Don’t charge more than N2,000 for post-UTME, govt warns tertiary institutions AGENCY REPORT

The Federal Government on Tuesday warned that it would sanction any tertiary institution which charges more than N2,000 for post-UTME. The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, gave the warning at the ongoing Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions in Gbongan, Osun State. Adamu said, “At the 2017 policy meeting, I endorsed that any institution which was interested in conducting any form of post-UTME screening could do so, but that the gross charge for the screening should not be more than N2,000. “Once again, let m,ue caution heads of tertiary institutions that it would not be tolerated for any institution to charge any fee beyond the approved two thousand naira (N2,000). “Firmer sanctions than those of last session shall be applied to cases of violation,” the minister said. Adamu, however, said that the policy meeting would continue to be the forum where the agenda, guidelines, modalities, and timelines would be set for the purpose of admissions to universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria. “Therefore, no admission to any tertiary institutions should be announced before the policy meeting. “It is appreciated that the meeting is being held early enough for the commencement of the new session. “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board should ensure that the policy meeting is now held not later than June every year,” Adamu said. In his remarks, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said UTME scores were not the cut-off marks to gain admission into universities. Oloyede said the marks were just minimum scores, adding that there were other assessments for consideration before a candidate could gain admission into tertiary institutions. He also said that the number of candidates that were involved in examination malpractices in UTME had reduced drastically. Rainbowgist

Tears, anger as Dbanj’s son drowns in swimming pool

Nigerian music star, Daniel Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, has lost his son, Daniel Jr.

The 13-month-old boy reportedly drowned in the singer’s home in the Ikoyi area of Lagos during the visit of some friends of the family.

D’banj was said to be away for a musical award in Los Angeles, United States, when the incident happened.

The singer, who had yet to make any official statement, posted a cryptic message on his Instagram page on Sunday, which many of his followers, including celebrities, saw as a confirmation of the news.

While sharing a black picture with emoticons, he wrote, “Trying times. But my God is always and forever faithful.”

The post was greeted with a flood of condolences from celebrities and followers of the Oliver Twist crooner.

The senator representing Bayelsa East Constituency, Ben Bruce, asked D’banj to take heart.

“@iamdbanj, I am really sad to read about the death of your lovely son. Death of a child is the saddest thing for any parent. On behalf of my family and I, please do accept our sincerest sympathy,” he wrote on his Twitterpage.

Aside the senator, other artistes who offered him condolences were Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh  (Don Jazzy), Folarin Falana (Falzdbahdguy), Funke Akindele, Olamide Adedeji, Omotola Ekeinde, Jackiah Appiah, Genevieve Nnaji, Peter Okoye (PSquare), Olubankole Wellington (Banky W) and  Toke Makinwa, among others.

Savage said, “I was just holding you last month, celebrating your birthday. I am in shock; my heart is broken. This is unbearable.”

Ajereh wrote, “Just heard the worst news in a long time.”

“May God comfort D’banj and his household; no amount of word is enough to heal or console at times like this, but strength from the almighty to see you through is what we pray for,” Adedeji wrote.

wrote, “Please join me in prayer as we commiserate with the Oyebanjo family at this time. We can never fully understand the pain of others but every little prayer helps. @iambangalee our hearts break with yours. Stay strong my dear.”

Wellington said, “Having a hard time finding words to pray, but I’m praying for both of you. May God give both of you strength and comfort in this terrible time. I’m so sorry bro!”

Jalade said, “No, what’s this I hear? Oh lord… D’banj, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.”

Meanwhile, some Nigerians have faulted the singer for not taking the warnings of some of his social media followers, who raised the alarm on the danger of having an unguarded swimming pool in his house.

One Tobi Samson, on his Twitter page recalled that no fewer than seven followers of the singer had raised security concerns after D’banj posted a video of himself and his son walking beside the pool.

He said, “Not 1, not 2, not 3… up to 7 angels in the form of followers raised the alarm  five weeks ago when they noticed the indoor pool in a video D’banj posted with his now late son. My heart is crying.”

He posted screenshots of reactions to the video, in which one Korji said, “D’banj, a pool indoors and your baby passing by the pool…hmmm please be careful; tell wife and caregivers to keep an eye on him o…some chillings are risky.”

“Please bro, always make sure someone is always around to look out for him; may God keep him for us,” one Sangotolaoluwa had also warned.

Another Instagram follower, with the handle @max_tunde_mamediarra_mbaye, asked D’banj to take precaution because the child could wander off and slip into the pool.

A source said the case had yet to be reported to the police.

“Although the matter had yet to be reported, the police will still have to investigate the circumstances that surrounded the death. It is sad news and one can only imagine the pain the family is going through now,” she said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, in a statement, said the state CP, Edgal Imohimi, was saddened by the death.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Edgal Imohimi, on behalf of officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command, wishes to commiserate with the family of Mr and Mrs Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’banj, on the death of their one-year-old son, Daniel (Jnr) Oyebanjo… The entire command shares their pain.

“Although a delegation from the command, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ikoyi division, CSP Mustapha N’Abba, who were at the Ikoyi home of the Oyebanjos on a condolence visit, did not meet anyone at home, it is expected that when the mourning period is over, the family will formally report the circumstances that led to the unfortunate death of little Daniel to the police.”






































































































Rainbowgist

Catholic priest suspended for rapping in church

A priest in Kenya has been suspended for misconduct after rapping in church.

Fr Paul Ogalo had been using rap music to attract youths to Church and spread messages against drugs and in favour of social justice issues.

After Mass, Fr Ogalo would change from his vestments into a white shirt, black shorts, and a red bandana, begin to rap for the congregation, who danced along to the music.

“We need to take care of the interests of youths in our churches,” he said. “We need to change the way we do things.”

Church youth leader Violet Menya said not only do many young people come to church because of the rap music, they keep coming back.

“We are happy that his style of preaching is attracting many youths to church. He has mentored very many youths to leave … drug abuse and embrace farming, business and other activities,” Menya said.

Benard Oketch, a 28-year-old member of the congregation said he will stop attending church because of the priest’s suspension.

“Fr Paul has been our mentor. He uses the language youths understand,” Oketch said. “[Fr Ogalo] has saved thousands of youths” from drug abuse.

However, the bishops of the diocese have rejected these practices, saying they are against Church doctrine.

Father Charles Kochiel, the judicial vicar of the inter-diocesan tribunal of Kisumu, said Fr Ogalo is suspended for a year in order to “reconsider his ways.”

