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Nollywood stars, musicians gone with 2013

Posted on Thursday 26 December 2013 No comments

Thursday 26 December 2013








Death, it is generally believed, is an inevitable end for all creatures. This year, the entertainment industry has literally been hit at different times by the deaths of some notable celebrities. In some sense, it has been like a harvest of deaths.


They are in the eyes of the public. When anything happens to them, the people are always eager to know the details. Their privacy is flung out of the window the moment they become celebrities. Welcome to the world of entertainers, actors, actresses and musicians.

This outgoing year the entertainment industry has been hit by good news. It has also been hit by bad news. Some of these bad news were about the death of members of the industry, who, over the years, have brought smiles to the faces of the people, either with their music or their acting prowess.

From the aged Fatai Rolling Dollars to the youthful Goldie, the industry has had its fair share of the deaths in the year.

Fatai Rolling Dollar

One of Nigeria’s oldest highlife musicians, Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju, popularly known as Fatai Rolling Dollars, died in June this year.

He died at 85 at Marritol Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, following a brief illness.

Rolling Dollar
Rolling Dollars, who had three wives and 16 children, was reportedly on a musical tour of the United States when he took ill and had to return home.

He was admitted initially at Ahmadiya Hospital in Abule-Egba area of Lagos, before he was transferred to Marritol Hospital in Surulere, where he died.

Juju music legend-turned-Evangelist, Ebenezer Obey, while reacting to Rolling Dollars’ death, described him as “an epitome of decency and a talented musician.”

He said, “I’ve lost my boss, my friend and my mentor. And I know the country has lost a talented singer.”

Also, in his tribute, reggae artiste, Orits Wiliki, said Rolling Dollars lived well as a musician, adding that “even though his death remains a big loss to the industry, he will be happy that members of the young generation are taking highlife music to the next level. We should be praying to live up to his age and still be strong the way he was.”

He started his musical career in 1953 and mentored other great musicians like Evangelist Ebenezer Obey and the late Orlando Owoh, among others.

Known for his dexterity as a guitarist, Rolling Dollars’ last major hit was Won Kere Si Number Wa.

Goldie

The death of Nigerian female singer, Goldie, on February 14, has been described as the most shocking in 2013. She died at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Goldie
Goldie had just returned to Nigeria from California, where she attended the Grammy Awards with Kenny Ogungbe, the boss of her record label, Kennis Music.

It was reported that she started complaining of a terrible headache just before she was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

In her short, but eventful life, Goldie was an ambassador of Project Alert, a non-profit-making organisation.

She won several awards, including Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY), Best Female Artiste Award and City People Best Female Artiste of the Year.

Her impact in the last Big Brother Star Game Show was felt by all. In the wake of the shocking news of her death, her Big Brother Africa Star Game confidant and friend, Prezzo, released a tribute poem. The Kenyan rapper called Goldie a goddess on his Facebook and Twitter pages.

Justus Esiri

Veteran Nollywood actor, Justus Esiri, passed away on Tuesday, February 19.

He is survived by his wife, Omiete, and children, including Nigerian music star, Dr Sid (Sidney Esiri).

The 70-year- old actor became famous following his scintillating performance in the television drama, The Village Headmaster, on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Justus Esiri
He helped to lay the foundation for what is now called Nollywood.

His official profile on the Africa Movie Academy Awards website reads: “The veteran actor has won several awards for his acting exploits, including THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and AMAA Awards. Esiri, star of critical productions like Wasted Years, Forever, The Prize, Six Demons, Corridors of Power, Last Knight, The Tyrant, The investigation and The Ghost, is reputed to have performed on more TV network drama programmes than any Nigerian actor.”

He was awarded the post-humous trophy for the Best Actor in a leading role.

In 2012, he was conferred with the national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Father U-turn

Olufemi Mayomi, better known as Father U Turn, passed away on Sunday, November 17.

The 36-year-old dancehall artiste, who was one of music acts that ruled the scene in the early ‘90s, died at Abundant Grace Hospital, Ojo, Lagos. He was buried the same day at the Badagry Cemetery.

Father U-turn, even as an orphan, was able to build a successful career as a songwriter, recording artiste, TV presenter and performer.

He hailed from Kabba-Bunu in Kogi State, where he first tried his hands on entertainment, working as a radio and TV presenter.

He had a brief stint at the NTA, Lagos, before signing a deal with Ultima Records, which released his early albums.

He was a little boy with braids and a charming personality. And his signature intro ‘Apoola Berekete‘, was far beyond his stature.

After years of club tours and free gigs, he got his first break when he was signed to one of the biggest record labels of the time, Ultima Records.

Ultima engaged Nelson Brown to work on his first album, which proved to be a huge success.

The hits, African Culture and Shakara, threw him into the national limelight, instantly putting him in the league of bonafide ghetto stars like Daddy Showkey and Daddy Fresh.

His first album was African Culture. His second album Padlock Ur Mouth produced the smash hit Yetunde, a collaboration with Pasuma Wonder.

Damino Damoche

Budding Hip-hop artiste, Olaniyan Damilola, popularly known as Damino Damoche, was shot dead by suspected campus fraternity gang members at the Lagos State University, Ojo.

Eyewitnesses said Damoche’s assailants apparently trailed him on a motorbike after he finished a class test in banking and finance. He was a 400- level student.

The late Hip-hop star was shot twice in the head and in the left hand. He laid dead for several hours before some policemen took his body away in a pick-up van.

Damoche, who was born in Lagos into a family of three, hailed from Ogun State.

He started his music career with some guys called Middle Guys. When things turned awry, he went as a solo artiste and got parties rocking.

His hit songs included Obo To Che, featuring Skaliey; Fall In The Circle ,featuring DRAMA and Feel Aray, featuring Stormy Zino & IQ (House Of Ginjah).

Tony Umole

Among the deaths witnessed in 2013 is that of Tony Umole, who was popular for his role as ‘Daddy’ in the popular weekly TV programme, One Love.

The renowned actor, along side Eucharia Anumobi, also featured in the 2003 movie, Abuja Connection.

Falilat Okerede

Barely a week after losing Pa Ola Ogungbe and Janet Atayero-Oluseye, the Yoruba sector of the industry was thrown into a state of mourning again, as Falilat Korede Oketayo passed away.

Oketayo, who was a member of the Association of Theatre Arts Practitioner of Nigeria, ANTP, in Ogun State, was said to have died after a brief illness at her residence in Sagamu, Ogun State. She is survived by two children, an aged father and siblings.

Ray Daniels

The Nollywood actor, Ray Daniels Okeugo, died on Friday, October 25, at 33 after a brief illness.

Okeugo acted in many soap operas and home videos before venturing into photography. His burial arrangement was planned by the Lagos State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) led by Victor Osiagu.

Chinedu Epeagba

Chinedu Epeagba, popularly known as Dabebe, was a location manager in Asaba, Delta State.

Speaking on his death, Nollywood comic actor, Ugezu J. Ugezu, said, “Our preliminary investigation, backed with scientific presentations from the last doctor that treated him in Onitsha, showed that Dabebe died of complications triggered by the China-made slimming tea, which he drank in July.

