Is this 4-year-old Nigerian the 'most beautiful girl in the world'?

A photo of a Nigerian child has caused a stir on social media. (Photo: Instagram/mofebamuyiwa

A photo of a 4-year-old Nigerian girl has hit it big on social media, racking up compliments such as “beautiful,” “absolutely stunning,” and “doll-like.”

On Friday, photographer Mofe Bamuyiwa Instagrammed a photo of the young girl named Jare, writing, “Oh yes she’s human! She’s also an angel!” The lifestyle-and-wedding photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria, explained that by positioning Jare in a more mature pose, she illustrated the intersection between child and adulthood. 

Twenty-thousand people reacted on Instagram, writing that the photo was a “true work of art” and that Jare is the new Barbie.



When two great minds meet

Prof. Chinue Achebe and Afro beat King Fela Anikulapo Kuti

I’m sorry for men, they can’t conceive, experience childbirth -Chimamanda Adichie

Chimamanda Adichie

Nigerian frontline novelist, and feminist icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has said she felt sorry for men because they(men) cannot conceive and experience the benefits that come with being a mother.
The celebrated novelist said this in an interview with Vulture, where she also opened up about what having a child meant to her and the impact it had on her art.
She said that having a child interrupts her writing to an extent but also opens up a new range of emotions that can inspire art which men can’t experience.
“I used to think I wouldn’t be a good mother because I was so dedicated to my art,” the ‘Americanah’ writer said.
“I said to myself, I have nephews and nieces who I adore, and I helped raise them, so those will be my children. That’s what I thought for a long time, because I felt that I couldn’t be true to both my art and my child.
“Getting older. I like to joke and say that you’re ready [to have a child] when your body isn’t ready, and when your body is ready, you’re not mentally ready.
“I guess you have the best eggs when you’re, like, 22, but at 22 you don’t even know yourself.
“Then when you’re 38 and know yourself, your eggs are not the best quality. Anyway, we’ll talk about eggs another time.”
“But my baby happened, and it’s important to talk honestly about this, because having her changed a lot,” she said.
“Having a child gets in the way of writing. It does. You can’t own your time the way you used to.
“But the other thing that motherhood does — and I kind of feel sorry for men that they can’t have this — is open up a new emotional plane that can feed your art.”


Source: Daily Post

Biafra: MASSOB, others reveal fresh plans towards achieving secession

Coalition of Biafra groups and the Alaigbo Development Foundation, ADF, have revealed fresh plans towards the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra.
According to the coalition, a process has begun in uniting Igbo leaders in the struggle to realise the Biafran state.
Addressing newsmen in Owerri, the leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu said that the reason was to create a formidable relationship among Igbo leaders both in Nigeria and outside the country in the realisation of the struggle.
The conscious security of Igboland, 2019 general election and other diplomatic issues were also discussed in the meeting.
According to Madu, “The leadership of Alaigbo Development Foundation, led by Professor Uzodinma Nwala had a closed door meeting last Sunday with the representatives of the Coalition of pro-Biafra groups in Owerri.
“Though the details of the meeting were not disclosed, some issues raised in the meeting included examining the current challenges of Ndigbo in Nigeria with the need to explore and cement the much needed relationship with the leadership of pro-Biafra groups and other Igbo leaders.
“The consultative meeting also flashed on the need to draw the attention and reassurance of other anti self determination elements in Igbo society into driving their political ships towards the yearnings and desires of Ndigbo.”
“The meeting which was centered mostly on the current political, religious, cultural and economical challenges in Igbo land including the agitation and clamour for Biafra Actualization lasted about three hours.
“The meeting also harped on the need for pro Biafra and self determination leadership heads and figures to swallow their individual prides and egos and establish a spirited and brotherly working relationship among themselves for the overall interest of our people.
“The representatives of the Coalition of pro Biafra groups reinstated their earlier submission to work and collaborate with every Igbo progressive and Biafranized group or movement including Alaigbo Development Foundation for the re establishment of our former dignities as a people.
“The details of other issues discussed which includes the conscious security of Igbo land, 2019 general election and other diplomatic contacts will not be disclose now.”


