Excitement as Benue Community Bans Men From Spending More Than N100, 000 on Traditional Marriage

A Benue State community has banned all men having their traditional marriages from spending more than N100,000 or be penalized. 

The governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom

 

Chief Sir Sunday Ekele Jp, the traditional ruler of Otukpa, the headquarters of Ogbadibo LGA of Benue, has banned intending groom in the community from spending more than N100, 000 on traditional wedding.

 

According to Chief Ekele, the decision became imperative following complaints from young men in the community that outrageous bride price has been discouraging them from getting married.

 

Speaking on a live programme monitored on Joy FM, Otukpo on Thursday, the monarch said any one found flaunting the new law would be penalized.

“Money should not prevent anyone from getting married in our community. From now onward, no one should spend more than hundred thousand naira before he gets a wife in our community. We need to encourage the young men so they won’t be scared of going into marriage,” he said.

 

Recall that the Chairman, Tiv Area Traditional Council led by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Ochivirigh, Prof. James Ayatse had recently set up a 15-member committee to do something about the high bride price and expensive burial requirements for burial rites in Tiv land.

 

The committee, which has three months to submit its report, is headed by His Royal Highness, Chief Jam Gbinde Ter Ikyor, and had been directed to investigate the reasons for the high bride price and recommend ways of addressing the challenge

UBA, Skye Bank and 5 Other Nigerian Banks 'Hide N249.6bn for Corrupt Government Officials'

Seven banks in Nigeria have been ordered by a Federal High Court to remit billions it hid for corrupt public officials to the Federal Government. 

 

A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered seven banks to remit to the Federal Government $793,200,000 (about N249,659,700,000.00) allegedly hidden with them in breach of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

 

According to The Nation, the interim order was given by a vacation judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor following an ex parte application by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

 

The judge warned that the remittance order would be made permanent on August 8, unless cause was shown why it should not. The AGF, through his counsel, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), accused the commercial banks of illegally keeping the sums in their custody for “unknown government officials”.

 

Justice Obiozor ordered the banks to remit the money to the designated Federal Government’s Asset Recovery dollars account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

The banks are United Bank for Africa (UBA), Diamond Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, First Bank Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Limited and Sterling Bank Plc.

 

According to court processes filed by Akinseye-George (SAN), $367.4m was hidden by three government agencies in UBA; $41m was kept in a National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) fixed deposit account with Skye Bank.

 

The documents stated that $277.9m was in Diamond Bank, $18.9m in First Bank, $24.5m in Fidelity Bank, $17m in Keystone Bank, and $46.5m in Sterling Bank.

 

The AGF’s application was supported by a 15-paragraph affidavit deposed to by a lawyer from Akinseye-George’s law firm, Vincent Adodo. Adodo averred that the banks colluded with Federal Government officials to hide the funds in breach of the TSA policy.

 

The funds, he stated, were revenues, donations, transfers, refunds, grants, taxes, fees, dues, tariffs etc accruable to the Federal Government from ministries, departments, parastatals and agencies.

 

Adodo said the banks failed to remit the funds to the TSA domiciled in the CBN in violation of the guidelines issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, which fixed September 15, 2015 as the deadline for such funds to be moved.

 

“The 1st to 7th respondents (banks), in collaboration with and/or collusion with unknown officials of the Federal Government, conspired to disobey the relevant constitutional provisions, thereby depriving the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of funds belonging to it, which are needed urgently to fund pressing national projects under the 2017 budget,” Adodo said.

 

Among the allegedly culpable government agencies is the National Petroleum Developing Company (NPDC). Moving the ex parte application yesterday, Akinseye-George said it would best serve the interest of justice for Justice Obiozor to order the banks to remit the funds to the Federal Government, to prevent the funds from being moved or dissipated.

“The withheld funds are urgently required for the implementation of the 2017 budget. The budget has a lifespan of 12 months and we are already in the middle of the year.

“By hiding these hidden funds, the Federal Government is being forced to borrow money from these commercial banks at exorbitant interest rates,” Akinseye-George added.

 

After listening to the SAN, Justice Obiozor granted the interim orders. He directed that the order should be published in a national daily newspaper.

 

The judge adjourned till August 8 “for anyone interested in the funds to appear” before him “to show cause why the interim orders should not be made permanent”.

Drama as Singer Dies While Performing on Stage (Photo)

People have been left in shock after a singer fell to her death after slumping while performing on stage. 

