Nigeria loses N224 billion revenue to IPOB sit-at-home order

Nigeria may have lost about N224 billion to the sit–at-home called by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday to commemorate the slain Biafran supporters.The revelation came as stakeholders and experts put revenue loss of the southeast zone over the one day sit-at-home to over N40 billion, as the zone relies heavily on buying and selling for its sustenance.

Also, the police said yesterday that the 21 members of the Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF) arrested on Wednesday for attempt to declare Biafra independence and forceful seizure of Enugu government house would be arraigned in court today.IPOB’s Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, told The Guardian that Wednesday’s sit at home dealt a big blow on the economy as it brought commerce to its knees, adding that it would take over one week to recover what the economy lost.

“How do you want to aggregate it, is it in terms of goods that are brought into this zone or the ones that are produced that did not get to their destinations or the unseen businesses that the people engaged in? We know what situations like this can cause and the Nigerian government cannot say it is not pained by the loss”, he said.A former dean of study in the law faculty of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Gab Agu, said the action had adverse effect on the economy of the southeast zone, insisting that it should not be allowed to reoccur.

A lecturer in the Economics Department, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Sam Agu, said the action affected the average GDP of the zone in terms of revenue and production.Former Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Prof. Elo Amucheazi, said the sit-at-home was an indication of how the people feel about the situation of the county, stressing that they did this by restricting their services to the growth of the economy.

He called for actions that would address grievances and other feelings of the people, stressing that the exercise succeeded even with the threats from the various governments and agencies in the zone.A public analyst and businessman in Onitsha, Dr. Anayo Onwukwe said that Onitsha alone lost over N10 million revenue. He stated that the volume of business, which the commercial city was noted for daily, was reduced to nothing.

Chief Okwy Nnamani, one of the officials of the Ogbete main market put their loss of revenue at over two million naira, saying however that they were happy to pay the “sacrifice for our fallen heroes and heroines.’’The traders at Ariaria market in Aba would prefer to keep their revenue loss close to their chest. Their chairman, Mr. Lucky when contacted said he would not like to talk about it, especially when “nobody was forced to engage in it.”

In a statement however, IPOB said: “it is with a great sense of history and gratitude to all Biafrans that we observed this year’s event with resounding success across Biafraland and all over the world. That it succeeded despite all odds and machinations of the enemy will make it go down in annals of history as confirmation that IPOB under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is exceptionally indefatigable and the dominant force across the entire East not just Igboland. It is also confirmation that the vast majorities of our people are with IPOB and remain committed to our collective pursuit of self determination for all.

Syria’s Assad threatens force against US-backed Kurds

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has warned US-backed Kurdish forces he would not hesitate to use force to retake the third of the country they control.

“The only problem left in Syria is the SDF,” Assad told Russia Today in an interview aired Thursday, referring to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces which has spearheaded battles against Islamic State group jihadists.

“We’re going to deal with it by two options,” he said.

“The first one: we started now opening doors for negotiations. Because the majority of them are Syrians, supposedly they like their country, they don’t like to be puppets to any foreigners,” Assad said in English.

“We have one option, to live with each other as Syrians. If not, we’re going to resort… to liberating those areas by force.”

The Kurds in oil-rich northeastern Syria have long pushed for increased autonomy in their heartland but Damascus has insisted it intends to reassert its authority over the entire country.

The SDF, dominated by the militia of a self-proclaimed Kurdish autonomous administration, have air support from the US-led coalition against IS and operate on the ground with US and French special forces.

“It’s our land, it’s our right and it’s our duty to liberate it,” Assad said. “The Americans should leave. Somehow they’re going to leave.”

Both the SDF and Russian-backed Syrian government troops are engaged in separate operations against IS jihadists in eastern Syria, creating a highly volatile situation where de-confliction mechanisms have already been tested several times.

Assad also said that a confrontation between Russia and US forces over Syria was narrowly avoided.

“We were close to have direct conflict between the Russian forces and the American forces,” he said.

“Fortunately, it has been avoided, not by the wisdom of the American leadership, but by the wisdom of the Russian leadership.”

A US-led wave of Western missile strikes on Syrian government targets across the country last month raised fears of a Russian response and full-blown internationalisation of the seven-year-old conflict.

‘No Iranians’
More strikes by US ally Israel have further raised fears that the devastating war, which has left more than 350,000 people dead, could yet escalate.

Israel has claimed that it targeted military infrastructure run by its archfoe Iran, which has been Damascus’ other key ally in the conflict.

Assad denied that Tehran had any active troops in Syria and claimed the only Iranians on the Syrian battleground were military advisers.

“The most important fact regarding this issue, is that we don’t have Iranian troops,” he told RT.

“We could not hide it, and we would not be ashamed to say that we have. We invited the Russians, we could have invited the Iranians,” he said.

“We have Iranian officers, who work with the Syrian army as a help but they don’t have troops.”

Israeli officials “said that they attacked Iranian bases and camps,” he said. “Actually we had tens of Syrians, martyred and wounded soldiers, not a single Iranian.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group with a vast network of sources on the ground, has said several Iranians were among those killed in Israeli strikes earlier this month.

Assad, who has reconquered large parts of the country since the start of a vast 2015 Russian military intervention in his favour, struck a conciliatory note and said he expected wide support in former rebel-held areas.

“You have to open the doors and you have to distinguish between different kinds of people,” he told RT.

“The majority of the people who were against the government… in the different liberated areas, actually in their hearts they are with the government,” Assad said.

“They could tell the difference between having a government and having chaos.”

Pompeo, top North Korean official plan summit as Lavrov meets Kim

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a meeting in Pyongyang on May 31, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / TASS/POOL / Valery SHARIFULIN[/caption]

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a top North Korean official are set to continue talks in New York on Thursday to try to salvage next month’s nuclear summit, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov flew into Pyongyang for discussions with Kim Jong Un.
Kim Yong Chol, considered the North Korean leader’s right-hand man, is the most senior official from Pyongyang to visit the United States in 18 years.

Pyongyang’s envoy joined Pompeo at the apartment of a US diplomat on Manhattan’s East side for talks over an evening meal that lasted about an hour and a half. Two more meetings are scheduled for Thursday.

“Good working dinner with Kim Yong Chol in New York tonight,” Pompeo tweeted. “Steak, corn, and cheese on the menu.”

It was the third meeting between the two officials who are working to finalize planning for a June 12 summit designed to end a nuclear standoff that has threatened to plunge Korea back into war.

“They are meeting to see what needs to be done in the two weeks that remain,” a senior US official said.

“Between now and if we’re going to have a summit, they’re going to have to make clear what they’re willing to do.”

US and North Korean envoys have also been meeting in Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, and an American team is in Singapore to make logistical arrangements for the meeting.

Washington wants North Korea to quickly give up all its nuclear weapons in a verifiable way in return for sanctions and economic relief.

But analysts say North Korea will be unwilling to cede its nuclear deterrent unless it is given security guarantees that the US will not try to topple the regime.

Russia cheers
Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign minister arrived in Pyongyang for talks with Kim Jong Un, saying before the meeting that Moscow “welcomes” the recent flurry of diplomacy on the peninsula

“We also cheer the summits that have already taken place between Pyongyang and Seoul, and the next planned summit between the leaders of North Korea and US,” said Lavrov, on his first visit to the North since 2009.

Photos and video released by Russian state media showed Kim and Lavrov shaking hands.

Lavrov passed on greetings from President Vladimir Putin to the North Korean leader and invited him to visit Russia, according to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry.

