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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Finally, FG, Labour Resolve PHCN Workers Dispute


At last, the lingering labour issues between electricity workers and the federal government which began since 2010, has finally been resolved.
The resolution meeting which ended at about 11.20pm yesterday took place at the office of the Secretary to the federal government, Anyim Pius Anyim.
The parties agreed that total accrued pension as at June 30, 2007 shall be paid in accordance with the PHCN 2010 conditions of service.
It was also agreed that 25 per cent will be payable to existing PHCN staff while 75 per cent shall be paid into the retirement savings accounts (RSAs).
Furthermore,  a “total accrued gratuity as at June 30, 2012 shall be paid in accordance with the defined benefit scheme stipulated in the PHCN 2010 conditions of service, 15 per cent pension contribution shall be paid from July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2012 in accordance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004,” the agreement also showed.
It was also agreed that severance allowance shall be paid at 20 per cent of total accrued benefits among others.
Present at the meeting last night were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu, Minister of State for Power, Zainab Kuchi, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, Secretary General of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) among others.
The Agreement was signed on behalf of the federal government by the SGF, while Esele and Ajearo signed on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
In his remarks, Esele noted that “now the government will have no more excuse that the union is preventing the reforms from working. We hope to see 24 hours power supply in Nigeria soon.”

Pray Obasanjo Does Not Endorse You


For those who knew the late Aro of Mopa and former principal private secretary to the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Chief Sunday B. Awoniyi - while he was alive,was a journalist delight: every responsible and responsive journalist wanted to engage him. If you are a journalist working for a weekly or periodic magazine, who depends on anecdote leads to tell good stories, you would be luckier to engage Awoniyi in a discussion on any issue – be it politics, economy or religious.
Extremely intelligent with enormous knowledge about anything under the sun, the late former super permanent secretary would take you through stories about one amazing event or the other while his public service lasted. And trust a good magazine journalist: he would always find the content of Awoniyi’ stories very useful, especially in a kind of news story that requires a combination of explanatory and exploratory writings. And I was one of the benefactors of his wealth of experience.
By his conduct and action, the former chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), detested dishonest politicians; he was very hostile to abuse of power by politicians especially by those who played God. From my experiences with him, Chief Awoniyi was not a friend to selfish politicians who derive joy in seeing the poor suffer. The good man died on November 28, 2007 as a result of injuries he sustained from an auto crash along the Abuja-Kaduna road while trying to negotiate many potholes along the expressway.
As a journalist with TheNews/Tempo magazines then, late Awoniyi was one of my reliable and trusted sources of information. He was ever ready to confide in me on many national issues, especially in those days of the numerous wicked and evil political and economic policies of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime which brought severe pains and hardship to longsuffering Nigerians.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Toolz’ Thoughts: Beware of Dream Killers! 7 Steps To Fulfilling Your Dreams



Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition, it is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives. Similarly, be that kind of a friend for your friends.” - Mark Twain.
I love this quote! I stumbled across it a little while ago when I was looking for inspirational quotes, and it absolutely hit the nail on the head.
Can you remember the last time you were telling a friend or family member or even your partner about a dream, a goal you really wanted to achieve? It was probably something you were quite passionate about and talking about it with someone close to you. It got you in high spirits because you could already SEE IT. You could picture yourself opening the door to your new restaurant, salon, clothing store, etc.
The person you are talking to responds to what you’ve said, and your energy changes. You are not so excited any more… the vision you had of opening the door to your brand new establishment seems to fade and disappear. Your spirit now feels low, and that disappointed feeling seeps in and your self esteem drops. If this sounds familiar, know you are not alone. We all have encounters with Dream Killers.
Dream Killers aren’t necessarily bad people; neither are they haters. A Dream Killer could be that good friend/sister/brother/parent who has never really taken a risk on anything because they are terrified of failure. So naturally when you share your thoughts of starting your own business that would obviously involve taking a risk, they are quick to dissuade you with care. They might say things like ‘that will never work in Nigeria‘, ‘I don’t think you can do it‘, etc.
I personally feel it’s important to seek advice from the right kind of people. I’ve been in the Nigerian entertainment industry for just 3 years, and for the first 18 months the rate at which my dreams were being shut-down was stupendous. I’d have an amazing idea, talk to a few people about this amazing idea and before the end of the day, I’d be so depressed because my idea had been stomped on and mortally crushed. It wasn’t like the people I would talk to didn’t want me to do well, far from it…they just couldn’t see my vision.
After a few more months of dream crushing, I decided that I had had enough. I thought about what I wanted to achieve career-wise, and researched people in and out of the industry that I admired. I had role models in and out of Nigeria that I studied and when I got a chance to meet one or two in Nigeria, I must have tired them with my never-ending questions, but hey when it comes to chasing my dreams I’m like a rottweiler!
In my life I have encountered 2 types of Dream Killers – the accidental Dream Killers who care about you, but will unknowingly discourage you from chasing your dreams, and the deliberate Dream Killers who are basically unhappy in their own (most likely) unsuccessful lives, and really don’t want to see you progress.
I’ve learnt that on the journey to achieving your dreams (and greatness) you need to possess the following tools (excuse the pun):

