₦airaland Forum

Ahead of the 2019 presidential election, the African Democratic Party (ADC), has raised alarm over the desperation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power.

The South- South Zonal leaders of ADC, who met in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, on Friday, declared that the party (ADC) was the life support of democracy and pillar of political parties in Nigeria.

The ADC leaders alleged that the APC’s desperation has been shown by its efforts to stop former President Olusegun Obasanjo from adopting the party to upstage President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 Presidential election.


National Chairman of the ADC, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, speaking at the meeting with party members, alleged that the desperation of the APC leadership at stopping the ADC was shown in the alleged offer of oil blocs and huge amount of money to lure the elected member in Bayelsa State, Gabriel Ogbara, into the ruling party.

“The past few days have been challenging since the party was adopted for the rescue of the Nigeria project. The ruling party, APC, has become more desperate.

“When ADC was adopted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, they have been seeking ways to collect our only elected candidate in Bayelsa.

“They have tried to use oil wells and blocs to lure him to APC, but he declined. All these were to give an excuse that ADC don’t have an elected officer and should be scrapped. They want us to deny Obasanjo.


“They don’t dare come to me with 10 million dollars because they know my integrity stands.”

The ADC national Chairman also noted with concern the alleged ridiculing of Nigeria among comity of states over poor and dependent trade agreement signed by the present APC agreement with China and other countries.

He said the ADC is going to be the next vehicle to rescue Nigeria and commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Cross Rivers Governor, Donald Duke, for the courage, commitment, passion displayed in adopting the party for the Rescue Nigeria Project.


National Vice Chairman, South -South, Sir Ayeigbeni Omohinmin, in his remarks, noted that despite the pressure and deceit of the ruling party, the ADC in the region has decided to work hard during the coming election to deliver the South -South region for the party and deliver Nigeria from the shackles of poor development.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/2019-adc-leaders-meet-in-bayelsa-say.html

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Uganda, Dr. Nyah Asuquo, has defended the Mohammadu Buhari-led administration, saying governors should be blamed for the poverty in the land not the Presidency.

Reacting to allegations that the Buhari-APC government has failed in the area of economy and making life unbearable to Nigerians, Asuquo, a former member representing Calabar Municipality/Udukpani federal constituency, said the present administration was making tremendous progress in the area of job creation, agriculture and corruption.


In his words, “Our democracy is just 19 years and does not evolve to become ultimate overnight.

“Nigerians had better hold state governments responsible for under development which exist at grassroots level, given the fact that the administration of Mohammadu Buhari has never failed in its responsibility of allocating money on monthly basis as revenue allocation to governors of state.

“It is not Buhari that is controlling the resources of local government; it is not Buhari that is controlling the resources of the states. Every state government goes its allocation every month and they should use it to develop their states.


“Today, the President has signed the Not too young to run bill. So he is going to open up so many opportunities for so many young people to come to the political scene and push the banner forward. That is a very nice political development the president has given to all the youths in Nigeria.”

Denying the allegations that the Federal Government has embarked on selective persecution of opponents, Asuquo said those in EFCC net are those who have been in government for the past 16 and they are PDP people.

He commended the various anti corruption agencies for prosecuting prominent citizens who were before now untouchable, adding that anti-corruption war is working as first with the conviction of a former governor.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/blame-govs-not-buhari-for-poverty-in.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has given approval to Africa’s first farmers microfinance bank to operate in the Unit Category in Nigeria.

The approved MfB is called Joint Farmers Microfinance Bank Limited as contained in a CBN letter titled: “Final Approval To Operate As Joint Farmers Microfinance Bank Limited” signed by Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Mr. S. Mohammed.

The CBN, in the statement dated May 21, 2018 requested the management of the new bank to give information on when it would be commencing operation as an MfB to enable a proper update of its record.

Mohammed implored the bank to ensure that it adheres strictly to all the CBN’s rules and regulations guiding operations of MfBs as well as the provisions of the undertaken it signed.

The CBN said that the firm would be required to comply with the revised provisions whenever it becomes operational as the Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guideline for MfBs in Nigeria (2012) is currently under review.


According to the statement: “We refer to your application dated February 23, 2018 on the above subject and write to convey the CBN approval for your company to operate a MfB in the name of Joint Farmers Microfinance Bank Limited.

“Please ensure that you adhere strictly to all the bank’s rules and regulations guiding operations of MfBs as well as the provisions of the undertaken signed by you. You should note that any adverse report on any of the board members and management staff will invalidate his/her appointment and would impact negatively on the bank. Also, note that any claim found to be false on the basis of which this approval is given will render it invalid.

“Furthermore, may we advise you that the revised regulatory and supervisory guideline for MfBs (2012) is currently under review and you shall be required to comply with revised provisions whenever it becomes operational. You are required to inform the CBN of the date of commencement of operations of the MfB to enable us update our records,” CBN said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/central-bank-gives-approval-to-africas.html

The president of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Stephen Baba, has blamed killings by Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen for the rising number of widows and orphans in many churches across Nigeria under the current democratic dispensation.

The newly-elected ECWA president, on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State capital, said the rising number of persecuted Christians, widows, orphans, vulnerable children and the poor generally in the churches had reached astronomical level in the country.

