He managed to evade security at Benin City Airport, and survived the 45-minute Arik Air flight despite the plane reaching an altitude of 21,000 feet, sitting in this kind of place.
Saturday 31 August 2013
Sample Picture Of The Arik Air Plane Tyre Where Stowaway Teenager From Benin To Lagos Hid
He managed to evade security at Benin City Airport, and survived the 45-minute Arik Air flight despite the plane reaching an altitude of 21,000 feet, sitting in this kind of place.
ASUU Strike: Comply with lecturers’ demands, Parents beg FG
It’s been two months since the Academic Staff Union of Universities embarked on a nationwide indefinite strike. This was as a result of the inability of the Federal Government to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with ASUU. Recently Saturday Vanguard spoke with parents whose children are affected as they begged the government to reach a compromise with ASUU .
Government not feeling the strike because their children are in private universities— Ohwaguono Onos
Mr. Ohwaguono Onos, a parent and a post graduate student of University of Lagos( UNILAG), who was affected by the strike has this to say.
“The ASUU strike has made my children shift focus to other things that are costing me additional funds I didn’t budget for. And parents who cannot engage their wards in these suffer distress and heart-aches because of the nuisance the students constitute at home. One thing I have learnt is that after each episode of strike, the students are no more focused even when they resume lectures because they have been out for so long. ASUU went on strike because they want the govenrment to come to their plight and help them.
“If the Senators can have sitting and sleeping allowances, then the builders of these characters should be considered; they are the lecturers. My only pain is that these ones in government are not feeling it because their own children are not in the Federal and State universities. Their children are abroad schooling, their children are in private universities. Most of the people in sensitive government positions are the owners of most private Universities which are funded by our own money. How can the strike affect the government? Our plea is for the government to listen to the masses, listen to ASUU and help them; that way they are helping us and saving the
*Jonathan
future.
Federal government should meet the demands of the lecturers —Oluranti Olushola
Mrs Oluranti Olushola, a teacher who said her son was affected by the strike pleaded that the Federal Government should help them so their children can go back to school. “I am seriously appealing to the Federal Government, on behalf of Nigerian parents, to end the strike and make education a top priority and also save the education sector from imminent collapse.”
She noted that the government voluntarily entered into an agreement with the union in 2009 to fund universities better and meet some other demands of the union. “The Federal Government must at all costs meet the demands of the union to save the future of our children,” she said.
Government should avoid workers’ strike —Mrs Ruquiyat Adebayo
Another teacher, Mrs Ruquiyat Adebayo disclosed that that ASUU’s demands were genuine. She urged the government to make any sacrifice to improve the education sector. Mrs Adebayo also advised the government to avoid workers’ strike by meeting their demands early.“ASUU is not asking for too much. It’s demands are justified. We have the resources in this country, and we must set our priorities right. Education must come first in all our plans.“Whatever it will take, Nigeria must improve the welfare of the University teachers,” she said.
Governmet should resolve the conflict with ASUU—Moturayo Madandola
Mrs Moturayo Madandola whose child was affected by the strike said government should resolve the conflict with ASUU quickly to save the University system from collapse. “The Federal Government should accede to the demands of the striking union so that our children can go back to school,” she said.
Government should be considerate —Malik Alabi
Malik Alabi, a businessman expressed his feelings with anger saying, “don’t mind those people in government , all their children are schooling abroad. How would they remember us? They only plan to travel to Dubai for vacation, travel out of the country for medical check up, send their children to Harvard and all the good schools abroad. These people should also consider the parents who suffer to pay school fees for our children . I have two children at OAU and they are both at home doing nothing and it pains me a lot . My only plea is that Federal Government should help us because the parents are the ones suffering it more”.
Four -year course is running six years because of the strike–Deaconess Joy Osewengie
Deaconness Mrs. Joy Osewengie, a mother of two students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) expressed her concern saying, “The ASUU strike has turned into something else; my children are not doing anything at home. Courses that are supposed to run for four years are now running six years and above. When will the children finish their programmes in the Universities and become very useful to their family and the society?
“The government should know that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. We should bear in mind that these ones are the future of this great nation and if they are half baked because of strike and crisis, then we may end up with a very sick nation.”
Man beheads 13 year-old-girl in Benue
MAKURDI – A middle aged man, Terseer Angyo, has been arrested by the Benue state Police command for allegedly beheading a 13 year old girl, Mnyorhan Asase, at Aliade in Gwer local government area of the state.
Vanguard gathered from a sourcesthat the 13 year old girl was slaughtered by her assailant in a forest area in Aliade while on her way back from a local community market in a nearby village.
More details soon
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/man-beheads-13-year-old-girl-in-benue/#sthash.ZQ0rwzJC.dpuf
Obama asks Congress to authorize military action against Syria
WASHINGTON (AFP) – US President Barack Obama said Saturday he will ask the US Congress to authorize military action against Syria, lifting the threat of immediate strikes on President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Obama said he had decided he would go ahead and launch military action on Syria but he believed it was important for American democracy to win the support of lawmakers
Israel Distribute Gas Mask In Preparation For America Attack On Syria
Isreal distribute gas mask in preparation for America attack on Syrian.
This is a country that value the lives of it citizens.
This is a country that value the lives of it citizens.
Nelson Mandela Discharged From Hospital!
Nelson Mandela returns home from hospital
Mr Mandela's return will be a relief for his family
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has returned to his home in Johannesburg after a long stay in hospital in Pretoria.
The 95-year-old was admitted with a recurring lung infection on 8 June.
Last week he was said to be critical but stable and "showing great resilience", and there has been no official update on him since then.
The country's first black president, Mr Mandela is revered by many as the father of the nation.
His prolonged hospital stay has caused concern both in South Africa and abroad.
The infection is said to date back to a period of nearly three decades he spent in prison for anti-apartheid activity.
The BBC's Mike Wooldridge in Johannesburg says it will be a relief for his family and for the nation that Mr Mandela has improved sufficiently for the journey to be made and for him to be cared for at home.
People from South Africa and around the world have sent him their best wishes, and flowers and other tributes have collected outside Pretoria's MediClinic Heart Hospital.
Throughout Mr Mandela's stay in hospital, President Jacob Zuma urged the country to pray for him and keep him in their thoughts.
Mr Mandela's return will be a relief for his family
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has returned to his home in Johannesburg after a long stay in hospital in Pretoria.
The 95-year-old was admitted with a recurring lung infection on 8 June.
Last week he was said to be critical but stable and "showing great resilience", and there has been no official update on him since then.
The country's first black president, Mr Mandela is revered by many as the father of the nation.
His prolonged hospital stay has caused concern both in South Africa and abroad.
The infection is said to date back to a period of nearly three decades he spent in prison for anti-apartheid activity.
The BBC's Mike Wooldridge in Johannesburg says it will be a relief for his family and for the nation that Mr Mandela has improved sufficiently for the journey to be made and for him to be cared for at home.
People from South Africa and around the world have sent him their best wishes, and flowers and other tributes have collected outside Pretoria's MediClinic Heart Hospital.
Throughout Mr Mandela's stay in hospital, President Jacob Zuma urged the country to pray for him and keep him in their thoughts.
Aero Passenger Causes Panic On-Board With Suspicious Behaviour
Barely one week after a teenage boy, Daniel Ohikena caused a scare at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos when he stowed on an Arik Air plane from Benin to Lagos, another scare occurred yesterday at the same airport when a female passenger, whose identity could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, was said to have boarded the plane screamed on top of her voice that she was no longer willing to travel with the plane after boarding the flight.
According to Saturday Mirror investigations, the cabin crew and passengers initially ignored her. But her persistence led to suspicion among the passengers.
The strange behaviour, led to the delay of the Benin-bound aircraft for two hours, as all the passengers were disembarked while the plane was screened again. All the checked-in luggage was also offloaded for proper screening by both Aero and Aviation Security of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
Nothing suspicion was, however, found on board. Saturday Mirror gathered that the passenger was handed over to security agents by Aviation Security, while the other passengers proceeded on the journey to Benin. According to an airport source, “All passengers were already onboard and the pilot was preparing to embark on the flight before the woman started the strange behaviour onboard.
At first, no one took her seriously, but when the shouting and soliloquy continued, the passengers became apprehensive and ordered the pilot to abort the flight. “The situation was not funny at all. In fact the woman was speaking in a language, which no one understood. But I can tell you authoritatively that all the passengers have been taken to Benin with the same aircraft and they landed in the airport safely.
“This was not the first time such incident would be happening. In fact, it is common among first time travellers, but no one knows the motive behind this act. However, I believe the security agents will do their work and reveal what led to the strange behaviour.”
According to Saturday Mirror investigations, the cabin crew and passengers initially ignored her. But her persistence led to suspicion among the passengers.
The strange behaviour, led to the delay of the Benin-bound aircraft for two hours, as all the passengers were disembarked while the plane was screened again. All the checked-in luggage was also offloaded for proper screening by both Aero and Aviation Security of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
Nothing suspicion was, however, found on board. Saturday Mirror gathered that the passenger was handed over to security agents by Aviation Security, while the other passengers proceeded on the journey to Benin. According to an airport source, “All passengers were already onboard and the pilot was preparing to embark on the flight before the woman started the strange behaviour onboard.
At first, no one took her seriously, but when the shouting and soliloquy continued, the passengers became apprehensive and ordered the pilot to abort the flight. “The situation was not funny at all. In fact the woman was speaking in a language, which no one understood. But I can tell you authoritatively that all the passengers have been taken to Benin with the same aircraft and they landed in the airport safely.
“This was not the first time such incident would be happening. In fact, it is common among first time travellers, but no one knows the motive behind this act. However, I believe the security agents will do their work and reveal what led to the strange behaviour.”
