BREAKING NEWS: Fashola Recalls 788 Sacked Doctors

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola this evening finally re-instated all 788 doctors that the state sacked a few weeks back after embarking on a strike the Government called illegal. The leadership of the Doctor's Association met with reps of the Government and they settled their differences. 

Governor Fashola announced the good news following the intervention of the national leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, which mandated Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to meet with Fashola to find ways of resolving the lingering crisis.

Tinubu met with Fashola at the State House, Ikeja, this evening and briefed the press on the outcome of the meeting with the governor, while Fashola agreed to recall the sacked doctors to pave way for more dialogue on the crisis on ground.

'Goodluck Jonathan’s Gift Horse' - Prof. Wole Soyinka

This is one gift horse which, contrary to traditional saying, must be inspected thoroughly in the mouth.
Primary from all of us must be a plea to the MKO Abiola family not to misconstrue the protests against the naming of the University of Lagos after their heroic patriarch. Issues must be separated and understood in their appropriate contexts.  The family will acknowledge that, among the loudest opposing voices to Jonathan's gift horse, are those who have clamoured tirelessly that MKO Abiola, the Nigerian nation's president-elect, be honoured nationally, and in a befitting manner.


Next is my confession to considerable shock that President Goodluck Jonathan did not even think it fit to consult or inform the administrators of the university, including Council and Senate, of his intention to re-name their university for any reason, however laudable. This arbitrariness, this act of disrespect, was a barely tolerated aberration of military governance. It is totally deplorable in what is supposed to be a civilian order.

After that comes the bad-mouthing of MKO Abiola and the Nigerian electorate by President Jonathan who referred to MKO as the "presumed winner" of a historic election. While applauding the president for finally taking the bull by the horn and rendering  honour unto whom honour is due, the particularities of this gesture have made it dubious, suspect, and tainted. You do not honour someone while detracting from his or her record of achievement. MKO Abiola was not a presumed winner, but the President-elect of a nation, and thus universally acknowledged.

It is sad, very sad, that after his predecessor who, for eight full years of presidency, could not even bear to utter the name of a man who made his own incumbency possible, along comes someone who takes back with the left hand what the right has offered. 

However, there is hope. Legalists have claimed that there is a legal flaw to the entire process. The university, solidly backed by other tertiary institutions nation-wide, should immediately proceed to the courts of law and demand a 'stay of execution'. That should give President Jonathan time to re-consider and perhaps shift his focus to the nation's capital for institutions begging for rituals of re-naming. After all, it is on record that the House of Assembly did once resolve that the Abuja stadium be named after the man already bestowed the unique title of  "Pillar of African Sports". He deserved that, and a lot more. What he did not deserve is to be, albeit posthumously, the centre of a fully avoidable acrimony, one that has now resulted in the shutting down one of the institutions of learning to whose cause, the cause of learning, President-elect MKO Abiola also made unparalleled private contributions.

Let me end by stressing that my position remains the same as it was when the University of Ife was re-named Obafemi Awolowo University. I deplored it at the time, deplore it till today, have never come to terms with it, and still hope that some day in the not too distant future, that crime against the culture of institutional autonomy will be rectified. Let us not compound the aberrations of the past with provocations in an era that should propel us towards a belated new Age of Enlightenment.

Written by Prof. Wole Soyinka 

Please don't forget to drop your opinion in the comment box below. Thank you.

BREAKING NEWS: UNILAG SHUT DOWN. FG Orders Students To Vacate From Campus For Two Weeks

The Federal Government has ordered the suspension of academic activities at UNILAG as students poured into the streets to protest the renaming of the institution.

UNILAG FM announced a while ago that all academic activities have been suspended for two weeks. Our reporter says students are already being sent home. They are to vacate their hostels by 11 a.m.
The students had earlier today barricaded the Third Mainland Bridge, which links the city's mainland to Lagos Island, in protest against name change.

Students of the University of Lagos, renamed after the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential elections, Moshood Abiola, by the president have began second day of protest against the change of name of the institution.
The students, currently without a subsisting union government, spontaneously inspired each other in the early hours of Wednesday to continue with the protest which was triggered Tuesday by a presidential national address to mark Nigeria's Democracy Day anniversary, in which the president announced the name change.

The students, in splinter groups, are staging pockets of protests against the name change in areas around the Akoka campus of the university. The Third Mainland Bridge, a major bridge linking the main land to the Lagos Island, has been occupied by the students causing a major traffic glitch.

The students are also occupying areas in Alagomeji, Yaba, Sabo and the university's main gate. Few lecturers and alumni of the school are joining the students in the protest.
The students, most, younger than the elections that earned Mr Abiola the honour, pleaded that their school be left out of national politics which they believe might ruin the school's half century reputation.

