Cameroonian army has killed 27 members of  the Boko Haram terrorist sect near a northern town in Nigeria, state radio said on Wednesday, 27 August, 2014.

It would be recalled that the Boko Haram fighters were reported to have crossed Nigeria’s border into Cameroon on Monday after attacking a military base and police station in Borno, north east Nigeria.

It was reported that some 480 Nigerian troops absconded into Cameroon as a result of the heavy fighting with the terrorists.

“Cameroon soldiers have killed 27 Boko Haram elements during an attack in a locality near Fotokol in the far-north’’, state radio/CRTV said.

According to the report, the deaths occurred on Monday and Tuesday but there was no word on any Cameroonian casualties.

A Cameroonian soldier in the region said the militants had been pushed back into Nigeria, with calm returning to the area on Wednesday.

In recent weeks, Boko Haram, which claimed to be seeking an Islamic state in northern Nigeria, has stepped up terror attacks in Cameroon.

A trend that has forced the central African country to increase deployments of troops along its border with Nigeria.

Last month, President Paul Biya dismissed two senior army officers following attacks in which at least seven people were killed and the wife of the vice prime minister was kidnapped.

The Nigerian military had said on Monday that it would soon begin a massive attack on Boko Haram after the militants, in a video, proclaimed Gwoza town in Borno state as its Islamic caliphate.

The Islamist sect has claimed responsibility for many terror attacks in northern Nigeria and other parts of the country since its intensified its insurgency in 2009.

An American man died last weekend in Syria while fighting for ISIS, the latest evidence of the reach of a terror group that's become increasingly powerful and feared in the eyes of Americans.

One of the nation’s most intriguing pastors, Pastor Samuel Sadela is dead.

He passed on this Sunday and a condolence register is on at his Gospel Apostolic Church in Lagos on Tuesday evening.

Nigeria’s Ministry for Education has announced that all public and private schools classes are to be delayed by a month as this is part of the “preventive measures” against the Ebola virus, which was brought into Nigeria 38 days ago.

Education Minister, Ibrahim Shekarau, today told  senior teachers in the country:  “All primary and secondary schools in private and public sectors are to remain closed until Monday, October 13”.

Nigeria’s Ministry for Education has announced that all public and private schools classes are to be delayed by a month as this is part of the “preventive measures” against the Ebola virus, which was brought into Nigeria 38 days ago.

Education Minister, Ibrahim Shekarau, today told  senior teachers in the country:  “All primary and secondary schools in private and public sectors are to remain closed until Monday, October 13”.

Manchester United have signed Argentina midfielder Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for a British record transfer fee of £59.7 million, the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old’s move, on a five-year contract, shatters the previous British record fee of £50m paid by Chelsea to sign Spain striker Fernando Torres from Liverpool in 2011.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Angel Di Maria has completed his transfer for a British record fee of £59.7 million. Angel joins on a five-year contract,” said a club statement.

United manager Louis van Gaal added: “Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent.

“He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence,” the Dutchman explained.

“His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team.”

Meanwhile di Maria said it was van Gaal’s “vision” for the English giants that had persuaded him to move to Old Trafford, even though United, are not in this season’s Champions League following their unexpectedly lowly seventh place in last term’s Premier League.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United,” di Maria said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.

“Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started.”

Di Maria came through one of the most celebrated youth academies in Argentinian football in Rosario Central.

In 2007, he joined Portuguese club Benfica, before signing for Real Madrid in 2010.

The Argentina international has scored 10 goals in 52 appearances for his country.

His arrival in Manchester is the headline deal of United’s overhaul under new manager van Gaal, who had already spent a combined £72 million on England left-back Luke Shaw, Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera and Di Maria’s Argentina teammate Marcos Rojo, who is also left-footed like him.

Di Maria could make his debut at Burnley on Saturday as van Gaal looks to revitalise a United team still without a win after the first two games of the new Premier League campaign.

Di Maria has an impressive pedigree after winning the Champions League with Real last season and the Spanish title in 2012.

He was also named on Fifa’s 10-man shortlist for the best player at the recent World Cup where Argentina reached the final, although he was unable to play in that game or the semifinal because of an injury he suffered in the quarterfinal win over Belgium.

Manchester United have signed Argentina midfielder Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for a British record transfer fee of £59.7 million, the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old’s move, on a five-year contract, shatters the previous British record fee of £50m paid by Chelsea to sign Spain striker Fernando Torres from Liverpool in 2011.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Angel Di Maria has completed his transfer for a British record fee of £59.7 million. Angel joins on a five-year contract,” said a club statement.

United manager Louis van Gaal added: “Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent.

“He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence,” the Dutchman explained.

“His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team.”

Meanwhile di Maria said it was van Gaal’s “vision” for the English giants that had persuaded him to move to Old Trafford, even though United, are not in this season’s Champions League following their unexpectedly lowly seventh place in last term’s Premier League.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United,” di Maria said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.

“Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started.”

Di Maria came through one of the most celebrated youth academies in Argentinian football in Rosario Central.

In 2007, he joined Portuguese club Benfica, before signing for Real Madrid in 2010.

The Argentina international has scored 10 goals in 52 appearances for his country.

His arrival in Manchester is the headline deal of United’s overhaul under new manager van Gaal, who had already spent a combined £72 million on England left-back Luke Shaw, Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera and Di Maria’s Argentina teammate Marcos Rojo, who is also left-footed like him.

Di Maria could make his debut at Burnley on Saturday as van Gaal looks to revitalise a United team still without a win after the first two games of the new Premier League campaign.

Di Maria has an impressive pedigree after winning the Champions League with Real last season and the Spanish title in 2012.

He was also named on Fifa’s 10-man shortlist for the best player at the recent World Cup where Argentina reached the final, although he was unable to play in that game or the semifinal because of an injury he suffered in the quarterfinal win over Belgium.

