Top Line

Saturday 30 March 2013

Ghana to face Spain while Nigeria meet Portugal in Under-20 World Cup

 Ghana to face Spain while Nigeria meet Portugal in Under-20 World Cup
 
Africa representatives Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and Mali now know their opponents at the Under-20 World Cup tournaments which include England, Portugal and Uruguay
Ghana have been drawn with Spain, France in Group A of the Under-20 World Cup to be held in Turkey in June.

The 2013 Africa Youth Championship runners-up are joined by USA, while Group B will see 2013 Caf Under-20 Championship third-placed side Nigeria take on 1991 winners Portugal, Asian entrants South Korea and Concacaf qualifiers Cuba.

Africa champions Egypt will square off with Chile, England and Iraq in Group E while Group C is made up of hosts Turkey, North American minnows El Salvador, South American side Colombia and AFC opponent Australia.

Mexico, Greece, Paraguay and Mali find themselves in Group D with New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Uruguay and Croatia housed in Group F.

Brazil and Argentina have dominated this event in the past two decades but both countries failed to qualify for the finals in Turkey, leaving Spain, Portugal and Ghana as the only winners in the tournament's 36-year history to be definitely taking part in the 2013 iteration.

The tournament will run from June 21 to July 13.



Obafemi Martins: The end of the road in a Nigeria shirt?




Obafemi Martins: The end of the road in a Nigeria shirt?

by Ed Dove


As Nnamdi Oduamadi fired home Nigeria’s late, late equaliser against Kenya on Saturday, Super Eagles fans everywhere breathed a sigh of relief. A first-ever defeat to the Harambee Stars was avoided, and the Champions of Africa retained top spot in CAF’s World Cup Qualifying Group F - their dreams of a summer in Brazil still well and truly within their grasp.
But as Stephen Keshi’s elect trudged from the turf, the elation of the goal tempered by the disappointing reality of the draw, one figure took a moment or two to scan the surroundings of the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
Obafemi Martins. Who knows how long it will be before he is back in the green of the national side?
While mixed emotions flanked the former Newcastle man on the final whistle, I am convinced that a conflict of sentiment greeted him as he walked out into the stadium on Saturday, making his first appearance for the national side since his run-out in the friendly against Venezuela back in November of last year.
How must the 28-year-old forward have felt as he emerged to take on Kenya? Excluding the young right-back Solomon Kwambe, he lined up alongside 9 heroes of the recent Cup of Nations, yet Vincent Enyeama and John Obi Mikel aside, none of them had given as much to the national side over the years as Obagoal. Martins put in the hours, put in the air miles, to chalk up 39 caps since 2004, but had missed out on the granddaddy of them all-the Cup of Nations triumph.
Years from now, Naija fans will still be able to recall that glorious Afcon side. They will remember Victor Moses and his electric performances, they will remember Sunday Mba and his pertinent contributions, they will remember the goals of Emmanuel Emenike and Ideye Brown-the team sheet will be as Gospel. Martins, in his absence, was forgotten-a missed episode and a lost opportunity for a striker who has endured his fair share of them with the national side.
Despite an encouraging 18 goals for the Super Eagles-averaging approximately a goal every other game-Martins’s international career has stuttered along, never truly realising the potential he demonstrated as a youngster at Inter Milan. Controversy shrouded his earlier years with Naija, following an administrative error and doubts about his genuine age, as well as failure to show for an international friendly back in 2007.
The 2010 World Cup must also be seen as a missed opportunity. Used purely as an impact substitute, Martins failed to bring his considerable talents to bear on the world stage, and watched on in agony as Nigeria crashed out in the first round.
Stephen Keshi’s introduction to the national set-up has brought a new selection policy and a fresh approach to the Super Eagles. Gone are the pampered European stars who failed to deliver for so long, in are the hungry, young domestic-based players-all of whom with ambitions to satisfy and desires to quench.
Clearly, Martins falls primarily into the former category, but Keshi is evidently tempted by his vitality, experience, and impressive goal ratio. But has the striker truly done enough to indicate that he can claim a spot in this new Nigeria?
It seems like his inclusion against Kenya was due, primarily, to the ill-fortune of others. Emmanuel Emenike’s injury ruled him out of contention, while Ike Uche’s bewilderingly disappointing Afcon campaign has clearly cast doubts in Keshi’s mind about his value to the side. I have little hesitation in saying that the pair, particularly Emenike, will be back in the fold before too long, and with others like Sone Aluko, Kalu Uche, and Victor Anichebe making their case, does Keshi really need to persist with Martins?
Not based on Saturday’s evidence.
Against Kenya, Martins was almost anonymous. A scuffed shot, coming within the first minute or two of the game, demonstrated the urgency the striker felt-possibly a result of the immense pressure placed upon his shoulders. He struggled to recover from early wastefulness and was replaced by the plucky Ahmed Musa just after the hour mark.
There is also the enduring question about his move across the pond to join Seattle Sounders in the MLS, and how this may affect his game.
While the American league is more competitive and professional than in the past, it is unlikely that Martins will face the same rigours in the States as he did in La Liga, where his former side, Levante, sit in 11th place.
Keshi has already demonstrated his willingness to look to America to secure new recruits for his Naija revolution. Bright Dike was, to the surprise of some, enlisted at the tail end of 2012, impressing briefly, particularly against Catalonia, before being dropped ahead of the Cup of Nations. Clearly the Big Boss is keen to utilise the full Diaspora of Nigerian talent, and isn’t discouraged by the supposed inadequacies of football State-side.
Saying that, however, will Martins’s move away from the heartland of Europe into competition perceived as easier push him down Keshi’s hierarchy? Surely it makes him even more the antithesis of the prototype of player the manager is trying to incorporate into the Super Eagles set-up.
Just as David Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy was considered by some as a signal of abdication, so Martins’s move to the U.S. may hasten the end of his international career-could it be the perfect excuse for Keshi to take one further step in his Naija revolution and axe the ex-Newcastle frontman?
Doubtless there will be opportunities ahead for the manager to experiment, and to examine some of the players who populate the fringes of his squad. If Martins continues to find the net on a regular basis-regardless of where he plays-then he will continue to demand the manager’s attention and will likely be given another chance to impress. He will be 29 by the time the World Cup rolls around, and with an international career edging towards the finish line, it may well be his last chance to produce that iconic moment Nigeria has been waiting for
 culled from  goal.com 

