The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian

  • Nigerian gets UK house with fake British passport

    A Nigerian bus driver forged a British passport so he could live in a council house for more than a decade, a court heard.

    Christopher Aghalibe, 53, allegedly submitted the document along with his application for housing to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham in September 2000, according to a report by Mailonline.

    The bus driver allegedly used a British passport in the name of Kehinde Osula when he was given a tenancy in 2004, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

    Fraud prevention unit officers finally attended his home in Wood Lane, Dagenham, on 10 August 2016, and he invited them in for a cup of tea.

    Aghalibe claimed he came to London in 1990 but he often returned to his homeland to visit his sick father before his death, jurors heard.

    When he was asked to attend an interview at the council offices later that day he arrived with a copy of the passport in the name of Osula, it was claimed.

    ‘The way that the prosecution put the case is that, very simply, he knew he was not a British national and that he was telling a lie otherwise he would not be entitled to a council property,’ said prosecutor Nick Ham.

    ‘He had hoped he could dig himself out of a hole by going to the council office with the forged passport.’

    Jurors were shown a copy of the falsified passport and the housing application form.

    Describing the visit by anti-fraud officers to his home the prosecutor continued: ‘This was the day Mr Aghalibe had been asked to come into the council offices and answer questions.

    ‘The officers went to the property in the morning and and they asked him to provide identification.

    ‘He was not able to provide a British passport, instead he handed over a Nigerian one.

    ‘He was asked briefly to explain the discrepancy and he could not.’

    Mr Ham added: ‘He then came to the interview and handed over a British passport.

    ‘The prosecution say that he was trying to fool the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.’

    Aghalibe, of Wood Lane, Dagenham, denies one count of false accounting, one count of using a false instrument, one count of obtaining services by deception and one count of possession of a false identity document with improper intention. The trial continues.

  • Nigerian illegal immigrant pleads guilty to $12m fraud in US

    A Nigerian, Kunle Sodipo Williams, residing in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States has pleaded guilty to mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, voter fraud and illegally re-entering the country after having been expelled.

    Williams who faces a maximum 20 year jail term for the offences and deportation, will be sentenced in October.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Carrie Costantin for the Eastern District of Missouri, said Sodipo entered the guilty plea in a Federal court in Alabama.

    According to documents filed with the court, Kevin Kunlay (Kunle) Williams aka Kunlay Sodipo, 56, and others stole public school employees’ IDs from a payroll company and used them to electronically file more than 2,000 fraudulent federal income tax returns seeking more than $12 million in refunds.

    He also stole several return preparer’s Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) and used them to secure tax-related bank products and services that facilitated the issuance of tax refunds, to include blank cheque stock and debit cards.

    Williams used the blank stock to print cheques funded by the fraudulent refunds and directed some of the refunds onto debit cards.

    Williams previously entered the United States from Nigeria under the name Kunlay Sodipo, but was deported in 1995. In 1999, Williams illegally returned to the United States from Nigeria using the last name Williams.

    In 2012, Williams registered to vote in federal, state and local elections by falsely claiming that he was a U.S. citizen and voted in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections.

    Williams remains in federal custody and his sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13 before Chief U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.

    Williams faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for mail fraud, 10 years in prison for illegal re-entry, five years in prison for each voter fraud count and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.

    Williams also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, forfeiture and deportation.

     

  • Queen Vanessa Mdee collaborates with Nigerian Royalty

    Fresh off of her acting debut on MTV SHUGA, East Africa’s leading female artist Vanessa Mdee releases her brand new single, Kisela.

    The single which features P (Peter Okoye) of PSquare tells a story of a heartbroken woman who discovers what she thought was a relationship is actually a mere hook up.

    The song was produced by EKelly and the video was directed by Clarence Peters.

    Vanessa was heard stating that Peter Okoye is the definition of a music icon and this dream come true not only gave her an added lesson in music and entertainment but also a class in humility and professionalism.

  • Rethinking the Nigerian federation

    There is a sense in which the unsettling state of the world today describes the state of our country Nigeria. It is so pathetic, so embarrassing and so fearful that disaffection, doubts, gloom and anxiety have come to dominate discourses among global leaders at every opportunity and meet.

