Illuminati basically means “enlightened” so read a book, educate yourself and poof! You are now enlightened. As a bonus, educating yourself is also a good step towards getting a job which can lead to getting rich. Good luck! https://t.co/MC9cLeSjGu

— The Church Of Satan (@ChurchofSatan) October 30, 2019

Atiku

It is said that the Supreme Court is not final because it is infallible, but that it is infallible because it is final. While I believe that only God is infallible everywhere, and only Nigerians are infallible in our democracy, I must accept that the judicial route I chose to take, as a democrat, has come to a conclusion.
Whether justice was done, is left to the Nigerian people to decide. As a democrat, I fought a good fight for the Nigerian people. I will keep on fighting for Nigeria and for democracy, and also for justice.
I thank all Nigerians who have stayed the course since the commencement of trial in the petition on the February 23 presidential election.
The judgement is part of democratic challenges we must face as a nation.

The Nigerian judiciary, just like every estate of our realm, has been sabotaged and undermined by an overreaching and dictatorial cabal, who have undone almost all the democratic progress the Peoples Democratic Party and its administrations nurtured for sixteen years, up until 2015.
Can Nigeria continue like this? Recently, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, averred that Nigeria had rolled back the democratic gains she made in 2015. When democracy is rolled back, the economy, the society and the judiciary will not be far behind. Today, the nail has been put on the coffin and the gains we collectively made since 1999 are evaporating, and a requiem is at hand.
In a democracy, you need a strong judiciary, a free press and an impartial electoral umpire. Nigeria has none of those three elements as at today.
One man, one woman, one youth, one vote, should be the only way to make gains in a democracy. And when that is thwarted, the clock starts to tick.
Two and a half millennia ago, Sophocles said “If we are to keep our democracy, there must be one commandment: “Thou shalt not ration justice.” Nigeria will do well to observe this warning.
To those who think they have broken my spirit, I am sorry to disappoint you. I am too focused on Nigeria to think about myself. I gave up that luxury twenty years ago. The question is not if I am broken. The question is if Nigeria is whole?
This is not a time for too many words. It will suffice for me to remind Nigeria of this - we are an independent nation and we are the architects of our fate. If we do not build a free Nigeria, we may end up destroying her, and God forbid that that should be the case.
I was a democrat, I am a democrat, and I will always continue to be a democrat. May God bless Nigeria.
30th October 2019
Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999-2007.

Buhari and Atiku

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23, 2019 presidential election.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, who led six other members of the apex court’s panel, delivered a three-sentence judgment which put paid to the legal dispute over the poll.

The CJN, who said the reasons for the decision of the court would be made known on a date to be announced, disclosed that he and members of the panel had read all the documents and exhibits filed in the case for two weeks and found the appeal to be lacking in merit.

The judgement which was unanimously consented to by the other six members of the panel came less than an hour after the court took arguments on the appeal.

BREAKING: Appeal Court sacks Senator Tambuwal, Reps Shehu, orders @OfficialPDPNig candidates’ Senator Danbaba Danbuwa and Hon. Balarabe Kakale return.

The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has sacked Senator representing Sokoto South, Abubakar Tambuwal and Member representing Bodinga/Dange Shuni/Tureta Federal Constituency, Aliyu Shehu, both of the All Progressives Congress.
It ordered the return of the PDP candidates Ibrahim Danbaba for senate and Balarabe Kakale for House of Representatives.
The PDP candidates had filed the appeals against the judgment of the Election Petitions Tribunal which had upheld the elections of Senator Tambuwal and House of Representatives member Aliyu Shehu
Delivering the judgement Wednesday the judge Federich Oho, said Danbaba and Kakale’s appeals succeeded.

sowere

Written by Nurudeen Lawal

- An American lawmaker, Karen Bass, has spoken on Omoyele Sowore's detention by the Department of State Service (DSS)
- Bass said Sowore’s detention is a violation of human rights and called on the African Union and the United Nations to secure his release immediately

- Sowore, who was arraigned on seven-count charges, had been granted bail but has yet to fulfill the bail conditions
Karen Bass, an American lawmaker, has expressed concern over the continued detention of Omoyele Sowore, the co-convener of the RevolutionNow protest, by the Department of State Service (DSS).
Legit.ng reports that Sowore was arrested on Saturday, August 3, ahead of the Revolution Now protest which was planned to hold nationwide.

He was later arraigned on seven-count charges of treasonable felony and other related offences.
RevolutionNow leader, Sowore, appears in court

Sowore has, however, been granted bail but remained in the custody of the DSS as he has yet to fulfill the terms and conditions.
“Mr Sowore has the right to exercise freedom of expression and protest for change in a peaceful manner; he also has the right to peacefully assemble and voice opposition to the government,” Bass said in a statement released on Monday, October 21.

Karen Ruth Bass is an American lawmaker representing California's 37th congressional district since 2013. Photo credit: heartandsoul.com
The US lawmaker added that the continued detention of Sowore is a violation of human rights just as he called on the African Union and the United Nations to secure his release immediately.

Legit.ng had earlier reported that the bail terms handed to Sowore had been reduced.
The court had on Monday, October 21, reduced Sowore’s bail bond to the N50m down from N100m.

Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere aka Odumeje/Twitter

Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere better known as Odumeje has denied claims that about eighty (80) Nigerians were deported from Indonesia following his visit.

Concise News has learned that there were speculations online that the Indonesian government arrested and deported the Nigerians for allegedly spraying money during Prophet Odumeje’s visit to Jakarta.

But in a swift reaction to the rumours, Prophet Odumeje described the claims as baseless, ascribing it to the handiwork of “haters.”

According to him, the trendy pictures and videos of the alleged incident were old and aimed at pulling him down.

