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Tag: Alao Abiodun

  • #ProtectPHGirls trends as Nigerians react to ‘serial killer’ in PH

    THE rising cases of women being murdered by a “serial killer” in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has drawn widespread  condemnation, with many calling for the protection of girls and women in the city.

    Social media has been abuzz since the murders increased.

    On Monday, Twitter users expressed outrage over the unfortunate killings through hashtags #ProtectPHGirls and #PHCSerialKiller, with many condemning the lackadaisical attitude of the police on the issue.

    The death of a girl in a hotel situated in Obo Road, Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state last week was just one of the many killings of women in PH hotels recently.

    According to reports, the victims are usually found strangled and gagged with a white handkerchief.

    Over the weekend, several women groups took to the streets of Port Harcourt to sensitise residents on alleged serial killers on the prowl in the city.

    The convener, Nengi Ibifuro Jumbo, Port Harcourt Significant Girls (PHSG) said, “There is a serial killer on the loose in Rivers State. We want to go out and return home without fear.

    “We acknowledge the police for what they are doing, but we urge them to do more so that the killer is arrested, tried and made to face the full weight of the law.”

    Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has advised young women to shun prostitution.

    The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Chuks Enwonwu, while addressing protesters said, “In as much as societal values are disintegrating, we must go back to try to educate them (women) and discourage them from going into prostitution because that is how they fall victim to these crimes.”

  • UI lifts ban on Students Union activities after two years

    The management of University of Ibadan (UI) has lifted the ban placed on student union activities in the institution.

    Following a protest on May 30, 2017, the university senate under the leadership of Prof. Idowu Olayinka, the Vice-chancellor, suspended the students’ union.

    Prof. Olayinka confirmed the development as ‘true’.

    He said the senate met on Friday and lifted the suspension on students’ union activities.

    Read Also: UI announces date for Post-UTME Screening

    Also, the Director, Directorate of Public Communications, Tunji Oladejo, also confirmed the development saying that the university is ready to conduct leadership training after the election.

    “We are ready to work with the crop of new leaders so as to move the university forward,” he said.

    The Nation however gathered that the erstwhile President for council of Faculties, Victor Olaonipekun, has been charged with the responsibility of conducting a ‘free and fair election’ for the Students’ Union within the next 9 weeks.

    It should be recalled that the Ojo Aderemi-led administration led a protest in 2017 over the non-issuance of identity (ID) cards which subsequently led to the suspension of the union.

    Olayinka’s reversal of the suspension of union’s activities has elicited cheers from the students and many alumnus of the institution.

  • 10 ways to avoid being scammed by ‘yahoo boys’

    It is no longer news that ‘scams are real’ and ‘scammers exist’, they are humans like us and they are apparently in every corner of the world.

    Down the memory lane, the term “yahoo” was localized in Nigeria in the early 2000s as the name for ‘internet fraud’.

    While the internet has made it simple for us as humans to connect easily, the simplicity has brought in bigger challenges.

    The internet offers us a wide range of benefits but sadly, internet fraudsters devise clever plans to defraud millions of people every day.

    Online fraud and scams operate under many different disguises and go by many names such as yahoo-yahoo, cyber-crime, internet fraud, online crime, e-crime.

    Here are a few facts about online scammers:

    1. They are very patient strategically looking for a perfect time to strike.

    2. Older women are usually the ‘chief target’ for scammers.

    3. These scammers are usually too quick in trying to convince you about his or her identity backing it up with fake ‘proof’

    4. In Nigeria, scammers who are usually referred to as ‘Yahoo boys’, make use of voodoo or traditional powers called ‘Yahoo Plus’ or ‘Yahoo Plus Plus’.

    5. The most common type of ‘Yahoo Plus’ or ‘Yahoo Plus Plus’ is ‘do as I say’ which means you’ll be manipulated to give in to their demands, and only come to your senses to realize the errors after you’ve been defrauded.

    6. Everyone is potential target for scammers and they are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money.

    7. Examples of the scam used by internet fraudsters are; Job offer scams, lottery scams, beneficiary scams, online dating scams, charity fraud scams e.t.c.

    Read Also: Yahoo boys: Not too Young to Scam?

    So to avoid being scammed by these fraudsters via the aforementioned means above, here are few tips to eliminate the risk:

    1. Spot/detect imposter – Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust; a family member or a company you do business with. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request.

