Physically Challenges Get Relief as Edo Passes Law

BENIN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere says modalities are in place to enforce the law which provides that new public buildings in the state should be made easily accessible by physically challenged persons in the society. He announced this yesterday in Government House, while receiving a delegation of National Council of the Physically Challenged and the Network Advocacy for Persons with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID). He assured that the state Ministries of Works and Urban Development and Housing would be charged with the task of enforcing the law to the letter, adding that “insensitivity to the physically challenged is not acceptable. The SSG remarked that the demonstration of integrity, credibility, concern and sensitivity to the plight of the marginalised and physically challenged by Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been proved through employment opportunities and support given to them by the administration. He promised government’s continued support and partnership, adding that stigmatisation, marginalisation and oppression of persons with disabilities is against the law. Niger Delta Co-ordinator, National Council of the Physically Challenged, Mr. Omokhodion Gerry-Boi said the neglect and stigmatisation of the disabled is yet to receive adequate attention from relevant authorities. He expressed appreciation to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for giving them a sense of belonging in his administration. He sued for more support by involving them in committees that handle matters which directly affect them, as well as giving them more job opportunities, even at the local government level. During the session with NAPVID, Prof. Ihonvbere promised that government would ensure a speedy passage of the executive bill for the creation of a Commission for persons with disabilities which has since been forwarded to the state House of Assembly. When passed, he said it would address the challenges faced by people with disabilities. State President, NAPVID, Barr. Melody Omosah, said their principal focus is to promote merit and de-emphasise charity, stressing that begging is not synonymous with persons with disabilities. According to him, some of them who by the grace of God and dint of hardwork have been able to carve a niche for themselves, are taking steps to empower persons with disability. He thanked Governor Oshiomhole for his support towards NAPVID Education Fund, renovation of two of the schools for Physically Challenged Persons, and solicited more support and speedy passage of the executive bill for the physically challenged persons. In a private audience with members of Dwarf Association, Edo State, the SSG enjoined them not to be discouraged by the stigma and that their decision to register the association is a step in the right direction as it would give them a bigger voice and extend help to more of their kind. Leader of the delegation, Mr. Aghama Efionayi appealed to the state government to help establish their association and empower them. (By QUEENNETH OROBEDO - The Nigerian Observer)

Igbale Aiye Marks 450,000 Years with Prof Soyinka

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, his counterpart from the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in company of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday visited Igbale Aiye, a village believed to be the origin of mankind. Igbale Aiye community, said to be 450,000 years old, is in Apotoku, Ketu (Commune de Ketou), Republic of Benin. Speaking during the Convention of ‘The City-Headquarters of Humanism’ (Igbale Aiye), organised by Africa-Cultures International Institute and the Government of Republic of Benin, the state governors and Nobel Laureate, according to a statement by Funmi Wakama, media aide of Governor Amosun, commended the vision of Olofindji Akande, the promoter of Igbale Aiye project. They called for concerted efforts to promote African culture and values. Amosun promised to support the project in line with his administration’s vision to promote the African culture. He said Ogun had been associated with many firsts and “this project is first of its kind.” Aregbesola said further research should be carried out on the link between the Egyptian Pyramids and Igbale Aiye. For his part, Soyinka said the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding had adopted the Igba Aiye initiative because of its historical significance. The visitors were conducted round the relics of the 450,000-year-old underground village said to host the first inhabitants of our planet world “where the builders of the pyramids of Egypt came from.” The two governors and culture icon later planted banana trees to commemorate the 2013 Convention. (from Vanguard)

Grey Hair Solution - eSalon Makes History

A new hair care company called eSalon.com is infuriating hairstylists across the country. eSalon says they are fast becoming a target for outraged stylists: “Hairstylists have written us angry letters saying, ‘How could you do this? We’re losing clients because of you!’” Maybe it’s because eSalon provides that same salon service, but at home. They offer clients the full treatment: affordable hair color for home use, with the personal guidance of a professional colorist, and it doesn’t cost you a fortune. eSalon is nothing like the one-size-fits-all boxed hair color you get at a drugstore. Instead, they provide custom blended hair color like you’d get in a salon. They use salon-grade ingredients that leave hair soft, shiny and provide excellent gray coverage. The personalized pigment even has your name on the bottle, because it’s made for you and no one else. And for a total hassle-free experience, each hair color order is delivered right to your door for under $20. That’s a far cry from the $100-plus you would pay at a salon! Just ask eSalon’s colorists how jealous some can get: “It’s so bad, we’re sometimes reluctant to tell other colorists what we do. But mostly we’re proud of the service we provide for busy, professional women.” Customized color truly makes a difference. eSalon already has a handful of high-profile mentions under their belt. InStyle Magazine named it “Best of the Web” and Total Beauty voted it “Best Hair Color” for 2013, plus it’s received kudos from Lucky Magazine and Good Housekeeping. It even comes with a professional coloring brush, gloves, stain guard, stain remover, and shampoo & conditioner – in addition to the guidance of expert colorists. Plus to top it off, eSalon has a special offer for new customers: Get your first custom color kit for only $9.95* (a 50% savings!), with a full money-back guarantee. Go here to give it a try: www.eSalon.com

Back Pains - 7 Mistakes Sufferers Make

7 Mistakes That Most Back Pain Sufferers Make

Making these mistakes could make the pain worse

May 28, 2013 | By Casie Terry Mace,

Content & Social Media Manager, Live in the Now

This article originally appeared on Live in the Now.With more than 65 million Americans currently suffering from back pain, it’s the second most common reason adults visit their doctors. Often, people are under the assumption that their pain is related to one specific incident or activity such as a sport or sitting at a desk too long.According to Chief Wellness Officer and co-founder of RealAge, Michael Roizen, M.D., “nearly 95 percent of lower back pain can be treated [and] even more can be prevented by doing exercises that center around the pelvis and abdomen.”Despite that sound advice, many opt to ignore their back pain, medicating daily while saying things like, “I must’ve slept funny last night” or “my chair at work is terrible.” These are complaints that back health experts, physical therapists and massage therapists hear all too often.The back pain experts at the Healthy Back Institute have identified seven mistakes that most back pain sufferers make in their quest to find relief.Here’s what they have to say:

Mistake #1: Not dealing with pain the first time

Many people will experience back pain that lasts a few days and then they forget about it when the pain disappears, rather than making the effort to identify and address the cause of the pain.When you have a fall or some other accident, it’s easy to figure out why your back hurts. But in most cases, your back pain could be caused by any number of things. You need to know what conditions are developing in your body and, more important, what is causing those conditions to develop in the first place.

