Members of the Association of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos State, have pleaded with the abductors of the missing television presenter, Alhaji Razaq Gawat, to release him in the spirit of Ramadan.
The group said it was worried that his whereabouts remained unknown after he was declared missing.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Lekan Osiade, on Sunday.
It said, “We urge Gawat’s abductors to take pity on his family as they are lacking the fatherly care he gives them as the breadwinner.
“We plead for his release in the spirit of Ramadan as this would put smiles on the faces of his family members and Nigerians who benefit spiritually and materially from his programme.”
Also, many Islamic scholars and journalists on Sunday offered prayers at Ansar-ud-Deen Central Mosque, Ilorin, Kwara State prayed for Gawat.
The prayer was organised by the Muslim Media Watch Group and was led by Sheikh Yusuf Pakata.
Worried by increase in teenage pregnancies and rape, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and groups have taken sex awareness campaigns to schools in the state.
The ministry, the United Nations Population Fund and the Women’s Optimum Development Foundation at the commencement of the campaign in the state have therefore urged the pupils not to feel shy or afraid to report any case of rape and attempted one to the government.
At St. Agnes School, Yaba, last Friday, resource persons drawn from the ministry, UNFPA and WODEF advised the pupils to keep their bodies, warning them that a small amount of pleasure derived from sex could lead to a big mistake in their future.
They were further advised to avoid teenage pregnancies and to report people harassing them to the government.
Deputy Director, WAPA, Mrs. Adefunke Odutola, said the campaign was aimed at exposing the ills of teenage pregnancies and the consequences of rape.
She advised the pupils to remain steadfast in their focus, adding that many people had failed in life because of lack of direction.
She lamented that more than 20 per cent of maternal morbidity cases in Nigeria affected teenagers.
“As teenagers, sex should not occupy your minds. I want to let you know that sex could lead you to a big mistake that will torment you all through your lifetime,” Odutola added.
Senior Programme Officer, WODEF, Badejoko Fabamise, alerted the pupils to the dangers of sex such as contracting infection and getting unwanted pregnancies.
She urged them not to hesitate to report any segxwal harassment to their parents, adding that if their parents failed to act, they should report to the government.
Fabamise said, “In your own interest, do not indulge in premarital sex. Sex could ruin your future; that is why abstinence is important.
“At your age, sex should come last in your mind. All you need now is to have a fulfilled future and focus on your education.”
The Nigerian Navy in Calabar, Cross River State has destroyed about 1, 000 drums containing diesel and petrol worth over N100m allegedly siphoned from pipelines and stored in two warehouses in Ikang, headquarters of Bakassi Local Government Area.
One of the warehouses on the premises of Mic Akodof Nigeria Limited filing station, which is a few metres away from the temporary secretariat of the Bakassi LGA, incidentally has a checkpoint mounted by soldiers in front of it.
During the burning of the products, some Ikang youths protested, saying bunkering was their only way of surviving.
But the Commanding Officer, Nigeria Navy Ship Victory, Commodore Kingdom Itoko, who led the operation, on Friday said the Bakassi environment had become notorious for illegal bunkering, sea piracy, armed robbery and other economic sabotage.
Itoko said it was sad that some people engaged in economic sabotage, adding that having over 1,000 drums containing petrol and diesel illegally siphoned was inimical to the country’s economic development.
He added that the navy was ready to put to an end such illegal activities in compliance with the Chief of Defence Staff’s directive.
He regretted that some people were still indulging in bunkering despite the fact that Governor Liyel Imoke had on May 24, 2012, led a major operation that led to the arrest of some suspects and seizure of petroleum products.
“As the Commander of the naval base, NNS Victory, I am acting on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff that advised us to burn any illegal product discovered. Illegal bunkering in Nigeria is like piracy and other criminal activities,” he said.
Apart from a 20-year-old security man at the filing station, Aliu Isah, no other arrest was made.
Itoko, who expressed his disappointment that such an illegal operation was going on opposite an army post, said the owner of the filling station would soon be arrested.
He described the presence of the security operatives opposite the crime scene as “a clear conspiracy and connivance with security agencies and other constituted authorities.”
Itoko said his team would not rest until the place was rid of illegal activities, noting that “this is the first stage to show our level of seriousness. We will enter the sea, but the activities are done in the night but the navy under me doesn’t have the facilities to patrol the sea in the night.”
But one of the protesting youths, Etete Simeon, said, “They carried us and sold to us to Cameroon, this is the only business we have here, we are hungry, we are not happy. They should give us work.
