Nigeria become the first African country to hold the African senior
football title for the men and women at the same time.
Saturday 25 October 2014
Nigeria Wins AWC Title
Championship after defeating Cameroon 2-0 in the final on Saturday
evening at the Sam Nujoma stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.
Desire Oparanozie curled a well taken free kick in the 13th minute
past Cameroonian goalkeeper Annette Ngo Ndom to give the Super Falcons
an early lead.
Cameroon's Gaelle Enganamouit's had a chance at goal but the long
range shot went wide to deny Les Lionesses an equalizer minutes later.
Les Lionesses' defender Yvonne Leuko slid at the age of the penalty
box losing the ball as an alert Francisca Ordega picked it up sending
a through pass to youngster Asisat Oshoala who spectacularly found the
back of the net in the 44th minute to give Nigeria a 2-0 lead before
the halftime mark.
Enganamouit had yet another chance at goal in the 63rd minute from a
corner kick but it went wide again before she almost converted a well
taken free kick but was denied by the crossbar in the 79th minute.
Nigeria held on to be crowned continental champions and remain
unbeaten at the two-week long tournament that attracted eight
countries.
The Super Falcons have never lost to Cameroon since the inception of
the continental showpiece in 1991 as both sides faced off in the final
back then with Nigeria winning 2-0 against Les Lionesses.
Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast will represent Africa at the 2015
Fifa Women's World Cup in Canada.
--Supersports
Nigeria Beat Cameroon 2-0 To Reclaim AWC's Trophy
Nigeria claim a record seventh Africa Women's Championship trophy
today by defeating Cameroon 2-0 in the final at the Sam Nujoma Stadium
in Windhoek, Namibia.
This will be the first time an African Nation holds male and female
senior titles simultaneously.
today by defeating Cameroon 2-0 in the final at the Sam Nujoma Stadium
in Windhoek, Namibia.
This will be the first time an African Nation holds male and female
senior titles simultaneously.
I Like Oritsefemi But I Can't Date Him - Sexy Ache
music scene, is definitely not a damsel in distress, rather she is one
totally in control of her life and not one too laid back in flaunting
her sexuality when occasion demands.
The fast-rising singer who broke into the industry with her hit
songAfrican Ladyopened up toPotpourrion why she featured the Afropop
artiste Oritsefemi in her Afro-beat-inspired track Gentle. She also
dispelled the rumour that she is dating Oritsefemi.
In her words:"It's was a great experience working with Oritsefemi. He
was the best person for the song at that time. He is a very versatile
artiste and very good at what he does.Gentle was inspired by the great
Fela kuti .The song is an Afrobeat tune that says we should take
things one step at a time, we should be gentle in our approach towards
life because there is no rush in life."
She continues: "I like the white part of Ortisefemi hair but l cannot
date him. I can date him as a friend, hang out with him and take a
couple of drinks but for a relationship it's a no! When we shot the
video and some people got hold of the pictures online, people were
saying I am Oritsefemi's girl friend. It's just a professional
relationship".
--Vanguard
Lizzy Gold Onuwaje Goes Hairless, Tattooed For Movie Role
former Delta State beauty queen.
Just when you thought you have got an angle on her, there is always
another part of her creeping up. She once declared to Potpourri that
she would never marry a poor man or a struggling man. She also
declared in the same interview that bank alerts turn her own. What a
mean streak, you would want to say, but Lizzy has a heart of gold. Out
of her earnings she sponsors some indigent students in the university.
Now, how many Nigerians could do that fairly and squarely?
Unlike many of her peers, she doesn't even have a tattoo. Even one
that is being printed on her recently is mainly to pull off an act in
her upcoming movie. " Yeah I got this tattoo for a movie. It would be
on my body for three months. It is a semi permanent tattoo" she said.
"It is my first tattoo. I have it to play a role in a movie. The movie
is Golden House and I am playing the lead role. I also shaved my hair
for the movie.
--Vanguard
For The Record
All time record of the 229 El Classicos played:
48 draws;
Real Madrid: 92 wins and 388 goals;
Barcelona: 89 wins and 372 goals.
48 draws;
Real Madrid: 92 wins and 388 goals;
Barcelona: 89 wins and 372 goals.
La Liga: Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1
Barcelona in a captivating game at the Bernabeu.
Luis Suarez started for Barcelona after a four-month ban for biting
and set up Neymar to arrow in the opener.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi spurned a glorious chance before Cristiano
Ronaldo equalised with a penalty.
A powerful header from Pepe put Real ahead before they added to their
lead when Karim Benzema finished a brilliant counter-attack with an
angled shot.
The Real fans roared their approval at the end as as the home side
came out on top in a match-up between two of the world's most
star-studded line-ups.
Real's celebrations following the 229th meeting between the two were
also heightened with the victory helping them close the gap to one
point on La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The visitors may have taken the lead but were ultimately disappointing
as they failed to match the greater cutting edge in attack and
solidity in defence of the home side as they suffered their first
league defeat of the season.
A game between these two Spanish giants is usually one to savour and
it was even more so this time considering the array of talent on show.
Real had the likes of Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Benzema, while
Barcelona had Messi, Neymar and Suarez in the opposition camp.
Suarez starting added to the spectacle as he played for the first time
since his ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World
Cup came to an end.
The Uruguayan made an immediate impact when his crossfield pass found
Neymar, and the Brazilian cut in from the left and curled in a low
shot for the opener.
Barcelona forward Neymar scored his ninth goal of the campaign with
his effort against Real Madrid
The goal only served to spark Real into action during a fast and
furious opening. Barcelona keeper Claudio Bravo had not conceded a
goal in his side's eight league games prior to the match and had to be
at his best to keep his run going.
He got a left palm to a Benzema effort before the Real Madrid forward
thumped a header from Ronaldo's cross against the woodwork and smashed
the rebound wide.
The game was living up to the hype and Barcelona should have added to
their lead when Suarez sent in a low cross for Messi only for the
Argentine to uncharacteristically sidefoot wide from close range.
However, Real were level when Gerard Pique handled a low Marcelo cross
and Ronaldo dispatched the penalty to score his 16th league goal of
the campaign.
The home side started the second half brightly and their pressure
eventually broke a vulnerable Barcelona defence when Pepe powered in a
header from a corner.
The goal gave the Los Blancos a firm grip of the game as they sat back
and comfortably soaked up Barcelona's pressure, while continually
hitting the Catalan club on the break.
And, when Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta lost possession on the
halfway line, Real lethally struck for their third. Isco, Ronaldo and
Rodriguez combined before the latter slid a pass through to Benzema,
who angled in a precise shot.
--BBC
Former NBA President, Wali Released By Kidnappers After 13 Days
The immediate past National President of the Nigerian Bar Association
(NBA), Chief Okey Wali, SAN, has been released after 13 days in the
kidnappers' den.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad
Muhammad, Wali was released Thursday night. He however did not say if
a ransom was paid to the kidnappers to secure his release.
The former NBA president was abducted in Rumualogu area of Obio Akpor
Local Government area, Rivers State, while on his way to see his
brother, reports have said.
Also confirming Wali's release, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, who
succeeded Wali as NBA president said in a statement that Wali was
released from captivity around 11pm.
"I have personally spoken to him and can confirm that he is hale,
hearty and in good spirit," he stated.
He extended Wali's appreciation to members of the Bar and the Bench,
the security agencies, friends and family for their concern, support
and prayers during the period of his ordeal.
Alegeh commended members of the NBA for keeping calm throughout the
period of Wali's abduction and for "not taking any steps that may have
directly or indirectly jeopardised the efforts for his safe release
which have now yielded positive results".
The NBA president also expressed appreciation to the security agencies
for their efforts to ensure Wali's release.
"The Nigerian Bar also wishes to place on record its appreciation of
the efforts of the security agencies in securing the safe release of
Okey Wali, SAN. The Director General of the State Security Services
[SSS], the Inspector General of Police and the SSS State Directors and
Police Commissioners in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states who
worked tirelessly to secure his safe release deserve special mention.
"While we celebrate the safe release of Okey Wali we must hasten to
reiterate the fact that the spate of kidnappings and general state of
insecurity in Our Country is cause for great concern," he said.
Osio Agama, a sister to Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was
also reported to have been kidnapped in Port Harcourt on Tuesday
night. She is yet to regain her freedom.
(NBA), Chief Okey Wali, SAN, has been released after 13 days in the
kidnappers' den.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad
Muhammad, Wali was released Thursday night. He however did not say if
a ransom was paid to the kidnappers to secure his release.
The former NBA president was abducted in Rumualogu area of Obio Akpor
Local Government area, Rivers State, while on his way to see his
brother, reports have said.
Also confirming Wali's release, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, who
succeeded Wali as NBA president said in a statement that Wali was
released from captivity around 11pm.
"I have personally spoken to him and can confirm that he is hale,
hearty and in good spirit," he stated.
He extended Wali's appreciation to members of the Bar and the Bench,
the security agencies, friends and family for their concern, support
and prayers during the period of his ordeal.
Alegeh commended members of the NBA for keeping calm throughout the
period of Wali's abduction and for "not taking any steps that may have
directly or indirectly jeopardised the efforts for his safe release
which have now yielded positive results".
The NBA president also expressed appreciation to the security agencies
for their efforts to ensure Wali's release.