The governor-elect of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has promised the people of  Ado Ekiti, the state capital, of a face-lift during his tenure.

The one time governor of Ekiti also promised to complete the ongoing multi-million-naira Ado Ekiti palace pavilion project within the one year of assumption of office.

According to a report published by the Daily Sun, the PDP candidate made these statements during this year’s annual celebration of Idiroko festival, which took place at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe at the weekend.

The governor-elect, who was greeted by a crowd, also stated that he would continue with the developmental stride in Ado Ekiti, saying the town was strategically located as the state capital.

He also praised Oba Adejugbe for his sterling qualities and the love he had for his people

Fayose commended the people of Ado Ekiti for their massive support and for voting for him during the 21 June, governorship election in Ekiti.

“There is no doubt that Ado Ekiti will continue to be relevant in the state because of its numerical strength and the fact that it is the capital of our state. My performance will surpass what I had been able to achieve during my first term in office,” Fayose said.

He urged the people of Ado Ekiti to vote en-mass for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2015 general elections.

Fayose commended the outgoing administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi for his contribution to the development of the state.

In his speech, Oba Adejugbe said he had no doubt in his mind that Fayose would not disappoint the people of the state, saying: “He is coming back to a known terrain.”

The governor-elect of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has promised the people of  Ado Ekiti, the state capital, of a face-lift during his tenure.

The one time governor of Ekiti also promised to complete the ongoing multi-million-naira Ado Ekiti palace pavilion project within the one year of assumption of office.

According to a report published by the Daily Sun, the PDP candidate made these statements during this year’s annual celebration of Idiroko festival, which took place at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe at the weekend.

The governor-elect, who was greeted by a crowd, also stated that he would continue with the developmental stride in Ado Ekiti, saying the town was strategically located as the state capital.

He also praised Oba Adejugbe for his sterling qualities and the love he had for his people

Fayose commended the people of Ado Ekiti for their massive support and for voting for him during the 21 June, governorship election in Ekiti.

“There is no doubt that Ado Ekiti will continue to be relevant in the state because of its numerical strength and the fact that it is the capital of our state. My performance will surpass what I had been able to achieve during my first term in office,” Fayose said.

He urged the people of Ado Ekiti to vote en-mass for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2015 general elections.

Fayose commended the outgoing administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi for his contribution to the development of the state.

In his speech, Oba Adejugbe said he had no doubt in his mind that Fayose would not disappoint the people of the state, saying: “He is coming back to a known terrain.”

Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde who is currently on vacation with her family in South Africa has shared more photos from their trip.

Omotola who took time off her busy schedule to spend some quality time with her husband and children is no doubt having fun and loving every moment of the vacation as seen in the photos below.

Thirty-six-year-old Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is definitely keeping her fans up-to-date with her family vacation as she shares photos on social media for her fans to see.

The Nollywood diva had initially shared photos of herself and family in the airport heading out of Nigeria to Johannesburg, South Africa, for a family vacation.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is happily married to a pilot, Captain Mathew Ekeinde and they are blessed with four kids, Princess, M.J., Meriaih and Michael Ekeinde.

They recently celebrated their 18th wedding annivesary.

Former Military President of the Nigeria and National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has said that he does not believe that the investigations over the recent attack on his life will be successful.

He revealed his pessimism in a sit-down with popular Hausa newspaper, Rariya in the Federal State Capital Abuja.

He also urged other opposition parties to come together with APC and help them take down the ruling party, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the upcoming 2015 National Elections.

Igbos in Lagos will shut down their businesses for four hours in honour of the late Prof Dora Akunyili.

This was disclosed in Lagos on Tuesday, August 26, by Nze Basil Osuokwu, national coordinator of South East Ndigbo Lagos, at a dinner/interactive session for market leaders and stakeholders, Igbo, on the platform of Ndigboamaka, a non-governmental organisation of South East Ndigbo Lagos.

According to him, it was a unanimous agreement by the market leaders and stakeholders that they would close down their businesses from 8am-12noon today, as a mark of honour for Akunyili and also to show that they and Igbo, in general, recognised the invaluable achievements of the late professor.

Expressing joy over Dora’s achievement as director general of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and minister of information, Basil said the Igbos were truly proud of Dora while also calling on other Nigerians in public service to emulate her honesty, dedication, hard work and integrity, Daily Sun reports.

He explained that the fact that Akunyili staked her life in the service of Nigeria showed the Igbo spirit of putting everything in what they believe in.

A Liberian doctor named Melvin Korkor, who contracted Ebola virus while attending to patients in his country, but eventually recovered from it after being treated revealed that he still faces stigmatisation.

Korkor, who narrated his ordeal to FrontPage Africa, said he was only greeted from a distance upon arrival at Cuttington University campus, a private university in Suacoco, Liberia, where he teaches. He said his students were scared that he might still have the deadly virus, a situation that made people to be afraid to touch him.

One of the students, whose name was not given, said: “We want to hug our doctor, but fear we would come in contact with the virus, I will greet him from a distance. I am happy doctor Korkor has returned, but I am totally not convinced he is Ebola-free. I will shake his hands after 21 days.”

By Sola Ogundipe & Olasunkanmi Akoni and Re-posted by Abdulgafar Abdulrauf Adio

LAGOS—Bodies of the four Nigerians, who died of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, have been cremated in line with World Health Organisation, WHO, requirements for disposal of such corpses. The body of the index (first) case, Patrick Sawyer was the first to be cremated on July 25, 2014.

The decision to cremate the bodies, it was gathered, may not be unconnected with the deadly nature of the Ebola Virus which is known to be easily transmissible from human to human during handling of corpses of victims.