Source: Daily Post

Ekiti 2018: What Oshiomhole said about deployment of 30,000 policemen, soldiers

Adams Oshiomhole

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that there was nothing wrong with the deployment of soldiers in Ekiti State for the governorship elections scheduled to hold on Saturday.
The former Governor of Edo State made the point while speaking to newsmen at the National Secretariat of the APC after he had a closed-door meeting with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, in Abuja, on Monday.
The former Labour leader was responding to questions about the deployment of 30, 000 policemen in Ekiti and whether soldiers should be deployed to strengthen the security arrangement.
Oshiomhole maintained that the number of policemen deployed should not be a talk point but their capacity to respond effectively to situations.
According to the immediate past Edo Governor, “Whether they should use the military or not, I don’ t think you want to argue that.
“Over the years, since 2003, 1999, the armed forces have always been deployed.
“Don’t forget, when I was in Edo state, I told people that I wanted the armed forces to be involved in the election because the rigging machine is serviced by criminals who are hardened and who are often hired.
“Now, if you have criminals wielding AK 47 rifles on an election day, and the police are overwhelmed, you want to say the army should not be deployed?
“We shouldn’t worry about who we deploy; I think we should all pray that however people are deployed that in the end , we are not counting dead bodies.”


Source: Daily Post

Tambuwal blames killings on failure of leadership

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has blamed the killings in the country on failure of leadership.

Tambuwal, in a statement he signed and released on Tuesday said the deaths were avoidable and preventable.

“The worst part of all this is that these deaths are avoidable and the killings preventable. It boils down, at the end of the day, to failure of leadership. Nigeria cannot progress and be part of a 21st Century forward looking world by creating new batches of mourners every other day.

“This is not the way to go. That is not what Nigerians voted for in 2015. That is not what will build a virile, united, united, politically stable and economically prosperous African Giant,” he said.

The former House of Representatives Speaker commiserated with families of those slain across the country.

The statement reads: “I wish to commiserate with the families, friends, colleagues and associates of all our beloved fellow citizens, who lost their lives in the persistent and senseless killings now occuring in all parts of our dear country. Indeed, the growing spate of mindless shedding of innocent blood, especially of policemen and other security personnel on their lawful duty posts, has brought a new dimension to the reprehensible state of insecurity in the country.

“Last May,three policemen were shot dead in Sokoto State by kidnappers, who abducted a Syrian national they were escorting. A few days later, four police officers were ambushed and killed in Benue State. Last week seven policemen were reportedly gunned down in cold blood in Abuja, and their arms and ammunition taken, by unknown persons.

“This is happening amidst repeatedly reported cases of attacks on police stations and other security facilities in various parts of the country.

“The question from every law abiding citizen today is: “Who will protect us, when even those constitutionally charged with the responsibility of protecting our lives and property have, themselves, become vulnerable targets of criminals? Where shall we run to for protection, when the institutions of State put in place to protect us are being progressively dismantled by opportunistic criminality and the trained personnel are also on the run?

“It bears repeating for me to state here that Nigeria’s security architecture and the strategies currently adopted and deployed for national security, if any, need a comprehensive overhaul. It is not working. The needless waste of life everywhere, both those of trained security personnel and ordinary citizens, is a drain on the nation’s resources and an unacceptable diminution of our valuable human capital.

“Every policeman or military personnel is someone’s father, mother,brother, sister,uncle, aunt or friend. The number and frequency of deaths is undermining our humanity, making us less sensitive to the gravity of the situation we are in today and also creating a new generation of Nigerians, who may  get accustomed to inhuman acts as the norm.”

Source: The Nation

Members of Reformed APC are like herdsmen – Sagay

Prof. Itse Sagay

Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has described members of the breakaway faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC), Reformed APC, as herdsmen looking for where to ‘chop.
Sagay, speaking in an interview with the Independent condemned the rAPC members, saying they have contributed nothing to the development of Nigeria asides claiming assets.
Speaking further, he said the rAPC members have no right to the use the acronym ‘APC’ as they are not registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) with the name.

“The so-called Reformed APC is also the same as the New PDP. These are itinerant characters who are not better than the
cattle herders.
“ They move from place to place in search of greener pastures. Once the grass is no longer lush again, they move to another place.
“They think they are not enjoying enough ‘chop’ in APC, so they want to go and look for somewhere else to perch in order to ‘chop’.

“ All they believe in is to live to eat, acquire assets without the interest of the country at heart. How to develop Nigeria and rid it of corruption doesn’t matter to them.
“These are people who have not made any contributions to national life. So, I am not surprised that they have moved,” Sagay said.




