Monday, 13 April 2015

Nigeria's Chibok girls 'seen with Boko Haram in Gwoza'

Nigeria's Chibok girls 'seen with Boko Haram in Gwoza'


Media captionThe BBC's Will Ross reports on recent apparent sightings of some of the schoolgirls
More than 50 of the girls abducted by militant Islamists in Nigeria last year were seen alive three weeks ago, a woman has told the BBC.
She saw the girls in the north-eastern Gwoza town before the Boko Haram militants were driven out of there by regional forces.
Boko Haram sparked global outrage when it seized more than 219 girls from Chibok town a year ago.
The US, China and other foreign powers promised to help find the girls.
However, the girls have never been traced, and little has been heard of them since they were taken from their boarding school.
The whereabouts of the remaining girls is not clear.

'Big house'

Campaign group Bring Back Our Girls organised a silent march in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, on Wednesday to raise public awareness about the abductions.
Campaigners in Abuja march during a rally for the release of the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram. Photo: 17 October 2014
A year-long campaign for the release of the girls has not yet been successful
In an open letter, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai called on Nigeria's authorities and the international community to do more to secure the release of the girls.
Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has said the girls have been converted to Islam and married off, fuelling concern that the militants had treated them as war booty and sex-slaves.
Mr Shekau has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS), which is also notorious for carrying out abductions in Iraq and Syria.
The Nigerian woman, who lived under Boko Haram's rule in Gwoza, told the BBC she saw the girls in Islamic attire, being escorted by the militants.
"They said they were Chibok girls kept in a big house," said the woman, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals.
"We just happened to be on the same road with them," she added.

'Treated better'

Three other women also told the BBC they had seen the girls in Gwoza.
Boko Haram was believed to have turned Gwoza into its headquarters after it captured the town in August 2014.
Nigeria's military, backed by troops from neighbouring countries, recaptured the town last month.
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The militants were suspected to have fled to the nearby Mandara Mountains, near the border with Cameroon.
It is unclear whether the girls are with them there.
Another woman told the BBC she last saw some of the girls in November at a Boko Haram camp in Bita village, also in the north-east.
"About a week after they were brought to the camp, one of us peeked through a window and asked: 'Are you really the Chibok girls?' and they said: 'Yes'. We believed them and didn't ask them again," the woman said.
"They took Koranic lessons, cleaned their compound, cooked for themselves and they braided each others' hair. They were treated differently - their food [was] better and water clean. "
Nigeria's outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan has been widely criticised for not doing enough to end the six-year insurgency in the north-east, and to secure the freedom of the girls.
Incoming President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to "crush" the insurgents.
He is due to be inaugurated on 29 May after defeating Mr Jonathan in last month's presidential elections.
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Boko Haram at a glance:
Wanted poster for Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in Maiduguri, Nigeria - May 2013
  • Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education
  • Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language
  • Launched military operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state
  • Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria
  • Has also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja
  • Abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls
  • Pledged allegiance to Islamic State
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Taraba Governorship Election Inconclusive - INEC

The intrigue linked with the outcome of Taraba governorship election persists, as the Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the April 11 polls in the state inconclusive.
Taraba Governorship Election Inconclusive - INEC
senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, APC governorship candidate in Taraba looking confident ahead of the April 11 elections
Professor Muhammad Kariey, INEC returning officer for the election, said there has to be a supplementary election because the total number of votes rejected and cancelled were more than the total vote with which PDP’s Darius Ishaku led the runner-up Aisha Al-Hassan of the APC. In figures, the PDP polled 317,198 votes, while the APC received 262,386.
Another round of voting should be conducted within 30 days.
The official was quoted as saying by Premium Times:
“The difference between the PDP and APC is 63,817, while the rejected votes from some troubled areas are over 100, 000 votes.”
Based on the reports, the elections in Donga Wukari and Zing LGs were cancelled over the alleged irregularities.
The outcome of Taraba election is among the most expected in Nigeria, as because one of the leading candidates is a woman who might become the first female governor in the history of the country.

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Bakare Favoured To Head Buhari's Transition Team

A report on Ekekee.com suggests that the General Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly Pastor Tunde Bakare will head the transition committee of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.
The transition committee is responsible for the smooth handover between the outgoing administration and the incoming one for the sake of government continuity.
Already, Vice President Alhaji Namadi Sambo has been appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to lead the 16-member Transition Committee to work with the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) government of Buhari  to ensure a smooth transition of power.
Bakare was Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential elections under the Congress For Progressives Change (CPC). Both men have maintained a healthy relationship after that unsuccessful political journey.
The 60-year-old fiery preacher had recently advised the president-elect to start the fight against corruption from his inner circle and show a good example, saying change cannot be realized if this was not done.
Just last month, Bakare had described Buhari as a man of integrity who he has a high level of respect for.
Bakare advised Buhari before the presidential poll to accept defeat if the APC lost, and join hands with the winner to lead the nation to greater heights. He also said that he was in doubt about the reliability of “Buhari’s environment.
Meanwhile, he had on several occasions criticized CAN, PFN and others  for endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential election at the expense of one of their own, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the running mate to Buhari and Vice-president-elect.
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Buhari For Economy: To Improve Capital Market

