FG Has Spent N10bn On 2nd Niger Bridge --Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan said the Federal Government has spent N10
billion on construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge out of the N130
billion total cost of the project.
The President disclosed this when he stopover at the project's site in
Asaba on Saturday on his way to PDP campaign in Onitsha, Anambra.

Jonathan said it was a big project being executed under a Public
Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

He said that now that it had taken off, its execution would go on
smoothly and uninterrupted through to 48 months completion period.

"So far, out of the N130 million total cost of the project, we have
spent about N10 billion.

"It is a big project and now that it has taking off, it will go on
smoothly through the 48 months completion time.

"The project is a PPP arrangement, I am quite impressed with what I
have seen", he said.

He added that most components required for the construction had been
procured and piling work had commenced.

Mr Mike Onolomemen, Minister of Works said a lot had been done since
the flag off of the project in March 2014.

Onolememen said the contracting firm, Julius Berger Nigeria, was
engaged because of its antecedents, adding that almost all the
procurements for the construction of the bridge were imported.

According to him, works are in progress with the piles being driven
into the ground and dredging going on along the River Niger.

"For us, it is a thing of joy and certainly before the next raining
season, a lot of piles would have been driven in. No doubt,
development of infrastructure takes a long time."

Mr Detler Lubasch, Managing Director, Julius Berger, said work on the
project would be sustained.

Lubasch said the project would be of enormous social and economic
benefits and significance to the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President was
accompanied to the project site by former Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra,
among other dignitaries.
--(NAN)

Owerri PDP Rally: Jonathan Pledges More Empowerment For Youths

President Goodluck Jonathan says his second term in office will be to
empower and encourage more youths to be great leaders through
youth-oriented programmes.

Jonathan made the promise at the campaign of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Saturday.

He said his administration recognised the creative ability of the
youths, especially in sports and the entertainment industry, which
must be encouraged and appreciated.

"We recognise the creative attributes of our young people which must
be appreciated through grants and other supports.

"The YouWIN and agricultural programmes of this administration are all
geared towards making our talented youths young millionaires", he
said.

He said his administration also recognised the value of education in
preparing the youths for the future hence had established 12
conventional and two specialised universities in the last six years.

"Our aim is to prepare the young people for their future roles as
leaders in sports, education, and in the entertainment industry", he
said.

The President said his government would continue to carry Nigerian
women along and ensure that they were projected to the outside world.

He promised to do this by boosting the office of the first lady and
giving more support to women empowerment programmes.

"It is not enough to just give ministerial appointments; my
administration is focused now on projecting Nigerian women to the
international limelight", he said.

Jonathan said through TETFund and Sure-P, his administration had
initiated and completed major projects in Imo.

He called on Imo sons and daughters to vote massively for PDP in all
the political positions.

National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, stressed the
commitment of the party to youth development.

Muazu noted that Jonathan's administration was result-oriented and
called on all Imo residents to support the party in the senatorial,
representatives, gubernatorial and presidential elections.

The Director General of the Presidential Campaign organisation, Sen.
Ahmadu Ali, urged Imo people to collect their Permanent Voter Cards
and support the party in the upcoming elections.

Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia and the South East Zonal campaign
coordinator of the presidential campaign, commended the Imo people for
coming out in their numbers to honour the president.

He urged them to vote massively for the party and for Jonathan who he
said had interest of the Igbo's at heart.

Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of
Representatives and PDP governorship candidate in Imo, said the state
had complete faith in the party and would continue to support it.

He promised to reinstate the displaced beneficiaries of the 10,000
jobs created by the former Governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim,
if elected.

Ihedioha held that a great number of the youths had been rendered
jobless with the cancellation of the scheme.

He also promised to revive vocational schools in the state to
encourage youths self-employment.

The gubernatorial candidate said his administration would give
qualitative and free education in collaboration with the Universal
Basic Education programme of the Federal Government.

Ihedioha also promised to improve the health sector in the state,
promising free health care for pregnant women.

He thanked the president for dualisation of the Owerri/Aba Road and
prayed for its completion as soon as possible.

National Woman Leader of the party, Mrs Kema Chikwe called on Imo
women to support the PDP as it had always recognised and appreciated
the contributions of women to national development.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the party's flag to
the gubernatorial candidate of the party, Ihedioha.

Also present at the rally were former Super Eagles star, Mr Kanu
Nwankwo and Mr Joseph Yobo, who added colour to the rally as well as
other PDP political big wigs.
--(NAN)

At Least 5000 APGA Members In Imo Defect To PDP

Over 5000 members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in
Orlu Local Government Area in Imo State have defected to the people's
Democratic Party (PDP).

At a rally held to receive the defectors at Saint Mary Primary school
ground in Orlu town, the chairman of the PDP in the state, Mr Nnamdi
Anyahie and other stalwarts of the party said the development was an
indicator that "Imo State is predominantly a PDP state".

They believe the defection would also boost the morale of the party in
winning elections at all levels in the state come February.

Mr Anyahie maintained that the PDP in the state had put all strategies
in place to claim the Governorship seat in the state in the coming
elections.

"That is the main reason why members of other parties are identifying
with the PDP," he said.

The incumbent Governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, is a member of
the All Progressives Congress but was elected on the platform of the
APGA. He had already started a statewide campaign to seek indigenes
support in the governorship election.

He defected to the APC in 2013 along with some other governors that
were members of the Peoples Democratic Party.

At a campaign rally on Saturday Governor Okorocha maintained that he
remained a candidate to beat in the governorship election that will
hold in February, as his good record of performance in the last three
and a half years remained a landmark achievement in the history of
governance in the state.

He promised that if elected into office for the second time, apart
from consolidating the existing programmes, he would provide more
industries, factories and job opportunities for the people of the
state.

At a campaign rally held in Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area,
the Governor rolled out his agenda for his second term in office if
elected.
--ChannelsTV

Buhari's Wife Will Vote For Jonathan --Obasi

As a father of five daughters, whenever I think of Muhammadu Buhari,
what comes to my mind is a regime that was completely insensitive to
the feminine gender.

First of all, Muhammadu Buhari had an all male cabinet at the very
time when the world had very good examples of the sterling nature of
females in power including the Iron Lady herself, Mrs. Margaret
Thatcher of The United Kingdom and the phenomenal Indira Gandhi of
India.

Does it mean that neither of these women could inspire Buhari to have
included even one woman in his cabinet?

All his ministers and advisers, his Military Governors and the
ambassadors he appointed were men!

And to rub salt to injury, Buhari is promising to close down the
office of the First Lady if he is elected! In the year 2015! Are we
moving forward or backward?

President Jonathan has been campaigning and everybody sees his wife by
his side. If I may ask, where was Mrs. Buhari until recently presented
for political purposes?

Is she wrapped up in seclusion somewhere? Does her complete isolation
from the public personae and campaigns of her husband not indicate
that he still does not think that women have a role to play in
government even if if is ceremonial?

And nobody should tell me that it is unislamic to honour your wife
with a visible place by your side.
Is Buhari more Muslim than the people of Indonesia who elected a woman
to head their government in the person of Megawati Sukarnoputri?

Is Buhari more Muslim than the people of Pakistan who elected a woman
to lead them in the person of the late Benazir Bhutto?

I deliberately cited Indonesia and Pakistan because they are the
largest and second largest Muslim nations in the world with deep
Islamic traditions that date back to centuries.

