“I only did two round with the 85-year-old woman I raped to coma’ -Suspect

29-year-old Kehinde Ariyo, who allegedly raped an 85-year-old woman in Ilesa, Osun State was paraded yesterday at the State’s Police headquarters.

According to the State’s Commissioner of Police,  Mr Fimihan Adeoye, the old woman ustained serious injury when she was being raped by the suspect, before she passed out. He further disclosed that the woman was later resuscitated at a hospital and responding to treatment.
The suspect who said the woman offered her a place to sleep in her house till morning, after he pleaded with her that he needs a place to sleep in since he was coming from a night party, said;

“In the night, I went to the room where the woman slept and told her that I needed to tell her something. I told her to open her door and she did. I cannot remember other things. I just know that it was not more than two rounds and I know it was the work of Satan.”

Netflix ends ‘House of Cards’ as Kevin Spacey face attempted child sex assault claim

Netflix said its show ‘House of Cards’ which is in its sixth season and currently in production will be the last and contains just 13 episodes. This announcement came after Kevin Spacey’s announcement that he is gay on Twitter, following a child assault accusation made against him by an actor, Anthony Rapp.

With this, 54-year-old Kevin Spacey who claimed he doesn’t remember the assault move he made to Anthony Rapp when he was 14, has been compared to Harvey Weinstein by members of Hollywood’s LGBTQ community.
Hollywood’s LGBTQ community view his sudden openness about his sexuality, as nothing more than a ‘calculated manipulation.’

Quote:‘You don’t remember the incident – 30 years ago? – f*** u kevin – like Harvey [Weinstein] we all knew about u – I hope more men come forward,’ said Rosie.
‘I am sorry that Kevin only saw fit to acknowledge his truth when he though it would serve him — just as his denial served him for so many years,’ said Quinto

‘You will regret calling me a nobody’ – Hushpuppi’s babymama tells him, also slams Mompha


Instagram big boy, Hushpuppi has got lots of fight coming for him as his baby mama has joined the list of those drawing the battle line against him.
Hushpuppi’s babymama, Miss Sho, who claimed he called her a ‘nobody’ wrote;

Quote:“This was sent to me and as you can see @hushpuppi has said iv given him a son in 2013 and has mentioned our son’s name on his snapchat. He has refused to meet his son and have a relationship with his him. My husband and I have not stopped @hushpuppi from being a father but up till now he has not seen his son and does not contribute to his son’s upkeep. it sickens me as the mother of his child to see how he spends on fashion #Gucci #versace and never on his son. Just because im married does not mean the biological father should not take care of his responsibilties, especially when we have kept the door open for him to be apart of his son’s life.

@hushpuppi you called me a nobody yesterday on the phone for speaking the truth. You will regret that statement. As for @mompha you didnt need to send our private conversation and involve us in your beef. I saw you as his friend, who i thought you could talk sense to him to be a Dad to his son. If I wanted social media to know @hushpuppi does not provide for his son, I would have put it up years ago. You could have at least hidden my snap ID and not have put our son picture up.
To all the single mothers with a deadbeat dad there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just as God blessed me with a wonderful husband he can do the same for you.”

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Chicken and Potato Gravy


Have you got any plans for supper? If not, you need to try my delicious chicken and potato gravy. A very simple yet deeply flavored gravy that makes a wonderful supper dish. Incorporating rich aromatic spices and slowly simmered in a thick sauce to keep you warm in the evening this rainy season! 

This gravy is deliciously light and pleasing to the palates, the addition of the scotch bonnet peppers makes it perfect for this weather. The really Fun thing about this dish is that is it lean and healthy and it can be served as a main dish or as a sauce! Just chop the potatoes into smaller bits, rather than the chunks I have cut them in this recipe, serve with any staple like fettuccine and it will just be grand! 

So my dears, you are in fact getting two for the price of one. You seriously have to try this at home. 

Let’s cook! 

Ingredients


1) Chicken 1kg 

2) Potato 400g 

3) Carrot 200g 

4) Peas 50g 

5) Flour 5g 

6) Scotch bonnets 5g 

7) A whole bulb of garlic 

8) 1 large onions 

9) Olive oil 5ml 

10) Seasoning 10g 

11) Salt 2g 

Directions 
1) Prepare all the ingredients by washing thoroughly and chopping them into desires bite sizes 

2) Add the flour into the chicken and mix well until well coated 

3) Add the seasoning and salt into this coated chicken and mix well



Cooks tip: The flour forms the base for the gravy, so it is better to season it well before stir frying

4) Pour the olive oil into a clean pan and allow to heat for two minutes, then quickly add in the grated garlic and chopped onions, stir fry for two minutes or until it is beginning to brown 

5) Quickly add the seasoned, flour coated chicken into the pan and stir fry along with the garlic and onions. Keep stir frying until the chicken has changed from its pinkish hue into an off white.


Cooks tip: Garlic is one of the most perfect spices for chicken, it brings out the best in all chicken dishes. you really want the garlic to mix well with the chicken. stir fry for up to three minutes so that the garlic is deeply infused into the chicken. The resultant dish is something else altogether!


6) Add in the scotch bonnets at this point for some heat! 


7) Add the carrots and stir fry for one minute 

8) Pour in three cups of water into the pan, stir, then quickly add in the potato chunks into the dish. Give it another 6 minutes




As it simmers slowly, the gravy will start to thicken, it is now entirely up to you to control the consistency. If you want it really thick? Leave it on for a bit longer; if not, 6 minutes is just right. if you have decided to go the sauce route? Serve piping hot with basmati rice or fettuccine pasta and you are good to go. Enjoy!

Be Inspired! 

How To Make Efo-Riro Soup


On the menu today is the delicious and mouth-watering Efo –riro served with poundo yam. This is one easy recipe that is perfect for weekend lunch; especially if you are a busy exec that works Mondays to Friday’s, week in week out. What you need is your weekend rest and a quick recipe to keep your family happy. This is just the right recipe for you because it is quick and easy to make, healthy and delicious as well. No hectic preparations and you will get your family happy and satisfied this weekend.

This delicious recipe is one of the very few one pot dishes from the south western Yoruba tribes and it is made with assorted meats, smoked fish, blended pepper mix, Iru and most importantly, green leafy vegetables. The one good thing about this dish is that there are so many variations to it and you can totally make it your own by adding what pleases you into the dish, you can either add assorted meats or only smoked fish and cow skin and it will still come put perfect.

The flavours of this dish are greatly enhanced by the addition of Iru (locust beans), which gives the Efo- riro its distinctive taste and aroma and makes it a highly sort after delicacy 

Let’s cook!


Ingredients 
1) Fresh vegetables (shoko) 1kg 

2) Beef 500g 

3) Cow skin 50g 

4) Red bell peppers 150g 

5) Scotch bonnets ( as desired) 

6) Iru ( locust beans) 

7) Smoked fish 100g 

8) Palm oil 1 cup/75ml 

9) 1 large onions 

10) Seasoning 10g 

11) Salt 2g


 Directions 

1) Prepare all the ingredients by washing them thoroughly 

2) Place your washed assorted meats and kpomo (cowskin) into a clean large pot, add all of the seasoning and salt and allow to steam for 3 minutes before adding in a cup of water into the pot, boil for 25 minutes or until tender



Cooks tip: Stock is not really required in this dish that is why I have added just enough water to tenderize the meats, you want a rich thick sauce to the Efo-riro not a flowing consistency, so add as little water as possible to your dish

3) Blend the peppers and half of the onions into a smooth paste and set this aside 

4) Quickly blanche your washed vegetables and set this aside too 

5) In a clean pot, add in the palm oil and allow to heat for 2 minutes, add in the parboiled beef and fry for 5 minutes.



Cooks tip: this is a totally optional process, if you do not want your beef fried, you can skip this step.

6) Once the beef is fried, quickly add in the other half of the sliced onions into the palm oil, stir quickly because the palm oil is already hot, you do not want the onions charred. 

7) Add in the blended pepper mix, stir frequently and allow to fry for about 7 minutes or until visibly fried 

8) Add in the Iru ( locust beans). This local spice marries all the ingredients, making them one in this dish

(9) Then add in the washed smoked fish.

10) Add the parboiled cow skin with the little stock, add the fried beef and stir this again 

Cooks tip: I have added the smoked fish at the end so it does not scatter, you want big chunks in the dish and it is best to add them in, when the dish is almost ready

Quote:

An AK47-wielding herdsman on duty. This is the new normal in cattle grazing
● Middle Belt youths gather in Jos to discuss issue
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
The Secretary-General of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Alhaji Sale Bayeri, has warned that banning of open grazing in Plateau State will create more problems than it intends to resolve, noting that the Fulanis do not know any other method of grazing their cattle, “and any attempt to confine them to a place was a sure invitation to anarchy.”
His warning came on the heels of a protest meeting ofyouths from across the six states of the Middle Belt region yesterday at the Plateau State House of Assembly to deliberate with representatives of the executive and legislative arms of government on the way out of the incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen in the region.
President of Middle Belt Youth Council, Emma Zopmal, had revealed that the meeting was aimed at compelling governments of the six states in the region to ban open grazing in the entire region, adding that the recent gale of attacks across some local government areas of Plateau State, in which over 50 persons were killed was worrisome.
The states in the region are Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Niger.
But while the communique of the Middle Belt youths’ meeting was still being awaited, the Fulani have forewarned of the consequences of banning open grazing reserve, which they said will spell anarchy in Plateau.
While warning that banning of open grazing should not be contemplated in Plateau State, Bayeri posited that it would be tantamount to banning a people’s way of life.
He said: “Saying that you will ban open grazing on the Plateau is laughable because the average Fulani man does not know any other way of grazing his cows. This is a practice that started right from Adam, and for you to say you want to remove or curb it is an invitation to anarchy really.
“If you want to ban open grazing, you can equally ban open farming because the two agricultural activities go hand in hand and you can’t have one without the other. You can’t eat rice without meat for the soup or stew.”
Bayeri added: “Again, the resistance that will come with such measure is not what Plateau needs at this time. We are passing through turbulent times and we are trying to make peace. So, we should not put in place any measure that will make that peace unattainable.”
Meanwhile, the Plateau State House of Assembly has expressed support for the proposed anti-open grazing bill in the state.
Responding, the Majority Leader of the assembly, Hon. Henry Yenkwap and member representing Shendam constituency, expressed delight that young people are concerned about the security situation in the state, urging them to do a comprehensive petition to state their position clearly and submit same to the assembly.
The Deputy Speaker and member representing the Dengi Constituency, Sale Shehu Yipmong, expressed happiness over the unity and ideas being generated by the youths to address the security challenges in the state. He said the assembly was already thinking in the direction of the bill before the protest visit.
On his part, the Speaker of the assembly, Mr. Peter Azi, reassured that the House was not resting in its oars on the matter
He said the entire assembly was saddened by the unfortunate development and prayed for dialogue, adding that the assembly has visited some of the affected areas to get first hand assessment.
He called on Plateau people to keep political differences aside and face the issue, stressing that government was up and doing about it.
He maintained that the assembly has set up a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the massacre at the primary school in Miango.
On the proposal for an anti-open grazing bill for Plateau State, the Speaker challenged the coalition to propose issues that are expected to form parts of the bill, stressing that the bill should not be left to the assembly alone.
Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/20...oup-warns/

Olusola Fabiyi , Abuja
The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs . Winifred Oyo -Ita , has said President Muhammadu Buhari is aware of the reinstatement of a former Chairman of the Pension Reforms Commission , Mallam Abdulrasheed Maina, into the civil service.
She however said she warned the President against it .
Oyo - Ita said that her warning was based on the implications such reinstatement would have on the anti - corruption war of the Federal Government .
The HoS stated this in her memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari .
The memo , with reference number HSCSF/ HCSF/ LU/ COR/FCSC/ 750 / T, was dated October 23, 2017 .
The memo , titled , “ Re : Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, ” was received in the office of the Chief of Staff to the President on October 23.
A copy of the memo was sighted by our correspondent in Abuja on Monday .
The President had directed the HoS to investigate the circumstances that surrounded the return of Maina to the civil service.
He gave the directive following the public outcry that trailed Maina’ s reinstatement.
Maina, whose whereabouts is still unknown , has been accused of embezzling pensioners ’ funds running into billions of naira and is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Explaining further , the HoS said she met the President after the Federal Executive Council meeting of Wednesday, October 11 , where she verbally warned Buhari against bringing Maina back to the service.
She , however , did not say what the response of the President was after briefing him .
Oyo - Ita said , “ Please, note that the OHCSF was never in agreement with the reinstatement and consequently never conveyed the approval of the FCPC to Mr. A. A. Maina, nor approved his posting to the Ministry of Interior or any other MDA
“ Rather, I sought audience with His Excellency , Mr. President on Wednesday, 11th October , 2017 after the FEC meeting where I briefed His Excellency verbally on the wide - ranging implications of the reinstatement of Mr. A . A . Maina, especially the damaging impact on the anti - corruption stance of this administration . ”
The letter partly read, “ Further to your letter Ref . SH/COS /100 /A/ 1570 dated 23 rd October , 2017 on the above subject matter, I write to inform you of the circumstances leading to the irregular recall of Mr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina.
“ I wrote to place on record the following facts as it permits to Mr. A . A. Maina who was dismissed from service on 21st February , 2013.
“ The move to recall Mr. A. A . Maina was at the instance of a series of letters from the Attorney General of the Federation to the Federal Civil Service Commission requesting the commission to give consequential effect to the judgement that voided the warrant of arrest issued against Mr. A . A . Maina which formed the basis for the query and his eventual dismissal.
“ The letters herewith attached as Annexes I- III are:
(a ) Ref . HAGF /FFCSC /2017 /VOL . 1 / 1 dated 19 th January 2017 ,
(b) Ref . HAGF /FFCSC /2017 /VOL . 1 / 2 dated 21 st February 2017 ; and
(c )Ref . HAGF /FFCSC /2017 /VOL . 1 / 1 dated 27 th April 2017.
“ The FCSC thereafter requested that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation should advise the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Interior to consider the AGF ’ s letter and make appropriate recommendations to the commission and this was so communicated to the Ministry of Interior .
“ The Ministry of Interior took the matter to the Senior Staff Committee of the ministry and recommended the reinstatement of Mr. A . A . Maina into the service as Deputy Director .
“ The OHCSF forwarded the recommendation to the FCSC which has the constitutional responsibility for appointments, promotion and discipline for further action.
“ The FCSC in consideration of the letter from the AGF and the recommendations of the SSC of the Ministry of Interior consequently approved and conveyed the reinstatement of Mr. A. A . Maina with effect from 21 st February , 2013 vide letter herewith attached as Annex IV.
“( vi) The letter of reinstatement , as communicated to HCSF Ref . FC. 4029 . 82/ Vol. III /179 dated 18 th September , 2017 attached herewith as Annex IV , ostensibly also copied the Ministry of Interior which is the one erroneously used to document Mr. A. A. Maina on a claim that he has resumed work since 28 th September , 2017 . The Ministry of Interior informed the OHCSF of this development vide letter Ref . MI / 1436 /II/ 24 dated 16th October , 2017 from Ministry of Interior stating that Mr. A. A . Maina has resumed with effect from 28th September , 2017 is attached as Annex V .
“ Please note that the OHCSF was never in agreement with the reinstatement and consequently never conveyed the approval of the FCSC to Mr. A. A. Maina nor approved his posting to the Ministry of Interior or any other MDA .
Rather, I sought audience with His Excellency , Mr. President on Wednesday, 11th October , 2017 after the FEC meeting where I briefed His Excellency verbally on the wide - ranging implications of the reinstatement of Mr. A . A . Maina, especially the damaging impact on the anti - corruption stance of this administration .
“ However , I have requested the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Interior , to provide any documentary evidence to support the claim of reinstatement and posting of Mr. A. A . Maina by OHCSF , since after his dismissal.
“ The letter to the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Interior is attached as Annex VI . The foregoing is accordingly submitted for your information and further consideration .
“ Please accept the assurances of my best regards. ”
http://punchng.com/buhari-aware-of-maina...d-him-hos/

Access Bank Plc announced a pre-tax profit of N72.9 billion for the third quarter, up from the N69 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016.
On a yearly basis, the gross earnings surged from N275 billion recorded in the 3Q 2016 to N365 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 33 percent.
Profit after tax climbed by 4 percent from N54.1 billion in the 3Q of 2016 to N56.4 billion in the third quarter of 2017.
According to the group managing director, Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank continues to gain momentum from a well-diversified earnings that are driven primarily by strong performance from core revenue lines.
“We continue to gain momentum in our efforts to achieve more diversified earnings, as we strengthen our retail and digital offerings. I am excited at the prospects in the coming months.”
Also, the bank’s 3Q performance showed operating costs dropped by 18 percent quarter-on-quarter to N49.5 billion in September. Further validating the bank’s commitment to improve operating efficiency while reining in costs.
The lender added that capital and liquidity buffers of 20.5 percent and 46 percent, respectively, are well above the minimum regulatory requirement.
“The Board and Management remain extremely grateful to our more than 8 million customers, shareholders and dedicated employees for enabling us achieve several milestones within this period. We look forward to the next five years, with confidence in our ability to deliver superior service and optimised shareholder value,” Wigwe stated.
http://investorsking.com/access-bank-dec...profit-3q/

The Federal Government, Moday, stated that from 2019, the country would begin tracking Nigeria’s crude oil and would be able to account for every drop of the commodity produced in the country.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, in a podcast distributed to newsmen in Abuja, disclosed that the Federal Government was already working with the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to develop an information technology (IT) platform that would make the crude oil tracking possible.