Source: Daily Post

Killings: CAN plans protest across Nigeria

CAN protest

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it is organising a three-day prayer and fasting to seek God’s intervention for an end to the growing rate of killings across the country.
In a statement from the media assistant to the CAN President, Adebayo Oladeji, the association said it will also embark on a peaceful protest across the country on July 11 to register its dissatisfaction with the spate of killings.
“The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared July 9-11, 2018 as national days of prayers and fasting against unwarranted killings in the land and calls on all well-meaning Nigerians, both within and outside the country, to join Christians on 11 July, 2018 for a peaceful protest against the killings.
“CAN’s decision is hinged on wilful and persistent killings of fellow citizens in general and Christians in particular nationwide and mostly in Plateau and Benue where mass burial has become the norm without any positive response from the country’s security agencies.”
The statement also expressed what the association’s disappointment over the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure the leadership of Nigeria’s security sector.
“CAN is worried, disturbed and disappointed that despite all the clarion calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to re-organise his security team by replacing all the security chiefs, he has consistently turned a deaf ear to such calls. From all indications, the President seems to be satisfied with their poor performance and the attendant problems that have led to avoidable loss of lives and property.
“We call on all Christians in the country and in the Diaspora to participate in the three-day prayers and fasting programme for God to end all the senseless, unwarranted, and selected killings in the country. If the government has failed us, we are very sure that Our God will never fail.
“All National Executive Committee’s members of CAN, the Church and Denominational leaders have been invited to participate in a peaceful protest march to both the National Assembly and the State House to impress on the government to see the need to effectively stop the unprecedented killings.
“CAN has also directed its leadership at the state and local government levels to organise the same Peaceful Protest March to the Government House and the Local government headquarters respectively on 11 July. We are to tell the government; enough is enough. We appeal to our members to be law-abiding before, during and after the protest.”
According to international human rights organisation, Amnesty International, (AI) Nigeria recorded 1, 813 deaths in the first half of 2018. The figure is twice the number reported recorded from similar killings in 2017.
“CAN has also directed its leadership at the state and local government levels to organise the same Peaceful Protest March to the Government House and the Local government headquarters respectively on 11 July. We are to tell the government; enough is enough. We appeal to our members to be law-abiding before, during and after the protest.”
According to international human rights organisation, Amnesty International, (AI) Nigeria recorded 1, 813 deaths in the first half of 2018. The figure is twice the number reported recorded from similar killings in 2017.


Source: Premium Times

2019: Allow Igbo go instead of taking them for granted – Amaechi tells Buhari

Chief Nbazulike Amaechi

A First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi has reacted to the statement by President Muhammadu Buhari that the political future of Ndigbo depended on his 2019 ambition.
Amaechi said it was a pity that the presidency should be associated with ethnicity and religion, adding that Igbos should be allowed to go instead of being taken for granted in Nigeria.
Speaking with Vanguard, the former Minister doubted if the presidency meant what they said about the political future of Ndigbo.
Amaechi said, “I know they (Presidency) do not mean what they said concerning Igbo presidency.
“Even though it looks certain that a northerner would become the next president, such a president should not take Igbo for granted as it is at present.
“Instead of taking Igbo for granted, they should allow Igbo to go, even though I do not support any breakaway.
“I love Nigeria and that was why I fought for her independence and even went to prison, although all that I did are not appreciated by successive Nigerian governments.”

Amaechi said Buhari’s performance in the last three years was filled with feudalistic tendencies, which only succeeded in breeding disharmony among Nigerians.


