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Source:- www.exclusivepp.com.ng/buhari-orders-background-checks-judges-designate/

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently carrying background checks on Federal High Court and Court of Appeal judges nominated and forwarded to him by the National Judicial Council last year, The PUNCH has learnt.

It was further learnt that the President might have approved the compulsory retirement of Justices Adeniyi Ademola and Segun Tokode, both of the Federal High Court as recommended by the council.

A source in the Presidency, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday on condition of anonymity, said the two steps were in line with the present administration’s anti-corruption stance.

He said although the President believed that the NJC would have done due diligence before putting forward the judges for approval, there was the need for him to do some checks to ensure that no mistake was made in their nomination.

It was further learnt that the nation’s security agencies such as the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were involved in the checks.

The source added that the development did not, in any way, mean that the President had refused to approve the judges’ appointments.

He stated, “On the appointment of judges into the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, the President is looking at that as recommended by the NJC.

“The NJC obviously has done due diligence on the appointed judges. There is no question about that. It is expected that they would have done their duty.

“But giving the President’s emphasis on the war against corruption, he himself will obviously need to do some checks that will assure him that no mistake has been made.

“It is not that the President has refused to approve it. He is looking into the recommendation made before pushing them forward because the Senate will be involved.”

On the case of the judges recommended for compulsory retirement, the government official described the issue central to the council’s decision as one that the President did not take lightly.

He said the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), would soon make a formal announcement on Buhari’s position on the matter.

“It is a disciplinary issue relating to corruption. This is a matter that the President does not take lightly.

“You should expect a statement on the matter from the Attorney General of the Federation very soon. That is about being concluded,” the source said.

When contacted on the telephone, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, directed our correspondent to Malami who, he said, was in a better position to answer questions on the two issues.

The AGF however did not answer the calls to his telephone lines on Sunday.

Also, he had yet to reply a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.

The NJC had, late last year, recommended Justices Ademola and Tokode, both of the Federal High Court, for compulsory retirement for alleged misconduct.

According to a statement by NJC’s Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, the council, at its meeting, “under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, sanctioned Justice Ademola after finding the allegations contained in a petition sent against him by eight persons under the name of ‘Committee of Anambra State PDP House of Representatives Members-Elect.’

“The public is hereby informed to disregard the news circulating on some news media that Hon. Mr. Justice Ademola has voluntarily retired. The purported voluntary retirement is clearly an afterthought as Council had taken action before his decision to forward any voluntary retirement letter.”

Justice Tokode, who was appointed to the Federal High Court bench in 2015, was accused, in a petition sent by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and Miss Abimbola Awogboro, of making false claims to the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the NJC over his appointment qualification.

He was said to have submitted six judgments he claimed to have personally conducted while practising as a lawyer.

Only one of the judgments was said to be truly conducted by him.

The submission of six judgments to the FJSC and the NJC was said to be a pre-requisite for his application for appointment as a judge.

He was therefore ordered to refund the salaries and allowances he earned since his “purported appointment to the position of a judge” to the coffers of the judiciary.

Source:- www.exclusivepp.com.ng/buhari-orders-background-checks-judges-designate/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/know-biggest-fan-wizkid-admits-flavour-crashing-caf-awards-2017-rehearsal/

CAF just held the 2017 installment of their annual awards in Ghana, and it had a representation of music stars from around Africa including Wizkid, Mr Flavour, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Olamide, Patoranking and Masterkraft.

Video footage has surfaced from Flavour N’abania’s 2Nite TV showing his musical proceedings just before he graced the stage. The intrigue of the video happens to be a jocular Wizkid who crashed the Ijele’s rehearsal, singing his smash hit “Ada Ada“ and later admitting that he (Wizkid) is Flavour’s biggest fan.

Watch Video Video Via Source Link Bellow!

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/know-biggest-fan-wizkid-admits-flavour-crashing-caf-awards-2017-rehearsal/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/efforts-introduce-informal-sector-contributory-pension-scheme-2018/

The National Pension Commission says it is intensifying efforts to introduce the informal sector to the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2018.

PenCom also said its special department saddled with the responsibility was planning to drive the initiative with technology using mobile phone applications.

“Special mobile phone applications had been successfully implemented in some jurisdictions for financial transactions, including provision of pension services to the self-employed and informal sector workers,” PenCom stated.

The commission has segmented the informal sector into three categories of low income earners, high income earners and the small/medium enterprises.

It said it would design appropriate pension products and enlighten people in the segments on the essence of the scheme.

The commission said it was ensuring a robust technological platform that would support the provision of customer services to effectively and efficiently register, collect contributions, provide Retirement Savings Account support, pay benefits and provide financial advisory services to the contributors.

PenCom stated that it had already commenced the sensitisation of service providers and relevant regulators as well as the targeted workers in the informal sector with a view to creating the enabling environment.

“As this category of workers constitute the larger percentage of the working population in the country, there is no doubt that to achieve the pension industry’s strategic objective of covering 30 per cent of the working population in Nigeria under the CPS by the end of 2024, all efforts should be made to extend coverage to this important segment of the Nigerian economy,” the commission stated.

The regulatory body added that about 7.7 million public and private sector workers had registered under the CPS as of the end of September 2017.

According to the commission, this figure rose from of 7.3 million registered workers at the end of 2016.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/efforts-introduce-informal-sector-contributory-pension-scheme-2018/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/naira-depreciation-when-the-currency-traded-at-500-to-a-dollar/

The Managing Director, Lacasera Company, Mr. Roland Ebelt, said that at the deepest point of the naira depreciation when the currency traded at 500 to a dollar, local beverage firms were very concerned about losing the market.

At that point, he acknowledged that the purchasing power of the average Nigerian had been eroded, adding that there were concerns that this would affect the sale of beverages.

Ebelt told our correspondent in an exclusive interview, “There was real concern. There was real fear that we will have to increase the prices by so many margins that the customers would no longer buy our products and these products are bought by virtually everybody in Nigeria, just like water.

“So that was the fear that the market that had been growing so nicely all these years would suddenly cease to exist.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/naira-depreciation-when-the-currency-traded-at-500-to-a-dollar/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/god-asked-run-presidency-pastor-tunde-bakare/

The Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has said God has told him not to end his political career as he had earlier contemplated.

Specifically, Bakare, who contested as the vice-presidential candidate on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 presidential election, said God told him to run for the Presidency.

The Lagos-based cleric spoke in the early hours of Monday during the watch night service at the Latter Rain Assembly in the Ogba area of Lagos.

Giving a rundown of the 12 major things he said God had revealed to him would happen in 2018, Bakare explained that God had not told him when the “appointed time” to run for the presidency would be.

“This twelfth one is a difficult one for me. It may draw excitement or condemnation. I have tried my best to keep it (to myself) but the Holy Spirit will not allow me to do so.

“In my study around 4am on Sunday morning, God told me ‘you cannot bring your political career to a close; there is still more to do. Run for the Presidency. I will do it at the appointed time,” the pastor added.

Bakare declared that he was unfazed by the daunting task that his aspiration might pose, expressing confidence that once the Lord had spoken, it was left for God to perform it.

“Joseph (in the Bible) did not contest an election; yet, he became the prime minister of Egypt. Why must I worry myself about where to get the resources for the task? Your own duty in this assignment is to pray along with me. When it is the appointed time, He (God) will do it. When He tells me the time, you will hear about it,” he stated.

Bakare added that most of the “political juggernauts” in the country would fall “at the feet of women in 2018.”

