CDHR urges Ambode to enforce law with human face

The NGO warned that it would not hesitate to institute legal action against the government to correct the situation if the state failed to act on its position.

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has urged Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and Lagos State House of Assembly to `show human face’ in the enforcement of the law banning street hawking in the state.

The group made the call in a statement signed by CDHR Lagos Branch Chairman and Secretary, Mr Alex Omotehinse and Olumuyiwa Kushimo respectively and issued to newsmen on Friday in Lagos.

It said that the government needed to do more on social welfare responsibility and unemployment before enforcing such a law.

The statement read:  "It must be very clear to all that the CDHR, Lagos state branch, do not entirely oppose the government policies especially the street trading and illegal market law.

"But, in a society where government itself is lacking in its social welfare responsibilities, the law is nothing but anti-masses law without human face.

"We urge the governor and the House of Assembly to be pro-masses and reflect on the economic pains and challenges of the people who have been very patient and tolerant.

"The state government and the legislative body should consider and appreciate the good people of Lagos State who went all out defying the security and the risk they went through in the last transition.

"We urge the governor and the Speaker of Lagos Assembly to use their good offices to reconsider our position.

"The House of Assembly should show its true concern and love for the masses they represent by putting the law on hold."

CDHR noted that majority of street hawkers were youths who designed for themselves alternative means of survival as a result of government's failure in its social responsibilities.

It said that socio-economic challenges, unemployment, poor access to education, bad road network, poor traffic management and lack of affordable lock up shops across council areas were responsible for street hawking.

It warned that it would embark on mass protest to Government House and the Assembly Complex if nothing was done to reverse the law and its enforcement.

The NGO warned that it would not hesitate to institute legal action against the government to correct the situation if the state failed to act on its position.

NAN recalled that the government commenced enforcement of the law banning street hawking on July 1 following the death of a hawker who was crushed by a vehicle at Maryland on June 29.

The CDHR is a human rights and non-governmental organisation whose ideals are committed to equity, justice, democratic values and good governance.

Shocking! Drunk Police Officers Attached to Stanbic Bank 'Shoot and Destroy' Woman's Car (Photos)

Nigerian activist, Olufunke Phillips 

A Nigerian activist, Olufunke Phillips has cried out for help after reckless and drunk Nigerian policemen posted to Stanbic IBTC bank in Aguda, shot in the air with the cartridge case falling inside her car leaving her in a state of panic as she was driving past the bank.

However, the alerted lady was shocked to find out that the policemen were celebrating and that they had wasted bullets just to welcome a colleague.

Here is how she narrated the shocking incident which happened at Aguda inside Surulere, Lagos State.

Watch this funny 'Man must chop' comedy skit

This Yawa comedy short comedy series produced by comedian Kassim Braimah is so funny.

It tells the story of Kalistus, an unemployed young man who thinks the only way to survive in this country is to be cunning and corrupt.

Watch the video and let us know what you think.

ALSO READ: See what happens when you fart in front of your African father

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Call for Applications: CORAF/WECARD Empowering Youths for Agripreneurship in West Africa Project 2016

Brief description: The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD) in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank are inviting young agricultural entrepreneurs to submit applications for the Empowering Youths for Agripreneurship in West Africa Project.

 
Application Deadline: 24th July, 2016

Offered annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: Although the project focuses on nine (9) National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in the following countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Niger and Sierra Leone all young people from  West and Central Africa are invited to benefit from the program.
To be taken at (country): All eligible countries
About the Award: The objective of this call is to enrol over 1000 Young entrepreneurs in agriculture “Agripreneurs” or young people interested in agriculture in a one-year mentoring process in the framework of the project “Empowering Youths for Agripreneurship in West Africa”
Mentees will benefit from an assigned mentor for the duration of the program, agricultural advisory services and online live chat sessions with mentors.
The project is built on three fundamental pillars namely: (i) Putting research into use, (ii) Strengthening Research-Private sector partnerships, and (iii) Creating an enabling environment for agricultural entrepreneurship.
Empowering Youths for Agripreneurship consist of a mentoring process to empower youths to consolidate the agricultural value chains in several aspects of pre-production related to animal, plant and fishery production, and post-production related to the processing of agricultural/fishery products, product labeling, marketing and market access, in order to enhance the outputs and specific potentials thus increasing employment and income creation opportunities.
We are looking for young people with strong interest and/or experience in agricultural technologies and innovations. The candidates are expected to have a business idea or a start-up related to agriculture, preferably on the 15 technologies developed by CORAF/WECARD.
Offered Since: Not known

Type: Agriculture Entrepreneurship
Eligibility: To be eligible, candidates must:

• be young people with strong interest and/or experience in agricultural technologies and innovations.
• have a business idea or a start-up related to agriculture, preferably on the 15 technologies developed by CORAF/WECARD.

