Obama talks about 'worst day of my presidency,'

President Obama said his priorities for the next four years are immigration, the economy, energy and debt reduction.

President Barack Obama appeared on NBC's "Meet The Press" on Sunday, talking about the worst day of his presidency especially gun control after the Newtown killings. He said, "Something fundamental in America has to change."

 The president who visited on December 16 with families of victims of the Newtown, Connecticut, school shootings said Sunday he will put forth a proposal next year to change firearm laws. Among the things the legislation will address are assault-style rifles, high-capacity ammunition magazines and background checks on all firearm sales.

Victim's body returned to India, cremated

 The body of the 23-year-old victim of the horrific gang rape was yesterday returned to India, where it was cremated Sunday in a private funeral, Home Ministry spokesman K.S. Dhatwalia said.

 Indian authorities added murder charges Saturday for suspects in the brutal gang rape that led to the death of a 23-year-old woman and sent outraged protesters to the streets. The suspects already faced rape charges.

Mercy Johnson delivers Baby Girl in U.S Hospital

 Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson and her husband Odianose Okojie must certainly be in a celebratory mood having welcomed their bundle of joy yesterday afternoon at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA. Mother and child are doing fine. It would be recalled that the new mother got married in August 2011 amidst allegations of husband-snatching. Prior to her delivery, she had been in the US for over a month. According to her publicist, Samuel Olatunji of Bigsam Media, the actress and her baby will relax in America for a few weeks before coming back to Nigeria.

Here's wishing the Okojies many more kids!!! LOL

Hillary Clinton in hospital with blood clot after fall

 

Mrs Clinton suffered a concussion following a fall in mid-December

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is under observation in a New York hospital after being admitted suffering from a blood clot. Mrs Clinton suffered a concussion earlier this month after fainting and falling down. She is being treated with anti-clotting drugs and will remain in hospital for at least 48 hours, her spokesman said. Mrs Clinton, 65, is due to stand down before President Barack Obama formally begins his second term in January. At the time of her faint, she was reported to have had a stomach virus and to have passed out after becoming dehydrated.

New year revellers begin welcoming 2013

Celebrations are being held around the world to mark the new year, with the city of Auckland in New Zealand holding the first major event of 2013.

More than 1.5 million people gathered around Sydney harbour to watch the city's famous firework display.
Big shows are also planned in many other cities globally.
Celebrations will also be held for the first time in Burma, where large public gatherings were banned by its previous military rulers.

India gang rape: New Year celebrations scaled back

 

The attack has triggered an outpouring of anger across India. India has scaled back New Year celebrations, as it mourned the death of a woman whose gang rape on a bus a fortnight ago sparked public outrage. The army has cancelled all official celebrations as have the states of Punjab and Haryana.

Kogi Dept Gov Recalled from UK

Governor Capt Idris Wada

Arch. Yomi Awoniyi, the Kogi State Deputy Governor, who has been on a foreign trip in the United Kingdom, Monday abruptly returned to the country. The Deputy Governor had to cut short his trip following the auto crash involving the State Governor Capt Idris Wada, last Friday.

According to sources at Lugard house, Awoniyi ‘s trip was to have lasted 12 days covering the Christmas holiday, in London but was compelled to return home following the crash.

The Governor, who was involved in the accident while returning from the annual Igala Educational Summit held at the Kogi State University Anyigba, is presently recuperating at a private hospital in Abuja.
Meanwhile, Gov Wada said he is in charge from his hospital bed.

CNPP Seeks Travel Ban against Corrupt Leaders

EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has asked the international community to impose sanctions against corrupt Nigerian leaders in order alleviate the sufferings of the people.

The group said such instruments as freezing of foreign assets, travel bans on politicians, high government officials and their known associates especially those who have been indicted by the police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or other anti-corruption agencies should be adopted by the international community to bring about  significant improvement in the overall situation in the country.

It said what is happening in the country with regards to corruption and impunity of governance deserved sanctions similar to those imposed on South Africa during the apartheid era, and that such sanctions be sustained until the country’s corruption perception index improves.

Nigerian Doctors Face Tough Times in the United Kingdom

Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu

The United Kingdom (UK) may be a land of opportunities, especially for those seeking better life for themselves, however, such opportunities seem to be shrinking, especially for Nigerian-trained medical doctors.