This tea gradually destroyed all his internal organs and he became too weak.”

Also gone with the year

Former Secretary General of AGN, Lugard Onoyemu, slumped and died at the National Stadium, Surulere at about 5:30p.m. on 14 February.

A day after Lugard’s death, Collins Ifeanyichukwu, an actor and movie producer based in Abuja also died. Ifeanyichukwu died on 15 February at the Maitama General Hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Blessing Collins, and less than a year-old son, Doxa Efechukwu Collins.

Edo born Nollywood actor and board of internal revenue staff, Flavian Okojie has been shot dead in Benin City by unknown gunmen three weeks after his wedding. His wife, an NTA presenter Omo-Kivie shared the information via her Facebook page.

The Nation
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Anti-Christmas stance: Kumuyi loses members

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Some members of the Deeper Life Bible Church, who appeared not pleased with the position of the General Overseer of the church, Pastor William Kumuyi, on the celebration of Christmas, were yesterday seen attending other churches to partake in the celebration with other Christians.


Kumuyi had stirred the hornet’s nest earlier in the week when he reportedly condemned the celebration of Christmas, describing it as idolatry. His position has, however, drawn a number of reactions across the spectrum of the Christian fold.

A popular media personality and member of the church, who did not want his name mentioned, was spotted at the St. Barnabas Anglican Church Cathedral, Murtala Road, Ilorin, where he had gone to worship with members of his family as a way of protesting the position of his General Overseer.

Another member of the church also told the newsmen that he worshiped for the first time in 20 years at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sabo Oke in Ilorin, because of the pronouncement of the Deeper Life Church general overseer, which he did not agree with.

His words; “I was born into Baptist Mission; I attended Baptist schools in my younger days and got my childhood Christian upbringing as a Baptist. I feel bad that a man of God that I so much revered could say such a thing about our Lord Jesus Christ even in the open.

“If that position is not retracted, I may not say yet, what will be my decision as a member.”

Meanwhile it was observed yesterday that doors to many Deeper Life Churches in Ilorin, the state capital, were closed while the traditional campground of the church at Eiyenkorin was deserted when it was visited.

Sources revealed that the customary camping that used to spread to the early hours of December 26, was suddenly cut short on Sunday and members were instructed to go back home.

The Christmas celebration was, however, very peaceful in Ilorin yesterday though with the presence of armed security men in major churches.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, Olufemi Fabode, while speaking with journalists confirmed that the command increased the presence of its personnel around the churches in town to ensure a smooth and safe celebration.

According to him, the combined men of the usual patrol vans and the newly inaugurated ‘Operation Harmony’ were drafted out to complement security arrangement in the city while the number of patrols at night were also increased to include several stop and search spots at many locations during the night.
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Leaving PDP for APC is jumping from frying pan to fire - Obasanjo’s former aide

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A former special adviser to ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo on Political Affairs, Chief Akin Osuntokun, has vowed not to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying leaving the PDP under whatever circumstance is like jumping from “frying pan to fire.”


The former managing director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) told newsmen in Okemesi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Tuesday that even though all his notable friends, including Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and some governors had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), this would not make him follow suit.

Chief Osuntokun, who was in Okemesi for the first year memorial of the death of his mother, Mrs Hannah Folorunsho Osuntokun, who died last year December, posited that neither sentiment nor emotion would make him dump the party, contending that those absconding from the party for one reason or the other are “time wasters, joining roller coaster party.”

According to him, “it is not reasonable for somebody to quit frying pan in preference for fire,” saying what the present administration deserved was fervent prayers from all Nigerians in order to sustain the tempo of its current performance so that the country can move forward.

He, however, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to also thread softly and also begin process of reviewing what he described as his “God given assignment of rehabilitation and reconciliation of the country.”

Osuntokun also disagreed with Chief Obasanjo and some other Nigerians on some recent events and utterances in public and cautioned Nigerian politicians against taking hard line postures on certain issues, especially those whose end result could negatively affect the future of the country.

He particularly warned some leaders of the country that he chose not to mention their names, against their negative actions, saying they would be judged by the amount of confusion and crises they generate in the land, saying those calling for one unattainable solution or the other to the country’s problems must be cautious.

He stressed that controversial and volatile issues should always be avoided so as not to jeopardise the nation’s fledgling democracy.

Osuntokun maintained that ongoing conflicts and disagreements between the political parties or individuals were usually the hallmarks of democracy that must sustain.

On the coming governorship election in Ekiti State next year, Osuntokun who said he currently had no ambition to contest for any elective position urged both the electorate and politicians not to allow the exercise to tear the state apart.
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Egypt declares Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group

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Egypt’s military-installed rulers declared the Muslim Brotherhood of ousted president Mohamed Morsi a “terrorist” organisation Wednesday, blaming it for a deadly police headquarters bombing already claimed by an Al-Qaeda-inspired group.


The decision is likely to accelerate a crackdown on the movement that has killed more than 1,000 people, mostly Islamists, in street clashes and seen thousands imprisoned since Morsi’s overthrow by the military in July.

It lumps together Al-Qaeda-inspired militants who have killed scores of policemen and soldiers with the more moderate Brotherhood movement, although authorities have provided no proof the groups are related.

The announcement comes a day after a suicide car bombing of a police station killed 15 people, in an attack condemned by the Brotherhood and claimed by an Al-Qaeda-inspired group based in the restive Sinai Peninsula.

“All of Egypt was horrified by the ugly crime committed by the Muslim Brotherhood on Tuesday morning, when it blew up the Daqhaleya police headquarters,” the cabinet said in a statement.

“The government has decided to declare the Muslim Brotherhood movement a terrorist organisation,” it said, referring to terrorism clauses in the country’s penal code.

“Members who continue to belong to this group or organisation following the release of this statement will be punished according to the law,” the statement said.

The Brotherhood has condemned Tuesday’s powerful bomb attack in the city of Mansoura, north of Cairo.

Morsi’s supporters, who continue to organise near-daily demonstrations demanding his reinstatement, insist they are committed to peaceful protest.

But their demonstrations have dwindled in size due to the security crackdown, and civilian opponents who oppose the Islamists often attack the rallies.

Social solidarity minister Ahmed al-Borei said at a news conference that the government would ban all the Brotherhood’s activities, including “protests”.

Morsi, now on trial facing various charges, remains a deeply divisive figure following his overthrow on July 3, after millions took to the streets demanding his resignation.

Egypt’s first democratically elected president, he ruled for one turbulent year and now faces trials for incitement to kill protesters and colluding with militants to carry out attacks in the country.

The cabinet had come under increased pressure to declare the Brotherhood a terrorist group following Tuesday’s bombing.

“Egypt enveloped in sadness… and the government waffles,” read the front page banner of the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper on Wednesday.

An Al-Qaeda inspired group spearheading attacks in Sinai had earlier claimed responsibility for the suicide car bombing of the Mansoura police headquarters.

The group, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, had previously claimed several high profile attacks since Morsi’s overthrow, including a September assassination attempt against the interior minister with a car bomb outside his home.

“Your brothers in Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, with the grace of God, were able to target the Daqhaleya police headquarters,” the group said of in a statement posted Wednesday on jihadist Internet forums.

