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President Obama Affirms His Support for Same Sex Marriage

2012-05-10T08:30:00.002+01:00

President Obama today announced that he now supports same-sex marriage, reversing his longstanding opposition amid growing pressure from the Democratic base and even his own vice president.

In an interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts, the president described his thought process as an "evolution" that led him to this decision, based on conversations with his staff members, openly gay and lesbian service members, and his wife and daughters.

"I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors, when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together; when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that 'don't ask, don't tell' is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married," Obama told Roberts in an interview to appear on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday.

Excerpts of the interview will air tonight on ABC's "World News With Diane Sawyer" and "Nightline."

The president stressed that this is a personal position, and that he still supports the concept of states' deciding the issue on their own. But he said he's confident that more Americans will grow comfortable with gays and lesbians getting married, citing his own daughters' comfort with the concept.

Watch Obama Explains Support for Same Sex Marriage
"It's interesting, some of this is also generational," the president continued. "You know when I go to college campuses, sometimes I talk to college Republicans who think that I have terrible policies on the economy, on foreign policy, but are very clear that when it comes to same-sex equality or, you know, sexual orientation, that they believe in equality. They are much more comfortable with it. You know, Malia and Sasha, they have friends whose parents are same-sex couples. There have been times where Michelle and I have been sitting around the dinner table and we're talking about their friends and their parents and Malia and Sasha, it wouldn't dawn on them that somehow their friends' parents would be treated differently. It doesn't make sense to them and, frankly, that's the kind of thing that prompts a change in perspective."
Roberts asked the president whether first lady Michelle Obama was involved in his decision. Obama said she was, and he talked specifically about his own faith.

Watch Michelle Obama's View on Same-Sex Marriage
"This is something that, you know, we've talked about over the years and she, you know, she feels the same way, she feels the same way that I do. And that is that, in the end the values that I care most deeply about and she cares most deeply about is how we treat other people and, you know, I, you know, we are both practicing Christians and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with the views of others but, you know, when we think about our faith, the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it's also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to be treated. And I think that's what we try to impart to our kids and that's what motivates me as president and I figure the most consistent I can be in being true to those precepts, the better I'll be as a as a dad and a husband and, hopefully, the better I'll be as president."

Watch Obama Says Kids Helped Him Evolve

Previously, Obama has moved in the direction of supporting same-sex marriage but has consistently stopped short of outright backing it.

Instead, he has voiced support for civil unions for gay and lesbian couples that provide the rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples, although not defined as "marriage." At the same time, the president has opposed efforts to ban gay marriage at the state level, saying that he did not favor attempts to strip rights away from gay and lesbian couples.

The president's position became a flashpoint this week, when Vice President Joe Biden pronounced himself "absolutely comfortable" with allowing same-sex couples to wed.

Obama aides insisted there was no daylight between the positions held by the president and his vice president when it comes to legal rights, but as other prominent Democrats also weighed in favor of gay marriage, the disconnect became difficult for the White House to explain away.

President Obama's Evolution on Same-Sex Marriage

The announcement completes a turnabout for the president, who has opposed gay marriage throughout his career in national politics. In 1996, as a state Senate candidate, he indicated support for gay marriage in a questionnaire, but Obama aides later disavowed it and said it did not reflect the candidate's position.

In 2004, as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, he cited his own religion in framing his views: "I'm a Christian. I do believe that tradition and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."

He maintained that position through his 2008 presidential campaign, and through his term as president, until today.
As president in 2010, Obama told ABC News' Jake Tapper that his feelings about gay marriage were "constantly evolving. I struggle with this." A year later, the president told ABC's George Stephanopoulos, "I'm still working on it."

"I probably won't make news right now, George," Obama said in October 2011. "But I think that there's no doubt that as I see friends, families, children of gay couples who are thriving, you know, that has an impact on how I think about these issues."

Obama's decision has political connotations for the fall. The issue divides elements of the Democratic base, with liberals and gay-rights groups eager to see the president go further, but with gay marriage far less popular among African-American voters.

Just yesterday, in North Carolina, voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Obama carried North Carolina in 2008, and its status as a 2012 battleground state was guaranteed by Democrats' decision to hold their convention in Charlotte this summer.

