SPORTS: SEE WHAT JOSE MAURINHO HAS TO SAY ABOUT MESSI & RONALDO'S RATING

Jose Mourinho is baffled at the influence on society of footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, considering they “don't save lives”. The Chelsea boss - one of the most recognisable figures in football - believes people from other walks of life deserve greater status given the tasks they perform on a daily basis. 

Mourinho also questioned those who regard football as the most important thing in life. "I am passionate about football, of course," the former Real Madrid boss told The Daily Telegraph. "But for us professionals, if it means everything then we 

are in trouble; and for supporters it is the same. "In Portugal they say that you can change everything except your mum and your football club. I understand football’s power, socially, politically and culturally, but how can a football player be in the top 100 of the most influential people in the world in Forbes magazine?" When it was pointed out to Mourinho that two footballers are in the top 100, Ronaldo (30th) and Messi (45th), he added: "It’s absurd! We don’t save lives! "I know that people can jump from a fifth floor because their team lost a game, but that person has problems. "How can you compare a football player, a football manager with a scientist, a doctor? You cannot compare."

Mourinho worked with Ronaldo for three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he clashed with Messi's Barcelona on numerous occasions, before returning to the Chelsea helm in 2013. After a silverware-less first season back at Stamford Bridge, he lifted the League Cup earlier this year and his Blues have a comfortable seven-point lead in the Premier League with a game in hand.

SEE: The 4 Nigerian Students Found Dead In An Apartment In Georgia

Georgia as in the country in Eurpoe and not the state in the US. Four Nigerian students, (four pictured below), were found dead in an apartment on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi yesterday night Wednesday April 8th. Three of the boys were students at Tbilisi State Medical University and one at Georgia’s University.

Police are saying the boys died from gas poisoning due to a faulty water heater in their apartment.

Friends of the students were worried when they hadn't heard from the roommates all day, which was unusual. They called police who broke into the students’ apartment and found their bodies. The bodies have been taken to the National Forensic Bureau.

Friends of the victims, who are Nigerians, say they want a proper investigation into what happened. They also wanted the Nigerian public to be aware of this incident. Will bring updates on this. May their souls rest in peace, amen.

Taxi Driver Nabbed in Abuja After Robbing Woman (Photos)

A taxi driver identified as Collins Eze, was caught this morning around Yaradua center in Abuja after he robbed a woman passenger. 

After robbing the woman, he was said to have pushed her out of his taxi and climbed over her. Other commuters who caught glimpse of the incident, gave him a hot chase and caught up with him.
 

<<<<<<<<See more photos after the cut>>>>>>>

RAPED TO DEATH: Shehu Bashiru 27 years, Raped Little Girl of 2 years to Death in Kaduna

A 27-year-old man, Shehu Bashiru of Yabati Ward in Sabon Gari local government area of Kaduna State has been arrested by the Kaduna State police Command for allegedly raping a two- year-old girl to death.

The suspect was arrested by policemen from the Sabon Gari Area Command following a complaint from the father of the late minor, Mallam Zakkari Dahiru before he was transferred to the state police Homicide Department.
Speaking to journalists at the police command where he was paraded, the suspect said he regretted his action and pleaded for mercy.

He confessed to the crime and said he did not know what pushed him into the act.

He said, “To be honest with you, I don’t know what come over me but I started flipping with my manhood which was already erected and, as if the devil want to punish me, the late Fatimah came into my room because we are neighbours and she is used to me.

“Immediately she came into my room, I stripped her Unclad and penetrated through her virgina. All of a sudden, she stopped breathing and I applied water on her head but that could not resuscitate her. From that moment, I knew that I am in big trouble.

“I became more afraid when her mother started asking about her and I told her I had not seen her that day. I put together some of my clothes under the pretence of washing them but her corpse was hidden in one of them.

“It was in this process that her father came into my room, saying that he was informed that some people saw his daughter going into my room. I asked him to come in and check if she was there.

“He came in and went to my inner room but did not find anything. He came back to the sitting room where I was sitting with my clothes. On his way out, he stopped and said he wanted to see what was inside the clothes on the ground.

