The Nigeria Police on Monday arraigned the embattled Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, before a magistrate court in Wuse zone 2, Abuja.

The senator who was arrested by the SARS and subsequently detained over allegations bothering on criminal conspiracy was brought to the court on a stretcher.

As at time of filing this report, journalists were prevented from going into the court premises.

Details later..

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/breaking-police-arraigns-dino-melaye-in.html

Chinese researchers have identified two new risk gene variants that are responsible for leprosy.

The findings have been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

The research, led by Yao Yonggang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming institute of zoology, was based on a study involving 1,433 patients with leprosy and 1,625 healthy individuals from southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

More than 30 risk genes affecting susceptibility to leprosy have been identified.
The research team has identified and validated two new rare damaging variants in HIF1A and LACC1 genes that can increase risk of developing the disease.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease which can cause nerve damage, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, and permanent disability. Leprosy patients also suffer from discrimination.
In 2011, China announced plans to eradicate the disease by 2020.
China had reduced incidence of the disease to less than one per 10,000 in 1981, but leprosy remains a major problem in some rural areas in southwest China.
As of the end of 2016, more than 50,000 people with leprosy had been cured in Yunnan Province.
The number of new cases reported in the province accounts for about one fourth of the country’s total.
It still has 44 counties with serious leprosy problems.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/researchers-identify-2-new-risk-gene.html

Sixteen football clubs in Enugu State will be locking horns in the 2018 edition of state’s Federation Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that states’ Federation Cup is a prelude to the National Federation Cup, which comprises of 62 teams.

Francis Ugwu, Secretary of Enugu State Football Association, told NAN on Tuesday in Enugu that the state’s Federation Cup matches would be a 21-day fiesta.

Ugwu said that it would commence on May 5; while the finals would be played on May 26.

He noted that all the matches would be played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu (The Cathedral).

“The Federation Cup by its nature is a knock out tournament.

“Where clubs must win each match; or loss and crush out of the tournament entirely.

“We are expecting that among the 16 clubs, a winner and a runners-up will emerge and they will represent the state at the National Federation Cup coming up later in the year,’’ he said.

Ugwu said that the clubs participating in the 2018 edition included: Rangers International FC, Crime Busters FC, Purple Krown FC and Vemard Africa FC.

Others are: Ingas International FC, El-Nahog FC, FC International, Flying Angels FC, Samba FC and Disdevt FC.

The rest includes: Enugu Angels FC, Coal City Youths FC, FC Miserere, Lamray FC, FC Star-Plus and Rangers Feeders FC.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/16-clubs-for-2018-enugu-state.html

Reacting shortly after the joint briefing by both leaders, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday bemoaned the performance of the Nigerian president during the meeting with his U.S. counterpart, describing it as embarrassing and disturbing.

The party lamented that Buhari completely failed to project the economic interests of the country before the American government and the world.

A statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan said it was alarming that Buhari buckled during the bilateral negotiations and failed to address the issue of the drop in U.S. purchase of Nigeria’s crude oil, saying it is the main stay of the Nigerian economy.

“Nigerians and the business community were aghast when President Buhari could not market our crude oil to his American counterpart even when in the course of the question and answer session, a leeway was provided for him, he off-handedly declared that he cannot ‘tell America what to do’,” the party said.

PDP also said that Buhari had no answers to Trump’s stance that the U.S. had not been investing substantially in Nigeria owing to the unconducive economic climate under his administration, further confirming the stand of the PDP that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was running a moribund economy.

More disturbing, PDP noted, was the revelation by Trump that the U.S. has been supporting Nigeria with the sum of $1 billion annually whereas Buhari, in his script, announced that Nigeria received only $500 million last year.

“We had expected President Buhari, as the ‘African Champion on Anti-Corruption’, to immediately respond to President Trump on the whereabouts of the shortfall of $500 million.

“It is also inexcusable that President Buhari had no answers to the security situation of daily bloodletting and mass killings in Nigeria, which President Trump described as ‘horrible’. Instead, he restricted himself to his script, which was silent on the issue.

“By this, the American government has summarily indicted President Buhari’s government on its failure to ensure security of lives and property of Nigerian citizens.

“On the whole, the visit surmises photo-ops of President Buhari in the White House in a bilateral session where President Trump was committed to marketing the U.S. to the most populous black nation,” the PDP said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/pdp-laments-buharis-performance.html

The police in Adamawa have arrested a Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Mr Abel Behora, for an alleged inciting statement.

The command spokesman, SP Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Monday in Yola, alleged that Behora committed the act in a political programme aired on a private radio station in Yola.

Abubakar said Behora would be charged to court on four counts, including defamation of character and dishing out false information against the police.

Abubakar urged politicians to play the game according to the rules, adding that the police were committed to ensure sustainable peace in the state.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/police-arrest-adamawa-sdp-gubernatorial.html

The Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative ( ARDI ) has appealed to the National Assembly ( NASS ) to show understanding over President Muhammadu Buhari’s alleged purchase of $496 million aircraft from the U.S. without due process.

Mr Dennis Aghanya, Executive Secretary of ARDI, told our correspondent in Lagos on Sunday that the president, as a human being, could make mistakes.

He advised the legislators to avoid actions that would heat up the system.

“The president’s only sin is that he did not seek the approval of NASS for the release of the fund; he did not embezzle it.


“For anyone to think of impeachment process against him is not right.

“We have many problems at hand. Violation of a constitutional provision is bad but it is worse to act in an immoral manner,” Aghanya said.

The ARDI scribe said that Buhari’s regime was prosecuting a vital project – fighting corruption and insecurity – and might circumvent the provision of the constitution in some instances to succeed.

He said that guidance or correction of the executive should not be with a sledge hammer.

Aghanya claimed that the legislature had at some points also thrown caution to the wind to be able to achieve an aim.

Aghanya said: “There is no doubt that Mr President erred in his approval and release of such magnitude of fund to place order for the controversial aircraft, but I prefer to view his actions from his intention rather than the technicalities associated with the process of releasing the fund.


“He meant well and nobody can take away that fact.

“We were all witnesses in this country where funds were appropriated and released and it was completely diverted and embezzled and nobody was questioned.

“I must confess, however, that I am also happy that the National Assembly could be on top of its game by living up to its oversight function.”

According to him, the beauty of every constitutional democracy is going by the rules as guided by the constitution of the country.

Aghanaya said that all the arms of government must adhere strictly to the rules.

“We will get over it; it is a gradual process. When our democracy matures very reasonably, we will not only impeach but will also start recalling legislators that have failed to live up to expectations.

“Some governors, justices and legislators have done badly, but we are taking it calmly; that is the way it should go.

“For those appearing on national television to justify this action of Mr President, I will disagree with them.

Whatever is bad should be condemned and apologies rendered.

“That is the only way we can continue to adjust in areas we have made mistakes and consolidate where we are getting it right.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/buhari-impeachment-take-it-easy-group.html

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will have a joint approval desk for projects in the oil sector, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, has said.

The Minister, who disclosed this during a meeting with the management of NCDMB in Bayelsa State, explained that joint review and approval of oil industry projects and contracts are aimed at meeting the six months target contract approval cycle time, thereby reducing the cost of crude oil production.

He added: “If you look at the cost components we are driving down; from $28 per barrel, it is now $23, and we are targeting $15. We can’t achieve that if our bureaucracy is slow.”

