By David A. Graham. Rewritten for 9jabook.com by Cossy Eko

A small but devout group of people believes May 21 (yes, TODAY) will be the beginning of the end of the world. Confused ?  Fear not, this article answers all of your Atheistically inclined  questions and some Left Behind ones if you dont get Taken ! 

So the world is ending on Saturday?

Well, not quite.Some  Believers say that what's actually going to happen is the Judgment Day, when the chosen who will be saved are taken away. For everyone else, it's really just the beginning of a new phase. It'll be followed by a time of tumult. You may also hear Saturday referred to as Doomsday or the Rapture; not to worry, it's all the same thing.

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I think I heard about this somewhere...

That's probably true-especially if you live in New York, where you've probably been accosted by people with handbills on the street and aggressive ads on the subway. If you're outside of the Big Apple, that is in lagos, Nigeria you might have met Reporters on the streets interviewing folks  you might have encountered billboards as well as cars with megaphones broadcasting the news. I doubt that though Lagosians hate the End of Anything except Traffic minus the hawkers who wont mind if we sleep eat and bathe while they sell everything from toothpaste to meat and socks ! . Lagosians were Recently told if they give alms to beggars they may go to jail !  You've been warned. You may even have a friend, relative or neighbor desperately trying to convince you it's true !

What time and Date is the world supposed to end  ? I want to catch the Nigerian Argentina Friendly !

Egbon, You're out of luck . There's no consensus on what time exactly the Rapture will occur-and time zones, international date lines, daylight savings time, etc., only makes it more complicated-but the word is that it's likely to be 11 p.m Nigerian Time . 

Who is behind this?

The whole thing has been set off by a gentleman named Harold Camping. Camping's a spry 89 years old and runs Family Radio, a network of Christian radio stations. He started broadcasting in 1958 and has been at it ever since, with the flagship being his own daily "Open Forum" program, during which he takes questions. But he's also very into calendars and biblical chronology, and has been publishing works on numerology and the Bible for decades now, although he's not ordained himself. His views tend toward the esoteric: instead of hell, for example, he believes that life just ends for those who aren't saved. Not surprisingly, he's not especially fond of existing Christian churches, which he believes have lost the way. Some 9ja pastors are not fond either even of Paul the apostle .A certain Pastor Aribisala on 234next.com says Paul is the Antichrist . quite interesting debate ..

How did he come up with May 21, 2011?

It's pretty elaborate. Basically, the Bible states that one day for God is a thousand years for mankind. Camping reasons, based on a verse in Genesis, that the world will end seven God-days, or 7,000 years, after the end of Noah's flood. And he's calculated that date as being tomorrow. The math is pretty impressive-he's got a variety of different ways of reaching the number, buttressed with biblical quotations and numerology. It's pretty difficult for us to grasp, but then again Camping was a civil engineer before he turned to religion, whereas we are reporters who can't do math.

How many people believe the end is tomorrow?

It's tough to say. Family Radio appears to have a pretty large audience, but who knows if all of them are convinced? There's been no census or survey, either, and the true numbers have perhaps been obscured by a flurry ofbemused (and perhaps voyeuristic) press coverage. The thousands of billboards and handbill distributors suggest it's not just buzz, though.

All round N.igeria there have been people debating this phenomenom 

Are they Christians or what?

Sure-but they're not your average mainline Protestant, Catholic, or evangelical Christians. As we've said, Camping's views tend toward the esoteric. Most of the believers say they aren't affiliated with a specific church: they believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible, and they've come to be convinced by Camping's math.

Uh-oh. How can I be saved?

You better watch out, there's no sure-fire solution to that. Your best bet is to turn to Christ and repent: throw yourself at his mercy, confess your wickedness, and pray. Don't bother with your current pastor, Camping warns: what matters is God's mercy, so you'll want to be praying directly to him. Time's running short, though. Still, that might not do it: not every believer, or even all members of the penitent, will be taken. FYI tithes & offerings will nit help even if you donate your murano jeep

nothing for you .God's mercy rules ! 

How many people will be saved?