The group which is composed mostly of Egyptian Bedouin has been critical of the Brotherhood’s style of political Islam and advocates armed attacks.

Morsi and the Brotherhood’s leadership face trial on charges of colluding with militant groups, including the Palestinian Hamas movement, to launch “terrorist” attacks in Egypt.

He is also accused of involvement in attacks on police stations and prisons during the 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak.

Morsi and other Islamists imprisoned by Mubarak had escaped during mass jail breaks authorities now say were part of a wider plot to destabilise the country.

AFP
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1,000 snipers: Jonathan willingly submits self to Rights Commission over OBJ’s accusation

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The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has submitted himself to the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, for probe over criminal allegations against him by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.


Acting on the instruction of the president, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, forwarded Chief Obasanjo’s letter to the commission for investigation into the alleged rights violations contained in the letter.

The AGF, in a memo dated December 23 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe, requested the commission to investigate the allegations bordering on human rights violations contained on page 9-10 of the letter.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who denied the allegations in his response, is specifically inviting the rights commission to unravel the truth in the allegation that his government had begun training over 1,000 snipers to terminate his political opponents.
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Reps query Okonjo-Iweala over import duty losses

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The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to produce a detailed report on the exact amount of money Nigeria lost to import duty waivers between 2011 and 2013.



She was also mandated to provide the full names of the beneficiaries; what the waivers were used to import; and the justification for granting such duty exemptions.

The directive was contained in the 50 questions on ‘state of the economy’, which the House Committee on Finance handed over to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy during a session with the committee in Abuja on Thursday last week.

The details of the questions, showed that the committee was worried over the Federal Government’s commitment towards the anti-corruption war and the dwindling non-oil revenues as a result of the duty waivers approved by the minister.

The question on waivers was number 15 on the list, where the committee asked, “How much exactly has been the amount of money lost in government revenue as a result of import duty waivers in 2011, 2012 and 2013?

“In your opinion as the Minister of Finance, who oversees the economy, what are the implications to the country’s economy? What efforts have you made to stop this waiver policy, which is distorting the economy?

“Our non-oil income has dropped in 2013, a case where increased tariffs on various items effectively reduced importation to zero in some sectors.

“However, those items now find their way into Nigeria through our borders.

“Does it make any sense to increase these tariffs when we have such porous borders? As an example, officially, Togo imported more rice this year than Nigeria.”

Under question number 16, the minister is to explain why the Federal Inland Revenue Service planned to engage foreign consultants to collect tax for the agency, beginning from 2014.

She was therefore asked thus, “Could the minister clarify this position and what Nigeria stands to gain? Has the FIRS not been working effectively?”

Question number 30 dealt with corruption, where the committee expressed doubts over the Federal Government’s commitment to fight corruption and querried why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should be starved of funds.

The committee asked, “Do you believe in the fight against corruption? If you do, why has EFCC not been properly funded? Without properly funding the commission, how should it be expected to carry out its duties effectively?”

The committee also queried the choice of Chevrolet cars for the SURE-P taxis as against Asian and European brands.

It noted that the vehicles were not fuel-efficient and not durable on Nigerian roads.

The document reads, “Who is in charge of the management of SURE-P and who takes responsibility for its success or failure?”

Okonjo-Iweala was also taken to task over the bloated recurrent component of successive national budgets in the country.

The committee recalled that she had boasted to reduce recurrent spending, but failed to keep the promise. For example, the 2014 budget of N4.6trn has a recurrent lion’s share of 72 per cent.

The committee observed, “Since your arrival as Minister of Finance in 2011, you have publicly announced the need to reduce the recurrent expenditure so that more money will be made available to capital spending, which is critical to growing and diversifying the country’s economy.

“How far has government succeeded in making these necessary cuts; and where exactly have these cuts been made in the effort to reduce recurrent expenditure?”

The minister is to respond to the questions within three weeks.

The December 19 session with the minister had ended abruptly after Okonjo-Iweala and the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Abdulmumini Jibrin, exchanged words.

She had complained of not being accorded respect as a minister after Jibrin shouted at her and later ordered the session closed.
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We’re winning war against crude oil theft –JTF

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•Says it arrested 1,857 suspects in 2013


From FEMI FOLARANMI,  Yenagoa


The Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo Shield has declared that it is winning the war against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

The Commander of the JTF, Major General Bata Debiro, who stated this while reviewing the activities of the security outfit in 2013, said the JTF has been able to secure the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the JTF successfully conducted several land, maritime and air operations against illegal oil bunkering and refining activities, pipeline vandalism, armed banditry and sea robbery.

He said the task force also conducted anti-kidnapping operations and destruction of re-emerging militant camps in the region.

Debiro disclosed that the JTF  conducted a total of 1,025 anti-illegal oil bunkering patrols, while over 1,951 illegal refineries were destroyed.

He added that 81 barges, 1,117 Cotonou boats, 82 tanker trucks, 1,873 surface tanks and 1,857 suspects were arrested in connection with crude oil theft.

Debiro explained that the activities of the JTF has encouraged the re-opening of some pipelines which had been closed due to the activities of oil thieves.

He said: “The JTF provided full security on Port- Harcourt- Aba pipeline which has succeeded in reducing the incident of vandalism on that axis. The JTF operations therefore, enabled the PPMC to re-open the Port- Harcourt- Aba pipeline, which had been closed down for years. Similarly the presence of the JTF had encouraged the PPMC to consider the re-opening of the Aba- Enugu pipeline to be extended later from Enugu to Makurdi. The JTF has in addition to physical protection of the oil facilities intensified patrols of the pipelines in order to forestall acts of pipeline vandalism.”

Debiro noted that the JTF, through its ground trotting patrols has been able to checkmate the activities of vandals along the Nembe Creek Trunk  Line ( NCTL) pipeline, which was hitherto the most vandalised pipeline in the Niger Delta region.

He also said the JTF has been able to arrest armed robbers and kidnappers tormenting the people of the region in deadly operations.

“The JTF operations against armed robbery, piracy and other forms of organised crimes had also yielded positive results. Over 42 armed robbers were killed and 183 were arrested, while over 40 sea-pirates were also killed and 41 were arrested and assorted arms and ammunition recovered from them.


Although kidnapping seems to be on the rise recently in the region and the country in general , perhaps due to the pecuniary gains from its ransom, the JTF operations have been recording successes in its operations against the menace. The successes recorded were as a result of coordinated efforts between the JTF and other security agencies. Overall over 23 kidnappers were killed while 236 were arrested and assorted arms and ammunition recovered from them,” Debiro stated.


He noted that his men have been deployed to all nooks and crannies of the 23 local government areas of the state and are doing well especially in the area of intelligence gathering which has helped in no small measure in forestalling unnecessary security threats.

Also, the state NSCDC boss posited that the command had sent packing over 20 illegal security outfits operating without license in the state even as it had continued to e suture that those who are operating have the right gadgets and uniforms.

“Over 20 security outfits who are operating illegally in the state have been sent packing. Also, we have it as a law that each security outfit must wear conformed uniform so that they don’t dress like other security outfits. We also monitor them to ensure that their offices have the right gadgets to operate.”

