Nigeria and Cameroon may clash over boko Haram

Nigeria and Cameroon may clash over boko Haram

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Wednesday 30 October 2013

Nigeria & Hungary to sign cooperation agreement

hungary: Image: REX Features
Nigeria and Hungary are to strengthen their bilateral ties with the signing of an Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) currently being written up by both countries.
Mr Samuel Ortom, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment and Mr Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian State Secretary of Foreign and External Economic Affairs, stated this at a meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Szijjarto is in Nigeria to push for closer cooperation between both countries as the Hungarian Government re-opened its embassy in Abuja on Tuesday.
At the meeting Ortom said Hungary's quest for closer ties with Nigeria was a further sign of the growing foreign investors' confidence in the country's economy.
He said Nigeria would leverage on the re-opening of the embassy and the proposed ECA to balance its trade deficit with Hungary.
According to him, the trade volume between both countries stood at $5.3 billion in 2012 with Nigeria at a disadvantage.
"Nigeria is a virgin land in almost all sectors of the economy. There are lots of opportunities here for the Hungarian government to explore with its advanced technology.
"In agriculture, Nigeria is very rich. More than 70 percent of the 923,000 square kilometre land mass we have is arable.
"What we need is processing and preservation of our agricultural products, and I believe we have a lot to benefit from you in this regard.
"This new initiative is also an opportunity for both countries to share trade information, hold business forums and trade fairs, and exchange technology to enhance business activities between us."
Ortom added that Nigeria needed Hungary's technology to further explore and exploit its vast solid mineral and oil and gas deposits.
According to him, massive opportunities are abound in the country's mass housing and construction sectors into which the government welcomes more foreign investments.
He commended the Hungarian government for offering an additional 50 scholarships to Nigerian students willing to study in that country where 701 Nigerians are currently receiving tertiary education.
Szijjarto said the Hungarian government believed Africa is one of the most rapidly emerging regions in the world where Nigeria plays a key role.
According to him, his country is aware of the tremendous economic achievements recorded by Nigeria in the last one year, including a 6.6 percent economic growth and a very low budget deficit.
"These are figures will be envied by EU countries, I can assure you.
"Hungary is very keen on signing the economic cooperation agreement with you and we understand that your ministry has approved the draft and we are awaiting the approval of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
The Hungarian delegation announced the offer of an additional 50 scholarships on behalf of his government to Nigerian students willing to study in his country.
The Hungarian government shut down its embassy in Abuja as a result of the global economic recession in 2010

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Anti-corruption protesters want Oduah jailed



Members of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders protesting at the Independent Corrupt Practices and other-Related Offences Commission office in Ikoyi, Lagos ... on Wednesday.
Protesters on Wednesday stormed the Lagos Office of the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission, requesting that the embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, be tried and jailed if found guilty.
The protesters, who stormed the ICPC office around 10.15am, defied confrontation by armed policemen who shot thrice into the air and civil defence officers to gain entrance into the premises of the commission.
Chairman of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adediran, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said that many lives had been lost due to corruption in the aviation sector.
He said, “The purchase of the bulletproof cars is outrageous. It is the ICPC that should deal with anything that has to do with official corruption. Their reaction has been that they have not got a petition to act and that  that is why investigation has not begun. Now we have submitted a petition, we want them to act.
“If Oduah is found guilty after the probe, we want her to go to jail; we want anybody found culpable to be prosecuted diligently, we want anybody found guilty to be adequately punished and until we get that we will not rest.
“It is saddening that the President who should set precedence for Nigerians to follow could be shielding the indicted and even include them in his entourage to Israel on holy pilgrimage. It is also not unlikely that Ms. Oduah is in the league of Mr. President’s benefactors.
“Though the President has set up a panel to investigate the allegations, but it must be noted that most of the time when President Jonathan sets up his panels, they are to bury the issues rather than bending it to justice.”
The protesters, who presented a petition to the ICPC,  prayed that investigations should be commenced into the activities of the minister; the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority; Nigerian Airspace Management Agency;  Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; and other relevant agencies under the Ministry of Aviation.
Chief Superintendent of ICPC in Lagos, Mr. Binga Shintema, who attended to the protesters, assured them that their petition would be acted on.

