Namadi Sambo sworn in as Vice President

     President Goodluck Jonathan (R), decorating Vice President Namadi Sambo during the swearing in-  ceremony at the presidential villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Kaduna state Governor Namadi Sambo was on Wednesday sworn in as Nigeria's Vice President, state television showed.


President Goodluck Jonathan, government ministers, state governors and ambassadors watched as Mr. Sambo took the oath of office at the presidential villa in Abuja.



Source: NEXT

Study suggests processed meat a real health risk

Editing by Eric Walsh




CHICAGO (Reuters) - Eating bacon, sausage, hot dogs and other processed meats can raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a study that identifies the real bad boys of the meat counter.



Eating hot dogs, bacon, sausage or deli meats increases the chance of heart disease by 42 percent, US researchers said in a report out Monday.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Jamie Squire)

Eating unprocessed beef, pork or lamb appeared not to raise risks of heart attacks and diabetes, they said, suggesting that salt and chemical preservatives may be the real cause of these two health problems associated with eating meat.

The study, an analysis of other research called a meta-analysis, did not look at high blood pressure or cancer, which are also linked with high meat consumption.

"To lower risk of heart attacks and diabetes, people should consider which types of meats they are eating," said Renata Micha of the Harvard School of Public Health, whose study appears in the journal Circulation.

"Processed meats such as bacon, salami, sausages, hot dogs and processed deli meats may be the most important to avoid," Micha said in a statement.

Based on her findings, she said people who eat one serving per week or less of processed meats have less of a risk.

The American Meat Institute objected to the findings, saying it was only one study and that it stands in contrast to other studies and the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

"At best, this hypothesis merits further study. It is certainly no reason for dietary changes," James Hodges, president of the American Meat Institute, said in a statement.

Most dietary guidelines recommend eating less meat. Individual studies looking at relationships between eating meat and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes have had mixed results.

But studies rarely look for differences in risk between processed and unprocessed red meats, Micha said.

She and colleagues did a systematic review of nearly 1,600 studies from around the world looking for evidence of a link between eating processed and unprocessed red meat and the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

They defined processed meat as any meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or with the addition of chemical preservatives. Meats in this category included bacon, salami, sausages, hot dogs or processed deli or luncheon meats.

Unprocessed red meat included beef, lamb or pork but not poultry.

They found that on average, each 1.8 oz (50 grams) daily serving of processed meat a day -- one to two slices of deli meats or one hot dog -- was associated with a 42 percent higher risk of heart disease and a 19 percent higher risk of developing diabetes.

They found no higher heart or diabetes risk in people who ate only unprocessed red meats.

The team adjusted for a number of factors, including how much meat people ate. They said lifestyle factors were similar between those who ate processed and unprocessed meats.

"When we looked at average nutrients in unprocessed red and processed meats eaten in the United States, we found that they contained similar average amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol," Micha said.

"In contrast, processed meats contained, on average, four times more sodium and 50 percent more nitrate preservatives," Micha added.

Last month, the Institute of Medicine urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate the amount of salt added to foods to help Americans cut their high sodium intake.

The FDA has not yet said whether it will regulate salt in foods, but it is looking at the issue.

Source: Yahoo news

N800m Stolen at THISDAY

THISDAY Newspapers has lost over N800 million to fraudsters in the employ of the company.


The fraud was perpetrated through the collaboration of Accounting, Audit and Circulation sales staff over the last one year.

The police have arrested seven of the suspects, while two of the ringleaders – Messrs Dirisu Andrew Eshorame from Okpella in Edo State and Sola Popoola from Okemesi in Ekiti State - are at large.

Dirisu was the newspaper’s Kakawa, Lagos Island, Sales Representative, while Popoola was its Sales Auditor at the Account Department.

The fraud was carefully carried out by the suspects who had been stealing the organisation’s newspaper sales proceeds using fake bank tellers.

In a petition to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Apapa Police Station, Apapa, Lagos, the organisation’s Managing Director, Mr. Eniola Bello, said: “On Wednesday April 28, 2010 a routine check of the account where our newspaper sales are deposited in GTBank showed some discrepancy in what was sold and what was actually paid in from our Kakawa sales point.”

Bello explained that on getting a query about the discrepancy in the payment, Dirisu quickly paid N1 million two days after he should have deposited the money into the account.

Also, Dirisu, Popoola and others paid another N10.8 million, triggering suspicion by senior management.

The suspicion led to investigation which uncovered massive fraud, showing that they had been stealing between N10 - N20 million per week by using fake bank tellers.

Furthermore, it was discovered that in Lagos Island alone, N175 million has been stolen from Kakawa sales point since January this year.

Bello therefore requested the police to assist the newspaper in apprehending Popoola, whose last known address was 9 Idowu Williams Street, Off Toyin Bus Stop, Agbado Road Iju Ishaga, Lagos.

In addition, the paper’s MD asked the police to apprehend Dirisu whose last known address was 30 Ogunbowale Street, Ilasamaja Lagos.

Bello added that THISDAY believes that both Popoola and Dirisu are in a good position to name others involved in the fraud.

The MD also called on members of the public who have information about the suspects to furnish the police with same.

Meanwhile, up to seven accounting and sales staff have been arrested and are currently facing questions.


Source: Punch

Family of five, others die in Awka road accident tragedy

By Jude Atupulazi



Tragedy struck Monday evening around 8 o’clock in Awka, Anambra State, when a truck, coming down the UNIZIK slope, apparently lost its break and smashed into three vehicles at a police checkpoint, opposite the Parktonian Hotel. The accident led to the death of seven people, including a family of five.

