PIB: Senate will not shut out private member bills on petroleum industry

 

The Senate had received the PIB from President Goodluck Jonathan on July 19.

The Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba stated this at a news briefing by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Sen. Ita Enang.

Ndoma-Egba said the Senate would subject the bills to the same legislative processes, where they eventually come,’’ because it was not out of place to have two bills on the same subject matter.

Speaking at the conference, Enang briefed journalists on the Status of Bill, Motions, Confirmations and Sundry Legislative Measures of the Senate from June 18 to July 19.

According to Enang, the briefing is intended to highlight the achievements made by the upper chamber between June and July this year.

 “Having two bills on the same subject-matter in the Senate is not strange.

`` But if Senators bring their own private version of the PIB, they will be subjected to the same procedure like every other bill.”

He gave the assurance that the Senate would give the PIB all the attention it deserved, adding that Nigerians had no cause to worry about it.

 “The PIB was not considered in the 6th Senate because it lacked some security features and we discovered that Senators had different versions of the bill.

``We, therefore, advised the executive to withdraw the bill and include some security features which they did.''

Enang emphasised the readiness of the Senate to give urgent consideration to the PIB, the urgent consideration was in order to promote transparency in the oil and gas sector of the economy.

According to him, between June 2011 and July 2012, 303 bills were introduced into the Senate, out of which 25 have been passed and transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

Enang said the Senate has constituted a Conference Committee with the House of Representatives to harmonise the differences on the bills establishing the 10 federal universities.

He listed the constitution amendment bill as part of the bills that required harmonisation with the House of Representatives.

Enang said that the bills would receive the attention of the Senate when it resumed from its annual vacation in September.

“The Senate before proceeding on its annual recess received from the executive, the Petroleum Industry Bill which will be given urgent attention as the Senate resumes.

``As the Senate returns from its vacation, immediate attention would be focused on bills that deal with the amendment of the constitution, harmonisation of the bill establishing the 10 new  federal universities.

``Also, the Senate would give attention to the 2013 Appropriation bill, which the President had promised to present to the National Assembly in September.''

Enang said that the Senate, during the period, considered  “very important reports on motions referred to Senate committees, and took some far reaching resolutions for the Executive to implement”. 

 

 

 

 

Basketball: Bakare blames injuries, technical lapses for loss to Lithuania

The  Nigerian men basketball team could not sustain their brilliant start to the 2012 Olympic Games as they lost their second game.

Bakare, who spoke at the post-match conference at the Basketball Arena, said injuries and sickness, as well as technical lapses were responsible for the loss.

``It was actually a close result as we played well and tried our best. But we have had a couple of injuries and sickness to deal with in the past two weeks, and this affected our depth,'' he said.

The coach said the situation ensured the technical crew could not rotate as many players as it would have wanted during the match.

``It is not just about Ade Dagunduro, who got injured during the game, but Ekene Ibekwe is still down with sickness, just like some two or three others that cannot step onto the court.

``In addition to this, we couldn't keep up with the Lithuanians' pace and we committed some mistakes too,'' he said.

Bakare refused to blame his team's loss on complacency, saying that it was impossibility as he and his players knew  what was at stake.

``It is impossible to be complacent. Everybody is motivated about playing here at the Olympics. We are all driven to the level of knowing that this is the Olympics, the highest level of basketball.

``That we lost was not because we under-estimated our opponents. If anything, our loss was about some things going wrong,'' he said.

The coach, however, expressed his reservations about the officiating, saying that some of the officials took some things personal.

``The game was poorly officiated, and I must say this, even though I don't like making comments about officiating.

``A couple of the referees took some things personal. Referees have to rise above egos and feelings. One of them in particular was too bad,'' Bakare said, without naming any particular referee.

The match had as its referee, Cristiano Maranho from Brazil, while KassemDa'Adouch from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was Commissioner.

Canada's Stephen Seibel and Vitalis Gode from Kenya were the Umpires.

Bakare,however, heaped praises upon the Lithuania, the team they beat 86-80 about two weeks ago at the Olympics Qualifiers in Caracas, Venezuela.

``We must not take anything away from the Lithuanians. We failed to keep up with their pace and played badly not to win, while they played well to win.

``They deserved their win, no doubt, the issue about the officiating was just my own personal comment,'' he said.

 D'Tigers' next game in this Preliminary Round Group A is on Thursday against the U.S

Doctor Charged for Causing Death of Pregnant Woman

 

Edeye, who resides at No. 5 Odo St., Akesan in Lagos, is standing trial before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on a one count charge of murder.

The prosecutor, Insp. Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the doctor, who operated a clinic and maternity centre in his residence, committed the offence on May 29, at about 4 p.m.

Anyanwu disclosed that Edeye’s victim was 22-year-old Miss Tolani Adenuga, who was carrying a five-month old pregnancy, which she requested to be terminated.

The prosecutor said that the defendant claimed to have cautioned the deceased about the danger inherent in the procedure, but when she insisted proceeded to administer some undisclosed drugs on her.

Anyanwu said that the pregnant woman died hours later after taking the substance.

He said that police investigation revealed that the medical doctor had been giving maternity services in his home for the past two years.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened section 221 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.

It was reported that the court did not take Edeye's plea.

The Magistrate, Mr Patrick Adekomaya, ordered that the defendant should be remanded in prison custody pending advice from office of the Director of Public Prosecution before adjourning the case to Aug. 27. 

 

 

 

 

NACCIMA Wants Operators in Real Sector to Benefit from Intervention Funds

 

Dr Ademola Ajayi, President of NACCIMA, said this on Tuesday, in Lagos, at a one-day NACCIMA/ENABLE Bi-Annual dialogue between government agencies and private sector operators.

He said that the dialogue was meant to analyse the impact of government intervention funds on the nation's economy.

Ajayi said that the dialogue created a platform for stakeholders to objectively discuss and analyse the viability and application of the existing intervention funds.

``Part of NACCIMA's contribution is to create an effective forum for public-private dialogue, for the private sector and other stakeholders to brainstorm with government officials,'' he said.

Ajayi said that a survey conducted by NACCIMA showed that the respondents were aware of the various intervention funds but were faced with problems of accessibility.

``A major finding of the survey was that respondents have fair knowledge of available intervention funds with the generic funds for popular sectors like Agriculture, SME’s and Manufacturing,” he said.

Ms Evelyn Oputu, Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), said that the bank had effectively supported the Federal Government in the implementation of the various intervention funds.

Oputu, who was represented by Mr Joseph Babatunde, a general manager in the bank, said that the bank had assisted in disbursing the funds.

Mr Jani Ibrahim, President of the alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, said that the intervention funds would grow the economy.

Ibrahimalso lauded the activities of the CBN, BOI and other deposit banks.

``As you can hear, just a few companies have not been able to access the funds; it is either the funds are too few or the conditions attached to them are very rigorous.

``I would like the CBN to add to these intervention funds, and I will urge the Federal Government to assist them in this regard,'' Ibrahim said.

Dr Vincent Furo, the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), suggested that machinery should be purchased for the real sector operators through an organised agency like NACCIMA. 

 

Minister Calls for Deployment of Scientific Tools to Combat Pollution

 

The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Ewa, made the call in Abuja while declaring open a one-day seminar on persistent organic pollutants.

The seminar is being attended by scientific officers of the ministry and its agencies.

POPs are toxic chemicals that when released into the environment take a very long time to degrade, thus adversely affecting human health and the environment.

Reports say that Ewa was represented by Mr Sunday Enokola, the Director of Human Resources Management in the ministry.

Ewa said that all over the world, people were worried about what the environment would be in the next decade due to pollution in the air, water and land.

He said that if urgent steps were not taken to control most of what were being thrown around, ``we might just discover that we are living in a polluted environment where no one will survive.’’

The minister, therefore, called for the collaboration of agencies under the ministry and the Ministry of Environment to deploy scientific tools that could be used to combat POPs.

``I must at this juncture mandate the National Research Institute and Chemical Technology and the National Biotechnology Development Agency to apply chemical and biotechnology tools to fight POPs to a standstill in collaboration with the ministry of environment,’’  he said.

In his lecture entitled ``First Dirty + 9 + 1 Persistent Organic Pollutants'',  Mr Ekanem Udoh, Deputy Director, Chemical Technology and Energy Research Department, urged Nigerian scientists to join the world study team in addressing the menace of POPs.

Udoh said there was a need for Nigerian scientists to join their colleagues across the globe to look for alternative chemicals that were more environmental friendly.

``The task of keeping the environment clean and sustainable is our responsibility and as researchers and science administrators, the country looks up to us to provide leadership in deploying science and technology tools to combat class of pollutants,’’ he said .

Udoh listed the POPs to include the ``First Dirty Dozen POPs’’ such as aldrin, deldrin, chloradane, dichlorodiphenyl  trichloroethane (DDT), dioxin and furans,  endrin, Polychlorinated biphenyis (PCBs) and hexacchlorobenzene.

He said 185 countries, including Nigeria, signed the UN treaty in Stockholm, Sweden, in May 2001, to reduce and eliminate the production, use and release of ``the first dirty dozen chemicals.''

Udoh explained that although these chemicals had been banned, it was possible that the new releases might come from the use of individually owned stockpiles for industrial and farming purposes.

He said that POPs could be transported by wind and water, adding that most POPs generated in one country could affect people and wildlife far from where they were used or released.

He said aldrin and dieldrin had been in use from the 1950s to the early 1970s as a soil insecticide and mothproofing of woolen products to control root worms, beetles and termites.

Udoh said constant exposure to these POPs might be associated with testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

``However, studies have linked chlordane/heptachlor in human tissues with cancers of the breast, prostate, brain, and cancer of blood cells.

