Category: Uncategorized

  • Independence Day Dinner: Osinbajo entertains guests to “Nigerian swag’’

    Independence Day Dinner: Osinbajo entertains guests to “Nigerian swag’’

    By Our Reporter

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday at a dinner organised in commemoration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, thrilled the guests with visual descriptions of attributes that make Nigerians outstanding.

    Osinbajo, who spoke on a lighter note, said that one of the distinct attributes of the Nigerian person was the `Nigerian Swag.’

    He described `Nigerian swag’ as that uniquely confident way that made Nigerians to stand out everywhere and in everything they did.

    Osinbajo, who got the guests laughing and clapping intermittently, cited the sport called Bobsled and presented a power point video of Nigerians girls dancing at the Winter Olympics.

    “They thought only white people could do this because it is a winter sport; if you don’t have winter and snow in your country you can’t be a bobsled champion.

    “Well, so they thought until the Nigerians came to the Winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang South Korea, three Nigerian girls.

    “ Seun Adigun, Ngozi onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga the first Africans in Bobsled at the Winter Olympics.

    “They raced into history in style and they ended it with dance.

    “How else would you know that they are Nigerians.’’

    He said that the World Cup came in May 2018; but well before the World Cup kicked off, Nigeria had started winning.

    Osinbajo recalled that when Nike released the design of Nigeria’s jersey called Naija in Feb. 2018, three million people pre-ordered the Jersey for 90 dollar a piece on line.

    He said that eventually thousands of people lined up to buy the jersey and it sold out in the stores within hours.

    “The jersey was lit; so lit that we won the first prize for the best dressed team, Peru came second and Belgium came third.’’

    The vice president listed the quality and prowess of Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, Nigerian wedding, dance and language as some other aspects of Nigerian uniqueness.

    “And then there is Anthony Joshua, as far as we are concerned the best boxer in the world not only is he a heavy hitter– he could also pass for a model; so much Swag.

    “How about the Nigerian wedding, it has become the toast of the world, among other things, we are teaching the world that every wedding deserves a hashtag.

    “ #Baad 2017, for BankyW and Adesuwa Etomi, #YemiandDolly 1989 or #Dolyem 1989 , that’s me and my lovely wife, to the dramatic entrance of the bridal party, and see the groom flying and of course, the Aso Ebi.

    “And everywhere, they are learning our languages; everywhere, here is a kindergarten class in China; the children are learning Igbo; very soon, everyone is going to be speaking Igbo.

    “Our contemporary dances have so much swag from skelewu to sekem to shakiti bobo, sakusaku and the most recent, Zanku, I am sure you all know how to gbe se ..gbe se .to gbe body e.

    “It is now gbe se, gbe se, all over the world; nobody dances like us; it doesn’t matter whether you are the distinguished senator representing Kogi west or the distinguished senator representing Osun West.’’

    Osinbajo also listed one of the richest men in Africa, Aliko Dangote, President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo as among those who carry Nigerian swag with their dance steps.

    According to him, when it comes to fashion, Nigerians are the masters of style.

    “From the geles, and look at what Iya rainbow is wearing, and of course the famous Madam Kofo’s gele.

    “Nigerians brought Ankara to mainstream fashion.

    “So Nigerian designers are making waves internationally with the infusion of Ankara in their collections.

    “And the likes of Lisa Folawiyo, Mackie O, Andrew Iyamah, Kenneth Ize, Mowa Ogunlesi, have been featured in Vogue and other international fashion magazines and events such as the New York fashion week.

    “The Nigerian-American designer Ena Udemba designed Beyoncé’s drop dead gorgeous Ankara outfit; today the whole world is wearing our Ankara; from Michelle Obama, Rihana and Kim Kardashian, ‘’ he said.

    He also displayed Buhari featuring with his `trade mark black kaftan’ describing him as the number one man with the swag.

    Earlier, in his remark, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, thanked those who contributed directly or indirectly toward the success of the 59th Independence celebration.

    He said that the administration was determined to build on the foundation for change laid in the last four years.

    The dinner featured performances by cultural troupes drawn from different states.

    It attracted notable Nigerians including Maryam Abacha, Wife of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, a former Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd) and former Vice President, Namadi Sambo.