If these nations can entrust women with political power at the highest
levels, why should Buhari tend to put women in the background?

I dare say that it has not escaped the attention of Mrs. Buhari that
President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed more women into his cabinet
and into other high positions than any other government before his.

Again, I suspect that Mrs. Buhari is not unaware of the respect and
recognition which the President accords his wife, Dame Patience
Jonathan.

Seeing how a secure man treats his wife and seeing how she has been
relegated not just to the background, but to obscurity, I have a
strong feeling that Mrs. Buhari will not vote for her husband.
Methinks President Jonathan would score an unexpected vote from the
Buhari household.

I mean, take a look at the campaign rallies of the All Progressive
Congress. How many women do we see in prominent positions? Not many or
not at all.

Look at the report we are reading from Taraba. On Christmas Day, we
were awaken with the headline 'Taraba: Buhari rejects female APC guber
candidate'.

From the story, we understand that General Buhari was not comfortable
with the candidacy of Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan who made history as
the first woman to win a gubernatorial ticket on a major party and
with a landslide at that.

As a former gubernatorial candidate, I know what it takes to win a
party primary for the gubernatorial ticket. It is a heavy weight fight
in which the winner must defeat several heavy weights.

After Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan performed this feat, instead of
being congratulated, she met with rejection from Buhari. It only goes
to show how deep seated his prejudices against women is.

If there were ever any doubts as to the role Buhari expects from women
that story wipes it away.

If the women of Nigeria want to undo whatever gains they have made in
the last four years where they have had 12 women appointed as
ministers, in which they finally had entry into the Nigerian Defense
Academy courtesy of an Executive Order issued by President Jonathan
and the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria appointed under
President Jonathan, they may go ahead and vote for Buhari.

But before they do so, they better ask their husbands to buy air
conditioners for their kitchens because they may be spending the next
four years there.

Chief(Dr.) Obasi Akpa Obasi is a former Gubernatorial candidate of the
Action Congress in Ebonyi state.
--Vanguard

Rivers: Wike, Others Escape Death As Unknown Gunmen Disrupt Campaign Rally

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers
State, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike yesterday escaped death as unknown
gunmen shot sporadically to disrupt the party's campaign rally at Abua
Central in Abua/Odual local government area of the state.

Wike, and other leaders of the PDP in the state, including his running
mate, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Banigo, were not hurt in the gun attack that
lasted for more than 45 minutes, as they were still at the palace of
the traditional ruler of Abua, King Kaleh Obunge, when the incident
occurred.

Also in his entourage were the state PDP chairman, Chief Felix Obuah;
the executive director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Henry Ogiri; a member of the House
of Representatives, Mrs Betty Apiafi, and the party's candidate for
Rivers West senatorial district, Hon. Osinakachukwu Ideozu.

However, when the sound of guns died down, supporters of the party who
had earlier fled the venue of the campaign rally as a result of the
sporadic shooting return, and the event commenced in earnest.

Speaking at the rally, Wike assured the people of Abua/Odual local
government area that he would resolve the insecurity that has engulfed
the area, saying that the party believes in non-violence and would not
be intimidated by violence being perpetrated by members of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) and their associates.

He said, "We believe in non violence in our quest to take over
governance of Rivers State. This level of violence will not be allowed
to continue. The people of Rivers State have resolved to vote out this
outgoing administration and all her associates. That they have
resorted to violence indicates that they are aware that they have lost
the election."

In his speech, Ogiri who is also PDP leader in the state, said all
leaders will work towards the peace of the area, adding that no amount
of violence will intimidate the people of Abua/Odual local government
area.

He said, "We will not be intimidated by any acts of violence. We are
heading to victory. This is a PDP local government area. We are
committed to peace building. There is a APC in Abua/Odual LGA. Our
people have benefited from the PDP and they will vote PDP."
--Leadership

SEE Buhari's Reaction After His Daughter Zahra "Breaks The Internet"

APC Presidential candidate's daughter, Zahra "Break the Internet"
early this week. She got over 10000 proposals from Nigerian youths on
social media.

Buhari took to twitter to share a pic of him and his team laughing
over the issue(above).
--GistReel

I Don't Trust Politicians They Are Bloody Liars --Pastor Adeboye

When speaking during a two-day interdenominational prayer event in
Obafemi Awolowo University, The Redeemed Christian Church Of God
General Overseer, PastorE.A Adeboyesaid he doesn't trust politicians
and that they are liars.

In his words, "I don't trust politicians. Politicians are liars. They
don't fulfil most of their promises. A politician can tell you that
they will give all of you (students) chicken each, which we all know
it is impossible."

Pastor urged Nigerians not to bother themselves about who will win the
2015 elections because God has already planned that before we were
born.

"God has already planned who will be the President of Nigeria. God has
already planned that before we were born. God is not like human beings
who doubt what is to be done. He has plan for everything."
--GistReel

I Will Lose Millions Of Naira If I Cancel My Show Because of Election --Basketmouth

In a recent interview with Saturday Beats, popular
comedian,Basketmouthsaid it's not possible for him to cancel his show
because of election.

He said the event date has been planned beforeINECreleased their
election date. And that if he cancels the show, he will lose millions
of Naira.

Basketmouth said"This has been an annual show in the last six years.
It is a franchise and it holds every Valentine's Day in the UK
regardless of the day it falls on. It has been happening for the past
six years and the venue has been booked long ago. The tickets have
been on sale long before it was announced that elections would hold on
that day.

Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it because everything is
ready and I have to go on with my show. The people talking about it
apparently do not know that it is a franchise that has been on for
about six years. I cannot cancel the show because of elections,"

Basketmouth said few people who raised the issue are Nigerians who
reside in abroad, and that if he's in the country, he will definitely
vote.

"If about thirty people that are probably in London and would not vote
comment on my page; that does not mean that my whole fans are upset
with me. Truth be told, if they are talking about fans' comments, I
would like to see about three million comments from different people
to show that they are unhappy. If you check well, those people that
are commenting are not in the country. They are probably somewhere
trying to get their permanent resident permits. I have no reason not
to vote; I am a proud Nigerian,"
--GistReel

Jonathan Campaigns In Imo Today, Commissions N5b Silo Project

President Goodluck Jonathan would today inaugurate the 5 billion naira
silo project located in Okigwe, Imo State as part of his campaign
programme in the state.

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, had earlier
disclosed that the project would begin operation later in the year.

Also receiving members of the Association of Motorcycles and Tricycles
Transporters, Imo State, AMTT, led by its chairman, Mr. Christopher
Egwuasi, the minister appealed to some artisans and over 5,000 women
resident in Imo, to give President Jonathan total support in the
coming presidential polls.

She said that contrary to the views of opposition, the Federal
Government, through President Jonathan's administration had completed
the construction of the N5 billion silos investment which would enable
the farmers in the state and neighbouring states of Abia, Enugu, Cross
Rivers, Rivers, Eboyin and Anambra to preserve their grains and cereal
from one farming season to the other.

Meanwhile, the campaign visit of the president would today take place
at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The South East Coordinator of the campaign, Chief Achike Udenwa, the
Publicity Sub -committee Chairman, Chief Innocent Oparadike, among
others had been working round to beautify the environment and major
areas in the city in preparation to receive the president.

Onwuliri, accompanied by the Nigeria's Ambassador to Hungary, Dr.
Eddie Oluoha, a chieftain of the PDP, Marshal Okoroafor- Anyanwu,
among others, commended the AMTT members for endorsing the president,
promising to end the alleged attack of the group by a agents of the
Imo State Government.

