Desmond Elliott reveals on how his Mum would dragged him to the Police Station to gets Disciplined!

Hardworking actor cum producer/director, Desmond Elliott whose wife has delivered a set of twins twice recently revealed that his mum took him to the Police station to be disciplined twice.

``Anytime I erred, my mum would hold me by my hand and drag me to the police station. She would tell the officer on duty to help discipline and beat me. People would beg on the way but she would not bugged until she has fulfilled her intention.. She wiould hold my short and drag me to the station. She did that twice when we were still living in Jos. She is such a discipline woman,`` Desmond revealed!

Magistrate orders lawyer to frog-jump for noise-making

Mr. Adewunmi Makanjuola of an Osun State Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo, yesterday, ordered a middle-aged lawyer, Nnajite Okobie, to frog-jump for five minutes in front of the court premises as a punishment for disrupting court proceeding.
Makanjuola, who was presiding over a case of alleged rape of a 11-year-old pupil, was apparently disturbed from the noise by Okobie, who was having a conversation with two other people suspected to be his clients on the court premises.
The magistrate, worried by the development, sent the court orderly to warn the lawyer to desist from making noise. But the man failed to heed to the advice of the judge.
Provoked by the action of Okobie and his two clients, Magistrate Makanjuola ordered the court orderly to bring the trio before him and asked them to make a choice on whether to be docked for contempt of court or to frog-jump for five minutes for their punishment.
It was at this point that Okobie and his clients chose to frog-jump. Makanjuola then asked the court orderly to sanction them by engaging them in a five-minute frog-jump.
The magistrate stressed that the action of the lawyer and his clients had put the court in disrepute.
The punishment attracted many passers-by including workers of the court, suspects to the scene. Not a few people took pity on the lawyer while others made mockery of him while the punishment lasted.

Source

Fresh attacks kill six in Maiduguri

Six people have been reported dead in Maiduguri, after an attack by suspected Boko Haram militants.
This is coming a day after President Goodluck Jonathan lifted a state of emergency in several regions, the military said on Friday.
President Jonathan on Wednesday rescinded a state of emergency in several local government areas, including in Borno, ahead of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, which is observed by most of Nigeria’s estimated 80 million Muslims.
Joint Task Force (JTF) reported that two people were killed on Thursday during a gunfight between suspected Boko Haram members in Maiduguri, before gunmen killed four people at a nearby market.
“My men were patrolling around the market after it closed,” Police Commissioner Bala Hassan said after confirming the death toll from the attacks.

Source

Sound Sultan Exclusive: ‘Real music is going extinct’

Lyrical creativity and physical energy are the things that readily come to mind when the name Sound Sultan is mentioned. Born to Muslim parents as Olanrewaju Fasasi, Sound Sultan, who ascribes his stage name to his elder siblings, has been living up to the name, especially through the lyrics of his music, which most people believe his strength. In this interview, Sound Sultan shares with NET his plans for the future, and gives us an exclusive on what he’s doing at the moment.

Let’s start this with some memories of your growing up days. Share with us the most interesting memories of your youthful days especially the ones that tilt towards your musical career.

I started music in the year 1991 in secondary school. When I started miming, writing my own lyrics and by 1994, I had time for myself. I left school, then I started writing songs and poems, and I was opportune to have a brother like Baba Dee, he and my parents were very supportive. I started following Baba Dee to shows, started recording with him, so the experience gave me a push, and in the year 2000, I released my first single after winning different talent hunts, which was what was the in-thing then.

Starting out at that time, what challenges did you come up against?

So many constraints, financial constraints. People not believing in you because they don’t know what you are made of. You just try to convince them with word of mouth; it’s your word against theirs. For us, at that time, the music industry had not gotten the kind of acceptance it has now, so we had extra work to do to push it to the level of believability it now enjoys. Well now, we thank God that people have started believing in us and started spending money on the artistes and their music.

A lot seems to have changed, especially the content of music from artistes these days, what’s your take on this?

It’s not just in Nigeria. Real music is going extinct. It’s the world over, and it’s what the world is turning to. I have understood Nigerian music and the consumers. We need to understand the fact that Nigeria is a developing country under hardship and everybody wants to escape through music. They don’t want music that will remind them of the hardship they’ve been through for five days, and now they just want to get down on weekends, party and feel stupid, which is why they keep yearning for (demonstrates) jangbala jangbala music. That’s what I think is the reason for that kind of music in Nigeria. And in the world over, I think the youths are growing faster. Youths are growing faster and adults are dying faster, so nowadays, you have more youth listening to and demanding music, most of them want those tip tap, form your dance, bop your head kind of lyrics.