He said, “There is the issue of crude tracking – how do we track every molecule of products we have, crude and refined products? We are putting together an IT platform that will enable us do this. We are working with DPR and hopefully, by 2019 the issues of whether we could not account for our crudes will no longer occur.”


 
Kachikwu also stated that the Federal Government is planning to conduct a licensing round for the award of oilfields in inland basins to companies to prospect for crude oil, adding that the government is also working on the rules to guide the process which would be conducted along with the marginal fields bid round.

“We are planning our marginal fields’ rounds and we are also planning our inland basins rounds. It is going to be a transparent process to bring people to get us more oil. The rules are going to be out soon once it is approved by His Excellency,” he noted.

The inland basins in Nigeria are Niger Delta, Chad, Anambra, Benue Trough, Benin, Sokoto and Bida basins. He further stated that following the exit from the joint venture cash call arrangements with multinational oil and gas companies, the country had received investment requests amounting to over $15 billion.

He said, “We were able to exit the joint venture cash call. Still a bit of things to be ironed out there but for the first time, multinationals began to have belief in their need to invest in the country. “The amount of investment requests we are seeing from joint venture cash call members is today in excess of $14 biollion – $15 billion dollars, which are for purposes of projects like Zabazaba, Bonga extension programmes and all that. Multinationals are beginning to have confidence that this system is working.”

The Minister lamented that infrastructure in the energy sector were old and dilapidated and that the Federal Government could no longer fund their revamp.

“Infrastructure is key to us. Our infrastructure is 30 to 40 years old; completely dilapidated, and cannot be funded by the government anymore. I am working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the DPR to launch our infrastructure masterplan and bring people who can invest in them,” he maintained.

Kachikwu averred that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources would be conducting an industry rewards in December to reward oil companies that have done well over the course of the year in terms of low cost of production among others.

He also declared that the government would be releasing the fiscal policies, which are awaiting the approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

According to him, the fiscal policies would expand income in the short term by over $2 billion a year to the federal government, while on the long term, over $9 billion, adding that the Federal Government plans to leverage on that to work with the National Assembly to translate the policies into legislative provisions.


SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/brea...king-2019/

Prawns in mixed pepper sauce


Today I am offering a delicious prawn sauce that is bound to tickle your fancy, this dish unearths the richness and versatility of prawns. With the additions of mixed bell peppers, scotch bonnets for some heat, and fragrant spices, this sauce surely will become a staple at your home after trying it out for the first time.
It is no secret that I love prawns, and this is because it is versatile and can easily be made into various dishes. There is so much I can make, just from having a bowl of prawns in my kitchen. It cooks quickly too, thus making it almost always included in my recipes. You can use it for rice dishes, curries and sauces too. It can be fried, grilled and even made into a salad, it can also be added into our Nigerian soups like okra and efo riro or made into prawn soup with other condiments like sweet corn or mushrooms. Whatever you decide to make with prawns, you are sure of a really tasty hearty meal.
A big bowl of garnished basmati rice could never taste better than it does when served with this sauce, the creamy richness of the sauce just makes it right for an amazing family dinner. Follow my recipe below and let me show you how to make this.

Let’s cook!

Ingredients

1) Prawns 1kg 
2) Mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green) 250g 
3) Scotch bonnet peppers 3g 
4) Onions 1 medium sized bulb 
5) Garlic 6 cloves 
6) Ginger 2g 
7) Corn flour 2 table spoons 
8) Olive oil 20mls 
9) Seasoning 8g 
10) Salt 1g 

Directions 
1) Prepare the ingredients by first washing them thoroughly, then peel the prawns and de-vein. 
2) Chop the mixed bell peppers, scotch bonnets and onions 
3) Now blend the peeled ginger and garlic with water to make a running paste. This increases the quantity of the sauce
4) In a clean pan, add in the olive oil and allow it heat up for about 1 minute, quickly add in the onions and allow this to sauté for one minute then pour in the ginger and garlic paste and stir, while this heats up for about two minutes

5) Now add in all the chopped peppers and prawns at the same time, I do not like overcooking bell peppers or prawns, so just give this another 3 minutes while you keep turning the prawns on all sides so it cooks through
6) Add in the seasoning and salt
 7) Now make a running corn flour paste with two table spoons of corn flour  

cooks tip: just enough corn flour to thicken the sauce, you do not want it overly thick, just about 2 tablespoons will do
8)Add this into the pan and stir. Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for another two minutes, so that all of the spices are well incorporated and your delicious prawn sauce is ready!

Serve hot with a bowl of garnished white rice or pasta. Have you made a pasta dish lately? How did it taste? Comment below, I will like to know 

                                                                                     Minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun

Since the middle of 2014, when the price of crude oil fell dramatically, Nigeria’s finances became challenged. This is not hard to explain: we’ve historically depended on crude oil for as much as 70 per cent of government revenues, and 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings. The outcome – pressure on government’s finances – was by no means unusual. A similar fate befell most oil-rich countries around the world.


Where Nigeria possibly stood out was in the fact that during the preceding three years when oil prices were in excess of 100 dollars per barrel, the government did little in terms of saving and investing for the future. Our Sovereign Wealth Fund, which was established in October 2012 with just US$1 billion, did not receive any further inflow during the oil price boom. Instead, billions of dollars were squandered through corrupt oil and defence contracts. It is a terrible thing for a country to fall on hard times without a savings buffer. There was nothing unexpected about our downturn. It was the inevitable result of the choices we made or didn’t make during the years of boom.

What is remarkable, yet not as talked about, is the way we have worked so hard to exit the recession, reset the economy and reposition it for a brighter future for the present and future generations of Nigerians. The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is laying the foundation for the kind of economic growth that makes a real impact in the lives of citizens.
The downturn has inspired unprecedented levels of fiscal responsibility, in line with President Buhari’s determination to fight Nigeria’s endemic corruption.
Shortly after taking office, he issued a Presidential order mandating the immediate implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system, consolidating thousands of government accounts scattered across deposit money banks into a unified system that is transparent and easy to centrally monitor and track. Under the old system, it was common for government accounts to be converted into personal use, but under the TSA this is impossible. Also, the proliferation of accounts encouraged rent seeking rather than questionable practices.
Budgetary reform has also taken a lot of our time and attention. We are pioneering the use of software to prepare our annual budgets, which allows greater transparency and the ability to track changes.

We have insisted on using biometric verification in the deployment of our Social Investment Programme, which includes a Job Scheme for unemployed graduates, a School Feeding Scheme for Primary School Pupils, a Conditional Cash Transfer scheme targeting a million of our poorest citizens, and a Micro-Credit scheme for artisans, farmers, and traders. In the past the Social Investment payments would have been done as cash handouts.
A similar insistence on biometric verification for the federal payroll has resulted in the detection of tens of thousands of bogus beneficiaries – or ‘ghost workers’, as we often refer to them, in Nigeria – and savings running into billions of naira every month.
We are pursuing unprecedented cooperation with foreign governments and powers, as part of our transparency and anti-corruption drive. For the simple reason that a disproportionate amount of public funds looted in Nigeria end up in the United Arab Emirates’, Nigeria has signed bilateral agreements with the UAE government on extradition, exchange of information, and repatriation of stolen public funds.

One strong demonstration of our political will has been a Whistleblowing Scheme we launched months ago that empowers citizens to report public corruption. The impact in terms of recoveries has exceeded our expectations. The tighter rein on public finances allowed us invest US$500 million in our Sovereign Wealth Fund, during a recession.

A lot of the work we have done over the last two and half years has been focused on dismantling the old ways of doing things, rebuilding them, and empowering and fortifying our institutions with technology to block loopholes, discourage abuse, and prevent a relapse into the destructive ways of the past.

The new Nigeria we seek will not happen without this kind of foundational reform that imposes on us new ways of thinking and of doing things. The early results are already being seen. A concerted focus on agriculture has seen our rice imports from Thailand dropping by 90 per cent between 2015 and 2016, and replaced by locally grown variants.

As oil has let us down, we have started to do what we should have done decades ago, invest in agriculture and mining. Throughout the recession, agriculture recorded healthy growth. As we emerge from the recession, its impact is certain to multiply and position Nigeria for a prosperous future.
Let me point out that the most important elements of any reform effort tend to be the least flamboyant. We are confident that in the months and years ahead, Nigerians and the world will see the full impact of the foundational resetting that the Buhari administration has been focused on since 2015.
There is of course a lot of resistance to reform, by vested interests within and outside the system. But we are not fazed. The work of reform goes on. It is, to borrow from the Nigerian novelist, Chinua Achebe, morning yet on Creation Day. Not very long from now, Nigerians and the world will look back on this recession we have just emerged from, and realise that it was the turning point in Nigeria’s journey to true growth and greatness.

                       Eze Onyekpere

Nigerians went to the polls in 2015 hoping to elect a President who would change the cause of governance and rescue the nation from the doldrums. Prior to the election, the Jonathan government was described as “clueless” and not knowing what to do in the face of social unrest and declining economic fortunes. The present ruling party which was in opposition then promised heaven on earth and to change things in ways and means that would be pleasant to all right-thinking and patriotic Nigerians. The election held and the opposition became the ruling party and thus formed the government whilst the party in government became the opposition.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed-door with visiting President Alassane Ouattara of Cote D’Ivoire at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.


Ouattara, who arrived the Presidential Villa at about 12.15 p.m., was introduced to some cabinet ministers and presidential aides by President Buhari before the commencement of their meeting.

The two presidents are meeting officially for the first time since the inauguration of President Buhari’s administration on May 29, 2017.
Ouattara had on April 20, 2015, met with Buhari, then, as President-elect, shortly after a meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Burattai, Monday, raised the alarm that the proliferation of unregistered Subscriber Identification Module, SIM, cards is frustrating the effort of the military in fighting terrorism and other crimes in the country.



That is also as the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, at a meeting with all telecom operators in the country yesterday, read riot act, saying the condition where unregistered or improperly registered SIM cards are allowed to enter the market will no longer be tolerated. The commission, therefore, set up a 12-man task force, comprise representatives of the telecom operators, to investigate and report back on strategies that can help stop the menace in six weeks.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, while addressing the operators, reminded them that the issue had been the highpoint of several meetings initiated by the Commission in the last two years. Danbatta highlighted the fears of every Nigerian on the issue, especially as security reports from the office of the National Security Adviser indicated that it breaches the security of the country. He also warned that the offence of unregistered SIM cards is a breach of the Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulation 2011. Lt-Gen.

Burattai, while presenting a paper entitled Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics as a Tool in Fighting Terrorism and Internal Threats, at the 6th International Digital Mobile and Computer Forensics Conference and training expo, DIGIFOR2017 in Abuja, had called on relevant authorities to revisit the issue of unregistered SIM cards and find a lasting solution due to the inherent dangers it portend to the security of the country.

Buratai, who was represented at the occasion by General Samuel Adebayo, said the Nigerian Army had made some progress in using forensic technology to fight terrorism, robbery, kidnapping and other related crimes, but had always met a brick wall in unravelling the identity of some suspected criminals due to unregistered SIM cards they use on their phones.

Our very own Sugarcane lady graces the cover of Guardian Life today.

In a male-dominated industry, Tiwatope Savage-Balogun, better known by her stage name Tiwa Savage, is paving the way for artists to be referred to as artists not based on their genders but on impact.


From Kele Kele Love to Ma Lo, she has proven over and over again why she's not just the first lady of Mavin but the biggest female act in Africa.

Her journey has not been one without obstacles; from the shadows of singing in the background, writing songs, to making her way to X Factor UK where she advanced to final 24 but didn't make it through. Like every success story ever written, she didn't let all these deter her.

Guardian Life had a chat with the singer, songwriter, performer and actress. Tiwa Savage talks about her journey in the music industry and how prepared she was to take over the Nigerian music industry, which she did.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY, 31ST OCTOBER.

Pastor Chris

TOPIC ✨ He’s Our Heavenly Father✨

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:7-8)."

God is your Father! The Lord Jesus confirmed this in John 20:17, when He said to Mary, “…Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” Jesus knew God as His Father; now, He calls Him our loving heavenly Father as well. He sure is; we’re His offspring.

1 John 3:1 says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” O, the power and import of this verse! He lavished His love upon us, so that we might be called the “sons” of God! Do you know what that means? It means we’re His sons in the same sense that Jesus is the Son of God.

If you’d recall, that was the reason the Jews wanted Him dead; they heard Him say, “I’m the Son of God!” They said, “How dare you; a mere man, you’re making yourself equal with God?” “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18).

The latter part of 1 John 3:1 that we read says, “…therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” The world doesn’t recognize God as our Father, and us as His legal and vital offspring, possessing the same life and nature with Him, because it didn’t recognize Jesus as such when He walked the earth. Nevertheless, “Now are we the sons of God” (1 John 3:2).

Now that you’re born again, you’ve been made alive and awakened to the fatherhood of God. Eternal life has been imparted to your spirit, and there’s a fellowship, a oneness with God that’s so real: “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).

CONFESSION

Dear Father, I thank you for the great love with which you loved me, demonstrated in sending Jesus to die in my place for the propitiation of my sins. Now I can call you my loving Father. I don’t walk in fear, but in confidence, knowing that your love for me is eternal! Thank you for bringing me into such glorious oneness with you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 4:16-19
James 1:18
Hebrews 2:10

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philemon 1:1-25 Jeremiah 33

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 8:44-59 2 Kings 24-25
Affirmationtrain
# AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 31ST OCTOBER.
I affirm that God has blessed me with length of days, and has granted me divine speed to fulfill my destiny and calling in Christ. I am running my race swiftly, pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and guidance of the Word. I am blessed with divine wisdom and knowledge. The knowledge of God's Word and my oneness with the Holy Spirit has made me an effective minister of the Gospel, having greater influence, reach and impact in my world and in the regions beyond. I am abundantly supplied and furnished to seed the Gospel into the nations of the world so that more souls will be ushered into the Kingdom of God. The power of the Spirit is at work in me mightily, and I am charged from within for good works. I am blessed with divine ideas to be effective in my work, family, career, and in the ministry of the Gospel. Hallelujah! I am energized and aflame for the Lord, as my heart beats each day with the desire to do God's will. Glory to God.
•JOIN US
https://theinnercitymission.ngo/
endchildpovertynow/?dept=affirm
•READ YOUR "ROR" HERE
http://app.rhapsodyofrealities.org/reader/242
This is something to shout about. Keep saying it, don't stop talking it. Remember, your mouth is the edge of a weapon. Refuse to be quiet
You can now reach us on:
affirmationtrain@minister.com
God bless you.

Ahead of tomorrow’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s national caucus will hold crucial talks with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa today, THISDAY has learnt.

On Monday, Boss Mustapha was announced as the new Secretary to Government of the Federation.
The announcement became an instant hit on the internet among Nigerians.
Here are 10 facts about Boss Mustapha that you should know.

1. Boss Gida Mustapha served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority before his appointment as SGF.


2. He was born in Adamawa State.

3. Mustapha attended Hong Secondary School, in Hong, Adamawa State and North East College of Arts and Sciences Maiduguri, Borno State. He completed his Secondary School Education in 1976 with WASC and HSC certificates.