The Minister promised that the Federal Government would wade into the
incessant harassment of their members just as their social needs would
be attended to.

"The Federal Government has put into Imo University in the last one
year, N6billion. We have today established a relationship between her
and the AMTT," she said.

Egwuasi, had presented a plaque to Jonathan, through Onwuliri,
decrying the harassment, detention and unacceptable humiliation by the
Imo State Government officials.
--vofnImo

Buhari Not Qualified To Contest Presidential Election --Ozekhome

Constitutional Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, yesterday said that
the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
General Muhammadu Buhari was not qualified to contest for the
election.

Speaking on the Africa Independent Television (AIT)'s Kakaaki
programme, the lawyer said Buhari cannot contest the election
following his alleged failure to present to the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), his minimum requirements to participate
in the election.

Ozekhome asserted that the APC presidential candidate did not comply
with the provisions of the electoral law in filling the nomination
form he submitted to INEC. "I know that Nigerians would be curious why
is this matter just coming up for the first time and that after all
this man has contested the last three Presidential elections."

INEC has released the names of the 14 presidential candidates it said
it had cleared for the election, including Buhari. So far, INEC has
made no statement in defence of Buhari, who the body agreed his
credentials checked out by clearing him for the election.

Mercy Johnson Declared Wanted By Police

Don't get it twisted, this isn't a situation from one of her Nollywood
movie, this is for real.

The veteran Nollywood actress is allegedly wanted by the Nigerian
Police for over N2 Million Unfinished Movie Debt.

A movie Marketer, Film Mark Productions accused Mercy Johnson of
running off with over two million Naira, paid to her for a role in a
movie.

According to reports, the actress, Mercy Johnson was paid by the
marketer March last year to star in his movie that kicked-off
production in April, but she abandoned the production after few days
and featuring in just few scenes.

The filmmaker claim Mercy's excuse for leaving the movie set was for
her to go spend the Easter holidays with her family and will return
after a day or two, but never returned again till date.

The filmmaker claims they had to continue paying hotel bills for an
extra 33 days, because she kept giving them hopes that she would
return to the movie set.

After several weeks of not returning, they heard she was pregnant with
her second child and had jetted off to the US to stay out her
remaining trimester's before giving birth.

Immediately the Filmmaker heard the rumour of her pregnancy with her
second child, he reported the case to the Police and Mercy was
declared wanted.

He insisted that he wanted his money to hire another artiste to
continue with his job.

Mercy johnson has not returned to Nigeria from America where she
welcomed her second child several months ago.
--infonaija

OCDA Tear Down Jonathan's Billboard In Owerri

This morning, the Owerri Capital Development Authority, OCDA, tore
President Jonathan's bill board in Owerri around Concord Avenue by
Civic Center estate.

They said they were working on instruction. GEJ is reportedly due to
be in the state tomorrow.

Could this be a message sent to President Goodluck?
--vofnImo

Cristiano Ronaldo Dumps Model Girlfriend After She Snubbed Mum's Birthday Party

Cristiano Ronaldo dumped his model girlfriend - after she apparently
refused to attend a surprise birthday celebration for his mum.

The football superstar, 29,spent New Year's Eve alone with his son
when Irina Shayk decided not to attend the 60th birthday party, it was
claimed today .

The couple rowed and the former Manchester United star - this week
voted the best player in the world - decided to end his romance with
the Russian beauty.

Her relationship with his mum Dolores Aveiro and sisters Elma and
Katia was at the centre of tensions, according to reports in Portugal.

Irina, 29, sparked speculation after she stopped followingthe Real
Madrid star on Twitter.

She also chose not to attend the Fifa Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich
on Monday when he was named the best player in the world.

Her boyfriend of nearly five years was joined on stage by his
four-year-old son Cristiano Jr and Dolores.

He thanked his family, teammates and supporters but made no mention of Irina.

A source said: "Dolores wanted someone who would assume the role of
mum for Cristiano Jr.

"That was not a priority for Irina."
Irina and Cristiano, who met on an Armani photo-shoot, have yet to
comment officially.

Her PR claimed the model did not attend the Ballon d'Or because she
had other commitments.
--mirror.co.uk

Saudi Arabia Postpones Public Flogging Of Blogger, Raif Badawi

Saudi Arabia has postponed the public flogging of Raif Badawi on
medical grounds. The blogger c*m activist, who founded the now-closed
online forum, Liberal Saudi Network, was due to receive 50 lashes in
public after Friday prayers. BBCreports:

Last May he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for
"insulting Islam" and disobedience.

Mr Badawi received the first round of lashes last Friday, prompting
international outcry. The Gulf kingdom offered no response to the
protests.

Saudi Arabia is yet to comment on the health of Raif Badawi or the
postponement of his punishment.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International said in a statement
that Mr Badawi was examined by a doctor who felt his wounds had not
yet healed and that he would not be able to stand another beating.

The doctor recommended that the flogging be postponed until next week,
Amnesty added.
--infonaija

DHQ Call CNN Report About Nigerian Soldiers Satanic

Hours after the exclusive interview with the Nigerian soldiers over
Boko Haram insurgency was published by CNN, the military officials
accused the famous edition of fabricating stories.

Nic Robertson, the CNN journalist, travelled to Jos to learn more
about the condition of the Nigerian military fighting the deadly sect
in the North-East.

The report starts as follows:
"Eventually we meet. Hidden in a tiny store, he dares spend only a few
minutes with us, wants anonymity, he is not authorized to talk. He is
telling the side of the war we never hear, what it's like to be a
soldier fighting Boko Haram."

The soldier narrates that he has to buy the kits, the uniform by
himself, following which we see shocked Nic shaking his head.

The interviewer adds that there are "many more stories" provided by
the soldiers involved in counter-terrorism operations.

One of the soldiers shows the correspondent his medical papers and
says that Boko Haram is "bigger" and better armed.

He had spend 3 days in a long run from the insurgents before reaching
his base. According to the soldier, the army is not paying for the
drugs even if their people get injured.

When asked about why the Nigerian government would not provide a
better ammunition to them, the first interviewed soldier responded
that the problem was about corruption.

Nigerian Military React
The Defence Headquarters were outraged by the reportage and took to
social media to dismiss the information. See their public response
below:

"ON THE ORCHESTRATED CNN REPORT ON A PURPORTED INTERVIEW WITH A SOLDIER

The Federal Government and the Military Leadership are concerned,
committed and focused on the ongoing fight against terror. The
orchestrated blackmail propaganda by entrenched interests as clearly
illustrated by the ultra-biased CNN report will not deter the
Military.

If it is true that a Nigerian Soldier will willfully go against the
rules by speaking without due authorization and misinform the foreign
media, then it indicates how deeply committed and how far the interest
of these enemies of Nigeria and humanity have gone in trying to
undermine and destroy the Military.

The motive of this satanic CNN report should be of concern to all
patriots and Nigeria's well wishers. We believe that appropriate
security agencies will also work on the root of this blackmail against
the nation. The fight is not for the Military alone."

Meanwhile yesterday, January 15, Nigeria marked the Armed Forces
Remembrance Day. President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned a monument
in Abuja in commemoration of military men and women who lost there
lives in the North East .