Wizkid finally gets Headies 'Next Rated' prize car he won last year

 

The music star finally got his Headies Music Award Next Rated' prize - a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Wizkid won the next rated category at the 2011 edition of one of Nigeria’s leading urban music event - The Headies, beating Ice Prince, Tiwa Savage and Olamide.

The car was presented to him on Friday July 13th, 2012 at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.

My love for Prezzo was not a strategy to win' - Goldie opens up

The singer opened up at a press conference that was held on Thursday afternoon at Protea Hotel, Ikeja. My paparazzi was there to capture some it all :-).

When asked if her 'love' for Prezzo was real or a strategy to win, the singer replied:

It wasn't a strategy to win. I saw Prezzo as a calm, very intelligent and easy going person. Viewers have the option of seeing about 50 cameras at a time but I have just two eyes and two ears and only believe in what I saw. You had the opportunity of knowing him more than I did.

On how she felt when she realized that Prezzo had nominated her for eviction/ played her. Her answer when you continue...

PDP is Nigeria’s problem, opposition parties tell Jonathan

Three leading opposition parties on Thursday faulted President Goodluck Jonathan’s claim that democracy would have collapsed in the  country without the ruling People’s Democratic Party.
The All Nigeria Peoples Party, the Action Congress of Nigeria and the Congress for Progressive Change said contrary to Jonathan’s claim, the PDP was the problem of democracy in the country.
The President, had at the PDP 60th National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Tuesday said, “People, who want to drown us know that without the PDP, probably, the Republic would have collapsed.”
Responding to the claim,  the ANPP said the President was not saying the truth.
Rather, it said the PDP had destroyed democracy in the country.
Speaking in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Emma Eneukwu, said it was Nigerians who had been keeping vigil not to enable the PDP to destroy the nation’s democracy.

Patience Jonathan Arrives Bayelsa For Swearing-in As Perm Sec Today

The wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan, will today in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, be sworn-in as a permanent secretary along with 17 others by the Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.
Others to be sworn in include Mr. J. E. Oye, Samson Ayibeboa, Mrs. Antonia Koroye, Ziwari Billie, Buruboyefa John, Dikuro Ayebameh, Serge Williams, Olu Kuruom, G. I. Izein, Mrs. Philomena Alodie, Dr. Omietimi Kojo, Ese Izonebi, Ohougha Maythias, James Clinton, Mrs. Linnet Tebepah, Moses Teibowei, Dr. A. Sanayi and Vivian Odiwei
Dame Jonathan arrived in the Bayelsa State capital yesterday ahead of today’s event that will hold at the State Banquet Hall of the Government House. The workers of the State Environmental Sanitation Authority were seen around the state capital re-painting the culverts along the roads to the Government House in anticipation of the number of guests the swearing-in will take.

Sultan announces commencement of Ramadan fast

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar has announced the sighting of the new moon on Thursday night.
The announcement signified the commencement of 29 or 30 days Ramadan fasting on Friday.
According to the leader of the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, the moon was sighted in Bornu, Kebbi, Zamfara States.
Alhaji Abubakar urged Muslims to seize the opportunity of the blessed month to pray for security in Nigeria.
He also congratulated the faithful for witnessing another month of blessings.

Woman in court for throwing baby into well

A 40-year-old woman, who allegedly threw a toddler into a well, on Thursday appeared before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on a murder charge.
Kuburat Bello was accused of throwing a four-year-old daughter of her co-tenant into a dry well. The baby was said to have died in the well.
The court could not take the defendant’s plea as Magistrate M.O. Tanimola said that she needed the advice of the state Director of Public Prosecutions.
She remanded the woman at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending the advice.
According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Victor Eruada, Bello, a resident of No. 1, Haruna St., Fadeyi, Lagos, committed the alleged murder on May 23.
He said that the girl was a daughter of Mr Martin Solomon, and that the defendant and Solomon’s wife had been in disagreement for some months.
The prosecutor told the court that the toddler had gone to the defendant’s apartment to give her a pencil as she requested but did not return.
Eruada said that shortly after the pencil was given, Solomon heard some neighbours shouting that his daughter was in the well.
He told the court that when Solomon demanded an explanation, the defendant said that the girl suddenly said that she wanted to jump into the well, and that before she could stop her, the toddler had jumped in.
The prosecutor said that the dry well had not been in use in the past eight years.
He noted that murder contravenes Section 221 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, and punishable with death.
The case was adjourned till Oct. 10 for mention. (NAN)

