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Confronting the “12 giant evils”: A responsive national policy alternativef bY Fola Adeola, MCIArb, OFR, mni. Recent public policy debates have put forward the idea that Nigeria’s policy options center around an Economic Growth versus Human Development Index (HDI) dichotomy. I am concerned that this juxtaposition sets up the false premise that the choice can ever, in fact, be binary – that it is possible for a good leader, or even one that aspires to simply average results, to choose either economic growth (usually expressed as GDP growth) OR human development (as represented by HDI) as the basis for a national policy – either because one is sufficient, in itself, or because the other will naturally follow. Fola AdeolaFola Adeola Proponents of an “economic growth” policy thrust put forward the position that if we just focus on growing the economy, human development will naturally follow. They would have us believe that the cure for what ails Nigeria is a leader who wil

Everything you need to live well The 91st Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), will honour the best films of 2018 and will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. The ceremony will be held on February 24, 2019. During the ceremony, AMPAS will present Academy Awards (commonly referred to as Oscars) in 24 categories. And the nominees are; Best picture Black Panther BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Green Book Roma A Star is Born Vice Best director Alfonso Cuarón (Roma) Adam McKay (Vice) Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite) Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman) Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War) Best actor Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) Christian Bale (Vice) Viggo Mortensen (Green Book) Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born) Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate) Best actress Glenn Close (The Wife) Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born) Olivia Colman (The Favourite) Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever

Facebook has announced it will not accept political advertisements from outside Nigeria ahead of the upcoming general elections in a bid to prevent "foreign interference" around the polls The new policy also takes effect in Ukraine, where presidential elections will be held in March. Political ad buyers in these countries must confirm their identity and location and their ads will be archived in an online library for seven years, the company said in a statement. Facebook rolled out new measures to increase transparency about political advertising after data firm Cambridge Analytica obtained the personal data of as many as 87 million users ahead of the 2016 US elections. UK authorities fined the social media giant with a £500,000 ($645,000) last October, saying that it failed to safeguard user data. In India, where general elections will be held in April, Facebook said it will begin to archive electoral ads in an online library starting February. Facebook announced

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, has warned corps members to avoid any form of election malpractice as anyone caught will be prosecuted. File: NYSC members Kazaure gave the warning in Ibadan on Tuesday during his advocacy and sensitisation visit to Oyo State in respect of the forthcoming elections. The director-general warned the corps members not to accept any form of inducement, including money from politicians, strangers and members of the public. He advised them to always study their environment and to be security-conscious, saying that corps members participating in election duties must be in their NYSC uniform. “Your Identity cards must be on you; ensure your phones are recharged with enough airtime; be armed with pocket notes; have the phone numbers of your local government inspectors and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs). “Peradventure there is any problem, protect yourself first and report to the nearest p

Ag. IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu was born on 17th September, 1961 in Lafia, Nasarawa State where he also had his early education. He later proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) degree in Geography in 1983. He followed up this with a Master’s degree in International Criminal Justice Systems in 2010 at the University of Portsmouth, England. In 2018, Ag. IGP Adamu was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in International Relations by Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu in recognition of his international professional exposure. The Acting Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar Adamu departing after his decoration by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida Ag. IGP Adamu’s sojourn in the Nigeria Police commenced in 1986 when he joined the Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and was trained at the Police College, Ikeja. In his early service years, he worked as the

LAGOS—A  Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has entered judgment in favour of Sterling Bank Plc jointly and severally against the former Aviation Minister, Senator Stella Oduah and her company, Sea Petroleum and Gas Limited in the sum of $16,412,819.06 and N100,493,225.59 respectively. Stella-Oduah The sum is an outstanding debt owed by the Sea Petroleum and Gas  Company and duly guaranteed by Senator   Oduah as at November 2016 to the bank with accrued interest. Trial judge, Justice Ayotunde Faji in his judgment while granting six reliefs out of the 14 sought by the bank, issued order of attachment in favour of the bank against such entire assets of Sea Petroleum and Gas Company, cash in bank, bond, deposit, real estate, stocks, all forms of negotiable instruments in all stock broking firms, discount houses, mortgage institutions, financial houses, microfinance houses, and all licensed banks within  Nigeria having Sea Petroleum as beneficial owner  funds to the f

Undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas prays with others for his slain colleague Ahmed Hussein-Suale, an investigative journalist who was killed by gunmen on Wednesday, at Madina Central Mosque in Accra, Ghana January 18, 2019. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko A Ghanaian politician who promised to pay anyone who attacked an undercover reporter has been questioned as part of the investigation into his death, police have announced. Ahmed Hussein-Suale, who worked on a high-profile investigation into corruption in African football, was gunned down as he returned to his home in Accra last week. The killing sent shockwaves through Ghana, which prides itself on being a stable democracy in an often turbulent region, and where there is a high level of media freedom. Police spokesman David Eklu said in a statement on Monday that detectives had begun a “extensive and rigorous” investigation into the journalist’s death. “A team of detectives and other experts have interrogated Kennedy Agyap

