Police Arrest MASSOB Leader, 3 Members For Chanting War Songs
Posted by: niyi on August 8, 2013
MASSOB
Coordinator of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Anioma/Ndokwa East region of Delta State, Emeka Okafor was on Wednesday arrested by operatives of the state police command, for allegedly chanting war songs.
The 52-year-old was arrested with three other members of the movement at a location in Omini-Ugboma community, near the Bridge Head in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Confirming the arrest, Delta State Police Command spokesman, ASP Lucky Uyabeme, said the Command acted on a tip-off to effect the arrest of the MASSOB members.
Uyabame said six Biafran flags were recovered from the suspects, and they were chanting war songs at the time of their arrest.
“Four members of MASSOB were apprehended at Omini-Ugboma near the Bridgehead chanting war songs. The police are currently investigating the suspects to ascertain the motives behind their congregating at the location where they were arrested,” Uyabeme stated.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
FG Dumps 9-3-4 For 1-6-3-3-4 Educational Structure
The Federal Government has approved a new educational structure to include a one-year Early Childhood Education for five-year-old Nigerians, SAMUEL AWOYINFA reports
The nation's education policy of 9-3-4 may soon be replaced by another one, as the Federal Government has almost concluded plans to change the existing policy to a 1-6-3-3-4 education structure. The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqquayat Rufa'i, while announcing the imminent change, said the proposed structure would be a re-modification of the 9-3-4 system of education which came into being in 2009 only when the old 6-3-3-4 was dropped.
This new system, already proposed to the National Assembly, it was learnt, is being planned to include the exposure of five-year-old learners to one-year of Early Childhood Education before they proceed to the six-year basic education.
According to Rufa'i, it is sequel to the recommendations of the Presidential Task Team on Education, which President Goodluck Jonathan had already approved.
According to the minister, 1-6- 3-3-4 signifies that the first year of education will be for a child of five years.
The six-year component will be for primary education, while the other three, three and four years would be for junior and senior secondary schools, and tertiary education respectively.
Before this proposal, the nation's educational system had gone through many modifications. In the late 70s and 80s, it was the 6-5-4 system that was in place. This system represented six years in the primary school, five years in the secondary school and four years in the tertiary institution.
Again, a shift in policy later came up, and it gave birth to Higher School Certificate, popularly known as HSC, which gave another two-year stop gap of learning to pupils after secondary school, before they proceeded to the university.
Later, several shifts in policy thrusts on education had emerged. Nigeria has had 6-3-3-4, and 9-3-4 systems of education.
The 6-3-3-4 indicated six years in the primary school, three years each in junior and senior secondary schools respectively; and four years in the higher institution.
The 6-3-3-4 was modified in 2009, which led to the present 9-3-4 system of education. This was done with the view to including the components of basic, technical and vocational inputs into the curriculum, as pupils were expected to complete the first nine years before proceeding on a career path in the next three years of secondary education.
These modifications, as far as government is concerned, are all aimed at giving Nigerian pupils and students qualitative and pragmatic education. But whether that has been achieved or not is a story for another day.
Stakeholders are, however, divided over the proposed system of education. While some are in support of the policy, others are opposed to it. Those in support note that it is good as it is already being practised by private school owners; while those opposed to it argue that there is nothing wrong with the existing system. They say it will result to another policy somersault, which they claim had been the bane of education development in the country.
The Proprietress, Mindbuilders Schools, Lagos, Mrs. Bola Falore, says she is worried by the inconsistency in policy formulation in the educational sector. She notes that the government has yet to tell the populace what was wrong with the 6-3-3-4 or the 9-3-4 before proposing another one.
She says, "I believe they introduced the nursery system into primary education for five-year-old children. In advanced countries, children start learning from between ages three and four, and by the time they spend two years in school, they move formally to the primary school.
"Is this what they are trying to copy? My worry is: for how long would they practise this policy if it eventually sails through?"
The Principal, King's College, Lagos, Mr. Dele Olapeju, says it is a right step in the right direction, stressing that the system started from a private initiative, in which children from ages four and five were enrolled informally in school until they were mature to proceed to primary school at age six.
He says, "It started from the private operators of education in what the Yoruba called Jeleosinmi (which literally means let the household have some peace), in which children were enrolled from age five into the school informally. From there, they start acquiring education, and when they clocked age six, they moved to the primary school formally.
"I think now the Federal Government wants to make it universal, which means it will be a policy for both private and public schools."
A Lagos-based teacher, Mr. Omoniyi David, agrees with Olapeju, arguing that it is improper to have children of between four and five years already in the primary school, which, he notes, is now prevalent in some private schools.
He says there is the need for such children to have been prepared before they are enrolled in primary school.
He states, "There is need for parents to stop enrolling those children that are not yet six years into primary school. Some of these parents are in such a hurry that they enroll their children straight into the primary school from ages four and five years.
"This set of children create problems for teachers, because many of them do not know their right from their left. This new arrangement (policy) will definitely address this problem to a large extent, if it is implemented in both private and public schools."
Meanwhile, many Nigerians also have taken to the social media to make their contributions on this new education policy.
A visit to the nairaland.com, one KX querries, "Is the 1-6- 3- 3- 4 going to turn the flooded classrooms to model classrooms? Is it going to provide textbooks and reading materials to the pupils and students? Is it going to pay the N18,000 minimum wage to the teachers? Is the revised 6-3-3-4 system what the educational sector needs more than the enabling environment for teaching and learning?"
The nation's education policy of 9-3-4 may soon be replaced by another one, as the Federal Government has almost concluded plans to change the existing policy to a 1-6-3-3-4 education structure. The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqquayat Rufa'i, while announcing the imminent change, said the proposed structure would be a re-modification of the 9-3-4 system of education which came into being in 2009 only when the old 6-3-3-4 was dropped.
This new system, already proposed to the National Assembly, it was learnt, is being planned to include the exposure of five-year-old learners to one-year of Early Childhood Education before they proceed to the six-year basic education.
According to Rufa'i, it is sequel to the recommendations of the Presidential Task Team on Education, which President Goodluck Jonathan had already approved.
According to the minister, 1-6- 3-3-4 signifies that the first year of education will be for a child of five years.
The six-year component will be for primary education, while the other three, three and four years would be for junior and senior secondary schools, and tertiary education respectively.
Before this proposal, the nation's educational system had gone through many modifications. In the late 70s and 80s, it was the 6-5-4 system that was in place. This system represented six years in the primary school, five years in the secondary school and four years in the tertiary institution.
Again, a shift in policy later came up, and it gave birth to Higher School Certificate, popularly known as HSC, which gave another two-year stop gap of learning to pupils after secondary school, before they proceeded to the university.
Later, several shifts in policy thrusts on education had emerged. Nigeria has had 6-3-3-4, and 9-3-4 systems of education.
The 6-3-3-4 indicated six years in the primary school, three years each in junior and senior secondary schools respectively; and four years in the higher institution.
The 6-3-3-4 was modified in 2009, which led to the present 9-3-4 system of education. This was done with the view to including the components of basic, technical and vocational inputs into the curriculum, as pupils were expected to complete the first nine years before proceeding on a career path in the next three years of secondary education.
These modifications, as far as government is concerned, are all aimed at giving Nigerian pupils and students qualitative and pragmatic education. But whether that has been achieved or not is a story for another day.
Stakeholders are, however, divided over the proposed system of education. While some are in support of the policy, others are opposed to it. Those in support note that it is good as it is already being practised by private school owners; while those opposed to it argue that there is nothing wrong with the existing system. They say it will result to another policy somersault, which they claim had been the bane of education development in the country.
The Proprietress, Mindbuilders Schools, Lagos, Mrs. Bola Falore, says she is worried by the inconsistency in policy formulation in the educational sector. She notes that the government has yet to tell the populace what was wrong with the 6-3-3-4 or the 9-3-4 before proposing another one.
She says, "I believe they introduced the nursery system into primary education for five-year-old children. In advanced countries, children start learning from between ages three and four, and by the time they spend two years in school, they move formally to the primary school.
"Is this what they are trying to copy? My worry is: for how long would they practise this policy if it eventually sails through?"
The Principal, King's College, Lagos, Mr. Dele Olapeju, says it is a right step in the right direction, stressing that the system started from a private initiative, in which children from ages four and five were enrolled informally in school until they were mature to proceed to primary school at age six.
