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Tag: Nigerian Newspaper

  • Abia guber Election Tribunal fixes Friday for judgment

    The governorship Petition Election Tribunal sitting in Abia State has fixed Friday, September 20 as judgment day in the case between the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2019 general election; Dr. Alex Otti and the incumbent governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

    While the tribunal is yet to release official statement to this effect, rumours on Wednesday in Umuahia and other parts of the state have it that the information leaked Tuesday morning.

    When our reporter contacted the Media Adviser to Dr. Otti, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma on mobile phone, he confirmed the information to be true.

    Ekeoma who stated that he would not want to preempt the outcome of the matter said that they (Alex Otti’s legal team) have done what they are supposed to do, stressing that they are only waiting for Friday to know what the judgment of the tribunal will be.

    Recall that the tribunal had on August 29 after counsels to Otti and Ikpeazu adopted their written addresses told the parties in the matter that it shall communicate the date of the judgment to them.

  • Facebook unveils new models of Portal video chatting devices

    Facebook Inc (FB.O) unveiled new models of its Portal video chatting devices on Wednesday, making the company’s first foray into TV streaming hardware but offering a limited selection of subscription services.

    The launch comes as Facebook is trying to pivot toward more private forms of communication, after years of slowing user growth, data-sharing scandals and calls for change to its hands-off approach to content moderation.

    The company is already one of the biggest global players in private messaging, with its WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram apps used by 2.4 billion people each month.

    It is keeping the focus of its new Portal line on video calling, adding the capability for WhatsApp calls along with improvements to a wide-angle camera that keeps users in focus as they move about a room.

    Facebook is also expanding Portal sales into countries including the UK, France and Australia, while lowering prices to more closely compete with industry-leading smart speakers from Amazon and Google that sell for under 100 dollars.

    Standard models of the Portal, which ship on Oct. 15, will come in 129 dollars and 179 dollars versions.
    Portal TV will cost 149 dollars and hit the shelves on Nov. 5.

    Facebook is hoping the social nature of its products will be their selling point, allowing users to watch shows together while interacting via video call on the same screen.

    “I think that in a couple years’ time, if you have a smart streaming device that doesn’t have a camera allowing you to video call people, you’re not going to have a competitive product.

    “I think this is the killer feature for a device like this,” said vice president of AR/VR Andrew Bosworth.

    READ ALSO: Facebook blocks Netanyahu chatbot on Election Day

    Bosworth also touted privacy protections like local processing of smart features on the devices, which means most user data, will not be sent back to Facebook servers.

    But Portal TV offers only a few music apps and has limited options for TV programing, meaning it could face a stiff challenge in attracting consumers used to content-rich rivals like Apple TV, Netflix and Roku.

    At a demonstration in San Francisco on Tuesday, the only way to stream shows appeared to be via Facebook’s Watch app.

    Executives said Portal TV would have Amazon’s Prime Video app loaded by the time it is available.

    The company declined to say whether it had approached other content providers like HBO, Hulu or Disney.

    Facebook does not disclose how many Portals it has sold since the device’s launch late last year, but hardware accounts for a tiny slice of the company’s total sales.

    The social media giant makes less than 2 per cent of its revenue from non-advertising sources.

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • I’ve been unable to serve my wife divorce papers – Obasanjo tells court

    Son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday told an Ikeja High Court that he has been unable to serve his estranged wife, Mrs Temitope, divorce papers

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Temitope nee Adebutu, is the daughter of popular Premier Lotto magnate, Sir Kessington Adebutu alias “Baba Ijebu”.

    The couple were, however absent in court, while there was also no legal representation for Temitope.

    Counsel to Olujonwo, Mr Olayinka Kujembola, informed the court that several fruitless efforts had been made to serve Temitope.

    “We have made several attempts to serve her in Abeokuta, Ogun State, but failed.

    “Even at her residence located within an Estate in Ikoyi, the court Sheriff complained that he was unable to effect service because of the tight security,”Kujembola said.

    Justice Bisi Akinlade noted that proceedings in the divorce suit were always reported in the media and that efforts should be made to serve Temitope in Ogun where she works and resides.

    “The issue between this couple is always reported in the papers.

    “The respondent stays in Ogun State, why do you want me to grant an Order for substituted service for Lagos where she does not stay?.

    “I will adjourn this case to ensure that the bailiff serves her personally so that we can be sure that we have exhausted all options.