The school authorities, although claiming ignorance of plans to rename the university after the politician, have summoned an emergency meeting with student representatives made up of faculty and departmental executives, hostel chairs and few select to curtail the rising resistance to name change.

Renaming the half century old school was intended to be a gesture immortalizing Mr Abiola who died in detention 14 years ago after five years of struggles to claim his presidential mandate.

Although Mr Abiola's family are estactic about the president's gesture, both students and alumni of the school kick against it. While the students and their lecturers stage street protests against it, the alumni have called an emergency meeting to take decision on how to stop the president through a court process.

Day one of the protests against the name change started spontaneously too, shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan ended his hour-long national address with the announcement proposing the name change. The first day was peaceful.

BREAKING NEWS: Massive protest in UNILAG over naming of varsity after Abiola

 

Students pour out of their classes and hostels, protesting the renaming of the university


Reports reaching of us indicate that thousands of students of the University of Lagos are protesting the change of name of the school announced this morning by President Goodluck Jonathan.


The students are chanting anti-government slogans, saying the president's decision is the worst he had ever taken. They vowed to resist the renaming of the institution.


The protesters are heading towards the school gate and are about pouring into the streets.



The school was renamed after the late businessman, politician and philanthropist, Moshood Abiola.


UPDATE 1: The students are now outside the university main gate creating a human blockade to all vehicles trying to access the school. They are chanting, "We no want."


Vehicles are turning back as the students insist the acting vice chancellor must address them.


UPDATE 2: Officials are begging students to go back to campus saying, "We are with you." Students shouted "NO".


The university's Director of Student Affairs, Professor Olukayode Amund, is begging the students and calling for caution.


He told our reporter, "We were all taken back. There was no due consultation and they said this is a democracy."


A student, Bolanle Ajayi, said, "Change of name is the least of our problems. Besides, there is MAPOLY, already named after Abiola


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Everybody Loves Abati (ELA)–By Jude Egbas. A Must Read

It is 10:45pm in the bowels of the ‘Candy Shop’—an upscale Bar which also doubles as a strip-tease club in the Maitama Area of Abuja. Reuben Abati and Reno Omokri, the President’s Media men, are engaged in a strategy session this Friday night. In the background, a mish mash of songs from ‘Riding Dirty, ‘Thong Song’ and ‘Do me I do you’, are blaring from the loud speakers; back-to-back…….
I appreciate your timely response regarding this meeting. We have to draft another Press Release……
What? ?!! We have already sent out Six Press Releases in the last………
Shut up, Reno! You work under me and you have to do as I say. I am your Boss and will remain so. When I began writing for The Guardian, you were still in your diapers. If the circumstances in the polity demand that we write a Press Release for everyday of the week, we will.


But we are still fighting the backlash and criticisms from the last Press Release……
You don’t get it, Reno. My name is Reuben Abati and Everybody Loves Abati. My Releases to the Media have been well received by Nigerians. I don’t know what backlash you are referring to.
You make me laugh. What have you been smoking lately, Dr? “Well received”, did I hear you say? You have no idea of the amount of insults I receive on Twitter any time I type those Releases! Do you know what I go through from ‘El-rufai’s Boys ‘on Twitter anytime I begin posting those Releases?
Hahahahaa! That is your job description…..by the way, who are’ El-rufai’s Boys’?

Ah, they are a lot o! in fact, I just don’t respond to their ‘mentions’ otherwise Twitter would have crashed by now. I know some by their Twitter handles. Here’s the list…they are all over Twitter. As a matter of fact, I suspect El-rufai is even floating a Youth Movement…..
Are you serious? Anyway, we need Twitter for the President’s transformation agenda to be taken to the four corners of the country, ‘El-rufai’s Boys’ or not. Maybe you should concentrate on facebook, then, if Twitter is getting so hot. Just a suggestion, though.

Are you kidding me? Facebook is worse!! Every time I sign in, the invectives and name-calling are already waiting for me. This job is not easy, Dr. The only thing that prevents me from throwing in the towel as the President’s Special Assistant on New Media is YOLO and YODO…..and the cool cash of course….hehehehehe!

What is YOLO and YODO? Are you getting drunk already from two bottles of Heineken?
Well, the joke is on you. Since you left The Guardian, you have been so cut off from the real world….buhahahahaha! YOLO is an acronym for, You Only Live Once, and YODO: You Only Die Once. I picked that from Twitter.