He says, "It started from the private operators of education in what the Yoruba called Jeleosinmi (which literally means let the household have some peace), in which children were enrolled from age five into the school informally. From there, they start acquiring education, and when they clocked age six, they moved to the primary school formally.
"I think now the Federal Government wants to make it universal, which means it will be a policy for both private and public schools."
A Lagos-based teacher, Mr. Omoniyi David, agrees with Olapeju, arguing that it is improper to have children of between four and five years already in the primary school, which, he notes, is now prevalent in some private schools.
He says there is the need for such children to have been prepared before they are enrolled in primary school.
He states, "There is need for parents to stop enrolling those children that are not yet six years into primary school. Some of these parents are in such a hurry that they enroll their children straight into the primary school from ages four and five years.
"This set of children create problems for teachers, because many of them do not know their right from their left. This new arrangement (policy) will definitely address this problem to a large extent, if it is implemented in both private and public schools."
Meanwhile, many Nigerians also have taken to the social media to make their contributions on this new education policy.
A visit to the nairaland.com, one KX querries, "Is the 1-6- 3- 3- 4 going to turn the flooded classrooms to model classrooms? Is it going to provide textbooks and reading materials to the pupils and students? Is it going to pay the N18,000 minimum wage to the teachers? Is the revised 6-3-3-4 system what the educational sector needs more than the enabling environment for teaching and learning?"
WHO, Boko-Haram's Doctor Arrested
ABUJA—The Joint Task Force, JTF, implementing the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, has arrested a medical doctor (names with-held) in Borno State, who is the medical consultant to the terrorist group. He is at the same time a consultant with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Vanguard gathered from reliable security sources that the arrest of the medical doctor followed a tip-off that the terrorists had a well organized mobile medical facility with which wounded insurgents are treated.
The international connection of the medical doctor was, however, brought to the fore when suddenly, the international human rights watch dog, Amnesty International, sent its officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the supposedly WHO consultant.
“In fact, what gave him out was his suit case containing sophisticated medical equipment with which he provided diagnostic services to the terrorists”, the source said.
Disclosing how the doctor was arrested, the source said: “A truck suspected to be carrying insurgents and IEDS as well as other dangerous weapons was stopped at a check point but it sped off. Unknown to the truck’s driver and other occupants of the truck, there was another checkpoint which had been alerted of their coming. When the truck got to that checkpoint, the security operatives fired at it while the occupants ran into the bush.
“When the truck was searched, various types of IEDS, AK 47 rifles and other bomb-making materials were found. Also found was a suit case containing medical equipment. After some time, when the doctor felt the Special Forces had left, he came back to retrieve his suit case but was ambushed and arrested”.
The source added that “immediately the doctor was arrested, Amnesty International was calling the military authorities alleging that an innocent doctor has been arrested by the JTF forces and that he should be released because of his human rights, though the military authorities are not moved by their plea”.
Vanguard gathered from reliable security sources that the arrest of the medical doctor followed a tip-off that the terrorists had a well organized mobile medical facility with which wounded insurgents are treated.
The international connection of the medical doctor was, however, brought to the fore when suddenly, the international human rights watch dog, Amnesty International, sent its officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the supposedly WHO consultant.
“In fact, what gave him out was his suit case containing sophisticated medical equipment with which he provided diagnostic services to the terrorists”, the source said.
Disclosing how the doctor was arrested, the source said: “A truck suspected to be carrying insurgents and IEDS as well as other dangerous weapons was stopped at a check point but it sped off. Unknown to the truck’s driver and other occupants of the truck, there was another checkpoint which had been alerted of their coming. When the truck got to that checkpoint, the security operatives fired at it while the occupants ran into the bush.
“When the truck was searched, various types of IEDS, AK 47 rifles and other bomb-making materials were found. Also found was a suit case containing medical equipment. After some time, when the doctor felt the Special Forces had left, he came back to retrieve his suit case but was ambushed and arrested”.
The source added that “immediately the doctor was arrested, Amnesty International was calling the military authorities alleging that an innocent doctor has been arrested by the JTF forces and that he should be released because of his human rights, though the military authorities are not moved by their plea”.
Suspected Attackers Of Bayelsa Corper Arrested
YENAGOA — The police in Bayelsa State have arrested the alleged attackers of Miss Folakemi Akinbode, a National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in the state whose right hand was almost chopped off, Monday night, at Obunagha in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Meantime, an Italian firm has agreed to sponsor the victim who has regained conciousness overseas for proper medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The two suspects, identified as Ebi Jatto and Weriye Aluwa, who are currently in police custody, it was learnt, were nabbed 72 hours after the attack through the support of the Obunagha community youths.
Miss Akinbode was attacked with a machete for reportedly refusing to hand over unspecified amount of money in her possession while returning from work that fateful, Monday.
It was reliably gathered that the suspects were arrested at Koroama community about two kilometres from the scene of crime while attempting to sell the mobile phone of their victim.
A security source told Vanguard that the suspects had confessed to the crime and claimed that the lady struggled with them in their attempt to snatch her bag.
The corps member, it would be recalled, was attacked at about 8.30pm while returning to the lodge near the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobori, her place of primary assignment.
Miss Akinbode, 26, a graduate Nurse of Madonna University was reported to have been in charge of huge amount of money used by the hospital to pay blood donors at the blood bank section of the hospital.
The arrested suspects, according to a security source, were present during the payment made to the blood donors by the corps member.
According to the security source, “they claimed that all they wanted from her was the remaining money she kept in her bag after the payments in the afternoon. But that when she struggled and identified one of them, she was attacked with machete.”
Confirming the arrest, the traditional rule of the Obunagha community, the Ibolou XI, H.R.H Godsgive Apoh, said the prompt arrest of the suspected attackers was made possible by emergency meeting of youth vigilante body set up to investigate and apprehend those involved in the attack.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the arrest but said they were yet to establish the motive behind the attack.
Victim for overseas treatment
Meanwhile, an unnamed Italian firm, it was learnt, is making frantic effort to fly the victim overseas for treatment.
Sources, however, told Vanguard that the move was stalled, yesterday, due to the Sallah holidays and other logistics.
“We are optimistic that the problem would be sorted out on Monday after the Sallah holidays to enable her travel overseas for proper medical attention and rehabilitation.
Meantime, an Italian firm has agreed to sponsor the victim who has regained conciousness overseas for proper medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The two suspects, identified as Ebi Jatto and Weriye Aluwa, who are currently in police custody, it was learnt, were nabbed 72 hours after the attack through the support of the Obunagha community youths.
Miss Akinbode was attacked with a machete for reportedly refusing to hand over unspecified amount of money in her possession while returning from work that fateful, Monday.
It was reliably gathered that the suspects were arrested at Koroama community about two kilometres from the scene of crime while attempting to sell the mobile phone of their victim.
A security source told Vanguard that the suspects had confessed to the crime and claimed that the lady struggled with them in their attempt to snatch her bag.
The corps member, it would be recalled, was attacked at about 8.30pm while returning to the lodge near the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobori, her place of primary assignment.
Miss Akinbode, 26, a graduate Nurse of Madonna University was reported to have been in charge of huge amount of money used by the hospital to pay blood donors at the blood bank section of the hospital.
The arrested suspects, according to a security source, were present during the payment made to the blood donors by the corps member.
According to the security source, “they claimed that all they wanted from her was the remaining money she kept in her bag after the payments in the afternoon. But that when she struggled and identified one of them, she was attacked with machete.”
Confirming the arrest, the traditional rule of the Obunagha community, the Ibolou XI, H.R.H Godsgive Apoh, said the prompt arrest of the suspected attackers was made possible by emergency meeting of youth vigilante body set up to investigate and apprehend those involved in the attack.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the arrest but said they were yet to establish the motive behind the attack.
Victim for overseas treatment
Meanwhile, an unnamed Italian firm, it was learnt, is making frantic effort to fly the victim overseas for treatment.
Sources, however, told Vanguard that the move was stalled, yesterday, due to the Sallah holidays and other logistics.
“We are optimistic that the problem would be sorted out on Monday after the Sallah holidays to enable her travel overseas for proper medical attention and rehabilitation.
Jonathan Will Participate In 2013 Pilgrimage To Israel – Okpara
President Goodluck Jonathan will participate in the 2013 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel.
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kenndy-Okpara, said this when he visited Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State in Lafia on Wednesday.
