Actor, Segun Arinze Steps Out With His Beautiful Wife

Nollywood actor, Segun Arinze stepped out with his beautiful wife, Julie at the just concluded 2013 Miss Earth Nigeria held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Other stars present included Hollywood actor, Boris Kodjoe, popular celebrity and model, Amber Rose, Karlie Reed, Kelechi Amadi Obi, D’Banj, Ini Edo, Timi Dakolo, Funny Bone, Julius Agwu, AY and Gbenga Adeyinka 1st GCON.

One Kano Policeman Killed, Another Wounded in a Gunfight

The Kano State Police Command confirmed the killing of a police corporal by unidentified gunmen in Kabuga area of Kano metropolis on the night of September 22, 2013, Sunday.

ASP Magaji Majiya, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kano State Police Command, announced the appropriate statement on September 23, 2013, Monda. The PRO disclosed in Kano that some policemen were attacked in their patrol vehicle by the hoodlums around 7.52 p.m. As the result of the ambush, one police corporal lost his life and another one had some bruises and the injured had been treated and discharged. The suspects, reportedly, hid in the dark, and opened fire on the police vehicle soon after it reached the area. “When our men responded, the gunmen took to their heels and escaped in the dark,” ASP Magaji Majiya said. The PRO confirmed the investigation had since begun while security was beefed up in the area to ensure the arrest of the hoodlums. (NAN)

Boko Haram Insurgency Will Soon Be A Thing Of The Past -Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday in New York urged politician to put the nation’s interest first in all their activities to ensure progress and speedy development of the country.

Jonathan made the remark at a meeting with Nigerian living in the U.S. “Politicians should consider the interest of the country first before their own and as patriots they should not burn the building down because as stakeholders they have the interest of living there. Jonathan said the constitution provides for a four year term and a maximum of eight years term limit for elected executive office holders in the country. The president noted that the governors like other executive office holders have an eight years limit, explaining that at the end of an election, the elected person or persons should be given the opportunity to do the work assigned to them by the constitution. “You must allow the person that emerges to work,’’ he said, ’ He, however, stressed that a situation where some voters did not vote for the winner or winners should not give them the impetus to impede the work of the administration in power. “You must allow the person that emerges to do work in an atmosphere of peace for the growth of the country,’’ the said, On security, Jonathan said that before now, the major security challenge facing the nation was armed robbery, but that with time terrorism had emerged as the major challenge taking the nation by surprise. He, however, stressed that the challenge of terrorism is being seriously tackled by the government. “I appreciate that we have a serious security challenge with Boko Haram insurgency. This is the area where the government is being blackmailed, but by the grace of God this will soon be a thing of the past . “Before now it was robbery, until terrorism took us by surprise. Soon it will be a thing of the past,’’ Jonathan stressed. Jonathan, noted that the privatisation of public facilities under the administration is carried out transparently adding that so far three billion dollars has been realised without any form of corruption compared to the privatisation that took place in the past. “In the country’s past privatisation, we know what happened there and yet those who sat over the exercise are the same people who are opening their mouth wide to attack this administration,’’ the president told the gathering. On Nigerians in Diaspora, the president acknowledged that they had excelled in their respective professions in the U.S., stressing “Nigerians in Diaspora are an important group particularly those in the U.S.”. According to him, the administration needs them to work in different areas of Nigerian economy. “ You do not have to relocate to Nigeria to make the necessary impact, you can come and establish businesses to create jobs for your brothers and sisters at home,’’ Jonathan said. The coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in her remarks said that the country’s economy was growing stronger, noting that the Jonathan’s transformation agenda is helping the economy. She said that government had created jobs to reduce the unemployment rate in the country since its assumption of office about two and half years ago and will continue to expand the drive. The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, noted that the nation’s budget deficit was less than two per cent, explaining that the government had embraced fiscal discipline to manage the economy better. Aganga also said that Nigeria is a high growth and high return nation, indicating that Nigeria is ranked fourth as an investment destination nation. Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye said that election of the president was God’s intervention in the affairs of the country. Adefuye added that Jonathan’s administration had brought a paradigm shift in Nigeria, by putting the right people in key positions in driving the affairs of the country in the right direction and internationally acceptable standards. The ambassador also commended the president for ensuring that Nigerians abroad who have done well are brought back into the system. “This is the first government that has made it possible for Nigerians abroad to tap into governance,’’ he said. “It is thoughtful of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek the inputs of Nigerian professionals from various fields on how to facilitate and speed up development in Nigeria. “I thank him for recognising the fact that those of us in the Diaspora have enormous skills that we can employ to enhance development in the country. “President Jonathan’s pledge to involve Nigerians in the Diaspora, particularly those in the U.S., in nation-building is highly commendable,’’ Dr Acho Orabuchi, an educationist living in the U.S.said.

Jose Mourinho Applauds Mikel Obi's Performance

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has applauded John Obi Mikel's performance in their ' 2-0 victory over Fulham last Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho who watched Mikel break his 261-game goal drought that had lasted since his first spell in charge said the Nigerian international gave his side the needed balance. “Good for him, good for us. I think it is good for his confidence. And I think people enjoyed seeing John (Obi Mikel) score a goal.' “The goal was a shot in a set-piece, in a corner, a rebound, the finishing was good and he was in the position, but the important thing for me is he played a good game, he gave balance and stability. "He kept very good control of the game, so I am happy with the way John is playing,” Mourinho concluded.

Nigeria: Shoot Out in Abuja - DSS, Army Kill Eight Boko Haram Suspects, Others Sustain Gunshot Wounds

Abuja — Eight suspected members of Boko Haram were yesterday allegedly killed in Abuja, during a shoot out with a combined team of security forces. Security sources told Saturday Vanguard that the suspected terrorists were killed in an uncompleted building located at the Kyari close, Zone E Apo Legislative Quarters, near the Gudu Cemetery in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The house allegedly belongs to a retired military officer. A combined team of security men from the Department of State Services, DSS, and soldiers from the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, reportedly carried out the operation against the Boko Haram members inside the uncompleted building where the suspects were said to have been allegedly hiding. However, a national officer of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Prince Adeoso, who spoke to newsmen near the morgue at the Asokoro Hospital said the suspects were extra-judicially executed. Adeoso described the incident as a massacre, pointing out that "the Apo- seven were able-bodied youths who could not be provided jobs by the government." The shoot out which was carried out about 100 metres from the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, lasted several hours. The operation was led by the DSS as the soldiers from the Guards Brigade provided back up support. Seven corpses of the suspects have already been taken to the Asokoro District Hospital, The corpses were conveyed to the hospital in two ambulances belonging to the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps respectively. The attack by the security operatives followed intelligence reports which showed that the uncompleted building had over time became a venue for the meetings of the Boko Haram suspects. Saturday Vanguard learnt that an undisclosed cache of arms and ammunition were recovered by the security agencies after the operation which saw several other suspects sustaining gunshot wounds. Spokesperson for the DSS, Marilyn Orgar who conducted journalists round the property, said that the team came under gun attack from the building as they approached it, adding that the security men returned fire-for-fire, 12 injured on the side of the suspected Book Haram insurgents.

One-Legged Robber Who R*Pes & Kills His Female Victims Arrested

The one-legged robber, who lost his leg to a virus, led the gang of other armed robbers whose ages ranged from about 17 to 25 years. They were said to have robbed, killed and defiled their female victims with impunity. Apparently the gang was said to be highly connected to top police officers in the state so when any member of the gang was arrested and detained, his freedom was often obtained. It was reliably gathered that at a point when the police wanted to apprehend him in his home in Kwale, he escaped while he disguised as a beggar. The police officers detailed to track him down saw him but never knew he was the suspect they were looking for. This hide and seek game between the police and the armed robbery suspect continued for several weeks as he became elusive until recently when the gang leader was apprehended in a barbing saloon at Ogwashi-Uku following a tip-off. Police sources said confessional statement by the gang leader led to the arrest of other members at different locations. They are being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Asaba. Among dangerous weapons recovered from the gang were battle axe, pump action, rifles, shot guns and AK 47 rifles.