    2. Be ‘red alert’ to the fact that scams exist – When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it’s over the phone/mail/social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.

    3. Know who you’re dealing with – If you’ve only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. If a message or email comes from a friend and it seems unusual or out of character for them, contact your friend directly.

    4. Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links – Be careful not to click on spammed links which could lead to compromising your personal details.

    5. Keep your personal details secure – It is necessary to advice that you keep your passwords and pin numbers secured. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites.

    6. Review your privacy settings on social media – If you use social networking sites, such as Facebook, be careful who you connect with and learn how to use your privacy and security settings to ensure you stay safe.

    7. Be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone you’ve met online – Scammers use dating websites, social media, and many other sites to reach potential targets. They can quickly feel like a friend or even a romantic partner, but that is part of the tactics to get you to trust them.

    8. Don’t be pressured to act immediately – Scammers typically try to make you think there’s a limited time offer. They want to push you into action before you have time to think, it’s never a good idea to make an important decision quickly.

    9. Fake social media profiles – Some scammers create fake profiles and send you a friend request or message. If you respond, they then send you offers to make quick money or invest, or ask for money to help them with trouble they are having. They could also gain access to your personal information and steal your identity.

    10. Text Message To Update Your Bank Verification Number – If you get a text message on your cell phone from your bank saying “there’s been a problem with your bank verification number (BVN), and you need to call right away with some account information”, the truth is your supposed “bank” is a scammer hoping you will reveal your account information.

  • Fascinating history about ‘African beads’ in different Cultures

    When it comes to beautiful jewelries, perhaps Africa is best known for its ‘handmade’ beautiful bead work. African beads are exquisite works of art.

    Beads are often worn while expressing art for example, in Nigeria, Kalakuta queens at Fela’s shrine were often adorned in colourful beads while performing on stage.

    Beads are used in various parts of Africa as adornment or works of art. Beads can be in form of an anklet, bracelet, waist chain, necklace, rings, and earrings e.t.c.

    Most importantly, they served as adornment because it helps in defining and identifying someone’s status, as well as what tribe or group they belonged to.

    The use of beads in Africa can be traced back at least 12,000 years. The oldest known beads have been found in the Kalahari Desert, Sudan and Libya.

    The earliest beads were made of eggshell, clay, twigs, stones, ivory and bone – glass beads were introduced later by traders from Europe, India and the Middle East.

    In the 18th and 19th centuries, millions of colored shell beads were shipped from European countries to Africa in exchange for slaves.

    The beads made at that time were referred to ‘trade beads’ because they were used in exchange for goods or used as currency.

    The oldest African jewelry ever discovered was recently found, in 2004, in the Blombos cave on the southern tip of South Africa. They are estimated at being over 75 000 years old and are pea-sized, mollusc shell beads that had been pierced.

    Interestingly, Craftsman in Africa have continued to produce their beautiful traditional bead work unique to their tribe or region. Selling and producing beads and then jewelry from them has been a major source of income.

    Besides their role as physical adornment, beads are among the oldest known symbols used by mankind, some of them sharing time and space with the earliest known cave paintings and symbols are a physical manifestation of an advanced thought.

    As such, beads have religious, social, and decorative properties. In Africa, more than any other region, they have long played a prominent role.

    Cowry shells can be found throughout Africa and are probably the most used decorative symbol on the continent.

    Ghana was and still is the largest producer of beads in Africa; the Ashanti and Krobo people make them from ground, powdered glass that is uniquely identifiable.

    Read Also: 50 royal beads for a Princess

    In Malawi, they create vibrant glass beads that favor floral patterns

    In Mozambique, indigenous gemstones are a popular medium.

    Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo) is known for stone beads.

    Uganda is leading the way by making beads from re-cycled paper.

    In Ethiopia, men and women of the Hamer tribe both wear headbands, armbands, necklaces and chokers of bead.

    The most complex use of beads anywhere in Africa must be the rituals of courtship and marriage among the Zulu. Zulu beadwork is actually a language system where colors, patterns and items of apparel convey specific meanings.

    Zulu men wear beads to show commitment to women they intend to marry. Because of incestuous implications, mothers, sisters and daughters never give beads to their male relatives.

    However, the most recognized ‘bead makers’ in Africa are the Maasai women of kenya.

