UK To Repatriate 267 Nigerian Prisoners

Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori and about 267 Nigerians serving in various prisons across the United Kingdom may be deported to Nigeria to complete their sentences under the UK's new prisoner transfer agreement, which is currently being discussed. According to UK's Prisons Minister, Jeremy Wright, this number is about half of the 534 Nigerians currently in UK jails, making Nigeria to rank among the top ten countries whose nationals are serving in British jails. He said, "I am clear that more foreign prisoners must serve their sentences in their own countries. That is why we are currently working with the Nigerian Government on a compulsory prisoner transfer agreement to increase the number of prisoners who are transferred. "Legislation allowing Nigeria to enter such an arrangement was passed earlier this year by the Nigerian Parliament. We are now working with them on the text of a final agreement. "A major stumbling block to deportation of foreign nationals in the past has been the condition of prisons in their own countries, but the UK has promised £1million (N250 million) to Nigeria to help improve its jails. There are currently 10,786 foreign prisoners in British jails, down just three per cent from the 11,135 incarcerated when David Cameron came to power more than three years ago. Cameron had in 2010 vowed to personally intervene to send more foreign criminals home. In April 2013, he reaffirmed his commitment, and said, "When people are sent to prison in the UK we should do everything we can to make sure that if they're foreign nationals, they are sent back to their country to serve their sentence in a foreign prison. "And I'm taking action in Government to say look we have strong relationships with all of the countries where these people come from. "Many are coming from Jamaica, many from Nigeria, many from other countries in Asia. We should be using all of the influence we have to sign prisoner transfer agreements with those countries. Even if necessary frankly helping them to build prisons in their own country so we can send the prisoners home. "Polish nationals make up the highest foreign contingent in jails in England and Wales, with 829 currently behind bars. Irish criminals are second with 769, and Jamaica is third with 759. Romanians, Nigerians, Pakistanis, Indians, Lithuanians, Somalians and Vietnamese make up the rest of the top ten.Source: http://allafrica.com

Lagos To Turn Vast Garbage Into Scarce Power

One thing Nigeria’s megacity of Lagos, one of the world’s largest, generates in abundance is trash. Now it plans to turn that rubbish into electricity which the city desperately lacks. The equation is simple. In one day Africa’s sprawling metropolis of up to 21 million people, according to official estimates, produces more than 10,000 metric tons (11,023 tons) of waste. In the same day it will get barely a few hours of power, forcing many inhabitants to rely on diesel generators. Yet the methane from all that rotting waste is latent power. “Energy is in demand, waste is a headache. If Lagos is able to convert its headache to feed that demand, then it’s becoming a smart city,” Ola Oresanya, managing director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) told Reuters at the notoriously pungent Olusosun dump site. Oresanya aims to complete the project in around five years, by which time it will have a 25 megawatt (mw) capacity, he said. That is only 1 percent of the 2,000 – 3,000 mw that he estimates Lagosians demand, but it is a start. Despite being Africa’s top oil and gas producer, Nigeria’s power output is a tenth of South Africa’s for a population triple the size, a major brake on economic growth. A pilot project to get power using methane extracted from rotting fruit has helped clean up a local plantain market and enables traders to switch off their generators when it is on, manager Tolu Adeyo said, demonstrating its power by lighting up the gas coming out of a hose connected to the project tank.
GARBAGE CAPITAL
The scheme, modeled on similar ones in Norway, and Sweden, is part of broader efforts to clean up a city that had become known as the ‘garbage capital of the world. ’Governor Babatunde Fashola has won plaudits for sprucing up bits of Lagos that used to look like the set for a post-apocalyptic movie, clearing out rusting scrap metal and planting trees and hedges in its place, Reuters reports. The Olusosun dump site, spread over 100 acres, rising up to 25 meters high, and, in some places, extending 35 meters under the ground, has created its own geography of jagged hills and gorges formed of plastic bags, old clothes and boxes. Hundreds of scavengers sift through the site in search of recyclables – old tires, plastics, electronic goods. On one mound, an old woman shaded from the sun by a parasol issued instructions to a group of four workers collecting stuff for her. White herons feasted on unwanted food waste. “There was a time when Lagos was sinking under its waste. We moved the waste, but it is still just being buried. Now waste is an asset,” Oresanya said, before narrowly avoiding plunging his immaculately polished brown shoes into a puddle of filth. He declined to put a price tag on it, but said the project is solely funded by the Lagos state government. There are other benefits too: methane is a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than the carbon dioxide emitted by burning it. The site is going to be buried in dirt and a green park with grass and trees built over it, Oresanya said. Pipes in the ground will harness the methane bubbling underneath for the power plant. “By the time we’re done, you won’t see a single scavenger, because there won’t be anything to scavenge,” he said, walking along a graded road covering a 25 meter depth of trash.