4. He obtained his Law degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1979. He was called to bar in 1980.

5. He was a member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constituent Assembly from 1988 to 1989.

6. He was the Chairman People’s Solidarity Party (PSP) Gongola State from 1989 to 1990.

7. He was state chairman, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Gongola State from 1990-1991.

8. He was the governorship candidate for the SDP in Adamawa State in 1991.

9. He was the Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria from 2010 to 2013.

10. He contested for the Adamawa governorship primary in 2014.

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked suspended Secretary to the government of the federation, Babachor Lawal.
According to a tweet by Femi Adeshina also sacked was the former DG.

The ECOWAS community court of justice has granted an out of court settlement application for a case involving the federal government and nine victims of the Nigerian civil war.
In 2012, hundreds of mine victims of the war had dragged the federal government before the ECOWAS court, asking for an order for the removal of remnants of war instruments stockpiled in 11 states of the south-east, south-south and part of the north-central.
The instruments are said to include life bombs, abandoned unexploded ordnances (AXO), unexploded ordnances (UXO) and the explosive remnant of war (ERW).
The victims also asked the court to compel the federal government to rehabilitate the areas and compensate them for the damages.
On October 24, counsel to both parties filed an application for out-of-court settlement, on the ground that they have reached agreeable terms.
At its sitting on Monday, the court granted the application, ordering the parties to abide by the terms of the settlement.
Part of the terms of the settlement obtained by TheCable stipulates that the federal government “undertakes to pay, without delay, compensation in the summer of N50 billion in full and final sum to the victims, their families and communities as contained in Schedule 4(1) to this terms of settlement.
“That FG undetakes to the pay of undertakes to lay a total sum of N38 billion as contained in schedule 4(2) to this terms of settlement for the purposes of carrying out total demining and destruction, rebuilding of public buildings, mine centre activities, construction of class rooms, provision of prosthetics and all other activities enumerated thereunder.”
https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-ecowas-...ar-damages

Femi Adesina just announced the appointment of Boss Mustapha as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
PMB terminates appointments of Babachir Lawal, suspended SGF, and Amb Ayo Oke, former DG, NIA. Mr Boss Mustapha is new SGF.
https://mobile.twitter.com/FemAdesina/st...gr%5Etweet
BOSS GIDA MUSTAPHA’S PROFILE
Mr, Boss Gida Mustapha is a lawyer, management consultant, politician, business man and boardroom guru of considerable repute. His appointment as the Managing Director/CEO of the National inland waterways Authority (NIWA) has been well received by staff and stakeholders, thanks to his vast public sector experience, legal background, extensive travels and contracts in both government and business.
The confidence in the new MD is well placed. Born in Adamawa State, Mr Mustapha attended Hong Secondary School, in Hong Adamawa state and North East College of Arts and Sciences Maiduguri Borno state, crowning it with WASC and HSC in 1976. He earned his Bachelor of Law (LL.B) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1979 and was called to bar in 1980. From 1980 to 1981, Mr Mustapha did the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) – Directorate of Legal of legal Services at the Army Headquarters and was in charge of review of Court Marshall Proceedings.
After his National Service, he joined Sotesa Nigeria Limited, an Italian consultancy firm, as an Executive Director in charge of Administration, leaving in 1983 to join the prestigious law firm Messrs Onagoruwa & Co in Lagos.
With his law practice fully taken off, the MD was appointed Principal Counsel in the firm Messrs Mustapha & Associates, His legal interests and expertise included privatization commercialization and Liberalization of Public Companies/Corporate and Government Parastatals. He was also involved in preparation of varied and miscellaneous banking documents such as Debentures, Guarantees, Mortgages, Bonds and Loan Syndications.
One of Mr. Mustapha’s career highlights was his appointment as a member of Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the defunct Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF), serving meritoriously from 2000 to 2007. At the PTF, he was responsible for production of an up-t0-date comprehensive project and programme report, including location, coverage and whether performed, performing or abandoned production of final report of Assets and Liabilities, examination of the Administrative structure and cost effectiveness of pf Projects and Services among other duties.
Mr. Mustapha also played key leadership roles at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) serving as Social Secretary and Chairman at the Yola branch.
After his stint at the PTF in 2007, Mr. Mustapha was appointed Principal Partner of the law firm, Adroit Lex. His law practice and the burning desire to serve the larger society conspired to attract the MD into politics, at various times, he was member Federal Republic of Nigeria Constituent Assembly (1988-1989), Chairman People’s Solidarity Party-Gongola State (1989-1990), state chairman, Social Democratic Party-Gongola State (1990-1991); he was even a gubernatorial candidate for SDP in Adamawa state in 1991. He was the Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria from 2010 to 2013. In 2007, he again played a prominent role, serving as the Deputy Director General of the party’s Presidential campaign Organization. His services remained in high demand after the fusing of CAN joined forces with other parties to form the All Progressive Congress (APC). He was a member of NCC and Secretary APC Presidential Campaign Organization Mobilization (2015) and member, APC Transition Committee (2015). He is also a member, APC Board of Trustees.
In addition to the NBA, the MD is a member of various professional bodies including African Bar Association (ABA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association, International Bar Association (IBA) and Human Rights Institute (HRI). But Mr. Mustapha’s accomplishments go beyond politics and the Bar; he is respected boardroom guru, having been appointed into the boards of several companies in the manufacturing financial services as well as oil and gas sectors. He is the National Vice President, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship international Nigeria.
The MD has travelled extensively visiting no fewer than 30 countries, and always taken interest in how waterways assets are managed in those countries. His address to management staff on assuming office set the tone style and direction of his administration. He stressed teamwork and the need to focus on the Authority’s vision and mission. He is also said: “Just call me Boss, there is no need calling me Manager; I don’t have nicknames.”
Mr. Mustapha who is married with children, enjoys golf, lawn tennis, travelling, documentary films, charity work and meeting people.
Source: https://niwa.gov.ng/boss-gida-mustaphas-profile/

BREAKING! Court Ruling Stops Obiano Campaign
A Federal High Court Abuja has delivered a ruling to serve Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state through substituted means in a prayer to ask him to stop parading himself as the governorship candidate for the All Progressive Grand Alliance in November 18th gubernatorial election.
Several other prayers were equally granted, See Today’s SUN newspaper page 30 for more details..or see link
http://www.naaija.com/2017/10/breaking-c...-campaign/

The State Government of Osun on Thursday signed a concession agreement with All Works of Life (AWOL) International Limited for the completion of the MKO Abiola International Airport, Ido-Osun.
The signing of the concession agreement which is to annex the infrastructural development of the state was held at the State secretariat, Abere.
AWOL International Limited in partnership with a Turkish company, Biray Group are expected to complete the project within the span of 8 months.
The Chief Executive Officer, AWOL International Limited, Amb. Nurudeen Ogunlade, said the agreement is of great significance to both the concession and concessionaire.
According to him, the airport when completed will open the doors of trade and investment among neighbouring states in the southwest as well as add to the state’s economic value globally.
Enumerating facilities to be expected at the Corporate Airport, Amb. Ogunlade who heads the concessionaire held that aside the first phase to be completed before the last quarter of 2018, other amenities that befits the location and geographical area of an airport will be facilitated within 2 years.
His words “On the completion of the construction of First Phase of the Airport within the period of 8months, it will take off with five aircraft, three passengers helicopter and one cargo by AWOL International Company. To complete the entire establishment of the Airport with 5 Star Hotels including all amenities like Cultural center, Water Park Recreation Center and Garden, Butterfly Museum and Casinos, it will take the period of 2 years.”
“According to the airport’s design, it will facilitate the smooth movement of the people and goods from one point to other and serve as a channel way for tourism, hanger and cargo.”
He noted that the concession agreement was not in any way detrimental to the economy of the State as it will run for 30 years before it will be fully handed over to the State government commending the Governor for his efforts in giving the state enviable legacies for the future.
In his remarks, Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the government had wished to embark on the project and deliver at the appropriate time but was hampered by the financial situation of the country.
Giving a thorough breakdown of the state of the Airport before the concession arrangement, Ogbeni Aregbesola said the project at inception was financed through “flexible funding” with an appreciable level of the payment to the tune of N3.6bn.
The Governor said like other infrastructural projects, the airport financing method was effectively fashioned out to ensure its completion just as he expressed appreciation to the Turkish Firm for believing in the multi-various merits attached to the Airport if eventually completed.
Aregbesola said “We are doing something that is really extraordinary to make this state a light bearer of Nigeria. When I began the entire project; the airport, roads, the schools and other social infrastructures I was so sure that if there is no problem with the scheme of income definitely all these project will be completed. The arrangements we put on ground is to ensure effective completion of those project after all we did not use the conventional method of financing our project rather we brought to bear what we called ‘flexible funding’ which we pay the contractor as at when due through bank.”
“However, it was the change of the income scheme that constrained financially which made it impossible for us to continue with the project. But before the fund initiation from our scarce income we have expended on the project the sum of N2,926, 27,948.5 billion. The contractor handling the project has done certified work amounting to N3,667,178,112.15 billion meaning that outstanding for the contractor against the state is the sum of N640, 970,164.10 million and these amounts includes retention of N170, 609, 64.16million.”
According to the agreement, the concessionaire is expected to take 100% financing of the project.
The signing agreement was witnessed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Head of Service, Dr Oyegbade Olowogboyega, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ajibola Basiru and the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr Teju Fagbeja among others.
source: http://www.pressnewsng.com.ng/2017/10/os...ional.html

Abisogun Leigh Street, Ogba, Lagos State was the cynosure of all eyes on Sunday when two apparent lovebirds were found dead in a Toyota Corolla parked by the roadside.

Although the names of the deceased had yet to be revealed, they were said to have been respectively married.


http://punchng.com/lovers-found-dead-in-...os-street/

British Airways has offered to fly Nigerian yams to the United Kingdom in a bid to sustain the export of the produce. Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this during a chat with the press in Abuja, weekend.
He said: “British Airlines just called and said they are willing to fly the yams. You know when they are leaving Nigeria they carry no cargo, it is only when Nigerians are coming back that they overload the whole place with hand luggage. So they said the luggage holes can take one or two tons of yams.
“DHL flies cargo planes into Nigeria daily, 747 planes and they go back largely empty. They have to fill the aircraft with sand bags to balance the weight. They said arrange let’s fly this thing, we will give you discounts. “The Russian Ambassador came to my office to ask if we can sell them fruits— pawpaw, avocado pears, bananas, mangos. He came in with his jet.”
Chief Audu Ogbeh insisted that there was no alternative to exportation of agricultural produce as the realities of oil and gas export had made the future very bleak. “Many countries, we have been told will in 10years or 15years be using electrical cars; it is time for us to get ready because in five years, they will probably get there. “Tesla is a group in the US, their electrical cars are now able to drive 500kms on a single charge and it takes eight minutes to recharge, almost faster than your cell phone and you can clock another 500kms.
“What do we do when that time comes and oil is gone and there is nothing to export? Some people are there and anything you try to do they attack you, they harass you and how do you earn forex?
“Nigeria is owing N18trillion in debt right now and 20% or so of that is foreign, the rest is local debt. How do you pay the foreign ones if you have no earnings in dollars? How do you import medicines and vaccines if you don’t have dollars? ‘’The argument that yams would be short is not true; 30% of the yams we grow rot away and we are the largest producers of yam in the world. The figure is not mine, it is that of the Food and Agricultural Organisation, FAO.
“I think generations past have made many serious mistakes, we mismanaged oil and gas. If not, by now, Nigeria should be talking of $200 billion foreign reserves. Between food and petroleum products we blew 60billion a year on imports, it made no sense. “Why couldn’t we refine our petrol here, why import rice, sugar, milk, tomato paste, fruit juice concentrate, fish, apples, grapes and what have you? “So the big question is where are we heading because if we cannot sort this thing out quickly enough, I can assure you like when I talked about Boko Haram many years that trouble lies ahead.
On the other hand, if we can turn it around, this country could be a paradise but we don’t have that much time. “Too many young people are angry, they are all over the streets, kidnapping, and stealing, killing and what have you. What kind of country are we in that people kill each other so happily. You just enter a village 40 people have been killed, 11 people have been killed, you kidnapped somebody and shot him; are we sane?”
Emma Ujah
https://etimes.com.ng/nigerian-yams/

Nigeria’s non-oil sector is growing with N261.92 billion earnings in the second quarter of the year from agric exports, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbeh has said.
Ogbeh spoke at official unveiling of the Nigeria Agribusiness Resource Centre for Agricultural Investment at the weekend in Abuja.
He said agricultural export increased by 82 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2016 and earnings from the sector stood at about N30 billion in the first quarter of the year.
According to the minister, the country earned N3.7 billion from export of sesame seed to Turkey, N1.6 billion to China and N1.6 billion to Canada.
Ogbeh, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bukar Alhassan, said in the first quarter, N3.4 billion was made on Soya bean export to Russia, N1.2 billion to Greece, N2.2 billion was earned from the export of frozen Shrimps to Netherlands, N1.8 billion made from cashew nuts export to Vietnam and crude palm kernel oil export to The Netherlands netted N1.2 billion.
The minister listed destinations of agricultural exports in the second quarter as including to Asia, Europe, America, Africa and the Oceanic.
He said the country earned N13.5 billion from cashew nuts export to Vietnam with N12.6 billion, India (N1.4 billion) and Kazakhstan (N6.34 million).
African Lead Regional Director Carla Denizard said the resource centre was established in response to the request by the ministry’s Department of Agriculture and Marketing to bridge the knowledge gap in the sector and enable investors have access to information.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/nigeri...ports.html

The nation’s external reserves have hit $34bn from $33.6bn attained on October 25, the Central Bank of Nigeria has stated.
The reserves have been appreciating very fast after hitting $32bn on September 18.
The Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN, Dr. Joseph Nnanna, who disclosed the latest figure in Lagos on Saturday, said the exchange rate stability achieved so far by the apex bank had come to stay.
He expressed confidence that the usual end-of-the-year rush would not push up the naira-dollar exchange rate contrary to some people’s expectations.
The CBN deputy governor said this while fielding questions from journalists at a forum organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Nnanna was among the chief executive officers of companies who were conferred with the CIBN Fellowship Awards.
Asked if the exchange rate would go up as the end of the year was approaching, Nnanna said, “No, the rate will not go up, take it from me. We have achieved stability and the stability is here to stay.
“The sustainability is already evident, the reserves are growing. As I speak, the reserves are $34bn. When we had volatility, the reserves were as low as $20bn. But let me say one thing: Nigeria can make do with a reserve level of $20bn but it is the press who gives the impression that if the reserves fall below $30bn, then there is a problem.
“No, there is no problem. All we need to manage the economy and manage it properly is reserves that can cover at least three months of import. And in fact, as it is, $10bn or $12bn can give us reserve coverage of four months.”
The CBN chief said the Investors and Exporters foreign exchange window had performed beyond the bank’s expectations, adding that forex inflows in the past few months were huge.
Nnanna stated, “Our exchange rate is convergent; we are getting southward. In the IMF, they talk about the need to have one rate. The one rate can happen organically or inorganically. For us at the CBN, we believe that organic convergence is the way to go. Inorganic convergence, which is forced, will always produce an arbitrage and that we don’t want.
The President, CIBN, Prof. Segun Ajibola, said a flexible exchange rate was helpful in an environment that lacked hiccups in forex management and supply strategies.
He stated, “But in an environment that is so susceptible to the vagaries of foreign exchange market, in terms of inflow of foreign exchange income and over-reliance on basic items for importation, you run the risk of allowing the exchange rate to go to the rooftop, if you free it absolutely.
“Normally, you hardly find any economy where the foreign exchange management succumbs totally to the forces of demand and supply. The best that we have seen is managed floating, which is what the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced in February this year. But as the economy stabilises and is diversified, and as we see more sources of forex earnings stabilising, especially the non-oil export, then we can be more and more flexible in our foreign exchange management policy.”
http://investorsking.com/cbn-rules-naira...-hit-34bn/

