Reflections on Governor Udom Seven-Corner Performance (3)

By Tom FredFish

Three-Corner: Roads Construction

The intention to encourage influx of investors as well as build infrastructures that will make Akwa Ibom State a destination has led governor Udom Emmanuel to take road construction a major corner and priority of his government.

In doing so, governor Udom has ensured that no senatorial district is left out in the road construction plan of his administration. Thus, he has ensured the even spread of roads to the three senatorial districts of the state with the state capital, Uyo, the main harbinger of roads construction.

Consequently, towards the end of 2017, governor Udom kick-start the construction of a set of over 46 new roads within Uyo metropolis. This is directly admitting the importance of Uyo, the state capital. These roads which are currently under construction with some concluded are; Udotung Ubo Lane, off Udotung Ubo street; Ibiono street, off Ikot Abasi street; Etoi street, off Ikot Abasi street; Akpa Ube Close, off IBB way by AKEES office and Teacher's House; Graceland school road, Shelter Afrique; Akparen street, off Ikot Abasi street; Afaha Etok Ibesikpo by Tropicana Entertainment; Prof Offiong Street, Shelter Afrique; Vision Close, Nsukkara Offot; Idongesit Crescent, Off Barracks road; Ebong Street, off Barracks road; Ebong Lane, off Barracks road; Asutan street, off Barracks road; Umoren Extension, Library Avenue; Nung Atai road, Akpaube Crescent Opposite Ibom Hall; Akwa Ima Extension road, off Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard; Aka Community School road; Youth Avenue, off Oron road Mbiabong; Stallion hotel road by Ediye street, Ewet Housing Estate; Akpan Ndem by Four Lane, Ewet Housing; Redeemed Christian Church road, Ibesikpo; Ukim close off D Line Ewet Housing Estate; Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan road, opposite Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio. Other are Ntiedo Udosen street, and roads around the state secretariat annex; Believers Assembly, Mbiabong Etoi; Ring road II which is the continuation of UdoUdoma Avenue down to Abak road; and several roads within Ewet Housing Extension covering about 5 kilometres.

Apart from these 46 newly initiated roads above, other roads this administration has intervened on are: 6.1 km Atan Offot roads; Information Drive and Internal roads at the Cornelia Cornelly College, Uyo, all constructed and commissioned.

Furthermore, governor Udom who is very sensitive and committed to the people’s concern in a swift response to the challenge of flood affecting key locations in the state capital, delivered an outfall drain system which has now ended the hazard of flooding in Uyo. The Nsikak Eduok / Oron Road / Akwa Efak / Tropicana Complex / Ibesikpo drains which was flagged off in August 2015 and handled by construction giants, Julius Berger was delivered to world class standards. It has a 1.5 km long underground drains and open water channels. There are also side drains, fencing to protect residents, mesh and asphalted roads to complement the project.

Other roads within the Uyo senatorial district that have also been commissioned earlier include the 3.5km Ikot Udom road; 6 km Idiaba –Nda Nsit road in Nsit Atai and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas. The ongoing road projects include; 29km Etinan –Ndon Eyo road with 2 bridges where work has reached advanced stage and would be ready anytime soon. Work is also ongoing at the 14.5km Airport Junction, Uyo – Nsit Atai - Okopedi road dualization, and at the Uruan axis is the Anua – Mbak Ishiet road. Julius Berger is still working on the Ikot Oku Ikono - Etinan road dualization. And the 2nd runway of the Akwa Ibom International Airport is not left out.

In Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, roads constructions are visible in most parts of the district. Work is at its peak on the 14.1km Odoro Ikpe-Ikpe Ikot Nkon-Obotme-Arochukwu road with 110km bridge in Ini LGA. Work is also on at the 23.5km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ikot Ibritam road in Oruk Anam LGA, in addition to the 18.5km Ikot Ibritam-Ekeffe-Ikot Akpan Afaha road with a bridge also in Oruk Anam and Ukanafun LGAs. The governor further consolidated road construction in the ISD with the construction of Abak-Nsekhe-Ikot Akpankuk-Ikot Etim-Ikot Ikara (Phase 3, Section A) - from Ikot Ikara to Ikot Ibritam.

More so, about 5.1 km length of internal roads was constructed at the Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa; 4km internal roads in Obong University, Etim Ekpo L.G.A; 32km roads in Ika L.G.A, including the 4.95km Ibesit Okpokoro /Ikot Ibritam roads. Governor Udom is very conscious of the importance of the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road and is doing everything necessary to ensure the completion of the remaining 25 kilometres Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road handled by Julius Berger.

The Eket senatorial district is not left out in the road construction bonanza of governor Udom with Oron Federal constituency taking the lead and becoming the centre of attraction. Quality roads such as: Bassey Lane; Mainland Avenue; Effiat Lane; Mary Hanny Street; Post Office Road; Convent Street; Ebo Street; Murtala Street; Atta Street; Oron Road; Market Street; Ekpenyong-Abasi street; and other have been constructed. Also constructed is the 9km Secretariat –Eyotai Ulliong Edikor - Udue Eta Road in UdungUko Local Government Area. Work is still on to complete the 19km Etebi - Enwang Road with 2 bridges extending through many communities.

The dualization of the 14.5km Airport Road – Okopedi Oron - Oron Road by East West Road cutting across Ekpene Ukim, Ikot Asua, Ikot Etieidung, Nung Atai Eta, and Okopedi Okobo axing Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas is ongoing as well as the dualization of the 13.5km Okopedi Okobo - Oron Road proceeding from Nung Atai Eta, Itak, Uyatie, Edeghi Awa Ikpi, Otti Oro and Uya Oro villages in Okobo and Oron Local Government Areas.
Other roads are the 2. 5km Mkpok -Okat Road, Onna; Dualization Of 20km Eket-Ibeno Road; construction/Remodeling Of Selected Roads, Strategic Roundabouts / Junctions In Eket Metropolis (Phase I & II), Construction Of 9.5km Ikot Ebekpo-Ikot Ebidang Road In Onna Local Govt. Area, construction Of 12.742km Awa Iman –Asong-Ikot Edim –Ikot Emem road with 2no Bridges in Onna / MkpatEnin L.G.As, construction Of 47.5km Abak-Ekparakwa Ete junction by East West road in Ikot Abasi, construction Of 36 roads in Eket Metropolis, construction Of 4.0km Nung Atai Eta-Atabong road with landing jetty in Okobo L.G.A, construction Of 22.19km Ikot Akpaden-Okoroete-Iko, Okoroete-Irile-AmadakaKampa road and spur in Eastern Obolo L.G.A; construction of 13km Ukat Aran-Obio Ubium-IkotUbo road with spur-EdemIdimOkpot with 2 No. Bridges, construction of 13.1km Ibekwe-Ikot Mkpeye-Ikot Unya road And bridge in MkpatEnin L.G.A. These roads exempt many other roads which has been completed and commission in the first year of governor Udom as Governor of Akwa Ibom state.

Thus, one can authoritatively conclude that the widespread roads construction currently going on in Akwa Ibom state is a small douse compared to what governor Udom has in stock for Akwa Ibom people when reelected for a second term in 2019 says Aniekeme Finbar, a public affairs analyst and aide to the governor.

From every verifiable indications no corner of the Udom led-administration can be more reflected on, than roads construction which has converted the state to a perpetual construction site and given it a facelift. For many close observers, its almost midnight for most state governors in Nigeria, yet daybreak for governor Udom Emmanuel whose performance has left the opposition genuflected.

To be continued...

Tom Fredfish is a public affair analyst

https://akwaibomstate.gov.ng/









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Germany coach Joachim Low, 58, is the leading candidate to succeed Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager, if the Frenchman leaves the club this summer.
(ESPN)

A former Governor of Jigawa State and PDP presidential aspirant, Alhaji Sule Lamido, yesterday in Calabar, alleged that Nigeria has been hijacked and is being ruled by men who lack ideas.

Lamido said the ruling APC was only implementing what the former ruling party, the PDP, drew.

He stated this when he paid a consultative visit to Governor Ben Ayade on his presidential aspiration.

Lamido alleged that whereas PDP was accused of spending about N6tn on some national projects in 16 years, the APC had wasted more than N20tn in three years and had nothing to show for it.

He, therefore, wondered why only people in the opposition were being vilified and labelled as corrupt.

On security, Lamido said killing and destruction were no longer strange, but that the question now was, “How many have been killed today?”

Ayade on his part, described Lamido as “humane, people-friendly and man of depth and concern who turned Jigawa State into an Eldorado.”

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nigeria-hi...amido.html

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) South West Zone D, has told  Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State to reopen the Ekiti State University (EKSU) or face mass action.

This was contained in a statement by NANS South West zone on Wednesday where they gave the state government 72 hours to heed to demands by workers of the institution.

According to them, failure to do that would “cause the students in Ekiti State to embark on mass action.”

They noted that with the recent development, it “will automatically become impossible for them [students] to participate in the NYSC mobilisation process.”

In addition, NANS demanded a reduction in school fees in the state-owned tertiary institutions namely EKSU, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti and College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti.

“An acceptance fee is a fraud. We are against N50,000 and N100,000 acceptance fees in EKSU; N50,000 in College of Health Technology, Ijero and N35,000 in College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti," NANS added.

“Acceptance fee is against the masses. We also demand immediate resumption of academic activities in our striking institutions in Ekiti State.”


http://theflowingink.com/nans-gives-fayo...open-eksu/

A hunter guns down and poses with the elephant he killed at janiyi camp, idanre, ondo state. It was reported that the elephant has been destroying the crops in the community farms.

Source:
http://www.nairaplus.com/2018/03/hunter-...-camp.html

https://mbasic.facebook.com/story.php?st..._tn__=CH-R

Quote:By Joseph Erunke


ABUJA— NORTHERN leaders declared, yesterday, that their support for who flies the country’s forthcoming presidential flag from the region will be based on consensus after assessment of all the candidates of Northern extraction adopted by the various political parties.

To this end, they inaugurated standing committees that will not only drive home their political consideration, but also ensure the crises that have since plagued the region were adequately tackled with attendant restoration of permanent peace.

They include committees on 2019 presidential elections, restructuring, security and other strategic areas. They are to submit their reports on March 31.

The zones’ leaders, on the platform of Northern Leaders and Stakeholders’ Assembly, at the inaugural ceremony in Abuja, also dismissed the adoption of President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 by some state chapters of All Progressives Congress, APC, saying their actions hold no water as only the party’s convention can adopt him for his bid.

Elder statesman and Chairman of the organisation, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, who spoke at the event, insisted that Northern leaders will only throw their weights behind generally-acceptable candidate after considering all the candidates put forward by the various political parties.

According to Yakassai, there is a provision for adopting candidates and so far, we have not seen that happened to President Muhammadu Buhari, following his rumoured second term bid. And until that is done, any adoption by state chapters of his party is not legal.

“The constitution of APC or other political parties has not provided for the executives of the parties to nominate candidates; it is only the convention that does that. Ours is an organisation whose doors are opened to all, we are not here for a particular political party.”

Yakassai, who said the biggest challenge the country was facing at the moment, besides security problem, was how to conduct free, fair and peaceful election.

He added: “If the President had summoned a stakeholders’ meeting between farmers and herdsmen, traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, National Assembly and all of that, and laid the issue before them, some ideas would be developed to provide direction for the government to follow.”


On farmers, herders’ crisis

He also said adoption of ranches instead of grazing reserves could permanently solve the herdsmen, farmers’ clashes, which have led to loss of lives besides wanton destruction of property.

His words: “I am from Kano and I served past government of Kano State for eight years and one of the programmes initiated by the late governor of Kano State, Audu Bako, was ranching. And I think it’s a good idea if the whole country can adopt it.

“We have an interesting geographical distribution. While there is rain here, in the next place, there is no rain. So you can see that these are challenges that have to be tackled through collective efforts.”

Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos

Lagos – Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said on Wednesday that there was no basis for the one year tenure extension given to the John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee (NWC) by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).

