American University Of Nigeria Enters Guinness World Record

December 21, 2015

The American University of Nigeria is now the official holder of the Guinness World Record for the most people crocheting simultaneously. The GWR Records Management Team announced the feat in a message posted online.

On August 24 this year, an unprecedented group of 485 people recorded 20 minutes of simultaneous crocheting, a bid to beat a New York City group of 426 who crocheted simultaneously for 15 minutes in 2010.

The group needlework, an effort sponsored by AUN’s Student Government Association, was planned to coincide with Earth Day, to sensitize residents of Yola–the Adamawa State capital and seat of AUN–about the hazards of non-biodegradable litter.

Held inside the University’s Commencement Hall, the largest indoor venue in Nigeria’s northeast, the ecological twist to the event was that the crocheters used “plarn.” Plarn is a yarn that has been developed from used shopping bags which litter the countryside. Since every nylon bag is reusable and renewable, the event drew attention to how cleaning up the environment can be sustainable and profitable.

Community women members of Yola EcoSentials, a group of social entrepreneurs promoted by AUN, walked the participants through the process before the kickoff of the simultaneous crocheting. The event served to publicize the University’s ‘waste to wealth’ initiative.

The Chief Information Officer of the AVP, Julius Ayuk Tabe said: “n the light of negative news coming from the northeast, whenever the story of tenacity and togetherness is told, your achievement today will be a reference. This is what your sense of togetherness, teamwork, and can-do-it spirit has made possible.”

As the world comes to recognize the environmental problems everyone is facing, AUN entering the Guinness Book of World Records is an illustration of commitment to environmental sustainability programs and a challenge to the status quo–getting AUN students involved in world events by promoting recycling and sustainability.

In Yola, the lack of a conventional waste collection system and bins/dumpsites is one of the main reasons residents dump their waste (including grocery bags), and then burn it, causing a major health hazard for humans and animals, including respiratory illnesses, gastric problems, and shortened life expectancy. And, of course, it just makes global warming worse.

The University began a program some years ago to address both local unemployment and this environmental hazard. As a result, Yola women, under the auspices of Yola EcoSentials, have made waste plastic (plan) into colorful, eco-friendly accessories while at the same time adding to their families’ incomes.

“It is our hope,” says Ms. Che, one of the organizers,” that this event will raise awareness on how recycling our products, in this case, plarn, can keep the environment clean and healthy, but as well provide an income for the needy in the community.”

The University President Margee Ensign has congratulated to all those that were involved “in this splendid world record.” [myad]

Faleke In Trouble, Lagos PDP Questions His Continue Membership Of House Of Reps

Greenbarge Reporters

December 20, 2015

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has questioned the continue membership of the House of Representatives by the current Deputy Governorship elect for Kogi State, James Faleke.
Chairman of the party, Mr Tunji Shelle, in a statement today, wanted the leadership of the House of Representatives to exhibit non-partisanship by stating if Faleke is still a member of the lower chamber.
Shelle, who described Faleke’s status in the House as that of a usurper, said that since Faleke ran for election in Kogi State, he must have transferred his voting unit to Kogi State, which makes him ineligible to represent Ikeja in Lagos State in the House of Representatives.
The Lagos PDP insisted that Faleke should not continue to represent Ikeja Constituency because he presently has his voting unit relocated to Kogi State.
The party then gave a 7-day ultimatum from Monday, December 21, to Faleke to declare his present place of voter’s registration and for INEC to clear the air on the appropriateness of his inter-changing polling units within a period of less than six months.
“If the demand is not met within the period of this ultimatum, we shall use all means permitted and effective to reclaim the seat for Lagos State.”
The PDP also wanted the House leadership, led by Yakubu Dogara not to allow this situation which it referred to as “a contraption” to stand.
The party said that the situation is politically immoral and illegal, and is an open assault on democracy.[myad]

My Enemies Follow Me To The Church, Delta Speaker Says

Greenbarge Reporters

December 20, 2015

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Monday Igbuya has expressed concern that his enemies have been trailing him even to the church.
Igbuya who spoke at a special thanksgiving service in Sapele to glorify God for his victory at
The Court of Appeal, Benin Judicial Division said; “some of my political enemies are here. They are members of this church. They wanted me out of the political system. If you are truly destined for greatness, people plotting to stop you are wasting their time.
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive.”
Igbuya advised politicians in the state to shun hatred, adding: it is time to come together and channel all our resources towards the development of the State.”
The speaker fulfilled his promise to the church, saying: “I promised to do something significant for Bethel Baptist Church should I come out victorious at the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. I was baptized in this church. I dedicated all my children in this church. There is a brand new passenger bus outside for the church.”
Igbuya, whose election was confirmed by the electoral tribunal on October 7 and affirmed by the Court of Appeal,
represents Sapele Constituency in the state House of Assembly. [myad]

