WhatsApp Launches Campaign To Fight Fake News In Nigeria

December 14, 2021

WhatsApp has announced a campaign, #YouSaid, to educate people on how to verify information they come across before passing it on, in a bid to help reduce the spread of false news in Nigeria.

According to the company, the campaign offers tips for WhatsApp users to spot false news and take responsibility in minimising its spread, by encouraging them to think carefully and check authoritative sources before deciding to share any information with their friends and family.

In a statement, WhatsApp Public Policy Lead, Akua Gyekye, said, “At WhatsApp, all personal messages are protected with end-to-end encryption because the safety and security of our users and their messages is important to us.
“While we remain committed to creating a safe space for our users to communicate privately, we encourage everyone to verify any information they receive and confirm whether it is true or false before sharing it with other people. Regardless of the person you received the information from, as soon as you share any information, it becomes something people think #YouSaid.”
Copyright PUNCH.

Soldiers Easily Identified Igbo Who Couldn’t Pronounce Obalende During Civil War – 80-Year-Old Retiree, Ope

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December 14, 2021

Eighty-year-old Mrs Christiana Ope, who retired as confidential secretary from Wema Bank, takes ALEXANDER OKERE through her life’s story
Please briefly tell us about yourself?
My name is Lady Christiana Ope. I was born on December 16, 1941. I am from Ijebu in Ogun State and I retired as a confidential secretary at Wema Bank.
Having been born in the late 1940s, was your birth registered?
My father wrote it down. He had a register where he wrote down children’s dates of birth.

So, when we went to school and were asked for our dates of birth, he gave us the register to check our names and copy out our dates.
What kind of parents did you have?
My father was a baale (traditional ruler). He could write a bit.
As a baale, how many wives did he have?
Ah, they (wives) were many. He had seven and my mother was the second wife.
How many children did he have?
In the olden days, one could not tell. We just lived by a stroke of good luck.
What kind of childhood did you have in a polygamous home?
My father was very strict but nice. In those days, when he flogged any of us to correct us, he also flogged our mothers. So, his children tried not to offend him so their mothers would not be flogged. We feared him more than our mothers.
Was your mother a trader?
She was a trader and a serious one. She used to sell cocoa, palm kernels and God blessed her. She used to sell to people on credit to enable them to raise money for their children’s upkeep. She later extended her business to Lagos and used to take her goods to Lagos in a lorry. I used to ride a bicycle to the house of the lorry driver to call him and my mother had centres where her goods were taken to.
What did you mean when you said you were lucky to have survived as a child?
I said so because of the kind of water we drank from the river in those days. But we were lucky because there was native medicine.
Did you have any near-death experience?
I remember one day I was sick at night with a stomach upset. My mother went out to call one man, Baba Watchman. He was a native doctor and a good man. Everybody approached him for medicine. When my mother met him, he gave us a black substance and told her to mix it with palm oil and give it to me. The next day, I could not go to school because I passed out live worms in my feaces. However, for a long time, I did not have any issues with worms in my stomach. It was when I grew older that I realised that baba was deforming people as of that time.
You just mentioned that you were a pupil. Were children, especially the girl child, encouraged to go to school?
In our house, my father allowed us to go to school but I did not start early. It was when I saw my younger sister writing that I insisted that I wanted to go to school. I attended a secondary school now called Adeola Odutola Comprehensive High School. We used to go to a farm to cultivate as pupils.
What did you do with your first salary?
I worked with the Federal Ministry of Health on Broad Street, Lagos, as a clerk, and got my first salary there. I gave it to my parents to share with my elder ones who prayed for me. I used the remaining money for my transportation to work.
How did you join Wema Bank?
I attended secretarial training. It was when I passed my examination that I applied to join Wema Bank (then known as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited) as a secretary. Working at Wema Bank was tedious. The salary was not big when I started but things improved over the years. I used to resume work at 7:30am and when I started working there we had a two-hour break from 12 to 2pm and didn’t finish working until 5pm.
As a secretary in a bank, did you go for further training?
I attended local training for a week or two until the bank started an academy.
Why did you leave the civil service for a banking job?
I left because of the better pay.
When did you retire from the bank?
I retired in December 1995. I retired as a confidential secretary to a Wema Bank branch manager in Lagos. My rise to the position of a confidential secretary was a bit slow because the bank had just started. I joined the bank in 1972 and left in 1995.
Was it your choice?
I wanted to go. When the bank wanted to retrench some workers, I was asked whether I wanted to leave. I chose to go.
What was your first day in retirement like?
After retirement, I still had to wake up early to prepare the children for school because they were still young.
What have you been doing since you retired 26 years ago?
I used to sell some foodstuffs like sugar and flour in a market but the people who used to buy items from me on credit didn’t pay. That discouraged me, so I stopped the business.
Did you marry early?
When I was in secondary school, suitors came but my parents said I was not yet mature. They said I was still studying. I went to one of the schools in my area to look for my cousin when I met my husband for the first time. We attended the same primary school but there was no interaction. On the day I went to look for my cousin, my husband asked me if I had seen one Olu that he was looking for but I told him I didn’t know where the person was. I had wondered why he asked me that question. Later, we became friends and started courting. I think God brought him to me. I got married early in November 1964, when we had the court wedding, and I don’t regret it. I was 23 then and he was 21 but we didn’t know because we were both young and in love and we continued. I accord him respect.
It is not common for Nigerian men to marry older Nigerian women. Should age matter?
Age does not matter. It is understanding and love (that should matter). For some women, if the man is older, there may not be love because they would fight all the time.
Among the suitors you got as a young lady, why did you choose your husband?
He was gentle and came from a well-respected family in the area. He understood my lateness from work and I understood him as a clergyman. He became a clergyman after his retirement. We have seven children – two boys and five girls – and some of them are in the United States of America and London.
What would you say has sustained your marriage in the last 56 years?
It is love, patience, trust, and the absence of jealousy. There was a time he was in Abuja and I was in Lagos and I could tell anyone who asked where he was at any time because he would call me to tell me where he was, whether he was attending a meeting or on a tour.
Where were you when the Civil War broke out?
I was in Lagos with my second child. It was a petrol bomb that notified me that the war had begun. I saw the flame from my balcony. Many people died. There was a time I was at Island Maternity and I heard some Nigerian soldiers shooting. We were told that some people threw some bombs so the soldiers had to retaliate.
The war was terrible. War is not good. If a war starts in Nigeria, it would be worse than the Civil War. War is nobody’s friend. Getting out of it is a problem and things can never be the same. When there is a war, people flee from their homes.
When the war started, I was on a bus going to work when some soldiers entered the bus and ordered the passengers to identify their tribes. When an Igbo man claimed to be Yoruba, the soldiers told them to pronounce Obalende or toro (shilling). The ones that couldn’t pronounce the two words were easily identified and picked up. We were all living together before the Devil came in. Lagos was a place of merriment; there were parties in many places. If a war begins in Nigeria, it would be worse than the Civil War.
The younger generation in Nigeria has continued to decry the hardship in the country, with the high level of unemployment. As one who lived the heydays of Nigeria, do you sympathise with them?
Ah, they are not alone in that. What about me? Some of them have something to do but I don’t and don’t have a pension.
What are you most thankful for at 80?
I’m thankful for the grace of God.
What do you do to stay fit?
There is no special secret other than having confidence in oneself. I don’t think much about the world. I relax and have a good spirit dealing with people and praying to God. I don’t eat any special food but I like rice.

The Fermented Foods: Ogiri, Have You Tasted It?

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December 14, 2021

Recently, there has been a series of controversial publications and debates over the use of seasoning cubes and monosodium glutamate because they are said to be cancer-inducing agents.

So, this made me to have some conversations with Mrs Titilola Muhalli, a spice formulator and the CEO Titlas Organics Food and Spice. I wanted her to shed some light on the use of natural herbs and spices as food seasoning.
Out of curiosity, I asked her if one could totally stop using ‘maggi’ cubes and replace them with spices. She told me it is possible and that one can start by reducing the amount of ‘maggi’ one uses. She also said that spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, fennel, nutmeg, rosemary, celery, parsley, chives, onions, calabash nutmeg (ehuru), black pepper, negro pepper can be used as seasonings. Even mushrooms and locust beans are among the list of the things she mentioned that one can use as healthy and alternative choice of food seasonings.
This week, ogiri is the fermented food I will be talking about. Are you squeezing your nose already? It is true it has a pungent smell but despite that smell, it comes with a lot of amazing health benefits. It is a condiment made from fermented oil seeds such as sesame, melon, African oil bean, castor oil, soybeans, ugwu and more. In one of the studies I am going to cite, findings showed that ogiri made from soybeans contains as much protein as meat and has unsaturated fat that is useful to the body. Just like ogiri from melon seeds, it improves the taste and nutrients of delicacies when used. Ogiri has an oily gray pasty consistency. It is popularly used in the eastern and western part of Nigeria. The names are derived from the region of origin. For example, there are ogiri-Igbo and ogiri-Ijebu. It is mostly added to soups to give them a traditional flavour.
I had some chats with Mrs Chioma Ehirim, a foodstuffs vendor who also sells condiments, including ogiri. She told me that ogiri-Igbo is a major ingredient used in preparing abacha and soups like oha, egusi, onugbu, ogbono, banga, ofe Owerri, utazi, uziza and bitter-leaf soups. She said it is a major ingredient in the preparation of abacha especially for Okigwe, Anambra and Nsukka people. She went further to say that it is good for diabetics, lowers cholesterol levels, helps to promote good sight, aids in digestion and used for treating stroke and hypertension.
Traditional fermented foods like ogiri help the body produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses. Within the context of digestion, it helps to increase bowel movement and can help reduce constipation. It also helps improve the release of digestive juices and enzymes from the stomach, pancreas and gall bladder. They are beneficial to people with diabetes. In addition to improving pancreatic function, which is of great benefit to diabetics, the carbohydrates in lactic- acid fermented foods have been broken down or “pre-digested”. As a result, they do not place an extra burden on the pancreas.
Scientific studies
1: The possibility of substituting castor oil bean with soybean to obtain an acceptable ogiri was explored in a study titled ‘nutritional properties of indigenous fermented condiment (ogiri) produced from partial substitution of castor oil bean (Ricinus communis) with soybean (Glycine max) seeds’ by Okwunodulu et al. Protein and fibre were increased. Carbohydrate content was decreased. Mineral contents like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc increased. Potassium was the most abundant mineral in the sample. Also, vitamins B1, B2, B3, Vitamin C and E also increased significantly. Therefore, soybean substitution of up to 50 per cent gave a better acceptable ogiri with improved nutrient contents.
2: In a study titled ‘Production of a soup condiment (ogiri ugu) from fluted pumpkin seeds using Bacillus subtilis’ by Chika Ogueke, the result shows that it is rich in protein, thus serving a dual purpose of flavouring and source of protein supplement.
3: In another one titled ‘Study on the nutritional and chemical composition of “ogiri” condiment made from sandbox seed (Hura crepitans) as affected by fermentation time’ by Ahaotu et al, the study revealed that sandbox seed (Hura crepitans) might have good potential for use in fermented condiment production, thereby finding its way into the annals of condiment substrate. This is demonstrated in the proximate analysis, which revealed that the product contained a considerable quantity of useful nutritional substances (crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate) with crude fibre, which helps in digestibility, decrease in blood cholesterol and reduction of the risk of large bowel cancer.

The high content of oil and high presence of terpenoids in the sandbox seed ogiri shows that the fermented condiment might have high nutraceutical potential if further investigation is carried out. The seed could therefore be used as one of the underutilised food source to solve the problem of malnutrition in third world countries.
4: In a study titled ‘Biochemical and Microbiological Evaluation of the Effect of processing on Cucumeropsis manni’ by Ileola et al, the conclusion is that proximate composition of raw, boiled and fermented melon seeds showed that Cucumeropsis manni melon seeds are nutritious, especially in protein and fat but not a good source of vitamin B-complex. Further, the study found that processing increases the nutritional composition and reduces the anti-nutritional factors of the melon seeds. Generally, fermented Cucumeropsis mannii seed has the highest saccharide content while glucose is significantly different among other sugars analysed. Hence, the findings of this research showed that Cucumeropsis mannii melon seeds, though underutilised, can be good substitute in food formulations.
5: The awareness and acceptability of ogiri made from melon and soybeans in the Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State was investigated in a study titled ‘Awareness of the health benefits and acceptability of Ogiri made from melon and soybeans’ by Olarewaju Cecilia Abiodun of the Department of Home Economics, Adeyemi College of Education. The conclusion is that the nutritional contents and acceptability of ogiri made from melon seeds and that made from soybeans were similar. Ogiri made from soybeans was as acceptable in Ondo West local Government Area as ogiri made from melon seeds. Soybeans can be used in preparing ogiri condiment, it is highly nutritious, delicious and acceptable. Ogiri made from soybeans can compete favourably with that made from melon seeds in terms of nutritional contents and acceptability.

