Father of pupil who died three years ago in Ondo auto crash still sees son in dreams

Time they say is the greatest healer of wounds, buut the wounds created
by the untimely death of over forty pupils of “Aricent” nursery and primary school in Olupitan area of Ore in Odigbo local government has refused to heal.

It would be recalled that sometimes in 2010, in order to enrich their knowledge, the pupils of the school which was dicovered not to have registered with the state Ministry of Education embarked on a journey to the hilly town of Idanre to catch glimpse of the natural endowment which has put Idanre among the top tourists’ centres in Nigeria.
Like every other person, the students were excited that it was a life time opportunity to visit the ancient town of Idanre.

Originally, the management of the school was planning for an inter-house sports, but the Parents Teachers Association kicked against the move and opted for
an excursion to a tourist centre.

On March 17th, 2010, the pupils embarked on a voyage to some important places in Ondo state. Numbering about fifty, the students were accompanied by their teachers and School Proprietor.

The students’ first port of call was the Local Airport in Akure before they proceeded to Idanre town. However, while returning from the journey, the vehicle conveying the hapless students collided with a trailer, crushing the vehicle and the innocent pupils in the unfortunate bus.

The pupils, teachers and the proprietor were not spared as some died instantly. Others later died at the hospital due to poor medical attention.

Three years after the unfortunate incident, residents of Olupitan are still mourning the death of the pupils, teachers and their proprietor. The school has since remained closed.

Some of the parents who lost their wards in the ill-fated crash are still enveloped in utter shock. One of them is the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association of the School, Mudasiru Abdulsalam.

Abdulsalam, a native of Obaagun, Osun state lost his seven year old son, Yusuf in the accident. He had planned to go with the students on the excursion to Idanre for sight viewing of the natural hills, but was saved by nine day prayers which he had embarked upon.

He had been having series of nightmares seeing himself in a pool of blood. This made him to go into nine days prayers to avert the bad omen God had revealed to him.

“I was supposed to be part of the team that will escort the pupils to Idanre. As the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association, I was to be the leader of the team.

“We had to shift the date earlier fixed for the excursion because it fell on the day the students were writing examination. But few days to the day we were supposed to go for the excursion, I started having bad dreams which forced me to change my plan”, he said.

Six days after Abdulsalam had started his prayers, the unfortunate incident happened. The Bus hired by the school collided with a trailer and some of the students of the school died instantly, while others who sustained serious injuries were moved to Ore General Hospital.

“I received a call around 7.pm from the proprietor of the school that they were in Ondo Town , and that they had a stop-over to offer prayers to Almighty Allah. He also called me after they left Ondo to tell me that
they were on their way to Ore.

“I was however shocked that after several hours , the students had not returned. It was at this point that I discovered something was wrong.

“I could no longer do anything when they did not return on time. I had to pick my prayer mat and rosary and began another round of prayer to the Almighty Allah for their safe return.

“I was afraid and worried because the School proprietor could not be reached on phone. I had to continue with my prayer when there was no response from the phone “he recounted.

However, when he finally got the wind of what happened, some students had already died in the crash. His son, Yusuf who was his fourth child was among those who died instantly in the accident.

“I cried when I saw my son in the pool of his blood. Yusuf was a brilliant boy who was loved by many people in the area because of his attitude. The poor boy was just too friendly”, he added.

He described the death of his son who was otherwise known as “Yaro’, as a very big loss to the family, stressing that his fond memories still lingered on in the family even after one year.

One strange thing is that Abdulsalam has continued to see his son in dreams. He said there is no month that the poor boy would not appear in his dream.

He said, “There is no single month that I don’t see Yaro, my boy since March 17, 2010. He always come to me in my dreams. I have done many prayers, but the dream wouldn’t stop.

“They told me that the boy is appearing to me because of the love he had for me. No other member of the family sees him except me,”

He stated that it was painful that some of the pupils who survived the accident died later because of poor treatment at the Ore General Hospital.

‘The kind of treatment those injured in the accident received was nothing to write home about. They were not given quick medical attention at all. This was responsible for the increase in the death toll”

When asked why the school has remained under lock and key, Abdulsalam said since the proprietor of the school died in the accident, there was nobody to take over.

Confusion reigns over Akhigbe’s death

There are conflicting reports over the death of former Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe.
 
Earlier on Monday, it was widely reported in the media that the erstwhile military personnel had passed on in England on Sunday after a protracted battle with throat cancer.

However, the Nigerian Navy, on Monday evening had asked the public to disregard the reports of Akhigbe’s death, saying that the ex-Chief of General Staff was alive.

“The Naval Headquarters has made concerted efforts to authenticate the story with the admiral’s family in the U.S. and it was found out that the admiral is alive,’’ Navy had said in a statement issued yesterday.