Osun Monarch Asks People To Pay Their Taxes

Greenbarge Reporters

December 20, 2015

The Oluwo of Iwo in Osun state, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi has called on the people to pay their taxes in order to fast-track developments in the state
The monarch who spoke in Iwo at the 25th edition of the Iwo Day celebration which was the first since he was installed, said that the government needed taxes to carry on with its developmental programmes.
Oba Akanbi said that as responsible citizens, the Iwo people would lead in the campaign for the payment of taxes.
According to him, nowhere in the world do people expect development without fulfilling their own sides of the bargain.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of the state, Rauf Aregbesola for endorsing his candidature as the new Oluwo. The new Oba said that he is determined to key into the development agenda of the Aregbesola’s administration.
“I wish to place on record that the development of our town is most paramount to me. I have come at a time when my people yearn for development. I have come at a time when my people need jobs. We call on all and sundry to join hands with us as we embark on this journey to take our land to a greater height.”[myad]

Aregbesola Insists Osun Is Agrarian State, Signs MoU On Agric

Greenbarge Reporters

December 20, 2015

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has insisted that the state is more of an agrarian state than the civil servants’ state as a few people have said.
The Governor, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an American based equipment leasing and beef rearing company in the state capital said that it is no longer viable for‎ the state to depend on monthly Federal allocation of about N5 billion to survive, adding that what has been sustaining the state is agriculture.
“Although I am no longer excited by signing MOU because it is mostly ceremonial, but with the commitment and drive with which you have shown, I look forward to a better days ahead.
“I am very hopeful of a fantastic result from this collaboration. I have confidence in what the supervisory legal department and our own have done. I hope that activities will commence by January, we will put the resources of the state behind this. I look forward to a celebration of a successful venture.”
The Governor said that the time has come for everybody in the state to turn to agriculture, saying that it is the only means to ensure abundant food and other relevant inputs in the land.
Earlier, the Director of the JIL equipment leasing and beef rearing Company, Dr. Jenny Caringham had said that his company will bring change into livestock farming in Osun.
He added that the team will also be going into total agriculture with the latest available technologies that will in no distant time improve employment opportunity for youths in the state.
Caringham commended Governor Aregbesola for taking to agriculture for the development of the state, stressing that his team will give everything it takes to improve abattoirs and beef production in Osun.
‎He assured of visibility of the project within 30 days of its commencement of operation in Osun and that by the end of the first quarter of 2016, there will be a resort centre that will enhance tourism.
“I want to use this occasion to thank the state for this opportunity. We will not let you down. By January, we will be here to start fully. We are not importing anything because we have everything in Nigeria.”
In the MOU, Osun is willing to partner with JIL farms and Equipment Limited to develop a 1,500 hectare Ranch under the O-BEEF and O-REAP programme for the breeding and development of 2,500 foundation breeding cattle herd which will include the Tuli and Boran species.
JIL Farms possesses the ability to finance, operate and maintain the agricultural land into ranches and farmland in such a manner as to maintain the infrastructure and develop additional farmlands for production of livestock and crops.
The partnership will develop a 10,000-head capacity feedlot centre; construct a feed mill for processed grains, a meat processing plant, and a packing plant for vegetables; develop a youth training centre, a livestock and farming out-grower scheme, and a retreat centre for seminars and trainings.[myad]

