₦airaland Forum

Fraud in NBC: EFCC recovers N10b, set to prosecute ex-DG Mba, three others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered NN10,061,172,600 from the National Broadcasting Commission(NBC) being

alleged inflation of collateral funds meant for Digital Set-Top -Boxes.

The commission is set to prosecute a former Director-General of NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba and three others.

Also to face trial is the NBC’s Director of Finance, Mr. Patrick Areh, who received a curious transfer of N390million and another N20million cash gift from the contract sum.

Others are the Managing Director, Technology Advisor, Mr. Basil Udotai, and the Managing Director of In-View Technology Limited and D-Vine Partners Limited, Mr. Babatunji Amure.

According to EFCC’s investigation, NBC under Mba defied the Federal Government’s directive of August 7, 2015 on Treasury Single Account (TSA) to divert N15,038,400,000, out of N34,114,500,000 received from MTN for Spectrum Band Width, to finance the contract for the Digital Set-Top -Boxes.

Out of the diverted N15,038,400,000 as collateral security to Zenith Bank Plc, EFCC investigators discovered that only N4,977,227,400 was needed.

The commission said “only eight ( out of the 12 companies opened letter of credit amounting to N3,739,727,400.00 while the sum of N1,237,400,000 was for the Digital Access Fees making a total of N4,977,227,400.”

The EFCC said after a reconciliation meeting with the Ministry of Information and Zenith Bank Plc, it was “agreed that N10,061,172,600 was in excess and should be recovered by the EFCC.”

Mba and others will face trial for non-compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on TSA, abuse of the Procurement Law, and award of contracts beyond the N50million spending limit of the DG of NBC.

A document obtained last night reads in part: “Sometimes in 2015, the Federal Government through the Office of the Head of Service issued a circular dated 7/8/2015 directing all government parastatals and agencies to mop up all government funds in commercial banks to Treasury Single Account( TSA) with CBN.

“However the NBC in a flagrant disobedience to the directives of the government diverted the funds in its accounts to some companies.

“That on 28/7/15, the NBC received an inflow of N34,114,500,000 (Thirty four billion, one hundred and fourteen million, five hundred thousand Naira) from the MTN Operations Account being proceed of lease of Spectrum Band Width licensed to MTN by the commission.

“That while the funds were in the account of NBC, the FG issued a circular dated 07/08/2015 to the effect that all government agencies and parastatals should mop up and move all the funds in their accounts to Treasury Single Account (TSA) with the CBN. This directive was to both the agencies and the banks that maintained those accounts.

“That despite the directives, the DG National Broadcasting Commission and the bank in a flagrant disobedience to the directive transferred the sum of N2,899,500,000 to the account of Technology Advisor on 12/08/15 and then moved the sum of N15,038,400,000 in two tranches on 10/09/2015 and 14/09/2015 to Zenith Bank Plc which he claimed was a collateral security for Set-Top-Boxes suppliers while the balance of N15,891,625,341.57 was transferred to TSA in CBN on 15/09/2015.

“That as soon as Technology Advisor received the funds in its account, he commenced distribution to several beneficiaries which include N390,000,000 and N20,000,000 paid to the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Patrick Areh through Kalaz Ventures Limited, a Bureau De Change operated by Abdullahi Kabiru who confirmed receiving the funds which he transferred the sum of N130million to Azuku Global Resources Limited while the balance was exchanged into dollars and handed over to MD Azuku Global Resources Limited, one Ibrahim Samaila fir onward transmission to the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Patrick Areh.

“That Areh confirmed receiving part of the funds in dollars while the balance of N130million was given to Azuku Global Resources Limited for the construction of his Radio House at Onitsha, Anambra State.

“That In-View Technology Ltd was contracted to provide Digital Access for the Set-Top -Boxes and was paid N1,237,400,000 out of which the company transferred N20million to Patrick Areh through Azuku Global Resources
http://telltimes..com/2016/03/national-assembly-tells-buhar-to-drop.html

20bn idle in Nigerians’ domiciliary accounts –CBN


The Central Bank of Nigeria on Thursday raised the alarm that about $20bn (N3.94tn) was lying idle in different domiciliary accounts of the citizens.

The Deputy Governor, Financial System Surveillance, CBN, Dr. Joseph Nnana, stated this during a meeting of the Joint Appropriation Committees of the National Assembly with government officials on the 2016 budget.

Nnana said, “Distinguished chairman sir, we have $20bn lying idle in various domiciliary accounts of many customers at the various banks across the country.

“This is part of the reasons why the naira has continued to slide against the US dollar.”

He alleged that some privileged Nigerians were behind the consistent slide in the value of the naira by embarking on dollar speculation to the detriment of the local currency.

The CBN deputy governor, however, expressed the hope that the passage of the 2016 budget would put a stop to the unrestrained drop in the value of the naira.

He said, “The CBN will embark on aggressive liquidity mop-up to enable the naira regain confidence. The CBN will not sit down and watch the consistent fall of the naira. After the passage of the 2016 budget, the naira will begin to bounce back.

“Those who speculate on dollars will have their fingers burnt.”

In her submission, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, told the gathering that the amount in the Treasury Single Account had risen to N2.9tn.

Adeosun explained that the money in the TSA was not meant to fund the budget contrary to a general impression.

She said that the money belonged to different agencies of government, which had the right to access the funds.

Her explanation was against suggestions by the legislators that the Federal Government should use the TSA to fund the 2016 budget amidst liquidity problem arising from the slump in global crude oil prices.

Adeosun said all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government had their monies transferred into the TSA and should have access to them.

She said that the government had commenced the training of its personnel on the operation of the TSA such that any agency of government that needed its share of the funds in the account would not find it difficult accessing it.

The Chairman of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, asked the executive to consider the postponement of the Special Intervention Programme till next year.

He argued that the implementation of N500bn intervention fund contained in 2016 budget proposals would not be feasible since there were no clear implementation strategies.