They have come under the focus of regulatory authorities for alleged ineptitude and this may affect not only the career progress of those practising in the UK  but job opportunity for medical doctors trained in Nigeria who hope to move over to practise their profession in the UK.

INTERVIEW: AY’S COMEDY SHOW GAVE ME BREAKTHROUGH-ELENU

ELENU

AKINLAMI BABATUNDE JULIUS A.K.A. ELENU IS A FAST RISING COMIC ACT. RECENTLY, HE WON THE BEST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR IN THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED MODE MEN AWARDS. HE ALSO WON

THE SAME CATEGORY AT THE DYNAMIX AWARDS. ELENU SHARED THE STORY OF HIS PHENOMENAL RISE WITH LANRE ODUKOYA

How did it all begin professionally?

I started comedy professional in 2006 after winning the AY’s Open Mic Night Comedy competition

Would you sincerely say that you’ve fared well so far?

It’s been a dream come through because I never knew comedy will put me where I am today and I give glory to God almighty for that.

'Skyfall' Hits Very Rare Milestone, Makes $1bn at Box Office

Daniel Craig in the latest James Bond movie, 'Skyfall'

"Skyfall," the 23rd James Bond adventure, has surpassed $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

Jeff Blake, chairman of worldwide marketing and distribution for Sony Pictures and Gary Barber, MGM's chairman and chief executive, made the announcement Sunday.

The film, from Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is the most successful Bond film of all time. It is also the highest-grossing film at the worldwide box office in Sony Pictures history, reports The Wrap.

Love in the Season of Cholera

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

How do you preach love when blood-thirsty men are lurking around, looking for their next victim – in the name of God? But how do you preach hate when peace-loving men and women from the big religious divides gather to celebrate Sallah and Christmas together? Paradox has no better home than Nigeria. Evidence: on Christmas day in Piri, Yobe State, suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a church, killing a pastor and six others in a predawn assault; same day in Kaduna, Christians and Muslims gathered to celebrate Christmas together, a follow-up to a similar gesture between the two “combatants” during the last Eid-el-Kabir celebration. In Nigeria, all the ingredients for conflict and recipe for peace are ever with us.

Last month in Abuja, the Tony Blair Faith Foundation launched an initiative to encourage dialogue and reconciliation between Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria. The general idea is to provide a platform for adherents of these two faiths – which are the biggest in Nigeria – to constantly dialogue with mutual respect. The prospects for peace, in the midst of the bloodshed, are undeniable. In our midst, there are preachers of love and preachers of hate, but the impression one easily gets is that the preachers of hate are having the upper hand. For all you care, they may only be a tiny but vocal minority. After all, one mad man can set a city of sane people on fire.

From Slums to School Halls

Otto having a chat with slum kids at Makoko community

Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that Slum to School (S2S) project, a social advocacy group, recently gave a new lease of life to about 202 less-privileged and orphaned kids at the Makoko community, a slum in the Yaba district of Lagos State, with free admission into three schools

“As from today, my daughter’s life as a fish seller is over. For the very reason that I ended up a fish seller does not mean my daughter will do same. I want better things for her. It is a hard life that no one will want her child to be part of  but poverty said otherwise. Today, the Slum to School (S2S) project has given my daughter a new lease of life by giving her the opportunity to go to school on scholarship. I have always hoped that one day my kids will see the four  walls of a school and that prayer has been answered.”

INTERVIEW: WHY DELTA IS HOME OF MOST COMEDIANS

COMEDIAN, D DON (REAL NAME IRUEWE OKEREMUTE) IS ONE OF NIGERIA’S MOST QUINTESSENTIAL COMIC CHARACTERS. HE HAS PERFORMED IN MANY HIGH PROFILE COMEDY SHOWS AND ALSO RUNS A RADIO COMEDY SHOW ON RAINBOW FM, LAGOS. D DON TALKS TO LANRE ODUKOYA ABOUT HIS LIFE AND CAREER

THE ‘DON’ IN MY NAME…

Funny enough, my real name is Don. My Father gave me the name ‘Don.’ My name is Iruewe Okeremute Don and I’m from Delta state. Some might look at the name as a mafia name, but actually, if you look at the dictionary, you will find out that Don is a name given to those who are very good at their jobs. That is why professors are called dons.