It is then recommended that producers of ogiri should utilise soybeans in the production of ogiri in order to reduce the burden placed on melon seeds.
At this point it is obvious that soybeans is leading. At least, by now, we all know that despite its bad fame, it can still be eaten and all its health benefits can be enjoyed if it goes through fermentation. If I am going to prepare a homemade ogiri, I will definitely use soybeans since all these studies are touting it to be more nutritious. I have a video for you on how to make ogiri with egusi. If you are interested, I am just a text away from you. If you will like to make your ogiri from soybeans, this video will be a guide.

PUNCH.

It’s Unfair UAE Denies Air Peace Three Weekly Flights While Emirates Operates 21 – Official

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December 14, 2021

The diplomatic row between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates got messier on Saturday as Nigeria-based Air Peace airline accused the Emirates of lying that it lost its flight slots at the Sharjah International Airport because it stopped operating commercial flights into the airport.

Air Peace also said it is unfair that the UAE denied the airline three weekly flights while the Federal Government of Nigeria allowed Dubai-based Emirates Airline to operate 21 flights per week into Nigeria’s Abuja and Lagos airports.
Emirati Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, had in a letter on December 10, 2021, addressed to the Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said that it is unreasonable for Air Peace to retain its slots to the airport when it willingly ceased operations into the airport.

The Emirati minister, who is also the chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE, also described as unjust, the decision of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to withdraw its approval for Emirates Airline winter schedule, cutting down the carrier’s passenger flights to just once a week from 21 weekly.

Al Marri said, “The GCAA has the honour to highlight that such a decision by the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) is totally unjustified especially, as it has come to our attention that their action is being taken against the background of Air Peace not securing all 3 slots at Sharjah Airport which they desire. (Air Peace initially operated at Sharjah Airport, shifted to Dubai Airport and then returned to Sharjah airport. It would be unreasonable for an airline to expect any airport to maintain their slots when they ceased operating at that airport.”

Air Peace rejects Emirati minister’s letter to FG, demands apology
Reacting, however, on Saturday, in a letter addressed to Sirika which was signed by the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, Air Peace said the Emirates disrespected Nigeria through its action, noting that it is unfair that Emirates Airline operated 21 weekly flights into Nigeria while the UAE government denied Air Peace of three flights per week.

In the letter titled, ‘Re: Air Transport Relations – That Letter To You From UAE – A Deliberate Falsehood,’ the Nigeria-based airline also said it never stopped flight operations into Sharjah airport. The airline further demanded an apology from the Emirati minister for “deliberate falsehood”.
The letter read in part, “Contrary to the (Emirati minister’s) letter, Air Peace never ceased operating from Sharjah International Airport since we started in July 2019. We only stopped when every other airline was forced to stop normal scheduled flight operations as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns that permitted only evacuation flights. We did several evacuation flights out of Sharjah. So, we never left Sharjah Airport nor did we at any time ‘shifted’ and operated out of DXB (Dubai Airport).

The (Emirati) letter deliberately painted us as unserious while at the same time, suggesting that we look for other airports in the country to operate from.
“After the restriction of scheduled flight operations between UAE and Nigeria was lifted towards the last week in November 2021, we approached the Sharjah Airport and GCAA with a request to allow us to operate a charter into the UAE on December 01, 2021.
“To our surprise and, despite the lifting of the ban on flight operations between both countries, they refused. They said they would not allow charter but scheduled flight operations.

However, we then, in obedience to their demand, announced resumption of scheduled operations beginning from that date and we opened our sales to the public.
“Three days to departure, they were yet to approve the flight. They came back 48hours to our expected departure to UAE denying us slot to operate the flight. When we pressed on, they told us that they would accept us only if we did not bring a wide body aircraft but a small one.
“We had 250 passengers to transport and using a small aircraft as they suggested was impossible.
“It took your intervention and that of the Presidency before they approved that we come in on the said December 1st but not without another unfair order. We were told that we must land at 9.00am their time, not before 9.00am and not after 9.00am. Unbelievable!
“On our request to continue with the scheduled operations after this present flight, we were turned down using lack of slot as excuse.
“Meanwhile, Emirates had started operating three flights daily into Nigeria while Air Peace was totally turned down! You would recall Sir, that you mounted serious pressures on them urging them to see reasons, but they never bulged. Then, at your (Sirika’s) threat of going to stop them if Air Peace was not allowed a meagre three flights weekly, they quickly did the unthinkable. They gave us one flight only per week! They also added that it must be operated only on Thursdays at a time that they chose themselves.
“No one would patronise an airline doing only one flight a week to a destination where one has the option of another airline doing 21 flights a week to the same destination.
“This is not about Air Peace alone but about our dear country Nigeria that has been massively disrespected by these intrigues.”
Back Story: Unreciprocated BASAs
Nigeria had about a week ago lifted the ban on Emirates Airline’s flights to Nigeria after suspending the carrier from operating into Nigeria for several months earlier, due to concerns over UAE carrier’s requirements in the management of COVID-19.
NCAA Director-General, Musa Nuhu, had stated that following the lifting of the ban, the UAE-based airline applied to the Federal Ministry of Aviation for approval of its winter flight schedule, consisting of 21 weekly passenger flight frequencies to Nigeria, noting that Nigeria approved the schedule in the spirit and intent of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries.
He had, however, expressed dissatisfaction that Air Peace Airlines, the only Nigerian airline that operates passenger flights to Sharjah International Airport in the UAE, requested three weekly passenger flight frequencies but was granted only one.
Subsequently, Emirates Airline on Friday announced the suspension of its flights to Nigeria, attributing its decision to the NCAA policy limiting its operation in the country to one flight per week.
Nigeria currently has signed BASAs with over 90 countries including the UAE. However, over the years, stakeholders have lamented that most air agreements between Nigeria and other countries have been one-sided as Nigerian airlines have been unable to reciprocate the agreements due to what they termed, “aero-politics”.
Currently, over 25 foreign airlines operate flights into Nigeria; some daily, from multiple destinations. While only one Nigerian airline operates internationally, one or two others operate on regional routes.
According to Sirika, Nigeria signed its BASA with the UAE in December 2017 and Nigeria-based Medview Airlines had commenced direct flights from Lagos to Dubai via Abuja but the operations had hit the rocks when the airline faced a crisis.
While Emirates Airline has been plying multiple frequencies to-and-fro the Abuja and Lagos airports, no Nigerian airline operated the routes for years after Medview Airlines’ short stint until 2019 when Air Peace reactivated the route.

Trump Slams Netanyahu For Congratulating Biden On Electoral Victory

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December 11, 2021

Former US president Donald Trump spat an expletive about his old ally, Israel’s ex-prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for congratulating Joe Biden on his victory in last year’s election, according to a new book.

Trump lashed out in an interview for a book on US-Israel relations during his presidency, author Barak Ravid wrote on the Axios website on Friday.
“Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu were the closest of political allies during the four years they overlapped in office, at least in public. Not anymore,” Ravid wrote.
“I haven’t spoken to him since,” Trump told Ravid in an interview. “Fuck him.”
Ravid said that he interviewed Trump twice for his forthcoming book, “Trump’s Peace: The Abraham Accords and the Reshaping of the Middle East.”
He said Trump, who appeared close to Netanyahu while president from 2017 to 2021, was repeatedly critical of him in the interviews.
“The final straw for Trump was when Netanyahu congratulated President-elect Biden for his election victory while Trump was still disputing the result,” Ravid wrote.
Netanyahu offered his congratulations some 12 hours after Biden’s victory became clear.
Trump has never conceded the election, claiming without evidence that Biden won by vote fraud.
Other foreign leaders congratulated Biden earlier than the Israeli leader, but for Trump Netanyahu stood out.
“The first person that congratulated [Biden] was Bibi Netanyahu, the man that I did more for than any other person I dealt with,” Trump said, according to Ravid.
“Bibi could have stayed quiet. He has made a terrible mistake,” Trump said, using Netanyahu’s nickname.
“I liked Bibi. I still like Bibi. But I also like loyalty,” he said.
Ravid writes that Trump was unhappy that Netanyahu did not help him remain in office.
Netanyahu responded to the Axios story in a statement Friday.
“I highly appreciate President Trump’s big contribution to Israel and its security,” he said.
“I also appreciate the importance of the strong alliance between Israel and the US and therefore it was important for me to congratulate the incoming president.”
Both former leaders could return to power.
Trump remains the de facto leader of the Republican Party and is keeping open the option of running for president in 2024. Netanyahu, who lost power earlier this year, is currently leader of the opposition in Israel’s Knesset.
AFP

Stop Starving, Maltreating Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB Tells DSS

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December 11, 2021

The Indigenous People of Biafra, has accused the Department of States Services of high-handedness in the handling of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in its custody, claiming the DSS is starving and maltreating him.
According to the seccessionist group, the DSS has denied Kanu food, for three days running.

The group called on the security agency to, as a matter of urgency, transfer Kanu to Kuje prison or any other correctional centre, where suspects awaiting trails are kept.
The group’s Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, stated this in a statement, on Saturday, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent.
The statement read, “We are the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra under the command and leadership of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to place the world on notice over the continued maltreatment and humiliation of our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, custody Abuja.
“The evil and compromised Nigeria DSS security agent has decided to use starvation and hunger strategy to eliminate our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the custody. They have continued to confine him to a solitary cell under harsh conditions since his rendition to Nigeria in June. Solitary confinement is not correctional centers. They should send him to Kuje Prison, pending his court dates.
“They are asking the Nigeria government and security agencies that is busy granting and releasing bandits and real terrorists everyday to transfer our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to a Nigerian prison/Correctional Centre, where persons awaiting trial are kept.
“Nothing should happen to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in detention.
“Nigerian DSS has denied our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, food since three to four days now.
“The whole world should take note of these atrocities and torture being meted out against our innocent Leader. Amnesty International, and other human rights groups should take note. American government; Israeli government; Canadian government; German government; and, other Western and civilised countries in the UK and Europe, should prevail on Nigerian DSS to stop starving and torturing our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. His rights should not be violated any more.
“Nigeria should take our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to prison custody and stop violating his rights at the DSS cell.”

PUNCH.

Sterling Bags 100th EPL Goal As Man City Beat 10-Man Wolves 1-0

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December 11, 2021

Raheem Sterling scored his 100th Premier League goal as the Manchester City forward’s penalty fired the leaders to a 1-0 win against 10-man Wolves on Saturday.

Sterling netted from the spot in the second half at the Etihad Stadium to clinch City’s sixth successive league victory.
City’s cause was aided by a needless first half red card for Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, who was dismissed for failing to retreat the required 10 yards before a free-kick he had been booked for conceding seconds earlier.
Sterling’s landmark goal ensured City capitalised on Jimenez’s blunder as they survived an average display to get back on track after the midweek Champions League defeat at Leipzig.
After struggling to get into Guardiola’s starting line-up at times this season amid talk of a potential transfer, Sterling is finally showing signs of recapturing the scintillating form that made him such a dangerous force.
Pep Guardiola’s side are four points clear of second placed Liverpool, who can close the gap if they beat Aston Villa at Anfield later on Saturday.
Kyle Walker was dropped to the bench after City’s right-back was criticised by Guardiola following his red card at Leipzig.
Guardiola made eight changes from the Leipzig game, with Phil Foden, troubled by an ankle problem, and Kevin De Bruyne, recovered from the coronavirus, named as substitutes.
Bernardo Silva had scored six goals in his previous eight league appearances and the City playmaker was inches away from adding to that total when he bent a curler just over the bar in the opening minutes.
Joao Cancelo’s lung-bursting breaks from right-back were a constant threat in the first half and he advanced again for a low strike that tested Wolves keeper Jose Sa.
– Sterling strikes -Wolves duo Max Kilman and Ruben Neves needed lengthy treatment after a nasty clash of heads that left Kilman with blood pouring from a cut.
Jimenez, the victim of a fractured skull in a collision with David Luiz at Arsenal last season, was quick to check on his team-mates, who were both able to continue playing.
It was Jimenez who didn’t make it to half-time as the Mexican saw red in needless fashion.
Booked for a tug on Rodri, Jimenez stupidly stuck out a foot to block the resulting free-kick without retreating 10 yards, earning his second yellow card 48 seconds after the first.
Jimenez ripped off his protective headband and swung it around in frustration, but he could have no complaints about his self-inflicted exit.
With the numerical advantage, City monopolised possession after the interval.
Ilkay Gundogan met Cancelo’s pin-point cross with a looping header that Conor Coady nodded off the line.
Silva and Sterling got in each others way as they failed to finish off Oleksandr Zinchenko’s cross.
City’s pressure finally produced a goal in the 66th minute.
Joao Moutinho blocked Silva’s cross with a raised arm and, although the ball appeared to hit the midfielder’s armpit, VAR confirmed Jon Moss’s decision after a check.
Sterling stroked the spot-kick down the middle for his fifth goal in his last eight City appearances.
Jack Grealish poked wide from close range and Jesus was denied by Sa in the closing stages.
City had done just enough but Ederson had to tip over Kilman’s header before the points were secured.
AFP

Hard Nut Cracked; Censors Board, Stakeholders Move To Ban Smoking In Movies

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December 11, 2021

The National Film and Video Censors Board has commenced engagement with practitioners and stakeholders in the movie and entertainment industry to enforce the law banning smoking in movies.