Goje said the explanations being offered by government officials about the implementation strategy for the programme were not satisfactory.

He said, “There is no detailed and clear-cut structure being laid down for implementation of this project because what we have in this budget is N300bn recurrent and N200bn capital. We had to push hard yesterday to get some details, which are not convincing. For instance, the explanation we got is that N5,000 will be given to one million Nigerians.

“Who will choose the one million people? What structures do you have in place to make sure that you choose the right people?

“You want to give money to about one million market women or there about, and in my place we do not have many market women; how will you choose the market women to represent all interests? We have not had clear explanations on the numerous issues surrounding the implementation of this programme.

“Even the afternoon school feeding contained in the budget is not feasible, because some students study under non-conducive environment. Will feeding them enhance their learning?”

Goje said while the National Assembly was in support of the programme, implementing it this year might not be feasible.

He, therefore, suggested that the money allocated to it should be added to the allocations for sectors like power, transport and health, while those responsible for its implementation should map out better strategy for it in 2017.

But the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma, said the special intervention programme was a political commitment, which the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would not hesitate to fulfil.

He promised to meet with relevant stakeholders to discuss on better strategies for its implementation.
http://tapread.net/2016/03/04/20bn-idle-in-nig…ary-accounts-cbn/ ‎

The arraignment of Stephen Akinretoye, Peter Ololo and Falcon Securities Limited, charged with N43.9bn fraud, was further stalled on Thursday before a Federal High Court in Lagos as the issue of who will prosecute them has yet to be resolved.

Justice Mohammed Idris had on February 23 adjourned the matter till Thursday for the Attorney General of the Federation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to resolve the dispute as to which of them will prosecute the case.

While Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN) claimed to have been given a fiat by the AGF, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), to prosecute the suspects, the EFCC, through its lawyer, A.B.C. Ozioko, claimed to be in charge of the case.

Justice Idris had, at the last adjourned date, said the suspects could not the arraigned until the issue of who will prosecute them was resolved.

As of Thursday when the matter came up in court the AGF and the EFCC had yet to agree, rather Daudu filed a motion, urging Justice Idris to declare that the fiat given him to prosecute the suspects was valid and subsisting.

Daudu, in the motion, is also seeking an order restraining “A.B.C. Ozioko, either acting by himself or through his employers, the EFCC, or their assigns and successors, from interfering with the performance of the professional duties (of the applicant) during the pendency of the fiat or other like document.”

He also urged the court to declare that the fiat given to him by the AGF “precludes every other legal practitioners in Nigeria from prosecuting the matter except the Hon. AGF himself.”

Justice Idris adjourned till April 18 to hear Daudu’s motion, which has to be determined before the coast will be clear for the arraignment of the suspects.
In the said charge marked FHC/L/20c/2016, Akinretoye, Ololo and Falcon Securities Limited were accused of fraudulently converting funds totaling N43,963,556,547 belonging to Consolidated Discount Limited to their personal own.

They were said to have allegedly committed the offence between January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2010.


Apart from the charge against Akinretoye, Ololo and Falcon Securities Limited, there are two others charges, over which there is a clash of prosecutorial interest between the AGF and the EFCC.
One of the two other charges marked FHC/L/21c /2016 involved an alleged N1.4bn fraud and has Akinretoye, Mudashiru Shittu, Olawale Omisore, Capt. Eddy Ndoms, Aquatic Transport Limited, Cross Oceans Limited and Ehco Ventures Limited as defendants.

The defendants in the third charge marked FHC/L/22c /2016 are Akinretoye, Shittu, Larai Claude-Eninn, Hassan Gbenga, Ajibola Jolaosho, Omisore Olawale, Omisope Johnson, Onimole Adebawale and Emmanuel Odedina.
http://telltimes..co.ke/2016/03/agf-wants-efcc-stopped-from-prosecuting.html

The Olubadan designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, has released his title for the throne.
He is to be referred to as Aje Ogungunniso 1.
The Olubadan-in-the waiting released the title on Wednesday and it now appears on the paraphernalia of office and items to be used for the coronation ceremony on Friday.
The title is believed to have emerged from his company’s name – Omo Aje Sound Studio, which he established in 1955.
The new monarch is a household name in music production and marketing.
He abandoned tailoring for music marketing several years ago.
On his record label are famous singers such as King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), Chief Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, Alhaji Dauda Epo Akara and Sule Alao (Malaika).
http://telltimes..co.ke/2016/03/new-olubadan-to-be-called-aje.html

The Senate
THE Senate, Wednesday adopted a motion seeking the amendment of the Procurement Act to compel all government agencies and institutions to give maximum priority to patronising locally made products.
Adopting a two prayer motion moved by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia South) titled “Need For Patronisation of Made-in-Nigeria Goods,” the Senate urged the Federal Government to initiate and implement the first option policy on purchase of locally manufactured goods for any government procurement in all arms of government and every public funded organisation.
It also urged both the National Assembly to amend the Procurement Act to ensure that as a matter of law, agencies of government and government funded institutions adopt ‘the made-in-Nigeria’ goods first option policy and where consideration is first given to the local industry before any other.
In a comment shortly after the motion had been passed, Senate President Bukola Saraki said: “I used the opportunity to commend him because I had the opportunity to attend the ‘Made-in-Aba’ exhibition which he has been doing using the zonal intervention funds and I think it was very good because as you all know there is a wrong misconception sometimes of this zonal intervention funds of the National Assembly. The perception sometimes are these monies is not used for any good course and it was very commendable to see that for years these monies has been used to support his trade fair,” he said.
Earlier, Abaribe lamented that: “Today, Nigeria consumes what it does not produce. Investment in real sector has given way to trading in foreign and imported goods, stressing that the resultant impact has been a negative balance of trade, the shutting down of textiles companies, battery, tobacco, wood processing factories, cocoa and palm oil farms and other factories that had been the bane of the Nigerian economy.”
According to him, government spends billions of naira yearly to purchase imported vehicles, furniture, textiles, printing paper and even consumables such as rice, drugs, vegetable oils, fruit juice, noting that in the second quarter of 2015 alone, Nigeria spent N42.4 billion in importation of wheat and meslin and spent N25.3 billion in importation of rice.
Abaribe, therefore urged government to put measures in place to ensure obligatory official patronage of locally made products for all agencies of government and all officials funded by public funds, local producers and investors will have the incentive to invest quantitatively and qualitatively in the country because of the certainty of the market demand.
http://telltimes..com/2016/03/senate-moves-to-enforce-patronage-of.html

