Archive for December 2009
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MARYAM BABANGIDA LAID TO REST (1948-2009)
MINNA – Maryam Babangida, has been buried in Minna, Nigeria. Sypathisers led by prominent politicians and military bigwigs trooped in large numbers to the hill-top mansion of the former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, turning it into a pilgrimage site of sorts throughout yesterday.
The scene was colourful and dramatic. All the three entrances to the mansion were blocked by well-armed armed military and police personnel.
But the security men were to find that the large turn-out of sympathisers had outweighed the
measures put in place, therefore, the situation warranted other ad-hoc security measures.
A top ranking security man who spoke with The Guardian on condition of anonymity admitted that the crowd would have been more difficult to control had Maryam not been buried earlier.
Vehicles were made to park about two kilometres to the mansion, an arrangement that forced many people to embark on a long trek.
The visitors ranged from politicians, royal fathers, serving and former public office holders, top military officers (both serving and retired) to business associates of the family. Even the ordinary people were not left out.
Senate President David Mark, dressed in a white caftan, who arrived at exactly 11.20 a.m, led the serving public holders’ categories while former President Shehu Shagari, who had come at 10.25 am, led the category of former public office holders.
And shortly after another prayer was held for the deceased right inside the mansion for the repose of her soul, the visitors poured forth tributes, describing her as a model for women in Africa and beyond.
Mark said: “Her activities were giant strides that were difficult to measure because she did so much for Nigeria women. She impacted so much on the lives of all Nigerians not just the women, but the boys and girls of this country. Her Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman cut across not just the women alone but even the men and I think all Nigerians will remember her for that.”
Former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, dressed in a simple and flowing white caftan, however, would not want to make a comment but when journalists later forced him to do so, he simply declared: “We came here to pray and that is all you can do to those who died. Anything I will say have been fully covered by you journalists. We are all on transition. That is all I can say”.
To the former Information Minister and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, “Maryam’s death is a tremendous loss to both Niger State and the nation. Maryam lived a life of compassion, a life of wanting a better life for other people; she was very famous in her Better Life Programme, which she used to transform the lives of Nigerian women. We will remember her as someone who was very dedicated to excellence, dedicated to humanity, dedicated to justice, fairness and equity.”
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu spoke in these words: “Her death is not only a loss to her immediate family but to the entire nation. The nation is mourning at the moment because this is a woman who actually changed the face of the nation by creating activities like the Better Life for the Rural Woman that has actually empowered rural women. She put smiles on millions of faces, and I have no doubt in my mind that Allah will put smiles on her face by granting her Aljanat Fiddau. This is the time for all of us to reflect on the good work she did and she has left something for posterity. I will want Nigerian first ladies to emulate her humility and her concern for the less privileged in the society. I will like the Nigerian first ladies to also establish NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) that will outlive them, not NGOs that will go with them when they are out of office.”
Former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu said: “Maryam bore a symbol of patriotism and dedication to women liberation and development all over Africa. She did not use her privileged position only for her self. Rather, she did a good job of bringing liberation to women particularly to the rural folk, the market women especially. She was a very humble woman. I advise Nigerian women to continue to work hard and continue to develop her legacies. They should continue to promote her values and eliminate poverty among our women.”
House of Representatives member, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who was Maryam’s press secretary while in office as First Lady said: “She taught me so many values in life. I learnt so much from her that anywhere you are and whatever you do make life better for other people. Her better life programme is the most successful NGO anybody has ever embarked up till today. Till today, anywhere you go, you see women who tell you that Maryam made them. I will miss her counseling. I will miss her words of wisdom and her advice. Her legacies will live forever”.
In the meantime, encomiums have continued to pour in for Maryam.
Former Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd), in a statement titled: “Adieu! Icon of Better Life for Womanhood,” said: “The death of Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida represents yet another major depletion of the rank of Nigerians who used their privileged position as platform of crusade for enthronement of a better Nigeria.
“It is not life itself that matters but the end of which a life is used. By any definition, Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida lived a useful, impact-full, responsible and highly successive life. Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida, succeeded in making her name, a household name in Nigeria through the famous ‘Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman’ project.”
