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| nadia |
Questions that fans have been asking is whether Nadia has dumped Jim Iyke for Star boy? or better still, whether Jim has seen this picture? Matinee gathered that, the picture serves as a dream come true for Wizkid.
Source - Vanguard
Friday, 29 August 2014
Nadia Buhari dumps Jim Iyke for Wizkid?
Ghanaian sexy and talented actress, Nadia Buhari is in the news again. This time, it is no longer between herself and the Nollywood bad boy, Jim Iyke but now, she’s playing hide and seek game with Wizkid.
Barely one week when a picture of the actress pecking the Pakurumo crooner was posted on the internet, reactions have been coming from all quarters pointing to the picture. Already, tongues have started wagging seriously as to the reason for the posture.
Questions that fans have been asking is whether Nadia has dumped Jim Iyke for Star boy? or better still, whether Jim has seen this picture? Matinee gathered that, the picture serves as a dream come true for Wizkid.
Questions that fans have been asking is whether Nadia has dumped Jim Iyke for Star boy? or better still, whether Jim has seen this picture? Matinee gathered that, the picture serves as a dream come true for Wizkid.
Why I am still single — Yvonne Nelson By ANOZIE EGOLE
 |
| Yvonne Nelson |
In the tweet, she said, ”I’m single because I can’t take being lied to, cheated on and oops, lets just say I haven’t met the one”.
Some friends close to her say Yvonne wants a man who is devoted only to her and that she is very jealous and possessive and that makes any man who is in a relationship with her to feel quite inadequate since she wants attention all the time.
Shakira says pregnant with second child
Colombian pop star Shakira is expecting her second child with Spanish footballer Gerard Pique, she said in an interview published Thursday.
“The truth is that yes, I’m pregnant,” the multi-Grammy-winning singer told the Latin American edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.
The exclusive interview confirmed rumors that swirled after she performed at the closing ceremony of the World Cup last month with what some viewers said appeared to be a slight curve in her normally flat belly.
Shakira, 37, did not say how far into her pregnancy she was.
Her first son, Milan, is just over a year and a half old.
“Seeing myself in love is a constant state, and there are no questions, the answer is just there… you are the living answer,” she told Cosmopolitan, which put her on the cover of its September issue and entitled the article “The perfect world of the Latin icon.”
Shakira and Pique, 27, met at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and went public with their relationship in early 2011.
“The truth is that yes, I’m pregnant,” the multi-Grammy-winning singer told the Latin American edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.
 |
| Shakira |
Shakira, 37, did not say how far into her pregnancy she was.
Her first son, Milan, is just over a year and a half old.
“Seeing myself in love is a constant state, and there are no questions, the answer is just there… you are the living answer,” she told Cosmopolitan, which put her on the cover of its September issue and entitled the article “The perfect world of the Latin icon.”
Shakira and Pique, 27, met at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and went public with their relationship in early 2011.
Source - Vanguard
Setback in EVD War: Ebola hits P-Harcourt, one dies, 100 isolated By Jimitota Onoyume & Favour Nnabugwu
The battle to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in Nigeria suffered a setback, yesterday, as the virus evaded a surveillance team in Lagos and claimed its first victim, a medical doctor in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu both confirmed the news.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Governor Amaechi in a special broadcast said: “We woke up this morning to the sad confirmation that the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease has claimed its first victim in Rivers State.
Dr. Iyke Sam Enemuo died last Friday, August 22, 2014 as a result of what was suspected to be Ebola Virus Disease. The State Ministry of Health on becoming aware of the conditions of his death, immediately commenced investigations and contact tracing.
As at today, about 100 contacts from a hotel, patients of Dr. Enemuo and patients of the hospital where the late Enemuo was treated until his demise, have been identified and restricted. The different locations are being decontaminated.” Governor Amaechi in the broadcast said:
Our investigations reveal that:
*A staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the team that received late Dr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American diplomat, who died of Ebola haemorrhagic disease in Lagos, made a trip to Port Harcourt, where he checked into a hotel and met with Dr. Iyke Sam Enemuo.
*About a week after his departure, Dr. Iyke Enemuo took ill and was rushed to a hospital with symptoms of fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. In the course of treatment, the managing physician became suspicious and took blood samples for investigation.
*A few days later, Dr. Iyke Enemuo died, precisely on August 22, 2014. Dr. Iyke Enemuo’s widow, who is also a medical doctor and who cared for him during his illness has taken ill. She is being quarantined.
*The diplomat who was seen by late Dr. Iyke Enemuo is alive and well.
Governor Amaechi assured that, “there’s no need to panic. Everyone should remain calm and go about their normal businesses. The Government of Rivers State is doing everything possible to contain the effects and spread of the Ebola virus. We have the material and human resources we need to fight and defeat the deadly virus. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and other international agencies are already here working with the state Ministry of Health to contain and combat the virus.
“Now, we must all endeavour to adhere to basic hygiene rules. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid unnecessary body contacts like shaking of hands. Anyone with symptoms indicative of diarrhoea, high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive weakness of the body and unexplained bleeding, should call these our Ebola emergency numbers: 08167733939, 07036321076, 08033124314 or our State emergency call centre: 112.
“It is a known fact that early detection and appropriate medical attention increases the chances of survival of an infected person. People have survived Ebola and more people can survive it. There is no need or reason to hide or run away. Seek immediate medical help. Call our Ebola help lines. Together, we can contain and defeat the Ebola virus”.
EVD cases now 15
Giving an update on the disease at a press conference in Abuja, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu said the number of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in the country has risen from 13 to 15.
According to him, “the total number of EVD cases so far reported in Nigeria stands at 15; the total number of cases treated at our isolation ward stands at 13; the total number of those discharged is seven; the total number of deaths from those treated in Lagos is five and the total number currently under treatment is one and the person is stable and improving clinically,”
He said: “The additional two cases were not treated at the isolation ward in Lagos. One of them is a primary contact of the index case, Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian American, who brought the virus to Nigeria. Even though the extra case does not presently have EVD, further laboratory tests indicated he had suffered EVD. The primary contact of Mr. Sawyer evaded the surveillance team in the last week of July and travelled out of Lagos to Port Harcourt where he consulted a doctor and was apparently treated for some symptoms of the virus.
“After four days, following a manhunt for him, he returned to Lagos by which time he was found to be without symptoms. This case would have been of no further interest since he had completed the 21 days of surveillance without any other issue, but for the fact that the doctor who treated him died last Friday, August 22, 2014. Following the report of this death by the doctor’s widow the next day, the case has been thoroughly investigated and laboratory analysis showed that this doctor died from EVD.
“As a result, several contacts have now been traced, registered and placed under surveillance. However, because the widow is now symptomatic, she has been quarantined pending the outcome of laboratory tests on her,” the minister said.
He, however, noted that the Incident Management Committee has already deployed a team to Port Harcourt to work with the health authorities of Rivers State. He assured that, just like the situation has effectively been managed in Lagos and Enugu, the situation in Port Harcourt will also similarly be effectively handled and that the Ministry of Health had started to do so.
He added that, “the total number of persons under surveillance include six in Enugu, 70 in Port Harcourt, (of all these 70, only one person has so far shown symptoms), 141 in Lagos. Since we started this journey of Ebola virus in Nigeria, 200 contacts had completed their 21 days and we are no longer tracking them.
“The total number of deaths from Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria is, therefore, now six; the index case Mr. Sawyer, the four primary contacts that died in the isolation ward in Lagos, and a doctor that died in Port Harcourt, whose blood sample tested positive after death. Also, 70 persons have been placed under surveillance in Port Harcourt.”
“I want to charge the residents of Port Harcourt not to panic over this situation as the experience we have gathered from Lagos and Enugu respectively indicate that there is no cause for alarm when you have the government fully in control of the situation.”
The Minister appealed to all contacts under surveillance in Lagos and Enugu to abide by the advice given to them by the Incident Management Committee.
“With regard to Enugu, all secondary contacts will be followed up till tomorrow (today) when they are all expected to be discharged from our surveillance.
“His body has not been disposed of yet. The contact team moved immediately to Port Harcourt last Saturday, then the treatment group moved in yesterday morning (Wednesday). The mobile laboratory will move in to Port Harcourt on Saturday. Nobody should panic. We are on top of it.”
No mass gatherings
“We are asking people not to hold mass gatherings, but if you must hold mass gatherings, you must meet with us. If we review and find out that we cannot guarantee, the Minister of Health will use the power that he has. If he said it cannot hold because of Ebola, it cannot hold.
“We are discouraging mass gatherings. You need to take permission from us when you are organizing mass gatherings, otherwise, we may disrupt it suddenly. You shouldn’t blame us for that. We are very serious about it.
“If you are going to do any mass gathering outside religious worship which we have generally granted, but anything beyond that, you must let us know. It does not mean that we have banned public gatherings, but if you must hold it, you must let the health authorities know so that they work with you.
“If in the end, the health authorities are not convinced that it is not a risky business, we may stop you or withhold you and clear you at the appropriate time. If working with you, we find out that we can actually put it under control, we then clear you to proceed. We are not panicking about it but we want to do things in a mature way to protect every resident of Nigeria and protect the rest of the world”.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Governor Amaechi in a special broadcast said: “We woke up this morning to the sad confirmation that the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease has claimed its first victim in Rivers State.
Dr. Iyke Sam Enemuo died last Friday, August 22, 2014 as a result of what was suspected to be Ebola Virus Disease. The State Ministry of Health on becoming aware of the conditions of his death, immediately commenced investigations and contact tracing.
 |
| Rivers State. Governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi |
Our investigations reveal that:
*A staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the team that received late Dr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American diplomat, who died of Ebola haemorrhagic disease in Lagos, made a trip to Port Harcourt, where he checked into a hotel and met with Dr. Iyke Sam Enemuo.
*About a week after his departure, Dr. Iyke Enemuo took ill and was rushed to a hospital with symptoms of fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. In the course of treatment, the managing physician became suspicious and took blood samples for investigation.
*A few days later, Dr. Iyke Enemuo died, precisely on August 22, 2014. Dr. Iyke Enemuo’s widow, who is also a medical doctor and who cared for him during his illness has taken ill. She is being quarantined.
*The diplomat who was seen by late Dr. Iyke Enemuo is alive and well.
Governor Amaechi assured that, “there’s no need to panic. Everyone should remain calm and go about their normal businesses. The Government of Rivers State is doing everything possible to contain the effects and spread of the Ebola virus. We have the material and human resources we need to fight and defeat the deadly virus. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and other international agencies are already here working with the state Ministry of Health to contain and combat the virus.
“Now, we must all endeavour to adhere to basic hygiene rules. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid unnecessary body contacts like shaking of hands. Anyone with symptoms indicative of diarrhoea, high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive weakness of the body and unexplained bleeding, should call these our Ebola emergency numbers: 08167733939, 07036321076, 08033124314 or our State emergency call centre: 112.
“It is a known fact that early detection and appropriate medical attention increases the chances of survival of an infected person. People have survived Ebola and more people can survive it. There is no need or reason to hide or run away. Seek immediate medical help. Call our Ebola help lines. Together, we can contain and defeat the Ebola virus”.
EVD cases now 15
Giving an update on the disease at a press conference in Abuja, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu said the number of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in the country has risen from 13 to 15.
According to him, “the total number of EVD cases so far reported in Nigeria stands at 15; the total number of cases treated at our isolation ward stands at 13; the total number of those discharged is seven; the total number of deaths from those treated in Lagos is five and the total number currently under treatment is one and the person is stable and improving clinically,”
He said: “The additional two cases were not treated at the isolation ward in Lagos. One of them is a primary contact of the index case, Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian American, who brought the virus to Nigeria. Even though the extra case does not presently have EVD, further laboratory tests indicated he had suffered EVD. The primary contact of Mr. Sawyer evaded the surveillance team in the last week of July and travelled out of Lagos to Port Harcourt where he consulted a doctor and was apparently treated for some symptoms of the virus.
“After four days, following a manhunt for him, he returned to Lagos by which time he was found to be without symptoms. This case would have been of no further interest since he had completed the 21 days of surveillance without any other issue, but for the fact that the doctor who treated him died last Friday, August 22, 2014. Following the report of this death by the doctor’s widow the next day, the case has been thoroughly investigated and laboratory analysis showed that this doctor died from EVD.
“As a result, several contacts have now been traced, registered and placed under surveillance. However, because the widow is now symptomatic, she has been quarantined pending the outcome of laboratory tests on her,” the minister said.
He, however, noted that the Incident Management Committee has already deployed a team to Port Harcourt to work with the health authorities of Rivers State. He assured that, just like the situation has effectively been managed in Lagos and Enugu, the situation in Port Harcourt will also similarly be effectively handled and that the Ministry of Health had started to do so.
He added that, “the total number of persons under surveillance include six in Enugu, 70 in Port Harcourt, (of all these 70, only one person has so far shown symptoms), 141 in Lagos. Since we started this journey of Ebola virus in Nigeria, 200 contacts had completed their 21 days and we are no longer tracking them.
“The total number of deaths from Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria is, therefore, now six; the index case Mr. Sawyer, the four primary contacts that died in the isolation ward in Lagos, and a doctor that died in Port Harcourt, whose blood sample tested positive after death. Also, 70 persons have been placed under surveillance in Port Harcourt.”
“I want to charge the residents of Port Harcourt not to panic over this situation as the experience we have gathered from Lagos and Enugu respectively indicate that there is no cause for alarm when you have the government fully in control of the situation.”
The Minister appealed to all contacts under surveillance in Lagos and Enugu to abide by the advice given to them by the Incident Management Committee.
“With regard to Enugu, all secondary contacts will be followed up till tomorrow (today) when they are all expected to be discharged from our surveillance.
“His body has not been disposed of yet. The contact team moved immediately to Port Harcourt last Saturday, then the treatment group moved in yesterday morning (Wednesday). The mobile laboratory will move in to Port Harcourt on Saturday. Nobody should panic. We are on top of it.”
No mass gatherings
“We are asking people not to hold mass gatherings, but if you must hold mass gatherings, you must meet with us. If we review and find out that we cannot guarantee, the Minister of Health will use the power that he has. If he said it cannot hold because of Ebola, it cannot hold.
“We are discouraging mass gatherings. You need to take permission from us when you are organizing mass gatherings, otherwise, we may disrupt it suddenly. You shouldn’t blame us for that. We are very serious about it.
“If you are going to do any mass gathering outside religious worship which we have generally granted, but anything beyond that, you must let us know. It does not mean that we have banned public gatherings, but if you must hold it, you must let the health authorities know so that they work with you.
“If in the end, the health authorities are not convinced that it is not a risky business, we may stop you or withhold you and clear you at the appropriate time. If working with you, we find out that we can actually put it under control, we then clear you to proceed. We are not panicking about it but we want to do things in a mature way to protect every resident of Nigeria and protect the rest of the world”.
Identity problem frustrated 2011 post-election violence compensation- Jonathan By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief & Ben Agande
President Goodluck Jonathan, Thurday, voiced his frustration over identity problem which made it impossible for his administration to compensate victims of the 2011 post-election violence in many parts of Northern Nigeria.
He spoke at the launching of the nation’s electronic Identity Card, e-ID, in Abuja. It was the first time the president would explain a vexed issue for which victims of the crisis accused him of abandonment.
His words, “I’m particularly pleased about NIMC, National Identity Management Commission, because a number of things we are supposed to do well as a nation, we are not doing well. And sometimes we blame government but because of the failure of the system and the credibility of the process.
“When the issue of the 2011 post-election crisis in the north came up, properties were burnt, and we thought how do address this. We set up a committees to take inventories of things and take data of people. I then asked the then Minister of National Planning, Shamsudeen Usman, to come up with a blueprint because we must know the figures, we must know what we have. We cannot venture into what we cannot conclude.
“By the time you want to do payments, you find that those who are affected will not get the money.