“There are ways of doing things,” Fr Kochiel said. “There are certain things the Church promotes in the society. If we mix … what the secular and church institutions do, then definitely people are going to read different messages.

Those in favour of the suspension argued that his actions are unbiblical and cannot be justified through mere popularity.

“People could be looking at it from the social point of view, like bringing people on board, gathering and entertaining people. But people could also be looking at this from the spiritual point of view: Does it promote spiritual values or is it sending a wrong message?” Fr Kochiel said.








































































































Rainbowgist

President Buhari dissolves NABTEB board

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dissolution of the Governing Board of National Business and Technical Examination Board.

A statement, made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday by Mr Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said the approval was with immediate effect.

Echono said the President had also directed the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu to take immediate measures to reposition and refocus NABTEB for greater efficiency and to render its performance more responsive to the expectations of the present administration.

He said the purported suspension of the Registrar, Prof. Ifeoma Abanihe and four other Directors of NABTEB had been nullified as it did not conform to due process, especially in the case of the registrar.

He said the board went beyond its powers and in contravention of Section 5 and Section 6 of NABTEB Act.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a special investigative panel was constituted to probe activities of the registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Prof. Ifeoma Isuigo-Abanihe and four others.

The panel allegedly uncovered irregularities in contract awards and abuse of office by the embattled registrar.

The registrar and four directors were suspended by the 9th Governing Board of NABTEB at its first regular board meeting held on 19th June at NABTEB headquarters, Benin City, Edo State, following allegations of N49.7 million fraud.

The four affected staff members are: Mr Nnasia Ndarake Asanga, Director, Finance & Accounts, Dr Obinna Opara, Director, Examination Administration, Alhaji Jimoh Adewola Kasali, Director, Examinations Development, and the Procurement Officer, Engr. Edwin Osamo.



















































































































Rainbowgist

Why I don’t forgive those driving ‘one-way’ –Task force chairman

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit says it will continue to have zero tolerance for driving against traffic to make recalcitrant motorists to be law-abiding.

The Chairman of Unit (task force), Superintendent of Police Saheed Egbeyemi, made this known while addressing the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights in Lagos State.

The rights group had queried the mode of operations of the unit.

“It is not true that we are anti-masses. We fight those people that are adamant and defiant.

“We are not in a state of anarchy, we are in an orderly society where there must be law and order.

“We take offenders to court, and once anyone is pronounced guilty, such ends in prison.

“How can a sane driver be driving against another vehicle coming with speed; this is how innocent people are killed,’’ the chairman said.


“We are not in a state of anarchy, we are in an orderly society where there must be law and order.

“We take offenders to court, and once anyone is pronounced guilty, such ends in prison.

“How can a sane driver be driving against another vehicle coming with speed; this is how innocent people are killed,’’ the chairman said.

Egbeyemi said that although the unit understood the plights of the masses, laws must be respected.

“These are things we do but people don’t understand. It is my duty to raid when people are doing illegality.”

He noted that many commercial motorcyclists still operate on restricted roads.

“Are they with their helmet? Are they not carrying two people? Are they not plying `one-way’ and on restricted areas?

“Are they not carrying pregnant women and school children? What do people expect us to do?

“Many say our job is economically and physically affecting the people but go and check at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Yaba, you will see that people’s legs are not hanged the way they used to be. It has reduced.’’

Responding, the Chairman of CDHR, Lagos State, Mr Alex Omotehinse, said that many of the points raised by Egbeyemi were factual.
He said that many motorists in Lagos State disregarded laws.

“The public should be law-abiding because if they don’t obey the law, there is nothing CDHR can do,” Omotehinse said.

He, however, advised law enforcers not to violate the rights of the people.





















































































































































Rainbowgist

A woman can never be father of her child –Angela Okorie

Internet Hustler actress, Angela Okorie, has maintained that a woman can never play the role of a father in her child’s life. In a chat with Sunday Scoop, she said, “As a mother, you can do everything for your child but that doesn’t make you a father. I feel that the male-bashing on social media is too rampant these days. The fact that you contribute 99 per cent of things in the home does not make you the man of the house. God knows what He was doing when he created two genders.

It takes two people to make a baby. The fact that you are separated from your husband does not mean you should come online and call yourself a man. I’m not trying to throw shades at anyone; I’m just trying to be blunt. I know it’s an emotional issue, and that’s why a lot people have chosen to get upset about what I wrote on my page. Any woman that disrespects the father of her child does not know God. As a woman, you are supposed to be under a man. Women tend to talk a lot and always want to respond to whatever the man says and this may lead to beating. However, I am not saying that it is right for a man to beat a woman. It is better to walk away in such situations. A lot of women also have issues and that is why they don’t want to be under a man. Marriage goes beyond dating; it is long-term. It is only natural for people to have issues in their marriages; you just have to manage it. And if you cannot manage it, you should move on. Whatever bad things you say about your man will reflect on you and your children who carry his name. When you have issues in your marriage, it is better to sort it out behind closed doors instead of bringing it on social media. When you make up with your spouse, the public will not forget those things you said.”

Restating her reason for shielding her family, especially her husband, from the public eye, Okorie said, “I don’t want people to know about my family; that’s why I don’t post pictures of my husband. At the end of the day, social media is going to help you destroy your home. When you bring your family business on social media all the time, it would cause you pain because people would intrude into your marriage. Once there is a third party in your home, trouble begins.”








Rainbowgist

Buhari didn’t give me N2m, says Small Doctor

When a former Director of New Media for the Peoples Democratic Party, Deji Adeyanju, recently revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari gave some selected entertainers N2m each during a visit to Aso Rock in Abuja, it raised eyebrows.

Adeyanju had written on Twitter, “So, some youths went to Aso Rock yesterday to see Buhari and collected ‘thanks for coming’, N2m each. Very soon, they will start telling us why it is good for Buhari to continue…”

However, while speaking with Sunday Scoop, Temitope Adekunle, aka Small Doctor, said he didn’t collect such money from the President and he didn’t think any other entertainer did also. He said, “I am not aware that the President gave anyone N2m. I was only invited to Aso Rock during the Ramadan period, which I honoured. Have you asked Sound Sultan or Kunle Afolayan and they said Buhari gave us N2m each. Well, I don’t know if they gave anyone but I didn’t collect such money.”

