Ex-UNILAG Beggar Becomes Lawyer

A former street beggar, Mr. Abdulsalam Idowu, heaved a sigh of fulfilment of a life ambition as he was called to the bar to start practising as a lawyer in Nigeria on Wednesday.

Idowu, who defied all odds, to bag his law degree from the University of Lagos in 2015, had proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, where he emerged successful in the August/September 2016 final bar examinations conducted at the end of the one-year programme.

The new wig, who engaged in street begging to fund his primary and secondary education,  was among the 4,225 graduates of the Nigerian Law School called to the bar in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Having lost his mother at about age three, crippled by a disease that befell him thereafter and left with a father and relatives who had no interest in his future, Idowu started begging at age eight in Erin Ile, Kwara State, to see himself through his primary and secondary school education.

Against all odds, the 37-year-old had earlier in 2011 obtained a degree in Political Science from the same University of Lagos.

Not satisfied without a Law degree, he struggled to secure admission to study Law while in the final year of the first degree programme.

Idowu spoke with our correspondent on Wednesday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, venue of the two-day call-to-bar ceremony.

He said, “I was not satisfied when they gave me admission to study Political Science because I have always wanted to be a lawyer.

“So, I struggled to get admission to study Law. I got the admission when I was in my final year, writing my final project for the Political Science degree.”

He narrated how he began to beg for alms to enable him to get education, a sojourn which he said landed him in Lagos, where he was able to raise money to complete secondary school and later got admission to the University of Lagos.

He said, “It was sometimes in 1987, I was about eight years old in the public kindergarten school. All my mates were promoted to primary one but I was not promoted.

“I asked why because I attended classes and sat for exams. I was then told that I was not a registered pupil but they only allowed me to attend classes and take exams.

“That day I felt very sad and on getting home I called everybody, including my father and aged paternal grandmother, whom I was staying with, because I was very angry.

“I told them that I wanted to be registered in school but they said there was no money and that there was no way I could cope in school because of my condition. But I insisted that they must register me and that they should not bother about paying my fees.

“They registered me and as soon as they did, I took to the street begging for alms to meet some financial demands that came up.

“When I gained admission in 1993, I could not afford N520 school fees but I had been hearing the story of Lagos State that one could make money in Lagos State. So, one day I was begging in Offa, Kwara State, then I said why shouldn’t I join a train to Lagos and perhaps I could make money to pay for the fees, buy a uniform and get my locker. So, I joined the train to Ido terminus in Lagos. I started begging. I stayed with some people under the bridge and I was begging in some areas including Idumota.”

He said he was travelling to and fro Lagos to raise money which he used to settle his fees till he got to the final class when he was supposed to write his O’Level West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations which he could not raise money for.

He later relocated to Lagos fully where he was able to raise enough money through his begging business to sit for the WASSCE as a beggar and passed after two attempts.

He subsequently gained admission to UNILAG with the intention of continuing his alms begging business to raise money to continue his education.

He had just N39,000 as savings from  his begging business when he got admission.

But he exhausted the money after completing his first semester registration.

He was however lucky that  some compassionate Nigerians and organisations decided to sponsor him after reading his story in The PUNCH.

Speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, he attributed the inspiration which drove him to bagging two degrees as “God’s miracle”.

“I thank God because if not for Him and those He used to come to my aid, I can be nowhere now,” he added.

He said his immediate plan was to get a job in a law firm.

“I wish to set up my law firm later and in the nearest future I want to become a judge,” Idowu said.

He thanked The PUNCH and other Nigerians, such as a judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, Alhaja Osonaike, Alhaja Fowosere, Alhaja S.O Yusuf, Mrs. Comfort Obi and wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Bukola- Saraki, for helping him to achieve his life ambition.

He also thanked those he referred to as “responsible fathers” such as Mr. Peace Emokaro, Pastor Adewuyi, Alhaji Olajobi, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi and  the late Prof. Tokunbo Sofoluwe for the supports he received from them.

Ericsson sacks 160 Nigerian workers, takes jobs to India

Ife Ogunfuwa

Ericsson Nigeria, the local subsidiary of the global telecommunications solutions provider, has disengaged about 160 permanent and outsourced workers in its Network Operating Centre, investigations have shown.

It was gathered that disengagement, which takes effect on Sunday, December 4, 2016, affected 55 full-time employees of the company.

According to sources in the company, some workers were laid off in July when the offshoring (the practice of a company in one country arranging for people in another country to do work for it) of jobs to India began.

Findings show that foreign workers had been recruited to replace the disengaged workers, and knowledge transfer by Nigerian engineers to the new workers was ongoing in the company’s office in India.

