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Friday, December 23, 2011

MINIMISING ROAD ACCIDENTS

Of the four forms of Transportation: (air,water,road,and rail) ,road transportation is the most dreaded in the third world countries.In Nigeria for instance,road accidents occur almost every second.Reporting of road accidents by journalists is no longer news,what is news is( when,) after some hours, no accident occur.Not long ago,a driver who loaded to Kano State with over fourteen ( 14) passengers from Gboko had a head on collision with another vehicle killing all the passengers including the driver.The funny thing about the accident was,from gboko to kano is about 800 Kilometers and the driver was yet to do even 5 kilometers before the accident occurred.After the driver was taken to the hospital after he died, hospital officials discovered charms tied around his waist. Such occurences are routine.Most drivers dont believe in the i vehicle's speedometer, or the condition of their vehicle or tyres.they believe in the power of their charms.The question is "what can be done". In Tiv area of Benue State,there is this misconception that 'no body just died unless your people cause it'.Most drivers aware of this drive recklessly with the believe that their people at home are behind him and so nothing will be happen to him no matter his speed.Government agencies like Road Safety,VIO,the Police have not helped matters.They have formed the habit of collecting 20 naira only from motorists and allowing them to pass. It is suprising to see a vehicle that is supposed to carry 6 passengers, carrying over 12 passengers,when he approaches a checking point,the police will only ask of money for their "pure water".Road accident is claiming millions of innocent lives everyday and the Government should mount an intensive enlightenment campaign to educate drivers,Government officials involved in sharp practices on the road should also be shown the way out.Enough is Enough of this waste.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

TION'S BLOG GOES GLOBAL

History was made yesterday (22/12/2011) when the world's most influential online marketing outfit The Amazon Associates graciously approved TION'S BlOG to be part of Company 's influential team.Visitors to the site can attest to the emphatic presence of Amazon. We at TION'S BLOG attribute this feat to our numerous friends on Facebook, Twitter, Stumpleupon,Youtube and Google+ who have continued to visit and patronise the blog.we shall remain grateful to Prince Ishima Ahwen for his interest on the Blog.Thank you all.

ARE BLOGGERS JOURNALISTS?

This debate as to wether bloggers can be classified as journalists makes an interesting reading.Reasons for this debate are not far fetched. In most countries, bloggers are harrassed,brutalised,and even killed just like journalists. Buj the question is are the two performing the same functions? The answer is a categorical No. A journalist is not the same as a blogger. A blogger put down his feelings in whatever form or manner. It is a hobby. As GOOGLE Puts it 'it is his memo to the world'. Unlike the blogger, a journalist is by law and ethics required to report events in a particular way and manner. Besides, a journalist is backed by law to practice. This is a case for regulatory authorities in journalism,the activities of most bloggers need to be checked.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

NO MINIMUN WAGE FOR L G

It was the usual tale of woes for local Government staff in Benue state when they learnt last thurday that there will be no minimum wage for them. Various Treasurers of the 23 local Governments who came back from the monthly allocation meeting in Makurdi directed various pay clerks to prepare new payment vouchers based on the old rate. Prior to this, payment vouchers were prepared awaiting payment based on the new rate. It may be recalled that the issue of the implentation of the new minimum wage in Benue state has generated a lot of anxiety and tension with labour issuing several ultumatum. A labour leader, Kwaghmande Kwaghmande was detained over the issue. The state Government however signed an agreement with labour to implement the new wage for all workers in November.Efforts to talk to officials of The National Union of Local Government Employees to confirm the new development failed. It has however been comfirmed that state workers have recieved their November salary on the new minimum wage.

UGBAH VS SUSWAM: out of court settlement

As you are aware,the political battle between prof.Steve Ugba of ACN and the incubent Governor,Dr Gabriel suswam of the PDP, razes on. The case is before the tribunal and from the way things are going, there seem to be no end in sight. Some people have suggested an out of court settlement.Remember,in Dr suswam's first tenure,this approach was adopted between prof.Saaor and Dr suswam and it worked.What do you suggest?

Friday, December 9, 2011

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The best Businesses are born out of Frustration" - Sir Richard Branson (Virgin America)

Hotels wear new look

Popular joints and hotels accross the globe are renovated and decorated for xmas.Also xmas trees are being erected.In this picture my favourite joint-peaceland suites is also wearing a new look.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

BSU ADMISSION OUT

The much awaited final admission list of Benue state university is out. According to report monitored on the University's website, students are to purchase scrath cards from designated banks in makurdi,obtain a PIN and then check their results.

