Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, a former governor of Oyo State, is dead.
He was aged 71.
Details of his death are sketchy as at press time.
Born on June 3, 1950, at Ogbomoso in the Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Alao-Akala had his elementary school at Osupa Baptist Day School, Ogbomoso before proceeding to Kamina Barracks Middle School, 5th Battalion of Infantry in Tamale, Ghana.
Details later…
Gaby Kolajo, the owner of Lagos Island — a restaurant in Leyton, United Kingdom — has been fined £10,000 for calling mouldy chicken a special Nigerian meal.
Recall that in August 2018, Kolajo was ordered to close down his restaurant located at Lea Bridge road after officials of the Waltham Forest council asked him to deal with the mouse and cockroach infestation at his premises.
According to Waltham Forest council, the restaurateur was “caught red-handed” serving customers at a birthday party held at the premises a month after.
Responding to an environmental health officer on why the restaurant was not shut despite the prohibition order, he claimed that the order was for a different restaurant.
During a further inspection of his kitchen, a container filled with what was believed to be mouldy chicken was found.
But when Kolajo was questioned about the content, the council disclosed that he said it was a traditional Nigerian dish of boiled crab.
Subsequently, a four-count charge was filed against him, bordering on; failing to keep the premises clean — in good repair and good condition; failing to put in place adequate measures to control pests.
He was also charged for opening the premises and serving food to paying customers whilst the health risk remained and placing unsafe food on the market which was unfit for human consumption.
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing on the case was delayed.
But on December 7, 2021, a Stratford magistrates court found him guilty of all four offences and imposed the highest fine for violating the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order.
Kolajo was told he must pay a total of £10,170, including £2,000 in costs to the local authority and a £170 victim surcharge.
In July 2020, Lagos Island was last inspected and given a food hygiene rating of zero, meaning that it requires urgent improvement.
All roads leads to the ancient town of Doma, the headquarters of Doma Local Government Area of Nassarawa state, Nigeria for the coronation of Nigeria’s envoy to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Henry Omaku who recently was crowned as ‘Giwan Doma’.
The event was attended by Cream de la Crème within and outside Nigeria including the former Chief of Army Staff now Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai (retd), Sen. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former deputy governor of Nassarawa state, Mr. Silas Agara’.
Other dignitaries at the epoch making event were the state deputy governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Aliyu Ahmadu Ogah, the Andoma of Doma chiefdom who was the host of the occasion, Chun Mada, Chief Samson Gamu Yare amongst top government functionaries and politicians, captains of industries and eminent sons and daughters of Doma chiefdom, home and in diaspora.
The Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Altitu Ahmadu Ogah, while turning the recipient, Ambassador Henry Omaku as ‘ Giwan Doma’ with English translation: The Elephant of Doma Chiefdom’ extolled the virtues of the Ambassador, saying the immense contribution and the friendly disposition of the Ambassador endeared him the traditional title.
Speaking at the occasion, Nassarawa state governor, Alhaji Abdullahhi Sule lauded Ambassador Henry Omaku for promoting Nigeria’s image to Sierra Leone and the outside world
Represented by the state’s deputy governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, governor Sule remarked that the appointment of Henry Omaku by President Muhammadu Buhari as High Commissioner to the Republic of Sierra Leone was not a mistake considering his capacity and his wealth of experience.
Chairman of the occasion and former Chief of Army Staff now Ambassador to Republic of Benin , Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai (retd) congratulated the celebrant and encouraged him to continue to do good things Nott only to Doma traditional council but to Doma chiefdom, Nassarawa state and the country at large.
In his remark, the celebrant, Ambassador Henry Omaku (Giwan Doma’ Chiefdom), appreciated the Andoma, Alhaji Altitu Ahmadu Ogah for the tittle and for Nassarawa state government doe the honour done him and promised to justify the confidence reposed on him, saying the conferment of the traditional title will spur him to the server humanity more.
