Graphic photos: Armed robbers caught at Fadeyi bus stop, Lagos
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12 Jan 2016
Lassa Fever Death toll rises to 41 from 93 suspected cases - Minister
The Federal Government says Lassa fever has claimed 41 lives from 93 reported cases in 10 states of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the federal government on Friday put the death toll at 40 out of 86 reported cases of Lassa fever outbreak in same 10 states.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the federal government on Friday put the death toll at 40 out of 86 reported cases of Lassa fever outbreak in same 10 states.
The number of the suspected cases also rose from 86 last week to 93.
Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, confirmed this inAbuja on Tuesday at a joint ministerial news conference on the update of the outbreak of the disease.
However, Adewole said there were no new confirmed cases or death in the last 48 hours. He did not disclose the state from which the additional life was lost.
"In the last 48 hours the government raised a four-man expert committee, chaired by Prof. Michael Asuzu, to visit Kano, Niger and Bauchi, the three most endemic states.
"The committee will embark on a fact finding mission, assess the current situation, document response experiences, identify gaps and proffer recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences,’’ he said.
The minister assured the public that the task of the committee was not to apportion blame but rather to document lessons learnt for better planning of an affective responsive.
According to Adewole, part of the long term response is to establish an inter-ministerial committee to deliver a final blow on Lassa fever and other related diseases.
The committee comprised the ministers of Education, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environment, Information and Culture as well as Health.
Adewole advised communities to improve on their hygiene, including food hygiene and food protection practices.
He also urged the public to avoid contact with rodents and rats as well as food contaminated with rat’s secretions and excretions.
He also urged the public to avoid contact with rodents and rats as well as food contaminated with rat’s secretions and excretions.
"Avoid drying food in the open and along roadsides, it is also important to cover all foods to prevent rodents contamination,’’ he said.
The minister said affected states have been advised to intensify awareness creation on the signs and symptoms of the disease.
According to him, the affected states are Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe and Oyo.
"The public is hereby assured that government and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to address the outbreak and bring it to timely end,’’ said the minister.
He said the ministry had ordered for the immediate release of adequate quantities of "ribavirin’’, the specific antiviral drug for Lassa fever, to the affected states for prompt treatment of cases.
Adewole said Nigeria has the capability to diagnose Lassa fever, adding that "all the cases reported so far were confirmed by our laboratories’’.
NAN recalls that the first case of the current outbreak was reported from Bauchi in November 2015.
Award ceremony to hold 3rd edition this 2016
In celebration of African music and culture, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in league with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) announced AFRIMA 2015 nominees and the multiple award-winning male choral group from South Africa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo to lead the invasion of over one hundred and sixty two (162) African superstars confirmed to attend the 2015 edition.
Top African artiste performed at the awards ceremony includingYemi Alade from Nigeria, who broke records with her hit single, ‘Johnny’ in 2013. Her counterpart from Cameroon, Charlotte Dipanda, an Afro pop singer, who has worked with Congolese singer, Papa Wemba and provided background vocals for Manu Dibango, Rokia Traore and Axelle Red.
The event held on Sunday, 15 November, 2015 at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Brace your self for the 2016 edition!
Photo: Lionel Messi shows off his 5 Ballon D'or award trophies
US President announces suspension of South Africa from trade benefits
U.S. President, Barack Obama, on Tuesday, said America would suspend duty-free benefits for South Africa on March 15, a move that could cost South Africa up to seven million dollars.
He said this in Washington, adding that the suspension was because South Africa failed to meet the requirements of a trade deal.
He noted that "I have determined that South Africa is not meeting the requirements and that suspending the application of duty-free treatment to certain goods will be more effective in promoting compliance.''
The suspension was seen by analysts as a move to put pressure on Pretoria to loosen its restrictions on U.S. farm exports, especially poultry products.
Obama said South Africa had earlier said it was concerned that an outbreak of avian flu in the U.S., which killed nearly 50 million birds, could pose animal and human health risks to its economy.
South Africa's trade ministry has not responded to the comment.
It, however, said last week that it was close to striking a deal over farm produce trade with Washington that would see it retain the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Bart Stemmet, NKC African Economics analyst, said that Obama’s proclamation was likely the stick to go with this warning to lift restrictions.
He expressed the hope that the local authorities would also heed to it.
Stemmet said he expected a deal to be struck before the March deadline, because Pretoria cannot afford the financial damage a removal from AGOA would have on an already struggling economy.
"We are confident that the suspension will ultimately be avoided.
AGOA is a U.S. trade agreement designed to help African exporters.
Why PDP spokesman will remain in detention - EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said the detained spokesman for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) will remain in its custody until he meets his bail conditions.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, Jan. 12, by MrWilson Uwujaren, the EFCC spokesman, Metuh has refused to refund or sign an undertaking to refund the N1.2 billion linked to him in the arms scandal.
