UK's Gordon Brown to resign as prime minister

Posted by jackie webLondonGirl on May 10, 2010 at 7:41am

LONDON – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a dramatic bid to keep his beleaguered Labour Party in power after it was punished in a national election, announcing Monday he will resign by September at the latest in hopes the third-place Liberal Democrats will join his party in a coalition government. capt.dce8aad8e27c4546a3014537e71bd51e-dce8aad8e27c4546a3014537e71bd51e-0.jpg?x=213&y=331&xc=1&yc=1&wc=263&hc=409&q=85&sig=gJ5Ls7YNYy3kPOlNdZqNHg--

Brown's startling news conference came as the Conservatives, who won the most seats in Thursday's election but not a majority in Parliament, were already holding talks with the Liberal Democrats.

Lawmakers said those negotiations stalled earlier Monday over differences on key issues including reform of the voting system, education, and changes to the tax system.

The Liberal Democrats want Britain's voting system to be changed so that seats in Parliament more accurately reflect a party's percentage of the vote — demand that most Conservatives adamantely reject.

Brown said the Labour Party, which came a distant second to the Conservatives, would begin a leadership contest to replace him while he focused on talks aimed at breaking Britain's election deadlock.

"As leader of my party I must accept that as a judgment on me," Brown said, referring to Labour's poor showing in the election.

In a statement outside his office at 10 Downing Street, Brown said Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg had asked to begin formal coalition talks with the Labour Party and the two could form a center-left alliance. Clegg had previously said Brown's departure would likely be a condition of any deal.

"There is a progressive majority in Britain, and I believe it could be in the interests of the whole country to form a progressive coalition government," Brown said..

Conservative leader David Cameron made no immediate comment on Brown's possibly game-changing move.

Clegg said the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives had "some very constructive talks ... and made a great deal of progress. But we haven't yet reached a comprehensive partnership agreement" after four days.

He said it was "the right thing and the responsible thing to open talks" with Labour.

Cameron's center-right Conservatives won 306 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, 20 short of a majority. Brown's center-left Labour won 258 and the center-left Liberal Democrats took 57 seats. Other smaller parties took the rest.

Brown said he hoped a new Labour leader would be appointed at the party's annual convention in September. Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Education Secretary Ed Balls will likely be leading contenders to succeed Brown as party leader.

The pound fell nearly 1.5 cents against the dollar after Brown's statement, trading at $1.4866 late Monday, reflecting some fear of Labour's continued presence in the government.

Britain has a record 153 billion-pound ($236 billion) deficit that the Conservatives have pledged to tackle faster than Labour. But Brown said his focus during his remaining time in office would be ensuring economic recovery.

Cameron's party was to meet later Monday and the Liberal Democrats indicated they too could gather again.

Clegg clearly was facing a tough choice: Trying to overcome ideological incompatibility to broker a deal with Cameron and the Conservatives or propping up Brown's defeated Labour Party.

The Conservative Party strongly opposes voting reform, as it would likely mean fewer seats for Britain's two main parties — the Conservatives and Labour — and would banish the Conservatives to the political wilderness for years to come.

Yet in the last election, Clegg's party earned 23 percent of the vote but got only 9 percent of the seats in Parliament.

Brown's announcement signals an end to a political career marked by great promise, considerable achievement and ultimate disappointment.

He spent a decade as Prime Minister Tony Blair's right-hand money man, but craved the top job himself. When he finally got it in June 2007, Brown faced economic crisis, a divided party, public disgust with politicians — and finally defeat in last week's election.

It was Brown's fatal political misfortune to follow the charismatic Blair. Brown was brooding and awkward by comparison, and a recent run-in with a voter — whom he called a "bigoted woman" — showed how much he lacked a common touch. But behind closed doors, Brown, 59, was often described as warm and agreeable.

Friends also say the son of a Church of Scotland minister is dogged, determined and fiercely loyal to Labour — a trait that prompted him to offer his resignation Monday so that his party had a chance at staying in office.

PDP Badluck :FATE HAS PLAYED A FAST ONE ON PDP

Posted by THE QOHELETH on May 10, 2010 at 1:57am

Despite the denial from Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Nigerian Vice President and one of the founders of the party, zoning the Nigerian presidency to the north in 2011 wouldn't have favoured PDP in the current dispensation.I am sure when doing this, whether written or oral, PDP never thought a President could die in office. They didn't also consider that other political parties could win in the subsequent presidential elections. More over, by so doing, PDP would force other political parties to field candidates from other zones in order not to make the whole thing look like a north affair. Most importantly, zoning is unconstitutional.

It is no surprise then that a horde of aspirants are jostlling for the position of the Vice President soon after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar'dua. They assume that the VP, most probably a northerer, would be fielded by PDP in 2011. Secondly, they think the zoning system would work.

The PDP zoning system means that the North would retain the presidency for four years or even eight years (It seems two term is now compulsory). It also implied that in event of impeachment, death or incapacitation, the zoning formula would still hold despite the time it occurred. For instance, if Yar'dua had died in 2007 (God forbid!), a northerer should have succeeded him, not the VP, who was a Southerner.

As it were, the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar'dua ended on wednesday night after his death, so did PDP's zoning to the North. The following day, another President was sworn in, who fortunately is a Southerner. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is no longer the Vice President. He is not the Acting President, neither is he standing in for Yar'dua or PDP. He is now Nigerian President and the successor of former President Musa Yar'dua. By so doing, PDP zoning system has already been altered.

It is therefore foolhardy to think that Jonathan is serving out somebody else's tenure. PDP might think so but Nigerians and the world know that there is a new President. If PDP wanted the zoning system, which is unconstitutional, to succeed, a northerner should have succeeded Yar'dua and not Jonathan. In fact, they should have fielded two Northern candidates to be sure of completing the zonal tenure.

How would it appear if PDP ignores the Leader of the party, the President, who also has the power of incumbency to field his VP as presidential candidate for 2011election? Even if they decide to do so as confirmed by its Chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, I am sure Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has not gone to Aso Rock "to look at bridges, buildings and designs", he has gone to lead Nigerians and he has already assumed power. At any rate, any other person aspiring for the position through PDP must probably have to wait till 2015. By then, he must have served out his tenure.

Those who are lobbying for the position of Vice President should bear this in mind. PDP therefore must forget the zoning system for now because fate has played a fast one on them.

Babangida campaign posters flood Abeokuta

Posted by frank adeche Mr Netchurch on May 10, 2010 at 1:40am

Residents of Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, woke up to posters promoting the presidential ambitions of Ibrahim Babangida, on the morning of Thursday May 6, 2010.

Speculations suggest that an unknown group plastered the posters at strategic points around the city in the early hours...

Abeokuta is the hometown of Moshood Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993, elections, annulled by Babangida, Nigeria’s former military ‘president’. The 1993 polls were generally believed to be the freest and fairest polls ever held in our country.

Abiola lost his life after spending a number of years in military detention during the struggle to reclaim his mandate.

No persons have so far claimed responsibility for the poster campaign in Abeokuta.

This is no surprise to some observers, who point to the residents’ negative disposition to the prospect of a Babangida presidency in 2011.

Many Abeokuta residents tore down the posters from the walls of their properties.