The Minister commended NCDMB for adopting the use of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with its key stakeholders, promising to ensure that other agencies within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources adopt the initiative, to drive efficiency.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/kachikwu-endorses-joint-approval-desk.html

As shared

This week we celebrated my mom’s 90th birthday.This is symbolic in many ways for me.I always talk about the need to empower women across Africa because I know first hand the power of just one enterprising woman. Suffice it to say that I wouldn’t be the man I am today w/out my mom

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/tony-o-elumelu-celebrate-his-moms-90th.html

Kohath Housing Corporation and the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company on Wednesday signed a deal to provide over 15,000 housing nationwide to low income earners.

Mr Teni Eleoramo, the Executive Chairman, Kohath Housing Corporation, said in Abuja that the partnership would help bridge housing gap in Africa, especially in Nigeria.

The Kohath is a promoter and developer of the “Land of Honey’’ (LoH) City Development and a leading player in the municipality development space in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Eleoramo said that 1,767 hectares of land had been acquired to provide affordable housing units to Nigerians.

He added that 180 hectares of this would be for the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) project for the provision of affordable housing for civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“This project has successfully weathered the storm of title and legal challenges, survived the arduous business environment of Nigeria.
“It is now ready to deliver its mandate of providing qualitative and affordable housing to Nigerians.
“We have decided to collaborate to deliver on the aspirations of ensuring that over 500 civil servants move into their houses within the next 12 to 18 months.’’
He said that the LoH building types would include a handful of single-family homes and a large majority of affordable housing development portfolios.
Responding, Mr Kehinde Ogundimu, Acting Chief Executive Officer, NMRC said the collaboration presents a huge opportunity to make a difference in home ownership in the nation’s capital due to challenges that the LoH development would help to solve.
Ogundimu said the partnership with Kohath would provide an opportunity for NMRC to support the Federal Government’s housing programmes in providing affordable housing backed by affordable mortgages.
This, he said, was in consideration of the fact that of all the challenges currently facing our nation today, very few are more urgent than the deficit of decent housing.
“Housing and economic analysts have all noted that without a stable and affordable home, low income families in Nigeria have little hope of a better livelihood.
“Hence, the availability of housing plays a key role in determining whether they can find well-paying jobs, send their children to school, get quality health services and access to reliable utilities.’’
The proposed building for the housing units is located at the Gude district, Apo, FCT, Abuja.
The signing of agreement between the two parties was witnessed by Directors and staff of FISH in the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/kohath-partners-with-nmrc-to-provide.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday intervened once more in the interbank segment of the foreign exchange (FX) market as it sold $210 million in thewholesale segment and other sectors.

Figures released by the central bankyesterday showed that the wholesale sector of the market got another injection of $100 million, just as the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and invisibles sectors each received $55 million.


Confirming the figures, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said theinterventions, like the previous intermediations, were in line with the Bank’s commitment to sustain the high level of stability in the Forex market and continually ease access to the currency by those requiring it for genuine activities.

Okorafor, while commending the role of players in the market, said the CBN was ready to inject funds into the market, whenever and wherever necessary, in order to maintain market stability as well as sustain the financial system.

He also said the financial regulator was further buoyed by recent gains in the foreign exchange sector, which had seen the country’s reserves soar closer to the $50 billion mark.

Speaking further, Okorafor said the country’s reserves continued to enjoy accretion, adding that the present reserves status at the Bank meant that the CBN was capable of sustaining foreign exchange liquidity in the system.

Tuesday’s intervention came as one United States Dollar (US$1) exchanged for N361 in the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market.
The CBN had in its last interventioninjected the sum of $396.18million into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS).

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele at the weekend put the value of the country’s external reserves at $47.93 billion, noting, however, that there was need to save for the rainy day and also continue to grow the foreign reserves.
He said it would be like saying the focus on inflation, the gross domestic product and exchange rate do not mean anything.

“We came to a meeting where one of the important issues that was discussed was the need to save for a rainy day and we must continue to rebuild reserves.

“That means that Nigeria’s decision to rebuild its reserves from as low as $23 billion in 2016 to almost $48 billion today was a decision in the right direction.

“So, we are going to continue to do so. If we had more reserves when we were hit by the exogenous shocks, we would not have suffered the recession that we suffered,” he added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/again-cbn-boosts-fx-market-liquidity.html

Mr Olusegun Banjo, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, on Tuesday said the state recorded a revenue of N141.96 billion in the first quarter of 2018.

Banjo said this at the ongoing ministerial briefing to mark Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s third year in office at Alausa, Lagos.

Banjo said the figure represented an increase of 63 percent against the N124.14 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2017.
According to him, the budget also recorded an increase of N17.82 billion over the 2017 figure.
Banjo said the state recorded N103.48 billion in absolute Terms and Internally Generated Revenue (TIGR) in 2018, representing an increase of 73 percent over N96.78 recorded in 2017.
Banjo noted that the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) generated N84.19 billion in the first quarter of 2018, which accounted for 81 percent of TIRG and 59 percent in total revenue compared to N74.55 billion in 2017.
According to him, the figure translated to 77 percent of TIGR and 60 percent of total revenue while it recorded N9.65 billion in absolute terms during the first quarter of 2018.
Under Capital expenditure, Banjo said the state’s performance in the first quarter stood at N93.01 billion in 2018 as against N46.72 billion recorded in same period in 2017.
Banjo said that at the end of the first quarter of 2018, the capital to recurrent ratio closed at 57 to 43 as against 39 to 61 recorded in the corresponding period of 2017.
Similarly, under the recurrent expenditure, the commissioner said the state recorded personnel costs performance of N24.69 billion higher than N23.96 billion during the same period in 2017 which represented an increase of 88 percent.
The commissioner said the total overhead cost stood at N39.57 billion in the first quarter of 2018 as the N43.92 billion recorded in same period in 2017.
According to him, this is a pointer that all efforts geared toward tighter control of overheads are beginning to yield results, even though more needs to be done in this area.
On project monitoring and evaluation, the commissioner said the ministry would not relent in its efforts to monitor and evaluate government programmes as well as carry out performance management report across the state.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/lagos-records-n14196bn-revenue-in-q1.html

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has confirmed the killing of two of its priests, Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, both reverend fathers, in an early hour attack on St Ignatius Quasi Parish, Ukpor, Mbalom in Gwer West Local Government Council of Benue.

A statement by its Director of Communications, Moses Iorapuu, said the attacks were perpetrated by herdsmen who stormed the Mbalom community and killed the two priests during the morning mass at the church.

The diocese expressed regret at the attitude of the security agencies in containing the killings.

It said the herdsmen, who stormed the community, burnt down houses, destroyed crops and killed people.

The church, therefore, urged the relevant authorities to stop the killings in the Benue valley.

Mr Iorapuu said the diocese had been active in providing food and relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) since the onset of hostilities in the state and wondered why it could be marked as a target of attacks.

“The attacks on the priests is an attack on everything that we ever stood for and believed in,” he said.

Meanwhile, efforts to get reaction from the Benue Police Command failed as its Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, was not forthcoming with remarks.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/makurdi-catholic-diocese-confirms.html

The ongoing National Housing Programme ( NHP ) by the Federal Government in Benin, Edo, has generated over 3,000 employments and empowerment to Nigerians within the locality.

Mrs Ebemeata Ani-Otoibhi, the Team Leader, NHP, Edo, made this known on Tuesday in Benin while briefing newsmen after the inspection of the project.

Ani-Otoibhi said that the ongoing project with about 12 different contractors has attained 80 per cent completion.

The newsmen reports that the inspection was part of the South-South Zone media inspection organised by the Ministry Power, Works and Housing.