Fertility Clinics Buy Sperm From Lagosians For N50,000
People get married for different reasons. While some seek companionship in marriage, many go into marriage for procreation. For couples who look forward to having children immediately after marriage, being declared ‘infertile’ by experts is like a death sentence.
While it is generally agreed that it takes two to have a baby and every couple is expected to be in optimum health to have babies, medical experts claim men are having more fertility challenge now. Sperm concentration in men is said to have decreased by a third since 1990s while sperm count is said to have decreased by half over the past 50 years.
Studies are also showing genetic abnormalities in sperm particularly in older men. For men therefore, quantity, quality and motility of spermatozoa are seen as important factors in fertility.
Since the male factor is a prominent cause of infertility in couples, sperm donation has become vital in assisted conception treatment.
A study by the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction stated that “a male factor is solely responsible in about 20 per cent of infertile couples and contributory in another 30 to 40 per cent.”
According to experts, even when sperm numbers are great, a high proportion of men may have DNA damage that significantly impairs the chances of natural conception. Besides, male sperm deteriorates with age the same way it does for women.
Studies have also shown that if a man has poor health, smokes, drinks too much or has a bad diet, it’s very likely his sperms are also going to be unhealthy.
Indeed, investigation by Saturday PUNCH showed that sperm has become a commodity in high demand in Lagos. The Chief Consultant and Head, Obstetrician and Fertility Department, Eko Hospitals, Dr. Adegbite Ogunmokun, said fertility problem, based on recent experience, had tilted more towards the male factor.
He said, “If 10 couples come in, there will be problem with the male in six of them, using our parameter of 20 million sperm per millimetre. But 10 to 15 years ago, maybe about four out of 10 men would have problem.”
Our correspondents, who visited some fertility centres in Lagos, learnt that more men are having low sperm count, thus necessitating the need for more volunteer donors. But because donors are scare, fertility clinics offer as much as N50,000 to men who are interested in selling their sperm.
They also pay more when sellers have special features that the beneficiaries are looking for.
Like blood sellers, investigations show that many people in Lagos, especially students, now sell their sperms anytime they need money.
A student of the University of Lagos, who identified himself as John, said he had sold sperm to a few fertility centres in Lagos. John said he had been funding his education for the past two years with what he earned from selling his sperm.
John said he was introduced to the programme by a friend and that he had in turn brought in two other friends to ‘business’.
“I’ve sold to a number of fertility centres. The money has really helped me to stay in school. It takes care of my tuition and some other personal needs,” John said, with a measure of satisfaction.
“It’s cool money, really and I’m also doing a service to mankind by helping out some people in need. Even friends that I introduced to it have not turned back since then.”
An employee in a Lagos fertility clinic, who identified himself as Olufunsho, told Saturday PUNCH that some women would pay any amount to get a sperm seller with the features they want.
He said, “We pay N50,000 here but there are times when women come in and request that, at all cost, they must get a tall man. The person can earn more when they make such requests, especially if we don’t have any that fits the profile in our bank.
“There was a time a woman came and requested that we get a tall man for her at all cost. I showed her the samples we had, but she did not like the profile. She said she was not satisfied with the heights. And we were unable to get what she wanted from the sellers that came at the time.
“The sellers that came then were either AS, or positive with hepatitis B or had low sperm count. We had up to twelve sellers that came and we were unable to get anybody. In such cases, we could offer a lot more when we find the right person. Sometimes, such people are also in a position to negotiate for what they want.”
However, subsequent drops attract lesser amounts of money for the same seller.
To sell sperm, the person, according to Olufunsho, must stay off sex for five days. He undergoes some tests to confirm that he is not HIV positive and that he also has healthy sperm among others.
He said, “If the same person is still interested and we still need him, he would repeat the screening process again. We pay N10, 000 per expulsion for other subsequent ones. With my own discretion, if the quality of the sperm is good and we have somebody who needs something that matches perfectly with that seller, we may reduce the probation period, but the sperm must be very good.
“Although that is the protocol, it could always be amended when there is nothing wrong with the person. Even if someone ejaculates the first time and in twenty minutes time, he does the same, it is still going to be good, but not as good as the first one.”
At the various fertility centres where our correspondents posed as potential sperm seller, the clinic workers made keen attempts to have them start the process immediately, by leaving blood samples for tests.
On one occasion, a clinic worker told one of our correspondents that he was willing to waive the two to five days’ probation period of abstinence, after our correspondent said he wished to “sleep over it.”
The worker said, “What is there to think about? After all, you already said you’re not married. You can leave your blood sample for testing while you go ahead and think over it.”
Investigation showed that fertility centres want sellers between 18 and 45 years of age and expect them to abstain from sex, two to five days before giving sperm sample, depending on the centre.
Other conditions to be met by potential sperm sellers include testing negative to HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, sickle cell and some other sexually transmitted diseases. Tests are also carried out to determine the count, morphology (shape) and motility of the sperm cells.
In addition, fertility centres claim to also place a high premium on average intelligence, education and lifestyle. Although, Saturday PUNCH learnt that such claims are not always true as more emphases are actually placed on height and other physical attributes.
“It is not immediately that we pay. We prefer AA genotype because it can be given to anybody, unlike AS that cannot be given to just anybody,” Olufunsho added.
However, an employee in another fertility clinic in Lagos, Akin, said sperm sellers could get paid within a week of starting the process. This is possible only if they satisfy the conditions.
He said, “If the motility is good, the count is good and you’re okay, then, you can produce for us. If everything is okay, within a week, you can get your money.”
A 2012 study into the reproductive health of 26,600 men in France, warned of a sperm crisis worldwide. It said that sperm concentration has decreased by a third since the 1990s. The study found a continuous 32.2 per cent decrease in sperm concentration over a period of 17 years.
During the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual conference in London in July 2013, some experts, critical of the study’s validity, said it did not completely represent the situation in certain areas, particularly the developing world.
However, a fertility expert at Mother’s World Care, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Margaret Olusegun, said the situation is similar in Nigeria.
She said, “A man should have a good count, up to 40 to 50 million sperm per millimetre of Fluid upward. But you find that these days, men have more challenges with fertility than women.
“Although, I don’t have the statistics, men are the ones with more challenges now, even though they are the ones who drive out their wives if they can’t bear children.”
Olusegun explained that good sperm should have “at least 50 per cent motility (activeness) because sperm cells can be active, sluggish or dead.”
“For morphology (shape) too, which could be normal or abnormal, sperm should have upward of 50 per cent normal cells. And there should not be bacteria growth,” she added.
Ogunmokun described low concentration of sperm as “Oligospermia.” He, however, said a sperm count with a minimum lower limit of 20 million sperm per millimetre of Fluid would still be considered normal. But he added that any sperm concentration of less than 20 million per millimetre of Fluid could be categorised as mild, moderate or severe oligospermia, depending on the count.
Ogunmokun said fertility problems could be with the man, the woman or the two of them.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the demand for sperm has made the fertility business a lucrative one. Many of the fertility centres in Lagos have facilities for sperm preservation, where it’s freezing costs about N50, 000 per quarter.
Ogunmokun said, “After collection, the Fluid is processed and seminal fluid and all other things are removed. The sperm is put in little bottles and placed in special containers called dewars, connected to a power source. It is stored at very low temperature and there must be an indicator for monitoring should there be a change in the condition.”
He, however, added that there must be a standby generator in a place like Nigeria, where power supply is unstable, as sperm can be frozen for decades.
“Although, there are many other reasons why people freeze sperm, someone living far away from his wife can decide to freeze his sperm for the wife’s use while he’s away. Also, someone going for cancer treatment can freeze his sperm before starting the treatment since such treatments affect sperm production,” he added.
Ogunmokun said fertility centres focus more on university undergraduates to ensure that sperm donors have a certain degree of intelligence.
He said, “The current practice is to actually recruit sperm donors and the focus is on undergraduates. The focus is on students because they should be able to provide their ID cards so that background checks can be done.”
According to Ogunmokun, the perceived increase in the number of men with low sperm count is as a result of infection and lifestyle habits like sitting for too long and wearing of tight underwear.
He said, “The testes are not supposed to be too close to the body because of the higher body temperature. The testes are naturally colder, so people who travel long distances or sit in traffic for long can be prone to infertility.”
Ogunmokun advised that men should “exercise appropriately, take good nutrition, avoid tight underwear, premarital sex, cigarette and alcohol to try to prevent low sperm count.”
However, Olusegun identified good hygiene as key to the prevention of low sperm count, saying, “Our environment is too contaminated.”
While it is generally agreed that it takes two to have a baby and every couple is expected to be in optimum health to have babies, medical experts claim men are having more fertility challenge now. Sperm concentration in men is said to have decreased by a third since 1990s while sperm count is said to have decreased by half over the past 50 years.
Studies are also showing genetic abnormalities in sperm particularly in older men. For men therefore, quantity, quality and motility of spermatozoa are seen as important factors in fertility.
Since the male factor is a prominent cause of infertility in couples, sperm donation has become vital in assisted conception treatment.
A study by the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction stated that “a male factor is solely responsible in about 20 per cent of infertile couples and contributory in another 30 to 40 per cent.”
According to experts, even when sperm numbers are great, a high proportion of men may have DNA damage that significantly impairs the chances of natural conception. Besides, male sperm deteriorates with age the same way it does for women.
Studies have also shown that if a man has poor health, smokes, drinks too much or has a bad diet, it’s very likely his sperms are also going to be unhealthy.
Indeed, investigation by Saturday PUNCH showed that sperm has become a commodity in high demand in Lagos. The Chief Consultant and Head, Obstetrician and Fertility Department, Eko Hospitals, Dr. Adegbite Ogunmokun, said fertility problem, based on recent experience, had tilted more towards the male factor.
He said, “If 10 couples come in, there will be problem with the male in six of them, using our parameter of 20 million sperm per millimetre. But 10 to 15 years ago, maybe about four out of 10 men would have problem.”