I see. You are not doing badly, then. You see, we have a President who is always a minute away from a faux pas and a gaffe. So, we have to keep writing these Releases; sometimes even in advance—before he opens his mouth. It’s a tough job, but that’s what we signed up for. The other day, I even had to tell the Media he is a fashion icon. Even before the words left my mouth, I knew I was lying. Did you see him looking lost in Military fatigues with dark glasses the other day? Fashion Icon, indeed!! The man is a mistake waiting to happen….But….

But what?
What do you think of our last Press Release to Buhari?
Don’t get me started, please. Every Press Release we have written in this Bar, has been so useless and uncivilized. Maybe it is the alcohol levels or something. Or maybe we need a change of Bar.I remember warning you that we should be writing our Releases in the office during the day….
Reno! Reno!! How many times have I called you?

Two times, Dr.
Good. This should be the last bottle you gulp tonight. Bar man! Give him more ‘Nkwobi’. You need more goat head pepper soup, just so I can know that your transformation into a Goat is now complete. Do you know what I pass through every day, dousing flames here and there? And when I come to relax here in the quietude of the Night to write a Press Release, you say I shouldn’t? Watch your mouth.

Well, the CPC and ACN said your last Release had gutter language, was un-Presidential and very uncivilized. I want to think they were right?
Really? Was Buhari’s own civilized? When he was talking about Baboons and Dogs nko? And lots of blood? Did you tweet that too?

Ah, Yes o! As soon as I started tweeting, ‘El-rufai’s Boys’ swooped on me.
I also think that sometimes you should wait a bit before you tweet—like, allow tempers mellow a bit or something. Looks to me like you always like tweeting in a haste…..

Me? ‘Like’ Tweeting? Mbanu! I only do it because it’s my job. Which is why I think we should cut down on the Releases. Even when I tweeted something as harmless as extending the President’s condolence to the late Yekini family, they abused me. When I said they should vote for Jonathan as one of TIME Magazine’s influential people, they took me apart. When I said we were giving Youths jobs, come see insults! Abeg, the thing dey tire person. I must be the most hated man on Twitter right now.
E pele. We have to keep on until we are fired. This job is not Beans; it is ‘akpu’. Did you refer Buhari to the Zoo too, on Twitter?

Yes now! I typed the whole statement. They now even refer to me as Reno ‘Omockery ‘on Twitter.
You are a fool, Reno!
What?

You heard me right. You deserved to be called more than ‘Omockery’. So you even went to write about Buhari going to the Zoo?

Yes, I did. One of your numerous gutter and ‘Beer parlour’ languages. And the one where you talked about him going to the blood bank to donate blood, given his thirst for blood….
Me? Did I write that, too? E gba mi o! Osanobua! Okitipupa! Okitipupa!! You mean your friends on Twitter saw that too?
Yes, they did.

Reno, take another bottle. I change my mind. I need you a bit tipsy for the drive home. Let me tell you something you don’t know—when I was Editorial Board Chairman of The Guardian, I received ‘gifts’ here and there for doing my Job. That didn’t take anything away from my Sunday and Friday columns. Sahara Reporters; those ‘olofofos’ ,even cried at one point saying I received a parcel of Land from President Yar’Adua as bribe. Let me tell you: it was not a bribe; it was simply a reward for doing my Job. Even with all these stories flying around, I was still widely read as a columnist. When I leave this Job, I will go and write a Book about my stewardship and return as a columnist. Everybody loves me. It is a fact of life. In this business, Son, you have to develop a thick skin and raw nerves and stop crying because of a few insults on Twitter.

Okay, sir!
 Good boy! So, bring out your Ipad. As soon as we draft the Press Release, you tweet immediately.
But you said I should be holding on…..
I didn’t say so. I only said you should wait till I say: ‘Tweet’.
So, what is the Press Release about this time? Another baboon in town?
Were you in another part of the World when the Minister of Science and Technology said Nigeria will be going to Space in 2015?

Hahahahahaha! I saw it all over Twitter this morning. The insults and mockery had begun when I signed out and had to go drop my kids in school.
Good. We have to draft a Press Release telling the Nigerian people that that was the Minister’s personal opinion…. that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is only concerned about implementing his transformation agenda and giving Nigerians plenty of fresh air. And when he has done all that, we can now go to Space; erm……for more air!

Hahahaha! The Dr, the Dr!
Yes!! Can I help you, Mr “Tweeting lies?”. And for those ‘El-rufai’s Boys’, look for their leader, and let us shut them up with a few cash. Movement kor, Static ni! Take another drink, jare! I told you, everybody loves me. And my name is Reuben Abati! I didn’t come to Abuja to count bridges and skyscrapers. Meanwhile, how many fingers am I holding up now?

