Saturday, November 30, 2013

The Lagos State Government on Saturday said it would demolish structures built under electric transmission cables across the state.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, stated this while monitoring the monthly sanitation in Ayobo/Ipaja area of the state.

He said building under high tension installations was fraught with grave danger, adding that it also constituted environmental nuisance.

Bello said government could not afford to watch residents endangered their lives, adding that officials would soon remove the illegal structures.

"In fact, I have instructed the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to deal with that.

"Ordinarily, how can people erect structures under high tension cable?

"We have said time and time again that people shouldn't build under the high tension cables and poles because it is dangerous, but they won't listen.

"And some of these people still ask us for amenities like drainages and so on. Who will ever do that? We are sorry we cannot do drainage for people under high tension '', Bello said.

The commissioner warned residents against building on flood plains, saying the practice threatened lives and the environment.

He advised residents against dumping refuse in drains and canals as doing so could cause flooding.

The commissioner said the government was building new drains and expanding the capacities of existing canals to prevent flooding.

He appealed to residents to co-operate with government in improving the environment by abiding with environmental laws.

Chairman of Ayobo/Ipaja Local Council Development Authority, Mr Shakiru Yusuf, said flooding was a major problem in the area.

According to him, most of the residents were confined to their homes most times during rainy seasons as the area was always flooded.

"We, therefore, appeal to the state government to come up with urgent intervention to end this perennial problem'', he said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, said the government was committed to the transformation of Ipaja/Ayobo and the rest of Alimosho.

He said the ongoing rehabilitation of Ipaja/Ayobo road and execution of other projects demonstrated that commitment.

Johnson appealed for patience on the road, saying the council was doing everything possible to ensure its early completion.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Before I write this article, let me add that this article is in no way to cause enmity between the Igbo tribe and any other tribe.

This article is purely opinionated, and in no means, a tool to cause hated or controversy.

When Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state embarked on his task of 'deporting' some Igbos from Lagos, I kept asking myself why? What could have happened?

Little wonder why the Igbos kicked against that move.

Then came the great Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who tried and still tries to champion the cause that a certain Yoruba tribe is very superior to the Igbo tribe.

It is only natural for one to tilt towards sentiment in issues like this, but facts needs to be taken into cognisance.


Personally, I have been privileged to have an encounter with Nigerians from different tribes. I have Igbo friends, Yoruba friends, Hausa friends, Akwa Ibom friends, Urhobo friends, and my friends from Rivers state.

But one tribe strikes a bell in my head, which is the Igbo tribe.

I might not be an Igbo person, but I have had an affinity for Igbo people.

I remember when I was in secondary school, my Igbo teacher (Can't remember her name now) liked me so much because I passed her subject with flying colours.

I was on of the best Igbo students in my class because I took a keen interest in the subject.

Even in my Junior School Certificate Examination, I took Igbo as a subject, and did pretty well in it.


Well the Igbos might not be in the good books of most Nigerians, judging from the Civil War which was led by the Late Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu of blessed memory. A gallant soldier who peered into the future and tried to rescue the Igbos from marginalisation. Though he wasn't fully successful, but I can boldly say that he fought for a good cause, and the Igbos are presently enjoying that cause.

I bet to disagree with Governor Fashola on the notion that queried why most Igbos don't sit back in their own land and develop it rather than coming to Lagos.

Need I remind the Governor that there is no law that prevents any Nigerian from carrying out his or her duty in any state of choice.

The notion that Lagos belongs to the Yorubas as postulated by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is not entirely correct.


If we were to dig the history books about Lagos, you will agree with me that so many tribes in the country can lay claim to Lagos.

The Binis can lay claim to Lagos, even those from Cotonou can lay claim to Lagos. The Yorubas can also lay claim to Lagos. The Igbos too can lay claim to Lagos.

So my conclusion is that Lagos is "No Man's Land."

Do not forget too that Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, hence the large infulx of most Nigerians to Lagos.

So I see no reason why the Igbos cannot come and conduct their business legitimately here.

Moving on, I must say without any form of bias, that the Igbo tribe is one I respect so much.
I have quite a number of Igbo friends, and I must say that I get on with them so much.

Even during my NYSC days, I had two very good Igbo friends.

Inter tribal issues play a great role in our relationship with people, but it is very imperative to state here that understanding is key.

You can never get along with people without understanding.

Ever wondered why the Igbos do so well in Lagos?

Look no further.. I have come to notice that almost, if not all Igbos who come to Lagos are successful in whatever they do.

Two things work for the Igbos. One is DEDICATION and HARDWORK.


An ordinary Igbo man is very hardworking and dedicated to any line of business he or she finds himself.

I have been to various markets in Lagos and found out that the Igbos dominate those markets, buying and selling and conducting business.

I have had quite a number of Igbo clients I conduct business with, and I must say that the way they conduct their business is very fascinating and inspiring.