Police foil bomb attack on Abuja Catholic school

The men of the bomb disposal units of the Nigeria Police on Thursday foiled a bomb attack on St. Alloysius Schools, Area 3, Garki, Abuja.
A security man, who briefed the Head Teacher of the schools, Sister Philomena Akem, said the item was planted under a mango tree near where pupils buy biscuits and other items after school.
According to the security man, a woman who saw the bag became curious and called the attention of the church security personnel to the strange item.
He said when the security personnel found the object they in turn called the policemen on duty at the St. Alloysius Catholic Arch Diocese to the bomb.
He added that the policemen alerted the bomb disposal unit which came in to defuse the device.

Source

Baby with many legs needs N1m to live

A baby girl that was delivered with many legs and no anus needs N1 million for corrective surgery for her to remain alive, medical experts said.

Baby Nafisat was born on June 18, 2012 to the family of Ahmed in Bayo Local Government Area of Borno state. But her parents’ joy was turned to sorrow when she was delivered with complex abnormalities.

According to medical surgeons, Nafisat needs an intensive surgery to make her remain alive.

But her parents have no means of paying for such surgery; hence, they called on the Borno state government, especially the First Lady, to come to their aid.

Dr Adamu Madugu, the Medical Director (MD) of the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, said Nafisat risks losing her precious life if the surgery is not carried out immediately.

He said: “Nafisat was referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, and has been admitted in the Special Baby Care Unit with a case of imperforated anus and multiple abnormalities.

“The patient has to undergo a series of surgery in order to correct various enormities.”

Source 

Di Matteo confirms Chelsea’s desire in Victor Moses

Roberto Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo has revealed Chelsea are in talks with Wigan in a bid to sign Nigeria forward Victor Moses.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan claimed earlier this week that he had rejected a bid from Chelsea for Moses because it failed to match £10 million (12.7-million-euro, $15.6-million) valuation of the 21-year-old.
And Blues manager Di Matteo has now confirmed the European champions are keen to complete a deal for the highly-rated former Crystal Palace player, who will be out of contract at the end of this coming season.
Di Matteo, currently in the United States with Chelsea for their pre-season tour, told skysports.com: “It’s something that the clubs are discussing but at the moment he is a Wigan player.
“He had a good season last season, he is young and an interesting prospect.”
Di Matteo also wants to speak to French winger Florent Malouda over his future this week.
The 32-year-old is entering the final year of his contract with Chelsea and had been linked with a move to Brazilian club Santos but that deal has reportedly fallen through.
“Florent is back with us now and I will have a talk with him this week,” Di Matteo said. “We cannot name more than 25 players in the squad so we will have to make some decisions.
“Pre-season gives me a great opportunity to look at the new players and see how they develop. The final decision on who will go and who will stay will be made at the beginning of August.”

World leaders’ top chefs gather in Berlin for Merkel lunch

World leaders’ personal chefs, a group known as one the globe’s most exclusive culinary clubs, gathered in Berlin Thursday to swap tips on how to keep their powerful bosses healthy and happy.

The annual huddle, now in its 35th year, will culminate in a luncheon at Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office Friday hosted by the master of her kitchen, Ulrich Kerz, featuring some of the German leader’s personal favourites.
“We will offer a buffet with German specialities including a variety of vegetables and fried fish,” Kerz told AFP.

His colleague at France’s Elysee Palace, Bernard Vaussion, is joining forces with Kerz in honour of the 50th anniversary of the countries’ post-war reconciliation and preparing sea bass, artichokes and creme brulee for dessert.

Tears as Senators hold Valedictory for Dantong

THE Senate was Wednesday thrown into tears, mourning and solemn mood as Senators held a valedictory session in honour of late Senator Gyang Dalyop Dantong, PDP, Plateau North.
All activities at the National Assembly especially the Senate were put to a halt to enable the Senators respect their own, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health who died July 8.

Speaking at the session, Senate President David Mark who noted that the late Dantong paid a supreme sacrifice, stressed that the senator must not die in vain, adding that with his death, peace must return to Plateau State now.
Meanwhile the wife of the late Senator, Mrs Hannatu Dantong who led her children to the Senate Chambers, could not hold herself during the procession when she stood for well over five minutes at 1.05 gazing into the casket where her late husband’s body was kept and the lifeless face looking into the sky. She dressed in white.
The Procession to pay last respect after the plenary session was led by the Senate President, followed by the Deputy, Deputy Speaker, then the Leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives; the Senators; members of the lower House; the Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang; Mrs Dantong; Senator Ibrahim Mantu; Dantong’s parents; former Senators; wives of the senators among others.
The plateau State governor, Jonah Jang was however solemn like every other person who was at the session.