Baba, in his inauguration speech at ECWA headquarters in Jos, charged ECWA to come up with a strategy to make greater impact in empowering its members to reach a lost and dying world with the holistic gospel of Jesus Christ.


According to him, “apart from natural causes and other socio-political factors like ethnic and tribal clashes, the murderous activities of the radical Islamists like the Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen who are jihadists have contributed very greatly to the rise in the number of widows and orphans in many churches today.”

He called on the Federal government, state governors and local government authorities to show greater resolve and take more concrete steps in stopping the evil carnage being perpetrated by Boko Haram and Fulani jihadists masquerading as herdsmen.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/ecwa-boko-haram-herdsmen-create-more.html

The Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged Nigerian youths to support present Administration for betterment of the country.

Oba Ogunwusi gave the advice during the visitation of Presidential Aspirant of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) Party, Hon Fela Durotoye, on Thursday, in Ooni’s palace, Ile-Ife.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for prioritising youths vanguard, an exempliary good leader, that love youths and planning for their brighter future.


“No wonder why the bill “Not too young to run” that would favour youths’ future was signed into law” he said.
The Royal father charged the younger ones to come out to leadership position and support the elderly ones so as to take the country beyond.
Ooni lauded the ANN Presidential Aspirant for being courageous enough to show up the interest to contest for the post, called him to orderliness as all eyes were set on him.
“You have shown the value of the culture by taking the right step to pay homage to the first stool created by God, confirmed sitting on as ordained by God.
“God is not a man that will lies, He has remained faithful from the inception of the world, saying that God has endowed the contestant with spirit of humility and should keep it up. he stated.
Oba Ogunwusi eulogiesed youths to uphold the pillar of peace, love and unity of the country, saying this is the high time they need to gear up and fight for their future.
“We are proud of you for your braveness to come out to contest for Presidential post at this time, am assure you that your name has been written on a platter of gold.
“Nigeria youths had been sleeping before, but I believed your coming out will reawakening them from their slumbering, reiterate them for more commitment” he expressed.
Ooni charged him to do his best and leave the rest for God, warned him against do or die poliical affairs, but to comport himself in a godly manner, saying God’s will is the best for him.

Earlier, Hon Fela Durotoye, the ANN Presidential candidate, appreciated Ooni for his fatherly role being played since his assertion to the throne of his fore-fathers, by standing at the gap for the youths in all ramifications.
Durotoye said that youths across the country and diaspora were proud of the royal father here and abroad for the growth and development brought to the lives of young and the aged.
“We have learnt a lot from your exemplary leadership style which motivated me to contest for the post of President in other to deliver my colleagues from captivity” Contestant reaffirmed.
Meanwhile, Oba Gbadebo Adeniji, the Owa Oye of Okemesi, who accompanied the Aspirant to Ooni’s palace thanked the Monarch for his good gesture towards all and sundry globally.
Oba Adeniji said that Ooni has brought new Era to Yoruba land, in which all have been benefitting immensely in all spheres of lives from his wealth.
“This is the time for youths to come out en mass to renew and reform the nation,.
He, therefore, called on interested candidates not to delay to contest in taking the key post at the incoming general elections.
The Owa Oye of Okemesi called on Nigerian citizenry to support all interested youths in all their aspiration.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/ooni-urges-youths-to-support-present.html

At least 22 members of the Biafran Zionists Federation (BZF) were arrested by security operatives on Wednesday as they sought to take over the Enugu State Government House to hoist the Biafran flag.

Benjamin Onwuka, a lawyer and leader of the BZF, had earlier announced plans to commemorate the ‘Biafra Day’ by hoisting the flag of the defunct Republic of Biafra at the Government House.

Onwuka had gone as far as vowing that “not even fighter jets” would stop him from realising the mission.

At about 7am on ‘Biafra Day’, he and scores of his followers trooped towards the Government House, Enugu, bearing Biafran flags and musical instruments with which they hoped to celebrate the success of the mission.

However, they were arrested by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) before they could even reach the gates of the Government House. Although at least 22 were arrested, several others escaped.

Confirming the development, Ebere Amaraizu, Public Relations Officer of the Police in Enugu State, said Onwuka, who had previously been prosecuted for a similar offence, was in the custody of the Police and would soon be arraigned.

Onwuka’s BZF had previously made attempts to declare the independence of Biafra. After leading some BZF members to invade the studios of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service in a botched bid to announce the secession of Biafra on June 5, 2014, Onwuka was arrested, detained and tried for treason.

Reacting to the arrest, Ambrose Ugwu, deputy leader of the group, warned that south-east governors would face the wrath of the United States and other international allies of the pro-Biafra group if Onwuka was not released immediately.

“Peace-loving Zionists were today treated like common criminals by the Police, who were doing the bidding of the South-East governors,” he said.

“They beat our members, including our commander, like criminals. What happened today is very condemnable. We hold south-east governors responsible. There is collaboration among the five of them to crush the pro-Biafran agitators. But we are not going be cowed.

“We are giving them an ultimatum to release them immediately. Failure to do so, they will have the United States and our other international allies to contend with.”

