Nigeria makes headway in securing China's funding of projects

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Press statement from the Presidency

Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, at the weekend, in Beijing, made a strong case why the Chinese government should assist Nigeria financially in funding critical major infrastructure projects in the country. Senator Udoma who was in China for the Coordinator’s meeting on the implementation of the follow-up actions of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) also used the opportunity to discuss issues of vital economic interest with that country’s Vice Minister for Commerce, Mr. Qian Keming; and officials of China EXIM bank, where he stressed the mutually beneficial relationship the two countries will eventually enjoy if Nigeria’s economy is assisted to grow rapidly.

At the Johannesburg Summit in South Africa in December 2015, China had agreed to Assist African countries in ten strategic areas that will help their economy. It pledged $60 billion in aid, grants and concessional loans.

Nigeria is trying to get as much of the Chinese funding for projects in the form of grants, aids, investments and loans. The loan component will however be within the country’s debt sustainability limits. Projects proposed for the facility by Nigeria is in the region of about $20 billion, and the Minister said Nigeria will be in a better stead if the Chinese government will assist with a substantial part of the funds required.

During the various meetings, Senator Udoma stressed the need for special consideration for Nigeria given its strategic relationship with China, its economic potentials, and its capacity to redeem its part of the transaction obligations.

The Minister said following the meetings, both countries expressed satisfaction with the proposals and are very anxious to take proceedings to the next level.
During the Cooperation meeting attended by ministers from various countries in Africa, China’s President Xi Jinping said the meeting was an important step taken by China and Africa to implement the consensus of Chinese and Africa leaders and the outcomes of the FOCAC.
“It is a significant measure to boost China-African cooperative development. The meeting demonstrates to the world once again that no matter how the international landscape may change, the resolve of China and Africa to pursue unity and win-win cooperation will never change”, Jinping said.

The President noted that the weak performance of the world economy brings both opportunities and challenges to the economic development of China and Africa. “We must stand shoulder to shoulder and march forward hand in hand,” he admonished.

In his keynote speech, China’s State Councilor, Yang Jiech, explained that his country initiated the meeting at this time “to take stock of the delivery of summit outcomes, to align our thinking, built consensus, overcome challenges and difficulties, share experience and promote cooperation, so that we can pool the wisdom and strength of both sides and give a leg up to the implementation work”.

At the plenary session, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, was pleased that both China and the African countries have attained a high level of implementation of the outcomes of the summit, have acted promptly to take forward the five pillars and ten plans of cooperation and have made substantial progress in enhancing friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation across board.

He added that China has delivered on its commitments and made every effort to advance follow-up actions.

Akpandem James
Media Adviser to the Hon Minister

How Timothy Iro was killed by a police officer in Kano, Igbo Traders Association demands for justice

Sunday, July 31, 2016

The Igbo Traders Association, ITA, in Kano state has demanded for justice over the gruesome murder of Tochukwu  Iro by police officers in Sabon Gari, Kano State on Wednesday, July 27.

Tochukwu Iro, a patent medicine dealer was shot by trigger-happy police officers attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, of the Kano state Police Command.


According to eyewitness accounts, the 40-year-old married father of two children from from Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State was allegedly killed at about 12 noon Wednesday along France Road, opposite First Baptist Church in Sabon Gari area of the state.

One of the eyewitnesses who spoke to International Centre For Investigative Reporting(ICIR)

"On Wednesday afternoon, at about 12 noon, we saw Tochukwu walking along the road, as he tried to negotiate Illaro Road, two armed police men walked up to him. They came with tinted glass car. They stopped the car close to First Baptist Church, crossed the road and ordered Tochukwu to stop. When he stopped, there was a mild argument between him and the two armed men; and one of them who was wearing Kaftan brought out a branded police rifle and shot him. When traders around started shouting, the same man shot into the air and bundled the victim into a waiting tricycle, while his partner crossed the road, dashed into the car and zoomed off."

