₦airaland Forum

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The House of Representative Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has appealed to the Federal Government to pay all outstanding debts to the Commission within a reasonable time.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon Nicholas Mutu, made the appeal yesterday when he led his colleagues to pay a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Mutu told the NDDC Chief Executive Officer that the committee’s visit was part of its oversight function to inspect project sites, look at the books of the Commission and evaluate its performance.
He affirmed that the Committee would support the NDDC through regular engagements, with a view to enhancing the performance of the Commission and improving on its service delivery to the people.
The committee chairman re-stated the Committee’s displeasure with the debts owed the NDDC by the Federal Government and other agencies that contribute to its funding, calling for a change of attitude.
Mutu declared, “In future, we expect that all statutory obligations to the NDDC would be paid as and when due. The delay in the release of funds has created a situation whereby the Commission is unable to meet its financial obligations to contractors and stakeholders.”
He advised the NDDC to set up a mechanism to leverage resources outside the statutory sources of funds by working out partnerships and joint venture arrangements.
The committee chairman said to address the challenge of high rate of project abandonment across the length and breathe of the Niger Delta, which he put at over 3,000, the committee had directed the NDDC to commence the immediate audit of performing and non-performing projects.
Mutu said, “This is with a view to determine non-performing contracts and give impetus to NDDC to put in place a mechanism that will help it to mitigate the abandoned project syndrome currently bedeviling the region.
“Going forward, the NDDC should award contracts to only contractors with capacity and focus more on completing on-going projects as an additional measure to mitigate contract failure and enhance value added service to the Niger Delta region.”
He charged the NDDC to commit 50 per cent of its funds to completing existing projects while devoting 30 per cent to new projects,_saying, “Other available funds should be used to pay contractors with outstanding Interim Payment Certificates, IPCs, to facilitate the completion of existing projects.
“The Commission should undertake this review by facilitating the process and allowing other stakeholders to take leadership in determining the content and objectives of the Master Plan.
“This will engender ownership by the people and institutions of the region to ensure that it will be acceptable and widely implemented by the states, local governments, oil companies, private sector and civil society organisations, as well as other development partners working in the Niger Delta.”
Earlier, the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Ekere, said that the committees of both chambers of the National Assembly have been most supportive and helpful to the Commission. “They have given us the backings that will enable us deliver on the mandate that we were given by the President and the people of the Niger Delta region,” he said.
Ekere said, “We appreciate you, especially for the expeditious passage of the amendment to the NDDC Act without rancour. We owe you and the entire membership of the National Assembly a debt of gratitude for that wonderful show of patriotism and statesmanship.”
He noted that since the appointment current board and management by Mr President, the NDDC had articulated a new a reform strategy christened the 4-R initiative.
Ekere said, “We articulated the 4-R initiative to add value to the process of the NDDC. The new initiative will structure our processes and make them transparent. It involves restructuring the balance sheet, reforming the governance protocols, restoring the Commission’s core mandate and reaffirming its commitment to doing what is right and proper.”
The NDDC boss said that the reform strategy was meant to improve the performance of the Commission as an interventionist agency. He observed that the balance sheet of the Commission was highly bloated.
Accordingly, he said: “We agreed that to move forward, we must find a way to restructure the balance sheet of NDDC and that has led to the cancellation of the first 633 projects worth about 20 billion naira and then a further cancellation of 432 projects worth a little over 90 billion last week.
“The idea is that there is no point carrying on with non-performing projects in our balance sheet because they only help to make the balance sheet bloated. This is why you hear that NDDC has contingent liabilities running into 1.3 billion naira.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/pay-debts-owed-nddc-reps-to-fg.html

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Akwa Ibom State Government House journalists yesterday berated a Directorate of State Services (DSS) official for threatening to shoot members of the Correspondents’ Chapel who went to keep an appointment with the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udo.



A statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Iniobong Ekponta and Anthony Bassey respectively, said members of the executive of the chapel had gone to see the CPS only to be ordered back by the said DSS official with an order that, “if you don’t go back, I will shoot you.”

The statement said: “The DSS officer, who claimed to have earlier worked with former governor, Godswill Akpabio, had physically assaulted the reporters, including the former Chairman of the Chapel, Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh of The Guardian; Emeka Samuel of National Pilot and others.


“When we inquired to know why we should not be allowed in, the overzealous officer threatened to open fire on the reporters if we refuse to heed his instruction to reverse our vehicle out of the Government House.

“The tall DSS man, who wore black trousers and white shirt with dark glasses to match without a name tag, became more infuriated when he discovered we were journalists, saying ‘I will shoot all of you right now if you continue to stand here. Call anyone you want to call; I have worked with former Governor Godswill Akpabio before in this state.’

“All entreaties by some mobile policemen guarding the gate proved abortive as the DSS official continued to harass these reporters accusing them of ‘always coming to beg for money.’

“You said you are press; is press somebody’s name? Don’t we know it is money you always come to beg here?”However, when contacted, the governor’s CPS, who scheduled the meeting with the correspondents, condemned the action, saying: “Just wait, I will speak with him, only where I am now is far from the gate.”


Meanwhile, the Chairman of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mr. Clifford Thomas, while reacting to the development, noted that such was a threat to the freedom of information.

“The CPS is the major source of information from the governor and the government. So, it is very wrong for DSS official to act in a manner that is not consistent with the right and privileges the constitution accords journalists in the course of doing their work.

“We condemn such action in a very strong terms and the DSS leader in Nigeria should call his men to order. Hounding of defenseless journalists should be stopped forthwith because not long ago, journalists were manhandled and their work tools destroyed by soldiers on Operation Python Dance II in Umuahia, Abia State,” the CLO chief said.

He, therefore, called on the Directorate to carry out training and retraining of its men so as to re-orientate them on military/civilian relationship, noting that similar allegation of torture and high-handedness levelled against SARS have forced the public to call for the ban of such police structure.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/dss-official-threatens-to-shoot.html

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About $32bn was lost to corruption during the six-year administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development said on Monday.

The agency said the huge amount represented 16 per cent of the previous government’s resources that could have been channeled to development.

The agency’s Head of Office, DFID Nigeria, Debbie Palmer, said this at the expression of undergraduate debates challenge to celebrate this year’s international anti-corruption day.

The event was organized by a non-governmental organization, Youngstars Foundation Initiative in Abuja.


She said millions of dollars tied up in legal challenges remained in other countries.

Palmer said: “An independent report estimates that up to $32bn was lost to corruption under the previous government. This is around 15 per cent of state resources during the period and could well be an under-estimate.

“So the estimate is that nearly 16 per cent of the previous government’s money was lost to corruption. That is a staggering amount of money. And that is money that is to all of you and to your future. That is why we all should care about corruption.

“Millions of dollars also remain in other jurisdictions tied up in legal challenges.”

