30 Things You Should Not Share on Social Media

Social media are for you to update your status, they are not your personal diary

It is necessary to protect your reputation, personal brand, your bank account and your privacy you need to be very careful what you write and post on social media channels.

30 Things You Should  Not Share on Social Media

1. What chicken you are plucking or cow you’re milking on Farmville on Facebook
2. How many you have killed on Mafia wars or where they are buried.. again on Facebook
3. Party photos showing you inebriated or a hand placed where it shouldn’t be
4. That you are having a party.. you might get more guests than you counted on
5. Photos  revealing  you flirting with the bosses wife at the annual work Christmas party
6. That you are having an affair
7. That you are thinking of having an affair
8. Complaints about your boss
9. That you hate your job and want to leave.. you might get your wish.. involuntarily
10. Don’t share photos or an event that reveals that you were not sick that day at work
11. That are you are planning to take a sickie
12. Drama with your friends
13. Issues with your parents
14. Passwords.. unless you have more money than brains
15. Hints about passwords like dogs names
16. Images and videos of your children
17. Updates on Facebook after you have escaped from Jail and on the run (don’t laugh it has happened)
18. Revealing your thoughts about a court case… when on jury duty
19. Don’t link personal sites to professional business sites like LinkedIn.. don’t mix business with pleasure
20. Financial information such as how much money you do or don’t have in your bank account
21. Personal Information
22. How to get more friends or followers.. it already sounds like a scam
23. You are leaving on a holiday
24. The dates you are away on your holiday
25. Your daily schedule.. burglars have been known to use these little hints to their advantage
26. Showing you doing something stupid .. not good for personal branding
27. Your bodily functions
28. Revealing extreme views on Race, Religion or politics
29. What you had for breakfast
30. Finally, If you are not comfortable about it … don’t share it

Do you have more things you think that should not be shared on Social Media networks?

Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2010/03/21/30-things-you-should-not-share-on-social-media/#1EHgZOdse7jZw5P6.99

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, December 31, 2012

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FG to create four million jobs through farming

So  to protect your reputation, personal brand, your bank account and your privacy you need to be very careful what you write and post on social media channels.

30 Things You Should  Not Share on Social Media

1. What chicken you are plucking or cow you’re milking on Farmville on Facebook
2. How many you have killed on Mafia wars or where they are buried.. again on Facebook
3. Party photos showing you inebriated or a hand placed where it shouldn’t be
4. That you are having a party.. you might get more guests than you counted on
5. Photos  revealing  you flirting with the bosses wife at the annual work Christmas party
6. That you are having an affair
7. That you are thinking of having an affair
8. Complaints about your boss
9. That you hate your job and want to leave.. you might get your wish.. involuntarily
10. Don’t share photos or an event that reveals that you were not sick that day at work
11. That are you are planning to take a sickie
12. Drama with your friends
13. Issues with your parents
14. Passwords.. unless you have more money than brains
15. Hints about passwords like dogs names
16. Images and videos of your children
17. Updates on Facebook after you have escaped from Jail and on the run (don’t laugh it has happened)
18. Revealing your thoughts about a court case… when on jury duty
19. Don’t link personal sites to professional business sites like LinkedIn.. don’t mix business with pleasure
20. Financial information such as how much money you do or don’t have in your bank account
21. Personal Information
22. How to get more friends or followers.. it already sounds like a scam
23. You are leaving on a holiday
24. The dates you are away on your holiday
25. Your daily schedule.. burglars have been known to use these little hints to their advantage
26. Showing you doing something stupid .. not good for personal branding
27. Your bodily functions
28. Revealing extreme views on Race, Religion or politics
29. What you had for breakfast
30. Finally, If you are not comfortable about it … don’t share it

Do you have more things you think that should not be shared on Social Media networks?

Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2010/03/21/30-things-you-should-not-share-on-social-media/#1EHgZOdse7jZw5P6.99

FG to create four million jobs through farming

Federal government is planning to create about four million jobs for graduates and rural dwellers through its agricultural development initiatives in the country, says the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

Okupe, at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, said the creation of jobs would ensure food security and diversify the economy in 2013.

He said the FG would create about 780,000 jobs for graduates and provide more than 10 million employments in the transport sector.

He said, “In realising the prime position that the agricultural sector occupies in the economic transformation of most advanced nations, the FG established a revolutionary agricultural programme to ensure food security, reduction of expenditure regarding foreign exchange in food import, diversification of the economy and creation of new jobs.

“In 2012, different initiatives of government resulted in the creation of about two million new jobs for rural dwellers. In 2013, the FG will implement a Young Graduate Commercial Farmers Scheme, which will absorb 780,000 graduates in its first phase and provide an estimated four million jobs in the agricultural sector in the first year.

“By 2014, Nigeria’s 167 million population will feed on rice grown and produced locally as we would have attained 100 per cent self sufficiency in rice production like that of cement.”

The presidential aide also said the transport sector had been boosted.

He said, “An unprecedented investment of $200bn will flow into the Nigerian economy through these concessions in 2013 and 2014 with other 10 million new jobs of skilled and unskilled labourers created in the next two years.

“This will undoubtedly revolutionise the transport industry, save roads from needless pressure, drastically reduce accidents and provide less expensive platform for movement of persons, goods and services.”

He condemned the criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Christmas message on the pace of the administration.

“What the President meant in his Christmas message was that in the estimation of the opposition, his administration was slow, but that the regime was taking its time not to make costly mistakes,” he said.

Okupe said the FG had succeeded in reducing the Boko Haram insurgency, both in terms of number of attacks and frequency.