Camping says the Bible indicates that about 200 million people will be saved-an indication of God's manifest but not infinite mercy. "Sadly, the Holy Bible tells us that only a small percentage of today's world will turn from their evil ways, and with great humility and fear will cry to God for mercy. Nevertheless, the Bible assures us that many of the people who do beg God for His mercy will not be destroyed," Family Radio's website says. 9ja has a population of a 150 million so we are estimating about maybe 5000 9gerians totally emm well it could be less . Lagosians are not very very nice people lol ! 

What if I'm not taken?!

You've got a long few months ahead of you. The whole thing's going to start with a massive earthquake-a temblor that Camping  will be so fierce that "the Tokyo earthquake was like a Sunday-school picnic in comparison." The dead will be thrown from their graves, and those who are saved will be bodily resurrected and taken to heaven. If you survive that, there will be

Where's the best place to weather this sucker?

Avoid low-lying areas, buildings, and fault lines. The Great Plains are probably a good bet. Basically, you're going to want to stay away from anywhere that'd be dangerous in a normal earthquake. One believer, Robert Fitzpatrick,described the great flood that's likely to swamp New York pretty quickly, so avoid-or leave-the Big Apple. If you are in the Lagos Bar beach Area Leave Now ! Lekki & Environs head for Epe or Ijebu Ode .Dont be an Ode . Mainland people avoid 3rd mainland bridge ..

Seriously, though, should I be worried?
Oh, fine: Probably not. It's not just that Camping's formulas are nearly incomprehensible to anyone without an advanced degree in Biblical codebreaking. It's the fact that he's made this prediction before. In 1992, he announced that September 6, 1994 would be the end of the world. Then, as now, a group of believers gathered and prepared and then... nothing happened. Camping writes this off as a rookie mistake-he was just getting into reading the codes in the Bible. He's confident this time: "Beyond the shadow of a doubt, May 21 will be the date of the Rapture and the day of judgment," he told the Associated Press.

Just got married no fear Heaven gaurantees no marriages . Just got that Oil Job then well It is left to you to wait for the mother of all oil spills . But Shell Nigeria will not help out . The whole of Nigeria might become one heck of an oil slick region with shell smiling all the way to the bank still .

Someone must be making money off this, right ?

One would think. But it's not clear that Camping is the one. He's been open about his teachings, posting them online and also distributing them in a free book. One religion professor told the CBC that Camping was particularly unusual and maybe dangerous because he isn't asking for money up front. And Family Radio is a nonprofit organization, although it's also worth an estimated tens of millions of dollars. Some people are surely profiting: you can buy T-shirts, for example, and there are the dog-walkers, too. We wish we sold advertising on billboards, though: believers have shelled out lots of money-sometimes their entire life-savings-on advertisements to warn the populace.

If you want to get to heaven poor kindly request for our bank account .

How dumb are you going to feel if they're right  ?
Pretty silly. But it'll be the least of my worries, right?
Good point! I guess I can just relax and not worry about it then.
What?! Haven't you heard about the Mayan prophecy? The world is ending in 2012.
David Graham is a reporter for Newsweek covering politics, national affairs, and business. His writing has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal and The National in Abu Dhabi.

Cossy Eko is a gossip columnist & blogger for 9jabook.com ! 

We did not kidnap him, we only demanded N70m ransom – Suspect

If you are a patron of a night club and a lady approaches you around the vicinity of the club asking you to pay her gate fee, you need to be wary. The lady may be a member of a gang that specialises in kidnapping patrons of night club.

This was the experience of 48-year-old Emmanuel Sackey last Friday at a night club on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. What gave him out was that he arrived at the club in his boss’ Hummer Jeep. So, the kidnappers thought that he was a rich guy. 

Sackey said, “On Friday night, I went to Adetokunbo Ademola Street to check a new club out. While trying to find a place to park, a lady asked me to assist her gain entry into the club. I told her to go on her own. And when I was about to enter, she started shouting, accusing me of owing her money.

“Immediately, from nowhere, some men came to meet us and claimed to be policemen. They asked me to follow them. Immediately I got to where they parked, they stabbed me in the arm, pointed a gun at my head, took N12,000 from my pocket and forced me into their car.”

Sackey, who added that the men covered his face so he would not know where he was being taken to, insisted that the lady was part of the plot.

