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  • Stop using Boko Haram as excuse to embezzle public funds – Groupon

     

    Politicians in northeastern part of Nigeria have been warned against using the activities of Boko Haram in the region to embezzle public funds.
    The National Democratic Front, NDF , gave this warning while calling on political class in the area to wake up to its responsibility in the war against terrorism.
    Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, NDF asked  north east politicians to wake up and stop playing to the gallery.
    Bolaji Abdukadir, SECRETARY-GENERAL of NDF, who addressed newsmen on behalf of the group, called on behalf of the group, tasked the politicians to start undoing the damage they did to themselves to that they can finally begin to enjoy peace and security like other parts of the country.
    His speech below.
    The National Democratic Front, NDF, has been following the war against terrorism in the north-east, especially Borno state, with keen interest given its impact on long term peace and security for Nigeria. One worrisome trend we discovered is that the war against terrorism continues be politicised to the point of almost having a war within a war.
    In the lead up to the 2019 General Elections, NDF raised alarm over the opposition’s support for terrorists in the hope of using them to discredit the then candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari by creating the impression that he has failed to secure the country. The elections are now over yet the monster set in motion out of political desperation has continue to grow without those that awoken it refusing to tame it.
    In addition to refusing to accept responsibility for re-arming Boko Haram terrorists, it appears politically embittered persons have continue to empower terrorists in the region. They have even scaled up their support to now include endorsement of the terror group by ascribing invincibility to its fighters while demonizing the army that is sacrificing much to restore peace and security to the troubled area.
    This unsettling development has been manifesting in the form of media interviews, planted or sponsored news reports and statements that stop short of recognizing Boko Haram as a parallel nation to whom these politicians defer.
     They have sunken to a new low as demonstrated by a member of the House of Representatives, Ahmadu Jaha, who used Green Chambers of the National Assembly to sing the praises of the terrorist organization, which he rated higher than the military of his own country, and that is assuming he still considers himself a Nigerian and not a subject of an illusionary Islamic State caliphate.
    It is tragic that this surrender to Boko Haram by these type of politicians is more deliberate than circumstantial. There was a coordinated willingness to abdicate political responsibility to terrorists.
    This is why the international media partners of these politicians are able to report that insurgents are providing essential services that politicians have failed to provide for their own constituents, which in turn makes these constituents to become willing informants for terrorists. So it rarely matters that the military continually decimate the terrorists, the collusion of the politicians continue to drive people in the affected areas back into the embrace of Boko Haram.
     So much as military might, strategy, engagement and persistence has been keeping the terrorists in check, the political will and action to end terrorism are still missing.
    NDF is demanding that the politicians in the northeast must wake up to their responsibility and stop blaming others for the woes they have brought upon their own region.
    They have to start undoing the damage they did to themselves to that they can finally begin to enjoy peace and security like other parts of the country.
    A starting point the NDF is prescribing is for the politicians from the north east to cease and desist from giving further support to Boko Haram, whether directly or indirectly.
    This include these politicians reviewing the money they give out to people that eventually funnel same to the terrorists.  They must also cease hostile communication against the military since this only serves to boost the morale of insurgents while depressing troops’.
    It is trite to say that north east politicians must stop playing politics with the issue of insurgency by waking up to support the military and the rest of the world to end the scourge of Boko Haram.
    The next step is for these politicians to unanimously volunteer information that will assist the military and security agencies in a way that will support the decommissioning of the  terrorist cells that enjoy political support and protection. It is critical for this to happen since these cells that enjoy the protection of politicians are key tools for recruiting new members for the terrorists.
    A further requirement is for the politicians to allow money meant for rebuilding the northeast to be used for exactly that purpose instead of embezzling it like they had done funds meant for their constituencies for several decades.
    They must realize that such funds are not meant for buying bullet proof cars or escaping to the cushy life in Abuja but is rather meant to develop the region so that the people will identify with them instead of being sympathetic to terrorists.
    When these other steps have been taken, the politicians must then reset their behaviour to appreciate and focus on what is needed to develop their constituencies.
    The things that they had refused to provide for their citizens for several decades must now be urgently provided to reverse not just the punishing scourge of terrorism but to also eradicate the sheer human misery that is the existence of people in the area even before the insurgency took hold.
    They need to focus on building infrastructure, schools, hospitals, good roads and facilities that will help rebuild the economy of the region. This will also help to return people in liberated communities back to their farms so that they can again become productive to themselves and to the overall economy.
    These are the minimum basics that must be provided for the people, who in spite of their situation have put up with selfish politicians that they are saddled with.
     Morality requires that the politicians wake up to these responsibilities instead of trying to blame the military or the federal government for the problem they created for themselves and their people.
    NDF is strongly of the view that the people of the northeast begin to hold their politicians to account in this manner until they learn what their responsibilities are and get about meeting them.
    The citizens should consider strong monitoring of the finances of these politicians and reporting anything untoward to the nation’s anti-graft agencies.
    Politicians from the northeast must not continue be the weak link in the safety, security and development of Nigeria.