Palmer said youths in the country have a critical role to play in President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft fight.

She added that the UK is committed to supporting Nigeria to tackle corruption in all its various forms through its anti-corruption programme in Nigeria.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigeria-lost-32bn-to-corruption-under.html

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Vice President Yemi Osibanjo on Monday said that the President Buhari led administration will make it difficult for ghost workers to return to the public service payroll.

Speaking at the Inter Agency Task Team (IATT) International Anti-Corruption Day 2017 in Abuja, he said that the ghost workers, whose names had been removed from the payroll had always found their ways back into the system.

But his Special Adviser, Adegbolahan Adeniran, who represented him in the occasion, said that government has now put measures in place to making their return impossible.

He said that the “Federal Government has used its anti-corruption war to weed out 50,000 ghost workers from the payroll. We are going to make it difficult for ghost workers to return.”


According to him, owing to the operation of the Treasury Single account (TSA) government has blocked so many financial leakages in different government agencies.

He cited examples with the Joint Administration and Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB) and the Nigerian Maritime administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He recalled that JAMB never remitted more than N3million into the federation account but only this year it has remitted N5billion and still has another N3billion to remit for the year.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the chairman, National Stakeholders Working Group (NWSG) of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) , Dr. Kayode Fayemi said that the government on July 5, adopted the National Anti Corruption Strategy (NACS).

He said that Nigeria has upon return to civil rule, had a strong ant-corruption policy embedded in both the constitution and several organic laws.

But the policy, according to him,” has now resulted in the creation of the several anti-corruption initiatives to recover and apply proceeds of corruption.


“We have the Whistle-Blower policy which has yielded significant dividends. At the international level, Nigeria has been at the forefront of proposing resolutions on the recovery and return of stolen assets kept in foreign jurisdictions.

“We have also proposed resolutions to combat illicit financial flows most of which are from developing counties.”

The policy, said Fayemi, has instituted several initiatives to recover and apply proceeds of corruption .

H said that “we are not relenting in our effects to deal with the issues. We continue to see quickening of efforts in enforcement and sanctions as well as innovative methods to prevent corruption.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/osibanjo-vows-to-make-it-difficult-for.html

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Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, on Sunday warned against ignoring the South West in politics.

The two-time former Minister observed that, its “politically suicidal” to underestimate the South West in Nigerian politics.


Fani-Kayode, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, also warned of imminent danger if Yorubas are treated with contempt.
In a tweet via his social media handle, the former PDP Presidential campaign spokesman said when Yorubas decide to fight, its generational.
The tweet reads, “I say this for all to hear. Anybody that is familiar with the history of Nigeria will know that it is politically suicidal to underestimate the SW or to treat them with contempt.
“The Yoruba have long memories. And when they fight they do so from generation to generation.”

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/fani-kayode-reveals-what-will-happen-if.html

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, said it was time for the government to review policies that inhibit growth, as well as come up with an efficient low-cost financial system that will work for all Nigerian.

Ambode contended that for Nigeria to meet its growth ambitions and achieve full economic potential, concerted efforts must be made to create at least four million jobs annually, while jettisoning policies that stifle development.

The governor challenged the CBN, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), commercial banks and other players to decide the type of policy that would really impact on employment and bring more people into the formal financial system.



Ambode, who spoke at the opening session of the 9th Annual Bankers’ Committee Retreat of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the theme of the retreat, ‘Improving Financial Access, Enabling Job Creation and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nigeria’, was apt.

He noted that all hands must be on deck to create more jobs for the people and ensure 6.7 per cent annual growth rate.


Responding to an earlier comment by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on the inability of the Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) to access the N200b fund earmarked for them, Ambode said the easiest way to achieve same was to reduce the lending rate to about five per cent or lower.



At the state level, he added, his administration created the Employment Trust Fund through which about N10b had been disbursed to the MSMEs at five per cent with over 6,000 benefiting so far. He tasked the CBN to replicate such at the federal level.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/reduce-lending-rate-on-msme-fund-ambode.html

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The Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Princess Peace Nnaji, has urged youths to shun rape and violence.

Nnaji gave the advice during a “Road Walk Sensitisation” Against Sexual and Gender Base Violence on Friday in Enugu.

The road walk is tagged: “Walk Against All Forms of Violence and Rape in the Society.’’

Nnaji, who was represented by Mr Sunday Okafor, Director, Administration and Human Resource, in the ministry, also advised parents to expose their children to sex education early in life.
She further urged youths to desist from every act of sexual abuse, stressing that such anti-social activity attracts penalty.
Earlier, Mrs Evelyn Onah, the Centre Manager of Tamar Sexual Assault Referral Centre, said punishment for rape was life imprisonment.
She advised victims to report every case of assaults to the centre in order to give them maximum protection.
Onah said that the centre would provide rapid, holistic and high quality free medical, counselling and other support services to victims and survivors of sexual assaults in the state and beyond.
She described sexual assault as a chronic mark in the life of any victim.
“We are appealing to security agencies to ensure that any perpetrator is brought to book,’’ she said.
The “The Road Walk Sensitisation’’ which started at Abakpa Junction terminated at IMT Bus-stop within the Enugu.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/commissioner-warns-youths-against-rape.html

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The Supreme Court on Friday sacked a member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Ovia South West, Sunday Aghedo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Apex Court in a composite judgment dismissed the appeals lodged by the sacked lawmaker and his political platform- the APC.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Dantijo Mohammed, the court declared Mr. Godwin Adenomo also of the APC the winner of the election in Ovia South- West constituency of Edo State House of Assembly held on April 11, 2015.

The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of Court of Appeal, Benin Division and held that Mr. Godwin Adenomo won the APC primary election conducted by the party on December 2, 2014.

The Court ordered the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly to swear in Mr. Godwin Adenomo as member of the Assembly representing Ovia South West constituency. The apex court further ordered Aghedo to refund all salaries and allowances he collected from Edo State House of Assembly from May 2015 to date to the State House of Assembly within 90 days.

The court also awarded N300, 000 cost against Aghedo who had challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal delivered by Justice Moore Asiemo Adumein.

The pre- election matter arose from primary election in which Mr Godwin Adenomo scored the highest votes cast at the APC primary for Ovia South- West constituency, scoring 152 votes against 140 scored by Aghedo.

But , instead of submitting Adenomo’s name, his opponent’s name was forwarded as the party’s candidate for the election and the three man appeal panel set up by the party to look into his complaint upheld the decision of the party.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the party’s appeal panel, Adenomo dragged the APC and the primary election committee to court over imposition of the sacked lawmaker as the winner.


Reacting to the judgment on Friday Mr. Adenomo thanked the judiciary for standing for justice. He advised politicians to always seek redress in court instead of resorting to violence any time they feel cheated.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/supreme-court-sacks-edo-apc-lawmaker.html

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The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned the slave trade of African migrants in Libya as “heinous human rights abuses which may also amount to crimes against humanity,” and called on those responsible to be held to account.