    Read Also: Don’t use me to seek media spotlight – Obasanjo’s son tells mother

     

    “This is a very simple matter, it is a very simple divorce. This case is adjourned till Oct. 2 for hearing of pending applications,”Akinlade said.

    NAN reports that during proceedings of May 23, Olujonwo’s counsel, Ms Omo Omofoma also told the court that Olujonwo had made several attempts to serve Temitope to no avail.

    Justice Akinlade had noted during the proceedings that other means of service like an alternative address and courier service should be explored by the petitioner (Olujonwo).

    NAN reports that Olujonwo and Temitope got married on May 11 and 13, 2017 in a grand wedding which attracted the ‘creme de la creme’ of the society. The marriage, however, came to a halt a few months later.

    Weeks leading to the May 2017 wedding, Olujonwo’s mother, Mrs Taiwo Obasanjo had filed a suit at an Ikeja High Court seeking the postponement of the wedding of her son to Temitope.

    According to her, she had received various warnings and prophecies from men of God that her son should not be involved in any elaborate celebration before his 34th birthday which was June 1, 2017.

    Justice Lateefa Okunnu in a ruling on April 10, 2017 had dismissed the suit on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear it because Olujonwo, then 33, was an adult.

     

    (NAN)

  • Just in: Ekiti Varsity student kills boyfriend over N2,500

    A 300-level student of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Bukola Odeyemi, has allegedly stabbed her lover, John Iju to death at Treasure Base Hostel, Iworoko-Ekiti.

    The suspect, a 20-year-old student in the Department of Biology Education, allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death after an argument transpired between the duo over her lover failure to give her 2,500money to plait hair.

    It was gathered that the tragic incident which occurred at about 10pm on Monday, caused panic.

    The deceased outcry for help was said to have attracted residents who rushed to the scene and called the police.

    An eyewitness, who craves anonymity, wondered why a girl would kill her boyfriend over money to plait hair.

    Read Also: Arrested couple engages in sexual activity inside police car

    He said: “Odeyemi had demanded N2,500 from her lover, also a student of EKSU, to get her hair done at the salon, but an argument ensued after the deceased refused to give her the money.

    “During the altercation, Odeyemi stabbed Iju in the chest and his cry for help attracted us but he did not survive the injury”.

    Ekiti Police spokesman, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu confirmed the incident, saying the suspect has been arrested and will be charged to court after investigation is concluded.

  • Young Nigerian artist, Kareem to meet Taiwanese President

    Eleven-year-old Nigerian artist, Waris Kareem, has emerged the recipient of the Taiwan’s Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation 22nd Fervent Global Love of Lives Award for 2019.

    The Representative of Taiwan in Nigeria, Amb. Vincent Yang, made this known in Lagos on Wednesday.

    Yang noted that Kareem stood out among other 2,723 recommended candidates across the world.

    He said that Waris Kareem, who had gained global recognition for his incredible drawings would meet the Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen, among other laureates.

    “Nigerian child Artist, Waris Olamilekan Kareem has gained global recognition for his incredible drawings.

    “Waris Olamilekan Kareem will attend Charity Events with other laureates and meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

    “Famous Nigerian Internet Bitty Artist – Waris Olamilekan Kareem stood out among 2,723 recommended candidates from all over the world earning the `22nd Fervent Global Love of Lives Award 2019’ from Taiwan’s Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation.

    READ ALSO: Macron’s visit: Ambode hosts kid artist, parents

    ‘’He sketched a stunning portrait of French President, Emmanuel Macron, on the spot in just two hours, which amazed the global media. He has now become a famous Internet artist,’’ he said.

    According to him, Kareem will attend, with other laureates, the charity events scheduled to hold in Taipei from Sept. 20 to Sept. 28, during which he will meet the Taiwanese President.

    Yang said that his office and the Head of Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria had hosted and congratulated Kareem on his feat.

    ‘’The poverty-stricken children all call him the little artist Robin Hood. He uses his drawing talent to produce beautiful works in exchange for some food to fight hunger and also to feed the hungry companions in the slum.

    ‘’The works of Michelangelo motivate him and his goal is to surpass the standard set by the great artist. He intends to use drawings to depict Africa vividly and flip a new life to change Africa.

    ‘’Taiwan’s Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation promotes `Global Love of Lives movement’ and recognises that `Everyone is Good at Something’.