His reason: tenure extension violates the constitution of Nigeria and the APC.

The Lagos State chapter of the party, which Tinubu belongs, had on Tuesday rejected the extension, saying it was against the constitution of the party.


Speaking with DAILY INDEPENDENT on whether Tinubu was privy to the meeting and gave his backing, Tunde Rahman, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said while he could not confirm if his principal was privy to the meeting where the decision was taken by the Lagos APC elders, Tinubu did not, in any way, support the extension of the tenure of the NWC because it was against Nigeria’s and APC’s constitution.

While insisting that the NWC and all those who benefitted from the extension should seek re-election when their tenure expires, Tinubu said the APC should always strive to do things in accordance with the constitution, noting that that was the only thing that separated the APC from other political parties.

According to Rahman, “I don’t know if Asiwaju Tinubu was privy to the meeting or whether he was consulted or not before the decision was reached.

“But I do know that he has always spoken in support of doing things constitutionally.

“Did the so-called elongation of tenure of the party executives follow the country’s constitution, and even the APC’s constitution?

Section 223 of the 1999 constitution talks about election of executives of political parties periodically.

“And the section further explains that the election of the party executives will be deemed to be periodical if done every four years.

“What is the fear of those behind the elongation? The executives can contest for re-election and if they are re-elected, so be it.

“No one can deny them that right, but why circumvent due process? Why thwart constitutional process?

“Asiwaju Tinubu would wish that due constitutional process was followed because that’s what has always made the difference between the APC and the other parties.”

On the claim by the NEC that it decided to extend the tenure of the current executives because of the various crises in several chapters of the party, Tinubu argued that three conventions were conducted by the party in 2014 yet heaven did not fall.

“In 2014, three conventions were done in a space of seven months, including the election of new party executives, presidential primaries, and even amendment of some aspects of the party’s constitution, and heaven did not fall,” he said.

Also speaking, Prince Tony Momoh, a former Minister of Information, said there was nothing wrong in the decision taken by the Lagos State chapter of the party which kicked against the decision of the National Executive Council (NEC) which extended the tenure of the John Odigie-Oyegun led National Working Committee (NWC) by a year.

In a chat with DAILY INDEPENDENT, Momoh, who is a national leader of the party, said the action taken by the Lagos State chapter of the party was normal in a democracy where there would be divergent opinions but minority would have their say while the majority would have their way.

“What is wrong in the action taken by the Lagos State chapter of the party rejecting the tenure extension?

“I don’t see anything wrong in that because they are free to express their feelings on what they believe in.

“It is expected in a democracy where the minority will have their say and the majority will have their way,” he said.

https://independent.ng/oyegun-led-nwcs-t...inubu/amp/

Former President Goodluck Jonathan was pictured as he stepped out for Sierra Leone election.He also passed an important message to them and said....

'Out early on election duty in Freetown this morning. My message to the people of Sierra Leone today is the same as my message to democracies all over the world-no one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. As such we must uphold the sanctity of one man, one vote, one woman, one vote, one youth, one vote today and for all times'

Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2018/03/goodlu...a.html?m=1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 

THURSDAY, 8TH MARCH. 

Pastor Chris 

TOPIC ✨ The Word Cleanses You ✨ 

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3).

The world today is full of all kinds of dirt, unbelief, fear and evil. Every time we’re in conversation with people, especially those who aren’t in the faith, they rub off some negativities on us. Every time we watch television, there’s something terrible and negative, something with some fear, and uncleanness in it. Wrong thoughts come to us as well, from which we have to cleanse ourselves. 

How do we purify and cleanse ourselves from the dirt we contact from the world? It’s with the Word! God’s Word is the best cleansing agent. Jesus said to His disciples, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you," as seen in our opening scripture. 

This is one of the reasons it’s so important that you’re in the right church, where the Word is taught. Listening to the Word cleanses your soul. Even now, as you study the Word through this devotional, you’re being cleansed; there’s a purification taking place in your heart. 

Give yourself to the Word of God. The Apostle Paul admonished in Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

God’s Word displaces unrighteousness from a man’s heart and replaces it with righteousness. It wipes out fear and replaces it with faith. The Word of God is a cleanser; it cleanses anyone who comes under its influence, power, and authority

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for your Word is my daily meditation; therefore, I’m cleansed and purified at all times. I’m sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life, who causes me to walk in your perfect will, and in your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. 

1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 

2 Timothy 3:15-17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

Daily Scripture Reading
 
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 13:1-37, 
Numbers 22-23
 
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 25:13-27, 
Psalm 65-66
 #AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 8TH MARCH.
 affirmationtrainorg 
 Affirmation, 
I affirm that the Word of God is living and active in my life. I acknowledge the power of the Word, and its ability to transform, purify, strengthen me, and build my faith strong! I give no room to doubt and unbelief, but believe and receive God’s truth always! My heart is continually being purified and enlightened by the Word, and satan has nothing in me. I am a seed of Abraham, and by extension, the possessor of all things. I am blessed beyond measure, and everything consistent with the good life: increase, progress, success, fruitfulness, productivity and a life of glory are my birthright. Hallelujah! The joy of the Lord is my strength, and I am joyful and courageous at all times, irrespective and independent of circumstances. I can never be disadvantaged, because the Lord is my Rock, my salvation, and my exceeding great reward! He’s made my life beautiful, and I am His delight! Glory to God.
( KINDLY CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US )
• This is something to shout about. Keep saying it and your life will go in one direction only—upward and forward. You can now reach us on:
• Info@affirmation-train.org
• http://www.affirmation-train.org
God bless you.

The federal government (FG) has ordered a “full audit” of the operations of Dana Airline in the country.

The directive announced by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, will be in terms of personel, operations, technical capacity.

This followed mishaps and near crash incidents involving the airline recently.

It will recalled that on February 8, one of the emergency doors of a Dana aircraft fell off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Also, two weeks after, another aircraft belonging to Dana Air overshot the runway of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State.

Following the development, the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday resolved that the airline be audited.

“A lot of quality time was spent discussing air safety. The government of Nigeria is very much concerned about safety and the life of Nigerians, this is following the recent air incidents minor as they were because they are no fatalities, the government did feel concern and the minister did the report to the council on steps that were taken following the last incident in Port Harcourt, Dana aircraft overshooting the runaway,” Shehu said.

“As soon as that happened, a few seconds, a rescue team was there on the ground and few moments thereafter every passenger on board was evacuated, they was no harm to persons and this is something that should be celebrated.

“Within 24 hours an official investigation had commenced because investigators arrived in Port Harcourt and began work. One week after that a preliminary report was prepared and it was on this that the council was briefed.

“Consequently as announced by the aviation authorities, the engineer and Pilot of that particular aircraft got their licences both suspended and beyond that the government has ordered a complete audit of Dana airlines in terms of personel, operations, technical capacity.”

https://www.okay.ng/fg-orders-full-audit-of-dana-air-operations/

My most recent (budget) trip took me overland to another West African country. This time, I visited Togo. After trying couchsurfing for the first time in Benin Republic, I decided I would give it another shot during this trip. (If you aren't familiar with Couchsurfing, it's a site that let's people host traveller's for free. Before you run away, there are many ways to stay safe while you surf. I shared some on my blog, so feel free to check it out)

Rather than create a public trip as I did before (when I was a JJC), I pretty much crafted a message to my would-be host in Lome. She got back to me quickly, I confirmed my travel dates a day before the trip, packed up a small bag, kicked aside my nervous feelings and prepared for an interesting journey into Lome.

Day One: Lagos to Lome



I set out early using public transportation to Seme border. I took a bus from my home to Mile2 and then another into Badagry and later to Seme border. The entire trip cost me N800. Border crossing was a breeze this time. To my surprise, I was asked for nothing on the Nigerian side and they wasted no time in stamping my passport.

When I got to immigration on the Benin side, the lady stamped my passport immediately and then asked for N500. I was in the process of negotiating my way through this when someone walked in to get his passport stamped. I struck off a conversation with him (Chuka* – not his real name) and found out that he was driving to Ghana in a bus with a few empty seats.

He offered to drop me off in Lome – for free! (This would normally cost an equivalent of N5,000 – N7,000, travelling in a shared public taxi from Seme town or N15,000, travelling in a standard bus from Lagos). I eventually got out of immigration without making any payment, checked out the bus and was comfortable to go with it.

We arrived in Cotonou quite early but had to wait for a few hours to fix an issue with the bus. We eventually arrived in Lome at about 7pm and I tried without success to get to my host. I probably wasn’t pronouncing her address right, so all the bike guys I asked said they didn’t know where it was. Eventually, I resigned to staying in a guest house recommended by Chuka and that cost an equivalent of N4,000/night.

I later got a sim card (N1,562) to update my host about the situation. She couldn’t locate me either, so we agreed to meet the next day. That evening, the owner of the guest house assigned her brother to take me out to dinner and show me around the day after.

We had acheke and fish which cost the equivalent of N3,500 then returned to the guest house afterwards to call it a night.



Day Two: Lome and an Impromptu Return to Cotonou

The next day, I woke up late and found out that I couldn’t meet my host anymore or get to Kpalime – a place I really wanted to visit – because it was quite far from Lome. I decided to just walk around the city instead. After breakfast, I set out on my own and visited a few sites around.

First, I went to the Independence square, the market and the beach to have lunch.



I walked around some more and eventually headed back to the guest house. To my surprise, Chuka was there, heading back to Lagos. I had originally intended to leave Lome early the next morning but my plans changed with the presentation of a free bus ride out of the city.

I quickly texted my host (from my first trip to Cotonou) and asked if he could host me for the night. Luckily, he was available, so I packed my bags and jumped on the bus. We arrived in Cotonou by 10pm and I got yet another free bike ride to Fidjrosse where he picked me up from.

Day Three: Ganvie, Cotonou & Lagos



The next morning, we visited Ganvie, a lake village in Benin located about 30 minutes away from Cotonou, took a boat tour around the village – that was pretty cool and then returned to Cotonou to have lunch.

After that, my host dropped me off at the park in Tokpa where I got a bus to Seme border. (Cost: N400). Border crossing went smoothly and I was back home 3 hours and 1,400 naira later.
————————————————————————————————————————–
This trip eventually cost me less than N15,000 (Thanks to Chuka and my couchsurfing host) but I budgeted higher.

http://www.travelwithapen.com/2017/01/15/journey-3-countries-n15k-budget/

From 0 - 10, how many police escorts do you think a rich man should have?

Alibaba shared his experience with a very big man who was spotted on the street of Lagos with 10 police escorts.

He said..

"I spent 3 hours today directing traffic today on Alfred Rewane Road. The drivers obeyed until 3 gun trotting policemen jumped down from these 2 escort vehicles... to do their priority traffic control. Told one of the officers to take it easy. Because if I had not been there helping with the traffic they wouldn't have made it this far. "OGA DEY HURRY". Really? Who be your Oga?.. I walked up to the vehicle and asked OGA to wind down. But another set of 3 armed policemen, alighted from the escort PRADO... By which time the gun brandishing officers had made way for our very very very important personality. He had to be very very very important. 10 security details attached to one man. Out of a depleted police force of less than 2 million officers. Anyway... What do I know? Shebi I am just a comedian?"


When you become a big man, how many police escorts will you have? Tell us in the comment section.

https://autojosh.com/comedian-alibaba-shares-experience-big-man-10-police-escorts/

2face Idibia is fed up and not happy with the continuous herdsmen killings in Benue state.


The music icon could not hide his frustration about the latest clash in Benue state which has left a number of people dead.

2Face Idibia on his Twitter page on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, while reacting to a post by ChannelsTV made his own view known.



“this is getting ridiculous. shameful,” he tweeted.

ChannelsTV had reported that about the latest clash between herdsmen and farmers in Benue state which has left a number of people dead.

We can recall the last time there was an attack on farmers by herdsmen in Benue state which left a lot of people dead, 2Face Idibia paid a condolence visit to the state governor » , Samuel Ortom.

