Sunday, September 30, 2012

: Watch Project Fame Winner AYO’s Performances


Saturday, September 29, 2012 will remain a very memorable day for AYO as he was crowned the winner of the fifth season of the  Project Fame West Africa talent show.
Watch how AYO stunned the judges, faculty members and viewers for weeks with his performances…
Watch AYO perform ‘Olufunmi’ by Style Plus…
Watch AYO perform ‘Tonight’ by

Sarkodie Featured In BET Hiphop Awards Cypher 2012


                                  

Ghanian rapper Michael Owusu Addo better known as Sarkodie has featured in the 2012 edition of the acclaimed BET Awards Cypher.
Sarkodie’s is profiled alongside 42 US based rappers including top gun MCs like Snoop Dogg (Lion), DMX, T.I, and Talib Kweli. Others include Eve, Xzibit, E40 and Wu-tang veteran RZA.  Sarkodie is the only African act that makes the list.
The cypher was aired at the BET Hiphop Awards show which took place on Saturday night September 29, 2012 in Atlanta. Sarkodie featured in the cypher hosted by DJ Premiere.
Watch Sarkodie along with other Ghanian rappers on the Ghanian version of the BET Cypher 2010…

The Lives of Lekki Wives


300912F.Adaora-Ukoh.jpg - 300912F.Adaora-Ukoh.jpg

Adaora.ukoh

Just when we thought we couldn’t swallow all the drama, bitterness, pettiness that The Desperate Housewives series brings to our screen, Nigerians are about to get a real dose of our kind of wives in this part of the globe. Lekki Wives is about to hit our local screen. The series will reveal in a reality style manner, true life situations behind closed doors of five wives. Amongst the women are:

Ayo wins Project Fame season 5!


Ayobami Ayoola Ayolola better known as AYO for short has emerged as the 5th winner of the very popular Project Fame West Africa talent show.

Ayobami, a 25 year old personal assistant to a renowned saxophonist Mike Aremu edged out other finalists to win the top prize this evening, Saturday, September 29, 2012. The finale will be broadcast tomorrow.

The first runner-up position went to Marvellous, second runner-up to Adetoun and third runner-up by Ella.

AYO last year contested at the first ever Nigerian Idol and made the final 12 but was evicted in the first round of the finals.

He now joins the past winners, the likes of Iyanya, Mike Ayansodo, Chidinma and Monica…

THE HISTORY OF NIGERIA ,IS LONG BUT VERY EDUCATIVE,PLEASE READ IT AND KNOW OUR ENEMIES IN DEMOCRACY.


                                    52 years of gambling

Muritala
As Nigeria marks its 52nd independence anniversary on Monday, OLUSOLA FABIYIwrites about those that have ruled the country since 1960
Going by the projected lifespan of a Nigerian, majority of those born before independence on Oct. 1, 1960 might have died now. Some of those born in the year of independence may also be preparing for the eternal journey. This is because the life expectancy of an average Nigerian is put at 52. This is according to the website of the Central Intelligence Agency World Fact Book.
But either through sheer luck or providence, many of those born in Nigeria before and during independence are still around. Just as a national football coach would put it, this set of Nigerians are wobbling and fumbling into early old age even when they are still relatively young.
But they never thought old age would visit them so early. No thanks to the chequered political history of the country itself, which might have been as a result of leadership inadequacies and maladministration in the country.
In the beginning

Balewa and Azikiwe
Oct.1, 1960 was a remarkable date for Nigerians. It was the day they gained independence from the the British colonial masters. Like every free slave, the people rejoiced and had the hope of a better tomorrow. While Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was made the ceremonial President of the Republic from Oct. 1, 1960, the real power was in the hands of Alhaji Tafawa Balewa. He was appointed prime minister of the Nigerian federation in 1957, and after independence in 1960, he remained in that post.
Unfortunately, he and some other leaders were killed during the Jan. 15, 1966 coup d’état. The coup was planned and executed by young military officers, who were angry with the corruption and nepotism that characterised the Balewa government. The young military officers that led the coup were mostly of the rank of major in the army. They included Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Adewale Adegboyega, Donatus Okafor, Christian Anuforo, Humphrey Chukwuka and Timothy Onwuatuegwu.
Despite that many Nigerians, both military and civilians, were killed during the coup, these officers were unable to secure power. No thanks to the bravery of the likes of the late Maj.-Gen. Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

