Richard Branson Didn't Go To Space ByErik Shilling

He did, however, go very high in the sky in a rocket plane. Image for article titled Richard Branson Didn't Go To Space Photo: Getty Images (Getty Images) The billionaire Richard Branson went 53.5 miles into the sky on Sunday, short of the Kármán line, which is 62 miles above sea level and where it is generally agreed that space begins. Branson did surpass 50 miles above sea level, above which NASA gives out astronaut wings. But come on, man, Branson’s stunt only barely cleared that. There is, officially, no American government definition for when space begins, apparently in large part because the government does not want to define it, because it could possibly change with technological developments. But let’s accept the 50 mile rule for argument’s sake, anyway, and say that Branson was indeed in space, where he spent about a minute-and-a-half before falling back to earth, which is the functional equivalent of having a layover at JFK and then claiming you’ve been to New York City. That might technically be true but simultaneously be complete hogwash. Instead, I hereby propose a simple, achievable definition of “going to space,” which is that you must orbit the Earth at least once while you’re up there, something that Branson did not do. And, while Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom might be a little mad that their first flights will no longer count, in Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom’s day there weren’t weirdo billionaires engaged in pointless space races. Also, crucially, the U.S. and the Soviet Union weren’t trying to sell anything beyond their own superiority, whereas Branson would be very pleased if you got in line and paid him a quarter-of-a-million dollars or more to take his dumb amusement park ride. The best thing you can say about Branson or anyone else that takes his spaceplane to suborbital skies is that they have the courage to strap themselves to a rocket, which isn’t nothing. But you can’t say they’ve gone to space, any more than I can say I’ve been to Des Moines, even though I drove through it once. It seemed nice.

Benin Bronze Casters Protest Over Ownership Of Stolen Artefacts By 'Suyi Ayodele

The controversy over the proposed return of the Benin artefacts stolen during the invasion of the old Benin Empire in 1897 by the British military forces, got messier on Monday as the Igun Bronze Casters Guild, who claimed to be descendants of Igun Community, staged protests across Benin City and visited the palace of the Oba of Benin and the Edo State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, over the claim by another group known as Igun-Igbesanmwan-Owina Descendants Cultural Movement to the ownership of the artefacts. The Igun-Igbesanmwan-Owina Descendants Cultural Movement, based in Europe and America, had in advertorials in some conventional and social media platforms last week, claimed part ownership of artefacts, insisting that they must be part of negotiations for their return. But the protesters led by the Ine of Igun, Chief Osarenren Inneh and other chiefs, the Igun Bronze Casters Guild called on security agencies including Interpol to help fish the signatories to the said advert insisting that from time immemorial, they cast the bronze artworks for the palace and they remain the property of the palace. “We have never in any way been the owners of the artefacts that we were ordered to do by the palace. There is no member of this Igun that will say that as at 3000 years ago, they can buy a kilo of manila so all the works that were done, were done inside the palace and were done for the monarch. We do works for the beautification of the palace, we do works to keep the history of this kingdom in form of plaques and art forms so we duplicate the history of the kingdom,” Chief Inneh explained. According to him, “We have never in any way been privileged to do these works for ourselves until when we were given our royal charter in 1280 AD by Oba Oguola. They gave us that charter for commercial purposes and these artefacts were long in existence even before the royal charter.” Pledging loyalty to the Benin Place, Chief Inneh said, “We see those publications as false and we want to disassociate ourselves from anything that has to do with that association because it did not come from us. We are servants to the palace, we are servants to the Omo N’Oba and nobody should pitch us against the palace because we cannot go against the palace. We are grateful to Omo N’Oba for all he has been doing for us over the years.” “Those who thrive in making mischief just for the fun of it had better be warned to look elsewhere for their game. For sure this new chapter will not end well with them,” he admonished. “And to sum up our submission, we wish to call on the security agencies, especially Interpol operatives, to spread their dragnet to get the real identities of the writers and sponsors of the letter who hide under what we equate to be false identities to perpetrate falsehood and character assassination their stock-in-trade,” he reiterated.

