North Korea ignores UN, U.S., others, fires missile over Japan

North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un [Photo Credit: Al Jazeera]

North Korea on Tuesday carried out another ballistic missile test, with the latest flying over Japan.

The U.S. disarmament ambassador, Robert Wood, described the test as “another provocation” and a big concern.
Mr. Wood told reporters in Geneva that Washington still needs to do “further analysis” of the missile that flew over Japan’s northern Hokkaido island into the sea.
“It’s another provocation by North Korea, they just seem to continue to happen.
“This is a big concern of course to my government and to a number of other governments,” Mr. Wood said before a session of the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament where North Korean Ambassador Han Tae Song was to speak.
The test, one of the most provocative ever from the reclusive state, came as U.S. and South Korean forces conduct annual military exercises on the peninsula, to which North Korea strenuously objects.
North Korea has conducted dozens of ballistic missile tests under young leader Kim Jong Un, the most recent on Saturday, but firing projectiles over mainland Japan is rare.
“North Korea’s reckless action is an unprecedented, serious and a grave threat to our nation,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters.
Mr. Abe said he spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday and they agreed to increase pressure on North Korea.

Mr. Trump also said the United States was “100 per cent with Japan”, Mr. Abe told reporters.

South Korea’s military said the missile was launched from near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, just before 6 a.m. (2100 GMT Monday) and flew 2,700 km, reaching an altitude of about 550 km.

Four South Korean fighter jets bombed a military firing range on Tuesday after President Moon Jae-in asked the military to demonstrate capabilities to counter North Korea.

South Korea and the United States had discussed deploying additional “strategic assets” on the Korean peninsula, the presidential Blue House said in a statement, without giving more details.

U.S. President, Donald Trump

North Korea remained defiant

In its reaction to the test, Konstantin Kosachev, a Senior Russian lawmaker, said the UN Security Council’s resolution on Pyongyang has not reached its goal.

Mr. Kosachev, who is the head of the international committee of the Federation Council, said: “this provocative launch confirms the ‘stalemate’ around the North Korean problem.

“The UN Security Council resolution adopted at the beginning of the month did not achieve its goal, as the situation has shifted to the bilateral DPRK-U.S. regime.”

Tokyo said after the launch that the missile had flown over Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido and had fallen 1,180 km east of the island into the Pacific Ocean.

The Security Council has adopted 21 resolutions concerning North Korea.

Five resolutions were adopted during the Korean War in the 1950s.

In 1991, a single resolution was adopted regarding North Korea’s accession to membership in the UN.

Since then, many resolutions have been adopted in relation to the North Korean missile and nuclear programme.

Most recently, on August 6, the council passed a resolution imposing new sanctions on North Korea for its continued intercontinental ballistic missile testing and violations of UN resolutions.

With 15 votes in favour, Resolution 2371 was passed unanimously.

The resolution targets North Korea’s primary exports, including coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood.

The sanctions also target other revenue streams, such as banks and joint ventures with foreign companies.

The sanctions will slash North Korea’s annual export revenue of three billion dollars by more than a third, according to a statement from the office of Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the UN.

*Premium Times

Judgment on alleged kidnapper Evans ‎stalled

A Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday fixed September 5 to hear arguments from counsel on why he should not deliver judgment on the fundamental rights application filed by Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.

Justice Abdulaziz Anka, who had earlier fixed today for judgment, said he would not go ahead when there are pending applications before him.

“The question is, can I still go ahead when there are still motions before me and the fact that the applicant refused service?” Mr. Anka asked.

“I’ve read the case file, I’ve seen the processes attached inclusive of a court order.”

The judge had adjourned on August 16 to deliver a judgment on the fundamental rights application filed by Mr. Onwuamadike. The first and second respondents, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force, did not send a legal representative throughout the hearing.

But the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, the third and fourth respondents, were represented by lawyers who argued that their colleagues were not served the court process.

On Tuesday, David Igbodo, a lawyer, announced appearance for the first and second respondents, saying they did not receive any court process in Abuja.

Mr. Igbodo, a Commissioner of Police (Legal), said they had filed a motion before the judge making five applications, including an order seeking to set aside the ruling on August 16 as well as the adjournment for judgment without hearing his clients.

He also said the police was seeking an order to set aside the purported application and submission made by Henry Obiazi without authority, and an order granting leave to the first and second respondents to file their counter affidavits.

“Parties have been served though the applicant, I was told, refused to accept service,” said Mr. Igbodo.

“The application is before your lordship, it’s our belief that this court is a court of justice.”

In his response, Mr. Ogungbeje said he never received any application from the police, insisting that the last adjournment had been for judgment and not to entertain fresh applications.

“It is our strong view to the learned counsel to the first and second respondents that his application is calculated to arrest the judgment of the court,” said Mr. Ogungbeje.

The lawyer also said he could not have refused service from the police because he was out of town.

After the judge said he would be unable to go ahead with the judgment until the pending applications before him are heard, the lawyers from both sides could not agree on the next date for adjournment.

Mr. Igbodo said he would be traveling to China on official assignment next week and requested for a date in the last week of September.

“This matter is very important to the IG (Inspector General). Before that 25th (of September, the applicant will be charged to court,” Mr. Igbodo added.

But Mr. Ogungbeje disagreed, insisting that his client needs to know his fate as soon as possible.

The judge stood down the matter for both parties to agree on a date, and later adjourned to September 5 to hear arguments.

*Premium Times 

UNBELIEVABLE! Police parade pastor allegedly found with human heart

The Police Command in Cross River on Tuesday paraded a pastor, Tony Obo-Ekpeyong, for allegedly being in possession of the heart of an 18-month-old baby girl whom he killed.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Mr. Obo-Ekpeyong is the pastor of Royal God’s Commandment Ministry, Calabar.

Parading the suspect, the spokesperson of the command, Irene Ugbo, said that the suspect was arrested alongside six others on Aug. 24 by men of the command.

Ms. Ugbo said that they were arrested when the parents of the deceased raised an alarm that their child had been abducted by some masked men who stormed their house.

She said some operatives were immediately deployed to search the church and it environ, and that they found some incriminating items and arrested the pastor and six others.

“On August 24, we received a distress call that one pastor in a church in Calabar South had killed a baby girl, aged one year and six months.

“When we got there, the heart of the child was still shaking. The suspect lied that the heart was that of a fowl.

“We have sent the heart to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for proper analysis.

“We actually heard some rumours that the police have collected money to release the suspects.

“We have called the press here today for the world to know that the suspects are still in our custody and investigation is ongoing.

“The police cannot release murder, kidnap or other categories of suspects without due process. We are going to charge the suspects to court immediately,’’ she said.

The suspect, however, denied the allegation, saying, “I was praying for one of our members who was sick when the police came and arrested me.

