked strange ailments. It was reliably gathered that the alleged attack on seven soldiers at the weekend were carefully masterminded by the troops, so as to look as if the Boko Haram, terrorists actually attacked them. The source disclosed that when the soldiers were brought to the hospital in Adamawa, the injuries were fresh, while the bullets just pierced through the flesh to the other side, with no bone affected. Nigerian Tribune also gathered that the troops had started pushing out the insurgents from the zone, with the arrival of the new equipment.

I Did Not Tear Ballot Papers During PDP S/west Congress —alao-akala - Politics

THE former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has described as untrue the report that he tore ballot papers during the South-West congress. “Otunba Alao Akala did not tear any ballot paper but expressed his dissatisfaction and merely protested against fraudulent manipulation of the lists with the intent to save Oyo PDP from the hands of some cabals who want to impose their candidate and hijack everything for their selfish and political ambition.” His spokesperson, Abraham Ojo, while reacting to the report through a press statement on Sunday said report in a newspaper did not present the true situation of what transpired during the event. According to him “prior to the congress there was a unity list from Oyo State in which all the party leaders in the state signed but only to discover that it has been fraudulently doctored and the name of Otunba Alao-Akala nominee has been removed and was replaced by another name. “Otunba Alao-Akala decided to protest against this so as to resolve the matter immediately and not to plunge the party into another legal battle which has been responsible for the crisis that has been bedevilling the party for some time now and also to save the party from the hands of the cabals whose interest is to destroy the party by imposing their people on the wills of the majority.” Ojo maintained that “the moves to fraudulently manipulate the lists further exposed the clandestine move of some group of people in the PDP who are hell bent on making sure PDP losses if they failed in their desperate bid to secure the party’s governorship ticket. “It is instructive to point out that his protest yielded immediate result as the original candidate’s name was restored putting into shame the perpetrators of the fraudulent acts who changed the unity list as earlier agreed upon by the leaders of the party. “Alao-Akala is a leader that believes in equity and justice, those who always go by the decisions of the majority to entrench peaceful coexistence of all and sundry and the progress of the party, state and the nation at large. “He equally called on party faithful and leaders in the state to be mindful of any action(s) that may affect the chances of the PDP in 2015 and at the same time keep an eye on some of the identified unscrupulous elements in the party who are pursuing selfish and non common goal of the party.” He, however, commended the leadership of the party in the South-West including Prince Buruji Kasamu, Ekiti State governor elect, Ayodele Fayose and others who ensure that evil plans did not manifest. Source:- www.tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/18468-i-did-not-tear-ballot-papers-during-pdp-s-west-congress-alao-akala

No Bra Day (october 13) - Health

Have you heard the latest news? According to a KISS FM report published on Oct. 10, a controversial event is now just a few hours away and many are ready to celebrate. Oct. 13 is No Bra Day, an annual “holiday” that encourages women to set the "girls" free in "support" of October's National bosom Cancer Awareness Month. While the occasion may be liberating (and so much more comfortable) for some women, the event is not without controversy. In fact, some find the event quite offensive. But No Bra Day helps raise awareness about a very important cause - bosom cancer. bosom cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. Despite the many advances in cancer treatment and great progress over the years, the cause of bosom cancer is still unknown. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that more than 230,000 women will be diagnosed with bosom cancer this year and 40,000 will die. But many do survive bosom cancer. In fact, 89 percent survived five or more years after being diagnosed between 2004 and 2010. Finding cancer early by regular self-exams and mammograms can save your life. Know the known risks and talk to your doctor about scheduling a mammogram. National bosom Cancer Awareness Month helps raise awareness and supports bosom cancer research, but also honors those who have lost the fight. Whether or not you plan to participate in No Bra Day by going braless on Oct. 13, the fight against cancer continues. http://www.examiner.com/article/no-bra-day-go-braless-and-set-the-girls-free