Speaking during an emergency Press Conference organized by the Igbo Traders Association at the Abubakar  Rimi Market, chairman of the traders, Chief Emmanuel Amadi disclosed that Iro died at Murtala Muhammad Specialist hospital Thursday afternoon after a failed operation.

"On that Wednesday, I was attending a market Board meeting  with General Manager of Abubakar Rimi Market, security chiefs and other stakeholders when I received a call that one of our members was shot by the police along France Road. I immediately told the market management and they asked me to get more details over the incident. We made arrangements to ensure that he was taken to hospital for treatment.  

"Around 9 p.m. on that Wednesday, I put a call across to Murtala Muhammad Hospital and I was told that he was responding to treatment. On Thursday morning, I called the hospital and was told that he was taken to the theatre for operation; but it was so sad that this afternoon (Thursday), we got the news that he could not survive the gun shot. As I am speaking to you now, Tochukwu is dead.  

"I have his file here and I can attest to the fact that he was a peace-loving man. We have never known him as a criminal and that is why we wondered why such an innocent man could be killed in such a gruesome manner. Since the news of his death, we have not rested. 

"The youths were here in our office this afternoon in protest over the killing of their brother. They are demanding for justice. On our own, we have pleaded with them not to take laws into their hands; and all we are saying is that the killers of Tochukwu must be made face justice"  he stated.

The Kano Police Command Public Relations Officer,  DSP Magaji Musa Majia, who confirmed the incident claimed that the deceased was shot because he refused to stop. A statement issued by the command below:

"The Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the public that on  27th July, 2016 at about 1200hrs a team of operatives attached to Special Anti-Robbery

 Squad (SARS) based on tip off along France Road,  stopped one Ogochukwu Augustine `m’ of Odutola Street S/gari but he refused to stop. He was subsequently pursued and while trying to escape, he was shot at the hipbone and immediately rushed to Murtala Specialist Hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment. The Commissioner of Police Kano State Alhaji Rabiu Yusuf  has directed for immediate arrest and detention of the team leader and his men for interrogation at the State CIID Kano. He also summoned the Elders of Igbo Community in Kano where he sympathizes with them and assured that Justice will be done. The Commissioner of Police also stated that his primary assignment is to protect life and property and will not condone any Police personnel who risk the life of innocent citizens. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as investigation is completed before further action taken"

Source-  ICiR

JAMB withdraws 2016 admission list forwarded to various universities, says candidates should not to panic

Sunday, July 31, 2016

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has withdrawn the 2016 admission list it forwarded to different Nigerian Universities. This was disclosed in a statement by the body's spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin released today July 31st. Part of the statement reads

“This is to ensure that the University Senate perform its statutory responsibility of conducting the selection of candidates and refer it to JAMB for confirmation in line with the admission criteria of merit, catchment and educationally disadvantaged states as directed by the Hon Minister of Education at the policy committee meeting,”

The earlier list was sent to help fast track the process of admission so as to allow other tiers of institutions also conduct their admission. Candidates should not panic because this is part of the process of the 2016 admission exercise. JAMB regrets any inconvenience this decision would have caused the tertiary institutions. The board regrets any inconvenience it’s proactive step would have caused the tertiary institutions.”

Heartbroken man who went 'crazy' after splitting from his wife found naked and crying in the middle of a road

Sunday, July 31, 2016

A heartbroken French man was discovered lying naked in the middle of the road on Friday night in Prachuap Khiri Khan city, Thailand.

The 62-year-old man was found just on Sala Cheep Road in front of a Guesthouse where he had been staying since July 14. His wailing could be heard all along the road at about 5:30pm.

Notified by some good Samaritans, police came and helped take the man, whose name was withheld, back to his room. At that point he decided to lock himself inside, but after a chat, officers were able to persuade him to come out again.

