Nengi has won the first Head of House Challenge in the 5th edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show.
The Bayelsa-born housemate won the challenge after completing a task in an arena game with other housemates. She went on to pick Wathoni as her Deputy Head of House.
Nengi will now be free from eviction this week.
Source: Linda I.
A new bride has died just one day after her wedding day and friends are mourning her online.
The woman, whose name was given simply as Vivian, got married on Saturday, July 18, but died on Sunday, July 19.
Apparently, she was sick on her wedding day. As she walked down the aisle, she had a cannula for drip inserted into her veins and it remained in her hand throughout the ceremony.
Friends have expressed shock over her sudden death.
Source: Vivian & Family
Speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has stated that the acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kemebradikumo Pondei, will no longer appear before the panel probing him and the agency.
Recall that Pondei was enmeshed in a drama today July 20, after fainting at the venue of the probe.
Commenting on the development, Gbajabiamila apologized for the stuffy hearing room and also wished Pondei a speedy recovery.
He said;
“We wish him well. I have been here barely five minutes and I am already sweating profusely. So I do understand and apologise to everybody here for the poorly conducive atmosphere. I want to say at this point and make it clear, that is not an adversarial hearing. It is not even inquisitorial.
“It is a fact-finding mission for the people of Nigeria. Just to make things better and we should handle this as such. No one is under inquisition. The fact must come out and that is why the committee is doing what it is doing.
“Because of these conditions in this hall, we don’t need to hear further from the acting MD because he has already submitted his written report. I think you can use the documents to do the work that needs to be done.
“Starting from the minister, Dr. Cairo and all the executive directors – we are sorry under the conditions which you have been invited and my members are under the same conditions. We wish Mr Pondei all the best.”
The speaker also commended chairman of the probe panel, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for recusing himself from the investigation.
Gbajabiamila added;
“I want to commend the chairman of the committee who this morning recused himself from being part of the proceedings. It shows the level of integrity of himself and by extension his committee and further extension to the house of representatives. I believe he has set the stage for a fair hearing.”
Source: Linda I.
The Acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kemebradikumo Pondei has died while giving an account of his stewardship before the House of Representatives Committee probing the commission today July 20.
According to reports, he failed to defend the N1.3 billion he approved to provide COVID-19 palliative for members of the Commission.
He couldn’t defend the N640 million he approved to one clear point communications limited.
Source: Jide Nwosu
BBNaija 2020 housemates: Here’s a list of THE FIRST FIVE HOUSEMATES WHO joined the Big Brother Naija house today.
Consultant and entrepreneur Ozoemena “Ozo” Chukwu (27), is from Imo State. One of his greatest achievements is working with a UEFA Federation in Europe. It is no surprise then that when he is not busy consulting or managing his urban clothing line, you’ll find him analysing sports and watching documentaries and TV shows.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown?
Learning to stay without loud music.
What are your words to live by?
No boundaries with an ounce of hope.
What is your biggest achievement?
Working for a UEFA Federation. It was a job I took great pride in and enjoyed doing.
Victoria “Vee” Adeyele (23) is a musician based in Lagos, Nigeria. Vee, as she is affectionately known, was born and raised in London and moved to Lagos almost a year ago to begin her music career where she has already made great strides.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown?
Definitely sleeping for hours on end.
What are your words to live by?
Live every day like it is your last.
What is your biggest achievement?
Performing at the Palmwine Music Festival last year.
Nelson Enwerem Prince (24) is an entrepreneur from Abia. A jack-of-all-trades whose portfolio includes modelling, fashion designing and interior decoration.
He enjoys active sports and reading about ancient religions and African history. He’s a graduate of pure physics from the University of Calabar and is currently living in Lagos.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown?
Trading forex.
What are your words to live by?
A good name is better than riches.
What’s your biggest achievement?
Winning Mr. Nigeria and competing in the Mr. World competition. It earned me great respect in my village and honour amongst the elders.
Boluwatife “Lilo” Aderogba (23) is a dietitian from Lagos, Nigeria. Lilo, as she prefers to be known, is also an entrepreneur and describes herself as “a product of God’s grace”.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown?
I learnt how to sew.
What are your words to live by?
Trust in God.
What is your biggest achievement?
Starting my own brand.
Trikytee
Timmy Sinclair is a 35-year-old creative artist and Lagos resident who hails from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Tricky Tee as he is also known considers himself a storyteller who uses the mediums of film, and music to express himself.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown?
I now do push ups every day thanks to lockdown.
What are your words to live by?
Nobody is promised tomorrow, make the best use of the present and live life to the fullest
What’s your biggest achievement?
Biggest achievement was winning the best director at the NYSC cultural and sports festival in Abuja 2013 for the best stage drama.
Lucy Essien is a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos. Though she is a self-proclaimed simple girl and assures everyone that she is far from average. She believes in fairy tales, and hopefully, Biggie’s House will deliver just that for her.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown? Making parfait, having tea three times a day, and being without my phone.
What are your words to live by? Life is for the living. We only live every day. Be a decent human being, you never know.
What’s your biggest achievement? My grill business, getting into Big Brother Naija, graduating with a 2.1 and not falling pregnant after all these years.
Terseer Kiddwaya (27) is self-employed and comes from Benue State. Being a Big Brother Naija season 5 Housemate has Kiddwaya anticipating a better and crazier 2020.
He describes himself as confident, good looking, ambitious, a daredevil who is highly motivated. It is no surprise then that “bringing back the fun into the House” is what he won’t compromise on this season.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown? I can go a long time without no phone or TV.
What are your words to live by? You never know when your time is up, so you might as well go for it.
What is your biggest achievement? Getting into health and fitness has been my biggest achievement. I used to be quite chubby, so I transformed my body and I have been consistent ever since.
Dorathy Bachor is a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos. She believes she is the only one who should make you smile. Her sassiness will definitely prove to be an asset in Biggie’s house.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown? I can sleep for more than four hours. I also discovered the ability to adjust to a new environment quickly.
What are your words to live by? Never let anyone see that they get to you.
What’s your biggest achievement? SHOPFORME – the biggest procurement company in Nigeria … Amen.
Florence Wathoni Anyansi is a 29-year-old fashion entrepreneur This multi-talented single mother juggles a fashion business and a parenting blog. She is also bilingual and speaks and writes in Swahili fluently.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown? I started eating chocolates more than usual, praying with the rosary three to five times (no jokes), and a lot of thinking.
What are your words to live by?
You are unstoppable; you have not come this far to stop now.
What is your biggest achievement?
Providing for my son, being chosen to work in Julius Berger amongst graduates (I was an undergraduate then), giving birth naturally to a 4.3kg baby.
Praise Nelson is a 28-year-old dancer from Enugu. Not new to fame or competing, he was a winner at the K-Pop World Festival, South Korea 2015 and won third place at a national Dance Competition in 2010.
He is also a fitness and personal trainer and a certified Latin ballroom expert.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown? Making more time to read.
What are your words to live by? Never stop striving for the best life can offer, it can only get better.
What’s your biggest achievement? Winning Korean Pop World Festival Changwon in 2015.
Brighto
Ezekiel Bright “Brighto” Osemudiame is a 29-year-old sailor from Edo State. Brighto, as he is fondly called, is the youngest of six kids. He holds a degree in Marine Engineering from Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, Egypt with several other professional certifications. He also had a stint in the aviation sector. He considers himself an avid entertainment lover and a people’s person.
Erica
Ngozi “Erica” Nlewedim (26) is an actress and commercial model from London, England. Erica is the name she goes by and she returned to Lagos after studying screen acting at the Met Film School in London.
What new habit or skill did you acquire during lockdown? I started reading motivational books and watching real estate sales videos on YouTube.
Laycon
Olamilekan “Laycon” Agbeleshe is a 26-year-old singer and rapper from Lagos. He’s a graduate of philosophy from the University of Lagos who started his musical journey at an early age and has now emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising new school acts. He describes himself as being versatile and able to coin words together to soothe scenarios and moods.
Ka3na
Kate “Ka3na” Jones (26) is an entrepreneur from Rivers, Nigeria. She describes herself as a strong woman who wants more from life. Her dream is to be famous and own the biggest luxury fashion brand in the world. She also believes she will make the perfect Housemate because she is ready to do all it takes to compete and win Big Brother Naija season 5.
Neo
Emuobonuvie “Neo” Akpofure (26), popularly referred to as Neo, is a ride-hailing app driver and a Delta State native. Although he describes himself as fun, tolerant, loving and smart, he won’t hesitate to be Indaboski Bahose when it comes to issues concerning bullying and inequality.
Kaisha
Aisha Umaru is a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Sokoto state. This adventurous young woman considers herself a great team player who gets along with people. She relies on a healthy diet and is God-fearing.
Tochi
Tochukwu Okechukwu Tochi is a 28-year-old rapper and real estate agent from Imo state. He lives and breathes entertainment. He confesses to being clumsy on some days.
Nengi
Rebecca “Nengi” Hampson (22) is an entrepreneur from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. She is a former model and MBGN Top 5 contestant who loves learning new things, having fun, travelling, taking on new adventures, and being true to herself. Nengi, as she prefers to be called, studied communications at the University of Port Harcourt and is a proud Capricorn. She proclaims: “If you want the job done right, give it to a Capricorn. I give 110% of my energy and enthusiasm into everything I do.”
Eric
Eric Akhigbe (24) is a final year student at the University of Lagos and hails from Edo State. The bodybuilder is a confident hunk who takes pride in his 1.95m height. He describes himself as a fun, competitive sports and fitness enthusiast who enjoys winning. In addition, Eric also describes himself as a shy person who takes his time to unveil his wild side.
Tolanibaj
Tolani Shobajo is a 27-year-old media personality from Lagos state. Tolani is an energetic gingered babe. People always call her the life of the party. When she’s not entertaining, she’s dancing and cooking.
Source: Micheal B.
Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, visited former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, at his hilltop home in Minna, Niger state today July 18, and shared the photos online.
Babangida, 78, was the Military leader from 1985 until his resignation in 1993. See more photos below
Source: Linda I.
A fire being investigated as arson at a historic cathedral in western France Saturday morning has been contained, according to the local fire chief, though not before the Gothic church’s great organ and rose window sustained severe damage.
Fire Chief Laurent Ferlay told French television BFM July 18 the damage to the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes “is concentrated on the organ, which seems to be completely destroyed. Its platform is very unstable and could collapse.”
Firefighters were called to the cathedral, which dates from the 15th century, at 7:44 a.m., according to BFM TV.
The Diocese of Nantes said there was also significant damage to the cathedral’s 16th century rose window and to the choir organ, French Catholic television station KTOTV reports.
Speaking at a press conference Saturday, the fire chief said the fire was not as great as that which occurred at the Cathedral of Notre Dame 15 months ago and the damage is less extensive.
The cause of the blaze is still undetermined, but the fire is being investigated as a possible arson. Presse Océan reports that according to Nantes’ public prosecutor, Pierre Sennès, the fire appears to have started from three different spots in the cathedral: one at the level of the organ, and one on each side of the nave.
Over 100 firefighters were at the scene, according to the BBC. In a tweet, the firefighters asked people to avoid the area.
The Diocese of Nantes said in a statement July 18 that the fire “plunges the Christians of Loire Atlantique into a great sadness.”
“For them, the cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, is above all the mother church of the diocese,” it said. “It is the place of gatherings where the important events of its history are lived.”
The rector of the cathedral Fr. Hubert Champenois and the diocesan administrator Fr. François Renaud called on the Catholics of the diocese to unite in prayer and welcomed the help of firefighters, police, and civil society.
French president Emmanuel Macron on Saturday tweeted his support for the firefighters fighting the blaze.
“After Notre-Dame, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral, in the heart of Nantes, is in flames. Support to our firefighters who take all risks to save this Gothic gem of the city of the Dukes,” he wrote.
The roof of the Gothic cathedral was previously destroyed in a large fire in 1971, after which the cathedral received an extensive restoration.
The Nantes cathedral was also damaged by Allied bombing in 1944.
Source: Reuters
President Muhammadu Buhari has named the railway complex in Agbor, Delta state after former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Presidential aide Tolu Ogunlesi and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi made the announcement on Saturday July 18.
The railway complex in Agbor is the centre of operation which connects the Itakpe-Warri rail line to the Lagos-Calabar coastal railway project, which cuts across most states in the south-east and south-south.
Tolu Ogunlesi tweeted;
“BREAKING | President @MBuhari has approved the naming of the Railway Complex in Agbor – the operational hub of #ItakpeWarriRail Line – after former President @GEJonathan. It will be known as the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station & Complex — Minister of Transport, @ChibuikeAmaechi.”
Amaechi also tweeted;
Today, we continued test-run of our new coaches on the completed Itakpe-Warri standard gauge rail line. We’ve named the largest station on this route – the Agbor railway facility and station after former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Source: Twitter
A Nigerian man has been killed in a hit-and-run accident in the US days after sharing a cryptic post about living upright.
Steven Austin, 32, from Imo State lost his life tragically on Sunday, July 12, in the South Natomas neighborhood of Sacramento, according to the information made available on the GoFundMe page created by his friends.
Sacramento police say they responded to reports of a hit-and-run at the intersection of Northgate Boulevard and West El Camino Avenue. When they got to the scene, they found Austin who was pronounced dead.
Authorities later revealed that they have found a car involved in a hit-and-run that left Austin dead.
His friends said he was crossing the street when he was knocked down by a speeding car.
Days before his death, Austin shared a cryptic post with his friends on Facebook about living an upright life before God.
The post shared on June 20, read: ‘This time of uncertainty should Cement us to the Certain & Constant GOD.’
Speaking on his sudden death, his friends remembered him as a jovial person who was always there for them.
“He always had a smile on him,” said Cuma Ugbogu. “He always said something that would make you laugh.”
