Nigeria’s Economy Is Currently Experiencing Shock – Chris Ngige

“The Nigerian economy is experiencing shock arising from the economic downturn occasioned by the sharp drop in the prices of crude oil in the international market.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, says that only economic diversification can help the country reduce massive unemployment and overcome the current economic recession.

According to him, the present realities demand diversification into agriculture, fisheries, mining and energy, stressing that investment in these areas would go a long way in reviving the economy.

Ngige who spoke as Guest of Honour at the 14th Fellowship and Award Ceremony of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) in Abuja at the weekend, also said Nigeria is currently at the crossroads.

Said he, “The Nigerian economy is experiencing shock arising from the economic downturn occasioned by the sharp drop in the prices of crude oil in the international market.

“We should even be happy that the economy is not convulsing as a result of mis-governance and planlessness of the last 16 years. Our people did not anticipate the slump in oil prices.

“It was the profligacy of the past that brought us to the present situation and we don’t have the wherewithal to effect the change we promised Nigerians that is why we have made diversification our policy thrust”.

Ngige appealed to the executives of the FISON to embrace the government’s diversification policy by creating jobs through massive fish production in the country.

In his address, the National President of FISON, Dr. Olajide Ayinla lamented that Nigeria has become the biggest importer of frozen fish, a development which he said, was crippling local fish production in the country.

He appealed to the Federal Government to ban the importation of frozen fish into the country in order to encourage local fish producers to expand their production frontiers.

Dr. Ayinla called on the Federal Government to upgrade and rehabilitate fish production laboratories and other research facilities in the country, saying the facilities are either dilapidated or working far below capacity.

He raised the alarm that the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, which was designated as terminal for the Nigerian Fisheries Trawlers Owners Association (NITOA) by the Obasanjo administration, is about to be taken away from the association.

“By implication, there will be no Terminal where NITAO can effectively operate. This is a huge investment under serious threat and the intervention of the Federal Government will restore hope and confidence to this important sector of our economy”.

Dr. Ayinla also blamed slow implementation of the government’s policy on certification of aquaculture products as setback for the exportation of shrimps from Nigeria to the European Union market.

Nigeria’s Economy Is Currently Experiencing Shock – Chris Ngige

“The Nigerian economy is experiencing shock arising from the economic downturn occasioned by the sharp drop in the prices of crude oil in the international market.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, says that only economic diversification can help the country reduce massive unemployment and overcome the current economic recession.

According to him, the present realities demand diversification into agriculture, fisheries, mining and energy, stressing that investment in these areas would go a long way in reviving the economy.

Ngige who spoke as Guest of Honour at the 14th Fellowship and Award Ceremony of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) in Abuja at the weekend, also said Nigeria is currently at the crossroads.

Said he, “The Nigerian economy is experiencing shock arising from the economic downturn occasioned by the sharp drop in the prices of crude oil in the international market.

“We should even be happy that the economy is not convulsing as a result of mis-governance and planlessness of the last 16 years. Our people did not anticipate the slump in oil prices.

“It was the profligacy of the past that brought us to the present situation and we don’t have the wherewithal to effect the change we promised Nigerians that is why we have made diversification our policy thrust”.

Ngige appealed to the executives of the FISON to embrace the government’s diversification policy by creating jobs through massive fish production in the country.

In his address, the National President of FISON, Dr. Olajide Ayinla lamented that Nigeria has become the biggest importer of frozen fish, a development which he said, was crippling local fish production in the country.

He appealed to the Federal Government to ban the importation of frozen fish into the country in order to encourage local fish producers to expand their production frontiers.

Dr. Ayinla called on the Federal Government to upgrade and rehabilitate fish production laboratories and other research facilities in the country, saying the facilities are either dilapidated or working far below capacity.

He raised the alarm that the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, which was designated as terminal for the Nigerian Fisheries Trawlers Owners Association (NITOA) by the Obasanjo administration, is about to be taken away from the association.

“By implication, there will be no Terminal where NITAO can effectively operate. This is a huge investment under serious threat and the intervention of the Federal Government will restore hope and confidence to this important sector of our economy”.

Dr. Ayinla also blamed slow implementation of the government’s policy on certification of aquaculture products as setback for the exportation of shrimps from Nigeria to the European Union market.

