Monday, September 30, 2013

The Real Story of Jim Iyke's Deliverance at TB Joshua's Church

Making a surprise appearance in The SCOAN, Nollywood actor Jim Iyke entered quietly and unannounced, joining worshippers from around the world as they listened to the inspiring message from renowned Prophet TB Joshua during the service on Sunday, 29 September, 2013.

As The SCOAN's Wise Men moved through the congregation in prayer, the lightning of God located Iyke and he was no longer able to control himself. Lunging towards one of the Wise Man as if to attack him:
An evil spirit that had been tormenting the life of Jim Iyke manifested! The congregation in the auditorium and the overflow congregations shouted in surprise as they began to witness the deliverance of a man they were all too familiar with.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

ASUP To Resume Strike On Oct. 4

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, announced on Saturday that it has resolved to resume its suspended nationwide strike from next week, following failure of the federal government to fulfil its agreement with the union.

The union had been on several weeks of strike, but suspended it on July 17 following the intervention of federal lawmakers in its negotiation with the federal government.

The National Publicity Secretary of the union, Chirman Clement, in a statement on Saturday said the union took the decision at her 75th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State and resolved to resume the suspended strike on October 4.

"In view of the continued insincerity of Government to honour the agreement reached with ASUP, NEC resolves that the union will resume the suspended strike with effect from 4th October, 2013."

The lecturers passed a vote of no confidence on the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, and called for the immediate establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission (NPC) to proactively cater for the needs of the sector.

Read More At Premium Times

US Walks Out of UN Assembly in Disgust After Mugabe Speech

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's fiery condemnation of the West during the 68th UN general assembly resulted in the US delegation leaving in disgust.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe used his opportunity to speak at the 68th UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday to berate the United States and the UK for imposing "illegal and filthy sanctions" on Zimbabwe.

"Shame, shame, shame to the United States of America. Shame, shame, shame to Britain and its allies,"  Mugabe said.

He condemned the continuation of unilateral sanctions against his country and called it a violation of the UN Charter. He accused those imposing sanctions of "covetous bigotry" and a "hunger for domination".

The 89-year-old president vowed that Zimbabwe would never become a colony again. He condemned the US's rejection of recent Zim elections, stating that:

"This malicious intent to continue the relentless persecution of our small peaceful country has shown itself  again through the USA's rejection of the recent absolutely democratic and fair election results of our July 31st general elections."

Zimbabwe was forced this week to hand out maize imported from Zambia to  people who are vulnerable to starvation in the southern parts of the country.

The Mail & Guardian two weeks ago reported that the United Nations had said in a report that more than 2.2-million people in half of Zimbabwe's 10 political provinces are facing a famine.

Zimbabwe's strategic grain reserve parastatal, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), which is charged with grain procurement and securing reserves, is in serious trouble because its silos are nearly empty.

Zimbabwe's Agriculture Minister Joseph Made admitted that the 3 400 tonnes of grain the government bought from Zambia earlier this year was inadequate.

However, he was quick to say that no one would starve because the government had "sound plans" to avert serious food shortages. He also said the GMB was on top of the situation. 

Read Full text Here: http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-12465-Full+text+Mugabes+2013+UN+speech/news.aspx

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Photos and Report of The Lugbe Community Outreach by the Fresh Life Care Foundation

 
The maiden community outreach (know your status campaign) of the Fresh Life Care Foundation took place on the 27th of July, 2013 at the Lugbe community, a community in the suburbs of Abuja.

The Lugbe village is a community that is located along the airport and over time the population of this place has increased. According to history particularly oral tradition the village was founded by a hunter who is said to have migrated from a place in Niger state, when he arrived there he didn't find animals, just birds and hence came the name "Lugbe" which means land of birds.

The aim of the Lugbe outreach was to sensitize, test and counsel the people on HIV/AIDS. The Fresh Life Care Foundation was not alone in this course as it was backed up by various organizations, without these organizations the FLCF wouldn't have recorded the success it did. These organizations were;

· Society for Family Health Nigeria

· Institute of Human Virology Nigeria[2]

· Orol Foundation

· CFHI[3]

The Lugbe community due to population increase has been faced with various societal problems such as unemployment and drug abuse which has been a bane in the Lugbe community. These problems have affected the way they take care of themselves as regards health. The unemployment factor is very important because it implies that they would not be able to take care of themselves well when faced by a serious health challenge.

This is a very serious problem because the people in the community already infected by the virus would not be able to get access to proper medical health care which could lead to the further spread (negligence or ignorance) of the virus or death.

The Outreach of July started about 11a.m with the representative of the Society for Family Health demonstrating the use and techniques of the female condoms to people of the Lugbe community and everyone present there.

Immediately after that, the FLCF and Orol Foundation team members quickly mobilized for a rally in the community which was led by the FLCF and Orol Foundation Coordinators and it lasted for about 2 hours.


Various mediums were used to get the attention of the community to get them to come and know their HIV/AIDS status. Music, role plays, fliers and talks were used to get the people tested and counselled.

To be noted was that the various organizations that supported the outreach came with various materials that were used to reach out to the community such as condoms and written materials. By the time the outreach ended about 3000 condoms and 100's of different types of (written) materials were distributed in the community.

The Audience cut across all segments of the Lugbe community which comprises of house wives, shop owners, students, okada riders and everyone that could be reached in the community as a whole.

Before the rally came to an end the people had already begun testing at the venue setup for that purpose and the venue was the AMAC Primary HealthCare Centre which is in the heart of the community. The turnout was not much as anticipated because there was a similar outreach of the same sort occurred in the community only two weeks ago.

In all about 80 people got tested and were counselled about the HIV/AIDS virus. To be taken into serious consideration was the fact that the Lugbe community were reminded and re – orientated about the virus and ways to fight the epidemic to a standstill.

It is recommended that a rehabilitation centre should be made for the people already infected with the HIV/AIDS virus in the Lugbe community and organizations which empower youths with skills should also visit Lugbe to fight the unemployment situation in the community.