Lar who listed some of the command’s challenges to included mobility and accessibility of hard to reach areas also regretted that some communities sometimes tend to harbour vandals in their locality.

He advised people of the state to be aware of their environment and report any suspicious objects of strange faces to security agencies especially as the Yuletide season draws near.


The post We’re winning war against crude oil theft –JTF appeared first on The Sun News.


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Fun everywhere as Nigerians mark Christmas

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Fun everywhere as Nigerians mark Christmas

The Suntan Beach in Badagry, Lagos recorded a large turnout as fun seekers trooped to celebrate the Christmas.


A NAN correspondent who went round the beach reports that it was filled with visitors from various parts of the country.

Malam Lamorde Manaseh, a roast meat (suya) seller, said he made N23,000 as at 2 p.m. and expected to sell more before the close of the day.

“I wish everyday can be like this in Nigeria so that I can make this kind of money every time. I have made N23,000 already and I’m sure that I will still make more because people are still coming to the beach.’’

“The crowd is so huge and this is very good business for me.’’

Mrs Rebecca Atande, a soft drink seller, could not hide her joy over the money she also made, as she said “business has been great since morning and I’m so glad about this because my drinks have finished and I have to get another.’’

Miss Mojirola Balogun, a fun seeker, said she took advantage of the holiday to catch fun at the beach due to her busy schedule.

She said “I rarely have time to have fun due to the nature of my job, so I use holidays like this to relax and catch fun.’’

Mr Isaac Ken, the Officer in charge of Suntan Beach, attributed the large turnout to the safety of the beach and the patriotism of Nigerians.

He said: “In the last 11 months, we have not witnessed any drowning in this beach and this can be attributed to the safety measures we put in place.

“The beach is very safe and this factor has contributed to the large turnout of people because they are assured of their safety.’’

Low turnout of revellers was recorded on Wednesday at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, one of the relaxation spots which usually attract thousands at festive periods.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shows that unimpressive number of fun-seekers including children was at the national monument as part of Yuletide activities.

A movie marketer, Mr Daniel Ashenuga, told NAN that his company recorded low patronage as few people came out to watch the movie at the National Theatre in spite of the publicity.

He observed that many fun-seekers decided to celebrate the Christmas in their homes.

“The turnout is not encouraging; may be by Thursday (Boxing Day), people will troop out in large numbers to watch the films we have lined up,’’ he said.

In Abuja, there were few fun seekers at some recreational areas when NAN visited.

At the Wonderland Amusement Park, there were just a few holiday makers as of 11.a.m.

The Manager of the park, Mr Paul Oko, said the development would improve as soon as Christians returned from Church services.

He said: “You know, most people are still in Churches, many of the relaxation spots will come alive as from 2 p.m. when many Christians must have returned.’’

A visitor to the park, Mr Innocent Vincent, said the low turnout of people could be due to the fact that many residents travelled out of Abuja to celebrate Christmas elsewhere.

At the Millennium Park in Abuja, the relaxation arena witnessed few number of fun seekers in the early hours of the day.

An official of the park who refused to reveal his identity, however, expressed optimism that business would pick up as the day went by.

Chief Honest Stephen, the Hama Bachama of Bachama Kingdom in Adamawa State, urged Nigerians to pray for peace, stability and economic development.

The royal father made the call yesterday in his 2013 Christmas message at his palace in Numan, Adamawa.

Stephen, who described the security challenges in the country was unfortunate, noted that “all we need is prayers for God’s guidance and protection.

“The insecurity challenges in the Northeast in particular and the country at large is threatening the peaceful co-existence of our dear nation and we need collective prayers for God’s protection and deliverance.

“There will be no meaningful economic development and progress in Nigeria if citizens are not living in peace and harmony.’’

The celebration was peaceful in Numan, Lamurde, Guyuk and Demsa local government.

In Auchi, Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomohle, urged those in leadership position to provide credible leadership to enable every citizen to identify with the country.

Oshiomohle gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after he attended a mass service at Immaculate Conception Cathedra, Catholic Diocese of Auchi.

He said: “Those of us in leadership position must put our people first and provide credible leadership that will enable every citizen to identify with the country.

“Basically, this is the time for us to rededicate ourselves to the service of God.

“For the people, this is trying time for our country; we need support and prayers for our leaders.’’

He urged Nigerians to pray for the government so that the nation could overcome its challenges, saying “there is no country without problems; problems are meant to be solved. Let us use this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to God, reaffirm our loyalty to our nation and to reaffirm our confidence in the future of our nation.’’

In Abeokuta, Pastor Jibola Odukoya of Christ Life Church urged Christians to pray for peace, unity and progress of the country.

Rev. Odukoya made the call in his sermon to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

He said Christians should use the opportunity of the Christmas and the New Year celebrations to pray for the growth and the nation’s development.

He enjoined both Christians and Muslims to continue to reflect on positive things that unite the nation to enhance its stability.

“We should always read our Holy books and replicate the teachings and lessons of Christmas and also exhibit good characters,’’ he said.

Pastor Joel Datti of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Gombe, reminded Christians that Christmas was not just a time for celebration but an opportunity to ensure that Christ lived in their lives.

He said Christ was the salvation that God gave to his people after man disobeyed Him and that Christians should use the opportunity to reconcile with one another.

“Christmas is not a time for eating, drinking and other luxuries and vices such as fornication and robbery, as being practiced by some people this period.

“It is a time of joy, happiness, freedom from condemnation and reconciliation with fellow human beings and God,’’ he said.

In his sermon, Rev. Fr John Keane, the Parish Priest of St. James Catholic Church, Gombe, said the circumstances and place of birth of Jesus showed his simplicity and humility, hence, the need to emulate such virtues.

Keane admonished Christians to be mindful of the way they celebrate Christmas so that they would “inherit the kingdom of God’’.

Eateries, hotels and recreational centres in Abakaliki metropolis on Wednesday witnessed large turnout of holiday makers.

There was large number of people who came to have fun and enjoy the Christmas public holiday in some of the tourist centres visited.

At both the Fatilami and the Eunice Egwu Amusement Parks respectively, hundreds of holiday makers, including children, the old and young, were seen enjoying themselves, as they engaged in some recreational activities.

Some fun seekers at the parks said the Christmas holiday had afforded them the opportunity to relax and catch some fun.

Mr Fred Abana, who was seen relaxing at the Fatilami Amusement Park, described the Christmas season as an important period when people forget their sorrows and stress and enjoy themselves.

He said: “I came to the park with my three children to relax and enjoy since we did not travel to the hinterland for Christmas holiday. I consider it wise to bring them here to celebrate with others who are here.’’

Miss Joy Elom, Uzoma Eke and Agnes Ogwu, who were also at the park, said they appreciated God for the gift of Jesus Christ, whose birth the whole Christendom were celebrating.

Elom said: “I have come to relax and have fun with others here; for me, it is a great relief and I am enjoying every bit of it. I thank God for the gift of Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating and it is unique.’’

A restaurant attendant at the Fatilami Amusement Park, Miss Ijeoma Okogwu, said the occasion was an opportunity to make huge sales.

