A few years ago, I was deeply engaged in conversation with a woman while my little girl, Alani was standing beside me and really wanting my attention. This woman was pouring her heart out to me, and I didn’t want to cut her off mid-sentence, but Alani was tugging on my pant leg, desperate for my attention.
I started to get frustrated with my little girl, but instead of acting on that feeling, I decided to make a positive deposit into her heart. I interrupted the woman very respectfully and said, “Just one minute. I need to speak with my daughter, but I really want to hear the rest of your story.” Then I knelt down beside Alani and looked attentively into her big brown eyes and whispered, “I know you want to talk to me right now, but I am already speaking with this woman, and I can’t listen to both of you at the same time. Honey, what you have to say is so important to me, I don’t want to miss one single word of it, so give me two minutes to finish up, and I’ll give you my full attention.”
Alani smiled at me and nodded in agreement. In fact, her whole body language changed because she felt important. She stood a little taller and prouder knowing that I truly wanted to listen to her. That deposit in her life let her know how much she mattered to me. She knew that she would have her mother’s undivided attention in a few minutes, and she was content to wait for me.
It’s easy to get busy in life, and if you’re like me, you can listen and work at the same time. We call it “multi-tasking,” but sometimes multi-tasking isn’t the best use of our time. Sometimes we have to stop, look people in the eyes, and give them the gift of listening. We need to take time to deposit value in their hearts. We need to support one another, and listening is an amazing way of doing just that.
As you go about your day, remember to give people the gift of listening. It seems like such a little thing, but those little deposits will eventually make a big difference. When you make deposits in people, you are making deposits in eternity, and that is what pleases the heart of God.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19, NLT)
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It is a strange world we live, where friends snatch their friends' husband Our writer today needs your advice to go on with her life after her husband left her for her best friend. Please, read and advise her. Thanks,
My name is Funmi. I met my husband in Ondo State after my NCE programme. We were friends for sometime but later things started getting serious between us. Dare was very understanding and caring and, moreover, we are from the same town. This earned him my family's love.
Dare was not educated; he dropped out of school because of financial constraint. I didn’t see that as a problem because I believe Dare would go back to school when things get better for him.
In the interim, he learnt tailoring somewhere in town. The love I had for him then did not allow me to see anything wrong in what he was doing.
I got transferred to Ibadan to teach in a primary school and, after, I persuaded Dare to join me so that we could continue our relationship. He did not agree at first, but after so much persuasion, he agreed. We started living together.
For about three years, Dare could not lay his hands on anything; he was always complaining that there were no customers. When things did not get better, he said he wanted to be a cab driver, I agreed with him and we saved some money and bought him a Mistibushi car.
After some months, I discovered that I was pregnant and well, Dare did not deny this and he was ready to marry me. My parents were not happy with me because I got pregnant before marriage, but because Dare was ready to have my hand in marriage they had no choice, they conceeded. The wedding day was fixed and we started preparing.
I called my childhood friend, Funke, to inform her of my intentions and also to ask her to be my chief bride’s maid. Funke had been in Ibadan before I relocated there. She and I went for shopping in preparation for the wedding.
Funke was very supportive even after the wedding, she was a shoulder to lean on. Our friendship took another dimension after; we got closer.
I forgot to tell you that she was a fashion designer too and things were quite okay with her, so I advised her to try and get a man to settle down with and to this, we started praying for a God-sent man who would be her husband.
In due time, God answered our prayers; a brother to one of her customers showed interest in her and after some months, they did introduction and started living together; this was when I had my first baby, a girl.
Just like a true friend, Funke played a prominent role during the naming ceremony; it was as if it was her child and after some months, she also became pregnant, and my advice to her as a friend was that she should formalise the wedding so that she would not have the baby out of wedlock. She took my advice and got married.
After some years, my husband started behaving funny; he started keeping late nights. He neglected his responsibilities at home and stopped caring for the children.
I became worried over this and raised the issue with him, but all to no avail; he wouldn't bulge.
I was itching so much to pour out my mind to someone but I couldn't since Funke rarely came visiting like before and I was also very busy with my work. However, I went to our home town to report Dare to his people; I didn't know I was digging the grave for my marriage. By the time I got home, Dare had completely abandoned the children and went away.
The children later told me that he came the night I left for Ondo, asked after me and went ahead to pack some of his clothes and went out that night. I was perplexed when I heard this. Where could he have gone to?
Nobody knew his whereabouts. I tried to look for him, but to no avail. On a fateful day, Lekan, one of my children, said he saw him around Funke’s place at night. My heart beat with hope and I thought I had found my man. But the boy reported that when Dare saw him, he didn’t say anything but went in quietly into Funke’s apartment.
I was shocked and confused and wondered what he could be doing in Funke’s flat at that time of the night. When Lekan sensed I was very worried he let the cat out of the bag. He said one of Funke's sons in his school had told him secretly that Dare had been in their house all these while.
I was so confused at that piece of information that I almost ran crazy. I cried myself to sleep that night. The following morning, I decided to see Funke to confirm what Lekan had told me. To my surprise, I saw Funke with a bulging tummy! Of course, she couldn’t have been impregnated by her husband who had been in London.
She was shocked when she saw me but she summoned courage and confronted me when I asked about Dare. To my utmost shock, Funke ordered me out of her house and warned me not to come there again. She shouted on me and called me all sorts of names.
I was dumbfounded even as passersby were asking me what happened, I couldn’t say anything. I couldn't believe Dare and my best friend could connive to do this to me. I accepted my fate and pulled myself together.
I knew I needed the strength to bring up my children and to continue with my life. I got closer to God. However, I later learnt that Dare and Funke had packed out of the house to live in a street, not quite far from ours.
Funke gave birth some months after and had a baby boy. I learnt that some people in our street attended the naming ceremony. I didn't allow that to bother me as I was ready to go on with my life without him.
It wasn't long after this, that I heard the rumour that Dare was sick and was admitted to a hospital. I pitied him and wanted to go and see him, but I didn't want Funke to see me and start calling me names. Things, however, did not get better for him because he died after some weeks.
I felt terrible and cried bitterly. As if this was not enough, some weeks after, Funke also died mysteriously. Taiwo, this was the last straw that broke the camel's back. People on the street believed I did something; they accused me and called me a witch, alleging that I was the brain behind their deaths.
This was enough pain for me and my children. How could I have done a thing like that, after all he left me and my children and met his end. How am I to be blamed? Please, advise me on what to do.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on November 17, 2009 at 7:34pm
The Lagos State government, on Monday, demonstrated its commitment to recognise gallant and patriotic law enforcement agents by presenting the keys of a three-bedroom flat to Mrs Olubunmi Oluseyi Awe, widow of a naval officer, who was killed during an attack on the Atlas Cove Jetty. The state government also presented certificates of commendation to 16 police officers and men who have distinguished themselves in their careers.