An Igbo business man looks into the future.

I remember a certain day I wanted to buy something in one market in Ikeja, I stumbled upon a shop owned by an Igbo man. He didn't have what I was looking for. Can you believe this man left his shop and followed me to scour the market and made sure I got what I was looking for?

He even made me to get it at a cheaper price.

That is what I call being futuristic!!!


I had to even give him a tip and collect his number and I promised to patronise him some other time.

You just need to get close to an Igbo man to understand him, and the rest is history.


There was this professor in my university days, he was such a very loving and friendly man. I didn't like the subject he taught, but I was forced to take keen interest in it just because of this man.

The Igbos are very caring, loving and most importantly, friendly.


A check on the Entertainment industry in Nigeria is mostly dominated by the Igbos. A check on the Academic industry is mostly dominated by the Igbos.

You will also agree with me that a check on every strata of the Nigerian economy is mostly dominated by the Igbos.

They are very successful not because of where they reside, but because they are a dedicated, hardworking bunch of people.


Of course, every tribe has its own shortcomings.

I have heard people say that an Igbo man agrees to disagree.

The Igbos are tribalistic... The Igbos are this and that. But personally, I haven't had any terrible encounter with any of my Igbo friends, as I get along with them seamlessly.


No tribe is perfect, but it takes understanding to live in peace and harmony.

Let me end this piece by saying that anybody is free to live anywhere in the country and conduct his or her business legitimately.

I am inspired by the Igbos and I wish most tribes can take a cue from the Igbos too.


Cheers to the weekend!!!!

JimCaddy

Saturday, November 30, 2013

***I guess one of the principles of Bureaucracy is at play here***


The Lagos state government has suspended the Principal of Ikeja Grammar School, Lagos, for allowing a reporter into the school to take pictures of the school's terrible state of furnitures.

Punch newspaper, last Saturday reported with photos, the negligence of the school by the state Ministry of Education. Pupil were seen in the pictures taking lessons through the windows, while some turned the widows to their class desks.

But having been embarrassed by the report, the state government suspended the school principal for allowing a journalist to take pictures of classes and students.

Even with the report that the Principal was not on seat when the journalist visited the school, top officials of the Education Ministry have decided to hold him responsible for the revelation.

A teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the principal was removed from her position just to punish her over the report that went viral.


The teacher said, "This is more serious than you think; you have put this school in trouble. The education 'oga' (commissioner) and other state officials summoned the principal on Monday and she has been removed from her position.

"She was asked to start reporting to the office of the permanent secretary of the ministry of education as from Tuesday."

Relatively, it has been revealed that another teacher who was in class when the photographs were taken has equally been queried. She is to explain how a Journalist could be allowed into the classroom when she was in class.

Another source has revealed that a teacher, a head of department, is also facing the ministry's 'fire' with regard to the said publication.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, having read the story admitted that the school was facing some challenges, and had promised to tackle the issue of furniture immediately.

She said, "Thank you for your observation; as I write, chairs are being supplied and before too long, it will go round the schools,"

However report says no new chairs have been supplied to the school as at Friday evening.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Wale was on air with Toolz of Beat FM on Thursday and this is the reason he gave why he'd never been to Nigeria before now:



"I grew up poor. We lived in DC, in the projects.

"Getting a ticket to Nigeria on $20, 000 income yearly, to my family that wasn't really... you know...like I was a 15 year old with a decent job, I'm not going to save up to go to Nigeria. That wasn't what I was thinking when I was that age. And then I was in college and the money tight right then. And then I get this record deal when I dropped out of school, you're running around so much you don't even have time to see your own parents"

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Strong indications have emerged that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos have acquisced to the request of Christians in the state for a Christian governor in 2015. The candidate of choice is Ayo Gbeleyi, the present Commissioner of Finance in the administration of quintessential Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

The decision to present a Christian candidate emerged after due consultations with eminent Christian leaders and clerics who have promised to mobilise other faithfuls to vote enmasse for the party if a Christian emerges as gubernatorial candidate in the state. The leadership of the All Progressives Congress after a thorough search have found a willing and reliable Christian candidate in Ayo Gbeleyi, a thoroughbred professional known for his exceptional brilliance and intelligence.

Since the searchlight has beamed on Gbeleyi, Christian leaders are delighted that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not only heeded to their demands but responded accordingly. They had argued that Moslems have successively governed the state since the inception of democracy.  It is just fair and equitable to allow a Christian to govern Lagos, given the fact that succesive governors of the state since 1999 that democracy returned have been Moslems.

Besides, they argued that the three Senatorial seats are occupied by Moslems.

The call for a Christian governor, observers of politics in the state reasoned is not to ignite any religious crisis but to ensure balance and equity. Observers opined that the efforts of successive administrations in the state in the areas of governance, accountability and reliability are not and should not be exclusive of faith or religion.