“The influx of people into the park is an advantage for us to make brisk sales; we are making high sales this period.’’

NAN reports that Mr Biggs, Grace Court hotels and Citiexotic Hotel also recorded high turnout, as people celebrate with their loved ones.

Mr Lucky Chukwu, John Agom and Alphonsus Ibina, at the Grace Court Hotels and Suite, said they came to ease off tension and expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives to see another Christmas.

NAN
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NLC berates FG over dependence on oil

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From NOAH EBIJE, Kaduna

Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Issa Aremu, has said it is saddening that 53 years after Nigeria’s independence, the country still relied on oil as the mainstay of its economy.

Aremu, who made the statement at a press conference yesterday, said it was high time the country diversified into sectors such as automobile, food and beverages, regretting that one of the problems with the nation was the reliance on crude oil as the major source of revenue.

“The point I want to raise is that 53 years after independence, it is sad that we still rely on crude oil. The fundamental of our budget still rely on one source of revenue which is oil. I think I want to say next year the Federal Government should redouble its effort to make sure we add value through manufacturing sector. The only way to do so is for us to do as much as possible, to revive the industries not just the textiles but the automobile, food and beverages.

“There is a report that came out last week in a business newspaper that close to 130 companies have closed down in Nigeria. So, while our government is talking of direct foreign investment coming to Nigeria, we should make the point that the domestic investment is actually dying and you cannot create jobs if there are no industries. In fact, for us to solve the problem of unemployment is for us to add value to our natural resources and raw materials and process them into manufactured products.

“This is where I think government has taken a bold decision on the new automotive policy which is to restrict the whole sale importation of imported second hand vehicles. We hope this will give an incentive for domestic assembly plants to return to business such as Peugeot, Volkswagen, ANAMCO in Anambra.”


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INEC Says No Plans To Stagger 2015 Elections

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Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Lagos State, on Wednesday, said the commission would not stagger the 2015 general elections to avoid the problems encountered in Anambra.


In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ogunmola said that the problem associated with that election was a blessing in disguise.

The INEC boss was reacting to calls by some sections of the society to stagger the 2015 elections.

``We are not staggering elections in 2015; having problems in Anambra does not mean that we will not be able to handle the 36 states of the federation plus the FCT.

``In fact, it is going to be a lot easier for us. But, I want to say that I see the problem associated with Anambra election as a blessing in disguise because we were thinking that it was going to be error-proof.

``And that would have made us to be a little bit complacent, thinking that everything is okay.

``We see this as an eye opener and it has compelled us to crosscheck our crossed T's and dotted I's again.

``Beyond that, we need to also point out that there is the problem of the people, who constitute electorate, being nonchalant about checking their names during display.’’

On voter register, Ogunmola said that the commission had commenced de-duplication of double registrants ahead of 2015.

He disclosed that the number of registered voters in Lagos would drop.

``The figure for Lagos is going to drop because double registration will be removed and when we display, people will now be able to see whether their names are still there or not,’’ he said.

Ogunmola gave the electorate the assurance that continuous voter registration would afford them the opportunity to register so that their data would be recorded.

He said those who registered twice following the commission's own instructions to them would not be penalised and would be given the opportunity of registering normally so as to capture their full details.

On voter apathy, the commissioner argued that it would not solely be the responsibility of INEC to remove apathy as witnessed in Anambra.

``The contestants and the parties are the ones looking for votes, so they should also be involved in mobilising people for election,’’ he said.

Ogunmola however gave the commission’s to do its best noting that ``most of the funds we demand for election are spent on training and educating our officers on how to enlighten the people’’.

``That is why I do not blame people that are complaining about the amount INEC estimated for 2015 election because they have little knowledge about its operations.’’ he said (NAN)
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Underfunding of EFCC

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Disconcerting signals are emanating from the Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission’s secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Adegboyega, sounded the alarm when he told a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption that inadequate funding had almost crippled the commission, and is adversely affecting its fight against corruption. Adegboyega, who was addressing the lawmakers at the hearing for a bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency (NFIA), revealed that as at the time he was speaking, the EFCC had lower than N2 million in its account.

According to the scribe of the anti-graft agency, the commission does not even have enough money to conveniently pay staff salaries for December, let alone fund other obligations. On top of all these, it is still expected to pay the lawyers who represent EFCC in courts in the course of prosecution of accused persons. He was unequivocal in his lamentation of the condition under which the agency operates.

Of course, news of the EFCC’s precarious financial predicament is not new. Not too long ago, information leaked to the public that it was, indeed, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that was bankrolling the prosecution of the ex-bank chiefs arraigned by the EFCC. The commission simply did not have the funds to recruit a matching team to the intimidating team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) assembled by most of the ex-bank bosses. It had to enter into a curious funding arrangement with the CBN.

One effect of this underfunding is that even in instances where convictions were obtained, and monies and assets recovered, large chunks of recovered assets were allegedly negotiated away to the prosecution lawyers as part-payment for their services. This, in turn, opened up another window for fraud.

The EFCC outcry over denial of funds lends weight to allegations that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration is deliberately frustrating the anti-graft war by withholding funds meant for the EFCC.

For an agency that is supposed to be fighting corruption, its present financial predicament is simply unacceptable. It is not in the interest of Nigeria that EFCC should be broke, cash-strapped or under-funded. This is more so considering that the agency and its operatives are entrusted with the job of  bringing to book, criminals and fraud kingpins who are usually awash with cash. We would unwittingly be exposing EFCC operatives to undue temptation. They could be forced into taking money from such millionaire/billionaire criminals, and look the other way.

Similarly, the present paucity of funds at the EFCC further fuels the claims by critics that the Jonathan administration has not done enough in the the anti-graft war.

While we are of the view that government needs to pump necessary funds into the commission, and we urge the National Assembly to ensure that adequate funds are appropriated for EFCC, we also call for a proper auditing of the books of the agency. This is with particular reference to recovered funds and all foreign aids and grants that are regularly attracted into the agency.

Apart from monies regularly allocated to the commission by the federal government, the EFCC, because of the nature of its work, regularly attracts a lot of funding from foreign donor agencies. However, a lot of people, over the years, have expressed concern over how EFCC spends the grants and donations it gets. In some instances, critics have alleged that such grants have tended to become slush funds that can be easily frittered away by unscrupulous officials. which the leadership of the commission simply fritters away. At a particular point in its history, the commission’s leadership simply used the funds to oil its political propaganda machine, in pursuit of causes outside the briefs of the agency.

So, we need to know: If the commission is broke, is it as a result of government failing to appropriate enough funds? Is government failing to release funds appropriated for the agency? Have the donations suddenly dried up? Or, is it that those who run the commission have muddled up their priorities and misapplied the funds?

It is not just enough to make a blanket statement that government is not adequately funding the EFCC, Adegboyega should have told the world the differential between what the commission demanded and what it actually got. Of course, we have had instances where the National Assembly slashed the budget proposals of the commission, but it is really nobody’s fault if the EFCC is unable to defend its budget before the lawmakers, especially when it is known that it is in the interest of many of the politicians to clip the claws of the EFCC.