“The heart they saw was that of a fowl. We don’t operate any spiritual shrine in the church.

“The thick blood that was seen on the altar was that of a goat and a fowl that we killed to celebrate with our members after our three-day fasting programme.’’

Faith Inyang, the 20-year-old mother of the baby, corroborated what the police said.

Ms. Inyang added: “I recognised one of the men because of his stature; he lives around our area and he normally passes through our house.

“Up till now, I have not seen the body of my daughter apart from the heart that was found there.”

(NAN)

Five Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

According to Premium Times report, Five Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, have died.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Abdullahi Mohammed, announced the passage of four of the pilgrims on Tuesday in Makkah, Islam’s holiest city.

Mr. Mohammed, who spoke at the 2017 pre-Arafat meeting with Hajj stakeholders, however, declined to disclosed the identities of the late pilgrims as well as the circumstances that led to their death.

He said such information could only be disclosed after their families had been appropriately informed.

The NAHCON chair pleaded with the media to withhold the details so as not to further devastate the families of the affected pilgrims.

Shortly after the chairman spoke, an official on the medical team of NAHCON announced the passage of another pilgrim from Kwara.

A total 81,200 Nigerian pilgrims are performing this year’s hajj, all of whom have converged on Makkah after some of them visited and prayed at the Prophet Mohammed’s mosque in Madinah.

A few other pilgrims came directly to Makkah after flying into Saudi Arabia through the nearby city of Jeddah.

All the pilgrims have performed the rites of Umrah, the lesser hajj, at al-Masjid al-Haram in which is situated the Kabah.

On Wednesday, the pilgrims, like their counterparts from other parts of the world, will move to the city of Mina to spend the eve of the 9th of Dhul-Hijah.

The pilgrims will then proceed to Arafat on Thursday praising Allah and reciting the Qur’an.

NANS gives Nigerian govt 21 days ultimatum to resolve ASUU strike

President of NANS, Chinonso Obasi. [Photo credit: International Centre for Investigative Reporting]

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has given the federal government a 21-day ultimatum to resolve the Academic Staff Union of Universities strike action to enable the students return to school.

The association warned that students would shut down the country if the government fails to resolve the issues and end the strike within the stipulated time.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the National President of NANS, Chinonso Obasi.

The association called on government and ASUU to have “constructive engagement” to resolve the lingering issues that led to the declaration of the strike.

Mr. Obasi said incessant and prolonged strike was one of the factors responsible for the falling standard of education in Nigeria.

“Incessant strikes and stoppage of academic activities as a result of lack of agreements or lack of adherence and implementation of duly executed memorandum of agreements between the Federal Government and ASUU do not reflect and demonstrate commitment to the sustainable development of the nation’s education sector and human capital,” he said.

Mr. Obasi said NANS had called on the Nigerian Senate to convene an emergency meeting to deliberate on the strike and other issues of critical national importance.

“NANS will await the outcome of meeting (between government and ASUU) to determine the next line of action,” he said.

*Premium Times

Facebook boss, Mark Zuckerberg and wife welcome second daughter!

Facebook owner, Mr Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have finally welcomed their second child, a girl who has since been named August.

The couple who announced that they would be having a new addition about four months ago welcomed their daughter last week just about a week after Zuckerberg announced that he would be taking time off work to attend to family matters and more importantly, he needed the paternity leave

The child August was born in the month of August and this could be the only reason for her peculiar name.

Gospel singers take centre stage as Overflow concert holds!

Funmi Oloyede

The annual gospel musical concert tagged, 'Overflow' is billed to hold this Sunday, in Lagos. The gathering of praise, which is organized by Passion and Praise music ministry is her 15^th edition themed ‘Rejoice’ will feature notable gospel artistes and other anointed men of God.

In a statement issued by the organizer, Team Lead Passion and Praise, Funmi Oloyede disclosed that Passion and Praise's vision was borne out of the desire to rekindle true worship in the body of Christ. The concert which is one the group's expression of her mandate held its first edition in 2002, since then it has been a reawakening moment each edition.

She added that, it has been 15 years of grace and fulfillment. ‘In spite of challenges, disappointments and pain, what has been the propelling force is knowing that I do God’s bidding per time’.

Oloyede further said that, the power of tenacity has kept the team this far. 15 represents rest and it’s no coincidence that Passion and Praise is fulfilling the purpose. ‘The year is significant for us because 2017 is a year of jubilee. The concert will feature notable gospel singers including pastor Kingsley Ike, Titi Oloyede and Aden Solomon. It promises to be a life transforming event.

Passion and Worship was established in 2002 to contribute to the development of worship and leading men to understanding worship in truth and spirit.

Major shake-up in NNPC; 55 top officials affected

As part of the ongoing restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, 55 top management staff were either appointed or redeployed across the company’s operations in a major management shake-up announced on Tuesday.

The Group Managing Director, GMD of the Corporation, Maikanti Baru, said the new appointments would not only help reposition the NNPC for the challenges ahead, but would also help to fill the gaps created due to statutory retirements of staff.

Under the new arrangement, Mr. Baru said a former Managing Director of the Integrated Data Services Limited, IDSL, Roland Ewubare, has been appointed the new Group General Manager, GGM, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS.

Former GGM and Senior Technical Assistant, STA, to Mr. Baru, Diepriye Tariah, would take over from him as the MD of IDSL; while the Executive Director Operations of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, KRPC, Malami Shehu, was appointed Managing Director, Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC.

A former MD of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, WRPC, Adewale Ladenegan, was moved to KRPC to assume duty as MD.

Also affected was Muhammed Abah, who until recently was the Executive Director (Operations) of WRPC succeeds. He will take over from Mr. Ladenegan as MD of Warri Refinery.

At the Nigerian Products Marketing Company, NPMC, former GGM in charge of Corporate Planning and Strategy, CP&S, Umar Ajiya, was named the MD following the recent retirement of Farouk Ahmed from service. Also, a former General Manager, Downstream, GMD’s Office, Bala Wunti, takes charge as GGM CP&S.

Other changes include Usman Yusuf who takes over as GGM/STA to the GMD; Adeyemi Adetunji as MD NNPC Retail, and Bola Afolabi as GGM in charge of Research and Development Division of the Corporation

*Premium Times

Celebrities storm Terra Kulture for special screening of The Voice Nigeria ...as Live shows begin

The first live episode of The Voice Nigeria seasontwo aired on Sunday the 27th of August, and an excited audience was present at Terra Kulture in Lagos to experience thrilling performances from the contestants on Africa’s biggest singing reality show.

Celebrities like Akpororo, Linda Ejiofor, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, MawuliGavor and the finalists of last season’s Voice were just a few of the known faces in attendance, as popular television personality OzzyAgu hosted the on-ground event set for the screening of the live broadcast .