Unity Bank Plc announced N2.72 billion profit before tax for its unaudited third quarter financial report.
The commercial bank attributed the modest performance to the challenging operating environment while pointing to key financial indices to validate sustained growth.
“This attests to the bank’s ability to remain profitable and resolute in its commitment to delivering value and return on investment to its shareholders and customers,” it said in a statement.
The commercial bank reported gross earnings of N65.03 billion in the third quarter, up from N64.58 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016. Post- tax profit stood at N2.45 billion.
However, operating expenses were down 2 percent from N18.9 billion in the 3Q of 2016 to N18.6 billion in the 3Q of 2017. This, the bank attributed to cost containment initiatives instituted by the bank to optimize resources for efficiency and effectiveness.
Earnings per share stood at 20.94 kobo in the quarter.
Speaking on the report, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Unity Bank said “the bank in the process of repositioning itself had tapped into the emerging opportunities in the enlarged economic space within Nigeria particularly in the agriculture and the Small and Medium Enterprises value chains.”
http://investorsking.com/unity-bank-repo...profit-3q/

• Banks Mum , As Stakeholders Urge Caution, More Time
• Forfeiture Order Arbitrary, Lawyers Say
• Move Will Aid Fight Against Corruption- Kpakol
• Expect Elongated Legal Battle –Nweze
By Joseph Onyekwere and Chijioke Nelson
A repeat of the credit and liquidity squeeze, which rocked the banking sector in the wake of the takeoff of Treasury Single Account (TSA) , may be in the offing if the Federal Government succeeds to acquire private accounts operated without Biometric Verification Number (BVN ) numbers .
The Federal High Court, Abuja , penultimate week granted the Federal Government ’ s prayers to have thousands of account in commercial bank , that are still without BVN forfeited if owners do not come forward to claim them in two weeks.
Trouble for this class of account holders started on October 17 this year , when Justice Nnamdi Dimgba ruled on an ex - parte motion filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF ), Justice Abubakar Malami.
He slammed a restraining order on commercial banks to desist from operating such accounts, and further directed the 19 Deposit Money Banks (DMBs ) to disclose the owners and the financial content of each of the accounts. , in a move, which seeks to check corruption and enthrone transparency in the financial system .
According to industry source , no less than N 600 b, and an alleged undisclosed N 400 b by “ smarter banks , ” mostly belonging to politically exposed persons , may be sterilsied in the exercise , if followed duly and diligently by authorities.
This development , will definitely return banks to the path of renewed hunt for liquidity to cover up daily operational demands , thereby raising fixed
deposit and interbank lending rates , aggravated cost of funds for customers and resort to frequent visits to the discount window, especially as Nigerian banks have the penchant for trading with free and cheap monies .
At the onset of the TSA , it took the intervention of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio from 31 per cent to 25 per cent , which allowed banks to retain a level of liquidity to cushion the effect of the withdrawals that exceeded N 1 . 2 trillion .
Meanwhile , banks at the weekend maintained sealed lips in the face of the fast approaching enforcement date of the forfeiture, and subsequent transfer of values to the CBN.
Also , both the apex bank and the financial safety net institution - Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) have chosen to keep mum over the issue.
A financial analyst , Femi Ademola, said although the move is right in terms of ensuring a clean financial system, it will definitely scramble the money market matrix, at least for a few days .
“The realities are that we have transactions that are forthright in the system, mostly in relation to politically exposed persons, who seek and get favours from the banking system , even asking for cover up .
“But I can also tell you that the operators are smarter than the regulators , so they may still find a way out of this despite the order, ” Ademola said , and expressed concerns that this might multiply the woes of accounts that are lined in the unending processes of obtaining Letters of Administration.
Ademola also allayed concerns that the Federal Government and CBN might be facing series of litigations over the matter , saying that the enforcement ab initio is a court order and wondered why a depositor , without a hidden agenda , would delay perfecting his/ her BVN .
For former Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr . Magnus Kpakol , if there is significant value in any account outside the BVN scheme , it is the owner that made it suspicious and is the one to blame.
Kpakol , who maintained that the campaign has been ongoing over the years, also queried how someone without ulterior motives would leave an account with significant value unattended to , even under difficult times, till now .
“The move is in the right direction especially for the purposes of ongoing fight against corruption. The only thing I ask is time to accommodate those with genuine reason , ” he said .
An economist and faculty member at the Pan Atlantic University, Dr . Austin Nweze , expressed concerns with the fire brigade approach to serious issues, saying they are capable of misrepresenting the nation or affecting investments .
He bared his fangs over the issue, not just for the policy direction , but the implementation without prior warning and notices , which should have put everyone concerned and stakeholders at
alert .
“I know it is not all accounts in this category that the government is looking for. They know who they are actually looking for, but the innocent people will now suffer alongside .
“Some lawyers are already challenging this , perhaps because of the method and this may introduce a regime of elongated legal tussle soon , with its financial implications, ” he said .
Legal practitioners share Nweze ’ s views . Apart from describing the action as illegal , they are also those interested to seek legal redress to quash the order.
Lagos lawyer and human rights campaigner, Ebun - Olu Adegboruwa, regreted that the Federal Government is employing interim orders for permanent purposes.
He said : “I am well concerned about how we deploy interim orders for permanent purposes , such as to forfeit valuable assets , without any fair hearing from the person (s) concerned .
I think it is improper to obtain interim order to freeze bank accounts of estates that are in dispute between the beneficiaries of estates of deceased persons that are still being contested ; of profits of companies that are still subject to litigation or other disputes, just to mention a few examples of the arbitrariness of these orders . ”
According to him , there is nothing in Section 3 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition ) Act 2011 , that makes BVN a condition precedent for operating a bank account in Nigeria. What the law requires , he insisted , is verifiable identity of the customer such as name , address , photographs and identity cards .
He argued that the BVN is a policy decision of the CBN, and so a court of law should not base its orders on executive policies that are not backed by law.
“The other point is the bindingness of an ex - parte order upon the whole world and upon all millions of bank customers in Nigeria , who are not directly parties to the suit . How proper is it , for a court to seek to determine the rights of parties in their absence , in view of the clear provisions of section 36(1 ) of the 1999 Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter, ” he asked , adding that, while it is in order to trace, isolate and forfeit monies suspected to be proceeds of crime , seeking to forfeit all monies in all banks in Nigeria on the ground of absence of BVN is manifestly illegal . ”
Adegboruwa, therefore urged the Attorney - General of the Federation to review the case with a view to adjusting the tenor of “these rather outlandish orders . ”
Second vice president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA ), Monday Ubani , is of the view that it is becoming clearer by the day that the forfeiture request and the granting of the order by the court needs to be properly examined to locate the legal basis for it in the first place.
He asked : “The first question would be, under what law and rules of court was this order obtained ? Is there any existing law that gives the AGF or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) such powers to forfeit monies belonging to those , who are unable to be linked to the BVN system ?
“If none , then the forfeiture proceedings will be faulted on appeal. To make matters worse , the 14 - day ultimatum from the date of judgment (not even from the date of publication) given to the affected victims is too short and punitive. ”
Ubani , who noted that it may be true that some of those who refused to be linked to the BVN may have done so due to the suspicious source of their money, added that there is the possibility that majority of those affected by the order may be victims of illiteracy , or those in the Diaspora .
His words : “There may be genuine reasons for the delay and I think a more humane approach should have been adopted by the government . No doubt that this process is a vote of no confidence on the entire banking system, including the Central Bank, but we must be careful not to throw the banking sector, and by extension the entire economy into chaos and anarchy . ”
According to him , the proper approach to adopt would have been to limit the amount for such measures to about N5m and above , and enough time given to those affected (not less than six months ) to enable those living abroad to come and regularise the process .
“Another way is to halt final forfeiture for now and allow those who have genuine reasons to come up within a period of five years, after which the final forfeiture order can be sought and pronounced , ” he suggested .
He advised those against whom final forfeiture order may be made against , due to their non - availability , to apply to set aside the order , as long as they have genuine reasons why they could not perfect the process on time .
Sylva Ogwemoh , a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said it is within the discretionary powers of the judge before whom ex - parte proceedings are conducted to either grant , or refuse the application based on the facts presented in support of the application .
The position of the law, he said , is that such orders are not meant to last forever, but for a determined period of time and can be set aside by the judge, who made such order , or by another judge of the same court in appropriate circumstances.
“Under the Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment etc) Act , there is the requirement of arrest , tracing and attachment/ seizure of property before an interim forfeiture order is made upon a motion ex - parte brought by the Commission.
“The application upon which the order of Justice Dimgba was made was not brought under the EFCC Act to my knowledge .
“As I have indicated above , any order made in the absence of a party can be set aside by the party against whom the order is made, if the party is able to show to the court that the order was wrongly made , ” he stated .
Ogwemoh pointed out that there may be genuine reasons why some persons may not have complied with the Federal Government policy on BVN .
“There may be instances of pending litigation in courts over accounts of deceased persons. Some other persons may not have complied because of some extraneous circumstances , some Nigerians have emigrated to foreign countries and are still not able to regularise their residency in the foreign country, and cannot take the risk of travelling out of such countries .
“Some persons are in remote areas and have the habit of savings, hoping to build castles in the air . There are several reasons why some people have not complied with the directive .
“In any event , if any person ’ s legitimate earnings are affected by this order, such a person can approach the court to explain his or herself and have the order of court set aside , ” he advised.
http://m.guardian.ng/news/bvn-related-as...-like-tsa/

A major player in the downstream segment of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and Managing Director of Rainoil Nigeria Limited, Engr. Gabriel Ogbechie,
has made a strong case for massive investments in the agricultural sector of the nation’s economy by Nigerians, saying that there are huge returns in the sector.
Noting that investing in agriculture, ICT, real estate and other potent non oil sector are the major ways to reignite and grow economies globally, Ogbechie, who spoke as a guest lecturer at the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Economic and Community Development Lecture held at the Westwood Hotel, Ikoyi, urged Nigerians to do more in the sector, which he sees as the next economic boom.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Exploring Investment Opportunities in Nigeria’, the Rainoil boss, who is also a huge investor in agriculture, said, “with a population of about 193 million people, which accounts for about 2.53 per cent of the world population, Nigeria presents a very large market for food and agricultural products.”
He observed that Nigeria’s food import bill for 2016 stands at about $22 billion (N6.9tn), which represents about 93 per cent of the 2017 budget, which he described as unsustainable if the economy must grow, hence Nigerians need to now invest heavily in the sector to tap into the huge opportunities therein and support the government’s efforts to take our economy to greater heights.
Available statistics also show that Nigeria is blessed with an estimated 84 million hectares of arable land, representing 77.7 per cent of her total land area, out of which a far less than 50 per cent is currently cultivated, which he said presents lots of investment opportunities.
According to him, contrary to widely held belief that the oil and gas sector is the mainstay of the nation’s economy, he noted that the oil and gas sector contributes only 9.6 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP while the food and agricultural sector accounts for 24.4 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP as at 2016.
He, however, noted that though the “oil and gas sector contributes more in terms of foreign exchange earnings as the country produces about 9.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, which translates to $50million or N90billion per day, a refocusing on investments in the agricultural and related sector will open up the economy.”
Apart from the agricultural sector, Ogbechie also disclosed that great investment opportunities exist in the Information and Communications Technology ICT sector of the nation’s economy, accounting for about 9.8 per cent of GDP as at 2016.
From a paltry $50 million ICT investment in 2001, the investment profile has grown to over $70 billion in 2016, even as the sector has experienced 3.9 per cent GDP growth rate in the last 15 years.
Statistics also show that active telecoms subscribers stood at 139 million as at August 2017, while active Internet subscribers stood at 91.6 million in June 2017, with the sector spending well over $1 billion annually on the purchase of foreign software.
President of the Club, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, while speaking at the event, which coincided with some of the activities marking the Economic and Community Development Month, urged Nigerians to help Government move the economy forward by taking the guest speaker’s advise of investing in agriculture and other relevant sectors like ICT and real estate amongst others, to grow the economy and create jobs for the good of everyone.
Ogbechie also listed the real estate and construction segments of the economy as another area with huge investment opportunities, accounting for 3.9 per cent of the nation’s GDP in 2015, with a projected GDP growth rate of 10 per cent and an estimated investment in the sector well over $13.65 billion.
He cited the World Bank, 2014 projection, which said that a total of N59. 5 trillion would be needed to plug the housing gap in the country with an affordable housing deficit of 17 million houses with Lagos accounting for 2.9 million of that with an estimated cost of $363 billion, among several other sectors including entertainment.
He observed that if every successful business person come forward with their views like the guest speaker to share their business experience, the nation will be the better for it, noting that Ogbechie having worked at PriceWater Coopers before moving on to set up Rainoil Nigeria Limited, which is today a major player in the downstream segment of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, is still unrelenting in investing to grow Nigeria economically, as well a pushing his dream of winning more converts to see the golden opportunities in agriculture for the nation and its citizens.
Noting that investing in agriculture, ICT, real estate and other potent non oil sector are the major ways to reignite and grow economies globally, Ogbechie, who spoke as a guest lecturer at the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Economic and Community Development Lecture held at the Westwood Hotel, Ikoyi, urged Nigerians to do more in the sector, which he sees as the next economic boom.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Exploring Investment Opportunities in Nigeria’, the Rainoil boss, who is also a huge investor in agriculture, said, “with a population of about 193 million people, which accounts for about 2.53 per cent of the world population, Nigeria presents a very large market for food and agricultural products.”
He observed that Nigeria’s food import bill for 2016 stands at about $22 billion (N6.9tn), which represents about 93 per cent of the 2017 budget, which he described as unsustainable if the economy must grow, hence Nigerians need to now invest heavily in the sector to tap into the huge opportunities therein and support the government’s efforts to take our economy to greater heights.
Available statistics also show that Nigeria is blessed with an estimated 84 million hectares of arable land, representing 77.7 per cent of her total land area, out of which a far less than 50 per cent is currently cultivated, which he said presents lots of investment opportunities.
According to him, contrary to widely held belief that the oil and gas sector is the mainstay of the nation’s economy, he noted that the oil and gas sector contributes only 9.6 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP while the food and agricultural sector accounts for 24.4 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP as at 2016.
He, however, noted that though the “oil and gas sector contributes more in terms of foreign exchange earnings as the country produces about 9.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, which translates to $50million or N90billion per day, a refocusing on investments in the agricultural and related sector will open up the economy.”
Apart from the agricultural sector, Ogbechie also disclosed that great investment opportunities exist in the Information and Communications Technology ICT sector of the nation’s economy, accounting for about 9.8 per cent of GDP as at 2016.
From a paltry $50 million ICT investment in 2001, the investment profile has grown to over $70 billion in 2016, even as the sector has experienced 3.9 per cent GDP growth rate in the last 15 years.
Statistics also show that active telecoms subscribers stood at 139 million as at August 2017, while active Internet subscribers stood at 91.6 million in June 2017, with the sector spending well over $1 billion annually on the purchase of foreign software.
President of the Club, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, while speaking at the event, which coincided with some of the activities marking the Economic and Community Development Month, urged Nigerians to help Government move the economy forward by taking the guest speaker’s advise of investing in agriculture and other relevant sectors like ICT and real estate amongst others, to grow the economy and create jobs for the good of everyone.
Ogbechie also listed the real estate and construction segments of the economy as another area with huge investment opportunities, accounting for 3.9 per cent of the nation’s GDP in 2015, with a projected GDP growth rate of 10 per cent and an estimated investment in the sector well over $13.65 billion.
He cited the World Bank, 2014 projection, which said that a total of N59. 5 trillion would be needed to plug the housing gap in the country with an affordable housing deficit of 17 million houses with Lagos accounting for 2.9 million of that with an estimated cost of $363 billion, among several other sectors including entertainment.
He observed that if every successful business person come forward with their views like the guest speaker to share their business experience, the nation will be the better for it, noting that Ogbechie having worked at PriceWater Coopers before moving on to set up Rainoil Nigeria Limited, which is today a major player in the downstream segment of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, is still unrelenting in investing to grow Nigeria economically, as well a pushing his dream of winning more converts to see the golden opportunities in agriculture for the nation and its citizens.
Source: http://www.anothernigerian.com/2017/10/i....html#more

                Jacob Zuma’s statue in Imo

THE Ohanaeze Youths Council, OYC, yesterday, asked Governor Rochas Okorocha to justify the erecting of Jacob Zuma’s statue in Imo State, when civil servants were being owed salaries.


According to a statement in Owerri by National Publicity Secretary of OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the resources could have been used to pay workers.

