Photos: Joke Silva, Liz Benson, others step out to celebrate Monalisa Chinda at 40

Actress Monalisa Chinda, marked her 40th birthday with friends and colleagues at a private birthday dinner on Saturday, 13 September at Villa Medici in VI.

Eminent personalities that stepped out to celebrate Monalisa included; Liz Benson, Joke Silva, Tonye Cole, Mai Atafo, Uti Nwachukwu, Julius Agwu, AY, Segun Arinze, Rucky Sanda, Olisa Adibua, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Basorge Tariah Jnr, Zik Zulu Okafor, Lola Maja-Okojevoh, Patrick and Iretiola Doyle, Gloria Ibru amongst others. See the photos after the cut...

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Abuja runs girl bags 100 days imprisonment for stealing customer's N500k

 

A 23 year old prostitute named Rosemary Ebikeme has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Abuja court for stealing a customer's $3,200 (about N500,000).

The senior magistrate, Abdulahi Ilaleh, of Life Camp Senior magistrate’s court, Abuja, convicted Rosemary after she pleaded guilty to a one-count charge, however, gave her an option of N5,000 fine.

Ilaleh cautioned the convict to desist from the crime, saying that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others. Continue...


Prosecutor Ona Odigiri had told the court that on September 4 one Aleixandre Sachir of Tack Continental Estate, Life Camp, reported the matter to Life Camp Police Station. The prosecutor further told the court that the complainant met the convict in a cinema hall and took her to Waxride Hotel. He said the convict stole $3,200 from the complainant on September 2 and eloped.

Odigiri said that when the convict came back to complain on September 4, she was apprehended and handed over to the police. The convict, however, pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court to temper justice with mercy. She said: “Please have mercy on me; I am a student and I am only looking for money to pay my school fees. I stole the money to do business so that I will stop selling my body for money. Please forgive me. “I stole the money from him, even though he paid me N5,000 for my service, please have mercy in God’s name.”

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 288 of the Penal Code Law.

Source: Vanguard

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Dear LIB readers: I was forced in school and now it's come back to haunt me

 

From a female LIB reader

I'm in a big mess, and I don't know how to get out of this...here is my story. About Seven years ago, when I was still in the University, I did something very stupid and childish and I paid dearly for it, and right now its looks like the ghost of the past has come back to haunt me.

I was in my 2nd year in school when I met Tosin (not real name) she was my Roomie that year and we became quite close. She was dating this cool guy who bought her so many things and took her to the coolest parties, despite our (the girls in the hostel room) plea to meet her boo, she refused, saying girls are not to be trusted. After about seven months of dating him, she entered the room this particular day crying...continue...

...telling us how she caught the guy with another girl. She cried for days, she was devastated. Then she came up with this ridiculous idea of setting the guy up and treating his f**k up. I was picked to be the bait, because I was the innocent and quiet one. I collected the guy's phone number and he fell for the sweet voice. That was how Jide and I started our relationship but it was a Revengetionship on my part. The deal was to make him fall for me and then I dump him. Jide was sweet to me, but I never allowed him to come see me in school, and once he found out that I was a virgin, oh he treated me like I was the rarest of all gems. After about four months of this charade, He found out the connection between Tosin and I, and to say he was angry is an understatement. He called me names and we went our separate ways. He was hurt and this was good news for Tosin.

Six months later, I met this wonderful guy, Frank. He was so smooth and jovial, he charmed me and we started dating. After about three months, on this particular day, I got a call from Frank, he told me he was not feeling fine that I should quickly come over. Like every young lady in love, I dashed down to his house, but to my surprise, I met Frank playing scrabbles with two of his friends, looking quite healthy. He told me he just wanted to see my face. I sat down and watched them play for some minutes, then the door bell rang, and to my utmost mortification, Jide strolled in. It was at that moment that I knew I was in deep mess. To cut it short, my virginity was taken in a brutal way. I was raped by Jide, Frank and their two friends, I was then warned never to breathe a word to the police about it or they will kill me. I went back to the hostel and Tosin was the only one who knew about it, she was my rock and anchor, and she kept apologizing for putting me in the mess. We finished school and everyone went their separate ways.