The live shows involve four members of each team performing, with the coach choosing to save one contestant and the three remaining contestants put up for public voting. One lucky contestant who amasses the most votes ends up being saved.

The red carpet at the screening kicked off at 6pm local time, and guests were seated by 7pm as the live show began. #TeamPatoranking got the show rolling as the contestants took to the stage one after another. Kessydriz performed Tina Turner’s What’s love got to with it, whilst Afolayan sang J Martin’s E No Easy. Hightee thrilled with Lauryn Hill’s Doo Wop and Voke sang Reekado Bank’s Ladies and Gentlemen. Patoranking saved Hightee. #TeamYemiAlade was up next with Chris Rio performed Stiches by Shawn Mendes. Ifeoma touched a few nerves as she sang Andra Day’s Rise up. Jahnomso followed with Show me love by Robin S and Bunmi sang YemiAlade’sWant you. YemiAlade eventually made a call and saved Ifeoma.

Following this string of impressive performances was #TeamWaje with Efezino kicking off with a rendition of Clean Bandit’s Rockabye. Glowrie gave an emotional performance of Adele’s Hello while Favour sang Tiwa Savage’s All over and Wow, the 80s man, raised the bar with his performance of Kool and the Gang’s Get down on it. Glowrie was saved by Waje.

#TeamTimi had Bada who sang Sean Kingston’s Beautiful girls while Amarachi (sister to Dawn from Season one) performed Meghan Trainor’sNo. Wolei sang Brymo’sAraand finally the strong voiced Precious regaled the coaches and audience with his lovely performance of Whitney Houston’s Nothing. Precious was saved by Timi.

Emeka Rollas extends hand of fellowship to aggrieved members of AGN *Appoints Ejike Asiegbu, Alex Osifo, Mercy Johnson, others as Advisers

The newly elected President of Government of National Unity,GNU, an interim government under the umbrella of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, Emeka Rollas has hit the ground running, as he sets up an Advisory Council made up of 12 veteran actors as part of his plans to restructure the Guild.

They include, former presidents of the guild, Larry Williams namely; Segun Arinze, Ejike Asiegbu, Zack Orji and Dr. Remy Ohajianya. Others are Alex Osifo,Mercy Johnson, John Okafor a.k.a Mr. Ibu, Nkem Owoh, Steve Eboh, Sani Danja and Nasir Mohammed.

Emeka Rollas unveiled the members of the Advisory Council at his maiden press conference, held Weekend, in Surulere, Lagos. He emerged the head of the interim government after he defeated Emeka Ike at an election organized by the congress, and which held last Tuesday, in Enugu.

Speaking at the press conference, Emeka Rollas called on all aggrieved parties to sheathe their swords and join hands with him in restoring AGN to its lost glory.

In his words, “The Actors Guild of Nigeria as an umbrella for screen actors across the country has come a long way. It has over time become a phenomenon and as some may preferably call, the "mother guild of Nollywood". Notwithstanding, like every other professional association of the would, we have had our rough and stormy phases, one of which is the leadership crisis preceding the Enugu Peace Conference and the decision of the general congress to set up a Government of National Unity.”

“As a product of peace, my executive and I have consciously set an agenda that will ensure total peace, tranquility and equanimity within members of the guild. We have also set plans in motion to see that all aggrieved veterans and founding fathers who for one reason or the other have backed the guild return back to take their place. Consequent to this, we began by setting up an Advisory Council which compresses the following: Segun Arinze, Ejike Asiegbu, Zack Orji and Dr. Remy Ohajianya. Others are Alex Osifo,Mercy Johnson, John Okafor a.k.a Mr. Ibu, Nkem Owoh, Steve Eboh, Sani Danja and Nasir Mohammed.”

“As the president and leader of this Government of National Unity, I am open to collaborations and will be ready to work with all. My executive council will be run in such manner that attracts and accepts positive suggestions and opinion from all and sundry, inclusive of all dissolved factions.

We shall at once begin to fan the ambers of partnerships and affiliations prior created with relevant international bodies, even as we also create more. The International Federation of Actors, to which I was able to affiliate the guild while serving as a secretary to Segun Arinze, has had little or no dealings with AGN since 2013. In fact, there is so much to be done. There are so many broken edges to be mended, especially those perpetrated by the roughages of crisis.”

our promise to members and stakeholders across the guild is that by the expiration of the two years under which we have been mandated to resharpen and reshape the guild, there will be so much development to note. I tell you, AGN has found a new path. This path I'm sure will lead to a destination "known". A destination of peace and progress. My executives and I have already started the brainstorming. We have set out our action plans and clear blueprints that will enable us outnumber our promises even before the end of our tenure,” he said. The event was attended by the guild's BoT Chairman, Ifeanyi Dike, Sunny Mcdon(Member), Emmanuel Agugua(member), St. Maradona Mikevine(new Treasurer of the guild) and Frank Dallas(PRO) among others.   

How Obi Madubogwo died

Nollywood actor, Obi Madubogwo who has been battling with chronic diabetic sore for some time now has finally died.

He died yesterday evening, after he developed fever and was rushed to the hospital when had complications and later gave up the ghost. Confirming Madubogwo’s demise on the film makers’ platform on WhatsApp called Film4Life Monday evening, veteran producer, Chidi Nwokeabia wrote, “Obi is dead, We just spoke to the wife. He developed fever yesterday, went to the hospital this morning, had complications and died. The family will be taking the corpse home tomorrow.” Also, the newly elected president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Mr. Emeka Rollas confirmed the news of his death to Vanguard, saying “It’s sad that after receiving Oni’s congratulatory message on the telephone, he didn’t live to see me face to face and thereafter meet the reforms we are about bringing to AGN with this new excos.” “Obi was part of this dream to see that I become the President of the Guild. Last year, I Chaired the event organized by his Saving Life for Africa Diabetes Foundation. We talked about how I would use AGN to help drive his foundation if become president of the guild. This is another sad day for Nollywood, ” he reacted.

Madubogwo, who was known for his role as ‘King of Musanga’ was formerly on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Ebute Meta, YABA, Lagos State.

The actor was known for his lead roles in movies such as ‘Passion of my blood’, ‘Mothers-in-Law’, The King of Musanga’ amongst others.

Singer, Selena Gomez Instagram hacked, nude photos of Justin Bieber shared

Selena Gomez‘s Instagram account scarred followers on Monday, August 28, 2017, after nudes of Justin Bieber emerged.

Apparently, the pop star's account was taken over by hackers who used the singer’s account to post nude photos of her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber.

The nude photos were the same ones previously released on October 2015 when the pop star was on vacation in Bora Bora.

