*love so sweet*
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Monday, 16 September 2013
Angelo Collins coming to Nigeria to see his boo, Beverly Osu
*love so sweet*
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Emma Nyra shows off her parent…kissing.
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PHOTOS: 95 Year Old Gay Man Marries His 65-Year Old Gay Partner
Supreme Court decision to legally tie the knot. The wedding held on Saturday at their home with few friends in attendance. They sealed it with a kiss after exchanging vows. Those who kicked against their marriage simply did not attend.
‘It was something we wanted to do for a long time’, Mr Banvard said. Their ceremony, however, wasn’t completely welcomed by the rest of the home’s residents as some of them protested, but the Facility director insisted they had a right to get married just like others do. Another photo after the cut.
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The Painful Consequences Of ASUU Strike
Like professor and Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Yomi Akinyeye, noted, ‘one cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs.’
In other words, one cannot achieve something without causing a few inconveniences.
According to Akinyeye, the strike will not only affect the students and the lecturers, but also the country’s economy, in the long run.
“Most of the problems that Nigeria is currently facing would have been better solved if the issues are properly addressed and the priorities set right. The academic calendar of the students has already been disrupted. This would mean the adjustment of their time table and a delay in their year of graduation. The man hours lost over this period would have to be paid for,” Akinyeye noted.
Considering the duration of the strike, which has lingered since July 1, the total sum in salary for the lecturers may run into billions of naira.
The strike also has a spiral effect on the nation’s education and economic sector, noted professor of Science and Technology Education, University of Lagos, Duro Ajeyalemi.
He stated that while the dreams of many students in their final year have invariably been put on hold, the delay in the university academic calendar will also increase the competition among candidates willing to gain admission into the universities.
These factors will also cause an increase in the number of fresh graduates in the labour market at the end of the academic year, he said.
“Because the devil also finds work for ideal hands, these students may be getting involved in other things that may not be good for the economy; those who are just idling about at home could cause security problems,” Ajeyalemi said.
The earlier the Federal Government resolved the matter, the better for the economy, Ajeyalemi advised.
“It was the government that promised N400bn over a couple of years, starting with the release of N100bn as at that time (2009). But they have not done that. Also, the allowances were part of the agreement signed. So what ASUU is simply asking for is the implementation of the agreement. It is a matter of give and take,” he said.
Even students that believe in ASUU’s struggle are tired of sitting at home. An undergraduate student of the University of Lagos, Joshua Oyeniyi, wrote: “I write on behalf of the millions of dreams that are getting squashed by the day as the total shut-down of our universities persists. I write on behalf of the future of the several hundreds of thousands who have been privileged, amidst the stiff competition for admission, to grasp tertiary education but may end up worse than their disadvantaged counterparts, since they may never finish, much less finish on schedule their educational pursuits.”
He pleaded with the Federal Government to honour the 2009 agreement with ASUU so that students could return to the lecture rooms and pick up the pieces of their “scattered semesters.”
An undergraduate of the Lagos State University, Joshua Oyero, agreed that students bear the brunt of the strike more because the lecturers would still receive their salaries during the period the action lasted.
“We suffer more intellectually. For instance, many schools would release their examination time-tables a week after the strike is called off. They wouldn’t care to know whether the school was three weeks into lectures when the strike had commenced. They are only concerned with how to start another academic calendar,” he said, adding that the Federal Government should not kill the “education economy by their tight-fisted economic policies”
For Head, Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Dr. Ayobami Ojebode, the impact of the regular strike actions embarked upon by ASUU would be most felt, not only in the quality of graduates being churned out by the country’s public universities, but also by the labour market and employers of labour. Like he put it, the country has a “greedy and rabidly impatient employment system.”
“Graduates, everywhere, are like computers. You don’t buy a laptop today and expect that right now, it must run your salary system for you, and compute your departmental results and do everything you want. No computer is configured to do all of that. You must sit down and programme it; install the right software and input data. Employers in Nigeria have to understand that.
“When you employ a graduate, and you expect him to speak the language of your organisation, write your memos in your house style, or operate your fabrication machine as if that is the only one known in the wide world, you are being unrealistic in your expectations, impatient and greedy. Fresh graduates have to be trained – that is, you must install your software in them and input data into them. This is investment, also known as sowing – and the Nigerian entrepreneur wants to reap, he or she doesn’t want to sow. Reaping where you hadn’t sown is a major Nigerian problem,” he said.
Many analysts have argued that considering the issues involved, the fruits of this strike would certainly not taste sweet for any of the parties involved.
By Punch's Arukaino Umukoro
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El-Rufai needs prayers –Presidency
A statement by the Special Assistant (New Media) to the President, Mr. Reno Omokri, in Abuja, described as unfortunate, el-Rufai’s comments contained in the interview published in a national daily, not The Punch, on Saturday.