INEC Uncovers Fake Voter Register In Imo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State has
uncovered a fake voter register with the commission's emblem that has
compilation of voters for next month's election in the state.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Gabriel
Ada, who displayed the fake register while briefing newsmen in his
office yesterday said that the fake voter register which bears a name
of a group identified as 'Imo Patriotic Front' was discovered from
the field by officials of the commission.

He however allayed fears that the motive behind the compilation of the
names of the voters in such fake booklet using INEC emblem might be
for manipulation of the electoral process during the forthcoming
elections in the state.

He said: "People have started producing fake materials with INEC
emblem and the commission will not allow it."

While condemning the act, Ada said that already security agencies in
the state have been fully informed about the development.

He hinted that Orsu Local Government Area and about 31 registration
units in 11 local government councils would not be among the wards
that would receive their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) during the
exercise which began yesterday.

He assured that the listed registration areas would have their turn
immediately after the ongoing distribution.
--vofnImo

Bird Flu Hits Lagos, Kano

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Thursday
announced that there had been unusual high mortality in two poultry
farms and live bird markets in Kano and Lagos states.

The ministry said the bird's blood samples forwarded to the National
Veterinary Research Institute tested positive for H5 Strain of Avian
Influenza virus, otherwise known as bird flu, adding that another
confirmatory samples were sent to the International Reference
Laboratory in Padova, Italy for further characterisation.

Avian influenza, known informally as Avian flu or bird flu, refers to
influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds. Influenza, commonly
known as 'flu' is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus.

The ministry, in a statement, noted that it had taken some measures in
the affected sites to contain the reported outbreaks.

FMARD said it had quarantined the infected premises and placed
restriction of movement on poultry and poultry products into and out
of areas around infected premises.

It said, "All state Directors of Veterinary Services and the Federal
Capital Territory, Poultry Association of Nigeria and other
stakeholders have been informed and advised to be on alert with
intensified bio-security measures to avert possible spread of the
disease to other states.

"The World Organisation for Animal Health and Inter African Bureau for
Animal Resource and development partners have been appropriately
notified in compliance with our statutory international obligations."

It added that it had ensured immediate reactivation of all animal
health components of the Emergency Preparedness Plan on bird flu for
Nigeria, adding that the conduct of surveillance activities around
infected areas to determine the level of spread of the disease were
being undertaken.

FMARD said, "All stakeholders in the poultry industry are urged to
enhance hygienic practices (bio-security measures) which include but
not limited to regular disinfection, proper disposal of dead carcasses
and poultry products and timely reporting of mortalities in poultry
and other bird species to veterinary authorities.

"We wish to assure the public that given our experiences in handling
previous outbreaks and with your full cooperation in the
implementation of containment measures, we are determined to contain
this disease again within a short time. We will keep you informed as
events unfold."

A veterinary doctor, Dr. Femi Oboye, said government must embark on a
massive vaccination of birds at poultry farms across the country.
--PUNCH.

Guards Shield Jonathan As Soldier Fiddles With Rifle

A member of the elite Guards Brigade caused a minor stir during the
wreath laying ceremony for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day
Celebrations by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Thursday.

The guard, who was part of the two columns of soldiers drafted to
form the firing party for the event, was seen fidgeting with his gun
which got stuck in the back of his belt.

In the process, the nozzle of the gun lowered, prompting two
members of the Presidential Guard, who were standing behind the
President's Aide-de-Camp, who felt he had a negative intention, to
form a human shield around the President.

Another officer, believed to be a member of the Presidential Guard,
quickly moved to pull the soldier from the column, but had a rethink
after explanations by the soldier about his problem.

The Presidential Guard then assisted the soldier to release the rope
attached to the butt of the gun from his uniform.

However, the President, who was in the middle of the two rows of the
firing party in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, was not
ruffled by the incident .

After the stir which occurred on the third and last round of the
shooting of the 21-gun salute later, Jonathan freed the traditional
white pigeons from a huge cage at the cenotaph.

He later signed the 2015 Register for celebrations.

It was learnt that the bullets usually used for the traditional
military ceremony are blank bullets which lack the capacity to inflict
injuries.

PUNCH correspondent also gathered that the officers in charge of the
ceremony normally embarked on a holistic weeding process and
psychological screening of those to take part in that aspect of the
ceremony.

The event which held at the cenotaph opposite the Eagle Square at the
Central Area, was attended by the top echelons of the security forces
and government officials.

Among those who also laid wreaths were Vice-President Namadi Sambo;
the President of the Senate, David Mark; and the Deputy
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, who
represented the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.

Others were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed; the
Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau; the Chief of Defence Staff, Air
Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth
Minimah; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Usman Jibrin; the
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu; the Doyen of the
Diplomatic community and the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Micah
Gayya.

Security personnel conducted painstaking searches on workers whose
offices are located in the three-arms zone before allowing them in.

The security operatives locked down the two major roads in the
Three-Arms Zone - Ahmadu Bello and Shehu Shagari ways - to prevent
vehicles from passing through the cenotaph while the event lasted.

A planned protest by the Ex-Service men Welfare Association did not
take place as the event held smoothly without any interruption or
disruption.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Committee set up to review the National
Defence Policy has concluded arrangements to hold public presentations
in three states.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mohammed Umaru, said during a press
briefing in Abuja on Thursday, that the event scheduled for Lagos,
Kaduna and Enugu, would hold simultaneously from January 21 to 22 .

Umaru said that the decision to open public hearing on NDP was
informed by a need to have many Nigerians contribute to the
policy.

Jonathan had inaugurated the committee on November 20, 2014 to review
the policy because of the social, economic and security changes that
have taken place in the country.

He said that external developments and challenges in the global arena
had direct impact on the nation's security and national defence.
--PUNCH.

Jonathan Visits Maiduguri

President Goodluck Jonathan has just landed in Maiduguri Airport in a
surprise visit to the hotbed of Boko Haram's insugency which has
claimed thousands of lives.

The Chief of Defense staff, Air Vice Marshall Alex Badeh and National
Security adviser, Sambo Dasuki arrived the airport in a separate
aircraft.

Governor Kashim Shettima arrived the airport to receive the president.
--Dailytrust

Wilfried Bony Becomes Most 'Expensive' African Player In History With £28m Move To Man City

Wilfried Bony moved from Swansea city to Manchester City in a deal
that worth up to 28 million pounds, making him one of the expensive
African footballers in history.

The Ivorian international signed a four and a half-year deal with
City, that would keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2019.

"It's a great feeling for me, it's a big honour to be here and it's a
great challenge,"he said on signing with the Manchester based club.

Bony, who was the Premier League top scorer in 2014, would wear the
number 14 shirt.

Most expensive African footballers

Wilfried Bony, Swansea to Man City (2015) - £25m rising to £28m

Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal to Man City (2009) - £25m

Michael Essien, Lyon to Chelsea (2005) - £24.4m

Yaya Toure, Barcelona to Man City (2010) - £24m

Didier Drogba, Marseille to Chelsea (2004) - £24m (reported)

--GistReel

Dr Sid is The Reason Why I Dumped Don Jazzy --D'Banj Reveals

Many believed that Don Jazzy and Dbanj broke up because of the deal
Dbanj signed withKanye West Good Music. But with this new reports, it
shows that Good Music has nothing to do with the group falling out.

Popular and award winning entertainer, Dbanj a.k.a Banga Lee was
interviewed byOlisaon "The Truth" show. Olisa asked Banga Lee why he
broke up with Don Jazzy.

