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Saturday, 18 February 2017
Breaking News: Car plunges into Lagos lagoon
A car has plunged into the lagoon near the Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos, the National Emergency Management Agency has said.
The number of occupants in the vehicle is yet to be identified, as an emergency rescue official said rescue efforts are currently ongoing.
Friday, 17 February 2017
Omolewa Ahmed advocates compulsory vision screening for children
Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed, wife of Kwara Governor has advocated a law that
will enforce compulsory vision screening for children to before
enrollment in government schools.
Ahmed made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin during her visit to the Children Hospital at Centre Igboro in Ilorin to influence immunization on children, as well as vision screening.
She stated that under the proposed law ministries in the state would be made to key into the programme of vision screening for Kwara children to ensure preventable blindness.
The Governor's wife who is Founder of Life Empowers Anchors Hope (LEAH) encouraged mothers to take children to immunization centres and also undergo vision screening as it is free of charge.
"Vision is important and we must ensure that out of negligence or ignorance our children are not exposed to blindness when we can take them for screening and get help," she said.
She said some of these cases of blindness are avoidable, adding that a child that is blind in young age will not have a qualitative life.
Ahmed also explained that recently over 200 blind citizens were empowered and N150,000 cheque given to them each to help them in their trade.
Speaking earlier at the occasion, Prof. Dupe Ademola-Popoola, an Ophtalmologist with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hosital (UITH) explained that the state government has enacted law that makes vision screening compulsory for children zero to five years.
She said because of the effort of the state government, a foundation; the USAID has shown interest in the project where they donated some equipment worth thousands of dollars.
The Ophtalmologist pointed out that a survey of 100 blind people carried out in the state suggested that, seven out of 10 where blind from childhood, while being hidden in that condition, till they are old enough to come out to beg for a living.
"Some years back, Nigeria rose to the challenge of fighting deficiency in Vit A and measles among children and they were successful," she said.
Ademola-Popoola disclosed that four health facilities have been designated as centres for the vision screening of children, adding that these centres would also act as training of staffs as well as centres for prevention of blindness and enhancement of sight.
Ahmed made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin during her visit to the Children Hospital at Centre Igboro in Ilorin to influence immunization on children, as well as vision screening.
She stated that under the proposed law ministries in the state would be made to key into the programme of vision screening for Kwara children to ensure preventable blindness.
The Governor's wife who is Founder of Life Empowers Anchors Hope (LEAH) encouraged mothers to take children to immunization centres and also undergo vision screening as it is free of charge.
"Vision is important and we must ensure that out of negligence or ignorance our children are not exposed to blindness when we can take them for screening and get help," she said.
She said some of these cases of blindness are avoidable, adding that a child that is blind in young age will not have a qualitative life.
Ahmed also explained that recently over 200 blind citizens were empowered and N150,000 cheque given to them each to help them in their trade.
Speaking earlier at the occasion, Prof. Dupe Ademola-Popoola, an Ophtalmologist with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hosital (UITH) explained that the state government has enacted law that makes vision screening compulsory for children zero to five years.
She said because of the effort of the state government, a foundation; the USAID has shown interest in the project where they donated some equipment worth thousands of dollars.
The Ophtalmologist pointed out that a survey of 100 blind people carried out in the state suggested that, seven out of 10 where blind from childhood, while being hidden in that condition, till they are old enough to come out to beg for a living.
"Some years back, Nigeria rose to the challenge of fighting deficiency in Vit A and measles among children and they were successful," she said.
Ademola-Popoola disclosed that four health facilities have been designated as centres for the vision screening of children, adding that these centres would also act as training of staffs as well as centres for prevention of blindness and enhancement of sight.
N1.162bn Fraud: Judge Adjourns Dariye’s Case to March 2
Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Gudu, has fixed March 2, 2017 for further proceedings in the trial of Joshua Dariye, a former governor of Plateau State. He is facing a N1.162 billion fraud charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The
Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice U.I. Bello had on January
23, 2017 thrown out Dariye’s letter seeking for transfer of his case to
another judge, and ordered him to go and continue with the trial as his
allegation of “manifest and undisguised bias” was baseless and
unfounded.