COMEDIANS AND THE DELTA CONNECTION…

The thing is that, just like Raggae is synonymous with people from Jamaica, comedy is our way of life in Delta State. Funny enough, we are really not funny to each other over there. But when we come to Lagos, Abuja and some other places, people usually find us funny, so we decided to do business out of it. I started comedy in 2002 and I have appeared on a lot of big comedy shows since then. I was part of the 14th edition of Night of a Thousand laughs. It’s just that I don’t make noise about my performances. I was on Ali Baba Live in 2006 and also in 2008, Unleash the Comedy, Basket Mouth Uncensored, Glo Lord of the Ribs and so on. I have also done some corporate events.

D’BANJ, DON JAZZY TAKE MALICE TO CONCERT

Multiple award winning singer, Dapo Oyebanji otherwise known as D’Banj and his former partner, Michael Collins mostly known as Don Jazzy crossed paths at the most attended show of the year, Rhythm Unplugged staged at the Expo hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island- Lagos last Sunday. Expectedly the feuding duo became the cynosure of all eyes as fans gazed at these two heavy weights. They were both seated at the VVIP section of the show, but not close enough to each other and never bothered to reach out to the other to exchange pleasantries.

I GO DIE LOSING THE ACE

Humorist, Francis Agoda a.k.a. I Go Die raced to fame a couple of years back by reeling out jokes mostly about sex, romance and prostitution at a time the industry was literally in drought of that manner of humour, I Go Die’s entry was more than a saving grace. He became one of the most sought after comedian for comedy shows and he had delivered impressively in seasons gone by. However, it’s in doubt today that the same man whose only physique evoked crazy laughter before he took the mic, is in lethal gasping for exhale of quality jokes. 

Two Killed, 1,500 Displaced in Fulani, Gwari Clash in Abuja

With barely 48 hours to the new year, a communal clash erupted in Gwako town at Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over boundary-related disputes on farmlands,  with two people confirmed dead, 1,500 people displaced in 27 affected communities.

The clash which occurred yesterday drew the attention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and FCT Administration (FCTA) to jointly activate their Search and Rescue teams.

It was the prompt intervention of the two agencies including security personnel from the police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military that helped to curtail the escalation of the crisis which started Saturday as a result of encroachment of herd of cattle into farmlands in the area, before it escalated to a major fight Sunday.

Fire at Lagos Deputy Governor’s House

Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

What would have been a major fire disaster in Lagos State was averted Sunday  when people joined hands to put out a fire outbreak that would have consumed the official quarters of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
An electrical spark from the room of the Special Assistant (Media) to the deputy governor, Mr. Tunde Abatan, was said to have snowballed into a fire that was threatening to spread to other buildings in the expansive compound.

Convoy Clash: I am Still in Shock, Traumatised, Says Anyanwu

Governor Rochas Okorocha

The echoes of last Thursday’s convoy power-show between the security aides of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu, along the Owerri-Umuahia highway is still reverberating, as Anyanwu said she is still traumatised and in shock.

But the governor in a statement by his Special Adviser Media, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwu, claimed that it was Anyanwu’s convoy, which broke into the convoy with a view to killing him (Okorocha).

Finally! Kanye Turns Kim into Baby Mama

After many speculations and denials, Kanye West, has officially confirmed that Kim Kardashian is pregnant.
The American rapper, made the announcement to thousands of fans, who gathered to watch him perform in Atlantic City, on December 30.
West asked the audience to “stop the music and make noise for my baby mama,”, referring to 32-year-old Kim, who was part of the concert goers.
And the congratulatory tweets have already begun for the future parents.
As expected, the Kardashians were over the moon, as another family member is now on the way.
“Im a happy girl !!!!!!!!! Wowza! Oh BABY BABY BABY,” Kris Jenner tweeted.
Khloé Kardashian Odom wrote: “Keeping secrets is hard with so many family members! Especially when you are so freaking excited!!!!! LOVE is everything!!!!”
Kourtney Kardashian, who has two kids herself, took to the social network to say, “Been wanting to shout from the rooftops with joy and now I can! Another angel to welcome to our family. Overwhelmed with excitement!”

Steve Jobs' yacht impounded over pay dispute

Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' yacht was unveiled in a Dutch shipyard in October and christened "Venus."