Similar poster-tearing operations were reportedly carried out by a number of traders, whose shops were defaced with posters. Speaking with NEXT, many expressed their displeasure over the military boss-turned-politician’s campaign brought to their doorsteps.

“If those behind and responsible for the pasting of the posters are sure of what they were doing, why should they be hiding under the cover of midnight and odd hours to carry out the assignment? It is conscience that is worrying them,” said a man who gave him name as Baba Sule.

Entertain no fear

Another Abeokuta resident, Abayomi Omooseparo, an artisan, gave his reactions in the Yoruba language, saying, “If you do good, you need not entertain fear,” stressing that the elusiveness of the campaign promoters who worked under the cover of night, speaks volumes.

The posters, carrying an image of Babangida, came with the inscriptions: ‘IBB Movement 2011’, ‘Babangida For President; It’s our cause’. The posters also suggested the endorsement of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as they carried the party’s logo.

She is 17 but looks,behaves like 17months old ! meet the baby who does not want to grow old

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on May 10, 2010 at 1:27am

Girl frozen in time may hold key to ageing

American scientists are keenly studying the DNA of a 17-year-old girl who still has the body and behaviour of a baby

This 21'st century Peter Pan has defied scientists .A genetic condition (Anageria) opposite to progeria which some speculate Paris Hilton and many other women and MEN will kill for ! Brooke Greenberg is a miracle.

Scientists are hoping to gain new insights into the mysteries of ageing by sequencing the genome of a 17-year-old girl who has the body and behaviour of a tiny toddler.

PHOTO:Brooke Greenberg "baby", then aged 9, with sister Carly who was 6

Brooke Greenberg is old enough to drive a car and next year will be old enough to vote — but at 16lb in weight and just 30in tall, she is still the size of a one-year-old.

Until recently she had been regarded as a medical oddity but a preliminary study of her DNA has suggested her failure to grow could be linked to defects in the genes that make the rest of humanity grow old.

If confirmed, the research could give scientists a fresh understanding of ageing and even suggest new therapies for diseases linked to old age.

“We think that Brooke’s condition presents us with a unique opportunity to understand the process of ageing,” said Richard Walker, a professor at the University of South Florida School of Medicine, who is leading the research team.

“We think that she has a mutation in the genes that control her ageing and development so that she appears to have been frozen in time.

“If we can compare her genome to the normal version then we might be able to find those genes and see exactly what they do and how to control them.”

Such research will be the focus of a conference at the Royal Society in London this week to be attended by some of the world’s leading age researchers.

It follows a series of scientific breakthroughs showing that the life span of many animals can be dramatically extended by making minute changes in single genes.

The work began with tiny worms known as C elegans, which normally live for only about a fortnight. Researchers have been able to extend their life span by up to 10 weeks by making small changes in certain genes.

Scientists have gone on to discover that mutating the same genes in mice had the same effect.

“Mice are genetically very close to humans,” said Cynthia Kenyon, professor of biochemistry at the University of California, San Francisco, who is a key speaker at the Royal Society.

“The implication is that ageing is controlled by a relatively small number of genes and that we might be able to target these with new therapies that would improve the quality and length of human life.”

The laboratory findings have been supported by research into humans, focusing on families whose members are long-lived. In one recent study Eline Slagboom, professor of molecular epidemiology at Leiden University, Holland, collected data on 30,500 people in 500 long-lived families to find the metabolic and genetic factors that make them special.

“Such people simply age slower than the rest of us,” she said. “Their skin is better, they have less risk of diseases of old age like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension and their ability to metabolise lipids and other nutrients is better. The question is: what is controlling all these different manifestations of slow ageing?

“So far, the evidence suggests that there could be just a few key genes in charge of it all. If we can find out where they are and how they work, it opens the way to new therapies against the diseases of ageing that could work in all of us.”

Walker and other researchers, including Kenyon, believe that finding the cause of Brooke Greenberg’s condition could be one way to pinpoint some of those genes.

Superficially, Brooke, who lives with her parents Howard and Melanie Greenberg and her three sisters in Reisterstown, a Baltimore suburb, is frozen in time. She looks and acts as if she were a small toddler — for 17 years her family has changed her nappies, rocked her to sleep and given her cuddles.

Brooke has shown some development, including crawling, smiling and giggling when tickled but she has never learnt to speak and still has her infant teeth.

But she has also suffered a succession of life-threatening health problems, including strokes, seizures, ulcers and breathing difficulties — almost as if she were growing old despite not growing up.

Howard Greenberg, Brooke's father, said he wanted the genome research carried out in the hope it might help others.

He said: "Brooke is just a wonderful child. She is very pure. She still babbles just like a 6 month old baby but she still communicates and we always know just what she means."

Walker and his colleagues, who are working with Brooke’s parents to ensure she benefits from any research findings, have just published a research paper which suggests that in reality some parts of her body have indeed aged — but slowly and all at different rates.

“Our hypothesis is that she is suffering from damage in the gene or genes that co-ordinate the way the body develops and ages,” he said.

“If we can use her DNA to find that mutant gene then we can test it in laboratory animals to see if we can switch if off and slow down the ageing process at will.

“Just possibly it could give us an opportunity to answer the question of why we are mortal.”

Jerly Lyngdoh: World’s oldest baby:

Surgeons and pediatricians in India have been puzzled after discovering a 26-year-old man trapped inside the body and mind of a child aged between one and two years.Jerly Lyngdoh – who is still dressed in baby clothes by his parents – has a head circumference that babies 9-12 months old have, measures 84 cm like any two-year-old and weighs 22 pounds.

“Jerly’s infantile features are remarkable, and the only things he shares with an adult are his teeth,” Dr. J. Ryndong told the Hindustan Times.

According to the pediatrician, Lyngdoh suffers from poor secretion of growth hormones from the pituitary gland.

“His is a case opposite to progeria, which means advanced ageing, and we have reasons to say Jerly is a rarity,” Ryndong added. He ruled out the genetic factor, since all six of Jerly’s siblings have no physical or mental disability.

“We also plan to seek expertise from the medical world beyond to crack Jerly’s case,” the doctor said.

VP:Onyeka Onwenu canvasses for female VP

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on May 10, 2010 at 1:00am

A renowned female musician, Onyeka Onwenu, has urged the president, Goodluck Jonathan to consider the choice of a woman as the country’s next vice president.

Speaking at the Nige .ria Youth Summit, organised by the World Igbo Youth Assembly at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos at the weekend, she said the mistake of relegating women to the background, which the older generation made should not be repeated.

“Nige.rian women are strong, brilliant, committed. Nig.eria will get nowhere if we keep the woman down or put them somewhere. It is about time that we get women into the political process. Give us a chance. We are talking about having a vice president, so bring a woman to be the vice president. When there is ministerial appointment, make it at least 30 per cent women.”

She also said it was unfortunate that people tend to focus on the misdeeds of a few women to say the rest are incapable of leading the country.

“If Nigerians are claiming that 30 per cent of women have disappointed, then 90 per cent of men have disappointed,” she said.

“So, what do we do with the men? Get rid of all of them? I think that is even a question that shouldn’t come up. Majority of the women we have in government today and even in the past has given a good account of themselves.”