Source: Daily Post

Macron: How I Discovered Lagos And The Afrika Shrine In 2002

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, on Tuesday night made a historic visit to the New Afrika Shrine in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, home of late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing it as an iconic centre for the propagation of African culture, strength and music.
While attending an event tagged ‘Celebration of African Culture’, to inaugurate the African Cultural Season 2020, Macron recalled how he “discovered” Nigeria, Lagos and the shrine.
He said he was glad to be back to the Afrika Shrine, adding that he still holds fond memories of the place since his first visit back in 2002.
“I discovered Nigeria and a lot of my friends are here. I discovered Nigeria and I discovered Lagos and I discovered the shrine,” he said in quotes released by Habib Haruna, Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos State Governor.
“This place is an iconic place and it is a place where the best of music is given. I have to say my main memories about this place are friends, proud people, proud of their culture, proud of their art and music. I have a very different view of Africa than a lot of other people in Europe.”
Macron stressed the need for Africa and Europe, especially Frances to build a new commonality, adding that “this new commonality is not based on what is important for Europeans but what is important for Africa, about their culture, how they build their culture and promote the culture and which places are important for them about their culture”.
“Being here, I do recognize their culture and respect their views. This place is important for Africa and their culture and that is why I am here,” he said.
He also disclosed plans to host the African Cultural Season 2020 in France, which he said, would be about promoting African culture in Europe, adding that the event would be for Africa and by African artistes.
“It will include people with fashion, African movies, new generation of artistes will be coming from Africa and it will be organized by them to show Europe and France the real culture of Africa,” he said.
“The event will be financed by African leaders. It will not be sponsored by France or European businesses, but by African businesses, it is brand new. This season is a unique one and it will be the new face of Africa in Europe organize by Africans, providing what you like and what you have here.”
Macron also attended the official unveiling of Alliance Francaise, a French Cultural Centre in Lagos, on Wednesday, which he said is part of the measures to scale up the relationship between France and Nigeria.
Specifically offering the commitment of the government and people of France to development of infrastructural projects in Lagos, he said: “Thanks very much for being here; thanks very much for making this possible and to Mr Governor, we spoke yesterday and this morning together in the car… going to shrine together yesterday and going to French Alliance now.
“It’s much more quiet, much more calm and reasonable but at the end of the day, I think both of us did share the same views that we can do tremendous things together.
“Your state, Lagos, is one of the main challenges of not just Nigeria but the whole of Africa. I mean, this huge city, there is tremendous challenge about how to make people live together in peace, in a better place, and I want France to be part of this story and I do want my country and my people to be part of this experience.
“It means belonging to same values, sharing cultures, languages, literatures, music, movies, building together projects, having common economic projects and so on, and this eco system will be not just possible but stronger staying in this place.”
While welcoming Macron earlier, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, expressed optimism that the historic visit would go a long way to break any barriers between Nigeria and France as well as foster greater collaboration for economic, social and cultural growth.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Lagos State, I welcome His Excellency, President Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to the commercial and cultural capital of Nigeria and indeed West Africa,” he said.
“We are delighted and honoured to be hosting a President of one of the world’s superpowers; a permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council with veto rights, a prominent member of the G8 and the World Trade Organisation and a champion of Global Climate Change.
“With the exceptional characteristics of our state as the most populous, vibrant and indeed the fifth richest economy on the African continent, Lagos is the undeniable destination for business and pleasure in Africa. The new Lagos experience is being enhanced daily as we continue to create an enduring infrastructural and security architecture for the business of tourism and cultural arts to thrive. This also creates a platform for our local talents to feel a sense of belonging and encouragement.
“Mr. President, this momentous state visit shall signal the dawn of a new era between France and Nigeria, especially for the myriad of talents that have made Lagos their home.”


Source: Sahara Reporters

Kukah, N’Abba want end to killings

Bishop Mathew Kukah

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali N’Abba, at the weekend called for end to killings and violence in some parts of the country.
They agreed that the country was not in a good place right now.
The N’Abba and Kukah spoke at the graduation ceremony of students of Pacesetter Group of Schools held on Saturday in Abuja.
Kukah said there was need for the Federal Government to take concrete action to end killings in some parts of the country.
He said: “I don’t think where Nigeria is now does good to anybody. Prayers are important but they are not enough. We need to also see some really practical actions.
“We are hemorrhaging badly. Nigerians know and whatever needs to be done and I think those in power understands what needs to be done and we need to be properly communicated with.
“We cannot have a country where illiterate people, people who have no contribution to really make to this country, wherever they are coming from, men and women of darkness to take over the country. It is not acceptable and the reason why government exists is to secure the territorial space of Nigeria. Where we are we are not working.”
On his part, the former speaker sought for collaborations to end killings in the country.
According to him, the federal government alone cannot handle the current situation in the country.
N’Abba said: “I think a long time ago communities must have been engaged properly by this administration. I don’t think communities are being engaged. These conflicts have been raging on even before this administration and I thought the administration must have been prepared enough to meet with most communities where these conflicts have been taking place with a view to engaging them not on one off basis but on a continuous basis. I don’t see this happening.
“I don’t think it has been handled in the most appropriate manner. I don’t think he (Buhari) can handle this problem alone and the impression he has given most people is that he is working alone.”


Source: The Nation

Bring Perpetrators of Plateau Killings to Justice, Protesters Tell FG

Protesters under the aegis of the Middlebelt Peace Network on Monday protested in Abuja against the recent Killings in Plateau State, where it called on President Muhammadu Buhari to give marching orders to security agencies in order to bring perpetrators to justice.

The protesters, who besieged the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) also vowed to hold the president to his promise of putting a stop to the wanton killings of innocent Nigerians.

The leader of the group, Jayeola Mohammed, while addressing the protesters, noted that the value of human lives should not be reduced to a political game.

She stated: “We express our heartfelt condolence on the loss of life in our beloved state even as we pray that such disaster no longer befalls our dear nation. The kind of loss recorded in the state in matter of hours should not be the case even in a declared war situation.

“It is encouraging that President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that his administration would not rest until the murderers and their sponsors are brought to justice.

“It is a promise we have vowed to hold Mr. President to because of the sheer wantonness and mindlessness of the killing. Fulfilment of President Buhari’s promise will ensure that bloodthirsty demons behind this evil are no longer to operate in any part of country going forward.

