Nigerian football legend Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, threw a lavish 40th birthday party for his wife of 16 years, Nkechi Okocha on Friday October 25th at Civic Centre in Lagos. Maestromedia reports that Okocha gave his wife a brand new White Mercedez Benz G-Wagon SUV as birthday present. Nkechi was said to have gone down on her knees to thank her husband for all his love and support in front of the party guests. Happy belated birthday to her!

Policing Moral Codes asWomen Streams into India's Cities

CITY LIFE Meena, a student in Rohtak, warns young women that moving to a city does not keep people back in the village from scrutinizing their actions. “I tell them, we have to be careful,” she said. KUNI TAKAHASHI FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

By ELLEN BARRY October 19, 2013

ROHTAK, India —Meena, 20, was a village girl herself, so she can recognize the changes that come when girls from the village arrive in this city as students and take their first gulps of freedom.

Blue jeans, forbidden at home, are crammed into a corner of the backpack for a midday costume change. A cellphone is acquired and kept on silent.

She always tells them: You never know who might be watching. If word gets back to the village that a young woman has stepped across the village’s moral boundaries —it could be something as simple as being spotted chatting with a group of male students after class —her life could be upended in a day.

“I tell them, we have to be careful,” Meena said. “Maybe they are not aware that someone can watch them and go and report back.”

As young Indian women leave rural homes to finish their education in cities, often the first women in their families to do so, they act like college students everywhere, feeling out the limits of their independence. But here in the farming region of Haryana State, where medieval moral codes are policed by a network of male neighbors and relatives, the experience is a little different. There is always the danger that someone is quietly gathering information.

The old and new are continually rushing at each other in India, most starkly in places like Haryana, a largely rural, conservative state abutting New Delhi whose residents can commute 20 miles to work in nightclubs and office buildings. But their home villages are sleepy places, whose main streets are patrolled by glossy, lumbering black water buffalo.

The villages are ruled by khap panchayats, unelected all-male councils that wield strong control over social life, including women’s behavior. That job becomes much harder once the women have left for the city. When one khap leader listed city shops that were allowing young women to store mobile phones and change into Western clothes, another suggested posting informers outside the shops with cameras to capture photographic evidence as women came and went.

Om Prakash Dhankar, a khap leader who voiced his support for this approach, said measures like these would protect young women from much worse dangers that might follow if they freely cultivated friendships with men.

“The mobile plays a main role,” he said in an interview. “You will be surprised how this happens. A girl sits on a bus, she calls a male friend, asks him to put money on her mobile. Is he going to put money on her mobile for free?No. He will meet her at a certain place, with five of his friends, and they will call it rape.”

A generation ago, women here lived in complete seclusion from men,and could appear in public only wearing a lightweight cloth that completely covered their head and face. Though that tradition is fading, many women are still not allowed to leave the house without permission from a father or husband.

Haryana’s khaps focus much of their energy on defending a single ancient prohibition: Men and women are not allowed to marry anyone from the same village. The local interpretation of ancient Hindu texts holds villagers to be brothers and sisters, rendering their unions incestuous. Young people defy the ban very rarely, but those who do are sometimes murdered by a gang of male relatives. As much as the khaps condemn these “honor killings,” they are just as adamant about preventing these romances, a quest that involves tight control over women.

Meena, who left her village several years ago to escape an arranged marriage, said young women there were terrified of the elders in the khap, who scrutinized their behavior and issued a steady stream of criticism. The criticism, in turn, terrified her parents, who feared being ostracized.

“They would say, ‘Why is your daughter going around in the village with her head naked?’” she said. “If you were walking with your head straight, the khap guys would say, ‘Look down at the ground, don’t make eye contact. Don’t have irrelevant conversations.’ ”

Whether their influence extends to college women in Rohtak, one of Haryana’s largest cities, is another matter.

As young women poured out of the gates of Maharishi Dayanand University recently, walking down the road in the golden light of afternoon, they described the alchemy that takes place when young women from the village mix with classmates from big cities. Some begin illicit romances, something strictly forbidden at home. But for many, the changes are modest ones.

“In the cities, the girls have phones, because parents provide them, but in the village we are not given phones,” said Sunita Meham, 23. “She comes to college and sees that other people are using phones, so she also wants to use one. If her parents agree, and if her friends call her on that phone, they say, ‘Why do you have so many friends?’To save herself all these questions, she has a secret phone.”

Satish, who runs a photocopy shop next to the college, said the khaps are simply too far away to monitor students’ behavior. Phones are often exchanged as gifts and kept secret from the family, he said. “Generally,” he said, “everyone around here has two mobiles at least.”

Sonal Dangi, 20, shrugged off the talk of tighter controls. Social change had taken hold in Haryana, she said, and it could not be halted.

“Everything has its positive and negative sides,” she said. “But they can’t stop it.”

But others were far more wary. The moral arbiters from the village have informers everywhere, Meena said. Police officers often work with the khap, many said. A young man from the same village might report back to a woman’s family if he spotted her walking with a man, others said. So could the rickshaw driver who drove her to the city.

All the young women interviewed in Rohtak could reel off stories of classmates who simply disappeared, withdrew from school and were swiftly married to men of their parents’ choosing after word of a moral infraction reached their village.

The possibility of violence ran like a thin blade through their chatter: Just last month, a young man and woman studying in Rohtak were killed in public by the woman’s relatives after they were discovered violating the ban on same-village romance. The man was beheaded.

“You know,” said Puja, a 19-year-old student, “the first time the parents hear that the girl is roaming around, either they take her home and get her married or else they kill them.”

Even within the khap panchayats, there seemed to be little consensus on how, or whether, to keep an eye on young women away from home. In interviews, numerous local khap leaders scoffed at Mr. Dhankar’s notion of placing surveillance units at places where young women change out of their traditional, billowing clothes.

But Mr. Dhankar was undaunted, saying the photographs could be shown to the girls’ parents, or to friendly police officers, who could threaten to press trumped-up criminal charges unless the behavior stopped. Great dangers await, Mr. Dhankar said, when a young woman keeps secrets from her family.

“It starts with a small lie,” he said. “Then they get into borrowing money and other bad things. The end result is that she will commit suicide or someone else will kill her.”

As he was explaining this, his daughter, a high school science teacher in her early 40s, chimed in with a robustly dissenting view, and Mr. Dhankar admitted cheerfully that the women in his house generally ignore what he says.

Growing serious, he added that it was misguided to see any collision of interests between young women and the traditionalists in the village. They are, he said, on the same team.

“As long as the girl lives within moral codes, she can have as much freedom as she wants,” he said. “If they are going after love affairs or extra freedom, then they are killed.”

We played like champions —Amokachi, Musa

OCTOBER 14, 2013 BY FESTUS ABU 4 Comments

Daniel Amokachi

and

Assistant coach

Amokachi

Daniel

Ahmed Musa are delighted with the Super Eagles for showing stuff of champions in their 2-1 defeat of Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes in their 2014 World Cup playoff in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

Nigeria rallied to beat the North East Africans after

misjudged

goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama

from Behailu Assefa to give the hosts a surprise lead in the 57th minute. But Turkey-based Emmanuel Emenike rifled home in the 67th minute and converted from the spot in the dying minutes to shoot Nigeria closer to Brazil 2014.

“We came out in full force after the pressure in the first 45 minutes gave us a little bit of scare. In the second half we showed we are African champions after going down one goal and scoring two in less than 20 minutes,” Amokachi was quoted by supersport.com as saying after the clash.

“But it’s not over yet. We still have 90 more minutes to play in Nigeria and then we can celebrate some more,”

Musa said, “The game was a very tough and hard one. The Ethiopia played well, but we are more exposed and experienced than them, that won the match for us. We showed them that we are the Africa champions."

Strike: Security Agencies Beam Searchlight On ASUU Leaders Nationwide

By: Adebayo Waheed on October 14, 2013 -5:50am

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Sunday alleged threat to the lives of its leaders nationwide.

The four-month old strike embarked upon by members of the union took a new dimension when ASUU alleged that members had been under the siege of security agencies nationwide.

It was learnt on Sunday that security agencies were beaming searchlights on the sources of finance of members of the union nationwide despite the stoppage of their salaries by the federal government.