"The Nigerian Bar also wishes to place on record its appreciation of
the efforts of the security agencies in securing the safe release of
Okey Wali, SAN. The Director General of the State Security Services
[SSS], the Inspector General of Police and the SSS State Directors and
Police Commissioners in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states who
worked tirelessly to secure his safe release deserve special mention.
"While we celebrate the safe release of Okey Wali we must hasten to
reiterate the fact that the spate of kidnappings and general state of
insecurity in Our Country is cause for great concern," he said.
Osio Agama, a sister to Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was
also reported to have been kidnapped in Port Harcourt on Tuesday
night. She is yet to regain her freedom.
Police Kills Robbery Suspect After Attack On NYSC Lodge
The Police in Delta on Friday confirmed the death of an armed robbery
suspect during a gun duel between its patrol team and a robbery gang
which attacked National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Oghara.
The command's spokesperson, DSP Celestina Kalu, in a statement in
Asaba, said that the gang attacked Corpers' Lodge at Ovade-Oghara, in
Ethiope West Local Government area of the state.
Kalu said that the suspect, a member of the four-member gang, died on
the way to the hospital from gunshot wounds he sustained during the
exchange of fire.
"On the 16th of October, 2014, at about 8.30 p.m., the police at
Oghara Police Station received a distress call that four armed men had
invaded Corpers' Lodge at Ovade-Oghara.
"They robbed the youth corps members of their money, laptops,
electronics and handsets," she said.
According to her, based on the information, a Police patrol team and a
Navy patrol counterpart, with support from the local vigilante group,
mobilized to the scene and confronted the hoodlums.
"The hoodlums, on sighting the security teams engaged them in a gun
duel and in the process one of the unidentified armed robbers was
fatally wounded while others escaped.
"The wounded armed robber however gave the name of their gang
leader/armourer before giving up the ghost on the way to hospital,"
Kalu stated.
She said that some of the stolen items were recovered from the
deceased, adding that efforts were on to track down the gang leader
and other members.
(NAN)
suspect during a gun duel between its patrol team and a robbery gang
which attacked National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Oghara.
The command's spokesperson, DSP Celestina Kalu, in a statement in
Asaba, said that the gang attacked Corpers' Lodge at Ovade-Oghara, in
Ethiope West Local Government area of the state.
Kalu said that the suspect, a member of the four-member gang, died on
the way to the hospital from gunshot wounds he sustained during the
exchange of fire.
"On the 16th of October, 2014, at about 8.30 p.m., the police at
Oghara Police Station received a distress call that four armed men had
invaded Corpers' Lodge at Ovade-Oghara.
"They robbed the youth corps members of their money, laptops,
electronics and handsets," she said.
According to her, based on the information, a Police patrol team and a
Navy patrol counterpart, with support from the local vigilante group,
mobilized to the scene and confronted the hoodlums.
"The hoodlums, on sighting the security teams engaged them in a gun
duel and in the process one of the unidentified armed robbers was
fatally wounded while others escaped.
"The wounded armed robber however gave the name of their gang
leader/armourer before giving up the ghost on the way to hospital,"
Kalu stated.
She said that some of the stolen items were recovered from the
deceased, adding that efforts were on to track down the gang leader
and other members.
(NAN)
2 Lawyers In Court Over Forgery Of Dead Man's Will
man over alleged conspiracy and forgery of a dead man's will.
The lawyers are Samuel Urhoghide,75, and Mercy Sheidum,46.
They were charged along with Jona Sojah, 50, before an Oredo
Magistrate Court in Benin.
According to the prosecution, the three persons forged a testamentary
instrument purported to have been made by Sheidum's husband, the late
Kolawole.
The prosecution submitted that the accused conspired to commit the
forgery in 1997 on the Murtala Mohammed Way, Benin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the second accused the
third accused - Sojah - was the dead man's co-worker.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 516
and 467 (2) (f) of the Criminal Code of Edo.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Fred Igbinosa, granted the two lawyers bail
on self recognition, and admitted the third accused to bail in the sum
of N100, 000 and a surety.
The magistrate adjourned the case till Nov. 2, for mention.
Friends Reunite As Mourinho, Van Gaal Clash
whatever happens when Chelsea look to cement their position on top of
the Premier League with a statement victory at Manchester United on
Sunday.
Mourinho has never hidden his distain for some of his managerial
rivals, with Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Aston Villa's Paul Lambert
crossing swords with the Chelsea boss already this season, and the
prospect of a crucial clash with a team capable of ending his side's
unbeaten start would usually bring out the antagonist in the
Portuguese coach.
Yet there should be a refreshing lack of animosity on the sidelines at
Old Trafford this weekend, however heated the action becomes on the
pitch, because Mourinho and United manager van Gaal have a bond that
dates back 17 years to the day their paths first crossed at Barcelona.
Mourinho, then labouring in anonymity as a translator and assistant to
Barcelona manager Bobby Robson, was kept on by van Gaal when he took
over at the Nou Camp and earned the trust of his new boss to such an
extent that he was allowed to take training sessions and give
team-talks.
Van Gaal saw a kindred spirit in Mourinho, who like the Dutchman is an
obsessive workaholic who had trained as a PE teacher, and the two men
lived only 15 metres from each other in an apartment block, often
meeting around their dining tables to talkfootball.
The partnership lasted until Mourinho left to start his managerial
career with Benfica in 2000 and the ties between the pair remain
strong, with Mourinho paying tribute to his mentor when asked about
van Gaal's influence on him.
"As a young coach to be working with Louis at a club like Barcelona
was very important," Mourinho said.
"Everybody knows the respect I have for him. I never hide the respect,
the relationship and the fact he was an important influence in my
career.
"He knows what I feel about him. The world knows, because I never
hide. What can I add?"
Dbanj & Don Jazzy Set To Work Together Again
finally be working together again.
D'banj has plans to make a 10th anniversary album, and revealed his
former Mo-Hits partner would be on it.
"Ten years ago, October 4, 2004 to be precise, I got on stage to
perform for the first time and now ten years later D'banj has become a
brand. Don Jazzy worked with me from the beginning and I can tell you
for sure that my 10th anniversary album will drop soon and there are
many producers on it, including Don Jazzy," D'banj said in a telephone
interview with Beat FM.
The duo last worked together on hit song titled Oliver Twist.
--Gistreel
M.I's Unreleased Album Sells 30,000 Copies
seem in his favour as long as you are looking at things from M.I
Abaga's perspective.
Ahead of the official release for his 3rd album set for October 30,
2014, the rapper's sales team are already making impressive sales. In
fact, the rapper said they have sold not less than 30,000 copies in
just 30 minutes with the pre-order option approach introduced
yesterday.
The excited rapper just tweeted that 30,000 copies of the unreleased
album titled 'Chairman' have been sold already. According to M.I,
'30.000 copies in 30 mins.??? We just sold 10,000 in a min to a
corporate client.. #chairmanalbum #chairmanseasonbegins.'
See post above..
--Gistreel
"Never Tattoo Anyone's Name"- Nick Cannon Speaks About His Regret after "Mariah Carey" Tattoo
Carey's name on his back.While making an appearance on NBC Day time
talk show, he told host Meredith Vieira that he is still in the
process of covering up the name and it's very painful considering the
only option is to transform his back into a work of art..
"Don't get anyone's name!It's like a whole work of art, my entire back
and my arm and everything,' 'I was leaving the gym going into the
studio just having had that work done and they [the paparazzi] got me.
It's going to be a big reveal eventually, but it's not finished, it's
half-way done. It's a lot of pain."
He admitted Mariah is already seeing through the divorce process but
it won't affect their kids
'They love mommy, they love daddy. Being the fact our situation, we
have always been people who have been on the go coming and going,
their life hasn't changed one bit,'We spend holidays together, we do
everything that we are supposed to do together as a family...It's truly
just staying focused on family and what's right and getting through
these times and doing what's right for the kids, so that's just where
we are.'
--Gistreel
Jonathan Arrives In Jerusalem For Pilgrimage
President Goodluck Jonathan arrived in Jerusalem on Saturday for a
two-day pilgrimage to Israel.
According to the president's itinerary, he will observe the Sabbath
Day on Saturday at the Wailing Wall, where he will pray privately
before going to Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel.
Jonathan will also visit some other Christian holy sites during the pilgrimage.
During the pilgrimage, he will pray for Nigeria at an
Interdenominational Church Service with the theme: "A day with Jesus
for Nigeria in Israel''.
The progamme of events indicates that other Nigerian Pilgrims will
join the president during the service to pray for the well being and
progress of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Jonathan is performing
pilgrimage for the second time during his first tenure.
Nigeria's Ambassador to Israel Davi Obasa received the president on
arrival at the David Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv.
Others that were at the airport included Gov. Willie Obiano of
Anambra, MrJohn-Kennedy Opara, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian
Pilgrims Commission and Brig.- Gen. Jones Arogbofa, the Chief of
Staff.
The president is accompanied to the pilgrimage by Ven. Obioma
Onwuzurumba, Chaplain of the Presidential Villa, Bishop David Oyedepo
of Living Faith Church Worldwide and Sen. Smart Adeyemi, Chairman,
Senate Committee on FCT.
Members of the Federal Government delegation in the pilgrimage include
the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate Church of Nigeria (Anglican
Communion) and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President, Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, Minister of State for FCT, Prof. Chinedu
Neboh, Minister of Power, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, Minister of Water
Resources, Sen. Philip Aduda and Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, are also part of
the delegation.