According to an eyewitness, the green-coloured IVECO truck, was speeding down uncontrollably, having lost its break, and despite the shouts of the conductor that the truck had lost its break, the road could not be cleared on time by policemen whose checkpoint caused a long line-up of vehicles.

One of the vehicles it smashed into was occupied by a family of five, including a 3-month old baby, who had just been dedicated at the church the previous Sunday. The other victims were one of the policemen and the driver of the truck. The remains of the victims were deposited at the nearby Amaku General Hospital, Awka.

Other vehicles involved in the accident included a 504 Peugeot saloon car with registration number ANSG43, a Toyota Hilux van with registration number AN33A03, and a red Nissan car with registration number BB589PP. The Peugeot was badly damaged, with the driver said to be unconscious, while the driver of the Toyota escaped unhurt. The dead family was traveling in the Nissan car, which was damaged beyond recognition.

When NEXT arrived at the gory scene of the accident on Tuesday morning around 8am, the body of one of the victims, believed to be the driver, was still lying there. Those who gathered at the scene were weeping profusely and blaming the police for the accident.

The state police boss, Philemon Leha, described the accident as unfortunate. He, however, said it is regrettable that people had given in to sentiments and were blaming the police. According to Mr. Leha, the checkpoints had greatly helped in curbing the activities of kidnappers in the state.

No end to checkpoints

On the issue of the continued mounting of road blocks, the police commissioner said there were no plans to remove them, owing to their advantages in preventing crime.

“It is very difficult to remove them because if you do, the kidnappers will come and carry even me in this place,” Mr. Leha said.

Speaking to NEXT on the phone, the secretary to the state government, Paul Odenigbo, described the accident as unfortunate, but advised that it should not be politicised.

“What happened could have happened to anybody and anywhere. It is very sad,” he said.

Meanwhile, the injured persons were said to have been taken to the Regina Caeli Hospital, also in Awka.

The accident, which occurred on a federal road between Enugu and Onitsha, is another in a series of regular accidents on the busy UNIZIK axis, which led the state government to build a pedestrian bridge at the UNIZIK junction, but most pedestrians have refused to use this bridge.

Source: Punch

Child marriage: NAPTIP quizzes Sani, ex-Zamfara governor

By Oluwole Josiah and Friday Olokor





The National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other-Related Matters on Tuesday interrogated Senator Ahmed Sani on his marriage to an Egyptian minor.

The agency had earlier summoned Sani to appear before it to answer questions on his involvement in the marriage allegedly in contravention of the Child Rights Act.

The former Zamfara State Governor arrived in the Wuse Zone 5 headquarters of the NAPTIP at about 9.45am in a black Toyota Aurion Grande, wearing white babariga with a red cap to match. He was accompanied by some of his aides and supporters.

He was said to have faced NAPTIP interrogators for over three hours, responding to questions relating to the marriage of the minor, reported to be 13 years.

Sani was, however, granted bail on personal recognition after he made a statement in writing, and subsequently signed an undertaken to report back to the agency on June 17, 2010.

It was, however, gathered that during the interrogation, the former governor, told the NAPTIP officials that age was not a consideration for a marriage under Islamic law.

He was said to have been reminded that he contracted the marriage in Abuja where the Child Right Act was in force.

A source close to the agency said that the former governor, in his response, alluded to the constitution, arguing that it guaranteed the freedom of religion and that Islam permitted him to marry the girl.

He was said to have also declined to tell the real age of the girl in spite of pressure on him to do so, since he had repeatedly denied that she was not 13.

The former governor, who is a member of the Senate, also denied seeing the international travelling documents of the girl to ascertain her age.

The source added that when asked why he did not conduct the marriage in Egypt, Sani replied that he did it in Nigeria for the convenience of his family members and his friends.

According to the source, the senator added that it was untrue that he was trying to avoid Egyptian laws.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his release, Sani said he was not worried at the turn of events because he had not broken any known law in Islam.

He maintained that Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteed the freedom of religion to all Nigerians.

Sani said, “The Child Right Act they are talking about was brought to me in Zamfara as a governor; my people rejected it so also other states in the North. It was rejected by the Zamfara State House of Assembly because it is against the Islamic religion.”

The Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Mr. Simon Egede, said the agency invited the senator following a series of petitions against his marriage to the teenager.

He disclosed that the agency was on top of the investigation and that it had established that Egyptian law forbids marriage to an under age.

Egede said the investigation into the matter was neither politically-motivated nor influenced by religion.

He said, “It is purely within our mandate having received petitions from so many interest groups.

“We are in touch with the Egyptian authorities, we know it is illegal in Egypt and we do not need to get to Egypt before we get the age of the girl. Within the federal capital, there is a law against marriage to a minor and the law is no respecter of any person.”

According to him, the agency would soon conclude its investigations on the matter and all Nigerians would know what really the issues are.

On why the senator was not detained, the Executive Secretary said it was because he willingly turned himself in to the agency.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has commended NAPTIP for interrogating the former governor over his marriage to the Egyptian minor.

The commission, in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Roland Ewubare, on Tuesday, said NAPTIP’s action demonstrated that impunity had no place under the current dispensation in the country.

The NHRC also commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, for their efforts at entrenching a culture of respect for the laws of the nation.

Ewubare said, “The NHRC also commends the exceptional courage and initiative of the Executive Secretary of NATIP, Mr. Egede, for trying to bring Senator Sani to book. The NHRC fully identifies with NAPTIP in this regard and is prepared to partner and collaborate actively with the agency in addressing the human rights issues raised by the actions of the senator.”