Ever since the incident, I was not interested in men or any relationship, I kept to myself, focused on my future, I got a Job with a Telecommunications company and all was well in my world. Then early last year, I met this amazing guy, who gave me a reason to love again. Oh he loves me, and I love him too. Three months ago, he proposed and I accepted. It was that time that I found out that he is Tosin's very close cousin, Since then, Tosin has been threatening to tell him about the rape, that I should leave his cousin alone. She said if I don't, she will tell my fiance's family. I was shocked. She was the reason I went through all that, and she is threatening to take the little happiness I just found away from me again. I'm confused, I'm angry, I'm sad. I don't want to lose my man. I accept that I was stupid back then but I've paid dearly for it. Should I be deprived of this too? Someone please help!

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Sights And Sounds From Mercy Johnson's Emotional Baby Shower

Award winning  pregnant Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie, popularly known as Mercy Johnson, got a surprise baby shower yesterday in the United States.

[caption id="attachment_1867" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Mercy Johnson Okojie[/caption]

The actress who recently showcased her daughter’s first day at school got emotional when she walked in on friends, Nollywood stars and well wishers who were all planned up to give her the surprise of her life.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Most Beautiful Married Nigerian Celebrities

Although Laila reports that the pregnant mother of one, will be giving birth to a baby boy. She was said to be practically in tears when she walked into her surprise shower party organized by friends and loved ones. When the baby boy arrives, he would be Mercy’s second child with her hubby Prince Okojie. Their first child is a girl, baby Purity.

Enjoy viewing some of the photos below:

 

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Photos: Tiwa Savage and Davido rock African Unplugged concert

Tiwa Savage and Davido headlined the African Unplugged concert which held yesterday Sunday September 14th at the O2 Brixton Academy in London. So Tiwa was in Lagos on Saturday night for Mo Abudu's show where she performed and flew out same time to make it in time for this show in London on Sunday night. What a busy life! I hear Tiwa and Davido gave an incredible show. See more photos from the concert after the cut...

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Obama To Announce Major Offensive Against Ebola

Following the unabated increase in number of deaths recorded so far from the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in West Africa, United States President, Barack Obama, is expected to announce on Tuesday a plan

[caption id="attachment_1863" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Barack Obama.[/caption]

to boost his country’s involvement in the war against the deadly disease.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the plan would involve a greater involvement of the U.S military in tackling the worst recorded outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.

According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, the Ebola outbreak has now killed at least 2,400 people, mostly in Liberia, neighbouring Guinea and Sierra Leone.

It would be recalled that the U.S government recently announced that it has already committed around $100 million to tackle the outbreak by providing protective equipment for healthcare workers, food, water, medical and hygiene equipment.

Latest reports indicate that Obama could on Tuesday ask Congress for an additional $88 million to fund his new proposal.

READ ALSO: Obama Refuses To Send Ebola Drug To Africa

The details of the new plan are expected during Obama’s visit Tuesday to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

“There’s a lot that we’ve been putting toward this, but it is not sufficient,” Lisa Monaco, Obama’s counterterrorism adviser, told the Journal. “So the president has directed a more scaled-up response and that’s what you’re going to hear more about on Tuesday.”

This is coming barely days after Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf appealed to Obama for urgent aid, saying that without it her country would lose the fight against the disease.

READ ALSO: Photo: President Jonathan Poses With The Obamas

The WHO warned a couple of weeks ago that the Ebola outbreak is spreading increasingly in Liberia, where more than half of the deaths have been recorded.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said recently that it would build a 25-bed portable hospital unit in Liberia to help treat health workers infected by Ebola.

“We think these measures, this enhanced response, will help us bring this under control,” a White House official told the Journal. “The military has unique capabilities in terms of logistical capacities, in terms of manpower, in terms of operating in austere environments.”

Apart from Liberia, no fewer than seven people have died in Nigeria from the Ebola virus disease since the late Liberian diplomat, Patrick Sawyer brought the virus to Lagos on 20 July, and died on 25 July, 2014.

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Nigerian man dies after jumping off 3rd floor during drug raid in India

A 35 year old Nigerian man named Obyeka Anwanbukwa suspected to be involved in drugs peddling died on Saturday September 13th after jumping from the window of a third floor flat from a high rise (pictured above) during a drug raid in Akash Bhavan in th eBhaunagar area of Pimple Gurav in India

According to reports, a joint team of India's Narcotic Control Bureau, NCB, and some police officers, stormed the apartment where the deceased and his other Nigerian friends were staying around 8 on Saturday night and while being interrogated, Obyeka allegedly ran off and jumped from the 3rd floor of the building. He died of his injuries a few hours later. Continue...