“My Visit to Indonesia is a blessing to #thelionsfamily,” the clergyman had said.

“Haters must talk for you to excel, they can go far to get old pictures and videos from another country to make sure they pull you down but ”ha amaro ka anyi si kwado.”

He added: “If you hate me…just look for a wall close to you and hit your head because I don’t have time for you. Remain blessed all the #lionsfamily.”

In a major seizure, police in Goa, western India on Tuesday arrested a Nigerian Ifeanyi Pascal Obi, a.k.a Alex and confiscated drugs worth about Rs 3 crore(about $400,000) from him, local media reported on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s haul was a massive one considering that the value of the seized drugs was the same as the entire seizures in 2018.


The seizure was made following a raid at a hotel in the beach village of Candolim by the Calangute Police Station following a tip off.

Police inspector Nolasco Raposo, in-charge of the Calangute police station said that 34-year-old Nigerian was arrested for possession of the drugs.

“We have seized around 1 kg of Cocaine, around 2 kg MDMA(ecstasy drug), around 760 grams of Amphetamine tablets, around 106 grams charas, 1.2 kg ganja and cash amount of Rs 2 lakh, Raposo told reporters in Colangute.



Also Read

Carrot seller caught washing his carrots with water from the gutter (video)

Obi was arrested earlier in 2011 and booked for overstaying and again in 2012 for the possession of cocaine. The trials are pending in both cases.

“This raid is one of the single biggest seizures by the Goa Police in recent times. We cannot yet comment on his position in the drug network hierarchy as investigations are under process,” North Goa Superintendent of Police Utkrisht Prasoon said.

The police are also looking into the possible negligence by the landlord who rented out the premises to him.

Goa is a known hotspot for recreational and party drugs that are sold clandestinely especially along the beach belt that stretches from Candolim right up to Arambol in the North and is dotted with night clubs and other party hangouts.

The accused Obi has been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotics, Drugs and Psycotropic Substances act.

Reported by Hindustan Times and New Kerala

President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo

Ghana’s President, Nana Akuffo-Addo has said that he is hopeful the ongoing talks between Nigeria and Ghana would resolve the impasse with the West African giant’s closure of its western borders.


According to him, “there’s a lot of room for continuing talks between” Nigeria and Ghana for a breakthrough to be reached.

President Akuffo-Addo said this while addressing a delegation from First National Bank, Nigeria

The Deputy Trades Minister, Carlos Ahenkorah, recently, said Ghana and Nigeria have reached an agreement for Ghanaian goods to be allowed into Nigeria and for Ghana-bound goods which are stuck on the Nigerian side to be allowed to cross the Nigerian-Benin border.

He noted in an interview that the agreement would be enforced in two weeks.

The decision, he noted, was reached after Foreign Minister Shirley Ayokor Botchwey and Trades Minister Alan Kyerematen held talks with their Nigerian counterparts on the border closure in Abuja.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo, speaking on the matter, said, “there are other considerations we all have to look at and examine to find a way, so we can all live in this region in harmony.”

Background

The government of Nigeria in August said it is time to end rampant smuggling of food across the porous frontiers.

The decision is aimed at preventing weapons and drugs from entering the country and not just to stop food smuggling, Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed said.

The border closure has, however, received widespread criticism from across the sub-region.

The move, Ghana Union of Traders' Associations (GUTA), violates the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol.

CEO Air peace Allen Oyema

The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, a leading Nigerian Airline, has been honoured with SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD by the organizers of the Abuja International Film Festival for his  humanitarian support for Nigerians stranded in the South Africa in the aftermath of the Xenophobic attacks.

Abuja International Film Festival is the longest running film festival in Anglophone West Africa. The festival aims to celebrate outstanding work in video film in Nigeria and promote growth in the film industry in particular and the creative industry in general.

Allen Onyema was born in Benin City in 1964 to parents of Anambra State Origin. He had his early education in Benin. He attended several Schools including the prestigious Government College, Ughelli.

He left Government College in 1984 having obtained his Higher School Certificate and was directly offered admission to read law at the Nigeria’s Premier University, The University of Ibadan in the same year

Barrister Onyema who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 started his legal practice in 1990 in the Law Firm of Nwizugbo & Company and rose to become the Head of Chambers by 1992. He resigned from this law firm to establish his own outfit ONYEMA & CO. He equally floated the property Company of Allen Onyema & Company and an import trade outfit- Continental Business Links Ltd.

According to the Festival Director, Mrs Temitope Duker,  the team found the  act of evacuating Nigerians from South Africa, by Allen Oyema, at a time they faced grave danger, highly patriotic. This is in addition to other efforts of the CEO in fostering peace in Nigeria.

Also awarded alongside the Air Peace CEO were Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the governor of Cross River State who was awarded for industrialisation, his  support for creative industry , tourism and entertainment., Alhaji Adedayo Thomas the executive director of the national film and video Censors board for his enviable contributions to developing the industry and Mr Charles Okpaleke of the Play Network Group for his investment in the Nigerian movie industry.

The award was presented to Mr. Onyema at the closing ceremony of the 16th Abuja International Film Festival which held at the Silverbird Cinema in Abuja on Friday 25th October, 2019.

Past winners of the award include former president Goodluck Jonathan,  Engr Musa kwankwaso, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, late Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, late Ambassador Segun Olusola amongst several eminent Nigerians in the last 16 years.

CR-SUBEB Chairman Dr Steve Odey in Class with pupils

To ensure conducive environment for learning, the Sir Ben Ayade-led administration in Cross River State has in the last few years procured and distributed 79,622 plastic chairs and tables to about 300 schools in the state.