President Jonathan to Host Presidential Media Chat Tomorrow

President Goodluck Jonathan will host another edition of the Presidential Media Chat tomorrow Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 7pm. See the State House Press Release below


President Jonathan will in the course of the programme, answer questions from a panel of journalists on current national issues and events, as well as policies and actions of his administration. Members of the public who have questions they will like the President to respond to on the programme may send them in via Twitter to @mediachatng1.

The programme will be broadcast live on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Voice of Nigeria (VON). Other television and radio stations are enjoined to hook up to NTA and FRCN to relay the programme to their viewers and listeners.
  
Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity). September 28, 2013

Dumb Thief Steals iPad Then Takes Selfies Giving Police Evidence (PHOTOS)

Have you seen this dummy?

Cops in Palm Beach, Fla., are looking for a woman who stole an iPad and then took a series of self-incriminating selfies, apparently unaware that the device's owner could access them.

The victim told reporters that the thief smashed a window and snatched the iPad from her car at a Boca Raton park while she was watching her child's flag football practice earlier this week.

The woman logged into the Apple device remotely and found photos of a strange woman sticking her tongue out. Several were taken right after the theft.

"I couldn't believe it. She's sitting there with her tongue sticking out and all these selfie pictures," the victim, who didn't want to be identified, told WPTV. "It was pretty bold."

The woman turned the photos over to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were hunting for her, and asked anyone who knows her to please get in touch.

"I know what she looks like. The sheriff's office knows what she looks like. People on Facebook know what she looks like…we just need someone to turn her in," the victim said.

Read more: NY Daily News

Miss Philippines Wins Miss World in Indonesia

Miss Philippines, Megan Young, was crowned Miss World on Saturday amid tight security on Indonesia's resort island of Bali, where the contest's final round was moved following protests by Muslim hardliner groups.

"I promise to be the best Miss World ever," Young, 23, said after winning the 63rd annual event, as a large number of Filipino fans who traveled with her celebrated by jumping and waving the country's flag.

Despite threats from the Islamic Defenders Front to disrupt the contest, police said no rallies were staged Saturday. The group has demonstrated for weeks, calling for the government to cancel the pageant because members say it shows too much skin and goes against Islamic teachings.

The 127 contestants vying for the crown were introduced Saturday wearing evening gowns shimmering in sequins, many of them with plunging necklines and slits up the leg. Four candidates dropped out earlier, mainly due to illnesses, said Syafril Nasution, one of the local organizers.

Young, who took the crown from Wenxia Yu of China, the 2012 winner, was born in the United States. When she was 10 she moved to the Philippines, where she has appeared in films and as a television host.

Miss France, Marine Lorphelin, 20, took second place, while Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter, 22, came in third.

Miss World organizers had earlier agreed to cut bikinis from the swimsuit competition, replacing them with more conservative sarongs. But pressure continued to mount, and more mainstream groups joined in and called for the show to be banned.

Indonesia's government announced three weeks ago that the final would be moved from the outskirts of the capital, Jakarta, and instead held on the Hindu-dominated resort island of Bali, where earlier rounds were taking place.

The British, Australian and U.S. embassies issued warnings to citizens planning trips to Bali during the competition, saying there could be large-scale protests or even attacks.

Col. R. Umar Faroq, the Director of Vital Security for Bali provincial police, said thousands of security forces had been deployed to secure the final.

But Faroq said that security was tightened along the north coast of East Java to Bali in anticipation of possible protesters from other islands.

"The success in securing the Miss World final will be a benchmark for the police in securing the incoming APEC Summit," Faroq said, referring to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Cooperation summit on Bali to be attended by world leaders, including President Barack Obama, and thousands of delegates.

Miss World is the latest controversy in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, where most follow a moderate form of the religion. However, a small extremist fringe has become louder and more violent in recent years, attacking Christians and other religious minorities, along with anyone else deemed immoral.

Last year, the Islamic Defenders Front forced Lady Gaga to cancel a sold-out show after branding her a "devil worshipper."

This is the first win for a contestant from Philippines.

El-Rufai Must Undergo Psychiatric Test – CAN

Dr. Musa Asake, the Secretary General of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in a recent interview took a swipe at Mallam Nasir el-Rufai for his recent utterances. Dr. Asake emphasized that seeing the manner the former FCT minister has been approaching affairs of state, "psychiatrists should examine him".

He also told that in spite of the clamour for a president of northern extraction in 2015, Christians of that enclave "are solidly behind Jonathan," and also described some of northern governors' actions as religiously motivated.

Read the excerpts of a big interview below:

Q: Former FCT minister, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai in a recent interview, referred to the Christian Association of Nigeria as the mouthpiece of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), how did the statement come to you?

A: I take his utterance as an insult. For him to take our leader and associate him with a political party is a total disrespect. It is not just an insult to our leader; it is also an insult to the Christian community in Nigeria. We cannot do that to the Muslims. I think psychiatrists should examine el-Rufai. The way he has been talking of recent is worrisome. I think he must tender an apology to the Christian body and our president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor in particular. We know that the PDP has its own spokesman. How then will el-Rufai say that? That is total disrespect. A true Muslim knows that he cannot just disrespect a religious leader like that. Enough is enough. He's been saying a lot of things and we can no longer tolerate that.

Q: The same el-Rufai allegedly tweeted some derogatory things about Jesus Christ some months back…

A: We responded to him then and also told him to shut his mouth. If it was a Christian that said something like that about Islam, this country would have gone up in flames. That tweet was deliberate. The man is so arrogant and opens his mouth wide.

Q: The president of CAN, Oritsejafor revealed sometime last year that the Christian body would take Boko Haram to the International Criminal Court (ICC). We've not heard anything about it since then. What is the position of CAN right now on this?