"He tried to flee when asked about his involvement in drug peddling and jumped out of the window. He suffered injuries in the legs and other parts of the body and was immediately rushed to the Aundh District Hospital. After primary treatment, doctors declared him to be normal and the NCB team left for Mumbai with him. However, he complained of feeling unwell, following which he was brought back to the hospital, where he died during treatment around midnight," SPI Saifan Mujavar of the Sangvi Police station said.

His Nigerian friends are demanding for a thorough investigation into the cause of his death. A Nigerian, Bob Frany said "Police should submit his autopsy report to the Nigerian Embassy and also investigate the matter properly,"

Indian Police has however registered a case of accidental death under Section 174 (police to inquire and report on unnatural death) of the Criminal Procedure Code in India.

His body is presently at the Sassoon General Hospital and a post mortem is expected to be done on him today.

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Nigeria Awaits Delivery Of Mi Helicopters From Russia

The new contract for delivery of several state-of-the-art Mi-35 and Mi-171Sh helicopters has been recently signed between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation.

This has been confirmed by the Deputy Director General of Rosoboronexport, Sergei Goreslavsky, in a statement obtained by airrecognition.com.

The contract was signed in August this year. Unfortunately, the official did not confirm the exact number of helicopters subject to delivery. According to previous statements by Nigeria’s DHQ, the most likely quantity is 6 or 7.

[caption id="attachment_1859" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Russian helicopter, Mi-35M type. Photo: airrecognition.com[/caption]

He emphasised that the models are in demand on the African continent, noted that Mozambique is also among the customers. Mr Goreslavsky revealed that Mi-171Sh flying machines are in demand on global markets. They can be delivered in various configurations, with air defence, reconnaissance equipment and missile weaponry.

The helicopter can carry a cargo of 4 tons maximum, or transport up to 36 paratroopers, or carry 12 injured on stretchers.

The offered models are on service in the Russian Armed Forces since 2009.

At the same time, several experts have expressed concerns over ability of the Russian side to carry out timely delivery due to crisis in Ukraine and US/EU sanctions imposed on Moscow.

Absolute majority of engines for Russian-made helicopters were supplied from Ukraine. Due to current crisis in the relations between the two countries, such cooperation is no more possible.

The order to procure extra helicopters was given by President Jonathan himself.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Military Finds Missing Air Force Crew Member Alive

The decision followed a tragic crash of Mi-35 helicopter in Borno State on July 21, 2014.

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Local Residents Find Missing NAF jet in Adamawa, Crashed

Daily Newswatch reports that the Alpha Jet (NAF 466) belonging to the Nigerian Air Force declared missing by the Defence Headquarters in its Adamawa State’s operations may have been sighted by residents before it crashed.



The plane was said to have crashed on Saturday at Gabun village near Gaanda, in Gombi Local Government of the state.
Local farmers in Gombi Local Government Area of the state yesterday claimed to have sighted an aircraft that crashed at a place near Gabun primary school.
The residents said they saw a ‘low-flying jumbo jet’ matching the description of the missing Alpha Jet after it disappeared on Friday.
Several residents of Hawul, a border town in Borno State, also said they saw an aircraft in military colours with green-red-stripes flying so low over the mountains as the plane’s doors were clearly visible.
The residents, who are predominantly farmers, claimed they were disturbed by the incredibly loud noise on Friday, with the plane travelling from north to south-east, towards Hawul– Gabun.
A witness was said to have noted that “I’ve never seen a jet flying so low over our mountains before. We’ve seen planes, but I’m sure that this was not one of those. I could even make out the doors on the plane clearly.
“It’s not just me; several other residents have reported seeing the same thing. Some people got out of their houses to see what was causing the tremendous noise too.”
According sources, the plane may have crashed at Gabun, near a primary school, but without hurting the natives, as the pupils were reportedly not in session during the incident.
Gabun is a mountainous terrain, which runs through Biu in Borno State.
The village is a short distance from Michika and Madagali Local Government areas of the state where the military had engaged the Boko Haram terrorists last week in a bid to rout them from the areas they claimed they were in control.
It could, however, not be ascertained as at press time whether the two pilots said to have been on board survived or not, but a statement on the issue was still being expected by the Defence Headquarters .
Defence Headquarters had declared the Alpha Jet (NAF 466) missing in operation in Adamawa State.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade stated on Sunday that the aircraft, with two pilots on board, left Yola at about 10:45am on Friday, 12th September 2014, on a routine operational mission and was expected back by 12:00 noon but it never returned.
“Since then, all efforts to establish contact with the aircraft have not yielded any positive result. Meanwhile, search and rescue effort is ongoing to establish contact with the crew,” the short statement by the Defence spokesman had said.
A search and rescue operation had combed the place, but no further information was given.
The military, backed by war planes, has been fighting to push back recent advances by Boko Haram into the north of Adamawa state and also towards Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