Gomez has since reclaimed her Instagram account after initially deactivating it and has deleted the photos. The hackers captioned the nude photos, "LOOK AT THIS [expletive] LIL SHRIMPY” and included their Instagram account names claiming that they “run da scene."

The former Disney channel star has the most followers on the photo sharing platform with 125 million.

Gomez and Bieber famously dated and enjoyed an on and off relationship that they first confirmed in 2011.

*Agency report 

Leave my family alone, Uche Jombo begs bloggers

Nollywood actress Uche Jombo has begged Nigerian bloggers to leave her family business out of the media. This development emerged after numerous reports that the actress and her husband, Kenny Rodriguez, are now separated.

Reacting on her Instagram page on Tuesday, angry Uche Jombo wrote,  "Dear Nigerian Bloggers

If YOU are going make up stories about my life or marriage try FACTS.

Normally I will look at this stupid trending story on me today and look the other way but not TODAY!!! ENOUGH!!!!!! I find your need to create mirage tales of rancour where there are none in chase of a story/news outrageous.There's no story here except a woman trying to balance her family life and work in 2 countries.

Please LEAVE my FAMILY out of your manufactured made up stories, there are more important stories, real issues in world people are worried about than little old me.

My only social media cover-up is pretending You "Zero journalistic ethics" people didn't hurt me by your unfounded and non-factual stories."

Nollywood actor, Obi Madubogwo is dead

Nollywood actor, Obi Madubogwo who has been battling diabetic wound for years has finally kicked the bucket. The news of his death was broken on the film makers platform on WhatsApp this evening. 

Madubogwo, popularly known for his role as ‘King of Musanga’ reportedly got resuscitated after he went into coma following a toxic battle with diabetic wound. Until his death, he was on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Ebute Meta, YABA, Lagos State. Story developing 

Plateau Polytechnic female hostel razed by fire

The female hostel in the Jos campus of the Plateau State Polytechnic was on Monday completely burnt down by fire.

The fire, which started around 8.30 a.m., raged on till 11.44, throwing the entire school into confusion as students and staffers scurried to safety with some bold students making frantic but fruitless efforts to quench the inferno.

No life was lost in the fire that gutted everything in the hostel.

“Many students had left for lectures when the fire started; no one was around to remove anything from the burning hostel,” Yusuf Ade, a security man said.

The fire service personnel arrived the scene around 11.20 when the hostel had been brought down.

Mr Dauda Gyemang, the Rector of the institution, who described the incident as “shocking”, attributed it to a gas explosion which occurred “at about 8.30 a.m.”

“We thank God that no life was lost in the inferno, but nothing was rescued,” he said.

Gyemang said that the incident was “a great loss” to the institution.

“We shall move the students to another place because the building is completely burnt down. It is very devastating,” he said.

The Rector wondered why the students were keeping cooking gas in the hostel, saying that it was against the school’s regulations.

“The problem here is that students do not adhere to the institution’s regulations; they are not supposed to be cooking in the hostels,” he fumed.

Gyemang said that the burnt building would be rehabilitated “in no distant time”, and urged the students to remain calm.

The hostel’s Representative, Miss Christiana Azi, said students lost everything “including original copies of their credentials, clothes, food stuffs and other valuables”.

“The incident is shocking and devastating. It will be very difficult to recover from it,” she said.

*NEW News

Unilever reiterates importance of good oral hygiene at NDA's AGM

 From left: Prof. Arochukwu, Chief Medical Director, Delta State University Teaching hospital, High Chief Edozien, representative of His Royal Highness, The Asagba of Asaba, Senator Agwariawodo, representative of His excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi  Okowa, Executive Governor of Delta state.

In its continued support to promote good oral hygiene and ensure a cavity free Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria Plc. charged the populace to adopt good oral care practices like brushing twice daily (morning and night) at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Dental Association held from Tuesday 22 - Thursday 24 August 2017 in Asaba, Delta State.

In a paper presentation written by Dr. MO. Ashiwaju, Consultant Pediatric Dentist titled ‘Oral Health and Fertility’ and presented by Dr. Olakunle Temiye, he noted that a relationship exists between oral health and fertility that can result in health issues such as Dental caries, gingivitis/periodontitis, delay in getting pregnant, low/zero sperm count, miscarriages, intrauterine growth restriction (low birth weight) and premature delivery. He reiterated the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene such as brushing teeth regularly (twice a day) with a fluoride containing toothpaste and visiting the dentist at least twice a year, as the remedy to poor oral health.

In her remarks, the Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Ogechukwu Anozie, said that Unilever is committed to doing business in a sustainable way and improving the lives of the Nigerian people and that is why they have partnered with the Nigerian Dental Association and other stakeholders to create awareness on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

She noted that 90% percent of the world’s population suffers from oral diseases, and through the Pepsodent Brush Day and Night School Programme, Unilever has so far educated directly over 2 million Nigerian children and charged them to imbibe the culture of brushing twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste such as Pepsodent.

“We believe children are change agents. They have the will power to influence their parents, siblings and people around them positively, by telling them to adopt good oral care habits like brushing twice daily (morning and night).”

“Pepsodent Triple Protection toothpaste is a big breakthrough formulation that guarantees protection against cavities, stains and bad breath which are the most prevalent oral care needs in many homes” she concluded.

Earlier this year, Unilever partnered with the Nigerian Dental Association, Federal Ministry of

Health and other stakeholders to celebrate the World Oral Health Day and create awareness on issues emanating from poor oral health and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene in Nigeria. Unilever was commended by the Nigerian Dental Association for its contribution and relentless support over the years.

The long term goal is to improve the oral health of ten million children in the country by 2020 through the Pepsodent Brush Day & Night Schools Programme.

US Congressional Delegation visits Nigeria

Senator Christopher Coons

An eight member Congressional delegation from the United States will visit Nigeria from August 28 – August 31. The delegation will be led by Senator Christopher Coons (D-Delaware). Senator Coons is a member of the Appropriations, Foreign Relations, Judiciary, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Ethics committees.

The delegation also includes Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan); Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado); Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware); Representative Terri Sewell (D-Alabama); Representative Charlie Dent (R-Pennsylvania); Representative Barbara Lee (D-California); and Representative Frederica Wilson (D-Florida).

The Congressional delegation is visiting Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and The Gambia in addition to Nigeria during their West Africa tour.

While in Abuja, the U.S. legislators will meet with a range of high-ranking leaders to gain a fulsome picture of the bilateral relationship. They will be briefed by Ambassador W. Stuart Symington and staff before meeting with Vice President Osinbajo, Senate President Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dogara, other members of the National Assembly, and religious and civil society leaders.

Among the issues of particular interest to the U.S. officials will be the fight against Boko Haram and the humanitarian situation in the northeast of Nigeria.