“When he scattered the clothes, he saw the corpse of his daughter and he raised the alarm which attracted other neighbours and the police was invited”.

The father of late Fatima, Dahiru, who could not hold back his tears, told journalists that on the fateful day he was on his way out when his daughter asked him for money to buy bean cake .

“But I refused to give her. The suspect then came out of his room and asked for N50 to buy sugar which I obliged and it was the same money I later learnt he used to lure my daughter into his room”, Dahiru added.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Kaduna State Command, DSP Abubakar Zubairu, said the case file had been transferred to the Homicide Department for further investigation. According to him, the suspect is being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

Improving on mother-daughter relationship

Daughters are a blessing. Every woman wishes for one, except maybe for a few women who would rather have all boys. A well-dressed baby girl, toddler or teenager remains the belle of the party. Most of the time, however, there exists a strain on a mother-daughter relationship for no just reason. In the sciences, it is said that like poles do not attract while unlike poles attract. One would wonder if this theory is applicable to human relationships too.

Recently, at a gathering, some women spoke (though on a lighter note) about the fact that they find it difficult to get along with their daughters at a particular point in time and age; especially during their teenage years, which according to them should not be. Poor mother-daughter relationships are less discussed and it appears or feels to be a more “dysfunctional” issue, because it is believed that women are more nurturing, empathetic, and social than boys and men. This of course should prevent any serious conflict between mothers and their female children. The most intricate issue, however, is the fact that this situation is like a vicious circle.

According to one of them, daughters are closer to their fathers and she actually used herself as an example. She has three girls, who are always competing for their father’s attention, leaving her almost alone in the house. Her fears goes deeper than just being left alone, or the fact that her daughters prefer their father’s company, but she is worried that her girls could eventually look for their father’s stereotype when it is time for them to choose life partners.

The issues raised by these women are not peculiar to them. Once in a while, a lot of women wonder why they just can’t get along with their daughters, especially during their teenage years.
Mothers and daughters are not always best friends. When your girl is a toddler, you are more like a goddess to her. She wants to be like you, dress up like you and do everything she sees you doing; wear lipstick and model your earrings and wear your high heels, she wants to be just like mummy.
The scenario is like this until she is about 13, then you suddenly become the most ignorant, out-of-touch creature on the planet, and she wants you far away from her. And then, somewhere between her 20s and 30s, you become her best friend again.

Mothers should be careful to do things that will accord them the opportunity of remaining or becoming their daughter’s best friends during those tough adolescent years.
There is something sacred about the mother-daughter relationships, when a mother is absent from a daughter’s life, the absence leaves both women feeling empty and less whole. This could eventually lead to a situation of low self-esteem, dating and relationship problems, feelings of worthlessness and or depression.

The reason why some mothers don’t always bond with their daughters is because she might be busy on the computer, phone, with friends or school work. When you try to talk to her, she doesn’t listen or just leaves the room. She thinks you are embarrassing and you don’t know how to change that.
You may be busy as well, with work, family, money and so much more. Do either of these situations sound like you? If so, you need to improve your mother-daughter relationship and overall bond.
One cannot lay the blame for a dysfunctional mother-daughters relationship on either the mother or daughter’s door. It exists; the most important issue is learning how to get along with your daughter if you find yourself in this line; then try some of these tips.

Tips to improve mother-daughter relationship
Set aside time to spend with her: Try to find time in your schedule to do things with your daughter. Pick a certain day of the week or time of the day when both of you are free.

 Know what your daughter’s likes: Knowing what kinds of activities your daughter enjoys will help greatly when you spend time together because you’ll know what to do and where to go.
Go shopping together: If there’s one thing that will build girls’ relationships, it’s shopping. You’ll have a chance to talk and find more about your daughter’s interests while getting new things.

Go out: If you don’t want to shop, there are still plenty of options. Some are the pool, park, beach, restaurant, museum, or amusement park. Now that you know your daughter’s interests, you can start to know where she might want to go.