“Cameroon gendarmes are not allowing us to fish, they maltreat us, and now government is maltreating us. The youth of this community are suffering. They have given out our oil wells.”
The Kogi State Army Commandant of Quick Respond Group Team, Maj. Gen. Alphonsus Chukwu, on Sunday said the team rescued no fewer than 300 human trafficking victims.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lokoja, he said the victims, who came from Benue State, were rescued along Itobe-Ajaokuta and Okene Road on Saturday during a ‘stop and search’ operation.
He added that the victims comprised children and adults both male and female.
Chukwu said the ages of the children ranged from 10 to 15 years while the adults were above 18 years, adding that they were heading to Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states.
He said many of them were incoherent when questioned while some said they were going to seek holiday jobs.
Chukwu said it was shocking when buses were stopped for search and over 300 passengers were heading for the same destination in suspicious circumstances.
On Friday, a human trafficking suspect, Mr. Sunday Agbo from Benue State, was arrested by the task force with 10 children comprising boys and girls.
During interrogation, Agbo allegedly said he had been in the trade for close to a decade.
He further claimed that the alleged trafficking was done with the consent of the children’s parents.
He said the parents were paid N5, 000 per child with the promise that their children would be assisted to secure jobs as house-helps in Lagos and other states.
An Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, has ordered the state Commissioner of Police to return N700,000 which was used as an exhibit within 30 days.
The money ought to have been given back to a man, Mr. Emeka Okeke, after he was discharged and acquitted in a case of arson.
At the hearing on Friday, Okeke‘s lawyer told the court that the police had yet to return the money despite the court’s previous directives.
Consequently, Chief Magistrate Christiana Adesola-Ikpatt ordered that the Inspector-General of Police, state Commissioner of Police and state Attorney-General be notified of the continued non-compliance.
“The Lagos State Commissioner of Police is required within 30 days to release the said N700,000 to Okeke or face sanction from this court,” Adesola-Ikpatt said.
The case was adjourned till August 27 for report of compliance.
Okeke was charged with arson in 2008 after his landlord, Adejare Apampa, reported him at Ikotun Police Station, Lagos, for allegedly burning down his house at 1, Olatoke Owoo Close, Ikotun.
Okeke’s apartment was also said to have been razed in the fire resulting in the loss of his property.
When the police searched the house, they discovered that Okeke had in his apartment, a safe containing N700, 000, which was not burnt in the fire.
The money was withheld as an exhibit in the case but a legal advice from the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice cleared Okeke of the crime.
Based on the advice, the case against Okeke was struck out and he was discharged. But the police held on to his money.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, Province 22 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has rehabilitated the toilets and constructed the first septic tank at Etunrere Primary School, a 66-year-old school in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The church also constructed two additional toilet rooms and renovated the old ones, bringing the total number of toilets to six.
The pastor in charge, John Aroyo, said during the inauguration of the project that lack of such facilities could cause disease outbreak and the church deemed it fit to improve the lives of pupils and teachers.
He said, “Due to the closeness of the school to our church, and because of the need to invest in the future of these children, we liaised with the pastor of the province, Olusegun Osunsan, who told us to go ahead with the project.
“After Etunrere Primary School, we will go on to Igbaga Primary School which has 800 pupils and has no toilet.
“We also inaugurated a borehole system at Akunwape Street, Ikorodu and by God’s grace we’ll continue to do more.”
Aroyo said Etunrere Primary School, which was founded in 1946, had only four toilets and no potable water.
The education secretary, Ikorodu LG Education authority, Mr. Taiwo Oduloye, thanked the church for the gesture and urged members of the public to emulate the church.
He said, “These new toilets and septic tank will improve the health of our pupils because they will neatly ease themselves without any problem. We’ll keep the toilets clean and maintain them.”
Also, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Spirit and Life Area, Mararaba has donated boreholes to Farin Ruwa community, Nasarawa State and Dutse Alhaji, Kubwa, Abuja.
The church also said it had concluded arrangement to build a maternity hospital to serve Farin Ruwa residents and reduce frustrations of pregnant women who pay exorbitant charges for antenatal service at private hospitals.
The Regional Pastor, RCCG Northern Province, Joseph Olaade, who commissioned the water project at Farin Ruwa on Sunday, described the gesture as the church’s corporate social responsibility to the community.
He said the project was part of the vision of the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, “who had the vision of the gospel of Jesus Christ which brings succour to life.”