Task Force Secures Conviction Of 100 Drug Peddlers

The Kano State Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs has secured the conviction of over 100 persons it prosecuted for selling and circulating fake and adulterated drugs in the state this year. The Chairman of the Task Force, Alhaji Ghali Sule, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kano. Sule said the peddlers were convicted by magistrate courts in the state, adding that most of them were still serving their various prison terms. He said the committee had also confiscated and destroyed fake and adulterated drugs worth over N3 billion since it was established in 2012. Sule said the task force was able to raid about 10 ware houses used to store fake and adulterated drugs in the state.``Before now, Kano state was a dumping ground for fake and adulterated drugs but with the establishment of the task force, it has curtailed the ugly trend to the barest minimum,’’ he said. The chairman disclosed that the latest raid on Wednesday on three ware houses at Kofar Ruwa in the metropolis, had led to the recovery of four vehicles including two trailers loaded with tramol, valium, codeine syrup, and other prohibited drugs.``Even recently we closed down three illegal drugs manufacturing outlets at Dakata in Nasarawa Local Government, and in Jaba and Sabon Gari areas of Fagge Local Government Area,’’ he said. (NAN).

Landlord’s Daughter Abducted, Impregnated By Tenant

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 37-year-old man, Ajibola Idowu, for allegedly kidnapping the daughter of his landlord for three years. The suspect was also said to have forcefully impregnated the victim, Modupe Brown, during captivity. The police told news men that after Brown had given birth to the child, Ajibola refused to allow the child access to immunisation. As a result, the child was said to have contracted polio disease and subsequently became crippled. Lagos Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Damasus Ozoani, told news men that Ajibola, was arrested along with his mother, Ebun, who allegedly conspired with him to commit the act. He said, “Brown, a 400 level student of Business Administration at the Lagos State University, was kidnapped by Ajibola who kept her in captivity with his family for “three years between 2010 and 2013. “On September 19, 2013, policemen from Area E Command, went to the Sagamu area of Ogun State to rescue the victim and also arrested the mother of the abductor, who watched over the victim. Ajibola was later arrested in the Idumota area of Lagos Island.“During the three years, Ajibola kept Brown in three locations -Oshogbo, Osun State, where she spent six months; Bariga, Lagos, where she spent six months; and Sagamu, Ogun State, where she spent about two years. “Ajibola forcefully impregnated Brown while in captivity. She delivered a baby girl, who later became deformed as a result of Ajibola’s refusal to have the baby immunised against the Polio virus.” While speaking with our correspondent, Brown described her ordeal in the hands of her abductor as a journey through the valley of the shadow of death. She said she was abducted at her father’s house in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos State. She said, “I can’t even remember how he kidnapped me. All I know is that he held me captive for three years. It’s as if I was under a spell. Even when I was going to give birth, he did not allow me to go to a hospital. The baby was delivered at home and he was the one giving me medication.“Even one day, when state officials came to the area to immunise children, he said he would not allow the child to be immunised, saying the drugs had been poisoned. Once, when I tried to leave, he threatened to kill me. ”news learnt that during her time in captivity, the victim’s parents, who are retired civil servants, searched hospitals, mortuaries, police stations and churches for her all to no avail. The victim’s father, Idowu Brown, said he had no clue that Ajibola was the abductor. He said, “I never knew it was Ajibola that kidnapped my daughter. He was my tenant for six years and greeted me every day. We even used to share jokes. He was aware that I had been looking “for my daughter for three years but he never said anything. “When we could not find her, I reported the matter at FESTAC Police Division. It was in September this year that we heard from our daughter for the first time. She told us that she was in Sagamu and my wife went there. “There we met Ajibola’s mother. That was how we found out that he (tenant) was the one behind the whole thing.”The suspects however denied abducting the landlord’s daughter. Ajibola’s mother claimed her son and Brown were lovers, who decided to elope, maintaining that the case was not an abduction. She said, “They were lovers. I never got involved in their matter until the child was born. I went to stay with them for about seven months to take care of the child, who was very ill. A few months after I left, they moved in with me at my three-bedroom house at Sagamu because they had been evicted. “Ajibola was not staying with us because his business was in Lagos but I was with Brown “most of the time. Many times, I would ask her about her parents and when I could meet them but she kept on giving silly excuses until the day her mother came to my house with policemen. ”Ajibola, who is into satellite dish installation, said the plan to elope was hatched by Brown who paid N200, 000 into his bank account. The money was said to have been meant for her school project.He said he could not understand why she would make such allegations against him.“I did not kidnap her; we were lovers and decided to elope. Even when she was at my house, she used to make calls to her relatives telling them that she was alright,” he said.