Relatively, the family had stated that Akhigbe was only in a critical condition at a US hospital and not even iin the UK as reported, adding that the published news of his death was an embarrassment to them.

However, another report reaching DailyPost on Tuesday morning indicates that the Nigerian Consulate in New York has confirmed the death of Akhigbe.

According to the report, plans were being made by the Consulate and the deceased’s family on how to convey his remains back to the country for interment.
Similarly, President of the Senate, David Mark had in a statement confirmed the death of Akhigbe.

Mark in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbodiyan, described his ‘death’ as the loss of “a brother, confidant, friend and comrade-at-arms.”

“He was one of the poster boys of our Course 3 and we were all very proud of him. His death is a huge personal loss to me, the members of Course 3, the Armed Forces, Edo State and the nation.

“But we cannot question God. He alone gives life and takes it when he so desires. We are bound by his decision to take our brother and friend at this time,” he said.

However, the family is yet to make any statement at the time of filling this report.

N255m cars scandal: National Assembly approved budget before purchase – CIAO

From  Dailypost

A group, Concerned Independent Aviation Observers, CIAO, has argued vehemently that there was budgetary allocation for the two armoured vehicles purchased by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

The group had insisted that the budget was approved by the National Assembly.

According to the group, the controversial acquisition of the two armoured vehicles followed all due processes since it was clearly listed in the 2013 Capital Expenditure budget of the NCAA, and subsequently approved by the National Assembly.

The group clarified that Senator Hope Uzodima, Senate Committee on Aviation Chairman, and his other member, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, appended their signatures on the NCAA’s capital expenditure that, clearly requested for the operational vehicles.

The National Coordinator of CIAO, Dr. Michael Aburime, had in a statement asserted that the National Assembly approved that 25 operational vehicles be acquired at the rate of N240, 000,000. He said that the controversial armoured cars were only two.

Aburime had argued that the armoured vehicle were not for the Aviation Minister, but for the “operational and safety/security needs of NCAA, especially for hosting international regulatory aviation officers on official visits to Nigeria.”

He also said that due to limited funds, the NCAA did adopt lease financing to procure 52 vehicles, as against what obtains in other agencies.

According to him, “the lease financing in the NCAA was financed by First Bank Plc at monthly payment of N23,249,181. And for the 2013 expenditure, about N116,245, 905 would be paid. From the brief detail above, it becomes obvious that the NCAA did not actually pay such bogus amount of money being alleged and bandied about in public discourse by uninformed people.

“In fact, the transaction NCAA entered into is N123,754,095 less than the approved amount, as contained in ‘NCAA Capital Expenditure for 2013’.” He argued that rather than being vilified, the NCAA should be commended for demonstrating understanding of project financing and management.

“It is standard practice for public agencies like NCAA to purchase operational and administrative vehicles. So, what the NCAA did is not something exceptional. All public agencies do purchase operational vehicles and NCAA has only done the statutory thing by following due process in getting the National Assembly approval and making the process transparent by spreading the payments over time through lease financing.”

Aburime said the lesson from the purported purchase scandal is for the whole truth to be unveiled. “We do not see any act of impropriety in the NCAA car purchase that should warrant the volley of indignation and vituperations that have erupted in the public space. NCAA is also an important member of various global aviation associations whose members do visit Nigeria periodically to verify and approve our civil aviation standards,” he further affirmed.

Movie star, Omoni Oboli showers praises on her husband as they celebrate 13th wedding anniversary

It’s the 13th wedding anniversary of Nollywood actress Omoni Oboli and hubby, Nnamdi Oboli and they are still counting their blessings.

Taking to her instagram page to announce her excitement, Omoni shared the photo above with the caption “Celebrating 13 years of love. Counting my blessings… I might not have what others have but I have the most amazing man! Yes I said it! The most AMAZING!!! A girl could not have asked for a better man. My best friend, my lover, my champion, my biggest fan, my voltron, my baby daddy, the wind beneath my wings!!! I love you with all my being.

I have a blessed marriage, Jesus is in my marriage, I wanna shout it from the roof top…I’m at work though but all is good, we are celebrating tonight.#13thanniversary.”

Omoni and Nnamdi have three cute sons together!


I agree with her; when Jesus is in your marriage, it is forward ever!

Comedienne Princess pregnant with first child

Nigerian female comedian, Princess and her husband Adeshola Jeremiah, are expecting their first child.

According to Global excellence, the growing baby bump isn’t so obvious because of her plus-sized figure.

You will recall that the comedian – who is allegedly in her second trimester – had one of the biggest weddings this year.

Congrats to them!

Mike Adenuga to chair Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo’s wedding

New reports surfacing online claim that Billionaire Mike Adenuga will chair Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo’s big wedding.

