₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari last night arrived in London, the United Kingdom capital, where he is billed to hold discussions with Prime Minister Theresa May on Nigerian – British relations.

The president who departed the shores of Nigeria from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 4p.m. yesterday, arrived in London at about 10p.m. later in the night.

His arrival in London last night was coming a week ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGOM) scheduled for April18 to 20, where he is billed to present a speech. He will meet with May ahead of the meeting.

The president will also meet the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Plc, Mr. Ben van Beurden, in connection with Shell and other partners’ plan to invest $15billion in Nigeria’s oil industry.
These investment ventures, according to presidency, will lay the foundation for the next 20 years production and domestic gas supply that will bring with it all the attendant benefits both to the economy and the wider society.

Buhari will also renew discussions with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, described by the presidency as a good friend of the president, on inter-religious harmony in Nigeria and world-wide.
He will also meet some prominent British and Nigerians residing in Britain.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/buhari-arrives-london.html

King Mswati III of Swaziland is currently mourning his eighth wife who was said to have committed suicide and was buried on the 8th of April 2018.

Senteni Masango, 37, got married to the king at the age of 18 and also bore him two children.

According to information given, she was found dead in her private palace in the early hours of the day on April 6 2018. She had also been suffering from depression and was banned by the royal court from attending her sister’s funeral.

Senteni was said to have ingested about 40 capsules of amytriptyline (anti-depressant) which caused her to overdose.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/sad-king-mswatis-wife-commits-suicide.html

Controversial Big Brother Naija housemate, Cee-c, has revealed why she constantly fights and talks in her sleep.

Nina, Lolu and Miracle had discussed they saw Cee-c having a long conversation, and fighting in her sleep.

Cee-c who has been in loggerheads with several housemates in the house, however, explained to Nina that her conversations in her sleep happens sub-consciously. She said her mother took her for prayers for her sleep issues.

She said , ‘It’s because of the issues I’m having. It’s something that happens sub-consiously. A continuation of whatever happens during the day or week.

”My mum actually took me to church for prayers in the past. So I was told to stop playing too much. It’s not spiritual .

”I am mentally, physically, emotionally stressed. I can understand why I’m always talking in my dream. I’m dealing with a lot.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-why-i-constantly-fight.html

Media mogul, Dele Momodu, has taken a swipe at the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In an article on Saturday titled, ‘The reasons Nigeria must wake up fast’, the publisher insists that the country needs a new orientation.

“We need leaders who know their onions. We need modern leaders. What belongs to antiquity must be left where it belongs. Those who want this system to continue, understand the game well.

“They are in control when the leader is weak and cannot perform. It is not about loving the old man. They just want to govern from behind. They are the faceless and unseen cabal.

“2019 cannot come and go as business as usual. It won’t be funny.

“Are we so jinxed that we keep repeating the same mistakes? Why can’t we stand up to our leaders and demand excellent performance? Why can’t we see that the world is leaving us behind and adjust quickly?

“Truth must be told, as imperfect as our politicians look, they are the ones we must manage, and manage well.

“We cannot afford to waste another four years worshipping the gods who cannot liberate us from poverty, hunger, diseases, wars, backwardness, and general retrogression.”


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/buhari-cabal-in-control-of-old-man-dele.html

The technical committee on All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) tenure elongation submitted its report on Friday.

Oyegun had on Tuesday set up the panel to examine President Muhammadu Buhari’s position.

Recall that Buhari had opposed the extension of tenure for the executive committee of the party at the national and state levels.

Submitting the report, its chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Lalong gave some insight into what the committee agreed.

He hinted that one of the recommendations was that the APC should, as a matter of urgency, “marry” all interests for the party to move forward.

Lalong also disclosed that another recommendations was that the party’s leadership must summon another NEC meeting.

“We want to assure you that at the end of the day, APC is coming back to life,” Lalong said.

Other members of the 10-member Technical Committee were: the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Barr. Boss Mustapha; Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Governor of Ondo State, Olurotimi Akeredolu, SAN; Senator Ben Uwajumogu; Hon. Kabiru Ajana; Barr. Elisha Kurah, SAN; Barr. C.J.N. Dakas, SAN and the APC National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN (Member/Secretary).