Investigations at the University of Ibadan showed that ASUU executives at the institution went underground shortly after last Thursday Congress held at the institution while phones were switched off.

Similarly the secretariat of the union has been deserted with new security arrangement being put in place.

In a statement issued on the latest development, the chairman of the University of Ibadan chapter of the union, Dr Olusegun Ajiboye, said “ASUU strike: Union leaders go underground.”

The ASUU leader alleged that he had received some calls warning him about his role in the ongoing strike.

Ajiboye who called on the Inspector General of Police to save the lives of ASUU leaders nationwide said no amount of threat or clampdown on the union will make them back down from the strike until public education is saved from collapse.

According to him, this recent security threat has forced many ASUU leaders to go underground alleging that many of their phone numbers have been bugged.

“Apart from the issue of finance, ASUU leaders are now being trailed all over the place. A majority of the our union leaders have now gone underground while many have their telephone lines bugged. Some are now living in fear of their lives”

Ajiboye who noted that ASUU members are not security threat to the nation added that as a democratic nation, citizens are guaranteed freedom of association.

Ajiboye urged the federal government to leave its leaders alone and implement the agreements it reached with the union for normalcy to return to university campuses nationwide.

“The position of ASUU is that Nigeria is a democratic country and citizens are guaranteed freedom of association. Members of the union are apprehensive for the lives of their leaders.

“We urge the government to leave our leaders alone. Our leaders are our servants, we are their principals, they report to us on all matters”.

Representatives of the union have repeatedly stated that the strike action would only be called off when the FGN/ASUU 2009 agreement is implemented by the government.

The strike, which started 105 days ago, has seen many meetings between the federal government and representatives of ASUU end in deadlocks with ASUU rejecting an offer of N30bn to begin payment of the earned allowance owed to university lecturers.

Guidelines on making good investment decisions

Running a successful business means having to make tough financial decisions. ADEMOLA ALAWIYE highlights some guidelines to be considered in making such decisions. Sometimes it’s hard to predict the outcome of your decisions, more so if you don’t have a great deal of experience in that particular area. Although it is practically impossible for one to be 100 per cent infallible in predicting a good or bad investment, it is possible to narrow down the playing field by following basic principles while investing. Experts note that this will help beginning or advanced investors to ensure a margin of error when investing their funds for a good return earning. It is therefore important for an investor to adopt the basic principles of making good investment decisions if he wishes to trim his risks and make considerable progress in his venture. Business professionals say whether it is cheap insurance, good insurance or just plain savings bonds, in today’s unstable economy, one cannot ever be 100 per cent certain in investing. They, however, note that choosing wisely will definitely be an asset in achieving success or avoiding financial disaster and cutting risks. Below are simple tips to making excellent investment decisions in an unstable economy. Take enough time to think At the moment, Nigeria’s economy is unstable and harsh to businesses. Businessmen, in separate interviews, often complain of the unfriendly economic policies which they have to contend with in order to survive. As a result, they note that whoever wishes to invest in Nigeria must take enough time to think through what venture he plans to dabble into. Investing in one’s future is definitely not something to just plunge into without a careful thought and consideration. Experts say the lightening-fast nature of the Internet is conducive and geared towards convincing surfers to make quick and impetuous decisions. Consequently, this fact needs to be on one’s mind continuously before making any investment decision as any error might be regretted. Of course, no one loves to regret in business. How much risk can you take? You should know how much risk you are willing to tolerate in whatever business you do. Knowing the difference between an average savings/money market account and investment vehicles which form part of a portfolio is vitally important when making successful investment decisions, experts say. So, as an investor, are you ready to take risks? The Managing Director, Silex Limited, Mr. Steve Obong, says that calculated risks should be taken in business to succeed. According to him, every form of investment has its associated risks, and any investor should be ready to undertake such risks, but shrewdly. Never give up easily Do not succumb to pressure in business. You must understand that every business has its own pressure and it is not wise to give up easily after encountering some challenges. Generally, families, friends and the shoe-shine boy on the street will all offer financial advice. Most of it will not be qualified, expert advice. Most of them will know of a cheap insurance policy, promising stock or a well-performing company that has good future potential. Whatever they may advise or try to push, in order to avoid bad investments, it is crucial for a person not to succumb to outside pressure. Put in your best and be wise. Undertake detailed research before investing Experts advise that in today’s highly volatile economic environment, it is necessary to carefully research into a particular financial vehicle which carries out one’s financial goals the most. Meticulously checking out the specific investment offers, competitive offers from other sources and how well the investment is performing is a crucial prerequisite. You should ensure a detailed research before investing in any form of venture. Also important is to painstakingly research the reputation, integrity and track record of the financial institution offering the investment. Experts say this is just as important as the investment itself. Some of the basic tips for this include taking the time to implement a savings and/or an investment plan with a diversified portfolio; determining how much risk one is willing to assume: research which investments are insured, non-secured and/or low-risk; and never bow to friendly advice if it does not adhere to your short, medium or long-range goals. Are you adventurous? The Managing Consultant, Beatrex Consultants, Mrs. Beatrice Okolie, says many of our entrepreneurs want to sit in a place and expect things to work out fine. She notes that you must have a dream and that dream must influence your entrepreneurial vision. She says, “The moment you have that dream, you should understand that it doesn’t come easy, you must drive it. What do I mean by driving it? It is not going to be easy. So, how do you as an entrepreneur identify your priority? Even in the face of making it, when the returns begin to come in, how do you determine your priority? Do you forget where you are coming from? What informs your taste? You have to be adventurous. When people talk of lack of funds, I laugh. You see, when you talk of lack of funds, I see it as the least of all your problems. The idea that you want to develop as an entrepreneur is key and paramount.” She explains that one needs to diagnose the efficacy, relevance, workability and feasibility of one’s idea. She states that these are the issues that many entrepreneurs tend to push aside and they begin to talk about the issue of funds. “People talk about issues of policy and infrastructure, but these are only essential and secondary, they are not primary,” she adds. She notes that as an entrepreneur, one must have the drive and understand one’s dream and idea. She says, “Why are you in this business? Can you explain or is it because your brother, sister, or uncle is doing it? No! If you go into business because of that, you have messed up everything and your problem starts from there. So, when you have gotten your idea right, you can now talk of money or funding." Please leave a comment.

Team work will Give Eagles Edge - Lawal.

Super Eagles Ex-international Garba Lawal maintains teamwork will be key to the Super Eagles’ chances of beating Ethiopia to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Ethiopia host Nigeria in the first leg World Cup qualifying playoff in Addis Ababa on October 13 with the return match in Calabar on November 16. The aggregate winners qualify for the world showpiece. And Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medallist Lawal fears the high altitude in Ethiopia could deny Nigeria a chance to beat the North-East Africans in Addis Ababa on Sunday to go into the return fixture with an advantage if the Eagles resort to individual play. The Ghana/Nigeria 2000 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist insists the Eagles must play for 90 minutes if they are to leave Ethiopia with points. He warned the Eagles that the Walya Antelopes could adopt tactics that would suit their weather to pick up victory and opt for a defensive game in Calabar, urging them not to lose focus. “The Eagles must be very careful about the Ethiopians because the high altitude favours them,” the utility former Eagles midfielder said. “We must play as a team in Addis Ababa because the Ethiopians will attack us with power and pace in an attempt to score an early goal to disorganise us. “Our players must concentrate throughout the encounter. They mustn’t lose focus but fight for the ball because it’s the only way we can stop them from taking advantage of their weather. “The Ethiopians will do everything possible to win the first leg at home and frustrate us in the second leg. “We must play for 90 minutes and avoid mistakes in the defence. And we mustn’t underestimate them because in football anything is possible.” The well-travelled ex-Roda star backed Stephen Keshi’s squad for the two-legged playoff, saying he should not be put under pressure for not inviting the likes of Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins and Joseph Yobo. Lawal said, “Keshi is the coach and his decision should be respected. We don’t have to dictate to him because if anything goes wrong, he’s the one to blame. “If he believes that the players he has invited are good enough to give the country a ticket to the World Cup, we should respect his decision. “Keshi has been winning matches with the players he has invited and we shouldn’t criticise him for not inviting a particular player. “The players we are talking about could hit form and Keshi will have no choice but to invite them to the national team.” More Stories in Sports Play Ethiopia hard, Hamilton tells