Obama's likely Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, opposes gay marriage, and fought his state's highest court, as governor, when Massachusetts became the first state to legalize gay marriage in 2004. Romney said on the campaign trail Monday that he continues to oppose gay marriage.

"My view is that marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman," Romney said. "That's the position I've had for some time, and I don't intend to make any adjustments at this point. ... Or ever, by the way."

2face Gets Child No.6 As Pero Adeniyi Delivers Baby Boy

2012-04-07T23:30:00.001+01:00

Pero Adeniyi one of 2Face Idibia’s women has delivered a baby boy for him.
Pero gave birth to the child in the United States and though 2Face tried to keep the childs birth a secret, the news eventually got out.
The baby boy is Pero’s 3rd child for tuface and overall is 2face’s sixth child.
It would be recalled that 2face proposed to one of his other women Annie Macaulay on valentine’s day a few weeks after news of Pero Adeniyi’s pregnancy got out.
Congratulations to 2face and Pero.

Mercy Wins Nigerian Idol 2012

2012-04-07T23:29:00.002+01:00

It’s been over 5 months since the second season of the Nigerian Idol show kicked off and after tough drillings, star performances and surprise evictions, fan favourite Chinwo Nnenda better known as Mercy has emerged winner!

Our reporter who witnessed the final recording this evening says Mercy (or Mecinda as she is fondly called), defeated co-contestant Joe Blue after the acts rendered three songs and were heavily applauded by the audience.

The show kicked off when Hosts Ill Ryhmz and Tiwa Savage who was looking as ravishing as ever called the 12 finalists to render the National Anthem which was followed by a performance from Wizkid, W4 and Chuddy K.

Judges Yinka Davies, Jeffery Daniels and Charly Boy could not but smile and later cheer Mercy who has displayed outstanding performances with her petite figure.

Recorded today at the Idols studio in Lagos, the final show will be broadcast tomorrow on AIT, STV and NTA. The producers will not officially announce the winner until then.

Winning the second edition of Nigerian Idol, Mercy walks away with the top prize of a recording contract, an SUV and a mouth-watering cash of prize of $100,000 (N15m).

Nollywood Marketers To Stop Africa Magic From Showing Nollywood Movies

2012-04-06T11:53:00.002+01:00

A group of Nigerian movie marketers at a press conference on Wednesday at O'Jez Bar and Restaurant at the national stadium in surulere, Lagos, disclosed their plans to stop the DSTV channel, Africa Magic from showing Nollywood movies.

The movie marketers say they've reached a conclusion on the action and would formally write to DSTV on the issue. The action was taken because Africa Magic has drastically reduced the purchase of Nollywood movie in recent years.

They believe that lovers of Nollywood movies have stopped buying movies because they know they could watch the same movie free on Africa Magic after a few weeks.

Davido bags N30m deal as MTN ' Ambassador

2012-04-06T11:42:00.002+01:00

David Adeleke better known as Davido has been unveiled as the face of MTN Pulse, the new marketing campaign for Nigerian youths by telecomms giant MTN.

The unveiling was made at Club Vegas, Ikeja, Lagos and insiders tell us the deal is worth about N30m. No official details, but we’re told the project will include concert appearances for MTN Pulse, as well as other extras.

According to Kola Oyeyemi, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, ‘MTN Pulse’ which used to go under the name ‘MTN Fun Link‘ ‘needed a face for the youths to represent with’ and Davido best fit their description.

With just three singles out, the 19-year-old has had a buzzing career since his return from the UK in late 2010.

Obasanjo resigns as PDP BOT chairman

2012-04-04T21:49:00.002+01:00

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has resigned as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP.

In a statement he signed and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, Obasanjo said he had sent the letter of resignation to the chairman of the party.

“I have formally sent in my letter of resignation as the Chairman of BOT of PDP to the National Chairman of the party as prescribed in the party’s constitution,’’ he said.

The former president added, “I have formally requested the President to allow my bowing out and to issue a short statement to that effect.

“By relieving myself of the responsibility for chairmanship of BOT of the PDP, I will have a bit more time to devote to the international demand on me.”

He added that the step would give him time “to give some attention to mentoring across the board nationally and internationally in those areas that I have acquired some experience, expertise and in which I have something to share.”

