TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerians

  • Six European countries deport 34 Nigerians

    Thirty-four Nigerians deported from six European countries for immigration-related offences arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday.

    The deportees, who arrived at 6.30a.m, were sent back home from Switzerland, Germany, Iceland, Austria, Belgium and Hungary.

    The deportees, who comprised 32 males and two females, were brought back in a chartered Airblue Panorama aircraft.

    The spokesman of the Lagos Airport Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development, saying “this morning, we received 34 Nigerians who were brought back from Europe. They were made up of 32 males and two females. ”

    He said all the deportees were alleged to have committed immigration-related offences in their host countries.

    Alabi said the deportees were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Police.

    Also on ground to receive them were officials the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

    The deportees were profiled by immigration authorities and were allowed to depart to their various destinations.

    It will be recalled that 90 Nigerians were deported from nine European countries in April for committing similar offences.

    They were deported from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Hungary.

  • Nigerians ranked low in reading – Study

    Prof. Lenrie Aina, the National Librarian, says that Nigeria is not rated among the most reading countries in the world.

    Aina, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, National Library of Nigeria, said this in Enugu on Wednesday at the Readership Promotion Campaign (RPC).

    He said that a recent study on the most reading countries in the world showed that Nigeria was not mentioned in the ranking while Egypt and South Africa were among the first 30 countries rated.

    “Leading world nations pride themselves on their promotion of reading.

    “They see a high level of literacy as a major source of their competitiveness and social maturity.

    “The absence of a widespread culture of reading in the case of Nigeria acts as an effective barrier to our development and international competitiveness,’’ she said.

    Aina said that it was against the background that the National Library embarked on an intensive readership promotion campaign across the country to encourage reading among Nigerians as well as to identify obstacles inhibiting reading and proffer solutions.

    He appealed to teachers to encourage pupils and students to read and urged parents to make books available to their children.

    In a message to the event, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State said that his administration was doing everything possible to promote reading culture in schools.

    Ugwuanyi, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uchenna Ezeh, said that the government had reintroduced reading clubs in secondary schools while renovating schools and providing instructional materials.

    “We are in a knowledge propelled economy and through reading, you gain information about your environment.’’

    The governor pledged to partner with groups that would promote reading culture in the state.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Frank Ndubuisi, decried the deplorable condition of many libraries across the country and called for government’s urgent attention.

    While commending the National Library for reviving the campaign, Ndubuisi, an Educationist, also advocated for the introduction of e-library that would stand the test of time.

    Other speakers at the event, including an octogenarian writer, Dr Rose Chukwuemeka-Ike, and the President, Coal City Literary Forum, Dr Adaobi Nwoye, also emphasised the need to promote a reading culture among youths.

    According to Ike, reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

    The event featured reading competition and spelling bees by some secondary schools in the state.

    NAN

  • Another batch of 175 Nigerians return voluntarily from Libya

    Another batch of One Hundred and Seventy-five (175) Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya on Tuesday aboard a chartered Nouvelair aircraft with registration number TS-INA.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the aircraft landed at 7.50p.m at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    The returnees were made up of of 34 males, 122 females, 10 children and nine infants.

    They were brought back by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Libya.

    The returnees were received at the Hajj Camp area of the airport by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Police.

    Also on ground to receive them were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    Addressing newsmen, Air Commodore Paul Ohemu, Director, Search and Rescue, NEMA, said the agency in collaboration with the IOM was working to stem irregular migration and return stranded Nigerians from Libya.

    Ohemu advised Nigerians to stay back and contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the country.

    “There are a lot of things you can do in Nigeria here.

    “You don’t have to travel outside the country in search of greener pastures.

    “My advice to parents is to keep tab on their children and to ensure that they know where their children are going and not to be deceived by phantom promises,” he said.

    Ohemu said NEMA and some state governments had put various schemes in place to help rehabilitate and reintegrate the returnees into the society.

    Also speaking, Mr Joseph Famakinwa, Zonal Director, NAPTIP, Lagos Zone, said the Federal Government had intensified efforts to curb human trafficking and bring traffickers to book.

    “NAPTIP has sent 315 Nigerians to prison for human trafficking with a total conviction of 265.

    “Our advice to parents is that they should not allow their children to fall into the hands of traffickers, ” he warned.