Sources revealed that the knowledge transfer had been going on since last year when some Indians were brought into the country to study the management of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

A copy of the disengagement letter to the permanent workers signed by the Managing Director of the company, Johan Jemdahi, and obtained by our correspondent, reads, “Please be informed that effective December 4, 2016, your position has been declared redundant. We thank you for all your past services to Ericsson. Further information about the redundancy benefits will be communicated to you before the actual termination date.”

Findings showed that in the last two and half years, Ericsson Nigeria had managed the MTN network majorly from its pool of local workers, some of who were former MTN employees, as well as other contracted workers.

One of the affected workers said that the company was offering the jobs, which involved the monitoring of MTN masts and networks in the country, to Indians at reduced costs.

The workers expressed fears that this would be a continuous trend in the telecommunications industry if it was not addressed by the government.

The employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The company said it was cheaper for the work to be done in India than in Nigeria. The monitoring of those masts can be done from anywhere. We monitor Abuja, Enugu, Asaba, and Port Harcourt sites from the Lagos office. What they are now proposing is that instead of monitoring from Lagos, they want to monitor from India.

“They have taken the Airtel NOC office to India. They brought about 30 Indians to Nigeria last year to come and understudy the MTN network and after a month, they went back and started monitoring from there. There are no plans to pay compensation to the outsourced workers in the company.”

The Public Relations Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson, Toju Egbebi, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said the move was part of the company’s global cost and efficiency programme to achieve a net annual cost savings of Swedish Krona 9bn, adding that the programme would continue till 2017.

According to her, the redundancy is being carried out across 180 countries where the company operates.

She explained that on July 19, the company announced actions to further save costs as well as intensify reductions in cost of sales activities and adapt its operations to a weaker mobile broadband market.

Egbebi added, “This means employees will be affected. The decision to offshore our service is in keeping with our global delivery strategy; certain work may be centralised into global delivery centres. This is to enable improved network availability and quality for consumers, and cost efficient network operations for operators.”

(Punch)

Recession: NYSC asks for subsidized feeding

 The Enugu state command of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has pleaded with the state government to subsidize the feeding of the corps members in view of the increasing population of the members.

The state coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Nwano Ukagha also said that despite all the assistance the state has been giving the command, it is constrained to plead for more assistance, especially in provision of  facilities at the orientation camp.

The command made the request during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2016 ‘B’ corps members at the state orientation camp in Awgu, Enugu State, yesterday. 

The new  corps members of 2016 Batch ‘B’ deployed to the state however told Vanguard that except for inadequate water supply at the orientation camp, other facilities as hostel, electricity and social services were in fair supply.

The state Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was represented at the ceremony by the state commissioner for Education, Prof. Uchenna Eze, said government was aware of their challenges and is taking concrete steps to launch an intervention programme. “I wish remind you of the importance of the NYSC programme and the need to be committed to the realization of its objectives.

In order to make success of this assignment, you must be dedicated, focused and ready to apply yourselves to the activities of the orientation course,” said Ugwuanyi.

A total of 2, 169 corps members were registered in the camp, comprising 1, 201 males and 968 females.(Vanguard)

Buhari Jailed Me 18 Months For Being Wealthy —Anenih

A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, says the military administration of President Muhammadu Buhari kept him in jail for 18 months between March 1984 and August 1985 because he was a rich man.

Anenih said this in his biography titled, ‘My Life and Nigerian Politics’ which was launched in Abuja on Saturday.

He said when Buhari came into power through a military coup in December 1983, he went about arresting politicians arbitrarily and he was one of those picked up because he was the Chairman of the defunct National Party of Nigeria in old Bendel State.

Anenih said, “The military regime of General Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon threw me into detention for 18 months on the basis of an anonymous petition that as a prominent and wealthy politician and leader of the NPN in Bendel State, the military administrator would not find his footing unless I was removed from the scene.

“I was sent to Kirikiri Prisons where I spent three months before I was transferred to Ikoyi Prisons.”

The retired police officer maintained that he did nothing wrong to warrant such treatment.

He said, “I must emphasise it again and again that I did nothing wrong to anyone, the government or the state to merit a detention. My crime was that I was a wealthy, influential and highly respected politician.”

Anenih, who later served as the minister of works and housing under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2002, said while in detention, he met other prominent politicians like former Governor Lateef Jakande of Lagos State, former Governor Olabisi Onabanjo of Ogun State; ex-Governor Bola Ige of old Oyo State; former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, ex-Governor Ambrose Alli of old Bendel State, Chief Solomon Lar and many others.

The ex-minister said their cells were bugged by security agents who monitored their conversation.

