How Aviation Minister Stella Oduah Forced Cash-Strapped Aviation Agency To Spend $1.6 Million On Two BMW Armored Cars For Her

Reporters have obtained documents further exposing the depth of corruption and mismanagement of public funds at Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation headed by Stella Oduah.

One of the documents details how Ms. Oduah compelled the cash-strapped Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to purchase two armored BMW cars for the minister. NCAA is the agency charged with ensuring the airworthiness of commercial planes flying within Nigeria’s airspace. Two officials of the agency told Reporters that the NCAA did not have enough funds to upgrade equipment, send staff for critical training, and hire enough qualified staff. “Yet, all the minister is concerned about is to have two exotic BMW cars from the little money we have for operations,” one of the sources said.

The documents obtained by SaharaReporters indicate that the transaction for the purchase of the two BMW vehicles started in June 2013. However, the request for delivery of and payment for the two vehicles was fast-tracked between August 13 and 15 2013. The transaction involved the NCAA, First Bank of Nigeria, and Coscharis Motors Limited.

In a letter dated August 13, 2013, J.D Nkemakolam of the NCAA sent a letter to the Managing Director of Coscharis Motors asking the company to deliver to the NCAA two BMW 760 armored vehicles based on a pro-forma invoice dated June 25, 2013 at the cost of N127, 575,000 ($796,846.21) each. The total amount for the two vehicles came to N255,150,000, or $1,593,687.31. The NCAA’s letter directed Coscharis Motors to deliver the vehicles with sales invoices, delivery notes, and attestation documents.

Our documents reveal that the payment for the vehicles was made into a First Bank of Nigeria account (number 2018912995 with sort code: 0111152303), according to a letter signed by Godwin Umeaka, Coscharis’ group financial controller.

The two black BMW Li HSS vehicles had chases numbers WBAHP41050DW68032 and WBAHP41010DW68044 respectively. The two cars were delivered to the NCAA on August 13, 2013, where it was received by two store managers, F. Onoabhagbe and Y.A. Amzat (who is also the agency’s head of transport). On August 15, 2013, Sola Ogunsakin of the NCAA signed off to certify completion of the transaction.

In an extensive investigation of the Aviation sector after three air mishaps in Nigeria’s airspace, Reporters found a pattern of questionable expenditures authorized by the minister. Several insiders within the aviation industry have told Reporters that Ms. Oduah and President Goodluck Jonathan had focused on the Aviation Ministry as a source for a series of corrupt activities.

“Under Mrs. Oduah, the ministry has carried out many big capital development projects. But what outsiders don’t know is that these projects are being used to divert big amounts into private pockets,” an aviation source said.

Our sources disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had investigated several corrupt practices in the aviation sector, but added that the anti-corruption agency never had the backbone to act on their findings due to political pressure from the Presidency.

Several sources at the agency told SaharaReporters that they were not aware of the whereabouts of the two BMW cars. Some of the sources stated that the cars were handed to the minister who had converted them to private use.

Several interest groups have been demanding the removal of Ms. Oduah, citing her corrupt tendencies, mismanagement of aviation funds and incompetence. Under her watch, the Nigerian airspace has witnessed several air mishaps that claimed the lives of at least 140 people.

A Presidency source told Reporters that Ms. Oduah still retains the confidence of President Jonathan. She is a close associate of Mr. Jonathan, serving as the treasurer who handled funds for the Jonathan campaign during the 2011 presidential election. She also co-chaired the campaign group known as Neighbor-To-Neighbor.

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Naked Beach: Top 10 Topless Beaches in The World

The beach is always one of the top tourist destination—its cool waves, gentle breeze and fascinating view make it a favorite. Beaches from all over the world have their own best points. While some beaches are popular for their white sand, for their strong waves, or for their sand bars, some beaches are popular for their uniqueness—people can enjoy the sun and the sand sans their top, hence, you got a topless beach. Here is a list of the top 10 topless beaches in the world.Praia Do Pinho in Brazil topls this list.The Brazilian women are beautiful with glowing skin, cute faces, beautiful chests and they like to keep it naked.

10. Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii

 

Little Beach is considered to be a favorite among topless beach-goers. They head to Maui to get their tan and perfect their golden brown skin color. The ironic part of being in Little Beach is that it is actually illegal to go sunbathing in this area, however thanks to local authorities, they still allow people to enjoy the sun—topless or nude. Create fun, topless memories in Maui and have a memorable vacation!

9.  Abrico Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

The naturalist movement had a big breakthrough when the ban on nude beaches was lifted in Rio in 2003. Since then, people would head to Abrico beach to take off their tops and bask in the splendor of the sun, without worrying of getting caught. Abrico beach also has a naturalist association that ensures that tourists and locals need not worry about bringing in their clothes anymore. With this development, people are experiencing and enjoying more freedom to be just their topless selves.

