Ekiti PDP suspends Fayose, others

Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis deepened yesterday, with the suspension of ex-governor Ayo Fayose and three other executive members for their alleged roles in last week’s bloody clash at the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti.

Also suspended are: Secretary of the Party, Dr Tope Aluko, Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Oluwawole and Women Leader, Mrs Busola Oyebode, The party has been embroiled in crisis over who will be its torch bearer in next year’s governorship election. State party chairman Makanjuola Ogundipe said the State Working Committee took the decision “having found them culpable of anti-party activities and acts of insubordination.”

 Ogundipe explained that “the PDP is a disciplined party and would not tolerate any act of indiscipline from any of its members, no matter how highly placed.” According to him, last week’s attack on the PDP Secretariat was “unwarranted, irresponsible and most uncalled-for, looking at the efforts we have made to ensure everyone within the party is given a sense of belonging.” “When President Goodluck Jonathan speaks, it becomes law. Consensus is part of the ways of doing this in democracy. But the consensus is not going to be an imposition. PDP as a party that believes in internal democracy, so we are not going to impose any candidate. The consensus arrangement would be done in such a way that everyone would be carried along and given a sense of belonging”.

In respect of his suspension by seven members of the SWC for purported “high handedness and corruption”, Ogundipe noted that “those who claimed to have suspended me lack the power to do so according to Section 21(9) of the party’s constitution”, adding that “only the National Executive Council of the party can suspend me.” He added: “Anybody sitting in Ado Ekiti and saying he has suspended me must be a huge joker. Only the National Executive Council can suspend me in line with section 21(9) of the PDP Constitution. “Where did they derive their powers. It is either those people are mischievous or ignorant of the Constitution. Our National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur still recognises me as the authentic Chairman of PDP in Ekiti”. Fayose faulted his suspension which he described as “an ignoble news.” Director of Media of the Fayose Campaign Organisation Idowu Adelusi, told reporters on telephone: “you don’t suspend from the top (state level) but from below (ward level). He said: “It is news to us. It is an ignorable news. Ogundipe is not a member of Fayose’s ward. He cannot do that. “You can only suspend from the ward level. Suspending Fayose from the PDP is like suspending PDP from Ekiti. Ogundipe must learn from the past. Fayose is an institution in Ekiti politics and it will be funny for anybody to suspend him from the party.”

#ChildNotBride – Who Is Responsible? State, Parents or Both?

The recent Constitutional Review carried out by the Nigerian Senate caused agitation and uproar, when the Senate resolved to retain section 29(4)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN). Taken literally, this provision of the CFRN provides that for the purpose of renunciation of Nigerian citizenship, any woman is deemed to be of full age. After this resolution, Nigerians home and abroad began a campaign- #ChildNotBride- on the premise that the retention of this provision of the CFRN somehow endorses child marriage. I have written a seminal piece on this misguided premise, so I would spare you the details. It suffices to say that section 29(4)(b) CFRN does not endorse child marriage- if this provision is deleted, it still does not affect the fact that under Customary or Islamic Law, child marriage is not prohibited. It is shameful that while our neighbours like Ghana are planning to increase d marriageable age from 21 to 23 years, Nigeria is debating whether or not child marriage should be allowed. Simpliciter, child marriage is repulsive, reprehensible, appalling, abhorrent, etc. Sorry to disappoint those that signed the online petition to the United Nations (UN) which, in my opinion, is for the right cause, but was rather hasty and misguided. Unfortunately, it will not be considered by the UN because it seeks intervention in matters of a purely domestic concern and Article 2(7) of the UN Charter clearly states that the UN shall not intervene in such matters- it is an affirmation of the doctrine of non-intervention in international law, which is a corollary of the principle of sovereignty. If the UN had such competence, why has it not intervened in Saudi Arabia? Be that as it may, as an objective lawyer, this article is not about the condemnation of child marriage; it is about who should be held responsible? Who should the #ChildNotBride campaign be targeted at- National/State Houses of Assembly or the parents of the victims of child marriage? First, the CFRN safeguards a person’s right to religious freedom, which is also guaranteed by international instruments like Article 18, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 8, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Nonetheless, this right to religious freedom is not absolute; it is subject to restrictions “in the interest of … public order, public morality or public health or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom or other persons” (s.45 CFRN). Further, Item 61 on the Exclusive Legislative List (ELL) in the CFRN prohibits the National Assembly (NASS) from legislating on matters involving marriages contracted under Islamic or Customary Law. As such, NASS may only restrict a person’s right to religious freedom in the context of legislating on a minimum marriageable age, if s.45 CFRN is satisfied. Second, if NASS is able to satisfy s.45 CFRN on grounds of public morality or public health or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of children (as protected in the Child Rights Act (CRA)), before such legislation can be passed, Item 61 on the ELL has to be amended in order for NASS to have legislative competence over marriages contracted under Islamic or Customary Law. The procedure for amendment is rigorous (see s.9 CFRN) and considering that the main target of such law is Islamic marriages, it is debatable whether the Northern State Houses of Assembly would vote in favour of such amendment.

FAAN, stakeholders differ on low patronage of Kano airport, others

Aside Lagos and Abuja, no other airport in the country attracts passengers due to the fact that the bulk of international operations are done at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, thereby rendering many of the refurbished international airport terminals redundant.

The situation equally brings to question the rationale for engaging in airport remodelling simultaneously in all the airports across the country. Until the mid-1990s, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) was the second-most active airport in Nigeria.

 At the time, more than half of the international flights into the country chose Kano as either the final destination, a transit point or stopover field. International airlines like British Caledonian, KLM, Iberia and Saudi Air favoured the airport not only because of its safety record, but also because its handling facilities ensured a quick turnaround.

Kabo Air, Nigeria Airways, Okada Air and other domestic carriers had at least three daily flights into Kano. The airport was vibrant and the activities there improved Kano State’s Gross Domestic Product. Garment traders from the northern part of the country, whose imported Dutch-waxed clothes entered Nigeria through the airport, kept Nigerian customs and immigration service officers busy.

 While Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos was notorious for surging touts that overcrowded the entrance to the terminal’s building, Mallam Aminu Kano airport’s entrance was well managed with a systematic boarding pattern. Until 1999 at least 40 flights operated in and out of Kano.  Read more here

Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima Replies Critics

Nigeria has many uncountable problems and none of them is early marriage. As a matter of fact early marriage is the solution to about half of our problems. For those who wonder if I can give my daughter(s) out in marriage at the age of 9 or 13, I tell you most honestly, I can give her out at the age of 6 if I want to and its not your business. This is because I am a Muslim and I follow the example of the best of mankind, Muhammad ﺻَﻠَّﻰ ﺍﻟﻠَّﻪُ ﻋَﻠَﻴْﻪِ ﻭَﺳَﻠَّﻢَ .

In Islam, marriage is not only about sex, it is about family and helping one another in achieving their goals, which is the attainment of Paradise.


In Islam, a girl can be given out in marriage as early as 6 years old, but consummation of the marriage can only be done when the girl becomes physically mature and she gives her consent to it because unlike English law, it is not permissible for a man to rape his wife in Shari’ah Law.

So what can anybody tell me?

