Venezuelan President announces Christmas will take place in October

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro moved Christmas celebrations in his country from December to October.

 

Despite most of the world celebrating Christmas on December 25, Maduro made a live television address this week urging that the people of Venezuela begin from October this year to celebrate Christmas

In a bizarre speech, the president said: "It is September and it already smells like Christmas.

"And that is why this year, in homage to you, in gratitude to you, I am going to decree the advancement of Christmas to October 1. Christmas starts on October 1 – for everyone, Christmas has arrived, with peace, happiness and security."

But his countrymen are not happy about this, with many saying they can barely feed, let alone celebrate.

Speaking to AP News, local man Ernesto Ruiz raged over the decision.

The 57-year-old in Caracas, said: "Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, family reunions, parties, presents. But without money and with this political crisis, who can believe that there will be an early Christmas?"

And Inés Quevedo, a 39-year-old secretary and mother of two children, said: "We are all worried about how we are going to put food on the table, how we are going to pay for the bus, send the children to school and buy medicine when we need it.

"I don’t think they will improve our salaries or pay us the 'aguinaldo'," she added, referring to the Christmas bonuses that workers usually receive at the end of the year.

The minimum wage has not changed since 2022: 130 bolivars per month, or about £2.67. Workers also earn a monthly food assistance bonus of about £30, and those who have signed up for a system of government benefits get an additional $68.

"We’ll see what this Christmas is all about," Quevedo said.

I have sinned - Pharmacist who criticized Goodluck Jonathan for pegging petrol price at N87 per litre, asks God for 'forgiveness'

A pharmacist, Yusuf Dauran, who criticized former president, Goodluck Jonathan, for pegging the price of petrol at N87 a litre, has asked God for forgiveness. 

In 2012, Jonathan's administration increased fuel price from N67 to N97 but reduced it to N87 in January 2015.

However, many people including the then opposition party, viewed the reduction as a political move to sway voters. 

In the old tweet dated January 21, 2015, Yusuf wrote: “So a liter is now #87 . GEJ carry your change waka we want real CHANGE abeg.”

Quoting the tweet on Tuesday September 3, the pharmacist wrote: “Lord forgive me for I have sinned”

The NNPCL on September 3, 2024, increased the pump price of petrol from N568 to N855, N897 per litre (depending on the location) amidst lingering fuel scarcity. 

Lion dr@gs boy, 5, by his head into woods and m@uls him at family picnic

A five-year-old boy has been seriously injured after he was m@uled by a mountain lion and dragged away by his head.

 

The boy was with his family at Malibu Creek State Park, California, on Sunday, September 1, and was playing with a group of children when the mountain lion approached.

The animal clamped its jaws around the boy’s head and started dragging him away into the nearby woods.

 

"It was huge. The mountain lion was not scared at all," his aunt told KTLA.

There were around 40 other people in the picnic area at Tapia park when the attack happened.

 

As the boy and onlookers screamed for help, his dad fought the mountain lion with his bare hands to save his son.

 

His aunt added: "Somebody screamed the baby’s name, and the dad started running.

 

"The father grabbed the mountain lion with his hands and he just fought and then the mountain lion let go."

 

The boy was airlifted to Northridge Hospital Medical Center where his injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening.

 

He suffered serious cuts and scratches to his face, and his eyes are understood to have been damaged during the attack.

 

The mountain lion was found in the area after the attack and it remained in a tree until State Parks rangers arrived.

 

It was killed by a ranger after it was deemed a danger to the public, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

 

DNA taken from the mountain lion matched samples taken from the boy’s wounds and clothing, confirming that they had killed the correct animal.

 

California State Parks are now investigating the attack.

 

A statement said: "California State Parks (State Parks) rangers and Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies responded to a report of a mountain lion attack at Malibu Creek State Park on Sunday, September 1, at 4.21pm.

 

"A family group from Woodland Hills was having a picnic at Malibu Creek State Park, consisting of at least six adults and a few children.

 

"The children were playing in the immediate vicinity of the family’s picnic table when a mountain lion attacked a 5-year-old boy, causing significant but non-life-threatening injuries.

 

"One or more adults charged at the lion, and it released the boy. Multiple witnesses saw the attack and observed the mountain lion climb up a nearby tree.

 

"The lion remained in the tree until State Parks rangers arrived. In consultation with CDFW wildlife officers, they deemed the mountain lion a threat to public safety and a ranger euthanized it via firearm.

 

"Per standard protocol, wildlife officers contacted the victim and family at the hospital to obtain evidence samples from the bite and scratch wounds and the victim’s clothing.

 

"Those evidence samples were confirmed a DNA match by CDFW’s Wildlife Forensic Lab in Sacramento.

 

“CDFW and State Parks officials are thankful that the family is safe, and the child is recovering and no one else was injured.”