Watch a good old movie at home: This is a great activity if it’s raining out. Watching movies can also really bring you closer.

Help her with her schoolwork: As a mom, it’s important that you should support your daughter in her education.

Cook together: Another fun way for the two of you to bond is through cooking or baking.
Show her you love her: Of course, your daughter already knows that you love her, but do you really show it? Although playing a game or watching TV is spending time together, is it really quality special time? You may not know how to do this, but it’s the little things that count. Go for a nice walk together, talk, and enjoy the nature.

Talk: It’s important for your daughter to know that she can always come and talk to you if she needs anything. When you talk to your daughter, make sure that you look at her, and she does the same.

Listen: Not only should your daughter listen to you, but you must listen as well.

Be there for your daughter: You need to always be there, whether it’s through presence at an important event, advice, or by words of encouragement.

Celebrate your daughter’s talents: This is another form of encouragement, and it will make your daughter feel so happy inside when you recognise her talents.

Be kind to her: This may go without saying, but your kindness has a huge impact on your relationship together

Trust your daughter: It may be hard to do this, but you have to be trusting.

Oba Akiolu's Threat: Lagos APC Tenders Apology to Igbos

Determined to calm the anger and umbrage arising from the inflammatory vote for APC or perish remarks by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, to the Igbos resident in Lagos State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state yesterday tendered an apology and urged them to ignore the threat by the Oba.

The party’s apology came just as President Goodluck Jonathan, in a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, warned against what he described as “negative triumphalism” and comments that are capable of inciting sections of the polity against each other.
The state APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, in a press statement said the party sincerely apologises to Ndigbo and pleaded with them to bury the hatchet in the interest of peace and harmony.

Underscoring the point that Lagosians and Igbos have enjoyed long standing relationship over the years, Igbokwe noted that: “No human being is above mistakes. People can make mistakes and correct it thereafter. The Oba of Lagos can make a mistake and we believe that the statement credited to him was a mistake. If to err is human, we plead with Ndigbo to let the sleeping dog lie.

“After the March 28, 2015 presidential election, Ndigbo in Lagos have been trooping into the Lagos APC fold in droves. They have pledged to throw their full weight behind the APC gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. The support was total and unprecedented. You can therefore imagine how we feel as a party when this incident came just a few days to the governorship election.

“Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos is not a card-carrying member of APC. He is not a leader in APC. He does not speak for APC. He did not speak for Governor Fashola of Lagos State. He did not speak for our national leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He did not speak for the incoming governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. His Royal Highness is at liberty to speak for himself and he spoke for himself only. Lagos APC appeals to Ndigbo not to take the statement as the position of the party in Lagos.”

According to him, the APC “passionately appeal to Ndigbo not to carry the statement credited to Oba Akiolu too far so as not to put a knife on things that have held us together for more than 50 years now. If out of annoyance you throw your cap away, a mad man will take it and use it forever".

“A lot is at stake in Lagos. Lagos has been fair to Ndigbo and Ndigbo have reciprocated by taking Lagos as their home no matter whose ox is gored. Lagos APC believes that Ndigbo will not burn the bridges because of this minor setback.

“Lagos APC has worked so hard with other Nigerians to enthrone a government at the centre and we cannot afford to throw all these gains away by allowing the mistakes of the last weekend to stand on our way to link Lagos effectively with the centre. Our own Oba Rilwan Akiolu’s slip of tongue should not be used as an excuse by Ndigbo to reverse these huge gains. Ndigbo should forgive and forget by voting APC en mass this coming Saturday,” he said.

In the same vein, the state chairman of the party, Chief Oladele Ajomale, noted that his party still enjoys solidarity and mutual goodwill with Igbos in Lagos State.
The APC chieftain, who was speaking against the background of the acrimony generated by the Oba's last weekend statement, said while the monarch has the right to speak on any matter that concerns his domain, he did not speak the mind of the APC.
"We, as a party hold the Olowo-Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in high esteem. But, any statement purportedly made by the royal father was made in his capacity as the traditional ruler of Lagos, and not on behalf of our party, although we assume that he may have been quoted out of context.