SOON! PHCN (NEPA) WILL DIE!

As a christian,its unusual for me to dance when somebody is about to die. But you should know that there are certain human beings when they die people rejoice.who cried when Ghadafi died? Or who cried when Osama died? President Goodluct according to media report has approved licences to 20 independent power producers. We all know the work of NEPA-distribution of bills to Nigerians. They hardly generate any electricity because of incompetence. When president Obasanjo approved licences to Mtn etc,NITEL died naturally, with the approval of licences to the private sector for power generation, NEPA is good as dead

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Prof.Ugba and Dr.Suswam:THE WAYOUT

Both prof. Ugba and Dr.Suswam are blood relations.Both are from Logo Local Government.Incidently,both have the same political ambition- to rule Benue state of Nigeria.One has ruled before but wants to continue,The other say 'one time is enough.' And that is the problem Benue is now facing where can a solution come from? Politically,is not possible,because the Gubernatorial election is in dispute. The elders, Traditional rulers, labour etc are all divided:- The courts too may not be able tn settle the case amicable. So where is the solution? The solution to me lies in their ability to sit down and dialogue as brothers and not as political enemies . That is the only way out. What do you think?

YOUWIN:SOLUTION TO UNEMPLOYMENT

The recently flagged off Youth Enterprise with innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) Programme,by president Goodluck Jonathan is the most practical and realistic approach towards tackling unemployment in Nigeria. I think the posture of this programme is in line with the administrations transformation goal . The introduction of this YouWIN should be seen as a big challenge to our youths. In the past ,we had complaints of people inventing things, but no sponsors.YOUWIN is here. Nations like USA, JAPAN,KOREA etc are there because of the youth ideas of their youths. It is not enough to continually criticise the Government.It is our duty as citizens to also contribute our quota

WHAT IS OBASANJO SAYING?

Media Reports have quoted the Former President ,Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo as predicting the 'Arab styled' revolution in Nigeria. According to the ex-general, the harsh economic situation and unemployment may be the prime factors that may necessitate this. Good talk! Such comments coming from a former president is really a headline news.
But let me quickly ask :as former president,what did Obasanjo do to contain youth restiveness? During Obasanjo's tenure ,all these problems were there.But he used force to suppress people.Remember Odi and the Zaki-Biam massacre? When Obasanjo created the National Directorate of Employment,he used it as an avenue to settle politicians. Nigerian politicians are funny,while in office, they hardly know Nigeria has problems until they get out of office.

Monday, December 5, 2011

ASUU:A STRIKE TOO MANY.

Most professions in those days were regarded as 'service to humanity' and the Teaching profession was one of them. Teachers in those days were contented with their pay packet. The unemployment situation has made people take on any job irrespective of their interest. ASUU, an association of University lecturers has become a heavy casualty. Most of these so called lecturers in our citadel of learning are not supposed to be there. Their agenda is money and they should be in politics or business.Most of them are lecturing in 5 different universities just because of money.ASUU is now synonymous with strikes. This is unfortunate.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

GOVERNOR TO CREATE LOCAL GOVTS.

The Governor of Ekiti state,Nigeria,Gov.Fayemi has pledged to create more local Governments. According to him,the move is to bring development closer to the people.Presently,Nigeria has 774 local Governments.Attempts by some States like Lagos in the past to create local governments had been unsuccessful as the Federal refused to recognised them.

HERMAN CAIN'S DECISION:LESSON TO AFRICA

Yesterday at his campaign headquarters in Georgia ,USA,Herman Cain,a presidential hopeful in the 2012 USA presidential elections,annouced the suspension of his campaigns.This decision according to him follows series of accusations against him of sexual wrongdoings. Cain's decision clearly shows that the American Democracy is not corrupt.Back in Africa,what is the situation?African politicians hardly admits any wrongdoings. In Africa,if you dare reveal a secret about African politician,you are tagged 'a saboteur' and murdered.There is nothing like Truth.This explains why our demcracy is growing backward.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

MICHEAL JACKSON'S DOCTOR APPEALS

Micheal Jackson's doctor,Dr conrad Murray on friday filed papers indicating he will appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction of micheal jackson's death and his four year jail sentence. According to REUTERS,lawyers for Dr murray filed papers with los Angolos superior court in a percusor to a formal appeal being lodged with a california appeal court. It may be recalled that Dr murray was convicted last month of involuntary manslaughter or gross negligence after admitting he gave the popstar nightly doses of the anesthetic propofol to help him sleep. Dr Murray was sentenced on tuesday to four years in by a los Angolos judge who described as 'a disgrace to the medical profession' Micheal Jackson, 50, died in los Angelos on june 25 2009 after an overdose of propofol.