"We took him to the hospital as he was determined to be in a deranged state," said police Col. Amphol Amornlakpreecha

Kanokwan Saleephol, the 34-year-old guesthouse owner (pictured displaying the bottle of wine consumed by the Frenchman before he turned up naked in the road) said her guest appeared to be sad some days ago, saying he missed his wife whom he had split from before the trip to Thailand. She said nearly a full bottle of wine precipitated his appearance in the road.

Source: Khaosod English

"It was a traumatic experience" says Catholic priest who spoke to the executed Nigerians at the shooting place in Indonesia

Sunday, July 31, 2016

A Catholic priest who was present at Nusakambangan prison in Indonesia during last Thursday's executions of three Nigerian drug convicts and one local drug lord, has described the experience as 'traumatic'

Father Charles Burrows, who is based in Cilacap near the prison, was called there to speak with two of of the three Nigerians, who were among 4 death row prisoners executed by firing squad. 

Father Burrows said he doesn't know if the executed prisoners suffered. He said he had been present in the past when it has taken several minutes for prisoners to die.

"The first time, it was seven to eight minutes, and then there were some of the other times it was 15 minutes and they still weren't, hadn't expired," he said. "And the captain has to wait with a pistol and shoot into the brain." he told Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Father Burrows said he went with the other ministers from different spiritualities to the "shooting place", because there was no time to speak with them in their cells, with great confusion in the lead-up to the execution. He said it was a "traumatic experience". The ministers prayed together while four ministers spoke to the four men who were executed.

"They were given some minutes to talk to the prisoners or console them somewhat. Then they came back and the prisoners were tied to the stakes. And then they went, were given another few minutes. They were shot pretty quickly after that."

Father Burrows said the executed prisoners were "seemingly" blindfolded first, and remained dignified until the end.

"There was a lot of anger in the first state (last year's execution) not last night," Father Burrows said of the latest executions. But eventually … they realise they're going to die, so you best try and die with dignity."

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Attorney General has refused to explain why 10 prisoners, including one Indonesian woman, received an 11th hour reprieve from the firing squad.

Authorities are set to return the bodies of the executed Nigerian death row convicts to the country, Tempo Jakarta reports.

Rapper, Wacka Flocka sends sweet birthday message to his wife Tammy Rivera as she turns 30

Sunday, July 31, 2016

30 year old Rapper Wacka Flocka took to his instagram page to send a loving emotional birthday message to his wife and Love & HipHop: Atlanta star, Tammy Rivera as she turned 30. He captioned his post;

'Happy Birthday Mrs. Malphurs. I remember when we first met I told you that I would marry you and you laughed. An' said boy shut up! Six years later and your my wife. Your loyalty, love and determination are what binds us.' ' Words can not express nor will people ever understand how we feel about one another. Hell you love me more then I love myself.' ' A true partner in life, my best friend. You did something money or the streets couldn't do for me. You helped evolve a young man to a grown ass man. An' for that, I love you and our beautiful daughter Charlie.' ' Thank you for allowing me to help raise and guide her in this cold world we live in. I got y'all forever! The Flocka's🤘Happy Birthday baby! Enjoy Jamaica 😘

Miss World Kenya stripped of her title over 'a grave situation'

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Miss World Kenya 2016, Roshanara Ebraham, has been stripped of her title by the the beauty pageant franchise. Ebrahim, who was crowned the winner at the Kenya finals of the 2016 Miss World Kenya was stripped of both the crown and title because she did not "uphold a strict code of conduct that expects beauty queens to manage their public and private life." 

 

A press statement sent out to media houses confirmed that Roshanara is no longer the Kenyan representative in the 2016 Miss World and she will be replaced. The prestigious international pageant will take place in Washington D.C, USA on Tuesday, December 20. According to Terry Muigai the Franchise director: 

"Effective immediately, Roshanara Ebrahim will not be representing the country both domestically and internationally as Miss World Kenya. A grave situation has come to our attention that is in breach of our Code of Conduct and our contract with the reigning Miss World Kenya 2016 Roshanara. We uphold a strict code of conduct that expects beauty queens to manage their public and private life."