Weldens released her first album in February and was in the middle of a concert tour

 

An up-and-coming French singer, Barbara Weldens, has collapsed and died in the middle of a concert at a festival.

 

The cause of her death is unclear but, according to one report, she was probably electrocuted.

 

Weldens, 35, had been on stage in a church in the picturesque village of Goudron, in the Lot region of the south-west, when she suffered an apparent cardiac arrest. She had released her first album this year and had won a young talent award.

 

Police have begun investigating the cause of her death and have refused to speculate on the circumstances.

 

Weldens regularly performed with a pianist and acoustic guitarist and was in the middle of a tour. She had become a singer after growing up in the circus, according to her website. Among her biggest influences was the singer-songwriter Jacques Brel.

 

NDDC Revokes 600 Contracts

Over 600 contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission has been revoked by the commission. 

Niger Delta Development Commission

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission says it has revoked more than 600 contracts and projects as part of efforts to restructure the commission.

 

NDDC Managing Director Nsima Ekere told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the commission’s management and board took the decision to adopt a ‘4R’ initiative as the roadmap to development.

 

According to him, the commission’s 4R initiative is restructuring the balance sheet, reforming governance protocols, restoring core mandate and reaffirming commitment to doing what is right and proper.

 

Ekere, who said that the commission’s balance sheet was over bloated with contingent liabilities in excess of N1.3tn, added that this justified the reform.

“The move became imperative looking at the resources coming on monthly or yearly basis which necessitated restructuring it in a manner that will be meaningful to achieve results.

“The last management meeting approved cancellation of over 600 projects that NDDC already embarked on.

“We discovered that some of the contracts were either not properly awarded or some of them were awarded but the contractors have not yet gone to site.

“Some of the contracts were awarded as late as 2002 with some of the contractors collecting advance payments from the commission with zero work done at the sites.

“So, we terminated these contracts worth about N200bn, which is the first phase of our restructuring the commission’s balance sheet,” he said.

 

Ekere said that the second phase of restructuring the commission’s balance sheet would affect projects that have only attained zero to five per cent completion status.

 

He explained that contractors in this category were those who mobilised to site but had achieved negligible work compared to the contractual agreement.

 

According to him, equally affected are contractors that have not been to the site for upwards of five to seven years, and as such, performed poorly.

 

“On restoration of the commission’s core mandate, we want to ensure that projects that we do are geared toward achieving the core mandates for establishing the commission.

“In the past, our contracts and projects were politically motivated while some were done to satisfy one person or interest which is not good enough.

“If there is a Master Plan or design to achieve a certain milestone within a set period; every year or month spent should be an incremental step toward achieving that target.

“So, we looked at the master plan which is supposed to be accomplished within 50 years but have already spent 10 years without much being achieved,” he said.

 

Ekere explained that the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan was a plan that articulated policies and programmes that ought to be collectively executed by different development partners.

 

He listed the development partners to include federal, state and local governments; Ministry of Niger Delta, International Oil Companies, the World Bank, European Union and USAID among others.

 

“So, the days of struggling and competing with local government councils on who would buy chalk for blackboards in schools must be over.

“We want to do less of the smaller projects and do more of the bigger projects that will ultimately impact on the socio-economic lives and development of the region,” he said.

 

Ekere said the third agenda was the reformation of the commission’s governance system aimed to run the commission in an efficient and transparent manner with reliance on technology.

 

The managing director said the last phase was to reposition the mindset and thinking of members of staff with focus on enthroning professionalism and expertise in service delivery.

 

-NAN

Alleged Oldest Woman in Rivers State Dies at the Age of 134 (Photo)

A Nigerian woman alleged to be the oldest in Obio/Akpor area of Rivers state has died at the age of 134. 

The woman said to be the oldest woman in Obio/Akpor area of Rivers state

 

The woman alleged to be the oldest woman in Obio/Akpor in Rivers State has died. The woman who is said to be 134 years reportedly died today.

 

 

Press Secretary to OBIO/AKPOR Local Government, Amadi Promzy Chimenem who reported the sad news wrote: "I regret to announce to us members and well wishers of Association Of Obio/Akpor Youths( AOY ), that our mother's day mother of the year and the oldest woman in OBIO/AKPOR is late aged 134yrs."

Senate Wants N200 to Dollar Rate for Pilgrimages

The members of the 8th national assembly have advised the Nigerian government to set a special foreign exchange rate for pilgrims in the country. 

 

 

The Senate on Thursday urged the Federal Government to give N200 to dollar concession to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) once in every year.