According to NET,  Mike Adenuga has confirmed that he would be the chairman of the event.

 

It has also been reported that comedian Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and TV host Helen Paul have been selected to anchor the event.

Also, arrangements are said to be in top gear as Peter is leaving no stone unturned to make the day an unforgettable one. It is also indicated that only a few celebs will be invited for the wedding, particularly those in the A-list and B-list categories.

“My ex left me because I became famous” – Karen Igho laments

Winner of the 2011 Big Brother Africa game, Karen Igho says her ex boyfriend left her “because she became famous and he couldn’t deal with it”.

The Actress cum business woman, disclosed this yesterday on twitter while sharing relationship tips.

She advised that it is better to be single than to be in an abusive relationship. She further disclosed that she doesn’t sleep around like some other celebrities. See tweets below


Hmmm!! some serious things..

Cossy Orjiakor Wants To Know If You Can Marry A Girl Like Her

See below, the reponses Cossy got from her "fans" with respect to the above tweet:

 

 

Confusion!! some peeps are getting it all wrong! Damn it!!

Ciara & Future are engaged

 

Beyonce didn’t lie when she said “If he really likes it, he’ll put a ring on it.

Rapper Future proposed to Ciara with a 15carat diamond  ring on her 28th birthday. They have been dating since January . Before him, she dated, bow wow & 50cent.


He is said to be madly in love with her and is responsible for her great musical comeback this year.

This new trend of birthdays and proposals… My own birthday is coming up soon o! lol...

I am even one of Peter’s groomsmen for his wedding; I never had issues with P-Square,- May D speaks out. (Video)

May D in an exclusive interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu of Rubbin’ Minds talks about his music career, how he met P-Square and became friends with them, how they started working, together, and how they never had issues as rumored by social media. 

He said he is even one of Peter Okoye’s groomsmen for his upcoming wedding and that he would love to work with Don Jazzy.

Watch the video HERE

Jim Iyke Signs Contract For The Season 2 & 3 Of His ‘Unscripted’ Reality Show

Its official, Jim Iyke is untamed for Christ now but that isn’t going to stop Seasons 2 and 3 of his ‘Unscripted’ reality show.

Jim who has been in Ghana for work in his new movie has just signed the contract for the season 2 and 3 of his reality show, ‘Unscripted’ with The Idea Factory (IFactory) and OHTV.

Shooting for the new seasons continues in November.

Nollywood Stars Campaign For President Jonathan’s Reelection In 2015

Pro-government rallies, reminiscent of the Abacha era, are on their way back in the country.

This time, they will be at the instance of Nollywood stars whose delegation met yesterday in Abuja with the National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) ,Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, to work out the modalities.

The project is planned to include ‘peace’ rallies and concerts in the six geo-political zones, according to leader of the delegation, Emeka Ike.
It is expected to be in collaboration with celebrities in the music industry and Nigerian footballers.

The organisers said the rallies would be geared toward addressing the drifting socio-political situation in the country.

Ike told the party chairman that the stars would mobilise Nigerian youths on the need for togetherness and peaceful coexistence in the country, most especially at the grassroots.

The artists said the planned rallies would also focus on the need for the PDP to resolve its internal crises so that the ruling party could focus on governance in the interest of the Nigerian people.

According to them, a module has been developed for infusing the culture of responsiveness and national interest in political office holders in the land.
The event, they added, would also feature renowned footballers like Celestine Babayaro and music stars like 2-Face Idibia.

The rallies will be preceded by a press conference in Abuja on Monday followed by mobilisation of Nollywood and football stars to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which has been the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Ike said: “We would round off by mobilising the Nigerian youths, including Nollywood, football and music stars in our country to Maiduguri to campaign for peace”.

Tukur expressed delight in the move by the stars to champion the cause of peace and national reconciliation in the country and urged other Nigerian youths to join the train.

The party chairman said he was of the conviction that the stars could repackage Nigeria for a better image, stressing that the country was in dire need of such packaging at this point in history.

He encouraged the stars to embark on the planned rally and promised to lend the required inspiration towards the success of the rally.
“I am aware that you people have conquered Africa because your movies are being watched across Africa and the rest of the world. “Today, I want to encourage you to take ownership of your successes and move over to be global citizens,”the chairman said.

A pro-government rally took place on October 6 at the Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna to solicit support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged bid to contest the 2015 election.

However, the gathering tagged Northern Youth Rally ended in chaos after the participants began demanding their “share of the money,” the organisers allegedly collected from the presidency.

Security operatives took away an official of the Northern Youth Forum (NYF) from the venue to prevent him from being lynched by the angry youths who threw sand, stones and sachet water at him.