~ I live in a city where young girls at the age of 12 have already became serial fornicators and cannot count the number of man they’ve had sex with.
~ I live in a City where primary school children disvirgin themselves behind toilets on Valentine day.
~ I live in a city where young girls flood the street at night looking for men that would give them N500 to have sex with them.
~ I live in a city where parents send their daughters out overseas to prostitute and send dollars down.
~ I live in a City where Government officials pick undergraduates from University car parks with Coastal Buses to wild sex parties.
~ I live in a city where abortion is so common that even a Chemist store owner can perform abortion with just N2,500.

These are your daughters, and this should worry you and not Yerima’s private matters. So ask me again why I support early marriage and I will slap the Jinn out of your head.

Miss Bayelsa, Anna Banner Wins 2013 MBGN

18 year old Anna Ebiere Banner, representing Bayelsa State, beat 31 other contestants to emerge the 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria queen. The pageant took place in Bayelsa last Saturday. Congrats to her!

Why I’m at ‘war with First Lady,’ by Soyinka

AT 79, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka, seems not to have lost his zeal for standing up against those he perceives to use their public office to oppress others in Nigeria.

And though the afternoon open-door lecture series was supposed to be a commemoration of his birthday, he quickly swapped the garment of a celebrant with that of a political activist as it became necessary.

 Referring to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan’s alleged meddling in the affairs of Rivers State and abuse of power, Soyinka asked, “What’s the problem with Madam Shepopotamus?” Fielding questions from a member of the audience at the African Centre in Covent Garden, venue of Saturday’s “WS79 – Memoirs of Our Future: An Audience with Prof. Wole Soyinka,” he said he was not afraid to stand up and call the First Lady to order and also educate her if she cannot take a cue from how other first ladies behave. “People said I call her a domestic appendage, what’s the problem with that?

 What’s the problem with Madam Shepopotamus?” Pressed to comment on the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, Soyinka revealed: “What happened in Rivers began long ago, before five decided that five was greater than 27. If we don’t move in support of the truth at certain mathematics, we shouldn’t be surprised if the next mathematics anomaly takes place at our doorstep.” He added: “We move when there’s interference, when all roads are closed – for hours - because she’s going to her hairdresser.”

 He argued that if members of the civil society do nothing when such abuse is taking place in Rivers, Ibadan and Lagos, then Nigerians should not be surprised when a curfew is imposed the next time she is visiting their state. Read more here

Dear Men, Here Are The List Of Things We Find Unappealing About You- Women

When a woman loves, she loves whole-heartedly. And when a woman hates… Well complete it. Men aren’t the only ones who get turned off by some attitudes or behaviours in their spouses, women feel this way too and even though she might not voice it, she does feel it.
If you do any of the things listed below as a man, then it is time to change cos your woman is certainly not feeling it…

 ~Noise making: just as a man loves his woman to act like a lady, a woman also loves her boo to act like a gentleman. If you aren’t a bus driver/conductor then why in God’s name do you act like that behind the wheels? Why do you yell at every passing vehicle in traffic? Why do you raise your voice in public? Why do you create unnecessary attention to yourself wherever you go? What’s wrong with you? If your spouse isn’t a pepper seller or a local woman from your village, then trust me, she’s hating that part of you deep inside.

~Dressing: oh trust me I have seen grown men sagging. And I always wonder, are they out of their freaking minds? I have also seen grown men, walk around in clothes Wiz kid and Davido (and the rest of the music gangsters wear) would wear and it seriously makes me wonder. You know why Wiz kid dresses the way he does? Well cos he’s wiz KID. And Davido says he’s 20 so yes, he’s still allowed to dress however. You see my friend, when you are grown, everything including your style grows with you. You ditch the Kanye like gangster clothes for Jay Z/Dare art Alade like clothes. Yes, clothes for grown ups become your style. You ditch the saggy jeans for a clean-cut suit and dress like a grown up. Women love that. Women love grown up men. Dressing like an adult is what is appealing to a woman.

 ~Dirty men: some men can wear the same underwear for days without washing them. How far na?

 ~Liar: a man who lies is unattractive to a woman. No woman wants to have to check everytime to know if her man is being truthful or not. There are so many important things in life that one has to worry about. A lying man shouldn’t be one of them.

 ~Drunk men: no woman wants a man who hangs out with his friends, gets drunk and starts acting irrational. That’s childish, that’s ridiculous and that’s unappealing.

 ~Overprotectiveness: yes, a woman wants you to care. No, a woman doesn’t want you breathing down her neck everytime. She needs you to trust her, back off already.

~Promiscuity: no woman in love wants to share her man. None whatsoever. If as a man you can’t keep your hands off the cookie jar, a woman would find you too risky to be with. And can you blame her?


Tomilola/360nobs

Driving road-worthy cars on Nigeria’s unworthy roads

BY OLABISI DEJI-FOLUTILE

Nigeria is a country of contradictions. The system delights in robbing Peter to pay Paul. Here, a large number of people pay for services that are not provided, and most of the time, do so under duress. At the same time, the system allows the minority to enjoy the services they do not pay for. Take the Power Holding Company of Nigeria for example.

 While Nigerians pay outrageous bills for services that are not provided, senior officials of the company enjoy free and stable supply of electricity. Though the telecommunications sector is largely private- sector driven, the same scenario exists there. When as an ordinary Nigerian, you pay for calls that never go through, you pay for SMS that are never delivered due to poor network, or subscribe for a monthly service that you do not enjoy for two weeks, some people, especially members of staff of these companies and their friends, make free calls .

It’s like the majority paying to maintain good service delivery for the minority. Expectedly, nobody apologises for rendering poor services and when they do, nobody compensates or refunds your money. Here government is not obliged to provide social services.

 But the citizens are expected to pay their taxes. It is not unusual to have classrooms without chairs in some towns and in others chairs without tables for pupils or classrooms without roofs, etc. If you are driving in a new environment, don’t be surprised if you are arrested for breaking traffic rules even when there are no sign posts to indicate that a particular road is a one way.

 Unlike the devil that walks about like a roaring lion looking for who to devour, here, government officials hide in corners to see who will fall into their traps. A government that cannot afford to erect sign posts to guide drivers aright does not see anything wrong in arresting so-called traffic offenders.
Read more here

First Lady sues for peace in Rivers State

Worried by the crisis in Rivers State, First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan yesterday called on all actors in the crisis to sheath their swords in the interest of the innocent citizens in the state.

 In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Ayo Osinlu, the First Lady noted that the poor including women and children always bear the consequences of such impasse. She also warned the political heavyweights in the state not to allow the crisis to be hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums.

The statement reads: “This office wishes to call on all feuding parties in Rivers State to spare a thought for the social, political and economic costs of the crisis, and consider an urgent way to resolve all political differences.”

“It is our position that the greater consequences of the impasse is, as usual, reserved for the poor, the weak and the vulnerable, especially women and children, who are usually innocent bystanders in all these.” “This derives naturally from the saying that when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”

She went on: “On a larger scale, we subscribe to the fact that conflicts and violence are the most lethal threats to peace, which itself is the irreducible minimum condition for development.”

 “The situation must therefore not be allowed to degenerate to a level that can be hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums, thus exposing everyone to insecurity from which there may be no easy escape.”