“I remember when I was in OMPADEC as the Head of Environmental Protection Unit, if there is no oil spillage if you go to any environment in Niger Delta, you can trek across one kilometer you will hardly see gods. But when there is spillage, everyone square meter you go you will see baby gods everywhere. So the spillage that is supposed to drive everyone away reproduce gods everywhere because every baby god is entitled to some compensation. So these are the problems we have”. See more photos here
Fresh subsidy targets
The president said his administration was prepared to provide subsidy for Nigerians but that it was critically important to identify those to be targeted .
He said, “if you take the issue of subsidy of transport, what we do is subsidising hydrocarbon . It does not go to the ordinary people. Government spends huge sums of money, hundreds of billions of Naira every year in the budget, ask the National Assembly. Sometimes it is controversial. We are subsidising kerosene yet the price is going very high in the market, subsidising PMS and so on.
“We are thinking about how do we subsidise transport of the person going to school, the person going to the market, the person moving from Lagos to Enugu or Lagos to Kano. Not paying subsidy that 60 per cent of that will be smuggled out of the country. And those who make the money will come and use that money to induce the people suffering to even riot against government”.
MDAs to align with NIMC infrastructure
President Jonathan directed that all Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments, MDAs, involved in data capture activities, must align their activities, with a view to switching over to the NIMC infrastructure.
According to him, it would be cost-effective for all identification management projects to migrate to the NIMC project which would house a single ID database for the nation.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Access bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said that his organization was partnering with the NIMC in the e-ID project in recognition of its importance in the financial inclusion.
According to him, the Know Your Customer, KYC, requirement in the banking sector would be simplified through the e-ID and would therefore enhance the nation’s payment system.
His words, “the scheme solves a lot of problems. First, it solves the problem of identifying your customers, KYC, Know Your Customer. But today’s occasion is more important than all of that. It helps in reducing the negative biases we have about Nigeria, just because we have no identity cards, so anybody from anywhere can claim to be a Nigerian.
“Now because this card is biometric in nature if your name is Herbert Wigwe, you cannot change that name because my thumb print and finger prints are on it. So if there is fraud you can trace who the person is and where he is. Your payment details are all there so if you like at the end of the day, it is showing who a person is truly is and we can identify that person as a Nigeria and what he is doing and things around fraud which are generally associated will come to an end.
Most importantly, this card, apart from being an identity card is also a payment card and will support the electronic payment system in the country.
“It cuts across the whole spectrum of the people- the poor people, who can now take their money on the card. Through this card can know people who are paying their taxes. It is another version meant to leapfrog what we have lost over the last 30 years.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NIMC, Mr. Mr.Chris Onyemenam, said “it will also reduce some of the security challenges that we have as a country because you can truly identify everybody and thereby determine who comes from which country or not. We are coming from a situation where there was no proper identification”.
 |
| PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L), DISPLAYING A DUMMY OF HIS NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD AT THE LAUNCH OF e-ID CARD IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (28/8/14). WITH HIM ARE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, DR AKINWUMI ADESINA AND BOARD CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION, PRINCE UCHE SECONDUS. BJO/NAN |
His words, “I’m particularly pleased about NIMC, National Identity Management Commission, because a number of things we are supposed to do well as a nation, we are not doing well. And sometimes we blame government but because of the failure of the system and the credibility of the process.
“When the issue of the 2011 post-election crisis in the north came up, properties were burnt, and we thought how do address this. We set up a committees to take inventories of things and take data of people. I then asked the then Minister of National Planning, Shamsudeen Usman, to come up with a blueprint because we must know the figures, we must know what we have. We cannot venture into what we cannot conclude.
“By the time you want to do payments, you find that those who are affected will not get the money.
“I remember when I was in OMPADEC as the Head of Environmental Protection Unit, if there is no oil spillage if you go to any environment in Niger Delta, you can trek across one kilometer you will hardly see gods. But when there is spillage, everyone square meter you go you will see baby gods everywhere. So the spillage that is supposed to drive everyone away reproduce gods everywhere because every baby god is entitled to some compensation. So these are the problems we have”. See more photos here
Fresh subsidy targets
The president said his administration was prepared to provide subsidy for Nigerians but that it was critically important to identify those to be targeted .
He said, “if you take the issue of subsidy of transport, what we do is subsidising hydrocarbon . It does not go to the ordinary people. Government spends huge sums of money, hundreds of billions of Naira every year in the budget, ask the National Assembly. Sometimes it is controversial. We are subsidising kerosene yet the price is going very high in the market, subsidising PMS and so on.
“We are thinking about how do we subsidise transport of the person going to school, the person going to the market, the person moving from Lagos to Enugu or Lagos to Kano. Not paying subsidy that 60 per cent of that will be smuggled out of the country. And those who make the money will come and use that money to induce the people suffering to even riot against government”.
MDAs to align with NIMC infrastructure
President Jonathan directed that all Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments, MDAs, involved in data capture activities, must align their activities, with a view to switching over to the NIMC infrastructure.
According to him, it would be cost-effective for all identification management projects to migrate to the NIMC project which would house a single ID database for the nation.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Access bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said that his organization was partnering with the NIMC in the e-ID project in recognition of its importance in the financial inclusion.
According to him, the Know Your Customer, KYC, requirement in the banking sector would be simplified through the e-ID and would therefore enhance the nation’s payment system.
His words, “the scheme solves a lot of problems. First, it solves the problem of identifying your customers, KYC, Know Your Customer. But today’s occasion is more important than all of that. It helps in reducing the negative biases we have about Nigeria, just because we have no identity cards, so anybody from anywhere can claim to be a Nigerian.
“Now because this card is biometric in nature if your name is Herbert Wigwe, you cannot change that name because my thumb print and finger prints are on it. So if there is fraud you can trace who the person is and where he is. Your payment details are all there so if you like at the end of the day, it is showing who a person is truly is and we can identify that person as a Nigeria and what he is doing and things around fraud which are generally associated will come to an end.
Most importantly, this card, apart from being an identity card is also a payment card and will support the electronic payment system in the country.
“It cuts across the whole spectrum of the people- the poor people, who can now take their money on the card. Through this card can know people who are paying their taxes. It is another version meant to leapfrog what we have lost over the last 30 years.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NIMC, Mr. Mr.Chris Onyemenam, said “it will also reduce some of the security challenges that we have as a country because you can truly identify everybody and thereby determine who comes from which country or not. We are coming from a situation where there was no proper identification”.
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Uzo Aduba wins `Outstanding Guest Actress’ at Emmy Award
Nigerian-born American artiste, Uzo Aduba, has won the `Outstanding Guest Actress’ for the comedy entitled: `Orange is the New Black’ in the Emmy Award for 2014
An Emmy Award, or simply Emmy, is awarded in recognition of excellence in various sectors of the American television industry.
The sectors are: Academy Award (for film); Tony Award (for theatre); and Grammy Award (for music).
Aduba won the award a week before the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, which took place on Aug. 25 at the Nokia Los Angeles Theatre in California.
Aduba played the character Suzanne Warren in the film.
Aduba, who was raised in Medfield, Massachusetts, attended Medfield High School and the University of Boston, where she studied classical voice.
According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Aduba is listed number seven on its directory of Nigerian Americans. (NAN)
 |
| Uzo Aduba |
The sectors are: Academy Award (for film); Tony Award (for theatre); and Grammy Award (for music).
Aduba won the award a week before the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, which took place on Aug. 25 at the Nokia Los Angeles Theatre in California.
Aduba played the character Suzanne Warren in the film.
Aduba, who was raised in Medfield, Massachusetts, attended Medfield High School and the University of Boston, where she studied classical voice.
According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Aduba is listed number seven on its directory of Nigerian Americans. (NAN)
Source - Vanguard
Tributes galore as body of Dora Akunyili arrives Anambra By Vincent Ujumadu & Nwabueze Okonkwo
Gowon, Mrs. Obasanjo, others in attendance
…As rain maker relation vows to disrupt burial today in Agulu
Awka — IT was eulogies galore, yesterday, at the Women Development Centre, Awka, as people and government of Anambra State received the body of the late former Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili
This came as Chief Fredrick Dike, an acclaimed weather controller from Ifiteani village, Agulu, and a kinsman of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband to late Dora Akunyili, vowed to use his mystical powers to disrupt the burial ceremony today
Among those that graced the ceremony included the former head of state, General Yakubu Gown and his wife, wife of the former president, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Governor Willie Obiano and members of his cabinet and the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh.
In his tribute, General Gowon described Dora as a great gift to Nigeria, as she devoted herself to the service of her fatherland in all the positions she found herself.
Also speaking, Governor Willie Obiano said Akunyili used her God–given talent to work for her country, explaining that in view of what she stood for Anambra, he had concluded plans to make her an ambassador plenipotentiary for the state before her demise.
To the national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, Dora’s deeds spoke for her, adding that her demise was a great loss to the country.
He said that but for the 180 days constitutional provision that ended the election tribunal, Dora could have been in the Senate because she won that election.
Colossus
In an emotion –laden voice, the wife of Governor Obiano, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano described her as a colossus among men.
Amidst intermittent sobs, Mrs. Obiano said: “In public service, Dora endeared herself to the people and gave hope to the hopeless.
“Even in her traumatic moment, she radiated hope. I will never forget her motherly advice and I am eloquently grateful for making herself a shining example. She was a woman who never wanted to shine alone as she always wanted stars around her.
“Professor Akunyili had promised to package me the way Anambra people will be proud of and while she lived, she encouraged me and that is what is guiding me now.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo went down memory lane to describe how she endeared herself to former President Obasanjo through her good deeds.
She said: “Dora was a role model and a legend who cannot be forgotten easily. She was an open–minded woman who staked her neck to save many lives. We remember that a bullet fired at her removed her head tie, but did not remove her head. If the bullet had removed her head, the nation would have lost all that she did for Nigerians.
“When people were putting chalk into capsules as drugs, Dora stepped in as the Director General of NAFDAC and stopped all that.”
Dora’s colleague at the National Conference, Mrs. Josephine Anenih said when people saw her at the conference, many of them started crying. But Dora told them not to cry for her as she was prepared to serve her country in that confab.
She said that even as frail as Dora looked, her voice was very strong and she made all the Igbo delegates proud.
According to her, the people Dora fought against at NAFDAC are murderers in the name of drug business.
Akunyili will be buried today at her hometown, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government area of Anambra State.
Meanwhile, Chief Fredrick Dike, an acclaimed weather controller from Ifiteani village, Agulu, Anambra State and a kinsman of Dr. Chike Akunyili, the husband of late Dora Akunyili, yesterday, vowed to use his mystical powers to disrupt the burial ceremony today.
Dike explained in an interview that Dora’s husband and other stakeholders, including former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, his Special Adviser on Parks and Markets, Chief Sylvester Nwaobulor, among others, went behind him to meet other rain makers in the town and its environs without recognising him as number one rain maker in Anambra State.
He boasted: “Dora herself is also my wife and we are all sharing in the pain of her death, but since they sidelined me in controlling the weather, they will see rainfall tomorrow (That is today) and throughout the week unless they do the needful.
“Let it also be on record that I am not insisting on loosening the heaven tomorrow because I was not consulted, but because they went to see other rain makers with lots of gift items to control the weather which they know I can do without charging anything. We shall test powers tomorrow.”
The traditional medicine practitioner also alleged that some of his kinsmen were hitherto withholding a national award given him by President Goodluck Jonathan, warning that those in custody of the award to make it available to him before it would be too late.
“I was told that Mr. President gave me an award, but some people are still with it and I want to use this opportunity to let Mr. President know that I’m yet to get the award,” he said
…As rain maker relation vows to disrupt burial today in Agulu
Awka — IT was eulogies galore, yesterday, at the Women Development Centre, Awka, as people and government of Anambra State received the body of the late former Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili
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| dora akunyili |
Among those that graced the ceremony included the former head of state, General Yakubu Gown and his wife, wife of the former president, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Governor Willie Obiano and members of his cabinet and the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh.
In his tribute, General Gowon described Dora as a great gift to Nigeria, as she devoted herself to the service of her fatherland in all the positions she found herself.
Also speaking, Governor Willie Obiano said Akunyili used her God–given talent to work for her country, explaining that in view of what she stood for Anambra, he had concluded plans to make her an ambassador plenipotentiary for the state before her demise.
To the national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, Dora’s deeds spoke for her, adding that her demise was a great loss to the country.
He said that but for the 180 days constitutional provision that ended the election tribunal, Dora could have been in the Senate because she won that election.
Colossus
In an emotion –laden voice, the wife of Governor Obiano, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano described her as a colossus among men.
Amidst intermittent sobs, Mrs. Obiano said: “In public service, Dora endeared herself to the people and gave hope to the hopeless.
“Even in her traumatic moment, she radiated hope. I will never forget her motherly advice and I am eloquently grateful for making herself a shining example. She was a woman who never wanted to shine alone as she always wanted stars around her.
“Professor Akunyili had promised to package me the way Anambra people will be proud of and while she lived, she encouraged me and that is what is guiding me now.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo went down memory lane to describe how she endeared herself to former President Obasanjo through her good deeds.
She said: “Dora was a role model and a legend who cannot be forgotten easily. She was an open–minded woman who staked her neck to save many lives. We remember that a bullet fired at her removed her head tie, but did not remove her head. If the bullet had removed her head, the nation would have lost all that she did for Nigerians.
“When people were putting chalk into capsules as drugs, Dora stepped in as the Director General of NAFDAC and stopped all that.”
Dora’s colleague at the National Conference, Mrs. Josephine Anenih said when people saw her at the conference, many of them started crying. But Dora told them not to cry for her as she was prepared to serve her country in that confab.
She said that even as frail as Dora looked, her voice was very strong and she made all the Igbo delegates proud.
According to her, the people Dora fought against at NAFDAC are murderers in the name of drug business.
Akunyili will be buried today at her hometown, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government area of Anambra State.
Meanwhile, Chief Fredrick Dike, an acclaimed weather controller from Ifiteani village, Agulu, Anambra State and a kinsman of Dr. Chike Akunyili, the husband of late Dora Akunyili, yesterday, vowed to use his mystical powers to disrupt the burial ceremony today.
Dike explained in an interview that Dora’s husband and other stakeholders, including former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, his Special Adviser on Parks and Markets, Chief Sylvester Nwaobulor, among others, went behind him to meet other rain makers in the town and its environs without recognising him as number one rain maker in Anambra State.
He boasted: “Dora herself is also my wife and we are all sharing in the pain of her death, but since they sidelined me in controlling the weather, they will see rainfall tomorrow (That is today) and throughout the week unless they do the needful.
“Let it also be on record that I am not insisting on loosening the heaven tomorrow because I was not consulted, but because they went to see other rain makers with lots of gift items to control the weather which they know I can do without charging anything. We shall test powers tomorrow.”
The traditional medicine practitioner also alleged that some of his kinsmen were hitherto withholding a national award given him by President Goodluck Jonathan, warning that those in custody of the award to make it available to him before it would be too late.
“I was told that Mr. President gave me an award, but some people are still with it and I want to use this opportunity to let Mr. President know that I’m yet to get the award,” he said
Jonathan, Obasanjo meet over Boko Haram By Daud Olatunji
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, held a closed-door meeting following high rate of insecurity in the country, occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency. The problem appears to be getting out of control with terrorists capturing Gwoza, and declaring it an Islamic caliphate.
The meeting was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on the invitation of President Jonathan.
Chief Obasanjo, who confirmed his meeting with the President shortly after he arrived Abeokuta from Abuja, yesterday, said the meeting was purely on security matters.
When asked to confirm the meeting, Obasanjo said: “Yes, I can confirm that I met with Mr. President on his invitation. In fact, he had wanted to come down to Abeokuta, but as a sign of respect to the Office of the President, I had to go. We had discussion on the country’s security issues and that is all.”
Obasanjo, who appreciated the invitation of President Jonathan promised that he would continue to make himself available on national issues in the interest of peace and progress of the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed the meeting but said he had no details of what was discussed.
“It was a meeting between the two of them and only they can say what was discussed”.
Obasanjo has for years advocated the use of force alongside peaceful negotiation as a panacea for tackling insurgency in the North.