“Steven was one of those people who opened his door for me. He welcomed me as a brother,” Ugbogu told FOX40. “He is a jovial spirit. He’s one of those people that his presence is charming.”
“If you hung out with Steven, he would make you happy,” said Mohammed Jagun.
They also revealed that they’re working to return his body back home to his family in Nigeria.
“And at this time, his mother has already buried her husband and she buried a son and now Steven,” Jagun said.
“It took his death to ask myself this question, ‘How many times did you ask Steven, how are you doing today?’”, said Ugbogu. “He brought so much joy you didn’t even know what was going on within him.”
Police are asking anyone with information about his death to contact them.
Source: Linda I.
The remains of late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF’s) first female combat helicopter pilot, who died on 14 July 2020, will be laid to rest with full military honours at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on 23 July 2020.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar received some members of the Federal Executive Council as well as members of the National Assembly who visited him at Headquarters NAF at various times yesterday, 16 July 2020.
These came to condole with him over the unfortunate demise of Tolulope, the late young NAF pilot.
Among them were; the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, as well as the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
The joint delegation from the upper and lower houses of the National Assembly, comprising 20 members, was led by the Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force, Distinguished Senator Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, and the Chairman House Committee on the Air Force, Honourable Shehu Koko.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, who was accompanied on the visit by the Director-General of the National Council for Women Development as well as leaders of some other Women’s Groups, spoke during her visit.
Dame Tallen said she received the news of the death of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile with great shock, from which she said it would be difficult for her to recover.
She, however, noted that the death of the young pilot would not be in vain as she would forever be remembered for her gallantry and contributions towards ensuring a secured Nigeria.
The Minister prayed that God would comfort the entire NAF family and grant the departed officer’s soul eternal rest.
While conveying his condolences, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on his part, prayed that God would grant Flying Officer Arotile’s soul peaceful repose and her family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, stated that the Committee, and the Senate as a whole, lacked the words to express how painful her death was to them.
He said they were however consoled that there was no greater honour than when one dies while in service to one’s Nation.
Senator Ibn-Na’Allah described the late Tolulope as a dedicated and goal-oriented young woman who lived an exemplary life that was worthy of emulation by other young Nigerians.
He reiterating that the Nigerian Senate shares in the pain of the Service as well as that of the Arotile family.
The senator urged the NAF to continue to give opportunities for many young Nigerian girls to realize their dreams of serving their Country as pilots in the NAF.
The Chairman House Committee on the Air Force, Honourable Shehu Koko, on his part, recalled the day Flying Officer Arotile was winged as the first female combat helicopter pilot in the NAF.
Honourable Koko noted that they at the House of Representatives is aware of the many exploits the young officer had made in her short but impactful career.
He said they were extremely pained by her passing away but had taken solace in the fact that she had left a lasting legacy. Related Posts
He therefore urged the CAS, and through him, the family of the deceased young officer to be consoled by the good deeds she left behind.
In his response during the visits, the CAS expressed his appreciation to the esteemed dignitaries as well as all Nigerians for their overwhelming show of support to the NAF over the passing of Flying Officer Arotile.
He noted that the NAF would never forget her because she was the first female combat helicopter pilot in the Service.
She will also be remembered for her legacy as a very intelligent, highly committed and extremely patriotic officer who excelled in virtually every endeavour.
Air Marshal Abubakar recalled that she was selected while on basic helicopter course in South Africa.
Due to her excellent performance, she underwent a more advanced flying course on the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter in Italy.
She wold later return to finish the basic course along with her other colleagues in South Africa. Such, the CAS said, was her commitment to excellence on the job.
“This was what gave us confidence to assign her to introduce the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, during the induction ceremony at the Eagle Square in Abuja on 6 February 2020; which she did excellently”, he added.
Speaking further the CAS noted that Flying Officer Arotile had left her mark in the sands of time.
This, he said, proves that when it comes to displaying excellence and adding value to the society, age or gender should not be barriers.
He noted that her contributions through combat missions conducted, along with her colleagues, in the fight against armed banditry and other criminal activities in the country would also never be forgotten.
CAS noted that the NAF would therefore continue to give equal opportunities to female officers in terms of training.
In the meantime, total of 11 female student pilots were currently undergoing flying training both within and outside Nigeria.
Air Marshal Abubakar reiterating the huge loss Flying Officer Arotile’s death was to the NAF.
He noted that the Service would continue to be consoled by the legacy Tolulope left behind.
He further assured that the NAF will honour her memory as well as all those who had paid the supreme price before her.
NAF will continue to work assiduously to ensure success in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats for the overall peace and prosperity of a united Nigeria, he empahasised.
Meanwhile, a condolence visit to the Arotile Family in Lokoja by a high-powered delegation had been scheduled to hold on a date before the burial.
It composed of the CAS, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs as well as the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Air Force.
Source: Elombah News
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday July 17, presented its 10th witness against Ismaila Mustapha alias Mompha in an ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Lagos Zonal Office of the Commission is prosecuting Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited on an amended 22-count charge, bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N33billion (Thirty Three Billion Naira).
Mompha’s uncle, Alhaji Ahmadu Mohammed was presented as the 10th prosecution witness (Pw10). He told the court that he and one other person are directors at Ismalob Global Investment Limited, but that Mompha was the sole signatory to the account of the company, domiciled in Fidelity Bank.
Ahmadu further disclosed that his job was to buy the Euro equivalent of the money sent to Mompha and send back in cash to the recipient, on Mompha’s directives.
The statement released by the EFCC read in part;
At Friday’s proceeding, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo invited the 10th prosecution witness (Pw10), Alhaji Ahmadu Mohammed, who is the defendant’s uncle.
Ahmadu, in his evidence, told the court that he and one other person are directors at Ismalob Global Investment Limited, but that Mompha was the sole signatory to the account of the company, domiciled in Fidelity Bank.
Mompha’s shares in the company, he said, are worth 600,000, while the two other directors’ are worth 200,000 each.
Ahmadu also told the court that his job was to buy the Euro equivalent of the money sent to Mompha and send back in cash to the recipient, on Mompha’s directives.
He also revealed that the company whose operations commenced in December, 2015 is not a registered bureau de change.
Ahmadu, on cross-examination, by the defence lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole SAN said there was no link between Ismalob Global Investment Limited and Mompha BDC, saying that the former is a separate company.
Justice Liman subsequently adjourned the case till July 24, 2020 for hearing on an application filed by Mompha, through the defence counsel for the release of his properties seized by the EFCC.
Source: Linda I.
The Trump administration is considering banning all members of the Chinese Communist Party and their families from traveling to the United States, according to a source within the administration.
According to the New York Times, who spoke to the source, senior administration officials discussing the matter have begun circulating a draft of a possible presidential order, a move that would worsen the already damaged relationship between the US and China.
According to the NY Times, the source speaking on condition of anonymity, said deliberations are at an early stage and the issue has not yet been brought to U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to the New York Times, the ban which will focus on denying visas to tens of millions of Chinese citizens, would be one of Washington’s toughest actions against China.
The source said the ban could hit the ruling Communist Party from the highest levels down to its rank-and-file and would be certain to draw retaliation from China.
The ban could also affect business executives, potentially harming U.S. interests in China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying reacting to the reports on Friday, said such action by the United States, if true, would be “pathetic.”
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday refused to confirm the report but said:
“We’re working our way through, under the president’s guidance, about how to think about pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party.”
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters: “We keep every option on the table with regard to China.”
Relations between China and the US are now at the lowest point in decades as both countries clash over China’s handling of the Coronavirus outbreak, China’s new security law on Hong Kong, China’s disputed claims in the South China Sea, and trade disputes.
Source: Jide N.
Here are more photos of 21 year old Tyrese Devon Haspil, the former personal assistant arrested for the gruesome murder of Gokada CEO, Fahim Saleh, 33.
According to police, Haspil, attacked and killed Saleh, his former boss on Monday July 13th in his luxury $2.2m New York apartment.
The gruesome killing shocked neighbors and the tech and venture capital worlds, where Saleh, a founding partner at Adventure Capital, cultivated a reputation as an energetic and creative businessman who specialized in direct investment in developing nations. His ride-hailing apps in Nigeria, Gokada, and his parents’ native Bangladesh, Pathao, grew to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Police have since arrested Haspil. Authorities believe Haspil killed Saleh in other to avoid paying back about $90,000 he stole from the tech entrepreneur.
Saleh had found out his PA had stolen from him and instead of reporting him to the police authorities, he sacked him and set up a repayment plan for Haspil to pay him back.
Haspil chose instead to kill him.
More photos of Haspil below.
Source: Tori Express News
In the present of our times, a lot of us struggle with the status of being single while a lot too suffer from the side incidences of being in a dramatic relationship. This goes a long way in having lots overviews and discernment about dating and relationships. Have you ever wondered why your friends have found the ‘one’ but you’re still strolling and wandering through dating sites or doing a ‘jump and pass mode of dating’ and contemplating on going on a date again? If you found yourself in this situation of love life why not ask the question “what is the purpose of dating?”
There are copious reasons why we choose to date a fellow; some of us may want to date because they want to experience the fun and not stay in the house frequently, some of us may date because they want to meet and experience new people, while some of us may date because they want a life lasting companionship. But the good and bizarre news is that we are dating without purpose if we made up our minds to date for the first two reasons. The purpose of dating and one of the most important things to do in life is to find someone you are happy to stay with and have a life long partnership.
Dating without purpose is like a blind bird with wings flying around with no visible destination, and as well as getting a car and driving randomly without having a destination, hoping to drive to somewhere that you will find happiness, chances are that you’d probably get lost, frustrated or disappointed. If you don’t have a map or a landing point, then you won’t get there.
Dating without purpose can lead to a lot of imbalances in emotion and the body while dating with purpose is essential if you find someone with to create something beautiful out of a relationship. This can go a long way to having a soothing though challenging healthy relationships out there.
I have come in contact with some friends who replied to the question with “if the guy can provide all her needs financially, they are good to go”, “if the guy would shower them with care and respect, they are good to go” but have you as a lady asked yourself the ‘why’ in wanting to be with this person? This answer is what could be a stepping stone to having a purposeful healthy relationship and not what the person can provide. If you have ever thought of dating, you need to prepare like someone who attends an interview or an exam, you need to ask yourself the questions, what do you want to achieve, and plan and prepare yourself for the task ahead. This may definitely not be easy as it would take effort, discipline and the lessons of others. It is definitely going to be worth the effort.
Dating with purpose could all lie in self decision on what you want and whilst making a decision, there are some certain things that need to be considered in achieving a purpose in relationships even if you’re in the relationship already.
1. Ready to be in a relationship: Both parties need to want to be in a relationship and are willing to let go of any past relationship trauma, affairs, affections or afflictions. Because these feelings can easily be triggered when you don’t shove them down the pile and can obstruct the intended purpose of your dating.
2. Honesty and Trust: This is the basic root of a relationship. As a potential partner, trusting yourself first is key to understanding your relationship. Feel free to discuss any past relationship stigma or childhood experiences with your partner, in that way, you need to gain the trustworthiness of your partner even though transparency and building trust takes time.
3. Be willing to tolerate: Some drama that occurs in relationships, with little tolerance and compromise, the parties would definitely be happy ever after. For a relationship to grow, you must be willing to negotiate and compromise to the flaws of your partner otherwise little things may deprive your purpose. You need to be prepared to understand, adapt and negotiate solutions to the challenges that arise together within.
4. Self Awareness: For relationships to grow, you need to keep reminding yourself of who you are and what you need in that relationship. For example, agreeing to no sex before marriage and other decisions, self awareness comes in place. Without this, the purpose of relationships may be tarnished.
5. Recognition of Family Origin History: For relationships to work and have a purpose, both parties need to be aware that childhood memories could be triggered. If there are family rituals or obligation that need to be done when these wounds and memories are triggered, both parties need to negotiate and re-strategize new rituals which would deem fit for them as couple to have as to have a long lasting partnership..
6. Sexual Compatibility: We might have had past sex romps or experiences, but both parties need to understand to not expect their partner to be as sexually active or flirty or otherwise as they are. You need to develop your own relationship sexual inclinations and preferences to attain compatibility of both the physical and satisfaction.
7. Values: Ranging from religion, finance, life, health, education, parenting, travel and the rest. To minimize conflicts in relationships, both parties need attain compatibility in these areas of life. Knowing, understanding and tolerating your partner’s way of life and thought is key to having a purpose in relationships.
8. State of Boredom: Relationships are usually tasty and enjoyable at first but remember there are ordinary days of boredom when things and the partners seem to be boring. Don’t expect relationships to always sweet and entertaining. You must learn how to accept and still try to find some spices to add up otherwise you may feel the relationship is not working out which can lead to looking elsewhere.
9. Influence, not Control: A lot relationship these days go through a dilemma because of the force and measures of control empowered by either of the partners to each other. These forms of control may seem uncomfortable and can cause deteriorating situations. Instead of enforcing control towards your partner, rather be a role model and influence. Accept your partner the way they are and don’t be a nagging controller to enforce a change on your partner’s lifestyle.
10. Boundaries: In relationships, you need to learn to know your personal boundaries, keep your independence, this will help to not losing and neglecting yourself even when allowing your partner in. A healthy relationship is one which you let your partner in and still have space for yourself.
11. The glow fades away: As the relationship progresses, the feelings and the joy gotten from the beginning fade away. Devotion, initial commitment and re-assurance is what can make a relationship healthy and moving at this point. Love to me is an action word. There are days when you feel extreme love towards your partner and there are days when life is getting its best shots at you which when you would feel that love is generally lost. At these trying times, it is those initial commitment and devotion to each that will keep up the spice in the relationship.