Number of Awardees: Over 1000 Young entrepreneurs in agriculture
Value of Programme: 

• Mentorship. Mentees will benefit from an assigned mentor for the duration of the program, agricultural advisory services and online live chat sessions with mentors.
• Enrollment into agriculture

Duration of Programme: 1 year Mentorship
How to Apply: Go here to apply
Visit Programme Webpage for details
Award Provider: The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD), Islamic Development Bank.
Important Notes: Female candidates are e

ncouraged to apply.

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Student body rejects N2,500 Post-UTME screening fee

NANS, which has been, and will always be, at the forefront of any and every kind of exploitation of Nigerian students in any guise was relieved by the recent ban on post-UTME

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected kicked the introduction of the admission screening fee of N2,500 by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education.

Mr Gbenga Ayenuro, the NANS Vice President, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure on Friday.

"NANS, which has been, and will always be, at the forefront of any and every kind of exploitation of Nigerian students in any guise was relieved by the recent ban on post-UTME.

"As it was a long overdue decision to end the exploitation of prospectively- Nigerian students seeking admission. And it was a policy that endeared the Federal Government to the hearts of Nigerian masses; it was widely jubilated and welcomed by all concerned stakeholders in the Nigerian education sector," he said.

According to him, it is surprising, appalling, anti-masses and unethical, for the federal government to submit to pressure from the heads of tertiary institutions by introducing the post-UTME screening fee.

He noted that the policy somersault was tantamount to the government being insensitive to the growing economic meltdown being experienced by parents and guardians of prospective students all over the country.

Ayenuro said that NANS viewed the introduction of the post-UTME screening fee as another way of extorting and exploiting potential students. He alleged that it was another avenue of enriching management of various tertiary institutions across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

"Nigerian students can no longer keep mute in the face of the general hardship confronting the Nigerian masses.

"Our parents and guardians have become incapable of sending us stipends for our upkeep let alone of paying for our tuition fees.

"The food and provision stores in all our various campuses are undergoing abysmally low patronage from students due to the ever increasing high price tag of virtually all commodities.

"We cannot continue to keep mute while our future is being mortgaged and short changed by this present administration,’’ he alleged.

Ayenuro therefore issued a three-working day ultimatum to the ministry to reverse its decision on imposition of post-UTME screening fee as the most important stakeholder in the Nigerian education sector.

He said that failure to reverse the new policy would result in a peaceful protest at the Ministry of Education, Abuja, at a date to be announced.

LSEPA shuts down 70 churches, 20 mosques

70 churches, and 20 mosques in Lagos state have been shut down.

Bola Shabi, the general manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LSEPA), these places of worship were shut over noise pollution.

play Mosque in Lagos state
(pulse)

Speaking to Vanguard, he said the closure affects mostly make-shift churches and mosques, adding that this was part of the government's attempt to have a noise-free state, by 2020.

"We've been so strict now that we are not going to even allow make-shift churches in the state any longer.

What I mean by make-shift, using tents and uncompleted building, we are not going to allow that any further in the state.

Enforcement is a continuous exercise and we have set a target for ourselves. We want to ensure that Lagos is noise-free by the year 2020. With our status as a mega city, by year 2020 we will be free of noise,'' he said.

play Noise pollution results in closure of churches, and mosques
(360nobs)

Christiantoday reports that about 11 hotels, club houses and beer parlours were also closed over noise pollution.

SO BEAUTIFUL

The monsoon so beautiful,raining, at the same time sun shinning with a beautiful and awesome Rose.

KNOWING WHAT TO SAY:DAILY DEVOTION

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”

Memory Verse: Proverbs 29: 11 – “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”

The Word for Today devotional by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) says

Honesty and good communication are the foundation stones for a healthy relationship. This is particularly so in marriage. But any good idea can be misused. For example, it’s honest to tell your spouse that you don’t like the way they cook.