Olaade in a short sermon said Jesus was concerned about people’s life, noting that his first miracle of turning water to wine at a wedding reflected this.
Speaking earlier, the provincial pastor, Adedoyin Titus, said the church had created an office to coordinate community projects that impact on people wherever the church is domiciled.
In a related development, RGCC, Lagos Province 29, on Sunday donated boreholes to Dalemo area of Alakuko and Daleko area of Alagbado in Lagos State.
The church said the project was part of its community development programmes aimed at giving back to the society.
Member, Corporate Social Responsibility Board of the province, Pastor Ropo Fabusuyi, said the church started the project after carrying out a needs analysis of the communities.
A resident of Alakuko, Rotimi Ogunmekan, said the water project would save them the stress of walking several miles to fetch water.
Renowned thief-catcher Ali Kwara has arrested a former army officer allegedly notorious for selling arms and ammunition to bandits and warring communities in Plateau State and other parts of the North.
Kwara told newsmen through telephone in Kano on Sunday he arrested the suspect (name withheld) in Zamfara State, where he (Kwara) is on an official mission to help check banditry.
He said some of the buyers of the weapons were also arrested.
He added that a Deputy Superintendent of Police was arrested with 1,000 ammunition.
Kwara alleged that the ex-soldier had been supplying arms to Fulani herdsmen.
He said seven other security operatives, which included an immigration officer, were arrested as a result of that operations, adding that among those arrested was a son to an ex-minister from Anambra State.
The hunter, who was appointed honorary adviser on security by the Inspector-General of Police about four years ago, claimed that the ex-army officer got his supplies from security agents.
Kwara named the areas where these weapons were used as Zamfara State as well as other troubled areas such as Plateau and as far as the Niger Delta states.
According to him, information reached him about the operations of the officer who was in possessions of deadly weapons.
He said in collaboration with the authorities the ex-soldier was arrested in possession with over 3,000 ammunition.
The hunter said, “There are some sold in Niger Delta while some are sold in Plateau State. The arrested ex-soldier has confessed to the selling of the weapons to both Christians and Muslims in Plateau. The thing has been turned into serious business. So far, we have arrested eight in Zamfara, four in Sokoto.”
He regretted that security operatives were involved in the dastardly business, stressing that a police officer serving in the Niger Delta was recently arrested based on information from him and his team.
“This will tell you how serious the whole thing has turned,” he said.
Kwara also revealed that a police orderly attached to a legislator was arrested for taking delivery of the illegal arms sent to the area.
Two policemen and a suspected Boko Haram member are believed to have died and several other policemen and civilians were injured when suicide bombers hit two police formations in Sokoto on Monday morning. Witnesses said the first blast targeted the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, killing two police corporals and injuring many others.
The second blast targeted Unguwar Rogo Police Station. The suicide bomber died at the Police Officers Wives Complex section of the station.
Former heads of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida have expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the country, saying “Nigeria is currently under fear and uncertainty.”
In a joint statement obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday, they warned that the consequences were capable of affecting the unity of the country.
They said the loss of innocent lives being experienced across the country was no longer bearable.
The two leaders said, “The loss of innocent lives by the day across the nation is simply unbearable.
“Currently, the nation is gripped by a regime of fear and uncertainty that virtually all citizens have difficulties going about their normal day-to-day activities with great anxiety and trepidation. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
They said unfolding events had posed threats to the labour of the nation’s founding fathers and subsequent generations in building a strong, united, peaceful country that can accommodate and cater for the needs and aspirations of our diverse communities.
Obasanjo and Babangida also lamented the untold hardship in the country.
They claimed that a deeply worrying trend that was emerging from this terrible situation was that a pervasive cynicism was beginning to set in, so much so that millions of true Nigerian patriots were starting to question the platform upon which the unity of the country rests.
However, they appealed to Nigerians not to allow frustration, fear and despair to supersede their hope for a collective destiny, which lies in their continued existence as a nation.
Both leaders declared that as for them, and some millions of other Nigerians, the continued unity of Nigeria was not only priceless but non-negotiable.
Their statement reads in part, “While we are very much aware of the efforts various governments in the country are making to confront the escalating security challenges across the country, we believe that it is time that these efforts are scaled up to be more involving and inclusive.
“In this regard, whatever robust security measures are put in place to contain the situation, as is normal in such circumstances; they must be complemented with an equally intensive process of community involvement.
“We therefore urge all governments in the country, starting with all the 774 local councils to comprehensively engage their communities at the various levels, including elders, youth organisations, trade union and associations, women bodies, clerics and other community stakeholders.