Biafra supporters commemorated the ‘Biafra Day’ on Wednesday, May 30, with a sit-at-home order by the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB). Although it was observed in many parts of the south-east, a few others ignored it, instead going about their normal businesses.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/22-arrested-in-enugu-for-trying-to.html

Crude oil prices extended losses Monday as Saudi Arabia and Russia said they might increase supplies to the international market, while United States production gains show no signs of slowing.

There are signs that output from the three top crude oil producers – Russia, the US and Saudi Arabia, would climb to meet concerns about supply amid strong demand.

Global benchmark, Brent crude futures stood at $75.35 per barrel, down $1.09 from the previous close and after touching a three-week low of $74.49 earlier in the session.


US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $66.69, down $1.19, after hitting a six-week low of $65.80.
Brent and WTI have respectively fallen by 5.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent from peaks reached earlier this month.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers led by Russia began withholding 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of supplies in 2017 to tighten the market and prop up prices that in 2016 fell to their lowest in more than a decade at less than $30 a barrel.

Prices have soared since the start of the cuts last year, with Brent breaking through $80 this month, triggering concerns that high prices could crimp economic growth and stoke inflation.
To address potential supply shortfalls Saudi Arabia, de-facto leader of producer cartel OPEC, and top producer Russia, have been in talks about easing the cuts and raising oil production by 1 million bpd.

Meanwhile, surging US crude oil production showed no sign of abating as drillers continue to expand their search for new oilfields to exploit.

US energy companies added 15 rigs looking for new oil in the week ending May 25, bringing the rig count to 859, its highest since 2015, in a strong indication that American crude oil production will continue to rise.
US crude oil output has already surged by more than 27 per cent in the past two years, to 10.73 million bpd, ever closer to Russia’s 11 million bpd.

However, increased US crude oil exports to Asia, supported by a wide WTI-Brent spread, are reportedly eating into Asian market shares of OPEC and Russia, the cartel’s ally in the production cut pact.
The United States is expected to export 2.3 million bpd of crude oil in June, including 1.3 million bpd bound for Asia, according to estimates by a senior executive at a US oil exporter who spoke to Reuters.

US crude oil exports hit a record high 2.566 million barrels per day in the second week of May, according to EIA data.
The record-high US oil production and the emerging constraints in the takeaway capacity has pushed WTI crude oil to the widest discount to Brent Crude in three years—at around $9 a barrel, while Brent prices have been supported by geopolitical concerns of possible supply disruptions from the Middle East and plunging production in Venezuela.

Asian refiners have seized the opportunity to boost the cheaper US crude oil imports and are cutting some pricier imports from the Middle East, particularly after Saudi Arabia’s recent pricing policies that raised prices for the Asian markets.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/oil-price-falls-to-three-week-low-on.html

President Muhammadu Buhari and top functionaries. Including Senate President Bukola Saraki attended Democracy Day lecture in Abuja on Monday.Prof. Attahiru Jega, former chairman, Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered the lecture with the Theme: “Peace Building and Good Governance for sustainable development”.

Jega said Nigeria had come a long way in the quest to fulfill its aspirations for democracy.

“It could have been worse than this; it can, and should have been better, but I am glad it is not worse than what we have today.

“We should just try harder to make things much better than they have been, with sustained incremental positive changes.

“This is where the theme of today’s lecture becomes pertinent, especially if posed as a question: how can Nigeria attain enduring peace, predicated on good, democratic governance and sustainable development?” he said.Jega described the theme as a board sweep to explore the connections between, or the interconnection of, the concepts which were contemporarily, of paramount importance-in discussing the political economies of Nigeria, namely Peace building, Good (democratic) governance and sustainable development.
He said the conceptualising of peace building is a concept often used in the context of post -civil war or post -conflict situations.
“It is about addressing the factors that cause or exacerbate inequality, conflict and violence.“It is also about mitigating risk of conflict and preventing a relapse of conflict dynamics.
“It is about transforming socio-economic environmental systems so that they sustain progress and equitable opportunity,” he said.
In conceptualising of good governance, he noted that social science concepts were often ambiguous and defiant of precise definition.
“The reality, however, is that the fragility of our systems, institutions and structures, circumscribed as they have been by bad governance, require a drastic restoration,” he said.
He, however, said that good governance is the framework and the foundation for peace building and sustainable development.
“Haven established the interconnectedness of peace building, good democratic governance and sustainable development, and having reviewed the current state of things in Nigeria presently, with recommendations for improvements.
“Given our diversity, which has historically been complicated by mutual suspicions and fears, and bedevilled by perennial conflicts, we must nurture and develop the infrastructure for peace and we must invest massively in peace building and in sustainable development.
“The major challenge of our time is how to make Nigeria more peaceful, Just and inclusive, especially for those most at risk of violence, injustice and exclusion’, and how to embark on a solid pathway to sustainable development, he said
He said that only good democratic governance can provide the appropriate framework for meeting this challenge on a sustainable basis.
According to him, this is not a manna that can fall from heaven while we all “siddon look” it is a product of concerted vigorous struggles by progressives democratic forces in our country.