    Also present were Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, service chiefs, members of the Federal Executive Council, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industries among others.(NAN)

  • Dep. Gov convoy attack, IGP, compensates wives of slain police officers

    Dep. Gov convoy attack, IGP, compensates wives of slain police officers

    Abel Leonard Nzwanke, Lafia

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has presented a cheque of N1.5m to the wives of policemen, who lost their lives during an attack on the convoy of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, on the Akwanga/Lafia Road.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bola Longe, who presented the cheques to the wives of the cops on behalf of the IG recently, said, “In the month of August 2019, we lost our gallant police officers, who were in the entourage of the state’s deputy governor.”

    He further explained that N500, 000 would be given to the wives of each deceased officers to reduce their suffering.

    Mr.Longe said, “Our IGP, Mr Mohammed Adamu, who is always leading by example and has given us direction that has greatly assisted the Nigeria Police, has packaged some money through what is called the  IGP’s family welfare package, to be given to the wives of deceased officers.”

    Speaking to Daybreak news  on behalf of the beneficiaries, the wife of the most senior officer, Mrs Bulus Samuel, thanked the IG for the gesture and promised that judicious use will be made of  the  money and their children will be taken care of.

    Those who benefited from the package were Samuel, Cecilia Sunday and Anita Panya.

  • No third term for Buhari as Presidency disowned support group’s commentary

    No third term for Buhari as Presidency disowned support group’s commentary

    By Our Reporter

    The Presidency has disowned a support group’s commentary, advocating for constitutional amendment to give room for presidential third term limit to able President Muhammadu Buhari to extend his tenure beyond 2023.

    A statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, late Tuesday night in Abuja, said no circumstances that would warrant the president to seek for third term in office.

    The statement read in part: ”The Presidency wishes to correct internet-based gossip and un-informed media commentary regarding presidential term limits, given credence by so-called support groups, staging street demonstrations asking President Muhammadu Buhari to do a third term.

    ”There are no circumstances – nor set of circumstances – under which President Buhari may seek to amend the Constitution regarding the two-term term limit on holding office as President.”

    According to the presidential aide, President Buhari intends to serve his full second elected term in office, ending 2023 – and then there shall be a general election in which he will not be a candidate.

    ”There is not even the faintest possibility that this will change.

    ”It is important to note that there was a past attempt to change the Constitution to allow for the-then incumbent president to stand for a third term. That attempt was wrong, unconstitutional – and rightly rebuffed,”

    Shehu insisted that no such attempt would happen under the Buhari administration.

    ”President Buhari is a democrat. He respects the Constitution. Any activity aimed at altering the two-term limit will not succeed and shall never have his time nor support,” he added.(NAN)

  • Using the internet to run your business

    Using the internet to run your business

    The internet has become key in bringing your business to the larger society. Despite this development, many businesses in Nigeria and other countries are yet to fully take advantages of the internet in respect to running businesses.

    The major factor for the low adoption of these technologies is ignorance. Businesses are yet to appreciate the value that internet technologies add to their businesses. Businesses in Nigeria are yet to be convinced on the merit for the extra cost on internet technologies.

    The low adoption of internet technologies by businesses in the country is also attributed to the non existence of internet infrastructure in most parts and even where they do exist to the huge investment required to adopt the technology.

    A lot of businesses in Nigeria are yet to have an ordinary email. Web hosting and building a website is more like rocket science to a lot of businesses.

    There are a number of ways that organisations use the internet to drive the growth of their business.

    Here are a few ways this technologies are deployed:

    Messaging (Email, Whatsapp, Video Calls)
    Website
    Internet connection
    Ecommerce

    The starting point to connecting your business to the internet is an email. With that clients can contact you and you can reach out to clients and suppliers.

    You can also use apps like Skype and WhatsApp for messaging. Skype can be used for video conferencing.

    Building a website is the next logical step to connecting your business to the internet. A website will allow you provide information about a products and services for all to see.

    A website will also enable you provide you contact information like physical address, email, and phone numbers, making it very easy for clients to reach you.

    If you want to sell online, you can upgrade your website to an ecommerce website. The will enable you sell and collect payment online

  • Buhari departs Abuja for South Africa

    Buhari departs Abuja for South Africa

    President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja today on a three-day State Visit to the Republic of South Africa.

    This sequel to an invitation extended to him by President Cyril Ramaphosa, of South Africa to discuss the welfare of Nigerians, and find common grounds for building harmonious relations with both countries.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that the visit comes against the background of recent xenophobic attacks, the killing of Nigerians and the exchange of visits by Special Envoys of Presidents Buhari and Ramaphosa.

