Plan To Kill Sultan of Sokoto Failed

According to reliable security sources, the attack of Wednesday that spilled to yesterday, at the seat of the Caliphate, Sokoto, was actually targeted at the Sultan of Sokoto.

A source from the joint team of security platforms that repelled the attack indicated that His Eminence Alhaji, Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan, was actually the focus of the attackers, who came in large numbers.

In the past, there had been insinuations that the Boko Haram sect and other insurgents are not happy with the Sultan, who is the head of Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on his avowed peaceful disposition, which is at variance with theirs.

Boko Haram and other insurgent groups claim to be holders and defenders of the true Islam, while the rest, by their thinking, are unfit for the religion and should be treated as enemies of the faith.

Our source hinted that it was the Department of State Security Service (DSS) that divulged the intelligence to them of the planned attack, which they said, was of alarming magnitude. Reliable sources revealed that the foiled attack on Sultan was planned by a faction of Boko Haram, which, in an attempt to prove that it’s not part of the ceasefire agreement, wanted to target a known figure to attract attention.

On getting tip-off of the planned attack, the joint security forces, including the main organs of the military moved in to counter the move.

“The operations started yesterday (Wednesday) and was sustained till late afternoon of today (Thursday). I can tell you that they came really prepared. The number was large and they were fully armed and determined to carry out their threat. But the timely intelligence saved the day, as we encountered them headlong.

“At last, we overpowered them and I can assure you that even after outwitting them and dislodging the assailants with some killed, we lost no officer,” a source stated.

In the raid of the Islamist sect’s hideout, a gun duel had ensued leading to the killing of one of the prime suspects. Another suspect was arrested and taken into military custody.

The security operatives also rescued 11 family members of the suspects, including six children and five women, among them two pregnant women. Briefing journalists on the incident, Brigadier-General Mohammed Tasi’u, Commander, 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, described the operation as a “huge success.”

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PRISON BREAK: At Least 150 Prisoners Escaped During Deadly Riot

About 150 prisoners escaped on Thursday from an overcrowded prison in western Indonesia, and others held officers hostage, following a riot triggered by a blackout.

Prison directorate spokesman Akbar Hadi said the inmates forced their way out from Tanjung Gusta Prison in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, while others set the prison's offices on fire.

National Police Spokesman Maj. Gen. Ronny Frengky Sompie, saying police were investigating media reports that 12 terrorist inmates were among those who escaped.

Hadi said about 15 officers were being held captive inside the prison. It holds about 2,400 prisoners but media reports say its normal capacity is 400.

The riot appeared to have been triggered by a blackout that knocked out the pumps that supplied water to the prison, leaving inmates without water since Thursday morning, Hadi said in a text message.

The prisoners seized guns from the officers. Its reporter said gunshots were heard from inside the prison.

Thousands of policemen are deployed around the prison and the Indonesia's third largest town to blockade roads linking Medan and other provinces while fire brigades are battling the fires.

At least 10 prisoners including a terrorist convict had been recaptured.

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Nigerian Gay Activists Angry Over Harassment By Police

Nigerian security services and the police are harassing and intimidating some gay activists in the country for defending the rights of gays and lesbians, a group said in a statement on Sunday, a month after lawmakers outlawed homosexuality in Nigeria.

A bill to outlaw gay marriage and crackdown on gay rights activists as well as criminalise public displays of affection between same-sex couples was passed by the Nigerian House of Representatives on 30 May.

The House of Representatives had unanimously approved the bill which provides for jail terms of up to 14 years for gay marriage.

It also set out a 10-year sentence for “any person who directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship”.

But Nigerian gay activists under the umbrella of ‘Our Right Defense’ said they decided to issue a statement after a meeting in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

“We have in Abuja, Nigeria, again voiced out opposition on the undemocratic attack meted on our members and the Nigerian people over sexuality,” the group said in a statement signed by Olasunkanmi Azeezt O.,  K. Michael Olanrewaju, and Babatunde Samsondeen.

The group said several of its members face harassment and intimidation even as some of them have been arrested by security forces for simply expressing its feelings on human rights violation in the country.

“Everyone should have the liberty to life and choice of living to enhance development and to promote and acceptability by United Nations on universal declaration for freedom expression and choice for all nationality and the world at large,” the statement read.

The group said among those who have been declared wanted are Lizzy betty, Precious Rita, Penu Koffi Z, Orilonise Hakeem I, Anisere Olaniran A., Egwabor Felix, Adesanmi  Simeon and Taiwo Olorunmako.

The group also lamented the inability of the Nigerian government to judiciously utilise the nation’s economic gains for development as well as for fair and equal distribution of national resources.

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OJB Jezreel Sues Blogger For N100m Over Fake Story

The OJB Jezreel fundraising committee has sued an online news website, Aproko247 for N100million over a story published on its platform alleging that some members of the committee ripped the ailing singer off through donations made by kind-hearted Nigerians to save OJB Jezreel. 

The website posted the story on Monday, while the committee members called a press conference on Tuesday evening at OJB Jezreel's residence in Surulere, Lagos, where they made the announcement of the N100million lawsuit against the website.

The committee members are aggrieved that such allegations could be made against them, which they termed 'malicious and character assassination'.

Members of the committee sworn to press charges to clear their names of the allegations made by the website.