They will also visit Lagos, where trade and investment relations will be the theme. In the country’s financial capital, they will meet with Nigerian business executives, tour the Egbin Thermal Power Plant, participate in an American Business Council roundtable, and conclude with a reception featuring alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative and the Tony Elemelu Foundation.

I never thought I was beautiful as a child--Beverly Naya

Nollywood actress, Beverly Naya has relieved memories of her childhood, saying 'she never really thought she was beautiful as a child'  because she had low self-esteem issues.

The beautiful actress made this revelation on her Instagram post, on Friday, August 25.   

She said she was bullied for “having really bad eczema, crooked teeth, a light bulb head and football legs”.

“I never thought I was beautiful as a child and once I hit my early teens, I found myself overcompensating for my lack of self-esteem,” she wrote in a post on her Instagram page on Thursday.

“I wanted to please in every way to the detriment of my own happiness…this carried on into my early twenties when after two years of living in Nigeria.

“I nearly completely lost myself trying to fit in and be understood/liked. I guess growing up as an only child has partly attributed to my reserved nature.

“I’m an introvert when you first meet me but an extrovert when comfortable, most times socially awkward on first encounter (first few encounters in some cases lol) but my heart is always in the right place…I’m not perfect.”

Read her post....

thebeverlynaya I've come a long way from the little girl who was bullied for having really bad eczema, crooked teeth, a 'lightbulb head' and 'football legs'. I never thought I was beautiful as a child and once I hit my early teens, I found myself overcompensating for my lack of self esteem. I wanted to please in every way to the detriment of my own happiness...this carried on into my early twenties when after two years of living in Nigeria, I nearly completely lost myself trying to fit in and be understood/liked. I guess growing up as an only child has partly attributed to my reserved nature. I'm an introvert when you first meet me but an extrovert when comfortable, most times socially awkward on first encounters (first few encounters in some cases lol) but my heart is always in the right place...I'm not perfect.

I think I only truly found myself last year, I stopped trying to make people like me, stopped trying to force people to see the real me...the funny me, the happy and bubbly me, the caring me. I realised that only those who are genuinely supposed to be in my life would always be the ones who get to see this. I only realised last year that you can't force people to like you, neither can you dumb down/change who you are to be accepted. I'm not perfect but God thinks I am and He knows it's been an emotional battle to get my mind to where it is today, but I am so incredibly grateful and proud of myself for the woman I am becoming...I say becoming because I don't believe any of us are there yet, I don't think we ever stop growing into our purpose, but the journey (if you allow it to happen without manipulating it) truly is beautiful.

If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her:

We believe in president Buhari, says PDP National Chairman, Makarfi

Caretaker committee chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmed Makarfi, has said his party believes in President Muhammadu Buhari.

He revealed this, while congratulating the president on his recovery, during the meeting Buhari held with the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress and PDP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday, August 25.

“It is on record, Mr. President, that while you were away, being the major opposition party in the country did not stop us from praying for your quick recovery and return to Nigeria,” he said.

“This is because we honestly believe that the President of our country, whatever party flag he or she flies, is our president; and his or her health is substantially linked with the nation’s health in so many ways.”

“So, a prayer for your health, Mr President, we believe is a prayer for the good health of our country. This was why at several fora, we did, and enjoined others, irrespective of party affiliation, to pray for your quick recovery. It is a thing of joy, that Allah has answered our prayers.”

The Supreme Court sacked Sheriff, and then declared Makarfi as the authentic PDP leader in July, while Buhari was out of the country on a medical leave.

He continued: “In any case, this PDP firmly believes that opposition is no madness; it will therefore never wish ill of anybody, let alone the person saddled with the responsibility of leading our country.

“Mr President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility.”

Ahmed Makarfi was involved in a car accident on July 28, 2017.
The vehicle conveying the former governor of Kaduna State reportedly had a clash with other vehicles along Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

Dayo Adeyeye, who’s the spokesperson Peoples Democratic Party said in a statement at the time that Makarfi and other passengers involved in the accident came out unhurt.

Rotary unveils Kate Henshaw as Ambassador

Nollywood actor, Kate Henshaw is having a swell time presently. She's shutting between London and Lagos, and the good news is that has been unveiled by Rotary club as Nigeria's Polio eradication celebrity Ambassador.

Kate Henshaw is being commended for her determination in making polio eradication a reality in the country.

According to Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo, the District Governor, International Polio Plus Committee ( IPPC), “Henshaw being a celebrity in Africa, we commend your selfless efforts and determination to be the face of polio eradication in Nigeria and globally.‎"

"Polio is endemic in only three countries and affects less than 100 children yearly. We have achieved about 99.9% success so far,”he added.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, Henshaw said "Service to humanity is unending task that must be continuous. ‎Despite our celebration of one year free of Polio in Nigeria, I will do my best as a Polio ambassador in making sure our leaders comply with Rotary agenda of eradicating polio in Nigeria."

She added: " If Rotary could start through a compassionate individual to impact lives and society to become 1.2 million Rotarian, I believe I should be part of the people that put smile on faces of people globally." ‎Meanwhile, McGovern, the international Chair commended Dr. Tunji Funsho, national chair of Rotary Polio Plus in Nigeria for his commitment to ending Polio in Nigeria.

Billionaire, Folorunso Alakija soars higher

When many thought that Nigerian businesswoman and billionaire, Folorunso Alakija is slowing down in her humanitarian efforts, she springs up more surprises that beat the imagination of her admirers. Just weeks after she was unveiled the grand matron of Africa Cinematography Festival,ACF, the Amazon who clocked 66 years last month returned strongly to reckoning few days ago, announcing the launch of “Flourish Africa”, a non-profit organisation aimed at creating a global community that encourages and helps women to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Alakija is currently ranked amongst Forbes’ most influential women in the world with a net worth of $1.7 billion. Her latest initiative is designed to create a platform for both female millennials, and adults alike, to have access to information that will help them grow in the areas of career, living, love and relationships and inspirational messages from leading change makers.

“Flourish Africa”, she said is an idea that was conceived to create a community of like-minded women, who share their individual experiences and encourage each other to be who God has created them to be. It is a platform designed for women by women to empower both the young and the old to flourish.

The online platform, the first phase of a series of initiatives under the “Flourish Africa” umbrella, is designed to help women in all aspects of their lives.

Alakija who is also the founder of the Rose of Sharon Foundation (an NGO with its focus on helping widows and orphans), has been an advocate of empowering women for many years; her philanthropic work has improved the lives of thousands of women and orphans in Nigeria.

While “Flourish Africa” is aimed primarily at women, Alakija points out that its message can relate to both genders. “I believe both men and women can benefit from the ethos of the “Flourish Africa” platform. I know that given the opportunity, women have the power to change the course of any nation and together, we can break down the stereotypes that hold us all back, making our communities much more stronger and greater,”she said. More grease to her elbows!