The music icon who is from Benue visited the state government office at Makurdi on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, where he was received by the state governor.



After paying his condolences, the music icon who hails from Benue state took some photos with the state governor and his cabinet. 

2face Idibia has been vocal about the herdsmen crisis that has been going on in the state. At the Soundcity MVP Awards, he spoke about it while on stage.


This will not be the first time that 2face will be visiting his state to either pay condolence or assist in helping the plights of his people.


It would be recalled that in 2017, 2Face and his wife, Annie visited an internally displaced person camp in Makurdi » , and donated items to thousands of families who were displaced because of the flood that ravaged the state.


NEWS BY JOELSBLOG

https://joelsblog.com.ng/2face-flares-up-says-he-is-tired-of-benue-killings/

Quote:Boko Haram Commander Freed In Chibok Girls Swap Deal Resurfaces, Issues Fresh Threat Against Nigeria

Shuibu Moni, a Boko Haram commander who was freed in exchange for some 82 kidnapped Chibok girls in a deal facilitated by the Swedish government last May has issued fresh threats against the Nigerian state. A video exclusively obtained by Saharareporters shows Moni and some members of his team displaying firepower in Sambisa forest. Moni, who spoke in Hausa and Arabic stated that contrary to claims by the Nigerian government that Boko Haram fighters have been chased out of Sambisa forest in Borno state, they (Boko Haram terrorists) remain firmly on ground.

He subsequently threatened to unleash further violence on Nigeria in coming days. Moni made no mention of the recently kidnapped Dapchi school girls. the girls are believed to be in the custody of another faction controlled by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, the splinter group recognized by ISIS.

Federal University Gusau has expelled 15 students for failing to meet up with their academic performances.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Magaji Garba revealed this at a news conference shortly after the university’s matriculation ceremony, on Wednesday in Gusau.
He said students of the university were expected to be serious with their studies and perform up to standard, adding that any student, who scored below 1.0 Grade Point Averages, would be expelled.
The Vice Chancellor, who did not disclosed names of the affected students, said all the 27 programmes being offered by the institution would be accredited between April and May.
Garba said the maiden convocation of the university, would hold before the end of the year.
“We want to introduce new programmes into the university, especially engineering, which we believe is very important, considering the availability of solid minerals resources in the state.
“The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has sponsored five of our staff abroad, for Doctorate programme in Engineering, to boost the capacity of our engineering department,” he said.
One thousand four hundred and twenty-five students took part at the matriculation ceremony.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/federal-university-gusau-expels-15.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has received the original FIFA World Cup Trophy ahead of the 2018 Football World Cup, CHAN Super Eagles Team and Bobsleigh Winter Olympic Team in State House on 7th Mar 2018..

The President Buhari was joined by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung, FIFA representative France Christian Karembeu, President Coca-Cola West Africa Mr Peter Njonjo and Chairman House Committee on Sports Hon. Godfrey Gaiya and others.

The president also received the CHAN Super Eagles Team and Bobsleigh Winter Olympic Team in State House. 

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/president-buhari-receives-original-fifa-world-cup-trophy-abuja-photos.html

Quote:By Sodiq Yusuff,



Nigeria’s power crisis is in for more shocking waves as 13 power generation companies (GenCos) have sued the federal government for giving “preferential treatment” to two competitors with intent to harm the business interests of the others.

The GenCos, who said they are on the verge of collapse over debts in excess of N1 trillion, currently generate 80% of the power consumed in Nigeria.

However, they said the federal government is giving preferential treatment to Azura Power West Africa Limited and Accugas Limited (Seven Energy) via the partial sovereign guarantee (PSG) with the World Bank in the settlement of liabilities.

TheCable recently reported that Azura and Seven Energy were unable to settle their December 2017 invoices regarding their foreign loans but the federal government came to their rescue.


CONTROVERSIAL GUARANTEES

In August 2014, a federal government circular No. SGF/OP/1/S3/X/737 issued by Anyim Pius Anyim, then secretary to the government of the federation, had directed that a “specimen indemnity clause” be inserted into all contracts and agreements entered into by FGN with foreign entities.

This, he said, was “to provide additional protection to the Federal Government Nigeria and some of its separate legal entities such as the CBN, NNPC and NSIA whose assets may be liable to attachment in enforcement proceedings in foreign jurisdictions”.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, then minister of finance, had sought the legal opinion of Mohammed Bello Adoke, then attorney-general of the federation (AGF), on the put-call option agreement (PCOA) signed with Azura Power — which included the PRG.

Adoke, TheCable learnt, reminded the minister of the SGF circular on the need to indemnify the federal government and prevent its assets from becoming vulnerable in the event of default.
The PCOA was eventually signed without Adoke’s legal opinion which was necessary to activate the agreement.

However, TheCable understands that when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in 2015, pressure was mounted on Abdullahi Yola, the then solicitor-general of the federation, by top presidency officials to give a favourable legal opinion.

Seven Energy is the leading integrated gas company in south-east Nigeria
At the time there was no attorney-general.

Yola then wrote a different legal opinion early August 2015, finally confirming the validity of the PCOA.

Thereafter, also in August 2015, the federal government signed off its backing of a $237 million World Bank PRG for the construction of the 450 megawatts Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant (IPP) — celebrated as the first of a series of new IPPs to drive growth in the power sector.

The Azura-Edo IPP is the Phase 1 of a 1,500mw IPP facility, whose groundbreaking was performed by then President Goodluck Jonathan in October 2014.

The lenders include JP Morgan, Standard Chartered Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank and Siemens Bank.

In November 2016, the federal government also signed a $112 million World Bank PRG for the supply of natural gas to the 560mw National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) in Calabar, Cross River state, by Seven Energy.

The PRG was to secure the supply of up to 130 million cubic feet per day of natural gas to Calabar and enable the regular generation of an additional 560mw to the national grid.


BENDING BACKWARDS

In suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/180/2018 before a federal high court in Abuja, the 13 GenCos are suing the federal government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), minister of power, works & housing, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), Azura and Accugas.

The suit was instituted by Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Transcorp Power Limited, Egbin Power Plc, Northsouth Power Company Ltd, First Independent Power Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Co. Ltd., Geregu Power Plc, Sapele Power Plc, Pacific Energy Limited, Afam Power Plc, Ibom Power Company Limited, Omotosho Power Plc and Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

The aggrieved GenCos said that they have been bending backwards to continue generating electricity — making huge sacrifices, bearing the excruciating burden of not being paid for electricity generated and sold to NBET, also known as the bulk trader, “and facing the threat of going into extinction as a result of huge indebtedness to banks and financiers who provided the foreign currency-denominated acquisition loans with which the power plants were acquired from the federal government during the privatization exercise in 2012/13”.

NBET, they said, has consistently defaulted in paying for all electricity generated “in breach of its contractual obligation which requires that the GenCos be paid in fully (100%) not later than 45 days of invoice submission, and upon delay in payment be paid with interest at the agreed rate”.

The failure of NBET to pay the GenCos has led to default in meeting their obligations to their lenders, operations and maintenance contractors, equipment manufacturers, service providers and other persons and entities engaged by them for the purpose of ensuring the smooth and effectual generation of power, they further said.

The total amount owed the GenCos for electricity generated and supplied by them is approximately N800 billion, the plaintiffs said, adding that with capacity and interest payments due to them, the debts are now well over N1 trillion.


TEMPORARY RELIEF

To address the indebtedness of NBET — which buys power generated and sells to distribution companies (DisCos) — the federal government created a “temporary relief” in the form of the N701 billion payment assurance facility.

GenCos were to be paid for all electricity generated and supplied from January 2017 to December 2018 but they are accusing the government of not keeping faith with the agreement, which was reached with the participation of the ministry of power, CBN, NBET and the companies themselves.

The payment timelines are not clear, regular or consistent, the GenCos are, further alleging that only 80% of invoiced amounts are paid “whenever the FG chooses to pay, with 90% of gas suppliers invoices paid directly to gas suppliers out of the said 80% payment”.

Whatever is left of any payment tranche “is hardly sufficient for any meaningful activities of the GenCos”, they added, saying not only that the payments are insufficient, the outstanding debts before the introduction of the facility and the monthly shortfall payment of 20% of invoices have continued to pile up without any clear sight of how these will be paid.


POINT OF COLLAPSE

The GenCos said while they are getting to the point of collapse, “the government deliberately entered into certain engagements with Azura and Accugas, under which both were, amongst other things, given the preferential treatment of having a World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee supported by the Sovereign Guarantee of the FG securing all payments due from NBET to Azura for power generated by the new Independent Power Plant and to Accugas for gas supplied to the Calabar NIPP”.

They said: “At the inception of the privatisation exercise, when the risk was so enormous and justified such a Partial Risk Guarantee being in place to protect investors, the FG refused to provide partial risk guarantee and sovereign national guarantee to the GenCos and their investors who consistently requested for same.”

They are angry that “all of a sudden” the same guarantees have been so “graciously given” to Azura and Accugas together “with payments due to the duo being treated as a first line charge”.

Government became “more concerned and committed to promptly paying Azura and Accugas 100% of their respective invoices”, they claim, noting that the GenCos generating about 80% of the power being consumed in Nigeria continue to be owed huge debts for which the get paid only 80% of their invoices in an irregular manner.

On February 12, 2018, government reportedly concluded steps to immediately pay Azura and Accugas for their first invoices totalling $8,140,000 from the N701 billion facility meant for all the GenCos.

In all, the government will pay Azura and Accugas a total of $373,492,398 from the N701 billion facility.


‘DESTRUCTIVE EFFECT’

The GenCos expressed worries that the federal government appears not to be concerned about the destructive effect of these discriminatory practices on the power sector as a whole.

They also expressed worries that such discriminatory practices appear to be enjoying the tacit endorsement of the World Bank, whose investment arm International Finance Corporation (IFC) is an investor in Azura, “and could unduly influence decisions to protect their interests to the detriment of the entire power sector”.

The angry GenCos attached as exhibit a letter they wrote to the minister of power to complain about the “favoritism” — even though they took loans from Nigerian banks who could be discouraged that despite their exposure to the risks, the federal government is supporting and paying new entrants in full with all risks covered without extending the same treatment to the other GenCos.

Creating such an uneven playing field will destroy value in the power sector, the GENCOs further argued.

They made the following demands in the letter:

• Confirmation of a plan for 100% payment of all outstanding indebtedness and interests due to the GenCos for electricity supplied and ancillary services provided by them.

• 100% payment (not 80% payment) of all invoices to be submitted by GenCos under the payment assurance programme.

• Payment of all sums due as capacity charge to the GenCos from 2013 till date.

•Non-admission of any additional beneficiary into the ₦701BN assurance facility without corresponding increase in the facility amount.

•Payment of the balance of ₦213BN from CBN Electricity Market Stabilization Fund
Removal of all administrative bottlenecks delaying drawdown of payment assurance funds.

• Provision of sovereign guarantee and/or partial risk guarantee for all payment obligations to GenCos.


THE PRAYERS

Having held a meeting with the minister, Babatunde Fashola, whom they accused of not addressing the issues, the GenCos decided to file a lawsuit.

They are asking the court for the following:

• The federal government and its agencies are duty bound to be fair, just and/or equitable in all their actions, dealings and directions as the same may relate or pertain to all actions, steps and/or directives given or enforced to the benefit or detriment of all persons and/or corporate entities engaged in the provision of power/and or electricity within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

• The ministry and agencies cannot lawfully and/or legally take any step, action or give any directives which have the effect of violating the legitimate expectations of the GenCos to be treated equally, justly, fairly and reasonably as it relates to all policies and decisions which affect or have the possibility of affecting the business interest of the plaintiffs.

• The court should grant an order of perpetual injunction restraining the government and its agencies from applying funds from the payment assurance facility for the payment of bills and invoices submitted by Azura and Accugas to NBET for payment/settlement.