The 64-unit housing project is located at Idumwen-Ehigie, along Benin-Auchi road in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

“Since the inception of the project, more than 3,000 skilled and unskilled workers, including contractors, artisans, building materials suppliers, block moulders; food vendors and security guards have been employed.

“These people have impacted positively on the lives of the people and this is one of the objectives of the project.

“So, the objectives are to address and improve socio-economic conditions through employment generation, poverty alleviation and empowerment of people within the locality,’’ she said.

Ani-Otoibhi noted that the project, which started in March 2017, would finally be completed by June 2018.

She added that the project has also increased commercial activities in the state as well as enhancing development in the location.


“We have some security challenges arising from community issues but we have not experienced theft because we employed day and night security guard in the site.’’

The road contractor, Mr James Okafor said that the company has been able to clear the soil and would be filling the soil immediately after evacuation.

“The project has impacted on me positively because I have been able to foot my bills, take care of my family.

“The project has also helped me to settle some other financial challenges, which I was not able to do before the commencement of the project.

“More than 10 people are working under our company and we intend to employ more people. We have surveyors, engineers among others working with us.

Okafor noted that non mobilisation of fund was one of the challenges facing the company presently.

He appealed to the government to release more fund for the project as soon possible to enable them meet the deadline for the completion of the project.



“One thing is to award a project; the second thing is the supervision while thirdly is the completion of the project.

“The government should do the needful by following up the project and releasing money as and when due,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, a food vendor at the site, Mrs Regina Ibe commended the Federal Government for creating means of livelihood for some of them through the project.

“I make between N27, 000 to N35, 000 daily from this place. The money I generate has helped me to take care of my children education and I have also bought a land for my family to build our own house.

The newsmen reports that installation of 500KVA transformer and supply of electricity by Messrs Rosco Progenitors Synergies Ltd. is also on course.

The purpose of the media inspection is basically to access the level of progress made on the project in the South-South Zone and to access the level of infrastructure to complement the housing units.

Also, the media inspection was to access the economic impact made by the programme to the Growth of Domestic Product ( GDP ) in the country.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/edo-national-housing-programme-creates.html

Winner of Big Brother Naija Double Wahala reality TV show, Miracle has cleared his relationship status with fellow ex-housemate Nina during a post Big Brother interview with the reality TV show media team.


Miracle and Nina (MINA) were initially partners in the show, however the two ex-housemates got romantically involved with each other despite Nina revealing she was committed to a relationship outside the house.The pilot admitted that he would like to analyse their relationship outside the four walls of Big Brothers house.

“I am a very calculative person, I like to take my time to analyse situations if you noticed in the house, I will do the same with Nina and I’s situation”.


Miracle tried to diffuse the situation surrounding his relationship with Nina by insisting this wasn’t the right time to think about their relationship.


“This is the time to make money, my relationship with Nina will sort out itself naturally”.


Miracle who won N1 Million for winning the Payporte Arena games also revealed that the Friday Games were his best moments in the house and Mondays were his worst days because of the nomination process


The winner of the reality TV show, who walked away with a grand prize worth N45 million on Sunday night, revealed that the idea of pairings was great but an unexpected one by Big Brother.


‘Friday is always like my best days in the house, with all the movements and action, I really enjoyed it.”


“It brought a bond between everybody, it was something new, and you know Big Brother always surprises us”.


Big Brother insisted on housemates nominating pairs rather than the typical way of nominating individual housemates.


The ex-housemate expressed the difficulties he encountered while having to nominate a pair.


“It was tough because we had to nominate a pair and I may like one housemate but dislike the partner.


“I have realized some talents I didn’t know I had. Because of Teddy in the house I had to sing. I really enjoyed it and the other housemates did as well”.


“I can’t take the leadership skills I acquired in the house for granted”.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/my-priority-is-making-money-not-dating.html

The Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to set up an energy council made up of experienced and reliable energy professionals and operators from across the country to advise and proffer workable solutions to the federal government on how to address Nigeria’s dilemma with her energy sector.

NAEE stated that unless Buhari takes up the challenge of creating such a platform that would research and provide clear-cut policy options for the government on how Nigeria would make the most of her various energy sources to propel her industrialisation, the country may continue to experience dire challenges in her energy sector.

According to the NAEE, such energy research council will advise the federal government on the potentials of its energy supply sources and how best they could be tapped.
NAEE added that the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) should have undertaken the task, but is unable to do so, hence the call for an energy council.


Speaking at a recent briefing in Abuja, the president of NAEE, Prof. Wumi Iledare, stated that countries like the United States and others have such council, which have helped them to research and implement policies on shale oil exploration.

“The president needs an energy council; competent energy professionals to look at the energy supply mix for Nigeria just like you have in some other places. The reason today why you see the shale gas developments in the US is because of the Potential Natural Gas Committee that existed for many year, and I said this when Buhari came to power, that there is an energy council that is moribund and should be revamped,” said Iledare.

Iledare also stated that the NAEE will hold the 11th edition of its annual conference this week in Abuja in conjunction with the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE).

According to him, the conference would explore the impacts the changes in global energy market could have on emerging economies like Nigeria, with emphasis on the potentials in Nigeria’s gas deposits.

Providing details of potential discussions points at plenaries in the conferences, Iledare said: “The first plenary would address the role of oil and gas in an emerging economy, emphasising the need for a shift from rent-seeking and rent-sharing to value-creation in the domestic economy. it is my considered opinion that government cannot effectively and equitably spend a dollar to create value the way the private sector could.”

“The second plenary shall address the role of gas and power in an emerging economy. The discussions are expected to centre on policy development of gas for value creation and not early rent extraction. The challenges derailing the development of the natural gas market shall be addressed with solutions proffered. The best ways for unlocking the natural gas for economic growth and development rather than for direct revenue enhancement for the government would also be considered,” Iledare added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/naee-buhari-needs-energy-council-to.html

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed at a Forward Operational Base in Benisheikh have uncovered a Boko Haram training camp where instructional training was provided to its foot soldiers.

The Troops uncovered the Camp located in a hideout in Afa general area on Sunday at about 9.30 am, following a tip off that insurgents were being trained in the hideout.

Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Public Relations in a statement said, “Armed with the information, troops immediately mobilised to the area where they conducted a cordon and search operation.

“During the operation, troops encountered elements of Boko Haram insurgents who were withdrawing hastily from the camp. In the shootout that ensued, troops killed one of the insurgents and recovered one Dane gun. Troops also rescued one Mallam Abba, who was held hostage in the camp by the insurgents.

“The entire training camp has been destroyed by the gallant troops.”

More photos at[url] http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/photos-nigerian-troops-discover-boko.html[/url]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRfK5ZXFFbA

The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has called Nigerians, especially those in authority to stop behaving like Emperor Nero, whom he said history told us was fiddling while Rome was burning. Obi spoke yesterday at the centenary celebration of Christ the King Parish Aba and the 57th annual Diocesan Synod of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Umuahia.

Explaining, Obi said that as Nigeria was today, the debt of 70 billion Dollars had been accumulated after 10 years the debt of Nigeria was totally written off. He also said that Nigeria had 10 million out of school children, thus breeding future disillusioned citizens that would become militants, kidnappers or members of Boko Haram in future. Obi also said that while things were becoming increasingly difficult in the country, that those in authority, totally alienated from the people keep doubling the cost of governance rather than reducing it. Obi who also advised the Church to stop honouring those that manifestly contributed to the problems in the country, submitted that a country bedeviled by such hiccups should be at work on how to repair the damage rather than be dancing.