"It is mischievous for unscrupulous elements to now twist the remarks of the Oba which he has immediately clarified in the media, in a way to erroneously convey the wrong and misguided impression that he spoke for our great party," Ajomale said.

But despite the appeal and clarifications by the APC, the Lagos chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate suspension of Oba Akiolu till after the governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the country, scheduled to hold on Saturday.

The party called on Governor Babatunde Fashola to suspend the monarch, stressing that this was necessary in order to guarantee free, fair and credible elections in the state.

In a statement issued yesterday by Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, the party stated that it had also alerted the security agencies to hold the monarch responsible for any attack on non-indigenes or PDP members in the state.

According to the PDP, Fashola's silence after Akiolu's inflammatory statement and threat to life suggests that the monarch acted on behalf of the state government and accused him of being complicit.

“The governor is thus a conspirator in this threat to life and must also be held accountable for any violence in this election. We have at this point been vindicated about the desperation of the APC to retain Lagos State at all cost including the All Progressives Congress’ plan not to concede the imminent defeat on April 11," it said.

Irrespective of the threat to their lives, PDP urged Lagos non-indigenes and others to be part of Saturday’s voting exercise.
Also, the president urged all Nigerians “to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding” during and after the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly polls, while condemning incendiary remarks by politicians and their supporters.

According to the statement by Abati, “The president condemns the very unseemly attempt by some politicians, groups and individuals to intimidate others, heat up the polity and cause public disorder and disaffection in the aftermath of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“President Jonathan is especially concerned about the negative triumphalism that has been put on display by certain elements since March 31 which flies in the face of his personal commitment to post-election peace, unity and national stability.

“The President calls on all those, who through their actions and utterances, have been promoting divisiveness, sectionalism and ethnic hatred in the country following the outcome of the March 28 elections to cease and desist from actions that detract from the true spirit and culture of democracy envisioned by patriotic men and women of goodwill in Nigeria.

"President Jonathan also condemns the undue harassment of public officials serving under his administration and urges all affected persons to continue to perform their lawful duties without fear," the statement said.

The president also advised that “this should be a time for the healing of political wounds in the overriding interest of national unity, stability and progress, not a time for ethnic jingoism and the settling of scores”.
"The federal government will not condone any attempt to instigate a crisis in any part of the country in furtherance of personal political ambitions," it stated.

Also condemning the monarch’s comment, Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, said the remarks credited to the king were completely unacceptable, and urged him to apologise to the Igbos, as his said comments should not be condoned in a decent society.
“It is totally unacceptable as it is a mockery of the political objective of national integration. It is illegal as it clearly offends section 42 of the Constitution which has prohibited discrimination on grounds of ethnicity, religion, political opinion, creed or sex. Although the Oba lacks the power to cause anyone to 'die in the Lagoon within seven days' the threat constitutes a violation of the fundamental right of thousands of citizens to life.

"In the case of Director-General of State Security Service v Olisa Agbakoba (1999) 3 N.W.L.R (PT 595) 314, it was held by the Supreme Court that 'it is not in dispute that the Constitution gives every Nigerian citizen the right to move throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof. It also guarantees to the citizen the right not to be expelled from Nigeria nor be refused entry or exit therefrom'. Since the residency right of every citizen is constitutionally guaranteed, the Igbo people in Lagos should discountenance the threat of Oba Akiolu.

"It is pertinent to remind the Oba that Lagos has continued to provide accommodation for Nigerians from all walks of life. Hence, after the civil war, there was no case of 'abandoned properties' in Lagos. From time to time, armed militants and other misguided youths who unleash mindless violence on 'non indigenes' have always been called to order by the Government and the people of Lagos State. Indeed, the human-rights community has always kicked against discriminatory policies and ensured that all victims of human rights abuse are defended and protected regardless of their ethnic identity.

"As a senior lawyer, Oba Akiolu ought to have realised that the Electoral Act has not conferred powers on any traditional ruler or any other authority to sanction anyone for voting for a candidate of his or her choice in any election conducted in Nigeria.