Forbes names Dangote Africa’s most powerful man



Alhaji Aliko Dangote
The President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been named the most powerful man in Africa and 64th in the world by the Forbes magazine.
Dangote, who Forbes says is by far Africa’s richest man with a net worth of $16.1bn as of March 2013, was ranked ahead of the likes of Fifa President, Sepp Blatter (69); Speaker, United States House of Representatives, John Boehner (66); and Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Mohammed Ibrahim (71).
The 56-year-old, Dangote, whose company is considered one of the most diversified on the list, is currently ranked 43 on the Forbes list of the world’s billionaires with his net worth over time said to be on the rise.
In August, the industrialist had announced plans by the Dangote Group to build a $9bn refinery and petrochemical complex in Nigeria, a move which is expected to help the group further diversify its current business model and increase his net worth.
Away from his business interests, mention was also made of his philanthropic efforts in his profile on the Forbes website.
It reads in part, “Inspired by fellow billionaires, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, Dangote is making a name for himself on the philanthropic circuit and has given away millions to education, health and social causes in Africa.”
Apart from Dangote, Ibrahim is the only other African on the list, which contains 72 people.
Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, topped the list, displacing United States President, Barrack Obama, who dropped to the second spot for the first time in three years.
Chinese President, Xi Jinping, occupies the third spot, while the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, debuts on the list at number four.
Pope Francis, who was elected in March this year, leads 12 other new entrants.
Other notable new names on the list are Samsung Chairman, Lee Kun-Hee (41); Volkswagen’s Martin Winterkorn (49); South Korean President, Park Geun-hye (52); and Janet Yellen (72), who has been nominated by President Obama as the next leader of the US Federal Reserves.
The Executive Editor of the New York Times, Jill Abramson (68), makes a return appearance after dropping off the list in years past.
Facebook Founder, Mark Zuckerberg, aged 29, and North Korean leader, Kim Jung-un, aged 30, are the youngest people on the list. Zuckerberg occupies the 24th place, while Kim is ranked 46th.
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, who occupies the eight spot, is the oldest person on the list. He is 89 years old.
The world’s richest man, Carlos Slim, is, however, not the most powerful man. The AmĂ©rica MĂłvil honorary chairman occupies the 12th position.
According to Forbes, the Most Powerful People in the World list is an annual snapshot of the heads of state, financiers, philanthropists and entrepreneurs, who truly rule the world.
“It represents the collective wisdom of top Forbes editors, who consider hundreds of nominees before ranking the planet’s top 72 power-brokers – one for every 100 million people on earth – based on their scope of influence and their financial resources relative to their peers,” the magazine explained.
This year’s list features 17 heads of state, who run nations with a combined Gross Domestic Product of some $48tn.

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Jonathan places Oduah on ‘tactical suspension

Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah
President Goodluck Jonathan may have placed the embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, on  “tactical suspension,” findings by The PUNCH have revealed.
A reliable Presidency source   said Jonathan decided on the  “tactical suspension,” hours before the signing of the Bilateral Air Service  Agreement between Nigeria and Israel on Monday.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. George Ossi,  had on October 24 told the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation that Oduah   led a Nigerian delegation to Israel to sign the BASA.
The House committee  is probing the  purchase of  two  bulletproof cars  at  a whopping N255m  price by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the minister.
Our source explained that  it was the ‘tactical suspension’ that made Jonathan to direct the Minister of  State (1) for Foreign Affairs , Prof. Viola Onwuliri, to sign the  agreement instead of  Oduah.
When asked by one of our correspondents what ‘tactical suspension’ meant, he   said, “Oduah will not be allowed to attend public functions that will have the President in attendance until the three-member  committee  set up to investigate the matter turns in its report.”
The source, who said he did not know whether the “tactical suspension” order had  been formally communicated to the minister,  stated that  the step became necessary in order to dissuade Nigerians who hold the opinion that the President  was  shielding  Oduah.
In what seemed a corroboration of the “tactical suspension,” the  Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, insisted that  Jonathan would not associate with or shield anybody found to be corrupt.
He insisted  during an interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday, that the minister did not travel to Israel on the entourage of the President.
“Did you see them (Jonathan and the minister) together in Israel? The President will not associate or shield anybody found to be corrupt. That is why he set up that panel because he will not want to act based on media reports,” Gulak  said.
Shortly before our  source  and Gulak  spoke, the Presidency  said  the BASA  was signed by Onwuliri  because it was a matter bordering on foreign affairs.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati,   in an exclusive telephone interview with one of our correspondents,  argued  that there was no politics involved in Onwuliri signing the agreement on behalf of the government.
 He said Nigerians should not reduce the matter to “the politics of political appointees who are all ultimately birds of passage.”
 The President’s spokesman said Oduah did not only attend the signing ceremony but was also involved in framing the technical details of, and in preparing the agreement along with her Israeli counterpart.
 He said it was when that was done, that the Foreign Ministries moved in at the level of G2 diplomacy.
 Abati added, “The groundwork (for the agreement) was done by the Ministry of Aviation hence the involvement of the Aviation Minister, but this being a country-to-country agreement, more or less a treaty, it had to be signed by the Foreign Affairs Minister.
 “It is also the convention in diplomacy to pair ministers. The Israelis brought their Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, so we did the same. There was no politics involved and there is no doubt that it is within the provenance of the Foreign Ministry to sign agreements on behalf of the country.
 “Let me add that BASA is about countries entering into an agreement.
“It is not about individuals. We must avoid the ridiculous temptation to reduce something that will promote good relations with a friendly nation to the politics of political appointees who are all ultimately birds of passage.”
When asked  if the  embattled minister  was under “tactical suspension,”   Abati replied, “She (Oduah was actually in attendance at the signing of the BASA . As I said, she was involved in framing the technical details of, and in preparing the agreement along with her Israeli counterpart. That done, the Foreign ministries moved in at the level of G2 diplomacy.”
Meanwhile,   the  ruling Peoples Democratic Party said on Tuesday that it  was  worried by the  bulletproof car scandal.
Like, Gulak, it assured Nigerians that whoever was  found culpable  would  face the law  because it (PDP) would never condone any form of  graft.
The party, however, wondered why the opposition All Progressives Congress was going into a frenzy over the scandal when  its “governors and leaders   have been involved in bulletproof car deals more scandalous than those  in the Ministry of Aviation.”
 In a statement by its    National Publicity Secretary, Chief  Olisa Metuh,  the PDP said its  position  on corruption was unambiguous.
A part of the statement reads,   “The position of our great party on corruption is unambiguous and our zero tolerance for corrupt practices abounds in practical examples.
“To us as a party, the accusation of corruption in the Aviation ministry is a big worry. It is for this reason  that the President and the leader of our  party has set up a panel to investigate the matter while the National Assembly which we also lead  has stepped in.”
It   frowned on the ethnic dimension which comments and street actions on the issue had taken and advised   “ethnic lords, jingoists as  well as lynch mobs “ to realise that  biased sentiments could hardly achieve an objective basis for establishing the culpability of the public officers involved in the matter.”
   The party then went for the jugular of the APC ,  saying  it  (APC) was not different from a white washed tomb.
 The PDP described the  APC as a stinking sepulchre and  the headquarters of corruption in Nigeria.
 It said, “This  is a party whose leaders relish in stinking miasma but artfully turning a blind eye to it.
 “They however go megaphonic when other political parties are involved.
“Hardly can you point at any of its leaders without a heavy baggage.
 “In fact, the governors and leaders of the APC have been involved in bulletproof car deals more scandalous than those at the Aviation ministry but this is conspicuously missing on the sermon list of these  false evangelists of good governance.”
  It wondered why  the trial of  the  Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji,   for acts of corruption,  had yet to  be  discussed by the APC leadership.
 The PDP further contended that the  stench of corruption oozing from   the concession  of the Lekki Toll Plaza  and its debilitating effects on the electoral fortune  of APC  was the reason the Lagos State Government allegedly retrieved and paid off  the firm that built the  road.