“We also call on the Federal and state governments not only to encourage these grass roots engagements for peace and beneficial coexistence but should work out the framework to sustain the engagement.”
They said that in all these efforts, it was important to emphasise that Nigeria’s diversity should be a course for celebration and not a cause for lamentations.
Both leaders, who recently abused each other on the pages of newspapers, however appealed to Nigerians to use the holy month of Ramadan to turn the tide against insecurity, violence and hatred.
They also appealed to religious leaders, in particular, to have an even greater challenge to use the immense virtues of this holy period to inculcate among the millions of citizens, the spirit of mutual respect, humility and forgiveness.
They furthermore revealed that ample opportunities were at hand to bring all armed belligerents to table for meaningful dialogue with the authorities for Nigerians’ future.
Obasanjo and Babangida added that no meaningful development could ever occur in an atmosphere of violence and hatred.
History, they said, had shown that any society built on the structures of violence and intolerance would not prosper.
While they said that God has blessed Nigeria with abundant resources and talents, they however said there must be peace and harmony to harness them.
They also said they were ready to do whatever was possible to promote the quest for peace and harmony in the country.
Blessing Patrick is a Nollywood actress,She’s one of the fast rising actresses to watch out for in Nollywood.
Please kindly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Blessing Patrick, from Cross River State. I’m an actress and a model based in Enugu.
What are you working on at the moment?
I just finished a movie with Ugo Ben production. I’m currently working on coming out the best in my chose career.
What’s the name of the movie you just finished and who directed it?
I don’t know the name of the movie yet, but the director’s name is Obinna Ukeje.
Names of movies you’ve featured in.
The prince’s world, masquerade dancer, kingdom of darkness, blast of the mafia, masquerade dancer, daughters of eve, sexy vampires, and some that are yet to be out.
Will you ever act Nood?
I can’t act Nood, because I’m an African lady, but I can act sexy and it’ll come out better than Nood.
Which part of your body is your biggest asset?
I have a sweet and lovely shape and boobs, at least that’s what my friends and viewers say. But for me, I believe my greatest asset is not in what they see but the grace from God abiding in me. Christ in me is the greatest asset I have.
The dirty politics that goes on in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is about to be taken to a higher level as the Party's National Chairman is said to be very angry with the way his son is being treated by the government over the fuel subsidy scam.
A credible source told that Bamangar Tukur "is not happy because he knows many other persons who corruptly enrich themselves within the Jonathan government are walking from but the government is making a public show of his own son, attracting insults to him".
Also, suspicion and rage simmered in the Niger Delta region on Friday, following statements credited to the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Sam Jaja, that President Goodluck Jonathan had committed blunders that required his impeachment.
Elders and activists from the oil rich Niger Delta region are furious that the PDP had tactically given the House of Representatives a backing to actualise its threat to impeach the president.
They were also suspicious that the national leaders of the party from the region might have been convinced to join the impeachment train.
Jaja had, while briefing journalists on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee last Thursday, said the PDP was aware that Jonathan had made some errors deserving of impeachment.
Jaja, who is from the same geopolitical zone with Jonathan, said: “It is not a fluke that they are not making any sense, it is not also a fluke that the President is making errors that require impeachment.”
gathered that Ijaw elders and activists were of the opinion that the national leadership of the PDP wanted the president removed from office. The President of the Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of Niger Delta, Prof. Kimse Okoko, described Jaja’s comments as “a conspiracy theory” and asked him to name the impeachable offences that Jonathan had committed.
Prof. Okoko said: “Coming from someone from the Niger Delta, it is a conspiracy theory. Let him tell us what the impeachable errors are. Unless he says so it will be unfair for him to come up with this conspiracy theory. It is an irresponsible statement because he has not mentioned the errors.”
Okoko who was the former President of the Ijaw National Congress said he was only aware that the lawmakers threatened to impeach the president if he failed to ensure 100 per cent implementation of the budget.
“I consider that reason unacceptable because there is hardly any country in the world where budgets are implemented to the tune of 100 per cent, especially in our country where budgets are determined by the proceeds of the oil we sell. To expect 100 per cent performance from Jonathan is mischievous”, he said.
Also a Niger Delta activist and Spokesperson, Ijaw Republican Assembly, Ankio Briggs, described the position of the party as shocking and horrifying, adding that it was more frightening coming from Jaja, who is from the Niger Delta region.