“After all, before the just concluded presidential election, the Oba adduced reasons why he could not endorse the presidential candidate of the APC, General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd.). He was not harassed or intimidated for exercising his freedom of choice. Since the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended has banned any form of hate campaign, the Oba is advised to withdraw the threat credited to him and apologise publicly to the Igbo people without any delay,” Falana said.

But beyond the condemnation of the monarch’s threats, a senior lawyer, Mr. Mike Okoye stated yesterday that he has forwarded a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Oba Akiolu.

Also forwarded in the petition by Okoye to the Information and Evidence Unit, Office of the Prosecutor, at The Hague under Article15 of the Rome Statute, is the recorded video footage showing a visibly angry Oba Akiolu, making the unconcealed venomous threats with death in the lagoon to Igbos on Sunday, if they failed to vote for Ambode.

Okoye urged the Ndigbo in Lagos to be law abiding while they await the international warrant of arrest to be issued against the monarch.
Similarly, in a veiled reference to the monarch’s hate speech, the Director of Department of State Service (DSS) has warned against unguarded statements that could inflame ethnic sentiments in the country.

In a statement by PR Nigeria, the DSS said: “We want to warn those stoking these embers of violence and disunity to desist, as this will not be tolerated. We should all strive to strengthen our nascent democracy as we work towards building a better Nigeria."
Meanwhile, the Igbo cultural group, Aka Ikenga, in a press statement made available to THISDAY, "condemns in its entirety the statement credited to the highly respected Oba of Lagos threatening all Ndigbo's resident in Lagos to vote for only a particular candidate in the governorship and state assembly elections.

"It is mind-boggling that Ndigbo are threatened with a consequence if they disobey. It is a known fact that we seek a free and fair election. At what point were Yoruba and Hausa Fulani people threatened for their votes?"
According to the group's president, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, "We have waited for a retraction of this statement in vain but we have stated it repeatedly that people should vote according to their conscience without any fear or favour.

"Freedom of choice is an inherent right and nobody can take it away from Ndigbo. For the avoidance of doubt, threat to one Igbo man is a threat to us all. We shall do our civic duty as directed by INEC and the security agencies to whom we have copied this press release."
But in a bid to douse the growing tension, the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, Chief Christian Nwachukwu, who addressed a news conference in FESTAC Town on behalf of the council, called on all Igbo indigenes to turn out massively to vote for the APC candidate Ambode in Saturday’s election.

Nwachukwu thereby urged the Igbo community in the state to vote for him to allow for continuity and excellence, which the state’s former governor, Bola Tinubu, had started and the incumbent governor, Fashola, had been able to build on in the last 16 years.

He said: “We endorse Ambode as governor of Lagos State. Our being here is to assure our sons and daughters and ask them to vote for Ambode massively. You have been doing it since 1999 and this time will not be an exception.  We have maintained this relationship for many years and we must ensure that it continues.

“The monarch simply wants the Igbos to show their love and it is only by voting for Ambode that we can show that love and have hope. A vote against Ambode is a wasted vote. Let us join hands together and ensure that Ambode wins.”

Also in an effort to  downplay the effect of the speech, the founder of the Lagos Business School (LBS), Prof Pat Utomi, who while defending the Oba, said the speech was made in jest.
Tweeting from @PatUtomi he wrote: "Have known Oba Akiolu for 20yrs. He says worse to me every time we see but I have no doubt he is fond of me. How do you tell outsiders so?

"The arena of politics slippery slope. The remarks by the Oba of Lagos are inappropriate but all who know him know he talks so in jest.
"Typical of Oba as he sees me: Pat go return our land where you built that Lagos Business School. I respond; hold Asiwaju who signed C of O."

With the controversy his tweets generated, he tried to explain further by writing, "It may interest you that a group led by a ceo from South East And leading Lagosian left my home at 10am to the Oba to protest."