Kennedy-Okpara said this was the first time a sitting Nigeria President would be participating in a Christian pilgrimage to the Holy land.
He said the president had requested that pilgrims from Nasarawa State should accompany him considering the proximity of the state to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The executive secretary said allocation had been given for the state government to sponsor 350 pilgrims from Nasarawa to accompany the president on the journey.
Kennedy-Okpara said the Federal Government had subsidised the exchange rates per dollar to N146 for all intending pilgrims (both Christians and Muslims) for this year’s pilgrimage.
He explained that intending Christian Pilgrims to Israel would enjoy 12 per cent reduction, while those going to Israel, Rome and Greece would have 20 per cent reduction.
According to him, the reduction is to enable pilgrims, who are spiritually-rich but materially-poor, to be able to embark on the trip.
“Pilgrimage is a tool for moral and spiritual transformation, and not a jamboree as erroneously perceived,’’ he said.
He, therefore, called on churches, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to sponsor people on pilgrimages with the view to transform the society at the long run.
The executive secretary, who was in the state to sensitise Christians on the 2013 Christian pilgrimage, appealed to the state government to support to the state Christian pilgrims welfare board.
He requested for a permanent office accommodation and vehicle for the board.
Responding, Al-Makura commended past Christian pilgrims for making Nasarawa State proud through their exemplary conduct.
He maintained that his administration accord premium to religious harmony and would continue to promote such virtue.
Al-Makura said his government was poised to carry everyone along, thus the appointment of 10 Christians and seven Muslim commissioners in his cabinet.
He said apart from increasing the number of government sponsored-Christian pilgrims, the state government would also support them with robust packages to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The governor also granted the request of the executive secretary by approving that a brand new vehicle be given to the state Christian Welfare Board.
Al-Makura also promised that land would be allocated for the building of the permanent site after Sallah.
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kenndy-Okpara, said this when he visited Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State in Lafia on Wednesday.
Kennedy-Okpara said this was the first time a sitting Nigeria President would be participating in a Christian pilgrimage to the Holy land.
He said the president had requested that pilgrims from Nasarawa State should accompany him considering the proximity of the state to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The executive secretary said allocation had been given for the state government to sponsor 350 pilgrims from Nasarawa to accompany the president on the journey.
Kennedy-Okpara said the Federal Government had subsidised the exchange rates per dollar to N146 for all intending pilgrims (both Christians and Muslims) for this year’s pilgrimage.
He explained that intending Christian Pilgrims to Israel would enjoy 12 per cent reduction, while those going to Israel, Rome and Greece would have 20 per cent reduction.
According to him, the reduction is to enable pilgrims, who are spiritually-rich but materially-poor, to be able to embark on the trip.
“Pilgrimage is a tool for moral and spiritual transformation, and not a jamboree as erroneously perceived,’’ he said.
He, therefore, called on churches, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to sponsor people on pilgrimages with the view to transform the society at the long run.
The executive secretary, who was in the state to sensitise Christians on the 2013 Christian pilgrimage, appealed to the state government to support to the state Christian pilgrims welfare board.
He requested for a permanent office accommodation and vehicle for the board.
Responding, Al-Makura commended past Christian pilgrims for making Nasarawa State proud through their exemplary conduct.
He maintained that his administration accord premium to religious harmony and would continue to promote such virtue.
Al-Makura said his government was poised to carry everyone along, thus the appointment of 10 Christians and seven Muslim commissioners in his cabinet.
He said apart from increasing the number of government sponsored-Christian pilgrims, the state government would also support them with robust packages to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The governor also granted the request of the executive secretary by approving that a brand new vehicle be given to the state Christian Welfare Board.
Al-Makura also promised that land would be allocated for the building of the permanent site after Sallah.
MTN Nigeria Handed-Out Free Data Bundles By Mistake
MTN Nigeria has confirmed it recorded a glitch on its system that resulted in a host of subscribers enjoying free 3GB data bundles.
HumanIPO revealed on Monday MTN’s customers had noticed they had not been charged for the substantial data bundle, but the the network operator had remained silent on the issue.
Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, senior manager of corporate communications at the corporate services division of MTN Nigeria, has now told HumanIPO the network’s data charging interface was affected.
“A series of service disruptions occurred which affected the charging interface for this data service,” Gbenga-Oluwatoye said HumanIPO.
The company also confirmed HumanIPO’s earlier report that the glitch had been fixed.
Chineze said: “These issues have since been resolved and the regular charging process restored.”
According to the latest figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN at the end of the first quarter had 22,725,089 subscribers, meaning
the loss could be substantial
HumanIPO revealed on Monday MTN’s customers had noticed they had not been charged for the substantial data bundle, but the the network operator had remained silent on the issue.
Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, senior manager of corporate communications at the corporate services division of MTN Nigeria, has now told HumanIPO the network’s data charging interface was affected.
“A series of service disruptions occurred which affected the charging interface for this data service,” Gbenga-Oluwatoye said HumanIPO.
The company also confirmed HumanIPO’s earlier report that the glitch had been fixed.
Chineze said: “These issues have since been resolved and the regular charging process restored.”
According to the latest figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN at the end of the first quarter had 22,725,089 subscribers, meaning
the loss could be substantial
The Dangers Of Drinking Soda, Energy Drinks, Coke Or Mineral Water
When ever you visit someones house the first thing they offer you is soda/mineral water. These drinks are harmful to your health and researhers have linked them to Kidney problems. These sugary drinks also contribute to diabetes/sugar disease. Every single person I know that has diabetes or kidney problems consumed these drinks daily. On top of soda some even consume beer and other alcoholic beverages which further strains your kidney. I was astonished on seeing the amount of sugar people put in tea and pap All of these take a toll on your body. Please eat to live not live to eat!
Back to soda and energy drinks I have pointed out dangers and added credible articles below:
Type 2 Diabetes
Owing to the presence of large amounts of sugar, soda pop beverages and energy drinks are capable of increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals. Since obesity and diabetes are related to each other, obese people consuming soft drinks on a daily basis are susceptible to develop insulin resistance. When a can of soft drink is consumed, sugar is directly poured into the blood stream and the pancreas has to produce more insulin to metabolize the sugars. Long-term consumption reduces the insulin-producing capacity of the pancreas, thus disrupting the regulation of sugars in the body, ultimately leading to diabetes.
Kidney Problems
Studies suggest that consumption of soda pop also leads to the development of kidney problems like reduced kidney function and kidney stones. Researchers inferred that women who drank more than 2 cans of diet soda everyday had reduced kidney function over a time span of 20 years, which was thrice the rate of reduction in women who did not consume it. Formation of kidney stones is triggered by the depletion of calcium from bones, leading to the formation of calcium stones in the kidneys.
Cardiovascular Problems
Obese and diabetic individuals who do not control the intake of soda pop are highly susceptible to develop cardiac problems like high blood pressure, arrhythmia s, and other vascular problems. Studies have also revealed that people who consumed only one can of diet soda per day had 20 percent increased risk of suffering a heart attack over a time span of 22 years. This shows that heart problems are not particular to sweeten or diet soda pop, and can occur with excessive intake of any of these.
Caffeine Addiction
Caffeine, being a mild stimulant, brings about a feeling of well-being when consumed. Since it is a component of soda pop, people consume significant quantities of it when they drink 3-4 cans of the beverage every day. Daily consumption of soda develops into an addiction due to caffeine's mild addictive nature, and people start suffering from withdrawal symptoms like headache, irritation, etc., when the daily dose is not consumed.
Occasional consumption of soda pop, in moderation, may not pose any health risk. However, the extent to which people have started consuming these beverages nowadays is a big reason to worry. Youngsters fall for soda pop due to its great taste, but unknowingly drag themselves towards several health problems. Awareness of these dangers must be spread to people all over, and sessions must be held to teach people how to stop drinking soda pop. Few measures like drinking water or other substitutes, like iced tea, juice or flavored water frequently, will curb the desire to drink soda pop and take a person towards the healthy path of life.
Back to soda and energy drinks I have pointed out dangers and added credible articles below:
Type 2 Diabetes
Owing to the presence of large amounts of sugar, soda pop beverages and energy drinks are capable of increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals. Since obesity and diabetes are related to each other, obese people consuming soft drinks on a daily basis are susceptible to develop insulin resistance. When a can of soft drink is consumed, sugar is directly poured into the blood stream and the pancreas has to produce more insulin to metabolize the sugars. Long-term consumption reduces the insulin-producing capacity of the pancreas, thus disrupting the regulation of sugars in the body, ultimately leading to diabetes.
