Obasanjo seeks more knowledge, registers for PhD programme at NOUN

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday formally registered for a Master of Arts (MA) and PhD degrees at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

Obasanjo, 77, registered to study Christian Theology in the School of Arts and Social Sciences of the university.

The former president was among students, who graduated at the institution’s first convocation ceremony in January 2009.

The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, said admission and registration in universities were not marked by special ceremonies but that Obasanjo’s was a special case.

“When special people are involved, when passionate, sensitive and exemplary leaders whose leadership styles are people-oriented, committed and selfless in words and action are involved, then special attention and little celebration is in order,” he said.

Tenebe commended Obasanjo for his efforts in the educational development of the country by way of resuscitating NOUN and ensuring the vigorous development of the institution.

He said the former president was a leader to be emulated for his quest to see the development of Nigeria through the new technology in education.

Tenebe said the former president’s quest for higher education so far had served as a boost to the student population.

He said the student t population of the university had increased from 16,000 in 2010 to 308,000 in 2014 with over 150,000 active students.

Tenebe said that the staff strength of the institution also increased from 820 to 2,463 during the period.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the inauguration of the “Corruption and Anti-money Laundering Centre“ in honour of Obasanjo.

Tenebe said that the Senate of the institution in 2012 decided to honour Obasanjo for his contribution to the overall development of the country.

He, however, pleaded with government to expedite action in ensuring that law graduates of the institution were admitted to study at the Nigerian Law School.

The vice-chancellor also called on government to allow other graduates of the university to participate in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

In his acceptance speech, Obasanjo challenged Nigerian youths and the other citizens to put more efforts in their bid to seek knowledge.

Obasanjo said that acquisition of knowledge at any age remained critical to personal and national development and transformation.

“Some years ago, when I decided to register as a student of NOUN, I did it for a number of reasons.

“Primary, to acquire knowledge, particularly in Christian Theology, not because I want to be a pastor but rather, to know God more and be able to serve Him better.

“Secondly, I wanted to make a statement that no matter one’s age or position, there should be no barrier to continuous learning.

“Thirdly, I wanted to showcase this university, knowing full well that this country will at no foreseeable future be able to provide adequate access to millions of Nigerians who are yearning for knowledge,” he said.

Obasanjo called on Nigerians seeking for knowledge to consider NOUN as a viable alternative, which was by no means inferior to the conventional universities,

He pleaded with the management of the institution to treat him like any other student.

He said he recognised the role of courtesy in his case but would be more comfortable to be treated like an ordinary student.

The former president urged the alumni of the university to continue to give it the necessary support to solve its various challenges. (NAN)

Don’t insult Jonathan, Atiku, others; Buhari urges his supporters

Former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday called on his supporters to stay focused, shun insult and rudeness to any aspirant on his behalf.

Buhari gave the advice in Abuja while addressing his 66 support groups that came under one umbrella, Buhari Support Centre.

According to him, whoever engages in any of the acts will be assumed to be working for the enemy.

“I must warn all my supporters, volunteers and other well-wishers within the party or even out of it, not to insult or be rude to any other aspirant or party leader on my behalf.

“My supporters must not engage in any kind of behaviour or conduct that will tarnish the image of any leader or promote division and rancour within the ranks of the party.

“Whoever does that should know that he or she is working for the enemy,’’ Buhari said.

The former leader further urged his supporters to be vigilant during and after elections and avoid taking laws into their hands.

“In particular, you must learn to be vigilant especially just before, during and immediately after elections, whether elections are rigged or not,” he said.

According to him, this is necessary so that sponsored hoodlums do not have chance to commit illegalities and in the end, members of the group are blamed.

“Not only must you not take the law into your hands no matter the level of provocation, you must be able to expose those planning to do so before the act,’’ he said.

He said he would soon declare his presidential ambition on the platform of the APC, adding that party interest should be put above self interest.

He also said that for their support to be more meaningful, it must go beyond him to APC and candidates the party presented because its decision was ultimate.

“You must at all times remember that the APC is a party with several qualified people for each and all the positions that will be contested, including that of the president.

“It is the primaries that will determine who will eventually represent the party and in which capacity.

“If I get the nomination, I will expect you to redouble your effort and commitment until we clinch the presidency.

“In the event that it happens to be one of the other aspirants who win, I will expect you, as good party men, to extend to him your total support.

“We are a united party and united we shall remain because our strength lies in our unity,’’ Buhari said.

