Trendy Ways

Kase Lawal linked to illegal deal in Congolese Gold

2012-02-07T00:06:00.000-06:00

Accordingto a recent report by the UN's Group of Experts on the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo (DRC) states, Kase Lawal, a Nigerian-born US oiltycoon, transferred millions of dollars to the notorious rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda between December2010 and February 2011. Iftrue, this would be a contravention of UN resolutions banning individuals or organizationsfrom financing illegal armed groups in the war torn eastern DRC. The UN reportsays Lawal, the chairman and chief executive of the Houston-based oil firmCamac, was aware he was paying Ntaganda.

Ntagandahas been wanted by the internationalcriminal court (ICC) since an arrest warrant was issued in 2006. Hefunds his exploits by smuggling natural resources in the mineral-rich country,and faces allegations of recruiting child soldiers and presiding over massrapes and murder of civilians by his troops in the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP). The CNDP militia has since integrated into theCongolese national army but its soldiers continue to obey rebel commandstructures. Ntaganda, like many rebel leaders in eastern DRC, funds hisactivities by smuggling natural resources.

Dr. Kase Lawal

Accordingto the report, while Lawal was initially under the impression that he wasbuying gold from an owner in Kenya, he did not abort the deal when he learnedNtaganda was the true owner. Instead,the UN report says Lawal merely "appeared relieved to finally be engagingdirectly with the true owner of the gold".

Thereport says Lawal financed the deal while Edward Carlos St Mary, a Houstonbusinessman and friend of Lawal's, carried out the transaction in DRC. The dealwas proposed to the two men by Dikembe Mutombo, a Congolese former NBA playerwith the Houston Rockets, and three of his relatives. Despite paying, Lawalnever received the gold. St Mary flew to Goma in DRC to finish the deal in aCamac-leased jet, but the passengers were arrested, including Mickey Lawal, asenior official of CAMAC by Congolese presidential security officers as theytried to take off with the gold in February 2011.

StMary and two Camac employees were charged with money-laundering and illegaltransport of a banned material, because at this time the Congolese governmenthad banned mining of gold, tin and coltan in the provinces where the mineralstrade was affected by illegal armed groups. The three men were released in lateMarch after Camac's Kinshasa representative paid $3m (£1.9m) in fines. Substantialsums of money were involved from the start. The report says Lawal told St Maryhe had lost "$30m as a result of the whole ordeal, including transportfees, fines, bribes" and the payments for the gold. Jason Stearns, aformer Group of Experts co-ordinator, said: "This is a fine example of therank disregard of international law by major international companies and businessmen.

"Lawalknew Bosco Ntaganda was involved in the deal, so he was knowingly doingbusiness with a man wanted by the ICC. On top of that, there was a Congolesemining ban in place at the time. And finally, he's probably violating a UN armsembargo on the region. Inreality, the Congolese authorities and Ntaganda worked together to ensure fullpayment was made for the gold, that the gold never left the DRC, and that thearrested men would have to pay a series of heavy fines to secure theirrelease."

Dr. Kase Lawal is reported to be a great philanthropist and is also committed to public service. He is a commissioner on the port of Houston Authority and is vice chairman of the Houston Airport Development System Corporation. Heis a member of the National Urban League’s Board of Directors and the FiskUniversity Board of Trustees. Dr. Lawal is also a member of the board ofdirectors and a majority shareholder in Unity National Bank, the onlyfederally-insured and licensed African American-owned bank in Texas. President Barack Obama put Lawal on the US advisory committee for trade and policy negotiations in September 2010, just months before the deal with Ntaganda.

Source:theguardian, Houston Chronicle

Africa: International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

2012-02-06T20:21:00.002-06:00

Today,6^th February 2012 marks the ninth annual International Day of ZeroTolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). It is estimated that100 to 140 million women around the world have undergone this brutal procedureand three million girls are at risk every year. We must continue to act to endthis affront to women’s equality and the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Noreligion mandates this procedure, though it occurs across cultures, religions,and continents. It is performed on girls in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.Even in the United States we are fighting this practice. FGM/C became a federalcrime in the United States in 1997, but the procedure persists in somecommunities. The U.S. Government is working with practitioners in the healthand legal community to educate groups about the negative consequences of FGM/C.

Overthe years, community advocates have found that when men come to understand thephysical and psychological trauma FGM/C causes, they often become effectiveactivists for eradication, including fathers who refuse to allow theirdaughters to be subject to the procedure. Communities must act collectively toabandon the practice, so that girls and their families who opt out do notbecome social outcasts. This approach has led around 6,000 communities acrossAfrica to abandon the practice, usually through a public declaration.Communities working together can ensure stronger, healthier futures for girlsand young women.

Everygovernment has an obligation to protect its citizens from such abuse. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated; "As wecommemorate International Day of Zero Tolerance and remember those who havebeen harmed, we reaffirm our commitment to overturning deeply entrenched socialnorms and abolishing this practice. All women and girls, no matter where theyare born or what culture they are raised in, deserve the opportunity to realizetheir potential".

Source:U.S State Department

SUBSIDY: EFCC probes beneficiaries

2012-01-20T07:09:00.000-06:00

Nigeria- The EFCC has already been mandated to investigate all the subsidybeneficiaries, which include Oando, Integrated Oil and Gas, MRS, AA Rano. A-ZPetroleum, ASB, Arcon Oil, African Petroleum, Aminu resources, Con Oil, AvanteGuard, Avido, Boffas and Brila Energy.

Other are D Jones Petroleum, Downstream Energy, Dosil Oil Inco Ray, Eternal,Folawiyo Energy, Frado International, First Deepwater, Heden Oil, Honeywell Petrol,AMP, Channel Oil, Fort Oil, Bovas, Obat Oil, Ipman Investment, Atio Oil, AMP,and Ernac Oil.

PresidentGoodluck Jonathan who is insisting that there must be no sacred cows isspearheading the Hunt for all those who have defrauded Nigeria through subsidy. Sourceshinted that some members of Jonathan's kitchen cautioned that going after thesubsidy cabal could hurt his Petroleum Minister, but the President maintainedthat whoever was involved should be taken down.

Meanwhile, theFederal Government through the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)has given Capital Oil owned by Ifeanyi Uba 60 days to pay back N5 Billion beingrogue proceeds he made from Kerosene subsidy or risk arrest and prosecution. Capitalmade N22.4 Billion from petrol subsidy. NNPC allocated to Uba’s CapitalOil 75% of kerosene supplies to distribute to the entire country at N50 pumpprice. But the cheapest of the product at the depot is N120 per litre& N135 at the filling stations while Capital Oil makes more than N70 oneach litre of kerosene sold.

A Trendy Africa Media Report.

Labor Strike Commences just as GEJ inaugurates 1,100 mass transit buses

2012-01-09T05:22:00.002-06:00

PresidentGoodluck Jonathan has inaugurated 1,100 of 1,600 mass transit buses at theEagles Square, Abuja, as part of the palliative measures he promised Nigeriansto cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy. He also said the schemewas not put in place because of the removal of subsidy as “deregulation or noderegulation, we need a mass transit scheme” in order to bring down cost oftransportation, pointing out that the increase in the cost of transportation dueto the subsidy removal was an over-reaction to the policy and regrettedcommuters were being made to bear the brunt.

Thepresident noted that wagons and small buses were not suitable for mass transitand therefore makes the cost high, hence the desire to introduce the masstransit buses which he said were not being bought or run by the government. Jonathan, who appealed to Nigerians to bepatient as the pains engendered by the deregulation of the downstream sectorwould be temporary, said that the policy would usher in an enduring gain thatwould transform the economy.

Meanwhile,members of the civil societies and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) beganmass protests against the removal of fuel subsidy. Protests whichgrounded the whole of Lagos also affected most state capitals throughoutthe country, including Abuja, where security agencies battled to controlthe situation. The Police was reported maintaining presence at every majorcivic centre where protests were targeted by members of Labour and civilsocieties.

a trendy africa media report

Bolts and Nuts stolen from Niger Bridge

2012-01-08T07:10:00.003-06:00

My approach to the historical River Niger Bridge, the main link between the West and the East of Nigeria was a great relief after spending close to ten hours on a journey that would usually be done in three. The Niger bridge links the Oil rich Delta State with the vibrantly commercial city of Onitsha in Anambra State. Even though I still had to spend another three hours (normally a 10 mins journey) to cross into Onistsha and link the Owerri road, one really wondered why after all these years a second or twin bridge had not been built. I recently stumbled on the following interview with the current Minister of Works in Nigeria;

What are the challenges confronting the building of the Second River Niger Bridge?

Work is in progress and we are confronting the challenges of the River Niger Bridge that I mentioned earlier. Sometime ago, we heard rumors that the bridge was giving way and we sent a team of consultants there to do some investigation on the bridge. Surprisingly, one of the major challenges we had with our roads and bridges is the issue of abuse.

The Niger Bridge has been heavily abused by Nigerians with over 1,100 bolts and nuts removed by Nigerians. And that is why at a time, if you were driving on the Niger Bridge, you could feel the vibration. When this was discovered, the ministry moved in quickly and contracted Setraco to do some maintenance work on the bridge. As I speak, over 1,100 bolts and nuts have been replaced on that bridge, but it is saddening when you reflect on the fact that those bolts and nuts were removed by Nigerians, who are more interested in their pecuniary gains without even thinking about the general well being of the people that make use of the bridge.

This abuse of our bridges is not limited to the Niger Bridge. If you look at the picture of the Third Mainland Bridge today, many of the metallic hand rails have gone. They were not removed by spirits, they were removed by Nigerians; if you go to the Benin/Ore Road now, there is a spot where accidents regularly occur, where vehicles always fall into the river, each time you are travelling past Ore.

It is normal to hear that a bus has plunged into the river and 16 people died. Given this scenario, we have also responded to this challenge by insisting that in all our bridges, balustrades should be made with concrete, and we are now putting in place concrete balustrades. If you go to the Gwagwalada New Bridge that we just constructed, the balustrades are no longer made of iron, but concrete, although they hardly add the same aesthetic value as the other previous metal ones, but prevailing circumstances have forced us to use this to meet those challenges. This is proof of the fact that Nigerians lack aesthetic values.

Yes, we have a master plan for the Second Niger Bridge, as we speak, in the next couple of weeks we shall be running an advertorial on the Second Niger Bridge. Work on the bridge is obviously in progress; we have initiated discussions with the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, as we are talking. We are just at the preparatory stage; when we come to the construction stage, then it becomes an issue that should be considered beyond the ministry. I can assure you, the Second Niger Bridge will take off next year.

“Excerpts from an interview with Honorable Minister Mike Onolememen”

source: thisdaylive

Nigerians Set to Demonstrate in Washington DC

2012-01-07T13:27:00.001-06:00

Demonstrationsprotesting the removal of the gas subsidy in Nigeria will take place at theWorld Bank on Monday, January 9th at 11am to 1pm and at the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) on Friday, January 13th at 10am to 2pm inWashington DC.

"Sincebeing elected into office, the current Nigerian Government has been extremelyharsh and insensitive towards the basic needs of its citizens. The Governmenthas turned a deaf ear to the cries of Nigerian citizens. The majority of the Nigerian people cannotafford the removal of this gas subsidy and the domino effect this will cause(the price increase on other goods and services)," Harrison Nwozo, protestorganizer said.

Thisis a part of the Occupy Nigeria movement (Occupy Nigeria DC) which is a seriesof protests that started in Nigeria on Monday, January 2nd inresponse to the gas subsidy removal by NigerianPresident, Goodluck Jonathan onSunday, January 1st.

OnMonday, January 9th, an indefinite nationwide strike will commence in Nigeriauntil the gas subsidy is reinstated. Protesters in Washington, D.C. are urgingthe IMF to encourage the reinstatement of the subsidy. Recently, the World Bankand IMF advised African countries to remove all subsidies to reduce theirnational debts.

photo: Trendy Africa

“Weare conducting this protest in Washington, D.C. because we want to show oursolidarity to our Nigerian brothers and sisters back home. The removal of thegas subsidy has not only affected gas prices in Nigeria but has caused a chainreaction on the rest of its economy. Nigeria is a nation where 50% of thepeople live on less than $2 a day so for the government to not think about ourunique challenges before this policy was changed is thoughtless andinconsiderate,” Chika Uwazie, protest organizer said.

Protestshave also been reported in other countries including London. Inaddition to the reversal of the gas subsidy ban, Nigerians want betterinfrastructure and the elimination of corruption.

Theprotest on Monday will begin at 11am with a march at McPherson Square to WorldBank Headquarters located at 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Thedemonstration will end at 1pm. The protest on Friday will begin at 10am at theInternational Monetary Fund located at 700 19th street NW with a march tothe second International Monetary Fund building at 1900 PennsylvaniaAve NW.

"Asfar as Nigeria goes, I have never been able to cast a vote. So, what thisprotest means to me is something very personal. It means an opportunity to bepart of something bigger than me; an opportunity to stand with other Nigeriansand stand against EVERYTHING wrong with Nigeria. This, for me, is not a choice,it is an obligation," Ifeanyi Nwoko, protest organizer said.

Localprotests are being organized by various groups and organizations including LetThere Be Light In Nigeria - Nigerian Million March and African DiasporaInstitute.

Formore information about the protests please contact: Tribex2000@yahoo.com

Christians Flee Northern Nigeria

2012-01-07T12:41:00.000-06:00

Hundredsof Christians have begun to flee northern Nigeria after dozens werekilled in a series of attacks by Islamist militants who issued an ultimatum toChristians to leave the mainly Muslim region or be killed, witnesses saidSaturday. A Nigerian newspaper Tuesday published a warning from Boko Haram,a movement styled on the Taliban, that Christians had three days to get out ofnorthern Nigeria.

Sincethe expiry of that ultimatum, attacks in towns in four states in northeastern Nigeria haveleft at least 37 people dead and hundreds of Christians are fleeing to thesouth, according to residents and aRed Cross official. Gunmen armed withKalashnikovs have targeted church congregations and a group of mourners in achurch hall.

Witnessessaid some shops run by Christians from the Igbo ethnic group in towns hit bythe violence, including Yola and Mubi, were closed Saturday and residentsstarted to pack their belongings onto buses heading to southern regions.

Thereare fears of reprisal attacks on Muslims. Christian groups have asked theirfollowers to remain peaceful but they concede that there is a risk of furtherviolence.

"Weare very worried by the persistent killings. We have asked youths to remaincalm. We stand for a united Nigeria but there is a limit to humantolerance," a spokesman for the Christian Association of Nigeria toldReuters.

PresidentGoodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the northeast and two otherregions in Nigeria on December 31, in a bid to contain a growing insurgency byBoko Haram, which says it wants to apply Islamic sharia law across the country.

Heavilyarmed troops and tanks have been patrolling parts of northeast Nigeria sinceJonathan made the announcement but it is a vast, remote region that has provendifficult to secure.

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

WAVEOF ASSAULTS

Gunmenopened fire in a hall in Mubi in Adamawa state on Friday where agroup of Christians had gathered to mourn the deaths of those killed in anattack the previous day. The death toll in those attacks has reached 21, the RedCross said on Saturday.

"Unknowngunmen in Mubi attacked and killed 3 people on Thursday night and Friday aspeople gathered to mourn the deaths, the gunmen believed to be the sameattackers killed 18 people, totaling 21," said Red Cross spokesman UmarMairiga.

Adamawastate is just south of Borno state, the homeland of Boko Haram, which has beenbehind almost daily attacks in recent months.

Localresidents in the Adamawa state capital Yola said gunmen had fired on Christiansleaving church Friday, killing eight people. The police confirmed the incidentbut were not able to give further comment or a death toll.

Aspokesman for Boko Haram told reporters by phone that the sect was behind manyof the attacks, including a shooting at a church service in northeast GombeThursday, which killed at least six people.

"TheGombe attack on the Deeper Life Church and the attack on Igbos in Mubi and thatof Yola were all carried out by us," Abu Qaqa said by telephone toreporters.

Elsewhere,a Christian couple were shot dead Friday in the Mairi ward of Maiduguri, thecapital ofBorno state and the nucleus of Boko Haram's violence since anuprising in 2009.

"AChristian husband and wife have been killed in the night (Friday) inMaiduguri," said Colonel Victor Ebhemele, operations officer in the Bornojoint task force.

InYobe state, which sits on borders with Borno state and neighboring Niger,police said it killed some members of Boko Haram in a gun battle Friday night.

TheRed Cross official said members of the Igbo ethnic group, who are usuallyChristian and a minority in the mainly Muslim north were fleeing the northeast.Most of the people killed in Mubi were Igbo, local residents said.

BokoHaram, whose name means "Western education is forbidden," claimedresponsibility for a series of bomb attacks across Nigeria on Christmas Day,including one at a church near the capital Abuja that killed at least 37 peopleand wounded 57.

Nigeria'spopulation of around 160 million is split roughly equally between Christiansand Muslims. Most Christians live in the south and most Muslims in the north,but many communities are mixed, and the majority live side by side in peace.

Thepersistent violence adds to growing problems for Jonathan, who has beencriticised for not getting a grip on Boko Haram's insurgency. Nationwidestrikes are planned Monday against the government's decision to end fuelsubsidies from January 1, which caused the pump price to double.

Report:REUTERS

UPDATES

Atleast 20 more people were killed at the weekend in fresh attacks suspected tohave been carried out by the terrorist Boko Haram sect in Adamawa, Yobe andBorno States. The terrorists attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, NasarawoParish, Jimeta-Yola in Adamwa State, on Friday evening, killing over 12persons. They also shot and killed four persons in another raid in Lamurde,about 80 kilometres away from Yola, the Adamawa State capital. In anotherattack in Potiskum, the Yobe State capital, Boko Haram members killed twopersons and raided four banks.

OnSaturday, sect gunmen also shot and killed two Christian students who attendthe University of Maiduguri in Borno State, the state Police CommissionerSimeon Midenda said.

Thefresh attacks in Adamawa State bring to 30 the total number of persons killedin the state in the last two days. Fourteen persons lost their lives in asimilar attack on Thursday in Mubi town which borders Maiduguri, the BornoState capital, and the hotbed of Boko Haram’s terrorism.

Over30 other persons were also admitted in various hospitals in Adamawa State wherethey are being treated for gunshot wounds.

Thespate of attacks in the last two days compelled the Adamawa State governor,Alhaji Murtala Nyako, to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Yola and Mubi to checkpossible reprisal attacks.

Hehas also placed a N25 million bounty on the heads of the killers in a bid toencourage members of the public to squeal on them to facilitate their arrest bylaw enforcement agents.

Theattacks, especially on churches and Christians, have prompted the ChristianAssociation of Nigeria to warn that Christians would be forced to defendthemselves against being made sitting ducks if the government cannot guaranteetheir safety. (8th Jan, 2012)

SAG parleys with AGN in Los Angeles

2012-01-03T04:59:00.001-06:00

The Screen ActorsGuild-SAG in the USA recently hosted the Actors Guild of Nigeria-AGN inCalifornia. The trip by AGN which ran between the 10th - 21st Oct 2011was tofacilitate future cooperation’s with SAG in an effort to globalize Actors guildof Nigeria and bring it to the fore.

Prof. Ken Howard and Segun Arinze

The delegation was received in Los Angeles by the President ofScreen Actors Guild, SAG, Prof. Ken Howard and members of the Executive Council andmembers of the Board. In his welcome address, Prof. Howard tagged the visit asNollywood Meets Hollywood and revealed that it was the first time ever that SAGwould be meeting any Guild/Association involved in film production from Africa.

SAG's Pamela, Kathy, Segun, Duncan

The meetings alsoaimed at building an inter guild partnership where trainings, workshops,seminars and more will be held to further improve on the standards of movieproductions in Nigeria. AGN was recommended by federation of internationalActors-FIA to SAG.

Uchenna Nnenna, Kingsley Ogbonna, Obi Osotule, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ken Howard, Segun Arinze, Emeka Rollas, Bob Manuel Ndokwu, Ejiro Okurame

We are affiliates ofthe FIA. AGN members took time out to visit Universal studios on a facilitytour. The team was led by AGN National President Segun Arinze with othermembers of the entourage including the National Secretary, Ejezie EmekaRollas, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Bob Manuel-Udokwu, Kingsley Ogbonna, Ejiro Okurame,Uchenna Nnanna, Obi Osotule and renowned film maker, Kingsley Ogoro.

L. Scott Caldwell, Emeka Rollas, Ned Vaughn

AGN's trip to LA USA was sponsored by theIfeanyi Ubah Foundation and Capital Oil with additional support by Sifax group.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Passes (1933-2011)

2011-11-26T08:35:00.001-06:00

ChukwuemekaOdumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi has died in a London hospital after a protractedillness following a stroke. He was 78. The ailing leader of the defunct BiafranRepublic and leader of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) DimChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was born on 4 November 1933 and died on the 25^thof November, 2011.