A health official at the Emergency Operation Centre, EOC, of the Mainland Hospital, Lagos, who confirmed the development, said the Lagos State Government in following strict guidelines for disposal of the bodies, authorised cremation of all the bodies.

The official who pleaded anonymity said the decision to cremate all bodies was to ensure appropriate containment measures and guarantee proper handling of the bodies.

“All the bodies of those who died of Ebola from this centre have been cremated. None was allowed to undergo traditional burial because extreme care is being taken to prevent further infections,” the official noted.

The WHO in recommending that people who die from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried, notes that cremation, which is the application of high temperature to reduce bodies to basic chemical components (ashes), is ideal for safe disposal of bodies of such persons in order to minimise further transmission.

In a statement weekend, the ECOWAS Commission stated that the remains of its Protocol Assistant at the Lagos Liaison Office, Mr. Salihu Abdulqudir Jatto, who succumbed to the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, on August 12, 2014, had been laid to rest in a private ceremony in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

The statement said a delegation from the Commission had earlier paid a condolence visit to the deceased’s widow and other members of his family.

Jatto was among persons that assisted the American-Liberian Mr. Patrick Sawyer, and contracted the disease from the late Sawyer who took ill on arrival in Nigeria on July 20, 2014 on his way to a regional conference in Calabar, and later died in a Lagos hospital of the EVD.

The statement noted that prior to the burial last Friday, a special prayer service in honour of the deceased was held at the Commission’s Abuja Headquarters. The activity was presided over by Vice President of the Commission Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh who represented the President of the Commission, Kadré Desire Ouédraogo.

Glowing tributes were paid in memory of Jatto, who was variously described as a diligent, passionate, humble and hardworking staff, who died a hero in the course of duty.

Leading the other mourning colleagues in the outpouring of grief, McIntosh described Jatto as “a sharp, young, aggressive goal-getter and a personal friend.

“We are all touched by his death, which is both a personal and collectively loss,” McIntosh said, praying for the repose of Jatto’s soul.

Head of Protocol at the Commission, Mr. Steve Onwuka, narrated examples of Jatto’s unique “unassuming, humble and infectious” character and recalled that Jatto died at a time the world attention was focused on the region, albeit for the Ebola health emergency.

Others who spoke at the occasion, include Mr. Hyacinth Okwu, of the Finance Directorate; Mr. Franck Afanyiakossou, and Mr. Joshua Iyamu, a member of the Staff Association, all acknowledged Jatto’s legacy of service and exemplary character.

They appealed for improvement of the staff welfare and asked for special care of Jatto’s wife and children given the circumstance of his death.

Earlier, Mr. Saihou Njie, of the Human Resources Directorate said the ceremony was part of the traditional gestures of honour to a departed colleague.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/bodies-ebola-victims-cremated-lagos/#sthash.Vw5CwjFj.dpuf
Bodies of Ebola victims cremated in Lagos

on August 25, 2014   /   in News 6:49 am   /   Comments

By Sola Ogundipe & Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS—Bodies of the four Nigerians, who died of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, have been cremated in line with World Health Organisation, WHO, requirements for disposal of such corpses. The body of the index (first) case, Patrick Sawyer was the first to be cremated on July 25, 2014.

The decision to cremate the bodies, it was gathered, may not be unconnected with the deadly nature of the Ebola Virus which is known to be easily transmissible from human to human during handling of corpses of victims.

A health official at the Emergency Operation Centre, EOC, of the Mainland Hospital, Lagos, who confirmed the development, said the Lagos State Government in following strict guidelines for disposal of the bodies, authorised cremation of all the bodies.

The official who pleaded anonymity said the decision to cremate all bodies was to ensure appropriate containment measures and guarantee proper handling of the bodies.

“All the bodies of those who died of Ebola from this centre have been cremated. None was allowed to undergo traditional burial because extreme care is being taken to prevent further infections,” the official noted.

The WHO in recommending that people who die from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried, notes that cremation, which is the application of high temperature to reduce bodies to basic chemical components (ashes), is ideal for safe disposal of bodies of such persons in order to minimise further transmission.

In a statement weekend, the ECOWAS Commission stated that the remains of its Protocol Assistant at the Lagos Liaison Office, Mr. Salihu Abdulqudir Jatto, who succumbed to the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, on August 12, 2014, had been laid to rest in a private ceremony in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

The statement said a delegation from the Commission had earlier paid a condolence visit to the deceased’s widow and other members of his family.

Jatto was among persons that assisted the American-Liberian Mr. Patrick Sawyer, and contracted the disease from the late Sawyer who took ill on arrival in Nigeria on July 20, 2014 on his way to a regional conference in Calabar, and later died in a Lagos hospital of the EVD.

The statement noted that prior to the burial last Friday, a special prayer service in honour of the deceased was held at the Commission’s Abuja Headquarters. The activity was presided over by Vice President of the Commission Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh who represented the President of the Commission, Kadré Desire Ouédraogo.

Glowing tributes were paid in memory of Jatto, who was variously described as a diligent, passionate, humble and hardworking staff, who died a hero in the course of duty.

Leading the other mourning colleagues in the outpouring of grief, McIntosh described Jatto as “a sharp, young, aggressive goal-getter and a personal friend.

“We are all touched by his death, which is both a personal and collectively loss,” McIntosh said, praying for the repose of Jatto’s soul.

Head of Protocol at the Commission, Mr. Steve Onwuka, narrated examples of Jatto’s unique “unassuming, humble and infectious” character and recalled that Jatto died at a time the world attention was focused on the region, albeit for the Ebola health emergency.

Others who spoke at the occasion, include Mr. Hyacinth Okwu, of the Finance Directorate; Mr. Franck Afanyiakossou, and Mr. Joshua Iyamu, a member of the Staff Association, all acknowledged Jatto’s legacy of service and exemplary character.

