Passage: Mr Fuji Garbage " Alhaji (Dr) Sikiru Ayinde Barister is Late

 The Late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barister

 The Late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barister

The Late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barister

The popularly known musician Alhaji Agba passed out this afternoon at St. Mary hospital, London after several illness.

Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister had been sick and in, out of hospital in the past two years now before his been confirmed dead at St. Mary Hospital, London.

VC resigns over Ogun controversial bond

The Crescent University Abeokuta,

The Vice-Chancellor of the Crescent University Abeokuta, Prof. Sherifdeen Tella, has resigned his appointment as the institution‘s helmsman, allegedly on the account of the Ogun State controversial bond saga.

Tella, who confirmed this on Saturday, said the resignation takes effect from Monday.

He said, ”You will recall that I sent a letter to Ogun State House of Assembly on May 24, 2010 to the effect that the House should not approve the request for N50bn loan for government to offset existing loan unless for development.

“I have since been facing threats and intimidation from government officials. My employer, Prince Bola Ajibola, made public apology on behalf of himself and his university. I refused to do the same, hence, the pressure that he should sack me; but I now opt to resign.”

He stated that he was given a choice between public apology and renouncing his position on the bond issue or keeping his job in the university and at the State University, Ago Iwoye.

He said, “The choice was between public apology and renouncing my opinion on the bond issue to keep my job in Crescent University and OOU; or maintain my stand and lose the two.

”I opted to resign from Crescent University and return to OOU where Governor Gbenga Daniel is the Visitor and get ready for battle of survival.”

Efforts to get the reaction of the founder of the university, Prince Ajibola on the VC‘s resignation failed, as he did not respond to the many calls and text message sent to his phone by our correspondent.

The state, it will be recalled, wanted to obtain a N50bn bond, an action that attracted strong criticisms from citizens of the state, including the vice-chancellor.

Source: http://www.punchng.com

EU draft rules would boost watchdog powers

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso speaks during a news conference.

European regulators will gain unprecedented powers to control commodity markets through trade caps and heightened intervention if a draft EU document becomes binding, specialist lawyers said on Friday.

Commodities are being integrated into sweeping reforms to the European Union’s markets in financial instruments directive (MiFID), which is due to be released next week.

A draft version seen by Reuters increases surveillance of market activities and allocates new powers to set U.S.-style position limits to restrict speculative trade.

“I think there are some risks in this, and the framework of this paper seems to suggest a fairly significant increase in regulatory intervention. Some is foreshadowed at the G20 level and some of it isn’t,” said Chris Bates, a partner at Clifford Chance with a focus on financial services regulation.

France, Europe’s largest grain producer and exporter in the EU, has been pushing for more controls for commodity markets as the head of the Group of 20 economic powers.

Spikes in wheat and cocoa prices this summer have given fresh impetus to the debate. Bates said that the new Mifid in some ways is more stringent and likely to be more controversial than proposed U.S. regulation under the Dodd-Frank act.

“The real concern about the whole European framework is that it’s quite rigid once it’s set ... and that is one of the big differences from the United States. There are concerns that there are many regulators that don’t have a close feel for these markets, so it is giving them powers to take actions they are not well-equipped to deal with.

“In contrast, the CFTC (U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission) is steeped in commodity markets and commodity markets regulation, so while its powers may be extensive, at least they are manageable or predictable in some way,” Mr.Bates argued.

Debate has been heated on the topic of position limits. Under the revised Mifid, traders could be required to reduce their positions in the interests of the market.

“They (regulators) will have powers to impose position limits for whatever category of participant, and that’s something the UK has never called for,” said Jonathan Herbst, a partner at law firm Norton Rose.

Mr. Bates, at Clifford Chance, said the draft law would give regulators greater powers to selectively manage a party’s position after it has been taken.

“I think that this sort of intervention power is quite a dramatic change. If you imagine that in securities markets that regulators were given powers to ask why you are holding a security and to make you sell it at their whim, that’s quite a big intervention in markets,” Mr. Bates said.

He added that the natural consequence of stricter European regulation was a loss of liquidity in the EU, as investors shift to the growing commodity trading hubs in Singapore and Switzerland.

“There’s very little discretion to adjust the rules later. So what you would expect is a certain amount of this business to move somewhere else. Some of it can’t, like electricity, but oil probably doesn’t need to stay here,” he said.

Source: http://234next.com

Education standard has not fallen — Onifade

Onifade

Prof. Demola Onifade is the immediate-past Director, Institute of Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, and now the Director of the institution‘s General Studies Unit. In this interview with SEGUN OLUGBILE, Onifade argues that the standard of education in the country has not fallen, adding that teaching will not attract the nation‘s best brains until teachers‘ reward system is improved upon by their employers, particularly government Education programmes in higher institutions no longer attract the best hands, as over 80 per cent of students of education in our universities view courses in education as programmes of last resort. What can be done to attract the best brains to take up careers in teaching?

Education programmes in higher institutions no longer attract the best applicants because the price is not right. By this, I mean the course does not bring the prestige and honour it should. Teachers are poorly paid and their welfare package, generally, is nothing to cheer. To attract the best products of the nation‘s school system into taking up career in teaching, there must be a very attractive salary package and welfare programme. In developed countries, university graduates teach in both pre-primary and primary schools because they are well remunerated; they also have attractive welfare packages. The same could happen in Nigeria if teachers are well paid in terms of salaries and welfare packages. It is also extremely very important for the Nigerian society to begin to accord teachers the necessary respect, dignity and honour.

The issue of free education, up to the university level, has been politicised. Do you think free education is still practicable in Nigeria?

Free education is practicable, provided the government is serious and totally committed to it and also if we can reduce the huge amount of money invested in running the government. The key to our social, political and economic development lies with adequate and proper education of the youth. However, federal, state and local governments, parents and guardians, can contribute to education funding.

Read More: http://www.punchng.com

Election, extra budgetary spending stress Nigeria’s economy

Almost the entire focus has been on elections and what emerges thereafter.

A major factor that would determine the performance of the Nigerian economy next year is the elections. Economic and financial analysts all acknowledge this concern. Apart from the huge spending that has pushed deficit to above six percent of gross domestic product, there is also the concern that in the event of a change in government, there may be radical reversals of many of the policies already in place.