    On her part, Ms Julia Burpee, Public Information Officer, IOM, said the organisation had facilated the return of over 1,170 Nigerians from Libya since February.

    She said the organisation would assist the returnees to get back on their feet and would provide assistance to others willing to leave the North African country.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that following the political unrest in the troubled country, several batches of Nigerians residents there (Libya) have voluntarily returned home to start a new life. Their return was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Libya.

    More are still expected to return to Nigeria in the coming weeks.

     

  • Over 9 million Nigerians suffering from depression – Psychiatrist

    Dr Daramola Tayo, Chief Consultant and Head of Behavioural Medicine, Karu General Hospital says an estimated nine million Nigerians may be suffering from depression.

    Tayo disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a health talk on depression organised by the Public Health Department, Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCTA.

    The psychiatrist said depression could be described as a mental disorder resulting from long lasting low mood affecting one’s ability to do things, to have pleasure or have interest in activities one used to enjoy.

    “It also reflects on the loss of interest in sexual activities among others.

    “The prevalence has been put between five and 10 per cent with an estimated figure of 180 million populations, we actually have nine million people suffering from the burden of depression,’’ he said.

    Tayo, who noted that though individuals might periodically undergo ups and downs due to loss of loved ones among other challenges, such conditions or situations could not necessarily be attributed to depression.

    He explained that for depression to occur, mental disorder must have persisted for two weeks.

    The expert identified other symptoms that could be exhibited by patients suffering from depression as feeling guilty, weight loss, hopelessness and worthlessness, loss of confidence, which could result to the thought of self-harm or attempting suicide.

    “Other causes of depression are trauma, life circumstances, chronic and severe illness, hormones, lifestyle, among others.’’

    He said that the 2008 World Health Organisation (WHO) report stipulated that by 2030, depression would be the highest cause of death globally.

    ‘ ‘In view of the high prevalence in Nigeria and the worldwide figure, there is the urgent need for governments, individuals to redouble efforts in fighting the scourge to reduce its mortality rate,” Tayo said.

    Earlier, Mrs Alice Odey-Achu, the Secretary Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCTA said something urgent should be done to reduce the rate of depression.

    According to her, depression has resulted in one out of 10 causes of death among teenagers, young adults and adults in recent times.

    The secretary noted other consequences arising from the condition include impaired ability to carry out simple everyday tasks, breakdown in relationships with families and impaired ability to work and earn a living.

    Odey-Achu said that the conference was in commemoration of the World Health Day with the theme: ”Depression: Let’s talk’’.

    ”This year’s focus on depression is apt as this health condition is increasing in incidence and prevalence at an alarming rate.

    ”Just like any other disease, prevention is better than cure more so when most people suffering from depression, which is a mental disorder are reluctant to seek help because of stigma surrounding mental health.

    ”This informed the inauguration of a campaign by the Health Education and Promotion Unit of the Public Health Department to increase awareness on depression, how to recognise it, where to get treatment and most importantly how to prevent it.

    ”Researches have revealed that the best way to prevent illness is still through awareness creation and health education,’’ Odey-Achu said.

  • Nigeria needs you Obasanjo tells Nigerians in diaspora

    Nigeria needs you Obasanjo tells Nigerians in diaspora

    Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has told his Nigerian compatriots that Nigeria needs them now and that they should not wait till they return to Nigeria before they contribute to their homeland’s development.
    Chief Obasanjo who spoke on a visit to Dublin, Ireland, added that any such contribution would help promote a more sustainable world, which is necessary for human survival.

    He was in Dublin for the 34th annual plenary meeting of the InterAction Council, a group of former heads of state and government, that was held in Dublin.
    Speaking exclusively to TheNewsGuru.com affiliate, Chinedu Onyejelem, publisher of Metro Eireann, the first and only multicultural newspaper in Ireland, the former president said: “In the past, people feel that they can only make contribution by coming home.
    “Indeed, in the age of internet, computers, Facebook and Google you are only one call or message away from home.”
    As for what kinds of contributions people in the diaspora could make, Nigeria’s former military dictator-cum-democratic leader suggested supporting initiatives such as the Nigeria in Disapora Organisation (Nido), which he established as president.”
    Addressing his thoughts to all Africans in the diaspora, Obasanjo said: “You have what I call intellectual property. That’s what you have acquired: knowledge, experience. Nobody can take it from you. Now out of that is there what you can apply or you can make available to be applied in any area, more so in the area of planetary health.”
    Ex-President Obasanjo recalls that during his time as president, some doctors in the diaspora “got themselves together and said they want to establish a first class hospital.”