Obasanjo said his exit would afford him more time to develop his Presidential Library and to mobilise and encourage investment in Nigeria and Africa.

He noted that before the last general elections, he believed that if PDP produced the President, it would be time for him to reduce his partisan political activities.

Obasanjo recalled that he was actively involved in bringing forth the successor president from PDP in 2007.

“In 2011, I was in the vanguard of working for PDP to produce a president for Nigeria. God answered our prayer,” he said.

JAMB 2012 Post UTME Cut-Off Marks For all Nigerian University

2012-04-04T21:38:00.002+01:00

>Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna) – 190

> Kwara State Polytechnic, – 180

> University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – 180 or 200 depending on course

> Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) – 180 UTME

> Kaduna State University (KASU) – 180 UTME (first choice only)

> Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) – 180

> University of Ibadan (UI) – 200 (Only Accept Students who Choose them as First choice only)

> Lagos State University (LASU) – 200

> Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) – 180

> Imo State University (IMSU), now Called Evan Enwerem University (EEU) – 180

> University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 200

> Anambra State University (ANSU) – No official figure probably 180

> Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU/UNIZIK) – 180 first choice only (no official proof yet)

> Enugu State University of Science & Technology – 180

> Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) – 200

> Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 200

> Adekunle Ajasin University – 200

> Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) – 180 (first choice only)

> University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 200 (minimum UTME cut- off)

> Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) – 180 (1st choice only)

> University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) – 180 (minimum UTME cut-off)

> Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) – 180 (minimum UTME cut- off)

> Abia State University, Uturu (ABSUU) – 180

> University of Ilorin, UNILORIN – 200 (240 for Medicine)

> University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 200

> Federal University of Technology FUT, Minna – 190

> Kwara State Poly -180

> University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT – 200/180 depending on course

> Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO – 180 – UTME cutoff

> Kaduna State University, KASU – 180 UTME cutoff (first choice only)

> Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH – 180

> University of Ibadan, UI – 200 (First choice only)

> Lagos State University, LASU – 200

> Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU – 180

> University of Benin, UNIBEN – 200

> Niger Delta University – 180
Cutoff mark will vary depending on your chosen course.

> Osun State University (Uniosun) – 200 (180 for Agriculture, Education and Arts i.e Humanities and Culture Faculty)

> University of Abuja – 180

JAMB UTME Results: How To Check JAMB UTME 2012 Results

2012-03-31T10:27:00.002+01:00

JAMB has released the results of the Just concluded JAMB UTME examinations which held on March 24th, 2012.

To check your JAMB UTME results, follow the instructions below:

Instructions: How To Check JAMB UTME 2012 Results

1. To check your JAMB UTME result, Visit the JAMB UTME 2012 result checking website here
or go to: http://www.jamb.org.ng/Unifiedtme/
2. Enter your JAMB UTME 2012 registration number
3. Click Submit after filling your JAMB UTME 2012 details
4. Print out your JAMB results.
Good Luck!

4 Unilag students in Court for alleged rape

2012-03-30T21:21:00.002+01:00

Four students of the University of Lagos were on Tuesday charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly gang raping a 17-year-old girl.

The accused – Jeremiah Bamigbayan, 18; Lanre Olayemi, 19; Abisoye Atoyegbe, 18; and Nelson Onyeoziri, 18 – are facing a three-count charge of rape, conspiracy and assault.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But the prosecutor, ASP Innocent Effiong, said the accused, all of the Business Administration Department, allegedly committed the offence when they conspired and raped their victim on March 17.

He said the alleged victim, a student of History and Strategic Studies of the same university, was overpowered and raped at about 10.30 p.m. at Ozolua Boys Quarters on the campus.

Effiong said the offences contravened Section 258, 259 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Magistrate Adesola Ikpatt granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case to April 30 for mention.

JAMB UTME 2012 Result Released

2012-03-30T21:10:00.007+01:00

The result of the JAMB 2012 UTME has been released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board JAMB, with only 3 candidates of the 1,503,931 registered JAMB 2012 UTME candidates scoring above 300 while the JAMB UTME results of 27,266 candidates across eight states were withheld.

The JAMB Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, who stated this at a news conference in Abuja, listed Abia, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa and Rivers as the affected states of the JAMB 2012 UTME, due to malpractice in the JAMB 2012 UTME such as extortion of money by some examination officials.

