I'm Still Alive: Jackie Chan Debunks Death Rumor

The popular Chinese Film star, Jackie Chan, became a victim of an internet death hoax. But the martial arts expert has clarified he is very much alive. “I was shocked by two news reports when I got off the plane. First of all, don’t worry! I’m still alive. Second, don’t believe the scam on Weibo using my name about the Red Pockets,” Chan said. “This is my official Facebook page and I only have 1 official Weibo page. Love you all,” Chan, who attended the premiere of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s movie “PK” in China last week, tweeted on Saturday. Chan is currently busy with the 68th Cannes International Film Festival. Chan and the Cannes Market have created $165,000 prize for the Chinese filmmakers taking part in the Cannes festival’s 3rd New Chinese Film Talents Forum, reports variety.com. The money comes from Chan’s Project A: Young Filmmaker Development Fund. The financial prize is specifically to be invested in the costs of the production of the winning director’s new project. The forum is in its third year and this year is host to eight young directors. The eight get to pitch their projects at a session on Monday at the Olympia Cinema in Cannes. The winning project will be announced on Tuesday.

Read more at: http://dailytimes.com.ng/im-still-alive-jackie-chan-debunk-death-hoax/

Buhari hails Jonathan at AU Summit

Abuja –  President Muhammadu Buhari has again acknowledged the role played by former president Goodluck Jonathan in midwifing a peaceful and successful transition programme in the country.

He said this on Sunday in his address to the AU Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“I cannot fail to acknowledge the very positive role played by my predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan, in averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition of power between the two parties.

President Buhari said his election had been described as historic.

“I agree that it is indeed historic because for the first time in the practice of democracy in my country, an opposition party has defeated the ruling party in a keenly contested election.

“The election was also held against the backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the election could spell doom for Nigeria.

“I am glad that even though those fears and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different, to the relief of all of us,’’ he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari delivers his address at the 25th AU summit in Johannesburg South Africa, June 14th 2015

Buhari reiterated that the process, which was adjudged as the fairest and most credible in the history of elections in Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged and sustained determination of the Nigerian people, and their desire to deepen democracy.

He said the people’s quest was amply supported, and even encouraged by the goodwill of friends and partners in the international community.

“I therefore wish to seize this opportunity to convey my very deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of that election. (NAN)

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/buhari-hails-jonathan-at-au-summit/#sthash.1zX6IvmC.dpuf

Before the end of June, workers would get their salaries – Aregbesola

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, said his government is set to pay workers outstanding salaries before the end of June.

Aregbesola made the declaration in a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday through his media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.

Most workers are being owed seven months’ salaries.

But the statement was silent on whether the governor would pay the backlog or he would pay part of the salaries.

The governor stated that he had a great dream for the state and that was why he was in a hurry to begin many programmes which had earned him applause even outside the country.

He futhered, “The dream has not gone awry and it is a clear vision that Osun must be on its feet, self-reliant and be a reference point in Nigeria. The race to ensure development within the first term of Aregbesola was informed by the fear of what is happening now.

“Aregbesola wanted an Osun State that is self-reliant. That Osun State, almost two decades after its creation, could not boast of tax-paying companies speak volume about the magnitude of the works that awaited the Aregbesola administration.

“But he did not shy away from this task of industrialisation. Within his first term, his government had caused investors to bring up companies, such as the Omoluabi Garment Factory, Osogbo and Adulawo/RLG Technology Company in Ilesa.

“Just last month, a leading telephone line company, Airtel, came to establish partnership with the Adulawo/RLG Company. These are aside the various agro-allied companies which have benefited from the growth schemes of the Aregbesola administration throughout the state.

“The government has also commenced aggressive drive for the development of the solid mineral sector with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with an Australian mining firm, Andalusia Mining Industry.

“It was in the same vein that the idea of an airport for aircraft maintenance was conceived.

“Only a lazy administration would accept the tag of Osun State as a ‘civil servant’ state as excuse for not developing initiatives for industrialisation.