My Regrets After My Wife’s Death – Jide Kosoko

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Jide Kosoko who recently lost his third wife, Henrietta Kosoko to the cold hands of death has opened up on his take on polygamy in retrospect adding that he regrets the choices he made with respect to it.

In a recent interview with NigerianTribune, the actor said his caseshould be a warning to all the young men out in the world. Read excerpts from the interview below:

Do you regret being a polygamist?

Let me tell you, I don’t pray that my enemy should practice polygamy. And, this should be a lesson to the young ones coming. I know some people will say their religion permits it, but the religion did not enforce it. I have serious business to do now. I have young children to take care of.

It is more than 41 days since you lost your wife, Henrietta. It is on record that you have resumed work. How have you been coping with life without her?

When you say how I have been coping, honestly I don’t know how to answer that question. I don’t know if I should tell you I have been fine or otherwise. I can only say God has been my rock till this moment. The truth is that I am yet to come to terms with the reality that she is no more. I don’t want to believe that she is gone. So many things have been coming up since she passed away and I know things will continue like that for some time.

When she died, there were different reports about what led to her death. The most popular one was that she died of diabetes. Could you tell us what led to her death and your last moments with her?

You still won’t stop asking me questions about her. Everybody knows what led to her death. It is already in the public domain. She died of complications arising from diabetes.

Why did her family insist that she should be buried in Delta State against the arrangement you had made for her to be buried in Lagos State?

That was the misconception that people had about the burial. Since the day she died, her family had wanted her to be buried in Delta. There were no issues about that at all. I was only trying to bargain for her to be buried in Lagos.

What kind of relationship did you have with her parents; did you receive their blessings before you decided to marry her?

Since the beginning of our relationship, her father did not hesitate to let me know that they had customs and tradition that must be strictly adhered to. The man told me that I am giving you my daughter but I am not releasing the rope. So when she died, I only proposed that she should be buried in Lagos but I am a man of culture and I respect tradition very well. So, there was no fuss about where she would be buried because we already knew where we were going.

How are you coping with the insinuation peddled in some quarters that losing three wives was not natural?

Segun, why are you asking me this question? I hope you don’t want us to discontinue this interview? I don’t want to start discussing all that. I don’t know what you expect me to tell you. Henrietta lived with me for over 20 years. I never expected or prayed that she would die. It saddens my heart when I hear people saying all sorts of things about her death. We all come to this world at one point in time and our exit will happen one day whether we like it or not. God is the giver of life. He gives it and takes it when He likes. I wish I could stop Henrietta from dying. I believe she died at God’s appointed time for her. If it is my turn tomorrow, I will not exceed that day. It is in whose place to say that someone’s death is not natural? I leave them to their belief. I leave them to God.

FG Releases N150bn for Women Entrepreneurship Development

N1.6 billion was earmarked for micro finance scheme for women.
The minister said that sensitisation campaign on how to access the fund had already begun and that during her visit to the state she had sensitised women groups on how to access the facility.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, on Sunday said the Federal Government had released N150 billion for women entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

Alhassan, who is on an official visit to Taraba, told newsmen in Jalingo that the money was part of the N500 billion Social Protection Fund.

According to her, the fund has been deposited at the Bank of Industry (BoI) for women entrepreneurs to access.

She said out of the fund, N1.6 billion was earmarked for micro finance scheme for women.
The minister said that sensitisation campaign on how to access the fund had already begun and that during her visit to the state she had sensitised women groups on how to access the facility.

Alhassan also revealed that the National Gender Policy was currently under review to enhance inclusiveness and participation of women in all spheres of government.

On violence against children, the minister said 24 out of the 36 states of the federation had domesticated the Child Rights Act.

“The Child Rights Act is a document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of the child in Nigeria and provides for a system of child protection and administration.

“24 states have so far domesticated the Act. I hope the remaining states will do that soon.

“I planned to visit the Taraba House of Assembly to sensitise them on the need to domesticate the Act but ,unfortunately, they are on recess.

“However, I am calling on the lawmakers to domesticate the Act in the state for the good of our children and grandchildren.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhassan is in Taraba to highlight the achievement of President Buhari’s administration in the last one year and to also donate relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) across the state .