Italian police raid Jamaican sprinters’ hotel

ITALIAN police confiscated unknown substances Monday in a raid on the hotel where Jamaican sprinters, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, were staying after each tested positive for banned stimulants. Rooms of the athletes and physical trainer, Christopher Xuereb of Canada, were searched and drugs and muscle supplements were seized, Udine Police Captain, Antonio Pisapia said.

 Pisapia said it was unclear if the drugs and muscle supplements were legal or illicit and that the substances were being analysed. “We are examining the substances now,” Pisapia said. “No arrests have been made and nobody has been placed under investigation.” The raid took place at the Fra i Pini hotel in Lignano Sabbiadoro in northeastern Italy.

 Powell, a former world-record holder at 100 metres, and Simpson tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrine at the Jamaican championships last month, their agent announced on Sunday. The police captain with the specialised NAS unit added that Powell and Simpson were informed of the positive tests on Saturday morning. The raid came in stark contrast to the usual warm reception that the runners generally receive in Lignano, and the town’s Mayor, Luca Fanotto recommended “caution” before drawing conclusions.

 “The Jamaican team has chosen the sports facilities of Lignano Sabbiadoro as their training base for years and they never forget to thank the city from podiums all over the world,” Fanotto said in a statement. A local athletics meet is scheduled for today in Lignano and the Jamaicans had been scheduled to compete as they do most years. However, neither Powell nor Simpson were on start lists released Monday.

PDP’s convention plans crash as INEC rejects lists

PLANS by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hold a mini-convention suffered a major setback yesterday. The National Working Committee (NWC) ordered the Jerry Gana Committee to put on hold the special convention slated for August 31.

The Southwest congress slated for August 24 is also affected. A statement by the leadership of the party, after its NWC meeting yesterday, cited anomalies and breaches of the party’s constitution for the action. The statement, signed by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Tony Okeke said: “In view of the anomalies and breaches of the constitution of the PDP observed in the actions so far taken by the Special National Convention Planning Committee, the NWC has directed the Committee to put on hold all activities relating to the Special South West Zonal Congresses and the Special National Convention, pending the regularisation of the anomalies and breaches so as to forestall a repeat of the events that affected the party’s convention in 2012.

“Consequently, the dates recently announced by the Planning Committee are in the circumstances untenable. “The NWC, with the view to resolving the protracted problems of the Anambra State chapter of the party, has resolved to invite major stakeholders in the state to an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting on the 18th of July, 2013 to commence consultations towards finding a lasting solution to the problems of the party in the state, which will lead the party to a successful governorship primary election in the state.

“The NWC viewed with concern recent developments in Rivers State and also resolved to invite the National Vice Chairman, South South, to come and brief it to enable it take an informed decision that will lead to a prompt resolution of the crisis in the state”

Wary of arrest, Sudan’s president shuns AIDS summit in Abuja

A MILD drama unfolded at the ongoing Abuja +12 Special Follow-Up Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other  related  diseases as Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir  who has two international arrest warrants against him failed to turn up to make his presentation.

  The International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2009 and 2010 issued two warrants of arrest against Al-Bashir over the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region, where government forces and local Arab militias are fighting rebels drawn mainly from black African populations.

  Some civil society organisations have also called on the Nigerian authorities to arrest him if he showed up.

  Al-Bashir, who arrived in Abuja on Sunday to a red-carpet welcome and a full guard of honour, has not appeared in any of the sessions of the summit.

  He was expected to participate at the summit like many other Heads of State. When he was called to make a presentation, there was heavy silence. Alas, he was nowhere to be found.

  Since he was indicted by the ICC in 2006 after being accused of masterminding atrocities during the Darfur conflict, which left hundreds of thousands dead, he has been refused trips to Uganda, South Africa, Malawi and Zambia. Only Chad and Djibouti have received him in the past year.

  His visit to Nigeria is seen as his first to the West African region since the warrants were issued.

  The African Union (AU) has repeatedly spoken of its reservation over the ICC’s warrants, stressing that it will not respect the decision of the court.

  In 2010, AU called on the United Nations Security Council to delay war crimes proceedings against the Sudanese president.

NERC insists on new electricity tariff

THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is unperturbed by a statement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejecting the new electricity tariff.

  NERC wondered why the union should suddenly make a u-turn on the tariff when its leadership was part of a multi-stakeholders consultation that allegedly initiated the raise with the NLC leadership in Jos, Plateau State.

  At a press briefing in Abuja Monday, NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, said the Labour’s position was unnecessary as electricity supply has “improved significantly,” therefore, “the tariffs are fair.”

  In a statement on Sunday, NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, had premised the Congress’s rejection of the new tariff on government’s failure to check epileptic power supply and the low purchasing power of the working populace.

  Access charge, which was N225 the previous year, “has been arbitrarily increased to over N700. This review, whether done suddenly or in advance, is without justification or rationale and stands condemned as it will negate whatever gains expected to be recorded by the much-vaunted reform in the power sector,” the NLC said.

   Labour said it believes the multi-year tariff structure as designed by the NERC, which was “tacitly” approved by government, only protects the interest of investors in the electricity sector and has little or no consideration for consumers, most of whom are poor and incapable of paying.

5 Essential Reports Your Accountant Must Give You Periodically

“Financial Statements are probably the most important document an accountant must give you as it contains the financial position of your company which stakeholders such as your shareholders, financiers and even tax authority will need for decision making. They can be produced monthly, quarterly, bi annually or annually depending on the management’s reporting policy.

It is preferable to present this report at least quarterly.

“ Without trying to sound like a crusader of some sought, I firmly believe every business especially small businesses and startups require the services of an Accountant. They can be employed on a full time basis or contracted as a consultant to provide accounting services. Apart from the rudimentary book-keeping that accountants regularly do, they are also supposed to use entries made during book-keeping to generate important financial reports for management or the owners of a business. Here are five very important reports I believe your accountant must give you periodically.

1. Bank reconciliation statement – Sometimes when you look at your bank account balance you may see an amount that is different from the balance you have in your cash book either kept by you or by your accountant. The reason for this is because it is either you have paid out cheques that are yet to clear from your bank account either because the beneficiary is yet to present it to the bank or due to a delay arising from the ordinary course of the bank’s operations.

It could also be that whilst you have acknowledged being paid cheques in your books you may not have lodged in the actual cheques in the bank. Therefore a bank reconciliation is an attempt to reconcile your bank balances as it is kept in your books with that of the bank. This report must be prepared at the end of every month (at least) by your accountant to ensure that you properly track all cheque payments and receipts.

2. Management accounts – Management Accounts are a set of accounts that include your balance sheet, profit and loss account and cash flow statements along with the notes to the accounts. They reveal to you how your business has performed within stipulated period and also reveals a snap shot of your financial position at any given time. Financial Statements are probably the most important document an accountant must give you as it contains the financial position of your company which stakeholders such as your shareholders, financiers and even tax authority will need for decision making.

They can be produced monthly, quarterly, bi annually or annually depending on the management’s reporting policy. It is preferable to present this report at least quarterly.

3. Daily sales report – Your daily sales report reveals how much sales or revenue your business has generated at any given time. Your sales report help you track for example, revenue growth and sources of revenue. It can also be tailored to reveal sales by segment, per week, per month or by volume. This is often prepared side by side a comparative period to help you analyze trends effectively.

