Nigerian Becomes First Female To Win VSO Award In UK

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="1" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="320" src="http://omojuwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1-21.jpg" width="640" /> </div> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Oluwatosin Folarin has won the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) National Youth Volunteer Award for 2016 and is the first Nigerian to win this award.  The 23-year-old graduate was posted to Ilesa in Osun state with fifteen other volunteers for three months. VSO, an International Development Charity works to address poverty under which their volunteers were sent to work in rural communities in order to secure Livelihoods.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> At the ceremony which took place in the United Kingdom, Julia Lalla-Mahharagh, Chief Executive of the Orchid project, and judge for the award outlined that while assessing nominees, they had been impressed by her (Folarin) “Ability to go above and beyond.”  She said, “What wowed us as judges was the fact that Tosin went beyond her brief which was extensively to look at livelihoods. But so much more that what she seemed to do was meet the community exactly where they were at. Everything she did, she did with such passion.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Folarin, who received her award by video was elated and described the experience as a “challenge which has made me become a better person, focused on achieving greater success.”  According to her, “Our project was themed ‘Securing Livelihood’ and we effected coherently with some of the United Nation’s seventeen developmental goals.  With respect to the first, second and eight goals which are end poverty, end hunger and decent work for all we carried out various projects  like farming in the model farm, training  farmers and enlightening them on various approaches to cocoa and cocoa value chain as well as encouraging them to explore on farming.  We also taught them couples of skills in order for them secure a living.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “Additionally, the third goal which is “wellbeing” we organized different programmes on health in which free medical check was conducted and trained practitioners were invited to speak to the community members.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> She described that, “Volunteering is a good way of making impact in your society and country at large. A little act of service goes a long way to make a positive change. This is why for the fourth goal which is “quality education”, volunteers had series of mentoring with pupils, and taught them some of their academic work.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> On Gender equality, she detailed that the fifth SDG goal was meritoriously looked into where women in the communities were able to understand that “they are not the weaker vessels.” “They understood that they also have equal rights and strength as their male counterparts,” She added.</div>

Nigerian Becomes First Female To Win VSO Award In UK

Oluwatosin Folarin has won the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) N...

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Waziri Hits Back At Ribadu’s Accusation Of Frustrating Corruption Fight

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="farida_waziri" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="400" src="http://omojuwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/farida_waziri2.jpg" width="346" /> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">  </div> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mrs Farida Waziri has challenged her predecessor in the commission Malam Nuhu Ribadu to give account of billions of funds and assets recovered from suspects under his watch as EFCC boss and stop using her name for cheap political cards.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> A statement signed by her Personal Assistant, Ms Omolara Oluremi on Saturday quotes Mrs Waziri as saying Ribadu had accused her of being ‘’part of his imaginary enemies who frustrated the nation’s anti-graft war’’.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9365554144419990" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="4446211484" data-adsbygoogle-status="done"><ins id="aswift_0_expand"><ins id="aswift_0_anchor"></ins></ins></ins></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> ‘’My first inclination was to ignore Nuhu since I know he is always obsessed with dropping my name into his script anytime he needs public pity or political relevance but on a second thought I felt I should advise him to leave me out of his frustrations and face life.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> ‘’If after eight years of being removed as EFCC Chairman, he is yet to move on with life, even after two successive Chairmen had occupied the same seat and moved on with their lives, then his problem may be psychogenic’’ she alleged.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> According to her ‘’it was Ribadu’s lust for power, inordinate ambition and desperation for political relevance that continue to push him to dine and wine, and even enjoy the wealth of those he had labeled as corrupt in yesteryears’’.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> She advised Ribadu to ‘’stop being a weeping man’’, saying garrulity does not heal frustration or depression.</div>

Waziri Hits Back At Ribadu’s Accusation Of Frustrating Corruption Fight

    Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mrs Farida Wa...

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2019: Jonathan’s Loyalists Seek Lifeline For PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFm0HWeQ_T_vTewB-qOQ7GNqBVe4j_Wgw0RJgAyTRBO3dO_IZU_QfozpjsVLV49-vJbCCoTdGx72nmFpEMSbqSJnh_fwBobreMqz3TK9yNJ-YcFj_zEaFK5Vd11T8oo1vxVXILU0EDaNb/s1600/jona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFm0HWeQ_T_vTewB-qOQ7GNqBVe4j_Wgw0RJgAyTRBO3dO_IZU_QfozpjsVLV49-vJbCCoTdGx72nmFpEMSbqSJnh_fwBobreMqz3TK9yNJ-YcFj_zEaFK5Vd11T8oo1vxVXILU0EDaNb/s400/jona.jpg" width="263" /></a></div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Loyalists of former President Goodluck Jonathan are trying very hard to end the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2019 general elections, it was learnt Saturday.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The loyalists especially former ministers and governors during former administration of Jonathan were said to be visiting different state chapters of the PDP to seek reconciliation among aggrieved PDP members.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It was was gathered that Jonathan’s men were working under the auspices of the Ministers’ Forum (MF), comprising former governors, former ministers and PDP stalwarts.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> There were indications that if their mission yielded expected fruits, they would either mount pressure on Jonathan to return for a second term or support the presidential ambition of former Jigawa State Governor, Lamido Sanusi.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The team alongside some former PDP governors was in Bayelsa State for a similar purpose, though they were said to have seized the opportunity to tour some ongoing projects of Governor Seriake Dickson.</div>

2019: Jonathan’s Loyalists Seek Lifeline For PDP

Loyalists of former President Goodluck Jonathan are trying very hard to end the crisis in the Peop...

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Nigeria, Morocco To Build Gas Pipeline Link

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="1" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="426" src="http://omojuwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1-20.jpg" width="640" /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Nigeria and Morocco <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1214964733" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span> resolved to jointly promote a gas pipeline that will connect the two countries and some other African countries.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> This was one of the agreement reached during the three-day visit of Moroccan King President Mohammed VI.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Geoffrey Onyema, disclosed this to reporters <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1214964734" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span> at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Onyema said the gas pipeline project would also accelerate energy and electrification projects across the affected member countries.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He said, “It is a great honour and privilege to read for you a communique which outlines the strategic visions that you both have for our two countries.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “On the occasion of the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Nigeria, and following the discussion with President Muhammadu Buhari in Marrackeck, on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties (COP-22), and also in Abuja , the Kingdom of Morocco and the Federal Republic of Nigeria decided to study and take concrete steps toward the promotion of a regional gas pipeline project that will connect Nigeria’s gas resources, those of several West African countries and Morocco.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The minister said the pipeline project would be designed with the participation of all stakeholders.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> This, he explained, is meant to create a competitive regional electricity market with the potential to be connected to the European energy markets.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He said  Nigeria and Kingdom of Morocco also agreed to develop integrated industrial clusters in the sub-region in sectors such as manufacturing, Agro-business and fertilizers to attract foreign capital and improve export competitiveness.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Credit: <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://punchng.com/nigeria-morocco-to-build-gas-pipeline-link/" style="color: red;">punchng</a></span></div>

Nigeria, Morocco To Build Gas Pipeline Link

Nigeria and Morocco on Saturday resolved to jointly promote a gas pipeline that will connect the two ...