When contacted on phone on the matter, the Editor-in-Chief of the news website, who simply identified himself as Dapo, said, "we are aware of the rumour that we have been sued for N100million over a story posted on our platform on the OJB Jezreel committee, but we have not received any letter from their lawyers or any court. We are waiting for them. But for now, we take it as a mere rumour until we are officially served."

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SHOCKING PHOTOS: Several Dead, Dozens Injured In Ghastly train Crash

At least seven people were dead and dozens injured on Friday after a speeding train split in two and derailed at a station in the southern suburbs of Paris, officials said.

Interior Minister Manuel Valls gave the initial toll of seven dead and said there also were “dozens of injured” following the accident at the Bretigny-sur-Orge station involving a train heading from Paris to the west-central city of Limoges.

The minister said that information on the number of dead and wounded was “constantly evolving” and that several train carriages were lying on their sides.

“It was not a collision and it was not a problem with the speed,” a source with the SNCF national rail service told AFP.

The accident took place at 5:14 pm, the SNCF said, minutes after the “Intercite” train left the Paris-Austerlitz station.

Bretigny Mayor Bernard Decaux told newspaper Le Parisien that there was chaos at the station

“Everyone is running in every direction, there is panic,” he said. “It is an apocalyptic scene. We are trying to organise things.”

Dozens of emergency and police vehicles had arrived at the scene, an AFP reporter said.

The accident occurred as many in France were departing for the start of their summer holidays

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Iyanya, Ice Prince, Omawumi, O.C Ukeje Nominated for The Future Awards

The Central Working Committee (CWC) has unveiled this year’s nominees for the 2013 edition of The Future Awards. Now in its eighth season, this year’s awards fields 75 ‘nominees in a list comprising of 15 categories, fielding five nominees each.

The likes of Pop singers Iyanya, Omawumi, top rapper Ice Prince, actor O.C Ukeje and UK based urban gospel singer-songwriter El Mafrex will be slugging it out in this year’s ‘Entertainment Talent’ category.

"We are beyond excited by the class of 2013 especially because the huge majority are previously unknown to the public", Ohimai Atafo, Chairman of the CWC says.

Check out the full list of nominees below…

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN ADVOCACY AND ACTIVISM

• Anu Olusola (27)
• Jake Okechukwu (25)
• Orode Uduaghan-Okpu (24)
• Tobore Oro Edema (24)
• Maryam Augie (28)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• Modestus Chijoke Idoko (20)
• Chikezie Nwaoha (29)
• Yewande Akinola (28)
• Chuka Ofili (31), Emotu Balogun (27), Kene Udeze (24), and Clive Ayonye (23)
• Hugo Obi (32)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN COMMUNITY ACTION

• Rita Omovbude (32)
• Bolajoko Fadipe (30)
• Dr. Okeke Kanayo (30)
• Monica Onuoha (30)
• Ife Adebayo (30)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN NEW MEDIA

• Kingsley Ezeani (23)
• Ediong Umoh (26)
• John Obidi (27)
• Modupeola Abiola (31)
• Fifehanmi Bankole (30)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN ENTERTAINMENT TALENT

• Ice Prince (28)
• OC Ukeje (32)
• Iyanya (27)
• Omawumi (31)
• El Mafrex (29)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISE

Nominees in this category will be announced in conjunction with the British Council for ‘The International Young Media Entrepreneur of the Year Award Prize.’

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN JOURNALISM

• Ugochi Anyaka (29)
• Monica Mark (29)
• Toyosi Ogunseye (29)
• Ben Ezeamalu (30)
• Jude Zoho (29)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN BUSINESS

• Saheed Jumar (28)
• Gbenga Ogunmakinde (28)
• Bilikiss Adebiyi Abiola (28)
• Nonyelum Ibeh (27)
• Melody Okwuazu (22)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN PUBLIC SERVICE

• Blessing Liman (29)
• Fareeda Ibrahim (29)
• Dr. Adanna Chukwuma (31)
• Joycee Awojoodu (23)
• Ekong Ekong Imona (32)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

• Barbara Iyayi (32)
• Osita Abana (28)
• Adim Isiakpona (28)
• Kayode Temenu (29)
• Jadesola Osiberu (27)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN AGRICULTURE

• Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa (31)
• Olawale Isaiah Ojo (24)
• Precious Peter Nweke (31)
• Abraham Ojoh (22)
• Adbdulazeez Yusuf (29)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN FASHION AND STYLE

• Vera Akporeha (23)
• Wanger Ayu (26)
• Yomi Makun (27)
• Agbani Darego (31)
• Aisha Bello (24)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN ARTS AND CULTURE

• Toyin Odutola (28)
• Njideka Akunyili (30)
• Anthony Anth Ezeokoye (30)
• Kenneth Gyang (27)
• Ishaya Bako (27)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN ENTERPRISE SUPPORT

• Isoken Ogiewonyi (26) and Wonuola Odunsi (29)
• Ijeoma Okeagu (30)
• Gbolahan Fagbilere (30)
• Chibuike Aguene (30)
• Ayodeji Adewunmi (29), Opeyemi Awoyemi (25), and Olalekan Olude (29)

THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN EDUCATION

• Gossy Ukanwoke (25)
• Adebayo Degbembgo (30)
• Olufunbi Falayi (27)
• Otto Orondaam (26)
• Oriahi Anderson (25)

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My relationship with Dan Foster – Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi

On Air Personality, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, talks about her job and what she wants in a man in this interview with GBENRO ADEOYE

 

You have a great voice, by the way. Is it your voice that made you decide to become an On Air Personality?