“I was taken to a room where they told me that my family must provide N70m and failure to comply, they would kill me the following week. They even took my ATM cards and demanded my pin numbers. Luckily, there was no money in the account,” Sackey, who was held for two days, added.

Sackey told PUNCH METRO that two days after he was kidnapped, he escaped while the kidnappers were sleeping. He added that he jumped over the fence of the compound and raised the alarm, which attracted people from the neighbourhood. “It was some residents in the community that helped to apprehend two of the kidnappers and called the police,” he stated.

Police Public Relations Officer, Samuel Jinadu, said the police at Oke-Odo received information that some hoodlums were hiding at 11 Calvary Street, Off Ekoro Road, Abule Egba. 

He said, “The police went to the crime scene while two of the suspects: namely Emmanuel Andrew (28), and Mbet Obong (27) were arrested for the kidnap of Emmanuel Sackey. Police later searched the house and two locally-made pistols with 12 rounds of .38mm live ammunition were recovered. 

“The gang leader, Benjamin Odudu, was arrested on Ekoro Road, Abule-Egba. The remaining two suspects are still at large. Also, Hillary Nwankwoala, whom the victim also identified, was apprehended on Monday.”

But a member of the gang, Obong, who claimed to be innocent, said they neither kidnapped nor assaulted Sackey but only helped him.

Asked why they demanded N70m ransom, Obong, who said a prostitute inflicted injuries on Sackey, added that they only demanded N70m ransom after they took him to their house for treatment.”

Onwuka accused Pastor Elijah Ayodele of having a hand in the drowning of his only three children. “I want the government to ask Ayodele why he should dig a shallow pit inside a compound where children are and failed to cover it. That simply means he had an ulterior motive. All I want is justice. “My wife and I are dead already. These boys were the only children we had. They ate with me, cleaned my shoes and prayed for me, which made me happy. Somebody called me and said my three boys were dead, just like that. How do I ever begin to think of it?” he lamented.

The deceased children whose names were given as, Emmanuel, 7, Bob-Martins 5 and Patrick 3 years, are suspected to have been pushed into a pit, believed to be a well allegedly dug by Pastor Elijah Ayodele of the Redeemed Christian Church of God while playing with his children.

Weekly Trust gathered that when the mother of the children, Mrs. Stella Onwuka arrived the scene after she was alerted of the incident, she called for help but the pastor refused to come to her aid and was said to have remained indoors despite repeated calls for help, only to come out 30 minutes later when the children had died. The Rivers state Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Ben Uwuebulem, has assured that the police will get to the root of the matter.

Professional wrestling great "Macho Man" Randy Savage died after a car crash on Friday near his home in Seminole, Florida, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The colorful champion -- known for his husky voice, gaudy costumes and "oooh, yeah!" catch phrase -- appeared to have lost control of his 2009 Jeep Wrangler on Friday morning, crash investigators said.

Savage, 58, drove over a concrete barrier into oncoming traffic lanes before crashing head-on into a tree. He died of his injuries at a nearby hospital, a crash report said.

Though some media outlets quoted his brother as saying the former wrestler suffered a heart attack while driving, the Florida Highway Patrol said that could not be confirmed until an autopsy is performed.

The crash was not alcohol-related, authorities said.

The wrestler, whose legal name was Randy Mario Poffo, and his wife Barbara, who was a passenger in the car, were both wearing seat belts. His wife suffered minor injuries.

Once a minor league baseball player, the wrestler rose to fame as "Macho Man" in the 1980s.

He was "an iconic figure," said hall of fame professional wrestler Dusty "The American Dream" Rhodes on Friday.

Under contract with the WWE from 1985 to 1993, he sparred against Hulk Hogan and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. He clinched two WWE Championships, two World Heavyweight Championships and held a 14-month reign as Intercontinental Champion.

His entrance music was "Pomp and Circumstance" and his signature accessories were sunglasses, bandannas and cowboy hats.

"WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest Superstars of his time," read a statement posted on the WWE site on Friday. "Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends."

REUTERS

Justice Mohammed Idris this morning delivered his judgment in the case between Ndi Okereke-Onyuike and SEC/NSE at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi by describing the action of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) as irrational, hasty, illegal, reckless and

In his judgement delivered to a packed courtroom, he remarked that “Nigeria is a country of rule of law and not of rulers”.    Justice Idris said the purported removal is therefore null and void, and of no effect whatsoever and howsoever.    