    Shehu said that while in South Africa, Buhari will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in the country, with a view to sharing in their experiences and reassuring them of Nigerian government’s commitment to working for the protection of their lives and property and promoting peaceful co-existence.

    Shehu also said that Buhari and his host will preside over the South Africa/Nigeria Bi-National Commission, during which a progress report will be presented, adding that at the end of the meeting, both leaders will sign a joint communiqué.

    He further said that the President and his delegation including Nigerian business representatives will also participate at a South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum with their host counterparts.

    The President will be accompanied by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State as well as the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (retd); Power, Eng. Saleh Mamman and that of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

    Others include; the ministers of Mines and Steel Development, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite; Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum, the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (retd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and Chairman/CEO Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

    The President is expected to return to Abuja on Friday

  • Opera Mini Introduces Offline File Sharing

    Opera Mini Introduces Offline File Sharing

    Opera Mini comes with a new, fast and secure offline file sharing feature. With your Opera Mini, there is no need to download a dedicated file sharing app.

    The native file sharing feature in Opera Mini can transfer files at Wi-Fi speed which is up to 200 times faster than Bluetooth.

    “OPERA MINI IS THE MOBILE BROWSER OF CHOICE FOR MORE THAN A HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE,”

    said Krystian Kolondra, Head of Browsers at Opera.

    “WITH THE NEW OFFLINE FILE SHARING FEATURE, OPERA MINI USERS CAN NOW CHOOSE TO SHARE FILES AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH PEOPLE IN THEIR PROXIMITY, WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT LOW SPEEDS OR EXPENSIVE MOBILE DATA”.

    How Offline File Sharing Works
    Offline file sharing and its accelerated file transfer speed are made possible through a direct Wi-Fi connection which Opera Mini establishes seamlessly with nearby devices.

    This means that Opera Mini creates a temporary private network which provides a fast and secure transfer of files between devices.

    To start sending or receiving files, go to File Sharing in the menu and choose Send or Receive . Opera Mini will display a QR code for the nearby device to scan, connecting the devices.

    Once a file is successfully transferred, the sender will be notified and the receiver will be able to access the file in the Received tab shown in Opera Mini.

    Downloads Ready to be Shared
    Opera Mini features a unique download manager located in the browser menu. The download manager helps users identify their downloads from various websites, and accelerates the download speed.

    The new offline file sharing feature provides Opera Mini users with a unique combination of faster browsing, faster downloads and faster sharing.

    Opera Mini – The World Leader in Data Savings
    With its small size, unique features and data saving capabilities, Opera Mini is the popular browser of choice for more than one hundred million people.

    It’s data compression is capable of reducing the amount of data used when browsing to as little as 10% of its original amount. This means faster browsing when on slow networks and less data consumed than with any other browser.

    The latest data compression test presented by Opera, in the State of Mobile Web 2019 , revealed that the extreme mode of the data compression technology in Opera Mini is capable of saving up to 90% of mobile data.

    These results mean that people are able to browse up to nine times longer on the same data package with Opera Mini compared to other browsers with no data compression.

    “OPERA MINI IS SPECIALLY CRAFTED FOR MARKETS WITH LIMITED NETWORK CONDITIONS AND HAS INDUSTRY LEADING DATA SAVING CAPABILITIES. WE ARE PROUD THAT IT IS THE FIRST BROWSER TO USE OFFLINE FILE SHARING, EXPANDING THE WAY PEOPLE INTERACT WITH THE OPERA MINI BROWSER,”

    said Kolondra.

    The new file sharing feature in Opera Mini is a great complement to the already popular data compression mode in the browser.

    People who need to share files are now able to save even more by sharing them offline without any data costs. This means they spend even less of their data package and are able to save more money.

    Opera keeps improving your online experience
    With the new offline file sharing feature, Opera is continuing to improve your experience on the web by adding new creative features to its mobile browsers.

    The Opera Mini browser today comes with features like ad-blocker, night-mode and an intelligent news reader, all of which is provided in a small download of less than 10mb.

    Through new features, Opera Mini provides people with faster and safer navigation on the web, major data savings, and access to both online and offline content.

    The addition of offline file sharing to Opera Mini is part of Opera’s strategy to create tailored mobile products that adapt to the real needs of people across different markets.

    About Opera
    Opera is a global web innovator. Opera’s browsers, news products and fintech solutions are the trusted choice of more than 350 million people worldwide. Opera is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange (OPRA).