``In addition to cancer, exposure to dioxin can also cause severe reproductive and developmental problems (at levels 100 times lower than those associated with its cancer causing effects).

``Dioxin is well-known for its ability to damage the immune system and interfere with hormonal systems,'' he said.

Udoh said that exposure to dioxin had also been linked to birth defects, inability to maintain pregnancy, decreased fertility and reduced sperm counts.

Other health effects of exposure to dioxin, he said, were endometriosis, diabetes, learning disabilities, immune system suppression, lung problems, skin disorders and lowered testosterone levels. 

 

Rivers to build 2 new golf estates -- Amaechi

Amaechi said the aim of the project was to boost the game of golf and other sporting activities in the state.

The governor made the remark in Port Harcourt when executive members of the Port Harcourt Club 1928 and Golf section of the club paid a courtesy visit on him.

“The Rivers State Government is developing two new golf estates, one in the new Greater Port Harcourt City and another at the area around the Dr Peter Odili Roundabout,” he said.

The  Odili Roundabout is located in Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt.

The governor said the decision to build the golf estates was to encourage the people of the state to come out and participate in such recreational activities as playing or watching golf and other sporting activities.

He said that his administration’s determination to strengthen sports development in Rivers would promote micro-economic activities, noting that people would go into small and medium-scale enterprises to cater for the needs of sports enthusiasts.

Amaechi congratulated the Port Harcourt 1928 Club, especially the club’s golf section for winning the Rosebowl Golf Tournament, played in the state recently.

It will be recalled that Amaechi, who is the honorary grand patron of the Port Harcourt Club 1928, teed off the golf tournament.

The President of the club, Mr Golden Tamuno, commended Amaechi for his administration’s efforts in sports development.

“It is obvious but it should be stated that you ( Amaechi) has done so much for sports development in Rivers State, since you came in as governor a lot have been done to encourage sporting activities in Rivers State,’’ he said.

The Captain of the Golf Section of the club, Mr Ngere Abere, also lauded the efforts of the State Government in sports development.

Abere promised that the Golf Section, together with the Port Harcourt Club, would collaborate with the Rivers Government to bring back the Annual Governor’s Golf Cup Tournament in the state.

Lawyer arraigned over N820, 000 fraud charge

 

The lawyer, 38-year-old Babatunde Aremu, a resident of No. 6, Orisumbare St., Ijora-Badia, Lagos, was also granted two sureties in like sum after he had pleaded not guilty at a Yaba Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, who was arraigned on May 14, is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the accused had on May 7 collected N820,000 from Mr Pascal Olabode under the pretext of letting out his three-bedroom flat located at 10, Shaki Crescent, Aguda, Surulere, to him.

``The lawyer collected N820,000 for the accommodation which was paid into his account.

``He promised that Olabode would move into the apartment within three days. On the third day, he called the lawyer, but his mobile phone was switched off,’’ he said.

Anyanwu said the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya adjourned the case to Aug. 20. 

Nigeria, Mexico Sign MoU to Enhance Political and Economic Cooperation

 

Amb. Bukun-Olu Onemola, the Under-Secretary in Charge of Regions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed for Nigeria, while the Mexican Ambassdor, Mr Marco Blanco, signed for his country.

Onemola said the MoU would, among other issues, address political and economic cooperation between both countries.

He said the agreement would also standardise and formalise trade relations between the two nations, noting that Nigeria’s export of hides and skin to Mexico was informal.

Onemola said the MoU would further strength bilateral relations and other partnership between both countries.

Responding, Blanco said Mexico had an investment partnership in agro-industrial production with the Rivers and Enugu states.

He said the partnership agreements, which were signed in March and April, were to the tune of 54 million dollars, adding that 7,500 jobs would be created from the investment.

Nigeria and Mexico established diplomatic ties in the 1960s. 

 

PZ's Profit Drops by 55% in 2012 Financial Year

 

This was contained in the company’s result, published by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday in Lagos.

The report showed that the company’s profit after tax during the period under review dropped to N2.54 billion, down from N5.69 billion in 2011.

Its profit before tax also dropped by 46 per cent to N4.31 billion, compared with the N8.03 billion that the company recorded in the same period of 2011.

Meanwhile, the company’s turnover increased by 9.5 per cent to N72.16 billion, up from the N65.88 billion it posted in the previous year.

The report indicated that the company’s net assets depreciated to N42.87 billion from the N43.17 billionit recorded in 2011.

Similarly, its fixed assets declined to N24.36 billion from the N25.04 billion it posted in the comparative period of 2011.

According to reports, the company did not declare any dividend for its shareholders although it paid 86k dividend in 2011. 

 

Senate wants Okonjo-Iweala to give details of 2012 budget performance

 

The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, issued the directive at a public hearing by the joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance on the implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act.

Ekweremadu expressed concern over the poor implementation of the budget, adding that the level of implementation was below expectation.

He said that Okonjo-Iweala, who also doubles as the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, had last week failed to brief the Senate on the implementation of the budget. 

He decried Okonjo-Iweala’s official trip to London to represent the president at an investment forum, saying that there were other officials who could represent the Nigerian government.

``We consider our meeting with her on any issue that has to do with budget implementation to be more important than any other assignment.

``We know there are other ministers and government officials that could as well have done that to enable her to be here with us this afternoon.

`` So it is regrettable that she is not here, '' he said.

He explained that the public hearing was aimed at evaluating the level of performance of the budget and to know what was responsible for the non implementation.  

Ekweremadu said the public hearing also offered opportunity for the Senate committees to respond to allegations that the budget performed badly due to ``tinkering’’ by the National Assembly.

``One of the excuses we’ve read from the pages of newspapers for non performance of the budget is what they considered as the tinkering of the budget by the National Assembly.

``So, what we had wanted to do today is to hear from the executive what those tinkering are.

``Let us hear and let the people of Nigeria hear what the National Assembly did to the budget that made it impossible for it to be implemented.

`` So it is not enough for the Executive or the Minister of Finance to be accusing the National Assembly of tampering with the budget that made it impossible for it to be implemented.

``If there are areas that the National Assembly should be blamed, the Nigerian public should hear.''

``If they have response from the National Assembly, our appropriation committees should also respond, ‘’Ekweremadu stressed.

He said the National Assembly was determined to know the actual performance of the budget in terms of the funds released and the projects that were ongoing.

``We want to see whether those releases and utilisation are impacting on Nigerians. We want to see it on roads, water projects and electricity projects going on across the states.

``But now the minister is not here and we are worried about it.

 So, it will be absolutely impossible for us to do hold this dialogue with the absence of the coordinating minister of the economy,’’ he said.

The Deputy Senate President subsequently adjourned the public hearing till Thursday to enable the Appropriation Committee to take the necessary legislative action to ensure that the minister appears before it.

``The Committee on Appropriation should take immediate steps including, if possible, summoning the minister to show up before it and other relevant committees by Thursday this week,’’ he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Sen. Ahmad Maccido, said the Senate was disappointed at the dismal level of performance of the budget.

``Contrary to claims by the executive that the level of implementation was 56 per cent, we have found out that the performance level is actually 21.5 per cent.

``This is based on records from the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. The Senate is not happy about this,’’ he said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama, were among the representatives of the executive at the meeting. 

Bomb disposal unit defuses bomb in Kano, JTF kills 2 suspected terrorists in Borno

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Ibrahim Idris, the state Commissioner of Police.

The statement said the command received information at about 8 a.m. from the security department of the college about an item spotted in Block 400.

``The anti bomb disposal unit of the command was immediately dispatched to the scene and on arrival, they professionally removed the item which was an Improvised Explosive Device contained in an aviation gas tube.

‘’They moved it to a safer area and detonated it without causing any injury or damage whatsoever,’’ the statement said.

The statement said normalcy had returned to the college as students continued with their normal academic activities.

It called on members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious package or items to the police for necessary action. 

 

JTF KILLS 2 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS, INTERCEPTS LARGE ARMS SHIPMENT IN BORNO

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO) on Tuesday said it killed two suspected terrorists in Monguno Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.

The JTF Spokesman, Lt.-Col.Sagir Musa, stated this while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri.

He said the JTF also intercepted large quantities of arms from the suspected terrorists during the operation.

Musa also said the two suspected terrorists who were escorting the consignment died in an exchange of fire with security men.

``The arms included eight rocket launchers, 10 rocket bombs, 10 rocket chargers, two AK 47 rifles and 13 magazines.''

He said that the arms were concealed in a blue Toyota Hilux vehicle heading towards Maiduguri.

``The JTF in conjunction with the Department of State Service, the Multi National Joint Task Force intercepted large consignment of arms and ammunitions.

``The consignment was intercepted at Daban Masara in Monguno Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno based on intelligence report.

``The large consignment of arms was being moved from Baga Masara heading towards Maiduguri in a blue hilux vehicle.

``The JTF wishes to appeal to members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies in order to stop the isolated killings in the state.'' 

 

Nigeria Wades into Former Diplomat's Problem with Venezuela

 

``The information at my disposal is that Mr Olarotimi Ajayi ceased to be a diplomat some months ago because he has retired; nonetheless, he is a Nigerian and we are working towards his release,’’ Ashiru said to newsmen.

The minister was commenting on reports that Ajayi, who served in Venezuela, had been detained for fraud since July 19 by authorities in that country.

``He is a retired diplomat; what happened is that he must have over stayed his permit and he travelled out of the country on return he was arrested. Nevertheless, as a Nigerian and a former diplomat, we have contacted the Venezuela authorities to ensure his release,’’ the minister said.

He said that Ajayi, having retired from service, should have regularised his stay in Venezuela.

``That is what we keep saying, people who want to stay in a particular country should have valid papers.