“In 2012 JAMB UTME, we had some disturbing news of extortion of money from innocent candidates by greedy proprietors and supervisors all these persons will be brought to book,” he said, adding that the outcome of investigation would determine if more JAMB UTME results would be released.

According to JAMB UTME Professor Ojerinde, 72, 243 scored 250 and above while 336,330 scored below 170 in the just concluded JAMB UTME exam.

“For the JAMB 2012 UTME, Imo had the highest number of JAMB applicants with 123,865 candidates; Delta came second with 88,876 candidates while Anambra placed third with 84,204 candidates and FCT recorded the lowest number with 3,380 candidates…the University of Lagos recorded the highest applicants in the JAMB 2012 UTME with 83,865 candidates; Nnamdi Azikiwe University came second in the JAMB 2012 UTME with 82,148 candidates and the University of Benin came third in the JAMB 2012 UTME with 80,048 candidates.”he said.
He also said arrangements have been made for JAMB 2012 UTME candidates to check their JAMB UTME results online using JAMB web site, www.myjambonline.com

Senator Ndume Names Vice President Namadi Sambo As Boko Haram Sponsor

2012-03-26T11:53:00.001+01:00

The ongoing trial of the sitting lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ali Ndume, over his alleged romance with the Jamaatu Ahlil Sunna Lidawati wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram terrorist sect, may have assumed a dangerous dimension, considering that the accused person has sworn before a Federal High Court in Abuja that the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, was fully aware of his relationship with the sect.

While challenging the legal competence of the 4-count criminal charge that was entered against him by the Federal Government, Ndume, through a 24-paragraph affidavit he attached in support of his motion seeking to quash the charge, admitted having telephone exchanges with members of the Jammatul Sunnah Walid Jihad though denied furnishing them with classified information that has aided their terrorist operations in the country.

The embattled lawmaker who said the first telephone exchange between him and the sect was on October 4, 2011, insisted that the reason the sect approached him was as a result of his being a member of the Presidential Committee that was inaugurated on August 2, 2011, with a view to addressing the security challenges in the North Eastern part of the nation.

It would be recalled that Ndume was arrested by the States Security Services, SSS, on November 21, after a self-confessed spokesman of the sect, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga, fingered him as one of the major sponsors of the sect.
He was docked before the high court on December 12, 2011, and subsequently released on bail after he had spent 26-days in detention.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Recruitment 2012

2012-03-26T11:48:00.002+01:00

Central Bank of Nigeria: In furtherance of CBN’s drive to reform the Financial Services industry and deliver a stable financial system, the Central Bank is seeking qualified, skilled and highly motivated Nigerians to fill various positions in the Financial System Stability Directorate. The FSS Directorate seeks to recruit individuals into the following departments:

Banking Supervision: This department has the mandate to conduct of off-site surveillance and on-site examination of Deposit Money Banks, Specialized Institutions Credit Registry Bureau, and related institutions. It also oversees the development of standards for examinations and consolidated supervision

Financial Policy and Regulation: This department has the mandate to develop and implement policies & regulations aimed at ensuring financial system stability and licensing & approvals for banks and other financial institutions

The Central Bank of Nigeria is an employer of choice offering prospective applicants the opportunity to work in a forward thinking and progressive environment.

Available vacancies

Industry/ Sector Specialist – Agriculture – Oil and Gas – Telecommunication – Transport and Aviation
Basel II/III Specialist
Accounting Specialist on IFRS
Operational Risk Specialist
Market Risk Specialist
Credit Risk Analyst
IT Team (Bank Examiners) Security
IT Team (Bank Examiners) Technology
Accounting/ IFRS /Basel II/III Specialist
Corporate Governance Specialist
Fraud and Forensic Specialist
Macro Prudential Stress Testing Specialist
Group Head, Macro Prudential Analysis
Fixed Income/Capital Markets Sector Specialist

Application Process: To apply, please visit http://www.fssrecruitment.com

For more information: visit http://www.cenbank.org/careers/

Applications will close 12 noon (GMT + 1) on Monday 7 May, 2012.

