London Ready To Do It Their Own Way

A picture taken on July 25, 2012 in London at night, shows the Tower Bridge adorned with the Olympic Rings, two days before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photo: AFP.

What will London offer to the world?
The opening ceremony of the Olympics goes a long way to score the games in the minds of millions of observers.

And countries spend huge resources to show what they are and what they are capable of doing. Sometimes, a great opening ceremony may remain the issue throughout the games and cover up organisational lapses that would have, ordinarily, scored the games low in the minds of all.

In the past four recent games, Sydney and Beijing stand out as magnificent and stupendous shows that people still talk about till date. Beijing was so full of science and technology that London, the next hosts were so awed that they said “well, we will do it our own way.”

Immigration to monitor all ECOWAS immigrants in Nigeria

Comptroller General of Immigrations, Mrs. Rose Uzoma has announced plans to screen, register and monitor all Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) citizens desirous of staying in Nigeria saying the service will no longer tolerate the presence of anybody without valid travel documents residing in the country.

Addressing a meeting of zonal coordinators and comptrollers of immigration from the 36 states commands and the FCT, Uzoma advised officers and men of the service to redouble their efforts in ensuring that all illegal entry routes into the country are permanently blocked.

Fuel Subsidy Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Tukur’s Son, 4 Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned Mahmud Tukur, son of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and four others for their alleged complicity in the fuel subsidy fraud.

Also arraigned were Nasamu Ali, son of former chairman of the PDP, Ahmadu Ali, and Abdullahi Alao, son of prominent businessman, Alhaji Abdullazeez Arikesola-Alao.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused persons were arraigned by the anti-graft agency before the Ikeja High Court in Lagos.

African First Ladies Begin Summit Amidst Controversy, Drama

It is expected to be an edifice for peace and conflict resolution in 12 months when it is projected to be completed.

However, the foundation for the African First Ladies Peace Centre was laid in the midst of intense security measures and controversy in Abuja on Wednesday by President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience.

The atmosphere was enlivened by songs in praise of the President’s wife by scores of women dressed in resplendent white as well as traditional dancers from different parts of the country.

Army presents anti-bombing devices to Churches, Mosques

Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Bitrus Kwaji (L), presenting the New Vehicle Stopper, Donated by the Nigerian Army to Pastor Monday Chukwuemeka Okonkwo of the Methodist Diocese of Nyanya in Abuja on Thursday.NAN Photo

ABUJA – Nigerian Army, Thursday, unveiled and presented vehicle stoppers to some Churches and Mosques, as part of its corporate social responsibility in curtailing the spate of suicide bombing at worship centres across the country.

Presenting the devices in Abuja, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major Gen. Bitrus Kwaji said the vehicle stoppers were designed to stop any vehicle from all angle at any speed.

He added that the anti-bombing devices would be distributed to the representatives of Christian and Muslim bodies, who should in turn produce it in mass for distribution, while stressing that security is everybody’s business.

Five Killed In Benin Cult War

No fewer than five persons were reportedly killed in a cult crisis that erupted in Benin City, South south, Nigeria, since last Sunday.

Reports had it that the raging cult war is between two popular confraternities (names withheld) which have proven to be arch-enemies over the years.
It was also gathered that an argument between two members of the rival groups around New Benin area of the Edo state capital last Sunday triggered off the violence.

According to the report, Oliha, Upper Sokponba, New Benin and Sapele road areas of the ancient City have recorded at least a casualty each in the on-going crisis.

Two Men In Court For Stabbing Another Over Girlfriend

Lagos – The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned two businessmen who allegedly stabbed a man all over his body because of a girlfriend.

Chukwuebuka Ejiofor (28) and Ekene Kanu (30) appeared before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.

Ejiofor and Kanu, who reside at 8, Amusa St., Bale, Orile-Iganmu, and 6, Agbonyin Ave., Surulere, respectively, pleaded not guilty.

Suspect In Oil Subsidy Fraud “Escaped” To The US, EFCC Says

The EFCC says Walter Wagbatsoma, indicted in the fuel subsidy preliminary report, has fled to the US

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, said that it “believes strongly” that Walter Wagbatsoma, one of the defendants to be arraigned over the oil subsidy fraud, “escaped to the United States”.

Mr. Wagbatsoma’s absence in court stalled proceedings for the second day running and forced the judge to adjourn the case till August 1.

“We served him (court papers) and went to his house severally. We believe he escaped and left the country,” Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to EFCC, told journalists after the court had risen.

Anambra To Employ 3,540 People For Security In Communities

The Anambra State Government has concluded plans to employ 3,540 men for its Police-Community Vigilance Services to beef-up security in various communities in the state.
The Special Adviser to Anambra State Government
on Security Matters, Col. George Molokwu (retd.), disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Onitsha, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

South Africa On Mission To Reduce HIV Infections

The South African government has developed a new strategic plan that aims to reduce HIV infections by half and initiate 80% of eligible people on antiretroviral treatment.

The Gauteng Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and sexually transmitted infections, tabled on Wednesday at the Gauteng Aids Council by Health MEC Hope Papo, noted that the province had made significant progress in the past years to reduce infections, provide treatment and prolong the lives of people on treatment.

HIV infection among pregnant mothers had stabilised at around 30% and TB incidence rates had dropped from 424 people per 100 000 in 2006 to 239 per 100 000 in 2010.