Still on NYSC’s N4, 000, By Ubong Ekott

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, recently announced a new fee for intending corps members, with a stipulation that newly enlisted graduates pay N4, 000 for online call-up letters in what the agency has termed “computerised mobilisation”. That novel process, enabled by a private firm, SIDMACH Technologies Nigeria Limited, in a Public Private Partnership, PPP, no doubt will eliminate the rigour of travel to schools for letters, a point duly highlighted by Anthony Ani, NYSC’s director, Corps Mobilisation.
The NYSC’s explanation—most recently by its director general, Johnson Olawumi — that the payment is optional, has not turned off a wave of criticisms from Nigerians who understandably view the policy exploitative. Widespread concerns have found fillip in the agency’s conflicting explanations on what purpose the new charge will exactly serve.
While Mr. Ani and the DG said the amount defrays the cost of printing the call-up letters, Olubunmi Aderibigbe, NYSC’s director, Press and Public Relation, told Nigerians the amount would enhance the “operation and provision of infrastructural facilities in all NYSC camps and its 37 secretariats and offices in the 774 local governments nationwide”.
The decision to computerize the mobilization procedure, a supposedly simple process tangled for years by needless bureaucracy, should no doubt be encouraged. Yet, as promising as it appears, a N4, 000 price tag pricks not a few in a country where poverty remains prevalent and income is fleeting and difficult to come by. The claim by the NYSC that the policy will remove the risk in travelling long distances for call-up letters, is scrappy at best. This is so because corps members will still be saddled with traveling even longer and more perilous distances to their orientation camps across the country.
If military and paramilitary interns are not billed to maintain their training camps, why should NYSC members be asked to do so? And, speaking of infrastructure at the camps, what exactly does that entail? The NYSC has also claimed the money would be used in providing internet access at the camps. Great idea! But at what cost would that be relative to the charge per corps member. For an agency with capital budget outlay less than a single percent of its entire spending plan, NYSC should seek innovative ways to raise more funding if it ever finds vital programmes to pursue. It should refrain from imposing irrelevant charges on young graduates and their suffering sponsors.
In a nation where scandals compete to outflank another, there is a likelihood of promoters of this policy holding back for criticisms to abate only to forge on. What is clear regardless, is that NYSC will find no justification for this new drive, not even its so-called Public Private Partnership. The idea of PPP in Nigeria, as with other innovative models-gone-awry, has become a bogus cover for dubious government officials who attempt to trump common sense when caught in questionable deals. Suffice here is the fatal Immigration recruitment overseen early this year by the Interior Minister, Patrick Abba Moro. As it became clear, Mr. Moro singlehandedly engineered the tragically flawed process of employing more than half a million unemployed Nigerians by charging each applicant a thousand naira each even when he knew there were no jobs to offer. The minister claimed PPP with a company called Drexel Nigeria Limited. The company pocketed nearly a billion naira while at least 15 of the applicants died in avoidable stampedes across the country.
Mr. Moro has remained a key cabinet member despite the outrage that followed. Worse, he has been accused in a recent PREMIUM TIMES’ report of conniving with a private firm, Greater Washington Limited, in a phoney National Passport delivery service designed to defraud unsuspecting passport applicants. Again, the minister rehashed the well-known theme of “cutting edge technology and Public Private Partnership”.
The investigations by the House of Representatives into this new fee, is welcome. The House should clearly establish the essence of the N4, 000. Overall, whatever new plans there is should not disregard the primary aim of the NYSC created in 1973 by the Gowon regime, which was to promote cultural exchange and inter-ethnic reintegration after the civil war. If the agency has outlived this purpose, let its establishment law be reviewed.
A new NYSC should present young graduates yet another opportunity to skim off some value and marketable skill for themselves after passing through a scruffy university system. Instead of expecting pecuniary gains, NYSC should seek to complement the formal education system by helping in transforming youth in their care into entrepreneurs instead of job seekers.

