26-year-old man sentenced to 14-hour labour for stealing tubers of yam in Lagos

A magistrate court in Ejigbo, Lagos State has sentenced a suspect to 14 hours of community service for stealing three tubers of yam at Ikotun market.

The defendant, 26-year-old Okon Happiness, was reported to have entered a shop in the market owned by one Kehinde Lawanson and took away the yams valued at N2,100.

Luck, however, ran out for him when Lawanson, after seeing him coming out of her shop and out of the market with the items raised alarm.

A mob chased him, caught him and handed him over to the police at Ikotun Division.

Okon was arraigned before the court presided over by Teslimi Shomade on a one-count charge of stealing.

He pleaded guilty to the offence, saying he stole the items because he was hungry.

Prosecuting Counsel, Kenneth Asibor, said the complainant refused all entreaties to settle the matter, insisting that it be charged to court.

The defendant pleaded for leniency, promising not to repeat the act.

Magistrate Shomade convicted him and directed that he should serve his sentence on the court premises. 

- Daily Post

Julius Berger: Lagos-Ibadan expressway will be completed by 2021

Thamm Olaf, operations manager, Julius Berger, says the Shagamu-Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway project will be completed by 2021.

According to PUNCH, Olaf said this when the senate committee on works inspected the project on Sunday.

He was quoted to have said the project, which was supposed to be completed in 2017, was stalled due to paucity of funds and the recent expansion.

The senate committee, led by Kabiru Gaya, its chairman, reportedly expressed the committee’s dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work despite the efforts and funds that had been put into it.

Gaya said the federal government had spent a lot of money on the road and others across the country, adding that in order to accommodate more road construction, the cost of road infrastructure was increased from N500bn to N600bn.

“The project is good as it will take care of traffic but we are not happy with the speed and so we expect the contractor to increase the pace of work, even though there were amendments on the road,” he said.

Gaya also disclosed that the contractor of the Tin Can Island Truck Park, Borini Prono, said that the project, which is expected to ease traffic congestion around Apapa wharf, would be completed in December.

He said the project had reached 97 percent completion while construction of the shoreline had commenced.

“When we visited this site in 2015, the construction was less than 70 percent; now it is 97 percent because money has been paid and we insist that it must be finished by December,” he said.

“We have also said that the facilities are not good enough for a trailer park; there should be more toilets, restaurant and even a small clinic.”

- TheCable

Why we are seeking extradition of Alison-Madueke – Magu

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, on Monday said the commission was seeking the extradition of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke because the United Kingdom authorities has failed to take legal action against her despite being there since 2015.

Magu, who briefed newsmen in Abuja said the EFCC was equipped to successfully prosecute the former minister who had been accused of mismanaging oil funds to the tune of $20bn.

“So, we are tired of waiting and that was why I said if you cannot prosecute her, bring her and we will prosecute her. There is no prosecution going on in the UK.

Punch reports that when asked if her extradition to Nigeria would not affect her pending case in the UK, Magu said, “There is no court trial. She was being investigated even before I assumed office. So, it has taken so long and it is very unreasonable that she is not being tried there.

“We are involved in the investigation in this country and outside the country including America and London. I have been there. We have worked and sat together. We cannot wait endlessly. I think three years and above is sufficient for you to take her to court. There is no court process against her in the UK. Nobody is prosecuting her there.” 

- PM News

1,801 persons killed in Plateau attacks

No fewer than 1,801 persons have been confirmed killed and 50,212 others displaced in recent attacks in Plateau state.

The Committee on Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), set up by the Plateau Government, made the confirmation on Monday.

AVM Bala Danbaba (retired), Chairman of the committee, presented his report to Gov. Simon Lalong on Monday in Jos.

Danbaba said that the committee identified 115 communities cutting across Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas, that were affected by the crises.

He said that the committee, whose one month period was later increased to two months, received 55 memoranda and visited 27 camps where the IDPs were quartered.

“The only IDPs camp we did not visit was the one at Lere, in the Dorowa area of Barkin Ladi Local Government. We could not go there because of security reasons.