Source: Punch

Actor dies in Russia after 'racist' attack

By Sapa-AFP
A black actor who appeared in popular Soviet films has died in the northern Russian city of Saint Petersburg after being brutally beaten in what is suspected to have been a racist attack, officials said yesterday.

Tito Romalio, 59, died on May 11 in Alexandrovskaya Hospital after being beaten by a 43-year-old Russian in a street in the north of the city following a conflict," local police said. "A suspect was arrested."

Russian media, citing anonymous police sources, reported that the attacker, identified as Khamzya Yenikeyev, beat the actor because of racist hatred.

Romalio, who was of Brazilian descent, started his acting career as a child and had minor roles in such popular Soviet films as Artyom's Adventures, 1956, and The Amphibian Man, 1962.

The actor often encountered difficulties with racism, said the Novaya Ivestia newspaper, citing his friends.

"Tito had a bitter fate," his friend Yelena Yakhontova told the daily.

"In Russia, he always lived with the brand of a 'darkie' and humiliated himself to find work.

"He had to get by somehow by working as a character actor."

Africans and other non-whites living in Russia are frequently attacked by neo-Nazi gangs, though the authorities have claimed some success in reducing violent hate crimes of late.

A total of 74 people were killed in racist attacks in Russia last year, a drop from the 120 killed in 2008.

The figures were collated by the Moscow Bureau for Human Rights, a respected group that tracks hate crimes.



Source: Time Live

Sydney, Australia Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

Sydney, NSW
Information by Rough Guides
The 2000 Olympics were a coming-of-age ceremony for Sydney, with fifty years' worth of development compressed into four years under the pressure of intense international scrutiny. The benefits are still being felt: Sydney has all the vigour of a world-class city, with the reputation of its restaurants in particular turning the lingering cultural sneers to swoons. It seems to have the best of both worlds: twenty minutes from Circular Quay the high-rise office buildings give way to colourful inner-city suburbs where you can get an eyeful of sky and watch the lemons ripening above the pavement, while to the centre's north and south are corridors of largely intact bushland where many have built their dream homes. During every heatwave, however, bushfires threaten the city, and sophisticated Sydney becomes closer to its roots than it might like.
It's also as beautiful a city as any in the world, with a setting that only Rio de Janeiro can rival: the water is what makes it so special, and no introduction to Sydney would be complete without paying tribute to one of the world's great harbours. Port Jackson is a sunken valley that twists inland to meet the fresh water of the Parramatta River, in the process washing into a hundred coves and bays, winding around rocky points, flowing past small harbour islands, slipping under bridges and lapping at the foot of the Opera House. Sydney is seen at its gleaming best from the deck of a harbour ferry, and a ride on one is an experience not to be missed.
It might seem surprising that Sydney is not Australia's capital and indeed, the creation of Canberra in 1927 – intended to stem the intense rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne – has not affected the view of many Sydneysiders that their city remains the true capital of Australia. In many ways it feels like it and the city has a tangible sense of history, with the old stone walls and well-worn steps in the backstreets around The Rocks an evocative reminder that Sydney has more than two hundred years of white history behind it.
Source: Yahoo travel news

Nigerian parliament confirms Sambo as vice president

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters
Nigeria’s parliament on Tuesday confirmed a Muslim northerner Namadi Sambo as vice president of Africa’s most populous country, maintaining the regional balance of power in the OPEC member’s ruling party

As expected, both the Senate and House of Representatives approved Sambo with little debate since President Goodluck Jonathan’s ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) dominates both chambers.

“The Senate hereby confirms the nomination of architect Namadi Sambo as the Vice President of the Government of the Federation,” Senate President David Mark said.

Under a power-sharing agreement within the PDP, the two top political offices are held by representatives from the Muslim north and Christian south with the presidency rotating every two terms between the two regions.

Jonathan, a Christian southerner, was sworn in this month after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Yar’Adua, a northerner, died during his first term and many expected Jonathan to appoint a powerful northern vice president, who would then become the ruling party’s presidential nominee.

As a relative newcomer to national politics, Sambo is not seen as an obvious contender for next year’s presidential elections and his appointment could clear the way for a run by Jonathan himself.

Jonathan has not ruled out running for president although he said in April he wanted at least three months to see how reforms enacted so far took hold.

Sambo, who was Kaduna’s state governor before Jonathan’s appointment, is expected to be formally sworn in as vice president on Wednesday.

Source: Time Live

Zuma invites Jonathan for World Cup

By Ihuoma Chiedozie,


South African President Jacob Zuma on Monday formally invited Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in South Africa on June 11.

The invitation was extended by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Mrs. Maite Nkaone-Mashasane, who was in the State House to express her country’s condolence to the people and Government of Nigeria over the death of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

The minister also conveyed Zuma’s congratulations to Jonathan on his new position as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“President Zuma will be delighted to personally host President Jonathan during the tournament”, she said, adding that although South Africa is the venue of the tournament, Africa is the theatre.

The South African envoy also expressed hopes that an African team would emerge champions at the end of the tournament.

“If Bafana Bafana fails to carry the trophy, Nigeria should aspire to do it,” she said.

Also on Monday, Ghanaian President, Mr. John Atta-Mills, also visited the Presidential Villa to convey the condolences of the Government and people of Ghana to Nigeria on the passage of the country’s late President.

Addressing journalists after signing a condolence register, Attah-Mills explained that Ghanaians identified with Nigerians in their moment of grief.