Thank you. I actually got into radio as a course requirement in school. I started reading the news at the student radio station at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. When I returned to Nigeria, I started serving at NTA, Victoria Island. And I had a part time job at Cool FM as a news editor. I walked into the studio to drop off the news and I got chatting with Dan Foster. I became his co-host from that day. After a few minutes of chatting, he told me to grab a pair of headphones and join him on air. I got my own show soon after.

 

So what is it about radio that has kept you there?

It’s a great job. I get to play good music every weekday, interact with listeners, stars and important people. Radio has also opened so many doors for me. I’m currently in the middle of production for my TV show. I also run a media company called Speakerboxx.

 

I will come back to your TV show soon, but there is this joke that people who try to train their voice avoid eating heavy meals including eba. Is there any truth in this and how do you manage to keep yours?

LOL. I have never heard anything like that. I really don’t do anything when it comes to my voice.

 

What would you be doing if you were not an OAP today?

I think I would be involved somehow in the media, public relations and communication field. That’s what I’m interested in; I’m fascinated by the media.

 

What’s your beauty routine?

Beauty routine? I don’t have a specific formula. I do have oily, acne-prone skin, so I visit my dermatologist quite often.

 

Can you leave home without a make-up? 

I leave my home without makeup most weekdays. I only have a full face of makeup when I’ve got an event.

 

What kind of reaction do you get from people who fall in love with your voice on air and get to see you later? Do they claim to already have a picture of what you’d look like by the sound of your voice? 

A lot of people imagine what the owner of the voice they listen to often would look like. Someone once told me he expected me to be “Tall and fair”. I had a good laugh. People usually expect me to be older. They say I sound mature.

 

Are you in a relationship?

I’m in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

So you’re not in a romantic relationship at the moment? What do you like in a guy?

I didn’t say I’m not in a relationship and I didn’t say I’m in one.

What I look out for in a man -a good heart, intelligence, street smartness, confidence, ambition, great work ethic, sense of humor. A love for God and good looks too.

 

How do you deal with male advances?

I deal with male advances as any responsible woman would. Decline respectfully if I’m not interested.

 

As an OAP, do you get advances from females as well?

I have not gotten any advances from females. Thank God. I get more of people trying to be my friend.

 

If you get advances from a female fan, how will you handle it?

If I got advances from a female, I would shut it down immediately.

I’m totally uninterested in such.

 

What striking memories do you still have of your childhood?

My childhood was normal. Comfortable. We lived in Surulere and my parents worked hard to make my siblings and I comfortable. We went to good schools and I would forever thank them for that. My parents were very protective of us. And they were very strict too. Striking memories would be all the birthday and Christmas parties we attended and I remember winning all the dance competitions except one. I cried myself to sleep that night.

 

For you to have cried yourself to sleep for losing a dance competition, you must have been good. Who taught you how to dance?

Sadly, I don’t dance as well as I used to. No one taught me how to dance. I was just this awesome dancer. Now I dance in my chair.

 

Why are you going into TV show?

My TV show is called ‘Gbemi’. It’s a talk show and it’s different from all the others. What makes it different? You will find out soon.

We are still shooting, editing etc. I’ve always wanted to go into TV. In fact, I had plans to start with TV. Radio wasn’t a priority in the beginning. It just so happened that I was given a fantastic opportunity and I could not pass it up.

 

What relationship do you have with Dan Foster?

Dan Foster was and still is a great mentor. He taught me a lot about radio.

We still keep in touch till today

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Bomb Explodes In Mosque During Friday Prayers

An explosion reported near a mosque is being treated as a terrorist incident, police said today.

Counter-terrorism officers have launched an investigation after residents heard a loud bang in Tipton, West Midlands, before nails and other debris were found.

The explosion occurred just one hour after Drummer Lee Rigby's funeral.

No injuries have been reported but several streets in the Binfield Street area have been sealed off, West Midlands Police said.

Unconfirmed reports have said it was caused by 'a nail bomb'. West Midlands Police said it was now being treated as a 'terrorist incident.'

A spokesman said: 'Police have been called to Binfield Street in Tipton this afternoon following reports of a loud bang.

'Officers were called at 1.06pm and are currently at the scene. A cordon has been set up and the immediate area is being evacuated as a precautionary measure while police investigate what caused it.

'There are no reports of any injuries to anyone at this time. Some residents have reported finding debris in the area and finding nails.

'This is being investigated by forensic officers at the scene.

'An investigation is being led by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and it is being treated as a terrorist incident.'

The incident came on the day murdered soldier Lee Rigby was remembered at a private funeral service in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Tipton Green councillor Ian Jones said residents in the area described hearing a 'loud thud'. Councillor Syeda Amina Khatun said she was not aware of any previous attacks on the mosque.

'The explosion has gone off on the disused railway line behind the mosque,' she said.

'There are lots of police around so there must be want for them to be here. The whole estate has been blocked off. People are surprised that something like this has happened.

Rai Khan said he was one of three members of the public at the mosque when the nail bomb went off. 

He revealed the place of worship would have otherwise been packed with Muslims - but Friday prayers had been put back by one hour until 2pm. 

