“I attended Daughters of Divine Love Convent, Enugu State. I thought I would be a reverend sister but I abandoned the vision when I dropped out in my fifth year. I finished my secondary education in a secular institution before moving to Babcock University. I could not finish from Babcock because I had some personal issues. Again, I dropped and enrolled at the National Open University..It affected me in a very spiritual way. In as much as I know worldly things, I still fear God and have faith in Him. The reason why I wanted to become a nun was because I was raised in a Catholic home. I just felt it was the best thing for me to do at that time. I used to see myself as a messenger of God. Even though I did not become a nun, I still remain faithful to God. Part of my dreams is to establish a church and do a lot of charity work”
Culled from Punch
Singer Davido has fulfilled his promise of giving the sum of $3000 to the winner of his ‘Skelewu’ dance competition.
The winner Kiddy was pictured on Instagram holding the prize money posing with Davido who accompanied the photo with a caption which read:
Congrats my lil bro kiddy!! Won the 3k dollars skelewu competition .. I’m gonna change this kids life!! More things to come kiddy!! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IF15wchQdzw
See more photos:
Watch the video below:
The only disadvantage of celebrating and giving scholarship to Daniel Oikhena is this – copy cats.
Apparently impressed by the national recognition Daniel got for beating airport security and successfully flying in the tyre hole of a Lagos-bound Arik plane from Benin, three teenage boys have attempted to do the same. Lateef Popolla, 13 (from Ogun State) Amadi Joshua, 14 (from Ebonyi state) and Ukpabio Onyedikachi, 14 (from Abia State) were arrested at different times at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja by the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly attempting to illegally board some international flights in Lagos, Punch reports.
The commissioner of police at the airport command said the boys were found at different times at the airport with the aim of getting into any plane and travel out of Nigeria. The boys deny they were attempting to board any plane…
The teenagers gave different reasons for their actions. Lateef who is a Primary 3 dropout who resides with his grandmother said he went to the tarmac to see the planes and thereafter decide on where he would travel to. he was arrested after he came out from one of the airport apron buses. he said ” I actually wanted to travel but I have not yet decided where I will go. So, I just went to the tarmac to see the aeroplanes.”
Lateef’s grandmother, Adunni, said she had no idea that her grandson was nursing the idea of travelling out of the country. She said she had been responsible for his upkeep since his mother abandoned him at infancy. I did not know that he wanted to travel. I just did not see him last week and I started looking for him all over the place. It was on Saturday that I finally found out that he had been arrested,” she said.
Onyedikachi and Joshua were said to have been arrested after asking some security agents where Malaysia flights were boarding. Onyedikachi who has a brother that resides in malaysia nursed the intention of travelling to see him. After being questioned, the boys, who were both in SS1, said they had no travel documents and were immediately arrested.
Onyedikachi, however said, “We were at the departure area of the airport. We did not attempt to travel out. We were just loitering and wanted to see the aeroplanes. We did not want to travel out on that day.”Onyedikachi’s mother berated her son for his escapade. She said she had warned him and Joshua to be well behaved at all times. She said, “I had no knowledge of what they did. Onyedikachi is well taken care of and is not suffering. I don’t know what pushed him to do this.”
Culled from Punch
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR On the Occasion of Nigeria's 53rd Independence Anniversary. Tuesday 1st October, 2013 FELLOW NIGERIANS, Today marks 53 years of our Independence as a nation. First and foremost, I would like to say congratulations to us all. Through thick and thin, we have built this country together. Through triumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in our own way.Continue after the break.In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles that we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we look back over the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason to celebrate. Today's Independence anniversary is unique because it is the last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014, Nigeria will be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of the Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914. Beloved country men and women, traditionally, the Presidential address on this symbolic day has served two purposes. It has, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about our heritage. It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on our stewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a state occasion. But this year, I will not. Because, today of all days, we should not be scoring political points. On the contrary, in this last year of the first century of our Union, we should be addressing our future as a Nation and a people! I admit that these may not be the best of times for our nation. Our people are divided in many ways – ethnically, religiously, politically, and materially. I cannot hide from this reality. I cannot hide from my own responsibilities. As we prepare to mark the centenary, therefore, today offers us an opportunity to reflect on our long journey to nationhood and the progress we have made so far. Whatever the challenges that we may face, we have every reason to be proud of our national accomplishments; we have every reason to remain proud and optimistic. Our collective national journey has witnessed great watersheds, thanks to our spirit of endurance, perseverance and sacrifice. Getting the rest of the job done with determination and courage is just a matter of time. We are Nigerians, a nation of talented people, endowed with resources, potentials, and Divine Grace. In our journey to greatness as a nation, we have built an economy that is robust and erected enduring infrastructure and institutions of democracy. Our social system is now more inclusive, open and compassionate. We are waging a steady battle against poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Our sense of community, solidarity and shared expectation is strong and capable of withstanding the present social, economic and political challenges that still confront us. In saying this, I am reminded of the comments I made a week ago to a cross-section of Nigerians in New York during the 68th United Nations General Assembly. I declare now as I declared then: we have a duty as Nigerians, whatever may be our differences or prejudices, to always put Nigeria first. Our politics should be an art of patriotic labour and selfless service to the community, particularly by the political elite who are placed in positions of great trust and responsibility. Politics has its own high moral principles which abhor distracting and divisive rhetoric. As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service, duty, responsibility, and the next generation. Those who are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish ambition. In the words of the American theologian and author, James Freeman Clarke, ‘a politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation’. Whether we are Muslims or Christians; rich or poor; from the North or the South; East or West; regardless of our political affiliations, this is the time for every one of us to be a statesman! My clarion call therefore, on this special day, is that we should begin to align our political utterances and conduct solely to the nobler passions that unite our people. Politicians do not make a nation; ordinary folks do. Our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens. These are the teachers and men and women in academics who inculcate the knowledge and wisdom that transform into tomorrow’s wealth; the