Friday, December 2, 2011

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Politics should focus on issues not gossipy love life" -Herman Cain

WIFE OF BISHOP SUE FOR DIVORCE

The wife of Atlanta Mega church in USA, Bishop Eddie long has filed for divorce.According to CNN Belief Blog,her attorney has confirmed the development today( friday)

JONATHAN GOODLUCK:MAN OF THE YEAR

TION'S BlOG,after an intensive ,thorough and painstaking assessement of our present crop of leadership,both at the local,State and Federal levels,the Business Community,the Acedemia etc have chosen JONATHAN GOODLUCK,as our man of the year 2011. Our main reason for our choice of Goodluck is that he is the first President of Nigeria to lead this country by example.He has shun all holidays abroad and above all,he is patronising 'Made in Nigeria' goods.On his FACEBOOK PAGE, he promised to continue eating wholly made in Nigeria cassava bread.For this and other reasons,he is our man of the year 2011

XMAS PREPARATIONS

For your perfect and hitchfree xmas preparations visit:ChristmasGifts.net,PSPrint.com,Gifts for you now.com,and personization.mail.com.many other sites too abound to help plan your xmas.Do visit to avoid 'had i known'

Thursday, December 1, 2011

World Aids Day in Konshisha.

The celebration of this years world Aids Day took place in Tse_Agberagba,the headquarters of Konshisha local Government of Benue state,Nigeria.As early as 8.ooam banners announcing the event were placed at strategic places.people especially women with children started arriving. The event commenced proper with an opening prayer by Rev.S.A.Atime of N.k.s.t. Church,Mbaakpur.The cordinator of the programme,mr Emmanuel Beeka welcomed guests.In their seperate speeches,the chairman of the council,Hon saawuan Tarnongu and the Ter Ikyor chief jam gbinde called on the people to go for testing .The event witnessed drama presentation .

Why hide the disease?

Today is world Aids Day.The essence of the day is to allow nations and individuals ponder on this pandemic. In my village,Alabesa what i have noticed is people dont want go for testing.Even those who positive,instead of going for proper treatment will prefer to visit native doctors,some have gone to churches in search of miracles. HIV is a disease like any any other disease.There is no to hide.

Monday, November 28, 2011

WORLD'S AIDS DAY

THE HIV/AIDS scourge is still ravaging humanity. December 1st is world Aids Day. Dont sit and watch. Your little contribution can go along way in eradicating the menance.Take an action today.

Tools of journalism

Every proffession has its tools.Tools may refer to equipment used in executing an assignment In the journalism profession the pen stands out clearly.And then, the paper. Besides these obvious tools, a journalist alse needs training.You need to train yourself before you will know how to go about your duties. Courage is another tool a journalist needs to perform.without courage,you may not be able to perform certain functions as a journalist.You also need to have vision. It is a that vision that will enable you go about your assighnment successfully.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

DEATH,THOU COMET TOO QUICKLY!

When we were growing up in those days (in the sixties to be exact) death was a very strange phenomenal.Hearing of death itself was very strange,it was not common. By the time i was 15years, i could recall i winessed only two burial ceremonies -one NAJIME, a male relative and one MBAGEN,one of my father's wives. That is to say in 15 years, only two people died in our house. But in the 80s,death became so common that hardly a day passes without hearing of burial ceremony. Now the situation is worse. People are now being buried enmasse. Vehicular accidents,political voilence,bomblasts and air and sea disasters are taking their tolls on the human population. I had barely finished writing my bit on the death of my inspirator,sir Alex Ibru when i had to do another story on Dim Ojukwu.Haba,death!thou comet too quickly.Rest, for we are not rushing to heaven.Who knows?

Saturday, November 26, 2011

OJUKWU IS DEAD!

The former Biafran warlord and chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) Dim Chukwumeka Odumegu Ojukwu is dead. He died in the early hours of today in a london hospital where he has been recieving treatment for months.