A: As at the time our leader, Oritsejafor made that statement, you would agree that things were really bad in the country. We were helpless then because nobody was listening to us. But when the Federal Government went ahead and proscribed them, things became different. We've not abandoned the plan to take the case to ICC. We have to study the whole situation. The Federal Government has done a lot, even by declaring a state of emergency. We are both living witnesses to the fact that the killings have reduced. So, we are warning. We are supporting what the Federal Government is doing right now. We support them. Christians are not being killed anymore the way they used to kill them. We've not dropped the idea. We are praying for the security agencies.

Q: The atrocities committed by the sect for which CAN wanted to take it to ICC are still there. Does that mean CAN is now going to overlook all that since there is a planned amnesty for the sect?

A: I am not saying that the atrocities will be overlooked. People are still being killed. If you look at it the way it was, things have slowed down. That was why I said we were watching. Our lawyers are studying the situation.

Q: The president of CAN has openly declared that the proposed amnesty programme for Boko Haram members will fail. Judging by what you've said, does CAN still maintain that stand?

A: CAN has been very consistent since the Federal Government came up with that word, amnesty. We said 'no' from the very beginning. We said you cannot give amnesty to somebody you don't know. Let them come out. We've never supported amnesty because you cannot give amnesty to people you don't know. That was why when the committee on dialogue invited CAN, we said we were not going to talk to them. There were two reasons for that. The committee was given 90 days and it invited CAN towards the last week of its sitting. We felt it was an after-thought. If you look at the combination of the committee, out of over 20, only seven of them are Christians. We felt there will be no justice. So, for us to go and sit down and begin to talk to a committee that had already finished its work, was not fair. We Christians are the people who are being killed and whose churches are being destroyed. We didn't understand. CAN has never considered amnesty at all.

Q: The recent move by the Borno State government to demolish over 20 churches in the state has been described by many religious leaders as a ploy to Islamise the region and possibly the country, by shutting down churches. What is CAN doing about that?

A: Everybody is entitled to his own opinion. In our office, we have a letter from the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Borno State. In that letter, they wrote, using the authority of the governor that they were going to remove the people living in that area. When we checked, we discovered that there are many churches there. These churches have about 600 acres of land. They have a school. That has a concern. They said they want to build a housing estate. These people they want to evict are fully settled. They were given the place a long time ago. For the state government just to come around and say that they want to demolish the churches, that raises some concern. We are not talking about Islamisation. We are talking about fairness. There are 20 churches there. I can even give you the names of churches in that area.

Graphic photos: Train kills man (cuts him into pieces) in Oshodi

Some eyewitnesses said the man threw himself in front of the train, some said he was just walking across the railway track with his friends when a train coming from Agege approached early yesterday morning around the Bolade area of Oshodi. Don't know which one is accurate but there's one fact; the unidentified man was crushed into pieces by the train. When I say into pieces, I mean head off, hand off,  leg off, cut into two from the stomach. Horrific!
 
Please I beg you don't open the photos, it will give you nightmares. But if you insist, see them after the cut..

Photos from Rukky Sanda's Movie Premiere

Nollywood actress Rukky Sanda premiered her movie Keeping My Man on Wednesday 25th Sept at  Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi. Rukky wore a Sherri Hill strapless cream coloured gown from the label’s Fall 2013 Collection to the premiere. The gown wasn't so bad *tongue in cheek*, but wtf was with the blond hair? Didn't she learn from the likes of Tontoh Dikeh who have shown that blond hair on black girls is an epic fail? CheckOut what another blogger thought: Rukky Sanda and her Badly Dressed Colleagues
See more photos after the cut...

Banky Reacts To Forbes Most Bankable List

The Chairman and Creative Director of EME Banky W spoke to the Nigerian Tribune recently on several issues from his career to personal life. He also told Tribune what he thought about the recently released 10 richest artistes by Forbes.

"I don't believe very much in such things. Let's be honest, the real wealthy people are the businessmen like Dangote and the politicians (some of whomgot there by looting Nigeria). They're the ones with real money. This entertainment business is too much hype. It is more fame than fortune. So I'm not thrilled to it and I don't think any of us should buy into it too much. I'd rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke"

Lecturers Defy Suswam’s Order to Return to Work



The Benue State University Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has vowed to continue with the ongoing strike by the union in spite of the threat by Gov. Gabriel Suswam to sack them.

Dr Samuel Ikoni, Chairman of the state chapter of ASUU, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Makurdi that only the national leadership of the union could call off the strike.


"On the threat of sack, we are waiting to be served, there is no problem over that," he said.

He also said the governor was at liberty to implement the "No work, No pay policy," adding that members of

Genevieve Threatens To Slap Rapper Skales For Allegedly Mentioning Her In A Song About Giving Her The 'D'

Couldn't stop laughing when I heard this, but gist planet is standing by its legitimacy so here goes:

Family Of Seven Run Mad In Ebonyi State

One of the mad family member
For the family of Mr Ogbonnaya Ani in Umuose Urobo, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, life can't be more cruel to seven members of the household now afflicted with madness one after the other.
Indeed, 70-year-old Ani is swimming in the ocean of grief, anguish and pains.  He paints a perfect picture of a fellow whose gods have not been benevolent enough to crack his palm kernel for him. Rather, they watch his blessings turn to blemish.
The Ani family is being ravaged by the spirit of madness. Take this:  Ogbonnaya Ani's elder brother's daughter is mentally challenged. His younger brother's son is in the same condition. Three of his own children, a male and two females, are equally afflicted. His daughter-in-law is not left out. So, there are six mentally ill persons in the family and, perhaps, still counting. Worst still, one of Ani's mentally challenged daughters is heavily pregnant and no one seems to know who the lover boy is. And before his first wife died, she exhibited some signs of madness.
Recently, our reporter encountered the distraught Ani. He told the stranger than fiction story. There is no

Daniel Radcliffe Warns Gay Sex Scene Will Shock Some Fans

 



DANIEL Radcliffe has admitted his gay sex scene in Kill All Your Darlings will shock some viewers, but insisted it isn't as "graphic" as people might assume.

