Thunder Entertainment

Thursday, 24 April 2014

FLASHBACK: Nigeria’s Greatest World Cup Moments by Chinedu Okorie

Credit: www.goal.com

The world probably did not know what it was missing in international football until USA 94 when the Green Eagles now called the Super Eagles of Nigeria came on the scene. As one of the most populous black nation, Nigeria is endowed with so much talent and gifted citizens that the world got to see a glimpse of some at the World Cup. For their performance at the World Cup in 1994, the Eagles won the second best entertaining team in the tournament and it was their first time at the World Cup.
However, the “Giant Of Africa” led by Coach Stephen Keshi will once again this 2014 storm the world Cup in Brazil and preparations have been ongoing to ensure a great performance by the Super Eagles. But before June 12^th2014, when the World Cup will start, www.Happenings9ja.com has put together some of the most memorable World Cup moments the Nigerian football team has had. Take a look:
Yekini Scores Nigeria’s First World Cup Goal
Nigeria scored her first ever World Cup goal against Bulgaria through Rashidi Yekini in the 1994 tournament hosted by the United States. Playing against a European team for the first time at that level, the Eagles were not expected to score first. But Yekini defied the odds to score first in the 21st minute and had a joyous celebration afterwards.
Samson Siasia's Goal Against Argentina

In that same USA’94 tournament,after Nigeria had beaten Bulgaria 3-0 in the first game and watched Argentina defeat Greece in the match before ours; Nigeria was not favoured against the South Americans. But the unexpected happened in the 8th minute as Samson Siasia took advantage of a loose ball and blasted a shot past Argentina’s goalkeeper Luis Islas to record Nigeria's only goal in the match. Argentina eventually won 2-1 but no one would forget in a hurry that they almost lost to Nigeria.
Topping Group D In Style At France’98
Winning one game and losing another did not give assurance of qualifying for the knockout stages but beating Greece in the last game was a task that must be done. However, goals from Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi in the 45th and the 90th minutes placed Nigeria on top of the group and confirmed the team a place in the second round of the tournament.
Stylish Celebration
Former Italian football player Marco Tardeli may have started solo celebration at the World Cup, but Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi took the act to another level after scoring against Greece in their third match at the 1994 World Cup. Finidi mimicked a urinating dog while Amokachi performed a disco dance step. Both acts had their places in the ranking of World Cup celebrations.
Nigeria’s Loss To Italy
Perhaps one of the most memorable matches for Nigeria at the USA '94 was the defeat she suffered in the hands of the Italian international team nicknamed “Azzurri”. The Azzurri almost went out as the Eagles led by a lone goal until the dying minutes when Roberto Baggio got an equalizer to send the game into extra time. A defensive blunder by Nigeria resulted in a penalty which Baggio converted into a goal and ended Nigeria's dream of reaching the quarterfinals. The effect back home was devastating for all Nigerians but then, it was a fair try.
Second Best Entertaining Team
The Eagles did not advance beyond the round of 16 of the 1994 World Cup but their performance won them the second best entertaining team in the tournament.
Eagles Jerseys
Just like every other country, the Nigerian team made their entrance into the World Cup in 1994 with their jerseys and the design was voted as the most beautiful in the tournament.
Best FIFA Ranking
Nigeria attained its best position on the FIFA rankings before the World Cup. The country was placed 5th in the world for the first time in April 1994.
Sunday Oliseh's Heat Shot Against Spain
France’98 is another World Cup tournament that Nigeria and Nigerians will always remember and be proud of. The Super Eagles did the almost impossible in their first match as they defeated the tournament’s favourite team Spain 3-2 in Nantes on June 13. Goals from Mutiu Adepoju and Garba Lawal had cancelled out Hierro's and Raul's goal but a heated shot from Sunday Oliseh sent the whole nation into wild jubilation.
Enyeama's Super Save Against England
Nigeria did not do well generally at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup perhaps because Coach Adegboye Onigbinde went with a bunch of inexperienced young players. After losing 1-0 to Argentina and 2-1 to Sweden, Nigeria was out of the race for the second round ticket as the Eagles confronted England. The match ended 0-0 and one big moment of the encounter was the brilliant save by keeper Vincent Enyeama in the tie. It was a fantastic shot by Manchester United midfielder, Paul Scholes, and Enyeama, who was making his first World Cup appearance, dived full length to push the ball out. It was rated as one of the most remarkable saves of the competition.
So, there you have it guys- most memorable moments of the Super Eagles at the World Cup. Very soon, hopefully Nigeria will be adding to this list of memorable experiences in the forthcoming World Cup in Brazil as Coach Stephen Keshi is grilling the boys for the tournament.
Is there any great moment Nigeria experienced during the World Cup that we missed out on? Please let us know.

- See more at: http://www.happenings9ja.com/happenings/posts/entertainment-lifestyle/sports/FLASHBACK-Nigerias-Greatest-World-Cup-Moments#sthash.bMUTgqBd.dpuf

FLASHBACK: Nigeria’s Greatest World Cup Moments by Chinedu Okorie

Credit: www.goal.com

- See more at: http://www.happenings9ja.com/happenings/posts/entertainment-lifestyle/sports/FLASHBACK-Nigerias-Greatest-World-Cup-Moments#sthash.bMUTgqBd.dpuf