Though he did not mention names, the cleric said some of those seen at the moment as among the most powerful in Nigeria’s political space, would be “replaced.”

“In 1998, I told you that I saw your President dying between two women. Did it happen? I’m telling you again: some of these political juggernauts will fall at the feet of women and you will see it happen,” he said.

The pastor declared that 2018 would be a year when women would break barriers in most fields of human endeavours both in Nigeria and globally.

He explained that women would be in the forefront of most policy making decisions while also dictating the pace in the boardroom.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/god-asked-run-presidency-pastor-tunde-bakare/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/put-respect-name-oritsefemis-wife-clapbacks-accuser-instagram/

Oritsefemi’s Wife Clapbacks At Accuser On Instagram

Social media went agog with the news that a certain @christianforward23 alleged that Oritsefemi‘s wife, Nabila, used to be a ‘prostitute’ before her marriage to the singer. The statement led to an unfriendly exchange between the singer and the accuser.

Following the news, the accused and wife to Oritsefemi, has reacted to the claim by @christainforward23 in an Instagram post. In her post, she listed some of her achievements, particularly her impressive educational qualifications. She described the statement as an act of slut shaming women and she demanded that the accuser put some respect on her name.

See post below.



Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/put-respect-name-oritsefemis-wife-clapbacks-accuser-instagram/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/veteran-broadcaster-sadiq-daba-returns-nigeria-treatment-cancer-uk-photo/

Veteran Broadcaster/actor, Sadiq Daba, has returned to Nigeria after weeks of undergoing treatment for prostrate cancer and Leukemia at a UK hospital.

He is pictured above with his wife, Mobolaji and humanrights activist, Joe Okei Odumakin. He arrived today December 29th.

On his arrival, an excited Sadiq Daba said ” It’s soooo good to be back home!! Who else will be there? Who has always been there ? Yes , the indefatigable woman of esteem and high standards, sincerity, honesty, love, care, adoration and an Angel……Dr.Joe Odumakin!!

I am back stronger, healthier and well….all thanks to the goodwill and kindness of thousands and thousands of Nigerians both home and abroad…. Special mention and lots of love to Soni Irabor, who kick started it all !! I am ever so grateful”

Glad he is back home! See more photos below:







Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/veteran-broadcaster-sadiq-daba-returns-nigeria-treatment-cancer-uk-photo/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/2018-budget-worries-another-era-padding/

For three consecutive years, the national budget has become notorious for being allegedly padded, a development that political pundits say has caused ‘big’ embarrassment to the country, writes JESUSEGUN ALAGBE

There is an anonymous quote that goes thus: “The first time you make a mistake, it’s an accident; the second time you make the same mistake, it’s on purpose; and the third time you make the same mistake, it’s no longer a mistake, it’s a habit.”

The quote above would perhaps easily apply to the manner in which budget has been prepared by the Federal Government since 2016 when the word “padding” first crept into the budget preparation’s lexicon.

2018 Budget: Worries Over Another Era Of Padding

In that year, it was a former Chairman of the Huse of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, who blew the whistle, accusing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and other principal officers of the House of padding the 2016 budget to the tune of over N400bn.

For being “unpatriotic” to the House, the Kano State lawmaker was suspended for 180 legislative days on September 28, 2016.

The controversy over the budget caused the Federal Government a big embarrassment and there were assurances that the mess would not be repeated.

However, the following year, in February 2017, the issue reared its head again when the Senate, during a ministerial defence of that year’s N7.29tn budget proposal, asked the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, how a “weird” N2bn crept into his ministry’s budget.

“It is not our project…It is a Ministry of Finance’s initiative…That is not what we submitted. We did not submit that proposal,” Fashola had defended.

It would be later revealed that about 55 agencies had up to 276 suspicious items in their budgets, costing about N145bn.

And now, padding has come up again in the 2018 N8.6tn budget proposal that was presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 7, 2017, to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The President had wanted the budget to be passed by December so that the country could return to a budget cycle of January-December.

However, during its review of the budget at a legislative proceeding last Tuesday, the Senate criticised the executive, stating that the budget was “filled with inaccuracies, padding and inconsistencies.”

Consequently, the Senate said it could not complete work on the 2018 budget in January as requested by the executive.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had vented anger at the errors in the budget, asking the executive to sit up and warning that disaster was lurking if the 2017 budget was not rolled over to 2018.

“Truly, it is very disheartening and disappointing because we know how much we have put into the budget process,” Saraki said.

“By now, 2017 budget should have been implemented by up to between 40 and 60 per cent, but this has not been the case. This makes it very difficult for us; we cannot turn into magicians.

“I continue to appeal that you work within what you have and let us do our best to ensure that we have a budget that is in the interest of Nigerians. The executive, on its part, should sit up and not just make rhetoric, but get down to work. If the 2017 budget items are not rolled over to 2018, that is a disaster. Let the executive show some seriousness towards the budget exercise.”

That the issue of padding has kept recurring in the country’s budgetary process every year should call for concern, the President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Mr. Malachy Ugwummadu, said.

“The perennial issue has become a very sad commentary on the entire budget process. It is very important that the President is interested in the quality and content of the budget [before submission to the National Assembly] , as this is crucial in the fight against corruption,” he noted.

“The budget was supposed to be prepared with the support of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies so as to ensure it is properly done with minimal errors.”

Noting that the development could cause a delay in the budget passage and implementation, Ugwummadu, however, said it was not enough reason for the legislature to attack the executive.

He said, “The development somehow depicts an inharmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature. It was wrong for the National Assembly to now say they would not pass the budget.

“The President wanted the budget to be passed early, which was why he presented it early, but what’s happening might be as a result of inharmonious relationship and also intra-politicking within the All Progressives Congress.

“One would be made to believe that the verdict by the Court of Appeal that the Senate President [Saraki] should face trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for false declaration of assets might be responsible for the new friction. There seems to be flexing of muscles going on.”

Ugwummadu said rather than criticise the executive beyond necessary, the National Assembly should seek to work with the executive towards eradicating the errors in the budget for easy passage, especially as the country is just emerging from recession.

He added, “Much as there is the need for separation of powers, every arm of the government needs to reinforce one another and work together to ease the suffering of the people.

“But with the latest development, we would likely not get the budget passed until maybe the second quarter of 2018, which is dangerous for a country that is just coming out of recession.”

When padding first emerged in 2016, a Lagos-based public affairs analyst, Mr. Tunde Temionu, said the development would deal a big blow to the country’s economy.

He wrote in his December 30, 2016 article — “Budget padding and Nigeria’s economy” — that the phenomenon was being operated by “transgressors who lack social conscience and sobriety.”

Expecting that President Buhari would take a decisive action on the issue then, he said the reverse was the case as it eventually became “completely trivialised” by the Presidency.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, Lagos-based public affairs analyst, Mr. Abraham Babatunde, also expressed worry that despite the embarrassment caused by the latest budget padding, it might not prompt the President to deal with those involved in it.

He said, “Padding has turned into a habit and it must stop. I don’t think it’s because the President was hasty in passing the budget. In 2016 when he was slow in even preparing the budget, padding still occurred.

“The persistent mistake, or rather habit, shows some form of incompetence somewhere, and the President doesn’t need to be told what to do. He should do what he’s supposed to do.”

A lecturer of political science at the University of Lagos, Dr. Isiaka Adams, warned that padding could lead to the downfall of the ruling government if the matter was not taken seriously.