At13, his father sent him overseas to study in Britain, first at Epsom College,in Surrey and later earned a Masters degree in history at Lincoln College,Oxford University and returned to colonial Nigeria in 1956. In 1957 the IkembaNnewi joined the Nigerian Army as one of the first and few universitygraduates. Ojukwu was among the 15 Nigerians officers out of the 250officers the Nigerian Military Forces had then. After serving in the UNpeacekeeping force in the then Congo under Maj.-Gen. Johnson ThomasAguiyi-Ironsi, Ojuwkwu was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1964 and wasposted to Kano, where he was in charge of the 5 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

OnJuly 6, 1967, the then military Head of State, Col. Yakubu Gowon declared warand attacked Biafra in a bid to stop Ojukwu’s secessionist attempt. The warlasted 30 months and ended on Jan. 15, 1970. As the war was wearing out, Ojukwuwent on exile and stayed away for 13 years. He was granted state pardon byPresident Shehu Shagari, a decision which was trailed by the deceased’striumphant return in 1982.

Ojukwu'srise coincided with the fall of Nigeria's First Republic, formed after Nigeria,a nation split between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christiansouth, gained its independence from Britain in 1960. A 1966 coup led primarilyby army officers from the Igbo ethnic group from Nigeria's southeast shot andkilled Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a northerner, as well as thepremier of northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello.

Thecoup failed, but the country still fell under military control. Northerners,angry about the death of its leaders, attacked Igbos living there. As many as10,000 people died in resulting riots. Many Igbos fled back to Nigeria'ssoutheast, their traditional home.

Ojukwu,then 33, served as the military governor for the southeast. The son of aknighted millionaire, Ojukwu studied history at Oxford and attended a militaryofficer school in Britain. In 1967, he declared the region — including part ofthe oil-rich Niger Delta — as the Republic of Biafra. The new republic used thename of the Atlantic Ocean bay to its south, its flag a rising sun set againsta black, green and red background.

Butinstead of sparking pan-African pride, the announcement sparked 31 months offierce fighting between the breakaway republic and Nigeria. Under Gen. Yakubu"Jack" Gowon, Nigeria adopted the slogan "to keep Nigeria one isa task that must be done" and moved to reclaim a region vital to the country'scoffers. Despite several pushes by Biafran troops, Nigerian forces slowlystrangled Biafra into submission. Caught in the middle were Igbo refugeesincreasingly pushed back as the front lines fell. The enduring images, seen ontelevision and in photographs, show starving Biafran children with distendedstomachs and stick-like arms.

Despitethe efforts of humanitarian groups, many died as hunger became a weapon wieldedby both sides.

"Wasstarvation a legitimate weapon of war?" wrote English journalist John deSt. Jorre. "The hard-liners in Nigeria and Biafra thought that it was, theformer regarding it as a valid means of reducing the enemy's capacity toresist, as method as old as war itself, and the latter seeing it as a way ofinternationalizing the conflict." The images fed into Ojukwu's warningsthat to see Biafra fall would see the end of the Igbo people.

"Thecrime of genocide has not only been threatened but fulfilled. The only reasonany of us are alive today is because we have our rifles," Ojukwu toldjournalists in 1968. "Otherwise the massacre would be complete. It wouldbe suicidal for us to lay down our arms at this stage."

Thatfinal massacre never came. Ojukwu and trusted aides escaped Biafra by airplaneon Jan. 11, 1970. Biafra collapsed shortly after. Gowon himself broke the cycleof revenge in a speech in which said there was "no victor, novanquished." He also pardoned those who had participated in the rebellion.

Helater wrote his memoirs and lived the quiet life of an elder statesman until heunsuccessfully challenged incumbent Olusegun Obasanjo for the presidency in2003. Obasanjo served as a colonel in the Biafran war and gave the finalstatement on rebel-controlled radio announcing the conflict's end. He leavesbehind his Wife, Bianca Ojukwu (Onoh) and children.

Alex Ibru dies at 66

2011-11-21T22:30:00.001-06:00

Lagos- The Chairman and Publisher of The Guardian, Chief Alex Ibru, is dead. Thedeceased died on the day his wife, Maiden, was marking her birthday. Accordingto a statement by the newspaper, Ibru gave up the ghost at about 2.30pmyesterday. Aged 66, the deceased had been sick for a while.

Bornon March 1, 1945, Ibru, the youngest of the famous Ibru brothers who hailedfrom Agbhara-Otor, in today’s Delta State was noted for entrepreneurship.

Heattended the Yaba Methodist Primary School (1951-1957), Ibadan Grammar School (1958-1960), Igbobi College, Lagos (1960-1963) and the University ofTrent (formerly Trent Polytechnic) (1967-1970) where he studied BusinessEconomics. After working briefly in the family business under the tutelage ofhis older brother and patriarch, Michael Ibru, Alex Ibru launched solely andsoon became one of the most successful young businessmen in the country.

Hefounded The Guardian in 1983 with a mission to make it one of the five bestEnglish language newspapers in the world. Ibruwas the chairman of Trinity Foundation, the vehicle through which he did hismassive philanthropy, giving support to the poor and the needy. He was also thefounder of the Ibru Centre which promotes ecumenism and religious harmony.

Thedeceased was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club International. He wasminister of Internal Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member ofthe highest Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), between 1993 and 1995. Asminister, he introduced far-reaching reforms in the management of Nigeria’sprisons and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Heleft the late Gen. Sani Abacha-led government on principle, after which anattempt was made on his life, allegedly on the orders of the ruling junta. Thecase on that attempted murder had been moved to Supreme Court.

Source: Leadership.ng

Jonathan Tasked on Multi Million Entertainment Intervention Fund

2011-10-27T07:34:00.001-05:00

Calabar- Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON); Chief Tony Okorojihas made a 0passionate plea to President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent stepsto save the Entertainment Industry Intervention Fund which the Presidentannounced last year with so much fanfare. Chief Okoroji who presented the LeadPaper at the Colloquium of the National Festival of Arts & Culture (NAFEST) onWednesday, October 26 at the Cultural Centre Complex in Calabar held thepacked audience, made up of senators, commissioners, permanent secretaries andculture administrators from all the states of the federation, spell bound forclose to 45 minutes.

Leadingthree other discussants from different Nigerian universities to x ray the themeof the colloquium, Nigerian Traditional Music: A Vehicle for EconomicTransformation and Unity, Chief Okoroji, a former President of PMAN said,“Someof us participated in the discussions that led to the institution of theintervention fund, but suddenly, the falcon can no longer hear the falconer. Ihave been invited to a few meetings from which I have come out with the beliefthat those charged with administering the fund are not quite sure what they aresupposed to do.

“Ihave very good reason to fear that eventually those who will access the fundare not those for which the fund was established and those who truly need thefund will never smell it. In the industry, there is growing disappointment andpeculating conclusion that the intervention fund which created so much initialbuzz is after all an election gimmick and money for the boys. No one else hasthe muscle to change that growing feeling than President Jonathan himself. Heneeds to personally and quickly intervene in the intervention fund before itbecomes an albatross. He needs to give the marching orders to his team to takecharge and ensure that the solemn promise he made to the entertainmentcommunity is kept”

Inhis paper, Chief Tony Okoroji, author of the book, Copyright & the NewMillionaires and one of the nation’s foremost experts on intellectualproperty dwelt extensively on issues of intellectual property rights andcollective management of rights in the digital age. He praised individualNigerian musicians and producers for their hard work and enterprise which hesays has now made Nigeria a significant force in world contemporary music.

Heargued however that to sustain this position and harness it to provide jobs forthe teaming masses of the unemployed in Nigeria and contribute to nationaldevelopment, the nation needs to urgently articulate the way forward andprovide the necessary institutional support that will drive private sectorprojects.

ChiefOkoroji disagreed with those who have derisively described what is now termedNaija hip pop as a poor imitation of the American hip-pop culture.

He traced the development of theburgeoning popular music culture in Nigeria citing examples toconclude that the present day Nigerian popular music forms do notoriginate from America but have their roots in traditional Nigerian music.According to him, it is indeed American hip-pop culture which is traceablethrough Soul music, Blues and Jazz music to the Negro Spirituals taken from WestAfrica to America by the slaves uprooted from our shores. He declared thatno one should be surprised by any similarity in the forms as they share thesame ancestry and genes.

Observingthat there is serious disconnect between the Federal Ministry of Culture andthe private sector practitioners the ministry was set up to support, ChiefOkoroji called on the Minister of Culture to reposition the ministry and makeit more relevant to the needs of the nation. He decried the abject lack ofresources to actualize important projects in the cultural sector saying thatthings may have been different if the National Endowment for the Arts was upand running.

Inthe words of Chief Okoroji: “I believe that everyone in the cultural sector inNigeria ought to be thoroughly embarrassed that more than 20 years after thepromulgation of the National Endowment Fund for the Arts Decree (Decree No. 52of 1991: now the National Endowment Fund for the Arts Act) the fund remains amirage and people in the cultural sector still grope around for funding when animportant source of funds is there. The Honourable Minister of Culture needs toact now. To my mind, if his only achievement in office is to get the NationalEndowment Fund for the Arts up and running well, he would have left hisfootprints in the sands of time”

Amongthose present at the Colloquium were Senator Hassan Barata, Chairman, SenateCommittee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Ahmed Sani Stores, Deputy Chairman,Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, His Royal Highness, Etubom Bob Duke representingthe Obong of Calabar and Mr. Gabe Onah, Special Adviser on Tourism to theGovernor of Cross River State. The Colloquium proceedings werechaired by Chief Segun Olusola.

Source: COSON

U.S Feds Seize Millions worth of Assets from Son of Equatorial Guinea President

2011-10-27T07:25:00.001-05:00

TheU.S. government may soon own one of Michael Jackson's white gloves, $530,000 Ferrari anda $30 million Malibu estate if it succeeds in seizing them from the son of acorrupt African dictator. In a case kept hidden from public view until last week, the U.S. Department ofJustice says it's pursuing more than $32 million in assets from TeodoroNguema Obiang Mangue, whose father Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo hasruled over oil-rich Equatorial Guinea for 32 years -- and has beenaccused by authorities around the world of illicitly siphoning hundreds ofmillions of dollars for himself and his family.

A 2010 U.S. Senate report detailed how Obiang theyounger, known as Teodorin, had moved $110 million into the United Statesthrough shell companies and anonymous transactions, propping up a hard-partyinglifestyle that included spending $30 million on one of Malibu's largestmansions and a $38.5 million Gulfstream V jet. Obiang was also known to collectsupercars like they were Hot Wheels, with at least 32 cars and motorcycles atone point, including eight Ferraris, two Bugatti Veyrons and a $2 million Maserati.

While the U.S. Department of Justice has saida probe into Obiang had been ongoing since 2004, the first signs of legaltrouble for Obiang came from France, where authorities seized 11 of his carslast month, including the $2 million Maserati MC-12. While the JusticeDepartment had sought seven cars from Obiang in California, its latest requestmentions only one -- a 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO.

The documents unsealed last week in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles offerthe first glimpse of the case built by the Justice against Obiang, accusing himof spending more than $100 million garnered from extortion and embezzlement inEquatorial Guinea. The feds also revealed how Obiang bought $3.2 million worthof memorabilia from Michael Jackson's estate earlier this year, includingthe white crystal-studded glove Jackson wore on the "Bad" tour, theMTV Music Video Award for "We Are The World" and several of the life-size figurines Jackson used to keep at his Neverland Ranch.

So far, no representatives of Obiang’s have officially responded to thegovernment's bid, and the Justice Department has not yet responded to a requestfor comment from Yahoo! Autos. Human Rights Watch, an advocacy group longcritical of inaction against the Obiang family, has called on the United Statesand other countries to move against the clan despite their control over a keyoil supply.

“The move to freeze Teodorín’s assets in the U.S. is overdue,” said ArvindGanesan, business and human rights director at Human Rights Watch, in astatement. “But the real test will be if the U.S. government vigorously pursuesthe inquiry to its conclusion without letting diplomatic or business ties standin the way.”

Source: Yahoo (Justin Hyde)

The Fall of Muammar Gaddafi: what next?

2011-10-21T07:15:00.004-05:00

Col. Muammar Gaddafi,Libya’s ousted dictator was killed on Thursday, October 20, 2011 following hiscapture by troops from the National Transitional Council in his hometown ofSirte. Libyan Prime Minister MahmoudJibril confirmed the report of his capture and eventual death at a newsconference.

Gaddafi’s death ended42 years and 49 days of his rule in Libya, where he supported radical groups,amassed chemical weapons and missiles, started wars, and orchestratedatrocities. He was one of the longest ruling non-royal leader in the world andthe longest ruling Arab leader. He came to power in a bloodless coup at the ageof 27 in 1969.

Born to a BedouinFamily in Sirte in 1942, Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi attended aMuslim elementary school far from his home. He was exposed to the events in theArab world in the aftermath of World War II and these events influenced himprofoundly, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser was his hero and he took partin anti-Israeli protests during the Suez War between Great Britain, Israel, andFrance against Egypt in 1956.

He joined the Libyanmilitary academy in 1961. Graduated in 1966, and had risen to the rank oflieutenant before seizing power in 1969.

Inspired by Nasser andthe new brand of Arab nationalism, Gaddafi led a small group of junior militaryofficers in staging a successful bloodless coup d’état against King Idris whilethe king was in Turkey. The monarchy was abolished and the Kingdom of Libyabecame the Libyan Arab Republic.

He abolished the LibyanConstitution of 1951, invented his own system of government, and planned aneconomy based on socialist ideals with revenues from large reserves of naturalresources. His anti-western stand andsocialist based policies made him popular and a welcome change in a country steepedin poverty.

He shut down westernmilitary bases in Libya, criminalized dissent and shared power only with hisfamily and closest confidants. He expelled Italian settlers in 1970, replacedthe calendar with an Islamic Calendar, renaming the month of August and July,Hannibal and Nasser.

He became increasinglyeccentric, styling himself as ‘brother leader,’ ‘guide of the revolution,’ etc.He retained an all-female team of bodyguards. He erected a luxurious Bedouintent in his palace grounds and the tent is erected anywhere Gaddafi is lodgingeven on trips abroad.

In 1973, a law denying freedom of expressionwas enacted, which made dissenting illegal. Political opponents were publiclyexecuted and members of the Islamist fundamentalist were executed in the 70s. Dissidentsabroad were also targeted and many killed by Libyan agents.

An unsuccessful attemptwas made in 1986 to replace English with Russian as the primary foreignlanguage.

Gaddafi and his familycontrolled most of Libya’s industry and trade and amassed great wealth. Oilrevenues and a small population combined with high education index made Libyathe most successful African country in terms of GDP. However, a large number ofthe population lives in poverty especially in the eastern part of the country.

In the first 15 yearsof Gaddafi’s rule, the number of Libyan doctors per 1000 citizens increasedsevenfold. Infant mortality rate went from 125 per 1000 births to 15.04 per1000 births during his reign, making Libya the best country for a newborn inAfrica.

He was obsessed withthe notion of Arab nationalism and wanted to create a great Islamic statecomprising of all the countries of North Africa, he tried to merge with Chadand Sudan.

He was instrumental inMuslims taking power in Sudan in 1971 and tried unsuccessfully to engage inbattle with Israel and return the entire country to the Palestinians, which washis goal. In 1995, he expelled some 30,000 Palestinians living in Libya inresponse to the Palestinian Liberation Organizations peace negotiations withIsrael.

He sponsored Idi Amin,gave him the idea of the expulsions of Indian-Ugandans, and maintained a closerelationship with him, sending Libyan soldiers to fight for him againstTanzania. He gave him refuge in Libya in 1979 after his fall from power.

He financed MengistuHaile Mariam’s military junta in Ethiopia that was responsible for one of thedeadliest genocides in recent history. He established a school called the WorldRevolutionary Center, and notable graduates have seized power in other Africancountries such as Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso; Idriss Deby of Chad; CharlesTaylor of Liberia; and he had close tieswith Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia and Yugoslavia.

He backed theRevolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia and developed a relationship with Venezuela’sPresident Hugo Chaves.

In 1998, Gaddafishifted focus from Arab nationalism to Pan-Africanism and African Unity. Hewanted to create a “United States of Africa.” In a speech to followers in September 1998,Gaddafi said, "I had been crying slogans of Arab Unity and brandishingstandard of Arab nationalism for 40 years, but it was not realised. That meansthat I was talking in the desert, I have no more time to lose talking withArabs...I am returning back to realism...I now talk about Pan-Africanism andAfrican Unity." He added,

"The Arab world isfinished...Africa is a paradise...and it is full of natural resources likewater, uranium, cobalt, iron, manganese…"

Middle Eastern programswere removed from the media schedule replaced with programs on black issuessuch as slavery. The map of the Arab league was replaced with a map of Africaon television background. He courted African warlords and dictators, providingaid and refuge when needed. He provided military support for PresidentAnge-Felix Patasse of the Central African Republic in 2001and signing a dealgiving Libya a 99-year lease to exploit all of the country’s natural resources. He rescued Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe andacquired numerous luxurious properties from the deal.

His strong military andfinancial support of African despots gained him several allies across thecontinent and over 200 African traditional rulers and kings were present tocelebrate him and proclaim his as “King of Kings of Africa” in 2008 since hehad been in power longer than any African King or traditional ruler. In 2009,he was elected as the head of the African Union.

He supported theIranian Revolution and several militant anti-western organizations around theworld. He gave arms to the Irish Republican Army, supported the Red Brigades,and began financing the IRA in 1986. In April 1984, a British policewoman,Yvonne Fletcher, was killed by Libyan diplomats who shot at refugees protestingthe execution of two dissidents in London. This incident led to end ofdiplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Libya.

In 1986, the UnitedStates bombed Libya leading to fractious relations between the two countries.Gaddafi public stated his support for anti US government organizations andfinanced the Nation of Islam and Al-Rukn. Suicide squads were trained to attackAmerican and European interests.

In 1988, heorchestrated the bombing of a Pan Am flight from London Heathrow Airport toJohn F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The plane exploded overLockerbie, Scotland killing 259 people on board and 11 people from the town anddestroying several houses.

However, Gaddafichanged his tune after the fall of the Soviet Union and began to repair Libya’simage in the west. He extradited the two Libyan intelligence agents indictedfor planting the bomb on the ill-fated plane. The United Nations removedsanctions against Libya and Gaddafi agreed to pay the victim’s families.

He began to facegrowing opposition for the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group in the 1990s; heissued the first arrest warrant for Osama bin Laden in 1998. He gavecounter-terrorism intelligence to western agencies and the links deepenedduring the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. He denounced theSeptember 11 attacks on the US.

While he had offered tostop his active weapons of mass destruction program in 1999, he admitted tohaving kept the program in 2003 after the fall of Saddam Hussein but offered toend the program because of the influence of the Iraq war on him and he wouldprefer to focus on peace.

Gaddafi’s apparentcommitment to the war on terror helped in restoring relations between Libya,the US, and the UK. The US went back to full diplomatic relations with Libyaand took it off its list of state harboring terrorists. While a number ofpeople questioned his motives, with some speculating that he was afraid ofmeeting the same fate as Saddam Hussein and others wondering if he was cozyingup to the west to have oil sanctions against Libya removed.

In 2008, Secretary ofState, Condoleezza Rice became the first high ranking US official to meet withGaddafi, she persuaded him to pay the balance of the victim’s compensation.

President Bush signed anexecutive Order restoring the Libyan government's immunity fromterrorism-related lawsuits and dismissing all of the pending compensation cases.

Gaddafi took part in a2009 G8 summit in Italy as chairman of the African Union, his handshake withPresident Barack Obama was the first greeting between Gaddafi and a sitting USpresident. He also met with Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman.

The only man convictedof the Pan Am flight bombing, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was released on compassionateground in Scotland. His subsequent welcome by Gaddafi and Libyans who hailedhim as a hero drew condemnation from western leaders.

On February 17, 2011,protesters against Gaddafi’s rule started marching in Tripoli and other townsfollowing the examples of similar protests in neighboring Egypt and Tunisia. Asthe protests gained significance and momentum, Gaddafi’s response was to quashthe protesters.

Military forces killedprotesters in the street, beating and shooting them. His aggressive stance createddissent in the government with key allies resigning and fleeing the country.

He fled into hidingwhile forces loyal to him fought fierce battles against rebels fighting todepose him. Amid calls from the international community for him to resign, Gaddafiinsisted that he was a beloved leader and he will conquer the rebel forces. Dueto the killings the rebels took up arms and the protests turned violent.

The United NationsSecurity Council passed a resolution freezing Gaddafi’s assets and restrictinghis travels and that of his close associates and family. However, forces loyalto him rallied and fought on, gaining some ground and beating the rebels back.Due to airstrike launched against the rebels, the UN enforced a no-fly zoneover Libya but this proof unsuccessful and on March 23, a NATO operation to aidthe people of Libya and to prevent further bloodshed was launched.

