SIX GREAT THINGS A NIGERIAN STUDENT SHOULD DO DURING THIS ASUU STRIKE (DON`T WASTE YOUR PRECIOUS TIME)

SIX GREAT THINGS A NIGERIAN STUDENT SHOULD DO 

DURING THIS ASUU STRIKE (DON`T WASTE YOUR 

PRECIOUS 

TIME)

Instead of wasting this time, instead of waiting for ASUU or FG, you can choose to do any of the following during this ASUU strike

1. Acquire a skill: This one’s a no-brainer, there’s all kinds of stuff you can learn in a few months, and some in just weeks. How about using that time to improve your IT skills, learn a new language, pick up a musical instrument, receive lessons in Kung Fu?…seriously. If money’s a concern, there are truckloads of free/subsidised learning resources, if you know how to look. It will surprise you where these skills will prove useful down the road.

2. Get a job : That’s right, get a job. With what certificate, you ask? Who says you need a certificate to get a job? There has to be something you know how to do, get out there and look for someone that needs a hand at their office or company, even if you’re going to work for your father and for free. Yeah I said it, work for free if you have to.

3. Start a business: Although it seems like a more glamorous alternative to getting a job, this one is far more challenging and is certainly not for everyone. However, even those who start and fail would have learnt invaluable life and business lessons that only such an experience can teach.

4. Become a volunteer: Aside from the feeling of accomplishment and fulfilment that comes from serving humanity, volunteering can be one of the most rewarding activities you can engage in, given the potentially high levels of training, travel and connections that such platforms expose you to. What’s more, most volunteer organisations have programs specially tailored for young and student volunteers that allow you to conveniently sustain your volunteer activities even while you’re in school. Examples? HIV awareness platforms/NGOs, Red Cross, Organisations that care for the homeless, paraplegics, convicts, etc.

5. Attend seminars and industry events - You might not know it, but there are always interactions and discussions going on around your chosen discipline on many levels, manifesting themselves in seminars, trainings, meetups, exhibitions, expos, symposia, book readings, concerts and much more. A lot of these are free or subsidised, especially for students, and again there is the opportunity to gain exposure and make valuable connections.

6. Work on that idea: You know what I’m talking about. That song that came to you in the shower. That niggling question that your lecturer refused to (or couldn’t) answer. That book manuscript that has been gathering dust in the corner of your wardrobe. Those ideas that you’ve been too busy going to school to explore. Now is the time to work on those things. You might never get a better opportunity.

.....USE YOUR TIME WISELY.....

Boko Haram Leader Pokes Fun At US, France, Claims Sect Winning War Against Nigerian Military-PREMIUM TIMES

Posted: August 13, 2013 - 15:23

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau

By Ola' Audu

The Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has, in a newly released video, claimed responsibility for the recent attacks in different Borno and Yobe communities including Malumfatori, Bama, Biu, Konduga, Gamboru Ngala, Gwoza, and Damaturu.
Close to 100 people including about 14 soldiers were killed in the various attacks; with the latest being in Konduga over the weekend when about 44 people were killed when gunmen dressed in military uniform attacked worshippers in a mosque.
Mr. Shekau, who spoke in Hausa amidst intermittent triumphant laughter, said the military lied about its victories over their sect.
“The military is lying to the world about the battle we had with them; they lied that they have killed our members, but we are the ones that have killed the soldiers.
“We call on you all to repent and come to the ways of Allah. Forget about constitution and accept Shariah. We don’t have socialism, we don’t know communism, we don’t want federalism, but we are Muslims.
“You soldiers have claimed that you are powerful, that we have been defeated, that we are mad people; but how can a mad man successfully coordinate recent attacks in Gamboru, in Malumfatori, slaughter people in Biu, kill in Gwoza and in Bama where soldiers fled under our heavy fire power. We have killed countless soldiers and we are going to kill more. Our strength and firepower has surpassed that of Nigeria. Nigeria is no longer a big deal as far as we are concerned. We can now comfortably confront the United States of America.
“Let the world know that we have been enjoined by Allah to kill the unbelievers just like how we were enjoined to slaughter rams during Eidel Kabir. And we shall continue to kill those who strive to stand against the will of Allah by opposing Sharia. We don’t mind if we die doing this because it is even a blessing for us to die in this cause and gain paradise. So we are winning on either side. So it is never too late for you to repent and join us on the path of righteousness,” he said.
Boko Haram has been outlawed and declared terrorists by the Nigerian government. The U.S. has also declared Mr. Shekau and other Boko Haram leaders wanted and placed a bounty on them.
The claim by the sect that it is winning the battle against Nigerian soldiers differs significantly from that of the military which says it has killed and arrested hundreds of members of the sect and has dislodged a large number of its cells. The military has said it is winning the war against the insurgents.
Apart from the military action against the sect, the federal government is also negotiating with the sect in order to get them to lay down their arms. The government’s negotiating team, led by the Minister of Special Duties, had claimed just before the Ramadan fast, that it secured a ceasefire with the sect; a claim Mr. Shekau disputed in an earlier video.

