Italian Minister claims he is Cursed by African Spirits after Calling First Black Minister an Ape

Senior Italian politician Roberto Calderoli who sparked outrage when he compared Italy’s first black minister, Congolese-born Cécile Kyenge to an orang-utan (a specie of apes), claims he is under siege from vengeful African spirits.

He is considering asking the Pope to recommend an exorcist to fight off the curse.

When Calderoli made the racist statement, he issued an apology and refused to resign. In November, he took legal advice after being charged with defamation aggravated by racial discrimination.

The trial, according to The Independent, is ongoing.

Calderoli now believes that Kyenge’s father, who is a tribal leader, has put an African curse – “macumba” on him as punishment for the remark. Continue...

Immigration surges after influx from inside the EU

More evidence of a surge in immigration to Britain from inside the EU emerged yesterday with the publication of new official figures. EU citizens were largely behind a leap in the numbers of migrants coming to Britain in the year to March, which included a statistically significant increase in Romanians and Bulgarians.

Immigration from the two Eastern European countries has more than doubled to 28,000 in the year to March from 12,000 in the previous year. Arrivals from within the EU increased by 44,000 to 214,000 in the period. The figures were published by the Office for National Statistics.

David Cameron announced a goal to cut net migration, the difference between migrants leaving and arriving in Britain, to below 100,000 by May next year. But net immigration rose to 243,000 in the year to March.

Yvette Cooper, Labour’s shadow home secretary said, ‘David Cameron and Theresa May must now admit that they have utterly broken their grand promises. This massive gap between government rhetoric and the reality, as well as no serious action to tackle the root causes of anxiety about immigration is destroying public trust.’

Immigration and security minister James Brokenshire said, ‘The new Immigration Act continues our reforms by limiting benefits and services for illegal immigrants and making it easier to remove those with no right to be here by reducing the number of appeals.’

Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migration Watch UK said, ‘Getting the numbers down is proving even more difficult than expected. Either we get immigration under control or we accept that in the next 20 years we will have to build 12 new cities the size of Birmingham.’

Source: Metro, 29 August.

Jega lists 4 challenges to successful elections in 2015

Photo Credit:234NEXT

 The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Attahiru Jega, on Thursday listed four major challenges that could hinder the success of the 2015 general elections.

He said this in a presentation at the ongoing All Nigerian Editors Conference in Katsina.

Mr. Jega, who was represented by Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, the commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, said that such challenges included insecurity, lack of adequate funding, attitude of the political class and inactive citizenry. Continue...

Apple iPhone 6 event officially set for Sept. 9

 APPLE yesterday confirmed the date of an event when it is expected to announce the iPhone 6.

The California computer giant sent out an online invite for September 9, complete with the message 'wish we could say more'. The event at the Flint Center in Cupertino - where Apple co-founder Steve Jobs unveiled the first Mac 30 years ago - is to introduce the wearable iWatch.

Stephen Ashby, of iCreate magazine, said: 'This is by far the most exciting Apple event for years.'

While it is good to keep in touch with technology, I want you to know that the 'World System' will always give you something to chase after.

UK is 'best merger ever' - Cameron

David Cameron yesterday hailed the union between Scotland and England as the 'greatest merger in history'. The prime minister made the business case for union, urging company leaders in Glasgow to 'choose openness over narrowness' ahead of the independence vote on September 18.

Date of destiny

On 18 September 2014, Scotland will be voting in a referendum on the question: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ The Scottish Government believes they should vote Yes.

The Scottish Government believes they have a talented population with many world-class businesses and institutions.

"We have a proud history, progressive traditions, fine intellectual and artistic accomplishments, a strong identity and many friends across the world."

"Through devolution, the people of Scotland have experienced some of the benefits of independence. The advantages of taking decisions for ourselves have been clear. Crime is lower. Health outcomes have improved. In many ways – like our unemployment rate – our economy is stronger than the UK as a whole."