Our correspondents, who visited some fertility centres in Lagos, learnt that more men are having low sperm count, thus necessitating the need for more volunteer donors. But because donors are scare, fertility clinics offer as much as N50,000 to men who are interested in selling their sperm.
They also pay more when sellers have special features that the beneficiaries are looking for.
Like blood sellers, investigations show that many people in Lagos, especially students, now sell their sperms anytime they need money.
A student of the University of Lagos, who identified himself as John, said he had sold sperm to a few fertility centres in Lagos. John said he had been funding his education for the past two years with what he earned from selling his sperm.
John said he was introduced to the programme by a friend and that he had in turn brought in two other friends to ‘business’.
“I’ve sold to a number of fertility centres. The money has really helped me to stay in school. It takes care of my tuition and some other personal needs,” John said, with a measure of satisfaction.
“It’s cool money, really and I’m also doing a service to mankind by helping out some people in need. Even friends that I introduced to it have not turned back since then.”
An employee in a Lagos fertility clinic, who identified himself as Olufunsho, told Saturday PUNCH that some women would pay any amount to get a sperm seller with the features they want.
He said, “We pay N50,000 here but there are times when women come in and request that, at all cost, they must get a tall man. The person can earn more when they make such requests, especially if we don’t have any that fits the profile in our bank.
“There was a time a woman came and requested that we get a tall man for her at all cost. I showed her the samples we had, but she did not like the profile. She said she was not satisfied with the heights. And we were unable to get what she wanted from the sellers that came at the time.
“The sellers that came then were either AS, or positive with hepatitis B or had low sperm count. We had up to twelve sellers that came and we were unable to get anybody. In such cases, we could offer a lot more when we find the right person. Sometimes, such people are also in a position to negotiate for what they want.”
However, subsequent drops attract lesser amounts of money for the same seller.
To sell sperm, the person, according to Olufunsho, must stay off sex for five days. He undergoes some tests to confirm that he is not HIV positive and that he also has healthy sperm among others.
He said, “If the same person is still interested and we still need him, he would repeat the screening process again. We pay N10, 000 per expulsion for other subsequent ones. With my own discretion, if the quality of the sperm is good and we have somebody who needs something that matches perfectly with that seller, we may reduce the probation period, but the sperm must be very good.
“Although that is the protocol, it could always be amended when there is nothing wrong with the person. Even if someone ejaculates the first time and in twenty minutes time, he does the same, it is still going to be good, but not as good as the first one.”
At the various fertility centres where our correspondents posed as potential sperm seller, the clinic workers made keen attempts to have them start the process immediately, by leaving blood samples for tests.
On one occasion, a clinic worker told one of our correspondents that he was willing to waive the two to five days’ probation period of abstinence, after our correspondent said he wished to “sleep over it.”
The worker said, “What is there to think about? After all, you already said you’re not married. You can leave your blood sample for testing while you go ahead and think over it.”
Investigation showed that fertility centres want sellers between 18 and 45 years of age and expect them to abstain from sex, two to five days before giving sperm sample, depending on the centre.
Other conditions to be met by potential sperm sellers include testing negative to HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, sickle cell and some other sexually transmitted diseases. Tests are also carried out to determine the count, morphology (shape) and motility of the sperm cells.
In addition, fertility centres claim to also place a high premium on average intelligence, education and lifestyle. Although, Saturday PUNCH learnt that such claims are not always true as more emphases are actually placed on height and other physical attributes.
“It is not immediately that we pay. We prefer AA genotype because it can be given to anybody, unlike AS that cannot be given to just anybody,” Olufunsho added.
However, an employee in another fertility clinic in Lagos, Akin, said sperm sellers could get paid within a week of starting the process. This is possible only if they satisfy the conditions.
He said, “If the motility is good, the count is good and you’re okay, then, you can produce for us. If everything is okay, within a week, you can get your money.”
A 2012 study into the reproductive health of 26,600 men in France, warned of a sperm crisis worldwide. It said that sperm concentration has decreased by a third since the 1990s. The study found a continuous 32.2 per cent decrease in sperm concentration over a period of 17 years.
During the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual conference in London in July 2013, some experts, critical of the study’s validity, said it did not completely represent the situation in certain areas, particularly the developing world.
However, a fertility expert at Mother’s World Care, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Margaret Olusegun, said the situation is similar in Nigeria.
She said, “A man should have a good count, up to 40 to 50 million sperm per millimetre of Fluid upward. But you find that these days, men have more challenges with fertility than women.
“Although, I don’t have the statistics, men are the ones with more challenges now, even though they are the ones who drive out their wives if they can’t bear children.”
Olusegun explained that good sperm should have “at least 50 per cent motility (activeness) because sperm cells can be active, sluggish or dead.”
“For morphology (shape) too, which could be normal or abnormal, sperm should have upward of 50 per cent normal cells. And there should not be bacteria growth,” she added.
Ogunmokun described low concentration of sperm as “Oligospermia.” He, however, said a sperm count with a minimum lower limit of 20 million sperm per millimetre of Fluid would still be considered normal. But he added that any sperm concentration of less than 20 million per millimetre of Fluid could be categorised as mild, moderate or severe oligospermia, depending on the count.
Ogunmokun said fertility problems could be with the man, the woman or the two of them.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the demand for sperm has made the fertility business a lucrative one. Many of the fertility centres in Lagos have facilities for sperm preservation, where it’s freezing costs about N50, 000 per quarter.
Ogunmokun said, “After collection, the Fluid is processed and seminal fluid and all other things are removed. The sperm is put in little bottles and placed in special containers called dewars, connected to a power source. It is stored at very low temperature and there must be an indicator for monitoring should there be a change in the condition.”
He, however, added that there must be a standby generator in a place like Nigeria, where power supply is unstable, as sperm can be frozen for decades.
“Although, there are many other reasons why people freeze sperm, someone living far away from his wife can decide to freeze his sperm for the wife’s use while he’s away. Also, someone going for cancer treatment can freeze his sperm before starting the treatment since such treatments affect sperm production,” he added.
Ogunmokun said fertility centres focus more on university undergraduates to ensure that sperm donors have a certain degree of intelligence.
He said, “The current practice is to actually recruit sperm donors and the focus is on undergraduates. The focus is on students because they should be able to provide their ID cards so that background checks can be done.”
According to Ogunmokun, the perceived increase in the number of men with low sperm count is as a result of infection and lifestyle habits like sitting for too long and wearing of tight underwear.
He said, “The testes are not supposed to be too close to the body because of the higher body temperature. The testes are naturally colder, so people who travel long distances or sit in traffic for long can be prone to infertility.”
Ogunmokun advised that men should “exercise appropriately, take good nutrition, avoid tight underwear, premarital sex, cigarette and alcohol to try to prevent low sperm count.”
However, Olusegun identified good hygiene as key to the prevention of low sperm count, saying, “Our environment is too contaminated.”
11-year-old Boy Admitted To The University To Study Quantum Physic
People, we've got a genius!
Carson Huey-You, an 11-year-old is among the new class of undergrads at Texas Christian University – adjusting to college life, finding the right buildings, settling in for those easy core classes.
Around the time when most kids are playing with jacks and baseball cards, young Huey-You will be taking university-level courses among teenagers and young adults. And it won't just be any class load. The boy, who scored a 1770 on his SAT, speaks Mandarin Chinese and plays the piano, will be studying nothing less than quantum physics.
His mom, Claretta, says her son had intense focus as an infant. By the age of one, he could read. By five, he was doing pre-algebra. Calculus, he says, relaxes him.
If he graduates as his parents expect, in four to five years, Carson will have a college diploma before or at the same time he gets his driver’s license.
Carson Huey-You, an 11-year-old is among the new class of undergrads at Texas Christian University – adjusting to college life, finding the right buildings, settling in for those easy core classes.
Around the time when most kids are playing with jacks and baseball cards, young Huey-You will be taking university-level courses among teenagers and young adults. And it won't just be any class load. The boy, who scored a 1770 on his SAT, speaks Mandarin Chinese and plays the piano, will be studying nothing less than quantum physics.
His mom, Claretta, says her son had intense focus as an infant. By the age of one, he could read. By five, he was doing pre-algebra. Calculus, he says, relaxes him.
If he graduates as his parents expect, in four to five years, Carson will have a college diploma before or at the same time he gets his driver’s license.
Friday 30 August 2013
Ribéry pips Messi, Ronaldo to win UEFA best player
Bayern München midfielder Franck Ribéry has been voted the 2012/13 UEFA Best Player in Europe by a panel of leading football journalists in Monaco.
Ribery beat off competition from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldoto be crowned as Uefa’s Best Player in Europe
The 30-year-old French international capped off a magnificent year by being presented with the prestigious award following on from the draw for the Champions League group stages.
Ribéry
Ribery was instrumental in Bayern’s Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League treble in 2012/13 and was voted Uefa Player of the Year by the continents football journalists.
The individual honour has been ran for the past three seasons, and was previously won by Messi in 2010/11 and club teammate Andres Iniesta the following year.
Upon accepting the award, Ribery said, “It’s a very special moment to be standing here this evening. I want to thank all of my team-mates from FC Bayern München, my family and my kids.”
Upon accepting the award, Ribery said, “It’s a very special moment to be standing here this evening. I want to thank all of my team-mates from FC Bayern München, my family and my kids.”
Ribery will have little time to celebrate the accolade as he’ll soon be en route to Prague, where his Bayern side are preparing to take on Chelsea for the Uefa Super Cup tomorrow night.
The former Marseille man has been at the Allianz Arena since 2007, over which time he’s collected three league titles, three German cups and last seasons Champions league trophy.
Group commends FG on Enugu international airport
With the commencement of international flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu in Enugu State, the Igbo World Assembly (IWA), the apex Igbo organization in Diaspora has commended the federal government for the giant stride.
