President Jonathan Requests $1 Billion Loan to Tackle Boko Haram

On Wednesday, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan sent a letter to the National Assembly, asking the lawmakers to urgently approve an external loan of $1 billion for the Federal Government to fight Islamist terrorist sect Boko Haram.

Senate President David Mark and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, read the letter to the Senate and House of Representatives respectively. The loan is meant to help upgrade equipment and train security officers properly.

“You are no doubt cognisant of the ongoing and serious security challenges which the nation is facing , as typified by the Boko Haram terrorist threat. This is an issue that we have discussed at various times.” he said in the letter titled Tackling Ongoing Security Challenges: Need for Urgent Action”

“For this reason, I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1bn, including government to government arrangements for this upgrade.” he continues in the letter.

The request may reportedly be considered today Thursday because of its urgency. In its 4.6 trillion 2014 budget provisions, the National Assembly already appropriated N968.127 billion for Defence on Boko Haram insurgency.

67 Giant African Snails Transported from Lagos Seized at Los Angeles International Airport

On July 1st, federal authorities at Los Angeles International airport (LAX) seized 67 live giant snails which were discovered in two picnic baskets.

The snails, which were intended for human consumption, weighed over 35 pounds in total, los angeles times reports.

Lee Harty of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed that the snails had been transported from Lagos and were bound for  San Dimas.

Customs authorities stated that in the past, they had found about one or two similarly large snails hidden in luggage, however; this was the first time “this pest has been encountered in such large quantity and as a consumption entry.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reportedly regards the large snails as “a damaging species, consuming more than 500 types of plants,” and are known to carry parasites that may be harmful to humans.

The incident is said to be currently under investigation.

Nigerian Gets First FemaleTable Tennis Umpire to Officiate at Commonwealth Games

LAGOS (NAN) ― Cecilia Arinye, the first female Nigerian table tennis umpire to be invited to officiate at the Commonwealth Games, on Monday attributed her nomination to hard work.

Arinye, a blue badge umpire, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that her selection was based on merit.

The Commonwealth Games will hold from July 23 to August 3 2014.

Arinye, the Director of Sports, University of Lagos, said that her passion for the game earned her the status.
”Invitation to officiate in such a global competition does not come on a platter of gold because it requires some formalities.

”Umpires’ records and achievements are some of the requirements for selection.

”My hard work and contributions to the sport both in Nigeria and outside the country earned me the slot.

”I ensure that I go for trainings as regards table tennis umpiring.

”I make sure that I attend officiating programmes both locally and internationally; I make additional efforts at all times,” she said.

She urged other Nigerian umpires to update themselves in modern techniques in officiating.
“All they need to do is to keep abreast of the latest techniques in the game and constantly attend training programmes.

“They need to be up-to-date with happenings in the game; this will help them to be considered for officiating at international competitions.

”If I can be considered, any other female umpire can also be considered.’’ Arinye said. NAN reports that another Nigerian, John Peters, will serve as a deputy referee for the tournament. Table tennis will feature in five events at the tournament.

Pastor Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church bans the Use of iPad & Android Devices during Service

 

Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church has banned the use of iPad and android devices for reading the bible.

According to Encomium Weekly, the ban was effective a few weeks ago because members of the church use the devices pretending they are reading their bible but are surfing the web and not paying attention to the sermon.

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey made Music Professor in OOU

 

Nigerian music icon, Evangelist Dr. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has been made a Professor of Music at the Department of English and Performing Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun state. In a ceremony held on Monday July 7th at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Hall of the school, the VC of the School, Professor Sabiru Adesanya, honoured him as a Visiting Artiste in the English Department.

Responding to the honor, Dr. Obey promised to give his new appointment the same attention he gives his music and share his wealth of experience with his students. He used the occasion to donate new sets of musical equipments to the Department of English and Performing Art.

Adamawa State Gov. Nyako Impeached

The Adamawa State House of Assembly has impeached the state Governor, Murtala Nyako.

After deliberations made by the seven-man impeachment panel, eighteen out of the 24 members of the Assembly voted to impeach the governor for his alleged “gross misconduct,”Punch reports.

However, deputy governor, Bala Ngilari, who was also up for impeachment, submitted his letter of resignation.

According to the constitution, if the governor is absent and his deputy resigns, the Speaker of the House has to become the acting governor of the state.

As a result, Assembly Speaker, Ahmadu Fintiri, will be sworn in as the new governor

Beyonce Dazzles In Ankara Outfit!

 

Beyonce is currently on her “On The Run” tour which must have been taking much of her time, nevertheless, she took time out during the weekend to have some fun with her own.
Stepping out looking good as always, Beyonce rocked a silk ankara blouse, snapback and skirt!