She, however, said N.igeri.a cannot succeed without women’s participation in national politics.

A former vice president of N.ige.ria, Alex Ekwueme, said despite the contribution of N.ige.rian heroes to the development of the country, the nation is still struggling to establish a truly federal structure that it claims to be.

He joined other speakers to say since past leaders were products of opportunities, the youth should be given fresh opportunities to contribute their own quota to the development of the country.

Yar’ Adua’s lesson

Also at the event, a former presidential aspirant and leader of the Mega Party, Pat Utomi said the death of the former president, Umar Yar’Adua was a lesson to others in positions of leadership.

“He could have made a great difference in this life to N.igeri.a and the people close to him. However the important thing is the lesson we draw from his life and the challenges of his death,” Mr. Utomi said. “One of the lessons learnt is about health care. His life put to us how poor the health care system is in our country and how much we need to do something about it. This is the basic need of our people and is fundamental to progress. We must look at how our health care system works, how our educational system works and if we get them right, we will get most other things right.

He cited the example of how an American president, Abraham Lincoln set up a presidential team called ‘a team of equal’ to work with him and advised that “as President Jonathan goes forward, he must be a man of courage and had to work with the right kind of people. N.igeri.an people are notorious for working with people who are inferior to them because they are afraid.”

Blackout:Murytala Mohammed Airport plunged into darkness

Posted by 9jabook.com on May 9, 2010 at 11:26pm

The Murtala Mohammed International Airport – Lagos, the nation’s premier gateway has been plunged into darkness after authorities cut off power supply as a result of malfunctioning equipment.

Hundreds of passengers that arrived on evening flights including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Arik Air, KLM and Delta Air are still stranded at the arrival area, as immigration officials are unable to stamp their passports. The baggage carousels also cannot function as a result of lack of power.

Passengers due to depart are also still waiting at the departure hall for check in formalities to commence after being dalayed for over three hours...

God help us all o…

Ribadu:Jonathan orders Police Boss Onovo to restore to AIG

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on May 9, 2010 at 8:09pm

Speculations abound that Ribadu is to head the vacant INEC chairman post recently vacated by Maurice Iwu .

Jonathan orders police boss to restore Ribadu’s rank as AIG • Wants Ex-EFCC Chairman’s sack changed to retirement

On a day Nigerians were mourning the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, his successor, President Goodluck Jonathan, was busy directing the police hierarchy to restore the rank of the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, whose reduction in rank and sack from the police were approved by the late President.

It emerged at the weekend that President Jonathan ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to reverse Ribadu’s sack from the police, restore him to his former rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and thereafter, retire him with full benefits.

The directive was said to have been given on Thursday, the day Yar’Adua was being buried.

Sources said Jonathan is considering Ribadu for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Making efforts at clearing all obstacles that may prevent Ribadu from being cleared by the Senate for the INEC job, President Jonathan on Thursday, wrote to the Police Service Commission’s chairman, Parry Osayande, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and copied the IGP, requesting that the indictment of Ribadu be reversed and the ex-policeman returned back to his former position as an AIG in the Police, before he ran into trouble with the Yar’Adua government.

He also ordered in the letter that, the dismissal letter issued to him be withdrawn with immediate effect and replaced with a retirement letter, with full benefits, returned to him.

Ribadu was sacked from the Nigeria Police on December 23, 2008, following indictment over acts of insubordination by a panel headed by the current IGP, Onovo, who was then a DIG.

Ribadu had earlier been demoted from the rank of AIG to that of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), but he refused to wear police uniform bearing the rank of a DCP and also refused to report for duty at his new duty post in Benin.

For this, he was re-tried, found wanting and recommended for dismissal. Following the indictment and recommendation for dismissal, the Police Service Commission (PSC) headed by Osanyande after a marathon meeting acceded to the recommendation and ordered the dismissal of Ribadu.

Ribadu, who went on exile after his dismissal was thereafter, charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for non-declaration of assets, but had the charges dropped last week by the government also on the orders of Jonathan..

Force Public Relations Officer, (FPRO) Emmanuel Ojukwu, when contacted, said he was not aware of the letter from the President ordering the reversal of Ribadu’s sack, and could not say, if the IGP has received such.

He added that if such letter existed, it will only be for the notification of the IGP as the power to sack and recall senior police officers rests squarely with the Police Service Commission.

However, efforts to confirm the receipt of the letter by the PSC were unsuccessful at press time as most of those who were contacted, including the image maker of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, neither picked their calls nor replied to text messages from our correspondent.

It would be recalled that the sack of Ribadu was announced via a statement signed by then Force Spokesman, Akpoebi Agberebi, for alleged acts of indiscipline, insubordination and absence from duty.

Ribadu was one of the six police officers nominated and sent on senior executive course at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos in 2008.

While on course, he was demoted to the rank of DCP along with 139 officers, who were believed to have been wrongfully promoted.

According to the police statement in which Ribadu’s sack was announced, the act of misconduct levelled against Ribadu are improper dressing when he appeared before the President on November 13, 2008 with other NIPSS participants, in plain clothes, where others were properly dressed.

He was also accused of instituting legal proceedings against the Inspector-General of Police, Attorney General of the Federation and the Police Service Commission, at a Federal High Court in Lagos, without proper authority from government.

These conducts, the statement added, are prejudicial to discipline, proper administration of the force and unbecoming of an officer, contrary to sections 352 and 367 of the Police Act and against Rules 030402 of the Police Service Rules 2006.

The former EFCC boss was also accused of flagrantly disobeying the order and directive of the IG to report to the Force Headquarters on November 24, 2008 along with his NIPSS course mates, at the completion of their studies.

Furthermore, Ribadu was said to have disregarded his posting order and refused to proceed on transfer when he was posted to Zone 5, Benin, as DCP in charge of Administration, since November 21, contrary to sections 349, 348 and 347 of the Police Act.

His fortune has however changed following the withdrawal of charges of non-declaration of assets instituted against him by the Federal Government under the leadership of late President Yar’Adua, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, by the Jonathan-led presidency.

Last Tuesday, Murtala Sani Adebayo-led tribunal struck out the charges and vacated the warrant of arrest issued by the tribunal on Ribadu last year by its immediate past chairman, Justice Constance Momoh (rtd).

Adebayo at the Tribunal sitting stated that the Attorney General of the Federation’s application asking that the charges be withdrawn and struck out was in line with the provisions of section 174 of the 1999 Constitution.

He said that aspect of the constitution “no doubt confers extensive powers to Federal Attorney General to withdraw criminal trial. The application is withdrawn and it is hereby struck out.”

The tribunal had also in its ruling said that the action of the AGF was in line with Section 24 (1) and section 7 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which it argued, is sufficient ground to strike out the charges as prayed.

Counsel to the AGF, Joshua Olatoke had earlier applied for the withdrawal of the matter, based on the powers given to the AGF by the constitution to withdraw any criminal charge against anybody before judgment is entered in the matter.

The withdrawal of the charges against Ribadu it was said, was to pave the way for him to emerge as the 10th Chairman of the INEC.

A retired IGP who spoke with Sunday Independent on Saturday on the development said: “If the President’s directive is true, then the government would have unknowingly institutionalised indiscipline in the Police Force and I can assure you, the directive has the capacity of opening a floodgate of complaints where the Ribadu saga would be cited.”

