We Encourage Militancy of Development – NDDC Chairman

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, has stressed the importance of engagements and partnerships in the development of the Niger Delta.

Senator Ndoma-Egba stated this when a delegation from the Itsekiri Nation paid him a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The Chairman commended the representatives of the Warri monarch for their peaceful approach to issues concerning the Warri Kingdom.

Spain’s Lawmakers Vote to Seize Control of Catalonia

BARCELONA, Spain — In a major escalation of Spain’s territorial conflict, Catalan lawmakers approved the region’s independence on Friday, a move that was quickly countered by a vote in the Spanish Senate authorizing the government to take direct control of the fractious region and remove its separatist leadership.

The dueling actions set up a potential showdown over the weekend, as Spain careened into its greatest constitutional crisis since it embraced democracy in 1978.

The Senate voted 214 to 47 to invoke Article 155 of Spain’s Constitution, granting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy a package of extraordinary powers to suppress Catalonia’s independence drive.

Kogi Govt Bans Unionism In State-Owned Tertiary Institutions

Kogi State government has banned the activities of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Trade Unions of Tertiary Institutions and all forms of unionism in the state-owned tertiary institutions.

The government made the announcement in a statement signed on Wednesday by the state governor, Yahaha Bello.

Institutions affected are Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja; Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa; Kogi State College of Education Technical, Kabba; College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obangede; College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah; and Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba.

FEC Approves Draft Proposal Of 2018 Budget

The Federal Executive Council has approved the draft of the 2018 budget proposal. 

This was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma, after the FEC meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Briefing State House correspondents on the outcomes of the meeting, Udoma said a date would be fixed in liaison with the National Assembly for President Muhammadu Buhari to submit the draft documents.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, informed that N450billion capital has so far been released from the 2017 budget.

Meet the People Who Will Defend Google, Facebook and Twitter Before Lawmakers

Facebook, Google and Twitter have a lot at stake when they show up in Washington on Nov. 1 to testify at congressional hearings about the role their technologies played in Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential elections.

To face the lawmakers on the House and Senate intelligence committees that day, the internet companies are sending in their legal muscle: the general counsels. That way, the companies avoid putting their chief executives — Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Jack Dorsey of Twitter, and Sundar Pichai of Google — in the spotlight to deal with questions and the full-blown public relations crisis over whether they are contributing to an undermining of democracy.

W.H.O. Removes Robert Mugabe as ‘Good-Will Ambassador'

After days of scathing criticism around the globe for naming Zimbabwe’s leader, Robert Mugabe, a “good-will ambassador” for health, the leader of the World Health Organization said on Sunday that he had rescinded the title.

In a statement, the W.H.O.’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said he had “reflected” on the appointment.

“I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns, and heard the different issues that they have raised,” he said. “I have also consulted with the government of Zimbabwe and we have concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the World Health Organization.”

Pastor David Ibiyeomie's 55 Cakes In One 55th Birthday Cake (Photos)

 Popular Port Harcourt based Pastor David Ibiyeomie celebrated his 55th birthday in style.The colourful celebration was attended by his church members and friends.Check out his birthday cake which consists of 55 cakes in one below

The Walking Dead’ Season 8 Premiere: A World at War

Season 8, Episode 1: ‘Mercy’

In the portentous Season 8 premiere of “The Walking Dead” — which kicks off an arc loosely modeled after the “All Out War” issues in Robert Kirkman’s comic book series — disparate clans of warriors organize into stronger coalitions.

Sunday’s episode picks up with the consolidation of power complete, as the ranks of the Rick Grimes-led survivors from Alexandria expand to include Maggie and her comrades from the Hilltop, along with King Ezekiel and his subjects from the Kingdom. In a rousing speech, Rick defines the terms of the conflict to come. He promises a great and terrible reckoning. Many will suffer, some will lose their lives. And the final moments suggest that Gabriel will be the first sacrificial lamb in the new season’s slaughter.

Nollywood Actress, Funke Abisogun AlHassan, is dead

Nollywood Actress, Funke Abisogun AlHassan, is dead.
The actress, who gave birth to a baby some days ago, died on Sunday evening.
Her death was announced by her brother-in-law, Tunde Ola Yusuf, on Instagram. He wrote,

ADIEU FUNKE…
Just days ago, people celebrated with you for the delivery of Ur baby, now the Sun set at noon and U are no more…
May God look after the newborn child and give Ur husband, the family, friends of the family and the industry at large the fortitude to bear the loss.
Good night Funke Abisogun @funkealhassanabisogun , wife of my brother Taofeek Al Hassan Abisogun

Evans in court for second arraignment

Alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans, ‎is currently before the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere.