Nigeria, First African Country to Ratify Arms Trade Treaty

Posted: August 13, 2013 - 20:31

Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru

By SaharaReporters, New York

Nigeria on Monday become the first African country to sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), with Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru saying the event represents the country’s deep commitment to a treaty which establishes common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.
Also praising Nigeria’s initiative, Control Arms’ spokesperson Anna Macdonald noted how, throughout the negotiations on the ATT, Nigeria was a leader for the African continent.
“We are proud of Nigeria’s leadership again today as Foreign Minister Olugbenga Ashiru simultaneously signs and ratifies this first ever global agreement regulating the transfer of arms and ammunition,” she said.
She stressed that Africa has long suffered the impact of an arms trade that is out of control.  “From Somalia to Mali to the DRC, weapons have been entering conflict zones and increasing the level of violence for decades. Other African countries must now step forward and follow Nigeria’s lead. The continent needs an Arms Trade Treaty that is in effect and implemented as soon as possible.”
Mr. Ashiru said Nigeria remained “resolute and unyielding” in her efforts to uphold the principle of ATT and, in particular, ensure that small arms and light weapons is appropriately transferred and access denied to terrorist groups, pirates, bandits and the like.
Ms. Macdonald expressed the view that with over 80 countries’ signatures and several ratifications since the treaty opened for signature, there is momentum to urgently ensure the ATT becomes international law and starts saving lives.
Fifty ratifications are needed for the treaty to enter into force, and she called on all states top get to work on their national legislation as soon as possible.
The treaty was open for signature and ratification at the United Nations in New York on June 3, and on that day, over 65 countries signed the landmark treaty, the objective of which is the regulation of the multibillion-dollar global arms trade.
The treaty is of great importance to Nigeria, which continues a fierce battle against Islamic militants in the northeast of the country.   Only recently a security chief said that many state governors have started to import arms as the country prepares for major elections in 2015

Nigeria Is Jinxed, Cursed Says Former President Obasanjo-PREMIUM TIMES

Posted: August 13, 2013 - 17:36

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

By Jide Jegede

While reviewing Nigeria’s history since independence, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the country may have been cursed with poor and irresponsible leaders.
Mr. Obasanjo, who gave the keynote address at the 4th Annual Ibadan Sustainable Development Summit organised by Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, in collaboration with African Sustainable Development Network, on Tuesday, said if Nigerians were yet to commend a leader after 53 years of independence, “Then we are jinxed and cursed; we should all go to hell.”
He also condemned the younger generation of leaders in the country, saying they lack integrity and probity and have failed their people woefully.
Making specific reference to his Vice President for eight years, Atiku Abubakar; former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu; former Speaker, House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari; former Bayelsa State Governor, Deprieye Alamieyeseigha; and others as younger generation of leaders, the former President said Nigeria was not lucky even with them.
“We had some people who were under 50years in leadership positions. One of them was James Ibori, where is he today? One of them was Alamieyeseigha, where is he today? Lucky Igbinedion, where is he today?
“The youngest was the Speaker, (Salisu) Buhari; you can still recall what happened to him. You said Bola Tinubu is your master. What Buhari did was not anything worse than what Bola Tinubu did.
“We got them impeached. But in this part of the world some people covered up the other man. The man claimed he went to Government College, Ibadan but the governor (Oyo State) went to Government College and packed all the documents so that they would not know that he did not go there.
“I wanted someone who would succeed me so I took Atiku. Within a year, I started seeing the type of man Atiku is. And you want me to get him there?
“I once went to Tanzania because Julius Nyerere recognised Biafra. He told me not to mind his aides and others in government. They would say they have one house in town but their five year old sons and daughters would have houses all over.
“Some of you who are condemning the leadership would get there tomorrow and it will be a different story. Only very few are actually good.
“Abacha, my predecessor got $750m. Through our lawyer in Switzerland we recovered $1.25bn and the lawyer still said there is probably still another $1bn to be recovered. In 1979 we had 20 new ships specially built for Nigeria. When I came back 20 years after, the national shipping line had liquidated.
“The whole thing is not just about leadership. If we talk about good leadership you should also talk about good followers. If you talk about human right you should also talk about human duties and obligations.
“It is sad that after 53years of independence we have no leader that we can commend. The problem in Africa is that when one person takes over he would not see any good thing that his predecessor did. Let us condemn but with caution,” the former military ruler and two-term democractically elected president said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Isaac Adewole said he was worried about the fate that could befall the country as she holds her general elections in 2015.
“We have not raised question about the scenario where 35 people found it difficult to conduct credible election in this country,” the don said in reference to the election of the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum that has polarized Nigeria’s 36 state governors.

Nigerian man's body found floating in a private beach in Cyprus

Nigerian man's body found floating in a private beach in Cyprus

Stanley Eteimo's body was found floating in a private beach in Cyprus on Thursday 8th August. The 28 year budding singer and student (pictured) had gone to a party at a popular 5-star hotel called Kratos Hotel the previous day Wednesday August 7th with some friends.