The
said letter dated December 13, 2016 had stalled the last sitting of
January 18, 2017 prompting the trial judge to adjourn to February 15,
2017 pending the instruction of the CJ. Pwul had also brought before the
court two motions, one which was dated December 6, 2016 asking for the
“recall of some prosecution witnesses”, and the other dated December 13,
2016 asking the judge to disqualify his lordship from presiding over
the case.
At today's sitting, Pwul who was
sighted at the court premises was not in the courtroom, but instead sent
Dashuwar Nantok to represent the defence. Dariye gave a rather wry
smile as he took his place in the dock.
But
the day’s proceeding could not continue, as Nantok informed the court
that “we need time to reply to prosecution’s response to the two
motions, which we only received on Monday, February 13, 2017”.
Prosecution
counsel, O.A. Atolagbe, however pointed out to the court that “with the
decision of the Chief Judge dismissing Dariye’s allegation of bias
against your lordship, events seem to have overtaken the second motion”.
But
the trial judge, noted that since “it has not been withdrawn by the
defence, we’ll be back here on March 2, for adoption of motions and
responses”.
EFCC Arrest Fraudulent ‘Investor’ for Alleged $154,146 Fraud
… Places inmate perpetrating fraud from prison under watch
The
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 9, 2017
arrested one Benjamin Aduli for offences bordering on criminal breach of
trust and obtaining by false pretence.
Operatives
of the EFCC got wind of his nefarious activities through a petition by
one of his victims. According to the petitioner, Aduli claimed that he
could “help source for a loan facility of $30 million in Dubai” that
would be used to finance Fleet farms, a company belonging to the
petitioner.
Having
convinced the potential investor of the “good deal”, he demanded for a
contributory fee of $154,146 which he claimed would be remitted to ABA
investment LLC in Dubai as “a condition for accessing the loan”.
Not
sensing any foul play, the petitioner paid the said sum to a Micro
Finance Bank on the instruction of Aduli, for onward remittance as
promised.
However, since payment was made, no loan was provided for the petitioner, while the money was never returned.
The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are elapsed.
Meanwhile,
the EFCC is currently intensifying investigations into the shady
activities of a serial fraudster, Adeolu Adeyanju, who in spite of being
behind bars is still defrauding unsuspecting individuals.
His
fraudulent activities out of the prison yard, came to the fore after a
complainant, a friend to a director at the Petroleum Products and
Marketing Company, PPMC, petitioned the EFCC that Adeyanju conned him
into paying him N9 million.
His modus operandi
was to clone the telephone number of the director, using same to
instruct the petitioner to “make a payment for 50 trucks of petroleum
products to Detwinx Global Services Limited”, which he did.
But
on the receipt of the money, Adeyanju found a way to get N7.4 million
transferred to a bureau de change operator, who converted same to its
dollar equivalent, while keeping N1.5 million in his personal account.
The
suspect is said to have several aliases with which he uses to defraud
people, and at the moment also has cases pending before the Independent
Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the
Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police. He would be
arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded.
KWSG earmarks N2.5b for SME
Kwara State
Government has earmarked a total sum of N2.5b for small and medium
scale enterprises agency scheme to support groups, associations, clubs and
cooperative societies.
The state governor, Dr Ahmed who disclosed this at Government House, Ilorin during a visit by members of Joint Tricycle Association of Kwara State (JOTAKWAS), said his administration's initial capital of N250million for the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises has grown had grown to over N2.5billion.
Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed promised more support for SMEs with a pledge of more subsidised tricycles for transporters in the state as part of the administration's effort at creating packages for organised associations "so that they can begin to meet their economic obligations to themselves and the state in the area of prompt payment of taxes to government."
He also promised to support the association with take-off grant, a bus and an office secretariat with a view to seeing the association growing to become reliable, stronger and critical stakeholder in the state economic environment.
“We are going to workout on a clear need assessment to determine how many tricycles are required and begin to work on this. Hopefully we will begin to see a more focussed association, well structured, well organized with specific service rendering to the system," he stated.
The Governor advised them to guide against infiltration by miscreants and criminals so that they will not be creating problem in the name of association for the state government stating the need to maintain law and order and pay their taxes regularly.