In a statement read out to a formal meeting by Amb. Koro Bessho of Japan, Council President for December, the 15-member body expressed “grave concern” at reports of migrants being sold into slavery in Libya.

The Council emphasised that all migrants should be treated with humanity and dignity and that their rights should be fully respected.

The Council urged the Libyan authorities and all Member States to comply with their obligations under international law and stressed the need to transfer detainees to State authority.


The Council also encouraged those authorities to reinforce cooperation with international organisations and UN agencies and to ensure full humanitarian access to detention centres.

The Council welcomed the statement by the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord of Libya denouncing trafficking in persons, including for the purpose of slavery, inside or outside the country.

The 15-member body noted that Libyan authorities had launched an investigation and were committed to bringing perpetrators to justice.

The Council also welcomed statements by the AU calling for an immediate end to such practices and by the UN Secretary‑General requesting United Nations actors to actively pursue the matter.

Reaffirming support for the Action Plan for Libya, the Council emphasised that a stable Libya was the only way to help improve the living conditions of all people in the country, including migrants.

The Council also underlined the need for all actors to cooperate with the Government of National Accord of Libya, including assisting the country to build capacity to secure its borders and end human trafficking.


The Council urged ratification and implementation of international instruments that countered such trafficking by all Member States.

The Council encouraged cooperation between the European Union, the AU and the UN to protect the lives of migrants and refugees along migration routes, inside Libya in particular.

In addition, it underlined the need for coordination of efforts to tackle the root causes of large movements of people.

This includes forced displacement, unmanaged migration and trafficking, in a comprehensive manner to prevent exploitation of refugees and migrants as well as for implementation of the 2030 Agendafor Sustainable Development.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/un-condemns-libyas-african-slave-trade.html

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Barley 48 hours after the federal government promised to end the fuel scarcity being experienced in parts of the country, the situation is likely to get worse as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has said it will on go on strike on Monday and shut down all oil and gas installations.

Akelicious Friday reports that this move, if allowed to happen, will no doubt disrupt fuel supply and distribution across the country.

The oil workers’ union said if the government did not respond to its earlier seven-day ultimatum which would elapse on Monday, it would cripple the oil sector.

The union, in a statement signed by its general secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said it was carrying out its action as a result of the unfair labour practices and seemingly untameable posture of some indigenous oil and gas companies, marginal field operators, and relevant agencies of government.
He recalled that PENGASSAN had, in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of October 13, 2017, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, condemned some indigenous oil and gas companies and marginal field operators concerning their anti-labour posture and practices including the termination of the employment of any workers who has indicated willingness to belong to the union.
The statement read in part: “The case of Neconde Energy Ltd (of Nestoil Group of companies) is particularly worrisome as the issue of dignity in labour and infringement on workers’ rights to freedom of association is foreign to them, leading to mass sack of workers that joined the union and dehumanisation of same in total disregard to rules of engagement and the laws of the land. The actions of companies such as Neconde in the mass sack of Nigerian workers contribute in no small measures to the unending militancy in the Niger Delta.
“This company has not only conducted itself as being above the provisions of extant laws and regulations guiding the operations of oil and gas companies in Nigeria, but has also boasted that no government agency can call it to order.
“It was therefore no surprise that Neconde has defied multiple interventions from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the top management of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) for the company to toe the path of law and order and comply with Nigerian labour laws.
“Having explored all options without getting the necessary understanding, and an apparent failure of relevant authorities of Government to call to order these recalcitrant organisations especially Neconde, PENGASSAN gives the federal government and its relevant agencies seven days’ notice to embark on nationwide strike effective December 18, 2017 if she fails to direct the management of Neconde and other companies to recall our sacked members as the only option to address this injustice and lawlessness.”
It advised Nigerians to make adjustments for their supply of petroleum products while the strike lasts.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/fuel-scarcity-pengassan-dares-fg.html

The All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ), South Africa chapter, has urged Gov. Willie Obiano to complete the state Airport project at Umuleri to enhance commerce and trade.

The Chairman of the party, Mr Henry Onyekumnaru, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Durban, Kwazulu Natal Province of South Africa on Thursday that when completed, the airport would generate revenue and employment for the state.

“ As we congratulate Gov. Obiano on his re-election, we urge him to implement his legacy projects.

“ The one that is important to us is the airport, located at Umuleri. We understand that a Chinese firm is handling it and it is expected to be completed in 36 months,” Onyekumnaru said.


He said that with the state-owned Orient Refinery situated in Aguleri, the airport would become a major hub in West Africa.

“ The airport is designed to handle cargo. Majority of the business community in the South-East are from Anambra.

“It will encourage them to import cargo direct from any part of the world, instead of going through Lagos or Abuja.

“ Besides, when the refinery is completed, it will produce aviation fuel. This will make easy for major airlines to refuel in Anambra instead of going to Ghana.

“ The good news is that the refinery is not far from the airport, “ the chairman said.

According to him, the airport will also serve as an export hub for the business community in the country.


“ Our expectation is that in the next 36 months, Anambra will be a major business hub for aviation, oil and gas sectors.

“Nigerians will certainly key into this venture for the development of the state and country, ” Onyekumnaru said.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/complete-anambra-airport-apga-safrica.html

The wife of a member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Lumsambani Dilli, has delivered triplets after 24 years of marriage.

“Both the mother and the babies are all hale and hearty,” said the new father on Wednesday in a statement.


“We found out we were having triplets; I am proud and grateful that after nearly 24 years of marriage, my wife delivered three healthy, beautiful babies.
“I can’t express the pure happiness of having a baby,” the excited lawmaker, who represents Demsa Local Government Area‎, said.
Mr. Dilli’s wife also spoke about the good news.
“The lord is good as today Mr. and Mrs. Lumsambani Mijah Dilli are blessed with triplets after 24 years of marriage without bearing a child, glory be to God,” she said.

more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/photoadamawa-lawmaker-welcomes-triplets.html

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, on Tuesday disclosed that it was high time the current administration moved away from its constant apportioning of blame to past administrations.
Amaechi advised that it was time for the administration to get to work to achieve its mandate.
The minister made this declaration while receiving the report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Finalisation of the Draft National Transport Policy (NTP).

According to Amaechi, “What we assure Nigerians is that under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, we would do everything possible to ensure that we maximise the resources that the president by way of budget releases to each ministry.”
He said: “I agree with those who said we should stop criticising the last government and that we should do our own.


He added: “We need to leverage on what we know. People are shouting intermodal transport; I went to the new airport in Singapore and I didn’t find one person at the airport. As you walk in, technology takes over.