The statement also condemned allegations by the PDP that Metuh's detention is illegal.
Uwujaren said: “The attention of the EFCC has been drawn to a statement by the National Legal Adviser of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Victor Kwon.
“The statement has alleged compromise and witch-hunt in the release of a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Brig.-Gen. Jafaru Isa, (rtd) by the EFCC.
“While the EFCC will not wish to join issues with Kwon, it is important that the public is presented with the facts regarding the release of Isa.”
He said Isa was arrested for his involvement in the arms procurement scam to the tune of N170 million, noting that he admitted to collecting the funds from Dasuki and immediately refunded N100 million with an undertaking to refund the balance in two weeks.
“The reasons above and the fact that his health deteriorated after being admitted to custody prompted the commission to offer the suspect bail.
“The bail granted the suspect by the commission does not amount to his exoneration in the case,” the statement added.
It said the EFCC will not be distracted by the campaign of defamation embarked upon by the PDP.
I'm ready to die fighting corruption - EFCC boss Ibrahim Magu
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has expressed his resolve to laid down his life if that is what it takes to end corruption in Nigeria.
He said he is lucky to be the one leading the EFCC out of more than 170 million Nigerians.
“There is too much talk about corruption fighting back, of course corruption would fight back, you don’t expect to fight somebody all the time without him fighting back,” Magu told Channels Television.
He continued: “But we are resolved, we are determined to win this fight and Nigeria has about one hundred and something, over 170 million Nigerians. If I am opportune to drive this thing and in the process I happen to go with it, so be it. I am, we are ready. We are determined to fight this fight to finish.
“There are series of allegations. For instance, the case of NIMASA of N2 billion initially, we took him to court and later on, we realised that he had another matter that he siphoned out of public funds, about N34 billion.”
He said the Commission carries out thorough investigations for months before proceeding to make invitations or arrest.
“We carry out background investigation, preliminary investigation very thoroughly. We might be on you and you would not know. It may be six months, sometimes 10 months.
“For instance, this NIMASA case, we’ve been on it for more than 10 months, before we began to invite people”, he said.
The opposition party,People's Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the EFCC of prosecuting only its members while members of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) walk free.
Senate President meets Buhari, declines comment on 'missing' National Budget
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, Jan. 12, declined comment on the reported missing 2016 budget, which was submitted to the National Assembly last December by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Senate President was silent on the issue when journalists quizzed him over it at the Presidential in Abuja, where he held a closed door meeting with Buhari.
Report said that Senate leader, Ali Ndume, had announced to senators, at a closed door session that the hard and soft copies of the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget document has gone missing.
It was gathered that Saraki's meeting with the President lasted for about 30mins. Newsmen were said to have asked him about the missing budget after the meeting - to which he screamed “Ha! Ha!! Ha!!!” and quickly hopped into his car as the driver zoomed off.
He also did not comment on the agenda of the meeting he had with Buhari.
Dammy Krane comes hard on Wizkid...
Thai woman gets married to her dead fiancé at his funeral
"I dreamed of our wedding. I saw us holding hands. Rest in peace. I love you, Fiat. Please know that our dream has come true.
It was my way of paying tribute to him in this life because I know one day we will be together for eternity in the next one.
I loved him with all my heart and I couldn't bear it when he was taken from me.
He looked splendid on his wedding day, I know he would have liked it''.More photos...
Good News!! See What Senate President Saraki Asked CBN Governor Emefiele To Do Regard The ATM Restriction
Dedicates Praise to SME Owners
Less than a week ago, the Senate
President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola
Saraki, broadcasted via his Twitter
account that he had requested from
the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele,
to look broadly into reviewing the
restrictions in the Forex policy that
has placed, according to Saraki, a
huge discomfort on millions of
Nigerians, particularly the SME
owners. “After series of engagements
with SME owners who are affected
by the current CBN policy on Forex,
the Senate has advised CBN to
review” Saraki said.
Coincidentally, this mind-rubbing
between the Senate President and
the CBN governor happened on the
eve of the visit of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) Team, led by
its Managing Director, Madame
Lagarde Christine to the National
Assembly in Abuja.
In the meeting, according to reports,
Saraki emphasised on the Forex issue
while discussing other burning
economic matters Nigeria is
encountering at present with
Lagarde of the IMF. The two heads
met at same horizon as the IMF
Director reasoned along with the
Senate while she canvassed that the
restriction on foreign exchange
should only be a temporary
economic step.
It is pertinent to recall that
Nigerians, particularly those whose
business is adversely affected by the
Forex policy, launched profuse
Twitter engagements with the Senate
President on the issue. The vast
majority of the citizens, conversing
directly with their Senate President,
appealed to Saraki to ensure that the
policy is reviewed.