Other delegates are Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue and Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau.
two-day pilgrimage to Israel.
According to the president's itinerary, he will observe the Sabbath
Day on Saturday at the Wailing Wall, where he will pray privately
before going to Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel.
Jonathan will also visit some other Christian holy sites during the pilgrimage.
During the pilgrimage, he will pray for Nigeria at an
Interdenominational Church Service with the theme: "A day with Jesus
for Nigeria in Israel''.
The progamme of events indicates that other Nigerian Pilgrims will
join the president during the service to pray for the well being and
progress of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Jonathan is performing
pilgrimage for the second time during his first tenure.
Nigeria's Ambassador to Israel Davi Obasa received the president on
arrival at the David Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv.
Others that were at the airport included Gov. Willie Obiano of
Anambra, MrJohn-Kennedy Opara, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian
Pilgrims Commission and Brig.- Gen. Jones Arogbofa, the Chief of
Staff.
The president is accompanied to the pilgrimage by Ven. Obioma
Onwuzurumba, Chaplain of the Presidential Villa, Bishop David Oyedepo
of Living Faith Church Worldwide and Sen. Smart Adeyemi, Chairman,
Senate Committee on FCT.
Members of the Federal Government delegation in the pilgrimage include
the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate Church of Nigeria (Anglican
Communion) and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President, Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, Minister of State for FCT, Prof. Chinedu
Neboh, Minister of Power, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, Minister of Water
Resources, Sen. Philip Aduda and Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, are also part of
the delegation.
Other delegates are Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue and Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau.
Gossiping About Other People Boosts Self Esteem -- New Study
negative gossip about another individual boosts self-reflection and
self-evaluation. Elena Martinescu at the University of Groningen said:
'
Women who receive negative gossip experience higher self-protection
concerns possibly because they believe they might experience a similar
fate as the person being the target of the gossip. Men who receive
positive gossip experience higher fear, perhaps because upward social
comparisons with competitors are threatening.'
Professor Martinescu added gossip provided individuals with indirect
social comparison information and provides an essential resource to
reflect on their behavior. She suggested that rather than trying to
block out gossip, we should 'accept gossip as a natural part of our
lives and receive it with a critical attitude regarding the
consequences it may have on ourselves and on others.'
Man Ordered To Remarry Woman He Infected With HIV
the dreaded Human Immune Virus (HIV), a middle-aged man has been
ordered to re-marry her or face the consequences.
This was the verdict of an upper Shari'a court sitting at Sabon Gari,
after the case was brought before it by the aggrieved wife.
The husband by name, Abdullahi Ahmad was dragged to the court by
ex-wife Umma Usman, who told the court that the defendant had divorced
her and asked her to vacate his house after infecting her with the
dreaded disease.
The victim informed the honourable court that both have been living
together as a couple for about 13 years and that she had several
children with him before she later found out that he is HIV/AIDs
positive.
The court also heard that the defendant issued the hapless woman a
divorce letter knowing fully that he infected her with the disease.
Umma is praying the court to quash the divorce issued to her by her
husband and compel him to re-marry her since he is the one that
infected her.
In his verdict, the Judge, Malam Farouk Ahmad, granted the
complainant's plea, canceled the divorce issued to her by the husband
and ordered him to immediately re-marry her.
Judge Ahmad said under Islamic Shari'a Law, "it is binding on the
husband to stay with the woman for the rest of his life being the one
responsible for her getting an infection that has no known cure."
He ordered him to take good care of the woman henceforth.
--Gistreel
Jim Iyke Flaunts His Swag in New Photos
--Gistreel
Okorocha's Former Chief Of Staff In Police Net Over N36m Contract Scandal
Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Mr Chinedu
Offor is in Police net answering questions on how a contract of thirty
Nine Million Eight Hundred and twenty thousand naira (N39,820,000.00)
to supply Transmitter in Imo Broadcasting Corporation IBC, was
executed under his stewardship as the Commissioner for Information and
Strategy.
But Trumpeta learnt that Offor had ran to court last Friday to obtain
injunction stopping police from investigating what may turn out to be
a big financial scam.
This Newspaper was informed that Offor as Commissioner for Information
entered into a contractual agreement with PRO-TECH (LCIL) Global
Technologies limited located at KM 10, Lasuisheri Road, By Afolabi
Bus-stop, Alimosho Lagos, to supply and install A 10KW FA Trasitter in
IBC at N39,820,000.00.
According to PRO-TECH Global Technologies, the contract was carried
out to the letter, but was only paid Nine million six hundred thousand
naira (N19,600,000.00) only.
The contractor after requesting Offor to pay the balance totaling
twenty million three hundred and twenty thousand naira
(N20,320,000.00) wrote to Governor Okorocha on the 18th of Aug 2014
complaining that "A job to install a 10KW FM Transmitter was given to
Company by the Imo State Government via the then Commissioner for
Information Hon. Chinedu Offor to the tune of Twenty Seven Million
Naira (27,000,000.00) as cost for the Transmitter, and Twelve Million
Eight Hundred and twenty Thousand naira (N12,820,000.00) as cost
support Equipment for Electricity Power and Studio Equipments,
Totaling Thirty )e Million Eight Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira
(N39,820,000.00).
"Ever since, before the supply of these Equipment, we were asking the
Commissioner of Information Hon. Offor for the JOB ORDER concerning
this supply and installations, the Commissioner told us to proceed
with the job, that he was getting us the papers. We did the supplies
and installations as he said.
"The Electc ZHC Transmitter we supplied and installed in the IBC with
the support equipments are all working according to their
specifications.
The only payment by then Hon. Commissioner was TWO MILLION SEVEN
THOUSAND NAIRA ONLY (2,700,00.00) after TAX (see copy of receipt
attached with Ref: No. MOIC & T/OC/13, (FIVE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED
THOUSAND NAIRA ONLY (N5,400,000.00) after TAX (see copy of receipt
attached also with Ref: No. MOIC & T/OC/13), Two Million Naira as part
payment for studio console which was paid from Hon. Commissioner
Account, PRINCEDUDE NIGERIA LIMITED. And NINE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND (N9,500,000.00) also from PRICEDUDE NIGERIA LIMITED. TOTALING
NINTEEN MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND NAIRA ONLY, (19,600,000.00)
Since then we have been going to the Hon. Commissioner for the job
order and our balance payment to no avail. The worst is that we can't
reach Hon. Chinedu Offor because he is the current Deputy Chief of
Staff to the Governor.
"Based on this situation, we come to you, to use your good office to
recover this sum for us because we have been under pressure and
threats from the people that supplied these this equipment on trust to
us since August 2013".
Before then, the Ministry of Information and Strategy under TOE
Ekechi's command as commissioner had earlier written to the Director
General of the corporation to not only confirm the listed items and
knowledge of contractual agreement but also supply necessary
information related to the contract.
Based on the difficulty to pay the amount and the shody manner the
payment was being handled including obvious irregularities, counsel to
PRO-TECH Global Technologies Ltd Ebere Ohameje SCO petitioned the
commissioner of police Imo state command on the subject Re: Hon
Chinedu Offor, criminal conversion. Fraudulent misappropriation of
funds where it stated that "our client had persistently requested from
the then commissioner for information Hon Offor for the job order
covering the supply and installations. But he asked the company
proceed with the job as he was already processing the papers. However,
the transmitter was supplied and installed in IBC according to
specifications.
The form alleged that instead of receiving money direct from ministry
coffers or IBC, it only received N19,600,000 from the account of his
private company Prince Dude Nigeria Ltd, thereby leaving a balance of
N20,320,000.00 (twenty million, three hundred and twenty thousand
naira only.
Police were informed that based on investigations from the ministry,
Offor may have collected the entire sum and lodged in his personal
account before paying fraction to the Pro-Tech, an indication that the
balance may have been converted to personal use.
Ebola Outbreak: Cases Pass 10,000, WHO Reports
4,922 deaths, the World Health Organization says in its latest report.
Only 27 of the cases have occurred outside the three worst-hit
countries, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
Those three countries account for all but 10 of the fatalities.
Mali became the latest nation to record a death, a two-year-old girl.
More than 40 people known to have come into contact with her have been
quarantined.
The latest WHO situation reportsays that Liberia remains the worst
affected country, with 2,705 deaths. Sierra Leone has had 1,281
fatalities and there have been 926 in Guinea.
Nigeria has recorded eight deaths and there has been one in Mali and
one in the United States.
The WHO said the number of cases was now 10,141 but that the figure
could be much higher, as many families were keeping relatives at home
rather than taking them to treatment centres. It said many of the
centres were overcrowded.
And the latest report also shows no change in the number of cases and
deaths in Liberia from the WHO's previous report, three days ago.
'Facts, not fear'
In the US, the governors of the states of New York and New Jersey have
ordered a mandatory 21-day quarantine period for all doctors and other
travellers who have had contact with Ebola victims in West Africa.
Anyone arriving from affected West African countries without having
had confirmed contact with Ebola victims will be subject to monitoring
by public health officials.
The move follows the diagnosis in New York of Dr Craig Spencer, who
had been working in Guinea.
The first person to be quarantined under the rules was a female health
worker who arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday.
She had no symptoms then but has since developed a fever and is being monitored.
Also in the US, two nurses infected while caring for dying Dallas
patient Thomas Eric Duncan have been declared free of the virus.