Mimiko, Ajimobi Preaches peace and Sacrifices for Development

Mimiko, Ajimobi Preaches peace and Sacrifices for  Development


Governor Olusegun Mimiko has asked Nigerians to reflect, in the spirit of Easter, on what further personal sacrifice they can make to the development of the country and mankind.
Mimiko in his Easter message said: "Christ, the persona in the centre of Easter, epitomised sacrifice of self for the good of all. Celebrating him therefore must be with a deep understanding of the need to put the pursuit of selfish and parochial goals aside and devoting time and energy to societal goals.
  Congratulating Christians as they celebrate, Mimiko, said: "With security challenges facing Nigeria, Christians and non Christians alike must understand that we have only this country to call our own and so be ready to seek peace with one another.
Jesus' life exemplified sacrifice. He lived and died for humanity. No sacrifice could be greater than this. As we celebrate Easter therefore, we need to emulate Christ and reflect on what sacrifice we can make to move the society forward,"
The governor noted that his administration has worked tirelessly to transform Ondo State in its first four years and is poised to even do more now that it has been sworn-in for a second term. To move forward, Mimiko said, both the government and the people will need to sacrifice more.
  He prayed that the God of Easter will grant the country the needed peace for growth and development in our time.

Ajimobi felicitates with Christians at Easter, urges peaceful co-existence among Nigerians
As Christians in Nigeria join their counterparts all over the world to mark this year’s Easter celebrations, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, togetherness and renewed commitment to Nigeria’s unity and peaceful co-existence.
The governor, in his Easter message issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said that it was only in the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that Nigeria could witness an all-round development.
He urged Nigerians to emulate Jesus Christ who offered himself as a living sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.
While congratulating Christians on the successful completion of the 40-day fasting, he said that they should use the occasion to reflect on the essence of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as the opportunity it offered them to be closer to their Creator.
``Easter is not about wining and dining. Rather, it is an occasion to realize that we need to love one another as exhibited by God who, out of his love for mankind, offered Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to give life more abundantly.
``This being the case, we should now eschew any divisive tendency, violence and other things that are antithetical to the teachings of Jesus Christ,’’ the governor said.
He also commended the Christians, Muslims and other religious adherents in the state for their peaceful co-existence, urging them to continue in their prayers for his administration so that the state could be taken to greater height.
Gov. Ajimobi also charged them not relent in their prayers for Nigeria in order for it to surmount the security challenges currently confronting it. 