In May, Chief Obasanjo commenced efforts to reach out to the Boko Haram sect, in a series of attempts at negotiating with the sect to free the over 250 school girls it abducted in April from their dormitories in Chibok, Borno State.
At the time, the former leader contacted a go-between, who assisted him in his unsuccessful attempt at mediating with the Boko Haram group in 2011.
Jonathan meets security chiefs
Meanwhile, the President also yesterday met behind closed doors with security chiefs apparently to assess security situation in the country.
The service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, met with the President before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting.
As usual, none of them spoke with journalists at the end of the meeting.
The meeting may not be unconnected with the deteriorating security situation in the North-Eastern part of the country, where the Boko Haram sect is reportedly gaining territorial grounds and have taken over some towns and villages in Borno state.
The sect which is on a mission to impose a strict interpretation of Islam in the country is reported to have hoisted its flag in some towns in Borno State including Gwoza, where it drove away the emir and sacked the Police Training College.
An encounter between the sect and Nigerian security services led to some Nigerian troops crossing over into Cameroonian territory.
Though the Nigerian soldiers have been escorted back to Nigeria by armed Cameroonian security personnel, the incidence was a huge embarrassment to the nation’s security service which claimed that the troops crossed over Cameroonian territory in a deliberate maneouvre while pursuing Boko Haram insurgents.
The meeting was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on the invitation of President Jonathan.
Chief Obasanjo, who confirmed his meeting with the President shortly after he arrived Abeokuta from Abuja, yesterday, said the meeting was purely on security matters.
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| President Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo |
Obasanjo, who appreciated the invitation of President Jonathan promised that he would continue to make himself available on national issues in the interest of peace and progress of the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed the meeting but said he had no details of what was discussed.
“It was a meeting between the two of them and only they can say what was discussed”.
Obasanjo has for years advocated the use of force alongside peaceful negotiation as a panacea for tackling insurgency in the North.
In May, Chief Obasanjo commenced efforts to reach out to the Boko Haram sect, in a series of attempts at negotiating with the sect to free the over 250 school girls it abducted in April from their dormitories in Chibok, Borno State.
At the time, the former leader contacted a go-between, who assisted him in his unsuccessful attempt at mediating with the Boko Haram group in 2011.
Jonathan meets security chiefs
Meanwhile, the President also yesterday met behind closed doors with security chiefs apparently to assess security situation in the country.
The service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, met with the President before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting.
As usual, none of them spoke with journalists at the end of the meeting.
The meeting may not be unconnected with the deteriorating security situation in the North-Eastern part of the country, where the Boko Haram sect is reportedly gaining territorial grounds and have taken over some towns and villages in Borno state.
The sect which is on a mission to impose a strict interpretation of Islam in the country is reported to have hoisted its flag in some towns in Borno State including Gwoza, where it drove away the emir and sacked the Police Training College.
An encounter between the sect and Nigerian security services led to some Nigerian troops crossing over into Cameroonian territory.
Though the Nigerian soldiers have been escorted back to Nigeria by armed Cameroonian security personnel, the incidence was a huge embarrassment to the nation’s security service which claimed that the troops crossed over Cameroonian territory in a deliberate maneouvre while pursuing Boko Haram insurgents.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
D’banj, joins U.S. celebrities on MTV award
Nigerian Music star, D’banj, joined other American celebrities to watch the 2014 MTV Video Music Award in Inglewood, California.
U.S. celebrities included Beyonce, Jay Z, J Lo, Kim Kardashian, Chris Brown and Usher
D’banj, who was a special guest of American Rapper, Dr Dre, at the event, wore a dark suit, bow tie, dark shades and hat.
Meanwhile, American R/B singer, R and B singer, Beyonce Knowles, became the crown queen of the award when she was crowned with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award.
The diva closed the awards show with an epic nearly 20-minute performance.
Tears streamed down her face as she was joined on stage by her beaming husband, Jay-Z, and daughter, Blue Ivy, amid the numerous rumours surrounding her marriage.
Beyonce sang and danced in a metallic leotard while Blue Ivy and Jay Z watched from their seats as the diva declared: “MTV, welcome to my world”.
The duo won best collaboration for the hit “Drunk In Love”.
“I have nothing to say but I am filled with so much gratitude,” she told the cheering crowd as they chanted her name repeatedly.
She also won Best Video with a social message for the song: “Pretty Hurts” and Best Cinematography in Pretty Hurts. (NAN)
Reporters/EAL/MST
Source - Vanguard
U.S. celebrities included Beyonce, Jay Z, J Lo, Kim Kardashian, Chris Brown and Usher
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| dbanj |
Meanwhile, American R/B singer, R and B singer, Beyonce Knowles, became the crown queen of the award when she was crowned with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award.
The diva closed the awards show with an epic nearly 20-minute performance.
Tears streamed down her face as she was joined on stage by her beaming husband, Jay-Z, and daughter, Blue Ivy, amid the numerous rumours surrounding her marriage.
Beyonce sang and danced in a metallic leotard while Blue Ivy and Jay Z watched from their seats as the diva declared: “MTV, welcome to my world”.
The duo won best collaboration for the hit “Drunk In Love”.
“I have nothing to say but I am filled with so much gratitude,” she told the cheering crowd as they chanted her name repeatedly.
She also won Best Video with a social message for the song: “Pretty Hurts” and Best Cinematography in Pretty Hurts. (NAN)
Reporters/EAL/MST
Source - Vanguard
EBOLA SCARE: FG shuts schools till October 13 By Sola Ogundipe, Clifford Ndujihe
The Federal Government, yesterday, took far-reaching decisions to curtail the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in the country as it postponed the resumption of all primary and secondary schools till October 13, even as government cleared the air on the health status of a sister to the late Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, confirming that she is Ebola-free.
Announcing the shift in resumption date in Abuja, Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said the decision became necessary in view of the risk posed by the Ebola virus which could easily spread through schools.
His words: “All primary and secondary schools, both public and private are to remain closed until Monday October 13, 2014 which is the new school resumption date for all schools throughout the Federation”. The schools were originally scheduled to re-open in the second week of September.
Shekarau, who briefed the press at the end of a meeting with state commissioners of education, added that all on-going summer schools were also affected with immediate effect.
Further, he said the change in the resumption date was also to enable the Federal and state governments, as well as school authorities put in place adequate preventive measures before the pupils returned to school.
“All state Ministries of Education are to immediately organise and ensure that at least two (2) staff in each school, both public and private, are trained by appropriate health workers on how to handle any suspected case of Ebola and also embark on immediate sensitization of all teaching and non-teaching staff in all schools on preventive measures. This training of staff must be concluded not later than September 15, 2014”.
He further directed states Ministries of Education to establish Working and Monitoring Teams for effective supervision of school activities before and after opening of schools.
“Each state Ministry of Education should appoint a designated Desk Officer not later than September 1, 2014, who should also receive appropriate training and who must report on daily basis to the Honourable Commissioner on situation in the schools. The names of such Desk Officers, their phone numbers and e-mail addresses should be communicated to the Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education not later than September 1, 2014.
“All primary and secondary schools, both public and private should be provided with a minimum of two (2) Blood Pressure Measuring Equipment by the State Ministries of Education. The State Ministries should determine the number of such equipment required and forward same to the Federal Ministry of Education not later than September 1, 2014. Ministry of Education will liaise with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure that appropriate equipment are procured,” he added.
Summer schools closed
“All summer classes currently being conducted by some private schools should be suspended with immediate effect until October 13, 2014.
“All private primary and secondary schools must comply with the directives given under these preventive measures. State governments are called upon to support their Ministries of Education with all necessary funds to ensure effective implementation of these preventive measures”, Shekarau said.
He warned that any private or public school that failed to comply with the directives would be sanctioned.
“Our concern is for the children and we would go to any length to ensure both private and public schools comply. You can imagine if a child is infected in a boarding school of say about 600 children, it would be very dangerous. We are not saying there is Ebola in all states of the Federation but we are putting some preventive measures in place.”
He also advised all tertiary institutions to suspend exchange of staff and students programmes, visits and major international seminars and workshops until further notice. They are also to monitor the movement of foreign students in their campuses. They are to liaise with appropriate government health institutions to organize and ensure effective sensitization programme for all their teaching and non-teaching staff.”
Adedavoh’s sister not positive — FG, LASG
Also, yesterday, cheering news came from both the Federal Government and Lagos State Governments as both have cleared the air over the health status of a sister to the late Dr. Stella, Ameyo Adadevoh.
Briefing the press in Abuja on the update of the EVD in the country, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, debunked rumours that a sister to the late Adadevoh tested positive to the virus.
Corroborating the minister in Lagos, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who raised alarm over false stories being disseminated via social media, lamented that such rumours being circulated have been a critical and pervading challenge to the fight against the virus.
Idris said: “These rumours have the capacity to undermine the efforts being made to contain and manage the outbreak as those who ought to present themselves for treatment may get discouraged, malign government in the face of residents and fuel stigmatisation of individuals and businesses.
“I do not want to mention names because that is part of what we are told not to do but I must say that the report on the woman is false. She was discharged yesterday (Monday) as negative.”
We have contained Ebola – Chukwu
Thirty eight days after importation of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, into the country by the late American-Liberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the threat of the disease may have been contained, following the survival of eight of the victims, seven of who have been discharged; screening of a total of 321 persons, even as additional 10 contacts were listed Monday in Lagos.
Disclosing this in Abuja, the Health Minister said two more patients with the Ebola virus disease have been discharged from the Isolation Ward in Lagos State, bringing to seven the number of patients that have been treated and declared free from the virus in the country even as the number of deaths from the killer disease scourge still remains five, including the index case, Patrick Sawyer.
Chukwu added that the nation has had 13 cases of EVD including the index case.
“Of these 13, five including the index case unfortunately did not survive the disease and are now late.
However, seven of the infected persons were successfully managed at the isolation ward in Lagos and have been discharged.
“Two of the treated patients, a male doctor and a female nurse were discharged yesterday, both of them primary contacts of Mr. Patrick Sawyer, having satisfied the criteria for discharge.
“As I speak to you, Nigeria has only one confirmed case of EVD, a secondary contact of Mr Patrick Sawyer. This is an indication that, thus far, Nigeria has contained the disease outbreak.
“I wish to reassure Nigerians and indeed the global community that the government shall remain vigilant and will not relent as government continues to work with her partners to ensure that the disease is kept out of the country,” the Minister added.
Besides, the minister informed that 129 persons had been freed from surveillance, having passed through the 21 days incubation period for the virus without testing positive. Similarly, 128 persons are still on the radar of government for the virus, the minister stated.
“All those who are under our surveillance, only one person is symptomatic; we are investigating, the result is not out. All others are not symptomatic,” the Minister stated.
Speaking further, Dr Idris explained that the recovery of seven confirmed cases in the state have buttressed that Ebola infection is not a death sentence.
“The suspected case is awaiting confirmatory test result to inform the next line of action. Currently there are two cases, one confirmed and one suspected in the isolation centre at the facilities in Mainland Hospital, Yaba.”
He disclosed that the seven Ebola-free patients are being re-integrated successfully with their families and communities.
“The common thread amongst the recovered cases is their early presentation for supportive treatment. There is no need to hide friends and relations we suspect have come down with the disease. The earlier they are brought for screening and surveillance, the better the outcome.”
Idris explained that three bodies were cremated and two properly buried after full decontamination of bodies.
Nigeria records 61.5 percent survivors
Nigerian and the world at large yesterday received the cheery news that the country has con
tained the threat of the dreaded EVD following the discharge of seven infected persons out of the 13 confirmed cases. Currently, only one person is at the isolation centre in Lagos and her condition is stable. Two more patients with the Ebola virus disease have been discharged from the isolation ward in Lagos State,
Nigeria lost five persons to the disease including the index (first) case, Mr Patrick Sawyer, the late Liberian-American who brought the disease to Nigeria on July 20, 2014.
With the development, the disease killed 38.5 per cent of those affected in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 90 per cent of those affected die from Ebola.
Through sheer determination and care on the part of government and awareness by the citizenry, Nigeria ensured that only 13 persons out of a population of 167 million were affected and 61.5 per cent of Ebola victims survived the disease. The record is bettered by Uganda, which in 2007 had 149 cases and 37 deaths (25 per cent fatality) and Cote d’ Ivoire that had one case and no death in 1994.
Since the outbreak of the disease in four West African countries — Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria, late December 2013 and this year, the WHO, as of August 22, said that 2615 cases and 1427 deaths (54.57 per cent fatality) have been recorded.
The breakdown of the figures is as follows:
* Liberia—1082 cases, 624 deaths, 57.67 per cent fatality
* Sierra Leone—935 cases, 392 deaths, 41.93 per cent fatality
* Guinea— 607 cases, 406 deaths, 66.87 per cent fatality
* Nigeria— 13 cases, five deaths, 38.46 per cent fatality.
Nigeria is by far the most populous of these countries with a population of 167 million and yet recorded the least number of cases, an indication of the professional manner the government, health authorities and the citizenry handled the challenge.
The populations of the other countries are: Uganda (37 million), Cote d Ívoire (16 million), Guinea (10 million), Sierra Leone (six million) and Liberia (3.5 million), whose total of 73 million is about half of Nigeria’s population.
Don’t stigmatise discharged patients
Imploring all Lagosians not to stigmatise all cases and contacts that have been given a clean bill of health, Idris urged them to facilitate their re- integration into the society.
He cited the American doctor who was recently discharged by Emory Hospital, USA and how he was openly embraced by both the hospital staff and family members, “setting for us an example to follow in the integration process of discharged cases and contacts,” Idris said.
The Commissioner allayed fears of discharged patients coming down with the virus again saying that the chances are almost nil but does not mean that such patients could not be re-infected with another strain of the virus but not the particular virus that late Sawyer imported into the country.
“The process by which cases and indeed contacts are discharged is also in line with best practices, involving reviews by critical members of the Ebola Emergency Operations Centre,” he added.
Further, he pointed out that a contact becomes infective only when symptoms appear-fever being a game changer.
“By and large, only symptomatic contacts are admitted. Asymptomatic contacts are admitted when the index of suspicion that they may be lost to follow up is high.
“Contacts are monitored twice daily for temperature changes and symptoms. On self-admission or evacuation of contacts for conducts of confirmatory test, their homes including areas of common use with co-tenants, offices and relevant general surfaces are decontaminated,” he said.
On other challenges, Idris said that rejection of febrile patients in hospitals without proper assessment may also increase stigma and deter self-reporting.
He explained that not everybody with fever or haemorrhage has come down with EVD. A situation where these cases are automatically referred to Mainland General Hospital is not good practice.
The commissioner appealed to medical practitioners in both public and private health facilities to commence the management of these cases using universal safety precautions and only refer them if there is an indication to do so.
Why First Consultants Medical centre is still shut
On when First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, where the first case was treated, will be reopened, Idris said the state government is waiting for directive from the World Health Organisation, WHO, as there will be many decontamination exercises in the facility.
The Commissioner who said already several decontaminations have been done in the place confirmed that it was going to take some time before the facility will be opened.
“I need to get clearance from the Ebola Emergency Operation Centre because they are the one who could give clearance that the hospital is clean and ready for re-opening. It is after that the state government embarks on its own process. Decontamination may not be complete because some of the equipment in the hospital may be discarded, burn some materials and other activities. This is to ensure that the hospital is free of the virus. So it will take some time before the hospital will be reopened, but once we get the approval WHO and EOC the government will do the needful.”
No Ebola-free certificate
Idris said there is need to report every death and obtain Ebola-free documentation to facilitate the transportation of out-bound corpses from the state.
He however, dismissed rumours about Ebola free certificate saying that: “There is nothing like Ebola-free certificate being issued routinely to persons applying for visas in foreign embassies in Nigeria. Clearance certificate are nonetheless issued to contacts that have completed the 21-day maximum incubation period of EVD.”
N1.9 bn not for Ebola fund – Chukwu
Meanwhile, the Health Minister said that the N1.9 billion earlier approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, at the time he declared emergency of over the disease, widely believed to be used for containing the virus, is for the improvement of the nation’s general health systems.