They appealed for improvement of the staff welfare and asked for special care of Jatto’s wife and children given the circumstance of his death.

Earlier, Mr. Saihou Njie, of the Human Resources Directorate said the ceremony was part of the traditional gestures of honour to a departed colleague.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/bodies-ebola-victims-cremated-lagos/#sthash.Vw5CwjFj.dpuf

By Sola Ogundipe & Chioma Obinna & Favour Nwabuogwu Re-posted by Abdulgafar Abdulrauf Adio

Following series of appeals from stakeholders and the health challenges and threats posed by the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in the country, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, midnight (Saturday) suspended its protracted seven-week old strike it commenced July 1st, 2014.

HEALTH PERSONNEL IN PROTECTIVE KITS AT THE NATIONAL HOSPITAL IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY (12/8/14).Consequently, all medical and dental doctors have been directed to resume duty at their working posts with effect from 8.00 hours today, Monday, 25th August, 2014.

Announcing the suspension in a communiqué issued at the end of its Emergency Delegates Meeting held in Abuja on Saturday August 24, 2014, the Association said it resolved to suspend the strike action in the interest of what it described as “urgent national emergencies”, while negotiations with the Federal government continue.

At the emergency session which was specifically to consider the updates of the strike action, the strike was suspended following the outcome of voting by members in which 199 voted for suspension, while 96 voted against, out of the total 265 votes cast.

In their resolution, the delegates demanded immediate withdrawal of the government circular (Reference No. C3132/v/46 of 13th August, 2014) suspending the residency training programme and sacking of over 16,000 resident doctors, who constitute about 70 percent of doctors’ workforce   in Nigeria.

Also, the NMA urged government, on its part, to reciprocate her good will in ensuring that resident doctors whose appointments were so terminated are reinstated immediately without any punitive measures.

Stating its commitment towards the health of Nigerians, and reiterating not to renege in her resolve and total support for the government in the effort to provide qualitative, affordable and accessible health services for the Nigerian people, the delegates commended the efforts of the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government in containing the spread of EVD, and for the establishment of isolation centres in the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Delegates commended the efforts of the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government in containing the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), and for the establishment of isolation centres in the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The NMA mandates her State Ebola Monitoring Committees, SEMCs, to continue to liaise with their state governments to immediately set up emergency response teams for the prevention and treatment of any outbreak of the Ebola virus in their various states, “the statement read.
, Expressing gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate President, National Assembly, Senior Government Officials, the various ministries and agencies of government, friends of the Association and other well-meaning Nigerians towards resolving the face-off.

Confirming the suspension, the Public Relation Officer of the NMA Lagos State branch, Dr. Peters Ogunbiyi , who spoke to Vanguard in a telephone chat said the Association decided to listen to the voice of reasoning.

“President Jonathan has promised to meet all our demands through the Senate President. Specifically, he promised to suspend the circular on the suspension of Residency Training in the country.

We also considered the fact that we have new cases of Ebola from secondary contacts. So we decided to suspend the strike to save Nigerians from unnecessary deaths.”

“The NMA remains committed towards the health of Nigerians, and reiterate that she will not renege in her resolve and total support for the government in the effort to provide qualitative, affordable and accessible health services for the Nigerian people.   ,

Also speaking, the National President of AGPMPN, Dr. Anthony Omolola described it as a welcome development. “The suspension has actually come and doctors will resume tomorrow. I am one of those who support the suspension of the strike so that we can start moving our health system forward. Also begin a robust dialogue towards having a vibrant health system.”

Amosun commends NMA

Commending the NMA for suspending the strike, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun noted that the decision could not have come at a better time when the nation is battling to curb the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus, which he noted is fast becoming an epidemic.

Amosun, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said: “People should always find amicable ways of resolving crisis. I want to commend the leadership of NMA, for having found a way round the issues that led to the industrial action in the first place.

“I am happy that the strike has been called off at this very crucial time, when the guidance and expertise of our medical personnel are most crucial in containing the Ebola Virus,” he said.

Amosun also commended the efforts of the NMA National President, Dr. Kayode Obembe, the Senate President, David Mark, as well as others who were able to prevail on the concerned parties for the favourable outcome.

He expressed the hope that stakeholders would be able to find a final resolution of the dispute while negotiations continue.

Suspension belated but still good – NUAP

On his own part, National President, Nigeria Union of Allied Professionals, NUAP, Comrade Felix Faniran said the suspension, though overdue, was welcome.

“Suspension of strike is welcome. It is long overdue but it is still good. The NMA is our partner in progress. What the other Unions are telling the NMA is that health work is team work and should always relate with the other professionals.

“Rather than oppose whatever benefit government is giving to us.   What made them to go on strike on that their 24-point demand is not necessary at all. NMA is not a registered trade union and they have no right to embark on strike at all.

“Since they went on strike and government was so magnanimous in talking with them, they should cash in on that opportunity and use it to the benefit of Nigerians. They have not done well by not calling off the strike despite the fact government has met all their demands.

We would have been on strike but we used maturity and showed signs of reasoning because of the issues at stake such as security and Ebola. And we decided not to go on strike but continue with dialogue.   We are still negotiating even though government has not met our demand.

“I think the doctors will learn a lesson from has just happened. Possibly the suspension of the resident doctors forced them to come on but we are happy they are back. I advised the NMA to desist from illegalities they have been perpetrating for years and know that this country belongs to all of us. They should close ranks and work together with other professionals in the interest of the nation.”

Lagos State ACPN reacts

Reacting to the development, Chairman, Lagos State Association of Community Phatrmacists, ACPN,  Pharm. Abdulsalam Yinka described the suspension as a good development.

