Sunday, 1 June 2014

Bomb Blast Kill Dozens In Adamawa

AGENCY REPORTS
— June 1, 2014
A bomb blast targeting a television
viewing centre for football in northeast
Nigeria killed an unknown number of
people on Sunday, a police spokesman
said.
A military source said several bodies
had been recovered from the site of the
evening bombing in the town of Mubi in
Adamawa state.
“We don’t have a precise death toll for
you while work is still going on to
remove the corpses,” said police
spokesman for Adamawa state Usman
Abubakar.
There was no immediate claim of
responsibility. Islamist militant group
Boko Haram, whose struggle for an
Islamic state is concentrated in the
northeast, would be the prime suspect.
The group has set off several bombs
across north and central Nigeria in the
past two months.
Last weekend, a suicide bomber set out
to strike an open-air viewing of a
football match in the central city of Jos,
but his car blew up before reaching the
target, killing three people.
A suicide bombing the week before in
Jos killed 118 people, and two bombs
on the outskirts of Abuja in April killed
95 between them.
The group is still holding more than 200
schoolgirls that it abducted on April 14.

Nigerian Billionaires and Top 20+ Richest People (Entrepreneurs) in Nigeria 2013

The criteria for coming up with this list
Most of you may be wondering the
criteria or benchmark on which I compiled
this list of richest people in Nigeria. Well,
I compiled this list based on the following
criteria:
By the value of their shares held in
quoted companies.
The size and market share of their
companies
The number of companies they own
and its assumed value
The market value of their
company’s brand
The impact of their companies on
the Nigerian economy
I compiled this list of richest people in
Nigeria and highlighted the secret to their
success because I believe we can learn a
lot from them. Nigeria as a country has
been branded all sort of names and a lot
has been said about Nigeria; both
positive and negative but I am proud that
some individuals stood tall to tell the
world that we have got potentials.
Despite the harsh terrain and business
challenges involved with starting a
business in Nigeria; the successful
entrepreneurs listed below held their
ground and fought their way to the top.
In a country with a population of over
150 million inhabitants and millions of
businesses; these 20 entrepreneurs
diligently carved their names in the sands
of time by taking advantage of the fastest
growing business opportunities in
Nigeria.
So instead of boring you with their
success stories; I would rather extract the
vital lessons learned from the life of these
billionaires. If you are ready to learn, then
below is a list of the Nigerian Billionaires
(entrepreneurs ) and top richest people in
Nigeria.
Nigerian Billionaires and Top
****20+ Richest People
(Entrepreneurs) in Nigeria
2013***
1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote – Dangote Group ,
(Manufacturing , oil & gas,)
2. Mike Adenuga – Conoil, Equatorial
Trust Bank, Globacom ( Oil & gas,
Banking, Telecom )
3. Femi Otedola – Forte Oil and Gas ( Oil
& gas)
4. Orji Uzor Kalu – Slok Group (Aviation,
Shipping, publishing, manufacturing)
5. Cosmos Maduka – Coscharis Group
(Automobile , manufacturing)
6. Jimoh Ibrahim – Nicon Insurance,
Global Fleet (Insurance, transportation,
oil & gas)
7. Jim Ovia – Zenith Bank, Visafone
(Banking, Telecom)
8. Pascal Dozie – MTN Nigeria, Diamond
Bank (Banking, Telecom)
9. Oba Otudeko – Honeywell Group
Nigeria, Pivotal Engineering, Airtel
(Manufacturing, oil & gas, telecom)
10. Alhaji Sayyu Dantata – MRS Group
(Oil & gas, construction)
11. Umaru Abdul Mutallab – former
Chairman First Bank Plc, Mutallab Group
12. Prince Samuel Adedoyin – Doyin
Group (manufacturing, pharmaceuticals)
13. Dele Fajemirokun – Chaiman Aiico
Insurance, Xerox Nigeria, Chicken
Republic, Kings Guards (Insurance,
Security, Technology, Food retailing )
14. Chief Cletus Ibeto – Ibeto Group
(Trading, manufacturing, oil & gas)
15. Raymond Dokpesi – Daar
Communication, AIT , ( Entertainment)
16. Tony Ezenna – Orange Group
(Pharmaceutical, oil & gas)
17. Chief Molade Okoya Thomas –
Chairman CFAO Nig and other six french
companies (Automobiles)
18. Ifeanyi Ubah – Capital oil and gas
(Oil & gas)
19. Leo Stan Ekeh – Zinox (Computer ,
technology)
20. Fola Adeola – GTBank (Banking)
21. Chief Ade Ojo – Elizade Motors Nig
LTD, Distributor of Toyota cars (Auto
retailing)
22. Abdulsamad Rabiu – Bua Group (Oil &
gas, manufacturing)
23. Folorunsho Alakija – Famfa Oil (Oil &
gas)
24. High Chief O.B. Lulu Briggs – Moni
Pulo (Oil & gas)
25. Hakeem Bello Osagie – Etisalat
Nigeria (Telecom)
26. Sani Bello – Amni Petroleum (Oil &
gas)
27. Mohammed Indimi – Oriental
Petroleum (Oil & gas)
28. Sir Emeka Offor – Chrome Group (Oil
& gas, marine)
29. Chief Arthur Eze – Atlas Oranto
Petroleum (Oil & gas)
30. Vincent Amaechi Obianodo – Young
Shall Grow Motors, RockView Hotels
(Transportation, hotels)
Now having gone through the list of
richest ( entrepreneurs ) people In Nigeria,
I believe it’s time I share with you the
secret to their success. I am not sharing
these secrets with you to fill up space or
excite you. Rather, I am sharing the
secrets of Nigerian billionaire
entrepreneurs so you can pick up one or
two lessons and replicate their success
strategy. After all, success can be
replicated.
The Richest People in Nigeria, the
Secret to their Success and How
They Made their Money
Have you ever wondered how Aliko
Dangote emerged the richest black man in
the world? Have you ever wondered how
the richest people in Nigeria became rich?
Have you ever tried to find out the exact
success secret of Nigeria’s billionaire
entrepreneurs ? Well, this article is going
to put all your answers to rest.
In this article, I am going to spill the
untold success secrets of the richest
people in Nigeria and how they became
billionaires. If you are prepared to
replicate these success secrets, then
below are the untold success secrets of
the richest people in Nigeria.
1. They are Strong Willed
The richest people in Nigeria are strong
willed in spirit. They are dogged and
persistent. To these set of individuals,
success is not an option; it’s a must.
These successful Nigerian entrepreneurs
refuse to be held down by their
circumstance; instead, they reached out
for their inner strength and went for
success. Above all, these entrepreneurs
don’t take no for an answer; they simply
refuse to give up and that was why they
succeed.
“When Raymond Dokpesi was
on the verge of losing A.I.T;
he refused to give up.
Mike Adenuga had his
telecom license revoked twice
and lost over 20million
dollars but he refused to give
up.
Orji Uzor Kalu had his oil
bloc license and his aviation
license revoked; his airline
business was grounded and
the business accounts of his
publishing firm (The Sun)
was frozen, yet he refused to
give up.
Chief Cletus Ibeto’s cement
company was shut down by
the government but he
persisted and refused to give
up.
So if you are ever going to have your
name listed as one of the richest people
in Nigeria; then you must be prepared to
stick it through to the end. You must
never give up.
2. They thoroughly understand their line
of business
Take a close look at the Nigerian
billionaires listed above and you will see
the names of entrepreneurs that
thoroughly understand their line of
business like the palm of their hands.
They know the in-depth intricacies of the
various businesses they are involved in.
Cosmos Maduka, the billionaire founder
of Coscharis group even liken himself to a
first class degree holder from the
University of Automobile Spare Parts.
Look ate what Chukwuma Innocent is
doing with his automobile manufacturing
plant ( Innoson Vehicles ). This goes a
long way to prove to you that knowing
your line of business is essential to
success not only in business but life in
general.
3. They are focused
The richest people in Nigeria are focused;
they chose a specific business of their
strength and stuck to it. If you are ever
going to make it in Nigeria, then you
must obey the first law of business
success of Andrew Carnegie; the steel
mogul.
“And here is the prime
condition of success, the
great secret. Concentrate
your energy, thoughts and
capital exclusively upon the
business in which you are
engaged in. Having begun in
one line, resolve to fight it
out on that line; to lead in it.
Adopt every improvement,
have the best machinery and
know the most about it.” –
Andrew Carnegie
If you think this statement is a mere fad,
then think again because it’s the truth in
its entirety. Aliko Dangote focused on
commodities and basic needs while Femi
Otedola concentrated on oil and gas. Jim
Ovia focused on banking. Cosmos
Maduka and Ade Ojo focused on
automobiles; Fola Adeola focused on
banking, Leo Stan Ekeh concentrated on
computers and Raymond Dokpesi focused
on broadcasting and entertainment. This
should tell you that concentration is a
key factor to succeeding in business.
4. They have a strong business mission
and vision
The Nigerian billionaires have a strong
business mission and vision; and these
two factors propel them to greatness.
Take away their business mission and
they are no more; this is because their
entrepreneurial spirit is in the mission of
their businesses. Take for instance:
Aliko Dangote, he is on a mission to
provide the basic needs of over 150
million Nigerians; Femi Otedola is out to
provide Oil and gas at a uniform price
with faster delivery. Fola Adeola is on a
mission to provide innovative banking
services to Nigerians; Leo Stan Ekeh
wants to put a computer in every home
and Raymond Dokpesi is out to give
Nigerians uncompromised news and
information on happenings. A strong
business mission and vision is the reason
these men emerged successful.
5. They are excellent networkers
The richest people in Nigeria became rich
because they are good networkers. They
network among themselves and even
patronize each other’s services; and when
a big deal is on board, t hey pool their
resources together, form a consortium,
execute the deal and split the profits.
This is why they emerged the richest
people in Nigeria.
6.They are Competitive
The Nigerians billionaires listed above are
very good at networking with each other;
yet, they still compete against each other
when the need arises. You can see an
example of this when Aliko Dangote used
MRS Group to compete against Femi
Otedola for the shares of Chevron Nigeria.
The richest people in Nigeria know that
nothing comes easy and life is not fair;
so they fight with all they’ve got to stay
in business. Competitiveness and the
ability to stay afloat are essential to
survival in business.
7. They think big
One attribute I love about Nigerian
billionaire entrepreneurs is that they are
big thinkers. They think big and love to
do big things. Despite the fact that they
started small; they dreamed big.
Aliko Dangote is the largest cement
manufacturer in Africa and also wants to
build the biggest refinery in West Africa,
Femi Otedola is the largest diesel
importer in Nigeria; Ifeanyi Uba’s Capital
Oil and Gas is the largest importer and
distributor of Kerosene.
Jimoh Ibrahim runs Nicon ( the biggest
insurance company in Nigeria), and
Raymond Dokpesi owns the first
indigenous cable network television in
Nigeria. So if you are going to leave a
legacy in life, then you must think big
and act big.
8. They are flexible
Flexibility is one of the strengths of the
richest people in Nigeria. They
understand the terrain very well; they
know that the government is the most
inconsistent body so far, so they prepare
themselves forehand. They keep an eye
on the ever changing pattern of the
government and swiftly adjust their
businesses to align with such change.
They are also quick to adapt to current
situation and trend while their
competitors are still grappling with the
reality on ground.
9. They are opportunist
The richest people in Nigeria are
opportunists; they know how to take
advantage of situations. Where others see
problems, these set of individuals see
opportunities and start a business around
such opportunity. While other Nigerians
shy away from adversity; these men
embrace adversity because they know
that behind every adversity is
opportunity.
“Behind every adversity is an
opportunity. If you lament
over the adversity, you will
miss the opportunity.” –
Ajaero Tony Martins
They know that wealth lies in their ability
to convert problems into opportunities
and value; just like the ancient alchemists
that tried to turn lead into gold.
“A good businessman must
have nose for business the
same way a journalist has
nose for news. Once your
eyes, ears, nose, heart and
brain are trained on
business, you sniff business
opportunities everywhere. In
places where people see a
lot of obstacles, I see a lot of
opportunities. At times, there
is something instinctive in
me that tell me a business
opportunity exist even at a
place where others see
nothing. That is what makes
me different, maybe unique.
A good businessman sees
where others don’t see. What
I see, you may not see. You
cannot see because that is
the secret of the business…
the entire world is a big
market waiting for anybody
who knows the rules of the
game.” – Orji Uzor Kalu
10. They have a strong business
management team
It is often said that behind every
successful man is a woman. In this case,
I will say that behind every successful
entrepreneur is a strong business
management team. The presence of a
business team is the reason why Nigerian
billionaire entrepreneurs and richest
people can swiftly take advantage of
opportunities; raise capital and run
multiple businesses while minding their
family affairs. A business team is vital in
your transition from a small business to
a big business.
11. They love Nigeria
Above all the success secrets of the
richest people in Nigeria, this is the
greatest. Love for Nigeria made the
Nigerian billionaire entrepreneurs invest
heavily in the country. They have all it
takes to move their investment elsewhere
but they chose to invest in Nigeria
because they believe in Nigeria.
This factor is so prevalent that even Aliko
Dangote advocated the need for
entrepreneurs to firmly believe in Nigeria;
instead of going abroad in search of
greener pasture. This is to say that if you
must strike it rich in your country; then
you must believe in your country.
As a final note, these are the eleven
secrets that are responsible for the
success of the richest people in Nigeria. If
you want to join this list of Nigerian
billionaires; if you want to imprint your
name on the sands of time, then replicate
these strategies and I will see you at the
top.