More On www.ekekeee.com

Tanker Explosion Rocks Lekki Epe Expressway This Morning.

Sad news coming from the Sangotedo area of the Lekki-Epe Expressway Lagos this morning.

A tanker has exploded burning cars and people – it was reportedly conveying cylinders with chemicals. The fire service appears to have been prompt on the scene but there is no confirmation on casualties even though eye-witnesses confirm deaths.

Traffic is at a standstill. We will give you more updates.

As reported by YNnaija

BRAKING NEWS: Boko Haram Threatens To bomb Government Buildings In 19 Northern States, Abuja

As reported By PremiumTimes

The extremist Boko Haram sect says it is set to resume its deadly attacks with sights now aimed at bombing government-owned properties, offices and residential quarters, in the 19 northern states and Abuja.

In what appears to be a defensive response to growing public anger and a tactical shift in operational approach, the spokesperson for the sect, Abul Qaqa, told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday afternoon, that the facilities being targeted are in retaliation for the destruction of properties belonging to its members and those it characterized as "innocent landlords" in some parts of Kano and Borno States.


In a prompt response, the police asked Nigerians to disregard such a threat and go about their normal businesses, adding that it is battle ready to repel any attack by "any criminal group".

It is not clear whether the State Security Service is aware of the fresh threat by the group. The spokesperson for the agency, Marilyn Ogar, declined comments, saying she would not respond to telephone enquiries.

In a move indicating that the group is battling for its share of the minds of the public, Mr Qaqa also said his sect is giving a notice in advance of the attacks because, "we don't want innocent people to be caught in the attacks. We are not happy that innocent people are dying in our war with the government. And that is why we have reduced our attacks in the past few days to enable us to strategize."

He accused the Joint Task Forces, the inter-agency outfits in charge of security in Kano and Borno states, of harassing and arresting members of the sect in the two states.

"Most of these people live in rented apartments," Mr. Qaqa claimed.

"But to our utmost surprise, after arresting them, some with their wives and family members, the JTF will bring out their properties. Both the apartments and the properties are then destroyed.

"This has become the new trend and it is becoming difficult for people to rent out accommodation to people, and a lot of people, including our people are homeless.

"Because of this trend, we have decided that in the coming days, every Nigerian, especially in the North, including Abuja, should vacate any government quarters or buildings - residential, office, classroom or anything owned by government.

"Every government building, whether occupied or empty will be blown up. Whoever is caught up in the attacks has his or herself to blame. We have done our best by issuing this warning," Mr. Qaqa said coldly.

We are ready for them

But the spokesperson of the police, Frank Mba, who refused to disclose whether or not his force is aware of the threat, said the security consciousness and readiness of the police is at its peak.

"For us, security is 24 hours," Mr. Mba said.

"Whether there are threats or no threats from criminal groups, we will continue to provide the best level of security.

"We want to urge Nigerians to disregard whatever threats there are. We also want to reassure Nigerians of our commitments to providing the citizens and other inhabitants of utmost security."

The police spokesperson said the new leadership of the force had put in place an elaborate and effective counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategies

EXCLUSIVE: Boko Haram Gets N40million Donation From Algeria

A security report before the presidency indicates that the extremist sect recently received a huge financial donation from a group in the North African country

The extremist Boko Haram sect, which has since 2009 launched sustained attacks on security installations, places of worship, educational institutions and media outfits, recently got cash support of N40 million from an Algerian terrorist group, an intelligence report recently submitted to the presidency has said.

The report, a product of a joint police and military investigations and raids, carried out in Kano and Sokoto in December 2011 indicates that the Algerian sect gave out the funds as its first installment in a planned long term partnership with Boko Haram.
According to the report, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the Boko Haram sect and the unnamed Algerian terrorist group have met a number of times in their bid to hammer out modalities for a long term partnership.


The document quoted some arrested members of the sect as having made the confession.
The partnership would see the richer, more influential, and more organized Algerian terror gang mentor members of the Boko Haram through trainings in activities that will help it fortify its financial base locally.

The Algerian sect is also expected to train the Boko Haram insurgents in hostage taking and weapon handling.

The report provides an insight into how the dreaded Nigerian sect has been funding its activities. The sect members have been fingered for a string of bank robberies, and there is also deep suspicion that they receive discreet support from local politicians.
But it has never been this established that the group receives donations from overseas.
 
Al Qaeda links
The extremist Boko Haram has of recent been associated with links to international terror gangs like the Al Qaeda.