According to him, it was like a dream come true for him to dine with the number one citizen of Nigeria. He added, “I have always worked hard and my hard work is paying off. I felt humbled and privileged meeting Mr. President. Looking at where I used to be, there has been a major turnaround in my life. Do you remember I was once a bus conductor?”




































































































































































Rainbowgist

All Nigerian politicians sponsor thugs — Olofa of Offa

The Olofa of Offa in the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, in an interview, speaks on the April 5 bank robberies in the ancient town and the police investigation into the raids

How do you feel about the killings during the bank robberies of April 5 in your kingdom?

Nobody feels good or is happy about it. We are all not happy about it. Life is very precious and sacred. Even if it was one person that was killed, nobody would be happy and we are not happy about it.


Government at the federal and state levels made promises to address some of the concerns raised. What is the latest on the promises?

Construction is ongoing on the new police station which they promised to build. The mobile police barrack they promised is also being constructed. There are about two mobile police units in the town; the UTC area manned, by 12 riot policemen, is also in the town.

Are you satisfied with the efforts of the police in relation to the investigation being carried out into the bank robberies so far?

To some extent, the investigation was going on perfectly but later, it took another dimension that was not clear to all of us because it was politicised and we are praying to the almighty Allah that such should not affect the dispensation of justice or jeopardise justice.

How do you mean that it was getting politicised?

Security agents made some arrests and investigation was going on but we later heard that names of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and others were being mentioned and linked to the incident and we do not believe (their involvement in the incident). We believe that is politics. We believe that it is political persecution and nothing more than that.

Why did you say it is political persecution?

Do you expect somebody like Bukola to ask someone to carry a gun and kill the people he is ruling or steal their wealth? He has been giving us; we do not expect that he would go and rob Offa or ask some people to go and rob us. What will he gain from that?

But some of the suspects arrested were allegedly seen at the wedding of Saraki’s daughter suggesting that they are close friends of his family.

You can see them at (social) venues. It is just like you sending someone with your car to go and get something from the market and he decides to use the car for another thing. Would that mean that you are the one that sent him to go and do that? If I give you my car to pick a friend from Ilorin, and on your way, you decide to branch to Omu-Aran to go and do another thing, does that mean I am the one that sent you to Omu-Aran? That is it! If it is a question of thugs, all the politicians have thugs. You would not know what they are doing. I listened to the confessions of the suspected robbers. They never said he (Saraki) sent them to go and rob. They said they were his political thugs and that he was not aware of their robbery (operations).

Some people argue that Saraki, by empowering them and giving them vehicles, emboldened them to commit crimes and they felt protected or shielded by the number three citizen of Nigeria.

He gave vehicles to a lot of people. He gave many people all over the country. Many people received vehicles from him. Even in Offa, any time politicians are doing their empowerment programme, they give out cars, motorcycles and other items to people. Did they give them such things to them so that they can commit crime? It is to empower them. If they are sensible enough, they use it for commercial purposes. Empowerment is not an encouragement to go and steal.

What is your view on the protest and counter protests that took place in Offa on the issue when you went for the lesser Hajj?

The protesters are politicians. Those who protested in favour of Saraki and those who protested against him are politicians who are not saying the truth.

What is your advice to parents because some Offa indigenes were allegedly involved in the incident?

Parents have great roles and responsibility to play towards the upbringing of their children. Parents must ensure that their children have sound moral training and must ensure that they avoid crimes. When you see your son or daughter, with some kinds of people that appear not to be noble, you are supposed to ask questions. You must demand to know the identities of his friends and what they do for a living. Unfortunately, some people do not care. However, we know that there are many children who usually deviate from the sound moral, social and African training their parents give them. Some parents have tried their best to provide everything necessary for their children to become useful citizens and even become self-reliant, but sometimes, some of them would deviate and engage in anti-social conducts, vices and crimes. Parents should not be held accountable for the conduct of children who deviate from the good paths introduced to them by their parents.

So, what is your advice to the youths?

The youths must refrain from the get-rich-quick syndrome. There is dignity in labour, patience and hard work to become wealthy. Youths must learn to embrace dignity of labour. Many of them do not want to work and make money. They want quick money through quick fixes. Such money may not last. The government has been encouraging them to go into farming or get themselves engaged in some productive and useful ventures but some of them do not listen to such advice and words of wisdom. The youths must refrain from crime which ultimately may cut short their lives or put them and their families in bad reputation and even in suffering. They must avoid crime. They should also know the friends they make and keep. They must not make friends with ungodly and evil-minded youths.


The police report appears to have also indicted the Kwara State Government on its empowerment programme. Do you think the programme should continue or be stopped?

Is it bad for a government that swears to ensure the welfare of the citizens to renege on empowering the people it has promised to alleviate their poverty and ensure their well-being and development?

It is not bad. One of the cardinal responsibilities of the government, even as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is to ensure the welfare and well-being of the citizen. It is a primary responsibility of the government. So, that is what the Kwara State Government and other state governments that embark on the empowerment programme have done. They are just being alive to their statutory and constitutional responsibilities. It is not the fault of the state government. The government is doing the empowerment for the boys to have something doing. It is now the fault of the boys, who, instead of using the empowerment items and gifts to do something productive and useful to themselves, used them for crime.

We will still continue to encourage government to continue with its empowerment. We will not say because these few boys misused their empowerment, government should stop. No! Out of 100 per cent that the state government empowered, the arrested suspects are not up to five per cent. So, it is better for the government to continue the empowerment programme in order to reduce employment and thuggery in town.

There is unemployment in the country. Many youths graduate from tertiary institutions and have no jobs.  Even those who could not attend tertiary institutions cannot find something meaningful to do. So, any reasonable person will not discourage the government from implementing programmes geared towards reducing unemployment, which could lead to crime reduction and wealth creation. When youths are meaningfully engaged, they use their energies for productive ventures rather than dissipating their energies on crimes and other anti-social ventures as the saying goes, ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop’. So, we must encourage government and even individuals and organisations, groups and bodies; that empower the youth and other people, to continue. They are doing great things, they should rather be encouraged.

Getting people employed or usefully and gainfully engaged is another strategy to address crime and boost the welfare of the people. When some youths are employed or gainfully engaged in the African society, he or she will take care of many dependants who could have been languishing in poverty, penury and suffering. So, the multiplier effects of empowering somebody are so great and positive. We must encourage such noble commitment for societal development and well-being.












































































































































































































Rainbowgist

Reasons your teenage girls are obsessed with boyfriends!

