JONATHAN APPOINTS OKIRO, NNAMANI, OTHERS

President Goodluck Jonathan has nominated former police chief, Mike Okiro, as the head of the Police Service Commission, in a string of new appointments sent in for senate approval on Wednesday.

The president also asked the lawmakers to approve the nomination of former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, previously an estranged member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the new Chairman of the Board of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
Mr. Nnamani, who got suspended from his party after leading an attempt at reforming the ruling party, is to lead Aminu Dikko (the commission’s director general), Comfort Saro Wiwa, Janet Adeyemi, Yabawa Wabi, Musa Elayo, and A.U. Kanu on the Infrastructure board.
Mr. Nnamani was suspended by the party for his reform efforts ahead of the 2011 elections. At the time, the former senate president lent support to the presidential ambition of former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, appearing at Mr. Babangida’s limited public speeches, where the former leader sought to clinch the party’s presidential nomination ahead of Mr. Jonathan.
Since the events, Mr. Nnamani has kept a low profile, until recently when he was considered amongst the top contenders for the chairmanship of the PDP’s Board of Trustees.
His appointment, which awaits the senate’s confirmation, might mean that the former lawmaker, who also led the effort that denied former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, a third term, may have mended ways with Mr. Jonathan’s administration.
Okiro’s appointment
The president also appointed Mr. Okiro as chairman of the police service commission, ahead of  Otive Igbuzor. Mr. Igbuzor has been nominated again as member of the commission.
Other members of the police commission include Yakubu Mohammed, Olufunke Adekeye, Aisha Tukur, Comfort Obi, Tonrgee Toranyiin.
Mr. Jonathan has also dropped Adesojo Olaoba-Efuntayo as the proposed secretary of the board of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The president had submitted Mr. Olaoba-Efuntayo’s name to the Senate for confirmation last month.
The new nominee is Emmanuel Adegboyega Aremo.

EFCC Arrests former Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today (May 8, 2013) arrested the former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva.

He was picked up at his No. 3, Niger Street, Maitama, Abuja home.

The EFCC says in a statement Wednesday that on arrival at the facility at about 10.00 am, its operatives were told Mr. Sylva was not in town but that they insisted on conducting a search on the house having obtained a warrant from the court.

“During the search, vital documents were obtained. Ironically, the ex-governor who was said to be out of town was later found hiding in a dingy corner in the upper chamber of his expansive mansion,” the statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said.

Mr. Uwujaren continues, “He was immediately whisked away and is currently being interrogated at the Abuja headquarters of the anti- graft agency. He is being grilled in connection with fresh evidence linking him with a bouquet of fraudulent transactions that borders on money laundering. Part of the new evidence includes a number of eye-popping real estate acquisitions in Abuja.

“The arrest of the former governor is sequel to his refusal to honour invitations by the Commission. Rather than appear before the EFCC, he got his lawyers to inform the Commission that he was unable to appear because he was sick, and hospitalised in Lagos. The lawyer had promised to appear with his client on May 7, 2013 but failed to do so.”

The Commission, the statement adds, will not longer tolerate the antics of suspects who treat its invitation with levity.

Stroke Patients Need Emotional Support after Treatment

A new report's findings have been strongly suggesting that stroke patients should be given emotional support after they are discharged from hospital.
It has been found that the patients often are not provided with emotional support from the health and social care services. And the same results in their struggle with the emotional effect that they have to go through.
Stroke survivors, according to the Stroke Association, have to suffer from anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and many times, from relationship breakdowns. The reason is the emotional effects, which prove devastating just like the physical ones.
Survivors lose their identity and are left mournful for their life, the report said. The Stroke Association said that the patients also felt overwhelmed after being released from hospital. A total of 2,700 people, who were patients of stroke, were surveyed by the charity.
The same pressurized on the fact that they needed psychological as well as emotional help to come out of the trauma of stroke.
"Better recognition of the emotional effects of stroke by health and social care professionals is essential in order to address the need for integrated psychological support for survivors and their families", avowed Cardiff and Vale University Health Board's clinical psychologist, Professor Reg Morris.