President Buhari is currently in a closed door meeting with members of the National Council of State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting comprises of past presidents and heads of state, Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN), leaders of the National Assembly, state governors among others. Former Nigerian leaders present at the meeting include Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan. As soon as he arrived at the Council chamber which is the venue of the meeting, President Buhari went round to have a handshake with some of the past leaders including Obasanjo who offered the opening Christian prayer while Mohammed Uwais, the former Chief Justioce of Nigeria, said the Muslim prayer. One minute silence was observed in honour of former President Shehu Shagari, and late CJNs Aloysius Katsina Alu and Idris Kutigi Issues expected to be considered at the meeting include the National minimum wage, confirmation of the appoi

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday said registration and the issuance of new international passport would cost Nigerians N70,000. NIS spokesman Sunday James, who made the disclosure, said the agency will commence issuance of the new international passport from Monday, March 4 2019 in Abuja. Issuance of the passport will commence in Ikoyi in Lagos on March 25, Kano on April 1, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on April 8 and London, United Kingdom April 15. He said the phase two multiple rollout in New York, Washington, and Atlanta, USA would follow immediately after London on April 22; while other locations, local and abroad, would follow in sequence from April 29. Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, January 16 launched the new red diplomatic passport at an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja. However, NIS spokesman said existing passport booklet will run concurrently with the new enhanced passport booklet until the former expires. According to

Nollywood actor, Adewale Olarenwaju fondly called ‘Ishow Larry’ is dead. Late Ishow Larry began his career as a makeup artist in the industry before becoming an actor and produced his own movies including Ole, Agbara and others. He was said to have been briefly ill before he suddenly died on January 21, 2019. A friend, Olatubosun Abegunde, lamented his demise on Facebook. He wrote: “Its so sadden to announce the death of this my troublesome friend Olanrewaju Ishow Larry … The Producer of OLE and many more … He featured in one of my Movies, Oje Laye … Heaven knows I can’t stop mourning over your death .. May Your Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace..” Source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/01/nollywood-actor-ishow-larry-is-dead.html

The U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for appropriation of funds for the construction of wall along the U.S.-Mexico border seems to have seen the light of day as Senate Appropriations Committee has unveiled legislation that will provide $5.7 billion for the construction of the wall. Also appropriated is fund that will see the federal government run its activities through Sept. 30. The 1,301-page bill is the latest bid for a breakthrough that would end the partial government shutdown that has dragged on for about a month. TRUMP However, it is doubtful the legislation will reach the usual 60-vote threshold needed for bills to advance in the Senate. Trump to travel to U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday – White House The bill is in line with President Trump’s offer, announced over the weekend, to extend temporary protections for three years for immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children and those escaping disaster zones, in exchange for wall funding. Demo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has fired yet another shot at President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he is sick in the spirit, body and soul. Obasanjo said this in an interview with BBC Yoruba. The former president said Buhari needs to rest and allow another person to take charge of the country. “Buhari is sick in the spirit, body and soul. Let’s beg him to go and rest. He has tried his best. Let give chance to another person. “When people ask me that what if the next person is not suitable, I tell them that is the beauty of democracy,” Obasanjo said. In his state of the nation address on Sunday, Obasanjo accused the president of taking the country back to the Sani Abacha era. “EFCC, Police and Code of Conduct Tribunal are also being equally misused to deal with those Buhari sees as enemies for criticising him or as those who may not do his bidding in manipulating election results. “Criticism, choice and being different are inherent trade mark of democracy. If democra

The Associated Press reports that a Brazilian footballer recently needed medical attention after lightning hit the field during a youth tournament match. Lightning struck during the Copa Sao Paulo event in Diadema, outside Sao Paulo, sending players scattering for cover. Images that went viral showed Henrique, a defender for the Agua Santa team, groggy and lying on a bench. Henrique surrounded by staff and players after being struck Agua Santa said on Monday that Henrique recovered shortly after leaving the stadium in an ambulance and did not need to be taken to a hospital. The opposing goalkeeper in the same match, Matheus Mendes of Atletico Mineiro, told ESPN Brazil he felt head pain because of the incident. Mendes did not go with Henrique in the ambulance. Watch a video showing the incident below: source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/01/horror-lightning-strikes-brazilian.html

At least 41 serving senators have lost the opportunity of returning to the Red Chamber for the ninth assembly in June, Daily Trust on Sunday reports. This is based on the list of Senate candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday. The list showed that only 68 out of the 109 senators have chances of returning as they have obtained return tickets of their various political parties. The 41 senators who have lost the opportunity of returning represent 38 per cent of the total number of those currently in the Upper chamber. Daily Trust on Sunday reports that it is not clear if all the 68 senators who got return tickets would win during the February 16 elections. Most of the senators lost their return tickets to others within their political parties, although six among them picked governorship tickets in their states, hence did not contest for return tickets. Those who went for the governorship tickets are; Senators Jeremiah Useni (P