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Researchers Discover Drug That Might Cure Ebola

Barely 24 hours after a report released by the World Health Organisation,WHO, says about 4,269 people have been infected and no fewer than 2,400 others killed by the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, this year in West African countries, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, some good news has appeared.

This is according to an announcement made on Saturday, 13 September, 2014, by researchers at the University of Liverpool that they have made a discovery that can lead to a cure for the deadly Ebola virus.

It would be recalled that since the epidemic outbreak in the West Africa early 2014, scientists and medical experts have been trying hard to fight the deadly Ebola virus and limit it’s outspread.

But it’s a long way to announce a cure for Ebola virus till date.

Only experimental drugs are been used to treat the victims of this deadly virus though some of the drugs have shown some positive results.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Speaks On Ebola Virus

However, a team from the Health Protection Research Unit at the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health, said they have stumbled across an existing drug used in the treatment of severe heart disease, which could be adapted to fight the contagious Ebola virus.

According to Xinhua reports,  in collaboration with Public Health England, the team has been looking at how Ebola virus hijacks proteins inside cells, and then seeking ways to stop this from happening.

READ ALSO: GTBank Bans Staffs From Handshakes

It was gathered that the experts looked at what proteins inside a cell are critical for the functions of Ebola virus and are hijacked by the virus to help with infection. One of the proteins they have targeted is known as VP24.

This protein disrupts signaling in infected human cells and disrupts the body’s immune system and the fight against the virus.

The Liverpool team then tried to find out if any existing drugs are available that could block the function of this particular protein.

And to their amazement they found the heart drug ‘ouabain’. This drug when administered can reduce the virus’ replication.

According to the team, further tests need to be done to ascertain the efficacy of the drug, but as the heart drug is already in use, much of the work to test whether it is safe for humans has already been completed.

This, they said, would potentially speed up the time it could take get the treatment to Ebola patients in need.

Speaking on their study, Julian Hiscox from the university’s Institute of Infection and Global Health, who led the research, said: “This study shows how existing therapeutics can be identified and potentially repurposed for anti-viral therapy.

“The technique of using existing and tested drugs for a different purpose can save considerable time and ultimately, lives.”

Few months ago, Canadian scientists also announced that a drug for the treatment of Ebola virus has passed the first test to confirm its efficacy.

The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family.

Known to be a condition that is transmitted from animals to humans, this virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.

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Ebola: Governor Mimiko Reacts To Resumption Date

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has advised schools proprietors and parents to stop agitating for early resumption of schools across the country.

This was announced at the weekend in Akure, the state capital by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, at the public presentation/investiture ceremony of Mr. Bode Akinwumi as the 28th President of the Akure/Owena Lions Clubs for 2014-2015 Lions year, This Day reports.

READ ALSO: Medical Practitioners Advise Hospitals Over Ebola Virus

He said the governor urged parents and proprietors to allow the Federal Government exploit all necessary measures in ensuring that the country is free from the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Adeyanju further revealed that the state government has already put in place measures to contain the spread of the disease in the state. He urged residents to always abide by instruction from medical practitioners in order to avoid contracting the deadly disease.

The commissioner, who expressed optimism that Ebola will be fully contained, said there had been other deadly diseases that have come and gone in the past, and advised that all the was needed is for people to follow the instructions about the disease. He said residents should call if there is any suspicious case of Ebola, and pleaded to residents to always ask questions.

READ ALSO: Ebola: FG Bows To Negative Pressure

“If our students must go back to school, they should not go back in trouble, we should not forget that only one case in Lagos brought problem to the whole country, so there is need for us to be in a hurry about our children’s resumption date” he said.

Following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria on July 20, 2014, the federal government in its effort to curb the disease from further spreading across the country, directed that school resumption across the country should be postponed.