“It can now be categorically said that not only are there agitators within the nation from a particular zone to destabilise Jonathan’s government, there are people even from the Niger Delta zone and this is very frightening,” she said.
Sources in Abuja told that President Jonathan is aware of the grand conspiracy and he is also working with the likes of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President David Mark and a few others to reach out to House of Reps Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, to counter the move.
Mr. Abiloye Olutade Martins As part of its strategic contribution to the development of Ondo State, Jacob Abiloye Foundation is awarding scholarship of N1, 000,000 to 30 students of Ondo State origin in tertiary institutions across the country. Beneficiaries of this year’s scholarship scheme were drawn from Akoko South East Local Government comprising of Ipe, Isua, Ifira, Sosan and Epinmi towns in the state.
The scholarship award ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 28, 2012 at the Palace of Olupe of Ipe Land, Oba Francis Ola Apata. The scholarship award ceremony is one of the activities lined up for commemoration of this year’s Ipe day.
Speaking on the annual scholarship award scheme, Mr. Abiloye Olutade Martins, Chairman, Mart Signature Ltd said the that the scheme was instituted on behalf Chief Jacob Abiloye, his father, a community leader and philanthropist who is committed to the welfare of Ondo people and the socio-economic development of the State.
He added that the scheme which is in its 7th year has supported the education of over 400 students and lifted manpower development as some of the beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme are now gainfully employed and contributing to the growth of the state.
On the qualifying criteria, Mr. Martins Abiloye said that students only need to demonstrate brilliance and commitment to academic excellence which will be evidenced by the quality of their academic performance while stressing the fact that it must be evident the that the student is lacking in financial support to enable them draw from the scholarship scheme.
According to Martins Abiloye, “If these criteria are not there, the essence of the scholarship scheme will be defeated because we seek to promote socio-economic balance in the society by supporting underprivileged students who have shown evidence mental resourcefulness”.
Over the past 7 years, Jacob Abiloye Foundation has spent over N15 million on its annual scholarship scheme. This year’s edition of the scheme will gulp N1, 000,000; with each of the 30 receipts collecting N30, 000.00 each. Also, donation of books in the sum of N100, 000.00 will be made to neighbouring pre-secondary level institutions to encourage the culture of reading.
Golden girl Blessing Okagbare, D’Tigers and the Top Nigerians to watch at London 2012
In the absence of any of the Nigerian football teams at the Olympics, Naijapals presents to our readers the major individuals that will fly the country’s flag this summer When Nigeria’s male and female football teams both failed to qualify for the London 2012 games that officially kick off on Friday July 27, little did one know that it was a blessing in disguise. It is the first time in a long while that Nigerian football will be missing at the Olympics. However, that seeming failure has become a harbinger of good for other sports and athletes that would be participating in the games. It has ensured a shift in focus to other disciplines that were usually overlooked and underfunded in the past.
Perhaps the biggest of them is the success of the country’s male basketball team, D’Tigers in securing a first-ever Olympic place. Basketball will be the only team event that Nigeria will take part in during the Games of the XXX Olympiad.
In this article, Naijapals gives a profile of five of the main Nigerian challengers for Olympic medals this summer.
JONATHAN AKINYEMI (CANOEING)
Yes, I know many people said – canoe-what? If you didn’t know, now you do. Nigeria will present her first-ever athlete for the K1 men’s slalom during this summer’s games so don’t you go changing the channel when the event comes up. You just might miss Jonathan Akinyemi, the non-Ijaw man who has mastered the temperament of white waters.
Akinyemi won Africa’s sole slalom ticket in South Africa in February by defeating Togolese Benjamin Boukpeti, who won a bronze medal in the Beijing 2008 games. So now you know that Akinyemi is the stuff of legends. The 23 year-old, who was born in the United Kingdom, funded his way through most of qualifying but is now a proud member of Team Nigeria and a veritable medal hopeful. He has said that he sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night only to realise that he has qualified to participate in the Olympics and he laughs out loud.
CHIKA CHUKWUMERIJE (MEN'S TAEKWONDO)
Be-spectacled Chika Chukwumerije will go into his third Olympic tournament with the sole aim of claiming a gold medal in the men’s +80kg Taekwondo event. Having won bronze at Beijing 2008, Chukwumerije will surely be expecting to achieve a higher feat with his remarkable ability to compete on the biggest stage.
The 28 year-old has been consistently inching his way up the martial arts ladder and will be a veritable medal hope for Team Nigeria as the games start. Chukwumerije has a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. His father is a senator in the National Assembly.