“To accept that our state must continue to survive on the meagre inflow through what goes to the civil servants alone is to accept that we would continue to depend on external forces for our survival.” He ended

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/before-the-end-of-june-workers-would-get-their-salaries-aregbesola/#sthash.o02aLXFn.dpuf

Don’t take bribe, Aisha Buhari at President’s men -

The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha has warned those around the President not to use their position to curry favours, but to key into his agenda of fighting corruption and insecurity.

Speaking while she hosted women and youths to a ‘thank you’ dinner, Mrs. Buhari said the success of the administration would depend on how the people around the President conduct themselves.

According to her, there should be a better representation of women in all arms of government in order to ensure that their concerns are better articulated.

She said: “There was nothing that people did not say about the past administration. It is not Jonathan that is not good, but the people around him.

From Left; Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, Wife of  the Senate President, Mrs Toyin Saraki and Wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hajiya Gimbia Dogara at a dinner hosted by the Wife of the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday, 13 June 2015.

“So, the people that are going to be around General Buhari have to be very careful because this election ended peacefully.

“We are praying and hoping that people around him should know that it took him 12 years to get to that position and they must know that they are coming to serve the masses, not General Buhari in person.  It is the people that are around him that will determine the political health of our state.

“There was nothing that people did not say about the past administration. It is not Jonathan that is not good, but the people around him.

“So, the people that are going to be around General Buhari have to be very careful because this election ended peacefully.

“We are praying and hoping that people around him should know that it took him 12 years to get to that position and they must know that they are coming to serve the masses, not General Buhari in person.  It is the people that are around him that will determine the political health of our state.

“I will like to inform you that in the past regime, whether it is true or false, only God knows, some people were going round and parading themselves as PAs. If you wanted to see the First Lady, you will pay $30,000, $50,000 and if you are seeing the President, you will pay all that you have gathered in your lifetime.

- Sorce: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/dont-take-bribe-aisha-buhari-tells-presidents-men/#sthash.48XOcfiY.dpuf

Buhari to African leaders: My efforts to defeat Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, briefed African leaders on his efforts towards combating the Boko Haram insurgency in the country’s North-East even as he challenged them to collectively stop the sordid stories of migrants dying across the Mediterranean Sea.

In an address presented at the opening ceremony of the 25th ordinary session of the African Union, AU, Buhari also paid respect to former President Goodluck Jonathan for helping to avert a crisis in the country by facilitating a smooth transition in power.

Noting the challenge against his administration from Boko Haram and his efforts towards overcoming the threats by the group, he said: “Our continent is currently bedevilled by the twin evils of terrorism and insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment.

“The destructive effects of the inhuman and criminal campaigns of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and neighbouring countries; the Al-Shabab attacks in East Africa, and the activities of the Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, all bear testimony to a continent under siege.

“I was convinced on my assumption of office that the best approach would be to work within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBC, to mobilse collective support to fight against Boko Haram. I have in this regard, directed the relocation of Nigeria’s Command Centre to place it closer to the theatre of action.

“Furthermore, I have vigorously engaged the member states of the LCBC to better coordinate the strategies and tactics in fighting the insurgency in the region. I believe that this approach can be enhanced through complimentary regional and continental efforts.”

Deaths of migrants across Mediterranean

President Muhammadu Buhari delivers his address at the 25th AU summit in Johannesburg South Africa, June 14th 2015

Frowning at repeated episodes of African migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, he said: “The images in the international mass media of African youths getting drowned in the Mediterranean Sea on their illegal attempts, and often times illusory hope of attaining better life in Europe are not only an embarrassment to us as leaders, but dehumanise our persons.  Indeed, they combine to paint a very unfavourable picture of our peoples and countries.

“Those of us gathered here today owe it as a duty to reverse this ugly trend. We must put an end to the so-called push factors that compel our young men and women to throw caution to the winds and risk life, limbs and all, on this dangerous adventure.

“We must redouble our efforts to sustain the economic development of our countries, ensure empowerment of our youths, create more jobs, improve and upgrade our infrastructure, and above all continue the enthronement of a regime of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and rule of law. These and other measures that engender peace and stability must be pursued relentlessly.

