A DEADLY ENCOUNTER WITH BOOLI IN LAGOS – HEALTH WARNING TO ALL

 DECEMBER 16, 2016 BY BARONESSJ

By Charles Omole
On a recent trip to Lagos, I had an interesting experience which has given me a better understanding of why the mortality rate in our country is so high.

I wanted to have some roasted plantain popularly called Boli. So I sent my PA to buy three. When he returned, I decided it was not fair to eat all three by myself as we were about to embark on a journey to the other end of town.

Authorities seized 102 bags of fake rice in Lagos

• Authorities seized 102 bags of fake rice in Lagos
• The cost of the staple food has spiraled, with a 50kg bag now costing £51
• Customs officials say the plastic rice would be dangerous to consume
• It is thought it had been smuggled from China, and a suspect has been arrested 

By Afp and Dave Burke For Mailonline

PUBLISHED: 10:32, 22 December 2016 | 

Authorities in Nigeria have seized more than 100 bags of plastic rice - saying it would have been dangerous to anyone who tried to eat the contents.

Buy A Plot in Lekki Southern Villa Near New Shoprite

The biggest shopping mall in Lagos; the Novare Shopping Mall has been opened in Sangotedo, along with it will come massive developments in the vicinity. 

HIV/AIDS awareness campaign for Lagos Schools

Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule overseeing Education Ministry

Advocates have launched a project on HIV/AIDS awareness in Lagos schools. It was part of activities marking the 2016 World AIDS Day. The launch, held at Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island, was facilitated by the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS, a private-sector anti-HIV/AIDS coalition; and sponsored by Total Nigeria.

Pupils from two schools, Girls Senior Academy and Boys Senior Academy, joined the hosts, Dolphin Senior High School, at the event, which the organisers tagged "Awareness and Campaign for Three Secondary Schools in Lagos State."

Nigeria has not captured 20% GDP

Yemi Kale - Statistician_General

Since the 2014 rebasing of the Nigerian economy, the debate still rages on which, between Nigeria and South Africa, is Africa’s largest economy. But, the Statistician General of the Federation, Yemi Kale, told PREMIUM TIMES’ Business Editor, Bassey Udo, in the second and concluding part of the exclusive interview that Nigeria will emerge as the indisputable leader when the bureau completes a vital business, industries and agricultural census it is planning to capture about 20 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product not taken into account during the last rebasing exercise. Excerpts:

Castro dies, and the Cuban revolution ....

Fidel Castro - as Cuban President

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro, who led a rebel army to improbable victory in Cuba more than 50 years ago, embraced Soviet-style communism and defied the power of 10 U.S. presidents during his half century rule, has died at age 90.

With a shaking voice, Cuban President Raul Castro said on state television that his older brother died at 10:29 p.m. Friday. He ended the announcement by shouting the revolutionary slogan: “Toward victory, always!”

Castro’s reign over the island-nation 90 miles from Florida was marked by the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis a year later that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. The bearded revolutionary, who survived a crippling U.S. trade embargo as well as dozens, possibly hundreds, of assassination plots, died 10 years after ill health forced him to hand power over to Raul.

Falana compares Jonathan, Buhari

Femi Falana, SAN

Fiery Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, yesterday confessed that there is inherent evil in the proposed $29.9 billion loan that President Muhammadu Buhari seeks to borrow.

Falana stated this while speaking at the 4th Convocation Lecture of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu,  Ile Ife.

Doctors in the US & Africa collaborate of Ebola

Symbol of  Medicine

Thousands of people died during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, but as memories fade and concerns about future outbreaks of that magnitude subside, health care specialists say the danger is not completely over.

While the worst affected countries - Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone - have been declared free of the deadly virus, there have been some minor flare-ups.

“The virus can hang around in the bodies of people who’ve survived Ebola and can then be spread to other people and start new outbreaks... In fact there have been seven clusters of Ebola since the epidemic was controlled: three in Liberia, three in Sierra Leone and one that started in Guinea,” said Dr. Barb Marston of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, director of the CDC's office for Ebola -affected countries.

Cameroun opens border markets to Nigeria

Camerounian President -  Paul Biya

Cameroon has cautiously reopened its border with Nigeria, launching business activity three years after the border was closed due to Boko Haram atrocities. The central African state says although business with Nigeria has been relaunched because Boko Haram attacks have fallen off during the past two years, all business persons traveling to Nigeria and back must be screened and escorted.