Earlier, chairman, JOTAKWAS, Duro Oyebade said restructuring of Tricycle Association by the state government has led to a reduction of violence and an improved revenue generation by the state government. Oyebade commended the governor for a purposeful leadership and efforts aimed at moving the state forward.
EFCC Docks Contractor for $1m Fraud
The
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 16, 2017,
arraigned one Bashir Ishaq Bashir alongside his companies, Leda
Greenpower Consortium, Leda Greenpower Nigeria Limited and Leda
Consortium Limited before Justice S.E. Aladetoyinbo of the Federal
Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Maitama, on a three-count charge of
obtaining by false pretence and cheating to the tune of $1 million.
Bashir
was alleged to have collected the said sum as part payment of a $3
million agreement from Althani Investments Company Limited for the
purpose of forming a consortium to bid for shares at the Kaduna
Electricity Distribution Company. The bidding failed and several
attempts made by the company for a refund of the money proved abortive.
He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him.
Prosecution counsel, Rimamsomte Ezekiel, thereafter asked for a trial date.
Responding, counsel for the defendant, A.B. Anachebe, SAN, moved the motion for his bail application.
Ezekiel
opposed the application, arguing that "the defendant if granted bail
will interfere with prosecution witnesses". He further argued that the
application was not proper in the sense that the defence only mentioned
the name of the first defendant without reference to the second, third
and fourth defendants.
Justice
Aladetoyinbo, while adjourning to April 10, 2017 for hearing granted
him bail in the sum of N2 million and one surety in like some. The
surety must be resident in Abuja and must have a landed property.
Pictures From Freedom Online Annual Lecture
First annual lecture of Freedom Online at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. In attendance...governors, deputy governors, politicians, policemen, activists, media chiefs, businessmen, opinion leaders. The roll call include, Lagos Deputy Governor,Abia Deputy Governor,Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel,PDP South West leader, Chief Bode George among other notables.
CBN makes further clarification on FOREX sale
The
attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a
media report suggesting that the Office of the Attorney General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice has issued a query to the Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over issues relating to the sale of foreign
exchange.
While
it is perfectly normal for any agency of Government to seek
clarifications on any matter from other agencies of Government, we wish
to state that neither the Governor of the CBN nor the Director, Legal
Services Department has received any communication with regard to the
issue.
The
CBN, as a responsible and responsive arm of Government, will always
provide clarifications on any matter within its purview for the purpose
of educating and enlightening all concerned.
Accordingly, we wish to reiterate our position by making the following clarifications:
1. The
CBN DOES NOT deal directly with any Bank customer on foreign exchange
transactions. Such transactions are consummated strictly between the
customers and their respective Deposit Money Banks (DMBs);
2. The
figures of FOREX sale published in national dailies or on CBN website,
over which insinuations are being formed, were transactions consummated
between the DMBs and their customers;
3. Pursuant
to our policy of transparency, we publish the reports of purchases and
sales of forex between the DMBs and their customers, as submitted by the
banks without editing. This practice of publishing the figures on our
website has been on since October 2016;
4. Following observations of different exchange rates after the last publication on our website (www.cbn.gov.ng), we called for explanations from the banks concerned.
5. In
response to our queries to them, apart from some observed formatting
errors, the concerned banks reported that the returns were sent on the
basis which the transactions were conducted. The transactions concerned
were consummated in third currencies such as Japanese Yen and South
African Rand (YEN/ZAR); JPY/NGN, EUR/USD, USD/ZAR. As a result, there is
no way any DMB or the CBN will deal in forex transaction at the rate of
61kobo/USD, N18/US$1 or N3/US$1, as was erroneously reported.
6. The
aforementioned are third currency transactions and when properly
translated, will be in line with the prevailing forex rate range in the
interbank market.
Consequently,
to prevent any such occurrence in the future, the CBN has directed ALL
Deposit Money Banks to render their returns in a uniform format
converting all forex sales and purchases to NGN/USD. All third currency
transactions are also to be converted to NGN/USD.
Again,
we urge all concerned stakeholders to always verify information on
matters relating to the Bank before going public in order not to trigger
volatility in the market.