"The Scottish Parliament has protected the NHS from privatisation and restored our tradition of free education. This guide lays out how we can complete Scotland’s journey to home rule and become a fully independent country. If Scotland votes Yes in the referendum the Scottish Government will negotiate so that Scotland becomes independent on 24 March 2016."

  

For more information on the gains of independence for Scotland, click here.

What Is Your Ideal Society?

I asked a few people in Manchester today what would be their definition of an ideal society. See some of their answers below:

Ø       A society where people are valued

Ø       Where people are respected for their choices, decisions, culture, behaviours, differences, and strive to ensure they contribute their quota to the system

Ø       A society where people take their chances and opportunities

Ø       Where everyone is treated equally, with respect and valued irrespective of their age, sex, race, colour and beliefs

Ø       An environment where things are working well and offenders are punished. Also, people who contribute to the development of the area be recognised and rewarded

Relevant quotes:

Even imperfection itself may have its ideal or perfect state. - Thomas de Quincey

It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. - Benjamin E. Mays

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. - James Allen

My question is - How would you define an ideal society, and would it be tomfoolery to dream of having one considering the state we find ourselves.

Woman judge says rape conviction rate will not improve until women stop drinking heavily

A female crown court judge has sparked outrage after she criticised rape victims for drinking too much and being unable to remember details of traumatic assaults.

Mary Jane Mowat claims the rape conviction rate will not improve until women “stop getting so drunk”.

The 66-year-old’s controversial comments have been labelled “misguided and dangerous” by one disgusted charity.

In an interview given as she retired after 18 years sitting as a circuit judge, Judge Mowat said: “It is an inevitable fact of it being one person’s word against another and the burden of proof being that you have to be sure before you convict.

“I will also say and I will be pilloried for saying so, but the rape conviction statistics will not improve until women stop getting so drunk.

“I’m not saying it’s right to rape a drunken woman, I’m not saying for a moment that it’s allowable to take advantage of a drunken woman. Continue...

President Jonathan launches new national e-ID card in Abuja

President Jonathan today, 28 August launched the new national e-ID card at the Villa in Abuja. The new e-ID card which is powered by MasterCard is a multi-purpose card for identification, electronic signatures, and can be used for depositing money, withdrawing and making payments. So it's both an ID card and ATM.

The first phase of the project will see 13million Nigerians issued the card while the next phase will target 100million Nigerians. The project is a partnership with MasterCard, the Nigerian National Identity Management Commission and Access bank. I definitely need this new e-ID. See more photos after the cut...

Late pastor Bimbo Odukoya's son, Jimmy & his wife speak on their marriage

Son of late pastor Bimbo Odukoya, Jimmy Odokuya and his beautiful wife, Kemi Odukoya have opened up about their marriage. In a recent interview with Encomium magazine, the couple, who have been married for over a year, spoke glowingly about their married life.

"Married life is great. We have been married about a year and five months now. And so no complaints"

On whether they are planning to start having kids anytime soon.

"No, we have not started making babies. Children are very expensive so you must plan for them accordingly" he said.

He says his wife's sincerity and good heart is what he cherishes most about her. Continue...

World's 'tallest man' at 8ft 4 inches dies aged 44

Leonid has his height measured by his mum

                                     

A man believed to be the tallest on the planet at 8ft 4 inches has died aged 44.

Leonid Stadnyk, who was said to be too shy to measured for the Guinness World record books, was 21 inches taller than lanky England footballer Peter Crouch.

The peasant farmer, from the Ukrainian village of Podoliantsy, died yesterday from a brain haemorrhage after health problems.

Of his size, Leonid had said: "To me, my height is a curse, a punishment from God, not something to celebrate. What sin I have committed, I do not know. All my life I have dreamed of being just like everyone else." Continue...

Obama: US will root out ‘cancer’ of ISIL

                                      

US President Barack Obama denounced ISIL as a “cancer” threatening the entire Middle East region, and vowed to eradicate the terrorist group after it beheaded a US journalist and threatened to kill another American hostage.