    While he doesn’t know how far they went with their project, he said he is aware of other Nigerians sending materials and equipment to hospitals in need, or donating mosquito nets to tackle high rates of malaria among under-fives.
    Obasanjo, who co-chairs the InterAction Council alongside former Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, also urged all migrants irrespective of their origins to join the fight for a sustainable planet by promoting positive action on climate change, especially in developing countries.
    “We have a saying in my part of the world that ‘if Heaven is falling, there is no question of you shaking your head.’ So if it’s proved beyond reasonable doubt that human activities enough have an effect on the climate … then we will have to do something about it,” he noted.
    Acknowledging the challenges posed by poverty and other inequalities, Obasanjo maintained that it was still possible to achieve a sustainable world.
    “As humans we need to enjoy a healthy climate, because our life is not complete if the animals that God has created to complete the cycle of existence are destroyed,” he said.

  • FG set to distribute over 3 million prepaid metres to Nigerians

    FG set to distribute over 3 million prepaid metres to Nigerians

    More than three million pre-payment meters are to be rolled out under the Federal Government’s intervention programme, Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, disclosed in Lagos on Sunday.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the intervention followed the incapacity of Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to meter all the houses of consumers across the country.

    Fashola, who is also the Minister of Works and Housing, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the government had in 2003 awarded contract for the meters but they were not supplied.

    “In 2003, the government awarded a contract for three million meters but they were not supplied.

    “I inherited it, they were in court and I am trying to take it out of the court so that we can settle and start the supply,’’ he said.

    The former Lagos State Governor said that metering houses in the country was facing some challenges as there was no accurate database of actual consumers in the country.

    In his words: “There is a database of six million households; it is a faulty base because we have more than six million households in the country.

    “There are four types of consumers – R1 (poorest consumer), R2, R3 and maximum demand consumers — and they are not on the same plan.

    “DISCOs need to go into these houses, do an audit to determine the type of meters to install.

    “If you have a wrong meter, you will pay wrong price or bill. A meter is both a safety device and a measuring device; it can under read or over read or cause fire if not properly installed.

    “But essentially, the DISCOs must provide meters, it is only fair and let the consumer manage his consumption and billing system because he has a meter.’’

    On the challenges facing the nation’s power sector, Fashola, who described the problems as man-made, identified planning, way of life and human behavioural problem as some of the intractable issues.

    Others are power wastage, building of houses in difficult terrain without approval, lack of conservation culture and energy theft.

    “Some people will put on a 70 or 120-watt bulb as security light for 24 hours, including the daytime when they do not need it and it is because they have either stolen the energy or bypassed their meters.

    “They are robbing DISCOs of huge sums of money as they may not be able to pay back the energy they bought for distribution,” the minister said.

    NAN reports that electricity consumers pay N25,000 (official), N35, 000 (fast-track) for a single-phase meter, while the three-phase models go for N50,000 and above.

    Consumers have complained of down payment for several months or a year for the meters without being supplied by DISCOs which has exposed consumers to the user-unfriendly estimated billing system or “crazy’’ bills.

    In Ghana, prepayment metering was introduced in 1994 and the importation of the meters cost Ghana Government $99.2 million in 2015.

     

  • Nigerians must talk to each other, not at each other – Atiku

    Nigerians must talk to each other, not at each other – Atiku

    Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mazi Paul Ibe has described as blatant falsehood claims by President of the Southwest chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nathaniel Uzomah that the former Vice President has been silent in the wake of the ultimatum issued by a coalition of northern youth to the Igbos to leave the North.

    Uzomah, was reported in a section of the media on Monday, as claiming that Atiku Abubakar, APC chieftain and Waziri Adamawa was among northern leaders who had maintained silence following last week’s ultimatum.

    But responding on Wednesday, Ibe said:

    “We would not have dignified Nathaniel Uzomah with a response but for the implication of the intended mischief of the listing of the name of the former Vice President.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar had on June 7, 2017 issued a statement chastising the northern youth coalition for the ultimatum to Igbos to vacate the North. He also took exception to the counter response by a Southeast group, warning that such a scenario was a recipe for crisis. (See Atiku Abubakar’s press statement of June 7, 2017: https://www.facebook.com/Atiku.org/posts/10155419904159640).