The Harry Potter star is enjoying making the switch to smaller films, but he admitted his role as poet Allen Ginsberg in 'Kill All Your Darlings' might leave viewers "startled".

He told Total Film magazine: "I felt like I was breaking new ground. Most actors grow up doing a lot of small movies and then get something big, but I started on the biggest film in the world.

"So it's an experience that I haven't had. I'm sure some people will be slightly ... err ... startled by the gay sex

Khloe Kardashian Drops "Odom" From Her Twitter Name

Amid speculation that her marriage to Lamar Odom is all but over, Khloe Kardashian changed her Twitter and Instagram name from "KhloeKardashianOdom" to "Khloe."
A rep for Kardashian told Hollywood Life that the change means absolutely nothing.

"Her Twitter name was never changed and on her Instagram she took off Kardashian AND Odom on her bio only. Her Instagram handle has ALWAYS been just Kardashian to match her twitter name — so both of her names are @KhloeKardashian. They always have been — but, yes, in her bio she removed both of her last names, so it simply says Khloe."

Even though her handle always read @KhloeKardashian, her name (which can be changed at any time) was "KhloeKardashianOdom."

I feel bad if all this is true, 'cause Khloe was and is actually my favourite Kardashian. She's always so real, at least compared to the others. I hope she and Lamar work it out. Though my advise to them is to do it without the cameras. That whole family is even due for a break from the cameras sef...

Friday, September 27, 2013

PHOTOS : Angry Arik Air Passengers Cause Confusion At Abuja Airport, Block Airport Runway

Angry Arik Air passengers yesterday, Thursday evening caused confusion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja after they disembarked from an Arik Air flight that was meant to take them to the Margaret Ekpo Airport, Calabar from Abuja.

The disgruntled passengers practically held passengers on other planes at the airport hostages as they blocked the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, preventing planes from taking-off or landing.

According to reports, the angry passengers' flight that had the Cross River State Governor, Liyel 
Imoke, on board, was denied landing at the Calabar airport at about 5.30pm by the station manager due to safety concerns.

It was learnt that despite pleas by the aides to the governor to allow the landing of the aircraft, the station manager refused, citing the fact that the runway lightening was poor thus, the pilot was left with no other choice than to return the passengers to the Abuja airport.

A passenger in one of the stranded airplanes at the Abuja airport said he and other travellers had to disembark and sat on the tarmac for more than one hour after the pilot announced that the plane could not take off because the runway had been blocked by the angry Arik Air passengers.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Yakubu Dati, who confirmed that Arik passengers blocked the runway, blamed the airline for the incident.
He added that the passengers had insisted that Arik must compensate them for breach of contract, especially since the flight was delayed.

The spokesperson of Arik Air, Mr. Adebanji Ola, however said that it was not the fault of the airline that the Calabar airport was closed by the time the flight from Abuja got there.

He said:
"The flight was delayed because there was Very Important Personality movement and there was also some weather issues, it is not the fault of the airline that the plane could not land there. We are amazed that despite the security at the Abuja airport, passengers were still able to hijack the aircraft and hold other planes to ransom, that should not be the case."

Mixed Reactions Trail Muslimah Beauty Pageant Won by Nigerian Girl



Mixed reactions have trailed the just concluded World Muslimah Beauty Pageant organized for the Islamic womenfolk as a suitable option to the glamorous Miss World beauty pageant. The pageant which held in Jakatar, Indonesia last week, saw young Nigerian University of Lagos student, Aisha Ajibola Olabiyi, clinch the winning title, with a cash prize of $2,200 and a trip to Mecca.
Muslim women and scholars have reacted to the pageant. Some feel the pageant violated the Islamic rule on women, while others say it's a welcome development. Here's what they had to say...

Over 3000 models attend Music Meets Runway 2013 Model Casting





The 2013 model casting for the premier music and fashion show, Music Meets Runway (MMR), which held last Saturday 21st September, 2013, was a tremendous success with a huge turnout of over 3000 young aspiring female and male models as against last year's 1000 models. The event was held in the Expo Hall at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. This is the latest in a series of campaigns lined up for the

Chief Of Army Staff Justifies Apo Killing

The army has justified the widely condemned killing of nine people in Abuja. They were suspected terrorists, who planned to bomb some key installations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.

The victims, who residents and rights activists claimed were artisans and tricycle operators, were killed in an uncompleted building in Apo. One died in the hospital, raising the toll to 10. No fewer than 13 others were injured in the assault.
Gen. Ihejirika got support from Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Bala Mohammed.
The two officials spoke at a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

Gen. Ihejirika told the committee that the police were left out of the action because it was a specialised operation.

Besides, the Army boss said the operation was not the first of its kind as his men have succeeded in intercepting several intended terrorist attacks on the FCT.
According to him, there was information that a terrorist group was hiding explosives around Apo. This, he said, was thoroughly investigated and a move to remove the explosives was launched.
Mohammed corroborated Gen, Ihejirika's account.

He said the attack, which was coordinated by the Commander, Guards Brigade, was to intercept hidden improvised explosive devices (IED) in a cemetery.

According to Mohammed, there was planned operation, which he described as an isolated terrorist operation to bomb some critical installations in the FCT, such as the Radio House, shopping malls as well as churches on September 22.
He said: "It is imperative to mention here that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies have been working assiduously round the clock to ensure the containment of the heinous activities of the men f the underworld and particularly the Boko Haram in the FCT.

"The intelligence information available to the Guards Brigade confirmed that a number of IEDs to be used for the Sunday operation were buried in a cemetery in Apo area.

"The need to act swiftly to recover the explosive devices was necessary, hence the operation.
According to the minister, the intention was not to kill but to remove the improvised explosives devices.

"According to the security agencies, on approaching the identified uncompleted building which was claimed to harbour the explosives.
"The security operatives were fired at, which led to exchange of fire and the resultant casualties.