Right at the heels of his tweets was a former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, who wrote: "There is no way to trivialise Oba Akiolu's credible threatening of his Igbo friends as a joke, please. That would be a joke taken too far.
"I am as proud to be Igbo as I am to be Nigerian. Born in Lagos--in fact in the domain of the Oba of Lagos. Those his words stung and still do."

One Blossom Nnodim wrote: "Sir, with all due respect, What? I will rather keep quiet than try to justify the unjustifiable. This is the norm for an unlearned me. I am shocked at your words.
"It is not okay that you see a call for ethnic cleansing as a mere jest, @UtomiPat. It is not okay and it will never be okay. Cheers!"

SPORTS: Enyimba petitions CAF over alleged biased officiating

Former African champions, Enyimba of Aba, have petitioned African football governing body, CAF, over what they described as “terrible officiating,” which they alleged caused their 0-2 loss to Egyptian club, Smouha, in their second leg, first round CAF Champions League game in Alexandria on Sunday.

Chairman of Enyimba, Felix Anyansi-Agwu does not expect much joy at the end but says it’s important to “let the world know what happened in Egypt.”

“My brother, I am more than shocked. In all my years as an administrator in African football, I have never seen anything this bad, especially in the closing moments of the game.

“We did not lose to Smouha. We lost to the referees that Smouha used in helping them beat us. It was unbelievable.

“I know we have lost but we have to make a formal complaint to the governing body,” Anyansi-Agwu told supersport.com.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, also corroborated Anyansi-Agwu’s claim.

“The officiating was highly questionable. No wonder the Smouha FC officials refused to allow any recording of the game. This is bad for African football,” Sanusi, who was in Alexandria for the game was quoted as saying on the official NFF website, www.thenff.com.

Enyimba won the first leg of the first round tie, 1-0 against Smouha in Aba, but the 0-2 defeat in Alexandria in the return fixture ultimately knocked them out on a 2-1 aggregate.

SPORTS: Pellegrini unperturbed with his future in City

MANUEL Pellegrini insists he is not concerned about speculation surrounding his future as Manchester City boss. Speculation continues to mount that the Chilean will be replaced at the end of what is shaping up to be a disappointing season.

But he said: “I’m not concerned about my job. That is one thing I am never concerned with. “I never have fear about it, I do my work, I’m very happy. The team may be having a difficult season but never worry about me. “We are not thinking about Chelsea, or about the title.

We are just trying to win our games.” Goals from Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon either side of half-time condemned City to defeat at Selhurst Park. There may have been a hint of offside about Murray’s goal, with both the striker and Scott Dann possibly just beyond the last man. However, if there were question marks about the first goal, there was nothing wrong with the second three minutes after the interval as Puncheon curled home a superb free-kick.

Murray was also involved in controversy at the other end when the ball hit his arm in the area before Yaya Toure pulled one back for City. “It was a clear offside. Also it was a clear penalty,” added Pellegrini. “But with the way we played we must win this game.”

Yams Looking Like Humans Allegedly Found In Minna,Nigeria

Another wonder.

Human looking yams allegedly in Minna Niger State located in the northern part of Nigeria.

WILL YOU BUY/EAT THIS YAM?

Messages of hope from blind JAMB candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) seems to be one of the many innovative agencies in Nigeria considering their tendency to adapt technologies to their operations.

This year, it conducted a full computer-based tests for all its candidates. Moreover, it took more steps to procure machines and equipment to enable disabled candidates, especially the visually challenged ones to be part of the test.

During the last JAMB examination, Abuja Metro at the Chams Centre had a wonderful interaction with some visually-impairedcandidates as they took their exams with brail computers fitted with hearing aids to read the exam questions to them. They all admitted it was a sweet and wonderful experience that has become a boost to their ambitions. The candidates said the Computer Based Test (CBT) that held last month touched their lives in special ways and made them feel important, remembered and part of the system that encourages them realize their potential in education and career development.