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Boko Haram members take over Kano

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjux3_rPg_IFXiSNY60ybWW3OvWDUpPjIezo8oQJbl9RDfr_Svzqi7mTQWG9DxDxWYooe-WLIO76QnflZ1riiQ90Nk0ymx1Jdn_WrJUyLMRhW8-ROG2OyO0_uok-yi-TY5sLzGTTWHQix-1/s1600/boko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjux3_rPg_IFXiSNY60ybWW3OvWDUpPjIezo8oQJbl9RDfr_Svzqi7mTQWG9DxDxWYooe-WLIO76QnflZ1riiQ90Nk0ymx1Jdn_WrJUyLMRhW8-ROG2OyO0_uok-yi-TY5sLzGTTWHQix-1/s640/boko.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on Friday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on emerging security challenges in the state occasioned by increasing influx of Boko Haram insurgents into Falgore forest in the state.<br /> Ganduje was reacting to questions from State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br /> “I came to brief Mr President on the security situation in Kano especially on the fallout from the North Eastern part of this country in which some of the Boko Haram (insurgents) kidnappers will like to dominate Falgore where they will be operating to other parts of the North Western part of the country.<br /> “So, the security agencies are working very hard and a lot of arrest had been made, investigation is going on.<br /> “We will not allow them to dominate Kano and to make it as a launching pad.<br /> “Certainly, we expect if they are dismantled from the North East part of this country they will find another location and Kano being an older city, is an attractive place for such elements to come in.”<br /> He said that security agencies have apprehended three persons believed to be leaders of the criminal group.<br /> The governor, who is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress’ Technical Committee on Rivers by-elections, expressed optimism that all the APC candidates would emerge victorious in the exercise.<br /> He said the APC would ensure a free and fair election in the state.<br /> He said, “We have fresh ideas even though the environment in Rivers is quiet different. We are consulting, we are coordinating and this time around, like in Ondo state, we must ensure free and fair election.<br /> “You know in that part of the country, having free and fair election is not normal and we must make it normal this time around. We must make sure that there is security so that people can come out and vote and vote the person they like.<br /> “That is our main preoccupation at the moment. We are making wider consultations with stakeholders and we believe we will succeed.”<br /> NAN<br /> <br />

Boko Haram members take over Kano

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on Friday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on emerging security challenges in the state occasi...

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Cobhams and his wife, celebrate 6th wedding anniversary

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUws6s9Dyc5Tz1udIX8nOb4UasjwAWQ24ken4XbLtpGf0wjG8CQ0jhYOrp0Y7sHeOozkPTBxIRuuaMlrXzFXcKdaEya0V20R1LIIGzZ9HwATjk-4Ql39ZV8RKlOZkeFK1xdtRxrmyV-Rk-/s1600/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUws6s9Dyc5Tz1udIX8nOb4UasjwAWQ24ken4XbLtpGf0wjG8CQ0jhYOrp0Y7sHeOozkPTBxIRuuaMlrXzFXcKdaEya0V20R1LIIGzZ9HwATjk-4Ql39ZV8RKlOZkeFK1xdtRxrmyV-Rk-/s1600/1.png" /></a></div> The talented Music producer Cobhams Asuquo and his wife, Ojuolape, celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary, yesterday Dec 2, 2016. The excited couple shared loving words to one another via their respective Instagram pages.<br /> <br />  Read what they both share below...<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1-XsSMDxa9owBRBUe-l-gIbGrt1dNUwBuSPO2Zg-fdqpdKwtxpjHFl2DP057cx9bifNtYjS9apbHyk_RiivdYBESNKnOVPFISvHqaNm6DElrh_bOZ4HOvXTopFneKrWHiwDsYvj5y36j/s1600/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1-XsSMDxa9owBRBUe-l-gIbGrt1dNUwBuSPO2Zg-fdqpdKwtxpjHFl2DP057cx9bifNtYjS9apbHyk_RiivdYBESNKnOVPFISvHqaNm6DElrh_bOZ4HOvXTopFneKrWHiwDsYvj5y36j/s640/2.png" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkCRyTzmraraZvUFzbjdUSS1aq5gowtLiupsq55FBYsLT38morAYAdsxFY-jcVx9b3iMAeDyeqn7UfSXSpxDFnk9PKY-m_4ZLYg77tj4hSirIYMb59r1zy_OpvVjg0q0z4w3-CVKoQOSZ/s1600/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkCRyTzmraraZvUFzbjdUSS1aq5gowtLiupsq55FBYsLT38morAYAdsxFY-jcVx9b3iMAeDyeqn7UfSXSpxDFnk9PKY-m_4ZLYg77tj4hSirIYMb59r1zy_OpvVjg0q0z4w3-CVKoQOSZ/s640/3.png" width="640" /></a></div>

Cobhams and his wife, celebrate 6th wedding anniversary

The talented Music producer Cobhams Asuquo and his wife, Ojuolape, celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary, yesterday Dec 2, 2016. The e...

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Another Popular Yoruba actress is dead.

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="mulikat-adegbola" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="396" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Mulikat-Adegbola.jpg" width="660" /> </div> <div> Veteran Yoruba actress, Mulikat Adegbola is dead. Adegbola popularly known as Ashabi Iya Adinni died of brief illness.</div> <div> Nollywood actor, Muyiwa Ademola broke the sad news via his instagram page.</div> <div> According to him:“This is quite sad but who are we to question the Almighty? Sleep on Iya Adinni.May the Almighty forgive your sins.”</div> <div> She is popular for her roles in movies like “Ìlù gángan” (2009), “Ogbologbo” (2003) and“Ogbologbo 2” (2003).</div>

Another Popular Yoruba actress is dead.

Veteran Yoruba actress, Mulikat Adegbola is dead. Adegbola popularly known as Ashabi Iya Adinni died o...

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Real Madrid scored late to deny Barcelona victory in an ill-tempered #ElClasico

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK4v3CYw1o7Zifdi8pI60niK9uiEqoi73tiJxHQTqpBDYGcAkbHn9Uibj28DB09bDUNY8-dq9EB4QibviIaC5Aj832W8pdnF9KFshyTCI1WUUi1OjJwLtGm-KOsEWnEwYJXYKCfFJGBZJ/s1600/bakaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK4v3CYw1o7Zifdi8pI60niK9uiEqoi73tiJxHQTqpBDYGcAkbHn9Uibj28DB09bDUNY8-dq9EB4QibviIaC5Aj832W8pdnF9KFshyTCI1WUUi1OjJwLtGm-KOsEWnEwYJXYKCfFJGBZJ/s640/bakaa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="sp-story-body__introduction"> Sergio Ramos scored a stoppage-time equaliser to extend Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season and deny Barcelona victory in a bad tempered El Clasico.</div> Luis Suarez's glancing header from Neymar's left-wing free-kick put Barcelona ahead at the Nou Camp.<br /> But in a frantic ending, Cristiano Ronaldo went close before Ramos headed home Luka Modric's free-kick to earn a point for Zinedine Zidane's La Liga leaders.<br /> Real remain six points clear of defending champions Barca after 14 matches.<br /> Barca were moments away from reducing the gap to three points when Real captain Ramos pounced to make it 33 games without defeat for his side.<br /> Real are approaching the winter break in the driving seat, Barca having gone three matches with a league win.<br /> Barca forward Neymar, who was one of six players booked, will be suspended for next Saturday's match at Osasuna. <br /> <h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head"> Barca pay the price for late lapse</h3> The hosts started slowly and managed only one attempt on goal - a Lionel Messi free-kick was comfortably gathered by Keylor Navis - in a scrappy first half.<br /> In contrast, Ronaldo had three attempts in the opening 45 minutes as Luka Modric dominated for Real in midfield.<br /> While far from their fluid best, Barca were better after the break and went in front when Raphael Varane conceded a free-kick just outside his area and Neymar nodded home from close range.<br /> Messi missed a great chance to double the lead after a lovely pass from substitute Andres Iniesta, on his return from injury, before Ramos had the final say.<br /> <h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head"> Resilient Real worthy leaders </h3> This was a big test of character for Zidane and his players, and they emerged from it undamaged despite the absence of Gareth Bale, who continues his recovery from an ankle injury.<br /> Real have taken 87 points from a possible 102 since Zidane took charge in January, including four from two games at the Nou Camp.<br /> This draw was based on a steely determination and never-say-die spirit which was missing before Zidane's arrival.<br /> His tactics worked a treat as Real nullified Barca's attacking threat in the first half, with Modric influential in central midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic on the left and Isco on the right.

Real Madrid scored late to deny Barcelona victory in an ill-tempered #ElClasico

Sergio Ramos scored a stoppage-time equaliser to extend Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season and deny Barcelona victory in a ...