Thursday, November 15, 2012


Pat Obahiagbon appointed Gov Adams Oshiomhole's Chief of Staff

Former House of Reps member and Grammarian, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, has been appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. His appointment was announced this evening and he will be officially sworn in at 10 tomorrow morning at the Edo State government house.

SEE Uche Jombo's Vacation Pics



Nigerian Politician Olusola Saraki Is Dead


Dr. Olusola Saraki, popular Nigerian politician and second republic senator poplularly known as the "strongman of Kwara politics" has died at the age of 79.
Dr. Saraki died in his sleep at his Camera road home in Ikoyi Lagos according to family sources.

Dr. Saraki  will be buried today in Ilorin at 4pm Nigerian time according to Muslim rites.

Nkiru Silvannus Responds to Sack Rumour...I was Transfered Not Sacked


I am aware that some bloggers have been peddling news about me saying I lost my appointment with Imo State Govt. For the records, I was the Lagos Liaison officer, SSA Lagos Affairs which has been taken over by Lisa and I am now SSA on public Affairs. And this happened 5 months ago, when there was a cabinet reshuffle. For my Fans who still love and believe in me, God will always be faithful. For those who want my down fall, sorry am the wrong person cos I stand tall and strong.

Nkiru Silvannus
SSA Public Affairs

Nominees Unveiled for Light-Up Awards

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Organisers of the maiden edition of the annual Light Up Awards scheduled to hold later this month have released the names of nominees for the awards.

The award, according to the national coordinator of Project Light-Up Nigeria, Mr. Frank Ukpabi,is designed to recognise, appreciate and encourage public office holders, corporate entities and private citizens who are contributing to a Nigeria of steady electricity power supply and well-lit up streets at night based on the age-long proven norm that encouragement leads to more achievement.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Nigerian Teenage Girls Develop a Urine-Powered Generator



Four teenage girls, Duro-Aina Adebola (14), Akindele Abiola (14), Faleke Oluwatoyin (14) and Bello Eniola (15) have stunned the country with their invention of a urine powered generator at this year’s Maker Faire Africa, an event which shows off innovations, inventions, and initiatives that solve immediate challenges and problems, and then works to support and propagate them.

How it works:

  • Urine is put into an electrolytic cell, which cracks the urea into nitrogen, water, and hydrogen.
  • The hydrogen goes into a water filter for purification, which then gets pushed into the gas cylinder.
  • The gas cylinder pushes hydrogen into a cylinder of liquid borax, which is used to remove the moisture from the hydrogen gas.
  • This purified hydrogen gas is pushed into the generator.
  • 1 Liter of urine gives you 6 hours of electricity

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Boko Haram: Real leader unmasked


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As infighting rages among members
THE alleged offer of peaceful resolution of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria has caused a major break-up of the fundamental Islamic sect even as the group tries to replace former Head of State, General Mohammed Buhari with a prominent Muslim leader Dr. Datti Ahmed who sources said is the real leader of Boko Haram.
It would be recalled that Boko Haram in a statement by one Abu Mohammed IbuAbdullaziz who claimed to be speaking on behalf of his self-acclaimed leader, Sheik Abubakar Shekau said Boko Haram was now ready to give peace a chance in Nigeria and requested that federal government negotiate with its allegedly appointed representative, General Mohammadu Buhari.
Abdulaziz said he had the mandate of Shekau to request the federal government to send its negotiation team who will now met a team to lead by Buhari. Other members of the Boko Haram team include, former governor of Yobe State now Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, first Nigerian Petroleum Minister Shettima Ali Mungono, chairman of the Presidential Committee on insecurity in the North-East, Ambassador Gaji Gatimari and other prominent members of the Borno Emirate to negotiate with federal government on the group's behalf.