                              NIGERIAN STARS ARE IT AGAIN

                           J Martins acquires Rolls Royce Phantom




PHOTO: Check out Beyonce and Jay-Z’s Blue Ivy’s $800 shoes



Blue Ivy Carter Receives $800 Shoes By Designer RuthieBlue Ivy Carter
What kind of gifts do you get when you’re the child of two global superstar parents? Well if a solid gold rocking horse, crystalized high chair, and a $20,000 crib aren’t enough, famous shoe designer Ruthie Davis designed a pair of crystalized shoes (named Jamie) that she designed for Blue Ivy Carter. The shoes are made of pink leather, covered in purple Swarovski crystals, and purple laces.
Ruthie Davis posted a pic of the sneakers on the company’s Facebook page saying, “Take a look at the Baby Ruthie’s I made especially for Beyonce and Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy…so sweet, right?”
The shoes are probably one of the less expensive gifts given to baby Carter, at
$800 Pair of shoes named Jamie designed for Blue Ivy Carter by shoe designer Ruthie DavisJamie
$800. Baby Carter’s maternal grandfather, Matthew Knowles, sat down in an interview shortly after the birth of his granddaughter to further remind people — as if Jigga doesn’t do this enough already in his music — just how privileged baby Carter is to have parents who will enable her to be whatever she wants to be in life. “If Blue Ivy wants to be a doctor when she grows up then they would figure how to buy a hospital,” Matthew Knowles said“If she wants to be a basketball player,” he continued, “I already own a WNBA team so she can play there and if she wants to be a singer then she would be very happy.”
Do you believe it’s a privilege to be born into wealth?

Qatar airplane makes emergency landing in Lagos



A Qatar Airways plane, Flight QR592 which had notified the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of a need for an emergency landing due to faulty landing gear has landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos on Satruday. 
The Director General of NCAA, Harold Demuren acknowledging the emergency call, assured of the authority's readiness to handle any eventualities that may arise from the forced landing.
The authority had stationed firefighting equipment at the airport
However, emergency officials said that the plane landed safely and there was no injury to any of the passengers or crew onboard.
Thank GOD  is not another weekend of tragedy.

Finnish Appeal Court upholds 9-year verdict against Nigerian



Samuel Eze Ugum, a Nigerian national, will spend the next nine years serving a prison term in Finland, after a Court of Appeal found him culpable in the death of a drug user in 2009.
In a ruling published on Friday morning, the Helsinki Appeal Court found that the the 36-year-old Nigerian culpable in the incident where a man died after using heroin that he thought was cocaine at Helsinki’s Glo Hotel three years ago.
According to prosecutors, another was seriously ill after snorting strong, uncut heroin at the hotel in 2009. The users had thought the substance was cocaine. Following the death, police discovered a large amount of the drug in Espoo.
Ugum was charged with drug offences, aggravated negligent manslaughter and aggravated causing bodily harm for his role in the incident. He was subsequently sentenced to a nine-year term in prison after trials in a lower court.
The Supreme court returned the case to the court in May on behalf of the Nigerian man, because his lawyer had not been present during his police interviews.
His testimony in court then diverged from what he had told police during his initial interviews.
The Court upheld the first ruling.
source..Daily Times

Yes, I am Boko Haram – Immigration officer confesses, names other security personnel in Islamic sect


JTF spokesman, Sagir Musa
Nigerians have consistently maintained that the dreaded sect Boko Haram must surely have sympathisers in government and security agencies, considering how effective their attacks have been. Finally, there is proof.
A high profile Boko Haram member, who is an officer of Nigeria’s Immigration Services, Ahmed Grema Mohammed, has named some security personnel among those carrying out terrorist attacks in the country. His confession came after he was arrested by the men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Mohammed, who is an officer of the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) attached to the Nangere office of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Yobe State, was apprehended at a checkpoint on the Maiduguri-Damaturu road while on his way to kill a former special adviser to the immediate past governor of the state.
Most of the personnel named by Mohammed have been arrested, while security agencies are on the trail of others.
The news of Mohammed’s arrest was contained in a JTF statement signed by the task force spokesman, Lt. Col Sagir Musa.
According to the statement, Mohammed had been on the wanted lists in the country and was arrested on August 17, this year for impersonating a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army.
“Mohammed confessed to be actively involved in the killings of some senior civil servants, security agents, and politicians in Damaturu who spoke against the activities of Boko Haram, particularly the former chairman of Damboa Council, Alhaji Lawal Kawu.
“He also took part in the attack on the old Police Headquarters in Damaturu, where some policemen were killed and large quantity of arms and ammunition carted away.
“In addition, he was among the terrorists that attacked Damaturu Prison, burnt some primary schools, the State CID office and the Police Safety Vehicle, among others.
“The suspect revealed to JTF that he and 15 other members of the organization were intensively trained for three months on G3 and AK 47 rifles, as well as in assassinations and special operations in Niger Republic.
source..Ynaija 