Already, he said the situation had led to distrust in the administration, which could not be trusted with the well-being of the people.

He said, “One would think the persistent bloating of the budget would result in more money being poured into capital expenditure in the economy, but not much has changed in terms of infrastructural development. The whole issue has become a yearly embarrassment and undoubtedly, it has led to distrust of our political leaders. It shows they cannot be trusted with our commonwealth.

“There is also a display of incompetence and the public now doubts the integrity of our leaders. Their political capital or goodwill has also reduced, which could bring down the government.

“What the National Assembly has done is good, by pointing out the errors. This is why it is good to have separation of powers. Meanwhile, some people ought to be punished, seeing that it is happening again.

“We cannot continue in this way. Those who are incompetent in preparing the budget should be shown the way out.

“Lastly, the legislature should send the budget back to the executive for the correction of errors as soon as possible so that the implications for delayed passage wouldn’t be harsher.”

Talking about the implications of budget padding, an economist, Simisola Adepoju, said it could lead to a myriad of economic problems, particularly inflation.

She said, “Padding the national budget constitutes tools for inflation, the type called demand pull inflation. Passing that kind of budget puts more money in the economy because the increased or false monetary estimate of projects and/or expenditures away from the actual monetary estimates floods the economy.

“Apart from this, there would be delay in passing the budget, thereby setting the economy on a slow pace next year. This is not good for the country because we are just emerging from recession. Nothing should have stopped the budget from being passed by next year January for easy economic recovery. Now, we should expect the economy to drag for a while next year until the budget is finally passed.”

Meanwhile, an economist, Henry Boyo, said it was high time the country shifted focus away from budget padding, saying if the main cause of the phenomenon was not addressed; it would keep recurring each year.

He said, “It may seem that we have the issue of budget padding every year, but what we need to address is the root of the problem. The bigger form of corruption in the budget preparation is monetary mismanagement.

“What causes budget padding is ministries or agencies not having enough money to play with for capital expenditures, which is why they add some amounts to the figures.

“What makes no sense is the way the Federal Government keeps borrowing money from outside the country when the Central Bank is sitting on about $40bn reserves.”

The economist opined that if MDAs had more money to execute projects, they wouldn’t sneak in items that would bloat the budget.

He said, “If the ministries and government agencies had enough money, which could be conveniently provided by the apex bank, budget padding would become a foregone issue.

“Let’s leave budget padding and focus on corruption going on at the CBN. The bank keeps auctioning several millions and billions of naira to bureaux de change and nobody is saying anything. Budget padding is like headache while monetary mismanagement is like cancer. Let’s focus on attacking the cancer first and then there would be a more transparent budgetary process.”

Be that as it may, an Abuja-based political analyst, Mrs. Funmi Olopade-Enyeowu, said the 2018 budget padding showed incompetence by the executive.

She said, “That this issue has kept recurring shows some level of gross incompetence by those preparing the budget and it doesn’t speak well of the Buhari-led administration. I think the President should be interested in going through every policy document he is given before passing it on. He could have taken his time to look at the proposal critically and ask questions before taking it to the National Assembly.

“He should know that those ‘big men’ at the National Assembly wouldn’t stop at any opportunity to make a mockery of him because they’ve never been on the same page despite being in the same party. This is good for democracy, though. If they were on the same page, probably the budget would have been passed without the legislators looking at it thoroughly. However, if the Senate feels the budget is so full of errors, as they claimed, they should quickly resend it to the executive for corrections rather than turn it into a political issue.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/2018-budget-worries-another-era-padding/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/peter-okoye-joins-olamide-others-lagos-music-fiesta/

Many people who have not seen Peter Okoye, formerly of PSquare, do a solo performance are having the opportunity as the annual musical show, One Lagos Fiesta, has unveiled him as one of the big artistes for the year.

The event, otherwise called OLF, began in the five zones of the city on Sunday and it will run for another six days. According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Peter is billed to perform at the Town Hall, Ikorodu; Marina Beachfront, Epe; the Eko Atlantic Beach, Victoria Island and at Agege Stadium, Agege. Peter’s performances at Eko Atlantic and Agege will hold on December 28 and 29, respectively. He is, however, just one of the about 100 artistes participating in the musical carnival.

Ayorinde adds that the event holding in Ikeja (Agege Stadium), Badagry (Badagry Grammar School), Ikorodu (Ikorodu Town Hall), Lagos Island (Bar Beach) and Epe (Epe-Marina Beachfront), is planned to be bigger and more impactful, based on the success of the earlier ones.

He says, “You will agree with me that the One Lagos Fiesta has become one of our star programmes. It is very much in line with the belief that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has in the culture and entertainment industry, as well as tourism. On the one hand, we believe that we should empower the sector in whatever way we can, because it is also capable of generating employment and, ultimately, boosting the economy of the state and country at large. On the other hand, the Ambode government is aware that Lagosians have accepted the One Lagos Fiesta as their own. They love it, they look forward to it and that is why it records massive attendance at every venue. Of course, it is a way of giving our people an exciting year-end enjoyment.”

While expressing delight that adequate security has continued to be guaranteed, the commissioner explains that the list of performers accommodates artistes of different genres and ages to cater for the tastes of the different categories of people.

Some of the artistes are King Sunny Ade, Olamide, Davido, Adewale Ayuba, Salawa Abeni, Humble Smith, Small Doctor, Ras Kimono, Pasuma and Saheed Osupa.

Also speaking on the show, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Aramide Giwason, notes that the climax of the fiesta, happening on the cross-over night of December 31st and running into the New Year, will hold at the Eko Atlantic City.

Giwason adds that the OLF, themed, See, Feel and Explore Lagos, is designed to turn the five divisions of Lagos into tourist destinations for eight days. According to her, it will throw up 40 concerts.

She adds that the talent hunt programme has been adjusted to discover, celebrate and reward youths in the state in the areas of dance, music, comedy, and other creative exploits. Auditioning had held in the past few days, with finalists billed to compete at the OLF. Winners will get between 150,000 and 50,000.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/peter-okoye-joins-olamide-others-lagos-music-fiesta/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/mega-99-waxes-album-celestial-church/

Gospel-juju singer, Abel Dosunmu, aka Mega 99, has released two new albums.

The first, Oluwajekayemo (God, let the world know), comes in the artiste’s annual supplication series, while the second is to mark the 70th anniversary of the Celestial Church of Christ.

“I thank God that as big as the Celestial church is, members rate me highly within and outside Nigeria. So, it will be a painful thing, if for any reason, I am unable to honour the church with the album.”

He explains that apart from using the work to congratulate members, he also sermonises in terms of reminding listeners about what God expects of man.

“I believe that we should always use every opportunity to draw people to God. The album also has songs of thanksgiving. God has been very faithful to us. So, we have to thank Him. What I also consider important is my desire to have love and unity reign in the Celestial Church of Christ. I try to remind our people that the founder of the church, Pastor Bilewu Oshoffa, did his best in growing it. It is left for us to come together to ensure its development.”

Oluwajekayemo is coming after Fear Not, High Praise and Ogo Mi, with Mega 99 saying it is purely a song of praise and prayers.

“I have the talent to compose both juju and gospel songs. That is the essence of my being a gospel-juju act. But in the Supplication series, all we do is what I will call undiluted gospel. We lead listeners to communicate with God, in an atmosphere devoid of noise and the usual swag,” Dsunmu adds.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/mega-99-waxes-album-celestial-church/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/no-plan-increase-fuel-price-says-osinbajo/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday assured Nigerians the Federal Government had no plan to increase fuel prices.