South African pastor sentenced to life imprisonment for r£ping 14-year-old girl

The Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court in South Africa has sentenced a 42-year-old pastor, Dumisani Khumalo, to life imprisonment for the r£pe of a 14-year-old girl in 2020.

 

 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) DPP Mpumalanga Regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, in a statement on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, said the assault had adverse effects on the victim, including a decline in her academic performance, fear of being alone, and a previous suicide attempt.

 

 

“The court's ruling delivered today underscores the serious nature of sexual offences against children and the commitment to ensuring justice for victims,” the statement read. 

 

"The incident occurred on 25 July 2020, when the victim was on her way to the shop with a friend in Sifunindlela, located in the KaBokweni

district. 

 

"Khumalo offered the girls a lift in his vehicle. After dropping off the friend to buy something at the shop, Khumalo manipulated the situation by driving past the store, making a U-turn, and ultimately parking at a playground, where he proceeded

to rape the victim.

 

In the aftermath of the attack, the victim managed to escape and went to a neighbour, where she reported the horrific event. Following her disclosure, the accused was apprehended by the police. 

 

"During the trial, Khumalo pleaded not guilty and attempted to discredit the victim, portraying her as someone intent on destroying his reputation.

 

"However, State Prosecutor John Mahlwele presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from the victim, an eyewitness, and medical reports, which the court found credible. 

 

"Additionally, a victim impact statement revealed the profound effects the assault had on the victim, including a decline in her academic performance, fear of being alone, and a previous suicide attempt.

 

"Before sentencing, Magistrate Recardo Cloete remarked on Khumalo's lack of remorse throughout the trial. He asserted that there were no justifiable reasons to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment mandated by law for such a grievous crime. 

 

"Khumalo was thus sentenced to life imprisonment, with an order for his name to be added to the National Register of Sexual Offenders, rendering him unfit to work with children.

 

"The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed satisfaction with the sentence, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to prosecuting cases related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide. 

 

“This case serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect vulnerable individuals in society and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.”

The fuel scarcity crisis and untold hardship is a direct result of the government's incompetence - Peter Obi

 Former Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that the current fuel scarcity in Nigeria is a direct result of the ineptitude of the Tinubu-led administration. 

Obi stated this in a post shared on his X handle today September 3. He stated that the conflicting reports from the NNPCL on its revenue and debt profile has left Nigerians in the dark. Obi urged Nigerians to ensure they stop at nothing to unravel the truth as regards the financial status of the NNPCL. 

Obi further stated that the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, other Modular Refineries’ struggles to secure crude oil supply and NNPCL's search for outside operators for its refineries are further proof of this administration's “gross incompetence.” 

Read his tweets below…

 

 

NYSC bars poly graduates without IT experience

According to the National Youth Service Corps, participants in the national youth service program who are polytechnic graduates or holders of the Higher National Diploma and do not have documentation of completing the required 12-month industrial training will not be allowed to register at the NYSC orientation camp.

The acting Director of Press and Public Relations, NYSC, Mrs Caroline Lembu, who spoke to The Punch on Thursday, explained that a certificate of industrial training is one of the requirements for polytechnic graduates to participate in the one-year national youth service.

The NYSC had recently introduced a new policy, requiring graduates of polytechnics and monotechnics to present an IT certification, as part of requirements for the national service, particularly for participation in the camp activities.

“The directive will take effect from the next orientation camp, and we will not register any candidate who did not complete or undergo the process,” Baderinwa said.

How to naturally enlarge your penis: Eating THIS food could increase length

Many men are insecure about the size of their penis but fear not, there are ways you can enlarge your penis, naturally.

Not all men are blessed in the penis department.

In fact, more men are unhappy with the size of their member than those that are satisfied.

Whilst there is no magic cure, there are ways to get some extra growth/girth and get you feeling better down there.

At some point in time in their lives, men have had their fair share of insecurities regarding the size of their penis unless of course. A lot of men often wonder if they are big enough to satisfy their woman.

The average penis

The average penis size according to researchers as per world’s standards is estimated at 5.1 inches. And anything less than 4.5 inches is considered to be small.

While there are hundreds of advertisements all over the internet that claim that their 'magic pill' can increase the size of the penis by as much as 4-5 inches. But the truth is that almost all of them are nothing but a farce. 

1. The Penis Stretching Exercise

One great tactic that can help add some inches to your penis are stretching exercises for your penis. It may sound a little odd but it really does work.

2. Avoid Fatty Foods and live an active life

Consuming foods that are high in saturated fats and calories whilst being physically inactive can cause your penis to shrink significantly. It can also lead to serious problems with your virility and lead to overall bad health.

Lack of physical activity increases cholesterol in your arteries therefore disrupting the proper circulation of blood in the penis which causes it to shrink. Choosing a healthy lifestyle can drastically help with penis size and health.