Sunday Sermon: The Hungry Parrot

Posted by frank adeche Mr Netchurch on May 9, 2010 at 1:45am

A woman bought a parrot, took him home and returned him to the pet store the next day. "This bird doesn't talk," she told the owner.

Does he have a mirror? Asked the owner. Parrots love mirrors, they see themselves and start up a conversation. So the woman bought the mirror. Next day she returned. The bird still isn't talking. "How about a ladder? Parrots love walking up and down a ladder. A happy parrot is more likely to talk.

The woman bought a ladder. Sure enough, she was back the next day. The bird still wasn't talking. Does your parrot have a swing? If not, that's the problem. He'll relax and talk up a storm. The woman reluctantly bought a swing and left.

When she walked into the store the next day her countenance had changed. "The parrot died". She said. The pet shop owner was shocked. I'm sorry. Tell me "did he ever say a word?" he asked. "Yes, right before he died" the woman replied. "He said, don't they sell any food in that pet store?". .

The moral of the story is: You can spend your life on mirrors, focusing on appearances; on ladders, focusing on career success; on swing, focusing on entertainment - and starve to death spiritually.
Mother Teresa said the most difficult cases she dealth with in Calcutta were those who'd lost their appetite entirely, or were so sicky they couldn't feed themselves or digest food.
You'll die spiritually if you don't feed yourself on God's Word each day! Jeremiah said, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart". Jer 15 v 16.

Five Finger Prayer

This is so neat. I had never heard this before. This is beautiful - and it
is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those
closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our
loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach,
instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They
need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep
them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders.
Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and
administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion.
They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact
that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It
should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.
They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for
them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which
is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As
the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your
pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have
prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into
proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more
effectively.

Fresh ash cloud: Flight delays in Europe may hit Nigeria today

Posted by 9jabook.com on May 9, 2010 at 12:26am

Nigerian passengers may be stranded on Sunday (today) as the ripple effect of a fresh Icelandic volcano ash cloud stretching over Northern Spain and Southern France has resulted in flight delays and cancellations between Europe and North America on Saturday.

In Spain, for instance, 19 airports including the international hub in Barcelona were closed on Saturday with the country‘s airport authority saying that more than 670 flights had been cancelled by 14:00 (1200 GMT).

Likewise, 125 flights in and out of Portugal were cancelled as at noon local time (1100 GMT).

Due to the congestion on the alternate routes, particularly over southern Portugal and Spain where many of the planes were being funnelled, some trans-Atlantic flights were taking significantly longer. An Air France flight from Boston arrived in Paris Saturday with a delay of more than four hours.

Aer Lingus also cancelled flights from the United States to Dublin, citing the exceptionally circuitous routes to get around the cloud.

According to the Associated Press, the prospect for Sunday flights remained grim, with no improvement in sight for trans-Atlantic passengers because of the plume of low-altitude ash continuing to float eastward over Spain and southern France..

Flights had to be rerouted north over Greenland or south around Spain to avoid the 1,200-mile long cloud stretching from Iceland to northern Spain.

Approximately 600 airliners make the oceanic crossing every day.

The disruptions to air traffic did not compare to the five-day closure of European airspace last month, which forced the cancellation of over 100,000 flights, stranded passengers around the world and caused airlines direct losses of more than N1b euros.

An official of Lufthansa in Nigeria said there were a few delays in its transatlantic flights. This is expected to start affecting flights to other countries including Nigeria, according to airport officials.

Information posted on Airfrance‘s website as at 5pm on Saturday said, ”French airspace remains open. Routes for flights going to or coming from North America, Central America and the Caribbean are modified to avoid the volcanic cloud.”

British Airways, KLM, Arik Air and Virgin Atlantic in Nigeria said that they were yet to be affected as at Saturday but could not tell what could happen on Sunday.

The Supremo Movie Preview: "President’s Son "Rapes Jackie Appiah"

Posted by NollywoodMohits on May 8, 2010 at 11:33pm

MOVIE PREVIEW: THE SUPREMO
The next time you see popular actressJackieAppiah on television or about town in her customized Nissan Muranocar, watch her with a respectful heart. Jackie who has just been crownedthe "Best Actress in Africa" was assaulted by thepresident’s son in the movie Supremo.

The gentleman who is the only son of thepresident "raped" Jackie ruthlessly, in a night club. His father isusing his influence to sweep such a sensitive issue under the carpetlike it never happened and thus deny her justice. But she has vowed toseek for justice until her last breath.

Jackie Appiah played thisrole very well with actor Prince Dave Osei (Ferdinand) who played thepresident’s son in a new movie titled “The Supremo”. The yet to bereleased movie, produced by Peace Films is action packed, mixed withlove and politics.

It tells the story of a fresh graduate, Cindy(Jackie Appiah), who was caught in a love tangle between ‘CharlesAsante’ (John Dumelo) the love of her life and ‘Ferdinand’ (Prince DavidOsei) who wants her at all cost simply because he is the son of thePresident (played by popular sound engineer Zapp Mallet).

In anattempt to win the heart of Jackie, who was deeply in love with JohnDumelo, Prince Dave did everything possible with his money and influenceincluding killing, but all failed. He decided to take what he wanted byfair or foul means, so he ended up raping Jackie in a night clubassisted by his bodyguards who hijacked the club and sent everybody out.

This resulted in a national legal battle between the presidencyand Jackie. Any lawyer who comes to defend Jackie is murdered, but nowthe last legal brain standing, Lawyer Stella (Roselyn Ngiza) is ready todie to defend Jackie in court.

What happened to lover boy, JohnDumelo? Can the lawyer help him imprison the President’s son? How andwhere will “The Supremo” end up?

The movie is a mouthful ofsuspense, intrigue and romance. It has audible and straight forwarddialogue. “The Supremo” also stars Kalsum Sinare, Juliet Ibrahim, GeorgeWilliams, Emmanuel Armah, Jane Buckman Owoo, Eunice Banini, Soraya,Gifty Temang and introducing ‘Too Sweet’.

It is the firstEnglish movie produced by the Akan film production house, ‘Peace Films’,producers of Agya Koo 419, Galamsey, Ghana Girls, Abodam and othergreat movies.

TheSupremo premiers at the Silver Bird Cinema this Friday April 23, 2010 atexactly 6:30pm and on subsequent days. All stars in the movie will bethere for pictures and autographs.

The movie, directed byGhanaian director Asare Bediako, also has a full Ghanaian crew and cast.It can be compared to most of the Ghanaian movies directed byNigerians.

‘The Supremo’ is a must-watch movie!!!!!!!..

Genevieve Denies Dbanj, Says 'He's Not My Kind Of Man'

Posted by NollywoodMohits on May 8, 2010 at 11:24pm

It actually rocked the entertainment scene when the news filtered out that D’Banj and Genevieve have had love locked down. Though, D’Banj’s confession in one of the interviews granted on the sizzling

romance tale withGenevieve made many people fell for what those in the know alleged to be publicity stunt, Genevieve inability to hit it straight during her own interview had made the story more doubtful.