YOUR BALDNESS CAN BE CURE WITH PRP

Scientists at the International Hair Research Foundation, the University of Brescia in Italy and the Hebrew University Medical Centre in Israel has  revealed that injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help fight baldness.
The experiment was conducted on 45 people suffering from alopecia areata. One half of their heads was injected with either PRP, steroid cream or a placebo. The growth of hair on the scalp was measured against the new growth on the bald scalp.
The growth of hair by the PRP was found higher than the other two treatments. The scientists are now trying to make the procedure painless by eliminating the use of needles.
Baldness affects the self-esteem and quality of life of a person, says Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists. Therefore, the treatment is new ray of hope for all those who are facing such hair problems, she added.
The treatment is believed to stimulate the new stem cells below the skin, which then trigger the re-growth of hair. "We think it can help to regrow hair on people with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). We believe it is the best treatment available, apart from surgery", avowed Dr. Fabio Rinaldi, one of the researchers.

Marcus Garvey resurrects at 1st Africa Diaspora World Tourism Award •As Gov Mimiko, Aregbesola, Akpabio, Runsewe bag awards

Marcus Garvey resurrects at 1st Africa Diaspora World Tourism Award •As Gov Mimiko, Aregbesola, Akpabio, Runsewe bag awards

Written by Wale Ojo-Lanre reporting from Atlanta Georgia
Wednesday, 08 May 2013 00:00

THE fire of black nationalism and instilling of confidence in Africans as the most noble race in the world was re- kindled again in the hearts of hundreds of Africans Americans who came from all walks of life to witness the grand finale of the first African Diaspora World Tourism Award held at Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel on Saturday 27 April, 2013.

The award ceremony which was the icing of the cake of a three-day event organised by African DiasporaTourism .com and AD King Foundation in memory of Marcus Garvey, the mercurial African American social crusader and to commend and appreciate Africans who have made and making giant steps at enhancing and protecting the cultural heritage and the tourism potentialities of the black race.

The whole package of the event was wrapped and couched with events which burrowed into the historical past of African – American with nostalgia of a proud past, wonderful present and glorious future.

Pointer to this was the formal opening ceremony held at the centre dedicated to the Kings’ family, Martin Luther King Jr and his younger brother, AD King, at Auburn Avenue, Historical Fire Station No 6 Museum, King Centre on Friday 26, April 2013.

It was one of the most glorious congregations of the Africans Americans as they mingled with their kinsmen from Ghana , Republic of Benin, Kenya, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Jamaica, Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal.

The venue of this welcome and meet reception was inspiring as the guests were conducted round the venue where they were able to acquaint themselves of the legendary travails and triumph of their forebears in America.

Dr Babs Onabanjo, a Nigerian who is the President of AD King Foundation and Centre built in the memory of the younger brother of Martin Luther King Jnr and Kitty Pope, Promoter, AfricanDiasporaTourism.com, made every detail of the black passion influence in America available and packaged the evening with abundance of African cuisine and cultural performance featuring cultural groups from West Africa, Ghana, Republic of Benin and Jamaica.

Mrs Naomi King, the wife of AD King, in her welcome speech spoke on the advantage of being black.

“This is a great moment the good Lord has reserved for the blacks all over the world to meet and share of the glory of their past. I am proud to be black. It is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

She continued: “I am happy for this event. I am happy by the attendance from all over the globe. I am happy that the black all over the world are still proud of their skin. I am proud that the blacks have shown the world that knowledge, accomplishment and greatness are not a matters of the colour of the skin. I am proud of you all. Welcome to the King Centre. Welcome to your home. Welcome to the First Africans Diaspora World Tourism Award events.”

The event was freshened up by the spectacular performances of Sharon Parris Chambers, who came all the way from Jamaica. Sharon rendered soulful songs sandwiched with deep thought of where the blacks were coming from and where they are heading to. She read some lines of her poems Rose of Sharon and extolled the virtues of being black and proud.