Play Ethiopia hard, Hamilton Tells Eagles

Former Super Eagles coach, Paul Hamilton Former Nigeria coach, Paul Hamilton, has advised the Super Eagles to play the East Africans hard in their first leg fixture of the World Cup qualifying playoff in Addis Ababa on October 13. Hamilton, who backed Nigeria’s plan to arrive in Ethiopia on the eve of the match, told our correspondent on the telephone on Sunday that the Eagles were not likely to suffer from altitude problem in the game. He said, “The Ethiopians are not the team we used to know; they have got over their problems and are now a team to be reckoned with. We must play them hard and not underrate them. “It is important to win the World Cup ticket in Addis Ababa so that our players will not be under pressure in the return leg fixture in Calabar (on November 16).” The last time Nigeria played in Addis Ababa, they forced the Ethiopians to a 2-2 in the qualifier for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. The Eagles beat the Walya Wolves 2-0 in their group game at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Hamilton said the Walya Antelopes’ resurgence was based on the development of their domestic league and good home support. “They always try to make Addis Ababa a fortress when they host other teams. We’ve known this fact for a long time. And we also know that to beat them, you must overwhelm them from the start,” he said. “I appreciate the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to convey our team to Ethiopia a day before the game on a chattered flight. This will eliminate the fears of altitude among our players. “I don’t think there’s a need for a friendly game before going to Ethiopia. Our players have club engagements in Europe and in Nigeria. By now, Stephen Keshi must have adopted his tactics ahead of the game.” The ex-Super Falcons coach urged Nigerians to respect Keshi’s decision regarding the players he has invited for the encounter. “Whether Joseph Yobo, or any other player, is coming back or not should be a decision left for the coach. Nobody should influence him in that aspect,” Hamilton said.

Natinal Conference: NMA, there should be no restrictions

NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele | credits: www.channelstv.com The Nigerian Medical Association, on Sunday, said it would back President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed national dialogue. It however advised that there should not be restrictions as to areas of discussion, adding that Nigerians from all walks of life should be given opportunity to freely participate in the discussions. NMA National President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said this in Benin, Edo State, shortly after he led the leadership of the association on a courtesy visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Sunday. He said, “We cannot afford to bungle this opportunity especially as Nigeria prepares to celebrate her centenary anniversary. Nigerians, irrespective of their political, ethnic or cultural persuasions must be allowed to make input.” The national leadership of the Trade Union Congress has demanded the discussion of the unity of the country and its existence by the proposed national conference. However, the National President of the TUC, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, and the Secretary of the congress, Mr. Musa Lawal, said in an electronics mail on Sunday that the outcome of the conference must represent the interest of the Nigerian citizenry and move the nation forward. The TUC leadership also demanded the inclusion of a representative each from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the TUC in the confab committee led by Senator Femi Okurounmu. According to the labour leaders, critical issues such as the revenue allocation, the system of governance and cost, power sharing formula, corruption and other issues considered inseparable from the nation’s existence must be dealt with at the confab. The duo also called on delegates to give due attention to the state of the nation’s economy, the scourge of poverty, important sectors including power, health and education. Kaigama and Lawal urged the prospective delegates at the expected conference to display the virtues of statesmanship and maturity in discussing the issues of critical importance to the well being of the nation. They also appealed to Nigerians to be considerate in articulating the interest of their constituents with due consideration to those of others without endangering the unity of the country. “The congress anticipates that issues to be discussed at the conference to include the basis of our unity and existence as a nation, the system of government and the power-sharing formula, our geopolitical and fiscal federalism, citizenship, the electoral and representative system, the cost of governance, security, corruption, boundary adjustment and foreign policy, freedom of faith and other fundamental human rights. “Similarly, we charge the delegates to conscientiously consider and take unequivocal resolutions on our economy and the poverty index, our roads and other means of transport, as well as power, education and health sectors. “Nigerians expect the delegates to be mindful to display requisite broadmindedness and statesmanship in their dealings at the conference. They said that the TUC was not against the National Dialogue proposed by the President considering the challenges confronting the nation. Also, the outgoing Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, has called on the Federal Government not to postpone the planned national conference. He said this during the investiture of Most Reverend Samuel Uche as the new prelate of the church on Sunday in Lagos. He described the conference as a key factor for peace and unity of Nigeria. Makinde said, “Convergence of national conference is imperative for the country. If we do not hold it, we are postponing the evil day.” He, however, called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the ongoing strike embarked on by lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities. however, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties has called on the President of the Senate, David Mark, to come to President Jonathan’s rescue stopping the proposed national conference. It made this call on Sunday in a statement where it argued that the proposed conference, from all intents and purposes, “is diversionary, a bridge to no-where and which might be hijacked by ethnic merchants.” In the statement signed by the CNPP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the group said that the desires of Nigerians would not be achieved by the proposed conference, “as ethnic merchants dominate the 13-man Prep-Committee and its intention is not sovereign.” The statement read in parts, “For the avoidance of doubt, Nigeria has never since after the civil war been as divided as it is now; we are in no doubt at a tipping-point of frustration and rudderless leadership. “However, the solution to pervasive corruption, crass inequality, gross unemployment and mass poverty is not a conference bridge to no-where. “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Prof. Awalu Yadudu and other patriots had decried this unnecessary building of bridge to no-where.” “It is not only going to split discussion into tribal jargons, but will not achieve critical legislations which Senator Mark promised Nigerians on June 6, 2011, during his inaugural speech as the second term President of the Senate and chairman of the National Assembly. “The charter he reeled out then, like the Magna Charter of 1225, remains relevant today and can be legislated by the national and state assemblies to strengthen our federation, strengthen our economy, strengthen our institutions, reduce the cost of governance and fight corruption etc. The CNPP, therefore, called on Mark to bail out President Jonathan and Nigerians by honouring the covenant he made to Nigerians, “instead of supporting a conference bridge to no-where.”

Nigeria’s Amalgamation Expires In 2014

The amalgamation of southern and

northern Nigeria by the British was to be experimented for 100 YEARS to know

if it’s going to work or not, according to the secret government document the

British left after independence.

Although the document is kept secret,

this fact is generally known to the ruling class, most dons of political

science and law as well as the government of UK. However, there has been

consistent efforts by Nigerian government to keep this knowledge out of

public as it may lead to agitation for breaking the country into two i.e.

pre-1914 status especially by those in the south.

The awareness of this document and

the closeness of 2014 has been causing panic among the Northern elites; this

panic was behind the recent comment by the senate president that Nigeria will

not break up.

It was also behind the warning by NBA

president when he said in Benin this week that Nigeria may break-up. Even

pres. Jonathan is nervous about this fact; remember that he kept on saying

that Nigeria will not break-up. Also, it was the real reason behind the

northern governors recent security meeting in Kaduna, according to some

sources.

All these sudden talks about Nigeria

breaking or not breaking up by the political leaders including the president

show how anxious they are about the implications of the document and the

closeness of almighty 2014. On the international scene, the knowledge of this

document was behind the prediction by American diplomats that Nigeria will

break-up in 2015. The US army is also preparing on how to respond to the

possible break up of Nigeria.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE DOCUMENT

1. BY 2014, NIGERIA WILL NO LONGER LEGALLY EXIST

2. NIGERIA WILL BE BACK TO PRE-1914 STATUS OF TWO STATES OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA

AND NORTHERN NIGERIA BOTH LEGALLY AND TECHNICALLY, ALTHOUGH THE RULING ELITES

MAY IGNORE THIS REALITY EXCEPT THERE IS REVOLUTION FROM THE PEOPLE.

3. PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN AND NORTHER NIGERIA MUST COME TOGETHER TO ENTER A NEW

AGREEMENT UNDER THEIR OWN TERMS.

4. JOIN THE REVOLUTION, SHARE THIS ON *****

Governor Wada Urges Jonathan To Resurrect Ajaokuta Steel Company

GOVERNOR Idris Wada of kogi State has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to resurrect the ailing Ajaokuta steel company in order to serve as the bedrock of the industrialization policy of his transformation agenda.