“I led a delegation of ministers, the Chief Imam of Ghana and other representatives to convey our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and especially the family of the former President.

“We in Ghana will continue to pray for him,” Attah-Mills said.

The Ghanaian President noted that the late Yar’Adua made positive contributions to the quest for peace and development on the continent.

“He has made his mark in the sands of time; may the good lord grant him eternal rest”.

Congratulating Jonathan on his new office, Attah-Mills noted that his earlier experience as Vice-President and Acting President would enable him to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

“He is no stranger having been a Vice-President and Acting-President,” he said.

The Ghanaian leader also wished Jonathan well, and assured the new President of the support and goodwill of the Republic of Ghana.

“We wish him the best and assure him of the deepest corporation of the people and Government of Ghana,” he said.



Source: punch

I’m ready to quit England – Kanu

By Our reporter



Nwankwo Kanu has finally come to grips with his waning impact in the round leather game and has launched his most pointed retirement notice. In the wake of last weekend’s loss to Chelsea in the English FA Cup, the ex-Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion attacker cum midfielder admitted that he might have played his last match as a player in England.



The 33-year-old Kanu is the second most decorated African footballer ever, after Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon, having also won the Champions League with Ajax and the UEFA Cup with Inter plus league titles in Nigeria, England and Holland.

Kanu, who has offers from Australia and the Middle East said: “This could be my last year in England, so going back to Wembley was special.



“The big stage is the best for a player and I’d say Wembley is the best one of all.”

Papilo stated further that he’s ready to end his Nigeria career: “I cannot play when I am 50. But I want to keep playing for one or two more years.”

Meanwhile, Kanu re-stated his belief that the Super Eagles could soar all the way at next month’s World Cup in South Africa.



The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already set a semi-final target for the Eagles in South Africa, but Kanu, who is on the verge of his third World Cup, has predicted Nigeria could even go all the way and win the tournament.

“Yes, this is a big opportunity for an African team especially, as the tournament would be played in Africa. It is a chance for an African team to make a big impact either to win the World Cup or at least, get to the final,” Kanu said on a BBC TV interview programme, Extra Time.



“Nigeria will be one of the strongest African teams at the World Cup. On a good day, we can beat any team, be it Brazil or Argentina.

“We only have to have the belief and be positive. We don't go down to anybody because we have to show the world we're good especially on a big stage like the World Cup.”



He added: “In Nigeria, we can die because of football. Four years ago, we did not make it to the World Cup, but luckily we will be in South Africa.

“We want to come out with something everybody can be proud of.” Kanu made history when he led Nigeria to become the first African team to win Olympic soccer gold in 1996, beating Brazil and Argentina on the way. Nigeria are drawn in a first round group that includes Argentina, Greece and

South Korea and Kanu warned that there will be surprises. “There will be surprises at this World Cup and it won't be advisable for anybody to underrate any team,” said Kanu.



“Argentina are a big football country, but all the same, we won't go into this match just to go and pick balls. It will be an interesting game and the result of this game could determine this group.

“It's important to win our first game and from there, we can move forward.”

Nigeria will begin training camp in England on Friday after a Presidential reception in Abuja the previous day.

Source: Sun Nigeria Newspaper

Ladan, NNPC boss out, may emerge Kaduna dep gov

From JULIANA TAIWO, Abuja and ISMAIL OMIPIDAN, Kaduna


a surprise move, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday removed the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Shehu Ladan. Ladan, who was appointed into office on April 6, 2010 was immediately replaced with Mr Austen Olusegun Oniwon, Executive Director (GED) Refining and Petro-Chemicals and also the most senior GED.



While no reason was given for his sudden removal, President Jonathan, however, ordered a comprehensive audit of the NNPC. The finance minister, Olusegun Aganga is to engage the services of a world class auditing firm to carry out the audit.

The decision to appoint Ladan came on the heels of the reconstitution of the Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF) and was aimed at giving the organisation a new lease of life and a room for its transformation.



NNPC had come under intense pressure from stakeholders especially the state governors who had been fighting to stop the leakages in the finances of the organization, which they contended had reduced the states’ share from the federation account allocations.



Only recently, the National Assembly had threatened to invoke its powers to summon the NNPC GMD for allegedly refusing to honour the lawmakers’ invitations to answer some questions on the expenditure profile of the organisation.

Ladan who hails from Kaduna State succeded Sanusi Barkindo from Adamawa State who had also come under intense pressure over the manner he had managed the affairs of the organisation.



Ladan retired from NNPC on April 6, 2009, as GED, Commercial and Investment. He was also former deputy managing director of Nigeria LNG, executive director of NETCO as well as NPDC, both subsidiaries of NNPC.

Daily Sun, however, gathered that Ladan's exit from the NNPC had nothing to do with the probe of the corporation as he only quit to take the job of Kaduna State deputy governor, which became vacant following the nomination of Governor Namadi Sambo as vice president.



Ladan, according to sources, would be named deputy governor anytime this week as power brokers were said to have positioned him for rulership of the state.

It was further gathered Mallam Ladan would run as the Kaduna State Governor in 2011 despite concerns from the people of the southern part of the state.

Ladan had also earlier nursed the ambition of running for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat in 2011 before Governor Sambo reportedly prevailed on him to drop the ambition for the NNPC job.



Born on April 1, 1951, Oniwon who replaced Ladan as NNPC GMD hails from Okene in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. He started his working career with the NNPC in 1977 and rose to become Head, Planning of the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company in 1987. From 1988 to 1991 he was the Technical Assistant to the GED, Downstream and later Head, Engineering and Technical Services Department (ETSD) of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company from 1991-1992. That same year Oniwon was made Head, New Business Development, Corporate Planning and Development Division a post he held until his appointment as Head, ETSD at the Port Harcourt Refinery from 1993-1999.