The statement didn't say what the "grave situation is". Roshanara has responded to being stripped of her title. Her statement reads:

"It is with great sadness that I accept the decision of Miss World Kenya office to relinquish me of my duties as Miss World Kenya 2016. I urge aspiring beauty queens to ensure their personal life does not affect their role as Miss World Kenya. I wish my successor the best as we look to clinching top position in the Miss World competition later in the year."

In June, 2016 the rumour mill linked Roshanara romantically with Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria; claims that she vehemently rubbished, eDaily reports. The allegations surfaced after stories that appeared on local blogs and other social media platforms alluded that she was in an affair with Mr Kuria. Roshanara said that the reports were reckless and unfounded.

In an Interview with The Star on June 14, the beauty categorically debunked any connections between herself and Moses.

"There have been stories on several Kenyan blogs that Miss Kenya 2016, which is me, is dating Moses Kuria. I want to clarify that I am not in any relationship with him. I don’t even know him. I was really shocked at first to read that I am dating a person whom I am not even aware who he was." she said.

Source: The Star Kenya/eDaily

NFF president Amaju Pinnick explains why he missed Stephen Keshi's burial

Sunday, July 31, 2016

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick on Friday wasn't at the burial ceremony of late super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi in Delta state and Twitter users blasted him, calling for his resignation, with some saying he didn't attend because of his feud with Keshi.

Amaju then took to his verified Twitter account to explain that he wasn't feeling well, that's why he missed the burial. See his tweets after the cut...

Nigerian Military attacks Ijaw militants in Ogun State

Sunday, July 31, 2016

The Nigerian Military has continued the aerial bombardment of Fatola, the hideout of militants and pipeline vandals in the Arepo area of Ogun State. According to online reports, the air raid happened in yesterday afternoon and was said to have lasted 30 minutes. A fighter jet fired missiles at the Iroko creeks, leaving no fewer than 100 suspected militants dead and their camps/shanties destroyed.

Residents were caught unawares and had to run from their homes to avoid being hit during the bombardment.


The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar confirmed the air strikes. According to him, the joint operation will continue until the area is secure and free from all criminal gangs, either militants or vandals. However, he didn't ascertain the number of casualties from the strike.

Singer K.Michelle sends consolation tweets to long term enemy Toya Wright after hearing of her brothers' deaths

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Singer K.Michelle this morning tweeted her consolation to Toya Wright after news broke that two of her brothers were killed in New Orleans, despite their long and messy history of feuding and beefing each other on social media over their mutual ex, Memphitz.

Toya Wrights brothers, Rudy and Josh, were killed in New Orleans 7th ward. Toya received word while on stage and it is reported that she stormed off crying.

Blac Chyna shows of her growing baby bump

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Blac Chyna showed of her growing baby bump. She attended Kris Jenner's mother's birthday party last week but her fiancé, Rob Kardashian was missing at the party and he still has his IG account empty of her photos. More photos

Nicki Minaj's ex boyfriend Safaree wants to start a mobile car wash

7/31/2016

Kanye West goes on Twitter to rant about the feud going on between Apple and Tidal

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Kanye West took to twitter on Saturday to rant about the beef between Apple and Jay Z's Tidal telling Apple to pay Jay Z his money because they are "f---ing up the rap game." with their beef. Read his tweets after the cut...

Ijaw leaders warn militants not to declare a Republic of N-Delta

Sunday, July 31, 2016

The leaders of Thoughts of Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta region at a meeting in Warri, Delta State, hosted by Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark over the weekend, warned Ijaw militants against their vow to declare a Republic of Niger-Delta.
At the meeting were, Bayelsa state governor, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, Deputy Governor of Delta state, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, former Minister of Culture, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo.