 

It said that it was for pilgrimages to the respective holy lands for Muslims and Christians.

 

This was part of the recommendations by the Committee on Foreign Affairs on “The Extortion of Pilgrims by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’’ presented by the Chairman, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, at plenary. The committee recommended the concession to bring down the cost of the pilgrimages to bearable level.

 

The Senate had in a motion on June 7, urged the Federal Government to review downwards, the 2017 Hajj fare. Part of the 10-point recommendation by the committee was that the Federal Government should hold discussions with Saudi Arabia authorities.

 

Sunmonu said that the consultation with the Saudi government was to review the 50-50 carriage of pilgrims between Nigeria and Saudi Arabian airlines. “This is with a view to providing opportunities for more indigenous Nigerian airlines to participate in the Hajj operations. This will give Nigeria varieties in choosing the air carrier.

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria should expedite action on the establishment of Hajj Savings Schemes in compliance with Section 7(1 and 2) of the NAHCON Act.

“The Nigeria Government and its economic team must do everything possible to improve on the Nigerian monetary policy which would expectedly guarantee a long-time stable relationship of the Naira with other currencies,”she said.

 

Sunmonu noted that 98 per cent of the entire Hajj operations were dollars-denominated with only two per cent as naira content. In his contribution, Sen. Ali Wakil (APC-Bauchi) said that there was need for an ad hoc committee to look into the matter of feeding and transportation of the pilgrims.

 

He called for the restoration of Amirul Hajj to serve as checks and balance between Nigeria and Saudi. In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said “we passed the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and based on it, we have passed what should be the exchange rate which is N305 to a dollar.

 

“We should make laws that are truly going to guide our people because we have MTEF which says the exchange is N305. “If with passing MTEF nobody should be given N200, but businessmen are getting N200, then, definitely pilgrims deserve N200 as well,” he said.

 

Saraki said that the Senate must put an end to the money-making venture, because pilgrimage was a religious activity and should not be for money-making. “We will put an end to these leakages,’’ he stated. Saraki said.

 

The Senate accepted the recommendations but rejected the one requesting NAHCON to ensure improved feeding for Nigerian contingents to all designated points, insisting that feeding should be left to the pilgrims.

 

Senate Releases List of 42 Anti-malaria Drugs Banned in Europe Which is Still Sold, Consumed in Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has listed about 42 anti-malaria drugs that have been banned in Europe but are still sold in hospitals and pharmacies and consumed by millions of Nigerians. 

File photo used for illustrative purposes only

 

Members of the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, raised the alarm that all the forty-two (42) anti-malaria drugs banned in Europe were still being stockpiled, sold and consumed in Nigeria.

 

According to the Senate, the situation is already trending and generating panic as well as concern among medical practitioners and members of the public.

 

Against this backdrop, the Senate has mandated the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), led by Senator Olarewaju Tejuoso (APC, Ogun Central) to urgently carry out a holistic investigation into the matter and report back to the Senate for further action to save the lives of Nigerians.

 

The resolution of the Senate was sequel to a motion by Senator Theodore Orji (PDP, Abia Central).

 

In his presentation, Senator Orji said: “The Senate notes that recently the European Union banned the sale and consumption of 42 Anti-Malaria Drugs in all countries within the European Union;

“It notes that the 42 Anti-Malaria Drugs are: Alaxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine)B/8; Alaxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Arinate 100mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arinate 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arsumax 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12; Artemax 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Artémédine 40mg capsule (artemether) B/12; Artémédine 50mg tablet (artemether) B/12; and Artenam 50mg tablet (artemether) B/14.

“Also on the list are Artenam 60mg tablet (artemether) B/8; Artésiane 300mg child powder oral suspension (artemether) FL/38g; Artésunate 100mg compressed B/120; Artésunate 50mg tablet B/120; Artexin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/9; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/25 blisters; and others.

"Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/55 blisters; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiquine) B/24; Camoquin 600 mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/3; Camoquin oral suspension 50mg/ 5ml (amodiaquine) FL/60ml; Cotecxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Cotecxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Daraprim tablet (pyriméthamine) B/30; and Falcinil 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12."

Very Important: How Much Water Should You Really Drink? Checkout the Answers

If you have been thinking hard about the correct amount of water you should really be taking, then you've found the answer you seek. 

Illustrative photo

 

The body is made up of about 60% water. Every system in your body needs water to function. We lose some of this water everyday in various ways, especially through urine and sweat.