A grisly video posted online Tuesday and later confirmed as "authentic" by the White House shows ISIL militants decapitating James Foley in Syria.

“The United States of America will continue to do what we must do to protect our people. We will be vigilant and we will be relentless. When people harm Americans anywhere, we do what’s necessary to see that justice is done and we act against ISIL standing alongside others,” Obama said.

He also sent a direct message to close US allies in the Middle East that have been funding and arming ISIL terrorists operating in Iraq and Syria. Continue...

For rearing chickens, Enugu Assembly impeaches deputy governor

Embattled deputy Governor of Enugu state, Sunday Onyebuchi, has been impeached by members of the Enugu state Assembly. The Deputy Governor, who was served his impeachment notice on July 22nd, was voted out of office this morning.

Details of his impeachment session is still sketchy. Among the allegations leveled against Onyebuchi was that he was unlawfully rearing chickens in his official residence plus disrespecting the state governor.

Universities 'vigilant' over outbreak threat

Universities bosses were yesterday drawing up contingency plans over fears of an ebola outbreak brought to Britain by African students.

With hundreds of undergraduates set to arrive from nations at the heart of epidemic, British universities have been offered guidance about what to happen if they have a case on their hands.

Cardiff University's infectious disease expert Dr Andrew Freedman said: 'We have to be vigilant. There will be people who have returned from areas where the infection is rife, who may be developing fevers that may be down to others causes, but who might want to test.'

Source: Metro, 26 August

PRESSID 2015/2016 Presidential Scholarship Award is here

2015/2016 Pressid Scholarship Award Form is out. The Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) Implementation Committee now invites applications from qualified candidates for the 2015/2016 academic session (third edition) scholarship award of the scheme.

As part of efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 20:2020 and the Transformation Agenda, the Federal Government of Nigeria plans to develop a critical mass of professionals who would serve as catalysts of change and agents of scientific and technological advancement, as well as sustainable economic development.

This would be achieved through the sponsorship of outstanding students for postgraduate studies in the top 28 universities in the world. To this end, the Federal Government has instituted the Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development. Continue...

2Face Idibia's family releases statement on the passing of Michael Idibia

The father of African Queen crooner, 2Face Idibia has finally lost his battle to death. The older Idibia was said to have died of cancer on Saturday, 23 August after being admitted into the hospital in a bid to treat the man of the ailment. The family has released the statement below.

With sadness in our hearts, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing on of our father, brother, uncle and in-law, Michael Agbo Idibia, a native of Okpokwu Idumoga in Benue State. Born on July 25, 1946, Mr. Idibia is an alumnus of Kansas State University, USA, and retired from the Ministry of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.‎ Survived by wife, Mrs. Rose Owoyi Idibia, children: Steven Idibia, Innocent '2face' Idibia‎, Hyacinth Idibia and Oche Idibia, grand-children, and siblings. ‎ Burial arrangements will be announced by the family. We plead with the media and the general public to respect the privacy of the family in this difficult time. Thank you.

RIP Mr Michael Idibia.

PHOTOS: Gospel Singer, Sonnie Badu, Weds

One of Ghana’s leading gospel acts, Sonnie Badu, married to his beautiful girlfriend, Ann Marie-Davies yesterday August 23rd in Northumberland, London. Congrats to them. Continue to see some photos from the lovely wedding… 

My marriage lasted for less than a month – Princess

Comedienne Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess, tells Punch newspaper about how her marriage lasted less than one month and had to be hospitalized after her husband left her. In as much as this was a sad experience for her, there are some lessons that can be learnt from her experiences. Excerpts from the interview below...

PTDF INDUCTS 217 SCHOLARS

The Executive Secretary MR Femi Ajayi giving a speech during the scholars induction ceremony in Abuja

An overview of some of staff of the Fund and inductees

The induction of successful applicants who sat for the PTDF scholarship test and PhD interview was flagged off by the Executive Secretary on the 11^th of August 2014. Induction programs are conducted before the Funds’ scholars are sent abroad for their studies, the program covers a wide range of issues that ensure scholars are properly guided as they go for their studies abroad.