Speaking at Lagos House, Ikeja while handing over the keys of the flat located at Igbogbo II in Ikorodu, Deputy Governor Sarah Adebisi Sosan, who stood in for Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said the state government would always stand by officers in times of need.
According to him the death of late Commander A.K Joshua Awe, during the attack by unknown men on the Atlas Cove Jetty, some months ago, showed the commitment and gallantry of the officer in the course of duty.
He added that the widow, Mrs Olubunmi Awe, who was accompanied by her three children, one of whom was marking her seventh birthday, should take solace in the fact that her husband died in the course of national duty and would forever be remembered in the annals of the history of the nation.
While asking her to be of good courage, Governor Fashola said Mrs Awe should be steadfast and ensure that the future remained bright by training the children left behind by the deceased and giving them sound education.
He added that like all mortals, the late officer had transited to the great beyond, promising that the state government would not abandon her and the children in the years ahead, adding that the provision of the accommodation was one of the little ways by which the state wanted to appreciate his service.
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SSS smashes kidnap gang, rescues Perm Sec and NBA Chairman, recovers $130,000, N10m
Uchechukwu Olisah, Benin City
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The State Security Service (SSS) in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Friday, announced the smashing of a kidnap gang and the rescuing of 11 victims.
advertisementBesides, the SSS announced the recovery of $130,000 and N10 million in cash.
The state director of the SSS, Mr. Olukayode Oduneye, who made the announcement while parading four suspected kidnappers, said the victims were abducted from different parts of the country, particularly the South West, Niger Delta, Niger, Benue and Adamawa states.
The rescued victims were Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths Affairs and Strategy, Adamu Umar, who was abducted at Dikko Junction, near Suleja in Niger State; Managing Director ABS Gorminers, Abubakar Tarfa, who was kidnapped on Abaji Road and Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr. Abdulganiyu Abubakar, who was forcefully taken with his driver, Abioye Tajudeen, on Okene-Auchi Road.
Others included the chairman of Ekpoma branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with his three children.
The SSS director said the suspects were arrested at different locations in Warri and Benin, and that their arrests were made possible because of the cooperation of members of the public and good intelligence work.
He added that the arrests led to the release of the victims between November 12 and 13.
Mr. Oduneye said the SSS worked in cooperation with the police in Benin City and the military in Warri, Delta State.
One of the victims, Abubakar Tarfa, 52, who spoke with journalists, said he and 10 others, including the lawyer and his three children, were held hostage for eight days.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on November 11, 2009 at 5:30am
LITTLE ENDS: What the priest did not tell Bode George
by Pius Adesanmi
Re-Written and Edited for 9jabook by Abi John Balogun
If I had my way, the priest who officiated at Bode George’s first devotional service in prison would receive twelve strokes of the cane on his bare behind for making unworkable promises on behalf of God. Here is how Daily Sun reports the matter: “Earlier on Sunday, George along with ten men, led by a priest had a devotional service in the prison.
Daily Sun gathered that the men were led into the prison patio by the priest at about 10.30 a.m. According to a source the service began at about 10:45 a.m. with a short prayer conducted by the lead priest, followed by some minutes of exhortation, enjoining the convict to hold his peace and allow God to fight for him.” The priest “enjoined the convict to hold his peace and allow God to fight for him?” Well, Bode George is welcome to hold or drop his peace. That is his business, not ours. About God, however, I’ve got bad news for the convicted thief. That coward of a priest hid something from him: God will not fight this one for Bode George.
Like the Igbo deities in Chinua Achebe’s fiction, the Christian God does not fight unjust and unfair wars of blame. He does not fight for thieves and corrupt people who deliberately violate numbers one, two, three, and eight of the Ten Commandments. What do these specific Commandments say?
(1)You shall have no other gods before me; (2) you shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments; (3) you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain; (8) you shall not steal.
To violate the 8th Commandment (you shall not steal), Bode George and members of Nigeria’s political rulership do not jump the queue. They violate every Commandment on the road to number eight, especially the first three. You shall have no other Gods before me? They transform money and material things into the only god they know and worship. You shall not make any carved image or bow down and serve them? They turn the Ghana-must-go bag into an image that they bow down to and worship. You shall not take the name of God in vain? There is no member of Nigeria’s shameless and corrupt rulership who does not drop the name of God or Allah in vain while stealing. Well, you already know what they do to number eight.
This is the scenario that Bode George’s priest ignored while enjoining him to let God fight for him.
This priest did not tell the convicted felon that God pities and pardons only repentant sinners who first admit their sins and make amends. To see the face of God, Bode George must first become contrite, stop strutting around Kirikiri like a peacock, stop holding court like Louis XIV, admit and confess his sins, return to the Nigerian people every penny he has stolen starting from his stint as Governor of Ondo state, apologise publicly to Nigerians, serve his full term, go home and sin no more.
Back to the priest who forgot to lay out this roadmap to redemption before Bode George. What he has done is to add another nail to the coffin of the Clergy in Nigeria. With the exception of Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, and Pastor Tunde Bakare, Nigeria’s religious leaders have been largely complicit in the corruption of the political class.
Think of our friends on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway Also our other friends from the Embassy of God right here in naija, where to get a visa you must donate all you have.The sadness of this corruption is that in 99.9percent of these churches, the corruption inherent amongst the congregation even in the churches is alarming !
They carry out Church contracts after overblowing the amounts and grant them to their own companies all in the name of Thou shalt not muzzle the Ox working in the vineyard .Why would they complain if their chief donors are Corrupt Officials ?
. They accept donations, offerings, and tithe from what they clearly know are proceeds of looting; they encourage looters to come and “sow seeds in the Lord’s vineyard”; they accept import waivers which they know are granted through nepotism; they provide front row seats and photo-ops in their churches for the most venal and corrupt characters in the land; and, above all, they are too cowardly to call our rulers in Abuja their only real name: THIEVES!
As we coast in this 11th day of the 11th month of the 2009 9+2=11 let us remember our heritage of Rebrain Naija Revolutionise 9ja with truth and Clarity Ask your pastors why is OBJ in this church and you are not talking ? ask your Imam haba haba wetin IBB dey do here kuo ? ask your babalawo Baba o kilode
kini big deal agbalagba to wa legbe ?Read more…
The Central Bank of Nigeria, on Friday, fired the chief executive officers of three of the 14 remaining banks at the conclusion of stress audits of their operations.
Like the first five banks whose chief executives were fired in the first round of audit of 10 banks, the three were immediately replaced, with one of the replacements bringing to three the number of female chief executives of commercial banks.
The sacked
Those affected were Francis Atuche, Charles Ojo, and Ike Oraekwotu, who were relieved of their positions as managing directors/ chief executives of Bank PHB, Springbank and Equatorial Trust Bank.
They are to be replaced by Cyril Chukwumah for Bank PHB Plc; Sola Ayodele for Spring Bank Plc. and G.O. Folayan for Equitorial Trust Bank Plc.