Ajimobi Sacks Commissioners, Advisers

Ajimobi Sacks Commissioners, Advisers

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi this afternoon dissolved the executive council of the state. Source close to the governor said that the governor kept the decision to his chest as he never showed any sign of relieving his aides of their jobs. Affected were the commissioners, advisers and assistants. Disclosing this in a statement, the Director, Cabinet, Mr. Dotun Omokemi stated that the decision was made after the weekly executive council meeting held today. Governor Ajimobi was quoted to have said that the development was aimed at injecting fresh blood into the administration in the quest to serve the state better. The governor thanked the commissioners and Special Advisers who made up the executive council for their contributions so far and asked them to immediately hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries. P.M.NEWS however learnt that there is a possibility of returning some of the aides whose the governor still found useful to him. The list of the cabinet dissolved today: Hon. Taiwo Otegbeye Hon. Commissioner for Information & Orientation Hon. Dapo Lam-Adesina Hon. Commissioner for Youth & Sports Hon. Adetokunbo Fayokun Hon. Commissioner for Education Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community Development & Social Welfare Alhaja Adetutu Adeyemi Hon. Commissioner for Culture & Tourism Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin Hon. Commissioner for Health Mr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji Hon. Commissioner for Finance Hon. Ajiboye Omodewu Hon. Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters Miss Kafayat Adebisi Adeojo Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development Barr. Sunmbo Owolabi Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources Hon. Peter O. Odetomi Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources & Rural Development Barr. Lowo Obisesan Hon. Commissioner for Environment & Habitat Hon. Adebayo Olagbenro Hon. Commissioner for Trade, Investment & Cooperatives Hon. Abimbola Kolade Hon. Commissioner for Lands, Housing & Survey Dr. Olaniyi Nurudeen Olarinde Hon. Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budgeting Alhaji Wasiu Dauda Hon. Commissioner for Establishments and Training Barr. Bayo Ojo Hon. Commissioner for Justice Hon. Commissioner for Works & Transport Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties Hon. Commissioner for Applied Science and Technology Mr. Razaq Olubodun Special Adviser (Parastatals) Dr. Adeyemi Fajingbesi Special Adviser (Development & Intervention Funds) Alhaji W. A. Gbadamosi Special Adviser (Physical Planning & Urban Development) Mr. Tayo Koleosho Special Adviser (ICT) Oyefunke I. Oworu Special Adviser (Trade, Investment & Cooperatives) Engr. Kayode Adepoju Special Adviser (Infrastructure) Hon. Yemi Aderibigbe Special Adviser (Transport) Mr. Gbolagade Busari Special Adviser (Information & Orientation) Mr. Abayomi Oke Special Adviser (Environment) Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle Special Adviser (Political Matters) Tunde Aderounmu Special Adviser (Agriculture) Hon. Olu Akintola Special Adviser (Culture & Tourism) Ms. Oluwabunmi Amao Special Adviser (Establishments & Training) Mrs. Aderonke Adedayo Special Adviser (Due Process) Mr. Segun Abolarinwa Special Adviser (Special Duties) Dr. Festus Adedayo Special Adviser (Media) Mr. Tope Fajana Special Adviser (MDGs) Mr. Akinbiyi Oloko Special Adviser (Budget & Planning) Hon. Matthew Oyedokun Special Adviser (Solid Minerals) Engr. Ganiyu Taiwo Fawole Special Adviser (Project Monitoring) Mr. Yanju Adegbite Special Adviser (BCOS) Hon. Nurudeen Akinyo Special Adviser (Local Govt.) Hon. Fatai Buhari Special Adviser (Water Resources) Mr. Toye Arulogun Special Adviser (Public Affairs)

Nigeria Ready To Host African Squash Tourney

Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) is ready to host the All-African Junior Squash Championship (AAJSC) billed for 2014. Adamu Erena, President of NSF told newsmen after the quarterfinals of the ongoing Director-General’s Cup in Abuja. He said that the national stadium was equipped with the squash facilities required to host the events but that they only required to be upgraded before the game. “We have the facilities and all it takes to host the game but the facilities need to be upgraded. The ministry has taken the responsibility to make sure that they improve on the facilities we have. “We have the two more courts we need; the only thing we need now is just to fix the glass bar on them which I think can be completed before the game commences.’’ The president, in a reaction to the game not getting listed among the Olympics, said: “It will not draw the federation back in anyway but rather, it will challenge them to do more.’’ “We do not see it as a drawback; you see when you fight and lose, you are sure to fight another day, so I do not see this as a drawback; it is just preparing us more to fight once more. “Am telling you, come rain, come shine we will surely be in the Olympics someday,’’ he said.

Brendan Rodgers wanted me since when I was 14 - Victor Moses

The Liverpool manager has always liked the Chelsea loanee so it did not come as a surprise that he went for him as soon as the Nigerian was made available by the Blues....Read more visit http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2013/09/21/4277860/victor-moses-brendan-rodgers-wanted-me-since-when-i-was-14?ICID=AR_FS_3

45 things you must do to stay healthy.....

45 best health tips ever We've done the legwork for you and here they are: the 45 best health tips. Give yourself a boost.