One, Nina Pham, 26, met President Barack Obama at the White House,
hours after being discharged.
In his weekly radio and online address, Mr Obama repeated that people
cannot contract Ebola unless they have come into direct contact with
an infected patient's bodily fluids.
He said the disease had to be stopped at source in Africa.
Mr Obama added: "Patients can beat this disease, and we can beat this
disease. But we have to stay vigilant... And we have to be guided by
the science, we have to be guided by the facts - not fear."
'High-risk exposure'
In Mali, authorities continue to try to trace anyone who may have had
contact with the victim there.
The child had travelled more than 1,000 km (600 miles) from Guinea
through the capital, Bamako, to Kayes.
"The child's symptomatic state during the bus journey is especially
concerning, as it presented multiple opportunities for exposures,
including high-risk exposures, involving many people," the WHO said.
The girl's mother died in Guinea a few weeks ago and the child was
then brought by relatives to Mali.
--BBC
Comical Stuffs
An angry wife to her husband Akpos on phone.
Wife: Where the hell are you?
Akpos: Honey, you remember that gold shop where you saw a diamond
necklace and totally fell in love with it?
Wife (relaxed): Yes, my love.
Akpos: Remember I had no cash to buy it for you that day and i said i
will buy it for you one day?
Wife (Totally relaxed with a smile and ablush): Yes I remember my love!
Akpos: Good, I am in a beer parlour next to that shop
Wife: Where the hell are you?
Akpos: Honey, you remember that gold shop where you saw a diamond
necklace and totally fell in love with it?
Wife (relaxed): Yes, my love.
Akpos: Remember I had no cash to buy it for you that day and i said i
will buy it for you one day?
Wife (Totally relaxed with a smile and ablush): Yes I remember my love!
Akpos: Good, I am in a beer parlour next to that shop
Gunmen Kidnap Oil Minister, Diezani's Sister
in the oil hub of Port Harcourt, police said Friday, in the latest
abduction targeting a prominent political family.
Osio Agama, whose sister Diezani Alison-Madueke leads Africa's largest
oil industry, was seized at gunpoint as she approached her car on
Tuesday night, River state police spokesman Ahmad Muhammad said.
Muhammad said police "were not aware if any ransom demand had been
made" and the motive for the abduction was unknown but the southern
oil-producing Niger Delta region has seen waves of ransom kidnappings
in recent years.
One of the most prominent cases came in December 2012, when Finance
Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's 82-year-old mother Kamene Okonjo was
abducted from her home, also in Delta state.
Okonjo-Iweala and Alison-Madueke are widely seen as the two most
powerful members of President Goodluck Jonathan's cabinet.
Jonathan's 70-year-old uncle was also kidnapped earlier this year in
Bayelsa state, which neighbours Delta.
Some have sought to attach a political motive to attacks targeting
Nigeria's most powerful families.
The finance minister implied that her mother was seized because of her
ministry's crackdown on oil companies which had abused the country's
rotten fuel subsidy scheme.
But such links were never proven and Kamene Okonjo was released a week
after her abduction.
The security forces and affected families almost never confirm ransom
payments but most believe kidnappers in the Niger Delta are seeking
financial gain.
Despite producing roughly two million barrels of oil per day, the area
remains acutely poor with high unemployment.
Gang activity is rampant and kidnappings have at times been
perpetrated on a near weekly basis.
Local politicians, prominent businessmen and foreigners have been
among the targets.
--Vanguard
Coroner Summons Prophet T.B. Joshua Over Synagogue Building Collapse
Joshua, has been summoned by the Coroner investigating the cause of
the collapsed building at the church premises.
Coroner Magistrate, Oyetade Komolafe, issued the summons at the
resumed hearing of the inquest on Friday at the Lagos High Court
sitting in Ikeja.
Prophet Joshua is to appear before the inquest on Wednesday, November
5, to tell the coroner what he knows about the cause of the collapsed
building.
The building contractor is also expected to testify on the same day.
The Coroner also directed the Synagogue Church to provide the list of
all the people lodged at the building before it collapsed.
About 115 people were reportedly killed in the incident that occurred
on September 12.
Two people, however, testified before the coroner on Wednesday.
A Chief Operational Officer with the Lagos State Fire Service, Musiliu
Adebayo, told the inquest that the building collapse was not caused by
an explosion, while a zonal head of the Lagos State Traffic Management
Authority, LASTMA, Mr Bamidele Oladiti, said that his men were on
ground after the incident to manage human and vehicular traffic.
The South African High Commissioner, who was also at the hearing, said
that the Synagogue incident had not affected the relationship between
Nigeria and South Africa.
Jonathan To Declare Nov. 11.
Bello, has revealed that the committee has fixed November 11, 2014 as
the day for the formal declaration by President Jonathan to seek
re-election in 2015.
Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the committee's
inaugural meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on
Friday, Dr Haliru said the venue of the formal declaration would be
decided at the next meeting of the committee.
He said: "the President gave us the task to organise the modality of
creating a platform for him to meet Nigerians and announce his
response to the various calls for him to come out and declare his
interest in the presidential election.
"The President has not said anything yet but it is like all Nigerians
have called on him. It is our honest hope that he will come out and
say yes to the demand of multitude of Nigerians.
"We expect he will say yes but we cannot say yes for him. We will wait
for him to speak.
"The date that is fixed is Tuesday, November 11. On that day, there
will be a forum for the President to meet Nigerians to announce his
decision.
"The venue is yet to be decided. That will be decided at our next
meeting. When we come out on November 11, the President will face the
people of Nigeria and say yes to their demand.
"If he says yes, it will be yes. If he says no, then it is negative.
But you are aware that our party, the PDP in all its organs, from the
caucus to the Board of Trustees, NWC had decided that President
Jonathan should be given the first option of refusal with the PDP
ticket.
"If he is going to contest, the PDP will give him preference. As the
President, he has performed and we are satisfied with what he has
done" he said.
Dr Haliru said as long as the president is interested in contesting,
PDP will give him preference over other aspirants.
"It is only when he declines that we can look at any other contestant" he said.
Also speaking with state House Correspondents, the Governor of Katsina
State, Ibrahim Shema said sub-committees were set up during the
inaugural meeting.
Some of the sub-committees set up yesterday he said, include
secretariat, venue and decoration, media and publicity, security,
protocol and mobilisation.
He expressed the hope that the committee would come up with enough
preparations that would ensure a hitch-free declaration.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, expressed
confidence that Nigerian women would troop out in large number to
support the President's re-election bid.
Boko Haram Abducts More Women And Girls
militants and the Nigerian government
The militant Islamist group Boko Haram has been accused of abducting
dozens more women and girls from two villages in Nigeria's
northeastern Adamawa state.
Residents say the alleged kidnappings, which haven't been confirmed by
authorities, took place a day after a reportedtruce between the
militants and Nigerian government, the BBC says.
The government hopes negotiations with Boko Haram will secure the
release of more than 200 girls who were taken hostage by the militants
in April. But the Islamist group has not confirmed the ceasefire.
The April kidnapping, in Borno state, sparked mass protests in Nigeria
and calls for the government to do more to save the girls under the
#BringBackOurGirls campaign.
Meanwhile a bomb blasted through a bus station Wednesday in northern
Bauchi state, killing five people and injuring 12. No group has come
forward to claim responsibility for the attack.
--BBC
Two Dead, Including Gunman, in Washington High School Shooting
A high school student opened fire Friday morning, killing at least one
person before turning the gun on himself at Marysville-Pilchuck High
School in Washington state Friday morning.
A spokesman for the Marysville Police Department told TIME that
"multiple" people were injuredin the incident. Four patients were
taken to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, according to the
hospital website. Three victims remained in critical condition Friday
afternoon, the SeattleTimesreported.
Several students identified the shooter as Jaylen Fryberg, the
SeattleTimesreports.
The shooting occurred shortly before 11 a.m. PT. Students were
evacuated while police cleared the school room to room with guns
drawn.
Student Austin Taylor told a local news station he was standing near
the shooter when the shooting began. "He had a blank stare," he said.
"He was just staring at the victims as he shot them."
--Time
Queen Elizabeth II Sends Her First Tweet
very first tweet.
It is a pleasure to open the Information Age exhibition today at the
@ScienceMuseumand I hope people will enjoy visiting. Elizabeth R.
-- BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) October 24, 2014
While opening the Information Age exhibit at London's Science Museum,
the Queen, referring to herself as Elizabeth R., tapped out her first
tweet from the official Twitter account of Buckingham Palace.
A statement from the museum said director Ian Blatchford had invited
Queen Elizabeth to mark the occasion on social media. "I mentioned
earlier that Queen Victoria took a great interest in the invention
of the telephone, and Your Majesty has followed in this tradition of
embracing new technology," he told her. "You made the first live
Christmas broadcast in 1957 and an event relished by historians
took place on [March 26, 1976], when you became the first monarch to
send an email, during a visit to the Royal Signals and Radar
Establishment. May I now invite you to join me so that you may send
your first tweet."
The tweet's author was then verified by the @BritishMonarchy account
with a follow-up tweet and a photo of the Queen sending the message.