RETURN TO GOD, POPE TELLS BACKSLIDER

RETURN TO GOD, POPE TELLS BACKSLIDER

Pope Francis holds the incense burner as he leads a vigil mass during Easter celebrations at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican March 30, 2013. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini Pope Francis, leading the world's 1.2 billion Catholics into Easter for the first time, on Saturday urged those who have strayed from the faith to allow God back into their lives.
Francis, who was elected on March 13, presided at a solemn Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter' Basilica to usher the Catholic Church into the most important day of its liturgical calendar.
The immense basilica, the largest church in Christendom, was in the dark for the start of the service to signify the darkness in Jesus' tomb before what Christians believe was his resurrection from the dead three days after his crucifixion.
Some 10,000 faithful lit candles as Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, walked up the main aisle, and then the basilica's lights were turned on.
The 76-year-old Francis, wearing relatively plain white vestments - as opposed to the more elaborate robes preferred by his predecessor Benedict - delivered a simple homily recounting the Bible story of the women who went to Jesus' tomb but were surprised to find it empty.
He urged his listeners not to be "afraid of God's surprises," never to lose confidence during the trials and tribulations of daily life, and, if they have strayed, to let God back into their lives.
"Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life! If up till now you have kept him at a distance, step forward. He will receive you with open arms," he said, speaking in Italian.
"If you have been indifferent, take a risk: you won't be disappointed. If following him seems difficult, don't be afraid, trust him, be confident that he is close to you, he is with you and he will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as he would have you do," he said.
Another difference between Francis and his predecessor is that Francis reads his homilies standing behind a lectern like an ordinary priest instead of while seated on a throne.
He is still living in the same Vatican guesthouse where he stayed during the conclave that elected him the first non-European pope in 1,300 years instead of moving into the spacious and regal papal apartments in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
Francis has also been inviting ordinary people to his morning Mass at the guesthouse, including Vatican street sweepers and gardeners and staff of the guest house.
During Saturday night's service he presided at another Easter vigil tradition by baptizing four new adult members of the Church. They were from Italy, Albania, Russia and the United States.
Holy Saturday was the third of four hectic days leading up to Easter Sunday, the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar.
On Easter Sunday he will celebrate another Mass and then deliver his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to tens of thousands of people in the square below.
The balcony is the same spot where he first appeared to the world as pope on the night of March 13 after his election.
(Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Jason Webb)

10 Crazy Things Your Appearance Says About You

10 Crazy Things Your Appearance Says About You


By Yelena Shuster

1. Your Clothes Broadcast Your Mood
Science says there's such a thing as "happy clothes." Ever notice how a case of the blues has you reaching for your cozy blue jeans? So have researchers, who discovered after surveying 100 women that denim (and anything baggy) are the preferred item of choice for depressed people. Instead, glam up the next time you feel down, and you'll be letting potential boyfriends know you're actually fabulous.

2. Your Eye Color Reveals Your Trustworthiness
You may have hit the beauty jackpot with your baby blues, but there could be a downside. After looking at 80 photos, a significant number of participants in a study from the Czech Republic found brown-eyed faces more trustworthy than blue-eyed faces, regardless if they were male or female. There was one exception, probably familiar to any girl secretly in love with the Biebs: Baby-faced guys looked equally believable.

3. Your Walk Exposes Your Sex Life
Belgian researchers were able to tell apart ladies who regularly had vaginal orgasms with an accuracy of a whopping 81 percent, based on their walking style! Energetic, effortless struts, according to the study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, meant those girls were satisfied. The crazy finding kinda sorta makes sense since orgasms help loosen your muscles, which could make walking seem more effortless.

4. Your Shoes Highlight Your Personality
Just in case you need another reason to justify your major stiletto splurge: A study in the Journal of Research in Personality observed that people can deduce about 90 percent of your personality just by looking at your heels. Sixty three observers were able to guess the gender, age, social status and personality traits of 200 people based on looking at their most-worn shoes. Some interesting finds: Practical shoes belonged to agreeable people, ankle boots were worn by more aggressive types, and uncomfortable looking shoes were worn by calm personalities. (So consider us ridiculously Zen.)

5. Your Hair Color Hints at How Much Sex You're Having
A dose of ginger really does add some spice: A German study noted that redheads have more sex with more partners. They reasoned that the color red is found to have attention-catching results based on earlier studies: Red conjures up an image of a healthy blush, subconsciously signaling to men that you're fertile and ready to go. Herbal Essences had it right all along...

6. Your Lipstick Can Predict How Much Money You'll Make
Red hot can now be considered a scientific term. French sociologists tracked almost 450 transactions and found that waitresses with red lipstick were tipped 50 percent of the time by male customers, while their counterparts with brown, pink or no lipstick received tips only 33 percent of the time. Similar to the red hair explanation, researchers believe that red is associated with higher levels of arousal and health.


7. Your Tears Are a Turn Off
Forget about the headache excuse: There's a natural way your body says "not tonight." In a groundbreaking study, Israeli cognitive neuroscientist Noam Sobel discovered that a woman's tears contained pheromone-like chemicals that signal you're not in the mood. Male participants smelled real tears and fake saline tears. The ones who sniffed real tears rated female faces less sexually attractive, and reported that their own sexual arousal dropped (with lower levels of testosterone to prove it) when compared to the guys who smelled the fake tears.

8. The Left Side Of Your Face Shows More Emotion
Selfie time! Science has figured out your best angle. A study published in Experimental Brain Research noted that photos of the left side of your face were rated as more pleasant by men and women than your right side. (The observer's pupils literally dilated-which happens in response to interesting stimuli-when looking at photos of your left side). This may have something to do with your brain's right hemisphere, which controls your left side and shows greater emotion.