Anthony Oritseretserundede Okorodudu, PhD, MBA, has been Inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who's Who Biographical Registry

Dr. Okorodudu celebrates professional excellence in the field of pathology GALVESTON, TX, June 28, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Anthony Oritseretserundede Okorodudu, PhD, MBA has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. With a plethora of experience at his disposal, Dr. Okorodudu has found much success in the department of pathology of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he serves as a professor of pathology as well as the director of the department's sample management division, clinical chemistry division, client services, correctional managed care laboratories and pathology outreach laboratories. He further contributes to the same academic institution as an associate member of the experimental pathology graduate faculty, the director of the postdoctoral training program in clinical chemistry and a member of the medical staff of the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals. Affiliated with the University of Texas Medical Branch for more than 30 years, Dr. Okorodudu previously excelled as a medical staff member of Medical Center Hospital of Bexar County from 1989 to 1990, a fellow and a clinical chemist in immunochemistry of the clinical chemistry division of Hartford Hospital from 1986 to 1988, a visiting scientist of the Dermatopathology Laboratory of New Jersey Medical School from 1984 to 1985 and a lecturer at the University of Benin in Benin City, Nigeria. Prior to embarking on his impressive career, Dr. Okorodudu pursued his education at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences in 1977. Obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy degree in pathology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1982, he later earned a Master of Science in management, computing and systems from the Houston Baptist University in Houston, Texas in 1997. Following these accomplishments, Dr. Okorodudu garnered a Master of Business Administration from Jones Graduate School at Rice University in 2007. He is an accomplished and widely published author as indicated by publication of more than 250 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and abstracts. He is actively involved in research for the advancement of clinical laboratory medicine. His research focus is on the elucidation of the pathophysiology and immunopathology of intracellular ions in the pathology of drug-drug interactions, preeclampsia, and type II diabetes. In light of his exceptional undertakings, Dr. Okorodudu was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Graduate School of Biomedical Science of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2001, the Best Clinical Pathology Faculty Award from the pathology residents of the University of Texas Medical Branch, and Outstanding Leadership Awards from the board of directors of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry in 2006 and the board of directors of the Commission on Accreditation in Clinical Chemistry in 2009, among numerous other accolades. In 2011, he was appointed by the US Secretary of Health and Human Services to serve on the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (2011-2014). A diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry and a specialist in chemistry through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, he received a certificate in toxicological chemistry from the National Registry of Clinical Chemistry in 1993. Highly respected in his field, Dr. Okorodudu further flourished as a journal reviewer of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, The Journal of Pediatrics, Early Human Development, Health and Population in Developing Countries and Clinica Chimica Acta, as well as an editorial board member of the Journal of Point of Care Testing. Dr. Okorodudu and his wife, Osato, are blessed with four children – Anthony E. Okorodudu, PhD (software developer), Anthonette Ayitey-Adjin, JD (magistrate judge), Daniel E. Okorodudu, MD (endocrinologist), and Dale O. Okorodudu, MD (pulmonologist/critical care). About Marquis Who's Who® Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.

Close shave: Gallant pilot returns to base after bandits shot down military jet in Zamfara by Deji Lambo and Solomom Odeniyi

A pilot with the Nigerian Airforce, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, has been rescued after intense gunfire by armed bandits grounded a Nigerian Airforce Alpha Jet aircraft in Zamfara State. The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet, who confirmed the crash in a statement on Monday, said Dairo was returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna states when the aircraft came under attack and crashed. He stated that Dairo escaped when he ejected from the aircraft before it crashed, adding that when he landed, the armed bandits gave him a hot chase. Gabkwet said, “On July 18, 2021, around 12.45 pm, a Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna states, came under intense enemy fire which led to its crash in Zamfara State. “Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft. Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset. “Using the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued. Gabkwet stated that the NAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot. He added, “It is gladdening to note that while in hiding, Flight Lieutenant Dairo confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft within the vicinity of the crash site helped in scaring the bandits who were after him, thus enabling him to find refuge and escape to a safe location. “It is important to also recall that only recently, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna states. “It is in fulfilment of this directive that the NAF, in conjunction with surface forces, has in the last 2 weeks mounted intensive day and night air interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these three states. Through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have been neutralized and several of their hideouts destroyed. “Despite the setback of yesterday’s crash, the NAF remains committed to fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it. The willingness, readiness, and tested ability of the NAF remain unshaken and unwavering as it continues to carry out its assigned roles.”