Omokri said El-Rufai had also said in the interview that “nothing can make Jonathan succeed and that the President is grossly incompetent, because he doesn’t listen, and doesn’t even understand the issues.”
But the Presidential aide urged the public “not to be misled by the machinations of el-Rufai, a man who is in dire need of prayers and perhaps psychological assistance.”
Omokri alleged that “Nasir el-Rufai wanted something from the President which was why he visited him at the Presidential Villa to heap unsolicited praise on the President in 2010.”
He added, “When he did not get what he wanted, he became bitter and since the days of yore when the fox that could not get the grapes tagged them ‘sour grapes’ to mask its frustration, it has always been the habit of persons who cannot compete on the basis of ideas to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.”
“Thus, El-Rufai, having run out of ideas, has tagged this administration as ‘incompetent,” Omokri stated.
But El-Rufai through his media advisor, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, challenged the Presidency to make public the request he made which was turned down by Jonathan.
He noted that el- Rufai had anticipated the discomfort which his latest newspaper interview would cause the Presidency, and he was not surprised by the resort to innuendos in the statement the Presidency released.
He said, “The personal attacks on me cannot redress the competence deficit that afflicts this government or make the poor performance go away.
“I have never asked anything from the Jonathan government, and I challenge them to make public any such request. The history of my meetings with Jonathan upon my return from exile in 2010 is detailed in my book.
“Jonathan is the one who requested my support for his presidential ambition, a request I declined. After the three meetings in 2010, they have sent a variety of people to solicit cooperation and make offers which I have rejected.
“Regarding my relationship with General Muhammad Buhari, there is no doubt that we have had our differences. But we have put those behind us in our quest to help this country achieve the quality of leadership that can pull it from potential to greatness.
“Some of us speak candidly, but we are also educated enough to act on new information and reflections,” he added.
Omokri nevertheless recalled that contrary to his position in the interview, El-Rufai had at a meeting with Ambassador John Campbell in April of 2007 described Jonathan, the then Vice Presidential nominee of the People’s Democratic Party, as a clean and honest leader”.
He also added that El Rufai had told the ambassador that “Jonathan was the only candidate that met Obasanjo’s guidelines, which was honesty and being an Ijaw.”
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Nigeria, 18 others barred from US visa lottery
Information from the United States Department of State sighted on Sunday said Nigerians and citizens from few other countries were not eligible for DV-2015
The department said Nigeria was excluded since over 50,000 Nigerians had immigrated into the United States in the last five years.
The department listed other countries not eligible as Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador and Haiti.
Others are India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam
However, many African countries would continue to enjoy the programme.
Some of them are Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia and Ghana.
Others are Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles and Sierra Leone.
Diversity visas are said to be distributed among six geographic regions, while no single country could receive more than seven per cent of the available space in any year.
Already, advertsiements for the 2015 US DV lottery have started with several businesses inviting Nigerians to apply for the program.
Applications for the 2015 US DV lottery is expected to take off from October 1, 2013.
In 2012, 14,769, 658 persons were said to have qualified worldwide for the US DV lottery among the 19, 672, 269 which applied.
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Photos: Lawyer Turns Vampire Woman
Life is short and sometimes we waste it on many things, so I've chosen beauty. And for me it's beautiful to be this way, so that's why I do it'. So sad. More pics below.
*cute, isn't she *scarcism face*
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36 Sweet and Cute Things to Say to Your Boyfriend
Guys love being appreciated by their girlfriend now and then. Here are 36 sweet and cute things to say to your boyfriend that can help you do just that.
A perfect relationship needs many things to stay perfect.
Communication, love, respect, and loyalty may be the most important aspects of a happy romance.
But every now and then, as lovers, what we need more than anything else is appreciation.
And your boyfriend is no different too.
36 cute lines to say to your boyfriend
Romantic gestures are priceless in romance. So if you want to have a perfect relationship with your boyfriend, learn to be appreciative of his sweet gestures by saying the right things to your boyfriend. He'll be ecstatic to know that he's able to impress you.
So if you want to bring a smile on his face, and leave him thinking about you all the time, use these 30 things you can say to your boyfriend. You can either text these lines to him after a date, or say it straight.
Use these lines at the appropriate moment, when your guy does something sweet for you. As long as you feel it and mean what you say, he'll only love you more.
#1 I feel so protected and safe when you're around me.
#2 There's no guy in the world who can understand me better than you do / I never feel like I need to hold back while talking to you.
#3 My friends are jealous of me for having such a perfect relationship with you.
#4 Gosh, you look so sexy, all the girls here are checking you out!