You are doing a great job in the lives of our younger ones and I admire you a great deal. I wish you greater grace to do exploits in ministry in Jesus name. God bless you woman of God!


I salute you all! In the last two weeks, I’ve been writing on our teenage girls and their obsession with boyfriends. Some permissive parents could say it’s no big deal for their daughters to date in their teens but I tell you it does more harm than good. I’ll forever emphasise the importance of the delicate teen years which is what eventually determines how one’s life would go- its fair success, average success, outstanding success or massive failure! No wonder former American First Lady-Mrs. Michelle Obama once said while speaking to teenage girls, “If I had worried about who liked me and who thought I was cute when I was your age, I wouldn’t be married to the president of the United States today.”

THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER and shouldn’t be handled with kid glove! As I mentioned last week, it is normal for every girl to have a crush or fall in love in her early teens if not sooner because the world has gone crazy. However, she must be compassionately assisted to nip her uncontrollable infatuation in the bud before it gets wild and becomes a way of life!

Too many beautiful destinies are being diverted daily by stupid, bad devil who just loves to confuse the children of God! Without having boyfriends in their teens, a lot of girls would be more knowledgeable, have better grades, better qualifications, better self-esteem, make use of their vivid imagination and create wonderful lives their parents could never boast of. They would easily realise glorious and lofty dreams and have uncommon achievements; in fact, we would have so many teenage amazons and environmental transformers! They’d be more in control of their emotions and spirituality and above all be well-equipped to handle life’s vicissitudes and a lot of challenges the female folk face. They would become very strong after spending all the time they should have spent on falling in and out of love and having their hearts torn apart and their souls painfully wounded by having boyfriends on self-development! They would become better builders of a saner society!

Your daughter could be obsessed with some guy or the other reasons:

Inadequate love and attention

Let the truth be told, before the society begins to get at your children, you are the major determinant of the path they eventually choose to follow! Sadly, so many parents in this age are not intentional about their parenting and raising of their offspring. While some are too carried away looking for daily bread and dealing with personal issues, some are wealthy enough to give their children what they never had as kids but don’t bother to pay attention to every detail of their children’s lives! Too many children are unfortunately left to domestic staff and unwholesome misinformation from their peers at school. A child’s impressionable years are so scary such that just one information or experience could set a child rolling on the wrong path of life. And once this happens, it only takes God to help that child and that’s why trying to change your children’s thoughts about life and their attitude towards issues of life in their teens is nothing but damage control!

Your girls need your 100 per cent love and attention if you truly love her and want her to turn out well! No one should love your children more than you do because you brought them into the world although there are so many parents who don’t love their kids. If you ask me-I don’t know which planet they come from! The world out there is extremely hostile and very tricky! So tricky that an average girl sees what she wants to see in the eyes of her parents (who should lift her up every time life hits her) in the eyes and arms of a complete stranger who more often than not endangers the poor girl and leads her on a most dangerous path!  A few days ago, a 13-year-old girl confessed how her teacher constantly slept with her and assisted her in aborting two pregnancies! She also mentioned how he showered her with so much love like no other person in the world yet she lives with her parents! May such not happen to our daughters!





















































































































































Rainbowgist

Things to note before you hire that home help

Increasingly and for the obvious reasons, there are concerns about the risks inherent in hiring domestic staff.

From the shocking to the downright frightening, there are several examples of how some people, especially parents, who hired home helps end up in deep regrets, due to the actions and inactions of the person(s) they employed to help them with their domestic chores.

When discussing this issue, the sad case of the Orekoyas readily comes to mind. In the incident, which happened in Lagos in 2015, the family had hired a maid via a popular online medium. But barely 24 hours after she was employed, she kidnapped three of her employer’s children and disappeared.

With no clue as to the whereabouts of the maid, having just employed her from an online medium and with no guarantor or traceable address, the mother of the children quickly raised the alarm.

It was indeed a tragic moment for the family, because beyond the sorrow of not knowing the whereabouts of three of their children (aged six, four and 11 months respectively), the family was also requested to pay a ransom of N13m, which they did not have.

By the time the maid was found, it was discovered that the maid gave a fake name to her employer.

While that was quite disturbing, the story also went viral of a maid, identified as Asmau, who stole her employer’s two children in Ogere, Ogun State and took them to Lagos where she was using them to beg for alms. She had only been employed for four months when she disappeared with the children, aged six and seven respectively.

The list of such instances is endless. In fact, just a few days ago, a naval officer, Lieutenant Abubakar Yusuf, and his girlfriend, Lorraine Onye, were killed by Yusuf’s houseboy, Raphael Jaja. While the suspect, currently in police custody, strangled the girlfriend, he stabbed the naval officer and burnt his corpse to ashes.

Thus, given the apparent danger that could come with having domestic helps, these are tips on what people should bear in mind before hiring one:

Pay attention to their guarantors: In some cases, people who are desperate to get a particular job go to the streets to get some well-dressed persons – sometimes for a token – to stand in for them and some employers fall for it. However, in cases where the maid to be hired is an unknown person, people are advised to make sure that the guarantors presented by such persons are credible persons with traceable addresses. This makes things easier in case the home help violates any of the terms of the contract. Thus, people are advised not to rush into hiring unknown persons, who also do not have credible guarantors. “The guarantors should be people who can easily track them if anything untoward happens,” Oti added.

Their physique could say something: While people’s physical appearance may not be a complete reflection of who they are, Ubani said it could also give a hint about such persons. He advised that if people know they can’t live with the personality they perceive the person to be, they shouldn’t bother so that such domestic staff don’t become bad influence to their children. He said, “Hairstyles, dressing and whether they have tattoos are all part of what to look at, but you don’t condemn people by the way they look because sometimes people just copy what they see some celebrities do. For me, when I see such, I don’t judge them 100 per cent, but it raises my flag that there is work to do on remoulding the person, just as when I see people with scars, I try to know the cause. If you can’t bear it, look for somebody who fits into your preference ab initio.”

Scrutinise the source if it’s from online:Perhaps the Orekoyas wouldn’t have run into trouble if they were aware of this. It was unlike what obtained in the past when people only relied on relatives recommended to them from the village. The Police PRO advised that in a season where many businesses are online, people who want to recruit domestic staff, including drivers, from online platforms should scrutinise the agency, company or individual that posts the advert on the online platform. He said, “Make sure it’s a registered company and that it is registered to carry out such business. So, being a registered company may not be enough. We are in information technology age, hence, anybody looking for a home help online must be very careful because some people, who are not even traceable, post and people start calling them. Also, Ubani said organisations and online platforms should be held responsible to a certain point and they should go beyond linking people together to also do profiling.