#TheQueenTweets pic.twitter.com/jz 69LOlGcD
-- BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) October 24, 2014
The last tweet was sent personally by The Queen from her official
Twitter account @BritishMonarchy #TheQueenTweets
-- BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) October 24, 2014
Obama Hugs Nurse Who Survived Ebola
of the Ebola virus after contracting the disease while caring for a
Liberian patient in Texas, during a meeting in the Oval Office in
Washington on Oct. 24, 2014.
The nurse was cleared of Ebola Friday morning
A few days ago, Dallas nurse Nina Pham lay in bed in an isolated
hospital room at National Institutes of Health (NIH) where her doctors
donned hazmat suits to care for her. On Friday, President Barack Obama
hugged Pham, now free of Ebola, in the open air of the Oval Office.
"Let's give a hug for the cameras," he told Pham.
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, NIH infectious
disease head Anthony Fauci, along with several other doctors and
family members, were also present at the Friday meeting.
Pham contracted Ebola while caring for Thomas Eric Duncan, the first
person diagnosed with Ebola in the United States, who died Oct. 8 at
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Pham was subsequently
moved to NIH in Maryland to undergo treatment, and was declared
Ebola-free Friday morning.
After a patient was diagnosed with Ebola in New York City on Thursday,
the hug was a triumphant moment amid continued fear over the potential
for Ebola to spread in the U.S. White House Press Secretary Josh
Earnest told journalists at press briefing Friday that Pham's recovery
served as "a pretty apt reminder that we do have the best medical
infrastructure in the world."
--Time
3 Reasons Why Manchester United Can Be Better Than Chelsea
ahead of their meet tomorrow:
#1 Chelsea's depleted front line
Diego Costa and Loic Remy will be missing from the Old Trafford
battle, as a fledgling defence.
Eden Hazard will still be a threat, but no one still at Chelsea has
scored a goal against United in the last four meetings.
#2 A well rested Falcao
While Chelsea is looking for Didier Drogba to lead the line United can
call on a well rested Radamel Falcao . United's on-loan hitman
destroyed Chelsea in the Super Cup while at Atletico Madrid in 2012,
scoring three in a 4-1 win over a Chelsea.
#3 The likely return of Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is often underrated but his injury before the start of
the season was described as a huge blow by manager Louis van Gaal.He
may decide to bring the fit again midfielder in for Ander Herrera in
the hope that the England man can help snuff out Chelsea attacks and
provide the link up-play needed to unlock Falcao.
Suarez Will Make Barca Debut In El Clasico, Confirms Luis Enrique
his long-awaited debut for the club in Saturday's first El Clasico of
the season away to Real Madrid.
Suarez has been restricted to friendly matches since sealing a £75
million ($127 million, 95 million euros) move from Liverpool after
receiving a four-month ban for biting Italian defender Giorgio
Chiellini at the World Cup.
"He will have some minutes for sure," Enrique told a press conference
on Thursday.
"How many I cannot say, that is the million dollar question. It is an
important occasion for him to be able to join in with the group."
And Enrique insisted that he wasn't concerned that the Uruguayan's
questionable temperament could be tested by the pressure of making his
bow in the biggest game in world football.
"Clasicos have to be heated, enjoyable and the best show possible for
the fans, but staying within the sporting parameters."
Whilst Suarez's availability adds to Barca's attacking arsenal
alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, Real Madrid will be without one of
their key men in Gareth Bale due to injury.
However, Enrique echoed the words of his Madrid counterpart Carlo
Ancelotti in saying the Welshman's absence wouldn't affect his side's
preparation for the game.
"Independent of who is in Ancelotti's starting line-up, we will
maintain our philosophy. It is obvious that both sides will continue
to play in their own different ways."
Other than the debate over whether Suarez will start or make his debut
as a substitute, the only other doubt in the Barca team surrounds
midfielder Sergio Busquets.
The Spanish international missed Barca's 3-1 win over Ajax in midweek
due to a hip injury, but Enrique is confident he will be fit to take
his place in the side at the Bernabeu.
"Busquets is fine, he has trained with the rest of the group and in
principle can play without any problems."
Mr. Ibu Bags Best Actor Award On His Birthday
comic actor rolled out drums to mark his birthday in grand style.
He threw a birthday bash that had all the trappings of a five star
event in Owerri, with Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State in
attendance. Rochas was represented at the event which held at Rock
View hotels, by one of his Commissioners,Hon. Uche Nwosu.
Also, in attendance were Nollywood stars including Chinyere Winfred,
Offialagu Mbaka, Dauda, Jericho, Emeka Rollas, Ajebo, Kakaki,Chinyere
Udoma, Dunhil, Adin Williams and one time John player world dancing
champion, Issac Chinagorum. Popular musicians like Xbuster and Ibeh
Chukwuneke a.k.a MC Chuks thrilled the audience with their
scintillating tunes and performances that held the audience
spellbound.
Interestingly, at the event, the comic-actor was presented with the
Best Movie Actor of the Year award, by the Peace Ambassadors Of
Nigeria. Presented to him by Mr. Okey Nwuzor popularly called Don
Singles, the award was earlier received on behalf of Mr. Ibu at a
ceremony organized by the group in Abuja.
Okafor is one of Nigeria's most talented comic actors. His acting is
often characterised by stupidity, hilarious imbecility and a sharp
disconnection from reality.
--Vanguard
AWC Final: History Beckons Falcons
Nigeria will attempt to win a record seventh Africa Women's
Championship trophy today when they confront Cameroon in the final at
the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Super Falcons emerged tops in group A without dropping any point.
With excellent ball possession and passing accuracy, they made their
opponents look like fish out of water. While Cameroon on the other
hand relied on their physical strength to plough their way into the
final and they are equally aiming to out muscle the Super Falcons.
Their coach Enow Ngachu believes the Super Falcons have not been
tested in the tournament..
But his Nigerian counterpart Edwin Okon said he was confident that his
ladies would emerge champion today.
Midfielder, Asisat Oshoala has been wonderful and will be hoping to
add to her two goals tally in today's game.
Cameroon will look up to Deborah Enganamouit to deliver up front,
having scored three goals so far.
--Vanguard
Championship trophy today when they confront Cameroon in the final at
the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Super Falcons emerged tops in group A without dropping any point.
With excellent ball possession and passing accuracy, they made their
opponents look like fish out of water. While Cameroon on the other
hand relied on their physical strength to plough their way into the
final and they are equally aiming to out muscle the Super Falcons.
Their coach Enow Ngachu believes the Super Falcons have not been
tested in the tournament..
But his Nigerian counterpart Edwin Okon said he was confident that his
ladies would emerge champion today.
Midfielder, Asisat Oshoala has been wonderful and will be hoping to
add to her two goals tally in today's game.
Cameroon will look up to Deborah Enganamouit to deliver up front,
having scored three goals so far.
--Vanguard
Why I Featured In Ikwokirikwo -- Dillish Mathew
video set with Nigerian-born high life musician, Flavour for the
musical video of Ikwokirikwo earlier this year, tongues statrted
wagging that there is something going on between the two.
But just like every other celebrity relationship, both parties did not
say anything about that.
The Namibian model who hosted a lot of questions through her twitter
handle recently, spoke on her reasons for featuring in
Flavour'sIkwokirikwo. "I featured in the musical video because, the
singer is my male celebrity crush.
He is hot. The graetest achievement I would say that I have recorded,
including winning the Big Brother Africa, is taking care of my
family," She said.
Wizkid And Davido Lose MOBO Award
African Act category at the 2014 edition of the Music of Black Origin
Awards, popularly called MOBO.
The coveted prize was taken away again by Ghanian singer, Fuse ODG,
who also won the prize in 2013.
This miss, however, seems to settle the growing battle of supremacy
between the Nigerian nominees, Wizkid and Davido although the Aye
singer has been named Best African Act earlier in the year at the BET
Awards.
Grace Mugabe Announces Candidacy To Succeed Husband Robert Mugabe
Zimbabwe's first lady Grace Mugabe on Thursday announced her candidacy
to succeed her husband, 90-year-old president Robert Mugabe, when he
leaves office.
"People say I want to be president, why not? Am I not a Zimbabwean?"
the 49-year-old said when addressing veterans of the country's
liberation struggle in Mazowe at about 40 kilometres north of Harare.
Mugabe called on Vice President Joice Mujuru - regarded as one of the
top contenders to succeed the president - to resign.
"There are plenty of people who can run this country, not Mujuru," she
said, adding that her husband's deputy would take Zimbabwe "back to
where we were before independence."
Robert Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980, has travelled
several times for medical care abroad, sparking speculation that he
could step down before his term ends in 2018.
Mugabe has meanwhile been appointed to head the women's league of the
ruling party Zanu-PF.
The first lady's political ambitions have faced resistance from Mujuru
and others who participated in the liberation struggle against the
white minority government of the then Rhodesia - today Zimbabwe -
alongside Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe has also come under fire for a doctorate she obtained from the
University of Zimbabwe in September - allegedly just months after she
enrolled there.
--Times
Regina Askia To Work At Ebola Center In US
Former Nollywood actress, Regina Askia has joined the fight against
Ebola in the United States.
The former beauty queen who now works as a nurse in the US took to her
Facebook page to announce the brave news.
According to Regina, her initial job was to find volunteers that will
work at the Ebola center. Her male colleagues accepted the offer at
$200 - N32,000 per hour. But after none of her female colleagues
agreed to join the men, she eventually had to volunteer. The nurses
are currently undergoing Ebola trainings.
Ebola in the United States.