Violence: Mob Set Man Ablaze In Ogun

Segun Olatunji

— April 24, 2014

There was commotion in Saje area of Abeokuta in Abeokuta North local government area of Ogun State on Tuesday night when an unidentified man was set ablaze by an irate mob.
The incident which occurred somewhere between Kugba and Saje areas attracted many residents and caused a traffic gridlock in the area.
A resident who pleaded anonymity said the man was not resident in the area and though he had been seen around the area for about two days, no one could say anything about where he came from.
“We have been seeing him around here since Sunday but we thought he had come to celebrate the Easter festival with someone in the area. This evening, around 6:35pm, we were here relaxing and chatting after the day’s hectic work – you know that most of us in this area are into gravel and granite business – I even requested someone to get me a bottle of beer.
“As we were here, we heard the noise from around the bridge and before we could comprehend what was happening, people had bombarded the area and the man was pinned down by some boys. We enquired to know his offence and we were told that he sprayed a perfume into the eyes of a lady, whom we met writhing in pains and behaving abnormally. He was asked to give the young girl the solution which he failed to provide.
“The action infuriated the boys who were still worried over some of the boys arrested yesterday by the police at Ijaiye area so, they decided to give him their judgment instantly before the arrival of the police,” he narrated.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the girl, a secondary school student was in company of her elder sister when the man accosted them and allegedly pretended to be asking for directions when the incident occurred.
Policemen from various police stations were deployed to the area but by which time the mob had dispersed for fear of being arrested, while his victim who was yet to regain consciousness was taken away by some of her relatives.
Meanwhile, the charred remains of the mobbed man has been deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

SPORT SPIKES: Top African Players To Watch At FIFA World Cup 2014 by Fola Akintomide

Credit: Happenings

With less than 100 days to the kickoff of the 2014 FIFA world cup, fans and football analysts around the world have been considering the 22 players that would make each team in Brazil come June 12^th.
Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Algeria and Cameroon are the five teams representing Africa in the football tournament; we would be focusing on the top players to watch out for in the most prestigious football competition.

- See more at: http://www.happenings9ja.com/happenings/posts/entertainment-lifestyle/sports/SPORT-SPIKES-Top-African-Players-To-Watch-At-FIFA-World-Cup-2014?gclid=CMeKm6mK-b0CFWkJwwodIBMA1g#sthash.f65b9vOZ.dpuf

SPORT SPIKES: Top African Players To Watch At FIFA World Cup 2014 by Fola Akintomide

Credit: Happenings

SPORT SPIKES: Top African Players To Watch At FIFA World Cup 2014 by Fola Akintomide

Credit: Happenings

SPORT SPIKES: Top African Players To Watch At FIFA World Cup 2014 by Fola Akintomide

Credit: Happenings

Crime: ‘How Syndicate Use Girl 6, To Solicit For Alms

Agency Report

— April 24, 2014

The National Coordinator of the a non-governmental organisation, Hands that Care, Mrs Jacinta Nworie has narrated how a six member syndicate allegedly use a little girl of about six, suspected to be suffering from cancer of the cheek to solicit for alms for their personal gains, under the guise of assisting her.
Nworie who reported the incident to the police said she came in contact with the suspects and the victim soliciting for alms at Agboju Junction, on the Badagry Expressway and decided to assist the victim through her organisation.
She however said after a brief chat with the victim, she discovered that the suspects had been using her to make money in different states.
“The victim told me that they had been to nine states in different regions of Nigeria to beg for money, saying they always lodged in hotel for days.
“One of the suspects claimed they usually lodged in one room. He revealed that they had been in the business since August 2013,’’ Nworie said.
The coordinator called on the police to ensure that the suspects were prosecuted for using the girl to solicit for money for their selfish gains.
Spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Ngozi Braide who confirmed the arrest of the six suspects, including two women, to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the suspects were arrested through the effort of a non-governmental organisation.
She said the suspects had been detained at the Festac Police Station, pending conclusion of investigations, while the victim was in the custody of the NGO.
Braide further stated that the police would collaborate with the NGO to prosecute the suspects as soon as investigations are concluded.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

U-17 Wafu Tourney: Golden Eaglets Beat Mali 2-0 Again

NAN

— April 24, 2014

The national under-17 male team, the Golden Eaglets, on Wednesday beat their Malian counterparts 2-0 in their second match at the ongoing U-17 West African Football Union (WAFU) tournament.
The Golden Eaglets had beaten the same team on Monday with the same goal margin in their first match of the tournament holding in Togo.
In a statement signed by the team’s Media Officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin, two second half goals gave the Eaglets the win which has now placed them top of Group B.
They now have six points from two matches in the two-team group, following the withdrawal of Niger Republic.
According to the statement, the team’s head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke maintained the same starting line-up he had on Monday.
It said the Eaglets scored through Orji Okonkwo in the 48th minute and Kehinde Ayinde in the 84th minute.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Golden Eaglets will now face the runners-up of Group A in one of the semi-final matches on Thursday.
NAN also reports that the U-17 WAFU tournament which started on April 19 will end on Sunday, April 27.(NAN)

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

NDLEA Arrests 2 Suspected Drug Dealers In Gombe

NDLEA Arrests 2 Suspected Drug Dealers In Gombe

Agency Report

— April 15, 2014

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Gombe has arrested two suspected traffickers with 7.1 Kilogrammes of cocaine.
Mr. Aliyu Adole, Commander of the agency, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday.
He said that one of the suspects was arrested along Gombe-Kano road with the substance which led to the arrest of the other suspect.
“My patrol team intercepted a bus coming from Kano with a young man found with cocaine, in an attempt to question him, he ran into bush before he was arrested.’’
Adole further said that investigation had been concluded, and they would be charged to court for prosecution.
The commandant called on the people of the state to assist the agency with useful information that would lead to the arrest of such people before they destroyed their lives.
He advised parents, traditional and religious leaders to ensure that their children and wards were properly guided. (NAN)
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

Court Remands Minor For Over Rape Of Toddler

Home / Crime / News / Court Remands Minor For Over Rape Of Toddler

Court Remands Minor For Over Rape Of Toddler

Agency Report

— April 15, 2014

A Gusau Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday ordered a 15-year-old boy to be remanded in a remand home for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl.
The accused is a resident of Unguwar Dallatu in Gusau.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Longwal, told the court that one Aminu Umar of Unguwar Dallatu, Gusau, reported the case at Central Police Station, Gusau on April 3.
Longwal said that the complainant reported that the girl was playing in front of his house when the suspect, a servant in the house, took the girl to a corner and raped her.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code.
However, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, thereafter, ordered that the accused be remanded in the home and adjourned the case until April 22. (NAN)
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist.blogspot.com

