World's most powerful women, Ngozi is 87th

The list goes in this order:
Name Position
1. Angela Merkel -German Chancellor
2. Hillary Clinton -US Secretary of State
3. Dilma Rousseff -President of Brazil
4. Indra Nooyi -Chief Executive, Pepsi Co
5. Sheryl Sandberg -COO, Facebook
6. Melinda Gates -Cofounder, Bill n Melinda Gates Foundation


87. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala- Nigeria's Finance Minister

99. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw -Chair, Founder, Biocon
100. Berth Brooke -Global Vice Chair, Ernst Young

Full list is available here

Beware phone users!

Do not press #90 or #09 on cell/mobile phone, IF SOME ONE CALLS AND ASKS YOU TO DIAL #09 or #90. Again, please Do Not Do It.
If you receive a call on your cell/mobile phone from any person saying that they are checking your cell/mobile line and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number, end that call immediately without pressing any numbers and/or letters. There is a fraudulent company using a device that once you press #90 or #09, they can access your SIM card and make calls at your expense. To make matters worse, they could use it for fraudulent activities and State Agents will instead come for you, arrest you and you may be detained for what you knew nothing about!
Please, forward this message to EVERYBODY you know, so we can jointly sensitize as many people as possible, to stop these heinous acts. This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia. Already, there are over 3 million affected cell/mobile phones. You can, also, confirm this from CNN's web site.

Soyinka reacts to Salami's removal

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has described the suspension and removal of the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, as illegal, unconstitutional, misguided and improper.

Soyinka said this in Port Harcourt on Monday few minutes after the members of the Nigerian Bar Association booed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, for his unsatisfactory explanation on the removal of Salami by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Soyinka and Adoke spoke on Monday at the National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association holding in Port Harcourt.

How to be happy by Roger Darlington

•  
• First of all, be realistic. Nobody is happy all of the time and it is perfectly normal to have variations in moods and feelings from day to day, month to month, and even year to year. According to a study based on data from the British Household Panel Survey, overall levels of happiness decline from one's teens until one's 40s and then pick up until they peak in one's early 70s . So the chances are that your happiest days are yet to come. Doesn't that make you happier? At any time and at any age, though, it is possible to feel happier than you have been and here are some ideas for you to consider.
• Most fundamentally, recognize that happiness is a state of mind and not something which can be defined objectively. You can change your state of mind in many ways including these suggestions.
• Perhaps above all, be as healthy as you can. Nothing is more valuable than your health and little is more likely to make you unhappy than ill-health. For many tips on how to be healthy.

Quote of the day

I saw this on a friend's Facebook wall:

"Don't let someone become a priority in your life when you're just an option in their life"

Absolutely profound if you ask me.

Make your dreams come true

"If you can believe, all things are possible to those who believe."
- Mark 9:23


Achievers are great dreamers (but not "airy-fairey stuff").
What dreams in life would you have, if you knew you could
not possibly fail?

What particular dream would make you happiest in fulfilling?

Firstly, Have total faith: in yourself and especially in God - a
Higher Power, Supreme Being, Who cares deeply about you
and really BELIEVE God, Life, Your Creator will ultimately
ensure the outcome that's best for you (even when things
look bleak and you are stuck deep in the smelly brown stuff.

I've lived these principles (even when my dream appeared
shattered and my hope was at a very low ebb, learnt them
from experience over many years and have applied them in
every area of my personal life. I can vouch for the fact
that they DO work!

Rochas Okorocha's free kerosene: What's your take?

In an event held at the Grasshopper Stadium, Owerri, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha flagged off his kerosene distribution programme by delivering 110,000 litres of the commodity to many households in the state.

Speaking on the programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Chiadi Sunny disclosed that the five tanker loads of kerosene distributed was the first free batch. He pointed out that the next batches will be distributed amongst the 27 local government areas of the state.

In the same vein, Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas, Sir. Ifeanyi Uba, who is a partner in the project, explained that the programme was sustainable because of strong arrangements with several oil companies in the country, that are producers of kerosene.

Now, what do you think of this?

Few tips to making your relationship work.