The Director-General of the Centre,  Umar Dembo, said it was “a department within the Buhari Campaign Organisation where all activities of the groups would be coordinated’’.

Also speaking, former President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Daniel Onje, urged members of the centre to eschew campaign of anarchy.

“I am a Christian and I refuse to believe in a campaign of anarchy.

“Contrary to insinuations, Buhari is a not a religious bigot.

“The appellation is the handiwork of those who want to continue to keep Nigeria down and divided. (NAN)

Former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday called on his supporters to stay focused, shun insult and rudeness to any aspirant on his behalf.
Buhari gave the advice in Abuja while addressing his 66 support groups that came under one umbrella, Buhari Support Centre.
According to him, whoever engages in any of the acts will be assumed to be working for the enemy.
“I must warn all my supporters, volunteers and other well-wishers within the party or even out of it, not to insult or be rude to any other aspirant or party leader on my behalf.
“My supporters must not engage in any kind of behaviour or conduct that will tarnish the image of any leader or promote division and rancour within the ranks of the party.
“Whoever does that should know that he or she is working for the enemy,’’ Buhari said.
The former leader further urged his supporters to be vigilant during and after elections and avoid taking laws into their hands.
“In particular, you must learn to be vigilant especially just before, during and immediately after elections, whether elections are rigged or not,” he said.
According to him, this is necessary so that sponsored hoodlums do not have chance to commit illegalities and in the end, members of the group are blamed.
“Not only must you not take the law into your hands no matter the level of provocation, you must be able to expose those planning to do so before the act,’’ he said.
He said he would soon declare his presidential ambition on the platform of the APC, adding that party interest should be put above self interest.
He also said that for their support to be more meaningful, it must go beyond him to APC and candidates the party presented because its decision was ultimate.
“You must at all times remember that the APC is a party with several qualified people for each and all the positions that will be contested, including that of the president.
“It is the primaries that will determine who will eventually represent the party and in which capacity.
“If I get the nomination, I will expect you to redouble your effort and commitment until we clinch the presidency.
“In the event that it happens to be one of the other aspirants who win, I will expect you, as good party men, to extend to him your total support.
“We are a united party and united we shall remain because our strength lies in our unity,’’ Buhari said.
The Director-General of the Centre,  Umar Dembo, said it was “a department within the Buhari Campaign Organisation where all activities of the groups would be coordinated’’.
Also speaking, former President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Daniel Onje, urged members of the centre to eschew campaign of anarchy.
“I am a Christian and I refuse to believe in a campaign of anarchy.
“Contrary to insinuations, Buhari is a not a religious bigot.
“The appellation is the handiwork of those who want to continue to keep Nigeria down and divided. (NAN)

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/dont-insult-jonathan-atiku-others-buhari-urges-his-supporters/#sthash.GC4qpxvt.dpuf

Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Rewards Outstanding Distributors

EURO Global Foods and Distilleries Limited, a subsidiary of Sona Group of Companies last weekend honoured top performers amongst its distributors across Nigeria at its 2014 annual Distributors’ Forum held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja. A number of distributors received certificates of excellence and cash incentives in recognition of their contribution to helping the company achieve its numbers. 

Speaking at the event, Chairman Sona Group of Companies, Mr. Arjan Mirchandani said, “We’ve taken giant strides in the last few years, from increase in product portfolio to increase in trade partners and being recognized as one of the top 50 fastest growing companies in Nigeria. It’s been an excellent season for us and we must appreciate our partners who have contributed to our successes throughout these years.”

“We are proud to say we have the best trade partners in Nigeria and they have in no small way helped us to continue to provide quality products to consumers. Today presents us the opportunity to celebrate your contributions.” He added

The event saw distributors from all over Nigeria sales division across the country rewarded for outstanding performances in volume sales and distribution of various products. A number of new products were also unveiled to the partners for sampling and feedback.

Sales Director, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Limited, Mr. Felix Aighobahi, said, “We commend our honorees for their commitment to the company and its brands while also inviting others to join the honours club as there is still room for more outstanding partners to step in.” He also called on financial institutions represented at event to support Nigerian business owners to grow by providing them the right financial services.   

The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Distributor of the Year Award to Mr.Okolozo Jude Thaddeus of Golden Pillars Stores. He received a certificate of excellence and a cheque of N4.5m. In all, a total of 70 distributors were honoured with certificates and cash awards ranging from N250,000 to N4.5 million with many of them coming all the geo-political areas of the country.