US to stop issuing visas to citizens from 3 African countries,Cambodia

The United States reportedly plans to stop issuing visas to citizens from four countries that it says aren’t accepting deported citizens.

The list includes three African countries — Eritrea, Guinea and Sierra Leone — as well as Cambodia. The U.S. has suspended visas twice before under previous administrations in efforts to push deportations forward.

Last week, report said the Department of Homeland Security notified the Department of State that the four countries are refusing to accept or are unreasonably delaying the acceptance of nationals deemed to be in the United States illegally, a violation of section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Now, the State Department is evaluating how to implement the order.

In the past, visa suspensions have targeted diplomats and government officials. How many people this suspension will affect has not yet been determined.

“We follow a standard process to implement a visa suspension as expeditiously as possible in the manner the secretary determines most appropriate under the circumstances to achieve the desired goal. That process includes internal discussions with, and official notification to, affected countries,” a State Department official said in an email to VOA.

Targeted countries react

Mamady Condé, Guinea’s ambassador to the United States, told VOA’s French to Africa service by phone that his office has not yet received an official notification, and he learned of the news through the media. He said 75 Guineans have been deported, but he did not specify in what time period. He added that about 2,000 Guineans live in the United States illegally.

Bockarie Kortu Stevens, Sierra Leone’s ambassador to the U.S., said his country has cooperated with all deportation orders. Since January, he said, two charter flights operated by the United States have returned 30 to 40 Sierra Leonean nationals.

“They put them together with [deportees from] other countries, and then they take them to Sierra Leone, and we have been cooperating with them,” Stevens told VOA.

Sierra Leonean embassy officials said they go to holding cells to interview people slated for deportation to confirm their nationalities.

“Once they’ve been identified as bona fide Sierra Leoneans, we issue the relevant travel documents, and it’s up to the United States authorities to affect the deportations,” Stevens said.

He rejected the notion that many or most Sierra Leoneans are in the United States illegally. According to the State Department, 46 Sierra Leoneans have received deportation orders this year, including 22 criminal deportations. Most deportees have committed drug crimes, Stevens said.

“Of course, like with any society, you have people who want to bend the rules. So, those who bend the rules, they face the consequences,” he said. “But the majority of Sierra Leoneans are law abiding, and many of them who came here as a result of the war are fully integrated into an American society.”

According to Census data, about 49,000 Sierra Leoneans live in the United States.

Eritrean officials in Washington, D.C., and Asmara did not respond to interview requests from VOA’s Tigrigna service.

Cracking down on violent crime

So far this year, the U.S. has ordered the deportations of 117 Eritreans, 88 Guineans and 27 Cambodians, according to State Department figures.

But that’s just a fraction of the total deportation orders issued, including more than 28,000 Mexicans who have received deportation orders.

Cracking down on illegal immigration was a signature issue of Donald Trump’s campaign and is now of his administration. By instituting visa suspensions, the United States hopes to deport individuals convicted of violent crimes.

Most foreign nationals designated for deportation or issued a removal order, however, were not convicted of criminal offenses, and most criminal deportees are nonviolent.

In 2015, more than 60 percent of foreign nationals removed for criminal offenses committed immigration, dangerous drug or traffic offense crimes, according to Homeland Security figures. (VOA)

Source News Express

When Yoruba monarchs thronged Iseyin for Peller Unity Cup 2017 grand finale

Popular socialite and CEO Aquila group, Shina Peller recently proved to everyone that his next appellation is 'royalty.' This followed the graceful presence of the paramount rulers of the Yoruba race who thronged the ancient town of Iseyin, in Oyo State to keep date with history. It was the grand finale of the Peller Unity Cup 2017, and the royal fathers, including Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Aseyin of Iseyin- Oba (Dr.) Abdulganiyu Salau, and Ona Onibode of Igboho- Oba AbdulRasheed Jaiyeola were not missing in action as they savoured this moment of accomplishment.

Indeed, after intense rounds of matches, all road led to the NYSC permanent Orientation camp, Iseyin, Oyo State for the 3rd place match between Irepo United and Saki West Rovers; and the derby final match between Iseyin City and Iseyin United.

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi took the kick-off at the final match in company of other royal fathers such as: Aseyin of Iseyin- Oba (Dr.) Abdulganiyu Salau, and Ona Onibode of Igboho- Oba AbdulRasheed Jaiyeola, dignitaries from the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports; as well as representatives from the Oyo State Football Association. The tournament, which was part of the events lined up to celebrate the 20^th year memorial of the late Professor Peller, according to his billionaire son,Shina was designed to empower youths and promote Unity in the Oke-Ogun district of Oyo State. It was organized

in partnership with Oyo State Ministry of Youths and Sports and Oyo state Football Association.

“As much as this tournament is in the memory of my late father, Professor Moshood Abiola Peller, it is noteworthy to know that it was also created to improve the development of grass root football not just in Oke-Ogun but also Oyo state in general. The tournament is nothing political.” Chief Shina Peller added. With the attendance of the likes of Davido, and Sound Sultan at the opening ceremony of the tournament in July, attendees trooped out en mass to watch the performances of King of Fuji music, Kwam 1, 9ice, Small Doctor, CDQ, Eniola Badmus, Taye Currency, Skiibi, Terry Apala, Baseone, Juniorboy Que Peller, who were present at the Grand Finale amongst several other thrilling performances. The matches were nothing short of high intensity as the third place match was decided by Penalties in which Saki West Rovers defeated Irepo United. The Final match was, however, won by Iseyin United who defeated Iseyin City to lift the trophy.

Women need to appreciate and love themselves more—Joselyn Dumas

Joselyn Dumas is the cover star of SCHICK Magazine’s sophomore edition, The lifestyle Issue. The quarterly publication for smart, stylish and successful African women, features the Ghanaian TV host and actress discussing her brand of feminism, how she aims to help women love their bodies in the cover story. She opens up exclusively to SCHICK about her background, self-love, female empowerment and her transformational fitness journey. The rare in-depth interview also gives insight into her significant role in the forward motion of female emancipation with her new initiative, 10,000 Steps.

How important is the ethos of self-love and female empowerment to your movement?

Self-love is the key component of this campaign. Women need to appreciate and love themselves more. A woman that loves herself knows that, regardless of her skin colour, weight or height, she is beautiful with greatness dwelling from within. A woman that loves herself will live passionately and refuse to be held back by things that she can control. I need to reiterate that women are already empowered; we do not need to launch a campaign for that. What we need to do is teach ourselves to love ourselves more, and to work together as a unit. Our empowerment doesn't need approval, and especially not from a man. I loved myself enough to realise that even though I'm not meant to be judged by my weight, obesity wasn't allowing me to perform optimally; I was dying slowly. This realisation and the love I found for myself is what I want other women to discover in themselves.