The youths shouted: “Give us our own share, give us our own share.”
On August 25, the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, locked down the Federal Capital Territory metropolis with what she described as a mass rally and carnival organised to take “stock of the gains recorded so far in the empowerment of Nigerian women and the quest for peace in the country”.

The rally was the brain child of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of the Federation.
The programme was organised as part of the ongoing underground campaign for President Jonathan’s 2015 presidential ambition.

Michael Jackson’s Killer doctor Murray released from prison

Late Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, who was sentenced to four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter for causing the death of Michael Jackson with an overdose of the anesthetic Propofol, has been released from prison.

According to reports Conrad Murray was released from the LA county jail at 12:01 am Monday morning October 28. Murray, who’s medical license has been revoked, plans to apply to have his license reinstated.

Kanye West planning extravagant wedding with fight jets next year

Kanye, in a radio interview yesterday with Power 106′s morning radio show, hinted at an extravagant wedding to take place next summer.
When asked for a hint about his upcoming wedding, Kanye said;

“Two words: ‘fighter jets’” He went further to explain “Kim knew I was eventually going to ask her to marry me. I just had to get that ring right. I worked with four different jewelers. Three rings were made and only one hit the ringer and that was Lorraine Schwartz’s. ’I actually changed the ring the night before. The ring was less than four hours old when I gave it to her.’

“I wanted to marry that girl from the first time I saw her,’ he said. ‘Kim and I are the perfect balance.”I had to wait through a bunch of other relationships to finally get the chance”

Congrats to them!

Kelly Rowland flashes undies in a sheer jumpsuit

Kelly Roland has now become a certified sex symbol..She stepped out in this sexy jumpsuit which shows her undies…

You like?

Iyanya Shows Off His Sizzling Abs In New Photos

While in Tanzania last night for a show, Iyanya show us his physique.. (Most ladies would say; awwwwww!!)

First lady of Enugu State begs human rights groups to release her from house arrest imposed by Her husband

From Dailypost

"The First Lady of Enugu State, Clara Chime has cried out to human rights bodies to save her from the brutal hands of Governor Sullivan Chime, whom she has accused of treating her like a slave.

The First Lady in an emotion-laden letter obtained by SaharaReporters disclosed that since she got married to the governor, sometime in October 2008, she had never enjoyed her marriage and has been denied of her matrimonial rights.
She claimed that since she moved into Chime’s house, they have never slept on the same bed.

Clara in the letter also alleged that she has been introduced to two psychiatrists whom she identified as Dr. Onwukwe and Dr. Agumo, and they prescribed “all kinds of drugs that end up keeping me acute depressed and also drives me into hallucinations.”

The mother of one also complained that she no longer have access to the real world and all that makes her happy, because of the side effects of the drugs she is taking, adding that she has been put under house arrest for committing no crime.

According to her, efforts made by President Goodluck Jonathan, the First Lady, Patience and the Catholic Bishop of Enugu state, Callistus Onaga to resolve the matter were futile.

“My father is late, my Mum and few of my siblings are confused and have done all kinds of prayers they know of. 3 of my siblings prefer me dead than to see me leave the Government House. He treats my Mum and my siblings bad,” she claimed.
A visibly depressed Clara further alleged that Governor Chime has ordered her to leave the Government House with her four-year-old son whom she conceived before their marriage.

She further disclosed that the governor, later threatened to disown his own son, should she leave with him.

“He has told everyone he can reach that there is no marriage between us and that I can leave if I wish to, but whenever I plan to leave, he instructs them to lock me in. I have told him through SMS that I will leave my son behind, but still, he has instructed his securities to lock me inside the house.”

“He does not take care of me personally. The government gives me allowance to run the house and that’s where I save little from to take care of myself, my Mum and few of my siblings,” she said in the letter. He shut me out of his life years ago; I don’t have access to his apartment. The problem is enormous; I don’t know where to start to explain from.”

“Police and SS men have been instructed by Barr. Sullivan Chime to confine me in a place for a long time now against my wish [but] it is my wish to leave these premises,” she said, begging, “Please assist me to reach to the human rights and say to them to please come hastily and release me,” she lamented.

A competent source at the Government House has further disclosed that, the problem could be dated back to September 2011 when the governor allegedly impregnated his sister-in-law, Ebere Igwe, Clara’s younger sister.
The executive romance between Chime and his sister-in-law reportedly produced a baby boy.

The source said that the affair between Governor Chime and Ebere, started shortly after he married Clara in October 2008.

The made in heaven traditional marriage between Chime and Clara held at Isuochi, Clara’s home town after the former divorced his first wife from Ogakwu family in Udi town, his country home, an allegation the state government has refuted.

Mercy Johnson Okojie is tied & dragged on the muddy street by a pickup truck in her new movie

Mercy Johnson Okojie is being tied to a pickup truck in the pictures and dragged in the mud along the road.