Expenditure is estimated at N5.16 trillion, revenue is put at N3.18 trillion, while budget is estimated at N 4.67 trillion. The shortfall will be sourced from massive domestic and foreign borrowing, with the attendant effect on the economy. The exchange rate is tottering; interest rate is pegged at 6.25 percent, while inflation at above 13 percent has not shown any signs of slowing down.

In its October rating of the country, Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency, noted that elections in the first half of next year have increased short-term political uncertainty in the country. According to its ratings note, the end of zoning in the ruling party could give rise to instability in the Niger Delta or in the northern states, depending on who is chosen as candidate.

“A flare-up in the Niger Delta would be the worst outcome for the economy as a whole, as it would likely bring a renewed decline in oil output, budget revenues, and international reserves,” the report said.

The report added that the major constraints on the ratings, low per capita income, weak transparency and governance, and the infrastructure deficit, especially the power shortage, remain in place.

Uncertainty persists

Bismarck Rewane, managing director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, a Lagos-based financial advisory services firm, also believes that the current development in the political scene creates uncertainty in the country.

In his presentation at the Lagos Business School November monthly executive breakfast meeting, Mr. Rewane said recent development has made the incumbent president more vulnerable, adding “the political structure is fragile and the imponderables have multiplied. Stakes are high and situation fluid.”

Thankfully, the country’s oil production is back to its best levels since 2006, but elections pose a risk. Without doubt, the election period comes with some level of frenzied spending by government that is usually not captured in the appropriation.

“Revised budgetary projections and two supplementary budgets (including one to cover the costs of Nigeria’s new voter registration system) suggest that spending will rise around 50 percent in 2010, with some spillover into 2011,” said Razia Khan, regional head of research, Africa, at Standard Chartered Bank, London.

Ms. Khan said Nigeria’s election will be one of Africa’s most watched political events in 2011. She added that the extra budgetary spending is not without its repercussion.

“Elections are not without their risks, however, and the concern is that while much reform is promised in the future, there is little to show for the reform agenda so far. Almost the entire focus has been on elections and what emerges thereafter, with comparatively little emphasis on structural reforms that would benefit the economy now,” Ms. Khan said.

This is in addition to the coming on board of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria to buy up bad debts from the books of the banks. This will be financed by bonds to be floated in the next few weeks. According to Fitch, institutional and structural factors are weaknesses for the public finances.

“Costs arising from AMCON and other contingent liabilities would still leave debt ratios comfortably below rated peers,” it said.

Source: http://234next.com

62-year old Ibadan zoological garden gets a facelift

Ibadan Zoo

After the payment of the required fee, visitors are allowed into the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, which is almost as old as the premier university itself. The first sight that confronts the visitor seen is the different species of birds like geese, parrots, and ducks in their cages.

Each cage has a label that offers information on the species of birds or animals, and this include their biological and common names, habitat, feeding and sleeping habits, and so on. A detour will reveal a water-moat enclosure, where crocodile sun themselves. This leads to the reptile house, where different species of snakes, turtles, and monitor lizards from around Africa are kept in a safe glass container.

Visitors are warned not to touch the glass for their own safety. As is the case in every section of the zoo, each glass container has a label offering information about the animal that lives there.

The exit from the reptile house leads to tall iron cages holding different species of monkey, chimpanzees, and orang-utan. A walk further into the zoo and one sees the wild boar lounging in the mud at the water-moat enclosure. Right beside it is a cage where a fox inhabits. Adjacent to it is a stable housing a horse.

A climb down the bamboo bridge leads to the lion enclosure, where a pride of lions are kept. A lucky visitor might witness the feeding of these ferocious creatures with live goats. After that are cages holding hyenas, an ostrich, antelopes, camels, and herby goats.

Indeed, there is much to see in the old zoo at the University of Ibadan.

The zoological garden is one of the oldest zoos in Nigeria. It was originally created in 1948 as a place to house the animals used for research and teaching in the Zoological Department of the university. It became a fully fledged zoo and opened to the public in 1963.

Built on 10 acres of land, a curator, Mr. Bob Golding, was appointed to manage it. He later expanded and diversified the animal collection. The zoological garden soon became a popular site where many people went for relaxation and to view the wild animals in a safe environment.

 Read more: http://www.punchng.com

Desperate lawmakers dig in ahead of 2011 polls

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP chairman Ezekwezili Nwodo.

Okwesilieze Nwodo, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not particularly happy when he arrived his office at Wadata Plaza, from the National Assembly last Monday evening. A few hours earlier, he had attended a public hearing of the bills to amend the Electoral Act 2010 during which he presented the position of the ruling party.

Mr Nwodo felt uncomfortable with the exercise, particularly the lawmakers' defence of the proposed amendment which, if passed into law, will admit the federal lawmakers to the national executive committee of their respective parties.

According to one of his aides, the national chairman summoned a few members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to his office and within minutes, put a call across to the Senate President, David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole informing them of the intention of the leadership of the party to meet with its members in both chambers.

An agreement was reached for the PDP leadership to meet with the about 80 senators and 260 members of the House on Wednesday and quickly, Mr Nwodo's aide on national assembly affairs went to work to make the necessary arrangement for the parley.

The agenda was obvious - the amendment bill, which the party boss and all the stakeholders who attended the public hearing, had condemned.

Source: http://234next.com

Aregbesola inauguration: Opening floodgate of probes in Osun

Aregbesola

With the change of leadership in Osun State, TUNDE ODESOLA writes that the new governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has a lot of contentious projects executed by his predecessor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to look into

Damocles was a courtier in the palace of King Dionysius II of Syracuse, Italy. Lusting after power and royalty, Damocles exclaimed that Dionysius was truly fortunate. But the king, in an attempt to teach the courtier a lesson, offered to switch position with him. Damocles jumped at the offer and he was placed on the throne. In his majesty, Damocles, while on the throne in a fleeting moment, savours royalty but when he looked up to view the ceilings, he saw a huge sword held at the tip by a single hair of horse tail hanging above his head!