While Ethiopian Airlines was the first international airline to land in the airport, the Chairman of IWA, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze and Secretary General of the group Chief Oliver Nwankwor in joint statement said that it was a strategic economic development step of the present administration to establish international airport in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
“Igbo World Assembly (IWA) is aware that it was not an easy task to achieve this historic and remarkable development on the 24th of August 2013” the group said.
While commending the Hon Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Uduah for her achievements and professionalism in making Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu a reality, as well as the good jobs being done other airports across the country, the group in the statement urged the Nigerian state Governors to fully support the Hon Minister and other serving, elected and appointees of the Federal government of Nigeria.
“IWA encourages constructive criticism but these must be presented appropriately with fairness and relevant facts.
“ The Nigerian State Governors should exercise restraints in their public statements to avoid sending wrong messages.
“IWA thanks Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for making Akanu Ibiam International Airport a reality during your term of office.
“ IWA looks forward to other accomplishments in the South East and South South geo-political zones to further improve and broaden the economic development of Nigeria” the group said in the joint statement.
2 church guards docked for stealing
LAGOS — Two security guards of Daystar Christian Centre were, Thursday, docked before an Ikeja Magistrate’s court for allegedly stealing 100 litres of diesel worth N20,000.
The suspects are Felix Richard (26) and Lucky Ikiedemhe (26), who were arraigned before Magistrate Abimbola Makanju-Oshodi.
The security guards who reside at 35, Oyinlola Street, Ipaja and 16, Adeniyi Jones, Ogba respectively, were brought to court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere, said the defendants committed the alleged crime on August 24, 2013, at about 10:35pm, at Oregun, Ikeja.
He said the defendants, while inside the church premises, conspired to steal 100 litres of diesel belonging to Daystar Christian Centre.
According to him, the head of the security guard of the church caught the defendants while they were trying to smuggle out the diesel from the church’s compound.
The prosecutor said the offence committed contravened Section 409 and punishable under Section 285 (7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
When the charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.
Meantime, the 29-year-old mechanic, Fashina, who resides at 4, Dada Street, Iyana Iba area of Lagos, was said to have committed the alleged offence at about 6 a.m on August 11, 2013, at Iyana Iba junction, Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant robbed an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle, which is valued N98,000., However, the owner of the motorcycle has not been identified yet.
The police prosecutor said, “the defendant is a member of a robbery syndicate that usually rides on motorcycle to rob people of their belongings.
Andy Uba, Chris Uba, others shun PDP disciplinary c’ttee
ABUJA — CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Senator Andy Uba, yesterday shunned the national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as he failed to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee.
A PDP stalwart in Anambra State and brother to Andy, Chief Chris Uba, a factional chairman, Ejike Oguebego; Chief Benji Udeozor and Mrs. Tonia Nwankwu were also not at the party’s secretariat to honour the summon by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party.
The national leadership of PDP had last Tuesday, through the acting National Publicity Secretary, Tony Okeke, summoned the winner of party primary election conducted by one of the factions, Senator Andy Uba, his brother, Chris Uba and three others.
According to the party, Andy Uba and others were alleged to have conducted a parallel congress contrary to the one carried out by the national secretariat, with Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State as chairman of the electoral panel.
R-L Sen Andy Uba and Sen Chris Uba
It also stressed that Kenneth Emeakayi was the recognised state chairman and not Ejike Oguebego, who conducted the congress where Andy Uba emerged.
But when Vanguard contacted Andy on phone, he simply said he was not available.
Meanwhile, the recognised candidate of PDP, Comrade Tony Nwoye, yesterday, stormed the party’s secretariat where he was presented with his certificate of return by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and vowed not to go to the tribunal should the November 16 Anambra election be adjudged by Civil Society Organisations, CS0, international and local observers as well as the media to be free and fair.
Nwoye, who described his emergence as the work of God, said he was surprised that the party could conduct a transparent primary election.
He, however, said that the baton given to him was to mobilize the people of Anambra State, reconcile them and win the election, and extended the olive branch to other contestants as Andy Uba, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and others for PDP to win the election.
Nwoye added that reconciliation had become imperative because wounds must be healed for the party to face opposition such as All Progressive Congress, APC, All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and others.
The former students’ leader who hailed Tukur and other members of the NWC for conducting a transparent primary election, said before now, he had not had a face-to-face contact with the PDP national chairman, adding that he would be a fisher of men and women for the November 16 Anambra gubernatorial election.
Okeke said in the statement: “In view of their participation in the breach of our constitution referred to above, the following persons are hereby invited to appear before the National Working Committee for a preliminary hearing at the. PDP national secretariat, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 10 am prompt to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.”
Also yesterday, aspirants for positions to be occupied at tomorrow’s convention, who appeared at Rockview Hotel, Wuse, for the screening, left grumbling and disappointed.
The aspirants had travelled from across the country for the screening by the Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba’s screening committee, following advertisement, only to be sent back to their zones to resolve their problems.
Some of the aspirants complained of wasting money, risking their lives, only to be told of the present situation.
The PDP, however, postponed the screening of the aspirants to tomorrow.
The screening earlier scheduled for yesterday at 10 am in Abuja was postponed to Friday at the same time and venue.
But some aspirants who spoke to newsmen raised eyebrows over the postponement, saying they would resist any attempts to scheme them out of actively participating at the national convention.
Explaining why the screening was postponed, chairman of the screening panel, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, explained that the committee resolved to postpone it because some aspirants complained that the notice for screening was short.
Senator Ndoma-Egba said: “Some members complained that the notice was too short and then two, we want to see if the zones can reach common grounds on positions zoned to them. I know some zones have already agreed and others are still in the process of achieving it and you know that if you are able to reach a common position, it would facilitate the conference.
“So, that is why the party in its wisdom decided to give the zone some time so that they can fine tune their positions.”
The senator, who noted that the postponement would not affect the timing for appeal by aspirants as they will work 24 hours, said: “An appeal panel has been set up and in politics we work 24 hours and there’s no break and I believe all these issues will be addressed.”
One of the aspirants seeking to be national publicity secretary of the party, said “we are not comfortable with the reasons given for the postponement of the screening.
“We are watching and we hope they do not repeat the mistake that led to the sacking of some officials earlier this year.
“We don’t agree with any zone cornering any position. Positions were zoned to the region and every party member who meets the criteria to contest in those zones are eligible to contest.”
Protesting students threaten nation-wide demonstrations, riots
ASABA — MOTORISTS plying Asaba-Benin highway were stranded as protesting students blocked the road by the Asaba-end of the bridge, thus causing a gridlock that lasted several hours, Wednesday, morning.
The scene was similar to the protest staged by physically- challenged persons sometime ago on the same stretch of the highway.
National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Coordinator in the South-South and South-East, Comrade Chinonso Obasi, expressed worry that the students are feeling the brunt of the strike following the failure of the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to fully reconcile their differences.
Protesting National Association of Nigerian Students (Nans), Zone B South-South/South-East led by Cordinator, Comrade Chinonso Obasi, barricaded the Benin-Asaba expressway by head bridge, Onitsha over the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities, Asuu, strike, yesterday. Photos: Nath Onojake
He said: “We are appealing to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, that since the Federal Government has been able to release N100 billion for infrastructural development and N30 billion for allowance, they should go back to classroom and continue their negotiation or agitation. This is our prayer and wish.
“We are giving them one week to open the schools or be ready to face corrosive consequences in form of nation-wide demonstrations and riots. We are ready to mobilise for that and it will be operation occupy Nigeria.”
We can get to where other nations are if we do things rightly – Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan said Thursday in Abuja that African nations must learn to manage their resources better if they wished to overcome poverty and underdevelopment.
Speaking at an audience with Pastor Chuck Pierce of Global Spheres International Church, President Jonathan said that in spite of current challenges, he was confident that African nations will achieve rapid development and progress if their governments and peoples make the right decisions and implement them.
“I believe that we can get to where other nations are if we do things rightly. If we put our acts together, we can take our rightful place in the comity of nations,” the President told the Corinth, Texas-based pastor who is hosting an international conference of his church in Abuja.
Thanking him for his interest in Nigeria and Africa, President Jonathan urged Pastor Pierce to continue to pray for the country and the continent.
Pastor Pierce thanked the President for receiving his delegation which included other church leaders from Nigeria and other African countries.
He told the President that he believed that this was an important time for Nigeria and assured him of the continued prayerful support of his global church.
Why we terminated Lekki-Epe deal with LCC – LASG
LAGOS — Lagos State Government, yesterday, said it terminated its concession agreement with Lekki Concession Company, LCC, the concessionaire handling the 49.63 kilometer Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway, “to save motorists from paying exorbitant toll tariff on the ever busy road.”
This came as it announced that the last phase of N87.5 billion out of the N275 billion fixed rate bond would be out for prospective investors in the fourth quarter of the year, to finance the acquisition right and take control of the toll regime on the road.
The termination came seven years after the commencement of the 30-year agreement between the state government and LCC, for the upgrade, expansion and maintenance of the road estimated to gulp N50 billion.
Lekki-Epe Tollgate… cause of disagreement
It will be recalled that the state House of Assembly had, on Tuesday, at a special plenary session, approved N7.5 billion supplementary budget to accelerate the transfer of ownership of the road to the state, leaving the state with wider policy option with regards to that important road infrastructure.
Reason for govt’s action
Giving the reason for government’s action, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, said: “As provided for in the concession agreement between the parties, the concessionaire, (LCC) can increase the toll tariff based on the inflation rate in the country, among other things every quarter. The risk is that when an agreement was reached between two parties to negotiate on a contract, whatever the year, one cannot envisage the entire challenge that will arise later. The dynamics of the Lekki project did not envisage that there would be devaluation of the country’s currency, between 2008 and 2013 from N118 to N160. This impacted on their cost which they will attempt to pass to the common man on the street, because of the inflation adjustment.