Russia is the latest major nation to reach out to North Korea since Trump accepted Kim’s proposal for a summit to defuse tensions. Kim has already had two meetings each with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and Pompeo — once as CIA director and then as secretary of state.

Lavrov spoke with Pompeo by telephone for the first time Wednesday, ahead of his Pyongyang trip.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump suddenly announced a cancellation of the summit, before reversing course 24 hours later.

Frenetic meetings
Pompeo has scheduled a news conference on Thursday, at the end of his meetings with Kim.

The recently-appointed secretary of state called his South Korean and Singaporean counterparts over the weekend, and Japan is also keenly watching summit preparations.

Kim Yong Chol, who is making his first US visit, is the most senior North Korean on US soil since Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok met then-president Bill Clinton in 2000.

The general has played a key role during recent rounds of diplomacy aimed at ending the nuclear stalemate on the Korean peninsula.

He sat near to Trump’s daughter Ivanka during February’s closing ceremony for the Winter Olympics in South Korea, an event that was seen as a turning point in the nuclear crisis.

He also accompanied Kim Jong Un on both of his recent trips to China to meet President Xi Jinping, and held talks with Pompeo in Pyongyang.

The key task ahead of the June 12 summit is to settle the agenda. The main stumbling block is likely to be the concept of “denuclearization” — both sides say they are in favor of it, but there is a yawning gap between their definitions.

Salah gives Egypt World Cup hope with news over injury

Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah will be fit to play some part in Egypt’s World Cup campaign, Egypt Football Association says.

Salah injured his shoulder during Liverpool’s Champions League final loss to Real Madrid on Saturday, prompting concerns he might miss the tournament. But Egypt’s national team doctor has met Salah, and the country’s football association said the striker’s absence “will not exceed” three weeks.

Salah, 25, met the national team doctor and Egyptian FA president Hany Abu Rida in Spain yesterday.

The Egyptian FA tweeted afterwards: “After the meeting of Abu Rida and the doctor of the national team in Spain today, the Football Association reaffirms Salah in the World Cup, God willing, will not exceed the absence of three weeks.”

Egypt’s second fixture is against Russia on 19 June and they conclude their group against Saudi Arabia on 25 June.

Salah struck a 95th-minute penalty in Egypt’s final qualification game to send them to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

But in the Champions League final - the last fixture of a season in which he scored 44 goals for his club - he left the pitch in tears after landing heavily on his shoulder following a challenge by Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos

At the time Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp described the injury as “really serious” but in the aftermath of the final, the Egyptian FA had tweeted that Salah’s X-ray showed he had a “sprain in the shoulder ligaments” and that it was “optimistic” he would be fit for the World Cup in Russia.

Two migrants die, 80 saved in Sahara ordeal

 Two African migrants died of thirst and 80 were saved after they were stranded in the Niger desert while trying to reach Europe, the International Office of Migrations (IOM) said Tuesday, in the second Sahara rescue drama in less than a month.

“Last Saturday, 80 migrants were saved in the desert, 382 kilometres (237 miles) from the town of Agadez,” the IOM’s Niger office said on Facebook.

“Sadly, two others died from extreme dehydration.”

The migrants had been heading to Libya, the crossing point for the hazardous voyage to Europe,when their vehicle broke down and they were “abandoned by their smugglers,” the OIM said.

They were stranded for three days before help arrived.

The agency says it has helped to save more than 3,000 people this year through search-and-rescue teams, run with Nigerien NGOs, which comb the desert for stranded migrants.

On May 22, the OIM, a UN-related organisation, said 386 migrants had been picked up in a rescue operation the previous week between Arlit and Assamaka, a town on the border with Algeria.

Niger has become one of the main routes for poor migrants heading north to the Mediterranean coast in the hope of crossing to Europe.

The Saharan route is notorious for its dangers, which include breakdowns, lack of water and callous traffickers who abandon migrants in the desert.

In 2015, Niger introduced a law making people-smuggling punishable by a jail term of up to 30 years. The armed forces, for their part, have also stepped up patrols in the desert.

However, these measures seem to have had little effect on the trafficking, and may have prompted smugglers to use more dangerous off-road tracks to avoid interception

Nyame: Muslim group reacts to imprisonment of ex-Governor

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reacted to the sentencing of Ex-Governor Jolly Nyame to 14 years imprisonment.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory headed by Justice Adebukola Banjoko yesterday found Nyame guilty of corruption

MURIC Director, Ishaq Akintola, in a statement, commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for doing a thorough investigation.

It commended the judge, noting that her pronouncement will serve as a deterrent for other kleptomaniacs in public service.

The group also hailed the Federal Government for vigorously pursuing the war against corruption.

MURIC added: “Nyame’s imprisonment has cemented the resolve of this administration to bring about change in Nigeria. This will bring to five the number of ex-governors sent to jail since the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption.

Although he was later set free, James Bala Ngilari, ex-governor of Adamawa State, bagged five years in March 2017. Babangida Aliyu, former Niger State governor, tasted the bitter pill on 25th April, 2017 when he was remanded in prison.

“Sule Lamido, ex-governor of Jigawa State was also remanded in prison on 2nd May, 2017. Jonah Jang, the former governor of Plateau State was remanded in prison custody on May 16, 2018. It is an unprecedented challenge of the status quo ante.

MURIC therefore calls on Nigerians to show appreciation for this positive development. It implies that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Those who had lost hope in the Nigerian project should now reposition themselves as more evidence has emerged to prove that the stage is set for a better Nigeria.

“The main reason for people losing hope in this country has been the general lack of accountability. Crooks in government were stealing with impunity and nobody was ever questioned or arrested. Our values were bastardised.

Criminals were celebrated. But change is here. Those who stole our common patrimony are now being made to face the music. It therefore behoves true patriots to rally behind President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration.

Ebola: Airport authorities pick-up 95 percent of travellers with high fever in Abuja

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria yesterday announced that it had detected and picked up over 95 per cent of travellers who had high fever as they travelled through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

FAAN said this was in its bid to avoid the re-emergence of the dreaded Ebola virus in the country.

It also stated that in conjunction with other agencies of government at the airport, it had established a public health emergency contingency plan at the NAIA and other key international airports in the country in order to effectively guard against the disease.

The Head of Medical, FAAN, Dr. Adamu Adamu, disclosed this during a media tour of the Abuja airport, where hundreds of passengers and crew members on-board Emirates Airlines, including the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, were screened with the thermal camera and hand temperature detector.

Adamu said, “In this airport, we have a public health emergency contingency plan that we developed in conjunction with the Port Health Services of the Ministry of Health and our partners, Pro-Health International. I am sure you are all aware of the outbreak of Ebola in Congo, which has moved from the rural areas, where it started, towards Kinshasa.

Because Kinshasa is a hub, it has become a serious concern and the world is probably in trouble. Right now, the World Health Organisation has not declared public health emergency of international concern over the case, but Nigeria has to be proactive because of our previous experience.

What we are doing is not an Ebola scan; we are scanning for high temperature fever so that when we discover any passenger with high temperature, we quickly take that person for proper checks. We don’t want to scare people, because there is no cause for alarm. We want people to come to us if they feel sick or if they suspect any one to be sick.

“We are looking at the temperature scan. We are also looking at the travel history of passengers. We have sanitisers that have been positioned in strategic areas so that passengers who are coming into Nigeria will have facilities to clean up their hands. I can assure you that over 95 per cent of people that come to this airport with high fever are detected and picked up.”

The Northern Regional Manager, FAAN, Sani Mahmud, stated that surveillance and screening for Ebola virus and other infectious diseases had not stopped in all Nigerian international airports since the virus first entered the country in 2014.

