09012021 - Nigeria must stop paying ransom to kidnappers

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18—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2021 Monkey Village demolition is savage treatment of urban poor —CEE-HOPE …demands compensation from Lagos govt By Prisca Sam-Duru Occupants of the recently demolished informal housing settlement in the Opebi area of Lagos State known as Monkey Village, are still licking their wounds days after the demolition exercise. Amongst the severely affected is a Non- Governmental Organisation, the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) which had its ICT Centre and Youth hub destroyed alongside its library and gadgets. According to CEE-HOPE which criticised the Lagos State Government for the demolition of the informal space, the act was a calculated attack on the poor as well as education. The demolition which took place in the morning of December 31, 2020, was carried out by truckloads of policemen and thugs. They were said to have descended on Monkey Village with the aid of graders and bulldozers, pulling down the houses, and displacing more than 400 persons including children. Many of the residents who had gone out for the day had their homes totally demolished with their belongings inside. The ICT Centre and youth hub built in the community by CEE-HOPE was also pulled down with several computers, library and other gadgets intact in the building. According to the organisation, pleas by community members who had access to the Centre to allow them help retrieve the materials, were ignored. Destroyed also was CEE-HOPE’s water project in the community. Several members of the community were also brutalised by the thugs whom community sources told CEE-HOPE, were governmentsponsored. “After several denials by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, the Lagos State Task Force office and other official quarters, the Lagos State Ministry Of Physical Planning & Urban Development, came up with a statement on Sunday January 3, 2021 accepting responsibility for the demolition exercise carried out on December 31, 2020, in Monkey Village. They gave ‘reclamation of wetland’ as the reason for the forced eviction exercise”, CEE-HOPE’s founder/Executive Director, Betty Abah explained. Reacting to the Lagos State government’s practice of mixing eggs is unethical. “How do you determine which egg belongs to who and now we’re already doing three parent conception. I don’t think it’s ethical. “The identity of the baby matters and that is why now in the UK when you use donor eggs you’re required by law to tell the baby once he attains 18. That law doesn’t apply here in Nigeria for now maybe with time it will be applicable because there should be no hush hush about anything concerning parenting.” According to Ajayi, many fathers are not just suspecting that they may not be biological fathers of their children.There are situations coming up that desire the need for DNA testing such as American or Canadian visa lottery. DNA shocker Ajayi said: “I had a friend who was elderly, his children are my age mates. His wife died many years ago and he remarried . The children reside abroad and invited him to America to settle down. The man was excited and decided to take the three children from the 2nd wife along with him, but the mandatory DNA test showed he wasn’t the father of any of the children. He had to travel to the US alone and just left the children in his house in Lagos. It was after his dearh that the truth was revealed.” Further, Ajayi narrated the story of the vanishing twin. A woman and her husband had divorced. She was pregnant and they had gone to court, which asked for the DNA tests result as evidence of paternity of the children because issue of child support was involved. “The woman got the shock of her life when she learned that none of the children were biologically hers but confirmed the man was their biological father. “Of course the woman was insistent that she gave birth to the children, but the test showed they were not hers. Her lawyer went to research medical history and discovered that such case had occurred before. “He then got the court to be present at the delivery of the new baby. So the court was represented, and saw her deliver the baby. The DNA test was carried out, but again and like before the result shower she wasn’t the statement, CEE-HOPE issued a statement on January 4, 2021, faulting the action of the “Lagos State Government which it described as ‘crude, autocratic and a gross violation of all known laws and guidelines guiding the handling of such matters world over’ which has not only displaced 400 persons (currently homeless) but also endangering the educational dream of more than 200 of the community’s children”. “It is indeed a crying shame that the biggest news out of Lagos every single year would revolve around the savage treatment of the urban poor,” said Abah, adding that “From Maroko, Makoko, Badia East, Iluibirin to Otodo-Gbame, and now Monkey Village, it is the same pattern of the gross abuse of the human and shelter rights of the urban poor, when Lagos is not the only state in Nigeria and when Nigeria is not the only place where we have slum settlement or indeed where the urban poor exists. Yet, the most painful for us was the destruction of educational facilities funded by