12. Quality Time: Even though we create our personal space, going out to make ends meet and the rest of the personal schedules, we need to set aside schedules to spend that quality time with our partner. This is also a spice to long lasting relationships.
13. Take the Exit Card: Although we’d want to or try for our relationship to last a life time, it is also important to know when to dust your ass and leave the present relationship. This means having tried hard to make this relationship work to what you want. Be willing to let go of this relationship especially when you’re experiencing abuse, neglect or unhealthy behavior. Feel free to be courageous and leave. There are usually better days ahead.
14. Compatibility: Although relationships are not perfect, this compatibility can be attained by tolerating your partner’s differences. A compatible relationship could stand the test of time.
15. Respect and Admiration: In relationships, we tend to find someone who we can admire and respect. This admiration is more than just a skin or beauty admiration, of course there are times when you don’t find your partner looking good or attractive to you but admiring and accepting the whole person of your partner is key to long lasting relationships.
16. Expectations: Before beginning a relationship, there are realistic expectations to have which you can discuss with your partner about what you expect him or her to do for you. Don’t expect your partner or the relationship to fix a scar or need in your life. You need to first love yourself before expecting to be loved.
17. Reciprocity: They say respect is reciprocal, in relationships, not just respect, love needs to be reciprocated too. You don’t expect your relationship to last long if the love and respect is one sided. Always get through pass your schedule to make your partner smile and feel loved.
18. Communication: A lot of people develop deep connection with their partners through communication. Communicate, discus your needs and wants, fight and settle, describe your feelings, learn to not beat around the bush with your partner, listen and give your partner a voice too.
19. Self Esteem: In looking for relationships, self worth is an essential ingredient to look for in a partner, and as well as make sure you do too. Being in a relationship because it makes you feel happy may one day deter your self worth at the cost of the relationship. Self esteem also means both partners feeling good about who they are in or without the relationship.
20. Patience: Even though some people are naturally patient and some are not. You need to learn to be patient with your lifestyle even before committing to a relationship. For a relationship to work out, one need to learn patience in tolerating even the smallest of things. However it is unnecessary to tolerate for long an abuse or unhealthy behavior. At this stage, it is time to dust your ass and move. Domestic violence can never be tolerated because it kills slowly within. When you experience such, seek for help.
With all these, I believe you don’t just sit and look at the materials things of a relationship before committing. Always look beyond the material things your partner can offer and seek for things to determine a long lasting partnership. It all initially starts with you, your decision and self worth. Before you get committed, it is usually advisable to have and develop a sense of self worth.
Good luck as you find love and joy at last as well those seeking for a life lasting relationship.
Stay tuned for more spices on sex, love and life.
Source: SkippersMediaTV
Men of the Rivers state police command have arrested a 47-year-old man, Eromosele Mahmud, for allegedly impregnating his 16-year-old daughter after raping her over a period of five years.
According to the spokesperson of the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, Mahmud who is a single parent and father of three from the Esako West Local Government Area of Edo State but resident in Port Harcourt, confessed that he has been raping his own daughter since she was 12.
He told the police his daughter began enjoying their sexual intercourse and was the one who initiates it sometimes. He said he doesn’t know what pushed him to start sleeping with his own child.
When interrogated, Mahmud said
This is a battle I have tried to fight over the years and it seems to be much bigger than me. I am not going to withdraw any fact or truth as far as this case is concerned. If this is the only way my daughter can be liberated if I go to prison, then it is good. My happiness is that I am relieved even as I speak to you now.
I can’t really remember when it started, but like I told you, it’s more of a spiritual thing. It is very unusual for a father to be sleeping with his own daughter. I am not a party to abortion, so whatever it is, the social welfare people and other government officials involved in this matter know the best way to handle this pregnancy. As a father, I cannot support abortion for my daughter, what if anything happens to her in the process.
I don’t rape her regularly; it happens once or twice in a year; she used to be very cooperative, even when I don’t want it, she tries to force herself on me.”
The victim said her father becomes hostile towards her and would stop paying her school fees if she refuses to have sex with him.
“It was my father who impregnated me; he started having sex with me when I was 12-year-old till now. The first time he came and lay with me on the bed, when I tried to scream, he told me to shut up that my mates were doing the same thing and anytime I refused to allow him, he would not buy anything for me and he would refuse to pay my school fees.” she said
The state police command spokesperson said Mahmud would be charged to court once investigations have been concluded.
Source: Ramatu B.
David Oyedepo took to Twitter to state that anyone who doesn’t pay tithe is “under a financial curse” and can never prosper and this has led to an argument.
The founder of Winners’ Chapel International tweeted: “Tithing is an inescapable covenant obligation. Prosperity not just wealth is impossible without tithing, because when you’re not paying your tithe, you’re under a financial curse. #Tithe #Breakinglimits.”
A PhD candidate at Edinburgh University disagreed with Oyedepo, writing: “Tithing cannot create wealth! Wealth creation occurs when you deploy capital to create value. When X gives 1/10 of his earnings to your church, there’s no production or investment, thus he has not created value, but only enriched you. Tithing is a church sponsored ponzi scheme..”
Twitter users have now taken sides, some with Oyedepo and others with the PhD candidate.
See below.
Source: Twitter
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Office on Thursday, July 16, 2020, arrested a 22-year old Computer Science Undergraduate of the University of Port Harcourt, Kenneth Gift, his girlfriend, Dandy Spice and mother, Dorah Aninah for suspected internet fraud in Agbor, Delta State.
A statement released by the agency says their arrest was sequel to a petition from the US Federal Bureau of investigation, FBI, and intelligence by operatives of the Commission.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include a 5-bedroom duplex, Mercedes-Benz CA250, Mercedes-Benz C250, Mercedes Benz GLK 350, laptop computers and mobile phones.
The statement adds that they have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon investigations are complete.
Source: Jide N.
Mrs Damilola Adegboye, the immediate elder sister of the late first female helicopter Combat Pilot in the country, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, said the family has still not come to terms that she was killed by a reversing classmate.
While calling for a thorough investigation of the death of her sister, Mrs Damilola Adegboye said the version of the Nigeria Air Force, NAF, does not sound convincing enough. Adegboye in an interview with our correspondent, yesterday, said that the family is devastated by the untimely death wondering how an ordinary reversing could kill a person just like that. “We in the family are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freak accident.
I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real.”
Elder sister She said on the day of the incident, Tolu and herself were in the room where she was sleeping, “A call came into her phone which she picked, but from the way they spoke I knew that the caller must be a senior officer calling her to come to Airforce base. She felt reluctant and I offered to drop her off.
“One hour later, I saw the story online that something serious has happened to her. I couldn’t believe that somebody I just dropped off is dead.” Meanwhile, the Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to immortalize her. The call was contained in an Oral Motion moved by the member representing Ijumu Constituency, Kilani Olumo at Plenary.
Kilani Olumo said the deceased pilot has contributed her quota to the ongoing fight against insecurity in the country. He noted that her death is painful and a great loss to the State, pointing out that immortalizing her is a reward for hard work and dedication to the protection of the Nation’s territorial integrity.
Source: Boluwaji Obahopo
Austria has issued its first intersex birth certificate after a four-year battle.
The European country issued its first intersex birth certificate on Thursday, July 16, as a growing number of countries offer identity documents with options other than male and female.
Intersex people were previously referred to as hermaphrodites but this term is no longer used for humans as it is considered to be misleading and stigmatizing.
Alex Juergen (pictured above), who is intersex, a term for people who are born with atypical chromosomes or sex characteristics, is waiting to receive the new birth certificate – with the sex listed as “inter” – or intersex in German – in the post.
“I am very happy that the law and the government have finally recognised this,” Juergen, 43, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from Steyr, some 160km west of the capital Vienna.
“Many people don’t accept that there can be something else,” said Juergen, who does not identify as either male or female.
A growing number of U.S. states, as well as countries including Germany, Pakistan and Nepal, now allow people to choose a third sex option on official documents, with most opting for the letter “X”. India has “T” for transgender.
Juergen’s quest for a new birth certificate began in 2016, leading to a constitutional court ruling in 2018 that Austria’s laws allowed for the inclusion of more than two sex options on identity documents.
In 2019, Juergen was given a passport with “X” on instead of “M” or “F”, and a birth certificate with “divers”, roughly meaning “other”, but continued to demand “inter” as a category for the latter.
Regulations issued by Austria’s interior ministry after the 2018 court ruling state that a child whose sex cannot be determined should have “open” on their birth certificate until a decision can be made by them or their legal representative.
The United Nations estimates 1.7% of people are intersex, although the condition is often not immediately obvious.
Source: Lucky B.
Prince Arthur Eze, Nigeria Billionaire In a statement released by his media aide, Oliver Okpala has said that the Igbos support President Buhari and will remain loyal to him because they have benefited immensely from present administration.
In the statement, He said: “President Mohammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police have demonstrated uncommon goodwill towards the people of the South-East geopolitical zone and should now rest assured of our unalloyed support and loyalty.
“The modernisation and uplifting of the Akanu Ibiam Airport to an international standard with modern runway and facilities that can compete favourably with any airport in any part of the world, is another step worthy of commendation.”
“The concern of the South-East zone in terms of security, protection of lives and property has been tackled head on by the President”
“Citing a new police zonal headquarters as zone 13 at Ukpo, Dunukofia, in the Awka Capital Territory of Anambra State is a feat that has shown clearly that the President is man of the moment for the Igbo and the entire South-East.” He added.
Source: Odincenews
For any Nigerian, living at home or abroad, and above sixteen years, there is little doubt that they are unaware of Nigeria’s badly tarnished image abroad, shredded in tatters, caused Nigerians untold hardships, treated with disrespect and regarded with contempt wherever they are found in the world. The tag of being a Nigeria carries a high price the moment you leave the shores of Nigeria and we wear this tag like the mark on the body of branded slaves without shame.
You need not cross the Atlantic, within the continent the name Nigeria, or the phrase ‘I am a Nigerian’ immediately makes you a branded person, a persona non grata and Nigerians are treated such with disdain, mocked and told point blank ‘to go back to your country’. Visit South Africa, Angola, Libya, Morocco, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Cameroun or to go closer home Ghana, Cote Ivories, or Liberia Nigerians are not wanted for no other reason than the exhibition of a highly criminal attitude, an attitude that has brought on us a bad name and an unimaginable disregard within the continent and the larger world.
No people are as hardworking as Nigerians; no people are as creative and skillful as Nigerians, no people so intelligent, innovative, friendly, business minded, impulsive travelers, yet this high above credentials possessed by this people have been soil by a negative bent to criminality, a disturbing fraudulent walk of life to get rich quick. Rather than channel such creative energies to positive outcomes majority of Nigerians instead choose to deploy their skills to criminal acts. Rather than employ their innovative skills to self development it is sadly poured into fraudulent practices instead. Rather than use their enterprising nature to create and seize presented opportunities they have chosen to bypass such opportunities and embrace vanities.
It is therefore, not new and never any surprise when we hear of the harsh treatment Nigerians are subjected to around the world whether at the airports or inside the mainland’s of these countries, especially, in Europe, America and Asia. We hear of the execution of Nigerians in Asian countries for drug related offences, for those serving lengthy jail terms in various European, American and Asian prisons for fraudulent schemes. Nigeria’s image is dented abroad by and not limited to money laundry, drug peddling, banking and credit card fraud, websites and financial database hacking, impersonation etc.
Just the other day on a news webpage were lined pictures of young and vibrant Nigerians executed for drug-related offenses in various Asian countries especially in Muslim nations and the writer did that intentionally to serve as a warning to intending young Nigerians dreaming of a life above their means reminding the readers about the sudden end of these young Nigerians who set out of their countries for the wrong reasons and ended badly. The pictures of such young country men of mine evoked not a small amount of sympathy from my bowels, how that they have just wasted their lives, caused their families’ unbearable grief and the nation a bad name because they must get rich by all means.
The denting of Nigeria’s image abroad did not start today neither did it start with the generation of young men now callously dragging the already muddied name further into the mud at the cost of their lives. The countries image has long been tarnished abroad long before the young men and women of today were born. The dishonest and disloyal treatment meted out to Nigeria by Nigerians was started by Nigeria’s leaders, the political class right from the moment she was declared an independent nation.
Nigeria’s political class, the elite were the first Nigerians to show dishonesty and dishonor their solemn pledge to uphold the honor and glory of the new independent nation. With their new found privilege, relinquished by the departing colonialist, these elites engaged in moral vanities, ethnic jingoism, religious fanaticism, nepotism, and an unintelligent class of corruption that has today metamorphosed into the highest class of corruption in the country. They created shortly a Nigeria of class categories, the rich from the not so rich and the very poor through unchecked corruption and theft of the national treasury, made politics a lucrative venture rather than a service rendering profession that has attracted to its fold diverse elements with characteristics that border on the sociopathic and the unintelligently visionless.
The children will always take over from their fathers and that is true, not after various Nigerian politicians have been covertly or overtly fingered in drug trafficking rings, rumoured to have been to jail and back and some fighting extraditions to answer to their accusations abroad. Today’s ugly incidents of Nigerian citizens been arrested for one criminal offence or another is a product of faulty foundations laid by Nigeria’s leaders for over five decades and we all are reaping the rotten fruits of their labor; the labor to amass personal wealth while the country they pledge to serve honestly and honorably bleed to death.
We cannot as a nation continue to live in self denial that Nigeria’s international image is damage, rotten and needs redemption. The current Nigerian President, Mohammadu Buhari, on his first trip abroad on resuming office was unequivocal in his honest admittance of the bitter truth that our image abroad is poor and nothing to write home about. Back home, vituperative anger trial the president’s comments with many accusing him of disloyalty to the country and some simply saying he is a dunce who does not understand international diplomacy and politics. But it was laughable because the president was blunt and very honest to the point it angered the vine spoilers, the fathers of drug peddlers, 419er’s, fraudsters and cybercrime generals.