“We are certainly not expecting to increase oil (fuel) prices at all; the government has absolutely no intention of increasing fuel prices and that’s it,” he told journalists after an on-the-stop assessment of the fuel situation in parts of Lagos.

A transcript of his interview with journalist was made available by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande.

Osinbajo visited Oando and Total depots in Apapa and reassured Nigerians that the present administration was working round the clock to end the fuel crisis as soon as possible.

He said one of the most important objectives of the administration was to ensure that the average citizen was not put through the pain of an increase in fuel price.

The Vice President stated, “We have been here holding a meeting with major oil marketers and as you see everyone is at work trying to ensure that the petrol queues are cleared. We are trying to look at some of the issues and what needs to be done to ensure that things move very quickly.

“Just yesterday, Mr. President tried to see how exactly he could really work on the problems that we are experiencing and how to very quickly clear up the queues and ensure that everyone is able to have a happy holiday; that’s exactly why we are here today.”

He added, “The GMD of the NNPC is up in Abuja and I’m here with the minister (of State for Petroleum Resources) trying to take a look at what the problems of the marketers may be and also what other issues there may be getting the products to petrol stations across the country.

“We had a very good meeting and we hope that in the next couple of days, we will be able to resolve the petrol queues and l hope this rather sad episode come to an end as quickly as possible.”

Osinbajo identified one of the reasons behind the disruptions in fuel distribution at the end of the year to what he called the winter phenomenon.

He said, “So clearly, what has happened here is that on account of some of the short deliveries that we have experienced, panic buying and hoardings in different places started.

“So, those are largely the issues. So we are also trying to ensure that these sorts of disruptions won’t happen in the future and that’s one of the reasons why we are spending a bit of time to look at some of the issues.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/no-plan-increase-fuel-price-says-osinbajo/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/must-watch-wizkid-invites-davido-stage-perform-fia/

All the subliminal, shade and beef in the year was made to end in one moment of love and respect at the recently organised Wizkid concert, when Wizkid invited his purported rival, Davido to share the stage with him.

watch video below via source link.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/must-watch-wizkid-invites-davido-stage-perform-fia/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/can-make-difference-christmas/

It’s that time again: Christmas trees and decorations are up, families are planning to come together for sumptuous meals and Christmas carols waft through the air as people shop till they drop. In a sense, the season has become all about money, and amidst it all, it is so easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.What can you do differently this year that truly epitomizes the true spirit of Christmas?

The word ‘philanthropy’ stirs up thoughts of ‘affluence,’ but philanthropy takes on many forms. It is our individual response to human needs; it is about caring and serving; an opportunity to be involved.

A philanthropist can be defined as “someone who gives of his or her time, talent, treasure to causes that can have a positive impact on society.” What this means is that anyone and everyone can and should be a philanthropist.

How can you give this season?

Philanthropy affords you the opportunity and privilege of making a difference in society, in shaping or even saving lives. Determine what causes you identify with and have the capacity to support; you can be intentional and deliberate about issues or causes that we believe in be it education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, arts, sports, etc. Review your finances to decide how much you can afford to give. Will it be a one-off donation this Christmas, or is it something you can continue to commit to year on year.

Narrow down your choices and focus on a few causes you identify with and do some research on them to ensure that their ethos and mission are in consonance with your core values.

Follow up to see if your support is making a difference; when you see the impact it is having, you will find it easier to continue to give. Collaboration will make your giving have a wider reach and impact.

It’s not all about money

Giving does not mean that you must give only financially; there are several other ways to give in a meaningful way. Many of us have so many “things” that we do not need or want, lying around cluttering our homes for years. Christmas is an ideal time to clear out unwanted clothes, books, toys, appliances from crammed wardrobes; they will all be appreciated by so many that have little or nothing. Think of the homeless, orphanages, millions of Nigerians displaced by terror or social strife and victims of migration and trafficking.

The possibilities of giving of your time, experience, talent and intellect are vast. You can give of your time to volunteer, visit the elderly, support a foundation, participate in charity walks or runs to raise money for a particular initiative. Are you a resource person in a particular field? There will be something, some talent that you can share with others that will impact positively on their lives.

Is your old school a shadow of itself?

Do you often complain of how far standards at your old school have fallen? An endowment is a sound investment towards the future of your old college. With an endowed gift, you can provide permanent support for the educational establishment. Your gift will be invested and each year a distribution is made to fund a programme or area that matches your interest in a particular field of study or the school environment and facilities. Once it is officially established, you or anyone else may continue to add to its principal at any time. You may also decide to, through the title, forever link your name, or that of a family member to excellence at the college.

Teach your children the gift of giving

As we practise giving and philanthropy this season, let’s try to also imbibe the culture in our children. Try to emphasise the non-material aspects of the season, such as family and fellowship. It is not enough to just tell our children to be charitable and kind. Our own actions in supporting others will speak louder than anything we can say. Guide them through a program of action that teaches them a powerful lesson that they can have a positive effect on the wellbeing of others.

Challenging times can compel us to recognise the true value that we hold as human beings and what makes us more successful, effective, balanced, and fulfilled people. Indeed it is during trying times, even when your finances might seem stretched that you are forced to look inwards at what is truly important in life. Sometimes perspectives become warped and the most important aspects of life, such as your relationship with God, family, friends and associates, your health, job satisfaction, and fulfilling interests take a back seat.

Having money comes with a huge responsibility because it makes it possible for you to improve the lot of others. If you look around, you will find that there is always someone far worse off than you are. By deciding to make a difference in someone else’s life, you can bring so much more meaning, and value to your own.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/can-make-difference-christmas/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/candle-fire-kills-two-year-old-brt-crushes-sexagenarian-lagos/

A fire from a one-room apartment on Gbadamosi Street, Agbole Itire, Lagos State, has claimed the life of a two-year-old girl, Angel Johnson.

The incident reportedly resulted from an abandoned candle fire lit by the mother of the victim.

This is just as a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle knocked down a 60-year-old man in the Irawo area, along the Ikorodu Road.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the fire incident happened around 9pm on Saturday while Johnson and her five-year-old elder brother were sleeping.

The victim’s mother was said to have lit the candle and went out to do something on the premises, leaving Johnson and her elder brother in the apartment.

It was gathered that the burning candle fell from a table on which it was placed, caused fire that engulfed the table and escalated to other parts of the room.

While the victim’s brother was awoken by the smoke and managed to escape, she was suffocated.

A resident, Lamide Bello, told PUNCH Metro that by the time the woman and her neighbours were alerted, the apartment had become engulfed in flames.

He said, “The woman lit up a candle and went out to do something in the compound. The candle fell from the table and the fire broke out. Her two children were sleeping at that time. Nobody knew that the apartment was on fire until the boy rushed out. His sister was two years and some months old. People tried to rescue her after alerting the Lagos State Fire Service, but the girl did not make it. Their father was not around.”

The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, who confirmed the incident, said emergency responders were able to prevent the fire from spreading to other apartments in the building.

Fadipe urged residents to be meticulous in the use of candles and promptly alert the agency during emergencies.

He said, “The woman was said to have lit a candle and went out. The child (Johnson) was two-and-a-half-year-old. The child must have died from the inhalation of fumes resulting from the fire. People must be guided in the use of candles.

“There must not be combustible materials closer to it and it must have a metal base. Don’t ever leave it overnight; it is delicate. Instead of candles, we can use rechargeable lamps, which do not have any hazard.