In August, the rebelsoverwhelmed forces loyal to Gaddafi in Tripoli, capturing key properties andmembers of the inner circle including his spokesman and killing one his sons. Anumber of Gaddafi’s family, including his wife of 40 years and daughter fled toNiger but the whereabouts of Gaddafi remained unknown.

Sirte was one of thefew remaining Gaddafi strongholds since the rebel forces won the battle forTripoli on the August 21, while there had been indications that Gaddafi mightbe hiding in his hometown there had been no confirmation.

In the early hours ofThursday, a rebel fighter found him in a hole by the roadside, in the videoreleased, he could be heard pleading for his life, and minutes later, he wasdead.

As Libyans took to thestreet to celebrate what is being called a turning point in Libya’s history anda sure victory for the opposition. The question remains, what next?

by Yetunde Adurota, contributing editor Trendy Africa Media

The Okoroji, Onwenu SAGA: fallout of Christy Essien’s Interment

2011-10-20T07:16:00.004-05:00

If I was blessed with telepathic powers, I would probably beconsoling late Christy Essien in her grave due to the rancor that has emanatedfrom the funeral activities of her passing. What I have done here is to outlinethe published communications between Tony Okoroji, Chritie Essien and otherindustry watchers. My only surprise is that those involved have been respectedsenior professionals in an industry that shaped me and gives me so much pridedaily. This is the reason why we have chartered accountants and Attorneys. Ifanyone has a grouse with expenses, hire an accountant to work out the incomeand expenses report as well as a balance sheet. Let the Attorneys Judge withthe facts on ground. Everyone hascontacts with the press in Nigeria who will be glad to release reports thatwill surely make headlines. Well, readthe following and be your own Judge.

Tony Okoroji, NG (October 18, 2011) - Onyeka Onwenu wasnever elected Chairman of the Christy Essien-Igbokwe Burial Committee. She isnot Chairman of the sub-committee on finance. Throughout the burial activities,she was chairman of nothing and made little positive creative contribution towardsthe organization of the events that I can remember. Onyeka was never appointedauditor to the committee. Indeed, she did not attend any meeting of thecommittee until the events had been designed and the activities had gatheredmomentum. Then, she surfaced and the great camaraderie we enjoyed in thecommittee disappeared. Onyeka found faults with everything. At onepoint, she wanted to be the only speaker at the symposium. At another, shewanted to be both MC and performer at the tribute night and must sing last! Shefought in vain to stop the musical stampedes that took place very successfullyin Akwa Ibom and Anambra and tried to truncate the specialrendition of the national anthem done by a younger colleague, Eva Ogoro at thetribute night. Of course, everyone saw her in Lagos wherever thecameras and bright lights were on but when in my opinion, it truly mattered, “MadamProbity” was nowhere to be found. Onyeka Onwenu who suddenly loves Christy morethan anyone else in the world never attended Christy’s burial in Awka.

I do not recall that Onyeka was at any time appointedspokesperson by the committee. Sadly, my dear sister who likes to talk aboutdemocracy and the will of the people nominated and elected herself to theposition and set about to drag the widely celebrated burial of our colleague,Christy, into unnecessary controversy and to tarnish the image of the goodpeople who labored so hard to make it succeed.

I have read Onyeka Onwenu’s tirade against me spread overthe internet and published in Vanguard Newspaper of October 14, 2011. Ihave wondered why with her experience and a few months to her attaining the ageof sixty, she would embark on this reckless and self destructive journey.Onyeka never spoke to me nor did she seek any clarification from me beforespreading her venom. I am not quite sure but I have a few guesses as to whatshe is after and why without any provocation, she is so trigger happy anddesperate to shoot my reputation down. I have had great patience with Ms.Onwenu. This time, she has crossed the line and I have asked my lawyers to takeappropriate action and I will defend myself like I have done many times before.

Having briefed my lawyers, I would have chosen to keepquiet. I have decided to issue this detailed statement because of the nature ofthe spread of misinformation in the digital age and because of a seriousconcern for the feelings of the different persons who kindly gave us badlyneeded assistance, the thousands who happily participated in the events andthose who prayed for our success. It is also important that I reassure the manyyoung people in our industry who look up to me. I want them to know thatdespite the madness in Nigeria, some of us strive to live up to the valuesthat we preach. I am also giving these details because there are those who knowthe truth and who owe it to me and to posterity to timely speak out and laythis matter to rest but have chosen not to. For obvious reasons, I am deeplypained to have to join issues with Ms Onwenu in public but if I do not do sonow, many may say, “there is no smoke without fire” I did not start this andhave no interest in seeking vain glory and would have had no need to discussthese details if the present circumstances were not foisted on me.

1 hereby state categorically that I do not have one nairabelonging to the Christy Essien-Igbokwe Burial Committee. In all, the sumof thirteen million naira was passed through me to the committee: a ten millionnaira cheque from Akwa Ibom State Government and three million naira in cashfrom Cross River State. Both were handed over to the committee. I didnot demand neither did I receive any commission, honorarium, token orcompensation for obtaining the money. I was not paid a penny for the over twomonths of back breaking work that I did to make sure that we kept the promise Imade on behalf of the committee that Christy Essien-Igbokwe would be buriedlike a queen. Indeed, I spent substantial amount of personal funds to ensurethe success of a project which I believed in and which despite the attempt tostain it will remain a watershed moment in the history of events organizationin Nigeria. I never was a signatory to the Committee’s account and was not evena member of the finance committee and there was no key decision I took withoutobtaining the authorization of the Chairman of the committee, Dr. Austin Izagbo.At the end of the burial, I submitted very comprehensive financial reports onbehalf of the two sub committees that I headed

I was only drafted by the committee to help with fundraising when it became clear that the entire project was about to collapsebecause the Contact Committee of which Ms. Onwenu was a member, had failed toraise any money. At every meeting all I heard from Onyeka was how she was ‘intouch with the First Lady’ A good number of us including Austin Izagbo and BisiOlatilo put in significant time and personal funds towards the success of theburial. I do not know of any money that Onyeka contributed towards the project.When Onyeka Onwenu sings I celebrate her because she is a very good singer butbeing a good singer is not a licence to act without self control and withoutany consideration for the consequences of your actions on others.

I am a very busy person and did not seek to be part of theChristy Essien-Igbokwe Burial Committee. I was invited to the committee byChristy’s husband, Edwin. Despite the size of the committee and myprotestations, I was requested by the members to head two key sub committees:the Ceremonial sub Committee and the Publicity sub Committee. The ceremonialcommittee was charged with designing and executing the events and the PublicityCommittee with promoting the activities. I was warned by friends of the highrisk of my name being tarnished. I ultimately agreed to undertakethe assignments because I believed in the cause but I warned everyone in thecommittee that I did not want to be part of any scandal.

The committees worked for weeks without one naira fromanywhere. As Chairman of the Publicity Committee, I tapped on the substantialgoodwill I enjoy with the media and I was answered positively andcomprehensively. As a result of the work of my committee, over one hundredmillion naira in direct advertising was given to the burial activities bydiverse media institutions in Nigeria free of charge, not to speak of themassive amount of editorial support, something that had never happened. I willnever stop expressing my gratitude to the Nigerian media for their generosity.Among the several media friends I personally pleaded with on the phone were Mr.Tony Onyima, Editor-in Chief of the Sun; Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu, Publisher of Vanguard;Mr. Demola Osinubi, Managing Director of the Punch; Mr. Kunle Bakare, Publisherof Encomium Weekly; Mr Azuh Arinze, Publisher of Yes Magazine, Mr. Olisa Adibuaof Beat, Classic and Naija FM; Mr. Lekan Ogubanwo, the Permanent Secretary incharge of LTV, Mr. Bola Agboola, the FRCN Director of Marketing, etc. Ipersonally went to plead with the leadership of TVC, met with Chief Steve Ojo,owner of Galaxy TV and spoke with my friends at NTA, AIT, Channels, etc.

At the editorial and reportorial levels, I continuouslyspoke with countless journalists. Those I could not speak with, I wrote lettersto. I invited a number of crack journalists to join the Publicity Committee andwas constantly on the ‘neck’ of friends like Nat Biefoh Osewele of the Sun,Nonye Ben Nwankwo of the Punch, Charles Okogene of Independent, Kabir Garba ofthe Guardian, Fred Onyeka Nwalue of Metro FM, Patience Okeafor of Galaxy,Alozie Uzoukwu of STV, Ifeoma Oti &Jasmine Egeonu of AIT, Hazeez Balogun ofCompass, Azuh Amatus of Entertainment Express, Ayo Lawal of PM News, TundeLaiwola of LTV, Emeka Nnamani of Ray Power FM, etc.

While I had a number of good journalists on the PublicityCommittee who had been asked to write stories to promote the events, it wasclear that many of them were busy especially as there was no honorarium for thework they were asked to do. Ultimately, I had to write most of the pressreleases that drove the events. At the end of the day, I had written about 71press releases which were circulated and published daily across the length andbreadth of the nation. I once mailed a press release on the events to OgbonnaAmadi who is credited with the vile article published in Vanguard seeking todestroy me. A few minutes after receiving my mail, Mr. Amadi replied, warningme not to send any such “trash” to his box.

Because of lack of funds, I had to personally write theadvert copies for radio, print and TV and supervised their production andsyndication. I coordinated the organization of two major and verysuccessful press conferences, one at Niteshift Coliseum and the other at TeslimBalogun Stadium. As a result, the Christy Essien Igbokwe burial became the talkof the nation and everyone wanted to be part of it. While a good number ofpeople in our committee commended the pain staking work we were doing tocelebrate our colleague, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu sent out text messages to all andsundry complaining that Tony Okoroji was engaged in self promotion!

As Chairman of the Ceremonial Committee, I worked with afantastic group to design the seven different events of the burial. With thekind assistance of the Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, BarristerWaheed Enitan Oshodi, I got Governor Fashola to allow us the use of TeslimBalogun Stadium, free of charge. I pleaded on the phone with the GeneralManager of the National Theatre, Malam Kabir Yusuf and a hall was given for theSymposium free of charge and the VIP foyer given for the Lying in State alsofree of charge. I drafted in Segun Arinze, Baba Dee, Fred Edore,Azuh Amatus and Yinka Davies and I spoke with each of them several times everyday no matter where in Nigeria I was. That was how the entertainment industryand the media were mobilized and the four teams that played the celebratedMatch of the Stars in honour of Christy and the cheer leading ensemble wereformed. Through Felix Awogu and Fred Edore, both of whom I will remain evergrateful to, the teams were fully kitted like professionals free of charge byZenith Sports. With the approval of the committee, I invited Lagos lawyer andformer police officer, Mr. Victor Eiremokhae to join the committee and to headthe security team and without any compensation, he did a first class job. Withoutasking how the Match of the Stars was conceived or put together, Ms OnyekaOnwenu arrived at Teslim Balogun Stadium on match day, smiling from cheek to cheek;to do the kick off, jumping around the stadium and posing for photographseverywhere.

I assembled the artistes that gave the wonderfulperformances at the Red Carpet Tribute Night. When rehearsals could not beginbecause there was no money, I provided personal funds to the band to startrehearsals at African Shrine graciously made available to us by Yeni Kuti whoshowed great commitment to the success of the event. I was convinced that FrankEdoho of Who Wants to be a Millionaire was the right compere for theTribute Night. I spoke with Frank countless times. It became clear that whileFrank wanted to do the show, he had already been paid to do another event thatnight. Between Frank and I, we agreed that the only way that he would make theColiseum event was to give a refund to those who had previously paid him. Frankwill bear witness that I made significant personal contribution towards thisrefund. Nowhere in the financial statement to the committee did I mention thisor seek that I be repaid. Indeed, the only person I informed about this was Dr.Izagbo after the event.

I was aware of the well known dispute between the Igbokwe familyand Governor Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State. There was clear agreementbetween me and the Chairman of the Burial Committee, Dr Izagbo that we owed aduty to Christy to attempt to resolve the dispute. Consequently, I called acontact in Uyo who helped set up a meeting with Governor Akpabio. I invited myvery good friend Bisi Olatilo who was then in Abuja and he graciouslycut his trip to join me in Uyo. Ms. Onwenu was asked to travel with me. The twoday meeting in Uyo with the governor was a turning point as it helpedto clear much of the clouds that hovered over the entire project. GovernorAkpabio showed the kind of simplicity, maturity and forgiving spirit notusually associated with people who occupy such positions in this part of theworld. He went out of his way to help douse whatever tension existed betweenthe Igbokwe and Essien families. Let me say that without Godswill Akpabio, theChristy Essien burial would have ended differently.

I have heard that a rumour has been activated that GovernorAkpabio gave me millions to do the documentary on Christy. I suspect that thisis a key reason for the long brewing hyper ventilation of Ms. Onwenu to boilover. I state categorically that The Story of the Lady of Songs whichhas been broadcast by several TV stations in the country was funded entirely byme and has financially set me back significantly. Contrary to Ms. Onwenu’sassertion, nowhere in the financial report sent by me to the Christy Essien-Igbokwe Burial Committee was one naira requested as cost of the documentary. Idid the research and wrote the script and within two weeks, in the midst of themind boggling challenges of organizing probably the most elaborate burial inNigerian history, I traversed the country with a film crew led by an incredibleNigerian known as Razak Izebe, and day and night we shot the visuals acrossseveral states, edited on the road and produced the first ever cradle to gravestory on any Nigerian artiste. Austin Izagbo and Bisi Olatilo willbear witness that Ms Onwenu was repeatedly requested to participate in thedocumentary and she declined.

It may be sour grapes or bad belle but Ms. Onwenuhas set out to rubbish The Story of the Lady of Songs describing itin her internet and newspaper tirade as ‘substandard’ I have however receivedcommendations on the work from several professionals whom I have great respectfor. The so called “substandard” documentary has been seen by millions ofNigerians on several TV stations like AIT, Channels, TVC, Biscon, Galaxy, NTA,etc. It is arguably the most broadcast documentary in Nigeria in recent times.Many people have told me that through the documentary, they have learnt so muchabout the life of Christy Essien Igbokwe that they did not know. Thedocumentary is today a national resource and an everlasting legacy to thememory of Christy. It does not matter to me if Ms Onwenu develops aheadache each time The Story of the Lady of Songs is broadcast butsomeone should remind her that Nigeria is a free country and that she has everyright to do her own documentary on Christy or anyone else and get it shownwherever she may choose.

In the tirade in which Ms. Onwenu could not find one goodthing done by me towards the Christy burial, she also complained about the useof COSON staff in the burial arrangements. I am Chairman of theBoard of COSON which is a non-profit making organization. Until her death,Christy Essien-Igbokwe was a member of COSON. I owe no apologies to Ms Onwenufor requesting the hard working staff of COSON to participate in the burialarrangements of our member. Indeed I commend all the COSON staff who madevaluable contribution to the success of the events:- Vincent Adawaisi,Elizabeth Ike, Isa Haruna, Benice Eriemeghe, Yemi Oyerinde, etc. To the staffof COSON, Ms. Onwenu’s complaint would be a joke especially coming from ‘MadamProbity’ who regularly demands that the staff of COSON come to her privateoffice to do her private work. Ms Onwenu likes to complain about everyone’sleadership but I am not aware of any complex organization that she has handledor any serious group that she has successfully led.

A few days to the commencement of the burial events, it wasreported at a committee meeting that the only drinks that had been mobilized bythe welfare committee apart from the Ragolis water kindly donated by ChiefRasheed Gbadamosi, were a few crates of Seven Up! I was alarmed and requestedthat I be allowed to intervene. I then called my friends at Nigerian BreweriesPlc: Tony Agemonmen, Edem Vindah, Sampson Oloche and Ngozi Nkwoji and NigerianBreweries stepped in and donated much of the drinks we received for the events.

What I truly do not understand is how I could have taken themany wrong decisions which Ms. Onwenu alleges and yet the organization of theevents of the Christy Essien Igbokwe burial have been widely acknowledged to bemasterful and Onyeka Onwenu has basked in the glory of the success of theevents. It beats me how she cannot see the contradiction.

Despite the fact that, I live in Lagos, for severalweeks, I did not go home because of the Christy Essien burial. Home and officewere a room in a modest guest house in Ikeja which I shared sometimeswith four other persons, several laptops and internet modems. While Lagosslept, we were deep at work. It was from this room that 24 hours a day, wemobilized Nigerians and did the important organizational and media work thatdrove the celebrated events of the Christy Essien burial which Nigerianswitnessed. Some of us went for days snatching fifteen minutes sleep here andthere. Austin Izagbo visited Room 302 at least 25 times. Ken Olumese was thereand so were Yinka Davies, Eva Ogoro, Kaka Igbokwe, Chika Okpala, Lemmy Jackson,Pal Akalonu, Cornel Udofia, Victor Eiremokhae, Kunle Akintayo,Aladave, Aniekan Umanah - the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information andmany others whose presence inspired us to successfully wrestle with the manychallenges and tie together the hundreds of different elements that made thegrand idea a reality. Onyeka Onwenu never came.

After Ms. Onwenu joined the committee and the atmospherebecame soured, I realized that a concerted attempt was being choreographed tosmear me. I had seen this happen before and I did not want to be part of it.Unknown to most members of the committee, on August 14, I wrote to ChiefEdwin Igbokwe informing him that I had decided to quietly withdraw from thecommittee. I immediately commenced arrangements to travel with my friends,Patrick Doyle and Mahmoud Ali Balogun on an important business trip to SouthAfrica from where I would proceed to the United States to join my wife. Myplan was to remain in the US until the burial activities were over. Uponreceiving my mail, Chief Igbokwe who was in Anambra, sent a mail pleadingthat I rescind the withdrawal. He followed it up with phone calls. (My mail andChief Igbokwe’s reply are hereby forwarded)

On the prompting of Chief Igbokwe, Dr. Izagbo rushed to Room302 where he found me at a meeting with Patrick and Mahmoud planning our trip.For several hours, we argued back and forth on the effect my withdrawal wouldhave on the burial arrangements. I told Dr. Izagbo that I could no longeroperate under the atmosphere that had developed. Dr. Izagbo who shares a commonancestry with my wife pleaded with me and prevailed on me to reverse mydecision in the interest of the committee, assuring me that he would takecharge and ensure that my name was not dragged to the mud.

Once again, I have topay lawyers to clear my name for doing massive unpaid work in furtherance ofthe beliefs that I hold. I have travelled this road before. I thankGod that each time, He has given me victory. By His grace, it willhappen again.

Onyeka Onwenu - A BATTLE line appears to have been drawnbetween ace musician, Onyeka Onwenu and Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON,boss, Chief Tony Okoroji as the former has asked the latter to give account ofthe N3 million donation made by the Cross River State Government to facilitatethe burial rites of the departed songster, Christy Essien-Igbokwe.

In a letter sent to Okoroji, and made available to WeekendGroove, Onyeka is compelling Okoroji to step forward and clear the air bysimply accounting for the whereabouts of the said money.

The letter reads in parts; Dear Tony Okoroji: “I write thisletter with a pained heart, one full of disappointment at the news that youpocketed the N3 million donation made by the Cross River State Government tothe Christy Essien Burial Committee for use towards her burial programme.

‘I understand that you took this decision because youclaimed you were owed certain amounts for “unauthorised” expenditures made byyou during the burial week. Unauthorised, because you did whatever you wantedand undertook actions against the decisions of the committee as a whole.

Actions such as the making of a documentary and thecommissioning of satellite musical stampedes in other States. You headedsub-committees assigned to you but handled everything to the exclusion of othermembers and then you took over other sub-committees and insisted on imposingyourself on everyone else.

“I know you like to say that others were not up to doing thework but that is a misinformation that suits your imagination. How could theywhen you wouldn’t let them. How many meetings did you have with members of yoursubcommittees?

How many remedial meetings were called by the committee toredress some of your mistakes did you respect? You took delight in presentingus with a fait accompli, in setting programmes for events that were evenoutside your purview and jurisdiction. You even dared to impose pre-printedprogrammes that went against the committees decision.”

“We tolerated all these just so we can protect the integrityof the burial programme and protect all our reputations. You believed your ownhype and thought that you were smarter and more cunning than anyone else. Didyou not inform us that you made that substandard documentary on Christy withyour own money, therefore, we had no right to complain.

Yet you have now turned around to charge the committee forit. Let me note here that you used COSON staff, paid by copyright owners,something you have done, consistently over the period of your chairmanship andwhich you know or should know is patently wrong.

“You also said that the MCs you brought in for the tributenight at the NiteShift, against the committee’s decision had offered theirservices free of charge.

But now you are charging for their services. During our lastcommittee meeting and in response to my objection to your “one man, devil maycare” decision taking, your inability to be a team player and total lack ofregard for the people you are supposed to work with, you accused me of havingthe capability of sending hired assassins after you.

What a reckless thing to say and how irresponsible are you.I decided to ignore you but on a second thought, you had projected onto mesomething that you were considering doing yourself. I have taken note of it.

“I would have been very happy to see you prove me wrong bydoing the right thing. But what did you do, you confirmed our worst fears bytaking money which did not belong to you. My dear brother, Tony, I wish thatyou would have a rethink and return the money.