The Sword of Damocles fell on the three and a half years old administration of Okuku-born Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on November 26, 2010 when justice flooded Osun State like a rolling river as an Appeal Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, swept the torn and tattered umbrella of the Osun Peoples Democratic Party away. A five-member panel of judges led by Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, including Justices Mohammed Lawal Garba, Paul Adamu Galinje, Chima Centus Nweze, and Adamu Jauro, after a five-hour judgement, returned a unanimous verdict that the April 14, 2007 governorship election in the state was characterised by violence and fraud. The judges ruled that the Action Congress of Nigeria governorship candidate, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, is the winner of the election.

Before the verdict, there had been some topical political issues over which both the then opposition party and the ruling party sharply differed. One of the areas is the acquisition of an N18.38bn loan obtained by the defunct administration of Oyinlola. The ACN had objected to the acquisition of the loan by Oyinlola and described it as a conduit created to siphon public funds. In paid advertorials and news conferences, the Osun ACN had called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loan. The ACN had warned that it would not repay the loan if it eventually wrestled power from the PDP. Aregbesola, in an interview, had faulted the loan, saying it was callous, scandalous and irritating.

He said, ”How can a state as poor as Osun obtain a loan of N18.38bn with a monthly repayment interest and capital charges of N620m? This means that the state will pay N1.4bn yearly on the loan. The loan is repayable in three years. Here is a state that borrows between N900m and N120m monthly to pay workers salaries and pensions. Can you imagine how the loan was disbursed? I will tell you; the loan was disbursed without the commencement of the projects earmarked. Isn‘t that absurd and wicked? How can you disburse money upfront before a project is done? I constructed gigantic projects in Lagos without mobilising Julius Berger. Lagos State paid after the job was satisfactorily done. If not for ulterior motive and going by the remaining months in their tenure, only N3bn should have been disbursed so far but they have disbursed N12bn. The projects they obtained the loans for are worthless. They say they want to build six stadia; where are the stadia? On every naira the state government is spending on the loan, it is gaining four per cent and losing 14 per cent. What is the sense in that?

Another contentious issue the ACN faulted before it got to power was the bomb blast allegation in which a serving Magistrate, Mr Ayo Oyebiyi, and many ACN members were incarcerated. Some explosives had gone off inside a grey colour Peugeot 505 on June 14, 2007 at the Governor‘s Office Secretariat, Abere, disemboweling an occupant simply named Tunde. Another occupant, Richard Adesanmi, lost an eye to the blast while the third occupant identified simply as Henry fled the scene. The case is still in court as at the time the Oyinlola administration was nullified.

Read more: http://www.punchng.com

Senate shelves debate on multi-billion naira transport ministry scam

Tony Anenih, a former transportation minister and leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Around this time last year, a damning report detailing how Tony Anenih, a former transportation minister and leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and some of his successors in the ministry, allegedly misapplied billions of naira meant for the rehabilitation and construction of federal roads, was listed for debate - for the third time in a row - by the Senate.

It was not taken; but postponed by one month because the budget was considered the pressing issue at that moment. December came and went and it kept appearing on the order paper as a matter to be taken "next month." The report which took the ad hoc committee 18 months to produce kept appearing that way till February this year when it was again listed to be debated and adopted in March.

Later, at the same time that the late president, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, became invisible, the report also disappeared completely from the calendar of the Senate and has not been re-introduced till date.

The transport probe report is filled with revelations of alleged serial malpractices, and shows how, in 10 years (1999 to 2009), through multiple contract fraud, connivance between contractors and government officials, some N633 billion was spent on only 4,752 kilometres of road; shortchanging the government to the tune of N47 million per kilometre of road.

Source:http://234next.com

Mark and Bankole to buy official residences

The four people that make up the leadership of the National Assembly; Senate President David Mark, his deputy Ike Ekweremadu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and his deputy Usman Bayero Nafawa , will soon be owners of choice real estate in Abuja.

They are to benefit from the largesse of President Goodluck Jonathan who has given permission to the four men to purchase their current living quarters.

It is not clear what price has been put on the houses, but the commonwealth will pay for the president's generosity to the tune of N1.5 billion. This is the amount in the proposed 2011 budget - which NEXT got exclusive access to - that is to be spent on building new legislative quarters for the leadership of the Assembly.

At least one lawmaker is unhappy with Mr. Jonathan's decision and says it is a sign of how desperate the President has become, ahead of elections. "You know, there are so many things that he (Mr. Jonathan) wants from them (National Assembly leadership) so they are taking advantage of situation, '' the lawmaker said.

Source:http://234next.com

FIFA bans Adamu

Amos Adamu

Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii have had their suspensions transmuted to bans and fines.

Claudio Sulser, the Head, Ethics Committee, in a press conference, stated that the two executive members were found guilty of contravening Articles 3 and 14 of FIFA's general rules.

Adamu and Temarii had been suspended on October 20, 2010 pending the end of these investigations. Adamu was banned from all football related activities for three years and fined 10,000 Swiss Francs, (N1.5million). Temarii was banned for a year and fined 5,000 Swiss Francs (N765, 000).

Other members of FIFA sanctioned by the committee include: Slim Aloulou from Tunisia, Amadu Diakite from Mali, Ahongalu Fusimalohi from Tonga and Ismael Bhamjee from Botswana, who was banned for four years.

Source: http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Sport/Football/5643815-146/fifa_bans_adamu___.csp

Fayemi appoints Adeoye as SSA

KAYODE FAYEMI

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has appointed a journalist, Mr. Adewale Adeoye, as his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, according to a statement from the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

Adeoye was until his appointment the Deputy Editor (Sunday) of The Nation Newspapers. A 1988 Philosophy graduate of the University of Nigeria, Adeoye holds Masters in Industrial and Labour Relations, University of Lagos (2000). He is an alumnus of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research based in Switzerland.

In 2009, he won the Distinguished Service Merit Award organised by the African Youth Society, based in Republic of Guinea on Mass Communication, International Friendship and Global Journalism. He began his journalism career in The Guardian in 1989, worked in THE PUNCH Newspapers as Deputy News Editor/Head of Investigation.

Adeoye won the CNN African Journalist of the Year, 2000, Nigerian Media Merit Award, Travel and Tourism Reporter of the Year (NMMA, 1999), Political Reporter of the Year (NMMA, 1999), Features Writer of the Year (NMMA, 2000) and DAME Award for Journalist of the Year (2009).


 Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011182484793

Eid-el Kabir tragedy: Saraki mourns death of PDP members

Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday commiserated with the Peoples Democratic Party in the state over the death of four of its members.

The four PDP members were said to have slumped and died during the Sallah celebration in the state on Tuesday as a result of excessive heat.

In a condolence message to the party leadership and the bereaved families, Saraki expressed shock over the sad event, noting that the deceased would be greatly missed by the party and their families.

He described the deaths as painful as well as a great loss to the state.


Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011183114726

Constitution amendment: NASS ’ll abide by court’s ruling -Bankole

 

 THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, has said that members of the National Assembly  would abide by the court judgment that constitutional amendment requires presidential assent to become operational.
However, the  former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, said presidential assent would give  too much power to  the president, and if not curtailed, could turn him to a monster.
Bankole made it clear that the National Assembly would resist any attempt to encroach on  its autonomy as an arm of government, and urged the executive and the judiciary to also adhere to the rule of law and the codes guiding inter-governmental relations.
“We will abide by the rule of law on court judgment. But we will also wish that the other arms of government abide by law and order,”
Bankole, who was speaking at a lecture organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy (OAIGPP) in Lagos, on electoral integrity  said, “we at the House of Representatives will ensure independence of the legislature. We will defend it at all cost, but we will also abide, at all time, by the rule of law.”
He remarked that the lecture series on electoral integrity was apt, but he added that the road map to credible ballots began with the electorate and all stakeholders changing their mindset or attitude and learning to play by the rule.
The guest speaker, Nnamani, who spoke on “Constitutional and Electoral Reform,” warned that those canvassing presidential assent for constitution amendment were unwittingly creating a stronger monster out of whoever occupied the presidential seat because their position subjected public wish to the whims of an individual.
Nnamani called the position of the lawyer canvassing presidential assent - and now the court verdict - a “strategic blunder” Nigeria could least contend with, given the country’s recent experiences in having an all-powerful president as exemplified in the constitutional logjam created by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua leaving the country for months without handing over to his deputy.
“The legal controversy regarding the need for the president to assent to a constitutional amendment is dangerous,” Nnamani warned.

Source:http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/13355-constitution-amendment-nass-ll-abide-by-courts-ruling-bankole

FG puts security on red alert •Jonathan’s effort to stop strike fails •Labour leaders meet today

AS the organised labour  begins a three-day nationwide strike today over agitations for a minimum wage, the Federal Government has put all security outfits on red alert.
This is just as labour leaders emerged from a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House on Tuesday night with a resolution to go back to consult with their internal organs before taking another position on the strike.
The labour leaders had been called for a meeting by the president as he attempted to avert the three-day warning strike.
No decision to immediately call off the strike was reached with the president which in essence means that the labour force would down tools as planned.
According to the acting President of the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, who briefed State House correspondents alongside the acting  President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Promise Adewusi, after the  meeting which lasted for less than 30 minutes, having heard from President  Jonathan, they had resolved to go back to brief their various organs.
An informed security source revealed to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday night that the action became necessary to prevent the situation from being hijacked by criminal-minded persons or group(s) which might want to capitalise on the situation to foment trouble or unleash mayhem in the country.
The source also said that government took the action to provide adequate security for life and property in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“Government is not leaving anything to chance, especially the current volatile political situation in the country and as well the fragile security situation which is giving government concern each day,” Nigerian Tribune source disclosed.
The source further revealed that adequate security personnel had been deployed in the nation’s land, seaports and airports while public places such as NITEL, PHCN, oil installations, Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Federal Secretariat, FRCN, NTA stations, among others, are also to be guarded to prevent hoodlums from wreaking possible havoc.
Nigerian Tribune further learnt that extra security had also been deployed in the Niger Delta to maintain law and order even as the MEND has threatened to attack several oil installations in the region during the period.
In fact, heads of various security outfits had held several consultations with the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Azazi, on the need for adequate security in the country during and after the warning strike.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Hafiz Ringim, was reported to have put all state commands on red alert with the strict warning to commissioners of police to maintain absolute peace and order in their areas of operations.
No decision to immediately call off the strike was reached with the president which in essence means that the labour force would down tools as planned.
According to the acting President of the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, who briefed State House correspondents alongside the acting  President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Promise Adewusi, after the  meeting which lasted for less than 30 minutes, having heard from President  Jonathan, they had resolved to go back to brief their various organs.
An informed security source revealed to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday night that the action became necessary to prevent the situation from being hijacked by criminal-minded persons or group(s) which might want to capitalise on the situation to foment trouble or unleash mayhem in the country.
The source also said that government took the action to provide adequate security for life and property in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“Government is not leaving anything to chance, especially the current volatile political situation in the country and as well the fragile security situation which is giving government concern each day,” Nigerian Tribune source disclosed.
The source further revealed that adequate security personnel had been deployed in the nation’s land, seaports and airports while public places such as NITEL, PHCN, oil installations, Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Federal Secretariat, FRCN, NTA stations, among others, are also to be guarded to prevent hoodlums from wreaking possible havoc.
Nigerian Tribune further learnt that extra security had also been deployed in the Niger Delta to maintain law and order even as the MEND has threatened to attack several oil installations in the region during the period.
In fact, heads of various security outfits had held several consultations with the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Azazi, on the need for adequate security in the country during and after the warning strike.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Hafiz Ringim, was reported to have put all state commands on red alert with the strict warning to commissioners of police to maintain absolute peace and order in their areas of operations.