"As a civil and highly responsible administration, our immediate concern was how to manage the collateral damage that ensued from this genuinely intended operation.

"It is highly probable that some innocent persons might have been injured, which again highlights the danger of living with people unknown to you."

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Nigerians demand answers from National Assembly

Thousands of protesters plan to take to the streets in Nigeria's capital Abuja and across the country on Thursday. They are demanding more government budget transparency and an end to an ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which has left public universities shuttered since June.
 
The Enough is Enough Nigeria Coalition, one of the main groups calling for protests, is demanding more transparency, including a breakdown of how the National Assembly's N150 billion ($937 million) annual budget is spent.  
 
Many online are focusing on the high salaries paid to members of Nigeria's National Assembly. Nigerian MPs rank among the highest paid in the world, earning more annually than members of the US Congress and the UK Parliament. They are paid an estimated salary of $190,000 annually, or more than 100 times Nigeria's GDP per person. 

UK Govt Reviews £3,000 Visa Bond Policy

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock, has revealed that the Britain has put the intention to introduce £3,000 visa bond under review.

Pocock made the revelation when he visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange to ring the closing bell and also discussed ways in which more British companies could be encouraged to invest in the Nigeria's capital market.

Pocock, who said visas were issued to 125,000 Nigerians every year, added, "If we decide that this will become a policy we will tell, firstly then Nigerian government and secondly, the Nigerian people so everyone has all the information they need. This is not a major threat to Nigerians coming to the UK; that I can guarantee."

Pocock noted that even if it is implemented, the scheme will affect only a fraction of Nigerians who apply for UK visas.

Hence, it will not be a threat to Nigerians.

"The visa bond, as it is being called here, is not a £3,000 charge for a British Visa. That is not the case, it is not going to happen now and it is not going to happen in the future. Visa fee, which is what you pay for a visa, will not go to £3,000 or anywhere near it", he also clarified.

Pocock also said although there are many security concerns of the British government but they were not insurmountable in many instance and could be managed by Britain.

"We have made it very clear to our government in London that there is concern about this. So, this is being reviewed and considered in London as we speak now", he told reporters.

It could be recalled that earlier this year the British Government disclosed plans to employ a new scheme under which Nigeria and some other Commonwealth countries would pay a £3,000 cash bond in return for visitor visas after staying in the UK to six months.

It was also pointed out that the policy was expected to create a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services in the long run.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Senate To Enact Law On Strike In Tertiary Institutions

Senate said it would initiate "legislative solutions" that would regulate incessant industrial actions in universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.

President of the Senate, David Mark, disclosed this in Abuja at the first conference of the National and state Assembly Committees on Education organized by the Senate Committee on Education.

The Senate's position is coming in the middle of a prolonged strike called by the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) to press the demand for implementation of an agreement between the Federal Government and the university lecturers since 2009.

Mark, who was represented by Senate Minority Leader, Ganiyu Solomon, at the occasion also said it was important that particular attention is paid to the country's education sector, which, according to him, is in serious need of transformation.

He stressed that persistence of industrial actions by ASUU has had huge impact on the country's education system, adding that it has called for the Senate to initiate legislative solutions to the problem.

He stressed that issues of educational development have been a priority on the government's programme.

He noted that the present situation in the education sector called for comprehensive and sustainable policies that will deliver good standards, decent environment and cost effectiveness.

Mark, however, called on the Federal Government and leadership of ASUU to gently come to an agreement to call off the current 84-day old strike.

Meanwhile, Benue State Government has said it may consider forcefully reopening its own university – Benue State University (BSU) shut down by the ASUU strike.

This hint is coming after two meetings between the government and BSU chapter of ASUU had ended in deadlock.

The state government has also scheduled a meeting with the Governing Council of BSU later this week that would lead to the reopening of the institution.

State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, dropped the hint at the Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday when he summoned the management staff of the state-owned university to his office.

The Governor, who noted that he was becoming "impatient" with the snail pace at the reluctance of the BSU ASUU to take a decision to resume classes, said he would be compelled to reopen the institution if nothing was done fast.

He vowed to terminate the appointment of any lecturer who fails to return to class when the institution reopens, adding that the state government was also enforcing the no work, no pay rule with immediate effect.

Suswam also threatened to "dust up" an earlier judgment of a Makurdi High Court that granted judgment in favour of the state government over an earlier strike embarked upon by BSU dons.

Suswam, who said he has run out of patience with the university which has nothing against the state government, added that he would not continue to tolerate the actions of the lecturers, which has an adverse effect on the students.

He argued that the area of concern of the state-owned university has been taken care of by the Federal Government, adding that prior to the strike the Federal Government has assisted the BSU with about N3 billion to embark on various project.

But the ASUU's strike may soon end, as the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Julius Okojie, said the Federal Government was making progress in its negotiation with the university teachers.

Okojie, who disclosed this in Abuja at press luncheon, expressed optimism that the locked gates of universities would soon be opened, noting that progress was being made in the negotiation with the union.

It would be recalled that the Presidency took over the negotiations with the striking dons when it mandated Vice President Namadi Sambo to meet with their union.

Okojie, however, reacted to calls by the union for his sack and scrap of the NUC, saying, "It is only President Goodluck Jonathan that can sack me."

Okojie debunked the impression that the university system is dying, saying the system has actually improved under his leadership.

Nominate Mudasiru Ayoola's Blog For Nigeria Blog Awards 2013

Nigerian Blog Awards 2013 started nominations on the 23rd of September, 2013.

Detailed below are directions on nominating this dope blog http://mudasiruayoola.blogspot.com

1. Click on this link - http://nigerianblogawards.com/register2013.php

2. Enter your name, and a valid E-mail address (make sure you can access the e-mail), then scroll down to Categories Number 14. (Best New Blog), 7. (Best Entertainment Blog) and 24. (Best Student Blog) and type in http://mudasiruayoola.blogspot.com in each one respectively.

