British PM appoints Nigerian as children’s minister

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has appointed Olukemi Olufunto Badenoch, aged 39, as Children and Families Minister, as part of his government reshuffle. Badenoch is a British Conservative politician and Member of Parliament (MP) for Saffron Walden.
She was born in Wimbledon, London to Nigerian parents. Her childhood was spent in Lagos and the United States. She moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 16. She has been the MP for Saffron Walden since 2017 after replacing Nadhim Zawahi.

She once told MPs in Parliament about her own experiences of poverty and how she used to do her homework by candlelight.
A software and IT engineer, Badenoch studied systems engineering at Sussex University and also has a law degree. She has worked in the banking sector for Coutts and RBS and is a mother of two.

Tweeting about her appointment, Badenoch @KemiBadenoch posted on 29 July: “Thank you for all good wishes and kind messages of support received. I also look forward to working not just with @Conservatives colleagues but cross-party and grateful for the warm welcome from @TracyBrabin and @Steve ReedMP who no doubt will be keeping me on my toes!”

The minister’s responsibilities include early years policy, including inspection and regulation. Her portfolio includes delivery of 30 hours free childcare offer, special educational needs including high needs funding, safeguarding in schools and disadvantaged pupils – including pupil premium and pupil premium plus.

In her 2017 maiden speech as MP, the daughter of a GP and a physiology professor, described the vote for Brexit as “the greatest ever vote of confidence in the project of the United Kingdom”.

House help agent who plant helps to rob their employers arrested

Investigation revealed that the suspect and his wife had been parading themselves as house help agents since 2003.

Their mode of operation was to get the job seekers a job as domestic helps, with an agreement to collect half of their salary for the first month as commission fee.

Months after, they would contact the helps introducing them to the idea of stealing jewelries, money and other valuables from their employers.

In his confessional statement, Okputu said he connects at least15 persons with jobs evey year. He said the idea of robbing employers was born out of his increased financial burden.

“ I Have been helping Lagosians get house helps and everybody in my neighborhood knows that’s what I do and they also make recommendations and link me with their relatives who need my service.’

“ Sometime in May this year a friend directed a woman, Joy Onoz to me to help her get a housemaid job which I did and all was fine until the next month when she began to call me that her Mistress does not like her, begging me to do something about it.

“ Joy told me her madam was wealthy, so we planned a way to loot the unsuspecting employer. I called Joy one day and warned her not speak English throughout our conversation. I told her to steal her madam’s money, jewelries and also help me get her picture and deliver it to me.”

The suspect told Joy the gold jewellery would be replaced with copper and that he would take the picture to a prophetess who will help him bewitch and make her not to question any of the girl’s deed after stealing her things.

Not comfortable with the arrangement, Joy had reported Okputu’s plot to the police. She had also told her employer of the move to loot her.

They played along with Okputu’s arrangement. The Mistress gave Joy some hard currencies, Jewelries and her picture and told her to contact Okputu that she had successfully gotten some valuables.

The suspect unknowingly instructed Joy to meet him at Iyana-Ipaja to handover her loots to him and that he would arrange how to get the fakes across to her by doing imitations of the jewelries to avoid any suspicion.

Officers who had been contacted by the employer swung into action and laid siege for Okputu at the agreed location where he was arrested after receiving the loots.

After his arrest, the Decoy team of RRS visited some housemaid whom the suspect had installed in different part of the State to question them if he had one time or the other asked them to bring their employer’s valuables.

The police also visited the said prophetess who was to help hypnotize Joy’s mistress and she disclosed that the last time she saw him was in February 2018 when he came for prayer, asking her to help hypnotize a woman who employed one of his clients.

The prophetess said she refused his demand and sent him out of her church because she doesn’t indulge in such practice as a servant of God.

Recovered from the suspect at the point of his arrest were 15 Dollar notes, sets of gold jewelries worth N450,000 and a picture.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Zubairu Muazu in his reaction to the incident directed the transfer of the case to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) and advised Lagosians to be conscious of whom they employ as domestic staff to avoid theft of their hard-earned properties.

Stolen N400m: GOC reportedly claims money belongs to governor, BDC operator

The N400 million carted away by five soldiers who were escorting the money to the Jaji airstrip is said to belong to a state governor and bureau de change operator in Kaduna state.

According to Tribune, the disclosure was made by Major General Hakeem Otiki, a former general officer commanding, 8 Division, who is currently being interrogated by operatives of the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB), a branch of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI).

Our source gathers that a source revealed that though speculations put the stolen money at N400million, the actual amount involved was N70 million and $90,000.

Otki has reportedly denied that the money belongs to him, and is said to be cooperating with the investigators.

The former GOC reportedly said “he does not handle payment of troops allowances,” which is directly done by the Army Headquarters’ Finance Department.

Some investigators are, however, asking how Otiki got involved in the movement of such amount of money when he is not a licensed bureau de change operator or a bank.

They are determined to discover the money’s purpose and Otiki’s interest in it.

As GOC, Otiki had a N10 million running cost which had not been released in the last two months. The running cost will reportedly now be paid to Otiki’s successor, Major General J.J. Ogunlade.

According to reports, insinuations that the money might have been returns from illegal miners in Zamfara state have been dismissed by the investigators.

The military source reportedly disclosed that the said governor and BDC operator have been invited over the matter; however, it is not yet known if they’ve honoured the invitation.

In the mean time, signals have been sent from the Army HQ to all formations, to extend their dragnet in search of the absconded five soldiers.

Recall that our source previously reported that Major General Hakeem Otiki was placed under house arrest at the Officers Mess.

Otiki was held following the reported theft of N400 million by soldiers escorting a VIP from Sokoto to Kaduna.

The matter was said to have been reported to the authorities by one of the soldiers in the escort who refused to join his colleagues in the crime.

"Bring in fresh ideas to make service delivery better"- CSC charges civil servants

By Rita Ossai

As the Delta State Civil Service Commission [CSC] begins its mandated monitoring exercise, CSC Chairman, Dame Nkem Nkwuofu has charged civil servants to infuse creative and innovative ideas in the discharge of their duties

Dame Okwuofu who led members of the commission yesterday (29/7/19) to the Directorate of Government House and Protocol, Asaba explained that as civil servants they had the responsibility of not only carrying out their duties diligently but to make their ministry the best in the state.

According to her "As civil servants you have a duty to make the government better in your offices, become creative, bring out of-the-box ideas that will help in the delivery of  the administration's agenda of prosperity for all Deltans".

 Addressing the issue of promotion, lobbying for better positions and the refusal of postings, the Chairman assured the commission's determination to ensure that promotions were done as at when due and "when it comes to posting just accept where you have been put as lobbying for positions is strictly frowned upon and will not be tolerated"

She urged civil servants to keep a watchful eye on their fellow colleagues who are carrying out inappropriate activities and with sufficient proof report, such acts to the commission for disciplinary actions.

Earlier in a welcome address,  the Permanent Secretary Directorate of Government House and Protocol Mr. Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje  stated that the essence of the exercise was to ensure that civil servants remained focused in the discharge of their duties.

He advised civil servants to always carry out their functions effectively despite the current limited resources.

Mulade appeals to government to curb unemployment, insecurity

....... Calls for creation of  enabling environment for investors

By Rita Ossai

A Niger Delta Human and Environmental rights activist, Comrade Mulade Sheriff has appealed   to the Federal, States and Local governments to create an enabling environment for unemployed    Nigerians  to be gainfully employed.

Speaking with news men in Abuja yesterday, the  Human  Rights activist noted that Nigeria’s unemployment poses a threat to development, security and peaceful co-existence in the country.


He noted that the rapid increase in the growth of labor forces along with inadequate supply of jobs and rapid population growth have contributed to increased level of joblessness.


Comrade Mulade Sheriff who is the current Chairman, Applicant Association of Nigeria (AAN),  while  hosting the 2019 Applicant week in Abuja appealed to Federal and State governments to reduce high level of unemployment in the country.