“Suspension of strike is a good development because in the first place, strike in the health sector is not good. This is because all of us in the sector are there because somebody must be sick one time or the other. Therefore, it is a belated decision if you consider the plight of the sick.

There wouldn’t have been doctors or pharmacists or any other profession so the plight of any patient should be paramount in our mind.

“If the doctors have decided to call off their strike it is what every Nigerian has expected they should have done because healthcare services are to save lives.

Therefore to me suspending the strike is a good thing but dialogue would have been the best option especially this time the nation is plagued with Ebola Virus Disease. They need
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/nma-bows-ebola-threat/#sthash.H7Jqul2b.dpuf

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, OWERRI

Traffic virtually ground to a halt Monday in Owerri, Imo State capital at the commencement of the 54th Annual General Conference, AGC, of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

Citizens woke up and found out that government had ordered the closure of all major roads leading to the International Conference Centre venue of the conference.

Scores of security personnel drawn from the various agencies had a hectic time controlling traffic in the municipality, as vehicles crawled for hours to get out of the city.

Some citizens, who spoke to our correspondent, expressed shock that government closed some major roads without previously preparing the minds of the people.

“Welcoming members of the NBA is not a sin, but sentencing commuters to untold hardship is not a blessing”, Mazi Ikenna Nze said.

Lawyers1

At the conference venue, health officials and security personnel were busy frisking and checking all persons for the dreaded Ebola virus and lethal weapons.

Speaking Imo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Chukwuma-Machukwu Umeh, SAN, said that insecurity, militancy, insurgency and kidnapping have become daily nightmares to Nigerians.

“We have a duty to critically study the ugly situations and make concrete suggestions to the governments”, the Attorney General said.

Some of the dignitaries that graced the event includes Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambowal and Chief Emeka Ihedioha respectively, state chief judges and a host of lawyers.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/owerri-stands-still-nba/#sthash.FmXwHObC.dpuf

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA - AHEAD of the 2015 general elections in the country, over 1000 Bishops and Pastors from the Pentecostal fold on Sunday stormed the Ecumenical Center Abuja to reconcile President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasajo.

THE Clerics who came from different parts of the country arrived late on Saturday while some of them from Imo State arrived early hours of Sunday and slept at the park as there were no officials of the organizers of the program.

But it was gathered that because of the absence of President Goodluck Jonathan who was away to Germany on a national official duty and that of the former President Obasanjo who was said to have been represented by his pastor the reconciliation prayer meeting could not precede.


Jonathan and Obasanjo

There were divergent views on the invitation sent to the two leaders as some of the pastors claimed both President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo were formerly invited, some other members said that the President was not given formal invitation to attend but that he was aware of the meeting.

Some of the clerics told Vanguard that President Jonathan was represented at the prayer meeting by Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba but that the members had wanted the two personalities to be present so that the reconciliation could be effective

In the absence of the main objective of the meeting which was the reconciliation, the Ministers of God had intensive prayers against the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, the insurgency in the North East occasioned by the Boko Haram sect and the abduction of Chibok girls in Borno State.

A Pastor who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said that there was also indiscriminate installation of Bishops and ordination of pastors at the occasion.

In an interview, one of the 100 pastors from Imo State that were stranded on arrival early hours of Sunday and founder and General Overseer of Light of God Mission, Mbaise, Imo State, Rev. Udechukwu Matthew Uka explained that the prayer meeting was to ensure a total reconciliation between President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo.

Rev. Uka said that the reconciliation of the two would bring a peaceful election in 2015 as well as unity to the country, stressing that the Men of God were concerned over the suspected strained relationship between two great leaders of the country.

According to him, “We came to Abuja to pray for the peace and unity of this nation and to make sure that the leaders of this nation are working in unison, especially we want to pray that God will unite the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo with the present President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

“We know that they are leaders and when two of them are united, many souls, many part of the nation will be united, they are the head. The former President is aware of our coming, he is the grand patron of this network which is Master Seed Pentecostal and College of Bishops and Ministers network.

“We are almost 1000 in number organized by our national President Bishop David Emma Okoroafor Agu. The 1000 ministers are from different states of the federation. Many are from Rivers State, some from Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia State, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Lagos , Edo, Delta and many other parts of the country.

He also said that President Jonathan was aware of their and coming for the reconciliation meeting.

On while some of them slept at the park on arrival about 12 am on Sunday, he said, “The reason is that we came very late, our vehicle couldn’t meet up with time. Before we came in, our national organizers who should direct us where to pass the night have gone to their various homes, we came almost midnight that is why we were stranded.”

Also speaking Pastor Modestus Kelechi the General Overseer of Holy Ghost Intercessory Ministry with its headquarters in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise in Imo State said that it was imperative that President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo should unite to give the nation direction.

Pastor Kelechi who is a notable prayer warrior said that God would not be happy to see the two men going across purposes, adding that animosity among the two could spell doom to the nation.

He said, “’They have to come together for the sake of this country.”’
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/1000-clerics-storm-abuja-reconcile-jonathan-obasanjo/#sthash.dIU8wxKK.dpuf

How much sex are you getting?

Do  you take a roll in the hay every night, once or twice a week, monthly or at no particular time? For the good of your own relationship, how much sex should you be having? Many couples do find infrequent sex to be an issue. While some are fine with the occasional 5-minutes romp under the sheets, others wish they were getting a whole lot more.

sex1

There are women who worry that their men demand too much sex and secretly wish they’d slow down. But a lot more men complain that it is their women that are not giving it up as often as they (men) desire.

More than next door

On the whole, the average couple is happy if it thinks it’s getting more sex than the couple next door regardless of how much it’s actually getting.

Having more sex than your neighbours can actually make you happy, and research shows that couples who have sex at least two to three times a month are more likely to report a higher level of happiness than those who who’ve had no sex during the previous 12 months.