“If there is any fire incident, people should quickly call the emergency number even if they know they can tackle the fire. By the time it is getting out of hands, the fire service would have been there already.”

In the accident on the Ikorodu Road, our correspondent learnt that the sexagenarian, Johnny Idika, wanted to cross to the other side of the road when the BRT bus, en route to Ikorodu, knocked him down.

A commuter, Deji Olayiwola, said the man died on the spot, adding that the driver of the bus had been handed over to the police at the Owode Onirin division.

He said, “The accident occurred around 7pm on Friday close to Irawo. The bus was speeding. Drivers are supposed to slow down at that spot because there is no pedestrian bridge there and people want to cross. I have complained to the BRT management on many occasions about their drivers. The man died on the spot and the police from the Owode Onirin division intervened.”

But the Chief Security Officer, Primero Transport Services Limited, which is managing the BRT corridor, Mr. Cletus Okodolor, denied that the driver was speeding.

He, however, said the firm had initiated talks with the deceased’s family for an amicable resolution.

He said, “The accident happened on the BRT exclusive lane. There are areas provided for pedestrians to cross; they are supposed to use either the pedestrian bridge or the walkway provided specifically for them. The pedestrian bridge was not too far from where the accident happened. He could have used the bridge. People might assume that the driver was on speed because the man died.

“We train our drivers and they are not to exceed 45km/hr on the lane.

“However, we are trying to see what we can do for the family. Even though the man was on our lane, the company will assist the family for the burial and other things. We sympathise with the family.

“We are to serve the public and make sure they enjoy our services.

“We are not bringing sorrow to people.

“We urge commuters to understand that the BRT lane is meant for our buses only. They should not be entering it anyhow. They should use the provided crossing area.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, confirmed the accident and the resolution move between the transport firm and the deceased’s family.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/candle-fire-kills-two-year-old-brt-crushes-sexagenarian-lagos/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/opc-leader-meets-pastor-chris-christ-embassy-notable-men-lagos-photos/

The leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress and the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land met with some top shots.

At the wedding ceremony of former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Uzor Kalu’s daughter held yesterday at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The OPC leader was warmly greeted by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy, APC leader; Bola Tinubu, Orji Uzor Kalu, Senate president; Bukola Saraki, Peter Obi among others.

See more photos below:-






Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/opc-leader-meets-pastor-chris-christ-embassy-notable-men-lagos-photos/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/father-christmas-dies-italy-school-party/

Pasquale Pagano, 45, who dressed in a Father Christmas costume, collapsed and died on Friday while giving out presents at a Christmas party in a southern Italian school for pupils aged around 11-13.

The school, the Gino Rossi Vairo Iinstitute in Agropoli, a seaside town about 100 kilometres South-East of Naples, said the cause of Pagano’s death was not known.

According to a local newspaper, InfoCilento, it quoted the mother of one of the pupils as saying that Pagano’s face turned blue, suggesting that he might have had a heart attack.

“An ambulance was called and they tried everything to save his life, but there was nothing they could do for him,” the mother, whose name was not published, told the paper.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/father-christmas-dies-italy-school-party/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/umahi-proposes-n208bn-budget-2018/

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has proposed the sum of N208.332 bn budget for 2018 fiscal year as against the N127.233bn approved for the previous year.

Umahi made the presentation of the budgetary outlay to the 24-member House of Assembly on Friday praying it to expedite action on the proposal to enable the State Government implement development programmes in the interest of the people.

The 2018 Appropriation Bill was tagged “Budget of Divine Manifestation”.

He said that the presentation of the 2018 appropriation bill was in compliance with Section 121 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, and was designed to add value to the Socio-Economic development and well-being of the citizenry of the State, and was meant to crystallise what the state had achieved in the past two and half years of his administration.

The Governor outlined the expected sources of revenue for 2018 fiscal year to include Banks Opening Balances brought forward: N18.889bn; statutory allocation from Federal Government: N72.916bn; Internally Generated Revenue: N13.965bn.

Others sources include Loan (Internal and External): N100.562bn, given a total expected receipts for 2018 budget as N208.332bn.

Umahi said that the state government intends to increase her tax revenue in the 2018 fiscal year by aggressively diversifying into numerous untapped tax revenue sources.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/umahi-proposes-n208bn-budget-2018/

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/four-million-nigerians-lost-jobs-year-bbs/

Between January and September this year, 4.07 million Nigerians became unemployed, an analysis of the unemployment report for the third quarter released by the National Bureau of Statistics has revealed.

The bureau, in the report made available to our correspondent on Friday, stated that the number of Nigerians that became unemployed rose from 11.92 million in the first quarter of this year to 13.58 million and 15.99 million in the second and third quarters respectively.

It said between the second quarter and third quarter, the number of economically active or working age population (15 – 64 years of age) increased from 110.3 million to 111.1 million.

The NBS report said the increasing unemployment and underemployment rates implied that although Nigeria’s economy was officially out of recession, domestic labour market was still fragile and economic growths in the past two quarters in 2017 had not been strong enough to provide employment in Nigeria’s domestic labour market.

It read in part, “The labour force population increased from 83.9 million in Q2 2017 to 85.1 million in Q3 2017. The total number of people in full-time employment (at least 40 hours a week) declined from 52.7 million in Q2 2017 to 51.1 million in Q3 2017.

“The unemployment rate increased from 14.2 per cent in Q4 2016 to 16.2 per cent in Q2 2017 and 18.8 per cent in Q3 2017.

“The number of people within the labour force who are unemployed or underemployed increased from 13.6 million and 17.7 million respectively in Q2 2017, to 15.9 million and 18 million in Q3 2017.

“Total unemployment and underemployment combined increased from 37.2 per cent in the previous quarter to 40 per cent in Q3 2017.”

It said during the third quarter of this year, 21.2 per cent of women within the labour force that were between the ages of 15 years and 64 years and willing, able, and actively seeking work were unemployed, compared with 16.5 per cent of men within the same period.

The NBS noted in the report that in the third quarter of this year, 16.4 per cent of rural and 23.4 per cent of urban dwellers within the labour force were unemployed. It added that the rate of unemployment was increasing at a slightly faster rate for urban dwellers than it was for their rural counterparts.

“Underemployment is predominant in the rural areas; 26.9 per cent of rural residents within the labour force in Q3 2017 are underemployed, compared to nine per cent of urban residents within the same period.

“For the period under review, Q3, 2017, the unemployment rate for young people stood at 33.1 per cent for those aged 15 to 24, and 20.2 per cent for those aged 25 to 34,” it added.

In terms of geographical spread, the NBS said in the report that as of the end of the third quarter, Rivers State reported the highest unemployment rate at 41.82 per cent, followed by Akwa-Ibom State (36.58 per cent), Bayelsa State (30.36 per cent), Imo State (29.47 per cent) and Kaduna State (28.96 per cent).

It added that the unemployment population was heavily distributed in southern states, northeastern states, northwestern states, including Kaduna and Sokoto, and two north central states – Nasarawa and Plateau.

It explained that southwestern states including Oyo, Ogun and Lagos, which have large labour forces reported relatively low unemployment rates.

Comparing Nigeria’s third quarter’s unemployment rate with the international rates, the report stated that Nigeria ranked 28th among the international records.

The highest unemployment rates in the world, according to the report, were recorded in Djibouti (54 per cent), Congo (46.1 per cent), Bosnia and Herzegovina (41.7 per cent), Haiti (40.6 per cent), and Afghanistan (40 per cent), while the lowest rates were found in Qatar (0.2 per cent), Cambodia (0.5 per cent), and Belarus, Benin and Thailand, which had unemployment rate of one per cent respectively.