Executive Director, NFVCB, Adedayo Thomas, made this known on Saturday while presenting a communique at the end of the entertainment industry stakeholders’ roundtable in Lagos.
The roundtable focused on the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019 in Lagos, as they relate to the movie and entertainment industry, generally.
Thomas said that the engagement is geared towards ensuring that practitioners in the movie industry adhered to no-smoking laws in Nigerian movies, among other relevant laws of the country.
The meeting was hosted by NFVCB with technical support from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa.
The NFVCB boss noted that the board and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture were worried about the growing evidence linking the entertainment industry with the increasing tobacco use and its impact on public health.
He stated that NFVCB prioritised classification of movies with smoking scenes and tobacco depiction and would ensure these were fully enforced.
Thomas said the existing national legislation does not sufficiently capture the emerging alternative products of tobacco, such as E-cigarettes, Shisha, among others.
He advised the National Assembly, Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to involve the movie industry players in their engagement so as to be on the same page in the implementation of the legislation.
He said, “stakeholders observed that smoking in movies and the entertainment sector is a pathway to young people embracing smoking.
“The tobacco industry uses sophisticated marketing mix to promote smoking on set and in the entertainment sector.
“Entertainment stakeholders are deliberately targeted by the tobacco industry either through financial inducement, misinformation, and other subtle approaches to further the glamorisation of smoking in the movies and entertainment sector.
“Awareness on the dangers of smoking in movies and the entertainment sector in the digital media space is still low,” he said.
According to him, NFVCB would escalate its awareness creation and education among relevant stakeholders in the movies and entertainment sectors to ensure compliance with national laws.
He cited the NTC Act 2015 and the NTC Regulations 2019 in relation to the ban on tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorships.
He promised that the NFVCB would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to put in place adequate measures to ensure that the environment remains conducive to grow the film industry.
The ED noted that NFVCB would sustain its engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders in the movie and entertainment sector to ensure that film classifications are appropriate and up to date.
The NFVCB boss requested that the board and movie practitioners be represented in the oprationalisation of the Tobacco Control Fund .
He said this will open opportunities for movies and entertainment sector operators to play crucial roles in awareness creation and sensitisation in relation to smoking in movies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting was attended by regulators, public health tobacco control experts, movie producers, script writers, distributors and exhibitors.
Veteran as well as young actors and actresses were also present to brainstorm on the prevalence of smoking scenes in movies.

(NAN)

Insecurity: Buhari Sends NSA, IGP, DSS DG, Others To Sokoto, Katsina

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December 10, 2021

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Friday has dispatched a high-level delegation, made up of the heads of the nation’s intelligence and security services, to Sokoto and Katsina states in response to the recent spike in bandit activities.

This is coming barely 24 after the President inaugurated Navy Ships, Patrol Boats, and a helicopter at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island in Lagos to boost security at the maritime borders.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu disclosed this in a statement titled ‘President Buhari Sends Security, Intelligence Heads To Sokoto, Katsina.’
According to Shehu, “The President is expecting an immediate situation report and recommendations on actions to follow to effectively deal with the worrying situation.”
The delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Munguno (Rtd) is made up of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi; the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samuel Adebayo.
Buhari had earlier ordered a manhunt of those behind the gruesome murder of the Katsina State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Dr Rabe Nasir.
The commissioner was killed on Wednesday in his house located at Fatima Shema Quarters, Katsina.
This followed an attack by bandits on travellers from Sokoto to Kaduna State which saw the death of 23 persons.

Full List: Barcelona, Other Teams Who Qualified For Europa Knockout Stage

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December 10, 2021

List of teams to have qualified for the Europa League knockout stages after Thursday’s final group games:

Group winners:
Lyon (FRA)
Monaco (FRA)
Spartak Moscow (RUS)
Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)
Galatasaray (TUR)
Red Star Belgrade (SRB)
Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
West Ham United (ENG)
Runners-up:
Rangers (SCO)
Real Sociedad (ESP)
Napoli (ITA)
Olympiakos (GRE)
Lazio (ITA)
Braga (POR)
Real Betis (ESP)
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
Dropped out of Champions League:
RB Leipzig (GER)
Porto (POR)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)
Barcelona (ESP)
Atalanta (ITA)
Sevilla (ESP)
Zenit Saint Petersburg (RUS)
Things to know
– Eight group winners advance to round of 16
– Runners-up and Champions League dropouts go into knockout round play-offs, where they will be kept apart and teams from the same country cannot face each other.
– Knockout round play-off draw to take place on Monday, December 13 from 1200 GMT
– Ties to be played on February 17 and 24, with winners advancing to round of 16
AFP

I’m Thinking Of Quitting My Jobs To Become An Influencer – Elon Musk World Richest Man

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December 10, 2021

Chief Executive Officer of Tesla, Elon Musk, revealed that he was contemplating quitting his jobs so that he could become a full-time influencer.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person is estimated to have a net worth of $263 billion, according to Forbes.

The billionaire took to his Twitter account to ask the opinions of his over 65 million followers concerning his thoughts about changing jobs.
He tweeted, “Thinking of quitting my jobs and becoming an influencer full-time. Wdyt (what do you think?).”
Musk’s tweet evoked mixed reactions from his followers as some agreed with his plans while others questioned his motive, adding that he was already an influencer.
A tweep, @albi_sidearms, replied to the tweet, saying, “I’ll be your first subscriber if you make an OnlyFans.” (sic)
In response, Musk said, “Maybe, I will.”
Asides from being the Tesla boss, Musk is also the CEO of SpaceX, founder of Boring Company, Co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI, amongst other tech-related lead positions.
Two months ago, a report from The Guardian showed that analysts at Morgan Stanley predicted that the 50-year-old tech guru could become the world’s first trillionaire, largely thanks to his aerospace company SpaceX.
“More than one client has told us that if Elon Musk were to become the first trillionaire… it won’t be because of Tesla. Others have said SpaceX may eventually be the most highly valued company in the world — in any industry,” analyst Adam Jones had said.
Copyright PUNCH.

What We Need To Know About ‘Mkpuru Mmiri’/Methamphetamine.

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December 9, 2021

Crystal Methamphetamine or “Mkpuru Mmiri” is an extremely potent and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system and several other systems of the body.

This substance has a molecular structure that is chemically comparable to Amphetamine, a medicine used to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, and Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.

It resembles glass fragments or shiny, gleaming glass shards with bluish-white boulders. Methamphetamine or Mkpuru Mmiri is taken by smoking, swallowing the pill form, snorting or sniffing, or by injecting the powder that has been dissolved in water or alcohol.
Globally, this substance has been referred to as Meth, Trash, Crank, Biker’s Coffee, Tweak, Speed, Ice, Shards, Stove Top, Yaba, Chalk, Crystal, Crank or Shabu.
Considering that the drug’s “high” comes on and fades very quickly, users frequently take many doses in a “run and crash” cycle, causing them to give up food and sleep, while continuing to take the drug every few hours for up to several days.
Mkuru Mmiri/Methamphetamine raises the amount of dopamine, a natural substance found in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for physical movement, motivation, and rewarding behavior reinforcement. The substance or drug’s ability to swiftly release large levels of dopamine in the brain’s reward centres powerfully encourages drug-taking behaviour. This increases the user’s desire to continuously repeat the experience.
This substance is highly potent and very low in price. It can be easily made in small laboratories, with relatively cheap over-the-counter ingredients such as pseudoephedrine, which is an ingredient found in common cold medications.
Just like other stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines, using even small amounts of methamphetamine can cause similar debilitating health effects. Some of these include faster breathing and an increased irregular heart rate, increased wakefulness or difficulty in sleeping, increased blood pressure and temperature, stroke, restlessness, decreased appetite, and in many cases, central nervous system disturbances such as convulsion or seizures.
There is also an increased risk for contracting infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV for people who inject methamphetamine. These diseases are transmitted through sharing sharp objects such as needles or drug equipment containing blood or body fluids.
Due to its ability to alter judgement, Methamphetamine use can lead to risky behaviours, such as sexual violence and unprotected sex, which also increases risk for infection.
Studies have shown that HIV causes more damage to nerve cells, and potentially interferes with an individual’s ability to think, understand, learn and remember more cognitive problems. The use of mkpuru Mmiri/methamphetamine may hasten the advancement of HIV/AIDS and its effects.
Some other long-term effects of methamphetamine may include serious dental problems, anxiety, permanent changes in brain structure and cognitive function, addiction, extreme weight loss, memory loss, hallucinations (seeing things and hearing voices that are not real), and death. While some of these changes to the brain are reversible, others are not. Recent studies have linked the use of methamphetamine to Parkinson’s disease- a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and balance.
As a result of the effect of this drug on the heart, brain and other vital organs, an overdose is treated with an intent to prevent a stroke by restoring blood flow to the brain, prevent a heart attack by restoring blood flow to the heart, and by treating affected organs. Timely intervention is key to preventing further damage to the body, caused by this substance.
There is currently no approved treatment for methamphetamine addiction. Medicines and other innovative treatments for methamphetamine use, including vaccinations and noninvasive brain stimulation utilising magnetic fields, are still being researched and developed.
As with other drugs, the key to preventing methamphetamine addiction is avoiding usage. Other approaches such as cognitive-behavioural treatment, which helps individuals identify, avoid, and manage events that are likely to trigger drug use, and motivational incentives, which employ vouchers or modest monetary rewards to urge patients to stay drug-free, can help manage methamphetamine addiction. People can, and do recover from methamphetamine addiction if they have ready access to effective treatments that address the multitude of medical and personal problems resulting from short or long-term use.
Ms Declan, a family nurse practitioner, nursing educator and health literacy advocate based in Texas, United States of America, wrote in via edithdeclan@gmail.com
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NBA Protests Lawyer’s Arrest By EFCC In Court, Threatens Showdown

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December 9, 2021

The leadership of the Osogbo Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association on Wednesday threatened a showdown with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, whose operatives allegedly arrested a lawyer on court premises in the state.

The association, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dawood Ajetunmobi, alleged that its member, Temitope Oyedipe, was arrested on Tuesday on the premises of the Osun State High Court, Ile-Ife by some operatives of the EFCC from Lagos State.
The association said Oyedipe held a brief of another colleague of his in a garnishee proceeding that the EFFC was interested in.
It added that the counsel was arrested after proceedings and was whisked away by operatives of the anti-graft agency.
The statement read, “Immediately the news filtered to the Human Rights Committee of the NBA, Osogbo branch, it was deliberated and a counsel, Nurudeen Kareem, has been assigned to proceed to the commission’s office in Lagos.
“The chairman of the branch, Hassan Agbelekale, has also contacted the Lagos and Ikeja branches of the NBA for possible synergy to ensure the counsel is timely released.
“When the committee inquired from the EFCC operatives via a telephone call, it was confirmed that Mr. Oyedipe was indeed arrested ‘when he could not give satisfactory information about the suit in which he appeared’, though he held a counsel’s brief.
“The said substantive counsel and his client in the garnishee proceeding were said to be the targets of the operatives, but the duo were not present in court, and Mr Oyedipe held the lawyer’s brief as agreed between them. So far, the counsel Mr. Temitope Oyedipe, is still in the office of the EFCC, Ikoyi Lagos.”
The association said consultations had commenced with other NBA leaders nationwide, with a view to taking a collective decision on the development.
It demanded the immediate release of the lawyer.

