Friday, November 13, 2009

Former First Lady Maryam Babangida dying of cancer


Nigeria's former First Lady Maryam Babangida is dying of ovarian cancer at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Her conditioned is said to have worsened about six months ago after the former First Lady attended the wedding of the daughter of President Umaru Yar'Adua.


According to Saharareporters, Former President Ibrahim Babangida was granted a US visa on compassionate grounds to be with his wife in Los Angeles, as her cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and she might only have days left.


Related stories: Former First Lady Maryam Babangida passes on at 61


Doctor jailed for the death of former first lady Stella Obasanjo


Forensics show that Stella Obasanjo's death was avoidable



Thursday, November 12, 2009

Michael Jackson's This is it premiere in Nigeria



Michael Jackson's This is it premiered at Silverbird Cinemas in Lagos, Nigeria to a warm reception. The documentary chronicles the late king of pop rehearsals for his last concert performance hours before his untimely death.


Related stories: R Kelly pays tribute to Michael Jackson in his performance in Lagos, Nigeria


Bootleg discs of Michael Jackson's memorial go on sale in Nigeria


Marlon Jackson visits Nigeria




Nigeria join forces with Germany to combat drug trafficking

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is teaming up with the German government to combat illegal drug trafficking in Nigeria through the exchange of intelligence information, training, and supply of drug detecting equipments for airports in Nigeria.


The announcement was made on Tuesday at the office of the anti-narcotics agency in Murtala Muhammed International Airport by the Vice President of the German Federal Criminal Investigation Office, Professor Juergen Stock.


"We are in Nigeria to pay a working visit, which is aimed at exchange of information, intelligence gathering, training programmes and other areas where we could learn how to pull down intimidation drug cartels that dominate the illicit business between Europe, Asia , South America and Africa.


We are doing this because we belive no country could do it all alone. Only global collaboration through networking could address the drug challenge. That is why we continue to forge stronger and closer ties through a multi lateral approach with our partners, for which Nigeria stands out in West Africa.


We are convinced that stronger partnerships, expertise as well as technology will assist law enforcement agencies in tracking criminal activities," he said.


The Director-General of NDLEA, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho had this to add. "The visit by the German delegation will not only boost our relationship for better understanding but will motivate both countries for greater results in the areas of mutual interests such as crime control and prevention".


Daily Champion


Nigeria and Britain join forces in combating drug trafficking


CNN's video report on the illegal drug trade in Nigeria




Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Football player gets 40 lashes for drinking alcohol in Sudan


20-year old Nigerian football player Stephen Worgu who plays his club football in Sudan was found guilty on Tuesday of drinking alcohol and driving under the influence. He's been sentenced to receive 40 lashes and pay a fine of 50 Sudanese pounds ($20) for drinking alcohol and 200 Sudanese pounds ($80) for driving under the influence.


Stephen Worgu has been finding it difficult to adapt to the Sudanese lifestyle since his move in 2008. Here are some statements he made to the BBC in April:


"I am finding it hard to adapt (in Sudan). It?s a different culture, different religion, different language, everything,"


"They have this Sharia law, and it's really affecting me also, because you don't feel free to do the things you need to do."


Sahara


Related stories: Nigerian fraudsters targeting football youth


Globacom strikes five-year sponsorship deal with Manchester United




Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Anderson Cooper reports on Uwem Akpan


Anderson Cooper reports on Nigerian bestselling author Uwem Akpan.



Related stories: Oprah Winfrey picks Nigerian author Uwem Akpan's "Say You're One of Them" for book club


Nigerian Legend Wole Soyinka on Democracy