9. His Smile Telegraphs His Status
Here's more scientific proof for your unhealthy love of bad boys: A University of British Columbia study detected that women aren't attracted to smiling guys, instead preferring proud men with raised and puffed-up chests. There's an evolutionary reason for that: Our female ancestors thought proud guys were hot because it implied status (aka a surefire way to provide for their cave-babies). Guys had the opposite reaction: They found women who smiled more attractive.

10. His Voice Conveys His Testosterone
Find yourself strangely attracted to radio jockeys? You're not alone. A study published in Memory & Cognition discovered that women find guys with deep voices more memorable than those with a higher pitch. Researchers don't find this surprising because male pitch is related to how much testosterone-a common benchmark for masculine features-a guy's packing. Some studies have even shown that higher testosterone indicates a better immune system.

NCPC BOSS TASKS CHURCH LEADERS ON PILGRIMAGE

NCPC BOSS TASKS CHURCH LEADERS ON PILGRIMAGE
https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?ui=2&ik=27d31c48c4&view=att&th=13da6ae2d3515ff1&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_heqy1l1t0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_dyXuITi6Uh4VhNblxKLL9&sadet=1364649138208&sads=Px7z31bZYYbzd5qLnhmzS_YW-14&sadssc=1
L/R The Exe. Sec. NCPC Mr. John Kennedy Opara, the New Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Portal Welby and the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ekweremadu during the Consecration of New Archbishop in London recently.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara has tasked Church leaders and privileged few in the Church to encourage dedicated Church workers by sponsoring them on Holy Pilgrimage.
He disclosed this recently in Abuja during the 19th annual Synod of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Abuja diocese. Mr. John Kennedy Opara who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, was represented by the Chaplain of NCPC, Rev. Ayodele Jato.
The NCPC boss congratulated the Methodist Church Nigeria, Abuja diocese for their 19th annual Synod which he said was timely in view of the numerous social ills plaguing the peaceful co-existence of the country.
He described the annual synod as an opportunity provided by the Church to “reflect, brainstorm and project on the spirituality of its existence and the way forward for the Church”. Consequently, he called on the Church leaders to pray against everything that is affecting the country negatively.
The NCPC helmsman stressed that pilgrimage should be for those who are spiritually rich, but materially poor. Thus, he admonished the Church Leaders and wealthy Christians to encourage and sponsor Christians to Holy pilgrimage, especially those who cannot afford the cost of pilgrimage. He equally stated that the era of Government sponsorship of pilgrimage was over as the Commission now emphasizes on self sponsorship.
He equally intimated that the Commission now operates biannual pilgrimages- October-December and March- April in one calendar year. He explained that the Easter pilgrimage which was flagged off on 28th February, 2013 would be rounded off on 1st April, 2013.
He further stated that the process for the 2013 Christian pilgrimage had begun with the approval of the 2013 calendar of activities by Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
In his address at the Synod, the Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Chimaroke Iweha stressed on the theme: “If God had not been on our side”. He made reference to the State of Israel as a case study on how God delivered them from their enemies and gave them victory from time to time. He stressed the need for every Nigerian to always keep hope alive because, “there is hope for us”
The Archbishop also gave thanks to God for making Nigeria to survive crisis that crippled and destroyed other nations. He thus congratulated Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for surviving pressures that rose against him before and after he became the President. Archbishop Iweha further congratulated the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan for surviving the surgeries abroad.
The clergy also called on the government to proffer urgent solutions to the social vices that are threatening the peaceful co-existence of the good people of Nigeria.
Responding to the address of the Executive Secretary of NCPC, read on his behalf by the NCPC Chaplain, Rev.Ayodele Jato, the Archbishop commended Mr. John Kennedy Opara for changing the face of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria. He stated that Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Abuja has Pilgrims Association which aims at providing Holy Bible to people and sponsoring members on pilgrimage, among others. He thanked the NCPC boss for sending a worthy representative to the event.
The Synod lasted for three days and is usually held annually by the Methodist Archdiocese of Abuja for Church leaders within the Archdiocese.

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Mysterious death Kills 1,000 ducks, 16 000 Pigs in China

Mysterious death Kills 1,000 ducks, 16 000 Pigs in China

Chinese pigs definitely don't fly, and apparently neither do Chinese ducks.
1,000 thousand dead ducks were found floating in a river in China just one week after 16,000 dead pigs were pulled out rivers near Shanghai.
After fishing the dead ducks out of the Nanhe river in the Sichuan province authorities put the carcasses in woven bags and then burried them underground, a technique officials said would guarantee the safety of local residents and livestock, according to Xinua News.
News of the dead ducks comes just a week after the 16,000th diseased pig carcass was pulled out of two rivers near Shanghai.
REUTERS

A worker drags a dead pig to a truck in the Zhulin village of Jiaxing March 12, 2013.
The cause of death of both the ducks and pigs remains a mystery although officials in both cases say that drinking water remains safe for human consumption.
The sale of diseased pig products is big business in the area around Shanghai, with large hog farms benig a central part of the economy in the Jianxing province.
However authorities have been cracking down on the grisly business and thus it is believed that farmers are simply dumping their diseased products, according to the Guardian.