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/apc-exco-tenure-part-details-of-report.html

Nigerian media personality OAP Toolz Oniru has some words of advice and encouragement to the female Nigerian celebrities in the entertainment industry.

According to Toolz, she has a working Ethics which is getting her job done by any means but legally necessary.

She also pointed out the lack of love among Nigerian female entertainers drawing their attention back that the male are dominating them so much although she believes that change may come in that aspect.

The Curvy OAP took out time to share the secret to her successful live and wish for many female artistes to be successful at the same point as the is no law that forbids that.

“I’ve been lucky to have some amazing opportunities come my way, but I’ve also realized the importance of deliberately building a brand. Know and maximize your strengths. My work ethic is to get the job done by any (legal) means necessary! I hate excuses, and I hate being in the position where I have to make excuses. The entertainment industry is still very male-dominated, which is a big shame, but it is gradually changing. Women definitely support each other, but I find that we are often pitted against each other. With regards to artists, for example, it’s almost like there’s an unwritten rule that there can only be one successful female artist at a time which is ridiculous; There’s room for plenty. In this day and age, you have to make sure you have exposure on all or most trending platforms.” She said.

Toolz is not the first to issue lack of love among Nigerian female celebrities unlike their male counterparts and that is the reason the male entertainers are dominating the industry.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/toolz-oniru-reveals-secret-of-her.html

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has revealed what injured player, Mohamed Salah told him concerning his injury after the stunning 3-0 bashing of Manchester City in the Champions League quarter final first leg on Wednesday.

The Egyptian scored his 38th goal of the season to help Liverpool clinch a 3-0 win at Anfield but hobbled off in the second-half.

He was seen holding his groin before being assessed by the medical team and headed straight down the tunnel.

The 25-year-old later returned to sit with his teammates on the bench.

Liverpool play rivals Everton on Saturday, before travelling to the Etihad for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

Asked whether Salah suffered a groin injury against City, Klopp told BT Sport, “I hope not… he said to me immediately after the game: ‘all fine, all good’.

“I hope that’s the case, we need to wait and hope.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/champions-league-what-salah-told-me.html

Nigerian rapper Olamide alias Baddo has hinted on collaborating very soon with the newly evicted house mate Teddy A on a new project.

Olamide Baddo has just declared that he is about to release a new song with evicted BBNaija housemate Teddy A.

Many open doors seem to be opening for the ex-housemate as many celebrities have made their interest in working with him in the studio, from Iyanya, ex-housemate Bisola to even fashionista Noble Igwe.

Olamide wrote through his official twitter handle saying:

“About to drop some new shit with my bro @iamteddya anticipate and @oladipsoflife o sure.” Olamide wrote.

The post has been deleted by Olamide even after it had already gone viral.Nigerian rapper Olamide alias Baddo has hinted on collaborating very soon with the newly evicted house mate Teddy A on a new project.

Olamide Baddo has just declared that he is about to release a new song with evicted BBNaija housemate Teddy A.

Many open doors seem to be opening for the ex-housemate as many celebrities have made their interest in working with him in the studio, from Iyanya, ex-housemate Bisola to even fashionista Noble Igwe.

Olamide wrote through his official twitter handle saying:

“About to drop some new shit with my bro @iamteddya anticipate and @oladipsoflife o sure.” Olamide wrote.

The post has been deleted by Olamide even after it had already gone viral.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/teddy-to-get-collaboration-with-olamide.html

Olakunle Churchill who is the former husband of Nigerian actress Tonto Dikeh has given back to the society in a bid to help reduce illiteracy level in the country.The students of University of Lagos were all filled with joy and excitement after the kind gesture showered on them.

It was a celebration galore for the UNILAG students as the Big Church Foundation extended its scholarship scheme to the institution through its Ambassador Praiz.

This was part of the Praiz Live In UNILAG concert exercise which was held last week at the staff school Hall which recorded overwhelming presence of ‎students who were thrilled by the performance of the Big Church Project Ambassador Praiz with his A’list artist friends.

There was no better moment of excitement for the10 lucky students of UNILAG as they were presented with the scholarship certificate and donation courtesy of Big Church Foundation.