The article was released by Isaac Okorafor, Ag. Director, Corporate Communications
LASG empowers vehicle inspection service
…commissions 36 operational vehicles, 20 power bikes
As part of efforts geared towards transforming Lagos into Africa’s model Mega City the Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has empowered the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) with 25 Pick Up Vans, 11 Saloon Cars and 20 Power bikes for enhanced operations.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the VIS yard, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, the State Acting Commissioner of Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi said the gesture was designed to strengthen the Agency through the provision of institutional support for optimal service delivery.
Elegushi
noted that the present administration has continued to provide working
equipment to compliment road infrastructure renewal in the State and
mitigate various challenges facing the transportation sector.
He expressed confidence that the operational vehicles and power bikes would go a long way to enhance the performance of VIS, while promoting safety and security of motorists and commuters alike.
The Acting Commissioner enjoined VIS personnel to make good use of the vehicles and the power bikes in order to reciprocate the Government gesture and investment.
Elegushi, who also used the opportunity to inspect the newly built Ojodu Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre, disclosed that plans were underway to provide computerised vehicle inspection centres across the State.
In his response, the Director, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, urged motorists to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles in order to reduce the carnage on the road.
Toriola disclosed that the State Government has invested heavily in establishing Test
Centres across the State to meet the global standard and pledged that
the VIS Officers would intensify efforts for improved service delivery.
First Millionaire Emerges in Skye Bank's Reward Promo Season II Draw
…..as Ayangburen of Ikorodu endorsed the reward
One
lucky customer of Skye Bank Plc., OLUSOLA OLUSEGUN EZEKIEL emerged the
first winner and a Millionnaire of the draw
of the Bank’s flagship ‘Reach for the Skye Millionaire reward promo’
season II which held today, even as the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba
Kabiru Shotobi endorsed the initiative as life changing.
Forty
other customers of the Bank also walked away with consolation cash
reward of N100, 000 for 10; and N50, 000 to
another 10 customers, while 20 loyal customers won N20, 000 with new
customers who opened account at the venue winning consolation gift like
Blenders, Standing Fan and Electric iron among other gift items.
The
draw which attracted mammoth crowd of passersby and customers of the
bank at the Popular Benson Bus-Stop, Behind
BRT Motor Park in Ikorodu, Lagos State, saw the winner who incidentally
is a customer of Skye Bank at the Ikorodu main branch of the Bank,
emerged through an open and transparent electronic ballot.
The traditional ruler while giving sharing his personal story endorsed Skye Bank for its commitment at financial inclusion,
building entrepreneurs’ and empowering SME.
He
recollected how Skye Bank has encouraged him to save and later gladly
advanced him overdraft facility from which
he went on to record success and sustainable profit “and I have since
remained a customer of the Bank till date, vouching for the integrity
and responsiveness of staff and management of the and Bank while urging
his subject and Nigerians to continue to patronize
Skye which he described as a ‘truly Nigerian brand”
The
new Skye Bank Plc., one of the fastest growing retail banks in Nigeria
is using the ‘Reach for the Skye Millionaire’
promo to reward customers for their loyalty. Season I of the Reward
Scheme produced over 37 millionaires, 48 customers won N250, 000 and
over a 120 customers went home with N100, 000 each. Plus other household
consolation prizes.
According
the Bank’s Group Head, Retail, Mr. Ndubuisi Osakwe, “to participate in
the draw, all you need as a customer
or prospects, is to open any Skye savings account and make a minimum
deposit of ten thousand naira. If you already have a Skye savings
account, with additional deposit amounting up to N10, 000 minimum, you
stand a chance of becoming our next millionaire”.
He
added that: “The more additional ten thousand naira you have in your
account, the more your chances to be one of
the customers to be rewarded with one million naira and lots of
consolation prizes. Other available cash prizes, according to Osakwe
“are N100, 000 for 10 customers and N50, 000 to another 10 customers
while 20 loyal customers will win N20, 000 every month.”
He reiterated that new accounts opened at the draw venue stand a chance of winning our instant gifts on the spot!”
The
Banker further explained that “the first 200 re-activated accounts on a
monthly basis will also enjoy our free gift
of recharge cards. Other gift items provided to be given out as
consolation prizes at tomorrow’s draw include: a table top fridge; a
Generator; Table top gas cookers; Mobile phones; Blenders; Recharge
cards and Table Top Gas Cooker.