He contended that the erection of Zuma statue could amount to defiling the land, saying: “The Ohanaeze Youths Council notes that Governor Rochas Okorocha has demonstrated a high level of administrative prodigality. This is wasting the economy of Imo people, at a time, the civil servants are starving due to lack of payment of salaries. No reasonable government will waste such money and watch her workers go hungry.

“Over N500 million was used while the workers and pensioners in the state are living in abject poverty. Mr Zuma’s statue, a man facing over 120 court charges on corruption, is an attempt to deconsecrate the land of Igbo.”


SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/zuma...ze-youths/

Embattled Ex-pensions boss, Abdulrasheed Maina is seen in the video below saying that he is not a thief and narrating his side of the story.
Maina says he is in possession of documents that will expose the level of corruption in Nigeria. He called on Nigerians not to believe the rumours about him, saying that he never stole N195 billion and alleging that N300 million was being stolen every day.
The time or date of the interview could not be ascertained but it is believed to have been taken during the period he went into hiding.
Watch the video below;
https://politicsngr.com/2017/10/29/not-t...ina-video/

By Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (Abuja), Uthman Abubakar (Maiduguri), Andrew Agbese (Kaduna) & Kabiru Matazu
Fugitive former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force Alhaji Abdulrashid Maina, who is accused of embezzling billions of naira in pension funds, once swindled the family of the late Head of State General Sani Abacha of tens of millions of naira, an informed retired security officer told Daily Trust on Sunday in Kano yesterday.
The source said Maina, who had then just returned to Nigeria after a failed school sojourn in the United States, convinced the head of state’s sons to award him a contract to furnish Arewa Suites, which they had just acquired. He convinced the Abachas that he knew a lot about furnishing and interior decoration during his stay in America.
According to the source, the Abachas gave Maina tens of millions of naira to furnish the hotel and he left Nigeria for the US where he converted the money to his personal use. He never furnished the hotel despite collecting down payment, the source said.
When Maina sneaked into Nigeria nearly a year later, then Chief Security Officer to Abacha Major Hamza Al-Mustapha had him arrested at the airport. Maina was kept in a military detention facility for many months, the security source said.
Daily Trust on Sunday also learnt from informed sources that Abdulrashid Maina’s father, the late Alhaji Aliyu Biu was a member of the Biu royal family. He spent many years in Sokoto as the Chief Passport Officer at the Nigeria Immigration Service office before he transferred to the foreign service in the early 1990s. He subsequently became Nigeria’s ambassador to Mauritania and later to Chad. In between the two postings, he was also a protocol officer at the State House in Abuja.
The late former envoy died in a car accident in 1998, Daily Trust on Sunday learnt. The sources also said Abdulrashid’s surname, Maina, is another name for Alhaji Aliyu Biu. The former pension boss is believed to have relocated his mother to one of his Kaduna houses which were sealed last week by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Unknown life of Abdurrasheed Maina
On September 24, 2017, four Prado jeeps and a Camry cruised into the town of Potiskum in Yobe accompanied by eight armed police escorts.
The leader of the convoy was Abdurrashid Maina, one of the most talked about figure in Nigeria today, who at that point was declared a wanted man for reported N24 billion pension fund fraud.
Despite being a wanted man, the former boss of the Pension Reform Task Team drove into Potiskium in comfort and under full police protection to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Dallatun Fika, Alhaji Idrissa Madaki, who had passed on September 18th.
Dr Maina has not been living like a wanted man and findings by Daily Trust on Sunday shows that the man has been enjoying the protection of law enforcement officers who were supposed to effect his arrest.
Beyond nursing plans to contest the governorship elections in Borno in 2019, three months ago, Maina was in line to be turbaned as an heir apparent to the Emir of Biu throne and there was supposed to be a huge ceremony to celebrate it but for strong opposition between other princes who feared Maina would beat them to the throne.
Our correspondent, who visited Biu, Maina’s hometown reported that there are clear orders to residents of the town not to engage with journalists as everyone he approached for an interview was reluctant to do so on account of this order. He was even treated with belligerence in some instances.
However, our correspondent was able to gather that the letter appointing Maina heir apparent to the Biu throne was sent to Abuja and Maina thereafter visited Biu to prepare grounds for his turbaning.
In Biu, evidence of Maina’s ambition are everywhere for all to see. Posters announcing his intention to run for governor with the tag: ‘The Clarion Call, Hope 2019, MAINA Abdurrasheed, (Yariman Biu) Governor, Borno State, are pasted all over the town, including a one-storey building said to belong to him at Dugja Ward along the road to Damboa, which is lavishly pasted showing him in kaftan.
The poster bearing ‘The Clarion Call’ inscription shows him contesting on the ruling APC platform. The other main poster showing him in kaftan does not indicate the party on whose platform he is running on.
While his political ambition might be threatened by the massive corruption allegations against him, his ambitions of taking the Biu throne faces a different kind of threat, the opposition of other members of the ruling house.
Maina is said to the grandson of Mai Madu, who was dethroned as the Emir of Biu and banished to Bauchi. Mai Madu was replaced with his brother, the grandfather of the current emir, whose descendants want to keep the stool in their side of the family and hence the opposition to Maina’s turbaning.
“The dispute, I understand, is in the process of being resolved now at the Emirate level; and as soon as it is finally resolved he will be turbaned accordingly,” a source in Biu told our correspondent.
Another source however thinks that might not be the case in view of Maina’s current ordeal.
“The Emir may either have received orders from above against turbaning him or the Biu Emirate Council may have resolved wisely to put that ceremony on hold until he is cleared of this mess or, at least, the current tension over him is doused,” he said.
But on the political front, Daily Trust on Sunday gathered that Maina had already set machinery in motion and had held meetings with politicians in the state to in both Biu, Maiduguri and Kaduna.
Maina’s interest in politics is not new as he was said to have contested for but failed to win the chairmanship of Biu Local Government in the 1980s.
Being from the South of Borno, which is yet to provide a governor of the state, Maina is thought to enjoy the support of people in his locality.
“Biu people want him among the main contestants of the governorship, in fact the preferred one because, we believe, he possesses the reverence and wherewithal to shift the seat from the Northern to Southern Borno,” a resident of Biu said.
Another resident who spoke to Daily Trust said Maina was a regular visitor to Biu but couldn’t now say in which of his houses he stays when he visits.
“I cannot say in which of his houses he stays; but let me even show you their family house by the Emir’s palace,” he said.
Our correspondent in Kaduna reports that it was easy for Maina to hide in the city at the peak of the manhunt for him as he owns many properties there.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been able to identify six properties which include a two-storey shopping plaza at number 2C Ibrahim Taiwo Road, and a one-storey duplex at Katuru Road and four other houses on Kano Road, Kawo extension.
But it is obvious that Maina does not live in any other properties so far sealed by the EFCC.
An orange seller near the gate of the Katuru Road residence, which has been sealed by EFCC, told our correspondent who visited the place that Maina hardly comes there as it is one of his sisters that lives there.
Kaduna has played a major role in Maina political ambitions.
Late in September, some elders and youths from Borno State converged in Kaduna to persuade Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina to contest for the Governorship seat of Borno State in 2019 and met with his cousin, Aliyu Maina at a guest house. Maina was said to be well aware of what was going on.
Led by Alhaji Abubakar Ali Biu, the delegation said they are of the opinion that Maina’s courage in fighting corruption as the chairman, Presidential Pension Reform Taskforce Team, where he was able to recover N1.6trn both in cash and asset for the Federal government has earned him a reputation among his people.
Leader of Northern Borno Youths Movement Mamman Isa alongside his counterpart in Central Borno Sulaiman Mohammed said Maina who also spoke on the occasion said Maina has a passion to take Borno to the promised land.
Alhaji Aliyu Maina, a cousin to Abdulrasheed Maina, wh0 received them thanked the people and said, “We as a family will consult among ourselves alongside out brother, Dr Abdulrasheed Maina and get back to you.
Though it is not yet time for political activities, we shall give you feedback after our family consultation.”
A political associate of Maina who does not want to be named, said the controversial civil servant did part of his graduate programme abroad but could not say in which particular country.
He said though the patriarch of the Main family who was an ambassador is late and had lived in Kaduna, most of the family members have remained in Kaduna.
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-maina-...amily.html

Affirmationtrain
# AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 30TH OCTOBER.
I affirm that I am blessed and fortified in Christ Jesus with everything I need for life and godliness! I am great because the seed of greatness is on the inside of me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I’ve been endued with power from on High, to win and reign in life as a king. Hallelujah! I know who I am; I am the seed of Abraham! The world belongs to me. I reign and rule over circumstances by the power of the greater One who lives in me! He lives in my spirit, in my soul, and in my body! Fear is paralyzed in my life because the Word of God has taken centre stage in my heart. I am moving forward from glory to glory and from grace to grace. Hallelujah! The glory of God is risen upon me, and I manifest that glory everywhere. Today, and always, I display the wonderful deeds and perfections of Him who has called me out of darkness into glory and virtue! Blessed be God.
•READ YOUR "ROR" HERE
http://app.rhapsodyofrealities.org/reader/242
This is something to shout about. Keep saying it, don't stop talking it. Remember, your mouth is the edge of a weapon. Refuse to be quiet
You can now reach us on:
affirmationtrain@minister.com
God bless you.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY, 30TH OCTOBER.

Pastor Chris

TOPIC ✨ RECEIVE FORGIVENESS✨

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Sometimes, in leading sinners to Christ, some people erroneously tell them to confess all their sins. When the sinner begins to confess his sins, God can’t see them, because He has no records of the sinner’s sins. What He’s interested in is the remission—the removal or blotting away of sin from the sinner’s spirit. Once sin is out of his spirit, he’s qualified to be recreated.

As a Christian, you’re a new creation, born without a past. Your life started when you were born again (2 Corinthians 5:17). If, however, at any point in your walk of faith, you make a mistake or do something wrong, the Bible says you have forgiveness in Christ: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

That’s why our opening verse tells us to obtain mercy or forgiveness. Notice it doesn’t say, “Ask for forgiveness.” Think about it: If, as a Christian, you’re asking God for forgiveness, at what point will He tell you, “It’s okay; I’ve forgiven you”? You’ll probably keep asking for forgiveness, and you’ll never know whether you’ve been forgiven or not.

But the Bible says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). To be justified means to be declared not guilty. We’ve been justified according to the Scriptures; meaning God has declared us not guilty of our sins; He paid the full penalty for our sins through Jesus Christ.

Therefore, refuse to be “sin-conscious”; rather, have “righteousness consciousness.” If you’ve done something wrong, be bold to receive forgiveness. Say, “Father, I receive forgiveness for that which I’ve done wrong, in the Name of Jesus,” and walk guilt-free. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the full package of salvation I’ve received in Christ. I walk in boldness, knowing that I’m justified, unblameable and irreproachable in your sight. I’m conscious of my nature of righteousness, and I walk in the light of it, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Acts 26:16-18* But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Ephesians 1:7-8 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Colossians 1:13-14 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Titus 3:1-15,
Jeremiah 31-32

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 8:33-43,
2 Kings 23
Affirmationtrain
WORSHIP THE LORD WITH YOUR OFFERINGS BY PASTOR CHRIS.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29).
Some people have the wrong idea that whenever they give an offering in Church, they’re making a donation to support the Church. No, your offering isn’t a donation but an oblation. It’s an act of worship. It’s a testimony of your faith in the living God. When you give your offering, you’re testifying to God from your spirit, to your own spirit, and to demons and devils of darkness, of your faith in the living God; there’s a spiritual connection.
Of course there’re donations you can give to support the Church and its work, and those special donations can be called for. But there’s a difference between your offering, tithe, your seeds of faith and donations. Donations are also blessed. Whatever you give in the Name of the Lord is blessed of God.
For example, the Bible says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” (Proverbs 19:17). So, when you give to the poor, the Lord marks it, because you’re lending to Him, and He’ll repay you, because that poor man can’t pay you back. So, He blesses you for it.
Much more than that, however, your offerings to God are sacred. It’s something you’re required to do because He’s God. And there’s nobody that can’t give an offering to God, because if you look around you, you’ll see what God has blessed you with. He’s done so much in your life, for which He deserves all praise, worship, and adoration. Giving your offerings is one of the ways to worship and appreciate Him for all He’s done in your life.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I extol your majesty, and worship you with all my heart. You alone deserve my praise and unalloyed devotion. With joy in my heart, I give you praise and worship you with my oblations, God of heaven and earth. Blessed be your Name forever!
•GET MORE: http://app.rhapsodyofre
alities.org/reader/242

The Peoples Democratic Party caucus at the House of Representatives on Sunday tackled President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the recall of the former Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina.

It said the development was an indication that the anti-corruption war of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government had weakened.
According to the caucus, the Maina saga will gradually destroy the APC ahead of the 2019 general elections such that the PDP will become the ultimate beneficiary.

The caucus released its position after it rounded off a meeting in Abuja.

The Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Mr. Chukwuka Onyema, who signed a statement on behalf of the caucus, noted that the Buhari government provided the PDP with opportunities to use against the majority party in 2019.

The group added that the focus of the party right now was to pick a national chairman, who would unite all PDP members to take on the APC in 2019.
The statement read partly, “The ‘Mainagate scandal’, where someone being sought by INTERPOL was not only smuggled into power but given double promotion and mind-boggling security protection in a country where many deserving civil servants are being passed over, is truly dumbfounding.
“The shocking re-emergence of the wanted former Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, who was sacked by the PDP government and declared a fugitive, says a lot about the dark undercurrents of the APC government.

“The involvement of part of the Presidency’s cabal in making funds and security details available to Maina, deserves being further investigated, while all those officials implicated should either resign or get sacked now.


SOURCE:  http://punchng.com/2019-mainas-recall-wi...ps-caucus/

Argentina were advised by senior players of their national team led by captain Lionel Messi to settle for a friendly game against Nigeria ahead of Azerbaijan and Ukraine.



                    Messi.

The FA in Argentina were in talks with Azerbaijan and also Ukraine for a friendly game after securing a high profile friendly against host of next year World Cup Russia, and talks were at an advanced stage before they settled for Nigeria.

Nigeria were originally looking for a game against Argentina next year but the plan was brought forward after senior players in the team decided on facing the Super Eagles ahead of Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

“ It’s normal for the FA to speak with the coach, who will then inform the players through the captain about any friendly game and venue. It’s so in Argentina because most of the players have to travel long miles because of their locations”, South America football expert Tim Martin said

“The players were asked to choose between Nigeria, Azerbaijan and Ukraine, the latter duo were the preferred choice of the FA due to their proximity to Russia, but the players pushed for a game against Nigeria to have a taste of something different.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/mess...ne-eagles/

Real Madrid suffered a backlash on the field rather than from an expected hostile atmosphere amid political turmoil in Catalonia as they slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at Girona on Sunday.

Goals from Cristhian Stuani and Portu in four second-half minutes cancelled out Isco’s opener for Madrid as Real fell eight points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after just 10 games.

 Madrid were making their first appearance in the deeply divided region since a violence marred October 1 referendum plunged Spain into political crisis. As a reported one million people joined a rally in Barcelona in favour of Spanish unity on Sunday, just over 100 kilometres away in the pro-independence heartland of Girona, the visitors were expected to receive a hostile reception.

“Girona FC’s victory against one of the greatest teams in the world is an example and a benchmark for many situations,” Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who was deposed by the Spanish government as president of the regional parliament on Friday, posted on Twitter.

However, it was events on the field that proved far more troublesome for Zinedine Zidane’s men as they lost more ground on rivals Barca in the Liga title race.

“We know we can turn this around. We will have better days and our rivals will lose points over the course of the season,” insisted Zidane. “There is nothing more we can do, and we know that sooner or later things will turn. There is a long way to go and I am not worried.”

Chants in favour of independence and “freedom” reverberated around the 13,500 capacity Montlivi in the 17th minute as is common at Girona and Barcelona home matches to mark the fall of Catalonia in the Spanish War of Succession in 1714. However, with plenty of Madrid fans present, there were also plenty of Spanish flags on show.

In their first ever match against the European champions, Girona looked keen to make a mark from the outset and were desperately unlucky not to go in front when Pablo Maffeo’s cross came back off the inside of the post 12 minutes in.

Seconds later, though, the ball was in the Girona net as Madrid broke immediately upfield and Isco tapped home the rebound after Bono parried Cristiano Ronaldo’s initial effort.