It’s a movie she is working on and she hopes her husband doesn’t get to see the pictures. Well, if you don’t want your husband to see them, don’t post them on social media. lol

Meet the Child Who Feels No Pain

• 

At age 5, Isaac Brown is learning the alphabet and simple addition. He's also figuring out another vital subject: pain.

Isaac was born with a congenital insensitivity to pain, a disorder that means he almost never feels pain, even if he breaks a bone.

Because he doesn't feel injuries, Isaac's parents, Carrie and Randy Brown, are teaching him how to identify them to stay healthy.
"The toddler years were an absolute nightmare," said Isaac's mother, Carrie Brown. "He would just drop to the ground and smack his face on the table. He thought the fall was fun."

Isaac has dunked his hand in hot coffee without flinching. He once placed his palm on a working oven burner without shedding a tear.
After breaking a cup one time, Isaac banged on his mother's door to get her attention with the broken glass. When Brown opened the door, she found Isaac grasping the sharp edge of the glass. He didn't understand that the broken glass was damaging his hand with each strike.

Although Brown and her husband sought medical help, there is little doctors can do to treat Isaac's condition. After taking Isaac to a specialist, Brown said initially she was told to watch him carefully and bring him in if he appears to be injured.

Looking for relief, the Browns searched the Internet for "children who can't feel pain" and found a Facebook group called The Gift of Pain, where parents talked about their children who had the same disorder as Isaac.
While Isaac's doctors didn't have a lot of day-to-day advice for Brown, the parents in the Facebook group had more detailed instructions about ways to care for Isaac.

"We got a ton of ideas of people who have gone through it," said Brown. "And let me tell you, they have been a gift to us."
One crucial idea was developing ways to "teach" Isaac to recognize pain and possible injuries.

"We're doing the best we can to just teach him; he knows blood is bad," said Brown. "We taught him even when he was little to say 'ow.' You don't have to tell normal kids to say 'ow.'"
Randy Brown accidently stepped on his son's foot once when Isaac was hiding. The boy started giggling, thinking it was a joke because it didn't hurt.
Randy Brown then sat down with him and explained carefully that what happened was bad and that it was an "owie." He also explained that Isaac should always tell a parent if he gets stepped on.

 Isaac Brown didn't initially realize he broke his pelvis after a fall.

Read more: Good Morning America

I'm glad my parents died young: It's a confession that will shock, but after seeing friends caring for aged relatives, TESS STIMSON reveals why

My mum was a wise old bird. ‘Our parents either live too long, or die too soon,’ she told me once. ‘We either go when you still need us, or we become a burden. There’s no middle ground.’ In her case, I lost her far too soon.
Her sudden death at only 59 came like a bolt out of the clear blue sky. My father’s death a decade later, aged just 68, only reinforced the sense I’d been cheated. And yet, much as I loved them both, I’m glad they’re dead.
Don’t get me wrong: I adored my parents. I was heartbroken when they died, and there isn’t a day goes past I don’t think of them, often reaching for the phone before remembering there’s no one left to pick up.
But as I watch my friends and contemporaries - the so-called ‘sandwich generation’ - struggle to balance the need of their ageing parents with those of their children, fighting to hold down jobs and marriages, their finances buckling under the strain, I’ve realised there’s a silver lining to being a 42-year-old orphan.

Her mother was 59 when she died in 2001, and her father was 68 when he passed away last year

Read more: Full story culled from dailymail

Police rescue 2-yr-old kidnapped by uncle

Detectives in Ondo State have rescued a two and half years old boy, Modupeoluwa Saka, who was kidnapped by his uncle, Taju Ayuba, at Ijebu-Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state.  Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, said the operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, rescued the victim from the kidnappers’ hideout after five days in their den. He said no ransom was paid. 

The boy was said to have been tied to a chair in an uncompleted building along a road that leads to a popular private university in the town, when he was rescued.  Ondo State Police Command has sent its men to search for and arrest the principal suspect, Ayuba, who was said to be on the run. 

Two of the kidnap suspects, Ganiyu Oseni (29) of 43, Oke-Ijebu Owo and Oderinde Joshua (18) of Owaluwa Street, Owo, have been arrested by detectives.  During interrogation, the two suspects reportedly fingered the victim’s uncle (Taju) as the person that masterminded the kidnap.  Father of the victim, Hassan Saka, who is a proprietor of a popular school in Ijebu-Owo, is half-brother to the suspect. 

Police source said that the three suspects invaded the residence of the victim’s father at about 9p.m., stole N50,000 and also forcefully took the victim from the mother.  The kidnappers escaped on a motorcycle and after some hours put a call across to the victim’s father, requesting for N4.5 million as ransom to release Amos.  The case was said to have been reported to SARS and the operatives swung into action.  Vanguard gathered that during investigation, a prime suspect, Oderinde, who was feeding the victim at their hideout, was arrested.  Ogodo said Oseni and Oderinde confessed that they kidnapped the victim in the presence of the mother at gunpoint and collected her money.