traders and market women who tend to our everyday needs; the farmers whose labour feeds the nation; the artisans whose work ensures that our homesteads are well maintained; the doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, bankers, engineers, and other professionals who add value to our lives; the sportsmen and women and those in the creative industry who bring honour and fame to our nation; And the men and women of our armed forces and security services who toil day and night so that you and I may live in a safe and secure nation. It is the individual and collective heroism of these regular folks that has placed our nation on the path of greatness. Politics and politicians sometimes distract the people and create unnecessary tension. But our independence celebration is about the same people, the people of Nigeria: their industry, sense of mission and purpose, and their patience and perseverance as we navigate historical turns in our march towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. Today, I salute the people of Nigeria. My Compatriots, history has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there is no more crucial time for us to be united than now. The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victory we snatch from the jaws of likely defeat. And I tell you, more than anything else, there are lessons to learn, and every cause to be thankful. If I must cite one example, take Syria. As we all pray and work for a return to normalcy in Syria, it would be helpful for us to reflect on the fact that Syria was once a peaceful, thriving, multi-cultural nation which played host to a mosaic of religions and ethnicities. But that once idyllic nation has today become a theatre of human misery of unimaginable proportions as a result of the activities of extremist forces. Fellow Nigerians, the spectre of extremism haunts every democracy in every corner of the globe. While we celebrate our independence and good fortune, our hearts must grieve for those who have lost loved ones in numerous terrorist activities around the world. Back home, I admit being overtaken by deep feelings of grief, whenever news reached me of the appalling atrocities in some of our States, especially the North Eastern part of our country. Just two days ago, terrorist elements attacked the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State killing a number of innocent students of the institution and other residents in cold blood, most of them in their sleep. This act of barbarism is a demonstration of the extent to which evil forces will go to destabilize our nation. But I assure you, they will not succeed. My heart goes out to the families of all those who have fallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear. On this day, I implore every Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you speak, whatever your religious persuasion, whichever Political Party you support -: let us join together to fight this evil of extremism. On behalf of us all, I commend our Armed Forces and security agencies for their dedication and bravery in the face of grave danger, and in the name of our collective liberty. Fellow Nigerians, this is a time to pull together behind the national cause: the cause of our freedom, and our future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free, peaceful, and secure Nigeria. On my part, I re-dedicate myself completely to the service of this great country. I was elected President to continue the process of building a prosperous nation where hopes, dreams and aspirations would be fulfilled. Nigerians, home and abroad, want a country they can be proud to call their own. I am pleased to affirm that, no matter the challenges we face, we are on the right path to greatness. Our Transformation Agenda, which is part of the overall vision of making Nigeria a land of greatness, has been delivering positive and encouraging results. On May 29th this year, I presented to the nation a mid-term report of my Administration’s Transformation Agenda. This was conceived as an integrated policy aimed at reconstructing not only institutional governance for effective and efficient service delivery, but also a re-orientation of national norms and values. The document captured the essence of our agenda in relation to core objectives and achievements. I have been consistently mindful of the weight of public expectation to find solutions to the challenges that confront us because the mandate we have is a free and sacred one. In all that I have done, I have been guided by this sacred obligation, to work hard for the good of Nigeria and to make life better for Nigerians. I want to assure everyone that Nigeria, under my leadership, will not fail. Exactly 53 years ago today, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa urged us to ‘move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage’. I am sure that there have been times when every one of us must have questioned how closely we have followed that injunction. But again, I can reassure you that Nigeria’s place on the world stage today is strong and safe, and it is certainly a place of dignity and respect. We must continue to build on this by remaining a nation and a people committed to ideals, the noblest humanitarian values, and the rule of law. Our Constitution is anchored ultimately on the idea of freedom and fundamental rights: freedom of expression; freedom from discrimination; freedom to vote and be voted for, and the right to human dignity. These are the core values of a true democracy. These are the values of which we must never lose sight. In my address to the UN General Assembly last week, I emphasized the crucial role of democratization in improving the fortunes not just of this country, but of our entire continent. Democratic values encourage diversity. They encourage discourse. They encourage disagreement. This is the joy of democracy. It enables us to have an opinion. And ultimately, the ballot box gives us all the opportunity to instigate change. When democracy works, it does not destroy a nation. It unites and defines it. Fellow Nigerians, our Administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am an advocate of dialogue. When there are issues that stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss. In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an Advisory Committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a National Dialogue or Conference. The Committee will also design a framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process. The Committee will be chaired by Dr. Femi Okurounmu while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as the Secretary. The full membership of the Committee will be announced shortly. I expect the Report to be ready in one month, following which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the Dialogue. Fellow Nigerians, the past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale. Our progress since independence has not always been smooth. This is, after all, our Fourth Republic; but despite all its flaws, it has lasted longer than all the previous three put together. That is progress and it proves that, our differences – real and imagined - notwithstanding, we are, in every sense, a united nation. This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline. We must stand as one, with absolute commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity of our union. I want to thank all our country men and women who have stood by this Administration in the midst of mounting challenges and enormous expectations. I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantly challenged. But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shall reap the reward of our labour in due season. It is my prayer that, another 53 years from now, our children and grand-children will look back on our effort and be thankful that we kept the faith. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish you all a very happy 53rd Independence Celebration. I thank you.Video bellow
Kwame Bee, the Host of Cruise Control drive time programme on Ghanaian based privately owned radio station Hitz 103.9 FM lambasted T.B. Joshua and Jim Iyke, on air and in the social media.