It is blood money and would do you no good. You make uswonder if the reason you were part of Christy’s Burial Committee was to helpgive a befitting burial rites or to rip it off. You have an opportunity toprove your innocence.

“I understand that the first thing you said at the firstcommittee meeting was that there must be no financial impropriety and now, youhave eaten what you vomited. If indeed you are being owed, why not let thecommittee decide. What are you afraid of. It is not too late, you can still dothe right thing. God bless you as you do so.”

PATRICK DOYLE - Friday October 14 was not a very goodday for me. I woke up and my attention was drawn to a very sordid article in anational newspaper as well as calls from colleagues all over the worlddirecting me to various sites on the internet carrying the same sordid tale inwhich the well known singer, Onyeka Onwenu, had poured invectives on Chief TonyOkoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) under whomOnyeka has served in different capacities for several years. I felt very badbecause I know the facts in the matter which had been so badly twisted in thenewspaper and internet stories to damage the name of a good man.

Tony Okoroji is my friend. I have cherished his friendshipfor a long time because he is an uncommon Nigerian. In a nation filled with allkinds of charlatans, Tony Okoroji is a genuine article. Always willing todonate his prodigious intellect and unrivalled organizational skills to anycause in which he has faith. His commitment to his friends is legendary.

Last year when I turned 50, Okoroji mobilized the entireentertainment industry to honour me with the biggest celebration of my life. Afew days to the event, Chief Okoroji had to travel out of the country on anurgent assignment. From where he was, he never stopped calling everyoneconnected to the event to ensure that every detail of the celebration was inplace. He had to fly a rather crazy route to arrive Lagos 2 hours tothe show, drove straight to the Household of God venue and took charge. Theresult was a most memorable event executed by a master with style.Coincidentally, one of the several ‘A’ list artistes assembled by Chief Okorojito honour me was Onyeka Onwenu.

Six years ago, I was present when Tony Okoroji, during avisit to Onyeka’s GRA Ikeja office, reminded her that she had spent25 years on stage and that the event ought to be celebrated. For several weeksafter, Okoroji did little else but mobilize Nigeria’s high and mighty to aweeklong mega celebration of Onyeka Onwenu’s career. I produced the documentaryon Onyeka for that event and those who came to Planet One for All forOnyeka cannot forget the exquisite multimedia theme show designed andproduced by Tony Okoroji with my assistance. For two weeks before the show,Okoroji burnt the midnight oil in my Maryland studio as he worked everynight to produce the montage and inserts that made the show unique. Dinner atthe event cost millions of naira. Okoroji paid the bill and for much of thecost of the Onyeka Onwenu weeklong celebration. No tickets were charged. TonyOkoroji was simply happy to honour someone he considered a talent and a friend.

When Chief Okoroji told me that the late Christy Essien’shusband, Edwin Igbokwe had asked him to serve on her burial committee, I toldhim not to accept. I know Tony and I know that he is a perfectionist. He doesnot like half measures. If he said yes, he would abandon everything else, throwhimself at the burial and spare nothing to ensure that it was a roaringsuccess. In a nation with many lazy people who would do nothing except formoney, the Okoroji incredible work ethic confounds a lot of people. Those whodo not know him well cannot comprehend how a man can give so much for nothing.Therefore, they assume that he must be on the take and that if they shake himup properly, rotten fruits would start falling.

One Sunny Neme who used to report for a major nationalnewspaper must have acted with that assumption when with no facts he caused thepaper to publish some injurious stories against Tony. When Tony Okoroji tookhis paper to court and got an award of 40 million naira in damages, a Tsunamioccurred at the newspaper washing away Sunny Neme and a host of others. Let mesay here that I warned Sunny Neme but he would not listen. Femi Lasode made thesame mistake and bailiffs from the High Court in Ikeja visited his VGC home oneearly morning, carted away his glittering white jeep and everything else ofvalue in his home. Lasode could not pay the damages for libeling Okoroji and hehas practically been a recluse ever since. Charly Boy is smatter. Despite hisdevil-may-care outward appearance, when he saw the hand writing on the wall, hecalled me and begged me over and over to help him plead with Okoroji not toturn him to a Lasode. Oputa and I went to Tony and Tony warned him and forgave.There are many more of such stories. Tony Okoroji has little interest inbuilding estates or buying flashy cars but he does not joke with his familyname which he says is a legacy from his father which he must leave for hischildren.

I am familiar with Okoroji’s home. Despite his many years ofholding several important positions, he lives a very simple lifestyle. TonyOkoroji who has delivered important papers around the world, served on FederalGovernment boards, been the longest serving President of PMAN, been Chairman ofPMRS and now Chairman of COSON which as he did with PMAN, has been turned intoa household name in a few months, drives only one car, a fairly used Toyota.When his daughter got married last year, Okoroji who has organized some of themost celebrated events in the history of Nigeria invited less than ten friendsto a marriage registry in a Lagos suburb and hosted them to launch in hisliving room.

Many must consider Onyeka an intelligent woman. Onyeka wastwice Vice President to Okoroji while he was PMAN President. She was onOkoroji’s Board while he was Chairman of PMRS. She presently serves on theBoard of COSON of which Tony is the Chairman. She knows the man. Tony Okorojiis not a lawyer but very few people in Nigeria know the Nigerian law of libelbetter than he does the same way he is probably Nigeria’s foremost authority onthe Nigerian copyright law of which he is one of the authors. I have spoken toTony who is pained by what he considers Onyeka’s betrayal. He has alreadybriefed lawyers to clear his name. Knowing what I know, it is difficult tounderstand why Onyeka who is six years older than Okoroji could have decided tomake herself a Lasode.

Onyeka has tried Tony before. I recall that in 1991, Onyekaaligned herself with a number of others to take Okoroji to court. In thecelebrated case in which Christy Essien Igbokwe was Onyeka’s ally, they soughtto commit Okoroji to prison for contempt. At the time, the body of Tony’smother was lying in an Owerri mortuary. That did not stop Onyeka & Co fromgoing for his jugular. The story around town then was that there was a plan tomake sure that Okoroji would be in prison while his mother was buried. Judgmentday came and the court in Ikeja presided over by the present Lagos State ChiefJudge, Inumidun Akande, was filled to capacity. Lo and behold, the tables wereturned: Onyeka Onwenu & Co not only lost the case so badly but almost facedperjury charges. It took Sir Victor Uwaifo and the same Tony Okoroji to pleadwith the judge for the conspirators not to be prosecuted. Okoroji has beendragged to the Police, EFCC, ICPC, SSS and each time, he has prevailed and notonce has he been held for anything. In every case, it was clear that malice andhatred were at play.

Anyone would expect Tony Okoroji to hold a big grudgeagainst those who have persecuted him over these years. Not Okoroji. There isprobably no Nigerian who has continued to fight for the rights and sacrificefor the good of every Nigerian artiste than Tony Okoroji. It was the same manthat mobilized Nigerians to give Christy Essien the kind of burial never beforegiven to any Nigerian. It was Tony Okoroji that conceived All for Onyeka,funded it, organized it and gave Onyeka Onwenu the greatest honour she hasreceived as a Nigerian artiste.

Tony Okoroji elicits a lot of passion, much of it positiveand some of it negative but it is the passion that drives his massive selfbelief and responsible for the army of young people that follow him. He is amaster mobilizer and a creative machine who will take a small idea, breathelife into it and everyone is left in awe. His pace and endurance can leave yougasping for breath. He is very well known to work 24 hours a day for days onend. Words without action mean nothing to him. His incredible work ethic andbrilliance sometimes make it difficult for him to understand those who cannotwork as hard as he works or think as fast as he does. His work ethic andbrilliance generate a lot of admiration but they also produce frustration, envyand even hatred, especially among those who consider themselves always leftbehind.

I recall very vividly, when smack in the middle of thepreparations for the Christy burial, Tony told me that he had informed EdwinIgbokwe of his resignation from the burial committee on account ofsome bad vibes he was getting from Onyeka Onwenu. This was at a hotel roomsomewhere in Ikeja which Tony had converted into the Christy Essien IgbokweBurial command post.

I was naturally relieved at the news because Tony and I wereto have gone to South Africa along with Mahmood Ali-Balogun for abusiness meeting. Suddenly, Mr. Austin Izagbo, Chairman of theChristy Essien–Igbokwe Burial Committee bagged into the room to pleadpassionately with Tony to rescind his decision to quit. He made it clear thatwithout Chief Okoroji whom he said was “driving” the entire events, the hugeplans for the burial would fall apart. Austin Izagbo even solicited my supportto help prevail on Tony, something I was very reluctant to do. I however made atoken gesture and left, only to hear later that Tony eventually gave in toAustin Izagbo’s pleas, after Izagbo had assured him that he would hold Onyekain check. Izagbo happens to come from the same home town as Tony’s wife, Queen.

Suffice to say that the trip to South Africa was donewithout Tony. Upon my return from South Africa, Tony even succeeded in gettingme to participate in the events of the burial. He convinced me to be an unpaidrepertoire at the symposium organized in honour of Christy Essien Igbokwe at theNational Theatre and to help with the Red Carpet Tribute Night at NiteshiftColiseum.

I know that after the burial, Austin Izagbo pleaded withTony to go to Calabar to ensure that a 3 million naira pledge made to theburial committee by the Cross River State Government was redeemed. Iknow that Chief Okoroji who was the only one in the committee with some activecontact in Calabar went only because Izagbo had told him of the need to paythose who were owed money by the committee.

I was shocked to read the Onyeka public diatribe againstChief Okoroji whom many consider to be her friend. I am still not sure what isdriving her tirade which dabbled into too many unrelated issues. It certainlycannot be the sum of 3 million naira which I know for a fact was paid into theaccounts of the burial committee. I am therefore left with some questions: DidOnyeka speak with Okoroji before circulating her inflammatory mail on the net?Did Onyeka get Izagbo’s authority to circulate the vile mail? Did she thinkabout the effect of her action on the integrity of the entire burial committee?Is the internet the Nigerian Police or the EFCC which ought to handle issues offraud?

I know how much Tony Okoroji sacrificed to celebrate ChristyEssien-Igbokwe even in death. I know that he put his money and abandoned hisfamily for weeks to make her burial a historic success. I am angry at how he isbeing paid back. Haba Onyeka! Why….nooooow?

A Trendy Africa Media Production

Seasoned Artists set for Maranatha, Edinburgh UK

2011-10-09T19:16:00.001-05:00

UK - Preparations are in top gear for the much anticipated Maranatha Christ Fest music festival scheduled to hold in Edinburgh, UK. The event promises to be an explosive gathering of powerful ministers of God delivering soulful hit songs. This is an avenue for all Christians to gather and glorify the almighty father.
Song ministrations will be delivered by Ayodele Adeyinka, Dare Melody, Dusty Odihiri and El-Mafrex among others. Femi Aina will be on hand to work the keyboards at the concert!

Dare Melody

Moty Aduragbemi

Pastor Gabriel Eziashi

El-Mafrex

THE DATE AGAIN IS 4THNOVEMBER, 2011. FROM 5PM-11PM (NO AFRICAN TIME PLS)!, JUST £10, REMEMBER TOCOME WITH 3 THINGS, UR FAITH(VERY IMPORTANT) UR DANCING SHOES (AS WELLIMPORTANT) N UR HANDS!

VENUE: MCLEOD SPORT CENTER, 22 MCLEOD ST, EDINBURGH, EH11 2NH, UK
DATE: NOVEMBER 4TH, 2011
TIME: 5P - 11P

Service of Songs for Ma Esther Adeyi 1932-2011

2011-09-17T16:39:00.001-05:00

Grand Prairie - Family and friends of the Adeyi family gathered at the RCCG Christ Church in Grand Prairie Texas for an evening of prayers and service of songs for Late Esther Adebimpe Ayankemi Adeyi. Friends of Wole and Bambo Adeyi had spent weeks ensuring that proceedings of the evening went on as scheduled.

Tributes by the children and close family members formed part of the highlights just as Mrs. Bambo Adeyi rendered a special song for the departed. The well attended event featured hymn's including "abide with me" and "shall we gather at the river".

VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE

by Tosan Aduayi

Where were you on 9.11.01?

2011-09-09T10:46:00.003-05:00

Where were you on the 11th of September 2001? I was at myAuto Workshop in Lagos going through customers unpaid invoices early in themorning and already very agitated. On my desk was a very inconspicuous 9 inchblack and white T.V which served as an occasional distraction.

Suddenly, thenews flash came on one of the local stations. It sounded like a scene from amovie even though no one had ever visualized such a script. The reality of thesituation eventually dawned on me. That was the most unimaginable moment of myentire life till date.

In daysthat followed, heart rendering photos of victims in uncompromising situationswere published. Imaging viewing helpless people jumping from the burningbuildings to their death; or those waving objects through smoked filled windowsmoments before the buildings collapsed…still cannot comprehend. I posed thequestion on my facebook page where several respondents have already expressedthat moment in history in their own perspective.

Feel free to state your experience onthat day in the comment box below or visit my facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/aduayi

IN MEMORY OF ALL THE VICTIMS OF 9.11.01

A Trendy Africa Media Production.

Nigerian nabbed with fresh human parts in Ghana

2011-09-02T07:34:00.001-05:00

Accra - Nigeria’s image has yet again suffered a horrible blow in Ghana following the arrest of one Alhaji Rasheed Bello and his wife by the police in Yamoransa, near Cape Coast. Bello’s activities in the last few days became suspicious to his neighbours and since he was known to be a herbalist, no one dared confront him, rather, they called the police and reported their suspicions.

Unknown to Bello and his wife, the police had placed them under surveillance. According to the District Police Officer, “after we got the tip off, we got into the house and surprisingly, we saw pieces of human parts including hands and legs in a Ghana Must Go bag still dripping with blood. They were cut in a way that that gives you an impression that they were actually meant to be cooked. We also saw two human heads, which makes us believe that the victims are two.”
In an attempt to cover his evil deeds, 42 year old Alhaji Bello attempted to bribe the policemen but going by the Ghanaian constitution, his effort at bribing the police would only worsen his case as he might also be charged for attempting to bribe officers in a bid to prevent the law from taking its course.

source: ghanaweb

African Iconic Actor Sam Loco passes on at 66

2011-08-08T10:25:00.001-05:00

LAGOS—Ace multitalented actor Sam Loco Efe died yesterday in his room at the Rapour Hotel, Amakaohai along Orlu road in Owerri, Imo state shortly after returning from location. He was in Owerri, to direct a film titled “Unknown Prophet”. Sam Loco was said to have asked the cast and crew of the new film to return to their hotel rooms, hoping to continue the shooting the following morning.

His colleagues who were worried when he didn’t come down for breakfast had alerted the hotel management and after banging on the door of his room, forced the door open only to discover his lifeless body on the bed. There were conflicting reports as to the real state of health before his demise. While some said he was hale and hearty before his demise, others said he was ill while on the movie set.

Eye witness account said the Edo State born actor had gone to sleep after concluding the day’s shooting and was reported to have complained of a heart problem. He had earlier shared his usual jokes with colleagues before retiring to his room. Sam Loco 66, died less than a month after the remains of another veteran actor Ashley Nwosu was laid to rest in his home town, in Umuahia.

President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Arinze and Chairman, AGN, Enugu State chapter, Mr Ofiafuluagu Mbaka confirmed his death . They described the late actor as “a gentleman and a seasoned actor,”adding that the industry has lost a rare gem.” “It is very shocking and sad indeed. The industry has not finished mourning the sudden death of Ashley Nwosu, before another death occurred. I’m heartbroken. I’m confused, I cannot talk now”, lamented Arinze.

Source: Vanguardngr.com

Winners Emerge at TAMMAE 2011 Mothers Appreciation Event

2011-05-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

DALLAS - The Executive Vice President of Arik Air New York; Mr. Robert Brunner proudly presented the promised round trip ticket for two to the winner of the Raffle draw grand prize, Miss Raliat Akinlolu. The presentation marked the climax of the Trendy Africa Mothers Appreciation event which was characterized by nonstop fun and gift presentations.

Arik Air is a leading commercial airline that operates nonstop flights between New York and Lagos as well as several other African countries. Arik Air as the major corporate sponsor of TAMMAE 2011 donated two round trip flight tickets as grand prize for the winner of the raffle draw at the event.

Nandi’s banquet hall and event center was the choice venue for TAMMAE 2011. It’s central location at 9205 Skillman street Dallas as well as upscale exquisite amenities added great panache to the classic success of the maiden edition of TAMMAE. Awards were also presented to Women in the community; Sarah Cass, Marla Lee, Funke Oke, Nia MacKay and Gabretta Uke, in recognition of various contributions made to their individual communities.

Other prizes included hi quality Italian shoe and bags (T&K Fashion), Costume Jewelry specifically designed for TAMMAE by Bose Trendy Beads, Royalty fragrance by Super Model Tammie Garr, Quality Lace materials and Head Wraps by Toplen Fashion.

The premiere of the first ever ‘GELE” pageant; “LE FEMME GELE EXTRAORDINAIRE” also formed part of the special highlights at the event with Oyin Adu emerging the premiere winner. Songstress Ebony D’EVA was on hand to honor mothers with sonorous tunes. Finger foods and tasty canapes was supplied by the ultimate “Taste of Africa and America cuisine”.

African fashion from the stable of “Ignite yr Style” and “Honeydrop Images” ignited the environment. The event commenced with an energetic dance drama performed by Baba Kwasi and the Ayuba Kamau kings and queens just as hilarious jokes delivered by Mr. Michael Cole kept guests giggling.

Awardees and guests participated in the cutting of a special mother’s day cake designed and produced by Royal Balloons and decorations. The after party and unwinding spot was the rave of the moment; Aggie’s restaurant and lounge which is a walking distance from the venue. TAMMAE benefits “Grace for Victims” charity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND SPECIAL THANKS

ARIK AIR

Ignite Yr Style

Honey Drops Images

Dsol Media

Adetiba T.V

Nandi’s Banquet Hall

Royal Balloons and catering services

DJ Kapster

Taste of Africa and America Cuisine

LOI Graphics

T&K Fashions

Toplen Fashions

Trendy Beads

Royalty fragrance

Mediasify

Ebony D’Eva Bankole-Laoye

Ayuba Kamau Kings and Queens dance group

Michael Cole

Mr. and Mrs. Braimah Oyarekhua

Chibuzor Okonta

Kemi Ogunkola

Ozii Obiyo

Amara Obiyo

Ifeanyi Uke

Tadsell Services

City of Dallas

Delicious Pot

Megamound Investments

Kingz Motors

Sketch 44 Productions

Aggies Restaurant and Lounge

A Trendy Africa Magazine and Sketch 44 Productions Event.

Niger Delta Militant Groups Call for Calm

2011-04-20T08:10:00.000-05:00

In its reaction to widespread unrest in the northern part of the country, the Joint Revolutionary Council, a local militia organization, has called on youth in the Niger Delta to remain calm.

“While we recognize that there are strong northern interests in the Niger Delta, we will remain calm and will do the best we can to reject acts of provocation currently being deployed by elements of northern extraction,” the group said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte.

Supporters of Muhammadu Buhari, the Congress for Progressive Change’s presidential candidate, have taken to the streets since Monday to protest the results of Saturday’s election. But the militia group believes the actions of the protesters, which has included burning posters, tires and buildings, underscores a bigger problem.

“The unrest in the North should give the current government another reason to visit the idea of the convocation of a sovereign national conference,” the group said, adding that “it has become very clear to all that we do not belong together.”

The group also accused political leaders of involvement in the crisis and called for an investigation. “Let us not forget that some northern leaders had in very recent times threatened the peace of the Nigerian state should they not be chosen in their targeted political spheres. These people should be brought to book,” it said.

In a related development, some former warlords of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday held an emergency meeting following the outbreak of riots in some part of the country over the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential election.

The meeting blamed what they called “disgruntled politicians and crises-profiteers” for the crisis, saying the masses of the north are as marginalized as their counterparts in the southern part of the country. They also promised not to promote any retaliatory actions in the south-south.

“We condemn, in very strong terms, the post-election violence being perpetrated and sponsored in parts of northern Nigeria by disgruntled politicians and crises-profiteers. We regard the outbreak of violent protests as uncalled-for, barbaric and very retrogressive,” the group said at the end of the meeting. “But we dare assert that this sponsored violence does not in any way mirror or reflect the inner feelings of the overwhelming majority of the northern masses. The northern masses, just like their brothers and sisters in the south, particularly the Niger Delta, are victims of years of misrule under the same persons orchestrating the post-election violence across the north.”