My Regrets After My Wife’s Death – Jide Kosoko

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Jide Kosoko who recently lost his third wife, Henrietta Kosoko to the cold hands of death has opened up on his take on polygamy in retrospect adding that he regrets the choices he made with respect to it.

In a recent interview with NigerianTribune, the actor said his caseshould be a warning to all the young men out in the world. Read excerpts from the interview below:

Do you regret being a polygamist?

Let me tell you, I don’t pray that my enemy should practice polygamy. And, this should be a lesson to the young ones coming. I know some people will say their religion permits it, but the religion did not enforce it. I have serious business to do now. I have young children to take care of.

It is more than 41 days since you lost your wife, Henrietta. It is on record that you have resumed work. How have you been coping with life without her?

When you say how I have been coping, honestly I don’t know how to answer that question. I don’t know if I should tell you I have been fine or otherwise. I can only say God has been my rock till this moment. The truth is that I am yet to come to terms with the reality that she is no more. I don’t want to believe that she is gone. So many things have been coming up since she passed away and I know things will continue like that for some time.

When she died, there were different reports about what led to her death. The most popular one was that she died of diabetes. Could you tell us what led to her death and your last moments with her?

You still won’t stop asking me questions about her. Everybody knows what led to her death. It is already in the public domain. She died of complications arising from diabetes.

Why did her family insist that she should be buried in Delta State against the arrangement you had made for her to be buried in Lagos State?

That was the misconception that people had about the burial. Since the day she died, her family had wanted her to be buried in Delta. There were no issues about that at all. I was only trying to bargain for her to be buried in Lagos.

What kind of relationship did you have with her parents; did you receive their blessings before you decided to marry her?

Since the beginning of our relationship, her father did not hesitate to let me know that they had customs and tradition that must be strictly adhered to. The man told me that I am giving you my daughter but I am not releasing the rope. So when she died, I only proposed that she should be buried in Lagos but I am a man of culture and I respect tradition very well. So, there was no fuss about where she would be buried because we already knew where we were going.

How are you coping with the insinuation peddled in some quarters that losing three wives was not natural?

Segun, why are you asking me this question? I hope you don’t want us to discontinue this interview? I don’t want to start discussing all that. I don’t know what you expect me to tell you. Henrietta lived with me for over 20 years. I never expected or prayed that she would die. It saddens my heart when I hear people saying all sorts of things about her death. We all come to this world at one point in time and our exit will happen one day whether we like it or not. God is the giver of life. He gives it and takes it when He likes. I wish I could stop Henrietta from dying. I believe she died at God’s appointed time for her. If it is my turn tomorrow, I will not exceed that day. It is in whose place to say that someone’s death is not natural? I leave them to their belief. I leave them to God.

Naira Emerges Worst Performing Currency in Africa

The Nigerian Naira currently is the worst performing currency in Africa, data from Bloomberg says.

The Naira depreciated the most against the dollar out of the 23 African currencies monitored by Bloomberg. The currency has depreciated by 30% since mid-June. The Sierra Leonean Leone follows, having shed 29.16% of its value during the period.

The best performing African currency in the period, is the Zambian Kwacha, which gained 12.12 percent. The South Africa rand gained 5.03 percent to come second, followed by the Botswana pula with a 1.4 percent gain.

Corps Member Lands in Court Over Love Affair With Married Woman

A member of the National Youth Service Corps, Bonaventure Okeke, has been arraigned in a Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja for allegedly committing adultery.

Okeke of Jahi 2 Market area of Abuja, was on Monday docked on a one-count charge of committing adultery with one Anozie Chinenye.

The plaintiff, Emeka Anozie of Hayingada Saminaka, Kaduna State, made a direct criminal complaint to the court against the defendant on March 24, through his counsel, Obioma Achilefu.

The plaintiff, husband to Chinenye, said the defendant, knowing that he was legally married to Chinenye, committed adultery with her on December 18, 2014.

He said the defendant was confronted on the issue over the cell phone and he confessed to have had sex with Chinenye once.

The plaintiff, according to him, warned the defendant to stay away from his wife, but his warnings fell on deaf ears.