    “Many people refer to the event as `the Nobel Prize of Life’, ” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Arrested couple engages in sexual activity inside police car

    A Florida couple arrested for cycling under the influence didn’t let that stop their plans for the evening, ripping off their clothes and having sex on the back seat of a police car.

    Megan Lynn Mondanaro, 35, and Seth Aaron Thomas, 31, were riding their bikes on a Florida road shortly before midnight when they were pulled over by the police.

    They had no lights on their bikes and had almost crashed into multiple cars.

    The pair failed roadside sobriety tests, and the officer reported that he could smell alcohol on both of them.

    They were both placed under arrest and put in the back of the officer’s car, where the amorous cyclists couldn’t wait to get back in the saddle.

    While the officer was outside the car, the couple began stripping off their clothes and having sex.

    READ ALSO: Risky sexual behaviour on the rise

    When the officer opened the door to stop them, Thomas was naked and Mondanaro had her pants pulled down and her breasts exposed.

    Once Thomas was pulled out of the car, he took the opportunity to escape, pushing over another officer and making a nude getaway on foot.

    He was later arrested hiding behind a local ice cream parlour.

    The pair were both charged with DUI, exposing sex organs and unnatural and lascivious acts and are being held in custody.

    (www.newsnow.co.uk)

  • BREAKING: Reps honour Air Peace Chairman

    The House of Representatives has decided to honour the Chairman Air Peace Airlines, Allen Onyema for patriotism.

    The Chairman was invited to appear before to the House on Wednesday in recognition of his magnanimous decision to put his planes for use to evacuate Nigerians who were being attacked In the wake of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said that the House is honouring Onyema for the level of his patriotism .

    According to the Speaker, as at the present moment Onyema has lifted over 498 Nigerians from South Africa, and his planes have returned to South h Africa to airlift more retunees.

    Read Also; 15 things you should know about Onyema Allen Air Peace boss

    He said it was a rare show of patriotism and that the House will recommend him to the federal Government for further honour.

    Speaking on his motivation for the gesture, Onyema said his decision was spontaneous, and was to mitigate the hardship being faced by Nigerians in South Africa.

    Details shortly…

  • I deserve more Ballon d’Or awards than Messi, says Ronaldo

    Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said he deserves to end his soccer career with more Ballon d’Or awards than Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi, and hopes to establish himself as the greatest player of all time.

    Ronaldo, 34, has won the renowned France Football magazine trophy for the world’s best player five times – as many as Messi – but is eager for more as he moves into the twilight of his career.

    “Messi’s in the history of football,” Ronaldo told broadcaster Piers Morgan in an interview with Britain’s ITV on Tuesday.

    “But I think I have to have six or seven or eight to be above him,” he said, referring to the Ballon d’Or awards.

    READ ALSO:  Old family video breaks emotional Cristiano Ronaldo

    “I’d love it, I think I deserve it.”

    The Portugal captain said he was no friend of the Argentine, but credited his rival for helping push him further in his own career.

    “My relationship with him is, we are not friends, but we have shared this stage for 15 years,” Ronaldo said.

    “I know that he has pushed me to be a better player and I have pushed him to be a better player as well.”

    Ronaldo, who also played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, has five UEFA Champions League winners’ medals, and led Portugal to victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship and 2019 UEFA Nations League tournaments.

    “I don’t follow the records, the records follow me. I’m addicted to the success, and I don’t think it’s something bad, I think it’s good,” Ronaldo said.

    “It motivates me. If you’re not motivated, it’s better to stop.”

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • UN picks 13-year old Nigerian student to participate in International High Level Conference

    The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) has selected 13 -year old Blessing Eijindu, of the Battle Axe Academy, Lugbe, Abuja, to participate in the Oct.7 International High Level Conference in Vienna, Austria .

    Mr Marco Teixera, Senior Programme Officer and UNODC’s Global Programme Coordinator, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said Eijindu’s entry:” Educating for the Rule of Law, Inspire Change Together” was selected out of nearly 1,200 submissions, saying that it stood out for creativity and topical clarity.

    He added that the UNODC greatly considered Eijindu, a Junior Secondary School three student’s commitment in promoting a culture of lawfulness for children, youth and adults.

    READ ALSO: Boko Haram, ISWAP recruited 8000 kids since 2009, says UNODC

    He expressed optimism that the conference would further enhance Eijindu’s creativity.