Temple Management Is Nigeria’s Sony Music, Says 9ice
…Singer
Signs New Deal With Management Company
Primed to chart a new direction for
his career, Gongo Aso crooner, Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has
joined the likes of Mavins Records and Iyanya by signing a deal with Temple
Management Company.
The deal was consummated on Thursday,
February 16, 2017 at the corporate office of the company in Victoria Island,
Lagos and witnessed by representatives of both parties.
While receiving 9ice, Idris
Olorunnimbe, CEO/ Founder, TMC noted that 9ice still commands a strong place in
Nigerian music.
“We recognize the foundation that
9ice has built and established, together we can build on and take it to newer
heights,” Olorunnimbe said.
“At Temple Management Company, we do
not gamble but believe in strategy and pinpoint execution,” he added.
He explained further, “With our team
and structure, we are here to support 9ice to actualize his career goals. In
9ice, we see a brand that has an important and strategic core that we can
expand.”
In under a year, the management
company is now positioned as a powerhouse in the creative sector having amassed
clients in sports, arts, media and of course, entertainment. Some of its
clients include Don Jazzy, Mavin Records, Project Fame winner, Jeff and Iyanya,
In his remarks, 9ice said, “For me,
this is the right thing to do at this stage in my career and indeed for any
forward thinking artiste. When we started music, we grew with the knowledge
that everything was all about the artiste; you are the manager, owner of the
record label etc. We did this to the best of our ability.”
“This is the time to give
experienced professionals the chance to take care of you because one will
become the better for it. Temple
Management are like our own Sony or BMG in Nigeria. Any artiste who plans to
grow need to work with the right people such as Temple Management Company.
On his new direction, 9ice said that
with the backing of his new management, he is working assiduously to release new
music and will explore an international fan base.
Twitter: @Iamancestor
Instagram: @official9ice
Court gives ex-minister Obanikoro seven days to settle defamation suit against Premium Times, Sahara Reporters
A Lagos High Court has ordered Musiliu Obanikoro, a former junior
minister of defence, to settle before the Alternative Dispute Resolution
(ADR), within seven days, a defamation suit he filed against PREMIUM
TIMES and Sahara Reporters.
The judge said Mr. Obanikoro should give a progress report on the suit on April 7, the next adjourned date.
The former minister had instituted defamation charges against the two media companies for their reports implicating him in the Ekiti State governorship election rigging scandal.
The judge said Mr. Obanikoro should give a progress report on the suit on April 7, the next adjourned date.
The former minister had instituted defamation charges against the two media companies for their reports implicating him in the Ekiti State governorship election rigging scandal.
PDP lawmakers unhappy only APC visited Buhari in London
Some opposition lawmakers on Thursday
questioned the non-inclusion of one of them in the National Assembly
delegation that recently visited President Muhammadu Buhari.
The lawmakers, including House Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, suggested there was a decision to exclude members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the visit even though one of them – Ike Ekweremadu – is the Deputy Senate President.
Notwithstanding, the PDP lawmakers —exactly a half dozen in total— who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES in separate telephone interviews ,Thursday evening, said they were happy to learn from the media that the visit was productive and the president was in good health.
The reactions came a day after Senate President Bukola Saraki travelled to the United Kingdom with Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Senate Majority Leader, Ahmed Lawan, to see Mr. Buhari in London.
The trio arrived in London around Wednesday evening and met with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr. Buhari left Nigeria for London on annual vacation January 19, with a promise to return on February 6. He also noted that he would see his doctors while there and handed over power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
But on February 5th, a day before he was due to return, the president sent another letter to the National Assembly, informing lawmakers of his intention to extend the trip until his doctors complete ‘a cycle’ of medical examination on him.
The prolonged absence, which came amidst raging economic crisis, got many Nigerians worried.
Although
he had telephone conversations spread over several days with
individuals, including Messrs. Saraki and Dogara as well U.S. President
Donald Trump, startling rumours about his health persisted.
But the visit by the National Assembly leaders on Wednesday helped convince many Nigerians that the president was not dead or bedridden.