Insecurity: Gusau Seeks Closer Collaboration Among Armed Forces

Adebayo Waheed

— April 16, 2014

The minister of defence, Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd) has called for greater collaboration among the armed forces in the fight against insurgents in the country as he commended the Nigerian Air Force for “doing a good job” since its creation.
Gusau gave this charge on Monday in Abuja at a dinner and award night to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) where the chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Badeh, was also honoured for his elevation.
He commended NAF for its support and participation in operations within and outside Nigeria since its creation. He noted that the force, in the last 50 years, had proved itself to be a competent one to rely on and to be reckoned with.
“The Air Force has achieved many successes in transporting our troops and provided logistic services to the National Emergency Management Agency. I have not known of any Air Force in the world that is as versatile as our Nigerian Air Force which operates 16 different types of aircraft.
“I will like to use this opportunity to congratulate officers, airmen and women of the Nigerian Air Force for the services they are rendering to our nation,’’ he said.
Gusau said the successes recorded so far were due to the good leadership of the force and the effective training of its personnel.
The minister also commended the leadership style and performance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
“For those retiring, you are still in the reserve for the next three years, so be rest assured that the Air Force and the nation can call you to come back when necessary. I will like to convey the greetings of the president to the air men and women as you celebrate 50”.
In his speech, the Chief of Defence Staff, who was also the immediate past Chief of Air Staff said his tenure before elevation was challenging but exciting.
Badeh said the tenure was challenging because it coincided with the largest deployment of aircraft, assets and personnel outside the shores of the country since the end of ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra-Leone.
“It also marked the heightened increase in the deployment of assets and personnel to the North East in support of the ongoing insurgency operations. In spite of these challenges, however, we were able to record some modest achievements by building upon the foundation that had to be laid by my predecessor.’’
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, said that the NAF had a lot to celebrate. He said barely two years after its establishment, the service was faced with the daunting challenge of the civil war, in spite of its inexperience and yet it made a successful outing.
“As we celebrate 50 years of existence as a service, we might ask, do we really have cause to celebrate? I say yes, we have cause to celebrate…His tory tells me that barely three years after her establishment, the Nigerian Air Force was faced with the daunting challenge of the civil war. Despite her inexperience and the limited resources available, the Nigerian Air Force creditably played her role in the fight for the unity of Nigeria.
He said at the end of the civil war, NAF continued to develop and by the late 1980s, it was the `toast of the African continent’. He said that sadly, the shining era was followed by a period of decline, during the prolonged military rule, which lasted until the 21st century.
“Notwithstanding these challenges, we have retained the capability to retain the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity both at home and abroad.’’

NDLEA Seizes N228m Heroin From Pakistani Student

PIC. 22. FROM LEFT: MINISTER OF JUSTICE, MOHAMMED ADOKE; NDLEA CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI AHMADU GIADE, AND SECRETARY, NDLEA BOARD, MR FEMI AJAYI, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE BOARD OF NATIONAL DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (6/9/12).

NDLEA Seizes N228m Heroin From Pakistani Student

Nkem Osuagwu

— April 16, 2014

A Pakistani student, Iftikiha Arslan, has been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for trafficking 25.4kg of heroin.
A statement by the NDLEA head of public affairs, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the drug was discovered in the suspect’s luggage during inward screening of passengers onboard a Qatar airline flight. The estimated street value of the seized drug is said to be N228million, the largest single seizure of heroin at the Lagos airport since January 2014.
The statement reads, “Preliminary investigation has shown that Arslan left Lahore, Pakistan with the drugs to Abu Dhabi, then to Doha from where he connected Lagos. He is believed to be working for a Pakistani drug cartel.”
NDLEA commander at the airport, Mr Hamza Umar, confirmed the arrest.
He said, “Arslan, a 19-year-old Pakistani, was found in possession of 25 parcels of a brownish substance that tested positive for heroin, weighing 25.400kg at the arrival hall. The drug was hidden in a smaller bag inside his luggage. He is presently cooperating with the agency’s team of investigators.”
Arslan, a student of Punjab College Pakistan, reportedly owned up to the crime.
He said, “I came into Nigeria as a tourist because my friend told me that Victoria Island and Ikoyi are beautiful tourist centres. . This is my first time of coming to Nigeria and I had intended to spend a week or two. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the Lagos airport, the heroin was found in my luggage.”
Chairman of NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade said, “This arrest and seizure will further send a warning to drug trafficking cartels that Nigeria is winning the fight against narcotics.
“While investigation is ongoing, more proactive measures shall be taken to prevent the use of Nigeria as a transit point for illicit drugs. All suspects linked to the crime will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
“We are prepared to halt the criminal activities of drug barons through coordinated drug detection strategies. We are also working very hard to identify other members of the criminal group.”

World Cup Will Miss Top Stars – Mourinho

World Cup Will Miss Top Stars – Mourinho

Agency Report

— April 5, 2014

With the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale absent and others sweating over injuries the Chelsea boss believes it is disappointing for the tournament in Brazil
The 2014 FIFA World Cup will not be the same without some of football’s top stars, according to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale are two of the most expensive players in world football, but neither will be in Brazil after Sweden and Wales failed to qualify.
A knee injury has ruled out Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, while Monaco and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao is a major doubt after also suffering a knee problem in January.
Mourinho is also disappointed not to see Czech Republic and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech at this year’s World Cup.
“In every World Cup there are a few big players that everyone would like to see there, and for different reasons they aren’t there,” Mourinho told Yahoo!.
“Zlatan? Everybody would love to see him there, but Sweden couldn’t make it.
“Gareth Bale is another fantastic player that I think everybody would enjoy seeing there, but Wales also couldn’t qualify.
“There are others. I have in my team the best goalkeeper in the world (Cech) and he’s not at the World Cup.”
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