Mistake #2: Treating only the symptoms

The majority of the treatments people receive for back pain — cortisone shots, anti-inflammatory drugs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and the like — address only the symptoms. You must understand that pain is merely a signal that something is wrong. Even if you get rid of the pain, the problem is still going to be there.You’re hurting because your body is going through abnormal changes and those changes are causing abnormal postural condition. In turn, those abnormal postural condition are causing your muscles, joints and ligament to function under increased stress and strain. And they will eventually fail, causing a condition that is very painful, like a herniated disc.

Mistake #3: Thinking you’re too fit to have back pain

You may eat right, exercise regularly and be in good health, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience back pain. The reality is that people who exercise frequently are just as likely — if not more so — to develop back pain. Certain groups of athletes — runners, cyclists, swimmers, dancers, gymnasts, bodybuilders — are prime candidates for back problems.Cyclists, for example, almost without exception have serious muscle imbalances in the lower body — primarily their quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and glutes. This is because the constant repetitive motion of peddling a bicycle overworks one set of muscles while underworking other muscles.The same thing can happen to non-athletes. Even if you don’t do any of the above-mentioned activities, your workout program can create muscle imbalances if you’re concentrating too heavily on certain areas of your body and neglecting others. Fit or not, you will be in trouble.

Mistake #4: Continuing to do what doesn’t work

Why would anyone keep going to a health care professional for months and months without seeing any improvement? Beats me.The Healthy Back Institute advisory panel suggests that you dontt go beyond a three-month period without improvement before considering making a change. It’s not the number of treatments as much as it is the need to be seeing steady improvements. At the very least, you should insist on getting a monthly evaluation of your progress. You need to be clear that there is a plan of care, and that a proper diagnosis has been made.

Mistake #5: Not understanding that back pain is a process

Most of the time, back pain and sciatica take weeks, months or even years to develop. But you’re not aware that there’s a problem until something starts to hurt. Rarely is back pain the result of a one-time incident. Barring an injury, it just doesn’t happen overnight. Consider this story from Healthy Back Institute founder, Steve Hefferon.When his child was learning to walk, he put up a baby gate at the foot of the stairs. Being lazy, Steve would lift his leg over the gate rather than opening it and walking through. He did this more than 30 times a day. One afternoon, he was cutting the grass and felt a radiating pain in his butt. The next time he cut the grass, the same thing happened. He eventually figured out that the awkward movement of stepping over the gate time after time had created a muscle imbalance. Driving to work, sitting at a desk or performing some other seemingly routine activity can do the same thing.What exactly is a muscle imbalance? Try this analogy: You’re driving your car down the road and your front end is out of alignment. This is going to cause your tires to wear unevenly. This can also happen to your muscles.To take this a bit further, let’s do something we call the Glute Squeeze Test. Do not attempt this if you’ve had a total hip replacement.Stand up and put your heels together, with your toes pointing out — like a duck (at least at a 90 degree angle). Now, clench your butt muscles. Reach back and feel how tight they are. Relax. Next, turn your toes inward as far as you can. Now, with your toes touching, try to tighten your butt muscles. You can’t tighten them nearly as much, can you? The reason is that your muscles are in an unfamiliar position — they’re simply not used to working this way, so they’re not as strong. This should give you some idea of what a muscle imbalance is like.If you correct the imbalance, the condition that’s causing the pain will go away. The good news is that it’s easy to find out where these muscle imbalances and postural dysfunctions are on your own body.Once you know where these imbalances are, you can work toward correcting them by doing a combination of targeted exercises, stretches and self-treatments specifically designed for your condition. Another important thing to keep in mind: X-rays, MRIs and CT (cat) scans do not reveal muscle imbalances or postural imbalances.

Mistake #6: The “I’ve Tried Everything” Syndrome

You tell yourself that there’s nothing out there that you don’t know about, that surgery is the only option left, or — even worse — that you’ll just have to learn to live with the pain.I can almost guarantee you that you haven’t tried a head-to-toe assessment, which is absolutely essential for identifying your muscle imbalances. I’d be willing to bet that your doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist hasn’t done them.If you see a chiropractor, make sure they do a head-to-toe assessment and not just a single manipulation. A single manipulation will probably work for a while, but you’ll find yourself having to go back three to four times a week — until the insurance runs out.

Mistake #7: Not taking control

No one knows your body as well as you do, and nobody cares about your health as much as you do. Even if you’re working with a great professional, you still need to educate yourself.Unfortunately, most people don’t know much about how their own body works, let alone what actually causes back pain and how to get rid of it. Patients who are knowledgeable get better results, faster. Make the decision to be active in your own rehab.

What You Need to Do Now

1. If what you’re doing isn’t working, STOP! Whatever treatment you’re trying, you must see steady improvement. Otherwise, you need to make a change.2. Deal with the problem NOW! Waiting will only make things worse.3. Recognize that fit people have muscle imbalances, too. Athletes, in fact, may actually be at greater risk.4. Treat the symptoms AND the cause. Getting rid of pain is not the way to long-term relief.5. Remember, it’s a process. Your condition didn’t happen overnight, and it’s not going to go away overnight.6. Be open-minded and positive. If you try something new and believe it will work, then it just might. Negative thoughts guarantee failure.7. Take control and take action. Don’t go to a doctor and sit there with your mouth shut. If they throw a word at you that you don’t understand, ask what it means.

FAYEMI WINS, ONI LOSES!

