I tried to kill myself two times. I was really depressed - Tiwa Savage Confeses

Nigerian songstress Tiwa Savage has recently confessed in a video of attempting to commit suicide on multiple occasions.

The songstress revealed in an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on ‘Bounce Live Radio’ where she disclosed that she nearly took her own life after she was bullied as a black kid in London. She said she moved to London with her mother at age 10 and also stated that her strong Nigerian assent was being mocked by her friends in school.

In her own words: “I was teased so bad. They used to call me ‘African girl’, ‘Foo foo’, ‘Your food smells’ and so on. It was terrible. It was so bad that I literally tried to kill myself two times. I was really depressed.”

#tiwasavage

NAF PARTNERS FAMILY HOMES FUNDS LIMITED TO PROVIDE LOW COST POST-SERVICE HOUSING FOR PERSONNEL.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to partner Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) to provide affordable post-Service housing for its personnel as part of efforts to improve their post-retirement life. The post-Service housing scheme is targeted at the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) cadre of the NAF. The collaboration was flagged off today, 2 November 2020, by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubarkar, while playing host to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of FHFL, Mr Femi Adewole, and members of his management team at Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) Abuja. The collaboration is the second post-housing scheme embarked upon by the current NAF Administration to enhance welfare of NCOs and promote service delivery.

Speaking during the visit, the CAS, while expressing delight that airmen and airwomen would benefit from the new Federal Government initiative, thanked the MD FHFL for his very comprehensive brief on the scheme. Air Marshal Abubabkar said he was also extremely excited because the initiative would boost the morale of the NCOs, which include technicians, Regiment and Special Forces personnel, who work round the clock in very challenging environments to ensure serviceability of NAF aircraft as well as security of NAF Bases and host communities, when they realize that they can acquire affordable houses to retire to.

Speaking further, the CAS disclosed that, the Air Officers Commanding, who are the field Commanders of the NCOs, were purposely invited to attend the presentation and would be expected to disseminate the news to potential beneficiaries in their Commands. He stated that he was equally excited that the Group Managing Director, NAF Holding Company, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Bagare, had instantly keyed into the entire programme to ensure that the NAF is able to effectively key into the FHFL Programme for the benefit of personnel in all states where the scheme has commenced. “It is equally gratifying to know that you are already in several states of the Federation, working to address the social needs of low income earners. This also has a security dimension as such people are less likely to be mobilized to engage in criminal acts. This will go a long way towards reducing our security challenges”, he added. The CAS promised to immediately put together a team that would engage with the management of FHFL to oversee the realization of the scheme.

The MD FHFL, Mr Femi Adewole, while making his presentation, stated that the primary objective of FHLFL, is to promote financing structures for housing that is affordable to Nigerians in the low income bracket. He said that the current fnancing programme comprises 3,613 homes under construction in 5 locations and financing commitment to a further 12,520 homes representing over N60 Billion financing support for affordable homes. He further stated that FHFL works to make affordable housing possible by developing and offering financing solutions for affordable housing developers as well as for people who would buy or rent the homes they build. According to him, the typical target are people earning between N600,000.00 US$180 – N1.2 Million US$360 per annum. 

While giving highlights of the Company’s profile, the MD stated that FHFL, which was registered in 2017, commenced operations in 2018 and is Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest housing fund focused on affordable homes for Nigerians in the low income bracket. He added that FHF is a social housing initiative promoted by the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of its Social Intervention Programme (SIP) with initial shareholding by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. He remarked that the Company aims to invest up to N1.3 Trillion (US$3bn) in the development of 500,000 homes to low income earners and create up to 1.5 Million jobs by 2023. 

It would be recalled that in 2016, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, initiated a post-service housing project, known as the NAF Eagle Estate Project, for NCOs to address the gap in previous similar schemes, which excluded personnel in the SNCOs’ cadre. Located at Bwari Area Council of Abuja, the Estate is planned to accommodate 905 units of 3-bedroom terrace duplexes, 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 3-bedroom detached bungalows. The plan is to extend the project to other cities like Enugu, Kaduna and Lagos.