Yes, it is true, whether we deny it till Christ come, this Nigeria we all call our country has a dirty stinking image abroad and this image stinks so bad that you need only to step out to Ghana or South Africa to witness the backlash, the anger, the rejection that Nigerians face daily in the black continent, inside sister nations and you will imagine what happens to Nigerians in Europe, America, India, China, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco and just about any place on the globe. Nigerians are harassed right from the airports were they are separated from the rest and attended meticulously and once inside the country they are monitored even as students from their movements, relationships studies or jobs right down to their financial transactions and that is the image we have created for us speaking. Any denial of sorts is to continue to create more problems, mislead our young men and blacken the image further.
Trending the media scene currently is the episode featuring a certain Nigerian and his accomplices by name Ramon Igalode alias Hushpuppi, Olalekan Ponle alias Woodberry and ten members of his gang as the UAE police ended their jolly ride with other people’s sweat in the wealthy emirate for cybercrime spanning several years involving a large score of victims and running into millions of US Dollars. And you wouldn’t imagine that such individual with a tall ego and a flamboyant lifestyle is but a criminal whose day has come as it has come for those in jails or dead and still will come for the rest whose time has not yet come that has made the lives of innocent Nigerians miserable around the world.
Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa President Buhari’s appointed Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission was outraged like many government officials have been in the past by the unrelenting damage done to the country’s image abroad and its negative effects on the country. She was quoted as saying that the suspect Hushpuppi was all the while a criminal who flaunted his wealth without shame. In her words “committing a crime and still having the audacity to show off like Ramon Igalode did. This is really denting our image as a people. But like I always say, fraud does not represent who we are as Nigerians; hardworking, dedication and commitment is what we, as a country is known for.”
Quite true, such are Nigerians, populated with the good more than the bad eggs, but with the few bad living large, approximately holding three quarters of the wealth in the country and eating up the life of the good ones, not because they are smarter, intelligent or brighter than the rest, but because they are criminals, depraved, shameless Nigerians who drag Nigeria’s name down the gutter to line their pockets with hard currency and show off in Nigeria’s streets. You can just now think of the so-called Hushpuppi and his gang, until he was arrested in Dubai you wouldn’t know he was that vile and unintelligent. What of Obinwanne Okeke, the fraudster referred to as ‘business mogul’ associated with Invictus firm who all the while disguised as a young entrepreneur but actually a big time fraudster waiting jail term in the US. Babalola Falemi alias Sauce Kid jailed for credit card fraud and the one Margaret Oladipupo jailed for money laundry and many others rotting in various jails across the globe.
It seems that Nigerians, known for easily adapting to adverse situations have quickly taken the dented image of their country abroad in their strides and moved on. After all, they say, the image is also dented within. This attitude is shown in that despite the harsh treatment and the contempt poured on Nigerians, we endure it all and still mill at the airports, land and sea routes to make it out of the country to those very lands we are not wanted. Government officials have decried the ugly trend in the past and like the Diaspora Commission head did, but that will not change anything until and unless every Nigerian, government and citizens join hands together to build and develop our country the Hushpuppi types will continue to spring out from ourselves and Nigeria’s name will sink further in the mire of international diplomacy and so will Nigerians be treated differently from the rest of the world.
The Nigerian name is now so bearish, it wasn’t over two months ago when the America FBI swoop down on six Nigerians for fraud related crimes and now Hushpuppi and his gang ringing up the Nigerian discredited name once again bringing up the Nigerian thing, a thing of sorrow, of indignity and sadness in the heart for well-meaning Nigerians in those climes who are hardworking, dedicated and committed to giving back to those countries for welcoming them only to hear whispers of ‘beware, he or she is a Nigerian’ in their work places or neighborhoods. No Nigerian is trusted anymore even those who by marriage are entitled to some airs are having such privileges limited and are monitored by their spouses and authorities.
What a country! Don’t forget, these are the results of yesterday’s planting, because you can only reap what your sow Nigeria is reaping what she rightly sown decades past. The unfaithfulness, lies, deceits, disloyalty, thorns and nettles sowed by her leaders and in some measure the citizens who are followers, is what she is reaping. Like the political and socioeconomic life of the country, Nigeria’s soil image can be redeemed. Nigeria can begin to undo the things that were done wrong. We can begin to have the right leadership, the right education for all, the right equal wealth distribution programme, play the right politics and begin the total integration for overall unity and progress of the country.
We can do this if we are intentional and are determine because only doing the right things can right the country’s image abroad, keep our people home when they know than get equal opportunity at home to develop themselves, enjoy some decency and a healthy environment without which more Hushpuppi’s are warming up and the country’s dipped image would never look up, only down.
Source: Richard Abam
Jackson Ude, Aide to Former president Goodluck Jonathan has alleged that Magu, the arrested EFCC chairman could not account for the Missing funds, adding that Osinbajo collected N4billion from him when Buhari Traveled to UK for medical Treatment.
On his Twitter Account, He wrote: “Embattled former acting Chairman of the EFCC stole so much that he could not account for N39BILLION, gave Osinabjo N4billion, after the VP gave instructions to him to release some of the recovered loots.”
“Sold recovered properties, vehicles, houses. Specifically 167 recovered trucks missing from its Portharcourt office, could not account for 27 recovered sold this year. Admitted flagrantly defying Act setting the EFCC up which stipulates he reports to the supervisory ministry.”Promoted Content
“Ignoring requests of assistance to investigate and recover about 67b by sister agencies including the office of the IG and the presidency. Confessed Movement of important records/files from efcc HQT between 12 midnight and 4 am Tuesday by his boys.”
“Could not account for missing 37b as indicated in the submitted report of the presidential asset recovery panel headed by the chairman of the FIRS.”
“Magu was head strong on Monday when he was picked up. Investigators said he refused to speak on any issue they asked. On Tuesday, when they showed him documents and evidences, he started confessing. He is now begging for soft landing, an investigator said.”
“Vice President Osinbajo collected N4billion from Ibrahim Magu the very day President Buhari left Nigeria to UK on his last medical trip. This is part of the confessions made by Magu. More revelations coming!”
“Magu was head strong on Monday when he was picked up. Investigators said he refused to speak on any issue they asked. On Tuesday, when they showed him documents and evidences, he started confessing. He is now begging for soft landing, an investigator said.”
“Who are who shared from the over $800million secret sales of Nigerian crude oil kept in different tank farms in Qingdao, China in 2016. Perhaps Magu, Air Commodore Mohammed Umar and others dead and alive may have an answer for me by Monday.”
HushBajo. N4billion. The Ghana investment. Okechukwu Enelamah the erand boy. The secretly recorded night vigil prayers at the Villa Chapel. The letter of resignation written for Buhari in Tunis by Tinubu/Osinabjo while Ba was sick. The scheming to take over. Etc. This na pay back
“Ibrahim Magu might be the first EFCC Chairman prosecuted and jailed. Findings by the Presidential Committee investigating him revealed shocking details of his corruption at the anti corruption agency!”
Source: Vanguard
Many of us have this notion that there’s someone out there who would perfectly complete us. You know that idea that they’ll fill the void in your life and all. And then begins the wild goose chase for the perfect love story. Well, I am not trying to burst your bubble or anything but you actually could be at this for rest of your life.
I have learnt a few lessons as time has had its way with my life and have found out a few things about this love “bug”. For one it needs to (like in a software update) be fixed. The reason is simple, many relationships have crashed and many more will because of it. All the tall, handsome, rich, busty, fair skinned… standards are just unrealistic. Honestly, no one is the perfect “physical package” and everyone has a flaw and the sooner we accept that the better. Now, the question will be, what exactly should I look out for in a relationship? Well, I will try to answer that in the next few paragraphs. And note that these are in no particular order and are simply some of the major ones. So here goes nothing….
Look for Real… Half the time people are out there trying to act the part and fit into the equation as it is. While this may sometimes seem like the right thing to do in order to get what you want but it leads down the road to butt licking, hypocrisy, deception and the works. You don’t want to live with all of that I assure you. So, when thinking of finding a partner, look for someone who is honest, first with themselves about who they are and with others. That way you have an idea of exactly what you’re getting into. Trust me people pretend a lot but one tiny secret is to look at the little details. The answers to the random and unexpected questions, the choices when it doesn’t count for much and their perspective to everyday issues. Therein lies the true person. We are too keen on checking out the major stuff but you should remember that major decisions go through loads of planning and you can still be fooled in that process. And please actions and not words should be the basis of your judgement.
Self love… Yeah, you heard that right. It goes without saying that if you don’t love yourself, loving someone else is impossible. Except of course it’s all part of a game to you. If you are going to care for someone else, you have to care for yourself first. You must be able to forgive, be kind to and respect yourself before you can channel all of these towards other people. Love your neighbor as yourself basically means you come first. If they buy everything for you and don’t have anything for themselves, that isn’t love, it’s something really dangerous… obsession. So look out for people who love themselves and will take care of their needs too.
Love for others… How your partner treats other people is just as important as how they treat you. We tend to think that as long as they treat “me” right it’s fine but the truth is someday when they’re going through a hard time or they are tired of that relationship, you will be at the receiving end of that exact treatment. How people treat those they have no attachment to is a pointer to who they really are. If they are kind to those around them, are friendly and open minded about others, then they will most likely make a good partner in a relationship but if they shout down their subordinates and are rude to people, it is just a matter of time before that begins to play out with you too.. It is impossible to know all about people but you definitely can find pointers to many facets of their lives. so be on the look out.
Self Control… Self control is everything. It is important that your partner knows when to stop. Boundaries are important in any kind of relationship and if your partner has no boundaries, you may be in for a hard time. A person that drinks till they’re is drunk, can’t stop talking, can’t control their emotions and the likes will most likely fail in any relationship. We all must have limits and be able to consciously work with them or we will make a wreck of our lives. Take anger for example, when they cannot control themselves when they’re angry, one day they will take it out on you and you will not be able to do anything about. I am sure no one wants to be in the path of a wrecking ball. So look out for self control in those you want to allow to have access to your heart.
Accountability… People without convictions are never a good choice for a relationship. More often than not it points to a lack of direction or purpose. How do you come to trust someone who doesn’t have any rules or principles that they stand by? “Anything goes” is always a ticking bomb and you must watch out for people who live like that. When they do not have any particular convictions, are not under any form form of authority and do not have mentors or leaders, you better steer clear or you will pay the price for their reckless lifestyle. It takes a sense of accountability to be honest, responsible and reliable. It is safe to say no relationship survives with direction.
Like I pointed out earlier, there are certainly other things to look out for but I think these are really important as you begin that quest to find the right person. If you look closely, everything you will find up there cannot be noticed on the first date. You will have to get to know the person to find these out. I do not believe in love at first sight. I am sorry but you can be attracted to someone the first time you meet them but you certainly don’t fall in love with them that easily. You have to at least bond which is the first stage in any relationship. Ever wondered why organizations place new staff on probation? Well, there you have it.
Source: Lucky B.
An excited father took to Twitter to announce the birth of his daughter who came after several attempts with his wife.
@JazzyJon who welcomed a daughter with his wife after 7 years, said they went through 5 IVF cycles, 9 failed transfers, a miscarriage, 4 surgeries, an ectopic pregnancy and 70 negative tests.
He tweeted;
After 7 years 5 IVF cycles, 9 failed transfers, a miscarriage, 4 surgeries, an ectopic pregnancy and roughly 70 negative tests we are finally able to introduce Sofia Mary Jane to the world! Please share this story to spread hope to the thousands of couples going through similar
Source: Twitter
A Nigerian lady, Chidinma Janefrances Ezeh, has taken to her Facebook page to celebrate her friend, Mary Emenike Ogwo, who welcomed a set of triplets after many years of waiting.
Posting beautiful maternity photos of the new mum, an excited Chidinma wrote
”I’m the happiest woman alive Eziokwu!!
”This God is just too God…He can never be late
Congratulations my darling Mary
I Rejoice and celebrate with your family.
I tap massively into this awesome testimony in jesus name amen.Beautiful mother of wonderful Triplets”
Congrats to the couple! See more maternity photos below
Source: Linda I.
The Twitter accounts of some major companies and individuals have been compromised in one of the most widespread and confounding hacks the social networking platform has ever seen, all in service of promoting a bitcoin scam that appears to be earning its creator quite a chunk of money.
The chaos started when Elon Musk’s Twitter account was seemingly compromised by a hacker intent on using it to run a bitcoin scam.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ account was also seemingly accessed by the same scammer, who posted a similar message with an identical bitcoin wallet address.
Both accounts continued to post new tweets promoting the scam almost as fast as they were deleted, and Musk’s account in particular appears to still be under the control of the hacker as of 5:56PM ET.
A spokesperson for Gates tells Recode’s Teddy Schleifer,
“We can confirm that this tweet was not sent by Bill Gates. This appears to be part of a larger issue that Twitter is facing. Twitter is aware and working to restore the account.”
Shortly after the initial wave of tweets from Gates and Musk’s accounts, the accounts of Apple, Uber, former President Barack Obama, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, hip-hop mogul Kanye West, and former New York City mayor and billionaire Mike Bloomberg, among others, were also compromised and began promoting the scam.
It’s unclear how widespread the operation is, but it appears to be affecting numerous major companies and extremely high-profile individuals.
That suggests someone, or a group, has either found a severe security loophole in Twitter’s login process or third-party app or that the perpetrator has somehow gained access to a Twitter employee’s admin privileges.
Twitter acknowledged the situation after more than an hour of silence, writing on its support account,
“We are aware of a security incident impacting accounts on Twitter. We are investigating and taking steps to fix it. We will update everyone shortly.”