The scholarship project by Big Church Foundation is a brainchild of Dr. Olakunle Churchill and a continuation of his youth and students empowerment programe across higher institutions and ‎primary schools in the country, as recorded with University Of Abuja, Northern institutions and Ondo state primary schools.

The famous charity NGO which has impacted lives in Nigeria and other African countries has listed several primary and secondary schools in Dutse and Bwari area Council in FCT to offer about 200 scholarship to their pupils all throughout their academic year after the Easter celebration, With advanced plans to partner with Anambra state government to offer scholarship to students from the different universities in the state.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/olakunle-churchill-gives-away.html

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against consumption of imported rice smuggled into the country.

Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, issued this caution during a media briefing in Lagos on Monday.

Mohammed said the government could not guarantee the healthy status of the rice, having spent months on the high seas and warehouses.

He appealed to Nigerians to complement the efforts of the government by consuming only locally-grown and processed rice which he said “is fresher, tastier and healthier’’.

“We don’t know where or how imported rice is made or how old it is. It is reported that most of the rice dumped on us are old and probably rejected. The citizens of those countries do not eat this rice. The citizens of Benin Republic also do not eat it. But they send it to us.

“Unhealthy foods are dangerous to our health. So, let’s eat what we can vouch for,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed said smuggled rice was primarily sourced from Thailand and India and came into Nigeria through the country’s borders with Benin, Niger and Cameroon.

“In Benin Republic, the total demand for white rice (white rice is consumed in Benin, against parboiled rice in Nigeria) is 400,000 MT. Yet, the country with a population of about 11 million imports between one million and 1.2m MT of rice annually,” he said.

“Who are they importing for? Nigerians, of course. In fact, as Nigeria’s rice import falls, Benin’s rice imports increase. Most of the parboiled rice imported by Benin eventually land in Nigeria through smuggling,” he added.

The Minister added that smuggled rice costs between N11,000 and N13,000 per 50kg bag, while Nigerian-processed rice sells for between N14,500 and N15,000 per 50kg bag.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/fg-warns-nigerians-over-imported-rice.html

Disturbed by the current economic hardship, political divisions and insecurity of lives and property which threaten Nigerians, Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev Dr.Owen Nwokolo, has encouraged Nigerians to preserve and wait for the Lord as, according to him, “God will soon surprise the nation.”

Bishop Nwokolo, who stated this in his homily to mark Easter Sunday Service at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State, explained that the presence of God is very much more nearer to Nigerians now than they ever imagined.

The Bishop said that irrespective of the many adversities confronting the nation the people are enveloped by the presence of God and his angels, adding that God has promised endangered Nigerians divine victory over their human, material and non-material enemies.

“God will manifest to Nigerians in a special, unexpected way. He has promised that he will be with us till the end of the edges,” the bishop assured.

The Bishop had in the homily titled ‘Interesting Gleams from the Resurrection’, likened God’s prophesied visitation to the unexpected Resurrection of Christ, an event of which he said came as a surprise to Christ’s disciples.

“The disciples had lost hope that Christ would live again. The two female disciples were just going to dress up the corpse of Jesus. They least expected he would be alive again. But, lo and behold, when they got to the tomb, they were surprised to meet an empty grave.

“Most Nigerians who now think that all hope is lost will likewise be surprised when God will turn things around for the nation.

“The women were almost discouraged by the stone over Christ’s tomb, especially [concerning] would roll it away for them to enter and embalm their master. But how that stone was rolled away was itself a surprise to them. And so this very big stone exerting this unbearable weight on Nigerians will likewise be miraculously rolled away for us to our uttermost surprise. God has promised to do it for us,” the Bishop said in encouragement to Nigerians.

Nwokolo said that Nigerians however need to take a step of faith, open their hearts and let God in and he will do the rest, “for he will never forget us,” hee assured.

The clergyman urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to be consistent in following Christ and to be ready to die and rise with him as mystically signified in the Christian baptism rite.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/god-will-surprise-nigeria-very-soon.html

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-day trip to Lagos State during a Christian celebrations as a slap on the face of Nigerian Christians.