Bad roads: FG to reintroduce toll gates

Against the backdrop of deteriorating Federal roads nationwide, the Federal Government may have decided to reintroduce tolling on its highways, to raise money to fix the roads.A policy document on the reintroduction of tolling may be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council by Works Minister, Mike Onolememen, for approval and implementation.

Read more: Author's website

Court vindicates Ibori on $15m bribe allegation, says Kpateghe

FORMER Commissioner for Special Duties, Delta State, Chief Champion Kpateghe, has said that last Friday’s judgment by a Federal High Court, Abuja, that the $15 million purportedly offered by former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, to ex- Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, be forfeited to the Federal Government has vindicated


Mallam Nuhu Ribadu had claimed that Ibori offered him the amount to escape investigation and prosecution when he was head of the anti- corruption agency.  Chief Kpateghe, however, told Vanguard:
“The ex-governor has consistently maintained that he neither stole from Delta State government coffers nor did he  offer the alleged bribe, as claimed by Ribadu. From the judgment, it has become obvious that Ibori did not steal from Delta State. The money always belonged to the Federal Government and the judgment as expected has confirmed it.”

Nollywood honours Olu Jacobs with a bronze statue

This might be no news (stale) but because he is one of my favourite actors;

Veteran actor, Olu Jacobs has just been honored with a bronze statue.

Reports claim that the actor was honored with the statue for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Congrats to you sir!

Lagos, Ogun States donate N3.5m to Pa Kasumu

The governments of Lagos and Ogun States have made a N3.5million donation to help ailing Yoruba actor Kayode Odumosu popularly called Pa Kasumu.

In a telephone conversation yesterday, Pa Kasumu’s son, Tunde Odumosu told Nigerian Entertainment that Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State finally made his donation to Pa Kasumu after footing the bills of his initial medical check up three weeks ago.

‘We got a call on Friday (October 25, 2013) to come to the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa. When we got there, we were presented with a cheque of N1.5million on behalf of the State Government’, Odumosu said.

On Saturday, October 26, 2013 the representatives of the Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosu visited Pa Kasumu’s residence in Mushin and also made a donation of N2million.

The team which was led by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa also had the company of the Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Yewande Amusan and the governor’s personal physician. ‘We are indeed very excited and grateful to these governors that have come to help my father. We certainly can’t thank them enough’, Odumosu added.

Colleagues present at the actor’s residence during the presentation include, Dele Odule, Mr Latin, Yomi King, Olaide Bakare, Yomi Fabiyi and others.

“Dead bones shall rise again” – Funke Akindele parties with Ini Edo and Nkem Owoh

It’s been 3 months now since Funke Akindele’s marriage to politician/businessman Alhaji Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof ended and even though their separation caused her a lot of pain, Funke has gotten her groove back.

Having survived the pain and hurt, Funke Akindele shared a photo of herself looking all prettied up and sexy on Instagram to celebrate her strength with the caption “Thank you lord, dead bones shall rise again, God is able”

She also shared a photo of herself partying with colleagues, Ini Edo and Osuofia star, Nkem Owoh.The actress shared the picture on her Instagram account with the caption, “#partying #fun parrying like a bigs geh with my darling @iniedo and #osuofia.”See photos below:

 

 

O yea, because i am not priding, i am happy for you my roles model* lol..

Fans mob Wizkid at his father’s 70th birthday celebration

Thousands of fans allegedly mobbed super star Wizkid and prevented him from spending time with his father at his 70th birthday party which held recently.

Punch reports thus:

“Young musical sensation, Ayo Balogun, alias Wizkid, is any parent’s delight.

 

Even his father, Ibrahim Balogun, is awed by his superstar son, at least his 70th birthday celebration proved that.

 

At the event, thousands of fans mobbed his superstar son and prevented him from spending time with his father.

 

It is no surprise then that he would be one of those calling for the release of Wizkid’s album. Wizkid shared this information on his twitter page when he wrote; ‘My dad just called, asking why my album is not out yet.  Lol!  Bless him.’ Obviously, the senior Balogun has converted from being a father to a fan".

Mr. Latin's P. A, Lanre Commits Suicide

Strange things are happening. Mr. Latin is still yet to fathom what exactly has led to his Personal Assistant of almost a decade to have decided to commit suicide by jumping into the river.

Lanre started living in the US last year when he went on a visit with Mr Latin and decided to stay back at the end of his visit. After living in Minnesota, he moved to Texas where things got better for him.