He said, “From newspapers and security reportss, eight attacks were recorded in January, nine in February, seven in March, eight in April, five in May, seven in June, six in July, five in August, four in September, seven in October, four in November.

“The year 2013 will be Nigeria’s year of glory and positive changes in all facets of life. There will be a very significant forward progress in the economy of Nigeria through massive job creation in different sectors, which will lead to wealth creation and massive reduction in criminal activities.”


















December 28, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke 

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, December 31, 2012

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NDLEA arrests Colombian for illegal drug carriage

NDLEA arrests Colombian for drug Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency   said on Thursday  it had apprehended a Colombian,  Gonzelo Osorio, who is in Nigeria to establish methamphetamine factories on a weekly contract of $38,000. The three factories were uncovered in Lagos and  Anambra. In a statement, the  NDLEA Chairman, Mr. Ahmadu Giade,  described the development as "sad and worrisome". “ It is a clarion call on stakeholders to pay priority attention on this dangerous twist in our nation’s drug trade,” Giade said. NDLEA said narcotic investigators have arrested a total of seven suspects in connection with the crime. The suspects are Gonzelo Osorio, Gabriel Onyebuchi Obi, Anthony Ebi, Olisa Cyprian Onyebuchukwu, Mickey Ezeokoli, Solomon Ogbonna and Chidi Alexandra Efeagwazi. The agency said twelve vehicles belonging to suspected members of the cartel have also been confiscated as well as four houses traced to the syndicate. NDLEA said the undercover operation that led to the crackdown on the criminal gang commenced in November 2011 when Osorio was contracted by a Nigerian drug syndicate to establish three methamphetamine production laboratories in different parts of the country. The first clandestine laboratory the Columbian established was situated at Majek area of Ibeju Lekki Local Government in Lagos, while another one was located in Nanka village in Nnewi,  Anambra. The criminal gang were in the process of establishing the third laboratory when they were apprehended, NDLEA said. “Gonzelo-Osorio left the country in December 2011 and returned on 30 May 2012 with a false identity as a citizen of Paraguay with the name Baez Benitez Milan on his travel documents. He is regarded as the best methamphetamine production expert in the country and was hired on $38,000  weekly by the drug cartel,” Giade said. While the operation was on-going, another suspect was apprehended in Lagos for using his residence for production of methamphetamine, NDLEA said. “Methamphetamine production endangers public health. More worrisome is the security implication due to the huge profit involved,” Giade said. The first clandestine laboratory was discovered in June 2011 in Lagos. The second laboratory also discovered in Lagos early this year revealed the engagement of foreigners by local drug cells as three Bolivian expatriates who were running the laboratory were arrested and are currently undergoing trial. In all five production factories have been uncovered by the NDLEA. The chemicals and the gasses emitted during production are highly injurious. Even residents living close to a production area are also at risk, NDLEA said.

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Cynthia: ‘Sale of drugs not criminal’

 

Cynthia Osokogu
  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has faulted the arraignment of two pharmacists, Orji Osita and Maduakor Chukwunonso, for the murder of Cynthia Osokogu, who was killed on July 22, 2012.

Orji and Maduakor were alongside Okwmo Nwabufo and Ezike Olisaeloka on Monday at a Yaba Chief Magistrate Court. They were charged with eight offences.

But at a press conference on Thursday, the President, PSN, Mr. Azubike Okwor, said both pharmacists were people who should have punished separately if at all.

  He said, “If the liability of the two pharmacists is limited to the alleged sales of Rohypnol to clients they do not know and never collaborated with in this condemnable crime, then it is logical to believe that at best there might have been breaches of professional ethics. It should not constitute criminal offences.

“The law provides that such matters are dealt with by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, a regulatory agency of the Federal Government established by Cap. P.17 LFN 2004.

  “Maduakor was on duty in Oxpharm on Monday, August 20, 2012 when a gentleman requested to buy Rohypnol. Nonso asked him for a prescription and he said he does not have one. The gentleman begged Maduakor who considered his request on compassionate grounds and dispensed to him one (1) card of 10 tablets of flunitrazapam along with one (1) card of paracetamol.

The gentleman later came with other persons, arrested Nonso and accused him of selling drug without prescription. They then took him to the police station and detained him. On the seventh day, they transferred him to Panti, where he was taken to a magistrate’s court and was charged with conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, rape and administering obnoxious substances to Miss Cynthia Osokogu who was killed by two known persons a month earlier in July 2012.

“Orji is a locum pharmacist with Oxpharm and works evening shifts. The police alleged that he was the pharmacist on duty when the suspected killer of Cynthia bought Rohypnol from Oxpharm. Osita made statement that he did not know the murderers and could not recall meeting them. He was also detained and taken to the court and charged.

“We urge the Office of the Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice to immediately review the cases of these pharmacists with a view to advising the relevant authorities on how best to tackle this matter and to ensure that the innocent is not persecuted unjustly.”

August 31, 2012 by Motunrayo Aboderin and Sodiq Oyeleke

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Chemists seek greater involvement in health sector

 

Drugs and Syringe
| credits: longlife.gnbo.com.ng

The Registrar, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, Mr. Jay Oghifo, has urged the government to redefine the roles of chemists in the development of the health sector.

Oghifo, who made this call at the 7th Fellowship/Induction ceremony of the institute in Lagos, said the Federal Government must reposition the professional identity and importance of chemists and scientists in the country.

He said, “We should reposition to become a major responder in the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan even as chemists have been recognised as the critical pre-requisite in the attainment of the transformation process.

“October 12 this year, an expert committee was instituted by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, and he emphasised the role of chemists in the realisation of the goals of the transformation agenda. Government is taking the issue of re-organising the education sector and the institute should turn around the teaching of chemistry as it is learned and practised.”