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President Buhari Postponed Zahra's Wedding Because Of Extravagant Wedding Gifts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8VbBqqwm0GEZ9jjBl-hy7STN1J1GFnUzuhBXQcyKtzF1z26FDA38Zhf2O1XhO-OGVM5RqkT719DsJdz6yZU1V2hyc-N34lRNZALwwXBsGNOHe9ljnoBY-0wdIT6yWnsuVVA63A2FImg6/s1600/zara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8VbBqqwm0GEZ9jjBl-hy7STN1J1GFnUzuhBXQcyKtzF1z26FDA38Zhf2O1XhO-OGVM5RqkT719DsJdz6yZU1V2hyc-N34lRNZALwwXBsGNOHe9ljnoBY-0wdIT6yWnsuVVA63A2FImg6/s640/zara.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Proposed Zahra Buhari’s wedding to billionaire heir Ahmed Indimi was meant to be like a cute little play where the two main protagonists get married and live happily ever after. But it has morphed into a series of television drama with cliff hanger episodes.<br /> The marriage, earlier set for December 4, was said to have been postponed on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari, who was reportedly peeved by the media attention the event was generating.<br /> According to well-placed sources, the President was also concerned that the groom and his family members were using the wedding festivities as a platform to display their wealth.<br /> Although an engagement ceremony has already been held at Aso Villa on Friday November 18, it seems it will be some time yet before the President gives the go ahead for the couple to formalise the event.<br /> The President’s real bone of contention is said to have been the extravagant wedding presents Zahra received from the groom’s family as wedding gifts.<br /> Although the buying of kayan lefe boxes loaded with expensive items for the bride is an entrenched practice in the North, it is alleged that the President frowned at the sheer extravagance of Zahra’s prospective in-laws.

President Buhari Postponed Zahra's Wedding Because Of Extravagant Wedding Gifts

Proposed Zahra Buhari’s wedding to billionaire heir Ahmed Indimi was meant to be like a cute little play where the two main protagonists ...

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President Buhari Congratulates Victorious Super Falcons

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a class="irc_mil i3597 ingCJKpRg4CA-zixyDjKkw5M" data-noload="" data-ved="0ahUKEwie89LHzdjQAhUsCMAKHSi4DfkQjRwIBw" href="https://www.google.com.ng/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwie89LHzdjQAhUsCMAKHSi4DfkQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Felendureports.com%2Fn%2Fsports%2Fsuper-falcons-working-hard-to-win-aag-gold-in-congo-coach-danjuma-assures%2F&bvm=bv.139782543,d.ZGg&psig=AFQjCNEtJkhnIyfpcKabVv3fMs3EQrZbdQ&ust=1480874496677224" rel="noopener" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><img alt="Image result for super falcons" class="irc_mi ingCJKpRg4CA-pQOPx8XEepE" height="468" src="http://elendureports.com/n/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Super-Falcons.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="irc_mimg irc_hic ingCJKpRg4CA-lvVgf-rIiHk"> </div> President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Nigeria’s Super Falcons on their victory over the senior female football team of Cameroon on Saturday at the final game of the women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde.<br /> The President, who described the hard-earned victory over the Indomitable Lionesses as “very sweet and well-deserved,” particularly commends the Nigerian women for their “indomitable spirit, resilience and team work” which spurred them to victory in spite of a vociferous home crowd.<br /> In a statement by his special adviser media, Femi Adesina, President Buhari noted that the Nigerian team achieved “this feat of being African champions for the 8th time,” a development he says has lifted the spirits of sports-loving Nigerians.<br /> “He enjoins other Nigerian sports men and women to emulate the exemplary attitude of the Super Falcons who placed the interest of the nation above personal interests, while assuring that the Federal Government will not relent in doing its best to promote sports within available resources.<br /> “The President also salutes the technical competence of the coaching crew, which enabled the Nigerian players to overcome their hard-fighting opponents throughout the competition” Adesina said.<br />

President Buhari Congratulates Victorious Super Falcons

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Nigeria’s Super Falcons on their victory over the senior female football team of Came...

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Shehu Sani blames El-Rufai for attack on campaign office

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="shehu-sani" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="365" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Shehu-Sani.jpg" width="640" /> </div> <br /> <br /> Kaduna State senator, Shehu Sani, on Saturday said the attack on his campaign office in Kaduna was carried out by men working for Governor Nasir el-Rufai.<br /> The office was invaded by armed men on Saturday morning.<br /> Witnesses said police arrived quickly and stopped the attackers from torching the building.<br /> The senator said the attack took place as his social media aides held a meeting.<br /> No casualties were immediately reported.<br /> Mr. Sani blamed the attack on Mr. el-Rufai in a statement on Saturday afternoon.<br /> “Some few minutes ago I received a report that some heavily armed thugs raided and attacked my constituency office located at Stadium Roundabout by Constitution Road, Kaduna.<br /> “They unleashed terror on my social media team whom where meeting in the office. They vandalized the office in their violent act.<br /> “We have the lead and the information that Thugs were fully recruited and paid by political appointees of Governor Nasiru el-Rufai,” Mr. Sani said in a post on his Facebook page.<br /> The two leaders have had a prolonged political battle. A faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress loyal to the governor announced Mr. Sani’s indefinite suspension last week.<br /> The governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, could not be reached for comments Saturday afternoon. Calls to his phone did not go through.<br /> Mr. Sani, a former civil society leader, said he had forwarded the names of those he believed were responsible for the attack to the State Security Service and the police.<br /> “We have the names of the political appointees and we have the names of those they are funding. Right now their details are given to the SSS and the police for investigation.”<br /> Mr. Sani said a similar attack was attempted on his family home in downtown Kaduna only a few days ago.<br /> “Two days ago attempt to burn down my family house in Alkalawa Road, Tudun Wada, Kaduna, by sponsored thugs was thwarted by vigilant residents and neighbors, which led to the brief deployment of policemen in the area,” the senator said.<br /> Mr. Sani said the governor sponsored the attack against him to silence him.<br /> “I wish to state it categorically clear that I hold Governor Nasiru Elrufai personally responsible for whatever happens to me or any of my family members or supporters.<br /> “After the use of financial inducement on APC executive committee in the state to silence Shehu Sani in the name of suspension, which never worked,they have now taken the road of violence.<br /> “We are men of ideas, of ideals and of peace. Those who take to the road of violence have no place in a democratic society.”

Shehu Sani blames El-Rufai for attack on campaign office

Kaduna State senator, Shehu Sani, on Saturday said the attack on h...

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Police launches public complaint response unit in Kwara State

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="niger police" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="266" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/niger-police.jpg" width="400" /> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">  </div> <br /> <br /> The Kwara State Police Command, in an attempt to ensure that the officers comply with the change begins with me policy of the federal government has launched a unit called ‘Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit’.<br /> This is planned to ensure that members of the public are not cheated or maltreated in anyway.<br /> The State Commissioner of Police, Olushola Amore, who led other officers in a walk around the major streets and roads in the state capital Ilorin distributed pamphlets to motorists and passersby on who to call or channel their grievances to in case of maltreatment from the Police.<br /> The walk took the Police boss and his officers to popular areas like Challenge, Post Office before they return to the command headquarters after nearly one hour trek.<br /> Addressing the people at Post Office area, the Commissioner of Police noted that the Police was rebranding, adding that the change mantra should begin with the officers.<br /> The usual complaints of the public against the officers he added have been corrected since his assumption in the state, adding that there are ways the public could now assess the performance of the officers when maltreated.<br /> Irregular arrest or bribe taking he assured would become a thing of the past in the state.<br /> “Police is rebranding and the change should begin with the Police change and that change you will see in our service delivery, but that service delivery can only be measured when you give us feedback.<br /> “That is why there is this launching of Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit on which you have seven platforms through which members of the public can get back to the Police on measurement of assessment either in our operations or attitude of our men.<br /> “This is in continuation of the Police strategy that I put in place when I resumed in the state and directed all DPOs to write their phone numbers and mine on their police stations.’’

Police launches public complaint response unit in Kwara State

    The Kwara State Police Command, in an attempt to ensure that the officers comply with...

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Arsenal to make decision on Cazorla future in January

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="santi-cazorla-570218" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="350" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Santi-Cazorla-570218.jpg" width="590" /> </div> Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will make a decision about Santi Cazorla’s future at the club come January.<br /> The experienced midfielder’s contract at the Emirates Stadium is due to expire at the end of the season and he has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in recent months.<br /> Arsenal have an option to extend his stay at the club, though, and Wenger is adamant the 31-year-old’s injury problems do not play a role in deciding whether Cazorla will stay, with the Spaniard expected to be sidelined until February with an ankle problem.<br /> “Santi has six months left on his contract, but we have an option [to renew],” Wenger told reporters.<br /> “We can take this option, but I would like to speak with Santi about it before making any announcements. I have not discussed it with him yet. A decision will be made in January.<br /> “It is not down to his fitness. It is my decision only. Santi is an exceptional player.<br /> “The dressing room needs a balance between experience and youth-team players and you need to be guided by some experienced players when you go through difficult times. They help you always to keep your feet on the ground and keep focused.”