What do you love about your body? What 100 calories of fruit looks like? We've done the legwork for you and here they are: the 45 best health tips. Make that 46 - taking the time to read this tops the list. 1. Copy your kitty: Learn to do stretching exercises when you wake up. It boosts circulation and digestion, and eases back pain. 2. Don’t skip breakfast. Studies show that eating a proper breakfast is one of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast skippers tend to gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fibre breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yoghurt, wholewheat toast, and a boiled egg. 3. Brush up on hygiene. Many people don't know how to brush their teeth properly. Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in the same way that would hold a pencil, and brush for at least two minutes. This includes brushing the teeth, the junction of the teeth and gums, the tongue and the roof of the mouth. And you don't need a fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy, soft-bristled one that you replace each month. 4. Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain fizzing with energy. American researchers coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which activate the brain's own biochemical pathways and to bring new pathways online that can help to strengthen or preserve brain circuits. Brush your teeth with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to work or choose your clothes based on sense of touch rather than sight. People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and age-related mental decline. 5. Get what you give! Always giving and never taking? This is the short road to compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to a point where you have nothing left to give. And hey, if you can’t receive from others, how can you expect them to receive from you? 6. Get spiritual. A study conducted by the formidably sober and scientific Harvard University found that patients who were prayed for recovered quicker than those who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of the prayer. 7. Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for you. A study at the Child’s Health Institute in Cape Town found that eating raw garlic helped fight serious childhood infections. Heat destroys these properties, so eat yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or, if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form. 8. Knock one back. A glass of red wine a day is good for you. A number of studies have found this, but a recent one found that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in green tea, red wine and olives may also help protect you against breast cancer. It’s thought that the antioxidants help protect you from environmental carcinogens such as passive tobacco smoke. 9. Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by popping a tab, chugging milk or eating yoghurt. It’ll keep your bones strong. Remember that your bone density declines after the age of 30. You need at least 200 milligrams daily, which you should combine with magnesium, or it simply won’t be absorbed. 10. Berries for your belly. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain plant nutrients known as anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries rival grapes in concentrations of resveratrol – the antioxidant compound found in red wine that has assumed near mythological proportions. Resveratrol is believed to help protect against heart disease and cancer. 11. Curry favour. Hot, spicy foods containing chillies or cayenne pepper trigger endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Endorphins have a powerful, almost narcotic, effect and make you feel good after exercising. But go easy on the lamb, pork and mutton and the high-fat, creamy dishes served in many Indian restaurants. 12. Cut out herbs before ops. Some herbal supplements – from the popular St John's Wort and ginkgo biloba to garlic, ginger, ginseng and feverfew – can cause increased bleeding during surgery, warn surgeons. It may be wise to stop taking all medication, including herbal supplements, at least two weeks before surgery, and inform your surgeon about your herbal use. 13. I say tomato. Tomato is a superstar in the fruit and veggie pantheon. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful cancer fighter. They’re also rich in vitamin C. The good news is that cooked tomatoes are also nutritious, so use them in pasta, soups and casseroles, as well as in salads. The British Thoracic Society says that tomatoes and apples can reduce your risk of asthma and chronic lung diseases. Both contain the antioxidant quercetin. To enjoy the benefits, eat five apples a week or a tomato every other day. 14. Eat your stress away. Prevent low blood sugar as it stresses you out. Eat regular and small healthy meals and keep fruit and veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe your frazzled nerves. Eating unrefined carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts the formation of serotonin, another feel-good drug. Small amounts of protein containing the amino acid tryptamine can give you a boost when stress tires you out. 15. Load up on vitamin C.We need at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day and the best way to get this is by eating at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. So hit the oranges and guavas! 16. No folly in folic acid. Folic acid should be taken regularly by all pregnant mums and people with a low immunity to disease. Folic acid prevents spina bifida in unborn babies and can play a role in cancer prevention. It is found in green leafy vegetables, liver, fruit and bran. 17. A for Away. This vitamin, and beta carotene, help to boost immunity against disease. It also assists in the healing process of diseases such as measles and is recommended by the WHO. Good natural sources of vitamin A are kidneys, liver, dairy products, green and yellow vegetables, pawpaw, mangoes, chilli pepper, red sorrel and red palm oil. 18. Pure water. Don’t have soft drinks or energy drinks while you're exercising. Stay properly hydrated by drinking enough water during your workout (just don't overdo things, as drinking too much water can also be dangerous). While you might need energy drinks for long-distance running, in shorter exercise sessions in the gym, your body will burn the glucose from the soft drink first, before starting to burn body fat. Same goes for eating sweets. 19. GI, Jane. Carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index, such as bread, sugar, honey and grain-based food will give instant energy and accelerate your metabolism. If you’re trying to burn fat, stick to beans, rice, pasta, lentils, peas, soya beans and oat bran, all of which have a low GI count. 20. Mindful living. You've probably heard the old adage that life's too short to stuff a mushroom. But perhaps you should consider the opposite: that life's simply too short NOT to focus on the simple tasks. By slowing down and concentrating on basic things, you'll clear your mind of everything that worries you. Really concentrate on sensations and experiences again: observe the rough texture of a strawberry's skin as you touch it, and taste the sweet-sour juice as you bite into the fruit; when your partner strokes your hand, pay careful attention to the sensation on your skin; and learn to really focus on simple tasks while doing them, whether it's flowering plants or ironing your clothes. 21. The secret of stretching. When you stretch, ease your body into position until you feel the stretch and hold it for about 25 seconds. Breathe deeply to help your body move oxygen-rich blood to those sore muscles. Don't bounce or force yourself into an uncomfortable position. 22. Do your weights workout first. Experts say weight training should be done first, because it's a higher intensity exercise compared to cardio. Your body is better able to handle weight training early in the workout because you're fresh and you have the energy you need to work it. Conversely, cardiovascular exercise should be the last thing you do at the gym, because it helps your body recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles, and flushing out lactic acid, which builds up in the muscles while you're weight training. It’s the lactic acid that makes your muscles feel stiff and sore. 23. Burn fat during intervals. To improve your fitness quickly and lose weight, harness the joys of interval training. Set the treadmill or step machine on the interval programme, where your speed and workload varies from minute to minute. Build up gradually, every minute and return to the starting speed. Repeat this routine. Not only will it be less monotonous, but you can train for a shorter time and achieve greater results. 24. Your dirtiest foot forward. If your ankles, knees, and hips ache from running on pavement, head for the dirt. Soft trails or graded roads are a lot easier on your joints than the hard stuff. Also, dirt surfaces tend to be uneven, forcing you to slow down a bit and focus on where to put your feet – great for agility and concentration. 25. Burn the boredom, blast the lard. Rev up your metabolism by alternating your speed and intensity during aerobic workouts. Not only should you alternate your routine to prevent burnout or boredom, but to give your body a jolt. If you normally walk at 6.5km/h on the treadmill or take 15 minutes to walk a km, up the pace by going at 8km/h for a minute or so during your workout. Do this every five minutes or so. Each time you work out, increase your bouts of speed in small increments. 26. Cool off without a beer. Don’t eat carbohydrates for at least an hour after exercise. This will force your body to break down body fat, rather than using the food you ingest. Stick to fruit and fluids during that hour, but avoid beer. 27. ‘Okay, now do 100 of those’. Instead of flailing away at gym, enlist the help – even temporarily – of a personal trainer. Make sure you learn to breathe properly and to do the exercises the right way. You’ll get more of a workout while spending less time at the gym. 28. Stop fuming. Don’t smoke and if you smoke already, do everything in your power to quit. Don’t buy into that my-granny-smoked-and-lived-to-be-90 crud – not even the tobacco giants believe it. Apart from the well-known risks of heart disease and cancer, orthopaedic surgeons have found that smoking accelerates bone density loss and constricts blood flow. So you could live to be a 90-year-old amputee who smells of stale tobacco smoke. Unsexy. 29. Ask about Mad Aunt Edith. Find out your family history. You need to know if there are any inherited diseases prowling your gene pool. According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, finding out what your grandparents died of can provide useful – even lifesaving – information about what’s in store for you. And be candid, not coy: 25 percent of the children of alcoholics become alcoholics themselves. 30. Do self-checks. Do regular self-examinations of your breasts. Most partners are more than happy to help, not just because breast cancer is the most common cancer among SA women. The best time to examine your breasts is in the week after your period. 31. My smear campaign. Have a pap smear once a year. Not on our list of favourite things, but it’s vital. Cervical cancer kills 200 000 women a year and it’s the most prevalent form of cancer among black women, affecting more than 30 percent. But the chances of survival are nearly 100 percent if it’s detected early. Be particularly careful if you became sexually active at an early age, have had multiple sex partners or smoke. 32. Understand hormones. Recent research suggests that short-term (less than five years) use of HRT is not associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer, but that using it for more than ten years might be. Breast cancer is detected earlier in women using HRT, as they are more alert to the disease than other women. 32. Beat the sneezes. There are more than 240 allergens, some rare and others very common. If you’re a sneezer due to pollen: close your car’s windows while driving, rather switch on the internal fan (drawing in air from the outside), and avoid being outdoors between 5am and 10 am when pollen counts are at their highest; stick to holidays in areas with low pollen counts, such as the seaside and stay away from freshly cut grass. 33. Doggone. If you’re allergic to your cat, dog, budgie or pet piglet, stop suffering the ravages of animal dander: Install an air filter in your home. Keep your pet outside as much as possible and brush him outside of the home to remove loose hair and other allergens. Better yet, ask someone else to do so. 34. Asthma-friendly sports. Swimming is the most asthma-friendly sport of all, but cycling, canoeing, fishing, sailing and walking are also good, according to the experts. Asthma need not hinder peak performance in sport. 11 percent of the US Olympic team were asthmatics – and between them they won 41 medals. 35. Deep heat. Sun rays can burn even through thick glass, and under water. Up to 35 percent of UVB rays and 85 percent of UVA rays penetrate thick glass, while 50 percent of UVB rays and 77 percent of UVA rays penetrate a meter of water and wet cotton clothing. Which means you’ll need sunscreen while driving your car on holiday, and water resistant block if you’re swimming. 36. Fragrant ageing. Stay away from perfumed or flavoured suntan lotions which smell of coconut oil or orange if you want your skin to stay young. These lotions contain psoralen, which speeds up the ageing process. Rather use a fake-tan lotion. Avoid sun beds, which are as bad as the sun itself. 37. Sunscreen can be a smokescreen. Sunscreen is unlikely to stop you from being sunburned, or to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. That’s because most people don’t apply it properly, and stay in the sun too long. The solution? Slather on sunscreen daily and reapply it often, especially if you’ve been in the water. How much? At least enough to fill a shot glass. 38. Laugh and cry. Having a good sob is reputed to be good for you. So is laughter, which has been shown to help heal bodies, as well as broken hearts. Studies in Japan indicate that laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body shake off allergic reactions. 39. It ain’t over till it’s over. End relationships that no longer work for you, as you could be spending time in a dead end. Rather head for more meaningful things. You could be missing opportunities while you’re stuck in a meaningless rut, trying to breathe life into something that is long gone. 40. Strong people go for help. Ask for assistance. Gnashing your teeth in the dark will not get you extra brownie points. It is a sign of strength to ask for assistance and people will respect you for it. If there is a relationship problem, the one who refuses to go for help is usually the one with whom the problem lies to begin with. 41. Save steamy scenes for the bedroom. Showering or bathing in water that’s too hot will dry out your skin and cause it to age prematurely. Warm water is much better. Apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp – it’ll be absorbed more easily. Adding a little olive oil to your bath with help keep your skin moisturised too. 42. Here’s the rub. Improve your circulation and help your lymph glands to drain by the way you towel off. Helping your lymph glands function can help prevent them becoming infected. When drying off your limbs and torso, brush towards the groin on your legs and towards the armpits on your upper body. You can do the same during gentle massage with your partner. 43. Sugar-coated. More than three million South Africans suffer from type 2 diabetes, and the incidence is increasing – with new patients getting younger. New studies show this type of diabetes is often part of a metabolic syndrome (X Syndrome), which includes high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. More than 80 percent of type 2 diabetics die of heart disease, so make sure you control your glucose levels, and watch your blood pressure and cholesterol counts. 44. Relax, it’s only sex. Stress and sex make bad bedfellows, it seems. A US survey showed that stress, kids and work are main factors to dampen libido. With the advent of technology that allows us to work from home, the lines between our jobs and our personal lives have become blurred. People work longer hours, commutes are longer and work pervades all aspects of our lives, including our sexual relationships. Put nooky and intimacy on the agenda, just like everything else. 45. Good night, sweetheart. Rest heals the body and has been shown to lessen the risk of heart trouble and psychological problems.