Diya added: “Chief Maryam Babangida was an epitome of the very best in womanhood – a virtuous and devoted wife, compassionate mother, dynamic, energetic and highly responsible woman leader. Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida radiated much vibrancy, vitality, resourcefulness and humility to a level that made her personality unforgettable.”
Dignitaries who paid their last respects included the wife of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (a former Vice-President), Chief Titi Abubakar, the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akinyuli as well as the Governors of Ogun, Kogi and Imo states.
Mrs. Abubakar described the deceased as a friend and an associate whose death came as a surprise to everyone.
“She was a very beautiful woman,” Akinyuli said.
When asked about rate at which cancer was killing Nigerians in the absence of good medical facilities, the minister noted that regular check-up was important to detect cancer early enough for it to be treated or the growth reduced.
“Luckily, the First Lady Hajia Turai Yar’Adua is building a cancer centre and I know that many NGOs across the country are doing one thing or the other about cancer. By the grace of God the future will be better for women because it is women that actually suffer more from cancer especially ovarian and breast cancer.”
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said Maryam, had already immortalised herself in the hearts of the people with her good work with the Better Life for the Rural Woman Programme.
Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State described Maryam as “a breath of fresh air” while alive but whose death was a great loss to the nation.
Oshiomhole made the assertion yesterday during a condolence visit to the former military President at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna.
According to Oshiomhole, “she brought a lot of respect to the office of the First Lady, because before her, not much was known about that office and she used that office for the promotion of the rural women.”
He added: “She reminds all of us who occupy public position to not just look at our own material comfort but to have time to reflect on the poor.
“I still can’t find any other programme that can rival her work with the Better Life for the Rural Woman. We all miss her and it is sad that she left at the time that she did, but God gives and God takes and we cannot fault God.
“Of course she had already immortalised her name by her work. Everytime you talk about rural women, you talk about the rural poor, the conditions of the forgotten majority in the rural parts of Nigeria, you can’t but remember the agenda, which Maryam put in place to address and bring to the national consciousness the condition of the rural poor people, particularly the women who are among the poorest of the poor and I think that’s what will be in the memory of Nigerians.
“Of course, future generations may not know and therefore whatever can be done to immortalise her name is something that will encourage future First Ladies to recognise that when they occupy privileged position, they should devote part of it and use their office to address the challenges facing the poor.”
But former elected civilian governor of Cross River State, Mr. Clement Ebri, called for the immortalisation of Maryam’s ideals as a house wife, first lady and founder of the Better Life Programme for Rural the Woman.
Ebri, who governed Cross River State during Babangida’s mlitary presidency expressed shock over Maryam’s death.
He condoled with her husband, children and close relations, including Nigerian women whom he said benefited from the pet project.
He also commended her role in raising political, social and cultural consciousness of women in Nigeria and for giving her husband all the support he needed while he piloted the affairs of the country as president at that difficult period.
Ebri, who spoke from the United States (U.S.), asserted that the late Mrs. Babangida developed the most comprehensive outreach programme for women in the country and tried to sustain the programme even after her husband left office.
He urged Nigerian women to pray for the repose of her soul and for God to make available to mankind more of her type. The erstwhile governor prayed God to give her husband, children and Nigerians the fortitude to bear her loss, which he described as irreparable. SOURCE – THE GUARDIAN
LOS ANGELES – According to confirmed sources, Mrs. Maryam Babangida, wife of former military president General Ibrahim Babangida, is dead. She passed on at a hospital in Carlifonia, USA. Cause of death has been reported to be Cancer.
On September 6th,1969, two months before her 21st Birthday, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (then a Major), took time off the war front to marry her. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: 2 boys, Mohammed and Aminu and two girls, Aisha and Halima. Apart from a brief stop at a career in her line of training, before and shortly after marriage, Mrs. Babangida remained a full time housewife, establishing and nurturing the home front until the youngest had fairly come of age.
Mrs. Babangida, considered to be one of the greatest women in Africa today, made that significant sacrifice in her staunch belief that the family unit is the most crucial factor in the quality of society and of mankind and that the woman is the central anchor of the unit.