From 1999-2000 Oniwon held forte as General Manager, Information System, Engineering and Technology Directorate before moving on to function as Senior Technical Assistant to the GMD and GM, Information Systems Department at the GMD’s office. Months later he was made the Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the NNPC before moving on to the Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited as MD between 2003- 2009.



A fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, FNSChE, Oniwon holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also holds a Diploma in Business Management from the prestigious Harvard University, USA and Diploma Petroleum Management from Oxford University, UK. He is married with children.



Source: SUN Nigeria Newspaper

‘Nigerian students in UK varsities are exceptional’

By Motunrayo Aboderin

The International officer, University of Wales, Newport, Mr. Glynn James, has said that Nigerian students in the institution have put Nigeria on a positive platform with their brilliance.

James said Nigerian students perform exceptionally well in the UK, and that the university in particular does not have problems with the Nigerian students.

While presenting a scholarship award to one of the winners of the university’s essay competition at the British Council, James added that the university was proud to have an excellent partnership with Nigeria.

The undergraduate, Oluwatosin Ilesanmi, received a 50 per cent reduction in tuition for her foundational year and a subsequent 50 per cent reduction per annum till she completes her degree.

During the event, University of Keele also awarded the 2nd winner of the essay competition, Tolulope Olumoyin a 50 per cent reduction in tuition to undergo a pre- master‘s programme in Information Technology at the university.

The Regional Manager, Study Group, Mrs. Yetunde Pereira, said that both candidates had to pass through a rigorous screening test by a group of consultants before they were chosen. ”The applicants which were 200 in total had to write an essay of about 1,200 words titled, “Why I would like to study in Britain”. Apart from the essay, there were also a series of interviews conducted on each applicant. We wanted to really know that whoever won the competition deserved to win.

”The main purpose of the scholarship is to prepare them to go into the corporate environment.

Source: Punch

Nigerian basketball star dies in US

By Agency Reporter


Tobi Oyedeji, a Nigerian power forward slated to begin his collegiate career at Texas A&M next season, died in the US on Sunday due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Early reports suggest Oyedeji was driving a car involved in a two-vehicle accident in which one other person was killed.

Oyedeji played high school ball in Bellaire, Texas, and made the All-Greater Houston team last season as a senior. He was considered a top-100 recruit in his class. Rivals ranked him as the No. 18 power forward in the class of 2010.

“The world has lost a great kid today (Sunday),” said Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon in a statement on Oyedeji‘s tragic death.

“Tobi epitomised the term student-athlete. He was a very good student. He worked hard in the classrooms and on the basketball court and he was a terrific basketball player. This is difficult to understand and today is a very sad day. My heart aches for his mom and dad. Tobi was an only child and I would like everyone to pray for Tobi‘s parents.”

Another account of his death says Oyedeji dropped his last friend off after prom night, called his father Kunle Oyedeji and told him he was on his way home early Sunday morning. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound, 18-year-old power forward, who was destined to be an impact player for Texas A&M in the fall and committed to studying engineering, never made it to his house.

He was in a head-on collision shortly after the phone call home and died after attempts at life-saving surgery weren‘t successful Sunday afternoon.

Hal Pastner, who runs Houston Hoops, an AAU program Oyedeji played for, was crushed as well when he was told the news on Sunday afternoon. Turgeon said Oyedeji was the first player he recruited when he took the job three years ago. ”This has been a three-year relationship, we were really close,” Turgeon said.

“From the first day he came to our camp, I knew he was coming to Texas A&M. He was going to be an engineer. This was the perfect place for him.”

Turgeon last saw Oyedeji at a workout in April and said he told his assistant coaches that Oyedeji was going to help the Aggies quite a bit next season. Oyedeji had been on campus apparently five to seven times a season in the past three years.

“He was going to be a big part of our program,” Turgeon said. “More than just basketball, his personality, his character, he would have helped us in so many ways.”





Source: Punch

Dagrin's Car......

Please let this generation learn from Dagrin.We can't afford to waste our best brain any more.  In a more civilized society like that of Russia here, it will never happen that you will see guys out for show and all the  guys will be drunk knowing they have to drive back home. You can never see the guy to drive drinking. this is what is obtainable abroad.
Although, It is no longer a news that Our Nigeria Roads are inanimate killer. But what do we  do now that the older generations have failed us and we 've got no choice but to pray and believe that soon we shall see God's hand on Nigeria.......
E GO Better

My deputy takes over automatically —Kaduna governor

By Agency Reporter


Kaduna State Governor Namadi Sambo on Sunday declared that his deputy, Patrick Yakowa, is his automatic successor as governor of the state.

According to Sambo, Yakowa, whom he decribed as “loyal and committed” becomes the governor of Kaduna the moment his own nomination as the Vice President gets the nod of the National Assembly.

“Patrick Yakowa is very loyal and dedicated. He is a competent Deputy Governor, who will continue from where the Governor stopped,” Sambo, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Umar Sanni, told journalists in Kaduna.

Also, the governor described his nomination by President Goodluck Jonathan to fill the vacant VP position as an ‘act of God’.

According to him, he was indeed working for the emergence of another person for the post, saying he was humbled by his choice.

He spoke against the backdrop of reported controversy in Kaduna over the headship of the state by Yakowa, a Christian. Sambo is a Moslem.