Her performance was reinforced by the brilliant rendition of Coach Reverend Kennneth Woods who solemnly employed the powerful influence of poetic rhythm inspired the guests with his “Being Black” songs which reinforced the fact that God is the God of the black man and being black is an opportunity and grace from the creator.

Wood traced the chain of creation, the establishment of good order, prosperity of the soul, mind and spirit and the abundance of good things on the face of the earth to “being black.”


Woods rendition was well cultivated which earned for him a standing ovation and wild applause from the Africans – Americans who struggled hard not only to congratulate but to have photograph with him.

The children too were not relegated to the background as the organisers ensured that they were not only present, but fully participated as one of them too rendered a song and read off hand a poem tasking the young ones not to forget their roots.

Africana Extravaganza Cultural Show showcased rich cultural heritage of Africa to the admiration and appreciation of the African Americans.

The packaging of the reception by the African-American in a purely African way and ethos impressed the first Oba of the Diaspora His Royal Majesty, Oba Bernard Akinrimisi, Oriade I, Atlanta Georgia to have remarked “ No black man will not be proud of his ancestry with this performance and event tonight. This has imbued in us the spirit of making further steps in our effort here at preservation of our culture, values, ethos and norms.”

Unveiling ADWTA Hall of Fame and Africana Exhibition
If the event and show held at the King Centre by the organisers of the award the previous day was exciting, the line up on Saturday 27 April, 2013 at the Crowne Hotel and subsequent Gala Nite at the Atlanta Airport Marriott were just thrilling and excellent.

As early as 11 am, the Crowne Airport Hotel, Virginia’s lobby has been filled up by African-Americans who came to be partakers and participant of the unveiling of ADWT Hall of Fame and the Travel Expo.

And behold, at 12 noon, at Crowne Airport Hotel, in a luncheon setting, the names of 100 black Africans who have contributed immeasurably in enhancing the heritage, culture and tourism potentialities of the black man were announced sequentially with their deeds and acts.

Out of these 100 men who have dignified and distinguished themselves, Nigeria was lucky to have six men, each in different category – late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Governors Segun Mimiko, Ondo, Babtunde Fashola, Lagos, Rauf Aregbesola, Osun and Goodswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom. Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director–General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Mr. Keechi Uno.

The event was rounded off by the visit to the African Travel Exhibition where African tourism sellers and buyers met and networked for business.

The Award Nite
The excitement of the afternoon event at the Crowne Airport Hotel was rolled over to the prestigious Atlanta Airport, Marriott where the grande finale of the programme – the award ceremony was held. The hall, one of the Ball Rooms in the hotel was touched lavishly in African taste to blend with the theme of the event.

The roll call was impressive, Mrs. Naomi King, Mr Joe Beasley, Civil Rights Leader, Dr Ewart Brown former Premier of Bermuda, Honourable Percy A. Paris, Canadian Minister of Tourism, Jean-Michael Abimbola, Republic of Benin Tourism Minister, Salif Bardine, Representative John Lewis, chairman of the congressional task force that led to the prominent placement of two plaques in the visitor’s centre of the U.S. Capitol acknowledging contributions of slave labour. He co-wrote the legislation authorising the Martin Luther King, Jnr. National Memorial. Lewis, Dr. Amey Bailey, Donisha Marley, Dr Julius Garvey, grandson of Marcus Garvey, Governor Olusegun Mimiko represented by Mrs. Remi Duyile, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, also represented by Mr Oladipo Soyode, Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture, Mr Ogo Sow, Sharon Parris Chambers, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, represented by Mr Akin Onipede and the Oba of Africa Diaspora, Oba Bernard Akinrimisi Oriade I, Atlanta and many distinguished African Americans .

The mistress of ceremony, who is the face of Atlanta, Monica Kaufman Pearsons, winner of 30 Emmys added glamour and brilliantly compered the ceremony with style and panache which made her the first African American woman to present a Programme on Atlanta Radio.

