Social Reporters News Service, published by IOE Publishers - CAC/BN/3400383

THE Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme said on Tuesday that it had expended the sum of N80 billion on the East-West Road project. SURE-P Chairman, General Martin-Luther Agwai, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, explained that the amount was spent towards the completion of the project  since 2012 when SURE-P entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Agwai, who had earlier inspected the East-West Road, added that the project had reached 82 percent completion. According to him, the Federal Government attaches much importance to the dualisation of the road being a major trunk outlet for the transportation of petroleum products from Port Harcourt and Warri refineries to other parts of the country. Agwai also disclosed that contract for the upgrading of Port Harcourt-Eleme Junction Flyover to Onne Junction (15 kilometres), to three-carriageway had been awarded. He added that another contract had been signed for

Posted by the Editor The National Executive Co-ordinator of Life Savers Foundation,  a Non-Governmental Organisation,  Mrs. Fola Shoetan, has described as unsatisfactory the approach of the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency  and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to the September 12 Synagogue Church Of All Nation’s building collapse. Shoetan called for better training and re-orientation for the officials of NEMA and LASEMA, who she accused of closing daily at 10.30pm and resuming at 9am “even when it was obvious that there were several dying victims still  trapped under the rubbles.” She described as insincere the claim by the General Manager of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, that officials of the  agency were on ground 24 hours spearheading the rescue operations. Shoetan also said that the government statutory responders to emergencies came ill-equipped for the task and were completely clueless about how to approach the operation based

Ejeh; Grace | The couple that was tortured by a police corporal attached to the Ikoyi Police Division has perfected plans to sue the police for N100m damages. A lawyer with the Femi Falana Chamber, Austin Audu, told our correspondent on Wednesday that the matter would be taken to court on Monday. PUNC H Metro had reported how Ejeh Smith and his wife, Grace, were on their way home in a cab around Lekki area of Lagos State, when a police corporal, Dada Ogunsanya, stopped the driver. Our correspondent reported that after conducting a routine check on the cab and the driving licence of the driver, Ogunsanya beamed his torch on the passengers. ADVERTISEMENT They were said to have protested the action, saying the inner lights of the cab were on and there was no need for the action. In the ensuing argument, which degenerated to a scuffle, Ogunsanya, allegedly tortured the couple by hitting Ejeh in the eye with the butt of his rifle and stepping on his wife’

Posted by the General Editor  The Redeemed Christian Church of God has dissociated itself from rumours making the rounds that its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, gave his blessings to the vice-presidential ambition of a former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The All Progressives Congress had on Wednesday named Osinbajo, who is said to be Adeboye’s close ally, as the running mate of its presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). The RCCG denied celebrating the emergence of the law professor who pastors its Olive Parish located on Banana Island, Lagos. Writing on its official Twitter page on Wednesday, the church said it does not dabble into politics in any shade or colouration. ADVERTISEMENT “We are a mission and we do not meddle in politics,” the RCCG stated while urging Nigerians to be wary of fictitious and misleading social media accounts dragging its name into the murky waters of polit

Posted by editor (Dagbladet): The picture shows the former Norwegian missile torpedo boat KNM “Eaters” on pirate hunting along the Bonny River in Nigeria around August. Now the vessel is called “Oglakirigha” and is equipped with two modern Oerlikon 20 millimeter machine guns that can fire up to 1,000 grenades per minute. On the foredeck also seems a Russian machine gun. Warriors in full combat gear keeps lookout on deck. (By The Paradigm, Lagos), More details have emerged into how former Nigerian Warlord and Militant, Government “Tompolo” Ekpemupolo acquired at least, seven warships from the Norwegian Armed Forces. Of interest in the new revelations is the role played by two new generation Nigerian banks. Mid-last year, the duo of Skye Bank and Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), masquerading for Ex militant Tompolo, visited Norway to inspect the warship to be purchased by the warlord. Before the money could be wired and transact

Posted by editor Former leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta(MEND) High Chief Government Ekpemupolo has raised the alarm that politicians are out to tarnish his image as the 2015 election approaches even though he is not a politician. The former Niger Delta militant, otherwise known as Tompolo was reacting to media reports that he had acquired some gunboats from the Norwegian government with the assistance of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) ostensibly for the policing of the nation’s waterways. Tompolo who spoke through his spokesman, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo not only exonerated himself but insisted that the latest onsalught was masterminded by some Niger Delta ethnic chauvinists.

Posted by editor The former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) was recently alleged to have acquired four warships. The acquisition has also raised fears among ethnicities in the Niger Delta area. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regards this information as disturbing. Coming at the peak of electioneering excitement, a rumour like the acquisition of deadly weapons by a militant leader must be taken seriously by security conscious Nigerians. The fear about such acquisition is heightened by earlier threats coming from Niger Delta militants to the effect that the latter would attack the rest of the country if President Jonathan fails to clinch a second term ticket. There must be apprehension if a witch cried yesterday and a child dies today.