Ask salient questions: Sometimes, people get carried away or they are overwhelmed by the need to quickly get a home help that they forget to ask salient questions from their would-be home help, such as their previous employment; if they had ever been arrested or jailed, and if yes, what caused it; their parents; how much they want to be paid and their expectations, perhaps to avoid silent friction.

Be ready to treat them as human beings: It has almost become a norm for people to treat their domestic staff with disdain. This, according to the security consultant, Ubani, is one of the things that fuel some untoward experiences people have. He said, “While we are trying to make sure that families are on the safe side, we should also protect the rights of these people, which have been violated so much. Sometimes, they work day and night and even when everyone else goes to sleep, they don’t, and they almost work round the clock. In some cases, they are not even paid. They just endure and keep their hope of a better future alive. There is the need for us to look at the laws governing labour, remuneration and begin to see this as service that needs to be paid for. Some home helps feel undervalued and underappreciated, which makes some to do despicable things.” He stressed that people who are desirous of having a pleasant experience with their domestic staff must be prepared to show them some love and treat them with dignity. He added, “When you bring in someone into your family, it means that person is now part of the family. So, if there are morals that we have to give to our children, they should be part of it, else we or our children pay for their strange behaviour.”

Prepare an agreement: From findings, many people do not care about preparing an agreement to guide their dealings with their domestic staff, but experts have said it is a step that should be taken by intending employers. The agreement is expected to state the obligations, duties and limitations of both parties. Oti said, “If the person has breached the terms of the agreement or if the person presents a moral danger to your children, go back to the terms of such contract and feel free to terminate the contract. If it’s a criminal offence, report to the police.”

Never hire a minor as home help: No doubt, some people prefer to take as home helps minors, because they are seen as pliable and would not present much trouble like adults. But, according to the Child Rights Act 2003, especially Section 28 (d), 11 (d), 14, etc., it is illegal to hire a child as a home help. Thus, in order not to run afoul of the law and avoid troubles with the law enforcement agencies, people are always advised to spare children when it comes to domestic staff. The PPRO added, “The law is against having minors (persons below 18 years) as home help. Children have their rights, which must be respected. When they become adults, they can choose the kind of job they want to do.”

Never leave it all to home help: Parents are also advised never to bequeath the entire responsibility of running their homes to home helps, as this could have some implications over time.

































































































































































Rainbowgist

Christianity may cease to exist by 2043 –Christian elders

The present generation of Christians in Nigeria may cease to exist in 25 years from now (2043), beginning from 2018, a group of Christians under the aegis of National Christian Elders Forum, championed by a former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), and Solomon Asemota (SAN), has warned.

According to them, the present generation of Christians faces the risk of being the last set of Christians in Nigeria.

The NCEF therefore demanded the restructuring of the Christian Association of Nigeria before the 2019 general elections.

The organisation warned that if the current faulty structure would be carried into 2019, it might be too late to preserve Christianity in Nigeria.

The Secretary of NCEF, Bosun Emmanuel, expressed these fears in his paper entitled: “Impact of lack of unity in CAN as threat to Christian faith”, delivered during the annual conference of Catholic Men’s Guild, held at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Ikoyi in Lagos.

Emmanuel said the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in Nigeria “is openly pursuing an anti-Christian agenda that has resulted in countless murders of Christians all over the nation and destruction of vulnerable Christian communities.”

He said, “Due to the inability of CAN to forge Christians into one indivisible army of the Lord, the Church has been weakened and unable to stand before its enemies. Realistically speaking, Christianity is on the brink of extinction in Nigeria. The ascendancy of Sharia ideology in Nigeria rings the death toll for the Nigerian Church.

“It is therefore imperative that CAN must be restructured, as a matter of urgency, if Christianity is to survive. CAN belongs to every Christian in Nigeria and there is nothing wrong with the association. It is the management that should be revisited and restructured.”

Apart from Danjuma and Asemota, other members of the NCEF include Prof. Joseph Otubu, Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (retd.), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, Dr. Kate Okpareke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd.), Elder Moses Ihonde, Elder Nat Okoro and Elder Matthew Owojaiye.

Other members are Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (retd.), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Elder Mike Orobator, Justice James Ogebe (retd.), Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Debo Omotosho, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Dr. S. D. Gani, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Prof. Yussuf Turaki, and Pastor Bosun Emmanuel (Secretary).

According to Emmanuel, disunity has crept into Christendom in Nigeria because of the deviation from the norms for which CAN was founded in 1976.

He said, “The Catholic Church should be prepared to return completely into the fold of CAN and participate fully in providing leadership in these troublous times. God warned in 2013 that we were not careful, in 30 to 40 years, Nigeria would be like Turkey.

“In 2018, we can say in 25 years from now, we are facing the risk of being the last Christians in Nigeria. Therefore, Christians should be in the frontline of defending democracy in Nigeria. The Church is the bastion of democracy. A divided CAN cannot defend democracy and promote justice, equity, and fairness. Consequently, Sharia will grow stronger. As Sharia grows stronger, democracy will become weaker and the Church will be emasculated out of existence.

“The current Federal Government in Nigeria is openly pursuing an anti-Christian agenda that has resulted in countless murders of Christians all over the nation and destruction of vulnerable Christian communities. Just recently, Elder Statesman, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma raised the alarm that Christians should take steps to defend themselves.”











































































Rainbowgist

Lekki doctor flogs, orders nurse to kneel down

A doctor in the Lekki area of Lagos State, Dr Emmanuel Okolo, has been accused of brutalising a nurse, Dorcas Adeyera.

 The incident happened at the Awoyaya Hospital and Maternity Centre, Ibeju Lekki.

 It was gathered that Okolo and Adeyera’s misunderstanding stemmed from the treatment of a patient rushed into the medical facility in the early hours of Monday.

 Okolo was alleged to have frowned on the admission of the accident victim without his consent, blaming Adeyera for the action.

 The medical doctor allegedly summoned the 23-year-old into his office and ordered her to kneel down.

 When the victim refused, 35-year-old Okolo was alleged to have dealt her several slaps and also flogged her with a belt.

  Adeyera, in her report to the medical director of the hospital, said she was humiliated by Okolo.

 The report read in part, “Around 2am, there was an emergency outside the hospital. I stepped out to have a clear look at the patient, who was said to have been involved in an accident and already fractured a bone in his left leg.