“Also, they said in the next few years, they would introduce driverless cars. We should also think outside the box about how to improve our transport sector and think less about how sun and moon affects the sector or building more bus stops.
“We should see how much investment we can put in the area of ICT. Intelligent transportation should not be ignored.”

Amaechi while speaking further, said: “Usually, people take experts’ contributions for granted but the fact is experts know better and if we don’t come to you, who would we go to?
“We will go through it and I will direct the Permanent Secretary to give a copy to the Minister of State for Aviation while I read a copy. Once we are through and we share our views, we will take it to cabinet for approval”.

He however, assured the committee that the next way forward concerning the policy implementation, saying: “I assure you that we would take the next step you want us to take.”
Earlier, the chairperson of the Committee, Mfon Usoro, hinted that the adoption of the policy would make Nigerian economy stronger.

He added that the adoption and implementation of the NTP by all tiers of government would lead to a stronger Nigerian economy and a profitable future for the entire transportation service sector and for the many sectors that rely on transportation in a diversified economy.

According to Usoro, “This final draft of the National Transport Policy contains a set of progressive, political ideas, goals and vision for a responsive, integrated and affordable transport system that is capable of meeting Nigeria’s current and future transport needs.”

She said: “We the individual of committee, individually and collectively attest to this draft NTP as a FEC-ready document and remain committed to defend its content.
“Our wish is for the document to receive an accelerated attention by the approval of the authorities,” Usoro concluded.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/its-time-to-move-away-from-blame-games.html

In keeping with his administration’s drive to open up more rural areas, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has flagged-off construction of four additional rural roads.

About 10km distance would be covered in the newly awarded roads, to the tune of N1b.

Already, work has commenced on the four roads, which include Obollo Eke Junction-Agala-Okpaligbo Junction, Ohom Orba-Amajioka-Umuikeoha-Agu Orba, and Okpu Agu Orba Roads, both in Udenu Local Council Area.


Others include Ogurute-Mkpamute-Igogoro-Ikpamodo-Okpo-Amaja Road (Phase 1), Ogurute-Umuogbo Ulo-Isiugwu-Umuopu-Ette Road (Phase 1), in Igbo-Eze North local council area.

These came on the heels of other road projects awarded for reconstruction within Enugu metropolis and flag-off ceremonies held a fortnight ago, which are in line with the governor’s recent promise that the current dry season window would witness massive work on infrastructure upgrade across the state.

In the same vein, the state Executive Council approved the release of fund for the construction of five fire stations in-Udi, Udenu, Nkanu West, Oji River and Igbo-Eze North local council areas, to contain fire outbreaks.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, at Igbo-Eze North local council, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Greg Nnaji, an engineer, said it is the cardinal objective of his administration to reach the rural areas and extend access to the locals, through construction of quality roads and provision of other basic infrastructures in the rural areas.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/gov-ugwuanyi-flags-off-construction-of.html

he Federal Government has set aside a sum of N5 billion to empower artisan miners across the country as part of measures to ensure participation of all Nigerians in economic development.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, disclosed this on Saturday when he inspected the gold mining site at Garin Awal at Fakai Local Government Area in Kebbi State.


According to the minister, “We have N5 billion in Bank of Industry for the use of small scale artisan miners, not only for self-equipping but to contribute to the economic development of Kebbi state and Nigeria, so that our economy will grow”.

Fayemi explained that ISS-Hass Ltd, a Chinese mining company, has been in the community exploiting gold for more than three years, but had failed to develop the area by establishing schools, building roads, as well as providing potable water and employment for the youth, as part of an agreement entered into with the company.

He promised to investigate the allegations against the licensed operator in Garin Awal Village, Fakai Local Government of Kebbi State for alleged breach of agreement reached with the host community.

“We have seen what our artisan miners can do, which professionals in this business failed to achieve. That is from the very little efforts they are putting in place with their own efforts, digging and organising themselves.

“What we need is to enter into partnership with the state, to assist these miners, so that they could have land to operate, technical support as a way of improving their productivity and ensuring that they utilise the equipment beyond exploring mercury and finally support them through the Bank of Industry,” Fayemi said.

The minister, who expressed disappointment over the lack of commitment of licensed operators, said “the provision of the law stipulates that licensed operators must provide community support and this must be captured in an agreement, which we call Community Development Agreement.

“The village head has told us that all the things they promised, none of them were done. No school, they have not seen anything. They just did rudimentary road that provides access for the operators,” he said.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/fg-empowers-local-miners-with-n5bn-says_3.html

Husbands who attempt "instant divorce" could be sentenced to three years in prison under draft legislation being considered in India.

The traditional practice involves a Muslim man saying "talaq" (divorce) three times - in any form, including email or text message.

It was declared unconstitutional by India's Supreme Court in August, but officials say it has continued since.
The proposed law also provides for fines and support for affected women.

The draft Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill has now been sent to regional governments for consultation.
It would explicitly ban "triple talaq", in line with the Supreme Court ruling, and lay out procedures legal procedures for a "subsistence allowance" and custody arrangements, the Press Trust of India said.
Those provisions have been made "to ensure that in case the husband asks the wife to leave the house she should have legal protection," it quoted a high-level official as saying.
Under the current draft, people suspected of the offence would not be eligible for bail.

It would also ban the practice in any form - including in writing, or by text message.
Indian news outlets said the legislation is due to be considered during the winter parliamentary sessions, which begins in mid-December.
Muslims are India's largest minority group, and it is one of a few countries where the practice of triple talaq - which has no basis in the Koran - has survived.
The Supreme Court ruling came after five women petitions the court, arguing the traditional practice violated their fundamental rights.

The court ruled 3-2 in their favour, and labelled it "un-Islamic".

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/india-considers-jail-for-instant-divorce.html

The minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Solomon Dalong, has declared that his ministry is a partner in the development of people with disabilities in Nigeria.

Dalong, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation and launch of a music album, ‘Moment of Glory’ by a afro-pop artiste, Ms Imelda Jane, which proceeds was dedicated to people with disabilities.

The minister, who was represented by the Director, Federations and Elite Athletes Department of the Ministry, Mrs Tayo Oreweme, said the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has been a partner of people with disability even as its encourages music development, especially coming from the youths.