“The committee also visited all the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment,” he stated.

He said the committee had recommended that the IDPs be returned to their ancestral homes, saying that the exercise should be carried out in four phases.

“The committee also emphasised the provision of adequate security in the affected areas,” he said, adding that the IDPs were willing and anxious to return to their homes, if security was guaranteed.

Danbaba suggested that a victim support programme be initiated to reduce their sufferings.

The committee also called for the establishment of temporary camps within the victims’ communities, for them to live in, while their houses were being reconstructed.

Lalong, who received the report, commended the committee for a carrying out a good job, and announced that the 7-man committee would be responsible for its implementation.

Lalong reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing lives and property, and condemned insinuations that the state and Federal Governments were doing nothing to end the crises.

“Things might be slow, but in the spirit of “slowly, but surely”, as well as patience, we have been able to make some phenomenal achievements in ensuring that peace returns and is sustained.

“As some of our strategic initiatives in engendering peace and security in the State, this administration attracted the establishment of the 205 Combat and Rescue Units in Kerang.

“We also attracted a Mobile Police Squadron in Shendam, as well as the recent approval to establish Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish District of BarkinLadi.

“All these are in addition to procurement and distribution of security vehicles, equipped with modern communication gadgets,” he stressed.

Lalong also said that he had approved the recruitment and training of neighbourhood watch personnel who had been attached to Operation Rainbow for community policing and intelligence gathering.

- PM News

Food ads stir questions in Nigeria about gender roles

Adverts in Nigeria depicting career women gleefully juggling their job with kitchen duties have sparked a heated debate about gender roles in the fast-changing society of West Africa's largest economy.

The campaign is for the seasoning brand Maggi, which sells over 90 million stock cubes in Nigeria each day, according to company figures.

In a video ad, a 30-something mother and self-described "boss lady" proudly introduces herself as a "chief quality inspector" in her corporate life and a "kitchen grandmaster" at home.

She switches between presentations in the boardroom to cooking in an ultra-modern kitchen.

With an apron over her office clothes, she blows out the flame from a gas lighter -- rather like James Bond dissipating the smoke from his gun -- as she whips up a dish for her loving family.

"I love what I do," she enthuses.

A billboard ad, meanwhile, features a beaming woman with her two children, with the caption: "Mummy. Teacher. Taste Master."

The ad campaign, released last month, has divided opinion in a country where women are often expected to conform to established gender roles at a time of radical changes in lifestyle.

Many social media commentators were excited by what they saw as a "modern" portrayal of women in a position of power, balancing multiple roles with ease.

One Twitter user said of the video: "I like the fact that she is a mom, boss lady and still a slayer."

Another said: "I love that a woman is being portrayed as the multi-tasker that she is."

But others described the advert as "misogyny" and "well-packaged suffering" and questioned why the person in the kitchen was not a man.

Stereotypes

Nestle, which owns the Maggi brand, was surprised by the controversy, stating that the advert was intended to celebrate women in a country where most cook more regularly than their partners despite working too.

Victoria Uwadoka, the company's corporate communications manager, said it welcomed the debate the campaign had generated.

"Today, the reality is that most women are juggling professional life and family responsibilities," she said, adding that Nigerian society was evolving.

"We believe cooking should be open to everyone."

Gendered roles in food adverts are a controversial issue around the world.

Traditionally, Nigerian women are expected to be the main caregivers, looking after the home and children.

But the younger generation is challenging that idea in the country's rapidly urbanising cities.

Jolaoluwa Ayeye is a 26-year-old writer in Lagos and co-host of popular podcast "I Said What I Said", which embodies the voice of a young generation of Nigerian women.

"I think the Maggi advert reflects current Nigerian norms but at the same time reinforces stereotypes that Nigerian women are trying to reject," she said.

"It is uncomfortable and difficult to work from sun-up to sundown doing work that should and could be done with proper delegation and sharing of domestic workloads.

"It's not cute or sexy -- and in 2018, let's be realistic, it's very unnecessary."

