The United States said on Friday it had decreased its surveillance flights in the search for the about 219 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram, but added that the overall effort was unchanged due to more flights by other countries.
It stated that it had no idea of the location of the girls, noting however that there is no letup in the efforts to locate and rescue them.
“We don’t have any better idea today than we did before about where these girls are, but there’s been no letup of the effort itself,” Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters, according to Reuters.
Kirby said the same level of effort was being sustained now through international involvement.
A US defence official speaking on condition of anonymity said American flights had been reduced only after a body of intelligence had been gathered and that the cuts had been offset by the British and the French support.
Kirby denied a suggestion that US flights over Nigeria had been reduced to accommodate increased US surveillance over Iraq, where Washington is flying unmanned and manned aircraft to gather intelligence about Sunni insurgents.
He said some of the resources that were being used in Nigeria had been diverted from other missions in Africa and could now be used elsewhere on the continent.
Officials declined to say how long heightened U.S. surveillance over Nigeria had lasted.
Asked whether it was just a week or two, the defence official said, “No. We were building this baseline for a good period of time.”
US surveillance flights over Nigeria were now intermittent, the source said.
US military personnel are in Abuja helping to coordinate the effort, and some 80 others were sent to Chad in May to support the surveillance operation.
Chad is northeast of Nigeria and borders the area in which Boko Haram is known to operate.
In the last month, US officials had played down expectations about a swift rescue of the girls and stressed the limitations of intelligence from surveillance flights.
One US official voiced concerns that Boko Haram might have bosom-trapped areas where the girls could be held, and there had been reports that they might have been split up into groups that were not being held in one place.
The defence official said surveillance alone would not lead to a resolution. “It will take the Nigerian piece of the equation with their own sources and human intelligence coupled with the other forms to really understand the picture,” he noted.
In an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Friday, President Goodluck Jonathan said his government and security services had “spared no resources, have not stopped and will not stop until the girls are returned home.”
campusflava
Monday, June 30, 2014
Keshi Resigns from Super Eagles
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has resigned his appointment after leading the team to the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after the Eagles were eliminated by France in the round of 16 match in Brasilia, Monday, the Delta State-born tactician said it was time to move on after leading his country’s national team to the Africa Nations Cup trophy last year and the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.
“I have to go back to my family and face fresh challenges,” Keshi said.
Similarly, Super Eagles Captain, Yobo Joseph said he has had enough and can go no further as national team player. “I think I should give the younger ones the opportunity to forge ahead. I have nothing new to offer.”
Speaking after the Eagles were eliminated by France in the round of 16 match in Brasilia, Monday, the Delta State-born tactician said it was time to move on after leading his country’s national team to the Africa Nations Cup trophy last year and the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.
“I have to go back to my family and face fresh challenges,” Keshi said.
Similarly, Super Eagles Captain, Yobo Joseph said he has had enough and can go no further as national team player. “I think I should give the younger ones the opportunity to forge ahead. I have nothing new to offer.”
Israel in emergency meeting over missing teenagers
The Israeli cabinet is in an emergency meeting to discuss the case of three teenagers who went missing earlier this month in the West Bank.
Naftali Frenkel and Gilad Shaar, both aged 16, and 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach were last seen at a junction near Hebron as they hitchhiked home.
Israel had accused militant group Hamas of abducting the three, which Hamas repeatedly denied.
Israel has been conducting a huge search operation for the three.
Naftali Frenkel and Gilad Shaar, both aged 16, and 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach were last seen at a junction near Hebron as they hitchhiked home.
Israel had accused militant group Hamas of abducting the three, which Hamas repeatedly denied.
Israel has been conducting a huge search operation for the three.
France knock out Eagles from World Cup
Nigeria’s Emmanuel Emenike had a first-half goal ruled out for offside before Vincent Enyeama saved Pogba’s volley.
Victor Moses cleared Karim Benzema’s shot off the line after the break and Yohan Cabaye volleyed against the bar.
Pogba headed home after Enyeama’s misjudgement before Yobo diverted Mathieu Valbuena’s cross into the net.
France will play the winners of Monday night’s match between Algeria and Germany in the quarter-finals at the Maracana on Friday.
The final scoreline was harsh on Nigeria, who dominated for large parts of the second half, but late mistakes from their tiring players ensured they will have to wait for their first ever quarter-final appearance in a World Cup.
France have pedigree in the knockout rounds having reached at least the semi-finals on the last five occasions they have progressed past the first round at the World Cup.
Nigeria’s last-16 preparations had been disrupted by a row over bonuses and, with their group victory over Bosnia-Hercegovina their only World Cup win in 11 matches, this tie was always going to prove a big ask.
But, attacking with pace down the wings through both Moses and Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles looked threatening early on. Only a flag for offside denied the powerful Emenike the opener, when he tapped home Musa’s cross.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Enyeama made the most saves of any goalkeeper in the group phase and had to be alert again to keep out Pogba’s fierce close-range volley as the play swept from end to end in a first half that saw both sides look vulnerable defensively.
Juventus’s Pogba was being afforded a lot of space but, as was the case all over the pitch, the final ball was all too often wasteful with Mathieu Debuchy’s shot wide the only other notable attempt in a half that promised more than it delivered.
France, the 2006 runners-up, did not make it past the group stage in South Africa four years ago but they appear to be much more united as a squad in this tournament.
That togetherness was needed as Nigeria controlled the opening stages of the second half and only a sharp stop from Hugo Lloris prevented Peter Odemwingie’s low shot from giving the Africans the lead.
Against the run of play Benzema almost gave France the lead. The Real Madrid man played a neat one-two with Antoine Griezmann before seeing his shot partially blocked by Enyeama and then hacked off the line by Moses.
The introduction of Griezmann for Olivier Giroud saw France emerge more as an attacking force, with Benzema playing more centrally, and the breakthrough came when Pogba headed into an empty net after Enyeama had misjudged Valbuena’s corner.
And, as Nigeria pushed for a leveller, Joseph Yobo flicked Valbuena’s low cross into his own net on the day he surpassed Jay-Jay Okocha’s record of nine World Cup matches for the Super Eagles.
Senators disagree over sexual offences bill
Senators Chris Anyanwu and Solomon Ita-Enang, on Monday disagreed sharply over the power of the National Assembly to legislate on a bill that would be binding on the 36 states of the federation.
Both senators expressed divergent issues over the development during the public hearing conducted on it by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters .
The disagreement arose when Anyanwu, the sponsor of the bill, and a member of the committee, Ita-Enan, argued over the critical issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state governments.
For instance, Ita-Enang, raised critical legal issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state governments.
He noted that such critical questions as to whether laws made by the National Assembly on such issues as sexual Offences which are already contained in the laws of the states can be enforced in the state .
He argued that the National Assembly cannot make laws on rape for the states, pointing out that any law from the National Assembly is only enforceable in the Federal Capital Territory.
He insisted that the various provisions proposed in the bill are, “a re-production of existing laws on rape across the various states of the federation.”
He said, “The best the National Assembly can do, is to amend the laws, and these are the issues for determination before the public hearing.”
The lawmaker therefore suggested that “if existing laws are weak, what was required is to strengthened them.”
However, Anyanwu countered Ita-Enang’s position, stressing that the bill has nothing to do with the numerous legal books being cited by Enang.
She insisted that, the incidents of rape have become common place in Nigeria without any of the existing laws catching up with the perpetrators.
She argued that “there are items in the bill that are not contained in some of the existing laws, pointing out that the bill if passed, can be adopted by the states.”
She said, “The problem of rape in Nigeria as it is today has gone beyond jurisdictional argument by lawyers . It is a problem for the whole society to solve by whatever way possible.
