Boko Haram refugees in Niger find safety, but lack aid

Refugees in the southeastern region of Niger say they no longer fear Boko Haram, but their problems are far from over.

Diffa, Niger - As Nigerian forces have progressed against Boko Haram, the cornered terror group has been carrying out more attacks in neighbouring countries. In Niger's Diffa region on the northeastern border of Nigeria, more than 280,000 people have been displaced. 

Most of the displaced, do not live in refugee camps, but in ramshackle settlements next to a national highway. The situation continues to deteriorate and new families arrive on a daily basis, fleeing violence and hunger in the Lake Chad Basin. Humanitarian aid organisations struggle to reach everyone in need of assistance.

Only a few years ago, Diffa was mainly known as a trade region. Bordering Lake Chad and blessed with a relative fertile ground in this semi-desert environment. Fish and agricultural products such as millet, pepper and maize were widely available at local markets.

Since February 2015 however, the deadly Boko Haram incursions have drastically changed the lives of local residents.

The strict curfew, closing of markets and the suspension of trade has led to an economic downturn, resulting in a humanitarian crisis.

According to the United Nations, the people of Diffa are arguably the poorest on earth, living in the least developed region in the least developed country of the world. Meanwhile, one refugee for every four residents has arrived in their communities as a result of the conflict.

Perilous life along the road

Driving on the national highway towards Diffa town, beside the perilous border with Nigeria, dozens of makeshift camps appear along the tarmac road. The apparent safe haven for refugees is relative. Scores of suicide bombings by Boko Haram infiltrators on this route have left people on edge.

But, as most of the displaced are farmers and herders who remain strongly attached to their soil, they feel that moving further away from the volatile border area, towards existing refugee camps about 50 kilometres up north, is out of the question.

Many of them still return to visit their farmlands even in high-risk areas, because with the absence of ownership registration, they fear others might seize their property if it is not maintained.

"Next to this road we have direct access to information, food and services. We all believe that eventually we will be able to return safely, and moving away from our land would mean losing it," explains Amadou, a Nigerien herder.

Some of the displaced received basic tents from humanitarian actors, but the vast majority built improvised shacks with whatever materials they could find: straw, tarpaulins or wooden twigs. Some of the recent arrivals still live in the open.

Village chief Andre laments the shortage in resources in Assaga settlement. "We are not able to produce our own supplies, and what we receive from food distribution is barely enough: only 12kg of cereal per family per month. Many live on one meal a day."

Hawa, a young mother of five children, says she is struggling every morning to find enough food for her family. "There is some foodstuff at local markets, but we have no money to buy it. I'm no longer able to produce milk to breastfeed my infant due to lack of nourishment."

Of the 20 million people living in the Lake Chad Basin, a region stretched over Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroun, at least 9.2 million are in urgent need of life-saving assistance and more than five million people are severely food insecure [PDF]. At least four million people have no access to aid, say humanitarian organisations.

According to UNICEF, an estimated 475,000 children across Lake Chad will suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year. In the northeast of Nigeria, where Boko Haram has been seeking to carve out a hardline Islamist state since 2009, the military confirmed that three to four people a day are dying due to malnutrition. However, humanitarian organisations say this figure is probably much higher as many areas remain unreachable.

Lives in limbo

Attacks in Niger are usually directed towards military targets, but often they are accompanied by plundering of food supplies. 

In June 2016, one of the deadliest assaults was carried out in Bosso town. Thirty-two soldiers were killed, while around 70,000 people were displaced. Many of the residents had already been evacuated a year earlier from islands on Lake Chad.

Ibrahim, a 45-year-old Nigerian, owned a small shop in Bosso. As he prepared for morning prayers one day, explosions and screaming reverberated through the village. He managed to escape with his two wives and nine children, after which they had to walk four days to find aid.

"We arrived with nothing. Not even a piece of soap. All we can do now is wait. Hope for safety to return so we can head back to our village and lands," Ibrahim said.

Following the onslaught in Bosso, Chad sent troops to Niger to help the West African joint task force to wage a counterattack against Boko Haram, while the government of Niger has extended a state of emergency until October 2016. 

A crisis for children

With a median age of under 15, Niger has the world's youngest population. This is decidedly visible in the populations of refugees and displaced, about 55 percent of whom are children. 

More than 150,000 boys and girls barely have access to education because of limited schooling in the nearby villages, which are already overcrowded, and because of closures of many schools in insecure border areas, according to UNHCR.

In the makeshift encampments, children loiter around while the days pass by, making them vulnerable targets for the fighting groups. Since the start of the conflict, thousands of minors have been recruited, often by force, and used to carry out attacks. Nearly one in five suicide bombers is a child.

"Providing them with a perspective for the future, with education, assistance and social services, is the best way to prevent recruitment," says Viviane Van Steirteghem, country representative for UNICEF in Niger.