– Girona reap rewards – Girona continued to dominate the game and hit the woodwork again before half-time when Portu’s flicked header looped over Kiko Casilla and back off the inside of the post.

“We played very well and hit the post twice in the first-half,” said match winner Portu.

“We knew that if we continued to press them hard as a team then you get your rewards in football.”



Real suffered an injury blow days before they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Wednesday as Raphael Varane was replaced by Nacho at half-time due to a muscular problem.

And the French international’s presence at the heart of the Madrid defence was badly missed as Stuani jinked past Nacho to fire Girona deservedly level nine minutes into the second-half.

Just four minutes later, Girona were in dreamland as Maffeo’s driven cross was flicked home by Portu and the goal was allowed to stand despite the striker appearing to be in an offside position.

“We can’t make excuses,” Madrid midfielder Casemiro told BeIN Sports Spain.

“We have to keep our heads because it is a difficult moment. “We still have a chance but we need to play better and work harder. Madrid are always obliged to win.”

Stuani had a huge chance to make the game safe when chipped the ball beyond Casilla and wide of the far post.

Yet, rather than mount a late comeback as they did so often on route to a first La Liga and Champions League double for 59 years last season, Madrid looked short of energy and ideas in the final half hour as Girona held out for a famous victory.

 

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/real...catalonia/

Sex makes you happier. There’s no doubt about that. Researchers once found out that people who had sex at least once a week were 44 percent more likely to be happy than people who didn’t.
In case you didn’t know, having a great sex life takes work and practice. But it’s totally worth it in the end. Try out new positions and put some effort into this beautiful thing, and you’d be surprised which ones you and your partner would end up being obsessed with.
Here are 10 positions to try the next time you’re “getting down and dirty”. Do one every week, starting this weekend, and you’d be done by the end of the year and start the new year with positions you will rock the year with!

https://guardian.ng/life/love-and-relati...2017-ends/

Nigerian Army on Sunday confirmed an ambush by suspected bandits against its anti terrorism team on Friday around Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.


Army Spokesman, Brig-Gen. Sanni Kukasheka Usman, made the confirmation on telephone.
He, however, said none of the soldiers was killed during the attack.

Kukasheka also said the army headquarters was still gathering intelligence on the unfortunate development.

Bandits had continued to terrorise innocent citizens in the state, especially in rural communities but troops of Nigerian Army made their criminal operations uncomfortable.

A source at the 223 Light Tank Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Gusau, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that one soldier was wounded and two operational vehicles were burnt by the hoodlums.
The source also said a number of the hoodlums were killed by soldiers, while some escaped with bullet wounds.

“Soldiers are on top of the situation,’’ the source insisted.

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/news/army-confirms-a...n-zamfara/

Alhaji Balarabe Musa, a former governor of Old Kaduna has disagreed with a Former head of state, Yakubu Gowon over his statement that Nigeria cannot be restructured.
Gowon earlier stated that due the fact that Nigeria had over 500 ethnic groups with different dialects and languages, it would be practically impossible to restructure. Reacting to the statement, Musa blamed the current problems facing the country on the failure to continue with the 3Rs, reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation which was instituted by Gowon himself after the 1967 civil war.He said;
"If Nigeria had maintained the 3R policy introduced, this wouldn’t have happened.So our own idea of restructuring is first to reconcile Nigerians so that they can commit themselves to one united nation. The second thing we have in mind is political reconstruction in which we will return to the regional arrangements, by having three viable regions as federating unit, as opposed to the present thirty-six states of the country, because they not viable."
He added: "In regional arrangement where we have 6 states for instance, with rich regional government, having their own constitution and federating unit, whereby they manage their own affairs they have the resources at their disposal, they will not have to be depending on the federal government.
The other restructuring we required is economic restructuring, the government at every level should play it role in the economy, in order to ensure stability, peace and equality for the development of the whole country. This is our idea of restructuring.
And that is why we don’t need 36 states, we want to return to the 1963 constitution, whereby our regional government with their constitution will constitute the federating unit, were eastern, western and northern region was viable enough and even the middle east that came later was viable, as compared with the federal 36 states.
If any region wants, they can create more states and local government, if they want, provided they create them without depending on the center.So am not in support of what Gowon said, restructuring is possible and is even desirable."
https://politicsngr.com/2017/10/29/gowon...arabe-musa

Biyi Adegoroye and Ola James
Against the backdrop of the recent invitation of former President Goodluck Jonathan by a Federal High Court and sundry statements made against his person, a Niger Delta Commentator and Ijaw leader, Hon. Kennedy Orubebe, has said that Nigeria will burn if the former President is arrested.
Speaking to Sunday Telegraph in Warri, Delta State, Orubebe, a founding member of the Federated Niger Delta Izon Communities (FNDIC) and PANDEF, said any effort to probe the ex-President should commence with thorough investigation into all sleaze practices carried out under previous Presidents and Heads of state.
Orubebe said: “I vehemently say that for them to make any mistake of arresting Jonathan will not augur well for the present government. But we know that past Presidents and Heads of State in the country have committed a lot of atrocities against this country and nobody raised an eyebrow. I repeat if Buhari’s government makes any attempt to arrest President Jonathan, it will not be taken kindly particularly by the Ijaws. In fact, the country will burn.
“I know for sure that Buhari’s government will not arrest Jonathan. So, let’s leave it like that. But in case it happens, the entire Niger Delta will boil and Buhari will not be comfortable wherever he is. In fact, government should not think of that.
“Although Jonathan ignored his people when he was in power and developed the North, be that as it may, let this government remember that he (Jonathan) came from somewhere because he remains our son no matter what.
“If the government wants to make any arrest, they should start from the past Presidents and Heads of State that did something unconstitutional against this country. I remember that Chief Obasanjo’s name was mentioned in the Halliburton scandal; so, they should not think of arresting Dr. Jonathan because it will backfire seriously on them.”
He decried what he referred to as disparaging statements made against Jonathan by Buhari’s aides, stating that that was uncalled for. According to him, there is nothing unusual about opposition party speaking against politics of the incumbent, provided they are based on facts.
He advised Jonathan, however, to maintain a dignified silence and feel free to offer advice privately to President Buhari when need be, even as he (Jonathan) should speak out when his government or person is being vilified or Nigerians are fed with lies about him.
https://newtelegraphonline.com/2017/10/n...s-orubebe/

Alhaji Buba Galadima, a Board of Trustees, BoT, member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari has described some Agricultural policies of the current Federal government as “mere propaganda.”
He said this while faulting a claims that the Buhari’s government has used Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to grant farmers loan and financial enablement.
Galadima insisted that the current Agricultural policies of the Buhari’s government is not being felt by farmers in the country.
Speaking with The Sun, the APC Chieftain said, “No, no, there are people from certain parts of the country that can never get loan or assistance from the government.
“I have been looking for some amount of money, I gave out my C of O, certificate of my farm and office that amounts to over N500m, yet no bank was able to grant me N16m loan . I had to sell my property to get some money.
“So what government is doing in the area of farming is mere propaganda, I have not seen anything on ground.
“I wrote to the Minister of Agriculture that I needed to buy certain farm equipment and agricultural facilities, he is yet to reply my letter four months after.
“I had a late planting and I am suffering that as the rain has suddenly seized. If this type of treatment is being given to me, how about the man in the village who cannot reach the minister of agriculture or anybody?”
http://dailypost.ng/2017/10/28/buharis-p...ladima/amp

No fewer than 35,000 members from the People Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kogi state.
Leading thousands of supporters, the member representing Lokoja II in the Kogi State House of Assembly Honourable Idris Ndakwo said his defection to the ruling party marked the end of PDP in Kogi State.
He said his decision to move to APC was conceived from the development recorded by the new direction agenda championed by governor Yahaya Bello.
The lawmaker stressed that governor Yahaya Bello had brought an enviable new dimension to politics in Kogi State.
While emphasizing that his defection to the party will attract development and bring democracy to his people, Ndakwo added that, “the crowd that turned out today is an indication that come 2019, Kogi State is for APC, both at the Federal and the State level.”
Receiving the decampees, the deputy governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba, said “before 2019 general election, I am optimistic to see the remaining PDP members in Kogi State House of Assembly to join the winning party, APC”.
Source: http://RationalTV.blogspot.in/2017/10/ra...ct-to.html

Codelia Mondela, Court Reporter
A 65-YEAR-OLD woman from Nkayi told a court that after raping her twice, her alleged rapist aged 20, told her she now belonged to him.
He then fell asleep in her blankets.
The woman said the man, who is her neighbour, strangled her and asked her if uyajusa (taking ARV medication).
She told the court that she tried to fight back and bit him on his lower lip, but he overpowered her.
The man, she said, raped her while putting on a condom but later tossed it away saying that it disturbed him.
“After he fell asleep in my blankets, I picked up my two-year-old grandchild and fled to my neighbour’s homestead. He woke up and fled before we returned,” she said.
“I am even afraid to sleep in my home or to make eye contact with him because of what he did to me”.
The man pleaded not guilty to rape when he appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Trynose Utahwashe who remanded him in custody to November 2 for continuation of trial.
The man said there was no way he could have raped the woman as she was the same age as his mother.
He said: “There was no way I could have had an erection for you at your age.”
Prosecuting, Mr Robin Mukura said the man raped the old woman on March 25 when she was sleeping in her homestead.
He said he grabbed her by the neck, threatened to axe her and raped her.
“After raping her, the man fell asleep in the old woman’s bedroom. She fled from her homestead and sought refuge at another neighbour’s homestead,” Mr Mukura said. — @MondelaC.
http://www.chronicle.co.zw/rapist-neighb...-blankets/

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Kwara command on Monday paraded one Ahmed Olalekan for parading himself as a medical doctor. Olalekan who hails from lgbayeodo-Otin LGA of Osun State was arrested in Aboto, Kwara State.
.
Parading the suspect, the NSCDC Commandant in Kwara, Mr Adeyinka Ayinla, said the suspect was arrested on October 19 for allegedly claiming to be a doctor. While supposedly treating a blind man, the fake doctor transferred N290,000 into his personal account.
.
He however ran out of luck when the patient’s son went to make a withdrawal on behalf of his father, but discovered that there was no money left in the account.
.
He subsequent request for a statement of the account then showed that the fake doctor carried out the withdrawal. He was only discovered to have no qualification after his arrest.
source: http://www.pressnewsng.com.ng/2017/10/fa...after.html

The Bible speaks of angels and demons. Can these spirit creatures be real? Can they affect your life?
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magaz...ian-angel/

                              zidane

Real Madrid will travel “as normal” coach Zinedine Zidane insisted for their La Liga clash at Girona on Sunday (1515GMT) despite the political turmoil engulfing Catalonia.


Spain moved Saturday to assert direct rule over the deeply divided region, whose parliament voted in favour of unilateral declaration on independence from Spain on Friday.


 “It doesn’t need to be a special game for us,” insisted Zidane on Saturday. “It’s a league game we’re going to play tomorrow, and that’s it. You have to think about the game, not the context. “Of course, we follow and we look at the situation, but we are only focusing on tomorrow’s match.”

The city of Girona just over 100 kilometres (62 miles) northeast of Barcelona is a hotbed of pro-Independence support and the birthplace of deposed regional leader Carles Puigdemont.

However, on Madrid’s first appearance in Catalonia since a violence-marred referendum on independence that sparked weeks of political crisis on October 1, Zidane tried to play down the signficance of the European champions’ visit.

“I see only one thing, the game tomorrow and nothing else,” the Frenchman continued.

“There is a lot of noise on the outside, which I am not going to get involved in.

“I am only concentrated on the game, we will travel and what matters to me is what we do on the pitch.”

Madrid will fly to Catalonia later on Saturday, but their official team bus will not be making the journey to carry them from the hotel to the stadium as is common on trips to Catalonia.

“It won’t be the first time that this has happened and there is no need to give it any further importance,” Real’s Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueno, told Spanish sports daily Marca.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/busi...ip-zidane/

       Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday declared his stand on raging issues, including corruption, tribalism and religion which he said were the key problems hampering Nigeria’s development.


Osinbajo also talked on restructuring of Nigeria and agreed that “states should have more opportunities to develop themselves’’.


Osinbajo spoke at a crowded Lagos conference, tagged: “Towards a Better Nigeria,’’ organised by leading Nigerian pastors. He, however, did not elaborate on his statement on restructuring but recalled that the ruling APC party had two years ago talked about standing for devolution of powers. “The APC manifesto in 2015 talked about devolution of powers and Nigeria may do more work to ensure that states are generating more income and people are paying more taxes.’’

Osinbajo decried the failure of Christian leaders in Nigeria to chart an agenda that would help to rid the country of vices. “The key to development in Nigeria is the church. It is the church that will begin the process of unity by uniting itself first. “What Nigeria needs is already written in the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Osinbajo said that to build a new Nigeria, “we need people of integrity, hard work and people with love for the country. “It is this tribe that can configure the argument for change in Nigeria. The corrupt Nigerian elites are one tribe. “In sharing their loot, they neither bring in ethnicity nor religion but only use such to create misunderstandings that will benefit themselves.

“The reason Nigeria is where it is today is because people do not really care. It is time people should stand up for what is right and join the fight against corruption. “Corruption has become the rule in Nigeria and this must stop. It did not start with this administration and it is yet to stop.

On the Fulani herdsmen palaver, the vice-president said that “contrary to opinions that it began because the president is Fulani, in 1996, there were issues between herdsmen and some communities in Gombe.

“This issue has been on through the years. Giving the impression that it is a phenomenon because a Fulani man is president is wrong.

“Even in 2014, there were reported herdsmen issues in Nigeria.”

On alleged lop-sided appointments in the country, Osinbajo said it was time that Nigerians begun to look at merit rather than tribe or religion.

“It is easy to say that appointments are lop-sided if one set of appointments come or that it is not balanced. It is on record that Ogun State has the highest number of heads of agencies and parastatals in Nigeria, followed by Imo.

“Borno, Sokoto and Yobe States that voted heavily for the APC in the 2015 presidential election do not have a senior minister in the administration.

“Most people, who think that the north is favoured or better because the president is from there will have a re-think when they visit northern Nigeria.

“The north is the poorest part of Nigeria in every way. There are over 2.3 million displaced people. The north is ravaged by diseases and Boko Haram.

“Many people’s perception will change if they visited the north.’’ On the Ibrahim Magu controversy, the vice-president said that Magu remained a competent man, saying: “we must insist on merit even when many do not believe in that.

“We are never going to get this country to where we want it to be. In football, we don’t ask where we come from because we want to win.

“It is only in Nigeria that we look for state quotas first instead of merit.”

Commenting on an alleged plan by the present administration to start taxing churches, Osinbajo said that a bill on the issue was sponsored by some civil society groups.

“The bill is currently being debated in the National Assembly. There is no plan by the government to get churches to pay tax.’’

On the Islamic Development Bank, he explained that Nigeria did not become a member of the bank during the present administration.

“Buhari does not own the bank. Nigeria became a member in 2008. The first and present directors of the bank are Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Kemi Adeosun and they are Christians.

“Nigeria is just a shareholder and like any business we make use of the profit we get from there.”

On IPOB and Operation Python Dance, Osinbajo explained that everything done was geared towards safeguarding the unity of Nigeria.

“If we begin to have reprisal attacks in Nigeria, we may be facing war. We must be careful to avoid the hostilities degenerating,” he said.

Also speaking, Bishop Mike Okonkwo of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, advised churches in Nigeria to embark on human capital development.

He said that it was time for the church to change its perspective on issues of governance and contribute their quota to nation building.

The conference was convened by Pastor Yomi Kasali of the Greater Nigeria Pastors Conference.

Over 1,000 pastors from across the country attended the event.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/osin...sm-others/

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY, 29TH OCTOBER.

Pastor Chris

TOPIC ✨ WORSHIP THE LORD WITH YOUR OFFERINGS✨

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29).

Some people have the wrong idea that whenever they give an offering in Church, they’re making a donation to support the Church. No, your offering isn’t a donation but an oblation. It’s an act of worship. It’s a testimony of your faith in the living God. When you give your offering, you’re testifying to God from your spirit, to your own spirit, and to demons and devils of darkness, of your faith in the living God; there’s a spiritual connection.

Of course there’re donations you can give to support the Church and its work, and those special donations can be called for. But there’s a difference between your offering, tithe, your seeds of faith and donations. Donations are also blessed. Whatever you give in the Name of the Lord is blessed of God.