The meeting was attended by Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo); Ateke Tom; Asari Dokubo; Bibopre Ajube (aka Shoot At Sight), Ezekiel Akpasibewei, Farah Dagogo, Africa Ukparasia, Paul Ezizi; Reuben Wilson, Joshua Macaiver, Ferdinand Amaibi; Tamunegiyeifori Proby; Kenneth Opusinji; Kile Selky Torughedi; Bonny Gawei Aboy Muturu; Hendrick Opukeme; Paul Bebenimibo; Dennis Otuaro; Gomoh Ekiyou; Saibakumo Wilson Gbaire; Andabafa Opunamah, and Soboma Jackrich.

source – 234next

How BBC caused crisis in Northern Nigeria

2011-04-19T06:31:00.001-05:00

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service had been blamed for the riots and confusion in Adamawa State, following its alleged broadcast that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, had won the election in Adamawa State, when the electoral commission in the state was still collating results.

The Special Adviser to the Adamawa State Governor, Aminu Iyawa, told journalists that the BBC broadcast was orchestrated to cause mischief and chaos. He said violence erupted after the electoral commission announced Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP as winner in the state.

An indefinite curfew has been imposed in and around Kano, following the outbreak of violence which erupted in the commercial city, resulting in the death of no fewer than two persons.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Dan’azumi Doma, announced the emergency security measure, after a meeting of heads of security agencies. The police commissioner said the curfew would be in force until further notice, while warning residents of Kano to remain indoors, as anybody found violating the curfew would be arrested and prosecuted.

“We have imposed an indefinite curfew in Kano State with immediate effect. So all law-abiding citizens are advised, in their own interest, to go to their respective homes and wait for further notice,” he said. As early as 8.00 a.m, on Monday, thousands of irate youths took to the streets, burning homes and mounting roadblocks on some major roads across the city, forcing residents to run for their lives. In most parts of Kano city, especially Hotoro, Badawa, Sharada, Na’ba-wa, and Dakata, the aggrieved youth attacked homes of some supposed pro-Jonathan politicians, in what was now believed to be a clear case of post-election violence.

A combined team of police and army had been drafted to all streets in the state capital, while the situation remained tense, as most streets were empty and businesses under lock and key.
Activities paralysed in Gombe Also in Gombe, supporters of the CPC, mainly youths, continued their violent activities and burnt down structures belonging to PDP stalwarts as well as government structures and places of worship around the town, killing one policeman in the process.

A divisional police officer of one of the police divisions was also wounded and was currently receiving treat-ment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe. An eyewitness disclosed that Abuja Quarters was the worst hit, as the rampaging youth targeted the private residence of the state governor, Muhammad Danjuma Goje, as well as houses of other PDP stalwarts in the area, chanting Nigeria sai Buhari.

Source: tribune.com.ng

U.S State Department Issues Fresh Travel Warning for Nigeria

2011-04-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria and continues to recommend U.S. citizens to avoid all but essential travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, Imo; the city of Jos in Plateau State, Bauchi and Borno States in the northeast; and the Gulf of Guinea because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem throughout the country. This notice replaces the Travel Warning for Nigeria, dated October 19, 2010, to update information on violent activity and crime in Nigeria.

Since January 2009, over 140 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Nigeria, including five U.S. citizens since November 2010. Six foreign nationals were killed during these abductions, while two U.S. citizens were also killed in separate kidnapping attempts in Port Harcourt in April 2010. Local authorities and expatriate businesses operating in Nigeria assert that the number of kidnapping incidents throughout Nigeria remains underreported.

In 2010, alleged Boko Haram members claimed responsibility for bombings in the country. A bomb exploded December 31, 2010, near a busy Abuja "fish bar,” killing several people and injuring many others. On December 24, 2010, alleged Boko Haram members detonated several explosive devices in Jos, Plateau State, and conducted attacks against police and others in Maiduguri, Borno State, leading to significant casualties and property loss. In October 2010, Boko Haram members attacked various Nigerian government security personnel and facilities, government officials, and authority figures in northeastern Bauchi and Borno States.

On October 1, 2010, two car bombs detonated near Eagle Square in downtown Abuja during Independence Day celebrations, killing ten and wounding many others. A Movement to Emancipate the Niger Delta (MEND) spokesperson claimed responsibility for this attack, while most former MEND militants publicly disavowed any links. Since then, this MEND spokesperson threatened further bombings in Abuja. In September 2010, over 150 members of the Boko Haram extremist religious sect escaped from prison in Northeast Bauchi, some of whom may be participating in Boko Haram attacks in other parts of the country. Since March 2010, five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have detonated in the Niger Delta region with one to three reported casualties.

Nigeria has scheduled general elections in April 2011, with National Assembly elections on April 9, a Presidential election on April 16, and Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections on April 26. During the electoral campaign, several acts of violence have occurred in various locations in the country, resulting in scores of deaths and injuries. The U.S. Mission has urged U.S. citizens to exercise caution and to avoid political rallies and demonstrations; as such events sometimes become violent and unpredictable.

A loose alliance of militant groups in the Niger Delta region has conducted a number of attacks against oil installations and posts of the Nigerian military’s Joint Task Force (JTF), which had attempted to close the militant camps. In June 2009, the Federal Government of Nigeria offered unconditional amnesty to any militants willing to surrender their arms and accept the government’s amnesty program. While almost all major militant leaders accepted the offer and the amnesty remains in effect, the potential for violence and the risk of kidnapping remains, with violent incidents involving “ex-militants” continuing.

Travel by foreigners to areas considered by the Nigerian government to be conflict areas without prior consultation and coordination with local security authorities is not recommended. The Nigerian government may view such travel as inappropriate and potentially illegal, and it may detain violators. Nigerian authorities detained six U.S. citizens, including journalists, on six occasions, in areas where militant groups had operated in 2008.

The Nigerian government interrogated these U.S. citizens for lengthy periods of time without bringing any formal charges before ultimately deporting them. Journalists are required to obtain a special accreditation from the Ministry of Information prior to traveling to conflict areas in the Niger Delta region states. This special accreditation is in addition to the general press accreditation and a valid Nigerian visa which are required to conduct such activities elsewhere in Nigeria.

Many foreign oil companies operating in the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers have implemented “essential travel only” policies for their personnel. The U.S. Mission currently requires advance permission for U.S. government travel to these states, as well as the states of Abia, Edo, and Imo, the city of Jos in Plateau State, and Bauchi and Borno States, given the safety and security risk assessments and the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General's limited ability to provide assistance to people detained by Nigerian authorities in these states. U.S. citizens who are resident in these states are advised to review their personal security in light of the information contained in this Travel Warning.

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society in which different ethnic and religious groups often coexist in the same geographic area. Travelers throughout the country should be aware that, in areas where such circumstances prevail, there is the potential for ethnic or religious-based disturbances. The States of Bauchi, Borno, and Plateau have experienced violence by fringe sects or inter-ethnic groups in the past year.

Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by some persons wearing police and military uniforms, is an ongoing problem throughout the country, especially at night. Visitors and resident U.S. citizens have experienced armed muggings, assaults, burglary, carjacking, rape, kidnappings, and extortion - often involving violence. Home invasions remain a serious threat, with armed robbers accessing even guarded compounds by scaling perimeter walls; following, or tailgating, residents or visitors arriving by car into the compound; and subduing guards and gaining entry into homes or apartments.

Armed robbers in Lagos also access waterfront compounds by boat. U.S. citizens, as well as Nigerians and other expatriates, have been victims of armed robbery at banks and grocery stores and on airport roads during both daylight and evening hours. Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. U.S. citizens, Nigerians, and other expatriates have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian law enforcement officials. Traveling outside of major cities after dark is not recommended due to both crime and road safety concerns. There are regular reports of piracy off the coast of Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea. Armed gangs have boarded both commercial and private vessels to rob travelers. The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to criminal acts at sea.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria are strongly advised to register through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at [234(9) 461-4000]. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies at [234(1) 460-3600] or [234 (1) 460-3400]. You may also visit the U.S. Embassy's web site.

source - U.S State Department

Trendy Africa is an accredited Foreign Press Media

THE EMERGENCE OF NIGERIA'S NEXT PRESIDENT

2011-04-14T23:20:00.003-05:00

Nigerians are set to exercise their civic rights to vote and elect the next President. The exercise will be conducted in 120,001 polling booths spread across the country. There are a total of 18 candidates on the list. The candidates include incumbent president, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the ruling PDP; Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), who is making his third attempt at the presidency; Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) presidential candidate Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who is the governor of Kano State.

Of the 18 candidates, seven are from the South-South geo-political zone. They are: President Jonathan, Rev. Chris Okotie of the Fresh Democratic Party, Ebiti Onoyom Ndok (the only female), United National Party for Development (UNPD), Prof. Pat Utomi of the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), Akpona Solomon of the National Majority Democratic Party (NMDP), Ambrose Awuru of Hope Democratic Party (HPT) and Chris Nwaokobia of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

From the South East are, Iheanyichukwu Nnaji of the Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNP), Nwadike Chikezie Peoples Mandate Party (BMP), and Prof. Peter Nwangwu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). There are only two candidates from the South West. They are Rasheed Shitta-Bey of the platform of Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP) and Dele Momodu of the National Conscience Party (NCP).

There are six from the North and they are Ribadu, Buhari, Mahmud Waziri of the People for Democratic Change (PDC), John Dara of the National Transformation Party (NTP), Shekarau and Yahaya Ndu, African Renaissance Party (ARP). Utomi voluntarily withdrew from the race for Shekarau.

As the alliance was falling to pieces, six presidential candidates; Nwagwu, Nnaji, Akpona, Nwadike, Prince Lawson Igboanugo and Shitta-Bey were queuing up to adopted Jonathan as their consensus candidate. They joined the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), which didn’t pick a presidential candidate but adopted Jonathan from the start. At the last count, the number of parties that have adopted Jonathan and the PDP has risen to over 45.

The question is, which of the 17 candidates will win the polls, initially billed for April 9 but was rescheduled after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the National Assembly polls and subsequently adjusted the election timetable.

Source – The Guardian

POLITICS and grammar

2011-04-14T07:28:00.000-05:00

The mendacious characterization and loathly calumniation of BAT, which Rotimi Fasaki is merchandizing with ferocious gusto is, at best, a sour political chicanery calculated to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it! But thank goodness that we have Prof, here who is privy to all these activities to impeach his mendacity.

This art of political crassitude and lying-through-the-teeth tactics to demonize one's opponent when the tide doesn't favor one in politics, as manifestly exhibited by Rotimi Fasakin, is not uncommon among disgruntled politicians.

Like both of you have rightly pointed out, if the negotiations have resulted into formation of the planned alliance, "a different song would have been sung". Rotimi's tantrum-throwing expose reminds me of this parable on politics:

"Your Excellency, are you aware that our Party Chairman is set to contest against you in the election?" "Oh, are you serious...that scummy shameless bastard; is he not afraid of exposure of embezzlement and various hideous shenanigans?

"Oh no, look at you, see what you have made me say about one of the nicest men in our political organization!" And there you have it.

By Yinka Leo Ogundiran in response to the controversy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Visit to Goodluck Jonathan

DALLAS CUTS JOB OF TWO SECURITY GUARDS

2011-04-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

The south entrance to the George Allen civil courthouse on Jackson Street is scheduled to close May 25, officials said due to budget shortfall.

Commissioner Maurine Dickey was the only commissioner to vote against the measure.

Closing the Jackson Street entrance will save the county $52,264 per year by cutting two security guards.

A few more than 1,000 people use the south entrance each day, the county budget office said. They will now have to walk around the building to the main entrance on Commerce Street.

Many county employees like the Jackson Street entrance because it’s across the street from a Subway

restaurant and because it’s hassle-free compared with the main entrance, which handles about 70 percent of the daily traffic and has long lines in the morning.

Judge Marty Lowy of the 101st Civil District Court told commissioners Tuesday he was concerned that closing the back entrance would make long lines in the morning even longer. Lowy said it could add to delays in getting jurors and attorneys inside the building for hearings and trials.

But Commissioner John Wiley Price said the county will add a third security line at the main entrance at peak times during jury weeks.

The Jackson Street entrance will continue to be used for jail visitation at nights and on weekends. The top floors of the courthouse contain a jail that will be used as an overflow facility.

The county is facing a $33 million budget shortfall. So far, $4.8 million in cuts and additional revenue has been proposed.

SOURCE – DALLASNEWS.COM

TAMMAE 2011 - Mothers Appreciation Event by Trendy Africa Magazine

2011-04-11T15:31:00.002-05:00

TRENDY AFRICA MAGAZINE MOTHERS APPRECIATION EVENT - TAMMAE 2011

“HONOR THY MOTHER”

Trendy Africa Magazine Mothers Appreciation Event is a concept designed to appreciate, motivate, empower and entertain Mothers in our Community. The event will honor Women who have shown remarkable resilience through today’s global challenges. Highlights will include a raffle draw, Live entertainment, Gift give-aways and the premiere of a unique Head wrap competition.

VENUE: NANDI’S BANQUET HALL, 9205 SKILLMAN STREET, SUITE 100, DALLAS, TX 75243

DATE: 7TH MAY 2011

TIME: 5PM - 8PM (STRICTLY ENFORCED)

PRIZES INCLUDE; 2 FREE ROUND TRIP TICKETS TO LAGOS (excluding taxes and fees donated by ARIK AIR), ITALIAN SHOE AND BAGS (T&k FASHION), DESIGNER PERFUMES (ROYALTY by Tammie Garr), SWISS LACES (Toplen Fashions), AFRICAN FOOD (by Asafo Market) and lots more.

RAFFLE TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

ENJOY THE PREMIERE OF “LE FEMME GELE EXTRAORDINAIRE" an annual Head Wrap pageant/competition powered by Trendy Africa Media.

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC, FASHION SHOW, JOKES, RAFFLE AND LIVE AUCTION.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE!!

CONTACT; 817 538 2145 , 323 423 4046

MEET SPONSORS OF TAMMAE 2011

ARIK AIR

Arik Air was founded in 2006 and started commercial operations on October 30, 2006 between Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt with three brand new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft becoming the first CRJ900 operator on the African continent and the first airline to introduce new commercial aircraft into Nigeria in over 20 years.

Arik Air is Nigeria’s leading commercial airline. It now operates a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of the wide bodied aircraft in Africa.

The airline currently serves 30 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa), New York JFK (USA) and Starting this summer: Angola, Congo, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ivory Coast. ARIK AIR

IGNITE YR STYLE

Ignite is a creative fashion designer with a knack for incorporating rich African fabrics to create contemporary everyday and ready to wear outfits. Her designs will light up the runway at the event. You can reach Feyi; igniteyrstyle@yahoo.com

HONEY DROPS IMAGES

Honeydrops images is a HEX certified makeup artist with specialty in Bridal, Photography, Runway and High Fashion make-up and Head-Tie. They will co-ordinate the fashion shows and provide the leading head wraps for the premiere of the “gele” pageant. Reach Oyinkan on; 214 458 3777

LOI GRAPHICS

LOI GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPANY ENSURES THAT YOUR GRAPHIC NEEDS ARE MET. Contact LOI Graphics - 972 352 8166 for: CUSTOMIZED GRAPHICS, PHOTOGRAPHY, INVITATIONS, BOOK ALBUMS, ADS, T-SHIRTS, LOGOS, BUSINESS CARDS, FLIERS, BROCHURES, POSTERS, MENUS, BOOKMARKS, BOOKLETS, BANNERS, CALENDARS, CATALOG, CD PACKAGE, NOTEPADS, GREETING CARDS, DVD PACKAGE, ENVELOPES, LETTERHEAD, POSTCARD, STICKERS, BANNERS, PROMOTIONAL ITEMS, AND MUCH MORE! (Contract and Package deals available)PHOTO RETOUCH, PHOTO COLORIZATION, PHOTOGRAPHY, PHOTO ENHANCEMENT, CHANGING PHOTOS INTO PAINTINGS/PENCIL ART, AND MUCH MORE!

T & K FASHIONS

T&k FASHIONS is the foremost designer fashion house in Dallas with specialty is sewing classy outfits for Women. T&K also stocks Men’s designer apparels, special lace materials, Head ties (gele), Italian shoes, Italian bags, custom jewelry and more. Contact; 469 499 4432 for inquiries.

DSOL MEDIA

Dsol media specializes in event photography and visual productions. They have consulted for Trendy Africa and would be the official photographers for the event. Contact ; 682 521 3775

ADETIBA PRODUCTIONS

Adetiba Super-Director is a seasoned audio visual specialist that has produced videos and documentaries while incorporating the best equipments in the industry. Victor Adetiba currently produces and telecasts a business teaching session; Business Consigliere. They will document the event on film. For contact; 469 682 3334

TOPLEN FASHIONS

Toplen Fashions has traded in Lace Materials and Jewelries serving clients across the United States. She was one of the pioneers of online custom jewelry trading enabling clients to view and purchase goods promptly. The fashion house will provide top quality lace materials towards the event.TOPLENFASHIONS.COM Contact; 682 552 2615

NANDI’S BANQUET HALL AND EVENT CENTER

Let Nandi’s Banquet Hall be the location of your dream event. It features 4500 sq ft. with a bar area and outdoor patio. They are centrally located right off 635 & Skillman, minutes away from Plano, and Richardson in Dallas. For more info call 214 438-7814 or 972 339-8481

ROYAL BALLOONS AND CATERING SERVICES

They specialize in cakes for all events, snacks and pastries. Other services include event decorations and head wrap tying. Royal balloons and catering services is the official cake provider for the event. Contact; Yinka - 817 386 9454

ROYALTY fragrance by Tammie Garr supports TAMMAE 2011

Tammie Garr is a Liberian Born international model, humanitarian, Beauty Queen Miss Liberia 06/07 and entrepreneur. In 2010, she partnered with international perfumer; Parfumologie to launch a high end luxury fragrance – ROYALTY by Tammie Garr. Royalty can be found in Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Panama city and San Diego.

www.tammiegarrfragrances.com

MEDIASIFY

MEDIASIFY has consulted with Trendy Africa Media to upgrade and impliment a 21st century cyber ready marketing platform. Mediasify’s mission is to provide an intensified and people focused media marketing plan for small businesses while driving value and keeping it cost effective. For more info, contact; 8178419123 or email:sales@mediasify.com

EBONY D’EVA BANKOLE-LAOYE

Ebony will be performing live at TAMMAE 2011. She has performed with the likes of Lagbaja and Francis Kuboye. Her music career dates back to 1987. She is currently working on releasing a new CD and would render songs from her classic collection. For bookings, call 4696823944

AYUBA KAMAU DANCE GROUP

The Ayuba Kamau Kings and Queens is a performing arts and youth empowerment organization focused on the education and preservation of African culture. The group will energize the event with its dance sessions and great choreographic arts. For contact, Call Baba Kwasi - 8178008444

TASTE OF AFRICA AND AMERICA CUISINE

Taste of Africa and America Cuisine offers extraordinary design, taste and service for all types of events including weddings, meetings, church or corporate. Attend TAMMAE 2011 and savor rich canapes from the stable of “Taste of Africa and America Cuisine”. For contact; Akin - 3172025774

Golf Tourney Scam in the USA

2011-04-11T07:48:00.000-05:00

A man with a leather jacket and long blondish hair walked into Southern Oaks Golf Club and slapped down a check for about $3,500. He wanted to book a Saturday golf tournament and said he would bring in a busload of 80 or more people for a charity fundraiser.

The club reserved space for the event, but the check bounced and the bus never showed up, said Mark Billings, associate pro at Southern Oaks in Burleson.

"We definitely lost business because of that guy," Billings said.

That wasn't the only area golf club targeted by a man police have accused of felony theft. John Mark Moyers, 50, of Waxahachie is said to have engineered at least a dozen similar scams across Texas and Arkansas involving up to $70,000, according to the Parker County Sheriff's Department.

Moyers, who is in the Parker County Jail, declined requests for an interview, a jail official said Wednesday.

In Parker and surrounding areas, Weatherford-Parker County Special Crimes Unit members said they had evidence that Moyers scammed local businesses out of thousands of dollars for fake golf tournaments, food drives and charity fundraisers. Police say he would solicit entry fees, donations, gift cards, door prizes and other valuables from area businesses but would skip town before the events were to take place. He kept the food donations for himself, they said.

At Southern Oaks, Moyers hung out and had a few of his friends play free rounds of golf while he conducted a raffle, Billings said. The golf club lost as much as $1,500 in revenue after it reserved the spots for Moyers.

At Canyon West Golf Club in Weatherford, Moyers told golf club owners that he was collecting canned food and cash to benefit area charities and food banks, a golf club employee said. He signed a contract to draw in golfers and booked five hours of golf on a Saturday afternoon. The tournament was set for late March.

But a few days before the tournament, the golf club got a call from a Little Rock man, the employee said. The man had bought a couple of player spots and a hole sponsorship for a tournament that Moyers promoted in Little Rock but that never took place, said the employee, who spoke on the condition that he not be identified.

"He asked if we were having a tournament for this guy, and we said, 'Yes.' And he said: 'You're about to be scammed,'" the employee said.

Some golfers who had paid Moyers an entry fee for golfing that day showed up, and the club allowed them to participate for free, Canyon West officials said Monday.

Apparently, investigators were able to locate Moyers because he hadn't changed his phone number in his fliers and advertisements.