He urged the government at all levels to provide the necessary infrastructure and industrial friendly environment by ensuring that there is Improvement in the area of energy supply and transport system to cut high cost of productions for investors to find the country attractive for investment.


 He sympathised with Applicants who cannot boast of gainful employment in their own country, calling on government to adopt proactive steps with action plans that will help to create enabling environment for investors and establish industries that will curb unemployment and insecurity.


Comrade  Mulade expressed readiness to support Government at all levels to provide enabling environment and create jobs for the sea of   job seekers, adding that Applicant Association of Nigeria will help job seekers access available  jobs opportunities.

Viral video reveals Warri prophet allegedly stages miracles to defraud members

...Video was doctored, aimed to tarnish my image- Prophet

By Elo Edromoda

A video currently viral, claims a prophet, Melody Adjija, founder of Light Way Ministry, in Warri, Delta state, has been staging miracles for his congregation and other unsuspecting members of the public.

A Facebook user identified as Otuedon Yemi shared a post which gave details about Melody's arrest and the charges laid against him.

The video which did not specify date or timing of recording, portrays the alternating interrogation of the prophet, alongside a young man, Osaeki Ehis, who is from Oredo in Edo state.

The Edo-born suspect confessed to giving fake confirmations of prophesies by the pastor who had earlier received his picture from an agent identified simply as Loveth, for the payment of N5,000.

The duo who were allegedly interrogated by CSP Eyoh Aniete, are suspected accomplices, as both mentioned the name of a lady, Loveth, who resides in Agbor, another area of the state.

Loveth, the prophet claimed, had confessed to being a witch, for the same amount of money.

Prophet Adjija in the video accepted that he is a false prophet and he had being defrauding and deceiving his church members. However, he tried to explain that he started church work as a true minister of God.

He also yielded to allegations of prophesying to internet fraudsters, commonly known as 'yahoo yahoo boys', resolving that he has no defense against the accusations.

But in another development, Prophet Adjija denied the report, stating that there was never a time he was in a room with the alleged accomplice, Ehis.

He however admitted that sometime in February, he was invited for questioning by the police, but left promptly with his aides after discussions.

Melody Adjija further stated that the video was "doctored" and intended to "tarnish my image. I was never arrested nor invited in respect to what was painted in that video."

Meanwhile, CSP Eyoh who was recently redeployed from the Ovwian /Aladja Divisional Police Headquarters in Udu council area, could not be reached for comments as at the time of filing this report.

Woman's murder in delta: family, CSO demands investigation, suspect foul play by policemen

By Elo Edromoda

Following the gruesome murder of one Mrs Grace Dabo, 42, on July 20, in Ovwian, Udu council area of Delta state, by unknown gunmen, just after an altercation with policemen, her family has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Dabo family, alongside the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights(CDHR), a civil society organization, while urging the police to bring her killers to book, are also suspecting foul play on the part of the officers who are attached to the Ovwian/Aladja Division.

Isoko Mirror learnt that the deceased, a decorator and mother of four, was in the company of her 11-year-old daughter, Oghenenyerhovwo Dabo, when the sad incident occurred.

The daughter, while recounting their encounter with men of the Nigeria Police Force had reported that their vehicle was flagged down at Igbiki Junction and the mother asked for the particulars of the car, including the tinted permit of the Toyota Sienna Space Bus with registration number plate AGL 822 EY.

Grace Dabo reportedly provided said particulars except the permit, which she told the police she had left at home due to haste to get her decoration materials from a venue.

However, the police team led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), pulled Grace and her daughter out and impounded the car, leaving them stranded in the middle of the road at about 8pm, in spite of her pleas.

Upon seeing a tricycle, the late woman and her daughter stopped and boarded it in a bid to leave the area, which is notorious for robbery attacks. PHer bag containing some money and her mobile phone were snatched and she was found dead minutes later with gunshot wounds on her body, while the daughter was left unharmed.

Meanwhile, the late woman's husband, Benjamin Dabo, is demanding the punishment of the officers who were on duty, for lack of professional conduct.

Lamenting his wife's murder, Dabo stated thus: "Too many questions left answered. Why will the Nigerian Police admittedly orchestrate your brutal murder on that Saturday evening 20th July 2019? There was nothing in your heart except love and kindness. With over 300 girls conservatively having undergone your tutelage, a country like ours ought to encourage people like you to help reduce joblessness with your enterprise.

"Ironically, it’s the same very government that bears responsibility for your gruesome murder in cold blood in front of our helpless underaged child who will now have to live the rest of her life in the reality of this horrible trauma. My heart bleeds in pain of your having left us just like that."

Sharing the opinion of the husband on the prosecution of the officers involved, the Delta state secretary of CDHR, Israel Joe, pointed out that the police may have orchestrated the killing in a Facebook post.

Joe said, " The police in Ovwian stopped her, and demanded for her tinted permit of a Sienna 1999 model vehicle. She told them she was a decorator and rushing to pack up her materials and since all the other papers were available she wouldn’t be able to lay hands on the tinted (factory fitted) permit at that moment.

"According to an eye witness, her 11-year old daughter who narrated the ordeal said the police forcefully dragged her down from her car, entered her vehicle, drove her car away living the woman and the daughter vulnerable at their check point. However, the woman succeeded in taking her bag which the police suspected had some good amount of money. Immediately, a tricycle came, picked up the woman and her daughter, after like 100 meters from the police checkpoint, they dragged her bag with her phone inside the bag, shot her on her rib and left. Her helpless daughter was also pushed out of the tricycle (keke).

"This act of the Ovwian Police violates professionalism if they are not even the ones that orchestrated her death. The police have too many questions to answer to this regards and we hope the Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Adeleke Adeyinka will order a thorough investigation into this matter as concerns Ovwian Aladja division where they uncontrollably take laws into their hands to execute evils and lawlessness."

"While we watch keenly for the prosecution of that police who orchestrated the untimely death of Mrs Dagbo, we also want to sound it loud and clear that you must not test the powers of local men, the people would react rather".

Isoko Mirror further learnt that while three policemen, including a senior officer, names undisclosed, have been arrested in connection to the incident, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aniete Eyo has been transferred from the division.

The Delta state police command has since confirmed the incident, condemning the actions of the officers involved but not confirming their arrests.

The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Onome Onovwakpoyeya, said, "On the 20th of July, 2019 at about 1920hrs, while one Mrs. Ughochukwu Grace Dabo was driving home in the company of her 11yr old daughter Dabo Oghenenyerhovwo Evon in her Toyota Sienna Space Bus Reg. No AGL 822 EY, she was intercepted by Police Patrol team at Igbiki junction, Ovwian-Aladja and when she could not produce the vehicle documents on demand by the Police, the vehicle was impounded and taken to the Police station for further investigation, while the woman was left at the scene having refused to go along with the Policemen to the station.

"However, on the same night, at about 2105hrs, her husband one Mr. Benjamin Dabo later reported to the DPO at the station that, while the woman was on her way home with her daughter in a commercial tricycle they boarded, she was attacked, robbed and shot dead by a three (3) man armed robbery gang operating with the same tricycle unknowingly boarded by her, but her 11yr old daughter survived the attack and escaped unhurt. She was able to narrate how her mother was killed by men of the underworld who are yet to be arrested.

"The Commissioner of Police regrets the unfortunate incident leading to the death of the deceased and commiserates with her family members. He therefore assures members of  the Public and in particular, the immediate family of the deceased, of the commitment of the Police  to thoroughly  investigate the role played by the Police in the incident and to ensure the arrest of the fleeing armed robbers with a view to  ensuring that full justice is done without fear or favour."

Bahrain executes two Shi’ites, one other over killings

Bahrain executed on Saturday three men convicted in two separate cases, one involving the killing of a police officer and the other the killing of a mosque imam, the public prosecutor said in a statement.