He is to be arraigned this morning before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo on charges bordering on kidnapping, murder and illegal possession of firearms.

The fresh charges are separate from the ones pressed against him before the Ikeja division of the court, where he was last week re-arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi.

Did EU observers favour Buhari over Jonathan in 2015 polls?

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the 2015 general elections in Nigeria has rejected claims that it favoured President Muhammadu Buhari in its coverage of the polls.

The Chief Observer, Santiago Fisas stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja on the mission's assessment of the 2015 elections.

Fisas, who is also a member of the European Parliament, said the mission was more concerned about entrenching democracy and the electoral process than who emerged as the President.

Oil prices to rise above $60 on tightening supply, strong demand

Oil prices rose on Monday over supply concerns in the Middle East and as the U.S. market showed further signs of tightening while demand in Asia keeps rising.

Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $57.84.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $52.03 per barrel.

The amount of U.S. oil rigs drilling for new production fell by seven to 736 in the week to Oct. 20, the lowest level since June, General Electric Co’s Baker Hughes energy services firm said on Friday. RIG-OL-USA-BHI

Is Richard Branson’s high-speed train in a pneumatic tube pie in the sky?

Last week, Richard Branson gave a boost to tech tycoon Elon Musk’s vision of a futuristic transport system. Hyperloop One is the frontrunner among several companies working on plans for magnetically propelled ground shuttles capable of keeping pace with commercial airliners. Branson announced an investment of an undisclosed sum in the company, which took its total funding to £186m.

Musk first outlined his plans, entitled Hyperloop Alpha, in 2013, when he said the system could provide a safer, faster and more convenient mode of long-distance transport than cars and trains, while also being low cost, sustainable, immune to adverse weather and earthquake-resistant.

NBN a mistake, says Turnbull, blaming Labor for 'calamitous train wreck'

Malcolm Turnbull has labelled the national broadband network a mistake and blamed Labor for leaving the Coalition a “calamitous train wreck” of a project while responding to concerns from the NBN Co chief executive that it may not pay its own way.

Bill Morrow has suggested that competing technologies may hamper the commercial viability of the NBN in the lead-up to an ABC Four Corners investigation, airing Monday night, into the digital divide between premises that get faster fibre-to-the-premises rather than fibre-to-the-node connections.

Tech giants face Congress as showdown over Russia election meddling looms

A showdown is looming in Washington between Congress and the powerful social media companies that have helped define the current unsettled age in western democracies.

The immediate issue before the Senate and the House intelligence committees, which have summoned representatives from Facebook, Twitter and Google to appear on 1 November, is to determine the extent the companies were used in a multi-pronged Russian operation to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Aregbesola backs Alaafin on Gani Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State yesterday said the choice of the national coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland is right.

Speaking at the 50th birthday celebration of his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon in Iwo, Aregbesola stressed that the decision of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Gani Adams was in order.

Court to hear application on accounts without BVN Nov 16

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 16 for hearing on the application seeking the forfeiture funds in bank accounts without Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs).

Justice Nnnami Dimgba also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 19 commercial banks in the country to disclose accounts and balances in their banks.

Writer Margaret Atwood gets 2017 Kafka award

Canadian poet, critic and novelist Margaret Atwood received this year's international Franz Kafka literary prize at a ceremony in Prague on Tuesday, which honoured the lifetime achievements of "The Handmaid's Tale" author.

"I think this one is quite special because the first free-standing literary essay that I wrote that was not for school was about Franz Kafka back in the 1950s," Atwood told AFP.

"At that time I read not only his biography but all of his work and I remember it very well," she added before receiving the $10,000 (8,500 euros) prize.

Twitter steps up fight against sexual harassment

The rules will come into force in the coming weeks, Twitter said in a statement late Tuesday, after company co-founder Jack Dorsey on Friday posted a series of tweets promising policy changes.

The San Francisco-based social media giant will “immediately and permanently suspend any account we identify as the original poster/source of non-consensual nudity and/or if a user makes it clear they are intentionally posting said content to harass their target,” the statement read.

Twitter defines “non-consensual nudity” as including “content like upskirt imagery, ‘creep shots,’ and hidden camera content.”

Fleeing Students In Rukpokwu, Port Harcourt Over Vaccination (Photo)

Happening live in Rukpokwu Port Harcourt. Rumour has it that some soldiers are headed towards Rukpokwu for vaccination in school. There was confussion all over as parents/guardians scamper to collect their wards to avoid forced vaccination.