The first official document linking the group to Al Qaeda is a United States’ cable dated June 29, 2009, leaked by Wikileaks. The cable, written before the Boko Haram sect began its terror campaigns in August that year, documented the sect’s link to a well-trained veteran Chadian extremist, Abu-Mahjin.
The cable described Abu-Mahjin as having “limited ties to al-Qa'ida associates,” and was, on behalf of the Boko Haram sect, seeking more funds to facilitate a massive terrorist attack. The extremist sect began its terror attack on the Nigerian state two months after the cable was written.
Boko Haram’s successes in attacking defenceless religious congregations, bank robberies, and vandalization of police armouries validated its growing link with established terrorist groups outside the country.

Previous security intelligence on the sect suggests that its recent transformation, successes, and organization is partly because of the help it received from al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a branch of the international terrorist network based in the Saharan states of Mali, Niger and Algeria.
In January this year, The UK Guardian interviewed the sect's spokesperson, Abu Qaqa, who reportedly said his group’s leaders met with high ranking members of al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia during a pilgrimage in August 2011.

The meeting, Mr. Qaqa told the paper, was to finalise the group’s financial and logistics arrangements with Al-Qaeda.
“Al-Qaeda are our elder brothers,” he told the Guardian. “We enjoy financial and technical support from them. Anything we want from them we ask them.”
A UN report released shortly after the Libyan crisis also said weapons from Libya may have been smuggled to Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Both the government and its security agencies had, in the past, claimed the group gets foreign funding and support from other terror gangs like Al Ahabab in Somalia.
 
Kidnap Training
The intelligence report, which is now lying in a shelf at the president’s office, also detailed how members of the Boko Haram sect recently got trainings in kidnapping from the same Algerian terrorist sect.

The report listed names of nine members of the terror sect who had successfully received trainings in kidnappings, in addition to bomb making skills.
As its part of the deal, Boko Haram is expected to kidnap white skinned foreigners - especially expatriates - in Abuja and exchange them for more money and arms and ammunitions with the Algerian sect. “Or demand ransom as the case may be,” the report said.

As at the time of the investigation, December 2011, the sect had finalised its kidnap strategy and was scouting for houses to keep their kidnap victims and suitable cars to transport them across the desert.
“They are targeting expatriates from (Julius) Berger, and Dantata and sawoe as well as other places they could find any,” the report said.

The report claims that  a cell of the sect led by one Abu Mohammad carried out the kidnap of “white men” - a Brit and an Italian.

Both men were later killed in February this year during an attempt to rescue them by a combined squad of british and Nigerian security agents.
The Boko Haram terrorist sect, however, denied involvement in the kidnapping in one of its teleconference shortly after the incident.
 
Transformed sect
Boko Haram set out seeking to impose a stricter form of Sharia or Islamic law in northern Nigeria and end corruption.
Violence by the group, which had only religious interest in the past, is traceable to the five days of clashes in July 2009 between the group and members of the security forces in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Kano states that left more than 800 people dead, including at least 30 police officers.
The police summarily executed the captured Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf, along with several dozen of his followers in front of the police headquarters in Maiduguri. Dozens of its members were also arrested.
Boko Haram frequently said its attacks on the government, especially the police, are in revenge for these killings and an attempt to set free members incarcerated by the police.
 
Political collaboration
Recently, the ideology behind Boko Haram attacks got more confusing with increasing attacks on schools, media houses and almost any soft target with wide media reach.
The National Security Adviser, Andrew Owoye Azazi, in a recent public appearance, said the group was a creation of the disgruntled members of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
He said members of the party, angered by the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan, created the group to destabilize the government. He also admitted the sect had members trained by more sophisticated international counterparts.

Original Author PREMIUM TIMES

HEALTH: Lagos State Government Issues Quit Notice To Sacked Doctors

After sacking the striking doctors, the Lagos state govenment did not waste time to issue quit notice to the already sacked doctors who are still leaving in the quartes. The Quit Notice was dated May 8, 2012 and it was issued by by the Secretary of the Staff Housing Board for the Head of Service, I.A Shoyemi.
   
Each Quit Notice Reads, I quote,"
“Consequent upon your dismissal from the service of the Lagos State Government with effect from 4th May, 2012, and in accordance with the civil service rule, no officer shall continue to occupy the state government quarters after the date of his or her resignation/dismissal.


I wish to request you to vacate the state government staff quarters.
The notices also directed the doctors to submit the keys to their quarters to Mr Shoyemi to “forestall forceful eviction".
 
The doctors were given till the end of today to vacate their quarters but the Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA) said that the doctors were covered by the tenancy law and have instructed them to ignore the quit notice. 