The administration also awarded contracts for the comprehensive rehabilitation of about 496 schools across the state out of which, 406 projects have been fully completed.

This disclosure was made by the state chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey after a tour of some schools across the state.

According to Odey, the Ayade-led administration has carried out the most intervention in schools  in the history of the state.

He said as part of the interventions, "a total of 79622 plastic tables and chairs have been procured and distributed to schools across the eighteen local government areas of the state, and this is geared towards boosting the basic education sector in the state."

He said, "besides provision of tables and chairs to schools, the administration also awarded contracts for the comprehensive rehabilitation of about 496 schools across the state," adding that, "out of this, 406 projects have been completed. So this is the administration that has intervened massively within the basic education sector."

“While we are making our pupils and students comfortable, the teachers also must be properly accommodated, hence our desire to start another distribution of latest teachers tables."

Urging pupils to take their studies seriously as well as learn to respect their teachers and parents, he reiterated the governor’s vision for pupils in the state.

He said it was the desire of the governor to create the best learning environment, hence the
establishment of the British/Canadian International School.

ThankGod Omini, a student of Government Secondary School, Ikot Effanga applauded the governor on the various interventions in their school.

His words: "I feel very comfortable sitting on a new desk and receiving studies without pains. Our governor, Prof Ben Ayade has done well, I love him and beg him to do more for us.

 "I feel very happy. The teachers treat us well, show us love and are kind. Besides, we have new desks and chairs to make the school conducive."

By Richard F. Inoyo


Months after gubernatorial election has come and gone, yet nothing across the horizon could be pointed at that suggests Cross Riverians are feeling any better about the excruciating reality they are forced to endure under the growing hardship and misplaced economic priorities of the current misdirected government overseeing their affairs.


Months after a swearing-in, a serious and real government that wants to see far reaching results, and that seeks to pursue the objective of inclusive economic development would have had brilliant technocrats mounting various ministries as Commissioners by now, for more than 5months after election results were announced and same government inaugurated into office. It is a fact that, no true leader improves the reality of the generality of the masses he or she is meant to govern alone without getting straight-talking and straightfaced technocrats sitting on his/her economic advisory and development council.

The saddest part of this administration is not even the public display of administrative disregard for sound administrative ethics and ethical governance, rather, it is the growing emergence of irrefutable body of evidence that clearly shows the expanding complicity of silence among leading Cross Riverians who were supposed to speak up and keep the government on the spotlight of executive introspection and critical checks. But because of self-interest, unethical and godless fear for mere mortals in power and pursuit of appointments, contracts and easy money to front il-benefiting wealth, they had all turned the other side and pretend all is well.

It is a fact that the future of this generation and generations yet to come are threatened and openly undermined these days and nobody is speaking up. The only journalist_ brilliant Agba Jalingo, who was raising questions and reenlightening the Cross Riverian mass has been abducted at gunpoint in Lagos for close to 2months now and foist to appear in a kangaroo court here in Calabar where he was unjustly denied bail with unprecedented orchestration of a new kind of red herring and smoke screen from authority who muscled such court to do their godless bidding and wasting tax-payers' money and our common wealth in the process.

That said, rather than call out these shameless predators abusing executive and judicial privileges in violation of fundamental human right of the said journalist and antagonisation of free press, they went around drumming praises over false achievements while the rest of the state acts as if the victim of the joint executive and judiciary torture deserves what he is foist to bear. I can't help but say I am compelled by these developments to sigh for the entire state and our judiciary at large. Ask yourself, why did they have to abduct and drag Brilliant Agba Jalingo all the way from his residence in Lagos to appear in court in Calabar to face trial, if they were not aware that they have a stooge in their pocket on the bench to do their bidding? At Citizens Solution Network we can see through and beyond both the shameless antic of the executive government and the combined smoke screen and red herring of the district judiciary that is just few kilometers a way from Diamond Hill, seat of power from whence the executive government is pulling the evil strings and funding this childish assault that is bound to fail against brilliant Agba Jalingo in particular and the press in general.

Talking state budget now, it is on public domain that budget is about to be presented. Our question is where in the world would a government that truly means business presents budget to be executed by each ministry without Commissioners being appointed to present individual budget for their ministries? The question begs, who prepared this very budget this current gang in government wants to present to the Cross River State House of Assembly for approval? Is it some Non existent Commissioner of Finance or the entire sub budgets sent in by other non existent Commissioners from the current ministries we seem not to know if they have been scrapped or disbanded? Are we really thinking as a people? What is wrong with our cosmic consciousness and spiritual awakening? We all should be terrified by this outright disregard for administrative ethics and due process. Whatever happens, we all must find the courage to either hold this government accountable now or dodge our faces in shame after the power of this misdirected government transits less than four years from now.

Ten years from now, some of us that are yet to appreciate the need to speak up, we will suddenly understand the mess that somehow we have supported because of fear for mere mortals which was criminally demonstrated via silence and false worship of an underperforming government.

Signed

Richard F. Inoyo

For:
Civilian Council, Citizens Solution Network.

Motherless Child Raped @6 By A Pastor, Native Doctor And Neighbour, Turns A Helpless Mother @12 In ISTH

By Dr. Eugene Usifoh

In the Hospital (Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State) yesterday a case of pre eclampsia was reviewed (one of the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy) and the patient was booked for an emergency cesarean section (CS) and she was delivered of a baby girl; both the baby and mother are in perfect condition.

We get to see a lot of deliveries both complicated and uncomplicated ones and we are always happy to hear that both the mother and baby are fine. What struck me today about this particular patient was the fact that this isn’t particularly a happy story, the man inside of me left me because I was in total disarray, almost shedding tears.. I just held myself as a man...