 

When you drink water, you replenish the water lose. Without enough water, your body cannot function properly. Your recommended intake is based on factors including your s*x, age, activity level, and others, such as if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Water regulates your body temperature, lubricates your joint, protects your spine and other tissues, helps you eliminate waste through urine, sweat and faeces. Water keeps your skin looking healthy, and can also help manage your weight since it contains no calories.

 

Drinking too much water may lead to dehydration. Drinking too much water may lead to hyponatremia, when the excess water in your system dilutes the electrolytes in your blood and reduces your sodium levels.

 

The question of how much water one should drink in a day is one that has brought about many different opinions. Health authorities tell you to follow the 8×8 rule, which is drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water everyday. That is about 2 litres. But when you think of it, you cannot really tell how much water you need as this depends on the individual. A bigger person will require more water than a smaller person.

 

Also, someone who jogs every morning will need more water than someone whoHow much you should actually drink is more individualized than you might think. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) currently recommends that men should drink at least 104 ounces of water per day, which is 13 cups. They say women should drink at least 72 ounces, which is 9 cups. Even still, the answer to exactly how much water you should drink isn’t so simple. doesn’t.

 

The current recommendation for adults around 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women. Staying hydrated goes beyond just the water you drink. Foods make up around 20 percent of your total fluid requirements each day. Along with drinking your 9 to 13 daily cups of water, try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

 

Drink extra 1.5 to 2.5 cups of water each day if you exercise, more if you work out for longer than an hour. Take more water than usual when it gets hot because you lose more water when you sweat.

 

When you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, your body loses more fluids than usual, so drink more water. Your doctor may even suggest adding drinks with electrolytes to keep your electrolyte balance more stable.

 

Drink when you are thirsty and every time you eat. Carry a water bottle around with you to drink from when you get thirsty, especially when going on trips or when working out. In all, drink water like your life depends on it, because it does.

 

***

Via The Guardian

NYSC Fixes Orientation Date for Stream 2 Batch A Corp Members... See Details

The date has been fixed by the National Youth Service Corps for the commencement of the Stream 2, Batch A orientation. 

File photo: NYSC Members

 

According to an exclusive report by Premium Times, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has tentatively fixed July 26, 2017 for the commencement of orientation for prospective Stream 2, Batch A corp members nationwide.

 

By the new timetable, the orientation programme will close on August 15.

 

An NYSC source told Premium Times Tuesday that the agency fixed the date during an extended management meeting on Monday.

 

The date is however subject to availability of funds, a source said.

 

The orientation programme for the first stream of Batch A corps members held between May 23 and June 12. Their Stream 2 counterparts were expected to be mobilised for camping shortly afterwards.

 

But over a month later, they have not received any information to that effect, leaving many of them anxious and angry.

 

Premium Times reports that a source said the delay is due to lack of funds.

 

“We are expecting 72,000 corps members in Stream 2,” our source said. “We don’t want to mobilise them for orientation only to be short of money midway. We want to make sure we have enough resources.”

 

The official said the agency approached the Federal Government for urgent release of funds.

 

“We learnt Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has approved a special intervention for us as we requested,” the source said. “The minister was out of town on Monday. We expect that as soon as he arrives, the money issue would be concluded.

 

“It takes three days for transferred funds to hit NYSC accounts. If that happens before Friday, we will go ahead with our plan to open camping on July 26. But if there is a delay, we will move the programme forward a bit.

 

“But I can tell you that we are ready for the programme.”

 

When contacted, Bose Aderibigbe, the spokesperson for the NYSC, declined comment on the orientation date, saying her agency would make an announcement when it is ripe to do so.

 

“The date will be communicated when we are ready, ” she said. “Tell the prospective corps members to be patient. We are working hard for a hitch-free orientation for them. Our staff are ready.”

 

The NYSC scheme was created in 1973 to “reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war.”

 

According to the NYSC, the purpose of the scheme is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian Youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasize the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.

Arsenal Finally Letting Alexis Sanchez Leave? Here's Wenger's Latest Update on the Player

Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger has revealed that the London-based football club have taken a decision whether or not to sell Alexis Sanchez this summer and promised to stick to it. 

Sanchez, Wenger

 

Arsene Wenger is insistent that Arsenal won’t be selling Alexis Sanchez amid persistent speculation that the forward will be joining Manchester City this summer.

 

Sanchez admitted last month that a decision had been made on his future as he alluded to an imminent departure from the Emirates, and more recently, the Chilean made clear his desire to play in the Champions League and revealed that he was waiting for Arsenal to make a decision on his future.