 A sales report will contain names of customers who bought goods or services, amount paid, quantity bought, price per unit, type of good or service, commissions if any, value added tax component, WHT if deducted from your invoice, good returned.

READ MORE

Majek Fashek turns born again, gives life to Christ at CMCM

Praise Jah! The Rainmaker, Majek Fashek, is now a new creature.

The iconic musician who has been battling alcohol and drug addictions for sometime has finally given his life to Christ. The troubled entertainer from whose fecund imagination emanated hit songs like Send Down The Rain, Holy Spirit, I&I Experience and so on publicly embraced Christ on Sunday, June 23, 2013.

This was at the Christ Miracle Church Mission, situated at Iyasuna Crescent, off Ishola Bello Street, Ojodu, Lagos. The church is being led by Prophet Peter Abiola Adebisi, JP. The Edo born musician had attended the church’s 7 Sundays of Anointing for Breakthrough Service for the first time, and got converted. Members of the church were thrown into joy afterwards. In fact, nearly all of them rejoiced with him. Especially when Majek was handed the microphone to do a song. The song he chose to sing for the congregation was one of his classics, Holy Spirit. And as he did tears of joy streamed down some of the members’ faces!

YES International! could however not ascertain whether or not the Reggae music king in Nigeria has been regular in church since then. Or even whether some ministers from CMCM have been following up on him lest he backslides again.

 Majek Fashek, obviously in his 50s, about two decades ago, dominated the Nigerian music scene. A total musician, he could sing, play the guitar and also the keyboard. Starting out as a member of the Jahstix band, his debut album, Prisoner of Conscience, catapulted his career and life to the zenith.

Then, he was still with the defunct Tabansi Records and had Architect Aig Igiehon as his manager. He crossed over to Sony Music – and while there recorded albums like I & I Experience – featuring popular numbers like Mama Dede, Majek Fashek Inna New York and so on. His wife, Rita and one of his sons, Randy are believed to still reside in America from where his addiction problem is believed to have begun.

 Now living from hand to mouth, Majek has been a shadow of his old self since his return. Culled from Yes international magazine

Are You Among The Generation That Used This Television?

The Old Times!! when life was a lot easier and less complicated.. Wondering how many people were born when this T.V was used.

Techno unveils new android phone in Nigeria

TECHNO Mobile, a leading mobile phone brand in Nigerian market, has introduced its new Android Smartphone called Tecno Phantom A into the Nigerian mobile market.

According to the firm, the designed for users with higher demand from Smartphones, Tecno Phantom A is user friendly with Big Screen, Elegant Slim business style and it is now available at all Tecno authorised retailers across Nigeria.

According to the Deputy General Manager, Tecno, Chidi Okonwo, at the launch said that Phantom A is a dual SIM Smartphone which has five inch HD touch screen, runs on Android 4.1 jelly Bean with dual core processor.

Indeed Phantom A promises to give Tehno an enormous breakthrough, even ahead of the official launch most of our numerous dealers across the country and individuals have made pre-orders for this phone.
Speaking also, the Public Relations Manager Techno Global, Mr. Mountie Boukali, said that with dual core processor, the device offers users a fast processing speed and the ability to use multiple applications at the same time, along with a smooth we’d browsing experience. “With Tecno Phantom A , users can download over 800,000 innovative and interesting apps from Google play store” he mentioned.


He said that its company objectives to ensure Nigerians acquire Smartphones and enjoy smart life with the Tecno phones. According to him, with Phantom A, we offering a superior Smartphone with high- end performance and a better user experience,

He said, the new product is a special smartphone creation and first of its kind phone made in collaboration with the two special teams: French designers and Korean ingenious.
According to him, French designers are among the best in the world, originality, creativity, elegance and style were combined to give the French touch to the Phantom A .

The product, which comes with high- performance features with rich smart experience, which allows users to make a balance their work and personal lives.

Mounir, said the Tecno Phantom A, running on a 5” high definition touch screen, presents users with an amazingly smooth operation experience while viewing messages, multimedia, playing games, for instance 6 Asphalt 6, preloaded on the phantom A.

Taribo begs Keshi to recall Yobo

A former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has pleaded with Stephen Keshi to recall team captain Joseph Yobo as Nigeria prepare for their last Group F World Cup qualifying match against the Flames of Malawi. Yobo, who was a key player for Fenerbahce in last season’s campaign in Turkey, last played for Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa where he featured as a substitute in most of the games.

 He has since been left out of the team as Nigeria played all their matches in the qualifying rounds for Brazil 2014. The former Everton defender recently lashed out at Keshi for leaving him out of the team while the coach has insisted that Yobo remains the team captain. But Taribo is not convinced that Keshi has Yobo in his plans, a situation, he said cost Nigeria an impressive outing at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.


The former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender said the Super Eagles defence lacked quality at the Brazil event and could be worse at future games, insisting that the team missed Yobo at the competition. “None of those defenders has the experience of Yobo. I don’t understand why Keshi left him out and included players that have yet to experience top football,” Taribo said.

“If there is any misunderstanding between player and coach, this is the best time to bury their differences in the interest of Nigerian football. Keshi cannot afford to leave one of his best players out of the team and expect the rest of the team to perform miracles on the pitch. What Yobo played for his club in the Europa League showed he is still one of our best in Europe.

 How can Keshi be the only one that is not seeing this? “Nigeria’s defence was embarrassing against Spain and Uruguay at the Confederations Cup. It was clear there was no coordination among the players. It wasn’t that they couldn’t match up with both teams, they just had no way of stopping them each time they broke through the midfield.”

Oya Dance is now live!!!!

If you spend a lot of time watching Nigerian Music Videos on YouTube, then oyadance is for you.

Oya Dance (which in the Nigerian Yoruba language means "common, Dance") is a free service that
lets you keep your favorite Nigerian music going on forever.

 Once at the site, just select a genre [Afrobeat, Fuji, Gospel, Rap/Hip-Hop, RnB, Traditional] or select a Featured video and the site will create a virtually endless playlist of videos from YouTube.

What this means is that, once you get oyadance to start playing the videos, you can sit back and enjoy one video after another.

Check their website

Stay-healthy advice for men

Go home: You may not be able to get out of working overtime once in a while, but don’t make it a habit. Working too many long hours is associated with a greater risk of anxiety and depression, which can harm health.

Stay connected: Having a good network of friends and family is associated with greater longevity, and loneliness is associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Do Facebook friends count? We like to think so.

Go fish: Fish is a great source of protein and is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Have some fun in the sun: Just 15-20 minutes of sunlight exposure each day can supply your daily need for vitamin D. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D may ward off diabetes, heart attacks, heart failure, high blood pressure, heart disease, and maybe even the common cold. But don’t overdo it — too much sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Turn off the tube: It’s pretty easy to stay in front of the TV, but it may be harder on your body than you think. People who watch a lot of TV in their 20s and 30s have more heart risk factors in their 40s than those who don’t. What’s more, exercise won’t necessarily erase the extra risk.

Watch your blood sugar: Prediabetes — a condition in which blood sugar is elevated but not quite high enough to be classified as diabetes — is nearly as toxic to the body as diabetes itself. Regular exercise and a high-fibre, healthy-carb diet can keep blood sugar in the safe range.