Kidney Problems
Studies suggest that consumption of soda pop also leads to the development of kidney problems like reduced kidney function and kidney stones. Researchers inferred that women who drank more than 2 cans of diet soda everyday had reduced kidney function over a time span of 20 years, which was thrice the rate of reduction in women who did not consume it. Formation of kidney stones is triggered by the depletion of calcium from bones, leading to the formation of calcium stones in the kidneys.
Cardiovascular Problems
Obese and diabetic individuals who do not control the intake of soda pop are highly susceptible to develop cardiac problems like high blood pressure, arrhythmia s, and other vascular problems. Studies have also revealed that people who consumed only one can of diet soda per day had 20 percent increased risk of suffering a heart attack over a time span of 22 years. This shows that heart problems are not particular to sweeten or diet soda pop, and can occur with excessive intake of any of these.
Caffeine Addiction
Caffeine, being a mild stimulant, brings about a feeling of well-being when consumed. Since it is a component of soda pop, people consume significant quantities of it when they drink 3-4 cans of the beverage every day. Daily consumption of soda develops into an addiction due to caffeine's mild addictive nature, and people start suffering from withdrawal symptoms like headache, irritation, etc., when the daily dose is not consumed.
Occasional consumption of soda pop, in moderation, may not pose any health risk. However, the extent to which people have started consuming these beverages nowadays is a big reason to worry. Youngsters fall for soda pop due to its great taste, but unknowingly drag themselves towards several health problems. Awareness of these dangers must be spread to people all over, and sessions must be held to teach people how to stop drinking soda pop. Few measures like drinking water or other substitutes, like iced tea, juice or flavored water frequently, will curb the desire to drink soda pop and take a person towards the healthy path of life.
2shotz' Wife Reacts To Beverly Osu's Battery Allegations
BBA Beverly Osu claimed a rapper ex battered her while they were dating. One of her ex, 2shotz released a statement yesterday denying the allegations. His wife, Precious Jones, has also reacted, saying her husband is not a violent man.
Usher Speaks Out For First Time Since Son’s Pool Accident
Usher issues a statement concerning his child’s recent pool accident and near-death experience.
As we reported earlier this week, Usher’s son suffered a near-fatal accident at his home in Atlanta, when he was swimming in his pool and his hand got caught in the drain trying to reach for a pool toy.
Following the incident, 5-year old boy was brought to the ICU, where he’s been recovering since. While his mother and Usher’s ex-wife Tameka Raymond was obviously upset with what happened, she has ignited a custody battle. Tameka filed for primary custody on Tuesday, and a hearing has already been set.
In the midst of this, Usher has spoken out for the first time since the accident. Usher released a statement, expressing his gratitude to his family and the men who saved his son’s life.
“I would like to thank my Aunt Rena as well as the doctors and nurses who are working with us around the clock. I would especially like to thank the two men who saved my son’s life, Eugene Stachurski and Ben Crews. They are true heroes and I am deeply grateful to them.”
The r’n'b singer continued, ”I am blessed and fortunate to say that my son Usher V is doing well and is recovering. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and support for my family’s well-being.”
P.A.P.I. (NORE) Feat. Lil Wayne, Ja Rule & Birdman – She Tried (Remix)
And Yes Jarule is back
N.O.R.E. recruits Lil Wayne, Ja Rule and Birdman for the remix to ‘She Tried” which will appear on the “Good Belt Gang” project, a compilation effort to be released through Noreag’s Good Belt Gang/Militant label.NEW MUSIC: Honest – Future
Future delivers the first single off his upcoming album “Honest”. Track produced by Metro Boomin and DJ Spinz.Friday, 9 August 2013
Found after 40 years: Man who went missing with his son in the Vietnamese jungle when his mother and two of his children were killed in a bomb at their home
A father and son have been found living in the jungle of Vietnam four decades after they went missing during the country’s war with the U.S.
Ho Van Thanh and his son Ho Van Lang apparently fled their home village 40 years ago after a bomb killed three members of their family.
They were discovered by locals looking for firewood in deep forest in the Tay Tra district of Quang Ngai province.
Found: Ho Van Lang, 41, has been living in the jungle of Vietnam since he was two years old
Yesterday authorities confirmed that the men were Thanh, 82, and 41-year-old Lang.
The older man once lived a normal life with his family in the hamlet of Tra Kem around the time of the Vietnam War.
But one day his wife and two of his sons were killed by a mine explosion, putting him in a state of shock.
He took his two-year-old son and fled into the jungle, thereafter never having any contact with anyone else.
Weak: Ho Van Thanh is pictured being stretchered through the jungle after they were discovered
Recovery: Rescuers transport the two men back to civilisation, with the 82-year-old father in a hammock
Check-up: A doctor monitors Thanh, who has seen no one except his son for the past four decades
The pair survived by foraging fruit and cassava from the forest and planting corn.
They wore loincloths made out of tree bark, and lived in a timber hut raised five metres above the ground.
When the foragers saw the two ‘jungle men’ from a distance acting abnormally, they alerted local authorities.
Wild: Ho Van Thanh and his son Ho Van Lang lived in a jungle tree house,
Possessions: Bystanders inspect the clothes made from bark which the two men wore in the forest
Speechless: Lang, right, does not appear to know more than a few words of any language
Officials set up a team to track them down, and found them yesterday after a five-hour search.
The father could speak a little of the minority Cor language, but the son knew only a few words.
The pair are now undergoing medical check-ups as a first step to being reintegrated into mainstream society.
Cupid turning violent and a bear rescuing a woman: Hilarious poses bring statues to life
We may think of statues as being solid and immoveable, but these pranksters show that there a myriad of cheeky ways to liven up a sculpture.
By posing with the monumental works of art, the wacky internet users turn them into hilarious photos which they have since shared on social networks.
One sculpture of a goddess holding up her hand is turned into a high-five by a practical joker.
It’s alive! A woman has climbed into the arms of a bear statue to make it seem more lifelike
The sincerest form of flattery: A man has whipped his shirt off to closer resemble this overweight statue
Creative: This man has transformed a relatively staid image into a hilarious comic tableau
Getting in the way: This woman has taken the male statue all for herself, pushing the approaching girl away
High five! This man knows how to turn an immovable artwork into an interactive exhibit
A woman in a pink coat has climbed into the arms of a bear statue, making it appear as if the animal is carrying her over the threshold.
One somewhat overweight man, apparently noticing his rememblance to a squatting his statue, has whipped his shirt off to pose next to his doppelganger.
Perhaps the most inventive image, however, comes from a small garden statue depicting Cupid with his arm out – the man in the photo has made it look like the god of love is punching him in the face.
And another picture has been updated for the modern era, with Benjamin Franklin holding up an iPhone to take a selfie.
Surreptitious: This chap appears to be picking up a bribe from behind the back of a venerable figure
Do you want to know a secret? The good-natured saxophonist looks as if he is bending down to the woman
Updated: Benjamin Franklin is using an iPhone to take a ‘selfie’ photograph in this surreal picture
Villain: Spider-Man finds himself in a spot of bother when he runs into this commanding statue
Hold on to your hats! The craze has even spread to China where residents mock local sculpture on the streets
Ow! One baseball fan is left in pain thanks to an aggressive artwork at the Cincinnati Reds’ stadium
Tagging along: This web user has a look of terror as he holds on to a little girl’s leg
Cheeky: He may look unassuming, but this statue has distinctly old-fashioned views on sexual harassment
Giant: This huge statue’s firm grasp is enough to lift the poor man completely off the ground
All together now: The ancient statue’s unusual pose has inspired two women to imitate it
Watch out: It looks as it the huge marble statue has managed to sneak up on a terrified woman
Affection: This man appears to have found a true friend at the end of a long and tiring night
Saucy: This woman looks shocked but pleased to be caught in a compromising position with an artwork
Obscene: This man has posed with a statue of a giant moose and manoeuvered himself into an X-rated poseThieves are now attacking women with long hair in Venezuela
According to this funny and weird report, having long hair can make you a target for criminals in the Venezuelan coastal city of Maracaibo.
These criminals are targeting young women who have long hair with scissors, and before you know what’s happening, your hair is gone.