NABTEB 2011/2012 Nov/Dec Results Released

2012-03-26T11:39:00.003+01:00

The National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) has released its 2011/2012 NOv/Dec results.
Students who participated in the Nabteb examinations can now check their results on the Nabteb website after purchasing a result checking card from one of the Nabteb Outlets across Nigeria.
After purchasing the card you can now check your results here: http://www.nabtebnigeria.org/e-world/

1. Enter your Candidatate Identification Number e.g. 38001178
2. Select the Type of Examination
3. Select your Examination Year e.g. 2011

4. Enter the Card Serial Number found on the reverse side of your Scratch card. The Card Serial Number has an alphabet prefix followed by digits e.g. N123456789
5. Enter the 12-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your Scratch card eg. 012345678912
6. Click Submit and view the Nabteb results.

UTME: FG commends JAMB

2012-03-26T11:35:00.002+01:00

The federal government Saturday commended the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over the successful conduct of this year’ s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE) held across the country Saturday.

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I; Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, as well as chairmen, Senate and House Committees on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije and Hon. Farouk Lawan respectively, who monitored the examination in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), praised JAMB for improving on the conduct of the examination, which was almost marred in the city, as a result of the Peoples Democratic Party Convention National Convention.

While Rufa’i praised the peaceful conduct and improvement in the seating arrangement of the examination, Wike expressed hope that the biometric data capture would completely eliminate examination malpractice, while Chukwumerije pledged the Senate’s support to the examination body, through appropriate legislation.

Meanwhile, science students who sat for yesterday’s UTME have called on JAMB to put science students into consideration while preparing for subsequent examinations for better performance.

About 1.5 million candidates sat for the examination in several centres across the country. This year’s question papers were differentiated with colours such as ‘Types Red’, Green, Purple and Yellow to curb examination malpractice, unlike those of previous years that came in Types A, B, C and D. Some of the science students, who spoke with THISDAY in Lagos, specifically requested for scientific calculators, as against the regular ones that were provided.

Master Anthony Nnolim, who sat for English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, said the regular calculator did not help him much, especially in subjects such as Physics and Chemistry. Miss Tosin Ayodele, who sat for English Language, Mathematics, Economics and Commerce, also wished she had used a scientific calculator.

Soldiers kill six suspected Boko Haram members in Kano and Maiduguri

2012-03-26T11:33:00.001+01:00

Clashes between suspected members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram and officers of the Joint military Taskforce (JTF) in Both Maiduguri and Kano on Saturday had left at least six people dead and several others injured.

Confirming the incidence, the commander of the 3rd Brigade, Nigeria Army, Kano, Brigadier General Iliyasu Abba told reporters while conducting them around the scene of the clash said that the gunfight between the sect members and soldiers broke out when the security operatives raided their hideout in Saburwar Gandu, Phase one area of Kumbotso Local government area of Kano.

The Brigade commander said the suspected members of the Boko Haram sect had attempted to denote a bomb in a car in order to kill the soldiers that had invaded their hideout following a tip off.

“Unfortunately, the IEDs (improvised explosive device) inside the car exploded on them and shattered their bodies,” he said.

In Maiduguri, the operatives of the JTF engaged Boko Haram members in a gunfight that lasted for an hour after the sect members attacked the location where the security operatives were located along the Abaganaram and railway quarters in the town between 5:30 and 7:15pm.

Army spokesperson in Maiduguri, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa confirmed the attack on the army base by the Boko Haram members saying that the soldiers succeeded in repelling it.
He said that four Boko Haram members were killed in the gunfight while an AK 47 rifle was recovered from them as well as 200 rounds of 6.722 mm special ammunition.

The army spokesperson said that they had forced over 200 residents to lay face-down on the road during the gunfight despite the tarmac reaching extreme temperatures in Maiduguri, which borders the Sahara desert.
Lt. Col. Musa said it was to protect them from stray bullets.

Nigerian police unveils new military-style uniform

2012-03-15T10:31:00.002+01:00

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar has on Tuesday unveiled a newly approved camouflage uniform for officers of the Police Force.
President Goodluck Jonathan approved the test-run of the new camouflage which analysts are expecting will boost the image of the Force as well as discourage police officers from developing cold feet any time they came face to face with robbers.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a test-run of a camouflage dress for the Nigeria Police Force as one of its operational attires.” A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olusola Amore said.