The highly celebrated amorous affair, we have gathered, is a scripted scene in D’Banj’s yet to be released musical video of his popular song titled ‘Fall in Love’. The sexy and very articulate star actress, Genevieve, mother of one who jumped into music sometime ago, we learnt, confided in her friends when the tale of their rumooured affair hit the street that D’Banj is not her kind of man “It’s ridiculous, though, D’Banj is not a bad guy, the fact however remains that, he’s just not fit into my kind of guy” Sshe was quoted to have said.

It’s no doubt that Dapo Oyebanji, the maverick hip-hop singer popularly called D’banj’s good dress sense, swagger on stage, amazing sense of humour and coded vulgar lyrics which always turn ladies on, are some of those qualities and reasons he’s better been referred to as ladies man. While some ladies prefer his stage craft abilities some would rather imagine D’Banj live in their beds. Unarguably, Genevieve Nnaji, the Nollywood super actress, stills the pick among the pack of Nigeria’s sexiest screen sirens that men are dying to date.

genevive_902569688.jpg&size=article_small

“The fact that Genevieve was handsomely rewarded for the role she plays in the musical video has not made her to be linked romantically with the kokomaster. As I am talking to you right now, she is not comfortable at all with the whole set up.” Her friends said..

Wayne Rooney: We Want 2 Big signings this summer

Posted by Choochoo Sports Book on May 8, 2010 at 11:16pm

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney feels his side need two 'big name' signings this summer in order to compete at the highest level next season.

Rooney and United will take on Stoke City on Sunday in a bid to topple Chelsea at the top of the Premier League, but the England international is already looking ahead to the next campaign.

“If we can bring in two big name players it would give us a good chance of getting the league back if Chelsea do win it," he told The People.

"If you look at the team in 1999 that won the Treble we had four forwards, all capable of scoring goals.

“Now there is me, [Dimitar] Berbatov and Michael Owen. There is Federico Macheda too, but if we can get one more top forward in it would give us the right balance.”.

However, Rooney, who has scored 26 league goals this term, has not given up all hope of United lifting a fourth consecutive league title.

He fully expects Wigan Ahtletic to give rivals Chelsea a tough time at Stamford Bridge, which in turn would allow Sir Alex Ferguson's men the opportunity to capture their 19th League title.

“I am sure the Wigan [Athletic] players will be trying their best," he added.

"They will have eight weeks’ holiday after Sunday’s game so I am sure they will want to end the season with a win. It is a good stage for them.

“They have a good young manager who has done well in keeping them up in his first season in charge and I am sure they won’t roll over.”

Rooney also revealed how he has relished the chance to lead United's frontline after the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

The striker has thrived under the added responsibility and hopes to better his 34-goal tally next season.

“The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] told me he would be playing me more up front and I knew that with [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Carlos] Tevez leaving I would have to score more goals," he added.

"To score so many this time was fantastic - but it’s still not my best season. I once scored 76 in a season when I was 11.

"But it’s my best as a professional and I know the expectation will be there for me to do it again next season.”

In the mean time Rooney will be aiming to finish the season in style, with the faint hope of a Premier League title celebration to follow the full-time whistle at Old Trafford.

Turai Yaradua vs Imelda Marcos What one Woman Can do another can do even Better !

Posted by jackie webLondonGirl on May 7, 2010 at 4:43am

Hajia Turai Yar’Adua was one First Lady that was seen but hardly heard. Yet, she was perceived to be very influential in government and over her husband, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua.
Part of the speculations about her was that certain decisions believed to be taken by President Yar’Adua were indeed taken by her..

Her Phillipine Counterpart however proved The First Lady could hold the top position .Operation Turai For President has failed woefully culminating in the sad demise of her husband Late President Yar'adua. We look at Imelda Marcos once know for her beauty and love of shoes try one last time to stay First Lady and President.

Article:

Marcos spectre hovers over Manila
NICK MEO, MANILA
May 8, 2010
THE beauty is faded now, and needs a lot of rouge, but the striking woman in bright orange, adorned with heart-shaped jewels on a lapel and on her fingers, is impossible to ignore.

At 80, the disgraced former first lady of the Philippines is trying for an extraordinary political comeback in the country's elections on Monday.

She is running for a seat in the lower house and campaigning hard for her son Ferdinand junior, known as Bongbong, who is standing for the Senate.

Advertisement: Story continues below
The return of Imelda Marcos - indeed, of anyone bearing the family's name - to a position of power in the Philippines would have been unthinkable 24 years ago.

Back then, Mrs Marcos was reviled after she and her husband had been driven from office and out of the country, which they had looted of an estimated $10 billion during their authoritarian 20-year rule - the notoriety she joked about.

There is still the charisma of power about her, even after years of hatred and mockery - which were unfair because, in her view, her husband Ferdinand was simply the best thing that ever happened to the Philippines.

''I am running for office to fight for truth and beauty,'' she says. The election could transform the Marcos fortunes, one way or another.

The family is now in the camp of presidential contender Manuel Villar, a senator and self-made property billionaire who started life in a Manila slum. He has spoken favourably about burying the late president in Manila's National Heroes Cemetery and, because he needs her family's political support, would be expected not to pursue corruption cases against Madam Imelda with much vigour.

But the presidential favourite is ''Noynoy'' Aquino, son of Cory Aquino, a hated enemy of the Marcos family who died last August.

After her husband was shot dead at Manila Airport in 1983 - probably on the orders of President Marcos - Mrs Aquino led the campaign to oust Marcos, and then became the Philippines' first democratically elected president.

Noynoy Aquino has promised that if he wins there will be a crackdown on corruption, a prospect that must send shivers down Mrs Marcos's spine.

''He has little experience of governing,'' she sniffs, then adds: ''My son is a capable boy. He would make a good president.''

Filipino voters could be forgiven for thinking that the ghosts of the past are back to haunt them.

If Mrs Marcos has her way, Ferdinand Marcos, backed by the strong-willed and charismatic Imelda, could one day rule them again.

Moral of this story: What one Woman Can do another can do even Better !

What happened to the ozone layer an inconvenient truth now convenient

Posted by technology on May 6, 2010 at 11:51pm

Three British scientists shocked the world when they revealed on May 16th,1985 -25 years ago -that aerosol chemicals, among other factors, hadtorn a pointer; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_0"">hole in the ozone layerover the 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_1"">South Pole.The ozone layer,which protects scroll 0% 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_2"">lifeon Earth from damaging none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_3"">solar radiation, became anovernight sensation. And the hole in the ozone layer became theposter-child for mankind's impact on the planet.

Today, the ozonehole - actually a region of thinned ozone, not actually a pure hole -doesn't make headlines like it used to. The size of the hole hasstabilized, thanks to decades of aerosol-banning legislation. But,scientists warn, some danger still remains.

First, the good news: Since the 1989 dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_5"">Montreal Protocol banned the useof ozone-depleting chemicals worldwide, the ozone hole has stoppedgrowing. Additionally, the ozone layer is blocking more cancer-causingradiation than any time in a decade because its average thickness hasincreased, according to a 2006 United Nations report. Atmospheric levelsof ozone-depleting chemicals have reached their lowest levels sincepeaking in the 1990s, and the hole has begun to shrink.