Hundreds of merchants have returned to the Limani border market in the Far North region in Cameroon. They are once again selling and buying with their Nigerian peers.

Tell EFCC to release me - Bala Mohammed

Sen. Bala Mohammed

An Abuja high court on Monday fixed November 24 for hearing in a motion on notice filed by former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged violation of his fundamental right.

Mr. Mohammed, former minister under ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, had been in the custody of the EFCC since October 25 following petitions against him.

The former minister, through his counsel, Chris Uche, brought a motion of violation of fundamental human right against EFCC for detaining him for four weeks.

He also sought the order of the court for EFCC to release him on bail and also to award N100 million damages against EFCC.

UNO commends Nigeria Army on Boko Haram

Mohammed Ibn Chambas

The United Nations Organization (UNO) has commended the Nigerian Army for being professional in handling Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency especially in the North East Nigeria, saying their conduct was exemplary and it is in line with international best practices.

The Special Assistant to United Nations Secretary General (SRSG), Office for West Africa, His Excellency, (Doctor) Mohammad Ibn Chambas gave this commendation during the UN solidarity visit to the Chief of Army Staff Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai in his office, at the Headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State.

The SRSG said that the UN has been explicit and consistent in condemning the activities of the Boko Haram terrorists in the region. He went further to commend Nigeria’s neighbouring countries for collaborating with Nigeria in fighting the common terrorists. He said the UN was conscious of the hardship caused to the people of Nigeria as a result of the activities of the BHT and promised the United Nations readiness in collaboration with other Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to bring succour to the affected persons.

Mr Mohammad also extended his appreciation to the Borno State Government, National Emergency Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Agency (SEMA) and other Humanitarian Agencies in providing succour for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East saying the UNO will do everything possible to support, rehabilitate and resettle the victims of this menace. He also used the opportunity of the visit to pay tribute to Nigerian military personnel that lost their lives in the cause of the conflict, describing them as heroes, whom he said paid the supreme prize for others to live.

In his response, the Chief of Army Staff, thanked the UN chief for the visit, kind commendation and promise of continuous support to the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria. He also thanked the world body for all the support given to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) especially at the formation stage of the Task Force when he was the pioneer Force Commander, saying that the MNJTF has achieved a lot in the fight against terrorism, which he attributed to the solid foundation at its take off.

The Chief of Army Staff promised to continue to lead the Nigerian Army until the terrorists surrendered to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Mr Chambas was accompanied on the visit by some top diplomats of the United Nations.

Gbadamosi quits on a high

Chief (Dr.) Rasheed A. Gbadamosi, OFR

The former Chairman of Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, OFR, has passed away at the age of 72.

Chief Gbadamosi who hails from Ikorodu in Lagos state had prior to his transition held public office nationally and was a renowned playwright and lover of the arts on the Nigerian landscape. A foremost industrialist and Co-Chairman, Lagos @ 50 Planning Committee, he finally died after a one-year long battle with stroke.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, announced his passage on his twitter handle @stevoree shortly after he passed on.

In his message, the commissioner said the state government mourned the passing of a leading industrialist, art patron, former minister and Co-Chairman of Lagos@50, Rasheed Gbadamosi, who died at 72.

“Gbadamosi will be remembered for being a true Lagosian, a nationalist and art aficionado. His remains will be interred at 2pm tomorrow,” the commissioner said.

Gbadamosi had been suffering from multiple strokes since last year and had recently gone abroad for medical treatment.

Gbadamosi, former chairman, Bank of Industry, and one-time Director, National Sports Lottery Plc, was named co-chairman of Lagos @50 Planning Committee and long with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode last year.

Gbadamosi was a former chairman of PPPRA and a one-time minister. He was an economist, playwright, industrialist and former minister.

Supreme Court Registrar arraigned

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in Jabi, Abuja, yesterday granted a request by the Federal government to arraign the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Ahmed Saleh, and two others on a nine-counts bordering on gratification and diversion of N2.2bn belonging to the apex court.

Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation had on November 3, 2016 charged Saleh alongside Muhammed Abdulrahman Sharif and Rilwanu Lawal, with the offences of receiving gratifications totalling N74.4m from private contractors providing services to the Supreme Court between 2009 and 2016.