Dbanj said "If I will be truthful, it would be Dr Sid"
--GistReel

Snoop Dogg Named Most Active Celebrity On Instagram

Snoop Dogg has been revealed as the most active celebrity user of
photosharingapp Instagram.
According to data compiled by addiction
websiteAddiction-Treatment.com, the 43-year-old has postedmore
imagesthan any other famous person currently using the app, including
selfie queens Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton.

He was also revealed to have posted more references to drugs and
alcohol than any other celebrity, with fellow rapper P. Diddy coming a
close second.
--infonaija

Pope Francis Arrives In Philippines On Asia Tour

Pope Francis has arrived in the Philippines for a five-day visit to
the nation's 80 million Roman Catholics.

He was met at Manila airport by President Benigno Aquino while church
bells tolled nationwide to welcome him.

The highlight of the Pope's visit will be a huge open air Mass in
Manila on Sunday and a visit to Tacloban to meet survivors of a
devastating typhoon in November 2013.

Security will be tight after failed attempts to kill two previous Popes.

Tens of thousands of soldiers and police have been deployed.

Pope Francis, the fourth pontiff to visit the Philippines, travelled
from Sri Lanka, where he called for unity in the conflict-hit nation
and canonised its first saint.

Most of the Philippine population is Roman Catholic

Eighty percent of the Philippines' 100 million people are Catholic.
Huge crowds are expected at each stage of the visit - hundreds of
thousands of people are lining his route from the airport.

A three-day public holiday has been declared in the capital to clear
the traffic.

"Every step he makes, every car ride he takes, every moment he stays
with us is precious for us," said Archbishop Socrates Villegas,
president of Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. "Seeing
him pass by is a grace."

Pope Francis's Philippines schedule

*.Thursday - arrives in Manila

*.Friday - meets President Benigno Aquino and celebrates Mass in
Manila Cathedral

*.Saturday - heads to Tacloban, to celebrate Mass and have lunch with
survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Returns to Manila that evening.

*.Sunday - morning meeting with representatives of various religions
and with young people, before celebrating Mass for up to six million
people in Rizal Park

Dancing inmates and Jeepney "Popemobile" ready for Francis

Pope Francis will spend one day in Tacloban, where more than 6,000
people were killed by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The area is still
rebuilding from the massive storm.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, said he expected
the Pope to deliver a message on climate change - to which some
experts have partly attributed the storm.

Asked whether the Pope would address issues such as inequality,
reproductive rights and divorce, he said: "His ministry is not to
invent new teachings but he is quite sensitive - he wants to bridge
the teachings of the Church with the new realities that we are
facing."
--BBC

Victor Moses Goal Celebration Makes Top 10 Of All Time

Nigeria Super Eagles striker, Victor Moses has made history in a
remarkable fashion.

Featuring in UK tabloid; Daily Mail list of the Top 10 shirtless goal
celebrations in the world of football, the Chelsea player (on loan to
Stoke) came in the number 8 spot on the log.

In the list released on January 12, 2015, Super Eagles of Nigeria and
Chelsea striker, Victor Moses is featured along with a host of other
football stars.

The striker was listed as number 8 on the list, with Cristiano Ronaldo
leading the way, followed by Mario Balotelli, Hulk, David Ginola,
Carlos Tevez, George Elokobi, Edin Dzeko, Alexi Sanchez and now
retired Ryan Giggs....

Victor Moses who currently plies his trade at Stoke city has been
sidelined with a thigh injury he sustained at the beginning of the
2014/2015 season but will be back for his team this week.

The Stoke City player will not feature in his first competitive
football game in 2015 when his side square up against Leicester City
this weekend.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com /361640-victor-moses-
goal-celebration-makes- top-10-of-all-time.html

Elections: Jonathan, Buhari, Sonaiya, Others Sign Non-Violence Undertaking

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Goodluck
Jonathan, Mohammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and
twelve other presidential candidates for the February 14 election have
signed an undertaking to make the poll violence free.

The letters and the spirit of the undertaking otherwise called "Abuja
Accord" by the organizers of the event tilted "2015 General Elections:
Sensitization workshop on Non-Violence" essentially barred the
contestants in the election from making incisive speeches that could
cause the eruption of violence before, during and after the elections.

The accord read: "We, the undersigned Presidential candidates of the
under-listed political parties contesting in the General Elections of
2015;

"Desirous of taking proactive measures to prevent electoral violence
before, during and after the elections;

"Anxious about the maintenance of a peaceful environment for the 2015
general elections;

"Reaffirming our commitment to the constitution of the federal
Republic of Nigeria; Desirous of sustaining and promoting the unity
and corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity;

"Determined to avoid any conduct or behavior that the will endanger
the political stability and national security of Nigeria;

"Determined to place national interest above personal and partisan
concerns; and Reaffirm our commitment to fully abide by all rules and
regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in
Nigeria hereby commit ourselves and our party to the following:

*To run issue based campaigns at national, state and local governments
levels; in this, we pledge to refrain from campaigns that will involve
religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both ourselves and
agents acting in our names;

*To refrain from making, or causing to make our names or that of of
our party, any public statements, pronouncements, declarations or
speeches that have the capacity to incite any form or violence,
before, during and after the elections;

*To commit ourselves and political parties to the monitoring of the
adherence to this accord by a national peace committee made up of
respected statesmen and women, traditional and religious leaders;

*All institutions of government including INEC and security agencies
must act and be seen to act with impartiality; and

*To forcefully and publicly speak out against provocative utterances
and oppose all acts of electoral violence whether perpetrated by our
supporters and/or opponents."

Other candidates include, Tunde Anifowose Kelani of Action Alliance
(AA) Dr. Rafiu Salau of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Ganiyu Galadima
of Alliance Congress (AC), Alh. Mani Ibrahim Ahemad of ADC, Chief Sam
Eke of Citizens Popular Party (CPP) Ambros Albert Oworu of Hope Party,
Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya of KOWA party and Chief Chekwas Okorie of Unity
Progressive Party (UPP).
--infonaija

Explosion Rocks PPA Secretariat In Abia

An explosion suspected to be a bomb blast has rocked the secretariat
of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) along Warri Street, Umuahia,
Abia State resulting in an inferno, which could have consumed the
entire building but for the intervention of petty traders who broke
the gate of the facility to put out the raging fire.

The fire was said to have started when an unknown assailant threw two
four-litre paint containers into the premises of the building. The
containers were said to have gone off with a deafening explosion.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) in Abia
State, Prince Emeka Okafor, has told newsmen that Abia State
Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) masterminded the
explosion.

Okafor, who spoke to journalists on the development in his office
yesterday, said the incident was not the first in his party's
secretariat.

He alleged that the first time the office was attacked, PPA's
personnel were attacked and property worth millions of naira
destroyed.

"We suspect our landlord, the Abia State Government and PDP; they
destroyed our party office in Umuokpara, we reported the matter to the
police and nothing happened. They went about the city of Umuahia
saying PPA was dead; they even placed a coffin at the secretariat.
They have destroyed our posters and billboards in Aba.

"We don't know what we have done to Abia State Government, yet it was
our party that produced the incumbent governor; they are sending death
threats to us daily but I am happy they are not gods. The fact that we
are peaceful does not mean we are cowards.

"They should remember that there is freedom of association, worship
and expression, they are trying to show that they are lawless and
tyrants while claiming to be democrats," he said.
--DailySun

N'Assembly To Pass Budget After Presidential Election

The National Assembly has dashed hopes of an early passage of the 2015
budget as it adjourned till February 17.