Governor Wada disclosed this while speaking during the official commissioning of the NIPP 434 MW Geregu phase 11 Power Station in Ajaokuta local government area of the state by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the timely completion of the Ajaokuta steel company would be of great assistance to the newly commissioned Geregu power station in terms of stable power to the company in carrying out of his main function of producing steel and Iron ore needed in the steel sub-sector of the nation economy.

According to the governor, “the Geregu power station is unique because the project is jointly owned by the three tiers of government of which Kogi state is a partner and I want to commend President Goodluck Jonathan for picking Kogi state to host one of the ten power stations of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited [NDPHC].

Wada urged the president to approve the establishment of free enterprise zone in the state in order to encourage investors to take full advantage of the power station by establishing small-scale industries in the state as they would be assured of constant power supply in the discharged of their duties.

Governor Wada Urges Jonathan To Resurrect Ajaokuta Steel Company

GOVERNOR Idris Wada of kogi State has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to resurrect the ailing Ajaokuta steel company in order to serve as the bedrock of the industrialization policy of his transformation agenda.

Governor Wada disclosed this while speaking during the official commissioning of the NIPP 434 MW Geregu phase 11 Power Station in Ajaokuta local government area of the state by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the timely completion of the Ajaokuta steel company would be of great assistance to the newly commissioned Geregu power station in terms of stable power to the company in carrying out of his main function of producing steel and Iron ore needed in the steel sub-sector of the nation economy.

According to the governor, “the Geregu power station is unique because the project is jointly owned by the three tiers of government of which Kogi state is a partner and I want to commend President Goodluck Jonathan for picking Kogi state to host one of the ten power stations of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited [NDPHC].

Wada urged the president to approve the establishment of free enterprise zone in the state in order to encourage investors to take full advantage of the power station by establishing small-scale industries in the state as they would be assured of constant power supply in the discharged of their duties.

Obama Asks Republican to "Stop This Farce".

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama called on Republicans Saturday to “stop this farce” as the US government shutdown entered a fifth day with no signs of an end to the impasse. With public discontent building, the House of Representatives voted 407 to 0 to pass a measure to retroactively pay the hundreds of thousands of government workers furloughed during the crisis. But there were no overt movements by Republicans and Democrats to negotiate a way out of the first federal government shutdown in 17 years, as both sides blamed each other. “Take that vote. Stop this farce. End this shutdown now,” Obama exhorted the Republican-controlled House in his weekly radio and video address. Eric Cantor, the number two Republican in the House, said the impasse could be worked out but Obama “seems to be unwilling to sit down and talk with us.” “It doesn’t make any sense if the president has an ax to grind with the opposing party, why he would want to put the American people in the middle of that,” he said. The US government closed all but its essential operations earlier in the week when Republican lawmakers refused to approve money for government operations without first delaying or defunding the new health care law, commonly known as Obamacare. The US Senate has already approved a budget, and “there are enough Republican and Democratic votes in the House of Representatives willing to do the same, and end this shutdown immediately,” Obama said. “But the far right of the Republican Party won’t let Speaker John Boehner give that bill a yes-or-no vote.” Obama said he “won’t pay a ransom in exchange for reopening the government. And I certainly won’t pay a ransom in exchange for raising the debt ceiling.” Obama is refusing to negotiate with Republicans over the budget issues until they pass a temporary bill to open the government and agree to raise the $16.7 trillion US statutory borrowing limit - without which Washington could default on its debts for the first time ever starting on October 17. “For as reckless as a government shutdown is, an economic shutdown that comes with default would be dramatically worse,” Obama said. But some Republican pragmatists who have signaled they would vote to pass a fresh spending bill worried that such a resolution is no longer achievable. “I think that ship has sailed,” Congressman Michael Grimm said Friday. “We’re getting too close to the debt ceiling vote. It looks like the only thing that’s going to work right now is a dialogue.” Boehner on Friday appeared to be equally frustrated. “This isn’t some damn game,” he said after a news report cited an unnamed official saying that the White House is benefiting from the shutdown. “All we’re asking for is to sit down and have a discussion, reopen the government and bring fairness to the American people under ‘Obamacare,’” Boehner said. Secretary of State John Kerry, travelling in Indonesia, warned Saturday that the political standoff was “reckless” and threatened to weaken the US standing abroad. “If it were prolonged, or repeated, people would begin to question the willingness of the United States to stay the course and its ability to,” Kerry told reporters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum on the Indonesian island of Bali. “But that’s not the case and I don’t think it will be the case.” Obama had been due to travel to Bali for an APEC leaders’ summit starting Monday, but canceled the trip - which would also have taken him to Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines - to deal with the government shutdown. Kerry, who is filling in for Obama, made it clear he believed that the Republicans blocking government spending were playing a dangerous game. “I think it is reckless, personally, to even provide those moments where you have these risks that are exposed,” Kerry said, referring to areas of spending on global security hotspots that have been suspended because of the shutdown. Kerry also insisted that Obama’s so-called strategic pivot to the Asia-Pacific had not been weakened by the president canceling his trip. Meanwhile Kerry’s predecessor, former secretary of state and possible 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, decried the “scorched earth” tactics in the government shutdown. “We watch what happens in Washington with a certain amount of bewilderment, even disgust,” she said late Friday in a speech at Hamilton College in the town of Clinton, in upstate New York. “The rest of the world watches it closely. When we let partisanship override citizenship, when we fail to make progress on the challenges facing our country, our standing in the world suffers,” Clinton said.

Amadu: NFF is taking Ethiopia match very serious on october 03, 2013 at 12:42 am in sports

General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Musa Amadu stated emphatically on Wednesday that the Federation is not in agreement with those thinking Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes belong to the featherweight category and would be easily over-run by the Super Eagles in next weekend’s World Cup qualifying cracker in Addis Ababa.

“Yes, we believe that the Super Eagles, champions of Africa, will come out of Addis Ababa with a good result, but we are not taking the match lightly. We do not subscribe to the suggestion that all we need do is turn up in Ethiopia and we would decimate the opposition without lifting a finger.

“There is this cliche that there are no longer minnows in international football. That is why the NFF is making all the arrangements to prepare the Super Eagles adequately for the match, and ensure the team travels in comfort to and from Ethiopia.

“We have already written to the NSC for use of the refurbished mainbowl of the National Stadium, Abuja for the team to train between Monday and Friday, before the departure to Ethiopia on Friday night.”Amadu spoke in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, led by the President-General, Dr. Rafiu Olalere Oladipo.

“That we are the African champions is a fact, and that Ethiopia is lowest-ranked African side remaining in the race is also a fact. But we are not going to look at those statistics and discountenance the Antelopes. The Addis Ababa Stadium is one of the most difficult venues for visiting teams in African football.

“We know that the Coaches are working to pick our best and strongest players to play that match. It is very important for us to get the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket because next year marks 100 years of the amalgamation of our country and every Nigerian is looking forward seeing the Super Eagles at the World Cup in Brazil.”

Speaking earlier, Dr. Oladipo stressed the fact that the upcoming fixture with the Ethiopians is a Nigeria Project, insisting: “Nigeria’s flag must fly at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“Not only are we the champions of Africa, we are also the biggest black nation on earth. We have the players to do the job but we must all be united, from the players to the NFF to the entire football family, we must be united in pursuit of this noble cause.

“We are aware of the constraints of the NFF, and that is why the Supporters Club has decided to appeal to Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR to see the match in Ethiopia as a special project and take special interest in seeing that as many Nigerian fans as possible travel for the match.”

Dr. Oladipo’s entourage included the Deputy President-General, Alhaji Waheed Adenrele Yusuf, Secretary General, Reverend Samuel Ikpea, Acting National Chairman, Mr. Vincent Okumagba and Treasurer, Mr. Sunday Eboh. Also at the occasion were NFF Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Assistant Director (Media), Mr. Ademola Olajire and special assistant to General Secretary, Dr. Christian Emeruwa.

Jackson’s jailed doctor welcomes jury decision absolving AEG Live on october 03, 2013 at 9:57 pm in sports

The doctor convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson welcomed on Thursday a jury’s decision absolving concert promoter AEG Live of the pop star’s death.

Speaking from jail to NBC’s Today Show, Dr Conrad Murray said that the lawsuit brought by Jackson’s family against the company was “frivolous’’ and that he cried when he heard it had been dismissed.