Wenger won't panic after Arsenal's latest slip

Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Juan Mata celebrates scoring against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 29, 2013
London (AFP) - Arsene Wenger insists there is no reason to panic after Arsenal slumped to a lacklustre 2-0 defeat against Chelsea in the League Cup fourth round.
Wenger's side suffered a second successive home defeat as the Blues cruised into the last eight thanks to goals from Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Wenger, who had seen his team defeated by Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium seven days previously in their Champions League group game.
Inevitably the two results will be seen as proof that Arsenal are still lacking the quality to end their eight-year trophy drought despite their impressive climb to the top of the Premier League table.
But, given that both Arsenal and Chelsea made a host of changes for Tuesday's tie, Wenger has no intention of rushing to condemn his players as also-rans.
"Lets not go too quick to a conclusion. If you take the points we have made since January we have got more than anybody else," Wenger said.
"After losing the first game of the season against Aston Villa people said we were relegated and there would be a revolution, but now we are in a strong position in the league.
"It's true that it is difficult to swallow what has happened in the last two weeks, but the mistakes are so obvious that they can be corrected and we have to do that."
With Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud only introduced in the second half, Arsenal sorely lacked a cutting edge, especially with Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner delivering a poor performance in a rare start.
Yet Wenger maintained he was right to rotate his team to keep the key players fresh for the weekend's league clash against Liverpool.
"It was a very tight game that was decided on one or two mistakes," he said. "You can't play always with the same players, you have to rotate at some stage.
"We have to respond well on Saturday against Liverpool. They are in a good position in the league, but we have to turn this around. You know it is vital to win the big games."
While Wenger looks for an immediate response from his team, Chelsea are riding the crest of a wave at present.
Just two days after defeating title rivals Manchester City, Jose Mourinho's men inflicted another psychological blow on one of their main rivals.
Mourinho made 10 changes to the team that beat City, but was still able to name a strong starting line-up featuring the likes of Mata, Samuel Eto'o, David Luiz and Willian and the gulf in class between Chelsea's stand-ins and Arsenal's shadow squad was clear to see.
Mata was the catalyst as he pulled in the strings in midfield with his clever passing before clinching the win with a superb 66th minute strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The Spaniard has struggled to break into Mourinho's team, but Blues assistant boss Steve Holland made it clear Mata will get his share of game time if he keeps performing like that.
"We have seen that before from Mata, so it's not a surprise. It was another fantastic moment for him," Holland said.
"If you look back at the fixtures he started more than his fair share of the big games.
"Jose, when he addressed the team before kick-off, asked to be given selection problems for the weekend.
"He wants headaches and wants everyone playing well when they get a chance. You have to say they responded."
Holland believes Chelsea are gradually improving after a slow start to Mourinho's second spell in charge and he added: "The bottom line is two results like this give you confidence.
"It's taken a bit of time in the early weeks but Jose's principles of play have been hammered home in training and there's been signs in the last few weeks that it's coming through."

Saturday 26 October 2013

SHAMEFUL PHOTOS: Husband Catches His Pregnant Wife In Hotel Room With Another Man, Shares Incriminating Photos On The Internet

Sources revealed that the woman, who is already a few months pregnant, has been seeing her lover and having extra-marital affairs with him for a while now. The husband has reportedly been hearing the rumours of his wife’s affair and decided to take action.
On this fateful day, the wife and her lover, met at their usual location (a hotel) to have their lovemaking session. The husband, at this time, got a call from his informant. He then busted into the hotel room and caught his pregnant wife in the act.
The husband reportedly took photos and started distributing them on social media.
See below;
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Source: Trendy Sturvs

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Dubai inaugurates first phase of mega solar energy project