At what point did you realise that you had the power to effect change?

Everyone has the power to effect change; it's the magnitude of power that differs. At a certain point in my career, I started receiving emails from the public telling me how the issues I was talking about on my show has helped them deal a difficult situation. When the media started quoting things I said or did, that was then I realised people were watching and that I could influence people's thoughts and perceptions positively. I also had to be more careful of my surroundings. I do not take this position for granted.

What is the ultimate goal of 10,000 Steps and how do you aim to achieve it?

60% of the women around the world struggle with their body image. Most women are preoccupied with either being too big or too thin. The goal of the 10,000 Steps initiative is to help as many women as possible realise that everyone is beautiful in their vessel, and the most important thing is to stay healthy and fit.

Did you face any challenges being overweight?

I struggled with my confidence and body image, as people would stare which affected my self-esteem for a moment. I would see my love handles hanging out of my favourite pair of jeans, and I didn't like it. I had to take ten selfies for that one perfect shot because my double chin was being a nuisance, I couldn't control my racing heart beat and short breaths after taking only a few steps. Those for me, are some of the challenges I faced that made me re-evaluate my life choices.

What was your main reason for losing weight and what changed afterwards?

My health! Your life is meant to be lived, loved and enjoyed, and we most certainly owe that to ourselves. I wanted to enjoy my life and enjoy it being healthy. I felt healthier after losing weight, and I loved it. I was in tune with my body and learnt to be disciplined. My lifestyle and eating habits changed.

Angola Ruling Party Wins Election, Opposition Cries Foul

Angolan President and MPLA leader, Jose Eduardo dos Santos speaks at the ruling MPLA party congress to determine candidates for the 2017 elections in the capital Luanda, Angola, August 17, 2016. REUTERS/Herculano Coroado

Angola’s ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) has convincingly won the general election, the electoral commission said on Friday, citing provisional results, but the main opposition rejected the outcome.

The National Electoral Commission said the MPLA took 61.10 per cent of the votes counted compared with the opposition UNITA party’s 26.71 per cent.

Meanwhile, the UNITA said the numbers had not been gathered transparently and did not tally with their own count.

After a peaceful election on Wednesday, former MPLA defense minister Joao Lourenco is expected to become Angola’s first new president for 38 years, replacing Jose Eduardo dos Santos who, however, will remain party leader.

*PM News 

University don lauds AGN for resolving 12-Year leadership tussle ..as Emeka Rollas emerges new president

Emeka Rollas

A university don, Mr Obi Okoli, has lauded the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for resolving the 12 years leadership tussle that forestalled the progress of the guild.

Okoli, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, gave the commendation in Enugu on Friday, after the national executives of the body met in the coal city on Tuesday, and elected actor Emeka Rollas as the new President of AGN.    

He said that the peace that had returned to AGN would help to accelerate the development of the Nollywood industry as well as film production.

Okoli, popularly known as `Sir Okoli’, said that the age-long leadership tussle factionalized the actors to about four different national leadership factions.

According to him, the multi-faceted factionalization has made it impossible for the industry and Nollywood to soar higher as anticipated.

“AGN decision to come together as one big family devoid of acrimony is a good omen and a news that gladdens my heart, especially for the theatre, film and entertainment industry.

“For this over 11 years, the actors had lost the comradeship of oneness and other benefits that come from being together,’’ he said.

Okoli, who had been acting for over 30 years both on television and in Nollywood films, thanked the leadership of the various factions for embracing peace.

He said that the AGN would now build a new and prosperous guild with a new and unified team of national leadership.

According to him, this will help to mould future actors as well as continue to create jobs for the youths.

The crisis was resolved on Aug. 22 at a closed door forum of AGN National Peace and Reconciliation Meeting. The meeting was attended by representatives from 29 AGN state chapters.

wapTV’s Omonla honoured at WAYA 2017

Omonla, one of wapTV’s hilarious presenters, was recently honoured as he bagged a plaque at the 2017 edition of the West African Youth Awards (WAYA) which took place on Sunday 13th August, at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

A graduate of the renowned PEFTI Film Institute, Omonla received this award due to his outstanding performance as an MC,Dancer, Actor and TV Presenter with wapTV. Other award recipients include Maria Okanrende, VJ Adams, Toby Grey,Amb. Brig. Gen. Dr. Williams W. Wallace (Consul General of Antigua and Barbadua to Nigeria), Alhagie Manka (Gambia),Graca Sanches (Cape Verde) and others.

The MD of wapTV, Wole Adenuga, had this to say: “We are really proud of the great job being done daily by Omonla as well as our other exciting presenters – Veronica, Chief Olododo, Slimmy Tee, Eric and Mama Kwube. Their dexterity and creativity are well received by viewers calling in from all over the world during our several live shows; and this is one of the many reasons why there is never a dull moment on wapTV.”

The multiple-award-winning wapTV is available to millions of viewers through an extensive network of popular Cable TV Platforms: DStv Channel 262, StarTimes Channel 116, GOtv Channel 102, StarSat Channel 189 and MyTV.

Restructuring: Presidency Warns Buhari’s Critics

Mallam Garba Shehu

The Presidency has advised Nigerian opinion leaders to exercise restraint in their choice of words to avoid heating up the polity and causing acrimony across the country.

This was contained in statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Mallam Garba Shehu

He said the President’s speech on Monday on his return from a medical vacation, is a matter of great satisfaction and that majority of the citizens welcomed the broadcast.

The statement noted that criticizing the president for not responding restructuring on the country is completely off the mark.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President said the President has no power to impose restructuring on the country by military dictate, adding that the National Assembly members are the elected representatives of the people who can handle agitations for restructuring and other constitutional changes.

He explained that the President is constitutionally bound to work with the National Assembly to deal with such complex issues, reminding critics that the President would not exercise arbitrary powers or bypass the legislature in taking such fundamental decisions.

Malam Garba Shehu said, while Nigerians are free to express themselves, they should exercise such liberty with restraint and a sense of responsibility.

He said calling President Buhari an enemy of Nigeria is in extreme bad taste, adding that nothing in President’s service record would justify such a language.

Insurgency: Catholic Bishops Demand Compensation From FG For Damages

The Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province have urged the Federal Government to compensate Churches and other victims of insurgency carried out by terrorists on places of worship.

Bishop Mathew Ndagoso, their spokesman, made the plea on Tuesday in Minna, in a briefing after a two-day Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province plenary session, held at St. Michael Cathedral, Minna.

“In the past six years, insurgents have attacked Churches and other Christian places in the north, but the Federal Government is yet to compensate the victims.

‎“We want to inform you that the Catholic Church has not received any support from the Federal Government for the Churches affected.