NFF Re-Confirms Super Eagles Pre-World Cup Plan

Agency Report

— April 13, 2014

The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Sunday in Abuja re-confirmed the Super Eagles preparation plan for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
A statement by Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director (Communications) of NFA, said there was no change to what had been streamed to the public previously.
The statement reads: “We have heard people talking about cancellation of the friendly with the senior team of the U.S. Sincerely, we don’t know where that is coming from.
“For avoidance of doubt, the NFA and its official FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, hereby re-confirm that the Super Eagles will re-group in London on May 25.
“They will play Scotland at the Craven Cottage ground of English Premiership side Fulham FC on May 28 and fly to the U.S. on May 29.
“The African champions will play the senior team of Greece at the Philadelphia Union Stadium on June 3.
“They will then take on Team U.S. at the EverBank Field Stadium in Jacksonville on June 7 before flying to Sao Paulo on June 11.
Nigeria is in the same group with Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Hesgovina for the World Cup. (NAN)

Brazil Plans Record World Cup Security Operation

Brazil Plans Record World Cup Security Operation

Agency Report

— April 14, 2014

The Brazilian Government on Monday said it would implement the largest security operation ever at a World Cup this June with 170,000 personnel from the police, military and secret service.
It said the figure was 22 per cent higher than the number used at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The government added that over a third of the security force, about 57,000, would be soldiers from Brazil’s armed forces.
In February, the Brazilian government had announced plans to invest about 800 million dollars in World Cup security.
NAN reports that football’s signature event will be staged in 12 Brazilian cities from June 12 to July 13.(Xinhua/NAN)
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

Quacks Behind Incessant Building Collapse – Experts

Quacks Behind Incessant Building Collapse – Experts

Nkechi Isaac

— March 11, 2014

Over the years, Nigeria has faced the challenge of buildings collapsing in various locations across the country with enormous loss of lives and property. This development has been causing governments at different tiers as well as the people deep worry. Experts have been brainstorming on how to address this ugly situation with little or no visible result.
In an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP, the chairman, Nigerian Insitute of Town Planners (NITP), FCT Chapter, Mr. Nathaniel Atebije, said the incessant occurrence of building collapse in Nigeria was attributable to the activities of quacks.
He said instead of using qualified builders, some developers chose to use masons and artisans whose expertise did not go beyond mixing cement, chippings and sand to execute their building projects, which he described as a recipe for tragedy.
He said: “As an institute, our stand is advocacy, to plead with the people to make sure that the right people do their job. We encourage prospective developers to make sure that they reach out to qualified hands so that they don’t experience building collapse.”
Highlighting steps taken by the institute to curb the use of quacks in carrying out building projects in the country, Atebije said the operation of quacks had been minimized in the practice of urban and regional planning in the FCT with the introduction of professional stamps and seal.
“The institute has been able to enforce the use of professional stamps and seal as evidence of professional handling of projects especially for site analysis report for location plan, layouts, master plans as well as environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports,” he pointed out.
He expressed the hope that the success of the exercise would result in the enforcement of professional stamps and seals as evidence of professional handling by other chapters of the institute.
It would be recalled that the institute in charge of supervising and monitoring builders in Nigeria, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) had made several concerted efforts at curbing the recurrent building collapse in the country.
Only recently, the director-general/chief executive officer (CEO), NBRRI, Prof. Danladi Matawal blamed the development on the use of poor quality materials in building construction.
He said: “The poor applications and use of inferior materials especially concrete, has been identified as a major causative factor for collapse of buildings in Nigeria. The failure of structures by explosion denotes that there was poor concreting on site.”
Added to this, Matawal said were improper foundation and lack of subsoil investigations, pointing out that “the terminology for foundations in Nigeria is blinding which is grossly misleading because it could be responsible for many of the collapses. This is because blinding is the process of ground preparation in order to provide an even surface upon which the actual foundation of the structure can be built.”
According to him: “If a foundation is not properly designed it may lead to the catastrophic collapse of the soil beneath the foundation, when the shear strength is inadequate to support the applied load or it may lead to the excessive settlement of the structure which will take place due to the distortion of the soil mass as a result of applied shear stress and in part due to the consolidation of the soil as a result of increased normal stresses.”
The NBRRI helmsman also elucidated that building collapse in some cases could be attributed to the overall design of the structure and site supervision.
“Most collapsed buildings which has been witnessed in Nigeria belongs to private individuals, who from all deductions did not get guidance for their structural design from qualified engineers. They fail to pay attention to the most critical structural framing elements from the bottom, which is the order of sequence construction, foundations, columns, beams, slabs, roof members, staircases in reinforced concrete and many other steel structures. This omission by private developers has led to building collapse with high fatality,” he added.
He further said that Portland cement, which accounts for 90% of all the cements produced globally also has a critical role to play in aesthetics of buildings.
Giving short term measures to reduce collapse incidences in the country, Matawal said that the Institute had not been idly observing the trend of building collapse without putting actions in place to curb the incidence.
“NBBRI has considered the need for the use of some sensitization bill boards campaigning and sensitizing on the use of quality materials, employment of appropriate technical personnel to design and supervise building construction,” he stated.
He listed other measures to include organizing conferences, workshops, seminars and training programmes for the continuous professional development (CPD) of stakeholders.
Matawal also said that NBRRI intended to set up a materials testing laboratory for testing soils, cement, concrete, bitumen and asphaltic concrete products and other construction products in Abuja while improving the national laboratoty in Ota as well as contemplate zonal and even state laboratories in the future.
Some of the long term measures proffered by the NBRRI boss include the decision to establish a NBRRI academy to train and provide skilled labour for the construction sector in the areas of draughting, detailing, iron bending, artisanship, block making and laying brick concrete and mortar artisans and workmen, plumbing, electrical works and others.
He tasked the tertiary education sector especially the universities, polytechnics and monotechnics, technical colleges on the need to work assiduously to empower students with the appropriate and practical knowledge to tackle the challenges of the Nigerian technological aspirations in the construction sector.
In his recommendations, the development control boss said that the establishment of materials testing laboratory would facilitate carrying out integrity test for buildings. He also suggested the use of Outdoor Broadcasting System (OBS) for physical monitoring of construction site to check excesses by site engineers.