No Bra Day (october 13) - Health

Jonathan, Zuma Open Talks Over Botched $15m Arms Deals. - Politics

Jonathan, Zuma Open Talks Over Botched $15m Arms Deals. …Obasanjo, Mbeki move to avert diplomatic impasse …FG may not release list of those who ferried cash to SA Following tension over the $15million botched arms deal, President Goodluck Jonathan and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma have opened up talks to avert diplomatic row. Also, ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Thabo Mbeki were said to have stepped into issues surrounding the arms deal. But there were strong indications that the Federal government will not release the names of those who ferried the $9.3million to South Africa for “strategic security reasons.” According to a highly-placed source in government, who spoke in confidence, the arms deal was being “treated at the presidential level” to avoid a diplomatic row. The source said: “The two leaders have discussed extensively in the last one and a half weeks on the arms deal and why the matter had to be handled at the diplomatic level. “The key point in their talks is that the two nations should not allow the issue to degenerate to a diplomatic row. I can tell you that Jonathan and Zuma have struck some understanding on how to treat the matter maturely without rubbishing the integrity of any of the two countries.” Responding to a question, the source added: “The federal government insisted that the deal had nothing to do with fraud or money laundering as being alleged. But it is not opposed to any investigation by the South African Government or agency. “The South African Government has pledged due process and fairness in managing the ongoing investigation. Certainly Nigeria is interested in having its cash back and this demand might require deeper diplomatic understanding.” It was however gathered that ex-Presidents Obasanjo and Mbeki have waded into the matter to avert what a source described as “diplomatic impasse.” Another source said: “Obasanjo and Mbeki who initiated Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in 1999 are worried that the arms deal might affect the robust economic relationship between both countries. “They do not want the situation to degenerate into a diplomatic row because for some time, there had been some distrust between the two nations arising from the disagreement on the late Muammar Ghadaffi; the election of the Chairman of AU Commission; Yellow Fever Vaccine debacle and deportation of Nigerians; the trial of Henry Okah; and the latest arms deal. The two former Presidents have decided to reach out to Jonathan and Zuma any moment from now.” But there were indications yesterday that the Federal Government is not ready to disclose the identities of the Israeli and Nigerian who ferried the controversial $9.3million cash-for- arms-deal to South Africa. A security chief said: “For strategic security reasons, we will not disclose the identities of these individuals. Apart from the insurgents being interested in them, some Western countries who lost the arms deal to those we engaged in South Africa might target them for business isolation. “There is no way a nation will expose those helping it to danger because of ‘crucial arms deal.’ The Anti-Terrorism Act allows the nation’s security agencies to take decisions in the overriding interest of the country.” http://thenationonlineng.net/new/jonathan-zuma-open-talks-over-botched-15m-arms-deals/

Nigerian Military Unleashes Full Weaponry Against Boko Haram (pics) - Politics

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Fire Burning Seriously At Molete Ibadan. TERRIBLE - Politics

Fire outbreak at molete bustop axis ibadan. So terrible. No fewer than sixty people were burnt beyond recognition this evening in Ibadan when a fuel tanker fell at the popular Molete Under-bridge, splashing its highly inflammable content on all objects in sight with an accompanying inferno. The accident that occurred around 9 pm left scores dead and many people injured with varied degrees of injury. When the Street Journal visited the scene of the accident, there was commotion as many people were still trying to find their wards and relatives that just passed though the area. Eye witness accounts have it that the fuel tanker that was coming from Challenge end of Molete had a break failure and the driver subsequently lost its control before it rammed into a pole under the bridge, resulting in the fire disaster. It was gathered at the scene of the accident that about dozens of Okada riders and some commuters were caught up in the ensued fire disaster. Traders by the roadsides particularly, the bread sellers were roasted like bush meat. All the adjoining streets had a fair share of the disaster as casualties figures are expected to rise as many people were caught unawares in their shops. A combined team of security operatives and the state emergency agencys were on ground to ensure that the number of casualties was drastically brought under control. its well o

Morocco Wants AFCON Cancelled Because Of Ebola - Sports -

Next year's Africa Cup of Nations is in doubt after the Moroccan Government called for the event to be cancelled due to the ongoing Ebola crisis in the continent. The north Africa country is due to host the three-week competition which is scheduled to kick off on January 17. Since the outbreak was first reported in west Africa in March of this year, more than 4,000 people have died from the virus. Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria are four African countries desperately trying to contain the disease. Morocco last staged the tournament 26 years ago but its government now want it cancelled for fear of the Ebola virus spreading to other parts of the continent. Their health ministry have lodged a request with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to call off the biennial competition. The CAF has already moved qualifying matches from those countries worst-hit by the virus. http://m.skysports.com/article/football//9512265 (Quote) (Report) (Like) (Share)

UPDATE: Amosun’s convoy in road crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Convoy of Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, was on Sunday involved in an accident around Sapade-Ajebo stretch at about 9.30am along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. A commercial bus loaded with foodstuffs, coming from the Ibadan end had rammed into one of the vehicles in the convoy occupied by some of the aides of the governor. The damaged vehicle was reportedly taken back to Abeokuta. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said there was no casualties and the governor is hale and hearty. He said, “The accident only involved one of the vehicles at the rear of the convoy. The governor is alive. All other officials are alive. It was just a minor thing. “We are already in Ekiti for the inauguration of the new Government House built by Governor Fayemi. Please, help us tell the people that the Governor is alive. The calls have been coming from people asking after his welfare.”