A thoroughbred candidate like Gbeleyi, they posited, is equally suitable for the exalted post. With his pedigree and insights in public service, finance, procurement, constrtuction, project management, etc, he is, no doubt, a round peg in a round hole. 

It could be recalled that he singlehandedly planned and made a major breakthrough with his well-thoughout Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in Lagos. While he served as the Director-General of the parastatal, he also doubled as the Senior Adviser to the Executive Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on the project.

Overtime, his visionary leadership amid pressure, necessity and even adversity on several projects in his purview yielded unprecedented positivity and growth that sooner than ever, Lagos becomes an envy spot in PPP. 

Commendable is his ability to work seamlessly with the Ministries Department Agencies (MDAs) to realise and institutionalise Lagos of our dream and the government strides to make the state a Megacity is achieved. The beauty and elegance we see in the services of the Bus Rapid Transit, (BRT), Lekki-Epe Toll Concession, the Independent Power Plant, Oluwole and Tejuoso Market Developments, Adeniran Ogunsanya Ultra Modern Shopping and Retail Commercial Centres are some of the lofty ideas he has shared and executed with the support of the purposeful leadership in the saddle of governance in the state.

Asiwaju after wide consultations with all interest groups and political blocs in the state is optimistic that Gbeleyi with his background can effortlessly manage the internally generated revenue of over N18billion of the state aand continue in the stride of previous governnments to make Lagos an enviable commercial base. It takes a visionary leader to fish out a promising successor. Asiwaju Tinubu, from all ramifications have proven that he knows one when he sees one. His ability and confidence in his choice of BRF as his successor has proven his insightful leadership. He will not go wrong with Ayo Gbeleyi.

According to reliable sources, Gbeleyi, in readiness for the task ahead, has not only received the nod of formidable stakeholders in politics, he has built a financial war chest in excess of N8 billion to prosecute his electionering campaign. His readiness from all fronts, our sources hinted, gives Asiwaju a strong conviction that he is the man for the job and other contenders are pretenders. He has also built a formidable media team to actualise his dream.

For Gbeleyi, it has been a calculated rise to the top. His recent appointment on the recommendation of his immediate past boss, the former Finance Commissioner, Hon. Tokunbo Abiru, the express approval by the Executive Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and the state's Assembly speak volume of his character and disposition towards public service. With his record of service, wisdom and support from all stakeholders and the people of Lagos State, Hon. Ayo Gbeleyi is poised to steer the ship of the state to greater heights.


Source: Nigeriafilms.com

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Edo State PDP has released a press statement, condenming the state governor for insulting a widow by asking her to go die out of anger for not respecting the law. In the statement, the Edo State PDP invite the widow to visit the PDP secretariat in the state to receive the sum of N250,000.

For many years PDP ruled the state, they didn't set up an endowment fund for the widows in the state and now they are using the mis-guarded utterance of the governor as their political tools for next election. Isn't it funny that it took the misbehavior of the governor for the PDP to remember the existence of the widow.


PDP ENDOWMENT FUND FOR OPPRESSED WIDOW


Edo PDP watched with consternation, Governor Adams Oshiomhole's brutal, inhuman and merciless treatment of a widow street-trader whose wares he ordered seized and who he unfeelingly told to '…go and die' even as she knelt down in fervent protestations and appeals to his pity on a helpless widow.

The governor's actions are appalling, insensate, disgraceful, indecent, cruel and below board. It is clear that he does not care much about the well being of the people as he pretentiously avowed.

Our hearts go to that hapless widow in this her time of travails and through her, to other widows who have been oppressed by the unfriendly policies of the administration in Edo State.


The PDP, Edo State will not let any Edo person 'to go and die' if it can help it, especially not hardworking people like that widow who are engaged in lawful enterprises that are, in themselves, not easy to carry on. To this end, our party has instituted an endowment fund for all widows and oppressed people in the state and by this release, we invite the widow captured in the video of the encounter with Governor Oshiomhole to come to the PDP Secretariat on No. 70, Sapele Road, at 11am on Tuesday December 3, 2013 to receive a first-installment sum of N250,000.00 to cushion the pain, trauma and loss occasioned by her mistreatment and the seizure of the items she sells.

Governance is about the people and as a responsible National Institution, Edo PDP cannot be unconcerned about the wrong treatment of indigenes of the state to whom the present administration promised heaven just to win their votes. We will continue to stand in the gap to ensure that Edo people are deservedly fairly treatment.

If Governor Oshiomhole believes that Edo People sinned by voting him into office, let him remember that he will account for his actions, if not to the people because he apparently does not think much of them, but to God Almighty in the short or long run.

We thank all those who have been humanely concerned about the plight of the widow and have stood out vehemently against the crying shame that was the insensitive action of a governor who seems bent on repaying electoral favor with ingratitude.

Signed.
Chief Dan Osi Orbih
Chairman, PDP
Edo State.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

A massive moral and legal burden hangs over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today as it insists on proceeding with the controversial supplementary governorship election in Anambra State.