You know what? She is just 12 years old, yes a minor who hasn't even seen her first menses and since ovulation occurs before menstruation, she probably ovulated and sadly her first ovulation got her pregnant at this tender age.

To cut this long story short, she lost the father at age 5, and was asked to stay with a Pastor, at age 6. Unfortunately, she was raped by her guardian "the pastor". Yes you heard me. Just imagine the pains and trauma she went through. The said pastor took turns on her on daily basis, because she has no where to run to, nobody would even believe her.

Sadly again, she was taken from the pastor to a 'traditional healer' to be staying with. The traditional healer was not left out as he also raped the poor girl on several occasions.

She finally moved to stay with her Aunt, hoping to have a better life, at least go back to school get a job to enable her take care of her sick mother afterwards, then her neighbor made her a prey; raped her several times till she finally got pregnant.

It was gathered that her mum died about a year ago, though still in mortuary till date. I really don't know the kind of supervision she got from her care givers but one thing I know is that they failed to protect her, they failed to shield her from the wickedness of this world, they failed to perform their duties as care givers and guardians, as such, life got her scared. Imagine being a mother at 12.

A devastating tale, however, the abused child has the tendency to be abused again, if she isn’t rescued now, she’ll probably have 3 or more babies before she becomes an adult and that’s if she lives up to adulthood and survives the complications of pregnancy as well as those of sexual abuse and every other difficulties which she would surely face. Think about the risk of contacting sexually transmitted infections/disease or VVF.

Therefore, we are appealing to all well meaning Edo sons, daughters and Nigerians at large for their assistance in order to save this helpless girl and her two (2) days old baby.

Spread the word, there’s a 12 years old in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Edo state that needs to be rescued. Whoever this may get to, please help save this young mother and her baby, help give them a better life.

Coincidentally, today October 11th 2019 marks "World International Day of the Girl Child". The girl child is an endangered specie, she should be protected from all those who wish to bring her untold pains and suffering.

#Protect your girl child today
#Protect a girl child today
#Protect every girl you know!!!

University of Calabar

By Theeaglesvoice.com

The University of Calabar, Calabar Cross River State, through it admissions office has shortlisted names of candidates seeking admissions into the University but has not meet up with all requirement of the institution.

In a statement signed by the admissions officer Mr. Gabriel Egbe, the say students has met the cut-off marks for admissions but are yet to be admitted due to either failure or improper uploading of their results on CAPS, or deficiency(ies) in their O'level results.

See the University's statement below...

UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR
CROSS RIVER STATE

Subject: LAST NOTICE TO CANDIDATES SHORTLISTED FOR ADMISSIONS
Below are names of some candidates who met the cut-off points established across various programmes, but are yet to be admitted due to;
1. Failure or improper uploading of their results on CAPS, or
2. Deficiency(ies) in their O'level results

The affected candidates have been given 48 hours of grace (from the date of this notice) to either upload their
results at any CBT centre or risk forfeiting their admissions.

See list below;

The Cross River State House of Assembly has expressed willingness to consider a Legislation for the establishment of Farmers Court, to strengthen repayment of agricultural loans by farmers, to enhance administration of agric loans, as well as ensuring the success of the Agricultural Revolution in the State.

The Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Eteng Williams Jones made this position known, when executive members of the farmer Association's in the various Agricultural value chains paid him a courtesy call in his office in Calabar.

The Speaker reiterated the commitment of the Assembly to supporting development projects which are people oriented, like Farming Projects,  which he believes has an unquantifiable impact on the livelihood of the rural farmer, the families and community.

The Speaker maintained that Agriculture remains the main stay of the Nigerian economy and deserves  adequate attention in terms of policy formulation and implementation. He commended the efforts of the Executive arm of government in driving the Agricultural Revolution in the State and assured farmers of the availability of the 9th assembly to providing the needed legislative support to farmers in achieving their goals.

 The visit which was accompanied by Dr. Akpan Umoren, Head of Development Finance Office,  CBN Calabar, featured complaints from farmers on the risk of loosing access to Agricultural loans due to default, poor repayment regime and the resultant debilitating effects on future interventions which would have benefited farmers in the State. The farmers Association Executives therefore, sought for a bill from the Assembly for the establishment of Farmers Court to strengthen repayment of intervention loans from CBN & other financial Institutions meant for agricultural development.

Mr Emmanuel Anoh,  Vice President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, South South zone who led the farmers Executives, commended President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeria for his initiatives in agricultural development and the Central Bank of Nigeria for the several Agricultural financing packages, which has helped in strengthening participation in Farming activities geared towards the attainment of food Security, improving the economy &  Sustainable development.

The farmers expressed deep appreciation on the exemplary leadership and commitment of His Excellency, Sen Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, in developing Agricultural value chains; like Rice, Cocoa, Maize, Poultry & others, for improvement of livelihood, employment generation & enhancing Community development.  Mr Anoh who led the farmers team, observed that, Governor Ben Ayade strategic policies in Agricultural development which were initiated in 2015, shortly after assumption of office as Governor, has today, blossomed and the people of  Cross River State are witnessing the rapid agro Industrialization, like; the establishment of CR Seeds & Seedlings Factory, Calabar,  Ultramodern Rice Mill, Ogoja, Cocoa Processing Factory, Ikom, CR Feedmill, Calabar, CR Poultry Farm, Odukpani, Chicken Processing Factory,  Calabar and many other Projects at various stages of completion.

Farmers expressed continous support for the realization of government agenda for the benefit of the citinzenry.

Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, Monday, at the state executive chambers, Governor's office Calabar, swore in members of the State Judicial Service Commission.
Ayade who was represented at the event by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, charged members of the commission to be forthright in their conduct.
“We trust that the same way you have always been forthright in your duties, some of you as retired Judges of the state High Court, some of you as members of the Bar, that you will continue to serve the state especially on this particular way so that we continue to have a smooth, well managed and well run judicial service commission," the governor said.
According to Ayade, "you have all been chosen very carefully based on your tract records and your performances in the state and everywhere in the nation. You have just been called to continue with that service, it is a specialised service and mainly to the judiciary of the state."
He reminded the newly sworn in members of the commission that, "statutorily, the chairman of the commission is the Chief Judge of the state as well as the Attorney General, they don't need to be formally inaugurated or sworn in because they are already members of the commission."
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn in members of the commission, retired Justice Obojor-Ogar thanked Governor Ayade for finding them "worthy to be appointed members of this critical commission representing the third arm of government."
Admitting that the team was aware of the enormous challenges associated with the Commission, Obojor-Ogar said, "we are determined not to betray the confidence you have reposed in us," adding that, "we will not betray the confidence by applying ourselves assiduously to the ethics of the commission."
 Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Barr Tina Banku Agbor remarked that the event is significant as "it reinforces the existing harmonious relationship between the three arms of government in the state and a clear demonstration of the commitment of Governor Ayade towards ensuring that the judiciary and its support staff is properly placed to carry out its constitutional duty of interpreting the law."
Among those inaugurated were Justice Obojor-Ogar (rtd), Ntufam Joe Ebam, Dr Teresa Ikwen and Barr Tasen Etum Okune.

A cross section of Nigerians who recently patronized the Cross River State Garment Factory have lauded the Governor, Sir Ben Ayade for the initiative and quality of garments produced by the factory.
This follows the commencement of public sale of wears from the factory.
Excited by the development, Nigerians and organisations from different parts of the country including students, schools and churches have been trooping to the factory in droves to buy clothings.
One of such patrons is Faith Abou, a 23 year old Student of the University of Calabar.
"As a fashion enthusiast, I strongly commend the quality of garments produced from this Factory while also appreciating Gov Ben Ayade for the initiative. This facility no doubt serves as an employment poll for many Cross Riverians,” she enthused.
She added that "I just saw an advertisement that there will be sales today and I say let me pick some materials for myself. Honestly, what I picked is wonderful, I like the quality as I look at it and the price is very fantastic and I love it very well.  If they continue with this,  I think the price of clothes will drop down in the open market".
Also speaking, Jane Efiok said that the essence of the factory was to reduce the cost of clothes and materials in the market and he was very impressed that the dream of the Governor has been realised.
According to him, "I just came here to pick some boxers, Yes I have checked the quality and it is okay; the price too is very fair. The essence of this fare is to get something quality with minimal cost and that is what the government has tried to achieve and I am highly impressed with what I have seen here".
Another buyer, Samson Chukwueze who sells clothes at the popular Watt Market described the shirt he got from the factory as the best he had and promised to be buying in wholesale quantity for his business.
"The quality is Superb,  the costing outside here is very affordable,  the best among any shirt I had bought in time past. I actually sell clothes myself and I can tell you that Gov. Ayade has done a brilliant job here. For me and many others who are into this business, we will not be going to Aba again because from next month I'll be buying things in wholesale quantity for my business".

Chukwueze added that "With the recent ban on importation of textile, one can rightly say that in no distant time, the garment factory will serve as a huge market not for people residing in Cross River only but the entire South South region and South-East region.”

The University of Calabar(Unical) has won the World Best Oralist Competition held at the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) headquarters, Washington DC, United States of America.

The University which fielded Students that represented the entire Africa continent at the International Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition also emerged runners up in the competition.

The event held recently in the US was part of activities marking the 2019 International Astronautical Congress (IAC).

Reacting, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Zana Akpagu said that he was proud of the achievements and very positive about all the national and international accolades Unical is receiving under his watch.

Related story: UNICAL : Winning, Rising With Prof. Zana Akpagu

He said that he was not surprised as Unical has produced some of the best Legal Practitioners in Nigeria and the world at large.

He recalled that the current President of the International Criminal Court, ICC, Justice Chile
Eboe-Osuji is a Unical law graduate noting that he will not rest on his oars to ensure the University takes it rightful place in the league of Universities in the world.

Members of the International Law Students Association (ILSA), Faculty of Law, Unical who represented Africa along with their coach, Ms Anne Uruegi Agi include Nelly-Helen, Neji Ebruka, Augustine Eneji Ushie and John Chinomso Kaunda.

At the semi-finals rounds of the global contest, the UNICAL team triumphed over their challengers from North America represented by students of McGill University, Canada, to book a spot in the finals.

At the finals, UNICAL competed against the winners of the European Regional Rounds from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

At the end of the Competition where UNICAL emerged as runners-up, Mr. Augustine Ushie, a member of the team emerged as the BEST ORALIST of the entire Competition.

The teams argued a case concerning disputes arising from Military Uses of Space Resources by hypothetical States of Suniza vs Azazi.

Additional issues were presented regarding the use of abandoned Lunar facilities and liability for damages resulting from an explosion on the moon.

The trial was presided over by Justices of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the trio of Joan Donoghue, Peter Tomka and Kirill Gevorgian.

Annually, the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) organizes the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, with over 60 teams participating.

The African Regional Round was hosted in Pretoria, South Africa in May, 2019 by the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) where the University of Calabar beat 5 other African Universities to emerge as the African Champions.

At the regional rounds, where UNICAL emerged as the African Champions, Ms Nelly-Helen Neji Ebruka had received the award of Best Oralist for the African round, a feat which her colleague Augustine Ushie replicated at the World rounds.