The former beauty queen who now works as a nurse in the US took to her
Facebook page to announce the brave news.
According to Regina, her initial job was to find volunteers that will
work at the Ebola center. Her male colleagues accepted the offer at
$200 - N32,000 per hour. But after none of her female colleagues
agreed to join the men, she eventually had to volunteer. The nurses
are currently undergoing Ebola trainings.
Friday 24 October 2014
Two US Ebola Nurses Free Of Virus
Dallas have been declared free of the virus.
One of them, Nina Pham, met President Barack Obama at the White House,
hours after being discharged.
The news comes one day after a doctor returning from Guinea tested
positive for Ebola in New York City.
More than 4,800 people have died of Ebola - mainly in Liberia, Guinea
and Sierra Leone - since March.
On Friday, it was announced that one million doses of an experimental
Ebola vaccine will be produced by the end of 2015.
But it was a day of mixed news in the US, where the first infection in
New York was followed by the release from hospital of Ms Pham, 26.
"I feel fortunate and blessed to be standing here today," she said. "I
am on my way back to recovery."
Ms Pham thanked supporters for their prayers during her illness, and
asked for privacy as she plans her return to Texas and a reunion with
her dog, Bentley.
But first she was flown to Washington, at the request of the White House.
--BBC
Ebola Crisis: 'Many Exposed' To Infected Mali Girl
first Ebola victim - a two-year-old girl.
She recently arrived from Guinea, one of the worst affected countries,
and has since died.
The girl showed symptoms, including a bleeding nose, while travelling
on a public bus through several towns, the World Health Organization
(WHO) said.
Forty-three people, including 10 health workers, who came into contact
with her have been identified and isolated.
The girl was being treated in the western town of Kayes, after
arriving at a hospital on Wednesday.
The child had travelled more than 1,000 km (600 miles) from Guinea
through the capital, Bamako, to Kayes.
"The child's symptomatic state during the bus journey is especially
concerning, as it presented multiple opportunities for exposures,
including high-risk exposures, involving many people," the WHO said.
The girl's mother died in Guinea a few weeks ago and the child was
then brought by relatives to Mali.
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have seen most of the 4,800 Ebola deaths.
--BBC
Giwa Takes Over NFF Office
The Chris Giwa-led board of Nigeria Football Federation has taken
charge as ruled by the judiciary, a member of the board, Yahaya Adama,
said on Friday in Abuja.
Adama told newsmen at the Glass House secretariat of the NFF the board
has returned to power as demanded by the court and was "ready to save
the Nigerian game".
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Ambrose Alagoa of the
Federal High Court in Jos had on Thursday annulled the September 30
NFF elections in Warri.
He had also declared as null and void the NFF Elective Congress held
on that day, thereby restoring to power the Giwa-led board which was
elected in Abuja on August 26.
The decision had meant the board led by Amaju Pinnick should vacate office.
Adama, who was at the Glass House in company of another board member,
Sani Fema, to await the board chairman, Chris Giwa, said the board had
immediately swung into action.
He said, "Immediately after the court ruling on Thursday, the board
led by Giwa had met in Jos to discuss emerging issues affecting
Nigerian football.
"The board consequently reviewed a number of decisions taken in recent
days at the NFF, one of them being the issue of the Super Eagles'
technical crew.
"Also, the board nullified all decisions taken by the Pinnick-led team
since September 30. All committees appointed by the illegal NFF board
have been dissolved."
Adama said further that the board felt "so strongly about sustaining
the out-of-contract assignment given to the Stephen Keshi-led Super
Eagles technical crew.
"This is a very critical moment, and Nigerians want the national team
to play well, win and be a pride to them. This calls for greater hard
work from the coaches.
"They (the team) must win the remaining qualifying matches against
Congo Republic and South Africa for Nigeria to be at the 2015 African
Nations Cup finals.
"Emphasis now is supposed to be on concentration for the two games."
The NFA board member said the board has made interim appointments into
four committees in view of the short time available for the 2013/2014
season to end.
He said, "The Match Commissioners' Appointments Committee has Adama
Yahaya as Chairman, Patimidi Tukuru, Prof. Abu Mallam and Donatus
Mbaezue as members, and Emmanuel Adesanya as Secretary.
"The Referees Committee has Suleiman Muazu as Chairman, Sunday Audu,
Ahmed Maude and Chidi Offor as members, and Sunday Okayi as Secretary.
"The Disciplinary Committee has Iyke Igbokwe as Chairman, Abdulkareem
Ibrahimand Andrew Abah as members, and Lawrence Katken as Secretary,
while Appeals Committee has Leye Adepoju as Chairman, Godwin Odekina
and Ray Nnaji as members, and Okey Obi as Secretary."
charge as ruled by the judiciary, a member of the board, Yahaya Adama,
said on Friday in Abuja.
Adama told newsmen at the Glass House secretariat of the NFF the board
has returned to power as demanded by the court and was "ready to save
the Nigerian game".
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Ambrose Alagoa of the
Federal High Court in Jos had on Thursday annulled the September 30
NFF elections in Warri.
He had also declared as null and void the NFF Elective Congress held
on that day, thereby restoring to power the Giwa-led board which was
elected in Abuja on August 26.
The decision had meant the board led by Amaju Pinnick should vacate office.
Adama, who was at the Glass House in company of another board member,
Sani Fema, to await the board chairman, Chris Giwa, said the board had
immediately swung into action.
He said, "Immediately after the court ruling on Thursday, the board
led by Giwa had met in Jos to discuss emerging issues affecting
Nigerian football.
"The board consequently reviewed a number of decisions taken in recent
days at the NFF, one of them being the issue of the Super Eagles'
technical crew.
"Also, the board nullified all decisions taken by the Pinnick-led team
since September 30. All committees appointed by the illegal NFF board
have been dissolved."
Adama said further that the board felt "so strongly about sustaining
the out-of-contract assignment given to the Stephen Keshi-led Super
Eagles technical crew.
"This is a very critical moment, and Nigerians want the national team
to play well, win and be a pride to them. This calls for greater hard
work from the coaches.
"They (the team) must win the remaining qualifying matches against
Congo Republic and South Africa for Nigeria to be at the 2015 African
Nations Cup finals.
"Emphasis now is supposed to be on concentration for the two games."
The NFA board member said the board has made interim appointments into
four committees in view of the short time available for the 2013/2014
season to end.
He said, "The Match Commissioners' Appointments Committee has Adama
Yahaya as Chairman, Patimidi Tukuru, Prof. Abu Mallam and Donatus
Mbaezue as members, and Emmanuel Adesanya as Secretary.
"The Referees Committee has Suleiman Muazu as Chairman, Sunday Audu,
Ahmed Maude and Chidi Offor as members, and Sunday Okayi as Secretary.
"The Disciplinary Committee has Iyke Igbokwe as Chairman, Abdulkareem
Ibrahimand Andrew Abah as members, and Lawrence Katken as Secretary,
while Appeals Committee has Leye Adepoju as Chairman, Godwin Odekina
and Ray Nnaji as members, and Okey Obi as Secretary."
Useful Financial Planning Measures
expenses are not managed wisely.
For people who are living independently for the first time, the
responsibility of paying for their utilities aside their personal
expenses can be burdensome if not managed appropriately.
Professionals say the effect of inadequate financial planning may not
be felt immediately, but later when there is no steady source of
income.
They note that understanding how to manage finances will not only help
people out personally, but can be of benefit when it comes to business
success as well.
A proper financial understanding, according to experts, also helps in
setting goals as well as creating fundamental skills in planning and
decision-making.
Learn financial management
The Faculty Director, Soar and Heritage, Mr. Sola Adeyiga says a fair
understanding of accounting, bookkeeping and finance can change the
fortune of any business.
According to him, every business owner must have at the click of a
mouse, his company's key financial data such as values of receivables,
current inventory level, monthly revenue, monthly profitability,
business net asset and balance sheet size among others.
He says, "If you are a business owner and you cannot provide these
data about your company in minutes, then you have some work to do.
"Even if you decide to employ an Accountant or outsource the finance
function, it is still essential for business owners to have fair
knowledge of finance. You can attend short courses and relevant
seminars or read finance related articles online. It will really
help."
Stick to your budget
Experts say budgeting is a means of balancing expenses with income. To
make it work, they advise that a realistic budget should be developed.
According to them, budgeting can best be achieved by tracking how well
it is being adhered to each month, which means a continuous tracking
of your monthly expenses, coupled with your day-to-day spending.
As part of an effort to adhere strictly to the budget, they advise
that people should think in terms of their overall accomplishment
rather than something that will give them temporary satisfaction.
Control impulsive spending
Impulsive spending according to experts is an act of spending money on
items that were not in the original budget. Experts say people who are
in the habit of overspending on items or making late payments for the
items bought, frequently borrow money from friends and buy things they
don't really need.
Financial advisors also say stress often leads to impulsive spending.
Therefore, they recommend ways of reducing stress as a remedy to
impulsive spending.
To achieve this, they say take inventory of your regular monthly bills
and make reminders for yourself on when each bill is due. They add
that the best approach is to pay bills as soon as they arrive.
Have an emergency fund
A specific amount should be set aside for emergency situations,
experts say, because it is when unforeseen expenses or emergencies
arise that people tend to spend out of their budget. This can be in
form of a budget out of the monthly paycheck for deposit into a
savings account, ideally at least 10 per cent of each month wages,
including extra money earned.