    “Atiku Abubakar restates his abhorrence to the shocking ultimatum by a Northern youth coalition to the Igbos to quit the region and the counter response by a South-east group. He notes that the unwarranted rhetoric is provocative, reckless and poses great threat to national security and peaceful co-existence.

    “Atiku Abubakar reminds everyone that the Southeast and the North are two regions united by a common history. Some of the most prominent South-easterners actually had their humble beginnings in the North. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Odumegwu Ojukwu were both born in Zungeru, Niger State. Many others, too numerous to mention, were also birthed in the North and vice versa.

    “By virtue of their age, many of our youths may not know that the first elected mayor of Enugu was Umaru Altine, a Fulani from Northern Nigeria elected in 1956. Or that a year later a South easterner, Felix Okonkwo, was appointed a member of the Northern Nigeria House of Chiefs.

    “With such rich legacies, we can’t afford to allow misguided elements to divide us. Nigerians must talk to each other, not at each other. The whole of Nigeria is greater than the sum of her parts.

    “Atiku Abubakar commends the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo for rising up to the challenge by initiating dialogue with leaders of the zones. He expressed his commitment and willingness to avail the government of the benefits of his experiences in forging lasting peace and stability.

    “Atiku Abubakar believes that we must all become one until, our enemies are none! That Nigeria is one united country because we, who are committed to Nigeria’s unity are more than those few who are not.”

  • Government at all levels failed Nigerians – Cardinal Okogie

    …Says Nigerians are hungry, angry and unemployed

    Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Anthony Cardinal Okogie has said that Nigerians have been let down by public officials voted in all levels of government (local, state and federal).

    The former Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, in a statement titled, ‘Deprivation and Agitation: A Reflection on Nigeria’s Late 2017 Budget,’ decried the living conditions of Nigerians.

    Okogie said, “Some people do not want to hear of restructuring. However, for how long shall we fail to see the urgent need for far-reaching constitutional reforms in this country? The current arrangement is not serving Nigerians. The relationship between the government and the citizens places the citizen at gross disadvantage and the politicians at an undue advantage.

    “Our young people are the worst hit. They are unemployed, hungry and angry. They are venting their anger on one another while we, their elders, are silent. Could it be that some of us, their elders, are stoking the embers of violent disintegration?”

    The retired bishop stated that the level of poverty in the country was not acceptable.

    He charged Nigerians to question those who managed the resources of the country.

    “To say that the quality of life of the average Nigerian is low is to state the obvious. Whether one talks of education, medical service delivery, security or the economy, every aspect of our life in this country is in downward motion. The extent of poverty experienced by our people is simply unacceptable.

    “This country has more than enough resources to make life livable. If there is so much discomfort, we must interrogate those who manage the affairs of our country. Why is it that the government – federal, state and local – has failed Nigerians?”

    Okogie lamented that the 2017 budget was presented to the legislature in the twilight of the 2016 and was just passed on May 14, 2017, which was “more than five months into the year and close to six months after it was presented.” He said, “For a country that should be in a hurry to exit the Destitution Avenue, this is simply unacceptable. It is another instance of failure of governance. Failure of governance is when government fails to serve the people. Nigerians should be worried about the way the budgetary process runs in this country.

    “In the period when the budget has yet to be passed, how is government carrying out its functions? Who is accountable to who when it comes to how money is spent?

    “Does this reflect a country that really wishes to put an end to corruption? But while there was delay in passing the budget, there is an early bird approach to the politics of 2019. The budget was not passed but politicians were positioning themselves for the 2019 presidential elections.

    “Now, deprivation has turned into agitation. In the absence of a budget, the economic conditions in which we live continue to bite. Nigerians are hungry and angry. In their anger, they turn against each other on the social media, using unprintable language, threats and violence to sort out their differences. Young Igbo insult the Yoruba, young Yoruba insult the Igbo, the North and the South have suddenly realised that they cannot live together.

    “In all this, instead of facing their common enemy – politicians who abuse their offices and steal the wealth of the land, thus depriving us of decent living – young Nigerians tear each other apart in a society where civil discourse has become an unwanted alien.