BREAKING NEWS :Gov Amosun's Convoy In Road Crash - Politics

No Change In 2015 Africa Cup Schedule Over Ebola – CAF - Sports

There will be no change made to the schedule of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations African football’s governing body the African Football Confederation (CAF)announced on Saturday despite hosts Morocco calling for its postponement over the Ebola crisis. The Moroccan health ministry had lodged a demand with CAF to postpone the January 17-February 8 competition as it involved countries affected by the Ebola virus. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/10/change-2015-africa-cup-schedule-ebola-caf/ http://cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=D1lozWSZ8RJEFgm6iR31DA%3d%3d

Genevieve Nnaji Vs Tiwa Savage: Who Is Hotter & Classier? - Celebrities

The two are among the most celebrated female entertainers in Nigeria. While Genevieve Nnaji is the most celebrated actress, Tiwa is the most celebrated female singer for now. So who is hotter and classier?

Sola Kosoko welcomes baby boy [PHOTO]

Actress Sola Kosoko Abina, daughter of jide Kosoko has delivered a baby boy. The Actress who tied the knot in January 2012 welcomed her first child on the 22nd of June, 2014 in Lagos. Confirming the news, Jide Kosoko who couldn’t hide his excitement said, ‘As expected, I am very excited and I feel blessed too. I can’s but thank God for his blessings in my life as well as my children and their families.” The baby is Kosoko’s seventh grandchild.

2015 Elections Ben Murray-Bruce To Contest For Bayelsa Senatorial

The Chairman of the Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce will reportedly contest for the chance to represent the Bayelsa-East senatorial district in the 2015 elections Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce , the Chairman of the Silverbird Group , will be vying for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the 2015 elections to represent the Bayelsa-East senatorial district. Mr. Murray-Bruce will compete with Dr. Daru Owei, a former General Manager of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, to be chosen as the party’s sole candidate, Punch reports. Both aspirants are said to be from the Akassa speaking group in Brass, where the senatorial seat has been zoned to. The former Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority sought to contest for the governorship of Bayelsa in 2011, also on the platform of the PDP, but was disqualified by the party.

Thomas Eric Duncan US Hospital Confirms Ebola Patient's Death, Issues Statement

Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the US, has died » . Duncan passed on at 7:51am this morning at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas . The hospital confirmed the death in a statement saying: It is with profound sadness and heartfelt disappointment that we must inform you of the death of Thomas Eric Duncan this morning at 7:51 am. Mr. Duncan succumbed to an insidious disease, Ebola. He fought courageously in this battle. Our professionals, the doctors and nurses in the unit, as well as the entire Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas community, are also grieving his passing. We have offered the family our support and condolences at this difficult time. The Texas Department of State Health Services also said in a statement: “The past week has been an enormous test of our health system, but for one family it has been far more personal. Today they lost a dear member of their family,” Duncan was confirmed to have Ebola on September 30 after arriving the US from Liberia 10 days earlier.

BREAKING! US Ebola Patient, Thomas Eric Duncan Is Dead

Thomas Eric Duncan, the Liberian man who tested positive » for Ebola on US soil becoming the country’s first case, has died Duncan reportedly succumbed to the disease on Wednesday, October 8 after his condition deteriorated and he had to be put on a ventilator and a kidney dialysis machine. » Reuters reports that a spokesperson for the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital has confirmed the Liberian's death. Duncan was diagnosed with Ebola on September 30 after arriving Dallas, Texas on September 20. He was said to have entered into critical condition » on October 4 before passing on today. The deceased initially went to the hospital when he became symptomatic but was sent away with just antibiotics despite stating that he had been to disease-ravaged Liberia. Duncan is the first person to die of Ebola in the US.