He added: 'There was me, the caretaker and one man was just pulling in to the car park at the time.
'As I only work over the road I was one of the first there.'

'They decided to put back Friday prayers by one hour, otherwise there could have been mass casualties. 

'There would have been hundreds of people arriving for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, which is a very important date for us. 

'It's chilling to think what could have happened if they had not decided to delay Friday prayers. You saw the damage a nail bomb can do at the Boston Marathon - to think that could have been us is very scary.

'A few of the windows were smashed and a couple of cars damaged. It could have been so much worse.'

Others suggested the 'attack' was intended to coincide with the funeral of Drummer Rigby - hacked to death outside military barracks in Woolwich, London, in May.

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7 Dead, Dozens Injured As Speeding Train Split And Derailed Near Paris

No fewer than seven people were killed and dozens injured on Friday after a speeding train split in two and derailed at a station in the southern suburbs of Paris, according to officials.

Interior Minister Manuel Valls gave an initial toll of seven dead and said there were “dozens of injured” following the accident at the Bretigny-sur-Orge station involving a train heading from Paris to the west-central city of Limoges.

Many passengers were believed to be trapped inside wrecked carriages that were lying on their sides after the accident.

“The toll at this stage is constantly evolving and will be heavier,” Valls told reporters in Nimes.

The local prefect’s office said at least six people had died and 12 injured, including nine in a serious condition.

The head of the SNCF national railway, Guillaume Pepy, told reporters at the scene that six carriages had derailed during the accident. The train’s third and fourth carriages derailed first and the others followed, he said.

A clearly emotional Pepy expressed the rail company’s “solidarity with the victims and their families”.

“Rail catastrophes are something that upset everyone and all of those who are committed to our national rail service,” he said.

The prefect’s office said a “red alert” plan had been activated following the accident, which officials said happened at 5:14 pm (1514 GMT), minutes after the intercity train left the Paris-Austerlitz station.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known, but sources said part of the train split and rolled on its side as it arrived at the station.

“The train arrived at the station at high speed. It split in two for an unknown reason. Part of the train continued to roll while the other was left on its side on the platform,” a police source told AFP.

“It was not a collision and it was not a problem with the speed,” a source with the SNCF told AFP.

Bretigny Mayor Bernard Decaux told newspaper Le Parisien there was chaos at the station.

“Everyone is running in every direction, there is panic,” he said. “It is an apocalyptic scene. We are trying to organise things.”

Dozens of emergency and police vehicles had arrived at the scene and a security cordon was set up around the station, an AFP reporter said.

Rescue helicopters had been deployed and all Paris region hospital had been put on alert to deal with the wounded, officials said.

Photographs of the accident posted on social networks showed a train carriage that had apparently derailed and risen onto the platform, tearing down a section of the station’s roof as it moved forward.

The accident occurred as many in France were departing for the start of their summer holidays. Travel to and from the Austerlitz station in Paris had been temporarily suspended. [AFP]

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Mandela’s Marijuana-Smoking Monarch Insults South African President In Public

Nelson Mandela’s king has entered into a public feud with South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma.

Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo’s greatest claim to fame is that he counts South Africa’s first black president among his subjects and feels current president Jacob Zuma isn’t any different.

The king of Mandela’s AbaThembu clan made local headlines Thursday with a string of invective against Zuma, so blunt that members of his own entourage reportedly gasped.

Dalindyebo lashed out at Zuma as he delivered a letter to the president’s Pretoria office Wednesday. The king, who also visited Mandela in the hospital this week, reported that Mandela looked good, had recognised Dalindyebo and had responded with his eyes.

Zuma also stopped by the hospital, and issued a statement saying that Mandela continues to respond to treatment but remains in a critical condition 34 days into his hospital stay.

Dalindyebo is involved in a very public feud with Zuma, amid reports that the government is in the process of withdrawing its recognition of him as a king for unseemly behaviour.

The marijuana-smoking monarch is appealing a 2009 conviction and 15-year jail sentence for assault, kidnapping and culpable homicide. The charges relate to a dispute with some of his subjects dating back to the mid-1990s, when he is accused of kidnapping a woman and her six children, setting their home on fire and beating up four youths, one of whom died.

At a prayer meeting for Mandela last month, Dalindyebo said he would stop smoking dagga, a local term for marijuana, when Zuma stopped being corrupt.

Accusing Zuma of trying to oust him, he delivered a letter Wednesday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where the presidency is located, warning Zuma not to interfere in royal affairs. Security officials refused to grant him access to the building.

Dalindyebo was quoted as saying that the president “flushes people like condoms” and announced his intention to leave the governing African National Congress and join the opposition. He went on to accuse Zuma of lying and failing to use condoms, a reference to evidence Zuma provided in a 2006 r*pe case in which he was acquitted.

The king also apparently breached the ANC’s policy against promoting tribal divisions, describing the president as “just a Zulu boy”.

“I cannot be ordered to come to his office. He must come to my office. I am king unto him and he is just a Zulu boy,” Dalindyebo told reporters.

In a country where opposing the country’s top politician has cost many ANC figures their careers, few doubt that Dalindyebo is on his way out.

The country’s traditional rulers are recognised by the constitution, supported by government funds, allowed to impose fees on local communities and play an important part in the lives of many South Africans.