Sometimes some issues arise in our relationships that make us wanna cringe. I hope these few tips will be helpful. Enjoy:

1. Understand that every relationship is different. Don't compare your relationship to anyone else. Not your parent's, not your friend's, not your co worker's, not any other family member's, not that couple's relationship that seems perfect all the time, not anyone's, not previous relationships, because that won't help and can destroy your relationship completely!

2. Work on your relationship every single day. Do your part to contribute towards the relationship and keep it going and moving along. Maintain the relationship in every way possible. Work on strengthening your relationship, enriching it, in every way possible, on all levels possible, and in all areas possible (emotional, verbal, psychological, physical, etc.).

NDIC Revokes licences of Afribank, Bank PHB and Spring Bank!



NDIC MD, Alh Umaru Ibrahim



The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on Friday (today) announced revocation of the operating licenses of Afribank Nigeria Plc, Spring Bank Plc and BankPHB on the excuse that they have not shown capacity and ability to recapitalise before the September 30 deadline.

Managing Director of NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim told journalists in Lagos on Friday that the assets and liabilities of the three affected banks had been transferred to Bridge Banks effective August 5, 2011.

The Bridge Banks include MainStreet Bank Limited, Keystone Bank Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited. All these Fire Bbrigade approach, I thought Sanusi told us September 30? Now this....

MKO Abiola: Nigerians react to Al-Mustapha's claim



Major al-Mustapha departing the court



Since his recent outburst about bribery of somne notable Yoruba leaders in the murder of Chief MKO Abiola, Major Hamza al-Mustapha has received knocks from different quarters. While some dismmissed him as a coward for waiting thisn long to make his revelation public, other analysts believed there must be some element of truth in those allegations.

Human rights activist, Femi Falana described as a man that is hallucinating. Hear him:

“His allegations are diversionary and designed to whip up unnecessary sentiment and make the public lose sight of the gruesome murder of Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, which is the subject of this trial.“I represented the Abiola family at the Oputa Commission of Enquiry. On the many occasions he gave evidence on the illegal killing of General Sani Abacha and Chief M.K.O. Abiola, he never linked the late Chief Bola Ige and Pa. Abraham Adesanya to the killing and neither did he accuse them of connivance.”

You can read further report on this vexed issue when you continue.....

Karen wins BB Amplified!!!

Karen Igho of Nigeria and Wendall Parson of Zimbabwe were on Sunday night declared winners of the sixth edition of the reality show, Big Brother Africa.

The duo were declared winners of the $200,000 each prize at a tension soaked evening in South Africa where the last seven housemates standing were eliminated one after the other. Karen’s win makes it the third time in a row a Nigeria would win the prize. More after the cut!!

Waziri and Adoke reconcile

After almost two weeks of crossfire, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mrs. Farida Waziri, at the weekend met and decided to sheathe their swords.
It was learnt that the reconciliation was at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The two had disagreed sharply over a gazette regulating the operations of the EFCC, especially on deference to AGF on cases before the anti-graft agency.

Its my baby's birthday!

Ebunoluwa

Mine was July 28, hers is today (July 31!) Join me to thank God for sparing our lives till this day. It's really a good day to be alive. Make sure you leave your comment.

Boko Haram to celebrate 1 year anniversary of slain leader

On July 31, 2010, Boko Haram leader, Yusuf Mohammed was executed bu security agents in Maiduguri. Since then, members of the sect have continued to announce that they meant business by detonating bombs in several parts of Northern Nigeria, especially Maiduguri. The group also claimed responsibility for bombed Louis Edet House, Police Headquarters, Abuja.

To this end, they have vowed to detonate bombs in 7 states across the north including, Borno, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina among others.

For the record, here is an excerpt of the interview he granted a security agent before he was executed:

Officer: We went to your house yesterday and we saw a lot of animals, syringes and materials used for making bombs, what were you keeping all that for?

Yusuf: Like I told you, to protect myself ...

Officer: (Cuts in) ... to protect yourself how? Isn't there the authorities, the law enforcement agencies?

Yusuf: The authorities, the law enforcement agents are the same people fighting me ...

Officer: What did you do?

