Omotola Exclusive: ‘I’m not doing music because of money’

Sultry actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has hit back at rumours that her ‘famous’ appearance at the 2011 Grammy awards was a publicity stunt.

In an exclusive chat with Nigerian Entertainment Today, Omotola says she was invited and hosted by the organisers of the awards, in recognition of her humanitarian activities. According to her, one of her songs, Barren Land was adopted by Amnesty International which they are currently using for their campaign.

‘Universal Studios actually sent that song to the Grammys in Atlanta and they liked the song and they did an investigation on me and the kind of work I have been doing in the past with the UN and all, then I was invited as an African singer who is doing a lot with charity. I was there in that capacity’ she said.

Senate President David Mark Wants Social Media Banned in Nigeria: Saying people now use it to demean their leaders!

UMUAHIA—SENATE President, Senator David Mark, Thursday, called for a check on the menace of the social media on the Nigerian society, saying that people now use them to demean their leaders.

Mark said the need to check the social media became necessary, as they do not have the avenue for retraction of whatever they had done.

Senator Mark, who spoke in Umuahia, Abia State, while declaring open a two-day retreat for Senate Press corps, explained that the media has come to stay, as part of the process of governance in the country, since the return of democratic government in 1999 and performing its social responsibility of checking the excesses of the leaders.

Senator Mark, however, urged reporters to always cross check their facts before writing so as not to mislead the people, who depend on them to know what goes on around them.

The Senate President cited as examples varied figures usually quoted by various media in times of tragedies, saying that the figures were always inconsistent.

Describing the media as one of the stabilizing factors in the scheme of things, Mark cautioned that “we need to change our attitude on how we report things about our country, and we should emulate the foreign reporters, who never report negative things about their countries.”

VANGUARD

Funke Akindele and Mercy Aigbe Win Global News Best Actress Awards

Star Nollywood actresses, Funke Akindele-Oloyede and Mercy Aigbe-Gentry were awarded for excellence at the Global Leadership Awards for Excellence (GLADE) held on Sunday, July 22, 2012 in Lagos.

The event, which took place at Time Square Events Ltd, Ikeja, Lagos, awarded excellence in almost all facet of the society with awards given out in politics, banking, personalities, movies, music, fashion, etc.

I didn’t love my husband at first- Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Anytime Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde speaks about her husband, her face lights up in a smile.

And then, no question about the sort of relationship they both share is complete without the shapely actress saying, “If I had not married him, I would not have married anyone else.”

And this is quite understandable, as their union of 16 years has weathered the storm and is one of the few in the industry that is scandal free.

Surprisingly, the actress says scandals are expected when an individual is famous. As such, they add up in making her life story more interesting. She adds that she is not bothered because her husband is very understanding.

Empower police to deal with Boko Haram – Buhari

Presidential Candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 elections, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has asked the Federal Government to empower the police to deal with the Boko Haram insurgency.

Buhari spoke on the sidelines of the presentation of a book titled, ‘How I governed Anambra State: Stewardship & Accountability’ in Abuja, on Thursday.

The book was written by a former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju.

Also at this event, an All Nigeria Peoples Party stalwart, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezife, said Nigeria and Nigerians had become unpopular because “we have killed our conscience.”

Buhari said, “The bombings have subsided. It’s up to the law enforcement agents. This is probably the problem of the police. You know, they (Police and SSS) have to secure the country. Constitutionally it’s their job

“Boko Haram as I said, I would rather that the police should be empowered.

“It’s the police that live with the people- they know in every police command- the neighborhood and so on. A lot of the responsibility I think should go to the police.”

The one time military dictator also decried the poor state of the nation’s education system.

PUNCH

I still call my husband’s number – Dana crash widow

Bridget, widow of Lt. Col. Owoicho Ochigbo, says she still calls her late husband on the telephone hoping to hear his voice two months after his death in the June 3 Dana plane crash in Lagos.

She said this in an interview with our correspondent after the Service of Songs of Ochigbo at the Ribadu Cantoment, Kaduna on Wednesday.

According to Bridget, she heard the news of the crash on the television.

She said, “I prayed that there were survivors, my husband would be number one because I know him as a person who loved to fight for what he wanted.”

According to her, they planned to have their wedding anniversary on June 9, saying that she had no regrets “having him as my husband and the father of my children.”