Do you have the talent but can't afford to showcase your products? No Problem! Courtesy of Ms. Kiki Osinbajo @kikkiiosinbajo you can! This generous young woman would like to sponsor a few selected entrepreneurs to be a part of an up coming Pop Up Market #AfricaHypeMarket which is proudly supported by her father the Vice President of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
Are you an entrepreneurs or small business owners here a chance to showcase your product to the world, this is your opportunity.
The pop up mixed facility will be open from 12-6pmMarch 6th 2016 at Muri Okunola park V.I (Lagos).
This could be a great opportunity for you to grow your brand! Follow @kikkiiosinbajo on Twitter for more updates. Follow @africahypemarket for more updates on this event #MadeinAfrica #popupshop #AfricaHypeMarket #LagosEvents #TagaFriend #Share #lagosstartups @pulsenigeria247 @faajihub

SEE Latest tweet from an entrepreneur

#MadeInNigeria @kikkiiosinbajo By Bruno Arthur design #MadeInNigeria . I'm the future
http://telltimes..com/2016/03/madeinnigeria-vice-presidents-daughter.html

THE Islamic Development Bank (IDB), on Tuesday, said Nigeria ranked among the countries using the largest percentage of its revenue to service foreign debts.

Country Representative of the IDB in Nigeria, Mumammed Kiliaki, who stated this during an interaction with the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, headed by Senator Shehu Sani, said the development was responsible for the attendant bleeding of the economy.

Also on Tuesday, Senator Sani said Nigeria’s total debts stood at $60 billion.

The debts are owed by the federal and state governments.

The IDB Resident Representative said though Nigeria’s debts to GDP ratio is low at 17 per cent, the resources being used to pay the debts were enormous.

He stated that for Nigeria not to get itself suffocated by such huge debt servicing profile, there was the urgent need for the country to expand the scope of its resources through diversification of the economy.

“My visit is very crucial because we need to look at the debt profile of a country before we give it new contractual sort of financing.

“We also work closely with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to ensure that our financing has the required threshold of grant financing, which is normally 35 per cent but, at the same time, there were financing that is not a burden to a country to the extent that the debt may not be sustainable.

“When you look at the debt/GDP ratio of Nigeria, it is very low. It is 17 per cent compared to Italy and other countries which is about 150 per cent, while that of the United States is about 100 per cent.

“But there is a caveat, it is true that debt to GDP ratio is low, but when you look at the amount, the revenue to debt servicing ratio, the amount of money that the government is collecting, the revenue of the government vis a vis the ratio to the total debt, I think Nigeria pays about 75 to 80 per cent of its revenue to service debt. This is very, very high compared to other countries where they use just 10 per cent,” he said.

He also clarified that the recent visit of the 19 northern state governors to the head office of the Bank in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for rehabilitation assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in north-eastern states had no financing envelope agreement yet, being a sensitisation move.

According to him, even if the governors had approached the bank for definite financial assistance, there was no way the Federal Government would not be carried along.

Senator Sani, in his remarks, asked the IDB and other multilateral financial institutions to stop propping the country into taking more loans on account of its low ratio of debts servicing to GDP, adding that what is 17 per cent today, if needed control measures are not applied, may go up to 77 per cent and invariably return the country to the pre-2006 era.

He told the IDB representative to be practically involved in Nigeria’s effort at economic diversification, adding that henceforth, his committee would monitor every cent, dollar and even kobo the government borrows.

http://telltimes..com/2016/03/nigeria-uses-80-of-revenues-to-service.html

The federal government in partnership with the Office of United Nations secretary general has agreed to end violence against children in Nigeria.

The minister of state for health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire made this known in Abuja while meeting with the special representative of United Nations secretary general, Marta Santos Pais.

The minister said that the Nigerian government was committed to ending all forms of violence against children.

“The government is committed to ending violence against children in Nigeria, the present administration opted for a slogan change, the change we always talk about is not just to the team but change of direction and ways of doing things and obviously one important change is to address violence against children.

“Violence against children is unwholesome, medically it has negative effect on the emotional and mental health of the growing child and some of this damage last for life and some of the children will also grow up to become violent”

He said ending violence against children is a multi-sectorial task in which all the ministries which include health, justice, education, women affairs and social development would jointly work out strategies.

In her remarks the UN representative said that Federal Ministry of Health had a greater role to play in ending violence against children.

“The ministry should develop a parent-child communication training manual on sexuality and on the health implications of violence against children,” she said.

She also urged the ministry to develop public health messages on violence against children and implement a public campaign to promote its awareness.
read more: http://tapread.net/2016/03/01/fg-un-join-force…against-children/ ‎

Since the outbreak of malaria on OAU campus 5 days ago, students has been expressing their displeasure over the ugly and unexpected incident.