He would list his cellphone number in fliers distributed around the towns where he promoted tournaments. He did not answer calls, golf club officials said. Instead, they say, he responded to the phone messages of prospective donors and golfers, accepting their money and donations with promises that he would make arrangements with the golfing businesses.

The Arkansas man notified Canyon West employees after he Googled Moyers' cellphone number and noticed the event Moyers was holding at Canyon West, said Stan Mickle, general manager of Canyon West.

"He meets you and takes your cash and leaves the day before the tournament," Mickle said.

Moyers was said to have "worked" the area for 45 days, Mickle said. The Canyon West event was one of almost 20 fake tournaments that Moyers had organized, according to Mickle.

Mickle said it was a sad situation for golf patrons and local businesses.

"These things are very unfortunate because so many of us go in with good intentions to help the charity," Mickle said. "It's a shame that these people try to take advantage of the people who are the most vulnerable. You mention charity and mention food drive, and that's a soft spot in everybody's heart.

"You tie that with golf time, and everybody comes out and enjoys fellowship and helping a better cause."

About two years ago, Moyers was convicted of theft of property in Georgetown, according to the county clerk. The stolen property was believed to have been valued at $50 to $500, records show. Other information on the case wasn't available.

Source: Weatherford Telegram

Giileh transforms passion to lyrics

2011-02-02T09:08:00.005-06:00

Giileh Scholz who goes by the stage name “Giileh” prefers to teach and inspire through music. Her latest works titled “Bringing the News” clearly defines her songs with a blend of R&B, soul and a touch of African beat blended together to create captivating melody.

Giileh had commenced public performances in 2008 to promote the album in cities on the East coast of the United States. As the current business development manager of the Sierra theatre productions, she has featured in an ongoing series depicting the Sierra Leonean culture at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. The Sierra theater production is Sierra Leones first theatre company in the US. Her acting skills she imbibed since childhood is clearly revealed during the theater productions.

At about age 11, Giileh performed as a choreographer until her teenage years and then went on to complete her education. To her long time admirers she is defined as an actress, singer and songwriter. She explains that God has blessed her at every stage of her life and its only right to give him the honor. She has multiple skills in Management, Bachelors in Economics and a Masters in Technology Management. Giileh applies these skills to her music career, embracing music and life’s experience as a total package while adapting to the gospel industry.

Giileh has recently been a guest on several shows including; the Murphy & amp show featured on Bronx Net TV in New York, the African Gospel concert in Virginia and performed with Josephine Atanga of Cameroon and George Okudi of Uganda.

She has worked closely with "Mother Africa & Her Talents" in the role of a performer and coordinator to ensure the successful launching of a yearly show that will portray the talents of African Designers, Musician, Artists, and Dance groups.

10% of the proceeds of her soon to be released album “Bringing The News” will be donated to Save the Nation, Inc, a 501c (3) Nonprofit organization founded by Giileh - towards the “SEA MOURNERS Project” – geared to providing sustainable solutions to assist the surviving families of the boat tragedy that occurred in the Shenge Area in Sierra Leone, on September 8, 2009 where 200 out of 250 people lost their lives.

BUSINESS CONSIGLIERE BY VICTOR ADETIBA

2011-01-31T06:21:00.002-06:00

Business may mean several things to various people but the common thought process is likely to be creation of wealth. I have created this page to document a series of BUSINESS teachings uniquely formatted by Victor Adetiba to pass on information that will ultimately serve as a guide based on personal experiences towards actualizing successful business ventures. I hope that the following recordings would be of immense value to you.

The Nigerian consulate in New York failed diplomacy: true life situation

2010-11-18T10:23:00.001-06:00

When the information minister started her pet “re branding” project, I told people then that the best form of re branding is through individuals and their actions and not the slogans and jingles that have been employed by this current administration. Or please tell me, if a product is not good, how much re branding and brand communications do the producers need to embark on?

The probability that their efforts would be in vain is high, if not certain. Ask Coca-cola and their attempt to change the taste of the original coke. They spent a lot on attempting to brand the new coke and re brand the old product but it did not work. They eventually had to stop the production of the “new coke”. But I digress as this is not a treatise on brand management but about the treatment meted out to the Nigerians that went to collect their E passports at the New York Consulate on November 17 2010.

I am an irrepressible optimist about the future of our great country but sometimes I question the sanity of my beliefs and if the continuance is worth it. We fail to implement the simplest of all things to improve our lives. We fail to do the basest of all human functions. Why do we find it impossible as human beings and as Nigerians to respect each other?

I ask if it was worth it for Bola Ige or Funsho Williams or the military pensioner who was willing to sacrifice his life for the country he believes in but has to line up in the rain and sun to collect his pittance while lawmakers who do “a lot” take millions home? Is it really worth it to believe? Is it worth it for a senior citizen that after serving her country and retiring without blemish a 66 year old former civil servant would have to travel to New York to get her passport only to be told that the consulate was closed and subjected to the most dehumanizing environment by the country she served selflessly for over 40 years? What amount of re branding will Mrs Akinyuli and her team have to do to change her mind about her experience? Who better to market a product than the product itself? If this senior citizen had a good experience at the consulate, would that not have had more impact on her and in turn would she not have gone around telling people how responsive and respectable Nigerians are?

Prior to her traveling to New York, she had registered online and was given an appointment for the 17^th of November, 2010 for the interview and the subsequent issuance of the passport. She bought her plane ticket and planned for the return trip to New York from Michigan.

The first shocker she got was postponement of the deadline to April 30, 2011. Her reason for going to New York had been defeated already. Since she was planning to go to Nigeria in January 2011, she would have had time to get the passport. Oh well, it was already done so she thought. On November 10, 2010 she started calling the consulate in New York hoping to confirm if there would be a rescheduling of interviews scheduled for the next week (being the 17^th that she was meant to be there for her interview) but alas she could not get anyone and nobody returned her numerous calls. Respect!!! She also went on the website and there was no announcement canceling or rescheduling the interviews. Respect!!!

On November 17, 2010, a host of Nigerians including this senior citizen got to New York hoping that they will have their interviews done. Second shocker!!! When they got there they saw a sign stating that the consulate was closed. It was typed and pasted on the door.

Now allow me digress a little more. Before planning this trip I had been conversing with someone about the E passport and all he said was that he would be going to Nigeria one last time and when he returns he will not be returning for a while, if ever. Unfortunately for me, he was one of those that went to the consulate on the 17^th. When I spoke to him later he said he was alright about the incident and that he was not mad at all since he was expecting the worst initially. He said it was I who had the problem because as far as he was concerned he had written the country off. He said “no expectation, no disappointment, any or high expectation leads to disappointments”. He explained that instead of the guard at the consulate to be empathic about the situation of those that came from Alberta (oh yes, all the way from cold Canada), Baltimore, Michigan, Connecticut, Toronto, New Jersey, and other parts of North America, he was shouting on them and telling them that they could not come in and he was not going to answer anyones question and there was nothing anybody could do. To make matters worse, I was told that the guard was from a neighboring West African country. Respect!!! He knew that he could treat them as bad as his employers (the Nigerian consulate) were treating them. Nobody was going to reprimand him. His thinking would be “It is just these loud Nigerians, when oga come I go tell am say dem just dey shout, dey push, dey fight”. He is right; I don’t think they will reprimand him. Respect!!!

Now back to the senior citizen: she had to go back to Michigan without the interview and after wasting her hard earned money. It is bad enough that a 66 year old who served her country so well and in various positions prefers to be in the US than in her home in Nigeria? Is this how we should treat our people and our seniors in particular? Why did people have to travel to learn that the consulate is closed? What country’s holidays do we even observe? Nigeria or the US or both? I was told that one of the people that came from Connecticut stood on a spot for almost 20 minutes, starring, repeating to everybody that cared to listen “I took today and tomorrow off” repeating it over and over again. Only God knows what he told them at either his employers at the investment firm he works for, his employees at his janitorial service or wherever he works. He knew he might not get the opportunity to travel anytime soon and he just might be heading to Nigeria next month.

To Mrs Akinyuli and her re branding efforts; Madam, you are wasting your time. Nigeria’s image would have been shored up better or will be shored up when you and I treat each other with a little respect. Please tell me why the following can or could not have been done?

· How much would it cost us to implement/hire an answering service that would return calls and or pick up calls? There are a million and one systems that could be deployed to do these but we would rather buy aso ebi.

· How much would it have cost the consulate to hire people or pay overtime to their staff to call each individual that had an appointment to inform them that the consulate would be closed? Or even activate an automated answering system?

· How much would it have cost the consulate or those that administer the website to put up a banner stating that the consulate would be closed? Or putting the manually pasted notice on the website???

· What would it have cost if when these people arrived there was a welcome party to host them or direct them to where they could spend the night or give them directions on what to do? Lack of respect, they are just Nigerians they would find their way, right?

· What would have happened if the welcoming party just offered common coffee/tea and apologized, stating what the consulate would do going forward.

I know what the answers might have been. They do not have the money for these things. Or who has the time? But we can afford 17bln to throw parties? I pose these questions to everyone out there (apart from those that benefited from the 17bln largesse) how or what happened when Nigeria turned 50? Did it have any impact on you? What can you say about your 17bln that was spent? (Oh by the way, the 17bln…all of it was YOUR money). Our dishonorable (there is nothing honorable about you guys if you are collecting that much money in a country that exhibits so much penury: go and Google the meaning of “honorable”, if you don’t get it) lawmakers are always quick to copy the money sharing aspect s of the US but slow to implement or copy the life changing, life saving, commonsensical aspects of the American system. The only difference between the Nigerian politician and their American counterpart is that the latter respects his constituents….to a fault. He/she knows who pays the piper. The American government does not disrespect its constituents. It is simple. It is very simple. If there was some level of decency and respect in our country, there would be electricity, the roads would be pliable, water will run from taps in houses, there will be security on our streets, civil servants will be civil, law and order officials will maintain law and order, teachers will teacher………I digress again.

I am using this opportunity and this medium to call on the person of Professor Adebowale Adefuye, in his capacity as the Ambassador to the US, to please respect these people. Correct these ills by reimbursing these individuals and apologizing to them. I have had the privilege of meeting the Professor who I believe is a humble embodiment of diplomacy and tact as he has been a diplomat and in the service to the country for several years. He said that his main thrust during his tenure is shoring up the image of Nigerians at home and abroad. His Excellency, I call on you to please fix this malaise that has enveloped the majority of Nigerians in the diaspora. You have mentioned times without number that if there is something that a Nigerian sees that is wrong with the way the embassy or the consulate operates, we should let you know. The ordeal that your constituents experienced on the 17^th of November was wrong and unacceptable. We wait on you to fix this. Hopefully it would not go the way of other issues and problems in Nigeria.

I am one not to assume that people know the solutions to problems. I ask myself so many times why things are the way they are in Nigeria. And these people travel abroad? Can’t they just fix this or that………you assume that everyone is smart or that common sense is common. I am asking the Nigerian populace that reside in the US to demand that simple things that would make things better for you and I be implemented at the consulate.

Respect me by:

· Either picking up the phone when I call the embassy or returning my call

· Roll out an answering service

· Provide information to me when the embassy would be closed for Nigerian or American holidays

· Use the internet: it is there for a purpose

· I am not deaf, talk to me: don’t shout……..

· Oh and by the way, Mrs Akunyuli, please stop wasting our money, please. Quality sells itself; let us stop parading naked in the market place. We had a decent opportunity to re brand through the stock market but what did Ndidi re brand? Her wrist? Her cars…etc. Please tell your friends to re brand first.

We all say we want a better Nigeria, START BY RESPECTING ME AND I PROMISE YOU, IT WOULD BE MUTUAL… As the Yoruba’s will say “oro rere ni o mu obi jade lapo” (I will respect you if you speak to me nicely).

by Damilola Odetola; Executive Editor Trendy Africa Washington DC. (this piece represents a true life experience by an e passport applicant).

CONTAINERS LOADED WITH ARMS AN AMMUNITION SEIZED IN LAGOS

2010-10-28T10:51:00.001-05:00

The federal government will fish out those who imported the arms and ammunition intercepted by security agencies at the Apapa ports, Lagos on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser to the President, Andrew Owoye Azazi, said yesterday.

Mr Azazi, a retired army general who led a delegation from the Presidency to inspect the containers loaded with arms and ammunition promised a thorough investigation.

Already security has been beefed up at the port following the discovery of the 13 containers. Fierce-looking operatives from the State Security Service, the police, army, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the National Task Force on illegal arms and ammunition were seen at the AP Moller terminals at Apapa, as the search for more arms and ammunition continued.

Rocket launchers, grenades, mortar bombs and other light weapons were stacked with ceramic tiles in crates and shipped from Iran into the country by unknown persons. The containers have registration numbers 94782040,7868431,1301980,7869612,7827707,7868370,7870064,7869356,7868318,7868370,7866819,7868318, and 7868771.

Law enforcement officers have refused to comment about the owner of the ship and the people suspected to have imported the arms into the country.

Efforts by journalists to get the necessary details about the ship were rebuffed by Mr. Azazi, who merely said the government had begun investigations into the armed shipment and will prosecute anybody or agency involved in the importation of the illegal arms and ammunition into the country.

“At this point, the only thing is to find out about these containers and the ship. Our concern at the moment is to get to the root of the matter, to know who is involved. At this point it will not be necessary to jump into conclusion; we will find out where they are going, and where the ship is coming from. We are investigating. We will discover and recover everything that is required in this regard. Nigerians are advised to go about their daily activities without fear as the government is on top of the situation and the perpetrators will be brought to book,” he said.

Speaking later, the Inspector General of police, Hafiz Ringim who expressed shock at the development said, ”Honestly I do not know what to say but I assure you that we will carry out a thorough investigation.”

Worrisome development

Jeff Imo, the spokesperson for the National Task force on illegal importation of arms and light ammunition South West zone said arms shipment is a troubling trend and requires the combined efforts of security agencies to nip the problem before it escalates.

“The seizure of the containers carrying loads of arms and ammunition is a breakthrough but a worrisome trend that needs the collaboration of all security agencies. It is something that the government considered very necessary to check and that is why this administration established the National Task Force on Illegal Arms to combat this rising trend in our country.

“Our officers are putting the necessary structures on ground and we will spring into action to check this type of activities which is majorly why the task force was set up and we are already making progress. We gave the necessary assistance to other security agencies that led to the seizure and we promise Nigerians that this type of thing will not continue in the country. The national task force is up to the task and we need the necessary assistance from the public and the government because these arms dealers are very rich and they are determined to continue in their illegal trade but we are equal to the task to nip their activities in the bud,” Mr. Imo said.

Ayo Omotosho, the coordinator of the task force in the South West has confirmed that the ship came from Iran. NEXT gathered that the clearing agent of the armed containers has been arrested but officials refused to disclose where he was taken to. The commissioner of police, Port Authority Command, Hillary Opara, could not be reached for comment.

Thumbs up for security agencies

Meanwhile, the Goodluck/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation yesterday lauded officials of the nation’s security services for their efforts in intercepting the illegal arms shipment.

The organisation’s spokesman, Sully Abu, praised the vigilance of the Police, State Security Services, Military Intelligence and Naval Intelligence, which led to the discovery of the dangerous cargo.

“By this interception, the Security Services have saved Nigerians from mortal danger,” Mr Abu said. “It is obvious that the evil minds behind the importation of these arms have a sinister agenda. They must be exposed and brought to book.”

He asked the security agencies and Nigerians to be very vigilant at this time, and urged citizens to expose desperate people who are hell-bent on disrupting peace and orderliness in the country.”

The 13 containers bearing the arms and ammunition were intercepted at the A P Moller Terminal by the State Security Service following a tip off on Tuesday.

The SSS Assistant Director Public Relations Marilyn Ogar said, “We are yet to quantify the contents but for now we know that they were concealed in crates of tiles,” she said.

This interception is coming barely two weeks after the National Task Force on Illegal arms and light ammunition seized a trailer load of arms at Onitsha and a vessel containing arms and ammunition at Onne in Port Harcourt.

Source – 234NEXT.com

Senator Lee Meaba: Patriotism, Protection and National Prosperity

2010-10-24T06:48:00.002-05:00

Senator Lee Meaba has distinguished himself through his selfless service in the current administration. By far the most enduring legacy of Senator Lee Maeba today is the passage into law, the Act to provide for the Development of Nigeria Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry which he sponsored in the Senate.

The Act gives Nigerian independent operators first consideration in the award of oil blocks, oil field licenses, oil lighting licenses, and in all projects for which contract is to be awarded in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

Senator Lee Maeba; Chairman senate committee on Petroleum resources (up-stream) is a man that has show patriotism, has ensured protection and has stood out for the prosperity of the Nation and its Nationals.

The distinguished Senator counts on you for continuity in 2011 as he is prepared to carry on the tasks under the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Vote for a tested achiever, vote for a better Nigeria.

Signed- Bryma Oya (campaign Committee) email: justbryma@gmail.com

BLOOM: explore your passion with NINA

2010-10-23T16:11:00.004-05:00

An all new motivational experience will BLOOM in Atlanta on the 20^th of November, 2010. BLOOM is an inspirational and motivational session created by Nina Ijere; a positively energized inspirational speaker.

Join Nina Ijere, Entrepreneur, Success Coach and Motivational Speaker, along with other men and women from across the nation, for this powerful and empowering one-day business seminar. An event that will jump start your success like nothing before, whether you are an existing entrepreneur or thinking about becoming one, this event is for you! Bloom 2010 will empower you with stellar education, inspiration, motivation and networking bar none! To Register visit:
www.thebloomevent.com

Participate and share in her incredible journey of battling weight gain issues and financial difficulties to becoming one of the top elite marketers, losing over 40lbs and becoming financially independent and retiring from corporate America. You are guaranteed to achieve personal, emotional and professional greatness as you attend.

Event management for Bloom - Explore Your Passion: Create Wealth

Abia State Indigenes in Diaspora laud Government Efforts to curb crime wave

2010-10-21T16:20:00.003-05:00

Oakland, CA – The Abia State National Association of North America has recently concluded their 2010 Leadership Conference in Oakland, CA. The Association lauded the Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and the Abia State Governor, Chief (Dr.) T. A. Orji, on proactive measures employed thus far to arrest the kidnapping issue in Abia State. To maintain the momentum against the forces of evil in the state and promote growth and goodwill within the state, the Association resolved as follows:

·That the Association condemns, unequivocally, the very act of kidnapping, robbery, and rape, and demands that the perpetrators of this heinous crime, with their sponsors, at home and abroad, be held accountable to the fullest extent of all applicable laws within Nigerian legal justice system.

·That the Association is in support of the current heavy military and police presence in Abia State and the Enyimba city of Aba in particular.

·That the heavy military and police presence in Abia State, and the Enyimba city of Aba in particular, should be maintained at least through the month of December, 2010 to allow the complete dismantle of the kidnappers network and create a safe environment to allow Abia State Indigenes in Diaspora pay their usual annual homage to their fatherland during the Christmas Holidays.

·Whereas the Association is currently in full support of the heavy military presence in every nook and corner of our beloved state, the Association believes that the federal and state government should embark on a massive program of economic development and education in Abia State as a way of creating jobs and employment, both of which are crucial in underscoring the fundamental essence of good governance and accountability.

·That the Abia State Government should pay outstanding salaries to teachers and other civil servants to ensure that said teachers and civil servants maintain the effectiveness needed to take care of the various affairs of the state.

·That the Abia State government step up effort to encourage the reopening of businesses that had left the state following the surge of criminality and lawlessness in various parts of the state, and woo investors back as a way of encouraging employment for all Abians, especially the youth.

·Sons and daughters of Abia State in Diaspora are committed to assisting in all constructive efforts aimed at wooing foreign investors to the state as a way of returning the state to its past and enviable glory.

Signed:

Chief Sam Nwankwo, National President and Mazi Chuks Okereke, National General Secretary

Trendy Africa Magazine Launches Educational Lecture Series

2010-10-19T23:13:00.005-05:00

The editorial board at Trendy Africa Media has announced the inauguration of its educational lecture series.
The lecture series which has been titled; "Trendy Africa Magazine Lecture Series" is to be held periodically in different global locations.

The lecture series which is described as a community effort directed towards encouraging qualitative education is designed as a by product of an essay writing competition.

Trendy Africa Media will periodically post an essay topic on either its website, facebook or any other social networking site.

The competitive essay topic which is open to pre-college and college students will be judged by an editorial team and the winning essay would be read at the lecture series as well as published in Trendy Africa magazine.

Winners are expected to receive a cash prize that would be channeled toward tuition fees.
The first TOPIC is titled;
"Africa: a case for accelerated growth."
The essay is also open to francophone individuals and the french translaton is;

"L'Afrique : un cas de croissance accélérée".

for more information,
email - info@trendyafrica.com
phone - +1 817 538 2145

SEE MORE DETAILS BELOW;

TRENDY AFRICA MAGAZINE LECTURE SERIES

CONCEPT: WE WILL PERIODICALLY POST OR PUBLISH A “COMPETITIVE” ESSAY TOPIC WITH THE USE OF OUR FACEBOOK PAGE, WEBSITE OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKING MEDIUM.