“We want to see a harmonized law that can be copied by the states . We do not want to encroach into the jurisdiction of states.”
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Maina, said the ministry was not looking at encroaching into the jurisdiction of states but looking at the laws that can be adopted in the states.
She said, “Whatever we do that applies to the FCT, States can copy or adopt it to help fight the scourge of rape.”
Maina, kicked against option of fine provided in the bill for sexual Offences with a child, child trafficking and child sex tourism, saying such a proposal is not strong enough to serve as deterrent to offenders.
She said, “In order to curtail the upsurge in the scourge of rape of persons especially women and girls, it is important that the penalties attached to these Offences be punitive and prohibitive.
“Consequently , we consider the sum ranging from N500, 000 , N1m , N3m penalties for jurisdiction person to be a slap on the wrist”.
“Should go to jail straight upon conviction without any option of fine and stay there for a very long period of time, that would make way for collapse of their businesses.”
The Attorney Generals of Kwara, Lagos and Kaduna States respectively, assured the committee that the bill if passed, would be domesticated by their states.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force was not represented at the public hearing.
Both senators expressed divergent issues over the development during the public hearing conducted on it by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters .
The disagreement arose when Anyanwu, the sponsor of the bill, and a member of the committee, Ita-Enan, argued over the critical issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state governments.
For instance, Ita-Enang, raised critical legal issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state governments.
He noted that such critical questions as to whether laws made by the National Assembly on such issues as sexual Offences which are already contained in the laws of the states can be enforced in the state .
He argued that the National Assembly cannot make laws on rape for the states, pointing out that any law from the National Assembly is only enforceable in the Federal Capital Territory.
He insisted that the various provisions proposed in the bill are, “a re-production of existing laws on rape across the various states of the federation.”
He said, “The best the National Assembly can do, is to amend the laws, and these are the issues for determination before the public hearing.”
The lawmaker therefore suggested that “if existing laws are weak, what was required is to strengthened them.”
However, Anyanwu countered Ita-Enang’s position, stressing that the bill has nothing to do with the numerous legal books being cited by Enang.
She insisted that, the incidents of rape have become common place in Nigeria without any of the existing laws catching up with the perpetrators.
She argued that “there are items in the bill that are not contained in some of the existing laws, pointing out that the bill if passed, can be adopted by the states.”
She said, “The problem of rape in Nigeria as it is today has gone beyond jurisdictional argument by lawyers . It is a problem for the whole society to solve by whatever way possible.
“We want to see a harmonized law that can be copied by the states . We do not want to encroach into the jurisdiction of states.”
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Maina, said the ministry was not looking at encroaching into the jurisdiction of states but looking at the laws that can be adopted in the states.
She said, “Whatever we do that applies to the FCT, States can copy or adopt it to help fight the scourge of rape.”
Maina, kicked against option of fine provided in the bill for sexual Offences with a child, child trafficking and child sex tourism, saying such a proposal is not strong enough to serve as deterrent to offenders.
She said, “In order to curtail the upsurge in the scourge of rape of persons especially women and girls, it is important that the penalties attached to these Offences be punitive and prohibitive.
“Consequently , we consider the sum ranging from N500, 000 , N1m , N3m penalties for jurisdiction person to be a slap on the wrist”.
“Should go to jail straight upon conviction without any option of fine and stay there for a very long period of time, that would make way for collapse of their businesses.”
The Attorney Generals of Kwara, Lagos and Kaduna States respectively, assured the committee that the bill if passed, would be domesticated by their states.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force was not represented at the public hearing.
LASU students to get N69m refund
The Lagos State University, Ojo, says it will refund over N69m to its students who paid tuition fees for the 2013/2014 academic session.
This is coming three weeks after the Lagos State Government authorised a reduction of between 34 and 60 per cent in tuition paid in the university.
The state government in 2011 jerked up tuition in the university from N25, 000 to N198, 000 for humanities and education students, while medical students paid N350, 000.
The action attracted severe criticisms and protests from civil society groups and the students, resulting in the occasional closure of the school.
But in a statement on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Kayode Sutton, said the decision of the state government to reduce the tuition fees prompted the initiative to refund the excess sum to the students.
The statement added, “During consideration, the management of the university noted the directive of the Governing Council that all payments in excess of the new approved school fees regime should be refunded to students.
“In compliance with this directive, the Bursary Department is to commence the compilation of the list of affected students, the amount involved and to proffer an appropriate mode of refund.
“After an extensive deliberation on the refund, the university authorities concluded that refunds will be made to students by cheques and the comprehensive list of the beneficiaries, the amount to be refunded to each student will be uploaded onto the university website, while roster for the distribution of the cheques to beneficiaries will be made available in due course.”
In the new fee regime, for instance, a final year student in the Arts Department is to pay N76, 750 (49.3 per cent reduction) while a 200 level Engineering and Medical (Direct Entry) student is to pay N158, 250 (representing a 36.4 per cent reduction).
This is coming three weeks after the Lagos State Government authorised a reduction of between 34 and 60 per cent in tuition paid in the university.
The state government in 2011 jerked up tuition in the university from N25, 000 to N198, 000 for humanities and education students, while medical students paid N350, 000.
The action attracted severe criticisms and protests from civil society groups and the students, resulting in the occasional closure of the school.
But in a statement on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Kayode Sutton, said the decision of the state government to reduce the tuition fees prompted the initiative to refund the excess sum to the students.
The statement added, “During consideration, the management of the university noted the directive of the Governing Council that all payments in excess of the new approved school fees regime should be refunded to students.
“In compliance with this directive, the Bursary Department is to commence the compilation of the list of affected students, the amount involved and to proffer an appropriate mode of refund.
“After an extensive deliberation on the refund, the university authorities concluded that refunds will be made to students by cheques and the comprehensive list of the beneficiaries, the amount to be refunded to each student will be uploaded onto the university website, while roster for the distribution of the cheques to beneficiaries will be made available in due course.”
In the new fee regime, for instance, a final year student in the Arts Department is to pay N76, 750 (49.3 per cent reduction) while a 200 level Engineering and Medical (Direct Entry) student is to pay N158, 250 (representing a 36.4 per cent reduction).
Security forces bust Boko Haram’s intelligence network
Security forces have bust a Boko Haram intelligence cell headed by a businessman, Babuji Ya’ari, who participated actively in the abduction of over 200 school girls in Chibok in April, 2014.
Ya’ari who is also a member of the Youth Vigilante Group popularly known as Civilian JTF which he used as cover while remaining an active terrorist, also spearheaded the murder of the Emir of Gwoza.
A statement by the Director, Defense Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade in Abuja on Monday, said the suspect’s main role in the group was to spy and gather information for the terrorists group.
“Babuji has been coordinating several deadly attacks in Maiduguri since 2011, including the daring attacks on Customs and military locations as well as the planting of IEDs in several locations in the town,” it said.
Olukolade said the arrest of the businessman who is known to deal in tricycles, has also yielded some vital information and facilitated the arrest of other members of the terrorists’ intelligence cell who are women.
He stated that one of them, Hafsat Bako had earlier escaped to Gombe State to avoid suspicion but was tracked and arrested.
According to him, prior to her arrest, Bako coordinated the payment of other operatives on the payroll of the group, adding that in her confession, she disclosed that a minimum of N10,000 is paid to each operative depending on the enormity of his task.
Olukolade said, “Another female suspect named Haj Kaka who doubles as an armourer and a spy for the terrorists group has also been arrested.
“Until their arrest, all the suspects actively operated a terrorists’ intelligence cell in collaboration with others still at large.”
In another development, troops deployed in Goniri, Yobe State, had an encounter with terrorists, resulting in casualties on both sides after the attack was successfully repelled.