Controversy trails GEJ’s $200m facility for entertainment industry


While NEXIM Bank claims to have paid N700 million to some beneficiaries, various unions say no member has collected a dime
Stakeholders in the Nigerian movie industry, on Friday, refuted claims by the Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank that the organisation had disbursed N700 million in loans to the entertainment industry.
Zik Okafor, the President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), said in Lagos on Friday that none of its 1005 members obtained any loan from NEXIM bank.
"As far as I know, no AMP member was given any loan because the bank was not forthcoming," he said.
The Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, Roberts Orya, had on September 21, said that the bank had disbursed N700 million, out of the $200 million (about N32 billion) facility earmarked for the entertainment industry by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Isioma Williams, the Lagos State Chairman of Guild of Nigerian Dancers, said that the association did not get anything; adding that there might have been foul play involved.
"I don’t think that the fund was really to support the industry; I think it was made for some individuals," he said. "We have been tossed around too often through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), asking for one thing or the other by the bank.
The government registered a lot of associations and guilds in the entertainment industry which were not known to us who are practitioners. The government seems not serious about helping the industry. If the government is really serious about what they claim, they know how to reach us in the entertainment industry."
An actor, Tony Ogom, challenged NEXIM Bank to name the beneficiaries of the alleged disbursed loans.
"They should also tell us how much each person got and what the person is using the money for and what job that was lined up," he said.
Source..Daily Times

EFCC Arrest Man Trying To Smuggle Out $7m Dollars Cash At MM Intl Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Mallam Abubakar Tijani Sheriff (24), whom the Agency described as a bulk currency smuggler, as he attempted to smuggle the sum of $7million out of the country. The EFCC said in a statement today that Sheriff, 24, was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.

Friday, September 28, 2012

New Video from Davido - All of You


Court strikes out order seeking to stop coroner’s inquest on Dana Air crash


Most of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition
The organisation that instituted the suit will pay N10,000 to the Lagos State government.
The Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, has struck out an order of interlocutory injunction seeking to restrain the Lagos State government from holding a Coroner’s inquest on the crashed Dana airline.
The court awarded the sum of N10,000 to be paid to the state government by the Civil Aviation Roundtable Initiative, who instituted the suit.
The ruling means that the inquest can continue pending the outcome of the substantive suit.
The court also fixed October 11 for the hearing of parties who wish to join in the substantive suit.

Timaya denies reconciling with Empress Njamah



Empress and Timaya

Afro-pop singer, Timaya, has denied the rumour making the rounds that he has made up with his former lover and Nigerian actress, Empress Njamah.
It all began when the former lovers who went through a very public fight which led to separation in 2009, hooked up at 2face Idibia‘s 37th birthday party held recently at Club Rumours, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos.
Although both parties carefully avoided contact with cameras at the event, Timaya was later sighted whispering into Njamah’s ears and they both laughed.
When contacted, Timaya said, “It is true that Empress and I met at Tuface’s party and greeted each other as old friends, nothing more. This whole speculation about reconciliation is spurious and baseless. I am happy with my partner, daughter and career and I am sure she is with her new life too.”
In May 2012, the singer – real names Enetimi Odom – who welcomed his first child from his love, Babara, said that as much as he loves and cherishes baby and mother, he is not thinking of getting married to her or any other woman yet.