The new uniform was publicly launched by the Acting Inspector-General of Police, wearing the military-styled attire.
“The new dress is in line with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government and the long desire of the Police management team to reform and to launder an acceptable image for the police through the turn-out of its officers and men.

“The camouflage which is an admixture of black, white and ash colours, will serve as an operational dress for the police with some inherent advantages when fully integrated and confirmed as one of the official police outfits.
“The advantages of the new police camouflage include cost effectiveness to maintain; operationally durable; highly customized with security features to forestall impersonation and environmentally friendly.” IGP Mohammed Abubakar stated.

The Police boss urged the public to come up with constructive criticisms regarding the new police camouflage, so that public opinion will be given adequate consideration.

UAC of Nigeria Plc Graduate Management Trainees Recruitment 2012

2012-02-25T21:33:00.004+01:00

UAC of Nigeria Plc, is a leading private sector enterprise, which has played a prominent role in the development of the country since 1879. A diversified, food-focused company, UAC’s operations span the manufacturing, services, logistics and warehousing and real estate sectors of the economy. We are committed to building and developing our people towards realizing their full potentials.

There exists an opportunity in our company’s MANAGEMENT TRAINEE SCHEME for highly motivated and dynamic university graduates with potentials to excel as future business leaders.

The scheme, which is a progressive two-year accelerated programme, affords the trainees focused and personalized development through:

* Structured classroom training
* Exposure to various business functional areas
* Cross-Business Units exposure
* Career counseling
* Structured mentoring programme

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

To qualify for this highly challenging opportunity, the potential candidates will have to meet the following requirements:

Age - Not more than 26 years old by 31st December 2012
NYSC - Must have completed NYSC
Education - (A) - WASC/GCE 'O' Level with at least credit in five subjects, including English and Mathematics at one sitting and

(B) - Bachelor’s Degree with at least Second Class Honors in: Accounting
* Economics
* Law
* Chemistry
* Pharmacy
* Computer Science
* Food Science & Technology
* Electrical/Electronics Engineering
* Mechanical Engineering
* Civil Engineering
* Business Administration
* Chemical Engineering

In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate a combination of analytical skills, practical creativity, entrepreneurial drive, integrity, team spirit and clarity of purpose.

Click Here to Apply

Ojukwu to be buried in a Gold casket

2012-02-25T21:29:00.002+01:00

The late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu would be buried in an American gold mixed with bronze casket the Sun reports.

Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca, who is in London to begin preparations for bringing back the corpse of the departed Biafran warlord told Saturday Sun that the make-up of the casket was to depict the simple nature of Ojukwu when he was alive.
She disclosed that the customised casket has the family crest and the family coat of arms.

Asked how Ojukwu wanted to be buried, Bianca said that besides making specific request that his body be taken to Aba, in Abia State, he did not as such set other standards, though he was in love with the Roman army.

“Therefore, I would want that he be laid out as a Roman General. You know he was in love with the army and had loved Roman Generals. Therefore, he would be laid out as a Roman General,” she said.

Bianca said that she moved to London well ahead of burial committee members to enable her clear the customised casket.

With the casket cleared, Bianca said that they are looking forward to a requiem mass to be organised in honour of Ojukwu today at the St George’s Cathedral in London by the Igbo community in the United Kingdom, which would be followed by an all-night wake-keep.

Tomorrow, she said they would begin the journey back home, with a brief stopover in Abuja on Monday, where a brief military ceremony would be held for Ojukwu by the Nigerian Army.

She thanked the Nigerian High Commission for the role the commissioner and his deputy played in London, saying that help from the Igbo living in London has been amazing, as everybody wanted to play one role or the other.

Unilag introduces Terrorism Studies

2012-02-25T21:24:00.001+01:00

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe at the 2010/2011 convocation ceremony of the University last week revealed that the UNILAG will soon begin a degree programme in Terrorism Studies.

Sofoluwe stated that the new programme was in tune with emerging global challenges.

He further added that instructors for the new programme would consist of members of the academia, professionals and specialists, adding that they would combine theory and practice needed for counter-terrorism challenges in the country.

University of Lagos last week graduated 8,585 students. 118 distinguished themselves by bagging First Class honours.

Giving a breakdown, Sofoluwe said that the First Class graduands spread across all the faculties, with the Faculty of Engineering coming tops with 37, including the overall best.