Ambassador Henry John Omaku who did not hide his feeling during media interview during the coronation ceremony has this to say: “I am highly excited particularly at this very moment. This is a moment of jubilation, a moment that will remain indelible in my life because am being honours with a very big traditional Title from my traditional institution by head of traditional ruler of the Andoma of Doma”
“Today is a big thing God has designees at this particular time that I will be picked out of many and be bestowed with this traditional tittle.. it is something that is designed by God Almighty and this is the time and, that is why I have been singled out, at this particular time to coronated today or turban today as the Elephant of Doma.” I will always try my possible best in serving humanity and leave the rest for God to judge”
” This is very significant as you can see me in tears of joy .you can see the mammoth crowd that have come out Today, you can see the qualities of personalities that came to grace this occasion both home and abroad here today so I feel highly deep honours been single out of thousands to be honoured today. It is something that will make someone to shed tears and a so many things that will make me she’d tears but today is a tears of joy I thank God Almighty”
” I wish to use this medium to advise youth to try to do their best in our society and to be the best people in the country, the best people in Africa, best people in the world and emulate the good virtues of our fathers so that our society will be a good society, our people will be good and all the youth will have a better future, so I want to call on the youth to embrace peace, love and unity irrespective of their religion, tribe and where we are come from as soon as we do that we will have tolerance for each other and the society will be good for all”
The cost of fuel imported into the country is so huge that government can no longer sustain it.
Nigeria may collapse as a nation in the event that the Federal Government fails to put an end to subsidy on imported petroleum products in July this year, the Managing Director, Petrocam Nigeria Limited, Mr. Patrick Ilo, has said.
This is coming on the heels of plans by the government to finally cancel subsidy, which reached a two-year peak of N220.11 billion in November last year.
The subsidy removal will automatically ensure that the sector embarks on full deregulation downstream of the nation’s oil and gas industry.
The amount for November brings the total payment on subsidy for the 11months of 2021 to N1.5 trillion. In an interview recently, Ilo said that the planned removal of fuel subsidy by the government was in the right direction, adding that the cost of fuel imported into the country was so huge that government can no longer sustain it.
According to him, the country faces extinction if the government continues to pay subsidies on fuel beyond this year. On deregulation, Ilo said that the decision by the government to completely deregulate the downstream sub-sector of the nation’s energy industry was a welcome development, adding that the idea would lead to the emergence of much bigger companies in that segment of the industry. He said: “I do not foresee mergers and acquisition in the downstream segment of the sector. What I can say is that bigger and stronger operators would come up following the decision to fully deregulate the downstream in the years ahead. Some operators might decide to walk away and, in the process, sell their outlets to bigger companies in the industry.”
Multinational oil companies, Ilo said, might want t leave the downstream sub-sector and sell off their stations to other operators. Ilo said that a period was coming in the sub-sector in which only the bigger firms would be able to play well.
He noted that Ardova Energy firm completed a full buyout of a rival Enyo Retail and Supply Limited within a short period, stressing that more of such issues may come up after full deregulation of the industry.
Recall that members of the organized private sector of Nigeria (OPSN) had also backed the removal, saying if fuel subsidy is removed, funds that would be saved could address wide infrastructural deficits and other gaps in the country.
OPSN Chairman, Taiwo Adeniyi, said in Lagos, that although there were proponents and opponents, it was indisputable that the fuel subsidy regime is fraught with corruption, benefitting a few petroleum importers. He described the payment as a huge leakage on the nation’s revenue portfolio.
According to him, “there is the need to address this urgently and free up funds for development. Nigerians should not suffer for a product their nation is endowed with and neither should they suffer for inefficiencies in government,” he said. Adeniyi noted further that while it is desirable to remove subsidies, it is also important for the government to address socioeconomic issues that would arise.
He said: “While we support the removal of the fuel subsidy, we urge that government should, first, as a matter of boosting Nigerians and other stakeholders’ confidence and demonstrating its goodwill, address the following as a prerequisite to total removal of the subsidy.”