Nigeria Police: OPC blows hot, warns SARS to stop harassing citizens

Founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun has called on the leadership of the Nigeria Police to call operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) to order.

He said the personnel had lost focus and usually acted as if Nigeria was under siege.

Fasehun, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos yesterday condemned clear “breaches and violation of citizens’ fundamental rights on daily basis”.

Fasehun said: “Today, Nigerians appear to be under siege. From the North to the South, from the East to the West, all parts of the country are militarized and turned into a virtual police state.

“The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) has lost focus. Instead of implementing its primary objective of curtailing armed robbery in the country, it has turned itself into an army of occupation, harassing and pilfering money from innocent citizens.

"What we see now is that police arrest and intimidate people into confessing to crimes they know nothing about without respecting their right to legal counsel and representation. This must stop”.

On the state of the nation vis a vis the Democracy Day celebrations, the OPC leader said there was little to cheer.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to “lead all arms of the Executive in the protection and continued sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy, in collaboration with the Legislature, the Judiciary, the Media and Civil Society.”

Biafra: Court forecloses Nigeria govt’s objection to bail of IPOB members

Federal High Court in Abuja has foreclosed the objection of the Federal Government to the bail application by four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Binta Nyako on Wednesday refused the letter from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN), which was signed by one Y. Cole requesting for an adjournment on the grounds that the office did not file a counter affidavit to the bail application by defence counsel in the matter.

The judge subsequently fixed June 25 for ruling on the bail applications brought by Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Bright Chimezie.

Defence lawyers Chukwudi Igwe, P.A.N Ejiofor and Maxwel Okpara had cited health grounds for their application for the bail of their clients, which the prosecution failed to object to before the application was adjourned for ruling.

The defendants, whose cases were separated from the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu (who is said to be at large) are facing three count-charges of treasonable felony of setting up illegal broadcast stations in UK and Nigeria for the secession of the South East, South South and parts of Benue and Kogi states from Nigeria.

They are also charged with illegal importation of radio transmitter, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Biafra: How Nigerian soldiers killed young man over sit-at-home order – Aba community

Residents of Aba, the commercial city of Abia State have accused the Nigerian Army of killing a young man identified as Nnamdi over the Wednesday’s sit-at-home order.

It was alleged that residents of Chigbu Street, off Uratta junction by Port Harcourt road in Aba South local government area of Abia State had on Wednesday trooped out to mark the 30th anniversary of the defunct Biafra Republic but were resisted by some men of the Nigerian Army.
Argument ensued between the youths and some soldiers and the security men in the process fired shots into the air to scare the protesters away.

Nnamdi, was said to have been killed by a stray bullet from the soldiers said to be on patrol in the area.

Enyiocha, the youth leader of the community, who spoke on spoke on behalf of the youths, claimed that the soldiers after killing Nnmadi who they said to be in his late twenties, dragged his body away and deposited it at a yet-to-be identified location.

The youth leader, who displayed the picture before newsmen, said, “Early this (yesterday) morning, some boys were like stopping vehicles asking them to go back. To me, they are more of hoodlums and rough guys.

“Suddenly, we started hearing gunshots and men on army uniform with their hilux van parked around Onyike were the ones shooting and coming down to Uratta Junction.

“On getting here, we all were watching from our house when their bullet hit a boy called Nnamdi from Chigbu Street. When they saw he was down, they started shouting at everyone to run and sit at home.
“Before you know it, they dragged the dead guy towards their van. We got the pictures, but we took it from afar. They later came back to harass people in the street which made most of the boys to run away.”

Biafra leader wanted for murder case arrested by police

The police in Enugu state have arrested one Benjamin Onwuka, the leader of the Biafra Zionist Movement who is reportedly wanted for murder. The Vable reports that Onwuka was arrested on Wednesday, May 30 alongside 21 other members of the group during a march along Independence Layout, Enugu.

The spokesperson of the police command, Ebere Amaraizu, reportedly confirmed the arrest saying they were moving to the government house to hoist the Biafra flag.

He said: “Onwuka has been standing trial in the court of competent court of jurisdiction over his alleged role of murder, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms before he resurfaced today but fell into the hands of the eagle eyed security operatives of the command.

“He was nabbed within the Enugu metropolis alongside his members based on the intelligence information. Suspects are helping the operatives in their investigations.”
The police spokesman added that the sit-at-home order from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was not enforced in the state

“There were movement of vehicles, commuters and traders within and outside the metropolis contrary to the early threat and order of sit-at-home.”

Reporters had reported that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reportedly taken over Enugu state Government House to prevent members of Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF) from taking over.

The BZF, led by Benjamin Onwuka, allegedly attempted to declare an independent Biafra and forcefully take over government House.

The pro-Biafra group numbering over fifty had converged at the House as early as 7.30am on Wednesday, May 30, but were stopped at the gate by police men, Guardian reports.

How to check if National ID card is ready for pick up?

It is possible that your national identity card is ready, but you do not know it. According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), if you registered for the national ID card a long time ago, then you can check if it is ready online.
National ID card format How to check if my national identity card is ready There is now an online platform where you can check status of identity card using the following simple steps:

Visit NIMC center: https://touch.nimc.gov.ng/

Then click the proceed button Now, fill in your first name, last name and your Naitional Identification Number and hit the ‘check now button’.

Recently, a NIMC representative described the advantages of the new national identity card.

Apart from many other things, it may also be used as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card anywhere in the world where there is MasterCard logo.

Briefing journalists today in Abuja, NIMC's Director of Technical Services, Mr Emmanuel Ogungbe disclosed the Commission have already signed an agreement with MasterCard.

He explained that, besides being just a Nigerian national ID card, it is also a cash card, so the holder can withdraw money in any place.

Moreover, especially within the West African sub-region, it soon would become possible to travel with this card only, passport-free.

I will continue to use my resources to shape a better Nigeria - Dangote

- Alhaji Aliko Dangote said he hopes to continue to shape Nigeria for the better

- The richest man in Africa said he wants to be known as the biggest philanthropist

- 13,000 vulnerable and less privileged women received grants from his foundation Africa’s richest man and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that he would like to be known as the biggest philanthropist on the continent.

Dangote stated this on Wednesday in Lafia while disbursing N130 million micro grant to 13,000 vulnerable and less privileged women in Nasarawa State. “I do not only want to be known as Africa’s richest man but the biggest philanthropist in Africa.

I will continue to use my resources and my voice to help shape a better Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” he said. Dangote said he started the foundation in 1993 to improve the lives of the less fortunate and make a positive difference in the growth of Nigeria.

He said the four major goals of the foundation were health and nutrition, education, economic empowerment and disaster relief. He explained that the grant scheme was one of the components of the economic empowerment programme of the foundation.

Dangote said it was aimed at providing disadvantaged and vulnerable women in the country with a one-off unconditional N10, 000 cash transfer to boost their household income generation.

” This we believe will help their vulnerability and meet their livelihood needs,” he added . He explained that the programme, which was launched a few years ago, was targeted at a minimum of 1,000 women in each of the 774 local government areas across the country.

“It is estimated that we would spend about N10 billion with some states with a large population getting a little bit more.

“We at Aliko Dangote foundation are happy to continue providing support to the most vulnerable and deserving members of the society across the country,” he said. It will be recalled that Dangote said that Nigeria will soon become the largest exporter of fertiliser in Africa.

Dangote spoke on Monday, April 30, shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting with a group of US agricultural business companies.
He admitted that things have changed under the Buhari government and that the country will soon become the biggest exporter of fertiliser in the continent.