Present during the visit were the Branch Chiefs at NAF HQ, Air Officers Commanding of the 6 NAF Commands, the Group Managing Director NAF Holding Company, Managing Directors of NAF subsidiary companies, Air Warrant Officers of NAF Commands as well as senior NAF officers.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations & Information
Nigerian Air Force
2 November 2020

#punchng

Terrorist Attack In Vienna, Austria, One Person Dead Fifteen Injured

At least one person has been killed and several more wounded - some seriously - after shootings in central Vienna, police say.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called it a "repulsive terror attack" and said one gunman was also killed.

Police said several attackers armed with rifles launched the assault in six different locations.

A large area has been cordoned off as police scoured the city for the other gunmen.

The shootings took place near the central synagogue but it is not yet clear if that was the target.

Mayor Michael Ludwig said 15 people had been wounded, seven of them seriously. Among the injured is a police officer, according to reports.

What do we know about the attack?
Police said the incident began near the Seitenstettengasse synagogue, which is the main temple in Vienna.

Jewish community leader Oskar Deutsch tweeted that the synagogue was closed at the time the attack began at 200 (190 GMT).
An officer guarding the synagogue was among the wounded, newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported.

Footage posted on social media showed people running through the streets as gunshots rang out.

"It sounded like firecrackers, then we realised it was shots," said one witness quoted by ORF.

As a major anti-terror operation swung into action, police urged people to avoid the area and not to use public transport. Roadblocks were set up around the city centre.

Police in the neighbouring Czech Republic said they had launched random checks on the border with Austria amid fears that the gunmen might head in that direction.

The attack happened just hours before Austria imposed new national restrictions to try to stem rising cases of coronavirus. Many people were in central Vienna enjoying bars and restaurants which must close under the new measures until the end of November.

What has the reaction been?
On Twitter, Mr Kurz said "we are experiencing difficult hours in our republic".

"Our police will act decisively against the perpetrators of this hideous terrorist attack. We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism," he said.
European leaders strongly condemned the attack, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying that Europe must not "give up" in the face of attacks.

"We the French people share the shock and grief of the Austrian people, struck this evening by an attack in the heart of their capital, Vienna. After France, a friend of ours is attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they are dealing with," he said.

Three people died in a knife attack in a church in the French city of Nice last week in what Mr Macron said was an "Islamist terrorist attack".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his support for the people of Vienna saying he was "deeply shocked by the terrible attacks".

"The UK's thoughts are with the people of Austria - we stand united with you against terror," he said.

European Council President Charles Michel called it a cowardly act that violated life and human values

#bbc

Hakeem Odumosu Debriefs Disbanded SARS Personnel, Orders Medical Evaluation 

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Monday began the debriefing and medical evaluation of the men of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad and other tactical units of the command.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the medical evaluation was on the order of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, adding that it was meant to enhance the performance of the policemen.

Adejobi said, “The course outline for the debriefing, which runs through Wednesday, November 4, 2020, includes public relations principles, the concept of community policing, standard operating procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, post-traumatic stress disorder, #endsars: Experience, Challenges, Hopes and Aspiration, and the way forward.

“These topics will be handled by scholars from various fields. The medical evaluation conducted included urinalysis, toxicology, fasting and random blood sugar tests, and psychological tests. Similarly, the police chief has charged the senior officers of the command to always supervise their men posted on duty at various locations across the state, stating that adequate supervision of officers and men will enhance good service delivery, especially during the ember months.

“The CP also encouraged members of his management team, comprising Deputy Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders and heads of department in the command at the meeting held at the Conference Hall, Command Headquarters, Ikeja, to put the men on their toes towards having visibility policing, adequate patrols, intelligence-driven policing and public safety across the state.

“While assuring them of the support of the IG, the government and good people of Lagos State on compensation and replacement of burnt and lost facilities during the unrest, he advised them to relate with members of the public and add more pep in solidifying the security network of the state.”