The company also took the unprecedented measure of preventing verified accounts from even tweeting at all starting some time around 6PM ET. This would seem to be the first time Twitter has ever done this in the company’s history.–
Source: Twitter
Italy has banned travellers from 13 countries over the COVID-19 pandemic, stopping nations it views as high risk Coronavirus countries from entering the country.
The full list comprises Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Moldova, Oman, Panama and Peru.
The ban affects anyone who has stayed in or travelled through these countries in the last 14 days, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said in a statement.
The health ministry in agreement with the foreign, interior and transport ministries signed the decree banning visitors from entering the country as the country recovers from the pandemic that has killed almost 35,000 people in Italy .
Italy was the first country to be hit by the virus after it emerged in China late last year.
On Thursday 12 new deaths were declared compared to 15 the previous day.
The inclusion of Brazil on the list comes as no surprise as Brazil has suffered the highest number of COVID-19 fatalities apart from the United States, with nearly 68,000 dead.
“Throughout the world, the pandemic has entered a more acute phase,” said Health Minister Roberto Speranza.
“We cannot throw away the sacrifices made by Italians in recent months,” he added.
Source: Linda I.
Porn Star, Teanna Trump, has asked Hollywood actor Will Smith to reach out to her if he wants to retaliate at Jada Pinkett Smith for cheating on him.
Jada and husband, Will, appeared on the ‘Red table talk’ recently to address statement made by singer August Alsina alleging he had a romantic relationship with Jada in 2016 after Will Smith gave him his blessing.
In the interview, Will revealed he had forgiven Jada as they were seperated at the time she had an affair with Alsina.
Not convinced that Will is okay with what happened, Teanna Trump has offered herself as a likely cheating partner if Will Smith ever wants to take a revenge.
She tweeted; ‘If Will wants to get back at Jada, im here’
More photos of the pornstar below.
Source: Linda I.
More facts have emerged on how the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari ordered the sharing of one billion US Dollars without approval of the National Assembly.
According to the Constitution, “Section 80 (4) No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly.
Late Kyari ordered the sharing of $1bn realised from the award of OML 11 on July 29, 2019.
See the documents:
The letter reads, “Kindly note that the President has approved the payment of $1bn by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) as good and valuable consideration for the award of OML12/ Related Posts
“Directed Department of Petroleum Resources to forward periodically the evidence of transfer of the fund in installment by NPDC.
“Directed the budget office of the federation to allocate the sum of $200 million to the Electricity Distribution Intervention Project (FGN Siemens project) and included it in the 2020 budget .
“Directed the budget office of the Federation to allocate the sum of $270 million to the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority for the Presidential Infrastructure Fund.
“Directed the Ministry of Finance to note that the funds recovered from NPDC in 2019 should be allocated to the SPV, while the transfer of the fund to NSIA should be from amount to be received in April 2020 and October 2020.
“Directed the budget office of the federation to utilize the balance of $629 million to fund regular budget in the period the fund are received. ”
It was alleged that OML 11 block was secretly awarded to Sahara Energy Resource Limited without following the established due process for similar previous transactions.
The report also listed various Politically exposed individuals with alleged strong links and/or interests in SERL who allegedly facilitated the transaction including but not limited to the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari – Mallam Abba Kyari; the current Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; and Mr. Mohammed Mamman Daura.
Source: Adeoba Olusegun
The Chilean Police are now training dogs to detect people that may be infected with Coronavirus by sniffing their sweat.
Three golden retrievers and a labrador who are between the ages of four and five, are part of the program said to be a joint effort of the Chile’s national police, the Carabineros and specialists at the Universidad Catolica de Chile. Before now, the dogs have been used to sniff out illicit drugs, explosives and lost people.
Julio Santelices, head of the police school of specialties said the program follows in the footsteps of similar efforts taking place in France.
He said;
“The importance of this scientific study is that it will allow dogs to become biodetectors, and detect this type of illness at an early stage.”
Fernando Mardones, a Universidad Catolica professor of veterinary epidemiology said;
“The virus has no smell, but rather the infection generates metabolic changes which in turn leads to the release of a particular type of sweat which is what the dog would detect.”
Mardones added that there is already evidence that dogs can detect diseases such as tuberculosis, parasite infections and even early stages of cancer.
The canine trainees began their education one month ago, and will use sweat samples taken from COVID-19 patients being treated at the Universidad Catolica’s clinic. The experts hope to have the dogs trained and working in the field by August.
Dogs have 330 million olfactory receptors, and an ability to detect smells 50 times better than humans. They can also smell 250 people per hour
Source: Linda I.
The owner of motorcycle-hailing company GoKada and co-founder of ride-sharing venture Pathao, Fahim Saleh has been dead in his New York apartment.
New York Police Department said Saleh’s corpse was found limbless and headless in a building on E. Houston St. at Suffolk St. on the Lower East side, New York. But the dismembered body parts were found at the scene of the murder.
He bought the condo in 2019 for $2.2 million, New York Post reported on Tuesday.
“We have a torso, a head that’s been removed, arms, and legs. Everything is still on the scene. We don’t have a motive,” NYPD spokesman Sgt. Carlos Nieves said.
Police were alerted to the crime by the victim’s sister who called 911 after discovering the corpse of her brother in his home.
Apart from his business in Nigeria, Fahim, a Bentley University alumnus, co-founded Pathao together with Hussain M Elius and Shifat Adnan in 2015.
Gokada was founded in 2017 by Nigerian entrepreneurs. The service was launched originally and started operations in Yaba Axis of Lagos state and has extended their operations to Victoria Island – Lekki Axis Lagos, Nigeria.
The company uses bikes with engine capacities of 200 cc and above meeting government standards for load-bearing on major Lagos roads. Related Posts
In February 2019, the company launched a new headquarters.
In May 2019 Gokada raised $5.4 million in series A to grow its two-wheel transit business.
Gokada added luxury yacht service to its bike services in June 2019.
Before Gokada, Fahim had founded Pathao, a Bangladeshi transportation network company that has one of the most popular ride-sharing services in the country. The statement said he “ brought Deji on board to focus on Gokada’s first year of growth.”
Fahim told Techpoint he will be moving fully to Nigeria to fully function in the new position.
“Even through last year, I spent about 50% of my time in Nigeria,” he said.
On the layoffs last year, allegations of mismanagement and misconduct at Gokada, Fahim said the whole story was not quite true.
“In August 2018, there was a very big pivot of the business which included layoffs of 70% of the staff, change in business model, and change in the app. This caused many ex-employees to grow frustrated and produce false stories about Gokada. While they were distracting, we just continued to execute.”
Source: Adeoba Olusegun
A Member of House of Representatives, representing Bama, Ngala, Kala-Balge Federal Constituency in Borno State, Hon. Zainab Gimba (Ph.D) has empowered her constituents with enough bounties to garner accolades even from persons outside her constituency.
Hon. Gimba, won her election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In christian religious parlance, the lawmaker literally opened the floodgates of heaven for her constituents on Friday.
The occasion, it was gathered, was the flag-off of her Constituency Empowerment Schemes in Maiduguri, the state capital.
ElombahNews correspondent, who witnessed the event, reported that Gimba doled out:
At the memorable occasion also, cheques worth Millions of Naira were also presented to four different families that lost their loved ones during her electioneering campaigns.
She enjoined the beneficiaries to judiciously make the use of the items given to them to create more jobs and means of livelihoods to the other constituents.
Present at the Constituency Empowerment Schemes were His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum min, FNSE, the Executive Governor of Borno.
Also present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur and the APC State Chairman.
Others are the National and State Assembly Members, Royal fathers, Elder statesmen, Commissioners and several dignitaries.
See photos:
Hon. Zainab Gimba represents Bama, Ngala, Kala-Balge Federal Constituency in Borno State at the House of Representatives.
Prior to her election, she was:
Her Awards and Honours include:
Source: Elombah
Need to open numerous sites at the same time in a press of a catch? Your Windows can do it with a fast work area alternate route. In the event that you are working with various sites without a moment’s delay, this alternate way will get you out permitting you to dispatch numerous sites in a tick or two. In this guide, we will tell you the best way to make a work area alternate route that opens more than one site in various programs like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Before you start, you will need to create a shortcut with a code that can open multiple websites at once.
@echo off start https://www.google.com start https://www.facebook.com start https://www.gmail.com
You may replace the websites of your choice in the above command.
You may add more websites URL to the command if you want more websites to open up. However, it is recommended if you keep a limited number of websites as opening multiple websites at a time may affect the system performance.
There are times you need to open multiple webpages in a different browser even though it’s not a default browser. You may also want to open websites in different windows instead of different tabs on the same browser. Fortunately, you can launch the Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome using this command and open multiple websites at once.
Type the following code in the Notepad and save it with a .bat file extension. This shortcut will open the websites in Google Chrome.
@echo off start chrome https://www.google.com start chrome https://www.facebook.com start chrome https://www.gmail.com
Similarly, for Microsoft Edge, type this following command in the Notepad.
@echo off start microsoft-edge https://www.google.com start microsoft-edge https://www.facebook.com start microsoft-edge https://www.gmail.com
Unfortunately, the same syntax won’t work in Mozilla Firefox, you will have to use the complete file path of the executable file for the browser in double-quotes. Usually, the path for the executable file for Firefox should be in C:/Program Files/Mozilla Firefox/firefox.exe.
You may use the following command to open multiple websites in multiple browsers. You may also add the command -new-window after the browser name to open the website in a new window instead of a new tab.
@echo off start chrome https://www.google.com start microsoft-edge https://www.facebook.com start chrome -new-window https://www.gmail.com
That was it.
Source: windows.com
Recently, Microsoft exchanged Edge program to Chromium, which likewise controls Google Chrome, Brave and different programs.
Microsoft is effectively working with rival Google on open-source Chromium venture and the organization has just tended to unpleasant zones in Google Chrome, including battery utilization, availability instruments, and engineer apparatuses.
With Microsoft commencing the rollout of its Chromium-based Edge program to clients by means of Windows Update, new subtleties have now developed about how the organization is working together with Google to improve CPU utilization and different territories of looking over.
CPU streamlining
Microsoft has at long last begun taking a shot at changes that will in the long run improve the presentation of Chrome on Windows 10.Promoted Content
In a bug post, Microsoft noticed that Google Chrome runs a code to decide if Chrome.exe is stuck to the taskbar.
This code check devours up to 300ms of CPU after 45s of Chrome’s startup, which isn’t huge or recognizable on most setups, yet Microsoft’s Eric Lawrence accepts that fixing minor issues could in the end improve execution of the program.
In a submit, Microsoft noticed that it intends to execute a change that will address CPU use brought about by taskbar check.
“Preceding this change, a different utility procedure was made to count alternate ways in the stuck easy routes envelopes and would specify the entirety of the shell action words on the alternate way to check whether Unpin from taskbar was incorporated,” Microsoft noted.
Microsoft likewise included that this additional progression is superfluous since just having the alternate way in the Taskbar index ought to be sufficient. Microsoft’s fix will expel the code that specifies the shell action words and runs the code in the program procedure rather than a different utility procedure.
This pointless line of code is likewise costly when first or outsider antivirus programming checks the code execution.
Overscroll skip
Overscroll skip impact, which is a sign to the client that they’ve arrived at the finish of a page while looking over, is likewise turning out to Chrome Canary.
This impact is otherwise called “elastic banding” and Microsoft says 71% of the members in client contextual analyses have communicated an inclination for the looking over impact.
Microsoft’s proposition has just been converged into Chromium and the element has arrived in Chrome Canary forms.
Percent-based looking over
Also, Microsoft has actualized improved present-based looking over that utilizes scroller stature to process scroll deltas in Chromium on Windows 10.
As per Microsoft, this element should make it a lot simpler to explore a few pages, incorporating the site pages with littler scrollers.
SOURCE: Microsoft Latest
Pastor E.A Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is in a celebratory mood today as his wife of over 50 years, Foluke, is 72-years-old today July 13.
In a post shared on his Instagram page this afternoon, the clergyman listed some of the qualities young ladies can learn from his wife who he described as a powerful woman.
According to him, his wife knows that he is the head of their home and does not delegate her primary duties when it concerns him to anyone else. He said Mrs. Adeboye who many refer to as Mummy G.O still cooks his food and serves it to him.
Read his post below
Today is my wife’s birthday and there are lessons that women, especially so many young brides can learn from her. She is a powerful woman, I know that.
She has many people who take instructions from her, but as powerful as she is, and even though she has seen me in my weakest moments, I have no doubt that I am her head.
It does not matter what is on her itinerary if I say I would like you to go with me to so and so place the best she can do is try to convince me otherwise.
If I insist, she would cancel whatever she was to do and come along with me. The Bible in Ephesians 5:23 says:“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church…”
The husband is the head of the wife. No matter how educated or successful you are, your husband is your head and you must regard him as such at all times. It is a terrible thing for a husband to feel his wife is his head.
Many men are misbehaving in their marriages simply because they want to establish that they are the head of their wives. Also, my wife is my number one fan.
She wrote in the book Mathematics of Marriage – which we coauthored, that as my helpmate she knows she cannot help me without my instructions, so when they come, her response is Yes sir.Busy as she is, she still cooks my meals and serves me herself. Many young ladies these days leave everything to the house help. My wife still trims my nails for me.
There was a time when I was a teacher and was staying far from town. She had to cut my hair during that period. She is the only partner of the Adeboye Corporation; she doesn’t delegate her primary duties to anyone else.
Just like the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:1-31, I safely rest on my wife. Anything I uphold, she upholds too. Can your husband rely on you?.
Make up for your husband’s weaknesses, celebrate his successes, be his number one cheerleader. I wish my lovely wife a Happy Birthday.
Source: Redeem Church
A twitter thread by media personality, Noble Igwe, has sparked off a conversation on Twitter.