Posted by editor The Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dr. ACB Agbazuere has cautioned former Abia Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu to show himself a little respect and stop exposing his greed and ignorance because, when Dr. Kalu was Governor he could not build a permanent Government House for Abians but Governor T.A. Orji is doing it. The Information boss said Dr. Kalu left Abia workers in rented apartments, but Governor T.A. Orji’s has not only builtfor the worker’s but has relocated Abia workers to an ILO Compliant Ultra Modern Workers Secretariat. He further revealed that Dr. Kalu could not build world class international  conference centre in the State but Chief T.A. Orji has done it; just as he has relocated the 1970 built market at Umuahia to a 7000 shop International Market at Ubani Ibeku, built 5000 shop Timber Market, the Mechanic Village, an International Shopping Mall with Cinema almost completed, several Housing

Posted by Segun Tomori Barring any last minute change of mind, The Paradigm authoritatively gathered the Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Former Attorney-General of Lagos and Commissioner of Justice has been chosen as the running mate of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the February Presidential elections. Mr Osinbajo, A Redeemed Pastor and a close confidant of Asiwaju Tinubu was settled for yesterday evening according to our sources because of the bulk christian votes his choice could draw to the ticket from the vast Redeemed congregation

Posted by Editor General | credits: Lekan Adetayo The Central Bank of Nigeria on Sunday said the commemorative N100 note would go into circulation on Friday. President Goodluck Jonathan had recently unveiled the N100 note in commemoration of Nigeria’s 100 years. It was in remembrance of the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914. “The commemorative N100 banknote unveiled recently by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is to be officially issued into circulation by the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Friday, December 19, 2014,” the CBN said in a statement issued on Sunday. The ceremony, billed for the Abuja branch of the CBN, will be immediately followed by a simultaneous issuance of the currency across the branches of the central bank, according to the statement.

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has slated December 22, 2014 to hear the application for a  judicial review of the coroner’s inquest into the September 12 Synagogue building collapse. Justice Lateefat Okunnu, on Friday, announced the adjournment to allow the parties to regularise the positions. The applicants are the Founder of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, Prophet T.B. Joshua, and the Registered Trustees of the church. They had asked Justice Okunnu to determine whether the witness summons served on Joshua to appear before the coroner to give testimony was not a violation of his right. They further contested that the coroner, Magistrate O.A. Komafe, had been extending his inquisitions into areas beyond his statutory power. About 116 persons reportedly died in the collapsed six-storey guest house belonging to the SCOAN. Komolafe had, on Wednesday, dismissed an application seeking a temporary suspension of the coroner’s inquest. Meanwhile, at the resumed sit

By Eranga Isaac     MANY people who have chronic kidney disease don’t know it because the early signs can be very subtle. It can take many years to go from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to kidney failure. Most people with CKD live out their lives without even reaching kidney failure. People with stage 3 CKD have about an 80% chance of never having their kidneys fail. At any stage of kidney disease, knowledge is power. Knowing the symptoms of kidney disease can help you get the treatment you need to feel your best. If you or someone you know has one or more of the following symptoms of CKD, or you worry about kidney problems, see a doctor for blood and urine tests. Remember, many of the symptoms can be caused by other health problems. The only way to known the cause of your symptoms is to see a doctor. Symptom 1: Changes in urinati

  Posted by the Editor General BY REV. OLU GEORGE What you are about to read in this article is inspired by the Spirit of Truth. It is to correct all the wrong idolatrous celebrations prevalent in some churches and amongst some Christians, it is to reprove the church of wrong doctrines, wherever they exist, it is to instruct Churches to do the right thing, so that the Church can be made ready for the rapture.  Some of these erroneous and idolatrous celebrations include amongst others, the observance of days, months, times and years, which Apostle Paul referred to as the weak and beggarly elements, which have put most Christians and most churches into bondage. In Galatians.4:9-10, Paul lamented, “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage. YE OBSERVE DAYS AND MONTHS, A

  Posted by Editor General BY Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie AFRICANS, according to Professor John Mbiti, “are notoriously religious, and each people has its own religious system with a set of beliefs and practices.” Mbiti’s observation may not be far from reality. Here in Nigeria almost everything we do or say are directly or indirectly influenced by our religious beliefs and background. Most of the official gatherings in Nigeria begin with opening prayer. Even when the politicians meet for official purpose, a Muslim and a Christian are usually appointed to lead the group in an opening prayer. Moreover, the numbers of religious denominations in the Nigeria are uncountable. People are beginning to build mosques, even in none Islamic areas. Some of our Muslim bre