Rights groups identified two of the men as Shi’ite activists Ali al-Arab and Ahmed al-Malali, who were sentenced to death last year in a mass trial along with another 56 men convicted and given jail terms on “terrorism crimes”.
Alleging they were part of a terrorist cell trained to use heavy weapons and explosives, the court jailed 19 for life and 37 for terms of up to 15 years.
The prosecutor’s statement, which did not identify any of the men, said two of them were convicted for crimes including using an assault rifle to kill a police officer in 2017, in attacks orchestrated by what it called Iran-based ringleaders.
Bahrain accuses mainly Shi’ite Iran of stoking militancy in the kingdom, which Tehran denies. Bahrain, a strategic island where the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based, has a Shi’ite Muslim majority population but is ruled by a Sunni royal family.
International rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and a U.N. human rights expert had urged Bahrain on Friday to halt the execution of the two activists on the basis of confessions allegedly obtained through torture.
“While in custody the men were tortured by security officers including through electric shocks and beatings. Ali Mohamed al-Arab’s toenails were also ripped out,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
The authorities have denied accusations of torture and repressing the opposition, and say they are protecting national security from terrorists.
Mass trials became commonplace in Bahrain following a failed uprising in 2011 that was led by members of the Shi’ite opposition and scores of people have been imprisoned including politicians and human rights activists. Many others have fled abroad.
The third executed man was convicted of killing an imam in 2018.
A London-based Bahraini activist rights group, the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD), said “the executions mark one of Bahrain’s darkest days”.
“It appears that the Bahraini government planned this meticulously, timing the executions to coincide with U.S., EU and UK legislative recesses in order to avoid international scrutiny,” BIRD’s Director Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei said in a statement sent to Reuters.
In London, a protester was arrested for trespassing on a diplomatic premises late on Friday after climbing on to the roof of Bahrain’s embassy, British police said.
A video posted on YouTube showed the man unfurling a banner calling on new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to intervene to stop the executions. It also showed emergency service officials breaking open the door of the embassy to gain access.

Okowa charges political leaders to be upright at all times

DELTA State Governor,  Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said all politicians are in leadership positions and are expected to do the right things at all times.

Governor Okowa dropped the hint yesterday (28/07/19) at the re-election victory and successful inauguration into the National Assembly of House of Representatives by Rt.Hon. Julius Pondi.  The thanksgiving service took place at Church of God Mission, Warri.

According to the governor, “I want to thank God for this occasion, as politicians, we will always strive to do it right for the people, because, every politician is in position of leadership in one way or the other.”
“Whatever we do, is of the glory of God, because, God is fulfilling His promises through us,” the governor said, adding, “we will do what we are supposed to do with God as our strength.”

He commented Rt. Hon. Pondi for giving thanks to God, stating, “he (Rt. Hon. Pondi) recognised where he came from and give thanks to God; when you fail to give God the glory for being the source to your strength, He will take it away from you; the best you can do is to serve the Lord with all that you can and all you have.”
“As an individual, God has been so faithful to me; I am a witness to what God can do in the life of people and I call on the people, Deltans to continue to render service to mankind will be the true thanksgiving to God; give your life to God,” Governor Okowa stated.
Rev. Asuquo Akpan-Ekpo who spoke on the topic, “assets for enduring leadership,”  observed that the greatest of the assets for an enduring leadership is wisdom.
According to him, with wisdom, a leader will know what to do, when to do it and how to do it.

While making references to leaders who succeeded in the Holy Bible due to wisdom, the Pastor emphasised that the people who are led are also, wonderful assets that should be taken care of.
He added that leaders should take time to find out the feelings of the people they are leading and apply wisdom to meet with the needs of those who are led.
Rev. Akpan-Ekpo  also observed that humility is an asset in leadership
The church service was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,  traditional, among others.

Do not cut off your girls' first hair - Professional Hairstylist tells Nigerian Mothers

"Natural hair can be a trend but in honesty, it is not. It is discovering a healthier way to be."

Mrs. Elina E. K. Okporo, popularly known as ELIBRYTE  is a natural hairstylist, a loctician, a hair product formulator and beautician. Though from Obode -Ete in Delta state, she grew up in Lagos, where her passion for hair began.

In her quest to know more about hairs, she did a brief course on trichology, the study of hair and scalp, somewhere outside the shores of Nigeria.

In this interview with Elo Edremoda, she gives in-depth and professional hair care concerns, why women should consider growing their natural hair and why no girl child's first hair should be cut.


Excerpts:


What is the difference between a professional, like you and the hairstylist who does not have your kind of training?

First of all, being a hairstylist is about knowing the techniques, like how to braid.

What makes me different is that I have the know-how, the hair technique and then the biology. It is basically about the biology of hair, what is inside hair, what proteins can help the strength of your hair to stimulate growth.


There is a separation there, knowing the biology of hair, unlike other people who just have the technique. The truth is they both go together. These are things that help you to pick your products. I put certain things together and make products because I know that these are the proteins necessary for hair care and growth stimulation.


How long have you been in this business?

Growing up, my Grandpa bought me a little doll, so that's how I started. But I got into secondary school and used it to hustle. After school, I would fix fellow students' hair and get paid from five to ten naira (#5 to #10) for thread and weaving, respectively, I can't remember anymore. This is more than 20 years ago.


This means hair making is a passion for you?

That's just what it is. This whole thing started when I saw a Caucasian hair on TV. I was a little girl, and then I thought, how come their hair is long and African children's hair are short. That's how I became interested in hair. Basically, it's passion. Even if somebody gives me another job, I won't take it.


What are the types of hair we should know?

There are different types of hair. In terms of finesse, we have different kinds of hair and then we have different curl types, from one to four. In a 1 to 4, we have 1 standing on its own, you have 2 on its own. 3 now ranges from 3A to 3C, then there is 4A to D.

Initially, it was 4A to C, but right now, there is an addition because new curl types are sprouting. And then, those who are the master of it came up to tell us there is now a 4D.


Are you talking generally, including African hairs?

Yes. The African hair mostly, if you are not a mixed race, is the type 4, that's the coil type A-D. Then of course, we have some African hair that can fall into 3C which is kind of curly, rather than coily.

For finesse, we have fine hair, medium, coarse hair. We have people with fine hair naturally.


What's responsible for hair dandruff and thinning?

Dandruff can be an infection. It can be as a result of taking a particular medication. Some antibiotics can give some people dry scalp. For some people, it is transferred from one person to another, using the same comb.

Some people have dry scalp that result in dry hair, so sometimes it is even natural. In terms of dryness, when you deliberately leave your scalp not moisturised, it can do that.

Then, in some products we have drying agents and we are not aware. These are things that make us tick, I mean those who say we want to know the biology of hair.

For thinning hair, your hair gets to be thin as a result of relaxers. No matter how great a relaxer is, if you use it for a couple of years, some people months, the hair gets thin.

Going back to natural hair, nobody should tell anybody that because you don't have your hair relaxed, you will look dirty, old. Some people feel harassed when people tell them, 'you look old because of your natural hair.'  That is absolutely not correct. You don't do that because it's okay to carry your God-given hair.

Now, we have good trainings for natural hair management. We can take care of our natural hair without fear or trembling. If you love the look, being the way God created you, its okay to go natural.


We have also heard that dyeing of hair causes breakage, how true is this?

I'm glad you asked this. Trust me, that's not it at all. When you dye your hair with low ammonia based products, it will not thin out your hair.

Generally, every hair has its voice, we must understand that. You might have 4D and another person has same 4D, but the finesse might be a little different. What you just do when you dye your hair is strip it off the colour that it has. In fact, I have many customers who have dyed their hairs.

We have people who are naturally blonde and their hair is healthy. We have albinos and their hairs are naturally blonde. If they take off the hair colour, the hair won't break. What happens is if you do not take care of your hair with the right products, it will break.

We have bad product knowledge and bad product application. Bad product knowledge will result in bad product application.

Then we have bad handling because sometimes, you can have the best products in this world and you are not having the accurate handling for that hair. Then your hair will result in breakage.