By 1983, she however was again ready for an active career, beyond the confines of the home front when her husband became the Chief of Army Staff on December 31st that year. She became the President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA). It was during her twenty month presidency that her leadership qualities were first unfolded to the public as she mobilised her colleagues to embark aggressively on public spirited ventures which included building schools, clinics, women’s multipurpose training centres and child day care centres.
In that short period she hit the National limelight by transforming the image of the Association from one of redundancy and relative obscurity to a credible and action oriented body, thus winning more members and public goodwill in the process.
Excerpts from a press statement signed by Malam Ibrahim Ismaila Special Assistant to General I.B. Babangida on December 27, 2009
Maryam Babangida passes on at 61 in US
With total submission to the Will of Allah, we humbly announce the passing away of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and amiable friend Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
A statement from General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s family announced today that Maryam passed on early this morning at the age of 61, after a protracted illness.
The former chairperson of the Better Life for Rural Women during her husband’s years in office had been hospitalised at University of California Los Angele’s (UCLA) Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Los Angeles, United States.
She died beside her husband, General Babangida who has been at her bedside in the US hospital till her death. Mrs. Babangida’s condition worsened months ago.
Father of Suspected Bomber Warned Authorities Months Earlier
Reports have indicated that Dr. Umaru Mutallab had warned the United States six months ago that his son was becoming a danger. 
Dr.Umaru Mutallab is the former chairman of First Bank, current Chairman of Nigeria’s first Islamic Bank; Jaiz International Plc and father of alleged terrorist Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab who tried to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 235 over Detroit, Michigan on Christmas Day.
photos L-R; Dr. Umaru Mutallab, Dr Umaru Mutallab and Amb. Howard Jetter, Umaru Mutallab, Minister Ojo Madueke and Hubert Shaiyen. Photos by Trendy Africa
Nigeria Joins Infamous List of TW 14
Washington DC – US terror watch lists have been radically revised after a foiled attack on a US-bound jet, a White House spokesman said, as tough new airport screening measures swung into effect. No thanks to Farouk Mutallab who has dragged Nigeria’s name into the TW 14.
Officials had conducted a major review of all the lists that determine whether a person is allowed to board a US-bound flight in a foreign country, spokesman Bill Burton said.
The Terror Watch (TW) countries include Algeria, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Cuba and Nigeria.
The news came as President Barack Obama, who has denounced “systemic” intelligence failures in the Christmas Day plot, prepared to meet with US intelligence chiefs and security officials on Tuesday to review the findings of two probes into the plot.
Obama has directly linked the Al-Qaeda network, responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, to the botched bid to blow up a Northwest jet with 290 people on board on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit.
The administration has also ordered tight new security measures for passengers flying to the United States after a 23-year-old Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdul mutallab, allegedly tried to bring down the jet.
Travelers flying from or via 14 countries including Iran, Nigeria and Yemen will have to undergo mandatory enhanced screening before boarding their US-bound flights, under the new rules.
LAGOS – An atmosphere of fear and pity has descended on the banking industry following the retrenchment of 3500 staff by three banks within one week.
Oceanic Bank recently sacked over 1000 while the previous Friday Intercontinental Bank and UBA PLC sacked 1500 and 1000 respectively.
This development has occasioned an atmosphere of fear as most bankers now approach each day with trepidation not sure if that would not be the last day at work. Also bankers who were formerly the other of professionals have become the object of pity in the eyes of the public.
PMIs not granting loans for housing-NDIC
The performance of primary mortgage institutions (PMIs) in the discharge of their fundamental duty of providing of mortgage loans to Nigerians has been deemed woeful.
The review of the operations and performance of the PMIs in 2008 by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) revealed that out of the N211.156 billion loan able funds available to the PMIs in 2008, only N36.47 billion representing 17.27 percent was granted as mortgage loans, well short of the required minimum of 60 percent.
According to the NDIC 2008 Annual Report, “Available statistics revealed that the PMIs had not been meeting the expectations of Nigerians in terms of granting mortgage loans.