Ya’ari who is also a member of the Youth Vigilante Group popularly known as Civilian JTF which he used as cover while remaining an active terrorist, also spearheaded the murder of the Emir of Gwoza.
A statement by the Director, Defense Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade in Abuja on Monday, said the suspect’s main role in the group was to spy and gather information for the terrorists group.
“Babuji has been coordinating several deadly attacks in Maiduguri since 2011, including the daring attacks on Customs and military locations as well as the planting of IEDs in several locations in the town,” it said.
Olukolade said the arrest of the businessman who is known to deal in tricycles, has also yielded some vital information and facilitated the arrest of other members of the terrorists’ intelligence cell who are women.
He stated that one of them, Hafsat Bako had earlier escaped to Gombe State to avoid suspicion but was tracked and arrested.
According to him, prior to her arrest, Bako coordinated the payment of other operatives on the payroll of the group, adding that in her confession, she disclosed that a minimum of N10,000 is paid to each operative depending on the enormity of his task.
Olukolade said, “Another female suspect named Haj Kaka who doubles as an armourer and a spy for the terrorists group has also been arrested.
“Until their arrest, all the suspects actively operated a terrorists’ intelligence cell in collaboration with others still at large.”
In another development, troops deployed in Goniri, Yobe State, had an encounter with terrorists, resulting in casualties on both sides after the attack was successfully repelled.
Ban condemns Boko Haram attacks
The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, on Monday in New York, condemned “the continuing horrific attacks against civilians in north eastern Nigeria by Boko Haram.”
He said the attacks had become an almost daily occurrence, as demonstrated over the weekend on villages and churches near Chibok, where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April.
Ban in a statement, reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to support Nigeria in tackling the challenge in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations.
He conveyed his solidarity and sympathy to the victims of the violence as well as the people of Nigeria.
He said the attacks had become an almost daily occurrence, as demonstrated over the weekend on villages and churches near Chibok, where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April.
Ban in a statement, reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to support Nigeria in tackling the challenge in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations.
He conveyed his solidarity and sympathy to the victims of the violence as well as the people of Nigeria.
Russia delivers fighter jets to Iraqi Army
Russia government on Monday delivered five fighter jets to Iraqi Army as battle for Tikrit rages.
Mohammed al-Askari, Spokesperson, Defence Ministry said the first batch of Sukhoi Su-25 jets has arrived in Iraqi territory, and this would enhance the combat capability of the Iraqi Air Force in eliminating terrorism.
He said the aircraft would soon enter service and change the battle situation.
al-Askari said the jihadist Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant seized large swathes this month of northern and western Iraq, but government troops have since wrested back the swathes.
He said the army was pursuing an offensive against ISIL, an al-Qaeda splinter group believed to be backed by disgruntled Sunni militias.
The al-Askari Government troops were pushing deeper into Tikrit, 140 kilometres north-west of Baghdad, and had “cleansed” most of the city of insurgent forces.
“Security forces were able today to tighten their hold on most parts of Tikrit,” he said.
A security official who preferred anonymity said ISIL militants had kidnapped 26 people, mainly security personnel, in the northern province of Salah al-Din.
He said the abductions were carried out during two overnight raids by ISIL in the town of Sharqat.
The officer said the insurgents’ swift advances have raised international fears that Iraq is disintegrating and that the fighting could allow a regional militant enclave to emerge.
Iraq has suffered increasing violence over the last year, much of it blamed on ISIL and aimed at security forces and Shiite civilians.
The government’s response with security sweeps and mass arrests has further alienated Iraq’s Sunni minority, from which ISIL and other rebel groups draw their support.
Mohammed al-Askari, Spokesperson, Defence Ministry said the first batch of Sukhoi Su-25 jets has arrived in Iraqi territory, and this would enhance the combat capability of the Iraqi Air Force in eliminating terrorism.
He said the aircraft would soon enter service and change the battle situation.
al-Askari said the jihadist Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant seized large swathes this month of northern and western Iraq, but government troops have since wrested back the swathes.
He said the army was pursuing an offensive against ISIL, an al-Qaeda splinter group believed to be backed by disgruntled Sunni militias.
The al-Askari Government troops were pushing deeper into Tikrit, 140 kilometres north-west of Baghdad, and had “cleansed” most of the city of insurgent forces.
“Security forces were able today to tighten their hold on most parts of Tikrit,” he said.
A security official who preferred anonymity said ISIL militants had kidnapped 26 people, mainly security personnel, in the northern province of Salah al-Din.
He said the abductions were carried out during two overnight raids by ISIL in the town of Sharqat.
The officer said the insurgents’ swift advances have raised international fears that Iraq is disintegrating and that the fighting could allow a regional militant enclave to emerge.
Iraq has suffered increasing violence over the last year, much of it blamed on ISIL and aimed at security forces and Shiite civilians.
The government’s response with security sweeps and mass arrests has further alienated Iraq’s Sunni minority, from which ISIL and other rebel groups draw their support.
Abia CAN urges Confab to address ethnic biases
The Abia State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the National Conference to establish a mechanism to check ethnocentrism in the country.
The Chairman of the association, Bishop Godwin Okafor, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that ethnic bias which resulted in unfair treatment of citizens based on their ethnic group was the bane of the country’s development.
He said for the country to develop and meet the expectations of its people, the anti-social behaviour of discrimination and its attendant effects must be stopped.
Okafor, who is the Bishop of the Glorious Life Gospel Center, Aba, said that Nigeria would move forward when such issues were addressed.
He said, “It is rather unfortunate that one cannot operate freely in a place outside your state of origin simply because you are not an indigene of that place.
“Our representatives at the National Conference should look critically into the issue of discrimination based on ethnic origin if they want development.
“When this is done, the issue of corruption will be handled.”
Okafor regretted the menace and assault of Boko Haram on Nigerians, saying that it was disheartening that it had cost the country lots of lives.
He called on the Northern Elders’ Forum to collaborate with traditional rulers to find a lasting solution to the activities of the insurgents.
He said, “The Boko Haram members are Nigerians and some traditional rulers know where these youths come from.
“They come from different towns and villages and the leaders of those towns and villages know them. They should expose them to stem the loss of innocent lives and property.
“Boko Haram is not a problem that Nigeria cannot take care of, but we need collaboration and one mind and purpose to get rid of the menace.”
The Chairman of the association, Bishop Godwin Okafor, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that ethnic bias which resulted in unfair treatment of citizens based on their ethnic group was the bane of the country’s development.
He said for the country to develop and meet the expectations of its people, the anti-social behaviour of discrimination and its attendant effects must be stopped.
Okafor, who is the Bishop of the Glorious Life Gospel Center, Aba, said that Nigeria would move forward when such issues were addressed.
He said, “It is rather unfortunate that one cannot operate freely in a place outside your state of origin simply because you are not an indigene of that place.
“Our representatives at the National Conference should look critically into the issue of discrimination based on ethnic origin if they want development.
“When this is done, the issue of corruption will be handled.”
Okafor regretted the menace and assault of Boko Haram on Nigerians, saying that it was disheartening that it had cost the country lots of lives.
He called on the Northern Elders’ Forum to collaborate with traditional rulers to find a lasting solution to the activities of the insurgents.
He said, “The Boko Haram members are Nigerians and some traditional rulers know where these youths come from.
“They come from different towns and villages and the leaders of those towns and villages know them. They should expose them to stem the loss of innocent lives and property.
“Boko Haram is not a problem that Nigeria cannot take care of, but we need collaboration and one mind and purpose to get rid of the menace.”
FUTMINNA: 2013/2014 1st semester exams (CBT)
First semester examination (Computer Based) for 2013/2014 session Time table is available. Click here to view.