Fishermen Decry Decline In Fish Production

Fishermen in Taraba on Thursday decried the rapid decline in fish production and expressed worry that this might cause economic problems if not checked. Some fishermen, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Donga Local Government Area, called for urgent actions to address the situation. One of the fishermen, Mr Awual Sani, said that fish production was always on higher side during September and October every year, adding that ``this year is a different and sad experience’’. Sani decried the impact of the situation on the economy of the fishermen, adding that many fish farmers were already finding it difficult to pay the school fees of their children.``The least I make in a day is N3,000, but now, it is hard to make N500,’’ Sani said. Another fisherman, Mr Rapheal Anter, said:


`I have been in the fish business for long, but the current situation of lack of fish in the water is strange”. Anter noted that the situation posed a dangerous threat to his economic situation as fishing was his only source of livelihood. A fish seller, Mrs Hanatu Danladi, equally decried the gross shortage of fish in the market. Danladi said that she use to buy directly from fish farmers all year round and that this year had witnessed gross decline in production.``I used to buy fish worth more than N50,000 directly from fishermen and sell to retail traders. Now it is difficult to get N10,000 worth of fish at a go.``In fact, it is worrisome because some of us depend on the business as our only means of survival,” Danladi said.An agricultural climatologist, Mr.

Timothy Samuel, attributed the problem to climate change, noting that the seasons had been altered by the advent of global warming. Samuel, who is also an agricultural consultant, told NAN that the 2012 flood disasters in parts of the country were due to the effect of climate change. He advised farmers to be conscious of the change in climate, which he said, had affected global food production. He advised the government to sensitise fish farmers on the need to adapt to the current environmental problems. (NAN)

Association Trains 1,500 Almajiris As Auto Mechanics

The Chairman, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Salihu, on Thursday said the association had trained 1,500 almajiris as auto mechanics this year. Salihu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that 30,000 members of the association from 23 local government councils in the state were also trained to use improved automobile technologies (Mechatronics). He said the use of improved technologies such as computers in detecting faults in vehicles; and replacing or repairing spare parts in Automobile industry, was a good development. ``We are updating ourselves at every opportunity.``Our members have been carefully selected and trained by some automobile companies such as Peugeot, Toyota, Kia and Honda in mechatronics, also known as the use of computers in repairing vehicles.``The training is not limited to specific vehicles but comprise all sophisticated vehicles,’’ the chairman said. Mechatronics is a combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control engineering and computer engineering.Salihu expressed regret about government’s inaction on issues affecting the automobile industry in the state.``We contribute largely to the economy of the state yet we are the least to be reckoned with.``Government’s assistance is at zero level. We only see them when seeking for political post or in times of revenue collection,’’ he said. Salihu said that the national body of the association had requested that the state government should allocate a permanent site to serve as the `Mechanic Village’ for its members but was yet to be issued.``Other states have their mechanic workshops but in Kaduna State, our members are still moving from individual plots to another, ‘’ the chairman added. He, therefore, urged the state government to relocate members of the association to a permanent site.``We urge the Kaduna State Government to support the association as we generate millions of Naira for the government,’’ he said.Salihu said that the association had 215, 000 registered members in the state. (NAN)

Corps Members Pay Fine To Secure 3 Prisoner's Freedom

Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Taraba on Tuesday paid off the prescribed fines to secure freedom for three inmates of the Jalingo Prisons. The move was part of a scheme undertaken by the Legal Aid Community Development Service of the NYSC in the stateThe freed prisoners are Kabiru Audu, Moses Shonpo and Bitrus Abaku, who were convicted for smoking marijuana and stealing, among other offences. The President of Legal Aid CDS Group, Malam Muktar Aliyu who showed the receipts for the fine payments to newsmen, said the effort was to help in decongesting the prisons. He said the Jalingo Prisons was already overcrowded with inmates.``The group is out to provide free legal services and support to the less privileged in the society,’’ Aliyu said.He, however, said he was worried that the Jalingo Prisons, which had the capacity to contain 250 inmates, was over-stretched with over 500 inmates.``Government must do everything possible to improve the well-being of the prisoners,’’ Aliyu said.Bala Kitsam, an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons who represented the Deputy Comptroller of Jalingo Prisons, commended the corps members for the initiative.``The released inmates must be of good conduct now that they are free,’’ he said.(NAN)