Update WHO To Officially Declare Nigeria Ebola Free

The World Health Organization (WHO) is likely to officially declare Nigeria Ebola-free later this week, Daily Mail reports. The standard period for declaring an outbreak over is 42 days and upon attainment of this, Nigeria and Senegal will be officially recognized as being free of the disease. Both countries were lauded for their efforts in combatting the disease after an earlier announcement that they had basically contained it. » Nigerian Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu declared the country Ebola-free on September 24, 2014. »

Ebola In US Liberian Patient “Fighting For His Life”

The first person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the US, Liberian Thomas Eric Duncan, is said to be fighting for his life in a Dallas hospital. Duncan has been placed on a ventilator and a kidney dialysis machine to help stabilize his health, the management of the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital said yesterday, October 7. According to Reuters, the hospital also added that the Liberian’s liver function had declined over the weekend. Duncan is reportedly being treated with the experimental drug, Brincidofovir . He was confirmed to have Ebola on September 30 after arriving Texas from Liberia 10 days earlier.

Ebola Outbreak Infected Corpses Abandoned On Sierra Leone’s Streets As Workers Strike Over Pay

The Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone is said to have worsened as burial teams have gone on strike leaving corpses of infected victims on the streets of the capital, Freetown. According to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation , the bodies were being left in homes and in public after the workers complained about being owed hazard pay for more than a week. Deputy Health Minister, Madina Rahman reportedly said during a radio interview today, October 8: “The health ministry is going to investigate the delay in the health workers not receiving their money,” The spokesperson for the ministry, Sidie Yahya Tunis also described the situation as being “very embarrassing” Corpses of Ebola victims are highly contagious and account for a large number of infections. The disease has killed over 3400 people in West Africa with Sierra Leone and Liberia suffering the worst casualties.

2015 Elections Gbemi Saraki To Contest For Governorship Of Kwara

Former federal legislator, Gbemi Saraki is set to contest the 2015 governorship elections in Kwara state, Premium Times reports. The ex-senator and sister to former Governor, Bukola Saraki will reportedly contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has already written a letter to the chairman of the state chapter of the party and its Elders’ Committee to that effect. The letter reads: “I have the pleasure to inform you that after several months of statewide consultations, I have resolved to contest for the position of the governor of Kwara State under the platform of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 General Elections,” Ms. Saraki said in the “Letter of Intent,” dated October 2. “This decision is informed, on the one hand, by calls by family members, friends and several thousands of members of our party who are convinced about my capacity to lead the state out of its present state of hopelessness and stagnation which the ruling party has deliberately thrown it into. “On the other hand, it is informed by the positive reactions received so far from majority of elders and stakeholders of our party, and other members of the public during my statewide consultations. “Thus, in obedience to their clarion calls, and a personal conviction that Kwara State can be better governed, I have decided to offer myself to the service of the good people of Kwara state.” Gbemi previously contested for governorship of the state in 2011 on the platform of the now defunct Alliance Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) but lost to Abdulfatah Ahmed of the PDP.

Chibok Girls 15 Soldiers To Be Charged Over Girls’ Abduction

The Nigerian Army is set to arraign 16 soldiers over the April 14 abduction of more than 200 girls from Chibok, Borno state . The soldiers, including 3 senior officers and 13 soldiers of lower ranks, are expected to appear before a General Court Martial at the Maxwell Khobe Military Cantonment, Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State after the Sallah festivities, Punch reports. Lieutenant Col. A. O. Ojo is reportedly being charged for failure to secure the Chibok community and for issuing an unauthorized statement regarding the girls’ purported rescue. The two other officers involved are Capt. O. O. Ogunrinde and 2nd Lieutenant V.I. Godknows. A source said: “The Lt. Colonel is being charged for allegedly giving information without verification, negligent performance of military duty and not going to reinforce the place where the incident took place. The charge attracts a maximum of two years’ imprisonment.” In confirming their impending arraignment, the source added: “Only Godknows and 13 soldiers were on duty in Chibok. They were not stationed within the school. No soldier was stationed in the school and they didn’t know that the school was in session.” “But I can confirm to you that the Army has concluded preparations to arraign them.” The abduction of the over 200 girls almost 6 months ago has led to severe criticism of the Nigerian Army, a situation which was made worse by claims that the girls had been rescued, claims which was later discovered to be false