    It is even more frightening that a sizeable proportion of internal activities of most nations of the world are on the defensive against torrential threats to existence rather than breaking new grounds of human advancement and world peace.

    In Europe the arguments about British exit from EU is resonating with the current, increasingly pronounced security challenges in the UK. Whereas America, Middle East and even the smaller but economically gifted nations are dealing with economic recessions, insecurity, terrorism, racial prejudices all of which are drawing attention of statesmen to ask the questions : What happened to us? What have we got wrong? When did we take the wrong step? Will this world continue as one piece ?

    In Africa, particularly in Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, South Africa, Mali and a few more nation – states, leading questions about redefining nationhood are presenting themselves for answers through the wars and social disaffection pervading the entire lands. In nation states like Syria, Libya, France, Iraq and others, the call is equally too close for comfort.

    With the foregoing, I am suggesting that there is nothing happening to our country, Nigeria at present that is new or strange or out of place with happenings elsewhere in the world. The Yoruba have a proverb that captures the matter succinctly: “A kò rí irú èyí rí, a fi ndérù b’olórò ni”.

    In other words, our vexatious experience today as a country is all a dialectical process of answers asking questions about themselves in order to confirm their state of existence. I believe Nigeria already has answers to its questions; it is just the will to ask the right questions the right way, with the right words, at the right time, with the right temperament and for the right purpose that is our task in building our own nation.

    I am also suggesting that we must get beyond these problems because it is in our best interest to do so. The answers which are asking questions in Nigeria today are: We need a new nation where equity, justice, peace and progress shall be the guiding principles of coexistence. We must redefine our nationhood. We need to create a new nation and create new citizens who have a different infrastructure of mind from those of present Nigerians.  We need a new Nigeria, now!

    The questions which the answer is asking therefore are: when then is the nowness of our now for our rebirth? Will our nationhood come by force of arms or with mutual understanding? What manner of nation do we want to have? Will it be on agreed points and issues negotiated and debated? Will it be with open arms and warmth? Will the risks be worth it? Do we have the capacity to evolve it and so forth.

    Let me buttress the worrisomeness of my above assertion with quotes of the words of a few  Nigerian leaders. On Tuesday the 3rd, June 2017, Jerry Gana, Professor and former Minister of Information, former secretary, Board of Trustee of the then ruling PDP made a declarative statement when asked about the fate of Nigeria in the future.” I don’t know what tomorrow holds, only God knows it but if they think when it comes to break up, we will go along with the North, then it must be a huge joke. We have already told them that if they allow this country break up, we are not going with the North. We are staying where we are. So, just take notice. If it comes to that, we will tell you that we are not Arewa, we are middle belters, 10 states for that matter.”

    Even Professor Ango Abdullahi, tempestuous academic, controversial administrator and foremost Northern leader, in his comments on the 4th of June 2017, had this to say: “If people are still asking for Biafra after 50 years of Civil war, then it is necessary for us to sit down and ask ourselves how we want the nation to be.”

    Another elder statesman, respected academic, constitutional lawyer and former President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Prof. Ben Nwabueze while ruminating on the current state of Nigeria, argued that Nigeria will not know peace until it restructures itself to reflect ease, consensus and justice. Hear him: “The power at the centre of the federating units is too much. It is prone to abuse and misuse. Every Nigerian has a right of equality and respect in this joint stock company called Nigeria. The Nigerian nation has the responsibility, indeed the obligation to treat every tribe or race equally.”

    Similarly, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, elder statesman and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, was forthright and resolute in his own precious summation on the current existential challenge of Nigeria . He says: “If we had six federating units, you would have more viable basis for planning economic development. Our country continues to under perform because of the 36 states we now have. We must wake up from our state of denial  and face the facts about our underdevelopment “.

    I am not going to encumber us with the violent words of Nnamdi Kanu of Independent  People of Biafra, (IPoB), nor those of Alhaji Asari Dokubo of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer force, (NDPVF), nor that of Mazi Nwazurike of MASSOB and their ilks.

    We know their radical positions already. We also know that their words reflects the extreme position of anger, frustration and violence against the Nigerian nation as it is today.