Ezeokafor stated that for the President to choose Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to visit Lagos showed disrespect for Christians.

He insisted that Christianity and Islam were two dominant religions in Nigeria, and should be accorded same level of respect, just as the bishop asserted that President Buhari would not have made the trip if it was a Muslim celebration.

The Bishop, who spoke at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka while delivering his Easter message, said, “Government of Nigeria should always apply the principle of equity and fairness in its appproach to issues of national concern.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-day visit to Lagos State to commission a bus-stop on Christians’ most important days was a huge slap on Nigerian Christians.

“Those who advised the president to embark on such trip on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday respectively, advised him wrongly. The said trip could have been undertaken after the Easter celebration or any other time.”

Ezeokafor said Christianity and Islam were the two major religions in Nigeria and should be accorded equal respect and recognition by the powers-that-be, not giving preferential treatment to one at the detriment of the other.

He noted that the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday were days Christians concentrated on what they believed gave them salvation, even as he described Easter as the greatest feasts in the Christendom.
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He however admonished President Muhammadu Buhari to treat every section of the country equally irrespective of religious sentiments.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/buharis-two-day-visit-to-lagos-slap-on.html

Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Digital/New Media, Tolu Ogunlesi, has described Nigerians as animals for ‘slandering Naomi Campbell’.

Campbell, a super model, had shared a tweet alongside several photos with Buhari at the Eko Atlantic City launch.

The pictures of Buhari with the Super Model stirred up controversies on the social media.

Reacting, the Presidential aide recalled that Naomi had met late ex-South African President, Nelson Mandela more than once.

He wondered why “some of you animals are slandering her.”

He, however, took to his social media Saturday morning to apologise for the comment.

He wrote: “Naomi Campbell met Nelson Mandela more than once. He hugged her, called her his ‘honourary granddaughter’.

“She visits Nigeria for a fashion festival and meets President @MBuhari, and some of you animals are slandering her. YOU’RE RAVING MAD WITH NOBODY TO TELL YOU.

“Synonyms for ‘animal’ include brute, beast, monster, savage, devil, demon, fiend, villain, barbarian, ogre, according to the Oxford Dictionary.”

Following lashes from Nigerians, he added on Saturday morning, “I’d like to clarify. I would NEVER describe/think of Nigerians, or those who disagree with me, as ‘animals’.

“My comment specific to those who thought it appropriate to denigrate/“slander” Naomi Campbell.

“Tweet should have been worded clearer & less provocatively. Lesson learnt.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/naomi-campbell-buharis-aide-calls.html

It has been reported that Nollywood actor, Femi Branch, is married again for the third time; having done away with two other women in previous marriages.

He showed off his wife at his installation as the Jagun Asa of Edeland; where he was crowned Jagun by the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa I, a few weeks ago.

Posting several photos of the ceremony on his Instagram page, Branch captioned his wife’s photos as “My rock….. My sweet fragrance…..Yeye Jagun Asa….Thanks for being my rock”.

A member of the Havilah Mountain of Fire Church, London, United Kingdom which is pastored by Prophetess Olubori and her husband, Branch’s wife, Fadekemi, was said to have been match-made with Femi Branch by the prophetess whom Femi holds in high esteem. He continually sings her praises on his social media handles.

The prophetess, who also refers to Femi as her son, was a pillar of support during his installation as Jagun.

She flew from London to be at his side throughout the event in Ede, Osun State.

Femi and his second wife, Ibitola were married for 10 years but separated in 2016. They had two children in the marriage.

Ibitola cited domestic violence and irresponsible acts from Femi as her reasons for walking out of the marriage.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/actor-femi-branch-marry-another-wife.html

The police in Edo State on Wednesday arraigned a 70-year-old man, Francis Ezomo, in court for allegedly raping a 9-year old girl.

Mr. Ezomo, alongside two of his sons, Nosa and Festus, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and defilement at a magistrate court in the state.

The victim is a relative of Mr. Ezomo’s wife and was living under the care of the Ezomos when she was allegedly raped by the man and his two sons.

Sudden changes in the victim’s behaviour while in school was said to have attracted the attention of the school headmistress who discovered that the minor had been sexually abused.