“However, we believe that to be able to bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to book, it is time to do away with political correctness and go after the sponsors that are already known to law enforcement agencies.

“It must be regrettably pointed out that human life cannot and must not be devalued by making killing people part of a political game.

“It is imperative that Mr. President gives a marching order for security agencies to search upwards in the hierarchy of the killing.”

The Commissioner of Police, Esa Ogbu who received the protesters on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris, urged them to assist the police and other security stakeholders with information that would help them in discovering persons or group of persons responsible for causing mayhem in the country.

Source: This Day

Despite security presence, gunmen kill another four in Plateau

Nigerian army

Unidentified gunmen have once again defied security operatives to attack defenseless civilians in Plateau State, security forces confirmed Monday.
At least four residents of a small town in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area were killed when the attackers struck around around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, the police and the military told PREMIUM TIMES Monday afternoon.
Police commissioner Undie Adie said there were no injuries reported in the incident, indicating that the attackers killed all the victims they came in contact with during the deadly operation.
The police chief said there was a delay in responding to distress call from Maraban Kantoma because of a miscommunication between the residents and the command headquarters in Jos, the state capital.
“We mobilised immediately to that community, but the next thing we learnt was that it was another community that was affected,” Mr Adie said. By the time a contingent of soldiers and police special forces arrived, four people had been killed and many of the attackers had fled.
Operatives were able to arrest four suspects at the scene, according to Umar Adams, a spokesperson for the Operation Safe Haven. Mr Adams, a major, told PREMIUM TIMES the four brought the number of suspects arrested since June 22 to 11.
“They have been arraigned today and will be transferred to appropriate authorities in Abuja” for further interrogation, Mr Adams said. He declined to say which authorities the suspects will be handed over to in Abuja.
Yesterday’s killings came a week after gunmen overran communities in the same Barkin Ladi LGA, killing residents estimated to be between 100 and 218, according to the police and Christian Association of Nigeria, respectively. Although the police have not corroborated the figures provided by the nation’s largest Christian body, officers are historically known to downplay death toll in the aftermath of fatal incidents.
President Muhammadu Buhari ordered an escalation of security presence in the state following his condolence visit to the state governor in Jos on Tuesday, prompting the Defence Headquarters to launch the second phase of Operation Safe Haven.
Mr Adams said troops have been arriving in the state over the past few days, and the Nigerian Air Force has supported the operation with helicopters to further fortify the environment.
But the killing of four residents on Sunday despite the spike in deployment of security forces underscored the audacious capabilities of the attackers, as well as the handicaps of Mr Buhari, said security analyst Mike Ejiofor.
“If the government has the political will to handle this, he will handle it,” Mr Ejiofor, a retired director at the State Security Service, told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Monday afternoon. “This situation is very embarrassing.”
Mr Ejiofor said the government must be able to provide basic necessities of life, especially the protection of lives and properties.
Mr Adie said the state is calm again as at Monday morning, adding that heavy security presence is hindering the free movement of killers.
“We have intensified our patrol along the highway and other places,” the police chief said. “The deployment has spread further into the hinterland.”

French President Macron to meet Buhari, visit Fela’s Afrika Shrine in Lagos

Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Tuesday visit Nigeria for talks with Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on security and terrorism in Abuja.

Later, he would leave for Lagos to visit Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine located in the teeming Lagos district of Ikeja,  a vibrant megapolis of 20 million people.
According to AFP, Macron visit to a nightclub founded by Nigerian music legend, Fela Kuti, makes him become the first “real president” to enter a venue synonymous with marijuana smoke, sexy backup dancers and protest music.
Macron, on Sunday, visited the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott to attend an African Union summit.
The New Afrika Shrine located in the teeming Lagos district of Ikeja replaced Fela Kuti’s original club that burnt down in 1977, but for millions of fans, it still represents the original Shrine built by the musical maverick.
“The Shrine is a must-see place,” said Olivier Laouchez, the head of the TRACE media and entertainment group and organiser of the event Macron will attend, adding that Lagos is “Africa’s cultural capital.”
The evening will feature concerts, fashion shows by leading African designers and a meeting with stars from Nigeria’s booming Nollywood film industry.