She said when she lost her mother barely a year ago, her late husband was her pillar and strength.

She added, “It has not been easy. It has been difficult because I lost my mother barely a year now. It was on July 27, 2011 that I lost my mother. And here I am now mourning my husband. I lost my Daddy when I was just eight years.

Army presents anti-bombing devices to Churches, Mosques

ABUJA – Nigerian Army, Thursday, unveiled and presented vehicle stoppers to some Churches and Mosques, as part of its corporate social responsibility in curtailing the spate of suicide bombing at worship centres across the country.
Presenting the devices in Abuja, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major Gen. Bitrus Kwaji said the vehicle stoppers were designed to stop any vehicle from all angle at any speed.
He added that the anti-bombing devices would be distributed to the representatives of Christian and Muslim bodies, who should in turn produce it in mass for distribution, while stressing that security is everybody’s business.
His words, “it has been discovered that most attacks of suicide bombers are being carried out with vehicles loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The mode of operation is simple as a suicide bomber drives his vehicle straight into his target and explosion occurs.
“In order to disallow bombers from reaching their targets, this invention comes in handy as it forcefully stops any vehicle that comes in contact with it at whatever speed.
“The unfolding security challenges confronting the nation amongst which is the Boko Haram terrorist menace have continued to hinder the congress of the transformation agenda of Mr President as well as the development of the nation at large.
“The terrorists over the years have continued to attack places of worship (churches and mosques) in order to destabilize the nation. This has necessitated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to charge all corps and services of the Nigerian Army to provide ways and means of curtailing this menace.
Source

Big Brother Update: Prezzo defends Goldie

Goldie’s ‘ex-boyfriend’ Prezzo might not have the opportunity to see his beau for now but he’s ‘holding it down’ for her in the house.

The 32-year-old rapper was quick to speak on Goldie’s behalf during a discussion about female artistes and why ladies put ‘baby’ after their names.

The housemates played with each other’s names mentioning ‘Lady May baby’, ‘Eazy baby’ but as soon as Talia mentioned ‘Goldie baby’, Prezzo cut her short  saying ‘Goldie has finesse’.

Meanwhile, Prezzo is at the moment caught in the web of suspense as he sits atop the eviction nomination list for this week, and his fate to be decided come Sunday, July 29, 2012.

New pay coming for policemen

The Federal Government is working on a new pay structure for the Nigeria Police, to boost the morale of policemen and officers.
This was stated by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Mr. Solomon Olusegun, on Thursday in Awka, during a visit to the Anambra State Police Command.
He said the pay structure was being worked on by the Force headquarters, Abuja.

Singer Ego Ogbaro's husband loses Camry car to armed robbers

Niyi Ogbaro was robbed at gun point a few nights ago in Lagos. Not only did the robbers make away with the couple's Camry car (like the one in the photo), they also shot at Niyi. Fortunately he wasn't seriously injured.



Lindaikeji

Comedian, Teju Babyface set to wed Tobi Banjoko in September

We reported in February that Teju BabyFace popped the question to his model girlfriend, Tobi Banjoko. Their wedding is set to hold on the 1st of September, 2012. Tobi, who won the Lagos Carnival beauty pageant in 2010, is an undergraduate at Lagos State University (LASU). She also represented Ondo State at the 2011 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant, where she emerged as Miss .