He, however, noted that the event was a significant step and a professional landmark in the institute, which would help in the actualisation of building chemists that would meet up with the 21st century.

He added, “We have the responsibility to turn it around. It begins with acquiring knowledge before applying it. There is really the need for review of the curricula and to put chemistry into proper perspective.

The immediate input is to see people in the industry come on to reposition the profession and contribute to the well being of the nation. The move would ultimately produce chemistry graduates who are relevant to the needs of the 21st Century.

“Being inducted does not make you professional chemists as such. It makes you trainee professional chemists. A chemist is a molecular architect. Our calling goes beyond identifying atoms and molecules. These are just tools we use in understanding the family structure of atoms and molecules.

“Our job is more about persuading atoms and molecules to marry and raise molecular families. In the process we make and break bonds and this is just what the transformation agenda is all about.”

December 19, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Ogun empowers women with N200m credit scheme

 

The Ogun State Government has disbursed N200m to eradicate poverty and empower women in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the governor, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, stated that Governor Ibikunle Amosun said the micro-credit empowerment programme was to promote gender equality.

According to him, it is necessary to bridge the gap between the upper and lower class of the populace through various empowerment initiatives.

He said, “The scheme will serve as a great stride in our attainment of some objectives of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, and equally, goal three and eight respectively.

“This is in form of promotion of gender equality and empowering women. It will also help to develop a global partnership for development.”

Amosun, however, advised the 5000 beneficiaries to ensure prompt repayment of the loan facility to encourage the government to double the credit facility from N200m to about N500m which would involve about 10,000 beneficiaries.

“Beneficiaries must realise that you are to commit yourself to responsible fund utilisation system and keep to strict repayment schedule.

“We have subsidised the interest rate payable on the loan to just one-digit level to ease repayment,” he said.

The statement also quoted the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi, as saying that the micro-credit initiative was implemented to prove the importance of women in nation building.

She said, “This scheme is being implemented to clearly prove the fact that women play a crucial role, especially in agriculture, business, politics and even at the traditional level. Women are potent force to reckon with in the scheme of things, worldwide.”

December 26, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke 

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Youth training’ll solve Nigeria’s manpower challenges — NOA

December 26, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke  

| credits: voiceofnigeria.org

The National Orientation Agency has called on stakeholders and governments at all levels to assist youths in harnessing their potential for national development.

The Lagos State Coordinator of the Agency, Alhaji Waheed Ishola, gave the advice during the 60th Anniversary lecture of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Lagos State Chapter.

According to him, developing youth competencies will enhance growth in the country.

He said, “With appropriate empowerment through training and guidance, Nigerian youths could provide the much needed manpower for the country.

“We must empower Nigerian youths for economic development and national peace because they are vital source of manpower and once their innate potential is fully channelled and exploited their contributions could be harnessed towards taking the nation to the next level.”

He, however, advised youths to adhere to ethical standards for the progress of the country.

“For any nation to develop, its citizens including the youths must be guided by some principles. They must imbibe the value of honesty, hard work, obedience and tolerance,” he said.

The Chairman, Independent Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sunny Nwosu, challenged the youths to embark on trainings that would boost their contributions to national development.

He added, “Youths must restore the vibrancy known with Nigerian youths so that government will have more respect for them.”

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Thursday, December 27, 2012

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One killed, 12 houses razed in Lagos firecracker explosions

December 27, 2012 by Friday Olokor, Eniola Akinkuotu, Temitayo Famutimi and Sodiq Oyeleke  

Scenes of the banger fire.
| credits: Sodiq Adelakun

There was confusion in Jankara Market, Isale Eko area of Lagos State on Wednesday after a building containing a stockpile of firecrackers caught fire, killing at least one person and injuring 40 others.

Our correspondents observed that at least 12 buildings were razed by the fire while 10 vehicles were completely burnt.

According to residents, the fire started from a makeshift warehouse located on 45 Ojo Giwa Street at about 9:30am.and spread to other houses.

An occupant of the building where the fire started from, Chibuzor Ukandu, said it started around 9am. Ukandu, who owned an electronic store on the ground floor of the two-storey building, said he lost all his property.

He said, “Around 9am, I was attending to a customer when I heard a loud explosion. Before I knew it, fire had started spreading very quickly.

“I tried to issue my customer a receipt before evacuating my goods but the fire was spreading so fast. The explosion occurred again and I managed to pull out only my customer. All my goods were burnt.”

It was learnt that the explosions caused pandemonium as many people thought they were bomb blasts.

Fire fighters were seen attempting to put out the fire for hours as smoke billowed from the affected buildings. The fire, however, continued to rage as the explosives continued to go off.

Some of the buildings affected by the fire were warehouses and shops for traders on the Island. Items stored in those building, included electrical accessories, electronics equipment, and household items among others.

Bomb-like firecrackers

Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Government, Mr. Kamal Bashua, said his office would carry out a discrete probe into the matter with a view to fishing out the perpetrators of the act.

He said, “We have been trying to curtail what comes into our market, I cannot explain how these people beat our security to bring in explosives like these. Thank God that as at now, no life has officially been declared lost.

“It is disheartening to see that fireworks that look like bomb could be imported. The fire has put down over 10 buildings. By the time you go to the next street, you will discover that this fire has affected many houses. We are trying to make sure that it does not escalate.”

A resident of the area, who is also an eyewitness, Kehinde Shotimu, said the explosives were brought into the building on Sunday.

He noted that the store was owned by a Chinese but managed by a Nigerian, who is responsible for the distribution of the firecrackers to retailers in Lagos markets.