#5 The world seems so perfect when you hold me in your arms.
#6 You're the kind of guy every girl would dream of having.
#7 I enjoy your company more than anyone else's in the whole world.
#8 All my friends want to find a guy who's just like you! [Read: 25 ways to make your boyfriend happy every day]
#9 I just don't know how you can listen to me so patiently, even when I'm complaining so much about everything in my life.
#10 You are such a chivalrous gentleman when you're with me.
#11 You always know how to make me smile even when I'm down.
#12 I've never met a guy who can pick such thoughtful gifts for a girl!
#13 When I'm confused about anything, I ask myself what you would have done if you were in my place.
#14 You take care of me so well I feel like a princess when I'm with you.
#15 I wish I could have your sense of humor.
#16 Just the thought of being with you in bed sends a shiver up my spine.
#17 You're always there for me when I need your help with anything, no matter how small or big.
#18 You look so good you make all the girls in the room jealous of me.
#19 You're such a smooth talker. I hope you don't go talking to all the girls you know this way!
#20 Your smell turns me on. Can I have your shirt to sleep with when you go out of town?
#21 Every time we have sex, you make me wonder if you're a sex god in disguise.
#22 Everyone thinks I brag a lot about you. But, you know what, I just can't stop myself.
#23 You never let me down ever.
#24 I love being pampered and you know just how to pamper me all the time.
#25 You always plan the best surprises for me.
#26 I love the way you hold me when we're in bed.
#27 You're so smart. How do you always have all the answers to everything I ask you?
#28 I can't believe how lucky I am to have you.
#29 You're the manliest guy I've ever met.
#30 I love your *insert body part* so much, it's so hard to take my hands off you.
#31 I don't think I'm ever going to forget this wonderful date.
#32 Is there anything you can't do? / How are you so good in everything you do?
#33 I love watching you sweat/work out. The more you sweat, the sexier you look…
#34 You're such an interesting guy. You know so much about everything.
#35 You're so sweet and caring, you make me feel like a spoilt kitten.
#36 I've never met a guy who's more ambitious and determined than you.
Use any of these 36 sweet and cute things to say to your boyfriend while texting him or when you're hanging out with him, and your guy will surely blush with delight. And he'll definitely feel a lot more appreciated and loved too!
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15-Year-Old Jaden Smith Expresses His Disgust For Education
See his tweets after the cut...
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Prostitute In kastina Kills Her 4-Day-Old Baby With Rat Poison
What could make a mother willfully kill her own baby? The suspect, Binta tells her story to Sunday Sun: “I was born in Layin-Ruwa, Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. I got married 11years ago and my husband, Inusa later forced me to divorce him. I have only one son, Aminu for him.
“After the divorce, I decided to go into prostitution. The money I got from prostitution is what I use to feed my father in the village. My father had divorced my mother because my mother begged him to allow me to return to my former husband, but my father rejected the advice. My father divorced my mother because of that.
“While engaged in prostitution, I suddenly had an unwanted pregnancy, which I did not terminate. I was able to conceal the pregnancy and successfully had the baby boy delivered in my room.
“The ward head, Maiunguwa in the village where I was doing prostitution had warned all prostitutes not to have unwanted pregnancy, and that anyone who got pregnant must relocate to any nearby village to deliver and care for the baby there.
“But because of the warning by village head, I was at a loss to what to do with the baby and my calling as a prostitute.
“My good friend, Hindatu Umar suggested that since we do not want to stop prostitution, we should kill the baby. We both went into the street and bought rat poison for N40 and used it to kill the baby.”
Asked how the baby was actually killed, Binta said, “It was about midnight that the act was carried out. I told my friend, Hindatu that I would not want to witness the killing of my own child.
“Hindatu was the one who fed my baby with the poison. She forced him to drink the poison. When she wanted to do it, I went into the other room and took a drug, Valium 5 and slept off. I woke up to see that my baby was dead. We wrapped the dead body with clothes.”
News of the heinous crime soon filtered out and the partners in crime were apprehended.
Binta spoke further, “Unknown to us, the ward head had heard about the news that my baby was killed. He quickly went to Danja Police Station, reported the incident and we were arrested by the police.” In her own confession, Hindatu Umar said, “I am a prostitute. My friend, Binta delivered a baby boy and we have a law by the ward head in the village of Danja that he doesn’t want any unwanted pregnancy and that any of us prostitutes who gets pregnant should leave the village and deliver the baby in the next village.
“We still enjoy our job as prostitutes and so, we both decided to kill the baby. I suggested to her to kill the baby. We went into the street and bought local rat killer and by midnight I gave the baby the poison and he drank the poison and died instantly. I took the container and dropped it in the toilet. Later the news spread and policemen from Danja Police Station arrested us.”