I am waiting for Mr Right — TOOLZ


You do not come across Beat Fm’s on air personality, Tolulope Oniru, best known as Toolz, without failing to notice her distinct figure. Although blessed with a soothing voice that keeps listeners tuned in toMidday Show, where she dishes out celebrity stories, an avid follower of happenstances in the social media circles in Nigeria would agree that her curvy figure is a discussion starter.
She reveals that the hullabaloo about her figure used to make her feel uncomfortable, but she has come to accept it as a feature she cannot not change.
“It is still a bit confusing to me, because this is Africa; full-figured women are everywhere you go. So I am baffled that my shape is a constant topic of discussion. It took a while, but I think I have accepted that my figure will be one of the things people talk about . I would hate it to be the main and only thing that people dwell on however,” she says.
For bloggers and top entertainment online sites, a singular picture of the dark skinned presenter is all it takes to drive traffic and generate a stream of comments which sometimes runs into hundreds. While some of the feedbacks are vile, others are simply enamoured. So, does she ever get to read them?
To this Toolz says, “Some of them could drive someone mad. When the blogs started paying attention to me, I would read the stories and the comments as well and would get upset when I read bad comments. I would think: ‘Why would this person be so mean, they don’t know me personally’. Soon, I realised that thinking about the opinions of people that leave hateful comments is silly. Thankfully nowadays I’m too busy and I know better, but I do hope the blog owners take more responsibility for the negativity that they allow on their sites.”
When she first conceived the idea to take the plunge to move back to Nigeria after being for 10 years, she developed a cold feet. After consulting with friends conversant with the entertainment scene in the country and family members, her desire for new challenges saw her make the move.
After a successful audition process at the radio station, Toolz began hosting her own radio show in April 2009 and her blend of natural humour, love of most things showbiz, passion for music and strong African entertainment knowledge stands her out.
Looking back at how far she has come under a short period of time and the awards she has garnered, the OAP, who gained extensive experience within the British entertainment industry, having worked at MTV Networks Europe for several years before moving on to the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, US feels fulfilled.
“Because I had not been to Nigeria for a long time , when I moved back, I did not know anyone except my parents and cousins. I realised that I would not know anyone my age and somebody had told me about Beat FM. I thought I was only going to be on air for about an hour or two weekly but things changed completely. If anything I wish I had moved back sooner,” she says.
Like other radio hosts, Toolz says her first time on radio was not spectacular. “It was awful. I was so nervous that I made lots of mistakes and stuttered a lot. Later I learnt to calm my nerves. I have had several embarrassing moments. One of the worst was when Banky W premiered his tracks on my show, and the CD decided to skip several times!”
Owing to the warm chemistry she exudes during interviews with top music stars like Banky W, D’banj and PSquare, little wonder she has been romantically linked to quite a number of them.
Surprisingly, Toolz, who describes herself as a spectacular success in the making, takes these allegations in good faith, saying, “Jazzy and Banky are good friends of mine. My relationship status is plain currently, I’m not married. Marriage is absolutely in the cards for me. Right now I’m focusing on finding the right person, it is very important that I find someone who respects the sanctity of marriage like I do.”

via punch

Police killed my son, I want justice’