This week many students were seen trooping to the health centre of the school to get medical attention. Unfortunately, the few medical personnel in the first generation university health centre are not enough to attend to the students. This made many of the students to opt for the university's teaching hospital while students are also seen relocating off campus owning to the viral outbreak.
Famous OAU rights activist Moshood Odunayo Olajide have thrown shades at the school management for its careless attitude against students of the institution, while reacting to the malaria outbreak, Moshood who is the Convener of OAU Wikileaks in his own submission condemn the school management for the sordid state of health and general welfare on campus. He averred that he wrote an investigative public report barely three weeks ago drawing the attention of students to the existence of micro organisms on campus which can be linked to this current spread of viral and malaria outbreak. While speaking to Telltimes, Moshood demand that the school authority must establish independent clinics in each halls of residence to cater for the health of students as that is the only way to prevent the school health center from been congested in a situation like this.
Moshood also alleged that there is another schemed plan by the Professor Bamitale Omole led OAU administration to escape probe. He however suggested that 14 days should be given for the lecture free week period instead of a week so that the university authority will have enough time to quarantine all the Halls of residence.
See more trends complaining to the school Management via social media:
read more + twitter reactions here: http://telltimes..com/2016/02/oaus-activist-moshood-shades-school.html

Nysome Wike of Rivers State acquires state-of-the-art mobile office at the cost of over three hundred million (300,000,000.00) naira, the first of it's kind in Nigeria.

Source: http://telltimes..co.ke/2016/02/gov-wike-acquires-mobile-office-worth.html

Fifa’s appeal committee has partially confirmed the decisions taken by the organisation’s ethics committee against Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini but reduced their bans from football from eight to six years.
Blatter and Platini’s appeals against infringements of general rules of conduct, loyalty, conflicts of interests and offering and accepting gifts and other benefits were rejected.
The appeal committee decided, however, that “strong mitigating factors” – such as the pair’s service to Fifa and Uefa – were not taken into account when the original sanction was established.
Blatter and Platini will therefore have one year taken off their five-year bans for offering and accepting gifts and other benefits and another year taken off the three-year bans for the other breaches.
Appeals from the investigatory chamber for life bans from all football-related activity to be imposed were turned away as breaches of the Fifa regulations on bribery and corruption could not be established.
Both Blatter and Platini will therefore be banned from all football-related activity for a period of six years backdated to October 15, 2015, when the original sanctions were imposed.
Platini will also be fined 80,000 Swiss francs (£58,000), while Blatter will pay 50,000 Swiss francs (£36,000).
More: http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/blatter-platini-lose-fifa-appeals-but.html

Special Adviser to the president on Foreign Affairs Madam Abike Dabiri Erewa had also gotten her own share of impersonation, she posted prove on twitter calling on Diamond bank and the entire public to shun any message asking for fund in her name.
see screenshot:

http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/scam-alert-man-impersonates-buharis-sa.html

ALMAJIRI, CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

The Commandant General of the Kano State Hisbah board, Aminu Daurawa, has urged the Katsina state government to establish a board that would manage street pupils in the state.

Daurawa stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari.

He noted that the board had repatriated over 60,000 almajirai to their respective states of origin, adding that over 3,000 almajirai of Katsina state origin have been sent back home.

Daurawa said the Kano State Hisbah Board had recorded enormous successes since its establishment and listed its mass wedding programme as some of the successes achieved.

A source from Katsina reports that there seem to be an increase in the number of almajirai roaming the streets of Katsina municipality and other major cities in the state begging for alms.

According to a head count, Kano state has a total of 462, 212 almajirai while their tutors numbered 22, 572 across the 34 council areas of the state.

Former president Goodluck Jonathan had commissioned Almajiri Integrated Model Schools (AIMS) in some selected states in northern Nigeria to move the huge number of school-age children roaming the streets into education.

It was learnt that one of the Almajiri schools established by the former president in Katsina state had been turned into a cattle ranch where recovered stolen cows are kept.
More: http://tapread.net/2016/02/17/kano-state-govt-deports-60000-almajiris/

Soslimm Entertainments Fadayomi Abiola Aka Dukeofyorkshire @Dukeofyorkshire on IG shared an hilarious Club party Invite online.
see photo.

Five lawmakers yesterday impeached the speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly. The five members, three All Progressive Congress, APC and two Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers allegedly impeached the already embattled speaker, Rt. Hon. Momojimo Lawal.
The 25 member House of Assembly depleted to 20 due largely due to tribunal rulings which has sent some members packing and others waiting for re-run scheduled for February 20, 2016.
With this development, it was observed that PDP has 13 while APC has seven members, but with political maneuvering and some level of intrigues, APC with less number is dominating the House.
Before yesterday’s scenario, Hon Godwin Osuyi lead members had allegedly impeached Rt. Hon. Momojimo Lawal.
Briefing newsmen after the alleged impeachment where journalists were barred from watching the proceeding, the spokesperson of the group, Hon Friday Sani (PDP Igalamela/Odolu) stressed that impeachment had been concluded and Hon Imam Umar representing Lokoja 1 had been elected speaker to replace Momojimo Lawal.
But according to Rt Hon Momojimo Lawal, flanked by all the remaining 11 PDP members, the status quo ante remains, insisting that nothing has changed and that he remains the speaker of Kogi Sstate House of Assembly.
more: http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/kogi-assembly-crisis-deepens-as-5.html

Trust Nigerians when it comes to partying, it was a total shutdown in Sheffield at the #MNLV #SexySaturdays valentine edition of Soslimm Entertainment that came up on Saturday 13th of Feb at BAR192,192 Shoreham / Mary Street.S1 4SQ....#TotalShutdown
See Photos:
Photo Credit: Gus Cupucci

See more here; http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/photos-total-shutdown-at-bar192-where.html

President Buhari receives in audience, H.R.H. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife in State house

Red Carpet Photos at the 2016 Grammy Awards
Album of the year

Sound & Color – Alabama Shakes
To love-vendor a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar
Traveller – Chris Stapleton
1989 – Taylor Swift - WINNER
Beauty Behind the Madness – the Weeknd

Song of the year

Alright – Kendrick Lamar
Blank Space – Taylor Swift
Girl Crush – Little Big Town
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran - WINNER

Best new artist

Courtney Barnett
James Bay
Sam Hunt
Tori Kelly
Meghan Trainor - WINNER

Best pop solo performance

Heartbeat Song – Kelly Clarkson
Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran - WINNER
Blank Space – Taylor Swift
Can’t Feel My Face – the Weeknd

Best pop duo/group performance

Ship to Wreck – Florence + The Machine
Sugar – Maroon 5
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars - WINNER
Bad Blood – Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth

Best pop vocal album

Piece By Piece – Kelly Clarkson
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence + The Machine
Uptown Special – Mark Ronson
1989 – Taylor Swift - WINNER
Before This World – James Taylor

Best dance recording

We’re All We Need – Above & Beyond featuring Zoë Johnston
Go – the Chemical Brothers
Never Catch Me – Flying Lotus featuring Kendrick Lamar
Runaway (U & I) – Galantis
Where Are Ü Now – Skrillex and Diplo with Justin Bieber – WINNER

Best dance/electronic album

Our Love – Caribou
Born in the Echoes – the Chemical Brothers
Caracal – Disclosure
In Colour – Jamie xx
Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü – Skrillex and Diplo - WINNER!

