Liberia's President writes moving letter to the world

Dear World

In just over six months, Ebola has managed to bring my country to a standstill. We have lost over 2,000 Liberians. Some are children struck down in the prime of their youth. Some were fathers, mothers, brothers or best friends. Many were brave health workers that risked their lives to save others, or simply offer victims comfort in their final moments.

There is no coincidence Ebola has taken hold in three fragile states – Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea - all battling to overcome the effects of interconnected wars. In Liberia, our civil war ended only eleven years ago. It destroyed our public infrastructure, crushed our economy and led to an exodus of educated professionals. A country that had some 3,000 qualified doctors at the start of the war was dependent by its end on barely three dozen. In the last few years, Liberia was bouncing back. We realized there was a long way to go, but the future was looking bright.

Now Ebola threatens to erase that hard work. Our economy was set to be larger and stronger this year, offering more jobs to Liberians and raising living standards. Ebola is not just a health crisis – across West Africa, a generation of young people risk being lost to an economic catastrophe as harvests are missed, markets are shut and borders are closed.

The virus has been able to spread so rapidly because of the insufficient strength of the emergency, medical and military services that remain under-resourced and without the preparedness to confront such a challenge. This would have been the case whether the confrontation was with Ebola, another infectious disease, or a natural disaster.

But one thing is clear. This is a fight in which the whole world has a stake. This disease respects no borders. The damage it is causing in West Africa, whether in public health, the economy or within communities – is already reverberating throughout the region and across the world.

The international reaction to this crisis was initially inconsistent and lacking in clear direction or urgency. Now finally, the world has woken up. The community of nations has realized they cannot simply pull up the drawbridge and wish this situation away.

This fight requires a commitment from every nation that has the capacity to help – whether that is with emergency funds, medical supplies or clinical expertise.

I have every faith in our resilience as Liberians, and our capacity as global citizens, to face down this disease, beat it and rebuild. History has shown that when a people are at their darkest hour, humanity has an enviable ability to act with bravery, compassion and selflessness for the benefit of those most in need.

From governments to international organisations, financial institutions to NGOs, politicians to ordinary people on the street in any corner of the world, we all have a stake in the battle against Ebola. It is the duty of all of us, as global citizens, to send a message that we will not leave millions of West Africans to fend for themselves against an enemy that they do not know, and against whom they have little defence.

The time for talking or theorizing is over. Only concerted action will save my country, and our neighbours, from experiencing another national tragedy. The words of Henrik Ibsen have never been truer: “A thousand words leave not the same deep impression as does a single deed.

Yours sincerely,

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Photo: EFCC arrest Kingpin of fraudsters in Ondo state

Find the EFCC press statement below...

A deadly syndicate of fraudsters who virtually opened an office for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Akure, the Ondo State capital, from where they dispatch fake invitation letters to unsuspecting heads of government agencies purporting to be carrying out investigation activities against them, has been uncovered.

The kingpin of the syndicate, one Olubunmo Olalekan, who is currently in EFCC custody in Abuja, was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, and handed over to the Commission.

At the point of arrest, Olalekan who parades himself as a Principal Detective Superintendent of the EFCC, had in his possession fake letter head papers of the Commission, 30 GSM sim cards, assorted complimentary cards, a laptop computer and printer from where he churns out the fraudulent invitation letters.

His modus operandi is to send out the bulk invitation letters to as many agencies as possible, via courier, claiming to have pending petitions alleging corruption against their heads.

Investigations so far revealed that the suspect has written and distributed over sixty letters purportedly from the Commission to several top officials of ministries, department and agencies. Among them are the chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Ibadan; Managing Director, NPDC Limited, Sapele Road, Benin City; Professor Idowu Odeyemi, Provost Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Jos; Managing Director/Chief Executive Office, Jebba Hydro Electric Plc, Jebba, Niger State; Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Dr. Iyela Ajayi, Provost Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State and a host of others.

He would leave a GSM number in the letters asking the agency heads to contact a PDS Adeniyi. Those who fall for the scam are asked to pay money for the purported case against them to be dropped.

The syndicate had gone to the extent of issuing clearance letters to those that met their terms.

But some heads of agencies that are sure they had done nothing untoward to warrant investigation by the EFCC have been bold to contact the Commission, which was how Olalekan was nabbed.