Consider a PSA test: If you’re a candidate, think about getting a prostate specific antigen test. Although it’s not perfect (prostate cancer isn’t the only reason PSA levels can rise), this blood test can catch prostate cancer early. Keep in mind that some prostate tumors grow so slowly that they may never be life-threatening; your doctor may recommend watchful waiting rather than immediate treatment.

SOURCE 

Owner of 67-0 losers disbands team

The owner of Nigerian side Bubayaro, Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, has disowned and disbanded the club after their 67-0 loss at the hands of Police Machine.

Gombe, who was in Lagos when the games were played, said he had ordered the team not to play the match but he was ignored by team officials.

“As soon as I heard the result I disbanded the team,” he told BBC Sport.

It’s disappointing that some people would bring the game to disrepute out of desperation. I have written a petition to the (state) police in Bauchi to investigate this shame and arrest anyone found to be involved.”

Police Machine were trying to score more goals than Plateau United Feeder, who were playing Akurba, in the race to win promotion to the lowest tier of the Nationwide League Division.

As information about scorelines was swapped between the two venues, which were about 4 kilometres apart, the madness began in the second halves.

A journalist, who does not want to be identified to protect his own safety, was at one of the matches on Saturday, and said that things went bizarre in the second half.

Feeders scored 72 of their goals in the second half, while Police Machine found the net 61 times after the break in their game.

“In the second half we start witnessing outrageous own goals, free-kicks and terrible goalkeeping,” he said.

“Feeders blasted goal after goal past Bubayaro. Officials of the club turned into emergency ball boys, instead of retrieving the ball from the net, they quickly threw another ball into the centre-circle.

“It was ridiculous, because the losing side (Bubayaro) didn’t make any effort and the officiating was abysmal with controversial calls being made and unaccounted additional minutes played.

“Some people were on their mobile phones updating officials at the other venue. A shameful scene at that.”

Even when an official did try and take action he was thwarted.

“The coordinator of Bauchi centre was threatening to arrest all the people involved but players and officials disappeared after the game,” the journalist said.

The result would have meant Plateau Feeders were promoted on goal difference.

But the Nigeria Football Federation has placed indefinite suspensions on all the four clubs involved in the scandalous scorelines.

Massive Academic and Non Academic Vacancies at Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the underlisted vacant positions in the Federal University of Technology, Akure.:See more

NEBC YOUTH WEEK 2013 A WEEK OF TRANS-GENERATIONAL IMPACT DATE: 14TH-19TH JULY 2013

Join us at NEBC, Abuja, on the 14th-20th of July, 2013, for the upcoming Yought week, its gonna be one in town, come and be blessed. Dr P.P.P and some other men of God will be present, come and have a wonderful experience of God's divine move at NEBC. be blessed as u come. Jesus is Lord!!!

THEME:
SERVANT OF THE MOST HIGH GOD
DANIEL 3-26

VENUE:NEW ESTATE BAPTIST CHURCH
... PLOT 105,ABUTU GARABA STREET OFF ODUMEGWU OJUKWU WAY
BEHINDE SHARIA COURT/AJUJI HOTEL GUDU DISTRICT,ABUJA.

Programme Features
Superlative Sunday service Tagged:
Servants of the most high God in your family
With Rev.Sam Oye(Harvest House)
10am -12pm

Monday Business summit Tagged:
The Making of an enterprenuer 1 with Engr. Suulola
6pm-8pm

Tuesday Business summit Tagged:
The Making of an enterprenuer 2 with Engr. Suulola
6pm-8pm

Wednesday Impact Summit Tagged:
Servant of the Most High God in your profession with Rev.Sam Oye(Harvest house)
6pm-8pm

Thursday prayer summit Tagged:
Destiny Moulding Prayers with Pastor J.K Olaode(RCCG FCT 1 province)
6pm-8pm