“For instance, if the state government had not come up with this plan last July, the concessionaire would have increased the toll fee for cars from N120 to N144 while drivers of SUVs will have to part with N180 as against the N150 cost they are still enjoying. This is because the concessionaire would have added 20 percent. The government felt that this would be difficult to push to the residents at this time. And of course, at every anniversary, it was meant to go up by the inflation rate plus five percent. And we should not forget that this is the first Public Private Partnership, PPP, agreement reached by the state government.”
On N85.5bn bond
The commissioner said “Our application has been filed with Security Exchange Commission, SEC, and other aspects have been handled. Our best estimation is that by the early fourth quarter of this year, we will be able to access the cash from the transaction. Out of the bond issuance of N275 billion, the state government has issued three series of the bond totaling N187.5 billion.”
Thursday 29 August 2013
11-Yr-Old Girl Saves Family From Fire
A California girl saved her siblings from their burning home after she had a gut feeling that danger was imminent.
Many people claim to have experienced premonitions — those eerie, foreboding feelings that something unpleasant is about to happen. They can run from the mundane (knowing who's calling before answering the phone) to the disastrous (dreaming that a loved one will pass away). And sometimes they’re simply uneasy feelings that bad luck is on the horizon.
That’s exactly what 11-year-old Maria Elias of McFarland, California, experienced when she went to bed on Saturday night. "I couldn't go to sleep because I knew something was going to happen," Maria told KGET TV 17.
Sure enough, at 1:30 a.m., a fire broke out in her family's three-bedroom home, causing an estimated $85,000 worth of damage. Maria fought back tears as she told KGET how she got her two younger brothers and sister to safety and was holding her sister "tight" to ensure that she didn't leave her behind.
Yahoo! Shine could not reach Maria or her family for comment, and it’s unclear exactly how the little girl ushered her siblings to safety. However, Corey Wilford of the Kern County Fire Department told Yahoo! Shine, “Based on witness testimony, the fire was electrical. A person who was sleeping in the home heard a loud pop and smelled smoke, then saw fire erupt on the wall.”
According to a Kern County Fire Department press release emailed to Yahoo! Shine, two people escaped through a window in the home, and in total, eight adults and 12 children were displaced by the fire. All are now being assisted by the American Red Cross.
“I would advise people to have at least one working smoke detector in the home,” said Wilford. “Replace your batteries twice a year and test the detector once a month to make sure it’s functioning. Also, vacuum the detector periodically because dust can prevent it from sensing smoke, or even set off false alarms.” (Visit the National Fire Protection Association website for more tips.)
Whether or not Elias experienced a premonition — and whether premonitions actually even exist — is a hotly debated topic. While many in the spiritual world have long accepted premonitions as fact, science has begun to explore the phenomenon as well. A recent study conducted by Northwestern University found that the human body can react to danger before the brain is conscious of the impending event. And research conducted by Cornell University found that people were able to predict with 53.4 percent accuracy where a photo was located when asked to choose between two locations. Not statistically mind-blowing, but according to a story published in Popular Science, the results were more impressive than the 50 percent accuracy rate that might be expected by chance.
Many people claim to have experienced premonitions — those eerie, foreboding feelings that something unpleasant is about to happen. They can run from the mundane (knowing who's calling before answering the phone) to the disastrous (dreaming that a loved one will pass away). And sometimes they’re simply uneasy feelings that bad luck is on the horizon.
That’s exactly what 11-year-old Maria Elias of McFarland, California, experienced when she went to bed on Saturday night. "I couldn't go to sleep because I knew something was going to happen," Maria told KGET TV 17.
Sure enough, at 1:30 a.m., a fire broke out in her family's three-bedroom home, causing an estimated $85,000 worth of damage. Maria fought back tears as she told KGET how she got her two younger brothers and sister to safety and was holding her sister "tight" to ensure that she didn't leave her behind.
Yahoo! Shine could not reach Maria or her family for comment, and it’s unclear exactly how the little girl ushered her siblings to safety. However, Corey Wilford of the Kern County Fire Department told Yahoo! Shine, “Based on witness testimony, the fire was electrical. A person who was sleeping in the home heard a loud pop and smelled smoke, then saw fire erupt on the wall.”
According to a Kern County Fire Department press release emailed to Yahoo! Shine, two people escaped through a window in the home, and in total, eight adults and 12 children were displaced by the fire. All are now being assisted by the American Red Cross.
“I would advise people to have at least one working smoke detector in the home,” said Wilford. “Replace your batteries twice a year and test the detector once a month to make sure it’s functioning. Also, vacuum the detector periodically because dust can prevent it from sensing smoke, or even set off false alarms.” (Visit the National Fire Protection Association website for more tips.)
Whether or not Elias experienced a premonition — and whether premonitions actually even exist — is a hotly debated topic. While many in the spiritual world have long accepted premonitions as fact, science has begun to explore the phenomenon as well. A recent study conducted by Northwestern University found that the human body can react to danger before the brain is conscious of the impending event. And research conducted by Cornell University found that people were able to predict with 53.4 percent accuracy where a photo was located when asked to choose between two locations. Not statistically mind-blowing, but according to a story published in Popular Science, the results were more impressive than the 50 percent accuracy rate that might be expected by chance.
Plastic Surgeon Made His Wife Perfect Using His Skills
PHOTOS: "I Have Created My Perfect Wife" - Says Plastic Surgeon Who Performed Tummy Tuck, Butt Lift And womanliness Surgery On His Woman Before He Married
A plastic surgeon has used his body sculpting skills to create his dream woman before proposing to her on their first date.Dr David Matlock met his bride Veronica, 38, in 2007 when she was 40lbs heavier and visited him seeking what is commonly known as 'designer womanliness' surgery after giving birth to her daughter Isabella, now aged nine.
photo
As well as the vaginoplasty, Dr Matlock suggested that the beautiful brunette also undergo a 'Wonder Woman Makeover', involving liposuction of the chin, arms, and legs, and a Brazilian butt lift.
'I couldn't even look into his eyes because of the reason I was there,' she said.
'I was so shy and bashful, but he says it was love at first sight.'
Dr Matlock then took the now Mrs Matlock out for a date, immediately proposed to her, and has been helping her to enhance her figure ever since.
'I didn't see her weight then, I just knew what I wanted to do,' he said of their first meeting.
'She opted for everything I suggested. Even marriage.'
photo
Prior to meeting her 49-year-old husband, full-time nurse Mrs Matlock had undergone three bosom augmentations.
She has since had a Brazilian butt lift, womanly rejuvenation, labiaplasty and center of gravity shot, liposuction to her chin, arms and legs and, most recently, botox injections.
'I feel like I'm a walking advertisement for him,' she said.
Dr Matlock, who appeared on the E! reality show Dr 90210, has also had liposculpting done on on his pecs, biceps, and triceps, and Botox injections to enhance his look.
He said: 'I just wanted to take my body to a point where, with exercise and diet, you couldn't get it there.'
Dr Matlock said: 'I always eat healthy. A lot of my business is fat, doing liposuction all the time, but I don't like fat.
'I tell people I watch my weight, and I watch my wife's weight too.'
Mrs Matlock said: 'I know that David loves me for who I am.'
But she added, laughing: 'There's a fat clause there.'
A plastic surgeon has used his body sculpting skills to create his dream woman before proposing to her on their first date.Dr David Matlock met his bride Veronica, 38, in 2007 when she was 40lbs heavier and visited him seeking what is commonly known as 'designer womanliness' surgery after giving birth to her daughter Isabella, now aged nine.
photo
As well as the vaginoplasty, Dr Matlock suggested that the beautiful brunette also undergo a 'Wonder Woman Makeover', involving liposuction of the chin, arms, and legs, and a Brazilian butt lift.
'I couldn't even look into his eyes because of the reason I was there,' she said.
'I was so shy and bashful, but he says it was love at first sight.'
Dr Matlock then took the now Mrs Matlock out for a date, immediately proposed to her, and has been helping her to enhance her figure ever since.
'I didn't see her weight then, I just knew what I wanted to do,' he said of their first meeting.
'She opted for everything I suggested. Even marriage.'
photo
Prior to meeting her 49-year-old husband, full-time nurse Mrs Matlock had undergone three bosom augmentations.
She has since had a Brazilian butt lift, womanly rejuvenation, labiaplasty and center of gravity shot, liposuction to her chin, arms and legs and, most recently, botox injections.
'I feel like I'm a walking advertisement for him,' she said.
Dr Matlock, who appeared on the E! reality show Dr 90210, has also had liposculpting done on on his pecs, biceps, and triceps, and Botox injections to enhance his look.
He said: 'I just wanted to take my body to a point where, with exercise and diet, you couldn't get it there.'
Dr Matlock said: 'I always eat healthy. A lot of my business is fat, doing liposuction all the time, but I don't like fat.
'I tell people I watch my weight, and I watch my wife's weight too.'
Mrs Matlock said: 'I know that David loves me for who I am.'
But she added, laughing: 'There's a fat clause there.'
UEFA Champions League Draw Live
THE DRAW
Where is it held? Monaco
What time does the draw start? 4.45pm
RULES
The 10 winning teams from the play-off round join the 22 automatically qualified sides for the group stage of the competition.
The group stage will consist of eight groups of four teams and the only restriction at this stage of the competition is that sides from the same association cannot face each other (i.e Manchester United can’t be drawn in the same group as Chelsea, Barcelona can’t be drawn with Real Madrid etc.)
For the draw there will be four seeding pots each with eight teams based on UEFA’s coefficient rankings, with each group featuring one side from each pot.
Where two sides from the same country qualify, they are paired to split their matches between Tuesday and Wednesday. With three teams, only two are paired, while those with four teams feature two pairings based on TV audience.