More photos at http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/photos-buhari-others-at-democracy.html

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has said that more emphasis should be placed on intelligence rather than zoning while fielding candidates for the 2019 general elections.

The governor stated this while appearing on Channels Television’s special political programme, Roadmap To 2019, which aired on Monday.

“We are talking about somebody who has something upstairs irrespective of where he comes come, let him govern,” he said.
Okorocha, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) explained that the North Western zone has produced Nigeria’s president thrice.
According to the governor, he is not an advocate of the zone that produces the nation’s leader provided the president has something tangible to offer.
He added, “The three civilian Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are all from the North West, not from the North East or North Central.
“Shagari is from Sokoto in North West, even Buhari is from Katsina North West and his brother, Yar Adua in North West.
“We are talking about people who have something upstairs to govern. Why are we being so primitive at this time while we are talking about who has what it takes to help this country.”
With next year’s election gradually gathering momentum, Okorocha is of the opinion that “the best (should) come and help the nation.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/2019-okorocha-demands-intelligence-be.html

International Organisation on Migration (IOM) has recovered the remains of a 21-year-old Nigerian woman migrant, on the Durance River along the dangerous route from Italy to France that crosses the Alps.

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometres across eight Alpine countries of France, Switzerland and Italy.

The IOM, a UN Agency on Migration in its May report on the Missing Migrants Project said the Nigerian woman was the second body recovered in the area in May.
This is coming as the agency said that its Missing Migrants Project had recorded 1,134 people who died or went missing while migrating in 2018.
“In Europe, the remains of a young migrant were found in a forest near Montgenèvre, on Italy – France route in May.
“The remains of a 21-year-old Nigerian woman were found on May 9th in the Durance river, along the dangerous route from Italy to France that crosses the Alps,” it stated.
According to the report, also on May 21st a young Moroccan man drowned in the Kolpa River, on the border between Croatia and Slovenia.
“His body was recovered by Slovenian authorities, and the circumstances of his death are being investigated. This is the seventh drowning recorded in this river since the beginning of 2018,” IOM stated.
It stated that there were several other additions to the Missing Migrants Project database since last update.
“In Turkey, a migrant from Afghanistan died on 22 May in a vehicle accident in Bayramli, Van province, near the border with Greece.
“Approximately 70 other people were also travelling in the back of the truck and survived.
“In Mexico, a 42-year-old Guatemalan man was shot and killed in the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
“This happened on May 22nd, when the truck in which he was travelling with at least 100 other Central American migrants was ambushed by armed criminals,” it stated
It stated that, also in May, seven children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo drowned in Lake Mweru, on the border between Zambia and the DRC.
“ These lives were lost in this tragic and disastrous accident on 19 May.
“In addition, the Missing Migrants Project recorded two deaths on the US-Mexico border. A 37-year-old man from Nuevo León, Mexico was found dead on the border of Chihuahua and Texas last week.
“On 23 May, a woman was killed after crossing the Mexico-US border into Webb Country, Texas. Her identity remains unknown,” it stated.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/iom-recovers-remains-of-woman-migrant.html

MTN Group on Monday said it was perfecting the details of its proposed Nigeria Initial Public Offering (IPO), the News Agency of Nigeria.

MTN Group’s spokesperson, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed this in response to enquiries by NAN on why the company was yet to file applications for the proposed offer.

Both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) are yet to receive applications from the company for the offer.

The MTN representative said detailed process and work stream on the IPO were currently underway and would be announced at the appropriate time.


NAN reports that IPO is process through which a private company or corporation raises investment capital by offering its stock to the public for the first time.

Speaking on the IPO process, the spokesperson said MTN had not made known the offer value contrary to the 500 million dollars being speculated in the media.

“To clarify some matters on the IPO process, no amount/value has been given by MTN Group or MTN Nigeria regarding the IPO and there was never a statement on a ‘proposed $500m IPO.’

“In the communication we have issued to the market, we have noted that we expected this IPO process to be concluded during 2018 and there was not a specific date given,” the representative said.

NAN reports that there were reports earlier that MTN Group Ltd. was perfecting plans to raise about 500 million dollars from the sale of shares in its Nigerian business in the first half of 2018.

Standard Bank Group Ltd. and Citigroup Inc. had been advising the company on the disposal of as much as 30 per cent of the Lagos-based unit on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).


MTN had agreed to list the Nigerian unit as part of June 2016 agreement to pay one billion dollars fine for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered subscribers amid a security crackdown.

NAN reports that MTN recently appointed a Nigerian investment firm, Chapel Hill Denham, as lead manager for the planned sale of 500 million dollars shares in its Nigerian business.

It also appointed South Africa’s Rand Merchant Bank, Renaissance Capital and Vetiva Capital as joint issuers to the offer.
The telecoms firm also appointed seven placement agents that would help market the shares.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/mtn-group-perfects-plans-for-nigeria.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared all the 13 local government areas and 147 electoral wards of Nasarawa State in the just concluded council polls conducted by the state Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) at the weekend.