“The patient was conscious and alert; no obvious respiratory distress, but seemed to be in severe pain. I went back inside the hospital to notify the doctor on call, Dr Okolo Emmanuel, and immediately went back to move the patient inside the hospital.

“On getting there, I noticed that my colleague, who is a registered nurse and midwife, had already offered the patient a stretcher and the man’s relatives were trying to get the patient on it. Then, I noticed that the patient and his relatives were Hausas, and the people that brought him in a car were just helpers. Immediately they dropped the patient on the stretcher, they zoomed off.

“Back inside the hospital, Dr Okolo, who had been to the emergency room, saw the patient being carried towards him. He suddenly got angry and asked why the nurse didn’t allow him to see the patient first before bringing him into the hospital. He pointed at me, blaming me for it and said I should get out of his sight, which I did immediately; only for him to get angrier and ordered the patient to be taken out of the hospital as he was not ready to attend to him.”

The Ife, Osun State indigene, said the doctor instructed her to ensure the order was carried out.

Adeyera said she left for the pharmacy after asking the patient to leave the premises.

“I left for the pharmacy with the hope that the patient’s relatives will source a means of leaving, only for the doctor to come in a few minutes later and dragged me into his office.

“I was shocked and tried to remove my hands from his hold; but he was too fierce.

“In his office, he told me to get down on my knees (kneel down) to which I declined as it was against the ethics of my profession to do that in uniform. He gave me the first hard slap and repeated his order; I refused and called my colleague for help.

“I tried to get out of his office, but he dragged me back and reached for his belt and started flogging me until the security men and my colleague came and tried to hold him. He said I was rude and he was not my age-mate.

“I tried explaining to the security men what had happened, but he did not allow me to speak out. He reached for the sphygmomanometer and was about using it to hit my head when the security men took it from his hand and another round of slaps on my cheeks followed. This time around, I fell on the floor and he started punching me,” she added.

The nurse, said she reported the case to the police at the Elemoro division, adding that she was treated at the Epe General Hospital.

She said Okolo had yet to report at the hospital since she reported to the police.

Our correspondent gathered that the police dropped an invitation letter for the doctor at the hospital.

Okolo, when contacted on the telephone, declined comment.

“I cannot speak right now; I am with my lawyers,” he said.

He ignored subsequent calls to the telephone line and did not respond to a text message from our correspondent.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Chike Oti, said the police were looking for the suspect.

He said, “The case was reported and we are investigating. Efforts are on to arrest and interrogate the doctor.”

The Assistant Director, Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Iboma Godswill, said the agency would look into the case.
















































































Rainbowgist

Nigeria vs Iceland: We haven’t lost hope – Mikel

Nigeria captain Mikel Obi says the Super Eagles are focussed on reaching the second round of the 2018 World Cup despite their poor start to their campaign in Russia.

The Eagles lost 2-0 to Croatia in their opening group fixture in Kaliningrad on Saturday and they have been under intense criticisms from their fans.

Nigeria have a chance to keep their World Cup hopes alive  by beating World Cup debutants Iceland at the Volgograd Arena on Friday, and Mikel insists they will  be all over the field firing on all cylinders against  their fierce Nordic opponents, who held superstar  Lionel Messi’s  Argentina to a 1-1 draw at  Spartak Stadium in Moscow on Saturday.

“We are focussed; we have not given up hope in spite of the disappointment of the loss to Croatia,” the veteran midfielder told reporters at Nigeria’s training base in Essentuki on Wednesday .

“We are training hard to make it out of the group, and hopefully things will work out for us on Friday.”

The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner insists he is comfortable playing in the advanced midfield role, after his former manager Jose Mourinho  said his  best position is  a holding midfield role.

 The China-based player, “I worked with Mourinho for a long time and he knows me very well.

“I have played in this advanced role for close to two years now and people never complained until we lost this game.

“I understand the feelings of everyone because of the result and how we played.Personally, I am ready to play anywhere the coach wants me to play.

“I’m comfortable with any of the roles, whether in a more offensive or defensive role. The most important thing is the team.”

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said he is not under pressure ahead of the match.

The 64-year-old German said, “The pressure I feel now is the same as I have always felt.”




















































































Rainbowgist

I’ve proved doubters wrong – Peter Okoye

Peter Okoye of the former Psquare fame has said that he loves the fact that he has moved on with his career after the break-up controversy.

Mr P, as he now prefers to be called, was a recent guest on Hot 93.3 FM, on a show hosted by Sensei Uche and Misi. He spoke about his new single, ‘Ebeano‘, the possibility of a P-Square reunion and more.

Peter said he was enjoying every bit of his career after breaking up with his brother, Paul.

 He said, “I left a Psquare who has almost a million subscribers on Youtube to start my own and I wasn’t afraid to start afresh. I know there’s something good out there, but I’ve moved on, and I love it, I love the energy.

 “When people come to my show expecting to see Psquare, I ask myself: Am I giving them the same energy? The answer is ‘Yes, I am’. Most people that doubted me because of what has been said out there had all been proved wrong. I’m a multi-instrumentalist. I produce songs but I don’t want to brag about it. I’m a studio engineer as well, I also direct music videos but I don’t brag about these things. It is not about the money. I’m enjoying myself doing what I’m doing.”



















































































































Rainbowgist

OAU sacks Prof over sex-for-mark scandal

The Governing Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, has dismissed Prof. Richard Akindele, who was accused of demanding sex to upgrade the mark of a female postgraduate student, Monica Osagie.

Osagie was a postgraduate student in the Department of Management and Accounting and was said to have completed her programme in 2018.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, announced the verdict of the council at a press conference at the university on Wednesday.

The council, led by its Chairman, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, had held a meeting earlier in the day and approved the sacking of the professor.

The Senate of the university had on June 14 claimed it had established that the prof had an inappropriate relationship with the student and compromised his position as a teacher and an examiner by demanding to have sex with the student to upgrade her scores.

The vice-chancellor said the Senate, as well as the Governing Council, found the lecturer liable of all the allegations levelled against him and subsequently ordered his sacking.

Ogunbodede said, “Professor Akindele had an inappropriate relationship with his student, Miss Osagie. This was established through their conversation in an audio recording; his reply to the query; oral evidence and the printed WhatsApp conversation tendered before the committee.

“He had acted in a manner that is seen to have compromised his position as a teacher and examiner, in that his conversation with Miss Osagie was about examination scores and inducement of favour for the alteration of examination scores.