“I cried because for once the world was allowed to hear some of the facts … much of which I was denied and my attorneys could not present during my criminal trial’’, said Murray.

Dr. Murray (middle) in court

Murray is due to be released later this month after serving a two-year sentence for his role in Jackson’s death.

He was convicted in 2011 of violating medical procedures by giving the insomniac Jackson the hospital anesthetic Propofol as a sleeping aid. The drug was found to have caused the heart attack that killed Jackson in June 2009 as he was about to embark on a sold-out comeback tour.

Jackson’s family sued AEG Live for the death, claiming that it bore ultimate responsibility. The lawsuit claimed that the company was negligent in hiring Jackson’s doctor who was incompetent to provide him with medical care.

It said this was because of the physician’s precarious financial position which meant he would bend medical rules to ensure the tour would go ahead.

But after a five-month trial and four days of jury deliberations, the panel of six men and women found that although AEG had hired Murray, it had not been negligent in employing the doctor, who had been treating Jackson and his children beforehand.

The jury’s unanimous decision brought to an end a trial that depicted the fragility of the former King of Pop and his reliance on a dangerous, and ultimately fatal, drug cocktail to function in his everyday life.

AEG Live denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Jackson was responsible for his own medical choices.

“The jury’s decision completely vindicates AEG Live, confirming what we have known from the start – that although Michael Jackson’s death was a terrible tragedy, it was not a tragedy of AEG Live’s making,” attorney Marvin Putnam said in a written statement to CNN.

Had the company been found liable, it could have been on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for Jackson’s lost income. (dpa/NNA)

After ASUU … on october 03, 2013 at 4:00 am in editorial

THERE is a paradox governments have built around education — they are spending billions of Naira on education, yet the financial issues around education are not being resolved. The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, strike is only one of many matters that are dogging education.

Government’s supposed interests in negotiating with ASUU, the speed being applied, and the uttermost neglect of other aspects of education confirm the diminishing importance that governments attach to education.

ASUU’s case is exceptional, in that governments appeared concerned. When the Academic Staff Union Polytechnics, ASUP, went on strike, it took almost three months before governments started talking to the union. The issue remains partially resolved.

With the ASUU strike, the failure of governments and their programmes are obvious. Governments sign agreements they do not intend to keep. ASUU is on strike over a 2009 agreement. Governments want to re-negotiating implementation of a four-year-old agreement.

They also know that the negotiations for a new agreement are due. We have governments that plan for immediate needs, if they ever do. They are exhausting themselves over ASUU strike as if meeting ASUU’s demands would resolve the challenges that our education faces, among them irrelevant curricula.

How do governments spend billions of Naira they budget annually for education? Bureaucracy consumes the bulk of the money. Duplication of agencies that manage education is the biggest cost centre in our national education management. Governments are running up new costs.

New higher institutions are being built with emphases on physical structures. Laboratories, libraries and research centres that they require to be centres for meaningful academic engagements are available in inadequate numbers.

It is absurd that governments — the owners of the universities — would need an ASUU strike to determine the status of the facilities in universities.

What plans do governments have for education? How would they tackle sustainable funding so that we are not soon back to another wave of strikes in a matter of months? Would governments ever consider education important enough that it should run without disruptions from strike?

There would be no easy solutions. Many of the federal agencies on education just drain resources that should have been invested in improving learning facilities. States imitate the federal waste, making education one of governments’ biggest cost centres, without commensurate value for the expenditures.

Governments can save costs by eliminating duplication in the functions of education agencies. There should be clearer lines about the roles of governments at different levels of education. The Federal Government should not be dabbling into primary school education.

Finally, the future of education is too important to be left to haphazard funding. Governments should provide resources for education beyond ASUU’s demands.

Senate in full support of National Confab – Abaribe on october 03, 2013 at 9:21 am in news

By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

ABUJA—THE Senate, yesterday, said it was in full support of the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to convoke a national conference, saying the development was in line with earlier call of its president, David Mark, to that effect.

The upper legislative chamber said it was aware that the national conference, as being designed by President Jonathan, would be limited to the scope where the sovereignty of Nigeria was not called to question.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Enyinnaya Abaribe, who stated the position of the Senate in a press statement, insisted: “It is, therefore, given that the proposed conference is in tandem with the time tested stand of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as enunciated by the President of the Senate, Senator David A. B Mark in his address at the last Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Calabar and to senators penultimate week.

“The Senate has always canvassed the position that it will always welcome a conference where all ethnic nationalities would converge to discuss all critical issues and proffer the very best way that will enhance national unity. The Senate red-line and for which was aptly factored in the President’s broadcast is the conferment of a sovereign status to the conference.

“The Senate is happy that it is a conference that will hold with due respect to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. It has always been Senate’s considered stand that there cannot be two sovereigns at a time.”

It said it was “gratified with the development and see it as an opportunity to address all of Nigeria’s structural problems that keeps agitating the mind of her ethnic nationalities,” adding, “the Senate is confident that the conference’s final outcome would go a long way to cement Nigeria’s unity.”

HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSION.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his strips we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 Everything that Jesus Christ, the son of the living and true God suffered on the cross of Calvary was for you and all who will dare to believe. What was the purpose of his death? Actually, so many but this verse gives the summary as: 1. Sinners substitute. He was wounded for our transgressions; by the law of God, the soul that sinneth shall die. The doom of the sinner is obvious and fixed. Adam and Eve played with that law and they paid dearly for it. They died at degrees. Unfortunately, that decree continued and so all men became condemned prisoners waiting hopelessly for their execution. Then Jesus came. The Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. He died the death every man that ever will live on earth should have died. He became your substitute. John 3:16 says for God so loved the world (you) that he gave his only begotten son- Jesus, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. You will not perish; all you need to do is believe on Jesus, repent of your sins and put your faith in his perfect sacrifice. 2. Healing and health. .....and with his strips we are healed. At Pilate's judgment hall, Jesus was tied to the pole and forty strokes of the Roman Soldiers whip were laid on. Medical Science reports that all the diseases that afflicts human race is categorized into forty. That's one strip of Jesus for a category. Glory be to God! That's why the Scripture said by his strips we are healed. Notice that the word heal is in the past tense. That means you carry a healed body, not a sick and sickly body. Believe this and you will be healthy. Also, Since by God's decree your body is a healed body, every sickness that comes in there is guilty and must receive divine instant judgment when you command and you or anyone you pray for will be healed. One of my one year old twin daughters was sick sometimes ago. Her body was very hot. Then I Carried her on my chest because I was lying down and told the sickness that it was contradicting God's law and the judgment is that I cast it into hell right now in the name of Jesus. I dropped my daughter and went into the bathroom to bath. Before I came out, the sickness vanished. Hallelujah, by his strips you are healed. He died for you to save, heal and bless your life. Believe it and you will experience it. Your life will never be the same again in Jesus name. Type a big Amen If you believe. If you have read this post, you must 've seen a little of the great power the Gospel of Christ carries. You can delve into this ocean of power with this book; the power that makes the Gospel revolutionary You will surely experience God in a new and exciting way. God bless you.

Jackson responsible for his death, says AEG Live on september 26, 2013 at 6:26 pm in music

Jackson responsible for his death, says AEG Live on september 26, 2013 at 6:26 pm in music MICHAEL JACKSON Los Angeles Michael Jackson was responsible for his own death, Maryin Putnam, a lawyer for AEG Live said. Putnam remarked in a closing arguments of the wrongful death lawsuit brought by relatives of the late King of Pop. Jackson’s family blame the concert promoter for his June 2009 death on the eve of his sold-out comeback tour, claiming the company hired Jackson’s doctor and pressured him to bend medical rules in order to ensure the tour would go ahead. But in his closing arguments, Putnam denied that the company had hired Dr Conrad Murray, pointing out that he had been treating Jackson and his family for years before the tour. Murray was found guilty of providing the insomniac Jackson with the surgical anesthetic Propofil as a sleeping aid, which a coroner found had caused Jackson’s death. “The evidence is very clear that Michael Jackson was the one who hired Dr Murray. ”Jackson was responsible for his own health, certainly his own healthcare, and he’s responsible for his own choices, no matter how bad those choices turn out to be. “The truth here is a tragedy … It’s a tragedy for this family, a tragedy for his mother, a tragedy for his kids. It’s horrible and it’s incredibly sad. But it’s not a tragedy of AEG Live’s making,” Putnam said. The lawyer insisted that Jackson never told AEG Live about his reliance on the dangerous medication. “AEG would have never agreed to finance this tour if they knew Mr Jackson was playing Russian roulette in his bedroom every night,” Putnam told jurors. During the five-month trial, AEG Live argued that it was Jackson who hired Murray. Murray is due to be released next month after serving two years in prison following his conviction for the involuntary manslaughter of the late pop star. Jackson’s family lawyer, Brian Panish, claimed in his closing arguments, that AEG had known about Jackson’s past health problems and was negligent in not checking the background of Murray, who was deeply in debt at the time and needed the tour to go ahead to save him from financial ruin. The damages Jackson’s family is seeking from AEG has not been specified, but if AEG is found liable, the company could be facing a payment of more than one billion dollars in Jackson’s lost earnings. Unlike criminal trials where a unanimous verdict is needed, only nine of the 12 jurors are required to reach a verdict. (dpa/NAN).