Wema Bank was also found to be in a grave situation, however the CBN noted that the bank came under a new ownership and management in June 2009, which “took over a bank already in a grave situation and should not be held responsible for the present condition of the bank.”
The nine banks that survived the CBN litmus test, according to its corporate affairs head, Mohammed Abdullahi, include Access Bank Plc, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank Limited and Zenith Bank Plc. Unity Bank, which is the tenth was, according to the CBN, adjudged to have insufficient capital but not in grave situation because it has a healthy liquidity position.’’
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Posted by Politics X on September 14, 2009 at 1:11am
Why should the Minister for Information and Communication, Prof Dora Akuyili, decide to employ the services of the former NTA bosses, namely Mr. Ben Bruce and Mr. Tony Iredia, to rescue.The public may likely not be pleased with such because it looked orchestrated. In short, the duo should be the last to be consulted in this issue because of their remote involvements on the issue of N8billion refurbishment of the NTA equipment. As a matter of fact the two immediate past Directors General of NTA can easily be roped in as people wanting to cover their own past contributions to what has now become controversial. They stand involved.It should be simpler for the NTA current management to rise up to the defense of the matter, throwing more light to the inquest rather than this Akuyili’s PR try . For all that is necessary to be noted is that it has been proven that to purchase a new equipment would cost almost the same, if not less than, what is now the case.Nigeria should not remain just where frauds are committed and the perpetrators go free, without properly accounted for. Let this matter be properly investigated as the NCC’s License issue.Mr. Effiong Israel, 79 Tayo Kehinde Street, Egbeda-Lagos.
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We all are called to do the work of charity. In this case, there is no barrier and by that I mean how much you have. Sometimes we think it’s meant for those who have enough but let it be clear that human wants are insatiable for even the rich are still wanting for more wealth like the famous Oliva Twist. Charity as the Holy bible says covers a multitude of sin. This implies that God Almighty has every authority to forgive our iniquities just because we partake in the work of helping humanity (i.e. charity). Again, it does not mean we frequently sin and then take the antidote ‘charity work’ to cancel our debt. Not at all, we are made special by the creator of all things to control the environment we live in. You are never on your own as you cannot do without the other, so no man is an island. Something came to mind when I am concluding this writing about the parable of the rich fool in the bible who parked his rich harvests in the stores and was throwing party. He never woke up the next day as God demanded his soul. If one keeps wanting and remained insatiable in life, he may get full satisfaction in the grave and who knows what next?Today we have charity organizations, philanthropists and international bodies doing the work of charity. The common truth here is that they are not paid back reason because the clients are not poised to pay, instead they reap and that’s practical love. The work of charity does far more than donation. Charity in our various homes gives rise to a better society because the home is the fundamental part of the society where various characters abound. Contributing partially or immensely in moral upbringing of people around you is charity as well. This time around is it more than making donations as money could not buy you life; life eternal. Let’s build our homes with charity and love so that the society will improve. Helping others morally is very important while giving alms is nice as well but let’s merge the two (i.e. helping morality and doing almsgiving). If I keep giving to someone without giving morals or exhibiting true love through character, the beneficiaries see it as ordinary thing. Please note that the author is writing with experience using the teachings of Christ Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Here he refers to the feeding of the 5000 men by Christ Jesus. At first they love listening to his sermons, secondly he performed miracles but Christ himself feeling for them demanded that a miracle be made and that was the multiplication of few loafs of bread. Remark that he (Jesus Christ) fed the moral food first before the perishable bread.Like the author stated initially, we are all stakeholders in the work of charity. There should not be excuses here because you are given all it takes to exercise your right as real humans. Your conscience tells you better when you are doing anything to salvage the world. No matter how little you have, ensure you share with others. See that the candle does not lose any light igniting the other candle as so is charity. Give and you receive.
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Courtship is the traditional dating period before engagement and marriage. During a courtship couples date to get to know each other and decide if there will be an engagement and marriage. Usually courtship is a public affair, done in public and with family approval.
Stephanie Oforka:advertisementadvertisement
It includes activities such as dating where couple go out together for dinner, movie, dance parties, picnic, shopping or general “hanging out”, along other activities.
With all these activities in place, the question today is whether lengthy period of courtship guarantees a successful marriage? As usual Bridget Amaraegbu has all the answers. Read on:
Successful marriage has no formula — Stephanie Oforka, MBGN Universe 08
Whether the period of courtship is long or short doesn’t really matter. What matters is that both parties are able to know themselves very well within the period of courtship.
I think it is wrong for people to court for a short period as it may imply that the people involved are in a rush. This may lead to certain arguments in the future because they didn’t take time to study themselves.
But courting for a long period does not also mean that the marriage will eventually be successful because we have actually seen people who courted for several years get divorced. Long period of courtship also has its advantages and disadvantages. One of those disadvantages include not having much respect for each other (in pidgin English, you can say it is see finish) because it gives the people involved the opportunity of knowing each other in and out. That is when you’ll find out that there is nothing any of them can tell each other anymore that will sound new.
Sometimes too, long period of courtship has been responsible for a lot of break ups in relationships. What can you say about a situation where people court for seven years only for one party to discover that they’re no longer compatible and that becomes the end of the relationship. You know, I call that madness. Why did it have to take them so long to realise they’re not compatible. For Christ sake, it doesn’t have to take a decade before you can know that he or she is not good enough for you. Even three months is enough for you to start seeing symptoms of a bad relationship if you’re very observant. At that point you should have defined what you really want and if it’s not there, back out at that point instead of wasting several years in a relationship that won’t work out in the name of courtship.
Some people have made several mistakes of marrying the wrong persons because even while they were courting, they saw some of those symptoms that indicates the marriage won’t work but they just thought it will get better. But I tell you that there are certain characters people have that can’t change. That is why you still see people who court for so long break up after sometime.
Both those who courted for short and long period experience break ups so the solution is not with how long. Instead invite God to open your eyes to the right person he created for you because if you refuse to invite him, you’ll have problems.
The only advantage with long courtship is that it helps you know your partner better than you would in a shorter period.
Also remember that people pretend so you may only find out those qualities the person wants you to know in some cases no matter how long. I know that some people will want to refer us back to our forefathers who didn’t know what it meant to court a woman and yet they didn’t experience divorce. My sister such actions lead to a lot of polygamy, disunity and things like that and I don’t blame them at all. What else do you expect of a marriage where the parties involved never got to be friends not to talk of courting each other. Days have gone when such actions were applicable. Today it’s most appropriate for a man and woman who intends leaving together till death do them part to really get to know themselves well.
That is not to say that there’s any particular formula to a successful marriage. What worked smoothly in the house of Mr A may not work for Mr B so don’t compare any two relationships together.