Irrespective of the shortcomings of those who run the commission, it is rather ominous for the EFCC to be broke. It sends the wrong signals to not only the Nigerian populace, but also to our development partners abroad. It clearly tells the rest of the world that we are not ready to fight this monster called corruption, which has dogged our development.

This government needs to demonstrate seriousness in fighting corruption by properly funding the EFCC and all other agencies charged with battling the graft cankerworm.

However, we hope that this now regular complaint of insolvency is not a mere excuse on the part of the commission to cover its unwillingness, ineffectiveness and incompetence in the fight against corruption.


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Beautiful pictures of Christmas celebrations around the world

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Cerritos, U.S.

NigerianEYE gathered the best photos from all over the world for you to share the spirit of Christmas with millions of other people. Enjoy!


From Australia...
Photo: Christmas Australia

Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.

Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Egypt

From France...
Photo: Christmas France
From Greece...
Photo: Christmas Greece
From Hong Kong...
Photo: Christmas Hong Kong
From India
Photo: Christmas India
From Indonesia...
Photo: Christmas Indonesia
From Israel...
Photo: Christmas Israel
From Japan...
Photo: Christmas Japan
From Pakistan...
Photo: Christmas Pakistan
From Palestine...
Photo: Christmas Palestine
From the UK...
Christmas UK
And from South Korea.

Photo: Christmas South Korea

Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan


Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
 Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.

Ahmedabad, India
Ahmedabad, India

 Tanuan, Philippines
Tanuan, Philippines

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
 Polkowice, Poland
Polkowice, Poland

Islamabad, Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan

Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, South Korea

Chandigarh, India
Chandigarh, India

Picture credits: AP, Reuters, Yahoo

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Patrick Mathias wins MTN Songstar competition

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Patrick Mathias (aka Password) has emerged as winner of the just-concluded MTN Songstar competition. He went home with a Porsche Cayman car, a record deal with ace producer Don Jazzy, a smartphone, six months data and a chance to perform.

Three other winners were presented with brand new Kia Cerato cars.

The General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Kola Oyeyemi, said; “ the concept is part of the culture of MTN in building the entertainment industry in Nigeria. MTN is adding value and developing the entire industry so that both the artistes in the music industry and the listeners benefit, which makes it a win- win situation,” he said.

Oyeyemi said the initiative was designed to develop raw talents especially those who have not been able to break through in music, noting that the telecommunications giant, MTN, will create a platform to discover hidden talents and bring them into the spotlight.

The widely acclaimed digital music competition started three months ago nationwide.


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Presidency to fuel generators with N836 Million in 2014

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Power generators

The Presidency and other ministries, departments and agencies of government will spend N836.6m for the fuelling of plants and generators in 2014.


The amount is contained in the 2014 budget proposal before the National Assembly.

The figure is striking when considered from the standpoint that the government, had after the privatization of the power sector promised that Nigerians would begin to see significant improvement in power supply from the first quarter of next year.

Specifically, President Goodluck Jonathan had while inaugurating the Phase II 500 megawatt Omotosho National Integrated Power Project Plant in Ondo State two months ago promised reasonably stable power supply in the country by the middle of 2014.

He added that the Federal Government was targeting 4,700mw from 10 NIPPs, which he said would be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

According to him, the 10 National Integrated Power Projects will be handed over to the private sector next year after their completion and inauguration.

But an analysis of the budget proposal showed that the ministry of finance accounts for the highest with a projected expenditure of N76.5m while the police formation and command, ministry of foreign affairs and health followed with N71.3m, N56.16m and N47.62m respectively.

Presidency has a budget of N33.47m; Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, N16.48m; Youth Development, N1.81m; Police Affairs, N16.5m; Women affairs, N901,452; Agriculture, N5.57m; Water Resources, N16.45m; Auditor-General for the Federation N11.79m; and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission N29.05m.

Others ministries are Defence (Army, Airforce, Navy) N30m; Education N36.92m; Trade and Investment N20.8m; Information N13.85m Communication and Technology N1.27m; Interior N20.75m; Office of Head of Service N40m; Justice N28.34m; Labour and Productivity N2.79m; Science and Technology N3.51m; Works N25.05m; Lands and Housing N45.55m; and Mines and Steel Development N6m.

The rest are Environment, N13.16m; Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, N2.637m; National Planning Commission, N21m; National Sports Commission N17.12m; Office of the National Security Adviser, N8.78m; Niger Delta, N16.85m; Ministry of Special Duties, N2.31m; Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, N15.45m; and National Population Commission N22.53m.

Similarly, Code of Conduct Bureau had a budget of N6.07m for generator fuelling; Code of Conduct Tribunal N3.01m; Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission N20.05m; Federal Civil Service Commission N18.8m: Police Service Commission; N4.39m; and Federal Character Commission N5.92m.

Curiously, three ministries – power, aviation and transport – and the National Salaries and Wages Commission had no budgetary provision for the fueling of plants and generators.

Also, a breakdown of the proposed budget to the judiciary in 2014 has declined when compare with 2013.

The total sum of N4.7bn which was provided for the Federal Ministry of Justice Headquarters in proposed 2014 budget is less than the sum of N5.5bn allocated to the ministry in 2013.

In the same vein, the budget for legal services, the ministry’s major assignment, fell from N2.3bn in 2013 to N1.3bn in the proposed 2014 budget.

The sum of N3.1bn was budgeted for legal services in 2012, which means that the allocation for the assignment had fallen for a second consecutive year.
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Bloody Christmas: 7 killed, 5 injured in auto crash in Bauchi

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From PAUL ORUDE, Bauchi


It was a sad Christmas Eve in Bauchi as seven persons were killed while five others sustained injuries when a commercial bus veered off the road and hit a truck along Alkaleri, Gombe Road. The accident, which took place at about 12.30pm happened about 50km from Bara Village in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

An eye witness said that  an 18-seater commercial Mitsubishi bus with registration number AJ 779 TRN lost control at a sharp bend close to Bara and rammed into a dark blue articulated truck with registration number B8 79 MU, parked by the roadside.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Sunday Henry Olatunji, disclosed that of the 12 persons that were involved in the auto crash, seven were confirmed dead while five sustained injuries. Olatunji said among the dead persons were three adult males, two male and two female children respectively while the other five that were injured were men.

He said his officers along with state rescue officials rushed to the scene of the accident, attributing it to the driver of the Mitsubish bus who was over speeding. He said the 12 victims of the crash, including the corpses of the dead persons were conveyed to the Federal Medical Centre in Gombe State.

The FRSC Sector Commander appealed to motorists in the state to be careful to observe traffic rules and regulations, especially during the Christmas celebration.


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Pope prays for end to conflicts in Nigeria, Syria, South Sudan, others

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Pope Francis, celebrating his first Christmas as Roman Catholic leader, yesterday called for dialogue to end all conflicts and wars.

He said everyone should strive to be personal peacemakers. He prayed for a “favourable outcome” to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, and called for dialogue to end the conflicts in Syria, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq.

Nigeria is battling the Boko Haram insurgency, which has ravaged parts of the Northeast.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the same spot where he emerged to the world as pope when he was elected on March 13, the Pope also made another appeal for the environment to be saved from “human greed and rapacity”.