In his Twitter thread, the media personality opined that Igbo women are ”lazy, don’t like working, and just want to sit back and enjoy their husbands’ hard-earned money”. He said unlike Igbo women, Yoruba women are hard-working, build their houses themselves, and do not wait to inherit houses from their fathers.
He went on to advise men saying; ”find you a woman that is ready to work hard with you to leave things equally for your children, not the Igbo woman that is waiting on you to die first so that she can inherit and be called the head of home just by being “ Ori Aku”
His tweet thread reads
The Igbo women are lazy, does not like to work and just want to sit back and enjoy their husband hard earned money. They want to inherit their husband’s property and then inherit from their father’s house as well but do nothing but answer “Ori Aku”
See Yoruba women. Hard working,building houses and not really trying to fight for father’s house in Ibadan. When they want to make changes, they do but Igbo women will come and make it seem like someone is holding them down.
The Yoruba woman is a go getter. Breaking boundaries, doing new things every day and she does not even need a law to back her. Just her belief and living life on her terms. Guess what? They don’t need anybody’s permission.
Everyday you are seeking for permission from your village to thrive in Lagos ? Build a house and inherit it, nobody from your village will come to take it. There’s no culture holding you back from achieving things, why are so in on inheriting something when you can build yours ?
Why is the topic always on inheritance? Can’t you work for your own? You don’t need a husband to inherit . Have you seen Hausa women fighting for inheritance ? No, they go out and build
No wonder most people think that Igbo women are greedy. The argument can never be how” my Igbo culture stopped me from buying land in Lagos”, it’s always about what to gain from the patriarchy ridden people.
Kings, find you a woman that is ready to work hard with you to leave things equally for your children, not the Igbo woman that is waiting on you to die first so that she can inherit and be called the head of home just by being “ Ori Aku”
Tomorrow, you’d see other women tweet about how their mother willed things to them and how it helped them do better. These tweets don’t come from Igbo women, them and their mothers are waiting for their father to die first.
Ask yourself, what have you done to change the life of the girl child in your community? Is it Igbo men too that are stopping you?
In conclusion, any gender can hold any agenda. While some of our concerns are true, the real change comes from doing and not holding the sins of fathers over all Igbo men. Discuss issues as it relates to particular people, communities, villages and the Igbo land at large.
The Igbo man is flawed, just like every other man but you can’t deny the work that the new generation Igbo man is doing towards changing some of these narratives.” he tweeted
Source: Twitter @ Noble Igwe
Russian has announced it has completed the human trials of a new Coronavirus vaccine, adding that test patients used for the trials will be discharged soon and the vaccine could be available by August.
Russia sponsored and permitted clinical trials of two potential Coronavirus vaccines. The first one was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology and carried out at the Burdenko Military Hospital, while the second one was given to test patients at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.
According to Russian reports, 20 people volunteered for the trials and after they were injected they were asked to quarantine in the hospital for 28 days.
The tests performed on the volunteers in Russia reportedly showed that they were developing immunity to Coronavirus, but the name of the drug wasn’t revealed.
The country didn’t release information on when the vaccine would enter commercial production or distribution.
“The research has been completed and it proved that the vaccine is safe. The volunteers will be discharged on July 15 and July 20,” Elena Smolyarchuk, chief researcher for the Russian Center for Clinical Research on Medications at Sechenov University, told TASS newswire on Monday, July 13.
Russia has reported 719,449 cases of Coronavirus, with 11,188 people dying from complications caused by the disease.
Source: Jide N
A Nigerian couple has welcomed a set of twins three weeks apart.
According to the husband, David Bankole, he and his wife got married in 2003 and waited for sixteen years before welcoming their first child, a girl, in February 2019. He said his wife quickly conceived afterward and on June 19, 2020, she gave birth to their second baby. They even had a naming ceremony for the new baby. He said it was after the naming ceremony that his wife started to complain she was having some movement in her stomach. They went to the hospital and it was discovered she had another baby in her.
To the glory of God, this union is almost 18 years now. After we got wedded in 2003, we waited for sixteen good years before God answered us and gave us our first daughter in February 2019. We were overjoyed. Before we knew it, she conceived and gave birth to another baby on the 19th of June 2020. We were so grateful to God. We had the naming ceremony.
Some days after, she said she was feeling some movement in her stomach. We were like maybe it’s because she just had a baby. However, as the days went by, she kept complaining of that movement in her stomach so we had to go back to the hospital because when we did scan prior to the delivery, it was one baby that reflected.
When we got to the hospital after several complains, they now checked her and found another baby. That was how we took delivery of the second baby on Friday, 10th of July and both processes were natural birth.” he said
Source: Linda I.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented witnesses against Mompha’s alleged accomplices, Kayode Phillips and Hamza Koudeih.
The defendants are alleged to be high-valued targets in Organized Cyber Syndicate Network (OCSN). They were arraigned on November 28, 2019 on 25-count charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
One of the charges read;
“That you, Kayode Phillips (a.k.a Voice of the King) and Hamza Koudeih (a.k.a. HK), sometime in May, 2019 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to commit an offence to wit conversion of the aggregate sum of $7, 069, 000 (Seven Million, Sixty-nine Thousand United States Dollars), £1, 000, 000 (One Million Pounds) and €80,000 (Eighty Thousand Euro) which sums you reasonably ought to have known form part of the proceeds of fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 18 (a), 15 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”
Buhari, a forensic expert with the EFCC who was led in by prosecution consel A.O. Mohammed, gave a detailed account of the findings he made on the computer hard disk and two mobile phones recovered from Philips, the first defendant.
He disclosed that these included the lead document and transfer instructions to some people. Buhari said “My lord, I also found in the phones, chats between the first defendant and some other people, where he was discussing how to market each lead document to them.”
They however pleaded not guilty to the charges, thus setting off their trial. Justice Hassan subsequently adjourned the matter till July 20 and 21, 2020 for ruling and continuation of trial.
A statement released by the anti-graft agency partly read;
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office has presented the first prosecution witness, Nuru Buhari, in the trial of the duo of Kayode Phillips and Hamza Koudeih, both of whom are alleged accomplices of Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha before Justice Muslim S. Hassan of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants, who are high-valued targets in Organized Cyber Syndicate Network, OCSN, were arraigned on November 28, 2019 on 25-count charges, bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges, thus setting off their trial.
They were tendered and admitted in evidence by the court after a failed opposition to their admissibility by Olutade Falana, counsel to the first defendant. Justice Hassan adjourned the matter till July 20 and 21, 2020 for ruling and continuation of trial.
Source: Linda’s Blog
A twenty-five-year-old lady identified as Victoria Okocha, has given a chilling account of how she was abducted by suspected herdsmen in the Isa-Ogwashi-Uku area of Delta state, gang-raped and forced to drink the blood of another victim as water, while in her captors’ den.
Vanguard reports that Okocha left her home town in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government of the state last Friday, July 10, and was heading for Asaba, the state’s capital. She boarded a bus and while in transit, they sighted a fallen tree across the road at Isa-Ogwashi.
Presuming that the fallen tree was as a result of the heavy downpour the previous day, the driver kept moving towards the direction of the tree until they discovered too late that it was used to barricade the way.
”By the time the driver attempted to reverse, it was too late as a man armed with a cutlass, hit his side window in an attempt to drag him out of the vehicle. Passengers hurriedly jumped out and ran into the bush in different directions. But I was unlucky because I had cramps and fell. Another one got hold of me and dragged me into the bush, while the driver who was inflicted with matchet cuts managed to escape.
They took me far into the bush and demanded N20 million ransom. When I told them my family could not afford that amount because we are poor, they threatened to cut my breasts and plucked out my eyeballs from their sockets if they did not get the amount. They were five in number and spoke in Fulani dialect. Only one of them could speak English. I was blindfolded and had my hands tied. Five of them took turns to rape me that night.
When they contacted one of my relatives, Afamefune, he begged that they reduce the amount and they agreed to reduce it to N5 million. I stayed with them for two days before my people could raise some money which was dropped at a designated place. They also collected N2000 out of the N3000 cash I had in my bag.
In my weak state, I begged them to give me some water to drink and they offered me blood. The blood was that of a lady they kidnapped and murdered while I was there. They also drank out of the blood.
Leader of the gang, who could speak English, told me that their intention was also to kill me because my family did not give them a reasonable amount. But he intervened by sending other members away and told me to run away, showing me the direction to take. I was able to locate the road, where I saw a vehicle that was heading towards the direction of my village” she said
The victim said her family members informed the state police about the incident.
The state police command is yet to react to the incident but sources in the command said the command is working to end the alarming rate of kidnap cases in the state.
Source: Linda I.
Suspected Nigerian fraudster Ramon Abbas a.k.a Hushpuppi has been denied bail in the United States in spite of his lawyer, Gal Pissetzky insisting that his job as an Instagram celebrity paid for the $10,000 monthly rent on his luxury Dubai flat.
His lawyers had applied for him to leave jail with an electronic tag and live with the uncle of a woman with whom he has a child with, but US prosecutors opposed the bail application. UAE’s The National reported that prosecutors said he could commit crimes with just a smartphone and an internet connection, and that he posed too much of a flight risk.
Reacting to prosecutors’ argument, Pissetzky said his client had too much to lose if he flees from the United States.
He told a judge in Chicago by videolink;
“He is loved and respected. He is a celebrity.
“I don’t see the reason why he would want to ruin his credibility in the world and his status rather than stay here and face this allegation.
“Anywhere he goes, people will know. Having grown up very poor in Nigeria, Mr Abbas is now paid to pose with high-priced items such as Louis Vuitton bags that people would buy after seeing his posts on Instagram.
“He is an influencer. That’s a job today, as much as it is hard to imagine. That’s a full-time job.”
Judge Jeffrey Gilbert who watched the proceedings from a prison video link, denied Hushpuppi bail on grounds of him being a flight risk. Gilbert ordered that the suspected Nigerian fraudster be remanded in custody until he is taken to a court in California.
Source: Linda’s Blog
The Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force, DCP Frank Mba, says there are many “baby and bigger” criminals around who operate like alleged international internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.
He said no one should weep for Hushpuppi while advising parents to query any suspicious show of wealth by their wards.
He also warned traditional rulers to desist from the act of giving titles to young men and women with questionable sources of income.
37-year-old Abbas was arrested last month in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by the Dubai Police and later handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States.
The Force spokesperson, who spoke Thursday on a radio programme, ‘Real Talk With Kike’, said Hushpuppi is just one of the many cyber crooks and cyber rogues out there.
Speaking about the arrest of Abbas in June, Mba said, “The feat by the Dubai Police was not achieved by them alone but an international collaboration that ran across multiple security agencies with Interpol and FBI playing a big roles and of course, the Dubai Police taking the lead because they are the national police, policing the country where Hushpuppi was based and where most of his activities emanated from.”
Asked by the host, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, whether the NPF has the capacity to arrest criminals of Hushpuppi’s category, he said “time will tell” but pointed out that a lot of progress was being made by the Interpol unit located at the Force Headquarters in Abuja manned by Police operatives.
Hushpuppi, alleged to have duped about 1,926,400 victims, is facing charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, among others in the US.
His lawyer, Gal Pissetzky of Pissetzky & Berliner, said he is planning a “vigorous defence” to free him when the US court handling the matter resume hearing on Monday.
Mba added, “Hushpuppi will enjoy the privileges of being tried in a free world and in a liberal democracy. I also have no doubt about his capacity to pay for the best of lawyers. He’s a billionaire crook. He should have the capacity to pay.
Source: PUNCHNG
A Bureau De Change based in Kaduna has been linked to the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.
This is according to reports gathered from the Presidential probe panel, investigating corruption allegations levied against him.
Sources close to the panel told Saturday Vanguard, that the embattled EFCC boss who was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, is expected to respond to the discovery by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, that he allegedly has connection with the said Bureau De Change.
Magu is also expected to explain what he knew about huge sums of money discovered by the NFIU, from a relatively unknown Lagos based Pastor who is said to be his associate.
Meanwhile, the NFIU was said to have also discovered another N28 million taken from the same Bureau De Change by a well known Lagos based lawyer.
The source said,
“From the issues before the committee, there are two big issues concerning Bureau De Change being allegedly linked to Magu in Kaduna and that Bureau De Change has been discovered by the NFIU to have transacted business in the region of N336 billion, $435 million and about 14 million Euros.
There was another allegation against Magu that a relatively unknown Pastor in Lagos who was linked with Magu was discovered to have N573 million in his account. Also, there was a famous lawyer in Lagos, who took N28 million from the Bureau De Change.”
Meanwhile, some unknown people allegedly broke into the new office of the NFIU and destroyed computer systems containing sensitive documents that could help in the investigation of the former EFCC boss.
Source: Vanguardng
Corruption is dishonesty for personal gain, it is moral depravity and it is an undesirable change in the state of affairs of a person, nation, or any entity at all. Corruption, many agree, is cancer that eats away at the fabric of human development, at personal growth, and destroys the whole. Corruption everywhere accounts for poor species of leaders and weakens leadership, be it in the individual, home, organization, or nation. But more exceptionally, corruption has been the bane of leadership, not only in Africa but the world at large; however, this evil has explicitly expressed itself in Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth and first in Africa.
Nigerians are reveling in the festival of corruption like no other nation on earth today. Both elites and commoners are in full gear celebration of corruption; the commoners drink in the corruption of the elites like they gulp a mixture of herbs sold at the motor parks; the elites dance to corruption from the drum beats of tribal kinsmen and subordinates who applaud their bravery in taking their share of the ‘national pie’, all in the weird festival of corruption that has ceased to have seasons but has become an everyday experience and the very nature and life of this God-forsaken country.