It’s honest for you to express anger over your spouse’s shortcomings. But honesty that does not have the best interest of the other person at heart is cruel, and a form of selfishness. This is especially so when the other person can’t do anything about it.

Some couples, in their determination to share every thought and opinion, destroy the sweet spark of romance that drew them together. No longer is there any sense of magic. They have unravelled the romantic allure that first attracted them to one another.

Your spouse is the person you chose to marry. So if you did not do your homework up front, don’t complain when you don’t like the test results. Peter writes, ‘Continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins’ (1 Peter 4:8 NLT). Paul writes: ‘Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance’ (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT). When you practise these virtues, you can help improve your marriage.

Give Zakatil-fitr to only the poor, needy, cleric advises Muslims

The cleric then urged Muslims to take their wives and daughters to the Eid prayer ground in line with the teaching of Prophect Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

The Chief Imam of Area 10 Abuja, Juma’at Mosque, Sheirk Yahya Al-Yolawi, has advised Muslims to give Zakatil-fitr (charity) to only the poor and the needy in the society.

Al-Yolawi gave the advice while delivering Juma’at sermon entitled: ``Eid Preparation and Zakatil-Fitr'' on Friday in Abuja.

The cleric said that the poor and needy were the most deserving beneficiaries of zakatil-fitr ``because Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said the purpose is providing food for the needy.''

He explained that zakatil-fitr was an obligatory charity on every Muslim at the end of the month of Ramadan, adding that the Holy Prophet had enjoined every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave to give zakatil-fitr.

He added that the purpose of zakatil-fitr was to purify the one who had fasted from any type of indecent act or speech he or she might have committed while fasting.

"The Messenger of Allah said zakatil-fitr is mandatory on the one who fasts to shield him or her from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy.

"Abu Sa’eed said we used to give out zakatil-fitr on behalf of every child, aged person, free man or slave during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah.''

The cleric said that the Prophet had ordered Muslims to pay zakatil-fitr before they go out to perform the Eid prayer.

He emphasised that if the zakat was given out after the Eid prayer; it would be considered as just regular charity and not zakatil-fitr.

He cautioned that "Prophet Muhammad said if one gives out zakatil-fitr before the Eid salat, it is considered an accepted zakat but if given after the salat then it is just an ordinary charity.''

The cleric then urged Muslims to take their wives and daughters to the Eid prayer ground in line with the teaching of Prophect Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

He said "we have been ordered to go to the Eid ground with even the single and menstruating women in order to witness the good and the supplications of the Imam and Muslims.

"Menstruating women are, however, advised to stay away from the prayer area.’’

Al-Yolawi also advised Muslims to listen to the sermon of the Imam at the Eid prayer ground as it was regarded as a time to remember Allah’s blessings and to be thankful to be present in such an assembly.

He said Muslims should not leave the Eid prayer ground early just to avoid the crowd but should stay until after the final prayer was said and then follow with the customary greetings to Muslim sisters and brothers there.

Match report: Germany 1 Italy 1 (aet, 6-5 pens)

Germany won a dramatic penalty shoot-out 6-5 to book a place in the Euro 2016 semi-finals and send Italy crashing out in Bordeaux.

Germany won a dramatic penalty shootout 6-5 to book a place in the Euro 2016 semi-finals and send Italy crashing out in Bordeaux.

After 120 minutes of action ended in a 1-1 draw, Manuel Neuer saved from Matteo Darmian in the shootout's decisive moment, with Jonas Hector netting the winning spot-kick.

play Jonas Hector celebrates after scoring his penalty to win it for Germany (Reuters )

Simone Zaza, Graziano Pelle and Leonardo Bonucci all missed too in an unbelievable sequence of penalties, with unsuccessful efforts from Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil going unpunished for Germany.

play Italy National Team players (EMPICS Sports)

Ozil looked to have put Germany on course for victory in regulation time, but Bonucci's late penalty – after a handball from Jerome Boateng – ensured the game progressed to extra time and then spot-kicks.

The thrilling win helped Germany gain a measure of revenge for a run of eight consecutive games without victory against the Azzurri in major tournaments, including a semi-final loss four years ago in this competition.