The top of the day was the re-enactment of the great speech of Marcus Garvey by Rob Bob Semple, who was dressed in the knighthood outfit which was late Garvey’s identity, and who also has the physical resemblance of the late activist, spoke in high pitch, hollered, gesticulated, punched the air, furious and stamped his feet on the floor exactly like Garvey.

He spilled off hand the famous Garvey speech which urged the blacks to become firm and resolute in ascertaining that the colour of the skin has nothing to do with quality of mental product and interaction.

Summing up the three – day package, Mr Onipede, who represented Otunba Runsewe said “The three – day events and programmes have been one of the finest hours of the black people all over the world in USA. The organisers did their homework well and achieved the aims of the award which was to stoke the fire of relationship among the African Americans and their kith and all over the world. The venue, the theme and the delivery were apt, good and on point despite being the first of its kind.
Prince Nekan Olateru- Olagbegi , Mrs Remi Duyile representing Ondo State Governor Dr Segun Mimiko and Dr Babs Onabanjo ,President AD King Foundation , Atlanta Georgia , presenting the Award.

 

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Horror as Bride-to-Be 4 Others Died in Bachelorette Party Limo Fire

 Horro as Bride-to-Be 4 Others Died in Bachelorette Party Limo Fire

• 
  the carcass of the burnt Limousine

A bride-to-be celebrating her bachelorette party was among the five people killed when a stretch limousine burst into flames while crossing a San Francisco area bridge, according to reports.

The bride, whose name has not been released, recently married and was celebrating with friends before she planned to return to her native Philippines for a second ceremony next month, her sister told the SanFrancisco Chronicle.

Nine female passengers were in the limo, along with a male driver, when it caught fire in the westbound lane of the San Mateo bridge late Saturday, California Highway Patrol officer Art Montiel told ABC News.

The source of the fire was unknown, Montiel said, however he said officials believe it started in the back of the limousine before it quickly spread.

"It does not appear that it [the limo] was involved in a collision, so it just appears that it was a vehicle fire," Montiel said.

With the limo ablaze, other drivers stopped to help, CHP Officer Amelia Jack told ABC News.

"The driver was able to get out, some good Samaritans did stop and assist and try and pull people from the fire," Jack said."We have no idea what actually happened yet, everything as I said is still under investigation."

Four women escaped the limousine and were being treated at two area hospitals for smoke inhalation and burns, according to authorities.The driver was not injured in the inferno.

The CHP identified the surviving passengers as Mary Grace Guardiano, 42, of Alameda; Nelia Rafael Arellano, 36, of Oakland; Amalia P.Loyola, 48, of San Leandro; Jasmine Desguia, 34, of San Jose. The driver's name is Orville F. Brown, 46, of San Jose from Limo Stop, Inc., according to the CHP.

The names of the victims have not been released. 

 Culled from ABC news

GOV.MIMIKO VICTORIOUS SPEECH

  GOV.MIMIKO VICTORIOUS SPEECH

ADDRESS OF ONDO STATE GOVERNOR, DR. OLUSEGUN MIMIKO ON THE FRI. 3rd OF
MAY 2013 JUDGMENT OF THE JUSTICE ANDOVAR KAAKA’AN ELECTION PETITION
TRIBUNAL DELIVERED IN AKURE.

My good people of Ondo the Sunshine State, in a unanimous judgment of
the Justice Andovar Kaaka’an-led Election Petition Tribunal delivered
on Friday the 3rd of May 2013, the victory of the Labour Party in the
October 20, 2012, gubernatorial election in Ondo State, was affirmed.

It was a keenly contested election that allowed the robust display of
the spirit of competition. However, apart from the dimensions of
popular participation and fairness in any democratic election, there
must also be the normative dimension that consists of the acceptance
of majority wish and the protection of minority say. It is therefore
the hope of the Labour Party government in Ondo State, that with this
judgment, should rest any further political or judicial agitation
about the outcome of the election having, aside the electorate’s
verdict, been affirmed by the court.