Governors contributed to the unemployment crisis-NLC

The Secretary-General, Nigeria Labour Congress, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, who described the situation as terrible, however, noted that the actions of some governors contributed to the grim figures released by the NBS.

He noted that some governors did not know the link between unemployment and crime, adding that the sacking of workers put them in a vulnerable position, which could lead to increase in crime and criminality.

Ozo-Eson said, “What government promised is that it would provide more jobs, but if we are adding more and more to the number of unemployment people, that is not a positive development.

“Some of the governors are not even helping matters; for instance, the Kaduna State Governor, (Nasir el-Rufai), is embarking on mass sacking of workers at a period when unemployment is a big challenge.”

The NLC scribe advised the government to take steps in 2018 to stimulate economic activity in sectors that employ workers.

Industrialisation, key to employment generation–Experts

Experts on Friday, in their reactions to the unemployment figures released by the NBS, urged the government to place emphasis on industrialisation.

A developmental economist, Odilim Enwegbara, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, said the only way to grow the economy was through the empowerment of small businesses.

He said, “It is through industrialisation that employment is created. The Central Bank of Nigeria must go back to the drawing board to ensure that those who have access to the official exchange rate are those who are purchasing machinery and plants.”

On his part, a former Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Rislanudeen Mohammed, said, “The strategies put in place under the economic recovery and growth plan have yet to be effectively implemented. For example, for the capital expenditure aspect of the 2017 budget, it was only 15 per cent that was implemented as of the third quarter of 2017 and the Gross Domestic Product of 2.19 per cent projected for 2017 might as well be a mirage.

“Capital expenditure typically reflates an economy by creating more jobs and jumpstarting it towards sustainable recovery and growth in a typical Keynesian economic model.”

He called on the government to fast-track its diversification strategy as encapsulated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan by supporting growth in income enhancing and job creating sectors like Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, mining and agriculture.

More Nigerians will still lose jobs under Buhari -PDP

The main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has predicted that more Nigerians will still lose their jobs under the President Buhari-led government.

It said that the President was angry with the voters because they made him to go through rigours of campaigning for more than three times before they accepted him.

The former ruling party said because of this, the President could have decided to unleash his anger on them.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, who spoke on behalf of the party, told Saturday PUNCH that apart from being angry, the President “is not qualified to lead.”

He said, “More Nigerians are going to lose their jobs under this incompetent regime. We have said it before that the President is not qualified to lead.

“The President is angry with Nigerians for not voting for him on many occasions when he approached them for their votes.

“Now, he is showing his anger by punishing them. Go to houses, ask families what they are passing through. That is why you will appreciate the damage this regime has done to Nigerians.

“The President is not even qualified to lead as we can see with his actions and utterances. We are, however, appealing to Nigerians to bear with him. The time to change the incompetent regime cometh soon (sic).”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/four-million-nigerians-lost-jobs-year-bbs/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/burna-boy-arrested-appear-court-monday-read-details/

The pop musician, Damini Ogulu, a.k.a Burna boy, who was sought for in connection with the robbery attack on another popular musician, Mr. 2kay at Eko Hotel early last month, reported to the police today 15/12/2017 at about 1700 hours. He was subsequently arrested, interrogated and detained and would have his day in court on Monday 18/12/2017. The statement read.


Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/burna-boy-arrested-appear-court-monday-read-details/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/2018-world-cup-lionel-messi-blasts-mikel-obis-super-eagles-ahead-russia-tournament/

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has disclosed major problem of the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their group game in the 2018 World in Russia.

Messi described the senior national team of Nigeria as inconsistent in terms of how they approach games.

The Barcelona superstar scored twice, the last time Nigeria faced Argentina at the World Cup, which was at the 2014 edition in Brazil.

Grouped alongside Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland, Messi was asked by FIFA online to analyse the strength and weakness of the team in the same group as his country Argentina.

Speaking on the Super Eagles, Messi said, “One day they score four goals, the next one, they leave plenty of space for you to do anything.”

Speaking further, he said, “It might seem easy, but Iceland are tough and well organised while “Croatia, they give you more room to play but they have great players.”

The Super Eagles and Argentina will meet on June 26 in the final round of group games at the Russia World Cup 2018.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/2018-world-cup-lionel-messi-blasts-mikel-obis-super-eagles-ahead-russia-tournament/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/yeah-we-are-back-together-bobrisky-and-mc-galaxy-have-resolved-their-issues-read-full-gist/

Nigerian cross dresser, Bobrisky who has been slamming singer, MC Galaxy for sometime now on social media, has made a new announcement on his ‘beef’ with the singer over his former gateman, Jacob.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/yeah-we-are-back-together-bobrisky-and-mc-galaxy-have-resolved-their-issues-read-full-gist/



According to Bobrisky, he just realized that MC Galaxy has no hand in what he accused him of. He further revealed the issue has been resolved and they are back to being buddies again.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/aisha-buhari-takes-ride-keke-napep/

Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, opted to ride in a tricycle at a public function on Wednesday.

Venue was her husband’s home town, Daura, Katsina State, where the First Lady had inaugurated a 50-bed capacity maternal and children clinic. which her non-governmental organisation, the Aisha Buhari Foundation, built and equipped.

She also seized the occasion to make presentation of grinding machines and other materials to members of the public.

According to the information released by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture on Wednesday, Aisha, in a speech at the inauguration, decried the poor state of maternal and child health in Nigeria, saying the situation was due to the poor conditions of the primary healthcare facilities in the country generally.

She called on stakeholders and well-to-do Nigerians to address the problem by contributing towards tackling the challenges women face.

See the photos, courtesy, Hanan Muhammadu Buhari:

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/aisha-buhari-takes-ride-keke-napep/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/nigeria-transmits-5156mw-electricity-highest-ever-official/

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, on Thursday disclosed that it recorded new national peak electricity transmission capacity of 5,155.9 Mega Watt, MW, on December 8.

The Interim Managing Director of TCN, Usman Gur-Mohammed, made the disclosure at an interaction with journalists in Abuja.

Mr. Gur-Mohammed said the new record exceeded previous national peak record of 5,074.70 recorded on February 2.

He said the nation’s average peak load capacity at the beginning of the year was about 4,000 MW.

He added that the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) which sought to decentralise significant aspects of project implementation to regions was designed to further increase the national peak transmission capacity.

He said TREP had attracted financing for several projects from donor agencies, adding that the completion of the projects would result in expansion of the grid transmission capacity to at least 20,000MW in four years time.

He also revealed that TCN engineers had been involved in installation of transformers at substations in the country.

The TCN interim boss explained that installations were accomplished at less than 10 per cent of the cost hitherto paid to contractors over the years.

According to him, the company successfully installed 10 transformers in Bauchi, Funtua, Ejigbo, Ajah, Gombe, Aba, Umuahia, Auchi, Damboa and Zaria, saying that installations by TCN engineers saved several millions of Naira.

He also revealed that TCN had resolved several challenging and slow implementing contracts within the year.

The contracts, according to him, include the Kukwaba subsation, Katsina-Daura line, Yawuri-Kafanchan, Mbalano-Ohafia-Umuahia, Nnewi-Onitsha and Maiduguri substations.

He said the completion of some ongoing projects would add about 1,000MW transmission capacity to the grid before January 31, 2018.