New Converts Stab RCCG Pastor To Death In Lagos Church

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December 9, 2021

Suspected hoodlums have attacked and killed a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in FESTAC Town, in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Our correspondent gathered that the victim, Pastor Babatunde Dada, was killed inside the RCCG Chapel of Resurrection on 13 Road, 6th Avenue,

FESTAC Town.
The killing, which happened on Thursday, December 2, was said to have been perpetrated by two new converts who came to the church for the first time a Sunday before the incident.
The two youths were said to have come out during an altar call and surrendered their lives to Jesus.
The church accommodated them on its premises after they claimed to be stranded.
They had barely spent a week in the church when they reportedly stabbed the cleric to death.
A senior pastor in the church, Akin Odejare, declined comment on the incident when contacted by PUNCH Metro.
However, the wife of the pastor, Bose, told our correspondent on the phone that she called her husband on the day of the incident and he promised to come home to rest.
She said, “My husband was killed on December 2 at the church. He was the admin/accounts officer, as well as the parish pastor. I was not with him when he was killed, but I was told that they collected money from him. I heard that those who killed him were new converts.”
A family member, who is also a security expert, Mr Abolarinwa Olatunbosun, told our correspondent on Wednesday that the pastor was killed after withdrawing money from a bank.
He said, “The pastor went to a bank to withdraw some money and went to rest on the first floor of the church. Two persons said to be new converts went to meet him upstairs, broke his head and killed him.
“The matter was reported to the police and one of the suspects, who ran to Ilorin, has been arrested.”
Olatunbosun said the killing might be for ritual purposes, adding that the assailants were suspected Internet fraudsters, aka Yahoo boys.
The expert said criminals were beginning to attack churches and pastors because they believed there was money in church.
He advised religious centres to be security conscious and put in place strategies that could stop criminals from killing, kidnapping and robbing leaders and worshippers.
A friend of the slain pastor, Fred Enemigin, who is the founder, Highflyers International, Lagos, said in a Facebook post that the pastor was stabbed multiple times.
He wrote, “Two boys had come to church last Sunday and they responded to the altar call by giving their lives to Christ. After church service, they waited to see the head pastor and told him that they were stranded without any place to stay.
“On compassionate grounds, the pastor allowed them to stay somewhere within the church premises pending when they would be resettled. Pastor Tunde Dada, who had for almost a decade been the accountant of RCCG Chapel of Resurrection Parish, was assigned to provide needed welfare for the boys until their matter would be sorted.
“On the fateful Thursday, Tunde was seated in his office and the boys targeting that they were alone on the church premises with him, entered his office and attacked him with knives and other sharp weapons. He was stabbed multiple times and places until they had him killed right there on the spot.
“Our minds are still searching for what the rift between the boys and Tunde was considering the fact that the Tunde we knew was a very gentle soul. Could they have asked for more welfare than what was approved for them and Tunde declined? What on earth would warrant this brutal killing by those who were recipients of a server of the church’s benevolence? There are many more questions that we have not found answers to.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said he had yet to be briefed about the case.
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Bride’s Father, Two Others Killed In Bauchi Crash Buried Amidst Tears

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December 9, 2021

The remains of three people who died in a crash while returning from a wedding last Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, have been laid to rest in Bauchi State.
The deceased were the father of the bride, Joseph Dadi; the bus driver, Gideon Ayuba, and a woman, Mrs Mary Goddy.
PUNCH Metro learnt that

Joseph’s wife, Paulina, who was also involved in the crash, was receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.
The lone crash occurred less than 30 kilometres to the Bauchi metropolis while the victims were returning to Bauchi from Jos, where the wedding took place.
Joseph, 62, a retired personal assistant to the executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, was until his death a board member of the Bauchi State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Ayuba, 39, until his death, was the personal driver of the Special Adviser to the Bauchi State Governor on Legal Matters, Kefas Magaji.
Goddy, 31, was working with the SEDO Microfinance Bank, Bauchi, before his death.
The funeral service for the three victims held on Wednesday at the Church of Christ in Nations, LCC, Millennium Quarters.
While Joseph and Ayuba were buried at the Christian Cemetery, Yelwa, Bauchi, Goddy was buried at Murai in the Bogoro Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the funeral, the governor’s aide, Magaji, described the incident as tragic and devastating.
He said, “I feel devastated by these deaths because Joseph Dadi was my close friend for many years, while Gideon (Ayuba) was my worker for close to 19 years. God has called them and I’ve accepted what has happened in good faith.
“On Friday, my friend, Joseph Dadi, called me that since I won’t make it to his daughter’s wedding in Jos, I should give him my car to use, although he had a car, he needed my Jeep because of the terrain of where the wedding would take place. I gave him my Prado and asked Gideon to drive him.
“Around 9pm while I was returning from a meeting, Gideon’s wife called me that her husband was not yet back, but I calmed her down that all was well and I told her to go and sleep. Just about two minutes later, my friend called me that Gideon had an accident and he had died.
“I couldn’t believe the story, so I entered my house and stood outside for a long time without knowing what to do. Finally, I went in and told my wife. But I still didn’t know what to do. I started making calls and I was later told that some of them were in the hospital.
“I drove to the hospital and as I was getting in, the lady (Goddy) gave up. Gideon and Joseph Dadi were brought to the hospital as corpses. But the other lady had a fracture and died the next day, Sunday.”
The Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Mbami Tula, urged the bereaved families and the church to get closer to God in moments of grief.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State, Rev. Abraham Damina, and the Chairman, Bogoro LGA, who also spoke for the Tafawa Balewa LGA, Iliya Habila, asked God not to allow such tragedies befall the community again.
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Biden Warns Putin Of Severe Sanctions If Ukraine Is Attacked

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December 9, 2021

President Joe Biden said Wednesday he’s warned President Vladimir Putin that Moscow will face economic sanctions “like none he’s ever seen” should Russian troops massed on the Ukrainian border launch an attack.

The dramatic warning came a day after Biden and Putin talked for two hours by video link, and the US leader said his Russian counterpart got “the message.”
“I made it very clear if in fact he invades Ukraine there will be severe consequences, severe consequences — economic consequences like none he’s ever seen or ever have been seen,” Biden told reporters at the White House.
But Biden added that sending US troops to confront Russia was “not on the table.”
Adding to diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin leader, new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned of “consequences” for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a huge Russian project to deliver natural gas to Germany.
The White House has suggested that stopping the Nord Stream 2 pipeline could be part of an economic response, although the issue is controversial in Europe, which relies heavily on Russian energy resources.
And US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he’d heard a similar message during talks with the president of the European Council, Charles Michel.
– Russia’s self-defense argument –
Putin, however, justified Russia’s movement of up to 100,000 troops to the border of Ukraine as a defensive measure amid fears in the Kremlin that the one-time Soviet republic is being pulled into NATO’s sphere.
“Russia has a peaceful foreign policy, but has the right to defend its security,” Putin said at a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“We cannot but be concerned about the prospect of Ukraine’s possible admission to NATO, because this will undoubtedly be followed by the deployment of appropriate military contingents, bases and weapons that threaten us,” he said.
The Russian leader stressed that NATO expanding eastwards is a “very sensitive” issue for Moscow.
Ukraine’s Western-leaning government wants to join the NATO military alliance but is nowhere close to being admitted.
“We would probably be required to reinforce our presence in NATO countries to reassure particularly those in the eastern front. In addition to that, I made it clear that we would provide a defensive capability to the Ukrainians as well,” he said.
The United States already works closely with the Ukrainian military and has provided millions of dollars in weaponry. However, Biden said that sending US troops to defend Ukraine without NATO agreement was ruled out for now.
“The idea the United States is going to unilaterally use force to confront Russia invading Ukraine is not on the cards right now,” Biden said. “We have a moral obligation and a legal obligation to our NATO allies under Article Five. It’s a sacred obligation. That obligation does not extend to… Ukraine.”
“But it would depend upon what the rest of the NATO countries were willing to do as well,” Biden said, seemingly leaving the door to intervention open just a crack.
Regarding Russia’s contention that NATO expansion into its former Soviet strongholds poses a threat, Biden said Moscow and the major NATO allies were working at a high level on “whether or not we could work out any accommodations as it relates to bringing down the temperature along the eastern front.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has said he is ready to negotiate with Putin, welcomed Tuesday’s video summit.
AFP

Saudi Bans Flights From Nigeria Over Omicron COVID-19

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December 9, 2021

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has barred all flights from Nigeria effectively ending all hopes for those planning to attend the lesser hajj.
Although the reason was not expressly stated, it said all non-citizens with history of travel to Nigeria would not be allowed into Saudi Arabia

This is according to a circular issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia dated December 8, 2021.
In the document which was signed by the Assistant President for Economic Policies and Air Transport, it was stated that all non-citizens with a history of travel to Nigeria would be prevented from entering Saudi.
The circular read in part, “Instructions: Suspending all incoming flights and suspending entry to the kingdom for non-nationals coming directly or indirectly from the Federal Republic of Nigeria except for those who have spent a period of no less than 14 days in another country from which they are allowed to come.
“Home quarantine will be applied for a period of five days to Saudi citizens coming from the mentioned country, provided PCR examination on the first day and fifth day regardless of immunisation status.
“Failure to comply with circulars issued by GACA is an explicit violation of government’s orders. Legal procedures shall be initiated against violators who will be held responsible.”
The recent ban by Saudi Arabia now means Nigeria has been directly banned by four countries including the United Kingdom, Canada and Indonesia as well as Hong Kong which is now part of China.
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No One Involved In Oromoni’s Death Will Be Spared, Says Buhari

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December 9, 2021

Following the news of the tragic killing of Sylvester Oromoni, a student of Dowen College, in Lagos, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has condemned; mourning the deceased who he described as “one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school, bringing joy to the family”.

This is as he said that no one involved in the killing of the young student will be spared.
Buhari’s assurance is contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, titled ‘No one involved in the Oromoni killing will be spared, assured President Buhari’.
The President said, “I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.
“If this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem.”
The President urged the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved.
Buhari’s reaction to Oromoni’s tragic death is coming a day before his scheduled visit to Lagos on Thursday to attend the public presentation of the book ‘My Participations’, the autobiography of Bisi Akande, former interim chairman of the APC.
According to a statement by Tunde Rahman, media aide of Bola Tinubu, Buhari is the special guest of honour at the event; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, is the chief host, while Tinubu, national leader of APC, is the guest of honour.
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I Hear I’m Gay All The Time – Don Jazzy

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December 9, 2021

Music producer, Michael Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has stated that he was always tagged as a gay.
The producer took to his verified Instagram page on Wednesday to react to a post that suggested that he was a gay.

Earlier same day, an online blogger known as Gistlover, stated that some celebrities were gay.
The post partly read, “Do your gay in peace and stop deceiving our girls. Come out of the closet. if we start to do roll call yeah Instagram fit catch fire now now, Don Baba J oga oga, I dey hail o.” (sic)
Sharing a screenshot of the post on his page, the 39-year-old producer wrote, “So I hear I’m gay all the time.”
He also called on fans to follow his YouTube page as he claimed that he was “going to be coming out there.”
Some celebrities took to the comment session to react to his response on the matter.
Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, wrote, “Sometimes the best answer to foolishness is not silence. It’s a heavy dose of laughter.”
Media Personality, Toolz, said, “We support you.
“I laugh in Arabic. I can’t stop laughing,” Actress Scarlet Gomez said.
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COVID-19: 3.5 Million Nigerians Fully Vaccinated – NPHCDA

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December 9, 2021

***NANS urges students to take Jab
The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency on Wednesday said 3.5 million eligible Nigerians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The agency also said that 6.6 million Nigerians had taken the first dose while 3.5 million had been fully vaccinated against the virus.

The Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, represented by the Director (Disease Control and Immunisation), Bassey Okposen, stated during an awareness programme for students on COVID-19 vaccine organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students, which was held at the University of Abuja.
During the event, the President of NANS, Sunday Asefon, urged all students that were yet to be vaccinated to take advantage of the mass vaccination to receive their jab in order to protect themselves and their campuses.
Shuaib said the Federal Government had adequate doses of vaccines in-store to cover a large percentage of the population, adding that the country was awaiting about 57 million doses of the vaccine.
According to him, the country needed to vaccinate about 70 per cent of the overall population to reach herd immunity against the virus.
He said, “6.6 million Nigerians have taken the first dose. Another 3.5 million of the figure have taken the second dose. We are targeting 70 per cent because the current number is low.
“The risk this poses to the nation is that it would give a chance for mutation of the virus. The virus mutates in an environment where herd immunity is low. And for us as a nation, we have only achieved 3.5 million for the second dose which is very low. This is why mutation can happen so fast.
“The United Kingdom and few other governments have banned Nigeria. Though not that we cannot travel but when we get there, we have to quarantine for 10 days. The simple reason is that in some of the cases of Omicron in the UK, the travellers are from Nigeria. That is why they are taking safety precautions. It is not because of the vaccines we are using but because the cases they have for now are from Nigeria.
“We have more than enough vaccine in Nigeria for now. We also have a pool of vaccines almost 57 million that are awaiting shipment. There is about 40 million already in the country and we have secured about 90 million doses.
“Hence, the vaccine is not the issue. The challenge is people coming out to take their jab.”
The NPHCDA urged students and unvaccinated to simply take their COVID-19 vaccine, stressing that it is “free, safe, and effective”.
Asefon, said NANS had demonstrated acceptance and endorsement for the vaccine.
He said, “When the surplus vaccine came in, they invited us. I, as the National President alongside Senate President, National Executive Council Members, and members of the National Secretariat of NANS had taken our first jab to boost students’ confidence in the vaccine.
“As a union, there is a need for us to ensure that the vaccination programme extends to all campuses. The welfare of our students is paramount, hence we want all students to be vaccinated because we believe health is wealth. It is when you have good health you can have time study.
“We are encouraging our students to come out en masse and take their jab. Some bad notions should be corrected because the vaccine is safe. Students shouldn’t listen to the campaign of calumny. We need to join hands with the government to ensure that we reduce the virus. We cannot allow anything that will make our schools to be closed down.”
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Omicron: Work-From-Home – British Prime Minister

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December 9, 2021

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday announced the tightening of virus restrictions in England as Omicron variant cases surge, including guidance to work from home and mandatory vaccine passports.

Johnson said at a briefing that as the rate of Omicron cases was doubling every two to three days, it was “the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B in England”.

As part of a raft of measure, the government is reintroducing advice to work at home in England from Monday, the prime minister said.
He added that the government in a week’s time will make it compulsory to show Covid vaccine passports in England for the first time, while the devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales have already brought in similar measures.
These will be required “for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather”, Johnson said.
The government is also making it a legal requirement to wear masks in “most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas”, he said.