According to him, in this modern world where people are trying to take advantage of God, anything is possible.
“I don’t believe in T.B. Joshua and his well-planned Gimmicks. Take a careful look at the video, as a good film maker so you can’t simply tell is not real. It was planned, a lot of pastors do this, is a way to prove they are powerful” Kwame Bee said on air.
As concerns the social media, the radio personality made the following controversial post on his Facebook page:
Posted by:- @swift_gazelle
He reacted to such reports via his twitter handle when he wrote, "lol witchcraft?! It's imperative I underscore that people are oblivious to what transpired [during my deliverance]. Ignorance is no excuse. Tailor your opinion to who you know."Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the incident. Some Nigerians have questioned the authenticity of the video which showed the deliverance of Jim Iyke. Others termed it as another form of 'acting' by the actor allegedly planned with the church for publicity purpose.
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be heating up as not long after Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, alleged a threat to his life, the Abdullahi Baraje-led faction of
the PDP has said that plans are in the offing to arrest some of its major stakeholders.
The “new PDP” alleged that it had uncovered a plot by President Goodluck Jonathan to arrest former President Olusegun Obasanjo and prominent nPDP
member, Atiku Abubakar.
Similarly, the party also reportedlysaid that members of the league of G7 governors and leaders of the Baraje faction have also been marked for arrest ad detention.
Governors in the G7 are: Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); and
Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara).
In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Eze, the faction said intelligence report in its possession revealed that the Presidency was already putting finishing touches to the plan.
According the party, the Presidency’s plot is code named “Operation Total Crackdown on G7 and their allies in the New PDP”.
“When we got details of the plot to arrest and commit the leadership of New PDP to prison without charge we thought it was a joke.
“The reality, however, dawned on us after we read the interview of our friend and brother, Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, confirming that President Goodluck Jonathan is under pressure to arrest
former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar without any further delay.
“The sin of these two distinguished Nigerian statesmen, according to those plotting their “demystification”, is their alleged support for the New PDP, including the G7 Governors. That this evil plot is being conceived by the Presidency confirms that the Abacha days are truly here again with us”,
the statement added.
The party said in view of the development, the leadership of the Baraje group had, in an emergency meeting of its National Working Committee, brainstormed on how best to respond to the plot.
“Our conclusion at the end of the meeting was that we would not be intimidated for any reason, even if it means death, as we are fighting a just cause of reclaiming, recovering and establishing our party based on the vision of its founding fathers as the
party is currently usurped by some members who do not know how it was formed.
“Baraje, knowing how dirty some of the hawks in the Presidency can fight when pushed to the wall, directed NWC members to write their wills
immediately after the meeting as we have entered the stage of no retreat and no surrender – fully determined to reclaim what rightly belongs to us”,
the party said.
Baraje urged the G7 Governors not to be
intimidated or frightened by any tactics or strategy employed by “state forces” to coerce them to forgo any of the issues they have been asked to present
before President Jonathan in the October 7 meeting.
The party regretted that instead of employing diplomacy to attend to the issues that brought about the present conflict, the Presidency had chosen to apply force.
Baraje said that rather than being disturbed by the plot, his members are ready for any tactics that may be adopted by the Presidency in the alleged
crackdown.
“In this regard, we wish to urge both the
Presidency and those detailed to attack us not to waste time or wait till October 7 to start arresting us, as there are thousands of Nigerians ready to
step into our shoes and fight this cause to its conclusion.
“We are convinced that at the appropriate time; Asari Dokubo will join us when he is convinced as a
social crusader, the injustice we have been subjected to in PDP all these years so we are not threatened by his outbursts”, Baraje added.
The party quoted a one time President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, to buttress its determination to face the alleged threat squarely.
Roosevelt had stated in that memorable speech: “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which
he himself stands by the country.”