Dr. Chris Ngige,the candidate of the All Progressive Party (APC), Mr.Ifeanyi Ubah of Labour Party (LP) and Comrade Tony Nwoye, Peoples Democratic party (PDP) have opted out of the supplementary poll.


They are demanding outright cancellation of the November 16 election, which they said was characterised by fraud.


The candidate of APGA, Chief Willie Obiano, has however endorsed the conduct of the election.


Mr. Ubah has already gone to court to challenge the legality of the supplementary election.

He says Supplementary election is not known to the 1999 Constitution.

He has secured an order for accelerated hearing in the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
His counsel, Mr.Olagoke Fakunle (SAN), in a letter to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday drew the chairman's attention to the "processes filed in that action" and for him to "respond to these processes not later than the 6th of December 2013."


He said: "You would have noticed that amongst the processes is a Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction restraining you from conducting any further election in Anambra State with regard to the office of the Governor of the State,until the court has had an opportunity to review the legality of your pre-election processes towards that election.

"It was for the reason of the urgency and importance of this action that the Federal High Court ,on 28th November 2013, made an order to abridge the time within which you and other Defendants may file your responses to both the application for injunction and the originating summons. The court also granted accelerated hearing of the matter by adjourning the hearing to 9th December, 2013."

The court order and the pendency of both the motion and substantive suit, Fakunle said, "have activated the doctrine of lis pendens."

He added: "The doctrine of lis pendens precludes you from taking any steps in furtherance of your planned supplementary or other election in Anambra State with regard to the office of governor of the state until the Court has determined the application for injunction and the legality of your pre-election processes and the planned supplementary election itself."

He asked for the postponement of today's supplementary election to "avoid a situation whereby you would have foistered a fait accompli on the court and the court in response will therefore be constrained to void everything you have done including the outcome of the proposed supplementary election."

Saturday, November 30, 2013

All roads lead to Ago Iwoye, Ogun State as the mother of Entertainment gurus,Keke Ogungbe, KSB and Prof ID Ogungbe will be buried today.



The programme of activities reads:



The Onanuga and Ogungbe  families of Ago Iwoye in Ogun state announce the passage to greater glory of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Otunba, (MRS) Leticia Onajoke Ogungbe, aged 81 years.



The late Iya Ijo of Methodist Cathedral Church, Imere, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state slept in the Lord on Tuesday November 12, 2013.         
 





Burial arrangements are as follow: 



Thursday November, 28;  Service of songs at No. 218A Ondo-Benin Rd, Imoru Junction, Ijebu-Ode. Time: 5pm  



Friday November, 29, 2013; Wake-keep at 5pm 



Saturday 30, 2013; Burial service at Methodist Cathedral Church, Imere Ago-Iwoye. Time:-10:00am.  

Interment at 12 noon at the church premises.

      
Outing/Thanksgiving Service at Methodist Church Cathedral Imere Ago-Iwoye. Immediately after interment.

Reception/ Entertainment of Guests- Venue: Imososi Methodist Primary School Field. 













ANNOUNCER: Chief (Mrs) Moji Dokpesi for the families.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Gay couples should be allowed to have their relationships blessed in church, the Church of England said yesterday.

Bishops should lift their official ban on ceremonies to mark civil partnerships and the relationships of gay and lesbian churchgoers, a long-awaited CofE report said.

It signalled an end to the Church's longstanding insistence that gay relationships are sinful and less worthy than heterosexual marriage.

The report, written by former civil servant Sir Joseph Pilling and a team of senior churchmen and women, may now open the way for a reversal of the CofE's opposition to same-sex marriage and the eventual appointment of actively homosexual priests and bishops.

It was published seven months after the Church first indicated it is looking at 'accommodations' for same-sex couples and four months after the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, told Church leaders that 'we must accept there is a revolution in the area of sexuality.'

Archbishop Welby said yesterday that bishops will now 'consider the report and decide how such a process might best be shaped.'

In its key paragraph the Pilling report declared: 'We believe there can be circumstances where a priest, with the agreement of the parish, should be free to mark the formation of a permanent same-sex relationship in a public service but should be under no obligation to do so.'

Friday, November 29, 2013

AC Milan vice-president, Adriano Galliani, has confirmed that he will resign from his position, after 27 years at the club.

Speaking to Italy's ANSA news agency, Galliani revealed he would be tendering his resignation in the next few days and will leave the Serie A club, "whether we reach an agreement on a pay-off settlement or not."

"I've suffered grave damage to my person," Galliani said. "This is not the way to deal with a generation change. It should be done with elegance. I will be resigning with just cause in the coming days, or maybe I will wait until after the Champions League game with Ajax [on Dec. 11]."