An image taken from Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, on May 21, 2013 shows construction in Dubai
Dubai (AFP) - Dubai inaugurated the first phase of a solar energy park on Tuesday as the Gulf emirate seeks to diversify its energy sources, official Emirati news agency WAM reported.
The park, named the "Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Park" after the emirate's ruler, will produce 1,000 megawatts of electricity when completed, and will cost 12 billion dirhams ($3.3 billion), WAM said.
The first plant of the solar energy megaproject is 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the city of Dubai and can produce 10 megawatts of energy on its own.
Said Mohammed al-Tayer, deputy head of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and vice chief of its Supreme Energy Council, said the project was "one of a kind in the region," adding that it would be a major boost to the Gulf state's mega-projects.
The supreme energy council is trying to reduce Dubai's reliance on oil and gas. Dubai aims to produce one percent of its energy needs using solar power by 2020, and five percent by 2030, local press has reported.
Dubai is a major electricity consumer, in spite of its population of just two million, partly because of the extreme heat from June to September, which sees an increased use in air conditioning.
The United Arab Emirates, made up of seven states including Dubai, hold a fifth of the world's oil reserves with 97.8 billion barrels, of which 95 percent is owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The federation also has gas reserves of six trillion square metres, but Dubai holds only about two percent of this.

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West are engaged

NEW YORK (AP) — Marriage is coming after the baby carriage for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
Kardashian's publicist, Ina Treciokas, confirmed Tuesday that the couple are engaged.
E! News first reported that West proposed to Kardashian Monday — her 33rd birthday — in front of family and friends at the AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.
Kardashian gave birth to the couple's first child, daughter North West, in June.
A photo posted on Instagram shows a screen at the stadium that reads "PLEEEASE MARRY MEEE!!!" — in typical West font — above a black-clad orchestra. Another shows Kardashian showing off a diamond ring with a smiling West behind her.
The Kardashian clan has a series of reality shows on E!, and, after initially saying it didn't have cameras at the stadium, the network said late Tuesday it did have cameras there to capture the moment.
Khloe Kardashian seemed to celebrate on Twitter when she wrote: "Tears of JOY!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!" She also tweeted: "Wow!!!!! Am I dreaming??!?!" Kimye were quiet on Twitter.
Kardashian was previously married to NBA player Kris Humphries. Their divorce was finalized in June after they were married for 72 days in 2011. Her first marriage was to music producer Damon Thomas in 2000.
West is currently on a tour with Kendrick Lamar. "The Yeezus Tour" will visit the SAP Center in San Jose on Tuesday night. Earlier Monday, he attended the Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, presenting Steve McQueen with the Hollywood Breakout Director Award.


Imo shuts down as women protest Okorocha’s intimidation by presidency


Imo shuts down as women protest Okorocha’s intimidation by presidency
Owerri, the Imo State capital, was literally shutdown yesterday  as thousands of women from the 27 local council areas of the state  protested  alleged intimidation and harassment of the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha by the presidency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Human and vehicular movements in the capital city came to a standstill while the protest lasted.
Addressing journalists yesterday, one of the protesters, Mrs Tessy Ohanuba, stated that the women of the state simply came to Owerri to express their anger over what she described as the intimidation and harassment of the state governor, by the presidency and its agencies especially EFCC.
“The Federal Government has been using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to intimidate and harass the officials of the state government ever since Okorocha became the governor of the state, which is just to distract the government.
“We are asking the Federal Government to support this performing governor and stop distracting him. We are calling on the gender-friendly president to listen to the cry and see the tears of the women and call those harassing the state governor and his team to order,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Adaku Agbugbaeruleke, said that the alleged plot to remove Governor Okorocha, was unacceptable, stressing that the Federal Government should  not manipulate the apex court but should allow justice to prevail.
“If President Jonathan supports Governor Okorocha in his efforts to make Imo better, the women of Imo will in turn, support him again in 2015 like we did in 2011. So, we don’t like the continuous harassment of the governor; that is why we have left our children and businesses to come to Owerri this morning. We are appealing to the president not to create confusion in the state.”
The women also besieged the INEC office along the Port Harcourt/ Owerri road, to demand the immediate release of the Oguta Assembly re-run election or announcement of a new date to conduct election in the remaining wards.

Queen Blessing set to premiere new movie in US

Queen Blessing set to premiere new movie in US

 Queen Blessing Ebigieson, a Nollywood actress, is currently in Atlanta, United States of America, to premiere her latest movie entitled TNK.  She is being supported by music maestro, Tuface, ace actor, Ramsey Noah, among other celebrities.
The multiple award-winning actress has also concluded plans to tour Las Vegas, New York City, Atlanta Gorgia to also showcase her movie.
The movie is directed by Kolade Kadesh and it tells the story of an ex-wife who does not want to leave her husband after they had divorced. It also enlightens people on friendship, jealousy and other societal issues.
The Edo State-born diva and star actress of Borokini, Lori Ere, Moment of Joy, Sweet Love, among others, is expected back in the country next month.

Fire guts Warri refinery

Fire guts Warri refinery

… As victims of Bonga oil spill bemoan their fate
FROM EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, WarriWork was temporarily grounded at the multi-billion naira Warri Refining and Petro-Chemical Company (WRPC) in Delta State, as one of the refining units went up in flames in the early hours of yesterday. It was gathered that the unit regarded as one of the vital parts of the refinery and several other component parts were destroyed in the fire outbreak.
Investigation, however, revealed that the inferno which produced a loud noise caught the workers napping and they ran out of their respective offices for safety.
A source told Daily SUN that the damage done to the refining unit could disrupt distribution of fuel to some parts of the country. He said even though the fire had been put out, there were repairs to be made to ensure the smooth operation of other units.
Meanwhile, workers of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) who were affected by the massive oil spillage of December 20, 2011 at Bonga field are still suffering from the effects of the incident.
Checks by Daily Sun revealed that some of them had either died from the incident or were  battling mental disorders, hypertension, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lesion.
Many of them were also said to suffer other ailments such as vomiting, rectal bleeding, liver and kidney infections, shot term memory and respiratory problems.