The Labour Party government salutes the professional competence with
which the Justice Andovar Kaaka’an Election Tribunal handled the
petition within the legal time frame and applauds the decision that
squares with the preponderating wish of the electorate during the said
election. This has once again, confirmed the Nigerian judiciary as
living up to its role as the final impartial arbiter in all
contentious matters.

We, as government, are mindful of the onerous task of meeting the
development challenges of our people; we know that the fostering of
understanding between government and the people will engender a more
conducive environment for the deepening of the dividends of good
governance. That is why the Labour Party government is calling out to
opposition party members to partner with us in meeting the
expectations of our people. Since we hold the belief that opposition
party politics should be to the constructive engagement of the
government in power, we are urging those opposed to our politics to
shed the adversarial toga and join hands with us in building an
enviable and prosperous Ondo State.

The Labour Party government wishes to use this opportunity to thank
all the people of Ondo State for their loyalty during our first term
in office; for their support during the gubernatorial election; and
for their understanding of, and faithfulness to, the policy thrusts of
our government. By the grace of God and by our collective resolve, we
shall all live to see a transformed Ondo State whose fortunes shall
have been irreversibly turned around for the better.

Let us all join hands in making this a reality.

Thank you and God bless.

EKITI TO ESTABLISH STANDARD METEROLOGICAL STATION

EKITI  TO ESTABLISH  STANDARD METEROLOGICAL STATION.

    Ekiti State Government has concluded plans for the establishment of a Standard Meteorological Station  that would provide reliable data required for  short and long term planning  against flooding in the
state. .
    The State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who stated this in Ado-Ekiti while flagging off an advocacy program me tagged ‘Operation Klean Ekiti’ (OKE) organized by the State Ministry of Environment, said  his administration will also conduct an  Hydro-geophysical investigation
for ground water pollution in Ado-Ekiti.

    Dr. Fayemi explained that the moves were part of efforts of his administration  at ensuring a safe environment in the  the state

The Governor disclosed that his government was also taking steps towards  procuring a sewage emptier truck as well as facilities for waste re-cycling

    He added that six public toilets would also be constructed in Ado metropolis, while plans were on to construct public toilets in  other local government headquarters.
    Dr. Fayemi who said that his administration is considering having a befitting zoological garden and recreation park in Ado-Ekiti, stated that the  Ayede-Isan Forest Reserve would be converted into a games
reserve.
    Earlier in her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Eniola Ajayi stressed that her Ministry would regularly encourage cleaning of homes, markets, offices, schools and places of worship to ensure a healthy environment  in the state at all times.

    Dr. Ajayi explained that the Ministry has intensified efforts at ensuring proper waste collection  in all houses across the state, adding that provision of waste wheelie bins and zoning of towns and villages for effective collection of waste would also be put in place.

    The Commissioner stressed that the Ministry will embark on massive tree planting in both residential and public areas as well as discourage forest degradation and illegal felling of trees as part  of
concerted efforts at protecting the environment.     She added that the State Government is proposing ‘one house, one
tree’ policy for every building in the state.
    Dr. Ajayi however assured that plans are on to tackle cases of
incessant flooding in flood prone areas of the state.

NUTRITIONAL ADVANTAGE OF FRUITS

NUTRITIONAL ADVANTAGE OF FRUITS

Why fruits?

Fruits are nature’s wonderful medicines packed with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and many phyto-nutrients (Plant derived micronutrients). They are an absolute feast to our sight, not just because of their color and flavor but their unique nutrition-profile that help the body stay fit and healthy!

1. Fruits are low in calories and fat and are a source of simple sugars, fiber, and vitamins, which are essential for optimizing our health.
   
2. Fruits provide plenty of soluble dietary fiber, which helps to ward of cholesterol and fats from the body and to get relief from constipation as well.
   
3. Fruits contain many anti-oxidants like poly-phenolic flavonoids, vitamin-C, and anthocyanins. These compounds, firstly, help human body protected from oxidant stress, diseases, and cancers, and secondly; help the body develop capacity to fight against these ailments by boosting our immunity level. Many fruits, when compared to vegetables and cereals, have very high anti-oxidant value, which is something measured by their "Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity" or (ORAC).
   