The decision reportedly sparked a lot of reactions from schools proprietors and parents. On the September 13, 2014, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State cleared the air on theanticipated resumption date for public and private schools as directed by the Federal Government.

It would be recalled that Federal Government had earlier announced that primary and secondary schools across the country should resume academic activities on 22 September,2014

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Actress, Nuella And Movie Producer Expecting First Child

Nollywood Actress Nuella Njubigbo and her husband, movie director/producer, Tchidi Chikere are expecting their first child together.


The couple who are currently in the United states are so excited as Nuella showed off her baby bump.

See photos below

[caption id="attachment_1831" align="aligncenter" width="395"] Actress, Nuella and Husband, Tchidi Chikere[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1841" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Actress, Nuella and Husband, Tchidi Chikere[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1840" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Actress, Nuella and Husband, Tchidi Chikere[/caption]

The couple, Actress Nuella Njubigbo and movie director/producer, Tchidi Chikere got married on March 30th, 2014 in Anambra state, the bride’s hometown, Anambra state.

[caption id="attachment_1842" align="aligncenter" width="301"] Actress, Nuella and Tchidi Chikere’s engagement[/caption]

It would be recalled that their marriage was surrounded with a lot of controversies as Tchidi Chikere’s estranged wife and mother of his three children, Sophia accused the actress, Nuella of being the cause of their marriage breakup.

Well contrary to what his estranged wife and critics had to say, the move producer, Tchidi Chikere has expressed his love for his wife saying: “Nuella is my missing rib‘.

While Nollywood actress, Nuella revealed she followed her heart to marry Tchidi Chikere.

This will be the first child for Nuella but fourth for Tchidi who already has 3 sons with ex-wife Sophia Chikere.

READ ALSO: “Let The Wrath Of God Be Your Portion” – Popular Movie Star’s Estranged Wife Tells Nollywood Actress, Nuella Njigbo

 

 

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There Is Nothing Like Sexual Harassment In Nollywood - Adokiye

Controversial singer cum actress, Adokiye Kyrian popularly known as Adokiye has revealed that there is no sexual harassment in Nollywood.



The actress who recently revealed that she is  a virgin was interviewed by Vanguard and she said so many thing bothering on Nollywood and the movie industry ethics. The delectable singer, who recently challenged Boko Haram to deflower her so as to release the kidnapped Chibok girls, always seems to have her hands on the pulse of things.

[caption id="attachment_1837" align="aligncenter" width="268"] Adokiye Kyrian[/caption]

If she is not making something happening, something is happening about her. You need to read what Adokiye told Vanguard in a new interview about sexual harassment in Nollywood.

Read below excerpts from the interview:

• What have you been up to lately?

 Well, I have been working on movies I got called to do. And the movies are yet to come out.

• How would you cope with sexual harassment in the movie industry?

 There is nothing like sexual harassment. Don’t let any girl deceive you. No director, marketer, Producer or film maker would harass anybody sexually. Those girls saying it do so to get noticed by the directors, producers, marketers and the rest of them. And some of them are not even good artists. The only way they thought they could get movie roles is to offer their body. When they get
disappointed on account of their own inabilities to put up good performances at auditions, they come out crying that so and so have sexually harassed them. It is the order of the day among some wannabe actresses.

• But those that are good at what they do get work and would not come out to tell you they have been sexually harassed.

 Although harassment is everywhere, be it in Nollywood, in the offices, even in the music industry. It is the same story everywhere but it is hardly what you would call sexual harassment. When two people fancy each other and decide to go for each other, I don’t think that qualifies as sexual harassment. In fact, I think some girls are the ones harassing the film-makers sexually because they offer themselves to these people because of their lack of talent. If you ask me, I think a lot of girls should be educated on this issue of sexual harassment in Nollywood.

• So, what is the secret behind your still being a virgin?

 (Laughs) Should we talk about this virgin thing again? Well don’t you think a very young girl at 23 still owes that much to herself ?

It would be recalled that just recently,the Nigerian singer and actress, dared the Boko Haram sect asking why the sect is yet to accept her offer

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Ebola: We Are Yet To Receive FG's N200m assistance - Rivers Govt

Nigeria has been battling with the Ebola virus for over two months now since  Liberian-American ECOWAS Diplomat, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, brought the virus into the nation.