He said that the School of Postgraduate Studies awarded 73 doctorates in the Faculties of Medicine, Engineering, Law and Pharmacy.
Sofoluwe also stated that the university had established a structure that would boost postgraduate education, while still running its undergraduate programmes.

Australian woman turns tables on Nigerian Internet scammers

2012-02-25T21:18:00.002+01:00

Nigerian email scams have become nearly as common as the Internet itself. But one Australian woman wound up in jail after turning the tables–to the tune of $30,000–on a group of con artists.

The Australian Sarah Jane Cochrane-Ramsey, 23, was employed as an “agent” in March 2010 by the Nigerian scammers, but didn’t know they were scam artists. Her “job” was to provide access to an Australian bank account opened in her name where the Nigerians could then transfer money they had received from a phony car sales website. Cochrane-Ramsey was told she could keep eight percent of the transfers.

But, then she decided to steal from the thieves themselves. According to the Courier-Mail, she received two payments, totaling $33,350, but spent most of it on herself.
Most Internet scammers defraud unsuspecting internet users by convincing an individual to give money and/or bank account access to a third-party in exchange for future financial rewards. Internet fraud is also known as (419) scam, or Advanced Fee Fraud.

Most commonly, the scam artist will claim to be a wealthy Nigerian individual looking to move his vast financial resources to another country. He then promises the fraud victim a hefty payment in exchange for a temporary loan or bank account access in order to facilitate the move. Of course, the fraud victim never receives the promised payout and instead usually ends up losing thousands of dollars in the process.

The Advance Fee Fraud scams often target small businesses and charities. And while the scam has been around for years, the U.S. Financial Crimes Division of the Secret Service still receives a reported 100 calls a day from people claiming to be victims of a (419) crime.

But, back to the Cochrane-Ramsey case. The real victims who thought they were buying cars online reported the scam to the police, who traced the account back to Cochrane-Ramsey. She was ordered to appear in Brisbane District Court and plead guilty to one count of aggravated fraud.

For now, the court judge is allowing Cochrane-Ramsey time to come up with the money to pay off the fraud victims while she awaits sentencing in March.
Interestingly, Cochrane-Ramsey is not the first person to turn the tables on Nigerian scammers.

In 2008, the radio program This American Life ran a story on some anonymous pranksters who sent a Nigerian scam artist on a wild goose chase that spanned 1,400-miles into war-torn Chad for a promised cash payout at a local Western Union branch.
And they convinced him to do this while carrying an anti-Muslim/pro-George W. Bush note, which stated his intention to rob the Western Union. Their entire plan was spelled out on this website, dedicated to turning the tables on Internet con artist.

Masturbation Not A Sin — Pastor Chris

2012-02-25T21:15:00.002+01:00

A shocking revelation by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of the Believers Love World, a.k.a. Christ Embassy, that masturbation is not a sin but a habit has reverberated on the internet including Youtube, with many people believing that the statement would draw different reactions from men of God in the coming days.

The video available on YouTube shows Pastor Chris and another Pastor of his church, Kwaku from Ghana,who asked Oyakhilome while he was preaching thus: “Pastor, how does one overcome masturbation?”

In response to his question, the clergyman, in the video believed to have been uploaded in 2011 but which has begun to spread like wildfire, said masturbation is a habit just like any other habit and that it is often misconstrued as a sin.

“The reason you are thinking of stopping it is because you think it has become a habit for you…masturbation is not more than a habit than any other habit.
“So once you make up your mind that you want to break a particular habit, you just do it, you make up your mind…in fact the best way to break a habit is to replace it with another habit.

“There is one thing I would like to bring to your mind that may be of help to you because the reason you are thinking of stopping this is because of what you think it is,” he said.

Using illustration, he said that if Kwaku was in the habit of playing football, he would not be asking how he should stop it.
He said: “No matter how wrong you think this is in your mind, get this straight, in itself, it is not a sin against God,” emphasising that as a result of this belief that it is a sin, Satan uses it to oppress people of God “making them feel ineffective an inefficient in the things of God.”

He said in Christianity as a religion, this habit has nothing to do with God but a lot to do with the body of the person practising.
“Satan uses his power to accuse you…so if you don’t like it, stop it, but God’s got nothing to do with it. It is your own body.

