NIGERIA WILL REMAINS UNITED…

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, says Nigerians who preach unity will overcome those calling for secession.

Symington said this in a speech at an event held in commemoration of the 241st anniversary of American independence in Abuja on Thursday.



The US envoy said his country and Nigeria shared many similarities, most notably, diversity.

He said the first American President, George Washington, had warned that those who seek to weaken a country would always seek to start by causing disunity.

Symington said, just like America, Nigeria would remain a united country because of its determined people and leaders.

He said, “Every time we have been challenged, we overcame danger because we had visionary leaders committed to union and citizens committed to ensuring justice for all.

“Today, Nigeria is fortunate to have such leaders and citizens. Together, they are dedicated to keeping Nigeria united and just and to ensuring every Nigerian is heard and taken into account and treated fairly.

“Together, those Nigerians will overpower any call to divide this nation.


United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington
“Thanks to them, thanks to you, the lamp of unity and justice burns brightly both in our nations tonight. And the sight of a united Nigeria’s light lifts Africa and with it, the world.”

The US envoy said Nigeria’s diversity is an inspiration to many countries.

He said that, just like the US, Nigeria’s plurality was a source of strength.

Symington added, “Wherever I meet a Nigerian, I ask ‘What do you like the most about your country?’ I like our diversity, our resilience, our energy, our warmth, our spirit, our food.’

“Just like the United States, Nigeria is a wonderfully diverse nation whose differences and diversity are sources of strength and reason for pride

BAILEYS BAKEFEST 2017

Funke Akindele, Waje, Alex Ekubo and Mai Atafo  are among those  competing in the Baileys Bakefest taking place on the 26th of June, 2017 at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos. 

dFunke on black- lemon outfit 

According to the organiser, the pairing will commence with Funke Akindele and Olusegun Adeyemi make up the first pair. Oluwayemisi Ariyo and Waje make up the second pair, while Tolu Samaiye and Alex Ekubo followed. Fimisade Osiyemi and Mai Atafo completed the fourth pair.

Bailey ‘s Brand Manager, Ufuoma Udjoh said that “This is only a tip of the iceberg, our aim is to demonstrate how indulgence can be enjoyed in more ways than one. The Bakefest is going to titillate your taste buds and leave you craving more”. 

The Baileys Bakefest is aimed at showcasing the different ways Baileys can be enjoyed in delicious treats such as cakes and cocktails. It also seeks to spread the warmth & unapologetic pleasure the brand stands for while suggesting the need to seize the day and be unafraid to live in the moment.

The event is proudly supported by Beko, Nestle, Smile, Uber, BellaNaija, Accelerate TV, Her Network and Eat. Drink. Lagos.

CHELSEA WANTS RONALDO

CHELSEA have sensationally entered the race to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, in the hope it helps keep Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.

The Real Madrid superstar stunned world football this week when  he announced that he would be out of  Bernabeu after being accused of tax evasion.

It is believed Ronaldo, 32, has his heart set on a Manchester United return – with Madrid willing to do business for a fee of £175million.

But Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to stump up to land the Portuguese star – if that is what it takes to secure Conte’s future in west London.

The Blues boss is stalling over contract negotiations due the champions’ lack of activity in the transfer market.

And it is claimed Abramovich hopes launching a bid for Ronaldo will show Conte he is serious about making big-name signings.

Chelsea could even use Eden Hazard – a player hugely admired at the Bernabeu – as bait to help steal a deal.

Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane is desperate to keep Ronaldo and Marca reported that he personally phoned the attacker to beg him to stay put.

But Ronaldo will not be short of offers, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain monitoring things, alongside the bottomless pit of cash that is the Chinese Super League.

    

PDP CRISIS WILL SOON COME TO AN END…

Ali Modu Sheriff at an event 

Factional PDP national chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, is optimistic the crisis rocking the party will soon be over

Sheriff said that he, like the PDP governors will accept whatever verdict the Supreme Court gave on the leadership battle in the party

He also claimed nobody will be punished for whatever group they support in the ongoing tussle in the party

The leadership tussle in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is likely to come to an end soon as both warring parties have decided to accept the Supreme Court ruling.

Factional party chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff spoke on Monday, June 19, ahead of the anticipated Supreme court ruling

NEW MEDIA CONFERENCE 2017 AD

GLO MEGA MUSIC TOUR

Over five thousand fun seekers yesterday stom the Glo mega music tour which took place at Eko hotel in Lagos. 

According to Glo the largest telecommunications network in Nigeria explained that the nation wide event is to give back to thier customers and to express their gratitude for their patronage. 

The Event which showcase Nigerians best up coming talents also paraded celebrities from nollyhood and lacream de la cream in the music community as been rated best and the largest music concert in the country. 

Artistes on the list of the tour includes,  Reekado Bank, Phyno , P-Square, Runtown, Timaya, 2face,Korede Bello, Omawunmi, Flavour, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Di’ja, Kiss Daniel to mention but few. 

The Event  was  anchored by the  Nigerian finest nollyhood stars, Mercy Johnson, Juliet Ibrahim, and Joselyn Dumas. 

NIJ STUDENTS BEGIN EXAMINATION

The second semester examination of the Nigerian  Institute of Journalism has begin without any complaints so far 

Speaking with Thickpeople, the provost of the institution, Gbemiga Ogunleye explained that the examination is not do or die issue, it is an academic exercise to determine the understanding and knowledge of the students on the course of their studies . 