‘Prison Turned Me Into Hardened Criminal’

A 38-year old suspected armed robber paraded recently by the police in Lagos State, western Nigeria,  has confessed that he got his major training and contacts as a hardened criminal  in prison custody when he was serving a jail term for a criminal offence.

He also confessed that his prison training toughened and helped him to reduce the  mistakes that previously landed him in trouble and prison.

The suspect, Joel Eghon, was paraded alongside six other members of his gang, including their leader, Chief Jude Dike, by the Police.

Other members of the gang include, Ifeanyi Onwuegbuchi, 34, Solomon Igwe,32, Emmanuel Ifeanyi, 34, Ejike Emegwo, 31 and Leonard Afoaku, who buys the stolen items from them.

On what landed him in prison, the Edo State-born Eghon said he was arrested and charged to court where he was convicted and sent to prison for a criminal offence.

He said he spent some years in prison custody and while he was there, he met some hardened criminals who trained him on strategies in robbery operation and gave him the contacts he needed to succeed as a robber after he was released.

Eghon said when he was released  from custody, those hardened criminals linked him to their leader, Chief Dike, who immediately absorbed him into his gang and equipped him with arms.

He said his gang mainly specialised in snatching vehicles and diverting goods and through Dike, they got an agent, Afoaku, who sells the stolen goods.

He said he does not have good friends around him when he was growing up. He added that his friends  were mainly criminals.

Eghon said he now realised that he made a mistake in by joining the criminal world and said if he is released, he would not go back to robbery.

One of the suspects, Afoaku who sells the stolen goods confessed that he knew the items he was asked to sell were stolen.

He said, initially, when Dike contacted him to sell those goods, he did not suspect anything but that with time, he discovered they were robbers and decided to stay put because he made a huge profit from the business.

He also said he regretted his involvement and that he would never touch such business if he comes out alive.

The leader of the gang, 55-year old Dike who resides in Ajegunle area of Lagos, confessed that he  gives arms and ammunition to robbers for their operation and thereafter contacts his agent to buy the stolen goods.

He also confessed that he joined the business by accident and because it is lucrative, he stayed put until he was arrested.

During the parade, the State Commissioner of Police, Cornelius Aderanti, said on 20 September information got to him that some armed robbers who had earlier snatched a Toyota Hiace bus around Ebute Metta were planning another operation.

On his instruction, SARS led a decoy team to the area which led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the Toyota containing engines, female bags, shoes and motor gear.

Also, a Barretta pistol with serial number P17531 and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. After the alleged goods receiver, Leonard Afoaku, a businessman, was arrested, some goods were recovered from him.

The police said they will be charged to court after investigation.

Amaju Pinnick is new NFA President

Amaju Pinnick, Executive Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, has been elected as new Nigeria Football Association president.

Pinnick replaces embattled Aminu Maigari’s after an election at the Golden Tulip hotel in Warri, Delta state.

Pinnick defeated won the election by 32 votes after it went into a re-run. In the first round of the election, Pinnick polled 25 votes 11 more than his closest rival, Taiwo Ogunjobi but could not be named winner because he did not get the mandatory two-third of the votes which is 29 votes.

Then the election went to re-run which he won by a large margin. Pinnick garnered 32 of the 44 votes is set to succeed Maigari. Dominic Iorfa polled eight votes, four better than Ogunjobi

Tinubu calls for revolution

A former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says there is a need for the country to undergo a “common sense” revolution.

Tinubu, who is a national leader of the All Progressives Congress said the many years of misrule by successive Peoples Democratic Party presidents had continued to sink the country further into crisis.

The former governor said this in a statement titled ‘A Return to Decency’, on Monday.

He described the 16 years of PDP rule at the federal level as a period of steady decline into disaster.

He said, “The longer they rule, the less benefit the people derive. Nigeria now needs a ‘common sense revolution,’ a revolution that calls forth a return to decency, probity, transparency of process and fairness in outcome.

“This is done not by subterfuge, divide and rule and turning Nigeria in a field of discord or a street of broken institutions. It is accomplished by honouring the principles of democratic good governance and economic justice. It is done by persuading the people they are better off as one instead of better off tearing at one another’s throats.

“Nigerians should be prepared for change. We must rescue Nigeria from those set to cause it irreparable harm. The change I talk about is the only route to our deliverance from 16 years of the PDP locusts. Nigeria is ours to keep and its democracy is ours to save.”