Earlier today, Jan 11 2016, the
Central Bank eventually announced
that it had lifted the restrictions on
Forex deposit. Following this
euphoric moment; Nigerians online
came again at Saraki with bunch of
accolades for the latest development
on the Forex issue. Looking at how
the tweets were coming, one would
see that it was a great victory.
In a tweet response however, the
President of the Senate had refused
to arrogate the encomium to himself
when he quickly directed it to the
Nigerian masses in SME realm.
Replying to a tweet by Tolu Ogunlesi
(@toluogunlesi), Saraki maintained
that: “the credit I believe should go
to the business men and women out
there who urgently need Forex to
stay afloat.”
Saraki further tweeted that ”
Review of forex restriction by CBN,
good step in right direction. Let’s all
work to see that the policy works
and not abused.”
No More Importation Of Petrol Once My Refinery Is Ready – Dangote
Group, has assured Nigerians that
when his refinery is ready, the
country would no longer need to
import petroleum products.
Speaking at the site of his refinery in
Lekki, Dangote said his refinery
would put an end to fertiliser
importation in Nigeria, transforming
the country into a net exporter of
refined crude and fertilizer.
“Today, Nigeria imports 100 percent
of its fertilizer, but when we finish,
Nigeria will be the largest exporter
of Urea and Ammonia in Africa,”
Dangote said.
“The refinery is the largest single
line in Africa and it will meet our
total domestic requirement and save
foreign exchange. “Thirty-eight per
cent of CBN’s foreign exchange is
spent on importation of petroleum
products. But we can serve the whole
West African market.”
Dangote said he had been working
with the government and the central
bank of Nigeria (CBN) in diversifying
the economy.
“We are going to serve the whole
domestic market in the next 10 years
and also export. We have actually
been doing this for a very long time
to diversify the economy.
“The government will lay down the
policies. The CBN will assist in terms
of long-term funding through the
banks and even directly now because
they have actually helped us quite a
lot. That is what we are now trying
to do.”
Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor,
who visited the Dangote free trade
zone, said the CBN would provide
the needed foreign exchange for the
refinery, adding that the refinery,
upon completion, would generate $6
billion dollars in foreign exchange
for Nigeria.
“Imagine what would happen to the
savings in foreign exchange by the
time the fertilizer plant is completed
in 2017 and by the time the refinery
and petrochemical plant is completed
during the early part of 2018. “We
expect that by the time these projects
are completed, they will not only
meet the needs of our domestic
requirements – by the time they are
completed, he (Dangote) will be
exporting these products to the point
where he will be selling foreign
exchange to Nigerians and CBN to
the tune of almost $6 billion yearly.
“That is the kind of project we think
we should support and we think that
we need to encourage more
Nigerians to begin to think like Aliko
Dangote.”
The Organisation of Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC), in its
world oil outlook for 2015 said
Dangote is responsible for nearly 50
percent of refinery projects in Africa
for the next five years. The refinery
is expected to cost about N2.8 trillion
and refine about 650,000 barrels of
crude oil per day.
Pampers Nigeria Signs Tiwa Savage As Brand Ambassador [Photos]
Tiwa Savage has just been made an ambassador with Pampers Nigeria.
This was revealed today (January 11) at Sheraton Towers in Lagos.
Her husband, Tee Billz and their son Jamil were also at the event.
Last week Tiwa Savage shared a picture of her reading to her son Jamil Balogun on Instagram.
In the adorable picture Tiwa Savage is sitting on a rocking chair and reading him a bedtime story.
On Sunday, January 3, 2016, Tiwa Savage along with her son and husband Tee Billz attended 2face’s daughter’s birthday party.
Richard Mofe Damijo (A.K.A RMD) Reveals How Much He’s Paid To Feature In A Movie
RMD recently revealed during a broadcast interview with Africa Magic’s magazine TV show ‘Jara’, on how much movie producers pay him to feature in a movie.
“It’s safe to say you’re definitely one of the most sought after and respected actors in Nollywood, it most cost a producer millions of dollars to have you in his movie”, The host of the show Uti Nwachukwu asked RMD.
RMD replied saying: “I don’t know what you are talking about, I mean we are in Nigeria”.
I find ironical that I cost a lot less either because I’m blackmailed constantly by producers and directors. They’re my boys or their younger, no money. You’ll be amazed that for every three films, I’ll probably do two free, practically for next to nothing. It’s just hard to say no”.
Wizkid To Feature Kiss Daniel In New Song
Multiple award winning singer, Wizkid, has dropped some news that his fan would be glad to hear.
The Star-Boy boss said he’s getting ready to drop a new song with fast rising singer, Kiss Daniel.
Wizkid took to Twitter to inform his fans.
Read what he wrote below: –
‘Let’s start this year with some fire’
He tagged Kiss Daniel in the tweet.