Gun Battle In Abuja

• 7 Dead, Building Reduced To Rubbles • SSS Confirms Arrest Of 12 In Connection With The Incident SEVEN people were feared dead Friday following a fierce gun duel between operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect. The incident took place near the Apo Legislators’ Quarters in Abuja. In a statement released yesterday in the FCT, the Deputy Director of SSS, Marilyn Ogar, said a combined security team was tipped off by two Boko Haram members that some arms were hidden in some uncompleted buildings at the Zone E area, near the Legislators’ quarters. She said Kamal Abdullahi and Mohammed Adamu who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities, led the team to an uncompleted building. “The team commenced digging for the arms but came under heavy gunfire by other Boko Haram elements within the area, which prompted the response from the security team. Some persons where injured and 12 others have been arrested in connection with the incident and are making useful statements,” she said. At the scene of the incident, The Guardian reporter observed that the building, which purportedly housed the victims, had almost been reduced to rubbles. Seven bodies were taken away in an ambulance with the inscription of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Earlier, Mr. Sunday Odukoya, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Abuja Metro Area Command, had confirmed the incident to newsmen, pointing out that although he could ascertain that seven people were killed in the shoot out, he could not say what actually led to the shootout. “I have not heard something like that. But the issue is when a matter happens like this, we do investigation, people will tell us what happened, we will gather more intelligence,” he said. Eyewitnesses told The Guardian that the shooting actually started a little before midnight and lasted for an hour and was carried out by people dressed in army uniforms. It was further gathered that the victims were squatters, artisans and petty traders obviously from Northern Nigeria, going by their dresses. One Umar who was also at the scene said more than nine others had being taken to the hospital. He said the shooting was carried out by “soldiers who came at the prompting of the owner of the building. They came and fanned out. Some lay down, some went inside, some stood outside, all of them armed,” he said. The owner of the house whom he could not name, had allegedly said he did not want to see anybody in his house when he came there one day and saw them squatting. The uncompleted twin duplex located off Abba Kyari close, Apo Legislative Quarters Zone E, is said to be about 100 meters away from the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. It is believed to belong to a senior military officer. Some 12 people were said to have sustained various degrees of injuries. The bodies, some of the victims were still dripping with blood when The Guardian visited the hospital where they were kept in two separate vehicles, a hilux van belonging to the Nigeria Police and an ambulance belonging the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). While the circumstances of their shootout remains controversial, Comrade Prince Adeoso of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN), has described the incident as “an extra-judicial execution of Nigerian youths.” Adeoso spoke to journalists by the hospital mortuary, where the bodies of the victims of the shootout were deposited. However, The Guardian investigation revealed that the twin duplex in the neighborhood in Apo zone E where the incident took place, had provided shelter for some suspected Boko Haram members and other itinerant traders who eked a living operating the tricycles popularly called Keke NAPEP. They were said to be occupying the apartments on a staggered rent payment arrangement in which they paid N200 weekly to the security man employed by the owner of the property before the morning raid to clear the uncompleted building of suspected Boko Haram members. Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT, DSP Altine Daniel, confirmed that there was an incident at the uncompleted building and that men of the command were already at the scene.

Kate Henshaw gets more to make her smile

Kate Henshaw

Recently, popular Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, got a customised whiskey from Johnie Walker. She put the picture up on her instagram page, saying, ‘ama keep walking…’ The star actress has every reason to raise her glass for a toast. Since her marriage, which got her a child, Ella, ended with Roderick Nuttall, she has been in the news for good reasons. Although in May, the Internet went abuzz with news of her being spotted with a man, he turned out to be a family friend. Earlier in the week, she launched a book, The Life of an actress; My Story. Some of her colleagues were at the event. Saturday Beats gathered that she got N5m from the Rivers State government. Prior to that, the young lady who celebrated her birthday recently, had every reason to smile to the bank courtesy of Samsung. She got endorsed by the brand shortly after the rap diva, Sasha was dropped. Known to love wearing bowler hats, the screen diva proved that with the right workout, one can have the body of your dream. So far, this year has been a good one for the Calabar, Cross River State – born actress who keeps moving on wearing a smile which she is known for.

Two men caught with human head

Two men were on Friday in Ibadan paraded by the police for possessing a decomposing human head. One of the men, Seyi Akinola, was arrested in an ambush operation by the police while Ajitoni Ogundeji was named by Akinola as his accomplice in the crime. Ogundeji, who is a farmer and a hunter, was alleged to have instructed Akinola to bring a human head to prepare a charm that would protect him from gunshot. Akinola, who is also a hunter, had complained to Ogundeji that he experienced frequent robbery attacks on the road whenever he travelled. While on hunting expedition at night about two weeks ago, Akinola allegedly saw the corpse of a dead mad woman in a bush. He later cut off the head and hid it on a tree to decompose. Ten days later, he returned to pick the head at the place where he kept it but unknown to him, the community had alerted the police after discovering the head on the tree. After walking into the ambush, he was arrested and taken to the police station at Ojoo area of Ibadan. During questioning, he told the police that Ogundeji told him to bring the head to prepare anti-bullet charm. While speaking to journalists at the station, Akinola confessed to the crime. “I was caught with a human head by the police on Friday morning. I travelled a lot when I was working as a shepherd to a herd of cattle, but there are incidences of robbery attacks on the road. I told Ogundeji about it and he said he could do a charm for me against gunshot if I could get a human head.”

Sport - Bale threatens Bolt

Gareth Bale

New Real Madrid player Gareth Bale has reportedly reached Usain Bolt-like speed during Sunday’s La Liga 2-2 draw with Villarreal, after he was clocked at 40 kilometers per hour, or 24.85 metres per hour, during the game. Bale’s speed is just 3 mph less than the ‘world’s fastest man’ Bolt’s record speed of 27.79 mph during the 100 metres event at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin. According to the New York Daily News, Bale’s speed is astonishing considering that the Welsh international was playing in only his second competitive game in months after sitting out most of the last season with a muscle injury, with Wales national team coach Chris Coleman even warning that Bale is not fit enough to play an entire game. The report mentioned that Bale, who moved from Tottenham to Madrid last month for a reported $132m transfer fee, is expected to get even more faster and better with each passing game. However, Bale admitted that he is not too sure about his fitness as he had no game time during the summer, adding that he needs to get game time under his belt and get his fitness up as quick as he can. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has said his understanding with Bale is growing match by match after the two played their parts in Real Madrid’s 6-1 Champions League win at Galatasaray. “We are getting to know each other,” Ronaldo said. “He is steadily getting up to speed because he has been out of action for a while and it is all going well for him.” Bale came on as a second-half substitute and played a part in setting up the fourth and fifth goals for Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Bale joked at his official presentation that Ronaldo was the boss when it came to team hierarchy and the taking of free-kicks, but the midfielder got to take the set piece that led to Ronaldo’s second goal.

I’m ready for Rooney – Kompany

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insists he cannot wait to face an in-form Wayne Rooney on Sunday. As Rooney was hitting his 200th goal for United against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, Kompany was playing his first game of the season for City as they eased past Vikoria Plzen. Now Kompany is looking forward to coming up against Rooney, who is showing a rich vein of form following a summer of speculation about his future. “It’s brilliant he’s doing so well again,” said Kompany. “You want to play against top players at their best. That’s personally how I feel about it. “I always want to play against players when they are at their best. I’m really happy for Wayne that he’s on top form. “This is the great thing about the Premier League, you play against top strikers all the time. But there are many players to watch out for in both teams.” David Moyes goes into the game, with a great record against City having won 10 of his previous 14 games against them. But Kompany says that Moyes’ previous successes will have no impact on Sunday’s game. “It’s a different team, it’s a different season and I would say there has never been anything too predictable in the derby,” he said. “Nobody predicted we would win 6-1 at Old Trafford, that they would beat us at the Etihad and that we would win at Old Trafford. “I would say there has never been anything too predictable in the derby.” “The derby is always a game you look forward to. And I don’t think it’s just the people in Manchester, but all over the world who look forward to enjoying it. It’s a game that attracts a lot of attention. “I never take it for granted and I feel blessed that I am able to participate in those games. You do your best to make sure you play well in these games.”