Interview: TB Joshua Exposes The Reason For Boko Haram killing

Getting Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua to speak on pressing national issues came with its obstacles. But with persistence, Kehinde Oyetimi got the popular pastor to speak.
See what he said on Boko Haram and other issues below:
Ques: The nature of insecurity in Nigeria is bothering everyone. Many people have given various pieces of advice concerning this issue. Will Boko Haram not end in Nigeria?
Ans: We are fighting flesh and blood and not the spirit being that causes stealing, killing and destruction. Until we begin to fight that spirit being that causes killing, stealing and destruction, the battle will not end. Our neighbours are not our enemies. Remember that our neighbours can be our friends; our neighbours can be our enemies; our neighbours can be those who do not share the same faith with us. It is never the will of anyone to kill themselves because of anything unless there is the spirit to kill at work.
Ques: You prophesied that from February 27 to April, 2011 there would be serious challenges that would threaten the April 2011 election. You called on the President to intervene in the political crisis in Oyo state because the governor would not be able to represent him in winning the election in the state. You said the president should look beyond PDP for success in his election, that his personality would win the election.
You said the PDP would lose in Ekiti and Osun. You said God showed you that a group would attack people in the Northern part of the country, before and after Christmas in 2010. You predicted the bomb blasts in Abuja barracks and other states. These prophecies which you gave in September, 2010 to those in authority have all come to pass.
You also stated that prayers could avert them. You predicted the Dana plane crash which was published in February this year. How do you see these visions?
Ans: Romans 10 verse 9 states that “he that believes has eternal life.” By this statement, the believing means possessing. The instant that you believe, you have whatever you ask that is in accordance to the will of God. The instant that you believe that thing that is according to God’s will, it is yours. The instant you believe, you become a possessor of the father’s nature. It you confess with your mouth, if you believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead, in this way, there is a level of confession and believing. It is deep, deeper, deepest.
Everyone that believes has power to prophesy. The belief in our heart is released by faith. The belief to see visions is released by faith out of our mouth.
Ques: For many years people have argued that you have no biological child. But now, we hear your daughter graduated in Law from the London School of Economics with second class upper division. What do you have to say?
Ans: What do you want me to say?
Ques: Is she your biological daughter?
Ans: (Cuts in) She is my daughter. In fact she is my first daughter. She is my biological child. Those of you who say I have no child, we are yet to hear from your children.
Ques: There are so many pastors with big churches that have their children being involved in running the affairs of those places. Don’t you want your daughter to be involved in church activities? After her graduation, what is her next line of action?
Ans: Due to her excellent performance, she was given admission to study for her masters in International Law in New York University; she also got admission into LSE ( London School of Economics) and also to UCLA and other universities in Colombia for her masters.
Ques: You went to Jerusalem many years ago. After you returned, there have been miracles taking place in your church. What happened to you there?
Ans: I have been in the field of God’s work before that trip. I only went there to see where my father, Jesus Christ went, the things he touched.
Ques: What are the next events that would happen in Nigeria?
Ans: You want me to book an appointment with God? I will do so. Come next time; I will tell you.
Source

Falling container crushes pedestrian in Ogun

 

A female pedestrian was crushed on Thursday morning at Kara Bus Stop, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by a container after it fell from a moving trailer.

The trailer was heading out of Lagos around 7am when it lost one of its tyres, making the driver to lose control of the truck momentarily.

Witnesses said that as he struggled to regain control of the truck, it tipped over to its right side.

As the truck fell, it landed on the woman, who was walking beside the road, in search of a commercial bus to her destination.

The unidentified woman was said to have died instantly while a gridlock formed on the outbound Lagos side of the busy expressway. (Punch)

Meet The World's Oldest Couple

Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher always viewed marriage as meant to be forever. So, why wouldn’t they still be married after 84 years? The Craven County, N.C., couple at 105 and 103 years old is the longest living married couple in the world, and they have the certificate from Guinness World Records book to prove it!
Their granddaughter, Iris Godette, submitted their names to the Guinness, which authenticated the claim. Zelmyra, who uses a walker to get around the house and yard, still remembers why she decided to marry Herbert on May 13, 1924: “He was not mean; he was not a fighter,” she told the Sun Journal, “He was quiet and kind. He was not much to look at, but he was sweet.”

Woman Arrested for Luring Teenage Virgin for Rapist

A woman, Ukamaka Oluche, who allegedly lured her teenage friend (name withheld) to a suspected rapist, Tunde Mesanga, has landed herself and the man in serious trouble. The two are now standing trial at a Magistrate’s Court in Apapa, Lagos on a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape. The court ordered that they be remanded at Kirikiri prisons, Apapa.
Ukamaka and the18-year old teenage girl have been friend for some years. The victim confided in Ukamaka that she was a virgin and would like to remain so until after her university education and marriage. The teenager did not know her friend was not happy at such a revelation.
Ukamaka therefore lured the victim to suspected rapist’s house somewhere in Agric area of Lagos-Badagry expressway, where she was allegedly raped by Mesanga. Both of them reportedly stripped the victim while Tunde raped her.
The incident was later reported to the police; Ukamaka and Mesanga were arrested and charged to court.
The police prosecutor told the court that the two suspects contravened sections 409 and 263 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2011. When the charge was read to them, Ukamaka and Mesanga pleaded not guilty.
The presiding magistrate, Mr. E.O. Ogundare admitted each of them to bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety each in the like sum. The matter was adjourned till 19 October, 2012 for mention. But because they did not meet the bail condition on time, they were remanded in Kirikiri prisons, Apapa, pending when their sureties will perfect their bail conditions

Source 

PDP candidate vows to unseat Mimiko

Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the October 20 Ondo State governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke, has vowed to halt Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s second term bid.