Shocking!!! Man Rapes 2 Year Old Girl in Ebonyi, Blames It on “Conji”

A 30-year-old man Inya-Okoro from Afikpo North Local Government area of Ebonyi, has been arrested for raping a 2-year-old girl Favour. The Sun reports that the suspect allegedly committed the act when little Favour returned from school and was asleep by the corridor of her parent’s home. . Inya-Okoro who also lives in the same building reportedly pounced on her and defiled her. He was arrested by the Police when the girl’s family alerted officers, and he will be charged to court for prosecution. Favour has since been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment. The state’s Assistant Superintendent of Police Chris Anyanwu lamented the high rate of rape in the area and urged parents to be careful. In an interview with Crime Watch, he admitted to the crime and blamed it on his sexual urges

“What happened was that I went to look for job as labourer on the fateful day but could not get any job and I returned home.  As I was washing my cloth, I saw the girl laying down sleeping wearing only pant, I rushed and carried her and have sex with her. It was ‘conji’ that caused it and I don’t have money to go for mature girls.”

The girl’s father told reporters he was in church when the incident happened, and that it was a neighbour who called him to inform him.

End Times : Madonna University student arrested for allegedly killing own father

A 27-year-old undergraduate of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, Chijioke Ezebuiro, was paraded yesterday July 22nd by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly killing his 87-year-old father, Dr. Emmanuel Ezebuiro. This sad event comes barely three weeks after 21 year old Tolani Ajayi killed his 60 year old father inside the Redeemed Christian Church of God campground.

While parading Chijioke before newsmen, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna said Chijioke is the chief suspect in his father's death because he was the only one around when the deceased was brutally murdered on June 30th at his home in Umuoriehi, Isingwu in Umuahia North LGA of Abia state. Continue...

According to his elder brother's statement to the police, Chijioke had often threatened to kill their father. The elder brother said he left their father and Chijioke at home to drop off his children at school only to return to find their father in the pool of his own blood. He immediately called the police after Chijioke could not explain what happened to their father. 

Police preliminary reports shows that there was no evidence of someone else gaining access into the home when the octogenarian was murdered.

During his interrogation, Chijioke claimed he was having his bath when his father was murdered.

"After taking my bath as I was going towards my room I saw people screaming in my father’s room, so I decided to go inside to know what was happening there. When I went there I saw my brother and my cousin in my father’s room and I saw my dad on top of his bed. I was shocked to see blood on his head. I was so scared I had to go down stairs to call one of my cousins. When I came back with him we were asking them what happened none of them told us anything. He told us to go down stairs the next thing was for me to see police coming to arrest me, took me to the police station, saying I am a murderer, that’s all.” he said.

He denied ever threatening his life, maintaining they had a good relationship.

Source: Punch 

Breaking News (Photos) 2nd blast in Kaduna aimed at Gen. Buhari

The second bomb blast that rocked the Kawo area of Kaduna state this afternoon was aimed at former Head of State and Chieftain of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a report by BBC Africa, about 90 minutes after the first bomb went off along Alkali Rd, a second explosion ripped through the crowded Kawo area, targeting the motorcade of Gen Buhari.

Gunmen rammed a vehicle into his convoy, firing shots at it. The report says two of Gen. Buhari's bodyguards were slightly wounded in the attack, he however escaped unhurt. (Above is a allegedly a pic Gen. Buhari's car after the attack today). 


Meanwhile, Kaduna state Governor, Ramalan Yero, has declared a 24-hour curfew in the Kaduna metropolis following the deadly twin explosions that killed at least 25 people.

Below are some photos from the scene of the blast today...

 

TransAsia Airways Flight Crashes in Taiwan | 51 Feared Dead

A domestic TransAsia Airways flight has crashed in Taiwan after attempting to make an emergency landing. The crash occurred near Magong airport on the outlying Penghu island, BBC reports.  According to reports, there were 54 passengers and four crew on board, and 51 are feared dead. Emergency personnel are currently at the crash scene, attempting to rescue those who are still on board. 

More to Follow..............

Baby allegedly died in church after dedication (PHOTO)

A witness to the sad incident sent me the story…but I am going to leave out the name of the church and the pastor who dedicated the baby, because I haven’t been able to verify the authenticity of the story, but the person who sent it to me swears this happened. Her story below…

Shocking!!! Bricklayer Kills 12-Year Old Relative

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Mr. Paul Obiefule, for allegedly beating his 12-year-old relative to death.

The relative, who was identified as Onyedikachi Mbanozo, was staying with Obiefule, a bricklayer, and his wife on Omitola Street in the Agege area of Lagos.