FG To Partner With KACCIMA, Local Investors To Develop Mining Sector

a-miner-at-the-site-of-one-of-the-barite-mining-pits-at-azara.-photo-by-uche-uduma

FG To Partner With KACCIMA, Local Investors To Develop Mining Sector

AGENCY REPORTS

— April 12, 2014

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Sada, said the Federal Government would partner with Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) and local investors to develop the mining sector.
He made the disclosure when a delegation from the Chamber visited him in Abuja on Friday.
He said the Federal Government wanted Nigerians to be major players in the mining sector, noting that the existing collaboration between the government and stakeholders in the sector would be strengthened.
He lamented that operations in the sector were being dominated by Chinese and Indians and stressed the need for Nigerians to be exposed to the sector and participate fully.
The minister said that the ministry wanted to expand the scope of stakeholders in the industry and encourage them to develop the minerals and metals sector for enhanced economic development of the country.
He urged the delegates to establish cordial relationship with the mineral and metals unit of the ministry, whose mandate was to aid and guide investors on the areas of mining in the country.
He said the promotion of limestone and clay resources by the Federal Government had led to increase in the number of ceramic companies in the country.
He assured that more Nigerians would be encouraged to participate in the activities in the mining sector.
Earlier, the KACCIMA President, Dr Abdul-Alimi Bello, said the visit was in appreciation of the ministry’s participation at the recent 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair and to brief the minister on the chamber’s activities.
Bello said that KACCIMA, which had existed for 40 years, had significantly contributed to the socio-economic growth of the country, especially the Northern part.
He intimated the minister about the forthcoming Solid Minerals Exhibition to be organised by the chamber in Kaduna.
He also solicited the ministry’s partnership in the event, particularly in educating the public on activities in the mining sector. (NAN)

‘Investors Shun Made In Nigeria Inventions, Innovations’

Nkechi Isaac

— April 15, 2014

Nigeria is regarded as the giant of Africa with a vast demography and massive population. Irrespective all these endowments, Nigeria do not have a globally recognized product to its name. Commenting on this development, Nigerian inventors blamed investors as the bane of their inability to come up with a Made-in-Nigeria product.
Inventors in the country operating under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Inventors have decried investors’ seeming lack of faith in made-in-Nigeria inventions and innovations, saying it has slowed down development of the industry.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, the president-general of the association, Chief Okon Essien, said the inability of investors to invest in made-in-Nigeria products was behind the nation’s inability to develop and roll out a globally recognized product.
Essien said, “for us to bring out made-in-Nigeria products of high quality to meet international standard you have to invest money, that is number one problem. Many investors are not keen to put venture capital to develop these inventions to marketable products internationally.
“In fact we have very useful products that can be developed from Nigerian inventions. For example, a power generating plant just developed by one of our members from overhead water tank. From overhead water tank, water flows down under pressure, turns a turbine, turbine turns alternator and power is generated. We have a plant in Warri, our investors have refused to invest money to perfect that project, nobody is keen to finance it, they all want readymade products”.
He also cited another product which he said had been developed by another inventor- the fuel- less generator, which is still waiting to be financed by a willing investor.
According to him, “there is also another product, the electricity generation from electric motor and alternator; the fuel -less generator. We have Ilaro Polytechnic and independent inventors working on it but investors are not coming up to invest in it. Though Ilaro owns it, we have 2.5 kilowatts going for 100,000, but it’s still not perfected. And you see if they solve the power problem through this stand alone generator in the country, it will go a long way to improve the economy.”
Essien further said the unavailability of venture capital companies to assist inventors with seed capital for their various projects was another problem or challenge that was inhibiting the development of made-in-Nigeria products.
“You see most of the products you see are made by independent inventors; most of them roadside mechanics, they don’t have enough capital to do fancy finishing. You know, when you’re talking of the regular products made by Nigerian factories, we mean original innovative products that can come out. In order to finish it, you need the expertise and some of these inventors are not trained in machining, in design engineering and to do that they have to link up with experts who will demand money from them and it still boils down to venture capital.
“We don’t have venture capital companies in this country; by this I mean people who want to put money where they’re not entirely sure it can succeed. It goes with risk taking in business. Once this can be promoted then there will be a noticeable turnaround in the good finishing of Nigerian inventions,” he added.
He further called on the federal government to play a visible role in encouraging investors by floating its own venture capital agency that would be in charge of financing new inventions. “By doing so, inventors will be encouraged to go the extra mile to bring out quality made in Nigeria product that can compete with its contemporaries worldwide. The problem is not that we can’t do what other inventors are doing in China and other developed countries, our problem is the inability of the government and investors to invest in Nigerian investors and innovators. The lack of faith of investors and even the government in developing the innovation and inventions industry is the reason behind Nigeria’s inability to come up with a globally recognized product,” he stressed.
Another inventor, Mr. Bernard Emeka Eme, also blamed the problem of Nigerian entrepreneurs was lack of interest in made-in-Nigeria inventions.
Eme said, “the problem we have in Nigeria is entrepreneurs interest. Entrepreneurs are not keen to come and key into these inventions. The function of an entrepreneur is to come in and key into products of inventor, as soon as this is done it can facilitate the process of bringing out better refined products into the market.”
According to him, “it is quite unfortunate that Nigerians are afraid of their fellow Nigerians in terms of innovation and inventions but they fail to know that development of innovation and inventions are not done that way. Any invention that is credit worthy must be appreciated.
“Investors don’t patronize Nigerian inventors, they prefer to go to China and do their businesses. This is very wrong because we have competent inventors here in Nigeria who can be encouraged through patronage.”