  • Video: Dangote dances with singer Teni

    Nigerian Billionaire Aliko Dangote was recently spotted showing off his dance moves with singer Teni the entertainer while she was performing at an event in New York.

  • More nominations for Nigeria at 2019 Africa Movie Academy Awards

    Nigeria is ahead on the the nominations table at the 2019 African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The highlights also showed that one film, ‘The Delivery Boy’, secured 12 nominations in all the big acting and production categories.

    The film, which is a fine take on the backstory of terrorists and weaves in societal questions in its one-of-a-kind plot, was directed by Adekunle ‘Nodash’ Adejuyigbe and produced by Something Unusual Studios.

    It is okay to wonder why you might not have heard about this magic-making director and production company. Like treasures that need to be sought out, Nodash and Something Unusual Studios have evaded the radar for a bit, but we found them.

    You don’t see it until you see it. By this, we mean all the great works by Nodash and his team. The all-round creative has been in the industry for over a decade and has been part of most of biggest film and television projects from Nigeria.

    Before ‘The Delivery Boy’, Nodash had worked on Mo’ Abudu’s Fifty, to Tope Oshin’s Ireti, and Journey to Self, to Kunle Afolayan’s The Bridge, The Tribunal, and his most recent film, Mokalik. He also worked on Isoken, and the recently released Bling Lagosians amongst others.

    Having worked on some of the biggest films in Nigeria, we dare to say that there is hardly a major film shoot Nodash and the technical arm of Something Unusual Studios – The Elite Film Team, havent not worked on.

    Is this the gift that keeps giving? It seems so and AMAA, the biggest film academy award in Africa seems to agree. ‘The Delivery Boy’ snagged nominations across acting and production categories; and that’s excellence speaking loud and clear.

    Starring Jemima Osunde (Nkem) and Jammal Ibrahim (Amir) as the two unlikely friends who must survive the night, ‘The Delivery Boy’ takes you on an emotional, psychological rollercoaster aided by great production.

    READ ALSO: Preparations in top gear for AMAA 2019

    The Delivery Boy was released in 2018 and the media has been raving with news of its success in the festival circuit. It has screened in major film festivals across the world, clinching awards on the way and striking much needed conversations on the growth of the industry and Nigeria.In 2018, at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF), it was awarded Best Nigerian Film and with the 12 AMAA nominations, ‘The Delivery Boy’ is here to dominate.

    Other film producers still rely on outsourcing the core parts of their production to people like Something unusual Studios but Adekunle’s company has been able to build a structure that allows them make award-winning films that this gives them a unprecedented edge.

    While we await the AMAA awards, it is safe to stay curious about what Nodash and his team might have in store next. They have set very high standards for film and from hints on their social media pages, the next project is set to surpass expectations.

    We are seated with our cinema coins, ready to stake this one out. It is important because it will answer the nagging question – Has Adekunle ‘Nodash’ Adejuyigbe silently built a formidable Nollywood powerhouse or is this just coincidence?