Obi who spoke amidst applause, advised Ministers of God to call those in authority doing badly and correct them after which, failing to heed the advise, they should admonish them from the pulpit. He said all hands must be in deck in the business of retrieving the country from those that have hijacked it.

In his speech, the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, His Grace, Dr. Raphael Opoko, who said he was instrumental to how Obi re-built Onitsha when he was there as Bishop, said that Nigerians need a crop of leaders like Obi to carry out reconstructive surgery on the country and make her healthy again.

Caption for the pic
The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (left) with the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, His Grace, Dr. Raphael Opoko (right) at the 57th annual Diocesan Synod of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Umuahia, yesterday.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/stop-dancing-peter-obi-begs-nigerians.html

A Nigerian graduate student at the New York University, Faraday Okoro has won a transformative grant of $1m to produce a film.

Okoro was among five finalists listed for an award being given by AT&T, the Tribeca Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Institute to a promising young filmmaker, with a focus on underrepresented perspectives.

After a game-show-like pitch-off, Okoro won the transformative grant. His thesis project would have a million-dollar budget.

But the money came with pressure: For example, it was to be filmed in Africa.

The film, “Nigerian Prince,” follows a Nigerian-American high schooler whose mother sends him to live with his aunt in Lagos. There he befriends his cousin, a professional scammer who sends phishing emails, among other deceitful business pursuits.

Winning a $1 million grant to make his film was “much different than winning the lottery,” Faraday said, “because I still had to make the movie for it to mean anything. And I could really feel that.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nigerian-graduate-student-wins-1m-to.html

Rachael Bakam is a celebrated actress and television personality. As the host of Trends and Rachel and its Hausa version called Rachel Mai Kakaaki, she’s eloquent, alluring and high-flying.

The Kaduna State-born mother of one opens up to Entertainer on her life, career and relationship with football legend, John Fashanu. Enjoy it.

You have carved a niche as a television presenter and actress, could you tell us more about your career?

I started as an actress but God destined me for the television as a presenter. But without mincing words, acting was my first love. My relationship with broadcasting began after watching ‘African Pots’. A lady broadcaster encouraged me to become a television presenter. Afterwards, I joined the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as a reporter after my National Youth Service. I must attribute my reportorial skills to my notable mentor, Bola Oyeyemi. I will forever remain indebted to her for positioning my potentials.

Could you throw more light on your career trajectory?

My involvement in the entertainment industry has riveted me into television programming. Interestingly, I have embraced acting and I intend producing educative and entertaining movies. Also, I am a media consultant, I package brands for commercial success, and as a red-carpet host I have anchored several prominent events within and outside Nigeria.

At exactly what age did you foray into acting?

My acting started from the ECWA church where I participated in dramas. I was also a member of the Girls’ Brigade and Youth Fellowship. Nevertheless, my first appearance on set was with veteran actress, Patience Ozorkwor and Jim Iyke in Enugu. It was a memorable experience playing alongside these great talents. I recall when the director was announcing ‘light, camera, action’ my legs were shaking. In fact, my knees were knocking each other and I was stuttering, which led to my poor character delivery. I must give it to Patience Ozorkwor for stirring me to depict my character without fears.

How would you describe your life as an entertainer?

Honestly, being a television presenter is challenging because of the financial involvement, most especially when it is a self-employed job. Regardless of the challenges, you have to remain prayerful, focus, hardworking, confident and positive. Indeed, life is not a bed of roses, but how you manage your dark moments is important. Consequently, we should always consider ourselves winners as children of God. In fact, my story is half-finished without pointing at the enormous grace of the creator of the universe, our sufficient God for helping me climb the ladder of success against all odds.

You mentioned earlier your challenges, which among them actually makes you cry whenever you reminisce?

My life is a book with many chapters. I had serious health challenges while in school, but God proved himself with His healing powers. Advisably, no matter your challenges, you must speak positivity into your life because the power of life and death lies in our tongues. However, when you pray and call on God, He will answer. Therefore, let your faith be your guiding principles, there is no solution than praying and hard work.

What kind of health challenges was it?

I noticed unusual changes in my body system. I visited a doctor and he announced my health status, saying I had limited time to live. But my faith in God rejuvenated my life. Hurriedly, I embarked on prayer since God is the creator and owner of our lives. The Holy Spirit guided and listened to my prayers and I was divinely healed and delivered of the sickness.


Would it be right to say you have experienced heartbreak considering the way you talk about life?


Yes, in my career, relationship and marriage, but God put laughter into my mouth. Regrettably, I got married but it didn’t last because of irreconcilable differences. Marriage, indeed, is like a wrapped gift. You can’t predict what it entails. At the beginning, it was heaven on earth, which gave birth to a son; without knowing it would lead to hell but God kept me alive. However, individuals have fallen victims, with lovers, husbands or wives reversibly becoming enemies. So, it’s worthwhile to take the bull by the horn and stay alive than embrace the grave for love. Of course, I have bitter experiences concerning my health and marriage, but God embellished my life with joy.

Who was your husband?

He became history the day we untied our marital knot since God didn’t ordain the marriage. Please don’t ask about his identity because I have erased him from my heart and life. Though, he remains the biological father of my son, he’s not his heavenly father.

Now, have you found love?

Please, let’s leave this particular topic for another day. Definitely God will crown me with a glorious man.

Is the man ex-footballer, John Fashanu who is also your co-anchor on Trends and Rachel?

This amiable, humble and great intellectual is my co-presenter and he has been very supportive of my career, and I’m sanctified to have met him in my life journey. However, on your enquiry about love or life partner, let’s leave God to answer that question.

If you were asked to make a wish, what would you like to change about yourself?

Honestly, I didn’t like the shape of my legs, which really affected me psychologically (laughs). As a woman, I believe beauty is beyond facial look, which progresses to the body, mind and character. So, I felt uncomfortable because my legs constituted an immense obstacle, limiting my character interpretation as an actress. But presently, I wear short dresses and skirts without blemish on my skin.

How old is the fruit of the alienated union?

He is over nine years and still counting.

What is your advice to fledgling broadcaster, actress and red carpet host aspiring to hit it big?

Primarily, they must be knowledgeable about the profession to excel profitably. Then, prayer is the undeniably weapon to success. Also, hard work pays; manna doesn’t fall from heaven, you have to work for it, for God to bless the work of your hands. In addition, stay focus and determined, and never give up on trials, which is just a phase that will pass away.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/my-life-is-book-of-many-chapters-says.html

When Osogbo school emerged in the early 1960s, two crucial landmarks in Nigerian art lexicon were recorded: the potency of native content in creative expressions and a coincidence on the eve of the country’s transition from modern to contemporary art.
In celebrating 50 years of Osogbo phenomenon, the event would highlight a group of artists, who are modernists by career path, but excelling in contemporary period.

That trajectory of building a link between two periods of a nation’s art, which the artists of Osogbo informal school holds, has become a reference point. And 50 years on, it is worth celebrating while also introspecting into its hold on 21st Century contemporary art texture.


On the walls of Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the works of five of the Osogbo artists are currently showing as Vision of the Last Quarter art exhibition, an emission of vast creative skills woven in historic fabric fills the air.

Organised by Thought Pyramid Art Centre, in partnership with Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, the exhibition continues the celebration of 50 years of Osogbo Art, which started last year.

The celebration took off from Osogbo and stopped over at Thought Pyramid, Abuja, late last year.