Source:http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/13357-fg-puts-security-on-red-alert-jonathans-effort-to-stop-strike-fails-labour-leaders-meet-today

Court nullifies Uduaghan’s election

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

ASABA—DR. EMMANUELUduaghan’s tenure as Governor of Delta State was brought to an abrupt end, yesterday, after the five-man Court of Appeal panel presided over by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensah, in Benin annulled the process that brought him to power. The panel in a unanimous decision ruled that the election was marred with irregularities.
The court decision was upon the electoral petition filed by the gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, Chief Great Ogboru that there was no election in the State. The court in its ruling ordered that a fresh election should be conducted within 90 days.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Prince Sam Obi from Ika North East Constituency was ordered to be sworn in as Acting Governor in the interim. Obi was elected as Speaker only last July following the exit of the immediate past Speaker, Mr. Martins Okonta.
Yesterday’s action followed the persistent efforts of Mr. Ogboru to overturn the return of Dr. Uduaghan as the validly elected Governor of Delta State in the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial elections. To his chagrin, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Uduaghan as the winner, issued him certificate of return and he was subsequently sworn-in on may 29, 2007 thus setting the stage for the attendant series of legal combats.
Ogboru, like his Action Congress, AC counterpart, Mr. Peter Okocha approached the Election Tribunal sitting in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, to nullify Uduaghan’s election. While Ogboru anchored his petition on manipulation of the polls, Okocha hinged his on exclusion from the exercise. The tribunal led by Justice Lokulo dismissed his petition and Ogboru headed for the appeal court and got a judgment for the petition to be retried.

Read More:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/11/court-nullifies-uduaghans-election/

Zimbabwe charges diamond firm ACR with fraud

Zimbabwe-focused African Consolidated Resources Plc has been charged with fraud and violating the country's precious stones laws and will soon appear in the high court, the company said on Monday.

ACR said it faced allegations of unlawfully acquiring diamond claims in Marange by using subsidiary companies that were unregistered at the time, a process the authorities considered fraudulent.
"ACR has been legally advised that this should make no difference to the validity of the Marange Claims and accordingly that the charges are groundless," the company said.
London-listed ACR is already involved in a court battle with the Zimbabwean government which cancelled the company's claims in the Marange fields in the east of the country in 2006.
Zimbabwe's high court confirmed ACR's titles in a September 2009 ruling. It rescinded that decision this year, citing irregularities in the acquisition and registration of claims.
Last week, Zimbabwe police arrested six directors linked to a joint venture firm mining diamonds in Marange, also on allegations of fraudulently acquiring the concession.
The arrested executives include five officials from the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) and a Zimbabwean representative of its South African partner, Core Mining and Minerals, in the 50-50 diamond mining joint venture, Canadile Miners.
A magistrate will rule on Tuesday on the executives' bail application.

Source:http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/World/5640383-147/zimbabwe_charges_diamond_firm_acr_with.csp

DV lottery tops Google search in Nigeria

DV lottery

The fastest rising search in Nigeria for the month of October was the Diversity Visa lottery 2012, Google said in a statement on Monday.

The DV lottery is the American Diversity Visa lottery that is popularly known as the green card lottery.

The programme designed by the American government allows natives of other countries who meet certain eligibility requirements to gain immigrant visas to the United States.

The online registration began on October 5, 2010 and ended on November 3, 2010.

According to Google, the search emerged tops as thousands of hopefuls flocked to the Internet to find the website, apply online and also get the results of the 2011 lottery.

Nimbuzz, which offers free calls, chat and messaging, followed closely as the fifth rising search after the visa lottery showing the continuing popularity of social networking in Nigeria.

”We are noticing a definite shift from paper applications to online, for a lot of applications and processes in Nigeria. The Internet is increasingly becoming integrated into our lives as more and more application are done online,” Google Nigeria Officer, Mrs. Lola Masha, said.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011091201328

Libya arrests ally of reformist Gaddafi son: report

Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and chairman of the Al Qaddafi International Foundation for Charity and Development, addresses students and staff at the American University in Cairo May 5, 2010.

The deputy head of a media group founded by a son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has been arrested, local media said on Monday, in an apparent escalation of a power struggle inside the country's ruling elite.

Reform-minded Saif al-Islam Gaddafi is seen as a possible successor to his father as ruler of the oil exporting state but he has been waging a turf war with a conservative old guard within his father's entourage.
Parts of the Al Ghad media group founded by Saif al-Islam have come under pressure in the past week, with the print version of the Oea newspaper suspended and the Libya Press news agency saying some of its journalists have been arrested.
"For the fourth day in a row, the Libyan internal security agency is continuing to summon and detain journalists and contributors of Libya Press," the news agency said in a statement on its Internet site.
"The list of those detained has so far reached 20 journalists and contributors, including the deputy managing-director of Al Ghad group, Fawzi Batamr, for reasons that remain unclear."
The news agency had said on Sunday that 10 of its reporters had been detained. There was no confirmation of the arrests from Libyan officials.
The infighting in Libya, home to Africa's biggest proven oil reserves, is watched closely by Western oil majors including BP, Eni and Exxon Mobil.
They have poured billions of dollars into Libyan oil and gas projects and some analysts say their investments could be jeopardised by shifts in the political landscape.

Source:http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/World/5640379-147/libya_arrests_ally_of_reformist_gaddafi.csp

S.Africa's Gordhan worried about capital inflows

South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan speaks at a news conference during the annual IMF-World Bank meeting at the IMF headquarters building in Washington October 7, 2010.

South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Tuesday he was concerned about the rapid movement of capital inflows and said such large flows were having an impact on South Africa and other countries.

"In addition to concerns about the global recovery ... there's an additional factor... The rapid movement of huge capital flows around the world, which has an impact particularly on the currencies of developing countries like South Africa," Gordhan said at a news conference, ahead of his departure for a G20 summit in South Korea.
Gordhan said measures to handle capital inflows had to be found locally.
"We need to find tools in the domestic environment that ideally do not have a negative impact on other countries," he said.
Gordhan said all available funds would be used to help South Africa's Reserve Bank rebuild its reserves.
Emerging market currencies, including South Africa's rand, have soared in value as investors faced with minimal interest rates in crisis-hit developed economies seek higher returns elsewhere.
In its medium term budget statement last month, the Treasury said Africa's biggest economy had few options to devalue the rand in the face of increased capital inflows.
The rand has gained 28 percent since the start of 2009 and was trading 0.57 percent lower at 6.8640 to the dollar by 0733 GMT.

Source: http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/World/5640377-147/s.africas_gordhan_worried_about_capital_inflows.csp
 

2011: Battle for the soul of Borno hots up

GOING by history, Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff and his Deputy, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal (Sardaunan Biu), are the only politicians to break the jinx of second term in office. Both contested in 2003 and won on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP. They re-contested on the same platform in 2007  and won with an unprecedented victory.