The case was first heard by Binta Nyako on March 1, 2018 and she has fixed April 16 for the application for interim injunction

The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has sacked the 18 commissioners in his cabinet.

Others fired were political appointees in ministries, departments and agencies.

A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, obtained by our correspondent in Awka, ordered the affected officers to hand over to permanent secretaries of their respective ministries, departments and agencies or to the most senior civil servants in the absence of permanent secretaries.

The memo directed the affected appointees to hand over any project/vehicles in their possession to the office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March, 2018.
The memo read,”His Excellency, Chief (Dr) Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State, has directed that all political appointees and non-civil servant, heads of MDAs in the state submit their handover notes/reports on or before Friday 16th March, 2018 to the Permanent Secretary of their respective MDAs, or to the most Senior Civil Servant there in the absence of a Permanent Secretary.
” All SSAs/SAs are to submit their Handover notes/reports to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the SSG.

“A copy of the Handover Note/Report must be submitted to the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March ,2018.

“Further to the above, Political Appointees and non-civil servant, heads of MDAs and SSAs/SAs under reference, are to also handover any Government Project/Utility Vehicles in their custody to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March 2018.

“The contents of this letter are for your attention and necessary actions, as I assure you of my high regards”.
The memo was copied to the office of the deputy governor, amongst others.

A Senior Special Assistant to the governor on media, Mr Oliver Okpala confirmed the development.
He said,” It’s the proper thing to do in the circumstance “.
” When a government is transiting to a new term, it’s proper to disengage all those who served in the former tenure.
“Governor Willie Obiano will start his second term on 17th of March. So, all those who served in the first term should go. If the governor wants to reappointment anybody; then it a fresh contract. So, the disengagement of the political appointees is normal and proper”, Okpala stated.
Obiano was reelected on 18th of November, 2018.

SOURCE: https://streetnetngr.com/breaking-obiano-sacks-18-commissioners/

Quote:SENATOR Dino Melaye (Kogi West) has said the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has in three years borrowed more than previous governments of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, without any clearly defined or identified programme to point at.

The lawmaker was reacting to the refusal by the president to assent to a bill seeking the establishment of Peace Corps of Nigeria.

Mr. Buhari had rebuffed to append his assent to the bill citing unavailability of resources as his reason for his refusal as funding the organisation will be a financial burden on the federal government.

But Melaye, adopting a point of order on Wednesday during plenary at the Senate and relying on it rules, persuaded the upper legislative chamber to revisit the bill with a view to veto the President if he fails to rescind his rejection of the bill.


“The same thing happened when the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was to be established; there was also the same complaint that there was no money and all of that.

“But today, we can see the advantages of the civil defence and how they have helped in safeguarding government infrastructure.

“About $5.5bn was borrowed from euro bond; what part of it will the youths of this country benefit from?

“About $1bn is to be spent on security and how does this affect the youth of this country.

“Without fear or favour, the Peoples Democratic Party, in 16 years, borrowed N6tn and this government in three years, has borrowed N11tn but there is no specific programme that will empower the youth.

“Also, N500bn was earmarked for the social investment programme of the Federal Government, but we have not seen any impact.

“If the Peace Corps is given an opportunity to exist, thousands will be employed and this will help to fight unemployment in this country.

“We may need to write Mr. President to review his position; if not, we have the power on behalf of the Nigerian youths who voted us to veto him so that people will become the ultimate beneficiaries of this bill.

“The youth of this country must be given priority and they must be respected,” he said.

Thereafter, the Senate urged the President to review his position in withholding assent on the bill.

The FIFA World Cup trophy has landed in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. The trophy which is currently on a tour of 91 cities in 51 countries across six continents before the finals, touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard a chartered flight at 11am today.

The trophy was received by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola; President of The Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick; NFF Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko and; NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi...

From the airport, the trophy, accompanied by several top officials of Coca-Cola’s Global Office and Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, including Coca-Cola Nigeria Managing Director Bhupendra Suri and Managing Director of Nigeria Bottling Company Georgios Polymenakos, will make its way to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel for a press conference.

This is the fourth Global Tour by the FIFA World Cup Trophy, and the third time it would be visiting Nigeria.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/fifa...geria.html

In Canada, more than 500 doctors and residents, as well as over 150 medical students, have signed a public letter protesting their own pay raises.
"We, Quebec doctors who believe in a strong public system, oppose the recent salary increases negotiated by our medical federations," the letter says.
The group say they are offended that they would receive raises when nurses and patients are struggling.

"These increases are all the more shocking because our nurses, clerks and other professionals face very difficult working conditions, while our patients live with the lack of access to required services because of the drastic cuts in recent years and the centralization of power in the Ministry of Health," reads the letter, which was published February 25.

"The only thing that seems to be immune to the cuts is our remuneration," the letter says.
Canada has a public health system which provides "universal coverage for medically necessary health care services provided on the basis of need, rather than the ability to pay," the government's website says.
The 213 general practitioners, 184 specialists, 149 resident medical doctors and 162 medical students want the money used for their raises to be returned to the system instead.

"We believe that there is a way to redistribute the resources of the Quebec health system to promote the health of the population and meet the needs of patients without pushing workers to the end," the letter says.
"We, Quebec doctors, are asking that the salary increases granted to physicians be canceled and that the resources of the system be better distributed for the good of the health care workers and to provide health services worthy to the people of Quebec."

A physician in Canada is paid $260,924 ($339,000 Canadian) for clinical services by the government's Ministry of Health per year on average, according to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information published in September 2017. On average, a family physician is paid $211,717 ($275,000 Canadian) for clinical services and a surgical specialist is paid $354,915 ($461,000 Canadian), according to the same report.

This is total gross pay, however, and does not take into account overhead each doctor pays to operate, as the Canadian Institute for Health Information is careful to point out to CNBC Make It.
In May 2016, one physician publicly broke down the cost of running his family practice, and though he brought in $231,033 ($300,000 Canadian), he was left with $136,906 ($177,876 Canadian) after subtracting his business expenses — but before taxes and employment benefits are taken out.

The cost of medical school in Canada is subsidized by provincial governments, according to The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. The cost varies depending on whether a student is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or foreign student and the particular school. For Canadian citizens or permanent residents, tuition for the first year of medical school ranges from $2567 ($3,334 Canadian) to $20,064 ($26,056 Canadian), according to The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada's website.

The same group, the Médecins Québécois pour le Régime Public (MQRP), that published the aforementioned public letter, also published a letter on February 17 opposing $500 million worth of pay increases for specialist doctors. The group called the pay increase "indecent."
And on February 1, the MQRP published a letter denouncing working conditions of nurses. "The nurses are exhausted by a heavy workload. They argue that the chronic lack of staff and the fatigue caused by repeated overtime, sometimes mandatory, for lack of replacement of the team, have an impact on the safety of patient care," the letter says.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/06/canadian...aises.html

Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Abuja High Court has granted bail to Maryam Sanda, who allegedly stabbed her husband, Bilyamin Bello. son of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello, three times to death during an argument at their home in Pension Estate, Pakali Close, Wuse 2, Abuja in November last year 2017. 

Sanda who has been in prison with her eight month old daughter, was granted bail based on medical reports which indicate that she is pregnant and ill.

Maryam drove the deceased to Maitama hospital where he was confirmed dead. The couple got married in 2015 and have an eight-month-old daughter.

Source:
http://www.nairaplus.com/2018/03/maryam-...sband.html


:

General Ibrahim  Badamosi Babangida (Gcfr) received former Governor Of Delta Uduaghan,His Royal Majesty Obi Dr Chukwuezugo Austin Ndigwe Ezeuzu 111 and his cabinets at his residence in Minna.

See photos below


Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2018/03/ibb-re...d.html?m=1

A Facebook user shares pictures of a man identified as Afrend who was said to be a ritualist. According to Doris, the man has killed 20,000 people for rituals for his clients.

According to her report, the man deposit victim bodies inside a well in his shrine after removing vital organs from their body.

According to what Doris Ada Kam Uche wrote;
"The most deadliest ritualist uncovered name by afrend,which every money seekers dyeing to meet for money rituals to get rich quick. He has killed more than 20000 people for rituals for his clients all over African for money rituals and he deposit their bodies inside the well in his shrine after removing their vital organs security agents asked him to bring out some fresh bodies whom he newly thrown inside the well. Africa we are gone,so no Clean money in the street anymore everyone is seeking for fast wealth without job and sweat for it. Hmmmm God where are you?"





https://www.torimill.com/2018/03/deadly-...-user.html

Quote:Chief Pete Edochie, MON (born 7 March 1947) is a Nigerian actor. Edochie is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, being honoured with an Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic and Lifetime Achievement by Africa Film Academy.

Although a seasoned administrator and broadcaster, he came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all-time best selling novel, Things Fall Apart. Edochie descends from the Igbo people in Nigeria and is a Catholic. In 2003, he was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Niger by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

A lady was disgraced and beaten after she was caught stealing four mobile phones at a female hostel in the University of Uyo UNIUYO, Akwa Ibom state. According to reports, the lady who is said not to be a student - always visits the hostel, acting like a student/resident and has been stealing mobile phones from her unsuspecting victims before her capture.

Last night was an 'Owner-Day' for her. She was caught after stealing 4 mobile (android) phones at Hall 2A last night.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/fema...photo.html


 

The Joint Admission Matriculation Board has again fired warning to about 1.6 million candidates who are expected to write the examination in 602 centres across the country from Friday.

A document obtained by PREMIUM Times and signed by the JAMB registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, warned its candidates of ahead of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which will begin on Friday, March 9 to March 17.

The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has again warned candidates against bringing in prohibited items into the examination halls, adding that the prohibited items were banned in order to secure the sanctity and integrity of the board’s examination.

He said: “Kindly note that the examination officials are allowed to scrutinise eye glass or similar devices and when convinced that such item may compromise the sanctity of the examination, the examination official should confiscate it.”

The registrar said that entry into the examination venue by unauthorised person will be sanctioned. “Where examination official (Board staff or Adhoc staff) or any authorised person is found with any of these prohibited items in the examination hall, such compromising action would be treated as a deliberate act of examination sabotage and necessary sanction will be applied”, the registrar said.

About 1.6 million candidates are expected to write the examination in 602 centres across the country.

Here are the list of prohibited items:

1) Watches

2) Pen/Biros

3) Mobile phones or similar electronic devices

4) Spy reading glasses which should be scrutinised

5) Calculators or similar electronic devices

6) USB, CD, hard disks and or similar storage devices

7) Books or any reading/writing material.

Cameras

9) Recorders

10) Microphones

11) Ear pieces

12) Ink/pen readers

13) Smart lenses

14) Smart rings/ jewellery

15) Smart buttons

16) Bluetooth devices.

http://naijaparrot.com/jamb-lists-16-pro...full-list/

According to the story shared by Nwankwo from Ebonyi state,Fulani herdsmen yesterday attacked and killed many people in Ebonyi state.Below is what he wrote....