Best rock performance

Don’t Wanna Fight – Alabama Shakes – WINNER
What Kind of Man – Florence + the Machine
Something From Nothing – Foo Fighters
Ex’s & Oh’s – Elle King
Moaning Lisa Smile – Wolf Alice

Best metal performance

Identity – August Burns Red
Cirice – Ghost - WINNER!
512 – Lamb Of God
Thank You – Sevendust
Custer – Slipknot

Best rock song

Don’t Wanna Fight – Alabama Shakes - WINNER
Ex’s & Oh’s – Elle King
Hold Back the River – James Bay
Lydia – Highly Suspect
What Kind Of Man – Florence + The Machine

Best rock album

Chaos and the Calm – James Bay
Kintsugi – Death Cab For Cutie
Mister Asylum – Highly Suspect
Drones – Muse – WINNER
.5: The Gray Chapter – Slipknot

Best alternative music album

Sound & Color – Alabama Shakes - WINNER
Vulnicura – Björk
The Waterfall – My Morning Jacket
Currents – Tame Impala
Star Wars – Wilco

Best R&B performance

If I Don’t Have You – Tamar Braxton
Rise Up – Andra Day
Breathing Underwater – Hiatus Kaiyote
Planes – Jeremiah featuring J Cole
Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey) – the Weeknd - WINNER

Best R&B song

Coffee – Miguel
Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey) – the Weeknd
Let It Burn - Jazmine Sullivan
Really Love – D’Angelo and the Vanguard - WINNER
Shame – Tyrese

Best urban contemporary album

Ego Death - the Internet
You Should Be Here – Kehlani
Blood – Lianne La Havas
Wildheart – Miguel
Beauty Behind the Madness – the Weeknd - WINNER

Best R&B album

Coming Home – Leon Bridges
Black Messiah – D’Angelo and the Vanguard - WINNER
Cheers to the Fall – Andra Day
Reality Show – Jazmine Sullivan
Forever Charlie – Charlie Wilson

Best rap performance

Apparently – J Cole
Back to Back – Drake
Trap Queen – Fetty Wap
Alright – Kendrick Lamar - WINNER
Truffle Butter – Nicki Minaj featuring Drake & Lil Wayne
All Day – Kanye West featuring Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom and Paul McCartney

Best rap/sung collaboration

One Man Can Change the World – Big Sean featuring Kanye West and John Legend
Glory – Common and John Legend
Classic Man – Jidenna featuring Roman GianArthur
These Walls – Kendrick Lamar featuring Bilal, Anna Wise and Thundercat - WINNER
Only – Nicki Minaj featuring Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown

Best rap song

All Day – Kanye West featuring Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom and Paul McCartney
Alright – Kendrick Lamar - WINNER
Energy – Drake
Glory – Common & John Legend
Trap Queen – Fetty Wap

Best rap album

2014 Forest Hills Drive – J Cole
Compton – Dr Dre
If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late – Drake
To love-vendor a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar - WINNER
The Pinkprint – Nicki Minaj

Best country solo performance

Burning House – Cam
Traveller – Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Little Toy Guns – Carrie Underwood
John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16 – Keith Urban
Chances Are – Lee Ann Womack

Best country duo/group performance

Stay a Little Longer – Brothers Osborne
If I Needed You – Joey+Rory
The Driver – Charles Kelley, Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay
Girl Crush – Little Big Town
Lonely Tonight – Blake Shelton featuring Ashley Monroe

Best country song

Chances Are – Lee Ann Womack
Diamond Rings and Old Barstools – Tim McGraw
Girl Crush – Little Big Town - WINNER
Hold My Hand – Brandy Clark
Traveller – Chris Stapleton

Best country album

Montevallo – Sam Hunt
Pain Killer – Little Big Town
The Blade – Ashley Monroe
Pageant Material – Kacey Musgraves
Traveller – Chris Stapleton – WINNER

Best compilation soundtrack for visual media

Empire: Season 1
Fifty Shades of Grey
Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me
Pitch Perfect 2
Selma

Producer of the year, non-classical

Jeff Bhasker - WINNER!
Dave Cobb
Diplo
Larry Klein
Blake Mills

Best music video

LSD – A$AP Rocky
I Feel Love (Every Million Miles) – The Dead Weather
Alright – Kendrick Lamar
Bad Blood – Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar - WINNER[/b]
Freedom – Pharrell Williams

[b]Best music film

Mr Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown – James Brown
Sonic Highways – Foo Fighters
What Happened, Miss Simone? – Nina Simone
The Wall – Roger Waters
Amy – Amy Winehouse – WINNER

http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/grammy-2016-full-list-of-winners.html

MD-of-BoI--20-2-15
Managing Director of BOI, Rasheed Olaoluwa


With over 100 per cent turnover in its profit earnings for the December 31, 2015 financial year, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has announced a profit after tax of N12 billion and an exceptional income of N37 billion from the disposal of WAMCO shares.

Besides, the bank, hinging its improved profitability on operational efficiency during the financial year, also disbursed loans worth N83.5billion to 776 enterprises (47 Large Enterprises and 729 (SMEs) in the year.