“We did say that the N1.9billion that the President approved was for the Federal Ministry of Health; those ones that the Federal Ministry of Health should champion. That fund was provided based on the budget that the Federal Ministry of Health submitted to Mr. President. It was not termed an Ebola fund.”
“I repeat, because now I hear that in some places, even village heads are asking for their own share. Nigeria is always thinking of sharing money. It is money for the Federal Ministry of Health to use in working. They are going to use it to procure more vehicles; which have already been ordered.
“They are going to use it to procure more personal protective equipment which has already been ordered. They are going to use it to provide isolation tents, which again have been ordered, including drugs which will be used to support the patients. It is a budget for the Federal Ministry of Health and its agencies as submitted by the Federal Ministry of Health to Mr. President.
“What I am saying is that there will still be other funds that will still be released in various ways depending on what any of the cognate agencies is requesting from Mr. President that must be done.
“Now, in the case of Lagos State, after the President met with all Governors, together with their Commissioners for Health, it was clear, even from the statement made by the Governor of Lagos State, that Lagos State is also under pressure because many of the workers we are using are from Lagos State. We can’t shortly go and start recruiting people. We work with the state. It is just that in every epidemic, the Federal Government with the Minister of Health in the front takes control of epidemics. It is not a state government matter.
“But, we use state personnel as well and local government personnel; we used everybody, our partners are part of it. But, the leader of the team is the Minister of Health.
“So, Lagos State government has been spending money. They pay salary to staff; they’ve been recruiting more staff. They give these staff incentives. They provided the isolation wards. But, we led and decided who should work there. The Minister of Health created the teams that are working,” Chukwu argued.
Earlier, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, had donated one million Naira to help contain the virus.
He said: “This is the first time in the history of our country that our elected and appointed people and leaders have risen to the great challenge we are facing. I want to commend the health workers for the risk they have taken, their commitment, and their dedication to their duties in assisting the entire populace to completely be ready for this challenge.
“There is no way that the Federal Government alone can be left alone to face the burden of the Ebola challenge. It is my well-considered opinion that citizens of this country, corporate organizations should try and make their own contributions to help in the awareness for people to understand what the challenges we are facing with this Ebola scourge,” he added.
Ogun free of Ebola — Soyinka
In a related development, the Ogun State Government has refuted a report making the rounds that the state had recorded cases of Ebola Virus at Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
Describing the report as false and unfounded, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, remarked that the state is yet to record any case of Ebola virus to date. Speaking in Abeokuta, Soyinka called for calm and urged the people to adopt hygienic steps provided by the Ministry of Health, as government was taking necessary steps to prevent the disease.
“The State government has increased the number of health workers who are well trained on how to restrain movement of foreigners into the state, while some health workers are presently undergoing training on how to curb the spread of the disease,” Soyinka said.
Members of the public are directed to report persons showing symptoms of Ebola virus to the Ministry of Health or call toll free 09099140121, 09091140122 and 09021715984.
Youths protest location of quarantine centre
Hundreds of youths in Emohua Local Government have protested the location of Ebola quarantine centre in the community.
The protesting youths who said there was no case of Ebola in the state yet, expressed fear the disease could spread if the community was retained as a quarantine centre.
Speaking on the incident, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr Sampson Parker, allyed their fears, saying the quarantine centre would not create any problem.
Parker, who confirmed arrival of a foreign medical team from the Elizabeth Griffin Research Foundation, USA in Port Harcourt said the team would train medical personnel and doctors in the state on how to manage Ebola cases.
“They are to be trained on how to handle Ebola Virus Disease, if it comes into Rivers State. It is a pre-preparedness training against Ebola.
“The health workers involved are not only to be drawn from the Rivers State government, but from all facilities, private hospitals, multi-nationals, Police, the Armed Forces, every one that has something to do with health care; every facility, every establishment that has something to do with health care is represented here.
Ebola fight gets $150 million from Development Bank
In a related development, the African Development Bank will prepare an additional $150 million in funding for nations stricken by the Ebola virus as the WHO plans to seek more resources and money to fight the outbreak.
The worst-affected countries may see 1 percentage point to 1.5 percentage points shaved off economic growth because of the disease, the bank’s president, Donald Kaberuka, stated in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The money will be distributed in loans and grants to bolster epidemic preparedness and response, the WHO said. The bank previously pledged $60 million to help the countries fight Ebola.
More than $430 million will be needed to bring the worst Ebola outbreak on record under control, according to a draft document laying out the WHO’s battle strategy. The sum now being sought is six times more than the $71 million the WHO suggested was needed in a plan published less than a month ago.
“The response at the beginning wasn’t robust enough,” David Heymann, a professor of infectious diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who worked on the first recorded Ebola outbreak in 1976. “It’s a step forward that they’ve made the plans and I’m glad they’re emphasizing rapid containment as a start.”
Ebola has killed 1,427 people in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria since December. The WHO plan sets a goal of reversing the trend in new cases within two months, and stopping all transmission in six to nine months. It requires funding by governments, development banks, the private sector and in-kind contributions, according to the document obtained by Bloomberg News.
More than half the cost will be needed for the treatment, isolation and referral centers that are bearing the brunt of the epidemic, according to the WHO plan.
Announcing the shift in resumption date in Abuja, Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said the decision became necessary in view of the risk posed by the Ebola virus which could easily spread through schools.
His words: “All primary and secondary schools, both public and private are to remain closed until Monday October 13, 2014 which is the new school resumption date for all schools throughout the Federation”. The schools were originally scheduled to re-open in the second week of September.
Shekarau, who briefed the press at the end of a meeting with state commissioners of education, added that all on-going summer schools were also affected with immediate effect.
Further, he said the change in the resumption date was also to enable the Federal and state governments, as well as school authorities put in place adequate preventive measures before the pupils returned to school.
“All state Ministries of Education are to immediately organise and ensure that at least two (2) staff in each school, both public and private, are trained by appropriate health workers on how to handle any suspected case of Ebola and also embark on immediate sensitization of all teaching and non-teaching staff in all schools on preventive measures. This training of staff must be concluded not later than September 15, 2014”.
He further directed states Ministries of Education to establish Working and Monitoring Teams for effective supervision of school activities before and after opening of schools.
“Each state Ministry of Education should appoint a designated Desk Officer not later than September 1, 2014, who should also receive appropriate training and who must report on daily basis to the Honourable Commissioner on situation in the schools. The names of such Desk Officers, their phone numbers and e-mail addresses should be communicated to the Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education not later than September 1, 2014.
“All primary and secondary schools, both public and private should be provided with a minimum of two (2) Blood Pressure Measuring Equipment by the State Ministries of Education. The State Ministries should determine the number of such equipment required and forward same to the Federal Ministry of Education not later than September 1, 2014. Ministry of Education will liaise with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure that appropriate equipment are procured,” he added.
Summer schools closed
“All summer classes currently being conducted by some private schools should be suspended with immediate effect until October 13, 2014.
“All private primary and secondary schools must comply with the directives given under these preventive measures. State governments are called upon to support their Ministries of Education with all necessary funds to ensure effective implementation of these preventive measures”, Shekarau said.
He warned that any private or public school that failed to comply with the directives would be sanctioned.
“Our concern is for the children and we would go to any length to ensure both private and public schools comply. You can imagine if a child is infected in a boarding school of say about 600 children, it would be very dangerous. We are not saying there is Ebola in all states of the Federation but we are putting some preventive measures in place.”
He also advised all tertiary institutions to suspend exchange of staff and students programmes, visits and major international seminars and workshops until further notice. They are also to monitor the movement of foreign students in their campuses. They are to liaise with appropriate government health institutions to organize and ensure effective sensitization programme for all their teaching and non-teaching staff.”
Adedavoh’s sister not positive — FG, LASG
Also, yesterday, cheering news came from both the Federal Government and Lagos State Governments as both have cleared the air over the health status of a sister to the late Dr. Stella, Ameyo Adadevoh.
Briefing the press in Abuja on the update of the EVD in the country, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, debunked rumours that a sister to the late Adadevoh tested positive to the virus.
Corroborating the minister in Lagos, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who raised alarm over false stories being disseminated via social media, lamented that such rumours being circulated have been a critical and pervading challenge to the fight against the virus.
Idris said: “These rumours have the capacity to undermine the efforts being made to contain and manage the outbreak as those who ought to present themselves for treatment may get discouraged, malign government in the face of residents and fuel stigmatisation of individuals and businesses.
“I do not want to mention names because that is part of what we are told not to do but I must say that the report on the woman is false. She was discharged yesterday (Monday) as negative.”
We have contained Ebola – Chukwu
Thirty eight days after importation of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, into the country by the late American-Liberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the threat of the disease may have been contained, following the survival of eight of the victims, seven of who have been discharged; screening of a total of 321 persons, even as additional 10 contacts were listed Monday in Lagos.
Disclosing this in Abuja, the Health Minister said two more patients with the Ebola virus disease have been discharged from the Isolation Ward in Lagos State, bringing to seven the number of patients that have been treated and declared free from the virus in the country even as the number of deaths from the killer disease scourge still remains five, including the index case, Patrick Sawyer.
Chukwu added that the nation has had 13 cases of EVD including the index case.
“Of these 13, five including the index case unfortunately did not survive the disease and are now late.
However, seven of the infected persons were successfully managed at the isolation ward in Lagos and have been discharged.
“Two of the treated patients, a male doctor and a female nurse were discharged yesterday, both of them primary contacts of Mr. Patrick Sawyer, having satisfied the criteria for discharge.
“As I speak to you, Nigeria has only one confirmed case of EVD, a secondary contact of Mr Patrick Sawyer. This is an indication that, thus far, Nigeria has contained the disease outbreak.
“I wish to reassure Nigerians and indeed the global community that the government shall remain vigilant and will not relent as government continues to work with her partners to ensure that the disease is kept out of the country,” the Minister added.
Besides, the minister informed that 129 persons had been freed from surveillance, having passed through the 21 days incubation period for the virus without testing positive. Similarly, 128 persons are still on the radar of government for the virus, the minister stated.
“All those who are under our surveillance, only one person is symptomatic; we are investigating, the result is not out. All others are not symptomatic,” the Minister stated.
Speaking further, Dr Idris explained that the recovery of seven confirmed cases in the state have buttressed that Ebola infection is not a death sentence.
“The suspected case is awaiting confirmatory test result to inform the next line of action. Currently there are two cases, one confirmed and one suspected in the isolation centre at the facilities in Mainland Hospital, Yaba.”
He disclosed that the seven Ebola-free patients are being re-integrated successfully with their families and communities.
“The common thread amongst the recovered cases is their early presentation for supportive treatment. There is no need to hide friends and relations we suspect have come down with the disease. The earlier they are brought for screening and surveillance, the better the outcome.”
Idris explained that three bodies were cremated and two properly buried after full decontamination of bodies.
Nigeria records 61.5 percent survivors
Nigerian and the world at large yesterday received the cheery news that the country has con
tained the threat of the dreaded EVD following the discharge of seven infected persons out of the 13 confirmed cases. Currently, only one person is at the isolation centre in Lagos and her condition is stable. Two more patients with the Ebola virus disease have been discharged from the isolation ward in Lagos State,
Nigeria lost five persons to the disease including the index (first) case, Mr Patrick Sawyer, the late Liberian-American who brought the disease to Nigeria on July 20, 2014.
With the development, the disease killed 38.5 per cent of those affected in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 90 per cent of those affected die from Ebola.
Through sheer determination and care on the part of government and awareness by the citizenry, Nigeria ensured that only 13 persons out of a population of 167 million were affected and 61.5 per cent of Ebola victims survived the disease. The record is bettered by Uganda, which in 2007 had 149 cases and 37 deaths (25 per cent fatality) and Cote d’ Ivoire that had one case and no death in 1994.
Since the outbreak of the disease in four West African countries — Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria, late December 2013 and this year, the WHO, as of August 22, said that 2615 cases and 1427 deaths (54.57 per cent fatality) have been recorded.
The breakdown of the figures is as follows:
* Liberia—1082 cases, 624 deaths, 57.67 per cent fatality
* Sierra Leone—935 cases, 392 deaths, 41.93 per cent fatality
* Guinea— 607 cases, 406 deaths, 66.87 per cent fatality
* Nigeria— 13 cases, five deaths, 38.46 per cent fatality.
Nigeria is by far the most populous of these countries with a population of 167 million and yet recorded the least number of cases, an indication of the professional manner the government, health authorities and the citizenry handled the challenge.
The populations of the other countries are: Uganda (37 million), Cote d Ívoire (16 million), Guinea (10 million), Sierra Leone (six million) and Liberia (3.5 million), whose total of 73 million is about half of Nigeria’s population.
Don’t stigmatise discharged patients
Imploring all Lagosians not to stigmatise all cases and contacts that have been given a clean bill of health, Idris urged them to facilitate their re- integration into the society.
He cited the American doctor who was recently discharged by Emory Hospital, USA and how he was openly embraced by both the hospital staff and family members, “setting for us an example to follow in the integration process of discharged cases and contacts,” Idris said.
The Commissioner allayed fears of discharged patients coming down with the virus again saying that the chances are almost nil but does not mean that such patients could not be re-infected with another strain of the virus but not the particular virus that late Sawyer imported into the country.
“The process by which cases and indeed contacts are discharged is also in line with best practices, involving reviews by critical members of the Ebola Emergency Operations Centre,” he added.
Further, he pointed out that a contact becomes infective only when symptoms appear-fever being a game changer.
“By and large, only symptomatic contacts are admitted. Asymptomatic contacts are admitted when the index of suspicion that they may be lost to follow up is high.
“Contacts are monitored twice daily for temperature changes and symptoms. On self-admission or evacuation of contacts for conducts of confirmatory test, their homes including areas of common use with co-tenants, offices and relevant general surfaces are decontaminated,” he said.
On other challenges, Idris said that rejection of febrile patients in hospitals without proper assessment may also increase stigma and deter self-reporting.
He explained that not everybody with fever or haemorrhage has come down with EVD. A situation where these cases are automatically referred to Mainland General Hospital is not good practice.
The commissioner appealed to medical practitioners in both public and private health facilities to commence the management of these cases using universal safety precautions and only refer them if there is an indication to do so.
Why First Consultants Medical centre is still shut
On when First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, where the first case was treated, will be reopened, Idris said the state government is waiting for directive from the World Health Organisation, WHO, as there will be many decontamination exercises in the facility.
The Commissioner who said already several decontaminations have been done in the place confirmed that it was going to take some time before the facility will be opened.
“I need to get clearance from the Ebola Emergency Operation Centre because they are the one who could give clearance that the hospital is clean and ready for re-opening. It is after that the state government embarks on its own process. Decontamination may not be complete because some of the equipment in the hospital may be discarded, burn some materials and other activities. This is to ensure that the hospital is free of the virus. So it will take some time before the hospital will be reopened, but once we get the approval WHO and EOC the government will do the needful.”
No Ebola-free certificate
Idris said there is need to report every death and obtain Ebola-free documentation to facilitate the transportation of out-bound corpses from the state.
He however, dismissed rumours about Ebola free certificate saying that: “There is nothing like Ebola-free certificate being issued routinely to persons applying for visas in foreign embassies in Nigeria. Clearance certificate are nonetheless issued to contacts that have completed the 21-day maximum incubation period of EVD.”
N1.9 bn not for Ebola fund – Chukwu
Meanwhile, the Health Minister said that the N1.9 billion earlier approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, at the time he declared emergency of over the disease, widely believed to be used for containing the virus, is for the improvement of the nation’s general health systems.
“We did say that the N1.9billion that the President approved was for the Federal Ministry of Health; those ones that the Federal Ministry of Health should champion. That fund was provided based on the budget that the Federal Ministry of Health submitted to Mr. President. It was not termed an Ebola fund.”
“I repeat, because now I hear that in some places, even village heads are asking for their own share. Nigeria is always thinking of sharing money. It is money for the Federal Ministry of Health to use in working. They are going to use it to procure more vehicles; which have already been ordered.