LASU to Refund all Excesses in School Fees
In line with reduction in LASU tuition fees by the state government, the Governing Council has directed that students be refunded of any excesses in line with the new fees regime.
According to Kayode Sutton, LASU PRO the bursar department of the institution in line with this directive has started compiling the list of the affected students, the amount to be refunded and the appropriate mode of refund.
According to Kayode Sutton, LASU PRO the bursar department of the institution in line with this directive has started compiling the list of the affected students, the amount to be refunded and the appropriate mode of refund.
UNIPORT 2nd Semester Resumption Date for 2013/2014 Session
This is to inform all First Year Students that the Second Semester, 2013/2014 Session, will commence in September, 2014.
Signed:
Registrar
Signed:
Registrar
Private Varsities Should not Admit More Than the Alloted Quota - Prof. Chris
A Professor at the Afe Babalola University, Prof. Chris Ohuruogu has called on the National University Commission and the Joint Action and Matriculation Board to ensure that private varsities do not admit more than their carrying capacities.
According to him, many of the private universities need more students to survive and depend on the tuition fees.
Consequently, they do not consider their facilities and the quality of their staff during admission and end up admitting more than they should.
He however called on the Federal Government to invest more on education to improve the standard of public varsities.
According to him, many of the private universities need more students to survive and depend on the tuition fees.
Consequently, they do not consider their facilities and the quality of their staff during admission and end up admitting more than they should.
He however called on the Federal Government to invest more on education to improve the standard of public varsities.
KWASU 2014 Post-UTME Exam Begins
This is to wish all KWASU post-UTME candidates whose exams begin today,
30th June, the very best. The exams are expected to run until 3rd July,
2014.
Please note that KWASU has extended the registration date for Post-UTME exam. If you are still interested in registering, click here.
For those who have registered and have prepared for their exams, use the comment box to socialize and get to know each other.... You can also share ideas and quickly hookup when you get to your exam venue.
Please note that KWASU has extended the registration date for Post-UTME exam. If you are still interested in registering, click here.
For those who have registered and have prepared for their exams, use the comment box to socialize and get to know each other.... You can also share ideas and quickly hookup when you get to your exam venue.
Federal Government Scholarship Award 2014
This is to inform interested students that the the Federal Ministry of Education Scholarship application for 2014 is on.
How to Apply
Intending applicants should go to the Application Center on the Website www.fsb.gov.ng to view the category they are eligible for (Nigeria Award, Bilateral Education Agreement Award or Commonwealth Award).
Application forms are obtained free of charge from www.fsb.gov.ng
Applicants are advised to read the Requirements, Conditions, Rules & Rugulations details before commencing with the application process.
Applicants are advised to make only one entry, those who make multiple entries will have their entries rejected.
All applicants must be in the 2nd year of their studies or above and must have at least 4.0 CGPA on a 5 points scale.
Successful candidates will be screened from the 7th – 11th July, 2014 at Bishop Dimiari Grammar School, Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
On-line application closes 4th of July, 2014.
CONDITIONS OF AWARD:
The scholarship is tenable in Nigeria and takes effect from the beginning of each academic session. It lapses if not utilized within this period.
It shall not be held at the same time with another Award nor for part-time studies.
Change of course or level or the Institution of award is not allowed.
The Scholarship allowance is meant to cover: Institution’s charges, fees and Personal maintenance allowance.
FIELD OF STUDY INCLUDE: -
Science and Technology.
Medicine and Para-medicals.
Science Subjects with Education.
Arts and other Subjects with Education.
Liberal Arts/Social/Management Sciences
Law.
HND (Science and Technology).
NCE.
VALUE OF AWARD:
Under-Graduate Scholars N150, 000 per annum
Post-Graduate Scholars N180, 000 per annum
HND N100, 000 per annum
NCE N100, 000 per annum
Click here to view the Nigeria Award Requirements
You need to register online in order to submit an application for this scholarship. Please click here to do so.
How to Apply
Intending applicants should go to the Application Center on the Website www.fsb.gov.ng to view the category they are eligible for (Nigeria Award, Bilateral Education Agreement Award or Commonwealth Award).
Application forms are obtained free of charge from www.fsb.gov.ng
Applicants are advised to read the Requirements, Conditions, Rules & Rugulations details before commencing with the application process.
Applicants are advised to make only one entry, those who make multiple entries will have their entries rejected.
All applicants must be in the 2nd year of their studies or above and must have at least 4.0 CGPA on a 5 points scale.
Successful candidates will be screened from the 7th – 11th July, 2014 at Bishop Dimiari Grammar School, Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
On-line application closes 4th of July, 2014.
CONDITIONS OF AWARD:
The scholarship is tenable in Nigeria and takes effect from the beginning of each academic session. It lapses if not utilized within this period.
It shall not be held at the same time with another Award nor for part-time studies.
Change of course or level or the Institution of award is not allowed.
The Scholarship allowance is meant to cover: Institution’s charges, fees and Personal maintenance allowance.
FIELD OF STUDY INCLUDE: -
Science and Technology.
Medicine and Para-medicals.
Science Subjects with Education.
Arts and other Subjects with Education.
Liberal Arts/Social/Management Sciences
Law.
HND (Science and Technology).
NCE.
VALUE OF AWARD:
Under-Graduate Scholars N150, 000 per annum
Post-Graduate Scholars N180, 000 per annum
HND N100, 000 per annum
NCE N100, 000 per annum
Click here to view the Nigeria Award Requirements
You need to register online in order to submit an application for this scholarship. Please click here to do so.
BIU Releases First Batch 2014/2015 Admission List
This is to inform the public that Benson Idahosa University has released
the first batch of students offered provisional admission in the
2014/2015 post UTME screening held on Saturday June 14, 2014 in Benin,
Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
Important Notice
All successful candidates whose names appear below are expected to pick up their Admission Letters at their various centres i.e. Benin, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt as from Wednesday June 25, 2014.
Admission Offer not cleared on or before August 14, 2014, risks being transferred to other candidates on the waiting list.
Payment clearance for access to the University portal must be obtained before fees can be paid. Call- 07064725342, 08131541595, 08089236398
To view the complete BIU Admission list right now, please CLICK HERE
Important Notice
All successful candidates whose names appear below are expected to pick up their Admission Letters at their various centres i.e. Benin, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt as from Wednesday June 25, 2014.
Admission Offer not cleared on or before August 14, 2014, risks being transferred to other candidates on the waiting list.
Payment clearance for access to the University portal must be obtained before fees can be paid. Call- 07064725342, 08131541595, 08089236398
To view the complete BIU Admission list right now, please CLICK HERE
LASU Revised Academic Calendar for 2013/2014 Session
The Lagos State University (LASU) has released a revised academic calendar for both newly admitted students as well as returning undergraduate students for 2013/2014 academic session is as follows:
ALL STUDENTS FIRST SEMESTER— 2013/2014 SESSION
- Students Resumption/ Online Registration – Monday., 23rd June, — Sunday. 6th July, 2014
- Lecture Resumes after recess- Monday., 23rd June, — Friday. 15th Aug. 2014
- 1 Week of Revision – Monday. 18th Aug., — Friday. 22nd Aug., 2014
- 2 Weeks of Examination – Monday. 25. Aug., — Friday. 5th Sep., 2014
- 2 Weeks of Grading, Uploading of Results & Dept. /Faculty Board consideration of Results & Uploading of Corrections – Mon. 8th Sept.— Friday. 19th Sept., 2014
- Presentation of Result to Senate – Monday. 21st Sept., 2014
- End of First Semester – Monday. 22nd Sept., 2014
SECOND SEMESTER— 2013/2014 SESSION
- Students Resumption/ Online Registration – Tues., 23rd Sept., — Sun. 5th Oct., 2014
- Lecture commences – Tuesday. 23rd Sept., — Friday. 28th Nov., 2014
- 1 Week of Revision – Monday. 1st Dec., — Friday. 5th Dec., 2014
- 2 Weeks of Examination – Monday. 8th Dec., — Fri. 19th Dec, 2014
- 3 Weeks of Grading, Uploading of Results & Dept. /Faculty Board consideration of Rend. & Uploading of Corrections – Monday. 22nd Dec., — Fri. 9th Jan., 2015
- Senate Meeting for the Consideration of Results – Monday 12th Jan, 2015
-End of Second Semester – Monday 12th Jan, 2015
PLEASE NOTE: All the Students of LASU are expected to attend all classes as a minimum of 70% attendance is required for eligibility to participate in the Examination.