Yusuf: I don't know what I did ... I am only propagating my religion Islam.

Officer: But I am also a Muslim ...

Yusuf: I don't know why you refuse to accept my own (Islam)

Officer: Why should you say Boko [western education] is Haram (sinful)?

Yusuf: Of course it is Haram

Officer: Why did you say that?

Yusuf: The reasons are so many ...

Officer: The trouser you are wearing ...

Yusuf: (cuts in)...it is pure cotton and cotton belongs to Allah

Officer: But Allah said in the Qur'an iqra (read), that people should seek knowledge...

Yusuf: That's correct, but not the knowledge that contravenes the teachings of Islam. All knowledge that contradicts Islam is prohibited by the Almighty ... sihiri (sorcery or magic) is knowledge, but Allah hath forbidden it; shirk (Polytheism or sharing or associating partners to Allah) is knowledge, but Allah has forbidden it; astronomy is knowledge, but Allah has forbidden it ...

Officer: At your place we found computers, syringes ... are all that no products of knowledge?

Yusuf: They are purely technological things, not Boko ... and westernisation is different.

Officer: How comes you are eating good food – look at you, looking healthy – you are driving good cars, and wearing good clothes while you are forcing your followers to sell their belongings and live mostly on dabino (dates) and water?

Yusuf: That is not true. Everybody is living according to his means. Even you are different. Whoever you see driving good cars is because he can afford them, and whoever you see living in want also means he doesn't have the wherewithal

Photos Speak

Man must survive

Monkey sef na passenger

Mobile Church

Dey wan kill ketekete

It's my birthday, July 28!

For everyone who has remembered my day and taken their time to wish me well, God shall not leave your situation unattended to. Thank you all for being there- always!

Oyo YES-O Programme to close by August 12

The massive employment programme of Oyo State government called Youth Empowerment Scheme- Oyo State, YES-O will close by August 12. The programme plans to employ 20,000 youths in the first 100 days of Gov. Ajimobi's administration. So, if you are interested, go here to apply and see the category that best applies to you. All the best.

Bakare Expresses Support for Islamic Banking

Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly has expressed his support for the Islamic Banking being proposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. While speaking in his church on Sunday on the topic "Signposts to the Emergence of a Dictator, Bakare, CPC's Vice Presidential candidate in the last general elections, accused Christian leaders of insincerity towards the proposed banking system. According to him, "Nobody can Islamise or Christianise Nigeria. Don’t be fooled by church leaders who are speaking from both sides of the mouth. My name is Mr. Bakare and I can change my name to Mallam, an equivalent of Mr., if it will help me get the loan. Islamisation my foot!'

'This country will remain a country of truths. People will face options and they will choose to serve God the way they choose. Islamic banking is another distraction just like the Arabic on the naira.'

'Dubai is a Muslim country and it is progressive. Many Muslim countries are doing well. If Nigeria is practicing Islam and is retrogressing, then there is something wrong'." 

Personally, (me speaking now) I have no problem with the proposed banking system, but why give it religious colouration? Can't we just call it Non-Interest banking? Either way, I think it will enjoy the patronage of  Nigerians because  the loans advanced do not attract interest, but don't make us feel it's for a particular religious sect. This is a religiously sensitive nation.Just my thought sha. End of discussion!

Imo governor appoints 32 SAs and 15 SSAs

Okorocha

Governor Rochas Anayo Okorocha, has appointed several aides to assist him in running the business of government in Imo State. The long list which comprised of several needless portfolios is available here

Imagine having advisers for Igbo Affairs, Lagos Affairs, Lagos Liason, Abuja Liason, Chief Comedian of the State!( to do what?), and the list continues.... And all of them will be on government's payroll. What an expensive government!

Cheryl Shuns Ashley Cole's re-union moves, buys new home in LA.

Once a happy couple

When the going was good

Cheryl's new home in Los Angeles

Cheryl has rejected Ashley Cole's recent moves for a re-marriage advising him to 'delete my number'. This was after she found out that he had another affair with a self-confessed air hostess. The stewardess, 29, said she had bedded Ashley back in 2004, before recapturing the magic last month in on holiday in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile Cheryl who seemed to have moved on after the latest revelation has bought herself a posh home in LA. The home is valued at about 5million USD. 