APC to PDP: We ll not give you victory in 2019

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it should rethink its strategies of returning to power in 2019.

The ruling party said deliberate falsehood will not help the PDP attain its mission.

According to APC, Nigerians are not gullible and can differentiate between a party that brought the country to where it is today and the party clearing the rot and rebuilding the country.

Presidency: I Blame PDP for Restructuring Agitations

The presidency has blamed the growing clamour for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation on those opposed to the Muhammadu Buhari administration, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the fact that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not antagonistic to restructuring.

The Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina made this known at the weekend while speaking on the theme, “Disintegration or Restructuring,” at the 8th Annual Lecture series of a civil society group, The Change We Need Nigeria Initiative, held in Abuja.

But he was faulted by the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, spokesman of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin and the lead discussant at the lecture series, Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu who all protested the labeling of proponents of restructuring as opponents of the government.

Attack on vaccines sets back immunization efforts in eastern Syrian Arab Republic

13 OCTOBER 2017 | GENEVA - WHO has received reports of an attack on medical facilities in eastern Syrian Arab Republic that has destroyed the only vaccines cold room in al-Mayadeen district, Deir Ezzor Governorate.

More than 100,000 doses of measles vaccines and 35,000 doses of polio vaccines were stored in these facilities, alongside equipment, syringes, and stocks for all vaccine-preventable childhood diseases.

If confirmed, this would set back the efforts of WHO and health partners to protect the children of Deir Ezzor from preventable childhood diseases, including polio. WHO and local partners have intensified efforts to respond to an outbreak of polio that has affected 48 children in the Syrian Arab Republic since March this year.

WHO to establish high-level commission on noncommunicable diseases

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced today the establishment of a new High-level global Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). The announcement came at the 64th Session of WHO’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean being held in Islamabad, 9-12 October.

The commission’s aim is to identify innovative ways to curb the world’s biggest causes of death and extend life expectancy for millions of people. The commission will support ongoing political efforts to accelerate action on cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes and respiratory disease, as well as reducing suffering from mental health issues and the impacts of violence and injuries.

Jacob Zuma On A 2-Day Visit To Imo

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha yesterday disclosed that South African President, Jacob Zuma, will from today pay a two-day visit to the state.Briefing journalists at Government House, Owerri, the state capital, Okorocha said Zuma, among other official engagements, would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Rochas Okorocha Foundation and Zuma Foundation.

Different Between Monkeypox and Chickenpox

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is characterized by itchy red blisters that appear all over the body. A virus causes this condition. It often affects children, and was so common it was considered a childhood rite of passage.

It’s very rare to have the chickenpox infection more than once. And since the chickenpox vaccine was introduced in the mid-1990s, cases have declined.

NPA moves against Atiku’s biggest cash cow, Intels, over TSA policy, project funding

 

The Nigerian Ports Authority and and Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (Intels), Nigeria’s leading logistic firm for the oil and gas industry, are locked in a fierce business dispute, with the NPA threatening to terminate Intels’ port revenue collection contract.

Those familiar with the matter said the dispute, which has seen the two parties hold several tension-soaked meetings and exchange aggressive correspondences, arose from Intels’ alleged non-compliance with the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account policy.

The two parties also appear to disagree over the funding of a key capital project the logistics company is handling for the NPA.

FG Moves To Enforce ‘No Work, No Pay’ Rule

The Federal Government has started the process of enforcing the ‘no work, no pay’ rule said to be captured in the Trade Disputes of the Federation.

Once enforced, any worker who embarks on industrial action will lose his or her pay for that period while the period of the strike will not be pensionable.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Late Sam Loco’s Son Set To Wed His Boo, Releases Pre-wedding Photos

Omoruyi Loco Efe, The son of Legendary actor, Late Sam Loco-Efe is set to get married to his heartthrob, Ekundayo Oyeniyi in ceremony set to go down in Ibadan.

According to Information sent to YabaLeftOnline.com, the wedding has been fixed for this month, 28th of October to be precise, and guests are expected to don Mint Green and Burgundy as the dress code.

Victim of Monkeypox In Akwa Ibom (Disturbing Photo)

This is the first case of Monkeypox that has been recorded in Akwa Ibom State. The Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom, Charles Udoh, in a statement issued in Uyo, confirmed the single case. He also said that the state government was investigating two more cases suspected to be monkeypox.