    The beads and their color represent their culture, including their love of cattle. Colors are also meaningful; red signifies bravery and green stands for the health of their cattle

    In Egypt long ago, nobles adorned their pets with beads. Today, many people adorn their dogs with jewelry and pet clothing. We still have that age old basic human emotion that loves to adorn with jewelry.

    Historians believe the African tradition of wearing beads signifies wealth and aristocracy. For example, Nigerian kings wear beads to show their royalty.

  • Weekly Round-up: Top stories you might have missed this week

    It’s been such a busy week with so many activities hence you may have missed some of our most interesting stories. We take a moment every week to bring you top stories you might have missed.

    Buhari’s new Ministers, Re-arrest of Wadume, NASU, SSANU warning strike, IPOB’s attack on Ekweremadu, EFCC’s probe of Obasanjo govt’s $16bn power project, fraudulent practices by 80 Nigerians in US, and other controversial news dominated the socio-political discourse this week.

    To make sure you’re up-to-date, The Nation brings you a brief round-up of the major stories this week. Alao Abiodun Reports

    Here is a recap of the week’s big news:

    Taraba Killing: Police Re-Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Wadume

    The Police have arrested suspected kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Wadume who was named in the clash between the police and soldiers two weeks ago in Taraba State.

    Mr Wadume was arrested in the Layin Mai Allo Hotoro area of Kano State by Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s Intelligence Response Team.

    Reacting to the suspect’s arrest, IGP Mohammed Adamu commended the police operatives for their perseverance and painstaking efforts.

    He also thanked Nigerians for their support and empathy to the police and the families of the officers killed in Taraba.

    Buhari swears in ministers

    Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has sworn in his 43 new ministers.

    The ministers were sworn in on Wednesday, inside the Federal Executive Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Among those present at the event was the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha and the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole.

    President Buhari had on July 23 appointed a total of 43 ministers from the 36 states and Abuja.

    Among the appointees are former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio; senior lawyer Festus Keyamo; ex-Benue governor George Akume; and 40 other nominees.

    The president also retained Babatunde Fashola, Chris Ngige and a few other returnee ministers.

    The appointments were made across the six geopolitical zones.

    80 Nigerians charged for massive fraud, money laundering in America

    The United States Department of Justice has released a statement announcing that 80 defendants, most of whom are Nigerians have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to launder money, and aggravated identity theft.

    A 252-count federal grand jury indictment charged 77 Nigerian nationals with participating in a massive conspiracy to steal millions of dollars through a variety of fraud schemes and launder the funds through a Los Angeles-based money laundering network as uncovered by the FBI.

    The indictment was unsealed after law enforcement authorities, led by the FBI, on Thursday morning arrested 14 defendants across the United States, with 11 of those arrests taking place in the Los Angeles region.

    Two defendants were already in federal custody on other charges, and one was arrested earlier this week. The remaining defendants are believed to be abroad, with most of them located in Nigeria.

    NASU, SSANU, demand N30 billion earned allowance

    Nigerian university workers held a warning strike from Monday, to press the federal government to meet their demands.

    The one-week strike lasted from August 19 to 23.

    Non-academic staff of universities had earlier planned for a nationwide protest on July 15 ahead of an indefinite strike over the failure of the federal government to implement its agreements with them.

    The agitation is coming four months after the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) suspended their two-month strike.

    Nigerian non-academic university workers have demanded N30 billion as payment of their earned allowances from the Nigerian government.

    The union lamented that 80 per cent of the money earlier released to the universities was for academic staff which it described as ‘discriminatory’.

    In its address, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the non-academic unions, Solomon Alfa, said the five-day warning strike embarked upon last Monday to press home their demands was very successful.

    The striking unions include the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU).

    Read Also: Six fake NYSC members nabbed in katsina

    133 Nigerian refugees return from Cameroon

    Nigerian refugees

    About 133 Nigerian refugees have returned from neighbouring Cameroon.

    The returnees are part of the over two million Nigerians displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Most of those displaced are within Nigeria, but several thousands are also living as refugees in neighbouring countries like Cameroon and Chad.

    The 133 returnees touched down at the Yola International Airport aboard Nigerian Airforce C130 at about 5:00 p.m. local time on Thursday.

    Officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, said the refugees volunteered to return home on their own.

    Some of the refugees described their experiences while in Cameroon as nasty, with one saying “life over there was difficult.”