He acquired some exotic cars and started living a good life, but things however changed for him this year. He's friends said he started behaving strangely and refused to talk to anyone.

Though, his strange behaviour was said to have had a political undertone, no one could rescue him out of his moody situation until he embarked on the suicidal mission as all efforts was said to have been to no avail.

Lanre, however ended his life, when he jumped into a river. No one knew his identity until his ID card was found.

Lanre was Mr Latin's P.A for 8 years until last year when he stopped working for him.

* sad face*

Seun Kuti Spoils Pregnant Girlfriend, Sends Her To Paris To Rest

Abami Eda's last born, Seun Kuti, who, obviously, is matching on his late dad's career has put his dancer, Yetunde George in family way. Old news you would say.

Recent event, however, has shown that Seun means well for his pregnant girlfriend as we gathered that the girl is now rocking Paris. She was said to have been in Paris for a few months after she discovered that her tummy was protruded and she left Nigeria when her pregnancy became more obvious.

Yetunde who couldn't attend the 2013 Felabration in Nigeria, was spotted at the on-going one in Paris looking heavily pregnant.
As you can see, she is due to put to bed in a couple of months' time.
From this stable, we wish her safest delivery!.



Yetunde George (Middle)

Bulletproof cars: We don't have documents, NCAA tells Falana

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has denied having any documents relating to the  two BMW bulletproof cars it bought for the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah.

The denial came two days after Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), gave seven days ultimatum to NCAA to supply his law firm with the information.

Falana's request, dated October 21, 2013, was made on the strength of the provisions of the Freedom of information Act.

But a copy of the reply to the request dated October 23, 2013 by the NCAA Director-General, Mr. Fola Akinkuotu, through the NCAA Legal Adviser, Mr. E.K Chukwuma, Akinkuotu also claimed not to have in the possession of the NCAA any documents relating to previous purchase of such cars.

The reply read, 'I am directed to your letter dated October 21, 2013 on the above matter (Request for information on N255m armoured cars for Aviation Minister, Ms Stella Oduah) and to inform you that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is not in possession of any document relating to the purchase of the armoured cars for the Aviation Minister, Ms Stella Oduah.

'With regard to your request for records of previous purchase of armoured cars by the Aviation Ministry or NCAA, I am to inform you that the  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority does not have such records.'

But Falana, in a telephone chat with our correspondent on Sunday, said he was going to request the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute the NCAA DG.

He said, 'Since copies of the documents on the Oduahgate are available the DG has wilfully violated the provisions of the FoI Act, I am sending a request to the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute him without any delay.

'Since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigation pursuant to my petition, I am also forwarding the DG's letter to the Commission for necessary action.'

Falana, had in his letter, written on his behalf by a lawyer in his law firm, Mr. Adedotun Isola-Osobu, asked Akinkuotu to supply his chamber with detailed information on the vehicles.

The SAN had  predicated his request on the claim by Akinkuotu during a press conference on October 18, 2013, that the NCAA indeed bought the cars for the minister.

In his letter to the NCAA, Falana had asked Akinkuotu to supply records of previous purchase of such cars if indeed it was customary for the NCAA to purchase such cars for the aviation minister and visiting foreign dignitaries.

The letter read, 'In your press conference at Abuja held on Friday, October 18, 2013 you did admit that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority actually bought the controversial armoured cars and that 'it is customary to convey the minister and visiting dignitaries in security vehicles whenever they are in Nigeria.'

'In the light of your claim at the said press conference we are compelled to request you to make available to us certified true copies of the documents relating to the purchase of the cars, including budgetary approval and due process for the entire transaction.

'Since you claimed that it is customary to purchase such cars for aviation minister and visiting foreign dignitaries you are also requested to provide the records of previous purchase of armoured cars by the aviation ministry or the NCAA.

'Take notice that you are mandatorily required to supply the requested information within seven days of the receipt of this letter by virtue of the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.'

The NCAA had admitted to have spent   a whopping $1.6m (N255m) on the two cars. The purchase of the cars had since ignited calls for the removal of the aviation minister.

Mike Akhigbe dies at 68 of throat cancer

Former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe, has died at 68.

Akhigbe was a retired Vice Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, who served as the CGS (equivalent of the Vice President of Nigeria) during the General Abdusalam Abubakar led military government from 1998 till the termination of military government in Nigeria, in 1999.

He had also previously served as Military Governor of Nigeria’s Ondo State and Lagos State, after which he was appointed Chief of Naval Staff, the highest-ranking officer of the Nigerian Navy.

Reports indicate that he died at the weekend in England, after a long battle with cancer.

Before his appointment as the chief of general staff following the death of the then Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, in 1998, Akhigbe, who hailed from Edo State, was the Chief of Naval Staff.