Whiter Teeth Made Simple: 10 Ways to Get Whiter Teeth Naturally

Just picture yourself with strong, beautiful,
white teeth to brighten your smile. Many
people try in vain to whiten their teeth and
maintain their smile. Yellow teeth often
make us feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Keeping your teeth naturally white is better
for you than chemical based products as the
chemical will eat away the enamel on your
teeth. Here are some natural ways to keep
your teeth white and healthy:
• Lemon Juice
Lemon is good for keeping your teeth
naturally white. Add a pinch of salt or baking
soda in a teaspoon of lemon juice and mix
it. Apply this mixture to your teeth and rub it
in. You can also eat lemons in their original
form or rub their peel on your teeth if you
can tolerate that. Excess use of lemon on
your teeth may cause sensitivity due to its
acidic properties, so use it moderately.
• Carrots
Carrots help to avoid yellow teeth. It helps to
clean the tooth surface and prevent plaque
accumulation due to its fibrous nature. The
best part of using carrot is that unlike citrus
fruits or vinegar it does not contain any
acidic properties that may harm your teeth.
• Brushing
Brushing your teeth is the easiest way to
keep your teeth clean and fresh. Make it a
habit to brush your teeth for about 2
minutes each night and in the morning.
Brush your teeth in circular motion covering
every area.
• Strawberries
Strawberries give your teeth a clean and a
polished look. You might find it an easy to
keep habit as strawberries are sweet and
tasty. They contain an enzyme called malic
acid that works on your teeth and make
them shine. Try it and feel the difference.
• Cheese
Evidence shows that eating a small amount
of cheese after a meal may help prevent
tooth decay and promote enamel re-
mineralization.
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Fruit contains an abrasive that can help
remove stains from teeth and give the
illusion that they are whiter. They act as
nature’s tooth brush. Try munching on some
apples, celery, cucumber, and broccoli, which
have the abrasiveness to remove stains
without causing harm to your teeth.
• Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as an ultimate stain
fighter. You can mix baking soda with
hydrogen peroxide and create a paste for
brushing. Do not swallow and rinse well.
• Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate works well for keeping teeth
stronger, healthier, and whiter. Dark
chocolate contains a compound that helps
strengthen your tooth enamel and helps
protect against foods causing discoloration.
• Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people think that after using apple
cider vinegar it looks like their teeth were
professionally cleaned. It is acidic in nature,
avoid overuse.
• Oil Pulling
Oil pulling helps keep your teeth whiter by
reducing the amount of bacteria, fungus and
other organisms in your mouth. It also helps
buffer the teeth against the effects of acid.
Here is a complete guide for oil pulling .
Whiter Teeth Made Simple: 10 Ways
to Get Whiter Teeth Naturally
Edited By: Stephanie Dawson
[Last Reviewed on May 31st 2014]