Chairman of NASIEC, Henry Omaku, announced results of the election to journalists yesterday at the headquarters of the state electoral body in Lafia, stating further that only two registered political parties, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), participated in the state’s council polls.
However, the two major opposition political parties in the state, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), had earlier on announced their boycott of the council polls at the appointment of officials of the state’s electoral umpire by Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura on the ground that the appointees were card carrying members of the APC, hence, according to the opposition political parties, “the proposed election would not be free, fair and credible to them.”


When announcing the council polls result, the NASIEC chairman observed that the electoral materials meant for the election had arrived at the designated polling units late due to logistics problem.
He equally lamented at the non-compliance by citizens of the state to the order restricting movement during the election period, even as he complained that the turn out of voters during the exercise was grossly low.
However, the chairman of the state’s electoral umpire was satisfied that there were no reports of violence during the election as the exercise went on and concluded peacefuly in all parts of the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Al-Makura has commended the people of Nasarawa State for their orderly conduct during the state’s council polls.

The governor gave the commendation when addressing journalists shortly after casting his vote at his Lugun Wambai polling unit of Gayam Ward in Lafia Local Government Area of the state at about 1:56p.m. last Saturday.
He also commended the security operatives, election observers and sister electorate authorities from various states who had come to observe what had gone on in the state.
He said: “I have no doubt in my mind of what I have seen in my ward. With the reports I have received across the state is anything to go by, the election will be remembered as one of the elections that added value to democracy not only in Nasarawa State, but Nigeria as a whole.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/apc-clears-nasarawa-lg-polls.html

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) for rice and cassava on Sunday commenced free medical treatment for its farmers in Niger.

At the event, Dr Mathew Ahmed, the State Programme Coordinator, said that free medical outreach for the five VCDP participating Local Government Areas in the state was part of IFAD’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

There are 16,030 VCDP rice and cassava farmers, processors and marketers spread across Kontagora, Shiroro, Katcha, Bida and Wushishi Local Government Areas of the state.

Ahmed said that the free medical care for the farmers included consultation and counselling, blood pressure check, sugar level test, urinalysis and free drugs.

He said that the measure would ensure that the farmers were fit to farm and also ascertain their health status.

“We discovered that many of our farmers don’t go to the hospital for a routine check. If farmers are not healthy it affects their productivity.

“The idea is to ensure that our farmers are fit to produce more food and also know their health status,’’ he said.

The coordinator said that the gesture would boost food production towards ensuring food security of the state and the Nation at large.

Similarly, Dr Eunice Nmadu, a medical practitioner from the Federal Medical Centre, Bida said that the farmers were also administered with worm expellers and taught World Health Organisation hand washing technique.

Nmadu said that any serious health issue was referred to the federal medical centre in Bida for further diagnosis.

Also, Alhaji Baba Umar, District Head of Sheshi Katcha, who also benefited from the gesture, applauded the efforts of the VCDP in giving them farm output and ensuring they are healthy.

“I pray Almighty Allah to bless the VCDP for what they have done and give them the resources and strength to do more,’’ he said.

N315 farmers and their households benefited from the free medical treatment.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/ifad-vcdp-offers-free-medical-care-to.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged security agencies, families, traditional and religious leaders to rise up and take decisive actions to stem the unacceptable rising cases of violence against children.

The president made the call in a message to mark this year’s National Children’s Day on Saturday in Abuja.

He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration “Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility” was an opportunity to promote the safety and security of the children.

He said that all stakeholders, including the Civil Society Organisations, Human Rights Activists, and the society at large, must ensure safety of the children in homes, schools, markets, worship centres, on the streets and everywhere at all times.
According to him, this year’s event affords him another opportunity to re-affirm his administration’s commitment to the protection of children.
“”This is a day to reflect on our roles and responsibilities as parents and leaders towards our children, and also assessing how far we have fared in this regard.
“”As you may recall, one of the cardinal objectives of this administration is the provision of quality education to our children as a fundamental foundation of economic and social development.
“”In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that this administration has recorded measurable success in the home grown school feeding programme as it has continued to expand,’’ he added.
The president maintained children were the future of the nation, and “the initiatives that come from them give confidence that Nigeria has a bright future.
He said: “”I am very impressed by what our children have been able to do, and what the future holds for them.
“”That is one reason why we are committed to the school feeding programme, to prepare a future generation of physically and intellectually robust children.”
He said that at the last count, over 8.2 million children in 24 states were being given free meals daily, adding that this happened in 45,000 schools round the country.
The president, therefore, called on all stakeholders to support the programme to ensure that all the 36 states and FCT were covered.
He said this would promote substantially higher enrolment levels in schools across the country.
He also appealed to parents not to relent in their efforts to send their wards to school, especially the girl child “as her education reduces infant and maternal mortality as well as prevents child marriages.
““It also increases literacy and reduces poverty. The saying that to educate a woman is to educate the nation is very apt in this regard.’’
He noted that since the inception of his administration in May, 2015, the Federal Government had also focused attention on addressing issues of child protection, participation and survival.
He observed that in 2015, the campaign to end violence against children was inaugurated which was commemorated in 2016.
“”In November 2016, the Campaign to End Child Marriage was also launched to ensure that as many children as possible are able to fully enjoy their childhood and be protected from all the challenges associated with this phenomenon.
“”These campaigns have been reinforced with sensitization campaigns in some states of the federation,’’ he added.
He reassured that his administration was committed to ensuring that children were protected from violence and all forms of exploitations.
President Buhari said the government would guarantee friendly environments for the children to enable them pursue their educational attainments, discover their full potentials to grow into responsible citizens.
He said: “”This Administration has made giant strides in the protection of the Rights of the Nigerian Child and as a result of such efforts, Nigeria has been declared a Path-finding Country on Ending Violence Against Children.““This I believe is a collective achievement and I urge us to continue to build on the present momentum to achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