He added, “Unless we want to deceive ourselves, we all know that there were dangerous explosives in the building. The store is a major distributor of fire crackers in Lagos and many customers come here for them. It is just unfortunate that this is happening today that is a day for celebration.

“The store is owned by a Chinese who regularly comes here whenever the firecrackers are to be offloaded. They just offloaded some three days ago in a container of about 240ft.”

Four streets affected

An eyewitness, Aji Qudus, who explained that the cause of the fire was not clear, lamented the slow response of the fire service.

 “More than 10 houses were burnt and 15 cars completely damaged. The fire spread over four streets –Ojo Giwa, Okoya, Oko Awo and Moshalashi streets. I cannot actually say what the cause of the fire is, but it was beyond imagination,” he said.

One of the traders whose shop was also affected, Mrs. Shogunle, explained that the fire was caused by a small boy who lighted a cracker that hit the room where the explosives were kept.

She said, “I learnt a small boy caused the explosions. He was playing with crackers and raised it up to blow. Unfotunately, it hit the store where other explosives were stored and the fire escalated.

“But, apart from this, the store where the explosives are kept is too hot. The temperature is high there and there is no ventilation. This will surely contribute to the high rate of explosion.”

Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Fadipe, complained that the mammoth crowd at the scene prevented more fire-fighting trucks from moving in and supporting firefighters.

Fadipe said, “Some of the buildings are about to collapse but we have been prevailing on the residents to vacate the residence but they refused. The major factor hindering our service now is crowd control.

“Our fire-fighting vehicles are around but they cannot come in here because of the crowd. The police and the military are trying their best but the crowd still persisted. But I can assure you that if more of our fire-fighting trucks move in here, the fire would be contained.”

South West Zonal Information Officer, National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the first-hand information the agency got was that firecrackers caused the fire.

He added that the absence of water hydrant in the area frustrated the emergency officials putting out the fire.

“Our major challenge is the lack of a water hydrant in any of the buildings in this area. Besides, the non-compliance with urban development laws which provides that there should be at least a six- metre gap in between buildings made the fire spread swiftly. As it is, over 40 people have been injured,” he said.

Families besiege hospital

It was learnt that six vehicles were used to convey the injured to hospital.

When one of our correspondents visited General Hospital, Marina, Lagos, the emergency unit was packed with about 20 of those injured in the incident.

Their family members waited outside with apprehension as doctors attended to them.

One of the victims, Jimoh Ahmed, who suffered a leg fracture, said he jumped down from the second floor of the building housing his shop, adding that he thought it was a bomb attack.

He said, “I heard a loud bang around 9:30 and the bang kept on sounding. Afterwards, the wall of my shop started peeling off and the door leading out of my shop collapsed.

“I looked outside through the window and saw flames emanating from one of the buildings around and I concluded that it was a bomb attack. I then jumped through the window of my shop which is on the second floor.”

Another victim, Waheed Bashiru, who was writhing in pains after taking X-ray examination of his leg, said he came down through the pipe supplying water to his apartment when his residence went up in flames.

Police arrest looters

Policemen attached to Area ‘A’ Police Command, Lion Building, Lagos led by the Area Commander, Mr. Imohinmi Edgal, arrested about 10 persons who attempted to loot the affected buildings.

One of the looters was caught stealing a stabiliser from one of the stores.

It was learnt that the looter was  one of those hired by one of the storekeepers to help evacuate her goods from the store.

He was arrested when the security men at the scene noticed that he was diverting the stabiliser to an obscure place different from the destination of other recovered goods.

Dead victim recovered

At about 1:45PM, NEMA Incident Response Vehicle brought a corpse from the scene of the incident to the General Hospital, Marina, Lagos.

It was learnt that the corpse was that of a teenage boy whose identity was yet-to-be identified as it was burnt beyond recogntion.

A middle-aged man who was identified simply as Quadri said he followed the corpse from the scene to see if it was that of his younger brother who had been missing since morning.

He said, “My teenage cousin who was playing around the neighbourhood when the incident happened is nowhere to be found. I came to see if the body is that of my brother.

“His father, mother and siblings sustained injuries and are being taken care of in the emergency ward.”

One of our correspondents overheard one of the doctors who went to check the corpse saying that a DNA test would have to be carried out to identify the deceased.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has said that security agencies would investigate the cause of the explosions.

A statement by the spokesperson for NEMA, Mr. Yushau Shuaib, said the fire had been brought under control.

“While security agencies would investigate and determine the real cause of the explosion and fire outbreaks, casualty figures have yet to be determined but some residents who were injured while assisting with putting off the fire have been taken to hospital for treatment. So far no death has been recorded,” he said.

Although firemen from the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos Island East Fire Service and Lagos State Emergency Agency were battling the flame, parts of some of the buildings were still burning as at 4pm when our correspondents left the scene.