He added that the defendant on August 18, 2015 went ahead to send transport money to Chinenye, who was schooling in Anambara State, to visit him at his residence and she did.

Anozie said the defendant kept Chinenye in his house from the said date till August 28.

He said the defendant continued to commit adultery with Chinenye in spite his warnings, adding that the act wounded his “heart beyond measure”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence which contravened Section 387 of the Penal Code Cap 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963.

The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, admitted Okeke to bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till August 30 for hearing.

Source: Daily Post

PDP Apologizes to Nigerians

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP has apologized for its role in increasing the toxicity of the Nigerian political atmosphere.

The party tendered the apology via its official Twitter handle. PDP wrote, “We have noticed, with a growing sense of dismay, the level of toxicity that pervades the political space with respect to discussions on national issues

“This toxicity, some of which finds expression in discussions across social media platforms, has reached the level where bridges are being burnt, personal relationships are being strained and an unnecessary tension fills what should ordinarily be patriotic and enlightening conversations on how to move the nation forward.

“We accept responsibility and apologise for whatever role we have played in reaching this level of toxicity.”

        

Things Nigerian Guys Will Say While ‘Toasting’ You

Nigerian guys could be so annoying when it comes to asking women out. If you are a Nigerian, you will understand the word ‘toast’ as this is what most people can relate to in the society.

We would be looking at the things Nigerian guys say while trying to toast women. We are sure you must have met some of these annoying guys who follow this guide when it is time to ask women out. Most men in Nigeria follow this pattern when they want to approach women they like.

Find below some of the annoying things Nigerian guys do while trying to toast women:

1. ‘Essquiz me sister’

Oh no. Nigerian guys do know how to burst one’s bubbles with their introductory statement. They have a way of calling you while trying to talk to you. It would be super nice for them to go poetic when trying to talk to women.

Some have failed in this area though as they crammed someone else’s lines and got stuck in between. This phrase is usually preceded by whistling. They leave the women wondering who their sisters are.

2. Where is your base?

Nigerian guys can be so ridiculous with the foolish questions they ask women. It is so frustrating when they talk to women and they ask this question within two minutes of chatting the women up.

What do they want to do with this information by the way?

3. Are you not Folake? You look familiar

This is very annoying, every lady they walk up to is always looking familiar. This is their primitive way of striking a conversation.

And when they think they are smart by trying to guess the ladies’ names, it pisses the ladies off the more. What is wrong in walking up to women and being straight? Must they always follow this archaic guide?

4. Can I have your phone number?

And after wasting your time for some minutes, some Nigerian guys feel it is normal for you to exchange contacts. What for? Anyways, some ladies are mild and may break the rule of not dropping their phone numbers at first meeting.

5. What are you doing?

After giving your phone number to some of these guys, you will have to put up with some of the annoying things they would be saying to you over the phone. This is their supposed way of showing love and care! They would keeping calling your phone to ask you annoying questions like this. They naturally assume it is their right to know what you are up to.

6. Have you eaten

Why do Nigerian guys call to ask this question when they know they do not have any plan for the ladies in that aspect? Ladies find it irritating when they hear this. If you claim to be mild and answer this question, you will go on to tell them what food you ate and who made it.

7. What are you wearing

It is extremely annoying when Nigerian guys ask this question. They do not know how to play their cards right and end up asking the wrong questions. Why would you ask a lady you are trying to ask out this kind of question? What kind of impression are you trying to give her? 8. Send me a picture of you?

8. Send me a picture of you

And who are you to ask this question? Some Nigerian guys want things to happen very fast; they ask questions they ought not to ask while trying to toast women. The same day they get your number they also want to see pictures of you. And if you do not know your worth, they may end up asking for more.

9. How many boyfriends do you have?

Excuse me? How is that your business? Some ladies get uptight when men start to ask certain questions. Nigerian guys do have a list of annoying and frustrating questions.

10. Tell me about your family

In this era where people are being kidnapped anyhow in the country? It is unacceptable to expose yourself and put your family at risk because some Nigerian guy is trying to form conversation with you.

n spite of this, some Nigerian guys would say this to you and expect your mouth to run like a tap while giving out detailed information bout your family.