AboutFacebook New Package



Facebook announced on Monday it is rolling out a new feature so users can reply directly to comments left on their page. Finally.
Followings months of testing, the social network aims to make navigating through conversation threads easier with the new Replies feature. This means that, instead of having to leave a response to a friend’s comment way after new ones have been added, you will be able to address each individual comment. Responses will be posted under the original comment too.
The site is also prioritizing comments based on engagement — the most active and popular ones will surface to the top of your posts. This will be especially helpful for pages with thousands of followers.

Bill Gate Offers $100,000 for Condom production as 15 Billion Condom Produce Annually


  Bill Gate Offer $100,000 for Condom Production  as 15 Billion Condom is  Produce Annually


the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is offering a $100,000 startup grant to the person who designs "the next generation condom that significantly preserves or enhances pleasure" and promotes "regular use."
It may sound like the setup for a joke, but the goal is deadly serious. While researchers call condoms one of the best ways to stop the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, getting people to use them is another story.
The foundation wants to see something that will lead men and women outside of a committed relationship to stop and think twice before having unprotected sex. The startup grant could lead to $1 million in further funding.
"Male condoms are cheap, easy to manufacture, easy to distribute, and available globally, including in resource-poor settings, through numerous well-developed distribution channels," the foundation says. Nevertheless, many people are reluctant to use them because they complain that prophylactics interfere with pleasure and intimacy. This creates "a trade-off that many men find unacceptable," the foundation notes.


 15 Billion Condom Produce Annually

About 15 billion condoms are made every year and used by about 750 million people.
If used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective against pregnancy. Condoms also help protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Female condoms, put inside the vagina before sex, are 95% effective if used correctly.
Condom use has been traced back to ancient Egypt and even cave paintings in France.
Although condoms have been in use for centuries, Gates says there have not been many advances in condom technology in the last 50 years.

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Drug dealer is sentenced to write a 5,000 essay


Research: Terry Bennett at his computer

Drug dealer is sentenced to write a 5,000 essay

The judge Julian Lambert set the assignment because a shoulder injury meant Bennett was unfit to do community wor
Research: Terry Bennett at his computer
SWNS
A cannabis dealer is learning his lesson after admitting possession of around 2lb of the drug.
Terry Bennett, 32, was ordered by a judge to write a 5,000 word essay on the dangers of drugs and their effect on society.
Judge Julian Lambert set the assignment because a shoulder injury meant Bennett was unfit to do community work.
The dealer said: “It was a shock to be given such an unusual punishment. It’s been ages since I last wrote an essay.
“I asked the judge if I could write a balanced argument for and against cannabis, but he said that since it’s illegal, I should only write about the bad things.
“I’m just going to write about certain dangers caused by cannabis that people might not necessarily know.”
Bennett admitted possession with intent to supply in January and was given a one-year suspended jail sentence with 240 hours of unpaid work by Bristol crown court.
Judge Lambert was later told about his injury, sustained in a snowboard crash six years ago, and ordered he write the essay and hand it in to probation officers by April 4 to avoid jail.
The focus is on how cannabis causes psychosis, its cost to the Government, how it can be mixed with glass by dealers and its link to cancer.
Father of two Bennett, who left school at 16 and who lives with his mum in Cold Ashton, Glos, said: “I’ve already done a bit of research.”
He added: “I’ve got a drugs conviction so for me to take on a more serious role in society, it is imperative that I prove I am clean and steering clear of cannabis, purely because it is illegal.”

See the picture of a school girl eaten up by dogs while eating a pie!


JADE ANDERSONTeenage girl killed by pack of "aggressive" and "out of control" dogs

Police said her injuries were "consistent with her having been attacked by dogs" - believed to be bull mastiffs and Staffordshire bull terriers
Facebook
A teenage girl has been found dead in a house where four "out of control" dogs have been shot by armed police.
Greater Manchester Police were called at 2pm this afternoon to the house in Atherton after reports the girl was unconscious.
Officers found the girl - named as 14-year-old Jade Lomas-Anderson - had died and armed police shot four dogs.
Superintendent Mark Kenny said the teenager's injuries were "consistent with her having been attacked by dogs".
Dogs: Two were believed to be Staffordshire bull terriers (left) and two bull mastiffs
The breeds have not been confirmed but early indications suggest there were two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers.
A fifth dog was contained and removed from the house in Chaucer Grove.
Neighbour Kenneth Lindsay said he heard gun shots being fired.
"I just heard gun shots. It was going on without me realising it," he told ITV News.
"When I heard the gun shots I came out of the door. There was a policeman talking to people."
Police and forensics stands outside the front door of a house in Chaucer Grove, Atherton
Activity: Police and forensics outside the front door
PA
He added: "I went down... to see what it was all about and the policeman shouted at me to get back inside and stay inside."
Superintendent Mark Kenny said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life.
"I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned, including the community, and we will work hard to establish the full circumstances that lead to this tragedy.
"There will be a significant police presence in the area, which will remain this afternoon and evening.
"We will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have."
A police officer stands outside the front door of a house in Chaucer Grove, Atherton
Tragedy: A police officer stands outside the front door of the house
PA
Jade is believed to have been a pupil at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley and to have been visiting the house.
A post-mortem examination to establish how Jade died is expected to take place later tonight.
The dogs' remains will also be examined as part of the investigation, police said.
* More to follow.