The PDP chieftain said the worst part of the detention was that some governors who had sentenced some criminals to death were locked up in the same cells.

Anenih said, “We were transferred to Ikoyi Prisons because of the riot that took place while we were there. The condemned prisoners whose death warrants had earlier been signed by Alhaji Lateef Jakande when he was governor of Lagos State, broke loose on sighting him as one of the detainees.

“They broke out of their cells and headed towards the building where Jakande and the rest of us detainees were kept. As the prisoners were attempting to force the iron door open, mobile police were called in to quell the riot.”

The ex-minister, who gave an insight into the living condition of the politicians in detention, described the experience as hellish.

He added, “Where we were staying, the bucket latrines or toilets had opening to the rooms. These buckets were emptied maybe once a week from behind, and if for any reason the buckets were not emptied once a week as the rule, you lived with the stench.

“At night, cockroaches, rats and lizards passed through these holes housing the bucket latrines into our cells after crawling on the buckets to disturb us. So, you could really not sleep for one hour without getting cockroaches perch on you.”
PUNCH.

SON seizes N100m cooking gas cylinders

 The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has impounded six container loads of substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas products in Lagos.

The Director, Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate of SON, Bede Obayi, an engineer, said this while addressing newsmen on the activities of the organisation on Thursday.

Obayi, who said the seized cooking gas cylinders were imported by Amaze Company from China, added that the interception of the consignment was achieved by SON with the collaboration of the men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

While conducting newsmen round the impounded consignment at the SON warehouse in Ogba, he said the gas cylinders were in 12.5kg and 6kg sizes.

Obayi alleged that preliminary observation had shown that the company had unlawfully used SON logo on the brands without the agency’s approval.

“The importer falsified documents and cheated to bring in the products without due process,” he said

He said SON would take a stringent action against the company to serve as a deterrent to unscrupulous importers.

According to Obayi, SON has been sensitising Nigerians to substandard products generally and LPGs particularly on account of the critical nature, and the implication of substandard products on the economy.

“Safety is critical in cylinder manufacture and handling.  These are products that starting from the cylinders to valves, burners, clips, regulators and hoses are critical in the chain. If any of these components is not properly processed, you will have a problem.  Cracks in the pipes could mean leakages; if the regulator is not the right one, and it doesn’t regulate the gas, it will continue to flow and it could become a big problem,” he said, adding that it called for more caution on the side of all manufacturers and importers.

He reassured Nigerians of the readiness of the agency to continue to safeguard lives and property.

Obayi also disclosed that the confiscated LPG products were picked from the Tin Can Ports adding further testing, investigation and due diligence would be done to ensure that consumers got value for their money. (Punch)

Nnewi is industrial hope of Nigeria, says Osinbajo

   Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo

Tony Okafor, Awka

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday described Nnewi, Anambra State as the industrial hope of the country.

He stated this during a tour of companies and factories in Nnewi.

Osinbajo, who described the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Chicason group, Dr. Chika Okafor, as one of leading industrialists in Africa, assured the people that the Federal Government would address the issue of power and forex to mitigate the harshness the industrialists pass through.

He said the Federal Government was passionate about supporting local manufacturers to excel.

He added that the Federal Government had adopted a policy of buying locally manufactured goods as a measure to encourage local manufacturers.

“I’m inspired, I’m impressed with what is happening here at Chicason Group, especially the number of people employed by its companies, and President Muhammadu Buhari is more inspired,” Osinbajo stated

At Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, Osinbajo said the Federal Executive Council had approved the purchase of specialised vehicles for the Federal Road Safety Commission from the Nnewi-based auto firm.

The Vice-President expressed delight at the volume of productivity in Nnewi, which he described as the industrial heartland of Nigeria.

Osinbajo said, “I have heard and seen many of the Innoson motors in Abuja as well as many other goods produced in companies like Chikason, Tummy Tummy and other business concerns in Nnewi.”

Speaking, the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, described Osinbajo as a man of his words.

The governor said he had earlier discussed the problems of Anambra manufacturers with the VP in Abuja and he promised to visit the state for that purpose.

“Today, the Vice-President is here with us and I assure you that the problems you would raise here today, he would address them,” Obiano said. (Punch)

Millions of Nigerians defecate openly

By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

On this year’s World Toilet Day, November 19,  the reality of  accessing sanitary toilets remained a mirage for 28.5 per cent of the Nigerian population (51.3 million persons) who have no access to  sanitary toilet facilities., according to UNICEF. 

When it’s time to go to the toilet, this group of people have no option than to defecate in the open, an act that threatens their health, dignity, safety and puts them at risk of public health hazards. Women, girls and younger children with no access to improved toilet facilities at home or in school are especially vulnerable. Beyond direct health risks, shame and potential violence are constant reality for them when seeking a place to defecate.