Imagine that you could make little adjustments in certain areas of your life, and these little adjustments go on to make a huge difference in the results you get. Imagine how your life will improve when you can go from the young man or woman earning 4 figures to earning high 6 figures or even 7 figures simply because you improved certain areas of your life?

That is the summary of the winning edge concept.

The concept says that: 'little differences in ability can translate to huge differences in results'

What this means is that if you can focus on improving certain areas of your life, even in little proportions, those little improvements will shoot your results beyond expectations.

That means, you don't need to stress yourself trying to be like everyone.

You just need to find your winning edge and cut with it.

Why?

The concept focuses on results and rewards based on results.

If Manchester united lifts the Premier league by just 1 point, they will get 10x what the other teams will get, even if other teams performed better.

So it is in life.

The one who closes the sales gets the money. The one who wins, gets the prize. The one who gets the customers trust, retains them.

A MUST KNOW: 10 Doles Of Business Planning For All Businesses


How then do you find your winning edge?

1. Discover the critical skills or knowledge you need to achieve your ultimate result.

It all bores down to the skill and knowledge.

Sometimes, victory isn't about who is the fastest or the most intelligent. It is sometimes about your ability to use the circumstances facing you to your advantage.

It is like a golf expert who uses the wind in guiding his ball to the hole.

You need to identify the critical skills you need to achieve your result.

How can you identify the critical skills?


2. Start from the intended result or Goal, then work backwards.

You simply reverse engineer the process.
Ask yourself:

What is the goal or result I want to achieve?

'What is the most important thing that NEEDS TO HAPPEN for me to get this result or achieve this goal?'

What are the difficulties or challenges obstacles stacked up against me that I NEED TO OVERCOME before I can achieve this goal?'

Make a list of 3

Which of these listed challenges is the most critical that I need to take care of to increase my chances of success?

Once you identify the answers to these questions, then you ask yourself:

What critical skill do I need to have to overcome this particular obstacle?

How do I develop this skill? Who has mastered this Skill that I can learn from?

When you get the answer to the 5th question, then you work your way back up to the Goal.

Let's see a practical example using the questions

1⃣ Goal: To be a master salesman. To be able to persuade people to buy products or services.

2⃣ People need to believe in me & believe me

And for this to happen, they need to trust me.

3⃣ Difficulties:
i. These people may not trust me.

ii. I suck at explaining things or knowing what people want.

iii. I feel shy about selling. Feels like I am forcing people to do something against their wish

4⃣ Of the obstacles listed, number iii is a bigger problem so I need to really master how to quickly earn people's trust even before I open my mouth.

5⃣ The critical skill I need to overcome is getting to know what these people really want and then selling them based on those desires.

And to do this effectively, I need to master the art of 'asking critical questions'

So the critical skill is: 'asking questions, listening patiently and attentively and digging deep into the mind of the prospect to join the conversation in their head.

Now, asking questions and listening may seem like a simple concept.

But this simple concept can multiply my closing rates

So what I'll do next to develop the skill is

- Read books
- Watch videos
- Listen to audio programs
- Observe people who've mastered this skill
- Pay for courses

As I improve this area, my results will skyrocket.

With time, I develop mastery and the skill becomes second nature.

Do the same exercise.

Reverse engineer the process, identify the skill you need and work to improve those areas.

2019 is still your year.

Grab it!

Akinlawon J. Olaitan
Development Consultant
Emergence Business Plans

It will be a spectacle to behold as Yala in Abuja, will gather on 1st December, 2019 in their numbers to celebrate the maiden edition of 'Yala Day' in the nation’s capital.

The convergence of Yala communities in Abuja is to celebrate this year’s Yala Day in a colourful event targeted at showcasing the cultural ingenuity of Yala to the world.

The planning committee in their recent meeting towards the actualization of the event assures people of Yala Local Government that dignitaries from far and near will grace the momentous event, which historically will be one of the most consistent and colourful of all cultural outings in Abuja.

The Maiden edition has as its theme: “FOSTERING UNITY & PROMOTING OUR IDENTITY” with the objective to showcase and promote the opulence of Yala customs and traditions as well as inculcate the spirit of peace, unity and development among our people in all Wards under Yala Local Government.

The committee however invites every son/daughter of Yala in any part of the world to be in attendance in order to learn and understand the tradition of its people. The event is slated for December 1, 2019 at the popular City Park, Abuja

UNICAL football Team celebrating their victory

By Inyali Peter

It is now very audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that Prof. Zana Akpagu, the 10th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and the first from the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River state has surpassed his expectations in less than four years of his five years administration.

Renowned for massive infrastructural development, modernization/curriculum expansion, Prof. Akpagu has successfully moved Unical from an old fashioned University to a 21st century institution. In terms of programmes, Unical is today competing favourably with some of the best Universities in the world running marketable programmes one can think of.

Strategically, Akpagu has restructured some existing programmes that were hitherto not too relevant in the labour market again while introducing new ones to meet the contemporary labour market and employers demand. Some of the new programmes include, Anti-Corruption and Terrorism Studies, Criminology, Geoinformatics, Dentistry, Mass Communication and Digital Media amongst others.

In the area of infrastructural development, many staff and students have lost count of how many new gigantic buildings Prof. Akpagu's administration has built in just about four years. Apart from building new structures, he has also reconstructed, renovated and completed some projects which were initiated at the inception of the University but abandoned afterwards. Some of the projects include, the massive faculty of Arts Annex which is today housing three new developments- Mass Communication, Fine and Applied Arts and Music, the Malabu road etc.

Akpagu also, recently installed an elevator in the University Library. In over fourty years since the University came into existence, it was until Akpagu became the VC that Unical got her first elevator. Previous administrations struggled but abandoned the project. However, determined to see that every penny of the University is judiciously spent, Akpagu left no stone unturned until the dream of over 30 years became a reality.