NITDA Gets New DG

NITDA Gets New DG

Nkechi Isaac

— April 15, 2014

The federal government has approved the appointment of Mr Peter Jack as the substiantive director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
His appointment, which took effect from April 7, 2014, was for a first term of four years.
Jack holds a BSc. in chemical engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, a masters degree in chemical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Lagos.
Jack attended the International Information Technology Policy Programme, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea in 2007.
Jack designed and implemented the Niger Delta Youth Computer Training Program for Niger Delta Development Commission in 2003.
He started as a training consultant with NITDA on 1st August 2001, and later became the technical assistant to the then directo-general, Prof. C.O. Angaye in January 2006 on temporary appointment. His appointment was terminated on 1st March, 2007 to enable him pursue a PhD programme in South Korea
A statement by the ag. head, corporate affairs, NITDA, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, said the former DG of NITDA, Prof. Cleopas Angaye, retired in July 2013, having served for two terms with a total of eight years, handed over to the director, software and outsourcing, Dr. Ashiru Daura, who acted as the director-general of the agency until Jack’s appointment.

I’m An Ardent Supporter Of Polygamy – Jibola Dabo

Samuel Abulude

— April 5, 2014

He’s what you’d call a consummate actor. Jibola Dabo from Ondo State has been in the movie industry for many decades and has been a source of inspiration to young ones in the field of make-believe. In this chat with SAMUEL ABULUDE, the AGN vice president (South West) bares his mind on his love life, Nollywood and why he is interested in politics.
What you are currently working on?
There is a movie I just finished shooting few weeks back. At the moment, I’m not working on any movie; I’m only working on my political vision. In terms of movies, I’ve concentrated on helping the younger ones that are coming into the industry to grow. I had something to do with Mnet series recently, most of the movies are targeted at helping the young ones to grow.
Who is the real Jibola Dabo?
I’m a very compassionate human being, a man who feels the pains of his people and a man who is too plain to a fault. That is why so many of my friends and colleagues keep asking if I can play politics considering my level of plainness. I’m a very straightforward man and I believe a politician can also be straightforward. I started a foundation recently in my place, and I know how it feels when someone comes to tell me he or she cannot pay school fees. I keep paying for the ones I can pay while I tell others to either exercise patience or look for an alternative.
Tell us about your kids and wives?
I have plenty of kids. I have five children and they have given me five grand children.
Are all your children from one woman?
No.
Does that mean you are a polygamous man?
People misunderstand what polygamy means. I’m an ardent supporter of polygamy. Every single man, mostly from Africa, is polygamous in nature. We are just deceiving ourselves. Polygamy means when you see a woman you love and desire, you marry her with the consent of your already married wife and bring her home. It’s not when you have one wife at home then you have others scattered in different other places- that is not polygamy. And not when you have three wives whereas you can’t even take care of one- that is an insult to polygamy.
There are so many women out there who just want to have a man as an umbrella, but we keep saying one man one woman. Yet the women keep suffering. We all know that we have much more women in this world than men-the ratio is too high. My father had six wives; my uncle that brought me up also had so many wives. What I’m saying is that it’s not illegal, we are not in America. Ironically, the white man would have one wife and still keep so many mistresses. If not, there wouldn’t have been an English word for concubines. That means it exists in their culture. Which is better, concubines or wives? In the days when polygamy was well respected, diseases were not rampant. It’s now that men hide to do it that strange sexually transmitted diseases have become the order of the day.
So sir, how many wives do you have?
I have only one but I have children from more than one woman. And it’s not because I had mistresses, it’s because I have lived in various countries including America, France and Britain. I’m this person that any woman that comes to me would always want to have something for me. I have had experience… I was with a woman and years later a child was brought to me-a child I didn’t know when it was conceived.
Do you intend having another wife soon?
I’m separated. But there is somebody in my life, and certainly I will remarry.
So what do women really see in you that makes you irresistible?
I don’t know what they see. But I have lots of respect for women. You would never see a woman who had been with me saying anything negative-I don’t abuse women.
Tell us more about your political aspiration?
It’s something that has been in the making for a while. For some time, I keep receiving invitations from people especially the youths in my state which is Ondo State to join the political race so as to effectively represent them. It’s not the normal cliché that my people want me. The invitations kept coming and I said to myself, I’m not a politician and I don’t have such money for politicking. It got to a point after I got honoured by the state as Ambassador for Culture and Tourism, It dawned on me that I was actually playing the politics indirectly (he laughs). And I said, ‘why don’t I try to get a piece of power, which will give me a voice to help my people?’ This is because if you don’t have power, you don’t have a voice and there is no way you can effectively help in changing anything. That was how I made up my mind to vie as member, House of Representatives, Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.
Why the choice of PDP?
When you get to my state for example, the most attractive party you might want to work with might be APC. People are beginning to think that APC is a South West thing and the best to associate with but I disagree with such partisan politics. My people called me and said they would follow me wherever I go. I realised that the party under which I can run and which can benefit my people is PDP. I’m tired of seeing my people in the opposition.
How do you think you can succeed under the PDP umbrella, considering its present challenges?
Where are the people that left PDP? Are they not all in APC? I still believe that the devil you know is better that the angel you don’t know. If PDP is so bad, is it the name that is bad or the people in there?
What are your plans when elected?
I grew up knowing pains and hunger. I know what my people need. I’ve already worked on my blueprint. Having played different roles as an actor including a president, senator etc, I’ve for long understood what it takes to effectively represent people.
How will you cope with the huge financial demand of political race?
Apart from using my personal finances, I’m also hoping that some people would throw their weights behind me. If we keep thinking that politics is a dirty game, then we will keep having the wrong people in positions of authorities ruling us the way they like.
After actualising your political ambition, will you dump acting?
Never! It’s basically a break. I will retire back into acting. And among the causes I will pursue over there, many will focus on this industry.
The movie Dirty Secret attracted lot of negative press for you, how do you feel about that?
Nigerians especially my fans should understand that someone has to tell the story. What they watched was not me; I hated that bisexual character that I played. For instance, I despise cigarette but I was seen very intimate with Muna who smokes. I’m not gay. That was just a movie role. Even after the act, I would sometimes step backwards and exhale all the tension for the ugly role. You can confirm that from the director. That wasn’t Jibola Dabo. I love women.
The movie only tried to depict that there are such men around us and I played the role, making it look so real. I was condemned even by friends for having sex with Tonto Dikeh but it was fake sex and the director and production crew were present during the scene. That we did it well meant that we played our roles well. We were just being professional.
You fathered a child with Binta Mogaji, how come you broke up and didn’t marry?
That is life for you. We were lovers and she gave me a lovely child. We did not plan then to marry each other though. But she has since married, so let us leave her out of this.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

