ASUU Strike 2013 Update: Lecturers Mock Nigerian Government After Ultimatum

Lecturers with the Academic

Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has been on strike for months, described the Nigerian government’s Dec. 4 ultimatum as foolish and a “joke.”

The government said that lecturers who do not resume teaching by that date will be removed. The move came as the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said his office will increase the number police officers at each campus in the coming days.

“This is designed to help secure life and property in the Ivory Towers and provide enabling environment for lecturers, students, academic and non-academic staff to go about their lawful businesses without let or hindrance,” reads a statement from his office, according to AllAfrica.

But Oghenekaro Ogbinaka, the head of the University of Lagos’ branch of the ASUU, told the Premium Times that threats won’t work.

“Our reaction is simple. Let us just wait for the seven days to come around,” he said. “What government has just done shows that they were not committed in the offer they made with the union that had the Trade Union Congress President and the Minister of Labour in attendance.”

“We are not going to fall to that blackmail. Now, which one is better: government acceding to our demands or issuing out threats?”

Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, with the University of Lagos, echoed Ogbinaka’s statement, saying the move is a “a glorified joke and laughable.”

The ASUU walked out in July, claiming the government would not implement a 2009 deal that would improve lecturers’ welfare and upgrade facilities at campuses.

But the strike has left hundreds of thousands of students across Nigeria without classes–essentially losing a semester.

On Thursday, Nigerian Education Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike said he was frustrated because the ASUU has made new demands after meeting with the government three weeks ago.

“As a responsible government we cannot allow the continuous closure of our public universities for this length of time, as this poses a danger to the education system, the future of our youths and national development” said Wike, according to the AFP news agency.

He said the universities need to reopen immediately, adding that “any academic staff who fails to resume on or before December 4, 2013, automatically ceases to be a staff of the institution.”

ASUU National Treasurer, Dr. Ademola Aremu said the Dec. 4 ultimatum is a sign of desperation, and he added that the threat won’t keep the ASUU from striking.

“It is a pity if the Federal Government is not willing to perfect the resolutions reached with the union. This is why we find it difficult to trust our leaders by their words. How can someone be threatening to sack lecturers when universities are already short-staffed by almost 60,000?” he said.

Universities Pull Out Of ASUU Strike 2013

Varsities have started pulling out of ASUU strike which started in July 1, 2013.. FG/SCE gave a go ahead today for uninterested Varsities to opt-out of strike since ASUU is adamant in the negotiations. FG begged ASUU National to slash their 2009 demands to 3 out of the list, ASUU says no that all must be fulfilled. Looking at it, it may take a long time for the 2009 demands to be actually fulfilled, meaning we may have to stay at home for a long time. Adamawa university has pulled-out. Adamawa ASUU even confronted ASUU national body for going on strike without due process. Akanu ibiam varsity just announced theirs on NTA.

We're awaiting more varsities. Let's keep our fingers crossed & pray

ASUU Strike Update: Two Universities To Resume Activities On Monday, Dec. 2

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), declared in separate statements that educational activities there are scheduled to resume on December 2, Monday.

The Registrar of the UNN, Mr Anthony Okonta, asured that “normal academic activities would resume immediately.” Students who had outstanding examinations for the 2012/2013 session should report to their respective faculties and departments.

The ESUT Registrar, Mr Chris Igbokwe, also directed students, academic and non-academic staff to report to the institution on Dec. 2. According to the statement, students are advised to return to their respective campuses as the second semester examination would commence on Monday, Dec. 9.

On Thursday, November 28, the Federal Government prompted all federal universities to resume work on or before Dec. 4. The statement, issued by the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, directed the striking members of ASUU to resume work on or before the said date – or consider themselves sacked.

Source: Osun Defender

ASUU Strike Update: Two Universities To Resume Activities On Monday, Dec. 2

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), declared in separate statements that educational activities there are scheduled to resume on December 2, Monday.

The Registrar of the UNN, Mr Anthony Okonta, asured that “normal academic activities would resume immediately.” Students who had outstanding examinations for the 2012/2013 session should report to their respective faculties and departments.

The ESUT Registrar, Mr Chris Igbokwe, also directed students, academic and non-academic staff to report to the institution on Dec. 2. According to the statement, students are advised to return to their respective campuses as the second semester examination would commence on Monday, Dec. 9.