Lagos is also giving Johannesburg the other African cultural hotspot a run for its money in the art world with its annual Art X event.
“There is clearly something abuzz in Lagos, with auctions mushrooming, and this will explode,” said contemporary art specialist Marie-Cecile Zinsou, who is based in neighbouring Benin.
“The idea is to show the richness and diversity of African cultures,” said Laouchez.
“Europe does not know Africa or at least its cultural dimension.”
Fela Kuti came from a patrician Nigerian family whose pioneering music and quest for social justice made him an international star and the bugbear of Nigeria’s former military rulers.
Called the “black president” by adoring fans, Fela Kuti’s trademark style, christened Afrobeat, featured songs in his native Yoruba and pidgin and were searing indictments of corruption and incompetence.
Ibrahim Tcha-Tchere, a veteran employee of the Alliance Francaise cultural institute in Lagos, said Macron’s visit was fitting given that “France has always had great cultural cooperation with Nigeria.
“It was the French who organised Fela’s first European tour in 1981,” he said.
“Then his sons Femi and Seun launched their international careers in France.”
The shrine is a big hall, painted brown and yellow, with patterns of green, red and black, suggesting African symbolism.
Laouchez joked that organising the event was no cakewalk, saying: “It requires great organisation because there are frequent power cuts and you have to ensure that the ceiling fans do not fall on the heads of guests… but it’s exciting.”
“Musically speaking, the new Nigerian Afrobeat movement is global,” he added, pointing to stars such as Davido, Wizkid and Mr Eazi.

Man docked for allegedly raping, impregnating 12-year-old

An Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, on Monday, ordered the remand at Ikoyi prison of an unemployed, John Owika, for allegedly raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.
The Magistrate, T. Akann, who ordered the accused to be remanded in prison, adjourned the case until July 27, to await the advice of the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Mr Owika, who resides at Mofowoku St, Alapere, in Lagos, is facing a count charge of defilement of minor, an offence that carries a 14- year prison term on conviction.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the accused committed the offence at his residence sometime in April.
Mr Ihiehie alleged that the parents of the girl noticed some sudden changes in her behaviour and walking steps which made the girl’s mother confront her daughter.
“The girl’s mother said as she threatened her daughter with a cane she cried bitterly and confessed that the accused, who is their neighbour, has been sleeping with her and she has been having pains in her vagina.
“She said the girl also confessed that it all started in late April when he sent her on an errand and when she came back to deliver the message, he dragged her into his flat and removed her pants.
“The mother of the girl with tears in her eyes told the police that her daughter struggled with the man crying but all to no avail as he covered her daughters’ mouth and defiled her.
“After having his way the girl saw blood and cleaned it herself as the accused threatened to kill her if she ever told her parents.’’
The prosecutor alleged that since the first incident, the accused had slept with the girl at least 10 times and of each time, gave her between N200 and N500.


Source: Premium Times

Oruma opens up on loss of N2 billion to fraudsters

Oruma

For the first time, former Golden Eaglets captain and Super Eagles midfielder, Wilson Oghenekevwe Oruma, has opened up on his travail in the hands of fraudsters, who duped him about N2 billion in his bid to establish himself after retiring from active football.
Oruma led the Eaglets to capture the FIFA U-17 World Cup at Japan ’93. He went on to help the U-23 team to win gold medal at Atlanta ’96 Olympics. In his attempt to establish a business empire for himself after his retirement from active football, Oruma ‘walked’ into the hands of some fraudsters, who claimed to be in possession of some oil blocks they wanted to sell.
The two times African Nations Cup bronze medallist pumped his investments across Europe, also withdrew his life savings for the ‘oil business,’ not suspecting any foul play. Things soon turned out to be a fraud, and since then, Oruma had not been himself. The once celebrated Eagles star lost his mind for about two years. At a point, there were media reports that the Delta State indigene was battling with insanity.
In his bid to bring Oruma back from his misfortune, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, included him as part of the Nigerian contingent to the on-going FIFA World Cup in Russia, to enable him mix up with people from different parts of the World, particularly his former colleagues in foreign clubs. The idea paid off, as Oruma says he is grateful to the NFF boss and his board members. He also thanked Nigerians for their prayers and support during the time of his difficulties.
However, Oruma has sent words to those behind his travail to consider his condition and return his money. “This is my first time of speaking with any journalist on this,” Oruma told The Guardian at his Park INN Hotel in St. Petersburg shortly before he departed for Nigeria. It is true that I lost all my savings to some people, who turned out to be fraudsters. I have read several stories in the media since then. Those stories did not emanate from me. They quoted different amount, which is not correct. I lost close to N2 billion.
“The most painful aspect of it all was the fact that some of my relations were involved in the deal. You can imagine losing such huge amount of money to people you trusted. I pray for them to have a human heart and return my money, even if it is part of it. That is my prayer every day, and I know that one day, the hand of God will torch their hearts,” he stated.
Oruma, who played club football alongside the likes of Frank Ribery and Samir Nasri in his days at Olympique Marseille FC of France is pleading with Nigerians to give Amaju Pinnick another term in office to enable him position the nation’s football very well.
“I know that many Nigerians are not happy with the way the Super Eagles crashed out of the World Cup in the first round, but I want people to realize that Amaju actually tried his best for the team. For the first time in the history of Nigeria’s participation in the World Cup, there was no complaint from the players and their coaches on issues concerning payment of bonuses and allowances. There was no problem between the players and the NFF, and that is because Amaju was able to think ahead, worked hard to get sponsorship from various quarters.
“In my playing days, most times, we returned home from a major competition without any kobo because those in the NFA then will say there is no money. Sometimes, we get half of what was supposed to come to us, and sometimes, we don’t get at all. But Amaju has been able to change all that, and I want football-loving Nigerians to look at his positive side. He has taken care of many ex-internationals, and it is a big plus for our football. In life, no one knows everything. There may be some mistakes somewhere, but the Amaju I know is ready to make amend for our football to grow bigger. Stopping him from continuing in office might affect us internationally because Amaju has placed Nigeria high at both the CAF and FIFA.
“Maybe, the area Amaju needs to concentrate more efforts is the Nigerian league, particularly the issue of officiating. I have taken my time to attend some of our league matches, and the main problem has been officiating. The local league is the bedrock of football in any country, and he needs to channel more energy into it. But he needs the support of all Nigerians to fix it,” Oruma stated.