ALL STUDENTS FIRST SEMESTER— 2013/2014 SESSION
- Students Resumption/ Online Registration – Monday., 23rd June, — Sunday. 6th July, 2014
- Lecture Resumes after recess- Monday., 23rd June, — Friday. 15th Aug. 2014
- 1 Week of Revision – Monday. 18th Aug., — Friday. 22nd Aug., 2014
- 2 Weeks of Examination – Monday. 25. Aug., — Friday. 5th Sep., 2014
- 2 Weeks of Grading, Uploading of Results & Dept. /Faculty Board consideration of Results & Uploading of Corrections – Mon. 8th Sept.— Friday. 19th Sept., 2014
- Presentation of Result to Senate – Monday. 21st Sept., 2014
- End of First Semester – Monday. 22nd Sept., 2014
SECOND SEMESTER— 2013/2014 SESSION
- Students Resumption/ Online Registration – Tues., 23rd Sept., — Sun. 5th Oct., 2014
- Lecture commences – Tuesday. 23rd Sept., — Friday. 28th Nov., 2014
- 1 Week of Revision – Monday. 1st Dec., — Friday. 5th Dec., 2014
- 2 Weeks of Examination – Monday. 8th Dec., — Fri. 19th Dec, 2014
- 3 Weeks of Grading, Uploading of Results & Dept. /Faculty Board consideration of Rend. & Uploading of Corrections – Monday. 22nd Dec., — Fri. 9th Jan., 2015
- Senate Meeting for the Consideration of Results – Monday 12th Jan, 2015
-End of Second Semester – Monday 12th Jan, 2015
PLEASE NOTE: All the Students of LASU are expected to attend all classes as a minimum of 70% attendance is required for eligibility to participate in the Examination.
BUK Student Defrauded of N267, 000
Yusra Ali Babakusa,a female Student of Bayero University Kano was said to have been defrauded of N267, 000 in her pursuit of becoming a Glo Ambassador.
Yusra was said to have come in contact with one Khalil Ahmed Bappa who claimed to be an agent of Glo communications Company and promised to help her become a Glo Ambassador.
The suspect later asked the lady to send him a facilitation fee which she did.
The suspect went as far as telling the girl to prepare to come to Glo’s head office in Lagos for an interview that she has been selected and that the company had made all arrangement for her accommodation and return flight ticket.
However, on the expected day of the interview the suspect declined all the calls the young lady put across to him and later switched-off his phone.
After trying for days to contact the suspect without any positive result, it dawned on the lady that she has been duped. She reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC which consequently led to the arrest of the suspect.
The suspect who was charged to court on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretences, which is contrary to and punishable under Sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 was found guilty and has been sentenced to a 2-year jail term by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar.
Yusra was said to have come in contact with one Khalil Ahmed Bappa who claimed to be an agent of Glo communications Company and promised to help her become a Glo Ambassador.
The suspect later asked the lady to send him a facilitation fee which she did.
The suspect went as far as telling the girl to prepare to come to Glo’s head office in Lagos for an interview that she has been selected and that the company had made all arrangement for her accommodation and return flight ticket.
However, on the expected day of the interview the suspect declined all the calls the young lady put across to him and later switched-off his phone.
After trying for days to contact the suspect without any positive result, it dawned on the lady that she has been duped. She reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC which consequently led to the arrest of the suspect.
The suspect who was charged to court on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretences, which is contrary to and punishable under Sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 was found guilty and has been sentenced to a 2-year jail term by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar.
FG Sites a Federal Polytechnic In Ondo State
The Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko recently revealed that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a new polytechnic in the state.
According to the Governor, the new polytechnic will be sited at Ile Oluji, in Ile Oluji-Oke Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
As contained in the approval letter from the Federal Government, Chief Nyesom Nwike, the Supervising Minister of Education stated that the establishment of the polytechnic was necessitated by the fact that there is no federal polytechnic in Ondo State as it is in most of the South-west states of the country.
It was learnt that the approval of the new polytechnic came with a N1billion take-off grant from the Federal Government.
According to the Governor, the new polytechnic will be sited at Ile Oluji, in Ile Oluji-Oke Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
As contained in the approval letter from the Federal Government, Chief Nyesom Nwike, the Supervising Minister of Education stated that the establishment of the polytechnic was necessitated by the fact that there is no federal polytechnic in Ondo State as it is in most of the South-west states of the country.
It was learnt that the approval of the new polytechnic came with a N1billion take-off grant from the Federal Government.
UNIABUJA VC Bows Out as Tenure Expires Today
The Five year tenure of the Vice Chancellor of the University of ABUJA, Professor James Sunday Adelabu will Today 30th of June 2014 expire.
In his farewell speech the out-going Vice Chancellor showed his appreciation to the entire university community for an opportunity to serve.
He also clarified issues on the award of a N3billion contract at the end of his tenure as being rumoured.
“How can I award a contract like that given the fact that the NEEDS assessment is involved for which tendering and opening of bid was done? It was not even by the university but by a consortium.”
“The award of the contract had taken a normal process for which Council was to meet. They didn’t want me to award contracts as VC”, he said.
Meanwhile, the entire university community waits the announcement of a new VC
In his farewell speech the out-going Vice Chancellor showed his appreciation to the entire university community for an opportunity to serve.
He also clarified issues on the award of a N3billion contract at the end of his tenure as being rumoured.
“How can I award a contract like that given the fact that the NEEDS assessment is involved for which tendering and opening of bid was done? It was not even by the university but by a consortium.”
“The award of the contract had taken a normal process for which Council was to meet. They didn’t want me to award contracts as VC”, he said.
Meanwhile, the entire university community waits the announcement of a new VC
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Don Jazzy Mocks D’banj
We all know and agreed that DoroBucci has taken over the airwaves but that doesn’t mean other artiste and labels can’t do better,
Tonto Dikeh has finally dropped her official single Sugar Rush from D’banj’s DB Records..
A lot of speculations have been going around that there seem to be a lot of similarities in Tonto’s Sugar rush and the Don Jazzy and Mavin all star DoroBucci.finally the Mavin Boss himself stylishly reacts to speculations of fans of the situation.
Its funny how Donjazzy on his normal ground can’t just help but post this pictures you will find below and many of his fans blasted him for being arrogant and selfish.
13-year-old Boy Discovers Bomb Near Kano Mosque
The police spokesperson in Kano, Magaji Majiya, informed PREMIUM TIMES on Friday that the boy became suspicious after noticing the abandoned car looking “heavy with loads.”
“The bomb targeting worshippers was placed inside a Toyota Tercel car near a Mosque in Sauna Pfanuga area of Nasarawa Local Government, Kano metropolis,” Mr. Majiya said.
He also said after the boy discovered the bomb he alerted the police nearby and the anti-bomb squad were invited.
“They successfully defused the bomb and site and the car had been taken to Police Headquarters for further investigations and analysis,” he said.
The police spokesperson said no one has been arrested in connection with the incident.