“They are going to use it to procure more personal protective equipment which has already been ordered. They are going to use it to provide isolation tents, which again have been ordered, including drugs which will be used to support the patients. It is a budget for the Federal Ministry of Health and its agencies as submitted by the Federal Ministry of Health to Mr. President.
“What I am saying is that there will still be other funds that will still be released in various ways depending on what any of the cognate agencies is requesting from Mr. President that must be done.
“Now, in the case of Lagos State, after the President met with all Governors, together with their Commissioners for Health, it was clear, even from the statement made by the Governor of Lagos State, that Lagos State is also under pressure because many of the workers we are using are from Lagos State. We can’t shortly go and start recruiting people. We work with the state. It is just that in every epidemic, the Federal Government with the Minister of Health in the front takes control of epidemics. It is not a state government matter.
“But, we use state personnel as well and local government personnel; we used everybody, our partners are part of it. But, the leader of the team is the Minister of Health.
“So, Lagos State government has been spending money. They pay salary to staff; they’ve been recruiting more staff. They give these staff incentives. They provided the isolation wards. But, we led and decided who should work there. The Minister of Health created the teams that are working,” Chukwu argued.
Earlier, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, had donated one million Naira to help contain the virus.
He said: “This is the first time in the history of our country that our elected and appointed people and leaders have risen to the great challenge we are facing. I want to commend the health workers for the risk they have taken, their commitment, and their dedication to their duties in assisting the entire populace to completely be ready for this challenge.
“There is no way that the Federal Government alone can be left alone to face the burden of the Ebola challenge. It is my well-considered opinion that citizens of this country, corporate organizations should try and make their own contributions to help in the awareness for people to understand what the challenges we are facing with this Ebola scourge,” he added.
Ogun free of Ebola — Soyinka
In a related development, the Ogun State Government has refuted a report making the rounds that the state had recorded cases of Ebola Virus at Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
Describing the report as false and unfounded, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, remarked that the state is yet to record any case of Ebola virus to date. Speaking in Abeokuta, Soyinka called for calm and urged the people to adopt hygienic steps provided by the Ministry of Health, as government was taking necessary steps to prevent the disease.
“The State government has increased the number of health workers who are well trained on how to restrain movement of foreigners into the state, while some health workers are presently undergoing training on how to curb the spread of the disease,” Soyinka said.
Members of the public are directed to report persons showing symptoms of Ebola virus to the Ministry of Health or call toll free 09099140121, 09091140122 and 09021715984.
Youths protest location of quarantine centre
Hundreds of youths in Emohua Local Government have protested the location of Ebola quarantine centre in the community.
The protesting youths who said there was no case of Ebola in the state yet, expressed fear the disease could spread if the community was retained as a quarantine centre.
Speaking on the incident, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr Sampson Parker, allyed their fears, saying the quarantine centre would not create any problem.
Parker, who confirmed arrival of a foreign medical team from the Elizabeth Griffin Research Foundation, USA in Port Harcourt said the team would train medical personnel and doctors in the state on how to manage Ebola cases.
“They are to be trained on how to handle Ebola Virus Disease, if it comes into Rivers State. It is a pre-preparedness training against Ebola.
“The health workers involved are not only to be drawn from the Rivers State government, but from all facilities, private hospitals, multi-nationals, Police, the Armed Forces, every one that has something to do with health care; every facility, every establishment that has something to do with health care is represented here.
Ebola fight gets $150 million from Development Bank
In a related development, the African Development Bank will prepare an additional $150 million in funding for nations stricken by the Ebola virus as the WHO plans to seek more resources and money to fight the outbreak.
The worst-affected countries may see 1 percentage point to 1.5 percentage points shaved off economic growth because of the disease, the bank’s president, Donald Kaberuka, stated in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The money will be distributed in loans and grants to bolster epidemic preparedness and response, the WHO said. The bank previously pledged $60 million to help the countries fight Ebola.
More than $430 million will be needed to bring the worst Ebola outbreak on record under control, according to a draft document laying out the WHO’s battle strategy. The sum now being sought is six times more than the $71 million the WHO suggested was needed in a plan published less than a month ago.
“The response at the beginning wasn’t robust enough,” David Heymann, a professor of infectious diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who worked on the first recorded Ebola outbreak in 1976. “It’s a step forward that they’ve made the plans and I’m glad they’re emphasizing rapid containment as a start.”
Ebola has killed 1,427 people in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria since December. The WHO plan sets a goal of reversing the trend in new cases within two months, and stopping all transmission in six to nine months. It requires funding by governments, development banks, the private sector and in-kind contributions, according to the document obtained by Bloomberg News.
More than half the cost will be needed for the treatment, isolation and referral centers that are bearing the brunt of the epidemic, according to the WHO plan.
Akunyili had no match – Jonathan By Ben Agande & Emmanuel Elebeke
President Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, challenged public office holders to strive to be recognised by the quality of service they rendered while in office rather than the position they held, describing the late former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili, as a patriotic Nigerian who had no rivalry in service.
In a a remark at the requiem mass for the former Minister of Information, Dr. Dora Akunyili, at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, President Jonathan said the late Prof. Akunyili would be etched in the memory of Nigerians for decades because of her sterling achievements, especially as Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
The President, who expressed happiness that he was able to attend the mass in honour of the late Akunyili, noted that his presence at the service was a “last assignment in honour of our sister.”
While describing Professor Akunyili in superlative terms, the President said during her life time, she was “diligent, intelligent, extremely patriotic, extremely brave.”
The President said: “Dora was a professor of pharmacy. At the public level she served in Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, NAFDAC and then minister.
“Dora was more known as DG NAFDAC, more than when she served as a minister. Most Nigerians knew Dora because of her service. So most of the offices we look for, anybody who has opportunity to serve, we should all serve because what will endear you to people is not necessarily the office you hold, but the service you render. He urged Nigerians to emulate her life in public service.
“She sought to protect the lives of Nigerians as DG of NAFDAC and never compromised as regards those who traffic fake drugs.
“One thing that endeared her to me is that, probably I’m one president that has worked with so many women. At times, you noticed rivalry amongst women, but with her you never noticed any rivalry.
“Today, our dear sister has left us but to my brother, her husband, as the Bishop has told us about the the virtues of a good wife, you have to thank God you will get that respect as her husband because of her achievements.
“To my children, your mother was a very dynamic woman because her works and identity have given you what silver and gold cannot give you. Yes, it might not translate to monetary rewards, but many will respect and want to assist you as her children because of her.
Homily
In his homily at the Mass, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah, said funerals should be one of the proudest moment as Christians as they serve as a reminder of the mortality of man.
“The reality of funerals is as Jesus demonstrated to us, that tears are part of our emotions as He wept for his friend, Lazarus.
“We know that Jesus went and came back. It is that simple act that Christians believe that death is the beginning of new life,” he said.
True love
Late Dora Akunyili’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, in his remarks on behalf of her family, extolled his late wife as a patriot who demonstrated her true love for her country, both in words and in deeds.
He thanked the President and his wife for the comfort they offered him in his moment of grief, adding that the special valedictory session by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, contributed in consoling him immensely.
He said: “When Dora died, I saw the special FEC session in her honour, that helped me in my grief. When I also had the opportunity to meet the President in his office, he held my hands and comforted me with kind words, saying, “give me any date for Dora, I will be there,” and today he is here.
“Dorothy is an elephant and if I start talking about her we will not leave. We went to Florida, and there at the immigration, they told her, ‘look, you are an American citizen (because she won the lottery and that was what favoured us). And here you are, you have a Nigerian diplomatic passport, you must surrender one.
“She used her left hand to drop her green card and retained her diplomatic passport. So you can see the level of her love for this country.
“Once in her local government, they brought a trailer load of fertilisers, what did Dorathy do? She shared all to the community. They told her that this was not how it is done and she said, this is how it will be done.
“Even as a professor, if you see her in the home, she would hold water for me to wash my hand. And I would tell her, Mummy, you are a professor and she would say, “I married Nkem before I became a professor.”
“One day, we went for medical check up and we found a lump at her lower abdomen. Doctors said she had seven months.
“But she said, ‘you are not the husband I married, you are always dejected, what happened?’ And I told her that the doctors said she had seven months to live. She said doctors have spoken, God has not spoken, seven months became two years and three months.
“Dora had a message for this country; it was a message of love, courage and steadfastness. Even when she was in pain, she still attended the national conference . You all heard what she said at the conference that ‘a country grows great when old men plant trees, whose shade they will not live to enjoy.
Some of the personalities requiem at mass, yesterday, were the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, members of National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, Chief Edwin Clark, Andy Uba, Stella Okoli, former ministers, Pauline Tallen, Odien Ajumogobia, Olusola Obada, among others.
Her death was a national loss — Sambo
The Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo said the death of Dora Akunyili was not only to her family but also to the country in general.
He described her as a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who excelled and succeeded in achieving the goal of whatever opportunity given to her.
She hit the Nigerian public imagination as a thunder — Maku
In his own tribute, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku who described the late Dora as one of the Nigeria’s most outstanding public servants, said the Professor hit the Nigerian public imagination as a thunder in dry season, immediately after she was appointed the Director-General of NAFDAC.
She was a reformer — SGF
Also in his own tribute, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim
Described her as a reformer and a true nationalist and accomplished professional.
Anyim, who also described the late Dora as a great Nigerian that brought NAFDAC to lime light said she also saved millions of lives and left indelible mark in the minds of the people.
She was a game changer — Health Minister
The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu said he was pained and devastated by her death, and described her as an outstanding patriot who believed so much in the net
She was full of plans and energy — Okonjo -Iweala
The Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described her as a woman of passion, strength and conviction who fought hard to make sure that fake drugs, both those who sell them and those who manufacture them, will become as much a thing of the past.
In a a remark at the requiem mass for the former Minister of Information, Dr. Dora Akunyili, at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, President Jonathan said the late Prof. Akunyili would be etched in the memory of Nigerians for decades because of her sterling achievements, especially as Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
 |
| Prof. Dora Akunyili |
While describing Professor Akunyili in superlative terms, the President said during her life time, she was “diligent, intelligent, extremely patriotic, extremely brave.”
The President said: “Dora was a professor of pharmacy. At the public level she served in Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, NAFDAC and then minister.
“Dora was more known as DG NAFDAC, more than when she served as a minister. Most Nigerians knew Dora because of her service. So most of the offices we look for, anybody who has opportunity to serve, we should all serve because what will endear you to people is not necessarily the office you hold, but the service you render. He urged Nigerians to emulate her life in public service.
“She sought to protect the lives of Nigerians as DG of NAFDAC and never compromised as regards those who traffic fake drugs.
“One thing that endeared her to me is that, probably I’m one president that has worked with so many women. At times, you noticed rivalry amongst women, but with her you never noticed any rivalry.
“Today, our dear sister has left us but to my brother, her husband, as the Bishop has told us about the the virtues of a good wife, you have to thank God you will get that respect as her husband because of her achievements.
“To my children, your mother was a very dynamic woman because her works and identity have given you what silver and gold cannot give you. Yes, it might not translate to monetary rewards, but many will respect and want to assist you as her children because of her.
Homily
In his homily at the Mass, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah, said funerals should be one of the proudest moment as Christians as they serve as a reminder of the mortality of man.
“The reality of funerals is as Jesus demonstrated to us, that tears are part of our emotions as He wept for his friend, Lazarus.
“We know that Jesus went and came back. It is that simple act that Christians believe that death is the beginning of new life,” he said.
True love
Late Dora Akunyili’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, in his remarks on behalf of her family, extolled his late wife as a patriot who demonstrated her true love for her country, both in words and in deeds.
He thanked the President and his wife for the comfort they offered him in his moment of grief, adding that the special valedictory session by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, contributed in consoling him immensely.
He said: “When Dora died, I saw the special FEC session in her honour, that helped me in my grief. When I also had the opportunity to meet the President in his office, he held my hands and comforted me with kind words, saying, “give me any date for Dora, I will be there,” and today he is here.
“Dorothy is an elephant and if I start talking about her we will not leave. We went to Florida, and there at the immigration, they told her, ‘look, you are an American citizen (because she won the lottery and that was what favoured us). And here you are, you have a Nigerian diplomatic passport, you must surrender one.
“She used her left hand to drop her green card and retained her diplomatic passport. So you can see the level of her love for this country.
“Once in her local government, they brought a trailer load of fertilisers, what did Dorathy do? She shared all to the community. They told her that this was not how it is done and she said, this is how it will be done.
“Even as a professor, if you see her in the home, she would hold water for me to wash my hand. And I would tell her, Mummy, you are a professor and she would say, “I married Nkem before I became a professor.”
“One day, we went for medical check up and we found a lump at her lower abdomen. Doctors said she had seven months.
“But she said, ‘you are not the husband I married, you are always dejected, what happened?’ And I told her that the doctors said she had seven months to live. She said doctors have spoken, God has not spoken, seven months became two years and three months.
“Dora had a message for this country; it was a message of love, courage and steadfastness. Even when she was in pain, she still attended the national conference . You all heard what she said at the conference that ‘a country grows great when old men plant trees, whose shade they will not live to enjoy.
Some of the personalities requiem at mass, yesterday, were the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, members of National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, Chief Edwin Clark, Andy Uba, Stella Okoli, former ministers, Pauline Tallen, Odien Ajumogobia, Olusola Obada, among others.
Her death was a national loss — Sambo
The Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo said the death of Dora Akunyili was not only to her family but also to the country in general.
He described her as a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who excelled and succeeded in achieving the goal of whatever opportunity given to her.
She hit the Nigerian public imagination as a thunder — Maku
In his own tribute, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku who described the late Dora as one of the Nigeria’s most outstanding public servants, said the Professor hit the Nigerian public imagination as a thunder in dry season, immediately after she was appointed the Director-General of NAFDAC.
She was a reformer — SGF
Also in his own tribute, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim
Described her as a reformer and a true nationalist and accomplished professional.
Anyim, who also described the late Dora as a great Nigerian that brought NAFDAC to lime light said she also saved millions of lives and left indelible mark in the minds of the people.
She was a game changer — Health Minister
The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu said he was pained and devastated by her death, and described her as an outstanding patriot who believed so much in the net
She was full of plans and energy — Okonjo -Iweala
The Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described her as a woman of passion, strength and conviction who fought hard to make sure that fake drugs, both those who sell them and those who manufacture them, will become as much a thing of the past.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
The incredible lifestyle of an entertainer By Florence Amagiya
It is not every day you get to meet somebody who, despite his challenges, has done enough for himself. So it would be right to say that Yinka Ayefele is indeed an icon who didn’t only struggle to make something out of what life has left him with, but has helped others to achieve their goals as well. In this edition, we present to you, an entertainer, an icon and a sensational singer, who has made so much out of what life has thrown at him and who is making millions doing what he enjoys doing.
Sensational singer and entertainer, Yinka Ayefele needs no introduction to many Nigerians especially to those in the western part of the country. Ayefele is considered to be one of the best Juju singers in the West, even though he became handicapped due to a fatal motor accident. He hails from Ekiti state, south western part of Nigeria. He is the first born of his parents, born in 1968. Ayefele completed his Primary and Secondary education at Ipoti-Ekiti in Ondo state. He went further to Ondo state College of arts from where he got a diploma.
yinka-ayefele
Ayefele worked as a broadcast journalist before venturing into music. He began his career as a freelance journalist with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria {FRCN}, Ibadan, Nigeria and later joined Radio Nigeria in 1990 or thereabout.
His music career did not begin until he suffered the fatal accident that nearly claimed his life in 1997. Although Ayefele has been confined to a wheel chair after a spinal cord injury, it didn’t stop him from developing his music talents and went ahead to become a household name.
Yinka Ayefele’s songs are dynamic in nature. His songs are a blend of Gospel, Juju, Fuji and sometimes Makosa. His his first album was titled Bitter experience.
The album, Bitter experience, was said to have motivated his second album – Sweet experience. He turned his ordeals to success within few years and soared higher as the years went by. He remains the most sought-after entertainer at parties. And he charges as much as N5-6m per event depending on the location. He charges 2.5 million naira for events in Lagos and the environs and five to six million naira for events in Abuja, depending the time of the year. Ayefele is booked all round the year and has more than eight events per mouth. He charges about $10,000 for events abroad.