  • BBNaija (S4): ‘Be yourself’ – Patience Ozokwor tell housemates

    Veteran actress, Patience Ozokwor has advised the Big Brother Naija season four housemates to remain true to themselves after the show.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Mama G’ said this during her visit to the house alongside actresses, Kemi Akindoju, Osas Ighadoro and Dakore Egbuson-Akande.

    The visit, tagged ‘Dinner with the stars’, also included actors John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, Chinedu Ikedieze aka Aki and fashion designer, Mai Atafo.

    Speaking to the top ten housemates, Ozokwor said, “Be yourself at all times and watch people. Don’t live in a world of your own.

    “Watch people as variety is the spice of life. The courage you have put into this first step, add more to it for the next step,” she said.

    In a question and answer session, housemates asked the stars how they could conduct themselves as celebrities when the show is over.

    In response, Dakore told them to remain humble as it was an attribute lacking in the industry. She also explained the power of positive energy.

    She said, “Humility is something that is lacking in the entertainment industry. Try and hold on to your humanity. Find what you love and do it a lot.

    “Surround yourself with people who genuinely love you. Surround your self with good energy,” she added.

    Echoing her words, Ikedieze said, “Your creativity will take you far but your attitude will take you farther. Maintain a great attitude.”

    READ ALSO: Sola Sobowale outsmarts Patience Ozokwor as Amebo resurfaces in new Glo TVCs

    When housemate, Mike asked Mr Ibu how he got his job. Ibu replied, “Jobs get me. I don’t get jobs. Whatever you are doing, do it well. All those things will meet you where you are.”

    On her part, Osas told the housemates to create respectful boundaries and not let themselves be in situations they don’t want to be in.

    She said, “You don’t have to be in any situation you don’t want to be in. It comes down to respecting yourself and being comfortable in that situation and flourishing out of it.”

    Meanwhile Kemi Akindoju and Mai Atafo addressed the housemates on the importance of choosing a worthwhile career path after the house instead of going for the hype.

    Akindoju said, “When this is over, it is important to ask yourself what you want to be remembered for.”

    Also, Atafo told the housemates, “The worst thing is for you to want to do something trendy when you are out. Find something you are passionate about.”

    (NAN)

  • BBNaija: Fans react to Cindy’s eviction

    Housemate, Cindy Okafor has been evicted from the ongoing BBNaija season four.

    The shocking eviction took place on Friday morning with host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s visit to the house.

    Cindy, who was introduced to the show on July 30 alondisde Elozonam, Enkay and Venita, is an online radio presenter, writer and content creator.

    In an interesting turn of events, Ebuka strolled into the house with the envelope containing the name of the evicted housemate.

    Read Also: Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    Prior to that, he asked all the housemates to pack their bags and get ready for the show at the lounge.

    On Monday, Frodd used his veto power card to nominate Mike, Tacha, Ike, Cindy and Elozonam for possible eviction.

    Following Cindy’s eviction, fans took to social media to express their shock at the turn of events.

    @Thecybernewt said, “This breakfast has too much pepper. Which kain eviction be this.”

    @Raynergy tweeted, “Cindy is an amazing girl and she’ll do just fine.”

    @Byran said, “Cindy is an amazing girl and she’ll do just fine.”

    @JaneChy said, “This gonna be most pepperish moment in BBN4, why not wait till Sunday.”

  • No cold war in the Presidency -APC, Govs.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governors have dismissed recent allegations of a cold war within the Presidency as mere rumour and another scheme of opposition mischief makers.

    There have been media reports and allegations in the political space of a festering sour relationship between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the last few days, indicating that handlers of the president had demanded the resignation of the vice president.

    However, during separate media engagements in Abuja on Thursday, the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the national secretariat of the ruling APC dismissed the insinuation, stating that more recent events had proven such as invalid claims.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Steering Committee on Media and Communication, Lagos Governor, who is also the chairman of the committee, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the alleged face-off in the Presidency was just ‘gossip’.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, explained that the Buhari/Osinbajo administration has carried on with its normal duties in the last few days, despite the alleged bad-blood.