For example, the Bible says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again”*_ (Proverbs 19:17). So, when you give to the poor, the Lord marks it, because you’re lending to Him, and He’ll repay you, because that poor man can’t pay you back. So, He blesses you for it.

Much more than that, however, your offerings to God are sacred. It’s something you’re required to do because He’s God. And there’s nobody that can’t give an offering to God, because if you look around you, you’ll see what God has blessed you with. He’s done so much in your life, for which He deserves all praise, worship, and adoration. Giving your offerings is one of the ways to worship and appreciate Him for all He’s done in your life.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I extol your majesty, and worship you with all my heart. You alone deserve my praise and unalloyed devotion. With joy in my heart, I give you praise and worship you with my oblations, God of heaven and earth. Blessed be your Name forever!

FURTHER STUDY: Psalm 96:8 Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Psalm 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I shew the salvation of God.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Titus 1-2,
Jeremiah 29-30

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 8:22-32,
2 Kings 21-22
Affirmationtrain
# AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 29TH OCTOBER.
I affirm that God has blessed me with an understanding of His Word. My heart is a fruitful ground for the Word. The Word of God is alive in my heart and in my mouth! I am set on the course on which I must follow, fulfilling my divine destiny in Christ. My life is programmed by the Word of God. My mind is blessed to think excellent thoughts! No evil or negative imagination has a place in my heart! My mind is inundated with the Word, with which I prevail over all the fiery darts of the enemy! I have the mind of Christ, for He has been made unto me wisdom. Hallelujah. I am mightily blessed of Lord! My words are wholesome, filled with grace and seasoned with salt. They’re producing life in my body, career, business, ministry, family, and all that concerns me. I am a success and I win always. Glory to God. Hallelujah!
•JOIN US
https://theinnercitymission.ngo/
endchildpovertynow/?dept=affirm
•READ YOUR "ROR" HERE
http://app.rhapsodyofrealities.org/reader/242
This is something to shout about. Keep saying it, don't stop talking it. Remember, your mouth is the edge of a weapon. Refuse to be quiet
You can now reach us on:
affirmationtrain@minister.com
God bless you.

                       Evans


Lagos state government yesterday filed a fresh charge of murder and attempt to commit murder against billionaire kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans. Evans had earlier been arraigned at an Ikeja High Court charged with kidnapping where he pleaded guilty but has now changed his plea to not guilty.


Two separate charges were subsequently filed against him at a Lagos High Court, sitting in Igbosere In the first charge, Evans was accused alongside one Victor Aduba on a four-counts charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms. They were accused of conspiracy and kidnapping one Mr Sylvanus Hafia.

In the second charge, Evans was accused with three other defendants — Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze, and Udeme Upong of a seven-count charge bordering on murder, attempt to commit murder, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms. The kidnap kingpin however filed a motion on notice asking the court to quash the two separate charges containing 11 counts filed against him arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

Arguing the motion, Evans’ counsel, Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje told the court that his application was brought pursuant to Section 55 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2015 and Sections 36 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution. He said in the first charge which contained four-counts, “the first and second counts which border on alleged kidnapping, constituted gross abuse of court’s process because the defendant had been charged with same offence before Justice Hakeem Oshodi in Ikeja. “We are saying, even if there are different victims on same offence, why can’t the prosecution bring the charge together for same judge to hear and determine.” Ogungbeje also brought the issue of counts three and four, bordering on unlawful possession of firearms, saying that there was repetition of same offence on both counts.

He argued that “unlawful possession of firearms which the defendants were being tried for is a federal offence which should be prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). “We have checked through the court’s processes to see if there is a fiat from the AGF, authorising Lagos State to prosecute a federal offence, there is none,” Ogungbeje said. He also argued in the same manner regarding the second charge which bordered on seven-counts charge of murder, attempt to commit murder, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms. Ogungbeje said counts one, two and three were based on murder, adding that before murder could be sustained, there must be evidence to prove that someone was killed.

He contended that, “in the proof of evidence before the court, there is no police investigation, a forensic evidence or a documentary evidence to buttress these points”. Ogungbeje also said counts four and five were based on kidnapping which the defendants have been charged with, thereby making the charge repetitive. He also said that counts six and seven were based on same sale and transfer of firearms, describing it as repetitive and duplicitous. “We are submitting that the charge is an abuse of court process and is prejudicial to the defendants”, he submitted Other counsel representing the other defendants, Mr Emmanuel Ochai, and Ogedi Ogu, however, with the submissions of Ogungbeje.

However, Ogu, who represented the third defendant, Chiemeka Arinze, asked the court to remand the defendants in prison to enable Arinze get medical help. The Prosecutor, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, however, urged the court to dismiss all the arguments made by the defendant’s counsel. She said that there was no abuse of court process in the way the case was instituted because a count should contain only one offence. She said that the co-defendants in the case, the time and place the offences were committed should also be taken into cognizance while drafting a charge.

“The offences were committed in different places, the victims are different and the co-defendants are different. “I submit there are sufficient grounds to prosecute the defendants, the charges are drafted in accordance with provisions of ACJL. It is not feasible to bring the case before one court for reasons of logistics, it will make the case of the prosecution difficult to proof”, Shitta-Bey argued Shitta-Bey also said that the prosecution had the fiat of the AGF, adding that the fiat was a general fiat obtained in January and it was attached to the proof of evidence. Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, however, remanded the defendants in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons and adjourned the case till Nov. 10 for ruling on the application.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/evan...ed-murder/

There was confusion in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State on Friday, following an alleged food poison that claimed three lives.
DAILY POST gathered that the deceased died after eating yam flour, also known as Amala in the local parlance.

According to a source in the town, who confided in our reporter, about eight people consumed the local delicacy.
He said four of them were still lying critically ill in the hospital.
The corpses of the deceased have since been deposited at the morgue belonging to the Osun State General Hospital at Asubiaro in Osogbo, for further medical investigation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Health in the state, Dr Rafiu Isamotu, while contacted said the situation was under control.

Isamotu opined that there was no cause for alarm as all necessary mechanism had been put in place to unravel the real cause of the incident.
He added that preliminary investigation had revealed that the family members had been eating from the same yam flour in the past weeks and that the poison in the food could be in the stew.

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL (OCTOBER PDF => http://bit.ly/2cuJG6M

*YOUR FAITH-RESPONSE TO THE WORD .*

Saturday, October 28th .
Pastor Chris

_*For no word from God shall be void of power (Luke 1:37 ASV).*_

God’s Word comes to you with the power to produce in you the message it bears. His Word never comes empty; howbeit, you must receive it in faith and respond accordingly. That was what Mary did when the angel of the Lord brought her the message from God that she would give birth to the Saviour, Jesus. She said, _*“…Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word…”*_ (Luke 1:38).

She trusted the message; she believed it and responded in agreement, and it worked. That’s how you respond to God. The Bible says, _*“...He hath said…so that we may boldly say…”*_ (Hebrews 13:5-6). Your faith-response is what you say as a result of God’s Word that comes to you. God didn’t give us His Word just so we can believe it, but most essentially, that we can respond to it. So, you can make your personal faith-proclamations on the basis of His Word. It’s the affirmation of it that produces results.

For example, the Word says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Your faith-response, therefore, should be, “Christ is in me; therefore, in my ministry, in my health, in my finances, in my family, job, business, academics, and in all that concerns me, the glory of God is manifest! I walk in the excellence and glory of Christ; there’s no reproach in my life!”

Psalm 23:4 says, _*“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me….”*_ Your faith-response should be, “No matter the evil or adversities, I triumph over them, because greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world.” Hallelujah!

Make the Word effectual in your life, with your faith-response.

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for the teaching of your Word, and the power in it. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who teaches me to respond rightly to the Word. I walk in righteousness, divine health, financial abundance, victory, and in your glory today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Isaiah 54:17* No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD. *||*

*||* *Romans 8:35-37* Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. *||*

*||* *Mark 11:23* For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* 2 Timothy 4:1-22,
Jeremiah 26-28

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 8:12-21,
2 Kings 19-20

*EXTRACT FROM:* http://app.rhapsodyofrealities.org/reader/34

*Act Now!!! Give someone the chance for a new start and fresh hope for tomorrow. Follow this link to Donate at least One Copy:* http://bit.ly/ror_sponsor

*Be A Partner Of Rhapsody Of Realities Today!*
Affirmationtrain
# AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 28TH OCTOBER.
I affirm that this is my month of blessings! Everything and everyone that is connected to me, are connected to blessing. The atmosphere around me is filled with divine blessings! Daily, I experience unparalleled advantage, unprecedented favor because I am an heir of blessing. I am blessed with all things that pertain to life and godliness. I am blessed with divine ideas and insight; therefore, I refuse to struggle like the natural men. The ideas of the Spirit in my heart has separated me from the ordinary men and has made room for me in places that matter. I will never fail nor become a victim of circumstances. The life and nature of God are at work in me, in every fibre of my being, in every cell of my blood and in every bone of my body. My whole being is immune to death, decay, and the corrupting influences of the world. Glory to God. Hallelujah!
•JOIN US
https://theinnercitymission.ngo/
endchildpovertynow/?dept=affirm
•READ YOUR "ROR" HERE
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This is something to shout about. Keep saying it, don't stop talking it. Remember, your mouth is the edge of a weapon. Refuse to be quiet
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God bless you.

Fugitive former militant, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has lost some of his assets to the Federal Government, temporarily, over his evasion of the court to answer fraud charges.

 
                                    Tompolo

 
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos today dismissed an appeal filed by him, seeking to set aside the decision of the Federal High Court, Lagos which empowered the EFCC to attach all the properties belonging to the ex-militant.

Justice I. N. Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos on February 19, 2016 made an order attaching Tompolo’s properties for failure to appear to answer the charges against him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on December 15, 2015 instituted a Criminal charge against Tompolo and nine others over allegations of fraud at Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

However, despite substituted service of the Court Summons effected on him, Tompolo refused to appear in Court.

Consequently, Justice Buba issued a warrant of arrest against him. Armed with the Warrant of Arrest, the Commission launched a manhunt for him, but could not effect his arrest.

On February 19, 2016, the Commission, through its counsel, Festus Keyamo, SAN, prayed the Court for an order attaching the properties of Tompolo by seizure, pending his arrest or appearance before the Court.

The court granted the Commission’s request prompting Tompolo to appeal against the decision.

However, in a unanimous judgment today, the Court of Appeal held that Tompolo cannot be heard complaining that his properties are attached by the Court below, when he has not come to answer to the summons against him.

The court held that the option available to Tompolo is to appear before the Federal High Court to apply for the order to be discharged, instead of filing the Appeal. The Court of Appeal was of the view that his private right of property has not been breached by the said order.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/fg-s...-property/

Jumia Nigeria has announced the dates and partners for its biggest sales event of the year, Jumia Black Friday 2017!

 



This year’s event is billed as the Jumia Black Friday Festival and will run for 31 days from November 13th to December 13th 2017 on http://www.Jumia.com.ng. It will be the largest shopping event in Nigeria with up to 1 million amazing deals and discounts on offer at up to 80% off. To bring customers the best deals, the e-commerce giant has partnered with Intel, Pampers, Infinix, Philips, Fero, HP, MTN, AirFrance-KLM and about 1,000 top brands.


The 2017 Jumia Black Friday will feature a first-of-its-kind event for shoppers as Jumia partners with music entertainment TV station, TRACE Naija to create the Trace Jumia MAD (Music and Deals) Fest. It’s a live event that will offer the explosive combination of Nigerian music and Black Friday frenzy for customers and attendees alike. The Trace Jumia MAD Fest will place on the 18th of November 2017 at the King’s College grounds in Victoria Island, Lagos. While registration is required, attendance is free.

Performers at the TraceJumia MAD Fest include Falz, Simi, 9ice, Mayorkun, Niniola, Lil Kesh, Sound Sultan, Skales, Pencil, DJ Xlusive, Wande Coal DJ Consequence, Nedu and a host of comedians, and musical acts will be thrilling the customers to incredible app flash sales and lots of giveaways.

Included in this year’s Jumia Black Friday shopping activities is an online wheel of fortune which churns out exclusive shopping vouchers. Also on the line-up are hourly flash sales and app-only deals with super low prices. Customers will have the opportunity to also enjoy discounts from Jumia Food and Jumia Travel.

As part of the 31 days of Jumia Black Friday, customers will have the chance to enter a lottery to win one of the five FREE AirFrance-KLM return tickets to London, 20 discounted AirFrance-KLM tickets at 35% off, and a brand new Ford Figo courtesy of Coscharis Nigeria Limited. Shoppers on http://www.Jumia.com.ng will also enjoy 10% discount off when payment is made with an FCMB bank account via JumiaPay.

While commenting on Jumia Black Friday 2017, Chief Executive Officer, Juliet Anammah stated, “We know customers are always on the lookout for the best deals. I can assure you that the Jumia Black Friday Festival 2017 will not just meet those expectations, but also provide shoppers with seamless customer experience and protections.

” Anammah said that the Jumia website would see a significant increase in inventory across all categories including: fashion, electronics, phones, computers, home, baby, health, beauty, travel and food, with up to 80% discount on regular prices on up to 1,0000,000 products from 15,000 vendor merchants.

Customers who download the Jumia mall app will also receive special vouchers and access to flash sales in addition to instant push notifications when deals go live.

Black Friday is marked around the world on the fourth Friday in November after the American Thanksgiving Day holiday. Both offline and online stores offer exclusive deals on that day. It has since become an iconic shopping event where consumers have been known to go to extremes in order to secure the best deals.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/jumi...r-nigeria/

.Cries Out: PDP Has Hijacked our Govt, has 50 % of Appointments
.Vow to Reclaim Govt from Hijackers


President Buhari with Mr Osita Okechukwu and Senator Ahmed Lawal as he receives in
courtesy call National Committee of the Buhari Support Group in State House on 27th Oct 2017

 
ABUJA – Ahead of the 2019 general election’s some prominent members of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration have called on the president to shake off all vestiges of the past administration of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP which they said now has a 50 percent share in the present administration.

  “Let me say that in the course of the jihad of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), anytime they went out for a battle, they came back with loot, but these loot, as far as my own research told me was not distributed to everybody, but to those who took the sword and faced the enemies.

“Today, with all sense of responsibility, I want to say that we have 50 percent of PDP in our government. How can we move forward with this load? How can we achieve our target with this load? It is a spoilt system and so, when you come in, you shake off everybody and bring in your own. That is what democracy is all about. Today, we have members of the PDP calling the shots. That is what we will begin to fight for, we will fight for our rightful position, our vision and our mission for this government. I am sorry to deviate into politics, but it is very essential because we are a political organisation. It is time for us to wake up from slumber and chart a course for this great nation and I believe that we can do it”, said Hamid Ali, Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Ali spoke on Friday as the Buhari Support Organisations BSO officially opened an office in the Federal Capital Territory FCT in preparation for the next general elections.

In attendance were governors of Bauchi, Mohammed Abubakar, Kogi Yahaya Bello, and Plateau State, Simon Lalong, the Ministers of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, Defence Minister, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, Niger Delta Minister, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, Sen Olorunimbe Mamora among others.

Speaking further, Ali said; “When we were there working and jumping in the streets and reaching every corner, we were shouting change, change for a better Nigeria. Now, the key word is good governance for Nigerians. We must agree that we cannot finish our four years without delivering and leaving something to be remembered for in this country for a long time to come. We have no problem with our president because he is on course.

“But I must confess here that we have been infused by people who were not part of this journey and these people are the ones that call the shots today. That is why we are derailing. If we had the right people who had the vision and have been there in and out, I believe that we will not be going the way we are going today.

“It is my belief that those of us who have been in the trenches all these years to get good governance will surely be sleeping with bellyache everyday, especially in the recent past. Everyday, when you wake up, there is a story that makes you shiver. We cannot, as a people who have fought and committed everything we had to bring this government to being sit back and allow things to happen the way they are happening.

“At the end of the day, the fingers will point at us because we were the ones who went to people and spoke to them to give us their votes. These people that are calling the shots today were not there and when the chips are down, they will disappear and melt into the system. We are the ones that will be asked to account for what happened. Are we willing to face Nigerians and tell them that we have failed? I think this is the time for us to come together, create a system that is very robust enough to fight back and take back government in our hands and ensure that we deliver.

” Ali however called on all the support groups to “go back to the study room”.