The more sex people have, the happier they tend to be, even when factors like income, marital status, health and age are taken into account.

What is more surprising is that even people who have reasonable amounts of sex report lower levels of happiness if they think there is a chance they could be having less sex than their peers.
Conversely, people who think they are getting more sex than their peers report higher levels of happiness, even if — in the great scheme of things— they aren’t having that much sex.

How much is normal?

This sounds like a simple question, but there are no right answers. What happens when a couple has what is called mismatched libidos? If she likes to have sex four times a week and he only once or twice, of course they want to find out who is the abnormal one.

Essentially the amount of sex you have will depend on you and your relationship, and that the ideal frequency is tricky to pin down.People tend to have more sex in the early stages of a relationship and less lately on.But the average does suggest that a natural sexual frequency is something like once or twice a week in a committed, long term relationship.

Many couples will be happy with less, and others will be at it every night, but if you’re up with the average at least you can stop stressing about what’s happening next door and start enjoying what’s happening in your own bedroom.

At least once a week

Every relationship is different, and the amount of sex you need is the amount that makes both partners happy. While there may be no one right answer to the question of how often couples should have sex, they should to try to do it at least once a week.

Pencilling in sex at least once a week means sex becomes a habit, something you fit in however busy or stressed you are. Once a week means you’ll get all the health and wellbeing benefits, too. So the more you have the better.

Sexless marriages
Generally speaking, a sexless marriage is one in which a committed couple has sex less than 10 times per year. About 1 in five couples fall into this category.

This may or may not be an issue, depending on the couple. Some couples, especially older pairs who’ve been together a long time, are perfectly fine with once or twice a year or even not at all, thank you very much.

Not having sex doesn’t mean these couples aren’t deeply in love, monogamously committed and happy together. It just means that sex isn’t as high a priority for them as it is for some of their friends, neighbours or people they see on TV and in the movies.

Spice up your flagging sex life If you and your partner have gone several weeks or even months without sex and the lack of activity is troubling you, usually a little bit of effort is enough to revive your flagging sex life, especially if the emotional connection between you and your partner remains strong.

Try one or more of the following tips

Schedule it:  Sounds horribly unromantic, but really it’s quite the opposite. Plan a relaxing shower and mutual massage as part of foreplay. After all, who doesn’t look forward to a massage? Couples who search together for the right scent of massage oil are off to a great start.

Mix it up: Perhaps you’ve always had that special secret fantasy, but you’ve never mentioned it or acted on it. Now is the time to talk about it with your partner. Who knows, maybe he or she is willing to try it. And be sure to ask about his or her secret fantasy. It might be a turn-on for you, too. Just make sure that if you both say yes, you really mean to say yes. No regrets, please.

Go away. If you’ve always done it in the bedroom, try another room, the kitchen, or a hotel, or a cabin in the woods. It’s amazing what a little change of venue can do for a stale sex life.
Be romantic

Give your partner a gift “just because.” Write a list of things you love about your partner and give it to him or her. Plan a surprise date that involves an activity you know your partner enjoys (even if it’s not your favorite thing to do).
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/much-sex/#sthash.bKk25UpD.dpuf

France was thrown into fresh crisis on Monday after President Francois Hollande told his prime minister to form a new government, following a high-profile show of insubordination by the country’s firebrand economy minister.

It is the second reshuffle in just five months as the ruling Socialists struggle to pull France out of the economic doldrums and the party is riven by infighting over what direction to take to reduce sky-high unemployment and boost sorely-needed growth.

The shock move caught France by surprise and opposition figures pointed to a major crisis of confidence at the heart of the deeply unpopular executive, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen even calling for the lower house National Assembly to be dissolved.

A presidency statement said Prime Minister Manuel Valls had offered the resignation of his government — a formality that allows him to form a new cabinet — and the new line-up would be announced on Tuesday.

“The head of state asked him (Valls) to form a team consistent with the direction he has himself set for the country,” it said.

The presidency did not give any reasons for the shock move, but it came after Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg bad-mouthed France’s economic direction and the austerity policies of European powerhouse and ally Germany, angering Valls.

“You have to raise your voice. Germany is trapped in an austerity policy that it imposed across Europe,” Montebourg said in an interview with Le Monde newspaper published Saturday.

Then in a speech on Sunday, Montebourg said he had asked Hollande and Valls for a “major shift” in economic policy.

“Given the seriousness of the economic situation, an economy minister has a duty to offer alternative solutions.”

- No stranger to controversy -

While it is as yet unclear whether Montebourg will remain in the government, it appears increasingly unlikely.

On Monday, Valls — who has consistently said he will not tolerate any insubordination from his ministers — was busy meeting every member of the former cabinet, including Montebourg.

The 51-year-old left-wing minister is no stranger to controversy, having made headlines in the past for his outspoken criticism of ally Germany, which he has blamed for factory closures in France.

He was promoted to his current position in April in a government shake-up after the Socialist party suffered a drubbing at local elections, and has had to cosy up to Finance Minister Michel Sapin who supports the very austerity measures that he disagrees with.

As industrial renewal minister before his promotion, he had grabbed headlines by labelling the head of tyre giant Titan an “extremist” after the CEO criticised the French workforce as lazy.

He also became embroiled in a very public fight with steelmaker ArcelorMittal over the closure of a plant.

The latest reshuffle comes at a time when France is mired in stubbornly slow economic recovery, with high unemployment.

The central bank warned this month that Hollande had no hope of reaching his target of 1.0 percent growth for 2014.

The French economy has been stagnant for the past six months and the government was forced to halve its growth forecast to 0.5 percent for this year.