20+ Graduate and Experienced Recruitment At Nigerdock Nigeria Plc

Nigerdock Nigeria Plc is West Africa’s leading
Oil & Gas construction corporation and has an
additional focus on major marine services
including offshore and pressure vessels
fabrication, ship building and repair, industrial
training and specialized Oil & Gas and
maritime support. It is strategically located on
Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, an
impressive industrial free zone facility and
port development on an island in the coastal
waterway of Lagos, with immediate access to
open seas.
Nigerdock has an aggressive investment
programme into new plant, equipment and
technologies. It is also committed to the
training of its workforce and the constant
improvement of its systems and procedures
we are recruiting to fill the position below:
Crane Technician
Responsibilities
Inspect mobile crawler cranes and hoist to
ensure safety and. compliance with MFG,
OSHA and ANSI standards.
Trouble shoot and repair material handling
equipment.
Trouble shoot and repair electrical equipment
(strong Knowledge of electronics required).
Evaluate and make recommendations
regarding repairs.
Schedules preventive maintenance activities.
Keeps mobile/crawlers crane system operating
by performing inspections, troubleshooting
breakdown, performing preventive maintenance
and responding to repair calls.
Coach and mentor staff to ensure effective
transfer of skills and knowledge.
Qualification and Experience
HND Mechanical Engineering.
5-10 years minimum, excellent mechanical
and electrical skill required, able to work under
pressure and constantly meeting deadlines.
Software: Proficiency in MS Office.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Employee Interface Manager
Responsibilities
Leading expat recruitment process, processing
staff requisition forms for expat positions.
Supporting hiring manager in developing Job
Description for expatriates positions.
Ensuring all recruitment document is
completed and well documented.
Ensuring mobilization and demobilization of
all expatriates is in line with group policy.
General compensations and benefit support,
Investigating, assessing and recommending
resolutions to all employee related issues.
On boarding and orientation of new
expatriates’ hire.
Advising Managers on disciplinary issues
including misconduct, policy practice
violation, and proffering corrective measures in
line with group policy.
Qualification and Experience
B.Sc in Sociology, Psychology, business
Admin, Human resources or any related
discipline.
7 years minimum, 2 of which must be in a
“hardship” environment.
Experience in Oil & Gas and construction
industry preferred.
Software: Proficiency in MS Office HRIS
(ideally Orion and HR Smart solutions).
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professional@nigerdock.com
Electrical Plant Superintendent
Responsibilities
Control generator outputs to match the phase,
frequency and voltage of electricity supplied to
panels.
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators
to detect evidence of operating problems.
Adjust controls to generate specified electrical
power or to regulate the flow of power between
generation stations and substations.
Control power generating equipment, including
generators using control boards or semi-
automatic equipment.
Regulate equipment operations and conditions,
such as water levels, based on instrument
data or from computers.
Communicate with system operators to
regulate and coordinate line voltages,
transmission loads and frequencies.
Operate or maintain distributed power
generation equipment. including fuel cells to
provide energy on site.
Inspect records/logbook entries or
communicate with plant personnel to assess
equipment operating status.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in any Electrical Engineering Candidate
would be accountable for the troubleshooting
and problem resolution of all electrical plant
equipment issues.
Experience: 3-5 years working with electrical,
electronic and mechanical maintenance, 3 of
which must be in Oil & Gas Projects.
Good working of: diesel power generator(some
catapillar power systems would be an
advantage, high voltage(1 1kv). step up/down
transformer, substations, switch gear and
electronics.
Able to trouble shoot on HV and LV systems.
Software: Proficiency in MS Office
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Operations Director
Responsibilities
Direct operations to assure delivery metrics.
Deliver required financial result through
effective delivery of projects.
Support the acquisition of new work by
actively sponsoring technical bids for targeted
projects.
Maintain adequate backlog and throughput of
work.
Create business strategies and plans for each
operational area to grow the business in
accordance with the company developmental
plans.
Ensure that all bids are fully in compliant with
the terms of the Nigeria Content Act.
Sponsor and maintain Nigerdock as Nigeria’s
Industrial Champion.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in any Engineering or Commercial
Discipline.
Master degree/professional qualification (an
added advantage).
7-10 years minimum in oil and gas and
construction Industry.
Having strong commitment to high standards
of safety and safeguarding the environment.
Significant track record of success within an
operations focused environment.
Must have delivered successful EPC/EPCIC
projects.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
E & I Work Pack Engineer
Responsibilities
To interface with and ensure that the cross
discipline Engineer, construction,
commissioning, safety, maintenance and
operational requirements are for within all
work packs.
Interface with construction team to ensure all
items required for construction readiness are
clearly identified within the work pack.
Development of Bill of Materials
Identify appropriate resources for work pack
engineering in accordance with agreed project
plans.
To provide technical approvals of all E& I work
pack deliverables interface with design and
construction team to optimize build sequence
and commission sequence.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in any Engineering Discipline.
Master degree an added advantage.
5-7 years minimum in Oil & Gas Projects.
Software: Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite,
Good understanding of construction
requirement.
Previous experience of estimating and
compiling constructions work pack.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Welding Engineer
Responsibilities
Work closely with fabrication/welding team to
determine optimal welding parameters with
equipment type, process, joint configuration
and consumables selection.
Create weld procedures that meet customers
and code specification for pipes and structural
fabricated assemblies and perform procedures
qualification test in compliance with project
specification.
Review detailed drawing and determine joint
configuration and weld symbols
Root cause analysis on weld failures and weld
repairs.
Monitor welders’ performance and rejection
rate.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in Metallurgy or any related discipline.
5-7 years in construction /fabrication in oil
and gas industry.
High level of technical expertise in
comprehending and interpreting engineering
and construction specification, reports,
drawing and other technical documents.
Code knowledge (ASME, AWS, API 1104 and
DNV OS FbI).
Practical knowledge of mechanical properties
and welding metallurgies’ for carbon steel,
stainless steel, superduplex and Cu-Ni.
Software: MS Office.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Piping Workpack Engineer
Responsibilities
To interface with and ensure that the cross
discipline Engineer, Construction,
Commissioning, Safety, Maintenance and
Operational requirements are for within all
Workpacks.
To meet the requirements of the agreed
schedule identified within the project plan for
all Workpack deliverables.
To provide technical assurance to the project
that all aspects of the Scope Of Work (SOW>
and Statement Of Requirement (SOR) have
been fully addressed within each Work pack,
identifying and raising with relevant design
disciplines any addillons and/or changes if
required.
Interface with Construction Team to ensure all
items required for construction readiness are
clearly identified within the Workpack.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in any Engineering discipline.
3-5 years in construction/fabrication in oil
and gas.
Good understanding of construction
requirements.
Previous experience of estimating and
compiling construction work packs.
Software: Experience using Microsoft office.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Commercial Manager
Responsibilities
Developing strategies for negotiations in
alignment with company objectives and
leading negotiations for complex contracts.
Review contract documentations.
Settling disputes regarding contract
interpretations, conditions or compliance with
legal requirements.
Leading contract/project reviews and the
balance score card process
Identifying risks and developing mitigation
strategies to deal with unforeseen
circumstances.
Provide input support and feedback into the
Commercial Level Agreements and other
contractual based initiatives as contracts are
underpinning and Operating Level agreements.
Qualification and Experience
Degree in contract Management or any related
discipline.
15+ years’ experience in the Oil & Gas
industry.
Overseas and/or Africa work experience.
Software: Computer literate – MS Project, MS
Excel, MS Word, Familiar with EMDS – Team
Binder.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Senior Project Manager
Responsibilities
Responsible for Project P&L.
Responsible for the development of detailed
Project Execution Plans addressing the key
project objectives for Safety, Quality, Schedule
and Cost and how they will be achieved.
Identification of risk and opportunities and
how risk should be mitigated and
opportunities materialized.
Direct, manage, coach and support the project
management team(s) to achieve the key
objectives
Prepare technical proposals.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in any Engineering discipline or any
related discipline.
Master’s degree / PMP Certification (An added
advantage).
5-8 years minimum in similar role.
Proven leadership and people management
skills in the offshore Oil & Gas and
Petrochemical industry, Construction &
Completion driven.
FPSO Experience with a Strong commercial
mind-set.
Software: Proficiency in MS Office suites.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Dock Master & Ship Manager
Responsibilities
Ensure that updated docking plans are
maintained for all vessels (electronic and hard
copy) and all new enquiries are verified
against this list / updated as appropriate.
Obtain copies of docking plans for all new
vessels if required.
Prepare blocks ed per docking plans and
ensure that vessel is in docking condition
prior to docking and undocking and check
tank contents – if not satisfied then direct the
owners to place vessel in the correct
condition.
Dock / undock the vessels carefully and
correctly so that no damage is caused to
vessels or to the docks either. Maintain
control over the tugs when vessel entering or
leaving dock.
Ensure vessel specs are complete including
obtaining copies of all technical drawings
required.
Interface with clients, superintendents, class
surveyors and owners agents as required for
projects.
Schedule work scope for the yard upon arrival
of the vessel and prepare all variation work
orders for approval.
Control all materials and consumables
required, effective cost controls on the use of
all manpower on the vessel and reduce
additional costs / excessive overtime.
Qualification and Experience
Min. 5-7 years working experience in a
construction/ fabrication in the oil and gas
industry.
Software: Proficiency in MS Office especially
Microsoft Excel.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Package Unit Engineer
Responsibilities
To deliver package equipment purchased by
the company in accordance with the terms
and conditions in the Purchase Orders, within
budget and on time.
Responsible for the complete cycle of
equipment specification, supplier selection,
purchase of equipment, supplier drawing
review, equipment acceptance and delivery to
site (erection) and turn-over.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in any Engineering discipline.
Experience: over 10 year experience in
engineering design, project engineering,
procurement, inspection and expediting,
equipment installation, testing and
commissioning.
An excellent communication skill.
A working knowledge of french is an
advantage.
Software: Proficiency in MS Office suites.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Construction Engineer (Lifting &