Source: The Guardian

Wrong recruitment could be costly to your organisation. How employers can hire right

Making a hiring error could be very costly. Hiring cost consists of both recruitment and on-boarding costs. Apart from the direct recruitment costs, there are other ancillary and opportunity costs associated with new staff recruitment. These include cost of orientation and training of the new employees, medical and background checks, loss of executive time of the officers deployed to carry out the recruitment and on-boarding exercises, and drop in level of productivity while the new employee gets a grip of the job.  
Recruitment error has many undesirable side effects. In periods of high turnover, there is the cost associated with possible loss of customer loyalty and employee low morale. According to the findings of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM),  “direct replacement costs can reach as high as 50% to 60% of an employee’s annual salary, with total costs associated with turnover ranging from 90% to 200% of annual salary.”
The cost gets higher with the level of the vacant job. When the job requires special skills and significant level of academic qualification and experience, replacement costs could get to even beyond the 200% mark.
How can employers avoid this costly recruitment error? We present below some tips.Hire Slowly: Think of the damage to your organisation when you bring in a complete mismatch and get stuck with him or her for at least six probationary months. According to the Studer Group, “A survey of 610 CEOs by Harvard Business School estimates that typical mid-level managers require 6.2 months to reach their break-even points. So, just when the new employee is supposed to be well acquainted with the job you start all over again.
Be prepared: Some employers do not give sufficient thoughts to the right persons that fit the organisation. In contrast, many job seekers spend considerable amount of time, energy and resources learning the right interview skills and how to impress the interview panels so as to land that desired job. The result is that many interview sessions are a mismatch from the start – the very well prepared interviewees versus the ill-prepared interviewer. The recruiters would often be mesmerized and outsmarted by the carefully practiced and orchestrated interview tricks of the interviewees. So, nothing beats preparation. Human Resource Managers must ensure that only experienced managers with the right interview skills are members of interview panels. Periodic interview skills workshops should be organised for middle-level and senior managers. The interview panelists must be well guided on what to look out for and how to ask the right questions.


Apply structured interview: Apply the 3 x 3 x 3 rule that is, at least three interview sessions, in three different methods and at three different levels.  While the aptitude test and panel interview are the most common, you could use the problem-solving or group interview – here you observe the teamwork and collaboration skills of the candidates; the lunch or dinner interview where you test the candidate’s social and relational skills, or the on-the-job interview, where the candidates practically demonstrate their competency on the job.
Be aware of exaggerated resumes: According to a survey published in HR Focus of May 2000, 36 % of resumes of US job seekers contain false information, while 95% of American college students reported that they would lie to get a job. While the figures for Nigeria are not known, the experience of recruiters show that many Nigerian job seekers provide doctored curriculum vitae. Interviewers must look out for these distortions. Sometimes, background checks by reputable organisations could help.
Beware of Personal and Group Biases
: Sometimes, the interviewer’s personal bias on who the ideal candidate for the job should be affects his sense of judgement. This bias could come from the interviewer’s personal values and lifestyle which may not necessarily be in line with the organisation’s values. For instance, a candidate who belongs to the same social club or fitness club as the interviewer may get a more favourable consideration than others. Alma mater affinity has a similar effect. Group bias exists when there are dominant individuals in the panel who tend to influence the group think on the candidates. This defeats the essence of an interview panel where divergent opinions should lead to a stronger and well-considered consensus.
Beware of Recency Effect: Sometimes, the panel encounters a very strong candidate and is so impressed that the next candidate after him who may be equally good or even better is given little attention. This usually happens when the panelists are not guided by a defined competency framework and mapping, or when the panel members are inexperienced and hence easily bamboozled by the charm of a well-prepared candidate.
Finally, avoid the “Fit for Culture” Bias. It is right to hire for culture fit. Indeed, many organisations hire for culture fit. But, first, the culture of the organisation must be well defined, and all the panelists must be on the same page with the organisation on this definition.