We’ll cage Eagles on Sunday, Oct 13 – Ethiopia on september 26, 2013

Ethiopia have confirmed they will host Nigeria in a 2014 World Cup playoff on Sunday, October 13, in Addis Ababa. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier raised alarm that Ethiopia are yet to confirm the match day. General secretary of the Ethiopia Football Federation (EFF) Yigsaw Bezuayehu disclosed that the match will be played on October 13. OUT OF REACH•••Super Eagles Kenneth Omeruo controls the ball as Saladin Seid of Ethiopia attacks. “We have played our home games on Sundays and the match against Nigeria will not be an exception,” said the EFF top official. Defender Alulu Girma had boasted that they would beat Nigeria in their home and come to Nigeria to fight for an upset. This then means that Nigeria will fly out of Abuja on a chartered flight on Saturday, October 12, so as to beat the effects of the high altitude in Addis Ababa. Nigeria have picked Saturday, November 16 as the date for the return leg match at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar. The overall winners of this playoff matches will qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

ASUU STRIKE WILL SOON BE OVER - NUC

ASUU strike’ll soon be over – NUC

SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 BY AGENCY REPORTER 1 Comment

Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike

Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, says he is confident that the protracted strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities will soon be called off.

Okojie, who spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with journalists, said the commission had been doing everything within its powers to ensure a speedy resolution of the issues raised by ASUU so that students could return school.

He said, “We are part of the system and we understand the issues, we are meeting with members of the union all the time and the issues are being tackled.

“So, we are optimistic that the strike will soon be called off and our children can go back to school in the shortest possible time.”

The NUC boss also reacted to the call by ASUU for NUC to be scrapped, saying “the call is not in good faith as the commission has not gone to sleep over its duties.”

Also speaking on the recurrent disagreement between the commission and some professional bodies over accreditation and running of certain courses by some universities, Okojie acknowledged that there were issues that needed to be resolved between both parties.

“There is no country in the world where regulatory bodies and professional bodies go to regulate at the same time. So, it is true we are having problems with professional bodies in carrying out our mandate, but the issues too will soon be resolved and we can move on,” he said.

The Executive Secretary, who said that the commission had closed many faculties found to be unfit to run courses in certain universities, admitted that, “it is not easy to be a regulator.”

Keshi: Ethiopia will be tough, unpredictable, predicts upsets in final round By | Sep 19, 2013

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has spoken for the first time since the draws for the final round qualifier for the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier, (Africa zone), were held last Monday in Cairo, Egypt. The draws pitched the Super Eagles against the Wylan Antelopes of Ethiopia. I have a lot of respect for the Ethiopians and all the teams that made it to the last round of the qualifier and I am certain that it will be tough, unpredictable and exciting for both the so called big teams and the minnows, he said. Speaking specifically on Ethiopia, Keshi who is on a brief visit to his family in the United States, said he foresees a very difficult opposition in the East Africans, assuring that the Eagles will not disappoint. The last time we played the Ethiopians it was quite tough and I know when we meet next its going to be the same thing. All we need to do is to be focused, concentrate and pray for good health for our best players and the rest will be history. Keshi also said all the ten teams that made it to the final qualifier round are equally matched and warned those teams having an air of superiority to beware, because there might be upsets in some of the games if the opposition is underrated. He said his list for first leg encounter in Addis Ababa will be released on time but assured that all the players are aware of the enormous task of qualifying for the World Cup and the team show the stuff its made of when the games are held.

Nigeria's'BokoHaram': Abuja sees security forces targeted

A cell of suspected Islamist militants has opened fire on security forces in Nigeria's capital Abuja, say officials. The clash occurred at about 03:00 local time after a tip off about the location of a suspected Boko Haram weapons cache, Nigeria's spy agency said. The State Security Service did not give any details about casualties. A witness told the BBC he saw nine bodies. Boko Haram is most active in north-eastern Nigeria, where a state of emergency was imposed in May. If confirmed, it would be the first time Boko Haram has staged an attack in Abuja this year. Attacks in the north-east have increased recently despite a massive military deployment to the worst-affected areas. In the latest incident in Borno state, officials said at least 87 people had been killed by militants, who disguised themselves in military uniforms at a checkpoint outside the town of Benisheik. They shot dead those trying to flee. The group wants to create an Islamic state across Nigeria and has waged a deadly insurgency since 2009. 'Digging for arms' The BBC's Mohammed Kabir Mohammed in Abuja says the shooting took place at a two-storey building which has just been built but is not yet complete. Young men have been using the building to sleep in at night, he says. The security team which approached the building were acting on information received from two men, agents said. "No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements," Reuters news agency quotes a statement from State Security Service as saying. Our reporter says the building is in Abuja's Apo district, home to a huge residential complex for Nigerian parliamentarians. Abuja suffered two major Boko Haram attack two years ago, when a suicide bomber rammed a car into the police headquarters killing eight people in June 2011. About two months after that, the group attacked the UN headquarters in Abuja, killing 23 people. The attack near Benisheik took place on Tuesday, but news of it was slow to emerge as all phone lines have been cut off in an effort to help the military offensive. The Boko Haram members drove into the town in about 20 pick-up trucks, the AFP news agency quoted an anonymous security source as saying. The BBC's Nigeria correspondent Will Ross says it was one of the deadliest since the state of emergency was declared. In the three days since the attack, health workers have been loading dead bodies onto trucks and some reports say the militants killed more than 140 people. "Apart from the dead bodies recovered today [Thursday], we collected 55 on Wednesday and the fact is that we did not go deep into the bush where I strongly believe that many people have fallen there," Nigeria's Daily Trust newspaper quotes Abdulaziz Kolomi, an official with state's environmental protection agency, as saying. There was also an attack by suspected militants on Wednesday night in neighbouring Yobe state, which is also under a state of emergency but has not witnessed so much violence. A resident of Buni Yadi told the BBC Hausa Service that Islamists attacked the town at about 22:30, burning the police station and other public buildings. "A soldier was killed in a shootout and the wife of the [divisional police chief] was burnt to death in her home," state police commissioner Sanusi Rufa'i told AFP. Local vigilante groups have been formed to help counter the militants but scores of these volunteers have been killed in recent weeks. Last month, the army said it had killed Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau but this has not been confirmed and the militants' attacks have continued.

Amaechi and Okonjo Differs On the State of the Economy.

Okonjo-Iweala / Credits: file copy RIVERS State Chairman of the and Governor Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi, Mr. declared on Thursday that the Nigerian economy had gone comatose. explained that contrary to the rosy Amaechi picture painted on Wednesday by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, about the nation’s economy, Nigeria was battling to survive economically. Okonjo-Iweala had while responding to a call for resignation by the Amaechi-led NGF told her journalists in Abuja, that in spite of the revenue challenges facing the country, all macro-economic indicators showed that the economy was performing “reasonably well.” “The economy is doing reasonably well. It is not perfect but it is doing reasonably well. I say this because actual realities on the ground are bearing this out,” she had said. But at an event organised for future leaders by Rotary International, District 9140 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Amaechi recalled that the minister once disagreed with him when he said that poverty rate in Nigeria had risen to 70 per cent. The governor, who also flayed his Delta State counterpart, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s advice that opposition against President Goodluck Jonathan should not come from the South-South, stated that Okonjo-Iweala had insisted that the country’s poverty rate was not 70 per cent, but 68 per cent. He said, “In 1970, the poverty rate in Nigeria was 30 per cent. How many of you know the poverty rate now? I was in a meeting where I said it was 70 per cent; the Minister of Finance said it was 68 per cent. What’s the difference between 68 and 70? “We are giving you a nation that is in a state of coma; that is what we are handing over to you. If it is a nation that is progressing from 30 per cent in 1970, we should be talking about 15 per cent now.” that the Federal explained also Amaechi Government had yet to pay fully the Rivers State allocation for July, 2013. “We (NGF) asked the Minister of Finance to resign if she is not able to man 20th September, 2013

CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND CURE FOR PROCRASTINATION.