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Why i joined ACN - Utomi

Why i joined ACN - Utomi by Sodiq Oyeleke with agency report A former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, has explained that he defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria to aid togetherness in the South-West geographical zone of Nigeria. Utomi, who is one of Nigeria’s foremost professor of political economy and management, made this known on his Facebook post on Sunday, said he had joined  the Action Congress of Nigeria about a year ago. He said he decided to join the ACN, which is the dominant political platform Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone and a part of the South-South, “because the progressive opposition in Nigeria has been unable to bring itself under one umbrella though many, myself included, have tried to bring this about by encouraging the subsuming of ego for the common progressive good.” The economist, who contested the 2007 presidential election on the platform of the obscure African Democratic Party, announced his switch of party in a statement posted on his Facebook page. “It has been pointed out to me that many Nigerians who have supported the work I have done in politics and community service are unaware of the fact that I’m now a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN),” the statement said. “I have been a member for more than a year.”  “This has proven very difficult and progressives cannot afford to dissipate their energies in various small armies while the enemies of the progressive struggle are disciplined enough to coalesce under the conservative/retrogressive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “I would therefore encourage all opposition parties to join the ACN. As far as I’m concerned, Nigeria should run a PDP-ACN political party structure.” He was the  former presidential adviser in the Second Republic’s government of Shehu Shagari. A businessman, he entered into full-time politics in 2007 when he joined the African Democratic Congress and contested that year’s presidential election on that platform. But after his unimpressive showing in that election, Mr. Utomi tried hard to galvanise the country’s opposition parties to form a single party that could effectively challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in subsequent elections. After he failed in that effort, Pat Utomi formed another party, the Social Democratic Mega Party, on which platform he tried to contest for the 2011 presidential elections. He withdrew from the race in the last minutes.

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, December 24, 2012

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Korean narrates ordeal in kidnappers den, says they were called 'bad markets'

 

The Koreans

The four Koreans and a Nigerian kidnapped in Bayelsa State by eight gunmen said on Saturday that their assailants fed them with noodles, tea and banana while in captivity.

The victims, who were released on Friday night after spending five days in the kidnappers’ den located in a mangrove, said the captors set them free after branding them “bad market.”

Jong Ken, Hi Kim, Doo Lee, Joon Chae and a Nigerian, Austin Giwa, who are employees of the Hyundai Fabrication Company at Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, were whisked away by gunmen who raided the firm on December 17.

“They told us that we were bad market and allowed us to go,” Giwa told PUNCH Metro.

Giwa, who spoke with our correspondent at the headquarters of the state police command in Yenagoa, said the bandits had demanded N200m ransom from the company’s management in Lagos.

But Giwa said the company was reluctant to negotiate with the kidnappers as it continually told them that the state government was handling the matter.

He said the gunmen shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping them on the fateful day.

He added that the company’s speedboat operator employed within the community was also kidnapped but was released by the gunmen 30 minutes after the incident.

Giwa, who said the gunmen tortured them before whisking them away, added that the bandits moved them to different locations in the mangrove.

He said they were handed over to different groups of people who watched over them till the day they were set free.

Narrating how they were abducted, he said, “On December 17 by 3pm, I saw seven gunmen. They came to our site. I was in the office when I heard gunshots.

When l came out I saw my officers, four Koreans held by the neck. When they saw me, they also held me and dragged me by the neck.

“They also held one of our speedboats operators. They used their guns to hit us and order us to enter the boat. They asked us to keep our eyes down. After about 30 minutes’ sailing, they dropped the speedboat operator.

“They took us to the mangrove and handed us over to some men to guard us. They went back to their speedboat. At about 7pm, they came back and took us to another place after sailing for one hour. They kept us there till the day we were released.”

On the day they regained their freedom, Giwa said there was a mild drama among the kidnappers which suggested that they had a disagreement.

He said, “On that day, they came and pointed the gun at my head and asked me why my company didn’t want to give them the money.

“It is like our manager was explaining to them that the government was taking care of the matter and that there was no way he could release money to them. That was when they concluded that ‘this one is a bad market’. We were there till about 4pm.

“They sailed away and later came back. Their leader called commander ordered that we should be put in the boat. We didn’t know where we were going until we got to the waterside. They showed us a track and said we should follow it.”

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Kingsley Omire, said the police found the victims at Azikoro Village in Yenagoa.

Omire said, “From the brief that I have, there was a disagreement among the kidnappers who decided to release their victims.

“They brought them to Azikoro Village and I directed Operation Doo-Akpor to go and pick them up. They were not released by any security agency.”

Omire said two persons had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.

He said the police held a meeting with the management of the company and resolved to provide security for the firm and residence of the expatriates.

He said the company acknowledged that its inability to provide security for the workers was one of the managerial lapses that led to the kidnapping.

December 24, 2012 by Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa - PUNCH NEWSPAPER

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, December 24, 2012

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AFCON: Keshi, Osaze trade words over invitation to camp

AFCON: Keshi, Osaze trade words over invitation to camp

Osaze wants to be Eagles captain — Keshi
Keshi has no footballing reasons not to invite me - Osaze

The Super Eagles Team coach, Stephen Keshi received a blow from one of the Nigerian players, Odewingie Osaze, who accused the coach of been biased in his selection of players to be invited for the South Africa 2013 Africa  Cup of Nations.

While Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has also dropped a bombshell by saying Osaze Odemwingie had proposed himself as team captain, Osaze blasted the coach, past coaches and the Nigeria Football Federation.

Keshi told a stunned Nigeria Football Federation technical committee that the West Bromwich Albion striker put himself forward to be the Eagles skipper.

“He told them that he wants to be captain as he considers himself one of the most senior players in the current squad,” an official revealed.

“But how he has behaved in the national team over the years has really run counter to his ambition to be the leader of this team. You can only lead by example.”

The 31-year-old Osaze made his Eagles debut in 2002, but it was not until the 2004 Nations Cup that he established himself in the national team.

Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide as well as defender and present skipper Joseph Yobo are older than Osaze in the Eagles.

However, he has rowed with national team bosses, from Austin Eguavoen to Lars Lagerback, and his clash with Samson Siasia was widely regarded as one of the problems that caused Nigeria to sensationally fail to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup.

It is such poor attitude that has now denied him a fifth Nations Cup appearance.

In the meantime, the Eagles coach has said he wishes to run the rule over shock invitee Rabiu Ibrahim who has failed to establish himself at Celtic.