A breakdown of the bank’s earnings for the year showed that the Bank recorded an unaudited Profit Before Tax of N50.4billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, representing an operating profit of N12billion up by 100 per cent from N6 billion achieved in 2014 and an exceptional income of N37 billion made from the disposal of WAMCO shares.

The bank explained that the loans to large enterprises went to companies in Nigeria’s real sectors such as agro-processing, food processing, solid minerals, gas value-chain, engineering & technology and light manufacturing.

According to the bank, the loans for small and medium enterprises were disbursed to companies in the various SME clusters such as fruit juice, cassava processing, fish farming, bakery, furniture, among others, adding that the loans resulted in the creation of over 90,000 jobs in 2015.

“The bank’s operating results are underpinned by strong growth in the Bank’s Balance Sheet, improvement in the Bank’s Non-Performing Loan ratio from 18 per cent in May 2014 to four per cent in December 2015, and efficient cost management which saw the growth in operating expenses limited to only 12 per cent in 2015”, a statement from the bank read.

Speaking on the result, BoI’s Managing Director, Rasheed Olaoluwa said: “I feel very proud of what we achieved in 2015. We made significant developmental impact through the disbursement of over N83billion to nearly one thousand enterprises. We commissioned two of the six rural solar micro grid projects we financed. We introduced many products and programmes to support the SME Ecosystem.

“We obtained our ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System Certification. We also secured our first ever international rating from Fitch Ratings (BB-) and Moody’s (Ba3), moving the Bank closer to global best practices.

“We are grateful to all our development stakeholders for their continuing support especially the Central Bank of Nigeria and our 200 Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs).”
http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/boi-records-n12b-profit-in-2015.html

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has started the implementation of an exit plan aimed at winding up the programme.



The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Programme, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (retd.) told reporters in Abuja on Monday that over 3,000 beneficiaries would exit the programme. He said the move would save the government over N5bn in stipend payments.

The programme, which was set up five years ago for the rehabilitation of ex-militants in the Niger Delta, was scheduled to wind up in December last year. Its rounding-off was, however, extended due to the absence of an exit plan.

Boroh said that on his resumption in office in June last year, he developed a template that would ensure the winding up of the programme.

The retired military officer said a task force had been set up to work out and implement the exit plan with a timeline to ensure that national security was not compromised.

According to him, over 17,000 ex-agitators who voluntarily surrendered their arms had been trained and rehabilitated.

However, he said additional 12, 678 ex-militants yet to benefit from the programme would be trained before the final exit in two years time.

Boroh said, “The Presidential Amnesty Programme will be exiting 3, 232 beneficiaries from the programme. They have been trained as entrepreneurs and have received business and starter packs.

“Also affected are all beneficiaries of the Oil and Gas International Foundation (OGIF) programme and the 400 for whom the office has secured employment for. Exiting the 3,232 beneficiaries, will save for government in 2016 N2,520,960,000 in stipend payments. A second batch of 1,042 who are currently being given starter packs to establish their individual businesses are soon to be exited from the programme which will result in a further N812,760,000 savings for government this year.

“Depending on the budgetary allocation and release, Amnesty Office plans to exit an additional 2,958 beneficiaries by the end of this year, which would amount to a N2,307,240,000 savings that would otherwise have been spent on stipends payments.”

Explaining the importance of the plan, Boroh said that the “exercise is a significant step in the five-year Amnesty Programme which had never exited any of the 30,000 beneficiaries. It is also part of the exit strategies of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. So far, the Amnesty programme has trained 17,322 of the beneficiaries leaving a balance of 12, 678. Additionally, it has embarked on the domestication of all its programmes.

“Currently, five of its 49 training centres are offshore while it has students in 31 tertiary institutions abroad. With effect from the 2015/16 session, 95 per cent of the student deployment was for local institutions.

He also said that the amnesty programme had in the past five years, secured admission and gave scholarships to 5, 234 beneficiaries in tertiary institutions.

According to him, out of the number, 3,082 gained admission to schools in the country, 2,150 abroad, while 272 graduated.

Boroh disclosed that the Federal Government would soon begin the clean-up of Ogoniland in the next one month with the support from various governments including that of the United Kingdom, United States of America, Israel and China.
http://tapread.net/2016/02/16/amnesty-programme-exit-plan-to-save-fg-n5bn/

Soslimm Entertainment CEO Fadayomi Abiola AKA Dukeofyorkshire announced that Nigerian Superstar Runtown would be live in London today Night at CAMBRIDGE to perform in a show titled "Rumours with Runtown" Without a doubt its going to To be Looooud ‼️ ...
"RUNTOWN " Performing Live @REVOLUTION,...#DontDull
Dukeofyorkshire said we at Soslimm Entertainment are inviting you to come experience a night with the star, we are one of the official sponsor of the event and we want you to grace this wonderful night

http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/16feb16-runtown-storms-london-today-for.html

You can Follow on
Facebook:@SOSLIMMENTS.
Instagram: @DukeOfYorkshire …

mbakaa
Members of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria, AMEN, yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo of mounting pressure on the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, to transfer Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka.

They insisted that Bishop Onaga had been acting a script aimed at bringing the fiery priest down, noting that former bishops in the diocese gave Mbaka all the support needed for the ministry to flourish.

Members of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, made the allegation in a statement signed by Kingsley Eze, Igbo Youth Kaduna, Sunday Ukam, JP ( Enugu Adorer) Adedije Wale (Osun State, Adorer) and 20 others.

They maintained that the transfer of Mbaka out of the Christ the King Parish GRA, Enugu, fell short of the routine transfer of priests in the diocese.

“What Bishop Michael Eneja saw and allowed, Bishop Gbuji protected and watered but Bishop Onaga uprooted in a most barbaric and despondent manner. How sometime ago, he gave impromptu directive that the ministry should stop the Wednesday all-night adoration prayer, which Fr Mbaka complied with. The directive would have blown out the fire of the ministry and brought it to a painful end if not for the intervention of the Holy Spirit.