Ozuah and Chinwe

Mrs. Chinwe Ozuah, the mother of Ugochukwu Ozuah, the man who was allegedly killed by policemen five days after his wedding, on Thursday in Lagos said the police should be held responsible for her son’s death.
Chinwe, who held back tears, recalled that she saw her son a day before the incident, lamenting that she did not know that was the last time she would see him.
She said, “The police killed my son and all I want for him is justice. The last time I saw him was last Wednesday and we spoke. He made so many promises to me but unfortunately he was killed.
Family members of the 36-year-old man have again berated the police for the alleged murder and insensitivity.
Ugochukwu’s family berated the police not only for the alleged murder but also for their inability to carry out proper investigation.
In view of this, the family expressed concern that the police might eventually cover up the case.
The deceased’s friend, Irikefe Omene, who was with the slain man, had told PUNCH Metro that Özuah was killed by policemen around UPS on Oworonsoki Expressway on September 20, 2012.
But the police denied the allegation immediately, attributing the incident to armed robbery.
The deceased’s elder sister, Nkechi Nnoyelu, berated the Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, for insensitivity.
She said, “The only son of the family has been killed and yet the police still remain insensitive. The PPRO, who has been granting press interviews, never even deemed it fit to condole with the family.
“The police are saying that my brother was attacked by armed robbers but his phones were not stolen, he had money in his wallet which was untouched and yet they call it a robbery.
“It baffles me that the police, were on the scene but they did not even attempt to take him to hospital or give any kind of care, they were all watching.”
Nkechi said denial by the police that Omene did not write any statement at the police station was an indication that their investigation would be shoddy.
Meanwhile, condolence register had been opened in honour of the slain man.
 The deceased’s widow, Joan, sat mute on a chair when our correspondent visited Ozuah’s residence.
As at the time our correspondent left the home, nearly 80 condolence messages had been written in his honour.
Mrs. Ije Ekobay wrote, “Ugo, I just saw your smiling face two days ago. The devil is a liar! Death has neither say over you nor victory over you. May your sweet soul rest in perfect peace.”
Another friend, Tosin Adesina, wrote, “Brother, it was wonderful knowing you. You were a gentleman, intelligent, confident, generous, patient and very driven. I celebrate your life with a lot of pain in my heart.”
Perhaps, one of the most emotion-laden comments was written by Ugochukwu’s niece, Nina Ndu-Nwogu.
It reads, “Dear uncle Ugo, you were there even when I was in the womb and now you’re gone. I was the flower girl at your wedding and those memories I will cherish forever. When I heard of your departure, I believed you’re in a deep sleep and God needed the help of more angels so he called on you. You will always be in my heart. I will always love you.”
Ukomadu Gabriel wrote, “Oh not again. Another casualty of Nigeria Police Force. You were a quiet and lovely fellow. One would not have imagined this sort of incident. God knows it all, rest in peace.”
Our correspondent learnt that various human rights groups, including the Office of the Public Defender of the Ministry of Justice, had started working on the matter to ensure that police did not cover up.
Nkechi, who decried the rising cases of extra-judicial killings, said a foundation would be set up in honour of Ozuah.
She said, “I want a foundation set up in honour of my brother to help families of victims of police killing.
“Ugo used to be called, mummy’s handbag. Even when my dad was alive, he was too close to my mum. Even though he was my younger brother, he was our father.”
IG orders FCID to investigate murder
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has constituted a team from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department to immediately take-over the investigation of the murder from the Lagos State Police Command, with the mandate to identify and fish out the killer(s).
A statement by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba in Abuja on Thursday, explained that the IG’s decision was informed by the need to maintain “neutrality, professionalism, speedy and holistic dispensation of justice.”
 While commiserating with the family, friends and relations of the deceased, the police re-assured the nation that they would ensure that the perpetrators of the crime were unmasked and brought to book.
The statement quoted Abubakar as appealing to members of the public, especially those who might have witnessed the crime, to come forward with useful information.
He said such information could be sent to policemonitor@npf.gov.ng.
The IG promised that the team would release dedicated phone lines for purposes of interaction with members of the public, as soon as they arrived in Lagos.
Abubakar appealed for calm, patience, understanding and support, while efforts are being intensified to unravel the crime.
“The IG also used this medium to dispel rumours making rounds, especially on the social media that he had earlier made a definite statement concerning the incident,” the statement added.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Nnimmoh Bassey wins Rafto prize


Nigeria’s human rights and environmental campaigner, Nnimoh Bassey has won this year’s Norwegian Rafto Prize in recognition of his long-term fight for people’s right to life, health, food and water in a world affected by complex and threatening climate change and mass environmental destruction.
Apart from receiving a diploma certificate, Bassey will also get a prize money of $20,000.
Bassey, 54, an architect, heads Environmental Rights Action, operating chiefly in the Niger Delta. Rafto said that Bassey has shown through his rights based work and criticism of prevailing systems how human rights can help mitigate the effects of these changes. Bassey has also been serving since 2008 as the chairman of Friends of the Earth International.
“Nnimmo Bassey links human rights to the climate by demonstrating how climate change has the greatest effect on the world’s most vulnerable people, the very people who have contributed least to the problem in the first place.
“By awarding its annual prize to Nnimmo Bassey, the Rafto Foundation underlines how the challenges we face regarding climate and the environment also have a human rights aspect. The Rafto Foundation gives also its support to Nnimmo Bassey’s work in the organisations Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) and Environmental Rights Action (ERA).”
The 2012 Rafto Prize will be awarded at the National Venue of Theatre in Bergen, Norway, on Sunday 4 November 2012.
The Rafto Foundation in Bergen, Norway, was established after the death of Professor Thorolf Rafto in 1987, in gratitude of his longstanding work to help people who are oppressed and persecuted, and in the realization that this work must be ongoing.
Several former Rafto Prize laureates include Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma (Rafto Prize in 1990), people of East‐Timor by Josè Ramos‐Horta (Rafto Prize in 1993), Kim Dae‐jung, South‐Korea (Rafto Prize in 2000), and Shirin Ebadi, Iran (Rafto Prize in 2001). They have all subsequently been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
As an activist, Bassey cut his teeth when he worked as a member of the board of the Civil Liberties Organisation. His turning point was in 1990, when he witnessed the Nigerian military attack on the village of Umuechem, after a demonstration against the destruction of the environment by oil companies. He along with some colleagues founded ERA in 1993.He is now the Executive Director.