Subsidies were first introduced in Nigeria in the 1970s, as a response to the oil shock of 1973. Years after, the country resumed the importation of fuel, following the inability of the four state-owned refineries to produce enough fuel for domestic consumption.
A 44-year-old resident of Gboko in Benue State, Terhemen Anongo, has removed his testicles “to avert sexual desire”.
Anongo, who dropped out of the University of Ibadan as a 500-level medical student claimed the decision will enable him to serve God properly. He came into the limelight in February 2021 after he removed one of the testicles by himself, which resulted in profuse bleeding.
The timely intervention of those who knew about his plight saved the situation as medical practitioners rallied around to give him attention.
On why he removed the testicle, he had said, “You know how the issue of sexual urge torments one when you don’t have a wife, coupled with your religious beliefs. I am someone deeply involved in religion and I read about Origen Adamantius, one of the early church leaders from Egypt, who paid to be castrated so that he would not be bothered by sexual urge.
“It was in an attempt to do the same thing that I removed my right testicle but there was a heavy flow of blood, so I abandoned it (castration) and rushed to hospital.” Speaking with newsmen on the telephone on Sunday, Anongo said he decided to remove the second testicle because of his religious beliefs.
He said, “Yes, I went to remove the second testicle based on religious belief. But I told this man (his friend) not to tell you (the reporter) because I don’t want to disturb you and don’t want it in the public domain, still, he (the friend) told you.”
When asked the day he removed the testicle, he said, “I removed it on Monday. The first one had little hitches but this one, having learned from that experience, I did (remove) it very well. Somebody is always coming to dress it for me.“I’m fine; there is no problem; I’m only waiting for when the wound will be healed so I can remove the stitches.”
Mummy G.O has claimed that her viral videos are doctored
Funmilayo Adebayo, the controversial Nigerian evangelist nicknamed Mummy GO, has claimed that many viral videos of her scaring a church audience with preachings about hell are doctored.
This online platform reports that Mummy GO became a viral sensation on social media over sermons propagating unorthodox moral standards.
The clergy, in an interview with BBC Pidgin, addressed the mixed reactions that have trailed her teachings. She said even Lucifer won’t make some of the comments that have been attributed to her on social media. “I’ve seen those videos but I didn’t feel bad because none of those posting these things are my enemies. 90 percent of them are just catching fun on social media and jumping on trends. They don’t know me,” Mummy GO said.
“Many don’t know the scandalous reasons why it started. In Nigeria, stress is too much for the youth. People need what will make them laugh. Some didn’t even know I exist. I didn’t say those things. Most of the videos are edited.
“Even Lucifer won’t say those things if he were to become pastor not to talk of a preacher. Those doing it started eight years ago. They first used magazines but started sending armed people to pursue me when it didn’t work.
“My preachings are in the bible. I’ve been receiving some strange calls, ‘evangelist Funmi, you’re affecting us. Many of our members here are pulling out of our church. If you don’t stop, we’ll kill you.’ I thought it was just a threat.
“People started pursuing us with guns. They have been threatening my life but I didn’t change. So they went to use social media. If they say my preaching is hard, if the word of God is hard, let the few that believe follow me.”
Cameroon came from behind to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in an incident-packed opener at the Africa Cup of Nations.
An acrobatic volley from Gustavo Sangare put the Burkinabe ahead midway through the first half in Yaounde.
But two unerring penalties from captain Vincent Aboubakar turned the game around for the hosts before half-time.
Indomitable Lions keeper Andre Onana made two crucial second-half saves as Toni Conceicao’s side opened their Group A campaign with a victory.
Sunday’s second Group A game sees Ethiopia face Cape Verde at 19:00 GMT.
The Nations Cup has been delayed a year by the coronavirus pandemic, but the first game in the Olembe Stadium, which followed a colorful opening ceremony, served up an absorbing contest.
Burkina Faso defender Steeve Yago was lucky to only see yellow for a first-minute sliding tackle on Collins Fai, which was the first of several rash challenges which ultimately cost the Stallions.