The megayacht that Steve Jobs commissioned in the final years of his life has been impounded in Amsterdam after a payment dispute involving the designer, Philippe Starck.

Monopoly moves to Africa with Lagos edition

Lagos has become the first African city to have its own customized edition. Banana Island is the most expensive property in the game, while the floating shantytown of Makoko is the cheapest piece of real estate.

Some 80 years after its first launch, the iconic board game of Monopoly has finally released its first African city edition.

A Lagos-themed version of the popular real estate game was unveiled earlier this week, making Nigeria's bustling economic capital the first city in the continent to have a dedicated Monopoly edition.

'Give African women a voice,' say activists

 

Rainatou Sow, Marie-Claire Faray and Betty Makoni are advocates for equal rights who through their organizations aim to empower and inspire all African women. In 2010 the African Union launched the African Women's Decade. The initiative promotes female empowerment and gender equality and put female rights at the heart of development in the billion-strong continent.

India gang-rape victim in Singapore for treatment

Demonstrators shout slogans and wave placards as they move toward India Gate in New Delhi on Thursday, December 27. Authorities erected security barriers throughout New Delhi's key government district after two days of street battles following a woman's gang rape on a bus on December 16. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed for calm and pledged safety for women and children.

The victim of a brutal gang rape that sparked massive protests in India arrived in Singapore for treatment Thursday morning.

"The patient condition remains extremely critical as before," said Dr. Kelvin Loh, CEO of Mount Elizabeth Hospital. "Prior to coming to Singapore, she had three abdominal surgeries and cardiac arrests in India.

Benazir Bhutto son Bilawal gives Pakistan political vow

The son of Pakistan's murdered ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has promised to fight militancy to maintain democracy, in his first major political speech.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told party supporters marking five years since his mother's death that she "sacrificed her life to uphold democracy".
Ms Bhutto died in a gun and bomb attack during her 2007 election campaign.

Iran sacks sole female minister Dastjerdi from health post

Ms Dastjerdi was the first woman minister in the 30-year history of the Islamic republic

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sacked Health Minister Marziyeh Vahid Dastjerdi, the sole woman in his cabinet, state television reports.

Ms Dastjerdi was also the first woman minister in the 30-year history of the Islamic republic.
While no reason has been given, the dismissal is being linked to her call for drug price rises to fight shortages caused by international sanctions.

Goal-scoring Without Trophies Means Nothing, Says Messi

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has insisted his own goal-scoring exploits mean nothing unless Barcelona are able to win matches. The striker has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months in front of goal, scoring 91 times to break Gerd Muller's long-standing record of 85 strikes in a calendar year, but he has stressed that the team's results will always take precedence over his personal triumphs.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "I'm happy about the goals I've scored and the records I've broken, but this year could have been better in terms of silverware. I've always said that if the team isn't winning things my goals are meaningless."

Runsewe Urges Keshi, Odemwingie to Ceasefire

Chief Olusegun Runsewe

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi and West Brom striker, Osaze Odemwingie should end their war of words over the national team list to next month’s African Cup of Nations in South Africa in the interest of the team, Chief Olusegun Runsewe cautioned Wednesday.

Runsewe, a patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) spoke Wednesday in a statement while reviewing the Eagles programme for Africa’s top soccer competition.

“There is no need for any distraction at the time when all hands should be on deck to ensure total victory for Nigeria in South Africa,” observed Runsewe who is the director general of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

Fireworks Explosion: 20 Arrested for Looting

Scene from the Warehouse Explosion

By Gboyega Akinsanmi and Chiemelie Ezeobi and Onyebuchi Ezigbo

A yet-to-be identified female teenager was Wednesday feared dead in the explosion that rocked a fireworks’ warehouse at Jankara Market, Isale-Eko, Lagos Island, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

It was learnt that the victim was killed in one of the buildings razed by the inferno that lasted for hours despite efforts to put out the blaze.

The fire had started with an explosion, causing panic among Lagos residents as many had thought a bomb had been detonated in the nation’s commercial capital city.

Christmas: A Brand Violated

Picture a child walking up to you and looking somewhat perplexed. The little fellow unsure, whether to ask you the question you can see lingering on the young lips or not. Then it pops out: “Please is this the real Christmas, or shall we wait for the other one?” By the other Christmas the child has in mind the Christmas during which people are said to talk about Jesus Christ, man’s spiritual salvation, going to heaven, remembering the good things that Christ taught mankind, etc.