Properties
The sensational singer has a huge office complex, Yinka Ayefele’s Music House, which houses his office, studio, and other businesses. The Music House cost him roughly N150m to complete. He has another magnificent Penthouse building which caught fire only this August, but was put out before any damage could be done. The Penthouse is his second house in Ibadan apart from his Music House. The Penthouse is worth over 150 million naira.
Ayefele has a magnificent 32-room hotel in Ibadan called “the Downtown hotel.” He also has a world class house in his home town. He has succeeded in building a befitting apartment for his dad and another one for his mum which cost millions of naira.
Foundation
Ayefele has a foundation for spinal cord injuries. He has helped a lot of people get access to treatment and provided wheel chairs as well. He also has a scholarship scheme as he is sending a lot of impoverished children to school. In his own village, he has built and set up a computer school in his Alma Mater. His workers and band members are not left out on his charitable lifestyle as he has succeeded in empowering them to the extent that more than 50% of his workers have built their own houses. He shares the money ‘sprayed’ on him during his shows with his band members at the ratio of 2-8, taking the lesser part.
Cars, clothes and perfumes
Yinka Ayefele is a car frk. Hs he has a lot of cars in his , arage mostly SUVs. He has a black Ford Explorer, 2014, worth 14 million naira. He also has a Land Cruiser worth 12 million naira and other cars too numerous to mention. Ayefele spends a lot of money on clothes and expensive perfumes.
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| Yinka Ayefele |
yinka-ayefele
Ayefele worked as a broadcast journalist before venturing into music. He began his career as a freelance journalist with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria {FRCN}, Ibadan, Nigeria and later joined Radio Nigeria in 1990 or thereabout.
His music career did not begin until he suffered the fatal accident that nearly claimed his life in 1997. Although Ayefele has been confined to a wheel chair after a spinal cord injury, it didn’t stop him from developing his music talents and went ahead to become a household name.
Yinka Ayefele’s songs are dynamic in nature. His songs are a blend of Gospel, Juju, Fuji and sometimes Makosa. His his first album was titled Bitter experience.
The album, Bitter experience, was said to have motivated his second album – Sweet experience. He turned his ordeals to success within few years and soared higher as the years went by. He remains the most sought-after entertainer at parties. And he charges as much as N5-6m per event depending on the location. He charges 2.5 million naira for events in Lagos and the environs and five to six million naira for events in Abuja, depending the time of the year. Ayefele is booked all round the year and has more than eight events per mouth. He charges about $10,000 for events abroad.
Properties
The sensational singer has a huge office complex, Yinka Ayefele’s Music House, which houses his office, studio, and other businesses. The Music House cost him roughly N150m to complete. He has another magnificent Penthouse building which caught fire only this August, but was put out before any damage could be done. The Penthouse is his second house in Ibadan apart from his Music House. The Penthouse is worth over 150 million naira.
Ayefele has a magnificent 32-room hotel in Ibadan called “the Downtown hotel.” He also has a world class house in his home town. He has succeeded in building a befitting apartment for his dad and another one for his mum which cost millions of naira.
Foundation
Ayefele has a foundation for spinal cord injuries. He has helped a lot of people get access to treatment and provided wheel chairs as well. He also has a scholarship scheme as he is sending a lot of impoverished children to school. In his own village, he has built and set up a computer school in his Alma Mater. His workers and band members are not left out on his charitable lifestyle as he has succeeded in empowering them to the extent that more than 50% of his workers have built their own houses. He shares the money ‘sprayed’ on him during his shows with his band members at the ratio of 2-8, taking the lesser part.
Cars, clothes and perfumes
Yinka Ayefele is a car frk. Hs he has a lot of cars in his , arage mostly SUVs. He has a black Ford Explorer, 2014, worth 14 million naira. He also has a Land Cruiser worth 12 million naira and other cars too numerous to mention. Ayefele spends a lot of money on clothes and expensive perfumes.
Ebola: Confirmed cases now 13 – FG By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna
THE Federal Government has stated that the official number of confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, including the index (first) case in the country is 13 and not 14 as earlier announced, even as one more Ebola patient under treatment has recovered and is almost ready for discharge.
Giving an explanation for the reduction in cases, Minister of Health, Prof.
Onyebuchi Chukwu stated in Abuja, yesterday, that the 14th Ebola case initially announced as positive had eventually turned out to be false.
Chukwu, who reacted while giving an update on EVD in Nigeria, affirmed that “the total number of deaths due to EVD (including the index case) remains five, while the total number of those treated and discharged is also five.
“Total number of EVD patients currently under treatment in the isolation ward is now three.
The Ebola patient under treatment has recovered and almost ready for discharge. This patient was a primary contact of the index case, it was gathered.
The need for confirmation about the actual total number of confirmed Ebola patients and those under treatment at the isolation ward became necessary following conflicting reports in the media.
Liberian doctor dies after receiving ZMapp
A Liberian doctor who received one of the last known doses of ZMapp, an experimental Ebola drug, has died, even as Canada said it has yet to send out doses of a potential vaccine that the government is donating.
Dr. Abraham Borbor, the deputy chief medical doctor at Liberia’s largest hospital, had received ZMapp, after it was given to two Americans. After receiving medical care in the U.S. they later survived the virus that had killed about half of its victims.
Only six people in the world are known to have received the untested ZMapp. The small supply is now said to be exhausted and it is expected to be months before more can be produced by its U.S. maker.
Nigeria can kick out Ebola by Sept if… – Experts
Meanwhile, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to check the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country, science and technology experts had declared that Nigeria can still achieve 100 per cent eradication of the disease by September this year if the country could sustain the current momentum.
Director, National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Prof. Abdulsami Nasidi, who stated this in Abuja, said Nigerians should no longer panic about the spread of Ebola because “it is already under serious check by the authorities.
“Those that are involved are being monitored and those that are first level of contact have started recovering. Our scientists are at work and I know that if the current effort by the Federal government to check the Ebola Virus is sustained, Ebola will be completely be eradicated in Nigeria by September, provided the people maintain clean and good hygiene and avoid any person to person contact.”
He insisted that people without prior contact with Ebola disease have no businesses to be subjected to any blood screening before they can travel out of the country.
Also speaking, Prof. Sunday Omilabu of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, dispelled the fear about Ebola spread in the country, saying that the scientists are already keeping the samples of the victims and ensuring that people do not get in contact with them.
“We know how we keep samples in the laboratory, where we make sure people do not get contact with them. The virus has been studied and now we know how the virus is transmitted and we know that it is true that some animals, especially gorillas, monkeys that come across infested fruits and of course, person to person transmission can transmit the virus to others.
FG sensitises traders in FCT
Also, as part of efforts to curb the spread of EVD in the country, the Federal government commenced sensitisation campaign for market women and men in the nation’s capital.
At a workshop and sensitisation on Ebola virus organised by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, there were in attendance 22 chapters of Association of Market Women cut across the six local area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.
During the campaign, hygienic environment, washing of hands with soap/ash and water always couple with avoiding eating improperly cooked ‘bush meat’ were rolled out as tips for the residents to observe.
Director General, NOA, in his opening remarks told the gathering to avoid contact with blood, urine, saliva, sweat of infected animal or patient, dead or alive.
These are in addition to reporting of the death of suspected patients to the nearest health facility as well as avoiding traditional burial practices such as embalming or washing of the dead body of infected patient.
Director-General, NOA, Omeri said the Federal Government had already placed the Federal Ministry of Health on red alert to prevent the spread of the disease.
The DG explained that with the current situation in the country, what people need to do was to cooperate with the government to curtail the spread of the ebola virus.
Giving an explanation for the reduction in cases, Minister of Health, Prof.
 |
| PROF. ONYEBUCHI CHUKWU |
Chukwu, who reacted while giving an update on EVD in Nigeria, affirmed that “the total number of deaths due to EVD (including the index case) remains five, while the total number of those treated and discharged is also five.
“Total number of EVD patients currently under treatment in the isolation ward is now three.
The Ebola patient under treatment has recovered and almost ready for discharge. This patient was a primary contact of the index case, it was gathered.
The need for confirmation about the actual total number of confirmed Ebola patients and those under treatment at the isolation ward became necessary following conflicting reports in the media.
Liberian doctor dies after receiving ZMapp
A Liberian doctor who received one of the last known doses of ZMapp, an experimental Ebola drug, has died, even as Canada said it has yet to send out doses of a potential vaccine that the government is donating.
Dr. Abraham Borbor, the deputy chief medical doctor at Liberia’s largest hospital, had received ZMapp, after it was given to two Americans. After receiving medical care in the U.S. they later survived the virus that had killed about half of its victims.
Only six people in the world are known to have received the untested ZMapp. The small supply is now said to be exhausted and it is expected to be months before more can be produced by its U.S. maker.
Nigeria can kick out Ebola by Sept if… – Experts
Meanwhile, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to check the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country, science and technology experts had declared that Nigeria can still achieve 100 per cent eradication of the disease by September this year if the country could sustain the current momentum.
Director, National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Prof. Abdulsami Nasidi, who stated this in Abuja, said Nigerians should no longer panic about the spread of Ebola because “it is already under serious check by the authorities.
“Those that are involved are being monitored and those that are first level of contact have started recovering. Our scientists are at work and I know that if the current effort by the Federal government to check the Ebola Virus is sustained, Ebola will be completely be eradicated in Nigeria by September, provided the people maintain clean and good hygiene and avoid any person to person contact.”
He insisted that people without prior contact with Ebola disease have no businesses to be subjected to any blood screening before they can travel out of the country.
Also speaking, Prof. Sunday Omilabu of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, dispelled the fear about Ebola spread in the country, saying that the scientists are already keeping the samples of the victims and ensuring that people do not get in contact with them.
“We know how we keep samples in the laboratory, where we make sure people do not get contact with them. The virus has been studied and now we know how the virus is transmitted and we know that it is true that some animals, especially gorillas, monkeys that come across infested fruits and of course, person to person transmission can transmit the virus to others.
FG sensitises traders in FCT
Also, as part of efforts to curb the spread of EVD in the country, the Federal government commenced sensitisation campaign for market women and men in the nation’s capital.
At a workshop and sensitisation on Ebola virus organised by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, there were in attendance 22 chapters of Association of Market Women cut across the six local area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.
During the campaign, hygienic environment, washing of hands with soap/ash and water always couple with avoiding eating improperly cooked ‘bush meat’ were rolled out as tips for the residents to observe.
Director General, NOA, in his opening remarks told the gathering to avoid contact with blood, urine, saliva, sweat of infected animal or patient, dead or alive.
These are in addition to reporting of the death of suspected patients to the nearest health facility as well as avoiding traditional burial practices such as embalming or washing of the dead body of infected patient.
Director-General, NOA, Omeri said the Federal Government had already placed the Federal Ministry of Health on red alert to prevent the spread of the disease.
The DG explained that with the current situation in the country, what people need to do was to cooperate with the government to curtail the spread of the ebola virus.
B’Haram: Nigerian troops flee rampaging Boko Haram fighters By Kingsley Omonobi, Umar Yusuf
MAIDUGURI — Hundreds of troops in Gamboru Ngala and Banki towns reportedly fled their duty posts into Cameroon, yesterday, after they ran short of ammunition in their encounter with Boko Haram terrorists who stormed the two communities with sophisticated weapons in search of security operatives.
The Defence Headquarters, however, clarified immediately that the 480 Nigerian soldiers found on Cameroonian soil actually pursued fleeing Boko Haram terrorists past international boundaries of both countries against international law, hence they needed to surrender to Cameroonian authorities as required by law to show they were not on a hostile mission.
Both Gamboru Ngala and Banki towns share boundaries with Cameroon Republic which have been witnessing series of deadly attacks in recent times, including the massacre of over 300 traders in Gamboru Main Market in May.
The attacks on the communities came barely 24 hours after leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau released a new video proclaiming an Islamic Caliphate in Gwoza town which was taken over by the insurgents.
Gamboru Ngala is North-East and about 180 kilometres, while Banki town in Bama Local Government Area is South-East and about 120 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
A competent source said many of the terrorists were killed by troops in Gamboru-Ngala before the troops ran out of ammunition and had to cross over the border into Cameroon to join forces with their Cameroonian counterparts to repel the attacks.
According to a BBC Hausa programme monitored in Maiduguri by our correspondent and corroborated by sources, the insurgents invaded Banki town on Sunday, and stormed Gamboru-Ngala, at about 5am, yesterday.
It was gathered that while in Banki, the insurgents overpowered the troops on ground by deploying rocket-propelled launchers, and improvised explosive devices, IEDs on the duty posts of the troops who managed to escape and fled towards Amhide villages before they entered Cameroon for safety.
It was also revealed that some of the troops in Banki fled to Marwa through Gazawa, another community bordering Borno and Cameroon Republic. It was not clear whether there was any casualty on both sides. However, sources said many casualties were recorded including terrorists, security operatives and civilians who were caught up in the crossfire.
400 soldiers escape to Cameroon
Also in Gamboru-Ngala, it was discovered that more than 400 of the troops managed to escape during the attack on their facilities, and reunited with their Cameroonian counterparts who made frantic efforts to repel the attackers. As residents said, the exchange of gunfire was ongoing between the terrorists and the military around the border communities of Cameroon and Nigeria.
A resident of Gamboru, who fled to Maiduguri yesterday evening, told our correspondent that “the insurgents who occupied the area were not after civilians, and asked residents not to flee, saying they were not in the town to attack civilians but military operatives.
“Some of us who could not withstand the sounds of gunshots and explosions between the insurgents and the military had to flee for safety, while others managed to stay based on the terrorists’ assurance that they were not after residents. Unfortunately, as I am speaking to you, I have seen corpses of civilians and that of terrorists on the streets of Gamboru-Ngala, suspected to have been caught up in the crossfire or stray bullets”.
A top military source in Maiduguri, who is not authorized to speak to the press confirmed the attacks in the border communities, insisting that the fighting was ongoing, but couldn’t give the number of casualties.
The position of things, by Defence HQ
The Defence Headquarters in its reaction to Nigerian troops found in Cameroon explained that military authorities of both countries have discussed the issue and resolved it while the Nigerian soldiers have returned to their base.
A report posted on the Defence Blog regarding the incident said: “The Nigerian troops that were found in Cameroon was as a result of a sustained battle between the troops and the terrorists around the borders with Cameroon which saw Nigerian troops charging through the borders in a tactical manoeuvre.
“Eventually they found themselves on Cameroonian soil. Being allies, the normal protocol of managing such incident demanded that the troops submit their weapons in order to assure the friendly country that they were not on a hostile mission.
“Following necessary discussions between Nigerian and Cameroonian military authorities, the issues have been sorted out. Subsequently, the troops are on their way back to join their unit in Nigeria.
“The reference to the incident as a defection is therefore not appropriate considering the discussion between the two countries’ military leadership and the series of contacts with the soldiers who have confirmed that they are safe.
Adamawa acting gov imposes curfew
Meanwhile, following the escalating insurgent attacks on Madagali, Gulak and other adjoining villages in the border between Adamawa and Borno states, Acting Governor of Adamawa State has declared a 24-hour curfew in the areas.
In a statement in Yola yesterday, the government observed that it has no alternative than to take such measures. But, in a swift reaction, the insurgents urged residents to go about their normal businesses, claiming that they were in charge of the entire areas.
The declaration of the curfew followed the recent upsurge of terrorist attacks forcing residents of the entire areas to move either to Mubi or Yola, the state capital, even as others were heading towards Gombe.
Insurgents moving towards Yola, says Gulak
Residents of Gulak, Madagali and other communities in the area said the insurgents bombarded as if heaven will fall or as if the world was coming to an end.
Mr. Ahmed Gulak, an indigene of the area and former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on political matters described the situation there as beyond comment.
Gulak, who spoke to newsmen in his country home in Yola, argued that the insurgents will soon head towards the state capital if they were not checked immediately.
Residents of the areas who spoke on phone with journalists confirmed that the insurgents were in full control of the entire communities with no presence of security men.