Stakeholders advise Buhari to improve a lot of spheres of Nigeria and  a capital market reform is one of the structural aims of experts. 
Capital market operators urge the incoming government, to address the infrastructural gaps in the economy by using capital market instruments.
One of the operators said: “The capital market can finance the entire infrastructural gaps if the government can deploy fiscal incentives to deepen the market by encouraging the companies in the telecoms, power and aviation and oil and gas sectors of the economy to get listed on the securities market”.
Albert Okumagba, President Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS stated: “The core capital market operators should work with the regulators to come with pragmatic timetable which will be endorsed by the Federal Government for the commencement of viable commodity exchanges which are either privately owned or government owned. The commodity market should be developed in such a way to provide underlying instruments on which other structured products in the financial market can be developed to increase the number of tradable instruments in the capital market. For instance, futures, options and other derivative instrument on the underlying assets available in the commodity market.”
He further noted that promotion of national savings is better achieved through comprehensive review of the rules and regulations guiding the Collective Investment Scheme, CIS.
“In the same vein, there is a need to amend all clauses that are affecting the operations of the Pension Commission, to ensure its developmental impact on activities in the capital market,” he added.
Emeka Madubuike, Chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria said: “Incentives should be given to listed companies and prospective companies to be listed so as to have some advantage over unlisted companies. We propose some tax incentives for listed companies and those that are in the process of getting listed.Policies that would promote marketability of agricultural products should be enunciated and implemented to boost operations of the commodities exchanges. Also governments at the highest level must continue to make positive statements and assurances that will engender investors’ confidence.”
In his own comment, Victor Ogiemwonyi, Chairman, Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria explained: “Government borrowing rate in the capital market should drop to avoid crowding out of funds in the capital market so as to make the market attractive for private sector to raise funds. We are ready to support the Federal Government in advisory capacity at any time the need arises on how the capital market can be fully utilized to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria.”
He further stated that the Federal Government should accord regulatory support to the two existing Over-the Counter, OTC Markets- National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and FMDQ platform to enhance expansion of their operations in the financial market.
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There Were Severe Problems In Rivers, Akwa Ibom - EU Election Observer

The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nigeria has said that the “severe problems” which characterised the just concluded elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States should be investigated.
There Were Severe Problems In Rivers, Akwa Ibom - EU Election Observer
According to Punch the Chief Observer of the EU, Mr. Santiago Fisas, noted in a statement on Monday that the April 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections witnessed “more efficient polling” although there were“increased incidents of violence and interference‎.”
“Credible reports show that problems were very severe in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. These warrant further investigation,” the statement quoted Fisas as saying on Monday during the presentation of the mission’s second preliminary statement in a press conference in Abuja.
Fisas noted that there was remarkable improvement in the conduct of the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections over the Presidential and federal legislative elections.
The EU representative, who said his team would remain in Nigeria to monitor the election petition process, added that there was still need for “systematic improvement” in the electoral process.
The statement read in part, “Overall the April 11 election process appeared to be more efficient, with polling staff working diligently and improvements evident in the more timely opening of polling sites. However our findings also show space for systemic improvements. Procedural shortcomings continued to be prevalent.
 
“Card reader fingerprint verification was sometimes problematic, party agents were at times seen interfering in polling officials’ work, and essential ballot checks were not consistently performed during counting and collation,” said the Chief Observer.
“EU EOM observers saw no evidence of centralised systematic fraud although some attempts at manipulation were observed.”
‎The EOM also commended Nigerians, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders including political parties and candidates “for the continued commitment to the electoral process.”
Fisas also encouraged those with grievances to address them through official channels. The Chief Observer called on candidates, parties and citizens to respond peacefully to the results.
The statement noted that the preliminary statement would be followed by a final report, “with recommendations for consideration by the Nigerian authorities, to be presented to the public at a later stage.”
Meanwhile the international election observers on Sunday April 12 called for the cancellation of the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers state.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/421061-there-were-severe-problems-in-rivers-akwa-ibom-eu-election-observer.html
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Challenges Before Ambode By APC Chieftain