CBN to revoke licenses of distressed microfinance banks
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is to revoke the operating licenses of illiquid microfinance banks, MFBs, Vanguard investigations reveal. This, it was gathered, was part of the issues discussed at the recently held Committee of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria (COMBIN) meeting where the CBN told the affected institutions to brace up for the challenges ahead.
Investigation shows that a letter in respect of this directive has been sent by the apex bank to the affected institutions. The CBN in the letter mandated these MFBs to temporarily stop receiving deposits or giving out loans until they either recapitalize or merge with a stronger bank to form a strong MFB.
Fuel Scarcity: Marketers Defy FG, Sell at N100 per Litre
As fuel queues at filling stations are gradually reducing, major marketers of petroleum products are still selling a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N100, in defiant of the Federal Government’s directive that the official pump price of N65 per litre should prevail.
The Federal Government had on the eve of Christmas, directed the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to mount 24-hour surveillance on filling stations across the country, to ensure their strict compliance to official pump price.
Oceanic, Intercontinental to sack more workers
THE ongoing mass purge in banks will continue this week as many of the bank workers will not resume at their respective desks after the New Year celebrations. Nigerian Tribune gathered that despite protests by the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, labour movements and civil societies, some of the banks are set to commence the second round of lay-offs this week.
Also, some of the banks like Afribank, which had earlier decided against staff rationalisation, have suddenly changed their minds in the light of the present developments.
Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune indicated that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) eight managed banks were set to fully implement the directive of the apex bank to reduce their workforce by 30 per cent. Though the CBN governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, had denied issuing such a directive, analysts opined that non-condemnation of the sack by the apex bank since its resurgence was a clear indication of its tacit endorsement.
TERROR ATTACK
DETROIT – A Nigerian man identified as Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab who said he was an agent for al-Qaida tried to blow up a Northwest (Delta) Airlines plane Friday as it was preparing to land in Detroit, but travelers who smelled smoke and heard what sounded like firecrackers rushed to subdue him, according to passengers and federal officials. 
Flight 253 with 278 passengers and 11 crew members aboard was about 20 minutes from the airport when passengers heard popping noises, witnesses said. At least one person climbed over others and jumped on the man. Shortly afterward, the suspect was taken to the front of the plane with his pants cut off and his legs burned, a passenger said. Law enforcement officials said the burns indicated the explosive was strapped to his legs.
One U.S. intelligence official said the explosive device was a mix of powder and liquid. It failed when the passenger tried to detonate it.
Latest unconfirmed reports claim that the suspected bomber has family ties with Dr. Umaru Abdul Mutallab, former First Bank Chairman. The suspect who is currently under guard at a Detroit hospital is reported to be an engineering student at the University College, London.
source: agency reports
USA: Health Care Reform Bill Passed By Senate
WASHINGTON DC – (Message from President Obama) Although it’s Christmas Eve, I wanted to share some exciting news: The Senate just passed a historic health reform bill.
In all the back and forth, it’s easy to lose sight of what this incredible breakthrough really means. But consider this: This Christmas, there are millions of Americans without health insurance who risk losing everything if they get sick.
There are mothers and fathers who wonder how they’ll provide for their children because an illness has wiped out their savings. There are small business owners who worry that they’ll have to lay off a long-time employee because the cost of insurance is rapidly rising.
If we finish the job, all this can change. We will have beaten back the special interests who have for so long perpetuated the status quo. We will have enacted the most important piece of social policy since the Social Security Act in the 1930s, and the most important health reform since Medicare in the 1960s.
In Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage. Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance can’t be revoked at a moment’s notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing our small businesses will be brought under control.
When you make calls, write letters, organize, this is the change you’re making — a better life for your family and for men and women in every state.
There is still more to do before I can sign reform into law — a last round of negotiations and final votes in the Senate and the House — and I’m counting on your help every step of the way. But for now, I hope that as you celebrate this holiday season, you remember that the work you are doing is making our union more perfect, one step at a time. For that, I am grateful to you.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays,
President Barack Obama
Source – White House
Tolu Fadiran and Bolaji Abodunrin Embark on Marital Bliss
ARLINGTON – She had brought family and friends all the way from South Africa, Nigeria and several states in America. Tolu Fadiran, former administrative officer for RCCG HOF Arlington also revealed some hidden dance steps. The joyous occasion was characterised by great worship sessions, moments of anxiety and joy. Enjoy the clips from the event.