Monday 25 March 2013

Mimiko re-appoints Ademujimi as COS

Mimiko  re-appoints Ademujimi as COS

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State this morning announced the appointment of Dr. Kola Ademujimi as the Chief of Staff.
Mimiko, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, said the appointment takes immediate effect.
Kola Ademujimi, a medical doctor and politician from Idanre, returns to a post he vacated a month ago after the dissolution of the last executive council.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Ademujimi has been involved in politics since he left private medical practice and was a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Chairman, Ondo State Housing Corporation and was a foundation member of the Labour Party.
Popularly called “Igwe of Idanre politics”, he brings back to the office years of experience in the political terrain and a deep knowledge of the people of the State.

Mimiko re-appoints Ademujimi as COS

Mimiko  re-appoints Ademujimi as COS

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State this morning announced the appointment of Dr. Kola Ademujimi as the Chief of Staff.
Mimiko, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, said the appointment takes immediate effect.
Kola Ademujimi, a medical doctor and politician from Idanre, returns to a post he vacated a month ago after the dissolution of the last executive council.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Ademujimi has been involved in politics since he left private medical practice and was a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Chairman, Ondo State Housing Corporation and was a foundation member of the Labour Party.
Popularly called “Igwe of Idanre politics”, he brings back to the office years of experience in the political terrain and a deep knowledge of the people of the State.

No Student was beheaded in Ogun- Police

No Student was beheaded in Ogun- Police

The Ogun Police Command on Monday dispelled the rumour that three beheaded corpses were dumped on the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan expressway on Sunday.
The command’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Monday in Abeokuta that the rumour was calculated to create fear in the minds of Nigerians.
“ The command wishes to state categorically that the rumour is the handiwork of mischief makers and should be disregarded by the general public.
“ The Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, has assured the general public of the command’s commitment to providing adequate security for all and sundry,” the statement said.

See the faces of the three students beheaded

See the faces of the three students beheaded

BREAKING – THREE FEMALE STUDENTS BEHEADED AND THROWN FROM A RANGE ROVER JEEP IN IJEBU ODE

three corpses (identified ladies photos ) that their head has been beheaded suspected to be female students was thrown from a range rover sport jeep at ijebu-ode – ibadan road just now, one is fair in complexion with unilag school ID card(Yetunde Ajao)inside her hand bag. The second is an OOUITE student(Oyindamola Esan) also fair in complexion and kinda tall, and last one is short, plumpy and dark, please if you know any of these girls kindly notify their friends or family member to come right away and remove their corpse… on coming vehicles can run them at anytime because they were dumped by the road side.

Please if you know any of these girls kindly notify their friends or family member to come right away and remove their corpse. May their souls RIP!

Saturday 23 March 2013

See the face of a British businessman who 419 who governments

Accused: Jim McCormick, at the Old Bailey

The Ade 651British businessman 'sold golf ball finders as bogus bomb detectors'