An All Progressives Congress Chieftain in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, Fuad Oki, has said that the challenges that will confront the governor-elect, Akinwumi Ambode, will be the challenge of wanting to do much and not having enough. 
The Lagos Central Vice Chairman of the party, who stated this during an interview, added that it is not for fun that Ambode is called the consolidator.
“The challenges that will confront Ambode will be the challenge of wanting to do much and not having enough. It is not for fun that we call him the consolidator. In 1999, we decided that we will take Lagos to the Victorian era that it used to be in the forties and fifties, sixties and during the civil war.
“We have been doing that consistently. Even, PDP leaders have come out to say that Lagos is working. We want to keep it working. We want to do much, but, we have less. As a result, we have embarked on serious financial engineering and re-engineering in making the state a Triple A in the reckoning of international financial institutions. Lagos State government is reputed for best practices in terms of prudence and financial management. We have financial blueprint for the management of resources. In terms of service delivery, mega city status, Lagos is becoming the third.
“We are reviving the abandoned rail line project. But, there has been lack of understanding by the Goodluck Jonathan led Federal Government. We are developing our waterways. We must promote our eco system in this state of Aquatic Splendour. We want to continue to add value to the lives of the people,” he averred.
Speaking on the new things that Ambode will do for Lagosians, he said the in-coming governor will implement the APC manifestos as well as continue to build on the legacies of the Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola.
“He is a party man who subscribes to the party manifestos. He will continue to b he build on the legacies of the Tinubu and Fashola administrations. He will take Lagos to a higher level. He will create jobs and defend all the sectors. He will implement our manifestos,” he said.
Speaking on the issues that shape the governorship election, he said Lagosians wanted continuity and good work to continue in the state.
“In the last 16 years, Lagos has been progressively moving forward, in terms of development. The state government has embarked on major infrastructural development and moved the local economy from dormancy in 1999 to something that is growing and becoming buoyant.
“The election was determined by the desire of Lagosians to continue to enjoy developmental projects and programmes. PDP has not been able to give to Nigerians what they want, in terms of service delivery, accountability and best practices. These are what shape the April 11 election,” he added.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/420964-challenges-before-ambode-by-apc-chieftain.html
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Federal Government Transition Committee Commence Work

The transition committee that will work together to ensure the smooth handover from the outgoing administration to the incoming administration has officially commenced work today.
The first meeting of the committee chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo started this afternoon at the Vice President’s conference room.
Federal Government Transition Committee Commence Work
Jonathan will be handing over to Buhari on the 29th of May 2015
According to The Nation, those at the meeting include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, Head of Service of the Federation, Daniel Kifasi, Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda and the Minister of Police Affairs, Jelil Adesinyan and NAFDAC DG, Paul Orhii.
Recent reports that surfaced online suggests that the General Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly Pastor Tunde Bakare will head the transition committee of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.
Meanwhile, another report  last week claims that all may not be well in the APC camp, as Buhari and the former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are already at loggerheads over the choice of members of the transition committee from the APC.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/421038-federal-government-transition-committee-commence-work.html
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HIGHEST PAYING JOBS IN THE WORLD

Below is a list of some of the highest paying jobs in the world. This can guide you in your career decisions.

Anesthesiologists:

Physicians who administer anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery or other medical procedures. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum formal education required for this occupation.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

Physicians who provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth and those who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general medical care to women.

Orthodontists:

They examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Radiologists:
They examine and diagnose disorders and diseases using x-rays and radioactive materials. May treat patients.

Neurologists:

They are specialists who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and disorders of the nervous system.

Ophthalmologists:

They diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.

Pediatricians:

They are physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent children’s diseases and injuries.

Petroleum Engineers:

Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.


Dentists:

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Lawyers:

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Pharmacists:

They produce drugs. They also dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Nuclear Engineers:

Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers:

Pilots navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, National, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Computer Hardware Engineers:

Research, repair, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Software Developers:

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.

Chemical Engineers:

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.

Economists:

Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues.

Marine Engineers:

Marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships from aircraft carriers to submarines, from sailboats to tankers. Marine engineers work on the mechanical systems, such as propulsion and steering.

Computer Network Architects:

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks range from a small connection between two offices to a multinational series of globally distributed communications systems.

Robotics Engineers:

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Electrical Engineers:

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Nurses:

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication.Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Nurse Midwives:

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Biochemists and Biophysicists:

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Information Security Analysts:

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Environmental Engineers:

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Mechanical Engineers:

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Automotive Engineers:

Develop new or repair improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists:

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to diagnose and treat disorders of higher cerebral functioning.

Database Administrators:

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Computer Programmers:

Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Microbiologists:

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Clinical Psychologists:

Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.

Civil Engineers:

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Urban and Regional Planners:

Urban and regional planners develop plans and programs for the use of land. Their plans help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns and cities.

Accountants:

Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.

Auditors:

Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.
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