'Breaking News!
Tragedy struck Ebonyi State.
The Salt of the nation;
Fulani herdsmen invade Eche_Alike Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state today 6-3-18
Many killed and several injured.
Details soon'

NB:Trezzy Helm is not an eyewitness to this attack but a story shared by an Ebonyian

Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2018/03/fulani...n.html?m=1

The death toll from the Lassa fever outbreak ravaging the country since the beginning of the year has increased to 110, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said.
The health agency in its weekly situation report for week nine, released on Tuesday disclosed that 35 new confirmed cases were recorded from five states including seven deaths.
These include: Edo (19), Ondo (5), Bauchi (1), Ebonyi (9) and Plateau (1). Seven new deaths were recorded: Ondo (2) Edo (2) and Ebonyi (3).
The country is currently battling its largest Lassa fever outbreak on record. 
From January 1 to March 4, 2018, 1121 suspected cases have been recorded out of which 353 are confirmed positive, eight probable, 723 negative (not a case) and 37 are awaiting laboratory results (pending). Two health workers were confirmed positive this week in Ebonyi State.
According to the NCDC, sixteen health care workers have so far been affected in six states –Ebonyi (9), Nasarawa (1), Kogi (1), Benue (1), Ondo (1) and Edo (3) with four deaths in Ebonyi (3) and Kogi (1). 
“The disease outbreak is active in 18 states: Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo, Plateau, Lagos, Taraba, Delta, Osun, Rivers, FCT, Gombe and Ekiti, the NCDC report said.
“Since the onset of the 2018 outbreak, there have been 110 deaths: 78 in positive-confirmed cases, 8 in probable cases and 24 in negative cases,” states the report.
Case Fatality Rate in confirmed and probable cases is 23.8 percent. Predominant age-group affected is 21-40 years.
The male to female ratio for confirmed cases is 2:1 while 85 percent of all confirmed cases are from three states: Edo (44 percent) Ondo (25 percent) and Ebonyi (16 percent) states.
“A total of 3126 contacts have been identified from 18 active states, of these 1586 are currently being followed up, 1485 have completed 21 days follow up and 21 of the 47 symptomatic contacts have tested positive from three states (Edo-11, Ondo-7, and Ebonyi-3),” it said.
Speaking on the increased number of suspected cases and deaths, the Chief Executive Officer, Chinkwe Ihekweazu, said there are three possible causes.
”It could be a change in the virus, it could be a change in the rat or it could just be that we have improved our surveillance system so much that we are now finding cases that were previously not been found,” he said.
He advised health workers to take necessary precautions when treating any patient with fever.
Mr. Ihekweazu also called on Nigerians to take preventive measures such as keeping their environments clean and free of rats.
He said unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for Lassa fever.
“Lassa is endemic in our environment. The virus is with us. The host animals, (the multimammate rat) is in our environment. In a way, there is no magic bullet and this is really a marathon and not a sprint for Nigeria,” he said.
Meanwhile, NCDC and WHO have scaled up response at national and state levels.
The agency has also deployed teams to four states: Kebbi, Kwara, Niger and Oyo for enhanced surveillance activities, the report states.


http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/06/la...-rises-110

The Ad-hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives to investigate funds allegedly stolen by the defunct Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform headed by Abdulrasheed Maina has summoned the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to appear before it. The committee is saddled with the task of investigating alleged misappropriation of N2billion by the defunct Maina led Pension Reform Task Force. 

Despite recent abduction of 110 schoolgirls from Dapchi, Yobe State and last week’s massacre of humanitarian workers and security operatives in Rann, Borno State by the group, Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr. Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday said Boko Haram terrorist group  is no longer a serious security threat to the country According to the Vice President, Boko Haram latest atrocities were motivated by the group’s desire to continue to gain media attention to project itself as a major force in the country.  

A 65-year-old Italian man who left his house on Monday morning, to commit suicide ended up shooting a Senegalese migrant dead on a bridge in central Florence.

According to report, the man identified as Roberto Pirrone, had left home with a legally-owned gun after leaving a suicide note addressed to his daughter. But the suspect, whose statements about the event remain confused, could not bring himself to take his own life, or had a change of heart and instead shot at a 54-year-old Senegalese migrant, Idy Diene, firing on him six times.

According to the press, he wanted to end his days in prison to no longer be a burden on his family.
Reports say he chose not to open fire on the first people he crossed, who were walking with their children, but settled on the migrant.

A medical team managed to revive the victim, who was residing legally in the country, but he succumbed to his injuries 40 minutes later, leaving behind his partner and daughter.

After being alerted by witnesses, security forces from the Folgore paratroopers' regiment, which was on duty in the 'Safe Streets'operation, spotted and detained the shooter.

Florence Chief prosecutor, Giuseppe Creazzo on Monday, said racism was not a factor in the murder.

"Racist motives should be ruled out, " said Creazzo. "The personal profile of the man is not likable to this. No links to political groups have emerged, never mind righting or racist ones"

In the early afternoon, some 20 Senegalese mourners staged a sit-in on the bridge to denounce the murder.

“We’ll stay here as long as it takes. This is the third Senegalese man killed in Florence, that’s enough,” one of them told the press.



http://www.dentwap.com/2018/03/06/photos-italian-man-wanted-commit-suicide-changed-mind-instead-shot-african-migrant-dead/

The General Overseer of Christ Embassy Church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome celebrated his mother, Deaconess Angelina Oyakhilome as she marks her 80th birthday.

It was joyful moment at Christ Embassy, Benin as there were much fun and entertainment for guests, surprisingly the man of God known for his signature suits, decided to wear something different, Agbada.

Some of the guests in attendance includes the archbishop of church of God mission & wife of late archbishop Benson idahosa , Rev. Magret idahosa.




Source: https://www.042expressng.com/2018/03/pastor-chris-oyakhilome-celebrates-mother-angelina-oyakhilome-80th-birthday.html

The Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, was yesterday quizzed for several hours by the Police over his allegation that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration diverted rice sent to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, by the Nigerian Customs.

Chief Orbih while addressing journalists recently claimed the state government diverted over 4000 of the 6, 228 bags of rice meant for the IDP camp at Uhogua in Edo State asking the government must account for the missing rice.

Chief Orbih who arrived at the Edo State Police Headquarters at about 10.00am yesterday accompanied by large crowd of supporters, his lawyers and top PDP chieftains was being interrogated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police before the arrival of Mr. Johnson Kokumo, the State Commissioner of Police later.

It was learnt that Orbih made a statement and was questioned for several hours by investigative police officers.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/chief-dan-orbih-storms-edo-police-station-over-alleged-rice-diversion.html

Quote:The immediate past governor of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Akwe-Doma, is dead.

He died after a brief illness at a foreign hospital in Israel, a nephew Ahmed Bako, told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday evening.

Already, sympathisers have gathered at Mr. Akwe-Doma’s house in Orozo, Karshi district of Abuja.
He governed Nasarawa State between 2007 to 2011 when he was defeated by incumbent governor Umaru Al-makura.

Quote:BENUE State Government has said it will organise another mass burial on Friday for the latest victims of suspected herdsmen attacks in the state.

The first mass burial was conducted on January 11 for 73 persons who lost their lives on new year day in two local government areas.

This second burial is for the 29 persons who were massacred Monday evening in an attack on Omusu village in Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state as fourteen of the victims are women while two were children.

The attackers had invaded the community after they reportedly lost their cattle and two herdsmen.

Governor Samuel Ortom who spoke on plans by the government to hold the second mass burial demanded the arrest and prosecution of the suspected herdsmen.

He made the call during an assessment tour of Omusu when he visited the village Tuesday to ascertain the level of destruction and provide immediate relief for the displaced.

Ortom described the attack as unfortunate, saying such barbaric acts were unacceptable in the 21st century.

He reiterated his call for the arrest of the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore whom he said were sponsoring the Fulani herdsmen militia and still moving freely in Abuja and giving directives to the mercenaries.

While directing the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately provide relief materials for the displaced persons, Ortom appealed to the community not to embark on reprisals, stressing that the security agencies had been mobilised to forestall further attacks on the community.

The governor visited St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpokwu, where the injured were being treated and proceeded to the general hospital in the town where the bodies of dead victims had been deposited.

The governor had initially announced that 24 were killed in the Monday attack, only to get to the hospital where another three victims had died from their injuries.

Another two bodies were also discovered in the village, bringing the death toll to 29.

Quote:The Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has kicked against the elongation of the tenure of the party’s national and state executives, saying it is against the constitution.

Rising from a consultative forum held at state house Marina, Lagos and attended by party elders from across the state, the leaders said the extension of the tenure of John Oyegun, chairman of the party, and his executives by one year is also against Nigeria’s constitution.

“Section 223 of the 1999 constitution as amended provides for periodical election on a democratic basis for principal officers and members of the executive committee of political parties,” the party said in a statement.

“According to the constitution, election of the officers or members of the executive committee of a political party will be deemed to be periodical if done at regular intervals not exceeding four years.

“Article 17 of the party’s constitution also provides for a four-year tenure for its national and state executives, which is renewable for another four years.”

Tajudeen Olusi, leader of the party in Lagos central senatorial district, later addressed reporters.

We have taken reports of the state APC chairman in respect of the NEC meeting held in Abuja. We have also had the privilege of receiving great reports from our leader from the reconciliation committee,” he said.

“We have considered the issue of extension of tenure and we are of the firm belief that the decision is a breach of the constitution of our party and of the country. We are against the elongation of tenure. We shall continue to make our decision known to the party and to the president.

“In extending the tenure, the APC National Executive Committee had relied on Article 13.3 (ii) of its constitution which states that The NEC can discharge the functions of the convention in a period of emergency.

Article 13.3 (ii) of APC Constitution specifically states that the NEC of the party is empowered to;
“Discharge all functions of the National Conventions as constituted in between Conventions”.

“But the provision in Article 13.3 (ii) is not limitless and open-ended. It is a responsibility restricted by the same constitution, which provides exclusively under Article 30 (i) that: “This Constitution and Schedules hereto can be amended only by the National Convention of the Party.”

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY, 7TH MARCH.

Pastor Chris

TOPIC ✨ Life In The Word ✨

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32).

God’s Word doesn’t just give life, it’s life. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). When you’re studying or listening to the Word, life is either imparted to your spirit, or your spirit is being built and educated. Only the Word of God has the ability to do this.

It makes no difference the predicament you’re in; all you need is a word from God, because all of God’s power is wrapped up in His Word. Hebrews 4:12 (ASV) says, “For the word of God is living, and active...”; that’s the reason it can transmit and impart life, for the Word of God is life in itself.

It doesn’t matter that you’ve been told your womb is dead and as a result you’ll never be able to conceive. With the Word, that womb will come back to life! It doesn’t matter that you were told you’ll never be able to walk again, due to paralysis; the Word will give life to your limbs! You might say, “Is it that simple?” Yes, it is! As long as you settle in your heart that the Word never fails, and you hinge your faith on it, it’ll rid you of all anomalies.

Remember the words of Jesus that we read; He said, “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63); and we’re like Him. The Bible says as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). When Jesus spoke to maimed limbs, they grew back. When He spoke to corpses, they came back to life, because He’s the Living Word; His words transmitted and imparted life, and we’re just like Him.

The Bible says, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). The Word gave birth to us, thus making us the Word in flesh, just like Jesus. No wonder Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:3 calls us the epistle of Christ.

Give life to the dead, and to hopeless situations with your words.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the efficacy of your Word in my life. I’m born of your incorruptible Word; your Word is my life, and through the power of the Spirit, I impart and transmit life; I dispense your grace and goodness everywhere, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 12:18-44,
Numbers 20-21

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 25:1-12,
Psalm 61-64
#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 7TH MARCH.
 affirmationtrainorg
 Affirmation,
https://wp.me/p9v28c-KS
I affirm that I am the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto works, which He had before ordained that I should walk in them. It shall be said of me continually look what the Lord had done. My life is full of the beauty of the Spirit, and I acknowledge the faithfulness of the Father towards me! He has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light, having freely given me all grace! He has made my life glorious and the effulgence of His righteousness, beauty, wisdom, and grace. I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, for the joy of the Lord is my strength! I am triumphant in my going out and in my coming in! I’ve been chosen and ordained for the glorious and supernatural life in Christ! This is my heritage in the Lord. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I am making progress, far ahead of all competitors, detractors, and adversaries. I am guided by the Holy Spirit, who also has made my life beautiful and made me the testimony of God’s righteousness and grace. I make progress and move forward consistently by the ability of the Holy Ghost! My path is as a shining light, shining brighter and brighter unto the perfect day! Every step I take is a step of dominion, progress, prosperity, success, and greatness. Glory to God. Hallelujah!
( CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US )
• This is something to shout about. Keep saying it and your life will go in one direction only—upward and forward. You can now reach us on:
• Info@affirmation-train.org
• http://www.affirmation-train.org
God bless you.

KINGSLEY IWU

It was remebered that President Buhari who arrived Ghana on Monday to honor the country's 61st Independence Anniversary gave a speech as a Guest of Honour.