Naturally, there are people with thin hair just as we are born with different heights. When your hair is thin, it makes it easier to manage. But what products are you putting in? Are you putting products that are too heavy for your hair, are you putting the right products that will not break your hair? The hair is already naturally thin and then, you are putting heavy products. Sadly, that is what is going on with a lot of us.


'Ori,' called shea butter and coconut oil usage, how effective are these local or should I say organic products for hair care?

I cannot talk 'ori' out completely. Personally, as a hairstylist, I am not a fan for greasy oil. Ori is one of them, amongst many greasy oils. Greasy oils can help to reduce friction. But in terms of the right proteins, hair foods, which I am about, ori is not it for me. I am not saying it is bad outrightly, but in terms of food, I don't think it is the right option.


What is your opinion on the thoughts of some persons that patronizing extravagant hair salons guarantee best hair care services?

I think whether big or small, you can provide the best hair care if you are knowledgeable about what you are doing. The maximum hair care is not dependent on the size of the salon, neither the look. Of course, it is important you have a neat place and all of that, when you know what you know, you know what you know. It has nothing to do with even your size as a human being, not to mention your shop.

My son is 10 years old. He works here, washes hair, braids, hair fobs. My daughter is twelve. They work with me. I pay them and these are small kids. They have the training that I have given to them and know the right thing. As far as i am concerned, they are small salons put together.


In recent years lots of people, including African celebrities are tilting towards growing natural hair. Is it the best way to go. And if yes, why?

For a lot of people, natural hair can be a trend but in honesty, it is not. It is discovering a healthier way to be. The compounds that are inside relaxers are what drive a lot of people into natural hair. We want to live a healthier lifestyle.

For me, natural hair is a better way to live healthy rather than having chemicals in your hair. That's why the products we use on the hair are natural. They are organic, neither harmful to the hair or the person doing the hair.


People complain that it is too expensive to maintain natural hair, how so?

Natural hair is not expensive, I hear that a lot. It not as expensive as some people make it. There are simple remedies you can use with your stylist. It's only when you want to buy your products at once, it looks expensive. If you buy the products you need, it will take you a while to finish them. If you want a healthy perming, you will spend quite a lot.

For natural hair, you have your do-it-yourself (DIYs) to fall back on because your professional stylist will guide you to make sure you can take care of your hair when either of you are not around. Like me, it is not easy to have a booking with me. I have to give them tips to help them take care of their hair without me. Sometimes, they can't get my products, there are cheap stuffs they can get to wash their hair with, not the very expensive shampoos and all.


I particularly have a problem with braids and beads on children, especially those who are about six months to two years old. When is the best time to start braids or weaves on infants, is it even proper?

I have an issue generally with braiding on everybody, how much more children. You can braid your child's hair, but what kind of tension are you applying on the roots of the hair. Sadly, a lot of people don't apply the right tension to the hair, so it makes it really challenging. If you must braid a child's hair, the braids have to be really scanty.

It gets scary when I see a lot of children with funny beads, the charm looks like a shrine. I've never been to a shrine before but I have watched Nollywood, so I see the way the shrine looks. If the child must braid hair, braid it scanty.

And then tension, tension is how tight the hair is. Make it almost zero tension. The child should not feel a thing. Even as simple as corn rows that they want to do on a child, they go like this (tight) and the child loses hair. Then you see rashes, boils and some can't sleep. It is the braid technique that is important. Relatively, you know how big a child's scalp is. It should not carry more than ten to fifteen braids and then packed. Some of the kids drag the hair when crying.

The truth is that we should avoid it, but it is not easy to deal with some children's hair, some children have hair. Considering the way we are, how busy mothers can be, especially Delta mothers, it is not easy dealing with packing it everyday. That (braid) will leave the hair in, there is a word we use 'protective' hairstyle or braid. You protect the hair, but most braids sadly damage the hairs. If the tension can be right, why not.


What's the myth behind cutting off babies', talking about girl children, first hairs?

Thank you for asking this question. When I had my daughter, her hair was falling, it wasn't growing well. She had this big Chanel O at the back. In the middle, she had this small hair. I used to call her 'hare-hare'. Then, people came to me, 'cut the hair, a child's first hair should be cut'. My response to them was 'if I cut this first hair, I will cut the first nose, ear, eye, everything first about her, so that the real ones will grow. Unless that happens, then I cannot cut the hair'.

To answer your question, it is absolutely wrong to do that. You don't cut a child's (girl) hair, unless maybe you have a fetish thing. As a professional hairstylist, from me to you and to the world, it is wrong to cut your child's first hair. If you have that notion, it is absolutely wrong to do it.


Do you have any advice to ladies on hair care?

Take care of your hair. The bible says that a woman's hair is a glory unto her. It is okay to have a girl child have her hair done. There is a confidence it gives. Give it the right attention, get professional stylists to do your hair.

Then, you stylist, try to get better. Go for trainings, things to help you get better at what you do. If you love what you do, you will want to get better at it.

Five-year-old girl abducted in Bayelsa found in Kaduna hotel room

A five-year-old girl, kidnapped by an acquaintance simply identified as Ahmed in their Akemfa 1 area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State residence on June 10, has been found in a hotel room in Kaduna, where she was left by the kidnapper after collecting N1 million ransom.

Mrs Williams Koroye, the victim’s mother, who disclosed this to newsmen, said the child was picked up by her father.

She explained that the kidnapper had told the family where to pick the girl in Kaduna after collecting the ransom.

She said Ahmed had checked into the hotel with the little girl and later told the staff that he was going out to pick something but never returned.

Her words: “Our baby is back with us. My husband traced Ahmed to Kaduna, following directions and instructions by the criminal who kidnapped her.

“When my husband got to the hotel, the baby was already in the hands of the hotel staff.

“The receptionist said the girl was found alone by the cleaner in the room, so when my husband got there, the hotel invited the Police who in turn interrogated and profiled my husband’s identity.

“He came back with our daughter and we thank God for her safe return.”

Ondo lawmakers scamper for safety as snakes fall from ceiling to hollow chamber

Pandemonium broke out at the Ondo State House of Assembly Complex on Thursday following the appearance of snakes at the hallowed chamber of the Assembly complex.
The snakes fell from the ceiling of the hallowed chamber during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun.

The situation which caused panic among the lawmakers abruptly brought the plenary to an end as they hurriedly rushed out from the chamber.
According to an eyewitness who is a staff of the Assembly, she disclosed that the complex has for a long while being left unattended to.
She also revealed that due to deplorable condition of facilities at the complex, snakes freely enter lawmakers’ offices and the hallowed chamber.
She stated that on Wednesday afternoon (yesterday), a mysterious snake in one of the offices caused mild drama and apprehension at the Assembly complex when it pursued a lawmaker out of his office.
“Today three snakes fell from the Chamber’s roof when the sitting was about to commence and this made all the lawmakers to run for dear lives.”
“The snakes escaped from the scene, some of the lawmakers were shaking as if they wanted to die.”
“I can’t remember the last time this complex was fumigated. Everywhere around is just too dirty that sometimes one begins to wonder how lawmakers cope and sit in such dirty environment.”
Meanwhile, due to the tension created by the snakes, the Speaker declared that the house should proceed on indefinite recess as their security could not be guaranteed as a result of the ugly development.

Court awards N10m against LASG, Police over illegal demolition

The Lagos State High Court in Badagry has awarded damages in the sum of N10m against the Lagos State Government and authorities of the Nigeria Police Force for the illegal demolition of residents’ buildings on an expanse of land measuring 26.72 hectares in the Mowo, Badagry area of the state.
The court, in a judgment by Justice S.I. Sonaike, said the state was not honest in its claim to have acquired the residents’ land for public use only to sell the land for N176m to the police, which wanted to use it for a “Police Staff Housing Scheme.”