- ‘Historically unpopular’ -

Both Hollande and Valls say the answer is their so-called Responsibility Pact that offers businesses tax breaks of some 40 billion euros ($55 billion) in exchange for a pledge by companies to create 500,000 jobs over three years.

Hollande plans to finance this with 50 billion euros in spending cuts, and the plan has angered those on the left of the party — including Montebourg — who argue that the focus should be on cutting taxes to boost consumers’ spending power.

The prime minister himself, who veers more towards the centre, is also deeply unpopular with some Socialists.

Two Green ministers left the government when Valls was appointed in March after the Socialists’ humiliation in local elections.

Frederic Dabi, deputy head of polling firm IFOP, said the reshuffle risked further weakening Hollande and restricting his support within the party.

“But I wouldn’t overestimate the impact on public opinion,” he said.

“We have a government and president that are historically unpopular, and what will make them popular or more unpopular isn’t what happens in the government in terms of people but policies being implemented and a lack of results.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/crisis-france-hollande-orders-cabinet-shake/#sthash.PyMnOX8r.dpuf

Re-posted by Abdulgafar Abdulrauf Adio

 

A Boko Haram attack on a border town in Borno State forced thousands of people to flee on Monday, in a fresh assault indicating the militants’ growing ability to strike at will.

The attack on Gamboru Ngala comes after the town was almost entirely destroyed in May in a devastating assault that also left more than 300 people killed and prompted outrage at the lack of military response.

Many local residents sought refuge across the border in the north Cameroon town of Fotokol, where troop reinforcements were being sent, a security service source told AFP.

Boko Haram, which has been blamed for more than 10,000 deaths in a five-year-old uprising, has in recent weeks sought to take over a number of towns in Borno state, shifting from hit-and-run tactics to an apparent holding strategy.

The group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, declared in a video obtained by AFP on Sunday that the town of Gwoza, southwest of Gamboru Ngala, was now under an Islamic caliphate.

Residents said Monday’s attack began at about 5:30 am (0430 GMT), with the extremists launching coordinated strikes on the main police station and a military base known as the Harmony camp.

“The sounds (of gunfire) became more deafening as police and soldiers responded to Boko Haram,” said witness Hamisu Lawan. “Most of our people have fled into Cameroon.”

Others locked themselves in their homes, voicing fears that the militants would turn their guns on civilians once they had overrun the police station and military camp.

Residents in Fotokol, which is separated from Gamboru Ngala by a river, also reported “intense” fighting throughout the morning.

“(Cameroonian) soldiers are at the bridge,” one said.

Cameroon said on August 18 that it had closed its vast border with Nigeria to guard against the spread of Ebola, which has caused five deaths in the country’s financial capital, Lagos, in the far southwest.

But few believed that Cameroon had the resources needed to seal all the possible crossing points along the roughly 1,600-kilometre (1,000-mile) frontier.

- Territorial ambitions -

Local officials and residents in Borno say Boko Haram may be in control of a key road that connects Gamboru Ngala to the state capital Maiduguri.

Establishing which parts of the area have in fact fallen into rebels hands is difficult in the remote region, where travel is dangerous and prolonged fighting has hit mobile phone networks.

In Sunday’s video, Shekau did not develop his claims about Gwoza being part of the Islamic caliphate, despite previously voicing his support for the leader of the Islamic State (IS) militants, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who proclaimed himself the “leader of Muslims everywhere” in June.

Al-Baghdadi’s Sunni Muslim fighters have taken over parts of Iraq and Syria.

Nigeria’s military dismissed Shekau’s claim as “empty”, maintaining that the country’s sovereignty remained intact.

But that assertion is in conflict with multiple reports indicating that Boko Haram controls several towns in Borno and at least one in neighbouring Yobe state.

Analysts believe that Boko Haram will attempt to hold more towns in Borno in the short to mid-term, with Nigeria’s military unable or unwilling to tackle them.

Some Nigerian troops stationed in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, have refused to deploy to retake Gwoza because of what they say are sub-standard weapons that leave them at the mercy of the better-equipped rebels.

Defence analysts have also argued that Nigeria needs to improve its counter-insurgency strategy and adapt to guerrilla fighting rather than relying on conventional means.

Others complain of a lack of political will to properly tackle Boko Haram, which wants to establish a hardline Islamic state and whose campaign has targeted schools, churches and government installations.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/thousands-flee-cameroon-boko-haram-attack-nigeria/#sthash.9QpJjGuH.dpuf

By Ayo Onikoyi and Re-posted by Abdulgafar Abdulrauf Adio

Sexy and voluptuous actress, Sarraphina Onyekachi Amaechi, a public administration graduate of  Federal Polytechnic, Nekede,Imo State, has come a long way in the movie industry. The busty, ebony beauty is respected and appreciated for her talent. Her rise to prominence did not come as a result of her taking the
*Sarraphina

She isn’t shy, she has seen too much of the world to be, and she would tell you that her selling point is her huge bubbly boobs but also will be quick to remind you that it was her talent that saw her this far in the industry rather than the captivating mammary.

She is a consummate actress that would take up different roles and blend with it like she was born to be that character, even doing things many of her peers wouldn’t dare.

“It’s not about the money but more about telling the story as it were”, she said, when I asked her if she could go nude in a movie for a large sum of money. “I can act in a porn movie but I can never go nude myself. If I have to act with somebody and they use a body double to do the acting, that’s fine. But as for me,I can never go nude. If you insist that I must act nude, then you have to use a body double” she stated, matter-of-fact.