On Thursday, November 28, the Federal Government prompted all federal universities to resume work on or before Dec. 4. The statement, issued by the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, directed the striking members of ASUU to resume work on or before the said date – or consider themselves sacked.

Source: Osun Defender

Stella Oduah’s armoured cars will buy 51 police patrol vehicles' -Gov Fashola

During the 7th annual Town Hall Meeting on Security held in Lagos, Governor Fashola said the two BMW cars bought for Stella Oduah will purchase 51 patrol vehicles for the Nigerian Police.

"It is sad to know that the Federal Government that allocate three patrol vehicles for one state police command of 370, 000 police men, is unable to resolve how N255 million was used to purchase 2 saloon vehicles for one officer. It is a very grave irony. The cost of average vehicle needed to patrol the state is just N5 million. And with such fund, we will have put at least 51 patrol vehicles on the road, patrolling the streets of Lagos.”

"In spite of all this, they resist the idea of a state police. The money from the fund was in the last one year used to provide vehicles for the Nigerian Prison Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, National Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC and indeed the airport wing of the Nigerian police, is funded from this money. And it is the same aviation ministry that manage the airport that we had this very odious car scandal of N255 million.” (PM News)

Abuja court sentences Lebanese to life imprisonment for terrorism

A Federal High Court in Abuja today sentenced Talal Ahmad Roda (pictured above), one of the three Lebanese men arrested in May 2013 in connection with illegal possessions of weapon, to life imprisonment. Mr Roda was arrested after a large cache of arms was found in a bunker during a raid on his residence. He was found guilty of all 5 counts of illegal possession of weapons and conspiracy.Two other men, Mustapha Fawaz, the owner Amigo Supermarket in Abuja and Abdallah Tahini, who were also charged with possession of illegal weapons, were set free by the court. See photos from the trial after the cut...

New Music: Wande Coal ft Burna Boy - Amorawa Listen

Fresh from the stable of Black Diamond Ent comes Amorawa, a song by Wande coal ft Burna boy. Its a blend of super harmony/vocals and sound with top notch Ragga feel. Enjoy below ...
Listen here

Video not available yet... Coming soon

New Video: Solid Star - Oluchi ft. Flavour

Solid Star hits the airwaves with another sensational track; this time he features d king of Hi Life Flavor Nabania.

Here is the visual for the number 4 track from Solidstar's Grace and Glory album, directed by Aje Films
Watch video above or 
Download video here

Saheed Balogun reportedly drags wife Fathia to court over name

According to unconfirmed reports, popular actor Saheed Balogun has dragged his ex-wife actress Fathia Balogun to court over the use of his name, Balogun, insisting that she drops it. The two were married for many years before ending their union, which produced three children, a few years ago.

Saheed has been trying for years to get Fathia to revert to her maiden name but Fathia has always insisted she made a career using the name and has no plans to ever drop it.

"My name is Fathia Balogun and it’s going to remain Balogun for life. Nobody can ever change that or stop me from answering that name" She said in an interview in 2011.

Well, now Saheed has reportedly gone to court to get her to drop the name. Can the courts really force her to drop her ex-husband's name? And why is Saheed so insistent on this, how does it affect him?

Video Camp 2013 Holds December 4-7

Twim Academy's Video Camp 2013 offers you 4 exciting days of "cameras...lights... action". You get to learn about (and work with) real equipment in a real studio environment. You also get to learn from professionals. Don't take their word for it, after the cut you will find a video of some of their students. For more details, fees or registration, click here.

Watch video above
Or download here

The Okoye boys in South Africa for the Channel O awards

This is the first pic of Jude Okoye with his brothers Peter and Paul Okoye since his absence at Peter's wedding to Lola two weeks ago. Peter has since said reports that his family does not support his marriage to Lola Omotayo is ridiculous.

He told Encomuim magazine;

"I saw some of those reports and was full of laughter. Everybody is just laughing because the reports are like comedy to us. Honestly, there is no iota of truth in the rumour. But it’s one of the prices you pay as a celebrity, so I remain focused.