Seeding Pots
Pot 1: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Porto, Benfica
Pot 2: Atletico Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, AC Milan, Schalke, Marseille, CSKA Moscow, Paris St-Germain, Juventus
Pot 3: Zenit St Petersburg, Manchester City, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Basel, Olympiakos, Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen
Pot 4: Copenhagen, Napoli, Anderlecht, Celtic, Steaua Bucharest, Viktoria Plzen, Real Sociedad, Austria Vienna
Pot 1 represents the strongest set of teams with holders Bayern leading the ranking, while Arsenal once again remain the only non-Champions League winner in the top tier. Pot 2 also has some big names with French champions PSG, Serie A winners Juventus and Champions League giants Milan placed there. 2012/13 Premier League champions City and last season's European finalists Dortmund are in Pot 3, while Napoli and Celtic find themselves in the bottom tier.
The first set matches will take place on September 17/18, while the last set of group stage fixtures is scheduled for December 10/11. Benfica's Estadio da Luz will stage the final on May 24.
Possible Group Stage Draws for British Clubs
For United / Chelsea / Arsenal
Best cases: 1) Marseille, Basel, Copenhagen or 2) Schalke, Olympiakos, Austria Vienna
Worst cases: 1) PSG, Dortmund, Napoli or 2) Juventus, Galatasaray, Sociedad
For Manchester City
Best cases: 1) Benfica, Marseille, Copenhagen or 2) Porto, Schalke, Austria Vienna
Worst cases: 1) Bayern, PSG, Napoli or 2) Barcelona, Juventus, Sociedad
For Celtic
Best cases: 1) Benfica, Marseille, Basel or 2) Porto, Schalke, Olympiakos
Worst cases: 1) Bayern, PSG, Dortmund or 2) Madrid, Juventus, Ajax
Where is it held? Monaco
What time does the draw start? 4.45pm
RULES
The 10 winning teams from the play-off round join the 22 automatically qualified sides for the group stage of the competition.
The group stage will consist of eight groups of four teams and the only restriction at this stage of the competition is that sides from the same association cannot face each other (i.e Manchester United can’t be drawn in the same group as Chelsea, Barcelona can’t be drawn with Real Madrid etc.)
For the draw there will be four seeding pots each with eight teams based on UEFA’s coefficient rankings, with each group featuring one side from each pot.
Where two sides from the same country qualify, they are paired to split their matches between Tuesday and Wednesday. With three teams, only two are paired, while those with four teams feature two pairings based on TV audience.
Seeding Pots
Pot 1: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Porto, Benfica
Pot 2: Atletico Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, AC Milan, Schalke, Marseille, CSKA Moscow, Paris St-Germain, Juventus
Pot 3: Zenit St Petersburg, Manchester City, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Basel, Olympiakos, Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen
Pot 4: Copenhagen, Napoli, Anderlecht, Celtic, Steaua Bucharest, Viktoria Plzen, Real Sociedad, Austria Vienna
Pot 1 represents the strongest set of teams with holders Bayern leading the ranking, while Arsenal once again remain the only non-Champions League winner in the top tier. Pot 2 also has some big names with French champions PSG, Serie A winners Juventus and Champions League giants Milan placed there. 2012/13 Premier League champions City and last season's European finalists Dortmund are in Pot 3, while Napoli and Celtic find themselves in the bottom tier.
The first set matches will take place on September 17/18, while the last set of group stage fixtures is scheduled for December 10/11. Benfica's Estadio da Luz will stage the final on May 24.
Possible Group Stage Draws for British Clubs
For United / Chelsea / Arsenal
Best cases: 1) Marseille, Basel, Copenhagen or 2) Schalke, Olympiakos, Austria Vienna
Worst cases: 1) PSG, Dortmund, Napoli or 2) Juventus, Galatasaray, Sociedad
For Manchester City
Best cases: 1) Benfica, Marseille, Copenhagen or 2) Porto, Schalke, Austria Vienna
Worst cases: 1) Bayern, PSG, Napoli or 2) Barcelona, Juventus, Sociedad
For Celtic
Best cases: 1) Benfica, Marseille, Basel or 2) Porto, Schalke, Olympiakos
Worst cases: 1) Bayern, PSG, Dortmund or 2) Madrid, Juventus, Ajax
Satellite Broadcast Scammer Arrested In Kano
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday August 23, 2013 arrested one Tope Ajayi over his alleged involvement in digital satellite broadcast scam. Ajayi was picked up by operatives of EFCC from his apartment located at 26 Link Bawo Road in Hausawa area of Kano following intelligence report.
Over 100 decoders and other computer gadgets were recovered from his server room by operatives of the Commission during a search on his apartment.
Ajayi who claimed to have worked with Skye Bank Plc is said to be a major digital satellite broadcast scammer. He is alleged to have a server that links up with a server in China and an unknown Internet Service Provider, ISP, somewhere in Europe or the United State of America.
The suspect is also alleged to be engaged in illegal importation, selling and distribution of pirate devices popularly known as Dungle which enables subscribers to have free access to Multichoice satellite signals across West and Central Africa.
According to Mr Frikkie Jonker, Senior Anti-Piracy Manager, Multichoice, Ajayi’s server is considered strong as it controls its counterpart server in China and distributes satellite signals to a host of West African and Central African countries including Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya Uganda and Benin Republic .
It was also revealed that the suspect had been extracting control words from multichoice cards in Nigeria and sending same to a server in China which is connected to an ISP server placed somewhere in Europe or America.
Jonker, who expressed his gratitude to the EFCC for the arrest, described the scam as one of the biggest in recent time.
Ajayi will be arraigned in court when investigation is concluded.
Over 100 decoders and other computer gadgets were recovered from his server room by operatives of the Commission during a search on his apartment.
Ajayi who claimed to have worked with Skye Bank Plc is said to be a major digital satellite broadcast scammer. He is alleged to have a server that links up with a server in China and an unknown Internet Service Provider, ISP, somewhere in Europe or the United State of America.
The suspect is also alleged to be engaged in illegal importation, selling and distribution of pirate devices popularly known as Dungle which enables subscribers to have free access to Multichoice satellite signals across West and Central Africa.
According to Mr Frikkie Jonker, Senior Anti-Piracy Manager, Multichoice, Ajayi’s server is considered strong as it controls its counterpart server in China and distributes satellite signals to a host of West African and Central African countries including Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya Uganda and Benin Republic .
It was also revealed that the suspect had been extracting control words from multichoice cards in Nigeria and sending same to a server in China which is connected to an ISP server placed somewhere in Europe or America.
Jonker, who expressed his gratitude to the EFCC for the arrest, described the scam as one of the biggest in recent time.
Ajayi will be arraigned in court when investigation is concluded.
Anambra guber: Court declares Andy Uba PDP candidate
PORT HARCOURT—JUSTICE H.A. Nganjiwa of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to accept the result of the primary election conducted by Ejike Oguebego’s faction of PDP in Anambra State which declared Senator Andy Uba governorship candidate for the party in the November 16 election.
The court held “that the 1st and 2nd defendants are to forthwith comply with the order of this Honourable court made on August 6, 2013.
“That the 1st and 2nd defendant are to accept the results that emerged from the plaintiffs’ ward and state congresses pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction or pending the hearing and determination of the motion to set aside the interim order
“That 1st and 2nd defendants are hereby restrained from accepting the wards and state congresses results from Ken Emeakey-led PDP executive from Anambra State, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction and the motion to set aside the interim order made on August 6, 2013”
Justice Nganjiwa adjourned the matter to August 30.
OJB Receiving Treatment In India (Photo)
OJB Jezreel is presently undergoing treatment in India!
OJB who weeks back had publicly cried out for help was fortunate to receive financial donations from numerous Nigerians including a few celebrities like Psquare (N5m), Don Jazzy (1m), Olamide (N1m), Iyanya, Mercy Johnson, Julius Agwu, Vector, Sound Sultan, Dele Momodu and others plus a whopping $150,000 from the office of the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
OJB will be spending three months in India, this will cover the pre and post medical operation. See photo of him receiving treatment
OJB who weeks back had publicly cried out for help was fortunate to receive financial donations from numerous Nigerians including a few celebrities like Psquare (N5m), Don Jazzy (1m), Olamide (N1m), Iyanya, Mercy Johnson, Julius Agwu, Vector, Sound Sultan, Dele Momodu and others plus a whopping $150,000 from the office of the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
OJB will be spending three months in India, this will cover the pre and post medical operation. See photo of him receiving treatment
Burnaboy's Camp Denies He Assaulted Any Lady In PH
According to one of Burna Boy’s aides, Burnaboy didn't slap the young girl as another eyewitness said. She says she too was at the scene, and nothing of such happened.
It was just an argument and Burna Boy never slapped anyone. Arguments are meant to come up but because the person in question is a public figure, much importance is now attached to it. He was never arrested because the said show he went for in Port Harcourt was a Hennessy show in which he performed. So how will an arrested man perform in a show at the same time? The stories are all false
It was just an argument and Burna Boy never slapped anyone. Arguments are meant to come up but because the person in question is a public figure, much importance is now attached to it. He was never arrested because the said show he went for in Port Harcourt was a Hennessy show in which he performed. So how will an arrested man perform in a show at the same time? The stories are all false
Burna Boy Allegedly Arrested For Assaulting Sales Girl In Port-Harcourt
Burna Boy has supposedly been arrested. According to reports Burna allegedly poured a drink over a ticket attendant at Silverbird Cinemas. He then allegedly slapped her over an undisclosed dispute.
Burna Boy is yet to comment on the incident.
Burna Boy is yet to comment on the incident.
Suntai Dissolves Cabinet Amidst Controversies
The ailing governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai has dissolved the state executive council. Also sent packing are all special advisers but not special assistants.
Governor Suntai has also approved the appointment of Mr. Gebon Timothy Kataes as the Secretary to the State Government, while Mallam Aminu Gika is the new Chief of Staff.