A bomb explosion, which claimed eight lives, took place on Monday at the School of Hygiene in Kano. The Police said they have arrested a suspect in connection with the school bombing.
No group has claimed responsibility for any of the incidents although the insurgent Boko Haram is considered the major suspect.
Source:- Premium Times
Kidnappers Threatened To Cut My Mother’s Head, Send It To Me
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Furoebi Akene, yesterday, described as ‘unsettling’ the continued search for his aged mother, Madam Patimi Akene, abducted, penultimate week, by gunmen at Fonibiri in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.
Akene said the kidnappers, who initially demanded his resignation, later demanded N30m ransom which they reduced to N10m.
He described as worrisome the kidnappers threat to cut off the head of his mother over his refusal to accede to the ransom demand.
Akene spoke in Yenagoa when a group of journalists, politicians and other professionals, under the aegis of The Parliament, called at his residence.
He said though the threat was made on telephone, he was not going to be intimidated.
”One of the kidnappers, who claimed to be the leader of the gang, threatened to kill my mother. He said he will cut off her head and deliver it to my house at INEC Road and the body at the village. Because of the difficulty at getting me to agree with their demand, they have stopped calling me to discuss ransom,” he said.
Akene noted that because of his uncompromising stance, the kidnappers have started calling his younger sister to demand the ransom.
He reported that the younger sister pleaded that they collect a million naira but the kidnappers declined insisting that such sum is not enough for fuel and feeding of the kidnapped septuagenarian.
Akene recalled that when the news of the abduction got to him, he abandoned the World Surveyors Conference he was attending in Malaysia.
”When they demanded that I resigned from the present administration as the condition for my mother’s release, I told them that I am not a man out to sacrifice his mother for position,” he recalled.
According to him, they allowed him to speak with her as a proof that they were holding her.
”They allowed me speak with her twice. The first time, she told me she was okay and I asked her if the kidnappers are Ijaws, she confirmed that they are. On the second occasion, they made my mother cry as a means to convince me of their seriousness. She was crying and begged me to secure her release and give them the money.
”They asked me to pay them the ransom. I told him I will not pay as I am not owing them. The last text I received was, ‘You have lost your mother’.
Madam Patimi Akene, was abducted without any gunshot and whisked away by armed men numbering about six from her home close to the Ofonibiri community waterside at about 12 am penultimate Saturday.
The Bayelsa State Police Command, through its image maker, Alex Akhigbe, DSP, assured that they were on the trail of the gunmen but declined further comment.
Akene said the kidnappers, who initially demanded his resignation, later demanded N30m ransom which they reduced to N10m.
He described as worrisome the kidnappers threat to cut off the head of his mother over his refusal to accede to the ransom demand.
Akene spoke in Yenagoa when a group of journalists, politicians and other professionals, under the aegis of The Parliament, called at his residence.
He said though the threat was made on telephone, he was not going to be intimidated.
”One of the kidnappers, who claimed to be the leader of the gang, threatened to kill my mother. He said he will cut off her head and deliver it to my house at INEC Road and the body at the village. Because of the difficulty at getting me to agree with their demand, they have stopped calling me to discuss ransom,” he said.
Akene noted that because of his uncompromising stance, the kidnappers have started calling his younger sister to demand the ransom.
He reported that the younger sister pleaded that they collect a million naira but the kidnappers declined insisting that such sum is not enough for fuel and feeding of the kidnapped septuagenarian.
Akene recalled that when the news of the abduction got to him, he abandoned the World Surveyors Conference he was attending in Malaysia.
”When they demanded that I resigned from the present administration as the condition for my mother’s release, I told them that I am not a man out to sacrifice his mother for position,” he recalled.
According to him, they allowed him to speak with her as a proof that they were holding her.
”They allowed me speak with her twice. The first time, she told me she was okay and I asked her if the kidnappers are Ijaws, she confirmed that they are. On the second occasion, they made my mother cry as a means to convince me of their seriousness. She was crying and begged me to secure her release and give them the money.
”They asked me to pay them the ransom. I told him I will not pay as I am not owing them. The last text I received was, ‘You have lost your mother’.
Madam Patimi Akene, was abducted without any gunshot and whisked away by armed men numbering about six from her home close to the Ofonibiri community waterside at about 12 am penultimate Saturday.
The Bayelsa State Police Command, through its image maker, Alex Akhigbe, DSP, assured that they were on the trail of the gunmen but declined further comment.
Man Dies After Eating Life Chicken And Drank Dry Gin In Friends Burial
This young man above is not a native doctor, he was angry and in pains for his friends death so at the burial, he decided to calm himself down with a live chicken and full bottle of dry gin which he chew raw…
TV Personality Denrele Edun Talks Marriage, Describes His Kind Of Woman
But in this interview with Tribune, 31-year old Denrele admits family and friends have been asking him when he will settle down and Yes Denrele says he is willing to settle down.
His only challenge is that he has not found the right woman. Interestingly, he described the kind of woman he wants; a woman always on heels and a woman people can not boss around especially her family.
See what he told Tribune below:
Why haven’t you found the right person yet?
I think when that time comes, I will marry. I have been into many relationships. I have dated girls who would want to do anything I tell them. I want a woman who can hold her own.
I don’t want a woman who cannot make dialogue with me. I don’t want a woman who will want to change me because she should already know who Denrele is.
I don’t want to hear, “my father said you cannot dress like that” I will be like, “Oya, come and carry your witch and go.And return me my bride price before you go”.
I want a woman who is not pretentious, hypocritical or a fame seeker. I want someone who is original. I want somebody I can go to the salon together (with) to make our hair; who wouldn’t mind if people are talking.
I love a woman that can wear heels. It may sound flimsy. I love girls on heels. This is why I have always had a thing for models. If my wife cannot wear heels…
You wear heels yourself sometimes?
Yes, I wear heels. There is something about heels that gives a woman extra elegance.
Here you are talking about marriage, while people have described you as g*y. What do you have to say?
I’m aware of it. In fact, a lot of people have come with different terminologies for my sexual preference. They have labelled me homosexual, heterosexual.
Some have said I am bi-sexual, asexual. I think I am a sexual outlaw; that is the best way to describe it.
Am I g*y? I am a sexual outlaw. Gbam!
RMD Is Every Woman’s Dream- Marie Kumba Gambian Actress Reveals
She says the man that discovered her is from Nigeria and she would love to be back now in the same industry to make a difference.
The single lady who is based in England also says she loves Nigerian men and could marry one, if the right man proposes.
Talking about her crush, she says interesting her crush remains Nigeria’s Richard Mofe Damijo, and even though he is married, he still remains her crush and he is every woman’s dreams. Her words;
“I think he is versatile and very creative. The truth is that I have a crush on him. Any way, he is a married man but I admire him a great deal; he’s every woman’s dream.”
And on Nollywood;
“I want to share my talent with the amazing talents in the industry. I want to bring Gambian flavor and blend it with Nollywood and hopefully, learn enough to take back to my country, Gambia, where there are so many talents waiting eagerly to be discovered”, she said.
So there you have it people, sickness rumour or not, getting older or not, women still think RMD is HOT.
Breaking News!! Massive Attack Ongoing In Kautikari Village Near Chibok
According to a breaking news report on Premium Times,
there is a massive attack going on right now in Kautikari village near
Chibok community in Borno state. According to residents of the area,
the attack started around 9.30 this morning. Many residents of the village and other neighboring villages have taken refuge in the bushes.
A text message was sent by a resident to journalists and security operatives calling for help;
“Massive attack on Kautikari now. All security agencies should be notified, and call for divine help now.” the sms read
An official of the SSS confirmed the incident anonymously to Premium Times
“Yes, we also received the report, I believe action is being taken about now…but no one has been able to ascertain the nature or magnitude of the attack for now”, the source said
Tiwa Savage’s Thrilling Performance At BET Experience (Photos)
Tiwa Savage and CEO Dancers gave an electrifying performance at the BET Experience which held last night in L.A.