8. Red Beach, Crete, Greece

 

The Red beach is famous for its impressive scenery surrounding the coast—a range of caves and ancient ruins—you will surely enjoy bathing in the sun while getting the best natural aesthetics on earth. Swimming in the waters of Greece is surely a good way of capping off your splendid vacation. Red Beach is another tourists’ favorite as more and more people are flocking to this famous place.

7. Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada

 

Wreck beach is known for its 7-km clothing-optional beach. You will find the mark that says you are already free to remove your top and clothes and you can be free with the wind as you enjoy the sun. The beach is also said to have a black market where you can buy smokables and other beverages that can add fun to your vacation. Wreck beach definitely spells fun!

6. Samurai Beach Resort, New South Wales, Australia

 

Samurai beach has an intriguing name. Can you imagine Samurai mixed with topless sunbathing? Samurai beach resort hosts the Nude Olympics held every November where you can enjoy watching a healthy and unique combination of athletics and nudity. Let your competitive spirit and fit physique show in the Olympics! Head to the Samurai beach resort now and light that Nude Olympics torch up to get the beach topless party starting!

5. Haulover Beach, Miami Beach

 

It is safe to say that having fun while topless in Haulover Beach is legitimate. It is officially recognized by the Miami-Dade Country, hence the government approves and supports nude sunbathing in this beach. Haulover beach was organized by South Florida Free Beaches. If you want to experience a good, carefree and unique vacation, Haulover beach is the best place to be! Just do not get surprised when you see an alert saying “Attention: Beyond this point you may encounter nude bathers.” Better alert yourself that beyond this point, you are about to have the best vacation of your life! Miami can really set you free!

4. Hedonism II, Negril, Jamaica

 

The name itself implies what the Hedonism beach has in store for you—drugs, alcohol, nudity. There are only reserved sections of the resort where you can use these purchases, since you cannot do it anywhere in the beach. The beach was built in 1976, amounting to $10 million. Negril’s hedonism is indeed very much rampant in the beach. If you want to experience and share the good and hedonistic vacation with your friends, then fly to Jamaica now! This beach may prove to you that pleasure is the highest good—the way a real Hedonist would like to believe in.

3. Le Centre Helio Marin, Montalivet, France

 

Believed to be the first nude destination location in the world, Le Centre Helio Marin has grown popular since 1950. People flock to Montalivet to experience nude or topless sunbathing and swimming, without having to worry about being caught or feeling off. All you need to do is to take off your clothes and do not leave any part of your body pale in whiteness! Perfect your tan and make it golden as you can even go to the grocery without clothes. This is not a dream; you can actually live a normal life and do fun activities while naked. You can visit the campsites, go shopping, hang out at different spot. Who says you need to have clothes to have fun? Enjoy everything while wearing nothing!

2. Plage de Tahiti, Saint-Tropez France

 

Plage de Tahiti is dubbed to be a celebrity favorite, so do not be surprised if you walk along side by side a topless starlet or a Hollywood actor. Bask in the same sun and enjoy the same sand with these celebrities. You are entitled to have fun in this beach too! Just avoid taking photos of them and just enjoy everything while wearing nothing
 

1. Praia Do Pinho, Cambori, Brazil

 

If you are into nude sunbathing, Praia Do Pinho is the best beach for you. In this beach, nudity is required. You can enjoy the shore, bars, volleyball courts, campgrounds, sans your top and clothes. In this beach, you are free to have fun, without the need to wear your clothes! Let Brazil take you into its impressive shore and sand.

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Award winning Nigerian actress, Omotola Ekeinde, has berated the Federal Government over the lingering industrial action by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

Omotola, who in April made the Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, took to her Facebook and Twitter accounts on Tuesday to express anger at the way the Federal Government is handling education in the country.

The United Nations World Food Programme Ambassador, who commands a following of 1,163,835 and 277, 040 on Facebook and Twitter respectively, wrote that government has a responsibility to provide qualitative education to the citizenry.

She painted Nigeria as a sleeping giant and lamented that with the ongoing strike the youths were simply “wasting away.”

The actress said education “is a right and not a privilege” and urged the affected Nigerian students to stand up for their rights and take actions to right the wrongs in the nation’s education system.

She wrote, “Education is a right, not a privilege. This should be the first responsibility of every parent, state and country to their child. Why are students of the most populous black nation in the world, ‘Giant of Africa,’ not in school?

“Where are all the educational funds? Why is there a crippling silence when Nigerian schools have been shut for almost four months and the youths are wasting away with their future uncertain? Barka de Sallah. As we pray, eat and relax on the occasion of this holiday, our youths should spare sometime to think. Youths, your destiny is in your hand.”

Her fans appear to have been challenged by her online crusade. They lauded Omotola, who broke into trending topics on the Nigerian social media space on Tuesday, for being the first Nigerian celebrity to speak out against the ASUU debacle.