All commissioners have been directed to hand over to their respective permanent secretaries while the special advisers are to hand over to the Government House.
Governor Suntai has also approved the appointment of Mr. Gebon Timothy Kataes as the Secretary to the State Government, while Mallam Aminu Gika is the new Chief of Staff.
All commissioners have been directed to hand over to their respective permanent secretaries while the special advisers are to hand over to the Government House.
Nigeria To Start Exporting Technologies To African Countries, Says Minister
The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Ewa, said on Tuesday that Nigeria would soon start exporting technologies to other African countries.
Ewa said this when a team of experts from the UNESCO paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.
The minister said the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) “Silicon Valley”, in Kwali, FCT, would be a zone where technology would be exported. Ewa said that the valley would not only be the steering point of development and diffusion of technology to Nigeria, but also for African countries.
Prof. Ita Ewa
“We have gone to the drawing board and discovered that micro-chips and integrated circuit form the hull mark and bed rock through which technology drive.
“We believe that the best approach to Nigeria is not giving us fish but how to catch a fish.
“We want the SHESTCO ‘Silicon Valley’ here to be a unique one that will not only ensure technology transfer to Nigeria but (will) be export processing zone, where technology would be exported to other African countries.
“That is why we have taken time to discuss with Paris government and other governments that have developed their science park,’’ Ewa said.
The minister said that the centre would be where solar technology value chain could be used in promoting the technology in Nigeria.
Ewa said that was why the ministry was collaborating with UNESCO and other relevant experts to get it right from the starting point.
He added that the country was going to develop a practical roadmap that would guide the valley even after the end of the current administration in the ministry.
Earlier, the leader of the UNESO team, Dr Voslan Nur, said the organisation had agreed to collaborate with the Federal Government to establish the valley.
He said the valley would be a promising project as obtained in other parts of the world.
Nur described the initiative of the ministry on the project as the right step in the right decision to make the nation’s technology park a productive centre.
Prof. Deog-song Oh, the Secretary-General, World Technopolis Association, Korea, said the establishment of the valley would make Nigeria one of the world technology giants in the nearest future.
“When we think of African countries, we always think of Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa.
“Now, you are one of the giants of Africa; you can join the giants of the world through the application of knowledge-based economy like the developed economies,’’ Oh said.
He said a knowledge-based economy was the only way any country could fast-track its development.
The secretary-general said such a concept had been demonstrated by some other countries.
The other members of the visiting UNESCO team are Dr. Malcom Parry of the Surrey Research Park, Gilford, UK and Mr Han-Sic Cho, the Deputy Secretary-General of WTA.
The minister and the management of the ministry later led the UNESCO experts to SHESTCO where the site of the valley is located. (NAN)
Ewa said this when a team of experts from the UNESCO paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.
The minister said the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) “Silicon Valley”, in Kwali, FCT, would be a zone where technology would be exported. Ewa said that the valley would not only be the steering point of development and diffusion of technology to Nigeria, but also for African countries.
Prof. Ita Ewa
“We have gone to the drawing board and discovered that micro-chips and integrated circuit form the hull mark and bed rock through which technology drive.
“We believe that the best approach to Nigeria is not giving us fish but how to catch a fish.
“We want the SHESTCO ‘Silicon Valley’ here to be a unique one that will not only ensure technology transfer to Nigeria but (will) be export processing zone, where technology would be exported to other African countries.
“That is why we have taken time to discuss with Paris government and other governments that have developed their science park,’’ Ewa said.
The minister said that the centre would be where solar technology value chain could be used in promoting the technology in Nigeria.
Ewa said that was why the ministry was collaborating with UNESCO and other relevant experts to get it right from the starting point.
He added that the country was going to develop a practical roadmap that would guide the valley even after the end of the current administration in the ministry.
Earlier, the leader of the UNESO team, Dr Voslan Nur, said the organisation had agreed to collaborate with the Federal Government to establish the valley.
He said the valley would be a promising project as obtained in other parts of the world.
Nur described the initiative of the ministry on the project as the right step in the right decision to make the nation’s technology park a productive centre.
Prof. Deog-song Oh, the Secretary-General, World Technopolis Association, Korea, said the establishment of the valley would make Nigeria one of the world technology giants in the nearest future.
“When we think of African countries, we always think of Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa.
“Now, you are one of the giants of Africa; you can join the giants of the world through the application of knowledge-based economy like the developed economies,’’ Oh said.
He said a knowledge-based economy was the only way any country could fast-track its development.
The secretary-general said such a concept had been demonstrated by some other countries.
The other members of the visiting UNESCO team are Dr. Malcom Parry of the Surrey Research Park, Gilford, UK and Mr Han-Sic Cho, the Deputy Secretary-General of WTA.
The minister and the management of the ministry later led the UNESCO experts to SHESTCO where the site of the valley is located. (NAN)
Daughter's iPad Charger Explodes As Father Tries To Unplug It
A concerned father has told how his daughter's iPad charger exploded in his hand giving him a massive electric shock which he believes 'would have killed her'.
Tim Gillooley, 34, said he was thrown across the room and left with blackened fingers when he reached down to unplug the device at his mother's house in Widnes, Cheshire.
And he believes his eight-year-old daughter Chloe would most likely have been killed had it been her, instead of him, who had touched the device.
According to Mr Gillooley Chloe asked him to unplug the charger on his way back from the bathroom on Saturday last weekend.
He told the Daily Mirror: 'There was a huge bang and it blew me across the room. I was in shock.
'I was hysterically laughing for about two minutes. It was a bad shock that went down my arm. My mum was panicking and Chloe burst into tears.
'Nine times out of 10, Chloe would have gone to get it herself. I think it would have killed her.'
Mr Gillooley, from Warrington, bought the iPad for Chloe's birthday last November from the Apple store in Liverpool.
But some months later it began to develop charging problems and he returned it to the store but was told there was nothing wrong with the charger or the device.
They purchased a new genuine Apple charger complete with lightening cable in the hope it would solve the problem but it continued.
He added: 'We were big fans of Apple but I won't let my daughter near her iPhone if it's a ticking time bomb.'
Apple - who have requested Mr Gillooley send them the remains of the charger for examination - are yet to comment.
Last month a Chinese air stewardess Ma Ailun, 23, was reportedly killed by an electric shock when she answered a call on her iPhone 5 while it was recharging.
Apple said they have launched an investigation into the claims.
Tim Gillooley, 34, said he was thrown across the room and left with blackened fingers when he reached down to unplug the device at his mother's house in Widnes, Cheshire.
And he believes his eight-year-old daughter Chloe would most likely have been killed had it been her, instead of him, who had touched the device.
According to Mr Gillooley Chloe asked him to unplug the charger on his way back from the bathroom on Saturday last weekend.
He told the Daily Mirror: 'There was a huge bang and it blew me across the room. I was in shock.
'I was hysterically laughing for about two minutes. It was a bad shock that went down my arm. My mum was panicking and Chloe burst into tears.
'Nine times out of 10, Chloe would have gone to get it herself. I think it would have killed her.'
Mr Gillooley, from Warrington, bought the iPad for Chloe's birthday last November from the Apple store in Liverpool.
But some months later it began to develop charging problems and he returned it to the store but was told there was nothing wrong with the charger or the device.
They purchased a new genuine Apple charger complete with lightening cable in the hope it would solve the problem but it continued.
He added: 'We were big fans of Apple but I won't let my daughter near her iPhone if it's a ticking time bomb.'
Apple - who have requested Mr Gillooley send them the remains of the charger for examination - are yet to comment.
Last month a Chinese air stewardess Ma Ailun, 23, was reportedly killed by an electric shock when she answered a call on her iPhone 5 while it was recharging.
Apple said they have launched an investigation into the claims.
Wednesday 28 August 2013
Chelsea complete Willian signing
The Blues have announced that the Brazilian has completed his move to Stamford Bridge following a work permit hearing, whilst the 25-year-old has expressed delight at the move
Chelsea have announced the signing of Anzhi forward Willian, who has completed his move to Stamford Bridge having been granted a work permit.The Brazilian, who had been expected to join Tottenham, has signed a five-year contract at Jose Mourinho's side.
A product of the Corinthians youth academy, the 25-year-old moved to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in August 2007 before moving to Russia in January following some eye-catching performances in the Champions League.
"I'm very happy to be here, it's been a dream of mine to come and play here," the player told the Blues' official website upon completing his transfer to the Stamford Bridge outfit.
"Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world, and now I'm going to play for one of the best managers in the world, so I'm very happy and looking forward to it."
Willian has not been named in the squad for Friday's UEFA Super Cup encounter with Bayern Munich in Prague, and in turn will not have the opportunity to make his debut until after the international break, on September 14 against Everton.
The Brazil international is believed to have cost Roman Abramovich's side in the region of £30 million.
Afrocandy Offers Beverly Osu A Movie Role
lmao.
Afrocandy says if Bev could do it infront of all, then she can do her movie. Hope Beverly replies her
Afrocandy says if Bev could do it infront of all, then she can do her movie. Hope Beverly replies her
Man Detained For Recording Arrest Of Okada Rider
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical representative, Gregory Muonylilo, for allegedly video recording policemen who were arresting a commercial motorcyclist.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the suspect was arrested at the Amuwo Odofin area of the state by policemen attached to Area E Command.
The policemen were said to have attempted to arrest a commercial motorcyclist for breaking the traffic law, while the suspect was recording the incident.
The suspect’s brother, Onyeka, said, “Apparently the policemen set up a checkpoint in front of his office yesterday (Monday) and were harassing okada riders. He started recording it
“The policemen saw him and became agitated. They collected his phone and left.”
“They came back around 4pm, arrested him and took him to their station.
“From Amuwo Odofin, they took him to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, where he was detained.”