    We have said it before that we live in clear and present danger. We said it when herdsmen went on the rampage and arms were being brought into Nigeria by ‘ghost importers.’ Now, we should ask ourselves: is there a correlation between illegal importation of arms into Nigeria and the drumbeats and dance steps of war we are currently witnessing?”

  • UK General Elections: Buhari congratulates seven Nigerians elected into parliament

    The presidency has congratulated seven British-Nigerian nationals for their victory at the United Kingdom’s Parliamentary elections held on Thursday.

    The candidates are: Chi Onwurah (Newcastle), Kate Osamor (Edmonton), Kemi Badenock (Saffron Walden) and Bim Afolani (Hitchin & Harpenden).

    Others are: Chuka Umunna (Streatham), Fiona Onasanya (Peterborough) and Helen Grant (Maidstone & The Weald).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a congratulatory message to the candidates, said their election to the UK parliament was evidence that Nigerians will continue to excel anywhere in the world.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I hereby congratulate the seven British-Nigerian candidates, who won their elections as members of the UK parliament in the elections held on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

    “The unique feat is further evidence that Nigerians, anywhere in the world, will continue to excel and make the country proud.

    “We wish them the very best and believe they will continuously serve their constituents with dignity and diligence,” she said.

  • Nigerian Celebrities react to Dammy Krane’s arrest

    Nigerian Celebrities react to Dammy Krane’s arrest

    It is no longer news that Dammy Krane has been arrested by police in the United States for credit card fraud and related charges. Hours after his arrest became public discourse, tweets rolled out from his Twitter handle claiming there are three sides to the story and even promising fans “new material” where he plans to share his own side of the story.

    Social media has been rife with different reactions from Nigerian celebs on the Dammy Krane credit card saga.

    Nigerian OAP Freeze wrote on Instagram:”This gentleman is a good person. One of the most respectful young people I know. One mistake doesn’t define him. The pressure on entertainers, especially the young ones is unimaginably enormous. Born into a nation where money is king doesn’t help either. Young people, please don’t bow to societal pressure to conform, be yourself, money is not the only currency you can spend so don’t engage in fraudulent activities to get it!” he said
     

    An Insider who prefers anonymity said there is no hope for him again. In his words: “He never quite broke in to the industry. He can’t be described as an A-list artiste, he doesn’t even count as B-list, so there’s no hope for him again, in my opinion. Add the struggle to blow to this huge scandal, people will surely steer clear from him and his music.”

    Popular eclectic Nigerian OAP and hype-man Dotun wrote on Twitter:” I have always loved this Kid Dammy Krane. I have spoken to him on many occasions. I feared for him a lot, I cannot believe it”.

     

    For self -proclaimed Omo Baba Olowo Davido, he simply asserted that Dammy Krane should be set free. He took to his snapchat and wrote:” Free Dammy Krane . God gat you”.

    Daughter of Fuji maestro KWAM 1, Dami Marshall wrote:”Dami is an extremely honest person and he is a good citizen. He just happened to be a victim of circumstance.Dami i0s a sweet and kind young man. Dami is too young for all these harsh comments”.

     

    Nigerian male Barbie and bleaching advocate, Bobrisky surprisingly had something to say on the issue. He wrote on Snapchat:”Everyone is a sinner the only difference is that we sin differently. May God touch the heart of those who arrested him”.

     

    Tipsy Enupo, a Nigerian female rapper and also a friend to Dammy Krane took to her Instagram page to express her thoughts on the Dammy Krane saga. She wrote: “We are all sinners.. We all sin differently. The internet has given the opportunity to people to voice baseless opinions, pass harsh unrealistic judgments about situations they have no idea about. Most of you guys have yahoo boys as your inspiration, when they dash you money, you don’t question them.

    “And I hope this is clear I don’t have a problem with whatever anyone does to survive. On the other hand, I am neither encouraging fraud. Some of you are quick to attack entertainers accusing them of living beyond their means.. Excuse me, most of you curse artistes who don’t dress well, have a good car, compare them to the rich ones. The societal pressure you put on artistes to look a certain way, dress a certain way, have a certain lifestyle is the reason why people will continue to fake it till they make it.If you ever liked Dammy krane, pray for him. To the artistes coming online posting subliminal messages at him. I hope that when they are giving you that gold chain anddesigner shoe you can reject it and say Baba this money no pure, I no fit collect”.