Kemi Olunloyo reveals why she always attacks famous blogger Linda Ikeji

Controversial Nigerian journalist Kemi Olunloyo has opened up on why she is always at war with popular blogger Linda Ikeji.

Kemi who was pushed by Nigerian big boy Hushpuppi to apologize to Linda made a video were she addressed Hushpuppi, saying her beef with the media mogul isn't something would end easily.

According to Madam Koo as she is popularly called, she crossed paths with Linda Ikeji when she had a s*xual affair with the fiance of her cousin named Adeola Olunloyo 12 years ago.

She narrated how she visited Nigeria from US in 2006 for the society wedding of her cousin named Deola Olunloyo, a journalist too who was set to get married to a high-profile Black American broadcaster, Dan Foster. READ ALSO: Nollywood actress Tonto Dike visits prison inmates in Niger state Things reportedly went south when Deola learned about Linda’s affair with Dan Foster forcing her to back out of the wedding which had already been fixed with food materials and drinks already purchased. She added that all efforts to pacify her cousin to forgive Dan and continue with the marriage failed as she felt it was a bad beginning. From that point, she drew a battle line against Linda. She said: “Linda and I have had a feud forever. Many of you don’t know what this feud is about. Lets give an example, the average age of persons out here taking panadol for Linda’s headache, cursing me on my pages is 25. 12 years ago, how old were you? 13. Did you know Linda at 13? No. You were a kid. Deola Olunloyo, my cousin was marrying a high-profile On-Air-Personality, Dan Foster of Cool FM. Dan was an American, good-looking….big wedding.
My uncle, Uncle Diti…he is dead now and all the Olunloyos had prepared this big wedding.

Food, cows and everything and Deola was going to get married, a high society wedding. About two and a half weeks before the wedding, everything was cancelled. Food was wasted, cows..everything. What happened?

What could have happened? Deola broke up with Dan because Dan was having an affair and he was caught in the affair. With who? the bride’s side was mad….with a model. The model’s name was Linda Ikeji”

Dino Melaye: How police attempted to kill me with chemical – Senator

Dino Melaye, Kogi West Senator on Wednesday insisted that men of the Nigeria Police Force, attempted to kill him twice.

Melaye made the disclosure on the floor of the senate while announcing hisintention to defect from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The embattled lawmaker said police officers first used “chemical substance and the second time through injection.”

According to the lawmaker, he would have died if not for the intervention of God.

He said, “Mr President, I want to say that the Nigerian police attempted to kill me twice, one through the application of a chemical substance and the second time through injection. They actually came with an injection but God intervened.

“Having appreciated God for his love and kindness and protection upon my soul, I want to specially acknowledge the Nigerian senate under the capable leadership and irremovable president of the senate. I want to thank you for your love, for your concern, for speaking for me and the course of democracy.

I will not also conclude my appreciation without appreciating the indomitable speaker of the house of representatives and indeed the house of representatives. I thank them immensely for showing that an injury to one is an injury to all.

“The national chairman of PDP and the executive of the PDP in Kogi state I salute you. I thank Nigerians for their support. The battle to salvage this country from financial scavengers and economic cankerworms, to me, is a battle of no retreat, no surrender.

We must salvage this country together; we don’t have any other to call our own. As my voice gets better, it will get louder. I shall not cease to ask questions where necessary.”

2018 World Cup: Super Eagles to meet Buhari

The Russia 2018 World Cup–bound Super Eagles contingent will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick told newsmen that Wednesday’s session will take place at the Federal Executive Council chambers at 10 a.m., just before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung will present the country’s ambassadors to President Buhari, hours before they would be due to fly to London aboard a chartered aircraft for another pre-World Cup friendly against England.

The match against England’s Three Lions is expected to take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

From London, the delegation will fly into Bad Tatzmannsdorf, a city in Austria where they will spend eight days at the world –renowned Avita Resort before flying to Russia.

In-between the final camping in Austria, the team will play a final pre-World Cup friendly against the Czech Republic at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium.

FRSC recruitment: Requirements applicants must meet, plus login portal to submit application

The Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC, is currently recruiting “suitably qualified” graduates into various cadres of the Corps.

However, intending candidates must meet certain requirement before applying for the job.
According to the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, applicant must:

– Be a Nigerian by birth.

– Not be less than 18 years or more than 30 years in 2018 (35 years will be considered for Medical and Articulated vehicle drivers).
Applicant must not be married.

– Not be less than 1.68 metre for male and 1.63 metre for female in height.

– Have a fully expanded chest measurement of not less than 0.87 metre (mrn only)

– Be physically and mentally fit for para-military services

– Produce a certificate of medical fitness from a government hospital.

– Be free from any form of financial embarrassment be of good character and must not have been convicted of any offence.

– Applicants are also to note that computer literacy and possession of valid drivers’ license shall be added advantage for all cadres.

– Anyone found to have submitted false document(s) would be disqualified and prosecuted.

– Upon completion, applicants are to upload documents on the corps portal,http://www.recruitment.frsc.gov.ng/

BENEFITS OF DATES.

What are Dates?

Dates belong to the palm family. It bears flowers and belongs to the flowering plant species. It has different name in different language, for example it is called Khajoor in Urdu and Hindi, Tawarikh in Arabic and Palmier in French and scientifically it is called Phoenix dactylifera. It is believed that Iraq is the origin of dates. Dates trees are available in different heights ranges from 10 feet to 120 feet.

Dates are very popular staple food for thousands of years in Middle East and also one of the main sources of income for the people of Middle East. In Ancient Egyptians date wine was very popular. Date tree is almost 50 million year old according to the fossil records. That was a short introduction of date; now let’s talk about the benefits of dates.

Benefits for constipation

According to the study, dates are very helpful for the treatment of constipation. The pulp of the date can aid in treating constipation. According to the research paper of University of Rochester Medical Centre, deficiency of fiber can cause constipation (Rochester).

All of us know that dates are rich source of fiber.   Eating 20 to 35 gram of fiber regularly can make our stool soft and prevent the constipation. Fiber regulates our bowl movement and contributes in stool formation. You should take dates regularly and limit the items which have no fiber or poor in fiber.

Benefits for Brain Health

Dates are full of potassium and have a very little amount of sodium which is very important to keeps our nervous system strong. Potassium keeps the cholesterol in control and reduces the risk of stroke (Musthafa Mohamed Essa, 2016). Dates are also very important to reduce stress and keep the mind free from stress. Dates are also very helpful to slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s (Subash S, 2015). Dates can also prevent inflammation in the brain.

Benefits for Weight gain

Although over weight is a serious issue for lot of people, but there is a huge amount of people who are under weight and wants to gain the weight. If you are too skinny and wants to put some pounds on you, then you should eat dates regularly. Dates are rich in sugar, proteins and vitamins which help us to gain weight. If you don’t want to gain and also want to enjoy dates, don’t worry eating dates with cucumber keeps our weight in normal position.

Benefits for Colon Cancer

Dates are very helpful for the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut which reduces the growth of colon cancer (Reem A. Al-Alawi, 2017). For all age groups dates can work as a helpful tonic, and they are more useful than medicines in some cases. Dates have no side effects on human body because they are natural. But you should be careful while eating the dates, because poor packaging and badly processed dates could be harmful for us.

Benefits for Bones

Now a day’s Osteoporosis is a diseases in which bones become weaker. It is very common in old age people. Dates contain manganese, copper, selenium and magnesium which are very important for our bones. According to a report, dates also contain boron which is very healthy for bones (Nordstrom, 2014). So we should eat dates to prevent osteoporosis and make our bones strong.