A country where the leaders are the prime movers and inventors of mind-blowing corrupt acts that open the eyes of the blind and unstopped the ears of the deaf. Were the citizens’ wallow in everyday complaints of lack, and lack of the good that ends in the pockets and bank vaults of their leaders. It’s a country where corruption has a name, friends, and address and socializes with the strong and the weak. From the birth of Nigeria, we saw corruption intrude into the nation like an imposter and when nobody resisted him, and when he saw the reception accorded him, he took roots and spread his wings and tentacles over the welcoming nation and today talk of corruption is talk of the town, as even babies nowadays in Nigeria talk corruption because it has denied them the right to a good life, to a well-rounded education, nutrition, health, recreation and the simple good things of life that a nation like Nigeria can more than offer.
Corruption in Nigeria is a pastime indulged by the rich and poor, the leader and the led, the boss and the staff, employer and employee; it occurs in every sphere of Nigeria’s life, the business community, education, healthcare, private and public sectors, entertainment and most egregiously in the almighty government of Nigeria, at the federal, state and local levels of Nigeria’s governing institutions, corruption is the order of the day. Thanks to the multimedia channels that now grace the landscape and the ubiquitous social media that the elite wishes will one day disappear from the social scene of information dissemination, as heinous deeds of corruption committed by the agents of the Nigeria government past and present, are daily uncovered by the ever-vigilant media organs and revealed to a perplexed public.
Ordinary Nigerians, a good 80% of the population, are dump-founded by the daily revelations of the corruption perpetrated by Nigerian government agents in all the strata of government. The mindless corruption perpetrated through money laundry, embezzlement, and looting of public funds, defrauding of government agencies, contract inflation, misappropriation of funds and sheer thieving of Nigeria’s public money for private use rather than the intended public use is shamefully welcome and celebrated by a majority of Nigerians who precariously hang their hopes on the belief that one day their turn shall inevitably come in a ‘turn by turn’ country like ours. Corruption has got Nigerians like fishes cut in an inescapable net, a specter of surreal reality playing live in a 3-D sort.
Nigeria’s corruption isn’t a new thing to Nigerians or the world, everybody knows corruption exists in the world, in other countries corruption is experienced, but nowhere is corruption celebrated as it is in Nigeria. In other nations of the world, the government and peoples make every effort to eliminate corruption, fight and reduce it to the barest minimum to allow for national and individual progress. But in Nigeria corruption is encouraged and padded for the benefits of the privilege few to have been in government or are connected to those in government and the majority who are unconnected to the corridors of power, unprivileged and have committed the crime of just been Nigerians are doomed to bear the pains, the sufferings, and poverty that corruption brings to a nation neck-deep in corruption.
After twenty years of uninterrupted democratic practice, Nigerians are the worse for it due to the unbridled corruption of Nigerians leaders, the politicians, and government appointees who are public officeholders. The so-called dividends of democracy is a theory sung by democratic governments in place since 1999, because practically if they are any such dividends accruing from the practice of democratic governance, none existed for Nigerians to savor, if indeed such existed, it has all ended in the pockets of our leaders and the wicked set of politicians plying their tricks on Nigerians and not the political trade as it is obtainable elsewhere.
Nigeria and Nigerians have experienced the most brazen acts of wickedness by those entrusted with the leadership of the nation since independence and more so, after the end of military rule and the era of civilian rule ushered in, corruption has waxed bolder, fearless and daring. It’s only in Nigeria you see former corrupt leaders, politicians, or government appointees, who ordinarily should be rotting in jail or in hiding as it is in other climes, make the most noises on the media and accuse existing leadership of corruption. It’s only Nigeria corruption is bold enough to boast of its exploits in the courts with judges and we all applaud the strong. It’s only in Nigeria corruption is celebrated and a festival of sorts. What a country!
Source: Richard Abam
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday announced the discharge of 56 more COVID-19 patients from its facilities.
The patients including 12 females and 44 males, as well as nine foreign nationals, were discharged from the isolation facilities to reunite with the society.
The patients, 25 from Gbagada; 5 from Agidingbi; 8 from Eti-Osa (LandMark); 3 from Onikan and 15 from LUTH Isolation Centres were discharged after full recovery and testing negative to COVID-19.
“This brings to 1897, the number of #COVID19 confirmed cases that have been successfully managed and discharged from our isolation facilities.
“Remember, COVID19 is real! Let’s continue to adhere strictly to all public advisories given by government #ForACOVID19FreeLagos,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement
Source: Oziegbe Okoeki
Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett admits to having affair with August Alsina while she was married
Alsina had earlier on disclosed that he had an affair with Jada while she was still married to Will – Both Jada and Will confirmed they had parted way when the former had a fling with Alsina – The mother of two said she was longing for companionship since it was long since she felt really good and insisted she was using the ‘affair’ to heal herself
American actress Jada Pinkett has publicly admitted cheating on her husband Will Smith with singer August Alsina. While she admitted indeed she went astray, she insisted her relationship with Will had ended the time she hooked up with Alsina.
Addressing the accusations that had earlier been made by Alsina, Jada through her Red Table Talk show alongside her hubby rubbished claims she was still married when she cheated, confirming she had long been separated from Will Smith.
“I thought it was important that we come to the table to clear the air. Somebody made a statement for me that was not a statement I made that went — cray cray. A relationship, it was a relationship, absolutely. I was in a lot of pain, I was broken and in the process of that relationship, I definitely realised that you cannot find happiness outside of yourself.
And luckily enough, you and I were also going through a process of healing in a much different manner.” Jada pointed out. As earlier reported by nearly all worldwide media outlets, Alsina had sensationally claimed that he was in a physical relationship with Jada while she was still married to Will. Alsina even added that Jada had gotten ‘permission’ to date by the Bad Boys star himself.
Jada reiterated that Alsina came to their home, sick and in need of medical assistance but her bond with the musician grew deeper with time hence their entanglement. “I got into an entanglement with August,” she told her hubby during the show. She said she was longing for companionship since it was long since she felt really good and insisted while she was using the ‘affair’ to heal herself, she was equally healing Alsina.
“It had been so long since I felt good. It was also a joy to help heal somebody,” referring to her relationship with Alsina. The mother of two wrapped up by confirming she ended things with the singer a long time ago and have not been in contact ever since. “I let that be and hadn’t talked to him since. August and I haven’t talked in so long, so this all seemed very strange,” she said.
The two, who have been married since 1997 and have son Jaden, 22, and daughter Willow, 19, sat down on Jada’s Facebook Live talk show where they addressed their infidelity issue. Fascinating details about Catherine Mooty: Her life in detail This came about two weeks after Alsina in a radio interview disclosed he had an affair with Jada in 2015.
Meanwhile, hip-hop producer Dr Dre’s wife, Nicole Young, has filed for divorce after 24 years of marriage. The rapper is reportedly expected to lose millions as he and Nicole did not sign any prenup, which means they will split assets in half. According to TMZ sources close to Nicole, she is demanding $400 million of Dre’s nett worth, which is estimated to be $800 million. Also, a beautiful black lady and her husband have warmed hearts on social media with their creative 40-second video that shows how they met, fell in love, and journeyed to where they are now.
Source: Twitter
A British tourist has plunged to his death, killing a local man on the ground after falling from the seventh floor of a Marbella hotel in Spain.
The double tragedy occurred at 1.45am this morning July 11th at the five-star Melia Don Pepe Hotel in Marbella.
The tourist said to be in his 50s plummetted from the balcony of the hotel, killing the 43-year-old Spanish victim as he enjoyed a late-night drink on the terrace below. The two men died instantly.
According to local reports, the Brit had been on holiday with his family after Brits were allowed to travel to Spain following the country’s lockdown easing.
A source said: “The man who jumped or fell is a British man aged around 50.
“The man who was enjoying a drink on the hotel terrace below him is a 43-year-old Spaniard.”
Authorities are now trying to establish if the holidaymaker jumped or fell by accident from the seventh floor.
A spokesman for the National Police in Malaga said: “I can confirm two men have died at a hotel in Marbella after one plunged from the seventh-floor and landed on top of another.
“We are investigating.”
A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Spain and are in touch with the local police.”
Source: Jide N.
The World Health Organisation has warned that the Coronavirus pandemic is “accelerating and getting worse” as lockdown measures are being relaxed in several countries in the world.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the WHO, said the Covid-19 pandemic has still not reached its peak as he warned that coronavirus is not under control “in most of the world” and is in fact “getting worse”.
He said the Coronavirus cases were increasing drastically, with almost 12million confirmed infections since the pandemic first began in China back in December.
Speaking at the member state briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic evaluation, he said: “The virus has upended health systems in some of the world’s wealthiest nations, while some countries that have mounted a successful response have been of modest means.
“We know that when countries take a comprehensive approach based on fundamental public health measures – such as find, isolate, test and treat cases, and trace and quarantine contacts – the outbreak can be brought under control.
“But in most of the world, the virus is not under control. It is getting worse.
“More than 11.8 million cases of Covid-19 have now been reported to WHO. More than 544,000 lives have been lost.
“And the pandemic is still accelerating. The total number of cases has doubled in the last six weeks.”
The United States has the highest caseload and deaths in the World, with over 3 million coronavirus cases and more than 130,000 fatalities recorded so far.
Source: Linda I.
Gal Pissetzky, lawyer to instagram celebrity Ramon Abbas a.k.a Hushpuppi has continued his social media defence of the alleged fraudster, claiming he was ‘kidnapped’ by the FBI as no legal documents were made for his arrest and no extradition treaty exists between the US and the UAE where Hushpuppi was residing.
Hushpuppi was arrested in june in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by the Dubai Police and later handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States.
The FBI in affidavit alleged that the suspected Nigerian fraudster “conspired to launder funds stolen in a $14.7 million cyber-heist from a foreign financial institution.”
He was also accused of being involved in a fraudulent scheme which defrauded a New York-based law firm of approximately $922,800 through a combination of computer hacking and social engineering.
Hushpuppi, allegedly duped about 1,926,400 victims, and is facing charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, among others in the US, facing a possible prison term of 20 years.
Hushpuppi’s lawyer Pissetzky on Thursday July 9, in an interview with Forbes claimed Hushpuppi is “an entrepreneur” who made his money legitimately through “real estate” and “promoting brands”
Speaking with BBC on Friday July 10, Chicago based lawyer Pissetzky said the US had no authority to transport Hushpuppi from Dubai claiming the US Department of State and the FBI ‘kidnapped’ his client.
“In my opinion, the FBI and the government here acted illegally when they kidnapped him from Dubai without any legal process to do so,” Mr Pissetzky told the BBC.
“There was no extradition, there were no legal steps taken, there were no court documents filed, it was simply a call to the FBI. He is not a citizen of the United States, the US had absolutely no authority to take him,” his lawyer says.
Pissetzky refused to discuss how he was getting paid for legal fees and says the case could last several months, even longer than a year.
Source: BBC Pidgin News
One person has been confirmed dead and six others have been rescued after a three-storey building collapsed at number 20 Freeman street in Lagos Island in the early hours of Saturday, July 11.
The occupants were fast asleep when the building collapsed.
Men of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA, National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASSMBUS) and many others have arrived the scene of the incident.
Six persons have been rescued from the rubbles and are currently receiving medical attention while the body of a young boy has been recovered from the rumbles and deposited in a morgue.
“Nine to 10 people are suggested to be living in the building. Efforts are on to rescue the remaining people,” said Southwest Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Ibrahim Farinloye.
Source: Linda I.
Sitting in her immaculately organized bedroom, Bukola Ayodele recalls some of the challenges she’s faced as a black woman in tech. She doesn’t work with many people who look like her, she says, which can feel isolating. Occasionally, the security team in the office building where she’s worked for three years will stop her in the lobby, not believing she belongs there until she shows her badge.
But Ayodele tells CNBC Make It that she isn’t deterred by these obstacles. Her parents encouraged her to pursue a well-paying profession, and Ayodele makes over $200,000 a year as a software engineer. She works hard to save and invest smartly.
Now, she wants to inspire more women, and especially black women, to join her in tech.
The statistics make it obvious why this is an important goal for her: While women of color comprise 39% of the female-identified population in the U.S., according to a 2018 report from the Kapor Center, Pivotal Ventures and Arizona State University’s Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology, they earn less than 10% of all computing bachelor’s degrees.
More startling: Less than 2% of workers at 177 Silicon Valley firms are women of color, the same report found.
Ayodele attributes that low percentage, partly, to being unaware of the opportunities available. To help fill the gap, she started a YouTube channel called The Come Up to provide black women and other women of color with the resources and advice she wished existed when she first considered pursuing a career in tech.
“It’s mostly white men who are software engineers, but I don’t think you should let that stop you,” Ayodele tells CNBC Make It. “The more black women in tech, the better.”
The Ayodele family.Courtesy of Bukola Ayodele
Lately, she’s also been adding financially focused videos to the channel, including, “How to prepare for the next market crash” and “How to budget monthly for beginners.” She hasn’t made money off of her YouTube channel yet, but plans to start monetizing it in 2020.
Ayodele earns around $210,000 pre-tax annually as a software engineer at an analytics company, including her base salary, bonus and equity. She doesn’t touch the equity and lives off of her base salary and bonus.
Her parents placed a premium on education and it was expected that she would pursue a professional career. Born in Nigeria, she immigrated to America with her parents and sister when she was six. Her family worked hard to build a new life in the U.S., her mother as a middle school teacher, and her father first as an accountant and later as a school administrator.
She attended Columbia University where she studied political science. She graduated in 2016 with $7,000 in student loan debt, thanks to combination of needs-based financial aid and holding a job throughout college, as well as financial support from her grandmother and her parents, who also took out some loans. She paid off her loans by the beginning of 2018.
Growing up, “we had a saying that you could either be a doctor or a lawyer or a disgrace,” she says, and after college, she expected to go into law. But it didn’t take her long to realize she wasn’t passionate about the work.