``If  you were staying there as a diplomat and your term has expired and you still continue to stay under a wrong term, then that will be problematic.''

The minister said the case was being addressed like that of any Nigerian facing consular challenges as Ajayi no longer had the privilege given to foreign service officers. 

 

Libel: Okonjo-Iweala Prays Court to Enter Judgment of N10b as Damages

 

Okonjo-Iweala, on March 5, filed a libel suit against a U.S.-based online news medium: ``Pointblank News Communication''.

Through her counsel, Mr Munachiso Micheal, the minister is claiming the amount against the medium and its directors - Mr Jackson Ude and Churchill Umoren - for aggravated damages for libel.

The suit is with regards to a news story entitled ``Okonjo-Iweala buys N1.2 billion Abuja mansion!” published on Jan. 10.

The publication alleged that the minister purchased the ``mansion” from Chief Fabian Nworah, owner of EFAB Properties Ltd in November 2011.

Okonjo-Iweal urged the court to hold that the publication was malicious.

At the resumed hearing in the suit before Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, Michael, Counsel to Okonjo-Iweala, told the court that the defendants had refused to enter appearance to defend themselves.

Michael told the court that in spite of efforts made by his client to duly serve the defendants with court processes, they had never made any appearance in court.

``My lord, my client has obeyed the court orders for substituted service on the defendants, which was given on April 25.

``We published all the court processes in ThisDay Newspaper of April 26.

``We also sent the defendants a parcel, through the Universal Postal Service delivery, with all the court processes and orders given by the court to their U.S.-based address in Maryland.

``We also have proof to show that the parcel was received by Mr Ude,'' he said.

Michael prayed the court to hold that the defendants have refused to enter appearance and give its judgment in favour of his client.

After checking his records, Justice Oniyangi further adjourned hearing in the suit to Oct. 9.

He said that if by that date the defendants refused to enter appearance, he would hear the prayers of the plaintiff and deliver judgment. 

 

 

Babayaro says Enyeama is Still Nigeria's Best Goalie

 

Babayaro spoke with newsmen against the backdrop of the rebuilding process of Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles' Head Coach.

He said that Enyeama had been able to outshine every other goalkeeper in the country with his level of exposure.

``Right now, Enyeama is the best we have, so why don’t we cherish him irrespective of his position in his club, Lille.

``Not being the first choice goalkeeper at Lille FC does not take away the fact that he is still the best in Nigeria.’'

Babayaro, who frowned at the attitude of former Coach Samson Siasia on Enyeama, urged Keshi to always see the Lille FC goal tender as Nigeria’s best.

He added that attention should be given to his positive sides rather than the negative.

The former goalkeeper, who is the older brother of former Super Eagles winger, Celestine Babayaro, applauded the rebuilding strategy of Keshi, noting that it had given the home-based players’ the opportunity to shine.

 

Shell has no plan to pull out of Nigeria, says MD

Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, the Managing Director of Shell, debunked the speculations during the sale of its Oil Mining Lease (OML) 34 to Niger Delta Western Ltd. in Abuja on Tuesday.

``I will like to seize this opportunity to reiterate the fact that divestment of some of these assets does not mean Shell is exiting Nigeria.

``A lot of people still equate this to mean that Shell is leaving Nigeria. We are not leaving Nigeria. We are here for the long run.’’

He stressed that the sale of oil blocs was meant to give smaller oil companies, especially the indigenous ones, the opportunity to grow and flourish.

`` We believe that having operated here for over 50 years; we should start to give opportunities to indigenous companies, especially in smaller fields.

``With all sense of modesty, by our size, we should not be struggling with small oil companies for small producing fields,’’ he said.

He said with the completion of the divestment plan and sale of oil blocs, Shell would now concentrate on more complex and capital intensive projects in Nigeria.

The Shell boss urged the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and the Niger Delta Western Ltd., to ensure the development of the oil and gas well.

Mr Andrew Yakubu, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s plan to build indigenous participation in the upstream sector.

He decried the low level of indigenous participation in the upstream sector, adding that less than 10 per cent participation was presently recorded.

``In-country capacity growth has been very low; in fact it is less than 10 per cent participation.

``This is in spite of the endowment of this natural resource for many years. This has not been encouraging at all,’’ he said.

He said the NNPC was committed to growing the NPDC to produce 250,000 barrels per day by 2015.

Dr Layi Fatona, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Western, said the company was ready to explore the oil bloc for the development of the nation.

He described the asset as rich in oil and gas and assured that the company would fast-track gas supply from it in line with the gas to power project.

The  OML34 is located in the western division with a number of fields which includes Oturogu and Ughelli gas fields.

The NPDC will now have 55 per cent equity while Niger Delta Western has 45 per cent.

The signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) was also witnessed by Total and Agip

Special Protection Unit to Guard Banks – IG

 

Abubakar, who announced this in Abuja on Tuesday at a meeting with the Committee of Heads of Banks Security, added that the SPU would take over from the mobile police.

``Sometimes, what you want is mobile police. Most banks are saying give us mobile police. Mobile police are essentially for anti-riot purpose.

``We are going to look at the possibility of using men from our SPU, who have the same training with the mobile police, if not better,’’ he said.

Abubakar said that the security of banks and their personnel was important in view of the prevailing security challenge in the country.

He said that because of the frequent attacks on banks, there was a need to consider the security of the environment before setting up branches.

He noted that some were established in markets and areas where there were no security measures.

Abubakar advised the banks against the employment of old men as security guards as they were not capable of doing the job.

The I.G thanked the banks for donating some operational equipment to the police and urged them to do more.

Responding, Mr Clement Ebere, the Chairman of the Committee of Head of Banks Security, said the banks were ready to partner with the police for their protection and smooth operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VC Urges Lecturers to Access Tertiary Education Trust Fund

 

Onyeji made the call in Agbani, Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State, on Tuesday while receiving equipment donated by the Alumni of Material and Metallurgical Engineering (MME) of the university.

The VC was represented by the Director, Academic Planning of the university, Prof Ethel-Doris Umeh.

He attributed the inaccessibility of the fund to the dearth of professors in some universities.

Onyeji said that accessing the fund would help the lecturers to embark on advanced studies and researches as well as upgrade their status.

``The university is now accessing the fund. That will boost your status, the department and that of the university.

``The university should not be blamed for lack of professors in some departments.''

While commending the alumni for donating the equipment, Onyeji expressed satisfaction with the performance of the products of the school, describing them as ‘trail blazers’ in the country.

Presenting the equipment, the leader of the group, Mr Kyrian Eze, said the ex -students decided to improve the department by making both the staff and students compliant to Information Communication Technology (ICT).

 ``We discovered a lot of problems in the university, especially the lack of ICT facilities, so we decided to donate the facilities to the department.''

Eze said the equipment would help in improving data documentation, processing of transcripts, networking, e-learning and research by lecturers and students.

 ``ASUTECH, now ESUT, is the first university to start a degree programme in material and metallurgical engineering in the country and it has produced successful engineers.''

He commended the university for building a new workshop for the department through the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF).

Reports say that the former students donated equipment worth N600,000, including four computers, internet modem, 10 ergonomic chairs and tables each. 

 

IG Determined To Reform Police

 

Abubakar said this at the Justice for All conference with police commissioners in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is ``Connecting With Our Communities”.

In a keynote address, the I-G expressed his readiness to introduce a more efficient police system which every police officer and Nigerian would be proud of.

``I am resolute to introduce the necessary changes required to bring about sustainable reforms.

``This administration is, therefore, poised to work harder to meet the needs and expectations of the Nigerian public,” he said.

Abubakar urged the commissioners to take the lead by using the knowledge gained from the conference in their dealings with the public.

``I want to see that change in your respective commands with an enhanced delivery of police services in all your respective communities,'' he said.

In his comments, Dr Bob Arnot, National Programme Manager, Justice for All (J4A) Programme, outlined the role of the UK government, through its Department for International Development (DFID), in assisting community policing in Nigeria.

Arnot said that J4A was a programme agreed by the DFID and the Nigerian government on how to work with the police to reconnect with their communities.

They also work with the justice department and anti-corruption agencies to improve capacity and assist in the reform agenda of the government

``We are working with the NPF to assist them to reconnect with their communities so that by the end of the day, the police will be authentic with the communities on their side.

``The police cannot just be a force of occupation but of service to the people,” he said.

In his paper, Mr Parry Osayande, a retired Deputy Inspector-General and Chairman, Police Service Commission, in advised police officers to be skilled in all areas of police work. 

In the paper enttiled ``Effective Leadership for Modern Police Executives'', Osayande also advised the superior officers to listen to their subordinates as nobody knew it all.

``Superiority is only one rank brought by merit and length of service. It stands to reason, therefore, that a commanding police officer is not necessarily superior in intellect, training or skills to those he leads.

``Therefore, his style of leadership should be democratic. This does not take away from him his authority to assign duties, coordinate and supervise his subordinates,'' he said.  

A participant, Mr Hamman Sule, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, commended the initiative of the organisers of the conference, saying that it was a right step in the right direction.

Mr Muhammed Indabawa, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, said the conference ``is a wonderful development as this will further enhance coordination in community policing''.

``We shall go down the ladder to impart the knowledge to our subordinates and they will also do the same. This will continue down to the grass roots which will certainly bring about improvement,” he said.

 

 

 

 

JTF Destroys 2 Oil Bunkering Vessels in Bayelsa

 

Spokesman of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, led reporters on an inspection tour of the vessels on Tuesday at Sangana River off the coast of Akassa Island in the Brass Local Government Area of  Bayelsa.

He said that operatives of the JTF also arrested the owner of the vessels, Mr Joshua Orupere, whom, he said, attempted to bribe the JTF Chief of Staff, with 30,300 dollars.