Businessman stabs female student in the eye …Victim risks blindness, cries for justice 
By  

Miss Goodness Moses has just finished the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu and came to Lagos for her one year Industrial Training (IT). The 26-year-old lady had actually approached Nestle Foods Plc for the training and was hopeful of being given the opportunity to serve in the multinational company, for her practical experience, before going back for her Higher National Diploma (HND).

Miss Goodness Moses


Miss Goodness Moses has just finished the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu and came to Lagos for her one year Industrial Training (IT). The 26-year-old lady had actually approached Nestle Foods Plc for the training and was hopeful of being given the opportunity to serve in the multinational company, for her practical experience, before going back for her Higher National Diploma (HND).

Miss Goodness Moses

Presently, verifications are going on in the school to know those who qualify for the HND. But the Marketing student may not have the opportunity again, at least, not for now. She is battling to ensure she doesn’t go blind, after she was allegedly hit and stabbed in the eyes by a businessman, Uzoma Nwezie. The incident occurred on Sunday, March 13, 2011, at 6, Ajayi Street, Catholic Road, Ipaye, Iba Town, Ojo, Lagos.


Trouble started for Goodness, when she was trekking to Ipaye bus-stop that fateful day alongside one of her sisters. According to her, Nwezie, who was driving, almost ran over her if not that she ran into the bush where she fell flat.

The victim, who said it was the fall inside the bush that saved her from being crushed by Nwezie’s car told Daily Sun how she got up, cleaned herself and they continued their journey, only for him to reverse and challenged her for allegedly calling him devil.


“I didn’t call him devil, I only said, ‘it would not be well with the devil’. I even apologized to him and he still used sharp object to hit me in the jaw and I started seeing stars. My eyes later went blank and I started screaming for help. People tried to stop him from further torturing me but he refused. He tore my clothes and bra. The incident occurred between 7.30 and 8 pm. I lost my purse, money and the torn dress,” she said.


According to her, the businessman, his wife and group of boys stormed their compound, fuming with rage.

“He resumed the attack on me and even extended it to my father. That was the time he stabbed me in one of my eyes. Because of the hitting and the stab, I started vomiting blood and was quickly rushed to the El-Shaddai Hospital, Iba Town, but the doctors referred me to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). At LUTH, I was referred to St. Edmund Clinic and Eye Hospital, which later referred me to Eye Foundation, Ikeja, where they performed Rectinal detachment.”


After the operation, Goodness said she couldn’t see with one of the eyes, while the other one is getting worse.

“Pus is also gushing out from one of my ears,” she lamented. She was supposed to be going for medical check-ups and further treatment, but her alleged attackers have refused to take responsibility for that and refuse to show up.

“The condition of my eyes are deteriorating daily, and my parents do not have money to treat me. We have tried to compel Nwezie to take me to the hospitals, but he said the money he spent so far, was all he could spend and that the court would decide the case.”


After the incident, Nwezie was arrested by the Ojo police division and detained, before charging the matter to Ojo Magistrate’s Court. The accused is facing on a three-count charge. The first count charge reads: “That you Uzoma Nwezie ‘M’, Ogwuchukwu Okoye ‘M’ and others at large, on the 13th day of March, 2011 at about 7 pm, at No 6, Ajayi Street, Catholic Road, Ipaye Iba Town, in Ojo Magistrate District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit assault occasional harm and thereby, committed an offence punishable under section 54(a) of the Criminal Code Cap. C. 17 Vol. II Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.


The second charge reads: “That you Uzoma Nwezie ‘M’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully assaulted one Goodness Moses ‘F’, Aged 26, by giving her first blow on her eyes, which caused her harm and thereby, committed an offence punishable under section 355 of the Criminal Code Cap C. 17 Vol. II Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.


The third and last count charge reads: :That you Uzoma Nwezie ‘M’, Ogwuchukwu Okoye ‘M’ and others at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully assaulted one Goodness Moses ‘F’ by giving her first blows all over her body, dragging her on the ground and in the process strip her naked and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 351 of the Criminal Code Cap. C. 17 Vol. II Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.