“Is Bishop Onaga angry that Fr Mbaka is prophesying? Was it not from the seat of the Bishop he occupies that Fr Mbaka was ordained a priest, a king and prophet? How then can the Church become worried when he begins to prophesy? Does the Church contradict itself?.

“We are not happy with the manner the wind of the transfer blew and many of us feel bad about it. Fr Mbaka is holding the brake for some of us and we implore him to keep matching the brake and hold the steering firmly because all eyes are on him. He should not be discouraged. We are behind him. Even if they post him to the moon, there we shall be with him. Where are those behind this transfer? Let them come out from their hidings so that they will compete with Fr Mbaka for us to see, in area of preaching the gospel, in prayers, in fasting or in charity?

“Some of us who are not from Enugu Diocese didn’t believe it that Fr Mbaka was transferred in this manner. The transfer is not our problem but the manner it was done. It struck us like thunder and we have been inundated with calls from our people residing outside the country, UK, Spain, USA etc. We are dumbfounded and we can’t help asking; is this the fight of faith that the diocese is enjoined to fight? Is this how the diocese wants to win souls?
Source: http://tapread.net/2016/02/15/pdp-ohanaeze-forced-bishop-onaga-to-transfer-mbaka-parishioners-allege/

Obafemi Martins Sounders
Obafemi Martins has joined the bandwagon of players moving to China, after he joined Shanghai Shenhua in a multi-million dollar deal.

The Super Eagles striker leaves MLS side, Seattle Sounders, where he scored 43 times in 84 appearances since joining in March 2013.

Martins, who was linked with a return to the Premier League in the January transfer window, joins Senegalese striker, Demba Ba at the Chinese club.
The 31-year-old has played for Inter Milan and Newcastle in the past and also had spells in Germany, Russia and Spain.

He has scored 18 goals in 41 international appearances for Nigeria.
Source: http://tapread.net/2016/02/14/obafemi-martins-signs-for-chinese-club-shanghai-shenhua/

Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa was on Sunday sworn-in for the second term in office, with the promise to move the state forward.

Speaking at the event in Yenagoa, the governor dedicated his victory at the poll to the people and assured that he would not play politics with the security of the state.

“My victory as governor is victory for the people; this administration will continue to sustain the existing security in the state.

“We must stand for good governance and light must always triumph over darkness in Bayelsa; “.

Dickson also promised to complete the ongoing airport project and empower youths in the state.

He disclosed that the airport project was 80 per cent adding that diversification of the state economy will also be his priority.

“In the past four years, the state has witnessed transformation and we are ready to do more.

“We will consolidate and expand security in the next four years; this victory is ours and I want us to build a strong synergy to accelerate development of Bayelsa.

“I must say that my government is ready to work with the federal government in ensuring that the issue of kidnap and oil pipeline vandalism is properly checkmated.

“My advice to our people is to steer clear of encouraging or covering-up criminal acts in the state and Niger-Delta region,’’ he said.

Mr Charles Sambo, a Youth Leader, commended Dickson, assuring that the youths will help to promote peace and security in the state.

Sambo called on youths in the state to support the federal government efforts in fighting crimes, especially oil pipeline vandalism.

According to him, development of the Niger-Delta will not be possible in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“Let us say no to criminality, especially to pipeline vandalism and kidnap,” Sambo said.

The ceremony was attended by Governors Ayodele Fasose of Ekiti, Nyesom Wike of Rivers and Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, among others. (NAN)

http://tapread.net/2016/02/14/dickson-sworn-in-as-two-term-bayelsa-governor/

An Ijesa engineer can't find a job so he opens a
clinic and puts a sign outside 'GET TREATMENT FOR
20k - IF NOT CURED GET BACK 100k. A lawyer thinks this is a great opportunity to earn 100k and goes to the clinic...
Lawyer: "I have lost my sense of taste"
Ijesa man: "Nurse, bring medicine from box No. 22 and put 3 drops in patient's mouth"
Lawyer: "Ugh..this is kerosene"
Ijesa man: "Congrats, your sense of taste is
restored. Give me 20k" The annoyed lawyer goes back after a few days to recover his money...
Lawyer: "I have lost my memory. I cannot remember anything"
Ijesa man: "Nurse, bring medicine from box No. 22 and put 3 drops in his mouth"
Lawyer (annoyed): "This is kerosene. You gave
this to me last time for restoring my taste"
Ijesa man: "Congrats. You got your memory
back. Give me 20k"
The fuming lawyer pays him, and then comes
back a week later determined to get back 100k.
Lawyer: "My eyesight has become very weak"
Ijesa man: "Well, I don't have any medicine for
that, so take this 100k"
Lawyer (staring at the cash): "But this is 20k,
not 100k"
Ijesa man: "Congrats, your eyesight is restored.
Give me 20k" You can't beat an Ijesa man.

A visit to Bar192 could be the best gift for your lovers this weekend.
Bar192 is located in Sheffield, United Kingdom, The bar is renowned for its vast entertainment style in the UK and it is a haven where all the Big guys and top-notch Nigerian students converge for some fun and quality afro-beat music sharing the gala and the booze, Bar192 and its Sexysaturday UK clubbing is being described by many as the “House of Fun”. It should be noted that these event comes up on every last Saturday of every month .
DukeOfYorkshire the CEO of Soslimm Entertainment will be hosting the Yorkshire’s Socialites & Celebrities valentines day Party “My Naughty Little Valentine Night” this Saturday the 13th.
http://telltimes..nl/2016/02/exclusive-inside-bar192yorkshires.html
cc @lalasticala @Imortaloo1 LALASTICALA

Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti once sang "My People are Useless, my People are Senseless, my People are Indiscipline ".
A statement made by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state to Nigerians way back in the 80s.
Today, Just 30 years later as Civilian President he his making the same mistake. He still insisted that his citizens are Impatient and Criminal in nature.
My Question to the President of the Criminal Citizens is that.
What can we do to become Saint like him since he is the only Saint among 170 millions Nigerians?