Justice Sonaike held that apart from the fact that the residents, who owned the land, were neither properly notified about the acquisition nor duly compensated by government before their land was taken over, selling the land to the police for the purpose of a “Police Staff Housing Scheme” did not qualify as acquisition of land for public use.
“Going by the definition of the acquisition, does the purpose shown from Exhibit 10 qualify as proper acquisition of private property for overriding public use? Especially when considered from the background of the evidence elicited from DW1, who gave examples of overriding public use, for which the states have acquired private lands, such as roads, hospital, residential houses that can be admitted for use by all and sundry (the whole citizenry) and the use of such land should not be restricted to a class of people,” Justice Sonaike noted in a judgment delivered on April 30, 2019.
The judge held that since the “Police Staff Housing Scheme” would not be accessible to all members of the public, government could not claim to have compulsorily acquired the residents’ land for public use.
“I accordingly find that the acquisition of the said land is not within the intendment of the law, the notice of acquisition neither stated the particulars of the public purpose for which the land allocated under Exhibit 10 can be interpreted to mean public purpose,” the judge held.
The judge further stated, “I find that the 1st-5th defendants have not been honest in their dealings with the claimants, and the 9th-36th defendants on the acquisition of their land. It is, therefore, not in doubt that none of the communities were aware of the purported acquisition until the unlawful demolition of their properties, since there is no evidence of any service of required notices in accordance with the law, thereby denying the holder of the land compulsorily acquired from knowing the grounds upon which the government acquired their land, which failure contravened their constitutional rights as provided under sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
The suit, marked BD/22M/2008, has 76 claimants, comprising individuals suing on behalf of themselves and their families.
Among them were Mr Fiyedenu Daniel, Mr Oyerinde Talabi, Mr Idowu Abati, Mrs Rachael Afolabi and Mr Joseph Abati.
Joined as 1st to 5th defendants were the Executive Governor of Lagos State; Attorney General of Lagos State; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State; Commissioner for Rural Development, Lagos State; and the Surveyor General, Lagos State.
The Inspector-General of Police; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone II Police Command; and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, were joined as 6th to 8th defendants.
In the suit filed through their lawyer, Funmi Adeogun, the claimant told the court that the state and the police invaded their land on November 4, 2008.
They said no fewer than 900 houses alongside farmlands were demolished, adding that the police sold the rubble in truckloads to some buyers.
The claimants said as a result of the forceful takeover of their land and the demolition of their buildings some of the owners of the properties died out of shock.
Among others, they urged the court to declare that the Lagos State Government had no right, “without recourse to the relevant laws to enter, take over and unilaterally appropriate claimants’ large expanse of land measuring 26.72 hectares covered by Survey Plan No. OGA/2359/048P/2016/LA, dated 17/01/2017.”
They prayed the court to order the police “to account to the Mowo Phase II Development Association and ultimately the 14th-76th claimants all the money realised from the sale of the ruble from the demolished properties at the rate of N11,000 per truckload.”
They claimed that the police sold approximately 7,000 truckload of ruble and they were entitled to N77m, which they wanted to be paid with 22 per cent interest annum until final payment.
The residents prayed the court to award aggravated damages of N1bn and N100m damages for trespass against the Lagos State Government and the police in their favour.
But in the judgment, the court awarded only N10m in their favour, after holding that the takeover of their land was unlawful.
Justice Sonaike restrained the police “from further entering, surveying, trespassing, clearing and/or commencing any form of construction” on the land.
The judge also restrained the Governor of Lagos State from issuing document of title to the police in respect of the land.
The police were perpetually restrained from harassing, molesting, arresting or inviting the claimants.

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Tidi condoles with Okere-Urhobo people over Monarch’s demise

By Rita Ossai

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Ejueyitsi Tidi has condoled with people of Okere-Urhobo kingdom, Warri, over the shock demise of their Orosuen, Prof. Paul Oghenero Okumagba, Idama II.

Dr. Tidi who was deeply saddened by reports of the Monarch’s transition, recalled Prof. Okumagba’s academic exploit at Delta State University, Abraka and the role he played towards enhancing educational standard of the state owned institution.

The Warri South Local Government Area Chief Executive, enjoined people of Okere-Urhobo to take solace in the fact that the departed Monarch, left a legacy of academic excellence, integrity and leadership by humility.


He enjoined Okere-Urhobo indigenes to sustain the prevailing peace in the kingdom and other parts of Warri South Local Government Area, stressing that it is only peace that can guarantee the much needed development and attract investors.


Until his ascension to the throne in October 2017, late Professor Okumagba, who is the first Monarch of Okere-Urhobo to receive Staff of Office from Delta State Government, was a Professor of Sociology at the Delta State University, Abraka.

We will ensure speedy take off of Kwale Industrial Park – Okowa

In line with his administration's commitment to the speedy industrialization of Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has assured prospective investors in Kwale Industrial  Park of quick return on investment.

Governor Okowa spoke yesterday (25/07/19) in Asaba when the management of Temple Energy and GasInvest, joint consultants to the project briefed him on the level of progress made on the project.

 According to him, “I am glad that you have made appreciable level of progress in the development of the industrial park; from the analysis given, all is set for investors to come in and I am confident that from the materials available and the conducive environment for industries to thrive, potential investors will get a quick return on their investments.”

“As a government, I want to reassure you (the consultants) of our commitment to the fast take-off of the industrial park; I want to guarantee that we will be with you every step of the way for the best results to be achieved for our people and our country, Nigeria,” Governor Okowa said.

The governor continued, “based on the numerous benefits derivable from the industrial park which is in line with my administration’s desire for a prosperous and stronger Delta State as our people will be employed and a lot of socio-economic activities will go on across the state as a result of the park, as a government, we will continue to do our best for the desired results to be achieved.”

Earlier, Dr David Ige had on behalf of the consultants, informed the governor and members of the state executive council that the Kwale Industrial Park has unique attributes that will attract investors, disclosing that more than 75, 000 jobs will be created when it becomes operational.

Dr Ige who commended Governor Okowa’s administration for its commitment towards the effective operation of the park, added that there are four gas fields around the park while the biggest gas pipeline in the country, OB 3 passed through the centre of the park.

““The park is meant to translate the gas resources in Delta State to give it industrial edge; there will be 24 hours reliability on energy and it is few hours drive to the Warri Port and products can easily be moved to major markets in Onitsha, Lagos and other parts of West Africa; we are already working to have free trade zone status for the park and we are targeting manufacturers of different line of products,” he said.

Kidnap kingpin, Evans arms supplier arrested in Delta

The Police have finally arrested Chinyere Godwin, who allegedly supplied arms and ammunition to billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Owuamadike, alias Evans.

Godwin who was alleged to have sold most of the firearms, ammunition and rocket launchers to Evans was arrested by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), two years after he went into hiding.

Evans who was arrested on June 2017 in his mansion at Magodo, Lagos State, by the IRT, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, who is currently standing trial at the Lagos State High Courts of Igbosere and Ikeja, was said to have mentioned Godwin during interrogation as his major arms supplier.

A Police sources from IRT who does not want his name on print, disclosed that Evans had in many occasions confessed that some of the rocket launchers and Ak-47 rifles, used by members of his gang in blowing up bank security doors and bullion vans, during robbery and kidnapping operations, were all supplied to him by Godwin .

The police source said Godwin had serious contacts with arms dealers in Chad and Niger Republic.

The sources said following the confession of Evans, the IGP ordered operatives of the IRT to launched a manhunt on Godwin.

He said for many years, Godwin became elusive and went into hiding and later resurfaced, thinking that since Evans case has gone to the court, police operatives hunting for him would have relaxed their hunting for him.

He, however, said, through cutting-edge technology, Godwin was trailed to Asaba Delta State, where he was apprehended.

Godwin in an interview in IRT cell disclosed that he sold only five Ak-47 rifles to Evans: ” I only sold five AK 47 to Evans. I started selling firearms in 1990. I am a native of Obingwa in Abia State. I learned how to make locally made guns from my boss, late Nnawakwo. He was killed by security operatives for gun-running. I spent three years learning the job of making a gun, before I started making my own. I have several customers coming to buy guns in large quantities. I usually sold locally made double barrel guns for N10,000 and single barrel for N6,000, while the locally short guns were sold for N10,000.