SEE The Full List Of Winners At The 2016 Golden Globe Awards
As usual, the biggest names in Hollywood were present to collect awards for their hard work.
Some of the big names who won included Taraji P. Henson for her role as Cookie Lyon of Empire, Leonardo DiCaprio also won the Best Actor for a Motion Picture, Drama.
Peep the full list below: –
Best Motion Picture, Drama: The Revenant
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: Brie Larson, Room
Best Motion Picture, Comedy: The Martian
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama: Taraji P. Henson, Empire
Best Director, Motion Picture: Alejandro González Iñárritu, The Revenant
Best TV Series, Drama: Mr. Robot, USA Network
Best Original Song, Motion Picture: “Writing’s on the Wall,” Spectre
Best Actress in a Limited-Series or TV Movie: Lady Gaga, American
Horror Story: Hotel
Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul, Hungary
Best Actor in a TV Series, Comedy: Gael GarcÃa Bernal, Mozart in the Jungle
Best Screenplay, Motion Picture: Aaron Sorkin, Steve Jobs
Best Supporting Actor in a Motion
Picture: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
Best Animated Feature Film: Inside Out
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Matt Damon, The Martian
Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama: Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Limited-Series or TV Movie: Christian Slater, Mr. Robot
Best Actor in a Limited-Series or TV Movie: Oscar Isaac, Show Me a Hero
Best TV Movie or Limited-Series: Wolf Hall, PBS
Best TV Series, Musical or Comedy: Mozart in the Jungle, Amazon Video
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Limited-Series or TV Movie: Maura Tierney, The Affair
Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
Cecil B. DeMille Award: Denzel Washington
PDP leadership asks Jonathan to speak up on the $2.1bn arms deal scandal
“As all of you know, no single kobo can be spent by the Federal Government without an act of the National Assembly. Money earmarked for arms purchase, some people diverted it to something else.
So many people that you cannot even expect were involved. Now, darkness has come to light. Jonathan is alive, he should clarify whether he asked the National Security Adviser to divert money meant to fight Boko Haram into his campaign. I’m from the North-East and I know the terrible security situation our people are facing there.
The money was meant to fight Boko Haram, and we all know that you can’t rule without peace. Now darkness has given way for the light. It was not only members of the PDP that shared the money; members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Accord Party and the Social Democratic Party, among others, also shared.
At least, Chief Olu Falae is not a member of the PDP. All of them should return the money. Then, (former) President Jonathan must speak on it. He is still alive. Has he ever said anything like this to Dasuki, ‘go and take from the money meant for the war against Boko Haram and share for my campaign’? It is time for him to speak up.”he said
A pervert in China creates lifelike black 'sex doll' that men can use instead of real women
A pervert in China is trying to stop...or let me say reduce the need for a woman. They just created a lifelike sex doll, with a huge butt and big vagina that men can use to satisfy themselves if they can't find a woman or just don't want woman trouble. See it here
2016 budget reportedly goes missing at National Assembly
$2.1bn arms deal scan dal: Why we have not arrested Jonathan - EFCC
Acting Chairman of EFCC Ibrahim Magu says the agency is yet to arrest former President Goodluck Jonathan because no document has been traced to Jonathan giving any approval for the disbursement of the money for any purpose other than arms purchase.
Speaking at a meeting he had with online publishers in Lagos yesterday January 11th, Magu said all those that have been arrested and questioned in connection with the arms deal scandal were people who disbursed or collected money for reasons other than the purchase of arms and ammunition. “All approvals by former president Jonathan did not mention that it was for political purposes" he said.
Speaking at a meeting he had with online publishers in Lagos yesterday January 11th, Magu said all those that have been arrested and questioned in connection with the arms deal scandal were people who disbursed or collected money for reasons other than the purchase of arms and ammunition. “All approvals by former president Jonathan did not mention that it was for political purposes" he said.
Kiss Daniel involved in auto crash
See what Davido shared
Switzerland Sending another $300m Abacha Loot back to Nigeria
Switzerland government is now ready to transfer another $300million recovered from the family of former maximum ruler, late General Sani Abacha, to the Nigerian government.
This was revealed by foreign affairs minister, Geoffrey Onyeama. The money is part of an estimated $5bn that was stolen and stashed in foreign accounts by the late dictator.
Nigeria has in the last 10 years received over $1 billion from the Swiss and American governments, but there are growing concerns past administrations misused the huge sum.
Finance minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with approval of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, had authorised the diversion of at least N61.4billion ($300million and £5.5 million) from funds recovered from late Abacha, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed then by Sambo Dasuki.
These suspicious transfers took place just few weeks before the 2015 presidential election.
The former minister said the money, which was not approved by the National Assembly, was meant for that purchase of military equipment for the fight against Boko Haram.