D'TIGERS (MEN'S BASKETBALL)
When the basketball team of Nigeria qualified for the London 2012 games seemingly out of the blues, it was an acknowledgement that the game was finally getting its due. No one at home gave them a chance but the team proved that it was worth its Olympic ticket by defeating world top 5 countries Greece and Lithuania in the qualifying tournament in Venezuela.
At last, Nigeria’s big men will have the opportunity of strutting their stuff on the biggest stage of all. Do not be surprised if they come out with a medal against all odds, these guys have bonded together and they know what it means to win now. Just like the frenzy was on Twitter when they picked the ticket against the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago, names like Tony Skinn, the Al-Farouk brothers – Alade and Aminu, Derrick Obasohan, Ade Dagunduro, Ike Diogu and Olumide Oyedeji would become the new Nigerian youth role models.
It is a jolly good time it is to be a basketball fan. Expect big games against America's NBA stars, Argentina, Tunisia, France and Lithuania.
BLESSING OKAGBARE (WOMEN'S 100M, LONG JUMP, 4X100M RELAY)
Nigeria’s golden girl, Blessing Okagbare is hitting peak form at the right moment. Okagbare is Team Nigeria flag bearer for the opening ceremony and the only track athlete to have won an individual medal from the Beijing 2008 games where she jumped to a bronze medal.
Okagbare has come a long way since her Beijing performance as she has taken her game to a whole new level becoming an important role model to female athletes just like Mary Onyali was in her prime. This season, Okagbare has won back to back Diamond League meetings where she defeated Olympic and World champions Shelley Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica and America’s Carmelita Jeter with her best of 11.01s. If she keeps up this form, the darling of the corporate world would definitely make a podium finish in the 100m. She will also hope to improve on her long jump where she has gotten a 6.96m lift this season, better than her bronze-winning 6.91m effort.
Okagbare will also be part of the women’s 4X100m relay alongside Damola Osayomi, Gloria Asumnu, Lawreta Ozoh and Christy Udoh.
TOSIN OKE (MEN'S TRIPLE JUMP)
At first Tosin Oke competed for Great Britain where he was born 31 years ago. However, in 2008 he switched back allegiance to Nigeria after he was dropped from the British team that participated at the World Championships in Osaka in 2007. Oke has since gone on to establish himself as a world class athlete by dominating the African space.
In 2010, Oke won gold medals at the African Championships in Kenya and the Commonwealth Games in India. Last year he won gold at the All Africa Games in Mozambique and just a few weeks ago he retained his African Championship title in Porto Novo with a jump of 16.98m. he will be up against Christian Taylor of the United States who has the world leading jump of 17.63m and homeboy Phillips Idowu.
Hahahahahahahaha but they're fat and fast enough to beat us 5-0
The opening ceremony hasn't even got underway but the Olympic air is already bristling with the beginnings of the first 2012 Games cat fight.
And women's football is the battleground.
Following his team's 5-0 defeat by the Brazilians on Wednesday, the Cameroon coach Enow Ngachu has criticised their South American opponents for being overweight. The Brazilian Women's football team who apparently are 'the best team in the world' but also 'heavy' looking
The Brazilian Women's football team who apparently are 'the best team in the world' but also 'heavy' looking
Speaking after the match in Cardiff, Ngachu told the Telegraph: 'Brazil are the favourites and they have nearly all the best players in the world...but there are other quality teams in this tournament, like North Korea and the USA. Brazil need to improve their defensive system and their players look a bit heavy to me – that might be a problem for them as well.'
In a shocked response to his rival's criticism, the Brazilian women's coach Jorge Barcellos replied with: 'As for the players being too heavy, they all work hard on their body fat and they move quickly enough and are playing very well. Brazil striker Marta celebrates after scoring the third goal from a penalty
Brazil striker Marta celebrates after scoring the third goal from a penalty
'I know we are going to play better and better and that’s the only answer everyone needs to know.'
The dispute comes in the wake of several recent incidents in which female Olympic athletes have been publicly criticised for their bodyshapes.
The Australian Olympic team chief slammed a newspaper as 'disgraceful' for describing a triple-gold medallist as overweight just two days before the start of London 2012. Ngachu Enow, Head Coach of the Cameroon Women's Olympic Football Team called his rivals 'heavy'
Ngachu Enow, Head Coach of the Cameroon Women's Olympic Football Team called his rivals 'heavy'
Swimmer Leisel Jones's physique was targeted in the Melbourne Herald Sun, which suggested she may be out of shape as she prepares for her fourth Olympics.