The embittered father of the victim, Moses Onyike, who spoke to Daily Sun is worried that his daughter might go blind, if she is not given adequate treatment. The man, who worked in the National Theatre before he retired, said Goodness is his only child in higher institution, adding that her condition now is capable of discouraging him from training others.


The case has been adjourned till June 1, 2011.



















Presently, verifications are going on in the school to know those who qualify for the HND. But the Marketing student may not have the

Contrary to the news making the rounds that Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji and Dapo Oyebanjo a.k.a. D’banj are getting married, P.M. Entertainment can reveal that the marriage rumour is a ruse.

Investigations revealed that D’banj’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oyebanjo, his producer, Don Jazzy and Sunday Are, his manager, are not aware of the so-called wedding plan reported by a weekly soft sell magazine.

P.M. Entertainment learnt that the hip hop singer who was in London at that time, attended Genevieve’s birthday party as a guest and not as a would-be husband or lover.

A source close to D’banj’s family told P.M. Entertainment that he is yet to present the star actress to them according to the Yoruba tradition, wondering how he will pick a wedding date without the family’s consent and that of his best pal and business associate, Don Jazzy.

Speaking about the wedding plan, D’banj’s manager, Sunday Are, said: “although I cannot chose a wife for my son or husband for my daughter, Dapo and Genevieve are adults, they can get married if they wish. But as far as I’m concerned, I have not been briefed about such plans. All I know is that D’banj attended Genevieve’s birthday party held in London on 3 May, 2011 as a friend.”

All attempts to get the artiste’s comments on the issue were to no avail, but in a recent interview with a soft sell magazine, Genevieve denied dating D’banj.

She acknowledged the fact that both of them are friends, but added that it is just on a platonic level.

Bridgette Radebe kissing Graca Machel When it comes to big money, men still call the shots in Africa – just like in the rest of the world. While there is no single African lady today who can lay claim to a $1 billion fortune, there are about 2 or 3 African women who possess legit nine-figure fortunes. Here are nine African women, all worth at least $50 million:

Isabel Dos Santos Nationality: Angola Source: Investments The eldest daughter of Angola’s President, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Isabel dos Santos got her start in business at age 24 by using her father’s influence to corner lucrative state contracts. Keeps close ties with Portugal. Kento Holding, a Maltese-registered investment firm she fully owns, holds a 10% stake in Zon Multimedia, a Portuguese media conglomerate. She acquired the stake for 164 million Euros in 2010. Also owns major stakes in Portuguese banks Banco Espírito Santo and Banco Português de Investimento, and in Energias de Portugal, which generates and distributes electricity.

Bridgette Radebe Nationality: South Africa Source: Mining The elder sister to South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, Bridgette Radebe started out as a contract miner in the 80s, managing shafts and procuring for the larger mining houses. Went on to found Mmakau mining, an immensely successful mining firm with assets in platinum, gold, uranium, coal, chrome, exploration and mining interests. Also serves as president of the South African Mining Development Association. Married to South Africa’s Justice Minister, Jeff Radebe.

Irene Charnley Nationality: South Africa Source: MTN Former trade unionist made first mark as a shrewd negotiator for the National Union of Mineworkers in South Africa. Went on to take up a job as an Executive Director at MTN, Africa’s largest telecoms group, where she led the company’s successful foray into several African countries. Was instrumental in negotiating for and acquiring one of four GSM licenses in Nigeria. She also helped MTN secure the second GSM license in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In return, was rewarded with huge chunk of MTN stock valued at over US$150 million. Left MTN in 2007 under controversial circumstances. Now serves as CEO of Smile Telecoms, a low-cost telecommunications operator based in Mauritius.

Pam Golding Nationality: South Africa Source: Real Estate One of South Africa’s most well known real estate icons, she founded Pam Golding Properties in 1976 with no start-up capital and a sales assistant. The company is now one of South Africa’s largest independent property trading companies. 2010 turnover: US$1.7 billion (11 billion rand). Has retired from active management; still remains chairperson. Now devotes energy to philanthropy.