Burkina Faso took the lead following their first sustained period of pressure after Bertrand Traore saw his header from a corner cleared off the line by Nouhou Tolo and Sangare clipped the crossbar with a cross.
Aston Villa forward Traore picked up the loose ball on the right-wing and crossed to the back post for Sangare, who showed the brilliant technique to send a first-time volley inside the left-hand upright.
Cameroon was undaunted but was handed the chance of an equaliser five minutes before the break when Traore clumsily brought down Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The penalty was awarded following a video assistant referee review, and Aboubakar sent goalkeeper Herve Koffi the wrong way from the spot and stroked the ball into the right-hand side of the net.
The hosts then got a second penalty in first-half injury time when Issoufou Dayo slid in on Tolo after the Cameroon defender had played the ball.
Aboubakar, who scored the winner when Cameroon last lifted the Nations Cup in 2017, made no mistake the second time around as he went the other way with his penalty.
After the restart, Onana kept out an ambitious long-range free-kick from Traore and then denied Cyrille Bayala from close range.
Aboubakar was denied a hat-trick by a tight VAR offside call, while Zambo Anguissa fired narrowly wide as the Indomitable Lions looked to put the game to bed.
The hosts, who are looking to lift the continental trophy for the sixth time, are back in action on Thursday, against Ethiopia.
Coronavirus hits preparations
The mid-season timing of the tournament has received criticism from European clubs, while the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is having an impact on fans and players.
Attendances are capped at 80% of capacity for Cameroon’s matches and 60% for all other games, while supporters must be double-vaccinated and have a negative test.
Those restrictions did not seem to impact a lively crowd in the Olembe Stadium, but the Burkinabe were without coach Kamou Malo and six players because of positive tests – and a host of players will be missing from Monday’s matches.
Senegal, runners-up to Algeria in Egypt in 2019, are set to have just 17 players available for their Group B opener against Zimbabwe because of Covid-19 cases and injuries in their squad.
Guinea and opponents Malawi have also been hit by outbreaks while Morocco pair Aymen Barkok and Auyoub El Kaabi are out of their Group C opener against Ghana.
Gabon captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang will not face debutants Comoros after testing positive on arrival in Cameroon on Thursday.
*Courtesy: BBC
After the loss of its commanders and fighters in recent aerial bombardments by the Nigerian Military’s Super Tucano aircraft, the ISWAP leadership has reshuffled its cabinet.
It was gathered that a two-day meeting which was held at the instance of the ISWAP Leader, Sani Shuwaram, had in attendance members of the Shura Council and terrorist commanders from the Marte axis, including Garal, Kayowa, Tumbum Murhu, Kurnawa, Chikun Gudu, Tumbumma, Kwalaram, Kirta, Wulgo and Jubularam among other notorious insurgent camps.
Some of the newly appointed commanders included Abubakar Dan-Buduma to oversee Bakkassi Buningil and Doron Buhari; Muhammed Ba’ana for Kirta; Mohamet Aliamir for Kwalaram; Bakura Gana for Jubularam; Malam Musa for Jubularam; and Mohamadu Mustapha for Marte.
According to sources, the meeting dwelled on the loss of commanders and fighters from the airstrikes of the Super Tucano aircraft deployed by the Nigerian military that targeted terrorist infrastructure, armories, camps, and high valued locations in Marte and Abadam in Borno and other locations in the Lake Chad axis.
The Lagos Commissioner of Police, AIG Hakeem Olusegun Odumosu has urged family, friends, and other aggrieved members of the public to seek redress in court in the case involving the late Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni.
This is because unlawful acts aimed at disrupting peace and order in Lagos state will no longer be tolerated forthwith.
Odumosu made this assertion at a press conference held at the force headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos.
He added that the second autopsy conducted on the 12-year old reported that there was no evidence of blunt force or chemical intoxication, NAOSNP gathered.
Sharing the autopsy report, AIG Odumosu said: ‘For purpose of clarification, it is pertinent to convey to members of the public in simple terms, the commentary/submission of Dr. SS Soyemi, the consultant pathologist who led a team of pathologists to carry out the autopsy. He declared and I quote: Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a 12-year old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, reportedly died on November 30, 2021, at a private hospital in Warri, Delta State.’