Can guarantee success — Sapphire Obi, Actress
I think I still prefer the long period of courtship despite the fact that it’s very possible for people to hide their bad character for a long time. I know very well that if you have to court someone for a short period, there are certain things you may not find out about that person. But with time, you’ll get to discover those things that he or she has been hiding. It’s even possible for the person to portray such character unconsciously not even taking cognisance of your presence when both of you are very close. By this time you should be able to capture certain about that person that you’re likely to cope with and those you can’t so I think that long courtship will go along way to guarantee success in marriage.
Only God can guarantee success — Moses Efret, Actor
I don’t think it’s wise for any courtship to last for too long or too short. The most important thing here is that you take time to know whom you want to spend the rest of your life with. If you think it must have a specific period, then two years may not even be enough. The major thing most people fail to realise is that it’s only God that can direct you to the right man or woman. Therefore it’s important that you invite him into that courtship because he has the final say.
If you ask me how long people can court, I’ll say six months to one year is alright after which the relationship becomes suspicious so I don’t think the length of courtship can determine a successful marriage.
Lengthy period not the solution — Sound Sultan, Musician
The length of courtship is not where the issue lies because many times we have seen people who courted for several years still divorce after all. And amazingly some others who courted for short term live successfully. I think the most important thing is just for you to let God direct you and nothing more because if you to rely on your personal analysis , you may get it all wrong and at the end you still have to suffer break up.
No guarantee to successful marriage — Djinee, Musician
My dear, whether the period of courtship is long or short doesn’t matter. The fact remains that there is no guarantee to a successful marriage, unless God gives it to you. It’s possible for you to have known someone for several years without really knowing that person, people live in so much pretense. Over the years, research has shown that people can hide some ugly characters in them which they don’t want you to know about. So no matter how long you court such person, you’ll only get to see those ugly things after both of you are married. The fact that you’ve courted for a long time doesn’t mean you’ve known him or her in and out.
If am allowed to choose from long and short term courtship, I’ll still prefer it a bit long because it gives you the opportunity to know your partner very well. Atleast it’ll give both of us the benefit of doubt that you’ve known each others families. Within this period, if any of us finds anything about ourselves that we may not be able to cope with, it’ll be better for us to forgo the relationship than get married and begin to have problems because of an issue that could have been avoided long time ago. Marriage is not a sympathetic institution so make sure you go into one that you must enjoy.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on August 23, 2009 at 6:35am
I am determined to change my slippers after 49 years, in the meantime , I will continue to wear it in hope not in fear. no matter how bad the heat is , no matter how hard you try and suppress me. Yes my legs are weak, I am not sure how far my slippers would carry me. I walk almost everyday because I cant find the energy i need to fill my tank.
Gradually my slippers shows wear and tear
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11 My slippers are still young
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18 Some have been in so much of a hurry that they have changed their slippers too soon much sooner than it was ordained
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21 We start to grow impatient the glue refuses to patch my slippers
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23 even when i fall there is hope I can lean on you come ooo there is a reason for keeping this slippers for so long
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25 I realise that the gum will not work, perhaps stapling the slippers wil patch it up, oh dear i have had an accident my hands are bleeding. 26 Yes there is hope
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28293031323334........it has to fly I have no choice..............3536............37382940414243444546474849
but I see my neighbours slippers and I see there is hope. I live in hope and not in fear that I will change my slippers but for now I thank BABA GOD for giving me the energy to note there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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A good friend showed me the way to a home boutique last week. These are prized haunts in uptown Johannesburg because they suggest by their very size and inherent uniqueness that the goods they harbour will be imported, from a limited inventory and therefore exclusive, truly one in town.
Shoe shopping is a pastime that makes most women’s eyes light up. So I drove behind her in happy anticipation of irresistible bargains and pleasant female bonding. It was not to be and I knew that deep down. Soon to be fifty-six is a far cry from twenty five when the threshold for pain and discomfort in pursuit of beauty is as sky high as the heels that are now the current fashion.
I did try a pair, the lowest of the highs available with the latest thick, curving, heel and a vamp that thrust the arch of the foot forward and encased it in wide leather bands that allowed a glimpse of the toes, a traditional seductive hide and seek effect. Yeah, right.
But there was no way to walk in those structures without cringing at each step and how unsexy is that? Those shoes may have been to die for, but I was not prepared to.
Somehow when you are young and female, you do not think like that, and you are not expected to either. Joseph Wayas,
Second Republic Senate President knew a thing or two where that was concerned.
In a story he recounted himself, he announced he had a peeve about women,
especially fine young women, in cheap scruffy shoes. He never let them walk into his presence. He once sent a young lady who had came to see him out of his office with money to get herself a pair of befitting shoes before she came in to see him again.
We all know how that goes, the scrutinizing stare that starts at your feet first and ends up at your face. It puts a whole new meaning to Shakespeare’s description of the eyes as the window to the soul.
Only your shoes.
Women especially have honed this skill of instantaneous assessment, grading and filing to a fine art. Men are not bad at it either but their parameters tend to be far more humane and generous, as exemplified by the former Senate President.
For a young working girl, next to rent, and possibly a car, shoes are a major budget priority. Cheap or expensive, they cost a lot to maintain. First of all Nigerian streets are not kind to shoes and delicate heels do not have a chance. The tips come off and once that happens the lining on the shank peels and tears. So no matter how well groomed you look on top, your shoes tell the story of the struggle that is your life.
In the old days, right beside the famous Balogun market in downtown Lagos, the shoe emporium of choice, were a slew of repair shops, Lady Cobbler was one of them if I remember correctly. Today shoe repair kiosks dot our city landscapes.
If you ever wondered why shoes in the markets look squeezed out of shape, just imagine the conditions under which they were “imported” and say to yourself ditto for the Nigerian garment retail trade.
Long after rush hour in Lagos one would drive by a trail of shoes and slippers on a highway, a testimony to the scramble to get transport and in one glance you would get a window into the soul of life in Lagos, for a majority of its population.
For the other minority in the old GRA (government reserved area) bastions stilettos, kitten heels, Manholo Blahniks and Christian Laboutins can work. Its out of the air conditioned house, into the air conditioned car and up the air conditioned elevator in clean, freshly pressed clothes all things, especially diesel and generator, being equal. It is still high maintenance albeit at a different level.
On the streets though, the corner shoe kiosks with heaps of sturdy, wide heeled sandals, made of strong, synthetic material, fashioned for balance comfort and unimpeded movement, tell the story of how the other majority navigate the streets of their lives. More women in trousers is part of the tale,
it’s easier to get on to a motorbike. Smaller shacks and a reduced ‘inventory” relates to how much a trader can carry on an Okada More people walking on bridges and highways, describes the expanding urban centres and a buying capacity that is still shrinking.
Those shoe littered streets are less evident now in Lagos with an augmented public transport system and attention now paid to cleaning the streets. But the pressure is unceasing.
