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The victim
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) responsible for the protection of children in Kaduna State, the Arridah Relief Foundation of Nigeria, is seeking justice for a seven-year-old Almajiri boy allegedly raped more than 10 times by a fish seller.
The victim, name withheld, who finds it difficult to control his anus as a result of the rape, said: “He gives me fish head every time and uses me the way he wants through my anus. He also threatened me not to inform my schoolteachers and friends of what he was doing to me.”
The victim’s Arabic tutor, Mallam Adamu Umar, when contacted said they noticed some changes in the boy’s behaviour, which informed their suspicion.
“We observed the boy’s attitudinal changes for two days. Upon closer observation, we discovered that he was unable to eat and moved from one place to another like he usually did. We then asked him what was happening and after sometime, he told us what really happened to him.”
Umar added that the rapist’s family begged to sweep the case under the carpet, but they didn’t yield to their demands due to the sensitivity of the case.
“The family of the rapist visited us and begged us to forgive their brother, but we looked at the critical situation the child is in, and then decided to forward the case to a human rights organisation to fight for the child’s right.”
Coordinator of the NGO, Hajiya Rabi Salihu, said the increasing report of rape at Maraban Jos in Kaduna was becoming worrisome because of the abject poverty in the area. He disclosed that the case had been filed in court and they would do everything possible to ensure justice prevails.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lfd6fi
The Federal Government has stated that concerns over investments inflow and ease of doing business are being addressed under new reforms that will see the emergence of strong institutions to implement set agenda.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, while speaking at a forum in Lagos, expressed concerns about Nigeria’s low ranking in the world as regards the ease of doing business, saying that the federal government has set up a technical committee to comprehensively review the institutional, regulatory and associated instruments affecting businesses in Nigeria.
Represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Sam Egwu, Saraki added that there are numbers of reform bills currently going on to jumpstart the Nigerian economy and strengthen Nigerian institutions, maintaining that this bill has the potential to cut poverty and reduce unemployment by creating a friendly environment for investors and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“The bill includes the public procurement act amendment bill which has already been passed by the senate. Other bills aimed at improving our transport networks and maintenance culture includes the private sector infrastructure replacement and protection bill”, he added.
He noted that the nation will require a collective approach to solve its insecurity challenges, saying that the federal government, civil society groups, business and organisations must fight insecurity so as to create an enabling environment where business organisations will feel free and secure to achieve their full potentials to ensure sustainable economic development
Indeed, other stakeholders affirmed that no business can be done in an unsecured environment and one bedevilled by several socio-economic and political concerns.
LCCI president, Dr. Nike Akande, said security of life and property is a very critical factor in the investment environment, urging managers of the Nigerian economy to as a matter of urgency to prioritise developmental efforts in addressing the security situation in the country.
Akande said in recent years, the country has been grappling with security issues bordering on terrorism, religious and ethnic crisis, attacks on oil installations, kidnapping, armed robbery, attacks by herdsmen and the likes, warning that the impact of these security challenges on business is phenomenal.
She said not much investment activities are taking place in the north-eastern part of the country and also in some other parts of the country.
She pointed out that the oil and gas sector is facing serious challenges of attacks on oil installations and the effects have been very profound on the economy, saying that the attacks by herdsmen on farming communities across the country has a significant effect o agricultural activities.
“There is also a serious perception problem that the security phenomenon has created for Nigerian in the global community. There is no better time to look at the business dimension of the security problems than now,” she said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Abayomi Olonisakin who was represented by Rear Admiral JKZ Ango, said insecurity will always exist where there is presence of illiteracy, poverty, unemployment and hopelessness, saying these factors provide a fertile environment for recruiting thugs and vandals who are ready to engage in any form of brigandage for a pot of porridge.
He added that to sustain an environment conducive for the peaceful and prosperous conduct of business and industrial development, concerted efforts must be put in place for the education of the teeming population and job creation.
He also urged multinational enterprises to examine their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and be sure that they are responsive to the needs of the communities where they are located.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2l6eQ8r
Taking aspirin straight after a ‘funny turn’ could slash the risk of suffering a major stroke PHOTO CREDIT: google.com/search
It has already been credited with helping to reduce heart attack risk, but now it seems that daily doses of aspirin could also help tackle cancer.
New research from Texas, United States (U.S.), suggests the pain-relief medication’s interaction with blood cells could stop tumors from growing.
The findings, which were published in the February 2017 issue of Cancer Prevention Research, offers fresh scope for future treatment possibilities.
Specifically, it notes that how the drug’s response to platelets – the blood’s clotting agent – may assist oncology patients.
Academics commissioned by Veterans Affairs Research found the way aspirin disrupts the normal clotting process can deprive the malignant masses from expanding.