Shortage of funds

Along with UNICEF, 30 other aid organisations operate in the area providing relief for the displaced, but they say they are underfunded and overstretched.

Given the scale of the crisis, UNICEF has revised funding requirements to $308m to provide life-saving assistance to families affected by Boko Haram violence across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. But the international donor community reacts slowly, as only 41 million, a mere 13 percent, has been received according to the UNICEF representative.

"We are witnessing a unique global situation, with an unseen number of high-scale, long-lasting conflicts. Never before were so many people forced to flee their homes. With everything that's going on, there is a lack of attention of what the people around Lake Chad have to endure," Van Steirteghem explains.

Further delay in funding for emergency operations in Niger and by extension the Lake Chad Basin will contribute to a deepening of the crisis and steeper financial requirements later on.

"Additional funding is needed to develop livelihoods for people in need, so that they can become self-reliant and once again a part of the economic development in the region," says Van Steirteghem.

This reportage was realised with the support of UNICEF, Postcode Lottery Fund and the Fund BJP.

SOURCE: Aljazeera.

Recession hit Lagos night clubs as big spenders evade recreation

The manager of Rumours Nightclub, Tobi Ashiru, has complained about the slow pace of business and the near absence of big spenders at the leisure facility.

Ashiru told newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos that the lull had made most club owners to explore more creative approaches to boost their businesses.

“One of the biggest challenges for nightclub owners is not just attracting crowd, but getting the biggest spenders through the door.

“The difficulty comes though, not only from getting customers in the door, but maintaining profitable margins at the same time.

 “There is an old saying in the club business, which I’m sure, applies to most businesses, turnover is vanity, margins are sanity,’’ he said.

The manager told newsmen that payment of salaries and other expenses are being affected by the slow pace of business. “We have to worry about the health of the businesses, and managing all of our employees, while also trying to find new ways to attract the best crowds and the biggest spenders.

“With so much going on, it can be very easy for things to fall out of place or to get overlooked. “Re-invention and thinking outside the box in order to drive up falling sales is certainly the best and possibly the only way to survive in the hospitality business at the moment,’’ he said.

He told pressmen that the prevailing situation had made it mandatory for nightclub owners to continuously adopt bold and creative measures to build profit margins. “I believe that having repeat guests or regulars; can help build one’s profit margin because there is no incremental advertising or marketing expense to bring them in.

“Additionally, providing valuable word-of-mouth advertising, asking customers to sign up for online newsletter to notify clients about special upcoming events at the club. “Sending them discount coupons with each edition of the newsletter and tracking how many of these are redeemed can help profit margin.

“You can have one of the hottest venues in your city by consistently providing an exceptional guest experience,’’ Ashiru said.

SOURCE:Vanguardngr

Nigerian army retakes Boko Haram's key NE stronghold

Troops have retaken a remote northeastern town along Nigeria’s border with Niger from Boko Haram militants, a military spokesman announced Wednesday.

According to army spokesman Sani Usman, Mallam Fatori -- which was one of the last few towns still held by the militants -- was now under full control of the military.

"Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole [a local Hausa phrase that roughly means 'peace by all means necessary'] and Multinational Joint Task Force have captured Mallam Fatori in northernmost part of Borno state after a fierce battle closely covered by air operations," Usman said in a statement.

He said “several militants” had been killed during the gunbattle.

"The troops killed several of the Boko Haram terrorists in the resulting encounter and subsequently had to withdraw to a vantage position," according to the statement.

Usman's statement about liberating Mallam Fatori conflicted with the army's oft-stated claim that the Boko Haram no longer held any territory in the region. Anadolu Agency understands that militants still maintain some presence in a few places near the country's border with Niger and Chad.

The insurgency has claimed tens of thousands of lives, brought communities to ruin as well as displaced over two million people, resulting in devastating humanitarian crisis that both Nigeria and various relief agencies are battling to address.

As army liberates more towns and people trapped by the insurgents, the country is back to having new polio cases from children recently brought back from areas not hitherto accessible to vaccinators. At least three new cases have been discovered, ruining the country's march to polio-free status next year July.

SOURCE: AA.TR

Woman Bites off Officers Manhood Over Attempted Rape

A Fire Officer with the Techiman Municipality in Ghana, Eric Ansah Andoh, has had his manhood bitten after attempting to rape Ataa Takyi, a female Youth Enterprise Agency (YEA) personnel attached to the Techiman Fire Station.

Ataa had to resort to using her teeth on Andoh who is the Techiman Municipal Fire Service Commander after he allegedly attempted to forcefully have carnal knowledge of her.

Speaking on an FM Morning Show, ‘Dwaso Nsem’, Takyi said she was forced to take the action when she could not persuade Andoh from attempting to rape her.