BlackBerry resumes BBM rollout for iPhone, Android users

Following the delay caused by a software leak, BlackBerry has officially resumed the release of its BlackBerry Messenger app for Android and iPhones.
Samsung customers in Nigeria and other sub-Sahara African countries can now download the BBM app from the Samsung Apps Store, while iPhone and other Android-based smartphone users will be able to download the app in three days’ time, a release from BlackBerry on Tuesday indicated.
The deployment was halted last month when an unauthorised copy of the app was leaked for Android smartphones and caused problems with the BlackBerry Messenger platform.
When that leaked, the company said around a million people downloaded it for their Android smartphones. What they have now revealed is that more than one million people also found creative ways to “side load” BBM onto their iPhone.
In order to avoid the problems and manage server loads, the company is phasing the rollout of the BBM app for other devices.
The six million people who registered to be told about the launch will be able to use the app immediately. Other users will have to download the app and register, and then will be sent a message when their account has been activated.
The app is now available on Google Play and iTunes.
The BBM has more than 60 million active customers monthly on BlackBerry alone, and the overwhelming majority use it an average of 90 minutes per day.
BBM customers collectively send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day, nearly twice as many messages per user per day compared to other mobile messaging apps. Messages on BBM are typically read within seconds, reflecting how truly engaged the BBM customers are.
The Executive Vice-President for BBM at BlackBerry, Mr. Andrew Bocking, said, “BBM is a very engaging messaging service that is simple to use, easy to personalise and has an immediacy that is necessary for mobile communications.
“With more than a billion Android, iOS and BlackBerry smartphones in the market, and no dominant mobile messaging platform, this is absolutely the right time to bring BBM to Android and iPhone customers.”
According to BlackBerry, the BBM will continue to evolve quickly, as later this year, BBM channels will provide a forum for active, real conversations between people, brands, celebrities, artists, service providers, communities and more.
 By creating a channel, the firm said individuals and brands could engage their friends and communities in conversations sparked off by their thoughts, ideas and passions.
“Subscribing to a channel will let you join conversations with people who share your interests. In addition, BBM video calling and BBM voice calling are planned for availability for Android and iPhone in a future version,” it added.

Atiku, 215 others sign petition to end ASUU strike

INTER PUNCH 23 OCTOBER 2013
Two hundred and sixteen Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora have signed an online petition asking the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities to end the industrial dispute which has kept public universities shut for four months.
The petition launched on change.org, a go-to site for web protests, is asking President Goodluck Jonathan and the National President of ASUU, Dr. Nassir Faggae, to reach an “amicable consensus.”
In the petition entitled, “Mr. President and the Academic Staff Union of Universities: Please End the ASUU Strike now,” the petitioners said the Presidency should stop playing politics with education of the Nigerian youth.
 The petition read in part, “Since the ASUU strike began, it has been over half a semester, a lot in the life of students waiting at home, not knowing when the strike will be over. The future of Nigeria is at stake. Stop playing politics with education.
“It is urgent we send a message that it is long past time for the FG and ASUU to reach consensus and get students back to school by ending this strike.”
A majority of non-students who appended their signature to the petition noted that they joined the online protest with a view to crying out to ASUU and the FG to consider poor students whose parents cannot afford the luxury of sending them overseas to study like the sons and daughters of political office holders.
Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, joined other students and concerned Nigerians clamouring for a speedy end to the crisis rocking the higher education sector.
Atiku, who featured the link to the petition signing website on his Twitter handle, wrote, “We should never play politics with education. Our future depends on it. It is time for the FG and ASUU to reach a consensus and get students back to school by ending this strike.”
An Abuja-based post-graduate student in one of the public universities in the country, Mubarak Jubrin, expressing his dissatisfaction, wrote: “I am stuck with a semester to finish my Master’s programme. The FG should be doing everything possible to rescue the one institution left that is working towards producing better human beings who will shape the future of our dear country.”
  Noting that prolonged shutting down of public universities is a dangerous omen for the society and development of the nation, a Kaduna-based student, Tarik Abubakar, also said Nigerians students were being denied their rights to education.
 “Students in other countries are enjoying their rights to education. I am pleading with the FG and ASUU to settle their issue and call off the strike,” Abubakar stated.
A Nigerian student studying at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, Godspower Onwudiwe, lamented that the industrial action paints a bad picture of Nigeria on the international scene.
Onwudiwe stated, I feel so sorry for my beloved country because these incessant strikes are a barrier to her general development. Also, as a student in the Diaspora, it paints a very pitiful and shameful picture on our international identity.
“I cannot wait to not only see this strike end but also the end of future strikes to the detriment of the future of this generation and our country at large.”
Jemima Gana, who was moved to sign the petition because she believes that the status quo needs to change as the prosperous future of Nigeria depends on quality education, which is being threatened by the strike.
Gana, who according to the information she provided on the site, is based in Lagos, said Nigerian students need a stable learning environment devoid of strikes for them to be able to compete globally.
“It is so important to me because it is high time the FG took the value of education seriously and in high regard. Students in Nigeria need a stable environment to acquire knowledge and graduate on time in order to contribute their skills to the growth and development of this great nation,”