FG To Establish Commission For Persons With Disabilities

United Nations – The Federal Government says it will soon establish a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to serve as the platform for the enforcement of all provisions of the Disability Act.
Dr Habiba Lawal, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, made the disclosure while addressing participants at a UN High-level meeting on persons with disabilities at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday. “In order to strengthen our commitment to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its optional protocol, both of which we have ratified, the National Assembly is working assiduously to ensure the passage of the Nigerian Disability Bill into law. “When passed into law, it will provide for the education, health care and the protection of the social, economic, political and civil rights of persons with disabilities.
“In addition, the Act will provide for the establishment of a National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), which will serve as the platform for the enforcement of all provisions of the Disability Act,’’ Lawal said.She noted that to ensure effective service delivery to persons with disabilities, a baseline survey on PWDs was carried out in 2009 and 2010. According to her, disability data obtained from the surveys have aided the government in the formulation of appropriate intervention measures and strategies for mainstreaming of persons with disabilities toward participation in the socioeconomic and political development of the nation. She disclosed that the ministry was collaborating with local and international organisations, including Disabled People Organisations (DPOs) at federal, state and local government levels to formulate policies and implement initiatives that would incorporate PWDs in the country’s development agenda. “We are also establishing structures to mainstream disability perspectives across all the ministries, departments and agencies at the federal level. “ My country in 2012 endorsed and sponsored the election of Ms Ekaete Judith Umoh as Vice President (African Region), Rehabilitation International, during the 22nd World Congress of the organisation to be held in Incheon, South Korea this October as a mark of her commitment in issues of disabilities,’’ Lawal remarked.She added that Nigeria was currently undertaking a National Survey of Social Welfare Correctional Institutions.Lawal said that the outcome would be utilised for the improvement of the nation’s juvenile criminal justice administration for proper guidance and correctional measures to reintegrate discharged juvenile ex-offenders into their families.“Worthy of note is systems and institutional strengthening of the Social Development Workforce in Nigeria. My Government is working in collaboration with UNICEF/USAID in this respect.“ A survey has been undertaken to identify the Social Development Workforce in Nigeria to enable capacity building that would ensure quality social welfare delivery services,’’ she said.The permanent secretary said that the country remained committed to observing May 15 every year as the International Day of Families in line with the proclamation in General Assembly Resolution 47/237.“We have used the occasion to promote understanding of family issues among citizens and facilitating the mainstreaming of such issues in national development. Nigeria is earnestly looking forward to celebrating the 20th Anniversary of this day in 2014 in consonance with the UN position on this matter,’’ she added. (NAN)

Christians Protest Merger Of Schools

Christians in Osun State, especially members of the Osun Baptists Conference, on Monday protested against the attempted merger of Muslim students wearing hijab with the Baptists High School, Iwo, under the new education policy introduced by Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Aregbesola last week inaugurated a new education policy in Osun, which the governor said had necessitated re-classification and merger of public schools in the state to reflect the new education system. The governor, who expressed worry about the protest, however, urged the people to cooperate with the school restructuring, saying the policy was introduced as part of transformation of the education sector by his government. Aggrieved Christians armed with Holy Bible and Hymn books trooped to the Baptists High School as early as 7:30am and dislodged the students and prevented teachers from entering the school premises. They said that the merger of the schools, if allowed to succeed, would obliterate the Baptist heritage and that they would not allow hijab-wearing students in a school founded by Christian missionaries. The Christian protesters defied the presence of armed security operatives and insisted that they would not allow the merger to work. Presiding minister for the 35 Baptist churches in Iwo land, Rev. Bayo Ademuyiwa, said the church had nothing against the government’s attempt to equip schools in the state but he said that the church would not allow any attempt to erase its identity and heritage. He said, “Our forefathers and missionaries sacrificed their lives, resources and everything to establish schools, reputable schools with morals and values and that is why the Baptists in Iwo land are here to protect our schools. “Without any doubt, the Baptists in the state are known for excellence, decorum and dignity. These virtues are highly cherished by the Nigerian Baptist Convention and this is the reason why the Baptists are making these two submissions which are, “Baptists in Iwo land say no to merger of schools and Baptists in Iwo land say no to the use of hijab in Baptists schools.“While we welcome genuine efforts to provide modern infrastructures and equipments in schools in Osun State, the Baptists see merger of schools as a step in the wrong direction as it will rob us of our identity and bring more pains to parents and students.”Chairman, Osun State Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, also said that CAN would not allow any programme to erase the legacy of the Church.Ogundiya said, “We have maintained this stand from inception and we will continue to defend lawfully what belong to us as Christians in the state.” “As a major stakeholder in the state, the leadership of CAN expects the state government to invite us to discuss this issue without delay. We wish to explain it clearly that at no time did the new leadership of CAN in Osun held any meeting with the state government on the issue of merger of schools.”But the governor, in a statement by his media aide, Semiu Okanlawon, allayed the fears , promising that the interest of all groups, organisations, religious and social bodies would be protected  in the ongoing re-classification and reform.He urged the people of the state to discountenance and dismiss “any untrue and baseless insinuation” critics of the government might be spreading across the state.