BREAKING NEWS: Barack Obama Supports Same Sex Marriage

Ending months of equivocation, President Barack Obama declared his support for gay marriage on Wednesday, an announcement fraught with history that also injects a potentially polarizing issue into the 2012 race for the White House.

"I have hesitated on gay marriage in part because I thought that civil unions would be sufficient," Obama said in an interview with ABC at the White House. He added that, "I was sensitive to the fact that for a lot of people the word `marriage' was something that invokes very powerful traditions, religious beliefs and so forth."


Now, he said, "it is important for me personally to go ahead and affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married."
Obama's announcement cheered gay rights groups who have long urged him to support gay marriage. It also opened up a new area of disagreement with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who opposes gay marriage.

Polling suggests the nation is evenly divided on the issue.
Obama spoke about his support for gay marriage in deeply personal terms, saying his young daughters, Malia and Sasha, have friends whose parents are same-sex couples.

"Malia and Sasha, it wouldn't dawn on them that somehow their friends' parents would be treated different," Obama said. "It doesn't make sense to them and frankly, that's the kind of thing that prompts a change in perspective."

Obama said his wife Michelle Obama was also involved in his decision and joins him in supporting gay marriage.

"In the end the values that I care most deeply about and she cares most deeply about is how we treat other people," he said.

Acknowledging that his support for same-sex marriage may rankle religious conservatives, Obama said he thinks about his faith in part through the prism of the Golden Rule - treating others the way you would want to be treated.

"That's what we try to impart to our kids and that's what motivates me as president and I figure the most consistent I can be in being true to those precepts, the better I'll be as a as a dad and a husband and hopefully the better I'll be as president," Obama said

BREAKING NEWS: Football Legend, Rashidi Yekini, Dies In Ibadan

One of Africa's most celebrated footballer Rashidi Yekini is dead. Yekini, 49, passed on in ibadan today with causes of the painful death yet to be ascertained.

The gangling striker, who will be remembered mostly for his goal scoring prowess, has been living a secluded life in the ancient city of Ibadan and at different times falling ill. Born in Kaduna, Yekini played for several club locally and internationally His phenomena scoring record earned him the title of African

Footballer of the Year in 1993, the first ever by any Nigeria. Amongst other records set, Yekini also prides himself as the first Nigerian to score in the World Cup. A senior teammate, Segun Odegbami had recently hinted that he was doing every thing possible to bring Yekini from seclusion and have him partner in an unnamed project

SOURCE

HEALTH: After 20 years Of Blindness, A Blind British Man Regained Sight After First Successful Implant Of 'Bionic' Eye Microchips

The chip is 3mm by 3mm, and is implanted into the eyeball of sufferers

It was the ‘magic moment’ that released Chris James from ten years of blindness. Doctors switched on a microchip that had been inserted into the back of his eye three weeks earlier.

After a decade of darkness, there was a sudden explosion of bright light – like a flash bulb going off, he says. Now he is able to make out shapes and light.

 He hopes his sight – and the way his brain interprets what the microchip is showing it – will carry on improving.

 Mr James, 54, is one of two British men who have had their vision partly restored by a pioneering retina implant.The other, Robin Millar, one of Britain’s most successful music producers, says he has dreamed in colour for the first time.

 Both had lost their vision because of a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, where the photoreceptor cells at the back of the eye gradually cease to work. Mr James, who lives in Wroughton, Wiltshire, with his wife Janet, said of his ‘magic moment’:

 ‘I did not know what to expect but I got a flash in the eye, it was like someone taking a photo with a flashbulb and I knew my optic nerve was still working.’ Ten more Britons with RP will be fitted with the implants, which are also being tested in Germany and China.

 The device, made by Retina Implant AG of Germany, connects to a wireless power supply buried behind the ear. This is connected to an external battery unit via a magnetic disc on the scalp. The user can alter the sensitivity of the device using switches on the unit.

The microchip has 1,500 light sensitive pixels which take over the function of the retina’s photoreceptor rods and cones.

One of the first tests was making out a white plate and cup on a black background.

Please read more HERE

HEALTH ISSUES ON SEXUAL ENHANCEMENT: Daily Glass Of Pomegranate Juice As Study Shows It Boosts Our Sexual Desire

The latest achievement claimed for pomegranates, which are already acclaimed as a super food, will be welcome among those who would prefer a natural aphrodisiac.

Study reveals that Men and women who often drank a glass of the fruit’s juice for a period of two weeks experienced a surge in the hormone testosterone, which increases sexual desire in both genders.

The study, by researchers from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, involved 58 volunteers aged between 21 and 64.