Though the police had dispel speculations of tension in the state, but media reports indicated that some Islamic faithful had been circulating text messages calling Muslims to resist Yakowa from becoming the governor.

Under the Nigerian 1999 constitution, section 191 (1) provides that “The Deputy Governor of a State shall hold the office of Governor of the State if the office of the Governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal from office for any other reason in accordance with section 188 or 189 of the constitution.”

Meanwhile, a group, Women for Peace in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to ensure the smooth transition of power to the vice president-designate, Sambo and his deputy, Yakowa who would now automatically assume the governorship of the state.

WOPIN National President, Dr. Maryam Abdullahi said at a news conference in Kaduna on Sunday that “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has vested the president with the discretion to nominate anyone as his vice president. Similarly, the constitution provides for the deputy governor to automatically become the substantive governor anytime the vacancy exists.

“WOPIN regards the nomination of Governor Sambo as the vice president as a welcome development for the people of Kaduna State in particular and Nigerians in general. We also welcome the constitutional provision that provides for a smooth transition of the deputy governor to the position f substantive governor of Kaduna State.

Source: Punch

All Star Tribute To Dagrin

ALL STAR TRIBUTE SONG TO DAGRIN

ALL STAR TRIBUTE SONG TO DAGRIN




About 4 wks have gone by since I last sent out some updates to grp members.. we’ve had some cold days/nights recently but it seems to be warming up now…ok, so let’s get straight to it…

ALLSTARS TRIBUTE RECORD TO DAGRIN PRODUCED BY SHEYMAN



I’m aware that top Nigerian video director DJ Tee has recently filmed the official video for the Naija allstars tribute track to Dagrin, which I’m really looking forward to seeing, but in the meantime if you would like to listen to the tribute track and see some of my fave Dagrin video bits, pls click the link below… I’ve mixed in both parts 1 & 2 of the track so you can listen to all the artistes in one play. I hope I got all the pics & the names of the artistes right, as their melodies sometimes intertwined on the track, if you notice any errors do let me know & I’ll stick an apology note on Youtube! Grab a hanky or tissue when you do play the video, it may come in handy. ☹



* Dagrin allstars tribute ft Sheyman, Durella, Omawumi, Eldee, Jahbless etc

Jonathan should contest 2011 presidential election – PUNCH poll

By Hamed Sobiye
A large majority of PUNCH Online readers believe that President Goodluck Jonathan should contest next year’s presidential election.

Over 80 per cent of respondents in a weeklong online poll answered, “Yes” when asked if they believed Jonathan should stand for office in 2011.

Opinions have been divided on whether Jonathan, who assumed full executive powers after the death on May 5, of former President Umaru Yar’Adua should contest the election scheduled for early next year.

While the Peoples Democratic Party had insisted the party’s presidential ticket has been zoned to the northern part of the country till 2015, other schools of thought had argued that the former vice president has the legitimate right to vie for the highest political office in the country.

Just last week, a presidential aide hinted strongly in Abuja that Jonathan would contest the 2011 presidential election.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to the President, Mr. Cairo Ojougboh, said Jonathan would fly the People’s Democratic Party’s at the election and was certain of winning.

He said, “Mr. President is a PDP president and he is a member of PDP, and Mr. President will run under the PDP.”

Ojougboh said peace in the Niger Delta would ”deepen” if Jonathan runs next year. According to him, it would also deepen Nigeria‘s democracy. He argued that the debate on the issue had been on and the general consensus was that Jonathan should run.

He also noted that the president was free to contest going by the 1999 Constitution.

According to him, ”There is no personal reason for which you can ask him not to contest. There is no moral reason for which you can ask him not to contest and so he will contest and he should contest. Personally, I will vote for him.”

Asked if he had the mandate of Jonathan to announce that he (Jonathan) would run in 2011, he had replied: ”That is not the issue; it is a general debate that is ongoing and then it is those of us who work for the President, it is our own right to join the debate and we are joining it.

”It is a debate, so it not an issue of mandate or no mandate. It is a general debate. This is not the first time you are hearing it. It is a general debate that is ongoing and then we have to also canvass it.”

The presidential aide argued that the issue is open for discussion and everyone should advance his or her own argument. He said the superior argument would win at the end of the day.

”Why we are asking him to contest, why we are urging him to contest, a lot of people have been saying the same thing; a lot of persons, in fact, very senior citizens both from the North and the South are asking him to contest and that is the issue,” he said.

Ojougboh however amended the statement, insisting that while he did not have the mandate the Jonathan to say that he would stand in 2011; the president had the right to contest.

Presidential spokesman, Mr. Ima Niboro, however said a day later the president was yet to make up his mind on the matter.

In all, 7, 667 PUNCH Online readers responded to the question: “Do you think

Goodluck Jonathan should contest 2011 presidential election? “

The readers were required to choose from three options namely: (i) Yes, (ii) No and (iii) I’m undecided.

While 6, 264 readers or 81.7 per cent voted “Yes”; 1172 or 15.3 per cent said No.

The remaining 231 readers or three per cent said they were undecided.



Source: Punch

Lagerback gambles on talent and fitness

By Jide Alaka




Lars Lagerback named his 30-man provisional list from which the 23 men that will defend the colours of Nigeria in South Africa will be named. There are so many questions that were asked and are still being asked concerning the make-up of the team.

Under pressure

Having accepted the burden of being the Super Eagles coach, Lars Lagerback has come under increased pressure to deliver, probably because of the huge salary - $300,000 per month - that he is being paid, in a land where hunger ravages a good percentage of the population.