“He offered to change Miss Osagie’s purported 33 per cent result to a pass mark in consideration for sexual favours; this was established in the audio recording which he admitted.”

He stated that the prof’s claim that Miss Osagie knew she had passed with a score of 45 but was seeking to score an A, which led to him being sexually harassed by Miss Osagie was not supported by any evidence.

He added, “Professor Akindele’s action in requesting for sexual favours from Miss Osagie to change her examination scores was scandalous behaviour that has brought ridicule to the name of the university and has tarnished the reputation of the university as it portrays the university as an institution where its teachers and examiners trade marks for sexual favours.

“From the evidence, Miss Osagie had no idea that she scored 45, a pass mark as later claimed by Professor Akindele, although she later found out she did not fail the course.

“Professor Akindele operated in a position of power and authority over Miss Osagie and as such sexually harassed her. Professor Akindele was liable for all the allegations of misconduct levelled against him.”

He concluded, “Accordingly, the Senate recommends that Professor Richard Akindele, having been found liable on all allegations against him, should be dismissed from the services of the university.

“The council, at its meeting of today, Wednesday, 20th of June, 2018, having considered the recommendation of the Senate, as well as the report of the Joint Committee of Council and Senate, decided that Professor Richard I. Akindele should be dismissed from the services of the university for gross misconduct.”

Asked if the university would press for the prosecution of Akindele, the vice-chancellor said the university had meted out the maximum penalty to the lecturer and as such was not considering prosecution because it was not within its power to prosecute.

Ogunbodede said the OAU had a zero-tolerance for sexual harassment and would not even think of covering up such behaviour.

























































































































Rainbowgist

Five things you can use as bank collateral

When people cannot qualify for an unsecured personal loan, they opt for a secured loan. Sometimes it is more beneficial to choose a secured loan. That way, you can easily get approved when trying to take out a loan. Since you do not have any collateral as a guarantee that you will pay back the loan.

Secured loans are also called collateral loans as they are backed by the borrower’s asset. This asset acts as a collateral that the lender can take from you when you can no longer pay for your loan. So, what can you actually use as a collateral for a secured loan plan?

Here are some assets you may have that can be accepted as a collateral:

A house: If you own a property, then you are good to go. A home or a real estate property is one of the most common assets used as collateral by people. For instance, mortgages are used as loans secured by the property. That is why a lender can take possession of a mortgaged property whose owner has defaulted on a mortgage. But the mortgage is not the only secured loan that people can use as a collateral – home equity loan is a type of personal loan secured by the home’s equity.

A car: A car is another usual type of secured loan collateral. About every car loans that are used to purchase a car are secured by the vehicle’s value. But if you own a car, vehicle, or even a boat, you can use that as a collateral for a secured cash loan.

A savings account: If you are an existing customer at a bank you want to loan a cash with, the bank may offer you a savings-secured or certificate-secured loan. This allows you to keep your liquid cash in a deposit account, usually a savings account or certificate of deposit, while also getting out a cash to fund something you need. The best thing about this loan is that borrowers can frequently get interest in their deposits, while using it as a collateral for a secured loan.

Investments: Investments and stocks are also assets that can be used as a collateral. Investments that are used as loans are often called securities-based loans or stock-based loans. These are often offered by private banks (especially if you have investments in this company) or brokerages. These are the same with other collateral loans. The debtor’s investments or stock holdings are used as collateral against the loan. Most of the time, the bank will extend credit up to the full amount of the investment’s value.

Future paycheques: I bet you didn’t know you can use your future income to secure a cash advance loan. This means that you can borrow money in advance, but you have to pay it back as soon as possible when you get your paycheque. This is also different from payday loans as it costs higher APRs, and is actually more costly to borrow.

When getting a secured loan make sure to prepare for the right collateral needed by your chosen bank company. It is either you make it or break it, that is why you have to keep in mind the acceptable asset that can be used as a collateral by different banks.

Taking out a cash loan can be a financial rescue or put you on a debt. Make smart decisions.

Why collateral is important

When you are ready to apply for a loan, the lender likes to know that you have a little skin in the game. By having something at stake besides the retention of the item you borrow money to buy, you not only give the financial institution assurance of your willingness to pay back a loan, but you also help minimise the lender’s risk by providing something of value to back the loan.

Collateral is an item of value that you own and pledge to back a loan that you take. If you should default on the loan, the lender can then take ownership of the collateral in order to offset its losses, according to www.northshorebank.com.

When you put something up for collateral, it must have a value in an amount that is comparable to the amount of your loan. In other words, if you are taking out a loan for N110,000, collateral worth N1,000 will not be very convincing to a financial institution. In addition to value, there must be sufficient equity in the item that you pledge. If you owe money to another lender on the item you pledge as collateral, then it may not be accepted, because it is not technically yours to promise in the event of non-payment.

When buying a home, the collateral is generally the underlying property and its equity. When you make a down payment of at least 20 per cent, you create equity immediately that works to offset the lender’s risk. And each month you make a payment, you pay a little bit of the principal back and create even more equity. If you are unable to make a down payment, you may instead be asked to pay for private mortgage insurance, which offsets the lender’s risk in a different manner.

How collateral helps you

Collateral covers a multitude of sins. If you have a low credit score, you might normally be declined a loan, but with collateral, your lender might be more likely to take that risk because the lender can take ownership of the asset pledged and thus reduce the risk it takes on by loaning to you.







































































































Rainbowgist

Prophet demands N750,000 to pray for Super Eagles so they can win World Cup

While speaking during a live television interview, a Benin, Edo State-based cleric identified as Prophet Tommy Yisa Aika, predicted that Nigeria will be the first in Africa to lift the World Cup.

The man of God went further to demand that Nigerians should pay him N750,000 to pray for the Super Eagles to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He said that God is interested in Nigeria’s Super Eagles conquering the world at the Russia 2018 World Cup “but because we have disobeyed God as a result of our nonchalance towards His directive that we should not engage a Whiteman to lead our team we may lose this golden opportunity which may not come to us again for another sixty years.”

To appease God, Prophet Aika volunteered to intervene with his over 60 prayer warriors, who are already on standby, to undertake ceaseless prayer sessions “so that what has been destroyed can be readjusted to grant the Super Eagles divine favour all through the tournament.”

He is asking for the sum of N750,000 for the prayers which will bring the Super Eagles victory.