Mr. Saraki declared in a Twitter update shortly after seeing the president that there was “no cause for alarm.”
Mr. Dogara reported Mr. Buhari was “fit as a fiddle.”
The lawmakers, including House Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, suggested there was a decision to exclude members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the visit even though one of them – Ike Ekweremadu – is the Deputy Senate President.
Notwithstanding, the PDP lawmakers —exactly a half dozen in total— who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES in separate telephone interviews ,Thursday evening, said they were happy to learn from the media that the visit was productive and the president was in good health.
The reactions came a day after Senate President Bukola Saraki travelled to the United Kingdom with Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Senate Majority Leader, Ahmed Lawan, to see Mr. Buhari in London.
The trio arrived in London around Wednesday evening and met with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr. Buhari left Nigeria for London on annual vacation January 19, with a promise to return on February 6. He also noted that he would see his doctors while there and handed over power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
But on February 5th, a day before he was due to return, the president sent another letter to the National Assembly, informing lawmakers of his intention to extend the trip until his doctors complete ‘a cycle’ of medical examination on him.
The prolonged absence, which came amidst raging economic crisis, got many Nigerians worried.
But the visit by the National Assembly leaders on Wednesday helped convince many Nigerians that the president was not dead or bedridden.
Mr. Saraki declared in a Twitter update shortly after seeing the president that there was “no cause for alarm.”
Mr. Dogara reported Mr. Buhari was “fit as a fiddle.”
Why a Purple bird is all over your newsfeed - it involves fascism
If you're into your conspiracy theories you won't be alone in assuming any ubiquitous symbol is do with the Nazis.
Because Fascism in the world died 72 years ago and hasn't been heard from since. For sure.
In an unnecessarily convoluted prank; the leading lights of the alt-right would have you believe that they're convinced this purple bird sticker that's available on Facebook Messenger is a Fascist symbol - and therefore you shouldn't be using it.
Yeah. Sounds about as worth it as it is.
Maybe it's a Bohemian Grove thing.
You can use it to chat to your friends.
It's not as good as DJ Pusheen, but nothing is. DJ Pusheen is a unchallenged classic.
The affectionately named 'Trash Dove' was created by Florida artist and Adobe creative resident Syd Weller.
It was released to fly freely through Facebook on 31 January 2017.
It went viral in Thailand and then it was used by lots of other people to respond to comments in an 'amusing' way.
A study of white nationalist and neo-nazi Twitter accounts in 2016 found the most clicked on links were for apps such as 'Crowd Fire' which help increase your number of social media followers.
Using their powers for evil, weirdos on 4chan decided to freak out the anti-facists by pretending to appropriate the sticker.
And now we all have to have an opinion about it.
Or not. It's entirely up to you.
A Facebook sticker.
Those on the right have been having some fun with us.
Buzzfeed records numerous posts in which a the eagle emblem of Nazi Germany is dyed purple, and made to resemble the Trash Dove.
The Neo-Nazis of 4Chan (Read: folks in their bedroom staring into the glow of their Dell) endeavoured to share Trash Dove enough times in order to associate themselves with it.
Predictably the censorship brigade began warning one another that Trash Dove was now a 'Nazi symbol'.
Which, it kind of was, because Neo-Nazis had appropriated it for their own use, even if they were just doing it for the banter this time.
Nazis are good at appropriating symbols. Take the Swastika, which has origins in several cultures that predate the National Socialist movement.
Unfortunately for some, the 'hoax' worked. Buzzfeed catalogued users on groups such as Occupy Democrats, warning one another not to use the symbol.
Elsewhere, groups warned users they'd be blocked if they used the 'white nationalist' symbol.
A Facebook sticker.
Culture wars used to be about something.
Light and darkness. Knowledge and ignorance. Humility and pride.
Now we're just arguing over the image we use in place of words, on the largest social media network in the world.
Capitalism has won. We can all go home now.
You could try and elevate this to a discussion of 'What is art', 'Can an image really be owned by one interpretation?', and 'Does the intention of the artist matter?'.
But this is a Facebook sticker.
Not sure how many times that needs iterating.