Transportation)
Responsibilities
To work closely with Project Management 1
earn, Rigging & Equipment Department and
others to provide direction and guidance to
construction sequences and methods.
To develop detailed procedures for lifting,
movement and transportation including
rigging and slinging details
Perform weight control engineering to ensure
accuracy of weight and centre of gravity
information.
To perform finite element analysis to ensure
stresses and deflections do not exceed
allowable limits.
Work with Rigging & Equipment Department
on selection of equipment to be used.
Qualification and Experience
B.Eng. in any Engineering discipline.
Minimum of 10 years Construction Engineering
in the oil and gas construction industry.
Familiar with construction methods for
Jackets, Decks and Piles, including methods of
lifting, stacking, roll-up, weighing, load-out
etc.
Familiar with intemational codes and
standards governing steel construction (A1SC,
DNV etc).
Software: Experienced im using structural
analysis software Proficiency in Primavera 3 &
6, MS Projects.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Lead Project Controls Engineer
Responsibilities
Develops & maintains project planning
procedures and tools for tracking and analysis
of project progress against agreed baseline
schedules.
Develop and assure compliance with the
allocated contract’s work breakdown structure
and coding by review of project deliverables
provide guidance and assistance as required.
Assist the development, update and
maintenance of corporate detailed planning
deliverables for the Nigerdock work-scope.
Produce lateral deliverables encompassing
planning and cost deliverables as required.
Qualification and Experience
Experience: Minimum 12 years of facilities
engineering experience primarily in a planning
role within the oil and gas industry with cost
experience – a minimum of 5 years of which in
a senior role.
Significant project controls skills with full
awareness of interfacing requirements of the
cost envelope within projects.
Able to work laterally and generate project
controls procedures encompassing planning
and cost deliverables.
Ability to lead authoritatively and offer
guidance within the project controls domain.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Principal Structural Designer
Responsibilities
To interface with and ensure that the cross
discipline Engineer, Construction,
Commissioning, Safety, Maintenance and
Operational requirements are accounted for.
To meet the requirements of the agreed
schedule identified within the project plan for
all design deliverables. To provide technical
assurance to the project that previous lessons
learned have been captured and incorporated
into the current design.
Identify appropriate resources for engineering
in accordance with agreed project plans.
Qualification and Experience
5-7 years in a similar role.
Good understanding of construction
requirements within the offshore oil and gas
industry.
Software: Excellent working knowledge of
AutoCAD.
Working knowledge of 3D modelling
software,Tekla, PDS, PDMS is advantageous.
Experience using Microsoft office.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: Engineering@nigerdock.com
Hand and Power Tools Junior Instructor
Responsibilities
Preparing training materials/handouts.
Delivery, evaluation and preparation of reports
on each training sessions.
Ensuring that materials required are available
for training courses
Ensuring that tools for training is operational
arid safe for use.
Ensuring that all hand tools are fit for purpose
and in sufficient quanty.
Qualification and Experience
Relevant trade certificate.
3- 5 years as an instructor/teacher, relevant
experience as a Fitter in a fabrication
environment, strong Interpersonal and
communication skills, ability to motivate
trainees and apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Junior Pipe Fitting Instructor
Responsibilities
Assist in the preparations of Materials Take-
Offs (MTO’s) for training course.
Ensure that all Materials are of the correct
quality, type, grade and size.
Ensuring that materials required are available
for training courses
Ensuring that all fitting equipment is
operational and safe for use.
Ensuring that all fitting equipment’s are fit for
purpose and in sufficient quantity.
Ensuring that all subordinate training school
employees are conversant Fitter training
syllabus.
Qualification and Experience
OND in Mechanical or Metallurgy Engineering.
Minimum of 1 year experience in Pipe Fitting.
Strong Interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to motivate trainees and
apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Senior Pipe Fitting Instructor
Responsibilities
Identify the educational needs of trainees, and
developing formal educational training
programs or classes, and teaching or
instructing others.
Administering oral, written or performance test
to measure progress and to evaluate training
effectiveness. Instructing students individually
and in groups, using various teaching
methods, such as lecture, discussions and
demonstrations.
Observing and evaluating students work to
determine progress, provide feedback, and
make suggestions’ for improvement.
Preparing Material Take Offs (MTO) for
training courses.
Ensuring that all subordinate training school
employees are conversant with welders
training syllabus.
Preparing and delivery of candidates’ aptitude
test.
Preparing, deliver and evaluate and report on
all practical welding training modules and
periodic examinations.
Qualification and Experience
HND in Mechanical or Metallurgy Engineering
or a relevant trade test
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in specialty
area.
Ability to instruct teacher.
Strong Interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to motivate trainees and
apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Junior Welding Instructor
Responsibilities
Assist in the preparations of Materials Take-
Offs (MTO’s) for training course.
Ensure that all Materials are of the correct
quality, type, grade and size.
Ensuring that all fitting equipment’s are fit for
purpose and in sufficient quantity.
Ensure that all materials are of the correct
quality, type, grade and size.
Preparing Material Take Offs (MTO) for
training courses.
Ensuring that all subordinate training school
employees are conversant with welders
training syllabus.
Ensure that test coupons are prepared to
required welding procedure.
Qualification and Experience
HND in Mechanical or Metallurgy Engineering
or relevant trade test- TIG/Flux Core +SSCE.
Minimum of 1 year experience in specialty
area.
Ability to instruct teacher.
Strong Interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to motivate trainees and
apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Junior Welding Instructor
Responsibilities
Assist in the preparations of Materials Take-
Offs (MTO’s) for training course.
Ensure that all Materials are of the correct
quality, type, grade and size.
Ensuring that all fitting equipment’s are fit for
purpose and in sufficient quantity.
Ensure that all materials are of the correct
quality, type, grade and size.
Preparing Material Take Offs (MTO) for
training courses.
Ensuring that all subordinate training school
employees are conversant with welders
training syllabus.
Assist in preparing and delivering candidates
aptitude test.
Assists in the preparation, delivery, evaluation
and reporting on all theoretical fitter training
modules.
Assists in the preparation, delivery, evaluation
and reporting on all Practical fitter training
modules.
Qualification and Experience
OND in Mechanical or Metallurgy Engineering
or relevant trade test +SSCE.
Minimum of 1 year experience in specialty
area.
Ability to instruct teacher.
Strong Interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to motivate trainees and
apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Junior Machinist Instructor
Responsibilities
Ensure that all Materials are of the correct
quality, type, grade and size.
Ensure that sufficient materials are prepared
and available for training courses
Assist in ensuring that all hand tools and
machine tools are fit for purpose and in
sufficient quantity.
Ensure that all machining equipment is
operational and safe for use.
Preparing Material Take Offs (MTO) for
training courses.
Assists in the preparation, delivery, evaluation
and reporting on all theoretical machinist
training modules
Preparing and delivery of candidates’ aptitude
test.
Preparing, deliver and evaluate and report on
all practical machinist training modules and
periodic examinations.
Qualification and Experience
HND in Mechanical or Metallurgy Engineering
or relevant trade test +SSCE.
Minimum of 3 years experience as a
Machinist.
Ability to instruct/ teach.
Strong Interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to motivate trainees and
apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Senior Structural Fitting Instructor
Responsibilities
Ensure that all Materials are of the correct
quality, type, grade and size.
Ensure that sufficient test coupons are
prepared and available for training courses.
Advise Training school coordinator of
consumable stock level required.
Ensure that all burning/cutting equipment is
operational and safe for use.
Preparing Material Take Offs (MTO) for
training courses.
Assists in the preparation, delivery, evaluation
and reporting on all theoretical machinist
training modules
Preparing and delivery of candidates’ aptitude
test.
Preparing, deliver and evaluate and report on
all practical machinist training modules and
periodic examinations.
Qualification and Experience
HND in Mechanical or Metallurgy Engineering
or relevant trade test +SSCE.
Minimum of 3 years experience as a Structural
fitter.
Ability to instruct teacher.
Strong Interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to motivate trainees and
apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Service and Contracts Procurement Officer II
Responsibilities
Prepare bid packages, invitation to tender for
all services and negotiates subcontract
provisions.
Negotiates unique subcontracts.
Prepares commercial and technical bid
evaluation
Strategically negotiates vendor bids/proposal.
Source, select and maintain suppliers.
Review/ Negotiates existing contract.
Management and Administration of
subcontracts.
Qualification and Experience
Degree in Contract Management or any related
field.
2-3 years minimum in similar role in the
offshore Oil & Gas industry.
Software: Excellent working knowledge of
Microsoft office suites, especially excel and
related ERP packages.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Service and Contracts Procurement Officer III
Responsibilities
Prepare bid packages, invitation to tender for
all services and negotiates subcontract
provisions.
Negotiates unique subcontracts.
Prepares commercial and technical bid
evaluation
Strategically negotiates vendor bids/proposal.
Source, select and maintain suppliers.
Review/ Negotiates existing contract.
Management and Administration of
subcontracts.
Qualification and Experience
Degree in Contract Management or any related
field.
3-5 years minimum in similar role in the
offshore Oil & Gas industry.
Software: Excellent working knowledge of
Microsoft office suites, especially excel and
related ERP packages.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Senior Welding Instructor
Responsibilities
Identify the educational needs of trainees, and
developing formal educational training
programs or classes, and teaching or
instructing others.
Administering oral, written or performance test
to measure progress and to evaluate training
effectiveness. Instructing students individually
and in groups, using various teaching
methods, such as lecture, discussions and
demonstrations.
Observing and evaluating students work to
determine progress, provide feedback, and
make suggestions’ for improvement.
Preparing Material Take Offs (MTO) for
training courses.
Ensuring that all subordinate training school
employees are conversant with welders
training syllabus.
Preparing and delivery of candidates aptitude
test.
Preparing, deliver and evaluate and report on
all practical welding training modules and
periodic examinations.
Qualification and Experience
HND in Mechanical or Metallurgy Engineering
or relevant trade test- TIG/Flux Core +SSCE.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in specialty
area.
Ability to instruct/ teach.
Strong Interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to motivate trainees and
apprentices.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
forward their CV’s
to: professionals@nigerdock.com
Note: Please indicate the position for which
you are applying.