TxJohnson said that it was becoming increasingly clear that the Omicron variant is spreading much quicker than the previously dominant Delta variant and “we can’t yet assume Omicron is less severe than previous variants”.
“We just have to respond today in the way that we are,” he said, while insisting the new measures do not amount to a lockdown and people can continue with Christmas parties and children’s events such as Nativity plays.
The prime minister stressed the importance of people taking up vaccines and the booster doses now being offered.
“The single biggest thing that every one of us can do is to get our jabs and crucially to get that booster as soon as our turn arrives,” he said.
(AFP)

EFCC Declares Forex Firm Boss Maxwell Odum Wanted Over N213bn Fraud

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December 8, 2021

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared the Chief Executive Officer of a Lagos-based forex training and capital investment company, MBA Capital and Trading Limited, Maxwell Odum, wanted over alleged fraud to the tune of N213bn.

The anti-graft agency in a notice on Wednesday appealed to members of the public with details of the whereabouts of Odum to report to any of EFCC offices nationwide or to security agencies.
The notice, signed by the agency’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, read, “The general public is hereby notified that MAXWELL CHIZI ODUM, A.K.A. MBA TRADING AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT LIMITED, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Conspiracy, Obtaining Money by False Pretence and Money Laundering to the tune of N213,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Thirteen Billion Naira) only.
“Odum is a native of Ikwerre in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
“His last known address is at 7, Odum Street, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Benin, Kaduna, Ibadan, Sokoto, Gombe, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices…or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies.”
Odum had disappeared after allegedly fleecing thousands of investors of their hard-earned money.
The company also reportedly closed on December 22, 2020, for the festive season but had failed to resume since then.

Investors who were tired of the situation had petitioned the Lagos State Police Command in April 2021, accusing Odum of mismanaging their funds.
Many unsuspecting Nigerians have, in recent times, fallen victims to Ponzi schemes deftly branded as investment schemes.

Lured by mouthwatering and high yield investments, billions of naira belonging to desperate and greedy Nigerian investors, have been usurped by foremost Ponzi Machiavellians who lived exotic lifestyles off investors’ resources.
Currently said to be on the run like Odum is Bamise Ajetumobi of Imagine Global Solution Limited.
Other leading Ponzi gurus accused and arrested for swindling investors of billions of naira include Akor Philip Paul of Benignant Forte Nigeria Limited, Dominic Joshua of Brisk Capital Limited, Harrison Osemwengie of HO Corn Farm, Adewale Jayeoba of Wales Kingdom Capital Limited, amongst others.

Omicron Poses Higher Reinfection Risk, Could Be Milder Than Delta – WHO

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December 8, 2021

Early data indicates the Omicron Covid variant may more easily reinfect people who have already had the virus or been vaccinated than previous variants, but could also cause milder disease, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

“Emerging data from South Africa suggests increased risk of reinfection with Omicron,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters, adding that “there is also some evidence that Omicron causes milder disease than Delta”.
But he stressed that more data was needed before drawing firm conclusions, and urged countries everywhere to boost their surveillance to help provide a clearer picture of how Omicron is behaving.

The hopeful assessments came as global concern grew over the heavily mutated variant, which has forced dozens of nations to re-impose border restrictions and raised the possibility of a return to economically punishing lockdowns.

Even if it does turn out that Omicron causes less severe disease, Tedros warned against slacking off vigilance against the virus.
“Any complacency now will cost lives,” he warned.
WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan agreed, pointing out that so far the data indicates the variant is “efficiently transmitting, and probably more efficiently transmitting even than the Delta variant.”
“That does not mean that the virus is unstoppable,” he said.
“But it means the virus is more effi

Nembe Oil Spill Put Off, AITEO Claims

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December 8, 2021

The AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company on Wednesday claimed that it had put off the oil spillage from the wellhead in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The wellhead blew up on November 5 in the Santa Barbara South field in Nembe, blasting water, gas and oil in the area.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, had expressed displeasure on the high volume of crude oil being spilt continuously to many more communities and its effect on the economic life of residents but the oil company said it was working to address the problem.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, the company claimed it had put a stop to the spillage while other secondary activities would be carried out on the wellhead.
The statement read in part, “We have closed both control packages and shut-in well flow and currently, we are preparing to pump kill fluid into the long string. The short string is already killed and dead with zero pressure.
“Other steps that would be taken include the complete pumping of kill fluid into the long string and to achieve zero psi on the surface. Rig down the pump and rig up wireline. Drift both tubings and run in holes to install isolation plugs and non-return valves.”
Copyright PUNCH.

Hoodlums Kill FRSC Officer Trying To Rescue Attacked Victims In Ondo

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December 8, 2021

Hoodlums have shot dead an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Sunday Omiwoye, in Ondo State, while the deceased was trying to rescue a man who was being mobbed by the hoodlums.
The wife of the deceased, Mrs Bunmi Sunday, who disclosed the incident, said it happened on Sunday night while she and her husband were visiting a family friend at the Agbala area of Ondo.

He said, “My husband and I went to see one of his friends that stays on the same street with us. Suddenly, some men ran towards where we were standing by the gate. My husband was trying to park his motorcycle then. So, two gunmen came on a bike and started beating the boy that ran to us.
“My husband challenged them. But they warned him that they were not there for him and that he should go inside the gate. I went in immediately, but my husband was still outside standing by his motorcycle.
“Later, we heard a gunshot. So, I ran out of the gate and saw my husband on the floor in a pool of his own blood. The gunmen ran away with his phone and motorcycle key.”
It was gathered that the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue in Ondo for autopsy.
All efforts to speak with the state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, proved abortive as she did not take her calls and the message sent to her was not replied as of the time of filing this report.

UK Joins US, Australia’s Diplomatic Boycott Of Beijing Olympics

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December 8, 2021

Britain on Wednesday joined Australia and the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics in February, prompted by what the Western allies argue are widespread rights abuses by China.

The UK will not send ministers to the Winter Games in the Chinese capital Beijing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament, as discord over a slew of issues strains relations to the most serious extent since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989.
These include the persecution on pro-democracy groups in the former British colony of Hong Kong and human rights abuses against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

“There will be effectively a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing,” Johnson told the British parliament.
As with the US and Australian moves, he confirmed athletes would attend still, saying: “I do not think that sporting boycotts are sensible.”
However, his comments left the possibility open that members of Britain’s royal family could attend, with Princess Anne the president of the British Olympic Association.
The decision follows the United States announcing Monday its diplomatic boycott, over what Washington termed China’s “genocide” of the Uyghur minority in the Xinjiang region and other human rights abuses.
Then on Wednesday, Australia said its officials would stay away, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowing not to “step back from the strong position we’ve had standing up for Australia’s interests”.

Beijing warned the US would “pay the price”, while it accused Canberra of “political posturing and selfish games” and “blindly following” Washington.
Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China had never intended to invite Australian officials to the Games, adding: “Whether they come or not, nobody cares.”
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Australia said the boycott ran counter to Canberra’s “publicly pronounced expectation to improve China-Australia relations”.

Rights groups have backed the moves, with Human Rights Watch’s China director Sophie Richardson calling it a “crucial step toward challenging the Chinese government’s crimes against humanity targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic communities”.
Campaigners say that at least one million Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking, mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in “re-education camps” in Xinjiang, where China is also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

Beijing has defended the camps as vocational training centres aimed at reducing the appeal of Islamic extremism.
The International Olympic Committee has said it respects the US government’s announcement, calling the presence of officials and diplomats “purely a political decision for each government”.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that sending official representation to the Olympics would signal that despite China’s “egregious human rights abuses”, the Games were “business as usual”.
So far Australia and the UK are the only countries to follow the US lead, while Canada is reportedly considering it.
All have seen relations with Beijing cool dramatically in recent years.
France, which is set to take over the European Council presidency on January 1, said Tuesday it would seek a coordinated EU response to the US decision.
The Kremlin criticised the US move, saying the 2022 games should be “free of politics”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already accepted an invitation by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to attend.
– ‘Uphold people’s rights’ –
The UK has criticised China for its creeping authoritarianism in Hong Kong and last year angered Beijing by blocking the involvement of telecoms major Huawei in its 5G broadband roll-out, after the US raised spying concerns.
The UK ambassador Caroline Wilson tweeted last month that “it is in China’s own interests to meet constitutional and international obligations and uphold people’s rights,” after meeting the wife of a rights lawyer imprisoned by Beijing, Yu Wensheng.
Canberra’s ties with China have been in freefall in recent years, with Beijing introducing a raft of punitive sanctions on Australian goods.
China has been angered at Australia’s willingness to legislate against overseas influence operations, to bar Huawei from 5G contracts and call for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
Australia’s recent move to equip its navy with nuclear-powered submarines under a new defence pact with Britain and the US — widely seen as an attempt to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific region — further infuriated Beijing.
Morrison stressed that “Australia’s a great sporting nation and I very much separate the issues of sport and these other political issues.”
The Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Canberra signalled Australian athletes would be welcome at the Games, wishing them an “excellent performance”.
AFP

Sylvester: Dowen Parents Hold Candlelight Session, Demand Justice

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December 8, 2021

The Parents’ Forum at Dowen College in the Lekki area of Lagos State on Wednesday evening held a candlelight procession in honour of the late student of the school, Sylvester Oromoni.

The parents, clad in black t-shirts with the inscription ‘Dowen Parents Mourn’, raised lit candles as they sang a variety of solemn hymns.

The sombre-looking parents, both male and female, also carried placards demanding ‘Justice for Sylvester Oromoni’.
About 100 of the adults also had wreathes in their hands as they moved from the front of the sealed college to other parts of Lekki.
“The lighting of candles is to pay tribute to a life ‘passed’ and keeping the light burning signifies that the memory still lives on and burns bright.
“We pray that the Almighty God shall comfort the Oromoni’s family during this trying period,” the parents had said in a prior statement on Tuesday.

The father of the deceased boarding student had alleged that the Junior Secondary School 2 pupil died from the injuries sustained during an assault by five of his colleagues who wanted to initiate him into cultism but the school claimed he died after sustaining an injury during a football match.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Tuesday, said some students are currently in police custody for the alleged assault.

Jailbreaks: I won’t Resign My Appointment —Aregbesola

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December 8, 2021

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has affirmed that he will not resign from office despite the rampant successful attacks on the nation’s custodial facilities; unleashing thousands of convicts on society.

Aregbesola said this to State House Correspondents after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to the Minister, several factors are responsible for the jailbreaks. He also assured Nigerians that the federal government is doing everything necessary to make its prisons more impenetrable.

He noted that several prison officials lost their lives defending the custodial centres, which he said is the highest form of honour for the country.
He explained: “Imo was in April this year. Kabba was in September. Abologo was in October and Jos was in November.

Those captured the attacks.
“As painful as those attacks were, very painful, nobody will really want the end of justice to be so vulnerable. The custodial facilities are the tip end of the justice administration. So, morally, the state owes itself the responsibility of safe custody that must not be violated.
“On that account alone, we must appreciate the enormity of any successful attack on custodial facilities, and so do I. But I want us to put this thing in the context of our security situation.
“When our best does not suffice, it’s no longer a question of your inability to make preparation or failure for preparation or preparedness. It’s just that at that instance, you just couldn’t hold the defence and several factors are responsible.
“What I can assure Nigerians is this. Yes, as contextual as these attacks and the successes such criminals are having, we are upping our game and we will not allow it, we will prevent any such opportunistic attack and even make it impossible.

And that is what the state must do.
“We are working with all arms of government, particularly the security to make our custodial facilities impregnable. We will not rest until that is achieved. That’s the assurance I shall give to Nigerians.
“As to whether it calls for my resignation, I still don’t see any need for that because it’s not for lack of preparedness that the attacks were successful. No!”
He affirmed that the death of prison officials during the attacks corroborates the efforts expended in preventing them.

BREAKING: Medical Doctor, Yishawu, Emerges First Female Speaker Of Nigerian Youth Parliament

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December 8, 2021

A medical doctor, Azeezat Yishawu, has emerged as the first female Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament.
She emerged as the speaker of the fifth Nigerian Youth Parliament during an election held at the Senate arm of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.

She polled 50 votes to defeat Oyelami John Bori of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, who had 48 votes after a rerun.
The youth parliament speaker-elect expressed delight at her emergence when contacted by our correspondent.
Yishawu is a Medical Doctor and member of the Lagos State Youth Parliament with over four years of active experience in grassroots mobilisation, citizen engagement and stakeholder management. She has worked with NGOs like Involve Africa, Constitution Lab, etc. to advance democracy and human rights.
She is a Carrington Youth Alumnae, a Fellow at the USA International Visitor Leadership Program and the Young Women Political Leadership School.
As an advocate for good governance and expert at galvanising resources for quality political leadership- especially for young people-, she has worked on impactful projects and championed frontline conversations focused on such.
She mentors many young people, as she believes that their energy and potential if properly harnessed, can serve as a catalyst for exponential sustainable development.
Yishawu is the Founder of Ethics and Political Leadership Foundation- an NGO committed to driving effective democracy, good governance in Nigeria; and Co-founder of ConstitutionLab- a youth-led organization committed to providing Nigerians with working knowledge of the Nigeria Constitution.
She graduated from Lagos State University.
Details later…

Credit: Punch

Tribute To Sir Chidi Onuzo, A Veteran Broadcaster.