THE PUBLISHED TOPIC IS EXPECTED TO BE RESEARCHED, PRINTED AND RETURNED TO OUR EDITORIAL TEAM WITHIN A STIPULATED TIME FRAME. THE ESSAY SHOULD CONTAIN ABOUT 1,000 WORDS OR APPROXIMATELY 2 PAGES.

ONCE SUCH ESSAYS ARE RETURNED WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME FRAME VIA POST OR EMAIL, THE EDITORIAL TEAM WILL PICK THE WINNING ESSAY.

THE WINNING ESSAY WILL BE READ AT THE LECTURE SERIES EITHER BY THE WRITER OR AN ORATOR AND WOULD ALSO BE PUBLISHED IN TRENDY AFRICA MAGAZINE.

THE WINNER WILL ALSO BE ENTITLED TO A CASH PRICE WHICH WILL BE USED TOWARDS TUITION FEES.
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO PRE-COLLEGE AND COLLEGE STUDENTS.

OTHER PRICES MAY BE AWARDED FROM SPONSORS.

TENTATIVE FIRST TOPIC: “AFRICA: A CASE FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH”

INTERESTED SPONSORS CAN CONTACT “TRENDY AFRICA” VIA POST, EMAIL OR PHONE (SEE ABOVE).

TRENDY AFRICA LECTURE SERIES SUPPORTS QUALITATIVE EDUCATION.

Trendy Africa is a registered trademark of Trendy Africa Publishing LLC. Any unauthorized reproduction, use or publication of this concept will be considered a copyright infringement.

ABA: ONCE A COMMERCIAL GIANT NOW A DEN OF TRAGIC TALES

2010-10-06T06:59:00.001-05:00

‘’IT IS SOMETIMES, QUITE TRAGIC FOR AFRICA THAT WHEN EVERYBODY IN THE CIVILIZED WORLD IS TRYING TO DEMOCRATISE THEIR ENVIRONMENT EVEN MORE, WE SEEM TO HAVE TURNED OUR BACK ON CIVILIZATION AND GOING STRAIGHT BACK TO THE CAVES’’. - Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu

Aba was once rated as the commercial nerve centre of the east and alongside Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt and Abuja as the five commercial nerve centre of the nation by the TIME INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE. Aba used to make up 90% of the $8.69billion Abia G.D.P, not any more.

Today, the story has changed. Shops that used to flourish are now serving as branch offices. All the major players in the society have left town, houses are padlocked, offices closed, banking activities scaled down, hospitals closed. As we write no single new building is being developed in the entire city. All prominent doctors are gone, all major lawyers are gone, all prominent importers are gone, all prominent industrialists are gone, all major entrepreneurs are gone, and all foreign technical factory experts are gone. No sane person allows any of his or her family members to be posted to Aba any more. Non indigenes are leaving in drove.

As we write, the banks in Aba are contemplating closing most of their branches; most of them as a matter of fact have trimmed down drastically their operations as 80% of Aba account holders now do their transactions outside Aba. Bank of Industries at No.1 Asa Rd has relocated to Asaba, ECO Bank has permanently closed their Osissioma branch while 7 other banks along Osissioma has temporally closed shop. 90% of the bank workers in Aba have applied for transfer. Center for Management (CMD) has relocated to Owerri. The whole white missionaries at Church of Later Day Saints left Aba by 3 A.M under heavy military escort abandoning one of their most beautiful temples in Africa and their West African Headquarters. Work at the Osissioma end of the Eungu Port Harcourt Express Way was stopped because one of the white engineers was kidnapped. The Eungu-Aba-Port Harcourt and the Aba-Ikot Ikpene Express Ways are now dead zones and no go areas.

From intelligence information’s we gathered their next target is going to be Club side coming into Aba for the Globalcom National Professional League. Parents should warn their children not to follow any team to Aba and the NPL is now warned that Aba is not safe, CAF should also take note. Who ever encourages anybody to ignore this warning should be hold responsible for any lost of life. Victims of kidnappers overheard them discussing this things opening. If you watched Enyimba match last season you will discover that the crowd has dropped by 80%. As at the last count 67 hotels have closed their shops in Aba. All because kidnappers and gangsters have taken over the city while the state and federal government decided to watch and do nothing..

Sicily – Italy sounds like a child’s play compared to what has been happening in Aba. Landlords are abandoning their houses looking for accommodations elsewhere. Human beings are being slaughtered in such a manner that will make the lion to envy us. Young girls and old women are being raped. No Hollywood script writer can ever have the imagination to pen down what Aba has turned into. Somali and Sudan combined are far better than the Aba, because the people are at war and they knew it and do not kill their own. That is why the Aba story is different.

You must have heard about what is going on in Aba, but the truth of the matter is that the number of kidnapping, killing and impunity going on in the city is not beeing fully reported. What goes out to the public is just about 5% of actual activities going on in Aba. This is because the state Chief executive of the State out of fear of State of Emergency being declared in Abia State has been seriously suppressing the Aba ugly tale.

On a minimum average, over 40 people are being kidnapped daily at Aba, so if you want to start the story of Aba, you start from the most recent in order not to bore your audience.

On Thursday Sept. 9, kidnappers who have colonized the Aba-Port Harcourt Express Way started shooting indiscriminately with their machine guns to vehicles on the highway. As a result, they were able to demobilize 8 vehicles and the few who refuse to stop were gunned down and killed instantly. Some of the passengers ran inside the bush, the other 20 who were unlucky were marched into the bush. The annoying aspect of it all was that few meters away there was a police road block and as usual they were busy collecting N20 from motorists and felt totally less concerned of the kidnapping activities.

After marching a few meters into the bush, the kidnappers said they want to show their victims that they mean business and to demonstrate that they ordered one innocent looking man to march out as he obeyed and stepped forward, four of them emptied their machine bullets on him. They ordered their victims to dig a grave as they brought out four shovels and after digging they dumped the man inside and ordered them to close it. Now that was when their main ordeal started, as they walked about 45 minutes inside the bush, one of their victims told us that he counted three major villages and that all of them have been completely deserted as animals now roam freely.

On getting to a point they separated the males from the females and started raping the women and these are women in their late fifties and some above sixty and young ladies about 9 of them. They were raped turn by turn without any protection. After that, the kidnappers marched their victims to another spot where a burnt vehicle belonging to the Bakassi boys was packed. They once more singled out another victim and asked him “how much will you give us?’ The man said that between his two accounts that he can immediately mobilize N200, 000. They were so outraged with the man that they brought out a knife and started slicing the man’s head with it. And the man’s screams attracted another round of beating until the blood that was gushing out become uncontrollably, they now dumped the man after they had forced him to double his offer.

The next unfortunate victim was a Reverend gentleman; they ordered him to march out and requested to know how much he will give them. The man who was clothed with his religious attire explained to them that he has no money. They inquired from him who owned the vehicle he was riding on; he responded that it belongs to the ministry he was working for. He was ordered to inform his ministry people to come and bail him out. As he was about to respond, they pumped several bullets at close range to his head. These evil minds starting making a show of it as they were laughing and joking about how the man screamed and died, making mockery that his God did not save him.

Once more, they ordered their remaining victims to dig a grave at a spot and without digging dip, they were shocked to realize that several other corpses were buried there. Sensing the fear of their victims, they proudly announced that the place is where they buried their so called Bakassi boys. One of their victims who narrated this story to us was able to count around 20 other makeshift graves around. To cut a long story short, they ended up killing five of their victims who did not make them reasonable offer. As they were boasting that they have sacked over 50 villages around Ukwa East and Ukwa West L.Gs. On average, over 30 people are kidnapped along the Ukwa axis of Abia State daily.

On Thursday 23^rd of September, the kidnappers were flagging down a bus coming from Port Harcourt at Obiehia and the driver refused to stop and as usual, they started shooting at the bus and 18 passengers died on the spot, others sustained fatal wounds.

From Ukwa we move down to Osissioma L.G. All the areas along the Aba-Enugu express way have been totally taken over by kidnappers. They have over powered the policemen and as we write the lowest estimate of policemen killed by the kidnappers within the last one month should be around 20. This figure is just within the Osissioma axis alone. In terms of human population killed in Osissioma, they are far above 2,700 persons.

A lawyer who was kidnapped and kept for four days narrated his experience of how he was tied on a tree for good two days. And in those two days they poured cocoyam water on him, and look for harmful creeping insects which they equally use on him. And it was after these two days that they opened their demand. He noticed that there were about 13 different camps and new groups springing up and their overall leader was a young lady in her early thirties. Apart from those who normally move out and come back, he counted about 100 other boys and girls who are operating in the camp. In most cases, out of force and threat to their life they try to convert their victims into informants. After collecting money from you, they will subject you to such a level of inhuman act and in most cases they end up killing those who could not give the accurate information about whom else to kidnap.

To say that kidnappers have taken over Aba is an understatement; they started by targeting helpless individuals at the highway, but today they move around town boldly in the day light.

In Aba North, in just the past few weeks they have kidnapped over 500 people among their victims were Ifeme, Ijeoma bread, Dr. Ihekweaba, an old woman close to 80 years called mama Chidi, another one close to 70 years who they detained for 4 months and ordered his son in oversea to be paying monthly. For the past two years the car dealers stationed around Aba North have not sold one single car. All they do now is to take their vehicle to the neighbouring towns to sell.

The remaining parts of Aba North from Okigwe Rd to Ariaria have been completely overtaken by kidnappers; most of the traders who live there have all run away.

When you talk of Aba as a mega city that brims with creative and industrial activities, attracting reputation as a hub of small and medium scale industries that tag belongs to the past, especially if you visit Aba South. All the areas known as Aba South is completely decimated, fear has taken over the entire community as most of the homes are padlocked because the inhabitants and visitors have sustained a dead casualty of over 3,000 to 3,500 people. All the neighbouring bushes in Aba South have turned to burial grounds of innocent people killed by the kidnappers. Most of the people declared wanted in Aba are dead, killed by these heartless evil minds and buried in shallow graves in groups.

Now the worst part and the saddest part of the whole thing is Obingwa, Obingwa is the capital of kidnapping activities going on in Aba taoday. And this evil activity is fully sponsored by the Novae Rich inclusive of the traditional rulers. As we write today, Ntigha Uzo, Ibeme and Abala communities have far more than 100 camps and the kidnappers proudly march around with their guns in the daylight. They normally move around in different groups and each group is normally made up of 20 boys all well armed. Occasionally they just step out to rain bullets here and there to show that they are totally in control and dare any man born of a woman to step out and confront them. When the people from that area appeared to have varnished, they zero in to Akpaa Mbato community and virtually converted all the able bodied young men who remained into their evil cult. Their first target was Okezie Orji, the 2007 gubernatorial aspirant who narrowly lost the ticket to Onyema Ugochukwu, when the traditional ruler wanted to make an effort and organize vigilante group they stormed his palace and attacked him, he ran into the bush and from there went into exile till date. All prominent people in those areas have gone into exile among them are Chief Etufu a wealthy old man who was in to a lot of philanthropic activities to empower his people. He was forced into exile in United States after being kidnapped.

Their firing power was too much for the Akpaa Police station to handle as a result the police took to their hills. As we write, no single police presence can be seen in the whole area. When the police ran and the people now evacuated, the kidnappers now started putting constant blockade at the Aba Ikot Ekpene Express Way against unsuspecting travelers from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States who were on their way to Lagos, Port Harcourt or even Aba for business trips. Not a few of these innocent travelers were killed and dumped inside the bush. Raping their girls and turning the Aba-Ikot Ekpene express that used to be a major busy way for commercial activities into a dead zone. No single vehicle uses that road anymore and all the business and filling stations along that axis have folded up.

Having conquered Akpaa, Abala, Ntigha, Uzo and Ibeme they now moved into Ovom area where most people were building their retirement homes. But as we write today, over 5,000 houses have been totally abandoned. That axis is now the den of kidnappers to the extent that they have now erected toll gates and started collecting money from commercial tricycle (keke Napep) operators which is the only means of transport there, since no sane person dare go near there with car.

When most handy people, landlords and the majority of the population relocated, they now devised a new method of moving with buses to school premises and picking up the poor teachers and pupils and calling on their school management or parents to pay up.

It doesn’t matter your age, young and old, even the sick ones, you are captured you are subjected to the worst level of inhuman act. Johnson Umelu and his two children were kidnapped while coming back from church in August, Smarth Ukah, Chief Ibe Irem and Eme Uche a Medical Lab Scientist and owner of Excellence Lab at No. 1 Okigwe Rd were all kidnapped. So also were Mike Chima, Mrs Chinwe Iwuoha wife of Barristter Iwuoha, C.E.O Tonnimas and Dandollars. Not to mention Patrick Onwuka former Chairman Isiala Ngwa South, Kelechi Nwankpa former Chairman Obingwa L.G, Chief Nwojo Omokorie Chairman Ezera Grouip of Companies, almost 100years old mother of Lord Dike Udensi-Dubic- she was killed along side 3 other members of her family after his son might have paid N50million ransom

Others are, Ebere Nwachukwu former transition Committee Chairman Isiala Ngwa South, Chief B. L. C. Okoro former Nigerian Breweries manager, the Managing Director of Sky Petroleum, Prince Bobby Dick son of HRH Eze Eberechi MD. Bobby Investments. Three attempts has been made on the Rector of Abia State Polytechnics and on the second one two people were killed one of them being his a policeman.

Chief Odionyenfe Uzu a.k.a Full Current from Umuokenyi village in Ndi Olumbe in Isiala Ngwa South was killed while trying to escape from the kidnappers with his bicycle. His younger brother Mr. Obidike Uzu who leaves in Port Harcourt came with about five truck load of solider for his brother’s burial. You don’t need soldiers to do wedding, burial, child dedications in Somali, Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq, that is why those war torn societies are better than us.

The present deputy governor of Abia State was almost kidnapped and as we write information just filttered in that his orderly has been killed while on errand for his boss. Bid Uzoechi also has just been kidnapped in Ohanze, while Sonny King a trader in Araria was brutally murdered along Enugu-Port Harcourt Express all happened between 24^th & 25^th September. This is in case any deceives you that the situation is under control, these are most recent ones.

Perhaps the most pathetic story of all these family (names withheld), the Kidnappers ordered the first son to have carnal knowledge of the mother, he refused and they shoot him on the leg and ordered the second son to do same. Before the will finish the mother senescing danger tore her dress immediately and grabbed the her son, after the event the young man left home and up till date nobody knows his where about.

The caliber of arms and ammunition in Aba today is frightening and more and more is coming, arms and ammunition in Aba today is enough to declare a Civil War in Nigeria.

The present Abia State deputy Chief of Staff Charles Ogbonna had been kidnapped and Nigerians will remember the celebrated attempt on the convoy of the state governor some time ago, luckily he was not inside the vichcle. Dr. Bright Chubgbu, Dr. E. O. Ezirim, Dr. Enyinnaya, Dr. Aluka, Dr. Eke Ujuba, Dr. Nwachukwu, Dr. Umezurike, Dr. J. U. Ehiemere and another Dr. Uche had all been kidnapped. Dr. Witika an American was kidnapped at Ukpakiri and hje ran away from Nigeria. Dr. Ozuzu has left, so also are Dr. Prosper Igboeli, Dr.Oliver, Dr. Usuegbu and several others.

As we write, all the schools in Ovom, Ogbor Hill areas are closed. As we write teachers are being owed salaries in arrears. As we write the Chief Security Adviser to Gov. T. A. Orji, Col Kalu (Rtr) has resigned out of frustration. As we write people have stopped going to church because they have started going to the churches to kidnap people. On Sunday 19^th September, the went to Sevenday Adventist Church at Asa Umunka in Ugwunagbo L.G and brought out the Pastor Nwakoch Mmeja and shoot him for no just cause and left without touching anything. As we write they have sent a letter to traders in Ariaria International Market that every store should keep N50, 000 for them that they are coming. The traders said that there rather be a Civil War than for them to pay and they are getting set for them. As we write, burial are no longer taking place in most part of Ngwa land especially in Obingwa the local government of Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe who attempt was also made to his life that led to the dead of policemen, were also the Journalist were kidnapped.

The State governor, T.A. Orji and his entire executive, the Police commissioner and his entire D.P.O’s and the Area commander appear to be collectively colluding with these activities as they feel unconcerned about these activities. Especially, the state governor who goes to a reasonable length to make sure that events going on in Aba are totally suppressed, so that a state of emergency which is long overdue would not be declared in Abia State. Any attempt to say the truth will be followed with death threats and his attack dogs will descend on the papers raining abuses on your father’s grave. Such wickedness in governance is unheard of anywhere in the world in this 21^st century.

In the last few weeks alone 49 lawyers have been kidnapped among whom are Kizito Ibegbulam, O.O. Ugwuenyi, and L.O. Nwaogugu (still in detention), A.S. Duru (Still in the kidnappers custody), Uche Anyiam, O.O. Nkumeh, Ifeanyi Iboko and Julius Emelike who was kidnapped and shot on the leg. Sorry that we have to call names, but are forced to go to this extent to prove that these are verifiable facts.

Among those who have been kidnapped are Mr. Felix Anyansi Agwu the Chairman of Enyimba Football Club, Chief Iboko Imo Iboko member Board of Trutee PPA, he was also a former Chairman of Aba North L.G and State commissioner for Works. Engr Okafor of the Federal Ministry of Works alongside his colleague Engr. Onu, Ndubuisi Nwakirie a business consultant, Chief Kalu Ndiafia who has been kidnapped twice and his wife, who was kidnapped few weeks after releasing the wife, Chief Ogbuwa C.E.O of BYC, Chief Moghalu a major Nigerian Breweries distributor, Elder Godwin Nna current T.C chairman of Obingwa and his wife, before he was kidnapped he had already paid N500, 000 as a result of a constant treat calls he was receiving.

Few others are HRH Eze Eberechi Dick, HRH Eze Chidi Nwaigwe who was killed the same week he was about to bury his wife and mother In-law because he refused to follow the kidnappers. Mrs Abara Ijeoma wife of the Permanent Secretary of Abia Civil Service, Chief Lambert Mecha who die out of heart attack when about 16 kidnappers storm at a church in Ukwa while the Sunday service was going on to kidnap the pastor. Prof. Emejiwe former V.C Abia State University and current Chairman Abia State Electorial Commssion, HRH Eze Chivolefu. Naval Commander (Rtr) Obike Ogbonna’s 9 years old daughter who was on her first visit to her father land from U.S.A. Chief Isienyi leader of Road Transport Workers and his manager who was later kidnapped on another bloody day that the kidnappers killed 5 other innocent citizens of Abia as the just started firing indiscriminately to frighten people and announce their arrival. Dr. Mrs Ahiaiwe, Dr. Mrs. Anuguruegbe who was kidnapped immediately her husband was appointed commissioner of NNDC representing Abia State and several other foreign technical engineers of Zerock Construction Company. To go on with the list of the names of people who have fallen victim to kidnappers in a State where over 5, 000 people have been kidnapped is to bore.

We just mention this insignificant numbers because the state governor’s propaganda machinery made up of heartless people who lack shame, with no sense of human sympathy and moral up-bringing would soon start using the very funds that should be deployed in fighting this crime to pay for full newspaper adverts to rain abuses on the grave of the fore fathers of those behind this write up. All they are after is to protect their work even if the whole of Abia State citizens are dying and the little per cent age the will get from every advert the placed on the papers. Well, the fact remains that we have taken time to gather facts and no amount of abuse and intimidation will stop us. Like Chinua Achebe wrote, ‘’ No matter how badly a country may be run, there will always be some people whose personal, selfish interest are, in the short term at least, well served by the mismanagement and social inequities… Naturally, they will be extremely loud in their adulation of the country and its system and will be anxious to pass themselves off as patriots and to vilify those who disagree with them as trouble makers or even traitors’’.

With the level of atrocity going on challenged in Abia State, there is insinuations from several quarters that they are government sponsored in order to scare away opponents from coming out to run for election in 2011. The truth is that we have not established any link to the state government so far exception their undue silence which off course is an indictment on their part. Be that as it may be, a very respectful legal practitioner in Abia State revealed to us that they are working with a group of highly respected international human right activist and legal advisers to document facts so that if there is any way the state governor is linked directly or indirectly to these crime against the governed, his name will be send to the International Court to face justice after his tenure and serve as an example to other leaders in Nigeria to understand the immunity is not a ticket to live above the law. To face justice also will be any member of the state executive who try to hide the fact and deceive the world since he or she would be held liable as a result of any one whose life was endangered or lost because of wrong information’s he or she intentionally dishes out to the unsuspecting citizen.

As we write, over 40 medical doctors have been kidnapped and 47 hospitals have closed shop in Aba. As we write over 109 filling stations are now shut in Aba. Today, to describe Aba as Sicily is an understatement, something more animalistic than what goes on in the jungle is going on in Aba. Everybody is a target and everyone is afraid of his neighbors.