But Dalindyebo, who at one point announced his kingdom’s secession to avoid jail time, is seen as disreputable among traditional leaders. His brother, Daludumo Mtirara, is on record as refusing to recognise Dalindyebo as king.

“The family are waiting for the government to process the documents confirming that he has been removed,” Mtirara said on Sunday. “Once the government has done its work, the royal family will sit and identify a suitable candidate to take over as king, as is our custom.”

Dalindyebo last week announced he was ousting Mandela’s grandson Mandla as a clan chief after a family court battle over the location of the graves of Mandela’s three deceased children. Mandla Mandela, who was chosen by his grandfather to be chief, had moved the bodies to his village, Mvezo. He lost the court battle and was ordered last week to send them back to their original resting place in nearby Qunu.

Mandla Mandela has accused Dalindyebo of being delusional following the announcement of his removal.

“Whatever thing he is smoking these days has worsened his thinking capabilities,” he was quoted as saying.

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Maternal Deaths: Another Nigerian world record

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health-Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammed, on Thursday in Kaduna said that Nigeria accounted for 10 per cent of global maternal deaths.
Mohammed made the disclosure when a delegation of Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery (NTLC), paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State.

The NTLC later converged for a meeting on polio eradication in the state.

“Nigeria is one of the countries, having the highest burdens of maternal mortality. Nigeria does not account for up to 10 per cent of the global population.

“ We only account for about two per cent of the global population but we account for about 10 per cent of the global burden on maternal mortality.

According to him, there is no reason why women in Nigeria should be dying while giving birth.

He said that the NPHCDA was determined to partner with traditional rulers to see how best to reduce the death of women during child birth.

He called on the traditional rulers to assist the government to mobilize women to participate in pre-natal care services to avoid complications during child birth and to reduce maternal deaths.

“ We want you to also extend the support beyond polio and routine immunization while the issue of maternal mortality should be taken with necessary attention it deserved.’’

Mohammed said that primary health care services catered for 70 per cent of the needs of the people as well as other health challenges.

The leader of the delegation and Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari El-Kanem, said that traditional rulers were committed to improving the health status of the people by eradicating polio in the North.

He said the committee would continue to fight the epidemic because it had left several victims crippled for life.

However, Yero assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to eradicating polio as well as ensuring compliance with routine immunization programmes.

The governor said that the meeting between the traditional rulers in the North would provide a platform for them to proffer solutions to challenges inhibiting total eradication of polio.

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Sambo Most Loyal Vice President In Nigerian History – Gulak

Vice-President Namadi Sambo has been hailed as the most loyal Vice-President in the history of Nigeria by Dr. Ahmed Gulak, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters.

The presidential aide, who made the statement in Kaduna at a town hall meeting with traditional rulers yesterday, said destiny brought Sambo and Jonathan together so that Nigeria can develop.

According to him, “We are in a zone of the Vice-President; the most loyal Vice-President in the history of this country. God has brought them together to develop Nigeria. Jonathan is in China he is happy and is watching us.”

Speaking further on their combination, Gulak noted that “Goodluck and Namadi Sambo’s administration has resuscitated the railway, the lines are now working, electricity has improved, the roads are being improved. It’s the only administration that wants to improve the Almajiri system.”

He added that the Jonathan-led administration has fulfilled its promises to Nigerians with the disbursement of the SURE-P cash to thousands of youths.

Reiterating the determination of the current administration to improve the lot of the common man, Gulak said there are people who don’t want the country to progress and will always work against what will benefit ordinary Nigerians but added that the Jonathan administration is committed to peace building as no country can develop in an atmosphere of rancor.

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Nigerian Company Pays Clinton N100m To Speak At An Event In Lagos

Just to speak at an event in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, a Nigerian company paid the former American President, Bill Clinton, $700,000 (over N100 million), the New York Times disclosed on Thursday.

The New York Times did not disclose the name of the company which handed Clinton the huge sum of money.

Clinton, since he left office, has visited Nigeria many times, the last two being a guest speaker at the launch of Eko Atlantic City and Thisday Awards.

America’s influential newspaper did not also disclose when the money was paid but said Bill Clinton made $17 million (N2.5 billion) from speeches last year alone.

The disclosure was made as the newspaper revealed also that Hillary Clinton will be paid $200,000 to offer pithy reflections and Mitch Albom-style lessons from her time as the nation’s top diplomat.

“The $200,000 she commands appears to be comparable to what Bill Clinton receives for speeches delivered in this country, though Mr. Clinton — who earned $17 million from speeches last year — has collected much more outside the United States, including the $700,000 he was paid when he spoke to a company in Lagos, Nigeria,” The New York Times said.

Some of the businessmen who had invited Bill Clinton to Nigeria include Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of ThisDay newspaper whose workers protested in May 2013 for being owed months of unpaid salaries.

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CAN May Reject Report Of Presidential Amnesty C’ttee On Boko Haram – Oritsejafor

A meeting between the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja ended in a stalemate on Thursday in Abuja.

Newly re-elected CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, did not hold back in his criticism of the timing of the meeting which he said was not only belated, but was an after-thought and kicked against the composition of the committee, saying it was lopsided, therefore, any recommendation made by it would not be credible nor acceptable to the Christian community.