He said that as part of efforts to protect the children from abuse and trafficking, the government had directed the management of Federal Government Colleges and advised all state owned schools to provide adequate measures of safety and security of their students
He also called on all schools management committees at all levels of public and private institutions to take adequate security measures and put in place mechanisms for safety of children.
President Buhari expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their efforts so far, and urged them to redouble their efforts in protecting children from danger and violence in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and Child Rights Acts, 2003.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/we-must-ensure-safety-of-our-children.html

Tiwa Savage goes Yeezy on Wizzy during an event, last night, in U.K

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/photos-tiwa-savage-goes-yeezy-on-wizzy.html

Huge blow for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah has to be taken off after the Egyptian went down under a challenge from Sergio Ramos and hurt his shoulder. Salah walks off in tears and Adam Lallana replaces him. That's a very sad sight.

Details soon

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/liverpool-vs-real-madrid-live-bale-on.html?m=1

The Borno State government on Saturday, inducted a total of 2,900 youth volunteer force as members of a newly created Neighbourhood Watch, whose role includes sniffing out drug abusers and perpetrators of other related crimes.

The Neighbourhood Watch (N-Watch) is a replica of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) that came into force in 2013 as a volunteer group helping the military to combat Boko Haram.

Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, said the N-Watch will also compliment the existing synergy between the CJTF and the military in guarding communities against infiltration of Boko Haram and also in combating societal vices like drugs abuses.

Mr Shettima, who spoke during the launching of the new security outfit said the 2,900 youths would be deployed to the 27 wards within the two local government areas of Maiduguri and Jere, forms the state capital.

The governor said the formation of N-Watch is part of his community policing initiatives which he said has yielded positive result in the past when it was tested with the Civilian-JTF.

“Since the establishment of the Civilian-JTF there has been a tremendous improvement in the relationship between the civilian populace and the armed forces which use to be very frosty,” the governor said.

“I want to pay tribute to all our gallant officers and men who have paid the supreme sacrifices for us to have peace in this part of the world” he said, adding that the tribute also was for CJTF, many of whom have died, paying the far reaching sacrifice for the state to have peace.

“The current set of Neighbourhood Watchers are backed by the law and we will deploy them to their immediate neighbourhoods to safeguard lives and properties and also to ensure the issues of drugs abuse are addressed frontally”.

He called on the youth to exercise utmost caution and avoid taking laws into their hands while discharging their responsibility.

“Any perpetrator arrested by the N-Watchers are to be handed over to the nearest police station for onward prosecution”, he said.







Earlier, the Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kaka Shehu, a Barrister, whose office coordinates the activities of all volunteer security outfits in the state, said the N-Watch is duly backed by a legislation from the state House of Assembly.

He said the roles of the neighbourhood watch isn’t that different from that of the existing Civilian-JTF.

“The Neighbourhood Watch is more or less the baby of the Civilian-JTF,” the Attorney General said.

“The members of the N-Watch were drawn from the 15 wards of the Maiduguri metropolitan council and 12-wards of Jere local government area.

“They are also members of the Civilian JTF that are untrained. We feel training them will add value, and that informed the decision of this government to train them and form the neighbourhood watch”.

“The Neighbourhood Watch is backed by Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Law of Borno State. The law came into force after the advent of the Civilian-JTF which then, (was) a spontaneous reaction as a defence mechanism.

“As a responsible government, an all-inclusive security council meeting was called to checkmate the new baby that was born.

“After a robust meeting with the new Civilian-JTF, we assisted them to form their command structures, and then designed their method of reporting, screening and that gave birth to the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme.

“Later we transmitted a proposed bill to the State Assembly, which was passed and then gave birth to the vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency Law”.

He said the 2,900 members of the Neighbourhood Watch represents 100 person from each of the 27 combined wards of Maiduguri and Jere, even larger wards like Lamisila-Jabarmari and Maisandari got 200 volunteers.

Mr Shehu said the Neighbourhood Watch has the powers to arrest but not to prosecute or mete any form of punitive or disciplinary measures on any arrested offender.

He said the Maiduguri and Jere local government areas launch is a pilot scheme that will be replicated later in other local government areas.

Highlight of the event was the distribution of patrol vehicles to each of the 27 wards.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/borno-inducts-2900-youth-as.html

Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, on Friday said that those resigning from office under his administration don’t want to embrace change.

He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also said that there was nothing wrong between him and his deputy that resigned from office.

He said “What transpired is in the letter of the deputy and I think people should read that letter. Read the entire letter and you will see that there was nothing bad that transpired between us.


“His final paragraph is that he remains loyal to his leader and his brother. In my response I eulogized him and wished him the best in his future endeavour and assured him of the support of the good people of Bauchi State. There was no problem whatsoever.”