    The situation is so challenging, yet frustrating, so embarrassing and yet so marveling. Nigeria today appears to have defeated researchers, commentators, observers and analysts as its issues have been over flogged almost to a saturation point. Today realities have overstated themselves, Truth has moved almost beyond constancy to stagnancy while appearance and realities are now at conflict with themselves. In the circumstance where leaders and men of power inexplicably appear clueless and lethargic about how to respond to these challenges, fear comes in and seems to rule our world without bounds.  The facts of our existence as a nation called Nigeria today fill one with horror.  This indeed is the worst of times.

    Nigerian elites, and by this reference I mean those who lay claims to some appreciable level of education in the country, not partakers of the current unprofitable parody of the essence, the certification process which ensures the ubiquity of graduates who lack confidence and understanding, continue to romanticise with the idea of a suitable political system. While some have issues with the current presidential system and advocate for a return to the parliamentary system practised in the First Republic, others agitate for devolution of powers from the centre to the so called federating units. Some still feel uncomfortable with that arrangement. They settle for confederacy.

    Restructuring is the new slogan in the political lexicon of the country. Political pundits, jobbers, erstwhile policy makers, former political office holders, civil society organisations, human rights entrepreneurs, upgraded street urchins, among others, are relentless in their agitation for a new political order. Very few have been able to articulate their positions as justification for this call beyond the facile, sometimes annoying, references to some unfortunate incidents involving ethnic groups. Some want more states not minding the fact that the existing ones are on the brink of insolvency.

    Others want more local governments for increased revenue allocation from the centre. For some still, it is “resource control”.  There seems to be this pervasive belief that once these divergent political aspirations are actualised, the country slips into a blissful moment without much exaction. Nothing can be more illusory than these hopes hinged on slippery and shifting ground.

    Those who want this country to disintegrate ignore many facts, the most prominent of which is the artificiality of the state structure in determining origin. The most outspoken of the proponents of restructuring have been unable to articulate their position beyond the incoherent statements made on devolution of powers. Some funny persons are even insisting on the implementation of the recommendations of an appointive committee known as the National Conference, 2014.

    They do not consider it as arrogance to have a handful of selected persons, not elected by the people, recommend on matters which require constitutional amendments, and insist on the implementation of same as the “irreducible minimum” for peace in the country.

    Until Nigerians begin to see themselves first as brothers and sisters with shared destiny beyond the artificial amalgamation of the colonialists, there will be no end to the agitation for self-determination. The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, take steps to discourage the activities of certain elements who harbour extraneous reasons other than the expressed. On no account must anyone be allowed to use our air space to disseminate hate speech.

     

     

    • Excerpts from a paper delivered yesterday by Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu at the Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife.
  • Rethinking the Nigerian federation

    Rethinking the Nigerian federation

    There is a sense in which the unsettling state of the world today describes the state of our country Nigeria. It is so pathetic, so embarrassing and so fearful that disaffection, doubts, gloom and anxiety have come to dominate discourses among global leaders at every opportunity and meet.

    It is even more frightening that a sizeable proportion of internal activities of most nations of the world are on the defensive against torrential threats to existence rather than breaking new grounds of human advancement and world peace.

    In Europe the arguments about British exit from EU is resonating with the current, increasingly pronounced security challenges in the UK. Whereas America, Middle East and even the smaller but economically gifted nations are dealing with economic recessions, insecurity, terrorism, racial prejudices all of which are drawing attention of statesmen to ask the questions : What happened to us? What have we got wrong? When did we take the wrong step? Will this world continue as one piece ?

    In Africa, particularly in Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, South Africa, Mali and a few more nation – states, leading questions about redefining nationhood are presenting themselves for answers through the wars and social disaffection pervading the entire lands. In nation states like Syria, Libya, France, Iraq and others, the call is equally too close for comfort.

    With the foregoing, I am suggesting that there is nothing happening to our country, Nigeria at present that is new or strange or out of place with happenings elsewhere in the world. The Yoruba have a proverb that captures the matter succinctly: “A kò rí irú èyí rí, a fi ndérù b’olórò ni”.