Friday, November 2, 2012


Govt may accept dialogue offer with condition


Govt may accept dialogue offer with condition
The Federal Government is ready for dialogue with Boko Haram but on one condition that the Spiritual and Political Leader of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau, will be at the negotiation table.
It was also learnt that the government may come up with an Amnesty Programme for members of the sect after ceasefire and disarmament if they are sincere.

A government source, who spoke in strict confidence, said the conditions set by the group would be resolved during the dialogue.
The source said: “We were not surprised by the offer of the dialogue because there had been contacts between the sect and National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki in the last few months.
“As a matter of fact, the NSA had some talks with the leaders of the sect last week where it was indicated that Shekau’s deputy might lead Boko Haram delegation to the dialogue.
“The NSA however said the government would want Shekau to head the team from the sect’s side in order to give the proposed talks more weight.
“With Shekau, who is the spiritual and political leader of Boko Haram, there will be a meaningful direction for the discussion by the two parties.
“If it works out and if Boko Haram is sincere with the dialogue option, the government will embrace it.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “Once we can find common grounds, the government will come up with a rehabilitation initiative which is similar to the ongoing Amnesty Programme.
“Even in the case of the affected parts of the North, there might be a joint reconstruction programme between the Federal Government and the ravaged states.”
Concerning the demand of Boko Haram for the arrest of ex-Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, the source added: “That is a political side of their demands which the government will look into.
“From security reports and investigation by agencies, some members of the sect gave Sheriff support during his election based on three demands.
“The demands were a creation of a Ministry for Islamic (Religious Affairs), being part of Sheriff’s government and the implementation of Sharia in Borno State.
“They parted ways with Sheriff when he refused to implement the Sharia policy. The situation worsened following the brutal killing of the leader of the sect, Mohammed Yusuf and a former Commissioner for Islamic (Religious) Affairs in Sheriff’s cabinet.
“The dialogue will shape discussions on the fate of Sheriff.”
Source..Nation

Chika Unigwe, Author of “On Black Sisters Street” wins the 2012 NLNG Prize for Literature – Carts Away $100,000 Prize!


So excited to share this news! One of our favourite authors, Chika Unigwe, the author of “On Black Sisters Street” was today announced the winner of this year’s edition of Nigeria’s biggest prize for literature, the NLNG Prize for Literature.
She was announced winner of the literary award at a world press conference held at the Ocean View Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Chika Unigwe is a Nigerian-born author and she writes in English and Dutch. She has a Ph.D in Literature from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. She has published short fiction in several anthologies, journals and magazines including Wasafiri (University of London), Moving Worlds (University of Leeds), Per Contra, Voices of the University of Wisconsin and Okike of the University of Nigeria.

In 2003, she was shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing. In 2004, she won the BBC Short story Competition and a Commonwealth Short Story Competition award. In the same year, her short story made the top 10 of the Million Writers Award for best online fiction.
Her book made the final shortlist of 3. The other two entries were Only a Canvas by Olusola Olugbesan and Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter by Ngozi Achebe.
Chika, who lives in Turnhout, Belgium, with her husband and four children is the first foreign based Nigerian writer to win the NLNG prize which was hitherto reserved for locally based Nigerian writers.
The prize has a cash value of $100, 000.

Gov. Rochas Okorocha Shuts Down Nudity Clubs In Imo State

                                   
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has ordered the immediate closure of nudity clubs in the state, describing their existence as “strange and devilish”. Okorocha, who gave the order in Owerri on Wednesday at the end of the meeting of the state Security Council, said that the operation of nudity clubs debased Igbo culture.

He said that such clubs had compounded the eroding morality of the youths and warned that the government would no longer condone their destructive activities. Many nudity clubs are operating in the state capital.


The governor also banned under-age persons from attending night clubs in the state and warned that any club found admitting such persons or selling alcoholic drinks to them would be closed down permanently.

The governor also ordered the demolition of a house in Oru East Local Government Area and a filling station in Mbaitoli Local Government Area allegedly owned by kidnappers.

Okorocha warned that government was determined to stamp out kidnapping in the state.
He also warned owners of uncompleted buildings in the state to clean and secure them to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts.

The governor decried the upsurge of secret cults in some secondary schools in the state and warned student cult members that government was poised to deal with them.

He expressed concern over the increase in child trafficking in the state and said that government had taken steps with the security agencies to check the trend.