3. Scroll down to the end of the page and hit the "Submit" button.

For your nomination to count, this next step has to be done...

4. Log on to the E-mail address you provided when nominating, and look for the confirmation mail sent to you; click on the link and the nomination would be validated.

Please NOTE that you do not need to nominate more than once.

Thank you MAB readers, as you vote and tell others to do same... Together we can achieve it...

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Teacher Impregnates Student, Gets Fined

An Abuja Customary Court sitting at Jiwa, yesterday ordered one William Thomas, a school teacher to pay N40, 000 as damages for impregnating a secondary school student out of wedlock.

He was also ordered by the judge to pay a monthly maintenance fee of N10, 000 for the baby's upkeep.

Thomas was arraigned following a complaint by the father of the girl, who had accused him of unlawfully putting his 25 year-old daughter in the family way without parental consent.

The girl's father said the action had jeopardized the education of the girl, a secondary school student even as the accused had abandoned her while she carried the pregnancy.

He said he had on two different occasions, with police intervention, tried to end the relationship between the two unsuccessfully, adding that he had also earlier taken the case to court claiming N5m as damages.

When the matter was read to the accused, he pleaded guilty, and asked for leniency.

In her ruling, Judge A'isha Muhammad, ordered the convict to pay the sum of N20,000 to the lady for expenses incurred during her pregnancy and another N20,000 for delivery.

She also ordered that he should pay an additional N10,000 monthly for the baby's upkeep for the next two years.

CHANNEL O Presents: TOP 10 Most Visionary Music Directors in Africa

"It has been a long journey for the music video. Nowadays, we look forward to a new P Square or D'Banj video almost as much as we look forward to their new songs, but it took decades for the form to earn any respectability and reach the level of technical maturity. Having started out as better-than-nothing replacements for live performances, music videos were just promotional tools before they got serious about artistic content. But now, with a few decades of history and lore, music videos feel like a full-fledged industry of their own. With this list, Channel O celebrates the medium's pantheon with 10 of its most visionary African directors.

The list takes into account the flowing criteria: originality, body of work, views/comments, and awards. While we acknowledge that depending on the artist some directors get to work with big budgets, we will use a ―pound-for-pound approach to even the playing field."
SEE LIST BELOW

No more paper, pencil test by 2015 – JAMB

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said on Monday that its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would be computer-based from 2015.

The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, said this in Akure at an advocacy campaign on the advantages of the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

According to the registrar, "any person who can use the mobile phone can also take part in the test.''

Ojerinde said that candidates in the 2014 UTME could still choose between CBT and the normal "pencil and paper'' method.

"After 2014, there will be no option for any candidate to choose again. CBT is the key. The world is changing and technology has reached an advanced stage.

"The way to go now is technology. If we don't want to remain in the same place,'' he said.

Ojerinde, who said that there were enough facilities for the CBT in Ondo state, also made it clear that candidates who chose to write the next UTME in the state would have no option than the CBT.


"With the FUTA Centre, the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo and the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic , Owo, there is no reason for anybody to write UTME by the PTP (Pen-To, Paper),'' he said.

Ojerinde said that the board would encourage candidates in Akure and environs to take the CBT because of facilities at FUTA, Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo,

The registrar assured that the exam would be free from hackers "because the board will not go through the server of another institution.''

No fewer than 100 secondary school students from 10 schools in Akure sat for a mock version of the CBT at the Information and Technology Resource Centre, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

Immediately after the test all the candidates got their results before they logged out of the system.

Open Review To Davido (@iam_Davido)

Review by Kehinde Ajose

ARTISTE:DAVIDO
LABEL: HKN
SONG: SKELEWU
PRODUCER-SHIZZI

David Adedeji  Adeleke  a.k.a David O is not a rookie in the Nigerian music space. From his bouncy rags to riches single 'Back When' released in  2011, to 'Dami Duro' and  'Gobe', the youngest scion of  Dr Adedeji  Adeleke the deep  pocketed mogul has amazingly done well for himself amidst numerous controversies plaguing his career. Even though some individuals believes his fast rise is as a result of his 'Omo Baba Olowo'(Son of a Wealthy man)  status, Davido has catapulted from an upcoming toiler to a bonafide a mainstream superstar. Even though his hasn't been a tale of grass to grace, he has been able to leverage on his influential background to make a master piece out of his music career stunning his critics.

His latest single Skelewu has garnered unusual airplays making Davido and his team to harness the wide acclaim the song has which led them to staging a dance competition with the winner getting $3,000. Skelewu is a mid tempo bouncy song which starts off with a xylophone intro, a catchy bass line, traditional drums reminiscent of the ijaw tribe and a comatose lyrics. The entirety of the song can be compared to finding maggot in  the champagne you've been longing to devour. Fast rising producer Shizzi chiseled a great production out of the song. You can't help but move to the beat when the song is on. Davido relied on that fact but made a mess of the beat. He knew what he wanted to sing about, but the song's lyrics zoomed off to another different lane entirely.
 
It's typical of the present Nigerian music scene. Good beat, awesome production  , mixing on point, appropriate chord progression, but the lyrical content ?Its a thumbs down! The song thrives on its melodious instrumentals than excellent lyrics. This what the lyrics reads like:

'All the girls them dey dance galala
But this new dance don cause casala
For this dance you no need shakara
Oya whine your hips like a this
Like a that
Like a this
Like a that
To your right
To the front
And your yansh to the back
Skelewu
Skelewu
Skelewu
Skelewu…ske le le le le
Skelewu
Skelewu
Skelewu
Skelewu…ske le le le le'

The song is not a break away from the norm. It's hardly a departure from the routine party dance tracks that are rote in today's mainstream Nigerian music. It's almost an abomination  for music producers not to deliver excellent music these days. On the flip side a song with an awesome lyrical content is fast becoming a rarity in the Nigerian Music industry. The highpoint of the song is its traditional feel and exceptional   genre, little wonder it has reached the number one spot on most charts.