The leader of the 1.2 billion-member Church wove his first “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and world) message around the theme of peace. He called for “social harmony in South Sudan, where current tensions have already caused numerous victims and are threatening peaceful coexistence in that young state.”

Thousands are believed to have died in violence divided along ethnic lines between the Nuer and Dinka tribes in the country, which seceded from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war.

“Wars shatter and hurt so many lives!” he said, saying their most vulnerable victims were children, elderly, battered women and the sick.

The thread running through the message was that individuals had a role in promoting peace, either with their neighbour or between nations. The message of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was directed at “every man or woman who keeps watch through the night, who hopes for a better world, who cares for others while humbly seeking to do his or her duty,” he said.

“God is peace: let us ask him to help us to be peacemakers each day, in our life, in our families, in our cities and nations, in the whole world,” he said.

Pilgrims came from all over the world for Christmas at the Vatican and some said it was because they felt Pope Francis had brought a breath of fresh air to the Church.

“(He) is bringing a new era into the Church, a Church that is focusing much more on the poor and that is more austere, more lively “ said Dolores Di Benedetto, who came from the pope’s homeland, Argentina, to attend Christmas eve Mass.

Giacchino Sabello, an Italian, said he wanted to get a first-hand look at the new pope: “I thought it would be very nice to hear the words of this pope close up and to see how the people are overwhelmed by him.”

The pope asked God to “look upon the many children who are kidnapped, wounded and killed in armed conflicts, and all those who are robbed of their childhood and forced to become soldiers.”

He also called for a “dignified life” for migrants, praying tragedies such as one in which hundreds died in a shipwreck off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa are never repeated, and made a particular appeal against human trafficking, which he called a “crime against humanity”.

Christians around the world yesterday celebrated Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

It was the third successive year that the Syrian conflict had been a main focus of the Christmas speech, one of the addresses known as Urbi et Orbi.

“Too many lives have been shattered in recent times by the conflict in Syria, fuelling hatred and vengeance,” said the 77-year-old pontiff.

“Let us continue to ask the Lord to spare the beloved Syrian people further suffering.”

On Tuesday evening thousands gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square for Christmas Eve celebrations.

The Church of the Nativity sits on the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born.

Correspondents said it was the biggest crowd to attend the event in years.
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Investing in cassava flour production

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated all the flour millers to ensure a compulsory inclusion of a minimum of 20 per cent of cassava flour produced in the country into their total raw material inputs.

Before now bakers in the country neglected the inclusion of cassava flour despite the fact that it processes the same features and plays almost the same role with wheat flour. With the new policy and campaign, investment opportunities have been created for prospective Nigerian investors.

Taking investment considerations in this area

Some of the fundamental considerations to make when looking for any investment areas to embark upon so as to increase local production are:

Availability of local raw materials; technology convenience; human resources; capital availability and infrastructural adequacy

Of all these factors, availability of local raw materials seems to be the most vital. It is based on these factors that the writer has carried out research and market survey for setting up of this project. Flour has recorded a very high importation level in this county.  Despite the input of few companies like Nigeria Flour Mills and others, the demand has overgrown the supply, hence some Nigerian companies resort to importation.

The market analysis

From statistics, about 60 per cent of the total demands are sourced from oversea countries. Looking at the applications of the flour generally the demand for the envisaged products of the proposed project remains undutiful.

Flour is used in various projects as inputs or raw materials.  It is used in making of bread, biscuits (cookies), cakes, chin-chin, puff-puff, pudding, pancakes and as a substitute to baking wheat flour.

With the growth in the numbers of bakery firms, fast food industries, biscuits producing firms and other end users of the product, the demand increases every day.

Our research indicated that this product could be sold oversea to America,  Europe and Asian countries.  Nigeria starch and flour are regarded as one of the best in the world today and have international demand and respect too.  Also some foreign companies within the ECOWAS sub-region do come to Nigeria to purchase in bulk. For details on the foreign buyers of these products, please contact the writer.

It should be pertinent to mention at the same time that anybody that wants to succeed in this business must not compromise on the internationally acceptable quality.

Raw material inputs and availability

Flour could be produced from cassava etc.

The machines are made to use any of these products as raw materials.

There is abundant cassava in all the parts of the country.  There are also various varieties of these products, therefore adequate care must be taken to use the appropriate variety for this project.

Plants and machinery requirement

The main machinery and equipment recommended for this project are: Peeling machine, Grater, Fermentation tank, Grinder, Dryer, Siever, Sealing or Hand Sewing machine, international scale and other miscellaneous Equipment.

All these machines can be fabricated locally for any capacity needed.

This plant can produce 2500 metric tonnes (MT) of flour for a year or10MT per day, working for 250days in a year at 8 hours per day.

By estimation, 624MT of wet tubers would be used as inputs to produce the same quantity. Apart from locally made machines, there is provision for the use of foreign made machines by prospective investors. These machines are produced in Europe and can be procured and installed on agreement. For details prospective investors should contact the writer.

Production processes and charts

The production process for production of flour generally is summarized as follows. Purchase and weighing of the raw materials;

Sorting the tubers and washing them;

Peeling & slicing the raw materials into smaller units or pieces;

Washing these sliced pieces; fermentation of the sliced pieces and washing thereafter; Grating to get mash either before or after fermenting; Drying and sieving, packaging and bagging into 2kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg, and 50kg packs.

The sizes can be varied to cater individual foreign consumers according to agreed specifications.

Proposed location

The project can be sited in any part of the country, since the inputs are grown in virtually all the states of the federation.

Estimated number of staff

In a small scale, staff strength of about 12 would be needed. The number can be more than this if it is planned to operate on a medium scale.

Projected financial implications and analysis

The project can be started with an estimated sum of N16, 750, 000.  The cost may be higher than this if the project is to be of a medium or large scale.

Based on the investment analysis carried out, the project has very high returns. The projected return on investment is about 53 per cent.  It is more if the products are exported.

The payback period is about 2 years depending on the level of dedication and experience of the employees.

Conclusion

From market analysis also, the bakeries, fast food making companies and other end users are all there to purchase the products.

In conclusion, the writer and his team of investment analyst have found this project as economically, socially, technically and legally feasible to establish in Nigeria basically to export and service the local markets.

Implementations

For details as regards to comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies, investment advisory services, funding arrangements, procurement and installations of both locally made foreign machines on any of the SMEs projects, please contact the writer.


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Eight PDP governorship aspirants step down for Omisore

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One of the leading governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has said eight governorship aspirants of the party have stepped down for him ahead of the party’s primary election.


The aspirant, who spoke through the Director of Media and Strategy of his campaign organisation Mr. Diran Odeyemi, in an interview with our correspondent in Osogbo on Wednesday, stated that the aspirants hinged their decision on the popularity of the former senator, adding that he would defeat Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the 2014 governorship poll.

Omisore explained that the aspirants admitted that he was the only aspirant out of those jostling for the party’s ticket who had the acceptability and the capability to defeat Aregebsola.

He stated that as a former deputy governor, he had the experience and acceptability to defeat the incumbent governor.

Omisore said the gale of defection hitting the PDP was nothing to worry about, saying the PDP still stood a very good chance to win the 2014 governorship election in Osun State and in the entire country.