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December 3, 2021

The announcement, this morning, of the death of Sir, Chudi Onuzo came to me as a shock. As a very little boy in the 1970s, I knew him when he was reading the news on NTV Channel 8, Enugu.

It was the same time Pete Edochie of the Nollywood fame read the major news at 7 p.m. on the same station. Pete, in the tradition of his own scripted peroration, and via slim-rooted rascality, always winked at viewers when he rounded off his news and was saying goodnight. Those were the days of Julius Eke, Ogbonnaya Okoye, Walter Enore and the rest of them on the Igbo version of the news bulletin known as AKUKO UWA, on the Enugu TV. It was the period Chika Okpala, alias Zebrudaya, had his drama name not as Zebrudaya but as Nna Benji. In the drama, he had a son who never for once appeared on the show, and who was perpetually a student of the University of Mozambikwe (Zebrudaya’s pronunciation of Mozambique). “Oh, Benji nwa m!”

During this same period, UKONU’S CLUB, the popular Saturday variety show, was presented by Anyaogu Ukonu himself, the pristine owner of the programme, before Elekwachi, his younger brother, took over.

Sir, Chudi, on the creation of the old Imo State, moved to NTV Channel 6, Ogbor Hill, Aba, where he continued to read the major news. From there, he transferred with his TV broadcasting career and portfolio to the Imo Television, Owerri, when the broadcasting house was birthed in the early 1980s.

Sir Chudi Onuzo, veteran broadcaster and a refined gentleman, read the news with superlative panache. I will never forget the television interview the late Chinua Achebe granted him in the ITV Owerri studios in 1987. The interview lasted one hour. As the world-renowned novelist fielded questions on his metier and national issues, Sir Chudi penned down his words on shorthand as quickly as he could and with all amount of legerity. (The journalist, I have no doubts in me, must have been an expert in stenography. Those were the days Nigerian journalists scribbled their reports in shorthand).

When the famous writer was through with the very last question thrown to him by the broadcaster, and the interview came to a close, the broadcaster then sat back and began a summary of the writer’s catalogue of answers to the barrage of questions he had been inundated with on that exciting dialogue.

As Sir Chudi read the summary, Chinua Achebe, completely enthralled and spellbound, and listening HARD, sat motionless like a piece of sculpture. It was one moment of passionate listening and concentration by Achebe and viewers at home. The Ogidi, Anambra State-born man of letters caught the image of a deeply enthusiastic lad who had lent his ears to a griot narrating the convoluted history of his native land. Like a child listening hard to a series of apologues narrated by a vivacious raconteur.

At the end of Sir, Chudi’s reading, it was as though he had used his memory to record the words of Achebe. He missed out on nothing. Put succinctly, Sir Onuzo’s summary was a facsimile of Achebe’s spoken answers. And the highly respected writer was seriously impressed.

Sir, Onuzo thanked Achebe for granting him the interview. Achebe, nearly gobsmacked from the relay of that exceptionally captivating and brilliant summary, showed his sincere gratitude: “Thank you for that wonderful summary“.

May the gentle soul of Sir, Chudi Onuzo rest in peace. Amen. ~Nkwachukwu Ogbuagu

Photo: Courtesy of AriseAfrika

Family Burnt By Fire From Gas Explosion In Umuahia Abandoned, Cries For Help

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December 2, 2021

A family of four including a two-year old boy is lying critically ill at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, after they were referred there by the Federal Medical Centre because of the severity of the burns which occurred as a result of an explosion from the family’s cooking gas last Wedenesday.

The affected family members which included the father, Mr Davidson Ibeabuchi, the wife and their two children, Success (6) and Melody (2), hail from Olokoro in Umuahua South LGA of Abia State but live at 72, Old Timber Road, Ohobo Okwulaga Afaraukwu, Umuahia.

When our reporter visited the family at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where they received some medical attention before they were referred to NOH Enugu, the four victims were seen bandaged all over writhing in severe pains with Melody, the two year old boy, crying and calling “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy…” with a weak and shrill voice that breaks the heart.

Sadly, the family is under the threat of being abandoned and their treatment discontinued because of lack of finance to foot both their anticipated and already accumulated bill.

They are therefore calling on the government of Abia State, government officials and other public spirited individuals to come to their aid with financial assistance to enable them continue their treatment.

The account details for assistance is published as follows:

Ibeabuchi Davidson
Stanbic IBTC
0009103310

Credit PUO

General Council Staff Celebrates GT On His 69th Birthday

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November 27, 2021

Earlier today the Coordinators, Directors and Management Staff with the General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria Rev. Pastor Ejikeme Ejim, and General Secretary, Rev. Godwin Amaowoh Ph.D. at the National Secretariat Evangel House Celebrated the General

Treasurer Rev Dr. Vincent Akin Alaje on his Birthday which was yesterday 22nd November 2021

The General Superintendent, Rev. Pastor Ejikeme Ejim prayed for the GT Rev.Dr Vincent Alaje for God’s protection upon his life and family.

The GT thanked everyone for celebrating him and prayed for all who were desiring to get to his age that God Almighty will grant them their desires in Jesus Name. Amen.

To God Be the Glory.

Dan Chimezirim

Villarreal vs Man United: Ronaldo, Sancho Fire Man Utd Into Champions League Last 16

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November 25, 2021

Cristiano Ronaldo’s excellent goal ensured life after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Manchester United began with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Tuesday, as the managerless Premier League giants sealed their place in the Champions League last 16.

Ronaldo’s splendid lob was then capped by Jadon Sancho’s first United goal at the Ceramica, where caretaker manager Michael Carrick dropped Bruno Fernandes to the bench.
Details later…

Nigeria At A Crossroads, Says Osinbajo At Yoruba World Centre Launch

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November 24, 2021

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said the world and Nigeria are presently at a crossroads.
He said this in Ibadan, on Tuesday, at the launch of the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture at the University of Ibadan.
The Vice President, in his address at the event, said that COVID-19 and climate change were already disrupting life but said lessons to cope with these could be learnt from the culture of the people.

He said, “Culture is not just about the past, and it is neither static nor immutable it is constantly creating and recreating. Consequently, progress is not merely determined by fidelity to tradition but by our capacity for invention and reinvention.
“And this point is more relevant now than ever before as the world itself and our nation stand at a crossroads. The future of mankind is at an inflexion point with COVID-19 and climate change already disrupting life as we know it. While the Fourth Industrial Revolution requires us to adapt to technological innovation changing at lightning speed.
“To cope well, we must draw strength from our cultural capital – the wealth of tangible and intangible knowledge that emanates from a society’s core and enables it to cope with change.”
The VP said the Yoruba World Centre would therefore serve not just as a place of memory but as a place that inspires and fires the collective imagination as well as ideas and thought of the people.
He urged those present at the event to join the movement agitating for the return of the artefacts looted from Yorubaland by the colonial masters.
He said the proposed centre would give context and depth to the understanding of the past of the Yoruba, their place and role in the present, and hopefully our preparation for the future.
“Today, young Nigerian artists are using local sounds to create a global popular culture. Is there something to be learned here? Additionally, the Centre should offer a destination for missions of discovery by the very many Africans in Diaspora who trace their origins to the Yoruba people and promote closer links between the Yoruba people in the homeland and their kin in the diaspora.
“But more importantly provide a crucial pillar in the global attempt to build social and economic bridges between peoples of African descent everywhere in our world.
“And while we are at it, you must join in the global movement to champion the return of artefacts that were plundered, looted or illegally taken away from these shores. Indeed, the Centre could serve as a home for such returned items where the immediate provenance or circumstances in which the items were taken is not clear or not known,” he added.
The Chairman of the South-West Governors, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, commended Dayo Alao for his visionary efforts to ensure that the centre was started.
He urged Yoruba people both at home and in the diaspora to join in building what he described as a place of remarkable history.
He also warned against adulterating the history that would be preserved at the Centre, saying the materials, oral traditions and other historic documents that would be presented there must be original.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, Retired Archbishop of Methodist Church, Ayo Ladigbolu, Jimi Agbaje, Muyiwa Ige, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, and scholars were present at the event.

PUNCH.

A Police Corporal Bagged PhD, Begs For Promotion

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November 24, 2021

Born into the family of late Chief Louis Nnaji and late Grace Oriaku, Dr. Nnaji Ebenezer Chibueze is a native of Umuezibuoko Umualu in Isiuzor local government area Enugu State.

He commenced his primary education at Odorbia Primary school in Umuezibuoko Umualu in 1994 where he obtained his first school leaving certificate in 1999. He then proceeded to community secondary school Umualu where he obtained JSSC.

Shortly after this, Dr. Chibueze then headed to community secondary school Ihaohuala in Ihamufu Isiuzor local government area Enugu State where he obtained his West Africa Senior School Certificate in 2005.

He then secured admission into the Institution of Economic Education Thinker College Enugu, in the year 2005/2006 where he read Political Science, Social Studies and graduated with distinction. He equally earned his First Degree in Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) where he got a Bachelor of Science Education in Political Science, Administration and Supervision in the year 2010 with a cumulative grade average of 4.40.

In the year 2012/2013, he was admitted into the Master’s Degree programme in the Department of Education, Administration and Planning of Abia State University he obtained his Master’s Degree in the year 2016 with a cumulative grade point average of 4.35.

Without hesitation based on the recommendations offered to him by respective lecturers who taught him, most especially, Prof. Esther Nwosu, who is now retired, Prof. M. C. Amina, who happens to be his 2nd supervisor in his Doctorate Degree Programme, to mention but a few, Dr. Chibueze commenced and completed his Doctorate Degree in the year 2019 in the same department of Educational Administration and Planning with a cumulative grade point average of 4.3. While still in the service of the Nigerian Police Force, he earned his PhD as a police corporal.

His interest is in teaching as contained in his hobbies, particularly lecturing in higher institutions. He also enjoys reading, research, and football. His favorite club is the Manchester United Football Club.

Talking about his career as a police officer, he was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in the year 2012 after his university education. He only had to grab the opportunity because unemployment in the land is out of proportion. He was to be enlisted as a cadet officer but not having a ‘long leg’ as we say in our parlance killed that dream. Notwithstanding, he made vigorous and multiple efforts, applied, and passed successfully at the state level. But this dream was however truncated at the zonal level when he was asked if he knows any senior officer, the likes of IGP, AIG, DIG or politically exposed persons who can help him.

To this, he answered, “I told him, I had no one other than God Almighty who bestowed on me excellence in knowledge wisdom, and understanding. Only Him enabled me to excel academically and have my good records.

“Thereafter because I had not to help, regrade could not work. Alternatively, I had already participated for recruitment the same 2010 after my graduation for people with NCE, OND, and HND. Then I was advised by a serving police officer to forget about the shame, upon my higher Education, I should start from the lower cadre”.

Without minding the discouragement, also as someone who was a dedicated, patriotic citizen who was ready to deliver his best to serve his country, and contributes meaningfully to national development, he was enlisted and he completed his course at the Police Training College in 2012.

He was posted to Abia State in 2013, deployed to Abiriba police division. That was actually when he started his journey to PhD programme at Abia State University.

Having completed his education and having bagged his PhD, he made vigorous and meticulous efforts, wrote to various police authorities for the acknowledgment of his academic breakthrough and the need to upgrade him from a recruit to a cadet officer as a way of motivating him. All the effort could not bear any fruit.

He stated further, “When I bagged my PhD in 2019, on 19th December 2019 to be precise, I wrote my first letter, attention was not given. On 9th January 2020 police lawyers had meeting with the Inspector General of Police, after the meeting some of the lawyers and friends who feel my predicament on daily basis told me that the IGP told them that, any interested person with Masters or PhD who wishes to lecture in Nigeria Police Academy Kano State should apply, that such person will be recruited and posted to that place. As a book lover, academician, and researcher, who is willing to perform at a given opportunity, I wrote on 15th January 2020 but my letter was not given attention.”

Thereafter on 20th/24th February respectively, he wrote another letter to the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Training and Development, and Department of Information and Communication Technology ICT. After praying for God’s intervention that his plight will reach the attention of the Inspector General of Police, as God may have it, after one week, he received a call, and the lady caller asked if he has anybody monitoring his letter, he said no but God, she asked him to call her, so that she can monitor the letter for him.

Then on 9th March, he met a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ivy Okoronkwo. After laying his predicament to her, she placed a call to one CP, Mike, though Dr. Chibueze never knew the said CP, however, spoke with him through DIG Okoronkwo.

He stated, “The woman now explained to him that I have tried and that I need help, he ought to have entered as a carded but no body to help him, the man now asked me if I have the IGP authority for my PHD and I said actually I got my first degree before getting the job but because of my love, dedication, and commitment to my job, I did my PHD as a part-time student and was also placed on permanent night duty base on the arrangements during my master degree before the commencement of my PHd, the man said ok, since I did not indicate so in my previous letter, that I should write to him directly, which I did without hesitation on 9th march 2020.”