Members, who returned to the two chambers of the assembly on
Wednesday after Christmas and New Year holidays okayed the second
reading of N4.36tn in their respective chambers but referred further
deliberations on it to their committees on Finance and Appropriations.

Shortly after giving the task to the committees, the Deputy Senate
President, Ike Ekweremadu, and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, adjourned.

The action, it was learnt, was to enable members to go to their
respective states to galvanise support for respective political
parties ahead of the February 14 presidential election.

In the House where the action was first taken, members resolved that
their Joint Committee on Appropriations/Finance should invite the
Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the Director-General
of the Budget Office of the Federation, Bright Okogu, for discussion
on a realistic oil benchmark for the budget.

The Committee on Appropriations is chaired by a Peoples Democratic
Party lawmaker, John Enoh, while an All Progressives Congress
member, Abdulmumin Jibrin, heads the Committee on Finance.

They collectively agreed that plummeting oil prices could only mean a
slash in the Federal Government proposed benchmark of $65 per barrel
of crude.

President Goodluck Jonathan officially submitted $65 per barrel as the
oil benchmark for the budget on December 17.

The $65 was a cut down from the $78 he initially proposed for the
budget in the first Medium Term Expenditure Framework sent to the
National Assembly for 2015-2017.

But, between December 17 and Wednesday, global oil prices further
crashed to around $46, causing anxiety in oil dependent countries,
including Nigeria.

The atmosphere in the chamber on Wednesday was devoid of the usual
tension and rowdiness associated with budget debates in the recent
past.

The passage of the budget for second reading received a unanimous
voice vote at the session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr.
Aminu Tambuwal.

House Majority Leader, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, who led the debate, said
the budget had a provision of N387.1bn for capital expenditure and
N2.6tn for recurrent expenditure.

She added that N411.8bn was budgeted for statutory transfers and
N943bn for debt servicing.
Earlier, members observed that government did not do enough to
diversify the economy.

Abimbola Daramola said, "They should have done a good homework
because annual budgets should not be omnibus replication of previous
ones."

Two other lawmakers, Joseph Kigbu and Ndudi Elumelu, suggested
that the capital expenditure should have been further slashed since
government might not be able to raise adequate money to fund projects
in 2015.

A member from Borno State, Mr. Mohammed Monguno, could not agree less,
saying, "The Federal Government has been professing the
diversification of the economy but this is not reflected in the
appropriation.

"With the discovery of shale oil and the falling price of crude oil,
there is a need to diversify the economy."

Tambuwal clarified that while the plenary stood adjourned, various
House committees would call meetings with Ministries, Departments and
Agencies of government for defence of their budget proposals.

Before the Senate also adjourned, members lamented gross fiscal
indiscipline by MDAs and vowed to carry out necessary legislative
activities to check them in the current fiscal year.

They also noted, among others, the sharing of billions of dollars in
the Excess Crude Account without the authorisation of the National
Assembly and the illegal spending of revenues generated by the MDAs
as some of the Executive excesses that must be curtailed.

The senators therefore resolved to ensure that all revenues
accruable to the federal agencies were captured and appropriated by
the National Assembly.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, in
his contribution, stressed the need for caution in the treatment of
the budget since no appropriation could be done without first
determining allocations to various sectors.

He said, "The budget cannot be looked at in a hurry. This is an
austerity period. Money should be generated. We also need to cut down
on cost of governance by blocking leakages.

"We need to review the earnings and spending of the MDAs while taking
into cognisance, the fact that the exchange rate of N165 to a dollar
and the oil benchmark of $65 per barrel, are no longer realistic."

Senator Abdul Ningi,who described the 2015 appropriation bill as a
budget of caution told his colleagues that the vote for capital
expenditure was less than 10 per cent.
--PUNCH

CAF Forced Female Footballer To Strip Naked To Prove She Is Female

An Equatoguinean female footballer Genoveva Añonma has revealed that
the Confederation of African Football, CAF, forced her to strip unclad
to prove she was a woman.

Genoveva Añonma who took part in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup,
scoring only two goals in the tournament. Prior to the World Cup,
Añonma and two other players from New Guinea had been accused of being
male by opponents.

Genoveva Añonma had been accused of being male by opponents

Añonma rejected the allegations, however, it was not enough for
African football authorities. According to the forward, she was forced
take her clothes off in front of officials from CAF and her own team.

Speaking to BBC journalists she lamented,"I was really upset, my
morale was low and I was crying. It was totally humiliating, but over
time I have got over it."

She became the first foreigner to win the Bundesliga top-scorer award
when she scored 22 goals in the 2011-12 season. In 2012 she was named
African Women Footballer of the Year, now she plays for German club
team Turbine Potsdam and her country team.
--infonaija

1.4m Candidates To Write Computer-Based UTME In March --JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday said
that at least 1.4 million candidates nationwide would write the 2015
All Computer Base Test (CBT) on March 4.

According to Fabian Benjamin, JAMB Public Relations Officer, who spoke
to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the board would be
migrating all to computer-based mode of examination for the first
time.

"I want to say that we are expecting no fewer than 1.4 million
candidates that will be attempting the examination in all
computer-based mode of examination, commencing from this year,"
Benjamin said.

"We are also happy to announce that we also have enough centres that
will match the number of candidates that will be writing the
examination.

"We have gone round to all the centres to assess the level of
preparedness of the centres we intend to use for the examination and
that they have all met the standard.

"I can assure that JAMB is fully ready for take-off of the examination
as all logistics to ensure a successful outcome of the examination are
fully on ground.

"We urge candidates to be fully prepared, avail themselves of the
opportunity of practising with the computer on their own.

"There is nothing strange about writing the examination through this
mode and their normal telephone usage," Benjamin said.

He therefore urged public spirited individuals and corporate
organisations to invest in CBT by way of building and equipping more
centres.

He disclosed that even the West African Examinations Council (WAEC),
the National Examinations Council (NECO) and other examination bodies
would soon migrate to the computer-based examination mode.

"There is no going back on the issue of CBT for examination as a body,
so we are optimistic that soon this will apply to other sister
examination bodies.

"One thing we are currently excited about on our own as a board is
that currently, we have commenced exporting the CBT technology for
examination to other parts of the world.

"Recently, we were in Ghana where we educated them on the conduct of
the CBT mode of our examination.

"The registrar had also visited other African countries and Europe to
educate them on the conduct and success of this mode of examination
and I think this is quite laudable," Benjamin said.

Cholera Kills 20 In Rivers --Commissioner

The Commissioner for Health in Rivers, Dr Sampson Parker, on Wednesday
said that cholera outbreak in 11 communities in the state had claimed
20 lives.

Parker told newsmen in Port Harcourt after visiting the affected
communities in Andoni Local Government Area that the outbreak was
reported on Jan. 5.

"So far, 171 cases have been recorded with 20 deaths in the outbreak
which was reported on January 5.

"The Local Government Area Rapid Response Team with State Emergency
Response Team, have responded swiftly," he said.

Parker also said two treatment centres had been opened in the affected
communities to manage cases and advised affected people to access the
centres.

"Emergency drugs and rehydration fluids have been provided for the
management of cases," he added.

Parker said the situation was pathetic and unbelievable but that the
outbreak was under control as government had provided portable
drinking water to the affected communities.

"What I have seen is pathetic and unbelievable. Our duty is to
intervene quickly so that we do not lose more lives.