Arsenal to make decision on Cazorla future in January

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will make a decision about Santi Cazorla’s future at the club come January. ...

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Gang hacks nursing mother to death, sells five-month old baby for N300,000

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="jail-1" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="480" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/jail-1.jpg" width="640" /> </div> <br /> <br /> The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, yesterday paraded four alleged notorious crime Syndicate who specialised in armed robberies, murder and child theft for crime bothering on hacking a nursing mother to death, smashing the husband’s head with an axe and stealing their five months old baby.<br /> <br /> The CP told newsmen in Owerri, the state capital, that the suspects sold the infant for N300,000 to an already waiting buyer in Okporo community in the Orlu local Government Area of the state.<br /> <br /> Lakanu said that the alleged kingpin, Uchenna Ozor, with three others, Prince Etim John of Uto Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, Chinazaekpere Nwaenyi of Umuabalike Ihiala in Anambra state, and Chukwudi Ngbanwelu also of Umuabalike in Ihiala in Anambra state who allegedly perpetrated the dastardly act had been on the wanted list of the command.<br /> <br /> He sad that the suspects have confessed to the crime and would soon be charged to court for prosecution.

Gang hacks nursing mother to death, sells five-month old baby for N300,000

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, yesterday ...

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Abuja Carnival records low turnout

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="abuja-carnival" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="399" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Abuja-Carnival.jpg" width="640" /> </div> The Abuja Carnival which began on Saturday recorded poor turnout of FCT residents.<br /> Some of the residents who spoke with the ?News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the carnival should not be the priority of the Federal Government, and that measures should be taken to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.<br /> NAN reports that this year’s carnival was devoid of the usual funfare that used to characterise the event.<br /> NAN also observed that some designated streets of the FCT that were usually decorated for the carnival were left bare as they were not decorated.<br /> Samuel Olawale, who was at a newspaper vendor’s stand while the street procession was going on, said that though there was a bit of awareness on the carnival, “but the citizens are hungry’’.<br /> “I am aware of the carnival, flyers were distributed, but it is not masquerade dance that people want to hear.<br /> “The president should know ?that people are hungry and are more interested in putting food on their table,’’ he said.<br /> Afolabi Alade, a taxi driver around Area ?One, however disagreed with the respondent above, saying there was no public awareness.<br /> “Other years when the carnival held, you would have seen the obvious signs on the road? that carnival is holding.<br /> “This time around, we did not see the signs compared to other years where the Police would have barricaded the roads and vacate us from our parks,’’ Mr. Alade said.<br /> According to him, the low awareness can be attributed to lack of interest from the Presidency to project the carnival.<br /> Naeema Abduraman, a spectator also agreed that the turnout was low and not really eventful considering the insecurity in the country?.<br /> “The carnival does not look eventful and people did not come out that much unlike the previous years.<br /> “There is also insecurity in the country which will discourage people from participating.<br /> “The most of it all is that the economic situation of the country is so bad and people will prefer to satisfy hunger before coming for carnival,’’ Mr. Abduraman said.<br /> Blessing Ayiba-Dusa, the Head Research, Documentation and Publication?, Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, also agreed that the turnout of participants was poor, compared to previous years.<br /> Mrs. Ayiba-Dusa noted that celebrating the heritage and culture of the country was the common goal of the carnival.<br /> “People didn’t really come out for the carnival and for sure it is due to the hardship in the country,” she said.<br /> “Whatever the situation is, the most important thing is that we are here to celebrate the common heritage and culture of our country.<br /> “Bayelsa State is not regretting participating in the carnival, because we are celebrating one Nigeria,’’ she said.<br /> NAN reports that the carnival is expected to end on Dec. 6.

Abuja Carnival records low turnout

The Abuja Carnival which began on Saturday recorded poor turnout of FCT residents. Some of the reside...

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Oyegun got N10m bribe to make Abdullahi APC's spokesman – Timi Frank

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a class="irc_mil i3597 ingCJKpRg4CA-zixyDjKkw5M" data-noload="" data-ved="0ahUKEwjtgdjgx9jQAhWEIcAKHfJrAd4QjRwIBw" href="https://www.google.com.ng/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjtgdjgx9jQAhWEIcAKHfJrAd4QjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fguardian.ng%2Fnews%2Ftimi-frank-seeks-buharis-intervention-over-suspension%2F&bvm=bv.139782543,d.ZGg&psig=AFQjCNFvbzi-qdngQ-VGUmwfbIXUqeCWcw&ust=1480872930058006" rel="noopener" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><img alt="Image result for timi frank" class="irc_mi ingCJKpRg4CA-pQOPx8XEepE" height="228" src="http://cdn.guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Timi-Frank.jpg" style="margin-top: 13px;" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="irc_mimg irc_hic ingCJKpRg4CA-lvVgf-rIiHk"> </div> The embattled Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling APC, Comrade Timi Frank, is not giving up on his fight to occupy the seat of national publicity secretary of the party.<br /> <br /> He alleged that national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun received N10m to accept Bolaji Abdullahi from Kwara State as the party’s new spokesman.<br /> <br /> He has therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the act.<br /> <br /> Frank, who has been suspended by the party, alleged that Oyegun was bribed by Senate President Bukola Saraki to allow Abdullahi, an ally of Saraki become the substantive spokesman of APC.<br /> <br /> The APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary has also threatened that he was going to sue Abdullahi for contempt of court if he dares assume his new office and begins to speak for the party.<br /> <br /> Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports, was confirmed the new spokesman of the ruling party on Thursday at the North Central Zonal Congress of the party which held in Abuja.<br /> <br /> But Frank, reacting on the development in his Maitama home in Abuja on Friday, labelled the zonal congress as a meeting of North Central supporters of APC, arguing that none of the resolutions taken there would stand legal scrutiny when juxtaposed with the party’s constitutional provisions.<br /> <br /> He said, “Another act of impunity has been executed once more by my party and the National Chairman. Those people behind what took place yesterday (Thursday) know the truth; they know what they did yesterday will not stand the test of time.<br /> <br /> “I can assure you, Oyegun cannot retire me from politics. He’s my father, he’ll go before me. No meeting was held by any caucus of the party. I read online that my chairman compromised his conscience.<br /> <br /> “We have to investigate the allegation that Oyegun collected N10million and a jeep to conduct the zonal convention held yesterday. The President must direct security agencies to investigate this allegation against the National Chairman.”<br />

Oyegun got N10m bribe to make Abdullahi APC's spokesman – Timi Frank

The embattled Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling APC, Comrade Timi Frank, is not giving up on his fight to occupy the se...