3. Kegels

Kegel exercises, much like with women, can enhance your muscles if you squeeze muscles in your penis. You can squeeze the muscles on and off, use the same muscle to end it, and begin the pee flow again. You should try for 10 sets, getting a short rest in-between sets, and aiming for twenty or thirty per set.

4. Jelquing

This exercise is very simple but effective. It will improve hardness and size of your penis.

Ensure that your penis is partially erect and use a lubricant. Hold your penis at the base with your thumb and pointer finger keeping your grip near the pelvic bone. Slowly move your hand up the penis maintaining the pressure. Stop your hand just below the head/gland.

This counts as one jelq and it should take you 2 to 3 seconds to do 1 jelq. This help in pushing the blood towards tip of the penis and will not cause any pain. Repeat the process for a few minutes and do consistently if you want to see a significant change.

5. No Smoking

Smoking is the worst enemy of your total reproductive health. Not only is smoking proven to shrink penis size, but it can also lead to a decrease in testosterone causing a lot of other hormonal imbalances that can cause shrinkage of the penis.

Tiny particles from the smoking block the arteries thus damaging the healthy flow of blood to the penis as well as to all other parts of the body.

For your penile and overall health, ensure you stop smoking NOW.

A Nigerian woman describes how, three weeks after their wedding, her husband left for Lagos and never came back.

Three weeks after their court wedding in 2019, Chinenye Anyanwu, a Nigerian woman, described how her newlywed pleasure was cut short when her spouse disappeared without a trace.
 
Chinenye, who shared her story in a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, said that her runaway husband, who is suspected to be a scammer, made away with everything he could lay hands on.
 
According to her, Olumide left for Lagos on what was supposed to be a one week trip but never returned till date.
 
She said two weeks into the trip, she informed Olumide that she was pregnant but he wasn't thrilled about the idea of being a father.
 
Unknown to her, she was in for more shock.
 
In what she described as the “biggest scam in history,” she said it turned out that Olumide's ‘family members who came to the wedding weren't real."
 
She alleged that they were either ‘hired, tricked to attend or play roles at the wedding.’
 
“On 2nd August 2019, I walked into a marriage registry and exchanged marital vows with a man who legally became my husband after that exercise. Everything was fine. Everyone was happy for us,” she wrote.

On 27th August, exactly this day 5 years ago. Just 3 weeks after our marriage, he went on a trip to Lagos. His trip was supposed to be just one week but guess what, he hasn't returned till date. What happened? So much.
 
2 weeks after he left I found out I was 2 weeks pregnant. The excitement, ohhhhhh. But he didn't seem excited, why? I guess pregnancy wasn't part of his plans.
 
One month later, the biggest scam in history was discovered. You'll get to know that the only real people at my wedding were people from my side (people who came on my account). Everyone that came for and on behalf of my husband were either hired, manipulated or tricked to attend or play roles at the wedding including his uncle and the wife, the food vendor, photographer etc.
 
More shocks coming. All his family members I've spoken with while the relationship and marriage lasted nko? They were all part of his mission. Their numbers haven't gone through till date. My husband made away with everything he could lay hands on. Obviously his reason for the marriage was to get access to them. Virtuous woman don't hide her money and assets from her husband right?
 
Days turned to weeks, then to months. I accepted my reality, took responsibility for the mistakes that I made myself and determined to make things right for me and my then unborn child. Sounds like a movie scene right? Well, that's someone's reality but this is not the main point of this post. Here's the point.
 
My marriage lasted just 3 weeks but it's been 5 years of trying to fix the damages caused by that mistake. It's been 5 years of trying so hard to rebuild everything that was broken down by reason of that marriage error; mental, spiritual, career, financial, emotional etc.
 
That one error affected practically everything, every other area of my life. Every now and then I ask myself "how did I let this happen under my watch?".
 
Everyone thinks you are strong and you are fine. But that's not the whole truth. Few days ago my son woke up and saw me and said "Mummy you are crying again".
 
It broke me but I couldn't help it. The last two months have been hell in my head, mind and body. I took stock of the past five years of my life and it seems God is punishing me for making one mistake.
 
All my efforts to fix things, get back to my normal life in all aspects hasn't yielded positive in my assessment. It's like I get to 70% progress then back to 20%. It's just not working. It's more like a shadow than it's real. It's like I don't belong here anymore, like I am just fading away yet shining from the outer. For just one mistake? Isn't this two much consequence?
 
I have seen people make countless marriage mistakes/errors yet get back to their normal. Yet the holy book says God is not partial. I don't understand it anymore. It's not making any sense to me again. Make it make sense to me God!
 
The only crime I committed was trusting and committing to a man I didn't know but thought I knew and didn't take time to know. I didn't keell anyone. I didn't break the law of the land so why am I in jail? Why is my punishment this long and harsh?
 