"I will say that the outbreak is under control now. All we need to do
now is to treat the affected ones and to prevent further occurrences.
We will continue to deploy to treat the affected ones.

"Government is also sending portable drinking water to the affected
communities," he said.

Dr Akinloye Makinde, Chief Consultant Epidemiologist, Federal Ministry
of Health, said the ministry sent him to assess the situation.

"The Federal Government is donating drugs and test kits to the State
Government to deploy to places in need," he said.

Dr Sylvester Malemi, World Health Organisation Coordinator for Rivers,
said it would provide technical support to Rivers to check the
outbreak.

"We are here to investigate the outbreak, confirm that there is
actually cholera, mobilise resources from partners, federal and state
ministries of health to stop the outbreak," he said.

He advised the people to boil their water before drinking and maintain
good hygiene
--PMNews

Pastor Adeboye Commissions UI's Zoological Garden, Donates N25m

The General Overseer (GO) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God
(RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye on Wednesday commissioned the Zoological
Garden of the University of Ibadan.

Adeboye, who was at the institution for his annual prayer programme,
prayed that God should make the garden a miracle centre for all
visitors.

Earlier, the Director of the zoological garden, Dr Mrs Morohunkeji
Olajumoke, commended Pastor Adeboye for responding to the call to
support plan to rejuvenate the garden by donating N25 million in two
tranches as his commitment to the project.

She described Adeboye's love for animals as "amazing."

Adeboye is among the top donors to the project. Others include
corporate organizations and individuals who donated cash, materials or
animals.

The cleric explained his love for animals, saying God created them
before man. He added that unlike man, animals are predictable.

Olajumoke said: "The zoo has been moved from obscurity to visibility
and greater patronage among other means through the renovation,
upgrading of facilities, acquisition of animals and by being
ICT-sensitive. With a new architectural design for the zoo, there have
been changes to different structures."

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Adewole, hailed the
priest for his special love for the entire university.

Adeboye was accompanied by some elders of the church including Felix
Ohiwerei and Prof. Fola Aboaba.
--WorldStageNews

50% Of Imo State Voters Yet To Get PVC --INEC

With four weeks to the general election, the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday said about 50% of eligible
voters in Imo State are yet to get their Permanent Voter's Card (PVC).

Speaking during a press conference at the INEC state headquarters, the
newly posted Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Gabriel Ada
disclosed that some electoral Wards in eleven Local Government Areas
out of the 27 Council Areas of the State will not be part of the fresh
distribution of PVC that will commence on Thursday.

The affected LGAs include Oru East, Okigwe, Ohaji/Egbema, Ezinihitte,
Isu, Obowo, Nkwerre, Njaba, Ngor Okpala, Ideato South and Orsu Council
Area where no PVC was supplied at all.

Ada disclosed that the PVC are yet to arrive the state, but expressed
concerns that the people were yet to collect the available cards.

According to him, "the statistics of the card distribution in the
state is still below 60% and this does not augur well for a full
participatory democracy which we anticipate. This is totally
unacceptable to the Commission.

"Given this, the Commission has recommended that we go back to the
field for another ten days to distribute these PVCs to their rightful
owners, but at the Registration Area (Ward) level. This is in bid to
ensure that every Nigerian is given an opportunity to exercise his/her
franchise."

Angelina Jolie Stands Up Against Boko Haram

International actress and UN ambassador, Angelina Jolie has denounced
the various attacks by Boko Haram in Nigeria. She totally condemned
the ongoing insurgency in nigeria in a statement released yesterday
Jan. 13th.

"Each new crime committed by Boko Haram exceeds the last in brutality.
This is a direct consequence of the environment of total impunity in
which Boko Haram operates. Every time they get away with mass murder,
rape and the enslavement of women and children, they are emboldened."

She pleaded with the international community to work together so as to
"bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice".
--DailyTimes

Police Discover Bomb At INEC Office In Owerri

The Imo State Police Command Bomb Disposal Unit yesterday uncovered
bomb at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in
the State.

Also another bomb reportedly planted under a palm tree at the Owerri
Capital Development Authority, (OCDA) few metres away from the INEC
Office and the state secretariat along Port Harcourt -Owerri Road was
found.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Enwerem who
confirmed the two incidents said that the Police acted on a tip off to
avert what could have been a total calamity if the two bombs had been
exploded. "On arrival at the scene we discovered it was an Improvised
Explosive Device, IED planted somewhere near OCDA."

He said that the bomb was detonated without any harm, adding that the
police had thrown its dragnet to fish out those behind the act.

When our correspondent visited both INEC and OCDA along Port Harcourt
Road at about 10 am, there was heavy presence of armed Policemen that
condoned off the entire areas.

The Secretary of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Obi Olucha said, "we
saw something when we reported to work this morning and we called in
the police who said it was fertiliser chemical."

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
yesterday confirmed that about 50 percent of eligible voters in the
State are yet to get their Permanent Voter's Card(PVC).

The Commission also disclosed that some electoral Wards in eleven
Local Government Areas out of the 27 Council Areas of the State would
not be part of the fresh distribution of PVC that would commence today
(Thursday).

The affected LGAs include Oru East, Okigwe, Ohaji/Egbema, Ezinihitte,
Isu, Obowo, Nkwerre,Njaba, Ngor Okpala, Ideato South and Orsu Council
Area where no PVC was supplied at all.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday at the INEC state
headquarters, the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr.
Gabriel Ada, disclosed that the PVC yet to arrive the State, but
expressed worry that the people are yet to collect the once available.

He said, "the statistics of the card distribution in the state is
still below 60 percent and this does not augur well for a full
participatory democracy which we anticipate. This is totally
unacceptable to the Commission".

He stated further that, "given this, the Commission has recommended
that we go back to the field for another ten days to distribute these
PVCs to their rightful owners, but at the Registration Area (Ward)
level. This is in bid to ensure that every Nigerian is given an
opportunity to exercise his/her franchise".
--DailyTimes

Health Risks Of Low Vitamin D Levels In Your Body

Health risks due to lack of vitamin D in the body is a major concern
worldwide. Most people believe that exposure to a substantial amount
of sunlight is just enough. Well, it's true that adequate levels of
the vital vitamin are produced on regular exposure to sunlight. But in
India which is a continent with most of its parts still languishing in
poverty other factors like diet, pollution effects and genetics are
major contributors to the low level of Vitamin D. Statistics show that
over a billion people in the world have low level of Vitamin D.

The risks involved with low levels of Vitamin D are numerous.
Statistics show that chronic diseases like cancer can be prevented by
maintaining the right level of vitamin D in the body. Persons with
cancer taking foods with increased vitamin D showed 75% reduced growth
in the cancer cells. Intestinal infections like inflammatory bowel can
be regulated with intake of Vitamin D. Low level of the vitamin have
major effects on the genetic expression of the disease. The symptoms
become worse and unbearable to the patient.

Understanding what vitamin D does in the body is the first step to
living a healthy life. Here are 6 health risks of low vitamin D levels
in the body.

1. Vitamin D is required in the blood to regulate secretion of
insulin. Insulin is secreted to balance sugar levels in the body. Low
levels or high levels of insulin can cause the different types of
diabetes. Apparently most people who are diabetic also lack vitamin D.