As at the period when Nigerian modern art, fathered by Aina Onabolu (1882-1963), was breathing new energy of modernists, German scholar, Uli Beier (1922-2011) unearthed huge talents of informal arts haven in Osogbo and its environs.

And before the Nigerian contemporary period set in at the next dawn, an army of artists(es), whose inspirations were fired by several workshops, organised by Beier and his partner, Georgina, have been born.

The beneficiaries, who were largely artisans and cultural performers, would later be known as Osogbo Artists.

Among such professionals whose works, in the past four decades, transcend the art landscape of Africa and beyond, are the artists of Vision of the Last Quarter: Muraina Oyelami, Jimoh Buraimoh, Rufus Ogundele, Adebisi Fabunmi and Twins Seven Seven.

At the left side of Thought Pyramid’s ground floor gallery space are bead paintings of Buraimoh, while on the opposite lie Ogundele’s paper works of oil paintings. Likewise, Twins Seven Seven and Fabunmi share the same opposite space further down the gallery. Ogundele, in streetscape and portraiture, expresses proficiency in stylised pseudo-cubism, with typical native content draughsmanship.

In mostly works that span two years: 2014 – 2016, Buraimoh’s signature of bold lines, either in figural or architectural depiction, keep the gallery wall loaded. Fabunmi’s monochrome of signs and motifs on canvas re-enacts native Yoruba adire textile aesthetics.

Mounted at a corner of the gallery are Oyelami’s mastery of old architecture paintings, mostly on boards. The artist’s paintings keep renewing the glory of Osogbo modern and contemporary era with works that are as old as 10 years and as new as 2018.

For a landmark exhibition such as Vision of the Last Quatre comes the gathering of uncommon opportunity, particularly for the living among the exhibiting artists.

However, this landmark exhibition appears not to have adequately captured the five decades’ focus of the gathering.

Despite the fact that the gallery statement says “the exhibition looks at the evolution of Osogbo art from the 1960s till date,” something was actually missing.

For example, the works on display would have been richer with pieces as old as the late 1960s through 1970s to really reflect “the evolution of Osogbo art,” as the gallery statement says.

For the purpose of the exhibition, such old works should have been included, at least on loan from collectors. In fact, exhibitions such as this provide opportunity for any of the exhibiting artists to also share some of their personal collections of old works for retrospection. Oldest pieces of works on display at the exhibition are from the late Seven Seven, and dated between 1987-1989.

The evolution of Osogbo Arts is, however, captured in the text of the Gallery Statement. “The project was meant to be an experiment that would challenge the formal western education model considered by their patrons to be a contamination with western civilisation”, founder of Thought Pyramid, Jeff Ajueshi, writes.

“As a prerequisite for admission into the experiment or workshop, those that were gathered possessed the minimum primary school certificates.”

Ajueshi explains the role of CBCIU in the exhibition, from the centre’s background of
the study and promotion of art in Africa, saying, “It is only right that the centre heralds the celebration of 50 years of Osogbo Art.”

And placing the sobriquet ‘Osogbo Art’ in the Nigerian contemporary art context, it is not likely that the younger generation of artists from that tradition would blur the line as much. For example, artists of the later Osogbo breeds from Suzanne Wenger end of the experimental workshops – known as Grove Artists – appear to be injecting little contemporary textures in their works.

Oyelami was born in Iragbiji, then Western Region), Nigeria, in 1940. His arts career positions him as a visual artist and performing artiste. He is well versed in musical and theatre performance, particularly of Yoruba native content.

His experience outside Nigeria include Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, Staatlichen Kunsthalle, Berlin, Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC, and Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, among others.

Ogundele was born in Osogbo in 1946. In 1963, he participated in DenisWilliams workshop organised by Ulli and Georgina Beier. His profile traces the evolution of his current state of art from when he started working on large-scale surfaces by applying emulsion paint.

He would later develop his skills into printmaking, using linocut technique under the guidance of Georgina.

The only surviving child of seven sets of twins, Seven-Seven, who died at 67 in 2011, was born as Prince Taiwo Olaniyi Oyewale-Toyeje Oyelale Osuntoki. He was an itinerant performing artiste and later one of the beneficiaries of Mbari Mbayo workshop conducted by Beier and Georgina, which led him to be a visual artist in Osogbo.

Fabunmi was born in Takoradi, Ghana, in 1945. He moved to Osogbo as a young man and attended a workshop under Georgina from where he made history as one of the Osogbo Artists.

Though known for his linocut prints, Fabunmi also worked in other media such a oil paints and painting on wool and yarn. Fabunmi has largely taken traditional Yoruba images as his subjects.

Some of his solo art exhibitions were held in Nigeria and Kenya. In fact, he had what his bio describes as ‘a major retrospective in Bayreuth, Germany, in 1989’. His work, the artist’s bio adds, has been included in group exhibitions in London, New York, Vienna, and Prague among others.

Buraimoh was born in Osogbo, (Western Region), Nigeria, in 1943. He has been described as one of the most influential artists to emerge from the 1960s Osogbo Experimental Art workshops. He is among the distinguished artists permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in Washington, DC.

Beier was no doubt an icon in the evolution of Osogbo Art. During his last visit to Nigeria in 2005, there came an opportunity to share a broader perspective of his activities with this writer.

The 2005 encounter was at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. Beier recalled that it was not just about visual art, but culture in general: some of the performing artists who were brought to broader public glare through workshops were Yemi Elebuibon, late Oyin Adejobi, Tidjani Mayakiri, Ademola Onobonokuta and Lere Paimo.

However, the workshops for the visual artists, he noted, were made much easier when his partner Georgina joined him. Beier insisted that the workshop initiative was never “meant to teach the artists” but to motivate them.

In 1949, Wenger, a lady who would later become Beier’s partner, met the linguist in Paris. Beier and Wenger came to Nigeria, settled in Ibadan and later moved to Ede, where she also started inspiring artisans and helped enrich their art skills through the Yoruba traditional religion. Wenger, an Austrian-born artist, who adopted Nigeria as home and became a high priestess in Osogbo, died in the ancient town on January 12, 2009. She was aged 93.

More interestingly, four decades after Beier and his partner, Georgina, left Osogbo, the seed of cultural renaissance planted has grown into another dimension: the setting up of UNESCO Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU) in Osogbo, which was commissioned on Wednesday, January 7, 2009; it houses works of the Beiers. Some of the couple’s works returned by Beier during the commissioning of the centre are books, posters and photographers.

Some of the guests at the opening of the exhibition on Friday, March 30, 2018 commended the Osogbo artists, praising their contributions to the development of contemporary art in Nigeria.

Robin Campbell, a management member of the Adunni Olorisha Trust, said: “There were two schools of art in Osogbo but the Ulli Beier driven school is extremely important. If you look at the history of contemporary art in Nigeria, the Osogbo School is outstanding. All you have to do is come here and understand why.

Jimoh Buraimoh’s work, Muraina’s works, Bisi Fabunmi, all contemporary artists and I’m so proud to see them well displayed.

They deserve to be given more recognition.”Artists Mufu Onifade and Sam Ovraiti spoke in the same vein. Onifade confessed his respect for all the individuals that influenced the Osogbo Art School and admitted that his Araism Movement, took some of its influences from them.

Ovraiti noted that though possessing different qualities, all the artists share the same source.Speaking on the contributions of Osogbo Art, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola said it has “boosted the corpus of knowledge in the field of creative arts and validated the richness and vitality of Yoruba culture as part of the common heritage of mankind.