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Arik Flight En Rute London, Makes Emergency Landing As Nigerian Woman Gives Birth On Board
When the passenger went into labour, the cabin crew asked that doctors on board the flight to identify themselves. Following the announcement, two of the passengers came forward, saying they were doctors and assisted in the delivery of the baby.
Normally, a source disclosed that in the few instances where women have given birth on board, the aircraft would continue its flight to its final destination. However, the Arik flight was forced to make an emergency landing following the advice of the doctors that the woman was bleeding excessively - she was said to have experienced excessive hemorrhaging, necessitating the emergency landing.
At the time of this report, both mother and child were said to have been stable but were left behind in Palmas for monitoring by medical personnel, while the flight continued on its journey to London.
The airline was trying to ascertain if the woman had presented a false medical report from her doctor on the true duration of her pregnancy or she had gone into premature labour while on board the flight.
Women with full term pregnancies are not allowed to travel by air, according to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. As such, intending pregnant passengers are required to present medical reports certifying that they are less than 32 weeks pregnant before they are allowed to fly.
A source said the airline was carrying out a full-scale investigation to ascertain the genuineness of themedical report presented by the woman.
Arik Air’s management said yesterday that if it is discovered that the woman was given a false report to enable her fly, it would file a special complaint against the doctor who had issued the medical report to the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) for endangering her life and that of the baby, as well that of other passengers on board the flight.
Source: Thisday
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Question of the day : Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham: Who looks sexier in underwear?
Cristiano Ronaldo will be launching his own CR7 underwear and socks range pretty soon after modelling for Emporio Armani underpants.
The 28-year-old Portuguese footballer will be giving David Beckham a run for this money this week gave a sneak peak of his forthcoming advertising campaign staring (you got it right ladies) none other than himself.
By the way, who would you say is a better underwear model – David Beckham or Cristiano Ronaldo?
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Saturday, 14 September 2013
Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga & Femi Otedola Make Forbes List
Despite the harsh terrain and business challenges involved with starting a business in Nigeria; the successful entrepreneurs listed below held their ground and fought their way to the top. In a country with a population of over 160 million inhabitants and millions of businesses; these 20 entrepreneurs diligently carved their names in the sands of time.
Check out the list below.
1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote – founder of Dangote Group, Richest man in Africa and Richest black man in the world
2. Mike Adenuga – Conoil, Equatorial Trust Bank, Globacom
3. Femi Otedola – ZENON Oil and Gas
4. Orji Uzor Kalu – Slok Group
5. Cosmos Maduka – Coscharis Group
6. Jimoh Ibrahim – Nicon Insurance, Global Flee
7. Jim Ovia – Zenith Bank, Visafone
8. Pascal Dozie – MTN Nigeria, Diamond Bank
9. Oba Otudeko – Honeywell Group Nigeria
10. Alhaji Sayyu Dantata – MRS Group
11. Umaru Abdul Mutallab – former Chairman First Bank Plc, Mutallab Group
12. Prince Samuel Adedoyin – Doyin Group
13. Dele Fajemirokun – Chaiman Aiico Insurance, Xerox Nigeria, Chicken Republic, Kings Guards etc.
14. Chief Cletus Ibeto – Ibeto Group
15. Raymond Dokpesi – Daar Communication, AIT,
16. Tony Ezenna – Orange Group
17. Chief Molade Okoya Thomas – Chairman CFAO Nig and other six french companies
18. Ifeanyi Ubah – Capital oil and gas
19. Leo Stan Ekeh – Zinox Computer
20. Fola Adeola – GTBank
21. Chief Ade Ojo – Elizade Motors Nig LTD, Distributor of Toyota cars
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Friday, 13 September 2013
Nigerian Actress Uchenna Nnanna Denies Porn Star Rumour “I’m A Strong Christian”
Gossips claim the actress recently features in one of the latest Nollywood adult movies.
In a recent interview, when asked about the rumour, the actress said;
“I can’t, no matter what is involved. So many people don’t see anything wrong in it but I see lots of wrongs in it. My personal principle and religious background wouldn’t allow me go nude on the screen. I come from a very strong Christian home; it is not the kind of things expected of me. I’m a strong Catholic and have a reputation to protect. Most importantly, God wouldn’t be happy with me. I’m not a porn star for crying out loud. Apart from going nude, I don’t think there is anything I can’t do for the sake of acting”
Her younger sister Chikodi Nnanna married an Oyinbo man from Netherlands in Ikoyi Lagos last month.
Will bring you exclusive photos in few hours.