Presidential fleet larger than three domestic airlines


President Goodluck Jonathan
The declining fortunes of the domestic airlines have made President Goodluck Jonathan’s 10-aircraft Presidential Air Fleet larger   than the fleets of three domestic airlines combined, investigations by our correspondent revealed on Tuesday.
The three carriers are Chanchangi, MedView, and FirstNation airlines. Chanchangi has one aircraft; Medview Airlines, three; while FirstNation has  two.
IRS Airlines, with five aircraft in its fleet, has only one that is currently operational. The four others have been sent overseas for routine maintenance for a long time now.
It can be technically assumed that the PAF is bigger than the four domestic airlines, according to industry experts.
Aerocontractors, the second largest domestic airline, which currently has about 12 aircraft in its fleet, is struggling under sundry debts like every other domestic airline.
Indications have also emerged that the 10-aircraft PAF may emerge the second largest domestic airline in the country after Arik Air, which currently has about 23 aircraft.
Aviation sources revealed, however, that unless the plan to turn Aerocontractors Airlines into a national carrier worked out, the declining fortunes of the debt-ridden airline might force it lose some of its planes to foreign aircraft leasing companies as it happened to Air Nigeria some years ago.
Top aviation officials admitted that the large size of the PAF could not be justified amid the dearth of aircraft among the domestic airlines, which lack adequate finance to buy more planes to meet up with the soaring passenger capacity.
Apart from Arik and Aerocontractors, each of the remaining domestic airlines does not possess half of the number of aircraft in the PAF, according to findings by our correspondent.
IRS Airlines has only one operational aircraft in its fleet; while Dana Air has five aircraft, in addition to those owned by Chanchangi, Medview and FirstNation, according to figures obtained from the industry.
According to findings, the PAF include two Falcon 7X jets, two Falcon 900 jets, a Gulfstream 550, one Boeing 737 BBJ (Nigerian Air Force 001 or Eagle One), and a Gulfstream IVSP.
Others are one Gulfstream V, Cessna Citation 2 aircraft and Hawker Siddley 125-800 jet.
Each of the Falcon 7X jets was purchased in 2010 at a cost of $51.1m, while the Gulfstream 550 costs $53.3m.
The factory price of the other aircraft in the fleet could not be obtained online. However, airline CEOs put the average price of the Falcon 900 at $35m; Gulfstream IVSP, $40m; Gulfstream V, $45m; Boeing 737 BBJ, $58m; Cessna Citation, $7m; and Hawker Siddley 125-800, $15m.
This brings a combined estimated value of the PAF to $390.5m (N60.53bn).
Nigeria happens to be one of the few countries in the world with a large PAF.
Most major countries in Europe and Asia maintain two aircraft in their PAF, according to Wikipedia.
According to the online portal, Japan maintains only two Boeing 747-400 planes in its PAF.
The two aircraft, mostly for the prime minister, the emperor and his wife, and other members of the Imperial Family, is operated by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.
The aircraft were constructed at the Boeing factory at the same time as the United States’ Air Force One. Both Japanese aircraft were delivered in 1990.
Wikipedia also states that the Netherlands government operates only two aircraft, a Fokker 70 and Gulfstream IV to transport the Dutch Royal family and government officials such as the prime minister and other ministers.
They are also used for international conferences and for private trips by the Queen and the Prince of Orange. For long haul trips, the Royal Dutch Airline is used. Often the upper deck of a Boeing 747 is used.
The Queen of England and the Prime Minister, David Cameron, often go on British Airways chartered flights for long trips. Cameron was recently criticised by the UK media for chartering a foreign plane instead of a British.
According to Wikipedia, the Royal Squadron of the Royal Air Force maintains a fleet of Agusta A109 helicopters, BAE-125 mid-sized business jet and BAE-146 regional airliner to support short travel by the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and senior members of the British Government.
Countries like Ghana, Algeria and a host of others in Europe maintain only one aircraft in their PAF.
According to industry experts, airlines spend between 15 and 20 per cent of the cost of an aircraft on its operation yearly. They say that averagely, a little less than one-fifth of the cost of the plane is spent every year on insurance, flight and cabin crew, maintenance, fuelling, catering and training.
Going by the fact that at least 15 per cent of this amount is spent annually on operating the PAF, it means about $58.57m (N9.08bn ) is being spent annually on running the planes in the Nigerian PAF.
Some airline CEOs, who pleaded anonymity, had raised concerns over the economic sense behind the large mix of brands of aircraft in the PAF. They said although the fleet size was large, the cost of operation would have been cheaper if the Presidency had maintained only two brands.
According to the Nigerian Air Force’s website, the PAF’s current staff strength consists of 47 NAF officers, 173 airmen/airwomen and 96 technical and administrative civilians.
“The operational headquarters of the Fleet is located at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while the administrative personnel are at the Federal Secretariat. The fleet has a liaison office at the Presidential Villa. Flight operations, training, aircraft maintenance and general running of the fleet are funded by the Presidency,”