So much so that Osogbo art has become a trademark comparable to any other art form anywhere in the world.”The former Osun State Governor who was represented by Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Executive Director of the CBCIU, also hailed the artists, noting that: “the very high confidence reposed in these great artists is not only sustained but has been proved to be true and right.

These men and women with humble backgrounds have become great cultural assets and remarkable reference points as part of Yoruba folklore and the Nigerian story.”

Oyinlola, who further noted that the exhibition was also a celebration of the fertile imagination of Beier, Susanne Wenger and Georgina Beier, expressed happiness that it was happening in Lagos.

According to him, “though Lagos, the Centre of Excellence and the first truly megacity in Nigeria and Osogbo, the burgeoning town transiting seamlessly into a city are different in their pomp and pageantry, the importance of the place of arts in the cultural life of both cities brings about a commonality of interest.

It is for this reason that this exhibition has found a comfortable home in Lagos even though the master of the art are from the rustic towns of Osogbo and environs.

This shared heritage of aesthetics, innate beauty, colours and profound creativity has made the two places tourism destination as well as coveted heritage meccas.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/with-vision-of-last-quarter-50-years-of.html

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha representing Taraba South on the platform of PDP has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service over the influx of armed militia from the Maghreb into the country.

Addressing journalists at Wukari weekend shortly after flagging off the rehabilitation of the 36.5 km Wukari-Ibi road, the Senator insisted that the Immigration boss must take responsibility for the unhindered influx of militiamen from the Maghreb into the country to perpetrate killings.


Speaking against the backdrop of recent revelation by the President that those perpetrating killings across the country are from Libya, Bwacha maintained that the CG must answer questions on how the borders became so porous for people to come in from other countries to kill Nigerians at will.

“How come militia from the Maghreb are penetrating our borders? What is the Comptroller of Immigration doing and how come our borders are so porous and people are coming into the country to kill Nigerians. He must answer these questions,” he said.

The lawmaker, who is the deputy Senate minority leader, noted that the statement made by the President in London that those perpetrating killings in Nigeria are those trained by former President Gaddafi of Libya was a confirmation of his earlier stance that those killing across the country are not the herdsmen that are familiar to Nigerians.

“Now that he has finally gotten the true picture of what is happening in Nigeria today as far as insecurity is concerned, someone must lose his job if the President wants Nigerians to take him serious.

“We take the last statement of the President in the United Kingdom to mean that he has now seen the reality of the time. All other statements he made on the issue in the past were falsehood fed to him by his spin doctors”.

Bwacha said the road rehabilitation project, which is to gulp N1 billion was a collaborative effort by the federal ministry of Works and the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which was appropriated for in the 2017 budget. He however disclosed the sum of N1.3 billion has been appropriated in the 2018 budget to commence work on the abandoned Akwana Mobile Police Barack, which he initiated years ago as a House of Representatives in the 5th Assembly.

He said, when completed, the mobile police barracks will help in no small measure to checkmate the security challenges along the Benue/Taraba border which has become a source of serious concern.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/insecurity-senator-seeks-removal-of.html

Zenith Bank Plc has reported a profit after tax (PAT) of N47.079 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, showing an increase of 26 per cent from N37.449 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2017.

The financial results released yesterday showed gross earnings of N169.192 billion, indicating a growth of 14 per cent from N147.736 billion in 2017.Net income increased by 35 per cent from N70.604 billion to N95.898 billion in 2018.

Fee and commission income reduced from N21.128 billion to N20.837 billion. In a bid to reduce cost, personnel fell from N18.166 billion in 2017 to N15.566 billion. However, operations expenses rose from N26.991 billion to N43.917 billion. Impairment charges fell by 42 per cent from N7.886 billion to N4.573 billion.


Consequently, profit before tax rose by 22 per cent from N44.2 billion to N54 billion, while PAT grew faster by 26 per cent from N37.449 billion to N47.079 billion in 2018. Market analysts said with the improved profit, shareholders would receive higher dividend if the performance is sustained throughout the year.

Zenith Bank Plc of the bank last week approved the proposal of the board to pay a final dividend of N2.45 per share for 2017. In all, the shareholders received a total dividend of N2.70 per share for the year.

Speaking at the annual general meeting (AGM) in event, the Chairman of the bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, said despite the challenging operating environment, the bank was able to achieve improved performance in its financial results in 2017.

He said profit before tax rose by 24 per cent from N140bn in 2016 to N174bn in 2017, while total assets of the bank grew by 13 per cent from N4.28tn in 2016 to N4.83tn in 2017.

“This translated into an excellent performance that stands as a testament to the durability and resilience of the brand. Clearly, the results are once again a reflection of the exceptional financial health of the bank and the group,” he said.
Speaking in the same, the Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Peter Amangbo, said the management of the bank had made progress in its vision to entrench sustainability in its operations.

He had said the management of the bank would increase the quality of its engagement and be more proactive by anticipating fluctuations in the economy and markets.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/zenith-bank-plc-records-n47-billion.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Wednesday morning’s invasion of the Senate chambers by some hoodlums who took away the mace.

In a statement issued by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, the ruling party whose member, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, was alleged to have sponsored the attack, described it as an attack against democracy.


“The attention of the APC has been drawn to the invasion of the Nigerian Senate by suspected thugs who disrupted Wednesday’s plenary and made away with the mace.

“The APC hereby condemns this action and views it as an attack on our democracy and a desecration of the hallowed institution of the National Assembly.

“We therefore call on security agencies to take all necessary actions to recover the stolen mace and ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to justice,” it said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/apc-condemns-attack-on-senate.html

Shareholders of Oando PLC, are overjoyed at the rise in the company’s share price by 26% following the removal of a technical suspension placed on the company’s shares on October 23, 2017. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) commenced free trading of Oando shares following a directive from the SEC on April 12. The share price has experienced a price jump from N5.99 to N7.55 after only three days of trading on the Nigerian capital market.

Speaking on the lifting of the technical suspension, Mr. Babatunde Badmus, Pacesetter Shareholder Association said: “We are happy the SEC and the NSE has finally heeded to the pleas of minority shareholders like myself. It is unfortunate it took six long months to take effect, nonetheless we are pleased to finally be opportuned to reap from the Company’s positive operations over the last 6 months.”

Oando minority shareholders have been the hardest hit since the imposition of the technical suspension. During the period when the company’s shares were placed on technical suspension, the NSE’s All-Share Index gained c.14%.

By virtue of the sustained suspension, Oando shareholders have been unable to benefit from the positive sentiments in the market within this period. Should the shares have been freely tradable, a positive correlation between crude oil prices and the share price of Oando PLC would have afforded the over 270,000 shareholders an opportunity to profit from the inevitable price rally.

Mr. Tambari an Oando shareholder with the Sokoto Zone Shareholders Association said; “The lifting of the technical suspension is a breath of fresh air. Every true shareholder of Oando is delighted that we can finally reap a return on our investment. It is for this reason I doubt the authenticity of these shareholder groups saying the suspension shouldn’t have been lifted. Haven’t we suffered enough? The public knows that the company is viable, this is already evident in the price jump since the NSE commenced trading.”

Ms. Ayotola Jagun, Chief Compliance Office and Company Secretary, Oando PLC in an interview with CNBC recently said; “On day one, the day the suspension was lifted, 178 million Oando shares were on bid with only 5.5 million available for sale. The company’s share price hit the NSE daily price ceiling of 10% by 10.45am; further evidence that there is a lot of interest in Oando shares and that the general mood around the market and our shares is positive.”