Don't legalise Sharia in Nigeria - Rev. Datiri

Rev. Dachollom Datiri

The President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dachollom Datiri, has pleaded with the National Assembly that, passing into a bill to legalise Shari’a into law, may ignite religious war in the country.

Rev. Datiri stated this yesterday when he addressed clergymen at the 19st General Church Council meeting at the Church’s Headquarters, in Jos, capital of Plateau State.

CBN warns on 'illegal' transfers routes

Isaac Okoroafor

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday warned Nigerians in the Diaspora to desist from patronising illegal International Money Transfer Operators as “they stand the risk of losing their hard-earned money.”

According to the apex bank, the unscrupulous operators lure unsuspecting customers with ridiculous exchange rate and use Naira accounts opened in local banks for legal business to pay out the proceeds to the beneficiaries while channeling the foreign currencies to fund the parallel market.

Four Nigerians in US elections

Charles Ejike Onyejiaka

Americans in Franklin, New Jersey, will vote for Charles Ejike Onyejiaka, a fellow citizen and a transplant from Imo State, Nigeria, as the U.S. general election unfolds today.

Mr. Onyejiaka, a democrat, is the incumbent in a two-way race for Ward 3 Councilman seat in Franklin. He was one of three men presented to Franklin Town Council as fill-in candidates for the unexpired term of Phil Kramer, former Ward 3 Councilman, who became Mayor of Franklin last January.

CJN admits evidence against judges

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed

Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday revealed that National Judicial Council, NJC, reconsidered its position on some judges facing corruption allegation after it was confronted with overwhelming evidence.

Supreme Court operates a secret account - DSS

A Supreme Court’s bank account said to  contain billions of naira has attracted  the  attention  of  the Department of State Security Services ( DSS).

Nigeria/World bank sign $500m agreement in Abuja

The Federal Government and the World Bank on Thursday signed a Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) agreement for the supply of gas to the $500 million Calabar gas plant to boost energy supply by 500 megawatts.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who witnessed the signing of the agreement at the Presidential Villa, said the event is very significant for the country as it would encourage investment in gas infrastructure.

Reps stall deliberations on bank deposits

Cross section of the House in session

The House of Representatives on Wednesday failed to discuss matters bordering on suspicious bank deposits detected after Nigeria's adoption of the Bank Verification Number.

Lawmakers were expected to discuss billions of naira left unclaimed in Nigerian banks because their owners had failed to register a BVN or link to existing ones where appropriate.

Nigeria/EU trade increases

In 2014 alone, Nigeria’s total trade with the European Union (EU) stood at €39 billion with the EU accounting for 31 per cent of Nigeria’s total trade.

Senate holds closed door parley

Senate in session

The Senate on Wednesday went into a closed-door session, where they are expected to deliberate on the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, and the establishment of grazing areas.

The senators went into the executive session at 10.25 am.

Over 1000 midwives deployed nationwide

In a strategic move to close up existing gaps in the nation’s Primary Health Centres (PHC), the federal government, Monday deployed about 1,473 newly graduated basic midwives to PHC facilities in rural areas throughout the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The deployment is geared towards improving maternal, newborn and child health care and consolidating on the gains of the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS) of the federal government.

FG to spend $550m on satellites - Shittu

Barrister Adebayo Shittu

The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, has said Nigeria was expending $550 million on two back-up satellites to put an end to capital flight.

He also explained that a dedicated account had been opened for the fine imposed on MTN in the Central Bank of Nigeria, since the money was not NCC’s to keep, adding that the government was satisfied with the process. 

HIV on the rise in IDP camp

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has alleged, in a report released yesterday, that 500 women and girls have the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) in one Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the North East.

The group cited an unnamed medical worker in its report, who alleged that those infected with HIV in one IDP rose from 200 to 500, with more cases unreported, over fear of stigmatisation.

Tecno dominates African mobile brand

L-R:Jonathan Doerr,Mounir Boukali,Efosa Idehen and Chidi Okonkwo Deputy General Manager

Few days after it launched its new flagship smartphones, Tecno Phantom 6 and Phantom 6 plus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Tecno Mobile, last week, launched the devices in the Nigerian information Technology (IT) market.