Benefits for Anemia

Dates are full of iron which makes them perfect supplement for the patients of anemia. There are some anemia patients which inherent lack of iron, dates are perfect supplement to increase their energy level and decrease the feelings of tiredness.

Benefits for Skin

Dates contain vitamin C and D which keeps our skin smooth. Dates also have anti-aging benefits. So if you have skin problems, dates should be an essential part of your diet. Dates also prevent the accumulation of melanin in our body. We all know that hormones play a key role in our appearance. Dates can be useful to improve our skin appearance and remove wrinkles (Bauza E, 2002).

Benefits for Inflammation

According to the report of online library, dates are very rich in components which fight against inflammation (Safia Ali Haimuod, 2016). Magnesium is very important for our immune system. Dates are very important source of magnesium which makes our immune system strong enough to prevent inflammation. So dates should be in tour diet if you are suffering from inflammation.

Benefits for Healthy Pregnancy

Are the dates helpful during pregnancy? Yes dates are very helpful for pregnant women through their calories. Pregnant women have to take 300 calories more than non pregnant women.  Dates are very rich in nutrients. Fiber prevents pregnancy hemorrhoids, and we have discussed above dates are full of fiber.

So keep in mind all these benefits of Dates and make them essential part of your diet and stay healthy.

3 killed as cultists invade Rivers community

PORT HARCOURT
—No fewer than three persons were killed as gunmen believed to be cultists invaded Ibaa community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The gunmen, alleged to be Iceland cult group members, stormed the community yesterday morning in a reprisal attack and killed the three persons.
It was gathered that their rival cult group in the area, Deygbam, had recently sacked them (the Icelanders) from the community.

A source, who spoke to Vanguard in confidence, said the three victims were innocent persons, adding that the invaders may have gunned them down to cause panic in the area.

The source said: “Iceland boys invaded our community today (yesterday) and killed three innocent people.
The community is in fear as we talk now.”
Police could not confirm the development at press time, as the Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Command, Nnamdi Omoni, could not be reached.

UK, US, EU, others seek free, fair 2019 polls

The United Kingdom, United States of America and  European Union, in collaboration with no fewer than 19 developed nations, have lauded Nigeria for sustaining the ideals of democracy since the country returned to participatory governance in 1999.

Nigerians voting on an election day The countries’ applause for Nigeria was contained in a special joint statement released on their behalf by the British High Commission in Abuja, yesterday.

In the message, the countries particularly lauded Nigerians for a peaceful transition of power from a ruling party to an opposition party in 2015.
The countries, however, pleaded with Nigerians to consolidate and deepen democracy as Nigeria heads for another important election next year.

They maintained that while they were not interested in who will emerge the winner of the next election, they would want to see a process that is fair, free and inclusive of under-represented groups, such as women, youths and persons with disabilities. The statement read: 
“We join Nigerians today in celebrating the day on which democracy and civilian rule were restored.

“In Nigeria, as in so many of our countries, the right for all citizens to enjoy equal participation in the democratic process was achieved after considerable struggle and suffering. We remember and celebrate all those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“The struggle to achieve democracy gives it a special value and places responsibility on all of us to support the democratic process.  

We congratulate Nigeria on its progress since 1999, including the first peaceful transition of power from a ruling party to an opposition party in 2015.
“As we celebrate your progress, we encourage and support Nigeria and its people to consolidate and deepen democracy as the country heads towards important elections next year.

“Who will win the general elections in 2019 is a decision for the Nigerian people. Our concern as partners of Nigeria is to see a process that is free, fair and inclusive. 
We are particularly keen to see greater participation in politics from under-represented groups, including women, young people and people with disabilities.”

2019 elections: Uncertainty beclouds passage of petroleum bills

THE Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, PIGB,  as well as the remaining segments of the broken down Petroleum Industry Bill are at risk of suffering the same fate that had befallen it over the last 18 years, due to forthcoming elections.

The PIGB was first introduced at the National Assembly in year 2000, in the Fourth Assembly. Since then, the bill had never been passed, suffering one form of delay or the other, mainly due to political and economic interests.

The National Assembly, had in March, successfully passed the PIGB, which was introduced in the current 8th Assembly by the legislators.

The Bill is currently awaiting the assent of the President for it to eventually become law. However, the Bills remaining to be passed include the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill, Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Petroleum Host Community Bill. These Bills are currently at the public hearing stage, after going through the first and second readings at the Senate. After the public hearing, the bills are expected to undergo Third Hearing.

The Bills are also expected to  undergo similar processes in the House of Representatives.
After that, the bills would be harmonised by a committee that would be set up by both chambers of the National Assembly,  after which the harmonised bills would be passed by both chambers. It would then be sent to the President, who after careful consideration of the bills, would be expected to assent to or reject them.
However, with the 2019 elections around the corner, stakeholders are skeptical about the passage of the remaining bills before the tenure of the current National Assembly runs out.

The stakeholders are concerned that the legislatures would be occupied with seeking re-election than the passage of the bills.
It had also been touted that President Muhammadu Buhari may refuse to assent to the PIGB and the other bills after their passage, due largely to his political differences with the leadership of the National Assembly.
Wise counsel Commenting on the issue, Chairman, Council of the Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies, IOGRHS, Professor Akin Akindoyeni, cautioned against allowing politics to interfere with the assent of the PIGB and passage of the remaining petroleum industry bills.
Akindoyeni, said the passage of the remaining petroleum industry bills is critical, as it is needed to right the wrongs witnessed in the Nigerian petroleum industry over the years.
According to him, speedy passage of the bill would send a strong signal that the country is ready to take a bold step in going a bit further to making the Nigerian petroleum industry a world class industry. “We believe if the bill is passed into law, it is a start, and we believe we can still go a lot farther.

We hope the provisions in the new bill would be enacted,” he stated. Explaining his expectations from the Bill, Akindoyeni said, “What we would have expected the government and the legislature to adopt is to yield more equity to local people, the landowners where these minerals are being exploited; to improve their life, their environment and to make alternatives available to them.
“The exploitation of oil and gas in their environment had made it difficult for them to earn better income or have better living standards.”

Also speaking, Professor Charity Emaviwe, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies, also advised that timely passage of the bill would address most of the challenges confronting the petroleum industry. We will pass the bills

– Senate However, the Senate insists that the forthcoming electioneering and politicking ahead of the 2019 elections would not disrupt the passage of the remaining portions of the Petroleum Industry bill. Speaking at an Oil and Gas Public Lecture Series in Abuja, organized by the Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies, IOGRHS, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said the National Assembly would not allow politics interfere with the passage of these critical bills which would help in the development of the Nigerian economy. Saraki, who was represented at the meeting by the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum, Upstream, Senator Gershom Bassey, said the country is losing up to $30 billion annually in terms of foreign capital, due to the absence of a clear legal framework for the petroleum industry.
He said, “We are going to start public hearing on the three bills in two weeks time. We are encouraging everybody to attend the hearing and make input so that they can be carried into the law.”

Codeine abuse : Lagos blame rise on neglect of mental health

Establishes Biosafety lab . increases PLWH on treatement to 67,763

As battle against  drug abuse rages, Lagos State Government has blamed the misuse of codeine containing cough syrup  on the neglect of mental health sector in the country.

*Experts say codeine syrup is used in treatment of cough, but when abused could lead to full-fledged addiction that is potentially deadly.

The state government reaction came days after Federal Government banned issuance of permits for importation of codeine as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris who spoke on activities embarked upon by the ministry in last one year, said: “The abuse on Codeine drug and others further show extent of mental situation in the country. And that is why we have decided to place emphasis on mental health.