On the contrary, Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PROSAN), The Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria (TSAN) and the Oando Shareholders Solidarity Group (OSSG) differ in opinion on the removal of the technical suspension. They have termed Kemi Adeosun’s, Minister of Finance redeployment of Dr. Zubair as “A ploy by the Minister of Finance to sweep the weighty allegations against Oando under the carpet.”

Speaking on the controversy surrounding the lifting of the technical suspension Eng, Patrick Ajudua Oando shareholder with the New Dimension Shareholders Association said; “It is worrisome how the conversation has shifted from this good news, Oando shares trading on the capital market, to the call for the Minister of Finance to be sacked.

Shareholders should be happy because we have lost out the most. This is a major hurdle that has been crossed and should be celebrated. But instead troublesome and supposed Oando shareholders are not celebrating they are protesting this good news. Why would any shareholder do that? Should they not be asking for the swift conclusion of this investigation so Oando can focus on generating a profit and dividend for us shareholders. My hope and that of the members of my association is that the SEC will conclude the forensic audit as soon as possible so that the company can focus on its business operations.”

For 176 days, shareholders and the capital market were held to ransom. The suspension of Oando shares, which experts have argued shouldn’t have lasted this long, halted the company’s ability to contribute its quota to the NSE All-Share Index and denied shareholders the opportunity to benefit from its positive business operations.







The suspension of Oando’s shares pending a forensic audit does not follow SEC’s own rules using the case of MRS as an example, a forensic audit was conducted on the company but the shares of the company wasn’t suspended. Under the NSE Listing Rules, there is in fact no mechanism for a Technical Suspension in the trading of listed shares.

Even the Company’s shareholders in South Africa were made to partake in the prolonged suffering as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), where Oando has a secondary listing, had to institute a full suspension of trading in the shares of Oando on the JSE, so as to be consistent with the trading status of Oando shares on the NSE.

Oando made four profits in a row from its FYE 2016 results to its Q3 2017 results which wasn’t reflective in its share price. As a matter of fact, when a company comes out of a technical suspension the norm is for shareholders is to dump their shares as the value falls. However this has not been the case with Oando. Demand has far outweighed available shares – imagine the true value of these Oando shares now if trading hadn’t been suspended for 6 months.

Oando’s positive activities , coupled with the rise of crude oil to just over $70 these past months cannot be ignored, just last week the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced that a consortium consisting of Oando PLC and OilServe Limited have been awarded the Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) mandate for the construction of a gas pipelines stretching from Ajaokuta to Abuja as part of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Pipeline. The pipeline is a section of the Trans-Nigerian Gas Pipeline under the gas infrastructure blueprint designed to enable the industrialisation of the Eastern and Northern parts of Nigeria and also enable connectivity between the East, West and North, which is currently non-existent.

Also, the company commissioned its new office building, the Wings Office Complex, a two 12-story building which also offers a world-class indoor event space, a one-of-a-kind space that can hold up to 300 people and an outdoor waterfront area with a hosting capacity of 200 people and overlooks Lagos State’s waterway. The building will not only act as the company’s new state of the art head office but will also be an additional revenue generator from its 27,000m2 worth of lettable office space.

The hope is that the forensic audit into Oando will be concluded as soon as possible and the results published and processes put in place to ensure this doesn’t occur again and more importantly so that shareholders can finally put this issue to rest and reap a return on their investments.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/oando-share-price-up-26-3-days-after.html

Concerned Niger Delta Youths have challenged the tenure extension of board members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Kenneth Uwadinjo Osemha, said board appointments into the commission are based on due process, and not political interests.The suit, FHC/AIJ/C5/1245/2017 is seeking to summon the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC, over the appointment of a substantive managing director for the commission.

The originating summons asked the court to interpret Section 3 of the NDDC Act 2006/2012, as regards the appointment of managing director and other principal officers of the NDDC.

Osemha disclosed that the NDDC Act stipulates that appointments into the commission are based on the state with the highest production of crude oil.He explained that in that order of priority, Akwa Ibom State, having finished its tenure should relinquish power to Bayelsa State.The counsel urged the court to restrain President Muhammadu Buhari from reappointing the present managing director of the NDDC, because he is not from Bayelsa State.

He told the court that the first and third defendant had been served the summons, adding that the second defendant refused to accept the processes, but referred them to the ministry’s head office in Port Harcourt.

Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court 4 however, directed that the summons be served at the Port Harcourt of the second defendant.He adjourned the matter till May 21, 2018 to enable the counsel to report back on the service.
The plaintiff also asked the court to direct the first, second and third defendants to appear before it 30days after they had been served the summons, inclusive of the day of such service.
They further sought an order to halt attempts by the Federal Government to reappoint the outgoing, or ex-managing director, executive director, finance and the executive director in charge of projects at the commission.The youths cautioned that it would be a mockery of the NDDC Act 2000, to disregard the rational principle of appointments, as envisaged in its intent and spirit.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/youths-urge-court-to-stop-tenure.html

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that the stifling of education funding under the Muhammadu Buhari government is preparing the country for a greater future doom.

It stated that the nonchalant attitude of the Buhari-led government to education appears to be the worst in the history of Nigeria with about 7 percent allocation to Education.

Chairman, University of Ibadan branch of ASUU, Dr. Deji Omole, who stated this on Monday in an interview with journalists, noted that the failure to vote enough money to public varsity education is already causing gradual crisis of confrontation between University administration and students in some parts of the country.

Omole said, “It will be difficult to have a citizen that will love the country in the future if the current trend of abandoning the poor while taking care of the rich continues. While each senators is paid N13.5million as running cost per month the same Senate appropriated a paltry sum of N66million for capital projects for University of Ibadan with students population of about 30,000.
“This can only happen where the ruling class lacks vision like Nigeria. This same government refuses to drop a kobo for the revitalization of public universities. Now many children of the masses are denied access because universities cannot admit beyond what the dilapidated infrastructure can take. Yet their parents cannot afford private university. the federal government is owing about N800billion revitalization funds to public varsities as contained in the agreements with ASUU.”
The ASUU, who vowed that the union will oppose any plan to force children of the masses out of school by imposing on them dues that are the duties of federal government, asserted that the ruling APC has performed poorly in Education.

According to him, the United States of America that members of the elite takes their children to funds her public varsities because the USA is interested in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, and knows the negative implication of having a growing pool of illiterates as we have in Nigeria.
Omole maintained that the Buhari government has paid lip service to public education but prefers to pacify militants and terrorists.
The ASUU chairman stated that while the masses are groaning in hardship, the political class have increased their number and stored enough money taken from the collective patrimony in preparation for the 2019 general elections.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/buhari-government-worst-in-education.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted its National Convention Committee ahead of its elective convention expected to hold before June 2018.

A list signed by the National Organising Secretary of the party, Senator Osita Izunaso, on Sunday revealed that the committee is headed by the Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar.

Governor Abubakar would be assisted by his counterpart in Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, while Mr Ben Uwajumogwu was appointed as the committee’s secretary.

Members of the committee include former Senate President Ken Nnamani as well as governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Aminu Masari (Katsina), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe), and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) among others.