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Check Out Beyonce Without Make-Up
JAMZ AND ME: Question Of The Day
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Dreamer : Genevieve Nnaji needs someone like me – Vic O
Too bad he didnt get her real handle…Vic O is a Nigerian Nigerian born, Italy based Rap Artist. His latest song is titled “Why Evils”.? Hot Dude
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Ini Edo Pregnant: Husband Exposes Her Pregnancy Baby Bump During Vacation
As fate will have it, Nollywood is set to welcome a new baby soon.
Wonder why Nigerian actress Ini Edo is glowing lately? She is pregnant.
According to reliable Nollywood insiders, the actress and her husband recently travelled for a second honeymoon vacation to celebrate her conception.
As we speak, the couple who married in 2008 are expecting.
The couple got carried away during a recent photo session while vacationing in Europe.
Ini Edo’s US-based husband, Mr Philip Ehiagwina accidentally reveals her growing pregnancy baby bump.
Don’t worry if the actress debunks the story, all na cover up to take winch winch eyes from her.
Ini Edo deserve this… Wishing her a safe delivery when the time comes.
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Thursday, 12 September 2013
EXPOSED!!! Kim Kardashian had Butt Implants
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BBA Winner Pearl Dillish Mathews Flaunts Her Boo
''i Love my baby''
You like ?
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Another Crisis In Rivers State As Police Stops Governor Amaechi From Entering Government House
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Pope Francis To Atheists: You Don't Have To Believe In God To Go To Heaven
Responding to a list of questions published in the paper by Mr Scalfari, who is not a Roman Catholic, Francis wrote: “You ask me if the God of the Christians forgives those who don’t believe and who don’t seek the faith. I start by saying – and this is the fundamental thing – that God’s mercy has no limits if you go to him with a sincere and contrite heart. The issue for those who do not believe in God is to obey their conscience.
“Sin, even for those who have no faith, exists when people disobey their conscience.”
Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent for the Catholic journal The Tablet, said the pontiff’s comments were further evidence of his attempts to shake off the Catholic Church’s fusty image, reinforced by his extremely conservative predecessor Benedict XVI. “Francis is a still a conservative,” said Mr Mickens. “But what this is all about is him seeking to have a more meaningful dialogue with the world.”
In a welcoming response to the letter, Mr Scalfari said the Pope’s comments were “further evidence of his ability and desire to overcome barriers in dialogue with all”.
In July, Francis signalled a more progressive attitude on sexuality, asking: “If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?”
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Meet Woman Who Makes N50,000 Per Hour Massaging Wit Her Breast
For those of you who need some explaining, “CMT” is a certified massage therapist. A “BBW” is a big, beautiful woman. Love’s clients can get both normal and “sensual” massages, but her stack-in-trade is something called the “happy man works” where she rubs her gigantic bosoms over various parts of her client’s body for $300 an hour.
Love claims on her website that the mammary massage is supposed to “keep you focused in the present and give you the opportunity to experience all aspects of your nature not just a part of your persona.” Love didn’t intend to put her boobs front and center when she started out in her masseuse career, but her attempts at finding a regular job were a bust.
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#ASUUStrike President Of National Association Of Nigerian Students (NANS) Impeached
In a statement obtained by Sahara Reporters, NANS Senate President
Emaluyi Sunday Michael said Gbadebo was impeached at a meeting of stakeholders on September 7 under Section 49(1) of the constitution. That provision states: “The president can be impeached on the grounds of incompetence or as therefore by his attitude or action which can be classified/regarded as misconduct”.
It accused Gbadebo of inability to serve the primary purpose of NANS to protect the general interest of all Nigerian students both at home and in Diaspora, “before the institutions, government, parastatals, stakeholders and even other countries policies.”
The statement cited the current impasse between the federal government and university teachers which has seen Nigerian students sitting at home for 65 days, saying Gbadebo was found wanting in the challenge of bringing both parties together.
“Rather he is aligning with a particular party and indulging in “Ghana-must-Go protest,” the statement said, adding that the “dilapidated and maggoty condition of Nigerian universities is of no concern to Ayefele.”
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Waziri Hits Back At Obasanjo... Respect Your Age Or Else I Will Open Up On You
go and look at the type of interaction that anybody holding that job will have with a similar organisation elsewhere; did Waziri have that type. What connection did she have with FBI, what relationship did she have with Metropolitan Police in London. It’s not a picnic,” Obasanjo said.
Mrs Waziri who didn't find that funny, has replied Obasanjo with this; “I will like to warn that those who live in glass house don’t throw stones and as such Obasanjo should not allow me open up on him. Respectable elder statesmen act and speak with decorum.” She also accused him of manipulating the EFCC under Nuhu Ribadu to hunt political opponents in Mr. Obasanjo’s effort to secure a third term in office.