President Buhari while speaking at the Special Guest of Honour Speech during Ghana’s 61st Independence Anniversary Parade at the Black Star in Accra, applauded Ghana's President, Akufo-Addo and assured him that he will help Ghana fight corruption.

“I congratulate you on your efforts to fight corruption which has eaten into the public fibre…Your Excellency I can assure you that you have a good partner in me in tackling endemic corruption,” the President Buhari said.

However, in his bid to be of help to Ghana in fighting corruption in the country, Ghanaians have expressed their furiousness over the statement of President Buhari.

Many Ghanians who blasted Buhari warned him to leave Ghana with his people who they accused to have corrupted their country.

Many others reacting to the statement from Buhari told the President that he should not bring snakes, and monkeys to swallow Ghana's money.

See the reactions below;

See more comments HEREhttp://www.kingsleyiwu.com.ng/2018/03/buhari-is-joke-of-century-ghanaians.html

The Nigeria Customs Service om Tuesday, March 6, 2018, handed over the sum of 375,000 USD (Three Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand United States Dollar) and one Adamu Rabiu Muhammad with passport number A50280997 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal office.

The suspect, a business man from Kano was intercepted at the international wing of the Kaduna International airport, traveling on board ET941 Ethiopian Airline to Dubai on a business trip.

A team of Custom officers on patrol, led by CSC Medugu Y.D. apprehended the suspect on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at about 12:22hrs.

While commending the Nigerian Customs Service for its vigilance, EFCC Kaduna Zonal Head of Operations, Ibrahim Bappa, enjoined other Law enforcement agencies to work with the EFCC for a corrupt free Nigeria.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/efcc-recieves-375000-us-dollars-intercepted-by-customs-service.html

President Buhari delivers address at Ghana’s 61st Independence Anniversary Celebration.

Also present from Nigeria is Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator representing Kogi west, Dino Melaye who took to Instagram to express how ashamed he was watching the celebration. He said,

Quote:”I feel sad and ashamed this morning as I physically see the cultural and national demonstration of love,unity and purpose exhibited by Ghanaians here at the Black Star Square in Accra- Ghana as Ghana celebrate their 61st independence and 25 years of uninterrupted Democracy. It is sad that My President and eminent Nigerians watch this glamour and respect for heritage which Nigeria as Regional Champions lost years ago. We have stop celebrating anything in Nigeria. I.e Independece day,Democracy day and Children’s day. Our Independence Day is now a low key event in the Presidential Villa. The Question is how did we get here and why did we get here! We are here president and citizens of Nigeria clapping for our’younger” brother Nation Ghana! What a shame. The reasons for the fear of National celebrations are the colossal injustices in the land. We as leaders at all levels must be fair and just to all. As long as we twist justice and flow in the gown of injustice and hypocrisy we will never openly celebrate like Ghana is doing today. We must decide to re-think and re-build. Altogether we have failed. We must bring back our long lost reputation. As a child I always look forward to celebrations like this. What will my children and their generation look out for. God will ask us all,leaders of Nigeria our roles in getting to this abysmal level. Hope Mr President and all of us present in Accra today will learn a huge lesson from Ghana. Congratulations Ghana,Africa is proud of you. SDM”.

A lady was publicly humiliated after she was apprehended for stealing at a wedding ceremony in Delta state. According to reports, the woman was caught on Sunday with money, phone and other valuables she allegedly stole from the wedding event the previous day in Jesse town, Sapele area of Delta state.

When she was apprehended, she reportedly claimed she's related to the bride and the groom but it was all a lie, according to reports.

She was beaten by crowd under the rain and disgraced in public as seen in the pictures.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/mob-disgraces-lady-stealing-valuable-items-wedding-delta-state-photos.html

Below is a picture showing racks of bottled water with labels showing the picture of BBNaija 2018 contestant, Miracle.

The gesture is done by Team Miracle who want people to vote for the young pilot so as to enable him emerge winner of the prize money.


https://www.wotzup.ng/bbnaija-miracle-bottled-water/

Two armed robbers got more than they bargained for after deciding to attack a lady and dispossess her of her valuables. According to Facebook user Emeka Okoye, the hoodlums were chased by group of men after their lady victim raised an alarm.

They were pursued, caught and beaten mercilessly before being handed over to the police.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/armed-robbers-left-bloodied-following-mass-beating-caught-photos.html

Ifu in a conversation with fellow housemates Leo and Teddy A revealed she lost her first job because she didn't agree to sleep with her boss. She continued that her boss is late now and it was really hurtful at that age to loose a job she was all excited about. 

She said: 

Quote:“My first job at 19 was lost because I refused sexual relationship with my former boss, funny enough he is late now.”

Two little children were allegedly set on fire by their young house help for reason yet to be ascertained. ‎Kingsley Chukwuemeka Ubani‎ who shared the story claimed that the young boys identified and Ebuka and Ekene - were set ablaze for no concrete reason three weeks ago. The injured boys were said to have been rushed to the hospital for treatment. 

One of the boys, Ekene reportedly died early this morning following injuries he sustained from the fire tragedy while the other is battling for his life.

Below is what ‎Kingsley shared on Facebook;

May be its time to talk about this. About three weeks ago, my two little cousins met a near fatal fate as their house help, a minor set them ablaze for no concrete reason.

My boy Ekene and his brother Ebuka fought hard. This night, around 1am, news reached us that Ekene has lost the battle. Ebuka is still fighting on. Please pray for my boy Ebuka.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/03/house-help-sets-two-young-brothers-fire-one-dies-photos.html

Fulani herdsmen yesterday attacked and killed 24 persons in Omusu community, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue state.The community was attacked at night,many slaughtered including a family of eight with their newly born baby? Governor Ortom paid a visit to the community today.

See photos below


Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2018/03/fulani-herdsmen-attack-omusu-community.html?m=1

The management of Obafemi Awolowo university Ile-Ife has commenced the renovation of Halls of residence in the institution.

Being one of the core Agenda among others of the Ogunbodede Administration to refurbish the aged halls of residence and put to good condition, the hired workers are seen in full force tiling and restructuring dilapidated structures in toilets of Annex block C and D of Fajuyi hall of residence of which signs are seen of work to start sooner on other blocks and likewise the main Blocks of the hall.

According to one of the contractors in Block C that spoke with OAU Peeps News Agency, he said he has come to take the measurement like 6 months ago & that he's just being called to start the work weeks ago, and they will ensure to make done the work as soon as possible.

It will be recalled that the administration of the former Acting Vice chancellor (Prof. Anthony Elujoba) of the institution also took some obvious measure to renovate the toilets in halls of residence and make water supply available during his tenure before the coming into office of Ogunbodede.

Before now, students have taken to social media to complain the devastating status of the great Ife halls of residence and poor infrastructure.

Report has it that the school management is making every possible means to decongest the hostel although the left organisation termed it as 'forceful eviction from hall of residence and outrightly to dehumanize the studentry as they are to go off campus, into the arms of insecurity.""

According to a pharmacy student of Fajuyi hall who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that " The management should have done this since to complement Elojoba's work but all the same we hope they finish this and improve the welfarism of student which shouldn't only be on renovation of hostel toilets alone but repainting and also renovation of the rooms also.

In an exclusive interview with OAU Peeps News Agency, the Dean Of Students Affairs, Prof. Aransi confirmed &stated that the management wants to decongest the hostel so as to improve the welfare conditions of all halls of residence which is affected by Overcrowding. He added that the renovation has been planned on a larger scale before freshers resume by April 3 but facing challenges with students not leaving the halls of residence for their various homes though there are some that can't be denied hostel access like finalists ,SIWEP & SIWESS students, pharmacy students presently taking their examination, and also Education students who are on TP.

He was however unhappy with some students in the halls who are careless to the extent of burning their rooms as it happened recently in Block 3 of Awolowo Hall. ""Imagine we are trying our possible best to renovate and put all hostels to proper look and some of our students are being careless to the extent of burning rooms It occured in moremi, Fajuyi and Awolowo hall. ""

He also stated categorically squatters won"t be allowed this coming session and if anyone is caught in the act, the squatter and the "landlord" will be expelled as the issue won"t be lightly at all again.

He concluded that those who do sell and buy bedspaces should retract from such and if caught, the buyer and the seller will smell the hot part of law.

Source:
OAU Peeps News Agency
http://www.oaupeeps.com/2018/03/oau-begins-renovation-of-dilapidated.html

There is currently a clash on Federal University Oye Ekiti at the moment. 

Below are the words from an eyewitness. From a whatsapp Voice note

Quote:"Very Early this morning there was a disagreement between a Bike Man and a HOD of a Department (Name Withheld). Which leads to the HOD been physically assaulted by the bike man and some Indegenes. 

So some students need to take sides to support and rescue the HOD out of the ugly situation. 

This Leads to a Fight between students and Indegenes. And later leads to the blockage of motorists on the Campus road

Later the Indengenes were seen with Dangerous weapons like. Local Hunting Guns, Machetes, and some Traditional Rings (Iroka).

The SUG Assitance President. Comr Ayodinho Was also assaulted in his pursuit for some Aluta Movements."

Quote:Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, GCFR (Yoruba: Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ̀; 6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987), was a Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a key role in Nigeria's independence movement, the First and Second Republics and the Civil War.

He was the first premier of the Western Region and later federal commissioner for finance, and vice chairman of the Federal Executive Council during the Civil War. He was thrice a major contender for his country's highest office.

A native of Ikenne in Ogun State of south-western Nigeria, he started his career, like some of his well-known contemporaries, as a nationalist in the Nigerian Youth Movement in which he rose to become Western Provincial Secretary. Awolowo was responsible for much of the progressive social legislation that has made Nigeria a modern nation.

He was the first Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government and Finance, and first Premier of the Western Region under Nigeria's parliamentary system, from 1952 to 1959. 

He was the official Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament to the Balewa government from 1959 to 1963. In recognition of all these, Awolowo was the first individual in the modern era to be named Leader of the Yorubas (Yoruba: Asiwaju Awon Yoruba or Asiwaju Omo Oodua).

Quote:As the spate of killings across Nigeria continues unabated, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has blasted the federal government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its apparent inability to stem the tide of bloodletting, saying the ruling party now values animal lives more than human lives.


Ohuabunwa, who represents Abia North at the National Assembly, made the observation while speaking at the inauguration of a motorised water bore hole he attracted for Nneato community in Umunneochi Local Government Area through the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority.


“Nigeria is so insecure today that we no longer talk of killings but the number of those killed. We have lost value for human lives. In Nigeria, under APC leadership, cows and dogs have more values than human beings,” he said.


The federal lawmaker lamented that Nigeria has been turned into a huge slaughter house by those who take delight in shedding human blood while the ruling party and the presidency watch the orgy of killings helplessly.


According to him, never in the history of Nigeria has “insecurity gone as bad as it is today,” noting that the situation had gone so bad that cows that got slaughtered at abattoirs get dignified death than Nigerians who get slaughtered in their homes and farms.


The Senator therefore challenged the APC-led federal government to rise above defeatist attitude of buck passing and take responsibility for its failure to protect lives and property of Nigerians.


He pointed out that the seeming inability of the federal government to rein in the marauding herdsmen and secure lives and property of Nigerians was already creating internal problems for ruling party as many APC senators just like other concerned Nigerians have lost confidence in the APC-led federal government.


He said: “I can tell you that APC senators are now playing more opposition than their PDP counterparts because they have lost faith in their party. Very soon, they will defect en masse to PDP. They are only waiting for the right time to strike.

“They (concerned APC senators) are ashamed of what to tell their constituents during campaign. Is it to tell them that their party brought hunger and allowed killings of innocent Nigerians? No, they are tired of the lies.”


Ohuabunwa disclosed that aside from water projects, he had also attracted N50 million worth of hospital equipment to health centres in his constituency and distributed 10 electricity transformers as well.