**BOKO Haram Cease Fire**. Buhari Leads Boko Haram's Team.

‎                                                                                 

"Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim colonel (Maj Gen) who ruled Nigeria for 20 months after seizing power in 1984, had to be a negotiator during talks". - Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, Boko Haram Spokesperson.

Other Conditions:
**govt should compensate the group and rebuild their places of worship which were destroyed during 2009 uprising.
**all their members who were arrested and are under the custody of security agencies must be released with immediate effect.
**Peace Talks Must be saudi Arabia.

Team Lead By Buhari.
#Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, # Bukar Abba Ibrahim (ex Yobe Governor), #Ambassador Gaji Galtimari, #Barr Aisha Alkali Wakil and #Barr. Alkali Wakil.

Boko Haram Team.
#Abu Mohammed Abdulazeez, #Abu Abbas, #Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf, #Sheikh Sani Kontogora and #Mamman Nur.

D'Banj Stole My Style Of Music



Thursday, November 1, 2012

Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor Resigns


2015: Akpabio’s deputy quits
Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere quit his job yesterday – “for personal reasons.”
His terse letter of resignation sent to Governor Godswill Akpabio reads: “Pursuant to Section 306 (5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I kindly notify you of my resignation from the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State forthwith on personal grounds.
“I want to thank you immensely for the opportunity to serve Akwa Ibom State and the good people of the state as well in the remaining years of your administration.”
A statement signed by Ekere’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Inemesit Ina, confirmed the resignation, but refused to go beyond the lines in the letter.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Family Of Swimming Pool Drowned Boy Cries Out For Justice




Family suspects foul play in the death of 22-year-old, seeks thorough investigation of incident
HE was 22 years old and a domestic worker in Ogudu GRA, Lagos. Onyeka Kingsley Raphael  was found dead in the swimming of his boss, one Mr. Tunde Williams, on Babatunde Asimi Street, Ogudu GRA.
His death is already raising dust as family members strongly suspect foul play and want police to unravel the mystery behind the death.
The deceased, an indigene of Umunede in Ika Local Council of Delta State, was said to have been found dead last Saturday and his body lying on the floor of the swimming pool with his stomach showing no sign of protrusion, suggesting that he did drown.
An eye witness who saw the body when it was removed from the swimming pool by police men from Ogudu Police Station revealed that there were no injuries either on the head or other parts of the body except a twisted neck, suggesting that he might have been strangled by yet to be identified assailants whose aim remains mysterious until police investigations are concluded.
More so, the police and those who raced to the scene saw the food Onyeka had prepared for himself and placed on the table with his cap.
According to family sources, the young man had gone to live with the Tunde Williams family in March in their Ogudu GRA residence following an arrangement for him to be employed as a domestic worker.

I Almost Lost My Job To Fuel Crisis..Jonathan




President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that the popular and democratic electoral mandate given him by Nigerians saved his job during the subsidy removal protests in the country early this year.
The President was speaking in Freetown, Sierra Leone when he met with chairman of the country's National Electoral Commission (NEC), Madam Christina Thorpe, as well as chairmen and some presidential candidates of political parties contesting in the Sierra Leone's general elections coming up on November 17 this year.
Jonathan spoke in line with his admonition to the political class, to jointly ensure free and fair polls as such this guarantee their popularity with the electorate and the ability to gain the people's confidence when taking take strong decisions in tumultuous times.
According to the President, the crises that engulfed Nigeria when he attempted to remove petroleum subsidy last January would have seen him removed from office if not that the majority of citizens who voted for him refused to be coerced or deceived into demanding for a regime change instead of reversal of the policy.

3rd Mainland Bridge Finally Opens Today





All sections of the third Mainland Bridge would be open to traffic from Tuesday, 30th October 2012 as scheduled by the contractor, Borini Prono, the Federal Ministry of Works said.

The bridge would have been opened for use a week ago because work was ahead of schedule, according to the work plan made available by the contractor, but they had to put it forward to enable them conclude some aspects of the job.
It was closed down about three months ago

Gov Ajimobi's Wife Allegedly Arrested For Money Laundry In London



The wife of the Oyo State governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, has been alleged to be in the net of London police authorities.

According to unconfirmed reports she was found in possession of Pound Sterling and United States Dollars totaling N500million about two weeks ago.

Mrs Ajimobi was said to have been arrested by the Met Police during her 52nd trip outside Nigeria in the last 17 months that her husband became the chief executive of the Pace-Setter state.
The development came barely a few months after Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State was arrested also in London on money laundering charges and was held for about 26 days in the United Kingdom.