Ram Sellers Decry Low Patronage In Jigawa State

Some of the ram sellers, who spoke in Dutse on Monday, described the situation as disturbing.Malam Haruna Ibrahim, a ram seller, said that customers only asked for the prices of the animals without buying them. Another seller, Alhaji Ishaqu Adamu, expressed the fear that he would incur loss if the situation did not change. Some window shoppers attributed the situation to lack of money. Malam Sani Shehu, a civil servant, said he had sampled the prices of the animals but had no cash to buy any for the sacrifice. Shehu said he was waiting for October salary before he could buy. Abdulmumuni Nda, another shopper, appealed to the government to pay salaries to enable Muslims to buy the sacrificial rams. NAN reports that a big size ram goes for N100,000, average size, N60,000 and a small ram N35,000.The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, on Sunday declared Tuesday, Oct. 15, as El-el-Kabir day. (NAN)

Female Estate Agent Dupes 200 People

The police at Ojo Division have arrested a 34-year old woman estate developer, Mrs Taibat Aruna, for allegedly defrauding over 200 prospective tenants.The victims allegedly paid millions of naira to the woman for 11 self-contained apartments in two bungalows in Ojo area of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria. The victims this morning stormed Ojo Police Station, in protest and pleaded with the police to recover their money from her. Taibat allegedly collected the money from the victims and used it to build the bungalows at Alimi Street, Ira and Esa Square, both in Ojo Local Government.NEWS gathered that after completing the houses, she rented the apartments to only 11 apartments to tenants and bolted with the other victims’ money.

Trouble started when the victims went to the houses to take possession and discovered that they were more than 200 that paid for the 11 apartments and only a few other tenants had already occupied the apartments. Taibat admitted that she collected the money and promised to pay the victims back instalmentally if the police give her time. She said she engaged the services of other estate agents who helped her to collect the money from so many prospective tenants. Some of the victims who spoke about their frustrations said they want their money back and the woman should be punished to serve as deterrence to other fraudulent agents.One of the victims, Ugochukwu Ekeocha, said he paid N400,000 for the self-contained apartment.

Another victim, Oluwaseun Olayinka, said she was duped N355,000. She said she did not suspect any foul play after she spoke with Taibat and because she was a woman, she trusted her.

Muritala Mohammed, another conned victim, said he was still shocked because the woman gave him false hope that she would give him accommodation and he paid her N200,000 only to end up being duped.Other victims such as Amaka Obododike and Emmanuel Okoli paid N120,000 and N150,000 respectively, to Taibat with a promise to pay the balance after completion of the bungalows.While filing this report, more victims were still trooping to the station to report that they were also duped.The woman was detained in the police cell to prevent the agry victims from lynching her. Police sources said she will soon be charged to court.Taibat, who is from Osun State, while her husband is from Ogun State, said she has four children and since the problem started, her sister has taken custody of the children.

Source: http://pmnewsnigeria.com

Rapists Invade Anambra Community

Women Protest over Rape Crime

The Police in Obosi,Anambra State during the week, arrested two persons in connection with last Saturday’s raping of a teenage girl (names witheld) to death at Odume Layout, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. The two suspects whose names are being withheld by the police are currently helping detectives to round up all the culprits, for appropriate action. Sources hinted that the incident was the fourth of its kind at Odume Layout, Obosi within three months which has so far claimed two lives, hence some rapists now use the area as their safe haven for their nefarious activities. Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer at Obosi, J. O. Dimale (CSP) told Crime Guard investigations into the ugly incident were in progress.He,however, declined further comments on the matter. The incident, according to the source, occurred at about 9 p.m. on Saturday night when the deceased’s father who was simply identified as Mr. Mbaka returned from work he sent his daughter, to go out and buy garri for their dinner. It was gathered that the Mbaka family who hails from Ogboji Ezzagu in Ishielu Local Government area of Ebonyi State but residing at MINAJ village, Odume Layout, Obosi were later thrown into mourning when the deceased did not come back home as expected and they later discovered that she had been raped to death by unknown persons suspected to be artisans resident in the neighbourhood. It was learnt that one of their male family friends, aged 20 years (names also withheld) who is among the two suspects presently helping the police in their investigations, had allegedly visited the deceased before they went out together to escort her to buy garri. It was further gathered that as they went out to buy the garri within the neighbourhood, hoodlums allegedly dragged her to an uncompleted building where they violently raped her to death and disapered. Commenting on the incident amidst tears, the father of the deceased, Mbaka regretted that if he had known that sending his daughter out to buy food for his family could bring about people laying ambush for her, he should have preferred the entire family going to bed without dinner. Mbaka said he was suspecting that some artisans from Okposi community also in Ebonyi State who are residing very close to their own compound might have masterminded the barbaric act, following the alleged regular sexual advances they had made to his daughter in the past which she usually turned down.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com

If U’re Tired Of Working For Others, Try Grasscutter Farming

Nowadays a lot of Nigerians go to higher institutions for the sole aim of getting paper qualification that make them eligible “to get white-collar jobs” after graduation. This kind of dream is like one learning to become a well-paid slave forever. Even, the so-called jobs being prepared for are in short supply and many times not available. The government, which had traditionally provided jobs, can no longer cater for the increasing number of job seekers as it has even on occasions retrenched many without recourse to due process.A credible alternative is to start your own animal farming business and be your own boss.