Possible causes of prostrate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease which only affects
men. Cancer begins to grow in the prostate - a
gland in the male reproductive system.
The word "prostate" comes from Medieval
Latin prostate and Medieval French prostate .
The ancient Greek word prostates means "one
standing in front", from proistanai meaning
"set before". The prostate is so called because
of its position - it is at the base of the
bladder.
What is the prostate ?
The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male
reproductive system, and exists directly under
the bladder, in front of the rectum. An exocrine
gland is one whose secretions end up outside
the body e.g. prostate gland and sweat
glands. It is approximately the size of a
walnut.
The urethra - a tube that goes from the
bladder to the end of the penis and carries
urine and semen out of the body - goes
through the prostate.
There are thousands of tiny glands in the
prostate - they all produce a fluid that forms
part of the semen. This fluid also protects and
nourishes the sperm. When a male has an
orgasm the seminal-vesicles secrete a milky
liquid in which the semen travels. The liquid is
produced in the prostate gland, while the
sperm is kept and produced in the testicles.
When a male climaxes (has an orgasm)
contractions force the prostate to secrete this
fluid into the urethra and leave the body
through the penis.
Urine control
As the urethra goes through the prostate: the
prostate gland is also involved in urine control
(continence) with the use of prostate muscle
fibers. These muscle fibers in the prostate
contract and release, controlling the flow of
urine flowing through the urethra.
The Prostate Produces Prostate-specific
antigen (PSA)
The epithelial cells in the prostate gland
produce a protein called PSA (prostate-
specific antigen). The PSA helps keep the
semen in its liquid state. Some of the PSA
escapes into the bloodstream. We can
measure a man's PSA levels by checking his
blood. If a man's levels of PSA are high, it
might be an indication of either prostate
cancer or some kind of prostate condition. It is a myth to think that a high blood-PSA
level is harmful to you - it is not. High blood
PSA levels are however an indication that
something may be wrong in the prostate.
Male hormones affect the growth of the
prostate, and also how much PSA the prostate
produces. Medications aimed at altering male
hormone levels may affect PSA blood levels. If
male hormones are low during a male's
growth and during his adulthood, his prostate
gland will not grow to full size.
In some older men the prostate may continue
to grow, especially the part that is around the
urethra. This can make it more difficult for the
man to pass urine as the growing prostate
gland may be causing the urethra to collapse.
When the prostate gland becomes too big in
this way, the condition is called Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not
cancer, but must be treated.
Prostate Cancer
In the vast majority of cases, the prostate
cancer starts in the gland cells - this is called
adenocarcinoma. In this article, prostate
cancer refers just to adenocarcinoma.
Prostate cancer is mostly a very slow
progressing disease. In fact, many men die of
old age, without ever knowing they had
prostate cancer - it is only when an autopsy is
done that doctors know it was there. Several
studies have indicated that perhaps about
80% of all men in their eighties had prostate
cancer when they died, but nobody knew, not
even the doctor.
Experts say that prostate cancer starts with
tiny alterations in the shape and size of the
prostate gland cells - Prostatic intraepithelial
neoplasia (PIN).
Doctors say that nearly 50% of all 50-year-old
men have PIN. The cells are still in place -
they do not seem to have moved elsewhere -
but the changes can be seen under a
microscope. Cancer cells would have moved
into other parts of the prostate. Doctors
describe these prostate gland cell changes as
low-grade or high-grade; high grade is
abnormal while low-grade is more-or-less
normal.
Any patient who was found to have high-grade
PIN after a prostate biopsy is at a
significantly greater risk of having cancer cells
in his prostate. Because of this, doctors will
monitor him carefully and possibly carry out
another biopsy later on.
Classification of prostate cancer
It is important to know the stage of the
cancer, or how far it has spread. Knowing the
cancer stage helps the doctor define prognosis
- it also helps when selecting which therapies
to use. The most common system today for
determining this is the TNM (Tumor/Nodes/
Metastases). This involves defining the size of
the tumor, how many lymph nodes are
involved, and whether there are any other
metastases.
When defining with the TNM system, it is
crucial to distinguish between cancers that
are still restricted just to the prostate, and
those that have spread elsewhere. Clinical T1
and T2 cancers are found only in the prostate,
and nowhere else, while T3 and T4 have
spread outside the prostate.
There are many ways to find out whether the
cancer has spread. Computer tomography will
check for spread inside the pelvis, bone scans
will decide whether the cancer has spread to
the bones, and endorectal coil magnetic
resonance imaging will evaluate the prostatic
capsule and the seminal vesicles.
The Gleason Score
A pathologist will look at the biopsy samples
under a microscope. If cancer tissue is
detected, the pathologist then grades the
tumor. The Gleason System of grading goes
from 2 to 10. The higher the number, the more
abnormal the tissues are compared to normal
prostate tissue.
Two numbers are added up to get a Gleason
score:
1. A number from 1 to 5 for the most
common pattern observed under the
microscope. This is the predominant grade
and must be more than 51% of the sample.
2. A number from 1 to 5 for the second most
common pattern. This is the secondary grade
and must make up more than 5% but less
than 50% of the sample.
A Gleason score of 7 can have two meanings.
Look at these two examples below:
1. If the predominant grade is 3 and the
secondary grade is 4, the Gleason score is 7.
2. If the predominant grade is 4 and the
secondary grade is 3, the Gleason score is
also 7.
However, the first example, with a
predominant score of 3, has a less aggressive
cancer than the second example, with a
predominant score of 4.
It is crucial that the tumor is graded properly,
as this decides what treatments should be
recommended.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer ?
During the early stages of prostate cancer
there are usually no symptoms. Most men at
this stage find out they have prostate cancer
after a routine check up or blood test. When
symptoms do exist, they are usually one or
more of the following:
The patient urinates more often
The patient gets up at night more often to
urinate
He may find it hard to start urinating
He may find it hard to keep urinating once he
has started
There may be blood in the urine
Urination might be painful
Ejaculation may be painful (less common)
Achieving or maintaining an erection may be
difficult (less common)
If the prostate cancer is advanced the
following symptoms are also possible :
Bone pain, often in the spine (vertebrae),
pelvis, or ribs
The proximal part of the femur can be painful
Leg weakness (if cancer has spread to the
spine and compressed the spinal cord)
Urinary incontinence (if cancer has spread to
the spine and compressed the spinal cord)
Fecal incontinence (if cancer has spread to
the spine and compressed the spinal cord)
What are the causes of prostate cancer ?
Nobody is really sure of what the specific
causes are. There are so many possible
factors, including age, race, lifestyle,
medications, and genetics, to name a few.
Age
Age is considered as the primary risk factor.
The older a man is, the higher is his risk.
Prostate cancer is rare among men under the
age of 45, but much more common after the
age of 50.
Genetics
Statistics indicate that genetics is definitely a
factor in prostate cancer risk. It is more
common among certain racial groups - in the
USA prostate cancer is significantly more
common and also more deadly among Afro-
Americans than White-Americans. A man has
a much higher risk of developing cancer if his
identical twin has it. A man whose brother or
father had/had prostate cancer runs twice the
risk of developing it, compared to other men.
Studies indicate that the two faulty genes -
BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 - which are important
risk factors for breast cancer and ovarian
cancer, have also been implicated in prostate
cancer risk.
In a study scientists found seven new sites in
the human genome that are linked to men's
risk of developing prostate cancer.
Faulty BRCA2 gene linked to aggressive form
of prostate cancer - researchers at the The
Institute of Cancer Research, UK, reported in
the Journal of Clinical Oncology (April 2013
issue) that men who have inherited the faulty
BRCA2 gene are more likely to have the
faster-spreading type of prostate cancer . The
scientists say these men should receive
treatment immediately after diagnosis with
surgery or radiation therapy, rather than
receive the "watchful waiting" approach.
Senior author Ros Eeles wrote that experts
have already known that those with the faulty
BRCA2 gene have a higher risk of developing
prostate cancer. This is the first large study
to demonstrate that the faulty gene is also
linked to a faster spread of the disease and
poorer survival.
This new discovery will make some health
authorities around the world rethink their
policies and procedures. In the United
Kingdom, the National Health Service offers
the same prostate cancer treatment for both
carriers and non-carriers of the faulty BRCA2
gene.
Prof. Eeles said "It must make sense to start
offering affected men immediate surgery or
radiotherapy, even for early-stage cases that
would otherwise be classified as low-risk. We
won't be able to tell for certain that earlier
treatment can benefit men with inherited
cancer genes until we've tested it in a clinical
trial, but the hope is that our study will
ultimately save lives by directing treatment at
those who most need it."
Diet
A review of diets indicated that the
Mediterranean diet may reduce a person's
chances of developing prostate cancer .