It is a serious issue. It is one aspect of health sector that people didn’t generally address.” Idris hinted that the state government has concluded plans to embark on an aggressive programme to curtail the use of drugs in Lagos.
“We are not looking at Codeine alone. We are looking at it under drug abuse. Codeine is just one substance of the various drugs currently being abused in the country.”

“To this end, we have updated our own mental health law as against what is happening across the country.
We are ensuring that we improve the mental health law to cover the three tiers in the sector. The revelation on Codeine is a tip of the iceberg.”

Continuing,  Idris hinted that no fewer than 67, 763 persons were currently undergoing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment care in the state as against 64, 554 that were on treatment barely one year ago. Idris added that the state has been able to scale up Anti Retro Viral Therapy from 44 sites to 65 sites, adding that they also upgraded 10 per cent of its Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) sites with optimization of services from Option B to Option B+.

He said:, The program has been able to place and retain 67,763 HIV positive persons on treatment care and support across the state out of which 1,989 persons are on treatment in three  Global Fund supported LGAs (Ikorodu, Oshodi-Isolo, and Epe) as at December 2017.
“The above achievement has earned the State GF supported HIV Control program an extension period of implementation of eighteen (18) months.

‘’The programme  had been able to counsel, test and give results to 1,125,939 persons.
Due to this, the State has scaled up Provider-Initiated Testing and Counseling (PITC), Option B+ for pregnant women and test and start strategies in government tertiary, secondary and primary health facilities.’’

On the biosafety Laboratory (BSL3), he explained  that the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the Global Partnership Programme (GPP) Canada is establishing a Bio-containment and Bio-Safety Laboratory within the premises of the Lagos Mainland Hospital, Yaba Lagos.
Idris said the establishment  of the lab was a fall-out of the successful containment of the Ebola outbreak of 2004.

“The facility would afford the State the opportunity to promptly diagnose diseases of public health importance during routine surveillance activities and during outbreaks of emerging highly pathogenic infectious diseases or incidents of environmental toxicity towards effective clinical management.

In addition, bio-samples would be stored in the biobank section of the BSL laboratory for medical research and international collaboration to fast track research and discovery.

FCT AITEO Cup: Supreme Court FC beat defending champion FRSC 1-0 in final

Abuja – Supreme Court Football Club on Sunday in Abuja defeated the defending champion, Federal Road Safety Corps FC 1-0 , in the final match of the 2018 FCT men’s AITEO Cup.

•DONE DEAL … NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and AITEO’s DMD, Francis Peters (in handshake) have the company of Aisha Falode (left), Shehu Dikko (second left), Seyi Akinwunmi (third left), Victor Okoronkwo (right), A. U. Mustapha (second right) and Andrew Onyearu (third right) during the ‘Naming Right’ of the NFF Federation Cup ceremony.
The match played at the Area Football pitch Supreme Court FC took total control of the game.

Peter Mairabo of Supreme Court FC scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute.
Speaking after the match, John Haggai, the head coach of Supreme Court FC, said he was happy that his team won.
“They played well, we know the strength of our opponent what we needed was to score first.
I thank God for answering our prayers. “We thank God that our score was the only goal of the game, we will go back and prepare well for the national FA cup,” he said. On his part, coach of the FRSC FC,
Akinade Onigbinde, said he was not happy losing the game to his opponent.
“We lost the match by 1-0, I’ m not happy about this defeat we will go and prepare for the national FA cup.

“My Players were very tired because they played seven matches both the league and the AITEO Cup within two weeks. “We did not have enough time to prepare for the final match, ” he said. NAN reports that 19 teams participated in 2018 FCT men’s AITEO Cup. (NAN)

2019: Christians won’t vote wicked, religious bigots, tribalist – Methofist Prelate

—-Tells leaders to stop apportioning blames

—-Warns against clamping down opposition

ABUJA – PRELATE of Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Rev Dr. Samuel Kalu Uche has said that he will mobilise the Christian community to vote against wicked, religious bigots and tribalistic leaders in 2019 general elections.

Rev Uche stated this in his message at the 2018 Democracy Day Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre Abuja which was attended by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
While describing those troubling Nigeria as bastards, he said that no religion or holy book encourages war and killing of innocent souls.

He warned the government against clamping down the opposition and also advised the opposition not to be making careless statements that would heat up the polity.

He also told the Vice President and the Speaker to find a way to revisit the 2014 National Conference Report, stressing that there was the need to discuss how Nigerians of different ethnic nationalities can live together.
The Methodist Prelate who boasted that he has about two million members of his Church that are of voting age, said presently there was no security in the country and the leaders have failed to create enabling environment for democracy to thrive.

Fresh crisis in Labour Party over alleged plot by NLC to hijack party

ABUJA – There are indications that fresh a leadership crisis is brewing in the Labour Party, LP, following alleged plot by the leadership of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, to hijack the party.

The subterranean moves to takeover the party by the organized union according to Vanguard findings, could not be unconnected with recent skirmishes in the party where a few aggrieved members were said to have allegedly organised a questionable national convention to topple the national chairman.

The attempted plot however failed with INEC rebuttal of any leadership crisis in the party, insisting that it recognised Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam as the authentic National chairman of the party.It would be recalled that the President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in his May Day Speech declared that the NLC is the owner of the Party and shall dissolve Wards, Local Government, and State Executive structures of the Party.
The current intrigue in the party according to political pundit might lead to a point where the organised labour will need to reorganise it to such a formidable front that would be used as platform for the nation’s workforce to have a common voice to either to go it alone or through affiliation with other parties to make a bold statement during the 2019 presidential elections.
This grand plot also coincided with recent alert raised by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu over alleged clandestine move by civil servants and other public officials not comfortable with the anti-graft posture of President Muhammadu Buhari to remove him from office. According to the source, “We are aware of clandestine moves by the NLC to forcefully, unconstitutionally and illegally take over the leadership of the Party.
“We are informed authoritatively that the NLC acting through its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba have perfected plans to convene meetings of the Organs of the Party and thereafter, mobilise thugs and hoodlums to forcefully take over the National Secretariat.

The source, while pointing accusing fingers at the NLC President, further recalled that “Recently the NLC pretended as if they were mediating in the party crisis but employed various tactics including divide and rule system to take over the Party.” The source, who said this is not the first time the NLC will be embarking on such a journey, recalled how during the National Convention of the Party held in Akure in 2014, the NLC set up a Caretaker Committee but failed in an attempt to legitimize it. Meanwhile, Vanguard learnt that worried by the unfolding development, the leadership of the Labour Party, LP, has petitioned the Chairman of Independent National electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, urging him to call the NLC president to order.
The petition according to dependable source close to the management of the electoral umpire was received on May 21, 2018. “Yes, we have just received a protest letter from the Labour Party, LP, complaining of plot by certain persons operating under a body to hijack the party.

“We are looking into the issues raised in the letter with a view to addressing them accordingly, thanks,” said the source. But another source to the gimmick, who did not want his name in print while accusing the NLC of plotting to hijack the party for ulterior motive said, Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) prohibits any association from contributing to the funds of any political party. He said, “It is a criminal offence under section 15 of the Trade Union Act to use Trade Unions Funds whether directly or indirectly to fund a political party.”

Noting that the NLC has nothing to do with administration of the party, he said, once a Political Party is registered by INEC it becomes a body corporate with a perpetual succession and a common seal. His words: “Section 80 of the Electoral Act (as amended) states that “a political party once registered has a life of its own and it’s only regulated by its constitution.”

But efforts to reach out to the National chairman of Labour Party, LP, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam to react to the development proved abortive as several calls put across to his phone by our correspondent could not get through even as text messages were not replied.