“In this connection, we must persist in our collective endeavour to work together through the African Union and our respective Regional Economic Communities, RECs, to uplift our continent and provide the African peoples the enabling environment for the realisation of their legitimate dreams and aspirations.

“At this juncture, let me assure you of the unflinching commitment of Nigeria to the ideals and aspirations of the African Union as explained in the Agenda 2063, which is geared towards ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa in the next 50 years. It is for this reason that Nigeria is fully and irrevocably committed to the ECOWAS vision.

Lauds Jonathan on transition

Acknowledging Nigeria’s historic transition and the role played by his predecessor, he said: “The election was also held against the backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the election could spell doom for Nigeria. I am glad that even though those fears and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different, to the relief of all of us.

“I cannot fail to acknowledge the very positive role played by my predecessor, H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition of power between the two parties.

“I also wish to express my deep appreciation to all who honoured us with their presence at my inauguration, and even those, who for unavoidable reasons were unable to attend.”

- Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/buhari-to-african-leaders-my-efforts-to-stop-boko-haram/#sthash.5VoM4ITq.dpuf

Ogogoro Ban is Not the Solution

WHY should a suggested ban of ogogoro, the locally produced gin linked to deaths in Ondo and Rivers States, be the first solution that crosses the minds of the authorities?

How does the ban solve a challenge that could spread to other States? Why are there more interests in a ban than in finding the substance used in the production of the ogogoro? Why is it that after centuries of production and consumption of ogogoro along the same axis, deaths are just becoming the consequence of consuming it?

Should the authorities not be interested in the motives, if any, for lacing the drinks with poison?  Is this an individual acting or a group? Are there connections between the incidents in Rivers and Ondo States? Are there some unreported deaths linked to these incidents? Can the health authorities explain the survival of some identified among the group that took the drink? What is the source of the poison? Is it an agent added to the drink or a reaction from the manufacturing process or handling? Is the poison local or imported?

These, and more questions, should bother the authorities, as they search for solutions to the situation. It is advisable that people be alerted about the unwholesome ogogoro. It is also very important that there is an early resolution of the problem for ogogoro is not an ordinary drink to its patrons; it has deeper roots.

It is rooted in tradition. Few occasions in some places could be contemplated without gin, principally, the locally manufactured one. As a local substitute, ogogoro saves the economy billions of Naira wasted in importing fanciful versions of the drink, adorned in packaging that adds little else to the content. It is an industry that employs thousands of people across its delivery chains, in the often-derided informal sector.

The extension of the concerns to consumption of dog meat, another delicacy for some, is a further speculation that could cripple social life in the threatened areas.

Governments’ interests in the matter should not be perfunctory for more reasons. Would we ban other foods and drinks if the purveyors decide to poison them? A ban is a quick fix, which like all quick fixes would create more challenges. The incident reveals the fragility of the various spheres of our lives that governments have failed to secure. It calls for more proactive actions that could forestall poisoning of foods and drinks.

An immediate collaboration of government agencies in the affected zones is important for a comprehensive investigation of the incidents without further damage to the local economies that the ogogoro fosters.

These incidents have thrown up more issues than a ban can resolve.

- Sourcet: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/ogogoro-ban-not-solution/#sthash.xfSSDhN7.dpuf

Buhari rejects proposal for Chad, Niger, others to head central force against Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected a proposal for an alternate leadership between Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroun and Benin, of a joint military force against Boko Haram.

At a meeting with leaders of the Lake Chad nations Thursday in Abuja, Mr. Buhari insisted Nigeria must be the sole leader of the joint military operation.

He said a proposal that such leadership alternate amongst the participating nations after every six months, may ultimately undermine the joint operations.

The president said his argument should be adopted since Nigeria remains at the centre of the Boko Haram crisis, and will provide the bulk of troops for the operation.

“While I agree that this is a joint operation with shared responsibilities, I am, however, of the opinion that military operations that are subjected to a rapid turnover of command and control structures, six months duration, as it is being proposed in the documents before us, do not augur well for effectiveness and efficiency,” Mr. Buhari said.

“Such a process will undermine, even if it is not intended, the military capacity to sustain the push against the insurgents, who also have the uncanny ability to adapt and rejig their operational strategies.

