Don Moen: I Have Been Blown Away By Nigeria

Don Moen

Born June 29, 1950 in Minneapolis, Pastor Don Moen made inroad into global scene more than three decades ago through his inspiringly spiritual songs. The America-born gospel songster spoke with Gboyega Akinsanmi last week before he performed at the Experience, an annual interdenominational musical concert put together by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of the House on the Rock church

What was your impression about Nigeria before your first visit?
I was actually afraid of what the production would be like. I got several calls. Ron Kenoly called me. Pastor Paul Adefarasin called me when I was first invited to perform in Nigeria. I did not know we would be able to help the production. A lot of things were giving me concern about coming to West Africa. When I came in, our brother in the House of the Rock set a high degree of excellence.

No Stone Will Be Left Unturned to Determine Cause of Crash, Says Navy

Chief of Naval Staff , Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba

The Nigerian Navy has commenced investigations into the cause of the crash of its helicopter at Nembe-Okoroba area of Bayelsa State that killed the Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd), and four others.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, told THISDAY yesterday that the navy would spare no effort in getting to the root of the crash, adding that the military would also contact the manufacturers of the helicopter, if need be, to ensure a detailed probe.

Navy: Crashed Helicopter Air Worthy, Well Maintained

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim

The Nigerian Navy has stated that the ill-fated Augusta Helicopter that crashed on Saturday; killing all six people on board including the late Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Andrew Azazi was in excellent condition before the flight.

Okonjo-Iweala: My Mother was Abducted over Subsidy Claims, SURE-P

Prof. Kamene Okonjo

About 72 hours after her mother, Prof. Kamene Okonjo was freed, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala disclosed Monday, that the kidnappers told the octogenarian that the minister ‘s purported refusal to pay subsidy claims as well as the non-release of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds was the motive behind their action.

Witness: Ndume Exchanged 73 SMS, Others with Boko Haram Chief

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Wednesday heard that Senator Aliyu Mohammed Ndume who is standing trial on a four-count charge of  providing  logistics and funding to Boko Haram sect, had a record of 73 communications in the form of short message service (SMS), multimedia service (MMS), and voice calls, with the convicted former spokesman of the sect, Konduga, who is currently serving a three-year jail term.

This disclosure was made by prosecution witness 3, Mr. Aliyu Usman, a forensic expert in the employ of the Department of State Security Services (SSS), who started giving evidence in the trial on Tuesday.

Money Laundering: EFCC Frees Lamido’s Son

 

 Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to Aminu Sule, the eldest son of the Jigawa state Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido.

Aminu, arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano (MAKIA) for alleged money laundering, was granted bail yesterday by the anti graft agency.

EFCC Spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren confirmed to THISDAY on phone that Aminu had been granted bail, but other sources told us that charges have been prepared against the embattled son of the governor who will be charged to court on a later date.

Xmas: Jonathan Urges Nigerians to Embrace Peace

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to Nigerians to embrace peace and pray for the unity and progress of the country as they celebrate the yuletide season.

Jonathan made the appeal Thursday during a Christmas carol service held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, saying the celebration of the season is something done both by Christians and non-Christians alike.

Spain seizes former Egypt leader Hosni Mubarak's assets

Mubarak was jailed for life for his role in the killing of protesters

 

Police in Spain say they have seized assets linked to former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak worth some 28m euros (£23m; $34m).

They took action after the new Egyptian authorities made an international request to block the assets of 130 people associated with his rule.
Some 18.4m euros in financial products have been frozen in Spanish banks.
Other assets include properties in the capital Madrid and the resort of Marbella, and seven luxury cars.
The two buildings in Madrid's wealthy Moraleja district are worth a combined 7m euros while the seven properties in Marbella are worth more than 3m euros.

Golden Globes: Steven Spielberg's Lincoln leads nominations

Steven Spielberg's presidential biopic Lincoln is the frontrunner at this year's Golden Globe nominations.

It is up for seven prizes, including best actor for Daniel Day-Lewis, best director for Spielberg, and best film drama.
In the latter category, it competes with Ben Affleck's thriller Argo and Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, both of which have five nominations.
The winners will be announced in Los Angeles on 13 January, 2013.
There are also nominations for three British Dames - Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, as well as TV nods to Downton Abbey, The Hour and Sherlock.
 

Dana Air insurers begin final settlement of $100,000

 

Insurers of Dana Air on Thursday commenced final payment of $70,000 compensation to each of thefamilies of victims of the of the 3 June crash after an initial payment of $30,000 to over 80 families.The Civil Aviation Act stipulates that the sum of $100,000 be paid as compensation to families of victims of air disasters.

Confirming the payment to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tony Usidamen, Dana Air’s Head of Corporate Communications said that following receipt of Letter of authentification from the Probate Registry, the insurers have begun balance payment of $70,000 to affected families.