The far right do much worse on the internet, and in real life. Let's talk about that instead. Indy100
Because Fascism in the world died 72 years ago and hasn't been heard from since. For sure.
In an unnecessarily convoluted prank; the leading lights of the alt-right would have you believe that they're convinced this purple bird sticker that's available on Facebook Messenger is a Fascist symbol - and therefore you shouldn't be using it.
Yeah. Sounds about as worth it as it is.
Maybe it's a Bohemian Grove thing.
So what's this bird?
The purple bird, nicknamed 'Trash Dove' because of all the food in its mouth, seemingly from bins, is just a sticker.You can use it to chat to your friends.
It's not as good as DJ Pusheen, but nothing is. DJ Pusheen is a unchallenged classic.
The affectionately named 'Trash Dove' was created by Florida artist and Adobe creative resident Syd Weller.
It was released to fly freely through Facebook on 31 January 2017.
It went viral in Thailand and then it was used by lots of other people to respond to comments in an 'amusing' way.
Then this innocent fowl was corrupted
The alt-right are good at social media. Very good.A study of white nationalist and neo-nazi Twitter accounts in 2016 found the most clicked on links were for apps such as 'Crowd Fire' which help increase your number of social media followers.
Using their powers for evil, weirdos on 4chan decided to freak out the anti-facists by pretending to appropriate the sticker.
And now we all have to have an opinion about it.
Or not. It's entirely up to you.
A Facebook sticker.
Those on the right have been having some fun with us.
Buzzfeed records numerous posts in which a the eagle emblem of Nazi Germany is dyed purple, and made to resemble the Trash Dove.
The Neo-Nazis of 4Chan (Read: folks in their bedroom staring into the glow of their Dell) endeavoured to share Trash Dove enough times in order to associate themselves with it.
Predictably the censorship brigade began warning one another that Trash Dove was now a 'Nazi symbol'.
Which, it kind of was, because Neo-Nazis had appropriated it for their own use, even if they were just doing it for the banter this time.
Nazis are good at appropriating symbols. Take the Swastika, which has origins in several cultures that predate the National Socialist movement.
Unfortunately for some, the 'hoax' worked. Buzzfeed catalogued users on groups such as Occupy Democrats, warning one another not to use the symbol.
Elsewhere, groups warned users they'd be blocked if they used the 'white nationalist' symbol.
A Facebook sticker.
Culture wars used to be about something.
Light and darkness. Knowledge and ignorance. Humility and pride.
Now we're just arguing over the image we use in place of words, on the largest social media network in the world.
Capitalism has won. We can all go home now.
You could try and elevate this to a discussion of 'What is art', 'Can an image really be owned by one interpretation?', and 'Does the intention of the artist matter?'.
But this is a Facebook sticker.
Not sure how many times that needs iterating.
Gbenga Adeyinka's Laffmattazz 2017 Tour Beckons
•Laffmattazz is a brand created by Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st; a name synonymous with comedy and entertainment in Africa
•For years, he has provided entertainment to the people of Nigeria through different mediums – comedy shows and television being his most popular
His annual Comedy Concert Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends was borne out of leaving the virtual space, and bringing comedy in its raw form to the people of Western Nigeria
For 6 years he has produced premium Comedy Entertainment for the people of Ibadan, Osogbo and Abeokuta. Where he entertained over 25 000 people annually.
This year for an encore, the cities of Ibadan, Abeokuta, Akure and Ilorin have been slated to host the Season seven of the successful and always sold out laffmattazz Series.
Discussion is already on with A class Artistes and corporate sponsors to make Season 7 bigger than all others so far.
Watch out!
5 Church Members Who Drank Anointed Rat Poison From The Pastor Are Dead
According to Popular UK Website Unilad This priest tried to prove his
congregation were above death by feeding them anointed rat poison and
the results were disastrous.
Priest Light Monyeki from Soshanguve, South Africa, took it upon himself to prove his follower’s were superhuman and immortal, with a seriously dangerous stunt.
The priest declared to his congregation they should not fear death, as they will not die, before proceeding to pour bottles of water contaminated with rat poison into their mouths…
He said:
The priest took a swig from the poison fluid before pouring it down the throats of his loyal congregation.