Speaking before the vessels were burnt, Nwachukwu said the vessels were impounded on July 28 with each vessel containing about 600,000 tons of stolen crude.

He said the JTF operation was led by the Commanding Officer, 343 Artillery Regiment Lt.-Col. Muktar Adamu, who led a team of security operatives to intercept the vessels.

The destroyed vessels are MV Premaire and VI Suntra.

Nwachukwu said that the recent acquisition of four K38 gunboats for the JTF by the Federal Government had boosted the morale of the JTF to fight oil thieves.

He said the suspect had confessed to the crime and also confessed to have made several attempts to bribe JTF officers to release the impounded vessels before his arrest by JTF intelligence officers.

Also speaking, Adamu said the vessels were intercepted during a two-day combined operation in the creeks by the JTF.

He said that the interception of the vessels and arrest of the suspect were part of the fight against illegalities and piracy in the Niger Delta.

Adamu said however, that none of the crew member in both vessels was arrested by his team as they had fled from the vessels before the arrival of the JTF operatives.

``No arrest was made when the vessels was seized, all crew members on board fled before the arrival of our men,'' Adamu said.

In an interview with newsmen, Orupere, who hails from Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa, said the vessels belonged to him.

He also corroborated that he attempted to bribe the JTF Chief of Staff with $30,300 dollars before the arrest.

Orupere said that no crew member was on board the vessels, saying that the two vessels were condemned vessels that were converted to barges to load crude oil. 

 

 

 

Dermatologist stresses importance of sterilising clippers to avoid infections

In an interview in Abuja, Falodun said HIV, hepatitis B-C and staphylococcus could be transmitted through the use of unsterilised clippers.

According to him, sharing of clippers could trigger off some irritation that could lead to skin infections and other transmittable diseases.

He, therefore, advised that people should avoid patronising roadside barbers who used unsterilised instruments.

``It is important that we must keep emphasising this safety as much as it is possible; that people shouldn’t share clippers.

``If you must go to the barber's saloon for any reason, you must make sure that the clipper is well sterilised.

``It is advisable that as many people as can afford it, should have their own personal clippers.

``As much as you can, try your best to have your own equipment for things like manicure, pedicure and the rest.

``Do not patronise road side hawkers, people that just come by the road side in the name of barbers; they don’t have the equipment to sterilise clippers.

``Ensure that you monitor the sterilisation of the clipper before it is used on you,'' he added.

Falodun also said that not every cream could be used for treating skin infections and warned people to avoid shaving cream, lotion or powder not approved by NAFDAC.

He cautioned that people should always consult dermatologists for proper guidance on the use of appropriate cream for their ailments to prevent skin damage.

He said it was not true that bumps were caused by the use of blunt clippers.

``If somebody has a cut on the scalp while cutting his hair and the same clipper is used for someone else, infections can easily been transmitted through blood.

``When people have bumps, they attribute it to infection from clipper and that is not true.

``After cutting your hair, the hair recoils back inside as it is grows and irritate the skin and causes inflammation and itching and that is what leads to bumps,’’ he said.

Falodun urged people who had bumps or rashes on their head to consult dermatologists for treatment

Tension in Bayelsa House of Assembly as Speaker is accused of victimising some members

It would be recalled that Hon. Benson was impeached by majority of members of the House some weeks ago but he was reinstated following the intervention of the President, Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience. Part of the agreement, according to our sources was that he will not victimise his colleagues who moved against him.

Ionigeria.com can authoritatively reveal that Hon. Benson is already reneging on that agreement and moving against those who orchestrated his failed removal by depriving them of some perks of office. 

This is already causing some tension and disquiet in the House and according to, our sources,  if not well handled may snowball into another impeachment move by the aggrieved majority of members of the House.

According to our findings, in addition to their monthly salaries, members of the House get a monthly constituency allowance of N1million. But since the impeachment debacle, the Speaker, we gathered, has refused to pay the 13 members that moved against him, the N1million. However, the 10 members who stood by him are still enjoying the perk.

ionigeria.com also gathered that following the intervention of the State Governor, Seriake Dickson, the Speaker decided to pay them N500, 000 each while his supporters are getting N1million each. But  12 out of the 13 members refused to accept the amount.

According to a member of the House who spoke on the condition of anonymity, “the action of the Speaker is contrary to the peace agreement brokered by the President. At the meeting with the President, it was agreed that there will be no victor or vanquished and that nobody should be victimised but Hon. Benson has violated that agreement, so nobody should blame us if we also move against him.

Continuing, he said, “we now have a situation whereby some members of the House are earning less than others because of their principled position against the Speaker.

Another member of the House who also spoke to ionigeria.com revealed that “majority of members of the House are indeed very dissatisfied with the leadership style of the Speaker. His reinstatement was just a mark of respect for the President.

To avoid a similar situation in the Ogun State House of Assembly during the second term of Governor Gbenga Daniel where the Assembly was perennially enmeshed in crisis, the legislator called on the President to allow democracy to reign in the House by allowing the members to choose their own leaders.

Said he, “what we have now in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly is that the Speaker does not enjoy the support of majority of members of the House. The minority cannot continue to have their way in the House. I therefore appeal to the President to let peace reign by not insisting on having Hon. Benson as Speaker.

Investigations further disclosed that Hon. Benson is actually the choice of the wife of the President who exercises tremendous influence in the affairs of the State

Ondo election will follow Edo pattern ---- Nwanyanwu

It would be recalled that the stake in Edo election was very high, with rigorous campaign of one man one vote, and the conduct of the election was devoid of rancour at the end of which a victor emerged.

Nwanyanwu said in a telephone interview in Abuja that the Labour Party governorship candidate Olusegun Mimiko, who is also the incumbent governor, had touched the lives of the electorate in the last four years.

``This is the time for his works and activities to speak for him more so the opposition parties do not stand any chance in the forthcoming elections.''

He said there was no challenge from the opposition because the incumbent governor had worked in line with the party’s manifesto.

Nwanyanwu said Mimiko in the last four years had ensured job-led growth and transformed the economy to which the state had overcome under development, vicious backwardness and the paradox of poverty in a wealthy state.

The national chairman said a lot of job opportunities had been created through agricultural development and sustainable growth in the state to which many young school leavers and unemployed youths were gainfully employed.

Nwanyanwu said more than 500 projects that impacted positively on the lives of the people of Ondo State was executed, while both the health and education sector were not left out.

He said Mimiko was able to achieve the feat because his activities were devoid of godfatherism.

``He has no excuse not to perform creditably well because nobody is taking any percentage of the state’s allocation from him, and the party’s manifesto is the guiding principle for performance,’’.

Nwanyanwu said Edo election had sent a big signal to all politicians that free and fair election could be conducted across the country in a conducive atmosphere where peoples vote would count.

He, therefore, challenged INEC to stick to its earlier promise of creating a level playing field for all the political parties and to ensure free and fair election.

The national chairman advised INEC to work on all the minor areas of default, mostly logistics, that had always been identified as the major problem militating against the timely commencement of voting during elections. 

 

President Jonathan pledges support, cooperation with Ghana’s new president

Jonathan gave the assurance when he received a five-man delegation from Ghana, led by Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

The delegation brought a special message from Mahama and an official invitation to the burial rites of that country’s deceased president, Prof. John Attah Mills. 

Jonathan said that Nigeria would continue to work with Ghana and consult on bilateral, regional, continental and global issues.

The president recalled the shock and sadness he felt when he learnt of the death of Atta Mills last week.

He said Nigeria would be represented at the funeral at the highest level and an official delegation would be sent to convey the country’s condolence before the burial.

 In an interview with the State House correspondents, Mumuni said the team was in Nigeria to convey the special message to Jonathan.

``We are here at the behest of President Mahama of the Republic of Ghana; he has asked us to come in accordance with our revered African customs and traditions to formally announce to President Goodluck Jonathan the untimely and unfortunate demise of his brother and colleague, President Attah Mills and also to announce the funeral arrangements and elaborate on the rites arrangements that are being made and also to deliver to him an invitation to attend the funeral

Music Artistes Finally Get Royalties As COSON, Wazobia FM Sign Royalty Agreement

 

Last week Monday, an agreement was officially signed between Globe Broadcasting & Communications Ltd, which owns Wazobia FM and Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) in that respect.

The event took place at The Place, Ikeja, Lagos and was attended by COSON boss, Tony Okoroji; Wazobia FM boss, Engr. Amin Moussallli, Baba Dee, Patrick Doyle, Efe Omoregbe and other stakeholders in the music industry. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Okoroji confirmed that COSON has now withdrawn its court case against Wazobia FM. He urged other media houses to follow suit.

Also speaking, Engr. Moussalli said that he would want other stations to join hands in doing the right thing; paying royalties to artiste for the use of their intellectual properties. 

With this agreement, Wazobia FM stations across the country are now licensed to broadcast music and sound recordings twenty four hours, everyday. 

In June 2012, COSON filed a suit of billion Naira against Wazobia FM over non payment of royalties to artiste for broadcast of their materials on their stations.

 

Olympic: Nigeria’s Early Exit in Table Tennis Due to Poor Preparation - Umpiers

 

Reports say that the quartet of Segun Toriola, Aruna Quadri, Funke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong represented Nigeria in table tennis at the Games.

The players only qualified for the men’s and ladies singles events and had all crashed out of the Games in their first and second matches.

Peters told newsmen that the early exit showed that Nigeria was ill prepared and so was not a match for its opponents.

The umpire however added that the early exit called for early preparations.

“We should forget about this defeat and begin preparations for the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 2016,’’ he said.

The umpire noted that even countries which prepared well in table tennis usually find it difficult to win medals at international meets because of China’s supremacy in the sport.

He noted that this is Toriola’s sixth appearance in the Olympics and that it was a good glory for Nigeria.