A Maracaibo resident Egmari Villarreal (pictured below left) explains:
“You have to see it to believe it. We’re not going to be able to have long hair anymore. As a woman, this is something traumatic. It’s happening downtown, at the beach or at the mall, where you find a lot of young women. The thieves grab them by the hair, pull out some scissors and cut their hair. Then they sell it at beauty or hair salons.”
Another resident Mariana Rodriguez told Globovision that she was walking through a popular mall when she saw two women coming toward her.
“I thought they were going to steal my cell phone, because I had it in my hand at the time, but they took out scissors,” she said. “They did not give me a chance to think or to run or anything. And when I looked, I no longer had any hair. More than 8 inches gone.
Maracaibo Mayor Eveling de Rosales told reporters that police were stepping up security to stop the attackers.
“As part of our operation of citizen security, we are giving them a forceful response, posting men and women to keep watch and stop this from continuing to happen,” she said.
Synthetic hair in the country costs anywhere from $40 to $160, depending on its quality. But natural hair can cost more than $500.
“You have to see it to believe it. We’re not going to be able to have long hair anymore. As a woman, this is something traumatic. It’s happening downtown, at the beach or at the mall, where you find a lot of young women. The thieves grab them by the hair, pull out some scissors and cut their hair. Then they sell it at beauty or hair salons.”
Another resident Mariana Rodriguez told Globovision that she was walking through a popular mall when she saw two women coming toward her.
“I thought they were going to steal my cell phone, because I had it in my hand at the time, but they took out scissors,” she said. “They did not give me a chance to think or to run or anything. And when I looked, I no longer had any hair. More than 8 inches gone.
Maracaibo Mayor Eveling de Rosales told reporters that police were stepping up security to stop the attackers.
“As part of our operation of citizen security, we are giving them a forceful response, posting men and women to keep watch and stop this from continuing to happen,” she said.
Synthetic hair in the country costs anywhere from $40 to $160, depending on its quality. But natural hair can cost more than $500.
MASSOB accuses Delta police of killing 7 members
ONITSHA – Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday, accused Delta State Police Command of killing seven of its members in two separate raids allegedly carried out by an anti-riot policemen and local vigilante operatives in Delta State.
According to MASSOB, the raid, which started at Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, Anambra State, led to arrest and detention of one Ndubuisi Nwosu, a MASSOB chieftain now believed to be held in Cell 4 at the Anambra State Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, headquarters, Awkuzu.
The group said the riad spread to Delta State where the latest onslaught allegedly took place.
The accusation was contained in statement signed by Mazi Chris Mocha, Media Assistant to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.
Mocha alleged that after the raid at MASSOB regional office at Omelugboma in Oshimili local government area of the state, during which the seven members were shot dead on the spot, a similar operation was repeated on Wednesday.
He said: “Seven persons were shot dead on the spot, while over 96 others sustained various degrees of injuries arising from bullet wounds.”
He listed those who died on the spot to include Luke Okonta, Nathaniel Okosieme, Ephraim Okocha, Okey Innocent, Akaliese Aniemena, Joseph Oroni and Miss Blessing Uwechue.
Mocha also identified those arrested as Mr. Emeka Okafor, Regional Administrator of MASSOB for Oshimili North; Francis Onuigbo, Chukwuemeka Izogo, Ndubuisi Ezeocha, Andrew Nwifuru, Ikechukwu Okpe, Ifeanyi Ugwu, Samuel Uyo, Chinedu |Ekwunife, Philip Chukwu, Odinaka Nkwuda, Sanuel Okoha and 91 others.
He said the police team also removed property from the MASSOB office, including a computer set, Biafran currency (pounds) and a generating set, before vandalizing 45 plastic chairs in the office and making away with the sum of N50,000 which would have been used to settle the MASSOB office rent.
Mocha alleged that after the police team had left the scene, the local vigilante operatives took their own turn in the looting exercise as they embarked on a house-to-house search and looting of personal property belonging to MASSOB members in the area, claiming that they were acting on the instruction of the police commissioner.
Female teacher defiles two-and-half-year old girl
LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman who allegedly defiled a two-and-a half-year-old girl in Ilupeju area of Lagos.
The suspect, identified as Funmi, is a teacher in an undisclosed nursery and primary school around Ilupeju.
Sources revealed that Funmi allegedly inserted a fork into the little girl’s private part.
It was gathered that the bubble burst after the toddler arrived home crying. In an attempt to pacify her, her mother reportedly took her to the bathroom for a shower. But immediately she reached out to wash the baby’s private part, the kindergarten baby reportedly wailed.
The curious mother was said to have taken a closer look at her child but could not conclude what the problem was, until the child revealed the alleged deed by her teacher in school.
The mother was said to have reported the case to the police, and the school’s management was informed. But all the teachers reportedly denied, saying the child might not know what she was talking about.
To ascertain the toddler’s claim, all the teachers in the school were said to have been paraded before the child to identify the culprit, in the process of which she pointed at Funmi, following which she was arrested.
Police sources hinted that the case was, Wednesday, charged to a special court after the medical test conducted on the child showed that her hymen had been broken.
However, Funmi denied the allegation. In her statement to the Police, she claimed to be oblivious of the allegation.
2shotz responds to Beverly Osu's claims of being battered by an ex-bf
She said one time while he was beating her she ran into the bathroom to escape him, but instead of leaving her alone, he broke down the bathroom door and continued beating her.
Beverly didn't mention names...she said rapper boyfriend...and some of us know she once dated 2shotz who is a rapper. She may have been referring to 2shotz or another rapper she dated...I really don't know but some blogs believed Beverly was referring to 2shotz and called him out.
2shotz has responded to the allegations. Find the statement he posted on Facebook after the cut...
Early marriage: Day children took to the streets
HUNDREDS of underage children in Ogun State recently embarked on a protest against the Senate endorsed controversial child marriage bill, vowing to go on hunger strike if the lawmakers failed to retrace their steps and jettison the idea.
Leading her colleagues drawn from different parts of the state, 13-year-old Pascalyne Ogbuli, submitted thus: “We do not wish to grow up and tell our young daughters that we were forced into early marriage and that same fate awaited them because there is a law that supports it.
“It is shameful that the Senate with people that children respect and aspire to be like, could even consider a law saying our childhood and innocence could be taken away, and education destroyed in exchange for a bride price, and that we (kids) could be sold as slaves to early marriage.
*Some of the children addressing a press conference after the protest
“To this end, we, the Nigerian children, demand a national apology from the Nigerian Senate for belittling our child right and wilfully deliberating and considering the stamping of early marriage in Nigeria. And if we die telling our leaders that our education and our future count more than an early marriage, so be it”. Pascalyne spoke on behalf of other children during a press conference they addressed in Abeokuta under the banner of Volunteer Team of Children.
As part of their war against child marriage, the children said they have produced a film titled, ‘Yerima: Diary of a Child’ which will be shown throughout the country to express their opposition and expose the danger of early marriage.
According to Pascalyne: “It was during the making of the film against early child marriage that many of us realised the cruelty of early child marriage and its humiliating impact and consequences on children, especially the girl-child”.
Producer of the film, Femi Olabode-George, who doubles as Chairman, UTV Media, informed that it was not easy producing the film. According to him, 35 children participated in the production, adding that he took up the challenge to embark on the project when contacted by volunteer artistes led by Mrs Omowunmi Freeman
He disclosed that the 82 minutes film will premiere soon in Abeokuta, before onward transmission to all other parts of the country. He called on parents, guardians, children and other stakeholders to come out en masse to watch the film.
Chris Olwage Of New-Zealand Is Mr Gay World 2013
For the second year in a row, New Zealand has won the Mr. Gay World contest, which this year took place in
Antwerp, Belgium.
Chris Olwage, known by fans as "the Black Swan" for his pointe ballet performances and appearances on "New Zealand's Got Talent," beat out 24 other winners of Mister Gay pageants from five continents for the crown on Aug. 5.
Competitors in the pageant are judged in four different categories: modeling,sports, leadership qualities and knowledge of LGBT-related issues. Mr Gay World is a cultural and sportsmanship contest that happens annually in conjunction with The World OutGames and is sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association.
According to a press release, winning the Mr. Gay World pageant endows Olwage with the responsibility of serving as an ambassador for gay and lesbian rights, as well as awarding him a diamond worth
3,000 euros.
Last year's winner, Andreas Derleth,received "$6,200 cash and a $25,000 travel allowance to help spread the message of tolerance and diversity."Finishing up behind Olwage in this year's contest was Benjie Vasquez Caraig of Hong Kong, who took the spot of first runner-up, while Matt Simons of the United States took third.