One of my customers, Nwakpa, who was coming from Kaduna State to buy guns from me, was the person who linked me to big arms dealers in Chad and Niger republic. They were the people who supplied me the five Ak-47 rifles I sold to Evans which he used for his bank robbery and kidnapping businesses. I met Evans when he came to my village to treat his bullet wound and his native doctor, Eyinaya Hearth, linked him to me. I knew he was using the guns for armed robbery and kidnapping.

Evans paid me N1.7million for the five Ak-47 rifles. The riffles were supplied to me from Chad. The rifles were concealed in bags of fish and I took my commissions and gave the rest of the money to Nwakpa. It was Nwakpa who supplied the rocket launchers to Evans and not me. Before Evans was arrested I have stopped gun-running.

I went into hiding when I heard that Evans was arrested because I knew he was going to mention my name to the police. After some years, I decided to come out hiding, not knowing that the police were still looking for me. I swear, I had warned Evan to stop kidnapping, but he wouldn’t listen. See the problem that I am facing now “, he lamented.

Police nab kidnapper of Delta students in Edo

Men of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a member of the gang that abducted two students of the Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara.

The suspect identified as Happy Idodo was nabbed in Benin City while looking for a buyer for the Toyota Camry snatched from the victims.

Another female suspect belonging to the gang was earlier arrested while attempting to collect the ransom paid for the release of the kidnapped students.

Happy, who denied being a member of the kidnap gang, said it was his brother, Wisdom, that brought the vehicle to him.

He said he was into yahoo yahoo business.

According to him: “I am not a kidnapper. It was my brother that brought this car on Saturday. I was surprised and asked him about it. He said it belonged to his friend.
”On Sunday, we were going out and the car stopped. As were pushing it, we heard gun shot. The two others ran and where I ran to, I was caught. I called my brother, Wisdom but he didn’t say anything. I was surprised when police told me the owner of the vehicle was kidnapped.”

Narrating their ordeal, the two students who are lovers said they were returning from a school party.

According to 25- year- old Benjamin Becky “My boyfriend and I were returning from a school party at 5am. We were in front of our hostel gate when some boys accosted us and took us away to the bush. We spent three days in the bush and they did not give us any food or water. They wore mask.

“We were inside the forest under the rain for three days and we were blind folded. I was not raped.”

Her boyfriend, Yelsin Eisemage, said he paid N350,000 for their release.

Edo Police Commissioner, Danmallam Abubakar, said other fleeing members would be arrested.

Delta Appointments: Oghenesivbe congratulates Amore, Diden, Askia and others

...Commends Okowa's choices

Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediate past Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has congratulated Chief Ighoyota Amori, over his appointment as Chairman of Delta State Capital Development Authority.

Oghenesivbe in a goodwill message described Amori as a seasoned politician and a detribalised leader, who over the years, remained focused and diligent in his quest for the socioeconomic transformation of  the state, which is why government after government utilised his wealth of experience and those of others to achieve good governance and spread of dividend of democracy.

He noted that Amori's political network in the state and at national level confirmed his enviable status as an astute politician with ensuring legacy in party politics; and have proven to be a reservoir of political knowledge and electioneering; especially his enviable contributions to PDP victories in Delta State, key roles in national politics from 1999 till date and still counting.

The political communication strategist asserted that with Amori at the helm of affairs in the board of Delta State Development Authority, the agency shall transform the state capital of Asaba into the desired  beautiful and adoring city of our dreams, adding that Amori, being a prudent manager of scarce resources shall bring to bear his managerial and board room skills to accomplish the assigned responsibility of his board without blemish.

In the same token, Oghenesivbe congratulated the Chairman and board members of DESOPADEC over their appointments by the Smart Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

He assured that the combination of Chief Michael Diden aka Ejele and seasoned technocrat, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, shall facilitate the overall development of oil producing communities in the state, in line with the Governor's Stronger Delta Vision; adding that Diden and Askia are both tested and trusted loyal party men.

Oghenesivbe, thanked Gov Okowa, for appointing his kinsman and brother, Olorogun Kent Akigho Okiemute, as DESOPADEC Commissioner representing Ethiope East and Ughelli North in this dispensation; and recalled how both of them worked tirelessly for PDP excellent results of Ward 6, Unit 13 Kokori, during the 2019 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

The pioneer EA Communications described Gov Okowa as a forthright and visionary leader who timely reward hard work, loyalty and strength of character; as can be seen from the appointments made so far, adding that it takes good conscience, equity and the fear of God, to do that which is right for the good of all.

He urged Deltans to continue to support the Governor and the government for the speedy accomplishment of a Stronger Delta State by 2023, and beyond.

Woman drag two police officers to court alledgedly extorting #70,000 bail from her

A businesswoman, Mrs. Damilola Babalola has dragged two serving police officers, Seidu Adekunle, and Sergent, Shedrack Nwadike before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, for allegedly extorted the sum of N70,000 from her, before she was granted bail.

Mrs. Babalola, in a suit filed on her behalf by her counsel, Kayode Adaramoye, accused Adekunle, and Nwadike of Team 6, Federal Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau, Alagbon of demanding and forcefully extorted money in two tranches of N45, 000 (cash payment) and N25,000 through fund transfer to a nominated account.

But the police officers in their counter affidavit filed before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, claimed that the money was not a bribe but refund of money he spent on the claimant applicant while she was in police custody.

The applicant, in an affidavit attached to the suit averred that contrary to the general claim that bail is free, alleged that she paid N45,000 to Sergeant Nwadike, in addition to N25, 000, transferred to an FCMB bank account number 0744879015, allegedly nominated by the police officers before she could regain her freedom.

“To regain my freedom, Sgt. Shedrack, gave account details of one Mrs. Oladehinde Omobola, 0744879015 FCMB, to which I paid N25,000, a fellow police officer, plus N45, 000 paid in cash.

“When payment was to be made in December, 2018 and we could not meet up, Adekunle compelled me to pay N20,000, into his first bank account number 3097052789,” Damilola said.

Others respondents alongside the duo are Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Pastor Olukayode Johnson and Mr. Sunday Enyiukwu.

Damilola averred that she bought a 150KVA Perkins Marapco generator set at a cost of N3.2 million from Enyiukwu (5th respondent) on the advice of Pastor Johnson (4th respondent) to power her recycling plant.

She is praying the court to declare her arrest on November 8,2018 and January 22, 2019, as illegal, unlawful and violation of her personal liberty as guaranteed and preserved by Section 33, 34 and 35 of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

But in a counter affidavit been challenged by applicant counsel on the ground that it was not properly brought before the court, Sgt. Augustin Abunwaeze, on behalf of second and third respondents debunked claimed of the applicant.

He averred that the money the claimant is claiming was money he spent on the claimant applicant while she was in the custody.

“The applicant sent him to many places which he used his personal money for transport fare in a bid to assist her to get in touch with her relatives in order to stand surety for her which he did out of sympathy and friendliness.

First bank PoS merchant sent to prison for fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Office on Wednesday, secured the conviction of Eze Shedrach, a First Bank, Point of Sales (PoS) agent (First Moni) before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, the state capital, on a one-count charge that bordered on cyber crime.

Trouble started for Shedrach when one of his customers collected N105,000 from him and issued him an ATM card with which he made an electronic replacement of the sum through his PoS machine.

He effected the transfer not knowing that the ATM card issued to him by the customer was stolen. Shedrach’s inability to find out the status of the ATM card followed his failure to identify the customer properly before the transaction.

Investigation by the Commission revealed that Shedrach as First Bank’s Point of Sales (PoS) agent was in the habit of carrying out financial transactions without proper documentation of his customers upon withdrawals.

The withdrawal of N105,000 done on his POS machine on 28th April, 2019 was with a stolen ATM card belonging to the victim; and could not be traced in his ledger as there is no documentation to that effect.