Since the virus crept into River state, The Rivers state government has said that they have not seen the N200m assistance the FG promised them despite Lagos State receiving the sum.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Advises FG To Immortalise Adadevoh.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Rivers State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sampson Parker said that the Amaechi led government has however allocated a budget of N1bn from Emergency Operation Committee to fight EVD in the State.

He said: “Well, I am still waiting; the Minister (of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu), has visited us and he said he was going to do something. So, I am waiting”.

He said that even though its early to start accounting the amount spent on fighting the virus.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has already given about N300 million and will continue to do more.

READ ALSO: Ebola: Fashola Clears Air On School Resumption

He said:“The Governor will continue to release more funds; we are paying salaries daily. We are paying allowances daily. The expenditure is a daily occurrence. We will continue to spend. We have a budget of about N1bn combined. It is not just Rivers State Ministry of Health.

“It is from Emergency Operation Committee, comprising the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, and Centre for Disease Control. That is the EOC, it is not Rivers State. So, that is what we are budgeting. That is our projection for Rivers State. The Governor has promised us that whenever we need resources, he is ready to make them available.”

READ ALSO: I See No Reason Why Schools Should Remain Closed – Health Minister

The Commissioner however said it is not yet time to start celebraing the end of Ebola, and said that as long as there are cases out in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

When asked if the Rivers State government had any plans to screen potential visitors, he said: “We have a very robust set up, not only for treatment but also for prevention. All the points of entry, coming in by bus, by air and by sea are all covered. We can do just that much, I always say that no matter how careful you are, a bad man is always a bad man; just as Ibukun (Koye) escaped Lagos and came to Port Harcourt. And, there was somebody that gave him a room.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Economy Triumphs Over Ebola

“In war, where everywhere is tight, you see people escaping tough gun battle and going to another country. It is like that. And, again, that brings the fact that it is not yet time to celebrate until we sort out the issues in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Those are human beings; and, in every human being, the survival instinct is high. If anyone escapes in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the place they will think of is Nigeria.

“No matter how tight we put our security, they will find a way to break through. The best way to prevent this disease from coming into Nigeria is to go there; the international community, Nigeria, West Africa community and Africa should go there and solve their problems. If you don’t solve their problems, one way or the other, they will break through into other countries.”

Last Week, Health minister Chukwu said: “We know now that there is no place in Nigeria now that we are treating anyone for EVD, but we have not started celebrating yet for the simple reason that we have not yet won the war.

We do not want surprises. “No one for now has active EVD in Nigeria, but that is not to say that will be surprised if we have one tomorrow”.

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Sudan anger at 'church-building ban'

[caption id="attachment_1824" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Sudan has a minority Christian population[/caption]

The Sudan Council of Churches has criticised the authorities for banning the construction of new churches.

Over the weekend, a Sudanese government minister said there were already enough churches to provide for Christians.

The council's secretary-general told the BBC the announcement came after a church was demolished near the capital, Khartoum, this month by town planners.

Sudan is majority Muslim, but officially guarantees freedom of religion.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

We are growing, we need more churches”

Kori El RamliSudan Council of Churches secretary-general

Following the secession of South Sudan in July 2011, many of Sudan's Christian inhabitants moved to the South.

Shalil Abdullah, a minister of Guidance and Endowments, was quoted as saying on Saturday that the remaining churches were enough for those Christians who stayed in Sudan.

But Rev Kori El Ramli, the secretary-general of the Sudan Council of Churches, said he was surprised by the move as church leaders had always had a good relationship with the authorities.

"We are growing, we need more churches," he told the BBC's Focus on Africa radio programme.

'Threatening stance'

Mr El Ramli said town planners were in the process of forcibly moving Christians from a shanty area of Omdurman city - and the church that was bulldozed had been in that suburb.

The new ruling would mean that area where the people were being relocated to - north of the city - would have no church, he said.

"We want the government to give us new plots so we can build a new church," the cleric said.

"We are citizens and the constitution says there is freedom of religion and worship so we are using this to get our rights."

The authorities had seemed recently to be taking a more threatening stance towards Christians, he added.