Then he included all the necessary documents, indicating that he has gotten his first degree before joining the police. As God may have it, the retired DIG also continued monitoring the letter until Dr. Chibueze was recommended as a lecturer into the Nigeria police academy and as human resource personnel.

She continued to congratulate him. Then in the month of May 2020, it became a great tragedy that he lost his father, who is supposed to celebrate his success after suffering to reach his academic height.

He says, “Then after two weeks in the month of June 10th, I received a call from one SP Solomon from the Department of Training and Development in respect of my letter to IGP and recognition of my PhD and a position as lecturer in the Nigeria Police Academy dated January 2020. He wants to advise me, he asked if I have the IGP authority, I said I don’t know the person speaking with me and the letter you are referring to and that I have so may letters in the office of the IGP and DIG Training and Development.

“He said specifically the one dated 15th January but the former IGP has ordered that it is processed but the problem now is if I have the authority and who asked me to write I should not reply back that if I do the police will query me or default me.

“I asked why will the police query me or default me for which offence, that I went to school for the improvement of myself as an individual, improvement of my organization, improvement of the society, country and of the world globally and then he later told me that I can reply the letter.

“Thereafter I called the woman who has been monitoring my letter informing her about the whole scenario, the woman told me not to mind anyone giving me such information, maybe the person has seen the of recommendation and he’s looking for a means to extort money from me.

“I told her that I rely on her even though I have not seen the letter, eventually the letter got to me on the 10th of July 2020, but dated 19th June 2020, the formal DPO, SSP Kenneth Nwajuwa presently Commissioner of Police who was in charge of the division where I work as the division intelligence officer, saw the letter and was mad.

The DIG for Training and Development ordered me to avail them with the IGPs authority for my PhD studies that it will enable them to facilitate my letter, on 14th of July 2020, I replied the letter with its attachment that I have gotten my first degree before I was enlisted into the Nigeria police force.

“Secondly that I had my Masters and PhD under part-time studies and because of my love and commitment and dedication I have for the job and as a patriotic citizen ready and able to serve the country at any given time to the extent that since I have started my police work, I have not gone for any annual leave, to show commitment and how I have been performing my duty professionally.

“In furtherance, I added that I earned my PhD as a self-financed program and self made effort and also there’s never a time of study collided or hindered with my job or prevented me from performing my duty professionally or excellently. As an educational expert, I still plead I should be moved to the above-mentioned institution so that I will be reciprocating in the area I will be functioning and be an asset in that area. It is good that when one combines what he or she acquires, one will be able to see the effectiveness and efficiency of any individual a product to take place.

“In addition I am 100% ready to transfer my service to any organization especially academic institution for the purpose of teaching, reading, researching so that I will continue to function effectively.”

Dozens Injured, Property Destroyed As Gunmen Attack Kogi Community

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November 23, 2021

Gunmen have attacked Ewune-Egume village in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, injuring dozens and destroying property worth millions of naira.
An eyewitness who craved anonymity told our correspondent that a group of young men stormed the community in trucks,

tippers on Saturday and started shooting sporadically, causing chaos which led to the entire villagers abandoning their property and running to the bush for safety.
It was gathered that on hearing gunshots, the beaded chief of the community, the Ochai Onu-Egume, Chief Olema Akpali, fainted and was hospitalised in one of the clinics in the area.
Our correspondent who visited the community reported that some household appliances, water tanks and houses were destroyed even as the arsonists drank all the beers and beverages in some restaurants and destroyed empty bottles.
The community leader, Mr Matthew Audu, said the gunmen invaded the community in five trucks with AK 47 rifles, went away with some domestic animals, 200 Jericans of palm oil, 13 motorcycles and set ablaze other motorcycles while other valuable properties were destroyed.
Audu said that people of the community had reported several threats by this group to the Divisional Police Office Egume and their incessant invasions on Ewune farms.
He added that the attackers were suspected to be a group of saw millers working for an Ejule man in Ofu LGA, Kogi State.
He said when the alleged saw millers of Ejule were confronted over the wanton and indiscriminate felling of their Iroko and economic trees, they allegedly claimed that the government of Governor Yahaya Bello was aware of their activities in the forest.
It was also gathered that these groups of people has been invading the community at will, drinking beer in their restaurants freely, killing their domestic animals whenever they were hungry and leaving the community unchallenged.
Some members of the community suspected that the posting on Facebook of the recent invasion of this group who were on a free drink at a restaurant in the community, that went viral on social media may have been responsible for this attack.
In his reaction, the chairman of the security committee of Egume Community, Hon. Gowon Omale condemned the destruction at the Ewune-Egume community, describing it as a terrorist act.
He said efforts must be intensified to forward the matter to the Authority concerned to avoid future occurrences.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP William Ayah, confirmed the weekend attack on the community, with one person shot and presently receiving attention.
The PPRO said the police are working assiduously to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act, assured calm has since returned to the community.

PUNCH.

Buhari Suspends New NNPC Board Inauguration Indefinitely

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November 23, 2021

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) has suspended the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.

The event which was scheduled to hold on Wednesday has been postponed until further notice.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The statement titled, ‘Suspension of inauguration of the newly-constituted board of NNPC LTD’, read,” President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has directed the immediate suspension of the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited scheduled for Wednesday, November 24, 2021, until further notice.

“A new date for the inauguration of the Board will be announced in due course. We deeply regret inconveniences caused to members by this suspension, please.”

Baba Suwe Brought Joy To Nigerian Homes, Gbajabiamila Mourns

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November 22, 2021

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has mourned popular Nigerian comic actor, Babatunde Omidina, who passed away on Monday.

Gbajabiamila said Omidina, popularly known by his stage name as Baba Suwe, was one thespian that entertained Nigerians and brought joy to many Nigerian homes through his comical talent.

The Speaker implored his children and family to find solace in how Baba Suwe used his God-given talent to influence the lives of others positively, saying he left behind a vacuum too difficult to fill.
Gbajabiamila, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, titled ‘Gbajabiamila mourns Baba Suwe,’ sent his condolences to the Omidina family, good people of Ikorodu, Lagos, the Nigerian film industry and Nigerians, especially the many fans of Baba Suwe.
He equally prayed for the repose of his soul.
Copyright PUNCH.

COVID-19: Delta Variant Still Dominant In Nigeria – NCDC

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November 22, 2021

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says the Delta variant continues to be the dominant strain of the Coronavirus in the country.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, made this known at the bi-weekly national briefing on COVID-19, in Abuja on Monday.

Adetifa, represented by the Head of Risk Communication, Dr Yahaya Disu, said that the Delta variant overwhelmingly dominated the isolation centres in the country.
According to him, countries in Europe have started to reintroduce restrictions and some have resulted in national demonstrations and unrest.
“Cases have risen sharply in Austria, Netherlands, U.K, Germany and Italy.

“We must note that these are regions with considerably high vaccination rates, however, they are seeing surges in COVID-19, leading to make vaccinations mandatory to counter transmission of the virus which unvaccinated persons pose.

“I mention these to inform you that COVID-19 is still causing havoc in other countries and we must not take our situation for granted.
“Rather, we must continue to use preventive measures, safeguard our health and take responsibility. We can work together as we have done in this long-haul response to COVID-19,” he said.
The NCDC boss urged people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they had not, noting that it was safe, effective and would reduce the occurrences of severe diseases and deaths.
He said that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency has continued to lead on the rollout of vaccines.
”Just last week, we had the national flag-off of the mass vaccination campaign and are ensuring they are safe and effective vaccines.
“There are now strategic vaccination sites around the FCT,” he added.
The Director-General further said that the national COVID-19 emergency operations centre continued to meet weekly to coordinate on the response to the ongoing pandemic.

“With regards to genomic surveillance, we have continued to consider the critical need to address the importation of variants and our sequencing efforts are still underway,” he said.
Adetifa also said that laboratories were still available for COVID-19 testing, while urging Nigerians to get tested if they feel COVID-19 symptoms.
“Do not assume symptoms may be malaria or a typical cold. We are working to strengthen COVID-19 risk communications using innovative and targeted means by listening to the public and responding effectively.
“The team is currently collaborating on the development of a COVID-19 response sustainability plan and an intra action review to strategise on ways to reinvigorate the response,” he said.
Dr Fatima Yusuf, Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Health said that the Port Health, Public Health Services, (PHS) had continued to heighten surveillance at lands, airports and seaports.
“PHS screens all passengers coming into the country at the various points of entry and so far, it has screened 87,841 people in September, 74,660 in October and 8,701 in November.
“PHS also provides traffic data on inbound passengers from all over the world and it has continued rapid diagnostic testing at the Seme and Idiroko borders.
”15 positive cases were detected out of 1,679 screened with 0.9 per cent positivity rate,” Yusuf said.
The Deputy Director said that the positive cases recorded at the ground crossings have dropped significantly and none had been detected in the past two months.
She noted that PHS officers were still positioned at the seaports where passengers and crew of ships were screened before berthing.
“So far, 138 COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in the country’s seaports and offshore platforms.
“The positive cases detected among oil rig workers has also dropped significantly. For the past two weeks, not more than 3 cases have been detected,” she said.
Yusuf however, added that the Nigerian International Travel Portal has transited to a new platform from October, 30.

(NAN)

ICPC Arraigns Gwagwalada Council Chair For N10m Bribe

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November 22, 2021

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Adamu Danze, for allegedly receiving N10 million kickback from a contractor handling construction projects.

Danze was arraigned before Justice U. Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court 4, sitting in Abuja, on allegations of corruption bordering on abuse of office and gratification.

ICPC had filed a six-count charge before the court in which it accused the council boss of demanding and receiving N10m bribe from the Director of Remotosh Construction Ltd, Aremu Omotosho, in exchange for approving payment for the construction of double cell culvert in Paiko-Kore.

The offence was allegedly committed in March 2018, when Danze directed the contractor to transfer the money to the lawyer handling his election tribunal case.
A statement on Monday by the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, titled, ‘ICPC arraigns Gwagwalada council chairman over N10m fraud,’ said Danze violated sections 8 (1)(a), 10 (a)(i), 18 (b) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and is punishable under the relevant sections of the same Act.

One of the charges reads, “That you, Adamu Mustapha Danze on or about the month of March, 2018 at Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, while being a public officer as the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council received the sum of N10m from Engineer Aremu Omotosho, the director of Remotosh Construction Limited for approving payment for the construction of double cell culvert at Paiko-Kore awarded to Remotosh Construction Limited by Gwagwalada Area Council, the sum you asked the contractor to transfer to your counsel defending you in the election tribunal and you thereby committed an offence contrary to
section 10 (a)(i) and punishable under section 10 (a)(ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
Danze, who had a bench warrant issued against him, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The warrant was subsequently dismissed by the trial judge after a plea by the defense counsel, Abdul Mohammed, (SAN).
Mohammed tendered an apology to the judge for failing to attend proceedings on two previous dates, blaming it on the recent kidnapping activities in Gwagwalada area council.

He told the court that the defendant was coordinating rescue operations in the area council, following the spate of kidnappings and other criminal activities in recent times.
He then moved a motion praying that the accused be admitted to bail at the discretion of the court pending trial.

Counsel to ICPC, Michael Adesola, in his counter-argument averred that the accused was very deliberate in his actions of ignoring court sittings as he was duly served all the proceedings since last year.
“Adesola, who also opposed the bail application prayed the court to remand the accused in a correctional facility to prevent him from interfering and intimidating witnesses, some of whom were employees in the area council,” the statement said.

Justice Kekemeke, having listened to both counsel, held that the defendant cannot jump bail based on his current position.
He said, “The defendant, who is the current Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council cannot evade his trial. He has nowhere to hide as I give him the benefit of doubt. The application therefore subsists. Bail is, therefore, granted to the defendant in the sum of N20m and a surety in like sum.:
According to the statement, “The surety shall be an owner of a landed property with statutory right of occupancy within the jurisdiction of the court or a Federal civil servant in the rank of an Assistant Director and above. The matter was then adjourned to March 1, 2022 for trial.”
The trial judge reportedly warned the accused not to take the court for granted, saying, “Mr Chairman, that is what you called yourself. We just gave you the benefit of the doubt. You don’t play with the court. You don’t take the court for levity, if you do that, you will find yourself in trouble.”

PUNCH.

BREAKING: Hotel, Houses Burnt As Gunmen Kill Soldier In Imo

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November 22, 2021

Gunmen on Monday afternoon killed a military officer when they attacked some soldiers in Awo Mmamma in the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
In reprisal, military men regrouped, stormed the town and allegedly burnt a hotel, cars, houses and shops.

The incident which happened at Ishieke junction in the area has caused panic in the community.
Many indigenes of the community have fled as soldiers took over the community.

A source told The PUNCH that “some hoodlums attacked some soldiers at Ishieke junction in Awo Mmamma and killed one of them. They zoomed off towards Ihiala in Anambra State. Later soldiers invaded the area and caused havoc in the area by setting a hotel, cars, houses and stalls on fire.”