360 winners emerge at FirstBank's the Big Splash promo

A lion dose nt call rat its mate even when the both of them have tail.

In commemoration of 120 years anniversary of memorable banking in the country, FirstBank has rewarded the first set of 360 winners in the maiden draw of the Anniversary savings promo tagged the 'Big Splash promo' The event which took place last week at De Hall Event centre on Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikeja had in attendance representatives from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Consumer Protection Council and KPMG Advisory Services, and saw the emergence of 360 winners who went away with various gifts such as refrigerators, gas cookers and cash prizes of N50, 000.00 naira each. The savings promo which is an annual rewarding exercise of the Bank is in its 5th year and this year edition which kicked off in July and expected to run till 2014 to coincides with the 120 years anniversary of the Bank is aimed at rewarding customers for their patronage and loyalty to the brand over the years and to promote a savings culture among the youths and general populace The Big Splash Promo will see 360 winners emerge for every bi-monthly raffle draw ceremony while 3 lucky winners will cart away a brand new Toyota corolla each at every quarterly draw and 1 winner of a Terrace Duplex at the grand finale draw. According to, the Group Head, Product & Marketing Support, FirstBank, Mrs. Ezinne Obikile'the big splash anniversary special promo is a very special one because it is been anchored around the celebration of the Bank's 120th year celebration taking place next year. It is in view of that, we decided to reward our customers in a very special way. This promo would witness a new home owner who would emerge from saving N20, 000 every month for 10 months, as well as a brand new Toyota Corolla winner and other fabulous gift. This is our own way of giving back to the customers and thanking them for their patronage over the years. To qualify for the FirstBank Big Splash promo, FirstBank customers need to operate a savings account and maintain a sum of N10, 000.00 monthly balance of which should be maintained for a minimum of 30 days to qualify for the bi-monthly draw. While fresh savings account holders will need to maintain the sum of N 10,000.00 monthly and maintain this balance in his account for 30 days to qualify for the bi-monthly draw. For the quarterly and grand finale draws, account holders need to maintain incremental balances of N20, 000.00 every month for three consecutive months to qualify for the semi-annual draw or maintain a balance of N60, 000.00 steadily over the quarter to qualify for the semi-annual draw. Increasing one's savings account with the sum of N20, 000.00 every month for 10 consecutive months or a bullet minimum deposit of N200, 000.00 unbroken will qualify the account holder for the Grand Finale draw.

Oyo bans Islamic sect over terrorist activities

The Oyo State Government has proscribed an Islamic group, Arsunah, in Iseyin area of the state over alleged rape, murder and slavery. The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Taiwo Otegbeye, said on riday that the government considered the existence of the sect as a threat to the society. The government cited their inhuman and ruthless activities as the basis for the ban, which was endorsed by the state Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He said, 'The Oyo State Executive Council has confirmed the proscription of an Islamic sect, Arsunah, which has its camp on Kilometre 5, Ibadan/Iseyin Road. Governor Ajimobi had directed that the Islamic sect, headed by Yunus Adefabi, must not exist any longer because of its nefarious activities. The activities of the sect include rape, murder and attempted murder. 'The governor has the power under the state criminal code to proscribe any association or society that is not working within the confines of laws of the state and he has used this power to ban the sect even as requested by the people of Iseyin council area.' Otegbeye said the sect had existed for a number of years but allegation of their despicable activities came to the fore after they occupied the portion of land from where they ran the camp. 'We noticed this group a few months ago after the people of the area called the attention of the state to its activities. The state government took action immediately and investigated the group's activities, which revealed loads of inhuman actions which also included slavery. The state will not watch while some people hide under religion to terrorise its people. The major actors are in court already.' Asked if the state had not pre-empted court decision by quickly proscribing the group without waiting for judgment, Otegbeye said it was a matter that required prompt intervention as waiting for the court proceeding could lengthen the suffering of the people in the hands of the sect. 'We do not want to experience a resurgence of a sect similar to Boko Haram. Oyo State is a peaceful place to live and the government is ready to protect lives and property of its people,' he said.

Jonathan sacks Emordi, Olagunji as special advisers

"Global Interdependence" means the inordinate acquisition of wealth is a mark of savagery.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday relieved two of his Special Advisers of their appointments with immediate effect. They are, his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Mrs. Joy Emordi; and that of New Partnership for Africa's Development, Dr. Tunji Olagunju. A statement by the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan commended Emordi and Olagunju for their services and wished them success in their future endeavours. No reason has been given for the sackings. When contacted, Emordi expressed gratitude to the President for an opportunity to serve him and by extension the nation. She said, 'It was an honour and rare privilege to serve Mr. President and my nation in the capacity I served. I am also grateful to God and my family for the support they gave me throughout the period.' Emordi equally said she would continue to work towards the growth and progress of Nigeria and urged Nigerians to continue to support Mr. President's transformation agenda.

Syria 'submits chemical weapons data' to Hague watchdog Previous

The BBC's Paul Adams explains the challenges of removing Syria's chemical weapons Syria has begun sending details of its chemical weapons as part of a US-Russia brokered deal to make them safe, the chemical arms watchdog has said. The Hague-based OPCW added that it expected more details from Syria in the coming days and had postponed a meeting planned for Sunday. Syria was given a Saturday deadline to give a full list of its chemical arms. The US had threatened military action over a chemical attack in Damascus last month, which the UN called a war crime. The US, UK and France have accused Syrian government forces of carrying out the attack in the Ghouta district on 21 August, but President Bashar al-Assad has blamed rebel groups. Continue reading the main story Analysis Paul Adams BBC News The agreement reached last Saturday in Geneva set some very ambitious deadlines. Syria was given just a week to hand over "a comprehensive listing" to the OPCW, including names and quantities of chemical weapons agents, types of munitions, as well as where and how Syria's chemical weapons are developed, produced and stored. Syria's initial submission to the OPCW clearly doesn't meet this stringent standard, but this may not matter. Together with Syria's quick ratification of the OPCW charter, last weekend, it's an indication that the Assad regime is prepared to engage with this process, even if it would prefer to do so at its own pace. It's still early days, but the rest of the Geneva agreement's demanding timetable could be hard to meet. It would be surprising if the Assad regime did not play for time to a certain extent. It may not feel it can use its chemical weapons, but that doesn't mean that they're not still valuable. As long as the international community feels that Syria is co-operating, however reluctantly, the regime knows it's very unlikely to be bombed. Separately, two Syrian rebel groups have agreed a ceasefire in the northern town of Azaz after two days of fighting that raised fears of a war within a war. Meeting postponed Michael Luhan, a spokesman for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is responsible for policing the treaty outlawing chemical arms, said Syria's submission was an "initial declaration". Mr Luhan said it was now being examined by the organisation's technical secretariat but he declined to say what was in it. A UN diplomat confirmed to Reuters that details had been submitted, adding: "It's quite long... and being translated." The US-Russia-brokered deal aims to have inspectors on the ground in Syria in November, when they will make an initial assessment and oversee the destruction of certain equipment. The destruction of all of Syria's chemical weapons would then be completed by mid-2014. The core members of the OPCW were expected to vote on the timetable next week. However, the OPCW said in a statement on Friday that a meeting of its executive council scheduled for Sunday had been postponed, without giving a reason. "We will announce the new date and time... as soon as possible," it said. Continue reading the main story Syria's chemical weapons CIA believes Syria's arsenal can be "delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile, and artillery rockets" Syria believed to possess mustard gas, sarin, and tried to develop VX gas Syria has agreed to join Chemical Weapons Convention; it signed Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention in 1972 but never ratified it Sources: CSIS, RUSI UN findings analysed Western military options On Monday, the UN confirmed in a report that the nerve agent sarin had been used in a rocket attack in Ghouta, although it did not apportion blame. Mr Ban said the mission was unable to verify the number of casualties, but referred to the "terrible loss of life on 21 August". France, the UK and US insist the report clearly backed their stance that only the government forces were capable of carrying out the attack. Syria's ally, Russia, rejected the argument, saying it had "serious grounds" to believe the attack had been a provocation by rebel forces. Film dispute Separately on Friday, the two rebel groups - the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (Isis), linked to al-Qaeda, and the larger Western-backed Free Syrian Army - agreed a truce in Azaz, near the Turkish border. Isis had seized the northern town from the FSA on Wednesday. Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote What threatened to be an all-out conflict between jihadis and other rebels in the Free Syrian Army has been averted - for the time being” Paul Wood BBC News, Turkey-Syria border Clash exposes Syria rebel rifts Profile: Islamic State in Iraq and Levant The fighting began when a wounded rebel - either from Isis or from an allied group, al-Muhajireen - was taken to a field clinic and, while there, he was filmed as part of a fundraising exercise. The wounded fighter demanded the film, and called on friends to come to his aid, prompting a full-scale attack. The BBC's Paul Wood, on the border, says that under the ceasefire deal the two rebel sides have agreed to exchange prisoners and hand back property. More than 100,000 people have died since the uprising against President Assad began in 2011. Millions of Syrians have fled the country, mostly to neighbouring nations. Millions more have been internally displaced.