D'banj hangs out with Labyrinth, Tinie Tempah and Newcastle Manager Alan Pardew

Dbanj is currently in Monaco to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix & is seen balling with international stars including Newcastle United's manager Alan Pardew, UK rapper Tinie Tempah (Pictured Above) and UK singer Labyrinth... See more photos

'I can't deliver your letter to Boko Haram leader' - First Lady tells kids

Some Nigerian children who paid a courtesy visit to First Lady Patience Jonathan today in Abuja to mark the Children's Day celebration seized the opportunity to hand her letters they wrote to Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau protesting the abduction of the Chibok girls and asked the First Lady to pass the letter to him.

Mama Peace received the letter but immediately told the children that she doesn't know who Shekau is but would give their letters to the Chief of Defence Staff who would help deliver it accordingly..

"Let me thank the children that gave me letter to give Boko Haram. Well, I have received your letter, but I’m not the one to give it to Boko Haram because I don’t know Boko Haram and I have never seen Boko Haram. But I will give it to NSA or Chief of Defence Staff who will submit your letter accordingly. To my children parliament, thank you for your letter. Thank you for your deliberation. I have received what you gave to me. I will make sure I pass it to the president because it is addressed to him and the other one is addressed to Boko Haram. That is why the two are different.” she said

Mama Peace advised the children and Nigerians in general to desist from speaking evil or reigning abuses on the President, saying he is the head of the country as God has made him so. She drew her advice from the bible

"It is bad to abuse our country and the president because God has made him the head. The almighty God commands us to pray for our leaders. We therefore need to pray for the development of our country and the president.

Remember that a child that abuses his father and mother is disobeying God’s commandment because the bible says in Exodus 20:12 that you should honour your father and mother so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God has given you. The holy Bible is not referring to only biological parents. Any one that is older than you even for a day must be respected. Let us therefore join hands and rebuild our country Nigeria” she advised

Female Sisters burnt to death in Hostel

A midnight fire that razed a students hostel in Agbor, Delta State on Tuesday, has burnt two female siblings to death.

The two girls identified as Favour and Ndidi from Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the Delta, were students of College of Education, Agbor and were among those living in a private hostel adjacent the college.

According to an eyewitnesses, “the unfortunate incident occurred while they were sleeping in the hostel. The fire started at about midnight unknown to neighbours around that the two girls were in their rooms.”

No one could say precisely what started the fire which had wreaked havoc before men of the state fire service were called in for rescue operation.

The corpses of the sisters had since been deposited at the Central Hospital, Agbor.

Benue University Final year Student Dies In Hotel Room

A 21-year-old final year female student of the Benue State University,  Joan Adaaku, was reportedly found dead in a hotel room located in the heart of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Sources who preferred anonymity explained that the Economics undergraduate had checked into Savannah Guest House at about 8 a.m after paying N2,000 for a room. According to the source, “She actually arrived at the hotel alone and after undertaking some check-in formalities she entered the room and locked herself up.

“She never came out of her room again either to ask for food or any other things. So, at exactly 7 p.m, a room attendant knocked on her door to find out if she was interested in being attended to by room service.

“Her silence aroused suspicion and the room attendant, who repeated his call to the room at 8pm without reply, alerted the manager on duty.

“It was at that point that the management alerted the Police who moved in and broke into the room and discovered the lifeless body of the lady in a position that suggested she was making a call before her death.

It was gathered that the deceased had on her a small purse which contained a Bible, rosary and N7,200.

A bottle of water and a bottle of soft drink were also discovered in the room. Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Daniel Ezeala confirmed the incident, and said investigation into the matter had commenced. 

My view: If a bottle of water and bottle of drink was found in her room and at the same time didnt order for any drink since her check in , how did that get in there ? Just saying tho!

Shocking!!! 18-Year Old Boy Killed 12-Year Old Girl For Money Ritual in Lagos

The police in Lagos State, said they have arrested an 18-year-old boy, Ikechukwu Friday, who allegedly killed a 12-year-old girl for money ritual.

The suspect, who is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba Lagos, was paraded before newsmen.
According to him, a ritualist he asked for money instructed him to kill a young girl and obtain her faeces.
He said the ritualist promised him N100,000 if he was able to accomplish the task.
According to him, “I attend a popular church around Ketu Street, Aguda but I live with my parents in Badagry. I just finished secondary school and I have been very broke so I approached the ritualist for money but he told me that I should strangulate a little girl.

“He said when strangulating the girl, she would pass out faeces. The ritualist said I should obtain the faeces and bring it to him. He said if I could do this, he would give me N100,000.