The world champions are now the first team to make the last four at six consecutive major tournaments.

Joachim Low's side will face hosts France or Iceland in Marseille on Thursday when they will bid to make it to a record seventh European Championship final, although Mats Hummels will miss the match through suspension.

play Gianluigi Buffon holding back tears after the game (AP)

Germany switched to three at the back with Benedikt Howedes replacing Julian Draxler, but they suffered a blow when Sami Khedira limped off after only 16 minutes as captain Schweinsteiger came on to replace him.

play Germany Vs Italy (Getty Images)

Schweinsteiger, whose outing saw him equal Miroslav Klose's European appearance record at major tournaments, had a goal disallowed for shoving Mattia De Sciglio to the ground before getting on the end of Hummels' cross and planting a header beyond Gianluigi Buffon.

The world champions had the best chance of a quiet first half when Muller scuffed a presentable opportunity straight at Buffon, and the Bayern Munich man was denied by a flying Alessandro Florenzi on the goal-line shortly after the interval.

But the breakthrough did arrive with 25 minutes remaining when Mario Gomez slipped a pass through to Jonas Hector down the left and his cross deflected off Bonucci, allowing Ozil to stab home from eight yards for his first goal of the tournament.

play Mesut Ozil (AP)

play Joachim Low and Mesut Ozil (Reuters)

Italy stayed in the game when a magnificent reaction save from Buffon prevented Giorgio Chiellini's tackle on Gomez from flying into the net, but Boateng gave them a lifeline after 77 minutes.

Boateng inexplicably raised his hands to block a Chiellini flick and referee Viktor Kassai immediately pointed to the spot.

play Jerome Boateng (AP)

Bonucci had not scored for his country since September 2014, but he confidently found the bottom-right corner from the spot despite Neuer guessing correctly as he conceded for the first time in the competition.

play Leonardo Bonucci (Reuters)

Germany substitute Draxler came closest to finding an extra-time goal when his flick narrowly missed the target before he over-hit a pass when he could have released Muller on the break a few moments later.

After both teams scored their first spot-kicks, unbelievable drama ensued. 

Zaza had been brought on in the final seconds of extra time to take a penalty, but he blazed over after a bizarre run-up, before being relieved to see Buffon immediately save from Muller.

Andrea Barzagli's successful conversion was then followed by Ozil striking the post, but, astonishingly, Pelle tamely struck wide to allow Draxler to level the shoot-out.

Bonucci was then thwarted impressively by Neuer, giving Schweinsteiger the chance to seal victory, only for the captain to incredibly shoot way over as the first five penalties ended with the scores level at 2-2.

Emanuele Giaccherini, Hummels, Marco Parolo, Joshua Kimmich, De Sciglio and Boateng all held their nerve as tension reached breaking point.

Darmian, Italy's ninth taker, was then thwarted by Neuer and Hector stepped up to score low under Buffon - who left the pitch in tears - and send Germany's players wild.

play Jonas Hector beat Gianluigi Buffon to win it for Germany (Reuters)

Key Opta stats:

- Ozil has now netted three goals against Italy, against no side has he scored more (also three v Austria and Faroe Islands).
- Germany conceded their first goal of EURO 2016 after 438 minutes of action.
- It was also the first goal conceded in a major finals competition in 558 minutes of action (since Oscar scored in the 90th minute of Germany’s 7-1 win against Brazil at WC 2014).

 Germany players (Reuters)

- 17 of the 20 goals scored in Germany and Italy’s nine encounters at major tournaments have come after half-time (85%).
- Thomas Muller was the first German player to miss a spot-kick in a major finals shooutout since Uli Stielike v France in the 1982 World Cup.
- Germany missed more penalties (3) in this shootout as in their previous major finals shootouts combined (2).
- Germany have won their last six major tournament shootouts.

Shoemaker docked over alleged theft of generator:IN LAGOS

The Prosecutor, Insp. Innocent Uko, told the court that the accused committed the offence at No. 24, Palace Road, Ijanikin area of Lagos State.

The suspect reportedly punched the female police officer on her chest.

A 23-year-old shoe maker, Salami Osawalu, was on Friday brought before a Badagry Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos State for allegedly stealing a generator valued at N22,000.