Ibrahim has only managed a handful of games in his second season at Celtic Park and has yet to be capped by Nigeria at full international.

“Keshi said he has watched Rabiu in a couple of cup games and will want to have a closer look at the midfielder in Faro, Portugal,” a top official told MTNFootball.com

The gifted Ibrahim has held out a lot of promise since he featured for the Golden Eaglets in 2007, but he has yet to establish himself in Europe ever since.

This will be his second Eagles call-up as he was also considered for the 2010 Nations Cup, but opted out as he had just undergone a groin operation.

Some top officials also took an exception to the continued invitation of Italy-based midfielder Obiora Nwankwo, saying he is sluggish and brings very little to the team.

However, Keshi stood by his decision, insisting that the Olympic team skipper is tactically disciplined.

Meanwhile, West Brom striker Osaze Odemwingie who has been left out of Nigeria’s team to the 2013 Africa Nations Cup has reacted angrily to his exclusion lashing out at Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation.

The Nigerian spent time on Sunday on social network Twitter giving his own story and attacking anyone perceived to have played a role in his being cut from the team.

Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins and Taye Taiwo were some of the significant names left out of the 32-man squad listed for the final camping in Faro, Portugal.

The Nigerian striker expressed disgust at having to learn of his non-inclusion through the media, insisting it showed lack of professionalism. He maintained that Keshi lied on the reasons given for his exclusion and fingered what he described as other reasons outside the game of football.

“Keshi has no footballing reasons not to invite me but is not saying the truth. He is still in my plans he said haha coach u no dey my plans.

“On my non-inclusion to the Eagles list I am not surprised. Not surprised Keshi and NFF couldn’t tell me themselves. No personality!

“We talk through press hahaha how come I am the only stubborn one but no ex-Eagles player was sent off from the team with respect? This is all a comedy and our poor fans are being fed with lies while they cutting the cake for themselves.”

“NFF spokesman told MTN he is arrogant? I am arrogant? Why did country’s president threaten to close down our federation for two years?”

“Nff member just called me. Of cos got insulted. I told him I sang national anthem for ten years to be treated like this.”

In one of the several tweets Osaze complained that the national team has not had “a real captain” for many years and suggesting that it had effect on the team.

He said, “This might sound disrespectful but Eagles had no good captain for many years. Everyone looking only after himself.”

Osaze did not limit his outbursts to Keshi as he also dared any other challenger.

He said, “To some who wanna put mouth here please act like men. When two men talk 3rd has nothing to do. So Ikpebas and the rest talk to me face2face.”

The Eagles striker who has had several clashes over the years with different national coaches went down the memory lane as he explained all that transpired between him and a former Eagles coach Samson Siasia and Lars Lagerback. He alleged that Siasia dropped him because he did not endorse him for the Eagles top job.

He wrote, “Cos after we got Olympic silver I didn’t say Siasia is ready for Eagles he waited till he gets the job to axe me?

“Me and Apam begged him to take (Sani) Kaita in the Olympic team. He told us he wants to play Efe Ambrose there who is a centre back? Good plan. The only reason me and Siasia fell out was over kits that were not enough ‘cos they were on sale as the Olympics were on going. Shame!

“WBA needed me back for an important game and Siasia refused to let me miss a midweek friendly game?

“Why didn’t Lagerback continue with Super Eagles after World Cup? Chop and run was his plan and they knew it.”

LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS

• Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide
  (Hapoel Be’er Sheba, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria);
  Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC, Nigeria)
  ...
  Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Juwon Oshaniwa
  (Ashdod FC, Israel); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Joseph
  Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon
  Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves,
  Nigeria); Danny Shittu (Millwall FC, England); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den
  Haag, Netherlands); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
  
  Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real
  Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Raheem Lawal (Adana
  Demirspor, Turkey); Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); Fegor Ogude
  (Valerenga FC, Norway); Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars, Nigeria); Rabiu
  Ibrahim (Celtic FC, Scotland)
  
  Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak
  Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Victor Moses
  (Chelsea FC, England); Uche Kalu (Rizespor, Turkey); Bright Dike
  (Portland Timbers, USA); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle FC, England);
  Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers,
  Nigeria); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).

Report compiled by Sodiq Oyeleke

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, December 24, 2012

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JAF accuses Lagos police of kidnapping

Okada Riders' protest

The Joint Action Front has condemned the arrest and detention of five of its members of by policemen from the Lagos State Police Command, during a protest against okada restriction in the state.

The group in a statement on Sunday by its Chairman, Dr. Dipo Fashina, and Secretary, Mr. Abiodun Aremu, described the arrest as “a kidnap”.

Those arrested are Fashina, Aremu, Hassan Soweto, Oloyede Usman and Segun Oladunni.

The activists were later released after being detained for about six hours.

The group said, “The arrest was tantamount to kidnap as the activists were arrested in their car on Yaba-Ojuelegba Road after they had left the Lagos Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress where the peaceful mass protest march organised by JAF in solidarity with okada riders had been formally rounded-off.

“The action was to protest the brutality and extortion of okada riders by the police and other government agencies under the guise of the enforcement of the law.

“This anti-poor provision bans the operation of okada riders in 475 roads and restricts their operation to between 6am and 8pm.”

The group urged the government to devote a lane for the okada operators, noting that that was the only way to stop brutality by the law enforcement agencies.

December 24, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke  

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, December 24, 2012

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Group seeks Aregbesola’s intervention in Osun stool

Group seeks Aregbesola’s intervention in Osun stool




The Concerned Orile Owu Elites has urged the Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, to intervene in the selection of candidate for the stool of Orile–Owu in the state.