Friday Musical Concert Live with Dr Panam Percy Paul
6pm-8pm

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM QUALIFIED NIGERIANS FOR DIRECT SHORT SERVICE

COMMISSION INTO THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE IN THE UNDERLISTED DEPARTMENTS:
METEOROLOGY
BSc. / Class II / Forecaster Certificate, NCAA-approved Meteorology courses
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
BSc. Mathematics or Physics/ NCAA-approved Air Traffic control license
STATISTICS
BSc./ HND Statistics
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BSc. / HND Computer Hardware Engr, Computer Engr, Computer Science
MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
BA History /BA or HND Archaeology
QUANTITY SURVEY
BSc. / HND Quantity Survey
ARCHITECTURE
MSc. Architecture
BUILDING TECH
BSc. / HND Building Tech / Civil Engineering / Structural Engineering
FRENCH
BA French
LIBRARY SCIENCE
BSc. Library Science, BSc. (Ed) Library Science.
FOUNDATION / CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
BSc. (Ed) Foundation / Curriculum Development
MEDICALS
MBBS, MB ch D
Consultant – Ophthalmologist
Consultant - Surgeon
Consultant- Physician
Consultant - O & G
Consultant - Pediatrics
Consultant - Radiologist
Consultant - Orthopedic
Consultant - Family medicine
Consultant - Anesthetists
Consultant – Conservative Dentistry
Consultant – Maxillofacial Surgery
DENTAL SURGERY
BDS, B ch D
PHARMACY
BSc. Pharmacy
RADIOGRAPHY
BSc. Radiography
PREVENTIVE HEALTH
BSc. Preventive Health/ Environmental Health/Community Health
NURSES RN/RM
Must hold a post basic qualification in any of the specialities listed. Must be registered and have a current practising license.
Pre -Operative Nurses
Nurse Anesthetist
Accident and Emergency Nurses
Orthopedic Nurses
Ophthalmic Nurses
Intensive Care
Renal Dialysis
BSc. Nursing
LAW/PSYCHOLOGISTS/SOCIOLOGY
LLB/BSc. Psychology/BSc Sociology
CATERING
BSc./HND Catering/Hotel Management
CHAPLAIN / IMAM
BA/HND Theology/Islamic/Arabic Studies
MUSIC
BA/HND Music
SPORTS
BSc(Ed). / BA / HND Physical Education
ADMINISTRATION / PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
BSc / HND Public Admin, Personnel Mgt and Human Resource Mgt and Bus Admin.
PILOT
Applicant must be a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holder. Type rating would be an advantage.
EDUCATION
BEd. Fine Arts / French / Igbo / Hausa / Guardian and Counselling / BA / BSc (Ed) Foundation / Curriculum Development
SUPPLY
B.Sc Business Administration / HND Purchasing and Supply.
FIRE
BSc. Chemistry or Engineering Safety/ Environmental Engineering
ENGINEERING
BSc. / HND Electrical / Electronics Engineering.
DIETICIAN
BSc. or HND Dietetics/Nutrition. Must be registered with Dietetics Council of Nigeria
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST
Must possess BMLS or AIMLS or its Medical equivalents, must be registered with Laboratory Scientist Council of Nigeria
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS
MSc. Clinical Psychology and BSc General and Applied Psychology
MEDICAL RECORD OFFICERS
BSc. / HND Health Records / Biostatistics. Must be registered with the Health Record Officers Registration Board of Nigeria
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERS
BSc / HND Biomedical engineering
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
BSc Physiotherapy
ACCOUNTANTS
BSc. / HND Accounting
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
B Tech. / B Eng. Mechanical Engineering
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
B Eng./MSc. Aeronautical Engineering
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
B Eng. Electrical Engineering
ECONOMISTS
BSc. Economics
MARKETING
BSc. Marketing
MASS COMM/JOURNALISM
BA / BSc. / HND Mass Communication / Journalism / Public Relations
INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
BSc. / HND Industrial Chemistry
APPLIED PHYSICS/MATHEMATICS
BSc. / HND Applied Physics / Mathematics
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
BSc. Chemical Engineering
PHYSICS/MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
BSc. Physics / BSc. Mathematics and Statistics
GENERAL INFORMATION TO CANDIDATE
Applicants must possess a minimum of Second Class Lower for holders of First degree and Lower Credit for HND holders. In addition applicants must possess credit in English Language and Mathematics and 3 additional credits in subjects related to degree course of study. Computer literacy will be an added advantage.
Applicants must possess NYSC Discharge Certificate or Letter of Exception from NYSC at the time of applying for DSSC.
Applicants must possess certificates of full registration with their respective statutory professional bodies in Nigeria where applicable.
Male applicants must not be less than 1.68 meters tall while female applicants must not be less than 1.65 meters tall.
Applicants should be between 22 and 30 years of age by 31st December 2012 except Serving Personnel who will be considered for Branch Commission if not more than 35 years of age. (Any age declaration done later than 5 years of this exercise will not be acceptable).Those who will be older than 30 years by 31st December 2012 need not apply.
Applicants will be shortlisted for qualifying aptitude test and the result placed on the website, while advert will also be published in national dailies.
Applicants are to make a choice from the centers below for the Zonal Enlistment Exercise where aptitude tests will be conducted.
Makurdi: Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi
Ilorin: 227 Wing, Nigerian Air Force, Ilorin
Lagos: Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja – Lagos
Enugu: 305 Flying Training School, Enugu
Port-Harcourt: 97 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force, Port-Harcourt
BENIN: 81 Air Maritime Group, Benin
Kaduna: Nigerian Air Force Base, Kawo – Kaduna
Kano: 303 Flying Training School, Kano
Maiduguri: 204 Wing, Nigerian Air Force Base, Maiduguri
Akure: 323 Artillery Regiment, Owena Barracks, Akure
Sokoto: 26 Battalion, Gingiya Barracks, Sokoto
Yola: 75 Strike Group, Nigerian Air Force, Yola
Applicants are to save the completed forms, Click on the "PAY APPLICATION FEE" Button on the APPLICATION SUMMARY page and then print out the PAY4ME ACKNOWLEDGEMENT slip to effect payment at any branch of INTERCONTINENTAL BANK or STERLING BANK or UBA BANK or UNION BANK.
The date for Zonal Enlistment Exercise will be communicated to applicants in due course. Shortlisted Applicants are to bring the following to the Zonal Enlistment Centers:
Birth Certificate
Originals of Education Certificates and NYSC Discharge Certificate
Letter of Attestation of Good Character
Attestation of Parent / Guardian Consent Form
Attestation of Local Government Area Form
Acknowledgment Card
Writing Materials
Applicants are warned against giving false information as information supplied will be used to evaluate your suitability for shortlisting at any particular stage. Any false information discovered at any stage will lead to disqualification of the applicant.
SUBMISSION OF FORM
Further to Paragraph 8 above, applications will only be processed and validated after payment. Thereafter the Applicants will then print out the following:
Acknowledgment Card
Attestation of Local Government Area Form
Attestation of Parent / Guardian Consent Form
Applicant's Local Government Attestation form must be signed by a military officer who hails from the state of the applicant and not below the rank of Wing Commander or equivalent in the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy, and Police Officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and above. Local Government Chairman / Secretary, Magistrates and Principals of government secondary schools from applicants’ state of origin can also sign the attestation forms.
Additionally, applicants are to bring with them letters of attestation of good character from Two (2) prominent persons from their state of origin to the officer in charge of the Zonal Enlistment Exercise.
Photocopies of all documents and credentials will be collected from applicants after screening during Zonal Enlistment Exercise and Interview.
Application Support:
08104577415, 09-8704817, 09-8708475 , 08078406568
Technical Support:
For Technical Support, please call: 08104577415,
09-8704817, 09-8708475 , 08078406568 or
Email: airforce.support@swglobal.com
Note:
All phone lines are available between 8:30AM and 5:30PM
Note: Application is Free!
To Apply, Goto: http://www.careers.nigerianairforce.gov.ng/

Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) recruiting in 6 Positions

Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) is a Federal Government Corporation establish in 1992 under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & National Orientation.
 Due to the ongoing restructuring exercise in the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) vacancies exist in the following positions:

 JOB LOCATION: Abuja A.) DEPUTY DIRECTOR HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT / ADMINISTRATION QUALIFICATIONS: First Class Degree in Human Resources. MBA,MPA. Copied: .com Minimum of 16 years experience In International and Local Human Resources Management.

 B.) DEPUTY DIRECTORTREASURY, INVESTMENT AND MARKETING QUALIFICATIONS: B.Sc. Banking and Finance MBA (Marketing) Minimum of 16 years post qualification experience in Banking and other related fields

 C.) DEPUTY DIRECTORPLANNING, RESEARCH, STATISTICS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors Degree in Humanities or Social Sciences MA,M.Sc,MBA A minimum of 16 years of diverse experience including policy formulation and implementation, strong technical and analytic skills, and ability to plan and execute tasks.

 D.) ASSISTANT DIRECTOR- STAKEHOLDERS RELATIONS QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors Degree in Humanities or Social Sciences MA, M.Sc, MBA, MPA. A Minimum of 15 years post qualification experience in Public Relations, Media Relations, Brand Management and Marketing.

 E.) ASSISTANT DIRECTORPRINCIPAL TOURISM OFFICERS QUALIFICATION: First Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, A Minimum of 9 years post qualification in diverse experiences

F.) TOURISM OFFICERS (FRESH GRADUATES) QUALIFICATIONS: First Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences. NYSC, (Any other work experience will be on added advantage).


 TO APPLY Interested and qualified candidates should forward their applications and CVs quoting the job title to: Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Old Federal Secretariat, Tourism Village, Area 1, Garki, Abuja. Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. DUE DATE: 11th July, 2013

Ban on fresh licences for arms still in force, say police

THE Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, Sunday restated that the ban imposed on the issuance of fresh licences for the procurement of firearms was still in force.
He made the declaration via a statement issued in Abuja by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba,

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the statement said that Abubakar also reminded the public that the ban was imposed in exercise of the powers vested in the President and the IG respectively by the Firearms Act, to restrict the proliferation of firearms in the country.
``Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force wishes to state that in furtherance of the subsisting embargo, it has not and does not intend to issue permits to any person, group of persons, organisation or agency of any state government, for the procurement or purpose of bearing firearms.’’
The statement noted the concern expressed by many Nigerians over the eligibility and rumoured desire of some groups to bear firearms.

``The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that the extant laws guiding the use of firearms explicitly prohibit the bearing of various categories of firearms, without requisite licences.
``Members of the public should therefore note that it is an offence punishable under the law for:
•A person to have in his possession or under his control any prohibited firearms without a licence granted by the President;
• A person to have in his possession or under his control, a personal firearm without a licence issued by the IGP;
• Any person to import or export firearms or ammunition without the appropriate licence.’’