Aesthetically, Akpagu has given the University a complete different appealing looks. From the main entrance to the University along the Prof. Ayo Dele boulevard, there is a visible face lift. He has radically beautified the boulevard through the planting of flowers and trees. During festive periods, fun lovers usually troop in in droves just to savour  the green, serene and natural environment.

Notwithstanding, Akpagu is also holding the record as the first Unical VC to have organised three consecutive convocations since the inception of the University. Before he came on board, one of the things that hunted the varsity was the inability of successive administrations to organise convocation every academic year like it's done in western Universities. He's been doing this almost effortlessly.

Besides all these, the VC has ensured that his focus is not just to develop the University within but also to give it visibility nationally and internationally by setting up every unit to go for honours in every competition that the University or anybody associated with it is involved in. Steadily as stoutly, he has put the University in the news for positive reasons. In fact, unical has become a global brand.

In the last one year, Unical has won the highest number of competitions within and outside Nigeria more than any other Nigerian University. It's only a few competition that the University has not come top and even in those few ones, the University has not fallen below the top three.

For instance, in the recently held Nigerian Universities Theatre Festival, Unical emerged the overrall best by sweeping most of the awards. The event which had 16 Universities participating saw Unical coming first in Short Film, Spoken Word and Stand-up Comedy competitions. The University also won the best overall Female Actor in the event.

In other categories, Unical came third in Drama, Contemporary Dance as well as first, second and third in "on the spot" Solo Performance Workshop Competition. In the event's Carnival competition, Unical band was adjudged the most colourful and best interpreted.

Similarly, the University male football team (Unical Malabites) thrashed the University of Agriculture, Makurdi on Friday, October 26th to emerge winner of the 2019 Higher Institution Football League tournament.

All these are in addition to several other competitions won by the University within and outside Nigeria since Prof. Akpagu came on board. Recall that the National President of the University alumni just recently emerged as the Executive Secretary, Committee of Vice Chancellors.

These achievements are not magic but results that reflects exactly the vision and direction of the man at the helms of affairs. Like his admirers will say, the Z-factor (Z-Zana) is turning things around for good in the University.

Without mincing words, to say the least, Unical is winning and rising because of the brilliance and exceptional leadership qualities of Prof. Zana Akpagu and with hi focus and determination, things promise to even get better.

By Paul Ojeka

"Betta Edu

She is a woman that infects people with tips for prosperity. She is an idol to those who cherish humanity. She is a woman of inestimable virtue.

Have you heard her speak? No one speaks better than Betta.

The best speech I have ever heard, from  a young, vibrant, beautiful woman ladened with the passion for family wellbeing came from Dr. Betta Edu when she spoke as Chairman on my Wedding Day. Betta, as young as she is, exudes the brilliance I lack appropriate words to describe: In every sentence, she pours out wisdom and love. In my estimation, she is the first female medical practitioner in Cross River State whose milk of human kindness never goes out of short supply.

Indeed Betta is a paragon of unquantifiable intelligence, garbed with a seraphic smile of her role model, Her Excellency, Dr Mrs Linda Ayade

It is on verifiable records that she was part of the administration of sen Prof Ben Ayade, in his first tenure, between 2015-2019, where she expressed unparalleled administrative function, carried out reforms which transformed the administrative system and the structure of the enviable Cross River Primary Health Care system of our time.

Apart from her official international travels, on the authority of Cross River State Government, on personal grounds, she is well travelled on educational tourism, and on other sociopersonal reasons, perhaps, for keeping family members connected with global conditionalities binding international relations.

Related Story: Birthday: Dr Betta Gives Hope Of Living Again To A Man Down With Spinal Cord Injury, Dosed Out Half A Million

 Needless to mention that she holds bloated account that makes her looks richer than the 'Dangotes' when it comes to generosity and humanness.

I suggest that Governor Ayade makes Dr. Betta Edu a symbol of humanity, the theme of 2019 Calabar Carnival".

cross river State Governor, prof Sir Ben Ayade, and his immediate past DG Primary Health care Dr Betta Edu

An erudite scholar whose intellectual prowess gives high level expressions to promoting corporate governance online, Paul Ojeka is based in Calabar, Cross River State South South Nigeria. He is the senior special assistant on Information and Orientation in Calabar Government House. Best known for his undaunted support for Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade who is commonly referred to as the digital governor, Paul Ojeka has consistently engaged the social media to bring to light the positive side of governance in the state. He had been both criticized and commended by many Compatriots for his position on the Ben Ayade administration which despite being in political opposition to the federal incumbency has risen beyond the whims and caprices of partisan politicking to securing federal partnership in becoming a food and economy hub for the South-South region of the country and beyond amongst other mainstream strategies.

Paul Ojeka

Paul Ojeka who was nominated alongside another freelance online political analyst from Imo state South East Nigeria becomes the preferred recipient of the Excellence and Viability (Goodwill) Award with his constructive engagement of intelligence to indulge Excellence in governance. He towers as a role model, epitomizing healthy promotion of investments in seamless dimensions through online contents in a world where fake news, bias, sentiments, and other indiscreet contents online pave the way for needless disintegration on local, national, regional and global scales.
Charting a rare path of thought that transcends the consummation of intellectualism only within academic spheres, Paul Ojeka has brought his erudition by expression to brand governance as he stands out an icon of healthy indulgence engaging his online presence beyond casual Hookups to promoting humanity from the vantage point of governance in corporate dimensions...
Congrats, Paul Ojeka...

#EVAwards...
#AcknowledingExcellenceOnGoodwillandMerit!!!

Fani-Kayode

A Cheiftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Femi Fani-Kayode, has insisted that nothing can stop Nigeria from breaking apart.