The group said this in a statement by its Co-ordinator, Dr. Isaac Aderibigbe; Public Relations/Protocol Officer, Mr. Ilori Olusakin; Mr. Wahab Akinola; and Mr. Yinka Adegunju, on Thursday.

The post was headed by the late Olowu of Orile-Owu and Vice Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas, Oba Moses Adejobi, JP Afelele II, before he died in an auto crash on March 15, 2011.

The group said, “The Osun State Government should carry out thorough screening on the candidates considered or selected for consideration by the Governor in the last meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy in Osogbo.

“These considerations should be based on academic status, acceptability by the populace, charisma, efficiency and productivity, exposure that will be beneficial to the government and his people, presentable values, connection or link with royal blood-as many of them have diluted royal blood.”

It stated that the state government should devise means that would ensure the best candidate was chosen, noting that rotational systems would not promote the tradition of the ancient city.

It added, “It is also not a strange scenario to have a son becoming an Oba after his father’s death. This has occurred in several towns in Yorubaland, even in Osun State. We are interested in having a young, vibrant and productive Oba, not a retrogressive one.

“It is not out of point to state that no one should be allowed to desecrate the Owu culture for the necessary traditional steps taken or consultations made have resulted in a clear and fair selection; please be guided.”

 December 21, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke  

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Sunday, December 23, 2012

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UNILAG students applaud court decision on name change

UNILAG students applaud court decision on name change



Students of the University of Lagos have expressed excitement over the interlocutory injunction restraining the Federal Government and the National Assembly from renaming their institution to Moshood Abiola University of Lagos.

In a statement, the President of UNILAG Press Club, Tosin Adesile, said that the students were satisfied with the court ruling that directed that the name of UNILAG should be retained pending the determination of the suit filed by the past students of the institution.

He said, “The student population on receiving the court outcome went on jubilation and gave cheers to the judiciary. Stage one has been won and we students hope the case will favour us at the end of the day. Students will not in any way be happy if Nigerian factor is introduced in this case to favour President Goodluck Jonathan. This is a democratic nation and it is through such process we can have true democracy and thereby show good example to other countries in Africa.”

However, Adesile said that he acknowledged the President’s speech on Sunday concerning the UNILAG renaming where he stated that he strongly believed in the rule of law.

“We hope the rule of law won’t be cut short. President Jonathan will not win this battle. With this ruling, the judiciary has restored our hope. We students are certain that all would be well. There is no going back.”

A Law student, Oladiran Ayodele, said that the latest news was an assurance for students that UNILAG would remain UNILAG forever.

“The court order has proved to be the last hope of the common man and also reminded the Federal Government that we are in a democratic dispensation where the Constitution and the rule of law are supreme.

“For democracy to endure in Nigeria, our leaders must understand that supreme power does not reside in anybody or group or persons. The only supreme power is the ground norm from which all other laws derive their powers and that is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students’ Lagos Axis has condemned the renaming of UNILAG after the late Moshood Abiola by the Federal Government, describing the action as “unpopular and controversial.’’

The group made this known in a statement by its General Secretary, Mr. Salami Oriyomi, on Sunday in Lagos. He said immortalising M.K.O. Abiola was long overdue but due consultation and proceedings should have been followed.

He said, “We do not support its renaming without carrying stakeholders along; we want Abiola adequately immortalised but definitely not in this unpopular and controversial manner.














June 26, 2012 by Motunrayo Aboderin and Sodiq Oyeleke 

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Sunday, December 23, 2012

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Group advises Lagos on okada ban

Group advises Lagos on okada ban
A non-governmental organisation, Muslim Students’ Society, Lagos State Area Unit, has advised the Lagos State Government to have a rethink on its new law banning okada in some areas of the state.

The President of the Group, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen, gave the advice at a press conference on the State of the Nation on Saturday in Lagos.

Badrudeen, who commended the government on its traffic laws, argued that banning okada in certain areas of the state might make movement uncomfortable for the residents, especially those who have no cars.

He said, “The government should have a rethink on banning okada in certain areas in Lagos. It will make movement to those areas difficult and stressful. Take for instance; one will hardly go to areas like Victoria Island without making use of okada for conveniences.

“We understand that the law is for the benefit of everyone, but it is advisable that the government stays at a middle course to regulate and provide conveniences for the people. Also, we are all lamenting that there are lots of people who are unemployed, banning okada riders will make some people unemployed. There are graduates among the okada riders.”

The president, while appealing to okada operators and residents to abide by the laws, asked the law enforcement agencies to make proper use of the law.

He said, “We commend the Lagos State Government for the introduction of the new traffic law which is meant to restore sanity on our roads and prevent avoidable loss of lives. In this light, we urge all residents in the state to abide by the new law while using the roads.

“However, we equally want to advise the law enforcement agencies-Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, Police, Vehicle Inspection Officers and others-not to take advantage of the law to exploit Lagosians as doing so will amount to rubbishing the good intention of the state government in promulgating the law.”

Badrudeen also advised the federal and state governments on proactive measures to mitigate the effects of flooding in the future.

“We advise governments at all levels to further encourage massive farming in the dry season. Also, more funds should be gulped into the agriculture sector to avoid possible food crisis next year following the washing away of farmlands,” he said.








October 15, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Sunday, December 23, 2012

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Students gear up for protest, seek dialogue

Students gear up for protest, seek dialogue


 Students’ groups under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Students, Joint Campus Committee, Lagos, have urged the Federal Government to end the on-going nationwide strike by reverting to the N65 pump price per litre of petrol.