Corruption allegation: Groups issue IGP, Idris 5-day resignation ultimatum

A group under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Integrity and Justice (CCSGIJ), has requested that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris should honourably resign his appointment, within 5 working days.
The coalition, comprises Lawyers Integrity Crusade Network (LICN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Youth Democratic Congress (NYDC) and other Civil Society Organizations.

$30billion has gone missing under Buhari – Fani-Kayode

A total of $30billion has allegedly gone missing under President Muhammadu Buhari, according to former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode.
Fani-Kayode in a series of tweets on Sunday, gave a breakdown of the figures from the year 1977.

He wrote: “Never in our history has ANY govt official siphoned 26 BILLION USD through bogus oil contracts in less than one year. Buhari and Baru STINK!

3 Islamic Clerics Arrested For Possession Of Human Parts In Ogun

Three self acclaimed Islamic clerics have been arrested by Ogun State Police Command over alleged rituals and murder.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ilyasu, who paraded the suspects on Sunday at the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, headquarters in Abeokuta said they were arrested on October 5.

He gave the identities of the trio as Adebayo Mudashiru (36), Raheed Abass (33) and Rasaq Adenekan (42), adding that they were caught with fresh and dried human parts, human skull, reptiles and assorted charms.

TSTV

At first, it sounded like a badly-intentioned prank. I mean, how ingenious is a name like TSTV which sounds like a parody of DSTV? But there is indeed going to be another satellite television company providing direct to home services to Nigerians. TSTV (Telcom Satellite TV) was formally launched on Sunday, October 1, 2017, which was also Nigeria’s Independence Day. Not sure if there was any symbolism intended; you know, like TSTV liberating Nigerian TV viewers? But who is TSTV anyway? In their own words on their website, this is how they describe themselves, “TSTV Africa is a wholly-owned Nigerian innovative pay TV operator.”

Monkeypox Outbreak

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although less severe. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980.However, monkeypox still occurs sporadically in some parts of Africa.

Monkeypox is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.

Patience Jonathan Spotted In Her Hometown, Okrika. Photos

Nigeria's Former First Lady; Dame Dr Patience Jonathan, was seen at an event at her native hometown,Okrika, Rivers state. Mrs. Jonathan alongside other dignitaries attended the funeral of the Late mother Rt.Rev T.R Abere, the Bishop Diocese of Okrika.

Girl Caught After Stealing Money From Woman's Account Through ATM.

A girl was humiliated after she was caught while trying to play a fast one on a lady in Delta state. According to reports, a lady who wanted to withdraw money from the ATM at GT Bank was discouraged due to the long queue as she reportedly gave her ATM card to a girl who is said to be in SS2 - to help her withdraw N10,000.

According to reports, the girl reportedly withdrew N70,000 for herself (N50k which she transferred to her account and N20K which she kept in her pocket)...

Photos of this latest coupe in town

 

Photos of this latest coupe in town are trending online due to obvious reason. According to a social media user who shared the photos and congratulated the couple on their union, the 19-year-old boy tied the knot with his 15-year-old bride. This happened in the Northern part of Nigeria.

All You Need To Know Before Joining The Nigerian Army

 

Things You Didn’t Know About Those Commissioned Into the Nigerian Army

This article on the different commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army, will help clear the confusion lingering in the minds of civilians that want to take up a career in the Nigerian Army.

There are 5 types of commission in the Nigerian Army (NA) – Not Armed Forces.

Corpse Of Dauda Mohammed Arrives Nigeria From India Ahead Of Burial. Photos

The corpse of the former national president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Dauda Mohammed, 38, has arrived Nigeria for burial. Mr. Mohammed died last Sunday enroute India where he had gone for medical treatment. Mr. Mohammed was said to have passed on five minutes before landing at Delhi Airport.

Mr. Mohammed departed Abuja for India on September 30 to receive treatment for liver cirrhosis.

Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi 50th Birthday Celebration: Dignitaries Storm Event

 

The ancient kingdom of Iwo in Osun state on Saturday played host to prominent personalities in Nigeria and beyond as the traditional ruler of the town, the Oluwo of Iwo, HRM, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi celebrated his 50th birthday anniversary in grand styles.

The golden jubilee ceremony have in attendance bigwigs in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC inculding the party's National Leader, who is also a former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Tinubu was represented.

Emeka Ike finds love again, unveils his new South African boo & she's hot (Photos)

 

Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike seems to have found love again following his recent divorce from his estranged wife and mother of his four children, Suzanne Emma Rero.
The actor has been sharing beautiful and loved-up photos of himself with a curvy lady who has been identified as a 28-year old South African.