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President Barack Obama called Kanye West a “jackass” for hijacking Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech during the VMAs.The audio was recorded just before Obama went on camera to do an interview with CNBC. Before the interview began, Obama referring to Kanye’s antics on stage saidWe have the audio of President Barack Obama calling Kanye West a jackass. President Barack Obama called Kanye West a “jackass” for hijacking Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech during the VMAs.The audio was recorded just before Obama went on camera to do an interview with CNBC. Before the interview began, Obama — referring to Kanye’s antics on stage — said “I thought that was really inappropriate,” then adding, “He’s a jackass.”After making the remarks, Obama said “Where’s the pool?” Presumably, he was worried the joke would go wide. He noted the last time that happened, he got burned for killing a fly.Obama said, “Cut the President some slack.”
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Baba 2face now has new managemnt .Now music has decided that to cast all doubts into the ocean about the Rkelly fiasco .A Duet with Super R N B Diva Mary J Blige is in the studio and about to be hatched .
Tuface’s new management - Now Muzik are going the extra mile to make sure all doubt of Tuface reported collaboration with Mary J Blige for his next album is not marred by bad press.They got proof! His management went the extra mile - making his picture with Mary J Blige come out as crisp as possible unlike the picture with R Kelly that fuelled the controversy to lofty heights.I 'm sorry to say that If you go to the rkelly official website there
is no mention of a collabo with tuface also on Maty J Bliges site there is no mention of tuface or 2face but these are the pictures of them together in the studio ENOUGH PROOF TO HATERS !
ENJOY
Noelene J
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Crazy like a Fox is one of few movies directed by a Nigerian that has won global recognition. This film was one of the official selections for the American Black Film festival in 2008 and has been nominated for several awards as well.I got a chance to sit down in Harlem with the director of this movie - Tony Abulu (Back to Africa, American Dream, Crazy like a Fox) and we got a chance to talk about his story behind the arts of film making. Tony Abulu is truly multi-dimensional — uses the arts to express several dimensions of creativity: beyond being the voice for the African film maker and artistic persons in New York, Tony has also been the voice for Nigerian film makers and producers, owned his own Pan-African magazine for ten years, and the list is endless. Enjoy the interview! Tony, could you tell us a little bit about your background?I actually started studying fine arts, graphic design and illustration in college and then I worked in a top ad agency in Nigeria between 1982 - 1984. I eventually left that company because I felt my creativity was eroding but before I left I started a magazine called Black Ivory which was basically ancient Africa in an illustrated form. Some will say that was when my foray into film making actually began. Black Ivory eventually became a major Pan African magazine in Nigeria and the United States and I was in that business for fifteen years (15).What would you say actually took you into the world of movies and films?The idea to make a film came in 1976 when I was in college. I started toying with this idea with a few friends of mine. At that time I was a martial arts instructor, so the script I wrote had major elements that incorporated martial arts. You have to remember that in 1976, there was nothing like that - there were only three or four people who made movies at that time in Nigeria and it was really grand scale and these movies were shot in 35mm. So we (my friends and I) tried to make this movie but it never came about. I will say that was my first foray into the world of films.Beyond your background in martial arts - what other factors influenced your interest in movies?At that time, a lot of people in my age group were being influenced by movies like the Ten commandments, Sound of Music, etc. These movies had the ability to transform you and take you into a totally different world. But, you know we weren’t only being influenced by movies from the West but we were being influenced by movies from India, China etc. I remember my brother fell in love with Indian cultures via Indian movies that he chose to move to India at nineteen (19).You know this is very interesting because you see how African young children get into a form of art that is completely outside their ‘norm’. Nigerians at that time, were looking very heavily into world cultures and we had the opportunity to imbue these cultures at an early age and as such many Nigerians at that time, were calling themselves by Indian nicknames - Jagu, Jatamaurta. The next influence was from Chinese movies like Bruce Lee. We were influenced by different Nigerian cultures as well. I know my Nigerian influence was via my grandmother who used to tell us stories - she was a top rate story teller. She used to sit us down at night and tell us stories about Ancient Nigerian history.So, what event led to your first movie - Back to Africa?About fourteen (14) years ago, at around the time that Eddie Murphy’s movie, “Coming to America” came out, I wrote another script and I was determined to see this script through. My script was called American Dream.I spent some months going after people like Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis to be in my movie. They all read the script and wanted to be in the movie but my budget was 1.4 million dollars and I spent four years trying to raise the money but couldn’t do it.Luckily, one of my very good friends, Obafemi Lasude came to my rescue. Femi Lasude was a Nigerian who used to work in a TV station in Brooklyn, we were both very passionate about entertainment in Africa. He eventually went back to Nigeria to pursue his passion further and he advised that I come back as well. At that time, I had written another script, which took me two days to write, called Back to Africa and I decided to follow Femi’s advise and produce my movie in Nigeria.Femi introduced me to a friend Larry Talbot with the hopes that Larry will invest in my movie. I met Larry and told him about my movie and that same day Larry invested 25 000 dollars in my movie. The only favor Larry wanted was that I take his son to Nigeria with me. So, I did my casting call and picked a couple of my cast from the U.S and then took them to Nigeria. We spent 6 weeks in Nigeria shooting that movie. We went to places like Ekiti, Oshogbo, etc to shoot this movie. By the time we got back and started editing the movie - people who saw it were amazed at the quality. That was the first Nigerian movie anyone ever saw in the U.S.After that movie - I spent the next ten years developing distribution for the Nigerian film industry in the U.S and ironically to this very day - I get orders from all over the world for that movie. That movie cost about 80,000 dollars to produce.You mentioned earlier that there was no form of distribution of Nigerian movies in the states when you produced the movie, Back to Africa - so how did you distribute your movies?I made VHS copies of my movie and I went to every single store and restaurant in different communities from the Caribbean community, African community and the African American Community.I went to Nigerian parties and other parties that I was invited to and set up a table and often times faced the initial jeers at the cost of the movies but people eventually started warming up to the idea and started wanting more of it.During that time, I ran into two other Nigerians - the first one was Rabiu Mohammed - he had a small store in the Bronx ,where he used to sell movies. Today, he is one of the number one African movie distributors in the U.S and another guy called Bethel Agumoh. Bethel Agumoh was the first Nigerian to sell VCD on the Internet in the U.S.A.The Film Makers Association of Nigeria (FAN) was made up of these two men, myself and Caroline Okoli who came through Bethel. Her forte was back end management - she had worked for McDonald corporation for some years. At that time, we had noticed that a few Senegalese and Malian traders were beginning to sell bootleg copies of Nigerian movies and we understood that if FAN does not legitimize the distribution of Nigerian movie where we ensure that people sell authentic copies of the real thing so that producers in Nigeria get some renumeration for the movies sold in the states - the industry could die.At that time, Nigerian producers were selling 100,000 - 200,000 copies of their films. We took this issue to the Nigerian producers in Nigeria but they did not want to listen to what FAN had to say, they felt that we needed to prove that we were serious and had their interest at heart by putting down some money which we were not ready to do. Now, with the Chinese getting involved in the Nigerian movie distribution business - many now wish that they had listened to our suggestions. What is going on now is that a lot of Nigerian movies (as much as 50) are being