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Recession: Patients resort to self-medication –UITH CMD

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW5mnuBQGPR4T4CSe3zUHfrVvXFw_NVablHKR_4-QIuZVFeNhHOWY4Dl733bW3dWW9zezmBjNVKr8y-i8-c8T_e8jdS-VeYytKXLkgGinjRI4x1tC1_x3pfhtlb5Qb9M0ABStVZV-_V9M/s1600/University-of-Ilorin-Teaching-Hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW5mnuBQGPR4T4CSe3zUHfrVvXFw_NVablHKR_4-QIuZVFeNhHOWY4Dl733bW3dWW9zezmBjNVKr8y-i8-c8T_e8jdS-VeYytKXLkgGinjRI4x1tC1_x3pfhtlb5Qb9M0ABStVZV-_V9M/s400/University-of-Ilorin-Teaching-Hospital.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The biting economic condition in the country,as been revealed as the reason for self-medication by patients. <br /> This was revealed by Prof. Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH),on Saturday at the 2016 SERVICOM customers/stakeholders’ interactive forum held at Ilorin.<br /> He observed that the health care needs of many residents within and outside the state capital, Ilorin have been badly affected.<br /> Olatinwo, who was represented by the Chief, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Mikail Buhari, lamented the severe toll the economic recession has had on the financial capacity of many households.<br /> He said that some people could no longer properly take care of their health needs.<br /> He narrated the experiences witnessed at the UITH which he described as a “worrying trend” in which the hospital often become helpless to handle cases of patients who resort to self-medication.<br /> “Some people have even resorted to unhygienic herbal usage or other cheaper alternatives on account of inability to pay the hospital bills.”<br /> Olatinwo regretted that the patients often visit the hospital when they are already in a very bad state.<br /> He observed that what often follows this are long and costly hospital stays with the accumulation of huge bills which they cannot afford.<br /> “We are seeing people walking into our facility without a Kobo in their pockets.<br /> “Even term pregnancies, with all the time in the world to plan for it, are brought here with no means of paying for service,” he said.<br /> He added that the hospital had to adjust the cost of some of the services to reflect the new reality.<br /> Olatinwo said that the hospital still shoulders a substantial fraction of the burden by providing affordable healthcare to the people.<br /> The CMD, therefore, stressed the determination of the management to continue its efforts on total quality care that guarantees patient, staff and students satisfaction.<br /> <br />

Recession: Patients resort to self-medication –UITH CMD

The biting economic condition in the country,as been revealed as the reason for self-medication by patients. This was revealed by Prof....

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Jigawa board sells encroaching cattle to compensate 28 farmers.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="cows" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="360" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Cows.jpg" width="640" /> </div> <br /> <br /> The Jigawa state Farmers and Herdsmen Board says it has paid N860,000 as compensation to 28 farmers whose crops were destroyed by encroaching cattle in Kirikasamma Local Government Area of the state.<br /> The Executive Secretary of the board, Rabi’u Miko, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday<br /> in Dutse.<br /> Mr. Miko said 19 farmers received N360,000 as compensation in Marma village while nine farmers in Iwo and Madaci villages received N500,000.<br /> NAN recalled that the board had in November impounded 18 cattle for encroaching and destroying several farmlands in Iwo, Marma and Madaci villages in Kirikasamma.<br /> According to him, the animals were sold at the cost of N1.16 million at Gumel Livestock and Breeding Centre, in Gumel Local Government Area of the state.<br /> According to him, the money used to compensate the affected farmers based on an order given by the mobile court set up by the state government to handle such cases.<br /> He added that the action was one of the new measures taken by the board to discourage farm encroachment by herdsmen.<br /> “Henceforth, any animal found encroaching farmland and destroying farm produce in the state will be impounded and be kept under our custody.<br /> “If the owner comes then we have our mobile court; but if nobody claims ownership of the impounded cattle, then we sell them and compensate the affected farmers,” he said.<br /> According to him, the board has dispatched a team to the scene to assess the extent of damage done by the animals to farm land in the local government.<br /> He added that the animals were sold in the presence of the local government’s farmers/herdsmen committee and village heads of the affected community among others.

Jigawa board sells encroaching cattle to compensate 28 farmers.

The Jigawa state Farmers and Herdsmen Board says it has paid N860,...

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Nigeria University reconciles Christians, Muslims divided by Boko Haram

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="Children stand in front of the sign for ABTI-American University of Nigeria in Yola. American University became interested in opening a campus here after the wife of Nigeria's Vice President attended a graduate school programme at the University's Washington DC campus." class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="414" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/American-University-of-Nigeria.jpg" width="640" /> <div class="caption"> Children stand in front of the sign for ABTI-American University of Nigeria in Yola. American University became interested in opening a campus here after the wife of Nigeria's Vice President attended a graduate school programme at the University's Washington DC campus.</div> </div> <br /> <br /> The American University of Nigeria (AUN) on Tuesday took a major step to reconcile residents of Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.<br /> Mubi is one of the local government areas in Nigeria’s North-east zone that Boko Haram insurgents overran and occupied for months in 2014.<br /> During the crisis, the relationship between Christians and Muslims in the town said to be one of the largest in the state, was seriously strained.<br /> But through its Peer-to-Peer Challenging Extremism campaign tagged, #IAmABeliever, the AUN brought members of Christian and Muslim self-protection groups together for training and sharing of stories on how they survived the Boko Haram carnage.<br /> The programme titled, “Stories-for-Peace Workshop,” was organized by AUN students in collaboration with Illusions of Reflection – a Mubi-based youth group.<br /> The workshop was attended by over 500 members of the Boys Brigade, a non-denominational Christian security group and the Nigerian Aid Group of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, a Muslim protection group.<br /> Two highly revered religious leaders, Hamid Hammad and Ezekiel Williams, also attended the event.<br /> Addressing the participants, Sheik Hammad lauded the AUN initiative and emphasised the importance of true and uniting stories in peace-building.<br /> “It’s a welcome idea. Peace is very important in the world and in our society. When telling stories, please make sure what you are going to tell is genuine and is not going to cause any conflict in society,” he said.<br /> Rev. Williams, who is also a leader of the Boys Brigade, shared stories of how he escaped with 50 other Christians after being trapped in Mubi under Boko Haram for five days.<br /> He attributed their survival and escape to divine intervention.<br /> Other Christians and Muslims faithful also shared stories of close shaves with death, personal losses and trauma when Boko Haram attacked the area.<br /> The AUN’s Dean of Arts and Science, Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, who moderated the story-telling session, said throughout human history, shared stories have played a crucial role in bringing peoples and communities together.<br /> “Stories provide a shared space for everyone to experience the tribulations and triumphs of the other, this can help bind a people together,” said Mr. Jacob.<br /> The programme also featured a joint protection operation training for the Christian and Muslim groups.<br /> AUN’s Assistant Vice President, Safety and Security, Lionel Rawlins, led the training on methods of protecting religious places from terrorist attacks.<br /> Mr. Rawlins advised both groups to work together to protect each other’s places of worship.<br /> The event ended with a 500-meter walk for peace, where Muslims and Christians marched holding hands to the gate of Adamawa State University in Mubi.<br /> The university was among the educational institutions sacked by Boko Haram during the 2014 invasion.<br /> More than a year after the Nigerian security forces liberated Mubi, tensions and mutual suspicion have continued to dog relationship between Christians and Muslims in the area.<br /> The #IAmABeliever campaign is organized by students of Public Diplomacy & Strategic Media Intervention.<br /> The course is part of a global university initiative to challenge extremism, with funding support from the Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau of the US State Department and Facebook.

Nigeria University reconciles Christians, Muslims divided by Boko Haram

Children stand in front of the sign for ABTI-American University of Nigeria in Yola. American University bec...

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Eko Disco apologises to Lagos residents for prolonged blackout

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTvLSLOt3-dqnLO1hPqhcACOa7WznRlriTDC-7nz3q0aPknnll6ilWVUioSdisRgjmVpkXVpt4LoFIb5T5kF_bUZMtUD9S5b1HSnXpZ212SIcYDv1QlW7OgevJ4Bk52FANv19fBKy9W5A/s1600/ikeda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTvLSLOt3-dqnLO1hPqhcACOa7WznRlriTDC-7nz3q0aPknnll6ilWVUioSdisRgjmVpkXVpt4LoFIb5T5kF_bUZMtUD9S5b1HSnXpZ212SIcYDv1QlW7OgevJ4Bk52FANv19fBKy9W5A/s400/ikeda.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <br /> </div> The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company on Saturday apologised to customers for continuous shortage of electricity supply.<br /> A statement by Godwin Idemudia, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications in Lagos, blamed the shortage on a drastic reduction in the amount of electricity coming to EKEDC from the national grid.<br /> According to the statement, the company could only distribute what was allocated to it from the national grid.<br /> “We are, therefore, appealing to all our customers to bear with us as we try to ration whatever power is given to us in the interim.<br /> “EKEDC highly regrets any inconveniences caused by this prolonged blackout, though most of our consumers are affected by this outage but some areas are deeply affected.<br /> “Areas deeply affected by the drop in generation are Ikoyi, Park View Estate, Victoria Island, Awolowo Road, Obalende, Idumagbo, Lagos Island, Oniru and Lekki areas,” the statement said.<br /> The statement disclosed that the outage had led to vandalism of cables and transformers by unscrupulous elements.<br /> It appealed to consumers within the network to be vigilant to stem the spate of cable theft and transformers vandalism.<br /> “We also want to use this opportunity to appeal to our customers to be vigilant over our equipment as vandals may capitalise on the outage to carry out their evil act,” it stated.