Credit: NAIJ

Man City: Iheanacho Speaks About His Chances of Survival Under Pep Guardiola

Prolific Manchester City goalscorer, Kelechi Iheanacho, is confident about his chances of success under new coach Pep Guardiola.

Iheanacho currently boasts one of the best goal scoring ratio in Europe, netting 14 goals last season.

Speaking about the arrival of a new coach, Iheanacho says he’s ready to take his chances.

“Everyone knows Pep and what he can do,” Iheanacho said. “I think he’s a great manager and I think he’ll bring many things to this team.

“I haven’t met him yet and haven’t spoken to him. I think we’ll meet him in training.

“It was a great season last season. I worked hard and did very well, but last season is the past and in the next season I need to work hard and I’ll get my chance

“I can play number nine, 10, seven and 11, so I don’t have any [concerns]. I can play different positions. Anywhere I can fit in, I will play.

“We have great players and we’ve made some great new signings, so I just need to work hard and I’ll get my chance to play.

“Everyone wants to start games and work hard. I need to work extra hard and I’ll get a chance. It’ll be a big season for me and for every player.

“I’m happy with what I did last season and now I have to work really hard this season to get something for the team and work for the team as well.”

We Arrest Boko Harm Insurgents Fleeing to Lagos on a Daily Basis- Army Commandant

According to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Isidore Edet, Boko Haram insurgents fleeing to Lagos are arrested almost on a daily basis by the division.

“Almost on a daily basis, we arrest Boko Haram members that flee into Lagos just like they flee to other places,” he said. “They have seen that the war is being won so they are running, so the army in conjunction with other security agencies arrest them almost on a daily basis.”

He said the insurgents usually put up a bold front but confess later after much pressure. “When we probe further, they start revealing where they fought, how they killed soldiers, how they detonated bombs in post office, Maiduguri and so on.

“By this, we do what we need to do by sending them to the higher authorities to do what the laws and the constitution of Nigeria says it will do with them,” he said.

He spoke in Lagos on Sunday at the inter-denominational service organised to commemorate the Nigerian Army Celebration Day at Saint Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Ikeja Cantonment.

10 Habits That Kill Your Teeth

You may not know you are damaging your teeth with your everyday habits. These habits harm your dentition, and may leave permanent injury if not taken care of. Below is a list of these habits.

1. Overdoing Sugary Foods And drinks, Even Cough Drops: Cookies, cup cakes are obvious cavity-promoting foods. But too much of these and other sources of sugar like sport drinks need to be washed with water to prevent cavities. Even too much cough drops is bad.

2. Lack of water: Not only is it good to hydrate the body, it is good to hydrate your mouth. A dry mouth can be an environment where it is easier for bacteria to cause cavities. Fluoride is found in tap water and can ward off tooth decay.

3. Nail Biting: Get your fingers out of your mouth. When we bite our nails, we put our jaws in a prostrusive position, meaning the lower jaw projects out and moves in a repititive, unnatural way. It can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and as well wear down the enamel on your pearly whites. It is also a common cause for chopped teeth.

4. Heavy Brushing: Go easy on your chompers. Brushing aggressively can abrade your teeth. Not only can it strip the teeth of their enamel, promoting cavities and decay, it can also cause the gums to recede.

5. Consuming Acidic foods or drinks: Consuming Acidic foods or drinks can strip the teeth of their natural enamel – the protective coating that blocks cavities and tooth decay. Citric fruits and fruit juices, lemon and even certain salad dressings can cause the tooth’s enamel to erode.

6. Neglecting baby teeth: Kids might lose their baby teeth but that does not mean they are not an important part of their health. In fact these first teeth help predict how healthy an adult will be. Baby teeth are meant to fall out but each tooth has a timeline. If a tooth decays, and it is pulled out too early, there may be insufficeint space for the adult teeth to grow. Losing a baby tooth prematurely can shift over teeth forcing a child to need braces later in life.

7. Using Your Teeth As Tools: Using your teeth to as tools to open bottles, rip off tags, for any purpose besides chewing food cab cause serious fractures. These can worsen over time and become infected.

8. Thumb Sucking: It sounds innocent but dentists say thumb sucking is considered to be a trauma.The habit pushes on the upper palate, forcing permanent teeth to move or spread apart.