THE slothful (lazy) man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. Proverb 12:27.
Last week,  we discussed procrastination as the bane of life's achievement. This week we are examining the causes, consequences and the way out of this monster of a habit.
To begin with, the causes  of procrastination include
a. Laziness: This is the first cause of procrastination mentioned or indicated by the the wisest man that ever lived - Solomon. Lazy or slothful people find it easy to have their way through procrastination. This way they silenced their supervisor or anyone assigned or trying to pressure them to accomplish the task.
b. Disorganization: Many people are not organized. They have many irons in the fire at the same time. This attitude, though might appear harmless albenitio have a way of beclouding and overwhelming people until nothing out of the many is done eventually.
c.  Lack of Time Table or To Do List: Many think time table stops with the school days. But think a little about it. If the school knew without it much will be undone, don't you  think that must be true for you. The simplest time table in form of to do list will go a long way to curb much procrastination. So begin each day with at least, a to do list.
The indisputable consequence of procrastination is the waste of time and lack of achievements. You see,  life is so short that from the moment you were born, we can calculate the number of seconds you have to live. The point is your life achievement is tied to your activity volume and your activity volume to time. By procrastinating, you reduce your activity volume.
What is/are the solutions to procrastination?
1. Realization: Realizing and accepting that procrastination is a monster to success is the beginning. Also, realizing that lost time come not back will keep you on the go.
2. Be organized: Create a time table and let it be workable.
3. Resolution:  Make up your mind not to be lazy and to leave what to be done now till a second later. If you need to read, read now. Just make "do it now" your motto and you will be a success.

Your life will not be the same again. God bless you.

You can check out this great resource for further help
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FG orders troops deployment in Nasarawa

SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 BY FIDELIS SORIWEI, ABUJA

Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Ibrahim Attahiru. The Federal Government has ordered the deployment of soldiers in Nassarawa State to prevent further breakdown of law and order in the state. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Ibrahim Attahiru, said during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, that the soldiers were a little less than a battalion. A battalion in the Nigerian Army ranges from 750 to 1000 soldiers. Attahiru said that the mandate of the troops was to support civil authorities in their efforts to curb the violence. He stated that soldiers had prevented the crisis between Eggon and Alago youths in Obi Local Government Area from spreading to other parts of the state. According to him, the federal and Nasarawa State governments were also seeking other ways of resolving the crisis without delay. He said, “Due to the heightened security situation in Nasarawa State, the Federal Government has ordered the deployment of troops as an aid to civil authority in order to prevent further escalation of the violence and its spread to other parts of the state. “It is gratifying to note that the deployment of troops in the violence-prone area has helped in curbing the spread of violence by the Ombatse and other ethnic groups in Nasarawa State. “The Federal Government and Nasarawa State Government are exploiting ways of ensuring the quick return to normalcy.” About 30 persons were feared killed in a communal clash between Eggon and Alago youths on Saturday. Some communities were also razed down and several people rendered homeless. The crisis led to the evacuation of corps members from the crisis-hit communities to the state capital, Lafia. The State Director of the National Youth Service Corps in the state, Mrs. Bolanle Olabanji, had said that 121 out of the 6,335 corps members who were serving in Obi, Dedere, Tudun-Adabu, Barkin-Kogi, Asakio and other towns were affected by the crisis. Prior to the latest crisis, 63 policemen and 10 personnel of the State Security Department were killed at Alakyo in Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state. The security personnel were on a mission to arrest the leader of the dreaded Ombatse cult, Ala Agu, when they were ambushed and killed on May 7, 2013. There were reports that two police corporals from the area who were part of the mission leaked information on the mission to the members of the cult who killed them. Attahiru, who also commented on the ongoing campaign against the Boko Haram insurgents, said some insurgents who were dislodged from their camp at the Kasiya Forest, Ngazai Local Government Area, attacked Benisheik, a town in Kaga Local Government Area of the state, killing ‘a lot of civilians.’ He added that troops in the Forward Operation Base killed a top Boko Haram Commander, who is a high-value target, named, Abba Goroma. The Army spokesman said that a $10 million bounty was earlier set aside for his capture. Attahiru said as part of the efforts, the troops in the formation had conducted operation to pre-empt, dislodge and disrupt the insurgent’s activities in the North-East. According to him, in the process, insurgents’ camps located at Kitumari, Alkaderi, Kurunmati, Abali, Gajiram and Iza within the Sambisa Forest in Borno were destroyed. He said, “Other areas where insurgents’ camps were attacked, include Bubalin and Ngaram within Maiduguri Metropolis as well as Gulimba Area of Gwoza. “The division continues to dominate the area through aggressive mobile patrols of highways and major urban centres as part of confidence-building measures to facilitate the quick return to normalcy. “All these efforts are aimed at denying the terrorists the freedom of action. By and large, military operation within the division’s area of responsibility has been largely successful.’’ On the soldiers being court-martialled in Jos, Plateau State, he said the nine soldiers were still being tried. The director, however, appealed to journalists to clarify all reports from the Directorate of Army Public Relations before going to the press. He said anything contrary to such clarifications from the directorate would be tantamount to giving “oxygen to terrorism and creating undue fear amongst Nigerians".

Anti -Christ Comments: Enough is enough - christian youth vanguard.

The Christian Youth Vanguard, a coalition of various Christian youth organisations, on Wednesday in Abuja threatened to “reciprocate in equal measure” the anti-Christ comments by a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The youths said they would beam their searchlight on Prophet Mohammed and the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111. The threat is coming on the heels of comments against Jesus Christ and a recent outburst by el-Rufai that the Christian Association of Nigeria and its President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, have become appendages of the Peoples Democratic Party. The CYV in a statement by its National Coordinator, Yakubu Mecham; and Secretary, Emeka Okoli said from el-Rufai’s uncomplimentary remarks against CAN , Oritsejafor and the Christian faith in Nigeria, someone needed “to help the ex-minister before he goes completely mental.” The NYV recalled how el-Rufai recently “made blasphemous and abominable tweets about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” but that the incident was swept under the carpet for peace sake. The group wondered what would have been the consequence if such a blasphemous remark was made about Prophet Mohammed. It warned, “Enough of this insults on our Christian faith and our CAN President. The CYV hereby notify el-Rufai and his group of unpatriotic Nigerians that we will not sit back and tolerate insults aimed at our Christian leader any longer. “We wish to stress very emphatically that henceforth any further careless statements, comments or insults on our Faith or on the person of our CAN President will be reciprocated in equal measure. A word, they say, is enough. If you have read this post, you must 've seen a little of the great power the Gospel of Christ carries. You can delve into this ocean of power with this book; the power that makes the Gospel revolutionary You will surely experience God in a new and exciting way. God bless you.

Stop encouraging corruption, President Jonathan tells Nigerians

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

While addressing the 54th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Summit that held in Abuja yesterday, president Goodluck Jonathan blamed the level of corruption in Nigeria on the society. He said instead of punishing corrupt people, we reward them.

“When you talk about corruption, the private sector is involved; the public sector is involved; even the individuals, including other societies, and I wouldn’t want to mention names so that I will not be attacked. But I know that if collectively all of us don’t reward corruption, people would not be attracted to corrupt practices, but when we all reward corruption, then of course, we will be tempted to go in that direction.

“I want a society where all of us will frown against people who come up with what they are not supposed to have. If a young man who just started a job and within six months or a year comes up with a car of N7m to N15m and you clap for him, then you are rewarding corruption." the president said. More when you continue...