Boko Haram 400 Terrorists, 70 Soldiers Die In Adamawa Battle

A heavy battle which broke out between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram terrorists yesterday, October 6 in Adamawa has reportedly left 400 terrorists and 70 soldiers dead. The fighting ensued in the towns of Bazza, Michika and Madagali in the state and was launched from Vimtim in a bid to retake the communities which had been overrun by Boko Haram. A military source confirmed to Vanguard that about 400 of the terrorists had been killed in the battle which was coordinated by Major General Mohammed Zaruwa , the General Officer Commanding of the 3rd division. The source said: “I can assure you that we are advancing successfully. We have dealt a heavy blow on the terrorists. They didn’t expect what they are seeing. Our armoured tanks are blasting and they are running for their lives. The airforce is providing air cover and hitting them also.” “I cannot give you a categorical answer regarding casualties but so far about 400 of the terrorists have been killed.” 70 soldiers were also said to have lost their lives in the battle, according to Sahara Reporters. A soldier who escaped from the battle reportedly told SR that the Nigerian troops had lost at least eight brand new Armored Personnel Carriers in the battle and that “the heavily armed Boko Haram militants used three helicopters to reinforce their ground attacks against Nigerian troops.”

Goodluck Jonathan President To Visit Niger Republic Over Terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan will today, October 7, 2014, visit neighbouring Niger Republic for a security summit with heads of some neighbouring countries. The meeting, under the umbrella of the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, will hold today in the Nigerien capital, Niamey. A statement released by the president’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Reuben Abati reads: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will undertake a one-day official visit to Niamey, capital of Niger Republic tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7, 2014 to participate in an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. President Jonathan and other participating Heads of State and Government are expected to review ongoing collaboration against terrorism and agree on further joint action to curb terrorism and insurgency within and across their national boundaries. It will be recalled that President Jonathan and the Heads of State and Government of the neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic resolved at a meeting in Paris in May this year to intensify joint efforts to curtail terrorism and violent extremism. At the Paris Summit hosted by President Francois Hollande of France in the aftermath of the dastardly abduction of the Chibok College girls, President Jonathan and neighbouring heads of state and government also agreed to establish joint anti-terrorism patrols and a system of sharing intelligence to support operations against terrorists and other cross- border criminals. They likewise agreed to create a dedicated team to draw up and advise on the implementation of a regional counter-terrorism strategy under the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. Benin Republic, which participated in the Paris Summit but is not a member of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, has been invited to the Niamey talks. The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established in 1964 by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon with the mandate of sustainably and equitably managing shared water resources of the Lake Chad Basin and promoting regional integration, peace and security across the Basin. President Jonathan who will be accompanied to Niamey by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the Chief Of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Barde and other senior government officials will return to Abuja at the conclusion of the one-day summit.

Boko Haram Terrorists Behead 7 In Borno

Members of Boko Haram are said to have attacked Ngamdu in Borno state and beheaded 7 residents 7 people have reportedly been left dead after they were beheaded by Boko Haram insurgents on Monday, October 6 in Ngamdu, Borno state. The brutal killings occurred during an overnight raid and residents confirmed to Vanguard that they woke up to discover the corpses. A member of the community, Musa Abor said: The gunmen “slit their (victims) throats just the way people slaughter goats” Abor also added that the victims had been beheaded, a claim which was reportedly confirmed by an official of the state. Boko Haram recently released a video in which the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau dismisses claims of his death » and the beheading of a Nigerian pilot is shown » .