He said; “This is a commission, but it is also the beginning of the fight for good governance. We must get back to the trenches, draw our own battle plan and battle line. I enjoin you that the same commitment we had in 2015, I employ you to bear with us and commit yourself to a better future for Nigeria.

” On his own, Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong, also aligned himself with Col. Ali, noting that the present reward system of the president is to the detriment of those who worked for his emergence.

“I was sharing a joke with somebody and I said when I hear that appointments are made I look at the CVs of those people; hardly will you see some of those people say in their CVs that I was a member of BSO or member of Presidential Campaign Council. I am sure many of you too have also noticed that and if you don’t look at it continue to check, except by this arrangement it will change today.

“Let Mr. President be aware that this is the time to do it because even as governors we are also complaining in our various states, we are saying it. We complained in our states that while we are here we are sitting down we hear appointments made and then people start asking; you are the governor where is this man coming from? But when we turn right and turn left, we don’t know where such man is coming from.

 “Many people have complained. I’m sure governors have complained that we should be able to know who and who will protect Mr. President and his administration. So that when you appoint him and you find him guilty or you find him wanton, hold the governor responsible because when we established BSO we also had BSO in our own states but today when we turn back and find out that they are not enjoying, it means that something is wrong and that is the wrong we have pointed out, and we must be very brave to say it”, he said.

Bauchi state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, explained that though he was not part of the BSO at the beginning, he has never lost faith in the vision of the President, asking the supporters not to relent in their efforts.

At the event, the Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello stirred the hornet’s nest when he averred that he was following in the footsteps of the president and replicating his governance style in the state, a declaration that attracted jeering over his inability to pay workers’ salary.

The Buhari Support Organizations BSO is a coalition of over 600 groups working for the political and electoral success of President Buhari.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/2019...gn-office/

The conjoined twins before the marathon separation surgery by Indian doctors

Doctors in India have successfully separated conjoined twin boys who were attached at the skull in a marathon surgical procedure that lasted more than 36 hours and involved 40 doctors. The two-year-old twins, who suffered a rare condition occurring once in about 2.5 million births, underwent the operation at a government-run hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday.

“It was a team work of 40 doctors, 20 nurses and many other paramedical staff. Without their help this would not have been possible,” the All India Institute of Medical Science hospital said in a statement.


One of the twins after the separation


One of the surgeons involved said the most challenging aspect was repairing the holes left in the young boys’ heads after they were separated. The twins were born in a village in the eastern state of Orissa with shared blood vessels and some shared brain tissue. The twins were born in a village in the eastern state of Odisha with shared blood vessels and some shared brain tissue. They had undergone the first phase of the separation surgery in August. “The most challenging job after the separation was to provide a skin cover on both sides of the brain for the children as the surgery had left large holes on their heads,” said Maneesh Singhal, a plastic surgeon who was a part of the operating team. “The skin was generated from the expansion of two balloons which were placed inside their heads during the first surgery in August,” Singhal told AFP on Friday. “The next step will be reconstruction of their skulls,” he added. Conjoined siblings are identical twins who are born with their skin and internal organs fused together, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre website. About half are stillborn, and the survival rate is between five and 25 percent. They develop from a single egg, which splits in the case of healthy twins, but not fully in the case of conjoined siblings.

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/40-i...ned-skull/

Ado Ekiti-‎ No fewer than 5,000 out of the 10,000 members of the Okada Riders Tricycles’ Association of Nigeria(ORTAN), Ekiti chapter, possessed between National Certificate of Education and‎ Bachelor Degrees.


Governor Ayo Fayose Acknowledge the cheers for their supporters during his Thank you tour in Ado Ekiti on Friday


The Association’s State Deputy Chairman, Olusola Isola and Public Relations Officer Sikirulahi Akindipe, said the body has been able to overcome the challenge of reckless riding, leading to killing and maiming of the citizens through their partnership with the police and other security agencies.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Isola said the high number of graduates among commercial motorcyclists in the state accounted for why there is orderliness and good conducts within the body . Isola said, “We have over 10,000 members in all the 42 branches across the state and 5,000 of these population hold at least NCE, with many of them parading Bachelor degrees. This shows that there is high level of unemployment in Nigeria which the government at all levels must address”. The ORTAN boss appealed to federal government to reduce the cost of machine in Nigeria, saying the least in the market now sold for N320,000, which he described as too outrageous. He said when noticed that many Ekiti indigenes were being daily maimed by reckless riders, that the association quickly set up a Task Force to effect orderliness among members. Isola revealed that members, who were alleged of masking at dawn to rob the populace or rape them have been banned through the efforts of the task Force. “When you are caught riding recklessly or dressed shabbily or cause accident in town, you will be forced to pay a fine of N5,000 and this had helped in checking our people. “In the past, people just joined us without proper accreditation but before you can ride okada today, you will be properly accredited . You will get the State identity card, association’s membership card and get the operational logo. “All these were put in place to authenticate our members and ensure that nobody hides under okada riding to perpetrate ritual killing, rape, robbery or any other criminal tendency”, he added. On the welfare of members, Isola said: “We are presently building a State Secretariat in Ado Ekiti as part of our efforts to develop our dear state, this we are doing through the N50 will pay daily for operational ticket . ‎ “We used to intervene in the personal welfare of our people. If you have a child that is admitted into high institution and you have no money, we will borrow you. Recently, one of us gave birth to a set of triplets and we intervened in taking care of the baby. “We have also intervened in treating our members who had accidents by paying their bills. When we realized that same of our members always dress shabbily, we began a process of buying clothes for them which they pay back instalmentally”, he added. He said it will be difficult to enforce full compliance with the use of tricycle in Ekiti , because of paucity of spare parts, saying introducing this policy will automatically force many of them out of the business

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/5000...sociation/

Mothers should NOT 'vaginal seed' their babies: Transferring those body fluids could give them deadly bacteria
 
Mothers should not 'vaginal seed' their babies as transferring genitalia fluid to infants born via c-section could give them life-threatening chlamydia, an expert warns.
Some believe 'seeding', which involves smearing babies born non-vaginally with such fluid, exposes them to the vital micro-organisms they missed out on in the birth canal.
Yet, Dr Christopher Zahn from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns mothers who unknowingly carry often symptomless STIs like 'silent' chlamydia could transmit the infection to their newborns, which can cause
fatal pneumonia.
This risk outweighs the insufficient evidence suggesting exposure to 'good' bacteria in the birth canal reduces a baby's risk of developing conditions like asthma and allergies in later life, Dr Zahn said.
He added: 'Understandably, patients who may need to undergo a c-section are increasingly seeking counsel from ob-gyns on whether vaginal seeding is appropriate. However, due to the lack of sufficient data, the very real risks outweigh the potential benefits.'
Some believe exposing babies to the micro-organisms in vaginal fluid stimulates their immune systems, reducing their later risk of suffering conditions such as asthma and allergies.
When born via c-section, youngsters miss out on this exposure, prompting some mothers to vaginally seed their children by smearing their genitalia discharge across their baby's face. 
Dr Zahn warns the act could infect children with the bacteria responsible for chlamydia and gonorrhea if their mothers are unaware they have an STI.
Mothers could also potentially transmit the herpes virus, which can be symptomless in adults but fatal in newborns if it spreads to their organs.
These pathogens can also be transmitted to children born vaginally, however, the risk is more apparent when the infected fluid is directly applied to babies' faces.
According to new guidelines issued by the ACOG, there is insufficient evidence to suggest vaginal births substantially reduce the risk of babies later developing conditions like asthma over c-section deliveries, with genetics and diet likely also playing a role.
Chlamydia is known as the 'silent infection' as it often causes no symptoms, or merely induces heavy discharge or more frequent urination. 
Gonorrhoea also causes fairly generic symptoms such as abdominal tenderness and a change in vaginal discharge.
Dr Zahn said: 'Understandably, patients who may need to undergo a c-section are increasingly seeking counsel from ob-gyns on whether vaginal seeding is appropriate. However, due to the lack of sufficient data, the very real risks outweigh the potential benefits.'
He recommends women help c-section born babies overcome their lack of vaginal fluid exposure by exclusively breastfeeding them for the first six months.
Dr Zahn said: 'The bacteria present in breast milk and on the nipple is sufficient for natural colonization or seeding of the gut of newborn babies.

Source: DailyMailUK

"I’ll rather receive marriage advice from Mr and Mrs Olu Jacobs’ - Celebrity Stylist SwankyJerry

After Timi Dakolo's marriage and divorce advice yesterday, some celebrities replied him and more are still posting replies especially after the alleged amebo by that Designer 'tailor'. Award-winning celebrity stylist, Swankyjerry has waded in with his thoughts.
The super star stylist took to Instagram to advise that young people not allow the likes of Freeze and Timi mislead them, they should emulate the older generation who have obviously been married for decades like The Legend Olu Jacobs and
his loving wife Joke Sylvia.

Khloe Kardashian debuts her 5 month pregnant look in New York

Good News! Khloe Kardashian is reportedly five months pregnant with a baby boy. She wanted this so badly while still married to Lamar Odom but it never happened. Suddenly she gets pregnant at a time that she wasn't even thinking about it. That's  life.
The 33-year-old Good American Designer has gone to great lengths to hide her baby bump in
social media posts while staying silent about the numerous claims she’s pregnant with child. stunned in a black silk button-up blouse resting over her bump, which she paired with a fuzzy black coat and an army green purse. Starbucks in hand, Kardashian looked chic and confident as she strolled through the streets showing off her pregnancy style.

But while filming Keeping Up With The Kardashians in New York City on Thursday, the girlfriend of Cleveland Cavalier basketball star Tristan Thompson could not hide her baby bump as it made its debut while she modeled a silky black vest with a long fuzzy coat.
  
This filming is happening after Keeping Up with The Kardashian contract is renewed on E for a whopping $150 Million Deal.

the mama-to-be is maintaining her healthy lifestyle during her pregnancy, although “she’s hungrier than ever” now that she’s eating for two. The source added that she’s consuming “smaller meals throughout the day” to stay fit. This will be Khloe Kardashian’s first child. Thompson, 26, has a 10-month-old son named Prince Oliver from a previous relationship 
Congratulations to our favourite Kardashian.

Lagos Husband Sends Wife Packing For Moaning While Being Raped By Armed Robber
A man recently sent his wife packing because she was making ‘sweet’ moans while being raped by robbers in presence of her husband in Iyana Ejigbo area of Lagos State, Daily Post reports.
The incident, which happened around Bello Street left many people in
confusion.
It was gathered that the heavily armed gunmen had invaded their house around 3am and demanded for money.
The man, whose identity was given as Baba Eneh, a native of Owukpa in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State told the robbers that he only had N3’500 at home.
A resident of the area hinted that Baba Eneh, a road transporter begged the robbers to leave them after collecting the money, saying that they just got married and trying to settle down.
Angered by the man’s inability to provide money, the robbers descended on the wife and started raping her.
Drama occurred during the incident as instead of the woman to scream for help, she was moaning in excitement.

Quote:“Instead of her to cry for help, she was busy making some funny sounds, an indication that she was enjoying the sex, even in the presence of her husband,” the source said.

Here are photos from inside the palace of Igwe John Umenyiora of Ogbunike in Anambra state. The very wealthy monarch is the father of Okwudili Umenyiora, CEO of Dilly Motors, who is said to own one of the most expensive mansions in the Nigeria.

Some party faithfuls who paid the monarch a visit to solicit support from him and his people ahead of the November 18 election - were amazed by the opulent grandeur of the palace.





Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2017/10/igwe-john-umenyiora-of-ogbunike-palace-in-anambra-state.html

Mompha snitches on Yahoo boys and launders money for Nigerian politicians – Hushpuppi claims
The interesting thing about this drama between Hushpuppi and Mompha is that they both know themselves so well, like they were literally besties.
So, this drama will continue to be interesting until they both get tired of spilling.

Hushpuppi has fired back at Mompha after he called him out and revealed his mom is a bread seller and his dad a taxi driver.
Hushpuppi is now alleging that Mompha squandered 70million naira given to him, he snitches on Yahoo boys and launders money for Nigerian politicians. See his posts below…









Source: lailasblog.com

"Mompha" the friend of Nigeria gucci master and socialite "Hushpuppi" has taken to his social media platforms to blast hushpuppi .
According to him, hushpuppi is living fake lifestyle and he is still yet to help his Taxi Driver Daddy And Bread Seller Mom.




Source: http://www.nairaplus.com/2017/10/stop-li...-taxi.html

Treagedy struck yesterday in Ondo State as two policemen were killed by a gang of armed robbers who attacked a branch of Skye Bank Plc in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The Guardian gathered that the two policemen that were attached to the bank, whose identities were not disclosed, engaged the bandits who struck the bank in a gun duel for about 40 minutes, but were eventually overpowered. According to sources, the armed robbers attacked around 3:00p.m. after the bank had closed business for the day and carted away undisclosed sum of money.
The unfortunate incident grounded social and commercial activities in the town for over an hour, leaving residents living close to the bank to run for safety during the operation.


The robbery scene yesterday.

Treagedy struck yesterday in Ondo State as two policemen were killed by a gang of armed robbers who attacked a branch of Skye Bank Plc in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The Guardian gathered that the two policemen that were attached to the bank, whose identities were not disclosed, engaged the bandits who struck the bank in a gun duel for about 40 minutes, but were eventually overpowered. According to sources, the armed robbers attacked around 3:00p.m. after the bank had closed business for the day and carted away undisclosed sum of money.
The unfortunate incident grounded social and commercial activities in the town for over an hour, leaving residents living close to the bank to run for safety during the operation.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the gang, numbering 15, stormed the premises of the bank at the time the bank workers had already stopped transaction with customers. They recounted that the armed gang blew up the bullet-proof door of the bank with substance suspected to be dynamite before forcing their way to the banking hall.
The eyewitnesses added that on gaining entrance, the robbers carted away all the money in the bank’s vault while some of them engaged the policemen in a gun duel outside the bank. They added that stray bullets from the robbers hit and killed a man, whose identity was unknown, while receiving treatment at a clinic very close to the scene.
“They came in three vehicles and they were up to 15 in number, they were heavily armed. When they got to the bank they could not enter easily because the bank had stopped attending to customers. So they had to blow the door up with dynamite.
“For several minutes, they were shooting everywhere, two of the policemen that engaged them were killed but none of the robbers was killed during the shooting,” a source said.
However, another source stated that it was after the police called for back up and more officers were deployed to the scene of the crime to engage the bandits that they escaped with the loot.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and noted that the command had deployed more officers to the scene. He commiserated with the families of the slain officers, saying the command will release their identities after their families have been formally informed of the sad incident.


Joseph disclosed further that another contingent, led by the Commissioner for Police, Mr. Gbenga Adeyanju, had promptly gone to the local council, which is some kilometres from Akure, after receiving the information.
“It is unfortunate that we lost two of our men in the incident, but we are still on the trail of the robbers, they went to the bank with sophisticated weapon and in spite of that our men still engaged them.
“The CP led the team from Akure to the scene. It was when they (robbers) knew that we were closing in on the them that they ran away with bullets wounds. We shall get them soonest because our men are still on their trail,” he said.

"Sex is sweet" is the name of a youth church programme to be organised in Kaduna. This has been frowned at by puritans. What can you say about the image below:

‘I was in the midst of 5 married women and these happened’ – Nigerian lady shares shocking story
A Twitter user, Ifeoma Tessy, took to the platform to narrate what happened when she was in the midst of 5 women who were cheating on their husbands.
She wrote;

An attempt by a mother of two children to smuggle a phone to her boyfriend in prison custody has been foiled by the officials of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The 33-year-old woman, Fatima Balogun who has been arrested by men of the Special Intelligence Unit of the NPS, carried out the action on Wednesday at the gate lodge of Abeokuta maximum Prisons in Ibara.
The suspect confessed that she hid the phone which she bought for her boyfriend identified as Ganiyu Ajibode, in the cooler of soup from the Prisons officials. Balogun said she was a divorcee with two children before she met Ganiyu about two years back. .
The suspect who said she lived in Fagba, Iju-Saga in Lagos, said she had never visited the Prison since her boyfriend was remanded for armed robbery six months ago.
The Controller of Prisons, Ogun State command, CP Benson Abolade said the action was a threat to national security, as the suspect was arrested for trafficking in Prison, which he said was against the Prison operation.