Lagos doctors reject appointment of non-medical practitioner as consultant

Medical doctors working for Lagos State Government, yesterday, rejected appointment of a non- medical and dental doctor as consultant in the hospital setting, even as they appealed to authorities of the state to ensure that all healthcare facilities in the state were not closed for doctors to provide care for patients.

At a briefing in Lagos on the platform of Medical Guild, the doctors  called for the immediate withdrawal of the circular announcing the appointment.

According to Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Babajide Saheed, such appointment in the hospital setting would lead to anarchy in the health system. He said: “Such a system will adversely affect patients care, and will prevent delivery of qualitative healthcare to the citizens of Lagos State.
“The Guild is not against any cadre of staff attaining any grade level commensurate with his or her qualifications within the ambient of the public service rule.”
Saheed argued that the appointment of a non-medical/dental doctor to the position of Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Health Service Commission should be in line with the statutes laid down in the state’s Health Sector Reform Law, 2016.

Menstrual education essential for developing a confident girl – NGO

Princesses Attaining Defining Stages (PADS), an NGO, on Sunday said proper menstrual education and hygiene were essential to boost the confidence of female child in contributing positively to the society.

Girls often miss school during their menstrual periods .

PADS Founder, Temitope Udom, said this in an interview in Lagos in commemoration of the Global Menstrual Hygiene Day, which holds May 28.

According to her, most young girls who were not educated about the physiological changes that occur upon reaching puberty get embarrassed and lo se self-esteem during the menstrual flow. “Education about menstruation changes everything. A girl should be able to wear a sanitary pad to school with the conviction that she would not stain herself and feel embarrassed.

“Schools and government should regularly include menstrual hygiene education in any health programme organised in communities or the larger society as a whole,’’ she said. Udom said that menstrual education was necessary because of cultural, religious and traditional beliefs that could lead to restrictions that women and girls face during their period. “For example, in some countries, girls and women face restrictive taboos relative to menstruation, such as being denied entry to places of worship and the kitchen.

“Some countries perceive menstruation as a disease and not a normal biological process, therefore, women who are menstruating are not allowed to sleep on beds or even touch male members of their family,” she said. Udom said that issues surrounding the menstrual cycle led to the birth of PADS, an initiative to provide girls with proper menstrual hygiene materials. The founder said the project aimed to be a voice for menstrual hygiene for Nigeria and Africa beyond, ensuring increased access for girls to properly use menstrual hygiene materials.

“The project started as a community service in conjunction with three of my friends while doing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River in 2017. “We were able to get sponsors from private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to provide sanitary towels worth over N150, 000 to be distributed in three schools,” she said. She said that several factors such as ignorance and lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene materials needed to be addressed to prevent diseases such as Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI).
Udom also said that a common factor militating against proper menstrual hygiene in schools was lack of adequate toilet facilities and the availability of clean water, especially in public schools. She, therefore, appealed to government at all levels to look into refurbishing toilet facilities of public schools and making arrangements for provision of clean water.
“Another way the government can help improve menstrual hygiene is by removing sales tax on feminine hygiene products and regularly distributing free menstrual pads in schools,” she said.

Udom called on corporate organisations and well-meaning citizens to support the Global Menstrual Hygiene Day by providing menstrual materials through Non-Governmental Organisations to the less privileged.

“It is a day where menstrual pads can be distributed in schools, hospitals, on the streets and even in the slums of the society,” she said. NAN reports that May 28 has symbolic meaning for the Global Menstrual Hygiene Day.
May is the 5th month of the year and women menstruate an average of five days every month while the menstrual cycle averages 28 days. (NAN)

Nigerian lady calls out Tonto Dikeh’s estranged husband Churchill for using and dumping her

- Oladunni Churchill has been accused of being used and dumped by a lady

- She claims she has been his on and off girlfriend even before his first marriage

- The unnamed lady reveals other sides of Tonto Dikeh estranged husband An unnamed lady has called out Tonto Dikeh’s estranged husband, Oladunni Olakunle Churchill.

She is claiming that Churchill kept using and dumping her even when he was about to get married to his ex-wife Bimbo Taiye Coker. Calling him by his full names, she wrote a lengthy post to him.

She included loved-up photos they took together. She alleged that they have enjoyed an on and off relationship. She wrote: Dear Abiodun Churchill Olakunle Oladunni, Well done on your so called success .
I want to write this to let the world know how in denial you are, How wicked , evil and selfish you are.
I met you in 2007 and in 2008 you disappeared, and came back in 2009 back into my life .
. in 2012 we where still dating when you met Bimbo Taiye Coker in Ghana and married her 6months later , I even stayed in the same hotel with Bimbo 2 days to your wedding.

( I had no idea you where getting married) you told me you came to Lagos to bury your uncle . Well luckily for you …(guess it would have been your funeral ) you even slept in my room that night ( I wonder where Bimbo was) .

Fast forward to 2 weeks after your wedding, when someone posted on your facebook page saying congratulations on your wedding to Bimbo , Shock of life.
I called your phone and behold it was Bimbo Coker Oladunni that picked the call.
As a Mumu that I have been since 2007 I believed you when you told me she was the same girl you told me Obasanjo wanted you to marry. Not until I met Dee and was checking her iPad and saw your wedding pictures ♀️ .

By den your marriage was crumbling and you lied again to me that she used juju …I believed oh and still continued with this so called love relationship after your breakup with Bimbo , We stayed together in Lagos you lied that Bimbo made you broke , we spent all my money and even stole my sisters money for you … I left work and moved to Ghana , we stayed at your friends house for like 1 month before getting our own apartment, I thought I was going to finally start life with the man I truly loved , forsaking all the things you’ve done in the past. I started school in Ghana ( which you paid for only 1 semester that caused the whole fight) and we lived happily till after 4months when your DISAPPEARING MADNESS started again ♀️

You’ll leave the house for weeks and not come back till you needed a change of clothes , or when your family member was coming to visit from London or Nigeria.

The rent expired and we had to move out , you wanted to get me a one room apartment and I refused because I know you will never stay in that space .. so I decided to stay with some friends.

Waiting for you to get money and a new place . Not knowing you had paid for a house in trasaco estate living with another woman ( Abeg make i no lie love is very blind).

You broke up with me on the phone because I found out you were living in trasaco and I needed to pay my fees , because I asked you how you would feel if a man treated you’ sisters and Mum the way you were treating me you even told my friends I insulted your Mum. You blocked me everywhere and moved on.

Till 2 months later I started seeing Tonto posting private pictures of you and her ( of crse I knew it was you your hands , your Churchill crafted ring , your neck, been there and done all). Fast forward to – 2017 after your breakup and drama with Tonto .
( trust me I understood Tontos dilemma, Churchill you can frustrate life in a bitter sweet way). You asked my friend for my number..she gave you cos she knows our story from way back and was disappointed in you. Which she told you.

You called me and tried to play your tricks with me again. ( I guess) I played my part and talked to you about all the things you were doing to Tonto and your son.
You said you would stop but NO you didn’t stop!!! I took time to send you messages about what you did but no you don’t see anything wrong. You chose to block me and report me to my friends !!! YOU ARE YOUR BIGGEST ENEMY"

Stay at home order: Igbo Youth Movement joins IPOB

•Insists move is to honour dead heroes

Enugu – The Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, has joined forces with the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in asking Ndigbo to mark the Biafran Day on  May 30, 2018, by staying indoors throughout the day.

The agitators leaving the venue chanting we want Biafa.

Founder of IYM and Deputy Secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, made this demand in a statement in Enugu, yesterday.