The former PDP National Legal Adviser, who spoke with journalists ahead of the beginning of his campaign, also debunked the rumour that President Goodluck Jonathan is backing Mimiko for a return.

He said, “I am not scared of any incumbency factor; is it incumbency that has disappointed the people? Is it incumbency that has brought poverty, unemployment and failed to meet the aspirations of Ondo people? Any incumbency that is founded on failure will not be difficult for me to push out and dislodge politically; it has happened in many states.

Source 

How Yar’ Ádua saved my life – Alamieyeseigha

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, yesterday, said but for the late President Umar  Yar’Adua, he woud have been killed the same way Chief MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of June 1993 presidential election and Alhaji Shehu Yar’Adua died while in prison.
Alamieyeseigha said the late president admonished him to accept  certain conditions, which he did not disclose so that he  (Alamieyeseigha) will remain alive.
He said late President Yar’Adua secretly hinted him that despite his travails, a particular cabal was not done yet  and wanted him completely eliminated.
He spoke in Abuja, at the launch of a book authored by his contemporary and former Anambra State Governor, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
The former Bayelsa State governor, who was the chief launcher on  the occasion, was reacting to his colleague’s address, who had reeled out all his bad experiences in office as governor of Anambra State.
“You have said your own experiences in office as a governor of your state but if I state mine, you will see that yours is nothing compared to what I passed through,” he said.

Source

AYC U-20 Prep: Flying Eagles beaten 1-0 by

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a 1-0 defeat against Rwanda in a friendly today at the State Regional in Kigali.
It was an 85th decider after France-based striker Bon-Fils Kabanda’s goal made the difference between the two African sides.
The Flying Eagles had so many scoring chances from the blow of the whistle in the first half could make it count for them before Kabanda had the opportunity to notch up Rwanda.
At the beginning of the match, Rwanda showed some flashes when Charles Tibingana coming close to getting the opening goal for the home team with a header from inside the box which narrowly missed its mark.
And immediately Nigeria retaliated with Chidi Osuchukwu’s shot which screamed wide and minutes later striker Alhaji Gero’s effort was deflected for a corner kick.
Osuchukwu then carved out one of the best chances of the day in the 42nd minute.
His left-footed shot from inside the box was scrambled by Rwanda goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera for a corner kick.
Both Gero and right-back Shehu Abdullahi also saw their efforts failing to hit target in the dying moments of the first half.
With the Second beginning, Aminu Umar’s shot from an acute angle crashed against the side netting as Nigeria dictated the pace.
They had introduced several of their top players like Aliyu Mohammed, Uche Agbo, Jonah Usman, Harrison Egbune, Hassan Abubakar and Yahaya Adamu.
In the 63rd minute of the match, Emmanuel Sebanani ought to have put Rwanda ahead but he wasted the chance from a very big opening.
Agbo also threatened the Rwanda goal at least twice and, in between, substitute goalkeeper Usman saved a goal-bound header by Rwanda.
The match was played at the same stadium the Super Eagles held the Rwandan senior national team to a goalless draw late in February in a 2013 African Nations Cup qualifier.

 CHANNELS

Bill Gates says much more work needed to turn tide of AIDS

 

Philanthropist and AIDS prevention advocate Bill Gates said on Monday there had been significant advances in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but he was not ready to say the world was “turning the tide” on the disease, the theme of this week’s International AIDS Conference.

Gates said the trajectory of the disease had certainly improved, noting figures the United Nations released last week showing global AIDS deaths last year fell to 1.7 million, down from 1.8 million in 2010.
But that still means far too many people are dying from AIDS, the multibillionaire co-founder of Microsoft Corp told Reuters in an interview at his offices in Washington, the host city of this year’s AIDS conference.
“Is the end clearly in sight? No. Do we have the tools that will bring about the end? No,” said Gates.
He said wealthy nations, which have been the primary engine for funding the research and the delivery of life-saving drugs to 8 million poor people, faced financial challenges that threatened AIDS funding.
If anything, now is the time to make sure AIDS remains a funding priority “despite the toughness that is out there,” he said.