2. One type of Vitamin D known as 25-hydroxyvitamin regulates blood
pressure. The risk of high blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg and above
(against the normal 120/80 mmHg) is higher in people who having low
levels of Vitamin D. In the presence of factors like genetics and poor
eating habits, obesity and high cholesterol levels in the body cannot
be overlooked as causes of chronic diseases e.g. hypertension.

3. Vitamin D activates the white blood cells which fight infections
your body. Common infections like flu and other recurrent respiratory
infections are caused by low levels of Vitamin D. Instead of blaming
the weather, taking foods rich in vitamin D might be the solution to
the infections. Oranges, carrots, pumpkins and papayas are just a few
examples of foods that can make up for low level vitamin D. Generally
immune boosting foods should be taken in to boost the ability of the
immune system.

4. Strong bones are developed by the absorption of calcium which
requires vitamin D to be absorbed. Naturally, people with low levels
of vitamin D also show deficiency in calcium. Stronger healthier bones
cannot be built without the vitamin. You are more likely to have
weaker bones due to low levels of Vitamin D. Chronic muscle and joint
pain alongside fatigue also known as fibromyalgia can be controlled by
intake of vitamin D. It is economical in the treatment since only food
supplements have to be used.

5. Fertility hormones production. Vitamin D boosts the production of
testosterone in male and progesterone in female. The reproductive
system is not healthy at all without those hormones.

6. Anti aging agent. Vitamin D insufficiency in the body causes
premature ageing effects. The body mass reduces gradually with low
level Vitamin D. You can pep your health up by taking in food
supplements with Vitamin D.

With the above knowledge, you should monitor your Vitamin D level
regularly especially in seasons with minimal sunlight. Following the
right health practices goes a long way in keeping you healthy.
--naturalnews.com

5 Companies Account For 51% Transactions On NSE In 2014

As the management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) presents the
score card of the stock market for 2014 today, data obtained from the
exchange had shown that five top stocbroking firms accounted for 51
percent equity transactions valued N1.362 trillion during the period.

The companies are Stanbic IBTC Stockbroking Limited, CSL Stockbrokers
Limited, Rencap Securities Limited, Chapel Hill Denham and Meristem
Securities Limited.

Analysis of the data which reflects trading statistics on the Nigerian
bourse between January 2 and December 31, 2014, showed that the five
firms traded 71 billion ordinary shares valued N1.362 trillion.

Stanbic IBTC Stockbroking Limited led the pack with N472.415 billion
or 17.5 percent, followed by CSL Stockbrokers Limited with
transactions worth N262.988 billion or 9.7 per cent, Rencap Securities
Limited, traded equities worth N246.98 billion or 9.2 per cent, Chapel
Hill Denham Management Limited accounted for N223.849 billion or 8.3
per cent while Meristem Securities Limited traded shares valued
N156.210 billion or 5.8 per cent.

In volume terms, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers maintained the lead,
recording 24.781 billion shares which represented 11.42 per cent,
while CSL Stockbrokers traded 15.339 billion shares or 7.1 per cent.
Chapel Hill Denham Management accounted for 14.849 billion shares or
6.8 per cent just as Rencap Securities Limited traded 12.252 billion
shares or 5.5 per centwhile Meristem Securities Limited accounted for
3.783 billion shares or 1.7 per cent.

The Nigerian stock market ended the reviewed year on a negative note
as its index dropped by 16.1 per cent compared with a growth of 47.2
per cent in 2013.

Some market operators attributed the lackluster performance of the
market to the security situation, the falling oil price and the
devaluation of the national currency as well as against the backdrop
of the next month's general elections.
--Vanguard

Traders Count Loses After Balogun Market Fire Disaster

Few hours after the combined emergency team put out the blazing fire
at Balogun Market, Lagos State, which razed 10 buildings, 100 shops
and makeshift structures within the axis, traders have continued to
count their losses.

The fire, which started in the early hours of Monday, was finally put
out yesterday.

Some property affected were OK Plaza on 44, Balogun Street; Rich
Plaza, also on the same Balogun Street; Global Plaza, on 42, Balogun
Street, Onikoyi and the building on 38, Balogun Street.

'I couldn't save my goods' Mrs. Vera Ezenwa, one of the traders, who
lost everything in her shop, said: "I could not salvage my goods from
the inferno. I deal in shoes and bags. I own shop 35 in Rich Plaza."

Pointing to her shop, she said: "That is where I displayed my goods
last week. They are all gone.

"I received a call at 5a.m., this morning (yesterday) that my shop and
my warehouse had been gutted by fire. And I quickly rush down here to
salvage some of the goods, but when I arrived, I could not salvage
any.

"These were the goods my husband, who went to China last year, sent to
me two weeks ago. I cannot believe that all the goods he sent last
week are all gone. I wish I was able to save some of the goods."

Where are my goods, others ask For 60-year-old Mrs. Rafat Adeyemo and
Mr. Chukwu Azubuike, bothtraders, the incident was like a Nollywood
movie. They could notbelieve that their goods were gutted by fire.

Adeyemo said: "Where is my goods and shop? That shop was my source of
income. I do not understand why fire would gut my shop at this time. I
need to see my goods. I wish I was informed on time to salvage
whatever I could. But I was unable to achieve that."

Narrating his ordeal, Azubuike said: "I was one of the traders
displaced by the Tejuosho inferno. My goods were razed.

"Just like how Tejuosho fire disaster razed my warehouse few years
ago, this inferno has again dealt another blow on me. I wish I could
rewind the hand of clock."

Traders blame council chairman

Traders at the popular market, yesterday, blamed the former Lagos
Island council chairman for the delay in putting out the fire.

Mr. Obinna Chukwu, a trader, who said he lost everything, said: "The
former council chairman erected Klee-Clamps on the setbacks available
within the market.

"And these structures affected the emergency teams from getting to the
source of the fire.

"I wish the governor would come and see how the council chairman
havedestroyed the market master plan."
--Vanguard

INEC Publishes Names Of 14 Presidential Candidates

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published
names of 14 presidential candidates for the 2015 general elections.

Details of the names were released on the Commission's website on
Tuesday, showing that one presidential candidate and four vice
presidential candidates are females.

The candidates are Sen. Tunde Anifowose-Kelani as the presidential
candidate of Accord Alliance (AA) and Mr Ishaka Paul as his running
mate, Rufus Salawu as Presidential Candidate of AD and Akuchie Clif as
his vice president.

Also published on the commission website were Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima
and Ojengbede Farida as the presidential and vice president of ACPN,
as well as Dr Mani Ahmad and Obianuju Murphy-Uzohue as president and
vice president for ADC.

Others are Ayeni Adebayo as president and Anthony ologbosere, female
for APA, Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as president and
vice president for APC, while CPC has Chief Sam Eke as its
presidential candidate and Hassana Hassan as vice president.

The Hope Party has High Chief Ambrose Owuru and Alhaji Haruna Shaba as
president and vice president, while KOWA party has

Comfort Sonaiya and Alhaji Seidu Bobboi as president and vice president.

NCP has Chief Martin Onovo as president and Ibrahim Mohammed as vice
president, while PDP presidential candidate is Dr Goodluck Jonathan,
and Namadi Sambo as his running mate.

The PPN has Allagoa Chinedu as presidential candidate with Arabamhen
Mary (female) as vice president, while Godson Okoye is the
presidential candidate of UDP and Haruna Adamu as vice president.

For the UPP, the presidential candidate is Dr Chekwas Okorie and Mr
Bello Umar as his running mate.
--(NAN)