Also in attendance were former national chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, HRM Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu, Mbene III, Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, Alabo Tobin-West; Chief Boma Obuoforibo, INC National Chairman, and Sir NGO Martins Martyns-Yellowe, Chairman Civil Service Commission.

The leaders all agreed that what the Ijaw nation wants is true federalism not division.

Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark  said:

“The Elders and Leaders of Thought of the Ijaw nation call for the immediate restructuring of the Nigerian nation along the lines of peaceful federalism, and noticed that this is the panacea for the sustainable development of Nigeria.”

Source: Vanguard

photos of Ciara, her husband Russell Wilson and baby Future

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Ciara and her son, baby Future were at her husband-NFL player, Russell Wilson's training ground yesterday with baby Future trying on a helmet and the beautiful couple lifting him up in the air. Another photo after the cut...

First photos of Bobby Brown and wife Alicia's newborn baby Hendrix

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Bobby Brown and his wife Alicia Etheredge who welcomed their new daughter Hendrix Estelle Sheba Brown on July 21 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, were seen taking the newborn baby out on her first stroll in Los Angeles on Friday. Bobby and Alicia took turns pushing the baby in her stroller. More photos after the cut...

 

 

Photo credit: Daily Mail

Some Ministers are squatting and living in conditions equal to that of most Nigerians- Rotimi Amaechi

Sunday, July 31, 2016

During an interview with Osasu Igbinedion on The Osasu Show, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said some ministers are currently squatting in Abuja, and live like regular Nigerians.
Amaechi, who recently launched the Abuja-Kaduna railway line said:

“Listen to me; do you know that ministers, as we are talking now, some of them are squatting? We are living in conditions equal to that of most Nigerians”.

He also said that with the construction of the rail line, life would be easier for Nigerians and accommodation more affordable. He added that Nigerians can now live in Kaduna and work in Abuja, while paying less for accommodation in Kaduna.

He said:

“For those who don’t have houses, they’re able to rent houses at a cheap cost in Kaduna as against that of Abuja. It also impacts the savings; you have disposable income in your hand. It also impacts on agriculture, agricultural produce, you can transport easily and it will impact on cost of production because at that point, you’re able to move the cargo at a cheaper cost.

“And then whatever comes out of production, will be sold to the people at a cheaper cost. So basically, it has economic importance that would at the end of the day, impact on the socio-economic entities of Kaduna and Abuja.”

Nigeria will disintegrate before Buhari's very eyes if any more innocent blood is shed- FFK

Saturday, July 30, 2016

The former Aviation Minister said this in a new post he shared on his Facebook wall. It reads

"On 29th July 2016, CNN reported that "the Nigerian government is preparing troops for a crackdown in the Niger Delta if peace talks fail". This is sad and ominous. As United States Senator Ted Cruz once said "the light of truth is stronger than the terror of darkness". It follows that the biggest mistake that the Buhari administtation can possibly make is to attempt to "crack down" on the Niger Delta and kill innocent civilians.

If this ever happens, for whatever reason, it will set off a chain of events that will lead to the end of Nigeria as we know it. Nigeria will disintegrate before Buhari's very eyes if any more innocent blood is shed and if the towns, creeks and villages of the oil-producing states are shelled and reduced to rubble.

The cause of the people of the Niger Delta, and indeed that of the Igbo people of the eastern states, is just and their struggles and aspirations are legitimate and reasonable. Self-detetmination is a right. It is a concept and principle that is universally accepted and that has the backing of international law. You do not threaten and bomb those that seek to exercise that right: you treat them with respect, decency and decorum and attempt to persuade them to stay.

 This is a point that is lost on President Buhari and those around him. The Avengers are not Boko Haram: taking them on in the field of battle would be a monuemental error.

SSS seal off Appropriation committee office in the House of Reps

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Officials of the State Security Service, SSS, have sealed up the office of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation. This follows the accusations and counter accusations of budget padding by sacked chairman of the committee Abdulmumin Jibrin and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and three other principal officers.