Antwerp, Belgium.
Chris Olwage, known by fans as "the Black Swan" for his pointe ballet performances and appearances on "New Zealand's Got Talent," beat out 24 other winners of Mister Gay pageants from five continents for the crown on Aug. 5.
Competitors in the pageant are judged in four different categories: modeling,sports, leadership qualities and knowledge of LGBT-related issues. Mr Gay World is a cultural and sportsmanship contest that happens annually in conjunction with The World OutGames and is sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association.
According to a press release, winning the Mr. Gay World pageant endows Olwage with the responsibility of serving as an ambassador for gay and lesbian rights, as well as awarding him a diamond worth
3,000 euros.
Last year's winner, Andreas Derleth,received "$6,200 cash and a $25,000 travel allowance to help spread the message of tolerance and diversity."Finishing up behind Olwage in this year's contest was Benjie Vasquez Caraig of Hong Kong, who took the spot of first runner-up, while Matt Simons of the United States took third.
Chidi Lloyd Granted N10M Bail
A Port Harcourt High Court Wednesday has granted bail to Chidi Lloyd who is standing trial on a six count charge which include conspiracy to murder after 15 days of incarceration. The Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd walked out of the Port Harcourt maximum security prisons at about 4:00pm Wednesday after he had fulfilled all the bail
conditions as directed by the Port Harcourt High Court .
Hundreds of his supporters thronged the prison yard in anticipation of his release. There was a joyous outburst as he walked out of the prisons.
This comes as the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Worgu Boms, has advised the Police to arrest the following members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi (Ogu/Bolo Constituency); Victor Ihunwo (PHALGA Constituency III), Martins Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor Constituency I), Okechukwu Chinda (Obio/Akpor Constituency II) and Kelechi Nwogu (Omuma Constituency) for the role they played in the bloody confrontation that took place on the floor of the House on the 9th July.
Following an application for bail filed by Lloyd’s counsel Mr. Beluolisa Nwafor (SAN), the presiding judge, Justice L.L. Nyordee, after thorough legal scrutiny of the bail application which the prosecutor and the State Attorney General did not oppose, decided to grant bail to the lawmaker under stringent conditions.
Before granting Lloyd reprieve, Justice Nyordee observed that all the six count charges for which he is standing trial are criminal offences that are not punishable by death and are indeed bailable. According to him, even in a case when an offence is punishable by death, the court could still exercise its discretion to grant bail to an accused person pending the determination of the case. According to him, “the essence of bail is to grant the accused person temporary liberty to prepare for his defence.”
Justice Nyordee in granting Lloyd bail of N10 million, demanded that he deposit his international passport with the court and provide three sureties, who must be residents of Port Harcourt. The Judge said two of the sureties must deposit their photo passport with the court and must provide evidence that they own landed properties with certificate of occupancy in the State. Another condition of bail which the lawmaker must fulfill is that one of the surety must be a grade level 16 civil servant in the State who will have to provide a written letter from the head of his department.
After listening to the bail conditions which he applauded, lead counsel to the accused, appealed to the Judge to rescind the condition that Lloyd should deposit his international passport with the court. According to him, the request had become imperative to enable Lloyd travel aboard for medical treatment. The Judge however declined to grant the appeal.
Justice Nyordee has meanwhile fixed November 21, to hear the motion of notice filed by counsel to Lloyd..
In anticipation that he might fulfill all his bail conditions , some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, laid ambush within the court premises in a bid to arrest Lloyd.
However, the inability of Lloyd to meet the bail conditions, thwarted the effort of the EFCC officials to arrest him as planned. And as he left the court premises, hundreds of youths from his constituency besieged the prisons vehicle that brought him to court as it drove off, in a bid to resist the EFCC attempt to arrest him.
Reacting to the EFCC plans to pick up Lloyd after the court granted him bail, the Attorney General urged the anti-graft agency to respect the subsisting court order that prohibits it from investigating the state finances.
Boms said the actions of the EFCC could be liken to a deliberate attempt to ridicule the country’s legal system.
“There are subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court that bar the EFCC from inquiring into the accounts of the Rivers State Government. it will be better if the EFCC should respect the laws of our land. This approach to legal system ridicules the justice system” he added.
conditions as directed by the Port Harcourt High Court .
Hundreds of his supporters thronged the prison yard in anticipation of his release. There was a joyous outburst as he walked out of the prisons.
This comes as the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Worgu Boms, has advised the Police to arrest the following members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi (Ogu/Bolo Constituency); Victor Ihunwo (PHALGA Constituency III), Martins Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor Constituency I), Okechukwu Chinda (Obio/Akpor Constituency II) and Kelechi Nwogu (Omuma Constituency) for the role they played in the bloody confrontation that took place on the floor of the House on the 9th July.
Following an application for bail filed by Lloyd’s counsel Mr. Beluolisa Nwafor (SAN), the presiding judge, Justice L.L. Nyordee, after thorough legal scrutiny of the bail application which the prosecutor and the State Attorney General did not oppose, decided to grant bail to the lawmaker under stringent conditions.
Before granting Lloyd reprieve, Justice Nyordee observed that all the six count charges for which he is standing trial are criminal offences that are not punishable by death and are indeed bailable. According to him, even in a case when an offence is punishable by death, the court could still exercise its discretion to grant bail to an accused person pending the determination of the case. According to him, “the essence of bail is to grant the accused person temporary liberty to prepare for his defence.”
Justice Nyordee in granting Lloyd bail of N10 million, demanded that he deposit his international passport with the court and provide three sureties, who must be residents of Port Harcourt. The Judge said two of the sureties must deposit their photo passport with the court and must provide evidence that they own landed properties with certificate of occupancy in the State. Another condition of bail which the lawmaker must fulfill is that one of the surety must be a grade level 16 civil servant in the State who will have to provide a written letter from the head of his department.
After listening to the bail conditions which he applauded, lead counsel to the accused, appealed to the Judge to rescind the condition that Lloyd should deposit his international passport with the court. According to him, the request had become imperative to enable Lloyd travel aboard for medical treatment. The Judge however declined to grant the appeal.
Justice Nyordee has meanwhile fixed November 21, to hear the motion of notice filed by counsel to Lloyd..
In anticipation that he might fulfill all his bail conditions , some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, laid ambush within the court premises in a bid to arrest Lloyd.
However, the inability of Lloyd to meet the bail conditions, thwarted the effort of the EFCC officials to arrest him as planned. And as he left the court premises, hundreds of youths from his constituency besieged the prisons vehicle that brought him to court as it drove off, in a bid to resist the EFCC attempt to arrest him.
Reacting to the EFCC plans to pick up Lloyd after the court granted him bail, the Attorney General urged the anti-graft agency to respect the subsisting court order that prohibits it from investigating the state finances.
Boms said the actions of the EFCC could be liken to a deliberate attempt to ridicule the country’s legal system.
“There are subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court that bar the EFCC from inquiring into the accounts of the Rivers State Government. it will be better if the EFCC should respect the laws of our land. This approach to legal system ridicules the justice system” he added.
Unemployment Hits Nigerian Pilots, 170 Jobless
At least 170 Nigerian pilots are without employment, the Patron of Nigerian Professional Pilots, Capt. Noggie Megison has said.
Megison disclosed this when he led his group on a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Fola Akinkuotu in Lagos.
Megison further explai-ned to our correspondent exclusively that he was worried about the growing numbers of jobless indige-nous qualified pilots hence his decision to gather all indigenous unemployed pilots under the auspices of Nigerian Professional Pilots (NPP).
He said “I set up this platform for young pilots who haven’t found jobs as common pool where employers can tap from. It also provides them the opportunity to come together and get acquainted with developments in the aviation sector so they don’t lose sight of changes in the sector rather than just sit at home and do nothing.”
According to him, 170 pilots, with Nigerian license have registered as members of the NPP and meets regularly adding that he believes there could be more unemployed pilots who haven’t registered with NPP.
Captain Megison who has spent over three decades in the aviation sector noted that it is critical these young pilots are engaged. “I can’t employ all of them so I advised them to come together so they can collectively put forth their plight to relevant stakeholders in the industry. Going forward, we will be creating awareness about the young pilots’ predicaments. The awareness will also tell industry operators there is a pool of young pilots they can draw from rather than engaging expatriate pilots alone” he explained.