private individuals and for the most vulnerable of children, and in a country with the highest number of out-of-school children, at a time of a global pandemic and during a national biological mother. It took some time before medical experts could explain the bizzare development. “What happened was that the woman was a twin, but had been born as a singleton. She had actually absorbed her to while inside the womb. Her ovaries were actually those of her non-existent twin sister and the DNA from her ovaries were different from her own DNA.” In essence, according to Ajayi, the woman was bearing the children of her sister. She had two sets of DNA and since it’s the ovaries that make eggs, the children she was making actually belonged to the twin sister that was never born “All this is genetics and it is something that we have not fully unravelled. Sometimes everything is not as it seems and that why sometimes when. people say they know their wife or know their husband I just laugh and say they don’t really know. “ It’s only what you see that you know. because what we are discovering about human beings and genes is sometimes beyond belief. “The way DNA testing, doing your paternity and ancestry are getting cheaper and affordable by the day and you may not even need to leave your house. More people are getting interested and sot it’s going to become more affordable.” Currently, millions of Black Americans want to know their origin because one can tell from one’s DNA where one is from. “Communities tend to have the same DNA sequence it will just be the one that differentiates you that’s unique and specific and can be dated to know where you have come from. But while you’re looking for that, you might get some other information that you do don’t want,” Ajayi cautioned. Accuracy of DNA test Many people often wonder how accurate is DNA paternity testing? “DNA paternity testing is reputed to be 99.99 percent or higher accurate when done properly,” according to Salami Abiodun, Senior Geneticist with DNA Centre for Paternity Test, Nigeria. He explained that DNA paternity testing (sometimes called parentage testing) uses recession”. CEE-HOPE insisted that the “latest statement from the government was part of the layers of lies bandied by the Lagos S t a t e Government in the last few days to cover up the atrocity committed against the poor residents of Monkey Village. From claiming it was a take-over of a land under contest in court, to saying it was a hoodlums’ hide-out, it has now framed a wetland narrative. “But whatever it is, how come there was no prior notice to the residents to at least take out their few belongings before they were crushed by the graders?” Monkey Village Abah pointed out, “sits on about 10 plots of land which belongs to about DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), the biological basis of inheritance, to prove or disprove the relationship between a child and an alleged father. Noting that paternity can even be established before the baby is born using a prenatal paternity test, he said the test can also be performed even if the alleged father is missing or deceased. As explained by Abiodun, “If two possible fathers are related as full brothers or father and son, they may share many of the DNA markers used in paternity testing. This means that if proper precautions are not taken, both men could test positive as the child’s biological father. “DNA testing is strong enough to determine paternity in a case involving related alleged fathers, but the laboratory must be aware of the situation before the testing process begins.” He said DNA Centre offers two options for cases involving alleged fathers who are related. “Option 1: Test both alleged fathers, the child, and the mother at the same time. By comparing both alleged fathers’ DNA profiles with the child’s DNA profile, our expert laboratory staff can achieve accurate and conclusive test results. “Option 2: Test one alleged father with extended analysis. This option can be taken when only one of the alleged fathers is available for testing. To produce a conclusive result, we must perform extended testing and statistical analysis. There is an additional fee for the extended testing and analysis.” Explaining the difference between legal DNA test and informational DNA test, Abiodun said both tests are exactly the same. “The difference is that legally-binding tests require a witness, proof of identity, and special chain of custody procedures. The Peace of Mind test is for informational purpose only, therefore is not legally binding. It is intended as a discrete and private way whereby families can resolve questions without involving outside parties. “Whether for legal or personal purposes, the DNA test results and testing are the same. When testing for legal purposes, a third-party must witness the DNA collection process and verify the identity of each person being tested.” seven individuals. The individuals then gave out the land to the residents pending when they are fully ready to develop the place and each land is overseen by some members of the community who are well known to the land owners”, emphasising that the people are therefore not illegal occupants neither have they ever been served any evacuation notice. Now that an agency of the Lagos State government has finally come out to admit culpability in