Wendy Appelbaum Nationality: South Africa Source: Insurance The only daughter of former South African billionaire Donald Gordon, Wendy was a director at Liberty Investors, the previously listed holding company of the Liberty Group – the insurance and real estate concern her father founded. Sold off her stakes; became cash rich. Together with husband, Hylton Appelbaum, purchased DeMorgenzon, a wine estate in Stellenbosch. Has donated US$23 million (R150 million) to create the Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs), and the Donald Gordon Medical Center. Wendy chairs the South African Women’s Professional Golfers’ Association.

Elisabeth Bradley Nationality: South Africa Source: Investments Elisabeth Bradley’s father Albert Wessels brought Toyota (TM) to South Africa in 1961. In 2008, Wesco Investments, a South African holding company which she controls, sold off its 25% stake in Toyota South-Africa to Toyota Motor Corp. in Japan for US$320 million (R2.1 billion). She walked away with at least US$150 million (R1 billion). Bradley has served on the boards of blue chip companies such as Standard Bank Group, Hilton Hotel and Roseback Inn.

Mamphela Ramphele Nationality: South Africa Source: Investments The one-time man

The story of Saheed Balogun and Fathia’s failed marriage is still afresh in our minds, no doubt. Then, the love birds were always the cynosure of all eyes at every function they attended; even their colleagues in the acting world envied their inspiring relationship. But all of a sudden, the rhythm of the song changedthe two had to part ways based on adultery and fornication charges on both sides. Even spirited efforts by notable politicians like Remi Adikwu-Bakare, Remi and Bola Tinubu and several others to mend fences between the two hit a brick wall.

The Lagos State government has in a bid to check the menace caused by the influx of beggars in the state deported some 3,105 beggars and lunatics to their states and countries of origin.

The special adviser to the governor on youth and social development, Dolapo Badru, disclosed this during a briefing on Thursday in Lagos. He said about 3,044 of the beggars arrested in raids on lunatics have been deported in the last one year.

Mr Badru revealed that Sokoto State had the highest number of beggars, with 196, arrested on Lagos streets, followed by Oyo State with 83; Kano State - 75, Osun - 67, Ekiti - 21, and Ondo State - seven.

He added that a breakdown in the number of lunatics showed that Niger Republic had the highest number of beggars and lunatics arrested, with 12; Chad Republic - two and Côte d'Ivoire - one.

Mr Badru reiterated the state government's zero-tolerance for begging and destitution in the state, adding that the exercise of picking up unwanted persons from the streets of Lagos would be a continuous exercise.

He said his office would continue to work with security agencies to rid the city of the unwanted persons, adding that it is an offence to indulge the beggars who troop to the state on a daily basis to beg for alms.

On the essence of the state's rehabilitation centre at Owutu, Ikorodu, where beggars, destitutes, the mentally-challenged and drug addicts picked off from the streets are taken, Mr Badru said that the state government would continue to make provision for facilities to help rehabilitate them.

He said the mentally-unstable picked up across the state would be given adequate medical attention, while the 38 able-bodied among them suspected to be criminals have been handed over to the state task force for prosecution.

To effectively tackle the problem in the state, Mr Badru appealed to members of the public to desist from giving alms to beggars on the streets, pointing out that giving them alms would only encourage them to remain in the act which according to him has become a profession for many disguising to be beggars.

He urged members of the public to contribute their quota to the government's initiative by instead making donations to only registered orphanages, motherless babies home, churches, mosque or any other recognised social welfare institution in the state.

Adoption

On adoption and fostering, Mr Badru disclosed that many applications were received from prospective adopters, locally and internationally. He said they have been screened to determine their suitability for adopting children, with 177 granted letters of approval.

He disclosed that 126 children were adopted by members of the public, with 11 released for fostering. He added that 174 children have had their adoptions legalised through the juvenile court. Furthermore, an additional 161 babies were rescued and referred to various government homes and private orphanages.

The special adviser stated that his office was currently working on new guidelines for adoption and fostering, saying it was presently relating with some countries in respect of international adoptions. The countries are Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.

"International adoption gives succour to children with medical challenges," Mr Badru said, adding that screenings were conducted for international adopters who wanted to adopt children from Lagos.

He said 152 children have so far been adopted by persons from a total of 10 countries, as follows: Italy - 20; the Netherlands - 41; Spain - 15; Switzerland - 12; Denmark - 25; Belgium - eight; United States - 16; United Kingdom - eight; Germany - two, and Canada - five.