FASHOLA SWITCHES ON 11.8 KILOMETRE PUBLIC LIGHTING ON IKORODU ROAD, MURTALA MOHAMMED WAY, YABA

 Appeals to residents to take ownership and protect the public asset for the benefit of all
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, Monday evening switched on an 11.8 kilometre stretch of public lighting covering from Ikorodu Road to Iddo via Jibowu and Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba even as he appealed to residents to take ownership of the asset.
The project, which consists of 11.8 kilometres of public lighting, is broken into two sections with one section consisting of 1.2 kilometres from Ikorodu Road to Jibowu while the second consists of 10.6 kilometres on Murtala Mohammed Way (from Jibowu to Iddo). It brings to a total of 410 kilometres of roads so far lit up in the City by the Government in the last three years.
In his remarks shortly after performing the ceremony, Governor Fashola also appealed to motorists who ply the roads to obey the State’s Traffic laws especially by not driving against traffic saying by driving against traffic they not only endanger their lives but those of other road users.
The Governor, who said the switching on ceremony marked the end of the construction work in the area, added, however, that it also marks the commencement of maintenance works to make sure that the road stays in good state of repair.
He appealed particularly to communities around the project area including churches, schools, Railway Compound as well as others who pass through the roads to treat the infrastructure as a public asset adding, “It belongs to you”.
“The lighting, I believe, will help this place on a daily basis. At nights, it will make security better, it will also improve the night economy in this community”, the Governor said.
Aside providing jobs for a total of 89 people made up of 56 technicians, 12 painters, 10 welders, eight engineers and three supervisors, the project has increased the amount of functioning public lighting within the State to 410 kilometres while it signifies Government’s continued commitment to light up the City ‘Pole to Pole’.
Other major highways that have benefited from the Public Lighting project in the last three years include Gbagada Expressway, Carter Bridge, Iju Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Marina Road (Badagry) and Alhaji Masha ( Surulere), among others.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the General Manager of Lagos State Electricity Board, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, thanked Governor Fashola and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as well as the State’s Electricity Board for their roles in bringing the project to a successful conclusion adding that the lighting has connected Ikorodu Road all the way to Iddo.
Present at the colourful ceremony were Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engineer Taofeek Tijani, his Finance counterpart, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mrs. Iyabo Obasa and a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Emmanuel Olowo among other top Government functionaries.