compressed illegally into one CD and being sold and none of the monies are going to the producers, directors or anyone involved in the creation of the movie. Working with FAN as the president, I was able to convince 70% of distributors of bootleg movies in the states to become legitimate distributors of Nigerian films.Beyond distribution of Nigerian movies, were there other issues that you were hoping that FAN will address?Ultimately, the plan was to get involved in movie projects that tell the cross over stories. We wanted to work on Nigerian projects that can appeal to the American public as well. I think one of the things that Nigerian movie producers do not realize is that very few consumers of Nollywood movies are African American. We have a lot of ‘buyers’ from the Caribbean community, the African community and a couple of others. The reason that the African American community isn’t buying into our movies is because they can’t relate to it.For example, the movie Back to Africa, tells the story of an African American girl that goes to Africa to find her roots and in the process, I integrate every day aspects of Nigerian life. It is a story that appeals to a lot of African Americans because at one time or the other, they had questions about their roots and where they are from originally. that movie is heavily bought into by the African American community but I can’t say the same about a lot of other Nollywood movies.But, I will have to say this about Nollywood’s effect on Americans - it has shown a different face of Africa. For those that do watch it, they see that Africans in Africa live like they do and do not swing on trees. That Africans in Africa have cars, houses, go to parties and often times dress like they do.You’ve definitely been in this business for a long time. What are the weaknesses that you see in the Nigerian film industry?My main problem is the lack of authenticity in most of the stories told. I will call it the ‘fakeness’. There are some movies that are a direct copy of American movies but even when they copy these movies, they refuse to put their ‘Africaness’ or should I say ‘Nigerianess’ into it. They use music that isn’t theirs, they dress in ways that aren’t really authentic. I think a lot of our movies are projecting images that aren’t really African but rather African American and because those images aren’t really ours, it makes it a difficult sell. If you do not really comprehend what it means to be African American then how can you project the image realistically and most importantly how can you support that image?I have often said that if people believe that a certain culture is theirs then they should be able to support it. The way that the world works is that you have your own products that you create and you brainwash other people to buy into it. We need to learn our culture and find out what our own brand of products are and then sell it.Extra:There are a lot of issues within the Nollywood industry that were highlighted during this interview. Regardless of if we buy into his argument or not, Nollywood is an industry that will keep on growing and is one of Nigeria’s main cultural exports. Our hopes are that this industry will become more recognized within the global film making community. Tony Abulu’s movies are a must watch for any connoisseur of movies. I got a chance to watch - Back to Africa and Crazy like a fox and the quality and story telling were on point. You can get these movies
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Nollywood actresses, Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji are said to be at dagger drawn over a London based lover called Christopher Obukwelu. This former broadcaster with the MINAJ TV, we gathered , is the brain behind the enmity between these top stars in Nigeria's make- believe industry called Nollywood.As the story goes, Rita and Chris were said to have dated years back. While the romance lasted, Rita’s colleagues tried to snatch the handsome dude from her but her defence was as strong as mount Gibraltar. As you are reading this, there seem to be this strong affinity between the celebrated Nollywood actress, Genevieve and Chris. This new development is said to be bothering Rita whose relationship with Chris hit the rocks a while ago.Why Rita is embittered about the whole scenario is that Genevieve could stoop that low to date her ex. Meanwhile Information at our disposal reveals that Rita and Genevieve are not on speaking term because of Chris. We shall update you as event unfolds.
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MARK Twain once remarked "Everyone complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." Now it is becoming apparent to scientists that despite the fact that we can do little about the weather next month, we are doing things that will determine the global climate at the end of this century. Burning oil, gas and coal puts a burden of exhaust into the world's atmosphere.
These exhaust gases will eventually be absorbed into oceans and forests, but not before they cause a slow, dangerous heating of the global atmosphere. During the 20th century the carbon dioxide released in industrialised countries caused the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration to increase by 40 per cent. The concentration of this gas product from burning of wood, petrol, diesel and coal is increasing more rapidly in the 21st century.
The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Panel on Climate Change has brought to the world's attention the seriousness of the problem that will confront us toward the end of the 21st century if the present wastage of fossil fuels continues. Three Nigerian scientists were honoured along with several hundred other scientists who served as members of the IPCC.
As a U.S. citizen I have a special concern, since we Americans have a wasteful style of life. We waste a lot more energy per capita than any other nation. Fortunately, one of our retired politicians, Al Gore, has been mobilising world opinion for action to prevent catastrophic climate change. He has done this through his film Inconvenient Truth. This inconvenient truth is that our continued loading of earth's atmosphere with carbon dioxide will lead to disastrous climate change. This is as certain as any scientific projection about the future of the world can be.
It is inconvenient because it imposes a responsibility on users of energy everywhere to restrict their use of energy. We also have to use energy more efficiently. This is inconvenient to nearly everyone except the peasant farmers of the world. Nearly everyone else rides to work in some form of motorised transport. Industries and modern homes use energy, often inefficiently. To restrict our energy usage and wastage will not be convenient. Nevertheless it must be done if climate catastrophe is to be delayed or avoided. The importance of Al Gore's film was recognised by giving him a share in the Nobel Peace Prize along with the IPCC.
In his address in Oslo when he accepted the Nobel Prize Gore said, "The distinguished scientists with whom it is my greatest honor to share this prize have laid before us a choice between two different futures - a choice that to my ears echoes the words of an ancient prophet: 'Life or death, blessings or curses. Therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.' We, the human species, are confronting a planetary emergency, a threat to our civilisation." The Secretary General of the United Nations has added his voice to the Nobel laureates calling for change.
Ban Ki-Moon called climate change, "The defining challenge of our age." The U.S. administration last week reversed its refusal to negotiate specific targets for limiting greenhouse gases. Until the last day of the UN Conference on Climate Change on the island of Bali, the U.S. was obstructing efforts to negotiate a successor treaty to the Kyoto Accords that Nigeria signed in 2004. The Kyoto Accords are due to expire in 2012. The Bali agreement committed the subscribing nations to negotiate limits on the production of greenhouse gases.
The international oil companies have been trying to evade their responsibility in the matter of climate change. One way they do this is to fund studies by eco-skeptics, the people who claim that the IPCC is in error. They seem to be funding people like the British eco-skeptic Stuart Dimrock, who brought suit in a British High Court against the use of the film Inconvenient Truth in British schools. Dimrock would not disclose to the media who were his backers financing the suit against the government for using Gore's film in British schools.
Roger Harabin of the BBC commented on Mr. Justice Burton's verdict on Dimrock's suit, "(The belief) that many leading experts question if human activity is contributing to climate change is simply untrue." Mr. Justice Burton found nine "errors" in Al Gore's film. However, he did not block the use of the film in British schools because of these minor errors. It should be noted that the film deals with projections, scientifically accepted projections. A few unsound projections in Inconvenient Truth should not obscure the message of the film, because there are many independent lines of evidence from the study of ancient and modern climate changes.