She also expressed surprise that a man who has been twice a Nigerian leader would “descend so low to peddle falsehood,” Waziri warned Obasanjo to respect his age or else she would “open up on him.”
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The Untold Story Behind ASUU Strike
There is no sign of when the action will end, despite the Federal Government’s release of N100 billion for renovation of universities’ infrastructure and N30 billion for the payment of earned allowances.
The money, the lecturers say, does not meet their demands. Parents and students are also urging the Federal Government to honour the agreement in full.
The Federal Government may consider the N100 billion it has released out of the N500 billion for infrastructural projects in 61 universities a big deal but university teachers think otherwise.
Despite pressure from various quarters that it should manage what the government has offered and end its 74-day old strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is not moved.
Members of the union in the public universities nationwide are insisting that the Federal Government must honour the agreement by providing the funds according to the timetable and conditions both parties set.
Ironically, many parents and students seem to be behind ASUU. They are urging the union to ensure they get all that was agreed upon so that there would not be another strike soon.
Journey to 2009
ASUU/FGN Agreement
The 2009 agreement was a product of negotiations with successive administrations, beginning in 1992 with that of former military president Gen Ibrahim Babangida. There were also re-negotiations in 1999 (under Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar); and 1999/2001 (under former President Olusegun Obasanjo), until the agreement was signed in 2009 (under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua).
ASUU President Dr Nasir Fagge said through the agreement, the union seeks to make universities competitive by ensuring that conditions of service are favourable to academic staff so as to reverse brain drain; provide adequate funding to universities; and ensure their autonomy and academic freedom.
But, the pact’s implementation has over the years pitched ASUU against the government.
Two outstanding issues define the ongoing strike: the release of funds accruing up to N500 billion to improve facilities in 61 public universities (27 federal and 34 state); and the non-payment of earned allowances put at N92 billion.
In response to ASUU demands, the government set up a committee headed by Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, to implement the recommendations of the committee on Needs Assessment of Public Universities which submitted its report to the National Economic Council (NEC) last November.
The 11-man committee chaired by Prof Mahmood Yakubu, former Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in its report, recommended that “Government shall consider the provision of quality infrastructure for teaching and learning in all universities as a national emergency.” The panel noted that the classrooms, laboratories and hostels of the 61 universities had decayed.
The government released N100 billion for this purpose on August 21, almost two months after the commencement of the strike, to cover construction of classrooms, laboratories and hostels.
It also announced the release of N30 billion for the earned allowances.
However, the union is insisting on the full amounts stated in the agreement before calling off the strike.
Suswam has condemned the union‘s stand, especially as the government has released of some funds to meet part of the demands.
“There is nothing on the list of their demands that the government has not touched,” Suswam said when he hosted the National Union of Benue State Students last week.
Why ASUU is not impressed
Some lecturers revealed that accepting what the government was offering would only be postponing the evil day because the amount would continue to mount.
Chairman, ASUU, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Dr Nsing Ogar accused the government of insincerity. He said the N100 billion the government is paying now should have been released in April last year – with an additional N400 billion this year. He said by 2015 the amount released should be N1.3 trillion.
He said: “Last year, there was an agreement between the government and ASUU that N100 billion would be injected into the university system to upgrade facilities. It was supposed to be released immediately. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in January 2012 and by April that sum of money was supposed to have been released. Also in that MoU there was an agreement that in 2013 another N400 billion would be released. Then in 2014 another N400 billion. Then in 2015 another N400 billion. That makes N1.3 trillion to upgrade facilities in the university system. We had tried to talk with government to ensure that these amount were released, they did not accept and that is why we are on strike. And if in 2013 they are releasing N100 billion, there is a shortfall of N400 billion, they have not told us, what next would happen in 2014 and 2015.”
On his part, Dr. Abdulkadir Mohammed, the branch ASUU chairman, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, said members were irked that the N100 billion was recycled from the universities’ funds.
He said: “Even the N100 billion that the government is talking about, there is a recommendation of the Technical Committee on how the N100 billion should be disbursed, that has been breached by government. Secondly, Nigerians should know the source of the N100 billion because our MoU with the government clearly stated that this money should be sourced outside state fund; that government should scout for the N1.3 trillion from other sources outside the Tertiary Education Trust Fund but we realised that the government is trying to do now is to go and block all the money in the state fund, mop it up and channel it into financing the recommendation of the need assessment and that is also not acceptable.
“The union would not accept the effort by the government to mop the money belonging to universities within the Education sector for this purpose. The agreement is that they should scout for money elsewhere to finance this agreement and therefore if they fail to do that, this crisis will not abate.”
Dr David Nanson Jangkam, Chairman of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) ASUU Chapter, said the N30 billion the government paid as earned allowances was just a third of the debt it owes the lecturers.