    “There is no crack. It is in the realm of gossips. By the time they said that, the Vice Presieent went to Zimbabwe to represent this country. It was the prerogative of the president but he nominated him.

    Read Also: Forum to provide synergy between APC governors, lawmakers

    “Like I said earlier, it is in the realm of gossips because only on Wednesday, the Vice President presided over the Federal Executive Committee (FEC) meeting which is the highest decision making body in the country. So, we don’t listen to rumours. We deal with facts and the fact is that they are working together. So, it is all rumour  and don’t take it that serious,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the ruling APC during a media conference at its national secretariat in Abuja, squarely placed the blame for the spread of what it described as “fallacy” on the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), noting that the ruling party would not abandon its serious national assignments to pay attention to what is not important.

    According to the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu: “We have important issues of governance than to continue to respond to fallacies. How do you determine a crack?

    “The vice president had been sent out to represent the President at an international event, after PDP saw a crack; the Vice President presided over the FEC meeting just on Wednesday. Is that part of the PDP’s crack? Let us stop this joke. We know we have challenges in this country, let us face these challenges,” he said.

    Addressing other issues, Issa-Onilu also accused the PDP of being responsible for some other recent activities, which had been attributed to leaders of the APC, one of which he said was erection of campaign billboards and printing of campaign posters, purportedly in preparation for the 2023 elections.

    According to him, the APC is currently preoccupied with solving the myriad of challenges facing the country as well as working to fulfill her campaign promises to Nigerians, adding that the party does not have any room for election thoughts at the moment, but that those who want to distract the party from its task of providing leadership will use anything to do so.

    “As a party, we want to state clearly that having won elections convincingly and having been given the mandate to run government for the next four years, our major and only focus now is governance.

    “We are not engaging in any other activity a out 2023 elections and wherever you see such (posters) you can be sure it is from mischief makers and of course we know it is part of the strategy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to continue to take actions to cause distractions for the governing party from focusing on anything that is important to the people of Nigeria which is to deal with the challenges that we are all faced with; the challenges of governance, security, economy and corruption as well as other associated issues. That is what we are focused on.

    “So, as a party, we understand that the social contract we have signed with the people of Nigeria with the renewal of our mandate. Whatever poster you might have seen about any of our leaders anywhere in this country is irrelevant to us, we do not have a hand in it and it is not from those leaders. It is strictly part of the strategy of a party that is supposed to provide alternative to our governance model and since they do not have such, the only thing they can do is to continue to throw spanners into the works,” he said.

  • Video: BBNaija: Tacha, Mercy in dirty fight

    There was a big fight between Mercy and Tacha on Friday at the Big brother house, similar to what could be obtainable in a wrestling ring.

    The heated argument between the two has attracted several reactions from fans and followers of the show.

    Other housemates attempted to broker peace, but the angered Tacha and Mercy were hearing none of it, with Tacha yanking off Mercy’s hair which she was swinging in her face.

    Read Also: Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    The argument between the two has to do with Tacha’s alleged body odour and after the housemates argued, Tacha could be clearly seen applying body spray.

    There are already insinuations that the duo may be sanctioned for their actions.

    https://twitter.com/draliconpoint/status/1177495427895050240

  • Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    Big Brother Naija housemate Cindy has been evicted from the reality show.

    Cindy who was evicted on Friday is now the 17th housemate to be evicted from the Big Brother Naija 2019 house.

    On Friday, September 27, 2019, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced her eviction of from the Big Brother House.

    Cindy emerged the Head of House on September 9, 2019. She joined the show four weeks after it kicked off alongside Joe, Enkay, Elozonam and Venita.

    This is the 10th eviction and 11th live eviction show on the Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem edition which kicked off on June 30, 2019.

     

  • Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria commended for maritime development

    Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), the leading operator of the SHI-MCI fabrication and integration yard, has won a highly-commended award in the category of contribution to development of the regional maritime cluster at the prestigious Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa held in Dubai on September 22, 2019.