He commended the artiste, Ms Imelda Jane, for taking issues affecting people with disabilities to heart and declared that, “We are partners in ensuring that nobody leaves his/her child behind.”
Speaking on the occasion, the senior special assistant to the President on Disability Matters, Dr Samuel Ankeli, charged youths to be hardworking and shun violence.
He said the youth should seize the moment in Nigeria’s history to bring positive change to the country.
He said the youth must draw their energies to move Nigeria forward into the desired level of development.
Dr Ankeli, reminded Nigerians that, “disability is a serious matter. It could be anybody tomorrow,” while urging all to join hands to change the country by touching lives.
The SSA to the President commended the efforts of Jane Imelda, for producing the music album and dedicating the proceeds to people with disabilities in the country.
He said Nigeria has enjoyed so much mercy in the hands of God including people with disabilities hence, should be grateful to God.
In a brief remarks, the former minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, while praising the zeal of the artiste in developing her music career said, there is ability in disability.
“God has a reason for creating everyone and there is every need to appreciate God. I am happy that Jane stick to her childhood dreams of becoming a world class musician and I am not surprised too that she delved into humanitarian venture,” he said.
The ex-minister used the occasion to encourage youths in the country to be peace loving and always be their brothers’ keeper.
In her remarks, the artiste, fondly called Imelda J, said her experience in life made her want to share with the needy and she fell in love with people with disabilities.
She added that her experiences are shared in her songs and wants to encourage people with disabilities that, there is hope for them in life.
While making their remarks, special assistant to President Buhari on Social Investment, Madam Mariam Uwaise, special assistant to the President on Disability Matters, Mallam Garba Shehu and former Kogi State first lady, Hajia Aisha Audu Emeje, all eulogised the artiste for standing up for the disabled people, at a time when musicians were taking voyage into commercialisation of their music.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/we-are-partners-in-development-of.html

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently resigned from the All Progressive Congress (APC), has described himself as a rebel, just as he urged Nigerians never to allow the word “rule” to be used in Nigeria’s democratic process.


Atiku made this remark on Thursday night in Lagos at the 2017 Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs conference titled: “Networking with the Giants,” where he received an award.

“For me, I am a rebel. Never should the word ‘rule’ be a term in our democratic process. You all must be governed because you must participate in that process. For me, I will not accept to be ruled, but I will accept to be governed,” he said while responding to an earlier statement by one of the speakers, Mr. Fela Durotoye.

Atiku, who received the award of African Outstanding Entrepreneur at the ceremony, urged his audience to imbibe the entrepreneurial spirit as those from the South-east, saying Nigerians should not be known for drugs and fraudsters, but for business and enterprise.

He dedicated the award to Wizkid, for winning the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) awards, as well as youths in Nigeria.

Abubakar took his audience through how he started his business as a young Customs officer when he came to Lagos in 1969, just as he stressed the need for entrepreneurs to be resilient.

“Sometimes, entrepreneurship is not something you must be trained to do. You must have ingenuity to be an entrepreneur.

“It may come to a point where you may need training,” he said.

He argued that the educational system Nigeria operated in the first republic provided students the opportunity to either go to the universities, polytechnics, farming, or whatever they wanted to do.

“Suddenly, Nigeria moved away from that system of education, to a system where you train only job seekers.

“They don’t know how to do anything else other than to seek for job. So, what I am trying to say is that my Nigeria is possible, and your Nigeria is also possible.

“The United Nations projected that by January 2018, Nigeria would have more people in poverty. Can you imagine that! What can we do to combat this challenge? My submission is that education, entrepreneurship, foreign direct investment.

“Currently Nigeria’s out of school population is projected at 10 million while that of India is projected at 1.8 million, even though they have eight times our population. Why is it so?” he queried.

According to Abubakar, without adequate investments in education, “there is no way the country can combat poverty.”

“My parents didn’t want me to go to school. I was forcefully removed from our home and taken to school.

“When my father tried to resist my going to school, he was arrested and fined. He couldn’t pay the fine and he was imprisoned. That was how I went to school,” he said, while stressing the need to make education compulsory for children.

Atiku said: “We must entrench entrepreneurship in our educational curriculum. In the university that I established, in whatever course you are doing, be it law, engineering, it is compulsory for you to take entrepreneurship.

“That is why most of our students who have passed out have created jobs themselves. We must have a paradigm shift in our educational system.

“Life does not give you guarantee. It only gives you opportunities and there are numerous opportunities in Nigeria. But we need an educational system that would be centred on those opportunities.”

Earlier, while making his presentation, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce told his listeners, who were majorly youth, that having Atiku Abubakar in the conference was an opportunity for them to be in the company of Nigeria’s next president.

Murray-Bruce bemoaned the failure of leadership in the country.

He added: “In discussing the budget, what shocked me was that the people who prepared the budget just copied last year’s budget and pasted it in the current year budget.

“How many of you will employ some of the people in government today to work for you? They don’t have talent. You take a guy, who had never signed a cheque of more than N3 million all his life and you put him in charge of a ministry with a budget of N3 billion.

“Apart from faint and getting drunk when he gets there, he does nothing else. How can someone that has never ran a business all his life run an economy?

“The word change is very popular, and everybody uses it all the time, but nobody really likes change. Do you know the only person that likes change? It’s a baby who needs a diaper change.

“Most people don’t like it and that is the biggest problem that we have. We need to try people who have created wealth, people who have created job.

“If all of you vote Atiku Abubakar, we can make a difference. Nigeria can no longer have an accidental president. You must want the job, you have to desire the job and say you need this job. And if you don’t do it.”..
More details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/atiku-im-rebel-ill-not-accept-to-be.html?m=1

Victor Umeh took to AIT program called 'Focus' today to insult Ndị Anambra. He never called them idiots before the governorship election in the State. But now election is over, he has started acting his real self again even insulting those that gave their votes for APGA!

In the program, he said that any Anambra citizen that didn't give his vote to APGA is not only a stranger but an idiot. How can those that stood all day in the sun in the Nov 18 Anambra governorship election and casted their votes to reelect Willie Obiano stand this heavy insult not knowing that Victor Umeh would today, brand them 'idiots' if they had casted their votes for PDP, APC, UPP or APP?

This is the same man who ran away from APGA in 2001 when he was refused to be made national treasurer of the party, when he also thought APGA which was singlehandedly founded by Chief Chekwas Okorie would not see the light of the day in Nigeria politics. The same man ran back to the party when the party was finally registered by INEC to kneel and beg Chief Chekwas Okorie to make him the national treasurer because he was of opinion that the party would not scale the hurdle of registration. Chekwaa forgave the prodigal son.