“Toriola’s has played in six Olympics and it is a good glory for Nigeria because many of his colleagues have not attained such height,’’ he said.

Arinye, in her comment said that the early exit of the Nigerian players was due to the neglect of developmental programmes in the game.

“Our early loss is not good for the image of the country and this is due to the fact that our developmental programmes have been neglected,” she said.

She added that the early loss was also a setback for Nigeria because Nigeria’s representatives in the event were foreign based players.

“The country has focused so much on the foreign based athletes at the expense of much more experienced home-based athletes and this ought not to be so,” she said

The umpire was of the opinion that home-based players, if well exposed and well prepared, would polish Nigeria’s image better at the event than foreign based.

She said that Nigeria would continue to experience such occurrence as  long as the nation shy away from its developmental programmes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Medical Insitute, Others Worry Over Rising Cases of Polio in Nigeria

 

Ms Bridget Kelly, Senior Programme officer, said this at the ongoing International Visitor Leadership Exchange Programme in Washington on Sunday.

She said that Nigeria was one of the countries the world was looking up to eradicate polio in the country through its aggressive immunisation programmes.

It will be recalled that Nigeria recorded 95 per cent immunisation coverage to stop the transmission of polio in 2011.

However, the country witnessed a resurgence of polio totaling about 62 cases in 2011 and four cases in 2012.

Kelly said that the IOM had expected that health experts in Nigeria should have spoken strongly in support of polio immunisation particularly in the northern part of the country.

She said since they were familiar with the advantages of immunisation because of their background they should have spoken when some parts of the country rejected the routine immunisation.

``Nigeria was close to eradicating polio and we were all monitoring and excited about it until when the some people in Northern Nigeria say no to the immunisation exercise. ’’

Also speaking, Mrs Katherine Monahan, Deputy Director Global Health Initiative, said her organisation was optimistic that Nigeria would meet the goal of polio eradication.

She said the U.S. government would be delighted to see that polio in Nigeria was a thing of the past, and called for more public health campaign in the media.

Similarly, Prof. Taylor Burke, School of Public Health, George Washington University, decried the resurgence of polio in Nigeria, saying that disease was gradually reducing in other parts of the world.

Burke urged all stakeholders in the health sector to join hands in the fight against polio and other public health issues.

He acknowledged that the current security problems in some part of the country was a challenged to a thorough immunisation in some part of the country

 

 

 

 

NICON Insurance Pensioners Urges FG to Reopen Dialogue on Outstanding Claims

 

Mr Awa Mmaju, a representative of the pensioners, made the appeal in an interview with reporters.

He said a committee established by the BPE to resolve the outstanding pensions issues had yet to complete its assignment after its inaugural meeting on March 14 and subsequent meeting on May 2.

Mmaju said that the committee which was inaugurated by a representative of the Director-General of BPE, Mr Benjamin Dikki, was given two months to complete its assignment.

According to him, membership of the committee are drawn from the BPE, EFCC, National Pension Commission, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, NICON Insurance and representatives of pensioners.

Mmaju recalls that at the inaugural meeting, the representative of the director-general of BPE conceded that after the payment of terminal benefits of N3.9 billion in 2006 to staff and pensioners of the company, four pertinent issues remained unresolved till date.

``These issues are litigation against NICON Insurance Management by 14 pensioners of the company.

``The case of 2006 beneficiaries who wanted to be included in the judgment obtained by the Group 14 pensioners after collecting their payment in 2006.

``The case of former concerned NICON Insurance Corporation staff that are complaining of short payment and the status of pension scheme of the corporation as at the time of privatisation,’’ he said.

On the shortfalls in the payment of terminal benefits, Mmaju noted that the payments (future earnings) they received six years ago, were devalued at the rate of 14 per cent instead of 8 to 10 per cent that was the prevailing rates then.

He also claimed that a 10 per cent pensions increment awarded to NICON pensioners annually was not taken into due consideration during the computation of their benefits in 2006.

``In 1993, the Federal Government came up with a 25 per cent pension increase and when NICON was commercialised in 1994, the board of the corporation stated the implementation of the increase with 15 per cent and 10 per cent from time to time.

``The 10 per cent increase was maintained by the management of the corporation up to the time of privatisation.

``However, the 10 per cent increase was not taken into consideration during the computation of our benefits in 2006,’’ he said.

Commenting on the issue, the spokesman of the BPE, Chukwuwa Nwokoh, said that the committee had completed its work and would soon forward it’s findings to the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

However, the pensioner’s representatives disagreed with the claim, citing that the committee had yet to extensively deliberate and make recommendations on its 10-point of reference.

Reports say that NICON Insurance Plc was privatised in December 2005 through a core investor sale to Assurance Acquisition Limited.

Seventy per cent of the Federal Government equity amounting to 700,000 ordinary shares of the company, was divested to the core investor. 

 

Akinyemi Thrilled, Despite Swift Exit

 

That was how long it took the English-born 23-year-old to complete two runs down the churning white water of Lee Valley in the qualifying round of the men's kayak K1 event.

It was not good enough to earn the top 15 spot that would have qualified him for Tuesday's semi-finals, leaving the accounting student cursing a few careless moments.

``It sounds crazy but I was really pleased with the way I paddled today, but the time penalties make it look awful on paper," Akinyemi, who amassed 60 seconds worth of them, told reporters. ``It's one of those things, isn't it?"

Akinyemi grew up in Warrington in the north west of England and was initially set on becoming a motorbike racer.

Instead of a bike, his mother, Heather, bought him a canoe and he has been paddling ever since.

Born to a Nigerian father and an English mother, he went through the junior canoeing ranks in Britain, before deciding to move to experience life in Lagos as a 17-year-old.

``I wanted to get back to my roots. Growing up in Warrington was not that easy as a mixed race kid. Nigeria really supported me and I narrowly missed the 2008 Olympics," he said. 

 

Police Kill Four Gunmen in Kano

 

The state Police Commissioner, Mr Ibrahim Idris, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with newsmen in Kano.

He said that some gunmen attempted to attack a mosque in the area around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.

He said that the gunmen were confronted by policemen, who engaged them in a serious gun battle resulting in the death of four of them.

He said that security operatives had since taken full control of the situation and normalcy had returned to the area.

A resident of the area say that the mosque was located near the residence of a top security officer living within the vicinity.

``There was loud sound of explosion followed by sporadic gunshots during the night attack,’’ he said.

FG Evacuates 50 Nigerians from Syria

 

Ashiru told the newsmen in Abuja that the evacuees complied with government’s directive to leave Syria and he advised others to vacate the Middle East nation.

``We have evacuated quite a lot of Nigerians from Syria, it was not an airlift exercise like we did in the case of Libya because they are very few.

``From the report I got, those moved so far are less than 50, long before the situation deteriorated we advised them to move.

``Some have decided to stay behind but it is their choice.’’

The minister also said that the families of the Charge d’Affairs and officials at the embassy had been relocated to the neighbouring nation of Lebanon ``and they are very safe there.’’

The Syrian conflict began on March 15, 2011 with public demonstrations as a part of the wider Arab spring and developed into a nationwide uprising.

 

2 Shoprite Cashiers Charged for Theft

 

The accused, Olawale Odunbakin, 20, and Ademola Adeniji, 37, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Odunbakin resides at No.15, Adio Street, New Garage, Bariga, while Adeniji, lives at No. 16, Shittu Street, Adura Bus Stop, Alagbado, a Lagos suburb.

The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The prosecutor, Insp. Akeem Raji, told the court that the accused had sometime between June 25 and July 19 at the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall manipulated the company’s computer and stole N404, 999 worth of property of Shoprite.

He said that the accused allegedly received money from some customers and manipulated the computer to defraud the company.

 ``The accused persons have been receiving money for goods purchased by people, removing part of it while recording some in the computer.

``The money was discovered missing in June when the second accused, Adeniji was employed,’’ Raji said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 387 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate A. Tobi granted the accused bail but did not fix any amount for it.

She said that the accused should also produce two sureties each with an evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government for three years as part of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned till Sept. 28 for trial. 

 

Poor oral Hygiene Can Lead to Teeth Discolouration- Dentist

 

Adebiyi said that if people failed to clean their teeth properly, it could change the colour leading to teeth discolouration.

According to her, discolouration of the teeth is the deviation of the colour of the teeth from the normal whitish colour to a creamy white colour.

``Tooth discolouration is something that bothers on aesthetics and actually affects the self esteem of our people which in turn affects their productivity indirectly.’’

She said that discolouration of the teeth was more common in older people than children.

``Children normally have white teeth but in adults it varies because an adult’s teeth have passed through adequate mineralisaton.

``So, you do not expect purely white teeth; you tend to have some creamy white colour,” he said.

The dentist said that there were two causes of discolouration which were the local and systemic, while the types which could be determined by intrinsic or extrinsic.

``The local cause and the extrinsic type of discolouration go together, and these types of discolouration are more of stains and are usually caused by what we eat and drink. They are external factors.

``People that eat cola nut, smoke, take a lot coffee and tea are prone to get stains on their teeth,” she added.

She said that people who had extrinsic stains should go routinely to the dental clinic for scaling and polishing to clean the stains off the teeth and should also brush twice a day.

She advised people who smoke to quit because of its health implications besides teeth discolouration.

Adebiyi also explained that the systemic cause of discolouration was as a result of activities happening within the body system, as it could lead to the intrinsic discolouration.

She said that a woman, who indulged in self medication or took tetracycline during pregnancy, could lead to the child coming up with discoloured teeth.

``Let us not forget that the development of a child’s teeth starts in the mother’s womb from four weeks.

``Tetracycline affects the development of the child’s bones and teeth. Similarly, children who take this medication during the period of permanent tooth development may have similar discolouration of their permanent teeth,” he said.