Why Jonathan May Win Again In 2015

Now it is official; the worst kept secret in Nigeria has finally been confirmed. Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is going to contest the 2015 Presidential Election. He has obviously accepted the honour of being nominated as the sole Presidential Candidate of the PDP. Apparently this has been a very difficult decision for Mr Jonathan. Having received endorsements from many important stakeholders, Mr President still put the interests of Nigeria above his personal ambition. The maturity with which he handled his declaration and the timing is very commendable and should be seen as the hallmark of a Statesman. As was announced by the Dr Haliru Bello led Presidential declaration Committee, President Jonathan will officially make the much anticipated declaration on the 11th of November 2014.
Sentiments aside, a great majority of Nigerians believe that Mr. Jonathan has performed creditably well under very difficult circumstances as to deserve another shot at the Presidency. One good turn deserves another. It is evident that Mr. Jonathan has exhibited great leadership and statesmanship so far. There are many reasons Jonathan should continue, but because of the limited space available to me I have narrowed my reasons to a few.
My first reason is that Nigeria has recorded remarkable economic growth under President Jonathan. Only a few Months ago, Nigeria overtook South Africa as the Continent’s largest economy after it overhauled its gross domestic product data for the first time in more than two decades.
According to verifiable figures for 2013, released by Nigeria’s statistics bureau, Nigeria’s GDP hit $503bn (£307bn) – nearly double previous estimates and well ahead of South Africa at around $350bn.
This pushed Nigeria up 12 places to become the 24th largest economy in the world – at par with Poland and Belgium and ahead of Argentina, Austria and Iran. This is a huge achievement. For the past two decades, South Africa remained the largest economy in Africa. This development was not achieved overnight. It was a result of the direct dynamic approach of the President in terms of greater investment in entrepreneurship and private sector participation.
The anticipated resultant effect of this is the attraction of more foreign investment to Nigeria. It is also a development that would motivate local investors to invest in Nigeria. The Diasporas also have been boosted by this development so in the coming Months Nigeria would receive greater local and international attention in terms of investment.
My second reason is that President Jonathan has recorded significant improvements in the power sector, backed up with greater roads and infrastructural development. The bold privatization of the defunct NEPA paved way for improved power supply in Nigeria. Most Nigerians can confirm that although we do not have power supply round the clock, however there has been a commendable improvement. There has been also greater road rehabilitation in Nigeria like the Lagos-Benin Road, the ongoing second Niger Bridge etc. President Jonathan has also commenced the mega railway project that has the capacity of linking our important Cities through functional and affordable railway system. This government has also commissioned many new schools especially in the North of Nigeria aimed at bringing education to the door steps of the commoners.
Thirdly this administration has pursued a robust foreign policy since inception. Nigeria which previously lagged behind in the comity of nations, has now assumed her rightful position as a leader in the international community. The recent successful hosting of the World economic summit is a testament to this. Nigeria under President Jonathan has been a dynamic force in Africa and beyond. Nigeria has been leading the peacemaking initiatives in the West African sub region, with our troops deployed in Mali, Liberia and beyond. Nigeria’s partnerships with our international allies like the UK, US and France have deepened and improved under the Jonathan led administration.
The number four reason is the need for continuity and stability in our democracy. Having made tremendous progress as discussed above, there is an important need for continuity in order to sustain these achievements. In developing Countries, change of governments usually comes with drastic change of policies and reckless abandonment of ongoing projects. We cannot afford to start afresh all over again. What is needed is a sustained initiative and a planned change of government after another four years. Furthermore having a new government with new projects and policies may cause confusion and instability, and if not well handled may scare away investors. Other democratic institutions like the Judiciary and Legislature are also growing and maturing under the Jonathan led administration. This is largely due to the independence and freehand accorded other institutions by the President. The President believes in the doctrine of the separation of powers in deeds and words and as such never interferes with other arms of government.
Similarly the Jonathan led administration has contributed immensely to the political development of Nigeria and has strengthened democratic institutions. Due to the respect and independence he accords other Organs of Government, there has been increased development and efficiency in the functioning of these other institutions, especially the Legislature, The Judiciary and the INEC. The usual rift between the Executive and the Legislature as was seen in fourth Republic, has been reasonably erased because of the positive attitude of the President. Also the President has enjoyed a good working relationship with the Vice President because he doesn’t undermine the office and the person of the Vice President, quite unlike the Cat and Mouse relationship that existed between the President and the Vice President in the previous dispensation. Also to further strengthen our democratic governance the President successfully convened the National Conference which has concluded deliberations and made some important recommendations. Unlike the previous Conference which hit the rock because of the widespread belief that there was a hidden agenda of tenure elongation (3rd term) underneath it, this Conference was given a freehand by the President and there was no personal interest of the President that was inserted in the recommendations. The recommendations are presently awaiting Parliamentary approval.
Furthermore, another important reason Jonathan should continue is that he is a democrat in all ramifications. He has a history of zero violence and aggression since he began his political career. Those who know Jonathan very well can confirm that he totally abhors violence in any shape or form. Even some elements of the opposition can attest to the democratic disposition of the President. President Jonathan’s tolerance of the opposition is unprecedented in the annals of Nigeria. The history of Nigerian politics since independence has been associated with brutal suppression of the opposition. Going down memory lane, in the first republic, the leader of the opposition, the much respected Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his supporters were harassed and imprisoned, obviously to suppress and cripple the opposition. Many neutral observers saw this as a form of political persecution. In the second republic, this dangerous trend continued. The ruling NPN was not liberal at all. The Party attempted to monopolize power in Nigeria through intimidation and harassment of opponents. The attempt to capture all States by all means including the Ondo State Gubernatorial election “victory” of 1983 which caused uproar in Ondo state, contributed significantly to the demise of the second republic. The fourth republic witnessed the worst brutality and suppression of the opposition, accompanied by widespread politically motivated assassinations, some unresolved till date. The climax was in 2004 in Anambra State where a sitting governor was abducted, allegedly on the orders of the NAVIGATOR. But today, members of the opposition can sleep with two eyes closed, thanks to the liberality of the President. The President has a non violent body language which