THE SUSWAM'S CHALLENGE

When he was voted Governor,most of us thought Dr Suswam at 43 or so was to young for the job. Because all those who Governor of Benue before him were in their 50s and 60s. Iam not a goverment spokesman,and if talk good of not that iam looking for a job. There is one are suswam has done so well that deserves my commendation. This is security.Dr suswam has taken the issue of security of life and property very seriously. The security outfit ZENDA is everywhere.Before suswam became governor,gboko-ihugh and gboko aliade roads were completely in the hands of armed bandits.Thousands lost their money and even lives on these roads to those bandits. In gboko town itself people used to sleep at 6pm but with eyes open for fear of robbers. All these have finished. The provission of electricity , rehabilation of makurdi to mention but a few are the challenges suswam to throwing to in coming administrations.

Friday, November 25, 2011

JOURNALISM:STILL A THANKLESS JOB?

Our university days at the University of calabar in the early 80s were indeed hectic.Most students combined acedemic work with journalistic activities.We together with Richard Mammah,Chris Emezue,Keleche Ogbamgba amongst other created a niche for ourselves by establishing and publishing papers on campus. I recall vividly that to most people, we were infact wasting our time. After many years of graduation how is the journalism profession rated? In those days we could call it a thankless job. How it is now? In other developed places journalism may have a place of pride but in Nigeria,Journalism is regarded as a profession for dropout.It is an all comers affairs. Journalists are like instruments,they are used and dump. It is still a thankless job.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

WAZIRI,EFCC BOSS SACKED.

Presidend Jonathan Goodluck today(wednesday) sacked Mrs Farida waziri as chairman, Economic and Financial crimes commission. She is replaced by Ibrahim lamorde.No reason was given.

A WOMAN STEALS 16M.

A case of 'what a man can do,a woman can do better' played itself out in lagos where a 33year old woman,Josephine John alledgedly stole 16m ($100,000) belonging to Alcateco Bureau de Change,where she worked. Arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate court,Josephine John,it was alleged reported absconded with the said amount which was brought to Alcateco Bureau de Change by a customer that the money be converted in Naira. According to proscutor Inspector Benson Emurehi,the money was handed over to the accused (Josephine) who was a staff the Alcateco Bereau de change.However when the plea wos taken,Josephine (the accused) pleaded not guilty to the two count charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against her. Emurehi informed the court that the accused( josephine) had on october,12,2011 at Martins street,lagos conspired with others still at large to steal $100,000 property of Alcateco Bureau de change while working there as staff of the company.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

SENATOR ALI,OTHERS BEHIND BOKO HARAM .

A prominent politician in Borno state and senator reprenting Borno South in the senate,senator Ali Ndume has been arrested. Senator Ali was arrested last night in Abuja by the operatives of the state security service (sss). His arrest followed a confession of a Boko Haram extremist currently in the custody of the sss. The Boko Haram suspect,Ali Sandra Umar disclosed yesterday to sss that a serving senator,an ex-governor and prominent politicians in the North were sponsors of Boko Haram. He along with others will be charged to court today.

UNIBEN FAKE WEBSITE EXPOSED!

A fraudulent website has been discovered by the management of the university of Benin,Benin -city,Nigeria. The fake website is http//e.campus.uniben.edu.org. According to the management of the University,the website with account nos in Oceanic bank,Eko bank, intercontinental and G.T.bank are all false and do not belong to the school. According to the authorities of the school ,students have been warned to disregard any information from the site. To access the official site of the school,go to http//e.campus.uniben.edu.ng.
Hope is an interesting phenomenal.Those with it are contended and satisfied.
A hopeless life is not only difficult to live,but extremely hard to manage. No human being on earth,be youq father,mother,lover etc can give you hope. Your hope should come from God who never disappoint.AT his appointed time,God will visit you. Have this Hope and Live!

Monday, November 21, 2011

US WARSHIPS LEAVES FOR NIGERIA TODAY.