After what must seem a trying period, the Swede finally scaled down his 44-man list to 30, with no apparent physical interaction between him and the players selected. Yet, despite suggestions that the NFF had some input in the list, he has denied being put under any kind of pressure by the NFF.

The Swede insists that the players are of his choice and not a settlement between him and the football federation's egg-heads.

Criteria for picking the players

"Individual skills and fitness levels were considered when picking the players. It does not matter if a player is 20 or 35 years old," Lagerback said.

The goalkeeping section holds no surprises, with the usual suspects called up. Vincent Enyeama is undoubtedly Nigeria's top keeper. No one seems to know who would be the second keeper.

Incidentally, three of the keepers listed ply their trade in Israel, so they must at least have learnt how to pray. Bassey Akpan is from the local scene, and it will be a big boost for the home-based players if he takes the third goalkeeping berth.

In the defence, the questions concern the match fitness of Bolton Wanderers' player, Danny Shittu, who did not appear for his team, Bolton Wanderers, throughout the season. He made it into the provisional squad while Olubayo Adefemi of the French side, Boulogne, was dropped.

Taiwo Ogunjobi, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), had an explanation for Lagerback's choice:

"When we asked him (Lagerback) why include a player who has not been playing for his club in the team he is taking to South Africa, the coach told us categorically that Shittu appears to be one of the best players he has seen in the country, based on what he saw of him in Angola during the Nations Cup.

"Lagerback saw video footage of Danny Shittu during the Nations Cup in Angola, and declared he was one of Nigeria's most outstanding defenders at the Nations Cup. He stated that Shittu looks more mature coupled with his confidence, determination, seriousness, and commitment.

"Although he has been inactive for his club in England, the coach has vowed to work on him."

But he admitted there was no guarantee that Shittu will make the World Cup team. If he (Shittu) doesn't measure up, then he's gone.

Many Nigerians agree that the midfield is where the Super Eagles problems mostly lie. Oluwafemi Ajilore and Sani Kaita both performed creditably at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where they played together. But Ajilore has been excluded from the provisional list. Lagerback's explanation is that they are the same. "They both play the same style quite alright, but Keita, he marks better," he said.

Desired formation

As for the attack, which holds much promise but has delivered so little for the players in their various clubs, Emmanuel Amuneke, former Super Eagles winger who scored two goals at the 1994 World Cup, said that tactical formation and fitness are the keys to getting optimum performance from the available strikers.

"A good coach is the one that will manage his resources in the best ways to get the desired results. There are various formations that Nigeria has the personnel to deploy, but the opponents have to be taken into great consideration," he said.

An often used formation when playing very slick opponents is the 3-5-2 formation, where the three centre backs do not overlap in any circumstance. Another is the preferred 4-4-2. The Nigerian squad cannot play this because of a lack of genuine wingers. In the 1994 squad, the Eagles had Emmanuel Amuneke and Finidi George patrolling the left and right wings respectively.

Then there is Shuaibu Amodu's version of the 4-3-3, considered flawed by his critics. The major exponent of this formation is FC Barcelona, and their success is hinged on mobility - continuous movement, by the midfielders and forwards. While Nigeria may have mobile players, the question is whether they will be consistent and technically astute enough to keep the shape. Well, that is what Lagerback is being paid handsomely for.

In the defence, the duo of Rabiu Afolabi and Onyekachi Apam could turn out to be the preferred pairing. Apam loves tackling and Afolabi is a more astute reader of the game and passer of the ball. He is also very good aerially. If it is a 3-5-2 formation, then Joseph Yobo could be added to the equation.

For the full backs, there is really no question, the team has to use Taye Taiwo, because of his experience and big game temperament. But that will be if (a big ‘if') he will be disciplined. He brings a potent offensive weapon to the game from the defence. He is used to scoring goals and he could be the designated penalty kick taker of the team.

On the right, Chidi Odiah should be deployed, also because of his attacking instincts. He should be fit because the Russian league has just commenced. Dele Adeleye has been Nigeria's most consistent defender in Europe, but he does not have the experience of some of the other defenders. Lagerback sees in Dele Adeleye a very good defender with great prospects. But he lacks the commitment of someone like Shittu.

"The central defence position is primary to how the entire backline performs," Lagerback told the members of the Technical Committee.

The coach of the Swedish national team in the 2002 World Cup is giving Lobi Stars defender, Terna Suswan, a chance in place of Olubayo Adefemi, who did not feature for his French side, Boulogne, in the tail end of the season.

For the attack, Everton has helped shape Anichebe from being one-dimensional to a player that can play as a winger in a 4-3-3, play with a partner in a 4-2-2, or play as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation. Chinedu Obasi, Obafemi Martins, and Ikechukwu Uche also have this attribute. That leaves Yakubu Aiyegbeni as the only type of striker in his own mould of a ‘bully'.

Ogunjobi defended Aiyegbeni's inclusion with this statement: "On Eneramo, he told us categorically that both Eneramo and Aiyegbeni play the same style of football - they bully. And there is no way he can take two bully players to South Africa.

"That also informed his preference for Utaka over Eneramo. Utaka has been scoring goals in Denmark, even though he does not have the kind of physique Eneramo has."

The important thing in squad selection is that there should be a sprinkling of players that can play in multiple positions.

Injuries in the squad

Mikel missed the final three games in Chelsea's season due to a knee operation, but he has said he will be back in two weeks, which means he should be fit by the end of May, in time for Nigeria's pre-World Cup training camp. It also means that he will be rested from the exertions of a long season.

Ikechukwu Uche has played only 15 minutes after a return from an injury he sustained at the beginning of the season. He may be physically fit, but definitely not match fit. If he were, he will be the first choice for the Eagles.