4. Anthocyanins are flavonoid category of poly-phenolic compounds found in some "blue-fruits" like blue-black grapes, mulberries, acai berry, chokeberry, blueberries, blackberries, and in many vegetables featuring blue or deep purple color. Eating fruits rich in blue pigments offers many health benefits. These compounds have potent anti-oxidant properties, remove free radicals from the body, and thus offer protection against cancers, aging, infections, etc. These pigments tend to concentrate just underneath the skin.
   
5. Fruit’s health benefiting properties are because of their richness in vitamins, minerals, micro-nutrients, anti-oxidants, which helps the body prevent or at least prolong the natural changes of aging by protecting and rejuvenating cells, tissues and organs. Their overall benefits are manifold! Fruit nutrition benefits are infinite! You are protecting yourself from minor ailments like wrinkling of skin, hair-fall, and memory loss to major ailments like age-related macular degeneration (AMRD) of the retina in the eyes, Alzheimer’s disease, colon cancers, weak bones (osteoporosis)…etc., and the list of fruit nutrition benefits never ends!

We are proud of you, Ibadan Elders tell Ajimobi

We are proud of you, Ibadan Elders tell Ajimobi

Ibadan elders have commended the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for the restoration of peace in the state and for his administration’s urban renewal programme, saying that they were proud of him.

The Elders, under the aegis of Ibadan Elders’ Forum, gave the commendation in a letter dated 30^th April, 2013 and addressed the governor.

In the letter signed by Ambassador Olusola Sanu and Chief Ona Ajibola, the Chairman and Secretary of the Forum respectively, said that the commendation was sequel to the decision taken at a meeting of the forum held in Ibadan on April 18, 2013.

According to them, the commendation had become necessary in view of the outstanding performance  of the governor and the monumental achievements he had recorded since his assumption of office two years ago.

They particularly commended the governor for restoring peace, which they said had served as the foundation of the economic development of the state.

``Before your assumption of office, Oyo State faced serious security problems unleashed by armed robbers, political thugs as well as NURTW factions struggling for ascendancy. You have now changed the violent situation to a peaceful one.

``You have restored peace and made good use of law enforcement agencies to ensure same. The notoriety of the NURTW factions has been checked and by so doing, you have ensured that miscreants are now allowed in any guise to make Oyo State a haven for their nefarious activities,’’ the elders noted.

The governor, they also said, had changed the face of the state through his restoration and transformation agenda.

``Apart from the construction of a flyover at Mokola, you have rehabilitated/constructed or are rehabilitating/constructing many roads and bridges across the nooks and crannies of Oyo State. Drains were cleared, rivers, canals and streams were dredged to prevent flood.

``Much work has been done to improve the environment and people have been mobilized in various forms to partner with government to make the environment beautiful, clean and healthy. Positive impacts have been made in the sectors of health, education, agriculture, manpower development and skills acquisition.

``Women generally and in particular, widows, able-bodied and disabled persons were not neglected. Provision of free transport for workers, regular payment of salaries and the 13^th month salary, training and retraining of personnel also featured. Retirees were not neglected,’’ the said.

According to the elders, Governor Ajimobi’s efforts had given Ibadan, and indeed, the entire state a facelift, adding ``there is general cleanliness which all can attest to. You have taken a bold step politically and you have executed your vision with courage.

``Your political detractors are already exploiting the situation because they looked at your transformation programmes from a narrow perspective.

``As for Ibadan Elders’ Forum, we thank you for the encouraging developments you have embarked upon and for the steps you have taken to give Ibadan a new image. We note that you are the first governor in Oyo State that has taken a very spirited efforts to recognize that a clean environment is a contributory factor attracting foreign investors and ensuring sustainable economic development.

``We are proud of you for having worked so hard to achieve enormous results,’’ the elders said, expressing the hope that what the governor would do in the next two years would surpass what he had done in the first two years of his administration.