The Chairman of the group, Mr. Adeyemi Quam, said at a rally in Lagos on Tuesday that the yearnings of the masses should be given a great priority by the government and not the imposition of unfavourable policies on them.

He said, “We advise the government to approach this issue carefully and with wisdom, the effect of national re-orientation using various means cannot be under-emphasised for it is working and giving Nigerians a rethink.

“The Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency has remained fallow for too long on this issue, approaching this issue with dialogue and mutual understanding might go a long way as it did in the Niger Delta case.”

Quam also faulted the 2012 budget, noting that government should cut down some of it expenses.

He said, “The expenditure of over N900m in the purchase of arms and ammunition for the various security agencies might not be the solution in a country with millions of unemployed, large population of idle youths, and many failing economic sectors.

“The 2012 budget has come to show a deficiency in our priority and planning for the future. A budget with education having N400.15bn, science and technology N30.84bn and communications technology for N18bn is inefficient and insufficient for Nigeria to advance in science, research and development, and tap into the available resources.”






January 11, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Sunday, December 23, 2012

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CDAs urged to shun corruption

CDAs urged to shun corruption


The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence and the Save Vision Africa, Campaign Against Corrupt Leaders, and the Labour Resources and Development Centre have urged Community Development Associations to prevent corruption from the grass roots.

ICPC Head of Education Department, Mrs Rashida Okoduwa, at a seminar for CDAs in Lagos State on Saturday, said if grassroots leaders shunned corrupt practices, the country would grow.

Okoduwa said, “Leaders at the grassroots level should see themselves occupying a position of trust, and must defend it. We must stop corruption right from home so that it will not grow to an unbearable extent.

“Members of a particular community should see themselves as watchdogs against any illegal act, by pointing out what others are doing wrong.”

The Chairman, Campaign Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adediran, said the CDAs were supposed to engage their respective governments to accede to the yearnings of the people.

He said, “In order to engender a liberated society, the CDAs must attract government’s attention to the needs within their communities and dispassionately explain government’s point of view on any issue to their community.

“Most CDAs never want to criticise their LGA leaders for fear of intimidation or deregistration.”









January 2, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Sunday, December 23, 2012

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LBS backs FG’s drive on youth entrepreneurial devt

LBS backs FG’s drive on youth entrepreneurial devt

by Sodiq Oyeleke

The Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan African University, the erstwhile Lagos Business School, has expressed a strong backing for the Federal Government’s current drive towards making Nigerian youths embrace self-employment by supporting innovative business ideas.

Speaking at the group’s recent 2011 Alumni Conference o in Lagos, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, said with the current level of unemployment, self-employment was the only source of income for many, including the poor people through the development of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises.

He said, “SMEs help the economy by creating competition in the market place leading to multiplicity of choice and better pricing for goods and services. Its’ success affects the well-being of the economy and society as engines of job creation, economic growth and innovation.”

According to Ndukwe, the most important role of SMEs in the economy of a nation is the reduction in dependency, which results in increase in per capita income and technological development.

“SMEs represent over 99 per cent of the private sector companies in most countries, where it employs over 50 per cent of all private sector workers. It represents a potent tool for reduction of import dependence. SMEs can boost export earnings; they are essential for poverty reduction, especially in developing countries and they constitute an importance source for technological innovation,” he said.

He stressed that the Federal Government’s central role of stimulating growth of SMEs in the country was a good drive that would address some factors limiting them from easy access to funds.















Dec 30, 2011

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Sunday, December 23, 2012

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Nigerians outshine Ghanaians in Ernst&Young Entrepreneur Awards

Nigerians outshine Ghanaians in Ernst&Young Entrepreneur Awards

The President, Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote; Chairman, Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc, Mr. Goodie Ibru; and the Chief Executive Officer, InterSwitch Limited, Mr. Michelle Elegbe all outshone their Ghanaian counterparts to bag the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Awards in different categories.

The Ghanaian entrepreneurs that lost at the awards on Friday in Lagos included the CEO, CAL Bank, Mr. Frank Adu; CEO, FIO Enterprises, Mr. Adelaide Ahwireng; CEO First Capital Plus, Mr. William Essien; and CEO, RLG Communications, Mr. Roland Agambire.

Dangote won the Master Category for 2012 while Ibru and Elegbe won the Lifetime Achievements Award and Entrepreneur Award respectively.

The Ernst & Young Regional Managing Partner, Mr. Henry Egbiki, said the criteria used to select the winners included entrepreneurial spirit, personal integrity, innovativeness, financial value, originality and economic impact among others.

He said, “We have got very good winners tonight, they are global candidates that can compete with anybody in the world. We are celebrating entrepreneurs because they are great people. They are people who are turning the world around in the best manner. And I think there is no better thing we can do than to encourage this people.

“This will also change the value system we have in our society, where the younger generation believes that there is a short cut to success. We see it as corporate social investment that will transform the community and make it a better place.”

Reacting to the award, the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Knut Ulvmoen, who represented Dangote, said the achievement of the company surpassed that of any entrepreneur in the world.

He said, “The award is well deserved. It is to show that we as entrepreneurs are working, improving and moving forward. Africans are not behind in anyway, they are moving. What we have done, nobody else in the world has done it. We have created more jobs; we have created more industries than anybody in the world since the last two years. As Africans, we are not afraid of anybody anywhere.”

Also, Elegbe said, “The award is so surprising. From time to time we have received different awards. This one is unique because it bears on entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is something that keeps the economy moving and drives national development.”

Meanwhile, Ibru said the award would develop the spirit of entrepreneurship in the country, adding that it would enable them to embark on more risks.

November 28, 2012 by Sodiq Oyeleke

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Sunday, December 23, 2012

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