It has been noted that the president speaks alot from the bottom of his heart but he has to check the weight of what his coming out of his mouth most atimes, the international world might misquote his " some Nigerians are criminal to Every Nigerians are criminal" the same way am doing now.

President Muhammadu Buhari revealed his administration has so far saved 2.2 trillion Naira using the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The President made this disclosure while interacting with a cross section of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom on the side-line of the Supporting Syria Conference in London.

It could be recalled that President Buhari last year October directed that all revenues due to the Federal Government or any of its agencies must be paid into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) or designated accounts maintained and operated in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) .

According to the president, this measure is specifically to promote transparency and prevent the loss or leakages of legitimate income meant for the federation account.

President Buhari faulted past administrations for operating several accounts with which they siphoned money belonging to Nigerians vowing not to relent in the fight against corruption.

He said that he would make every Nigerian accountable and that money recovered so far can fund the country’s deficit and infrastructure development.

He said,“When we discovered that we were already in trouble, we tried to enforce the TSA. This government did not initiate it, it was the previous government, but it was so unpopular to the previous government” .

“For its own reasons, it couldn’t impose it, but when we came and we found out that we were broke, we saw that this as the way to do it.

“We discovered that the NNPC had more than 45 accounts, the ministry of defence and the military had more than 70 accounts; tell me which of the accounts to trace every year.

“So we enforced TSA, we said there must be TSA, and let me tell you by the end of December coming to January this year, last month we mopped up more than N2.2 trillion.”

We ended sale of Forex to BDC’s because of corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration decided to stop the sale of foreign exchange to bureau de change (BDC) operators because of fraudulent acts perpetrated by some directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He made this disclosure when speaking on the state of the economy during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom on the sidelines of the Supporting Syria Conference in London.

The president pointed out that some CBN directors used BDCs that they owned to shortchange the government.

He said,“We found out that some directors of CBN owned bureau de change and when foreign exchange comes, they take it to their bureau de change and give government the change,”

“We had to stop the federal government giving bureau the change. I am explaining this to give a tip of the ice berg of the problem we inherited. We are getting so hard because we have no other [option] than to make everybody accountable.”

SAP killed the Naira

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) which was initiated by former military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, between 1986 and 1988 killed the Naira.
read more: http://tapread.net/2016/02/06/we-saved-n2-2trn-using-tsa-pmb/

Untitled-2
Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) has revealed the nominations for the 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards, the ultimate fan celebration of the best of everything kids love in pop culture. The nominees reflect the entertainment that audiences see, play, listen to and read in droves, from movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jurassic World and Pitch Perfect 2, to a host of television shows, music, gaming, books and more.

With the introduction of a new African voting category for best African bloggers, Bellanaija founder, Uche Pedro has been nominated alongside Sylvia Kamau (Kenya), Aisha Baker (South Africa), and Theodora Lee (South Africa).

Other nominees include Adele, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Chris Pratt, The Weeknd, John Boyega, One Direction, Sofia Vergara, Daisy Ridley, Chris Hemsworth, Nickelodeon’s very own Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, Jace Norman and many more.

Multiple new categories have been added to this year’s show, including “Best Blogger” (Africa), “Favourite Collaboration” and “Favourite Cooking Show”
read more: http://tapread.net/2016/02/06/uche-pedro-justin-bieber-others-nominated-at-niickleodeons-kids-choice-awards-2016/

As the Lagos City Marathon holds on Saturday, entertainers in music industry has also indicated interest in partaking in the race.

Tagged ‘Run Lagos’, the likes of Olamide, YBNL artiste, Lil Kesh and dance hall musician, Patorankin are among the entertainers to run in the 49 km plus event.

Sponsored by Access Bank, the city marathon holding on Saturday, February 6, 2015 welcome a good number of professional atheletes and other non athletes who has indicated interest by registering for the tourney. The winner will go home with a juicy package.

Airtel brand ambassador, Patonranking was the first person from entertainment industry to indicate interest followed by Next Rated Category Headies 2015 Nominee, Lil Kesh while Award wnning rapper Olamide was the last as at the time of filing this report. Whether they ‘ll eventually run or withdraw is in the physically tasking exercise is yet to be known.
read more: http://tapread.net/2016/02/06/patorankinglil-kesh-olamide-to-partake-in-lagos-city-marathon/

Dear President Buhari
You are not the Originator of Change agenda it was your party who originated it, they voted you for being effective to achieving Change and Nigerians grasped your hands straight into Aso Rock to achieve the change we all wanted.
Sir, Let the Change feeling groove high in APC that gace all it could,sponsored and sold you into our hands, Allow the Party that suffered with you to get its own fair share of the Change agenda they fought for, In-fact not your party alone but any trust worthy persons, since you said you belong to Nobody but to everybody.
Mr President, It is a tradition to change those that will work with you in governance and parastatals I mean those trustworthy party loyalist and Citizens that would add to the effect of the change mantra you have alway been talking about and appointing those who will work with you is a tradition for this is how any successive president runs it gov't because the president is vested with the power by law to appoint those who will work under him at the federal level but the reverse seems to be the case and it seems your loyalist had worked so hard for the PDP to enjoy, It is so painful to see this happen. Today the Yam eaters are guarding our yams, take a look around You Sir. I am just sorry and pained that your action have sent coldness down the spine of your loyalist, many of them would vote for money in 2019, they would bid for another person because he who worked must surely eat, without which they would find a way to rubbish you and laugh at your woes when the PDP renders your anti corruption Agenda Useless. Baba eti ta ere si won l,oju but I pray and I hope You won't end up telling us "PDP were in my Gov't" because our Ineffectual Buffoon also said "Boko Haram were in my Govt" and later " Stealing is not corruption" Its no genuine escape route.
When 2019 comes blame it not on the PDP.
Micheal Adeniyi
@9jaclicktivist