“In Niger, the first terrorist attack was on St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, on Dec. 25, 2011.

“Last year, some youths attacked the St. Philips Catholic ‎Church, Bakin Iku, near Suleja, destroying properties valued at several millions of Naira. No one has even sympathised with us,” he said.

‎‎The Bishop opined that the Federal Government was supposed to be responsible for giving assistance to the Churches and the victims.‎

Ndagoso explained that government ought to be responsible for giving assistance to the victims.‎

The Bishop said that he had personally suffered from such attacks.

“When I was in Maiduguri, my house was destroyed and burnt in my absence. Nothing was taken out of that house. The Church was equally destroyed. Nobody has compensated me or the Church,” he said.

Ndagoso appealed to state governments to issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for lands meant for the building of Churches, and urged the Federal Government to encourage the governors to do so to enable the Church to assist development needs of the nation.

‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plenary session focused on religious, ‎socio-political and economic issues affecting the province.

NAN also reports that the province comprised of Kaduna, Sokoto, Kontangora, Zaria, Minna, Kano and Kafanchan Catholic Dioceses.

*NAN  

U.S .Commercial Service Extols Nigerian Business Community, Honors Partners

Lagos- United States Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of Commerce, Seward L. Jones expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects as the country moves out of recession.

Hosting over 350 American and Nigerian firms at the U.S. Commercial Service’s annual Networking with the USA (NUSA) Appreciation Forum and International Partner Award Ceremony last week, Jones, who oversees the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, observed that the United States is confident that Nigeria’s economic outlook will remain positive, with further diversification from crude oil and increased fiscal transparency.

“We understand that the commodity super cycle and the precipitous drop in oil prices brought about a fiscal challenge for the Nigerian government, so we strongly support President Buhari’s drive to explore practical ways of fully diversifying the economy. Nigeria is the second largest destination in Africa for U.S. private direct investment, so we are ready and willing to support economic reform efforts.” Jones said.

In his remarks, U.S. Consul General, Mr. F. John Bray also affirmed the strong interest by U.S. firms in Nigeria. He noted that “President Trump’s Business Advisory Council for Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA) has made it clear that having success in the Nigerian market is foremost on their agendas.”

The NUSA forum is organized annually by the U.S. Commercial Service to honor Nigerian business owners who promote U.S. products and services and who have contributed significantly to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria - expansion of trade and investment between the United States and Nigeria.

Ambode’s wife tasks women on gender equality, child rights.

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode has urged lawyers to evolve new ways of making more progress on gender equality, women development and child welfare, saying that no society can achieve rapid development when children and women are relegated to the background.

Speaking at the African Women Lawyers Association’s parley, held at Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Ambode said it was important for members of the legal profession, especially the women among them to be at the vanguard of championing the course of issues relating to the welfare and development of women and children.

The wife of the Governor, who was decorated as Matron and Mother of the African Child at the parley, also lauded the contributions of women lawyers towards improvements recorded in child and women rights in the State, the country and the continent.

She said children and women in Nigeria and Africa faced a brighter future because of steady progress recorded in the area of their rights, noting that it was gratifying that Lagos State was the first to pass the Child Rights Law, following the footprints of the Federal Government.

According to her, “Lagos State has taken proactive steps in this direction. It was the first State in the country to pass the Child Rights Law after the Federal Government pioneered the process in 2003. Under the law, children are fully protected and those who infringe on those rights are apprehended and prosecuted.

“The State also has a law in place against domestic violence. The law protects women and children against all forms of violence in the home. Through these laws, Lagos State has ensured that women and children are reasonably insulated from reckless rights infringements with impunity.”

Also speaking, Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, represented by Mrs. Abiola Soladoye, praised the contributions of women lawyers to the growth of legal practice, just as she urged them to reinvent themselves and translate their numerical strength to positive actions.

In her welcome address, President of the association, Mrs. Mandy Demechi-Asagba, noted that the group stood for the protection, promotion and presentation of the rights and interest of women and children in Nigeria and Africa, stressing that they condemned all forms of violence against women, including sexual assault, child molestation, rape, child marriage, genital mutilation, abduction and other forms of discrimination and violence against them.

She said: “The association seeks to change the course of the 21st century, addressing key challenges as inequality, poverty and violence against women and girls, and stressed that violence against women and children is at its peak and requires emergency, desperate, deliberate and purposeful action before it consumes all.”

On her part, the guest speaker, Mrs. Nana Oye Lithur, who noted that child marriage was a global issue, urged the Nigerian chapter of the association to take the lead in the push for new laws to protect the rights of women and the girl-child from barbaric practices.

The parley was attended by prominent women lawyers including the first woman Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Lady Folake Sholanke.

Coca-Cola, Pespi, others agree to cap sugar in drinks

Seven major drinks companies including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo will limit the sugar content of drinks they sell in Singapore, as part of the city-state's campaign to fight diabetes.

Singapore is one of the first countries in Asia to target sugary drinks, bringing it in line with many Western nations that have sought to mitigate the health risks associated with sugar through measures such as taxes and warning labels.

Globally, beverage firms have been reworking recipes, racing to cut sugar and introduced more options to cater to increasingly health-conscious consumers.

On Tuesday, Singapore's ministry of health said the seven firms had signed an industry pledge to remove by 2020 drinks that contain more than 12 percent sugar from their portfolios of sugar-sweetened beverages.

As well as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, the companies include F&N Foods, Malaysia Dairy Industries, Nestle, Pokka [POKKA.UL] and Yeo Hiap Seng.

"In addition to this industry commitment, Coca-Cola Singapore is making an additional commitment to reduce the sugar content in our portfolio of sugar-sweetened beverages by 10 percent by 2020," Coca-Cola said in an email to Reuters.

It said it had been reducing sugar and calories across many of its brands, and offering more new drinks with low sugar content or no added sugar.

Daily sugar consumption per capita from soft drinks has risen since 2010 to 6.08 grams in Asia-Pacific in 2016, with Singapore at 11.99 grams, according to market research firm Euromonitor. Consumption has been trending lower in Europe and the United States, but it is still higher than in Asia-Pacific.

"Governments in Asia are actively promoting healthy consumption, such as Malaysia which launched its Healthier Choices Logo in April 2017," said Euromonitor International analyst Nathanael Lim. "Consumers also have an increasing preference for beverages containing natural ingredients with zero sugar."

The World Health Organization said last year drinking fewer calorific sweet drinks was the best way to curb excessive weight and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, although fat and salt in processed foods were also to blame.

Among Asian countries, the Philippines has slapped levies on sugar-sweetened beverages, while Indonesia and India have been considering similar taxes.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned the drinks makers' agreement in a speech on Sunday, in which he also urged people to drink water, eat wholemeal bread and brown rice, but did provide details.

*SINGAPORE (Reuters)