The former Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament also flagged off the construction of a cottage hospital at Umunneukwu Agbo in Isuikwuato which he said would be ready before the end of the year, assuring his people that every community in Abia North zone would have a functional health centre before the end of his tenure.


Speakers at the event, including the Town Union President of Eziama Nneato Community, Dr. Emma Onyearo, and a community leader, Sir Ifeanyi Okechukwu, lauded Ohuabunwa for solving the water problem in the area.


Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Okey Igwe, who described Ohuabunwa as “a performing and accessible senator,” said the people are very happy and proud of his quality representation in the Senate.

Quote:THREE members of the Civilian JTF were killed and 17 other persons injured in a bomb explosion detonated by a suicide bomber in Maiduguri, the Borno Capital.

The attack which occurred late Monday night has a male suicide bomber, reportedly riding a bicycle with the explosives strapped to his body at Muna Datti area.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Joseph Kwaji confirmed this Tuesday morning.

“Scene visited by EOD and patrol teams. The death and injured were evacuated to UMTH Maiduguri. Normalcy has been restored,” Kwaji said.

@POLITICSNGR

President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to congratulate ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo on his 81st birthday.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore of Osun State, Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, David Mark, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State,  the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have all congratulated the former leader except the President.

President Buhari, whose office has a media team with a template of congratulatory messages for eminent personalities in the country celebrating birthdays, is yet to publicly congratulate OBJ.

The last time President Buhari sent Obasanjo a congratulatory message was on January 21 to celebrate the ex-President’s acquisition of a PhD at the National Open University (NOUN). Two days later, OBJ replied with a hot letter criticizing the president's performance so far.

https://politicsngr.com/buhari-snubs-obasanjo-81st-birthday/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he celebrates his 81st birthday. 



The political party in a statement released on Sunday described Obasanjo as an outstanding nationalist; a courageous and dedicated leader, who has made immeasurable, sacrifices towards the development, stability and growth of the nation. 



The former president will clock 81 on Monday, March 5. The party in the statement which was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said it remains proud of Obasanjo.



Obasanjo according to the PDP has excelled as an international figure and made outstanding contributions toward global peace and development, particularly, in the African sub-region.



“Indeed, the PDP intensely celebrates former President Obasanjo who stands tall as one of the best performed Nigerian Presidents chiefly because his administration founded and anchored its policies and programmes on PDP’s people-based manifesto and ideology,” the statement read in part. 



The PDP also commends Obasanjo for his continued engagement on national issues, particularly his disposition against poor governance, corruption, and bloodletting. The party also claimed that it is more than prepared to salvage Nigeria in the task of returning back to governance come 2019.

http://www.dentwap.com/2018/03/04/pdp-describes-olusegun-obasanjo-outstanding-nationalist-81st-birthday/

Quote:PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari says his party, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), has tried its best in improving the security situation in Nigeria.



Buhari stated this on Monday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital while condoling with the victims of the State.

Taraba is one of the states which has witnessed series of clashes which has seen over 200 persons dead.

“Worst critics of APC will agree that we have tried in improving the security situation in the country, right from the Boko Haram attacks,” the president said in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu.

The president said he visited mainly to meet with representatives and traditional rulers appealing to them to pursue peace in their various chiefdoms and also extend his condolences to affected families.

“I came here mainly to have this forum with leaders, traditional rulers and the state government to extend my condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and properties.

“I am appealing to the traditional rulers not to give up in pursuing peace. The country has to be secured before you can manage the economy.”

The president was received by Governor Darius Ishaku and state’s lawmakers, led by the speaker.

Ishaku said the state was delighted to welcome the President in its trying time.

Ishaku said the state was contending with a different breed of herdsmen who are militias moving around with AK 47 rifles to remove anything in their way, unlike the known herdsmen who had cohabited with the people for decades without skirmishes.

“The problem is never between the locals. The local Fulani and other tribes blend without issues.

“We have a new breed and specie of herdsmen militias who move around with sophisticated weapons; they are poised to remove anything in their track.

“They must be arrested now before it degenerates to something we can not contend with,” Ishaku said.

Opinion leaders from various warring ethnic groups in the state insisted that justice and fairness must be seen to be taking their course and the rule of law allowed to prevail for peace to return.

The President was accompanied by Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Aisha Alhassan, Minister of Defence Manir Dan Ali, Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed, some Service Chiefs and National Assembly members from the state.

Quote:By Yusha’u A. Ibrahim, Kano



A former Governor of Kano state, Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has allegedly rejected an invitation sent to him by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led reconciliation committee in its move to reconcile him with Kano state Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Kano State Commissioner of Community and Rural Development, Alhaji Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso stated this in Kano on Monday while speaking to newsmen.

The commissioner said senator Kwankwaso deliberately shunned the committee that invited him to Kano for a meeting last week.

He said, “The reconciliation committee has invited senator Kwankwaso to come to Kano last Saturday for a meeting slated to hold shortly after the wedding fatiha of Ganduje’s daughter but he refused to come.

The commissioner said the committee had concluded arrangements to sit with the politicians in its efforts to reconcile them, but Kwankwaso refused to honor its invitation.

“It appears senator Kwankwaso has already made his mind to leave APC that was why he rejected the invitation. What he is looking for is a flat form to contest for presidency in 2019, but because he knows we have no vacancy for him in the APC that is why he decided to leave the party. He is planning for PDP or SDP.”

However, Kwankwaso’s political associate, Dr Yunusa Adamu Dangwani disputed the allegation, saying there was no iota of truth in the claim.

Dagwani said Iliyasu Kwankwaso had said so many things about senator Kwankwaso which turned to be untrue.

He said, “Kwankwaso has never been invited by Tinibu-led committee for reconciliation meeting in Kano. After all, Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso is not in a position to disclose this information because he is not a member of the committee and he is not also Tinibu’s spokesperson.”

Quote:Posted By: Yusuf Alli



THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a warrant from a court to arrest the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, over alleged 20 constituency projects, which were tagged as “suspiciously unexecuted”.

The anti-graft agency may effect the arrest of the Minority Leader any moment from now, following alleged failure to appear for interrogation.

The projects, said to be worth over N500 million, were allegedly awarded to companies linked to Ogor.

But the EFCC was yet to lift the freezing order on the N116 million in the accounts of five out of six companies owned by Ogor being allegedly used to secure contracts from some agencies as constituency projects.

The issues against Ogor include over N318 million to two of the companies by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); 20 suspected but unexecuted projects in the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons; and implication in a petition against House leadership by the suspended Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, on alleged padding of 2016 budget and insertion of bogus constituency projects.

According to findings, EFCC has obtained a warrant of arrest against Ogor after his alleged refusal to honour invitations for interrogation.

A source said: “We will execute the court order any moment from now because we have given him enough time to respond to our invitations.

“Instead of appearing before our team, Ogor has been given excuses. He has also written the EFCC that he will only be available in December this year. With this development, we may effect his arrest anytime from now. Our operatives will soon be on his trail.

“We have conducted preliminary investigation but we need Ogor to respond to our findings. Our detectives discovered most of the constituency projects facilitated by Ogor were awarded to six companies in which he has been the sole signatory to their accounts.

“The companies are Laurelton Global Services Limited; Zanny Concern Limited; Racen Integrated Global Nigeria Limited; Simplified Concept Limited; Fergio Ventures Nigeria Limited and Peanard Nigeria Limited.

“Out of the six companies, EFCC confirmed that Ogor is still a serving director in Simplified Concept Limited and Laurelton.
“We have not lifted the freezing order on the N116 million in some accounts traced to him. We obtained the order in May 2017 and he has not been forthcoming.

“The cash has been in the accounts of these companies: Laurelton Global Services Limited (N101, 149, 293.96); Racen Integrated Global Nigeria Limited (N5,088,293.50); Peanard (N2,370,901.44); Zanny Concern Limited (N8,374,173.28) and Simplified Concept Limited (N7, 000).”

Asked to respond to alleged ill-health of Ogor, the source said: “No medical report is at our disposal from him. In fact, intelligence report confirmed that he is well.”

The projects in refugees’ commission include supply of three buses; another three Toyota 18-seater buses; 68 tricycles, 220 generators; 220 motorcycles and others.

The projects in UBEC and the companies are: Zanny (19/11/2014) – one block of three classrooms at Eru Primary School, Igbide at N9,180,835.45; Laurelton (19/11/2014) one block of three classrooms at Ivori Primary School, Isoko at N9,887,778; Racen (19/11/2014) construction of three classrooms at Egburie Primary School, Ozoro; and construction of six classrooms on January 21, 2016 at Olordo Primary School, Ozoro at N9,300,000.

The others are Laurelton (23/11/ 2015): supply of customised library equipment to selected schools in Isoko North LGA at N16,050,000; supply of instructional materials in Isoko North /South Federal Constituency (N14, 650,000); supply of customised equipment to selected schools in Isoko Federal Constituency (N15,950,000); award of N9,200,928,90 to Simplified Concept in January 2016 for the rehabilitation of six classrooms at Egware Primary School, Orozo and Racen: Construction of 6 classrooms, toilets and furniture at Itebighe Primary School(21/1/ 2016) at N12, 988.099.23.

DOCTOR REFUSES TO APOLOGIZE AFTER BREAKING NEWBORN BABY'S ARM DURING DELIVERY

Kerry Washington Makes Rare Appearance With Husband, Nnamdi Asomugha

American actress and producer, Kerry Washington, looked all smiles as she put on a rare sighting by bringing her dashing husband to the 33rd annual Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday.

The 41-year-old Scandal actress and her 36-year-old husband also walked down the red carpet.

More photos below;



www.thomasloaded.com

Daddy Freeze Criticises Apostle Johnson Suleman And Pastor Paul Adefarasin

The tithe convenor of the free the sheeple movement slammed the two popular preachers for different reasons.

The blunt OAP, Daddy Freeze, who can be described as a religious OAP, took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Apostle Johnson Suleman’s recent purchase.

The General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries, OFM, built a Shopping Mall, filling station and transport company as birthday gifts to his wife.

Reacting to the news, Daddy Freeze shared a video of the announcement with the caption:

Between Daddy Freeze and Pastor Paul Adefarasin

On March 1, 2018, the OAP criticized a  ‘billboard’ by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of the House on the Rock Church.

Freeze shared a photo of the billboard on his Twitter page with the caption:

A lot of pastors have taken the heat from Daddy Freeze since his campaign started sometime in 2016.

www.thomasloaded.com

6 Health Benefits Of Eating Cucumber



Cucumber is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is a creeping vine that bears cucumiform fruits that are used as vegetables.
  
Maintain Overall Health
Cucumbers have excellent cleaning properties, and they actively remove accumulated waste and toxins from your body.

These fruits are very good for optimizing urinary bladder, kidney, liver and pancreatic functions. Cucumber juice along with carrot juice is extremely effective for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body.

Drinking cucumber juice on a regular basis also helps cure gout and eczema. If you are having lung or stomach problems, be sure to add it to your diet. It also promotes muscle flexibility, while the magnesium content of cucumbers ensures proper blood circulation and relaxed nerves.

Since cucumbers are rich in minerals, they even prevent splitting of the finger and toenails. Cucumbers often act as antioxidants when you consume them with barbecued and fried foods.

Prevent Constipation & Kidney Stones
Cucumbers are a perfect blend of both fiber and water. Therefore, they help to protect your body from constipation and kidney stones. Reports say that a majority of Americans prefer to have a cucumber rich salad regularly as it is a great way to increase the fiber intake.

Cucumber is also a good source of vitamin C, silica, potassium, and magnesium; all of which have their own health benefits. These fruits have an extraordinary amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally purified, thus making the water content much higher in quality than ordinary water.

Cucumber skin contains high levels of vitamin A, so you will gain more nutrition if you eat the entire thing.

 It May Aid in Weight Loss
Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.

First of all, they are low in calories.

Each one-cup (104-gram) serving contains just 16 calories, while an entire 11-ounce (300-gram) cucumber contains only 45 calories (1).