connotes peace. Today many opponents throw personal abuses and insults at the President without facing any consequences. Many African leaders wouldn’t take personal insults and abuses from the opposition or anybody for that matter. In the recent past this would have been unthinkable. Those critics who think the President is weak should realize that it takes strength of character to absorb insults and abuses without negative reactions. To his credit, there has been no politically motivated assassinations till date. Friends and Foes agree that Mr. President cannot “hurt” a fly. Similarly the President has supervised fairer elections than his predecessors. Many States today are controlled by the opposition. In fact it is on record that opposition parties have won more elections under President Jonathan than under all previous dispensations put together. This can be attributed to the democratic inclination of the President. It is now possible for opposition parties to win Elections in Nigeria because the President usually provides a level playing field for all Parties and Contestants, and does not interfere with the Constitutional duties of INEC. This is the first time we have a President ready to bend over backwards to accommodate the opposition, who is not power drunk and who continuously displays humility, magnanimity and forgiveness. He has reasonably erased the do or die politics of the past.
Again, victory for Jonathan is victory for the Common Man. Jonathan can be said to be the first Commoner from a humble beginning to emerge President. The political elites have dominated politics in Nigeria from time immemorial. It doesn’t matter if they are from the North or South, Christians or Muslims. The elites had always been in power in Nigeria. Jonathan emergence was an act of God which no mortal envisaged. Therefore ordinary and working class Nigerians must ensure that the elites do not bully Jonathan out of office. At the moment the elites have united with the sole purpose of recapturing power for themselves and their descendants. By their antecedents we shall know them. They are using sensitive issues like insurgency and insecurity to blackmail the President. Some of these self acclaimed Statesmen have refused to condemn Boko Haram and its barbarity. But they are very quick to condemn the President with the intention of making political gains out of tragic events. Posterity will judge them. Mr. Jonathan is doing well under extremely difficult circumstances. He does not believe in the ODI style. He believes in cautious, humane and intelligence led operations. Nigerians should not be fooled by the antics of these desperate folks. No single godfather owns Nigeria. Nigeria belongs to us all. Therefore we are all equal stakeholders and the will of the majority must prevail.
Similarly Jonathan is the first minority to be elected President. Therefore Jonathan represents hope for the down trodden and minorities in Nigeria. From independence the major ethnic groups dominated politics in Nigeria. It was unimaginable then to have a minority as President. Today we have a minority as President on a platter of gold. Added to this is that the South-South region where Jonathan comes from accounts for over 90% of the resources Nigeria has been using to run for over four decades now. Strangely Jonathan is the first President from this region. It would be a good idea to allow Jonathan govern Nigeria with our support. Jonathan can do better with our support and cooperation. Those opposed to his ambition based on the so called unwritten agreement should realize that Nigeria and her Constitution are greater than any parochial arrangements. Unless we see the transcript of the said agreement we cannot take it on board. In any case our Constitution supersedes every other narrow consideration.
Moreover another four years of Jonathan would mark the beginning of the end of the era of godfatherism in Nigerian politics. The so called godfathers in our national political life have held Nigeria to ransom, without rhyme or reason. They place unrealistic and unreasonable demands on the incumbents. The first battle Jonathan fought was to liberate himself from his so called godfather which he has successfully and bravely done. The next four years would give the President the opportunity to level all inequalities and provide a level playing field for all Nigerians, to enable eligible candidates contest and win elections without depending on godfathers.
Another important reason we should re-elect President is because of the lack of a credible alternative. Opposition in Nigeria has weakened due to the absence of a defined ideology. We have seen members of the opposition jump from party to party without any ideological framework. The only constant feature is the lust for power. As a result we do not have a formidable opposition that can make a difference politically.
The recent merger of several Political Parties to form the All Progressive Congress (APC) was received warmly with great expectations. At last the vibrant opposition has arrived! So we thought! How wrong we were! Most Nigerians expected a strong opposition that would mobilize Nigerians behind them. We expected an opposition devoid of pettiness and cheap blackmail. We expected an opposition that would be defined by principles and ideals. We expected an opposition that would present a clear cut, well defined, and practicable alternative to the present. We expected a credible opposition based on principles. To say the APC dashed our hopes is an understatement. APC missed the opportunity to stand out as the new national umbrella. All we hear is ” Give us Power”. But what are you going to do differently? What are your plans? Nigerians need to know what agenda you have before they give you power. The PDP has been in power since 1999. As expected some Nigerians have some reservations on the performance of PDP. This is not unexpected considering the fact that the Party has been in power for fifteen years now. But the pertinent question is, what will APC do differently? APC has refused to tell Nigerians what they have in stock for us. Instead they are over driven by the lust for power without a defined agenda. Mere criticizing the incumbent without proffering solutions is grossly inadequate. What Nigerians are waiting to hear is the action plan of APC. Does any Nigerian know how the opposition would tackle this insurgency? Does anyone know their plans to create jobs? Does anyone know their plans to fight corruption? What about Education, Power, Healthcare? The list is endless. If the opposition wants to be taken seriously by Nigerians, first it needs to go back to the drawing board and define the agenda. Then communicate the agenda to Nigerians and allow Nigerians to decide who governs them in a free and fair election. At the moment the present opposition style of chasing shadows leaving the substance behind has played to the advantage of the incumbent. It is either the opposition steps up the game by addressing issues, not personalities, or forget the 2015 Elections. As long as the opposition continues to chase shadows, the incumbent would have an easy ride come 2015.
Finally Nigeria should re-elect President Jonathan because of the present circumstances of security challenges, which the President is working hard to contain and defeat. Put differently, the Country is in a state of war with terrorists, and we cannot change the Commander-in-Chief in the middle of the war. The military under the leadership of President Jonathan has worked so hard to contain the insurgents especially in the North East , recently the military has recorded huge victories against the terrorists. The most reasonable option for the President is to sustain the initiative until total victory is attained. In fact it would be morally wrong for Mr. Jonathan to abandon Ship halfway down the sail without achieving total victory against the terrorists. We should therefore rally round the President in solidarity and defeat the terrorists. The prevailing opinion in Nigeria and the Diaspora is that President Jonathan should hang on and fight these insurgents to the very end. He richly deserves a second term in office in order to sustain this patriotic revolution he started.
God bless Nigeria.