 Posted by Editor General Lagos – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said on Thursday that Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ran a spirited campaign and fully deserved the victory he got at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary. “You ran a spirited campaign, and since the delegates have spoken, you fully deserve the victory,’’ Atiku said in his concession speech after losing to Buhari in the election. He said that he was confident that Buhari would provide the needed leadership to turn the country around. “My dear friends, we have voted; a winner has emerged. “I pledge my commitment to this party, and to campaign vigorously for our candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and all APC candidates to ensure victory in the 2015 elections. “I call on all other contestants and our party’s rank and file to unite behind our candidates at all levels to ensure that

By ERANGA ISAAC THE role of women in Maternal Newborn and Child Health Advocacy and Services cannot be over-emphasized. Below are six steps suggested by Alice Welbourn, Founding Director of Salamander Trust. The first suggested step is that we keep things simple. We all have really complex lives and simplicity is always welcome! Here are some examples of how to keep things simple. Firstly, language. As I have explained elsewhere, we know now from recent scientific research that use of actually makes us feel good because of increased oxytocin and serotonin levels in our bodies. It also enables us to use our right brains more. Left brains are great for doing things to do with engineering or medicine. But when it comes to the socio-political dimensions of health, which as Kate Gilmore just explained is what we are talking about here, it is really useful for u

Posted by Editor General   By Eranga Isaac BENIN CITY –  The Edo Festival of Arts, Culture and Tourism (EDOFEST) begins today Saturday 13th December, 2014 and ends, Saturday 20th December, 2014. Briefing newsmen in Benin City on preparation for the Festival, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hon. (Mrs.) Aanena Jemitola said it will begin with a bonfire/Variety night at the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, she said the personality of the year will be revealed who will light the bonfire. Sunday 14th December, 2014, there will be a Food Fair/Arts & Culture exhibition, including drama presentation and highlife musical night.  Mrs. Aanena Jemitola added that a number of companies have indicated their willingness to ta

Posted by editor general LETTER TO THE DELEGATES OF ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC, DURING THE NATIONAL DELEGATES CONVENTION.   My Dear Delegates, As you gather for our convention, please remember that history, change and the hopes of Nigeria are there with you. They are there to ask you to perform according to your best judgment and patriotic conscience. I also ask you to do the same. We seek a new Nigeria. It starts with us. It starts today. I have placed myself before you seeking your help to nominate me as your standard bearer for our progressive party, APC. Personal ambition does not drive me in this regard. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I believe I have something to offer Nigeria at this time of multiple crises. Insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low. Time is past due that we work together to lift Nigeria up. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future. I have always served Nigeria to the best of my abili

Posted by editor general By Umar Faruk Isah As a concerned Nigerian who doesn’t want to walk on Walter street Calabar in my Kaftan with the fear of been tagged a boko-haram and my desire for a better Nigeria, I think I should offer my own little advice to better GMB’s campaign. I am no media professional but I think the GMB media team needs to up its game. My first advice to team GMB media team is to make sure GMB visits every state in the South during his campaign not just a campaign from Abuja. Through this it is certain GMB will meet the stakeholders in this part of the country. The stakeholders who are the voters in that part need to see the real GMB and what he is about. Secondly, I advice you make before the election to talk GMB into visitng higher institutions of learning where about 60 percent of the nation’s young population are dominant and have conversations around his policies and they they expect of him if elected. GMB once fought for Nigeria at the battle field. Encou

Posted by Eranga Isaac Governor Adams Eric Aliyu Oshiomhole of Edo State has congratulated Maj.-Gen Muhammadu Buhari on his emergence as the Presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 General election. In a statement, Oshiomhole also gave kudos to the other Presidential aspirants of the party for a gallant fight and urged them to join hands with the party’s candidate to scale the next hurdle. According to him “first, let me congratulate the flag-bearer of our party, a highly disciplined, tested and trusted leader, Maj.-General Muhammadu Buhari for emerging through this refined, transparent and credible process of delegate election. “Also, I wish to congratulate the delegates for their tolerance, patience, maturity and commitment towards ensuring a successful convention which has produced such a strong candidate for our party. “This goes to show that we all are committed to being agents of change in this democratic process. With the emergence

By Segun Tomori   General Muhammudu Buhari (Rtd) and frontline aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has emerged the winner of the party’s presidential primary that held in Lagos. Buhari emerged winner with 3,430 votes to beat his closest rival and governor of Kano State Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso who polled over 974 votes to clinch 2nd position. The flop of the day was former vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was rumoured to have spent millions of dollars, but could only garner more than 954 votes of total 7,214 delegates accredited in the primary election. Rochas Okorocha emerged fourth with at least 624 votes to be credited to him. Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah could only marshal 10 votes. Gen. Buhari will now face president Goodluck Jonathan who has already emerged winner of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primaries in the February 2015 general elections. Atiku Congratulates Buhari In a show of rare comradeship, form