Disastrously, yet predictably, the members of his church started to complain of stomach pains and by the evening, five of them were tragically dead.
A further 13 more were taken to hospital for the ingestion of the lethal drink, but despite all of this Monyeki allegedly denied responsibility.
The horrendous incident has sparked a police investigation, but no arrests have been made at present.
This is extremely dangerous and beyond stupid.
Priest Light Monyeki from Soshanguve, South Africa, took it upon himself to prove his follower’s were superhuman and immortal, with a seriously dangerous stunt.
The priest declared to his congregation they should not fear death, as they will not die, before proceeding to pour bottles of water contaminated with rat poison into their mouths…
He said:
We do not need to proclaim faith because we are believers. Death has no power over us.Horrifyingly, many of his followers ran forward to take a fatal drink from the treacherous bottle.
The priest took a swig from the poison fluid before pouring it down the throats of his loyal congregation.
Disastrously, yet predictably, the members of his church started to complain of stomach pains and by the evening, five of them were tragically dead.
A further 13 more were taken to hospital for the ingestion of the lethal drink, but despite all of this Monyeki allegedly denied responsibility.
Surely
he’s not referring to his poison drink as a ‘good thing,’ as I do not
see how this could be possible in any way considering it killed five of
his members.
This is extremely dangerous and beyond stupid.
Police arrest man at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of planning terror acts
A man has been arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of planning acts of terror.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command say they arrested the 36-year-old this afternoon, in line with Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, after he arrived into the airport.
He is in custody at a west London police station.
A Met Police spokesman said they could not speculate as to whether he will be charged with an offence overnight.
It follows a 50-year-old man being arrested on suspicion of committing a terrorist act, after arriving from Cairo, at the busy airport hub last month.
A 29-year-old man was also arrested under the Terrorism Act last year before he was due to fly to Saudi Arabia.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command say they arrested the 36-year-old this afternoon, in line with Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, after he arrived into the airport.
He is in custody at a west London police station.
A Met Police spokesman said they could not speculate as to whether he will be charged with an offence overnight.
It follows a 50-year-old man being arrested on suspicion of committing a terrorist act, after arriving from Cairo, at the busy airport hub last month.
A 29-year-old man was also arrested under the Terrorism Act last year before he was due to fly to Saudi Arabia.
Thursday, 16 February 2017
New kidnapping worries albinos in Mozambique
In Mozambique’s northern province, months
without news of an albino abduction have caused sighs of relief. That
is, until now, and the abduction of a child in Ngaúma district.
Four individuals broke into a house while
the family was sleeping and abducted a seven-year-old boy with albinism
on January 31. So far, there has been no sign of either the kidnappers
or the child.
The police are investigating the case.
“At this moment, efforts are being made to rescue the minor,”
corporation spokesman in the province Alves Mate says, although the
authorities have not yet clarified the circumstances of his abduction.
This is not the first time that people
with albinism have been abducted in the province. The abductions are
related to superstitions which attribute magical powers to albinos’ body
parts. Many end up being killed or maimed.
“Hands tied”
The provincial delegate of the
Association of People with Albinism Trindade Guilherme says that the
situation is more critical in rural areas. He says his hands are tied on
the matter.
“Here, in the city of Lichinga, it has
happened twice (albino kidnappings), one of the abductions even
culminating in the death of the kidnapped young man. This is very
troubling for us, and I do not know what we can do to overcome this
situation.”
In Mozambique, there are laws that
protect people with albinism, but authorities often fail to catch the
kidnappers. Denunciations are few and police resources scarce.
Harder laws
The Mozambican province of Niassa borders
Tanzania, a country considered to be the main market for trafficking in
people with albinism. This poses several challenges for the Mozambican
authorities, Guilherme says.
“It seems to me that Tanzania has already
been able to neutralize [the trafficking], because the Tanzania has the
death penalty and they use it rigorously,” he says, adding, however,
that “it is not true to say that the problem has been overcome, because
it is a really difficult problem to overcome”.
Guillerme says the situation requires
tougher laws, rigorously enforced. “We albinos living here in Niassa
province and in Mozambique generally, ask the government to at least try
to create a law that can defend us, so we can move freely throughout
the national territory.”
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