“So for us as a nation to bring corruption down in Nigeria, it’s not just blaming government or blaming police, but all individuals must frown at people who have what they are not supposed to have, who live in houses they supposed not to live in; who drive cars they are not supposed to drive and who wear suits more expensive they can afford.

“And until we, as Nigerians are able to do this, then invariably we are all rewarding corruption and until we stop that, I don’t think we will get to where we want to go. We believe that we should not create an environment where people would be tempted to take what belongs to the public because that is why even in the fertilizer business we talked about electronic wallet, e-Wallet, so that funds are not exposed to corrupt people"

JP MORGAN AND THE TITANIC CONSPIRACY

The tragic sinking of the Titanic has now seen its 100 year anniversary. With this anniversary has come renewed interested in this sad story. We all know about the famous passengers like the unsinkable Molly Brown, John Jacob Astor and Sir Cosmo and Lady Duff Gordon. But what many of us do not know about is the conspiracy theory surrounding JP Morgan Titanic. Since the 1830s, America did not have a central bank. Jesuits in America and internationally wanted a central bank located in America, a bank that they could use as a bottomless resource to fulfill their Jesuit agenda of taking money and planning wars and schemes in the world. In 1910, seven men met in Georgia to form a central bank. This bank was called the Federal Reserve Bank. Benjamin Strong, a representative of JP Morgan was present at that meeting. According to Jesuits, at this point they wanted to do whatever they could to bring the pope to world dominion. Three very wealthy families: the Rothschilds, the Morgans, and the Rockefellers do all the bidding when it comes to the Jesuit Order JP Moran was scheduled to travel on the first voyage of the RMS Titanic, but he cancelled at the last minute. No one will even know why JP Morgan was not Titanic bound. However, JP Morgan was a big part on the birth of this large unsinkable ship, whereas the Jesuits are theorized to be the death of this large unsinkable ship. Many wealthy men were opposed to the Federal Reserve banks. The Jesuits supposedly decided to invite several powerful men who were opposed to the Federal Reserve Bank on the Titanic’s maiden voyage. By arranging these multiple deaths in such a preposterous way, no one would know the better. John Jacob Astor, Benjamin Guggenheim and Isador Strauss were those invited on the cruise who the Jesuits planned to dispose of. Edward Smith was a boat captain with many years experience. He was also a Jesuit tempore co-adjator, meaning not a priest but short robe. Jesuits believed in martyrdom, and Captain Smith was going to play this role. In a series of questionable mistakes, such as warning flares being white when they were supposed to be red, and life boast being sent away only half full, you really begin to wonder if this JP Morgan Titanic theory could have some truth to it. Was the sinking of the Titanic a series of unfortunate mistakes, or a larger plan carried out by the Jesuits for their political and financial gain? With no clear answers, the JP Morgan Titanic conspiracy theory continue.

PDP FACTION ASK JONATHAN TO REOPEN OFFICES.

New PDP Chairman, Baraje Asks President Jonathan To Order Reopening Of Its Offices In Abuja, Bayelsa, Rivers, Kwara And Kaduna September 15, 2013 - 18:40

caption: Police siege at New PDP secretariat By SaharaReporters, New York Chairman of the breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), known as the New PDP, Mr. Kawu Baraje, has called on Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan to reopen its office in Maitama, Abuja, the country's capital, which was sealed off by the police last week. Mr. Baraje hinged his action on a ruling by An Abuja High Court presided over by Justice E.S. Chukwu that the group should be allowed to operate without any harassment or inhibition as its existence does not contravene any known law. The chairman of the faction also appealed to the Nigerian president to reopen its other offices hitherto sealed by the police in Kwara, Rivers, Kaduna and Bayelsa States. In a statement signed by the faction's National Publicity Secretary Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, Mr. Baraje said, "To the glory of God, contrary to the prayers of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s faction of PDP, a Federal High Court in Abuja on September 13th 2013, once again ruled Justice E.S. Chukwu in his ruling held that there was no evidence before the court to show any tardiness on the part of Baraje’s faction as claimed by the Tukur-led faction, which requested it to stop the Baraje-led PDP from operating. "In view of this ruling, the Police no longer has any valid reason (it never did, anyway) to continue to seal our Secretariats. We implore the president to save the Police from the plot to ridicule it by using it to perpetrate illegalities such as sealing the lawfully-acquired National Secretariat of PDP and our Secretariats in states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Kaduna and Kwara." According to the faction, "Powers that be should as a matter of urgency stop projecting and portraying the Police as a tool of injustice and attack on the perceived political opponents of Mr. President "We will continue to use the Judiciary to prove to Tukur’s faction that the days of running the affairs of our great party with impunity and high-handedness are gone for good. The time has come for him to correctly read the handwriting on the wall and honorably throw in the towel along with his National Working Committee (NWC)." The New PDP also inaugurated a four-member committee to be chaired by the Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, to look for ways of resolving the stand-off between the Nigeria Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which had resulted in the union embarking on strike. Other members of the committee are Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, Hon. Chinwo Ike, President of University of Port Harcourt alumni and Mr. Timi Frank, the faction's national youth leader.

Pope Francis: You Don't Have To Believe In God To Go To Heaven.

In comments likely to enhance his progressive reputation, Pope Francis has written a long, open letter to the founder of La Repubblicanewspaper, Eugenio Scalfari, stating that non-believers would be forgiven by God if they followed their consciences. Responding to a list of questions published in the paper by Mr Scalfari, who is not a Roman Catholic, Francis wrote: “You ask me if the God of the Christians forgives those who don’t believe and who don’t seek the faith. I start by saying –and this is the fundamental thing –that God’s mercy has no limits if you go to him with a sincere and contrite heart. The issue for those who do not believe in God is to obey their conscience. “Sin, even for those who have no faith, exists when people disobey their conscience.” Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent for the Catholic journal The Tablet, said the pontiff’s comments were further evidence of his attempts to shake off the Catholic Church’s fusty image, reinforced by his extremely conservative predecessor Benedict XVI. “Francis is a still a conservative,” said Mr Mickens. “But what this is all about is him seeking to have a more meaningful dialogue with the world.” In a welcoming response to the letter, Mr Scalfari said the Pope’s comments were “further evidence of his ability and desire to overcome barriers in dialogue with all”. In July, Francis signalled a more progressive attitude on sexuality, asking: “If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?” Well as of old, the battle for truth rages on. Get the power that makes Christianity a revolutionary from this great book Source: The Independent « Previous | Next » View Comments News Categories Top Stories | Business | Sports | Diaspora | Entertainme

PROCRASTINATION: Bane of fulfilment.

....then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.  John 13:27

Procrastination is the act of postponing tasks or leaving what to be done now till a later date. This habit is a Hallmark of laziness.  It's a thief of time and account for vast failure among students, business men, professionals and people generally, regardless of their calling.  In the above reference,  Jesus reproved procrastination by saying what thou doest, do quickly.  Many people will regret eternally for certain procrastination they allowed.  For example, in Acts 27:28 -30, king Agrippa,  had the opportunity to listen to Paul and be saved but he procrastinated it. He never got that privilege again. At least no such record in the Holy Writ. I won't be surprised to learn that Agrippa is in hell when I get to heaven because he scorned the days of opportunity. Are you like Agrippa? You have been hearing the gospel but have you repented from your sins and made Jesus your Lord and personal Saviour? Or have you be procrastinating your day of salvation?  Please, do not delay anymore, repent today.
There are readers whom God have been impressing certain idea upon their hearts but have refused to take action.  Each time the spirit remind you, you get up move a bit and stopped. Then you will say, I will continue later. You will not achieve anything notable that way. The secret of success is prompt action. Serious  business men will tell you that time is money. If you desire to be anything other than a failure,  you must make Nike's rider... just do it, and I will say.... just do it now, you motto. In the next post,we shall examine causes, consequences and cure for procrastination.  Till next week Wednesday,  stay away from procrastination and your life will not be the same again. God bless you.

Trust me, if you will sit down and take stock of your life, you will agree that where you are now is not where you ought to be. A closer review will like indicate procrastination as a major culprit of your past losses and the bad news is that if not tackled, it will cause more. But it can be tackled easily as you follow this CDs; <iframe src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=zxntctblogs0b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B008IVN10Y&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>