The paper questioned whether the 26-year-old fits into her swimsuit as well as she did four years ago, while a poll asked readers whether she is fit enough to compete.
On the British team, teenage weightlifter Zoe Smith was the target of internet trolls this week who branded her a 'bloke' and 'lesbian.'
Swimmer Rebecca Adlington endured similar cyber bullying which forced her to quit the social networking site.
Hope of an end to the friction between President Goodluck Jonathan and the House of Representatives brightened on Friday with the decision of the President to bow to some of the demands made by the lower legislative chamber.
Feelers from the two meetings the President has held with the Speaker of the House of Reps, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, in the past one week revealed that the President decided to yield some grounds to the lawmakers because of what a Presidency source called his “deep concern for the nation’s political stability.”
The lawmakers had been at daggers drawn with the President over what they termed an uninspiring implementation of the 2012 budget and the contempt of the executive for resolutions and bills passed by them.
The friction got to a head last week when they gave the executive up till the end of September to implement the budget 100 per cent, failing which they would launch impeachment proceedings against the President.
The implementation of the budget is now expected to be fast-tracked while the President is also said to have demanded a fresh, comprehensive report from the Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the controversial recall of the D.G. of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh.
"Mr. President believes that while he is addressing insecurity in the country, his administration should not give room for political instability... I can tell you that he will address some of the issues tabled by the House. Some of the bills awaiting assent may be signed next week, although he will be taking them one by one on merit. Any of the bills which requires fine-tuning may be returned to the National Assembly after mutual consultations.
“The President has also taken steps to pacify the Senate which is also aggrieved by non-implementation of some resolutions, especially the Report of its Committee on Privatization. There may be action on reports from the National Assembly on BPE, SEC and Pension scam.
“If not for the maturity of the Senate President, David Mark, the relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly would have been worse," a Presidency source revealed. You might also like:
Whoever described Nigerians as rare species of human beings must have had a lot in mind, especially our ability to pick on seemingly unimportant issues and make a buzz of it, which is typical of all Nigerians, irrespective of their social status, economic or educational back ground.
A first class of this ‘talent’ was displayed on the night of Friday, July27, 2012 during the opening ceremony of the on-going Olympics games in London, U.K. Patriotic Nigerians had taken to social media to rant about their expectations regarding the costumes, the arrangement and the spectacle expected of the convoy, all of which didn’t seem pleasing to them, as expressed in subsequent tweets and comments, which of course is another reason Nigerians are rare, as things rarely impress or appeal them.
Although the parade lasted for less than five minutes, it continued for hours on the micro blogging site, Twitter and like vultures on a carcass, each person pecked off a part of the parade and feasted on it. While some complained about the presence of the white guy who dared to be a part of the black train, others picked on the First Lady for failing to act like her American counterpart, who showed up to give support to her fellow Nationals. The excited woman who danced so hard, apparently trying to enjoy her few minutes of fame, was not spared for putting too much energy in her ‘ibo-istic’ dance so was the guys who had on dark shades, something most condemned as a fashion mis-rep.
I watched with mixed feelings as Nigerians shared a joke of common interest and felt unmoved about it. While a part of me felt aggrieved and wanted to sanction my colleagues for making such derogatory comments, I thought it wise to be happy for in a long time, Nigerians can share a joke together and not the usual complaints, mourning and fear that has engulfed the entire Nation in recent times, courtesy of the plane crash, economic hardship and not forgetting the Boko Haram sect, who seem to have taken a break, apparently because of the Rammadan period.
There is always a cause to smile in every situation which perhaps, was why Nigerians reacted in such manner. Here are some tweets that may interest you.
‘#OlympicCeremony Once this is all done, Team Nigeria is gonna overstay their visit. You already know’ DIABLO @Madmo95 tweeted.
‘If they did #OlympicCeremony in Nigeria .. Nepa would take light and arm robbers would rob the crowd sharp sharp’ @JabzUk .
‘#olympicsnigeria: ’9ja no dey carry last!’ Nigeria is out in colourful white green attire waving flags’ @vanguardngrnews, tweeted
‘It’s only Nigeria who will come out in sunglasses… At 11:30pm’ @Tayo tweeted.