Modu Sheriff, Abba Aji and Saidu Pindar 

The duo have recorded modest achievements in the  provision of democracy dividends via construction of roads, drainage, housing, hospitals, carrying out poverty alleviation and youth empowerment projects among others.
When the going was good, especially in 2003, Governor Sheriff said at a political gathering that based on the good relations and loyalty he enjoyed from Dibal, he had no option than to hand over to his deputy after he might have concluded his second tenure, specifically in 2011.
Sheriff was also quoted to have said that the issue of reserving the governorship slot for majority Kanuri would no longer be tolerated and promised that his administration would ensure power shifts to southern Borno, where Dibal hails from.
The declaration drew support for Sheriff, particularly those from southern Borno, which constitute about 47% of the state population with about nine local government areas of Biu, Gwoza, Askira_Uba, Hawul, Shani, Damboa, Kwaya_Kusar and Bayo.
Sheriff, deputy fall apart
That was the understanding until the  alleged plan by the governor to back another candidate, soured the relations between Sheri and his deputy. The governor was alleged to have sidelined Dibal in the running of the government.
 
Read More: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/11/2011-battle-for-the-soul-of-borno-hots-up/

Pandemonium as Abuja airport’s runway lights break down

Abuja airport

Runway lights at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, went off for over an hour thus creating pandemonium among air travellers at the airport.

The development, our correspondent gathered, led to disruption of flights across the country as airplanes could neither land nor take-off from the federal capital city airport while the darkness lasted.

Hundreds of passengers were temporarily stranded inside aircrafts on the tarmac and in the terminal building of the airport while engineers with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria battled to fix the problem.

While the darkness lasted between 7pm and 8pm, several airplanes from Lagos, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country were diverted to the Kano airport, according to airport sources.

Some passengers aboard a Lagos-bound Arik Air flight W3 061 said they spent over one hour on board the aircraft at the Abuja airport.

The Media Officer, Arik Air, Mr. Adebanji Ola, who confirmed the development, said passengers had boarded and the airplane was ready to take-off when the runway lights suddenly went off.

He also said that one of the airline’s planes coming from Port Harcourt to land at Abuja airport had to be diverted to Kano airport due to the problem.

“It is not only our airline. Other airlines were involved. No aircraft could land or take-off at Abuja airport while the problem persisted,” he said.

The General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mr. Akin Olukunle, who confirmed the development, attributed the problem to “electric fault.”


 Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011092472184

Police seize ammunition from robbery gang in Oyo

seized ammunition

The Oyo State police command has busted two gangs of armed robbers, seizing a cache of arms and ammunition in the process.

The cache included several rounds of ammunition, 51 magazines, seven machine guns, charms, among other weapons.

Parading the suspects before journalists, Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr. Adisa Bolanta, on Monday, said a member of one of the gangs, Chinedu Nwayanwu, was arrested with the arms and ammunition after the police halted the bus at a checkpoint in Awolowo area of Ibadan.

Only Nwayanwu was caught when the police halted the bus in which the suspects were driving and the occupants jumped down from the bus, taking to their heels.

When the police searched the vehicle, the arms, ammunition and charms were recovered.

The other gang, which comprised four suspects, Sikiru Jimoh (35), Tunde Ojo (50), Lateef Bello (27) and Kolade Ogunwonyi (38), confessed to robbing their victims in a bus they were using for transport.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101109325771

Minimum wage: FG, Labour meeting deadlocked •Strike to begin on schedule -NLC •Nigerians rush to banks for withdrawals

NLC President

A meeting of the Federal Government and the organised labour called in Abuja on Monday to resolve the disagreement on the implementation of the proposed minimum wage to Nigerian workers failed to achieve a middle ground as labour now looks set to press ahead with its planned three-day warning strike beginning from tomorrow (Wednesday).
Vice-President Namadi Sambo led the Federal Government negotiating team that also included Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, while the acting president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Promise Adewusi, and the President of Trade Union congress (TUC), Peter Esele, led the team from labour to the meeting which took place at the State House, Abuja.
Governor Oshiomhole, a former president of the NLC, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, pointed out that labour was forced into threatening a strike because of its perceived delay in forwarding the report on the minimum wage to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
He said  Monday’s meeting was to convince labour that the Federal Government was not delaying action unnecessarily just to buy time.
According to him, “Labour gave an ultimatum to the Federal Government to take action on the minimum wage report. They believe and I believe rightly that they didn’t see any action being taken on the report which was submitted in July and that is a long time now.
“But at the meeting, effort had been made to make the point that yes, some time had been lost and government now realised that we have to act fast and the meeting of the National Council of State has been slated for November 25 and the Council of State will finalise the decision and the report will be forwarded to the National Assembly,” he said.
Governor Oshiomhole was confident that once the report went to the legislature, it would be speedily dealt with, especially with the presence of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Council of State as members.
His words: “The good thing is that, members of the National Assembly are very well represented in the Council of State. We have the Senate President as a member, we have the Speaker as a member and therefore, all of us offer to ensure that once the Council of State does what it has to do, then the National Assembly will be encouraged to fast track the process so that we can have the outcome legislated into law.

Read More: http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/13303-minimum-wage-fg-labour-meeting-deadlocked-strike-to-begin-on-schedule-nlc-nigerians-rush-to-banks-for-withdrawals

Queen to launch Facebook page

The Queen of England

Britain - The Queen is set to have an official presence on Facebook when a British Monarchy page launches on the internet-based social networking site, the British Broadcasting Corporation reports.

Buckingham Palace says it is not a personal profile page, but users can ”like” the service and receive updates on their news feed.

The Queen has reportedly embraced the web and sends e-mails. A British Monarchy Twitter feed is also available

The Facebook page is due to go live from Monday morning.

The page will also feature the Court Circular, recording the previous day‘s official engagements.

Also featured will be information about royal events and ceremonies, searchable on a UK map.

Its creation is a collaboration between Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and the Royal Collection.

Although users of the social networking site will be unable to add The Queen as a ”friend” or attempt to virtually ”poke” her as they would with anyone with a personal profile, they will be able to find out what royal events are happening nearby.