He said: “What I need is a token N750,000 (seven hundred and fifty thousand naira) to get some spiritual materials and also to give my prayer warriors as honourarium.

“This (none inclusion of a Whiteman in the Super Eagles team) has been the message that I have been passing to our Football authorities in the last couple of years but which has always been disregarded. Those who know me can attest to this.”













































































































































Rainbowgist

Eagles hold crisis meeting …as Rohr plans changes

The Super Eagles held a crisis  meeting behind under-fire  Nigeria coach  Gernot Rohr on Monday night as  they try to  turn things around their precarious position at the Russia 2018 World Cup ahead of their next fixture against Iceland on Friday.

Nigeria are  in grave danger of an early World Cup exit after opening their campaign in the tournament with a  2-0 defeat to Croatia in Kaliningrad on Saturday. The three-time African champions must win the clash  at  Volgograd Arena to keep alive their hopes of advancing to the second round of the championship.

A below-par Croat side fired by La Liga stars Lukas Modric and Ivan Rakitc ran out winners after an analogue Nigerian team failed to deal with dead ball situations.

New Stoke City midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo, who was the shining light in the hapless Rohr’s side, inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, while William Troost-Ekong gave away a needless penalty converted by the Man-of-Match Real Madrid midfielder Modric.

Our correspondent learnt that the players were not happy with Rohr’s team approach to the encounter in which China-based forward Odion Ighalo was isolated, Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses rendered a mediocrity showing and young Arsenal attacker Alex Iwobi was anonymous until he was substituted.

Camp sources told our correspondent on Tuesday that the seething players allegedly held a meeting where they  resolved to give their all against the  fearless Nordic side who made  Argentina superstar Lionel Messi look ordinary in their 1-1 draw  at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on Saturday.

“The players reviewed their performances in the match against Croatia and resolved to hold talks with the coach before the game,” the source said.

The source also claimed that captain Mikel Obi  has come under pressure from his colleagues to persuade Rohr  to  feature players in their natural positions and also to play two strikers upfront.

Meanwhile, Israel-based John Ogucould land a starting role with Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi dropping to the bench.

Ndidi, whose fitness has a question mark,   emerged as  one of the flops against  Croatia, a tie  in which Etebo was a revelation.

It was also learnt that Rohr wants players who can match the combative and athletic Iceland side, with  players of an  average 1.90m in height.

It was also learnt that the former Gabon manager could retain striker Odion Ighalo in his line-up and hand  Ahmed Musa a starting role  as he seeks to break down Iceland’s.





































































Rainbowgist

First Bank to help 10,000 visually impaired Nigerians

First Bank of Nigeria Limited on Tuesday unveiled plans to deepen its intervention in the health sector with the empowerment of 10,000 visually impaired Nigerians.

The 10,000 visually impaired low-income Nigerians, according to the bank, will be provided with free pairs of eye glasses.

The glasses are to be distributed to them within a period of two years.

Speaking in Abuja during the launch of a partnership with Vision Spring, the firm that will supply the glasses, the Executive Director, Public Sector, First Bank Nigeria, Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim, said the initiative was in line with the Corporate Social Responsibility objective of the lender.

He said under the partnership, the bank would provide the financial support for the company to provide 10,000 pairs of glasses to Nigerians who were earning less than $4 per day.

Ibrahim explained that the partnership was designed to advance social impact by providing vision screening as well as eye glasses for low-income earners.

Ibrahim expressed confidence that a committed, well-funded and well-implemented programme for the visually impaired would enhance the goal of the bank in promoting quality education, good health and welfare for the stakeholders.

He said, “The First Bank and Vision Spring partnership launch is one of the key activities of the bank’s 2018 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week.

“In partnering Vision Spring by providing eye glasses for the bank’s stakeholders with impaired vision such as customers, local community members and students where the bank operates, the bank will be advancing social and economic impact.”

Ibrahim added, “With good vision, the beneficiaries can work and earn, they can also acquire knowledge. Good vision can equally enable beneficiaries to stay safe as they go about their day to day activities.

“Our goal is to empower 10,000 people in two years by providing screening and discounted eye glasses. We are beginning with 2,000 people and will scale up subsequently.”

Apart from empowering the visually impaired, Ibrahim explained that the bank had designed programmes for small and medium enterprises to thrive and develop the national economy.





















































































































































































Rainbowgist

Daddy Freeze’s message to Chimamanda causes controversy

Popular On-Air Personality, Daddy Freeze, has again ignited a discourse following  celebrated writer, Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie’s  take on chivalry and feminism.

The OAP generated mixed reactions after he wrote an open letter to Chimamanda following her recent comments on chivalry.

He downplayed her feminist ideologies, stating that the female gender had the innate belief that men must bear the greater weight of a physical burden.

Freeze backed his allegation by sighting an incident he witnessed some days ago. He said, “Dear Chimamanda, yesterday, while driving home from our online church service held on the radio, I saw a broken down ‘Danfo’ bus. All the women remained on the bus, while the men assisted the conductor in pushing the bus, as the driver tried his best to jump-start it.”

Freeze,  however, said wisdom was important when tampering with the innate characteristics of both genders, to avoid stirring up unwanted consequences.

“The other day you spoke of chivalry in a cute way, although your understanding of the word seemed questionable, your motives were nonetheless benign,” he said.

In an interview with Trevor Noah on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show Tonight, Chinmamanda had said, “I think gestures like holding the door shouldn’t be gendered. I think it’s lovely to hold the door but we should hold the door for everyone like I hold the door for everyone both men and women. So, I think the idea of holding the door for a woman because she’s a woman. I have a problem with it.”

She stressed that her issue with chivalry was how people made women look weak and in need of protection, adding that women and children were not meant to be classified in the dame group.

However, Freeze’s position sparked mixed reactions amongst the male and female folk in Nigeria .

While a number of women on several blogs and social media are undecided on his view, the males  are.

While one of the commentators cautioned Chimamanda on what he saw as extreme feminism,  another said, “I can never understand why everyone seems to misunderstand Chimamanda. Listen to what she said! She says that she herself likes the idea of chivalry and likes it when men open the door for her but she hopes they are opening the door not because they think she’s weak but because they are polite and ultimately we should all be opening door for one another regardless of gender.”

For Ibitox, Chimamanda has a lot to learn from Freeze’s views. He said, “I must give you kudos for this brilliant and well articulated write-up. I hope and pray the lady in question gets to see this and probably meet you for some good lectures about humanity in general.”





















































































Rainbowgist