A particular Facebook fan of Omotola, Esther Ukeh-Negbo, wrote, “We thank you for coming out to support the youths.

Other celebrities are busy wearing the latest designers to red carpet events. It is not their fault, they are not in our shoes. You have proved yourself to be a good mother who feels the pains of others. I hope to follow in your footsteps in the future.”

Appreciating the actress for her concern, Chukwuemeka Nwaeze, said on Facebook that it was high time the government took education as a toppriority as it obtains in other parts of the world.

Nwaeze said, “Omosexy please tell our leaders. As you can see, our government has deprived us this basic rights because of their misplaced priority. May God help us in this nation. Our leaders should know that education is a top priority anywhere in the world.

Thank you, my sister, for bringing up this issue.” Some university students affected by the strike observed that the political class were paying lip service to the educational sector because many of their children were getting the best of education abroad.

Many of Omotola’s social media followers lamented that it was pathetic and disgraceful that some African countries were getting it right while the Nigerian government had largely preoccupied itself with entering into agreements without honouring them.

A Twitter user with the name Elpresie wrote, “Their children are in private schools in London and in various western countries. We should ask the FG why our future leaders are wasting away in peril. It’s sad.

You pick up a newspaper and all you read about is the Peoples Democratic Party’s internal crisis.”

They also blamed the dwindling voice of the mass of Nigerian students on government who, according to them, has broken into their ranks to achieve selfish objectives.

“Some universities don’t even have a students’ union. Some do have but they have been bought over,” a Twitter user, Bukkie Gold, wrote.

While some of Omotola’s fans asked ASUU to continue with the strike, a section of her followers disagreed, saying the university teachers were asking for too much.

One Julie Ooja-Okoh wrote on Twitter that the strike action was in order and should continue until government shows readiness to adequately fund the education sector. “Omo sexy, see me o.

Imagine a university where you have to hang on the window to study, take lectures and write exams in that same position to pass.”

But another Twitter user, Saltz Lounge, who believed that ASUU has taken the industrial dispute too far, said, “It’s not that the government is right as regards development in education system but at this point I think ASUU has over-pushed its demands. Has anybody ever asked why state university lecturers are involved in this strike action?”

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Pharrell, Helen Lasichanh Tie the Knot in Star-Studded Wedding

Robin Thicke, Usher and many more attended the nuptials.

Pharell Williams and his longtime girlfriend Helen Lasichanh tied the knot this weekend in Miami, Florida. The couple, already parents to four-year-old son Rocket, reportedly celebrated their nuptials with dozens of celebrity pals, including Jay Z, Robin Thicke and Gwen Stefani. The newlyweds were even treated to a "mini-concert" by Usher and Buster Rymes

"It was so fun. The little concert was amazing. It [was] the most fun wedding I've ever been to," a source shares. "Of course they're playing some of [Williams'] hits tonight," another insider added.

Williams and Lasichanh have kept their relationship of five years relatively low key, but the hitmaker recently confessed on the Today Show about his connection with Lasichanh, "It's awesome.  I can't tell anyone what to do. I can't give anyone relationship advice. But the bestie thing is awesome. Every night is like a sleepover."

Indeed, the couple reportedly tied the knot in a secret ceremony in August, but waited until October 12 for a more lavish ceremony and reception at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Miami's Coconut Grove.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

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Bravest Girl In The World - Malala Yousafzai meets with the Obamas in the Oval Office

 President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and their daughter, Malia, meet with Malala Yousafzai in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Malala Yousafzai  known as the bravest girl in the world may not have won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, but she enjoyed a private Oval Office audience with President Obama and the first family.

Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani student who was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen for speaking out in support of the right of girls to go to school, met Friday with Obama and his wife, Michelle. A photograph issued by the White House shows the Obamas' 15-year-old daughter, Malia, also present during the visit.

The Obamas welcomed Yousafzai to the Oval Office "to thank her for her inspiring and passionate work on behalf of girls education in Pakistan," according to a statement issued by the White House.

The statement added, "The United States joins with the Pakistani people and so many around the world to celebrate Malala's courage and her determination to promote the right of all girls to attend school and realize their dreams."

Yousafzai said she was honored to meet Obama and that she raised concerns with him about the administration's use of drones, saying they are "fueling terrorism."

"I thanked President Obama for the United States' work in supporting education in Pakistan and Afghanistan and for Syrian refugees," Yousafzai said in a statement published by the Associated Press. "I also expressed my concerns that drone attacks are fueling terrorism. Innocent victims are killed in these acts, and they lead to resentment among the Pakistani people. If we refocus efforts on education it will make a big impact."

The Pakistani teen was in Washington on Friday for an address at the World Bank, part of her U.S. visit to promote her new memoir, "I Am Malala."

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