‘It was alleged that the deceased was physically assaulted and poisoned in the school prior to death. The first autopsy was done in Warri on December 2, 2021.’
‘Following an order for a second autopsy, the body of the deceased was brought to Lagos for a second autopsy. Our findings at the second autopsy include marked pallor of organs, pneumonia (infection of the lungs), infections of the liver and kidneys as well as the heart. These infections emanated from the ankle infection described earlier in the report. Microscopic sections also confirmed these findings.
Death was caused by Septicaemia following infections of the lungs and kidneys arising from the ankle wound.
No evidence of blunt force trauma in this body. The findings in the esophagus and stomach are not compatible with chemical intoxication. Death, in this case, is natural’, AIG Odumosu quoted the autopsy report conducted in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on 14th December 2021.
The autopsy carried out by Dr. S.S Soyemi, the Consultant Pathologist and Chief Examiner, Department of Pathology and Forensic Sciences, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos was done in the presence of representatives of all the parties involved in the case. The witnesses are Dr. Uwon Eze, a consultant Pathologist from UCH who represented Timile’s family;Dr. Badmus Kabiru, Consultant Pathologist from LUTH represented Dowen College;Dr. Nwigwe Chikodili Isabella, Consultant Pathologist from Military Hospital Yaba represented Edward Brown, a student of Dowen College; and Dr. Clement Vhriterhire, Consultant Pathologist who performed the first autopsy represented the family of the deceased. Others are Dr. Musa Stephen Itopa, Consultant Pathologist from UPTH represented Michael Kasamu, student of Dowen College; Dr. F.E. Emiogun, Consultant Pathologist in LASUTH; Dr. O.O. Kila Uvie-Emegbo, Consultant Pathologist in LASUTH;Dr. O.O. Onayemi, senior Registrar in LASUTH; Dr. M. Salisu, senior Registrar on autopsy posting in LASUTH; Dr. A.C. Chima, Registrar from ABU on autopsy posting in LASUTH; and Dr. F. Emetomah, Registrar.
The Police were represented by CSP Rasak Oseni, Homicide Section, represented the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command; DSP Olusegun Bamidele, Homicide Section, also represented the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command; and Sgt. Shola Adeniyi, Homicide Section, represented the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, Trek Africa Newspaper reports.
AIG Hakeem Odumosu continued: ‘The result of the second autopsy carried out in Lagos was released on 21st December 2021. The result attributed the cause of death to ‘Septicaemia, lobar pneumonia with acute pyelonephritis and pyomyositis of the right ankle’. On 30th December 2021, the toxicology screening results of the first autopsy carried out in Warri were released.
The result was issued and signed by Dr. Clement Vhriterhire, the same doctor who carried out the initial autopsy attributed the cause of death to ‘acute bacterial pneumonia due to severe sepsis’. At the end of diligent investigation carried out so far, there is no evidence to establish a case of torture, bullying, and forceful application of poisonous substance against the suspects.’
‘All the suspects denied the allegations of torture, bullying, and administering of poisonous substance to the deceased. The allegation that the deceased was being forced to join a cult group was also not established as other students interviewed denied this. Final results of the post mortem and toxicology examination conducted both at Warri and Lagos agreed that the deceased died a natural death.’
On the legal angle, CP Hakeem Odumosu shared: ‘Despite this and following legal procedure, the case file was duplicated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. Legal advice, however, indicated that ‘there is no prima facie case of murder, involuntary manslaughter and or malicious administering of poison with intent to harm’ against the students and the House Masters, hence they cannot be prosecuted. Hence they were all released on bail. The final result of the autopsy and DPP advice were officially released by the State government earlier in the week.’