The accused, whose address is unknown, faced a one-count charge of stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Innocent Uko, told the court that the accused committed the offence at No. 24, Palace Road, Ijanikin area of Lagos State.

Uko said that the accused stole the generator of the complainant, Mr Mufutau Ajadi.

"The accused was walking by and saw the generator placed outside a house with no one around there.

"He took the generator away but he was apprehended by the neighbour who smelt foul play because he had never seen the accused in the area before," he said.

The prosecutor noted that the offence was punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Counsel to the accused, Mr Debo Adewale, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the accused in liberal terms, noting that the accused would always attend court hearings.

The Magistrate, Mr Abiodun Etti, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 and a surety, who must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned till August 1, for further hearing.

Pharmaceutical council closes 234 shops in Oyo State

The Director of the Inspection and Monitoring department of the council, told people to be cautious when purchasing medicine from stores.

Two hundred and thirty-four shops have been closed by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), for non-compliance to the rules of the organisation.

The affected areas are Ibadan, Iseyin, Oyo, Saki and Eruwa and Igboora, according to the Daily Post.

The Director, Inspection and Monitoring, for the council, Mrs Anthonia Aruya, made the disclosure to newsmen on Friday, July 1, 2016, in Ibadan.

Aruya said, “The shops were sealed off for non-compliance with to our regulations and directives by our monitoring team.”

“The council is charged with the responsibility of regulating, controlling the education, training and practice of pharmacies in all aspects”.

“It is the authority set up by law to register and license all premises where pharmaceutical activities are carried out among other functions”

She commented that the council will not allow persons without the appropriate training and knowledge to operate in the business.

Aruya also appealed to members of the public to ensure that they buy drugs from stores with approved licences, the Daily Post reports.

AMAC assures patients of quality healthcare: ON HIV

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Friday says it is committed to providing quality healthcare to HIV/AIDs patients.

Dr Modupe Adeyinka, Head of Health Department, AMAC, gave the assurance at the inauguration of the renovated HIV Counselling and Testing Van, by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the project funded by the IHVN was aimed at boosting HIV services in FCT.

Adeyinka commended the efforts of the organisation for making AMAC a priority area in the implementation of its projects.

According to him, the institute has done a lot of renovations and maintenance of many health facilities outside capacity building and other logistic supports.

"AMAC is one of the six area councils in the FCT and one of the councils benefitting from IHVN.

"It peculiarity is hinged on certain factors which included its high population growth, among others.

"With your support we will continue to maintain and improve the quality of HIV care in our facilities and communities,’’ she said.

Dr Oche Yusuf, Associate Director, IHVN, explained that the HCT mobile van would aid officers to access people in areas that are not easily accessible.

Yusuf further noted that the Hilux van would further assist them to move around, mentor staff and further build their capacity.

"The mobile van will help us get to these patients that cannot get to the facilities, get their samples so that they can have their viral loads taken and tested in the lab.

"We will channel them to the lab where it will be further analysed among others,’’ Yusuf said.

PATORANKING TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM " GOD OVER EVERYTHING", AUGUST 1ST

Patoranking has announced the release date of his debut album “God Over Everything” (GOE).

The singer who broke through in 2013 with the hit single ‘Alubarika’, and has gone on to become one of Africa’s most revered dancehall artistes with his unique fusion of Reggae, Dancehall and Afrobeat, is set to release his debut album.

play Patoranking looking dapper
(Instagram)

The new album will be released on August 1, and will contain new single ‘No Kissing Baby’ featuring Ghanaian Sarkodie, with very few details revealed about the inclusion of his earlier singles.

“Expect the unexpected.” Patoranking said about the “GOE” album. “It has a song for everyone, for people of all ages, class and from all parts of Africa. I wanted to pay homage to my roots and also embrace the new school African music scene that is taking over the world. I can’t wait for the world to hear it, to hear us.”

play Patoranking looking great
(Instagram)

Patoranking this week released the video to his new single “No kissing baby”, the visuals was directed by DAPS. He has had a great year so far, starring as a judge on acclaimed TV show, The Voice.

For exclusive information about Patoranking’s debut album and the journey thus far, follow @FireRepublik on Instagram and Twitter. Also, follow the conversation via the hashtag #GOEtheAlbum.