Ebube Essien-Garricks Explains How She Spent the N64million Mtn Aeroplane cash prize

Rather than have the plane she actually won, Gladys had chosen the N64million cash prize which instantly changed her life and status. Fast forward to today, 2 years later, YNaija caught up with the mega millionaire to find out what she has been up to since the win. Excerpts:

• How the ‘win’ was celebrated:

It was really an amazing thing that happened to me, I’m yet to get over the excitement. Not any one can be lucky like I was and I am still very grateful to God. My family threw me a party to celebrate but it was an in-house thing, it wasn’t an elaborate one, just private family celebration. We didn’t invite outsiders to avoid being kidnapped, lol.

• You have been off the radar, why is that?

Yes and that’s because I am presently studying business information system in Malaysia. I left Nigeria in May, 2013.

• Why Malaysia?

Actually I wanted to go to Georgia but my ticket wasn’t ready by then, so I settled for here and I really like it here anyway.

• But you were already studying at the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology

Yes but I had to quit, I couldn’t go back to complete my studies because the whole winning incident made me popular in school, everyone would point at me, try to be friends with me and all….. I was known all over which the school and I had to leave for security reasons, I didn’t feel safe.

• After paying your tithe offering, what was the first thing you bought from the money?

I let it breath fresh air in the bank, then I bought lots of land…I didn’t acquire houses or cars because that is not the main thing for now, moreover I’m not available to look over them so I settled for lands, it’s a safer investment. I would acquire the other properties with time.

• And your parents?

I have settled my parents and I am taking good care of them but let me point out that we were doing okay even before I won the money; we had our own family house before then too. 

• You didn’t go shopping at all…get new stuffs, change your wardrobe?

Yes I did. I changed my wardrobe, bought new stuffs for me and my family but I’m not a shopping freak.

• What has changed about you since the win?

Nothing much. I am still the humble me, the person I used to be. The money doesn’t make me misbehave because God detests the proud.

• You once said you will buy machines, work for yourself and be an employer of labour, have you fulfilled this yet?

Not really, plans change, and I am not in that field any more as I am studying something else now but if God permits, then it will be done.

• Let’s talk about your love life. After you won the money, you said you had lots of toasters

Hahahaha it gave me headache. They all came because of the money you know…many of them got my contact from my sisters, they would call me to make empty promises, one of them even went as far as saying he’ll build a big house for my mum and also take me abroad, imagine! They went as far as calling to ask my parents if I am married…but it’s all good now, since I relocated here, everything has died down. I am now in a relationship and I will get married in due season.

• Would you return to Nigeria after your studies or settle fully in Malaysia?

I will only visit. I am working on being an international business woman, but don’t ask me what I intend supplying, lol.

• So have you exhausted all the N64 million?

Haba, no not really, I still have some left

• Any advise to the Nigerian youths?

Youths should be patient and wait for their time, God’s time is the best, thank you!

Zambian President Dies In UK

The number one citizen of Zambia, President Michael Sata has died. He died last night at London's King Edward VII hospital where he has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. Zambian Government  confirmed the incident today. Sata was 77.

Happy birthday to one of the survivals of sosoliso plane crash: Kechi Okwuchi

Beautiful Kechi Okwuchi is one of the only two survivors of the Sosoliso plane crash that occurred in December 2005. It's been almost 9 years since the accident and even though it's not been easy, Kechi is living her life and loving it through the mercy of God! Today, she marks a milestone, she's 25 year old! Happy birthday, Kechi. Wishing you many more beautiful years ahead.

Kechi's life changed forever in 2005 when she just 16. She and 60 other schoolmates from Loyola Jesuit College, a boarding high school in Abuja, boarded a Sosoliso plane headed to Port Harcourt for the Christmas holiday...but 20 minutes to landing, something went terrible wrong. The plane crashed and Kechi lost all her friends. She survived but was badly burnt. But that hasn't stopped her from living. She's a senior at the University of St. Thomas, a private Catholic college in Houston, Texas, USA. Happy, birthday once again Kechi. Keep inspiring!