Via.PMNEWS NIGERIA

Lake Nyos: NEMA warns of greater flood tragedy as one million people face death


The floods in several parts of Nigeria, which have caused the death of hundreds of people and displacement of millions of others, will be a small tragedy compared to a disaster that could occur within three years, if no action is taken.
The Lake Nyos Dam in Cameroon, which is situated very close to Nigeria, could collapse in less than three years and cause the death of over one million people and  financial loss of several billions of naira, the head of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has said.
At an event on the likely disaster in Abuja, the Director-General of  NEMA, Muhammed Sidi,  recalled the 2005 United Nations Development Program report which predicted the collapse of the dam in less than 10 years.
Mr. Sidi, represented by NEMA’s Director of Administration, Zanna Muhammad, said the report predicted that the collapse might be caused by gradual erosion from rain, wind, and lake waters; or as a result of violent volcanic eruption.
The eventual failure of the dam would result in the discharge of about 55 million cubic metres of water which would result in flooding.
“It is estimated that between Cameroon border and River Benue, 50 settlements, including Katsina-Ala, Kashimbilla, Waya, Manga, Gamovo, Andie, Terwegh and over 15,000 hectares of land will be flooded.
“Also, over one million people and 20,000 heads of cattle and other livestock will be affected and could perish,” the emergency agency boss said.
Mr. Sidi said that likely financial losses had been estimated to be in billions of naira, comprising of crops, residential and commercial structures, utilities, and infrastructure.
The NEMA boss said the agency has produced a “Lake Nyos Disaster Response Manual” to prepare for the catastrophe that would arise if Lake Nyos Dam in Western Cameroon collapses.
The manual was endorsed on Thursday at the ceremony, which aims to put measures in place to mitigate flood waters from the lake from affecting the people of Benue.
The NEMA boss said that, as part of his agency’s mandate to prevent and mitigate disaster in Nigeria, the agency, in collaboration with Benue State Emergency Management Agency, held a workshop to create awareness, share experiences and to draw up an appropriate contingency response and evacuation plan.
He said the draft for the manual was developed by the agency and forwarded to the stakeholders for their input which culminated in the final copy.
“The manual is, therefore, apt, considering the various flood disasters affecting the country and the content could be applied in different flood scenarios. There is, therefore, the need for various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to develop their Standard Operating Procedures in this regard.
“It is important also to note that the manual is a living document and is subject to periodic review as the situation arises,” he added.
Present at the ceremony were representatives of the federal ministries of environment, water resources, science and technology, agriculture, transport, army; the police, civil defence corps, the Red Cross , the Federal Road Safety Corps, among others.

Revealed:Patience Jonathan Suffering From Parkinson Syndrome



 
Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan, is battling an onset of Parkinson’s disease that has complicated her recovery from a surgical procedure in Germany, several reliable sources have disclosed to SaharaReporters.

SaharaReporters broke the news that Mrs. Jonathan was flown to a hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany close to a month ago to undergo emergency treatment after a botched procedure in Dubai.

In interviews with three sources familiar with Mrs. Jonathan’s health status, SaharaReporters learnt that the Nigerian president’s wife is beset by Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative syndrome. The disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. A medical source described it as “a fairly common disorder that occasions degeneration of the nervous system.” The source added that the disease leads to “progressive impairment and disorder of movement.” An online medical site notes that Parkinson’s “is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.”

The bombshell revelation about the First Lady’s medical woes was first made by a source familiar with Mrs. Jonathan’s previous secret treatments in Spain and Italy. The source disclosed that Mrs. Jonathan had battled Parkinson’s for some years now. In addition, doctors had advised her to “do something urgent about her morbid body mass index (BMI),” said the source. She added that Mrs. Jonathan had indeed considered undergoing the kind of tummy tuck procedure that former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha once had.