He urged the students not to indulge in any malpractice, ” just do you best and not be involved in anything that will damage your name”he said

The provost also use this opportunity to call on government to intervene in the crises  looming in other institutions in other to prevent a national strike.

Also responding to this, the Deputy provost, Jide Johnson, stated that since inception, examination exercises in NIJ as alway being peaceful, because of the school proactive measures adopted. ‘we were student ones, so we no what they can and what they cannot, examine is not do or die affair, it is an exercise the students they will go through for them to be able to obtain a certificate’ I wish all them the best, he added.

Speaking with our reporter on the conduct of the lecturers towards the students, an HND students, James oluwaseun, explained that some of the students were not allowed to seat for examination because they were unable to complete their school fees, he pleaded on their behalf, that the school authority should tamper justice with mercy, at least the students should be allowed, but their results can be held on until the  affected students complet thier payments.

Another student who spoke to to Thickpeople commended the school authority on the way the examination is being conducted, we were told the rules of engagement, and every where in the school premises are notice on examination malpractice.

So far the issue of examination malpractice have not been recorded as, the examination enter its 6th day, today.

According to the school authority, a thousand and two students are seating for the exam, including, ND, HND, and  PGD, and part time students .

By Rotimi Ogidan

MESSI TO END CAREER IN BARCELONA

FC Barcelona’s Argentina forward, Lionel Messi says he will like to remain with the club for the remainder of his career.

He said this, when he was speaking with journalists recently in Spain. 

According to him  “It’s what I have always dreamt of and what I always wanted,”. 

Messi joined FC Barcelona at the age of 13 and made his first team debut at 17.He has since scored more than 500 goals for the club.

The Argentine has won the La Liga eight times with Barca, the UEFA Champions League four times and Ballon d’Or world player of the year title five times.

Last season under coach Luis Enrique, FC Barcelona were second in La Liga, three points behind champions Real Madrid.

They lost 0-3 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals to eventual beaten finalists Juventus.

Enrique had announced in March that he would leave the club in the summer after three years in charge.

His final match saw Barca capture the Copa del Rey trophy, with Messi scoring the opening goal as they beat Alaves 3-0 to win the competition for a third successive season.

The 29year old football player, was runner-up to Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or earlier this year

IMPLIMENT NIGERIA’S TOBACCO LAW

The Initiative for Public Policy Analysis(IPPA),a Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) on Monday called on the Federal Government to enforce its laws on tobacco production, marketing and consumption.

IPPA’sExecutiveDirector,Thompson Ayodele, who made the call in a statement in Abuja, said it was wrong to blame industry players for the non-implementation of the tobacco law.

He recalled that Nigeria recently celebrated the 2017 World No Tobacco Day with the theme “Tobacco-A Threat to Development.”

Ayodele said that Nigeria had made a substantial progress with the enactment and passage of National Tobacco Control Act, NTCA, (2015).“ This Act is a customised version of the 2005 WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which is aimed at addressing the perceived concerns relating to production and marketing of tobacco products.

The director explained that “The passage and signing of the NTCA presents a far-reaching step to ensure a balanced and fair way to address whatever concerns remain in the production and sales of tobacco products in Nigeria. “ It is ironic that rather than liaising with the appropriate organ of government to understand the non-implementation of NTCA, anti-tobacco groups are now blaming the same industry for its non-implementation.’’he said 

Ayodele said that top three killer diseases-Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Diarrhoea showed no direct or near correlation with the consumption of the tobacco products.

He further explained  that the credibility of data released on the number of people who would supposedly be affected by smoking in the year 2025 was questionable.“Of course the health concerns of Nigerians should not be treated with a kid-glove; every responsible government will want its population to be healthy.“However, banning a legal product has its unintended consequences because people will explore other avenues to get the same products no matter how illegal.

According to him, this will pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s development not just in terms of loss of revenue that legitimate businesses pay; the activities of smugglers could further exacerbate the complex security challenge in Nigeria.“We are all living witnesses to when a ban was placed on the importation of rice which lead to the increase in smugglers’ activities. 

Ayodele advised that Nigeria, as a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, should ensure that local laws that were consistent with WHO framework were enforced.

By Rotimi Ogidan

NIJ LECTURERS BAG PhD

Two lecturers of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism are among the students who were awarded various degrees in their field of studies at the convocation ceremony of Babcock university which took place recently at Ilisan, in Ogun state. 
The lecturers who  are, the Deputy provost, NIJ, Jide Johnson and Deputy Editor, Voice of Nigeria(VON) , Qasim Akinreti both were awarded doctorate degrees in communication.

Speaking with  Thickpeople, Jide Johnson said that, he’s happy and give glory to almighty God for seeing him through the academic years while at the school.

He added that life is about journey, ones you started the journey don’t look back but be focused and pray, in no time you will see that you will end well.

Johnson advised that the up coming students should be focused and discipline.

Also speaking to our reporter, Qasim Akinreti, also gave  glory to almighty God for time well spent during the course of his study at the school.

According to him, ‘it was not easy, it was a dream come through, ones again I thank God almighty for me to see today, and receiving this award’

Akinreti advised that education should be taken serious by government and stakeholders, education is the key, it is the foundation of any meaningful development. investment in education is an act of patriotism,he added.

The school graduated over a thousand students from versions department.

By-Rotimi Ogidan