Galliani, alongside Berlusconi, presided over five Champions League triumphs and eight Serie A titles, but have seen the Rossoneri begin this season in terrible form – they now occupy the worst league position at this stage of a season since 1981.

Galliani however feels he will be departing with his head high, having delivered success to the club.


"It's been said that Milan spend their money badly and we don't have a scouting network like Roma and Fiorentina," Galliani is quoted as saying by the Gazzetta dello Sport. "Well, Roma only qualified for the Champions League once in the past five years while Fiorentina didn't make it once.

"Milan have not made a loss in the past two years while other clubs have mountains of debt. Last year, all of our youth teams made it to the final four. Big presidents from abroad are all calling me, asking me what is going on because they cannot understand it.

"I went to Madrid this summer to sign Kaka without any appointment and they threw open the doors to the offices of Real for me. When I went to Barcelona in August 2010 to sign [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, president [Sandro] Rosell cut short his family holidays on purpose to greet me."

Despite the sense of bitterness at his exit, Galliani insists he will continue to support the club.

"Stepping down before the Ajax game seemed too hostile an act towards the team, who I will support for the rest of my life," said the 69-year-old. "My affection for the president Berlusconi is unchanged and unchangeable."

Friday, November 29, 2013

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo today Friday November 29th apologized for the comments he made to a widow in Benin during an inspection tour on Mission Road, in the state capital, a fortnight ago.

Oshiomhole said that he now regretted the comments which had become the subject of discourse in the social media. The Governor said that he made the comments in anger.

The governor's apology was made when the leadership of the Federation of Muslim Women's Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), paid him a courtesy visit in Benin.


He noted that though the challenge of modern times had bestowed on the shoulders of some women and single mothers the status of bread winners of their homes, such should not be used as an accuse to flout the laws.

The Governor urged the Muslim women leaders to use their offices to propagate the essence of healthy living among children and women in the nation and the need to maintain proper sanitary conditions in their neighbourhoods.

Oshiomhole lamented that the challenge of widowhood had also exposed children to different temptations, adding that there was the need for society to be careful, to avoid unwittingly creating more problems for the nation.

He noted that money was not the best thing that guaranteed ones happiness, "but honesty and selfless service.

The Governor added that if Muslims and Christians were adequately committed to their religious doctrines, the world would be a better place.

He urged the women to propagate the message of Islam through the nooks and crannies of the nation, and to also inculcate the values of honesty in their followers.

Oshiomhole, however, assured the association of government's support in ensuring that its present leadership made remarkable progress and also consolidated on the successes of their predecessors.

Earlier, the FOMWAN National President, Hajia Amina Omoti, urged the state government to look into the issue of the teaching of Islamic Religious Studies in public schools in the state.

Omoti also solicited for government's moral and financial support for the effective running of the association.


Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Friday, November 29, 2013

This is according to multiple sources from Ghana and definitely the worst thing that can happen to any man.

Celebrated Ghanaian soccer superstar Nii Odartey Lamptey, is reportedly battling with serious marriage problems right now, after realizing his three kids with wife, Gloria are not his biological children.

According to Goal.com, Odartey spent his entire married life without knowing all three kids he had
called his own are not his real children.
Nii Odartey Lamptey had suspected his wife of infidelity for several years but decided to stay in the marriage out of love and the chain of businesses they own together.

But trouble reportedly started sometime last year, Gloria wanted Nii Lamptey to send their first daughter abroad to further her studies at a cost of £26,000 a year for three years.

Nii Lamptey objected, citing the fact that the expense was too much and recommending that his daughter schools in Ghana for her University education.
Gloria was reportedly incensed by her husband's stance and filed for divorce.

Nii Lamptey initially agreed to the divorce but delayed in his response because of his strong infidelity suspicions.
 Footy-ghana.com understands that he secretly took samples from the three children and did a DNA test, which reportedly revealed that none of the three girls were fathered by him.

The woman now claims the former Anderlecht and Aston Villa player was the one who suggested an artificial insemination after realizing he was infertile.

Lamptey who is the owner of Golden Lions Soccer Academy and Glow Lamp International School is now heading to court for a divorce after over 20 years of marriage.

Friday, November 29, 2013
For many 28-year-olds, the idea of starting a family can be a daunting prospect......

But one woman has embraced her matriarchal role with open arms, after welcoming her first great-grandchild into the family.

Kelly Baker from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, took on three step-children and their nine offspring when she married 68-year-old Bob in 2010.

But the 28-year-old couldn’t be happier with their budding family, despite her husband being more than a decade older than both her parents and her eldest grandchild just three years her junior.

According to Daily Mail reports, ‘It’s so wonderful having a baby in the family,’ says Mrs Baker, who has resigned hopes of children of her own.

Kelly, whose friends tried to warn her off grandfather Bob when they first met, loves grandchildren, Chanice, Amber, Warren, Chloe, Toby, Kamran, Arran, Jade and Tahra like her own.