He advised that this year’s Independence Day should be a time of sober reflection because other countries that received independence at the same time as Nigeria had since surpassed the country.

He described the Nigeria of today as the nightmare of its founding fathers. Tinubu further berated the PDP-led Federal Government of using religion to divide Nigerians.

He said, “We commemorate this Independence Day because the nation has survived despite its many challenges. We dare not celebrate because the nation has not flourished as it should. Fifty four years our national trek began with hope and promise, peace and unity.

“Today, the nation staggers beneath the weight of trouble multiplied by hardship. Peace and unity seem to have yielded the moment to violence and discord. We exist as a political unit on a map but we do not prosper as brothers and sisters in one nation, under one flag and pursuant to one accord.”

“Never has an elected government in Nigeria employed religion as a tool to divide the people, setting Nigerian brother against brother in a manner that allows this administration to function at the basest level of governance while seeking to establish a political domination that seeks no greater purpose than its self-perpetuation.”

He described attempts to stigmatise and physically intimidate the APC and the militarisation of elections as features of a perverse democracy.

He described President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda as an avenue to siphon funds through a dubious blueprint.

“They do not have a national blueprint or vision. They do have a blueprint and vision for excessive self-enrichment. Their equation is simple: You work, they feast. You toil, they grow fat. You seek a decent wage; they pilfer the collective treasury to enjoy a king’s ransom,” he said.

He said rather than promote religious tolerance and harmonious living, Jonathan’s government believes its electoral chances are enhanced by promoting ethnicism, internal divisions and religious suspicion but “successful nations are not built this way, have we not learned the lesson that we paid the high price of civil war to learn.”

Sport Journalist Godwin Spiff Sagbama is dead

The Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) this morning lost one of his versatile journalist in the person of the Chief Executive Officer of Hally Sport International, Mr Godwin Spiff Sagbama.

The famous sport journalist before his death anchored a popular programme  on  African Independent Televsion (AIT) called 'Sports Business'.

He has been down for several month with brain related disease.

The University of Ilorin graduate before his death has undergone two different surgeries on the brain.

Ramsey Nouah Disowns His Father

Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah has stated that he wishes not to have anything to do with his biological father after he abandoned him and his mother a long time ago.

The A-list actor told SaharaTV this, during a movie shoot,when he was shown a photo of his alleged siblings and a man who is said to be his father and asked him if he recognizes them.

The actor who seemed angry at the question and the photos, reportedly replied that his mother never told him about any siblings and the man in the picture will never and is not recognized by him as his father, since a man who abandoned an innocent child and the poor mother is never fit to be a father.

Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah has stated that he wishes not to have anything to do with his biological father after he abandoned him and his mother a long time ago.

The A-list actor told SaharaTV this, during a movie shoot,when he was shown a photo of his alleged siblings and a man who is said to be his father and asked him if he recognizes them.
The actor who seemed angry at the question and the photos, reportedly replied that his mother never told him about any siblings and the man in the picture will never and is not recognized by him as his father, since a man who abandoned an innocent child and the poor mother is never fit to be a father.

- See more at: http://bizwatchnigeria.ng/ramsey-nouah-disowns-his-father/#sthash.Dk0mbthH.dpuf

Buhari To Declare For Presidency October 8 In Abuja

Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state, is likely to declare his interest in running for the office of the Nigerian president on October 8, 2014 at the Eagle Square in Abuja. Muhammadu Buhari's poster

Mr. Buhari, who was Nigeria’s military dictator from December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985, will be running for the Nigerian presidency for the fourth time since the current democratic dispensation began in 1999.

A former member of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mr. Buhari is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A source close to the retired general told SaharaReporters that Mr. Buhari had been consulting with his political associates and had decided to contest once more for the presidency. The source added that the former general’s team had concluded plans for his formal declaration on October 8 at the Eagle Square in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Should Mr. Buhari declare as his associate indicated, he will be the second APC member to indicate an interest in running in the presidential race. Yesterday, Abubakar Atiku, who served as vice president during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, announced that he would seek the office of president. Mr. Atiku said he had decided to run in order to fix Nigeria.

Our source added that Mr. Buhari had planned to declare his intention to run for the presidential office a few weeks ago, but had to delay the announcement because of a trip to Europe.

The former general was born on December 17, 1942.