According to the villagers, the insurgents have been patrolling the streets of Madagali and Gulak as well as the highway leading to Borno State, urging the people to go about their normal businesses and ignore the curfew imposed by the Adamawa State Government.
According to the villagers, the insurgents claimed that they were in full control of the areas and challenged the Nigerian security to come there and enforce the curfew.
Gwoza attack: 10 missing police officers make contact, 7 rescued
Also, indications emerged, yesterday, that scores of Boko Haram terrorists who attacked the Mobile Police Training Camp in Gwoza last Wednesday, have fled the facility for fear of being bombed by military aircraft of the Nigerian Air Force.
It was gathered that the location of the camp itself, which was used for hazard, intimidation and endurance training to toughen Mobile Police officers and men, is difficult to access but easy to attack from air.
In a television programme yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu while speaking on the development disclosed that the Police, Army and other security agencies were working in partnership to flush out terrorists from the camp and other parts of Gwoza.
This disclosure came just as Vanguard gathered that about 10 of the 35 Police officers earlier reported missing, have made contacts with the authorities, family members or friends, telling them that they were alive.
He said seven course men have been rescued and brought to safety out of the 10 who made contact, adding that search for the remaining 28 was being intensified.
A senior Police officer who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity also said the Police High Command was positive that none of its personnel died during the attack on the Mobile Police Camp, adding that there was no single casualty recorded during and after the attack.
“What happened was that when the terrorists were advancing, because of the hilly and rugged nature of the facility, Policemen in the camp got wind of the advance. Hence, they were ready and there was a shoot-out and tear gas was used on them which forced them to retreat.
“They later went back and reinforced for another attack. Before then, the Policemen in the camp had evacuated and mingled with members of the Gwoza community as a precautionary measure. By the time the terrorists came back, the policemen were not there.
“Right now as I am talking to you, the officers have been making contact with us, their families and friends which shows they are alive. Apart from the contacts, we have established that there was no casualty of any sort on our part. So we are expecting that in the next few days, all the men will make contact.”
It will be recalled that the Police Force headquarters on Sunday confirmed that 35 of its officers were still missing following the deadly attack on the Mobile Police training school, Gwoza, by Boko Haram terrorists.
Force headquarters, however, noted that the search and rescue efforts launched by the Police after the attack, has led to the recovery of scores of policemen.
A statement by the Force Headquarters said: “A ferocious attack earlier launched on the Training camp by insurgents on August 7, 2014 was repelled by the Police. On August 20, 2014, the attackers launched a fresh offensive that lasted several hours where the Policemen on duty engaged them in a fierce battle. The search and rescue party launched a counter-attack immediately which located and brought to safety all Police officers in the Training College at the time of attack.
“So far, 35 policemen who are still missing from the facility as a result of the latest attack are being searched for with very promising prospect of locating them.
“While enjoining all citizens to remain calm and join hands with the security forces in the collective fight against insurgency, the IGP restated his determination to work closely with other security agencies to stem the tide of terrorism in the country.”
FG won’t allow an inch of Nigeria for experimental terror state — Maku
Meantime, the Federal Government declared yesterday that it will not allow an inch of the country to be used as centre for an experimental terror state in West Africa.
Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku gave the assurance in Abuja while addressing officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps at a workshop on Conflict Prevention, Peace Building and Election Monitoring ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Maku said the government had utmost confidence in the ability and capacity of the Armed Forces to defend the honour and uphold the territorial integrity of the nation and warned marauding insurgents in some states in the North-East that the Armed Forces would wholeheartedly defend the country to the last mile.
“Local and international adventurers that are contending with the destiny of our nation should know that we will defend our country to the last mile. We know our responsibility to this country; we know the responsibility of this nation to Africans all over the world and we will do everything within our powers to ensure that our country remains united, indivisible and continues to prosper as the leading state in Africa,” he stated.
He reassured the citizens that the government has resolved to deal with the current security challenges and emerge victorious.
“Let me assure our country that no matter what forces of disunity would want to do, by the grace of Allah and the resolve of this administration and the people of Nigeria, no part of the Nigerian territory will become a centre for an experimental terror state in West Africa”, he stated.
He said the current circumstances demanded absolute commitment by the Armed Forces and the citizens of Nigeria to ensure they work together in unity to defeat the evil of insurgency.
The Information Minister stated that conflict prevention was the responsibility of all citizens, security forces, the civil society and all national institutions, adding that it costs much less to prevent conflict than to manage it.
He remarked that a lot of the conflicts the nation was witnessing could have been prevented by being proactive instead of waiting for conflict to erupt and fester, because any human community was liable to conflict, which could be anticipated, hence the need to train people on conflict prevention and peace building.
According to him, when conflicts are properly managed, they can advance the development of society by reconciling all the contending factions and channelling their energies towards the pursuit of the common goals of peace, unity and development.
Speaking on the 2015 general elections, Maku called for a change of attitude among the political class as often exhibited in their utterances and conducts, to ensure elections were free of rancor and acrimony and the result was acceptable to all parties.
He said so long as politicians continue to display the tendency for violence before, during or after elections, government would continue to take adequate security measures to protect the life and property of voters.
The Information Minister further pledged the commitment of President Jonathan to free, fair and credible elections and urged politicians to complement the gesture by playing according to the rules.
Earlier in his addres, Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin, said the Corps had remained consistent in fashioning out programmes and effective collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing peace and tranquility in the country, which ensured the utilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism in finding lasting solution to conflict.
He said over 1,200 officers across the state commands and divisions were trained on principles and practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution, which led to the resolution of 3,450 disputes nationwide from 2010 to date.
Dr. Abolurin announced that the Corps would soon organize a multi-agency Peace Building Programme for all security agencies, the media and other stakeholders to discuss ways of fostering synergy and cooperation that would enhance national security.
In his remarks, Country Director of UNDP, represented by Dr. Lamin Begai, who condemned violent elections commended the recent elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states, which he described as peaceful and reinforced assurance in the electoral process.
The Defence Headquarters, however, clarified immediately that the 480 Nigerian soldiers found on Cameroonian soil actually pursued fleeing Boko Haram terrorists past international boundaries of both countries against international law, hence they needed to surrender to Cameroonian authorities as required by law to show they were not on a hostile mission.
Both Gamboru Ngala and Banki towns share boundaries with Cameroon Republic which have been witnessing series of deadly attacks in recent times, including the massacre of over 300 traders in Gamboru Main Market in May.
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| Nigeria Army |
Gamboru Ngala is North-East and about 180 kilometres, while Banki town in Bama Local Government Area is South-East and about 120 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
A competent source said many of the terrorists were killed by troops in Gamboru-Ngala before the troops ran out of ammunition and had to cross over the border into Cameroon to join forces with their Cameroonian counterparts to repel the attacks.
According to a BBC Hausa programme monitored in Maiduguri by our correspondent and corroborated by sources, the insurgents invaded Banki town on Sunday, and stormed Gamboru-Ngala, at about 5am, yesterday.
It was gathered that while in Banki, the insurgents overpowered the troops on ground by deploying rocket-propelled launchers, and improvised explosive devices, IEDs on the duty posts of the troops who managed to escape and fled towards Amhide villages before they entered Cameroon for safety.
It was also revealed that some of the troops in Banki fled to Marwa through Gazawa, another community bordering Borno and Cameroon Republic. It was not clear whether there was any casualty on both sides. However, sources said many casualties were recorded including terrorists, security operatives and civilians who were caught up in the crossfire.
400 soldiers escape to Cameroon
Also in Gamboru-Ngala, it was discovered that more than 400 of the troops managed to escape during the attack on their facilities, and reunited with their Cameroonian counterparts who made frantic efforts to repel the attackers. As residents said, the exchange of gunfire was ongoing between the terrorists and the military around the border communities of Cameroon and Nigeria.
A resident of Gamboru, who fled to Maiduguri yesterday evening, told our correspondent that “the insurgents who occupied the area were not after civilians, and asked residents not to flee, saying they were not in the town to attack civilians but military operatives.
“Some of us who could not withstand the sounds of gunshots and explosions between the insurgents and the military had to flee for safety, while others managed to stay based on the terrorists’ assurance that they were not after residents. Unfortunately, as I am speaking to you, I have seen corpses of civilians and that of terrorists on the streets of Gamboru-Ngala, suspected to have been caught up in the crossfire or stray bullets”.
A top military source in Maiduguri, who is not authorized to speak to the press confirmed the attacks in the border communities, insisting that the fighting was ongoing, but couldn’t give the number of casualties.
The position of things, by Defence HQ
The Defence Headquarters in its reaction to Nigerian troops found in Cameroon explained that military authorities of both countries have discussed the issue and resolved it while the Nigerian soldiers have returned to their base.
A report posted on the Defence Blog regarding the incident said: “The Nigerian troops that were found in Cameroon was as a result of a sustained battle between the troops and the terrorists around the borders with Cameroon which saw Nigerian troops charging through the borders in a tactical manoeuvre.
“Eventually they found themselves on Cameroonian soil. Being allies, the normal protocol of managing such incident demanded that the troops submit their weapons in order to assure the friendly country that they were not on a hostile mission.
“Following necessary discussions between Nigerian and Cameroonian military authorities, the issues have been sorted out. Subsequently, the troops are on their way back to join their unit in Nigeria.
“The reference to the incident as a defection is therefore not appropriate considering the discussion between the two countries’ military leadership and the series of contacts with the soldiers who have confirmed that they are safe.
Adamawa acting gov imposes curfew
Meanwhile, following the escalating insurgent attacks on Madagali, Gulak and other adjoining villages in the border between Adamawa and Borno states, Acting Governor of Adamawa State has declared a 24-hour curfew in the areas.
In a statement in Yola yesterday, the government observed that it has no alternative than to take such measures. But, in a swift reaction, the insurgents urged residents to go about their normal businesses, claiming that they were in charge of the entire areas.
The declaration of the curfew followed the recent upsurge of terrorist attacks forcing residents of the entire areas to move either to Mubi or Yola, the state capital, even as others were heading towards Gombe.
Insurgents moving towards Yola, says Gulak
Residents of Gulak, Madagali and other communities in the area said the insurgents bombarded as if heaven will fall or as if the world was coming to an end.
Mr. Ahmed Gulak, an indigene of the area and former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on political matters described the situation there as beyond comment.
Gulak, who spoke to newsmen in his country home in Yola, argued that the insurgents will soon head towards the state capital if they were not checked immediately.
Residents of the areas who spoke on phone with journalists confirmed that the insurgents were in full control of the entire communities with no presence of security men.
According to the villagers, the insurgents have been patrolling the streets of Madagali and Gulak as well as the highway leading to Borno State, urging the people to go about their normal businesses and ignore the curfew imposed by the Adamawa State Government.
According to the villagers, the insurgents claimed that they were in full control of the areas and challenged the Nigerian security to come there and enforce the curfew.
Gwoza attack: 10 missing police officers make contact, 7 rescued
Also, indications emerged, yesterday, that scores of Boko Haram terrorists who attacked the Mobile Police Training Camp in Gwoza last Wednesday, have fled the facility for fear of being bombed by military aircraft of the Nigerian Air Force.
It was gathered that the location of the camp itself, which was used for hazard, intimidation and endurance training to toughen Mobile Police officers and men, is difficult to access but easy to attack from air.
In a television programme yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu while speaking on the development disclosed that the Police, Army and other security agencies were working in partnership to flush out terrorists from the camp and other parts of Gwoza.
This disclosure came just as Vanguard gathered that about 10 of the 35 Police officers earlier reported missing, have made contacts with the authorities, family members or friends, telling them that they were alive.
He said seven course men have been rescued and brought to safety out of the 10 who made contact, adding that search for the remaining 28 was being intensified.
A senior Police officer who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity also said the Police High Command was positive that none of its personnel died during the attack on the Mobile Police Camp, adding that there was no single casualty recorded during and after the attack.
“What happened was that when the terrorists were advancing, because of the hilly and rugged nature of the facility, Policemen in the camp got wind of the advance. Hence, they were ready and there was a shoot-out and tear gas was used on them which forced them to retreat.
“They later went back and reinforced for another attack. Before then, the Policemen in the camp had evacuated and mingled with members of the Gwoza community as a precautionary measure. By the time the terrorists came back, the policemen were not there.
“Right now as I am talking to you, the officers have been making contact with us, their families and friends which shows they are alive. Apart from the contacts, we have established that there was no casualty of any sort on our part. So we are expecting that in the next few days, all the men will make contact.”
It will be recalled that the Police Force headquarters on Sunday confirmed that 35 of its officers were still missing following the deadly attack on the Mobile Police training school, Gwoza, by Boko Haram terrorists.
Force headquarters, however, noted that the search and rescue efforts launched by the Police after the attack, has led to the recovery of scores of policemen.
A statement by the Force Headquarters said: “A ferocious attack earlier launched on the Training camp by insurgents on August 7, 2014 was repelled by the Police. On August 20, 2014, the attackers launched a fresh offensive that lasted several hours where the Policemen on duty engaged them in a fierce battle. The search and rescue party launched a counter-attack immediately which located and brought to safety all Police officers in the Training College at the time of attack.
“So far, 35 policemen who are still missing from the facility as a result of the latest attack are being searched for with very promising prospect of locating them.
“While enjoining all citizens to remain calm and join hands with the security forces in the collective fight against insurgency, the IGP restated his determination to work closely with other security agencies to stem the tide of terrorism in the country.”
FG won’t allow an inch of Nigeria for experimental terror state — Maku
Meantime, the Federal Government declared yesterday that it will not allow an inch of the country to be used as centre for an experimental terror state in West Africa.
Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku gave the assurance in Abuja while addressing officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps at a workshop on Conflict Prevention, Peace Building and Election Monitoring ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Maku said the government had utmost confidence in the ability and capacity of the Armed Forces to defend the honour and uphold the territorial integrity of the nation and warned marauding insurgents in some states in the North-East that the Armed Forces would wholeheartedly defend the country to the last mile.
“Local and international adventurers that are contending with the destiny of our nation should know that we will defend our country to the last mile. We know our responsibility to this country; we know the responsibility of this nation to Africans all over the world and we will do everything within our powers to ensure that our country remains united, indivisible and continues to prosper as the leading state in Africa,” he stated.
He reassured the citizens that the government has resolved to deal with the current security challenges and emerge victorious.
“Let me assure our country that no matter what forces of disunity would want to do, by the grace of Allah and the resolve of this administration and the people of Nigeria, no part of the Nigerian territory will become a centre for an experimental terror state in West Africa”, he stated.
He said the current circumstances demanded absolute commitment by the Armed Forces and the citizens of Nigeria to ensure they work together in unity to defeat the evil of insurgency.
The Information Minister stated that conflict prevention was the responsibility of all citizens, security forces, the civil society and all national institutions, adding that it costs much less to prevent conflict than to manage it.
He remarked that a lot of the conflicts the nation was witnessing could have been prevented by being proactive instead of waiting for conflict to erupt and fester, because any human community was liable to conflict, which could be anticipated, hence the need to train people on conflict prevention and peace building.
According to him, when conflicts are properly managed, they can advance the development of society by reconciling all the contending factions and channelling their energies towards the pursuit of the common goals of peace, unity and development.
Speaking on the 2015 general elections, Maku called for a change of attitude among the political class as often exhibited in their utterances and conducts, to ensure elections were free of rancor and acrimony and the result was acceptable to all parties.
He said so long as politicians continue to display the tendency for violence before, during or after elections, government would continue to take adequate security measures to protect the life and property of voters.
The Information Minister further pledged the commitment of President Jonathan to free, fair and credible elections and urged politicians to complement the gesture by playing according to the rules.
Earlier in his addres, Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin, said the Corps had remained consistent in fashioning out programmes and effective collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing peace and tranquility in the country, which ensured the utilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism in finding lasting solution to conflict.
He said over 1,200 officers across the state commands and divisions were trained on principles and practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution, which led to the resolution of 3,450 disputes nationwide from 2010 to date.