Photos by Tosan Aduayi, Chibuzor Okonta and Demola Adeyemi for Trendy Africa. Trendy Africa is a Multi Media Production Company based in Texas and are Publishers of Trendy Africa Magazine, Trendy Africa Fashion Xtra and www.trendyafrica.com
For Inquiries, please call +1 817 538 2145
Myra Omoikhudu and Princewill Orukpe Weekend of Joy
DALLAS – The young lovers expressed so much fulfillment at achieving their new marital status. The Edo State, Nigeria indigenes also revealed the rich cultural heritage of Africa at their traditional marriage.
Photos by Tosan Aduayi and Chibuzor Okonta for Trendy Africa. Trendy Africa is a Multi Media Production Company based in Texas and are Publishers of Trendy Africa Magazine, Trendy Africa Fashion Xtra and www.trendyafrica.com
For Inquiries, please call +1 817 538 2145
SAG Award nods for Gooding, Freeman and Mo'Nique
LOS ANGELES – Actors Cuba Gooding Jr, Monique and Morgan Freeman have snagged Screen Actors Guild nominations. 
An award which nominees are selected by a guild comprising of other actors, Gooding received a nod for Best Male Actor in a Television, Movie or Miniseries for “The Ben Carson Story,” whilst comedian and actress Mo’Nique received the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role nomination for her character Mary in the movie “Precious.” Freeman received a nomination for his autobiographical role as Nelson Mandela in “Invictus.”
Announced this morning in Los Angeles at the Pacific Design Center’s Silver Screen Theater in West Hollywood, other nominees include movies “Up in the Air” and “Inglourious Basterds.” Best actress contenders include Sandra Bullock for “The Blind Side” and Meryl Streep for “Julie & Julia.”
Accolades will be handed out for the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010.
Samantha Ofole-Prince is an entertainment journalist based in Los Angeles and can be reached on sofole@gmail.com
photo credit – Monique by Royalty Image, Morgan Freeman by Eric Charbonneau
CONCORD Home health Services hosts 2009 Christmas Party
DALLAS – Love, passion, emotion, joy and tears characterized the Christmas party and employee appreciation night for the staff of Concord Home heath services, LLC. The year 2009 has been described by Concord’s director Genny Ronke Thorpe as probably the most challenging since the commencement of business.
Donna Simon, the former director of nursing at Concord was honored specially for her contributions to the company up until when she had to step aside as a result of neurological injuries sustained during a minor vehicle crash. Donna was generally described as a kind soul, one who was born to be a nurse and also as a motivator.
The event was also an opportunity for management to relay the achievements of the establishment despite the harsh economic climate.
Photos by Tosan Aduayi and Chibuzor Okonta for Trendy Africa. Trendy Africa is a Multi Media Production Company based in Texas and are Publishers of Trendy Africa Magazine, Trendy Africa Fashion Xtra and www.trendyafrica.com
For Inquiries, please call +1 817 538 2145
Courage Health Care Services Inc. Appreciates Employees
DALLAS – The evening was full of fun and laughter as employees and management of Courage Health care Services Inc. relieved the experiences of the year. Gifts were awarded to deserving employee’s just as friends and family members joined in the applause.
The evening also witnessed the drawing of raffle tickets for door prizes while the best dancers of the evening were acknowledged. The Director, Lilian Egharevba, RN, MBA, PHD expressed her appreciation to the staff for their contributions. Courage Health Care Services Inc. is a health care provider and has operated its business in Dallas for several years.
Photos by Tosan Aduayi and Chibuzor Okonta for Trendy Africa. Trendy Africa is a Multi Media Production Company based in Texas and are Publishers of Trendy Africa Magazine, Trendy Africa Fashion Xtra and www.trendyafrica.com
For Inquiries, please call +1 817 538 2145
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