Eko Disco apologises to Lagos residents for prolonged blackout

The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company on Saturday apologised to customers for cont...

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Indonesian police plane with 15 on board goes missing

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e3r6RlE1fMfu3IXj-Or6TWxLaNVFqWzttZvOCUfrML4jC99K3NwyYpJe93hsSTkDr8FyqUzmh_gE-invIZ3Dci2gdVkhEHulvPZDms-WfBhWdpAgNmMuTChRMiHoLLZw_kCj-FjFLej7/s1600/indonesian-police-ap_650x400_71450969274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e3r6RlE1fMfu3IXj-Or6TWxLaNVFqWzttZvOCUfrML4jC99K3NwyYpJe93hsSTkDr8FyqUzmh_gE-invIZ3Dci2gdVkhEHulvPZDms-WfBhWdpAgNmMuTChRMiHoLLZw_kCj-FjFLej7/s400/indonesian-police-ap_650x400_71450969274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> A twin-engine Indonesian police plane on Saturday went missing with 15 people on board en route to the island of Batam, south of Singapore, police said.<br /> “The plane is thought to have crashed between the islands of Mensanak and Sebangka or Gentar.<br /> “A search team recovered items apparently identified as being from the missing aircraft,’’ the police report said.<br /> However, no other details were immediately available.<br /> (Reuters/NAN)

Indonesian police plane with 15 on board goes missing

A twin-engine Indonesian police plane on Saturday went missing with 15 people on board en route to the island of Batam, south of Singapor...

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IDP camp records 22 marriages, 81 deliveries in 20 months

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitba9BZPRNtkS6fX96sHbMMa7ZBp5LidueXfLEwaQUO9C2ulLA7ijdznj3YZEqLxxZl3RT7gikWQeqS5CdBaPviYs_ndZ6fI3nz-nZo1bvsJOSUiqdDkGjwr2KCzHD78Sv4Qh_sB2EffvW/s1600/idpsss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitba9BZPRNtkS6fX96sHbMMa7ZBp5LidueXfLEwaQUO9C2ulLA7ijdznj3YZEqLxxZl3RT7gikWQeqS5CdBaPviYs_ndZ6fI3nz-nZo1bvsJOSUiqdDkGjwr2KCzHD78Sv4Qh_sB2EffvW/s640/idpsss.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> No fewer than 22 marriage contracts were sealed and 81 babies delivered in the past 20 months at the Pompomari Internally Displaced Persons camp in Damaturu,  Executive Secretary, Yobe Emergency Management Agency, Musa Jidawa , has disclosed.<br /> He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Saturday that the camp, established in March 2015 for IDPs from villages in Gujba Local Government Area displaced by insurgents, also recorded 18 deaths during the period under review.<br /> Mr. Jidawa, who is also the Secretary of the State Committee on Resettlement and Rehabilitation of IDPs, said the camp started with 4,211 IDPs but now hosts about 2,000 persons.<br /> According to him, his agency also circumcised boys at the camp that were due for circumcision.<br /> “The agency had within this period, circumcised 76 boys whose age range between five and 11years in an organised ceremony in accordance with their customs and tradition, to give them a cultural sense of belonging.<br /> “The celebrants were each provided with new sets of clothes, one live chicken and a blanket as is the practice in their ancestral communities,” he said.<br /> The Secretary explained that the circumcision was carried out so that boys of the age group did not outgrow the period of getting circumcised.<br /> He said another camp, the Bukar Ali IDP camp, was closed down following requests by the IDPs to return home as security had improved in their communities.<br /> “The state government relocated 391 IDPs in the camp comprising 92 households to their respective communities, with each household provided a return package of two bags of rice, a bag of beans, vegetable oil, cooking pots, nylon mats, soap and N20,000,” he said..<br /> (NAN)

IDP camp records 22 marriages, 81 deliveries in 20 months

No fewer than 22 marriage contracts were sealed and 81 babies delivered in the past 20 months at the Pompomari Internally Displaced Per...

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Bodies of Chapecoense crash victims reach Brazil for memorial.

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="brazilian-dead-bodies" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="382" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Brazilian-Dead-Bodies.jpg" width="680" /> </div> The victims of the Colombian air crash which killed 71 people including almost a football squad, arrived in Brazil on Saturday for a memorial.<br /> The bodies left the airport in the Colombian city of Medellin on Friday and were accompanied by representatives of Colombia’s civil aviation authority, soldiers, police officers and rescue workers.<br /> Among those killed were 19 first-team players from Brazilian football team Chapecoense.<br /> The club will hold a stadium memorial service at its Arena Conda later on Saturday.<br /> The stadium’s capacity of 19,000 will be boosted by an extra 2,000 seats on the pitch for the service.<br /> Heavy rain met the arrival of the plane carrying the coffins in Chapeco, the city where the team are based.<br /> The coffins were draped in white cloth adorned with the team’s green logo and were carried from the aircraft by soldiers.<br /> On Monday, the team’s chartered plane took off with 77 people aboard bound for the final of the Copa Sudamericana in Medellin.<br /> The Lamia Air Avro RJ 85 crashed in hills close to Medellin after apparently running out of fuel.<br /> The dead include 19 Chapecoense players, 24 team officials and their companions, 21 Brazilian journalists and seven Bolivian and Paraguayan flight crew members.<br /> However, three players, two crew members and a journalist survived.<br /> Rafael Henzel Valmorbida, 43, a reporter for Radio Oeste Capital, a station in the Brazilian city of Chapeco, where the team is based, survived the crash.<br /> Report says among the Chapecoense players that survived, Neto remains in a critical condition, while Alan Ruschel underwent surgery for a spinal injury and Jakson Follmann’s right leg was amputated.<br /> Brazil completed three days of national mourning for the victims on Friday.

Bodies of Chapecoense crash victims reach Brazil for memorial.

The victims of the Colombian air crash which killed 71 people including almost a football squad, arri...

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FRSC Officials To Start Bearing Arms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="FRSC BOBOYE" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="492" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FRSC-BOBOYE.jpg" width="644" /> </div> <br /> <br /> The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says it is taking steps to arm its roadside personnel for their safety.<br /> <br /> The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, made this known after detailing an increased rate of personnel casualties at the commission.<br /> <br /> This was one of the issues that emanated from the year-ending strategy session convened by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).<br /> <br /> Bringing together all state commanders and sector heads of the FRSC, Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi noted that 2016 has seen an unprecedented rate of intentional violence against Road Safety officials.<br /> With the implementation of a reviewed road safety enforcement strategy, the FRSC has recorded an unprecedented 25% reduction in road fatalities and a 15% reduction in road accidents.<br /> <br /> In actual terms, there were 4,005 deaths and 7,657 road crashes at the end of the 47th week in 2016. And while progress has been made with greater operational efficiency, unprovoked vehicular criminality has proven much more difficult to check.<br /> <br /> He emphasized that with the death of over 70 FRSC personnel in 2016 alone, there has been an increase in personnel casualties at the hands of motorists who drive on the wrong side of the law.<br /> <br /> The Corps Marshal emphasized that such violent acts would soon be met with the full force of arms.<br /> <br /> He made it clear that the act establishing the commission allows them to bear arms.<br /> <br /> While the FRSC intends to protect road users, they believe recent trends necessitate measures that will safeguard the guardian; measures they hope would eliminate unjustifiable acts of violence against their personnel.<br />

FRSC Officials To Start Bearing Arms

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says it is taking steps t...