Baby Layla who is just five-months-old is the first great-grandchild in the family.

‘I feel like they’re my own family, we spoil them rotten,’ she told the Daily Mirror.

The couple who work together as cleaners met when Kelly was just 21, after the pensioner stopped seeing one of her friends who was also in her twenties.

Having endured the harsh criticisms of friends and families, Bob proposed after four years of dating.

While Mrs Baker has given up on the idea of having their own children, father-of-nine husband Bob insists ‘never say never,’ though admits the family is ‘quite large enough.’

Mrs Baker describes meeting her spouse’s three children, the youngest of whom is ten years older than she, as one of the hardest things about their relationship.

‘But once they had gotten to know me they were very accepting and we’ve since become close’.

All 13 family members will spend Christmas together in a local pub for a ‘huge dinner’, the couple say.

And though naysayers sometimes hurt her feelings with ‘snide comments’, Kelly insists she has proved ‘everyone’ wrong with her marriage that is as happy as she could hope for. 










Source: http://www.revealzones.com/2013/11/meet-28-yr-old-grandmother-who-just.html

Friday, November 29, 2013
The new national identity card can be used as Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card anywhere there is MasterCard logo in the world, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said.

NIMC’s Director of Technical Services, Mr Emmanuel Ogungbe, told Journalists  on Thursday in Abuja that the commission had already signed an agreement with MasterCard.

“As opposed to just being an ID card, the card is also a cash card. What that means is you can also use it the way you currently use your ATM card.

“So if you put money on the card, you can withdraw this money anywhere in the world.

“Two, it’s also a travel card. What that means is that very soon, especially within the West African sub-region, you can travel passport-free as long as you have this card with you.

“So this card has multi-purpose use and that is why we are calling it a general-multi-purpose card, it’s not just an ID card.”

According to him, all that a holder of the card needs to do is to present it at the point of entry of any country where it will be swiped.

He said the information about the person, similar to the ones on passport, would come out and the country would allow entry.

Ogungbe said that the new card was error-proof and would enhance the security of the country.

“We have a system called automated biometrics identification system in our data centre that checks information of newly registered people coming into the database against what we already have in the database.

“If there is a hit, that means that person was registered before and of course this means we will deny new registration.

“So, there is no way of beating that system for now; I’m very confident of that. That will ensure that you can only register once.

“What the bad elements do is to hide in a way that you won’t be able to capture them. But we are saying with this (ID) we know who they are and we will be able to very easily locate them,’’ he said.

According to him, if there is a crime and the police are able to lift finger prints from the crime scene and send to NIMC, the commission will be able to give the full details of the criminals.

He also said that the card would reduce incidences of bank frauds as fraudsters would be easily detected and apprehended.

“Talk about even fraud in the banks, where someone will obtain a loan in a particular bank, move on to the next bank without servicing the previous loan to obtain another loan; that will become a thing of the past.

“Because once the bank takes your national identification number, it can see all your various transactions, all various businesses that you have with all the other banks.”

He said that government had asked the commission to “register every single Nigerian and legal residents” but warned the aliens against any attempt to use the card to commit crimes.

“If you are an alien and you think you can continue doing that and go scot-free, then the person’s time is numbered because very soon, we will get to him or her,” he said. (NAN)

Friday, November 29, 2013
Spanish police said Thursday they have arrested three Nigerians who forced African women into prostitution in Europe, including by holding two women’s children captive for at least four months.

Five women in different Spanish cities were freed from the clutches of the gang after a long operation that began at the beginning of the year, on the basis of information from a young African prostitute, a police statement said.

In August, police rescued two little children, one of them aged three, from an address in Valmojado, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Madrid. They were found in poor health and malnourished.

“They were kept locked in separate rooms… at times gagged and tied to the bed” by captors who fed them tranquilisers to keep them docile, the statement said.

“The children were to guarantee that the women paid off their ‘debts’ by going into prostitution and to stop them running away.”

The mothers were eventually found in France, where they were forced to work as prostitutes.

The criminal gang holding them used that and other strategies to bring Nigerian women to Spain and force them to work as prostitutes, the police said.

The women were “enticed with fraudulent promises, with false job offers or by abusing their precarious situation”. They were smuggled to Spain by boat from Morocco.

Once in Spain, they were sold to pimps in EU countries, the statement said.

Friday, November 29, 2013
United legend Ryan Giggs turns 40 today and is still going strong in his 24th season as a first team player at Old Trafford. He holds a number of records from his many years of service, and we’ve picked out three notable achievements to celebrate his special day.

Most major honours in English football
Giggs has racked up an incredible total of 35 trophy wins with the Reds, including 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two #UCL crowns.

Only player to appear in every Premier League season
As well as having played in every #EPL campaign so far, Giggs will maintain his run of scoring in every season if he finds the net in 2013/14.