Source

Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon on the death of Ghana's President

President Professor John Evans Atta Mills’ passing on is a mere ephemeral recumbent hibernation; an empyrean paradisiac rendezvous lies ahead. Heaven is the terminus. The ecclesiastic, executive and legislature and all Ghanaians at large have lost a solitaire. Any veritable verification of the verity of President Professor John Evans Atta Mills' demise? I am in a state of metagrabolised melancholia.


Hmmmmnn, this man no go kill person with grammar.

Dana crash: DNA results ready next week, 152 bodies identified

Foremost pathologist, Prof. John Obafunwa on Wednesday told a Lagos Coroner, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe that his department has so far identified 152 bodies of the victims of the June 3, ill fated Dana airline crash in Lagos.
Prof. Obafunwa who said that the result of the DNA tests on the bodies of some of the crash victims will be ready next week disclosed that the bodies so far identified were either charred, partial or complete.
The Pathologist who is the Chief Medical Examiner of Lagos State and a consultant forensic pathologist, and Vice- Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), recounted the gory sight of some of the bodies when the body bags were brought to the Lagos State University Hospital (LASUTH).
He was Led in evidence by Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, a counsel from the state Ministry of Justice.
Obafunwa said, “When the body bags of the victims were opened at the morgue, some of them contain bone fragments while some had body parts.
“Sixty per cent of the crash victims had multiple injuries while about 20 per cent had multiple injuries and smoke inhalation.

D'Banj Opens Up on why he signed Jaysleek to his Record Label

The one and only Koko Master has officially confirmed the signing of prolific producer Jeremiah Shelika, popularly called Jaysleek, as a producer at D’Banj Records.

Speaking on the new signing, the multi-award winning international artiste and entrepreneur, D'Banj,  expressed his delight, noting that 'it is a sure sign of great things to come.'

    This has been a long time coming so we are really happy to see Jaysleek join the D'Banj family. It’s exciting to be working with one of the best; Jaysleek is a fantastic producer, hardworking, humble, and immensely creative. I’m so certain that he will carve a niche for himself here at D’Banj Records and inspire us to even greater music,” he concluded.

Alec Godwin and wife welcome baby girl

Barely five months after his second wedding, entertainment businessman and Gospel R&B singer Kefee’s ex-husband Alec Godwin is now a proud father of a baby girl.

Sources say Alec’s wife delivered at a Lagos hospital yesterday July 25, 2012.

Phone calls made to Alec’s phone were not responded to neither were text messages replied.

Alec ended his three-year marriage with Kefee Obareki in 2008 after protracted marital problems.

After Alec’s wedding in January, Kefee also tied the knot for a second time; she married popular radio host and show producer Teddy Esosa Don-Momoh popularly known as Da Fresh Prince.

Source: NET

FG sacks Nigerian Ports Authority MD

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday relieved the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Omar Suleiman, of his appointment.

The decision was contained in a statement made available to journalists by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

No reason was given for the sacking of the former NPA boss.

According to the statement, Mr. Habibu Abdullahi will take over from Suleiman as the new MD.

Abdullahi who hails from Kano State was the authority’s Acting Executive Director (Finance and Administration) until his new appointment.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s degree in Public Administration.

In other changes made by Jonathan in Federal Government parastatals in the transport sector, Jonathan also approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the NPA.

They are Mr. David Omonibeke (Executive Director, Marine and Operations), Mr. Mohammmed Saleh (Executive Director, (Engineering and Technical Services), and Mr. Olumide Oduntan (Executive Director, Finance & Administration).

Similarly, the President approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

PUNCH

African first ladies begin summit amidst controversy, drama

It is expected to be an edifice for peace and conflict resolution in 12 months when it is projected to be completed.

However, the foundation for the African First Ladies Peace Centre was laid in the midst of intense security measures and controversy in Abuja on Wednesday by President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience.

The atmosphere was enlivened by songs in praise of the President’s wife by scores of women dressed in resplendent white as well as traditional dancers from different parts of the country.