He allegedly charged up to £27,000 for the fake devices, which he flogged to governments, police and military services
Accused: Jim McCormick, at the Old Bailey
Central News
A British businessman conned governments around the world by selling them useless bomb detectors that were little more than golf ball finders, a jury heard yesterday.
Jim McCormick allegedly charged up to £27,000 for the fake devices, which he also flogged to police and military services for a “handsome but unwarranted profit”.
Brochures – featuring men in military-type outfits – promised the detection of substances from planes, beyond walls and even beneath the ground, said prosecutor Richard Whittam, QC.
But all three models – the ADE650, 651 and 101 – were a sham and did not work, he added.
In fact the 101’s forerunner, the 100, was just a £13 golf ball finder.
The gadgets were allegedly touted as suitable for use at military bases, Customs checkpoints and nuclear sites.
They were said to be capable of finding traces of drugs, ivory, bodies and contraband in quantities smaller than a human hair.
The Old Bailey jury heard that McCormick, 56, had claimed the detector could “bypass all concealment methods” and find targets through walls, underwater and up to 30ft underground.
But Mr Whittam said the machines lacked “any grounding in science” and offered no advantage over “random chance”.
Device: The ADE651
SWNS
McCormick allegedly offered three different devices for sale through his Broadcast and Telecom Ltd and ATSC firms between 2007 and 2012.
They were marketed as the ADE – Advanced Detection Equipment – models 101, 650 and 651 and were based on an earlier version called the ADE100.
Mr Whittam told the jury: “You may not be surprised that rather than being designed and made as a result of an extensive research and development programme, the ADE100 was actually a golf ball finder that could be purchased in the USA for less than $20.
“The devices did not work and he knew they didn’t. He had them manufactured so they could be sold – and despite the fact they did not work, people bought them for a handsome but unwarranted profit.
“He made them knowing that they were going to be sold as something that it was claimed was simply fantastic.
"You may think those claims are incredible.”
The court heard that McCormick imported 300 Golfinder novelty golf ball locating machines from the USA between 2005 and 2006 before modifying them to sell as bomb detectors.
He sold his bogus devices to the Iraqi police and had clients in Niger, Georgia, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, the jury heard.
The prosecution said experts who examined the 651 detector found: “It lacks any grounding in science, nor does it work in accordance with the known laws of physics.
"The ADE651 is completely ineffectual as a piece of detection equipment.”
The Ade 651
Hand-held: The gadget demo
SWNS
At least one buyer raised concerns about the devices, which were labelled with stickers from the Essex Chamber of Commerce and the International Association of Bomb Technicians.
McCormick began developing the larger ADE650 model in 2005 and enlisted design consultancy Blue MT to make it look more professional, the jury heard.
The Surrey firm’s director William Powell said McCormick claimed it worked by static electricity.
“We were curious to know what he meant by saying it detected things,” said Mr Powell.
“He gave a demonstration of it detecting water in the building and pipes buried in walls while we were having a meeting.
“Part of the device had been in his pocket. He took it out and was rubbing it on his leg vigorously.
"He explained that was to charge it statically to make it operate.
"But he didn’t really want to tell us about the plastic card that went in. He called it the secret bit that had the magic in it.”
It was alleged that when Mr Powell later opened the unit, he found a single circuit board unconnected to anything and with no components soldered on.
Jonathan Laidlaw, QC, defending, said McCormick could not recall such a demonstration.
The jury, who were shown pictures of a device and brochure, heard that police raided a property belonging to McCormick at Bath, Somerset, in 2010 and also searched his home in Langport.
McCormick pleads not guilty to three charges of fraud. The trial continues today

See history being made as Pope meets Pope:

Historic: Two Popes met for the first time in history

Pope meets Pope: Francis makes history as he joins predecessor Benedict for lunch and tells him: "We're brothers"

The new pontiff made history when he travelled to Castel Gandolfo to meet his predecessor for lunch
Historic: Two Popes met for the first time in history
Getty
Pope Francis made history today when he joined his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for lunch.
The new pontiff travelled to Castel Gandolfo by helicopter and the Vatican said the pair embraced on the helipad.
In the chapel where they prayed together, Benedict offered Francis the traditional kneeler used by the pope.
Francis refused to take it alone, saying "We're brothers," and the two prayed together on the same one.
"Pope Emeritus" Benedict XVI and Pope Francis praying in Castel Gandolfo
Getty
Outside the villa, the main piazza of Castel Gandolfo was packed with well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of history.
Vatican spokesman Rev Federico Lombardi said Benedict offered his pledge of obedience to the new pope, while Francis thanked Benedict for his ministry.
Both wore white, though Benedict was in a simple cassock without the traditional sash and cape worn by Francis.
Benedict has been living at the papal summer villa since he resigned on February 28, the first pope to step down in 600 years.
He has said he plans to live out his final years in prayer and remain "hidden from the world".
Thumbs up: Pope Francis arrives at Castel Gandolfo
Getty
  No live coverage of the private meeting was allowed, only a few still photos from the official Vatican photographer.
The Vatican said Benedict was at the helipad in the villa gardens to welcome Francis, and that the two were meeting in Benedict's library and having lunch together.
Francis will then return to his makeshift home at the Vatican hotel at an unspecified time later in the day.
The Vatican spokesman promised a general comment about the meeting, but no detailed statement.
After a few months in Castel Gandolfo, Benedict is to return to the Vatican to live in a converted monastery in the Vatican gardens, just a short walk from St Peter's Basilica and the shrine devoted to the Madonna where Francis went to pray on one of his first walks as pope.