    Condemnations trail IPOB’s attack on Ekweremadu

    This week, more condemnation trailed the attack on former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu by suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Germany.

    He was to give a keynote address at the Second Annual Igbo Cultural Festival and Convention organised by Ndi-Igbo in Nuremberg, Germany, on Saturday.

    IPOB claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on Sunday, saying it ordered its members in 100 countries to attack Igbo leaders when they see them.

    Reacting to the attack, the All Progressives Congress (APC) asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to apologise to Nigerians for supporting IPOB.

    APC National Publicity Secretary Lanre Issa-Onilu described PDP’s reaction to the attack as hypocritical.

    “No Nigerian should be assaulted in the manner Senator Ekweremadu was. It is an indecent action and it is below the acceptable standard of behaviour expected of our citizens, whether in Nigeria or abroad.”

    Southeast Governors’ Forum Chairman and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi said that the problem with the members of the IPOB is illiteracy.

    He said that majority of them were suffering from illiteracy and needed to be enrolled in school.

    Tribunal nullifies Dino Melaye’s election

    An election tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has nullified the election of Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi West.

    The tribunal ordered a fresh election to be conducted in the senatorial district.

    Mr Melaye’s closest rival, Smart Adeyemi of the APC, had challenged his victory at the tribunal.

    Mr Melaye was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2007 to represent Kabba/Ijumu federal constituency. He served two terms and later won election as a senator in 2015. He was declared winner of the February 2019 to serve another term in the Senate.

    Mr Melaye in June confirmed he would be contesting the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State. The Kogi governorship election holds on November 16.

  • Church marks 70 years

    The St. Jude Anglican Church, Odi-Olowo, Lagos Mainland Diocese (Anglican Communion), has put together one-week activities to marks its 70th anniversary.

    The anniversary is themed: “God’s re-assurance of a glorious future”.

    The events began on August 18 and will end on Sunday.

    Read Also: Why I don’t take Holy Communion in other churches – Adeboye

    At a news conference in Lagos, Church Vicar, Ven. Z.O Dopamu said there will be a special charity day for the poor.

    Church Secretary and Anniversary Committee Secretary Toyin Olufusho said: “The anniversary will consist of sensitisation walk, Bible quiz, charity, musical concert, inter-house sports competition, gala/award night and a thanksgiving service on Sunday.

  • What you should know about Wadume

    Suspected kidnap kingpin, Bala Hamisu popularly known as ‘Wadume’ fingered in the circumstances that led to the killing of three police officers and a civilian has been re-arrested.

    Wadume was arrested in the Layin Mai Allo Hotoro area of Kano State by Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s Intelligence Response Team on August 20.

    For weeks, Hamisu Bala Wadume, the alleged kidnap kingpin was the cause of the row between the army and the Nigerian Police.

    The IRT’s manhunt to arrest and bring down Wadume’s kidnapping spree began in March 2019 when it received a petition from one Sheriff Umar of Kirikinua South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The petitioner reported that his cousin, Usman Mayo, was kidnapped on February 15, 2019, at Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State and his kidnapper demanded the sum of N200 million as ransom for his release.

    The source explained that the family of the kidnapped victim negotiated and paid the sum of N85 million first on March 11, 2019 but the abductee was not released.

    He said they paid an additional N15 million on March 16, 2019, making a total sum paid to the kidnappers N100 million and the kidnappers refused to release their victim insisting that that the family must pay the N200 million they demanded.

    In a bid to curb his continuous kidnapping activities, the Intelligence Response Team led by ASP Felix Adolije acted swiftly upon intelligent report about his moves but came under attack from soldiers while taking Wadume to the Command Headquarters in Jalingo.

    Read Also: Revealed: How Wadume was arrested

    During the attack, Inspector Mark Ediale, Sergeants Usman Danzumi, Dahiru Musa and a civilian died as a result of gunshot injuries, while others sustained gunshot wounds.

    Investigations into the killing of three policemen revealed that the Nigerian Army captain who allegedly ordered the release exchanged 191 phone conversations with him.

    Hamisu Bala was born and brought up in Ibi local government area of Taraba State. His late father, Bala, was Hausa, while his mother was Tiv, from Ukum local government area of Benue state.

    He has his nickname as “Why Do You Mean?” which many mistake for “Wadume”.