Suspected al Qaeda attacks on Yemeni forces kill at least 31

ADEN (Reuters) - Suspected al Qaeda militants killed at least 31 Yemeni soldiers and policemen in attacks in the south of the country on Friday, their deadliest for more than a year, security officials said. Twenty-one soldiers died when two car bombs exploded at a military camp in al-Nashama, near the coast, Yemen's Supreme Military Council said, and 10 police were killed by gunmen in the inland town of Mayfaa. A car bomb exploded near the country's only liquefied natural gas export terminal at the coastal town of Balhaf, killing people inside the vehicle but not causing any other damage, sources added. Officials believe members of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) were behind the attacks, the security officials said. AQAP is seen by Western countries as one of the most dangerous branches of al Qaeda because it has attempted to carry out bombings on international airlines. U.S. drone strikes have killed scores of AQAP members and the Yemeni army has seized back large tracts of territory from the insurgents, prompting the country's foreign minister to call Friday's attacks a sign of increasing desperation. "This attack was intended to demonstrate that they are still there. But it's also a demonstration that they are losing the war against the security and stability of Yemen," the minister, Abu Bakr al-Qirbi, told Reuters. Ali al-Sarary, an aide to Yemen's prime minister, said the attacks were aimed at thwarting the reconciliation efforts of a "national dialogue" set up between rival factions after a popular uprising in 2011. "The main goal is to foil a political settlement and prevent the national dialogue from reaching solutions on a number of issues, particularly issues in the south," he said. Maintaining stability in impoverished Yemen is a priority for Washington and Gulf states because of its location next to major oil shipping routes and Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter. CAR BOMBS Friday's attacks were the deadliest against Yemen's military since May 2012, when a suicide bomber in army uniform killed more than 90 soldiers at a parade in the capital Sanaa. A concealed bomb in one car exploded among a group of soldiers at the gate of the al-Nashama camp as the driver tried to enter. The other was already inside the camp when it exploded, one of the security sources said. Sources earlier told Reuters around 30 soldiers had died. In Mayfaa, gunmen opened fire at a security headquarters, killing around 10 policemen, before escaping in stolen vehicles, local residents said. All the attacks took place in Yemen's southern Shabwa Province, a lawless area where Islamist militants and the security forces have clashed in recent years. AQAP emerged as one of al Qaeda's most aggressive international affiliates, and a direct threat to the United States, when it claimed responsibility for an attempt by a Nigerian man, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, to down a Detroit-bound airliner on December 25, 2009 with a bomb concealed in his underwear. It said it was also behind a foiled plot to send two air freight packages containing bombs to the United States in October 2010. Intelligence pointing to a major impending attack by AQAP prompted the United States and other Western countries to close many of their embassies temporarily in the Middle East, Africa and Asia early last month. The militants took advantage of political chaos in Yemen during the Arab Spring in 2011 to seize control of some towns and surrounding areas in the south of the country. They were beaten back by Yemeni forces with assistance from the United States last year, and scattered into small groups spread across the country's rugged, remote southern terrain. They have staged a series of attacks against government and military targets using a suicide, car bombs, drive-by shootings and other tactics. Yemen is also facing a growing secessionist movement in the south and a rebellion by the Houthis, a group of Zaydi Shi'ite Muslims, in the north. (Additional reporting by Mohammed Ghobari and Yara Bayoumy; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Andrew Heavens)

Medview Airlines Airlift Muslim Pilgrims To Medina

Medview Airlines yesterday continued the airlift of Muslim pilgrims to Medina, Saudi Arabia, from the Murtala Muhammed and Ilorin international airports . According to the managing director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, before the end of this week, the entire 5,500 pilgrims allotted to the airline would have been flown to the Holy Land from three zones, namely Lagos, Ilorin and Port Harcourt. He said the airline had put everything in place to ensure hitch-free air lift of the pilgrims from states in the South West including Ogun , Oyo , Osun, Ekiti, Kwara and others. He said the airlift was made possible in line with the terms of reference set for the airline by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Also, Oyo State Government sealed a deal with the airline to fly some of the pilgrims into Murtala Muhammed international airport, Lagos from the airport in Ibadan . The pilgrims were at the Ibadan Airport as early as 12pm, awaiting the arrival from aircraft that moved them to Lagos. Bankole urged the pilgrims to comply with the regulations as the airline would facilitate seamless movement to the Holy Land. Most of the passengers, who boarded the Boeing 737 – 500 Medview Airlines aircraft, lauded the efforts by the state government to make the trip stress-free. Bankole called on government to assist airlines to keep their operations afloat, The airline said it had deployed two Boeing 747 and Boeing 767 aircraft to airports in Lagos and Ilorin that would simultaneously fly pilgrims into Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Land Owner: RCCG, Christ Embassy Locked In Dispute

The Bible that states that, ‘in the end of the world, so many people will forsake the love of the father and purse material things’ is actually right as the word is now coming to fruition. It was recently gathered that, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Christ Embassy are currently locked in a dispute over a parcel of land located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the two leaders of the churches, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome are stoking the crisis by their actions and inactions. According to findings, the two churches claim ownership of the land, spread across Oloke, Asese, Maba and Gideon Villages in Ogun State and have been unleashing torrent of criticism and employing mercenaries to tackle each other. It is so amazing that the men of God who so much believes in the teaching of Christ that ‘nothing we brought to the world and nothing shall we go with’ engaged in such a dirty fight over a mere parcel of land. Sources around the area told us that, in March, this year; there was a big fight between mercenaries of the two churches on the controversial land where some lost their lives. It was learnt that the Christ Embassy’s thugs were led by one Lukman Jimoh popularly known as Ogo Oluwa and they drove to the place in a Volvo Car and Toyota Hiace Bus. It was also gathered that recently RCCG petitioned the Inspector General of Police, and asked him to intervene in the case of trespass on the church land and the malicious damaged to the church property. In the petition, a copy made available to an online magazine called orijoreporter, while recounting how they came about the property, RCCG said that despite the fact that the land falls under the government acquisition area, the church had in June 1999 paid ratification fees for the land to the late Alhaji Tajudeen Ogoluwa (Lukman’s father) who gave the church a Deed of Surrender signed by him and witnessed by one Waidi Ogunsesan. The church said that it was also given allocation of the land for 99 years by the Ogun State Government in a letter signed by the Director-General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Surveyor Gbenga Ogunnoike. RCCG also alleged that Ogun State Government issued a Certificate of Occupancy with the number 025748, dated November 7, 2006 and signed by the governor to the church. The IG it was gathered, directed the Eleweran Police Headquarter in Ogun State to resolve the matter since the two supposed men of God, Pastor Adeboye and Pastor Oyakhilome could not come to an unanimous accord

President Jonathan To Meet Obama Next Week

President Goodluck Jonathan will arrive New York on Sunday, September 22, to contend with what looks like one of his busiest UN schedules with five bilateral meetings and a strident campaign for Nigeria’s admission to the Security Council as a non-permanent member. Earlier in the week, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Ade Adefuye, had hinted that the president would be hosting a select audience of distinguished Nigerians at an interactive session for USA-based Nigerian professionals and other investors at the Grand Ball Room of the prestigious Plaza Hotel located at 770 Fifth Avenue, New York. Briefing the press, Mr. Bosa, a senior minister in-charge of the Fourth Committee for UNGA68, who represented Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Professor Joy Ogwu, said the five bilateral meetings would be with the European Union, Slovania, Sri Lanka, Lebanon and Trinidad and Tobago, whose heads of government and Jonathan would be meeting across different schedules from agriculture, to infrastructure, power and solid minerals. The president, who is also billed to meet US’ President Barack Obama on a yet-to-be-specified date and time between Monday and Tuesday, will address the General Assembly of the United Nations at 12 noon Monday, September 23. In his entourage will be the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, who has also lined up a number of activities for herself, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, and other ministers; but Bosa did not indicate the number of governors who may be on the entourage. Bosa said Nigeria was hopeful that the campaign for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council was going to yield fruit with the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) giving their nod. But he made an exception, Gambia, which he said is trying to split Nigeria’s votes, while the Central African Republic on whose ticket Chad Republic is campaigning is no issue. According to Bosa, Nigeria’s peace-keeping operations’ track record with UN troops stands tall in the list of its accomplishments as a highly proactive UN member, using Mali, Guinea Bissau, Liberia as case studies. According to Bosa, this notwithstanding, the opposition of those who are not giving the country their votes on account of its withdrawal of Nigeria’s troops from Mali, saying Nigeria’s domestic and foreign policies as well as its democracy, eminently qualify her for the fight to gain a non-permanent seat at the Security Council. Bosa said Jonathan would present Nigeria’s achievements under the UN-sponsored Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) while detailing the post-MDG agenda. The General Assembly meeting was opened yesterday by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who said he was going to host over 131 heads of state and prime ministers, whom he said would be asked to address the issues plaguing mankind, with Syria calling for a most urgent attention beyond the very dangerous consequences of chemical weapons.

