Xenophobia: Nigeria, South Africa set up early warning centre

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Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama says Nigeria and South Africa have set up a 24-hour early warning system to protect Nigerians from unwarranted attacks.

Onyeama said at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja that Federal Government was ready to intervene.

“Wherever any Nigerian is threatened or in difficulty, we will always intervene quickly, an example of this was in Italy, you will recall last year or the year before there was a Nigerian who was attacked and killed.

“We quickly engaged with Italian Government and really took all the necessary steps, arresting people and pay compensation to the family. So we will always engage to protect Nigeria lives wherever they may be.

“We are hoping now to set up a 24-hour call centre so that Nigerians anywhere in the world can call a particular number whenever they are in distress,”

He said that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa had been directed to facilitate legal support to help the victims of recent xenophobic attacks in the country to get their compensations.

The minister said that the victims of the attacks had been advised to make inventory of their losses through a mechanism that had been created, known as the early warning unit.

“What we have done is that we visited the scenes of these attacks; we spoke to victims, we saw their businesses and we advised them to make an inventory of their losses.

“And, that the mechanism we have created, the early warning unit, what will then happened is that they should submit all their claims through the Nigerian High Commission to be presented at a high level meeting to push the issue of compensation.

“First of all we have to see what the insurance laws provide and really take it from there; the important thing is that this should be addressed.

“We also asked the high commission to facilitate with legal support, to identifying lawyers and all that to help in the process.

Onyeama decried attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and India which sometimes led to death and expressed concern that the South African situation was more troubling because it often re-occurred.

“We have engaged directly with the highest levels of government of South Africa. The Vice President of South Africa spoke with the Acting President at the time

“I went to South Africa with the Minister of Interior and we were able to get the South African Government to set up an early warning unit.

“We wanted an institutional mechanism that will address the issue of xenophobia in South Africa.’’

Onyeama said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the fact that the Nigerian Union in South Africa did not have any access to the South African Government.

He said the Nigerian community felt it was at the mercy of the South African police.

“We were able to get the early warning unit, comprising the Nigerian High Commission there and the Nigerian Consulate but most importantly, the Nigerian Union in South Africa.

“On the South African side, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs which is in charge of the police and the police.

“They will be meeting regularly to share intelligence, share information, build trust and develop strategies for early warning intervention.

“We thought that was a very important achievement; it is institutionalised, they meet once every quarter or they could meet earlier,” he said.

The minister said that he had directed the Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa to arrange the first meeting as quickly as possible.

He expressed the hope that the step would go a long way to address the situation.

Onyeama described the attack on Nigerians in India as a one-off thing because it was a response to a particular incident.

He said what was gratifying about the Indian case was that the Indian Government was very quick in condemning and arresting suspects. (NAN)

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Aftermath of Nigeria’s Absence in Tunis: We’re killing sports talents in Nigeria – Oshonaike

Olufunke Oshonaike is not happy that her efforts to impact on young people are going down the drain following the inability of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to sponsor Team Nigeria to the 2017 ITTF African Junior Championship in Tunis, Tunisia.

The African champion was heart-broken when she heard about the development.

Venting her displeasure on her facebook, Oshonaike said: “I was in Lagos in February for Funke Oshonaike Table Tennis Foundation. I invited about 30 talented players in Nigeria for 10 days clinic and competition. With the help of Frot Group and some other support, I was able to accommodate, feed and clothed all of them for the seven-day clinic. I had the best time of my life because I was once like them and I loved them all. I spent about N1m only for the competition.

“Now, some of the kids are now supposed to be in Tunisia for the Africa Junior Championships starting on April 9 but can’t make it because the sports ministry could not get the funds on time. Imagine the players are headed home now because all flights to Tunis are fully booked. I got tired of complaining and that was why I left my job and family to come to Nigeria to give hope and smile to the talented kids,” she regretted.

“Why is it so hard for Nigeria to make the dream of all these children come true? Don’t they know that these children are our future? Why are some people killing talents and the future of our young ones in Nigeria? Above all why am I not a multi-millionaire so that I can take care of these future champions more without waiting for any ministry? For how long will Nigeria keep breaking my heart because of my love for my country? I’m totally hurt and heartbroken,” a disappointed Oshonaike said.

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Finally Efe Ejeba is the winner of big brother naija show 2017