Aba, that commercial city in the East of Niger that is known for commerce and industry in the past is today the only city in the world where less than 100 modern cars apply the road as people have gone to old jalopy cars in order not to attract attention of kidnappers. The highest means of transportation in Aba today is Keke Napep that is now being used by every body that remains. Even that has created its own dangers, what they now do is to stop the keke and look at the faces of people and their dressing. Once you look healthy and nice, you are in trouble as they will drag you down and take you along with them.

Just two weeks ago the last remaining Indian in Aba sneaked out to pick few things and rush back to his hiding place. His vehicle was stopped along Nwogu Street in Umungasi, Aba he was ordered to step out. As he tried to resist, these evil men pointed the gun on his head and blasted off his brains.

The latest story is that of Dr. Stanley Uche from Mbano in Imo state, the MD of Victory hospital along Obohia Rd, off Ngwa Rd, Aba. He was kidnapped alongside his wife who is a Yoruba from Ogun State on Thursday 16^th September on their way to his home town. It was at the Osissioma junction that he was double crossed by the boys and he was dumped inside his car boot alongside his wife. The kidnappers took them to their den and after pleading severally for his wife to be set free to go and get the money they demanded, they saw reasons and let go of the wife who immediately rallied round and on Saturday 18^th Sept. she came up with the N3 million naira which they demanded and dropped it at the designated place. Making it a total of N3.5million, adding the N500, 000 the couple carried with them which the kidnappers took immediately.

On laying their dirty hands on the N3million naira, they demanded for another N2 million which was also given to them by Sunday 19^th September. As is usually the case once you settle you are released immediately. After having not heard from them and their mobile switched off, Dr. Uche’ wife was now forced to report the case to the police and the same Monday she was invited to come and identify a dead body thrown out of a speeding vehicle and lo and behold it was Dr. Uche .

Again on Monday 20^th Sept. Dr. Jeremiah Ugochukwu Iroeke of the General Out-Patient Department (GOPD) of Abia State Teaching Hospital was kidnapped while on a school run leaving his shocked and confused kid, as we write he is still in their custody. The entire ABSUTH has been deserted and the neigbourghood are taking to their hills. Today, as we write, the doctors and staff are been owned 5 months salary if you include September and there is no efforts from the government to pay. As a result of all these, on Wednesday 22^nd September, in an emergency meeting called by the Aba branch of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), they resolved that that all clinics/hospital including Government and private should be closed from Thursday 23^rd September till Friday 24^th September, an order that was carried out. All the doctors assembled at their Secretariat by 9 A.M clad in their Lab. Coat Stethoscope. Those that failed to make it as a result of excuse or the other were fined N5, 000.

On Saturday 25^th September, some MTN staffs were on the receiving end, six members of the MTN workgroup who rented an accommodation around Abiriba quarters of Immaculate Road who had gone to carry out routine engineering and maintenance work at a Base Transceiver Station at Isiala Ngwa were killed. And these young technicians 4 of them are Yoruba’s who came to do some technical work on the site; two of the men killed were their police security men. Four of them were busy servicing their equipments on ground and after shooting them, they shot the two others who had climbed the mast and they fell down and their brains burst into pieces.

There is no single infrastructural development going on in Aba and for the past 3years the State government has voted over N9.5billion Naira just to fill up the holes alongside Asa-Port Harcourt/Umungasi-Abayi Roads that is not up to 20 kilometers N4.5billion the first year and N5billion the next year. The only visible work done there so far is the demarcation of the Umungasi-Abayi end of the road, which is being done half-hazard and on the last count over 100 people-especially school children have lost their life there. Initially they said that Zerock was sabotaging their efforts in delivering dividend of democracy to Abians by intentionally delaying the road. But work has grounded to a standstill since the contract was revoked and handed over to a construction company which one of the governor’s sons is said to have an interest.

Yet immediately the state governor made a show of the fact that he has liberated himself and the state from the bondage of Chief Mrs Eunice Uzor Kalu and her son Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu the immediate past governor of the state, Abia State received a Net Federal Allocation of close to N10billion. This was made up of N2.050, 500 232.08billion Gross Statuary Allocation, N692, 380, 880.86million 13% Share of Oil Derivation, N17, 066, 645.80million was used to service her External Debt-putting a lie to the claim that the immediate past regime incurred a debt that was taking over N500million to service was that only N191, 248, 762.07million deduction was made from that April allocation which was shared in, against commitments entered into by the present regime. Even at that, the distribution from foreign Excess Crude Savings Account for August, was N2, 534, 565, 705.07billion, while the VAT Allocation was N489, 366, 585.14million, bringing the total Net Allocation to N5, 620, 004, 669.37billion. That same month, the 17 L.G’s in Abia State received a total N2, 928, 700, 665.97billion. When you add all these to the N300million internally generated revenue you will get close to N10billion Naira. Yet, there is no security, workers salaries are not paid for months, schools are closed and no meaningful infrastructural development going on in the entire state. The fact must be made that we are not here to defend Orji Uzor Kalu or the Mother because they contributed 50% to what is killing the state today by supporting T. A. Orji to emerge as the governor.

The so called Bakassi Vigilante boys are not helping matters either as they are now mostly engaged in pursuing innocent Aba citizens around, which is an indirect admission of surrender to the kidnappers. Their main work now is the collection of fees for government contractors. They are involved in the collection of security, infrastructural levy, environmental, store licenses, business premises, bill boards, signpost fees and illegal parking etc. in fact, today in Aba, virtually all the agents that are contracted to handle these activities move around with Bakassi boys, thugs and the Police to harass innocent people into forceful payment.

All the lock-up stores in Aba pay the Bakassi boys N500 security fees. The sad thing is that the said Bakassi boys will just appear from nowhere early in the morning with cutlass, guns, axe to demand for this security fee and at the same time ready to break down your store and make away with valuable goods if you fail to pay or lock and ran away. And there is no way you would be able to trace your goods even if you pay later, and what they normally do if you want to pay is to issue you a receipt written without a duplicate. Weeks later, another group will appear requesting for the same security fees. If you show them evidence of payment they will tell you it is not in their records and order you to pay up and go and look for the fake Bakkasi people you paid to for a refund. And failure to comply will earn you maltreatment, arrest and they will also carry your valuable items.

The worst is that of infrastructural levy and environmental agents, as both groups move with thugs, Bakassi boys and mobile policemen. Their instruction is to arrest anybody they see in a compound be you sick, old, young or a visitor. There are several cases where they have arrested pregnant women and old women and ordered their people to come and bail them. Failure to come urgently come with N15, 000 in the case of the environmental agents will earn you an automatic sentence of six months in prison through the undemocratic mobile court which they set up to hunt innocent citizens without the benefit of having a legal representative.

The case of infrastructural levy is another sad story because what they normally do is to arrest tenants to come and pay infrastructural levy on properties that does not belong to them. This is quite unheard of anywhere in the world. And just like the environmental agents even if you have paid in your residences and happen to visit a friend in another place, when they arrive, you will be arrested and no amount of pleading and explanation will help you. Once arrested, innocent or not you must bail yourself.

The worst part of the whole, uncivilized, unconstitutional and undemocratic act is that they normally take their innocent victims to the various police stations that they are working with to detain them. How the Nigerian Police will reduce herself to such a pity level of being used to intimidate and harass innocent citizens is beyond human understanding.

The harassment of these so called government agents got out of hand on Monday 20^th Sept. along the Abia State Teaching Hospital Road when residents had to invite the kidnappers themselves to come and confront the Bakassi boys who were moving from house to house forcing people to pay N6,000 security levy. The Bakassi boys who could not stand the firing power of the kidnappers took to their heels.

In all, Aba has now become a town with a forgotten population and as the rest of the Nigerian people have decided to keep quiet and watch us die, nobody knows the dimension it would go if every member of the citizenry would decide to pick up arm and defend themselves as being contemplated in the city. Moreover, as Aba citizens are now emptying themselves into Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, etc it is a question of time before the kidnappers will extend their tentacles if not nipped in the bud now.

The question now is, “is Aba no longer part of the Nigerian State and Project’’? ‘’Why the silence from the presidency’’?

The undue and unnecessary friendship between the Nigerian leadership with the state governor all in an attempt to win elections has made them to overlook their statutory duties to the dying people of Aba that has far gone beyond genocidal level. Dalai Lama said, ‘’If a leader is very concerned about his or her re-election, then sometimes they seem shortsighted’’ We hope this is not true of President Jonathan, Senators, Abaribe, Nwogu and Chukwumerije. They should remember the words of Chinua Achebe, ‘’ A good leader must put the people and the country first before his own Interest’’. If not, like Olusegun Adeniyi said, ‘’ Leaders who, out of inordinate desire for power, help in bringing their country to ruin would ultimately pay the prize. No matter how long it takes’’

It is time for a State of emergency or at least let Aba be declared a disaster area to enable the federal Government to move in an save the population of Aba or else the Federal government should be ready for a protest vote and any attempt to overrule the people’s Will would lead to a civil uproar which dimensions no one can predict and which vibrations would be felt across the nation.

The constant treats through phone calls for people to come and settle have forced many people to either change their lines periodically or permanently off their phones.

Today, in Aba, Abia State there is no single evidence of governance. The government spokes persons as usual can use the tax payers’ money to bark, call names, lie and insult people who are older than their fathers and send treat calls. The fact remains, these are verifiable facts and the truth must be told if not today, some day. Like Naguib Mahfouz wrote, ‘’ One day the Great Pyramid will disappear, but truth and justice will remain for as long as mankind has a ruminative mind and a living conscience’’

Our women are being raped, our young men murdered, lawlessness and impunity has over taken our land yet our elders are keeping quite. Evil has over day the our society in broad day light, yet our religious leaders are inviting T.A. Orji for occasions none have step forth to say the truth.

Where is Com. Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof Anya Oko Anya, Prof. Herbart Orji, Com. Ndubuisi Kanu, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa oh! My heart bleeds tears have tried out of our eyes, we are going to take our destiny in our hand and …

Where is Vincent Ogbulafor, Ojo Maduekwe, Empire Kanu, Ammb. Aguiyi Ironsi, Uzodinma Okpara, Orji Uzor Kalu, Ikechi Emenike, Tony Ewereuzo, Gen. Ihejirika, AIG Azubike Udah, Senatore Bob Nwanunnu, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Emmanuel Adielu, Eze Ukandu, Eze Ikonne, Eze Eweremadu, Eze Onuigbo, Paul Ogwuma, Senator Onyekachi Okorafor, Rtr. Col Paul Omerua Rtr. Naval Com. Osoundu, Prof. S.O.Igwe, Prof. Ogwo Ogwo, Bob Ogbuagu, Prof. Ogbuagu, Justice Ikechi Ogbuagu and Lord Dike Udensi to mention but few. They should note that like Prof. Wole Soyinka wrote, ‘’In action becomes eloquent when it involves a deliberate avoidance of duty, a failure, in the case of any citizen in a responsible position, to take preventive action to head off anarchy and disaster’’

Save Abia Now group

(this article is unedited and is an account by residents of Aba with verifiable victims)

I AM NIGERIA: CELEBRATE ME

2010-10-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

To My Fellow Nigerians at 50: Food for Thought

I have enormous tracts of land and vast volumes of water, but cannot feed myself.

So I spend $1 billion to import rice and another $2 billion on milk.

I produce rice, but don’t eat it. I have millions of cows but no milk.

I am 50, please celebrate me.

I drive the best cars in the world but have no roads,

so I crush my best brains in the caverns,

craters and crevasses they crash into daily.

I am in unending mourning,

please celebrate me.

My school has no teacher and my classroom has no roof.

I take lectures through windows and live with 15 others in one room.

All my professors have gone abroad, and the rest are awaiting visas.

I am a university graduate, but I am illiterate. I want a future,

please celebrate me.

Preventable diseases send me to hospitals without doctors, medicines or power.

All the nurses have gone abroad and the rest are waiting to go also.

I have the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world;

and future generations are dying before me. I am hopeless, hapless and helpless,

please celebrate me.

For democracy’s sake I stood all day on Election Day.

But before I could ink my thumb, results had been broadcast.

When I dared to speak out, silence was enthroned by bullets.

My leaders are my oppressors, and my policemen are my terrors.

I am ruled by men in mufti, but I am not a democracy.

I have no verve, no vote, no voice,

please celebrate me.

My youth have no past, present nor future.

So my sons in the North have become street urchins;

and his brothers in the South have become kidnappers.

My nephews die of thirst in the Sahara and his cousins drown in the Mediterranean.

My daughters walk the streets of Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt;

while her sisters parade the streets of Rome and Amsterdam.

I am grief-stricken,

please celebrate me.

Pen-wielding bandits have raided everything in my vaults.

They walk the land with haughty strides and fly the skies with private planes

They have looted the future of generations unborn;

and have money they cannot spend in several lifetimes,

but their brothers die of starvation. I want a kit of kindness,

please celebrate me.

I can produce anything, but import everything.

So my toothpick is made in China; my toothpaste is made in South Africa;

my salt is made in Ghana; my butter is made in Ireland;

my milk is made in Holland; my shoe is made in Italy;

my vegetable oil is made in Malaysia my biscuit is made in Indonesia;

my chocolate is made in Turkey and my table water made in France.

My taste is far-flung and foreign,

please celebrate me.

To think that Malaysia came to NIFOR in Edo State in the 70's to acquire the Palm Oil Technology

My land is dead because all the trees have been cut down;

flooding kills thousands yearly because the drainages are clogged;

my fishes are dead because the oil companies dump waste in my rivers;

my communities are vanishing into the huge yawns of gully erosion, and nothing is being done.

My very existence is uncertain and I am in the deepest depths of despondence,

please celebrate me.

I have genuine leather but choose to eat it.

So I spend billions of dollars to import fake leather.

I have four refineries, but prefer to import fuel,

so I waste more billions to import petrol. I have no security in my country,

but send troops to keep peace in another man’s land.

I have hundreds of dams, but no water.

So I drink ‘pure’ water that roils my innards.

I need a vision,

please celebrate me.

I have a million candidates craving to enter universities,

but my dungeons can only accommodate a tenth.

I have no power, but choose to flare gas,

so my people have learnt to see in the dark and stare at the glare of naked flares.

I am shrouded by darkness,

please celebrate me.

For my golden jubilee,

I shall spend 16 billion Naira to bash around the bonfires of the banal.

So what if the majority gaze at my possessed, frenzied dance;

drenched in silent tears, as probity is enslaved in democracy’s empty cellars?

I am profligacy personified,

please celebrate me.

Why can I not simply reflect and ponder?

Does my complexion cloud the colour of my character?

Does my location limit the lengths my liberty?

Does the spirit of my conviction shackle my soul

Does my mien maim the mine of my mind?

And is failure worth celebrating?

I AM NIGERIAN, PLEASE CELEBRATE ME

Courtesy of Sisan Sagay, Nigerian in China.

BREAKING NEWS: CAR BOMB IN ABUJA AS NIGERIA TURNS 50

2010-10-01T07:07:00.002-05:00

ABUJA - THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF EXPLOSIONS CAUSED BY CAR BOMBS IN THE CITY OF ABUJA JUST AS NIGERIA CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY. UNCONFIRMED SOURCES REVEAL THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST THREE CASUALTIES.

NIGERIA HAS PLANNED SEVERAL ACTIVITIES TO MARK ITS GOLDEN JUBILEE JUST AS NIGERIANS IN THE DIASPORA PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL CELEBRATIONS.

POLITICIANS AND POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE RECENTLY ENGAGED IN SERIES OF CAMPAIGNS TOWARDS ELECTIONS FOR THE NEXT DISPENSATION.

BASHORUN DELE MOMODU SEEKS PRESIDENTIAL TICKET UNDER LABOR PARTY

2010-09-17T15:24:00.003-05:00

Bashorun Dele Momodu has officially applied as presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP. in the 2011 presidential polls. The Labour Party presidential hopeful presented his formal Letter of Intent to the National Chairman of the party, Chief (Dr.) Dan Uwanyanwu on Wednesday September 15, 2010 at the party headquarters in Abuja.

Bashorun Dele Momodu who was accompanied by his Campaign Manager, Ohimai Godwin Amaize and other members of his campaign staff was warmly received at the Labour Party headquarters by the National Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Dan Uwanyanwu; Deputy National Chairman Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir Salam.

Presenting the two-page letter and a series of other documents, Bashorun Dele Momodu extolled the great vision of Labour Party under its current leadership as the last hope of the common man unlike some other parties that have been taken over and corrupted by the highest bidder phenomenon.

In his response, Chief (Dr.) Dan Uwanyanwu commended the courage, foresight and vision of Bashorun Dele Momodu describing him as a loyal and financial party member since he joined Labour Party early last year. He also noted that by this letter, Momodu is the first member of the party who has so far officially declared his aspiration to be the party's presidential flagbearer in the 2011 presidential election.

TEXT OF APPLICATION LETTER

RE: REQUEST TO BE THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF LABOUR PARTY IN 2011

I wish to formally request the pleasure of our great party to be the flag bearer during the Presidential election coming up on January 22, 2011.

I have been a very loyal member of Labour Party since I met you personally in Abuja early last year. I was deeply encouraged by your vision of making the Labour Party the hope of ordinary Nigerians who have been yearning for good governance and accountability. I remember in particular your dream of giving Nigeria her own Obama.

The time has now come for all members of our party to pick the right candidate who can fulfill the dreams and aspirations of Nigerians. And we must stand out as a party of the common man and not that of the highest bidders who are on the prowl to buy up any available party.

It is for this reason and purpose that I humbly present myself as the perfect choice for this important mission.

Please, permit me to quickly enumerate the basis for my assertion.

I hold both First and Second Degrees from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

I have worked variously as a teacher, journalist, businessman, publisher, social crusader, public speaker, polemicist, publisher, political activist, etc.

I have extensive networks cutting across all strata of society, including government, business, entertainment, media, world leaders, etc.

I cut across two regional zones, the South/South and the South/West, with my father from Ihievbe, Edo State, and my mum from Gbongan in Osun State.

I represent the delicate religious balance in Nigeria, with my grandparents who were Muslims and parents who were Christians.

I’m a fresh blood who has not been tainted by political appointments or public office. Most of the current aspirants carry one negative baggage or the other, with criminal charges dangling on some of them.

I have demonstrated the traits of a competent builder with the way I have built a global brand from scratch.

I’m one of the most popular Nigerians around today cutting across all ethnic groups. I have interacted with Nigerians at home and abroad in over 60 countries.

I have an excellent relationship with local and international media.

I would be able to raise funds through the youths who see me as their role model as well as members of the business community who are hoping Nigeria would have a cerebral bridge-builder, a successful businessman, a dependable ideologue and a visionary leader as President, opposed to the rabble-rousers who would further inflame our polity.

My candidacy would enjoy worldwide appeal and acclaim.

I have a formidable collection of campaign materials and they are ready to be deployed as soon as I’m privileged to secure the ticket of our great party.

Other relevant materials are attached.

Sir, I would be most delighted to answer any further enquiries on this application.

Together we shall move this nation to greater heights.

Best wishes.

DELE MOMODU

11 THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT DELE MOMODU

1. The Technocrat: He is the man who without access to public funds, successfully built a brand in less than 10 years from zero level to Superbrand status.

2. The Democrat: He is the man who has proven himself a tested, trusted and tried democrat. We cannot forget how he was thrown into detention and almost lost his life for the June 12 struggle. He was also forced into exile in London.

3. The Politician: He is the man we describe as the experienced politician who understands the art of politics well enough but has not been corrupted by power. He connects effortlessly with all classes of the Nigerian people.

4. The Media Icon: He is the man who has contributed over 2,000 essays to national discourse on all issues affecting Nigeria. He has caused a major revolution in African publishing.

5. Mr. Integrity: He is the man who stands proven in business as an enterprise builder committed to the values of integrity. No business has ever failed in his hands. His business associates attest to his uprightness and he has made a success of all his business concerns.

6. Mr. Transparency: He is a true homeboy who has made his personal life and conduct open to all without pretending to be who he is not. Our Bob Dee: friend of the rich; brother to the poor.

7. A Large Heart: He is the dream builder and philanthropist who within his modest resources has empowered others to stand on their own.

8. A Global Citizen: He is a world-traveller, a worthy son of Africa, and ambassador plenipotentiary for Nigeria. A friend of many nations, respected by presidents and world leaders.

9. A Worthy Protégé: He is the loyal godson of Nigeria's martyr of democracy and has become MKO Abiola's biggest gift to Nigerian politics.

10. The Underrated: He is the dark horse but now the game-changer in Nigerian politics. He is the man who holds the key to the new Nigeria of our dreams. He remains resolute and motivated by the possibilities available for a new Nigeria.

11. Harbinger of Change: He is the embodiment of HOPE in a new Nigeria; the symbol of unity for a one Nigeria.