A complaint of fraudulent withdrawal from Oodo Rose, the owner of the ATM card, led to Shedrack’s arrest and prosecution by the EFCC.

The one-count charge reads: “That you Eze Shedrach being a First Bank Service provider as a Moni Agent on the 28th of April, 2019 at Ikpayongo Town, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, failed to obtain proper identification of your customer before executing the customer’s electronic instruction using First Bank Plc ATM card issued to one Oodo Rose on your Point of Sale (POS) to withdraw the sum of N105,000.00 (One Hundred and Five Thousand Naira) only and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 37(2) of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Act.”

Shedrach pleaded guilty to the charge. In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Y. Y. Tarfa urged the court to convict him in accordance with the plea bargain agreement he reached with the Commission.

Justice Olajuwon found Shedrack guilty and convicted him. He ordered him to pay a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to the Federal Government and in addition, pay the sum of N100,500 (One Hundred Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) only to the complainant as restitution.

He is to remain in prison pending the payment of the fines.

Curbing crimes, and social vices through stakeholders intervention

By Emuji Magnus

The deteriorating state of the moral values in our society could to traceable to several indices or factors. One of such factors , perceived to be plaguing against the harmonious and peaceful coexistence among the people in the society is the rising cases of social vices ,especially among the youths.

The essence of inculcating on children, the right moral values of the society is predicated on the burning need to sustain certain critical conventional practices aimed at having a better society , devoid of crimes though one could also come to terms that no society could be entirely rid of crimes, owing to the dynamic nature of our society as a result of modernisation.
However,crime should be minimal if it cannot be wholely brought to an end. To this end,it calls for the immediate attention of every stakeholder in the society to tackle  the issue with renewed vigour and all sense of commitment in line with the saying that 'a stitch in time saves nine' . With the growing dimension at which crimes  are being perpetrated even in our immediate proximity on daily basis there is no doubt that it is tinting towards a situation where the entire society would be consumed in the nearest future if all stakeholders continue to maintain their existing posture by not rediscovering the missing links in time.
In rediscovering the missing links, all hands must be on deck with the government,parents, religious organisations and even the children themselves, playing their parts. In this case, parents should  play the fundamental role by ensuring that their children and wards are not unnecessarily exposed to things that necessitate lapses and jupardize their life.
Records have shown that on daily basis, Nigeria society just like other global societies is being confronted and seriously grappling with certain high profiled security challenges. From kidnapping to oil theft especially in the southern part of the country, armed robbery, yahoo richuals and now,the one that seems to be defiling all tenacious efforts and logistics being unleashed by the various security agencies, talking about the Boko'Haram  menace and the nefarious activities of the fulani herdsmen.
The dastard actions of these evil monsters against mankind, have continued to threaten the continued existence of all individuals, who at one time or the other fall victims either with their lives suddenly cut short,that is brought to abrupt end or their means of livelihood including their property destroyed  thus launching them into untold hardship.
The rising spate in which youths og nowadays relish crimes and other forms of unpleasant life-style shoild be brought to the fore and be a source of concern to all stakeholders .
It could be recalled that, through proper upbringing    children are effectively guided not to derail from upholding the ideas and tenets og the society. A practical example is that they are made to understand  that it is only  through stint of hardwork and uncommon commitment,that one could actualise one's dreams of living a fulfilled life or getting to the pinnacle of their career /skills and  henceforth , make wealth genuinely rather than aspire to be rich just over night without definite, approved means of livelihood.
Again, in the past children especially youths do not phantom blood letting. By this I mean they do not indulge in violent acts that could lead to loss of precious lives thus putting the family members into a state of desolation  as they consider lives to be sacrosanct .They see such action as a 'taboo' that should be avoided and value lives in adherence with  the scriptural doctrines , that no man  has the prerogative of power to end his or another man's life except God almighty.
Today, the reverse is the case as available and reliable statistics have indicated that there is unabating instances or cases of moral decadence  among children. There is a paradigm shift  from what was the scenario several decades ago and generations gone past as a sizeable proportion of youths these days  no longer show politeness and respect to their elders as the culture demands  even though there are handful of them from good family background that are still conscious of the fact that something of great value could be missing in them if they do not give respect to their elderly ones.
Worst still is the raging menace of cultism where able bodied youths who ought to be contributing immensely to the nation's GDPs and their economic wellbeing  are blowing away their prospects in life through indulgence in cultism and other related activities that are inimical to the growth and development of the society. Some of these include commercial sex activities popularly known as prostitution  as in the case of the female folks . The minds of  some youths of this generation , that is the 21st century are preoccupied  with how to make money in a quicker way.
Often time, the individuals who engage in cultism may not be aware of the dangers inherent in what they had taken into as virtually many of them may be lured into it by their older friends  who usually take advantage of their innocence and teenage.
 In view of the foregoing, however,parents  must strive to as a matter of fact, always scrutinize the kind of relationship, friends and associations their children keep from time to time so that at the end, they do not influence them negatively leaving the parents , and innocent members of the society to contend with their  activities as they may become threat to the society.
To rid the society off crimes at least to the barest minimum, stakeholders should go back to the drawing board and tackle the phenomenon squarely from the root rather than ending up in just window-dressing  that might not stand the test of time.
Certain crucial steps and measures need to be put in place. First, parents should ensure that they keep talking to their children on the need to embrace the ideas of a good society, ensure that their children are dissuaded from engaging in acts that could dent the image of their family as well as make them understand that there are no quickest way of becoming rich except through genuine instrument of hardwork. Parents should also ensure that they meet both the educational/skills and material needs of their children because as the saying goes :'an idle mind is the devils workshop ' .
In addition to the conventional role of the parents to their children, governments at all levels must embark on some strategic approaches to complement their efforts of parents in  bid to unravel the issue by nipping it on the bud.
Governments must carry out sentization/advocacy  programmes across all nooks and crannies of the society, which theme should focus on the dangers of crimes and urgent need to shun it totally. This could  also be achieved through the production and airing of well thought and articulated jingles on the major mass media channels such as the radio and perhaps, the television media. This kind of sensitization should be consistent so that it would be effective and result oriented.
Again, the religious organisations have salient role to play. Religious leaders - the pastors, imams in the case of the Islamic religion must be sincere with the kind of doctrines  they  inculcate in their faithful. At all times, they should ensure that their sermons centre on the ten commandments , which is hinged on the right doctrines . They should not destroy the foundation laid by Christ on the alter of personal gains as most religious teachers , instead of preaching salvation  of mankind , may end up worshipping worthless richness and ill gotten wealth as a result of the weight of money those culprits lavish on them.
Similarly, the children should have value reorientation . They should shun greed because a greedy mindset always end up in crime. Hard work and suffer before pleasure must be the guiding principles of our children .
At the end , there would be hand of God in everything one does.  Lastly, teachers in schools should be up and doing by ensuring that the children  are taught the right thing especially the moral values .

After Christian Chukwu, Otedola takes over Sadiq Daba’s medical expenses

Billionaire oil and gas magnate, Chief Femi Otedola, has promised to take care of the medical expenses of ailing Nollywood actor, Sadiq Daba. In a statement on Sunday, Otedola said he was sad to hear that the veteran actor had fallen ill again. In 2017, Daba, who had been battling leukemia and prostate cancer for the past few years, returned to Nigeria having traveled to the UK for medical treatment.

“I heard about Mr. Sadiq Daba’s health condition when it was brought to my attention through an online news story I read two days ago,” Otedola said. “I was saddened to hear that he had taken ill again after overcoming his challenges from prostate cancer just two years ago. From the news report, I gathered that he was rushed to the Emergency unit of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).



“I must say that even though I don’t know Mr. Daba personally, he is a face I am familiar with through the old TV drama production ‘Cock Crow at Dawn’ which I used to watch while growing up. I was moved by a sense of nostalgia and concern when I read of his medical situation recently and decided to take over his medical bills. He has been visited and arrangements are being made to support him.