  • African-Americans christened Nigerian names to commemorate 400 years of transatlantic slavery

    African-Americans christened Nigerian names to commemorate 400 years of transatlantic slavery

    By Our Reporter

    Twelve African-Americans, exploring their ancestry in West Africa, have been given native Nigerian names in commemoration of the four centuries of the first Africans slaves to arrive in Virginia, United States.

    The Americans were christened local Igbo names at a ceremony on Tuesday night, organised by the Global Institute of Diversity and Change and the Igbo Community in Abuja.

    The naming rite was conducted by a traditional chief from the South-East amidst cheers and celebrations of a cultural festivity as the African-Americans identified with their roots.

    Some of the names for the Americans are Okechukwu, Ifunnaya,Adaeze,Ijeoma,Chukwuma and Obinna.

    Others included Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu, Obioma, Onyemaechi, Chinwe and Ozioma.

    Dr Yewande Austin, President of Global Institute of Diversity and Change and an African -American herself , said the christening was an indication that African-Americans were proud of Africa as their historical ancestry home.

    “This year marks the 400 years that the first Africans from the transatlantic slave trade arrived Virginia,and this event is to ignite our sense of connection with Africa.

    “It is very important to know that Africans worked tirelessly in building the United States, and we are very proud of that.

    “Hundreds of African-Americans see Virginia as their home, and there is an Igbo Village in Virginia today,” she said.

    Prof. Chinwe Obaji, a former Minister of Education and host of the naming ceremony, said the historic slavery migration was an indication that Africans paid huge prices in the development of America.

    She noted that the christening would made recipients of the names see Nigeria as their home and contribute towards its advancement.

    “United States and Nigeria have come a long way in working together,and this naming occasion is very significant because these Americans will see themselves as Nigerians.

    “As you can see, they are proud to identify with their ancestry home and this will inspire them to contribute towards its good.”

    Obaji noted that recipients of the names would proceed to Obosi in the South-East to receive traditional tittles from the traditional ruler during the month.

    Dr Ogbonna Onoh, Minister of Science and Technology, who chaired the occasion, congratulated the recipients of the new names and expressed appreciation to the organisers of the event.

    He noted that the event was significant in the history of the United States and Nigeria, and would foster bilateral relations between the two countries and promote harmony between their citizens.

    In August 1619, an English ship landed on the shores of Virginia with some 20 African captives aboard.

    Their arrival 400 years ago began the history of slavery in English-speaking America and the date is being commemorated as the beginning of the age of slavery in North America. (NAN)

  • CHRIST EMBASSY ADD COLOUR TO INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION –

    CHRIST EMBASSY ADD COLOUR TO INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION –

     –Distributes Rhapsody of Realities Free.

    By Joseph ETTA in Calabar.

    Members of Christ Embassy Church  added colour to the drab Independence Celebration in Calabar by moving around the street of Calabar in a caravan like manner distributing free Rhapsody of Realities, a daily devotional.

    The programme tagged “Reach out Nigeria” is the church way of contributing to the spiritual growth of the society.

    Egwu E. Egwu, an Associate Pastor, Christ Embassy Headquarters in Calabar, explained that Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the initiator of the project – “Reach out Nigeria” the essence according to him is that “People should think of what they should do for their country not what their country should do for them”

    Every October, Independence Day, the church partners with Rhapsody of Realities to take the word of God to the nook and crannies of the Nation.

    The founder of the church and initiator of the project stated that “This is the church contribution to bring Peace, Unity, and Spiritual growth of the society.”

    He said that because it started in Nigeria first, now it’s happening in other African countries where the presence of the church is found.

    Rhapsody of Realities is distributed in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbawe and a host of others, even extended to foreign countries, Europe, America, Canada and even far East Nation.

    Over two billion copies of Rhapsody of Realities, the best-selling daily devotional and Bible study guide, have been distributed in 242 countries and territories in over 1000 languages. New Languages are added regularly, making the devotional accessible to many all over the world bringing the richness of God’s word into their lives. Now in it’s 19th year in print, also features Love World News, Latest updates and reports of the ministry’s programmes around the world.

    The revelations, teachings, anecdotes and illustrations word-based prayers and confession, prove one year and two years Bible reading plans are all guaranteed to edify and enrich your walk with the Lord.

  • ‘No Force Can Stop China From Marching On’

    ‘No Force Can Stop China From Marching On’

    President Xi Declares As China Marks 70 Years of Communist Leadership

    By Francis Pelenah Jr. in Beijing, China

    Chinese President Xi Jinping has lauded the People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Police for their continuous demonstration of love for country and the protection of the Chinese People.