Their lab tests showed it works by shutting down the enzyme COX-1, thereby curbing the number of circulating platelets and their level of activity.
Some of the experiments used regular aspirin from a local drug store. In another phase, the researchers used a special preparation of aspirin combined with phosphatidylcholine, a type of lipid, or fat molecule.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lG8bBy
James Ibori
Committee denies state’s sponsorship of event
Former Governor James Onanefe Ibori of Delta State has vowed to stand always with the people, saying their support during his incarceration in United Kingdom was heart-warming.
During a thanksgiving service yesterday at the First Baptist Church, Oghara-Efe, Ibori who spoke mostly in Urhobo language, thanked the people for their immense affection during his trying times. He said his only sin was that he chose to stand with the people and development.
The recently released erstwhile governor lamented that the period of his incarceration had adversely affected his people, as according to him, he would have attracted a lot of things to them in terms of development.
His words: “What was most painful to me was the pains and suffering my people were going through. It has nothing to do with me as a person because for some reasons, I drew my strength from God.”
“Somehow, I knew God will stand by me. I know that one day, I will return home. I am indeed happy to be in your midst. Persons that I have missed so much are those of you that have suffered the pains of my absence.”
Also speaking at the well-attended event, his bosom friend and one-time chaplain of Government House Chapel, Asaba, Bishop God-do-well Avwomaka, said: “No matter how a trap catches a lion, he must be set free to return home.” He described the former governor as a lover of all, saying the affection shown him was because he touched the lives of many when he held sway.
However, the Publicity Secretary of the Ibori’s Freedom Thanksgiving Committee, Chief Henry Ofa, said the report that the event was sponsored by the state government at a cost of N350 million was a deliberate attempt to malign the returnee erstwhile state chief executive and drag Governor Ifeanyi Okowa into the murky water of corruption.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2kIIK3K
INEC
Three years after, Yobe State has successfully held its local councils’ election following the checkmating of Boko Haram insurgents in the state and the restoration of peace.
There was a large turnout of voters in across the state to elect chairmen and councilors for 17 council areas. The councils’ poll had to be put on hold since 2016 because of the deadly attacks by the terrorist group.
The weekend election recorded no security breach as voters filed out to exercise their franchise in large numbers.
The residents did not express fear of gunmen or suicide attacks, which was indicative of the improved security state.
Besides, the accreditation and the conduct by the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YOSIEC) at various polling units in Potiskum and Damaturu, as observed by The Guardian, encouraged more voters to turn out and cast their votes to elect their leaders at the grassroots.
Accreditation and voting was hitch-free and there was large turn as attested to by Mai Adamu, the Presiding Officer at the Mairi Area Court polling unit in Damaturu. He said election materials and personnel arrived on scheduled without hiccups
Speaking on the exercise, the state’s deputy governor, Abubakar Aliyu said that the large turnout of voters was because of the return of peace to the state.
He said three years after the last council elections, the government was able to conduct a successful councils poll without any violence or uprising in any liberated community.
His words: “I’m here today in my Yindiski polling unit of Potiskum to cast my vote for my chairman and councilor. The ongoing election is very peaceful. There is no rowdiness and everyone is exercising his or her own choice to elect leaders at council level.”
He said that Yobe is the only state that was able to organize council election successfully more than once or twice.
“We thanked God for the peace we are enjoying and thank our Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam for giving us all the support and resources to carry out this exercise,” said Aliyu, after casting his vote in Potiskum.
He said that throughout his travel from Damaturu, the state capital to Potiskum, a distance of 100 kilometres, there was no case of uprising or someone trying to disturb the peace in the state.
Aliyu said: “Voting in the state is organized in a systematic way, whereby all the materials have been delivered; while voters are accredited and cast their votes simultaneously. This is to prevent crowding and waste of time at the various polling booths.”
On the inability of Gaidam to cast his vote, the deputy governor explained that the governor is yet to return from the lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lG7Cru
NBA President Abubakar Mahmoud
A chieftain of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said that restructuring of the country was not the solution to the challenges confronting the country.
He maintained that until Nigerians change their attitudes towards the country, Nigeria would not witness any meaningful development.
The Chairman of the Abeokuta, Ogun State Chapter of NBA, Ibrahim Atanda, said even if the country breaks up, corruption, nepotism, individualism, among other vices, would continue to undermine the country.
Atanda, who spoke in a paper he delivered at an event organised by the Forum for the Patriotic Members of All Progressives Congress (FOPAMEC), to mark President Muhammadu Buhari’s 74th birthday, stressed that many Nigerians “were rather interested in appropriating national treasure for themselves only, their tribes, their ethnic groups, instead of joining hands together to salvage the country from imminent collapse.”