Ebola Virus Man Who Discovered Disease Opens Up

Dr. Peter Piot discovered and named the Ebola virus after an infected woman’s blood was handed to him in 1976. The woman was a Belgian nun who worked in Zaire , now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the first case of the disease was recorded. Piot is now one of the world's leading infectious diseases experts and he opened up to Vox America’s » Julia Belluz on the current Ebola outbreak and why it has gotten out of control. Excerpts below: Julia Belluz: You've been working on Ebola since you co-discovered the virus in 1976. For nearly 40 years, this disease has largely been ignored by the international community except for brief flashes of interest, mostly spurred by Hollywood. Now we are seeing unprecedented attention and political galvanization around Ebola. What changed? Peter Piot : In the 38 years since 1976 until this current outbreak, there have been something like 1,500 people who died in total. So that's less than 50 deaths per year. Up to now, it was not a real public health problem. This year, nearly 3,000 have died. All 24 previous outbreaks were both time and place limited to very confined communities. Even in the worst case, Ebola would kill 300 people. Here it has involved entire countries, and it has been going on for over nine months now. JB: But the death toll was rising rapidly for months before the international community responded. What do you think finally sparked collective action? PP : It was the Americans getting Ebola, I'm afraid. Beyond that, I don't know what changed it, really. Early in the second or third week of July, I gave an interview with CNN and I said this crisis requires a state of emergency and a quasi-military operation. After the interview, I thought maybe I exaggerated. But I felt that it was really getting out of hand and it looked like a completely different type of Ebola outbreak than we'd seen before. Then it took another month, so I really don't know. JB: Before this year, could you have imagined an Ebola outbreak of this size? PP : I never thought it would get this big. I always thought it was an accident of history where someone becomes infected — from a bat probably — and then an outbreak is contained. Ebola came and went. I really never thought this could happen. But it shows again: when the right, or bad conditions are all combined with each other, then these things will happen again. JB: We've seen a surge in the number of deaths now for weeks with no sign that the virus is slowing down. Why do you think this outbreak spun so far out of control? PP : I think this is a result of a perfect storm of a lack of trust in authorities, in western medicine, dysfunctional health services, a belief in witchcraft as cause of disease and not viruses, traditional funeral rites, and a very slow response both nationally and internationally. The longer we wait, the longer there is an insufficient response, the worse it will get, the more difficult it will be to control this epidemic through quarantine and isolation and all the methods that worked in the past. JB: Most of what you point out here has to do with things that we had no control over — an accident of geography, local beliefs. Can you point to a place where the ball was dropped in this Ebola response, something that should have been done to minimize the suffering in West Africa? PP : It took more than three months to diagnosis the epidemic. The first case was in December and then they only diagnosed that it was Ebola in March. But then it took far too long before the international community did anything. That goes from the WHO, to the US, and UK governments. It took 1,000 deaths before a public health emergency was declared by the WHO, and cynically it took two American doctors to become infected. I think that's where particularly the local office of the WHO was inadequate, that's for sure. But it's not just WHO. It's the member states of the WHO, the ones who decide about the budget at the WHO. JB: What do you think will be the lessons learned from this epidemic? PP : This outbreak has highlighted the fact that we need to make sure we are far better equipped for epidemics in general. There will be others. But the good news is also that experimental therapies and vaccines for Ebola are now being tested for their efficacy so I think that's positive. For the next outbreak, we should have stockpiles of vaccines and therapies.

Asari Dokubo Former Militant Denies Involvement In $9.3M Arms Deal

Former militant, Asari Dokubo has denied recent claims that he was aboard a jet which was used to smuggle $9.3 million (1,530,315,047.44) into South Africa for an arms deal Following accusations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) about his participation in the smuggling of $9.3 million (1,530,315,047.44), supposedly for an arms deal, into South Africa, former militant Asari Dokubo has said that the claims are false. The APC in a statement made available by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, alleged that Asari Dokubo was aboard the private jet which was used to smuggle the cash into SA. Asari Dokubo however denied the allegations saying that he hadn’t visited South Africa since 2002. The former militant, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2014 Hajj, reportedly reacted to the APC’s assertions via a telephone interview with journalists. He said: “Can you enter any country without a visa? No person can enter any country without a visa. Presently, I am in Saudi Arabia performing my Hajj as the Amirul Hajj of Bayelsa State and this can be confirmed. I flew Flynass from Kaduna on the 27th. So, it is really a shame that Lai Mohammed who has defiled the name of Allah has become a pathological and award-winning liar. “Nobody enters any country without a visa and I have not been to South Africa since 2002. My passport is present. I flew Arik airline from Lagos on the 27th and went to Kaduna where I flew Flynass airline and came to Saudi Arabia. “APC has reduced itself to a party of liars just the same way their presidential candidate, notorious liar and confirmed dictator, General Buhari, stage managed an assassination in order to gain cheap popularity and where more than 100 people were killed and he has not been put on trial. The evil they wish me will be visited on their home.” The private jet carrying the cash was intercepted by South African authorities and two Nigerians and an Israeli, who were on board, were arrested. The passengers of the jet, which belongs to President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor, are yet to be identified.