According to financial advisors, the advantages of doing this is to
prevent the necessity of going into debt, it provides peace of mind
and freedom of choice.
These funds, they say can be kept in a readily accessible account but
keeping in mind that it does not necessarily need to provide a high
return.
Explore insurance policies
Financial advisors say insurance is an important tool for protecting
against financial hardships, and the premiums paid may be one of the
top household expenses.
For guidance, they advise that interested parties should seek a
provider to be sure they have the appropriate level of protection -
that way they will prevent exorbitant payment for coverage.
Diversify your investment
According to investopedia, it is important to create a personal
virtual mutual fund by investing in a handful of companies you know,
trust, and perhaps even use in your day-to-day life.
Experts say investing can be educational, informative and rewarding.
By taking a disciplined approach and using diversification,
buy-and-hold and dollar-cost-averaging strategies, you may find
investing rewarding - even in the worst of times.
Money can also be invested in different types of investment such as
banks certificate of deposit, stocks, bonds and real estate, experts
say.
Have a retirement plan
Having a solid retirement plan, according to financial analysts can
erase worries and fears related to old age, and keep people in control
of their life and their finances. They say it is an act of preparing
now in order to enjoy later.
2015: I Will Run --Jonathan
Less than 24 hours after an ultimatum from the Peoples Democratic
Party, PDP to him and others to purchase nomination forms within seven
days, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday swiftly moved to formalise
his re-election process with the constitution of a declaration
committee.
The declaration,Vanguardlearnt Thursday has been tentatively scheduled
for between the 7th and 15th November, 2014.
A highly placed presidency source disclosed yesterday that the
president would also pick the nomination form before the expiration of
the one week deadline given by the PDP to all aspirants to various
offices.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not
authorised to speak on the matter said the declaration committee,
which is to be headed by erstwhile national chairman of the PDP, Dr.
Bello Haliru Mohammed is composed of representatives of governors, the
National Assembly and other political stakeholders. The committee is
to choose a convenient date for the president to make a formal
declaration.
President Goodluck Jonathan
Before the decision was arrived at, the president met with some
prominent members of the party in and outside of government in the
Presidential Villa yesterday where he told them that following his
adoption by the governors of the PDP, the National Working Committee
and the Board of Trustees of the party, he has accepted to heed their
call to contest in the 2015 election.
Among those at the meetingVanguardlearnt were the national chairman of
the PDP, Adamu Muazu, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
party, Chief Tony Anenih, the president of the Senate, Senator David
Mark and other close aides of the president.
"President Jonathan met with key party members where he thanked them
for giving him the opportunity of first refusal. He thanked them for
adopting him as the candidate of the party and formally informed them
that he has accepted to run and would be purchasing the nomination
form before the expiration of the one week deadline given by the PDP
for all its aspirants to pick nomination forms within one week," the
source said.
According to the official, in order to ensure a smooth formal
declaration ceremony, the president has constituted a committee that
would prepare the logistics for his formal declaration which will be
between the 7th and 15th of November.
Similarly, it was gathered that the president has also constituted a
fund raising committee for the campaign proper, which is headed by
former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana.
Other members of the fund raising committee have, however, not been named yet.
Members of the Declaration Committee include: Dr. Bello Halliru
Mohammed (Chairman) from Kebbi, Sen. Ken Namani (Deputy Chairman),
Enugu, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (Secretary), Ebonyi, Prof. Rufa'i Ahmed
Alkali (member), Gombe, Julius Imagwe - SSA - Youth (member), Edo, Dr.
Baraka Sani (SSA -NSAP) - Kano, (member).
Governors representing the six geographical zones include; Liyel
Imoke, Cross River (South South), Theodore Orji, Abia (South East),
Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo (South West), Dr. Mua'zu Babangida Aliyu Niger
(North Central), Ibrahim Shema, Katsina (North West) and Ibrahim
Dankwambo, Gombe (North East).
Representatives of the National Assembly are Sen. Hosea Agboola ,
(Oyo), Sen. Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Rep. Bitrus Kaze (Plateau) and
Rep. Salmas Badru (Ogun).
Members representing the Federal Executive Council include; Minister
of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Allison-Madueke (Bayelsa),
Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan (Osun),
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina (Adamawa), Minister of
Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Representatives of the PDP in the committee include: Deputy National
Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus (Rivers), Chairman, PDP Benue State,
Chief Emmanuel Agbo, (Benue) National Women Leader, Kema Chikwe (Imo)
and North West Zonal Chairman, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure (Jigawa).
Other members are Sen. Stella Omu (Delta), Sen. Walid Jibirn (BOT
Secretary, (Nasarawa), Ibrahim Bunu (Borno), Rev. Jolly Nyame
(Taraba), Sen. Aniette Okon (Akwa Ibom), Peter Obi (Anambra), Mrs.
Remi Adiuku Bakare (Lagos), and Gen. A. B. Mamman (PDP National Youth
Leader) - FCT.
Others appointed to the committee at the discretion of the president
were Barr. Halima Alfa (Kogi), Nigeria Ambassador to Netherland, Dr.
(Mrs.) Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi (Kwara), FCT ALGON Chairman, Hon. Micah
Yohanna Jiba (FCT) and Hon. Sam Ikon (Akwa Ibom).
--Vanguard
Party, PDP to him and others to purchase nomination forms within seven
days, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday swiftly moved to formalise
his re-election process with the constitution of a declaration
committee.
The declaration,Vanguardlearnt Thursday has been tentatively scheduled
for between the 7th and 15th November, 2014.
A highly placed presidency source disclosed yesterday that the
president would also pick the nomination form before the expiration of
the one week deadline given by the PDP to all aspirants to various
offices.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not
authorised to speak on the matter said the declaration committee,
which is to be headed by erstwhile national chairman of the PDP, Dr.
Bello Haliru Mohammed is composed of representatives of governors, the
National Assembly and other political stakeholders. The committee is
to choose a convenient date for the president to make a formal
declaration.
President Goodluck Jonathan
Before the decision was arrived at, the president met with some
prominent members of the party in and outside of government in the
Presidential Villa yesterday where he told them that following his
adoption by the governors of the PDP, the National Working Committee
and the Board of Trustees of the party, he has accepted to heed their
call to contest in the 2015 election.
Among those at the meetingVanguardlearnt were the national chairman of
the PDP, Adamu Muazu, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
party, Chief Tony Anenih, the president of the Senate, Senator David
Mark and other close aides of the president.
"President Jonathan met with key party members where he thanked them
for giving him the opportunity of first refusal. He thanked them for
adopting him as the candidate of the party and formally informed them
that he has accepted to run and would be purchasing the nomination
form before the expiration of the one week deadline given by the PDP
for all its aspirants to pick nomination forms within one week," the
source said.
According to the official, in order to ensure a smooth formal
declaration ceremony, the president has constituted a committee that
would prepare the logistics for his formal declaration which will be
between the 7th and 15th of November.
Similarly, it was gathered that the president has also constituted a
fund raising committee for the campaign proper, which is headed by
former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana.
Other members of the fund raising committee have, however, not been named yet.
Members of the Declaration Committee include: Dr. Bello Halliru
Mohammed (Chairman) from Kebbi, Sen. Ken Namani (Deputy Chairman),
Enugu, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (Secretary), Ebonyi, Prof. Rufa'i Ahmed
Alkali (member), Gombe, Julius Imagwe - SSA - Youth (member), Edo, Dr.
Baraka Sani (SSA -NSAP) - Kano, (member).
Governors representing the six geographical zones include; Liyel
Imoke, Cross River (South South), Theodore Orji, Abia (South East),
Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo (South West), Dr. Mua'zu Babangida Aliyu Niger
(North Central), Ibrahim Shema, Katsina (North West) and Ibrahim
Dankwambo, Gombe (North East).
Representatives of the National Assembly are Sen. Hosea Agboola ,
(Oyo), Sen. Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Rep. Bitrus Kaze (Plateau) and
Rep. Salmas Badru (Ogun).
Members representing the Federal Executive Council include; Minister
of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Allison-Madueke (Bayelsa),
Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan (Osun),
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina (Adamawa), Minister of
Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Representatives of the PDP in the committee include: Deputy National
Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus (Rivers), Chairman, PDP Benue State,
Chief Emmanuel Agbo, (Benue) National Women Leader, Kema Chikwe (Imo)
and North West Zonal Chairman, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure (Jigawa).
Other members are Sen. Stella Omu (Delta), Sen. Walid Jibirn (BOT
Secretary, (Nasarawa), Ibrahim Bunu (Borno), Rev. Jolly Nyame
(Taraba), Sen. Aniette Okon (Akwa Ibom), Peter Obi (Anambra), Mrs.
Remi Adiuku Bakare (Lagos), and Gen. A. B. Mamman (PDP National Youth
Leader) - FCT.
Others appointed to the committee at the discretion of the president
were Barr. Halima Alfa (Kogi), Nigeria Ambassador to Netherland, Dr.
(Mrs.) Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi (Kwara), FCT ALGON Chairman, Hon. Micah
Yohanna Jiba (FCT) and Hon. Sam Ikon (Akwa Ibom).
--Vanguard
Court Sacks NFF Exco
The lingering crisis in the Glass House assumed a new dimension on
Thursday as a Federal High Court sitting in Jos set aside the election
of Mr. Amaju Pinnick as the chairman of the Nigeria Football
Federation.