More gist and pictures of the home when you continue

Labour Insists on Strike

Omar

Labour leaders have insisted that the planned 3 day warning strike billed to commence on Wednesday, July 20 will go on as planned except government accepts to pay the #18,000 minimum wage. In a statement issued by the organised labour, they threatened to grind all government and business activities to a halt if government fails to play ball. Read more here

OGUN STATE GOVT. SACKS 2000 WORKERS

Ibikunle Amosun

The Government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun has relieved 2000 workers employed by the immediate past administration in the state of their jobs. In a swift reaction however, Secretary to the Government of Ogun State, Taiwo Adeoluwa has denied the sack story saying the workers were merely directed to re-apply. The SSG who was almost lynched while addressing the protesting workers said the governor only wants to right the wrong he met on ground and that he has no intention of depriving the workers of their livelihood.

It would be recalled that Governor Amosun promised to create 10,000 within his first 100 days in office. Whether he will fulfill this promise remains to be seen.

Again whether ACN is a better alternative to outsted PDP, time will tell.

EAGLE SQUARE TO BE DEMOLISHED

Eagle Square, Abuja

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed has said that the popular Eagle Square, Abuja will be demolished. The minister made this statement while monitoring traffic situation in he city recently.

According to him, the place where the Eagle Square is currently located is meant to serve as transport hub of the city. He said further that the new Eagle Square would now be located close to the National Stadium as this will be 'more convenient for the administration and residents of the FCT.'
It would be recalled that the Eagle Square was constructed in 1999 to serve as platform for the official take-off for the Fourth Republic of the Federation of Nigeria.
Talk of wastefulness in spending!!!

NYSC TO REDEPLOY CORPS MEMBERS IN BORNO

Brig Gen. M. I. Tsiga

Corps Members on Parade Ground

The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga on Wednesday said corps members posted to Borno State for their service year will be re-deployed to other states. This is not unconnected with the incessant bombings witnessed in the state in the wake of the Boko Haram menace. He appealed to the corps members not to entertain any fear as their safety was paramount to government.

Ex-Borno Gov. Denies link with Boko Haram

Senator Alli Modu Sheriff

 

 

 

Immediate past governor of Borno State, Senator Alli Sheriff who was accused of aiding and abetting the dreaded Islamic Sect, Boko-Haram has denied any link with the organization. In a meeting with President Jonathan in Abuja on Wednesday, the former governor claimed the sect had been in existence before he became governor in 2003. Senator Sheriff came out to clear him after the Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, Lt. Gen Jeremiah Useni alleged that the former Governor used the sect members as thugs when he held sway as governor of the state.

Japanese couples celebrate divorce ceremonies

A husband and and his wife ride to their divorce ceremony

 A smashed wedding ring is displayed to symbolize the death of an 8year old marriage in Tokyo

  

A husband bows to his wife before their divorce ceremony

Hiroki Terai presiding over a divorce ceremony

In Japan, divorce ceremonies are held to mark the end of a marriage contract just like wedding ceremonies are held mark the beginning of a union. The couple pictured above are going through the process of ending their 8year old unhappy marriage. Japanese who choose this option believe that the dissolution of an unhappy deserve as much grandeur as that of a wedding. A self-styled Japanese Divorce Planner, Hiroki Terai claimed to have recently conducted his 79th divorce ceremony.

Couples who want want their marriage dissolved pay up to 55,000 yen ($606) to have their divorce ceremony. Divorce rates in Japan have soared to about 253,000 cases in 2009 up from about 77,000 cases in the sixties.

SENATORS REJECT MINISTERIAL NOMINEE

The senate has rejected the nomination of Obadiah Ando, a ministerial nominee form Taraba State and former minister of Water Resources. This is not unconnected with the fact that two of the senators representing Taraba State are opposed to his nomination. According to Senate rules, a ministerial nominee must be supported by 2 of the 3 senators from his state to scale through the screening process. This is because according to them, their constituents do not want him.