‘Nah do you think people in Nigeria are gonna understand this shit. They’ll just switch off the tv and continue eating eba #OlympicCeremony’ @CreamYaSkin wrote
‘Shout out to Nigeria again for that live entrance at #olympicceremony lol.. They’re like the only people that danced’ @IRAOLA wrote
‘Nigeria came to the #OlympicCeremony with that green and white swag!!! #Representing’ Way @TearDroppTune tweeted
As Nigeria participates in the 2012 Olympic Games, which started on Saturday, July 27, 2012, with elaborate pomp and pageantry, we bring to you the full list of Team Nigeria.
The Team, with a total of 116 members, comprises 55 athletes, 12 coaches, 29 administrators officers, 9 medical officials, 5 contingent officials and 6 secretariat officials.
Nigeria will be featuring in 8 games, namely basketball, table tennis, athletics, weightlifting, canoe slalom, boxing, wrestling and taekwondo.
Below is a list of all the members of Team Nigeria.
CANOEING 1. Jonathan Peter Akinyemi - K1 Slalom 2. Ebenezer Ukwunna – Coach 3. Olubunmi Oluode - Admin. Personnel 4. Rear Adm. Festus Porbeni - Team Leader
TABLE TENNIS
Male 1. Aruna Quadri 2. Segun Toriola
Female 1. Edem Offiong 2. Olufunke Oshonaike
Officials 1. Nosiru Bello - Coach 2. Richard Edem - Coach 3. Segun Oguntade – Admin. Personnel 4. Alhaji Kayode Omotose Team Leader
TAEKWONDO 1. Chika Chukwumerije - +80 kg 2. Isa Mohammed - -68 kg 3. Keum Silwan - Coach 4. Carl Lewis Langan - Coach 5. Chinedu Ezealah - Admin. Personnel 6. Chief Jonathan Nnaji - Team Leader
WEIGHTLIFTING 1. Ekpo Felix Cobham – 77kg 2. Usman Maryam (Female) – +75kg 3. Patrick Bassey – Coach 4. Uche Onwumeh - Admin. Personnel 5. Mr. Chimdi Ejiogu – Team Leader
Officials 1. Daniel Igali – Coach 2. Olumide Bamiduro – Admin. Personnel 3. Chief Austin Edeze – Team Leader
CONTINGENT OFFICIALS 1. Malam Bolaji Abdullahi - Hon. Minister of Sports & Leader of Delegation 2. Mr Sani Ndanusa - President Nigeria Olympic Committee 3. Chief Patrick Ekeji – Chef de Mission 4. Hon. Babatunde Popoola – Secretary General, NOC 5. Mr Alhassan Yakmut - Deputy Chef de Mission
MEDICAL TEAM 1. Dr Abdulkadir Mu’azu - Team Doctor & Head Medical 2. Dr Hirekaan Lazarus -Team Doctor 3. Dr. Ibrahim Gyaran - Team Doctor 4. Dr Ken Anugweje - Team Doctor 5. Mr Oladipo Odunuga - Physiotherapist 6. Mr Ekundayo Ogunkule – Physiotherapist 7. Mr Kayode Abdulsalam – Physiotherapist 8. Miss Judith Enebe – Physiotherapist 9. Mrs Nneka Eze – Nurse
Goodday Naija Gossip,My name is Steve,I reside in Agbor,Delta state.I have been staying as a tenant in this house for two years now.I use to have a good job not until I lost it few months back which made me to be owing house rent.My wife is a petty trader and her income is not sufficient enough to feed the family talkless of paying the house rent.My Landlady is aware of our condition and she has been very nice to me and my wife,not until recently when she started making segxwal advances to me.I have never cheated on my wife ever since we have been married for four years now and we are blessed with twins.But now,my condition is very critical,my Landlady promised to raise me money for any business I will like to do and to forget about the house rent only if I yield to her advances.Am so confused,am scared to discuss this with my wife.Please advice me,what should I do?
Are you ready Nigeria? The Malta Guinness low sugar work out with Arsenal football club will take place tomorrow 29th of July, 2012, at the ballroom of Eko hotel, Lagos. Four Arsenal players are in town but only invited guests will get the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet them tomorrow. The clip above is a message from Arsenal players, Bacary Sagna. Watch!
Dakore Egbuson Akande who a lot of us thought has quit acting is back. She recently featured in a movie titled Journey to Self. A source however said the actress is back and even better. Other actors in the new movie include Kalu Ikeagwu, Nse Ikpe Etim, Ashionye Ugboh-Racah, Femi Jacobs, Toyin Sido, Catherine Edoho and was directed by Tope Oshin Ogun (Tinsel).
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