Chairman of the committee and Minister of Special Duties, Barrister Tanimu Turaki (SAN), had while highlighting the committee’s terms of reference, solicited the support of CAN in the peace process.

He said, “We are not only soliciting your understanding, we are also seeking the support of the Christian community in Nigeria. We are not only soliciting your advice and suggestions, we are also fundamentally seeking your cooperation and that of the Christian community in Nigeria.”

According to Turaki, the meeting was meant to seek the input of CAN with a view to aggregating opinions and information that would form the basis of the committee’s recommendations to the Federal Government.

But in his response which took the committee members aback, Pastor Oritsejafor thanked the committee for the meeting but said the Christian community did not have confidence in the composition of the amnesty panel and as such would not accept any recommendation by it.

Information Nigeria notes that out of the 28 members of the committee, only five are Christians.

Oritsejafor said, “We note that the tenure given to your committee is 90 days, which will lapse in a few days time. This being the case, it is our considered opinion that your invitation to us is an afterthought.

“Having regard to the terms of reference of your committee in dealing with issues of national security and in accordance with section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and in view of the constitutional provision for federal character, we consider the composition of this committee lopsided and unacceptable.

“We further note that Boko Haram, having been declared a terrorist organisation and proscribed by the Federal Government, the work of your committee has been overtaken by events.

“From the aforementioned, it is our belief that any report emanating from your committee will not be credible and acceptable to the Christian community.”

A few minutes after the CAN President finished reading out the association’s position; the meeting drew to a close.

However, it was learnt that Turaki later apologised for meeting the association late, adding that the committee may seek extension of time from President Goodluck Jonathan.

Newly elected CAN Vice-President and Head of Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Olasupo Ayokunle; Primate of the Anglican Communion, Very Rev. Nicholas Okoh; CAN’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Musa Asake; representatives of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship Organisation of Nigeria among other national and state officials of CAN attended the meeting.

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Protect Your spèrm From Injury

Young men who are not yet thinking of raising a family sometimes take things too far. They engage in some risky behaviours that not only jeopardise their health but the health of their spèrm also.

This is not to say it’s only young men that unwittingly toy with their spèrm’s health. Adult men do, too, by making unhealthy and unwise life choices that may make it difficult or, sometimes, impossible, to impregnate a woman.

Family physician, Dr. Toun Agbaje, says, generally, spèrm health depends on three major factors — the quantity, quality and motility (movement). She says a man is deemed fertile if the quantity of semen he discharges in a single ejaculation is more than 15 million spèrm per milliliter.

But how can a man mess up his spèrm’s health?

In no particular order, one of the problems has to do with the temperature that the male sex organ is exposed to. Have you noticed the dressing style among the youth? It has become the norm for young men to wear multiple underwears.

Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology, Oladapo Ashiru, warns that raising scrotal temperature may reduce spèrm production. He explains that testicles hang outside of the body because optimal spèrm production requires a temperature that is one to two degrees centigrade below the core temperature of 37°C.

Certain occupational risks also affect spèrm health, we are told. Ashiru warns that working in hot environments, such as a bakery or a foundry, or sitting for long periods has been linked to raised testicle temperature.

“This may affect spèrm’s ability to mature, leading to poorer spèrm quality and a temporary drop in spèrm production. If you have a job that involves sitting for long periods, have regular rest breaks and get up and move around,” the professor of anatomy counsels.

More so, placing the laptop on the laps while working has its downside for men.

Researchers at the State University of New York at Stony Brook say, “There is a direct correlation between laptop use and increased scrotum temperature by up to 35˚C in certain positions.” They therefore counsel laptop users to let it sit on the table when being used.

Men who love tight undies are also advised to take it easy on their organs. Scientists say, “The more constricted a man’s pants are, the less hospitable an environment he creates for spèrm production.”

Body weight also affects spèrm health, experts say. Ashiru says while maintaining a healthy weight helps to keep the spèrm in good condition, being overweight may lower spèrm quality and quantity.

In addition, a 2009 study by the World Health Organisation notes that, compared to normal and overweight men, obese fertile men have reduced testicular function and significantly lower spèrm counts.

And if you love the bottle, experts say heavy drinking can be harmful to spèrm. A research concludes that men who drink heavily on a regular basis have lower spèrm counts and testosterone levels.

Worse still, experts say, those who use ‘recreational’ drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, Indian hemp, etc., risk spèrm damage; as these drugs can lower spèrm quality and, in effect, reduce fertility.

As for young men who sit for hours watching TV, there’s the need to wise up.

In a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health warn that healthy young men who were sedentary, as measured by hours of TV viewing, had lower spèrm counts than those who were the most physically active.

Senior author of the study/assistant professor of nutrition and epidemiology at HSPH, Dr. Jorge Chavarro, says “men who watched more than 20 hours of TV weekly had a 44 per cent lower spèrm count than those who watched almost no TV.”

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Court Convicts Governor Sule Lamido’s Son For Money Laundering

Aminu Sule Lamido, the 34-year old son of Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for offences bordering on money laundering was Friday convicted by Justice Fatu Riman of the Federal High Court, Kano, and ordered to forfeit 25 per cent of the undeclared sum of $40,000.

But the governor’s son won’t be serving any jail term. He will walk free after forfeiture of the 25 per cent of the undeclared sum.

Aminu was arrested on December 11, 2012 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on his way to Egypt for failure to declare the $50,000 in his possession. He only declared $10,000 to the Nigerian Customs Service.