Sun Newspaper Returns Its N9 Million Share From Dasuki’s Largesse

Greenbarge Reporters

December 20, 2015

Management of The Sun Publishing Limited has returned the N9 million which it received from the former National Security Adviser (NSA) as its share from the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
The money was given as compensation for the seizure of its newspapers and stoppage of circulation during the Goodluck Jonathan administration in June 2014.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Managing Director/Editor-in- Chief, of the company, Eric Osagie, The Sun said that it took the decision to return the money as a result of the controversies, which the payment of the compensation had generated and the need to come clean on the matter.
The statement reads: “The Management of The Sun Publishing Limited has considered the public outcry and diverse controversies generated among media houses, the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the public over the N120 million paid by the Goodluck Jonathan administration as compensation to newspaper companies for the unlawful seizure of their newspapers and stoppage of circulation by armed soldiers in several cities across the country in June 2014.
“Having reviewed the situation, we wish to state as follows:
“After the unlawful action of the military, to which The Sun lost millions of naira, we had signified the intention to commence litigation against the Federal Government along with other affected newspaper companies.
“However, at the level of the NPAN, which The Sun is a member, a decision was collectively taken to accept the Presidency’s offer of peaceful settlement in place of litigation in the interest of peace and national security.
“We were later informed of the payment of N120 million compensation out of which the sum of N9 million was paid to The Sun Management by the NPAN.
“At the time the compensation was paid, we had no inkling whatsoever under which expenditure sub-head in the Presidency the fund was sourced and that it was allegedly part of the funds meant for the purchase of arms.
“As a very responsible newspaper organization, which places premium on ethics, individual and corporate integrity, we are certainly embarrassed by the turn of events and the unfortunate insinuation of involvement in the illegal sharing of the nation’s commonwealth and the feasting on the blood of soldiers fighting the war against insurgency.
“We believe strongly in our corporate integrity and principles of fairness and social justice, which have driven our business considerations over the years.
“In the light of the foregoing, we have returned the cheque of N9 million to the NPAN for onward transmission to the source through which it came.
“We have seen that the good intention not to seek redress in court has seemingly backfired.
“We have also given notice to our lawyers to immediately commence the process in court to redress the huge loss suffered through the actions of the military.
“We assure our teeming readers of our commitment to serving them faithfully and conscientiously by upholding the time-tested principles of fair business ethics, equity and social justice.”[myad]

Nigeria Does Not Need Another Civil War, Obasanjo Tells Biafrain Agitators

Greenbarge Reporters

December 20, 2015

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has made it clear that Nigeria does not need another civil war after the 1967-70 war between Nigeria and the Biafra.
He stressed the need for better dialogue instead of beating war drums.
The former President who spoke at the unveiling of a banquet hall built in his name by the Executive Vice President, Centre for Policy and Foreign Engagement, Dr. Agbai Eke Agbai, said: “our differences could only be addressed when issues are discussed instead of going to war.”
Obasanjo who was reacting to the protests by pro-Biafra agitators in some parts of South-east and Lagos recently said: “we do not need another civil war. We had fought one before. I was part of it.
“I saw with my eyes. I heard with my ears. I smelled with my nose. What we need is better communication. And I am here to communicate with you.
“What I enjoy most is the cultural diversity.
“Earlier in the week, I was in Benue State and I enjoyed the cultural dance. Since I arrived here yesterday I have enjoyed the cultural dances. What we need to address is how to reduce unemployment, how to reduce poverty, and how to hold our leaders accountable to their promises.”
Obasanjo was at the burial of Mama Enyidya Beatrice Agbai, in Abiriba, Abia state.[myad]

Police Turns Bayelsa Inside Out As Gunmen Kidnap Governor’s Younger Sister

Greenbarge Reporters

December 19, 2015

Police officers in Bayelsa state have turned the state inside out through a stop and search/cordon operations in a bid to rescue Nancy Keme Dickson, the younger sister to the Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and her sales girl who were kidnapped by unknown armed men today.

The gunmen, numbering four and driving an ash colour Lexus Jeep, were said to stormed their victim shop at about 2.50pm today, triggering movement of heavy security personnel to the exit and entry points into the state capital.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen trailed Nancy Keme Dickson to her shop along Okaka road, Yenagoa where she and her sales girl were kidnapped and taken away to an unknown destination.

The state police public relations officer, Asinim Butswat said: “on the 19 December, 2015, at about 1450hrs, four unknown gunmen in an ash coloured Lexus Jeep, trailed one Nancy Keme Dickson, 26 yrs, to her shop at Okaka road, Yenagoa, and abducted her and her sales girl to an unknown destination.

“Efforts have been intensified to arrest the abductors and investigation is ongoing.” [myad]

Buhari Rescued Corrupt Nigerians From Our Anger – Nigeria Witches

Greenbarge Reporters

December 19, 2015

White Witches Association of Nigeria (WHIWTAN), has said that corrupt Nigerians who are currently going through investigations in the hands of the anti corruption agents are lucky that it is President Buhari that has decided to deal with them.

“These looters are even lucky that it was Buhari that was going after them to expose and punish them. On our own, we had decided to wage spiritual war against them, and our own punishment would have been harsher. But since Buhari has decided to take up the challenge, we have decided to support him. Buhari should not be afraid. I want to assure him that no human force can overcome him.”