Few minutes ago the Supreme Court has ruled 7-0 in favour of incumbent Governor Dr J. K. Fayemi of Ekiti state, Western Nigeria. The Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, had in its decision on the matter set aside the judgement of the lower tribunal which upheld Oni’s election as the validly elected governor of the state in 2007. The court in its decision ordered a re-run election which was held in 2009 However, after living office, Oni, not satisfied with the decision of the court, approached the Ado Ekiti division of the court, alleging bias and favoritism on the part of the suspended president of the court, Justice Ayo Salami and the members of the tribunal. Specifically, Oni is seeking an order setting aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Ado Ekiti division delivered on Monday, February 27, 2012. Reports reaching us states that Ado-Ekiti, the State capital which has been in tension mood, is now in jubilation over the court rule.

Lebanese Armoury Discovered in Nigeria

NIGERIA’S security services, on Thursday, said they had discovered a home in Kano, where Lebanese nationals had stored weapons intended to attack Israeli and Western targets in Nigeria. The Kano State Director of State Security Service (SSS), Bassey Etang and a separate military statement described the compound as hosting a “terrorist cell” tied to the Lebanese Shiite movement, Hezbollah. No evidence was provided linking the home to the Lebanese group. Journalists were brought to the compound in the upmarket Bompai neighbourhood of Kano and taken to a bunker dug beneath a bedroom where weapons had allegedly been stored. “The weapons include anti-tank weapons, rocket propelled guns, anti-tank (and) antipersonnel mines, among other dangerous weapons,” the military statement said. It said three Lebanese nationals had been arrested in connection with the illegal arms cache, while a fourth suspect was at large. “This is the handiwork of Hezbollah. What has just been discovered is the cell of Hezbollah and what you have seen here is a Hezbollah armoury,” Etang said. “These weapons are meant to be used to target Israeli and Western interests in Nigeria,” he added. According to the SSS chief, “investigations are still ongoing to determine if the Lebanese nationals are really connected to Boko Haram.” The military statement said one suspect, Mustafa Fawaz, was arrested on May 16 and his “confession unveiled other members of the foreign terrorists network.” A second suspect, Abdullah Tahini, was arrested several days later while trying to board a flight to Beirut from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, according to the military. The third detained Lebanese national, Talal Roda, was arrested at the Kano home on May 26, while Fauzi Fawad was identified as the suspect at large. Fawaz reportedly owns a leading supermarket as well as an amusement park in Abuja. An employee, who answered a call to a number listed for the amusement park, told AFP that Fawaz had not been in the office this week. The arrests and arms recovery followed a “robust counter terrorism investigation in the past several months,” the military said. It will be recalled that in February, the SSS said it had discovered a militant cell receiving instructions from Iranian agents that had sought to attack Israeli and Western targets in Nigeria. It national spokesman, Marilyn Ogar, said at the time that the group also planned to assassinate Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida. Troops arrest 5 Nigeriens, 2 Chadians Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, said five Nigeriens and two Chadians were among the fleeing insurgents apprehended by the Special Forces, as the troops continue their pursuit of terrorists dislodged from their bases. The seven were among the nine arrested at Tumbu Gini, a border town with Chad. It said the man suspected to be leading the group escaped with gunshot wounds. Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, said the message, in which the leadership of the insurgents called for support from Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as other cohorts, to enable them to fight the troops, was a clear confirmation that they were overwhelmed by the military operations. “The message, which calls for support from Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as other cohorts of the insurgents is clearly a confirmation of the level of pressure which has been brought to bear on the insurgents,” he stated. (source: NigeriaMasterWeb)

Tension in Ekiti - Oni or Fayemi?

By GBENGA ARIYIBI ADO EKITI — Tension mounts in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, as the people of the state await today’s judgment of the Supreme Court over the suit instituted by former governor of the state, Mr. Segun Oni, urging the apex court to set aside the Court of Appeal’s judgement of October 15, 2010, that removed him from office. The Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, had in its decision on the matter set aside the judgement of the lower tribunal which upheld Oni’s election as the validly elected governor of the state in 2007. The court in its decision ordered a re-run election which was held in 2009 However, after living office, Oni, not satisfied with the decision of the court, approached the Ado Ekiti division of the court, alleging bias and favoritism on the part of the suspended president of the court, Justice Ayo Salami and the members of the tribunal. Specifically, Oni is seeking an order setting aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Ado Ekiti division delivered on Monday, February 27, 2012. He,is equally seeking an order directing a fresh Panel of the Court of Appeal to hear and determine the aforesaid appeal in (ii) above de novo. An order directing the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly to take over the governance of Ekiti State, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal in (ii) above by the Court of Appeal. Ekiti CP speaks On his preparation for the judgement, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, said he had a meeting with the leaders of the two parties where they promised to caution their supporters against fomenting trouble before, during and after the judgement. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said: “We are monitoring the situation very closely. “We invited all the leaders of the political parties on Tuesday, and it was agreed that they will talk to their supporters and party members in view of today’s judgement to ensure that there is peace in the state. “Our intelligence unit had been sent out to gather information from the public. We have also deployed our men to all strategic positions across the state to forestall breakdown of law and order that may arise as a result of the judgement. So, we don’t foresee crisis before, during and after the judgement.” Ekiti ACN chair hopeful In his response to the pending court verdict, the Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Ekiti chapter, Chief Jide Awe, who assured that his party members would not forment trouble, said his members were not in the habit of formenting trouble, even at a time when situations were more grievous than this. He, however, expressed confidence in the judiciary, saying his members would not involved in any action that would desecrate the temple of justice, just as he enthused that the party would be victorious in today’s judgement. Oni and other PDP leaders had at various times clarified that the suit was not intended to ridicule the judiciary but to expose alleged bias in the judgement that ousted him from office. Oni believed that he would be vindicated in the end. (culled from Vanguard)

Jonathan Endorsed for 2015 Election

. Members of PDP has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan to run for 2015 Presidential Election in Nigeria. This took place at gathering of PDP Stalwarts at the Presidential Villa, Abuja last night. Although the occasion was meant to be a dinner but it took another turn to became a decision making occasion. Emmanuel Iwuanyanuw, Babatope, Jerry Gana and Aminu Wali all spoke for their respective political zones. PDP Governors also were not left out. Chief Anenih also called for automatic nomination of all PDP Governors and office holders who are currently serving for their first term. Bamanga Tukur warned members against indiscipline. In his speech President Jonathan commended party leaders for their support, and charged them to leave good legacies

Al-Mustapha Case - Judge Withdraws!