'Unrealistic'

According to the World Bank, 51 percent of Nigeria's population of more than 180 million lives in the countryside, where traditional, conservative ideals are more prominent.

With the remainder in growing urban centres, the ad campaign has highlighted a wider debate between modernists and traditionalists.

Best-selling Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in June told US news satire programme "The Daily Show" she was happy for people to hold the door for her.

But the author of "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "We Should All Be Feminists" said she hoped "they're not doing it for this idea of chivalry", as it implied women were weaker than men.

Her comments sparked a debate online and within Nigeria, with many celebrities such as the popular singer Banky W criticising her politics as "going too far".

Politician Rinsola Abiola, who is standing for parliament in elections in February, said depictions of women like that in the TV advert were unrealistic, especially to younger people.

"I acknowledge that it resonates with a lot of women who live that way. I have an elder sister just like that woman but I'm exactly the opposite of that advert", she said.

"For me the purpose of an advert is not just to present social norms but advocate for better structures."

The advert comes after concern that just 31 women in the two main political parties were running for 469 seats in parliament.

Those norms were epitomised by President Muhammadu Buhari when he dismissed his wife Aisha's view on domestic politics.

He told a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2016 that the First Lady belonged "in my kitchen and my living room and the other room".- AFP

Gordon Brown backs calls for second Brexit referendum

The former prime minister Gordon Brown has backed calls for a second Brexit referendum and said Britain should leave the door open to rejoining the European Union if it leaves as planned next March.

Speaking in London, Brown said MPs should be prepared to tell the government to renegotiate with Brussels should the Commons be unhappy with a proposed deal, but that at some point the public would demand another say.

“I believe a referendum will happen as people come to the conclusion that since 2016 the situation has changed and at some point they will want to have the final say,” Brown said in a speech at the Institute for Government thinktank.

He called for the setting up of a royal commission to take evidence from leave and remain voters in order to heal the divisions caused by the 2016 Brexit vote.

Brown said that more than two years after the decision to leave, none of the important issues – such as what sort of relationship Britain wanted with the EU and the scope to sign trade deals – had been finalised. Theresa May’s attempt at a quick fix would inevitably be followed by years of talks that would leave the public feeling let down.

“If the next two years of negotiation involve a process as inward looking, divisive and partisan – as dominated and driven by internal Conservative politics as the past two years – we will become an even more divided country, more divided than in the 70s during the three-day week, than in the 80s during the miners’ strike and than in the early 90s because of poll tax.”

Brown’s intervention in the Brexit debate came as Theresa May faced hostility from Conservative remainers and Brexiters over her proposed deal with Brussels.

Brown said there had been none of the careful assessment of the issues that had been undertaken by Harold Macmillan’s government before Britain first applied to join what was then the Common Market in the 1960s, or when he as chancellor was weighing up the pros and cons of joining the euro.

“The failure to agree and the prolonged uncertainty that arises, means ignoring the real long-term challenges – the four major threats for the future – long-term investment plans by companies put at risk; the union put at risk; British global influence in danger of reaching its lowest-ever ebb and Britain’s social cohesion in jeopardy because of our failure to face up to the issues raised in the Brexit vote.”

Brown said it was important to tackle the grievances that had led to 52% voting to leave the EU, but added it was possible to deal with issues such as managing immigration while being an EU member.

The toxic atmosphere was creating “fertile ground for populist politicians whose main claim is not that they offer serious alternatives but whose stock in trade is to articulate people’s anger”, he said.

- The Guardian 

Madrid appoint Solari as permanent manager until end of the season

Real Madrid have appointed Santiago Solari as their full-time manager for the rest of the season.

The former Bernabeau star has been in caretaker charge since Julen Lopetegui was sacked following the 5-1 defeat by Barcelona .

Solari has won all four games in temporary charge and Real have now filed paperwork with the Spanish FA.

The club had to make a decision today as an interim boss can only be in charge for two weeks.

Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had been president Florentino Perez's first choice to replace Lopetegui, but several senior players, including Sergio Ramos, voiced their concerns about his appointment.

Following Real's 4-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, Solari said: "The important thing is to do what is necessary for the good of the team, everything else doesn't matter."

Real took advantage of league leaders Barcelona's surprise 4-3 home defeat to Real Betis earlier in the day to cut the gap to top spot to four points.

Karim Benzema and a Gustavo Cabral own goal gave Real a 2-0 lead at Balaidos before Hugo Mallo reduced the deficit.

Sergio Ramos, from the penalty spot, and substitute Dani Ceballos added late goals either side of a red card for Cabral, before Celta's Brais Mendez had the final word in stoppage time.

But Solari was upset with forceful Celta challenges, which often went unpunished.

Casemiro went off in the first 20 minutes and Gareth Bale and Alvaro Odriozla were also limping at the end after being clattered.

"Celta played very aggresively," Solari said.

"Casemiro had to come off, Gareth made a huge effort because the kick he received was causing him problems.

"Their challenges were at the limit of what's allowed and we suffered because of that." 

- Mirror

198 dead in Congo’s worst Ebola outbreak

Almost 200 people have died in the latest Ebola outbreak to hit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since August.

According to the nation’s health ministry, there are more than 300 confirmed or probable cases.

“At this point, 319 cases and 198 deaths have been registered,” Oly Ilunga, the country’s health minister, said.

“In view of these figures, my thoughts and my prayers go to the hundreds of families grieving, to the hundreds of orphans and the families which have been wiped out.”

BBC reports that another 25,000 people have been vaccinated against the virus.

The latest outbreak is the 10th experienced in the country in the last 40 years.

The Ebola virus is contagious and easily spread through small amounts of bodily fluid.

Infection often proves fatal and is preceded by flu-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhoea, a rash and internal and external bleeding.

Nigeria experienced an Ebola outbreak in 2014, leading to the deaths of eight persons — most notably Stella Adedavoh, a medical doctor.

- TheCable

Teleology finally takes over 9mobile, names new board

Teleology Holdings Limited has finally taken over 9mobile.

This is coming 11 months after the company made it to the top five companies making a bid to take over the telecommunications company.

In a statement seen by TheCable, and signed by Mohammed Edewor, Teleology said it “is pleased to announce the constitution of a new Board of Directors for Nigeria’s multi-award-winning telecommunication company, 9mobile”.

This follows “the successful completion of the tenure of the former Board appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and in fulfillment of the consequential transfer of final ownership to the new investors, Teleology Nigeria Limited”.

“We thank all out-going members of the Board for helping to shepherd 9mobile through the critical transition phase it has passed through since July 2017 and wish them the very best in their future assignments.

“For us, the composition of the new Board of Directors is another significant milestone, and this follows the issuance of final approval of no objection by the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to the effect that the technical and financial bids Teleology submitted for 9mobile met and satisfied all the regulatory requirements.

“This is indeed the dawn of a new era in the evolution of the 9mobile brand in the Nigerian market”.

The new board of directors is constituted by:

1. Nasiru Ado Bayero (Chairman)
2. Asega Aliga (Non Executive Director)
3. Adrian Wood (Non Executive Director)
4. Mohammed Edewor (Non Executive Director)
5. Winston Ndubueze Udeh (Non Executive Director)
6. Abdulrahman Ado (Executive Director)
7. Stephane Beuvelet (Acting Managing Director)

Nasiru Ado Bayero, the new chairman, appreciated the telco’s employees and subscribers, who is said should be prepared for best-in-class services forthwith. 

“As we begin this new epochal phase, we wish to thank all the employees who built this viable business,” Ade Bayero said.

“Our debt of gratitude also goes to our subscribers even as we assure them to get ready for real best-in-class additional value for their relationship with the 9mobile brand.

“Without you, there could not have been a 9mobile business for us to invest in today. We will justify your confidence in our brand by making significant investments that will improve the value you get for using 9mobile.”