The spokesperson for the witches, Dr Okhue Iboi, said that decision to support Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade was taken at the end of an emergency meeting of the association that took place at Ofosu, Edo State.

The spokesperson asked the President not to be afraid to step on toes in his avowed determination to sanitise the country.

“As stakeholders in the project called Nigeria, we can’t fold our arms and pretend that all is well with our nation. It will not only amount to act of unpatriotism if we decide to look the other way while others are speaking out on way forward for Nigeria,” Ibori said.

“Following our worries over Nigeria, the general assembly of witches decided to hold this meeting. In attendance were witches from all the 36 states of Nigeria including Katsina, the home state of Buhari. It was at the end of this meeting that the unanimous decision was taken that we should support Buhari to fight corruption. There was no dissenting voice – we also took other decisions on some national issues affecting the country.

“We have one or two piece of advice that we want to give him if he can send emissaries to us or invite us to Aso Rock. Contrary to the wrong impression by some people, white witches are not evil people. We liberate people from evil people. We are messengers of God, and for over 20 years now, we have been speaking regularly in the media on some national issues,” he said.

Speaking on the fate of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike regarding election rerun which the court has ordered, Iboi urged Wike to pray very well as he may not return to the Government House.
“The ball is in Wike’s court. If he wants to remain as governor of Rivers State, he should pray very well otherwise the wind of change currently sweeping across the country will blow him away. But if he does all the needful, he will retain his seat,” he said.
On the crisis rocking All Progressives Congress (APC) over Saraki’s leadership of the Senate, Iboi said APC may break into splinter groups even as he asked the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Buhari to continue to work together for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The partnership between Buhari and Tinubu is divinely ordained, but let it be known to the two of them that some people even within APC are not happy with the union between the two men. They want the two of them to clash. Some saboteurs who I will call enemies of Nigeria are desperate to separate them, but they will fail in their ungodly mission.”

The apokesman attributed the lost of the last Presidential election by former President Goodluck Jonathan to his disobeying the witches. [myad]

I am excited To Return To Chelsea, Hiddink, Mourinho Replacement Says

Greenbarge Reporters

December 19, 2015

Former Chelsea coach, Guus Hiddink has expressed his excitement for his return to coach the team with the ouster of Jose Mourinho. Hiddink will serve as first-team manager until the end of the season.
Responding to his appointment as contained in a a statement by the club, Guus said: “I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans.”
The owner and the Board of Chelsea FC had, in a statement, welcome back Guus whom it described as a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including his previous spell with the club in 2009 when it lifted the FA Cup.
“Mr Abramovich and the Board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad. I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans.”
That was even as Guus expressed his excitement for his return to Chelsea, saying: “I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.”
The Dutchman was expected to be at Stamford Bridge for today’s match, even though Steve Holland would be expected to take control of team matters for the game alongside Eddie Newton, who will now take on the role of assistant first-team coach.
Holland has been an important and influential member of the coaching staff since 2009, while Newton is Chelsea through and through, having served us as a player and a coach, re-joining the club in 2012 and helping it win the Champions League.
Hiddink took temporary charge of Chelsea in February 2009, losing just one league game as the team recovered from a poor first half of the season to finish third in the Premier League, guaranteeing Champions League football for the next campaign and signing off in style thanks to a 2-1 FA Cup win over Everton at Wembley.
That role was combined with being coach of Russia, one of six international posts he has held during a coaching career, which has spanned three decades.
Hiddink’s first managerial job was in his homeland with PSV, a club he had represented during a 15-year playing career.
As coach, he lifted three league titles and the European Cup in 1988.
Three more followed during a second stint there between 2002 and 2006, with the intervening years seeing him coach in Turkey and Spain as well as lead the Dutch, South Korean and Australian national teams.
As South Korea coach, he led them to a stunning third place at the 2002 World Cup on home soil, one place better than with the Netherlands four years earlier.
Having taken the Russian job in 2006, Hiddink led them to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 before taking the reins at Chelsea on a temporary basis in early 2009.
A 2-1 win at Aston Villa in his first game set the tone for the remainder of the season and it took a last-minute Andres Iniesta strike on a controversial night to deny the Blues a place in the Champions League final.
Hiddink’s first stay in west London ended well, however, with the whole of Stamford Bridge singing his name following Chelsea’s final home game of the season and the fans unveiling a huge “thank you” banner at Wembley prior to the FA Cup final, in which Chelsea came from behind to win.
Since then, Hiddink has coached Turkey and the Netherlands, as well as spending 18 months at Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, where he signed Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk. [myad]

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