OBJ's Letter to Goodluck Jonathan

Before it is too late •A letter of appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo I am constrained to make this an open letter to you for a number of reasons. One, the current situation and consequent possible outcome dictate that I should, before the door closes on reason and promotion of national interest, alert you to the danger that may be lurking in the corner. Two, none of the four or more letters that I have written to you in the past two years or so has elicited an acknowledgment or any response. Three, people close to you, if not yourself, have been asking, what does Obasanjo want? Four, I could sense a semblance between the situation that we are gradually getting into and the situation we fell into as a nation during the Abacha era. Five, everything must be done to guard, protect and defend our fledgling democracy, nourish it and prevent bloodshed. Six, we must move away from advertently or inadvertently dividing the country along weak seams of North-South and Christian-Moslem. Seven, nothing should be done to allow the country to degenerate into economic dormancy, stagnation or retrogression. Eight, some of our

Why The Strike Must Continue: ASUU Releases 14-Point Guideline

The Federal Government had yesterday shifted its ultimatum for the reopening of universities till Monday. However, ASUU has restated its rejection of the ultimatum, issuing yesterday a 14-point guideline to its members on why they must sustain the strike, adding that government's claim that external forces were behind the union only betrays government's desperation to distract the union's genuine cause. This was made known by the union in Strike Bulletin No. 14, signed by ASUU National President Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge. The union came up with 14 guidelines signaling that it is prepared for a long drawn battle with the Federal Government. The guidelines read in part: • Do not sign any resumption of duty. Government is out to humiliate us. Hold your head high. This too shall pass!!! • If you receive any query on account of the ongoing strike, failure to sign resumption of duty register, etc, bring such to the attention of the branch chairperson immediately for guidance. • It is a general knowledge that members of ASUU are on a national strike. It is against the Labour Act and the ILO convention to sack anybody on account of participation in a strike, no matter how remotely related. • Remain resolute and refrain from violating the ongoing strike. Our Union is capable of protecting its members. • Meanwhile, be security conscious. Do not visit security agencies alone. In case of difficulties, always consult your Chairperson. • With our collective resolve, we can again brush off this unwarranted and provocative onslaught. Stand to be counted on the positive side of history. Do not betray your union. read

FG deposits N200bn varsity infrastructure fund in CBN

The Federal Government said it has deposited the N200bn promised as funding to universities into an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, confirmed this on Tuesday. The amount is meant for the renewal of infrastructure in public universities in the country. Okupe, who featured on Channels Television programme ‘Sunrise Daily’, said from the government’s perspective, everything that needed to be done had been done.

Featured Article - “ASUU STRIKE” – A THREE PRONGED ATTACK by a concerned Nigerian

Our African hero , Nelson Mandela once said “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Its no longer news that the federal and state owned universities in Nigeria are not functioning as supposed to due to the industrial action embarked upon by the academic staff union of universities (asuu) since the first of July, 2013. The reason the union gave as the federal government of Nigeria refusing to implement the agreement that they entered into with ASUU in 2009 purportedly willingly, but whether it was signed willingly or not is not our concern as Nigerians, but the fact that it was signed is, and knowing fully well, that anybody or body that signs and agreement has to shoulder responsibilities that come as a result of such agreements, e.g. giving birth to a child, we may as well put the blame on the federal government for the Non-Implementation of the said agreement.

ASUU Strike: University Lecturers Meet On Monday To Decide If Strike Should Continue

The strike of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has entered its fourth month, and lecturers of the government-owned universities will on Monday hold a referendum to make some decisions.

Local chapters of the Union in each campus have invited members for the crucial meeting during which they will be briefed on the outcome of the 13-hour long meeting ASUU Executives had with the President Goodluck Jonathan and other officials of the Federal Government. The briefing will be followed by voting in favour or against the continuation of the strike. Though some members of the union are still sceptical about the promise of the government, there are indications that the referendum will favour ending the strike. According to a union member, referendum is always conducted before a strike is embarked upon or called off. The ASUU embarked on a strike to demand the implementation of the 2009 agreement with government on July 1. Share on Facebook

Photos: Chika Ike celebrates birthday with students in Asaba

Nollywood actress Chika Ike turned a year older today and spent her day at a public school in Asaba, where she had her charity ball with children from different public schools. She gave them fancy nancy gift packs which included snacks, drinks and sweets and also gave them school supplies like maths set, pencil, customized school bags and books. She also awarded 5 students with scholarship under the Chika Ike Foundation