Mother Tongues Come Alive At 5th NTIC Language Festival

CHINELO CHIKELU, Onukogu Kanayo Jubal

— March 28, 2014

Saturday, March 15, 2014 was the day in when parents, the media and other stakeholders gathered at the National Universities’ Commission (NUC) auditorium, Maitama, Abuja, to witness the presentation of gifts to the winners of the fifth edition of the Nigerian Turkish International Colleges Languages Festival.
The colourful event which began on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, saw pupils of the NTIC from around the nation speak flawlessly in their mother tongues for the coveted prizes. The festival was to serve as a reminder to the nation of the importance of our various cultural dialects and values, beyond skin colour. The children spoke in Turkish, Igbo, Arabic, Yoruba, Hausa and a few other languages, to the delight of the crowd.
The deputy ambassador of Turkey to Nigeria was present, alongside the minister of power Prof. Chinedu Osita Nebo, who expressed his joy at the unifying gesture.
“We are very thankful that the hearts of Turks and Nigerians are being welded together in unity. I pray that this unity will continue and that both countries will grow closer and closer,’ Nebo said.
The secretary of education for the FCT, Mallam Kabir Usman, also warmed the crowd with his presence and speech. “Let me commend Nigerian Turkish College for its efforts and I want to assure them that our doors are always open to all such positive ideas,” he assured.
One of the high points of the afternoon was, perhaps, when Turkish girls were seen singing and dancing to native Nigerian songs while Nigerian students also sang and presented poems in Turkish and Arabic. The event was so diverse that a young Turkish girl from Kano got the crowd cheering for minutes with a delightful Hausa song.
The event was wrapped up Winners were awarded medals in the various language categories. Winning students in Turkish Language will be representing Nigeria and will participate in the international Turkish Olympiad in Turkey, where over 1500 competitors from 130 countries will be competing in different categories of singing, poem recitation, speaking, writing, grammar and reading. This will give the various students opportunities to advertise their countries, interact and establish friendships.
Interestingly a Nigerian won last year’s gold award in the poem category.
Chairman of the Colleges, Hikmet Coban, said that the festival was to bring together people through the use of languages and also foster peace in the society.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

Bomb Scare At NASS, Federal Secretariat In Abuja

Bomb Scare At NASS, Federal Secretariat In Abuja

Adesuwa Tsan, By UCHENNA AWOM, Edegbe Odemwingie

— April 16, 2014

Barely a day after the bomb blast at the Nyanya Motor Park that claimed many lives, workers at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday abandoned their offices at about 3:30pm when an alarm was raised of a suspected bomb attack by an unknown group.
When LEADERSHIP visited the secretariat which harbours most of the government ministries, the place was thrown into chaos as workers were seen running home for fear of the unknown.
One of the workers at the secretariat, Mrs Biola Adeoye explained that security agents instructed all of the workers to evacuate the buildings and they had to oblige considering what happened in Nyanya. She also noted that she never saw or heard of any bomb blast but she had to run first before looking.
However, the FCT police public relations officer, DSP Hyelhira Daniel told LEADERSHIP that there was nothing like a bomb scare in the area, adding that it was a false alarm. She stated that the area is safe and people should go about their work without any fear.
Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure the safety of passengers in the federal capital, the FCT administration has revealed that it would look into the possibility of installing special mechanisms to detect metal or explosive devices in FCT high capacity buses to preserve human lives.
The Nyanya bomb blast was targeted at the FCT high capacity buses, where many lives were lost and several other passengers injured. About 17 of the buses were destroyed.
In a related development, panic engulfed the National Assembly yesterday over a rumoured bomb scare within the complex. The rumour caused pandemonium forcing some lawmakers, staffers of NASS and banks within the premises to hurriedly close their offices.
The rumour started spreading around 2pm. Legislative aides and civil servants were seen in groups discussing the development. They hinged their fears on an alleged strange movement of a group of people whose mission to the National Assembly was said to be suspicious.
It was learnt that the immediate response of the security operatives whose attention was drawn to the suspicious strange movement, actually heightened the tension by creating fears in the minds of the workers.
It was observed that the security agents, comprising the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, were immediately drafted to the major entrances of the complex, searching both visitors and workers.
The action forced senior officers to direct their subordinates to lock up their offices and close for the day to avert any possible danger.
The ensuing panic affected workers of banks and other private establishments, who also hurriedly locked up their doors to customers.
Some of the workers who spoke with our correspondent said their superior bosses directed them to close and go home.
Reacting to the development, the Acting Serjeant-at -Arms of the National Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Ndako, told journalists that there was nothing like bomb scare in the complex and attributed the workers’ panic to mere rumous.
Ndako said, “There is nothing like bomb scare. It is just a rumour. Those banks chosed to close because we have assured them that there is nothing like that. Its just mere rumour.