Climate change will very probably have disastrous effects in coastal cities around the world, cities like New Orleans and Lagos, if action is not taken now. This is because ocean levels are bound to rise if and when the large, land-based glaciers of the Arctic and Antarctic begin to melt. Once this process begins, it will accelerate, since the bottom layers of the glaciers will melt first under pressure and the heavy top layers will begin to slide down the slope into the ocean faster and faster.
Climate change in the future will be largely caused by human activity - by the increasing use of fossil fuels due to industrial progress around the world. Carbon dioxide is the gas that is produced when fuel is used or wasted. The flaring of natural gas by the oil companies operating in Nigeria is one of the leading African sources of carbon dioxide. The 2003 Nigerian government report on the emissions of greenhouse gases estimated that gas flaring was contributing as much to global warming as all of the useful burning of fuels in Nigeria. Some years ago the companies producing oil and flaring the associated natural gas in Nigeria agreed with the Federal Government that they would put an end to flaring by 2008. These same oil multinational companies are now reported to be lobbying the Federal government to postpone the January 1, 2008 deadline by a year or more.
Instead of flaring natural gas it is possible to re-inject it into the ground for future use. This requires some investment, but it has been technically feasible for half a century. Gas that cannot be gathered for liquefaction or electric power generation should be re-injected into the ground. If the Nigerian government wants to eliminate the wasteful flaring, it should impose meaningful fines on the oil companies for continuing the practice. It seems to me that flaring will end only if the oil companies have to pay fines commensurate with the investment required for utilising or re-injecting gas.
In 2003 the energy wasted by flaring this national heritage was roughly equal to all the fuel energy used in Nigeria. The government can end this waste if it takes the interests of its citizens more seriously than its relations with the capitalists controlling the oil industry. History may not judge kindly those politicians who ignore the climate change issue. A headline in The Guardian last July 5 read, "Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers may be submerged in 50 years." This can be prevented or delayed if politicians and oil companies give responsible leadership in combating climate change.
Zimbabwe of Nigeria • Abuja satellite settlement, where booze, meat and sex rule
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There may be regrets and gnashing of teeth in Zimbabwe, in southern Africa, because of politics. However, there is another Zimbabwe, where people are happy and constantly making merry. In this Zimbabwe, in Nigeria, just like the zimbabwe money is sextillion & abundant now and is still cheap like the money there are assorted food and drinks. There are also different kinds of meat and fish. And women are there for the asking, for those who need their services.
Located about 25 kilometers from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Zimbabwe is the lure of all city dwellers around it. Visiting patrons to this bubbling place are always welcome by things that would make them happy. For one, there is always music blarring from the giant speakers. And those who could gyrate take to the dancing floor.
Indeed, on a typical day in Zimbabwe, there is no dull moment. Activities at the little hunts and canopies are always at their peak. People drink, eat and make merry.
The location and setting
Situated on a plain, grassy valley crisscrossed by a river and overlooking the highway on the Abuja/Keffi Road is a suburb called Uke, in Nasarawa State. It consists of no more than a few thousand people who live in houses roofed with rusty corrugated iron sheets. The houses are Roasted chicken
generally grouped together in residential areas some distance away from the highway. At the upper end of this suburb, just by the riverside is the famous Zimbabwe.
Indeed, what started as a local foodstuff market in a place called upper Uke, in 1980, has now metamorphosed into a full-blown market, with such magnetic forces that pulls the small and big in the society to its fold. According to Alhaji Jibril Abubakar, who holds the traditional title of “Garkwa Uke” (Defence Minister), “it started as a small market in a place called upper Uke and when the then District Head of Uke, Alhaji Abdullahi Hassan visited the area, he noticed the existence of the market and decided to upgrade it to a full-fledged market.
“From then, the market began to attract people from Keffi and Masaka. Originally, people used to come and buy foodstuff, like yam, pepper and tomatoes at a very cheap price of 10 kobo. That was how it started.”
The erudite defence minister, who is an illustrious son of Uke, told Saturday Sun that the market was relocated from its original place, in 1986, to its present position following the overbearing presence of palm wine tapers and local brew (burukutu), who flooded the market with their products. The reason for the relocation, at the instance of the district head, was to maintain its original status as a foodstuff market.
“The palm wine tapers started bringing their product and other local drinks to sell. This was against the original purpose of the founders of the market. The presence of these drinks at the market started attracting large crowd of people, who travelled far and near to buy fresh and original palm wine.”
In 1997, according Abubakar, the district head of Uke summoned a meeting of elders on how to upgrade the infrastructure of the market for the purpose of generating revenue. It was then agreed that shops be erected at the market and let out to interested people. “This is how the market has become a big one today.”
The name Zimbabwe
Narrating the historical background of the market, Abubakar said: “The name (Zimbabwe) was given by a local musician. Its original name was “Upper Uke Market. Zimbabwe was given by a local musician and it was generally accepted and since then it is called by the name.”
In Nasarawa, Abuja and other neighbouring states, the name Zimbabwe rings a bell. It is a bubbling place. Indeed, Zimbabwe is so popular that any girl that has not been taken there by her lover would not be happy.
Life at “Zimbabwe” is exhilarating. Its atmosphere is alive with adventurous spirit and resourceful people. Although it lacked the eye-pocking state-of- the-art edifices of the cities, it is a kind of heaven. Its serene and calm atmosphere is not only magnetic but also infectious.
The environment is in a cocoon of marina trees that provides a cozy atmosphere needed to rewind after a hectic day.
Investigations revealed that the main centre of attraction at Zimbabwe is the fresh palm wine that is cheaply available in large supply. Aside from palm wine there are other side attractions, including fresh fish, chicken and fish barbecue, fish pepper soup and others.
According to Abubakar, “anything you want, you can get it at Zimbabwe at a relatively cheap price. For instance, you don’t need to go to fast food joints for fresh fish and chickens. That is why people come from Abuja and other places to this place. A keg of palm wine is N100 in Zimbabwe, as against the N500 in Abuja, while a full litre of the product is between N300 and N400, as against the Abuja price of N1, 500.”
Security
Security in Zimbabwe is tight and manned by vigilance group selected from the host community. Abubakar boasted that there has not been any reported incident of theft at the market.
“There is no security threat here. There is a local security outfit, Yanbanga, put in place by the community to provide security at the market and so far, there has not been any case of theft or burglary in this market. The community supplies them with all their operational needs. Every month, they meet with the elders of the community to brief them on security matters and to update their operational methods.
“The market closes at 10pm everyday. Anything after that, no body is allowed access into the premises except shop owners who must identify themselves. In fact, there is no recorded incident of theft or car snatching here,” he said.