Funke Akindele replaces Basketmouth as She hosts Glo Presents The Big Friday Show Episode 5

BASKETMOUTH was put on probation on this week’s Glo presents The Big Friday show by our special guest celebrity host of the week, the beautiful and talented FUNKE AKINDELE. Our studio guest was the well known international DJ Humility.

PHOTOS: Denrele, Keke Ogungbe welcome Goldie back to Nigeria

The 27-year-old entertainer arrived the Murtala Mohammed International Airport yesterday, Wednesday, July 18, 2012 around 8pm – three days after she was evicted from the on-going Big Brother Stargame.
Goldie is pictured here, leaving the airport arrival area last night, accompanied by Kennis Music  label boss Kenny Ogungbe and close friend Derenle.

Armed robbers raid bullion van, cart away N58m, kill policeman

Armed robbers, on Tuesday July 17th, raided a bullion van belonging to a first generation bank along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

According to reports, the robbers laid ambush for the bullion van which was coming to Lagos via the Badagry expressway and succeeded in taking all the money in the vehicle (58 million naira). They also killed an escort police officer in the process

The Lagos Commissioner of Police confirmed the robbery attack and said the bank did not use the customized bullet-proof bullion van that banks are advised to use in order to reduce the incidence of robbery attacks on bank vehicles.

Mikel Obi Joins Twitter

 

 

The Super Eagles star joined Twitter officially last night and the account is already verified. Why is it news? lol, Well, I know he has a lot of fans who would like to keep up with him on social media...so enjoy...and you're welcome! :-)

If you're following any other Mikel Obi handle on Twitter, that one na scam! :-)

Guess I should even follow him right away....*initializing obafemayor's twitter handle* lolzzz
Let me use this opportunity to 'advertise' my twitter page too, follow @obafemayor, a 'virtual' celebrity on twitter*winks*

Kate Henshaw Turns 41

Sexy and A-lister Nollywood's screen diva, Kate Henshaw is a year older today Thursday, July 19, 2012. The Cross River state born actress clocks 41.

Kate, who is the oldest of four children, was born in 1971. She first studied in University of Calabar, where she did remedial studies for a year before proceeding to Lagos University Teaching Hospital to study Medical Microbiology at the School of Medical Lab Science.

She started her acting career in 'When The Sun Sets' in 1993. In 2008, she won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film 'Stronger than Pain'.

She is presently reported to be a single mother after her marriage crash to British-born Roderick James Nuttal. Their union produced a daughter named Ella. She is a face of Onga seasoning. She was once a Glo ambassador before being reportedly dropped by the telecoms giant.

Kate is gradually becoming a pronounced activist. During the Lekki Toll Gate saga in 2011, she was very visible in fighting for the cause. At January 2012 'Occupy Nigeria' protest, Kate was also vocal especially with her interview on a Lagos TV.

Happy birthday ma!

I ’ll still be president – Rochas Okorocha

After two previous attempts, Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha last week put back on track his presidential dream, urging the electorate to evaluate the second term ambitions of serving governors within the context of performance. He spoke in Owerri, the state capital, on Tuesday while hosting a team from The Sun Publishing Company Limited, publishers of The Sun titles. The team comprised the Managing Director/ Editor-In Chief, Mr. Tony Onyima, Daily Editor, Mr. Steve Nwosu, Political Editor, Mr. Chidi Obineche, and the South-east Bureau Chief, Mr. Chidi Nnadi.
Okorocha said he would use his current position as a launch pad, because “I am here to demonstrate my vision and leadership skills.”Stretching further his desire for the presidential diadem, Okorocha, who described himself as an unconventional governor said: “If I am going to contest for president in 2015, then my one term ends. If I am going to contest for president in 2019, then it is better to face what I am doing. But the truth is that my ambition to run for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not cancelled.”He criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for not putting performance as a benchmark in the quest for second term by public office holders.
“I remember that the issue of second term is not a right for anyone who has been a governor. Whether you have done well or not, you’re entitled to a second term. Let whatever you have done speak for you. I have argued that with the leaders of the PDP. It is wrong.”The governor, who is of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), also relieved his ordeal when he was a member of the PDP. He accused the PDP of failing him at critical points in his political career, and lacking the basic tenets of internal democracy; vowing not to ever have anything to do with the party again.