    In other words, our vexatious experience today as a country is all a dialectical process of answers asking questions about themselves in order to confirm their state of existence. I believe Nigeria already has answers to its questions; it is just the will to ask the right questions the right way, with the right words, at the right time, with the right temperament and for the right purpose that is our task in building our own nation.

    I am also suggesting that we must get beyond these problems because it is in our best interest to do so. The answers which are asking questions in Nigeria today are: We need a new nation where equity, justice, peace and progress shall be the guiding principles of coexistence. We must redefine our nationhood. We need to create a new nation and create new citizens who have a different infrastructure of mind from those of present Nigerians.  We need a new Nigeria, now!

    The questions which the answer is asking therefore are: when then is the nowness of our now for our rebirth? Will our nationhood come by force of arms or with mutual understanding? What manner of nation do we want to have? Will it be on agreed points and issues negotiated and debated? Will it be with open arms and warmth? Will the risks be worth it? Do we have the capacity to evolve it and so forth.

    Let me buttress the worrisomeness of my above assertion with quotes of the words of a few  Nigerian leaders. On Tuesday the 3rd, June 2017, Jerry Gana, Professor and former Minister of Information, former secretary, Board of Trustee of the then ruling PDP made a declarative statement when asked about the fate of Nigeria in the future.” I don’t know what tomorrow holds, only God knows it but if they think when it comes to break up, we will go along with the North, then it must be a huge joke. We have already told them that if they allow this country break up, we are not going with the North. We are staying where we are. So, just take notice. If it comes to that, we will tell you that we are not Arewa, we are middle belters, 10 states for that matter.”

    Even Professor Ango Abdullahi, tempestuous academic, controversial administrator and foremost Northern leader, in his comments on the 4th of June 2017, had this to say: “If people are still asking for Biafra after 50 years of Civil war, then it is necessary for us to sit down and ask ourselves how we want the nation to be.”

    Another elder statesman, respected academic, constitutional lawyer and former President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Prof. Ben Nwabueze while ruminating on the current state of Nigeria, argued that Nigeria will not know peace until it restructures itself to reflect ease, consensus and justice. Hear him: “The power at the centre of the federating units is too much. It is prone to abuse and misuse. Every Nigerian has a right of equality and respect in this joint stock company called Nigeria. The Nigerian nation has the responsibility, indeed the obligation to treat every tribe or race equally.”

    Similarly, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, elder statesman and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, was forthright and resolute in his own precious summation on the current existential challenge of Nigeria . He says: “If we had six federating units, you would have more viable basis for planning economic development. Our country continues to under perform because of the 36 states we now have. We must wake up from our state of denial  and face the facts about our underdevelopment “.

    I am not going to encumber us with the violent words of Nnamdi Kanu of Independent  People of Biafra, (IPoB), nor those of Alhaji Asari Dokubo of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer force, (NDPVF), nor that of Mazi Nwazurike of MASSOB and their ilks.

    We know their radical positions already. We also know that their words reflects the extreme position of anger, frustration and violence against the Nigerian nation as it is today.

    The situation is so challenging, yet frustrating, so embarrassing and yet so marveling. Nigeria today appears to have defeated researchers, commentators, observers and analysts as its issues have been over flogged almost to a saturation point. Today realities have overstated themselves, Truth has moved almost beyond constancy to stagnancy while appearance and realities are now at conflict with themselves. In the circumstance where leaders and men of power inexplicably appear clueless and lethargic about how to respond to these challenges, fear comes in and seems to rule our world without bounds.  The facts of our existence as a nation called Nigeria today fill one with horror.  This indeed is the worst of times.

    Nigerian elites, and by this reference I mean those who lay claims to some appreciable level of education in the country, not partakers of the current unprofitable parody of the essence, the certification process which ensures the ubiquity of graduates who lack confidence and understanding, continue to romanticise with the idea of a suitable political system. While some have issues with the current presidential system and advocate for a return to the parliamentary system practised in the First Republic, others agitate for devolution of powers from the centre to the so called federating units. Some still feel uncomfortable with that arrangement. They settle for confederacy.