Omotola, Donjazzy, Psquare, others named among 2013 Africa’s 100 Most Influential People

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, music producer Don Jazzy, writer Chimama Adichie and musicians P-Square have been named one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013 by the New African Magazine

Other Africans in the list include Ghanaian/US actor Idris Elba, Nigerian/UK actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sudan supermodel Alek Wek, South African comedian Trevo Noah, South African fashion mogul, Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Architect - Ghana/UK, David Adjaye and Senegalese actor Omar Sy

What is influence and how do you measure it?

It will always be hard to agree on a common understanding and meaning of influence. Understandably, this always generates wide debate. How do we determine these people’s influence? And why does it matter that we assemble this list, you may ask. One yardstick we used was to emphasise that influence is not about popularity and popularity is not always influential. The influencer’s impact on public, social and political discourse, however, is what largely helps us determine their influence. Over the next few pages, you will find a breadth and wealth of Africans of all nationalities and ages, both women and men, whose actions and reach, we have determined, significantly impacted and realigned the continent’s landscape in their fields of endeavour. They contributed in redefining the African narrative in 2013 and we feel they will play a big role in 2014 - hopefully, for Africa’s good.- NEW AFRCAN MAGAZINE

US rapper Wale explains why he’s never been to Nigeria until now

In a radio chat with Toolz on Beat FM yesterday, Wale said the reason he’s never been to Nigeria until now was because his parents, who are both from Ondo state, were so poor they couldn’t afford a bring him home.

“I grew up poor. We lived in DC, in the projects. Getting a ticket to Nigeria on $20, 000 income yearly, to my family that wasn’t really… you know…like I was a 15 year old with a decent job, I’m not going to save up to go to Nigeria. That wasn’t what I was thinking when I was that age. And then I was in college and the money tight right then. And then I get this record deal when I dropped out of school, you’re running around so much you don’t even have time to see your own parents”

Ex- Ghanaian footballer Odartey Lamptey discovers 3 kids with wife are not his'

Former Ghanaian international footballer Nii Odartey Lamptey has revealed that he recently found out that all three children he had with his wife of almost 20 years are not his biological children. He made the shocking revelation in a radio interviewed when asked why he was divorcing his wife.

“…I thought they were my children but upon a DNA test, I got to know that they are not my biological children. The issue is in court so I’m pleading, because it is a legal issue I don’t want to go through so many things, but I am 100% sure that the children are not mine after 20-years of marriage. We had five children but two passed away so we were left with only 3 and they are not mine” - The former Aston Villa player told reporters

Meanwhile, his estranged wife Gloria Lamptey (pictured above) is claiming that it was Lamptey who suggested they use artificial insemination after realising he was infertile. A claim Lamptey denies. A close friend of the former Anderlecht footballer said he’d on several occasions caught his wife cheating on him but stayed with her because of his love for her and the businesses they own together.

Its always funny when the player gets played... LOL

Peter Okoye Finally Reacts To Reports That His Family Was Against His Marriage To Lola

In this revealing interview with Encomium magazine, Peter Okoye denied the stories that his family members were not in support of his marriage to wife Lola Omotayo and also spoke on why his elder brother Jude Okoye didn’t attend his traditional wedding..
Read excerpts from the interview below

Is there any iota of truth in the tale that your family didn’t support the wedding?
That is very far from being the truth. I saw some of those reports and was full of laughter. Everybody is just laughing because the reports are like comedy to us. Honestly,
there is no iota of truth in the rumour. But it’s one of the prices you pay as a celebrity, so I remain focused.

How would you describe your wife?
Honestly, she is a wonderful woman. She has virtually all the qualities that every man would want in his ideal woman. She’s caring, loving, God-fearing, hard working – just name it, that’s my wife for you.

What are the sterling qualities that endeared her to your heart?
I just said that now. No man will not want to spend the rest of his life with a woman that possesses the qualities I mentioned.

Why was the wedding delayed till now despite you having all it takes to be a husband?
The truth is that we have always known that the wedding will come up. We just didn’t want to rush things unnecessarily. We waited for the right time.

Entertainers are not used to keeping one woman, how is your own case going to be different?
Entertainers don’t keep one woman? I don’t think so.