Grasscutter rearing can make you to be gainfully employed. At Jovana Farms we specialize in breeding, training, setting-up grasscutter farms and sales. Grasscutter farming is a great money-spinning business that can provide job opportunities for the young and old; the educated or uneducated members of the society. If you want to be your own boss and you are ready to work hard and get rich, try grasscutter farming.

The business does not require millions of naira to execute. It can be started with just one family of grasscutters normally called a colony which is sold for N45,000 to N50,000. A colony comprises  one male and four females. They are reared in cages which can be constructed at a cost of N10,000 by any roadside carpenter. Therefore, with N60,000, you are already in good business. It is advisable to buy them when they are four months old, which is the breeding stock stage.  Grasscutter is odourless unlike fowls, rabbits, pig etc. You do not require an expanse of space to start. The cage can be placed anywhere in the compound or even in the kitchen. In terms of feeding, it is not like fish farming, pig farming or poultry farming, because grasscutters feed on grass.

In terms of yield, one female grasscutter can give birth to as many as six to ten babies at a go. I have even witnessed 10 at once in my farm. So, instead of remaining unemployed, even an undergraduate can take a soft loan from a bank, friend or family member and in a few months be able to pay back the loan and still remain in business. For instance, if you start rearing now, in about four months, they will start having babies because they mature for birth at eight months.

And if you do not have enough space for expansion, you can sell the babies to new farmers; at the end of the day the four females give you seven babies each, you have 28 litters. Invariably, you only have to be patient for about eight months, and if they carry their babies for about five months, you can start cross-breeding them for stronger breeds and in eight months, you start making profit. Grasscutter meat is also high in demand. It readily comes to mind when people think of ‘bush meat’. Though for now, the price maybe on the high side, the nutritional value is enormous. It is white meat and has low cholesterols and doctors highly recommend it for health conscious people.

The major challenge in grasscutter rearing is the technicalities involved. This is why we organize seminars and workshops all around the nation. We recommend that people come for proper training before going into the business. This is necessary because I have witnessed instances where people start without proper training, only to shut down when faced with minor technical challenges, but with proper training these challenges can be avoided. Some went into it as a hobby. With some training and adequate guidance, it can turn money spinner.

Today, people do not need to look far for quality grasscutter breeders. They are now readily available for supply now in my farm. In addition, we have also developed special breeds through research. We have also developed the criteria for identifying the right species, right wards, grouped them according to their species and compiled their data. All these we teach in our seminars and workshops.

Jovana farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming. Attend our nationwide seminars nearest to you and know more opportunities in grasscutter farming. Visitwww.jovanafarms.com or call 08033262808 for more details.

By Prince Arinze Onebunne

Hoodlums Fight Over Money Found On Crash Victims

Some hoodlums on Thursday were seen exchanging blows and throwing bottles at one another over the money they found on the dead victims of the Associated Airline plane crash. When our correspondent got to the scene of the incident, he observed that the hoodlums had turned the road leading to the crash site to a boxing ground. It was learnt that when the hoodlums were assisting in the evacuation of the victims, they allegedly searched the victims’ pockets for money and other valuable things. It was also learnt that they fight ensued due to alleged ‘insincerity’ in the sharing of the money they stole from the dead. One of the hoodlums, identified simply as Loko, was heard saying, “You won’t believe that after the whole rescue thing, we luckily found money and they don’t want to share it equally.”