    Restructuring is the new slogan in the political lexicon of the country. Political pundits, jobbers, erstwhile policy makers, former political office holders, civil society organisations, human rights entrepreneurs, upgraded street urchins, among others, are relentless in their agitation for a new political order. Very few have been able to articulate their positions as justification for this call beyond the facile, sometimes annoying, references to some unfortunate incidents involving ethnic groups. Some want more states not minding the fact that the existing ones are on the brink of insolvency.

    Others want more local governments for increased revenue allocation from the centre. For some still, it is “resource control”.  There seems to be this pervasive belief that once these divergent political aspirations are actualised, the country slips into a blissful moment without much exaction. Nothing can be more illusory than these hopes hinged on slippery and shifting ground.

    Those who want this country to disintegrate ignore many facts, the most prominent of which is the artificiality of the state structure in determining origin. The most outspoken of the proponents of restructuring have been unable to articulate their position beyond the incoherent statements made on devolution of powers. Some funny persons are even insisting on the implementation of the recommendations of an appointive committee known as the National Conference, 2014.

    They do not consider it as arrogance to have a handful of selected persons, not elected by the people, recommend on matters which require constitutional amendments, and insist on the implementation of same as the “irreducible minimum” for peace in the country.

    Until Nigerians begin to see themselves first as brothers and sisters with shared destiny beyond the artificial amalgamation of the colonialists, there will be no end to the agitation for self-determination. The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, take steps to discourage the activities of certain elements who harbour extraneous reasons other than the expressed. On no account must anyone be allowed to use our air space to disseminate hate speech.

     

     

    • Excerpts from a paper delivered yesterday by Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu at the Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife.

  • Addax confirms $32m fine payment for Nigerian bribery saga

    Addax Petroleum Limited has confirmed that it has agreed to pay 31 million Swiss francs about $32 million fine in Geneva, Switzerland, to settle charges of alleged bribes given to Nigerian officials.

    Its Public Relations Officer in Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Douglas Chene-Bougeries confirmed the development yesterday. In a statement, he noted that the Chinese oil firm has agreed to the terms set out in the Geneva Prosecutor’s Office’s order dated July 5, 2017.

    He said: “Relating to case number P/3851/2017, containing the prosecutor’s decision to close the investigation against the company and its employees, following a thorough review of the allegations.

    “Addax Petroleum is committed to conducting its business with the highest level of integrity, and in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards.”

    Reuters had on March 24 reported that the Geneva Prosecutor’s Office was investigating the Chief Executive Officer of Addax Petroleum, Geneva operations, Zhang Yi, over allegations of crime in the company’s business in Nigeria.

  • I am a Nigerian

    SIR: Over the past few weeks, a reading and video of a poem I AM A NIGERIAN has been circulating on social media without attribution. It has been sent to me several times, both in video and in text form as Author Unknown. I think it is important first to identify myself publicly as the author of said poem and to talk about why I believe this poem resonates now more than ever.

    I wrote the poem back in 2006 spurred by three key influences – first, the then Federal Government’s Heart of Africa rebranding campaign; second, the video of Thabo Mbeki’s 1996 speech – I am an African; third and above all, my late father Ukpabi Asika, an unflinching nationalist, whose decision to accept the seemingly suicidal role of Administrator of East Central State at the height of the Civil War in 1967, was summed up in his words: “I am a Nigerian. I was born a Nigerian…and I hope to die a Nigerian.”

    Despite the current cacophony of ethnic jingoism and secessionism, I believe that the vast majority of people in this country consider themselves to be first and foremost Nigerians. The tired refrain that Nigeria is an artificial construct foisted on us by the British is clichéd and frankly, not helpful. We cannot wind back the hands of time and simply realign along tribal lines. Nor can we undo the comingling that has gone on for generations and that has enriched us socially, economically, culturally and politically. I take my own family as an example.

    My father was an Onitsha indigene, who was born and spent his formative years in Barkin Ladi, Jos, attended secondary school in Benin and university in Ibadan. His mother Rebecca, also from Onitsha, grew up largely in Fulani-land and spoke fluent Fufulde. His “second mother” was his step-grandmother Aishetu from Yola who his grandfather met and married in Kano and brought to Onitsha. When my father went to pursue a Master’s Degree in the US, he met and married my mother, a fellow post-graduate student who hailed from Owerri but had spent her teenage years in Uyo and Lagos. In their marital home, their close friends came from all across Igboland as well as from Yola, Taraba, Jos, Ijebu, Warri, Abeokuta, Benin and beyond. Today, my children are Yoruba, my sister’s children are Kalabari and my brother’s wife claims roots in both Lagos and Katsina. I do not believe this diversity in our family is so unique.