check out today's champions league results

 22/10 Champions League Results
 

Sunday 20 October 2013

Boko Haram kills 19 in Borno



Members of the boko haram sect
Members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect may have killed 19 people in Borno State on Sunday.
AFP reported that the insurgents who were dressed in military uniforms  and wielding AK 47 assault rifles killed the 19 motorists by blocking the highway near Logumani which is 19 kilometres from the nation’s border with Cameroun.
It was stated that while the insurgent who were riding on motorcycles shot five of the victims to death, the rest 14 were slaughtered.
The leader of the Civilian JTF in the area, Musa Abur, was quoted as having said that those shot included two truck drivers and their assistants.
Abu also told the international news agency that the rampaging Islamists also burnt down two trucks.
“We have recovered 19 dead bodies from the scene of the attack by Boko Haram gunmen
“Five of the victims, who included two truck drivers and their assistants, were shot dead while the rest were slaughtered,” Abur was quoted as having said.
But the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, told our correspondent on the telephone that the casualty figure from the said attack was exaggerated.
By his account, the insurgents blocked a vehicle conveying foodstuffs between Gamboru Ngala and Dikwa and killed four people.
Attahiru said that the incident was reported to the Special Forces who engaged the insurgents in a shoot out and killed some of them.
He did not give the number of insurgents killed in the operation insisting that the Special Forces were still on their trail.
He said, “The casualty is exaggerated. A vehicle was conveying foodstuffs, and it was stopped by the Boko Haram members between Dikwa and Gamboru Ngala; they killed four people in the vehicle.
“The attack occurred at Dikwa and Gamboru Ngala on Sunday. The incident was reported at our operational base and Special Forces engaged them killing some of the fleeing insurgents.
“I can’t give you the exact number of those killed on the side of the insurgent because they (Special Forces) are still after them but I can confirm that four civilians were killed.”
However, a survivor of the attack identified as Buba stated that the gunmen blocked the road near Logumani and ordered everybody in the vehicles to lie face down around 5am before  shooting and slaughtering the motorists.
He said that the insurgents numbering nine were forced to abandon some lucky victims and escaped with their motorcycles into the bush when somebody alerted security operatives of the incident.
“We were asked to get out of our vehicles and lie face down by nine men dressed as soldiers who blocked the road around 5:00 am.”
“They shot dead five people and went about slaughtering 14 others before someone called them on the phone that soldiers were heading their way.
“They abandoned the rest of us and sped into the bush on their motorcycles,” Buba was quoted as having said.
It was stated that members of the Boko Haram sect had carried out recurrent attacks in villages and communities close to the nation’s border with Cameroun recently.
The insurgents reportedly carried out an attack at Gamboru Ngala, near Logumani but were chased away by soldiers and local vigilantes on Friday before the Sunday attack.
The survivor explained that the men in military uniform were given away as insurgents by their beards different from troops of the Nigerian Army who don’t have such beards.
“We knew they were Boko Haram from their appearance. Soldiers don’t wear beards but some of the gunmen were bearded.
“Everyone in this area knows Boko Haram is on the prowl, raiding villages and attacking vehicles. It has become a common occurrence,” he said.

Sasha - now Ekiti state cultural ambassador


the WORLD heaviest athlete now wants to slim down

'World's Heaviest Athlete' Now Looking to Slim Down
Though he's nicknamed "Tiny," a 6-foot-7, 719-pound sumo wrestler is anything but. And now the "World's Heaviest Athlete" title holder is on a mission to slim down.
Manny Yarbrough has used his weight to his advantage in his career in sumo, and as a child he had to hold back when playing with other kids.
"When I was a child, I played every sport I could but I was always the 'big kid' - it was just my luck in life," he said.
"I'd do what everybody else did growing up, but from the age of about 6 I knew I was bigger than the others and probably always would be," he added. "When we were playing with friends, I had to remember to hold back so I didn't hurt anyone.
"It's partly down to genetics, as it isn't just weight," he said. "I have always been tall too. People never used to pay attention to the nutritional value of food, and I was growing pretty fast so needed to eat. My aunt would make big breakfasts because my cousins went out to work - but I wasn't accustomed to that. I just hung out and ate with them."
Now, Yarbrough is looking to lose weight as he plans on retiring from the ring in 2014. He fears his weight could keep growing as when he calls it quits, which would lead to serious health problems.
"I'm desperate to get back to my best college shape in time for the nationals next year. It's the sportsman in me that never-give-up attitude," he said. "It's a challenge. I had to give it a shot because of that inner athlete in me pushing me to do it.
"Once I retire," he added, "it's about a quality of life I want to have. I had a ticket cancelled on me on a flight to Italy a few years ago and haven't flown since through fear it would happen again."

Obafemi Martins and Abigail "Balotelli's sister" welcomes son

Ace footballer Obafemi Martins has welcomed his third child from his third baby mama. Abigail Barwuah, the older sister of Italian footballer Mario Balotelli gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday October 16th in Italy.

25 year old Abigail, who has been dating Obafemi since 2012, lost the first pregnancy we all reported last year. She was about four months pregnant when she was in Nigeria with Obafemi in December 2012 but lost the baby and got pregnant again almost immediately.

The never-before-married Obafemi has a daughter with an African chick he dated in Italy many years ago, he also has a 3 and a half year old son with a white chick he dated while playing in the UK and now a son with Abigail. Father of all nation.