The venue of the foundation laying ceremony was the prime land situated between the Federal Secretariat and  Izon Wari, the Bayelsa State House, which had originally been allocated to non-governmental organisation, the Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation, belonging to former First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua.

The Board of Trustees of WYEF had approached an Abuja court to challenge the revocation of the 18,000 square metre land and reallocation of the same to African First Ladies Peace Mission chaired by Mrs. Jonathan.

Although, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had requested for out-of-court settlement of the dispute, the conflict was yet to be settled before the foundation for the seven-storey edifice was laid on Wednesday.

As the first ladies approached the venue of the programme, Abuja Market Women led by Chief Felicia Sani, burst into Igbo songs in praise of the First Lady: Ahia oma n’ere onwe ya; Mama Patience, Ahia oma n’ere onwe ya; Anaghi ekwe ya onu (meaning: Good product that sells itself; Mother Patience, good product that sells itself; The price is not subject to negotiation).

As Patience made her way to the podium, the market women greeted her with two more songs: Patience, na you we know; Patience, na you we know; any other president, na them sabi; any other president, na them sabi.

Chelsea sign Brazil midfielder Oscar

Chelsea have completed the signing of Brazil playmaker Oscar from Internacional. The 20-year-old joins the European champions in a deal reported to be worth £25 million.
He is part of Brazil’s squad for London 2012 and played in the 2-0 warm-up victory over Team GB last Friday.

Oscar, full name Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior, is a product of the Sao Paulo youth set up.

Uche Jombo's Wedding pictures

Julie Odia owned WOW magazine, the celebrity magazine outfit that bought the exclusive right of Uche Jombo's wedding pictures, has finally released the pictures.

On Thursday, May 16, 2012, Uche Jombo took many by surprise when she secretly married her American lover, Kenny Rodriguez in a private beach wedding ceremony in Puerto Rico. Few days prior to her wedding, she denied any wedding plans when it was rumoured that she would be getting married soon.

Soon after her secret wedding, she returned to Nigeria without her husband. This further fuelled controversies over her wedding.

World Leaders Condole With Ghana Over Mills’ Death

United States President Barrack Obama, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Kamalesh Sharma are among the world leaders mourning the death of Ghanaian President, John Evans Atta Mills.
President Obama, speaking through a press statement issued yesterday on his behalf by US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, said that late President Mills made a significant contribution to Ghana’s democracy and development, and forged a strong and positive partnership with the United States.
“As the third president of modern Ghana, he … promoted regional peace and reinforced Ghana’s reputation as a leader in Africa. President Mills was a champion for his nation and his loss will be felt around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Ghana during this difficult time” Obama’s statement reads.
Also, UN Chief Ban Ki-moon said he is saddened by the death of Mills and offered his heartfelt condolences to the late leader’s family and the Government and the people of the country.
“President Mills will be remembered for his statesmanship and years of dedicated service to his country,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson. “At this time of national mourning, the Secretary-General renews the commitment of the United Nations to work alongside the Government and the people of Ghana in support of their efforts to consolidate the country’s democratic and development achievements.”
In his reaction, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said Mills was “an inspiring leader of Ghana and a true Commonwealth champion, who will be sorely missed at home and internationally. He was a strong advocate and supporter of the Commonwealth, and our membership benefited enormously from his active participation in Commonwealth life and his wisdom.
“Ghana was the first independent nation from Africa to join the modern Commonwealth and made impressive strides under his leadership, in both the fields of democracy and development. I remember with great warmth, my official visit to Ghana in 2009 and the very fruitful interaction that we had.”