The sale process of 9mobile was initially billed to be concluded on January 16, 2018, following an approval of the extension of the deadline by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) after an initial December 2017 deadline.

Teleology eventually won the final bid, ahead of Airtel, Globacom, Smile, Helios.

The company, 9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria was taken over in July 2017 following a N541 billion debt overhang.

- TheCable

Death toll in California wild fire hits 31

The death toll in wildfires sweeping California has risen to 31, with more than 200 people still missing, officials have said.

Six more people were confirmed killed in the Camp Fire in the north of the state, taking the toll there to 29.

That fire now equals the deadliest on record in California – the 1933 Griffith Park disaster in Los Angeles.

In the south, the Woolsey Fire has claimed two lives as it damaged beach resorts including Malibu.

BBC reports that an estimated 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes to avoid three major blazes in the state.

With strengthening winds threatening to spread the flames, California Governor Jerry Brown has urged President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster, a move that would harness more federal emergency funds.

The appeal came a day after Mr Trump threatened to cut funding for California, blaming the fires on poor forest management.

Harold Schaitberger, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, called the president’s comments “reckless and insulting”.

- PM News

Auto crashes kill 1,054 people in 33 months along Lagos-Ogun routes – FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned the motoring public over reckless driving as 1,054 people were killed in auto crsahes within 33 months along the Lagos-Ogun routes.

Mr John Meheux, the Zonal Commanding Officer in Charge of Ogun and Lagos States, made the disclosure in his remarks at the “2018 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’’ in Lagos.

Meheux said that the zonal records in the last two to three years show the number of people involved and killed by auto crashes in various corridors within both states.

`In 2016, we recorded 828 road traffic crashes where 444 were killed and 2,364 injured.

“In 2017, 803 crashes occurred where 331 were killed and 2106 injured and in 2018, 644 accidents recorded 279 were killed and 1993 injured.

“We must see what we can do to ameliorate the crashes on the road and reduce the death as a result of the accident,” he said.

According to him, the corps wants to see structures put in place to curb crashes and deaths on the roads.

The zonal commander also appreciated the teams, agencies and stakeholders working tirelessly with FRSC on the road to ensure safety at any point in time.

The FRSC boss said that the corps was bringing back advocacy to the front burner to ensure adequate safety and cautious driving among the commercial drivers.

” Most of the accidents are caused by attitudinal disposition which are mainly responsible for number death in auto crashes,” he added.

Mr Hyginus Omeje, the FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander, in his remarks, said that no efforts put in place to curb crashes on the road was too much.

Omeje called on stakeholders and corporate organisations to join hands with the corps in terms of resources to assist the FRSC to curb the menace of crashes on the road.

He said that FRSC was an avenue or a channel through which any organisation could exercise its corporate social responsibility to the people.

“However, we advise drivers to shun reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading and the use of bad tyres,’’ he said.

Kanayo Okonkwo, a Member of the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), also advised the motoring public to drive safely and shun drunk driving habit.

Okwonkwo said that HEI is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) established to give succour to indigent patients during emergencies , especially accident victims.

According to him, the NGO has specifically collaborated with public hospitals and others to ensure that critical accident victims are treated and stabilised before the arrival of the family.

“We have set up a “None Should Die” initiative to ensure free treatment of accident victims in some hospitals during emergency.

“As for drivers, you do not need anybody to use weapons on you before you drive safely

“We urge drivers to drive safely and ensure that passengers got to their various destinations peacefully,’’ he said.

Mr Joseph Anibaba, Head of Operation, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), said that accidents were main causes of death in this part of the world.

Anibaba thanked the FRSC for its efforts in giving regular awareness to motorists across the various parks in the state.

“This is 18 years of LASAMBUS operation in the state, most of the cases recorded are commercial vehicles.

“Commercial buses should make sure they comply by the rules and regulations and avoid bad portions of the road to avert accident.

“At times, the FRSC officials on the road may be there to caution the drivers on the danger ahead but some of the motorists speed off, seeing the officials on the road which later resort to crashes ahead,’’ he said.

- PM News