When the state government was informed of the development, Governor Godwin Obaseki ordered that the alleged culprits be handed over to the police and a full investigation conducted into the matter.

Inside the courtroom, the minor, who is now under the custody of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, broke into tears when she sighted her guardian and others standing in the dock.

The Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Julie Olatunji, told the court that it was discovered, through medical examination, that the girl’s hymen had been broken and infected.

She is undergoing treatment in an hospital, the permanent secretary told the court.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Simeon Atalor, counsel to Mr. Ezomo, who is the first accused, applied for bail for him, pleading that he was ill and visually-impaired.

The court granted Mr. Ezomo N100, 000 bail with a surety in like sum. But his sons were, however, denied bail.

The case was adjourned to April 19.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/70-year-old-man-two-sons-arraign-for.html

Following the much publicised event of Tuesday, March 27, where President Muhammadu Buhari was given an award in Abuja by visitors purportedly from the family of late African American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The King Center has issued a statement denying that the award was issued by them or the children of MLK Jr.

In a tweet late Wednesday night, the official Twitter handle of The King Center said: “The award given to President Buhari of Nigeria was not given by The King Center, at the request of The King Center or by the children of #MLK and #CorettaScottKing. @MrFixNigeria”.

Though the representatives who gave the award are related, they appear not to be direct descendants of the late Dr. King. One of the guests is reportedly King’s brother’s wife and another a nephew as reported in the Daily Sun on Tuesday.

The Presidency had tweeted soon after the award was given yesterday: “President @MBuhari today at the State House received Martin Luther King Jnr’s family. He was also conferred with the 1st Black History Month National Black Excellence and Exceptional African Leadership Award 2018. #AsoVillaToday”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/confusion-as-king-center-mlk-children.html

Nigerian singer and Mavin record label artiste korede Bello has thrown his hat into the battle ground between Nigerian artistes and their record label.

Korede Bello said that the reason why many artistes are been dragged to court is because they lack the understanding towards the contract that they sign.

He revealed that prior to signing any contractual agreement that the artiste should be able to attend there with his/her lawyer because it needs a legal understanding.

Korede bello disclosed this in an interview with Hiptv he said;

“Anybody who is going into any contractual

agreement should definitely have the presence of a legal practitioner or a legal advisor. We are in a different environment right now…” Korede said.

With the current trend of court battles between Nigerian artistes and their record label it is kind of tiring. Currently Runtown is in battle with his record label Eric Many for contract breaching and he has been slammed with an interim injunction not to neither record nor perform.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/korede-bello-speaks-on-how-to-end.html

Despite the belated apology, PDP will need to come clean, confess to its sins and fully atone for them before restitution is considered, the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling APC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, has advised.

Abdullahi gave the advice yesterday, a day after the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, apologised for the party’s past mistakes at a public discourse in Abuja on contemporary politics and governance in Nigeria.

The APC spokesman, in a release signed and issued yesterday, said Nigerians could still not forget PDP’s sins in a hurry despite the apology.

“The APC acknowledges the apologies by the PDP for the damage the party has brought on the country’s democratic fabric during its 16-year rule.

“As they say, to err is human but forgiveness is divine. We join PDP in praying to God to forgive them, but Nigerians are human and are still suffering from the years of PDP’s misrule. Therefore, even if Nigerians are gracious enough to forgive, they will not forget in a hurry,” the release added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/politics-apc-to-pdp-confess-your-sins.html

The retired General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church worldwide, Prophet Samuel Abiara, is married for the second time.

The prophet who lost his wife of 50 years, in 2016, wedded his new bride, Grace Ojewande, on Thursday, March 22, 2018, in a colourful ceremony took place in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The new bride is reportedly in her 50's and is a Level 16 officer at the Lagos State Ministry of Education. She is also a member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

He had made his decision known earlier, stating that he will be getting married according to God’s directives.

It is also reported that the father of Tboss just got married for the second time in his life after the failed marriage with his first wife Tboss mother, although his Daughter Tboss didn’t grace the occasion.

Considering their age, what if he father a child very soon and they are demised who will take care of this young lads.