“Let me tell you the level of insincerity of the government, the earned allowance, they are owing us is N92 billion, out of which the government has offered N30 billion, this is one-third of what they are owing us. Regarding the so called N100 billion they claimed to have approved for need assessment, they are taking that fund from the TETFund, which means they are robbing the university to pay the university,” he said.
Parents support ASUU’s struggle
Contrary to expectations, many parents urged ASUU to ensure the government fulfils its promise this time so that there would be no strikes in future resulting from the present issues.
Mr. Lawal Morakinyo, a business man whose son attends the University of Ibadan (UI), said the N100 billon does not even scratch the surface of the problem.
“The N100 billion does not solve the problem because the school laboratories and the other situation have been on ground for many years and if they (ASUU) had been persistent in the sight of the government it wouldn’t be as grave as this. The money they are putting on ground is not an issue; we have seen cases like this. The money the government is giving is just a waiver – that I am giving you this money to keep your mouth shut and stop your ASUU strike,” he said.
Another parent, Mr Fidelis Inde, who resides in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital, said he was not happy his children are at home. yet, he supports the strike because he believes the government can indeed meet ASUU’s demands.
“Although our children staying at home is not in the best interest of anybody, but I believe the right thing should to be done. If there was an agreement, then that agreement should be honoured. I believe it is high time we stopped cutting corners in doing things. It would not turn out well for us in the long run, if we continue like that. What the people have demanded is not impossible to achieve. You just don’t dangle N100 billion before ASUU when you know that was not the initial agreement. It is important for ASUU not to set a bad precedent and ensure the agreement is honoured to the letter. Government, I believe can meet ASUU’s demands if it is sincere.”
A trader in Akure the Ondo State Capital, Mrs Margaret Okeke, who has two children in the Adekunle Ajasin University at Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, recalled that the government and ASUU face off had been rocking the education sector since the late President Yar’Adua administration, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to find a lasting solution to the problem.
She urged the lecturers to shun appeals to resume when their demands have not been met.
“Urging University lecturers to resume work is just like suspension of a battle that must be fought. The issue of the strike had been lingering on for so long in the higher institution and this is because the government has failed to implement the 2009 agreement it has with the workers.
“If the ASUU should call off the strike, it will someday return to the battle field with the government since its demands have not been met. I think the government should fulfil its own part of the agreement. The PDP-led government spent more money on its convention, President’s wife’s women’s rally. It can easily dash out billions of naira to some dubious politicians in order to secure or remain in power. We can see and hear how they share the “National Cake” with their families and friends leaving us to grow in abject poverty.”
Pastor Andrew Ayinloge, who stays in Akure, urged the government to curb waste elsewhere and meet the union’s demands.
He said: “I will advise ASUU to go on with the strike until the government is ready to fulfil the agreement because if they should call off the strike and its demands are not met, they will one day go back to the strike.
“Nigeria is rich enough to pay the workers. Let the government reduce the allowances of senators, governors, commissioners, House of Representatives and State Assemblies members if that will bring the solution to end the issue of strike in Nigeria.”
Mr Remi Agunbiade, another parent agrees Nigeria is rich enough.
He said: “If you look at the history of ASUU problem or history of education in Nigeria these are all the tricks government is using, ASUU demands for something, they will give them part of it and ask them to go back so it is still better for government to do the right thing at the right time. N100 billion is nothing to write home about when you consider the decay in infrastructure in our system; there is nothing N100 billion can do.
“Mere organising PDP convention they will spend more than 100 billion so let the government do the right thing and solve the problem once-and-for-all, and I as a person I cannot blame government and I cannot blame ASUU. Why I cannot blame government is that most of their children are in private schools or overseas. So the children of the poor masses are in government schools. So the government officials don’t feel the pain.”
A Lagos-based parent, Mr Abiodun Phillips, said he does not believe that the government has even released the N100 billion. “They are saying that they have approved the money but I don’t believe. That was how they signed an agreement in 2009 and they didn’t keep to it,” he said.
Some parents are appealing to ASUU to suspend the strike for the students’ sake.
Abraham Dalyop, a resident of Jos, Plateau State, said ASUU should give the government a chance.
“Since the government and ASUU are discussing how to solve the issues, ASUU can suspend the strike and continue with negotiation. There is no point insisting on contnuing the strike; it is not healthy for our children,” he said.
Another parent, Obinna Nwosu, who resides in Nnewi, described the situation as preposterous. His three children at home when they should be busy with their academic work. He appealed to ASUU to consider going back to their duty posts and urged the government to ensure that the agreement is kept.
Students for and against
Some students support the strike, while others are against it.
Julius Ona a 300-level undergraduate of English University of Ibadan said he is for the strike but does not believe government will yield ground.