    He is a Hausa man whose great grandfather migrated from Katsina state.

    While growing up as a young man, He was a petty fish trader and a painter who had partnership with his brother.

    Bala suddenly became rich that during the 2019 polls, he aspired to become a Taraba State House of Assembly member, representing Ibi Constituency on the platform of the Young Democratic Party (YDP) but lost.

  • NYSC Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation to begin today

    This year’s Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will begin today across the country and end at midnight on Wednesday, August 21.

    In a statement on Monday, NYSC Director General, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim felicitated with prospective Corps members of Stream II, Batch ‘B’ on their successful mobilisation for the service year.

    He advised them to make the best use of the opportunity as they are on the threshold to begin a new phase of life.

    The NYSC director general stressed that life is precious and must be treated with great circumspection.

    Read Also: NYSC only stable workforce in Nigeria, says DG

    Ibrahim enjoined prospective corps members to make adequate travel plans “as every successful journey starts with a good plan”.

    He also advised them to shun night travels, saying such journeys would make them susceptible to falling in harm’s way.

    The NYSC chief advised the prospective corps members to avoid edibles from strangers as they could be laced with sleep-inducing substances that could make them become victims of kidnappers, robbers, ritualists and rapists.

    “While in the vehicle, never get involved, either actively or passively in discussions that border on religion, politics and tribe. Just mind your business.

    “Ensure that you board a registered vehicle from approved park. Doing otherwise could spell danger. Please, ensure that the vehicle you want to board is roadworthy.

    “When you arrive the orientation camps, abide by all the rules and regulations guiding the camp, which is a regimented environment,” Ibrahim said.

  • NGO laments high rate of illiteracy, out-of-school children in Kwara

    Brain Builders International (BBI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to youth development, has lamented the high rate of illiteracy and out-of-school children in Kwara state.

    This was made known in an event held in Ilorin to commemorate the 2019 International Youth Day.

    This year’s theme; “Transforming Education and Contemporary Skills Sustainably: Who has the Biggest Role to Play?” featured deliberations and debates led by 10 discussants on how to tackle the nation’s biggest challenges to quality education and contemporary skill-learning.

    The BBI Coordinator, Olasupo Abideen Opeyemi, in his welcome address, noted that it’s not unlikely that the average Nigerian feels security is the country’s greatest challenge, but it is also true that the state of Nigeria’s education would bring any conscious mind to tears.

    Read Also: FG expresses concerns over increasing out-of-school children

    “The challenges our country has continued to face are not unconnected to the underlying effects that stream from the crumbling state of our education sector.” he said.

    He further said that the United Nations Children Education Fund’s (UNICEF) declaration that about 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school even though primary education is officially free and compulsory should be enough reason to ponder.

    “One can’t but be perplexed by the attitude of our leaders towards the advancement of education in Nigeria

    “The Federal Government apportioned a paltry sum of N3.9 trillion out of N55.19 trillion approved for budgets in 10 years, the equivalent of 7.7 per cent.”

    Olasupo said this year’s International Youth Day was strategically planned to bring in concerned officials and stakeholders in the education sector as well as youth to find lasting solutions to the unending challenges in the sector.

    The NGO expressed assurance to follow-up on the deliberations and resolutions reached at the event by submitting proposals to the appropriate quarters for implementation.

    In her speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Hajia Garba, appreciated the efforts of BBI in putting in place the event. She said other civil society organisations have a lot to learn from the NGO.

    She also pointed out that societies that are thriving and competing today have so many things in common, one of which is their relentless drive to improving their education, noting that education in this regard is all-encompassing.

  • Armed policemen to intensify patrol on UI campus

    Armed policemen from the Oyo State Police Command will compliment the Campus Security Service in patrolling the entire University of Ibadan Campus with immediate effect.

    This statement was made known on Monday, after the University Security Committee met to review the current security situation on the Campus.

    The Vice-chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka disclosed that some key decisions were taken after reviewing the security situation which were;

    READ ALSO: UI: Premier university at the mercy of outlaws

    “All business outfits, including restaurants, should close not later than 9 pm every evening.

    “The Campus Security Service will embark on random checks of staff quarters to identify unauthorized occupants of university residences.

    “The Physical Planning and Project Management Unit will embark on demolition of illegal structures in residential areas.

    He reiterated that measures were taken in order to ensure the safety and security of life and property on campus.