The launch of the Facebook page follows the introduction of the Monarchy‘s Flickr account earlier this year.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110813241060

‘Neglect of 2, 000 communities responsible for crimes’

Border Communities Development Agency

The Executive Secretary of Border Communities Development Agency, Mr. Numoipre Wills, has said that the neglect of over 2, 000 international border communities in Nigeria is responsible for the increase in border crimes.

Wills said this in a paper titled “The Role of Border Communities in improving border security in Nigeria”, which he delivered during the border communities’ sensitisation workshop organised by the BCDA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Atarhe Akpohwaye, said the BCDA boss submitted that security consciousness and vigilance should be made a priority amongst the citizens of these communities who are the first casualties in the event of external aggression and cross border violence.

The workshop, which had the theme “Border Security: The challenges for Integration and development in Nigeria”, was held at Kemba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Citing his experiences with international border dwellers, Wills said, “The Agency has just embarked on a familiarisation tour of some border communities in five states of the federation to have first hand information regarding the needs of the citizens of these communities. Everywhere we went the story of suffering and serious neglect of these people was evident.

“Various tiers of governments have obviously denied them various developmental programs obtainable in the centre.”

He bemoaned the perception amongst security operations that postings to remote areas was a form of punishment.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110814153762

Jakande, Bakare for LTV anniversary lecture

Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande

Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; the incumbent, Mr. Raji Fashola; and the Convener, Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare, are billed to attend the 30th Anniversary Lecture of the Lagos Television slated for Wednesday.

A statement by the Corporate Affairs Manager, LTV, Mrs. Adeola Salako, in Lagos on Sunday, stated that Bakare would deliver a lecture on the Role of Media in Sustaining Democracy to mark the three decades of the establishment of the television station.

Salako added that the event, where past governors of Lagos, top media practitioners, captains of industries and other stakeholders in the broadcasting world would be in attendance, would equally feature an award ceremony.

The LTV was established in 1980 by the first civilian administration of Lagos State under Jakande.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101108215270

NUJ commends Mimiko on insurance scheme

he Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Sunday commended the State Government for evolving an insurance scheme for all registered journalists in the state.

The union gave the commendation in a statement by the Chairman of the State Council, Mr. Dele Atunbi.

He described the State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, as a good friend of the press who had showed enormous interest in the welfare of journalists.

According to the union, ”The Life Insurance Scheme evolved by the Mimiko’s Administration remains an imprint in the lives of practicing journalists in Ondo State.”

The union also commended the ongoing renovation of structures within the Press Centre Complex at the instance of the State Government.

It therefore assured the government of its support in the government’s resolve to develop the state to an enviable position.

It appealed to the national leadership of the NUJ to name Mimiko as the NUJ Man of the Year due to his unique contributions to the development of journalism in the country.

Source:  http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011081417843

E-registration: Court dismisses suit against JAMB, NECO

Abuja High Court

An Abuja High Court has dismissed a suit by a consortium of firms, the Converged Examinations Management Technology Platform Consortium, , seeking to compel the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to uphold an agreement for e-registration of candidates.

In his ruling Justice Sylvanus Oriji held that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

A copy of the ruling was obtained by our correspondent on Sunday.

The judge further held that the breaches complained about by the plaintiffs were administrative actions of the defendants which could only be challenged at the Federal High Court.

He said, “I do not, with due respect, agree with the submission of the learned senior counsel for the plaintiffs that the subject matter of this suit is a simple contract in respect of which this court has jurisdiction.”

CEMPT Consortium had filed the action and joined the Minister of Education, JAMB, the National Examinations Council, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board and the Attorney-General of the Federation as co-defendants to the suit.

The plantiffs also accused the defendants of breaching an agreement for the introduction of CEMPT e-registration.

The plantiffs claimed that their registration system was aimed at delivering best breed solutions of designated examinations in biometrics technology, registration and validation and data capture management.

The plaintiffs accused the Minister of Education of interfering with the CEMPT agreement in breach of the agreement duly entered into.

Accusing the minister of delaying the take-off of the e-registration on the CEMPT platform, the plaintiffs also accused JAMB of abandoning the e-registration on the CEMPT platform and commenced registration of its applicants on the old process by which it charged N3, 650 for its registration alone as against the N850 approved for all the examinations on the CEMPT platform.

The plaintiffs also accused JAMB, NECO and NBTEB of breaching the terms of agreement when they refused to implement the terms of the principal agreement on the grounds that the paper based biometrics e-registration was not acceptable to them.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke of a Federal High Court in Lagos had earlier restrained JAMB from retaining the services of Sidmach Technologies Limited and Electronic Test Company Limited for the registration of candidates for the 2011 examination.


 Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110814205868

Abuja explosions: Dokpesi replies SSS

Raymond Dokpesi


The Chairman of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Campaign Organisation, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has informed a Federal High Court in Abuja that he had nothing to do with the Independence Day bomb blasts which claimed the lives of 12 people in Abuja.

Dokpesi’s claim was contained in a sworn affidavit which he filed on Friday in response to a preliminary objection by the State Security Service.

Dokpesi had filed the action to enforce his fundamental human rights against the SSS and to stop the agency from further harassing or intimidating him.

Dokpesi was also seeking N100m damages.

The SSS had in its objection by its lawyer, Dr. Alex Iziyon (SAN), asked the court to dismiss Dokpesi’s suit on the grounds that it was frivolous and baseless.

The SSS had earlier invited Dokpesi for questioning over the October 1 explosions on the premise of some text messages which allegedly established a nexus between him and some persons suspected of complicity in the act.

But Dokpesi had in his response, said he was not aware of the person referred to in the text messages as there were several persons bearing the name, Dokpesi.

The parties will appear in court on November 11 for the hearing of Dokpesi’s application.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110814224870

UN chief attacked over 'silence' on China dissidents

Ban Ki-moon (left) has defended his low-key style during the talks with President Hu Jintao in Beijing

 A human rights group has criticised UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for failing to raise human rights issues at talks with China's President Hu Jintao.

The New-York based Human Rights Watch had urged Mr Ban to publicly express concern about the imprisonment of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo.
It said Mr Ban's silence was shocking and sent a chilling message to Chinese activists rights activists.
Mr Ban's spokesman confirmed the matter was not discussed at Monday's talks.
The spokesman said the question of human rights did not come up even in a private meeting with President Hu, because, he said, there were many other issues to discuss.
He said Mr Ban had asked Beijing to play a greater role in solving African conflicts such as those in Somalia and Sudan.