Pita Obi managed Victor Umeh as national chairman of the party in 8 years he was governor because of Umeh's obsession and greediness to state's treasury. A man who asked to be given a whooping N500m to use to ratify Obi as the leader of the party when Ikemba Ojukwu who held that post was no more. Obi refused and asked him to bring down the amount or the post remain not ratified.
Have you wondered why Umeh never for once, worked or operated from the Abuja national secretariat of the party in Abuja? Have you wondered why he never allowed the party spread to every other southeast states apart from Anambra even when he claimed this and that in APGA? Have you wondered why he stayed close to 13 years as the national chairman of the party and it nearly took party members street protest to remove him before he bowed out out of shame? He stunted APGA's growth and denied the party a national outlook, not even in the southeast.
Pita Obi managed and pampered Victor Umeh from 2003 to 2014 he left office, that is 11 years. Obiano could not manage him 3 years when he kicked him out early 2017 but brought him back because of 2017 election. No one can manage Victor Umeh in any organization he belongs with the person provided what binds him and the person is money. If you don't give it to him in a serene atmosphere, he will instigate crisis and collect it because he's purely a career politician. Victor Umeh does not survive in an environment where there's no crisis. This is like a badge he wears all the time on him and everybody knows him very well. He praises you today and vilify you tomorrow when the financial contract he has with you is over.
Finally, as Umeh begins to haul insults on Ndị Anambra on every TV program instead of thanking them for the returning of his enterprise and financial contract with Anambra state treasury, it avails the good people of the state the ample time to understand who the real Victor Umeh is.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/anambra-people-are-idiots-victor-umeh.html

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says a total of 1,295 Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya in November after being stranded in the volatile North African country enroute Europe.

The Nigerians returned in various batches between Nov. 6 and Nov. 30 with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU).

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, made the disclosure while receiving a fresh batch of 150 Nigerians who arrived the country on Thursday.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the returnees were brought back aboard a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with Registration Number:6A-DMG.

The aircraft landed at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 9.15pm.

The returnees comprised of 13 female adults and one teenage girl while the male were 133 adults, two teenage boys and one baby boy.

They were received on behalf of Maihajja by the South West Zonal coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu .

Also on ground to welcome the returnees back home were officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) , the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Police.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/1295-nigerians-returned-from-libya-in.html

The long awaited luxurious Innoson IVM G80 and G40 has been released by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd, Nigeria’s first indigenous Vehicle Manufacturing Company. It should be recalled that last year, The Chairman of Innoson Vehicles, Chief Dr Innocent Chukwuma OFR promised Nigerians that he would manufacture a Made in Nigeria luxurious SUV that will be added to its range of vehicles to accommodate the high cadre of Nigerians who wishes to drive a Made-in-Nigeria vehicle. The date for the official Vehicle Launch will be announced soon.

more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/photos-innoson-vehicles-releases-luxury.html

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said former President Goodluck Jonathan, was not ready for the presidency job when fate bestowed on him the leadership of the country.
On his part, Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, while narrating his ordeal during the last regime, said the ex-president sought to remove him as governor but was advised against it by some of his aides.


He said Jonathan and others in his administration actually thought he (Shettima) kidnapped over 200 abducted Chibok girls.
Saraki who yesterday in Abuja at the book launch titled: ‘On a platter of gold’ written by the former Minister of Sport and the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said despite what people said about the former president, he did not see him as a person desperate for power.

“I don’t think he was someone who was desperate for power, he was not someone that was prepared for leadership, yes by misfortune or fortune, he got there,” he said.
While recounting some of his experiences with Jonathan, Saraki said in 2011 he mustered courage to go and inform him about his intention to run for presidency against him.
According to Saraki, what he got in reply totally put him off, because rather than frown at the idea, Jonathan shook his hands and wished him luck.

“What I will recollect was the day I decided I was going to contest presidency. I felt that I didn’t want Jonathan to hear it as news, I booked an appointment to go and see him- I didn’t know what I was thinking that day. I went to the Villa, he said ‘come in, come in, how can I help you?
“I looked at the president of a third world country and said Mr. President I came to tell you that I am going to be contesting for your seat. Jonathan looked at me and said ‘oh, okay, good luck, good luck.’ If it were any other person may be I would not have left the Villa but that again sums up Jonathan.”

Saraki also painted another picture of Jonathan’s attitude to the fight against corruption, saying he once went to the former president to tell him about his discovery concerning the level of scam going on in petroleum product import business but was unsettled at his apparent nonchalant response.

He said: “I booked an appointment to see the president, I went with my paper, I started with the background of how people brought in petroleum products. I said Mr. President, in the past, people used to get award letters from NNPC to bring in petrol, kerosene, and make 10, 20 per cent profit.
“I said sir, they’ve taken it to another level; now, they get an order to bring in products they don’t want to make 10, 20 per cent any more. They will get an offer to bring in a cargo of 20,000 litres they will bring in 5,000 to be stamped for 20,000 and instead of making 10 per cent, they make ten times the amount.

“I was telling the president thinking he will get very agitated, he said, ‘Senator Saraki, you know this oil business is very oily,” he said.
On his assessment of the book on Jonathan, Saraki described the author as a man with great intellect, adding that the book is a very intelligent narration of events that took place in the last administration.

While speaking at the book launch, Shettima described Jonathan’s era as one of the most turbulent period in our national life.
Though he said Jonathan is an honest man, he said he lacked depth in leadership as against his mentor, former. President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“This is the second book I am reading on the Jonathan saga. I think President Jonathan is essentially a decent person, an unsophisticated country politician caught up in the vortex of power politics in Nigeria.”

“If you look at Obasanjo, hate him or love him, you have to respect Obasanjo for not only believing in the Nigerian project but by surrounding himself with men of quality
The governor who also shared his thoughts on the Chibok girls’ abduction, accused the former president of wanting to remove him at all costs on the grounds that he was behind the girls’ abduction.

“There was a time he wanted to remove me at all costs. In the Federal Executive Council, they were all speaking in the same tone that this Borno State governor must be removed for embarrassing the government; that I was the problem. Two Nigerians stood up.
“He sought the opinion of Mohammed Adoke Bello, the then Attorney General. Adoke told him that ‘Mr President, you have no power to remove even an elected councillor’.

Then he sought the opinion of other Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN in his team, the Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki. And Turaki also told him that ‘Mr President, you have no power to remove a sitting governor’. And that was how the matter died.”

While commenting on the agitation for restructuring, Shettima, said focus should be on delivering good governance instead of the clamour for restructuring.
In his remarks, the author of the book, and the APC spokesman said the motive behind his decision to venture into writing his experience on what transpired during the Jonathan’s administration was essentially to try and set the records straight on some of the perceptions built around his personality.

Many personalities graced the book launch including the national chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, members of the National Working Committee as well as other top politicians from all political shades.
But responding to Shettima’s allegation, Jonathan challenged him to publish his WAEC results so that Nigerians would know the real simpleton between him and the former president.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his aide, Mr. Reno Omokri, the ex-president described Shettima as a typical sycophant, who was saying what he could not say before 2015, adding that when the current set of actors quit the scene, Shettima would likewise direct his lying tongue at them.

The ex-president said it was unfortunate that Shettima allowed hatred to blind his objectivity.
“President Jonathan was not humiliated out of office. Sure, he lost the 2015 presidential election by two million votes. If that is what Shettima means by humiliation, it must mean that he never understood what Jonathan meant when he said ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.’