Naija News reports that Fani-Kayode was recating to a statement by Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking on Wednesday at the Tell Magazine’s 20 years of democracy conference, Jega had said the prediction of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) suggesting the disintegration of Nigeria will come to pass if care isn’t taken.

Jega, himself, was reacting to a prediction by the CIA that Nigeria would disintegrate. Recall that the CIA’s prediction came during the 2015 election.

The former INEC Chairman in his reaction noted that Nigeria had experienced some “reversals” in the progress it made during the 2015 elections.

“The CIA thought that 2015 was the do or die period for Nigeria, that there would not be a Nigeria in the way you know after the 2015 general election – that has come to pass, but I think if we do not take care, a lot of these predictions will come to pass that is why we need to do quite a lot, much more than we have ever done in order to protect the integrity of the electoral process before 2023.

“The clearest evidence of this loss of trust and confidence is declining voter turnout in elections since 1999,” he said.

In a post on Twitter on Thursday, Fani-Kayode stated that Nigeria can only remain united if it is restructured.

He wrote: “Nothing can stop it. It is only a question of time. If you want us to stay one then restructure the country and stop treating southerners & Middle Belters like slaves.”

By Olushola VICTOR

When the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Aare Gani Adams, arrived at the venue of the installation ceremony of Chief Kessington Adebutu as the new Odole Odua, he ignited a buzz of conversation. For certain reasons, people were shocked he honoured the event.
The gist there was that he is not on good terms with some traditional rulers; so, he might have wanted to avoid a direct meeting with them. But the Aare was cheerful with everyone and celebrated with Adebutu.
It is a known fact that Adams has engaged in public confrontations with certain traditional rulers in Yorubaland. Worth mentioning is his feud with the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan.
The Aare wasn’t pleased with the Olugbo for declaring that he was the highest Oba in Yorubaland and crowning Yoruba Obas in Diaspora. Since then, there has been a cold war of sorts between the parties.

Dr Betta Edu

By Theeaglesvoice blog

As the theme of this year’s Carnival Calabar, “Humanity” the Former Director General (DG) of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHDA), Dr Mrs Betta Edu has once more shown a true replica of  her boss Sir Ben Ayade, the Cross River State Governor through his love for mankind and humanity by investing half a million naira to resuscitate a driver who had an accident that affected his spinal cord and unable to walk. According to Betta Edu, the said victim was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver some years ago.

Man down with spinal cord injury as a result of accident.

Read Betta Edu’s word below:

“As a birthday give way I will be investing one quarter of a million naira to pull this handicapped man out of poverty”.
“I will tell you his short story.

“Last week I was driving up barracks road when I saw this man… who can’t stand straight or walk tall… I wanted to drive pass but my spirit said I must help him… I tried to convince myself that I didn’t have and I was helping too many others but my spirit won’t let me move any further… I had to reverse back… park the car and chase after him… while I was struggling with myself he already made a left into the next street, I had to follow him because I knew if I don’t help him I can’t sleep”.

ALSO READ: Birthday: Make Betta Edu A Symbol Of Humanity, The Theme Of 2019 Calabar Carnival, C'Riverian Call On Governor, Sir Ayade.

“He said he was a driver and was working and fending for his family until he was hit by a run away driver … it affected his spine and since then he has been deformed. He lives in an incomplete Building near barracks road… so we will change his story by Gods grace”

Deborah Onwu

A youth social worker employed by Wood’s Homes was fatally stabbed early Friday morning while she was on the job caring for a man, police say.

Deborah Onwu, 47, of Calgary, was identified by police as the victim found at a residence in the 1800 block of 27th Avenue S.W. around 2:45 a.m. Police say an 18-year-old at the assisted living facility was arrested about two hours later.
Wood’s Homes is a children’s mental health centre that provides treatment to children, youth and families.

Police say 47-year-old Deborah Onwu, a professional case worker, was the victim in Friday’s stabbing. Facebook
“Everyone at Wood’s Homes is deeply impacted by this recent tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved including the victim’s family and our many staff,” said Wood’s Homes spokeswoman Sylvia MacIver.

“Debbie was a well-liked and well-respected colleague. She was hard-working and devoted to a career of helping. There are no words to describe the sadness our work family is feeling today.”

When police arrived at the scene, efforts were immediately provided to Onwu, but she later succumbed to her injuries. While an initial search of the residence didn’t turn up the suspect, one person was located and arrested downtown around 5 a.m.
Brandon Jacob Spencer Newman, 18, of Calgary, is charged with second-degree murder in Onwu’s death. Police said late Friday that he remains in custody and is to appear in court on Nov. 1.

Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta said the accused had been living at the facility for several weeks.

“She was providing assisted living care to the suspect,” Schiavetta told reporters Friday afternoon. “This was her place of employment.”
Wood’s Homes is working with the Calgary police and occupational health and safety during this investigation as well as providing counselling support for all those affected in their organization, MacIver said.

The victim was found in this home in the area of Marda Loop-Bankview early Friday. Azin Ghaffari/Postmedia

Because the death happened at a workplace, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is also investigating.
In 2017, Onwu was recognized by the Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities for her five-year anniversary as a relief residential support worker.
“She can always be counted on to help out in a pinch. Debbie has great relationships with everyone she interacts with and is known for being a pleasure to work with,” it read. “When it comes to embodying CPSD’s values and what it means to be an outstanding staff member, Debbie is undoubtedly a role model.”
Information from neighbours initially suggested the home was associated with the Seven Steps recovery program, however, that is not believed to be the case.
The death is Calgary’s 16th homicide of 2019.
With files from Alanna Smith

zlaing@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @zjlaing