At the opening ceremony the Executive Secretary stated that a total of 217 scholars would be inducted, of which 174 were MSc Students and 43 PhD students, he thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Petroleum Resources for their “timely interventions that made it possible for the Fund to conduct a joint aptitude test and interview for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 applicants”. Continue...

Marriage and Love Part 2

The word ‘love’ has been abused by those who know nothing about it and that is because they know nothing about God.

Love is not a western idea or philosophy. Love originated from God who also is the creator of marriage. This piece is a continuation of Marriage and Love.

When He made them (Adam and Eve); He joined them (cemented them together)  with a material called Love. That  was why He told the man to leave his fathers’ house and join or cleave to the woman in love .This is not a formula but a clear picture of God’s design for marriage. Continue...

Marrige and Love

 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother  and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. So then they are no longer two, but  one flesh. Therefore what God have joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:7-9

The statements above reveal how serious and sensitive the issue of marriage is. It does not matter what culture or belief you belong to, the issue of marriage can only be understood from the manufacturer's point of view.

We must understand that marriage was instituted by God. The character and scope of marriage does not belong to a particular tribe or people  and that is because it did not originate from them.

Marriage is not a result of productive thinking by ancient wise men or philosophers, it solely belongs to God  and it can only be understood from God’s point of view.

WHAT IS MARRIAGE? Continue after the cut...

Presidential Special Scholarship for 1st class students

In a bid to reward graduates of Nigerian Universities who complete their studies with a first class degree, President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated a special post-graduate scholarship scheme for them on May 24, 2012.

Beneficiaries of the special scheme would be entitled to post graduate scholarships in science and engineering courses in the best Universities across the world.

The National Universities Commission (NUC), on Monday, said that 449 candidates met the criteria for selection for the Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for innovation and development.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Julius Okojie, in Abuja, when he visited Chams Centre where the candidates wrote the Presidential Special Scholarship Aptitude Test on August 13, 2014. Continue...

Viewing or sharing beheading video could be a criminal offence, police warn

Viewing or sharing the harrowing video of James Foley’s beheading online could be regarded as a terrorist offence, Scotland Yard has warned.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said specialists from the Counter Terrorism unit were continuing to examine the footage in order to look for clues as to the identity of the suspected British jihadist but said the public should refrain from viewing the video.

In a statement a spokesman said: “We would like to remind the public that viewing, downloading or disseminating extremist material within the UK may constitute an offence under Terrorism legislation.”

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe explained that while viewing the video was technically a crime, his officers would be more focused on tracking down those who shared the footage or glorified it. Continue...

Doctor who survived Ebola says "God saved my life"

Dr Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, who contracted the virus doing humanitarian work in Africa, are discharged from Emory.

Two US humanitarian workers who contracted Ebola while working in Liberia have been released from Emory University hospital in Atlanta after receiving an experimental drug treatment which has yet to go through full clinical and human trials.

Dr Kent Brantly of Texas and Nancy Writebol, a missionary from North Carolina, contracted Ebola while responding to the outbreak in Liberia. Brantly and Writebol were both treated in the hospital’s containment unit, which is specially equipped to care for patients with serious communicable diseases.

“Today is a miraculous day,” Brantly said at a press conference at Emory hospital on Thursday to announce his discharge from care. “I am thrilled to be alive, to be well and to be reunited with my family.” Watch the video below.

Jilted lover walks in front of train driven by girlfriend who left him three weeks ago

A jilted lover killed himself by standing in front of a train driven by his ex-girlfriend, it emerged last night.

Gary Wells, 36, was said to be distraught after splitting from Diane MacDonald three weeks ago.