If you are a Nigerian “Go and Die” – Adams Aliu Oshiomole

I couldn’t help feeling sorry reading about the apology tendered by Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomole as a result of the social media criticism that greeted his directive to a widow in Benin city the Edo State capital when he directed her to ‘go and die’. Unfortunately, I do not feel sorry for the Governor or his team of advisers who must have advised him to swallow his pride and apologize for the statement, but for the widow in particular and the totality of the Nigerian masses in general.

Watching the video, one would notice how the woman begged the “Comrade -Governor”, lamenting how she had lost her husband who was a police officer and died while serving the nation. At face value, many Nigerians might not understand the implication of the statement as it relates to the issue, but being a Nigerian who knows what it means to live in a country without water, electricity, affordable and available healthcare, food, safe and reliable transportation systems, social security or stable power supply, I think the governor spoke from his heart and only said the expectation of the nation’s political class.

“Go and die” only reflects the condition Nigerians have been put in over the years by our government, and the governor only paraphrases the situation in a statement. Tell me, what better word can reflect the expectations from the demoralizing conditions Nigerians go through every day to make ends meet? When a driver leaves his family in the morning to travel along the Benin – Lagos expressway, what are the chances that he is not going to die? When a University Lecturer travels from Benin to Kano in order to attend a crucial meeting to ensure university students get back to school after 5 months of staying at home, what are the chances he is not going to die by the reckless convoy of the Kogi state Governor? When a policeman says farewell to his wife and children as he goes to serve his country? What are the chances that he doesn’t go to die?

Sarcastically, this widow in this situation is probably a widow whose husband death benefits was stolen by “Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina and his gang”, thereby leaving her and her children with nothing to fend for themselves. Haven lost their breadwinner, such a situation alone is a directive to her and her children to “go and die” and the governor only reminded her of the needful. So merely saying those words was an interpretation of a situation and an expectation from his part.
It is no news that Nigerians are resilient, hardworking and hopeful even in the mist of total hopelessness. No doubts, we certainly are the happiest people on earth as assumed by some, else, how possible will millions of us live on less than a dollar a day and still smile, tell jokes, play and watch football with so much enthusiasm and Joy? How else will university student be at home for 5 months and not complain? The world decries economic meltdown which has been characterized by suicide attempts and successes by individuals and families in Europe and other parts of the world. Compared to the standard of life in countries like Greece, Italy and Spain where higher rates of suicidal attempts, demonstrations and protest have been the gateway through citizens’ expression of displeasure, Nigerians over the years have found themselves in worse conditions and more frustrating position. But ironically, we never complain demonstration or protest.

Where in America will a “John Yesufu Yakubu” be able to steal 32.8 billion and handed a paltry jail term of 2 years or pay N250, 000 as fine? Or former Governors like Lucky Igbenidion milk their states dry there-by subjecting the people to miserable lifestyles and still get fined Edo 3.5 million naira in a plea bargain deal? So for this widow to start complaining or begging Governor Oshiomole, he was probably astonished and could have interpreted that she was tired of being the kind of Nigerian he knew and the political class expects her to be. One can deduce from the governor’s statement that Nigerians have never complained and should never complain or beg no matter the situation or condition. And when we do, we make them angry and they remind us of their expectation in the first place.

While commending the governor for being courageous to speak his mind in public, likewise the minds of others like him, I sincerely hope that Nigerians understand better now the relationship between us and our politicians regardless of their political party affiliation. Over the last couple of months following the merger of some opposition political parties to form the APC, we have seen politicians like the Edo state Governor criticized many suggestions, initiatives, policies and actions by the ruling party with the aim to win political points, so if the same gesture is replicated by the ruling party officials on this issue of “Go and die’, I honestly hope it shouldn’t be news-worthy to the ordinary Nigerians on the streets. As I desire that they would publicly wash their dirty linens in the coming days, I also believe we have understood their innermost expectation for us to know that whatever the situation we find ourselves, they all expect us not to complain or beg, but to “go and die” if we can’t cope.

Photos : Dbanj goes Farming in Ghana

D’banj might be a superstar, but he’s obviously not afraid to get his hands dirty if need be. The star is in Ghana and he’s pictured here abandoning his designer shoes for work boots at the Asekume Cocoa farm.

The "Koko Master" shared this photo via Instagram and tagged it: About to get to work,earlier today In Asekume cocoa Farm in ghana. Wait!!! Do u all know that 69% of the labour force in Africa are in the #Agricultural_Sector?