The statement said that the police headquarters, therefore, urged vigilance groups and other sincere community efforts aimed at ensuring the people’s safety and security to work in partnership with the local police authorities.
It, however, stressed that the conduct and practice of such groups must be in total conformity with the laws of the land, reiterating the determination of the police to uphold the existing restriction on the use of firearms.
``It is also in that vein that the force has closed down the armouries of all licensed firearms’ dealers, while keeping due surveillance on their activities.
``Government and non-government institutions with genuine concerns for the security of their environment are hereby advised to partner with the police and other legitimate security agencies for the safety of their environment,’’ it said.
The statement, nonetheless, pledged the commitment of the police to diligently work toward eliminating all the threats to internal security.

‘Chevron spends N480b yearly on Nigerian operations’

CHEVRON Nigeria Limited spends more than $3 billion (N480 billion) yearly in its operations and had invested $4 billion (N640 billion) in the economy through contracts for goods and services, employment and regulatory fees. The company made this disclosure in its 2012 Corporate Responsibility Report made available to The Guardian at the weekend. The report highlights how in the past year, the company has contributed to the social and economic development of Nigeria, through effective partnerships with various stakeholders.

General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Deji Haastrup, noted that the report shows the company’s achievements in key areas including, stakeholders’ engagement and social investments; health, safety and environment; human resource development; and Nigerian content development. “It also highlights the philosophy that guides Chevron Nigeria’s long-term social investments in Nigeria and shows how The Chevron Way guides its behavior. “We take pride in our accomplishments, and are happy to communicate the values that make us who we are and why communities where we operate welcome us,” Haastrup said. According to the report, more than 18,500 people benefitted from the company’s River Boat Clinic programme in 2012; while 3,924 students studying medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, medical laboratory sciences and nursing joined the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals Scholarship programme in 2012.

 It stated: “As at end of 2012, the Nigerian Content value of the Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) project approached 40 per cent of project spend. This is approximately $4 billion invested in the regional economy through contracts for goods and services, employment and regulatory fees. In addition, projects worth more than $22.3 million were executed by the Regional Development Committees under the Global Memorandum of Understanding”. It noted that the company through the EGTL project, has contributed to the growth of many Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Delta State, especially those in the agricultural sector. Many businesses have benefitted directly or indirectly from the huge demands for fish and poultry products consumed by thousands of people working on the EGTL site every day”, it added.

 The report stated: “Chevron Nigeria is the third largest oil producer in Nigeria and one of its largest investors, spending more than $3 billion annually. The company has continued to focus on ‘ZERO’ incident objective and implemented leading programmes to improve its performance with renewed vigor and emphasis on process safety. In 2012, the company contributed $375,000 to the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to support the Foundation’s programmes including the running of the Lekki Conservation Centre”.

ASUU begins indefinite strike

Lecturers in public universities on Monday began an indefinite strike over Federal Government’s refusal to implement agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The ASUU National President, Dr. Isa Fagge, said in Lagos on Monday that the decision to embark on the action was reached during the National Executive Council meeting of the union held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State on Monday.

  He spoke with newsmen via the telephone after the Chairman, University of Lagos chapter of ASUU, Dr. Karo Ogbinaka, had told journalists that the strike would be total. According to Fagge, the strike will be “comprehensive, total and indefinite.’’

“The strike starts today (Monday) and it is going to last for as long as the Federal Government wants it,” he said.

  He explained that the union embarked on the strike because the government had reneged on the agreement it reached with ASUU before the lecturers suspended a similar action in February 2012. “The Federal Government has refused to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with us,” he said.

  Fagge added that the government had also reneged on the Memorandum of Understanding it entered into with the union in December 2011. “Before now, there has been this issue of the implementation of the key issues contained in the 2009 agreement we entered into with the Federal Government.

“We have had several meetings and deliberations to let government understand why these issues must be resolved but it is like the more we meet and deliberate, the messier the issue gets. “One of the issues that needed to be addressed was basically that of the academic earned allowance. “This earned allowance, and other issues, had dragged on until government then agreed to write an MOU with the union.

  “But as we speak, there has been nothing to show that government was committed to an MOU it willingly wrote to better the university sector. “It is in this regard that we are embarking on an indefinite strike,” he said

Types of friends to avoid

Here is a list of ten types of friends that you really need to avoid. These toxic friends may seem like fun at times or even feel like thrilling risk takers, but when the crap hits the fan, it’ll be you under it.

  The cheater Many friendships have been crumpled and crushed, because a best friend hit on a friend’s romantic partner. To avoid making best friends with this type, avoid the sneaky flirts, the sweet talkers and generally, people who try flattering you and talking like you mean the world to them. You’d be better off with someone who’s more true and down-to-earth with their claims.

The competitor Any kind of competition is healthy in every relationship but when claws start to come out and things get extremely competitive between friends, things can get very ugly.

The leech A friend who constantly borrows your stuff or money or depends too much on you is one that definitely needs to be avoided. No one wants a one-sided relationship. If all your friend does is take from you, without giving anything back in the friendship, there’s no point in being friends anymore. If they’re looking for one, tell them to take a one way trip out of your life.

The copycat Imitation is considered to be the sincerest form of flattery, but a friend who looks or behaves like your photocopy machine can be very scary.

The shrink All of us confide in our friends and ask for advice, but when your BFF starts acting like a paid shrink who always picks flaws in your life or relationships, it can get very annoying and depressing.

The selfish friend This type of friend can go to any lengths for their benefit, but behaves passively when you ask for help.

The wild child Dangerous and unstable is how you define this type. You usually get in trouble or always end up having to save your friend from trouble.

The whiner This type of friend is never satisfied with anything they have, and they spend all their time whining and grumbling about how the world is so unfair to them. Stay away!

The mood killer This friend intentionally or unintentionally kills the mood as soon as they enter into a conversation with you. They always seem to find a flaw in anything you do or have, be it your clothes or your love life. They are like the lone dark cloud hovering over you on a sunny day. Nothing positive ever comes out of their mouth. They are never short of sarcastic comments or depressing thoughts.

The swinger This friend is partially bonkers because their mood swings change from being nice to totally snappy in seconds without any provocation. And this friend may just use you like a punching bag to express their feelings, be it frustrations or happiness. Who needs to be around someone whose moods swing like a pendulum? Life can be a bed of roses when you have the perfect friends to share it with, but if you have to put up with these ten types of friends, all you’d find is frustrations.

Don’t Say it! 7 Phrases Women Hate To Hear

1. You’re hot.
Why it sucks: I’d rather be pretty, beautiful, cute or nice. A guy who tells a woman “you’re hot” is basically saying, “I want to sleep with you.”

  2. You have a really good body. You should wear more flattering clothes. Why it sucks: You basically just said I’m a show pony and I’m not “showing” enough.

  3. Any pickup line. Why it sucks: Instead of using some canned pickup line, make eye contact with me and come up with something clever to say. Even something as lame as “you look just like my favorite cousin in Seattle” would work better than: “Did it hurt?” “Did what hurt?” “When you fell from heaven.” I’ve actually heard that one before.