“He struggled with me and warned me that he’s the fire commander and he always gets what he wants. So I agreed and he stripped Unclad. I played romance with him for about 3 minutes and then bit the Penis”.

He told me he is the fire officer and gets whatever he wants during the struggle. In fact, I became weak and hence told him I had agreed. I then bit the middle of his joystick hard and he shouted in pain, with blood oozing.

One time, he invited me to his office and demanded that I unbutton my shirt so he can suck my breasts,” Takyi narrated on the program.

Andoh was rushed to the Mount Olive Hospital by fire officers who were called unto the scene after the act while she went to the police station to report the case.

SOURCE:thebreakingtimes

Best Model Nigeria (Season 6): 300 Level Banking and Finance Student of Uniben, Ejiro Joy Akpokiniovo emerges winner

Ejiro Joy Akpokiniovo, winner, Best Model Nigeria, 2016. 

The event which took place on Sunday 11^th September 2016 at the Bespoke Event centre in Lagos was indeed an evening to remember as advertised by the organizer Emmanuel Okitiakpe and Augustina Okitiakpe of Modelslink International. Guests at the event were thrilled by talented artist drawn from the Music and Comedy industry in Nigeria. The anchor of the show a well known Nigeria comedian MC Abbey was on point as there was no dull moment during the three and half hour show which draw guest from all sector of the Nigerian society. 

From left – Adedamola Iyiola Cruz (Face Of The World International 2015/2016), Faith Ogechi Nwihim (Face Of The World Nigeria 2016), Ejiro Joy Akpokiniovo (Winner Best Model Nigeria 2016), Ruth Darcy (Miss Progress Nigeria 2016), Tarere Obaigbo (Best Model Nigeria 2015)

From left – Mrs. Augustina Okitiakpe (Organizer Best Model Nigeria), Mrs Gloria Dafeta (Rep of the DG SMEDAN), Jude Onwusonye (MD/CEO Goldmoore Int’l) and Dr. Austin Izagbo (CEO Caniz Group).

Some of the special guest at the event includes, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos – Professor Duro Oni, (Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Agency of Nigeria) The Director General of SMEDAN Dr, Umoru Diko Rada who was ably represented by Mrs. Gloria Dafeta, Dr. Austin Izagbo – CEO Caniz Group,  Jude Onwusonye MD/CEO Goldmoore Int’l. Judges at the event includes renowned Model - Nollywood star and  winner Best Model Africa 2010 Bryan Okwara,  Face of the World 2016 Adedamola Iyiola Cruz, Mrs. Goodness Ugbah – fashion Designer/ Beauty Queen  and Mr, Segun Oyeyemi Best Model Nigeria 2012.

The 14 contestant drown from across the country put up an outstanding performance as they took turn on the runway in their Casual, Swimwear, Traditional and their beautify made Evening wear. The Best Model Nigeria modeling contest 2016 produce Nigerians representative to the Face of the World 2017 in the United Kingdom, Miss Faith Ogechi Nwihim, Nigerians Representative to Miss Progress International taking place in Italy, Miss Ruth Darcy Otekewebia.  Other categories of awards include, 1^st Runnerup – Pamela Orizu, 2^nd Runnerup Damilola Oreoluwa Oladimeji, Face of BMN – Chioma Naomi Wariboku, Best Catwalk – Sandra Ikegwu, Best Traditional – John Lilly, Best Social – Favour Opara, Best Talent – Mary Isioma Asia, Best Photogenic – Chidima Onwuazobe, Best Creative – Chiamaka.

The climax of the evening was the crowning of the new queen of the runway which kept the audience screaming and jubilating as contest no. 14, Miss Ejiro Akpokiniovo who was also the audience choice was announced. 

The organizers Mr. & Mrs Emmanuel Okitiakpe who were full of gratitude to guest who took time to attend the occasion, artist who performed individuals and organization who supported the “Queen Edition” of Best Model Nigeria 2016 express their thanks to SAB Miller – International Breweries Limited who refreshed the audience,  Goldmoore Int’l, Daniel Omena,  Rekato Designs, Dabinchi Global Entertainment, In and Out Entertainment, Onyika Emmanuel (MC Senator), Total Beauty, Vera Onaro, G&F designs, Diovic Kitchen, Face of Ajegunle, DMZEE ATTRAKT, Digital Paymart and all the media houses and blog who covered the event.

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Health Benefits of Bitter Kola

Bitter Kola is a tree that grows in the rain forests of West Africa. The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat ailments from coughs to fever.

Basically, the nut is about 3-5 cm in length. It is ellipsoid in shape and covered with a deep brown peel which is removed before it is eaten. It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when eaten and this is the reason for its name.

