Once Upon A Time – July 27 – 2012 – Queen Elizabeth II Opens 30th Olympics In London, With Some Help From 007

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July 27, 2022

1586 Walter Raleigh brings the 1st tobacco to England from Virginia

1689 Battle of Killicrankie: Jacobite Scottish Highlanders under Viscount Dundee defeat royalist force under General MacKay

1789 US Congress establishes Department of Foreign Affairs now referred to as the State Department

1866 First transatlantic telegraph cable comes ashore at Heart’s Content, Newfoundland after being laid out 1,686 miles by Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Great Eastern steamship

1921 Frederick Banting and Charles Best isolate insulin at the University of Toronto

Historical Events Today

Today In Film & TV

1940 Bugs Bunny, Warner Bros. cartoon character created by Tex Avery, Bob Givens (Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series), first debuts in “Wild Hare”

Today In Music

1982 Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s musical “Little Shop of Horrors” opens Off-Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre in NYC

Today In Sport

1999 Tony Hawk is the first skateboarder to land a “900”

More Facts…

1549 1st Christian missionary in Japan, Jesuit priest Francis Xavier reaches Japan but is not permitted to enter any port until 15 August

2012 Queen Elizabeth II opens the 30th Olympics in London, United Kingdom (with some help from 007)

Famous Weddings

1365 Isabella of England marries Enguerrand of Coucy at Windsor

1857 Emperor of Mexico Maximilian I (25) weds princess Charlotte of Belgium (17) in Brussels

1927 British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (39) weds Elizabeth Carver in Chiswick, England

Ex-Gov Daniel Asks FG To Take Over Ogun Petrochemical Institute

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 27, 2022

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A former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has blamed what he described as “bad politics” for the failure of the state to assume oil-producing status.

Daniel, who declared that the Gateway State should have long become an oil-producing, lamented that certain economic development projects his administration envisioned for the state were deliberately stalled by his successor.

He made the declaration in his remarks at a two-day Ogun East Senatorial District Interactive Forum held in Sagamu, where he appealed to the Federal Government to take over the state-owned Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute, Oni, in Ogun Waterside local government area of the state.

No fewer than 120 participants, drawn from the nine local government areas of the senatorial district, attended the workshop organised by the Gateway Movement in collaboration with the Political Leadership Academy (POLA).

Daniel said, “by now, Ogun State should have been declared an oil-producing state but because of bad politics.

He added, “Many of you who are politicians don’t have an understanding of what the game is all about; not everything can be said in the public domain.

“Our future and the future of our children is what we are talking about.

There are great potentials in Ogun State. There is oil here, but some people don’t want us to be declared as an oil-producing. They are a lot. So, if we are able to break loose these shackles, we will be in a position to reposition our area.”

Daniel, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ogun East in 2023 elections, said his agenda, if elected, is to restore the pride and confidence of Ijebu and Remo people.

He decried the dwindling fortunes of the senatorial district, which, according to him, is lacking in viable industries.

In his words: “The biggest thing that we have to do is to restore the pride of our people and restore their confidence. Our people are fast losing their economic power.

“Apart from what we were able to do within the Sagamu Interchange axis, creating probably one of the biggest industrial estates, there is no industry in Ijebu side. Also, all the things that we envisioned and tried to do were deliberately not allowed to happen.”

On the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute, which was established by his administration in Oni, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state, the former governor suggested the complete takeover of the school by the Federal Government.

He said such gesture would enable the institution to realise its potential and further boost the state’s quest for oil-producing status.

“The Gateway Petrochemical that we put in Oni was to look after the Olokola initiatives by way of training of our people. I’m not so sure since I left if any governor has gone there. Part of what is in my manifesto is that the Federal Government should take over that institution. There is only one of its kind in Nigeria which is the Petrochemical institute in Effurun, Warri (Delta State), he added.

“You will be shocked that the institution at Oni has capacity of underwater welding which means we can even do ship-building yard there.”

The workshop which spanned through Saturday July 23 and Sunday July 24, 2022, had as its theme: ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Ogun East Senatorial District.’

Seven resource persons made presentations at the event. Chief Pegba Otemolu, veteran political administrator, facilitated the session on ‘Electoral Law and Constitution on Nigeria’s Election Process’ while Professor Adegbemi Onakoya, distinguished academic, made presentations on ‘Fundamental Principle of Democracy and Good Governance’ as well as ‘Analysis of Opposition in Ogun State and Nigeria (Voters Identification, Canvassing and Monitoring).’

Also, Ms Damilola Otubanjo, a fashion enthusiast, engineer and politician, took the participants through a presentation on ‘Women in Politics’ and General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (retd) delivered a paper on ‘Security Challenges during Nigeria’s Elections.’