 

But speaking ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly with Bayern Munich, Wenger stressed that the club have now made the decision not to sell their prized possession.

“The decision has been made and we will stick to that,” the Frenchman said. “The decision is not to sell.”

 

Wenger also appeared to take issue with Sanchez’s remarks regarding the Champions League, and challenged the 28-year-old to help Arsenal return to Europe’s elite competition.

“I don’t give too much importance to things that are translated, you know,” he added. “The whole interview that I got didn’t really mean that.

“The main focus for us is to concentrate on the Premier League and the Premier League for me today is more important than the Champions League.

“We rested sometimes players in the Group stages of the Champions League for the Premier League so that’s become the biggest importance for us.

“For the rest… we played 20 years in the Champions League, that’s 17 years before Sanchez arrived and three years with him so he can get us back in there.”

 

Wenger, who admitted he has not spoken to Sanchez since his most recent interview in Chile, equally sought to downplay similarities between the forward’s current circumstances and when Arsenal sold Robin van Persie to Manchester United for £24m.

“Every case is different, Van Persie was going from 30 to 31, when he left he had one year on his contract. Sanchez is younger.”

 

Sanchez was the Gunners’ shining star in a disappointing campaign last season where they finished fifth and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in Wenger’s reign.

 

The forward has made it clear that he is not willing to wait another year to return to European football’s premier club competition.

"I want to play in the Champions League,” he told reporters in his native Chile. "The decision isn't down to me, I need to wait for Arsenal.”

Ailing Nollywood Actress, Halima Abubakar Finally Speaks Up

Halima Abubakar who is suffering from the complications of her Fibrosis operation in India has remained undaunted in the face of a threat to her life. 

 

Halima Abubakar

 

Actress Halima Abubakar is reassuring her fans that there is no cause for alarm over her health status.

 

The actress, who has been sick for a while now, took to her Instagram page to wish her friend Uche Elendu happy birthday and thanked her for always checking up on her.

 

Abubakar was also quick to reassure her friend of her health status.

 

“Thank you for showing me love and constantly checking up on me. Don’t worry boo, the devil is a liar and am going nowhere.”

 

During the weekend, Abubakar’s friend, Tonto Dikeh posted a picture of her ailing friend and urged her fans to please pray for her quick recovery adding that she was with her and will personally see to her well-being.

Revealed: This is the Number of Calories Men Burn While Having S*x

The number of calories that men burn off while having s*x with their partners has been revealed in this new piece. 

 

Illustrative photo

 

A steamy s*x session isn’t just good fun, it’s also a form of exercise.

 

If you want a fun way to torch calories try taking a tumble between the sheets for an hour.

 

Men can burn 200 calories every 60 minutes they spend in the sack – which is the same amount as a yoga session.

 

Ladies burn less energy than men while lovemaking with the typical woman torching 138 calories an hour – similar to walking the dog.

 

A new study by Forza Supplements looked into the most popular ways to get fit and the calorie-burning effectiveness of 50 sports and activities.

 

It turns out boxing is the best way to beat the flab with a sparring session helping you to burn 800 calories per hour.

 

Boxing is the most effective activity for losing weight because it’s a super intense form of interval training and involves engaging multiple muscle groups.

 

The second most active sport is squash, which torches 748 calories per hour, thanks to long rallies and short breaks during the game.

 

The almost constant running builds muscular strength and endurance in the lower body while the lunges, twists and turns increase flexibility in the back and abs.

 

Rowing came third at 740 calories but only if you are doing it on a river or a lake - the calorie burn drops to 440 calories on a rowing machine at the gym.

 

Forza Supplements managing director Lee Smith said: "We just hope that these figures encourage more people to get active to combat our growing obesity crisis.

"Boxing is terrific for weight loss because it is the ultimate full body work-out with intense bursts of activity - just like the very best interval training.

"The figures show that any activity is better than lounging in front of the TV and, if you are going to do that, at least do it standing up and burn 20 calories an hour."

"There are lots of fun ways to burn calories particularly when you are on holiday – snorkelling at the beach (274) burns more calories than badminton (240) or a round of golf (236).

 

He added: "S*x is a great way to burn off calories, particularly if you are a man because statistics show they expend 44% more energy than women during typical lovemaking.

"An hour of s*x for a man burns as many calories as an hour of yoga, but sex for an hour for a woman is roughly the same calorie burn as walking the dog.”

 

***

Via Daily Star UK