Efe

…Gets N25 million, SUV
Bisola, first runner up, TBoss, second runner up
After 78 days of dramatic activities in the Big Brother Naija (BBN) house, the lifestyle reality show came to an end, Sunday night, with Delta State contestant, Efe Ejeba winning the coveted prize of N25 million and a Kia Seranto SUV.
Efe, an upcoming rapper and last man standing on the show beat fellow finalists – Bisola, TBoss, Debie-Rise and Marvis – in a tension-filled finale that had fans of the show canvassing vigorously for their preferred housemates.
The 24-hour three-month long live show which commenced recording in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 22, 2017, with 12 housemates who were later joined by two others, and another two but fake housemates, climaxed in glamorous live performances that had DJ Neptune, music artistes Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, Tiwa savage and Emmy Gee, throwing up so much vibes amidst pomp.
While in the house, Efe, who is the youngest contestant – aged 24 – was unique for his frankness, multiple-term as Head of House, and his common use of pidgin diction with jokey phrases.
A graduate of Economics from the University of Jos, Plateau State, the self-acclaimed ‘street’ boy, who was one of the usually nominated housemates for possible eviction, had, each time, led the vote chart.
Female housemate and multi-talented entertainer, Bisola was a high contender for the prize. She told Big Brother in a Diary Room session earlier that win or lose; “I feel like a winner already.” She noted that it took her eight years to be selected as a participant, and believes the show will impact her career greatly.
Big Brother who expressed optimism for her talents admonished her in a touching way, as she fought back tears. It was the most emotional last Diary Room session.
He said: “It’s been an amazing experience having you in the house – your versatility, your incredibility. Yes, there have been moments you have told big Brother that certain things you have done and may have said, that you wish to take them back; but who can judge you, except they have been through this experience themselves. It’s always good to find out why people do what they do. That curiosity leads to understanding, and understanding opens up the human souls to compassion, and compassion is the cornerstone of love. For there is no guilt in humans, all there is, is love. Bisola, as you leave tonight, may genuine love find you. May you prosper beyond your imagination. You are a gold fish… you are a gold fish; there will be no hiding place for you. All the good things will locate you. You can sing, you can act… the question is not what can Bisola do? It is what can’t Bisola do? Big Brother has truly enjoyed your stay in the house and wishes you all the very best in your future endeavor. You’ve got a Midas touch, go touch anything a d it will turn to gold. Good luck to you…”
2Baba opened the show, singing his latest song, ‘Holy Holy’, followed by Mavin Record’s First Lady, Tiwa Savage with ‘Key to the City’. When Emmy Gee climbed the stage featuring AB Crazy and DJ Dimplez, they sang ‘Rands and Nairas’. Tiwa Savage returned one more time to the stage, doing the medley, ‘Romatic’ and ‘All Over’, while 2Baba closed the performances with the classic, ‘African Queen’.
It was a live crossing show, with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu hosting the South African studio leg, while former BBN winner, Katung Aduwak anchored the live broadcast from the Lagos screening center, the Classique Event Place, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, with fans of the show, sponsors, Nigerian media and past contestants of the show.
Marvis was the first to leave the house. When asked if she would want to further her relationship with Efe, she became evasive. Marvis’ exit was followed by that of guitar girl Debie-Rise who had disappointment written all over her. Asked where her heart belongs between Efe and Bassey, she noted that although it was natural to get attracted to one or two persons, “But I really like Bassey.”
It was jubilation at the Lagos screening center when TBoss was evicted, just as the crowd at the Johannesburg studio where sort of booing her. She had been the most controversial housemate, noted for a beautiful body, full of tattoos and piercings which she displayed at will. The internet was abuzz last week when it was said that the Nigerian-Romanian housemate could not recite the National Anthem. She, also being the reason Kemen was disqualified from the show. However, she was declared overall winner of Friday Payporte arena games with a voucher of N500, 000 for shopping.
Presenting another side-laurel; the ONE campaign prize, won by Bisola, was Honorable Desmond Elliot and Sarah Makka. She will be joining organisers in New York to speak further at the United Nations Assembly on educating the girl-child.
When Efe was declared winner, it was clear Bisola was the first runner-up.
Previously evicted housemates include Miyonse, Soma, CocoIce, Gifty, Uriel, ThinTallTony, Bassey, Balley, and Kemen, who was disqualified for breaking the rule of the game. They were all present at the Lagos live screening.
In the last three months, Big Brother Naija was estimated to be the most watched show on the African continent, shutting down Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with trending issues on a daily basis

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221 police personnel attached to Wike for protection

Wike

Two hundred and twenty one police personnel are attached to the River State Governor, Nyesom Wike for his personal and office protection.

The Police Force Headquarters stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by the Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood while responding to a media report that Wike alleged that the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Ibrahim Idris had ordered that he be killed.

While denying the governor’s allegation as ungubernatorial, unexecutive, malicious, Moshood said the 221 personnel attached to Wike is more than what some Police Command have.

“It is incumbent on the Nigeria Police Force to educate the general public and draw the attention of the Governor of Rivers State to the facts and figures available for Press and members of the public to verify, that there are 221 Police Personnel attached currently to His Excellency, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Executive Governor of Rivers State for his Personal and office protection.

“The breakdown is as follows, one ADC (SPO), one CSO (SPO), one Unit Commander (Special Protection Unit) SPO, one Unit Commander (Counter Terrorism Unit) SPO, one Escort Commander (SPO), one Camp Commander (SPO), one Admin officer (SPO) to administer the Police Personnel, 54 Inspectors of Police, 136 Police Sergeants and 24 Police Corporals.”
The statement further reads: “Obviously, the total number of 221 Police Personnel attached to the His Excellency, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State is more than the strength of some Police Area Commands formation in some States of Nigeria.

“This is done to ensure optimum safety and protection of the Executive Governor of Rivers State.

“It is also factual to state that His Excellency, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State has not at any time reported or brought to the notice of the Inspector General of Police any security breach or lapses from these Police personnel attached to him till date.”

On the 28,000 Police Personnel and the Personnel of the other Security and Safety agencies deployed to Rivers State under the aegis of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), a platform created by INEC and the Nigeria Police Force, the police explained that they were deployed in order to ensure the security and safety of the electorates, electoral officials, election materials and other critical stakeholders before, during and after the re-run election held in December, 2016 and not to kill innocent Nigerians.

The police also urged the governor to put consideration national security and shun any personal grudges he has against the IG.

“His Excellency, should put into cognizance National Security and that of the people of Rivers State as against any personal, political or group interest, and resist the use of personal grudges, grouse and sentiment to attack the hard earned personality of the Inspector-General of Police to cast aspersion on the Statutory roles of the Force in ensuring utmost protection of life and property of all Nigerians.

Also, contrary to claims that nine Commissioners of Police have served in Rivers State in the last two years, the police said: “the record is there for everyone to check only three Commissioners of Police have served in Rivers State since the inception of the administration of the Inspector General of Police.”

“The first Commissioner of Police was redeployed to a higher duty post when he was promoted to the rank of a Deputy Inspector General of Police, while the second died after a brief illness on admission at an Indian Hospital; the third is the current Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.”

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