High accident rate
In every good thing in life, there is also a side effect and so it is with the Uke community. What the market has offered them with the right hand, in terms of social and economic gain; it takes back with death occasioned by road accidents.
“The only problem we have on ground here is the high rate of accidents, which has claimed so many lives. People get knocked down while trying to cross the road to the other side of the market. You know after drinking some bottles of alcohol, some people would just jump into the road in their unsteady conditions and sometimes oncoming vehicles knock them down. The community has lost many of its sons to road accidents. In fact, we are now thinking of relocating the market or pushing farther away the highway.”
Effects on the youths
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The presence of exotic cars and their influential owners in the market is a tonic of encouragement to youths of the area, according to the Garkwan Uke.
“The sight of these flashy cars has, more than anything, encouraged our youths to work harder in their human endeavours. Although the marvel of the presence of these rich men acts as an encouragement to them we advice them to work towards having theirs rather than going into uncanny means of acquiring wealth,” he said.
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-Military investigates
A Ukrainian plane loaded with weapons was, on Tuesday night, impounded by Air Force intelligence at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
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Four people; two pilots and two other foreign nationals, who were on board, were arrested, while some Nigerians who attempted to clear the weapons were also arrested.
A competent airport source, who confirmed the arrests, told journalists that the Air Force men, who impounded the plane, were on duty at the airport.
The plane, painted red and marked UR-CAK, according to sources, was impounded on the arrival terminal at the airport, based on intelligence report.
The impounded plane was seen parked at the airport, when the Nigerian Tribune visited the place, with security operatives mounting surveillance while sources said that investigations were on to know the mission and why such weapons were brought into Nigeria.
Nigerian Tribune also gathered that security chiefs at the airport were meeting to ensure that the pilot gave details of their mission in Nigeria.
Sources at the airport revealed that the plane was going to Malabo, Equitorial Guinea and that it only stopped in Kano to refuel.
Those who spoke on the appearance of the plane and its crew gave kudos to the officers at the airport, adding that the flying in of the weapons was a big security threat to Nigeria.
The airport workers, while commenting on the development, said that the apprehension of the Ukrainian cargo plane was a job well done by the Nigerian security men.
All efforts to speak with the airport commandant of the Nigerian Air Force were unsuccessful. A top officer said he could not speak on the issue at that moment. “You pressmen have to wait till tomorrow or preferably when the investigation might have been completed,” he said.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed the story and informed that the military was investigating the circumstances and the owners of the arms on the plane.
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A MUM of six has ditched her kids and run off with her son’s 18-YEAR-OLD best pal.
Debbie Mallinson, 36, fled her council semi after telling her shocked children: “I can’t help who I fall in love with.”
She then moved in with baby-faced toyboy Adam Caban in Falmouth, Cornwall.
Mallinson’s eldest sons, aged 15 and ten, are now living with relatives. Her other kids — a girl of eight, a boy of six, a boy of five and a girl aged three — are in foster care.
And an ex-partner of the runaway mum branded her a “disgrace” last night — and sneered: “She falls in love more often than she gives birth.”
The man, who fathered three of the brunette’s six children, hit out after she deserted her young family.
Mallinson fled her council home after climbing out of a window and sprinting down the front path into a waiting cab.
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Her 15-year-old eldest son had earlier caught her on the phone telling Adam, his best friend, that she loved him. Before she left, Mallinson told her children: “I can’t help who I fall in love with.”
But her disgusted ex said: “It breaks my heart — she doesn’t give a stuff about anyone but her.”
Mallinson, whose children were fathered by FOUR dads, is living with baby-faced Adam at his sister’s home in Falmouth, Cornwall.
Before walking out two weeks ago, she phoned social services saying she couldn’t cope and was going off to live with her lover.
Her furious former partner said last night: “This woman is an absolute disgrace as a mother.
“First she has an affair with her son’s best friend, then she dumps her kids to move in with him.
“She’s now living with him while her youngest children and my kids are staying with strangers. It breaks my heart and makes my blood boil in equal measure.
“She’s told social services she wants the kids back eventually and wants to bring them up with her new boyfriend.
“But they are living with his sister and don’t have any money.
“Anyway, she can’t just turn up and be a mum when she likes. It is just not fair on the children.”
Mallinson — whose youngsters cannot be identified — stormed out of her three-bed semi after a blazing row with her teenage son.
He and his eldest brother, who is ten, are now living with their grandparents and father respectively.
But the lads’ four siblings — a girl aged eight, a boy of six, a boy aged five, and a three-year-old girl — have been put in to foster care.
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Mallinson’s former partner added: “The first I knew about it was when my mum called me.
“At first I thought it was a wind-up — but I wouldn’t put anything past her.
“Her eldest son found out something was going on when he overheard his mum on the phone telling his best mate she loved him.
“He is now living with his grandparents in another part of the country — but he has lost his best friend and his mum.
“Through no fault of his own, his life has been completely turned upside down.
“I’ve known this woman for a long time and she falls in love more often than she gives birth. The sad thing is that it will never last — but it could scar the kids for life.”
Mallinson was unavailable for comment.
And her 18-year-old lover cowered behind his mum when The Sun visited his family’s address.
The dumbstruck teenager stood in the hallway as his mum said: “He’s 18 and can do what he likes. They’re just friends anyway.”
Another family member said: “They are moving from house to house at the moment, so we’re just trying to help out by giving them somewhere to stay.advertisement here ask9ja.com free classifieds !Read more…
Russian billionaire Roman AbramovichTHE STINKIN BILLIONAIRE OTEdola & Dangote see better Bilionaire una dey Fight up and down dey disturb us !lost one of the yachts in his sizeable personal fleet in a game of poker, Russian newspapers reported on Monday, prompting a strong denial from the oligarch.This space is to Shakara your goods and services here on 9jabook !"The story is absolutely, completely, entirely false," Abramovich spokesman John Mann told AFP after three Russian daily newspapers published versions of the story that originated in the Italian press.One of the the Stinking billionaires yachts please give me this Yacht my problems are over !The popular daily Moskovsky Komsomelets said the oligarch lost the 500,000 dollar (375,000 euro) yacht while playing poker in Barcelona, which he was visiting to watch the London football team he owns, Chelsea, in action.The newspaper did not provide the name of the yacht or name the source of its information.Two other mass-cirulation Russian dailies, Izvestia and Trud, also published the story, citing the Italian newspaper La Repubblica as the source of the information.Mann said Abramovich had not been in Barcelona for the Chelsea match and asserted that the entire story was a fabrication."We have instructed our lawyers to examine legal action" over publication of the story, he said.Abramovich's yacht collection, thought to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, has been dubbed "The Roman Navy" by Britain's press.The Russian newspaper said his poker habit had become a sore point between him and girlfriend Daria Zhukova and that the billionaire, who made his fortune in Russia's sell-off of state assets in the 1990s, had instead turned to gambling online.
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