EFCC Press Release: Fraudsters Bag 21 Years Jail Terms For N30m Scam

Fraudsters Bag 21 Years Jail Terms for N30m Scam
Justice Fatu Riman of the Federal High Court Kano today October 28, 2014 convicted and sentenced the duo of Mohammed Adam Mansur and Mohammed Auwal to twenty one years imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to the  3-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Mohammad Auwal, Mansur Mohammad Auwal, Mansur Mohammad Auwal, Mansur
The convicts were arraigned by the Commission on July 9, 2013 for conspiracy and attempt to defraud one Alhaji Auwal Ayagi under the pretext that they were agents to Visafone Communications Limited, (Zoo Road, Kano outlet) and that their company wanted to purchase land from the complainant at the cost of N30, 000,000. They demanded 10 percent commission which they asked the complainant to pay into their bank account.
Upon arraignment they pleaded not guilty but, in the cause of trial, after the prosecution had called one witness, the duo dramatically changed plea and owned up to their crime.
Consequently, the prosecuting counsel, Idris Haruna urged the court to convict them accordingly.
Justice Riman consequently convicted the accused persons and sentenced them to twenty one years imprisonment each without option of fine. The sentence of the first convict who has been in prison custody since arraignment for failure to meet his bail terms is to start from the date of arraignment.

Female Banker Remanded For Diverting LASTMA & VIO’s N6.6m

Bola Ogunlowo, a female banker has been arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court for allegedly diverting N6.6m belonging to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, for her personal use.

Bola was arraigned with her accomplice, one Omotayo Zachariah Adesola who also helped in carrying out the illegal act.

According to the police prosecutor, the criminal act was carried out between April and September this year before the management of LASTMA & VIO suspected the act and invited the police who then charged them to court.

The magistrate admitted them on bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

They were both remanded in Kirikiri and Ikoyi prisons, respectively pending when they will fulfill their bail condition.

The matter was adjourned till 7 November, 2014 for mention.

Wow! Woman delivers baby boy after 5-year pregnancy

Adenike Kolawole who delivered after 5 years of pregnancy

An Abuja-based woman who was barren for 27 years has delivered a baby boy after five years of pregnant in a church in Lagos State, PM News reports.
The woman, Adenike Kolawole delivered on Sunday at Evangelical Church of Cherubim and Seraphim located at Pipeline Road, Mafon area, Ejigbo, Lagos during church service.

Kolawole who is married to Kayode said her problem started after she had a miscarriage. She said she has been looking for the fruit of womb since then.
She said she had sought both medical and spiritual help before she noticed that she was pregnant. But at the same time she was observing her normal mensural circles.
She said she waited endlessly to deliver but all that expectations was to no avail. This prompted her to relocate to Lagos. She said the search for spiritual solution brought her to the church where she eventually delivered the baby.
She said those years were traumatic because her husband was under intensive pressure to send her away. “I was rejected by my relations, my husband’s family who did not give me the chance of bearing a child. My only consolation was my faith in God,” she narrated.

Prophet Yinka Olawale whose church the woman delivered

On how it happened, she explained that she was at the church service when she noticed that water was coming from her private part and she went to a room to check what was happening before she knew it, the baby came out alive.
She said she raised alarm which attracted church members who assisted her to deliver the baby. The news of the deliverance attracted residents who trooped to the church in droves to see the woman and the new born baby.
When our reporter visited the church on Tuesday, residents were still visiting the church to congratulate the woman and her husband, Kayode who expressed shock on what happened.
Kayode said he did not believe his wife over the years when she claimed to be pregnant because he had waited in vain. He said he was grateful to God for what he had done and thanked the well wishers for their support.
The prophet of the church, Yinka Olawale said when the woman came from Abuja, he noticed that she was pregnant and at the same time was having her monthly mensural circle.
He said he embarked on prayer and also used anointing oil and holy water with faith. He said the first sign they observed was that the circle stop and she delivered on Sunday.
He thanked God on what happened and said it has strengthened his faith in God.

UNILAG student who almost got raped over a modelling job tells her story!

A UNILAG student who almost got raped on Thursday has shared her narrow-escape story..enjoy!

For the record, am a student of UNILAG.. I still can’t believe it. He was so mean

Read and don't blame me, was just hustling.

Let me tell you about the night I was nearly raped. It was Thursday, 23rd October 2014, and it happened at the Studio of Olanrewaju, a 29yr old graduate Of unilag. Lanre (olanrewaju) and I met on BBM. How he got to be on my list remains a mystery. He saw my Dp and pinged to compliment it. He told me I did fit in as a model coz of my physique.

On a normal day, I hate modelling coz of d revealing part and as a girl; I have spots on my laps due to an ailment. I told him about it and he said ushering jobs do not require revealing. He kept insisting till I decided to give his thought a chance. Perhaps ushering is my talent.

Having agreed, he told me to come on thurday that there is an ushering deal/job he has for me and less I forget, he said he owns a modelling agency. With all these, I believed he was going to be matured.

With this mind, I prepared myself and wore a long jean. On arriving, he asked us to go to his second studio, coz where I met him was his frnd’s house. ( All this happened in surulere).

On getting there, he started his rubbish. I remember he was manipulative - he tried to be very

charming but there was something very creepy about him; when I didn't respond to the charm, he sulked and I thought that was the end of it.