    The historical performance record of our political leaders has been stunningly sub-par, but we the people should not now abdicate our own duty of responsible citizenship. We must not allow rogue politicians and power-hungry demagogues to appeal to our basest emotions or to convince us that people of another tribe or another religion are the source of all our problems. This is lowest common denominator programming at its worst. If we choose to buy into such messages, we do so at our peril.

    Nevertheless, our government must also have the courage and sensitivity to recognize that the Nigerian polity has not been as inclusive to some ethnic groups as to others, and that there are real political grievances and socio-economic discrepancies. I believe wholeheartedly in Nigeria. But I believe that Nigeria will be better served with a structure based on true federalism, devolution of power, resource control and responsible and compassionate leadership.

    I wrote the poem I AM A NIGERIAN to celebrate what is unique about us – our diversity, our culture, our national identity. We are known the world over – not as Igbos or Hausas, Yorubas or Fulanis – but as Nigerians. Internationally, we are simultaneously respected and vilified, envied and criticized. We are not some no-name people from some no-name nation. For better and for worse, we have made our presence felt. And in an age where every country struggles to become more globally competitive, we cannot afford to embark on a trajectory of reductionism.

    I AM A NIGERIAN is a call for us not only to love Nigeria but to cherish her. I hope that this poem inspires pride in our country and reminds us of the brotherhood and community we share with the other 180 million individuals born under the Nigerian flag. Above all, I hope that this poem helps to counter the hateful rhetoric of those who seek to divide us. We cannot let them change the narrative of who we have been, who we are and who we hope to be.

     

    • Nkiru Asika,

    Lagos.

  • Cameroon repatriates 887 Nigerian refugees

    About 887 Nigerian refugees arrived at Banki, Borno State, on Tuesady, following a request by the Cameroonian government to Nigeria, to allow it repatriate them.

    The External Relations Officer, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Nigeria, Mr. Hanson Tamfu, stated this in a statement yesterday.

    Tamfu said the request was prompted by fear and suspicions by Cameroon, that some of the refugees might by Boko Haram insurgents.

    The statement reads: “The returnees arrived in six trucks sent by Nigeria, following a meeting with the governor of the far north region of Cameroon on June 19.

    “At the meeting, Nigeria was requested to cause the return of the refugees, which the Cameroonian authority suspects may also comprise some elements of Boko Haram.

    “Consequently, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), on June 26, dispatched the buses to transport the refugees.”

    He added that the latest group of returnees comprise 233 females, 187 males, 236 girls, and 231 boys, who were living in host communities in Kolofata, a far north region of Cameroon.

    According to him, it was reported that most of them do not have much in terms of personal effects, but a few items in plastic sacks, while some returned completely empty.

    Tamfu said more refugees had shown interest in leaving Minawowa Camp in Cameroon, adding that they were anxious to return following reports of improved security back home.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the official registered returnees from Cameroon through Banki now stands at 19,257.

     

    UN chief restates support for Fed Govt 

    The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Mr António Guterres, has reiterated the organisation’s support to the Federal Government in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

    Guterres, in a statement by his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, condemned Monday’s suicide attacks on Maiduguri.

    The statement reads: “The Secretary-General reiterates the United Nations’ support to the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He extends his condolences to the people and Government of Nigeria for the loss of lives.

    “He also wishes a quick recovery to the injured and hopes those responsible for the dastardly act will be brought to justice.”

  • Nigerian woman cured of rare cancer in India

    Nigerian woman cured of rare cancer in India

    Thirty seven-year old Amina Abubakar was not sure that she would  survive after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 by a Nigerian hospital.

    But it was a wrong diagnosis for Amina, who was a final year medical student. As it turned out, she was actually suffering from skin cancer.

    After struggling for more than three years, Amina can now breathe easily. Thanks to the treatment that cured her at a city hospital in Bengaluru, India.