Let’s wait to see is Daddy Freeze will have a word or two for this, after he is very popular for publicly criticizing Men of God which he thinks are defaulting in their ways.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/75-year-old-cac-prophet-remarries-2.html

At the inauguration of the National Food Security Council, President Muhammadu Buhari admitted it has been very turbulent for the three years of his administration.

Buhari was inaugurated as president on May 29, 2015, after he won the election on March 28, 2015.

Before the inauguration, the food security councils met behind closed doors, for over three hours, with 12 persons making presentations.

The council is chaired by the president and has as members, governors of Kebbi, Taraba, Plateau, Lagos, Ebonyi and Delta states.

“Nigeria’s journey in the last three years has been a very turbulent one. The country’s need for critical job creating sectors which has been ignored for decades is now beginning to yield results.”

He said these programmes and many more have started yielding results and, if sustained, will transform the lives of millions of Nigerians across the country.

“We are well aware that the full results will not be felt or seen overnight. The journey is long. It is, therefore, our collective duty to ensure the actual and potential positive impacts of these programs are sustained, improved and expanded.

“A key mandate of the Food Security Council is to continuously assess and enhance these infant, but impactful programme, thereby guaranteeing they achieve their full potential. We shall also develop new programmes and projects that will protect and indeed, create more jobs in farming, fisheries, animal husbandry and forestry.

“Land is use for farming, grazing and forestry, Water is used for irrigation, livestock sustenance and fishing. Therefore, any strategy for land and water management must take into account the interconnectivity of all these key sectors…”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/my-3-years-in-office-has-been-very.html

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday signed instruments of ratification of agreement with Singapore against double taxation and an MoU with Switzerland and the international development association on the return of confiscated illegally-acquired assets.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the signing of the instrument and the memorandum of understanding, MoU, followed the approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

The statement reads, “The Instrument of Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the Republic of Singapore for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains.

“The other was the Instrument of Ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Swiss Federal Council and the International Development Association on the Return, Monitoring and Management of Illegally-Acquired Assets Confiscated by Switzerland and to be Restituted to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“With the execution of these instruments, Nigeria’s trade relations with Singapore and income therefrom are expected to rise, while the return of illegal assets will not only boost the administration’s anti-corruption drive, but also provide additional funds for critical infrastructure.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/buhari-signs-instruments-to-boost.html

The Benue State Government has claimed that rice worth over N8bn has been lost to herdsmen attack this year in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, James Anbua, disclosed this during a press briefing in his office on Saturday

Anbua, who was fielding questions from newsmen on the aftermath of herdsmen attack on food security in the state, noted that Benue was ranked among the fifth largest producers of rice in the country, with the expectation of bumper harvest this year.

Anbua regretted that the herdsmen attack on the state was coming at the time farmers were harvesting their rice, adding that the local government areas with comparative advantage in rice production because of their terrain were Guma and Logo, both of which are greatly affected by the herdsmen attacks.

“Already, there is a threat to food security in Benue State. Agriculture starts from land preparation; by now, farmers in those areas are supposed to have started clearing lands for the next cropping season, but most of these people are in (internally displaced persons’) camps and they have not gone back to start the process,” Anbua said.

Continuing, he said, “Guma and Logo are the high crops processing areas, but since the farmers are not in their ancestral homes, they can’t talk of clearing lands.

“Therefore, the food security is threatened because these people cannot go back to farm and there would not be much farm activities in those areas and there would be shortage of food towards the end of 2018.”

He, however, said that because most of those rice farms were not harvested, the product was lost and that even the little that was harvested was destroyed.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/benue-farmers-lost-n8bn-to-herdsmen.html

A former minister of works and housing, Hassan Lawal is dead.

Mr. Lawal served as minister under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua

He died in the late hours of Saturday after a protracted illness at the Turkish Nizamye Hospital in Abuja, according to a family member.

His burial will take place on Sunday morning at his home town, Keffi Local Government Area, in Nasarawa State according to Islamic rules.

Until his death, at various times, he served as minister of labour and productivity, health minister, and works minister.

He is survived by two wives, children and relatives.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/former-minister-hassan-lawal-is-dead.html