#punchng

Egypt To Deport 7 Nigerians Over End SARS Protest. 

8 Nigerians were arrested in Egypt in early October for protesting without a permit. They were carrying out the Egyptian leg of the #endsars protest. The Nigerian Embassy in Cairo intervened in order to secure their release, but the Egyptian authorities have since discovered that 7 of them do not have residency permit and therefore they are going to deport them.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa @abikedabiri

Update on the 8 Nigerians detained in Cairo for protesting without a permit 7 of them are to be deported to Nigeria for for lack of resident permits.The only one that has Residency will get final clearance from the Minister of Interior

After signing an undertaking not go against laws of Egypt. The Nigerian mission in Egypt is still appealing for leniency on behalf of the seven slated for deportation

#nairaland

Pensioners Block Major Road In Calabar, Protest Non-Payment Of Entitlements 

Group of elderly pensioners were seen sitting on plastic chairs on major road in Calabar, Cross River State and singing "all we are saying, give us pension" as they demand payment of their pension.

Pensioners in Cross River State have taken to the streets to protest the non-payment of their benefits to them by the state government since 2014.

The pensioners, who were local government workers, blocked the Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar metropolis as they arranged chairs and sat on the two lanes of the road.

They also chanted songs and carried placards as they asked Governor Ben Ayade to pay them their pensions.

It was gathered that the pensioners were among those the state government announced to have been dead.

It was gathered that some retirees, who have not been paid since 2014, have concluded plans to drag Ayade to the National Industrial Court in Calabar.

The decision was reached after a series of protests to Ayade’s office yielded no positive result.

The pension being owed by the state government was put at over N35bn.

Pensioners in Cross River State have taken to the streets to protest the non-payment of their benefits to them by the state government since 2014.

The pensioners, who were local government workers, blocked the Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar metropolis as they arranged chairs and sat on the two lanes of the road.

They also chanted songs and carried placards as they asked Governor Ben Ayade to pay them their pensions.

It was gathered that the pensioners were among those the state government announced to have been dead.

It was gathered that some retirees, who have not been paid since 2014, have concluded plans to drag Ayade to the National Industrial Court in Calabar.

The decision was reached after a series of protests to Ayade’s office yielded no positive result.

The pension being owed by the state government was put at over N35bn

 in Cross River State have taken to the streets to protest the non-payment of their benefits to them by the state government since 2014.

The pensioners, who were local government workers, blocked the Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar metropolis as they arranged chairs and sat on the two lanes of the road.

They also chanted songs and carried placards as they asked Governor Ben Ayade to pay them their pensions.

It was gathered that the pensioners were among those the state government announced to have been dead.

It was gathered that some retirees, who have not been paid since 2014, have concluded plans to drag Ayade to the National Industrial Court in Calabar.

The decision was reached after a series of protests to Ayade’s office yielded no positive result.

The pension being owed by the state government was put at over N35bn.

Pensioners in Cross River State have taken to the streets to protest the non-payment of their benefits to them by the state government since 2014.

The pensioners, who were local government workers, blocked the Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar metropolis as they arranged chairs and sat on the two lanes of the road.

They also chanted songs and carried placards as they asked Governor Ben Ayade to pay them their pensions.

It was gathered that the pensioners were among those the state government announced to have been dead.

It was gathered that some retirees, who have not been paid since 2014, have concluded plans to drag Ayade to the National Industrial Court in Calabar.

The decision was reached after a series of protests to Ayade’s office yielded no positive result.

The pension being owed by the state government was put at over N35bn

#saharareporters

Mbaka To Buhari Government: Apologise God Says You Are Wicked Maggots, Hooligans

The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, (AMEN), Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari government to apologise to Nigerians.

The outspoken Catholic priest is angry at Buhari for failing to address the numerous challenges facing the country which resulted in the End SARS protests across the country.

Mbaka, who had always thrown his weight behind President Buhari, expressed his anger when he addressed congregants at this year’s All Saint’s Mass in Enugu on Sunday.