Empowering Youths For Sexual And Reproductive Rights

Today, nearly half the world’s population is under the age of 25. These three billion people – the largest-ever generation of young people – are our future and our present. Each has an indispensable role to play in achieving international development goals, driving economic and social development, and shaping the course of history. Yet around the world, young people are all-too-often unable to make critical choices that impact their futures. We hear it straight from the young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, we work with every day – they are unable to access the information and services they need to protect their sexual and reproductive health and plan their lives. In the world’s poorest countries, contraception use is low, and one in three women has a child before the age of 18. In sub-Saharan Africa, 53 million women want, but do not have access to modern contraception – and the unmet need is greatest among women under the age of 20. For far too long, the issues of reproductive health and family planning for adolescents have been taboo, and in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the issues have been almost completely ignored. Consequently, pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications remain the leading killer of teenage girls in developing countries. And countless more girls who drop out of school due to early pregnancies do not learn the skills they need to gain paid employment and contribute productively to their families, communities and nations. These facts cannot be ignored, and what we urgently need now is more support from every sector of society. First, we need developing country governments and donors to prioritise and scale up youth sexual and reproductive health programmes. This includes comprehensive sexuality education that teaches young people about their rights and their options, as well as programmes to ensure that girls and young women have access to a range of contraceptive methods. We also need government to pass supportive policies that impact reproductive health like increasing the legal age of marriage in countries where child marriage is still prevalent. At the July 2012 London Summit on Family Planning, the Nigerian government pledged to reach a contraceptive prevalence rate of 36% by 2018, which will not only enhance maternal and child survival, but will also contribute to Nigeria’s goal to save one million lives by 2015. These efforts show the Nigerian government’s commitment to improving access to the family planning services that Nigerian girls and women want – and deserve. Second, we need to reduce the stigma associated with youth sexuality. Even when girls and young women are informed about family planning and services are available, many do not access the services due to fear of reproach or criticism. To lower cultural and social barriers to care, we must engage community leaders – including political and religious leaders in Nigeria– as champions for youth sexual and reproductive health and rights. We also need to train health care workers to provide services to young people confidentially and without judgment. Third, we need to encourage and empower young people to be their own advocates and agents for change. Young people in Nigeria and everywhere have the right to the knowledge, tools and services they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and live full, healthy and productive lives. In many communities around the world, young women and men are working tirelessly – both individually and collectively – to demand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. For too long, these young leaders have been on the sidelines of the global dialogue about health and development. We must bring them into the conversation. Recently, Women Deliver brought 100 Young Leaders to its third global conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the goal of building youth capacity to advocate for issues around maternal and reproductive health. At the conference, these 100 Young Leaders spoke passionately about the challenges youth face, and shared their strategies to fight for change. Giving youth a voice at international forums like these is an important first step forward. And, finally, we must involve boys and men in the process. That’s why the 100 Young Leaders programme includes almost 40 young men. And, that’s why we are excited about the amazing work that’s being done to increase male involvement in sexual and reproductive health and rights. For example, we’ve seen great success through programmes like the Learning Centers Initiative in Zambia and Uganda, run by the Sonke Gender Justice Network and supported by the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, RSFU. These centres encourage boys and men to be equal partners in their relationships, access sexual and reproductive health services themselves and promote their peers’ adoption of these behaviours. By enacting supportive policies, bringing new voices into the conversation, and implementing effective, age- and culturally-appropriate family planning programmes, we can make a real and lasting impact on the lives of young people everywhere and help ignite a virtuous cycle of development. As we celebrate World Contraception Day(September 26),  let’s all take up the charge – across generations – to make sure that young people have the information, services, and support they need to become agents of change for girls and women around the world. Jill Sheffield is the Founder & President of global advocacy organisation, Women Deliver. Remmy Shawa is the International Sida Project Coordinator for the Sonke Gender Justice Network, South Africa.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com

Associate Airline Crash: LASUTH Releases Names Of Victims [SEE LIST]

The management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has released the names of some survivors and dead persons of the Thursday’s Associate Airline crash.

1. Agagu Feyi – Survivor
2. Akintunde Taiwo – Survivor
3. Akintunde Akeem – Survivor
4. Akinsanya Femi – Survivor
5. Unknown male – Survivor
6. Chijioke Duru – Dead
7. Unknown male adult – Dead

The casket carrying the late governor’s remains was found intact in the debris of ill-fated plane. However, it failed to open after all efforts by the rescue teams. It has now been moved to the Air Force Base close to the airport.

Source: http://dailypost.com.ng

Association Plans Mass Weddings For 100 Widows In Zamfara

Alhaji Ibrahim Sani, Chairman Zamfara State Businessmen Association, says the association will sponsor the wedding of 100 widows to interested suitors in the state. Sani told the News Agency on Thursday that the gesture was part of its efforts to complement the state government in reducing the number of widows in the state. He said that the association decided to intervene considering the increasing number of widows in the state and the need to assist in addressing the problem. Sani said that all the arrangements toward the exercise had been concluded and a suitable date would soon be fixed. He said that the association had already contacted the state Ministry for Religious Affairs, Zakkat and Endowment Board as well as the Hisba Commission for their guidance and advice. He called on the state government to introduce a policy that would regulate the issue of marriage so as to minimise the incidence of broken homes in the state. Sani urged non-governmental organisations in the state to contribute to the programme as government alone could not cater for the needs of all citizens. He commended wealthy individuals in the state who already contributed to the programme. NAN reports that over 8,000 widows in the state had on Sept 26 appealed to the state government to assist look for suitors and to organise the Kano-style mass wedding for them. (NAN)