Adebola Williams, Media Entrepreneur and motivational Speaker, anchored the session on ‘New Perspectives on Nigeria’s Election: What Stimulates Youth Voters.’

Professor Toyin Ashiru, renowned Metallurgical Engineer, spoke on ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Ogun East Senatorial District’ while Babajide Ogunsanwo, Africa’s leading data and information analyst, handled ‘Data Analysis of the Voting Pattern in Ogun State.’

Excess crude account now $376,655 from $2.1 billion handed over to Buhari’s regime

By

Henry Williams

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July 27, 2022

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Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account (ECA) has been drastically depleted under the Muhammadu Buhari regime, falling from over $2 billion left by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 to $376,655.

The Buhari regime disclosed this in a communiqué released following the FAAC meeting for July 2022, held in Abuja on Tuesday, but did not provide an explanation for the sharp decrease in the ECA funds.

The ECA fell as federal, state, and local government allocations increased by N121.624 billion in June, while FAAC shared a total of N802.407 billion.

The ECA is meant to be a savings cushion that stabilises government revenue and acts as a lifeline for the economy in difficult times.

According to the communique, total deductions for cost of collection was N44.606 billion and deductions for transfers, savings, refunds and 13 per cent derivation to Anambra State was a total sum of N373.200.

The ECA balance which stood at $60 million in October 2021, and fell to $35.8 million in January, has nosedived further to $376,655, plunging the nation’s economy into regress.

The ECA’s pitiful status has fueled further criticism of Mr Buhari’s inability to manage the nation’s resources wisely. His regime has been marked by heavy borrowing, looting, insecurity, inflation, a significant increase in food prices, and general unrest across the country.

The ECA was created in 2004 by former president Olusegun Obasanjo to track the country’s excess revenue from crude oil. The account balance in February 2014, just before Mr Buhari took office, was $3.6 billion, one of the highest balances ever.

Zimbabwe civil servants on strike over pay

By

Henry Williams

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July 27, 2022

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Civil servants in Zimbabwe have begun a two-day strike to demand pay increases.

They also want their salaries to be paid in US dollars as the local currency rapidly devalues.

The government is doubling salaries this month, but unions say the increases have been eroded by high inflation which stands at about 190%.

Schools, health facilities and government services could face major disruptions as unions told the BBC that they expect all their workers to stay home.

But the strike does not seem to have been well observed, with teachers seeming to be at work.

The average worker including doctors and nurses earn about $200 (£165) a month.

The Zimbabwe dollar has lost over 50% of its value since January, partly due to the war in Ukraine.

Unions are planning a longer strike in September if their demands are not met.

Gov. Ganduje Urges Federal Govt. To Resolve ASUU Strike

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 27, 2022

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Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has urged the Federal Government to resolve the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to save the country’s education system from collapse.

Ganduje made the call on Tuesday in Kano while addressing NLC members protesting the non resolution of the over 5 months old strike embarked by the union.

“This crisis must be resolved to help save the system, we don’t want system collapse in this country at all,” he said.

According to him, though the government inherited the problem, it should resolve it without further delay.

“Government owes it a responsibility to see to the end of the lingering strike so that Nigerian education will remain intact,” he added.

The governor assured us that despite the strike, the state government would continue to pay the salaries of all university staff.

He told the labor unions that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum was moving to resolve the situation.

“Myself and my colleagues from all the 36 states, irrespective of our party differences, are concerned about the prolonged strike action and we will put our heads together to bring an end to the crisis,” he said.

In his remarks, the State NLC Chairman, Kabiru Ado-Minjibir, urged the Federal Government to immediately fulfill the demands of the university workers to save the system from collapse.

He commended Ganduje for not joining others in implementing the “No Work No Pay” policy.

“We appreciate the state government under Governor Ganduje’s administration for your magnanimous approach in not stopping the salary of the teachers of the two state-owned universities.

“This shows that you are an education-friendly governor,” he said.

The protest, attended by different labour and student unions, as well as youths and civil society organizations, ended peacefully.

ASUU Seeks Bill To Regulate Public Officers’ Kids From Studying Abroad

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 27, 2022

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have called for a bill to regulate how children of public officers enroll in schools outside the shores of Nigeria.

Prof. Kingdom Tombra, Chairman of the University of Niger Delta, University Wilberforce Island chapter of the union, made this known at the solidarity protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Yenagoa.

The NLC embarked on the nationwide protest in solidarity with the ASUU and other affiliate unions over the lingering industrial action in public universities in Nigeria.
“If this is done, it will build a better society by developing formidable educational institutions and improve funding of the university system in Nigeria.

“This struggle is not against government, but about the working class and against the ruling class and we are very committed to it.

“If the rich and poor go to the same university or institution, I don’t think the strike will occur again.