Advice to Davido, work on your lyrics , if you must take a course on song writing, please do so. Enough of the maggot infested lyrics on your champagne music.

Kehinde Ajose is a sought after publicist, blogger , and talent development coach. He is reachable at splendidkenny01@yahoo.com  
Twitter-@splendidkenny
http://KehindeAjose.com

Review are that of the writers opinion and do not in anyway represent the opinions of Mudasiru Ayoola's Blog.

Source- OloriSupergal.com

Women Group Drags ASUU, FG To Industrial Court Over Strike

THE strike action embarked upon by university lecturers has assumed another dimension as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been dragged before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) over the lingering strike action.

The suit, with the number NICW/Abj/242/2013 which also has ministers of labour and productivity, education, finance and justice, as well as secretary to the government of the federation as defendants, was instituted by the registered trustees of Golden Women of Integrity and Vision Association and Mrs. Florence Uche Ojieh.

In the suit, the claimants are asking the court to determine whether the strike action embarked upon by ASUU is not illegal and contrary to law and whether members of the union are not bound by the policy of 'no work no pay' and therefore not entitled to their salary during the period of the strike.

They also asked the court to determine whether members of ASUU are entitled to continue to retain their employment, having abandoned or deemed to have abandoned their work in the universities; whether or not the union complied with the mandatory provisions of Section 4 and 5 of the Trade Dispute Act CAP T8 LFN 2004 before embarking on the strike; whether the union has complied with the provision of Section 8 of the Trade Disputes Act CAP T8 LFN 2004; whether or not the minister of education is not entitled to determine the employment of the union, same having abandoned or deemed to have abandoned their work in their universities and whether or not the doctrine of collective bargain or the purported 2009 agreement can be the basis for the strike action by ASUU same not having been incorporated in their contract of employment between it and the federal government.
The reliefs sought by the claimants include a declaration that the strike action embarked upon by ASUU since July 2, 2013 is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.
The claimants also sought a declaration of court that the strike action is unlawful and unwarranted in the face of the payment to the union by federal government of over N50 billion to meet ASUU's demands from the government.

Other reliefs are an order of mandatory injunction directing the union to go back to work immediately and unconditionally; an order directing the union to return or refund all monies paid to it by the federal government in error or otherwise; an order directing ASUU to return to the negotiation table and a declaration that the strike action is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

Others are an order directing ASUU to refund all monies paid to its members as salaries, wages and allowances during the strike action; an order enforcing the no work no pay rule on the union; a declaration that the condition precedent to protest and or strike as provided by the Trade Dispute Act Cap T8 LFN 2004 has not been fulfilled; an order declaring the agreement on which the strike action is based as an extra-legal document which have no force of law; an order declaring any step taken or any further step to be taken in relation to the industrial action by ASUU, agents, privies, assignors, sympathizers, successors or any person whatsoever by whatever name so-called as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional and an interim order restraining any other trade union and association from joining, participating and aligning with the ASUU strike.

Grand Theft Auto V’ Racks in Over $1 Billion In Sales; Biggest Ent. Launch In History

Grand Theft Auto V pulled in $800 million in sales in its first 24 hours according to Take Two Interactive (TTWO) the parent company of developer and publisher Rockstar Games.

Now TTWO is reporting that in its first three days, the game has crossed the $1 billion mark. This is an extraordinary success story.

By comparison, Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 hit $500 million in day-one sales, making it the biggest entertainment launch in history at the time.

And that's not just video games. Black Ops 2 topped all media launches, including blockbuster films. Grand Theft Auto V topped the previous record by $300 million, which is no small feat.

Furthermore, Black Ops 2 didn't cross the $1 billion mark until its 15th day on sale.

Now let's take a look at the box-office.

The Avengers was the fastest film in history to hit $1 billion—19 days into its run.

In fact, both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and Avatar hit $1 billion in the same amount of time, but each film had a wider release than The Avengers.

In other words, Grand Theft Auto V not only hit $1 billion in sales faster than the fastest-grossing video game, it beat the three biggest film launches of all time by 16 days.

As David Thier pointed out recently, "Demand for big, AAA games isn't flagging, it's just been waiting for the right products."

Rockstar spent an estimated $260 million on the development of Grand Theft Auto V, but the money, time, and care put into the game's development is obviously paying dividends. Other publishers should take note.

"Grand Theft Auto is a cultural phenomenon and Rockstar Gamescontinues to redefine what can be achieved in interactive entertainment," said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two.

"We are incredibly proud of the extraordinary critical and commercial response to Grand Theft Auto V."

And while the game has sparked controversy for its gratuitous violence, its depiction of women, and its glorification of crime, the mere fact that it's achieved such enormous success points to a game that has wide mainstream appeal—largely because the game offers so many choices and a tremendous number of ways to have fun.

Grand Theft Auto Online, the multiplayer portion of the game, launches this October, which may help push the game's sales to even greater heights.

- Forbes

Monday, September 23, 2013

X-Factor: DJ Switch Wins Glo’s N24million, Sony Music Deal

Sensational rapper Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, has been crowned Africa's first X Factor winner.

The 29-year-old geology graduate of the University of Port Harcourt and native of Udi, Enugu State, was declared winner at the grand finale of the show held at Dream Studios, Bamako Street, Omole, Lagos. She beat the two other finalists Ethel Eshun and Vicky Gomoti in the last round of voting to win Globacom's N24 million cash prize and a recording contract with Sony Music.

Before the announcement of the results, the expectation of audience, judges and contestants alike had built to a crescendo as everybody waited anxiously to find out who the first X Factor winner in Africa would be.

The suspense was to last even longer as Glo ambassador from Ghana, Efya, came on stage for a wonderful performance that had the audience applauding rapturously. After her performance, X Factor host, Toolz, turned to the judges and sought to know how they felt about the night.

Reggie answered first, "I'm so excited that I brought my wife with me so we can both be excited together. It's been a beautiful journey; I can't wait to see who will walk away with the money."