Leadership

Okonjo-Iweala to Reps: we can’t run budget 100% by Sept

The Executive fired back at the House of Representatives yesterday over its insistence on full implementation of the budget by September.
The lawmakers warned before proceeding on recess last week that failure to implement the budget 100 per cent will lead to impeachment proceedings against President Goodluck Jonathan.
Yesterday, the Executive ruled out the possibility of full implementation of the budget. But Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala explained that 56 per cent of the budget had been implemented with about N404billion cash released.
The budget Bill signed into law on March 15 was N4.69trillion.
The third quarter fund will be released within the next two weeks, according to the minister.
She spoke to State House correspondents in Abuja. With her were Minister of Information Labaran Maku; Director General of Bureau for Public Procurement Emeka Eze and Director General of Budget Dr. Bridgt Okongu. She said there had been a lot of improvement in the implementation of the budget, saying the 39 per cent recorded for the month of May had increased to 56 per cent by mid-July.
“First, in my experience worldwide, there is hardly any country where you would implement 100 per cent even by the end of the year and this is based on very broad experience.
“But people try to get at least to 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the budget by September, you know September is the ninth month of the year, we will definitely be moving towards the figure.
“I think the point is that Mr President is determined to implement this budget as fully as possible and, therefore, we will be moving towards 90 per cent by the end of the year because the budget was made for the whole year.
“So you can see that there is no lack of effort, no lack of goodwill. If we could go from 39 per cent in May to 56 per cent by mid July, that shows a considerable leap and I’m quite confident that as we go month by month, we will be able to look at it and say yes a good effort has been made for the country.”
Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala also noted that the review of the implementation level of the budget by the Executive which has seen three ministers, Police Affairs, Interior and Agriculture appearing before the President to state key indicator performance of their ministries, was to be able to keep a tap on what have been achieved.
She went on: “As you know, we have released about N404billion so far, cashed back N324billion and the utilisation of that is 56 per cent. We will soon be considering the release of the third quarter funds, we hope to do that within the next two weeks or so.
Source

Army officers accosted by Gov Fashola on BRT lane to pay N25k fine

 

The army officers ACCOSTED by Governor on July 17th for taking the designated BRT lane will pay a mandatory fine, the Nigerian army said yesterday. The two officers will pay N25, 000 each for the traffic offense and other army personnel have been warned by the Nigerian Army to obey the laws of the state.

SSS accuses communities of shielding Boko Haram members

The Director of the State Security Service in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr. Little Okojie, has alleged that some communities are shielding members of Boko Haram from security operatives.
Okojie said the security threat posed by the sect had become seemingly intractable because of the cover provided for the members by communities.
The SSS director also said the sect’s asymmetric mode of operation also contributed to the difficulty in going into meaningful dialogue with them.
Okojie spoke in Abuja while playing host to the newly elected executive members of the Abuja chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Wednesday.
He said the situation was further complicated by the fact that intermediaries of the group refuse to disclose the identities of the members of the sect.

Source

Boy, 11, flies Manchester to Rome without passport or ticket

British Security is being questioned, on the eve of the Olympics, after an 11-year old boy flew from Manchester to Rome without a passport, ticket or boarding pass.

 

Reuters quotes Manchester Airport Spokesman John Greenway saying the initial investigation shows the boy had passed through border controls and ticket checks without any documentation just by staying close to families. Apparently some passengers got suspicious and raised concerns mid-way through the flight. Sky News reports Liam Corcoran got away from his mother while they were out shopping in nearby Wythenshawe. He apparently then took a bus to the airport, about 3 miles away.

 

The airport insists the boy was not a security risk. Manchester Airport’s Director of Communications says, “He did go through full security screening. So he didn’t present a threat to himself, to other passengers, to the aircraft.”

FG Didn’t Buy 200 Cars For First Ladies’ Summit – Presidency

The Presidency yesterday refuted report in the media that the Federal Government has purchased 200 new “exotic” cars for the African First Ladies Summit which formally opens in Abuja tomorrow.
It said it was Coscharis Motors Ltd who offered to provide some cars for the event at no cost to the organisers or the Federal Government.
Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati who noted in a statement that the presidency received the said report in a national newspaper (not LEADERSHIP) with dismay, described the story as utterly false and misleading.
Explaining what he described as the true facts of the matter, Abati said “The African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) which is holding its summit in Abuja is a Non-Governmental Organisation. Its activities are funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives.

P-Square Buries Mum August 2

Mrs Okoye, 62, who died on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, would be buried in her husband's house at Ifite-Dunu, Akwa Village, Anambra State on Thursday, 2 August, 2012.

Shortly before the burial, there will be a lying-in-state at her Umunachi, Umudioka Village, Anambra State and a church service at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, before the proper burial at Ifite-Dunu, which will also be the reception venue.

The one-day funeral will be anchored by M.I.C, leading undertakers in Nigeria and is expected to be attended by colleagues of P-Square in the entertainment industry and some state governors amid tight security.