The scientific name for bitter kola is Garcinia kola. It is called Orogbo in Yoruba. The Hausas call it Miji-goro, while it is called Akiilu by the Igbos. It has some major health benefits:

1. It Improves Lung Functions:   

Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) has been used for centuries to treat chest colds in traditional medicine, but research has taken a look and found out why it is effective. A study in the 2009 issue of The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine, performed on mice, reports that Garcinia kola improved respiratory function after 28 days of use of a Garcinia extract. Written by Simon Adekunle of the Ekiti State University in Nigeria, the study shows that Garcinia kola works by dilating the alveolar ducts and sacs in the lungs by improving the strength of the fibres in the lung tissue. Bitter kola’s beneficial lung properties are attributed to its high antioxidant content.

2. Anti-malarial Properties               

Considerable experimental studies discovered that the chemical constituents in bitter kola have anti-malaria properties. Also, over the years, traditional healers have recommended bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections. Researchers who reported that bitter kola had anti-malaria effect in the 2010 issue of Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, from a survey of plants used by traditional healers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, attributed this to its Quinone’s content. Furthermore, Kolaviron, the powerful chemical compound found in bitter kola, was reportedly tested on a malaria parasite and found to inhibit malarial activity.

3. Improves Male Fertility

Garcinia kola, also called bitter kola is sometimes believed to cure impotence. Frequent taking of bitter kola boosts a man’s performance in bed with a woman.

4. Reduces Eye Pressure (Glaucoma)    

An increase in eye pressure can lead to glaucoma, according to a report from The New York Times Health Guide. Researchers at Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria tested the effectiveness of eye drops that contained 0.5 percent extract of Garcinia kola. The results of their study, published in the January 2010 issue of Middle East African Journal of Opthamology, showed that the opthamolic solution that contained the Garcinia significantly reduced eye pressure when used twice a day.

5. Health Benefit for HIV    

Bitter kola is a potent antibiotic which could be efficacious in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. A researcher with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Mrs. Chinyere Nwokeke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that bitter kola could be used in treating opportunistic infections associated with HIV. “Bitter kola is highly recommended in the treatment of HIV and AIDS because of its antibacterial, detoxification, and cleansing properties”, she said. Mrs Chinyere Nwokeke also said that the chemical, Saponin, in bitter kola is responsible for its cleansing effect. Saponin is mainly used as tonic for the liver, it enhances the functions of the liver and gall bladder.

6. Remedy For Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterised by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints, according to the National Institutes of Health. Causes of osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity and aging. Since many arthritis sufferers prefer natural herbal medicines to other pain relievers and medications, researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested the effects of Garcinia kola against arthritis symptoms. The results of the study, written by Olayinka O. Adegbehingbe and published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, conclude that Garcinia kola significantly reduced inflammation and pain and increased joint movement in subjects that had osteoarthritis symptoms.

7. Cure For Cold

Bitter kola is often used to treat the symptoms of colds. It is suggested, in particular, for coughs and sneezing.

8. Commercial Benefits

Commercialisation of bitter kola brings a lot of monetary advantages. Due to its multiple benefits, bitter kola is urgently sourced for both locally and internationally, hence yielding a lot of foreign revenue. With just a little quantity in kilograms, as requested by the buyer, with good and proper packaging, one can make a lot of profit in foreign currency. One just needs to be able to get a good buyer and knowledge about the business and start reaping the benefits.

In Nigeria today, bitter kola should become an important commodity to be sourced for by every citizen for its nutritional, health and commercial benefits.

SOURCE: Leadershipng

Ambode promises to deal with sex offenders, others

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday led a walk against sexual and gender –based violence, vowing that his administration would ensure that all perpetrators of sexual crimes face the wrath of the law.

The members of the Lagos State Executive Council, members of the Sttate House of Assembly and entertainers, among others, joined in the walk, which started from the Ikeja under bridge area through Awolowo Way to the Lagos House, Alausa.

The governor, who displayed a placard with the inscription ‘Stop Rape, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse’, said men must take a stand by tackling the menace of gender-based crimes in the society.

He said, “Women are mostly the victims of sexual and gender-based violence and there is an evident trend of suppressing the voice of these victims due to the fact that these acts are perpetrated largely by men.

“We should not take for granted the effect of having emotionally and psychologically damaged women in our society, which could transcend to our children.”

Ambode said the government had initiated several programmes to assist the victims, adding that it was also pertinent to address the violent behaviour of men.

He said, “We firmly believe that the way forward is to continuously engage the men, as well as the community as a whole, to prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence.”

Ambode urged the participants in the walk to remain ambassadors in the fight against domestic and sexual violence.

“The conversation must be sustained in our workplaces, religious institutions, residential areas and the social media. If we all join hands, we can truly make Lagos uncomfortable for perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence,” he added.

The governor also commended the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, organisers of the walk, just as he said his administration would do more to ensure that the rights of the vulnerable in the state were adequately protected.
SOURCE: Punchng