The dentist added that that another cause of systemic discolouration was when a child suffers a trauma either caused by a fall or accident which affected the teeth.

``This type of discolouration starts with the death of the tooth.  The dead blood vessel then gives rise to discolouration,” she said.

According to her, excessive use of fluoride can cause whitish to dark brown discolouration, saying that people should avoid over exposure to fluoride.

Adebiyi said that extrinsic stains could be removed by tooth bleaching depending on the number of teeth involved and the severity of the situation.

``It is of importance to note that bleaching has side effects which can lead to the teeth becoming sensitive because you are causing some ``demineralisation’’ of the teeth which exposes the nerve endings of the teeth that where hitherto covered by the enamel.

``Once the teeth become sensitive, the person will find it hard to take cold or hot things,” she added.

Adebiyi said that another remedy for intrinsic discolouration was a process called ``crowning’’.

``If the affected teeth are fewer, the tooth is trimmed down and a cap will be used to cement the crown to the tooth. This crown usually has a colour of a tooth.

``What happens here is that an impression of the affected tooth will be taken and an impression will be fabricated specially for the patient.”

She advised people to take oral hygiene very important to prevent tooth decay, saying people should brush their teeth twice daily, in the morning and last thing at night. 

 

NESREA Seals 22 Telecom Masts Nationwide for Flouting Environmental Laws

 

Mr Sule Oyofo, Chief Press Secretary of the agency, made the clarification in Abuja while reacting to the allegations leveled against NESREA by the National Communication Commission (NCC).

The NCC earlier accused NESREA of shutting down 52 base stations of various telecom operators, truncating smooth operations by the affected service providers.

Oyofo told newsmen that the agency did not shut down any telecom base station for the purpose of truncating its operation.

He explained that various base stations had been sealed up due to the violation of environmental laws in setting up those base stations.

According to him, most base stations were sited indiscriminately, close to residential areas without regards to environmental health hazards of those living around those places.

``Their actions have demonstrated utter disregard to extant environmental laws and regulations in which public complains on them remained unabated.’’

Oyofo said there were court cases going on in respect to 20 base stations which represented 1 per cent of the total base stations in Nigeria.

He said the agency would not be deterred by any mischief by any agency, as NESREA would continue to carry out its legitimate duty without any recourse to blackmail.

Oyofo also said that the Gilmor Construction Company, which NESREA shut down its offices in Abuja, had paid its fine of N1 million.

NESREA earlier shut down Gilmor offices for its refusal to present its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate for verification.

He advised those companies which remained adamant to the NESREA’s request to respond so as to avoid public embarrassment.

He said the EIA was not restricted to only private companies, adding that even public organisations were not left out in the enforcement. 

 

LASG Gives 6-month Ultimatum to Land Owners to Regularise Title Documents

 

Gov. Babatunde Fashola gave the warning on Monday in Ikeja while signing into law the State’s Land Use Act, entitled `` Title Document Regulations 2012''.

He said the six-month notice, effective from Aug. 1, was an ample time for property owners to regularise the titles of their assets.

According to the governor, many residents acquired land without obtaining the approved titles thereby causing disputes.

Fashola said some land owners presented forged documents to obtain Certificates of Occupancy, describing such practice as criminal.

``Our officers at the Land Bureau are constantly inundated with forged applications by land owners seeking C-of-O.

``Some of them present receipts having dates earlier than 1978 to create the impression that they acquired their land before the Land Use Act was promulgated.

``Also, some corporate organisations apply for C-of-O with fake certificates of incorporation and other documents; this is forgery and it violates the law of the state.

`` Those who have applied for C-of-O with forged documents should withdraw their applications or risk prosecution,’’ Fashola said.

He said the new law was the state's response to the problems associated with land documentation and also to ensure efficient land services to the people.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, said those who presented forged documents for C-of- O might have done it out of ignorance.

``The Land Use Act makes provisions for those who acquired their land before and after the Act was promulgated in 1978,’’ he said. 

Ipaye promised that the governor would promptly approve applications for C-of-O. 

 

Jonathan to visit Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr Reuben Abati, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the President would be accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Patience.

``Jonathan with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago, would review the Kambule Street Procession, the major event, on Aug. 1. ’’

The statement said that Jonathan would also present a goodwill message to the procession and pay a courtesy call on Prof. George Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago and his wife, Jean.

``The President and his wife would attend the Emancipation Day Cultural Programme at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, and be hosted to a state banquet by Richards.

 

``The President would also meet with members of the Nigerian community resident in Trinidad and Tobago. ’’

 

The statement explained that the President’s official visit to Jamaica would commence on Aug. 2, with a special commemorative session of parliament in his honour.

 ``He would be hosted by the Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller. ’’

Other activities of the President in Jamaica are participation in a Mello Go Round at the National Stadium and a bilateral meeting in the Prime Minister’s office. 

There would also be a meeting with the Nigerian Community and a luncheon hosted by the Governor-General of Jamaica, Patrick Allen.

The President is expected back in Abuja on Aug. 4.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Emancipation Day is celebrated to mark the end of slavery for Africans in the British Caribbean on Aug. 1, 1838. 

It had been observed as a national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago since 1985.

Jamaica, on the other hand, gained independence from Great Britain in 1962

 

Police Draw up Code of Conduct, Says I.G

 

Abubakar spoke while receiving a copy of the reviewed syllabi on police training from Mr Andreas Buam, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria.

He said the code would be inaugurated very soon.

He also said that human rights desks, to be manned by qualified personnel, would be set up in all police commands and formations across the country, to deal with human rights abuses and complaints.

Abubakar said, ``We are going to introduce human rights desk in all police commands, zonal commands and police stations all over the country.

``We will ensure that qualified personnel are posted to attend to human rights abuses and complaints from Nigerians.

``You will see a change in the mannerism and behaviour pattern of our officers and men as soon as we begin to use these syllabi.’’

The Inspector-General said violation of human rights by the police and other security agencies was a big challenge to law enforcement.

According to him, when the law enforcer becomes the law breaker, the result is an assault on human integrity, the law and public institutions.

``The effect of the violation of human rights is the gradual erosion of public confidence, ineffective prosecution of suspects, and gradual isolation of the police and exacerbation of civil unrest.''

Abubakar stressed the need for officers to conduct their duties with utmost respect for the rights of the people while investigating crime.

``As police officers, we must understand that international human rights standards exist to provide guidance for the performance of our duties in a democratic society.

``Police officers in the line of duty must, therefore, operate within the confines of the law,’’ he said.

Earlier, Buam had expressed the willingness of his country to partner with the police to respect peoples’ rights in the performance of their duties.

The ambassador said the introduction of human rights in the curriculum of police training would enhance their job and their moral and ethical standards.

Mr Parry Osayande, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), said the introduction of human rights in the syllabi would help to reduce human rights violation by the police.

He added that it was capable of increasing public confidence in them.

Reports say that the syllabi were developed by the Swiss Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Others that collaborated were the Police Service Commission (PSC) and Human Rights Commission (HRC).

The Inspector-General also inaugurated a 21-member committee for the celebration of this year's Police Day.

The committee, headed by Mr Suleiman Fakai, a Deputy Inspector-General, is charged with organising the day, drawing up its budget and identifying corporate/professional bodies to possibly sponsor the event.

The committee is also to recommend awards for serving police officers for acts of gallantry, courage and dedication.

It is also to recommend posthumous awards for officers who died in the line of duty.

Abubakar also set up sub-committees on security, finance, publicity, protocol, parade, awards, medical and committee secretariat for celebration.

 Responding, Fakai gave an assurance that the committee would excel in its assignment. 

Accountant Charged With N15m Fraud

 

Akanbi, who was docked before Magistrate M. O. Olubi of an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, is facing a 63-count charge of fraud and making false entries in the bank’s account books.

The accused, an accountant/auditor with First Registrar, however, pleaded not guilty.

The accused was alleged to have fraudulently transferred some money from the accounts of the micro-finance bank with First Registrar, a subsidiary of First Bank Plc, to his personal account.

The prosecutor, Insp. Samuel Omoyeni, said Akanbi committed the offences at First Registrar’s Office at Orile-Iganmu Branch at various times in 2010 and 2011.

He said the accused had defrauded and impoverished more than 60 people.

``We are looking at more than 60 people that Akanbi had defrauded and brought untold hardship on them by his actions.

``From investigations, the accused, who supposedly earns N50,000 monthly, owns two houses in Lagos and a fleet of cars,’’ Omoyeni told the court.

He said the offences contravened Sections 285 (7) and 335 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Omoyeni urged the court not to grant the accused bail, saying ``he is likely to jump bail because he has acquired enough money to sustain himself in his hideout’’.

In his ruling, Olubi granted the accused bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate said one of the sureties should be a civil servant on GL 10 and above while the other should be a community leader with a landed property in Lagos.

The case was adjourned to Sept. 19 for trial. 

 

Nigeria top global destination for Foreign Direct Investment - Aganga

Aganga made the remarks when he gave an overview of the three-day High Level Investment and Business Summit

on Nigeria organised by the Bank of Industry (BOI) on the sidelines of the ongoing 2012 London Olympics at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

 

Aganga said that with a large natural resource base including, industry, energy, mining and Agriculture, the country

remains a preferred market destination for investors.

``'Nigeria with its strong demographics figure , is a large market strong, with strong work force and a growing middle income currently standing at 23 per cent, it remains the destination to beat,'' Aganga said.

The minister urged investors to look beyond the oil and gas sector and diversify into other sectors including mining

and agriculture which are yet untapped .

In his contribution , Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development said that 40 per cent

of the country's 84 million hectares of Arable land was currently untapped.