Source

Don’t divide Nigeria, ACF leader tells Oritsejafor

National Vice- Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Senator Joseph Waku, has described as “reckless”, comments credited to the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, before the United States Congress’ Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights chaired by Mr. Christopher Smith.

Oritsejafor had asked that Boko Haram should be classified as a terrorist organisation.

He warned that if the CAN President was not called to order by Christians, his comments could further divide the country along ethnic and religious lines.

The ACF leader in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said by now, Oritsejafor, should represent the country well wherever he found himself.”

He said, “Some of us who are equally Christians need to caution Oritsejafor to stop hiding under his leadership of CAN to make reckless statements that can further divide the country along ethnic and religious lines as well as damage our image abroad.

“It is because Oritsejafor has been allowed to make these reckless statements at home unchecked, that he is now so emboldened to take his personal agenda and campaign of calumny being executed with the name of CAN to the international arena.

“That Oritsejafor could go before a US congress committee to make a case against the Nigerian government position on the Boko Haram debacle is unfortunate and condemnable.

PUNCH

Why Jonathan has not signed bills – Presidency

The Presidency on Wednesday said President Goodluck Jonathan had not signed some bills passed by the National Assembly because he was still consulting on reservations made by stakeholders on some of the bills.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, gave the explanation while featuring on a current affairs programme of a private radio station, Raypower 100.5 FM.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwwal, had during a symposium, marking the last Democracy Day at the Presidential Villa, said it was disturbing to note that the executive had shied away from its responsibility by not assenting to bills passed by the National Assembly.

Tambuwwal said the situation had made legislative process cumbersome because some of the bills had to be re-introduced de novo.

Also on Monday, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, for the second time, criticised the executive for failing to sign certain bills passed by the National Assembly aimed at deepening good governance and democracy.

Source 

Baby Blue Ivy is all grown up

She's so cute. The six month old was photographed shopping with her mum recently. Someone obviously got close enough to take a photo of the baby without her blanket...hehe!

 

 

Lindaikeji

Actress Mary Uranta's birthday photos

 

Ebenezer Obey celebrates 70th birthday in London(PHOTOS)

After a grand 70th birthday celebration in Lagos, Juju legend Ebenezer Obey flew to London to continue the celebrations.

The veteran musician was hosted at the Sanctuary of Praise Centre with Pastor Ashimolowo of KICC, The UK Deputy High Commissioner – Ambassador Oluwatoyin Kayode Lawal, Former Miss Nigeria, Julie Coker, as well as  CANUK Chairman, Bimbo Afolayan, The Mayor of Enfield, Councillor Kate Anolue, and Councillor Michael Adeyeye,  the Mayor of Brent

Why I Supported Oshiomhole For Second Term – Oba of Benin

The Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday broke the silence on the decision of the revered palace to support the candidacy of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, saying the palace had prayed for the governor’s re-election to enable him to complete the several projects he had embarked upon.
The revered monarch disclosed when Governor Oshiomhole visited him in his palace to present his certificate of return to the royal father. expressed joy over the victory of the governor in last Saturday’s governorship election.
According to the monarch “I am very glad to be able to address you today. Though I would have loved to address privately, but you are welcome to the palace, your performance has worked for you. We have watched what you have done.
“You have cleaned up the roads not only in Benin Kingdom but in several other towns. The last time you came I prayed through our ancestors for you to come back and complete the work and also do more for Edo people,” the Oba said.
In his response, Comrade Oshiomhole thanked the monarch for his fatherly advice and support to him and his government, noting that the Oba has demonstrated to the people “it pays to uphold merit.”
“I am indebted to you in many ways. The great people of Benin Kingdom have demonstrated uncommon love and acceptance for me. Benin gave me more votes than the Afemai. In Egor, I scored 90% of the votes, while in my local government area, I scored 80%.
“So when I say am indebted to you, I actually meant it. For the first time, I won election in all the 18 local government areas of the state. By your action, you have re-united the good people of Edo State across the land,” Oshiomhole said.
Source

Mandela turns 94, South Africa celebrates

South African national hero and former leader Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela turned 94 yesterday.

Nearly 12 million children across South Africa kicked off celebrations to honour Mandela who spent the day quietly with his family in his South-Eastern birth Village of Qunu.

US president Barrack Obama gave an early tribute saying ‘Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, the continent and the world’.