    President Xi, who is also the Commander-In-Chief and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged Chinese servicemen and women to rededicate themselves to national service in defense of “our people”.

    The Communist party leader was addressing a gathering of over 100 thousand people at a mass colorful Military parade and pageantry at the historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark China’s National Day.

    Xi was joined at the ceremony by an array of current and past Chinese Leaders including former Presidents Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao.

    Local media in Beijing and some respected foreign media have branded China’s 70-year parade as a demonstration of the country’s economic and military might, as well as its strategic ambitions.

    The People’s Liberation Army fired heavy artillery gun salute in honor of comrades that lost their lives in China’s fight for Independence.

    “No force can shake the status of our great motherland, and no force can stop the progress of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation,” the Chinese leader added.

    After his speech, the President rode in an open-topped limousine past dozens of rows of truck-mounted missiles, armored personnel carriers and other military gear.

    As a tradition of the National Day event, Soldiers in helmets and combat gear shouted, “Hello, leader!” and “Serve the people!” President Xi replied by saying, “Hello, comrades, you are hard-working”.

    The event marks the anniversary of the October 1, 1949, announcement of the founding of the People’s Republic of China by then-leader Mao Zedong following a civil war.

    According to official figures, the military parade through central Beijing included 15,000 troops and more than 160 aircrafts.

    “We gathered here today for a grand rally to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC,” said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

    “Right at this moment, Chinese people of all ethnic groups and all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation at home and abroad take pride in and give our best wishes to our great motherland with great joy,” he added.

    He then remembered revolutionary forefathers and martyrs for their feats in pursuing national independence and liberation, a stronger and more prosperous country and the people’s well-being.

    Xi also expressed heartfelt gratitude to friends around the world for their caring for and support to China’s development.

    Reflecting on how far the country has come since independence, President Xi said the founding of the PRC has completely changed China’s ‘miserable fate of being poor and weak and being bullied and humiliated in over 100 years since the start of modern times’.

    “Seventy years ago on this day, Comrade Mao Zedong solemnly declared here to the world that the People Republic of China was founded and the Chinese people had stood up,” he added.

    He said the Chinese nation has since then embarked on the path of realizing national rejuvenation and that no force can stop Chinese people, nation from marching forward.

    Xi underlined the importance of ensuring the principal status of the people, staying on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and fully implementing the Party’s basic theory, line and policy.

    He also called for efforts to constantly meet people’s aspirations for a better life and make new historic achievements.
    Xi pledged that the country will stay on the path of peaceful development, and pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up.

    He stressed that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Armed Police Force should always preserve their nature, purpose and character as the forces of the people, resolutely safeguard China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests, and firmly uphold world peace.

  • NAF GETS FIRST FEMALE AIR WARRANT OFFICER

    NAF GETS FIRST FEMALE AIR WARRANT OFFICER

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has approved the promotion of Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Grace Tabawa Garba to the rank of Air Warrant Officer (AWO).

    With the promotion, MWO Garba becomes the first female Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) to be promoted to the highest rank in the Non-Commissioned Officers’ cadre in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    A statement by Airforce spokesman Ibikunle Daramola nited that the SNCO, who has put in not less than 33 years of outstanding meritorious service to the Nation, was found worthy to be promoted to the rank of AWO for her exemplary leadership qualities, hard work as well as her contributions to the Service over the years.

    The promotion he noted demonstrates the commitment of the current NAF leadership in paying adequate attention to the empowerment of female personnel to realize their full potentials.

     

    He  recalled that one of the NAF’s female officers was sent to the United States of America for training to become the first female fighter pilot in the history of the NAF.

    Similarly, he observed that for the first time in NAF history, another female pilot is on the verge of completing training to become the first female helicopter pilot in the Service.

    Born on 14 February 1966 in Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, MWO Grace Garba joined the NAF in 1986 as a member of Basic Military Training Course (BMTC)

    She holds a Certificate in Nursing from School of Nursing, Maiduguri, Certificate in Midwifery from Amhadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria Kaduna State, Certificate in Public Health Nursing from School of Health Technology, Kaduna and Advanced Diploma in Public Administration at the Federal University of Technology, Yola.

    She is currently the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the NAF School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Kaduna. She will be decorated with the new rank on 15 October 2019.