Adesina who described the country as a potential power house suggested that in order to to make the sector viable agriculture should be treated as business rather than as a development programme.

In a remark, UK Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham who spoke on the strong business relationship between the

UK and Nigeria stressed the importance of the Petroleum Industry Bill in fostering Investors confidence in Nigeria.

My government is wholeheartedly committed to supporting Nigeria’s rise. The Nigerian Petroleum Industry Bill is of great significance. 

``It provides a real opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate to the business community that it is ready and willing to embrace and protect new investments,'' the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency f Nigeria (NAN) quotes Bellingham as saying.

``There is a wealth of opportunities in Nigeria. All of us here today have a role to play in realising those opportunities; While the Olympics may be a competition, trade and investment is not. It is a positive sum game from which we can

all benefit, he added.

Ms Evelyn Oputu, Managing Director of BOI, in her address said that the summit among others seeks to provide the opportunity for foreign investors to meet key players of Nigeria's economic sector.

 

She expressed optimism that deals would be sealed at the summit.

 

Earlier, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the U.k., Dr Dalhatu Tafida who pointed out that there was tremendous

wealth of business opportunities in the country urged investors to make use of the opportunity offered by the summit in making business contacts and sealing deals.

``'Combined with its location, accessibility and willingness to engage in regional and international trade in unprecedented scale, the country presents an insightful, lucrative display of the most viable opportunities that any country has to offer,'' Tafida said.

The summit will end on Wednesday, August 1

CBN Moves to Strengthen Naira

Reacting to the development, Mr Victor Ogiemwonyi, the Managing Director of Partnership Investment Plc., Lagos, advised Nigerians not to worry about the effect of the policy which, he noted, might create a tentative raise in the cost of borrowing.

Ogiemwonyi, who gave an assurance that Nigerians would eventually benefit from the policy, described it as consistent with the CBN's efforts to curb rising inflation.

Report says that throughout the week, the naira depreciated against major currencies.

However, the CBN said that Nigeria’s external trade balance improved to 10.67 billion dollars (N16.63 trillion) in the first quarter of 2012, up from the 8.44 billion dollars (N13.5 trillion) it recorded in the corresponding period of last year.

It attributed the improvement to the expansion of exportation of merchandise and the contraction of importation of merchandise.

The CBN also sold foreign exchange worth 300 billion dollars on July 23 and 217.07 billion dollars on July 25 at its weekly Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS).

During the week under review, the CBN reduced the amount of foreign exchange banks could hold as a percentage of their shareholders’ funds from three per cent to one per cent.

It put the nation’s foreign reserve at 36.4 billion dollars on July 25.

 

NSE inaugurates Shari' ah compliant Index

 

The index followed an earlier memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between NSE and Lotus Capital Ltd for the development and management of a certified Shari’ah compliant Index.

News reports say that the index will be used to track the performance of companies which complies with the principles of Shari’ah.

Speaking at the inauguration of the index, NSE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar Onyema, said that it would track the performance of 15 stocks that meet the eligibility requirements of the Shariah Advisory Board.

Onyema said the index would further deepen Nigerian bourse and increase the investment choice of investors.

He said the index has also provided a benchmark for moderating ethical investments and basis for the development of other financial instrument such as exchange traded funds, index-funds and mirror fund.

Mrs Hajara Adeola, the Managing Director of Lotus Capital Halal Investment, said the index would boost the development of the capital market and the economy.

Adeola said the first alternative index would increase the breadth of the market by contributing to the widening of the NSE alternative non-interest investment space.

Mr Osahon Aire, NSE’s LII Project Manager, said the investment instrument would illuminate the investment opportunities available to ethically minded investors.

 

He said companies that would appear on the index had been screened by Lotus Capital Halal Investment, in accordance with the methodology approved by renowned Islamic scholars. ”

Aire said the index inauguration was in line with the NSE’s mandate of broadening and deepening the market. 

Lotus Capital was founded in 2004 with the objective of meeting the investment needs of ethical individuals, businesses, and organisations across West Africa.

 

Halal Investment Management specialises in Shari’ah compliant Asset Management, Private Wealth Management Advisory Services and Financial Advisory Services.

 

Nigeria, Egypt Sign MoU on Products Standardisation

 

Dr Joseph Odumodu, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Lagos after he led Nigerian delegation to Cairo where he signed the MoU.

He said that SON represented Nigeria at the event, while Egypt was represented by two key government agencies, the General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), and Egyptian Organisation for Standardisation and Quality (EOS).

The SON chief said that this was part of the organisation’s efforts to curb importation of substandard products into the country.

He said, “The MoU seeks the harmonisation of standards issued by the parties as a way of easing trade and checkmating unwholesome products. ”

Odumodu said that both countries had agreed to harmonise quality standards in accordance with the international and regional specifications in a bid to remove technical barriers to trade.

The director-general said that with the MoU, the two countries would also exchange experts, training, testing as well as standardisation and conformity assessment activities.

He said, “This is coming at the time the SON is working doggedly to stem the incidence of substandard products in the country.

“The signing of the MoU would help the agency to pursue and achieve its targets.

 “This is because Egypt is considered a major gateway to the Arab world and enjoys tremendous advantage in the areas of population and boisterous economy. ”

 According to him, under the MoU each party is expected to recognise conformity assessment certificates issued by the other party, alongside the exchange of information vital to the jobs of products standardisation.

 Odumodu said that the success of MoU would be measured in terms of the trade volume that would be recorded between both countries.

The director-general said that this should be more than double in the next three to five years.

According to him, following the agreement, Nigerian stands to benefit in the areas of training, capacity building and infrastructural development.

“We are just beginning to set up our metrology laboratory; So, what we see as an opportunity today is that we can actually send our people to Egypt and gain some experience in metrology.

 “Even in the basic test for tyres, bulbs, reinforcement bars, we now want to partner in such a way that will enable us to remain consistent with the relevant international standard,” he said.

 Odumodu also said that the agency decided to collaborate with African countries because its shares the same background and faces similar challenges with them.

“And, I believe it is important to share ideas with them on how they have coped with some of the challenges they have had within their environments.

 

“Also, looking at the environment in Egypt compared with Nigeria, we believe that an Egyptian experience will help us to learn few things,” he said.

 

 

 

Gunmen kill six in Vice President Sambo's house

Gunmen on motorbikes attacked the country house of Vice President Namadi Sambo in Zaria, Kaduna State on Monday.

According to sources, six persons, including a policeman, were killed by the hoodlums during the attack.

The policemen on guard and the assailants were engaged in a gun battle around 1130, however, a cobbler was hit by a stray bullet and died instantly," police spokesman Balteh Abdulrazaq said.

Sexual intercourse good for women at menopause- consultant

Sa'adu said gave the advice on Sunday at a Ramadan Lecture organised for women Islamic groups by the wife of Kwara governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, in Ilorin.

 She said that active sexual intercourse during menopause was ‘ideal and beneficial’ to women for a healthy living. 

“Active sexual intercourse at menopause will prevent shrinking of the vagina and is desirable for a  healthy living. 

 “Menopause does not mean stoppage of sexual intercourse; women, at this period, need to be sexually active as there is no risk of any unwanted pregnancy,” she said. 

She advised women to be more positive in their thinking about menopause and entertain no fear in attaining the menopause age. 

 According to her, positive thoughts about it would enable them to prepare well for it. 

 Sa’adu advised menopause women to use lubricants before having sex to prevent tears and painful intercourse

 

Policeman, suspected bombers killed in Sokoto attacks

The alleged attackers were said to have simultaneously struck at the office of the AIG Zone 10  and a POWA shop adjacent the Marina police station in Sokoto State 

The AIG Zone 10, Sokoto Muhtari Ibrahim, who confirmed the story, said the corporal and the suspected suicide bomber died during the attack on his office .

He said that five offices and other parts of the one-storey building, the gate , the nearby Marina police station and some neighbouring houses were shattered .

According to him, the suicide bomber, who attacked his office, drove a Honda Accord car and forced his way into the premises after he was denied entry.

Ibrahim said that only the dead suicide bomber was in the vehicle, adding that, investigations would continue on the development.

The AIG added that eight policemen and a civilian were injured as a result of the attack.

He solicited the support of the members of the public to check the trend by providing the security agencies with useful information .

It was also observed that the official vehicle of the AIG zone 10 was damaged . 

Confirming the Unguwar Rogo police station attack , DCP Kudu Nma  said the alleged attacker could not gain access into the police station .

According to Nma, only the alleged attacker died at the Unguwar Rogo police station after he struck a nearby Police Officers' Wives Association (POWA) shop.

 

Lady Gaga Makes Acting Debut in "Machete Kills"

Rodriguez announced the casting on Thursday on Twitter, saying, "I just finished working with @LadyGaga on @MacheteKills...Holy Smokes. Blown away!" and posted a link to a poster featuring the singer.

Gaga, 26, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta and whose concerts and music videos are littered with various flamboyant theatrics, confirmed on Twitter, "Yes it's true, I will be making my debut as an actress in the amazing MACHETE KILLS BY @RODRIGUEZ IM SO EXCITED!!! AH! Filming was insane."

Little is known about the role, which is likely to be a cameo or smaller film appearance. The character poster featured the pop star dressed in a scantily clad outfit and a wolf wrap with smoke pouring out of a gun alongside the caption, "Lady Gaga as La Chameleon."

Rodriguez, who posted a tweet in June he had also cast Charlie Sheen playing a fictional U.S. president in the film, directed the first "Machete" film that was released in 2010 with the "Machete" character derived from his "Spy Kids" 2001 film.

Rodriguez has previously directed "Sin City" and "Desperado."

Akwa Ibom NDLEA Intercepts N10bn Hemp

The feat, according to the agency, was made possible by intensive and extensive surveillance efforts of men of the Command.