Another study indicates that soy, selenium
and green tea, offer additional possibilities for
disease prevention - however, a more recent
study indicated that combination therapy of
vitamin E, selenium and soy does not prevent
the progression from high-grade prostatic
intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) to prostate
cancer. A diet high in vegetable consumption
was found in a study to be beneficial.
A US pilot study on men with low risk
prostate cancer found that following an
intensive healthy diet and lifestyle regime
focusing on low meat and high vegetable and
fruit intake, regular exercise, yoga stretching,
meditation and support group participation,
can alter the way that genes behave and
change the progress of cancer, for instance by
switching on tumor killers and turning down
tumor promoters.
Other studies have indicated that lack of
vitamin D , a diet high in red meat may raise
a person's chances of developing prostate
cancer.
A study published in the journal Clinical
Cancer Research suggests vitamin D
deficiency may predict aggressive prostate
cancer .
Medication
Some studies say there might be a link
between the daily use of anti-inflammatory
medicines and prostate cancer risk. A study
found that statins, which are used to lower
cholesterol levels, may lower a person's risk
of developing prostate cancer.
Obesity
A study found a clear link between obesity
and raised prostate cancer risk, as well as a
higher risk of metastasis and death among
obese people who develop prostate cancer.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Men who have had gonorrhea have a higher
chance of developing prostate cancer,
according to research from the University of
Michigan Health System .
Agent Orange
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a
48% higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence
following surgery than their unexposed peers,
and when the disease comes back, it seems
more aggressive, researchers say. Another
study found that Vietnam War veterans who
had been exposed to Agent Orange have
significantly increased risks of prostate
cancer and even greater risks of getting the
most aggressive form of the disease as
compared to those who were not exposed.
Enzyme PRSS3 linked to aggressive prostate
cancer
Scientists from the Mayo Clinic, Florida,
reported in Molecular Cancer Research that
PRSS3, an enzyme, changes the environment
of prostate cancer cells, making the cancer
much more likely to metastasize.
Senior researcher, Evette Radisky, Ph.D., said
"This molecule is a protease, which means it
digests other molecules. Our data suggests
PRSS3 activity changes the environment
around prostate cancer cells - perhaps by
freeing them from surrounding tissue - to
promote malignancy and invasiveness. I don't
think PRSS3 is the only factor involved in
driving aggressive prostate cancer, but it may
be significant for a certain subset of this
cancer - the kind that is potentially lethal."
Recent developments on prostate cancer
causes from MNT news
Chronic prostate inflammation tied to
nearly double risk of prostate cancer - a
study reported in the journal Cancer
Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,
finds that compared to men with no such
signs, men with chronic inflammation in
non-cancerous prostate tissue may have
nearly double the risk of developing
prostate cancer.
What are the treatments for prostate cancer?
Early stage prostate cancer
If the cancer is small and contained -
localized - it is usually managed by one of the
following treatments:
Watchful waiting - not immediate treatment is
carried out. PSA blood levels are regularly
monitored.
Radical prostatectomy - the prostate is
surgically removed.
Brachytherapy - radioactive seeds are
implanted into the prostate.
Conformal radiotherapy - the radiation beams
are shaped so that the region where they
overlap is as close to the same shape as the
organ or region that requires treatment, thus
minimizing healthy tissue exposure to
radiation.
Intensity modulated radiotherapy - beams
with variable intensity are used. An advanced
form of conformal radiotherapy usually
delivered by a computer-controlled linear
accelerator.
Treatment recommendations really depend on
individual cases. In general, if there is a good
prognosis and the cancer is in its early
stages, all options can be considered.
However, they all have their advantages and
disadvantages. The patient should discuss
available options thoroughly with his doctor.
More advanced prostate cancer
If the cancer is more aggressive, or advanced,
the patient may require a combination of
radiotherapy and hormone therapy.
Radiotherapy requires treatment on an
everyday basis for up to about eight weeks.
Radical surgery is also an option - the
prostate is removed. Traditional surgery
requires a hospital stay of up to ten days,
with a recovery time that can last up to three
months. Robotic keyhole surgery has the
advantage just a couple of days in hospital,
followed by a much shorter recover period.
However, even robotic keyhole surgery may
not be ideal for very elderly patients.
In advanced prostate cancer hormone therapy
is very effective in slowing down, and even
stopping the growth of cancer cells. Even if
the hormone therapy stops working after a
while, there are still other options the patient
will be able to discuss with his doctor, such
as participating in clinical trials.
Radioactive injection helps advanced prostate
cancer patients live longer - scientists at The
Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and
The Institute of Cancer Research, UK, reported
in NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine)
that radium-233 , a radiation injection,
directly targets tumors in the bone delivering
short range radiation, causing minimal
damage to healthy tissue. Radium, like
calcium , is absorbed by the bone.
Dr Chris Parker and colleagues found that
late-stage prostate cancer patients who were
given the radioactive injection lived for an
average of 15 weeks longer than those given
an inert placebo injection.
Dr Parker said "We're excited by the prospects
for this ingenious new treatment, which takes
advantage of the properties of tumors
growing within bone to home in and deliver a
highly targeted dose of radiation. We were
delighted to show that radium 223 allowed
many men in our trial to live to see a few
extra, precious months. Not only did they live
longer, these men had a much better quality
of life."
Delivering estrogen through skin patches may
be an easier and safer way to treat prostate
cancer than the hormone therapies that are
currently used , British researchers explained
in Lancet Oncology (March 2013 issue).
In May 2013, the US FDA approved Xofigo
(radium Ra 223 dichloride) for metastatic
castration-resistant prostate cancer that has
reached bones but not other organs.
Enzalutamide is taken in combination with
docetaxel, another cancer medication.
Richard Pazdur, M.D., from the FDA, said
"Xofigo binds with minerals in the bone to
deliver radiation directly to bone tumors,
limiting the damage to the surrounding
normal tissues. Xofigo is the second prostate
cancer drug approved by the FDA in the past
year that demonstrates an ability to extend
the survival of men with metastatic prostate
cancer."
Xtandi (enzalutamide) was approved by the
FDA in August 2012 for patients with
metastatic castration-resistant prostate
cancer that has spread or recurred.
The problem with the Internet for many
prostate cancer patients
Researchers from Loyola University Medical
Center reported in the Journal of Urology that
one third of American lay people find it hard
to understand most information websites
regarding prostate cancer . Senior author,
Gopal Gupta, MD, said: "This is problematic
for one-third of Americans who seek to further
educate themselves using online resources."
Coffee and prostate cancer
Heavy coffee drinking may prevent cancer
recurrence or progression - men with prostate
cancer who consume at least four cups of
coffee per day may have a lower risk of
disease progression or recurrence, researchers
from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center reported in the journal Cancer Causes
and Control.
What are the possible complications of
prostate cancer ?
Metastasis - the cancer can spread to other
parts of the body through the bloodstream or
the lymphatic system to other organs or
bones. If the cancer spreads to the ureters,
the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to
the bladder, there is a risk of serious kidney
problems.
If the cancer spreads to the bones, there may
be pain and fractures. Doctors say that when
prostate cancer has spread to other parts of
the body, it can no longer be cured, but may
possibly be controlled.
Incontinence - the prostate cancer itself, or
treatments can cause urinary incontinence.
Erectile dysfunction - the prostate cancer or
prostate cancer treatment can lead to erectile
dysfunction - the inability to achieve a penile
erection, or maintain one.
Metabolic factors - a man's risk of dying from
prostate cancer is much higher if he has high
blood pressure, raised blood sugar levels,
high blood lipid levels, and a high BMI (body
mass index), which collectively are known as
metabolic factors. This was reported in the
journal Cancer (October 2012 issue) by
scientists from Umeå University in Sweden.
Fertility advice crucial for male cancer
survivors
Researchers at the University of Sheffield, UK,
found that the majority of male cancer
patients are not receiving vital fertility advice.
Males with cancer who are at risk of long-
term infertility should be advised on the
advantages and benefits of sperm banking.
Cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and
chemotherapy, can seriously affect a cancer
patient's long term fertility, head researcher Dr
Allan Pacey explained.
Dr Pacey said: "Trying to engage men with
this subject is notoriously difficult. For those
of us who run sperm banks, many men store
their sperm and then do not contact us again,
even though there are legal reasons to keep in
contact. Our research suggests that there is a
need to educate men about the benefits of
attending follow-up fertility clinics and the
long-term consequences of non-attendance."
Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without the permission
of Medical News Today.