United’s record appearance maker
Giggs has played 953 times since making his Reds debut in March 1991. He overtook Sir Bobby Charlton’s previous record of 758 appearances in the 2008 Champions League final.

Happy birthday, Ryan!

Friday, November 29, 2013
"You're a widow, go and die!" That's what Governor Adams Oshiomhole said to widow during a sanitation exercise of Benin City with some state officials recently. The woman was hawking on the road side which is illegal in the state but to tell her to go and die after she knelt in front of him, crying and begging him not to seize her little means of livelihood, is just cold-hearted.

 I wonder what the governor has to say over this. This is indeed sad coming from a Governor I respect so much.
Watch Video Here

Friday, November 29, 2013

Based on the Federal Government directive today, the University of Abuja this evening announced the reopening of the University effective Sunday 1st December 2013.

All students are to report back to campus on that day. More Universities are expected to announce their resumption date in the next few days.

Friday, November 29, 2013

A policeman, Corporal Samuel Milar, in the early hours of Thursday, shot himself dead inside the Taraba State Government House, Jalingo.

Though the reasons for killing himself is yet to be ascertained, Milar, who was one of the security detail attached to Governor Danbaba Suntai, shot himself at about 6:15 am with his rifle shortly after signing for the rifle at about 5:52 a.m.


Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jibril Olawale Adeniji, said the command had commenced investigations to determine whether Milar was killed as a result of accidental discharge or whether he actually took his own life.


According to him, "I can confirm to you that Milar was killed today inside the Government House. The incident occurred in the early hours of the day but we have commenced investigations into the matter to determine whether he was killed as a result of accidental discharge or he deliberately shot himself. We'll make our findings known as soon as we conclude investigations into the matter," he stated.

Debunking rumours making the round that Milar killed himself in protest of his redeployment, the police boss dismissed the reports, insisting that the late policeman was never transferred or redeployed as being insinuated.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Nigerian contoversial singer/rapper "Maheeda" recently signed an international management deal with Bigjamz World Entertainment, a company based in Europe. Maheeda who is also signed to her own record label "Yes-Mah Records" is indeed ready to take the African entertainment to another dimension.

The controversial singer/rapper who has been in the industry for quite sometime now made several moves as a way to spice up her brand, after releasing few of her singles/videos and also nominated for NMVA years back, she is back on a project with the newly signed management company tagged #TheNewMaheeda




Bigjamz World Entertainment CEO Barbara Kotsoni says: Maheeda is one hell of a act and once you see her as a brand you will def understand and appreciate her the more, it might take a long while for Nigerians to accept her as a brand but the European, Asia n and other market already see her as one. 

Bigjamz World Entertainment is the same company that organized the Davido European Tour in June 2013 and the just concluded Terry G European Tour.

Watch out for #TheNewMaheeda as she will be releasing fresh singles to trill her fans once more.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has replied the federal government over its threat to sack university lecturers if they fail to call off its ongoing strike.

According to the striking lecturers, the threat would not only fail but will worsen the situation, hence "another long path to making the strike linger more than necessary."

The ASUU National Treasurer, Dr. Ademola Aremu, while responding to the government's directive, said the threat does not hold waters as it has confirmed the fears that the federal government cannot be trusted.


He said, "With the latest action, the federal government has shown that they are not committed to all they have been saying. We are saying that since we agreed at the meeting that the sum of 200 billion naira is for 2012 and 2013 revitalisation, the federal government should deposit same in the Central Bank of Nigeria. We are already in November and December is around the corner. If they don't do that now, when do they want to do it? We are saying that the non-victimization clause should be included as agreed while the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement should be included as agreed with the presidents".

"It is a pity if the federal government is not willing to perfect the resolutions reached with the union. This is why we find it difficult to trust our leaders by their words. How can someone be threatening to sack lecturers when universities are already short-staffed by almost 60,000. We are not in the military era. The military tried it and failed. This one will fail again.

"They can re-open the school. ASUU did not shutdown the universities. It was the management of the schools that ordered the students to go back home."

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Police enforcing Islamic law in the city of Kano publicly destroyed some 240,000 bottles of beer on Wednesday, the latest move in a wider crackdown on behaviour deemed "immoral" in the area. The banned booze had been confiscated from trucks coming into the city in recent weeks, said officials from the Hisbah, the patrol tasked with enforcing the strict Islamic law, known as sharia.

Sharia enforcers called Hisbah destroy thousands of bottles of beer outside northern Nigeria's largest city of Kano on November 27, 2013. The Hisbah destroyed over 240,000 bottles of beer along with over 8,000 litres of local brew called "Burukutu". AFP Kano's Hisbah chief Aminu Daurawa said at the bottle-breaking ceremony he had "the ardent hope this will bring an end to the consumption of such prohibited substances".