Oritse Femi Performance On The Juice(video)
Oritse Femi brings Double Wahala to the Ndani studios in this performance featuring Dj Spinall.
The Pastor Who Runs The Ritualists Church In Lagos
This is Pastor Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo. He’s the kidnapper and ritualist masquerading as a pastor and the General Overseer of Holy Family Ministry (a.k.a House of Mercy). Ernest Nwankwo has been on the run since Wednesday 25th June 2014 from his church in Ogolonto, Ikorodu, Lagos, after 8 victims were rescued from his den after one of his female member was caught red handed.
Davido Wins Best African Act BET Awards 2014 (Photos)
Davido has just won the BET 2014 Award for Best African Act..He was nominated alongside, Sarkodie, Mafikizolo, Diamond, Toofan and Tiwa Savage… The real award show is taking place in a few hours at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. .Think it’s high time they incorporate the African Act Award into the main show..
He deserves it.. Congrats to him
World Cup 2014:- Netherland 2 – Mexico 1
The Netherlands scored a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mexico in the teams’ Round of 16 match at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
Down 1-0 with minutes remaining in the match, the Dutch found goals from Wesley Sneijder and Klaas Jan Huntelaar to overturn the Mexican lead.
Sneijder tied the match in the 88th minute, and Huntelaar scored from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute after Arjen Robben earned a penalty.
Giovani Dos Santos thought he had the winner when he gave Mexico the lead three minutes into the second half.
Heat was a major factor in the match, forcing FIFA to implement the first two cooling breaks at the World Cup.
The Netherlands will play either Costa Rica or Greece in the quarter-final.
I saw human parts everywhere
My name is Celine Akpabio. EMAB Plaza is just behind where I work.
What did you witness when the bomb went off?
It was horrible. I went for a couple of meetings and then returned to my office. I took a brief nap afterwards and five minutes later, a loud sound woke me up and I felt the whole building shaking. All the frames I hung on the wall fell down. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. Immediately we heard the sound of the blast, everyone in the building ran to the spot where it happened. While we were walking human towards the place, we saw different body parts everywhere, thrown on top of cars and lying on the ground, like chunks of meat and there was blood everywhere.
How would you describe the rescue operations?
I was actually surprised because they were really fast. I think it was between five to seven minutes after the blast that they came there with sirens blaring from their cars. They took victims and the injured to the hospital.
Do you know anyone who was affected by the blast?
Yes, the taxi driver who takes me around town was involved. The taxi driver’s car was always parked where the blast occurred. When I called his telephone number, it didn’t go through. But later, my mum told me that the taxi driver called her and was crying that an object pierced his stomach. He was in pains. He had just got there, parked his car and left to buy something when the explosion happened. I do my hair at the plaza and tried calling my hairdresser, but her line wasn’t going through.
This is the third blast in Abuja since April. Are you scared of going to public places like shopping malls?
I don’t go to public places that much. Although sometimes I have meetings in public malls, I don’t spend much time there. Like the other day, I was telling people who came to the cinema if they were not scared of coming there often. Even at EMAB, where I go to make my hair, I mentioned the same thing to them. I don’t go to watch movies because those places are crowded most times. Even when there is a traffic jam, I come down from the car and walk to wherever I am going to or take another taxi. That’s how I live. I don’t know of others. But I guess other people are also scared. I don’t go to restaurants that much also. People still go about their normal businesses in Abuja. At the end of the day, life still goes on.
How should the government improve on security in Abuja?
They should not focus on one place; they should comb other areas too and mount regular checks in these places. They should employ more security operatives so as to tighten the security in public places in Abuja because this is the Federal Capital Territory. I even doubt if the CCTV works because it would have captured everything.
I needed money to complete my project — Undergraduate
Michael, a software engineer, told our correspondent that the bomb went off behind him as he went to deliver a message to a customer who was waiting for him in one of the shops at the plaza.
Narrating his ordeal, he said, “I work there as a software engineer. I got a job that has to do with hardware from one of my customers and went to give it to a colleague that works on hardware. I was with him while he was fixing it because the work was taking longer than usual.
“I had to go back to my office to report to the customer on how far we’ve gone so that he would not be worried
“I was descending the staircase when I heard a very loud blast. It happened directly behind me and I had to run so as not to be burnt because there was fire everywhere.
“I saw people struggling to avoid the fire. I also struggled to put some distance between the fire and when I couldn’t move any further, I fell down. I saw one of my friends and beckoned on him to help me up as we continued running.”
When asked if he was a graduate engineer at the plaza, considering the way he spoke, Iheanacho replied, “I am in my final year in FUTO and I’m in my last semester. I just wanted to make some money so that I can finish my project.”
Strike’ll end when our demand is met
What is the cause of the strike?
The strike is about the non-implementation of minimum wage to primary school teachers in Benue State.
When did it start?
It started October 4, 2013 and it entered the eight month in June, this year.
What has the union done to make government accede to its demand?
We met with the government before embarking on this long strike. The minimum wage was implemented in November 2011 for all the workers in the state. In December, 2011, members of the National Union of Local Government Employees in the state were paid the minimum wage. But the members of the NUT were left out. We went on two months strike in January, 2012 to demand the payment of the minimum wage to our members too. Then, the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress intervened. On the directive of the NLC, we suspended the strike. We then handed over the matter to the state branch of the NLC to fight for us since the minimum wage was fixed by it in the first place. We were hopeful that the matter would be best handled. When we noticed that nothing came out of the NLC intervention for over a year, the national body of the NUT took up the matter. On June 1, 2013, the national body directed us to go on strike. But barely two weeks into the strike, the governor stepped in and urged us to end it. He sent a delegation to Abuja to meet with the leadership of the NUT. The state deputy governor led the delegation. At the meeting with our national body, an agreement was signed that by August 1, 2013, the minimum wage would be implemented for our members. After their return from Abuja, the state delegation asked us to go and verify the actual number of our members. I headed the team that went to conduct the verification execise. We did a satisfactory work and came back with the results. We were not asked for the results of the verification exercise we did and that was how the exercise died a natural death. The August that the governor promised to pay our members the minimum wage came and nothing happened. September also came and nothing happened. In October, the national body directed us to resume the strike. That was why in October 24, 2013, we proceeded on a fresh strike and it has yet to be called off.
What is the population of the primary school teachers in the state?
As a union, we have not been able to take stock of the number of teachers and that of the schools in recent time. The State Universal Basic Education Board will have that record. We had a verification exercise last year and we were over 20,000 then. It is only a new verification exercise that will reveal our actual number now.
Is it true that over 300 primary school teachers in the state have died as the strike lingers?
People die every day and everywhere. Teachers die like other people in other professions. Even without strike in Benue State, teachers die. I cannot say the number of primary school teachers that are dead in the state as we continue the strike. There are branch chairmen and their executives. They are the ones who can give us the record of the number of teachers who have died in each of the branches in the state. We will only know as a state body if they tell us and give us reports of the development.
What is the situation with the pupils regarding the closure of schools?
When something like this happens, it will no doubt affect the pupils. But we cannot help it. We have to fight for our rights. Some parents of the pupils who can afford fees of private schools have enrolled them there. Some are waiting for the schools to be reopened.
What is the implication of this prolonged strike on primary school education in Benue State?