[caption id="attachment_1825" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, a 27-year-old Sudanese woman who had been sentenced to hang for apostasy
There was international outrage when Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag was sentenced to hang for apostasy
A workshop the council held at the University of Sudan on Monday was stopped by intelligence agents who accused them of evangelising, he said.
There was an international outcry in May when Sudanese woman Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, who is married to a Christian man, was sentenced under Sharia law to hang for apostasy for refusing to renounce Christianity.
Even though Mrs Ibrahim was brought up as an Orthodox Christian, the authorities considered her to be a Muslim as she was born to a Muslim father.
In June, her death sentence for renouncing Islam was overturned and she was released from jail.[/caption]

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APC Denies Buhari, Others Automatic Ticket

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend revealed that it would not grant any of its leading presidential aspirants automatic ticket.

ThisDay reports that the disclosure was made on phone by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, who explained that the decision was in reaction to the mounting pressure from certain group within the party.

READ ALSO: PDP Threatens To Reveal APC Members Sponsoring BH

Muhammed was said to have further revealed that some elements within the party were agitating for concessions that would favour former military Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as the party’s flag bearer for the 2015 presidential election.

The national publicity secretary, went ahead to categorically state that granting an automatic ticket would never be possible in APC, assuring that there is nothing like automatic ticket for anyone, and insisted that party will do no such thing.

“Most of these people who habour such thoughts do not have access to the party leaders, including Tinubu and Buhari. We intend to showcase our internal democracy. As a matter of fact, we intend to showcase a model of internal democracy for other parties to emulate, “he said.

Muhammed hinted that APC National Working Committee (NWC) meeting is slated for Wednesday, where the leadership is expected to work out the modalities for the party’s primaries ahead the presidential elections.

It was further gathered that although the party has rejected the idea of automatic ticket for any of its candidate, there were speculations that some interest groups in the opposition party are taking advantage of the occurrence to cause controversy since the party is yet to completely overcome the plot to settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket as its presidential candidate and running mate.

It was also gathered the decision against the idea of automatic ticket did not go down well with the supporters of leading presidential contenders like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Kano State Governor Ibrahim Kwankwaso, and Senator Bukola Saraki.

However, a group of loyalists to the former military head of state have reportedly continued mounting pressure on the party leaders to consider granting Buhari concessions and urge others contenders to back down and support him.

Meanwhile, a party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the solicitation for automatic for Buhari was in line with the merger agreement allegedly reached between Bola Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

The source said the agreement was to anoint the party’s standard-bearer without going through an election, which is obviously not going well with Kwankwaso, Saraki and Atiku supporters.

READ ALSO: TAN Rally Goes Bloody In Niger

It would be recalled that the All Progressive Congress (APC) was formed in February 2013, through the merger of four Nigeria’s biggest opposition parties comprising the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with the aiming of outing the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) out of power.

The party which is already having internal issues in Lagos, on September 3, 2014 experienced the pulling out of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA,  as announced byPrince Adesina Olayokun, the state’s APGA chairman.

However, the party had earlier announced that it would start its primary elections in October 2014, to enable them nominate a presidential candidate for the 2015 general election.

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Fulani Herdsmen Attack Taraba, 20 Feared Dead

[caption id="attachment_1811" align="aligncenter" width="318"] 13 Fulani Herdsmen Killed In Taraba[/caption]

There are reports that Fulani herdsmen allegedly attacked Tunari village in Wukari Local Government of Taraba State yesterday, September 14 killing no fewer than twenty persons and injuring scores of others.

According to Vanguard, the fulani herdsmen were said to have invaded the village at 10am and set houses ablaze while most residents were in church.

The President of the Youth of Vision, Wukari, Mr Tsa-asen L. Agbu who confirmed the attack to Vanguard said the attackers numbering over three hundred, attacked mainly the Jukun Christians.

He said: “They are burning down houses and killing our Jukun Christian brothers. They slaughtered children and women like rams.  Over twenty people have been killed, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries while several houses have been burnt.”

As a result, the President said many have relocated from the area for fear of their lives.

READ ALSO: Fulani Herdsmen Attack Taraba State, 45 Feared Killed, 90 Injured

Meanwhile another eyewitness told Vanguard saying: “the attackers operated for several hours killing and burning down houses without any trace of security men to come to our rescue.”

The Eyewitness who said the death toll would have been higher but for the fact that many people were in church when they attacked said they were taken unaware by the attackers suspected to come from the nearby Plateau State.

A pastor of one of the churches, however said the death toll was “more than twenty” and that most of the victims were women and children who according to him “were attacked on their way to their various churches.