She also confirmed to me that men find her boobs irresistible objects of admiration and even share an experience where her boobs caused a stir. “The breasts are becoming more and more aggressive by the day” she said giggly “one fateful day I was travelling, just at the airport, as I just bent down to open my bag, my breasts fell out like bombs. I was so embarrassed but then that is part of me and I am proud of it”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/day-boobs-embarrassed-sarraphina/#sthash.k8cAPsXV.dpuf

By Ayo Onikoyi
Sexy and voluptuous actress, Sarraphina Onyekachi Amaechi, a public administration graduate of  Federal Polytechnic, Nekede,Imo State, has come a long way in the movie industry. The busty, ebony beauty is respected and appreciated for her talent. Her rise to prominence did not come as a result of her taking the elevator- she took the stairs, savouring every bit of pain and gain along the way.
She isn’t shy, she has seen too much of the world to be, and she would tell you that her selling point is her huge bubbly boobs but also will be quick to remind you that it was her talent that saw her this far in the industry rather than the captivating mammary.
She is a consummate actress that would take up different roles and blend with it like she was born to be that character, even doing things many of her peers wouldn’t dare.
“It’s not about the money but more about telling the story as it were”, she said, when I asked her if she could go nude in a movie for a large sum of money. “I can act in a porn movie but I can never go nude myself. If I have to act with somebody and they use a body double to do the acting, that’s fine. But as for me,I can never go nude. If you insist that I must act nude, then you have to use a body double” she stated, matter-of-fact.
She also confirmed to me that men find her boobs irresistible objects of admiration and even share an experience where her boobs caused a stir. “The breasts are becoming more and more aggressive by the day” she said giggly “one fateful day I was travelling, just at the airport, as I just bent down to open my bag, my breasts fell out like bombs. I was so embarrassed but then that is part of me and I am proud of it”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/day-boobs-embarrassed-sarraphina/#sthash.k8cAPsXV.dpuf

By Favour Nnabugwu Re-posted by Abdulgafar Abdulrauf Adio

Despite the security problem facing the country, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC has said the nation’s economy still thrives after all.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Saratu Umar who stated this in a keynote address entitled: Translating Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment, FDI Benefits into a reality, at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG  in Abuja said the country’s economy has shown a strong resilience in spite of the security concerns while stressing that the NIPC is reviewing the Pioneer Incentives currently being granted to investors to cover only critical activities.

She assured that NIPC is ever poised and positioned to give a hand-holding support to investors (both local and foreign) that have decided to make the country their preferred investment destination, adding that the Commission is putting various strategies in place to make it more pro-active to investors’ needs and demands.

She explained that NIPC is a private sector company within the Government as such, it has a big role to play in the economic growth and advancement of Nigeria. She said: “NIPC is one of the strong vehicles to drive investment into the economy and it is being re-engineered for better service delivery”.

Umar noted that the economy being the largest in Africa, is consistently among the top three investment destinations on the continent,

Speaking on the various measures being implemented by government to sustain the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into the country, Umar said: “Government remains committed to transparent, fair and peaceful electoral process as the country is now on the threshold of her fifth democratic transition process, and is building efficient socio-economic infrastructure and strengthening the financial and insurance sector.”

She further stated that government has continued to sustain the simplification and streamlining of business entry procedures as the One-Stop Investment Centre (OSIC) of NIPC is providing platform for coordinated service delivery and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is committed to 24 hours incorporation of businesses across the country.

In ensuring a globally competitive business regulatory framework, she stated that “Government is committed to setting a rule- based regulatory framework across all the sectors that is devoid of discretion and a national competition and Consumer Protection Policy is at advanced stages of adoption.”

In translating the FDI benefits into reality, the NIPC boss maintained that it has continued to contribute immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Product; enhance export potential; promote Import Substitution Industrialization; facilitate skills enhancement and human capital development; improve international image; facilitate technology acquisition transfer; increase capital
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/nigerias-economy-strong-amidst-security-concerns-nipc/#sthash.ip1ZHJb5.dpuf

By Favour Nnabugwu
Despite the security problem facing the country, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC has said the nation’s economy still thrives after all.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Saratu Umar who stated this in a keynote address entitled: Translating Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment, FDI Benefits into a reality, at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG  in Abuja said the country’s economy has shown a strong resilience in spite of the security concerns while stressing that the NIPC is reviewing the Pioneer Incentives currently being granted to investors to cover only critical activities.
She assured that NIPC is ever poised and positioned to give a hand-holding support to investors (both local and foreign) that have decided to make the country their preferred investment destination, adding that the Commission is putting various strategies in place to make it more pro-active to investors’ needs and demands.
She explained that NIPC is a private sector company within the Government as such, it has a big role to play in the economic growth and advancement of Nigeria. She said: “NIPC is one of the strong vehicles to drive investment into the economy and it is being re-engineered for better service delivery”.
Umar noted that the economy being the largest in Africa, is consistently among the top three investment destinations on the continent,
Speaking on the various measures being implemented by government to sustain the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into the country, Umar said: “Government remains committed to transparent, fair and peaceful electoral process as the country is now on the threshold of her fifth democratic transition process, and is building efficient socio-economic infrastructure and strengthening the financial and insurance sector.”
She further stated that government has continued to sustain the simplification and streamlining of business entry procedures as the One-Stop Investment Centre (OSIC) of NIPC is providing platform for coordinated service delivery and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is committed to 24 hours incorporation of businesses across the country.
In ensuring a globally competitive business regulatory framework, she stated that “Government is committed to setting a rule- based regulatory framework across all the sectors that is devoid of discretion and a national competition and Consumer Protection Policy is at advanced stages of adoption.”
In translating the FDI benefits into reality, the NIPC boss maintained that it has continued to contribute immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Product; enhance export potential; promote Import Substitution Industrialization; facilitate skills enhancement and human capital development; improve international image; facilitate technology acquisition transfer; increase capital
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/nigerias-economy-strong-amidst-security-concerns-nipc/#sthash.ip1ZHJb5.dpuf