He continued, “I am inclined, on account of the above, to suggest for Your Excellencies’ consideration that Nigeria retains the position of the Force Commander of the MNJTF for the period of the war effort. This command will be to the effectiveness of military strategy, since Nigeria will be providing the bulk of the troops and the main theatre of the war is on Nigerian soil.”

The president’s remarks were disclosed in a press statement released by his office.

It was not immediately clear whether the suggestions were adopted by the other leaders.

The Extra Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin, was attended by the president of Chad, Idris Deby; Niger, Issoufou Mahamadu; Benin, Boni Yayi; and the Defence Minister of Cameroun, Mebe Ngo’o Edgard Alain.

The coalition considered new measures against Boko Haram, responsible for thousands of deaths in Nigeria, and neighbouring countries.

Mr. Buhari thanked the foreign leaders for their help in the fight against the insurgents.

“Nothing has emphasized our common humanity and destinies more than the dastardly crimes against our people by the insurgents, who have maimed and raped our women and children and held our nations in a vicious strangle hold,” he said.

“Our campaign against insurgency must therefore, be directed on all fronts, starting from limiting their capacity to access funds and weapons. We must, therefore, strengthen our cross border patrols and increase our capacity to gather and share intelligence. In this regard, I urge that all necessary steps be immediately taken to reinvigorate the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU).”

He thanked the Ministers of Defence of all the countries for coming up with a proposal for the joint military force.

He said Nigeria had promised $100 million for the take-off of the multinational force, and assured the funds will be provided.

He said notwithstanding the pledge, funding still remains a major issue of the campaign.

“I had raised this issue at my meeting with the G7 leaders. While I am encouraged by their support, I also urge you to garner the support of your international friends and partners to sustain this campaign,” he urged the leaders.

“Our campaign against Boko Haram must be seen within the wider context of the global war against terror. Terrorism has no frontiers and they must, because of the great implication for regional and global peace and security, be defeated.”

Nigeria generates over $100bn annually from outsourcing — Akindeju

Mr. Peter Akindeju is the head of corporate services, Integrated Corporate Services Limited. He is also the chairman of the organising committee for the upcoming 2015 outsourcing expo. In this interview with JONAH NWOKPOKU, he spoke on the potential of the outsourcing industry in Nigeria, the challenges and how the industry can leverage the expo to continue to drive growth of the sector. Excerpts:

What is the idea behind outsourcing and how has it evolved in Nigeria?

Peter Akindeju

The early players of outsourcing in Nigeria started around thirty years ago. But before then, there have been various business interests that were involved in outsourcing related activities.

It was just that they did not call it outsourcing. Outsourcing is a business model. It is a way of carrying out your business in a model that you don’t own totally all the resources you require to provide value to all your customers.

There was a time in the history of doing business globally that people wanted to own everything that was required, in terms of all the resources, logistics.

If you remember many decades ago, even in Nigeria when the oil exploration began, we had companies that had oil wells, filling stations, petrol tankers and what have you. But over time, businesses have realised that that was not an effective of running business.

You cannot possibly own everything that you need in your value chain. So people now changed their minds and began to concentrate on their core competencies. You look at the spectrum of things you require to provide value to your customer, you look at the very core to that business and concentrate on that while you allow other people that have expertise in the so-called non core areas to provide those non-core area capabilities to augment your own core areas to provide value to your customers.

What is your assessment of the outsourcing industry in Nigeria?

Outsourcing started from total obscurity to now gaining traction. Its true there is still need for advocacy around outsourcing but i think outsourcing is gaining mileage in the country. People are beginning to know what outsourcing is and the business model is beginning to gain its rightful place in the economy.

If you look at the various sectors of the economy, you will realise that outsourcing plays a major role. Like i said, there are still people doing outsourcing without even knowing it. There is no sector in this economy that is not utilising outsourcing to provide the services that they provide.

Because I cannot see any sector that is completely independent on its own without receiving inputs from some auxiliary service providers or the other. If you take aviation sector for instance, there is a bulk of outsourcing that goes on in that sector, same as the banking sector and many others. So outsourcing is actually an integral part of our economy.