On why it was easy for him to accept his resignation, he said “The word resignation connotes a will on the part of the person who has offered, he offered his letter willingly and there is no way you can force him to accept an employment when the time has come for him to look elsewhere.



Speaking on the working relationship between them, he said “We had the most fantastic working relationship. In his words and you can ask him, he has said several times that he is the most pampered deputy governor in Nigeria.

On why other officials are leaving his government, he said “Because I have come to Bauchi state to endanger change and change is very very difficult for people to accept.

“People are used to a certain way of doing business and I have come to change that way of doing business. Because, that way was destroying Bauchi State. So, we had to put a stop to it, we had to bring Bauchi state out of dungeon. I give people a chance and if you think you can go at my pace you stay and if you can’t go at my pace you resign.”

When asked if his deputy resigned because he couldn’t go at his pace, he said “I don’t know.”


Reminded that the spokesman to the deputy governor said on television that he resigned because he was not being treated as part of the government, Bauchi Governor said “I see. I think he is wrong. Go to the House of Assembly and check, I went on official leave twice since I took over and each time I transmitted a letter to the House of Assembly making him the acting governor of Bauchi.

“Moreover, I gave him the most important ministry, ministry of education where I have been allocating the largest share of the budget of Bauchi state since 2008. That should answer your question.” he said

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/those-resigning-from-my-govt-dont-want.html

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has dispatched 300 club jerseys to supporters in his home village of Bambali in Senegal ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Mane’s family still lives in the village of 2,000 inhabitants.

Bambali is expected to come to a standstill as their favourite son looks to help the Premier League club claim a sixth European Cup in Kiev’s Olympic Stadium.

The 26-year-old has ensured the village can cheer his team in style as they look to beat 12-times champions Real Madrid.

“There are 2,000 in the village. I bought 300 Liverpool jerseys to send to the people in the village, so the fans can wear to watch the final,’’ Mane told the British media.

The Senegalese international is not expected to return home until after next month’s World Cup in Russia, but is hopeful he can further reward fans for their continued support.

“Nobody in the village will work this day (Saturday). I will be going back in the summer after the World Cup and hopefully I will be showing everyone a medal,’’ Mane said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/mane-donates-300-liverpool-shirts-to.html

There was sporadic gunfire at the Federal High Court, Kano, yesterday.

The incident occurred as the police confronted angry supporters of former governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Aminu Wali, and former Director General of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Mansur Ahmad – all chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The supporters in the thousands had tried to overpower the security operatives and force their way in. The police responded with sporadic gunfire. The officers extended the counter measure onto the premises, firing teargas canisters and sending lawyers, journalists and court staff scampering for safety. They also beat up people at sight, allegedly hitting them with rifles.


The Kano State police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majia, said: “The men that were deployed were meant to maintain law and order. But after the court session, we noticed some people were trying to cause trouble. That was why the men applied minimum force with teargas shot into the air. The police did that very professionally.”

He regretted the effect of the intervention on innocent people.

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters had also tried to prevent Shekarau from making his scheduled visit to the Kano State office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Security personnel were reportedly forced to seek reinforcement to regain the upper hand. The All Progressives Congress (APC) currently holds sway in the state.

The trio is facing trial on a six-count charge of money laundering, accused of collecting N950 million from former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke, contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amended.

In his submission, prosecution counsel Johnson Ojogbane, who filed the charge, insisted the persons face three years imprisonment or a N10 million fine, and called for an open trial.

Counsel to the accused Sam Ologunorisa (SAN), who did not oppose the argument of the prosecution counsel to such trial, however, sought leave of the court for a bail application. Relying on Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, in a 10-paragraph affidavit, he insisted the offence was bailable.

But the EFCC counsel opposed the application, maintaining the affidavit submitted was against Section 155 of the Evidence Act and that there was no such application before the court.

After listening to the arguments, the presiding judge, Justice Zainab Abubakar, stood down proceedings for about 40 minutes. On returning, she granted the accused bail.


The conditions include N100 million each; a surety with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, and which property must have a Certificate of Occupancy and must be verified by the Ministry of Land and deposited with the court registrar; a second surety, who must be a civil servant not below the rank of a director. The accused were also required to submit their international passports with the registrar and two copies of recent passport-size photographs.

Justice Abubakar maintained that granting bail is at the discretion of the court. She, however, ordered the accused to be remanded at EFCC’s custody, pending the fulfillment of the conditions.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case has been adjourned till June 26, 2018.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/gunfire-in-kano-court-as-efcc-arraigns.html

The Presidency on Wednesday said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s National Home-grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) is now feeding 8,260,984 pupils in 45,394 public primary schools across 24 states.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said that the government has achieved its target of 5.5 million pupils being fed free daily under the programme in 2017.


He said that the 24 states currently benefitting from the school feeding programme are Anambra, Enugu, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Delta, Abia, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Imo, Jigawa, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Ondo and Borno.

According to him, over 80,000 direct jobs have also been created from the School Feeding Programme; with 87,261 cooks currently engaged in the 24 participating states.

All 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, he said, will eventually benefit from the programme.