This image of a perplexed child asking about Christmas may seem an unlikely scenario to many, but it is not. The real message of Christmas does not exist in what is masquerading under that umbrella everywhere today. That is why any child or adult for that matter, who sets out to find the Christmas in these events, celebrations and parties will be appalled and scandalised. The symbols under which Christmas is now celebrated, like bags of sweet, silly toys and Father Christmas, have nothing whatsoever to do with the real thing. There are no genuine reminders about the meaning of Christianity, no mementoes or artworks of the birth scene with the Star of Bethlehem shining over it. 

Some Christians are Deadlier than Boko Haram, Says Gumi

Bishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh

The proliferation of violence in the country has been linked to the ‘sinister’ activities of some unidentified Christian elements who over the years have been scheming through political subterfuge driven by personal ambition to take over the leadership of the nation.
This allegation is coming in the wake of an observation by the Primate of all Nigeria/Bishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh there has to be an end the Boko Haram harassment, which has forced many Christians from going to church.

Task Force Arrests Doctor, 24 Others for Pipeline Vandalism

Pipeline Vandalism

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism, Force Headquarters, has arrested a 35-year-old medical doctor, Salifu Odiba and 24 others for oil pipeline vandalism.

Confirming the arrests, the officer-in-charge of the task force, Friday Ibadin, said some of the suspects were arrested in different parts of the country for operating their oil businesses without a licence.

The suspects are identified as; Onadipe Abdullateef, Samuel Oyewunmi, Samuel Okunuga, Kayode Akinsanya, Alaba Ademola, Hehinde Alagboye, Muritala Karim, Akeem Ahmed, Musiliu Azeez, Jelilat Olalekan and Elizabeth Folusho.

Blaze in Lagos 'after Fireworks Blast

Smoke can be seen billowing from the warehouse

An explosion in a warehouse has sparked a major fire in Lagos, the nation's largest city and commercial capital.

Witnesses said fireworks were stored in the warehouse in the busy market area of Lagos Island, and the blaze quickly spread to other buildings.

The blast reportedly shook windows of homes several miles away and a thick cloud of smoke could be seen rising over the island, reports the BBC.

Scarity: Fuel Vendors Take Over Abuja Streets

Fuel vendors hawking petrol in jerry cans on the street

The current upsurge in the illegal hawking of fuel in streets of major cities across the country might be a disaster waiting to happen.

Following weeks of biting fuel scarcity resulting from hiccups in the supply and distribution of petroleum products, major roads and streets in our cities have been turn into mini-markets for the sale of fuel in jerry cans.

With the harmattan season already around the corner, the possibility of fire outbreak emanating from the careless open display of petroleum products by these hawkers poses a serious threat to lives and properties.

Presidency Picks Holes in Asari’s Comments

Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo

The presidency has described the recent media statements by the leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo foreclosing President Goodluck Jonathan's rule beyond 2015 as a load of crap.

Asari had in an interview reasoned that the president may not scale through in the next election because gullible people have taken over his administration.

However, spokesperson to the President, Dr Reuben. Abati dismissed Asari's viewpoint saying it arose from a skewed reasoning that is anti-theatrical to the prevailing dispositions of many Nigerians the present administration and the president.

-Culled from THISDAY

Odili: How Jonathan Displaced Me as Yar’Adua’s Running Mate

Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili

BY Tunde Rahman          
He kept sealed lips for more than five years over what  actually transpired in those dying days in 2006, at the height of the race towards the 2007 presidential election.

Former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili, has now revealed the intrigues and power-plays that led to the emergence of the late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate.

Odili also explained how he was nominated as Yar’Adua’s running mate only to be dropped dramatically at the Convention venue in Abuja through a complex power game between then President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Nuhu Ribadu.

Army: Retirement of Officers, A Routine Exercise

Nigerian Army logo

The Nigerian Army has said that the reported retirement of  several senior officers of the service; mostly generals, colonels and other middle level officers is a routine exercise that does not require publicity or listing of names.

The retirement came in the wake of the promotion of 150 top officers by the Army Council with some sections of the country questioning why the list of the retired officers was not published in line with that of the promoted officers. 