Now the bad news: The ozone layer has also thinned over the http://www.livescience.com/environment/top10_polar_differences.html">NorthPole. This thinning is predicted to continue for the next 15yearsdue to weather-related phenomena that scientists still cannot fullyexplain, according to the same UN report . And, repairing the ozone holeover the South Pole will take longer than previously expected, andwon't finish until between 2060 and 2075. Scientists now understand thatthe size of the ozone hole varies dramatically from year to year, whichcomplicates attempts to accurately predict the hole's future size.

Interestingly, recent studies have shown that the size of the ozonehole affects the http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/if-global-warming-is-real-why-is-it-still-snowing-0480/">globaltemperature. Closing the ozone hole actually speeds up themeltingof the 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_8"">polar ice caps,according to a 2009 study from ScientificCommittee on Antarctic Research.

So even though environmentally friendly laws have successfullyreversed the trend of repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_9"">ozone depletion, the lingering effects ofaerosoluse, and the link between the ozone hole and pointer; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1273223566_10"">global warming,virtuallyensure that this problem will persist until the end of the century.

9ja born Chuka Umunna Is UK Labour Party MP

Posted by 9jabook.com on May 6, 2010 at 11:30pm

Chuka Umunna "humbled" by Streatham victory .Once hailed as the UK young Obama and one of the top ten black Politicians in the UK The Boy wonder has finally done it calling it a humbling experience .With the UK Election in a Hung Parliament and Gordon Brown still holding on .We Congratulate Mr Umunna for a Landmark achievement.

Article:
Labour’s Chuka Umunna, said he was “humbled” by winning a close fought contest to take the Streatham seat.

Mr Umunna, standing for the first time, took the seat with a 3259-vote majority.

He hauled a massive 20,037 votes, beating his nearest rival, Lib Dem candidate Chris Nicholson, who received 16,778 votes.

He called the victory “a quite extraordinary night”.

He said: “I was born and bred in this constituency and the fact so many of my neighbours,
close friends and people I know in the community and that I am tasked to
represent them is something that makes me deeply humbled.

“I know our party will do everything we can for the residents of this fantastic place.”

Mr Umunna has ensured the seat remains in Labour hands after Keith Hill MP stepped
down this election after 18 years in the job.

Chuka Umunna (born October 1978) is a Labour MP, political activist and commentator, and an employment lawyer. In March 2008, he was chosen by local Labour Party members as the party's prospective parliamentary candidate for the Streatham constituency, following the retirement of Keith Hill MP. He is of mixed Nigerian, Irish and English descent.[1] He was elected to parliament in the general election of May 6th 2010.

Five Finger Prayer

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on May 6, 2010 at 11:01pm

This is so neat. I had never heard this before. This is beautiful - and it
is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those
closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our
loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach,
instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They
need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep
them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders.
Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and
administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion.
They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact
that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It
should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.
They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for
them..

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which
is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As
the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your
pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have
prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into
proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more
effectively.

Tuface Records A Song With Kelly Rowland And Others For World Cup.

Posted by NollywoodMohits on May 6, 2010 at 10:35pm

The in addition to other Word Cup theme songs like K Naan’s Wavin’ Flag, FreshlyGround and Colombian superstar Shakira’s Time for Africa, U2 and the Soweto Gospel Choir’s Pride and Keri Hilson and Akon’sOh Africa, Kelly Rowland who is presently in South Africa has recorded a song with Tuface and several other African artiste titled ‘.

This track titled ‘Everywhere You Go’ isn’t from Kelly Rowland’s new LP but the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was produced by Steve Morales and features a host of African artists including 2Face, Awadi, Chameleone, Crotale, Jozi, Kwesta, Rola, Samini, Slikour and Zuluboy.

‘Everywhere You Go’ certainly captures the energy that defines to most watched event on the planet..

Dagrin: What No One Will Tell You About Dagrin’s Life, Death and Burial

Posted by NollywoodMohits on May 6, 2010 at 10:28pm

And, we now understand why Dagrin said he had followers, not fans. Thousands of young men and women trooped out last week, with sorrow written all over their faces like Dagrin was their brother. They joined the candle light procession. They visited his parents. They joined the corpse from LUTH to Atan, and stayed back to watch over his grave, long after his real friends and family had gone. In life and in death, Dagrin loved the streets, and he had love from the streets. For a man who left home at an early age; they were his family, his friends… If the dead could miss anyone, it’s likely they’re the ones he’ll miss most…

WHAT NO ONE WILL TELL YOU ABOUT DAGRINS LIFE, DEATH AND BURIAL

•He was brought into the cemetery for burial with a black Ebony Escalade Cadillac ESV 2007 model.
•Candle light procession in honour of the late rapper started from his former home at Emmanuel Dada Street, off Bello road, Surulere to Ojez, National stadium, Surulere at about 6pm on Thursday April 29, 2010.
•His body was left for Twenty Four hours before embalmment.
•The late rapper was buried at the Ebony Millennium private Vault, Atan cemetery.
•He had 129 pictures in his four photo albums on Facebook.
•The late rapper was buried wearing white hand gloves, white belt and a white T-shirt; and black west coat, black bandana around his neck, a block trouser and a black face cap.
•The slabs on his tomb were four in number
•His body was brought into the cemetery 9.00am on Friday April 30, 2010.
•He was finally interned at about 10.45 am on Friday April 30, 2010.
•The late rapper’s car ran into a parked lorry in front of Alakara Police station, Mushin on Wednesday April 24, 2010.
•He was Twenty Six years old.
•His ill-fated Nissan Maxima was a 2008 model.
•His father lives at number 43 Kola Oretuga Street, off Meiran Road, Iyana Meiran bus stop A.O.L.C.D.A.
•He was the fourth child in a family of nine.
•Dagrin was signed to his own label ‘Missofunyin entertainment’ but managed by Edlyne Records.
•He attended Meiran community primary school, Roseille Nursery and Primary School, Meiran Community high school and Egbado College.
•The bandana on the late rapper’s neck for burial was the same as the one on his Manager Tunde Peters, Zeez, YQ and his close friends.
•His father’s nickname is Nelly. He has a music store located at Meiran bus stop, ‘House of Nelly sounds’ store where he used to stay before moving to Surulere.
•His father’s speech at the candle light ceremony was the rap he did to the song he was featured in by YQ titled ‘Efimile’.
•His casket was coloured brown with a touch of gold.
•He died Eight days after the accident
•Doctors at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital LUTH said he survived nine attacks before he finally gave up during the 1oth attack.