4. Have we met before? Why it sucks: If you have to ask me if we’ve met before, then chances are we haven’t. Or we have and I just wasn’t that memorable to you — either way it’s a bad intro into a conversation.

  5. Want to do a shot? Why it sucks: You either have zero social skills and think you have to be drunk to talk to me or you are a complete lush.

6. You’re way better looking than my ex-girlfriend. Why it sucks: You basically just admitted that you’re not over your ex, and you’re comparing every girl in the room/bar/bowling alley/charity event to her.

7. I have a wedding to go to this weekend. Will you be my date? Why it sucks: If you’re sinking to the level of asking a random woman at a bar to be your date for a wedding that’s in four days, chances are you’re a desperate man.
Don’t you have a friend who’s a girl you could ask first? Even a cousin? Point blank, women don’t want to be thought of as a piece of meat or a show pony. Well, maybe some women do, but they’re not the kind of woman you want to bring home to mom.
If you want a witty, intelligent lady and you already know you’re attracted to her, come up with something smart to say. Don’t rely on the boring, mundane, chauvinistic phrases you hear in mens comedy shows.

ASUU begins indefinite strike

Lecturers in public universities on Monday began an indefinite strike over Federal Government’s refusal to implement agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities. The ASUU National President, Dr. Isa Fagge, said in Lagos on Monday that the decision to embark on the action was reached during the National Executive Council meeting of the union held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State on Monday.

He spoke with newsmen via the telephone after the Chairman, University of Lagos chapter of ASUU, Dr. Karo Ogbinaka, had told journalists that the strike would be total. According to Fagge, the strike will be “comprehensive, total and indefinite.’’

“The strike starts today (Monday) and it is going to last for as long as the Federal Government wants it,” he said. He explained that the union embarked on the strike because the government had reneged on the agreement it reached with ASUU before the lecturers suspended a similar action in February 2012. “The Federal Government has refused to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with us,” he said.

Fagge added that the government had also reneged on the Memorandum of Understanding it entered into with the union in December 2011. “Before now, there has been this issue of the implementation of the key issues contained in the 2009 agreement we entered into with the Federal Government. “We have had several meetings and deliberations to let government understand why these issues must be resolved but it is like the more we meet and deliberate, the messier the issue gets.

“One of the issues that needed to be addressed was basically that of the academic earned allowance. “This earned allowance, and other issues, had dragged on until government then agreed to write an MOU with the union. “But as we speak, there has been nothing to show that government was committed to an MOU it willingly wrote to better the university sector. “It is in this regard that we are embarking on an indefinite strike,” he said

6 Things A Man Only Does If He’s Serious About You

Are you wondering if a guy is serious about you? There are some things guys make a conscious effort to not do for women they’re not serious about. So, if you catch your guy doing these, you can be sure he knew exactly what he was doing. And he is hoping to be in it for the long haul.

  1) Ask about “that thing”
If you had a job interview you were nervous about, or a doctor’s appointment, a meeting about a possible promotion, or just something you had once mentioned was coming up and he makes a point of calling you up after to ask how it went, he is serious about you. Men who aren’t serious about a woman make a point of not asking for too many details about her life.

  2) Clarify missed calls
Did he take hours to call back? Did he completely forget to text back? If you’re just someone he is having temporary fun with, he isn’t concerned about you getting pissed about those things.
But if he makes a point of saying, “Hey, sorry for taking so long, I was hung up in etc, etc” or “Oh my god I just realized you sent me a text when I was at work and I completely forgot to answer! I’m so sorry!” then you’re not someone he is willing to let go of easily. (Men know how much delayed call or text-backs upset us).

  3) Offer to help
When you mention that you’re moving, or putting together some furniture, or looking for a new car, does he jump at the chance to help? Does he often look for ways he can be of service to you? Men don’t do that just for a woman they are trying to sleep with or casually date for a short period of time. They save that type of effort for ones they are serious about.

  4) Plan ahead
If you’re just a fling to him, you are (unfortunately) kind of replaceable. But, if he is serious about you, no one else’s presence will do. You’ll know that is the case if he asks you a significant amount of time ahead of time to reserve a day so that you can be his date to something. That means he wants to guarantee he gets your time.

5) Care about your career
  If he really cares about you, he wants all the other things in your life that make you happy to go as well as possible! If a man has clearly put time into thinking about your career, and coming up with suggestions for how you could advance it or be happier in it, he plans on being around for a while. He is making sure things in your future will be good. Because he plans on being with you then and he wants to be with a woman who is happy.

6) Brags about you
If he isn’t serious about you, he may bring you to a party or a friend’s get together, but he’ll most likely leave you to fend for yourself. If he is serious about you, he is proud of you, and he will make a point of being near you to introduce you to people and tell them all about you and your accomplishments.

Keshi moves to get back Anichebe

Following the Super Eagles performance at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has moved to get Everton striker Victor Anichebe back to the team for a World Cup qualifier against Malawi in September. In May Anichebe chose his English Premier League club ahead of the country after he was overlooked by Nigeria when he suffered a long-term injury while playing for the Super Eagles in 2011.

 Keshi who has not featured the striker since he took charge in 2011 is bothered about his team’s lack of firepower at the Confederations Cup and has thus initiated moves to get Anichebe to rescind his decision to stay away from the national team. After a 6-1 win over Tahiti characterised by several misses, Nigerian strikers were clearly wasteful in the following matches against Uruguay and Spain which the African champions lost by 2-1 and 3-0 respectively at the Brazil 2013 tournament which ended on Sunday.

A top official told MTNFootball.com, “Keshi has met with some NFF top officials and has asked that everything be done to convince Anichebe to return to the Eagles. This move may even involve Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi talking to the player to put the past behind him and come back to the team.” Another official of the Federation told The PUNCH by the telephone on Monday that Keshi would make a firm statement soon on the development. He said, “A clear statement will soon be made on Anichebe even as he (Keshi) prepares the team for the match against Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday. A lot of progress has been made and we are very positive that the move will be very fruitful. A lot of ground work has been made already.”

WWE’s original ‘Doink the Clown’ dead at 55

Former wrestler Matt Osborne, best known for playing the twisted Doink the Clown character in the early '90s, died Friday at a local hospital in Plano, Texas. According to NBCDFW.com, Osborne, 55, was found unresponsive by his girlfriend inside their apartment and detectives believe the death was accidental, though a homicide investigation is underway.

Before his stint as Doink the Clown, Osborne worked the independent circuit and even wrestled on the inaugural WrestleMania card against Ricky Steamboat in 1985 at Madison Square Garden. Osborne would go on to compete in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before returning to the WWE in 1992.

Clowns are already pretty creepy to begin with, so when Osborne slapped on the greasepaint, green wig, and came out to a theme song that likely still haunts kids to this day, he and the WWE had struck gold with a great heel character. So great that Doink often made children cry at ringside thanks to his pre- and post-match antics.

 If you thought one Doink was disturbing enough, the WWE soon introduced a second Doink character (played by Steve Keirn) to torment and confuse his opponents and audiences during matches.
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A/Court dismisses ACN appeal against Mimiko

The Appeal Court sitting in Akure has Monday, dismissed the appeal by the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) against the judgement of the Elections Tribunal which upheld the election of Olusegun Mimiko as governor of Ondo State.