According to MI, "It's been incredible. The crew, my fellow judges and the contestants have all been wonderful."

Toolz asked Onyeka, "Who do you think will be the winner tonight?" Onyeka answered with a smile, "I was so excited, I brought my Bible along with me. At this stage, I think the last three contestants have all won."

Shortly afterwards, 2008 UK X Factor winner, delectable Alexandra Burke, got the hall on its feet with a resounding applause for a great performance of her hit track, Halleluyah. She was later joined on stage by the three finalists, DJ Switch, Eshun and Vicky as they all spectacularly chorused the song together.

"Shake" and "Ada Ada" crooner, Flavour, came onstage next to thrill guests with a scintillating performance. He proved why he was a crowd favourite as the audience rose to their feet to dance along with him. After Flavour's performance, the contestants came out to sing the songs they sang at the audition stage.

Vicky led the performances, and she got a standing ovation from the three judges. "How did your daughter perform?" Toolz inquired of Onyeka. "She has grown from a pupa to a butterfly. She sang with confidence and inner joy. I had goose pimples just listening to her. I have no doubt that she'll make it. May God bless you."

Reggie added, "You just proved to us that our work has not been in vain," while MI said, "Wow, Vicky is just so amazing. You are absolutely stunning. The way you're radiating joy; don't keep it to yourself, please, share it with the world."

DJ Switch came up next, garbed in a tight black trouser with black top to match. Her entry engendered a boisterous response from the crowd with her performance of Jay Z's "Forever Young," which was heavily spiced up with raps. In a mild drama, the contestant switched over backwards, precariously clutching the mic as she raps. Her stagecraft even drew a wider applause when she stepped down the stage to hug her mother, while still singing without losing concentration.

Reacting to her performance, MI said, "Switch, people scream when you perform because you inspire us all. When you came for the audition, I felt you tried. I had already made up my mind that you wouldn't make it to my final three mentees, but you changed my mind. Everybody here needs to know that no matter what people say about you, it doesn't matter as long as you fight." he concluded. Reggie gushed, "DJ Switch, you are inspirational; you excite me. My children love you; everybody loves you!" As for Onyeka, she opined, "Unlike the other judges, the moment you stepped on stage, I knew you had it."

When asked why she should win the X Factor, Switch simply said: "I work hard; I pray hard."

Eshun was the next to perform, and she pulled out all the stops as she shimmered in her green attire. "One of the best things on this program is that I got to mentor Vicky and Eshun. She is exquisite, beautiful, gorgeous and talented. She walks onto the stage and lights it up. You have something that is very special. No matter what happens here, you have me permanently in your camp. You will take the world by storm!" Onyeka declared.

MI said, "You are a perfect example of what this show is all about. You epitomises everything X Factor stands for. You've been one of my favourites." Her Ghanaian compatriot, Reggie, said, "My story with my sister is different. We come from the same place and people expect me to give her a pass. It often seems as if I'm tough on you, but look at where you stand now. You have done well!"

On why she thinks she should win the competition, Eshun said, "The potter in the Bible goes around looking for clay to mold them into the type of pots that he wants. X Factor came looking for me; found me and I am glad. These past weeks, I have gone through moulding, and now, I'm ready."

Then the climax! The contestants held hands together as they anticipated the results that would change the lives of one of them forever.

As Toolz invited the representative from Alexandra Forbes to the stage, she lingered a bit, teasing the audience as she twirled the green envelope containing the results in her hands.

"The first winner of the Glo X Factor West Africa is DJ Switch!" she announced as the crowd erupted in jubilation.

"How do you feel?" Toolz asked Eshum. She answered, "Fortunately, the Lord did what He wanted to do, and I'm happy for that."

Vicky said, "I want to thank Glo for this platform, and I think DJ Switch deserved to win."

Thereafter, DJ Switch performed her single, "Safe Landing" which is billed for release next week.

The first runner-up was Eshun and she got the sum of N1m for her efforts, while Vicky, the second runner-up, also got N1m.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Blackberry Unveils All-Touch Z30

Blackberry has officially unveiled its new all-touch smartphone as it ramps up attempts to claw back its share of the market.
Featuring BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.2, the new all-touch BlackBerry Z30 smartphone, comes with a 13cm display and the largest battery ever to be built into a BlackBerry smartphone.
It also boasts technology designed to boost connectivity in low-signal areas.

The BlackBerry Z30 features a 5″ AMOLED display with 720p resolution, faster chipset, more battery life (with a bigger battery and software enhancements in BB OS 10.2).

The Z30 also boasts a new antenna design and stereo speakers with Natural Sound tech.
The new OS version also has some enhancements to the already impressive messaging capabilities of BlackBerry OS 10. The Hub has grown a Priority section that learns who in your messaging history is important and collects priority messages from all accounts (email, social networking and other sources). BBM Now and Message Preview give you a peek at new messages without having to leave the app and you can even respond to BBM messages.


BlackBerry's announcement comes two days before Apple's new iPhone hits shelves on Friday.
Latest findings from market research firm Kantar Worldpanel ComTech show BlackBerry had been the third most popular operating system (OS) this time last year, but sales have tailed off – commanding just 3.5 per cent of the market share, down from 11 per cent in Britain a year ago.

Blackberry's Carlo Chiarello said the new smartphone built on the solid foundation of the BlackBerry 10 platform with features like the BlackBerry Hub, the touchscreen keyboard and industry-leading browser.

"The smartphone rounds out the BlackBerry 10 portfolio and is designed for people looking for a smartphone that excels at communications, messaging and productivity," she said.

The Z30 will be available from select carriers and retailers in the UK and Middle East from the beginning of next week, with availability being rolled out in all other regions going into the holiday season.

Queues of eager customers have already formed in readiness for Apple's new 5S device, said to be twice as fast as its predecessor, which allows users to unlock their phone with the touch of a finger.