According to the source ,Governor Abiola Ajimobi has equally been out of the country for about 42 times on personal and official trips that have cost the people of the state fortunes in estacode and denied them the opportunity of a responsible government during times of sorrow, like the August 26, 2011 flood disaster that ravaged the state.

The governor’s wife was held for a few days in London before she telephoned her husband who immediately flew out to the United Kingdom to save his wife and his administration from the embarrassment that the arrest could cause.

The governor was alleged to had stand in surety for his wife before she was temporarily released the weekend on her arrest.

Fly Suntai's Aides Abroad Or Face Litigation..Falana





LAGOS lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), yesterday gave indication of a legal action against government if the five aides of Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State who were involved in plane crash with the governor are not flown abroad for medical treatment.
The aides were rescued alongside Suntai in the Cessna 208 aircraft that crashed on their way to Yola, Adamawa State.
While the governor was immediately flown to the National Hospital, Abuja and subsequently to Germany for treatment, his aides were left at the hospital in Yola and later taken to the National Hospital, Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) has described the $50 million used by Governor Rotimi Amaechi to buy the Global 5000 Bombardier Jet as money wasted.
Speaking at a media roundtable on “Promotion of Ethics and Integrity in the Courts System and Improving Citizens’ Access to Justice: The Role of Lawyers” in Lagos, Falana said the treatment given to the governor’s aides runs foul of Article 3 of the African Charter, which guarantees equal access to life and treatment to all.
Falana, who gave three days to the government to fly the aides abroad for treatment, said he and other civil societies would be left with no option but to approach the court to enforce the African Charter.

Friday, October 26, 2012


Aviation Ministry, Taraba govt say Gov Suntai, other passengers survive plane crash

                                                             
The Federal Ministry of Aviation has just issued a statement saying the Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, and the other five passengers aboard the crashed plane are alive.
The statement titled “Incident Involving Aircraft, Cessna 208, 5N-BMJ in Yola, Adamawa State, reads:
“An aircraft, Cessna 208 with 6 souls on board including crew, operated by the Taraba State Government departed Jalingo, Taraba State for Yola this evening and reported contact with the Yola Control Tower (1720Z) and field in sight at 38 miles estimating landing at 1730Z. The pilot subsequently lost contact with Yola Control Tower and subsequent effort to raise the aircraft failed.”
“Search & Rescue was immediately activated and site of incident located with all victims alive with various degrees of injuries. The victims have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment pending further investigation of the incident.”
“This is the correct version of the incident; every other one that is contrary to this is incorrect.”
SIGNED: Joe Obi,SA (Media) to Aviation Minister

Happy Eid-El-Kabir to all my Muslim brothers and sisters

                                                                   

3rd Mainland Bridge Finally Opens On Tuesday




All sections of the third Mainland Bridge would be open to traffic from Tuesday, November 6 this year as scheduled by the contractor, Borini Prono, the Federal Ministry of Works said.

The bridge would have been opened for use a week ago because work was ahead of schedule, according to the work plan made available by the contractor, but they had to put it forward to enable them conclude some aspects of the job.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

How ACN's N3.5b failed to conquer Ondo


FACTS have emerged on how the National Leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu's desperate efforts to add Ondo to the states under the control of ACN failed on Saturday, despite the N3.5 billion raised for the mission.
The Nigerian Compass learnt in Akure, the Ondo State capital, that N3.5 billion was  mobilised for the 'Operation Capture Ondo State at all cost”.

The candidate of ACN in the election, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), came third, having polled 143,512 votes.

The Labour Party candidate  and incumbent governor of the Sunshine State, Dr. Rahman Olusegun Mimiko, won the  election having polled 260,199 votes.

Thursday, October 18, 2012


I didn’t go abroad for cosmetic surgery – Patience

Patience Jonathan
Wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, returned to the country on Wednesday after spending about seven weeks abroad.
Mrs. Jonathan arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from a foreign country widely believed to be Germany. She returned in one of the aircraft in the Presidential Fleet
 As soon as she alighted from the aircraft, she denied media reports that she went abroad for cosmetic surgery. She also denied being an in-patient in a German hospital on account of a terminal disease, adding that her husband loved her physique.
She said, “I read in the media where they said I was in the hospital. God Almighty knows I have never been to that hospital. I don’t even know the hospital they mentioned.
“I have to explain what God has done for me. I do not have terminal illness, or (went for) any cosmetic surgery, more or less tummy tuck.
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