Justice Ambrose Allagoa in a judgment said that the election was
conducted when there was a court injunction against it. He therefore
ordered that the status quo be maintained and that is that the
election that produced Chris Giwa as the NFF chairman should be
recognised.
Justice Allagoa said, "I have set aside all the proceedings and
decisions of the Warri Extra Ordinary meeting of the 20th September
and the Elective Congress of 30th September which were direct
contravention of the orders of this court as granted on the 19th
September."
Messrs Obinna Ogba and Yahaya Adamu of the Giwa-led faction had
dragged the immediate past Chairman of NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and
the NFF Secretary General, Musa Amadu, to court seeking for orders to
restrain Magari as the first defendant, the NFF as the second
defendant and Football Association as the third defendant from
conducting another election after the Giwa-led faction was elected.
But the Maigari-led board had on September 20 and September 30, 2014
held extraordinary congresses, which led to the election of the
Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick, as the new
NFF President.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Habila Adzard, expressed satisfaction
after the judgment. He said, "The judgment is clear. The learned judge
was categorical that the election was null and void because it was
conducted when there was an injunction against it and so Chris Giwa
remains the chairman of NFF.
Efforts to reach Giwa for comments on the judgment were unsuccessful
as his phone was switched off.
But in a swift reaction, the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football
Federation filed for appeal against the ruling which annulled the NFF
Elective Congress of 30th September, 2014.
The NFF lawyers said that the judge had given the order annulling the
elections despite a Preliminary Objection filed by the NFF challenging
the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.
NFF First Vice President, Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi said, "We have been
notified of the ruling of the court, which was made in spite of our
filing for a Preliminary Objection concerning the jurisdiction of the
court.
"However, our lawyers went to work immediately the order was made. We
are appealing the ruling and also filing for Stay of Execution of the
order."
--PUNCH
New York Records First Ebola Case
Spencer has tested positive for the deadly Ebola virus disease, making
him the first recorded case in America's largest city, New York and
the ninth in the country.
Despite widespread fear that the disease was spreading in the country,
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said residents were safe to travel
around the city, even as officials disclosed that Dr. Craig Spencer
had ridden subways, taken a taxi and visited a bowling alley since
returning from Guinea on Oct. 17.
Spencer had worked with the humanitarian organization - Doctors
Without Borders in Africa.
He first developed Ebola symptoms on Thursday morning and was taken
from his Manhattan apartment to isolation at Bellevue Hospital by a
team wearing protective gear, according to city officials. He had been
taking his temperature twice a day since coming home, said city Health
Commissioner Mary Travis Bassett.
Two friends and his fiancée have been quarantined, the Commissioner
disclosed, noting that all three were healthy. The taxi driver did not
come into close contact and was not considered at risk, she said.
Ebola has killed nearly 4,900 people, largely in Liberia, Sierra Leone
and Guinea.
Remi Oyo, Buried In Lagos
The immediate past Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs.
Remi Oyo, has been buried in Lagos.
Oyo, who was also Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former
President Olusegun Obasanjo, died on October 1 in the United Kingdom,
where she was undergoing treatment for a cancer-related ailment.
Remi Oyo, has been buried in Lagos.
Oyo, who was also Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former
President Olusegun Obasanjo, died on October 1 in the United Kingdom,
where she was undergoing treatment for a cancer-related ailment.
Sudanese Ambassador To Nigeria Dies In Abuja
The Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Tagelsir Ali, is dead, the
country's embassy confirmed on Friday in Abuja.
The Media Advisor to the embassy, Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman, told the
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Ali, 66, died at about 1a.m. on
Friday at the National Hospital, Abuja.
"He had malaria; there were some complications and he passed away
around 1 a.m. early this morning.
"There is a Presidential jet coming by 5 p.m. to take the remains to
Sudan for burial.
"He was 66 years old. He loved working in Nigeria and had zeal to
develop the bilateral relationship between Sudan and Nigeria and was
able to stretch himself very well," he said.
Abdulrahman said that the embassy had received many visitors since the
diplomat's demise was announced, adding that a condolence register had
been opened for him at the embassy.
Contacted, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Martin
Uhomoibhi, to NAN that the ministry was aware of the ambassador's
death.
Ali was posted to Nigeria in February, 2012.
country's embassy confirmed on Friday in Abuja.
The Media Advisor to the embassy, Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman, told the
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Ali, 66, died at about 1a.m. on
Friday at the National Hospital, Abuja.
"He had malaria; there were some complications and he passed away
around 1 a.m. early this morning.
"There is a Presidential jet coming by 5 p.m. to take the remains to
Sudan for burial.
"He was 66 years old. He loved working in Nigeria and had zeal to
develop the bilateral relationship between Sudan and Nigeria and was
able to stretch himself very well," he said.
Abdulrahman said that the embassy had received many visitors since the
diplomat's demise was announced, adding that a condolence register had
been opened for him at the embassy.
Contacted, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Martin
Uhomoibhi, to NAN that the ministry was aware of the ambassador's
death.
Ali was posted to Nigeria in February, 2012.
Thursday 23 October 2014
Gene May Shield Women From Cancer -- Study
About one-fifth of Hispanic women have a genetic variation that offers
significant protection against breast cancer risk, according to a new
study.
The genetic variant originates from native Americans and reduces
breast cancer risk by 40 per cent to 80 per cent, particularly the
more aggressive estrogen receptor-negative forms of the disease,
researchers said.
"The effect is quite significant," study senior author Dr. Elad Ziv, a
professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco,
said in a university news release.
"If you have one copy of this variant, which is the case for
approximately 20 per cent of US Latinas, you are about 40 per cent
less likely to have breast cancer. If you have two copies, which
occurs in approximately one per cent of the US. Latina population, the
reduction in risk is on the order of 80 per cent," Ziv explained.
The researchers pinpointed the genetic variant after analyzing DNA
from 3,140 breast cancer patients in the United States, Mexico and
Columbia, as well as from nearly 8,200 women without breast cancer in
those same countries.
The team also found that women with the genetic variant have breast
tissue that appears less dense on mammograms.
Breast tissue that appears more dense on a mammogram is a known risk
factor for breast cancer, according to the study published in
thejournal Nature Communications.
Hispanic women are at lower risk for breast cancer than women in other
ethnic groups. Lifetime risk of the disease is 13 per cent for whites,
11 per cent for blacks, and less than 10 per cent for Hispanics,
according to the US National Cancer Institute.
The risk is even lower for Hispanic women with native American ancestry.
The newly identified genetic variant is on chromosome 6, near a gene
that codes for an estrogen receptor called ESR1. Further research is
needed to determine how the genetic variant affects breast cancer
risk, the researchers said.
--New York Times
significant protection against breast cancer risk, according to a new
study.
The genetic variant originates from native Americans and reduces
breast cancer risk by 40 per cent to 80 per cent, particularly the
more aggressive estrogen receptor-negative forms of the disease,
researchers said.
"The effect is quite significant," study senior author Dr. Elad Ziv, a
professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco,
said in a university news release.
"If you have one copy of this variant, which is the case for
approximately 20 per cent of US Latinas, you are about 40 per cent
less likely to have breast cancer. If you have two copies, which
occurs in approximately one per cent of the US. Latina population, the
reduction in risk is on the order of 80 per cent," Ziv explained.
The researchers pinpointed the genetic variant after analyzing DNA
from 3,140 breast cancer patients in the United States, Mexico and
Columbia, as well as from nearly 8,200 women without breast cancer in
those same countries.
The team also found that women with the genetic variant have breast
tissue that appears less dense on mammograms.
Breast tissue that appears more dense on a mammogram is a known risk
factor for breast cancer, according to the study published in
thejournal Nature Communications.
Hispanic women are at lower risk for breast cancer than women in other
ethnic groups. Lifetime risk of the disease is 13 per cent for whites,
11 per cent for blacks, and less than 10 per cent for Hispanics,
according to the US National Cancer Institute.
The risk is even lower for Hispanic women with native American ancestry.
The newly identified genetic variant is on chromosome 6, near a gene
that codes for an estrogen receptor called ESR1. Further research is
needed to determine how the genetic variant affects breast cancer
risk, the researchers said.
--New York Times
Coffee May Protect The Liver
a large new study has found.
Researchers examined the coffee-drinking habits of 27,793 people who
filled out diet questionnaires in a large national health study from
1999 to 2010.
The scientists also tracked blood levels of four enzymes that indicate
liver function.
The study is in thejournal Hepatology.
More than 14,000 of the subjects drank coffee.
After controlling for age, sex, race, education, smoking, alcohol
consumption and other factors, the researchers found that compared
with people who drank no coffee, those who drank three cups a day were
about 25 per cent less likely to have abnormal liver enzyme levels.
Among the more than 2,000 who drank only decaffeinated coffee, the
results were similar.
The reason for the effect is unclear.
"There are more than a thousand compounds in coffee," said the lead
author, Dr. Qian Xiao, a cancer prevention fellow at the National
Cancer Institute.
"There are a few candidates, but I don't know which is responsible."
Should those who do not drink coffee start doing so?
"This is an observational study and not designed to determine cause
and effect," Xiao said.
"So based on this study, I wouldn't make any recommendations. But it
is reassurance that coffee and decaf are not harmful to liver
function."
--New York Times
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