Could a person, who was humiliated have called to concede, while the votes were still being counted and yet to be declared? It is the pettiness of Kashim that has blinded him to the fact that by conceding so quickly, Jonathan became the ‘Face of Democracy in Africa’ as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described him. Hundreds of people died when other people lost elections, but no one died when Jonathan lost,” Jonathan explained.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/jonathan-was-not-prepared-for.html

The Ondo State government has declared that it will no longer pay for the registration for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The decision of the government may not be unconnected with the recommendation of the stakeholder summit held last month in the state.


Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led government said parents and guardians should start paying for WAEC fees of their children and wards, starting from next year.

The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Femi Agagu, alongside his information and orientation counterpart, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Akure after the State Executive Council.

Despite canceling the free registration of WAEC, the state government disclosed that it will continue with its free education policy for pupil school students in the state.

Agagu noted that the council had critically examined the decisions of stakeholders at the last education summit and resolved that government would continue to fund education at the primary and post primary levels.


The State Executive Council, according to the commissioner, also approved the setting up of an Education Trust Fund that would help to mobilise funds for the education sector in the state.

Adding that the Trust Fund would be managed by a committee comprising prominent sons and daughters of the state, Agagu said the committee would encourage each adult citizen of the state to pay N1,000 into the Trust Fund.

Olowolabi announced that the State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Prince Joel Oluwafemi Adeluwoye as the new Asuada of Isuada in Owo Local Government Area.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/ondo-govt-stops-free-waec-registration.html

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has presented a budget of N1.3 trillion for the 2018 fiscal year to the Cross River House of Assembly for deliberation and passage.

Ayade, who presented the budget on Thursday in Calabar, said that the proposal was designed to add value to the socio-economic development and well being of the people of the state.

Ayade, who tagged the budget as “Budget of Kinetic Crystallisation’’, said it was meant to crystallise what the state had achieved in the past two years of his administration.

He said that the priority of the budget was to develop the state’s deep sea port and the super highway which he said were his two marked projects.
The governor said that 70 per cent of the budget was for capital expenditure and 30 per cent,re-current expenditure.
According to him, the size of the budget is expected to create room for potential investors, now that the annual construction of the state deep sea port and superhighway has commenced.
He added that the budget was for actualisation and implementation of the state deep sea port, super highway and other laudable projects earmarked for completion.
“The 2018 budget of N13.trillion, tagged `Kinetic Crystallisations’, is meant to drive the economy of the state to an enviable height.
“The sum of N126billion was budgeted for the Ministry of Infrastructure. This is to help us develop critical assets in the state.
“N7 billion was also budgeted for the state job centre with a view to helping us train our unemployed youths with marketable job skills.
“Also, we have budgeted N2billion for our school feeding programme. In addition to that, we also budgeted N52billion for social welfare to care for the aged.
“My administration is human friendly and my desire is to ensure that every family has what to eat before going to bed,’’ he said.
The governor further said that the garment factory, with 1,000 workers, would be increased to 3,000 in 2018 as part of his administration’sdrive to engage the unemployed in the state.
NAN reports that the 2018 budget is far higher than the 2017 budget of N301billion.
Responding, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr John Gaul-Lebo, commended the governor for commencing work on the deep sea port and the super highway.
Gaul-Lebo said that the two projects, when completed, would attract more investors to the state and improve its revenue profile.
He assured the governor of the assembly’s continued support for the economic and political growth of the state.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/gov-ayade-presents-n13trn-budget-for.html

Ahead of the 2019 general election, fiery Enugu priest, the Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has come hard against Nigerians who were yet to obtain their voter’s card.

The priest, who has backed Nigerian youths to take up the mantle of leadership in the country, said it was sinful to stay by the side and watch wrong people rule the nation.

Mbaka, the spiritual director, Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, spoke ahead of the ministry’s annual crusade due to start from 13th of December to the 31st Night December night when the ministry usually experienced the largest crowd of worshippers.

He vowed to lend his support to the youths of Nigeria to take over the leadership positions in the nation.

Speaking during an all night crusade organized by the Directorate of Inter-Faith, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, an interdenominational programme hosted last weekend at the Adoration ground, Mbaka charged the youths to stand up and stand out for the leadership positions in the country and to stop being used as stooge and political thugs during elections.
In his words “The time of old and incompetent politicians using the youths as thugs is totally over. It is pathetic that men the youths should be leading are ironically leading them. It is a shame to our youths.”
Mbaka noted that he had earlier charged all his ministry worshippers to acquire their voter’s card, stressing that he would take stern measures against the worshippers who do not have their voter’s card.
“It amounts to a sin as it paves way for the election of wrong and corrupt leaders”, he said, lamenting that he felt the brunt of evil leadership as unemployment and social problems created by bad government stretched his acts of charity.
He specially prayed for the youths against every physical and spiritual inhibition that would stop them from experiencing their breakthroughs and taking the pride of their positions in their families and the society.
The all-night youth programme ushered in the commemoration of the Christ the King celebration at the Adoration Ground the following morning.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Barr. Maximus Ugwuoke, it was the first time the ministry celebrated the event at their adoration ground following Fr Mbaka’s transfer from his former parish.
The transfer, it could be recalled came with some measure of controversy as some worshipers did not take it in good faith.
Ugwuoke quoted Mbaka as saying, “as Christians, we must be patient in our expectations. We should be patient and wait for God’s time. Last year, we ended our celebration in sorrow but today, we are happy to be celebrating it today in our own ground.
“We are not going to anyone’s parish to celebrate. And within this one year, God has mightily blessed us with structures far bigger than what we left in our former parish. God has made us kings so that He becomes the King of kings.”
He called on all Christians to realize that they were kings and as such should not be intimidated by negative circumstances.
Speaking in an interview, the vice president of Adoration Father’s Association, Engr. Okechukwu Agbo stated that the essence of the celebration was to show the supremacy and kingship of Christ.
He revealed that members of the congregation were happy to celebrate the feast for the first time at the venue, urging the congregants to join hands to enthrone Christ in their lives as they celebrated.
Also speaking, the President of the Women Association of the ministry Mrs. Ann Aligwe expressed happiness that the event could hold at the ground barely one year after their spiritual director was transferred from the Christ the King Parish.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/2019-mbaka-warns-nigerians-on-voters.html

The federal government has declared December 1, 2017 as public holiday to mark the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd), who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, enjoined all Muslim faithful and Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Maulud celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity of the nation.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Abubakar G. Magaji, said the minister further urged all Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration towards building the nation.
He wished Nigerians a happy Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/fg-declares-friday-public-holiday-for.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigerians must brace up for the payment of higher electricity tariffs. He said it had become inevitable.

Osinbajo, who spoke yesterday at the sixth presidential business forum held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said: “There is no question at all that we must pay higher tariffs.”

He, however, said that government was not going to increase the tariffs for now but rather working towards cleaning the electricity value chain.