Furore in Immigration over Recruitment

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller-General, Mrs. Rose Uzoma

By Chinedu Eze

AAfter two years in the saddle, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller-General, Mrs. Rose Uzoma, may be leaving in a blaze of controversy. Already, the stage is being set for the controversy, which if not quickly doused, could rubbish all she had laboured for since she emerged the first female substantive head of the service in 2010.

At the heart of the simmering controversy, which has pitted her against other top shots in the Immigration is an alleged secret recruitment of personnel, a few months to her retirement from the service.
According to top NIS officials, Uzoma with the assistance of a few of her trusted allies, has embarked on the task of recruiting over 5,000 Nigerians into the NIS  and sidelining others in the process.

Islamic Group Claims Responsibility for Kidnapping French Citizen

The radical Islamist group, Ansaru, yesterday claimed responsibility for the recent kidnapping of a French citizen in Katsina State, citing France’s push for military intervention in Mali as a justification.
This came as an explosion suspected to be bomb blast yesterday night rocked the Kano metropolis.

Ansaru “announces to the world, especially the French government, that it was responsible for the abduction of engineer Francis Colump, 63, working for the French company, Vergnet,” said a statement e-mailed to journalists. Vergnet has a wind power project in Katsina.

Yuletide: IG Orders Increased Security Nationwide

General of Police (IG) Mohammed Abubakar

As part of efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful and incident-free Christmas celebration, the Inspector General of Police (IG) Mohammed Abubakar has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and State Command Commissioners of Police (CPs) to take all necessary measures to provide adequate security across the country before, during and after the yuletide season.

This is just as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the death of the AIG in charge of Zone 6 in Calabar, Mr. Muktari Ibrahim, who passed away after a brief illness at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, last Saturday.

Achebe, Fashola, Mo Ibrahim Link Terrorism to Inequalities

•ACHEBE

Participants at the fourth edition of the Chinua Achebe Colloquium on Africa, which held in the United States recently, have blamed socio-political inequalities and pathologies for the current terrorism attacks and other increasing acts of violence in Nigeria.

In a communiqué issued yesterday, the colloquium, convened by foremost Nigerian novelist and humanist, Professor Chinua Achebe, also suggested political solutions to the crises plaguing many African nations.

Enugu Lawmakers Threaten to Move against Chime over Prolonged Absence

Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime

•CNPP seeks gov’s removal

The Enugu State House of Assembly is warming up to deal with the simmering crisis in the state following the prolonged absence of the Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime. Chime has been away from the state since September 19 after transmitting a letter to the Assembly informing the lawmakers that he was going on his annual leave and notifying them that his deputy, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, would function as acting governor in his absence.

However, since his departure, only a few people know of his whereabouts, fuelling speculations that the governor is suffering from an undisclosed ailment. His prolonged absence also triggered rumours about his death penultimate weekend, but this was immediately dispelled by the state government.

HALIMA ABUBAKAR AGAIN: ‘I’m not a Lesbian’

Halima Abubakar

Best Supporting Actress for Afro Hollywood Awards, Halima Abubakar speaks to Chinyere Okoye about her journey so far in the movie industry and how she has been able to surmount the several challenges of life, including being labeled a lesbian

When did you diversify into producing  and directing?
I made my debut as an Executive Producer in a recent movie, Mistresses which starred myself and Ghanain actress, Yvonne Nelson.

How has the journey been so far?
It ha been rough but thank God, at least I’m still here to tell the story. I’m very grateful for all the decisions I’ve taken, the struggles, the pain, the rejection but I’m glad I went through all that.

Jonathan Visits, Condoles Azazi's Family in Lagos

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday paid condolence visit to the family of erstwhile National Security Adviser(NSA), Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi at his family home in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Gen. Azazi along with former Kaduna State governor Patrick Yakowa and four others had perished when the Naval chopper conveying them to Port Harcourt from Okoroba  crashed in the creeks of Bayelsa on December 15.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadomhe, the president was received by late Azazi's wife, children, grandchildren and other relatives.

Christmas in a Box for Slum Kids

Chiemelie Ezeobi writes on the 1,000 children in Makoko, Bariga and Ajegunle communities in Lagos State who were recently feted by the Slum to School (S2S) project in the spirit of Christmas

With a broad smile, eight-year-old Antimi Niejo clutched a red box in her hand. She sauntered in and out of the venue as if she was in a paradise.