The suspects are Umana Sunday Obot (19) from Oron Local Government Area, Sporah Sunday (29), Anietie Joseph Akpan(23), Eno Okon Effiong (19) Margaret Friday Matthew (35) Mfon Ita Asuquo (38), Ekaette Nelson Usoro(33), Ukeme Sunday Okon (17), Reuben Joseph Edem (19) and Prophet Elijah (18).

In an interaction with journalists at the weekend, commander of NDLEA in the state, Mrs. Josephine Obi revealed that the 10 suspects in possession of the Cannabis Sativa were arrested in July 2012 alone.

“I want Akwa Ibom people to know that NDLEA is on ground and we have been doing a lot of surveillance. We are arresting both the small and big dealers but we have observed that the small dealers are the ones constituting nuisance to the society because they are all over the place,” she said.

“But people out there do not understand this because they believe that they are just selling small quantities just to survive the hardship in the society. So we really need people who know them to assist us to get them.

“Lack of cooperation from members of the public has always been a challenge to law enforcement agencies. Most often, it is because people are afraid of the dealers. But I want to assure them that they will be protected and we are ready to pay for any useful and genuine information that will help us to arrest the dealers.”

Promising that the arrested suspects would be charged to court very soon, Obi also solicited the support and assistance of concerned members of the public in facilitating the provision of rehabilitation centres for victims of drug abuse.

African First Ladies Urged to Synergize for Peace

In a goodwill message to the 7th Summit of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, which opened in Abuja, Nigeria on 24th July 2012, Mrs. Ouedraogo enumerated efforts by the Commission in effective engagement for sustainable democracy, good governance and peace in the region, and reiterate its commitment to support and participate in all peace processes within “our nations and beyond.”

She said the ECOWAS Commission has already set up a network for peace and security to promote strategic partnership for women empowerment and gender equality in peace and security in West Africa, adding that since women and children are the major victims of wars and conflicts, they should be given key roles in conflict prevention and resolution.

Mrs. Ouedraogo disclosed that some 35 women had been trained in peace negotiations within the framework of the ECOWAS network, with the support of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the United Nations (UN) Women.

She expressed appreciation to Nigeria's First Lady, her Excellency Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan and her colleagues, for their prominent roles in promoting peace, and contributions to the development of their countries, the region and the African continent.

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government adopted the Protocol on the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security in 1999 and the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance in 2001, as part of the legal instruments for the deepening of democracy and advancement of peace and security in the region.

Dakore Returns to Nollywood, as Katherine Edoho Debuts

All thanks to singer-actress Ashionye’s new movie ‘Journey to Self’, fans will once again be able to watch Dakore dazzle, as she stars alongside Nse Ikpe-Etim, Carol King, Kalu Ikeagwu, Femi Brainard, Femi Jacobs, Chris Attoh, Katherine Obiang Edoho, Tosin Sido and Ashionye herself in a new big-budget movie currently being shot in Lagos.

‘Journey to self’ is an intense story of friendship, sacrifice, empowerment and self-respect’.

It tells the story of four friends, Nse (Nse Ikpe-Etim), Regina (Ashionye Michelle-Raccah), Alex (Dakore Akande) and Rume (Katherine Obiang Edoho) who lose a mutual childhood friend, Uche (Tosin Sido). Uche speaks through a series of letters stirring her friends to a journey of self-discovery… a ‘Journey to Self’.

The project, we’re told, will mark the Nollywood debut of Katherine Edoho, a radio/TV presenter-producer who recently separated from Who Wants to be a Millionaire presenter Frank Edoho.

‘The movie has taken 13 months to make and we are proud of what we achieved in that time’, Ashionye Michelle Raccah, writer and producer of the movie says. It was executive produced by Fressia Entertainment and co-produced by Tosin Sido for Fressia Entertainment.

The movie will be premiered this year.

Dakore tied the knot with hubby Olumide Akande – son of the billionaire business man, Chief Harry Akande on January 16, 2011.

Demi Moore Has a New Boyfriend

The 49-year-old actress, who split from husband Ashton Kutcher last year amid allegations he was cheating on her with several women, is dating New Zealand born actor Martin Henderson, 37.

The pair are on a romantic getaway in Connecticut and witnesses who saw the pair getting lunch in a deli last week noted how "flirty" they were with each other.

A source told: "She was in line and a Colbie Caillat song came on - she started singing along and dancing in a playful, flirty way. After lunch, the two went grocery shopping together, then drove back to the house where they stayed on their vacation. They were very comfortable with each other."

Three days before that outing they joined pals for an outdoor party where a guest revealed they "just kept chatting and laughing". Another holidaymaker said: "She looked great - chatty, healthy and happy."

Martin shot to fame in Australia opposite Heath Ledger in TV show 'Sweat' and has gone on to appear in Britney Spears' 'Toxic' Video and the movie 'Bride and Prejudice'.

NTDC Exhibits Nigerian Cuisine, Culture at London Olympics

Reports say that the exhibition, which is part of efforts to showcase Nigeria’s culture and heritage, had on display foods from various parts of the country.

The cuisines include ``Edikang Ikong’’, ``Egusi’’ soup, pounded yam, ``Amala’’, ``Tuwo Shinkafa’’, ``Ofe Nsala’’  and ``Efori’’.

Also on display are bags and shoes made from Nigerian fabric.

Chief Olusegun Runsewe, the Director General of NTDC, who spoke on the initiative, said that Nigeria was blessed with good heritage and culture.
 
``Our rich heritage and culture, including our food, remain a huge tourism potential for the country; we need to market ourselves and that is what we are doing here at the London Olympics,’’ he said.

Runsewe stressed that Nigeria’s participation at the games would be incomplete without the presence of NTDC, adding: ``The Olympics are a window to showcase Nigeria and tell our story through our culture, food.’’

He, however, urged Nigerians abroad to be patriotic and protect the country’s image, adding, however, that there was a need to reawaken their consciousness in that regard.

``The latest strategy of selling any country relates to its strength, weaknesses, opportunities and trends. As Nigerians, we have stopped discussing our weaknesses; we are now discussing our strengths,’’ Runsewe stressed.
Some of the visitors at the exhibition stand described Nigerian foods as tasty and nourishing.

``The vegetable soup is very tasty, although it is full of various ingredients; I enjoy it with the white ball (pounded yam),’’ Mr Levette Scout, a Briton, said.

In a related development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also staged an International Photography Exhibition of the Abuja Carnival.

Mr Adeniyi Olagunju, Special Assistant to the FCT Minister of State, said that the pictures illustrated the different lifestyles and cultures of Nigerian citizens.

He explained that the exhibition was also aimed at informing the people, including Nigerians living in UK, about life in Abuja.

Besides, Olagunju expressed the hope that the displayed photographs would be useful in efforts to woo visitors and tourists to come and visit the city.

Also, Prof Brian Catling, a professor of Fine Arts at the Ruskin School of Fine Arts, Oxford University, said that

although it was easy to take pictures at carnivals, finding humanity in the pictures ``is something very special’’, as portrayed by all the works on display.

He described the photographs as ``an invitation’’ to people to come and witness the events physically.

``It gives an invitation; it invites you to be at the very place where these pictures have been taken. As I look at the people, I understand I will be accepted at the ceremonies on display in the photographs.

``There is movement, there is colour and there is life in the photographs,’’ Catling said. 
Reports say that 17 pictures from various Nigerian states are on display at the two-day exhibition.

Trafficking: JTF Intercepts 20 Vehicles with 103 Children

The JTF Commander, Lt-Col. Gabriel Olorunyomi, made this known to newsmen in Lokoja on Sunday.

He said that his men became curious when they discovered that the occupants of the vehicles were mostly children, accompanied by some men and women.

He said that the vehicles and the occupants had been taken to the Army Records Headquarters in Lokoja, where they would be screened to ascertain their actual destination.

Olorunyomi, however, said that 103 of the passengers were children with ages between 3 and 16 years, while 79 others were of 19 years to 53 years.

He said that preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicles were conveying the passengers from different communities in Benue, Cross Rivers and Kogi.   

``Most of the passengers are from Obi, Oju and Gwer Local Government Areas of Benue, while the remaining few are from Iyala Local Government Area of Cross Rivers and Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi,’’ he said.

Reports say that all the passengers, apart from giving similar excuses for their movement from their various communities, also said that they were all heading to Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Edo states.

It was also learnt that most of the passengers conceded that they were heading to the southwestern states for the first time in search of vacation jobs, while some said that they wanted to go and do some farm work.

Two of the drivers, Bolaji Olusola and Adedeji Oluwaseun, told newsmen that they picked up the passengers at motor parks.

They said that some of the passengers paid their transport fares at the loading points, while some promised to pay theirs when they got to their destinations.

It would be recalled that the JTF on July 27 arrested a man conveying carrying 10 children with ages ranging between 6 years and 16 years in an ash colour Camry car to Lagos.

The man, who was arrested on the same route, was later handed over to the police for interrogation.

Also speaking to journalists, Maj-Gen, Alphonsus Chukwu, the Commander of Army Records, said that the children might be victims of child trafficking.

He said that initial interrogations revealed that the children would be received at their destinations by some yet-to-be-identified persons, who would then pay their transport fares to the drivers.

Chukwu said that the drivers were also suspected to be accomplices, as they failed to produce the passengers’ manifest and agreed to carry many of the passengers without collecting their transport fares at the loading points.

The army officer said that the vehicles, drivers and passengers would be transferred to the police for proper investigations and action.

Chukwu, however, said that the development indicated that many parents had failed in their responsibility toward their children’s upbringing.

He urged parents to take proper care of their children so as to ensure that they did not fall into wrong hands.