Thursday 17 October 2013

See Olamide's new album cover

Olamide has unveiled the cover of his highly anticipated new album titled 'Baddest Guy Ever Liveth' which will drop sometime in November.

could you imagine- Dental Surgery Done With Lattern In Nigeria



What is the health sector of this country turning into. Now I know why people travel abroad to have their medical checkups and treatments..... By looking at the photo, can't imagine what would have happened if there was a casualty during the surgery leading to the loss of life and once again PHCN & GOVERNMENT will be in for it .
 — with 

Iyanya Signs N35m New Endorsement Deal With SOLO phones - Which caused A Big Stir At Computer Village Ikeja Today





Iyanya Signs N35m New Endorsement Deal + Causes A Big Stir At Computer Village Ikeja Today

So, Iyanya today got signed on as the new Brand Ambassador for Solo Phone Nigeria, his 3rd endorsement this year.

The one year contract which is worth N35m also scored him a brand new 2013 Prado.

To sign his contract, Iyanya had to show up at the company's office at Computer Village, Ikeja and to his amazement, the entire market, fans were all waiting to catch a glimpse of him

FACE RELEASES TWO NEW HOT SINGLES - Ifeoma and Lambo

Former Plantashun Boiz member Chibuzor Orji popularly known as Faze is back with two hot new singles. Ifeoma and Lambo. Listen to Ifeoma below and Lambo after the cut....



 

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Flood wreaks havoc in Uyo


flood: Image: Associated Press

Some residents of Eniong and Mbiabong Housing Estate said the downpour had destroyed their household items worth millions of naira.
The rain, which started on Monday night, lasted several hours and submerged many houses and obstructed traffic in some parts of the state capital.
Mrs Affiong Udoh, a housewife at Atan Offot village, said that she had a hectic day salvaging some property from the flood.
Udoh, who called on the State Government to come to the aid of the residents, blamed the flood on indiscriminate development in the state capital.
The president of Mbiabong Estate Residents Association, Mr Anselm Etuk, said his house was completely submerged by the flood.
Etuk said that flooding was a perennial problem in the estate and appealed to the state government to extend its flood control technology to the area.
Another resident of the estate, Mrs Florence Eyo, whose house was submerged, said she lost all her property in 2011 and again in 2012.
Eyo said the residents of the estate had been tormented over the years by flood and appealed to the government to come to their aid.
NAN recalls that N13.6 billion had been invested in "pipe jacking flood control technology" by the state government.
The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Mr Enobong Uwah, whose ministry oversees flood control, could not be reached for commentary

Rooney eyes World Cup redemption as England reach Rio

England's Wayne Rooney pictured during their Wold Cup qualifier against Poland at Wembley Stadium on October 15, 2013
London (AFP) - Wayne Rooney says he is desperate to finally make his mark on the World Cup after firing England to next year's finals in Brazil.
Rooney's ability is unquestioned and his contributions to Manchester United's success at club level are undeniable, but he has repeatedly failed to deliver at the major international tournaments.
Now the 27-year-old striker has another opportunity to make amends for those flops after scoring the crucial opening goal to set England on course for a 2-0 win over Poland at Wembley on Tuesday that guaranteed automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Rooney knows England's chances of a serious bid for glory in Brazil would be greatly enhanced if he can play to his best at last and he has set his sights on doing just that.
"That's what I want to do in all the tournaments but it hasn't happened," Rooney said.
"I want to do well and help England be successful, that won't ever change. There is no added pressure on myself, but obviously I want to perform.
"When you play for England, the obvious goal is to be successful and try to win trophies.
"That would be the icing on the cake for me. Hopefully I've still got a bit of time to do it."
After bursting onto the international stage at Euro 2004, it has been all downhill for Rooney at the showpiece tournaments.
Freshly recovered from a foot injury at the time, he famously announced his belated arrival at England's German training base just before the 2006 World Cup by proclaiming "the big man is back".
But that playful boast backfired as Rooney, lacking match sharpness, produced a series of lacklustre displays before his tournament ended in acrimony when he was sent off for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho during England's quarter-final defeat against Portugal.

He cut a listless figure at the 2010 World Cup and earned widespread criticism for berating fans for booing the team after a 0-0 draw against Algeria.
And last year's European Championship was largely another write-off for Rooney, who was suspended for the first two group matches before England lost to Italy on penalties in the quarter-finals.
But he believes England are in better shape to make an impact after manager Roy Hodgson cast off his conservative tactics in the last two qualifiers.
A 4-1 win over Montenegro last week was followed by a solid dismissal of Poland and Rooney believes the usually cautious Hodgson's decision to blood vibrant youngsters like Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend, Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and United's Danny Welbeck has given the squad a new lease of life.
"I think the younger players are taking that (pressure) off me now," Rooney said.
"We've got so many exciting players; Welbeck, Townsend, (Jack) Wilshere. If we can use them and the other senior players we've got then it should be exciting times.
"They have all come in and add something to the team, so it's great. They have given us some real excitement going forward."
Rooney has more than done his part after scoring seven times in his last six qualifiers to take his England goal tally to 38.
But he has experienced too much disappointment to predict great things for England just yet.
"We will have our targets behind closed doors and I'm sure the media and fans will as well," he said.
"There are easy games in qualifying when you play the likes of San Marino, but at the World Cup you play the best teams, so it's always hard no matter who you draw.
"It's a long way away. Obviously we don't know what will happen before then with injuries and form.
"I'm just delighted we have qualified. There are a lot of young players who came into these two high pressure games and they have performed. It's great."