 According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, 1 in 4 Nigerians defecate openly creating a medium for potential transmission of the wild polio virus, cholera and hepatitis amongst other infectious diseases because they have no access to adequate toilet facilities. 

Additional data presented by UNICEF showed that an estimated 120 million people in the country lack access to improved sanitation facilities, or facilities that hygienically separate human waste from human contact.

 The economic impact of unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene depletes the Nigerian economy by almost the equivalent of 1.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, while 124, 000 under fives are lost annually as a result of diarrhoea. 

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the day themed “Toilets and Job”   calls have been made for the circulation and sustenance of proper hygiene promotion messages to become a social norm in addition to provision of improved sanitation facilities.

 In Lagos, stakeholders demanded provision of  functional and sanitary toilets in schools and other public places across the city.

Provide sanitary toilets in schools, public places — Save The Children 

Addressing thousands of school children in Shomolu and  Bariga areas of Lagos during an event organised by Save the Children (an NGO committed to welfare of children)  to mark the day, Behaviour Change Programme Manager for Save the Children, Mrs. Amaka Efionu, said to end open defecation and  attain the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, target on sanitation,  government and all stakeholders must come together  to increase functional toilets in the various communities particularly in schools and public places. 

“Toilets play a crucial role in creating a strong economy. Lack of toilet facilities at work and home has severe consequences, including poor health leading to absenteeism, reduced concentration, exhaustion, and decreased productivity,” Efionu explained. She said availability of functional toilets would encourage behavioural change in sanitation and hygiene, noting that Lagos has 570 public toilets serving 21 million people. 

Efionu said in partnership with the Lagos State Government,  the efficacy of the WHO/UNICEFs 7- point plan for the management and control of diarrhoea in children under the age of five, was being put to test. 

“We need functional toilets in the sense that the toilets will not just be a physical facility but one that will meet the needs of the population with water available at every point in time, child- friendly and easy to flush after use.  By making these things available to the citizens of the state, we are saying no to open defecation. In no distant time we will be able to say Shomolu and Bariga are free from open defecation.” 

Representative of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Bello Akeem who spoke on the importance of toilets said: “We are promoting toilets to put a stop to diarrhoea and ultimately stop deaths from diarrhoea. It has been   on record that if we use toilets in the right way, we can prevent incidences of diarrhoea by one third, that is 1 out of 3 chances of contacting diarrhoea would have been prevented.  It is also important to have hand washing facility,” he added. 

Adopt regular handwashing habits — LASG, RB 

At a forum organised by RB West Africa, makers of Harpic, to mark the World Toilet Day 2016, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, urged Lagos residents to adopt regular hand washing habits even as he advocated improved sanitary facilities. 

Ambode, represented by Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe,  observed that it was a challenge providing adequate amenities such as water and public sanitation in the state due to its large population. He remarked that there were 570 public toilets sited at various locations across the city, but lamented that they were inadequate to meet the needs of the huge population estimated at 22 million. 

Awareness creation 

He said the theme was  appropriate because  awareness creation about the havoc of open defection and urination could minimise the menace as well as create job opportunities.

 In his contribution, the Managing Director, RB West Africa, Mr. Rahul Murgai regretted that Nigeria still ranks 5th in the world among countries where open defecation is a major problem.

 Murgai hinted that as reinforcement by Harpic’s Vision and commitment to arrest the problem of lack of access to sanitation and open defecation, there was ongoing partnership  with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment that led to upgrading of toilet facilities within Apapa LGA in the state, 

On her part, Marketing Manager Harpic, Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola said Harpic’s toilet hygiene programme    in Nigeria is a scaled initiative across 16 cities and reaches over one million homes annually to educate people about the importance of good toilet hygiene

Kano Disabled Farmers move From Begging to Bagging

A group of Kano farmers with special disabilities.

Traditionally, people with special needs were seen almost same as street beggars. Though different approaches to end street begging have been adopted and implemented, yet the phenomenon seems to have persisted.

However, in recent times, a new approach to tackle the issue was introduced by Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) through Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) where people with special needs were given training in agricultural practices using modern techniques and also assisting them with land, insecticides, farming among other farming inputs.

Sabi’u Halliru, is a 46-year-old man living in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State. He said he lost his arm in an accident some years back, and that ever since he has been living under the mercy of his family.

Sabi’u added that with the introduction of SAFE programme, he is now a farmer cultivating rice and soya bean.

“It is no longer an issue of begging to most of us that belong to the farmers group of people with special needs. Our members no longer go out to beg; we are now happy that this programme has seen the potentials in us and it is trying to make us explore them. This year, I harvested 13 bags of rice from my farm which clearly proves that disability isn’t inability,” said Sabi’u.