The FOPAMEC is a pro-democracy organisation, recognised by the national body of APC, with a mission to, among others propagate the party and imbibe the spirit of patriotism in the society towards a stable, secured and prosperous Nigerian nation.
The NBA boss, who spoke on the topic: “Change Begins with me, a Patriotism Orientation Alternative,” listed corruption as the major enemy of the country, emphasising that corruption does more harm to the country than terrorism, insecurity, kidnapping and armed robbery.
According to him, the economic recession currently confronting the country as well as other challenges such as kidnappings, armed robberies, terrorism and insecurity “are just a small reflection of the high level of corruption in the country.”
Atanda said that the main problems of Nigeria are corruption, indiscipline and dishonesty, which have all formed the basis of our day-to-day activities. “If we will not deceive ourselves, Nigeria is under siege, Nigeria is at war and the major enemy we have is corruption.”
Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun said President Buhari would lead the country to “paradise,” urging all Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government.
Amosun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Community and Cooperatives, Mr. Gbenga Ademosun, insisted that though the country was in difficult position now, sooner or later it would overcome it, stating that Buhari was the right man to lead the country.
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Adaeze
Her aura wafts through the environment, as she makes a sudden appearance. Her charm is welcoming. Her striking presence can be felt. She is someone you won’t want to ignore because of her warmth. That’s Diamond Adaeze Alo.
She first came into the Nigeria movie scene with her stellar performance in Vanity Upon Vanity. By the time she starred in National Service, Diamond had become a household name. In fact, she was the new girl on the bloc. Along the line, she had gone on to appear in flicks such as, Kingdom of Darkness, Mothers in Law, Love of My Life and My Only Daughter, among others.
Diamond grew up in Enugu and did her primary education at Ekulu Primary School, Enugu, while her secondary education was at Holy Ghost Secondary School, Abakaliki. After that, she proceeded to the Enugu State University.
Though, she read Computer Engineering at the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Ebonyi State-born lady’s love has been entertainment. The industry opened her life to other possibilities and allowed Diamond to meet different people.
The warm lady’s upbringing helped to develop her creative ability. As a child, her father was curious to see her take education seriously. For him, education was the key. He drummed it into her ears that whatever you needed in life could come through education.
So after her education, she was determined to pursue her dream seriously little wonder producers and movie-buffs seek her, because of her down to earth interpretation of roles.
However, when many thought she was going to stay on the radar for a long time to become the ultimate diva, she took a bow. That incandescent Julia Roberts’ smile looms large, as she explains, “domestic duties made me leave the scene.”
Diamond, who is on jean this afternoon, with the hint of a shy smile, breathes, “I took time to have and take care of my babies.”
How many?
She draws a long laugh and says jokingly, “we don’t count children in Africa, but they are many.”
When Diamond came back, she got many itching to have her in their films, but not long after, she disappeared again.
“This time, it was because of my other commitments outside the entertainment world. I was doing my business, which has sustained me till date,” she quips.
What of movies?
She draws a long laugh and whispers, almost conspiratorially, “movies? Movies? It hardly pays your bill. Fame and popularity come with it, but definitely not paying your bill.”
She quips, with a cheerful candour, “I have my other business, especially, my jewelry trade.”
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2l6YAD1
Recession
As efforts are being intensified to take Nigeria out of recession, an expert has advised government and private businesses to exercise strict caution against incessant accident and emergencies that could destroy investments and divert business focus.
The expert urged corporate entities to learn from previous mishaps by employing scientific models in investigating occurrences, useful in making safety recommendations intended to prevent a recurrence of similar and future accidents, thus securing investment and resources.
This was the submission of the National Fire Prevention Awareness and Advocacy, NFPAWA Programme Director, Mrs. Anthonia Beri, in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday.
The NFPWA boss, who faulted Nigeria’s weak and crude effort while reacting to fire occurrence, especially in the area of investigation, she stated that its method had not always followed scientific procedures that should have provided accurate guidelines against recurrence.
Beri disclosed that NFPWA was therefore organising a conference and training in May 2017 at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos, to provide an opportunity for professionals and operators to develop the required human capacity to efficiently support and drive their corporate objectives. We will be dealing extensively on investigation for safety purposes.
Beri affirmed that complying with global standards of fact findings in cases of accidents would see companies pay less insurance premium, enjoy credible reputation, stakeholders older buy-in and increased confidence in their business continuity plan.
She urged firms and bodies to take a cue from the National Fire Protection Association NFPA guide and standards, which were endorsed by National Association of Fire Investigators, NAFI.
“NFPA 921 sets the bar for scientific-based investigation and analysis of fire and explosion incidents. It is the foremost guide for rendering accurate opinions as to incident origin, cause, responsibility, and prevention,” she said.
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jsYxVK