The worst is that you don't even have anyone to talk to because they don't seem to understand. To them you are a strong woman and everything is either fine or you can handle everything.
 
Olumide, I have never cursed you in the past five years and for a reason I'll never do that. May the universe judge between you and I accordingly. Life indeed is not fair. Dear God, I think it is enough. It is.

How gunmen killed the son of the Lagos monarch

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Demola, the first son of Ojomu of Ajiran land, Tijani Akinloye.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the killing which took place on Monday along Chevron Drive, Lekki area of Lagos State created an atmosphere of fear in the community following which the area became deserted.

A notice sent to punch from the management of an estate in the community urged residents to avoid the Chevron, Agungi, and Ajiran areas.

The statement read, “This is to notify all residents that Ajiran (Agungi) king’s son was assassinated today along Chevron Drive (close to Ebeano Supermarket) this morning.

“We therefore plead to our esteemed residents to avoid the Chevron area, Agungi and Ajiran for now for their safety.”

A resident, Bukunmi Folahanmi, told our correspondent that she would not be going to work on Tuesday following the incident.

She said, “It’s daylight assassination. I am not going to work again till like Wednesday. Although they (have) deployed some vigilante guys around the area.”

While confirming the incident to our correspondent, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the killing occurred around 12:30 pm.

According to him, a distress call was received at the police station in the area that the man “later identified as Demola Akinloye, aged 50 years, was attacked along Chevron Drive, Lekki.”

He said the attack took place while the deceased was driving in his black Toyota Corolla near Bourdillon Court Estate gate.

He revealed that “four armed men driving in a white minibus shot and stabbed him to death.

“The scene had been visited, one expended cartridge was recovered while the corpse had been moved to a morgue, in Ajah, Lagos State for preservation and autopsy.”

He added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for further investigation.

A resident in the community who craved anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident said the gunmen deliberately hit the deceased’s vehicle and attacked him when he stepped out to assess the damage to his car.

“When the bus hit his vehicle, it was at the point of coming out to check his car that the gunmen attacked him. This made people who were present at the scene to run for cover. The gunmen left him bleeding on the spot after the attack,” the resident disclosed.

Another source who spoke with our correspondent from the area said he suspected the attack was carried out by those “eyeing the throne.” The claim cannot be independently verified by PUNCH Metro.

“He is the heir to the throne. The news around the community is that the act was carried out by those eyeing the throne, even though his father is still alive,” the source who craved anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident said.

A member of the family who does not want his name in print as he was not authorised to speak on the matter said the family had been thrown into mourning due to the incident.

He said, “We were shocked to receive the news of the incident. This was a child the father loved so dearly and pampered. He also had a striking semblance with him. If you see him, then you have seen the king. The mood in the palace now is not okay at all. Both the king and members of the family have stopped attending to people for now.”

News Flash: Kidnappers Launch Another Attack in Kubwa, Abuja, Seize Two Sisters, and Request N30 Million Ransom

This development occurs just a week after residents of the Chikakore community expressed their grievances to the office of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. They raised concerns about the deplorable condition of the main road connecting their community, attributing it as a contributing factor to the recurrent cases of kidnapping in the area. 

Two teenage sisters have been kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be bandits at Guita community, Chikakore in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

It was gathered on Wednesday that the kidnappers returned last Sunday around 11:25pm despite the patrol of military men and policemen in the area.

It was learnt that the gunmen numbering six, made away the girls, who were said to be 16 and 14 years old through the forests and hills in the area.

A police source in the area, who confirmed their kidnap to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, said the attackers took three of a man's children, two girls, and one boy, but they went away with two girls and sent back one (the boy) from the bush.

He was sent to go and tell their father to prepare N30million as the ransom.

The source said, “The gunmen changed their approach when they came; they didn’t shoot like before but forced themselves inside. While they were forcing themselves inside, the owner of the house (a Calabar man) ran to the vigilante’s office, then, he ran to the commander’s house before the commander could call another person, and rush to his house, the gunmen were already gone.

"It was when they were going, they started shooting, unlike before that they would shoot before the operation and till the end.

"They took three of his children, two girls, and one boy, but they went away with two and sent back one (the boy) from the bush that he should go and tell their father to prepare 30million naira for their ransom.

"When they were taken, the two girls (16 and 14 years) one of the girls was wearing a nightgown, and the mother tried to plead with the gunmen to let her wear something for the cold, but instead they beat up the mother. She had no option but to just let the girls go the way they were under the cold.

"Before the police came to the scene, they were already gone. Some of the vigilantes later traced them to the railway line, to the rocks but there was no trace anymore.

"The man that his daughters were kidnapped is a front liner security payment and he has made several donations to the community."

However, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, when contacted by SaharaReporters, promised to get the details and to revert.