Bukola Ayodele in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.CNBC Make It
Computer science, though, had appealed to her since she took an introductory course in undergrad. After researching careers online, Ayodele quit her job in compliance in 2017 to attend a three-month engineering retreat at the New York City-based RECURSE Center to refresh her programming skills.
Leaving behind a steady job is never an easy call, especially when you’re living paycheck to paycheck, like Ayodele was. While the retreat itself was free, she saved around $6,000 in the months before she quit her job. Making that career change is what inspired her to start taking her finances more seriously: She watched YouTube videos, listened to podcasts and cut her expenses down as far as she could to save up.
“When I wanted to leave my job, I had basically nothing in my bank account,” she says. “And I just realized that, wow, not having savings really limited me, because I couldn’t take the risks that I wanted to take.”
Bukola Ayodele, pictured center.Courtesy of Bukola Ayodele
It was abit of a gamble quitting her full-time job to pursue a career in computer science, but she considered it an investment in her future, and it turned out to be a pretty good call: Ayodele says her old salary was about a quarter of what she earns now. She’s not living paycheck to paycheck anymore.
“My parents told me that I was making a huge mistake and that I shouldn’t do this at all,” she says. “But I decided that this is my life, my decisions.
“They’re not as mad anymore, to be honest,” she says with a laugh.
She also tries to keep her savings rate high. Though it varies each month, she typically stashes around $2,000 in a Capital One 360 account. Eventually, she plans to use this money to buy an apartment in the city. Even on a high salary, Ayodele’s savings habits are impressive, which she attributes to the lessons she learned from her mom and dad.
“My parents came here in their thirties, and they were very frugal,” she says. “Part of the reason why I save so much comes from what I’ve learned from my parents.”
Total rent for a three-bedroom apartment Ayodele shares with her sister and another roommate in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn totals $4,000 a month. Ayodele pays $1,400.
“This is actually the most I’ve ever spent on rent,” she says. “I was a little mad to spend this much, but the area is really nice. And it’s even closer to work, so I save time in my commute. I actually really love living here.”
She helps support her younger sister, who graduated from college last year, and gives money to her parents to repay them for taking out loans for her college education. “It’s the least I can do for what they’ve done for me,” she says.
She also gives around $50 per month to Black Girls Code, and occasionally to other organizations or GoFundMe campaigns.
“I’m a black girl who codes, and I think the organization is doing really great stuff to get more black women into technology,” she says.
“I learn so much whenever I travel,” she says. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Source: cnbc.com by Alicia Adamczyk
The suspended acting chairman of the EFCC Ibrahim Magu seems to be engulfed by bigger allegations now – Magu was questioned by the panel over 380 houses and seven crude oil-laden vessels – The panel also grilled the embattled EFCC chairman on assets worth N37 billion
The ongoing probe of the embattled acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, continues as he was questioned over more allegations. The probe which entered day three on Wednesday, July 8, took an interesting turn after the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel quizzed him over 380 houses and seven vessels loaded with crude oil.
Magu who was also confronted about the disposal of assets worth N37 billion was asked to give an account, Vanguard reports. The embattled boss of the anti-graft agency is being grilled by a presidential panel following over 20 allegations leveled against him by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Legit.ng reported that witnesses were reportedly invited to testify in the ongoing probe of the embattled acting chairman of the EFCC. Magu was grilled for over 10 hours over the allegations leveled against him by Malami, after which he returned to the custody of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) where he is being detained.
The probe is getting widened as the panel invited top officials of the EFCC and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to respond to relevant questions. The panel also reportedly clarified that it had no information that Magu had been suspended from office. In other news, Olusegun Adeniyi, chairman of This Day editorial board, said Magu reportedly thwarted a move by Theophilus Danjuma, former defence minister, to purchase an aircraft, around the same time some EFCC agents raided the residence of a former Nigerian head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The renowned journalist who a media aide to a late Nigerian former president, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, added that it took some time for President Buhari to convince Danjuma that he was not aware of Magu’s move against him.
Source: Oluwatobi Bolashodun
Gal Pissetzky, lawyer to self-proclaimed ‘Billionaire Gucci Master’ Ramon Abbas a.k.a Hushpuppi has defended him amid allegations of being involved in fraud and money laundering.
Hushpuppi’s lawyer who spoke to Forbes, insisted that he is “an entrepreneur” who made his money legitimately through “real estate” and his work “promoting brands” as an “Instagram personality.”
Recall that an FBI affidavit alleges that the suspected Nigerian fraudster “conspired to launder funds stolen in a $14.7 million cyber-heist from a foreign financial institution.” The date and amount mentioned in the affidavit matches that of the attack on Malta’s Bank of Valletta in February 2019.
He was also accused of being involved in a fraudulent scheme which defrauded a New York-based law firm of approximately $922,800 through a combination of computer hacking and social engineering.
Pissetzky told Forbes that his client was running a legitimate business and a very legitimate Instagram account, and did not take part in any scam or fraud. He said;
“Absolutely not guilty of [the] charges they are accusing him of. Abbas was running a legitimate business and a very legitimate Instagram account and did not take part in any scam or fraud.”
On how Abbas paid for his lifestyle, Pissetzky said;
“He’s an entrepreneur. He has real estate involvement … [he’s] an Instagram personality. He was promoting brands and that’s how he was very legitimately making his money.”
On his relationship with Premier League footballers Tammy Abraham and Ezri Konsa, his lawyer added;
“Mr Abbas is friends with a lot of people. Somebody who has that many followers – obviously he knows and has friends in a lot of places … it’s all legitimate.”
Hushpuppi who is currently being held at MCC Chicago pending a bail hearing, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A hearing in Chicago on Monday July 13, will determine if Abbas will be detained pending trial.
Source: Linda I.
A man on micro-blogging website, twitter with the handle @KingAtoki has inspired social media users after showing off his newly acquired crib.
According to his post on Twitter, 4 years ago he used to sleep in his car and would shower in a nearby gym.
He shared a photo of himself posing in front of his crib and wrote
4 years ago I was homeless sleeping in my car, showering at the gym, wondering where my next meal would come from. Today I’m officially a homeowner!
He went further to narrate his journey to becoming a homeowner.
Read his lengthy narration below ;
So I got some time to write. About 5 years ago I was working full time at a warehouse and I was going to college full time. I had to work full time because I had to give my mom what equates to about a weeks worth of pay every two weeks at the time.
I would wake up at 7 AM and go to class until about 3 PM. I would take a 2 hour nap and go to work at 5pm and work a 12 hour shift until 5 am. Took another 2 hour nap and back to school again. It was hard but I just sucked it up 🤷🏾♂️
One day my manager at my job says he has to cut a few people’s hours and since I’m in school, he picked me to be on of those. I figured it was fine. I could still pay mom rent and I would be able to sleep in so yay right?
Nope. I think it might’ve been two weeks later. They start letting people go and I was one of the people that had to be let go because “I didn’t work enough hours”. I’m like ??????? But you guys cut my hours. Doesn’t matter. Jobless.
Here I am 18 years old. Only job I had was filling trucks and I’m still going to school because that’s what I was taught you have to do to make it. The problem is with no income and no parental help I lost even more.
Had to drop out of school because I couldn’t afford it anymore since I wasn’t working. (Yes I applied for literally hundreds of scholarships and got 1, but still couldn’t afford it). And I had a falling out with mom so I got kicked out.
On top of that my car gave out. It was a $1000 95 ford thunderbird and I got kicked out in November in the cold. Tried to crash on my grandmas couch. Didn’t last. Tried to stay and my girlfriends dorm. Nope her dad didn’t like that. Understandable.
So I had to stay in my car. I remember the day. I parked in front of Walmart. Freezing cold. Less than a dollar in my account. I think it was like $0.83 or something. No family. No friends. No money. Hungry. Felt like giving up. Cried. Tried to sleep.
I didn’t sleep. I was thinking about how much I hated everything. My mom, my dad, my father. My family. My job. College. My rusty car. People. But most of all myself. I told myself that my situation was an accumulation of why my life didn’t matter.
After days of contimplating ending my life I took a look in the rearview mirror and realized the only person I could truly count on was myself. Idk what it was. It was like almost looking at myself outside of myself? And it’s like I had something to fight for
I really don’t know how to explain it but I told myself that I would fight for myself as long as I live. Maybe someone can explain it better but either way I felt like I was born again. Like a different person. I was going to grab life by the horns
After that I went to the library and applied for EVERYTHING. I mean anything. Warehouse, factory, meat packer, wedding DJ assistant, solar panel canvaser (twice), insurance agent, etc,and finally mattress sales man for a company where I had to go meet clients
My car got repoed but I saved enough doing these odd jobs that I was able to put a payment down and get another car. I did this job for a while until driving 400 miles a day started to wear on me. Eventually I applied to Mattress Firm and got the job.
I thought I was doing well for myself making 30k year. I couldn’t afford an apartment yet so I would shower at the gym next to the store and show up to work. On the days when I was the only one working the showroom I would sleep on the beds instead of my car.
Eventually I almost got caught because I overslept and one coworker decided to come in especially early so I decided I had to look for a place. Just like with the job I looked for anywhere. And I found a decent room for 550 a month 👍
I was doing this for a while but I wasn’t happy. I didn’t want to do this for the rest of my life, but I also couldn’t go back to school. I looked up some online schools and after a while I saw @LambdaSchool come up.
The only thing is back then they only had full time. But once again I worked full time so I thought I couldn’t do it. I wanted to go so bad so I emailed the CEO @Austen. I didn’t think he would respond but he did. I never had the CEO talk to me about anything. I didn’t even know who the CEO of Mattress Firm was (still don’t) but talking to him pushed me to do it.
It wasn’t much,but if we didn’t talk I guarantee I wouldn’t be where I am now today. So I didn’t have internet at my apartment or work so I used my hotspot on my phone to attend the classes while I was working. It sucked but once again I’m doing this for me.
I kept at it through a few challenges but things were pretty smooth, plus my son came into this world. Another reason to fight and push myself. I wasn’t the best father when he was first born but I’ve corrected my mistakes and pushed on.
I’ll wrap this up because it’s getting quite long. After LS I went back as a teaching assistant. I wanted to help students achieve the same goals I did and get the same guidance that I wanted. I gave my all to each one of them and they know. All 100s of them
Eventually I applied to tech jobs and got my first one in Philly. I LOVED what I did. And I doubled what I made the previous year. I kept grinding and kept learning and I moved on to another job where I was making more on top of that. And didn’t stop there
So that’s most of my story. I’m in a financial position greater than I ever thought possible.I’ll end and say no matter where you are.Find that motivation to push you to do better. It doesn’t happen overnight. I’m nobody special. I just took control of my life
My goal is to show people that no matter the circumstances you can overcome it. I’m a 24 year old black man with tattoos and was homeless just 4 years ago. To now owning a $350k home on 1.24 acres. If I can do it. You definitely can. I’m proud of myself.
Source: Lawrence A.
London-born twins who have never left the UK are facing deportation to different countries in the Caribbean after their jail terms for grievous bodily harm.
24-year-old Darrell Roberts has been issued with a deportation notice informing him that the Home Office plans to send him to the Dominican Republic following his release. He believes officials made an error because his father was born on the island of Dominica.
His twin brother, Darren Roberts, has also been warned he faces deportation to Grenada – the country where his mother was born – when he finishes his own jail sentence, according to his partner.
Darrell told The Guardian that he and Darren entered social care aged 13 when their mother, from Grenada, and uncle died in quick succession from cancer. He claims that Ealing social services were negligent for not applying for citizenship on behalf of himself and his brother.
According to the report, Darrell will soon be released from a six-year sentence for grievous bodily harm after he beat a 35-year-old man over the head with a metal pole in Willesden in 2013. He also hurled bricks at the man’s car and committed the attack while the victim’s wife was watching on.
As for his brother, his grievous bodily harm conviction are unknown, but it stems from a separate incident.
Speaking from behind bars, Darrell said he was shocked to learn that he faces deportation.
He told the Guardian: “It was heartbreaking. I’ve finished my sentence; I was expecting to be released,” he said, speaking from prison. He tried to explain to prison staff that he should not be deported.
“It is mentally draining; the stress is unnecessary. I’ve got grey hairs and I’m only 24 years old.” He said prison staff laughed when he told them he was born in the UK and appeared not to believe him.
The deportation notice states: “Our records show you have no legal status in the United Kingdom.” The home secretary has deemed “deportation to be conducive to the public good and accordingly it is in the public interest that you be removed from the United Kingdom without delay”, the letter reads.
Darrell was also offered a reintegration package worth £1,500 to ‘return home’ if he agrees to repatriation.
“I told them I was born here that I’d been in primary school and secondary school here. They weren’t sympathetic. When I’ve tried talking to officers they say it is out of their control,” he said.
His partner and mother of his five-year-old son said Darrell spoke to her six months ago that prison staff had warned him he would be sent to Grenada at the end of his prison term.
“He said it didn’t make sense, and asked me to make arrangements to bring our son to visit him. He was shocked,” she said.
A spokesperson for Ealing council told The Guardian: ‘Ealing council’s children’s services have repeatedly engaged with both Darren and Darrell, their solicitors and the prison services to provide all documentation to allow them to apply for immigration status, in Darrell’s case as recently as May 2020, but neither of the young men signed the documentation to allow it to be progressed.’
A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘Prisoners who are served with a deportation notice are given the opportunity to provide reasons why they should be exempt from deportation. All representations made will be carefully considered before any action is taken.’
Source: Linda I.
The Nigerian government has announced that Nigerian students will not be participating in the forthcoming West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations.
Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu made the announcement after the virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday July 8.
The Minister who also disclosed that there is no date yet for school resumption, added that he will prefer Nigerian students lose an academic year than expose them to danger.
Source: West African Examinations Council