•He died 6.00 pm on Thursday April 22, 2010.
•He died eight days after his car crash , and he was buried eight days after his death.
•Desperate fans almost tore down the Ebony gate at Atan, when they were initially prevented from getting in; and refused to leave his grave after his burial.
•The burial was originally designed to have only 150 people in attendance. Thousands ended up storming the cemetery to pay last respects.
•The late rapper was born Olaitan Olaonipekun to Mr. and Mrs. Olaniyi Abolaji Olaonipekun
• He got the nickname Barack O’Grin from the remix song he did with general pype ‘Champion’.
•Touts were seen at the burial smoking hemp and selling Dagrin T-shirts.
• Julius Agwu and Omo Baba anchored his Candle Light ceremony held at Ojez, National stadium, Surulere on Thursday April 29, 2010.
•His ill-fated car carried the number plate DAGRIN 03. He planned to buy two other cars to be numbered Dagrin 02 and Dagrin 01.
•The accident that claimed his life happened 2.00 AM on April 14.
•He was initially admitted at Tai Sholarin Private Hospital Mushin, Baba Olosa bus stop.
•He had three videos to his credit titled Kilowale –ft PK, Rap rules and Ponponpon.
•He had two albums to his credit titled still on the matter and Chief Executive Omoita.
•Dagrin’s Mother, Mrs. Olaonipekun was the second of his father’s three wives.
•He was a Yoruba lyricist; just like the older but less popular Lord of Ajasa
•The last time he logged on to twitter was on Thursday April 8, 2010.
•He died of severe head injury.
•The slab were the late rapper’s body was kept at the mortuary is tagged number 8.
•The late rapper has three nominations at the coming Hip Hop World Awards.
•His parents were –expectedly- both absent at his burial.
•His Twitter ID was Dagrinfimile
•Two months before his death, Dagrin moved into block 10, flat 3 at the sun shine Estate, Oko Oba in Lagos.
•Source at Ebony casket says his casket cost N150,000
•His Facebook name was Dagrin fimilejo.
•His email address was sendmimore@yahoo.com.
•Striking Doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LUTH resumed work the same day he was buried.
•Websites like www.thenetng.com and questionmarkmag.com jammed because of huge traffic following news of the rapper’s death.
•The late rapper had 4,930 friends on Facebook. There were underground speculations that Dagrin has a baby outside wedlock which he refused to accept responsibility of before he became a rap star.
•Artiste manager Sunday Are and comedian Tee A were part of logistics support team.
•At the time of his entombment, there was still a vacant tomb opened beside his vault.
•Apart from mortuary expenses, the total bill incurred during his stay at LUTH was about N800,000.

thumb2.aspx?img=Y29udGVudC9jb250ZW50L1RoZS1GYW1pbHktTW91cm5zLWFzLXRoZS1DYXNrZXQtYXJyaXZlcy0xODEuanBn&s=NS83LzIwMTA=&w=600

There will never be another Dagrin, the street has lost another solicitor.’ ——- ID Cabasa

‘We are not here to mourn Dagrin, we are here to celebrate.’ ——- Omobaba

‘There will never be another Dagrin, the street has lost another solicitor.’ ——- ID Cabasa

‘Dagrin is evergreen.’ ——– DJ Zeez

‘Dagrin lives on.’ ——- Dekunle Fuji

‘He’s no longer Dagrin, he’s now Daking: king of the streets.’ —— Oladmus (Dagrin’s PA)

‘Dagrin we love you, though it’s too early, but you live forever.’ ——- Tony Tetuila

‘Nitori Dagrin, Igboro ti Daru.’ ——- Kleva Jay

‘Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun is dead, but Dagrin lives on. Promise me you’ll remember Dagrin every April 22.’ ——– Dagrin’s father.

‘YQ, he’s a soldier. We need not mourn him; let’s just salute the soldier boy’s might.’ —– KSB

‘Everybody keeps saying Dagrin lives on, Dagrin lives on. I hope that after this for the next one year, you will still see them representing Dagrin. Because guy bone, most of them na lip service. After 1, 2, 3, three weeks, give them one month they will stop playing that CD of his. That’s one. How many people remember Sammy Needle today, how many people remember Sunny Okosuns, but then there at that place, the wake-keep everybody said, Sunny Okosuns live on, he live on in our hearts.’ —— Yaw (Wazobia FM)

‘When I asked him what the Ponponpon means, he said it’s a car horn, but definitely it’s somebody that’s got lyrics that has got the vibes in their mouth and he’s got it.’ ——– Yaw

‘It’s a great loss to Nigeria. The nation has lost not just a musician, not just a rapper; Nigerian has lost one of the bright minds she’s ever produced. It’s a big loss’ ——– Dayo Adeneye

‘Dagrin thought me that hardwork pays. I have known him for 7, 8 years back.’ —— Spydaman

‘Dagrin has influenced me a lot through his humility and hardwork. He’s someone I picked a word from and asked why he was using it, everytime he sings he goes, ‘Ahhh!!!’ and he says the grace of God amazes him so everytime he goes, ‘Ahh!!!,’ because he can tell where he was and that’s why he said, ‘We know what it was and we know what it is.’ You know that where he was coming from, it’s something that only a miracle could have done…..Like I say, Dagrin came into this industry and made a sentence that will last a lifetime.’ ——– Ali Baba

‘He’s incredibly humble and sweet. I was speaking to him one day that I couldn’t sleep with the gen because there was no fuel and I was amazed that he turned up with a 25litre keg and I always say I will pay him back…. The parents should be very proud of their son, in short lived life he achieved so much. Some people live longer than 90 and not this loved.’ —— Toni Payne

‘No word. Nothing to say, my brother.’ —— Tee A.

And those are just few of the many tributes friends, fans and followers of Dagrin who gathered on Thursday and Friday to honour the late rapper showered on him, while fighting hard to hold back tears. Lagos stood still last weekend, as entertainment industry’s who-is-who came together to honour a man whose tragic passing remains unbelievable. Radio DJs, TV stars, producers, musicians, actresses, journalists and label CEOs – they all forgot their hectic schedules and joined thousands of mourners who took to the streets on Thursday and Friday.

Turai Yar’Adua: A silent but influential First Lady

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on May 6, 2010 at 7:40pm

By Chioma Gabriel, Sloa Ogundipe

Hajia Turai Yar’Adua was one First Lady that was seen but hardly heard. Yet, she was perceived to be very influential in government and over her husband, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua.
Part of the speculations about her was that certain decisions believed to be taken by President Yar’Adua were indeed taken by her..

Former First Lady, Hajiya Turai Yar'adua receiving sympathizers who thronged the residence of deceased, Late President Umaru Yar'adua as the body was taken for interment from the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

It is believed in several quarters that because of President Yar’ Adua’s failing health, his wife Turai held sway on his behalf on many issues. For instance, during the last cabinet reshuffle, it was reported that ministers who were desperate to retain their portfolios lobbied the First Lady.

She was said to be very influential in the appointment of the former Director-General of the National Action Committee on AIDS, NACA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, as the Minister of Health.

Before this time, Oshotimehim was said to be contending for the post of Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFCDAC.

Turai Yar’Adua, whose pet project was cancer eradication, was said to be interested in Osotimehin’s appointment to the health ministry because of the way he handled NACA anti-HIV/AIDS campaigns held in the six geo-political zones of the country.

The late President’s denial that his wife influenced him did not however change the common opinion about her. In the Villa , the First Lady was perceived to be fully in charge of many of the decisions taken. She was perceived to be the late President’s closest adviser and during the period of his absence, she was said to be in charge of affairs in the Villa.
State governors also allegedly courted her friendship in their bid to remain close to the President.

Sources alleged that these governors used their wives to court Turai’s friendship by advising them to initiate some projects that would demand inviting the First Lady to their states.

Apart from Yar’Adua denying the allegation of his wife’s influence, her spokesman, Mr. Lawan Bakori, also dismissed them as mere rumours which were never substantiated.