Nigeria First Lady To Deliver Opening Speech At UN Assemly

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, will participate at the High Level Forum for First Ladies at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. medianigeria reports that the event, with the theme “Building Bridges for Peace on Health Disability: Post 2015 Sustainable Development Agenda Initiative”, is scheduled for Sept. 24. She is expected to deliver a speech for the opening of the workshop session, while Senior Advisor, RAND Corporation on the African First Ladies Fellowship Programme, Nicole Brzeski, will chair the workshop. The session will address various creative strategies in addressing and overcoming peace challenges on various forms of women’s health and wellbeing. Dr Ada Okika, the Secretary-General, U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations New York State Chapter, told medianigeria that the time had come for realistic understanding of the significance of a transformative agenda to build peace among nations. “ Peace is directly related to poverty eradication, health care and improvement, good governance, leadership, social and economic emancipation and sustainability. “Throughout its history, there have been global experiences on a wide range of conflicts, violence and other numerous challenges. “These challenges must be addressed in order to promote human development, revitalise infrastructure and establish sustainable peace in working towards the future that the world want,’’ Okika said. She noted that people throughout the world desired peace and good health, adding that women in particular had unique capacities to promote the peace and achieve positive health. “ For this reason, we propose to convene First Ladies Forum from all UN Member States. “The forum can serve as active agent for peace, building bridges on women’s health disability and child marriage, and meeting the challenges for sustainable peace and development of nations,’’ Okika added.

46-year-old Man Arrested For Raping 3 Underage Girls

A 46-year-old man, Michael Unumahengie, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate’s court, Lagos, for allegedly raping and defiling three minors. Unumahengie, who was docked before Magistrate Mrs E. Daudu, is facing a three-count charge bordering on rape, preferred against him by the police. The prosecutor said that the defendant committed the alleged crime on September 6 at 9pm, in Alausa, Ikeja area of Lagos State. The three victims are aged 10, nine and six, respectively. The prosecutor said the offence is punishable under Section 137 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him. But the magistrate refused him bail. The magistrate remanded the defendant in Kirikiri prison and adjourned the case till October 17 for hearing.

Things You Didn't Know About HIV/AIDS

Despite its prevalence many people are still ignorant about the danger of HIV/AIDS, the Administrator, Hope for HIV/AIDS International, Lolade Abioye has said.

During an interview with The Nation, she said: “Do you know that people still have lots of questions about the ways one can get HIV. Discrimination and stigmatisation still abound in the country. There is a high prevalence of people living in denial. Even when people are counselled and they opt for voluntary testing, and per chance their results are positive, you find out that they won’t want others to know their status. And one can deduce that people are not coming out to avail themselves of the free VCT again. Though the prevalence of the disease is stable in the country at the moment, “But discrimination is still rampant. And that is part of the reasons I wont support self screening kit for HIV. If people are given a device to test for HIV won’t they hide away and spread same, or do those persons even have the expertise to screen for HIV? She added: “HIV causes AIDS. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It breaks down the immune system — our body’s protection against disease. HIV causes people to become sick with infections that normally wouldn’t affect them. AIDS is short for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is the most advanced stage of HIV disease.” On the symptoms of the disease, she said: “Some people develop HIV symptoms shortly after being infected. But it usually takes more than 10 years. There are several stages of HIV disease. The first HIV symptoms may include swollen glands in the throat, armpit, or groin. Other early HIV symptoms include slight fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. These symptoms may last for only a few weeks. Then there are usually no HIV symptoms for many years. That is why it can be hard to know if you have HIV. The best way to know if one has HIV is to test. You cannot know for sure if you have HIV until you get tested. About one out of five people with HIV don’t know they are infected, so testing is very important. “You don’t have to wait for AIDS symptoms to appear, if they appear, it means one is in the most advanced stage of HIV disease. In addition to a badly damaged immune system, a person with AIDS may also have “But there are many ways you can protect yourself from HIV. The surest way is to abstain from sexual intercourse and from sharing needles and “works” if you use steroids, hormones, or other drugs. Many people have been infected with HIV by sharing needles. If you are using needles for steroids, hormones, or other drugs be sure to disinfect the needles you use. Never share needles. Get into a needle-exchange programme. Don’t share personal items that may have blood on them. This includes toothbrushes, razors, needles for piercing or tattooing, and blades for cutting or scarring. If you choose to have sex, have safer sex to reduce the risk of exchanging blood, semen, or vaginal fluids with your sex partner/s.” The administrator wants the government to look at the management of HIV/AIDS in pediatrics. Her reasons? “Nutrition wise most pediatrics are not well fed, they are under nourished. Government should provide free infant feeds to help parents who are poor.Also, pediatrics’ presciptions should be adapted to syrup and be flavoured with gummit, vannila or fruity flavour to enhance easy intake and compliance. “Though there is a Guideline which is very comprehensive and provides guide on the standard processes and methods for conduct of service provision at facilities that offer care for management and prevention of pediatrics HIV and AIDS including associated conditions such as tuberculosis (TB) co-infections, Provider-Initiated Testing and Counselling (PITC) in children and adolescents and Antiretroviral therapy in infants and children, still the implementation aspect call for more action. “I will make case for positive mothers as well. More centres of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCTC) should be equipped appropriately. UNICEF is trying but Government should improve on the centres.” On mode of transmission of HIV, Project Officer, Olayinka Babafemi said, “HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. “The most common ways HIV is spread are by having vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom with someone who has HIV/AIDS; sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV/AIDS; being deeply punctured with a needle or surgical instrument contaminated with HIV; getting HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions into open wounds or sores; babies born to women with HIV/AIDS can get HIV from their mothers during birth or from breastfeeding. HIV is not transmitted by simple casual contact such as kissing, sharing drinking glasses, or hugging.”

Ways Coke Is Killing Your Body In First 60 Minutes Of Intake

Thanks to blistree we find out the ways Coke intake damages your health in 60 minutes of intake. 1) In the first 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake) You don't immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor, allowing you to keep it down. 2) 20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (And there’s plenty of that at this particular moment). 3) 40 minutes: Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate; your blood pressure rises; as a response, your liver dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked, preventing drowsiness. 4) 45 minutes: Your body ups your dopamine production, stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way. 5) (a) 60 minutes: The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium, and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium. (b) 60 minutes: The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium, and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolytes, and water (c) 60 minutes: As the rave inside you dies down, you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You've also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like hydrating your system, or building strong bones and teeth. This will all be followed by a caffeine crash in the next few hours. (As little as two if you’re a smoker) Want to know what happens after that? Check out what happens to your body after you drink a coke, every day for a long time. Coke itself isn't the enemy here. It’s the dynamic combo of massive sugar doses combined with caffeine and phosphoric acid, which are found in almost all sodas.

Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Agagu To Be Buried Oct 4 – Ondo Govt

The Ondo State Government has announced October 4 date for the interment of the former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who died last Friday, September 13. photo The Ondo State Government has announced October 4 date for the interment of the former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who died last Friday, September 13. According to a three-day burial programme announced by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, in Akure on Thursday, burial events will kick off with a Tribute Day on September 30 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The body of the late politician is expected to leave Lagos on October 3, to arrive at the Akure Airport by 9am same day and a lie-in-state at the Democracy Park, Akure. The statement added, “Another lying-in-state cum wake will take place on the same day beginning from 5pm at the Civic Centre, Iju-Odo, Okitipupa Local Government. “A burial service will hold for the deceased on the Friday, October 4 at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Iju-Odo also in Okitipupa Local Government by 11 am. “The remains of the Late Dr. Agagu will be interred at the same venue and reception follows at Manuwa Memorial Grammar School in the same town.” At a special prayer session in Akure on Wednesday, Governor Olusegun Mimiko charged the people of the state to troop out for the burial to honour his late predecessor. Mimiko had earlier declared a seven-day of mourning in the state in honour of the late Agagu, describing his predecessor as a colossus of intellectual and political capabilities. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State on Thursday urged the state government to immortalise the late former governor by naming some edifices in the state, including the Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, after him. The party said it had set up a 50-man committee, led by a former deputy speaker in the state House of Assembly, Mayowa Akinfolarin, to organise a befitting burial for Agagu. The state chairman of the party, Ebenezer Alabi, while briefing journalists in Akure said Agagu lived a Spartan life. Alabi added however that the PDP plan to give the ex-governor a befitting burial was “without prejudice to the state burial plan being proposed and planned by his family and the government of Ondo State.”

BABY BORN WITH TEETH: Mother Refuses Breastfeeding (PHOTOS)

A 26-year-old mother, Vicki Griffiths has declined breastfeeding her new born baby after she discovered she was born with two fully formed front teeth.

It was when Vicki went to have a bath after giving birth that her husband Steven noticed the teeth in his daughter’s lower jaw. Vicki said, ‘When I came back into the room Steven said, “she’s got teeth, you know!” and then we both burst out laughing. ‘We were in shock, and so were the midwives.

According to Vicki, she had planned to breastfeed the baby but changed her mind when she saw the teeth.

The mother-of-three said she went to see her GP after she came out of hospital and "he said that he had never heard of this happening before. Midwives with 25-years’ experience were also saying they’d never seen it."

How Ibori gave me $15m bribe, by Ribadu

• Says ex-gov sent hired killers after him • Oando clarifies link to convict DRESSED in black - trousers, jacket and shoes - with a white shirt and red tie, the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss was led into the courtroom by one of a judicial clerks around 2.25 p.m. Mr. Nuhu Ribadu performed the traditional oath swearing by placing his left hand on the Holy Quran as he was led to go through the lines to affirm that he would be giving truthful evidence. Within a minute, Crown Prosecutor Sasha Wass started her cross-examination. Looking relaxed, calm and often responding to the prosecutor’s questions with a smile and “yes, mum,” Ribadu held the court spellbound as he disclosed how Ibori was ‘desperate’ for him to take a $15 million cash bribe which the former governor allegedly gave him in Senator Andy Ubah’s house in the presence of the then Head of Operations, Ibrahim Lamorde and another official of the EFCC, James Garba. Lamorde is now Chairman of the EFCC. He also told the stunned courtroom how Ibori later allegedly sent four hired killers after him following the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s rise to power and the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, let the former oil-rich Delta State governor off the hook. Ribadu disclosed further, how, after he refused taking the alleged cash bribe, Ibori desperately begged him to “just pocket the $15 million and send me a clearance letter.” Ribadu, who gave graphic details of how on a day Ibori was holed up at the Abuja residence of a former Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, was moved to shed some tears towards the end of his over one hour of cross-examination. He claimed that two assassination attempts were made by Ibori’s people on his life, one in Jos and the other in Abuja. He further claimed that Ibori promised he would “be dismissed from the Police Force” and removed as “EFCC Chairman,” the moment the administration of the late Yar’Adua came to power. “Ibori was more influential” when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s government handed over power to the new administration in May 2007, Wass said. The following is the excerpt of the dialogue that ensued between Wass and Ribadu, as the latter answered the former’s questions from the witness box: Wass: I want to ask you please, about the post of governor. What sort of power do governors have? Ribadu: The governors have executive power ... are immune from prosecution while in office. I want to ask you about James Ibori, did you investigate him? How did you come to investigate him? It came from petitions from the ordinary people of Delta State. Asked how many times Delta people petitioned his office and who initiated EFCC’s investigations, Ribadu said: “I will say about five to 10 petitions. We also carried out our own investigations and gathered intelligence and information using our field officers and from banks.” Asked what date the formal investigation into Ibori began, Ribadu replied: “It’s a date I can’t remember.” As far as you are aware, did Mr. Ibori know he was under investigation? He said he was aware How did you know he was aware? Ribadu: He got in touch with me. Ribadu said as the end of his second term was approaching, and knowing that he could no longer be shielded by the immunity clause, Ibori became anxious and was desperate to bribe his way out. Wass: I want to ask you in particular, April 25, 2007, can you help us with what happened? Ribadu: At the time, James Ibori asked me to take money from him to stop the investigation. Ribadu disclosed further that Ibori wanted to come to his house to hand over the cash, but he refused and he (the former) suggested they should meet at the EFCC office. Ibori rejected this suggestion as “he didn’t want anybody to see him,” Ribadu said. Asked if he informed anyone else about his conversations with Ibori, Ribadu said he told his officials and alerted the Central Bank of Nigeria. Asked why he thought Ibori offered $15 million, Ribadu said it was because Delta State had an allocation of about $1 billion and “James wasted or took about half of that.” Wass: What happened after the money was handed over at Mr. Ubah’s house? Ribadu: They - Ibrahim Lamorde and James Garba- drove directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Meanwhile, Oando Nigeria Plc yesterday issued a statement on Ibori’s trial and its alleged links to him, saying: “As Southwark Crown Court in London proceedings are underway against Mr. James Ibori (known as ‘confiscation proceedings’), ex-Governor of Delta State in Nigeria, aimed making Mr. Ibori forfeit assets worth approximately £90 million to the Crown. “These proceedings started on Monday, September 16, since when Oando Plc has been mentioned several times by a prosecutor. “Mr. Ibori was convicted in 2012 of Fraud and Money Laundering. At his trial, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was convicted on that basis. Because he pleaded guilty, none of the allegations put forward in the prosecution’s case were ever tested. “Now, we have situation where the Crown prosecutor is using untested evidence as the basis of its case in the confiscation proceedings. The prosecutor is presenting this evidence as factual and true, including, unbelievably, statements made by Mr. Ibori – a convicted criminal to the effect that either he, or his family own 30 per cent in Oando or in another statement ‘beneficial interest in Ocean & Oil.’ “These contradictory statements were not tested in the first court case and not can they be tested in the confiscation proceedings, as the defendant has elected not to participate. This is a dilemma for Oando as it is not a party to the proceedings – it is not the accused, the defendant or a witness. As Oando does not have a right to be heard, it cannot challenge the prosecution’s evidence where it touches upon Oando, for example by asking the following: • ‘Exactly which company does Ibori say he owned 30 per cent of?’ • ‘Why are you making sensational statements about a supposed shareholding when in your own evidence you say Mr. Ibori’s statements are untrue?’ • Why do you allege he owns 30 per cent of the company while also admitting that he only has about 400 shares in Oando Plc? How do you account for the disparity between the company’s own share register and the statements you are making in court? “Of its own volition, Oando approached the Metropolitan Police sometime in 2012 when it became apparent that the company’s name had been mentioned in the Crown prosecution case in relation to an alleged Ibori shareholding and transfer of money. “Oando made available to the Metropolitan Police evidence of Mr. Ibori’s shareholding of the company at the time, which was approximately 400 shares. We also presented evidence that the transfers of money to Ocean and Oil Services Ltd to an Ibori controlled company was as a result of a legitimate foreign exchange transactions and without any knowledge at the time that the company was related to Ibori. Furthermore, there was no evidence of any transfer from Oando Plc to the Ibori controlled company. “This evidence was ignored by the Crown it was not made available to the court and the prosecution is now trying to portray the payments made by Ocean and Oil Services Ltd as payments made by Oando Plc. Yesterday, to get around this hurdle of not having any links between Oando Plc and Ibori, the prosecution witness, Detective Constable Clerk, misled the court by saying Ocean and Oil Services and Oando Plc are “…the same company under a different name…,” clearly trying to establish a link that does not exist between Oando and Ibori. “Oando as a responsible corporate with obligations to its shareholders will pursue all legal avenues available to right this wrong and seek compensation for any losses it incurs as a consequence of this inappropriate course of action. “The UK prosecutor is making damaging statements about a very substantial oversees company without any reasonable evidence while our company cannot defend itself in return. This insidious grandstanding cannot continue. It is leading to unfounded speculation that we are determined to bring to an end. At this time, we have our counsel in court, to intervene as “a friend of the court” if any damaging statements are made in relation to Oando.”