Justice Ibrahim Saulawa of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, on Thursday declined hearing an appeal filed by Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan, challenging a death sentence against them. Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sanni Abacha, and Shofolahan, former Personal Assistant to Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, are challenging their death sentence by a Lagos High Court. The convicts were sentenced to death on Jan. 30, 2012, by Justice Mojisola Dada, for conspiracy in masterminding the murder of late Kudirat. The matter, which was schedule for arguments of parties, could not continue as the presiding justice declined hearing for personal reasons. Saulawa told the appellants’ counsel that he could only assist them in recording a further date for arguments, but will not participate in hearing the main appeal. He, therefore, adjourned the case to June 10, for hearing. Meanwhile, the judge granted two applications filed by Mr Pedro Lawal (SAN) and Mr Olalekan Ojo, Counsel to the respondent and second appellant, respectively. Lawal in his application, sought to amend his respondent’s brief by substituting it and deeming same as been properly filed and served. Ojo on his part, prayed for an order, deeming his reply to the amended respondent’s brief, as properly filed and served. Saulawa granted the applications, adding that it was the much he could do in the matter. NAN recalls that the convicts were arraigned in October 1999 on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and involvement in the 1996 murder of the deceased. Kudirat was murdered in front of 7up Nigeria Plc, Oregun, on the Ikosi-Ketu Road. Dada had found the convicts guilty of the offence and accordingly sentenced them to death by hanging. Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN) and Ojo, counsel to the first and second appellants, respectively had however, appealed against the verdict 24-hours after the sentence of the convicts. Al- Mustapha and Shofolahan had challenged the judgment. In the notice of appeal, the appellants contended that the death sentence handed by the lower court was unwarranted, unreasonable and a manifest miscarriage of justice. They contended that the judge erred in law by arriving at the conclusion that they conspired to kill the deceased on June 4, 1996. The appellants faulted the treatment of the contradictory statements of Barnabas Jabila (aka Sgt. Rogers) and Mohammed Abdul, and reliance on the testimony of Dr Ore Falomo, on the bullet extracted from the corpse. They also faulted the court’s rejection of portions of Jabila’s testimony which they felt favored them. The appellants are therefore, praying the appellate court to entertain the appeal, set aside the judgment, and discharge them of the charges of conspiracy and murder. NAN reports that Al-Mustapha’s appeal is premised on four grounds, while that of his co-convict, Shofolahan, hinged on five grounds. (NAN) (Report from Vanguard)

Mimiko Challenges Amaechi Camp

Olusegun Mimiko, Governor Ondo State, Western Nigeria has challenged the pro-Amechi group to go ahead to produced the entire 3hours video recording of the just concluded Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) election, which Amaechi is claiming victory. He said this at The Democracy lecture which was delivered by Prof Bola Akinterinwa the Director General Nigerian Institute of International Affair NIIA with the title “”Democracy, security and Development, the challenges of Ondo state as a catalyst Agent” in Akure. Mimiko said that the Amaechi faction only released a 10 minutes part of the video that favours them. “Nigerians should ask the Pro-Amaechi’s group why he presided over an election which he is also contesting. I specifically raised that issue and insisted that he must resign but his supporters maintained that he should supervise the poll as a sitting chairman. “They asked me whether I resigned my position while seeking a re-election for a second term in office and I replied them that it was not the same thing because the NGF is like an association not a democratic institution which had its existence entrenched in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “When it was obvious that we could not guarantee the source of the ballot boxes and papers brought by Amaechi, I protested again that we should conduct the election openly by raising up our hands in support of our preferred candidate, again, they rejected it. “The ballot papers they produced were without serial numbers and we discovered this was a fraud, hence there were protests. “They never captured all these facts in their video but merely recorded the fraction of the process which was in line with their pre-determined agenda.”

Supreme Court Judge Pays N3m to Kidnappers?

KIDNAPPERS of Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, wife of a Supreme Court Justice, her daughter and driver allegedly collected N3 million ransom before they released them on Tuesday. A reliable source told Vanguard, “The ransom was paid more than a week before they were released, but the kidnappers still held them captive because the other victims held with them in their camp were yet to pay their own ransom. It was only when paid up that they released all of them.” Mr Rhode-Vivour Mr Rhode-Vivour “One of the victims is Mr. Frank Elumeze, a top official of the Delta State Water Board, who was also kidnapped, some weeks ago, he was released along with the Rhodes-Vivours on Tuesday after his own ransom was paid,” the source, a senior security official disclosed. He asserted, “The camp where they held them is in Delta state, it is not security agents that freed them, nobody knew where they kept them, they contacted the families and the judge’s family paid N2 million , while somebody else paid N1 million to bring the total paid for the three of them to N3 million.” “The victims were blindfolded by the kidnappers and taken to somewhere near the Church of God Mission International in Benin City before they opened their eyes and asked them to find their way,” he added. As at Thursday, security agents were yet to locate the camp used by kidnappers. The trio were abducted on May 10 on their way to Benin, Edo State, for a wedding. The kidnappers had initially asked for N200 million ransom According to the source, “The released official of the Delta Water Board is in a hotel, somewhere, resting, but has promised to resume work by Monday.” Meanwhile, 11 persons have been arrested by the police in connection with the kidnap of a lecturer in Science Education, Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, Dr. (Mrs) Mercy Mokobia on April 9, at about 1.00 a.m in her bedroom. (culled from Vanguard)

Mamman Kontagora Passes On

Abuja – A former Minister of Works and Housing in the Babangida administration, retired Maj.-Gen. Mamman Kontangora, is dead, a family source said. The source said Kontagora died at the National Hospital, Abuja.He was 69 years old. Kontagora was born on the 20th April, 1944 in Kontagora in Niger. He attended Central Primary School, Kontagora, from 1952 to 1958 and Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, from 1964 to 1967. He bagged a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1972. He also attended the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterrey, California, U.S. and the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Kontagora served as Minister of Works and Housing from 1988 to 1993. He was appointed Sole Administrator of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, by the Sani Abacha regime. He was also the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 1998 to 1999. Kontagora held various command posts, including Commanding Officer, 11 Field Engineers Regiment, Kaduna; Commander, Nigerian Army Engineers Brigade, Ibadan; Commander, Nigerian Army Engineers Brigade, Jos; Commander, Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, New Bussa, and Director of Quartering and Engineering Services, Army. He contested for the presidency on the platform of the PDP in 2007 but was defeated at the primaries. Until his death, he was the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). He held the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger(CON) Kontagora is survived by a wife, Hajiya Ladi, and children. (NAN)

Nigerians Will Die in Pakistan, If.....