the entire fiasco, CEE-HOPE is therefore demanding the following: An apology to the community members for the gross violation of their rights, including the failure to follow due process by duly serving them formal notice; compensation of every one of the community members for lost personal and household belongings; a relocation of the victims of this arbitrary forced eviction as guaranteed by the UN provision on Housing Right; Compensation of CEE-HOPE for the complete destruction of its multi-million Naira ICT Centre/Youth Hub in the community and water project; and a promise by the government to end all such arbitrary actions especially with regard to the urban poor in future engagements, commit to meaningful engagement of informal housing residents rather than the usual use of brute force, commit to upgrading of such settlements as is the current practice across the world rather than forced eviction which pushes the poor into worse levels of vulnerability. CEE-HOPE is also demanding that the Lagos State House of Assembly institute hearings into the incident, with a view towards addressing the issue and unearthing the personalities and real reasons behind this reckless, inhuman and lawless action which has been ongoing in this state unhindered, and which exacerbates the suffering of the thereby violating the state’s supposed duty as the hope of the poor and vulnerable. DNA testing unveiling scandalous family secrets as Nigeria ranks 2nd highest in paternity fraud in the world Continues from pg 17 DNA Facts DNA doesn’t change. It is set at conception and generally does not change, a paternity test can be performed on a person of any age— even on a sample from an unborn child (through prenatal testing). At birth,buccal swab can be collected from the newborn. Looks alone are never proof of paternity. Many parentsinsist that their child looks just like an alleged father and so they can’t understand why a paternity test would show that the possible father and the child are not biologically related. A child could be biologically related to a possible father when they look nothing alike. A child gets half of their DNA from each parent. The traits of a child are determined not only by what their parents look like, but all the genomes that came before, on both sides of the family. This genetic soup either can create a child that looks exactly like one or more parents, or a child that looks like neither, or something in between. The way DNA is written is such that it is the arrangement that changes. “When it is specific for you, your brothers DNA can look like yours but will never be the same all through the sequence even if you are twins. it is even better than fingerprint. DNA testing is very accurate except those carrying out the analysis are not experts. There are no age restrictions for DNA test participants. When collection is performed by an adult as directed, the cheek swabs are even safe for infants. If the father isn’t available for a paternity test, paternity can still be determined by testing relatives of the deceased father, such as the possible father’s parents. Testing can also be done for a brother or sister of the child or a brother or sister of the possible father. It’s a fundamental right to know where one came from. Paternity is a question of identity; it helps someone to form their personality. **This story was originally published in the Saturday Vanguard of 4th May 2019
When the Omo Ghetto came to town it had all the trapping of something special. From the premiere to its tour of cinemas it was a financial tsunami that swept all box office records in its wake. In its first weekend the movie by Funke Akindele made a whopping N89 million. It was a record second to none in Nigeria in 2020 regardless of it’s release date which was December 25, 2020. By the first of January, the film had amassed over N187 million in box office. Next in line to Omo Ghetto is Fate of Alakada which came a distant second raking in N113 million and it was released a long two months before Funke Akindele’s money spinner. On the third spot is Rattlesnake which garnered over N69. In fourth, fifth and sixth places are Quam’s Money, Dear Affy and Who’s The Boss with financial fortunes of N59M, N39M and N38 million respectively. Completing the Top Ten list according to statistics made available by Film One Entertainment are Legend of Inikpi with N29M at seventh; Nneka The Pretty Serpent N28M at eighth ; Introducing The Kujus with over N25M at ninth and Small Chops at tenth with N25M. By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 Omo Ghetto, Alakada, Rattlesnake top 2020 Nollywood boxoffice movies Nigeria’s ‘The New Patriots’ selected for International Film Festival in Venezuela A new social impact movie, The New Patriots, has been officially selected for the 2021 Five Continents International Film Festival, Venezuela in the drama feature film category. It is the only feature film from Africa selected for the next edition of the prestigious international festival. The “New Patriots” is set in a fictional tiny country called the Republic of Aruguna. The movie demonstrates the disenchantment of the youth with the sociopolitical situation in their country and the nonviolent strategy mobilized to confront the problem. The New Patriots parades top grade actors like Akin