    Samsung was the only nominee from Africa to be listed for four individual awards: Contribution to Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster, Shipyard of the Year, Africa Maritime and Education & Training.

    In its award citation for Contribution to Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster, SHIN was highly commended for its commitment to empowering the African oil and gas industry through local content leadership.

    Prior to the construction of its fabrication and integration yard in Lagos, customers in the regional oil and gas industry had to work outside of Africa.

    In order to complete the Egina FPSO project, significant investment was needed to develop a local workforce and facilities. These have become the core of a world-class marine construction capability that benefits all shipping & marine construction and maintenance companies in the region with greater access to opportunities as well as providing economic stimulus to the whole West African region.

    Commenting on the meritorious award, the Managing Director of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria, Mr. Jejin Jeon, said: “It is a great honour to be recognised for our Contribution to the Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster in Africa. This award validates SHIN and SHI MCI’s efforts in developing Nigeria as the next global fabrication destination. I thank the people of Nigeria and the Nigerian government for their faith in us. Our journey will not stop here. We will continue to empower the African oil & gas and maritime industry by developing local capacity to deliver world class work locally, stimulating more opportunities for the benefit of Nigeria.”

    The Seatrade Maritime Awards are recognised internationally as the most influential in the industry with a very robust selection process led by independent judging panels consisting of CEOs from maritime companies around the world. An impressive list of nominees was shortlisted, from over 120 entries across 20 countries, made it to 2019’s shortlist. The award ceremony was attended by over 700 industry and governmental representatives from across Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

    The award and nominations are an encouraging acknowledgement of the significant work SHIN has done in initiating collaboration with the Nigerian government and local partners to improve the profile of Nigeria as the most advanced integration and fabrication hub in Africa. The company has already been receiving worldwide recognition, winning multiple national and international awards for its dedication in bringing about economic and local talent development. It has received notable accolades from the Nigerian Content Board, NOGOF and Africa Assembly Paris hosted by World Energy Council.

    After successfully delivering the Egina, the world’s largest FPSO, SHIN’s next focus is to widen its integration and fabrication work for the on- and off-shore oil & gas industry as well as power and infrastructure projects. The high profile generated from this award will also drive increased interest among the maritime industry into the immense potential and capability of Nigeria and indeed the whole West African region, showing what they have to offer to international customers. This will continue to stimulate local employment, ongoing talent development and vocational training to continue performing at international standards.

  • ABU sacks 16 lecturers over sexual harassment

    Authorities of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State have fired 15 lecturers over offences involving sexual harassment, negligence of duty and corruption in the institution.

    It was gathered that the lecturers were from different departments and faculties in the institution.

    A source, who prefers anonymity, said: “It is true that the Ahmadu Bello University management sacked some lecturers.”

    He told our correspondent that the sacking of the lectures was duly approved by the Governing Council of the institution

    When contacted the Director of ABU’s Public Affairs, Dr. Sama’ila Shehu, confirmed the incident but noted that not all those sacked had their ranks reduced were lecturers.

    He said: “Not all of them are lecturers but they are ABU staff. They cut across. The total of those affected are 16.

    According to him: ” But some of the offences ranges from mishandling of records, scripts, sexual harassment and assault.
    There are categories of offences and penalties. Some are termination of appointments, dismissal and demotion.”

    According to a document, the dismissal of the erring staff was approved by the university’s Governing Council during its two separate meetings.

    Read Also; How AfCFTA will transform Nigeria’s economy, by Osinbajo

    Our correspondent reports that a lecturer from the department of Plant Science was sacked over sexual harassment of a female staff while three lecturers from the Sociology department were sacked over alteration of results, extortion of students and illegal allocation of grades.

    Two staff from Bursary unit were sacked over diversion of money and fraudulent reinstatement of staff on payroll. Similarly, a lecturer in Political Science department was demoted over loss of students’ scripts, the offence that the university defined as “negligence of duty”.

    It was also discovered that, the job of many lecturers is on the line, as investigation into their involvement in sexual harassment and other offences is still ongoing.