Miss MacDonald, 29, was powerless to prevent a collision after he stepped on to the track in front of the train she was driving on one of Britain’s most scenic rail routes.

Mr Wells died instantly as he was hit by the train.

Miss MacDonald, the first woman train driver on the West Highland Line in Scotland, was left so distressed that she required sedation after the tragedy, which happened at Inverlochy, near Fort William, on Tuesday morning.

Mr Wells had been in a long-term relationship with Miss MacDonald but friends said their relationship ended around three weeks ago.

Sources said the break-up had left Mr Wells struggling to cope. 

Last night, a school friend told how Mr Wells was a devoted father whose weekends were spent with his son Lewis, who was from a previous relationship. Continue...

Obama condemns beheading of U.S. Journalist

U.S. President Barack Obama expressed revulsion on Wednesday at the beheading of an American journalist by Islamist militants and vowed the United States would do what it must to protect its citizens as international condemnation of the insurgents grew.

Not long after Obama called Islamic State a "cancer" with a bankrupt ideology, the Pentagon said U.S. aircraft conducted 14 air strikes in the vicinity of Iraq's Mosul Dam, destroying or damaging militants' Humvees, trucks and explosives.

Islamic State posted a video on Tuesday that purported to show the beheading of journalist James Foley in revenge for U.S. air strikes in Iraq. It prompted widespread horror that could push Western powers into further action against the group.  Continue...

British girls undergo horror of genital mutilation despite tough laws

Female circumcision will be inflicted on up to 2,000 British schoolgirls during the summer holidays – leaving brutal physical and emotional scars. Yet there have been no prosecutions against the practice.

 Some Survivors talk about the traumatic effect of FGM has on their lives (WARNING: video contains distressing and disturbing images)

Like any 12-year-old, Jamelia was excited at the prospect of a plane journey and a long summer holiday in the sun. An avid reader, she had filled her suitcases with books and was reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when her mother came for her. "She said, 'You know it's going to be today?' I didn't know exactly what it would entail but I knew something was going to be cut. I was made to believe it was genuinely part of our religion."

She went on: "I came to the living room and there were loads of women. I later found out it was to hold me down, they bring lots of women to hold the girl down. I thought I was going to be brave so I didn't really need that. I just lay down and I remember looking at the ceiling and staring at the fan.

"I don't remember screaming, I remember the ridiculous amount of pain, I remember the blood everywhere, one of the maids, I actually saw her pick up the bit of flesh that they cut away 'cause she was mopping up the blood. There was blood everywhere."

Some 500 to 2,000 British schoolgirls will be genitally mutilated over the summer holidays. Some will be taken abroad, others will be "cut" or circumcised and sewn closed here in the UK by women already living here or who are flown in and brought to "cutting parties" for a few girls at a time in a cost-saving exercise. Continue...

No apologies for giving Sawyer permission to visit Nigeria – Liberian Minister

Despite facing harsh criticisms from angry Nigerians and the International Community for clearing the late Patrick Sawyer to travel out of his country home of Liberia after contracting the Ebola disease, the Deputy Finance Minister of Liberia, Sebastian Omar says he owes no one an apology over his approval.
Omar has been gravely criticized by both Nigerians and Liberians for allowing the first victim of the disease to travel to Nigeria for a conference last month.

Meanwhile, the Minister, while responding to his fans, maintained that the late Sawyer was his friend; hence, he couldn’t have stopped him from travelling out of the country, insisting that he owes no one any further explanation or an apology regarding his action. Continue...

Ebola: Why my husband travelled to Nigeria – Patrick Sawyer’s wife

The widow of late Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian who brought Ebola into Nigeria, has defended her husband’s decision to travel to Nigeria, saying he did so in desperate search for a country with better healthcare system than his own country. In an article published earlier yesterday, TMZ Liberia Magazine quoted Decontee Sawyer, who is a radio host in New York, as explaining that Mr. Sawyer had no trust in the healthcare system in Liberia and had possibly headed to Nigeria with the hope of receiving better treatment for his ailment.