BY EMMA ARUBI WARRI — Families of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel, Mt Matrix 1, abducted last Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company, Matrix Energy, in Warri, Delta State, not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them released, promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan, if any of the victims was killed. The abducted victims include the Captain, Chief Officer, cook and two others. They were conveying automated gasoline oil, AGO, from Lagos to Eket, when they were abducted at 9pm. Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State, had been informed of the incident. The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors, but that details of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed. (culled from Vanguard)

Biafra Declaration - Today Marks 46 Years

TODAY, May 30, 2013 mark excatly 46years the declaration of Republic of Biafra, by late Ikemba Nnewi, Odumegwu Ojukwu, Eze Igbo Gburugburu. Many adults today were not born. What led to this declaration that claimed millions of lives in a civil war that was the aftermath? In 1960, Nigeria became independent of the United Kingdom. As with many other new African states, the borders of the country did not reflect earlier ethnic boundaries. Thus the northern desert region of the country contained semi-autonomous feudal Muslim states, while the southern population was predominantly Christian and Animist. Furthermore, Nigeria's oil, its primary source of income, was located in the south of the country. Following independence, Nigeria was divided primarily along ethnic lines with Hausa and Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the south-west, Ijaws in the south-south and Igbo in the south-east.[4] In January 1966, a group of primarily eastern Igbo led a military coup during which 30 political leaders including Nigeria's Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the Northern premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello were killed. In July 1966 northern officers and army units staged a counter-coup. Muslim officers named a Christian from a small ethnic group (the Anga) in central Nigeria, General Yakubu "Jack" Gowon, as the head of the Federal Military Government (FMG). The two coups deepened Nigeria's ethnic tensions. In September 1966, approximately 30,000 Igbo were killed in the north, and some Northerners were killed in backlashes in eastern cities. Now, therefore, I, Lieutenant-Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria, by virtue of the authority, and pursuant to the principles, recited above, do hereby solemnly proclaim that the territory and region known as and called Eastern Nigeria together with her continental shelf and territorial waters shall henceforth be an independent sovereign state of the name and title of "The Republic of Biafra". Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. In January 1967, the military leaders and senior police officials of each region met in Aburi, Ghana and agreed on a loose confederation of regions. The Northerners were at odds with the Aburi Accord; Obafemi Awolowo, the leader of the Western Region warned that if the Eastern Region seceded, the Western Region would also, which persuaded the northerners. After the federal and eastern governments failed to reconcile, on 26 May the Eastern region voted to secede from Nigeria. On 30 May, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Eastern Region's military governor, announced the Republic of Biafra, citing the Easterners killed in the post-coup violence. The large amount of oil in the region created conflict, as oil was a major component of the Nigerian economy. The Eastern region was very ill equipped for war, out-manned, and out-gunned by the military of the remainder of Nigeria. Their advantages included fighting in their homeland and support of most Easterners. The British, Soviet, and U.S. support (especially militarily) of the Nigerian government played a major role in the outcome of the war. War Roundel of the Biafran Air Force. The FMG launched "police measures" to annex the Eastern Region on 6 July 1967. The FMG's initial efforts were unsuccessful; the Biafrans successfully launched their own offensive, occupying areas in the Mid-Western Region in August 1967. By October 1967, the FMG had regained the land after intense fighting.[8][13] In September 1968, the federal army planned what Gowon described as the "final offensive". Initially the final offensive was neutralised by Biafran troops. In the latter stages, a Southern FMG offensive managed to break through the fierce resistance. On 30 June 1969, the Nigerian government banned all Red Cross aid to Biafra; two weeks later it allowed medical supplies through the front line, but restricted food supplies. Later in October 1969, Ojukwu appealed to the United Nations to mediate a cease-fire. The federal government called for Biafra's surrender. In December, the FMG managed to cut Biafra in half, primarily by the efforts of 3 Marine Commando Division of the Nigerian Army, led by then Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, popularly called "The Black Scorpion", and later by Olusegun Obasanjo. Ojukwu fled to the Côte d'Ivoire, leaving his chief of staff, Philip Effiong, to act as the "officer administering the government". Effiong called for a cease-fire 12 January and submitted to the FMG. More than one million people had died in battle or from starvation. OTHER FACTS: Flag: Coat of arms Motto: "Peace, Unity, Freedom" Anthem: Land of the Rising Sun Green: Republic of Biafra. Light green: Republic of Benin, a Biafran puppet state. Republic of Biafra in May 1967 Capital : Enugu Languages : English (official) French (Secondary) Igbo / Ibo (predominant) Efik · Annang · Ibibio · Ekoi Government Republic President C. Odumegwu Ojukwu Historical era Cold War - Established 30 May 1967 - Rejoins Federal Nigeria 15 January 1970 Area - 1967 77,306 km² (29,848 sq mi) Population - 1967 est. 13,500,000 Density 174.6 /km² (452.3 /sq mi) Currency Biafran pound Minahan, James (2002). Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations: S-Z. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 762. ISBN 0-313-32384-4. Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a secessionist state in south-eastern Nigeria that existed from 30 May 1967 to 15 January 1970, taking its name from the Bight of Biafra (the Atlantic bay to its south).[1] The inhabitants were mostly the Igbo people who led the secession due to economic, ethnic, cultural and religious tensions among the various peoples of Nigeria. The creation of the new country was among the causes of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War. Land of the Rising Sun was chosen for Biafra's national anthem, and the state was formally recognised by Gabon, Haiti, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania and Zambia. Other nations which did not give official recognition but which did provide support and assistance to Biafra included Israel, France, Portugal, Rhodesia, South Africa and the Vatican City.[2] Biafra also received aid from non-state actors, including Joint Church Aid, Holy Ghost Fathers of Ireland, Caritas International, MarkPress and U.S. Catholic Relief Services.[2] After two-and-a-half years of war, during which a million civilians had died in fighting and from famine, Biafran forces agreed to a ceasefire with the Nigerian Federal Military Government (FMG), and Biafra was reintegrated into Nigeria. (Culled from Wikipedia)

$149 for 3 Days in South Africa!