Read More:

Britain And France Share Troops To Save Cash

The countries will share use of Britain's new fully-operational aircraft carrier

Britain and France will commit to share troops, aircraft carriers and nuclear testing facilities later today, in order to save cash.

David Cameron and president Nicolas Sarkozy will sign treaties tying British and French forces together for decades to come.
At an Anglo-French summit in London they will agree:
:: Co-ordination of aircraft carriers to ensure there is always a British or French vessel available for joint operations.
:: The creation of a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force training British and French troops to deploy on operations together.
:: The development of a new nuclear testing facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston and its French counterpart at Valduc.
It comes as both countries try to cut the cost of their armed forces.

Read More: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Britain-And-France-Agree-To-Share-Troops-Aircraft-Carriers-And-Nuclear-Testing-Facilities/Article/201011115789606?f=rss

UK and France agree to joint nuclear weapons tests

The two leaders will announce plans for French planes to use British refuelling aircraft

The UK and France are to sign a treaty agreeing to the joint development and testing of nuclear warheads.

The plans will see one centre set up in the UK to develop technology and another in France to carry out testing.
Prime Minister David Cameron and President Nicolas Sarkozy will also outline plans, at a London summit, for a joint army expeditionary force.
Downing Street called the measures "practical", but Labour said they left "big questions" over the UK's defences.

Read More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11670247

Top Gear's James May: 'Show Is Like A Sitcom'

James May

Top Gear is more like a sitcom and less like a show about cars, one of its presenters believes.

James May says he now plays a "character" in the show, something many viewers might have already suspected.

In an interview with the Radio Times, the 47-year-old said the aspect of the long-running show which inevitably featured the trio of presenters - Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and May - getting in a pickle, did annoy him.
"It's really almost a sitcom now, so we are characters," he said.
"When I started, Top Gear was a car show about cars, and I was interested not only in the technology but also the sociology and the artistry of them... the shapes and the colours.
"That was something I've always been into. But it's a different programme now, it's turned into something else."

Read More:http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20101102/ten-top-gear-s-james-may-show-is-like-a-8a3eada.html

Taylor Swift to launch own perfume line

 Taylor Swift

Country music star Taylor Swift has teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create her own line of perfume and fragrance products

Elizabeth Arden, makers of designer perfumes for fashion line Juicy Couture and celebrities such as Britney Spears and Elizabeth Taylor, said on Monday the first fragrance will be launched in late 2011.

Swift, 20, will be personally involved in all aspects of product development, packaging and advertising. There is no name as yet for the new line.
The announcement comes a week after the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Swift released her third album "Speak Now" to good reviews. Her previous album "Fearless" propelled a 10-month tour and was the biggest selling album of 2009.
"I have always loved how fragrance can shape a memory, the way certain scents remind you of events and people that are imprinted in your thoughts," Swift said in a statement.
Elizabeth Arden executive vice president Ronald Rolleston called Swift a "role model who inspires her fan base every day."

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20101102/ten-uk-taylorswift-3334b85.html

Pop star Demi Lovato quits tour, gets medical help

Demi Lovato poses at the premiere of Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience at El Capitan theatre in Hollywood

Demi Lovato, an 18-year-old Disney star who once dated a member of the Jonas Brothers, is seeking medical treatment for "emotional and physical issues," a spokeswoman said on Monday. 

The singer/actress was forced to pull out of a South American tour as the Jonas' opening act.

"Demi Lovato left her tour early this weekend in order to seek medical treatment for emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time," the spokeswoman said in a statement.
"Demi has decided to take personal responsibility for her actions and seek help. She is doing just that. Demi and her family ask that the media please respect their privacy during this difficult time. She regrets not being able to finish her tour, but is looking forward to getting back to work in the near future."
The Texan native rose to fame in the Disney Channel series "Sonny with a Chance" and the network's movie franchise "Camp Rock." She also released two albums, most recently last year's "Here We Go Again." She dated Joe Jonas earlier this year.
But despite her links with the Disney starmaking machine, Lovato has tried to distance herself from the frenzied, bubblegum pop purveyed by her peers and beloved by her fans.
She told Reuters last year that what she really wants to do is stand on stage with just a rug and a microphone "and still be able to sell out places like Madison Square Garden, like Bruce Springsteen does."

Source:http://uk.news.yahoo.com/entertainment.html

John F Kennedy‘s speechwriter dies at 82

Theodore ”Ted” Sorensen

USA – One of late United States President John F Kennedy‘s closest aides, Theodore ”Ted” Sorensen, has died at the age of 82.

As a top speech-writer, Sorensen was credited with writing some of Kennedy‘s most famous words, the British Broadcasting Corporation reports.

He was a key associate throughout Kennedy‘s political career and won particularly praise for his work during the Cuban missile crisis.

President Barack Obama paid tribute, saying Sorensen‘s ”legacy will live on in the words he wrote.”

Sorensen has been credited by some with writing one of Kennedy‘s most famous phrases - “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” - although Sorensen insisted those were Kennedy‘s words.

The “man on the moon speech” was said to be a close collaboration.

Sorensen was deeply involved in Kennedy‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage.

Kennedy called him “my intellectual blood bank"

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011023291920

2011: Registration exercise to hold in January —Jega

Prof. Attahiru Jega

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega has said the registration of voters for the 2011 election will hold in January.

Jega said this on the margins of the train the trainers’ workshop for INEC staff for the exercise which began in Abuja, on Monday.

He explained that the time extension the commission is to benefit from would afford it the needed time to acquire and fully deploy the data capturing machines needed for the exercise.

Jega said arrangements for the acquisition of the DDC machines had been concluded noting that sooner than later the machines would arrive.

According to him, “We do not want to pre-empt things, we’ve done our preparations and our planning.

“As soon as formalities are completed we will make an announcement on the new time table.

“We have finished everything about the procurement of the DDC machines.

“And I want to assure you that the machines will now be in our hands in good time before the commencement of the registration exercise.

“Despite the new time plan, the registration exercise will now be sometimes in January but when we announce the time table the details will be made available to the public.”

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101102284278