“Though I see ASUU demands as genuine, but is it not possible to appeal to ASUU to accept the N100 billion now and continue negotiation later? Nobody in this country should pretend not to know government attitude to public education. ASUU demands had been for long and if government still turns a deaf ear, why should they believe government would answer now?”
The President of National Association of Ondo State Students, Comrade Afolayan Awoloda advised the lecturers to remain on strike until the government fulfil its promise.
He noted that the government was not blindfolded before signing the agreement in 2009, stressing that President Jonathan’s action has dealt a big blow to education at the international level.
Awodola said: “Mr president should prove to Nigerians that he is worthy of leading us and stop embarrassing the nation. I still maintain that if there has been an agreement since 2009 and there has not been any modality on ground to fulfil the sealed agreement.
I think ASUU, should remain on strike till the government fulfill diligently the content of the agreement since the government was not under duress or blindfolded when it signed the agreement.
But, the National Association of Nigerian Student’s (NAN’s) representative in Akure, Gbenga Ayenuro appealed to the lecturers to resume in order to save the future of Nigerian students. The strike, he said, had rendered the students idle at home, warning that such act is dangerous to the country’s future.
“NANS appeals to both ASUU and Federal Government to work towards resolving the present ASUU strike that has kept Nigerian students at home for over two months.
“We are not happy with the way both parties are playing with the life and future of innocent Nigerian students. They have rendered us useless being at home, caused us hardship to survive and our parents to cater for us and caused more havoc by exposing Nigerian Students to social vices most especially our ladies.
“At this point, we urge ASUU to shift ground for the sake of Nigerian Students and return to the classroom while deliberation continues on the earned allowance claims and we also appeal to the government to reconsider ASUU earned allowance claims.”
A student of UNIJOS, Monday Philemon said: “We know our lecturers are fighting a genuine cause but they should consider that they will ruin the future of students if the strike lasts longer than this. These lectures are holders of master and PhD certificates, most of them are professors, so they dot care much about going to school again but we are in school and we also need to acquire the certificates they have acquired, they should not frustrate us please, the government has done enough.”
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EXPOSED ONLINE: How Bianca Aborted Fani-Kayode's Pregnancy
Ms Kemi Olunloyo, the controversial daughter of a former Governor of Oyo State, has declared her resolve to expose all the dirty secrets between Bianca Ojukwu and Femi Fani-Kayode since Bianca is saying that she never had any intimate relationship of any kind with him.
Here are Kemi's latest revelations about Fani-Kayode and Bianca:
"Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain Mrs Bianca Ojukwu lost two babies for Femi Fani Kayode during our days in UK. They planned to wed.
"Ask their parents, some in the heavens above. At least Govenor Onoh and his wife Caroline were happy at the time. The first baby was miscarried (Act of God) and the second she #ABORTED! This is what really broke them up. Femi wanted his BABY and he left HER!
"I will keep telling the truth as Bianca needs to STOP saying she NEVER MET him!!!"
If this Kemi Olunloyo is really telling the truth then Bianca should indeed stop denying Fani-Kayode and just pretend like nothing happened...quietly move on!
LMAO! Nicki Minaj Being Sued For ALLEGEDLY Stealing WHAT?!
His Name: Clive Tanaka. Who Is He: An Underground EDM Artist. What Does He Have To Do With Nicki Minaj: He’s suing her. For:
“STARSHIPS!”
The one song that has pushed many of Nicki’s hip-hop fans away from her music, the root of her and Peter Rosenberg’s falling out/blow-up, the ONE track that had many wondering WTH Nicki was thinking, is a song that was STOLEN?! According to Clive Tanaka’s lawsuit, filed under the company, Tanaka Light Industries USA he says that Nicki Minaj, producer Red One (Nadir Khayat) and songwriters Carl Falk, Wayne Hector and Rami Yacoub are all parts of the theft.
Tanaka claims that the song sounds too much like his own, “Neu Chicag
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Photos Of The 411 On 50 Cent’s New Girlfriend “Tatted Up Holly” [She's BAD!]
50 Cent has closed the door on his relationship with ex-girlfriend (and possibly child’s mother) Daphne Joy, and has moved on with yet another bad chick! Stepping out with her at a movie premiere this week, Fif showed off his new girlfriend Steph, better known as Tatted Up Holly.
Holly is a New Yorker who had been working on the bottle waitressing scene, and quickly made a name for herself because of her amazing body. Catching Fif’s attention, he hired her and her “Dream Team” to host his birthday party this summer, and it’s been cloud 9 for the pair ever since.
And of course, she’s no longer at her old gig.
Check out some of her sexy pics in the gallery.
I hear she’s a pretty good girl, so I hope this works out for them!
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