Two other sources close to the Jonathans confirmed that the First Lady has been dogged by Parkinson’s. One said the disease was largely responsible for her clumsiness, drawling speech and slow movement at public events. He added that Mrs. Jonathan has been suffering serious trembling in the left hand. “That’s why she always uses her right to hold the microphone when speaking at public events,” the source revealed. Mrs. Jonathan also reportedly is affected by stiffness of the limbs and trunk which affects her movement.

A news staffer at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) told SaharaReporters that Mrs. Jonathan’s aides warned reporters covering her never to film her beyond her waist. “Her senior personal assistant told the crew covering her long ago: ‘Don’t ever film Madam’s waist. Show her face only.’ That’s been the code at NTA.”

Two of our sources stated that Mrs. Jonathan had made efforts to slow the disease that had started to ravage her. “She has been visiting a health farm in Italy on a regular basis since 2010,” one source revealed. “To alleviate her pain, she has been taking her medication religiously.”

A friend of Mrs. Jonathan’s said that the First Lady’s health maladies include anxiety, occasional memory loss and disorientation. In addition, her blood pressure often rises to dangerous levels, forcing her to take a cocktail of anti-hypertensive drugs.

Also, our sources said that some officials attached to the First Lady’s office described her as constantly depressed, prone to snapping at people at the slightest provocation. “The First Lady can just get angry at the slightest provocation and rain abuses at anybody in sight,” he said.

As happened during the health crisis of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the Nigerian Presidency’s reaction to Mrs. Jonathan’s health condition is to be mum. When SaharaReporters contacted a senior aide of President Jonathan on the matter of the First Lady’s illness, he sharply said, “I’m not saying anything. And please don’t mention that you spoke to me.” SaharaReporters learnt that officials of the Presidency are under a virtual oath of secrecy on the issue of Mrs. Jonathan’s health crisis.

Via.Sahara ReporterPatience 

Chinua Achebe’s Biafran memoir ‘There Was a Country’ goes on sale in the UK


Renowned Nigerian author Prof Chinua Achebe has published his long-awaited memoir, ‘There Was a Country’ in the United Kingdom today.
The much anticipated work is about the brutal three-year Biafran war, in which he acted as roving cultural ambassador for the Biafran Republic when the south-eastern area tried to split from Nigeria in 1967.
Prof Achebe has remained silent about his war experience for more than 40 years.
The memoir is published in the UK on Thursday and is due to be released in Nigeria shortly and in the US on 11 October.
As one of Africa’s best known authors, Mr Achebe’s debut 1958 novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ has sold more than 10 million copies and published in numerous languages all over the world.
Birth pangs’
The prize-winning 81-year-old author and academic has written more than 20 works – some fiercely critical of politicians and a failure of leadership in Nigeria.
But he has never addressed the atrocities of the Biafran war, in which he was caught up with his young family – except occasionally in his poetry.
More than one million people died during the conflict in fighting and from famine – photographs of starving children from Biafra became synonymous in the media with the conflict.
“There Was a Country is a distillation of vivid observation and considered research and reflection,” Mr Achebe’s UK publisher Allen Lane says.
“It relates Nigeria’s birth pangs in the context of Achebe’s own development as a man and a writer, and examines the role of the artist in times of war.”
Prof Achebe has lived in the US since he suffered a car accident in 1990, which left him paralysed and in a wheelchair.
The memoir is published in the UK on Thursday and is due to be released in Nigeria shortly and in the US on 11 October, AFP news agency reports.