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Boko Haram has taught us unforgettable lessons – Ndume

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="ndume" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="361" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Ndume.jpg" width="640" /> </div> <br /> <br /> The Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, has said people from Boko Haram affected areas have learnt unforgettable lesson, realised their mistakes and would never allow such to happen again.<br /> Mr. Ndume, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Yola on Saturday, said that affected communities who were forced to leave their villages and towns are now anxious to return home and were ready to fight back.<br /> NAN reports that Mr. Ndume was in Yola , where he visited thousands of Internally Displaced Persons mostly from Gwoza and other local government areas from Borno in some IDPs camps at the outskirts of Yola.<br /> “We have suffered a lot and our people have learned a lesson from this ungodly crisis. We will never allow such barbaric act to happen again, our eyes are open now.<br /> “Our people are ready to fight back now to reclaim the remaining of their villages and towns as well as their freedom of living with one another in peace and dignity,” Mr. Ndume said.<br /> He said the lasting solution for Boko Haram insurgency was to take the fight to their hide out and wipe them out completely.<br /> He explained that most of the IDPs camps he visited in Adamawa were willing and anxious to return to their respective ancestral homes.<br /> He said that relief materials worth million of Naira were distributed to the IDP’s, adding that the visit was with a team of top officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).<br /> On the rejection of about $30 billion presidential loan, he said the Senate did not reject the loan, but want the executive arm to attach all necessary documents to enable the Red Chamber go through and approve.<br /> On the ongoing fight against corruption by President Buhari, he said the development was a winnable war.<br /> “I am confident, at the end, President Muhammadu Buhari and the country are going to win the war against corruption,” Mr. Ndume said.

Boko Haram has taught us unforgettable lessons – Ndume

The Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, has said people from Boko H...

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BREAKING: Gunmen attack Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani’s campaign office

<div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <img alt="shehu-sani" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="365" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Shehu-Sani.jpg" width="640" /> </div> The campaign office of the senator representing Kaduna Central District, Shehu Sani, has been attacked by unknown gunmen, the police said.<br /> Suleiman Sule, the senator’s aide, said some supporters of the lawmaker were meeting at the campaign office on Saturday when armed men invaded the property.<br /> There were immediate reports of casualties.<br /> “Police officers have already cordoned the office area,” Mr. Sule told PREMIUM TIMES.<br /> Residents of the area said the attackers came in large numbers.<br /> “They were all with dangerous weapons and all headed across the road where Shehu Sani’s office was. They dispersed some people who were holding meeting in the office,” one resident said. “Thank God it is a busy area and there is always the presence of police officers. Before it could get out of hand they thugs ran away.”<br /> A police spokesperson who identified himself as Abba Danjuma, an Inspector, confirmed the incident, but called for clam.<br /> “The Kaduna police are on top of the situation as our officers have arrived the scene and investigation has begun. There was also no report of casualty at the moment,” the police said.<br /> Mr. Sani has been enmeshed in a running political battle with Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.<br /> Last week, a faction of the party loyal to the governor announced the indefinite suspension of the Senator.<br /> Mr. Sani fought back calling the governor a “dubious progressive”.

BREAKING: Gunmen attack Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani’s campaign office

The campaign office of the senator representing Kaduna Central District, Shehu Sani, has been attacke...

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The Tyranny of the Young on Nigerian Twitter By Kadaria Ahmed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="kadaria-ahmed" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="278" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Kadaria-Ahmed.jpg" width="416" /> </div> <br /> <br /> <blockquote> <strong>The censorship and gagging, the attempt at cyber-bullying is unacceptable because it narrows the conversation. The good thing is that many of us simply refuse to be quiet. We won’t be cowed by the tyranny of government and politicians and we certainly won’t be cowered by the tyranny of often nameless, faceless ‘young’ trolls on twitter.</strong></blockquote> I am in my late forties so I cannot be considered young by any stretch of the imagination. I am satisfied with my journey through life thus far and comfortable in my skin. However, some people believe I should actually be ashamed of my age.<br /> Not once, not twice on Twitter, I have witnessed ‘young’ people employing the word ‘old’ when attempting to insult or shame people who are older than them, when an older person has dared express a view they find disagreeable.<br /> They wear their ‘youth’ like a badge of honour. They strut and preen almost as if being young is an achievement like bagging a degree, setting up a successful business or having a positive impact on the lives of people.<br /> The attacks that I speak of mostly occur when they can not engage with the subject under discussion because it is intellectually challenging. They are victims of our fault lines and are therefore incapable of cold, objective engagement with any issue. Their immediate solution is to obfuscate and muddy the waters but when that doesn’t work, they resort to abuse. It doesn’t matter what the subject is – music, the Arts, culture – but nothing riles them up more than an opposing political view! They pounce and before long, the word ‘old’ makes its debut. It’s the ultimate slap-down!<br /> Given the many challenges we face in Nigeria, from our non-existent healthcare, to bad roads and the stress of earning a living in a difficult economic terrain, all of which have lead to a declining life expectancy; growing old is actually a feat that should be commended. It is a badge of honour that says look at me, I have survived, against all the odds. Instead, age has become a twitter weapon used to terrorise the not so ‘young’.<br /> Maybe it is frustration with a generation that they believe has failed this country and therefore hasn’t earned the right to have an opinion. While this point might be pertinent, it is important to note that although I have witnessed a few men being ‘insulted’ by the tag of ‘old’, the most vitriolic instances are reserved for women.<br /> If one is female, one faces a more virulent attack if one even ventures to express an opinion that may be controversial in any way, shape or form. Age, gender, and marital status ‘shaming’ by an army of young trolls is now the order of the day on Nigerian twitter, actively and tacitly encouraged by a wider Nigeria society which remains mostly patriarchal, parochial and in some cases even misogynistic.<br /> While the focus on marital status is clearly a result of patriarchy, which promotes the idea that women have no worth unless they are tied to a man, why would a woman’s years determine whether or not she should have an opinion? One explanation is that because we are ‘old’ we are seen to be somewhat ‘deficient’. Which leads to the question: What is the main difference between young and ‘old’ women? Well the most obvious and visible differences are tied to reproduction, in short sex.<br /> As women approach fifty, they stop producing certain hormones, as result of this, most of us stop being able to conceive and begin to see changes in our body. The general belief is that we stop becoming desirable. So again, it comes back to our worth to men. While this is actually not true, the fact that female aging is seen as a ‘deficiency’ speaks to a system organised again to measure women through the eyes of patriarchy.<br /> <strong><br /> </strong><br /> <blockquote> <strong>…trolling ‘old’ people on Twitter, and targeting single women will not solve our problems. Despite our shortcomings and failures, and they are significant, most of us believe that we have to contribute to nation-building.</strong></blockquote> I remember a certain Senator saying if he were to rape a woman it wouldn’t be one who is past her menopause. Where does one begin to even engage with this sort of statement? Is it to talk about the seeming normalisation of a hideous crime or the attempt to imply that women who are past menopause are unworthy of even having something so base and atrocious as rape committed against them?<br /> On Nigerian Twitter today, it is not unusual for an argument on politics with older women to end with suggestions that they need to find a man to have sex with, to rid them of their ‘bitterness’. This is how smart, articulate women are reduced to nothing more than sex objects.<br /> In this society today, there is no attempt at subtlety by men who have no respect for women. They are all too aware that their actions have no consequences and life goes on as normal, regardless of how egregious the remarks.<br /> What is surprising is the number of young women who take part in this taunting. It amuses me no end and then it saddens me because at best they are unwittingly building and nurturing a process that systematically reduces them and which eventually, is likely to be used against them. They are active connivers because they have bought into the cultural ‘values’ that underpin and promote gender discrimination and misogyny. This is tragic.<br /> Trust me, this isn’t an attempt to stifle debate. With any conversation, it is important to have multiple viewpoints. These are particularly critical as we seek to address significant problems ranging from violent religious and ethic clashes that have lead to thousands of deaths in a country which seems to simply refuse to grow and develop.<br /> Inter-generational dialogue is also key as we have a large youth population (18 to 35) more than half of whom are disenfranchised and without hope. They need to take their destiny into their hands and force a change in an establishment that has let them down.<br /> However, trolling ‘old’ people on Twitter, and targeting single women will not solve our problems. Despite our shortcomings and failures, and they are significant, most of us believe that we have to contribute to nation-building.<br /> The censorship and gagging, the attempt at cyber-bullying is unacceptable because it narrows the conversation. The good thing is that many of us simply refuse to be quiet. We won’t be cowed by the tyranny of government and politicians and we certainly won’t be cowered by the tyranny of often nameless, faceless ‘young’ trolls on twitter.<br /> <strong>Kadaria Ahmed writes from Abuja.</strong>

The Tyranny of the Young on Nigerian Twitter By Kadaria Ahmed

The censorship and gagging, the attempt at cyber-bullying is unac...