There are no other reported injury concerns in the team, but to forestall any occurrence in the training camp, the coach sent out a health document to all the players to be filled by their club's medical team.

Players that can fill in other positions on the pitch have a much higher chance of making the 23-man list to South Africa.

Nigeria is set to play friendly matches against Saudi Arabia in Austria on May 25, and Colombia in London on May 30, before heading to South Africa for further matches against North Korea and the tournament hosts.

Beyond Argentina

The time left before the first match against Argentina is not the time to teach techniques, but to create a fit, well drilled and malleable team. The prayer of Nigerians is that their country should not be embarrassed or disgraced in South Africa. For the first World Cup on African soil, our ouster at whatever stage must not be contemplated. This is all we ask the Swedish tactician.

Lagerback seems to understand the enormity of the responsibility and is unfazed by the pedigree of the Argentines:

"The World Cup is not only about (Lionel) Messi or Argentina. We need to prepare well and play well not only against Argentina, but the other two teams in our group. South Korea and Greece are equally two good teams. So, we need to win every of our matches until we reach our (semi final) target. We have the players, and with the right conditioning, we can do it," the Swede concluded.

He then reiterated, "I'm responsible for this squad, though I contacted those who needed to be contacted before I picked the players myself."

As satisfactorily as Lagerback may have explained his inclusions and exclusions to the NFF, he will have a greater explanation to give if the Super Eagles are disgraced or fail to put up a good show in South Africa.

Source: NEXT

The worst is not over for banks

By Daniel Osunkoya



For most banks, the recently released financial results for the first quarter of this year have shown that the banking sector is yet to recover from last year’s crisis making majority of them to post losses in their annual reports.

Consequently, investors’ confidence in the sector on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has remained on the ebb. The management of the exchange last week acknowledged that the weak momentum being recorded in the market could be attributed to “the not too impressive audited results released by some quoted companies,” especially the banking sector which dominates about three quarters of the entire market.

Virtually all the banks declared ‘stress-free’ by the Central Bank of Nigeria last year; Access Bank, Diamond Bank, Ecobank, United Bank for Africa, and Skye recorded a huge drop in profit after tax.

However, some finance experts said the results of these banks are ‘encouraging’ since the economy itself is yet to recover from the global downturn. They further noted that the usual trend of doctored financial reporting common in the banking sector is not likely to resurface again.

Competitive account

Egbo Amaechi, a finance analyst and an executive member of the Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said, “The performance of these banks during the first quarter should be commended going forward, even though investors are not too happy. Since the results posted to the general public were approved by the relevant authorities, we have to assume that they are real.” Commenting on “competitive financial reporting,” Mr. Amaechi said, “I don’t see banks in that kind of competition again. Don’t forget that this regulatory regime is quite different from the previous one. The Central Bank is strict this time.”

Indication of strength

In his opinion, Rasheed Ola Yussuff, chief executive officer of Trust Yields Securities Limited, a stock broking firm, said, “Given the scenario of the economy crisis with a situation where companies are still surviving and making little profits; while some are also paying dividend and declaring bonuses, I think most of the released results are encouraging.” “Over the months, these banks have taken the worst scenario and it can only be better from there on. Although an investor that is expecting a huge dividend we look at the result and get angry. That is understandable because the person is looking at his or her cash flow. But from the point of view of the company itself, it’s a mark of strength and not weakness. If you have a reserve that you are keeping aside and you are still making profit, then it means that you have more money within the organisation to use,” Mr. Yussuff, a former general manager of the old Eko International Bank Plc, said.

He, however, said that the usual trend of all-is-well financial reporting by banks was one of the reasons why the sector crashed.

“Today, that cannot happen again. You cannot say because everybody is declaring profit you want to follow the trend. If your bank is not doing well, your result will show.” “I think it’s a good thing that the banks are more transparent now. When a bank says its net profit is this amount, it means it made more than that but probably had provided for bad loans. And that should be commended because banks are simply saying we’ve cleaned up our books and there is no doubt about our health now. I believe those results are indications of strength. Tomorrow if they recover some of those bad loans, then it will become surplus for them. That is why some banks could post positive results in their first quarter result this year,” Mr. Yussuff said.

Improving performance Meanwhile, analysts at Financial Derivatives Company Limited, a business advisory firm, said the capital market “will remain positive on the strength of better-than-expected corporate announcements as the reporting season gets under way.” Subsequently, they added that some profit taking should occur as investors cash-in recent gains.

The proposed Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria is expected to further stimulate the capital market, as loans would be restructured to boost the balance sheets of banks and enhance the flow of credit to the economy.

The bond market is also set for a surge in activity, as the Federal Government takes the lead in financing the N1.5 trillion deficits in the 2010 budget, with about N800 billion of which is intended to be funded through local bond issues. Analysts also anticipate an increase in corporate bond issues in order to increase the tenor of liabilities to better fund longer term asset.

Shares as collateral

According to the NSE, another contributory factor for the wobbly performance at the capital market is “investors’ initial reaction to the Central Bank’s position on the use of banking shares as collateral for lending.” However, Rilwan Belo-Osagie, managing director and chief executive officer of First Securities Discount House Limited, said, “On bank rejecting shares as collateral, it’s a situation of once beaten twice shy. We went through an era where shares were readily accepted as collateral, and there were certain assumptions made by the banks; then the economic meltdown that crashed the capital market for about two years. Obviously, a natural reaction is that you first of all shy away from using shares as collateral

Source: NEXT