Mr. Gur-Mohammed also said that within the year, TCN entered into collaboration with several partners to reposition the company for better service delivery.

According to him, some of the collaborations include the Agip and NNPC joint venture in respect of towers 94 and 98 on Okpai-Onitisha DC line.

He noted that TCN was also collaborating with government of Japan on development of capacitor banks in Apo and Keffi substations and rehabilitation of Apapa, Akangba, and Isolo substations.

He said discussions were ongoing with Japan Government to rehabilitate Ikeja West and Ota substations.

He added that the European Union (EU) had also pledged to provide 25 million Euros grant to support TCN on solar Independent Power Plant (IPP) evaluation.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/nigeria-transmits-5156mw-electricity-highest-ever-official/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/cbn-weakens-naira-307-dollar-first-time/

The Central Bank of Nigeria on Monday weakened the naira marginally, selling dollars at 307 for the first time on the official interbank market.

Foreign exchange traders said the development signalled a gradual move to merge the regulator’s multiple exchange rates.

According to a Reuters report, the country’s convoluted exchange rate system has been used to manage what the CBN described as “frivolous” demand for dollars at the peak of a currency crisis which began two years ago.

Nigeria currently has at least five exchange rates including the official rate which the CBN uses for masking pressure on the currency.

In April the CBN allowed foreign investors to trade the naira at market-determined rate through the establishment of the Investors and Exporters FX window, which has weakened the naira to around 360/dollar.

The CBN has sold $500,000 almost on daily basis on the official spot market since creating several exchange rates to alleviate dollar shortages.

However, it had sold the United States currency at rates of between 305 and 306 for months before Monday’s move. ”It’s possible the central bank is working towards a gradual convergence of rates, one trader told Reuters.

Earlier this month the central bank sold dollars at 306 for the second time after maintaining a level of around 305 on the spot market for two months.

Dollar shortages gripped the economy as crude sales, Nigeria’s mainstay, plunged at the start of an oil price rout in 2014. That triggered a recession last year and frustrated businesses, which had to find dollars on the black market as a result.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/cbn-weakens-naira-307-dollar-first-time/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/wizkid-2face-don-jazzy-phyno-lend-voice-endsars-campaign/

The list of people calling for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to be scrapped, continues to increase. Hundreds of thousands of social media users have voiced out their support for the campaign to end the operation of the group in the country. People of all walks of life have lent their voices to the cause and artistes are joining in the campaign.

TX News had earlier reported that Olamide, Simi, Vector have taken a stand against SARS as a result of the oppression and extra-judicial killing perpetrated by members of the squad. Recently, more artistes have joined the movement as the call for the end of SARS, grows louder. Wizkid, Don Jazzy, 2Baba, Phyno, Falz, Di’Ja and many others have lent their voices to thhe cause.

See tweets below via source link.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/wizkid-2face-don-jazzy-phyno-lend-voice-endsars-campaign/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/nigeria-play-france-friendly-details/

Nigeria is set to play France in a high-profile international friendly in March 2018. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured the mouthwatering clash to be staged in Paris on a date that will be confirmed in due time.

This will be the first meeting between the two sides since the Group A match in the 2011 World Cup. France snatched a 1–0 win then courtesy of Marie-Laure Delie’s second half strike.

The friendly will be France’s third against an African side in recent times after strolling past both South Africa and Ghana.

It will mark Nigeria’s first match in more than a year–since winning AWCON 2016 in December last year.

The tie will thus commence the reigning African champions’ preparations for AWCON 2018 qualifiers and kickstart a new era under coach Randy Waldrum.
France 2019

Nigeria, who got a first round bye, are scheduled to commence their qualifiers in April. They will face the winner of the first round tie between Burkina Faso and Gambia.

The 2018 continental showdown will double as the CAF qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup. Three of the top sides in AWCON 2018 will qualify for the 2019 global showpiece to be held in France.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/nigeria-play-france-friendly-details/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/250-nigerians-expected-libya-today/

The Federal Government has said 250 more Nigerians will be repatriated from Libya on Tuesday (today), bringing the number of the Nigerians already repatriated to 3,000.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the returnees would arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 7pm.

The Charge d’Affairs, Nigerian Mission in Libya, Iliya Fachano, said this while addressing members of the #Ourmumudondo coalition, who protested at the ministry on Monday in Abuja, demanding an end to slavery in the north African country.

Fachano explained that embassy officials visited the detention camps weekly where illegal migrants, mostly from African countries, were held.

He added that those identified as Nigerians were given emergency travel certificates to enable them to return to Nigeria on chartered aircraft financed by the International Organisation for Migration.

He said, “The IOM informs the mission once Nigerians are identified among the illegal migrants. We then visit the detention camps; register them and give them emergency travel certificates; then, schedule a date for their return.

“The mission repatriates immigrant Nigerians weekly. Tomorrow (today) being December 5, 2017, 250 Nigerian migrants will arrive in Lagos by 7pm.”

The diplomat explained that after the immigrants were scheduled for a flight, their names, as listed in the manifest, were sent to Nigeria.

He added, “They are not only Nigerians there; there are other nationalities like Ghanaians, Gambians; so the Nigerian embassy visits that place to identify its own people.

“So far, we have registered about 2,000 Nigerians now. The 250 will return tomorrow (Tuesday) because no plane has the capacity to take all the detainees at once; and all the detained people are not only Nigerians.”

The CDA said the moment the immigrants were brought back to the country, the National Emergency Management Agency would receive and ensure they were resettled.

The coalition demanded an emergency meeting of the African Union to discuss human trafficking in Libya which it insisted should not be left to the European Union to address.

A member of the coalition, Ariyo Atoye, berated President Muhammadu Buhari for not doing enough to address the root cause of illegal migration which he traced to the economic situation in the country.

The protesters, led by musician and activist, Charlie Boy, sealed their mouths with duct tapes and chained their hands to depict the sufferings of many Nigerians and Africans in Libya.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/250-nigerians-expected-libya-today/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/close-joint-credit-card-account/

Signing up for a joint credit card usually sounds like a good idea at the time. You and your spouse may want to use the credit card for joint expenses. Or, you may get a joint credit card to help a child build their credit score. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong and it’s no longer beneficial to keep the joint account open. How do you go about closing a joint credit card?

Can you close a joint credit card with a balance?

www.thebalance.com reports that closing a joint credit card account can be tough particularly if the account still has a balance.

Some credit card issuers require the balance be paid off before the account can be closed. Even if your credit card issuer allows you to close the account with balance, the balance still has to be paid under the original terms – at least the minimum must be paid each month.

The first step is to contact your credit card issuer to find out what steps you need to take to close the account and whether the balance must be paid off before you can close the account. That will let you know how to proceed.

Paying off a joint credit card balance

If you’re closing a joint credit card account because of a breakup, figuring out what to do about the balance may be tough. You’ll have to have at least one final conversation about how to take care of the balance.

The two of you have to agree who’s responsible for the balance – maybe you’re jointly responsible. Then, come up with a plan to pay off the balance in payments or a lump sum if possible.

If you can’t reach an agreement, you may have to get mediation or decide in court. (In some states, both spouses are equally responsible for debt created during the marriage no matter who actually created it.) Keep in mind that, while the court may order one of you to pay the balance, the credit card issuer still holds both of you responsible and will pursue both of you for any unpaid balance.

If you’re going through a divorce, talk to your lawyer about the best way to handle a joint credit card account.