So far , 37 ministerial nominees have been cleared by the senate.

BORNO RESIDENTS FLEE FOR DEAR LIFE.... As all schools are shut.

Recently bombed Police Headquarters

Remnants of Boko Haram Bombings

Residents of troubled Maiduguri, Northern Nigeria have continued to flee the city in their thousands as members of the unrepentant Boko Haram sect continued their onslaught on the city.

It will be recalled that these Boko Haram members have claimed responsibility for all of the recent bomb explosions in the city. Also all schools in Maiduguri, including the University of Maiduguri have been shut indefinitely in a preemptive measure to avoid the onslaught of the Boko Haram Sect.

Meanwhile against United Nations admonition not to negotiate with the bombers, government is planning to negotiate with them to encourage them to sheathe their swords.

SIASIA FORGIVES ODEMWINGIE

Super Eagles Chief Coach, Samson Siasia, 'Sia One' has forgiven West Bromich Abion Striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie. This was after the latter served the two-match ban imposed on him by the former.

Hear him "Everything is now settled and Osaze is back in the squad." He said further, " No problems again, we are now on the same page and things can move ahead in the best interest of Nigerian football.I like to say here that Osaze is one player I like very much due to his enthusiasm and total commitment to the team. But to reach greater heights as a great player and person it is also important to observe rules and regulations and respect your teammates as well as other persons off-field."

This was after a peace meeting was brokered in London between the duo by Aminu Maigari, NFF president.

Wife of deposed Deji of Akure passes on.

Bolanle, do you remember her? In case you don't, she is the enstranged wife of the deposed Deji of Akure, Oba Oluwadare Adesina. She was assaulted by the monarch in her home in Akure. This incident prompted the government of Ondo State under the leadership Dr Olusegun Mimiko to depose him forthwith.
According to reports, Bolanle died today at St. Mary's Specialist Hospital, Ojodu, Lagos at 4.45am. She was 35. The cause of her death is still under wraps as the result of the autopsy conducted on her was still being awaited. According to her brother however, Bolanle has been undergoing treatment for a kidney related ailment for sometime.

May her soul rest in peace.

Soure: The Punch

LAGOS COMMISSIONER OF ENVIRONMENT COMMENTS ON RECENT FLOODING

The kind of rain witnessed in Lagos today eh...my goodness! So many parts of Lagos flooded. So many people won't be able to sleep in their homes tonight. The above picture was taken by an eye witness in Lagos State to show exactly what happened today.

Meanwhile, here's a message from the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, concerning the downpour today.

''Dear Lagosians, please bear with us. Today's downpour has been heavier than normal as the state government had earlier warned. It has been raining since 5am in many areas and it hasn't stopped. The water level has risen incredibly so that the channels that are meant to discharge the water from the roads and drainages are completely locked because of the high tide and because both the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagoon that receive water from our channels have risen more than usual. Please be calm and do not panic. Once the rains subside, the water on the roads would gradually disappear. Our men are on the field working to manage this situation. Please endeavour to remain indoors as much as possible until the rain stops. Thank you for your understanding.''

SAUDI AUTHORITIES BEHEAD THREE NIGERIANS

Three Nigerians were yesterday beheaded in Saudi Arabia. They had been found guilty of robbing and murdering fellow Nigerian, Omar Mohammed Adam. This was announced by the Saudi Interior Ministry and publicised by the official SPA news agency.

Mohammed Ismail, Abdulqudus Adam and Mohammed Kabir Ali broke into the house of Omar Mohammed Adam where "they beat him and his wife, tied them down and strangled Omar to death," the statement said. Then they burgled their compatriot's home, it added.

The beheadings in the western Red Sea city of Jeddah brings the number of executions in that country to 31 since January 1.

On June 10, London-based watchdog Amnesty International called on Saudi Arabia to stop applying the death penalty, saying there had been a significant rise in the number of executions in the previous six weeks. According to Amnesty, 15 people were executed in May alone.

In 2009, the number of executions was 67, compared to 102 the previous year.
Rape, murder, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking are all punishable by death under Saudi Arabia's strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

Source: dailytimes.com