Annie Idibia off to the US to have her baby

2face Idibia's wife left for the US last night to go have her second child. She left the country with her 4 year old daughter Isabella and her mum and will be in Los Angeles until she gives birth. Pictured above with Nike Oshinowo at the airport last night

Agagu’s Coffin May Have Caused Crash – Analysts

Following the several events which trailed the Associated Airline plane crash weeks ago, there are now speculations that the cargo craft may have crashed a few minutes after take-off because the coffin it was carrying shifted.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTBS) after its investigation had reported that the aircraft crashed after it stalled at take-off. Being a cargo aircraft, the sudden movement of its cargo displaced the “aircraft C of G”. The report also indicated that the coffin carrying the remains of former Governor Olusegun Agagu was not strapped. A source who chose to remain anonymous told Channels Television that the circumstances leading to the crash of a cargo aircraft in Afghanistan, right after take-off, is similar to the case of the Associated Airline plane crash which occurred on 3rd October. The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Dele Sasegbon, on Wednesday said that an argument which reportedly ensued between the pilot of the ill-fated flight and the co-pilot indicated that there may have been a load shift. While speaking on Sunrise Daily, Mr Sasegbon stated that the speculations are not confirmed yet. Air safety has been ascertained in the past one year, he added. We have attained a lot of goals that were expected as far as air safety is concerned as the AIB is yet to submit a comprehensive report on its investigations. However, he attempted to allay the fears of travelers in Nigeria’s airspace, adding that “we have attained total airspace coverage” which means that all activities in the country’s airspace can be monitored. “As far as I am concerned, progress is being made although it may be slow, he said. Mr Sasegbon, who said that people have to consider several aspects before adjudging the airspace safe or not, stated that, the first criteria to consider, is that “the aircrafts, flying in our airspace, are safe and we can see them wherever they are.” “That has been achieved,” he said. Speaking about the aviation authority’s plans to improve the sector, he disclosed that in the past month and half, the NCAA, has been discussing with other stakeholders about aircraft safety. We have actually formed the team between the industry and the aviation authority. The team which will begin its work with helicopters has the oil companies in it and is headed by the same. The team is expected to come out with advisory circulars after the exercise. However, the said team is not fully established, yet.

Eid-El-Kabir: Sultan Calls On ASUU, Doctors To Call Off Strike

The Sultan of Sokoto yesterday joined the long list of eminent citizens and ordinary folks, who have pleaded with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and resident doctors to return to work and embrace dialogue in resolving their disputes with the federal government. Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, spoke at his palace in Sokoto while delivering his Eid-el-Kabir message. “We wish to use this opportunity to call on all those on strike, especially university lecturers, to call off their strike, so as to reduce the suffering of the people,” he said, adding that “they should go back to the negotiating table in order to bring an end to the crisis”. Sultan Abubakar further said: “The matter is of great concern to Nigerians. This creates problems in the development of the country. We call on the government to listen to the complaints of the workers with the intention of solving them. The workers, on their part, should always be mindful of the suffering of teeming populace in the country. “The strike by university lecturers, which is in its fourth month now, has caused a lot of hardship to millions of students and their parents, just as the strike by medical doctors has led to loss of several lives and untold sufferings for the sick, who cannot afford going to private clinics,” the Sultan lamented. He, therefore, appealed to the lecturers and medical doctors to call off their strike actions and go back to the negotiation table in order to resolve the industrial crisis. The monarch also expressed worry over the insecurity situation in the country, saying “it is a matter of great concern”. He urged Muslims to live peacefully with all and avoid all acts of violence.

Kris Humphries Engagement Ring To Kim Kardashian Auctions For $620k

After all the ups and downs, Kim K and ex-hubby, Kris Humphries, finalize their divorce a couple of months ago. The engagement ring Kris gave to Kim was sold at an auction for $620, 000. The ring was weirdly acquired by Kim herself and sold yesterday October 15th at a Christie’s auction in NYC, This is how Us Weekly reports it: - The unknown buyer bought the Lorraine Schwartz creation, which features a 16.21-carat center diamond and two 1.8-carat side diamonds for a total of $749,000, which is plus tax

Nigerian 11-Year-Old Girl Becomes Ambassador In Tanzania

Zuriel Oduwole, a Nigeria wonder girl advocating for education for the girl child in Africa at the age of 10 already became the youngest person ever interviewed by Forbes. Now Zuriel is 11 and she has been appointed Ambassador in Tanzania.