After his retirement from the navy he went to read law and became an attorney with specialisation in Maritime and Real Estate Law.

He was a seasoned businessman with substantial interests in real estate.

During his military career that spanned several decades, he was the Principal Welfare Officer of the Nigerian Navy Flagship NNS Aradu, military governor of Lagos and Ondo States, Director at the Naval Headquarters and Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command Akhigbe attended the Nigerian Defence Academy  (NDA), Royal Naval School of Maritime Operations Dryad, Southwick the United Kingdom, Command and Staff College Jaji, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru and University of Poitiers, Rouan, France.

May his soul rest in peace!

Delta government may appeal ruling on Ibori's $15m bribe money

The Delta State Government may appeal the ruling of the Federal High Court on the $15 million bribe allegedly offered Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to stop the prosecution of former Governor, James Ibori.

The indication was given by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, on Saturday

Ogeah, who spoke in Asaba, the state's capital,  said that the government was still studying the judgment and would make its position known once it got a certified true copy of the judgment.

He said he was in touch with the state's Attorney General, adding that the State would seek to find how the trial judge arrived at his decision of giving the money, which he insisted, was 'unclaimed property' to the federal government.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday ruled that the recovered sum should go to the federal government and not the Delta State government, which had fought to secure its custody and ownership.

The court said the state failed to prove that the money belonged to it, since Ibori,who is currently serving jail term in UK prison had denied having anything to do with the $15 millions (over N2 billion).

Ogeah said that since there is the option of appeal, the government could take such option.

He said, 'We have not read the judgment yet. The option of appeal is there, but first, we have to read the judgment to know how the judge arrived at the decision, both in facts and law.

We will write for the enrolment of the judgment; we will demand for a certified true copy of the judgment once it has been enrolled.'

The commissioner lamented the outcome of the judgment, saying Delta intended to use the money on human capital development and numerous infrastructural projects across the state.

Pension Scam: Witness says accused cashed 303 cheques in director's name

The FCT High Court on Thursday heard that an accused, Veronica Onyegbula, allegedly cashed 303 cheques in the name of the Director, Police Pension Office.

A witness, Julius Adebulu, an Internal Auditor at the Police Pension Office, told Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, that the cheques were drawn in the name of Uzoma Attang and Ms. Onyegbula.

The EFCC had on April 10 arraigned Uzoma Attang, Esai Dangabar, Atiku Kigo, Ahmed Wada, Ms. Onyegbula, Sani Zira and Christian Madubuke, over their involvement in the police pension scam.

They took their pleas on an amended 20-count charge that borders on criminal breach of trust, which contravened Section 315 of the Penal Code.

Led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs, the Counsel to EFCC, Mr. Adebulu alleged that the cheques were drawn in the range of 500,000 to 4.9 million.

He told the court that before September 2009, the Police Pension Office made payments in forms of cheques and cash in the names of retirees who provided Letters of Identification.

After listening to the testimony, Mr. Baba-Yusuf adjourned the case to October 25 for continuation of hearing.

(NAN)

Lagos to borrow $200m from World Bank in 2014

The Lagos State Government will next year draw down second tranche of $600 million loan approved by the World Bank under a development policy operation (DPO) scheme for which it applied in 2010 and approved by the National Assembly.

This fund is part of the basket of financing for the ambitious 10-lane Lagos- Badagary Expressway.

The scheme, according to the borrowing plan, is to be implemented in three tranches by the state government. Accordingly, the first tranche of $200 million from the $600 million loan was obtained by the state in 2011.

In a letter addressed to Senate President David Mark and read on the floor of the chamber yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan urged the Senate to include the second tranche of the scheme into the current borrowing plan.

The president explained that the borrowing plan was not captured in the 2012-2014 medium term borrowing which he earlier submitted to the parliament.

'The World Bank has therefore embarked on restructuring of the project in the face of current realities in a manner that would release US$200 million for allocation to Lagos Development Policy Operation II. This is an action that the World Bank with the support of its board can undertake. They propose that the US$200 million DPO would enable the state complete some critical infrastructure projects,' Jonathan said.

The president further explained that when the loan is obtained, the state government plans to use it for the construction of ultra-modern burns centre and cardiac and renal centre at the Gbagada General Hospital as well as the 27-kilometer light rail project along Lagos-Badagry Expressway Corridor to Marina.

The balance, he said, would be used for the completion of $70 million gallon per day Adiyan Water Facility, among others.

The president while pleading with the lawmakers to accommodate the plan in the nation's borrowing plan, further disclosed that doing so would enable Lagos State to consolidate on the gains of the first tranche of the credit without any fresh implication to the borrowing plan.

Also yesterday, the Senate congratulated the president on the election of Nigeria as a non-permanent member of the United Nations' Security Council for a two-year term with effect from January 1, 2014.