At the end of the two weeks, both sexes had seen ‘significantly increased’ testosterone levels.

In men, this affects traits such as facial hair, a deep voice and greater sexual urges.

It is also produced in female adrenal glands and ovaries, raising a woman’s sex drive and strengthening bones and muscles.

The  side effect will be, increased testosterone, which can help raise mood and memory and even relieve stress such as ‘pre-match nerves’ or stage fright, said the study.

Previous research on pomegranate juice has found it full of antioxidants which can help ward off heart diseases and help blood circulation.

The super food’s ingredients also help fight various forms of cancer, alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and cure stomach upsets and even conjunctivitis.

The Edinburgh research measured testosterone levels, blood pressure and, using a scientific scale, levels of 11 emotions including fear, sadness, guilt, shyness and self-assurance.

Testosterone levels increased between 16 per cent and 30 per cent among the subjects, while blood pressure plummeted.

Positive emotions rose and negative feelings fell.

Big Brother Africa Stargame Show Kicks Off On Sunday May 6 With A Star Price Of USD300,000.00

Big Brother StarGame show starts on Sunday May 6 in the brand new launch timeslot of 20:00 CAT, and will screen live 24/7 for 91 days on DStv channel 198.

This season, entrants must DOUBLE-UP to compete, so Housemates will be in pairs and this means double the drama, double the excitement and double the pleasure. With so much money at stake, tempers will flare; strategies and conspiracies will be the order of the day.

If you had USD 300 000 what would you do… shop ‘till you drop, start a business or buy property? Perhaps pay for more education, change your family’s life, get married or fly away? With M-Net’s new season of Big Brother Africa offering a huge USD 300 000 prize, this is definitely a question that will face one lucky person in 2012 after they win the popular 91 day reality series!

Host: Returning to the Big Brother stage as series presenter this year is one of Nigeria’s most famous faces IK Osakioduwa, making his fourth appearance at the forefront of the show since taking on the role in 2009. In his charismatic, capable hands lies the truly daunting task of anchoring a series that includes a live one hour Sunday eviction show every week! But the former Studio 53, Comedy Club and Temptation Nigeria leading man has proven that he’s more than up to the task of keeping viewers up to date and informed. But he’s not the only star returning to the spotlight this week when Big Brother returns…

Two New Countries: This Season, Big Brother Africa is proud to announce the addition of two new countries to the StarGame, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Other competing countries are Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

House: The Big Brother house, a character in its own right, returns as well, studded with 53 cameras and 120 microphones. Once again, the house features a bold new design in line with the theme of the series. This week, producers provided a sneak peek into Biggie’s revamped hideaway, and it’s a contrasting combination of retro fusion and glittering glam all the way. From the look of things, there are two contradictory styles at play leading to the question… what’s Biggie up to now?

One look is definitely inspired by the diners of 50s Hollywood, colourful pastels and bold bright shapes accented by the iconic black and white check patterns, bringing back memories of jukeboxes, bunk beds and soda fountains. The other is sleek and sophisticated, echoing a classy and exclusive dance club where opulence and luxury are the keys to a good time. Polished glass, gold finishes and delicate accessories…its style meets elegance all the way!

The latest images from Big Brother are sure to keep its fans guessing and it’s these fans who remain firmly at the heart of the show’s success.

Online: With the show just a few days away, in recognition of the large online following the show, the two hour live launch show will be streamed live and free at www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother, starting at 19.45 CAT. So if you can access the internet, you can watch!

Star: Set to perform three of his hit-making songs, sensational American music star J.Cole will take to the stage at the Big Brother StarGame launch, kicking off the show in fine form! He is expected to perform Can’t Get Enough, Nobody’s Perfect and Work Out but whatever he chooses on the day, it’s sure to be something that fans will love. Remember to check out Channel O for all the behind-the-scenes footage from his trip to Africa!

Remember it all starts at 20:00 CAT on Sunday May 6!

Breaking News: Boko Haram Threatens To Attack VOA, Guardian, Daily Trust Others

The extremist group, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihadl, popularly called Boko Haram, today named more media houses and staff as targets of its attack (find full transcript of video below).

In an 18-minute video, the group threatened to attack more media houses, naming Voice of America (Hausa), Radio France (Hausa), Daily Trust, Guardian Newspapers, among others.

The group also gave reasons why it bombed Thisday office in Abuja and other media houses last Thursday.

“This is a message from jamaatu ahlis sunnah lil daawati wal jihad, and we wish to inform Nigerians our reasons for attacking some media houses,” the group said.

The video also shows that the radical group carried a live coverage of the bombing in Abuja and filmed the explosion at Thisday.