It was the girl’s second country stop on her East African leg to launch the acclaimed Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up program, aimed at inspiring and motivating Africa’s girls. When the girl’s plane landed, she was welcomed by senior officials of the Tanzanian State House, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Education On the first day Zuriel visited one of the oldest academic institutions in Dar Es Salaam, the Olympio School. In the afternoon of October 11th, the day designated by the UN to celebrating the Girl Child, she attended the United Nations UNFPA event in Dar Es Salaam, which focused on reducing the incidence of child marriage in Tanzania. She later gave exclusive interview to the national ITV network. Her stay, rich in events, was followed by formal invitation by the First Lady to the State House. Madam Salma Kikwete praised Zuriel for attracting attention to the issues of girls education to several African leaders.

Vector thinks (some) Nigerian rappers can outdo Jay Z in a freestyle

In an interview with Encomium mag this week, Nigerian rapper Vector Tha Viper said he would like to freestyle with the current king of rap Jay Z and thinks he and other Nigerian rappers can outdo him When asked what he tell Jay Z if he had a moment with him, Vector replied "I will really like to freestyle with him. I hear he doesn’t write in the studio and that’s cool but somewhere in my head I’m thinking we can outdo that guy. I’d like for him to see that hip-hop for Naija no be beans.. you think they really can do it?

Tonto Dike Flaunts Her Diamond Plated Iphone 5

Controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh is among the few celebs with the gold plated or diamond plated customized iphones. The actress and singer flaunted her expensive iphone on her Instagram page a couple of days back. Tonto seems to be doing very well financially, considering she hasn’t been in any movie recently.

Special Adviser’s Elder Sister Kidnapped In Bayelsa

Elder sister to Mr. Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy has been kidnapped in Ogbia town, Bayelsa State. Mrs Douglas-Ayam was kidnapped at 8p.m., Monday night, in Ogbia town by unknown gunmen, acccording to reports. Confirming the incident to newsmen in Yenegoa, yesterday, Sate Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara said he had just returned to the state capital after visiting the scene of the kidnap at Ogbia town. According to Opara, no arrest had been made, but that the Marine Police had been deployed to the creeks to effect the victim’s rescue. Spokesman for the state’s Police Command, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, also speaking on the kidnap, said that officers from Anti-Kidnapping Squad had been deployed to go after the kidnappers. “We are after the kidnappers and very soon, they will be apprehended and the woman rescued,” he said. Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Government has expressed shock and disbelief over the incident. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Markson Fefegha said that the report of the kidnap came as a shock, but that the state government remained resolute in its determination to stamp out criminal activities in the state. “It is sad and embarrassing that it happened at a time the present administration is recording great successes in the area of sustaining existing peace. “The state government is, however, optimistic that the security agencies will go after the kidnappers and swiftly rescue her,” Fefegha said.

PHCN: We Shall Resist Any Physical Hand-Over Until All Payments Are Concluded – SSAEAC

Claims by the federal government it had paid most of the workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, their terminal benefits ahead of hand-over to new owners, have been dismissed by the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, saying only a few workers had been paid. The association, in a petition to the Minister of Power, claimed that the money purported to have been paid to the workers after the October 2 agreement with the government never entered the workers’ accounts, reiterating its position that no new owners would take physical possession of PHCN assets until all workers had been paid their terminal benefits. SSAEAC President-General and Secretary General, Bede Opara and Abiodun Ogunsegha, in the petition warned that workers would shut down the sector should effort be made to physically take over the assets without full payment of workers’ benefits. “We state here that in our meeting with the Chairman, Implementation Committee, Permanent Secretary, Federal Minister of Power on Wednesday 2nd October, 2013, it was agreed that payment of terminal benefits of PHCN staff entitlements will be concluded in two weeks from that date. However we note that up to this moment, only a handful of payment has been made.