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA 3-DAY & 2-NIGHT STAY AT THE HILTON SANDTON $149.00 Price per person for two staying. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE! CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF COVERAGES! PLEASE REVIEW THE CANCELLATION POLICIES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE For any questions regarding this trip contact +234-802-079-3034 WHEN: July 26 - July 28, 2013 PRICING: Member Savings: 33% Explore the City of Gold Welcome to the passionate city of Johannesburg, or, as locals call it, “Jo’burg” and “Jozi.” South Africa’s most populated city is perhaps best known for its mineral-rich hills, filled with diamonds and gold. Take a tour of a diamond mine, or pick up one at a local shop. The city is host to an abundance of premium shopping, in addition to cultural studios and more than 40 art galleries. From a myriad of activities and sports, to excellent dining and amazing natural features, the inspirational city of Johannesburg will keep you coming back for more! DREAMTRIP INCLUDES: 3-day and 2-night stay at the Hilton Sandton. Standard accommodations include a king bed, a desk, an alarm-clock radio, a hairdryer, a phone, air conditioning, a TV, iron and an ironing board. Daily breakfast. A host will be provided with 20 adults booking. If a hosted DreamTrip, a Welcome Check-In on the day of arrival and Meet & Greet Party will be provided to members and their guests. Air transportation is not included. The closest commercial airport is Tambo International Airport (JNB).

AMAECHI To be Impeached?

Southsouth governor leads plot against Rivers governor AMID a grand plot to impeach him, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi spoke yesterday on his travails, saying he will have no regrets if he leaves office. A Southsouth governor is said to have been directed by some forces in the Presidency to fund the plot under which seven lawmakers are to be induced to join the anti-Amaechi camp. Of the Assembly’s 32 members, five are against Amaechi. But Amaechi said: “Indeed, it is only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has the guts to suspend a governor without a reason. I leave them to God and to you (the people)…. We must come together to defend Rivers State. It’s not about me; I have served eight years as Speaker, nearly six years as governor. Even if I am removed tomorrow, I am satisfied that this state, this country and history will recognise and remember me.” “If there is no history that I have made, the one God has helped me to make is the one that I stood out and fought for my right and became a governor. You voted on my behalf and the Supreme Court confirmed that when you people were voting, you were voting for me. But you also need to make your own history and that history is that let Abuja know that you can stand for your right, whether you belong to PDP or APC or any other party.” Amaechi, who was re-elected Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) last Friday, has been suspended from the PDP – a dimension he insists was unfair. He said the people’s votes must count in the choice of who becomes governor of the state in 2015. The governor was addressing an inter-party summit with the theme “Cohesive inter-party relations as a panacea for peace and sustainable development in Rivers State” in Port Harcourt, the state capital. He noted that any government which could not attribute its victory to the people’s votes would not be responsible to the people, adding that governments at all levels become transparent and accountable only when they fear they could be voted out for poor performance. Amaechi recalled his speech at a youths forum on Monday. He said: “If you listened to me yesterday (Monday) when I was addressing Rivers youths, I told them ‘all those from 18 and above should please get up’ and they got up. I asked them to sit down, they did and I asked again, ‘all those that have voter cards should please get up’ and a lot of them did and I said we shall punish irresponsible politicians with our cards. So what I expect from all of you whether you belong to APC, CPC, where ever you belong to, start now to mobilise the state for one man, one vote. We will not allow them intimidate us with police or anything. Instead, we shall intimidate them with our votes.” He stressed the need for a free and fair election. “Any government formed without the people’s votes cannot be responsible to the people,” the governor said, adding: “The only way government or governors or presidents or whoever can stop corruption, can stop mal-administration is when that government is put in place by you (the people) and they know that if they don’t govern well, you (the people) will vote them out. So your first demand should be that all governments must be responsible enough to allow for a free and fair election.” The keynote speaker and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Magnus Abe, urged politicians to preserve and not destroy Rivers State by their actions. He lamented the lack of participatory democracy among political parties and the sole desire by parties to acquire and retain political power for selfish interests. Abe said: “In Nigeria, the evolution of our party politics has been less than satisfactory. I say this because our country today is deeply divided along ethnic, religious and cultural lines. The main challenge facing our country has been the development of national political parties that will promote issue and idea-based contest for power. In other words, the contest for power will be a contest of ideas. The parties in Nigeria have evolved into vehicles strictly for the acquisition and retention of political power. In this evolution, our political parties have lost one of the key attributes of participatory democracy, that leadership should be a contest, not of persons, but of ideas.” The chairman of the occasion and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, urged political parties to believe and mean well for the country they serve. He urged politicians to uphold the truth and accept fairness: “I believe truth must be upheld, fairness must be justified and accepted and those who think that it is enough to conspire against truth have to be exposed,” Justice Karibi-Whyte. He advised political office holders to work for the common good of the people who voted them to power: “We are talking about governor, the office of the governor. We admire the governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi because of his performance. We follow him because of his performance. We’ll do everything to ensure that he succeeds and the institution still carries on,” the eminent Jurist said. He criticised those plotting against Amaechi, calling them conspirators with a destructive motive: “The group, which, as all of us know, they are all conspirators. The conspiracy runs foul when it is directed towards a wrong motive. When it is a conspiracy, which is destructive, which is oppressive and which makes it difficult for the common man to admire what is going on, then there is a foreboding of anarchy.” Rivers State Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu, yesterday said the directive to obtain permit from the police before embarking on peaceful protest came from Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar. He was apparently reacting to the statement by Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi while addressing Rivers youths at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, that he would soon lead Rivers people to protest injustice without obtaining any permit from the police commissioner. Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), expressed shock that Mbu could lead over 10,000 ex-militants on May 22 to protest against him and his administration in Port Harcourt, after which he said the police boss hurriedly banned protests. He alleged that he had taken sides. The Rivers governor also accused the police commissioner of supporting the return to the era of militancy and insecurity, where people had to raise their hands, while walking on the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs, which he said he tackled, when he came into office of October 26, 2007. On whether he would give the governor a permit if he wants to lead a peaceful protest, the police boss said: “Until then.” The Rivers police commissioner also declared that he was not in the state to satisfy any individual, but had great respect for Amaechi, while frowning on the attitude of the labour leaders, who he criticised for forcing the workers to join the two-day warning strike. Culled from The Nation newspaper 29/may/2013