It is a very negative development in the primary education sector in the state. It is almost one academic year that is lost if the strike continues until September. We don’t even know how the primary six pupils will cope especially those who are at home doing nothing. It means the pupils will not receive any learning for a complete session. It is not healthy at all. The issue is pathetic. As we talk about the implication of the strike on the pupils, it also affects the teachers because most of them have no other job, especially those living in urban areas. Teaching is the only thing that they make a living from. We have never tasted the minimum wage since it was fixed in November, 2011. We don’t know whether it is bitter or sweet.
What efforts have leaders in the state made to end the strike?
Some traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state had intervened by urging the governor to do all within his power to end the strike. Stakeholders also continue to mediate in order to end the strike.
When do you think the strike will end?
I am hopeful that the strike will end soon. But we will only call it off when our demand is met. I believe the government will do something to our demand. All we are being told at the moment is that there is no money. But we are saying since they have paid others, they should pay us too. We are part of government workers. However, with the on-going discussion with the national leadership of our union, the strike will, hopefully, be called off soon. The salaries of primary school teachers in the state are paid through the local government funds and local government workers continue to receive the minimum wage. Our major demand now is the payment of minimum wage which other workers in the state receive. I was part of the negotiating team for the minimum wage with the government. I negotiated on behalf of my colleagues. It is unfair that after the approval of the wage, our members were excluded. This is the issue we have with the government for now. If there are other issues, we will discuss them after solving this one. We have been so considerate with government. It is clear that the minimum wage is affecting only the teachers. We will understand if other government workers are also affected.
What is your advice to the government?
My advice to the government is that it should know that enough is enough. The government should have a fruitful dialogue with our national body so that our children can return to classes.
What do you say to parents and your members?
I urge the parents to be calm because the matter will soon be laid to rest. Their children will soon return to classes and the damage caused will be redressed. To my colleagues, I know that to stay without salary for eight months is not a joke. I want to appreciate their cooperation given to the union. I hope that very soon we will resume work.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Gunmen Attack Hotel In Bauchi Killing 13 & Leaving 34 Wounded
The police PRO of the state confirmed the incident this morning saying it was true and its such a sad incident, but survivors are currently receiving treatments.
According to an eye witness Malam Ahmed Maidoki who was watching highlights of the on-going world cup with his friends at the hotel said a loud explosion was first heard before the men who had positioned themselves at the four corners of the hall started shooting sporadically. Below is how he narrated it…
“We were just sitting down, watching highlights of the ongoing FIFA world cup at the viewing centre located in between the two story building of the hotel when five men dressed in military uniform strolled in.
“We thought they were security personnel, who came to relax as well. I noticed they all positioned themselves at the four corners of the hall.
“The next thing I heard was an explosion, after which the arena was covered with thick smoke. Shivering, my friends and I sprawled on the ground.
“We were trying to get out when the five men started shooting sporadically at any one who tried to stand up, and in the process, killing many of the survivors of the blast’’, he said.
Charly Boy Disgraces Gov. Okorocha Yesterday At Father’s Burial
Chief Okorocha, was stopped midway into his speech, by Charly Boy when the Catholic Bishop invited him to the alter to pay his tribute to the fallen judge. Charly boy walked up angrily to the altar, snatched the micro-phone from the governor, and yelled at the Bishop for giving him the micro-phone to pay tribute to his father.
A lot of people have said, Charly boy decided to disgrace him, when his government allegedly said they gave his family N20m for his father’s burial, which is far from the truth.
Charly boy hasn’t said anything since yesterday’s incident, but the State Government has described the incident has Ugly and regrettable. They also accused Charly boy for working for other parties who are against Rochas administration.
“It is highly regrettable that the son of the late Justice, Mr Charles Emeka Oputa, aka, Charly Boy, threw caution to the wind and turned the church service into a political theatre that saw him acting or playing out the script he drafted in Abuja with some Imo politicians, who have remained cowed by the overwhelming popularity of Governor Rochas Okorocha”,
”We condemn that ugly incident and also wish to advise politicians from the state to stop heating up the polity over power since God is the giver of power. In 2015, God will decide who will be governor of Imo State and when God decides that, there is nothing anybody can do about it”, Senior Special Assistant, SSA, Media, Mr Sam Onwuemodo said.
He also insisted that, the state government made substantial financial input and also organized a special day of tributes for the late Justice at the expense of state government with Charly Boy and other members of his family present.
He however did not make any reference to the N20m said to have been given to the family.
Luis Suarez Returns Home To A Hero’s Welcome After Being Booted Out Of The World Cup
Meanwhile, Giorgio Chiellini is not happy about FIFA’s decision to ban Suarez for four months for biting him, a decision Uruguay says they will contest.
On his official website, Chiellini criticized the punishment, calling it excessive.
What he wrote below
“Now inside me there’s no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suárez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that’s done. There only remains the anger and the disappointment about the match.
My only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period. I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive.
I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team-mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player.”
The Queen of England has worn the same shoes for 50 years(Photos)
That says a lot about her personality as a faithful woman,despite most of the scandals and divorce which rocks royal families,she has been married since 1947 to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh .He is the longest-serving, oldest-ever spouse of a reigning British monarch, and the longest-lived male member of the British royal family.
"I'm a virgin,I know nothing about sex"-Nollywood actress Seyi Hunter
Adokiye has new competition..Nollywood actress Seyi Hunter who has been
in films like Broken Fixtures, My Club, MM Girls, says she is a
virgin..When asked by Vanguard she said..
When asked which is more important between money and sex..she said.."I’m not looking for a stinkingly rich man. If he has allthe money without good attributes, then he’s not for me.I like humble people. So, he has to be humble, God-fearing, extremely nice, very romantic and loving.Yes. I was attracted to him(her boyfriend) because of the fact that he’s born again, spoils me with gifts and puts my needs before his own - See more at:
I know nothing about sex, I’m a virgin. Money is more important to me in a relationship.
Chika Ike shares sexy bedroom pic
Girls are not smiling this year..Chika Ike showed off her sexy side as she shared one of her sexiest pics yet with caption "Goodnight Fabs! Off to bed early"
That face will make men sell their property lol..
Davido chills with sexy Jennifer Hudson
Las nite was a movie !! Thx for a great time big bro!Some fans asked if it's a competition with Wizkid..I don't think it is because he is in LA For the BET Experience this weekend..He is also one of the select few performing alongside international stars..
Kim Kardashian shows off dangerous curves in body hugging nude dress
Kim is gradually becoming a fashion Icon.She switches looks by the hour..Today,she let her curves do the talking in this flesh coloured dress and her favorite shoes..
For one who claims she hasn't done any form of surgery,her body is perfection
Rita Dominic flaunts smoking hot bikini bod in Mauritius
So hot..
Tiwa Savage shares no make up photo
Tiwa who is in LA said she is working out before a long day of BET interviews.She is billed to perform at the BET experience Live this weekend
Ini Edo is absolutely flawless in new photos
The stunning actress showed off her new look and flawless complexion..She also said
"I am a happy child thank u Jesus for the many reasons why am happy"
Cancer patient wed his true love before dying 10 hours later
Before he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer in May,Rowden Go Pangcoga was planning his dream wedding to Leizl and the union was set for July.
His brother Hasset who posted the video which went viral, said his brother's dying wish had been to marry Leizl and, 'after 12 hours of preparations, his dream was fulfilled'.:
'Unable to take him outside the hospital, we brought the church to him.'Just 10 hours after their celebrated their marriage with family and friends, Rowden lost his fight against cancer.
Kim K's Shows cleavage as Khloe & French Montana engage in PDA at yacht party
When the Kardashians celebrate, they go all the way..They are still on a roll,celebrating Khloe's 30th birthday ...After the first party, last night they held a yacht party and though it was Khloe's night, Kim made sure all eyes were on her..Khloe also showed off her daddy tattoo on her lower back..
Kanye hasn't attended any so far but French Montana was in tow and the chemistry between them was on display....
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