It was also revealed that such is the case in all the states that run the programme. A visit to some farmer groups of people with special disabilities in Kumo town in Akko Local Government of Gombe State revealed that the farmers with special needs are now fully engaged and those that go out to beg no longer see it appealing.

Waziri Malle of Kumo town is a 48-year-old man, who lost a leg and resorted to begging. He said, however, that with the SAFE intervention, they had formed a farmer group and are presently engaged in full time farmers .

“We are now self-sufficient; we no longer leave our town for the cities to beg.

“With the assistance we received from Sasakawa, we are able to utilize our potentials to be fully engaged on the farm. What we need is more support from the programme in order to expand. It will interest you to know that this year, I have gotten 15 bags of maize and we are very much sure that with more support, we will do more,” said Waziri.

Shedding light on the initiative, SAA Country Director, Professor Sani Miko, stated that, under the programme, the association identified people with special needs and asked them to form social fund groups. He said the SAA then assists these farmers through the groups, by providing training and other farm inputs to them.

Addressing newsmen in Kano during a press conference to mark Sasakawa’s 30th year of existence in Africa held at the Sasakawa head office in Kano, Professor Miko added that the association figured out that people with special needs were excluded in virtually all development programmes on the belief that they were not productive. He added that the intervention has also shown that people with disability have potentials of being productive and that all they needed is a push and motivation.

Daily Trust

Glitz and Glamour @ SSA YouTube Awards 2016

The first ever Sub Saharan Africa YouTube Awards was held in Johannesburg, South Africa last weekend. It was an evening of fun, excitement and glitz as the big names in the YouTube platform were recognised and awarded plaques.

Granted it was held in Johannesburg, so many Nigerians – nominees and guests – added more fun and thrill to the compact event, which also brought together so many Africans across the continent.

Saturday Beats gives you some of the gist of the event.

And Africans unite

Africans have a way of having a united front and at the YouTube Awards, it was not a different story. Though so many people from different parts of the continent converged, it was a period everybody used to talk about their culture and exchange ideas and get to know one another better.

The rain came in torrents

It was supposedly summer time in the city of Johannesburg but at the award night, the heavens opened and the rain poured in torrents. But did it affect the event? No way! Guests had massive fun and never allowed the weather to dampen their mood.

Online personalities are celebs too

Celebrity status is not restricted to onscreen celebs; indeed, if care is not taken, online celebrities will certainly outshine those seen on TV daily. At the YouTube Awards, so many online celebs have come to be known off screen with their huge following. No wonder screams and shouts of excitement rented the auditorium each time a winner was announced.

Jaiye… the keytarist guru

Known as Jaiyekeys, Nigerian-born keytarist, Jaiye, opened the event, showing his expertise on the keyboard. The young man mesmerised the guests who just couldn’t help but get on their feet as he played some oldies with his keyboard.

Tofo Tofo brings Beyonce back

 So many people are in love with Beyonce’s ‘Who Run the World’ video but not many may know that the dancers who performed in that video are Africans.

Known as Tofo Tofo, the young lads from Mozambique brought their unique dance steps to the YouTube awards. They first performed Queen Bea’s song before moving on to other songs. Their dexterity and creativity on the stage made guests give them a standing ovation after their performance.

And Nigerians clinch awards

Nigerians didn’t lose out at the SSA YouTube awards as they came out tops in some of the categories.

Young Emmanuella of the Mark Angel Comedy won the Top Subscribed creator in Nigeria, Channels Television won in the broadcaster category, Ndani TV won in the entertainment category while Ibaka TV won in the Top Subscribed Nollywood channel.

Flavour, Davido lose out

In the music category, once the names of Davido, Flavour and Tanzania’s Diamond Platinum were mentioned, not a few felt either of the above mentioned three would clinch the award because of their popularity. However, it was Yellow Brick Cinema that took the plaque in that category. The group had over one million subscribers and they were even awarded a YouTube Gold Play Button in recognition of that feat.

Timaya never tires

The self acclaimed Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Timaya, was among the artistes that performed at the event. Timaya is indeed, a performer! The young man got everybody on their feet and so many people danced to his beats. Some dancers used the opportunity to show off their assets as they almost bared their vitals for everybody to see while dancing erotically to Timaya’s songs.(Punch ) 

Customs seizes bank’s bullion van with smuggled rice

The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a bullion van belonging to a commercial bank in Nigeria, but used in smuggling rice into the country through the land border.  The bullion van meant for conveyance of bank currency was intercepted by operatives of Oyo/Osun Customs loaded with smuggled rice through a tip off.