Nyanya Bomb Blast: I Lost My Business Money, Victim Cries Out

Nyanya Bomb Blast: I Lost My Business Money, Victim Cries Out

By Winifred Ogbebo

— April 16, 2014

These are trying times for many of the victims of Monday’s bomb blast currently receiving treatment at various health centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Even though the 141 victims in the various hospitals have all expressed gratitude to God for keeping them alive, they cannot help but wish that the tragedy did not occur.
At the Asokoro General Hospital, one of the victims on admission, Ebere Ibechi, who had her chin heavily bandaged and writhing in pains, managed to cry out, “I lost my business money and my bag in the blast.”
The 35-year-old businesswoman from Imo State was in serious pain, and her husband, Edmond, a furniture maker-based in New Nyanya, who was at her bedside, narrated how his wife got caught up in the tragedy.
“She told me that when she boarded the vehicle on her way to Zuba, she was hungry. She went out of the bus to go and buy something. It was when she was buying something that the explosion occurred. That is why she is alive now. All of those in the bus died,” he said.
He called on the federal government to put a stop to the mindless killings taking place in the country.
When LEADERSHIP sought to find out from Mr Edmond Ibechi, how much his wife lost to the explosion, the sister-in-law who was close by replied, “N50, 000.”
Also looking bewildered and perhaps, still finding it difficult to believe what happened to him, Charles Ikenne Oguike, an applicant, who has been searching for a job for the past four years, told our correspondent: “So, this thing that they have been doing in those northern states of Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba has really happened to me. You can see people experimenting on me. As you can see, it’s not something to be joyful about.”
“I have so many injuries on my body. But I still thank God. My happiness is that I am alive because there are so many of them out there who did not survive.”
Suffering from burn with his right arm badly peeled almost from his elbow to his wrist and pocket size injuries dotting his face and head, he managed to wax philosophical, “ Well, I am still okay because I am alive. When there is life, there is hope.”
The 32-year-old disclosed that his parents, including his brother were already aware of his predicament.
For 21-year-old computer analyst, John Alkani, who works in Zone 4, plaza, Sheraton, it was like falling asleep only that he woke up to find himself at Asokoro General Hospital.
Alkani said he was about to board the el-Rufai bus when he heard an explosion. According to him, that was the last thing he remembered until he found himself at Asokoro General Hospital.
Blessing Agi, a supervisor for Urban Mass Transit who has her rib cage heavily bandaged and her legs in cast, also told a similar story except that she was in the bus when the explosion occurred.
Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, who took journalists round the hospitals where the victims were admitted, said some of them had to be transferred from Asokoro General Hospital for treatment in other hospitals.
He said that the 14 of them currently admitted at the hospital were doing well and that some of them would even be discharged later yesterday while surgery was being planned for some of them who require it.
Chukwu revealed that among some of the casualties received yesterday at the hospital immediately after the blast, two died from severe head injuries within few minutes of arrival. But he assured that since then, no life has been lost at the hospital.
At the Maitama General Hospital, what would probably be uppermost in the mind of a bomb blast victim, Mr Olowokere Taiwo, is how he is going to eke a living after all this.
With a wife and eight children to feed, perhaps, he has every cause to be worried, considering the fact that his means of livelihood is no more.
But Olowokere is still lucky as he recounted: “That Monday morning, I had already loaded my 18-seater bus when I made to take off. Suddenly, I heard a blast and before I knew what was happening, I saw myself in the hospital.”
He said he had been told that his 18-seater bus was burnt beyond recognition.
Audu Joseph, 24, was on his way to work on his motorcycle okada when the bomb went off.
“I was in the hold-up at Nyanya because there is always hold-up every morning when the bomb exploded,” he said
The employee of African University of Science and Technology, called on the government to come to the victims’ aid especially those who lost their means of livelihood.
Civilians are not the only ones counting their losses. A 33-year-old police woman, Sgt. Rakiya Mohammed, is on admission at Asokoro General Hospital.
A mother with three children, she was on her way to work that fateful morning when she suddenly noticed that the bus she was in was on fire. Her survival instinct took over. As she scrambled to get off the bus along with other passengers in the vehicle, she broke her leg. She found herself in the hospital.
Perhaps, one of the miraculous events is the safety of a 10-month- old baby who reunited with her mother yesterday at Wuse General Hospital.
According to sources, she was recovered from the scene of the Monday bomb blast in Nyanya and taken to Asokoro. But, unfortunately, nobody could locate her mother until the aunt, Maria Dominic, showed up.
The baby was handed over to its mother, Gloria Adams, who is in the Intensive Care Unit of Wuse General hospital yesterday.
Incidentally, they were three babies taken there but one died.

Nigerians Still Trooping To Donate Blood

The Health Minister has commended Nigerians for the overwhelming response of people to blood donation over the incident, saying that over 250 people had donated so far.
He said the response has been overwhelming so much so that even the British High Commissioner and members of the British High Commission were among those who donated blood Monday.
“I must thank Nigerians for that attitude because it was just an appeal through the radio and people started coming. I have just been told that doctors and other professionals are coming round to donate too. So it’s been quite encouraging and blood has not been our problem. Nigerians and foreigners have responded very well. We have enough supply of them.”
On the allegation that they have not been given food, the FCT, Secretary Health services, Dr Demola Onakhomoya refuted the claim, saying that the FCT administration has been solely responsible for their treatment and welfare, so something as trivial as food shouldn’t be a problem.

Overrules Mass Burial For Victims
The minister, who put the death toll at 75, disclosed that pathologists with their colleagues from West African Forensic Association were meeting in order to commence work on the burned and charred remains of victims from the blast.
He said the dismembered corpses need to be properly sorted out, and that pathologists and relatives had started the process of identification.
Chukwu, however, said that in cases where the bodies cannot be identified, they would be buried decently, but that “there will be no mass burial.”