A joint credit card affects both people’s credit history, so any missed payments will affect both of your credit scores. If the other accountholder is uncooperative, you may end up making all the payments even if you weren’t the one who created the balance. Unfortunately, this may be the only way to protect your credit score. You may be able to file a lawsuit to recover the amount you paid on the balance.

If you were hoping to just remove one of your names from the account, think again. You can’t simply remove a name from a joint credit card, like you could with an authorised user account. Once you’ve opened the credit card together, you’re stuck with it, at least until the balance is paid off and the account is closed.

Getting rid of the balance on a joint credit card

If your credit card issuer requires you to pay off the balance before you can close it, ask the credit card issuer to remove the ability to make new purchases. That way, neither of you can rack up purchases that the other person has to pay for. You can be rid of the balance and the joint debt obligation much sooner.

Consider transferring the balance to another credit card in your own name so you can close the credit card without waiting for the balance to be paid off. The two of you can also split the balance if you’ve reached an agreement about who’s liable for which portion of the balance.

Once the card has a zero balance, contact the credit card issuer to have the credit card closed for good. Ask that the account not be reopened at either party’s request. Monitor your credit report to confirm the account is closed.

What happens to your credit score?

Closing a joint credit card won’t remove it from your credit report, but as long as the account is closed in good standing – the balance paid off with no late payments – it won’t damage your credit score. Most negative items associated with the account will fall off your credit report after seven years.

In the meantime, keeping up with your payments and minimising the amount of debt you take on will help protect your credit score.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/close-joint-credit-card-account/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/barcelona-star-lionel-messis-brother-faces-8-year-jail-reason-see/

Lionel Messi’s brother, Matias faces eight-year jail term over alleged illegal possession of a gun.

The footballer’s sibling was arrested in hospital on Friday after police discovered a gun in a blood-covered boat Matias claimed he abandoned following an accident.

He was, however, operated on over the weekend for injuries including a broken jaw and facial cuts.

According to local reports, under Argentinian law, Messi’s brother could be sentenced to up to eight and a half years in prison if convicted as the minimum prison sentence he could face for an illegal firearms conviction would be three and a half years .

The Barcelona star’s brother has been placed under police guard at the Sanatorio Parque,a private hospital in city of Rosario,Argentina following ongoing investigation, the Sun Uk reported

Matias’ lawyer Ignacio Carbone suggested the gun found on the boat could have been planted by cops insisting his client checked himself into hospital after injuring himself when he hit a sandbank.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/barcelona-star-lionel-messis-brother-faces-8-year-jail-reason-see/

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/instagram-friend-drugged-sex-took-nude-pictures-student/

A University of Ilorin female student (name withheld), has narrated how a man she met on Instagram drugged, had sex and took her nude pictures in a Lagos hotel.

Crying profusely while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Ilorin, the lady said she met the man through social media network (Instagram), where the relationship started.

“He asked for a relationship which I was reluctant to accept but I accepted.

“I met him for the first time in Lagos when I was on holiday. He later invited me to a hotel in Ojo area of Lagos, that was when I met him for the second time.

“It was when I was preparing to return to school, so he demanded sex which I turned down.

“He promised me N15,000 and transferred it to me, we had a drink but I noticed I was dizzy.

“So it was when one of the hotel waiters brought a condom that I started to cause a scene before people came to my rescue.

“Later that day, he called and threatened to send my nude pictures he took to my Daddy, I was surprised how he got my father’s number.

“It was because of the threat that I had to go to him again to have sex and to ask him to delete all the pictures but he again said he had video of when we were having sex.

“I couldn’t confront my parents because I was scared and told my pastor, so it was my pastor that reported the matter to the police,” the Unilorin student said.

She described the man as a devil who had taught her a painful lesson.

Confirming the incident, Kwara police spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, that the suspect was arrested but escaped during interrogation.

“We invited the suspect to Ilorin with the help of the lady he was threatening.

“We arrested him and seized the phone which has the nudes pictures.

“So, we asked an officer to go and search where he lodged in Ilorin only for him to escape in the process and we have not seen him till date,” Okasanmi explained.

Okasanmi said that the suspect later went on social media claiming that he collected money from him

The Kwara Police spokesman challenged the suspect to come out and sue him if his claims were true.

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Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/instagram-friend-drugged-sex-took-nude-pictures-student/

Protest has greeted the admission of three suspected kidnappers to bail by an Ogun Magistrate’s Court, sitting in the Owode Egba area of the state.

The defendants – Habibat Oyesanya, 52; Olubunmi Tajudeen, 36 and 40-year-old Morenike Shittu – were granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties each in like sum by a presiding magistrate, Mrs. I.O. Abudu.

They had been arrested for allegedly abducting a four-year-old girl in Ibadan, Oyo State, and whisked her to Mosafote community, Ibafo, Ogun State.

Our correspondent had reported that Shittu was taking the girl from the community on October 15, 2017, when residents intercepted her and she was subsequently handed over to the police.

She led the police to apprehend Oyesanya and Tajudeen.

While being paraded at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on October 24, Tajudeen had told journalists that she sold her three-year-old daughter to Oyesanya for N280,000 so she could offset a debt.

She also confessed to have abducted the four-year-old girl in Bodija, Ibadan, on the demand of Oyesanya.

On Monday, November 13, they were arraigned on three counts bordering on kidnapping. Their pleas were not taken.

The charges read in part, “That you, Habibat Oyesanya, Olubunmi Tajudeen, Morenike Shittu and others at large, on October 15, 2017 at about 12pm at Mosafote, Ibafo, in the Owode Egba Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves and kidnapped a four-year-old girl, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 23 (1), Special Provision Laws of Ogun State, 2016.

“That you, Habibat Oyesanya and Morenike Shittu, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district, did harbour the girl, knowing full well she was kidnapped by one Olubunmi Tajudeen, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29, Special Provision Laws of Ogun State.”

Meanwhile, residents of Mosafote have questioned the decision of the court for releasing the suspects on bail.

The residents’ grievance was contained in a petition addressed by their lawyer to the Chief Judge, Ogun State High Court, the state Attorney-General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the state Commissioner of Police.

In the petition, dated November 13, 2017 and acknowledged by the DPP, the lawyer, Folami Fashe of Folami Fashe & Co, requested that the bail be revoked.

It read in part, “The suspects’ arrest came about due to the vigilance of the community members who, upon suspicion that a kidnapped victim was kept in a house within the community, alerted the police. After investigation, the police charged the matter to court vide charge no MOO/368C/2017.

“The suspects were arraigned before Mrs. I.O. Abudu at the Owode-Egba Chief Magistrate’s Court. No plea was taken. That notwithstanding, the magistrate proceeded to grant them bail. We were reliably informed that the case file has been duplicated and sent to your (DPP’s) office for legal advice.

“While we appreciate the need for presumption of innocence of the suspects, we believe that the magistrate court acted in bad faith in releasing the suspects on bail. We, therefore, request your urgent action to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and prosecuted.”

However, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the police lacked the power to re-arrest the suspects for the same offence they had been arraigned.

He said, “I am not aware of the petition yet. The police have the power to arrest, investigate and charge a suspect to court, while the court has the discretion to grant or deny anybody bail. It is not a police matter.

“There is nothing we can do on a matter that is already in court unless after they have been granted bail, we find out through our investigation that there is another offence they can be arraigned for. But if it is the same offence they have been arraigned for, there is nothing we can do. We have to wait for the court to determine their case.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/community-kicks-court-grants-kidnappers-n200000-bail/