But a moment later he came honier I guess. He said he went to an army school, that there is no way am going to leave or shout for rescue coz his studio is soundproof. He said a kiss would make him release me. I knelt like an humbler (pardon me) begging him, OMG. Have never begged like this before. I was the humblest girl on earth that night. He said a kiss would earn my release.

I gave him a kiss out of desperation and fear. This dude still wanted more.

Then he started telling me stories of how I would need to sleep around to make it in life. He went to the extent of using celebs that did sleep around before they got to their current fame state. While he was saying this, I was praying to God for a miracle.

Immediately he finished his blabbing, he went to the other room prolly to get condom I can't say. Immediately he went in, I dashed for the glass sound proof door. Searching the environment, I saw 2 guys and made hand signals to them by banging the door and shouting.

This caught their attention and my rapist became scared. He came out from the room to open the door for the two men outside. He told them that I was his gf that everything is okay; he even told them I just gave him a kiss. As I saw dat this 2guys were going to agree and not listen to me, I ran out, my hand broke the glass I guess.

I dashed for the short fence, flew over it (thanks to those adrenalines) on jumping, a lady outside came to my aide and I narrated all what happened to her. She also testified to the ushering/model scams of how her sister was also duped. I got to school with cuts and bruises. I narrated all these to my roomies who decided to give the guy a call and lambast him.

 I really didn't hear all what happened on the phone because I was too tired.. I slept like a log of wood. The next day, the guy already deleted himself, then called to threaten me that he will find me if words of what happened goes out. But I didn't report it to the police. Why not? My motives were messy and confused. Was it really a crime? Actually, it was - under the Sexual Offences Act. It is classed as sexual assault, for which he could have theoretically got ten years.

Some reading this might have been a victim of being duped or raped. We all know the police can’t help but I trust the media sha. I would have loved to give out this dude address plus his friends own but I think it’s not necessary and if it gets worse I will give it out.

I want to use this medium to tell my fellow ladies to shine their eyes and not just go to any location coz of an ushering job. It’s better to be under a reliable agency than looking for direct jobs. The pay can’t even buy our Brazilian hair. Let’s be careful and may God protect us all from them wicked boys.

NASA confirms Earth will experience 6 days of total darkness in December 2014

WORLDWIDE - NASA has confirmed that the Earth will experience 6 days of almost complete darkness and will happen from the dates Tuesday the 16 – Monday the 22 in December. The world will remain, during these three days, without sunlight due to a solar storm, which will cause dust and space debris to become plentiful and thus, block 90% sunlight.
This is the head of NASA Charles Bolden who made the announcement and asked everyone to remain calm. This will be the product of a solar storm, the largest in the last 250 years for a period of 216 hours total. Reporters interviewed a few people to hear what they had to say about the situation with Michael Hearns responding “We gonna be purgin my n*gga, six days of darkness means six days of turnin up fam”.
Despite the six days of darkness soon to come, officials say that the earth will not experience any major problems, since six days of darkness is nowhere near enough to cause major damage to anything. “We will solely rely on artificial light for the six days, which is not a problem at all”, says NASA scientist Earl Godoy. Visit our website daily for more shocking news!
What do you plan to do during these six days of darkness? Tweet ‘#6DaysOfDarkness‘ including your plan for these six days!
HUZLERS.COM

Nothing you say can stop this 21 year old bae from loving her 19 year old hubby

Yep, she is 21 and he is 19 yet they are married and no, they are not Nigerians.

They newly just got married and are drunk in love - even though tweeps are not happy with them on twitter. Some say the marriage will not last 90 days while others are so sure that the dude is cheating on her as he is too young to be stuck to one woman.

A friend, Olu says it can be risky and exciting, getting married at such young age, especially for a guy but let's hope they make it. So, over to you, what do you think?

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Twitter/BillionaireKen

WOW! Watch How Photoshop Made This 100-Year-Old Woman Young Again

Wow, you should watch this guys!!!!
Yes, we have seen photoshopped models splashed across the covers of magazines and that of er-the Kardashians but this video takes the power of digital retouching to a new level, reminding us just how dramatically the truth can differ from what we see. It is not exactly a recent video but you can watch it (HERE).

Sharia Court orders man to remarry woman he infected with HIV

A middle-aged man has been ordered to re-marry the wife he divorced after infecting her with HIV/AIDs virus.
 
This was the verdict of an upper Shari’a court sitting at Sabon Gari, after the case was brought before it by the aggrieved wife.
The husband by name, Abdullahi Ahmad was dragged to the court by ex-wife Umma Usman, who told the court that the defendant had divorced her and asked her to vacate his house after infecting her with the dreaded disease.