According to the friends of the late Bayelsa state indigene, while at the party, he met a white girl he knew from school and started chatting with her. The white girl's boyfriend, who was also at the party, got jealous and confronted Stanley, which led to serious argument between the two men. The white dude allegedly threatened to kill Stanley for disrespecting him and was overhead saying nothing will happen because Stanley was in his country. 

At 2am, some of the friends Stanley came with to the party were leaving and asked him to come along but he insisted he was still having fun and wanted to stay back. By 4am, the party had ended and the Nigerian boys who left at the close of the party didn't see him and assumed he had gone home. Continue...


By 3pm on Thursday 8th of August, management of Kratos Hotel called the police informing them of seeing a body floating by the shore of their private beach. It was Stanley.
Cyprus police have declared it a suicide case without autopsy. They are claiming he committed suicide by drowning himself. His brother who went to identify Stanley's body said he saw blood stain from his ear, mouth and nose.
The brother insists it's not suicide because Stanley had no reason to commit suicide and wants the guy who threatened him at the party that night investigated. Also, the hotel refused to provide CCTV tapes of that particular day. During the day, the 5star hotel has workers, life guards and security guards, who have all denied either seeing Stanley come in or go out of the premises.


Stanley recently got engaged to a Cyprus lady, Gozde (pictured above). His friends are worried the case will be swept under the rug because it's a black and white thing and wanted to get the story out.
Friends of Stanley Eteimo say he was a friend to everybody, loved life, had a great spirit, transparent soul and a lovely personality.
"We have lost a rare gem and a terrific person." They said

His candle light remembrance will take place at Club W's winter parking lot, Girne today Sunday 11th of August. It starts at 7pm . May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
Hope our embassy in that country will look into this matter.

Protesters Embark On Save Public Education in Nigeria In Lagos

PHOTONEWS: Protesters Embark On Save Public Education in Nigeria In Lagos

Posted: August 13, 2013 - 15:04

With just one chorus; " Education Must Be Free ,"  students; academic  unions of Polytechnics and Universities in Nigeria began a Save Education Protest from the NLC building in Yaba area of Lagos this morning.
The protest commenced in full force with leaders of the various organizations charging and singing with some 500 student protesters.
 At the NLC building upon launching the massive rally,Treasurer of the Academic Staff Union of Universities , Mr. Ademola Aremu said," " It is only in Nigeria that a sitting President and his vice establish their own Private Universities " ,  citing specifically the examples of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his vice,  Abubakar Atiku.
 Corroborating the statement, activist with the Joint Action Front, Comrade Ayodele Akele said the crisis in the Nigerian Education sector is a ploy to force students to patronize   private institutions set up by the ruling elite .
 Meanwhile, a chieftain of the ASUP told Saharareporters that the polytechnics may likely resume their strike actions as the government is yet to fulfill any of the agreements it made with them before they suspended the strike some weeks ago.
 The protesters took to the Ikorodu road, headed for the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park at Ojota but dispersed peacefully at the Maryland junction in Ikeja.

EFCC Press Release: Ambrose Owuru Gets N10m Bail

Posted: August 13, 2013 - 13:17

Chief Ambrose Owuru

By Wilson Uwujaren

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted the former presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party, Chief Ambrose Owuru bail in the sum of ten million naira, (N10, 000, 000) and one surety who must be a lawyer of thirty years post call experience.
Justice Suleiman Aliyu also ordered that the surety must swear an affidavit of means while the accused undertake to be present in court throughout his trial.
Owuru was arraigned on August 2, 2013 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 5-count charge that borders on uttering, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence. He allegedly obtained the sum of sixty-six million naira (N66, 000,000.00) from one Ikechukwu Eze through a phony land deal.
The complainant alleged that sometime in March 2011, he paid the sum of sixty million naira (N60m) through Skye Bank, Olu Obansanjo Road branch, Port Harcourt, to Owuru for a property located at Amadi flat, Port Harcourt.
In the process of taking possession of the property, it was discovered that a portion had been sold to another person. At this point, Owuru allegedly asked for another N6m to settle the other buyer which Eze allegedly obliged him.

One of the counts read: "that you, Ambrose Owuru on or about the 7th day of March 2011 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of Sixty Million Naira (N60,000,000) from Ikechukwu Eze on the pretence that you have sold to him four (4) plots of land situated at Plot 44A, Amadi Layout- Port Harcourt a pretext which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act".

Another count reads; "that you, Ambrose Owuru on or about the 7th day of March 2011 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did utter a forged "Certificate of Occupancy" dated 20th of March 1990 purportedly issued by the Rivers State Lands and Survey covering Plot 44A Amadi Layout, Port Harcourt and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(2) ( c ) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Law of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007, and punishable under section 1(2) of the same Act".
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Justice Aliyu adjourned the case till October 10, 2013 for commencement of trial. The court also ordered that the accused person be remanded in the EFCC custody until he perfects his bail conditions.
Wilson Uwujaren
Ag. Head, Media & Publicity
13th August, 2013