Global Soap Sues NAFDAC, Demands N5bn Compensation

The Global Soap and Detergent
Industries Limited, Ilorin has sued the
National Agency for Food, Drug
Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
for alleged unlawful closure.
The soap and detergent company
instituted the legal action against
NAFDAC at the federal high court, Ilorin
demanding N5 billion general damages
for alleged unlawful closure of the
industry.
The originating summons filed by the
counsel to the soap industry, Malam
Yusuf Ali (SAN), said that since alleged
unconstitutional closure of the industry
on May 16, 2014, it has been losing
about N60 million on weekly basis on
account of maintenance, overhead and
loss of income on production of its
various products.
The company also asked the federal
high court for injunction restraining the
agency or any of its agents or officers
from further disturbance, closure or
interfering with the production activities
of the factory premises at Asa Dam
Road, Ilorin.
The counsel to the industry, who said
that NAFDAC did not notify the industry
of any contravention of the Act or
Regulation, ordered the court to lift the
closure of the soap company and open
it immediately.
He also said that the unlawful closure of
the soap industry has thrown about 200
staff among others who derive livelihood
from it into economic crisis, adding that
they had been rendered economically
inactive.
In an affidavit in support of the
originating summon, the factory/plant
manager of the soap factory, Mr. Julius
Adediran, said, “without any prior
notification, the defendant through its
officers and agents, in a commando
manner, stormed the plaintiff’s factory
at Asa Dam Road, Ilorin on May 16,
2014, disrupted the plaintiff’s
operation/production, took away some
of its workers and ultimately shut down
the factory and all the production lines.”
He also alleged that NAFDAC’s conduct
had opened the plaintiff to
unquantifiable loss in terms of goodwill,
reputation and ability to meet up its
obligations to members of the public.
The factory/plant manager also said
that it may become practically
impossible to fully resuscitate machines
and resume production if the soap
factory is allowed to remain unused for
long, “due to the complex configuration
and layout of the machine and factory
lines.”

Emir Of Gwoza Buried Amidst Tears

Kareem Haruna
— June 1, 2014
The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Shehu
Mustapha Idrisa Timta, who was killed
by Boko Haram gunmen on Friday, was
buried yesterday in his domain amidst
tears.
Though the first-class monarch was
killed while on his way to attend the
burial of the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji
Shehu Abubakar, none of his colleagues
from within and outside the state was
able to attend his interment due to the
unpredictable security situation on the
way to and around Gwoza town.
Borno State governor Kashim Shettima,
who was accompanied by deputy
governor Zanna Mustapha and Senator
Muhammed Ali Ndume who is from
Gwoza, were the highest public officers
that led other state government
functionaries to attend the burial.
Shettima and his entourage left
Maiduguri amidst tight security powered
by a combined force of about 150
soldiers of the 7 Division, Maiduguri, the
police special squad and the Civilian
JTF who actually took the lead through
the 135km deserted Maiduguri-Bama
road.
While the officials of the local vigilante
were also seen in couple of places
manning the road, an aircraft fighter jet
hovered over the governor’s motorcade
until the entourage finally got to Gwoza.
The Maiduguri-Bama road had been a
no-go area for months now as Boko
Haram gunmen turned the route into a
slaughter slab where commuters were
attacked, killed or robbed on a daily
basis.
Shettima’s convoy arrived Gwoza  about
1pm after which he drove to the palace
and immediately participated in the
burial of the monarch about 2pm.
The crowded Islamic funeral was led by
the chief imam of Gwoza, Alhaji Ibrahim
Ahmad Bamanga.
The atmosphere was drenched with
tears as the monarch’s remains were
being placed into the royal grave dug
near that of his late father, Alhaji Idrissa
Timta, within the precincts of the
palace.
Even Mother Nature shed tears for the
deceased monarch: a heavy downpour
commenced the very moment the late
monarch, who was severally described
as a man of unquantifiable tolerance
and peaceful disposition, was being
placed in his final resting place. The
rains abruptly stopped shortly after his
grave was covered.
Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume, a son of
Gwoza, wept profusely when he
addressed mourners shortly after the
interment. “Today is a sad day for us,”
said Ndume. “The only baobab tree that
casts its royal shade upon all of us has
fallen; but if we could all be patient and
very patient in our plight, another
branch will sprout from its deep roots
and cast even a bigger shade upon us.
We in Gwoza have lost a father, a leader
and a man of peace. We shall miss His
Royal Highness, but we pray God should
give us yet another illustrious and kind
king that will even promote the
esteemed virtues for which we remember
the late Emir. Gwoza has been
distressed, our people have suffered
serious attacks and displacements but
our father remained with us and stood
for us, until he eventually passed away.
May he rest in peace.”
Ndume commended the Borno State
governor for defying all odds on the
road to Gwoza to attend the Emir’s
burial.
Governor Shettima, who also battled to
control his tears as he delivered his
tribute and condolences, described the
late Shehu Idrissa Timta as “a man who
spent the better part of his reign
preaching peace and tolerance”.
“This is not a day for long speeches; it
is a day of mourning of our late father
and monarch. May Allah give us yet
another monarch that will love his
people in the manner the late Shehu
Idrissa Timta did; in his lifetime, he was
being eulogized as one king that can
keep a venomous viper in his pocket,
because of his superlative love for peace
and tolerance; he was known as a
monarch who never showed discrepancy
whether of religion or tribe. The late
Emir has lived an exemplary life; he was
a paragon of everything that is good in
a leader. Those that assassinated him
may have done their worst, but they
should know that, as they would
continue to wallow in their tormented
guilt, the Emir is being celebrated to
have died on a Friday, which in
accordance with the Islamic belief is a
day of blessing for any one that dies
naturally, talk more of one whose life
was brutally taken by another person on
that blessed day. We pray that, in the
next seven days
when the next Emir of Gwoza will
emerge, we shall have yet another Emir
that will even be celebrated more than
the late Shehu Idrissa Timta. We are in
difficult times, we are challenged by
insecurity, but what is very sure is that
we will not remain in this condition for
ever, because everything in life is a
passing phase,” he said.
The late Emir was survived by his
centenarian mother, 28 children, 14
grandchildren and 14 siblings.