“So, on December 30, 2013, I approached a young girl, Bose Ogoja. Her mother sells food in Badagry and I usually patronise them, so she trusted me. I told the girl that I wanted to show her something and that she should follow me. So I took her to an abandoned NITEL building and locked the door.

“I pressed her neck tightly and she passed out faeces. I was, however, not able to get the faeces because I was caught before I could escape.”
The suspect, an indigene of Onitsha, Anambra State, pleaded for mercy, adding that this was his first crime.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said the boy was arrested by neighbours in the area and handed over to the Badagry Police Division.

Braide said the ritualist, who allegedly gave the boy the instruction, had been arrested and was already cooperating with the police.
While displaying the gruesome picture of the slain girl, Braide said: “He was arrested in an uncompleted building. The security guard manning the building told the police that he saw the boy entering the building with the girl.

“He said a few minutes later, he heard the girl screaming and later saw the boy leaving. The security guard raised the alarm and the neighbours were alerted and they arrested the boy.”
On entering the building, the discovered that the girl was dead.

“The picture of the girl’s corpse shows that the girl was naked and defecated on the floor.”

What is our country turning to ? All in the name of Money !!!

Duncan Mighty Donates Bags of Rice and Other stuffs To Widows, Pregnant Women

Duncan mighty is one music artist that has a big heart for the less privileged. The Port Harcourt 1st son recently gave out bags of rice and gift to widows, pregnant women and children. In return of his kind Gesture, they showered blessings and prayers on him.
See Picture Below:

A 1,500 Years Old Bible in which Jesus foretold the coming of Prof. Muhammed has Been Found!

A 1,500-year-old Bible in which Jesus is believed to have foretold the coming of the Prophet Mohammed to Earth has attracted attention from the Vatican this week. Pope Benedict XVI has reportedly requested to see the book, which has been hidden in Turkey for the last 12 years, according to the Daily Mail.

The text, reportedly worth $22 million, is said to contain Jesus? prediction of the Prophet?s coming but was suppressed by the Christian Church for years for its strong resemblance to the Islamic view of Jesus, Turkish culture and tourism minister Ertugrul Gunay told the newspaper.

In line with Islamic belief, the Gospel treats Jesus as a human being and not a God. It rejects the ideas of the Holy Trinity and the Crucifixion and reveals that Jesus predicted the coming of the Prophet Mohammed,? the newspaper reported. In one version of the gospel, he is said to have told a priest: ?How shall the Messiah be called? Mohammed is his blessed name.?

And in another, Jesus denied being the Messiah, claiming that he or she would be Ishmaelite, the term used for an Arab,? the newspaper added. Gunay said the Vatican has officially requested to see the book, which Turkey had discovered during a police anti-smuggling operation in 2000.

A photocopy of a single page from the leather-bound, gold-lettered book, penned in Jesus? native Aramaic language is reportedly worth about $2.4 million

Breaking News Terrible auto accident occured on Third Mainland Bridge

A terrible auto accident occurred earlier today January 7th on 3rd Mainland Bridge that left at least one person dead. The accident involved a Black Prado SUV (pictured above) that reportedly lost its brakes while on high speed. Three people were in the car at the time of the accident, with one of them dying on the spot. The accident caused heavy traffic on both lanes several hours ago. 

Girls Dies After Drinking Abortion Concotion In Delta State

23 young ladies who wanted their unwanted pregnancies terminated, have reportedly died after they drank some herbal concoction from a native home in Delta State

LeadershipNg reports Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, the state police commissioner, who confirmed the discovering of the illegal home, said no fewer than 23 females whose unwanted pregnancies were terminated, died after drinking the concoction.

He explained that the detectives arrested the operators who were mainly native doctors and stale nurses and upon interrogation, confessed to the crime.
The home is located around Ugborikoko in Uvwie local government area.
The suspects claimed they were trained in traditional medicine, especially in the use of concoction to terminate unwanted pregnancies.

One of their victims, a 22-year-old house-help in the area, identified as Endurance, recently died as a result of abortion she had performed at the home.

It was learnt that the victim took ill and was rushed back to the quack home where she died as a result of complications from the abortion she allegedly carried out in the abortion centre.

A test conducted on her death by medical experts showed that she was pregnant and attempted to abort it at the hands of the native doctors and quack nurses in the home.

One of the suspects, the police boss disclosed, identified as Ufuoma had made useful statements, adding that the police recovered different bottles with concoction and charms tied around sticks including locally made guns.