OC Ukeje gets brand new Nissan car for winning Best Actor at NMA

Nollywood actor OC Ukeje was the lucky winner of a brand new Nissan car for winning the Best Actor award at the Nollywood Movies Awards which held on Saturday October 12th. Rita Dominic, who won the Best Actress award was also supposed to get something but the organizers didn't make public what she won. Big congrats to OC. cool actor i think!

Former Gospel singer; Maheeda Throws Caution to the Wind

I wonder she's still being referred to as a gospel musician

ASUU Is Lying, FG Says As ASUP Resumes Strike

Just weeks after the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, described the Federal Government as deceitful due to the way the latter has been dealing with issues responsible for the lingering strike by the union, the FG has also ASUU of being economical with the truth on the strike. Speaking in Abuja when he received some youth groups who were on a visit to his office, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Matters, Com. Jude Imagwe, stated that the claim by the union that its action was to restore infrastructural decay in universities was nothing but a lie, noting that ASUU was fighting for allowances.“They initially told us that it was about infrastructure, but it is about allowances. N30b has been released for the payment of their accumulated allowances, and N100b earmarked for infrastructural development. It is important for the public to know that government did not say this is all that it will give, but government says go and start the payment with this amount and let us know the amount it will add”.Meanwhile, the suspended strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) is to resume on Friday. The union alleged insincerity and failure of the Federal Government to honour agreement entered with the union. The union also passed a vote of no confidence on the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), alleging that the board has failed to meet the needs and demands of polytechnic education in the country.

Boko Haram attacks College of Agriculture in Yobe, over 30 students killed

Reports has it that Boko Haram gunmen this morning Sunday September 29th stormed the student dormitory of the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State, shooting students as they slept, killing at least 30 of them. The death toll could be way higher as several dead bodies were recovered from hostels, classrooms, bushes and corners around the school. Area Military spokesman Lazarus Eli confirmed the incident and said that security forces have been deployed to the school to protect surviving students until they can all leave the campus. Eli said the attack was carried out by “Boko Haram terrorists who went into the school and opened fire on students while they were sleeping"

Woooh! Here comes The Tweet!

Since 2faceidibia retweeted this, he must have agree with this,Congrats to 2baba! *winks*

Why Military Can Never Provide Solution To Boko Haram Insurgency, Ex-Chief Of Defence Staff

A former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), has said that the current Boko Haram insurgency cannot be resolved using only what he called military solutions. Agwai stated this Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, during the public launch of a book entitled, ‘Integrity Matters: Men of Honour in the Public Square’, written by the Dean, Graduate School, Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos.According to him, “You can never solve any of these problems with military solutions. The military can always be an enabling force. They will sensitise; they will stabilise the area. It is a political issue; it is a social issue; it is an economic issue, and until these issues are addressed, the military can never give you a solution. “So, to say the military has failed or is overwhelmed or has not failed… But I will say that if anybody expects the military to give you a solution to this problem, it is not a military problem, it is not a war. You are not fighting another country invading Nigeria. So, you cannot get a military solution to that.” Agwai, refused to assess the performance of troops deployed to the areas under state of emergency when he does not have “all the operators gathering the information and what is happening, the overall plan and the exit plan.” He attributed his military career which saw him rise to the pinnacle as Chief of Army Staff and then Chief of Defence Staff to the grace of God just as he added that during the period, there was insurgency in the southern part of the country but it was contained. Agwai, who once led one of the biggest United Nations peacekeeping operations in the world in Darfur, Sudan, also spoke on the country turning 53 years on Tuesday. He expressed appreciation to God that Nigeria became independent the very year he went to Senior Primary School. “I remembered vividly how we used to sing the old National Anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee’. I remember also vividly the Coat of Arms, the Green White Green they (the British) gave us. We have come a long way. “As human beings, there are always high expectations. And I have always said that the most difficult thing to manage is expectation. There were other challenges, which included the civil war; we had our challenges but we have also had our good points. We have championed freedom in Africa. Everybody knows what role Nigeria played in getting South Africa and the southern part of Africa to become free and independent. Everybody knows what we did in Angola, everybody knows what we have done in our sub-region, in Liberia, in Sierra Leone, in Guinea Bissau and so many other places”, he said. -The Guardian

Photos from Vanessa Amadi's white wedding

Top PR guru Vanessa Amadi married her sweetheart yesterday Saturday September 28th in the UK. The beautiful bride wore the mermaid silhouette 'Gemma' (my dream wedding dress) by Vera Wang. So beautiful! Vanessa also had two very famous women in her bridal train -singers Estelle and Keisha Buchanan, singer of girl group Sugababes. Genevieve Nnaji, Toolz, Alexander Amosu and D'Banj were also at the wedding.