FG may sell 3 refineries

Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has said that the federal government may sell the three refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt after they have been fixed and certified operationally efficient.

Reconstitute Boards of Parastatals - Reps

Dogara, Speaker of the House

The House of Representatives Wednesday urged the Federal Government to , as a matter of urgency, reconstitute the boards of agencies and parastatals so as to facilitate good governance in the country.

The House also mandated its committee on Governmental Affairs to ensure implementation and report back to it within four weeks for further legislative action.

Jonathan sues EFCC

ex-First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday fixed Dec. 7 to hear a suit by ex-First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, against the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC),seeking to unfreeze her account.

Apart from the EFCC, other respondents are Skye Bank and a former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripama-Owei Dudafa.

Also joined in the suit are Pluto Property and Investment company Ltd, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Ltd, Transocean Property and Investment Company Ltd and Globus Integrated Service Ltd.

No plans for fuel price hike

NNPC Towers, HQ, Abuja

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Muhammad Garba-Deen, has said there was absolutely no plan by the Federal Government to increase pump price of petrol above N145 maximum level.

He said a statement people were referring to was made within the context of technical explanation, not within the context of downstream operations.

Ford, Nissan view Nigeria ...

Report coming in from Johannesburg, South Africa states that a group of carmakers led by executives from Ford and Nissan will seek to work with Kenyan authorities to develop an auto-manufacturing industry in the east African country, building on talks with Nigerian lawmakers about their own market.

'We need more Radiographers in Nigeria'

There appears to be an apparent need to be met in the number of radiographers in the Nigerian health sector as the ones on the ground have been advised to go for further training and specialise appropriately  in the field of radiotherapy, a kind of treatment for cancer using high energy radiation.

Judges Must Resign

Mahmud Mohammed, Chief Justice of Nigeria

 

In the latest development to the corruption saga that has enveloped the judicial arm of government, the Federal Government is taking a firm stand on what it expect the accused judges to do. 

The Presidency has maintained that judges facing bribery allegations must step aside ahead of their trial.

According to The Nation the presidency made its position known on Sunday night, October 23, when it stated that the affected judges should resign to clear their names instead of facing trial while on the bench.

The Presidency also faulted Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed’s claim that the judiciary had issues with the DSS, not the federal government. It was also learnt that the DSS refused to release the evidence against the judges under probe to the National Judicial Council (NJC) in order not to prejudice their trial.

A top government source, who spoke in confidence said: “The government has made its position known to the CJN on why the judges should step aside ahead of their trial. The government will not yield ground on this.

“If we go ahead to arraign them in court, the same CJN and NJC will accuse the government of desecrating the Judiciary. The right step now is to allow the judges to face trial and clear the allegations against them.

“It is unfortunate that what the CJN told the government on how to handle the case of the judges was different from the statement he issued.

“We are suspecting that the CJN might be under pressure from his colleagues or he wants to leave the fate of the judges to his successor.

“He cannot rationalise by making a distinction between the Federal Government and the DSS. The government was in support of the sting operations of the security agency. So, the DSS did not act unilaterally.

“We will not take up issues with the CJN because the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), some former Supreme Court Justices and the Body of Benchers have supported the position of the government that the judges should step aside.”

In addition, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has formally barred judges and court staff from soliciting or accepting gifts from other arms of government as part of measures to enhance the independence of the judiciary.

Oil Reserves may dry up in 30yrs

The President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Nosa Omorodion, said at a media briefing to announce the programme schedule for NAPE’s yearly conference, that the country’s crude oil reserves may dry up in the next 30 years as reported by The Guardian.

N500m MTN bribe allegation - CoS under Probe

Alhaji Abba Kyari - Chief of Staff to the President

The Special Investigation Panel at the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters has commenced investigation of the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, over bribery allegations.

According to a DAILY POST report the Presidency directed the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to investigate the alleged N500million bribe, said to have been paid to the Chief of Staff by officials of MTN, Telecommunications Company.

The Corruption saga: NJC says Justices to remain seated

Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, Chief Justice and Chairman NJC

The crisis of corruption rocking the third tier of the Nigerian government does not seem to ebb towards abating. In the face of reactions by the institutions so affected and nothing by the masses, it certainly begins to look like the 'righteousness' of the situation will be a legal tug-of-war on the platform of the media. The latest reaction has been that of the National Judicial Council which has has said that it will not ask the judges accused of corrupt practices to step down as it has no powers to do so.