110 out of 172 FCT traffic lights, non-functional By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

…As Transport Secretariat moves to reverse trend The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA said it has initiated short and long term measures to fix 110 non-functional traffic lights in the city. Acting Secretary of Transport in the FCT, Alhaji Usman Musa Yahaya disclosed this at a news conference Monday in Abuja. He said; “At present, out of the 172 Traffic Light Installations at the above stated Districts, 62 installations at various intersections cutting across different Districts are in good condition and functioning. Regrettably, as many as 110 are at various levels of non-functional condition. “Twenty Five out of the 110 are currently undergoing rehabilitation while some have been packaged for procurement for fresh signalization within the 2021 FCT Appropriation. The Transportation Secretariat has been receiving, with great concern, feedback from residents on the status of the traffic light installations particularly the non-functional ones as well as yearnings for installation of more at intersections having difficult traffic situations”. There are currently 172 intersections in the FCT with 125 Traffic Light Installations in Phase I of the City, eight in Gudu District, three in Gwarinpa 1 District, nine in Gwarinpa II District, 10 in Utako District, six in Jabi District and 11 in Kubwa Satellite Town. He said the Transportation Secretariat has not watched without taking any action on the concerns of residents on the state of this critical component of traffic light management. “With the support of the Permanent Secretary and approval granted by the Honourable Minister, adequate provision was made in the recently passed 2021 FCT Appropriation which is awaiting Presidential assent to pave way for the commencement of procurement processes that will ultimately translate to tangible improvement in the repair of non-functional traffic light installations, provision of critical spare parts required for periodic maintenance of installed ones and commencement of installation of traffic lights in new areas of coverage among which are Phase I of the City, Karu-Jikwoyi axis, Gwagwalada Town, Kuje Town, Wuye District, Ring Road II, Jahi District and Jabi District. “It is important to mention that 74 Nos. of the Traffic Light Installations were part of the first phase of an intervention by the Government of the Peoples’ Republic of China”, he stated. The Transport Secretary also listed some of the challenges it has faced in the proper management of the Traffic Light Installations which he said includes knocking down of the installations by motorists and subsequent vandalism of the components by criminals. “This warranted the adoption of a new but strenuous strategy of installing the Traffic Light which involves welding of the components to prevent vandals from further vandalization of the parts”, he said. Apart from inadequate funding, he also decried the lack of spare parts for routine maintenance which he said will be addressed as soon as the procurement process is completed.

Alleged N29bn fraud: You have a case to answer, court tells Nyako, son. Agency Report

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Murtala Nyako (retd.) to enter his defence in the alleged N29 billion money laundering charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Justice Abang gave the order on Monday while ruling on the no-case submission filed by the former Adamawa governor, his son Abdul-Aziz and other defendants in the matter. The other defendants are Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Crust Energy Ltd. The judge said that he had painstakingly perused the evidence given by the 21 witnesses called by the prosecution and was of the view that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants. “I have calmly, carefully, and painstakingly scrutinised the evidence adduced by the 21 witnesses in chief and under cross-examination including the oral and written arguments of all the defendants. “I have again carefully and painstakingly considered the evidence of the 21 witnesses and the massive documentary evidence and the extrajudicial statements of the defendants. “I have carefully considered the legal arguments of all the counsel for the defendants, their written and oral arguments, and the argument of the prosecution in this ruling. “It is my humble but firm view that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants and they are required to enter their defence immediately.” Read Also The judge held that the no-case submission filed by the defendants lacked merit and he accordingly dismissed it. He adjourned the matter until October 4, October 5, October 7, and October 8 for the defendants to open their case. The EFCC is prosecuting the former governor and his son, Abdul-Aziz; two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd, over money laundering offences. The EFCC had arraigned them on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office, and money laundering. The trial began on July 7, 2015, and the anti-graft agency closed its case on November 3, 2019, having called 21 witnesses to establish its case against the defendants. Instead of opening their defence, the defendants elected to file a no-case submission in which they argued that the facts adduced by all the witnesses called by the prosecution did not prove the allegation against them.