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Kanye West is now living apart from Kim Kardashian, Source Reveals

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tsLwiJl6GmlIs0rvCU6QyUf_sLmj573r_VvINMj6qLXIZDUCrL_V7iEALaOq8Eer850bhHUYkRYk-ZBCgoG0qWDfNJVY6-FFz_6ARLpp5ehr9lBEvnHISVy0twQjBJ2Wxix0jvmZpkBB/s1600/kanye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tsLwiJl6GmlIs0rvCU6QyUf_sLmj573r_VvINMj6qLXIZDUCrL_V7iEALaOq8Eer850bhHUYkRYk-ZBCgoG0qWDfNJVY6-FFz_6ARLpp5ehr9lBEvnHISVy0twQjBJ2Wxix0jvmZpkBB/s640/kanye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image"> <br /> </div> <div class="body-text" style="text-align: justify;"> Kanye West is reportedly living apart from his wife Kim Kardashian and their two children after being released from the hospital, an anonymous source told <em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Us Weekly</em>. He’s supposedly staying at a rental house as he receives outpatient treatment, the insider added.</div> <div class="body-text" style="text-align: justify;"> On Wednesday, West was released from UCLA Medical Center after being admitted for sleep deprivation and exhaustion. He had returned home to Kardashian and their two kids, North and Saint, upon his release — the family even celebrated his homecoming and Saint’s first birthday with a “low-key” party.</div> <div class="body-text" style="text-align: justify;"> Though West is living apart from his family for medical reasons, there is speculation that he and Kim are having marriage troubles stemming from Kardashian’s traumatic Paris robbery, which some cite as a reason for Kanye’s “erratic behaviour.”</div> <div class="body-text" style="text-align: justify;"> “Kanye’s behaviour took a huge toll on their marriage,” a source told <em>Us</em>. “But Kim feels relieved he is getting the help he needs. She thinks this is what it will take to save him — and help their marriage.”</div> <div class="body-text" style="text-align: justify;"> Credit: <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a8459361/kanye-west-kim-kardashian-living-apart/" style="color: red;">cosmopolitan</a></span></div>

Kanye West is now living apart from Kim Kardashian, Source Reveals

Kanye West is reportedly living apart from his wife Kim Kardashian and their two children after be...

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China Lodges Protest After Trump Call With Taiwan President

<br /> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> <img alt="Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks on the phone with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump at her office in Taipei, Taiwan, in this handout photo made available December 3, 2016. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="426" src="http://4a7jjc25uykf24u8sd3k8m5n.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1-16.jpg" width="640" /> <div class="caption"> Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks on the phone with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump at her office in Taipei, Taiwan, in this handout photo made available December 3, 2016. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS</div> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> China lodged a diplomatic protest on Saturday after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, but blamed the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own for the “petty” move.<span id="midArticle_1"></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The 10-minute telephone call with Taiwan’s leadership was the first by a U.S. president-elect or president since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, acknowledging Taiwan as part of “one China”.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> China’s Foreign Ministry said it had lodged “stern representations” with what it called the “relevant U.S. side”, urging the careful handling of the Taiwan issue to avoid any unnecessary disturbances in ties.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “The one China principle is the political basis of the China-U.S. relationship,” it said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The wording implied the protest had gone to the Trump camp, but the ministry provided no explanation.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Speaking earlier, hours after Friday’s telephone call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointedly blamed Taiwan for the exchange, rather than Trump, a billionaire businessman with little foreign policy experience.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “This is just the Taiwan side engaging in a petty action, and cannot change the ‘one China’ structure already formed by the international community,” Wang said at an academic forum in Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry quoted him as saying.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “I believe that it won’t change the longstanding ‘one China’ policy of the United States government.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In comments at the same forum, Wang noted how quickly President Xi Jinping and Trump had spoken by telephone after Trump’s victory, and that Trump had praised China as a great country.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Wang said that exchange had sent “a very positive signal about the future development of Sino-U.S. relations”, according to the ministry’s website. Taiwan was not mentioned in that call, according to an official Chinese transcript.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also called the conversation a “petty” move by Taiwan that does not change the island’s status as part of China. Beijing is resolute in opposing independence for Taiwan, it added.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Trump said on Twitter that Tsai had initiated the call he had with the Taiwan president. “The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!” he said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Credit: <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-taiwan-idUSKBN13R2NT" style="color: red;">reuters</a></span></div>

China Lodges Protest After Trump Call With Taiwan President

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks on the phone with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump at her office ...

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United Nation Needs $1bn to Deliver Life-Saving Assistance in the North East

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49GvxH-O6LpZNaqsxbOtPimtQZCEz5-aVkawWzqqm5v4r4OIroUpU0iGlZ6EADpjFAQw4CuxV-jZdaM4qsDyvOWuc_fb-V5y0SRPLWffCMJkwSIB1sWRWY_wCm6qRybf_M7HS0JSPftno/s1600/IDPs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49GvxH-O6LpZNaqsxbOtPimtQZCEz5-aVkawWzqqm5v4r4OIroUpU0iGlZ6EADpjFAQw4CuxV-jZdaM4qsDyvOWuc_fb-V5y0SRPLWffCMJkwSIB1sWRWY_wCm6qRybf_M7HS0JSPftno/s640/IDPs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="image-container" itemprop="image" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <br /> </div> <br /> <br /> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42290" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42291">The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has said the agency would need $1 billion in its bid to provide urgent and quality humanitarian assistance to victims of Boko Haram Insurgency in the three northern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in 2017.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42293" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42294"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42296" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42297">The amount which is more than double of what the agency appealed for in 2016 is occasioned by the worsening humanitarian conditions in the area, which is said to be the worst in the region.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42299" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42300"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42302" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42303">United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Peter Lundberg, disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja, at the unveiling of the Humanitarian Response Plan for 2017.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42305" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42306"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42308" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42309">He said, “Together with 75 partners, we are seeking US$1 billion to deliver life-saving assistance and prevent further hardship for the children, women and men in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, and we are particularly reaching out to Nigerian private sector.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42311" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42312"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42314" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42315">“We are grateful to the international community for their support so far, but we ask for commitments throughout 2017 to prevent this disaster from escalating into widespread catastrophe.”</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42317" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42318"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42320" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42321">Lundberg, while calling for urgent support from all and sundry stated that if nothing urgently is done to help mitigate the situation, millions of people in the area may lose their lives within the next few months.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42323" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42324"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42326" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42327">He disclosed that the 2017 plan will focus on 8.5 million people in need of urgent assistance and also aimed at reaching 6.9 million people with life-saving humanitarian support. Also targeted are the over 75,000 children who may like die from severe famine and malnutrition if something urgent is not done.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42329" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42330"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42332" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42333">Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who appreciated the agency and the entire international community for rallying round Nigeria in this crisis situation, disclosed that the government is not just focused on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) but the interest of all communities affected and also those communities that have been providing support to the IDPs.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42335" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42336"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42338" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42339">Stressing the urgent need to address the issue of hunger, Ahmed appealed to the agency and her partners to scale up efforts and reach at least 3 million people with food supplies. She also tasked the agency on improving health conditions in the region by particularly ensuring that the renewed outbreak of polio in the area is curtailed.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42341" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42342"> </span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42344" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42345">“Education is also important as a lot of these children have been out of school for a very long time. 50% of the 8.1 million people in need of urgent assistance are children and we must help them”, she said.</span></div> <div id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42347" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42348"> </span></div> <div dir="ltr" id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42350" style="text-align: justify;"> <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42351">The agency apart from intervening in the area of food and health is also assisting in the area of water and sanitation, shelter, education, empowerment amongst others.</span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"> Credit: <span id="m_785366954047595781m_-3722893640804383921yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480703944722_42291" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/12/03/un-needs-1bn-to-deliver-life-saving-assistance-in-the-north-east/" style="color: red;">thisdaylive</a></span></div>

United Nation Needs $1bn to Deliver Life-Saving Assistance in the North East

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian ...

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