“If they school here and their children are here they will show total support for the university system and the tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa who spoke to the organised labour, commended the ASUU and the NLC for the peaceful conduct of the protest, promising to channel their demands to the appropriate quarters.

Also speaking, The NLC Chairman in Bayelsa, John Ndiomu commended the governor for his peaceful disposition.

He said that the workers and the students are being represented in the nationwide solidarity rally.

Ndiomu, urged the federal government to sign the renegotiated draft agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government.

”Adopt University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) in place IPPIS, Pay Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)

“Release of Revitalization Fund, Release white paper on visitation to Federal Universities. Amend NUC law to control proliferation of state universities without funding,” the labour leader said.

Largest diamond in 300 years unearthed in Angola

By

Henry Williams

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July 27, 2022

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Miners in north-east Angola have discovered a rare, pure pink diamond they believe to be the largest rough diamond of its kind to be unearthed in 300 years.

The Australian site operator named the 170-carat stone The Lulo Rose.

It said the diamond will be sold at international tender by the Angolan state diamond marketing company.

The find in the Lulo alluvial mine was welcomed by the Angolan government.

“This record and spectacular pink diamond recovered from Lulo continues to showcase Angola as an important player on the world stage for diamond mining,” Minerals Resources Minister Diamantino Azevedo is quoted as saying in a statement.

Similar stones, once cut and polished, have sold for record-breaking prices.

The Pink Star, a 59-carat pink diamond, sold for $71.2m in 2017 – the most expensive ever.

Tunisia referendum: Voters give president near unchecked power

By

Henry Williams

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July 27, 2022

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Tunisia has voted to hand sweeping new powers to the country’s president, in a move that critics say risks the return of authoritarian rule to the country.

Fewer than a third of Tunisians voted in the referendum, with 94.6% of those balloted supporting plans to hand President Kais Saied broad new powers.

But opposition groups, who boycotted the vote, said the results were “not credible” and “inflated”.

Mr Saied has claimed the changes will break Tunisia’s political paralysis.

The 64-year-old has already been ruling by decree since this time last year, when he dramatically moved to suspend parliament and dismiss the government.

Tunisia’s new constitution would give the head of state full executive control, supreme command of the army and the ability to appoint a government without parliamentary approval.

Super Falcons’ Ajibade Speaks On 2nd Degree, Importance of Education

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 27, 2022

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Super Falcons’ Obiajuru Rasheedat Ajibade on Monday Narrates How She Bagged a second degree in Sports Psychology after her first in Accounting.

According to her, education is very important because you can fall back on it after you are done playing football.

The Super Falcons winger was the main star for Nigeria at the just concluded WAFCON scoring three goals.

Ajibade who understands the importance of education, narrates how she bagged her second degree during the lockdown. In a chat with CAF on their website, Ajibade who has a degree in Accounting from Lagos State Polytechnic explained why she had to delay her move into professional football to get a second degree in Sports Psychology from Barca Innovation Hub.

“My family likes education. I feel like I had to finish my degree first. It was important for me to finish school because I was also underage to move abroad. it was a bit challenging seeing people that I was older than playing in Europe, while I was still playing in Nigeria.”

“Education is very important because you can fall back to it after you are done playing football. “I made up my mind to do it (second degree), and it was a little easy because I was studying from home due to the pandemic.

“In the end, I finished and I thank God. I want to do more, get more certificates,” she added.

The super Falcons’ star emerges as Joint Top Scorer at the just concluded 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco finishing the competition with three goals and three assists.

The 22-year-old was named WAFCON joint top scorer alongside South Africa’s Hilda Magaia and Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak.

Lassa fever: NCDC gives Update on fatalities

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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July 26, 2022

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says 162 Nigerians have died from Lassa fever, since the beginning of the year 2022.

The agency also stated that the number of new confirmed cases reduced from 13 in week 27, to five cases.

The NCDC disclosed this in its weekly situation report on the outbreak of the disease in the country.

Lassa fever is an animal-borne, or zoonotic, acute viral illness spread by the common African rat. It is endemic in parts of West Africa and has a high morbidity and mortality rate and economic and health security implications.

Data from the latest situation report for week 28, which covered July 11 to 17, 2022, revealed that there are 5,756 suspected cases of the infection across 99 Local Government Areas in 24 states.

“In week 28, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 13 in week 27, 2022 to 5 cases. These were reported from Edo and Ondo States.

“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 28, 2022, 162 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.1 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.3 per cent)

“In total for 2022, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 99 Local Government Areas.

“Of all confirmed cases, 69 per cent are from Ondo (30 per cent), Edo (25 per cent), and Bauchi (14 per cent) States.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021.”

The report further noted that no new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week.

“National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” the NCDC said.