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Buhari government for accusing the party of sponsoring Boko Haram and herdsmen. Its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement, said the address by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, exposed complicity at very high level of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government. He said Mohammed displayed desperation by the APC ahead of the general elections and that Nigerians must hold President Buhari directly responsible for any escalation of violence in our nation. The statement added: “It is imperative to state that the PDP finds the claims of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, irresponsible and ludicrous. It is just a measure for building the ground for framing up and arrest of leading members of the opposition as he has just confirmed our concerns. “Severally, we have alerted the nation that the APC and the Buhari Presidency, having come to the reality of their imminent and disgraceful loss at the polls have embarked on a strat

By Chioma Obinna Aheadof the forthcoming general elections, the Lagos State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, is organising a Gubernatorial debate for governorship candidates in Lagos on improved health and welfare of the citizens. The medical doctors who were of the view that it has become necessary to critically look into some issues bordering on accessibility, availability, quality and affordability of healthcare in the state, said the forthcoming election provides a platform to set agenda for the incoming governor. Briefing journalists on the Gubernatorial Debate/ Leadership Retreat slated for January 30th, 2019, at the Radisson Blu, Ikeja, the Chairman, Lagos NMA, Dr. Saliu Oseni confirmed that seven of the candidates have indicated interest. Candidates that have indicated interest include those from the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu; Action Democratic Party, ADP,  Mr Babatunde, Gbadamosi; National Conscience Party, NCP Mr. Fu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chided President Muhammadu Buhari for hauling insults on former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The party said in approving his media aide, Mallam Shehu Garba, to cast aspersions and insult on a former President, President Buhari was setting a very bad example to younger Nigerians by fouling our national values and heritage of esteeming our elders and leaders; a seed, which may also haunt him in the future. Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP spokesman, in a statement Monday night, said Nigerians were appalled that President Buhari, whose state of health has been accommodated by the nation, would turn around to make baseless and unsubstantiated negative assertions on the health of another leader. He said: “President Buhari may have seen how Nigerians have been registering their disappointment on his resort to personal attacks on former President Obasanjo, instead responding to the germane issues raised by the former President. “Nigerians have weighed a

Even when not starting games, Lionel Messi makes his impression felt and produces - doing so again on Sunday night as Barcelona beat Leganes 3-1 at the Nou Camp. With one eye on the Copa Del Rey quarter final first leg against Sevilla on Wednesday, Ernesto Valverde rested his talisman and captain for the game but when the visitors equalised through Martin Braithwaite in the 57nd minute, Messi's presence was required. And rather predictably, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner turned the game on its head almost single-handedly after entering the fray just after the hour mark. His curling effort in the 71st minute was too much for Ivan Cuellar to keep hold of and it led to Luis Suarez putting Barcelona ahead again with the rebound. Then, in stoppage time, Messi linked up gloriously with Jordi Alba and finished off the move with an exquisite finish with his right foot to take his tally to 25 for the season, his Barcelona record to 577 and his La Liga goals haul to 401. B

Victor Moses It was gathered that, with Fernebahce having already reached an agreement with Chelsea over a January loan deal for Moses, the Turkish Super Lig side are now set to formally announce their deal. Information out of Turkey revealed that Fenerbahce are reportedly set to announce the signing of Moses after their match with Bursaspor, even before they receive the player’s consent on a deal. Moses might now be facing the Dilemma of A Ghost, as he wants to hold out for a hefty pay package before committing himself to Fernebahce, but the Turkish club are eager to fast track a deal. Fernebahce are in the Turkish Super Lig relegation zone after the first stanza, as The Yellow Navy Blues sit 17th on the 18-team table with 16 points, and they want Moses to help them in their fight against the drop. The club that once had Austin Okocha, Uche Okechukwu, Joseph Yobo and Emmanuel Emenike on their cards are just four points ahead of last placed Rizespor, and are seeking rein

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has advised Nigerians to resist the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from returning to power in 2019, claiming that the motive behind the party’s desperation to win this year’s election is to loot the country. Osinbajo said Nigeria’s economy would have collapsed long ago but for President Muhammadu Buhari’s honesty, reminding that only a honest and selfless leader can be trusted with the nation’s wealth. In spite of the barrage of attacks by eminent Nigerians and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) castigating the Tradermoni policy, Osinbajo described the scheme as “one of the major policies of President Buhari’s government, because it was centred around the youths and poor Nigerians”. The Vice President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential polls spoke in Ado Ekiti on Monday during a Roundtable and Mentorship Programme on Micro, Small and Medium Scale enterprises (MSME) in Ado