What were they thinking ? Even the Bible said , Go into the world and multiply ... Just saying tho... 

Breaking News: River State High Court BOMBED and set on Fire!!!

A High Court in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State was bombed early Monday January 6th, according to reports from the state.

The Will Nigeria reports:

The bombing of the court where Justice Charles N. Wali usually holds court, reportedly occurred on Monday morning a few hours before a politically charged suit against Hon Evans Bipi, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly and leader of a group of 6 lawmakers, who has been unlawfully parading himself as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Justice Wali had about a month ago ordered Bipi to stop parading himself as Speaker of the House as the tussle over control of the state government between loyalists of the Presidency and the Rivers Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, lingers with an end in sight. No casualties have been reported over the bombing as at the time of filing this report.

Another Bombing early 2014 , May God Help Us!!!

{News} In Case You Missed It - See the List of Full Winners at The Headies Awards 2013

The Headies Awards 2013 was held on boxing day 26th Of December 2013 Last Year at the Grand Ball room of Oriental Hotel, Lagos and was hosted by Mavin Records acts Tiwa Savage and Dr SID.

Big winners of the night include Olamide, Phyno, Waje, Clarence Peters and Davido who bagged multiple awards. The night also features performances from Iyanya, Sean Tizzle, Seyi Shay, Praiz and much more.

In addition, Fuji Artist was inducted into the Headies Hall Of Fame.

Check out the full list of winners for the night.

BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
THIS YEAR – JAYWON

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
DTUNES – SHO LEE

BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Alingo – CLARENCE PETERS

BEST R&B/POP ALBUM
O.B.O. – DAVIDO

BEST R&B SINGLE
GOOD GOOD LOVING – BANKY W

BEST POP SINGLE
IHE NE ME – 2FACE

BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL SINGLE
I WISH – WAJE

BEST RAP ALBUM
YBNL – OLAMIDE

BEST COLLABO
GHOST MODE – PHYNO FT. OLAMIDE

BEST RAP SINGLE
MAN OF THE YEAR – PHYNO

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
RICH AND FAMOUS – PRAIZ

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
ONLY YOU – NIKKI LAOYE

NEXT RATED
SEAN TIZZLE

HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION
OMO BABA OLOWO – DAVIDO

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
MODE 9 – LET IT GO

BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE
DUROSOKE – OLAMIDE

BEST ‘ALTERNATIVE’ SONG
REPETE – BLACKMAGIC

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
YBNL – OLAMIDE

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
IYANYA

SONG OF THE YEAR
LIMPOPO – KCEE

Most Fans Didnt Go with the fact that Iyanya Bag the Artist Of the year award , and By the Way , what on earth happened to Wizkid , He was nowhere to be found ... Share Your Views Below>>>>

{News} Edo State Governor In Ghastly Motor Accident.

It has been reported that the Governor Of Edo state Adams Oshiomhole was involved in a ghastly motor accident , Read the full Press statement from Edo State Government.

Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole survived a motor accident at Ewu Village along the ever-busy Benin-Auchi road in Edo State at about 9.45am Saturday, 28th December 2013 on his way back to Benin City from his Iyamho Village. The incident occurred at about 9.45am at Ewu, in Edo Central Senatorial District, when a Peugeot J5 Bus filled with tomatoes and plantains apparently lost control and rammed into the Governor’s Flag Car from the opposite direction before swerving into a roadside ditch.

Three vehicles in the Governor’s convoy were in front of the Governor’s Flag Car and had passed the Peugeot J5 Bus before it [J5 Bus] had direct impact with the Governor’s car, which had the Governor, his Aide-De-Camp [ADC] and his Driver as occupants. The Governor’s Car was badly affected but both occupants of the Peugeot J5 Bus and that of the Governor’s sustained no injuries.

 The Peugeot J5 Bus was following a truck that was descending the Ewu Slope when it suddenly veered off into the Governor’s lane from the opposite direction and directly impacted on the Governor’s vehicle, apparently because of brake failure. The good story is that nobody sustained injuries in both vehicles. The Comrade Governor is hale and hearty, his ADC and other occupants of the Peugeot J5 are also in good condition.

The incident has been reported to the Divisional Police Station at Ewu for further investigation. This is to assure all good people of Edo State that there is no cause for alarm. Their loving Comrade Governor is fine, hale and hearty as well as other occupants of the other affected vehicle. The Comrade Governor is wishing everyone a prosperous new year ahead.