Friendly machines

The Braillenote Apex did play its role in accommodating the visually impaired and gave all candidates equal chances in the exam regardless of their challenges. The Braillenote Apex was acquired from a software giant, Humanware based in Europe. It enabled the visually impaired candidates to read and answer questions via voice or Braille. At the centre, Abuja Metro discovered that the special candidates were properly taught while preparing for the CBT test how to make best use of the gadgets. The exam environment was very conducive. The paraphenalia consisted of a round table with eight or five candidates with just two sessions. They were provided with refreshment because of the long five hours their exams lasted. They all confirmed using the Braillenote Apex for the first time and tagged it easy or interesting. Prior to the time of JAMB Computer Based Test, such candidates used typewriters to write exams that came with a lot of mistakes.

Even the Minister for Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, who was quite impressed, pointed out that the BrailleNote Apex provided by JAMB for the 150 visually impaired candidates taking the exams was first of its kind in Africa and encouraged the special candidates on his visit to a center in Abuja that the ministry is out to assist them actualize their dreams. “We are catching up with modalities; we are catching up with technology particularly in enabling the blind candidates. It is the first of its kind in the continent.”

One of the visually impaired candidates, referred to as Pastor Lucky who attended the Government Secondary School Gwale felt excited about the experience and said he is hopeful of attaining his ambition to study law wants to study law in the university. “I find it very much interesting and I cherish the experience. It is encouraging and I must say the government has demonstrated that it really has the challenged persons in mind by putting up the facilities for the examination.

“Initially, when we were told this year’s exam will be computer based, I was worried about what will become of the visually impaired, but surprisingly, we were made to understand that there is provision for us. I say kudos to the government and more power to their elbow. They should do more so we can catch up with the modern world and even set the trend.”

Another candidate, Kingsley Uche, of Naka Memorial School in Platuea State, described the procedure for the examination as simple. He said “if you know how to use the facilities, it is very simple because you don’t have to worry if your type writer ink is coming up well or not, you just have to do the thing without stress. It is better.

“I must appreciate the government for making this possible, this is how great Nigeria starts. I also commend JAMB for this wonderful effort. It is an ideology that cannot be joked with. No one would have any problem with loss of papers after the exams, thereby stopping the person’s admission. I will see my result the next day unlike the typewritten exam where we have to wait for months.”

Improved facility

Talking about the efficiency of the BrailleNote Apex over the typewriter, Pastor Lucky said: “It is better than the typewriting because with this I will make my corrections whenever I make mistake. But with the typewriter, once you make a mistake, it remains. It can’t be corrected. But here you can easily, go back and correct it. I think it will be great if the facility is provided in the universities.”

He explained some shortcomings in the equipment and said they have brought such complaints to the notice of the examiners and wished they were corrected for future tests. “There are some corrections that ought to be made. In English language for instance, there should be a way the computer would help visually impaired candidates to detect phonetic symbols or fill gaps on dotted lines.” Kingsley Uche on his part said: “Rome was not built in a day, JAMB has tried their best and I believe tomorrow, more will be done. But to me this is the best, and I know more can come as innovation keeps coming. I appreciate JAMB for this opportunity.” Kingsley Uche is a young man who boils with passion for law and wishes to help victimized people in the future. He said: “By the special grace of God I want to study law because the passion has been there since my childhood, I want to speak for the less privileged, talk on behalf of the widows, oppressed, depressed and suppressed. The people are suffering, and I am a victim of one or two things but I don’t want to go into that. So, I don’t want people to face it anymore, I want the upcoming generation to have a voice.”

While these special candidates expressed gratitude to the government and JAMB, they hope that using the computer will not just end at the JAMB level, but extended to the universities and possibly that the BrailleNote Apex computer can be affordable to the candidates for personal use.

Magic machine

According to expert information, personal Braille Note Apex has the thinnest and lightest Braille note taker, soft key applications for dynamic real-time communications, enhanced support for large documents and media files, plug-and-play visual display, convenient user-replaceable battery. It also possesses integrated real-time clock that maintains time and date for 30 days without battery power.

The comfortable full-size Braille keyboard makes note taking quick and easy. Signature thumb keys make extensive reading a real pleasure and effortless. The BrailleNote Apex offers outstanding stereo sound capabilities for playing back recordings, listening to audio books, interviews, news, music or any Internet radio programs.