Photography by Obi Somto
Design by WeirdCreative.
Styled by Ms Modish

Retail sales, producer prices, wages and exchange rates

US WILL BLOCK STOLEN NIGERIAN FUNDS FROM AMERICA BANKS ENVOY

The outgoing United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, has assured that the US is committed to ensure no stolen public funds from Nigeria are laundered through American banks. James-Entwistle

 Entwistle said that the Obama administration was committed to stand with Nigeria in its fight against corruption. According to him, the U.S. government has offered technical assistance to Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies for the training of investigators and prosecutors. Speaking yesterday, at the 240th United States Independence Anniversary celebration cocktail party in Abuja, said his country looked forward to deeper cooperation with the Nigerian government to ensure freedom for Nigerians. “Not just the political freedom you exercised last year, but freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom from sickness, and freedom from corruption. The last election was tremendous democratic success, not only for Nigeria, but the growth of democracy across Africa. “As you fight Boko Haram and secure and rebuild the Northeast, and you strive for harmony in the Niger Delta and across the land, we will continue to help in every appropriate way. “Indeed, let us redouble our efforts on the humanitarian front in the Northeast. Nigerians are dying of starvation in Nigeria. “The United States stands with every Nigerian who believes that Nigeria can be healthier, safer, and more prosperous,” he said. On the economy, the envoy said Nigeria at the moment was headed in the right direction on issues like fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange rate. He urged government to continue to create an environment that would attract more foreign investments. The biggest U.S. companies in Nigeria, he said, have been here for decades. He added that it was important for government to maintain an environment that would attract more foreign investments to the country.

New Equation Shows That How You Perceive Other People’s Fortunes Affects Your Happiness

A new equation, showing how our happiness depends not only on what happens to us but also how this compares to other people, has been developed by UCL researchers funded by Wellcome. The team developed an equation to predict happiness in 2014, highlighting the importance of expectations, and the new updated equation also takes into account other people’s fortunes.

The study, published in Nature Communications, found that inequality reduced happiness on average. This was true whether people were doing better or worse than another person they had just met. The subjects played gambles to try to win money and saw whether another person won or lost the same gambles. On average, when someone won a gamble they were happier when their partner also won the same gamble compared to when their partner lost. This difference could be attributed to guilt. Similarly, when people lost a gamble they were happier when their partner also lost compared to when their partner won, a difference that could be attributed to envy.

"Our equation can predict exactly how happy people will be based not only on what happens to them but also what happens to the people around them," explains one of the study’s co-lead authors, Dr Robb Rutledge (UCL Institute of Neurology and Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research). "On average we are less happy if others get more or less than us, but this varies a lot from person to person. Interestingly, the equation allows us to predict how generous an individual will be in a separate scenario when they are asked how they would like to split a small amount of money with another person. Based on exactly how inequality affects their happiness, we can predict which individuals will be altruistic."

For the study, 47 volunteers who did not know each other completed several tasks in small groups. In one task, they were asked how they would like to anonymously split a small amount of money with another person that they had just met. In another task, they played monetary gambles that they could win or lose, and were told that they would see what another person received from the same gamble. In this way, subjects could get the same or different outcome from a social partner, sometimes getting more and sometimes getting less. Throughout this experiment, participants were asked how happy they felt at regular intervals.

The results showed that people’s generosity was not dependent on who the partner was or which partner they said they preferred. This suggests that people were acting according to stable personality traits rather than specific feelings about the other player. On average, people whose happiness was more affected by getting more than others, something that might relate to guilt, gave away 30% of the money. Those who were more affected by getting less than others, something that might relate to envy, gave only 10%.

"Our results suggest that generosity towards strangers relates to how our happiness is affected by the inequalities we experience in our daily life," says Archy de Berker (UCL Institute of Neurology), co-lead author of the study, "The people who gave away half of their money when they had the opportunity showed no envy when they experienced inequality in a different task but showed a lot of guilt. By contrast, those who kept all the money for themselves displayed no signs of guilt in the other task but displayed a lot of envy. This is the first time that people’s generosity has been directly linked to how inequality affects their happiness. Economists have had difficulty explaining why some people are more generous than others, and our experiments offers an explanation. The task may prove to be a useful way of measuring empathy, which could offer insight into social disorders such as borderline personality disorder. Such methods could help us better understand certain aspects of social disorders, such as indifference to the suffering of others."