PUNCH Metro learnt that ever since the dismissal of a police sergeant, Chris Omeleze, who was caught on camera demanding bribe from a motorist, policemen have become paranoid about people recording their activities.
When contacted on the telephone, Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, denied claims that the policemen were harassing the okada rider.
She also debunked claims that the victim was taken to SARS. She said he was taken to the X-Squad Department
She said, “The policemen were on legal duty and they had apprehended an okada rider for riding on a restricted route. I spoke to the man who was arrested and he never told me that the policemen were asking for bribe from the commercial motorcyclist they were trying to arrest. The man was recording and we do not know his motive.”
PUNCH Metro learnt that the suspect was arrested at the Amuwo Odofin area of the state by policemen attached to Area E Command.
The policemen were said to have attempted to arrest a commercial motorcyclist for breaking the traffic law, while the suspect was recording the incident.
The suspect’s brother, Onyeka, said, “Apparently the policemen set up a checkpoint in front of his office yesterday (Monday) and were harassing okada riders. He started recording it
“The policemen saw him and became agitated. They collected his phone and left.”
“They came back around 4pm, arrested him and took him to their station.
“From Amuwo Odofin, they took him to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, where he was detained.”
PUNCH Metro learnt that ever since the dismissal of a police sergeant, Chris Omeleze, who was caught on camera demanding bribe from a motorist, policemen have become paranoid about people recording their activities.
When contacted on the telephone, Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, denied claims that the policemen were harassing the okada rider.
She also debunked claims that the victim was taken to SARS. She said he was taken to the X-Squad Department
She said, “The policemen were on legal duty and they had apprehended an okada rider for riding on a restricted route. I spoke to the man who was arrested and he never told me that the policemen were asking for bribe from the commercial motorcyclist they were trying to arrest. The man was recording and we do not know his motive.”
3 Killed, 5 Burnt In Ibadan Tanker Fire
Tragedy struck on Tuesday at Orogun Junction along Iwo Road/Ojoo Expressway in Ibadan as no fewer than three persons died while five others sustained serious burns when a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation tanker trying to offload fuel from another exploded and caught fire.
Properties worth several millions of naira were lost to the inferno.
The raging inferno also touched eight shops, while two Sport Utility Vehicles were not spared as they were burnt to ashes.
The incident occurred beside Energy filling station at Orogun Junction via Iwo Road/Ojoo Expressway between 11am and 1pm on Tuesday.
Thick smoke covered the atmosphere as most shops and car owners packed in some perimeters close to the scene.
Frantic efforts to retrieve some valuables failed due to the intensity of the fire.
An eyewitness, Dr. Ayo Osisanwo, said the unfortunate incident occurred when a NNPC truck was offloading fuel from a fuel -laden truck belonging to the corporation and had fallen off the road.
Properties worth several millions of naira were lost to the inferno.
The raging inferno also touched eight shops, while two Sport Utility Vehicles were not spared as they were burnt to ashes.
The incident occurred beside Energy filling station at Orogun Junction via Iwo Road/Ojoo Expressway between 11am and 1pm on Tuesday.
Thick smoke covered the atmosphere as most shops and car owners packed in some perimeters close to the scene.
Frantic efforts to retrieve some valuables failed due to the intensity of the fire.
An eyewitness, Dr. Ayo Osisanwo, said the unfortunate incident occurred when a NNPC truck was offloading fuel from a fuel -laden truck belonging to the corporation and had fallen off the road.
Medview Approved To Fly Six International Routes
Nigeria-based Medview Airlines said Tuesday that it has been designated by the Federal Government to fly into six regional and international routes to actualise the principle of reciprocity in the bilateral air services agreement the Nigerian government signed with other countries of the world. The routes according to the managing director if the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole include: 14 frequencies on the Lagos / Accra route; Lagos / Dakar ; Lagos / Libreville; Lagos/ Abuja / Jeddah; Kano / Jeddah, which are four frequencies .
The other routes are : Lagos / Dubai and Enugu / Singapore.
Bankole disclosed this Tuesday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos while taking delivery of the fourth aircraft acquired by the airline.
He said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), had granted the airlines, the international air permit to carry out the international operations. He said Medview Airlines is the first carrier to be awarded the new international permit by the new director general of the authority, Captain Folaleye Akinkuotu.
Bankole assured that before the end of the year, Medview Airlines would begin direct flights into Dubai , even as plans were in place to consolidate on other routes, in which the airline has been designated. He said within a year that Medview Airlines began operations on the domestic scene of the industry it flew over 250,000 passengers.
He said the carrier airlifts a monthly average of about 30,000 passengers monthly. Bankole said: "It has been a pride of this company and for Nigeria today to see a domestic airline within a short space of time growing as you have seen. We are proud to tell you that, we spoke with you in January and we promised you that in another six to eight months we will give you two more aircraft, this one of them acquired by MedView, it is an aircraft that we purchase, we call it lease purchase and we have 737-800 coming in very soon.
“These are the two aircraft to add to this fleet and before the end of the year a bigger aircraft will come in to join up to be doing the international and regional operation which you are aware this company has been designated by the Federal Government on some regional and international routes. The routes are , Accra, Dakar, Libreville , Jeddah, Dubai and Singapore."
Bankole also urged the Federal Government to come to the aid of domestic airlines to get access to sufficient aviation fuel in order to have a smooth flight operations across the country. He pointed out that the lack of aviation fuel to power the aircraft is one of the major problems that most airlines operators in the aviation industry were grappling with.
Alhaji Bankole said that the problem had degenerated to a national issue, thus calling on the government to come to the aid of domestic airlines in the country by giving the major fuel suppliers some window that will make the products easily accessible and available to airlines operators.
He said, "For us it is a national assignment, so you will help me tell President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Petroleum. It is a national issue, so we don't want to talk as MedView we want to talk in general with other operators, it affects not only MedView Airlines, it affects other operators because we need the government to come to our aid so that government can give those major fuel suppliers some window to get full accessibility of the product because it is very difficult to find outside."
He stressed that because of the heavy growth of passengers patronising the airline, more aircraft were needed to meet the demands of the passengers as well as make air travel a memorable and seamless experience to the flying public.
"We are going to expand to Port-Harcourt, Abuja, we also are expanding to Enugu. For our domestic operations, the traffic load has been very heavy, I want to say categorically, we move close to 1,300, 1,400 passengers on daily bases, so on our traffic monthly, we have been between 30,000 and 35,000 passengers monthly. So we have carried over 250,000 passengers,” he said.
“So as I am talking to you, we have just been issued our permit, our international permit, we are the first airline to be given that permit by the current Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which is a new designation for an airline of this nature to go outside this country."
He said the newly acquired aircraft was built to accommodate twelve Business-class passengers and 104 Economy-class passengers. He said that the aircraft was purchased in order to give passengers the best comfort that they deserve with a reduced air fare stressing that the motive of the airline was to ensure that passengers have seamless travel experiences across the country.
The other routes are : Lagos / Dubai and Enugu / Singapore.
Bankole disclosed this Tuesday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos while taking delivery of the fourth aircraft acquired by the airline.He said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), had granted the airlines, the international air permit to carry out the international operations. He said Medview Airlines is the first carrier to be awarded the new international permit by the new director general of the authority, Captain Folaleye Akinkuotu.
Bankole assured that before the end of the year, Medview Airlines would begin direct flights into Dubai , even as plans were in place to consolidate on other routes, in which the airline has been designated. He said within a year that Medview Airlines began operations on the domestic scene of the industry it flew over 250,000 passengers.
He said the carrier airlifts a monthly average of about 30,000 passengers monthly. Bankole said: "It has been a pride of this company and for Nigeria today to see a domestic airline within a short space of time growing as you have seen. We are proud to tell you that, we spoke with you in January and we promised you that in another six to eight months we will give you two more aircraft, this one of them acquired by MedView, it is an aircraft that we purchase, we call it lease purchase and we have 737-800 coming in very soon.
“These are the two aircraft to add to this fleet and before the end of the year a bigger aircraft will come in to join up to be doing the international and regional operation which you are aware this company has been designated by the Federal Government on some regional and international routes. The routes are , Accra, Dakar, Libreville , Jeddah, Dubai and Singapore."
Bankole also urged the Federal Government to come to the aid of domestic airlines to get access to sufficient aviation fuel in order to have a smooth flight operations across the country. He pointed out that the lack of aviation fuel to power the aircraft is one of the major problems that most airlines operators in the aviation industry were grappling with.
Alhaji Bankole said that the problem had degenerated to a national issue, thus calling on the government to come to the aid of domestic airlines in the country by giving the major fuel suppliers some window that will make the products easily accessible and available to airlines operators.
He said, "For us it is a national assignment, so you will help me tell President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Petroleum. It is a national issue, so we don't want to talk as MedView we want to talk in general with other operators, it affects not only MedView Airlines, it affects other operators because we need the government to come to our aid so that government can give those major fuel suppliers some window to get full accessibility of the product because it is very difficult to find outside."
He stressed that because of the heavy growth of passengers patronising the airline, more aircraft were needed to meet the demands of the passengers as well as make air travel a memorable and seamless experience to the flying public.
"We are going to expand to Port-Harcourt, Abuja, we also are expanding to Enugu. For our domestic operations, the traffic load has been very heavy, I want to say categorically, we move close to 1,300, 1,400 passengers on daily bases, so on our traffic monthly, we have been between 30,000 and 35,000 passengers monthly. So we have carried over 250,000 passengers,” he said.
“So as I am talking to you, we have just been issued our permit, our international permit, we are the first airline to be given that permit by the current Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which is a new designation for an airline of this nature to go outside this country."
He said the newly acquired aircraft was built to accommodate twelve Business-class passengers and 104 Economy-class passengers. He said that the aircraft was purchased in order to give passengers the best comfort that they deserve with a reduced air fare stressing that the motive of the airline was to ensure that passengers have seamless travel experiences across the country.
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