What is the value of the outsourcing market in Nigeria?

The value of outsourcing transactions going on in Nigeria could be estimated at about $100 billion annually. This is because globally, the value is over $30 trillion.

What strategic steps have you made to make data available for businesses going into outsourcing to make informed decisions?

The outsourcing expo itself is one of such strategies. The expo is a vehicle for expert collaboration and it is also an advocacy point for the industry. What we do at the outsourcing expo is to bring various stakeholders to the conference and let them see what is happening in the outsourcing space.

That is part of it and we continue to do advocacy from time to time. As we speak, there is something called the outsourcing policy in Nigeria which was not there years ago and this was sponsored by National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, so there are actually efforts and work going on but of course we need to do more.

What is the outsourcing expo all about?

The outsourcing expo is an annual event that is organised by the Association of Outsourcing Professionals in Nigeria, AOPN. This is the fourth edition of it. It is an avenue for experts and stakeholders to meet from time to time to exchange ideas. This also fosters collaboration and networking and it also provides us an opportunity to align our thoughts and to advocate for outsourcing.

That is what the platform is meant for and from time to time, we bring experts from the global space and they meet with experts in Nigeria to formulate policies and to discuss new ways of practising the profession. This year’s outsourcing expo will be happening on June 17th 2015 at Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

The theme of the expo is ‘The value of outsourcing.’ Some of the speakers include the Director General of NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack, Director/Chief Executive, Business School Netherlands, Mr. Lere Baale and a host of other professionals.

What do you expect at the end of this expo?

It is expected that this event will address the framework for determining the value proposition of outsourcing. Before, it has been a challenge determining the real value of outsourcing. We actually carried out a research sometime ago to compare the perceived value of outsourcing from the customers’ side and the value proposition from the providers’ side and we saw that there was actually a gap between the two views.

So this we believe will give us an opportunity to actually align the perceived value with value proposition from the customers’ side. But apart from that, we are also hoping that there will be a framework for determining a benchmark for scoping outsourcing projects.

Beyond all of that, we expect that we will all know how far the country has gone in terms of making Nigeria an outsourcing hub in the comity of nations in the West African region.

What would you say has been the greatest challenge of outsourcing in Nigeria?

I think the enabling environment is not there yet. The government needs to make a decisive, directed focus on outsourcing. They need to make deliberate efforts to actually develop the outsourcing space. We are losing a lot by not taking advantage of outsourcing.

We have seen what outsourcing has done for countries like China and India. We have seen Singapore develop from zero level and today evolved into a cynosure of international business. So we need to actually make concerted efforts to deliberately develop the outsourcing space in Nigeria. When you look at what is going on globally, when they mention Nigeria, what they say is that Nigeria needs to do A B C and D for them to be recognised as an outsourcing country.

Ghana here is seen as an outsourcing country, same as South Africa and Kenya, so why can’t Nigeria be an outsourcing country. Nigeria has more potential in both natural and human resources to overtake all of these countries but we need to make deliberate effort in that direction.

One thing that drives outsourcing is skill, do you think Nigeria has the requisite skills to attract the right kind of outsourcing opportunities?

I believe we do. This is because what is actually required is not much. It may be true that within the space, there is the high end technological requirement but there is still the other end of the spectrum where what is actually required is low skills. Even if we have not developed to that level of high tech talents, what about the low skill talents?

We have those high skill talents. We probably have not given them enough opportunity that will bring them all around into one place. It is not as if we do not have them. But beyond all these, what about the low skill at the low end of the spectrum? What is United States doing with India? They employ call centre agents and Indians’ English is not as fantastic as Nigerians’. What are they doing with Philippines?

How educated are they? What are they doing with Mauritius, a country of less than 1.5 million people? Lagos State is bigger than the country but it is an outsourcing country. So as far as the skills are concerned, depending on where we are looking at, the low level, the mid level, we can take advantage of those and then we can now over time put curriculum in place to develop the required capacity at the high end. We might not get there in one day but with structured approach we can get to become a hub.

- Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/nigeria-generates-over-100bn-annually-from-outsourcing-akindeju/#sthash.GEM6Sjtt.dpuf

Ambode, Oshiomhole, Awoniyi with Sam Amuka at 80

Lagos—Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and the deputy governor of Kogi State, Yomi Awoniyi, yesterday, paid tribute to the Chairman of Vanguard Media Limited and veteran journalist, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, who turned 80 on Saturday.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, the Lagos governor conveyed warm felicitations, saying that Amuka-Pemu has contributed largely to the uplifting of the profession of journalism in the country.

Governor Ambode said his strides towards the growth of the Nigerian press are not only evident in how he has led his newspaper to enviable heights, but also his stance on political stability, accountability and the rule of law.

The governor said, “Nigeria has benefitted immensely from the presence of Uncle Sam Amuka in the media, both as a journalist and columnist from the days of the Daily Times group, where he rose to be the Editor of Sunday Times”.

“His then column, ‘Sad-Sam’, stood tall among equals as he continuously kept his readers glued to his satirical and literary-styled articles, a model he has maintained over the years”. “It is not surprising that he has brought his wealth of experience to bear on the Vanguard newspapers, one of the newspapers to reckon with in the country today.

Sam Amuka

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos, I wish you a Happy 80th Birthday and many more years of good health, good speed and new heights going forward.”

Also, Awoniyi in a statement he signed personally eulogized Amuka for his teamwork in achieving desired goals, saying his contribution to the progress of the Nigerian Press is commendable. He described him as an unrivalled doyen of journalism profession.

“I commended the professionalism and consistency of the Vanguard Newspapers.

At 80, the contributions by Chief Amuka as a thorough breed professional would remain indelible, his consistency and principled stand on national issues stands him tall.” “I wish Uncle Sam good health and more prosperity in his future endeavours.””

Also, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka on his 80th birthday, as the authentic “Uncle” of the Nigerian media industry.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the governor said: “Your attainment of 80 in today’s Nigeria, where life expectancy is below 50, is a testament of God’s grace upon your life and the prayers of the hundreds of lives and families you have touched since the existence of the Vanguard newspapers.

“As a young man, I was privileged to read some of your “Sad Sam” columns and was enthralled by the fluency of your language and flow of your thoughts. Even today, at 80, your sense of humour, rare intellect and the simple lifestyle are some of the qualities that have continued to endear many to you.

“Vanguard, the refreshingly different newspaper, which you birthed in 1984, has remained true to being the voice of the masses and conscience of the people and your dream for the newspaper has remained true in spite of the harsh investment climate in Nigeria.

Gov Oshiomhole

“In other climes, you would have long been awarded the seat of a Professor of Journalism in an Ivy League university, however, the hundreds of young reporters, columnists and editors who passed through you at The Punch and Vanguard ‘Schools of Journalism’ would readily agree that, indeed, you truly deserve to be a Professor of Journalism as you remain the indisputable leader of the Nigerian media today.”

“Uncle Sam, at 80, you remain an exemplar in humility and industry and I pray God to grant you many more years in active service to humanity.”

- Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/ambode-awoniyi-greet-sam-amuka-at-80/#sthash.DTM06Fx0.dpuf

You were misled, Chris Anyanwu To Soyinka

Senator Chris Anyanwu has faulted Prof. Wole Soyinka’s objection to the Sexual Offences Bill as passed by the 7th National Assembly, saying the Nobel Laureate was misled in his hasty analysis of the bill.

Speaking against the background of the objections raised by Soyinka that the bill seemed to make defilement of girls above 11 years old acceptable, Senator Anyanwu who authored the bill said that there was nowhere the bill allowed such.

Besides Soyinka, civil rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has also objected to the bill on the same grounds.

In his own objection to the bill, Falana threatened to go to court saying:

“Finally, if the Bill is eventually passed into law with its obnoxious provisions we shall not hesitate to pray the Federal High Court to strike it down in view of Article 18(3) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 which has imposed a duty on the government of Nigeria to ensure the elimination of every discrimination against women and ensure the protection of the rights of the woman and the child, as stipulated in international declarations and conventions.”