According to him, the N700 billion payment assurance guarantee set aside by government was to ensure uninterrupted payment for gas and liquidity in the power sector.

Osinbajo said the payment assurance guarantee was to fund a smooth transition “from where we are to a much more market-determined policy for electricity.”

He said that government was already working with the World Bank on this.

In another development, the Vice President said the Federal Government was set to explore the use of government’s intervention funds in agriculture and its value chains.

The Vice President, who spoke at the forum attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; officials of government agencies and stakeholders in the agriculture sector, said: “I’m chairing a committee to look at how to not only use intervention funds, but how to monitor the use of intervention funds.”

Osinbajo said that government would not “bring down interest rate overnight,” pointing out that the “way out is by some kind of intervention and that’s what the President has asked that we do.”

The Vice President said that government was refining the anchor borrowers’ programme and other intervention funds for agriculture with a view to making them more effective in assisting farmers.

Also, he said the issue of smuggling of agricultural produce into the country is an existential threat to the country’s agricultural sector.

Osinbajo also identified low duty paid in some of the neighbouring countries as one of the factors that encourage the smuggling of rice and other agricultural produce through them into Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Ogbeh has said that importation of rice has dropped by about 95 per cent from 644,131 metric tonnes in September 2015 to 20,000 tonnes in September 2017, saying: “We should be almost certain to meet our needs in local rice production.”

Others, who spoke, were Enelamah, who gave update on the Export Incentive Grant; and the Chief Executive Officer of the WACOT Rice Mill in Kebbi State, Rahul Savara.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/osinbajo-asks-nigerians-to-prepare-for.html

Drummy worked as Chelsea's academy boss - winning the 2010 FA Youth Cup - and later as reserve-team manager before taking the role of international head coach in June 2014.

After leaving the Blues he took over at Sky Bet League Two club Crawley in April 2016, departing 13 months later.

On Monday night tweets from Crawley's official account read: "Everyone at the club is devastated by the news that our former manager Dermot Drummy passed away earlier today.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will be issuing a full statement tomorrow after speaking to Dermot's family.

"Dermot was a real people person. He had time for everyone at the club and he loved to make us laugh!

"He brought many of the current squad to Crawley and they are as stunned as we all are at this terrible news."Swansea boss Paul Clement, who worked closely with Drummy at Chelsea, tweeted: "Shocked to hear of the death of my former colleague from Chelsea FC, Dermot Drummy.

"Very sad. Rest In Peace.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/breakingformer-chelsea-coach-and.html

First son of the late Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, has explained that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not for selfish aggrandisement, but to ensure that similar ideals that informed his late father’s action are upheld.

Ojukwu Jnr. added that he was merely walking in his father’s steps by ensuring that his actions are informed by the best interest of Nd’Igbo, recalling how, shortly after his return from exile in 1982, his father joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) rather than the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP).

He said: “I can afford to stay back (in APGA) and wallow in sentimental politics that nkea bu nkeanyi (this is our own), but in the long run, what becomes of our tomorrow and place in the great Nigeria project, for which our forefathers laboured, invested their time, talent and even their blood?


“Which is preferable: to be a big fish in a small pond or a big fish in the ocean? Real champions are never afraid of the big league. That could be why late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, asserted that if you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind. Nd’Igbo are not better off with emotional politics.”

Ojukwu spoke to The Guardian against the backdrop of recent statement by re-elected Governor Willie Obiano that he considers Ikemba’s son as of no consequence, but has extended an olive branch to stakeholders and co-contestants in the recent Anambra governorship poll.

He said the governor was still playing kindergarten politics, wondering why Obiano and other party chieftains should condemn him for identifying with APC while they struggle to impress President Buhari that they support him for a second term in office.

“So, while they seek to crucify me for joining APC, they express support and solidarity for the APC leader. Which is worse, to walk the talk or pander to politics of deceit and duplicity? What is the essence of being in a party that would rather support the presidential candidate of another party than choose its own?” he asked.

Ojukwu Jnr. stressed that having supported Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan in office, Nd’Igbo have decided to support President Buhari in the spirit of fairness and political goodwill, so that when a president of Igbo extraction emerges, other ethnic groups would reciprocate.

https://guardian.ng/news/im-walking-in-my-fathers-steps-says-ojukwu-jnr/

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has promised Lagosians that there would be calm during the Lagos Street Carnival scheduled for December 3.

Plans are in top gear by the state Government to shut down a major road in the city’s capital, Oba Akran Avenue for its annual Lagos Street Carnival on December 3. This was disclosed in a brief meeting with the Commissioner and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Adesola at the State Secretariat, Alausa.


Dubbed, “Lagos Street Party’’ in its maiden edition, the event has grown into a carnival to mark the start of the ministry’s end of the year activities. It is also designed to celebrate the multi-cultural nature of Lagosians and reposition the state as a formidable cultural destination.

To this end, several adjoining roads would be closed on the day of the carnival while alternative routes could be accessed by road users. The Commissioner revealed why the venue was moved from the island to the mainland this year.

“This year, we are bringing it to the mainland. Of course, next year, we will be looking at another location.

The aim of government is to take this all around Lagos. It is not a programme that will be static in just one location. The Governor has promised Lagosians that he is going to run a government of inclusion where no one will be left behind. Not in infrastructure alone but in every sense of governance and he has been doing that systematically since he became the Governor of Lagos State. You know, Lagos is the centre of excellence,’’ she said.

The events include parade, floats, dance and loads of music from DJs as well as performing artists. Also, each local government will be represented during the parade as well as ethnic groups amongst the residents in Lagos. As regards the target audience for the show, Hon. Adesola stated that the carnival is thrown open to all.

“The programme is not going to be for adults alone. The children will have their own corner and family will also have their own side. We have drawn artists from different genres. We have artists from hip hop, Fuji, Waka, Gospel artists on the bill. We have cultural groups that will also come. The programme will start at 12 noon. Small scale entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sell their wares at the venue. We have also prepared for the security of lives and properties around the venue,’’ she disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Street Carnival is powered by the private sector to ensure that this event remains on Lagos State cultural calendar even with the succession of new administration.

In terms of security, Hon. Adesola assured Lagosians and visitors that efforts are in place to ensure that the venue and environs are safe and incident-free.

“We expect more visitors this year and a lot more will be coming. And in terms of security and crowd control, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is not working alone. We are working with LASTMA, Security, FRSC, Fire service, LASAMBUS and the LAWMA. All of them are onboard. You are not going to see Oba Akran on Monday in a dirty state,’’ she said.

For Lagos state, this annual cultural event is a source of revenue generation for as visitors from other states lodge at Lagos hotels, the state derives its consumption tax.

The line-up of artists include Olamide, Lil Kesh, Queen Salawa Abeni, Malaika, Tope Sax amongst others.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/lasg-promises-calm-at-lagos-street.html