A large bulldozer smashed the bottles to shouts of "Allahu Ahkbar" (God is Great) from supporters outside the Hisbah headquarters in Kano, the largest city in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north. Kegs containing more than 8,000 litres of a local alcoholic brew called "burukutu" and 320,000 cigarettes were also destroyed. "We hope this measure will help restore the tarnished image of Kano," said Daurawa.

Since September, the Hisbah have launched sweeping crackdowns and made hundreds of arrests in Kano following a state-government directive to cleanse the commercial hub of so-called "immoral" practices. The 9,000-strong moral police force works alongside the civilian police but also has other duties, including community development work and dispute resolution.

Sharia was reintroduced across northern Nigeria in 2001, but the code has been unevenly applied. Alcohol is typically easy to find in Kano, including at hotels and bars in neighbourhoods like Sabon Gari, inhabited by the city's sizeable Christian minority. But the Hisbah boss vowed that this was set to change.

"We hereby send warning to unrepentant offenders that Hisbah personnel will soon embark on an operation into every nook and corner of (Kano) state to put an end to the sale and consumption of alcohol and all other intoxicants," Daurawa said. People accused of engaging in prostitution and homosexual sex have been among those arrested in the latest crackdown, along with alleged drunks and drug addicts.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Arsenal stalwart and former assistant manager Pat Rice has been admitted to hospital with cancer.

The 64-year-old, who was connected to Arsenal as a player and then a coach for a total of 44 years, retired in May 2012. 


An Arsenal spokesman added: 'Our thoughts are with Pat and his family. Everyone at Arsenal sends him our best wishes.'


Rice played over 500 times for the Gunners and Watford and also won 49 caps for Northern Ireland. Steve Bould took over from him as assistant last year.

After his retirement, he was awarded the MBE in the 2013 New Year's Honours list for his services to sport.


On his friend's retirement, Wenger said: 'Pat is a true Arsenal legend and has committed almost his whole life to Arsenal Football Club, which shows huge loyalty and devotion.

'I will always be indebted to him for his expert insight.'

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Central Bank of Nigeria bank disclosed that it would soon conclude plans to produce and roll out N5000 bills, a project which was initially abandoned due to its rejection by Nigerians.

Deputy Governor of CBN, Tunde Lemo, who disclosed this while speaking to journalists at the NIBSS 20th anniversary conference held in Lagos, said in one to two months from now, the N5000 notes would be in circulation.

According to him: "We only stopped the project due to the low level of understanding of its benefits among Nigerians, but we now plan to educate the people about the importance of the notes to our economy before we eventually launch it".

He added that Nigerians would soon see the notes in circulation and start to enjoy its benefits.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee, led by Dr Umaru Dikko, has recommended the expulsion of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Alhaji Abubakar Baraje from the party.

Chief Ebenezer Babatope, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a news briefing.

Also recommended for suspension, according to him, was Dr Sam Jaja, who was the Deputy National Chairman of the PDP until recently.

Babatope said the recommendation would be forwarded to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) for ratification.

It will be recalled that the PDP NWC on Nov. 11, suspended Oyinlola, Baraje, Jaja and Alhaji Ibrahim Kazaure, Vice Chairman of the party`s North West chapter for violating the party`s constitution.


"So, the position of the committee is that the three stand expelled and one has his suspension extended by one month for him to report to the committee in two weeks time," Babatope said.

He said the committee`s recommendations was not premeditated as has been insinuated, adding that the committee met with the affected party members and gave them seven days notice to appear before it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kazaure is expected to appear before the committee on Dec. 10 for further questioning.

The seven-man committee, which was inaugurated on Oct. 24 to ensure discipline among party members across the federation, has Mr Onwe Onwe as secretary.

Other members of the committee include Hajiya Nana Aishat-Quadir, Alhaji Hussaini Duraki, Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Meanwhile, Oyinlola has, in a statement, maintained that he remained the national secretary of the PDP.











Source: NAN

Wednesday, November 27, 2013
According to reports, a Fulani Herdsmen first spotted the river and ran to people in the community to alert them the discovery. He told them that as he passed the area with his herd of cattle, he heard a strange noise, and when he turned back, he saw the river that wasn't there previously.

The community went to look for themselves and discovered that the water has healing powers. But the traditional ruler of Nachi community said something slightly different. He said the river appears every 20 to 30 years but dries up after a few weeks. An elder in the community explained: 
“We noticed that after some years, the water will form a stream there and would disappear in few weeks. If such happens, we will be fetching water there. However, women who are menstruating and evil people don’t go there. We never heard about healing power of the River until this recent appearance of the River.
“The last time it appeared was in 1992, and at that time, it just formed a small stream, which later disappeared. It has never been as large as this. This is all I know, we have never known about its healing power, this is the first time we are hearing about healing, I don’t whether it is true”.

 Meanwhile, Okada people are already making money from this as they charge passengers between N500 to N1,000 to transport them from a junction to the Healing River as hundreds visit the place every day to get some of the water which quite a lot of people testify has healing powers. 




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