SSS officials stormed the National Assembly this morning and placed padlocks on the Appropriation Committee's office. Just yesterday, Jibrin released a statement alleging that Dogara is attempting to get into his office to seize some documents.

Nnamdi Kanu sponsors football competition in Kuje prison

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu, sponsored the 2016 Kuje Prison championship competition which kicked off today. The competition is to foster peace and co-existence among the inmates and the prison officers. The ex-president of the Association Sivan Emeka thanked Kanu for his concern towards the inmates, saying the competition was an opportunity for some prisoners to discover their talents and looks more beyond the four-walls of Kuje prison.

Former NFL player Antonio Armstrong and wife shot dead by 16-year-old son

Saturday, July 30, 2016

The teenage son of former NFL player and Miami Dolphins linebacker has been charged with murdering his parents at their home in Houston, Texas.

The 16-year-old was charged as a juvenile andis being questioned by investigators in connection with the deaths of Antonio and Dawn Armstrong, NBC reports. 

 

  

Armstrong, 42,  who spent a season as a linebacker with the Miami Dolphins, and his wife Dawn were both shot in the early hours of Friday morning. Ms Armstrong died at the scene, while her husband was later pronounced dead at the city’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, having suffered a gunshot wound to his head

Three of the couple’s children were in the house at the time of the shooting, police said, including a 20-year-old son and a teenage daughter, neither of whom were hurt. The suspect called 911 at around 1.30am, shortly after the shooting occurred. His name has not been released because of age.

Police said they did not believe there was any history of domestic abuse in the family. Houston police homicide investigator Jimmy Dodson told KPRC that the Armstrongs were "an outstanding family" adding that Mr Armstrong was an associate pastor at a local church. "He's a great guy. The mother was apparently a great mother, according to family members," Mr Dodson said. "It was kind of the all-American family."

Mr Armstrong had been a college football star at Texas A&M University, and was named an All-American in his senior season as a linebacker for the A&M Aggies. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft but fractured an ankle in training and was released later that year, signing with the Dolphins, for whom he played four games.

A motivational speaker and fitness trainer, he and his wife owned a chain of three gyms called First Class Training in the Houston area. Former A&M head coach RC Slocum said in a statement:

"Antonio was a special young man. He was an all-American and an outstanding player, but he was an even better person. He was such a positive influence on his teammates. He always had a great big smile and a joy to coach"

Source: NBC/KPRC/Independent

Elderly Afghan cleric arrested after marrying a six-year-old girl, claims she was a 'religious offering'

Saturday, July 30, 2016

An elderly Afghan cleric has been arrested after he married a six-year-old girl, officials said Friday,July 30, in the latest case highlighting the scourge of child marriages in the Muslim country.

Mohammad Karim, said to around 60, who was being held in the central province of Ghor province, claimed her parents gave him the girl as a "religious offering". But officials cited the girl’s family on Friday as saying that she was abducted from the western province of Herat.

"This girl does not speak, but repeats only one thing: ‘I am afraid of this man’," said Masoom Anwari, head of the women affairs department in Ghor.

The girl is currently in a woman’s shelter in Ghor and her parents are on their way to the province to collect her, the local governor’s office said.

"Karim has been jailed and our investigation is ongoing," said Abdul Hai Khatibi, the governor’s spokesman. The incidents highlight rising cases of child marriages in Afghanistan.

"In some regions because of insecurity and poverty the families marry off their daughters at a very early age to get rid of them," said Sima Samar, head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.

Afghan civil law sets the legal age of marriage at 16 for girls, yet 15 per cent of Afghan women under 50 were married before their 15th birthday and almost half were married before the age of 18.

"So many children who are married off at a young age are deprived of their right to education, safety and the ability to make choices about their future," the charity said.

"This is such a fundamental breach of a child’s basic right." Samar added.