Ebola Update Screening Begins At US JFK Airport

The arrival in the US of an Ebola-infected Liberian has caused panic in the States leading the government to order that passengers from affected countries be screened before entry into the country Ebola screening has begun at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport as new measures have been put in place to prevent the disease from spreading in the US. Passengers from the three worst affected West African countries, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, are being subjected to checks by health workers using questionnaires and temperature guns. JFK is reportedly the first US airport to begin the screening after an infected Liberian man, Thomas Duncan arrived in Texas on September 20 and died of the disease on October 8. The screenings are being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ebola has claimed more than 4000 lives in West Africa and the World Health Organization has said that the outbreak is entrenched and accelerating.

#CAPisthefuture powered by Bank of Industry Limited, Nigeria

"We plan to finance about 1,000 projects under this Fund. We have identified the priority products for each state and have assembled a number of partners for the effective operation of this Fund" ~ Rasheed Olaoluwa, Managing Director, Bank of Industry Limited, Nigeria About the Cottage Agro Processing (CAP) Fund: BOI is establishing a Cottage Agro-Processors (CAP) Fund to support the establishment of cottage agro processing plants that will produce food products and raw materials for industries within and outside the Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZs) across Nigeria. The Rationale: · Agriculture is the main stay of the Nigerian economy. · Every state is blessed with agricultural produce where it has comparative advantage. · The sector enjoys the support of the Federal Government. · Aligns with the Federal Governments Agricultural Transformation Agenda, National Enterprise Development Programme, Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, etc. · Increase revenue through fees and interest income. · Enhance goodwill by supporting agricultural production and rural development. · The anticipated risks are dimensioned and mitigated by the transaction structure. · Create employment. Who can access the Fund? The Fund will be accessed by Limited Liability Companies, Enterprises and Cooperative Societies engaged in the processing of agricultural products either into finished food products or raw materials for industry or for the export market. What are the projected Impacts of the Fund: The fund shall be deployed for the supply and installation of equipment for an estimated 1,000 (One thousand) cottage mills across the country. A minimum number of 20-30 mills per state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Projects must be located in the areas with comparative advantages in terms of the available agricultural raw materials within each state. This is expected to create a minimum of 5,000 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs for Nigerians: total (20,000). Requirements to Access the Fund: A comprehensive list of the equipment required for the processing of each derivative, estimated cost as well as the list of suppliers and their locations can be downloaded here. Other products not listed, but are available in abundance can be considered on their merit. Access to Market: As part of the requirements, each applicant is to provide the following market related information: · Identification of the basic agricultural raw material(s) to be used, the location where the raw materials will be sourced from and the annual volume available in that location · Product offering (What end-product will the agricultural products be processed into as food products and/or raw materials for industry use?) · Target customers · Value proposition (what are the key selling points?) · Strategies for generating revenue Terms and Procedures to Access the Cottage Agro Processing (CAP) Fund: · Interest Rate: 9% per annum · Fees: 1% Processing fee (full payment at approval and subsequent payment on the outstanding balance at the beginning of each year) · Tenor: 5 Years · Moratorium: 6 months (from date of loan disbursement) Procedure: · Customer requests for the facility and if approved an offer is made by BOI to customer based on approved terms and conditions. · Customer accepts the offer and meets all conditions precedent to draw down, including deposit of 20% Equity contribution into designated account · BOI disburses the 70% loan in tranches direct to approved contractors and suppliers in line with agreed milestones · Upon completion, MSME-friendly partner bank provides 10% working capital · Customer is responsible for running of the plant and full repayment. I am ready where do I start from? Download all Requisite Documents now! Connect with Bank of Industry Limited, Nigeria on Social media: Blog:www.boinigeria.com/capfund Twitter:www.twitter.com/BOINigeria Facebook:www.facebook.com/BankofIndustryNigeria Photo Reference: · BOI Flyer by Bank of Industry Nigeria · Infographics by Blossom Nnodim: http://www.blossomnnodim.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CAP-Fund.

BBA winner Dilish bares boobs in traditional Himba Culture wear

The Namibian beauty and BBA winner shared photos from her visit with the women of Namibia's Himba tribe, considered the last (semi-) nomadic people of Namibia. Dilish went to spend time with them and they shared their culture with her. See more photos after the cut...

Oluchi, Deola Sagoe, others step out to celebrate Tiffany Amber @15

Oluchi, Deola Sagoe, Lanre Da Silva, Ene Maya, Ifeoma Williams, Ruth Osime, Toke Makinwa, Omawumi and plenty others stepped out tonight as fashion power house, Tiffany Amber, owned by Folake Coker, celebrated its 15 years in the fashion industry. See what the celebs wore to the event after the cut...