“Masturbation is about you and your body. God is not offended by it, He is only offended by any habit that takes hold of your mind and if this takes hold of your mind and dominates your body, God is offended.”
As expected of controversies, the video has generated mixed opinions with some supporting the controversial preacher’s position on the matter, while others think the Pastor is wrong.

Court postpones Asa’s ‘alleged lesbian case’ till april

2012-02-25T19:26:00.000+01:00

Popular jazz and soul musician Asa failed to appear at a Lagos High Court, yesterday, for cross examination in a case she instituted against publishers of a Lagos-based magazine, News of the People.

Asa and her manager, Janet Nwose had in the suit against the publishers of the publication, urged the court to declare that the statement and picture in the December 14-22 edition of the magazine, entitled “Lesbianism Tale Trails Asa and Manager” was defamatory.

Asa wants the court to declare that the allegation of lesbianism against her and Janet is false, illegal and a violation of their rights.
They are also asking the court to restrain the defendant from further publication of what they described as malicious statements against them, adding that the alleged defamatory statement was calculated to discredit and malign them in their ‘unblemished’ career as international music artists with high moral standing, which they have consistently conveyed in their songs.

Asa’s Lawyer who was at the court, said that the musician was indisposed, but Loye Hamzat was present. The court case has been postponed till April 26 when Asa is expected to be present in court.
In a letter to the Registrar of the court, Asa explained that her failure to be in court was as a result of her musical engagements outside the country.

Soldiers takeover #OccupyNigeria protests in Lagos

2012-01-17T02:03:00.004+01:00

President Goodluck Jonathan has deployed hundreds of gun-wielding soldiers on the streets of Lagos in a desperate bid to forestall peaceful protests scheduled to continue today.

The Armed Soldiers have occupied the streets of Lagos...from Ojuelegba to Ikorodu Rd to Ojota, many parts of Ikeja and Lagos Island. They are everywhere. About 16 check points and barricades have been mounted around the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota which served as a major gathering point for protesters.
Labour leaders and civil society activists delivered speeches in the park as well as hosting artistes’ performances.
The Gani Fawehinmi Park, renamed freedom park is visibly deserted due to the intimidating military presence.

Labour Calls Off Strike

2012-01-17T01:57:00.003+01:00

In a live press conference by 1 pm today, leaders of Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress announced their decision to call off the nationwide strike and all mass rallies.
Labour called on the strike action on the 9th of January and this resulted in a virtual shutdown of the country, after a number of consultations between labour and the federal government, President Goodluck Jonathan announced the reduction in the pump price of petrol from 141 Naira per litre to 97 Naira per litre.
During Labour’s press conference, they stated categorically that the federal government unilaterally made the decision to revert the price of fuel to 97 Naira.

US issues travel warning on Nigeria

2012-01-17T01:52:00.002+01:00

The United States has issued a fresh travel warning on Nigeria citing the recent declaration of state of emergency in some states by President Goodluck Jonathan and the protests trailing the removal of fuel subsidy.
The new warning, which was issued by the State Department, was dated January 12 and replace that of October 13, 2011.

US citizens were not only warned against travelling to Nigeria, they were also cautioned not to travel to 10 states of the federation and the Gulf of Guinea because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks.
The 10 states are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Abia, Edo, Imo, Plateau, Bauchi and Borno.

The US said with the state of emergency declared in four northern states following attacks by Boko Haram, the military now has sweeping powers to search and arrest without warrants.
It also said the nationwide strike over subsidy removal has raised concern over security and led to the disruption of international flights .
The travel warning recalled the attacks by Boko Haram in some northern states and kidnapping in some southern states, adding that these have made travelling to some parts of the country riskier.

According to the US, from January 2009 to November 2010, over 140 foreigners had been kidnapped in Nigeria, including seven US citizens while six of them were killed during these abductions.
Noting that the risk of additional attacks against Western targets in Nigeria remains high, US said, “Travel by foreigners to areas considered by the Nigerian government to be conflict areas without prior consultation and coordination with local security authorities is not recommended.”

On the Gulf of Guinea, it cited regular reports of piracy and armed gangs boarding both commercial and private vessels to rob travellers, adding that, “The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to criminal acts at sea.”