He said that apart from honouring the dead and heroes of the Nigerian/Biafra civil war among others, remaining indoors would also enable the Igbo to reminisce over their “journey in the country,” they have “found themselves.”

The statement read in part, “I am grateful to God that the section of the Igbo elite who for varied reasons were afraid to identify openly with the restructuring gale that has been blowing across the country for over two decades (since the Abacha days), have finally found the courage to stand up and be counted.

To God be the glory. “Credit goes to leaders like Prof Ben Nwabueze and The Patriots, who sustained the restructuring struggle for decades. We must also remain grateful to the great  Ide,  Dr Alex Ekwueme, who, actually, is the father of the six regional structures. “It does not matter that these people woke up to the truth very late; their ceremony at Awka shows that they have eventually become converted to the truth.
“We must thank God for that and pray that their conversion is real. We must also help them sustain the tempo until Nigeria is returned to the regional format that saw rapid development in the First Republic. Returning Nigeria to the 1963 constitution remains the only way out of the impasse the country has found itself in.

“I would like to use this opportunity to plead with our people to remain indoors on  May 30th. It’s the only way we honour our dead and reminisce on our journey in the country we find ourselves.

“Finally, we restate, that the only kind of restructuring that will save Nigeria is a return to the 1963 constitution, built on true fiscal federalism and regional autonomy.

“Any attempt by the oppressor to retain the 36 states as federating units and also sustain the unjust 774 local government areas while claiming that devolving some powers and duties to the states equals to restructuring, will be resisted. 
Only a return to the 1963 constitution will be acceptable,” the statement concluded.

China continues to close down churches, religious centers; says religions must be 'subordinate' to Communist Party

- China has ordered crackdown on large outdoor religious statues

- The Asian country has also put running of religious affairs directly under the officially atheistic Communist Party

- Churches are reportedly being demolished while thousands of Muslims are being subjected to anti-Islamic indoctrination in re-education camps.

China's ruling Communist Party has reportedly ordered local governments to better regulate the construction of large outdoor religious statues amid increasing restrictions on religious expressions of all kinds.

The directive from the United Front Work Department viewed on its website on Saturday, May 26, appears targeted mainly at followers of Buddhism and Taoism, two of China's five officially recognized religions, New York Times Reports

"The meeting required all localities to take up the regulation of large outdoor religious statues as their top priority in preventing the further commercialization of Buddhism and Taoism," the directive said.

Reporters notes that thousands of Buddhist and Taoist temples and shrines, along with mosques and churches, were damaged or destroyed under communism, especially during the violent 1966-76 Cultural Revolution. Although many have been restored and reopened since then, new regulations and a bureaucratic overhaul earlier this year have put the day-to-day running of religious affairs directly under the officially atheistic party.

There has reportedly been a renewed campaign promoting atheism and loyalty to the party, along with a push to study the works of one of communism's founding fathers, Karl Marx, who famously wrote that religion "is the opium of the people."

The anti-religion drive overlaps with campaigns to promote patriotism and party loyalty, oppose separatism among ethnic minorities and fight Western liberal values.
It has also complicated efforts toward reconciliation with the Vatican and led to thousands of Muslims being subjected to anti-Islamic indoctrination in re-education camps, churches being demolished and students and monks removed from a famed Tibetan Buddhist seminary.

Chinese officials were also reportedly tearing down couplet door decorations that use Christian language.
According to an anonymous source in Shangqiu, Henan, Christians in the province have been placed under house arrest without charge, with police officers watching their residence.

The Christians are also required to report where they are going every time they wish to leave the house.

Toke Makinwa offers to help 1 woman suffering from fibroids

- Toke Makinwa recently revealed she underwent surgery

- The media personality and author spoke on how she had 12 fibroids removed from her body

- She also offered to help one woman who is currently suffering from the ailment

If you’ve been wondering why Toke Makinwa has been missing from public view in recent times, the famous media personality revealed that she recently had surgery to remove fibroids from her body.

Writing via Instagram, Toke detailed how 12 fibroids were removed from her body.

She decided to go for the surgery after years of dodging.
As a result of her experience, she announced a plan to help one woman suffering from the ailment.

According to obgyn.ucla.edu, fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromas, are firm, compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus.

It is estimated that between 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroids, although not all are diagnosed.

Falz sings against corruption and other society vices in his new video

- Falz is currently trending on Nigerian social media

- This is because of the release of his latest video titled This is Nigeria

- The creative video sees him tackle corruption, yahoo boys, SARS and recent herdsmen killings.

Popular Nigerian musician Folarin Falana aka Falz has carved a niche for himself as an entertainer who regularly tackles societal issues in a hilarious way. His latest effort titled This Is Nigeria does not stray away from this.
Originally performed by American rapper and actor Childish Gambino, Falz tackles corruption in government and churches, SARS brutality, yahoo boys and herdsmen killings. The video also borrows from Gambino’s concept using visual representation to delve into the issues listed above.

Falz also subtly shades Big Brother Naija and its organizers. Not done, he also mocks the recent viral video that shows the IG of police strugguling to read a speech. The video was directed by Prodigeezy and produced by Wande Thomas.

Falz even referenced the recent case of the disappearance of money from Jamb office allegedly swallowed by a snake. His father’s respected lawyer Femi Falana (SAN)’s voice was also featured.

Chris Oyakhilome out with third music album

In its resolve to take the gospel of Christ to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and beyond through music and creative arts, Love World Music and Arts Ministry, an arm of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s Believer’s Love World Ministries, is set to release the Best Songs of the Year album.

According to Pastor Oyakhilome, the major inspiration behind conceiving the idea three years ago was basically to transform societies around the world through music and creative arts.

“The Best Songs of the Year is a project initiated to reach the world through music and creative arts ministrations. It is a compilation of the best music from the finest music ministers from Believers Love world Nation. It contains timeless truths and messages that have the ability to transform and change societies all around the world.
As a result, we resolved to consciously circulate the album all around the world”, he said.

The Best Songs of the Year album contains songs from top gospel artistes including Sinach, Frank Edwards, Eben, Jahdiel, Evangelist Kathy Woghiren, Buchi, Israel Strong, Ada, Wisdom, Testimony Jaga, Rap Nation and many others.

Evans’ lawyer to judge: It’s wrong to file same charges in two different courts against my client

Alleged billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a Evans, yesterday again asked a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere to quash all the charges filed against him by the Lagos State Government.

He said that similar charges were already pending before a Lagos high court, and requested that he should be tried by one judge. The Lagos State Government had brought a fresh five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder against Evans and three others. Evans was arraigned alongside Joseph Emeka, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

In the second charge, Evans is standing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba. At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, Counsel to the first defendant, Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje told the court that he had filed a motion on notice to quash all the charges filed against the first defendant, Evans. In the motion on notice, Ogungbeje said that  all the charges were “grossly defective, repetitive and an abuse of court processes”.

He said that the prosecution had earlier filed similar charges and amended charges bordering on kidnapping against the same first defendant pending before the same High Court of Lagos State. He relied on Section 153 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law ( ACJL ) of Lagos State, adding that nothing stopped the prosecution from bringing the charges under one judge. He said that counts three, four and five were repetitions of same offence.

“Apart from the counts being of same offence, same section of the law is being provided in these counts. “I submit that the prosecution misfired by bringing different charges and instituting the same case in different courts.
“I urge your Lordship to quash the charge because it is defective and  an abuse of court process,” Ogungbeje said. while responding to the motion, the State Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, said “the general rule is that every offence must be in a separate count.” Shitta-Bey stated that the first defendant was charged with attempt to murder Chief James Uduji, in count three, while in count four, he was charged with attempt to murder Mr Donald Nwonye.