The eight suspects including three House Masters of the College and five students who were said to have been mentioned by the deceased before his death have been released on bail. They were granted bail after the expiration of the 21 days remand order. The students are Ansel Temile ‘m’ aged 14; Michael Kashamu ‘m’ aged 15; Kenneth Inyang ‘m’ aged 15; Favour Benjamin ‘m’ aged 16; and Edward Begue ‘m’ aged 16. The Housemasters are Valentine Igbokwe ‘m’ aged 45; Ahmed Bariyu ‘m’ aged 52; and Adesanya Olusegun ‘m aged 42.
Issuing stern orders to anybody who may want to disrupt the peace of the state, CP Hakeem Odumosu said: ‘In spite of the transparent investigation carried out by the police and the non-establishment of prima facie case against the suspects, some members of the Ijaw Youths Council, Lagos led by one Comrade Henry Oyobolo protested in front of Bowen College for over two hours yesterday 6th January 2022. The protesters including masquerades carried placards and were drumming, thereby causing panic and apprehension. The protesters who conducted themselves in a manner capable of causing a breach of peace also caused a temporary traffic jam. But for the professional way the police managed the protest, it would have led to violence.’
‘Much as we commiserate with the bereaved family on the death of their lovely and promising child, it is advised that the protesters and other individuals or groups who are still aggrieved should go to the law court to seek redress instead of taking the law into their own hands. Thus members of the public who may have any misgivings about the outcome of the police investigation, medical inquiry, and legal advice with this case are advised to follow due process in law rather than resorting to self-help.’
‘The police will not fold their arms and allow any act or omission that could threaten the peace being enjoyed in the state’, he warned.
Sidney Poitier, the first black man to win the best actor Oscar, has died at 94.
The Hollywood star’s death was confirmed to the BBC by the office of Fred Mitchell, the Bahamas’ minister of foreign affairs. Poitier was a trailblazing actor and a respected humanitarian and diplomat. He won the Academy Award for best actor for Lilies of the Field in 1963.
Former US President Barack Obama said Poitier “epitomised dignity and grace” and had “singular talent“.
He added that the actor revealed, “the power of movies to bring us closer together” and “opened doors for a generation of actors”. US broadcaster and journalist Oprah Winfrey also paid tribute, saying: “For me, the greatest of the ‘Great Trees’ has fallen,” adding the actor “had an enormous soul I will forever cherish”.
In 1967, Poitier became the top box office draw with three popular movies out the same year: To Sir With Love, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner, and In The Heat of the Night, in which he played big city detective Virgil Tibbs. In one iconic scene, Tibbs questions a murder suspect, a wealthy plantation owner, who slaps him — and the detective immediately slaps back. The white man is taken by surprise, and so were many moviegoing audiences.
Film critic Elvis Mitchell says there was a time when Black audiences were just happy to see someone on screen who wasn’t, for example, carrying a tray. But eventually, dissatisfaction with the civil rights movement and Poitier’s mostly non-threatening roles made him an easy target.
“He suddenly went from being the lone representation of his race to being unfairly castigated as the man who apologized for being Black. And he was just working, he wasn’t in control of the movie business, he didn’t choose to make the movies — he chose to be in them because he just wanted to work.”
Against the hot wind of criticism, Poitier set a new course, claiming new territory for Black performers: He starred in, and directed comedies with large Black casts — the best known are Uptown Saturday Night and Let’s Do It Again. There was a romance, For the Love of Ivy, in which he played opposite the late singer and actress Abbey Lincoln. His debut as a director was Buck and the Preacher, a Western with comic touches, about freed slaves homesteading out West.
As he moved further away from acting, he directed Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor in Stir Crazy in 1980 his biggest commercial hit as a director. In 2002, nearly 75 years old, Sidney Poitier received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement.
“I accept this award in memory,” he said on stage, “of all the African American actors and actresses who went before me in the difficult years, on whose shoulders I was privileged to stand to see where I might go.”
There was a standing ovation for Sidney Poitier. Halle Berry and Denzel Washington won Best Actress and Best Actor that night, marking a new first at the Oscars. In 2009, President Barack Obama awarded Sidney Poitier the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States.