“This Christmas is the best I have ever had in my life. I was fed, I met with Santa Claus, I danced and on top of that, I was given a gift box. I could not believe my eyes when I opened the box. It was filled with gifts and it was just for me,” She gushed.

The young girl was one the beneficiaries of the spirit of giving that has become synonymous with the Christmas season. Worldwide, the Christmas season is usually seen as a period of giving and sharing, a fact that is not lost on Nigerians as they get themselves involved in the joyful atmosphere of the Yuletide that comes with cheerful giving.

FG, Stakeholders Prepare for Year-end Traffic

Traffic jam on the road

The Federal Ministry of Works, Thursday in Lagos flagged-off activities to ensure safety and free flow road traffic as people move around for end of year festivities.

The Director of Works, South West Zone of the Federal Ministry of Works, Alhaji Kabiru Abulahi, who performed the ceremony at the weight bridge at Ikosi end of Lagos, said it is a national programme called “Operation Safe and Free Flow of Traffic during the festivities” and that it took place simultaneously in all the six directorates across the nation.

Jonathan: Day of Helicopter Crash, Sad One in our History

Yakowa and Azazi

•To lead FG delegation to Yakowa’s funeral today

•Azazi to get tri-service burial 

•Foreign experts to join in probing accident

BY Muhammad Bello in Abuja, Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos and John Shiklam in Kaduna

It was a sombre session at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday as President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, ministers and other cabinet members took turns to pay tributes to former Kaduna State Governor, the late Mr. Patrick Yakowa, and former National Security Adviser (NSA), the late General Andrew Owoye Azazi.

Yakowa and Azazi along with four others were killed Saturday when a navy helicopter in which they were travelling crashed at the Okoroba creek in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Jonathan, who is expected to lead a delegation of the Federal Government to the burial of the late governor at Fadan Kagoma in Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, today, described the day of the crash as a sad one in Nigeria’s history.

Miss USA Olivia Culpo is Crowned Miss Universe

Miss USA, Olivia Culpo (L) is crowned Miss Universe during the Miss Universe competition, Wednesday

An American university student is the new Miss Universe, defeating dozens of contestants from six continents to bring the crown back to the U.S. after a drought of more than a decade.

Twenty-year-old Olivia Culpo won the title Wednesday night at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip, replacing outgoing champion Leila Lopes of Angola, reports The Associated Press.

The Boston University sophomore's coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the Miss Universe title since Brook Lee won in 1997.

Ogun Suspends Principal for Conducting Virginity Test on Students

 

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun

The plague of moral decadence troubling the society is compelling some untoward actions aimed at redeeming the young folks from self-destruction. It is probably in a bid to ensure a high moral standard among her pupils that the Principal of Ajuwon High School, Ajuwon in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunke Aladeojebi, took an unusual unilateral decision that has now earned her an indefinite suspension from the state government.

Aladeojebi, widely regarded as a strict disciplinarian, subjected some female students in her school to a virginity test, drawing the ire of their parents who reported the matter to the police for carrying out such a test without consulting them.

Jonathan Cautions Elite on Unguarded Statements

President Goodluck Jonathan

Political diatribe took center stage Thursday at Fadan Kagoma, hometown of late Sir Patrick Yakowa, erstwhile governor of Kaduna State who died in a plane crash along with the former National Security Adviser (NSA) at Okoroba creeks in Nembe local government area of Bayelsa State.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke last at the funeral mass of Yakowa held at St. Paul's Catholic Church which lasted more than three hours, cautioned the elite class in the country from making unguarded utterances that are detrimental to the progress of the nation.

INNOVATION:Smart Cups Detect Date Rape Drugs

 Smart cups will change colour when a date rape drug is poured into it.

Drink Savvy, a Boston-based company, has created a material that changes colour when it comes in contact with a drug-spiked drink.
Founder Mike Abramson said he plans to use the discovery to create a set of products, including cups, glassware, stirrers and straws, that he hopes will be used to help reduce date rape, reports ABC News.
"Within the past three years, three of my very close friends and myself have been the unwitting victims of being drugged," Abramson said in a fundraising video.