Hajia Dada Habib: In a roller coaster of emotions

EVEN as the body of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was being committed to mother earth yesterday afternoon in his home town, Katsina, there was no word to portray grieving Hajia Dada Habib, matriarch of the Yar’Adua family and mother of the deceased.

Unlike a wife who becomes a widow on the death of her husband, or a husband who becomes a widower when his wife dies or children who become orphans on the death of their parents, there is no apt phrase or word to describe a bereaved mother’s status. No one has coined such an expression that is suitable for a parent who loses a child.

This is just an indication of how dreadfully heartbreaking the loss of a child is and gives insight into the travails of a woman who has witnessed the loss of three children in series.

Like every other parent, Hajia Habib knows children are not supposed to die while their parents are alive. She knows parents are not supposed to bury their children. She knows children should outgrow and outlive their parents and fore bears.

She knows it is the norm for parents to die and leave their children behind. But what gives when the reverse happens?

To Hajia Habib, the loss of one child could be the loss of innocence, while the loss of two children could signify shattered dreams. But what can one say about the loss of three children, especially when one dies at the prime of life as the nation’s No1 citizen? Certainly, it can be nothing other than a pointer to the hopelessness, helplessness and vanity of life.

It just goes to say that whoever is seeking to comfort this grieving mother, needs to recognise and understand the complexities of her emotions and avoid relying on preconceived ideas about the way a parent is supposed to grieve in the event of the death of a child. Her reaction may seem overly intense, self-absorbing, contradictory, or even puzzling.

As a bereaved parent, the death of a child is such an overwhelming event that the response may often be baffling not only to others but to the parent as well. Such is the nature of grief that feelings, thoughts, and emotions need to be processed and that those in grief must look into their hearts and souls and try to heal from within.

Even in her grief, Hajia Habib is a survivor. As she travels the lonely and painful road, she has learned to live with her grief and express her sadness uniquely. Probably she may feel lonely, disconnected and alienated at this time, but all this cannot be out of place since there are no set rules or protocols governing grieving. This is one bereaved mother in a roller coaster of emotions.

Hers is a personal history of a past with the children in question and a present and future without them. Who can make her not to verbalize her pain, not to talk about what happened, not to ask questions, and puzzle aloud, sometimes over and over – why?

World leaders mourn Yar’Adua

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on May 6, 2010 at 7:36pm

The remain Late President of Umoru Musa Yar'Adua was buried yesterday after Muslim Prayer in Katsina, Katsina State,Pix Shows: Remains of Late President Carried by military men Photo Gbemiga Olamikan

By Emeka Mamah & Abdulsalam Muhammad
KATSINA— WORLD leaders, notable Nigerians and the masses, yesterday, bid late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a final farewell as he was interred in his family compound in Katsina, capital of Katsina State.

While world leaders like President Barak Obama of the United States, United Nations’ Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and President of the European Commission, Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, among others, paid glowing tributes to the memory of the departed president, several notable Nigerians personally attended the funeral..

Sympathizers

The roll call of notable Nigerians and foreigners who witnessed Yar’Adua’s burial include two former Heads of State, Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abbah, and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Murtala Yar’Adua.

Others included the National Chairman of Action Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, National Chairman of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Yayale Ahmed, his predecessor in office, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe and the former Governors of Kaduna and Niger States, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and Alhaji Abdulkadir Kure respectively.

Serving governors at the burial

Serving governors at the occasion included those of Kaduna, Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Cross River, Kogi, Kwara, Edo, Ogun, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom and Osun states as well as Emirs from Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi and some other northern states.

From right, Chief. Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibon State, Chief. Susan Gebrel, Alh. Namadi Sambo, Kaduna State, and other Governors at the interment, Photo Gbemiga Olamikan

Most of the visitors were received by Yar’Adua’s relations including Alhajis Wada and Manir Yar’Adua.
Social and economic activities came to a stand still, yesterday, in Katsina as people from all walks of life paid their last respects to the late President.

As early as 10.00 a.m., armed soldiers and policemen were positioned at strategic locations to ensure that trouble makers did not use the opportunity of the burial to disturb the peace.

The large crowd of eminent personalities waited from about 11.30 a.m under the scorching sun till about 3.05 p.m when the ambulance with the corpse of the late President arrived at the family compound at Yar’Adua Quarters.

The Toyota bus ambulance with number plate K 721 A30 which belonged to the General Hospital, Mani, was led into the family house by another bus carrying most of the governors in the country.

Yar’Adua buried at Danmarna cemetery

The late Umar Yar’Adua was laid to rest at 4.45 p.m., at the Danmarna Cemetery after the funeral prayers led by the Chief Imam of Katsina, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, at the Katsina Township stadium, a few metres away from the Yar’Adua quarters in the metropolis.

Cross Section of Emirs Lead by Emir of Sokoto, Alh Abubakar Saa'ada at Prayer Ground, Photo Gbemiga Olamikan

It took the family about two hours to produce the corpse at the stadium for the funeral prayers because, as a Muslim, they wanted to “clean him for the final journey.”

An unruly crowd caused commotion at the stadium when they protested security agencies refusal to grant them access. The security agents formed a ring around Governors Sullivan Chime, Enugu; Adams Oshiohmole, Edo; Chibuike Amaechi, Rivers; Chief Theophilus Orji, Abia; Senator Liyel Imoke, Cross River; and Chief Akpabio, Akwa Ibom, to enable them depart unhurt.

There was water tight security around the Yar’Adua quarters several hours before the arrival of the corpse from Abuja via the Katsina Airport, as major roads and streets in the area were cordoned off by a combined team of military men, police, Road Safety officials, Civil Defence Corps and members of the National Youth Service Corps.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike led top military officers to the funeral.

Vehicular movement was restricted as vehicles were diverted from about two and a half kilometres to the Yar’Adua quarters, while only dignitaries visiting the family house on condolence were allowed to drive into the area.

Former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida arrived the family house at about 12.10 in a black Mercedes Benz S550 with number plate DU 314 ABJ and was received by members of the Yar’Adua family. Babangida who emerged a few minutes later from the building, however, declined comments when approached by reporters, insisting that he had earlier spoken to reporters at the Airport.

Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who arrived the family house at 12.29 p.m., left for the airport in a bus with number plate KTHA 66 belonging the Katsina State House of Assembly while Kaduna State Governor, Mohammed Namadi Sambo arrived the family house at about 12.55 pm with his predecessor in office, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and were received by Yar’Adua’s younger brothers.

Minister of State for Defence, Murtala Yar’Adua who attended to some visitors left at 1.05 p.m in a convoy of cars belong to the Katsina State government, while former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, his Deputy, Ibrahim Mantu, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa and FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, arrived in a bus with number plate KT 27 A 44 belonging to the Umaru Yar’Adua University, Katsina.

Speaking with newsmen at the Katsina airport earlier, the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu described the death of Yar’Adua as a rude shock to the country, pointing out that Yar’Adua will be remembered for his policy of trying to uphold the rule of law during his tenure.

Girl frozen in time may hold key to ageing

American scientists are keenly studying the DNA of a 17-year-old girl who still has the body and behaviour of a baby

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.