When he was arraigned before Justice Riman on Monday February 4, 2013, Aminu pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in prison pending hearing of his application for bail.

The charge against the accused reads: “That you Aminu Sule Lamido on or about 11^th day of December, 2012 at the Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while transporting in cash, the sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars Only) from Nigeria to Cairo, Egypt, falsely declare to the Nigerian Customs the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars Only) instead of the said sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars Only) as required under Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap F34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011”.

At the resumed hearing on February 5, 2013, Justice Riman granted the accused person bail in the sum of N8million and two sureties in like sum.

In the course of trial, which got underway April 19, 2013, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted as exhibits. One of its witnesses, Sanusi Ahmed who is an operative of the EFCC, told the court that the accused person only registered $10,000 in the Nigerian Customs Declaration Form only for a search to reveal that he had $50,000 on him. He identified the Customs Declaration Form when it was shown to him. The document was accepted by court as exhibit 1.

The two witnesses called by the defence are the Chief Press Secretary to the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Kyare and the wife of the accused, Samira Aminu Sule.

At the last adjourned date, July 9, the court reserved ruling for July 12, after the parties had closed their cases and adopted their written addresses.

In convicting the accused person, the trial court held that the defence had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

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Al Mustapha visits TB Joshua immediately after release

Al-Mustapha was released yesterday Friday July 12th after many years in prison, and his first port of call after his release was T.B Joshua's place.

T.B Joshua explains why Al-Mustapha visited him first:

I got to know him many years ago when a petition was addressed to General Bamaiyi who was the then Chairman of the NDLEA. As you know, several efforts had been made by my detractors to bring me and my ministry down. One of those efforts was that petition. I was arrested for investigation and it was later discovered that it was a tissue of lies. I spent nine days with them for investigation and they found the whole thing to be a fabrication. From there, I was taken to Aso Rock (City of Power) to see the president. It was there that I met Mustapha.

 

I was able to reveal to them who I am by telling them what was to come as a prophet. One of those things I mentioned to them and to Mustapha in particular, was what he went through, though he did not believe me then. That was why when it came to pass, I was the first person he remembered. I told him that he would spend several years in prison and would be finally released which no one else had ever told him.

 

That is why you see him coming here as his first port of call. Where there is no vision, people perish.

 

I am surprised you are asking me why he is coming here first. When you look into your archives  as journalists, you will find many stories in the past about my visit to Aso Rock, (City of Power) while Bamaiyi was Chairman of NDLEA. Many magazines and newspapers published my visions and prophecies on the government and the presidency.

 

When you know your picture of tomorrow, it will impart a strength to endure your present difficulty. When you know what you are passing through now will not last long, you will endure it. This is vision; this is prophecy. This can only come by revelation. This is what the Bible means by, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). I will leave you here.

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3 Okada Robbers Burnt To Death

It was a sad end for three suspected okada robbers who was alleged to been terrorising the residents of Ikotun area of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria; they were caught and set ablaze by an angry mob.  The suspected robbers were killed after their robbery operation was foiled by a member of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, vigilante group in the area.

The robbers, who allegedly operated with the aid of motorcycle, met their waterloo when they attempted to rob a woman, a wholesales recharge cards seller, at Governor’s Road, Ikotun at about 7 p. m. on Wednesday.

According to an eye witness account, on the fateful day, the suspected robbers parked their okada in front of the woman’s shop. While one waited outside, the other two suspected robbers went inside the shop to rob the trader.

It was alleged that one of the robbers pointed a gun at the woman and demanded for her bag containing recharge cards and sales proceeds for the day.

The woman refused and insisted that she will not hand over the bag to them. The argument between the woman and the suspected robbers alerted some of the residents of the area who fled when they  saw the gun pointed at the woman.

This caused commotion in the area and drew the attention of the  OPC member.

An eyewitness said, “When the OPC member confronted the robbers, one of them shot at him but the bullet did enter his body. The robbers were afraid and attempted to escape with their motorcycle. But as they attempted to zoom off, a motorist hit their motorcycle. They fell down and were rounded up by the residents”

According to the eyewitness, before the police could intervene the mob had gathered the suspects together and burnt them beyond recognition along with their motorcycle.

“The mob set them ablaze with the petrol they got from their motorcycle. Though the police were informed about the robbery,  before they got to the area, the suspects had been burnt by the angry mob,”  the eyewitness said.

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Olamide Is First Nigerian Ambassador for CIROC

According to a source Olamide has signed a multimillion Naira endorsement deal with alcoholic drink Ciroc Ultra Premium vodka and will become the first Nigerian ambassador for the alcoholic beverage.

Inside sources stated that the deal has been signed and sealed already. "The money had to be sent in three parts, that’s how huge it is", an insider said.

Ciroc, produced and distributed by Diageo is looking at promoting their brand in West Africa after launching in 2011.

By signing Olamide as ambassador, Ciroc is adopting the similar marketing model practised in the US; the likes of French Montana, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Ray Jay, Funkmaster Flex are all ambassadors for the drink.

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Why I Changed My Name From ‘Nigga Raw’ To ‘Mr Raw’ – Ukeje Edward

The song “Obodo” is still as evergreen as ever but the singer of the song, Ukeje Okechukwu Edward, a.k.a Mr Raw, formerly known as ‘Nigga Raw’ , disappeared from the music scene and only recently reappeared with a new album featuring 2Face Idibia.