Resident Doctors To Begin Nationwide Strike

The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) has directed its members nationwide to proceed on an indefinite strike from Tuesday. NARD president, Dr Jibril Abdullahi, gave the directive when he addressed newsmen in Kano and expressed regrets over the untold hardship the decision might cause Nigerians. “But we call on all well-meaning citizens to prevail on the government of the federation to respond appropriately,” he said. Abdullahi said NARD was protesting what it described as the poor funding of the residency training of its members. He said NARD had demanded that the funding gap be improved through supplementary budgets, but that the Federal Government had not responded. He said, however, that the directive became necessary in view of Federal Government’s failure to meet the union’s demands as contained in its earlier ultimatum. He said the ultimatum expired at midnight of 30 September. “The decision to go on an indefinite strike was taken during an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association held at the National Hospital in Abuja,” Abdullahi said. He said the association was in addition giving the Enugu State Government a 21-day ultimatum from Monday 30 September, as required by law. The NARD president said the ultimatum was for it to commence the implementation of CONMESS for Resident Doctors at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). “Failure to do this shall result in the staged withdrawal of services, first in Enugu State, then the whole of South Eastern Nigeria and finally nationwide,” he said. Abdullahi said the NARD NEC meeting had also condemned, in strong terms, “the continuous victimisation of its members” at the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, by its Chief Medical Director. He said NARD was protesting what it described as the poor funding of the residency training of its members.

Source: http://pmnewsnigeria.com

8 Drown In Lagos Boat Accident

No fewer than eight persons were feared drowned, yesterday, after a commercial boat capsized around Apapa area of Lagos.The engine boat conveying passengers, majority of whom were traders, was reportedly coming from Sagbokoji Village, when tragedy struck.Lagos State Police Command said only two persons were suspected to have drowned in the boat mishap, while seven persons were rescued.

Information available to Vanguard revealed that the commercial boat, conveying about 19 passengers, left the village at 7.30a.m., heading towards Lagoon area of Apapa. Midway into the journey, the boat reportedly developed a fault, but the operators assured the passengers they would fix it.

Apprehension, however, set in when it became apparent that the boat operators could not rectify the problem. Some of the panic stricken passengers, who could swim, reportedly plunged into the river before the boat reportedly capsized at about 8a.m. Fishermen around the area reportedly rescued some of the passengers. Eyewitnesses said about nine persons were rescued and conveyed to their destinations. One of the rescued passengers included a young girl that was said to be carrying dried fish to an unknown destination for sale. Identities of some of those suspected to have drowned were given as Toume, Fajuwa and Tomiwa.When contacted, Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Damasus Ozoani, confirmed the incident, stating that information at his disposal had it that two persons were suspected drowned. He said rescue operation by operatives of the Marine Police was still on. As at 4.30pm, bodies of some of the victims were yet to be recovered.

 Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com

Adult Smoking Rates High In Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia etc

Nearly nine in 10 children in China can identify a cigarette logo, according to a US study out Monday that measured tobacco recognition among five- and six-year-olds in various countries.

The study in the journal Pediatrics covered six nations — China, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, as well as China — where adult smoking rates are the highest, according to the World Health Organization.

More than two thirds of the children studied (68 percent of the 2,423 participants) could identify at least one cigarette brand logo.

The findings raise concerns about whether low and middle income countries are complying with international bans on tobacco advertising to young children, the study authors said.

“What was amazing to me was how we saw kids who don’t live with smokers but were very aware of cigarette brands,” lead author Dina Borzekowski of the University of Maryland told AFP.

“What that says to me is they are getting their messages through the community, in their environments. They are seeing it at retail establishments, they are seeing posters. When they go off to buy a piece of candy at a local store, they are seeing these logos.”

For the study, researchers sat down with children and played a matching game, in which the youths were asked to pair a logo with a picture of a product, such as a car, beverage, food item or pack of cigarettes.

All the children were shown Marlboro and Camel logos, along with local brands that were distinct to their country.

“We would show them a logo and they would have to pick up a card with the product,” said Borzekowski.

The highest recognition rates were in China, where 86 percent of children could identify at least one cigarette brand logo.

“In China, on average, kids knew almost four out of eight of the brands,” Borzekowski said.

“These are little kids. The idea that they can recognize logos at this young an age is amazing.”

At the opposite end of the spectrum was Russia, where 50 percent of children studied knew at least one cigarette logo.

More than a quarter of all children studied could identify two to three cigarette brands, and 18 percent knew four or more.

Children were also asked if they intended to smoke when they grew up. The highest yes rate was in India, where 30 percent — both boys and girls — said they planned to be smokers as adults.

In China, Nigeria, Pakistan and Russia, boys were more likely than girls to say they would smoke as adults.

The study was done in selected urban rural areas in the host countries, and researchers said they endeavored to make sure the children were “typical” and not from wealthier communities where awareness of tobacco marketing might be higher.

However, they noted that because the studies were not nationwide, they “may not reflect the national populations in each country.”

The World Health Organization has a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is signed by 168 countries and calls for limits on advertising and marketing to children.

“The problem is in low and middle income countries, I don’t think there is good regulation,” said Borzekowski.

“So even though the laws are on the books, they may not be adhered to.”

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com