He said “If we don’t address ingenious pilots’ unemployment, soon we would be shocked with what has hit us. As we speak, Kano State alone is training 100 pilots in Jordan, the Niger Delta Development Commission is training 74 in South Africa, the Aviation School in Zaria should graduate about 125 by December next year, in addition to the several others being trained in Ilorin. We should have about 500 pilots joining the market in about a year; where would they work?, “ he asked.
He noted they can’t go work for America or Britain, they should work in Nigeria.
“So we are looking at opportunities of engaging the government on how best we can reduce pilot unemployment, one of which is to create a better aviation environment for local skills. We must create a conducive environment for our young pilots to grow” he said. .
He said currently expatriate pilots dominate the market to the detriment of local pilots.
Capt Megison further estimated that there are a minimum 800 expatriates’ pilots flying in Nigeria; “yet we have just about 200 Nigerian pilots out of job.”
“There must be deliberate transfer of technology and skills to the younger generation. Nigerian pilots should have a fair share of the jobs in the Nigerian aviation industry. For instance, there is nothing wrong in giving us 300 slots form the 800 the expatriates are enjoying. Though I don’t blame the expatriates, we opened our doors for them to enter feely” he said.
He also explain further that, if the statistics of 150 private jets operating in Nigeria by the minister of aviation is anything to go by, those 150 jets could be employing at least 600 pilots, saying most of them, if not all, are expatriates
Megison disclosed this when he led his group on a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Fola Akinkuotu in Lagos.
Megison further explai-ned to our correspondent exclusively that he was worried about the growing numbers of jobless indige-nous qualified pilots hence his decision to gather all indigenous unemployed pilots under the auspices of Nigerian Professional Pilots (NPP).
He said “I set up this platform for young pilots who haven’t found jobs as common pool where employers can tap from. It also provides them the opportunity to come together and get acquainted with developments in the aviation sector so they don’t lose sight of changes in the sector rather than just sit at home and do nothing.”
According to him, 170 pilots, with Nigerian license have registered as members of the NPP and meets regularly adding that he believes there could be more unemployed pilots who haven’t registered with NPP.
Captain Megison who has spent over three decades in the aviation sector noted that it is critical these young pilots are engaged. “I can’t employ all of them so I advised them to come together so they can collectively put forth their plight to relevant stakeholders in the industry. Going forward, we will be creating awareness about the young pilots’ predicaments. The awareness will also tell industry operators there is a pool of young pilots they can draw from rather than engaging expatriate pilots alone” he explained.
He said “If we don’t address ingenious pilots’ unemployment, soon we would be shocked with what has hit us. As we speak, Kano State alone is training 100 pilots in Jordan, the Niger Delta Development Commission is training 74 in South Africa, the Aviation School in Zaria should graduate about 125 by December next year, in addition to the several others being trained in Ilorin. We should have about 500 pilots joining the market in about a year; where would they work?, “ he asked.
He noted they can’t go work for America or Britain, they should work in Nigeria.
“So we are looking at opportunities of engaging the government on how best we can reduce pilot unemployment, one of which is to create a better aviation environment for local skills. We must create a conducive environment for our young pilots to grow” he said. .
He said currently expatriate pilots dominate the market to the detriment of local pilots.
Capt Megison further estimated that there are a minimum 800 expatriates’ pilots flying in Nigeria; “yet we have just about 200 Nigerian pilots out of job.”
“There must be deliberate transfer of technology and skills to the younger generation. Nigerian pilots should have a fair share of the jobs in the Nigerian aviation industry. For instance, there is nothing wrong in giving us 300 slots form the 800 the expatriates are enjoying. Though I don’t blame the expatriates, we opened our doors for them to enter feely” he said.
He also explain further that, if the statistics of 150 private jets operating in Nigeria by the minister of aviation is anything to go by, those 150 jets could be employing at least 600 pilots, saying most of them, if not all, are expatriates
Man Sets Six People Ablaze For Smoking Indian Hemp
The Ogun Police are investigating the incident.
Six young men accused of smoking Indian hemp and gambling have been set ablaze in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, by a house owner in their area.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the landlord, identified as Agba, in Ago-Oko area of the town where the incident occurred, had warned the boys on several occasions to desist from their acts, warnings they ignored.
However, on Tuesday night, the boys engaged in their acts in their regular building which infuriated Agba, their neighbour.
The landlord subsequently poured a keg of petrol, through his window on the first floor of a storey building, on the boys.
The already lighted Indian hemp was flamed by the petrol causing a major fire that burnt the boys causing severe injury. The victims were later rushed to a state hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
The victims are Saburi Seteolu, Raheem Bello, Tunde Adesanya, Suleiman Adebesin, Azeez Alabi, and Kola Sodehinde.
The landlord, a commercial cab driver in the town, has been arrested as confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Mr. Adejobi said the incident occurred late on Tuesday.
“Information available to us is that the suspect had an argument with the youths before he poured PMS on them in Ago-Oko area.
“For now, we cannot ascertain other circumstances that led to the incident but we have the suspect in our custody and we are working hard to untie what led to it,” he said.
The spokesman said Ogun Police Commissioner, Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
He said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the matter was concluded. He also warned youth in the area not to engage in any reprisal attack, saying that could disrupt peace in the area.
When a PREMIUM TIMES correspondent visited the hospital, the victims were seen with various degrees of severe burns.
Six young men accused of smoking Indian hemp and gambling have been set ablaze in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, by a house owner in their area.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the landlord, identified as Agba, in Ago-Oko area of the town where the incident occurred, had warned the boys on several occasions to desist from their acts, warnings they ignored.
However, on Tuesday night, the boys engaged in their acts in their regular building which infuriated Agba, their neighbour.
The landlord subsequently poured a keg of petrol, through his window on the first floor of a storey building, on the boys.
The already lighted Indian hemp was flamed by the petrol causing a major fire that burnt the boys causing severe injury. The victims were later rushed to a state hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
The victims are Saburi Seteolu, Raheem Bello, Tunde Adesanya, Suleiman Adebesin, Azeez Alabi, and Kola Sodehinde.
The landlord, a commercial cab driver in the town, has been arrested as confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Mr. Adejobi said the incident occurred late on Tuesday.
“Information available to us is that the suspect had an argument with the youths before he poured PMS on them in Ago-Oko area.
“For now, we cannot ascertain other circumstances that led to the incident but we have the suspect in our custody and we are working hard to untie what led to it,” he said.
The spokesman said Ogun Police Commissioner, Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
He said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the matter was concluded. He also warned youth in the area not to engage in any reprisal attack, saying that could disrupt peace in the area.
When a PREMIUM TIMES correspondent visited the hospital, the victims were seen with various degrees of severe burns.
FG Urged To Facilitate Ibori’s Release From London Jail
MORE than one year after former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, was convicted by a London court, his kinsmen and key political stakeholders in Delta State have called on the Federal Government to facilitate his release and subsequent return to Nigeria, describing him as an epitome of infrastructural and human capital development in the state.
Niger Delta activist and Warri chief, Ayirimi Emami, who was among stakeholders that spoke to newsmen in Oghara, the country home of Chief Ibori, shortly after a novelty football match organised to celebrate the former governor’s 55th birthday, described his travail as political, adding that Ibori developed the youths, roads and other infrastructure to better the lots of Deltans.
Chief Emami, Chairman of Itsekiri Regional Development Committee, IRDC, said: “Despite being in prison, if Ibori happens to contest election now, he will win because he is a man of the people.”
Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Igbakpa, an aide to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Faith Majemite, a member on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Henry Ofa and other top political office holders in Delta State, who also bared their minds described the huge turn-out of people at the novelty football match played at the Oghara township stadium between Ibori United of Oghara and Ibori United of Warri as a testament of the ex governor’s popularity and developmental strides while he was in the saddle as Delta State chief executive.
An Oghara indigene, Simon Otobo opined that the Urhobo, who prayed for Ibori’s arrest were now regretting doing so because of the political gulf his absence was causing the Urhobo nation and pleaded for leniency on the part of the Nigerian and British governments.
An elderly woman and a commercial motorcycle rider, Omoko Rose and Edafewogho Ekawhen, respectively, commended the former governor for developing Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state and appealed to the Federal Government to work towards Ibori’s release, noting that it would help stabilise the polity.
Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Igbakpa, an aide to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Faith Majemite, a member in the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Henry Ofa and other top political office holders in Delta State, who also bared their minds described the huge turn-out of people at the novelty football match played at the Oghara township stadium between Ibori United of Oghara and Ibori United of Warri as a testament of the ex governor’s popularity and developmental strides while he was in the saddle as Delta State chief executive.
Niger Delta activist and Warri chief, Ayirimi Emami, who was among stakeholders that spoke to newsmen in Oghara, the country home of Chief Ibori, shortly after a novelty football match organised to celebrate the former governor’s 55th birthday, described his travail as political, adding that Ibori developed the youths, roads and other infrastructure to better the lots of Deltans.
Chief Emami, Chairman of Itsekiri Regional Development Committee, IRDC, said: “Despite being in prison, if Ibori happens to contest election now, he will win because he is a man of the people.”
Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Igbakpa, an aide to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Faith Majemite, a member on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Henry Ofa and other top political office holders in Delta State, who also bared their minds described the huge turn-out of people at the novelty football match played at the Oghara township stadium between Ibori United of Oghara and Ibori United of Warri as a testament of the ex governor’s popularity and developmental strides while he was in the saddle as Delta State chief executive.
An Oghara indigene, Simon Otobo opined that the Urhobo, who prayed for Ibori’s arrest were now regretting doing so because of the political gulf his absence was causing the Urhobo nation and pleaded for leniency on the part of the Nigerian and British governments.
An elderly woman and a commercial motorcycle rider, Omoko Rose and Edafewogho Ekawhen, respectively, commended the former governor for developing Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state and appealed to the Federal Government to work towards Ibori’s release, noting that it would help stabilise the polity.
Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Igbakpa, an aide to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Faith Majemite, a member in the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Henry Ofa and other top political office holders in Delta State, who also bared their minds described the huge turn-out of people at the novelty football match played at the Oghara township stadium between Ibori United of Oghara and Ibori United of Warri as a testament of the ex governor’s popularity and developmental strides while he was in the saddle as Delta State chief executive.
Waec Releases 2012/2013 Result.
WAEC releases May/June 2013 examination
results on August 07, 2013 at 7:16 pm in News Lagos -The WAEC on Wednesday released the full
results of 1,543,683 candidates who sat for its May/
June 2013 Secondary School Certificate Examination. The number represents 91.38 per cent of 1,689,188
candidates who registered for the examination,. The Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Dr Charles
Eguridu, announced the results on Wednesday when
he addressed a news conference in Lagos. Eguridu said 889,636 candidates obtained six credits
and above, while 1,074,065 others obtained five
credits and above. According to him, the results of 145,505 others,
representing 8.62 per cent, were being processed due
to some errors. “These errors are traceable to the candidates as
well as their schools in the course of registration or
writing the examination.’’ The HNO explained that such errors were being
corrected by the council to enable the affected
candidates to get their results fully processed and
released subsequently. Eguridu disclosed that the council cancelled the result
of 2,176 candidates. He explained that the cancellation was due to multiple
entries by the candidates discovered while processing
the results. “In line with the council’s regulation, the entire
results of such candidates who have been found guilty
of this act had been cancelled, “ he said. The HNO also said 112,865 results of candidates,
representing 6.75 per cent, were withheld due to
examination malpractice. Eguridu pointed out that the cases were being
investigated and that reports of the investigations
would be presented to the Nigeria Examinations
Committee (NEC) for consideration. Further breakdown revealed that 1,225,591
candidates obtained credits and above in four
subjects, 1,353,273 obtained credits and above in
three subjects, while 1,465,581 obtained credits and
above in two subjects. Eguridu said that of the 121 blind candidates, 117
attempted it while 24 obtained five credits in five
subjects including English Language. “Blind candidates do not take Mathematics and
Science Practical in WASSCE diets“, he said. He hailed security agencies for providing the much
needed security throughout the conduct of the
examination. The HNO said that despite the security challenge in the
country, especially in some parts of the North-East, the
council was able to conduct the examination. “We thank the Federal government and security
agencies particularly in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe
States for the support rendered the council during the
conduct of our examination. “We equally commend the Federal and State
Ministries of Education for their support in terms of
their facilities and logistics given to us during the
conduct of the examination.’’ He decried the murder of three of the council’s
personnel by gunmen while on their way from Yola to
Maiduguri. The candidates can check their results online on the
council’s website within 24 hours of the declaration
of the results.
results on August 07, 2013 at 7:16 pm in News Lagos -The WAEC on Wednesday released the full
results of 1,543,683 candidates who sat for its May/
June 2013 Secondary School Certificate Examination. The number represents 91.38 per cent of 1,689,188
candidates who registered for the examination,. The Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Dr Charles
Eguridu, announced the results on Wednesday when
he addressed a news conference in Lagos. Eguridu said 889,636 candidates obtained six credits
and above, while 1,074,065 others obtained five
credits and above. According to him, the results of 145,505 others,
representing 8.62 per cent, were being processed due
to some errors. “These errors are traceable to the candidates as
well as their schools in the course of registration or
writing the examination.’’ The HNO explained that such errors were being
corrected by the council to enable the affected
candidates to get their results fully processed and
released subsequently. Eguridu disclosed that the council cancelled the result
of 2,176 candidates. He explained that the cancellation was due to multiple
entries by the candidates discovered while processing
the results. “In line with the council’s regulation, the entire
results of such candidates who have been found guilty
of this act had been cancelled, “ he said. The HNO also said 112,865 results of candidates,
representing 6.75 per cent, were withheld due to
examination malpractice. Eguridu pointed out that the cases were being
investigated and that reports of the investigations
would be presented to the Nigeria Examinations
Committee (NEC) for consideration. Further breakdown revealed that 1,225,591
candidates obtained credits and above in four
subjects, 1,353,273 obtained credits and above in
three subjects, while 1,465,581 obtained credits and
above in two subjects. Eguridu said that of the 121 blind candidates, 117
attempted it while 24 obtained five credits in five
subjects including English Language. “Blind candidates do not take Mathematics and
Science Practical in WASSCE diets“, he said. He hailed security agencies for providing the much
needed security throughout the conduct of the
examination. The HNO said that despite the security challenge in the
country, especially in some parts of the North-East, the
council was able to conduct the examination. “We thank the Federal government and security
agencies particularly in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe
States for the support rendered the council during the
conduct of our examination. “We equally commend the Federal and State
Ministries of Education for their support in terms of
their facilities and logistics given to us during the
conduct of the examination.’’ He decried the murder of three of the council’s
personnel by gunmen while on their way from Yola to
Maiduguri. The candidates can check their results online on the
council’s website within 24 hours of the declaration
of the results.
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Beverly Osu Is Ripe For Marriage
Ring-a-ding-a-ling can you hear the church bells ring?
Well Beverly sure can hear them. This evening the young Ruby revealed to her fellow Housemates that she plans on getting hitched next year, saying: “I am ripe for marriage”. “But you are too young,” Cleo tried to advise the 21 year old. But that piece of advice seemed to go in the one ear and out the other for the Nigerian. “I am tired of having boyfriend,” she responded.
The fact that the sexy model is not currently engaged and has only recently taken up a relationship with, South African Housemate, Angelo is not going to deter her one bit from her mission either. When asked by her fellow Housemates what she would do if the South African does not want to tie the know next year, she replied: “There are lots of other fish in the sea”. Wowzer, this is a lady on a mission!
“If likes it then he should have put a ring on it”. Those are the lyrics to the hit song by Beyoncé and it also seems to the life motto that Beverly is adopting. What do you think; is Beverly serious about this whole marriage business?
Well Beverly sure can hear them. This evening the young Ruby revealed to her fellow Housemates that she plans on getting hitched next year, saying: “I am ripe for marriage”. “But you are too young,” Cleo tried to advise the 21 year old. But that piece of advice seemed to go in the one ear and out the other for the Nigerian. “I am tired of having boyfriend,” she responded.
The fact that the sexy model is not currently engaged and has only recently taken up a relationship with, South African Housemate, Angelo is not going to deter her one bit from her mission either. When asked by her fellow Housemates what she would do if the South African does not want to tie the know next year, she replied: “There are lots of other fish in the sea”. Wowzer, this is a lady on a mission!
“If likes it then he should have put a ring on it”. Those are the lyrics to the hit song by Beyoncé and it also seems to the life motto that Beverly is adopting. What do you think; is Beverly serious about this whole marriage business?
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