Source: The Guardian 

Plateau Killings Shameful Projection of Nigeria’s Image, Says Kaigama

Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama

A former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Monday said the recent killings in Plateau State perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen is a shameful projection of Nigeria’s image.

Kaigama, who is on a working visit to Canada and the United States, said in a statement that the killings have continued to paint Nigeria negatively across the international community.

He said: “I am very far from Nigeria but the sad and bad news from Plateau State are not far from me. I hear that herdsmen are on the prowl again and there is bloodshed, murder of infants, youths, men and women in huge numbers in our beloved land of ‘peace and tourism’.

“The flagrant and despicable taking of human lives and the continued destruction to homes and means of livelihood is a disgrace to humanity and a shameful projection of a negative image of Nigerians.”

Kaigama explained that “the gruesome murders have robbed me of the enthusiasm, energy and pride with which I came to Canada and America”.

“I came boasting to the various audiences I had – whether in church prayer gatherings or discussion groups, at media interviews or during interactions with officials of Foreign Affairs Ministry, about the huge potentials in Nigeria and how even in the midst of violence caused either by Boko Haram, militant herdsmen or the yet to be identified ‘foreign invaders’, peace is very possible as we are determined to sustain the culture of civilised conduct and peace,” he said.

The archbishop added that while he is “still making frantic positive efforts for my country Nigeria, inhuman and diabolical killings have taken place in parts of Plateau State. What do I tell the friends I have convinced to come, the youths I interacted with telling them how beautiful Nigeria is?” He asked.

Source: This Day Newspaper

Again court grants Ex-NSA Dasuki bail

Sambo Dasuki

An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court (FHC) has again granted a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, bail with a bond of N100 million.
Mr Dasuki was arrested by operatives of the State Security Service in December 2015 and has remained in the detention facility of the secrete police since his arrest.
He is accused of masterminding the diversion of $2.1 billion from his former office. He is also accused of unlawful possession of firearms.
The former NSA is facing multiple charges for the alleged offences.
Various court orders for his release had been made which were not respected by the security operatives.
Mr Dasuki had also demanded the enforcement of his rights in various courts including the Economic Community of West Africa, Community Court which ordered his unconditional release in 2017. That order was also not respected by the Federal government.
In another fundamental right application, Mr Dasuki asked the FHC court to determine whether his detention for over two years was not in negation of his fundamental rights.
The court presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu delivered a judgement on the application on Monday and ordered the respondents to immediately release the defendant.
The court said Mr Dasuki’s bail bond would be N100 million and that the defendant should present two sureties in like sum
The sureties should either be civil servants of grade-level 16 or private citizens with landed properties within Abuja.


Source: Premium Times

Herdsmen killings: Why Buhari should address Nigerians – APC chieftain, Eyo Etim Nyong

Buhari

An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart in Cross River State and pioneer board member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation over herdsmen killings.
He said it was expedient that President Buhari spoke to Nigerians personally to reassure them of the steps put in place to confront the disturbing spate of insecurity and insurgencies in the country.
“There are several interpretations; some people see it as politically sponsored murders, others see it as a programme of Islamazation and some also see it as communal clashes that is just deepening, etc,” he said.
Speaking with newsmen in Calabar, Prof Nyong said “As far as I am concerned, I do not really know the true position, but I think, as a true Nigerian and a member of All Progressive Congress that want my party to win elections, what is happening and the way it is going around in the media is not in the best interest of my party.
“So, I support the idea that our leader and President of the country, the commander in chief of our armed forces, also being the chief security officer of this country, President Buhari should address the people and let the people know his own opinion on the matter and what strategy he has put in place or government has put in place to resolve the issue.”
He noted that “When President Buhari came into office and was determined to fight Boko Haram, we saw the actions that were put in place, and Nigerians need to see what actions are put in place to resolve this issue, so that we can restore the confidence of our people on APC. That is my main concern.
“Yes there could be compromises here and there, ethnic or religious compromises, but the government is independent, the government is for everybody, and the leader of the government has the right and the responsibility to speak out and say the mechanism he has put in place to resolve the issue and curb the situation. I am hoping that President Muhammad Buhari will do that soon.”


Source: Daily Post