How Presidency Stopped Move To Bring Back Chibok Girls Last Week – Sani

Midat Joseph
— June 1, 2014
Comrade Shehu Sani is the president of
Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria (CRCN).
The courageous Sani who led former
President Olusegun Obasanjo to Boko
Haram territory in Maiduguri in
September 2011, to broker peace
between the federal government and the
sect, is back at it again. In this interview
with MIDAT JOSEPH, Sani explained why
Obasanjo joined the rescue mission of
the over 200 abducted Chibok girls
Insecurity has continued unabated in the
country especially in the North-east
despite government assurances. What in
your opinion is the missing link?
Well, we need to understand clearly that
insecurity today is not peculiar to our
country, but it is the first in the history
of our country whereby the challenge
before us is to find a solution to it.
There are social, economic factors that
led us to where we are today. And what
we are facing today is the result of
either things we did wrongly in the past
or things we refused to do. As a people,
it is incumbent on us to address the
basic issues that ignited these
insurgencies and this insecurity
nationwide so that we can address it for
good.
First of all, the issues of insecurity been
peculiar to the north are of various
types; we have the sectarian violence
between Muslims and Christians, we
have ethnic violence, we have cattle
herders and farmers violence and then
we have now an insurgency in the
north-eastern part of Nigeria. The
insecurity in the southern part of Nigeria
bothers on kidnapping for ransom and
also issues of remnants of militancy and
bombings in the area. So, each section
of the country must address its issues
based on the realities that are on
ground. Sectarian violence between
Muslims and Christians have been
going on for the past three decades and
it is also very clear that all the remedies
and the solutions that have been
proffered has not been able to address
the issues. And now we have insurgency
which is related to social, economic and
political factors. There is no political or
social factor that will justify the wanton
killings and violence that is going on.
But these are issues that if they are
clearly addressed could reduce the
situation and also help in stemming the
spiral of violence that is going on now.
Any Solutions?
To us, solution to this problem has to
do with addressing the problems of
leadership which we have now an inept
and incompetent one that is in place.
Addressing the economic issues that
create the conducive atmosphere for
such kind of violence. And also, we need
to address political issues that will have
people in the position of power that are
connected to the people, that
understand the problem of the people
and how much they can address it.
How does incompetency in leadership
lead to the insecurity today and how do
we address it?
So far, the President Goodluck
Jonathan-led administration is a typical
example of a leadership that has
woefully failed. He has failed from the
political and economic angle. He has
failed in all factors of leadership. You
have leaders who came in with vision,
mission and with experiences, and also
you have leaders who learn on the job;
Jonathan is neither of the two. He is a
man who happens to be in power by
accident and since that very time, the
whole nation and its people have been
in ambush and it is unfortunate that
such kind of person will lead a country
that is supposed to play a leading role
in the socio-economic and political
transformation of Africa. A nation of
about 164 million people which other
African countries look unto and now we
are looking unto the west. So, I think
this is the lowest in the history of
Nigeria where we have a leader that
does not even know what leadership is.
All his actions have been wrong and has
consistently and gradually been pushing
this country into perdition.
Do you believe that the insurgency in the
North-east has political colouration as
alleged by some Nigerians?
What we need to understand is that the
violence in the North-east has its
immediate causes and remote causes.
The immediate causes have to do with
the fact that a group of people with a
theocratic agenda decided to pick up
arms against the state and in the
pursuance of their goals, they kill, they
bomb, they maim, they destroy lives and
livelihood. And one thing we should
understand is that terrorism is not a
form of violence that is meant to
conquer a state, it is rather a form of
violence that is meant to conquer a
state of mind. Terrorists do not recover
a nation, they terrorise nations; they
unleash a regime of fear on the people
and exercise maximum influence by
deadly activities. There are local factors
that led to these. One is, we have a
generation of leaders that have been in
place for a period of time that have not
taken consideration of the dangers and
the consequences of their inability to
address social and economic issues that
led to where we are today. Joblessness
is a factor that contributes to
insurgency but it is not a good reason
to kill and maim. Social issues are also
contributing factors. So, to address the
problem of the north eastern part of
Nigeria, it has to do with first of all
taking the immediate problem at hand.
And then later on, holding an economic
plan to attract young people.
The amnesty committee which you
declined membership has since finished
its work and submitted its report to the
president, yet we are yet to see its
implementation. What were your fears
and have they been cleared?
When I was appointed by the
government to serve in the amnesty
committee, I declined to serve for two
reasons. One, I was able to make
contact to the insurgents through some
persons to get their state of mind and
opinion whether they would accept and
corporate with the committee. And the
response I got from them was that they
were not going to corporate and work
with the committee. So, I have no
reason to continue with the committee.
Secondly, I initiated some forms of
dialogue with the insurgents in the past
which the government refused to
endorse and even accept the
recommendations. So, it was virtually
impossible for me to keep on been in
the committee without anything coming
out of it. So, the committee that was set
up ended up wasting public resources
and the time of Nigerians. They ended
up misinforming and misleading
Nigerians. They came out and claimed
that there was a dialogue with the
insurgents and the sect denied such.
Nigerians were faced with many lies
from them. The minister for special
duties is one Nigerian that has
consistently misinformed Nigerians over
what his committee was said to have
achieved. To me, that committee has
contributed to the feelings of false sense
of confidence and hope of Nigerians. If
the committee has actually met the sect
and actually reached a cease-fire
agreement with the sect, we could not
have reached this kind of violence. But
since the committee finished their job
with all their claims, the whole violence
and insurgency has gotten worse than
they met it. So, it is a clear vindication
of my position at that very time not to
be part of that circle.
You facilitated a dialogue between
former President Obansanjo and
members of the Boko Haram sometimes
ago and now, another round of dialogue
is said to be on-going between the
former president and the Boko Haram
sect. How true?
Let me tell you, I facilitated the talk
between Obasanjo and the Boko Haram.
The dialogue that was led by Dr Datti
Ahmed was facilitated by Ahmed Sakilda
with me on the background and
knowing what was happening to the
end. Now, I founded the dialogue for
which the meeting was held in
Obasanjo’s House. I was there and I
brought the ideas of what to do and we
are working on it.  The idea of the
dialogue was informed by three reasons.
One is, we are opposed by the use of
force to free the girls that have been
abducted by the insurgents. Secondly,
there is a back door negotiation that
happened between Sakilda and some
persons in government which was
sabotaged by some elements in
government. And I was not surprised
because I knew from the beginning to
the end how it happened because I am
the person who recommended Sakilda to
the federal government and for them to
reach to him over the Chibok girls. I
monitored all that happened and it was
the federal government that frustrated
the move. The Chibok girls could have
been freed last week, which was
sabotaged by the federal government.
So, this new initiative we are doing is
such a one that will carry along many
people that stand between the sect and
the federal government. The sect will
nominate their delegation and the
federal government will also nominate
their delegation. The bottom line is for
the two groups to discuss and work out
the process of getting the Chibok girls
released and the same time getting the
federal government release some
members of the sects released and their
families. So, it is still a new formula to
repackage the dialogue process and to
salvage the dialogue process that was
destroyed by the refusal of government
to accept a deal that just happened
recently.
Do you see the president changing his
mind after he shunned the idea of any
form of dialogue with the Boko Haram
sect?
The president has not changed his mind
but we are now going to the stage of
seeking the consent of the government
to dialogue. This is because, the
government must give the go ahead for
the reason that we have an existing law
against terrorism that clearly
criminalises any attempt to
communicate or to interact and to relate
with the insurgents. So, it is only when
you get the consent of the government
and the waiver that you will be able to
start such things. Again, the consent of
the government is very necessary in the
event of any of our members have to
reach out with the insurgents. So, the
technical issues need to be clarified with
the government before we move ahead.
And in the event the government is not
interested in it, there is nothing we can
do because we are non-state actors. All
we can to do is ensure a dialogue
process to bring these girls out.
Who is Ahmed Sakilda and how
protected is he?
Sakilda is a very young man that has
contributed more than enough to the
peace and security of this country. Many
people think he is a member of Boko
Haram which he is not. He is a young
man trying to make a living and his
relationship with the founder of Boko
Haram has to do with the fact that the
Boko Haram founder converted him to
Islam and they have been working
together. He knew the group before they
took up arms. So, in all honesty, he is
someone in which the nation need to
appreciate his contribution and who
they should also use, but it is
unfortunate that his time was
threatened the very time he started the
dialogue process. He was chased out of
Nigeria by people who think that his
efforts will be a seal to how much they
profits to the violence of the insurgents
in the country.
There are insinuations that the federal
government wants to negotiate with the
Boko Haram sect without involving the
Borno State government. Do you think it
would lead to success?
I think it is a wrong thing to do because
the Borno State governor is the chief
executive of the state and there is no
way you can achieve much in Borno
without the state governor’s input.
There is no way we can resolve the
problem without the state government.
This is because they are presiding over
people and the governor represents the
state and without them, the federal
government will only be beating around
the bush. What we should understand is
that the discord between the federal
government and the Borno State
government has not been helpful in the
course of addressing the problems.
The military has been inconsistent
regarding the rescue operation by giving
contradictory reports. Do you think we
are succeeding?
The Nigerian Army is not an institution
that is different from the Nigerian state.
It represents our teeth and our strength;
it represents our protection, our sheath
and our defence. If we mock at our
Nigerian Army and the world mocks, it
is the nation and the people of this
country that are been mocked at
because we don’t have an institution
that protects us than the Army and it is
very wrong to blame the Army if they
don’t provide the necessary tools that
they could use to protect the country.
What we are facing is the situation that
the Nigerian Army is destroyed by an
Army of corrupt politicians who destroy
other institutions and now the Army is
the next. And the danger of destroying
the Army is that, we will all become
vulnerable as we are now. What
Nigerians demand from the Army is for
them to protect the integrity of the
country and the sovereignty of Nigeria.
The misleading reports coming from the
Army dent their image and reputations.
For the Army, their reputation and
integrity is dented until they are able to
rescue the girls and end the insurgency.
The danger of what is happening today
is for African countries to look down on
us and to continue to see us as people
who have lost relevance.
Do you think that the collaborating
foreign Army Can rescue the girls
The United States, UK, France and China
did not send soldiers that would storm
Boko Haram camp and free the girls.
They only sent two experts on
intelligence gathering that would help
with advice on our Army. Secondly, they
sent a team of negotiators. I am
completely opposed to the presence of
foreign forces in my country. I am a
revolutionist and a pan-Africanist who
cherish the defence of my country and
continent. And I fully believe that these
are African issues and could be
addressed the African way. It is
shameful for France to invite the
presidents of Cameroon, Benin-Republic,
Niger and Nigeria to come and sit down
and talk about how to protect a part of
Nigeria. I think we should have a re-
think and should understand that this is
a national issue that requires a resilient
spirit and a determination to fight it.
Any attempts to use force to rescue
these girls will end up in tragedy. And it
is better we do it earlier before the sect
brain-washes the girls.