 The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Compt. Ogunkua Tope, who disclosed this, displayed the vehicle at the Command’s office in Ibadan , loaded with 50kg bags of rice. According to him, “The interception of a bullion van meant for carrying cash, but used in concealing smuggled imported foreign rice into the country illegally should send a serious signal to recalcitrant saboteurs of the Nigerian economy that there is no hiding place for them, especially as the juletide approahes”.

He went on, “We are determined to beat all their concealment patterns with our superior intelligence network, because the Service has equipped us with necessary work tools and adequate training to curb the menace of smuggling in the region. 

It is worrisome to see that some Nigerians still remain unrepentant, even as they continue to lose. Not even the Federal Government’s visible efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production as well as increase prevalence of expired imported rice with its hazardous health implications have touched their conscience to avoid rice smuggling. 

However, our resolve to deal with them remains unshakened, more so now that the present management has directed thorough investigation with a view to prosecuting all those found connected to this illegal act. I am using this opportunity to appeal to well-meaning members of the public who want to engage in legitimate business to come forward for clarification or visit the Command headquarters for trade facilitation and enquiries.” 

“The recalcitrant ones who still insist on engaging in the illicit business of smuggling should be well advised that they would not escape the long arm of the law, especially as the yuletide approaches. 

You will recall that we had reiterated our resolve to increase the revenue profile of the Command and to tirelessly reduce the incidence of smuggling.

 In keeping to this promise, the Command initiated new anti-smuggling strategies, which led to remarkable exploits seen in the seizures that include  one bullion van loaded with rice, a  fairly used Rover,  one fairly used Toyota Highlander, two fairly used Toyota Camry,  two fairly used Volkwagon, two fairly used Mecedes Truck loaded with rice, two fairly used Nissan Land Rover,  one fairly used Man diesel truck, two fairly used Nissan Urvan loaded with rice, five fairly used Toyota Hiace loaded with rice,    one fairly used Nissan Vannet loaded with smuggled imported rice, two fairly used Toyota Land Cruiser,  one fairly used Mazda 626, one fairly used Honda Accord Saloon,  one fairly used Toyota Duet,one fairly used Lexus GX470,  one fairly used Daihatsu Atrai, one fairly used lite Ace bus, two brand new Land Rover Discovery  truck carrying smuggled brand new Honda Accord, made at different locations within the Command’s area of coverage” - Vanguard . 

Focus on agriculture to avert famine, says Oyedepo

The Chancellor, Landmark University, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said that agrarian revolution will avert the impending famine in the country next year as warned by the Federal Government.

He urged universities and other tertiary institutions in the country to lead the agrarian revolution in order to address food insecurity, national economic recession, lack of industrialisation and the high unemployment rate.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had warned Nigerians to brace for an imminent outbreak of famine by January next year following a huge demand in the global market for Nigeria’s grains and cereals. 

Oyedepo said during the 7th matriculation of Landmark University in Omu-Aran, Kwara State on Friday, “Apart from the security threat facing us in Africa, the greatest threat to the survival of this continent is the worsening food crisis, which has the potential to wipe off the people all together.

“This is why we cannot afford to wait for this closely impending scenario to become a reality. And this is the vision and mission of Landmark University.(Punch) 

Nigerians Advocate The Use Of Local Languages In Education System.

Nigerians have advocated for the adoption of major local languages in the country as official languages for teaching and learning  to ensure proper assimilation of subjects by students.

The participants at a one day seminar on Skills Building, Career Mentoring and Development for students in Government Secondary School in Nigeria agreed that solving language barrier in learning process would go along way to improve standard of education and enhance value orientation.

Mr Obasi Sunday, one of the participants at the seminar organised by the Skills Outside School Foundation in Abuja said in an interview that use of local languages in teaching and learning by countries like China, India, etc facilitated their advancement socially and technologically.

According to him, “If Nigeria continues in the light of what we are doing today we are not going to see the light of the day interms of advancement.”

The Programme Manager of SOS, Bar. Ann Eze, noted that several factors contributed to the poor standard of education in the country.

She maintained that every child in Nigeria is talented, disagreeing with the submission by some quarters that Nigerian graduates are not employable.

Ann, who explained that the workshop was to equip growing up students with requsite knowledge needed to assist them in choosing their long-lasting career, disclosed that the fundation would still give scholarship to disadvantaged bright students (Punch)

Innoson Vehicles presents Military grade Vehicles to Military High Command

Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma OFR has presented the latest version of Innoson IVM G12 designed solely for military operations to the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen T. Y Buratai.