He declined to give the name of the aspirants who had dropped their ambition for his principal, but added that it would be made known later.

He said the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo had predicted that there would be coming together of political parties, saying while some were leaving the PDP many were joining the party.

He said, “Eight governorship aspirants have agreed to drop their governorship ambitions for Senator Iyiola Omisore. All former aspirants who have teamed up with me are prepared to give me ideas from their previous experiences.

“There is no doubt about the acceptability and capability of Senator Omisore. I have the experience and the wherewithal to contest and defeat the incumbent governor.

“Governor Aregbesola has stepped on toes of many people in the state. The people are yearning for a change and I am the one who can defeat him and bring real development to the people of the state.

“The synergy is good for our democracy. If it is going to bring good governance, God will allow it. Chief Obafemi Awolowo predicted this a long time ago. He said that there would be a coming together of political parties.

“Where is ideology in the political parties now? The APC is wooing Obasanjo; but does that make Obasanjo a progressive?

“As there are movements to APC, there are also movements to PDP too. It is not only achievements that win elections, there are extraneous factors like being an indigene, favouritism, blackmails by politicians that come during campaign. But I am sure that Omisore will win the 2014 governorship election in the state.”
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OBJ LETTER: Al Mustapha denies training snipers for Jonathan to assassinate political opponents

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Former Major Hamza Al-Mustapha yesterday called for an open debate with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in connection with his open letter to Presdent Goodluck Jonathan.


Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha, spoke on the Voice of America (VOA) Hausa service whilc reacting to the allusion made to him in the letter.

Obasanjo alleged that he (Al-Mustapha) was released from prison to help the president train snipers to assassinate political opponents.

Admitting that Obasanjo did not mention his name, he said he knew that the allusion was about him. “If he has anything to say on me, he should mention me directly or even challenge me and not make allusions,” he said.

Al-Mustapha denied the allegation adding: “I read Obasanjo’s letter and subsequent comments by Nigerians, I would have responded immediately, but I was away in India receiving treatment.

“Perhaps it is Obasanjo and his cronies that are planning what he was insinuating.”

Al-Mustapha added: “From 1974 to the present, a lot of things are buried with all sorts of lies, but all would be revealed one day.

“I urge everyone to pray for Obasanjo to accept my challenge for a public debate so that the truth will come out,” he said.
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Busayo

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To vote for busayo

text SG busayo to

33960.


This service is available on the following networks only: Mtn, Glo, Etisalat, Visaphone

* terms and conditions apply


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Xmas Tragedy: 14 killed, several injured in Lagos and Calabar

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About 10 persons were feared Wednesday after a container fell on a commercial bus along the Alaba Suru area of Lagos State. It was also a bloody Christmas celebration in Cross River as four people lost their lives after a truck ram into a private car.

Eyewitnesses accounts said the accident occurred about 9am.

The accident was caused by a mad man sleeping on the road, who a commercial bus was trying to avoid.
A mother, her four children, an old woman and four others were said to have been killed in the accident, with many other people injured.


One of the victims, a woman survived with two shattered legs.

An eyewitness said; ” the accident was caused by mad man sleeping on the road. The commercial bus was trying to avoid crushing the mad man while the container was trying to avoid crushing the commercial bus.

“It all happened this morning at about 9am. There was a commercial bus going to Okoko Iyanaoba, calling for passengers and there was a trailer laden with a container filled with vehicle engines.

“There was a mad man lying on the road and a commercial bus was coming from Orile axis. The bus swerved to the left to avoid the mad man on the road and the container swerved also to the left to avoid the commercial bus.

“The container was about to scale the culvert, but the container fell to the right, and fell on the bus picking passengers. Those sitting on the ground died. A woman with four children were killed. An old woman and four others died. A woman who survived had her two legs cut off in the accident.”

It was gathered that LASEM bus rushed to the scene to take the wounded to hospital and the dead to the hospital.”

Another eyewitness, who did not identify himself, said, “The two brothers who were at the back of the bus were trapped. They had packs of bangers that they just bought. The woman, who wore a shawl, and was carrying a baby, could not also escape. They all died, including the driver.

“It was only a lady that was at the entrance to the door that escaped with a fracture.”

After the accident, angry residents were said to have seized the mentally unstable lady and beaten her up. Some of the residents said it was the second time she would trigger such accident. She was, however, rescued by policemen.

At the rescue operation scene were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, policemen, and the Lagos State Emergency Medical Services.

The NEMA spokesperson, South-West Zone, Ibrahim Farinloye said, “The incident happened at 8.30am, but we were not alerted till around 11.46am. NEMA was able to mobilise other rescue officials to the scene. At the end of the rescue operation, a woman and her baby with two men died, while a lady was rescued alive. She however had a fractured leg. The corpses have been taken to a mortuary in Oshodi.”

The police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State, Ngozi Braide, said she would call back to give details on the accident.

In Cross River, four youths were on Tuesday killed, while several others were injured after a Mercedes Benz 911 truck rammed into them by the road side at the Akamkpa area of the Calabar-Ikom highway.

The incident, which occurred around the state’s college of education in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, left the community in mourning.

NE gathered on Wednesday that the truck with number plate, Lagos FKJ 505 XC, was immediately burnt by angry mob, while the driver, Chidi Duruba, and the truck conductor, Edwin Oragunye, were thoroughly beaten up.

Two of the injured persons are Blessing Etim and Okechukwu Mbaka. The whereabouts of the six other injured persons could not be immediately ascertained.

An eyewitness, Ekam Emmanuel, said, “About 6am on Tuesday, some youths from Mbarakom community decided to go for a road walk along the Calabar-Ikom highway.

“A Mercedes Benz 911 truck with the number plate, FKJ 505 XC rammed into them from behind and the incident claimed four lives on the spot while several others were injured.

“This incident happened at 6am when I came to clean my shop. I met the youths jogging on the highway but suddenly a truck coming from Calabar on high speed climbed on the four that died on the spot.

“As a result of the tragedy, the Mbarakom youths got angry, the truck driver and his conducter were almost killed when they stopped to see what had happened. They were seriously beaten up, while the truck was set ablaze.”

Emmanuel said another truck, marked Cross River, KAM 45 XA, was also forcefully stopped by the angry mob and set ablaze. He added that the driver escaped being lynched.

She said the anger continued as the youths further burnt another oncoming Audi 80 commercial car, adding that the intervention of the combined team of military and police patrol teams brought the situation under control.

A police officer in the Akamkpa division, Eric Bassey, who is of the traffic department, confirmed the report. He said, “The DPO got an early morning distress call that there was a riot going on in Awi. He immediately gave us orders and on getting to the scene we discovered that three vehicles were burnt and some casualties were there.

“The casualties included some dead bodies, while several others, who sustained injuries, were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

“We were informed that the driver and the conductor of the truck that caused the accident were being held hostage at Mbarakom. We acted swiftly, but discovered that they had been beaten up badly. We rescued them and took them to the General Hospital at Akamkpa where they are still receiving treatment.”

He said peace had been restored in the troubled community.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Hogan Bassey, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had been able to bring the situation under control.
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