15-month-old baby needs N2.5m to live


15-month-old baby needs N2.5m to live
With his birth came the usual excitement. People gathered, ate, drank and made merry. He was a little bundle of joy in his parents’ arms. His birth further strengthened family bonds. He was even named Israel, with the biblical notion that he would be the apple of God’s eyes as His first gift to the family.
That was the picture at the home of Mr and Mrs Akin Toriola in Ejigbo, Lagos State. Mr Toriola, his father, is a local electrician. His home was blessed with a baby boy, little Ayoola Israel, on May 23, 2011.
The Toriolas were understandably eager to see their first child grow up well and healthy, with the prospect of becoming a responsible member of the society. Against all expectations, this bundle of joy has become a source of agony for the Toriolas. And it was neither the fault of the little Israel nor that of his parents. Israel, born 15 months ago has not shown any sign of “growing up well and healthy.”
Mr and Mrs Toriola noticed that their son who was full of life at birth,“was not breathing well, wasn’t eating well, and did not cry normally.”
That problem has continued. Even when he cries, the breathing remains very abnormal. He also continues to lose weight.
Not comfortable with the unwholesome situation of their son, The Toriolas started making medical enquiries on little Israel. They told Newsextra that “when the baby was three months old, we were asked to go and do some chest X-ray on the baby. That we did at Isolo General Hospital.
“We also went to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba Lagos where one Dr Okoromah referred us to Clinique De-Mercy & Services Limited at Gbagada, Lagos for echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) tests. These are medical tests that measure and record electrical activity of the heart. Results of the tests showed that little Israel has a hole in his heart which manifests in his physical appearance that suggests a case of Down Syndrome.”
A medical report on little Toriola which was signed by Dr B. A. Animasahun, Consultant Paediatrician/Paediatric Cardiologist, on August 17, 2012 reads:
Medical Report of Ayoola Toriola Age 15 months:
“The above-named presented with history of breathlessness noticed since birth, associated with recurrent respiratory tract infections necessitating hospital admissions. There is history of excessive sweating and he has been failing to thrive. No history of squatting but bluish discoloration of the lips.
“Examination revealed a small for age child, with prominent heart sound on the right hemithorax, tarchycardic, cyanosed, with SPO2 in room air of 73%. He has a grade 2/6 ejection systolic murmur maximal at the right upper sterna border with a grade 3/6 diastolic murmur maximal at the right sterna border.
“A diagnosis of dextrocardia with a cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) was made. Echocardiography confirmed, Dextrocardia, Double outlet right ventricle, large posterior upper muscular ventricular septal defect L-R and severe pulmonary artery hypertension.
“He has been tablet furosemide and syrup captopril. He requires surgical intervention abroad.
“…Patient and mother will also require a return ticket, international passport, some amount as pocket money.”
Based on the tests carried out at Clinique De-Mercy &Services Limited at Gbagada Lagos, the hospital recommended a heart surgery to be carried out in a hospital in India. The sum of N2.5m is required to effect the heart surgery (all expenses included) which the cardiologist said must be carried out as quickly as possible to save the life of little Israel. This sum of money is too hard for his parents to afford.
Therefore, Mr and Mrs Toriola Akin are crying to kind-hearted Nigerians, people who treasure the future of our children, Nigerians who appreciate that children are precious gifts from God Almighty, Nigerians who can imagine the pangs of labour that a woman goes through during child birth and the pains a mother or father could go through in the event of losing a child to death and Nigerians who can cheerfully choose to be Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus Christ to carry His cross on the way to Golgotha.
The word cross is symbolic here. Whenever and at whatever point in time you help in reducing the burden or pains of a fellow mankind, it will be on record that you clothed, fed and gave water to Jesus Christ and the Prophets to drink. History and destiny would certainly smile at you.
A little help and sacrifice towards ensuring that a dying little soul survives will surely make a lot of difference.
Hear Mrs Toriola, a petty trader and mother of little Israel: “In tears, I beg fellow Nigerians to help in seeing that my child lives normal life again. When I remember the pangs and pains of labour, I wish I could have provided the money a day after the discovery of this defect in my child’s heart. But since my husband and I could not afford the huge amount of money required in exchange of my son’s life, I run and cry to you my fellow Nigerians to help in ensuring that this little Nigerian lives to be useful to himself and the country. I am confused.”
It is not inappropriate for Mrs Toriola to feel disappointed and be confused at one point in time or the other when she feels that the days of her only child are numbered if nothing is done fast.
For more information, the following telephone lines could be contacted: 08026306066 and 08032069949.
Payments can be made into the following bank account details: TORIOLA AYOOLA ISRAEL 0063147567 ECOBANK.
Since little Toriola’s health deteriorates daily, the Toriolas appeal to Lagos State governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), public-spirited Nigerians and corporate organisations to provide financial help to enable them to take little Israel to India for the surgery as soon as possible so that the life of this Nigerian would be saved.