What I Will Be Remembered For - Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan believes he had done much for the country, despite the economic and security challenges Nigeria has been plunged into. In an interview in Addis Ababa he spoke with Zuriel Oduwole, a 10-year-old Nigerian girl based in Los Angeles, California who has already interviewed three other African leaders for a documentary she is producing on the 50 years of the African Union (AU). LEON USIGBE who witnessed the interview brings the excerpts. "There are key things that I would want people to remember me for. I started with one; clean elections, free and fair elections. In a democratic setting, to strengthen democracy so that you prevent the issue of military intervention to make sure that people decide who govern them, who represent them at the parliament, who run their affair at the local government level; the country never had that opportunity and the elite were no longer interested even in really voting. Democracy was almost left floating in the hands of people who ordinarily have no place there. We are sanitising the electoral process. Now, Nigeria can select who they want to be their president, who wants to be their governor, who wants to be their senator, who wants to be their House of Representatives member or even their state Houses of Assembly or even chairman of their council. We are doing that and I want that to be internalised in all the ways we do things. I want people to remember me for that. "Another key thing is that for you to develop now, you talk about IT; when you talk about nascent technological development, power is key and that has been our priority, to make sure that we stabilise power in the country. Because when you stabilise power, you are encouraging micro, small and medium scale enterprises. These are the areas that really create jobs for people, improve the economy, create wealth for people and reduce poverty to the barest minimum. I wouldn’t want to say more but if we can stabilise the electoral process, sanitise the political environment, then you make sure that you have power in this country and of course, security, every other things will take off on its own, even education because the private sector is very much involved in education. So, it is not just government. Health, the private sector is involved but they need this kind of environment for them to excel. So, the thing is: stable democracy, rule of law, security in the country and power, then everything will follow."

19 Year Old Raped with Magical Ring, Rapers Ask for N6,000 Ransome

BY OLA AJAYI IBADAN —TWO young men have been remanded in Agodi Prison by an Ibadan Magistrate Court for allegedly using a magical ring to abduct and gang-rape a 19-year-old secondary school girl in Ibadan. The two suspects, according to a police source, were charged with conspiracy, rape and stealing of a Blackberry phone belonging to the victim. The rape victim said she closed from school at Wofun Iyana Church, and was accosted by the suspects who insisted she should follow them to their residence. But, when she refused, one of them allegedly used a magical ring to hit her on the chest and she was unconscious. “There is a boy who was not my boy friend. He was a student in that school about two years ago. His name is Biola. He had wanted to date me several times which I politely turned down. Just last Wednesday, when I closed from school, Biola came to me in company of two unidentified boys and said his mum wanted to see me. “‘I asked him what led to the invitation by his mum. I then told him I would not go. Then, one of the two other guys who had a ring on his hand hit me on the chest and I was unconscious. They took me to the residence of one of the two boys and raped me. “Before raping me, they gave me alcoholic drink and after the crime had been committed, they gave me ‘covenant water’ threatening me that I would die if I told anybody of the act.” A top policeman who claimed anonymity because he was not instructed to speak, confirmed the story, saying: “On May 15 at 0815 hours, one Adekola living on Akanbi Street, Molade area of Ibadan reported that his younger sister and a secondary school student went to school and did not return home. All efforts to trace her proved abortive. “Then about 23:00hours, an unanimous caller called through the victim’s GSM number and identified himself as kidnapper and demanded N6,000. The DCO led other policemen and the victim was rescued.” She was unconscious and was rushed to a nearby hospital. She later narrated how she was kidnapped and gang-raped by three persons. Two arrests have been made while the third suspect is still at large. The two suspects have been charged to court.”

Dortmund loses Again!

Barely few days Borussia Dortmund lost the European Champions League cup to Bayern Munich, Dortmund is to lose their top striker and highest goal scorer, Robert Lewandowski to their arch-rivals, Bayern Munich.

His agent, Cleary Kucharski told Poland Television that it was a matter of weeks before Landowski joins Bayern.

Lewandowski was second best scorer in German Bundesliga this just concluded season with 24 goals in 31 games.  He was instrumental in sending Real Madrid packing during the semis of the Champions league. He alone score the 4-1 goals that secured victory for Dortmund.

We wish him success in his career.