Mandela, a politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, is the first ever to be elected in a fully representative democratic election in South Africa.

Happy birthday sir!

Pastor sets self ablaze, carpenter commits suicide

A pastor in Ekete waterside inWarri, Delta State has set himself ablaze on the popular Udu Bridge near the oil-rich city.

The pastor, PUNCH Metro learnt, had been complaining about family problems in recent time.

A source said on Wednesday that the pastor, who drove himself to the bridge, alighted from his car, took a 20-litre jerrycan of fuel from the booth, and set himself ablaze under the bridge.

It was learnt that before help could come his way, Obaleme, who was married and had children, died on the spot.

Meanwhile, a middle-aged carpenter resident in Asaba, the state capital, whose name could not be immediately ascertained, has reportedly committed suicide by jumping into the river that passes through Anwai area.

The carpenter, a native of Abbi, Kwale, reportedly had a disagreement with one of his lovers.

An eyewitness said the carpenter was seen on top of the bridge in Asaba before he jumped into the river.

It was gathered that his corpse had yet to be recovered.

Source 

Soyinka backs Jonathan’s wife as Perm Sec

NOBEL Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has supported calls for regional co-operation and autonomy, devolution of powers from the centre, community policing and the non-posting of Youth Corps’ members to violence-ridden areas.
NOBEL Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has supported calls for regional co-operation and autonomy, devolution of powers from the centre, community policing and the non-posting of Youth Corps’ members to violence-ridden areas.
He, however, disagreed with the condemnation that has trailed the appointment of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, as a Permanent Secretary by the Bayelsa State Government, arguing that “after all, the lady in question is not constitutionally disqualified from the office.”
Prof. Soyinka condemned the Boko Haram insurgency, describing it as “a manifestation of a virulent religious backwardness.”
He called for the streamlining of education in Nigeria especially at the tertiary level.
Soyinka spoke at a lecture he delivered at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
In his lecture titled “Celebration of Good Governance,” Prof. Soyinka lauded the Akpabio Administration for what he called “the quantum leap in development” of the state he last visited 12 years ago.
He commended the Governor for not differentiating between Federal and State roads in road construction and advised other states to emulate “the same pattern of development.”
The Deputy Governor, Nsima Ekere, attributed the uncommon transformation of the state to the remarkable leadership provided by Governor Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking after the lecture, Ekere stressed that good leadership was the real ingredient to good governance as demonstrated by Chief Akpabio.
The Deputy Governor also stated that the Governor was able to achieve so much because of the team he had painstakingly chosen.
“What we are witnessing in Akwa Ibom State is because the team is led by a very focused and committed captain of ship,” he said. “In Akwa Ibom State, the leadership painstakingly chooses the other team members.”
Mr. Ekere thanked Prof. Soyinka for acknowledging the development strides of the Akpabio Administration after taking up the Governor’s challenge to visit the state and see things for himself.

The Nation

FEC approves $1.488b for Lagos-Ibadan rail project

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved 1.488 billion dollars for the Lagos-Ibadan double track rail line project.
Minister of Information Labaran Maku spoke with reporters on the outcome of the weekly FEC meeting, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the approval followed a memorandum to the Council on the rail project.
The minister noted that the project was in 2006 awarded to CCECC Ltd, a Chinese firm, but could not be completed due to lack of funds.
Maku said the project would be executed in six phases to cover 2,733 kilometres.

Tosin Jegede loses mum

The former child singer lost her mum, Mrs Martha Onyemuchechi Jegede, on Wednesday 11^th of July 2012. Mrs Jegede had been ill for quite sometime, after being diagnosed with a muscle disease. She passed away at a hospital in London at the age of 60. May her soul rest in peace...amen.

Council threatens UNIABUJA, UNILORIN, others with sanction

Veterinary Council of Nigeria, VCN, yesterday, threatened to sanction three federal universities running non-accredited veterinary medicine programmes. The affected institutions are the University of Agriculture Umudike; University of Abuja and the University of Ilorin.
President of VCN, Professor Gabriel Ogundipe, gave the warning at the 103rd regular meeting of the council in Abuja. He said the regulatory body will stop universities, which lacked the required facilities, from running the course.
Ogundipe said: “The three universities do not have the required facilities for training of veterinary tertiary doctors. That is why the council has not given them accreditation.
“We are going to discus the report of our visitation to those universities at this meeting in respect of  University of Agriculture Umudike, University of Abuja and the University of Ilorin.”

VANGUARD