Lewis, Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Oshin, Dele Odule, Taiwo Ibikunle and other talented thespians. The movie was directed by Adebayo Tijani and Terry Ayebo and produced by Dr. Rotimi Adelola of Number 9 Film Studio. Beauty entrepreneur, , Diiadem unveiled as Hush’D Makeover’s brand ambassador Ex model, video vixen and beauty entrepreneur, Adeola Adeyemi Chizoba popularly known as Diiadem has been unveiled by Hush’D Makeover as their brand ambassador. The unveiling took place in Lagos at the company’s office on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Speaking at the unveiling event, the Chief Executive Officer of Hush’D Makeover, Abiola Omotunde Ahmed reveals why they are signing the beautiful ex model and video vixen who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Beauty By AD to lead the charge in their brand promotion and visibility. According to her, “She is an ambitious woman who is passionate about beauty and skincare. She understands the •Clip from Omo Ghetto (The Saga) importance of looking after your skin despite a hectic schedule which makes her happy to work with us. We love her fresh sense of style, upbeat spirit and like us, recognizes the importance of self-care. Welcome on board Diiadem! We look forward to doing great things with you as our ambassador,” said Abiola Omotunde Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of Hush’D Makeover. “Her keen interest in her skin care routine; her means of communication with the public; her poise and brand identity; and lastly her complexion sealed the deal for us,” she added. Hush’D Makeover Limited, established in 2015 is a made-in-Nigeria organic skincare brand. •Toyin Abraham •Dezign SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2021—19 “2 Weeks W in Lagos” featuring Toyin Abraham, others s set for release Februar F ebruary y 12 1 Highly anticipated Nollywood Film, “2 Weeks In Lagos” is set for release on the 12th of February after the initial postponement due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The movie which was billed to be released on the 27th of March 2020 was postponed indefinitely due to the massive increase in the pandemic, Covid 19. The true Lagos Love story features top Nollywood actors from the Old to the Young and the new such as Mawuli Gavor, Toyin Abraham, Beverly Naya, Joke Silva, Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Kosoko, Yaw, Tina Mba, Patrick Nnamani, Efe Irele, Uto Usman and a host of others. “2 Weeks In Lagos” is directed by Canadian Based award-winning director, Kathryn Fasegha, whose debut project titled, “Treacherous Heart” won awards for Best Drama in Diaspora at the African Oscars in North Carolina, USA. She also won Favorite Director African Oscars Washington DC Music act, Dezign floats record labels, hopes for better year Budding music act, Ogheneovo Dezign Clever known as Dezign in the music circles has expressed his readiness to entrench his influence on the scene by launching his own record label known as Dezignation Global Entertainment Limited, with the core objective of creating the next generation of music stars . While “Gracified”, Dezign Ovo’s debut 7-track EP released in May 2020, featuring top guns like Bracket of ‘Yori- Yori’ fame, Jaywon, Joel Amadi and Orezi, is currently enjoying massive downloads on all digital platforms the Urhobo boy from Ughelli North L.G.A Delta state hopes for a better 2021. Dezign recently participated in a TV reality show and emerged winner with a Benz C350, brand new car. In 2010, he moved to Lagos to pursue his solo musical career with MVP Records, a label owned by Ochuko Omiragwa and Micheal Okon. His debut effort,‘Paradize” came in 2013 and attracted ample reviews in the media, earning him four nominations at the South-South Music Awards (SSMA). Dezign’s Paradize won the video of the year at that award ceremony. Also in 2018, Dezign was nominated in two categories of SSMA and won Best Dancehall Artiste of the year. Dezign started singing at the age of 12, listening to the likes of Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Wyclef Jean, Cocoa Tea among other music legends who ignited his love for reggae/dancehall music. •Diiadem and Abiola Ahmed CEO Hush'D Makeover USA and an award for the Global Women Vision Award Calgary. “2 Weeks in Lagos” is a captivating, turbulent and thrilling journey into the Love affair of Ejikeme (Mawuli Gavor) and Lola (Beverly Naya). Their lives collide when Ejikeme, an investment banker, comes home from the United States to invest in Nigerian businesses. It is love at first sight for them and as they embark on a journey of discovering this new love, they have to contend with the political ambitions of Ejikeme’s mother who is planning a marriage between him and the only daughter of Otunba Ayodeji, a political juggernaut who is considering Ejikeme’s father as his running mate for the Nigerian Presidency. His mother’s actions create a rift between Ejikeme and Lola that puts their families on a deadly collision course. The movie captures the excitement and vibrancy of everyday life in Lagos and reflects the complexity of life in Lagos, a dynamic city where anything is possible in 2 Weeks.
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09012021 - Nigeria must stop paying ransom to kidnappers

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