9. Smoking: Smoking has proven the high risk of oral cancer and respiratory conditions that extend to your teeth. The chemicals found in tobacco can create some stubborn stains and bad breath. Huffing on cigarrette also increases plague and bacteria which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

10. Chewing Ice: Ice munching won’t destroy your health like other addictions will. But the dental damage that comes from chewing on ice often include cracked and chipped teeth, damage to tooth enamel, problems with existing dental work such as fillings and crowns, and sore jaw muscles.

Culled from News Health

Nigerian Surgeons Build New Bladder for Cancer Patient, Save His Life

The life of Saidu Ibrahim, an 18 year-old student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, who has been passing blood in his urine due to cancerous cells in his bladder, has been saved by a team of surgeons at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

The surgeons carried out a procedure that led to the removal of the bladder, and constructed a new bladder (neobladder reconstruction) which replaced the old bladder.

His life was saved.

The team, which included Dr. Makama Salihu, the head of surgery, ATBUTH Bauchi, was led by Haruna Liman.

Ibrahim had a five-year history of passing blood in his urine as a result of the cancer of the bladder, Liman said.

“The aim of this procedure is to give him the best option because there is no cure for cancer. What we did for him was to control the tumour from spreading and increase his chance of survival and that we have achieved so far. The second part of the procedure was to remove the bladder and refashion a new bladder for him,”‎ he said.

Premium Times

Pastor Adeboye: True Prosperity Doesn’t Mean Having a lot of Money

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E. A. Adeboye during the July Edition of the Holy Ghost service, stated that true prosperity doesn’t mean just having a lot of money.

Pastor Adeboye said prosperity is a decree of the Lord for every true child of God, stressing that the God of Nigeria is wealthy.

According to him, there are two types of prosperity—true prosperity and false prosperity. True prosperity, he argued, does not necessarily translate to abundance of wealth that you have, but definitely it includes money, contentment, good health, freedom, fruitfulness, joy, peace of mind and spiritual well being.

“We are not poor because we are already in the business of lending to nations. We are buying churches and establishing institutions in all these countries,” he added.

Vanguard

Catholic Church Stages Protest Against Herdsmen Attack in Enugu

Three Catholic Church Dioceses in Enugu State, today, held protest rallies across the State over the incessant attacks by herdsmen.

DAILY POST reports that the protest, which held simultaneously in Nsukka, Awgu and Enugu, attracted ‎thousands of the church members, including priests. Protesters moved round the streets in Nsukka and Awgu Dioceses, while in Enugu where they held a prayer procession at the Holy Ghost Cathedral.

Governor Ifeanyi Ug‎wuanyi, members of the State Executive Council and all the Security Chiefs attended the prayers in Enugu to forestall to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Catholic Bishops led by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callistus Onaga, issued a statement during the protest.

Parts of the statement read, “the free grazing of cattle in our area has now become a threat not only to the growing of crops, which is the mainstay of our sedentary people, but also to our lives. That the nomadic lifestyle makes policing and the pursuit of criminals much more complex and hazardous, while providing terrorists like Boko Haram operatives with ready cover for penetrating every nook and. Cranny of our country.”

“In the light of this, therefore, we call on the Federal Government to drop, without further delay, the so-called ‘Grazing Bill’, which is quite capable of tearing apart the fragile unity of our country.

”We urge all our local community leaders to refrain from entering into agreements with herdsmen or with any other group of persons that would create room for tension and crisis. We would advise that all such agreements already in existence be renegotiated in a way that would ensure justice for all the parties”,

10 Countries With The Highest Marijuana Consumption in the World

According to a 2015 report on global marijuana consumption, Nigerians consume marijuana, a lot, but not as much as Ghanaians, or Cambodians.

Ghana’s Upper East Regional Minister, Albert Abongo, announced this during this year’s celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Marijuana, also called Indian hemp, is one hard drug that medical experts say could cause infertility in some people and mental disorder in others.