READ ALSO: 13 Fulani Herdsmen Killed In Taraba

Meanwhile the Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, Joseph Kwaji, who confirmed the incident said his men were sent to restore peace but he could, however, not provide the number of casualty.

Taraba state has been experiencing several attacks by the Fulani herdsmen resulting to the killing innocent lives, injuring several others.

The attack on Sunday is coming barely two months after it was reported no fewer than 45 persons were feared killed and 95 others injured in an attack by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in about six local government area in Bali, Taraba state.

It would also be recalled that in July 2014, Fulani Herdsmen also attacked christian worshippers in Kaduna.

In April, the fulani herdsmen reportedly killed 77 People in an attack in Wukari, Taraba.

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Synagogue Church: We Issued No Approval For Additional Structure - LASG

 After Fridays sad collapse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building at Ikotun Lagos, officials of the Lagos State Government have said the building did not have approval for additional structures.

When the horrid collapse occurred on Friday, 17 people were reported to have lost their lives, but officials have confirmed the loss of 44 innocent souls in the collapse.

As rescue continues,it is said that many might still be underneath the rubble.

The church has officially declined to comment on the number of dead and insisting no one died in the collapse.

Lagos state governor, Babtunde Raji Fashola paid a visit to the scene yesterday and has demanded for a total inquiry into the mysterious collapse.

[caption id="attachment_1802" align="aligncenter" width="800"] 13 Fulani Herdsmen Killed In Taraba[/caption]

However, Government officials have said that they did not give the Synagogue Church of All Nations approval to add additional stuctures on top of the original plan.

Part of Fashola’s entourage to the scene, Commissioner for Physical Planning Olutoyin Ayinde demanded that the church’s engineers have been asked to present their permit to add additional structures on top of the collapsed building.

He said: “Our meeting with the prophet was a closed-door meeting but it surrounds the collapsed building. It is a sad situation; lives have been lost and many others have been rescued.
“We use this opportunity to express our sympathy to the affected people.

We have no proof that the church had permit to add to the existing structure. We have asked the engineering team to meet us and for about two hours now, no member of the team has come.

“We also have questions for them. Even if the building does not have approval, it ought to be built professionally. We have asked for their team and we hope in the course of the week, they would get to us.

“It is necessary to take the final inventory before we can say the number of people affected. Right now, we do not know how many people are involved. When a final inventory has been taken, the ministry of special duties will take a decision as regards relieve,” he said.

When asked if the Lagos State Government had already made plans to seal the surrounding premise, Ayinde said: “There are no plans for that yet until investigation as to the cause of the collapse has been concluded.

“I have said I have no proof of a permit. Maybe they have one and are yet to show us. We will give them the opportunity to defend themselves and action can only be taken after investigation has been concluded.”

Also Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun revealed that the church had no approval.

She said: “We have investigated and found that they had no approval for the additional structures. Even the main church, which they have added about three floors on, was sealed two days ago, but it is now open.

”You cannot have an existing building and start putting up more buildings on it. Before you can do anything like that, you must confirm that the structure is still stable and can stand additional buildings.”

Accordin to the Nation, the collapsed building had only been approved to have only three storeys, but engineers had added an extra three storeys and due to this, the building has been vibrating for some time now.

It is said that over 200 people who were in the building most of these individuals eat in the basement while labor workers were on the sixth floor.

READ ALSO: TB Joshua Video: Details Moment Building Collapsed

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Red Cross, medical personnel from the state and federal governments and Lagos State Building Inspection Agency are still at the site and working on the rescue mission.

Laborers on the sixth floor were said to be cutting rods, planning on making another floor.

The officials have rescued already about 130 people alive and 44 dead from the sixth floor and the basement, both floors are the only areas the workers have been able to access.

NEMA’s Southwest spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye said: “We were able to work overnight and so, as at now (6pm), we have 130 rescued alive and 44 dead. Nobody can say what caused the collapse. But from the footage shown to me, where all the foundation of the building was shaking before it caved in, it could have been caused by the additional structure.
“Investigations will confirm what really happened. You can see that some of the beams and blocks are still intact. So, some of the permutations cannot be ruled out.
“We are working on worst case scenario that the foundation might have been weakened, which would have led to the collapse.”

A guest house belonging to the Synagogue Church in Ikotun, Lagos had collapsed last Friday, September 12, 2014.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the death of 44 people after the building collapsed.

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