The constitution of the committee followed the rejection of tenure extension for the APC National Chairman, Mr John Oyegun, and other party executives by President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari, who declared his intention to seek re-election on Monday last week, had to members of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) during a meeting that the party may consider granting waivers to the executives.
See the full list of committee members below:

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/apc-sets-up-convention-committee.html

The National Examinations Council on Saturday said it was working hard to surpass the standards and integrity of its examinations through quality human resources just as 53 candidates wrote one of its exams in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

A board member of the council, Mrs Augusta Igbokwe, told the News Agency of Nigeriaon the sidelines of the conduct of the National Common Entrance Examination in Lagos.

The exam is for the placement of successful candidates into the 104 Unity Schools across the six geopolitical zones in the country.


NAN reports that a total of 79,987 candidates subscribed for the exam nationwide with not less than 26,000 writing across 116 centres in Lagos State including Cotonou in Benin Republic.

A total of 53 candidates are expected to sit for the examination in Cotonou.

According to Igbokwe, NECO, organisers of the examination, has progressively undertaken measures that will ensure a zero-tolerance for malpractice of any form.

“The council’s processes before, during and even after the examination remain a force to beat in administration of tests in the country,” she said.

Igbokwe, who said she had been in the field as early as 7.00 a.m. together with the Lagos State officer of the council and her team to monitor the exercise, described it as hitch-free.

“Now, I can tell you that so far, with what we have observed, it has been calm all the way as the supervisors and the invigilators have ensured that the candidates complied with the rules.

“If we should get things right at this level which is the foundation level, then you can be sure that we will all witness a better Nigeria with great future leaders.

“The mandate given to us as board members is to ensure that NECO is taken to another level as we are working hard to ensure that no illegality will be associated with council’s examinations.


“NECO remains the only examination body that releases all it results without withholding any.

“This is because as far as you registered for the examination and your data stored in the system, there must surely be a result. The computers and the facilities are world-class with very dedicated staff as well as full logistics in place,” she said.

“In addition to our commitment in ensuring that every Nigerian child is given an opportunity to sit for this exam, the council left its registration portal open until today.

“Thus allowing such candidates to participate in the examination in some centres. They were registered right there at the centres and allowed access to the examination hall, ” Igbokwe said.

A NAN correspondent, who visited some centres in Ikeja, Ogba and Agege reports that the examination process commenced at 7.00 a.m. as scheduled with accreditation of candidates.

At Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School, Ojodu, one of the invigilators, Mrs Bimpe Ayodele, a Vice-Principal, hailed NECO for the logistics put in place for the conduct of the examination.

“I am really fascinated with the arrangements put in place for the conduct of this year’s examination.

“The exam started on time but for a few candidates who came a little behind schedule as a result of busy road traffic.

“We gave them a few minutes of grace so that no one is left out. And you can see, the examination had commenced in earnest with the candidates conducting themselves properly.

“The parents are not allowed to come any where close as it is one of the rules governing the examination.

“All hands are indeed on deck to ensure that only the best get access into the Federal schools,” she said.

Some parents who spoke to NAN on their assessment of the conduct of the examination, said the process was getting better every year.

“I am particularly impressed with the arrangement on ground for this year’s examination, unlike in the past years.

“There are few developments noticed in the way the examination is going at least in this centre and indeed, I am really impressed.

“The entire environment is calm and I must thank NECO for a job well done this time around,” Maris Nnabuihe said.

Mr Basil Nwankpa, also a parent, said by the measures NECO had ensured that quality candidates would get placements in the Unity Schools.

“I give particular credit to the state officer who has been going from one centre to the other to ensure total compliance with the rules of the examination.”

NAN reports that NECO State Officer, Mrs Cynthia Amadi, who declined to speak to newsmen, was seen going round the centres to ensure a smooth conduct of the examination and addressing parents on the integrity of the exercise as well as the need for high morals for their children and wards.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/unity-schools-neco-scores-self-high-as.html

No fewer than 63 people are jostling for the Ekiti governorship seat just about 30 days to the conduct of party primaries in preparation for the July 14 gubernatorial election in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the number rose from the initial 47 aspirants to the present 63 among whom are three clergymen.

The clergymen are Rev. Tunde Afe of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Pastor Taiwo Oladeji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the current Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church also of PDP.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has the highest number of 41 persons, while the state ruling PDP has 11 persons.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Accord Party, Alliance for Democracy (AD), Independent Democrats (ID), Young Party of Nigeria and ANRP present the remaining number of persons.

Political observers in the state, however, believe that the figure is expected to deplete by the time all the parties conclude their primaries because of the huge cost involved.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed between April 15 and May 14 within which to conduct primaries in the state.
However, only PDP and APC have fixed dates for their primaries; while the APC has fixed May 5, the PDP fixed its primary for May 8.
As of the time of filing these reports, only 17 persons out of the 41 of the aspirants in APC have obtained nomination forms from the party’s national secretariat, while only six of the PDP’s 11 persons obtained the form.
Though sources at the state office of INEC told NAN that no fewer than 22 political parties would be participating in the governorship election, as the contest seems to be a straight fight between PDP and APC.
High-profile contenders like former governors Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi and current Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, are to watch as political events unfold in the state, observers note.
Others are former Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Mr Femi Bamisile, Sen. Ayo Arise, son of former governor of old Ondo State, Muyiwa Olumilua, as well Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, Mr Bimbo Daramola and Mr Bamidele Faparusi who had served in the House of Representatives.
In PDP, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, is said to enjoy the support and sponsorship of the incumbent Gov. Ayo Fayose.
Others in PDP are Sen. Abiodun Olujimi, former Minister of State for Works, Mr Dayo Adeyeye and Amb. Dare Bejide, among others.
APC Publicity Secretary Taiwo Olatunbisun, however, said that there was nothing wrong with the large number of persons seeking to be the state governor in his party, saying it was a sign of absolute confidence the members reposed in the party.
He explained that it was a pointer to the “belief that APC parades more qualified and credible persons in its ranks than any party in the state.’’
He said that such a scenario also showed that the party was a platform where men and women of substance could pursue their ambition without hindrance.
He promised that all the interested persons would be given a level playing ground during primaries, adding that none of the aspirants would be short-changed during the process.
Also commenting, the PDP Chairman in the state, Chief Gboyega Oguntuase, told NAN that neither the party nor the governor ever stopped any intending aspirants from pursuing their ambition.
He said that this had been further demonstrated by statements of assurances already given by both the governor and the national secretariat of the party that all aspirants would be given a level-playing ground during the party primaries.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/63-aspirants-jostle-for-ekiti.html

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has alleged that the press in Nigeria has been gagged and he called on the Nigerian press to wake up and defend Nigerians suffering untold hardship under the failed All Progressives congress (APC) led Federal Government.

He stated this during the visit of the management of the International Press Institute to the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday. Wike said that the same press that joined some prominent Nigerians to fight the partial removal of petroleum subsidy under former President, Goodluck Jonathan has maintained deafening silence under President Buhari when the entire fuel subsidy was removed in controversial circumstances. He explained that despite the controversies and inconsistencies that have trailed the alleged total removal of fuel subsidy, there are no calls for #OccupyNigeria in the media.

He said that the APC-led government is poised to use illegal means to manipulate the electoral process, hence the fight over election sequence in the amended Electoral Act. According to him, the Police High Command had rewarded Akin Fakorede, who was indicted by the INEC Committee on Rivers rerun election, for massive electoral fraud.

The leader of International Press Institute Media and Publicity Committee, Tonnie Iredia said that the committee was in the state to create awareness on the 2018 World Congress to be hosted in Nigeria. He said the event offers Nigeria the opportunity to launder her image as well as give international journalists the opportunity to appreciate development efforts in the country.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nigerian-press-has-been-gagged-says-wike.html