Here’s a list of 10 countries with the highest marijuana consumption:

1. Democratic Republic of Korea

2 Cambodia

3 Ghana

4 The Netherlands

5 Uruguay

6 Iceland

7 Czech Republic

8 Nigeria

9 Jamaica

10 Portugal

Osun hijab crisis: ‘CAN is challenging the directive of Allah’

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), has urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun state chapter, to embrace the ruling of a court on hijab wearing for female student or take the matter to another court.

The executive secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Dawud O. S. Noibi, said this on Thursday while speaking with newsmen.

MUSWEN noted that CAN should desist from using self-help that complicates issues but should follow the advice of the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan.

He said, “Our Advice to CAN in Osun State in view of the foregoing, is to deeply consider the advice which one of the most respected Christian leaders in Nigeria, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, offered at a recent round-table on Law and Religion.”

“His Grace said the nation should adopt the policy that no law should prohibit what religion prescribes or require citizens to do what religion prohibits.”

“The Osun State chapter of CAN should learn a lesson from this advice. Besides, on purely moral grounds, one may ask: how does a Muslim girl’s wearing of hijab offend a Christian? Moreover, the court ruling does not compel all Muslim students to wear hijab. It is left entirely to the choice of the individual student who wishes to obey the order coming from her Creator.”

“The CAN leadership must be told that what they are doing in this case is challenging the directive of Allah. Do they really feel comfortable preventing people from doing the Will of God on earth as it is done in heaven? If, however, CAN still feels strongly about the judgement, let them follow the commendable example of the Muslims of Lagos State by following the path of law.”

Oshiomhole extends olive branch to his ‘younger brother’

Despite insinuation that Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state had failed to back his Deputy, Pius Odubu’s, quest to emerge as the All Progressive Congress governorship candidate, the Governor has announced that he and Odubu have reconciled.

The Governor stated this on Thursday while speaking at the reconciliation meeting between members of the APC. He noted that the party would be united in the upcoming election for the state.

Oshiomole further said that the APC was ready to deal a decisive blow on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Eight other aspirants for the APC governorship ticket were present at the meeting which was also attended by some party leaders including Gentleman Amegor, Chief Mathew Ehigie and other suspended members.

Oshiomhole said, “Let me appreciate my younger brother with whom I have entrusted power not because we were the best but because God chose to use you to give us that favour. That is Pius Egberamwen Odubu, the Deputy Governor of Edo state. It doesn’t matter how the result went, I want to publicly appreciate him and I assure him I regard him as a brother”

Speaking further Oshiomhole said, “I am celebrating the fact that someone will take over my job, do I look tired, if I am not tired and I am not looking tired why I should I be celebrating my imminent retrenchment from office. I am celebrating it because, when I was elected I knew it is renewable only once. That is the beauty of democracy that you pray not for extension but finishing well and finishing strong, we have finished not the less.”

“I want to therefore thank you for all the support that each and every one of you here and millions of our people who are not here, party members and no party members, men and women, young and old that you have extended to me over the past ten years. My case has been a thing of miracle with God using every one of you to perform the miracles. I can never thank you enough.”

“They are planning now how to come back only those who died like Christ and only one born of a virgin woman can resurrect like Christ, those who died in the political scene can never be resurrected. PDP died in Sin and they remain buried and they can’t resurrect certainly not in our life time”

Hospital Finally Release Detained Mother of Triplets 7 Weeks After Delivery [PHOTOS]

Mrs Gloria Okore, the woman detained for seven weeks by Bessylva Hospital and Maternity Home, Agege, following her inability to settle a debt of N35,000 after being delivered of triplets, has thanked Nigerians for coming to her rescue by paying the outstanding bills.

She said after harassing her, the hospital authorities said she was foolish to tell Vanguard that her debt was N35,000; that she should have said it was N200,000.

However, contacted by Vanguard, the hospital’s Medical Director, Ngozi Nwachukwu, said Mrs Okore was being ungrateful. She said as soon as the balance of their bill was off set, every other donation was given to the couple, including the N500,000 donated by Mutilinks Computer Services.

Meanwhile, speaking yesterday, in their one-room apartment at Aluminum village, Dopemu, Lagos, Gloria said: “I am happy that Nigerians came to our rescue after the publication of my story by Vanguard. My prayer is that every one that contributed will never be put to shame.”

Recall that one of the triplets, a female, died two weeks ago as there was no incubator to use for the babies.