Dr. Abolurin announced that the Corps would soon organize a multi-agency Peace Building Programme for all security agencies, the media and other stakeholders to discuss ways of fostering synergy and cooperation that would enhance national security.
In his remarks, Country Director of UNDP, represented by Dr. Lamin Begai, who condemned violent elections commended the recent elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states, which he described as peaceful and reinforced assurance in the electoral process.
Monday, 25 August 2014
CRUTECH Admission List 2014/2015 Released (First Choice Candidates Only) by Myschool Paul
This is to inform all those who chose Cross River University of Technology as their first choice and participated in the 2014/2015 post-UTME screening exercise that the admission list has been released.
Candidates can directly view the admission list by clicking here
Candidates can directly view the admission list by clicking here
No, face reason for your frustrations — Adokiye Kyrian By Ayo Onikoyi
Seductively attractive and beautiful singer, Adokiye Kyrian, has come, seen and looking at the Nigeria’s entertainment industry through the palms of her hands. Since dipping her feet in the glowing waters, Adokiye has been swimming in fame and fortune.
Apart from her talent, which seems to be growing branches, Adokiye has displayed a kind of nature that doesn’t take kindly to things shrouded in secrecy and mystery even though she is a bundle of mysteries herself. Now that she is a Nollywood actress, after her successful debut outing in Ogbanje and My Brother, My Enemy, Adokiye rightly felt Blessing Egbe’s statement has a bit to do with her. If other actresses would not take on Blessing for her outbursts, not Adokiye. She feels the movie producer knows what she is talking about because, according to her, Blessing is speaking out of frustration. Hear her: “Blessing Egbe, It’s okay to be mad or frustrated about something but the truth is, it’s very wrong and bad to pour it all on the Innocents people too. I think you should face the reason for the frustration, one on one. Don’t judge something you don’t even understand.
What you think is anathema to you, happens even everywhere, trust me. We just pray to God for changes and for a better society. It’s wrong to judge. Or you do think the entertainers are the only ones consuming all the condoms that are entering into the Country? Don’t make the good ones or the passionate ones feel bad because you have refused to face your problems appropriately. Don’t be a teacher in this way. I know you are fighting with somebody. Address it appropriately. I hate to do this ‘call out’” Typical Adokiye, but aren’t there more questions than answers? She said she knows who Blessing was particularly addressing. Stay with Potpourri to find out more and who
Apart from her talent, which seems to be growing branches, Adokiye has displayed a kind of nature that doesn’t take kindly to things shrouded in secrecy and mystery even though she is a bundle of mysteries herself. Now that she is a Nollywood actress, after her successful debut outing in Ogbanje and My Brother, My Enemy, Adokiye rightly felt Blessing Egbe’s statement has a bit to do with her. If other actresses would not take on Blessing for her outbursts, not Adokiye. She feels the movie producer knows what she is talking about because, according to her, Blessing is speaking out of frustration. Hear her: “Blessing Egbe, It’s okay to be mad or frustrated about something but the truth is, it’s very wrong and bad to pour it all on the Innocents people too. I think you should face the reason for the frustration, one on one. Don’t judge something you don’t even understand.
What you think is anathema to you, happens even everywhere, trust me. We just pray to God for changes and for a better society. It’s wrong to judge. Or you do think the entertainers are the only ones consuming all the condoms that are entering into the Country? Don’t make the good ones or the passionate ones feel bad because you have refused to face your problems appropriately. Don’t be a teacher in this way. I know you are fighting with somebody. Address it appropriately. I hate to do this ‘call out’” Typical Adokiye, but aren’t there more questions than answers? She said she knows who Blessing was particularly addressing. Stay with Potpourri to find out more and who
1000 Clerics storm Abuja to reconcile Jonathan, Obasanjo By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
AHEAD of the 2015 general elections in the country, over 1000 Bishops and Pastors from the Pentecostal fold on Sunday stormed the Ecumenical Center Abuja to reconcile President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasajo.
THE Clerics who came from different parts of the country arrived late on Saturday while some of them from Imo State arrived early hours of Sunday and slept at the park as there were no officials of the organizers of the program.
But it was gathered that because of the absence of President Goodluck Jonathan who was away to Germany on a national official duty and that of the former President Obasanjo who was said to have been represented by his pastor the reconciliation prayer meeting could not precede.
There were divergent views on the invitation sent to the two leaders as some of the pastors claimed both President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo were formerly invited, some other members said that the President was not given formal invitation to attend but that he was aware of the meeting.
Some of the clerics told Vanguard that President Jonathan was represented at the prayer meeting by Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba but that the members had wanted the two personalities to be present so that the reconciliation could be effective
In the absence of the main objective of the meeting which was the reconciliation, the Ministers of God had intensive prayers against the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, the insurgency in the North East occasioned by the Boko Haram sect and the abduction of Chibok girls in Borno State.
A Pastor who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said that there was also indiscriminate installation of Bishops and ordination of pastors at the occasion.
In an interview, one of the 100 pastors from Imo State that were stranded on arrival early hours of Sunday and founder and General Overseer of Light of God Mission, Mbaise, Imo State, Rev. Udechukwu Matthew Uka explained that the prayer meeting was to ensure a total reconciliation between President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo.
Rev. Uka said that the reconciliation of the two would bring a peaceful election in 2015 as well as unity to the country, stressing that the Men of God were concerned over the suspected strained relationship between two great leaders of the country.
According to him, “We came to Abuja to pray for the peace and unity of this nation and to make sure that the leaders of this nation are working in unison, especially we want to pray that God will unite the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo with the present President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
“We know that they are leaders and when two of them are united, many souls, many part of the nation will be united, they are the head. The former President is aware of our coming, he is the grand patron of this network which is Master Seed Pentecostal and College of Bishops and Ministers network.
“We are almost 1000 in number organized by our national President Bishop David Emma Okoroafor Agu. The 1000 ministers are from different states of the federation. Many are from Rivers State, some from Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia State, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Lagos , Edo, Delta and many other parts of the country.
He also said that President Jonathan was aware of their and coming for the reconciliation meeting.
On while some of them slept at the park on arrival about 12 am on Sunday, he said, “The reason is that we came very late, our vehicle couldn’t meet up with time. Before we came in, our national organizers who should direct us where to pass the night have gone to their various homes, we came almost midnight that is why we were stranded.”
Also speaking Pastor Modestus Kelechi the General Overseer of Holy Ghost Intercessory Ministry with its headquarters in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise in Imo State said that it was imperative that President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo should unite to give the nation direction.
Pastor Kelechi who is a notable prayer warrior said that God would not be happy to see the two men going across purposes, adding that animosity among the two could spell doom to the nation.
He said, “’They have to come together for the sake of this country.”’
THE Clerics who came from different parts of the country arrived late on Saturday while some of them from Imo State arrived early hours of Sunday and slept at the park as there were no officials of the organizers of the program.
But it was gathered that because of the absence of President Goodluck Jonathan who was away to Germany on a national official duty and that of the former President Obasanjo who was said to have been represented by his pastor the reconciliation prayer meeting could not precede.
 |
| Jonathan and Obasanjo |
Some of the clerics told Vanguard that President Jonathan was represented at the prayer meeting by Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba but that the members had wanted the two personalities to be present so that the reconciliation could be effective
In the absence of the main objective of the meeting which was the reconciliation, the Ministers of God had intensive prayers against the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, the insurgency in the North East occasioned by the Boko Haram sect and the abduction of Chibok girls in Borno State.
A Pastor who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said that there was also indiscriminate installation of Bishops and ordination of pastors at the occasion.
In an interview, one of the 100 pastors from Imo State that were stranded on arrival early hours of Sunday and founder and General Overseer of Light of God Mission, Mbaise, Imo State, Rev. Udechukwu Matthew Uka explained that the prayer meeting was to ensure a total reconciliation between President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo.
Rev. Uka said that the reconciliation of the two would bring a peaceful election in 2015 as well as unity to the country, stressing that the Men of God were concerned over the suspected strained relationship between two great leaders of the country.
According to him, “We came to Abuja to pray for the peace and unity of this nation and to make sure that the leaders of this nation are working in unison, especially we want to pray that God will unite the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo with the present President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
“We know that they are leaders and when two of them are united, many souls, many part of the nation will be united, they are the head. The former President is aware of our coming, he is the grand patron of this network which is Master Seed Pentecostal and College of Bishops and Ministers network.
“We are almost 1000 in number organized by our national President Bishop David Emma Okoroafor Agu. The 1000 ministers are from different states of the federation. Many are from Rivers State, some from Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia State, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Lagos , Edo, Delta and many other parts of the country.
He also said that President Jonathan was aware of their and coming for the reconciliation meeting.
On while some of them slept at the park on arrival about 12 am on Sunday, he said, “The reason is that we came very late, our vehicle couldn’t meet up with time. Before we came in, our national organizers who should direct us where to pass the night have gone to their various homes, we came almost midnight that is why we were stranded.”
Also speaking Pastor Modestus Kelechi the General Overseer of Holy Ghost Intercessory Ministry with its headquarters in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise in Imo State said that it was imperative that President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo should unite to give the nation direction.
Pastor Kelechi who is a notable prayer warrior said that God would not be happy to see the two men going across purposes, adding that animosity among the two could spell doom to the nation.
He said, “’They have to come together for the sake of this country.”’
FG, Boko Haram battle for control of Gwoza By Kingsley Omonobi
The Defence Headquarters, yesterday, declared that military operations to secure Gwoza town seized by the insurgents earlier this month was ongoing even as Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau was defiant, proclaiming Islamic caliphate in the town which he said was now firmly in the grip of the sect.
Responding to the claim by the sect leader that Gwoza town seized by the insurgents earlier this month has been placed under an Islamic caliphate, the military authorities said “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nigerian state is still intact”.
The Boko Haram leader had in a new video, yesterday, claimed that he has created an Islamic caliphate in Gwoza. In the 52-minutes video obtained by AFP, Shekau said: “Thanks be to Allah who gave victory to our brethren in Gwoza and made it part of the Islamic caliphate. Gwoza, has nothing to do with Nigeria. By the grace of Allah we will not leave the town. We have come to stay”.
Boko Haram claim empty — Military
The Defence Headquarters, however, in a tweet on its twitter handle stated that “the claim is empty. Any group of terrorists laying claim to any portion of the country will not be allowed to get away with the expression of delusion and crime. Appropriate military operations to secure that area from the activities of the bandits are still ongoing”.
The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) earlier this month confirmed reports that Gwoza was under rebel control.
Boko Haram is also believed to be in control of other areas near Gwoza in southern Borno, as well as large swathes of territory in northern Borno and at least one town in neighbouring Yobe State.
Troops recently stormed communities close to Balmo forest in a military operation that lasted two days. Prior to the operation, Balmo forest stretching from Bauchi through Jigawa State with links to the fringes of Sambisa forest was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.
During the operation, terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely dislodged while some were captured. Among those captured were two foreigners who were suspected to be mercenaries.
Also captured were several weapons and equipment including power generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuff and kitchen utensils.
Governor Shettima reacts
In his reaction to the reported declaration of Gwoza as a territory of the Islamic sect, Governor Kashim Shettima said: ‘I cannot comment on the authenticity or otherwise of that video in question, I will leave that to security experts. I also cannot disclose measures being adopted by security agencies on whatever development in Gwoza or any part of Borno State but I can assure the good people of Borno State and other members of the public that the State Government is actively in touch and supporting security agencies deployed to Borno State in the counter insurgency efforts and insha Allah, the combined efforts will not be in vain.
“We are not just studying the situation with collaborative tact and urgency but indeed, appropriate measures are being taken by the right authorities. For now, I urge the good people of Borno State to remain calm and resolute in their support for security agencies, abiding faith and prayers. The security agencies, I am sure, are in the position to analyse the content of the said new video, compare with the facts on ground in Gwoza and brief the Nigerian public as they deem professionally appropriate, bearing in mind the National interest and patriotism as well as the overall safety of citizens.
“Let me use this opportunity to, while thanking members of the Nigerian and International media for their firm support for Borno people and its government since this insurgency crisis in 2009, make a strong appeal that we do not dramatise and sensationalise issues such as the one connected with Gwoza, so that we all do not fall for the objective of insurgents, which is to at all times, claim victory over our sovereign State, our rights to existence, our freedom and our liberty, as it is always their goal to create so much panic that would make anyone who doesn’t share their ideology feel unsafe and defeated.
“Even as those of us in the media work tirelessly to disseminate information in the discharge of important duties that aim to protect the fundamental rights of the public to know happenings within and around them, we must at this moment, more than ever before, do our jobs with patriotic support for our country and its security forces as well as our passion for humanity as against those that seek to send humanity into extinction. As disturbing as what is said to be the development is, I remain very optimistic that victory will never go the way of those that violently stand between fellow human beings and their divine rights to exist as God’s creatures on earth”
Responding to the claim by the sect leader that Gwoza town seized by the insurgents earlier this month has been placed under an Islamic caliphate, the military authorities said “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nigerian state is still intact”.
The Boko Haram leader had in a new video, yesterday, claimed that he has created an Islamic caliphate in Gwoza. In the 52-minutes video obtained by AFP, Shekau said: “Thanks be to Allah who gave victory to our brethren in Gwoza and made it part of the Islamic caliphate. Gwoza, has nothing to do with Nigeria. By the grace of Allah we will not leave the town. We have come to stay”.
Boko Haram claim empty — Military
The Defence Headquarters, however, in a tweet on its twitter handle stated that “the claim is empty. Any group of terrorists laying claim to any portion of the country will not be allowed to get away with the expression of delusion and crime. Appropriate military operations to secure that area from the activities of the bandits are still ongoing”.
The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) earlier this month confirmed reports that Gwoza was under rebel control.
Boko Haram is also believed to be in control of other areas near Gwoza in southern Borno, as well as large swathes of territory in northern Borno and at least one town in neighbouring Yobe State.
Troops recently stormed communities close to Balmo forest in a military operation that lasted two days. Prior to the operation, Balmo forest stretching from Bauchi through Jigawa State with links to the fringes of Sambisa forest was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.
During the operation, terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely dislodged while some were captured. Among those captured were two foreigners who were suspected to be mercenaries.
Also captured were several weapons and equipment including power generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuff and kitchen utensils.
Governor Shettima reacts
In his reaction to the reported declaration of Gwoza as a territory of the Islamic sect, Governor Kashim Shettima said: ‘I cannot comment on the authenticity or otherwise of that video in question, I will leave that to security experts. I also cannot disclose measures being adopted by security agencies on whatever development in Gwoza or any part of Borno State but I can assure the good people of Borno State and other members of the public that the State Government is actively in touch and supporting security agencies deployed to Borno State in the counter insurgency efforts and insha Allah, the combined efforts will not be in vain.
“We are not just studying the situation with collaborative tact and urgency but indeed, appropriate measures are being taken by the right authorities. For now, I urge the good people of Borno State to remain calm and resolute in their support for security agencies, abiding faith and prayers. The security agencies, I am sure, are in the position to analyse the content of the said new video, compare with the facts on ground in Gwoza and brief the Nigerian public as they deem professionally appropriate, bearing in mind the National interest and patriotism as well as the overall safety of citizens.
“Let me use this opportunity to, while thanking members of the Nigerian and International media for their firm support for Borno people and its government since this insurgency crisis in 2009, make a strong appeal that we do not dramatise and sensationalise issues such as the one connected with Gwoza, so that we all do not fall for the objective of insurgents, which is to at all times, claim victory over our sovereign State, our rights to existence, our freedom and our liberty, as it is always their goal to create so much panic that would make anyone who doesn’t share their ideology feel unsafe and defeated.
“Even as those of us in the media work tirelessly to disseminate information in the discharge of important duties that aim to protect the fundamental rights of the public to know happenings within and around them, we must at this moment, more than ever before, do our jobs with patriotic support for our country and its security forces as well as our passion for humanity as against those that seek to send humanity into extinction. As disturbing as what is said to be the development is, I remain very optimistic that victory will never go the way of those that violently stand between fellow human beings and their divine rights to exist as God’s creatures on earth”
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