    She was bed-ridden for more than three years under heavy antibiotics and other cancer treatments.

    But the last 20 days made her recover miraculously. That is after the doctors removed a 5 kg tumour from her breast.

    Amina said, “I found a lump on the left breast in November 2014 and then was diagnosed as chronic mastitis in a  local hospital in Nigeria. I have suffered a wrong diagnosis and lack of treatment for years. I was physically and mentally broken and was unable to deal with the pain and the foul smell that comes with cancer.”

    Unable to find any cure in Nigeria, Amina, whose father was also once treated in a city hospital, decided to travel to Bengaluru.

    “My family and I got very anxious about this situation and on the recommendation of a local doctor decided to visit Dr. Anthony Pais at Cytecare for treatment.

    ” But it wasn’t easy for the city doctors to cure her as the disease was rare.

    “Skin cancer on the breast and infiltrating it is the rarest of the rare cancers in the world. This was the first treatment for a rare form of skin cancer  Syringocystadeno carcinoma paplliferum, which was diagnosed and treated in the world. It is one such case where the right diagnosis was the game changer in the treatment of the disease,”claimed Dr Anthony Pais. “There are two types of skin cancer melanoma and nonmelanoma, most of them being non-melanoma. Among all the nonmelanoma skin cancers, 75% of them are basal cell cancers; 20% of them are squamous cell cancers and about 2% of them being adnexal skin tumours. Most of these adnexal tumours are benign.

    The rarity of this adnexal skin cancer involving the breast is the rarest of the rare cancer. In this case, the problem started with the wart and with a birthmark close by, which is technically called a nevus. This grew over a period of time.” Amina, who got a new lease of life, will head for Nigeria today. She will continue a follow-up at a local hospital for a couple of months more. Curious case of cancer According to Dr. Pais, it is very difficult to know about the disease or diagnose it at an early stage. So, there is no precaution and can’t be prevented. Moreover, it is not genetic.

    Excessive exposure to sunlight can be one of the reasons. People living near the Equator are more prone this type of cancer as they are exposed to direct ultraviolet rays. One might diagnose this case to be that of a breast cancer which can be followed by unnecessary chemotherapy. The treatment is for the skin cancer arising on the breast infiltrating into it. So, proper surgery and radiotherapy is the answer. People should consider screening if they have any ulcer for more than three months. They should do that in case of moles or itching that appears for a months.

  • Nigerian media celebrate World Music Day

    Nigerian media celebrate World Music Day

    •Okoroji advises on songs that unite

    From music of yesteryear to contemporary songs across different genres, and talks that center on sound and beats, radio and television stations in the country, yesterday, joined the rest of the world to celebrate the World Music Day.

    Although music has existed for as long as mankind has found its voice, choosing a day to celebrate the phenomenon is believed to have been originated from France in 1982.

    Tagged ‘Fete de la Musique’, the feast of music which marks the beginning of summer solstice, and is celebrated every June 21, has now spread to over 120 nations around the world.

    Although there is no known public gathering to mark the day in Nigeria, in Europe and America, musicians from all genres and all ages, amateurs and experienced performers, gathered to perform for free at various public places.

    Some Nigerians who took to the social media to express concerns about why the day was no so celebrated in Nigeria blamed it on the current crisis in the Performing Musicians and Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

    Meanwhile, Chairman of a Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for music and sound recording in Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji, felicitated with musicians on the day.

    In his message, the former President of PMAN said “those of us who have been given the special gift to spread joy to mankind with our beautiful art of music must recognize that what we have is a rare privilege. At a time when many across the world are under tremendous stress and strife stares so much of mankind in the face, we must compellingly speak the language of music, the language of love, a language that knows no boarders and use our special gift to reduce hate, bring people together and put a smile on the faces of God’s children”

    Okoroji who recently released the song, “Happy Music” used the opportunity of the World Music Day to remind World musicians across Nigeria to understand that they have an important role to play in providing a soothing balm on the frayed nerves of many in the Nigerian nation and pouring cold water on the dangerous fire of hate being lit by some across the country. Chief Okoroji pledges that as Nigerian musicians deploy themselves as agents of peace across the country, COSON would continuously watch their backs.