The Army Headquarters received the vehicles at the Tactical Headquarter of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maimalari Barracks Maiduguri, Borno State.

7 Years Old Burnt Alive Because He Stole Garri!!!

Hehehee!  Seriously this country  called Nigeria is truly a zoo like my roommate will always say.

Just  on Monday a man was shot and brutally killed for some stupid reasons known to them and today,  a 7 Years Old was burnt because he stole Garri. Ah! 

This is just too much,  am short of words and this is something that rarely happen to me.  For Christ sake even if he stole diamond or gold - such death penalty is just too inhumane and unacceptable.

Worst is the very people standing around and watching this evil go on.  Whereas they have done worst and still will do worst. And here is a child out of hunger and frustration - stole Garri and he was killed.

Where there no religious fanatics  among the people there,  where was those that  carry  Bible in the morning to disturb their neighbor's sleep,  where was the early morning mosque goers, where was the upright in heart,  the Mr perfect and Mrs perfect that are quick to judge  others evil, where was the supposed religious Nigerian that parade this country. Hmmmm.  The same God will call on and do all sorts of evil under his shadow will judge us.

Like am wowed.... Ihe n'eme Kwa oooo.

Am afraid of people and how black lives matters indeed.

Tufia Kwa oooo.

Researchers produce bio-gel cooking fuel from moringa plant

Researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Research & Training Ibadan, Oyo State, in collaboration with the Raw Material Research & Development Council, University of Ibadan, have produced bio-gel, a cooking fuel, from Moringa stem.

The process of the production was exhibited on Wednesday at the End-of-project workshop on climate change & fossil fuel reduction and environmental conservation using Moringa Oleifera plant at IAR&T.

The workshop was organised by Lifebuilders organisation, an NGO, in collaboration with IAR&T and Raw Material Research & Development Council, Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, the IAR&T Director, Prof. James Adediran, noted that the bio-gel production was consistent with one of the institute’s objectives of mitigating effects of climate change.

He said the use of Biochar for soil fertility management, botanical for plant protection and planting of improved varieties of crops adapted to Southern ecology received attention in the institute’s programmes.

Adediran said: “All our efforts in these areas contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

“Science is now exploring ways out of fossil fuel for an environment-friendly source of energy and all hands must be on deck to make a success.”

The Executive Director of Lifebuilders organisation, Chief Grace Oluwatoye, said it decided to invest in Moringa because of the plant’s numerous micronutrients required for the body.

Oluwatoye said: “For the first time in the history of the world we have been able to generate bio-gel from moringa plant.

“The plant’s potential ought to be explored; so, we call on other researchers to join hands to escalate the breakthrough.

“Through this we can generate a lot of jobs for rural and young people, we have the POP sector, organic fertiliser industry, etc from it; investors, who could use the waste product of the plant should invest in it.

“This will earn Nigeria a lot of money that will save its foreign exchange.”

She emphasised that the organisation was registered for health and sustainable development interventions targeted at young people and rural dwellers.

She said: “Part of our goals is to enhance self-employment among women and out-of-school youths in the non-formal sector including agriculture and other vocations of their choice.”

Earlier, the Project Implementation Committee Chairman, Prof. Lateef Taiwo, said the project was funded by UNDP and commended the NGO for deeming it fit to embark on such a project.

Taiwo said: “This is the end of the first phase of the project, we have put in another proposal to UNDP for the next stage; we are optimistic that they will support us and we will make more progress.”(Punch) 

Immigration intercepts 50 Nigerians travelling illegally to Europe

The National Agency for the Prohibition for Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, rescued 50 persons in the past four days, an official said in Kano.

The Kano Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Shehu Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Tuesday that the victims included women and children.

He said that the victims were intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Katsina on their way to Europe through Niger and Libya.

“There are males and females as well as three minors in the group and they all fall within the ages of three and 45 years,” he said

The zonal commander said that the victims hailed from Abia, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo and Kwara states.

Mr. Umar said that the zonal office had rescued a total of 343 victims this year.

He said that the victims comprised 321 females and 122 males.

Mr. Umar said that the victims were discovered due to three main reasons – lack of legal documents, lack of enough fund and use of illegal routes.

He appealed to members of the public to volunteer to the agency, useful information on suspicious people and their movements.

He advised parents to suspect anybody who would promise to take their wards for employment abroad.

He, however, said that traffickers changed tactics as government uncovered their plans.

The zonal command has secured eight convictions this year and is currently investigating eight cases and prosecuting six.(Punch) 

Reps seek life imprisonment for terrorists, sponsors

The House of Representatives moved on Tuesday to prescribe tougher penalties for terrorism, including “a maximum of life imprisonment.”