Reuben Abati now An Orphan

With a heavy heart and gratitude to God Almighty, the Abati family of Kemta-Okebode, Abeokuta announces the passing away of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Madam Maria Taiwo Abati who passed into glory today, aged 81. Mama Abati, a devout Christian, a very kind and loving person was born on 7th August 1931. She was born into the family of late Pa Samuel Jobo Arowotadina and Late Madam Elizabeth Efundunke Arowotadina of Ijemo, Abeokuta. She was a trader at Kuto Market for many years. She was popularly known and addressed as Mama Adunni or Mama Sunday. She is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren including Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Robert Abati, a Geologist with Dangote Cement, Mr Ralph Abati, a banker with Fidelity Bank Plc and Mr Lanre Abati, an Economist & Chartered Accountant. She is also survived by her twin sister, Madam Victoria Kehinde Olude. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Reuben Abati For the family May 23, 2013

CONDOM LANDS NIGERIAN PASTOR IN HOSPITAL

News reaching us from Nigerian Master Web states that a Pastor is fighting for his life after he was beaten into coma when condoms fell out of his Bible during a preaching session in a bus. According to a local news source, the Daily Post, the pastor whose name was not released, was nearly killed Saturday morning at Toyota Bus Stop by the popular Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Mushin, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. The pastor boarded a bus in Apapa and started preaching to the passengers, uttering statements such as, “If you wear trouser you’ll go to hell! The devil invented make-up! Weave-on is from marine kingdom! If you have pre-marital sex you will burn in hell and your skin will peel!” Some of those on the bus were so moved, they started falling under the ‘anointing’. John Mbakogu, a witness on his way to his shop at Ladipo, told Daily Post: “People were just falling as he was laying hands. One man almost fell out of the bus under the influence of the Spirit. It was amazing until he raised his hands to cast the demons out of one girl, and two Durex condoms fell out. The angry men in the bus who had been having pangs of guilt due to the pastor’s preaching about sex suddenly got really angry and pounced on him, who all of a sudden started shouting, I also preach safe sex! Safe sex is good!” The paper reports police had to be called to the scene to save the pastor’s life. Two arrests were said to be made, and the condoms were retained as evidence.

PDP Suspends Amaechi

The imbroglio that was the aftermath of Governor "Victory" chairman of the Governors Forum of the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) has resulted in the suspension of Amaechi by the National Working Committed (NWC) of the PDP, Monday evening.

Mr Olisa Metuh, PDP National Publicity Secretary, who announced this said the decision was taken to enforce discipline in the party.

We know the end has not come following this announcement, because Amaechi camp is likely to challenge the decision in court.  We hope thisvwould be amicably resolved in the interest of democracy and good governance.

President Jonathan Score Card

As part of Democracy Day celebration, May 29, Governor Adams Oshiomole led Edo State Government, mid-Western Nigeria will present its score of President Jonathan's performance.

This was disclosed by the StatecCommissioner for Information, Mr C. Ogeah while addressing newsman at Asaba.

Many a Nigerian has maintained that any head of state that solved the electricity power problem would be regarded the greatest Nigerian hero of the times.

What is you score on President Jonathan governance report card so far?

Baby "Factory" - More Facts Emerge

Recently, two baby "factories" were discovered in Imo State, eastern Nigeria. More revelations have been made as Police arrests a "Midwife" who specialises in giving miracle pregnancies for childless couples without them knowing! Please read excerpts from Candy Wockner's report.....

"FOR nine months, the midwife had been giving the woman herbs to take and several things indicated she was indeed pregnant. Her stomach had swelled, so had her feet.

"She had spent many years trying to conceive and now, at 61, she was finally with child, twins in fact - or so she thought.
Even when it came time to give birth, the woman still believed she was an expectant mother. She went back to the midwife, was given seeds to chew and started feeling drowsy.
The woman, Desope Cecilia, says the midwife told her to start pushing and that soon after she heard the cry of one baby and then another. Her miracle babies.
"There was even blood, making the delivery scenario all the more real.
It wasn't until some time later, when she took the twins to be immunised, that someone smelled a rat and alerted authorities.
Tests confirmed that Cecilia was not the mother of the two babies.

"She had paid 1.5 million naira ($9800) for the services of the midwife, Oby George, in Port Harcourt in Nigeria's south.
She had never been to a hospital to have a scan of any kind during her so-called pregnancy because the midwife had told her not to.
Apparently, she told Cecilia the scan would show nothing because she was carrying a "miracle" pregnancy.
Miracle indeed - a $9800 miracle which was highly illegal.
Cecilia wasn't the midwife's only victim.
Joy Ibe, 43, also wanted babies - miracle triplets. She paid about $17,500.
But despite having a protruding stomach and swollen feet, she never got to "give birth".
She was at the midwife's home when police arrived.
She too had been told not to go to the hospital for scans or check-ups.
So desperate were both women for children that they were willing to fork out huge sums of money to a dodgy midwife.
Both claim they had no idea their pregnancies were not real.
In Cecilia's case, she truly believed she had given birth.
It seems that the herbs the women were prescribed formed a kind of large tumour in the stomach, causing the protrusion and the belief that it was a pregnant belly.
"George has apparently said she doesn't remember how many such miracle babies she has delivered. Police suspect it's many.
George and her two victims were revealed to the media by police in Lagos a week ago.
George was paraded and her victims, their faces covered, answered questions about their ordeals.
The revelation comes in the same month as Nigerian police uncovered and raided two so-called "baby factories".
It's not known where the babies George was delivering came from but it is known that unscrupulous types have been holding young women and teenage girls basically hostage and forcing them to have babies, which are then sold.
Based on the accounts of the victims, some are forced to become pregnant at the factories and others are brought to the factory already pregnant and told they will be paid for their babies.

"This has been an easy way to lure young, unmarried women who face shame in their communities as a result of such pregnancies.
One baby factory was in Imo State, in the southeast, where 20 pregnant teenage girls and 11 babies were found. Local media reported the girls told police they had been made pregnant by a young man at the compound.
Another baby factory was uncovered in Enugu State about the same time. Six young pregnant girls were found and the owner reportedly told police that he was doing a service for childless couples. Not medically trained, he was apparently delivering the babies himself.
Authorities believe the two operations uncovered with pregnant girls are not the only baby factories out there.
They have vowed to hunt down others who are also taking advantage of young, poor and vulnerable teenagers and of women desperate for babies.
Such rackets are nothing new in Nigeria and especially in the southeastern region.
A multitude of problems and poor systems allow the baby factories to exist and flourish.
But the bottom line is this: Babies are little humans and they shouldn't be sold and traded, like apples at the market."

Email Cindy Wockner

wocknercindy1@yahoo.com

Twitter: @cindywockner

Gov. Amaechi Triumphs

Rivers State governor and current chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi has been reelected Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum  (NGF). More stories as events unfold.