See UK 's biggest baby- 15Ib 7oz

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01697/carousel-baby_1697050a.jpg

Friday 22 March 2013

Day of Terror:Gunmen attack prison, bank, police station

Gunmen attack prison, bank, police station  print

Published on March 22, 2013 by   ·   No CommentsGunmen on Friday launched multiple attacks on the Ganye Divisional Police Headquarters, prison and a bank in Nigeria’s north-eastern state of Adamawa.
A resident of Ganye, who spoke to NAN, said the attacks occurred around 6 p.m.
“They attacked police station, prison and bank, using gun and explosives but honestly I cannot say what the level of casualty is for now or whether prisoners were let loose,” the witness who preferred anonymity, said.
When contacted, the Adamawa Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Ibrahim and the state Comptroller of Prisons, Mr Andrew Barka, confirmed the attacks but said they had no details yet.
The attack came barely two months after similar ones on police stations and prison in Maiha and Song local government areas of the state during which many people died.
It was not clear if the attacks were carried out by a criminal gang or militants of the Boko Haram, on the prowl in the state.

Calamity : Injured governor ‘loses cognition’

Hospitalised Danbaba Suntai, Taraba State governor: moved from Germany to USAInjured Taraba governor ‘loses cognition’  print

Published on March 22, 2013 by   ·   No CommentsProfessor Zakari Aliyu, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Nigeria’s Taraba State Specialist Hospital on Friday said the ailing Governor of the state, Mr Danbaba Suntai, might not return to duty soon.
Aliyu stated this in Jalingo while testifying before the ad hoc committee of the House of Assembly investigating the motives behind the CMD’s recent press interview on the governor’s health.
The CMD had said in the controversial interview that the governor’s brain injury sustained in the plane crash had made him lose some cognitive abilities.
The doctor, at Friday’s session, reaffirmed the contents of his earlier interview.
“When I arrived in Germany, I met the physicians of the governor and we reviewed the details of his medical report. I asked the nurses attached to the governor and they made available to me all his medical records.
“Given the nature of His Excellency’s condition, he can’t be expected home in one or two weeks,” he said.
Hospitalised Danbaba Suntai, Taraba State governor: moved from Germany to USA
The CMD added that his motive of granting the interview was just to ginger up the state government on the need to transfer Suntai from Germany to John Hopkins Hospital in the U.S. to avail him better treatment options.
Aliyu explained that he had been handling Suntai’s health for the past five years.
He said the ailing governor had also been receiving treatment for three chronic diseases which he said, would not be divulged for ethical reasons.
“Since I am the consultant overseeing his personal physician, the routine interview I granted on his condition was to ginger up the acting governor to hasten Suntai’s movement to U.S. which I am glad they finally did.”
In a speech at the session, the Speaker of the house, Mr Istifanus Gbana, said the committee was set up to find out if Aliyu’s press interview had not violated the Oath of Secrecy enshrined in the Civil Service Rule.
Represented by the Deputy speaker, Mr Abel Diah, the speaker said Aliyu was not the personal physician of the governor and should have sought for permission from appropriate authority before granting the interview.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr Edward Baraya, representing Karim Lamido 2, said the committee would study Aliyu’s response and submit its report to the assembly.
Governor Suntai had been on admission at a hospital in Germany after he crash-landed a Cessna plane in Yola, Adamawa state last year October.

Why Rape Is On The Increase —Lagos PPRO

Why Rape Is On The Increase —Lagos PPRO  print

Published on March 22, 2013 by   ·   2 CommentsThe Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide, has blamed unwillingness by some rape victims and their parents to prosecute the case for the increase of the crime in Nigeria.
She said this in Lagos on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
She said, “as long as rape victims and their parents refuse to show interest in prosecuting the case, the offenders will go scot free and more of such crime will happen.
“The victims of rape or defilement are the main witnesses the police need to send the offenders to prison.
“The case is a serious offence under Nigerian law. An offender could be sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty.
“We have many people who should be behind bars for violent crimes against women.
“But because the people concerned are not willing to come forward to assist the police in prosecution, they are walking freely and even committing more of such crime.
“If offenders are not punished, many others will be bold to commit such a crime.
“It is unpardonable for a man to defile his underage daughter. Such experience will remain in the mind of the child for ever. Such a man should be punished as deterrent to others.
“The problem we have is that the same people that reported the case to the police would still turn around to settle with the offender.
“Some women, whose daughters were raped or defiled by their husbands, are the ones pleading for their release. In this case, what do you want the police to do?” Braide queried.
The PPRO called on parents, particularly women, to show concern and stand behind their wards to prosecute rape offenders.
She stressed that if the crime remained unchallenged, there would be the possibility of its increase.
She disclosed further that about four cases of rape and defilement by some men against their daughters were recorded since she assumed duty in Lagos command in the last nine months, and nobody had been prosecuted.
“Parents should know that they are not helping their children by accepting to settle out of court.
“They are killing the future of such children. You cannot quantify the pains encountered by the victims with monetary settlement.
“My advice for women is that they should rise to fight any form of abuse against women, particularly rape and defilement.
“The victims and the minors cannot help themselves; their parents must therefore stand for them.
“The police is willing to prosecute any case if those with useful information about the case would be willing to come forward with evidence,” Braide added.