The United States (US) Coast guard warship donated to Nigerian Navy will the USA for Nigeria today. The warship will set from Alameda,California to Nigeria. The North America correspodent of News Agency of Nigeria, NAN,has reported. The vessel designed as a'high endurance' with a crossing range of 9,600 miles at 20 nots was donated to Nigeria on May 13 The ship also has an 80-foot flight deck capable of handling navy hericopters and can undertake extended patrol missions. Its capabilities are enhanced by advanced search and surface radars including ANIPS-73 digital surface radar system that incorporates state of art computerised collision avoidance system. A ceremony for the departure has been scheduled to take place at the coast guard island in Alameda where it was docked. The warship is expected to enhance the seaworthiness of the nigerian navy and make it well prepared to effectively police not only nigeria's territorial waters but the entire west Africa. The warship was commissioned to the USA navy in 1968, but later decommissioned in march 29 after it had participated in some USA missions in enforcing maritime treaties. NAN learnt that the ship had not left for Nigeria because,the nigerian crew was undergoing training on it while rehabilitation work was being carried out.It had been renamed Nigerian navy Thunder f90.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The chairman and publisher of the guardian newspaper Mr.Alexander ibru is dead.he died today,november 20 after a brief illness,he was aged 66.
Born on march 1st,1945,the youngest of the famous Ibru brothers who hailed from Agbara-otor in the present Delta State. He attended the Yaba methodist primary school(1951-1957) Ibadan grammar school,(1958-1960) Igbobi college,Lagos(1960-1963) and the University of Trent(formerly Trent polythechnic. 1967-1970) where he studied business economics.After working briefly in the family business under the tutelage of his elder brother and Patriarch,Micheal C.O Ibru,Alexander Ibru launched out on his and soon became one of the most successful young businessmen in Nigeria.He founded the Guardian in 1983 with a mission to make it.one of the best five English Newspapers in the world.it soon established itself and has since remained the flagship of the Nigerian press. SOURCE:Vanguardnews
The monthly federation account meeting which usually hold between 15th and 18th of every month to share funds amongst the three tiers of government could not hold for the month of october.Reliable feelers from the venue of the meeting told TION'S Blog that the inability of meeting to hold is once again traced to deductions for oil subsidy. The chairman of the committee and minister of state for finance,Yerima Ngama
made franktic efforts to convince members but to no avail.
A jinx was on saturday broken in the Bayelsa PDP gubernatorial elections when the incubent Governor,Sylva failed to clinched the party's ticket. The usual thing is incubent governors always( using state funds) intimidate other contestants out of the race. Henry seriake-Dickson on saturday won the governorship seat with 355 out of 384

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Iam new to facebook so,i may not say precisely when President Goodluck joined the Social Network.what however is of interest to is his postings and accompained reactions to his postings. Each time President post an item,almost all reactions will be negative. This to me is not strange because any positive thing one says about government is a crime while only negative remarks are appreciated.
As a beginer,i face alot of challenges.First my device is not funtioning well.And when i do manage to compose,correct posting poses another challenge. Friends,as a result of this,my postings have been irregular.But i wish to assure you that my postings will soon be regular.THANKS*

Countdown begins

The count down to this years' xmas festivities has began.Already popular boutiques and supermarkets have withnessed increased patronage.As in other xmas,this one may also likely be lowkeyed due to the prevailing harsh economic realities.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Point Blank

From conrad wergba to Prof.ugba:"you secured a ticket when the plane has taken off" (reacting to the supreme court ruling" Conrad Wergba to Dr George Akume,"you mastermind the attack on Dr cletus Akwaya" reacting to the attack by unknown men on Dr Akwaya

SUSWAMS CASE FOR RE-TRIAL

The supreme court of Nigeria yesterday ordered the retrial of a petition challenging the election of Governor Suswam of the Peoples Democratic party by the defeated candidate of Action for progressive change ,(ACN),Prof.steve ugba. Prof.ugba had gone to the supreme court following the dimissal of his case by the lower tribunal.In his reation, Governor suswam expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement saying his mandate will expire by 2015.

Monday, November 14, 2011

TRIBUNAL NULLIFIES GOVERNOR'S ELECTION

The Kebbi State election tribunal,sitting in Birrim Kebbi,yesterday nullified the election of Govt.Usman Saidu Dakiagari of the People's Democratic Party (P.D.P). Delivering judgement in the petition brought by the defeated candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (C.P.C),Alhaji Garimallam,justice mairo laruba declared the election of the incubent Governor null and void and ordered for fresh election.Alhaji had gone to the tribunal challenging the election of Governor Dakiagari,which according to him was marred by irreguralities.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

SPECIAL ADVISER ATTACKED,

The special adviser to the Governor of Benue state,(Nigeria) on media,Dr.Cletus Akwaya was yesterday attacked by four armed gunmen in makurdi.According to Report monitored on the state radio,Dr Akwaya was shot twice in the head and is recieving treatment at the Fedecal Medical centre,makurdi. From all indications,the attack has some political motives. Already,the Benue state commissioner of Information,Dr. Conrad wergba accussed the former Governor of the state,Dr George Akume of master minding the attack.The case has been reported to the police.

THE RISE AND FALL OF NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

New officials of the PDP

Below is the full list of new members of PDP NWC. Uche Secondus National Chairman South south Deputy National Chairman ( South); Yemi Akin...