This means that you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing on the extra calories that lead to weight gain.

Cucumbers can add freshness and flavor to salads, sandwiches and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternatives.

Furthermore, the high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.

One analysis looked at 13 studies including 3,628 people and found that eating foods with high water and low calorie contents was associated with a significant decrease in body weight

The Bottom Line
Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any diet.

They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content.

Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.

Control Blood Pressure
The studies done at DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) consisted of people consuming foods high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber. The results were clear; their blood pressure lowered to normal levels.

The group eating a diet rich in these complexes along with the other foods on the diet like seafood, low-fat dairy items, lean meat, and poultry saw their blood pressure falling by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic).

Cucumber, therefore, regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, including those in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.

Easy to Add to Your Diet
Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavor, cucumbers are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches.

Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more flavor.

With just a bit of creativity, cucumbers can be enjoyed in many ways.

http://www.thomasloaded.com

The world's first autonomous pods.
DUBAI — Dubai has begun testing autonomous pods in a trial run the Gulf’s trade and tourism hub hopes will help its transformation into one of the smartest cities in the world.
Officials from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) displayed two cube-shaped vehicles built by US-based Next Future Transportation company in Italy as they spun around on a main street in Dubai.
Passersby stopped to try out the six-seat vehicles and question the Italian engineers overseeing the test.
RTA officials said they have allocated 1.5 million dirhams ($410,000) for further research and development of the vehicles, which Dubai hopes to use for local transportation under the city’s 2030 Dubai Future Accelerators, which aims to make 25 percent of daily transportation self-driven.
“The goal is to develop these two research vehicles,” Khaled al-Awadhi, director of Automated Collection Systems at the RTA, said. These tests are aimed at developing the performance of these vehicles,” he added, without giving details on the cost of the project.
He said several projects were being developed, including self-driving buses and a marine transportation system.
The RTA says the autonomous pods would travel on pre-programmed routes in the first few years, but would eventually become accessible for pick up from home using a mobile telephone application. No date was provided for the start of either service. RTA officials said they hoped to have a more solid plan for the program by the end of 2018 or early 2019.
The vehicles are powered by electricity and have a top speed of 50 miles per hour.
Dubai last year unveiled plans for a “flying taxi.”

https://nypost.com/2018/03/05/dubai-tests-worlds-first-driverless-pods/

North Korea willing to give up its nuclear weapons

Kim Jong Un shaking hands with South Korean chief delegator Chung Eui-yong, who travelled as envoys of the South's President Moon Jae-in, during their meeting in Pyongyang.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has told the South that he is willing to begin talks with the US on abandoning its nuclear weapons and that he would suspend all weapons tests during negotiations, according to reports.
South Korean national security chief Chung Eui Yong announced Pyongyang’s agreement on a moratorium of nuclear and missile tests and said the two Koreas will hold a summit in late April.
Chung said the summit between Kim and President Moon Jae-in would be held in the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas, which also would open a communication hotline, according to CNN.
“The North Korean side clearly stated its willingness to denuclearize,” according to a statement by Moon’s office, the New York Times reported.
“It made it clear that it would have no reason to keep nuclear weapons if the military threat to the North was eliminated and its security guaranteed.
“The North expressed its willingness to hold a heartfelt dialogue with the United States on the issues of denuclearization and normalizing relations with the United States,” the statement said. “It made it clear that while dialogue is continuing, it will not attempt any strategic provocations, such as nuclear and ballistic missile tests.”
According to Chung, North Korea said it’s ready to have “heart-to-heart” talks with Washington on issues regarding the North’s potential denuclearization and the normalization of relations between Pyongyang and Washington.
He said the North also made it clear that it wouldn’t need to keep its nuclear weapons if military threats against the nation are resolved and it receives a security guarantee.
He said the North also promised not to use conventional or nuclear weapons against the South.
Chung made his comments after South Korean officials returned from a visit to the hermit kingdom, where they met with Kim.
The summit would be the third meeting between the leaders of the two Koreas, which technically remain at war after the Korean War ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty.
The previous two summits were held in 2000 and 2007, respectively, under South Korean presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun who both advocated dialogue with Pyongyang.

https://nypost.com/2018/03/06/north-korea-willing-to-give-up-its-nuclear-weapons/

Father, daughter caught having sex in their back yard

Justin and Taylor BunnPanama City Police Department
A father and daughter were arrested Tuesday in Florida after allegedly being caught having sex in their back yard, according to reports.
Justin Bunn, 39, and his 19-year-old daughter, Taylor Bunn, were taken into custody after witnesses told Panama City police they spotted them having sexual intercourse in a back yard, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported.
Both father and daughter confessed to having consensual sex but claimed it was an isolated incident, police said.
The Bunns appeared in court on incest charges Wednesday. The judge ordered them to stay away from each other, according to the Miami Herald.
Justin’s bail was set at $5,000 while Taylor’s bail was set at $1,000, the reports said.

https://nypost.com/2018/03/04/father-daughter-caught-having-sex-in-their-backyard/amp/

The former Minister of Education took to her twitter handle to react to President Buhari's scheduled visits to all troubled states. In her post, the former Minister faulted the notion that the president's visit is better late than never.

http://www.pressnewsng.com.ng/2018/03/you-cannot-fake-empathy-it-flows.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Monday said its cost of producing a barrel of crude oil from Nigeria’s oil fields has further dropped to $20, adding that it was targeting to lower it further to $15 per barrel soon.

It also said it would ensure that all the pipes to be used in the construction of the 683-kilometre Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are sourced from pipe mills in Nigeria, in adherence with the Nigerian Content Law.


Speaking at the ongoing technology and innovation expo organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who was represented by NNPC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Gas and Power, Mr. Seidu Mohammed, explained that the corporation had been innovative in its operations, hence the drop in the production cost per barrel of oil.

“What NNPC will like Nigerians to know is the drive we are making to bring down costs. The more we bring down the production cost of oil and gas, the more money that comes eventually to the federal government and the pockets of the states and local governments. That is the kind of thing we are trying to do.

“We have been innovative in our work to bring down the cost. Many Nigerians don’t even know that we have started the local content drive. We have brought down the cost of producing a barrel of oil today to the neighbourhood of $20 and our target is to make sure we are at $15 and we continue to match forward.”
The NNPC had in August 2017, disclosed that it had driven down the cost of oil production from $78 per barrel to $23 per barrel, representing a 70.5 per cent drop in production cost.

Baru equally explained at the expo that the corporation would continue to work with agencies like the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) to ensure that the cost of production in the country’s oil and gas sector is competitive.
He said: “Engineering and technology are the bedrock of oil and gas, without that we may not have been where we are today. But then, what have we been doing at the NNPC? We have been trying to make sure that all the activities are domiciled in Nigeria.
“There was a time when even tender documents had to go to London for evaluation, but today, we have fully domesticated the engineering aspect of it.

“We have, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development Management Board, gone ahead to get Nigerians who are innovative and willing to invest in fabrication.
“In other words, what we want to do is to also domesticate the big chunk of where we spend the money, that is procurement, and we have gone far.

“Today, there are fabrications going on in areas of line pipes and valves. What we are doing in NNPC is to support all forms of innovations in the upstream, midstream and downstream.”
On the AKK pipeline and how NNPC plans to use locally-sourced pipes to build it, Baru stated: “I said engineering is part of it, so when you come to the procurement of the project, The main input in that project is the line pipes.
“And what we have done to drive the Nigerian content agenda is to make sure that until we fill the capacity of existing mills in Nigeria, we cannot import pipes.

“So, those who are coming in to build this pipeline will bear it in mind that at the end of the day, they may have to come in with their mills to manufacture the line pipes here.
“As for the other areas of services, Nigerians are there, and mostly Nigerians will construct the lines and do all the pre-commissioning and commissioning processes.”
He added that the rehabilitation programme for the NNPC refineries would also take into cognisance the requirement for local content in executing it.

According to the NNPC boss, “Upfront, we have already started training Nigerians that will eventually manage the place. But the whole process of revamping the refineries involves all the facets and Nigerians have to be there.
“Services will be provided by Nigerians and after revamping we expect a lot has to be done to ensure that the inputs to make it work will be provided by Nigerians.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/oil-production-cost-per-barrel-down-to.html

@POLITICSNGR

Foremost Nigerian Financial Institution, Zenith Bank Plc has confirmed that it is in a strategic partnership with Facebook and Twitter to launch a Masterpass QR bot for Facebook messenger, that will enable Nigerian businesses set up digital accounts and accept QR payments.

QR Payments (Quick Response Payments) will allow individuals and small business make and receive payments in real time via Facebook Messenger.

"Our Bank is partnering with Facebook and Mastercard to introduce Masterpass QR as a means of driving financial inclusion and creating a new payment ecosystem for MSMEs and consumers," said Mr. Peter Amangbo, MD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc. “This initiative will help us encourage financial inclusion within the country in line with the strategic thrust of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Buyers and sellers now meet and conclude transactions in-store, online and on social media, so we are ensuring payments can also be made on these platforms via QR codes, without having to log onto other solutions or even take a break from what you are doing on Facebook."

According to the MD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc Mr. Peter Amangbo, ‘the Bank is partnering with Facebook and Mastercard to introduce Masterpass QR as a means of driving financial inclusion and creating a new payment ecosystem for MSMEs and consumers. This initiative will help us encourage financial inclusion within the country in line with the strategic thrust of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Buyers and sellers now meet and conclude transactions in-store, online and on social media, so we are ensuring payments can also be made on these platforms via QR codes, without having to log onto other solutions or even take a break from what you are doing on Facebook,.

The Bank CEO further stated that Zenith Bank is focused on digital collaborations and innovations that will enable it’s audiences to fit banking into their lifestyles, make payments more seamless and promote business growth. The Bank plans to roll out the new QR Payments offering to its customers in Nigeria and other African countries where it has business footprints.

https://politicsngr.com/zenith-bank-partners-facebook-mastercard-pioneer-qr-payments-messenger/

Chelsea 's Belgium international forward Eden Hazard, 27, is stalling on signing a new contract with the club in the hope that Spanish giants Real Madrid make a move for him. (Mail)

*FG approves upgrade of Benin Airport to Int’l standard with cargo terminal*

The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has said that the Federal Government has approved the upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard with a cargo terminal.

The minister disclosed this during his courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday.

Sirika said the approval was due to the fact the Benin Airport is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria and that the zone needs a standard international airport to serve its growing economic interests.

He added that the airport will be fitted with necessary facilities within 12-months, as part of the plans to upgrade it to an international standard.

He said that “Plans have been concluded to upgrade landing system with adequate radio equipment that will enable the Airport handle both day and night operations, even in adverse weather conditions.

“There are plans to also extend the runway at the Benin Airport to enable it handle high volume of traffic with capacity to accommodate cargo planes.”

Sirika further said, “Aviation connects businesses, trade, cultures, nations and people. With a standard airport in place, it becomes easy to achieve economic growth and development. We will work with Edo State Government to ensure that within the next 12 months, Benin Airport will become an International Standard Airport with all the necessary aviation equipment in place.”

Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the effort to make the Benin Airport an International Airport, noting, “This is the most astonishing news I have heard as a governor this year.”

He said the federal government has shown commitment to support efforts to industrialise the state.

According to him, “Our hope is that all the economic activities that will be generated from this critical investment will drive commence across the state and the country”.

He said his administration has taken giant stride to establish Benin Industrial Park, Gelegele Sea Port and other laudable investments.

“The effort this administration has made since assuming office is gradually paying off with the assurance coming from the Minister that in a couple of months, work will commence in Benin Airport to upgrade it to international standard," Obaseki said.

He added, “This administration is working hard to transform Edo State to an economic hub. What is missing is rail transport linking the state with other parts of the country. The upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard will complement our strategic geographical location."


PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Alh. Sabiu Zakari; and Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, during the minister’s courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, on Monday, March 5, 2018.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/fg-approves-upgrade-benin-airport-intl-standard-cargo-terminal/