Lamido: Mutual Distrust Between ASUU, FG Prolonging Strike

Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa on Saturday appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end the ongoing strike in the interest of the students. Lamido made the appeal when he received a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Dutse. He said it was unfortunate that the industrial action was still on almost three months since it began. The governor blamed the protracted strike on lack of trust between the Federal Government and ASUU.“It is really unfortunate that the strike has lasted up until this time. There is no trust between the two bodies and when there is no trust it will be difficult to have a common ground. “As a parent, I am so worried seeing our children that supposed to be in school at home. “I am appealing to ASUU to go back to the classroom while the negotiation with the government continues,” he said. Lamido, however, pleaded with the Federal Government to continue to dialogue with the union, even after the strike had been called off. He said this would enable the two parties to sort out the gray areas in the dispute, adding that ASUU and the Federal Government should approach the dialogue with sincerity. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Ahmed Jibril, appealed to Lamido to intervene to end the lingering industrial action. Jibril, who is the Vice President National Affairs, NANS, said that it was unfortunate for students to be allowed to stay at home for more than three months as a result of the strike. According to him, parents and students are left to bear the consequences of the strike. He told Lamido that they were in the state on tour of education facilities. (NAN)

Entertainment- Why I Will Never Marry – Oprah Winfrey

Talk show host, and one of the world’s most influential women, Oprah Winfrey has revealed why she will never, ever marry her longtime partner Stedman – despite friend, Tina Turner demanding she walk down the aisle. Oprah and Tina have been friends for years, with Oprah attending the singer’s wedding back in July. But the talk show queen says she has come to the conclusion that such a union is just not for her. When asked if she would leave earth as a “never-married” woman, Oprah made her feelings very clear. “Yes,” she told Access Hollywood. “Yeah, I think that’s my final answer.” Tina exchanged vows with German music producer Erwin Bach at Lake Zurich, Switzerland. And the romantic affair made Oprah wonder if she and partner Stedman Graham should tie the knot. “I think that it’s interesting that you would ask it because I thought about it again at Tina Turner’s wedding,” Oprah revealed.

‘Nobody Listened When I Preached, Now I’m Showing Privates Even Pastors Come Around’– Gospel Singer Maheeda

Nigerian prostitute turned gospel singer, Caroline Sam, aka, Maheeda is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most talked about women.

This leaves one wondering what kind of message she is preaching. Well, Maheeda’s recent video of her, unclad in the shower didn’t go down well with many of her fans and she has being receiving criticisms from all over. Responding to her critics, she says when she was preaching nobody listened now she is exposing her privates and everybody is coming to her even pastors.

MI, Burna Boy, others, celebrate Nigeria with Close Up Loves Naija Concerts

You remember the Close Up Loves Naija concert last year which featured musical acts as TuFace Idibia, Naeto C, Omawunmi, Ice Prince and DJ Jimmy Jatt, and the popular theme song produced by Cobhams Asuquo? Well, preparations for this year’s concert are in full gear. With Nigeria’s 53rd Independence anniversary just a few days away, Nigeria’s top music artistes have gathered to celebrate with concerts in different locations across the country. The concerts will feature MI, Olamide, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Phyno and DJ Jimmy Jatt at Silverbird Galleria in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja on the 1st of October, 2013. The events will comprise full games and activities from 10am and free for all to attend, so mark it down in your calendar. For more information log on to www.facebook.com/closeupng. The Countdown begins! Naija get ready!!!

President Jonathan to speak on current national issues tomorrow

President Goodluck Jonathan will host another edition of the Presidential Media Chat tomorrow Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 7pm. See the State House Press Release below President Jonathan will in the course of the programme, answer questions from a panel of journalists on current national issues and events, as well as policies and actions of his administration. Members of the public who have questions they will like the President to respond to on the programme may send them in via Twitter to @mediachatng1. The programme will be broadcast live on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Voice of Nigeria (VON). Other television and radio stations are enjoined to hook up to NTA and FRCN to relay the programme to their viewers and listeners.