“In other climes, the likes of Daba and other actors who paved the way for the entertainment industry and the Nollywood industry in Nigeria (which is touted as the third largest movie industry in the world) would be celebrated as Icons and due recognition would be accorded to them.”



In April, the business tycoon offered to foot the medical bills of Christian Chukwu, former Super Eagles’ coach and captain. He also footed the medical bills of Peter Fregene, former international goalkeeper, and Victor Olaotan, the veteran actor, who was treated in Turkey.

Okowa Supports Documentation Of Immigrants

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has thrown his weight behind the documentation of immigrants, saying such will ensure proper planning and assist in the security of lives and property of Nigerians.

Speaking when the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Mohammad Babandede paid him a courtesy call yesterday (23/07/19)  in Asaba, the governor observed that it was important for appropriate reforms to be taken for the benefits of Nigerians and the country.

 “It is very important both for security purposes and for our population plan for foreigners to be documented because, without appropriate documentation it can impact negatively on the planning for the nation when it comes to taking care of our people, so, without the right account of our people, our resources will become depleted and planning will be affected drastically,” Governor Okowa said.

He emphasized, “we must congratulate you (NIS) on the immigrant reform; I think it is important for us as a nation because you find out that people from other countries just come into our country and settle in any part of the nation; they are not documented in any manner and that is not good for a nation because if they commit crimes, they cannot be traced and it is important that even without people committing crime, we should have documentations of foreigners in our country.”

The governor commended the NIS for initiating landmark reforms, stating, “I am very excited to be briefed on some of these projects that you have embarked on especially on the issue concerning e-passport which will be tied down to national identity; it is something that is very innovative, something that I believe can really help us in national security, because, people bearing all manner of names and people with more than one passport will surely become a thing of the past; so, we want to thank you for thinking about this thoroughly and bringing up this reform.”

Governor Okowa assured NIS of his administration’s continual support as they are rendering vital services to Deltans and Nigerians in general.

Mr. Babandede has said he was in Delta State to commission some projects and commended Governor Okowa for his administration’s numerous support for NIS.

Okowa hails Warri Wolves on promotion to NPFL

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated the players and management of Warri Wolves Football Club of Warri, following their promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Warri Wolves otherwise known as the 'Sea Siders' returned to the NPFL after four years in relegation, defeated Dynamite Force of Benin City in a game that went into extra time, after a goaless draw in regulation time.

Governor Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu on Tuesday in Asaba said the promotion of Warri Wolves to the NPFL is a well deserved effort and a proof of the State Government's commitment to sports development in the state.

While also congratulating the Chairman and members of the Delta State Sports Commission, the Governor noted that the promotion no doubt is an encouragement to do more for sports development in the state.

He charged the two Delta based football clubs in the NPFL, Warri Wolves and Delta Force to strive harder and double their efforts towards winning the NPFL and securing continental tickets in the coming season.

COZA Rape Scandal: Aisha Buhari warns Police IG over intimidation of Timi Dakolo

Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari has reacted to the claims by singer Timi Dakolo that “some strange men” made attempts to invade his residence, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to see that justice is done in the rape case involving celebrity photographer, Mrs. Busola Dakolo, and founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. Mrs. Buhari while reacting to the claim tweeted “ATTENTION: INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE #SayNoToRape #JusticeForRapeVictims #SayNoToIntimidation”

However, the police said it has only invited Timi Dakolo and his Wife Busola as part of an “investigation of a criminal conspiracy, falsehood, mischief, and threat to life.” The letter to Mr. Dakolo from the police, inviting him for questioning, signed by Mr. Kolo Yusuf, a Deputy Commissioner of Police with the Inspector General of Police Tactical Squad, Force Headquarters, Abuja, was dated July 18, 2019. In the letter, the police directed Mr. Dakolo to report for interrogation on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 10 o’clock for “fact findings.”

But Mr. Dakolo took to his Instagram page to raise the alarm that the police summons is a sign that all is not well. He also raised an alarm over the movement of strange men in a white Toyota mini bus around his house for reasons unknown to him, saying their sight is scary. He shared the development on his Instagram page, thus, “Strange men at the house with guns.” Sources claimed the policemen were about three. Although there is no official information yet on the situation at Dakolo’s residence, sources say the police presence may not be unconnected with his planned questioning.

Timi Dakolo however, shared his fears on his social media page saying: “Our lawyers had told us to get ready for this letter. We have long been ready for your intimidation and dirtiness. For your Ilorin methods and underhand tactics. A pastor? Bribing investigating officials to delay summons? Paying dirty bloggers to fabricate things that cover the truth, going to the IG’s people under dark to force this case to be posted to Abuja? Now this an investigation in Abuja, when you haven’t answered to the rape case against you in Lagos? Rubbishing the legal and criminal system?

“And sending a bus load of armed policemen and shady men lying in wait to intimidate my wife and children today, forcing their way into my home? Is that how the REAL police delivers a letter? This is best you can do? This is why all the hurting women and families’ haven’t come against you? You picked the wrong one and you picked the wrong time. Nigerians are more awake than you think.

“If it’s a fight you want, it’s a war you will get…your filthiness under the guise of Christianity I will expose. Every single thing. I will fight for my wife and my children -it’s the promise I made with my life and one I intend to keep .I will defend them from the unrelenting attack of a weak man who thinks he can use money and power to cover for all of his crimes. “Like I said, we have since been ready. GIVE US THE FIRE, THEN WATCH ME WORK!”

Last month, Mrs. Dakolo made some serious criminal allegations about Fatoyinbo, where she accused him of raping her as a minor. She alleged that the pastor raped her for the first time at her parent’s home and at another time in a secluded road path. She said the incidents occurred before she turned 18 and added that she lost her virginity to him. Her allegations prompted a wave of protest on social media while protesters also marched on the church’s locations in Lagos and Abuja. Her husband, Timi, had also accused Fatoyinbo of taking undue advantage of women at COZA, and leaving them emotionally broken. He had begun a campaign against such acts before his wife granted the now controversial interview.

Fatoyinbo denied the allegations “in every measure”, saying, “I have never in my life raped anybody even as an unbeliever and I am absolutely innocent of this.” The pastor also threatened a lawsuit and proceeded on “leave of absence” more than 48 hours after the allegations were made. The claims have prompted a number of allegations on social media from women abused or raped by people in authority in religious circles, which some have called Nigeria’s #MeToo moment. About four persons have accused Fatoyinbo of sexual assault.

Timi Dakolo said his celebrity photographer wife Busola told him in 2018 about being allegedly raped by Fatoyinbo. “She’s always told me I have something to tell you but she will burst into tears and I will tell her baby take your time,” Timi said during a press conference on Sunday. “She told me last year and if you can remember it was last year I posted that this place you call church is supposed to be a safe place.” He said his wife has tried talking to him about it several times but would only cry or say nothing.

She eventually told him about the rape incidents and that prompted his flurry of social media posts about pastors and their atrocities in church. He also emphasised that he has never met Fatoyinbo or received any gifts from him or being a member of his church. He said his fight is not against the church but a fight to show everyone who has been molested or intimated reasons to share their stories.

However, the allegation has remained polarising. While some people are willing to give the pastor the benefit of the doubt, others believe the pastor is guilty as charged. Many pastors, including the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have also intervened in the matter, ultimately seeking restoration, healing, and justice for both parties.

In a related development, Enough is Enough executive director, Yemi Adamolekun Sunday said Timi Dakolo and his wife will have to consult their lawyer before honoring the police invitation. Adamolekun spoke at a press conference in Lagos, where Timi Dakolo was present. “The Dakolos’ lawyer Falana will be responding to the petition filed against them on Monday,” Adamolekun said. “He will ask the police for further clarification and then take it from there.” Adamolekun affirmed that if the Dakolos will honor the invitation there will be a need for the police to transfer the case to Lagos. She said the Dakolos won’t go to Abuja to answer any questions.