Breaking: Buhari forwards non career nominees for Ambassadorial posts

Bukola Saraki, Senate President

President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded a fresh list of 46 non-career Ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation as Ambassadors.

The nominees include a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, George Oguntade (Lagos); Yusuf Tugga (Bauchi); a former deputy governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Paulen Tallen (Plateau); a former members of the House Representatives, Hon. Usman Bugaje (Katsina); the immediate past deputy governor of Niger State, Ahmed Ibeto (Niger); and 41 others.

UBER Nigeria partners top rated drivers for vehicle loans

Uber Nigeria today announced that it is now making low-interest, used-vehicle loans available to its top-rated driver-partners. The pioneering move is the result of partnerships entered into between Uber Nigeria and First Bank of Nigeria Limited, as well as smaller financiers. This means that, for the first time, Uber driver-partners in Nigeria will be able to apply for finance for used vehicles based on their driver performance records.

ECOWAS court orders Dasuki's release, N15m

Sambo Dasuki in white flanked by security operatives

The intervention of the Economic Community of West Africa States, ECOWAS, Court has made more intricate the case of the former National security Adviser, Colonel Muhammadu Sambo Dasuki (rtd), by ordering his immediate release from detention, where he has been since December 2015.

HIV cure in view - NHS

Mark Samuels

A British man with HIV undergoing a pioneering treatment to cure him of the disease has shown “remarkable” progress, doctors have told a newspaper. Scientists treating the 44-year-old patient are now hopeful of a breakthrough in what has been described as “one of the first serious attempts at a full cure for HIV”. 

VANSO acquires Interswitch equity in Nigeria

Constantine ‘Labi Ogunbiyi

Mobile and security focused financial technology provider, Value Added Network Solutions, VANSO, has announced the acquisition of 100% of the equity in the company by Interswitch Limited, pan-African digital payments and commerce company.

With this development, the transaction will integrate the two businesses, and provide Interswitch with a market leading mobile banking and payments solution provider in Nigeria, while enabling Vanso to accelerate growth across an expanded range of geographies and products. 

Jibrin removed to deter NASS 'budget padding'

Yakubu Dogara

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, has alleged that the leadership of the House of Representatives suspended Abdulmumuni Jibrin as a ploy to sweep his allegations of corruption in the House under the carpet.

Nigerian Actress banned for holding hands

Rahama Sadau

A prominent Nigerian actress has been banned by a major industry body after she played a character holding hands and “cuddling” a singer in a pop video.

Rahama Sadau was one of the top stars in the Hausa-language film industry based in northern Nigeria.

CBN Governor's wife kidnapped & rescued

A group of heavily armed kidnappers last Thursday night abducted Margaret Emefiele, the wife of Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Report has it that Mrs. Emefiele was kidnapped along the Benin-Agbor Road.

The Eagle Online quoted a police source as saying that four other women and a driver were kidnapped along with Mrs. Emefiele.

It was gathered that the abductors have since made contact with the family, demanding for a ransom of N100 million.

Polio - Nigeria's status reclassified

Nigeria reported three cases of wild polio virus in the northeastern state of Borno in August of this year. Following the World Health Organization's confirmation of these cases, the country returned to the list of polio-endemic countries. The other polio-endemic countries are Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Reps to probe N500bn debt

Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House

The House Representatives on Thursday ordered a probe of Total, Oando and independent oil marketers over a N500bn debt owed the Pipeline Products Marketing Company.

This followed a motion which came under a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

New plastic £5 pound note

Distinguishing features on the new polymer fivers which went into circulation last week have prompted collectors to fork out hundreds of pounds for the new notes.

One eBay seller, robbieyeo68, based in Southampton, sold a new £5 note for £227.56 on Tuesday evening, a return of more than 4,000%.

Calls on FG to investigate tremors

A site of the quake

The earth tremors that occurred in Rivers and Bayelsa states between July and August, 2016 seem to have triggered a keener sense of caution among the local communities affected. Report has it that they have asked for the Federal Government's intervention in investigating the causes of the tremors.

The people made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Sunday.