Responding directly to the open letter by Soyinka to President Muhammadu Buhari not to give his assent to the bill, Senator Anyanwu said Soyinka’s fury could be understandable given the sensibility of upright Nigerians to the defilement of women.

“No one who read that letter could miss the fury embedded in your words. I know where that fury comes from: moral fibre, good conscience, and love of people.

“I want to assure you that it was the very same sentiments that drove me to come up with that bill and the same sentiments that led senators and members to pass it,” Senator Anyanwu wrote.

“As always, your aim was to speak as the voice of reason in our increasingly confused society.  I know you meant well. I know you acted out of your deep compassion for Nigerians and fatherly love for the children. But as I read your open letter, my heart sank because this time, my dear Baba, my dear icon, you are wrong; very wrong.

“You have been misled by the misinformation circulated by someone who could not read or comprehend a legal draft; someone who did not have the patience to read through a proposal, see what was recommended and what was finally accepted. You were misled by someone who deliberately distorted the content of one of the most profound bills ever passed by the Nigerian legislature, scandalized the proponent and the institution for reasons that you and I may not know.”

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/you-were-misled-chris-anyanwu-replies-soyinka/#sthash.HbgYVS1D.dpuf

Put your trust in God, Okowa urges Nigerians

ASABA—Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged Nigerians to put their trust in God for the development of the country.

Speaking at the third anniversary celebration of the Oracle of God Ministries International, OGM, yesterday, Okowa said that Nigerians must put their trust in God for Him to guide them in the path of salvation and development as “God only is the builder of the society and the church.”

- Sourcet: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/put-your-trust-in-god-okowa-urges-nigerians/#sthash.z8q1T90R.dpuf

Buhari release N4 billion to fight Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate release of $21 million (N4.2 billion) to the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF.

The money is to be released within the next one week to the multi-country military agency fighting the insurgent group, Boko Haram.

Nigeria made a pledge of $100 million as part of funds needed by the MNJTF- made of troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon – to fight the war against Boko Haram.

Speaking while chairing the Peace Security Council meeting at the ongoing 25th African Union summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mr. Buhari said it is time to put an end to the crisis in the African region before the 2020 target.

“Our continents is inundated with conflicts of diverse forms. They include the crisis in Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, and more recently in Burundi.

“As you are aware in 2013 during our 50th anniversary celebration of our union, we as African leaders committed ourselves to the objective of silencing the local guns in Africa by 2020.

Mr. Buhari said though achieving a conflict free continent within five years might seems doubtful with the numerous conflicts persisting, efforts must be made for peace to exist.

He spoke about the Boko Haram crisis and the global dimension to the crisis and added that countries need to partner to curb the crisis.

“In particular, we are witnesses to the rampant destruction of homes, roads, communications lines, vital infrastructures and displacement of persons not to mention terrible loss of lives.

“The Boko Haram insurgency has extended its reach to Nigeria’s neighbours but is not necessarily limited to these immediate countries as terrorism is a global phenomenon with linkages across the globe.

“In this regard, the member countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin, met recently where far reaching decisions were taken to immediately put into operations the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“To this end, the summit approved the immediate provision of $30 million for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“Consequently out of the pledge of $100 million which Nigeria made to the Multinational Joint Task Force, I have directed that $21 million be released within the next one week,” Mr. Buhari said.

Mr. Buhari lamented the situation in South Sudan and Burundi and criticised their leaders for what he termed “bickering”.

“Today’s meeting of PSC, which is to discuss the situations of South Sudan and Burundi, requires us to put these situations in proper context. The people of these countries are suffering while their political leaders are bickering among themselves.

“I believe that it is incumbent upon us as leaders to always place the interest of our countries above narrow and personal interest.

“It is therefore my expectations that at the end of this summit, the PSC will come out with a united message to call on all parties to act in the interest of their people and the entire continent.

“We must change the face of Africa, we must give hope to the hopeless.

“The time to do so is now as we look forward to the much await 2020 to deliver a continent that is at peace with itself, prosperous, a global partner and a democratic show case,” the President said.