Nigerian Troops Capture Alagarno In Borno State (PHOTOS)

Nigerian troops have this morning successfully completed a raid on all terrorist camps in Alagarno in Borno State. Alagarno is the major haven of terrorists ahead of Sambisa forest.

A number of weapons and equipment were captured during the operation. Items captured from the terrorists included Armoured vehicles, several arms and ammunitions of various sizes and calibres, power generating sets, grenades and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs), bows and arrows, megaphones and rolls of copper cable which the terrorists used as one of the materials to make IEDs.

Cordon and search as well as mop up of the community is still on going to make the environment safe for displaced locals to return.

Aside being one of the strongholds of terrorists in the State, Alagarno also provided routes used by the terrorists to neighbouring towns and countries. The thick forest in the area had made it a safe haven for the terrorists for a long time as the terrain was not easily accessible and it was endowed with natural hideouts from aerial bombardments.

Husband catches pregnant wife having sex with another man

A woman simply identified as Mercy was on Monday morning caught sleeping with another man in Otukpo, Benue State.

Her husband identified as Okpani caught the wife and her lover red-handed after he set them up, having suspected the wife was constantly cheating on him.

DailyPost gathered that Okpani, a Local Government staff told his pregnant wife that he will be going for a NULGE meeting which is supposed to take place in Makurdi, the state capital this morning. However, Okpani went to the neighbour’s house to stay and spy on his wife’s movement.

After a while, a middle aged man who was identified as Omale walked stealthily into his matrimonial room. Okpani gave them a little time before coming out of his hideout into the room, and alas, his wife was having sexual intercourse with Omale.

As at press time, people are gathered at Okpani’s compound, waiting for the Police to arrive.

I ABUSED FAME AND GOT MYSELF INFECTED WITH HIV - HANKS ANUKU

Popular Nollywood star, Hanks Anuku has disclosed to City FM Radio in Ghana that he allegedly infected his wife with HIV and slept with 80 women.
He said this happened when he left for Zambia without his family in 2011 to take part in plays teaching about HIV and AIDS.

“Life in Zambia was heaven on earth because we could enjoy life, moving in all places but I was missing my family. During that time I had quite a number of s*xual activities and I slept with different women. When I came back home I never took care of the family. I started drinking and became an irresponsible husband, leaving the entire burden to my wife,” he said.

The actor who is also known for his criminal roles in Nigeria home movies said he is now a born again Christian and regrets all his acts in the past.

“I got tested while I was in Zambia after one of my girlfriends advised me about her pregnancy. She had gone for pregnancy tests and during that time, she was tested for HIV and the results were shocking, she was positive. She forced me to get tested but I could not come to terms with the results.

After I got tested, I came back to Zimbabwe and I kept quiet about the issue. I never told my wife about the issue. I infected her, but I regret. Later on, I received some counseling and it went well,”
Hanks said his fame misled him into doing things which he wasn’t proud of.

“During my peak of popularity, I had s*x with approximately 80 women, within Harare and Zambia. In 2002 it was so amazing to be on TV. I abused the fame. To make matters worse, I lacked counseling and I failed to handle it properly,

See Airline Where Hot Strippers Serve as Air Hostesses (Photos)

An Unnamed Russian airline is under severe fire for having lewd strippers as part of its flight crew after images of some of its air stewardesses stripping off in cockpits and even performing sex acts was released. See More Photos:

The shocking images, found by Polish media, provide an alarming glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes during flights.

The images include a Russian stewardess, who flashes her cleavage, and a Russian air hostess, who hides out of view of passengers as she hoists up her skirt to show off her stockings.

In another picture, an air hostess exposes her thong-clad behind in front of a male steward.
Both were later sacked after the company confirmed the images were genuine although they had been taken when the plane was not in flight.

Chinese media reported at the time that the pair were a couple and the pilot claimed the pictures had been stolen from his personal computer and distributed online without his knowledge.