The cleric also alleged that security agents killed several End SARS protesters in Enugu State and their bodies thrown into the Onyeama Valley.

Mbaka called on the President to apologise to Nigerians for leadership errors of his administration and that of past governments.

“The present government needs to apologise, and they should also apologise for the errors of past governments. It is not a case of #endsars or Biafra,” he said.

“God is telling these leaders today, that they are wicked maggots, wicked hooligans and that they should know that this world is not our home. They should understand this fact.”

#nairaland

America President Donald Trump explains why he refused to pay ransom To Terrorist Who Kidnapped An American In Nigeria.

Instead he sent Navy SEAL To rescue the American hostage in Nigeria.


“We got our young man back”: A rescue in Nigeria gives Trump a late foreign policy win

“We got our young man back”: A rescue in Nigeria gives Trump a late foreign policy win

An American hostage is safe and in the care of the US State Department, the Pentagon said Saturday, after a successful early morning rescue operation by US special forces in northern Nigeria.

The hostage, Philip Nathan Walton, was abducted by armed kidnappers in southern Niger on Tuesday this week; his captors reportedly demanded a ransom of more than $1 million for his freedom. According to the Washington Post, Walton, 27, was rescued by members of the elite Seal Team 6.

No US troops were harmed in the rescue, and the New York Times reports that all but one of the kidnappers were killed.

President Donald Trump also celebrated Walton’s return, and used the rescue to burnish his foreign policy credentials at a campaign rally Saturday in Newton, Pennsylvania.

“We got our young man back, but the other side suffered gravely, I can tell you that,” Trump said. “We’ve gotten many hostages home. And I pay nothing, nothing. Can’t pay. Once you pay, you’ll have many many more.”

Recovering Americans captured abroad is a bright spot in Trump’s foreign policy record
Watson isn’t the only American to be kidnapped in West Africa in recent years; at least one other American, aid worker Jeffery Woodke, is believed to still be in Mali after a 2016 kidnapping in central Niger. But the US has recovered a number of hostages successfully during the Trump administration, including ones held in Yemen and North Korea.

These successes — much like the successful special-forces rescue of Walton in Nigeria — are precisely the kind of foreign policy victories Trump likes to highlight. His current national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, was the US special envoy for hostage affairs until 2019, and in August, the Republican National Convention prominently featured six Americans previously held hostage abroad in a conversation with Trump.

#bbc

Uche Secondus Says Nigeria Is In Distress 

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has said Nigeria is currently in distress.

Secondus said this during the Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day celebration, held at the Ecumenical Centre, Yenagoa, on Monday.

The party chairman who was accompanied by some members of the PDP National Working Committee, said, “Nigeria, at the moment, is in distress, and there cannot be any other occasion than to come to the House of God and face God and to thank him for what he has done, and what he will do.

#punchng

ASUU Strike, Students And Their Landlords 

Seven months have passed since ASUU embarked on strike. These 7 months have gone on rather uneventfully with the lockdown taking the better part of the seven months and the recent #endsars protests last month. 

With the year coming to an end and the loss of job that accompanied the lockdown, other sources of income now seem to be the only income which brings me to the aim of this post. 

Students have been home for these past months with little or nothing to do as most establishments are not hiring due to the financial hit on their businesses. Ordinarily, a session should be closing and rent for student lodges would most likely be due for payment. I just wonder where this leaves them and their landlords who would soon begin to ask for rent payments. 

Losing 7months+ of their rents and probably more (since the ASUU strike is still on) is not wonderful thing. But rental agreements stated anyways that their rent is due on a said date signed prior to payment. It wouldn't be a subject to debate if these students utilized this rooms paid for during the past 7+ months plus. Paying for more time that mightn't be used is another thing to worry about.

I'm just wondering if it is possible for them and their landlords to find a middle ground. After all the landlords built those hostels and lodges for financial gains.

NB: Please bear in mind that not all federal universities have the capacity to provide accommodation for all her students. 

Landlords of students' lodges, what are your thoughts?

Students patronizing alternative accomodations, what are your thoughts?

#asuustrike