In this chat, role model of upcoming Hip Hop acts in Eastern Nigeria speaks on his absence, his music and why he changed his name from ‘Nigga Raw’ to ‘Mr. Raw’.

So what’s new about Mr Raw?

A lot of things are new about me because presently I am still recording songs and doing other businesses. And there are a lot of artistes I am actually trying to help push their songs under my label ‘Raw Deal Entertainment’. Presently, I have a new fifteen-track album titled ‘’ The Greatest “ featuring 2Face Idibia and some other acts.

And I can say the album is doing credibly well and two videos from the album titled ‘’Asanwa” and ‘’Forget Swagga ‘’ are already on air. Tell us about your Record label? My Record Label is called Raw Deal Entertainment. I started the Label in 2005 and presently I have three artistes who are signed onto the outfit. There’s nothing much about it.

Why did you decide to own a Record Label ?

It all started when I first released my first album” Right and Wrong” that was the album that contains ‘’Obodo’’, it made a big hit. After that album I decided to own my own Record Label since everything put into the production of the album was done solely by me.

Should we say the Record Label is actually taking your time enough to make you go off the scene for a while?

The Record Label has nothing to do with that, the thing is that I actually got myself involved in many other businesses within and outside the country. I am still very much around, doing my thing but the only difference now is that I don’t do just music alone anymore. I have other interests

Can we know those other things you have got yourself involved in?

What I mean is that I am into importation of goods within and outside Nigeria and I am also into properties like an investor. Let’s just say it’s a kind of retirement plan that could come handy when I finally bow out from music. It’s my back-up plan.

Now that you are married, how are you enjoying marital life?

I thank God I am doing great but another thing is that I like keeping my family life private. Though I have heard a lot of people saying that it’s because I got married that’s why I’ve been off the music scene, it’s not true. I just have to get something else to do other than music. Though at first it was only music but now it’s no longer music alone, I am now doing other things as well.

As a married man, how do you treat your female fans?

Let me be sincere and blunt with you; a female fan actually pushes more of our job than a male fan. Guys will always like to have fun and drink but if a female is passionate about your music she can go to any level to promote it even by making the guys love it. So one has to treat the female fans right because they are always there to groove and dance but men are just there too preoccupied with other things.

Also, when it comes to comedy shows, it’s the lady that pushes the man to take her out. So, for me I treat them like sisters, friends, fans and supporters. My marriage has nothing to do with the way I treat my female fans though some people do have wrong impression when you treat a lady too nicely. The fact that I am married doesn’t stop me from being close to my female fans.

Why do you usually rap in Igbo language?

Because I feel comfortable doing it and I got a lot of encouragement from the fans who have come to show they love it. So it’s just a decision I made and I am glad I did. Sometimes, people get surprised when I speak in English because most of them thought it’s because I didn’t go to school that’s why I rap in Igbo. Moreover, rapping in Igbo is my unique selling point too.

How exactly did you meet Klint the Drunk before featuring him in your song ‘’Obodo ‘’?

Actually we were friends back in Enugu, we used to perform in schools. He would be the MC while I sing and sometimes he cracked jokes and our other friends like Mc Lopgh, Smatter Man, Ernest Asuzu, the actor, also rapped too. I and ‘Klint the Drunk’ have been long time friends and I still wish to do something with him very soon. Why I featured him in my song is because everything about him is music, for example, if you listen to his comedy, what he does most is singing out the jokes.

What made you so popular?

I think it’s my ‘Igbotic’ rap. Like when I did the Obodo song people really accepted it, that was in 2005 but I wrote the song in late 90. And another thing that announced me was the Benson and Hedges ‘Grab the Mick’ music competition in 2002. People really accepted me when I was rapping in Igbo. I came first then in Enugu and it was even I and Klint that did the competition together. He was singing while I rapped. And finally at the grand finale I won, that was in Abuja. I can never forget that year. That same year, I still went for Star Quest competition. Initially, they didn’t want me to enter for the competition because I just won Benson and Hedges competition. I came second while Kcee emerged winner and I am happy he’s doing great now.

What is the story behind your change of name from Nigga Raw to Mr. Raw?

Yeah ,the change of name actually came about because on-air personalities could not say my name without driving another connotation to it. It was affecting information about me. Some foreign stations like MTV Base couldn’t play my music until I removed the word ‘Nigga’ from my name. I had to do it.

But what actually gave me the push to change my name to Mr. Raw was when many people complained that they weren’t able to buy my songs online. I had to search for my name online and I didn’t see it in one of the popular websites. But when I searched for one of my songs it popped up. I saw that they censored ‘Nigga’ and replaced it with five stars.

So if you search for Nigga Raw you wouldn’t find it unless you searched for one of my songs. Nigerians outside the country buy songs online before they get the hard copy. So I had to change the name. Then again, if you are going to foreign embassies to get a visa, the promoter is usually scared of telling them at the embassy that a ‘nigga’ wants to go to their country. But really, the ‘Nigga’ in my name wasn’t like the American Nigger. Mine is actually an acronym NIGA which means Nigerian Guy Anakpo Raw (Nigerian Guy who is called Raw). But how many people would you be explaining this to?

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