The police spokesperson for the state command, Micheal Abattam, didn’t respond to a text message sent to him by our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
Also, the spokesperson for the 34 Artillery Brigade Command, Owerri, Sunday Akuga, didn’t take several calls put to his mobile number.

PUNCH.

More Hardship To Citizens As Lagos State Crushes Over 400 Impounded Motorbikes

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November 21, 2021

Lagos Police Crush 482 Impounded Motorbikes

The Lagos State Police Command, on Saturday, crushed 482 motorbikes, impounded across the state.

In a statement signed by the Police spokesperson, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeen Odumosu said “The exercise carried out publicly today was to convince members of the public especially the doubting Thomas that the impounded motorcycles are actually being crushed contrary to insinuations by mischief makers that the motorbikes are being sold and recycled.”

Since this went viral there has been a lot of questions and reactions, as to know if this is a best option, considering that most of these bikes are on a higher purchase agreement and means of livelihood to many of them.

Will government create jobs for them, how will they pay back the loan and settle the balance of the higher purchase?

EPL: Tottenham Fight Back To Beat Leeds 2-1

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November 21, 2021

Tottenham needed a second-half fightback to launch Antonio Conte’s reign in charge with a 2-1 win over Leeds, while Manchester City swept aside Everton 3-0 on Sunday to go second in the Premier League.

A severely depleted Leeds remain just two points above the relegation zone after threatening to spoil Conte’s first home league game since he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo.

Tottenham had not even managed a shot on target in their previous two league matches and there was little change for the first 45 minutes.
Even without key men Raphinha and Patrick Bamford, a youthful Leeds were well worth their 1-0 half-time lead thanks to Daniel James’ first goal for the club.

Harry Kane scored back-to-back hat-tricks for England during the international break, but has still netted just once in the Premier League this season.
Kane was denied in a one-on-one with Illan Meslier and Son Heung-min’s deflected shot came off the bar as Spurs improved after the break.

But the goals came from unfamiliar sources as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s scuffed shot found the bottom corner to level just before the hour-mark.
Sergio Reguilon then grabbed the winner with his first Spurs goal after Eric Dier’s deflected free-kick came back off the post.

A first win in four league games takes Tottenham above Manchester United, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday, up to seventh in the table and within four points of the top four.
– City cruise –
City were far more convincing winners as goals from Raheem Sterling, Rodri and Bernardo Silva saw off Everton at the Etihad to cut Chelsea’s lead at the top of the table to three points.
“In general we controlled the game,” said City boss Pep Guardiola. “We played the game we should play to beat teams like Everton.”
Sterling netted on his 300th Premier League appearance as he turned home Joao Cancelo’s sensational pass with the outside of his right foot for his 98th goal in the English top flight.

Without the presence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, Everton rarely threatened.
Rafael Benitez’s men have now taken just two points from the last 18 on offer in the Premier League to drop into the bottom half of the table and just six points clear of the relegation zone.
Rodri’s stunning long-range drive into the top corner 10 minutes after the break ended the game as a contest.
City were then content to cruise for the final half-hour with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Sterling should have slotted home his second of the afternoon from Riyad Mahrez’s inviting cross, but was instead denied by international teammate Jordan Pickford as he tried to round the goalkeeper.
City did get a deserved third five minutes from time when Silva followed up after Cole Palmer’s shot was blocked.
AFP

Serie A: Osimhen Injured As Inter Milan Beat Napoli 3-2

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November 21, 2021

Inter Milan strengthened their Serie A title defence on Sunday with an enthralling 3-2 win over Napoli which moved them to within four points of the league leaders.
Simone Inzaghi’s side came back from Piotr Zielinski’s powerful early strike to close the gap on both Napoli and AC Milan, who lost 4-3 at Fiorentina on Saturday, in a breathless encounter at the San Siro.

Hakan Calhanoglu levelled the scores from the penalty spot midway through the first half. Ivan Perisic’s header just before the break and Lautaro Martinez’s smart finish after a heart-pounding upfield surge from Joaquin Correa made sure of the points and a three-way title race even more interesting.
“It was a very important game for us looking at the league table,” said Martinez to DAZN.

“We have been playing well but every now and again the result isn’t the right one for us, but today the team played with intensity and character.”
Napoli, who also scored through Dries Mertens with 11 minutes left, lost their unbeaten league record just as Milan did in Florence after Samir Handanovic pulled off a miracle save to deny Mario Rui’s header in stoppage time.

And Mertens then wasted a gilt-edged chance to snatch an unlikely point with second remaining when he skied Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s perfect cross, completely unmarked and at point-blank range.
To make matters worse for Napoli, Luciano Spalletti also had to watch two of his players come off worse in clashes of heads.
Star striker Victor Osimhen had to leave the field just after the break after he and Milan Skriniar thumped into each other, with Spalletti saying after the match that he hoped it to be a facial injury and nothing more.
– ‘No fear’ –
And goalkeeper David Ospina collapsed to the ground in worrying fashion after his head whacked into Inter substitute Edin Dzeko’s, but both players carried on with their heads bandaged.
“I said to my players at half-time that if we play with fear we won’t make courageous choices,” said Spalletti of his team’s underwhelming first-half display.
“In the second half we did everything much better… We need to face our objectives with no fear, like we did in the second half.”
David Okereke struck the only goal to earn Venezia a surprise 1-0 win at Bologna on Sunday, their second impressive victory in as many Serie A games.
Nigerian attacker Okereke, on loan at promoted Venezia from Belgian outfit Club Brugge, poked home the winner in the 61st minute to move Venezia up to 13th and six points from the relegation zone.
The 24-year-old’s fourth league goal of the season gave Paolo Zanetti’s side a second straight shock win after also beating Jose Mourinho’s Roma before the international break.
Sampdoria jumped out of the drop zone with a 2-0 win at bottom side Salernitana which came through a Francesco Di Tacchio own goal and a nicely taken finish from Antonio Candreva.
Roberto D’Aversa’s Samp are 16th and sent local rivals Genoa into the bottom three ahead of Andriy Shevchenko’s first match in charge of the club against Roma in Sunday’s late match.
In the early game Sassuolo drew 2-2 with lowly Cagliari, who snatched a point in part thanks to an acrobatic scissor kick from Keita Balde five minutes before half-time.
AFP

General Overseer, Christian Pentecostal Mission, Rev Obiora Ezekiel, Dies At 78

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November 21, 2021

The founder of the Christian Pentecostal Mission, Obiora Ezekiel, is dead. He died at the age of 78.
The death of the cleric was announced on the Facebook page of the church via a statement signed by the Coordinator; CPM Int’l Imo state, Nigeria, Rev. John U. Ezeh, who is also a member of the board of trustees.

The statement read, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am saddled with a responsibility to all sons, daughters, friends and lovers of Christian Pentecostal Mission International (CPM) to make an official announcement by the authority vested on me by the National/International Coordinator of CPM International, that our father, mentor, our General, our Field marshal, the man that saw the vision, the man that began the race, the man on whose shoulder we’re all climbing, the Founder and General Overseer of Christian Pentecostal Mission International, REV. DR. O. EZEKIEL, has gone to be with the LORD just a few days ago.

“Before his departure, he had been telling us to keep the vision alive, and the fire burning: that the mantle is with us; the glory is with us while he goes to wait for us to come over when the time is ripe.
“This was a man whose doggedness in the gospel gave him a title, ‘Demon Destroyer’; the man who is best known as a teacher of DIVINE NATURE. He has left his mantle with us to continue where he stopped to move CPM to the next level. He came, he saw, he conquered, and triumphantly he left. Transform Triumphantly, our General, till we meet at Jesus’ feet.”

Tragedy: Policeman,Cook, Driver Die In Gombe Monarch’s Convoy Crash

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November 21, 2021

No fewer than three persons were reported dead and three others injured in a crash involving the convoy of the Mai Tula, Alhaji Abubakar Atare, along Kumo Road, Gombe/Adamawa Expressway, while on his way to Tula in Kaltungo chiefdom, The PUNCH learnt on Sunday.

The accident which occurred on Thursday claimed the lives of his longest-serving pilot driver, Danjuma Mohammed, also known as Wakili Mota, and the chief cook Mohammed Lawal, also known as Sokale Tula, who were in the Mai Tula pilot car.
However, a police constable, Adamu Ibrahim, who was attached to the Mai, passed this Sunday after he was rushed to a hospital following the crash.
Our correspondent gathered from sources that two victims died on the spot when a J5 Peugeot which attempted to overtake a Dangote truck lost control and ran into the convoy.
“Three other persons who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to Federal Teaching Hospital, FTH, Gombe for treatment,” the source claimed.
According to the traditional ruler, the death of the three workers is a great loss to the royal family, noting that he had close ties with each of them
Atare said, “It was a great loss to me personally and to the entire Tula chiefdom because these are men I grew up knowing as members of the royal household. So I feel the pain as a personal loss and pray that Almighty Allah will repose their souls.”
Copyright PUNCH.

Police Arrest Prof For Defiling 12-Year-Old Pupil In Ebonyi

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November 21, 2021

The Ebonyi State Police Command, on Saturday, arrested a lecturer, Prof Felix Anyaegbunam, with the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old pupil, in the state (name withheld).

It was gathered the suspect who hails from Anambra State had sexually assaulted the victim for the past six months.

It was also gathered that the 12-year-old victim, a native of Ezza North Local Government Area of the state, lived in the suspect’s house with her father, who serves as his gateman.

A source, who spoke to PUNCH Metro, on condition of anonymity, said, “An alleged child violator, Felix Anyaegbunam, a professor of Geophysics working with Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, in Ebonyi State, is now in the police net.

He is from Anambra state. His wife is also a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and most of his children are Doctoral Degree holders according to research.
“A few days ago, a whistleblower brought a report against the professor leading to his arrest and detention yesterday by the police. He is being accused of constant sexual abuse on the 12-year-old daughter of his gateman.

The victim is from Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State. However, she has been rescued and is currently receiving proper medical examination/attention.:
In an interview with our correspondent, the victim narrated her experience while living with the suspect, adding that the lecturer assaulted her sexually for more than six months.
She said, “I was living in the village with my mother. My daddy brought me to live with Prof in Abakaliki. Since June this year, the Prof has been disturbing me. He always comes into my room and does what I don’t like.
“One day around 2aam, I ran to my father at the security house and told him that Prof was pressing my breast. My father told me to go back that he will talk with him in the morning. Sometimes, I will wake up and see myself naked.
“The other day, somebody was touching me at midnight. I woke up, put on the light and saw Prof lying on my bed naked. He tried to touch me but I slapped him and pushed him out of my room. I was crying.
“One day, I woke up and my bed was soaked with blood. I didn’t know what happened. I told my father in the morning but he didn’t do anything.

He used to tell me that if I leave Prof’s house, who will pay my school fees? That is how the Prof has continued to disturb me until I told my aunty in the school because I don’t like that nonsense Prof is doing.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, in the state, Mrs Loveth Odah, confirmed the incident.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Garba, had ordered a discreet investigation into the matter.
Mrs Odah said, “The suspect of the alleged case of rape is in Police custody now. The CP has ordered a discreet investigation into the matter, we are while awaiting the medical screening/report of the victim.”

Anambara Election: Don’t Challenge Soludo’s Victory In Court, Kinsmen Warn Andy Uba

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November 21, 2021

The Aguata kinsmen of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Anambra State November 6 governorship election, Andy Uba, have warned him to perish the idea of taking the governor-elect, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to court over the poll.

They stated this under the umbrella of Nzukora Old Aguata Union, adding that the governor-elect should not be distracted by Uba who is Soludo’s kinsman.
Uba had said, “Now that INEC has declared the result and announced the APGA candidate, Professor Charles Chukwuma as winner, I urge that we remain law-abiding.

Having met with my team, party hierarchy, etc and analysing data from our field officers, we can boldly state that preliminary check shows that we have grounds to challenge INEC declaration at the tribunal in line with the electoral process.”
But the leader of Uba’s kinsmen, Peter Okala, in a statement on Sunday, urged the APC candidate to perish the litigation idea or face consequences from them.

He said, “We the 45 communities of the Old Aguata Union do hereby call on all the losers to show spirit of sportsmanship as we are disposed to take all necessary steps, both legal, spiritual and otherwise to discourage all manners of distraction because our expectation is high.”

He urged the monarchs in the area to use their good offices to prevail on the losers to sheathe the swords about the election.

While commending INEC for proving to be truly independent, Olala hailed security agents for their resilience and doggedness throughout the period of the election.
He added, “Our commendation also goes to the IPOB for cancellation of the sit-at-home order that gave Ndi Anambra the confidence to come out to participate in the lawful duty.”

The PUNCH had reported that the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate, Chukwuma Soludo won the election with 112,229 votes beating Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party who polled 53,807 votes, and Uba of APC who got 43,285 votes. Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party who polled 21,261 votes came fourth.

While Soludo won 19 local government areas, Ozigbo and Ubah won one each. The APC candidate, however, did not win any of the local government areas in the state.
The candidates of the PDP and YPP had since congratulated Soludo but the APC candidate was yet to concede defeat.

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