The victim informed the honourable court that both have been living together as a couple for about 13 years and that she had several children with him before she later found out that he is HIV/AIDs positive.
The court also heard that the defendant issued the hapless woman a divorce letter knowing fully that he infected her with the disease.
Umma is praying the court to quash the divorce issued to her by her husband and compel him to re-marry her since he is the one that infected her.
In his verdict, the Judge, Malam Farouk Ahmad, granted the complainant’s plea, canceled the divorce issued to her by the husband and ordered him to immediately re-marry her.
Judge Ahmad said under Islamic Shari’a Law, "it is binding on the husband to stay with the woman for the rest of his life being the one responsible for her getting an infection that has no known cure."
He ordered him to take good care of the woman henceforth.

Mob burn lecturer to death for killing five pupils in auto crash

Alhaji Kassimu Umar, a Lecturer at  the Taraba College of Education (COE) Zing, was on Friday burnt to death in a mob action after he allegedly hit and killed five primary school pupils with a vehicle he was driving.

Mr Joseph Kwaji, the Police Public Relations officer (PPRO), of the Taraba Police Command confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo.

He said that the mob forcefully removed Umar from the  Pupule Police Outpost, where he went to report the incident, and the mob burnt him to death.

``In the early hours of today, one Kassimu Umar, who is believed to be a lecturer with COE, Zing had knocked down five primary school pupils in Zing, who all died on the spot.

``After he reported the incident to the Pupule Police Outstation, irate youths in their hundreds, stormed the station, dragged him out and lynched him.

``Our investigation revealed that the lecturer was trying to dodge a trailer, when he ran over the pupils whose ages ranged between eight and 11 years,” he said.

Kwaji said that the matter was under investigation, adding that no arrest had so far been made.

Fayemi explains why he ‘bought two beds for N50m’

Fayemi explains why he ‘bought two beds for N50m’

Immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Kayode John Fayemi has explained why he built the multi-mullion naira controversial Government House in the state.
The governor has been under attack lately for lavishing the state funds on the government lodge.
His predecessor, Ayo Fayose had claimed that the governor bought two beds for N50 million naira.
However, embattled Fayemi in a publication that showcased his achievements in Ekiti, explained why he embarked on the project.


He declared that ‘’The administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti State places much premium on infrastructure which it believes is a catalyst for modernizing the state.
“Infrastructural development is the second policy thrust of the 8-point agenda of the Fayemi administration otherwise known as the ‘Roadmap to Ekiti Recovery'”.
The publication reads thus: ‘’Desirous of being remembered for good by citizens of the State, the Fayemi administration conceived what it called ‘Legacy Projects’, bequeathed to the generations yet unborn.

‘’In conceiving the projects, the administration took cognizance of the need to execute projects that accord with the needs of the government and people of Ekiti and critically also, positively project the Land of Honour in the comity of states in Nigeria.
‘’Not ready to be encumbered by the meagre allocations from the Federation Account, as the state is 35th out of 36th on the nation’s revenue ladder, the administration secured a N25 billion bond from the Capital Market.
‘’Upon accessing the first tranche of N20 billion, the administration immediately embarked on the mission to change the face of the state with the Legacy Projects which the new Government House is one of them.”
According to Fayemi, ‘’Ekiti State has lived with the challenge of having a befitting Government House since the state was created on October 1, 1996. The first Military Administrator, as he was designated, Col. Inua Bawa (rtd), was holed-up in a borrowed apartment before building an official residence with bricks sourced from Ire-Ekiti Burnt Bricks Factory.
‘’Successive administrations since then made do with some buildings in the Government House complex, including the present abode of the state’s number one citizen known as the Osuntokun Lodge. The fact that the Lodge lacked many facilities befitting of the residence of a governor and therefore “very inferior” to other Government Houses in the country, made the need for a new Government House in Ekiti very imperative.
‘’This inadequacy came even more to the fore at the death of the former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, with guests pouring in from all over the country to commiserate with the government and people of the state on the monumental loss. To add to the state’s sorrow, the governor could not receive two sets of guests at the same time.
‘’But that rather embarrassing experience has become history with the construction of the new Government House situated on the Ayoba Hills in Ado-Ekiti, the new edifice, like the biblical ‘House on a Hill’ can be seen from all parts of the city.
‘’While dismissing the claims of the opposition that the project is self-serving, Fayemi argued that the new Government House belongs to the people of Ekiti and not his personal property.
‘’He added that it would continue to serve as the official residence of all coming governors, long after he would have left office. The new Government House, will go down as an important statement of the New Ekiti that the Fayemi administration has always thought possible: It is an Ekiti State that plays second fiddle to none”.