    Teixera explained that the objective of the event was to bring together, over 200 stakeholders, adding that participants were expected to explore how to build bridges between communities.

    He said they were also expected to look at concrete ways to strengthen the global activities being undertaken to shape the values and skills of future generations as positive change agents.

    NAN recalls that in July, 11-year old JSS 1 student from the same school, Naomi Oloyede, was selected to represent Nigeria at “The Education for Justice (E4J) Initiative High-Level Conference on Corruption in Vienna, Austria.

    (NAN)

  • How I survived seven abortions — Human rights activist

    The Founder, Alabasta Africa, Kenya, Ms Martha Bwore, has given an account of how she survived seven abortions that almost ruined her career

    Bwore, now a human rights activist, made the revelation to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) when she participated in a Non-Governmental (NGO) Foundation for African Cultural Heritage (FACH) 2019 programme.

    The FACH programme with the theme, “Responding to the Challenges of Youth, Family and Society: The Millenials Response’’ was held at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos on Saturday.

    Bwore, aged 55 added that it took her 40 years to recover from the aftermath traumatic experience of her abortions.

    “I had nine babies, but two are alive because I lost seven to various abortions, including a twin and I have to say that abortion is murder and it does affect one psychologically.

    “I was disturbed on the account of the various abortions until I got help through counselling and most of it all, God did it for me and healed me.

    “Now I am looking forward to marriage for the first time in my life at the age of 55, it has never happened before.

    “I want to advise the youths that there is no short route to enjoyment, abstinence is the key to good life because sex before marriage is sin. It is a road that leads to destruction.

    Bwore said that her may abortions were due to being dumped by those who claimed to love her before getting into family way, hence she always consider abortion as an escape route.

    “My abortions came as a result of my carelessness. I do have pregnancy for those who care less about me which tells much about the dangers inherent in having sex as pleasure before marriage.

    “Those that indulge in pre-marital sex do suffer many abuses, mentally and physically because they will be upset after the whole charade, they will feel used and dumped.

    “It took me several years to rediscover myself and thank God he rescued me and I am starting afresh at 55 years,’’ she said.

    A guest speaker at the programme, Mrs Chinelo Ujubuonu, alluded that Sex Education in the school as propended in some quarters might be a way to self-destruction for the youth.

    “Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) guidelines focus on children seeking pleasure instead of teaching the children the hazards of pre-marital sex, this is not education, CSE simply stands for condoms and sex everywhere.

    “The family is the most suitable place to initiate children and youths into the practice of good character, values, life skills and wholesome sexual behaviour.

    “The role of the teachers are to cooperate in educating the children in the way of good character formation; parents are, however, the first and best educators.

    “We concerned mothers would like to call the attention to the dangerous ideology called CSE, which is being promoted by United Nations representatives, it is not right,’’ she said.

    Ujubuonu said teaching of CSE would further encourage sexual pervasiveness, adding that the parents should not abdicate their responsibilities to the teachings in school.

    “This ideology of CSE which is already adopted in some schools promotes such things such as abortion, homosexuality, masturbation and other controversial sexual ideologies to children as early as eight years old.

    “The perversely demonstrate with the aid of mannequins of genital organs how they can enjoy sex without hitches. This is a gradual process of turning our children into animals and devaluation of our culture.

    “This is why studies have shown that school-based sex education does not reduce teenage pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases, rather, it makes it more rampant and dysfunctions multiply in types.

    “Countries that have fully integrated sex education also have legalised abortion, homosexuality and same sex unions, is this what Nigerians want or need?

    NAN reports that participants for the FACH programme were drawn from among primary and secondary school students, undergraduates and the public.

    FACH is an NGO that seeks to make society better through inspirational seminars and empowerment programmes.

    It seeks to promote the African values and communicate through dealing with human life issues, promotion of family, empowerment of youths and providing medical care for those that are challenged.

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    The discussants and guest speakers include Prof. Funmi Bameke, the Dean of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, a renowned lawyer, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe and Mrs Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Winner, Nigerian Media Merit Award 1994.

    Others are ace actor turned academician and Head of Department, Theatre Arts and Music, Lagos State University, Prof. Sola Fosudo and Mrs Chinelo Ujubuonu, a Mass Communicator and Manager, Myschoolarena.

    Also in attendance were the Director of Islamic Affairs and Chief Imam, Nigerian Navy, Imam Gidado Miqdad, the wife of popu