According to an online publication, Premium Times, Mrs. Sawyer shared her thoughts on her Facebook profile from which TMZ Liberia sourced it for publication. “I’ve read other reports in other papers (not the New York Times) about Patrick’s “recklessness.” I get where they’re coming from, and they certainly have the right to feel the way they do. However, as Patrick’s widow, I would like to shed some light on this from another perspective. One that only I, his wife, would know,” she wrote.

“I knew Patrick better than anybody else (including himself). He had told me many times in the past how much he didn’t trust the Liberian healthcare system. He would tell me about how a person would get checked in for one thing, and get misdiagnosed and get the wrong treatment as a result. On top of that, Patrick was a clean freak, and told me how filthy a lot of the hospitals were. Continue...

FG orders indefinite suspension of Resident Doctors in Teaching Hospitals

Resident Doctors in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals have been suspended by the Federal Government starting yesterday August 13th.

The directive was stated in an internal memo dated August 13 (shown above) and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, L.N. Awute, to federal hospitals.

Mr. Awute said the president’s directive was given following an appraisal of the challenges facing the health sector.

Enugu Dep Gov, Onyebuchi, slumps before Impeachment Panel

 The Deputy Governor Of Enugu State, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi, at about 11.35 am today 13 August, slumped while testifying before the impeachment panel probing allegations of misconduct and unlawful rearing of chickens in his official residence levelled against him by the State House of Assembly.

He was subsequently rushed out of the Court Hall at about 11.38 am by his wife, Mrs. Nneka Ada Onyebuchi, his children and some of his aides present for medical attention.

The Deputy Governor had arrived the court in company of his lawyers Wednesday morning and began his evidence at 9.30 am but three hours five minutes later he reportedly collapsed and his wife and others present rushed forward to rescue him.

One of the defence counsels, Mr. Peter Eze, said the Deputy Governor collapsed five minutes after the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo and the state Attorney General, Mr. Anthony Ani (SAN), came into the court.

Mr Eze added that the Deputy Governor was immediately rushed to the hospital while the proceeding was stood down till 2pm.

Mrs. Nwobodo was accompanied to the court at about 11am by the State Attorney General in response to the summons served on her on Tuesday to appear before the panel.

Wayne Rooney has been named as the new captain

Van Gaal made the announcement following United’s final pre-season friendly against Valencia, when Rooney skippered the side to a 2-1 victory courtesy of Marouane Fellaini’s late goal.

The England international, who is also in the running to skipper the national side in the wake of Steven Gerrard’s international retirement, takes over the role from Nemanja Vidic, who departed for Inter Milan in the summer.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher has been named as the club’s vice-captain after Van Gaal handed a number of different players the armband in pre-season. Continue...

Brazilian presidential candidate Eduardo Campos killed in plane crash

Smoke billows from a private aircraft which crashed in residential area of Santos, south of São Paulo. Seven people were killed including presidential candidate Eduardo Campos. Photograph: Luiz Fernando Menezes/Fotoarena/Corbis

Seven confirmed dead on private jet crashing in bad weather in Santos, south of São Paulo, leaving October election in disarray. Brazil's presidential election campaign was thrown into uncertainty on Wednesday when a private jet carrying the socialist party candidate, Eduardo Campos crashed into a residential area near São Paulo. Campos and the six other crew and passengers were killed in the accident, which occurred in bad weather as the Cessna plane was preparing to land. The deaths prompted a wave of mourning across the country, which is likely to be followed by speculation about the effect on the presidential vote on 5 October.

Campos, a former Pernambuco governor with a business-friendly reputation, had shaken the political world by choosing environmentalist Marina Silva as his running mate.

The unlikely couple were in third place in the closely fought race to run Latin America's most populous and economically powerful nation. Silva – who was runner-up to Dilma Rousseff in the last election in 2010 – is now widely expected to head the campaign, though she has yet to comment. Continue...