The group created the new Youtube video under the name Alhaji Mani.

Click HERE to watch video

Read full transcript of video below.

Boko Haram video transcription

Video has a background music in Hausa language, saying," Nigerians, our name is not Boko Haram, we are Muslims, Ahlis sunnah". The lyrics also said, “We attacked Thisday because we will never forget or forgive anyone who abused our prophet.”

First written message says the video is from ‘Public awareness department which presents; ‘Reasons for attacking Thisday Newspaper’

The Video also shows coverage of the suicide attack at Thisday office in Abuja.

It also shows a man wielding a rifle and reciting some prayer verses. Shots of the late leader of the sect Muhammad Yusuf, delivering a sermon, and in other clips, preaching, was shown.

Full transcription

This is a message from the public awareness department of the Jamatu Ahlis sunnah lil daawati wal jihad, a group engaged in jihad in Nigeria.

We wish to explain about the attack we carried out on Thisday Newspapers. Some of the reasons why we decided to attack some Media Houses, especially Thisday, is because the paper was used in dishonouring our prophet, Mohammad (SAW) during a beauty pageant in Kaduna in November 2002.

At that time, some people who called themselves leaders of Muslims came out to say they have forgiven those who committed the offence.

But based on our knowledge, we know that no one has the power to forgive anyone for an offence that God himself has given judgement, especially on an offence that has to do with dishonouring Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

No one has the power to forgive this type of offence, and the judgement is for such persons to be killed.

This lady that committed this crime, the judgement on her is to be killed at any opportunity; and the media house is also supposed to be driven out of existence whenever there is a chance to do so.

We are just getting the opportunity to attack the media house, and we are hoping to continue these attacks until we drive them out of existence.

It is our hope that Allah (SWT) will help his religion.

We know that any genuine Muslim must have been deeply touched by the Thisday incident.

Thisday newspaper is also leading in helping the government in fighting us, alongside other media houses that we will mention soon.

Some of the offences of Thisday and other media outlets include: firstly, during the botched attempt to rescue some kidnapped foreign nationals in Sokoto; these media houses asked us if we have anything to do with the kidnap and we said we have nothing to do with it, yet these media houses reported that we were responsible for the incident, that was a lie against us.

Secondly, when we sent a video of our leader, Abubakar Shekau, the media houses reported things that our leader did not say, such as that in response to the president’s threat to finish us in three months, we have also threatened to finish the government in three months. But the truth is, nowhere in the video did our leader said what they attributed to him.

Thirdly, on the purported arrest of Abu Qaqa by the SSS, we have come out to tell them that the person arrested was not Abu Qaqa,yet the media continue to potray us as liars, and even said that our leader had ordered for Abu Qaqa II to be executed, and we are now searching for Abu Qaqa III.

Recently too, they came out with another lie that one Mohammed Awwal Kontagora was the Abu Qaqa II that was executed, and that even his parents confirmed it, that was just a big lie to convince the world.

The media also said that we have killed the father of Abu Darda, so as to pass a message to him, because he had leaked our secrets after his arrest by security agencies, and they  wanted him to know that he is one of our targets.

These are all lies, and they are many.

These media houses have committed a lot of offences that is detrimental to Islam, and we don’t have the power to forgive them. We will take revenge on them by God’s grace, some of these media houses have been categorized into three groups.

The first group is the likes of Thisday whose offences are big.

The second group we will also attack soon are Punch, Daily Sun, Vanguard, Guardian, Nation, Tribune, and National Accord, which are all newspaper houses.

There is also VOA Hausa radio. All these media houses we will attack them including their staff and offices, by God’s grace.

VOA Hausa for instance have recently started campaigning for people to support the government against us by exposing us,

The next group that are on the verge of joining this list who if they are not careful we will attack very soon include, Leadership, Daily Trust, Peoples Daily and RFI(Radio France international)

There is an online medium known as Saharareporters who have their office in New York, and who have made their site as a platform for attack against Islam. So we are warning them to stop making their site an avenue for attacking Islam, otherwise we will find a way of attacking them too.

We resorted to using this medium to send our message instead of the normal tele-conference because of the fear by journalists; which made them refuse to conduct the conference.

We are grateful to God for the success recorded on the attack on Thisday, and we hope to continue such attacks.

Finally, the government has now resorted to arresting our wives and children and also demolishing our houses, like they did in Biu recently, that is why we have also resolved to start attacking government schools, especially, tertiary ones.

We promise to demolish 500 buildings for any one of our houses that the government destroys.

We have already started with Gombe and KanO

SOURCE: PREMIUMTIMESNG