FIRST_WORLD_CUP_TROPHY_IN_NIGERIA_AND_AFRICA

Not many Nigerians know that the country won a world cup in football back in 1977. Most Nigerians would regale you with stories of 1985 when Nigeria won the maiden Kodak Under-16 world cup through the Nduka Ugbade-led team. The unknown truth is that Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha won the world schools cup in Dublin, Ireland back in 1977. Africa was regarded as the backdoor of soccer until Rev. Fr. Nicholas Chukwuemeka Tagbo (OON), the school principal and the coach,Chukwuma Igweonwu (AKA ‘Bonsue’) led Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha to win the International Schools Sports Sports Federation [ISSF] Championships in Dublin, Ireland on July 9, 1977. That sterling performance shocked the world. No African team ever got close to the trophy and no black African team had taken part in the tournament. It was Nigeria’s debut, all ended well as CKC defeated Turkey 6-5 penalties in the grand finale. Full and overtime scores stood at 2-2. CKC Onitsha who after winning the Anambra State and Nigerian Academical Cup in 1977 then went ahead to represent Africa in the global competition in Dublin, and ended up carting the coveted cup home. CKC earned their ticket to represent Nigeria after winning the Manuwa/Adebajo Cup for Nigerian Secondary Schools in 1976. The CKC team that won the cup was made up of the crack goalkeepers Peter Ogbodo and Paul Obiakor; ace defenders Sylvester Ezeani, Amaechi ‘Darkness’ Igweobi, Benjamin Uzoka, Valentine Nnadi, and Mbanefo Chukwurah; astute midfielders Arthur Ebunam, Patrick Ikeagu, and Ugochukwu Nebedum; wily wingers Chibo Offodile and Samuel Igwenagu; and of course the deadly strikers, Skipper Nnamdi Nwokocha "Camel" and Okey Ozoh. The CKC boys played seven matches in the competition and did not lose any match. Germany, The Netherlands, Italy and Turkey were the previous countries that won the tournament. Some 14 countries took part in the tourney. Aside from winning the tournament trophy, the CKC stars won the best-behaved team trophy. The boys of CKC Onitsha beat Luxemburg 2-0 with Skipper Nnamdi “Camel” Nwokocha scoring both goals. The boys went ahead to pip France 1-0 with Nwokocha scoring the only goal. Finland fell 2-0 with Nwokocha also netting both goals. The CKC boys annihilated Denmark 8-0 with the strikers Nwokocha and Okey Ozoh scoring hat-tricks while the wingers, Chibo Offodile and Samual Igwenagu, bagged the remaining two goals. The all-conquering team had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the host nation Ireland with Skipper Nwokocha scoring CKC’s only goal. Holland suffered a 1-0 loss as Okey Ozoh scored the winner. In the pulsating final against Turkey, the CKC boys led with two goals from the lethal boots of Okey Ozoh before the Turkish lads equalized, thereby forcing a penalty shootout which CKC won 7-5, with the winning kick coming from Patrick Ikeagu. CKC impressed their Irish hosts and were presented with a special cup by president of the Sports Commission of Ireland. The team also won the Fair Play Trophy, a special trophy for participating in the tourney and 22 gold medals for players and officials. Thus Nigeria won her first ever world cup in 1977, but the country is yet to give these breakthrough CKC boys their deserving due. Nigeria soccer history will not be complete without celebrating our young lads from CKC, Onitsha. Some of the winners have passed away such as Skipper Nwokocha MON, but the living ones like Hon Arthur Ebunam are ready pointers to what needs to be done to honour our “Heroes past” in the words of the National Anthem. Worthy of note is that Christ the King College was founded in 1933 by Irish missionaries led by the then Archbishop of Onitsha, Archbishop Charles Heerey. Among the eminent products of the school are the late Rev. Fr. N.C. Tagbo OON (World cup principal 1977), Dominic Cardinal Ekandem (Ist Nigerian Cardinal), Archbishop Valeria Okeke (Archbishop of Onitsha), Chief Chike Ofodile SAN (Former Attorney General of Nigeria), late Justice Chukwudifu Oputah (Oputa Panel), Justice Chuba Ikpeazu (Best NFA Chairman-Miracle of Dammam 1989), Justice Peter N.C Umeadi, Justice Agbakoba, Justice Okadigbo, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Justice Idigbe, HRH Obi Ofala Okague (Obi of Onitsha), HRH Justice Ambrose Allagoa (Amanyanabo of Nembe), HRH Igwe Charles Abangwu (Ezeigwe of Eha Alumona), HRH Prof. Chike Edozien (Asagba of Asaba), HRH Igwe Austin Ezenwa (Agbalanze Abagana). Other include Prof. Chike Obi (Mathematician), Dr. Pius Okigbo (Economist), Philip Emeagwali (computer), Senator Mike Ajegbo, Chief Oscar Udoji, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, Prince Felix Esayande Akenzua, Dr. Ene Henshaw, Governors Peter Odili of Rivers, Peter Obi (Anambra), Dr. Willie Obiano (Anambra), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Arc. Frank Mbanefo, Prof. Pat Utomi, John Munonye, Oseloka Obaze and so many other personalities too numerous to mention. In word of CKC anthem "May the fame of our college last forever". Primus!!! Inter Pares!!! Ref: Uzor Maxim Uzoatu and Emeka Obasi