A person, who facilitates the escape of a suspect held for an act of terrorism also faces a life prison sentence.

Sponsors of terrorism face the penalty of life imprisonment as those who commit the act itself.

Under the new law in view, planning a terror act is punishable even when the act is not committed eventually.

The provisions were contained in two consolidated bills, which passed second reading at the House in Abuja.

They bills were a “A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for Offences Relating to Terrorism, Prohibit the Financing of Terrorism and Consolidate all Acts Relating to Terrorism and for Related Matters” and “A Bill for an Act to Amen the Terrorism Act 2011 for the Purpose of Applying Stringent Prison Terms for Offences of Terrorism, an Remove the Ambiguities in the Act and for Related Matters.”

The bills were sponsored by Mr. Mohammed Monguno and Mr. Ahmed Kaita.

While the first bill sought to repeal the existing terrorism (prohibition) law and make entirely new provisions for offences, the second bill sought to amend the extant law by strengthening it.

Section 19 of Monguno’s bill states, “A person who knowingly, directly or indirectly (a) aids and abets, (b) induces, instigates, instructs, (c) counsels or procures another person by means to commit an act of terrorism, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to life imprisonment. “

It adds, “Where the offence of terrorism is not committed, to an imprisonment for a term of 20 years.”

The bill defines terrorism broadly to mean any “deliberate” act of “malice”, which may cause harm/damage to a country, its government, economy, national assets, international organisations or result in loss of lives.

Kidnapping and the use of biological or chemical weapons, among others, are classified as terrorism under the bill.

It also includes “interference with or disruption of the supply of water, power or any other fundamental natural resource, the effect of which is to endanger human life.” (Punch) 

$50 up for grabs in Socialmediacreatives.com #BlackFriday contest

$50 Is the cash price up for grabs in the social media creative design contest, organised by Socialmediacreatives.com

Socialmediacreatives.com the new free do it yourself social media creative design website is assisting small businesses to get the most benefit possible from the upcoming black Friday (25th of November 2016) with a contest to promote early creative campaign start and good creative designs for black Friday sales.

Black Friday is a day when most big online businesses make the highest sale on a single day while few small businesses take the advantage.

The main reason why most small businesses don’t make many sales taking advantage of the black Friday is because most small businesses start campaign late and don’t use professional social media designs to engage their audience daily long before black Friday. The late campaign start and poor social media creatives, results in low/ poor brand awareness and visibility ,leading to poor patronage for small businesses ,during the black Friday opportunity.

The total value of transactions on Alibaba’s Singles’ Day shopping festival on November 11, 2015, was estimated at $14.32 billion, big Nigerian e-commerce brands also earned revenue in multiples of what they earn daily.

Speaking of the creative contest, one of the co–founders of Socialmediacreatives.com, Sobowale Temiloluwa, said “We want to create a level playing ground this year for small businesses to compete with the bigger businesses come 2016 black Friday,so we have come up with a creative design contest to reward the best creative designer during this two weeks contest starting from Today. Our winner will be rewarded with a $50 cash price.

Daily customer engagement is key so interested organisations have to create image designs daily using www.socialmediacreatives.com (10 designs, is the minimum required to qualify) over the next 14days (Friday 11th November-Friday 25th )and engage their audience with such over the next weeks.

Contest guidelines

1)create design on socialmediacreative.com
2)Download your free design from www.socialmediacreatives.com
3)Use the #blackfridaycreativecontest and tweet your image design numbering it appropriately by days it (#blackfridaycreativecontest #day1, (#blackfridaycreativecontest #day2…………..,(#blackfridaycreativecontest #day10).
4)Create 10 image designs over the 14 day period and tweet them all to qualify.

Our creative directors will choose the best design using the guidelines below

Qualification and ratings criteria

Every design submitted attracts 10 points and total of 100 points will be used for all contestant, meaning if your designs are not up to 10 your chances of winning is limited as someone with 10 designs has the better chance of winning.

Designs will be rated on these five creative criteria

1 General creativity of your copy (text /content) 2 points
2 Creative positioning/alignment (2points)
3 Use of background and images (2points)
4 Use of fonts, and colours (2points)
5 Over-all blend of creative design (2points)
Total per creative (10points)

The final winner of the $50 price will be announced on Monday 28th November on Twitter @smediacreative.

Only designs done on Socialmediacreatives.com qualify to be used for contest submissions. Designs from other creative platforms will be disqualified.

Join now, start creating ,start engaging your audience take advantage of the black Friday sales and you may also win our best creative designer award.

You may start at any time but note your 10 designs must be tweeted before the end of day 25th November 2016 using the #blackfridaycreativecontest and proper design labels #day1……………………. day 10