He said “The programme’s educational, economic and health benefits have been praised by many.

“Not only has the Buhari administration’s School Feeding Programme created jobs for thousands of Nigerians in these communities where the programme is being implemented, it has also helped to boost local economies by linking the local farmers to the school feeding market.

“Similarly, the school feeding programme continues to record significant milestones in the classrooms as the scheme has led to an increase in enrolment.


“Another important aspect of the School Feeding Programme is that by providing a meal a day for millions of pupils, it addresses the issues of malnutrition and stunting among children, increasing the chances of the pupils making a significant headway in their learning and in life.



“The NHGSFP plans to implement feeding in 28 States in the coming months, and all over the country soon after,” he stated.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/82-million-pupils-enjoying-buharis-meal.html

Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi state has warned newly-elected executives of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state against engaging in acts of corruption.

He handed the warning shortly after the conduct of the party’s state congress at multi-purpose hall in Bauchi.

Abubakar said the administration will not relent in its determination to fight the scourge of corruption in the party’s office.

According to him, there is no room for corrupt officials in APC under President Muhammadu Buhari.
“APC, under Buhari, has done a lot in fighting corruption and I am happy Nigeria’s economic development has positively improved,” he said.
The governor urged the new executive of the party to remain committed and canvassed support for Buhari’s re-election ahead of the 2019 elections.

“There is no alternative to Buhari’s presidential candidacy because of his credibility as a pragmatic leader with focus on fighting corruption,” Abubakar said.

http://akelicious..com.ng/2018/05/apc-congress-gov-abubakar-warns-new.html

The 2018 Billboards Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas yesterday, May 20. The awards which had defining moments became the first awards show to be broadcast on NBC.

Hosted by Kelly Clarkson, we witnessed beautiful performances from Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande, the legendary Janet Jackson among others.

Of all the nominees, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar got the highest nominations (15) including Top Artistcategory. Next in line was Post Malone with 13 and Imagine Dragons with 11 nominations.

Here is the complete list of winners:
Top Artist

Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran WINNER
Taylor Swift
Top New Artist

21 Savage
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Khalid WINNER
Kodak Black
Billboard Chart Achievement Award

Camila Cabello WINNER
Cardi B
Drake
Sam Hunt
Ed Sheeran
Top Male Artist

Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran WINNER
Top Female Artist

Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Halsey
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift WINNER
Top Duo/Group

The Chainsmokers
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons WINNER
Migos
U2
Top Billboard 200 Artist

Drake WINNER
Kendrick Lamar
Ed Sheeran
Chris Stapleton
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist

Imagine Dragons
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran WINNER

Top Streaming Songs Artist

Cardi B
Drake
Kendrick Lamar WINNER
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran
Top Song Sales Artist

Imagine Dragons
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran WINNER
Top Radio Songs Artist

Halsey
Imagine Dragons
Bruno Mars
Charlie Puth
Ed Sheeran WINNER
Top Social Artist

Justin Bieber
BTS WINNER
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Shawn Mendes
Top Touring Artist

Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
U2 WINNER
Top R&B Artist

Chris Brown
Khalid
Bruno Mars WINNER
SZA
The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist

Khalid
Bruno Mars WINNER
The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist

Beyonce
Rihanna
SZA WINNER
Top R&B Tour

Bruno Mars WINNER
Lionel Richie
The Weeknd
Top Rap Artist

Drake
Kendrick Lamar WINNER
Lil Uzi Vert
Migos
Post Malone
Top Rap Male Artist

Drake
Kendrick Lamar WINNER
Post Malone
Top Rap Female Artist

Bhad Bhabie
Cardi B WINNER
Nicki Minaj
Top Rap Tour

J. Cole
JAY-Z WINNER
Kendrick Lamar
Top Country Artist

Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton WINNER
Top Country Male Artist

Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton WINNER
Top Country Female Artist

Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris WINNER
Top Country Duo/Group Artist

Florida Georgia Line WINNER
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band
Top Country Tour

Luke Bryan WINNER
Florida Georgia Line
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Top Rock Artist

Imagine Dragons WINNER
Linkin Park
Portugal. The Man
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Twenty one pilots
Top Rock Tour

Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
U2 WINNER
Top Latin Artist

J Balvin
Daddy Yankee
Luis Fonsi
Ozuna WINNER
Romeo Santos
Top Dance/Electronic Artist

The Chainsmokers WINNER
Calvin Harris
Kygo
Marshmello
ODESZA
Top Christian Artist

Elevation Worship
Hillsong UNITED
Hillsong Worship
MercyMe WINNER
Zach Williams
Top Gospel Artist

Anthony Brown and group therAPy
Travis Greene
J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise
Tasha Cobbs Leonard WINNER
Tamela Mann
Top Billboard 200 Album

Drake, More Life
Kendrick Lamar, DAMN – WINNER
Post Malone, Stoney
Ed Sheeran, ÷ (Divide)
Taylor Swift, Reputation
Top Selling Album

Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.
P!nk, Beautiful Trauma
Ed Sheeran, ÷ (Divide)
Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Volume 1
Taylor Swift, Reputation WINNER
Top Soundtrack

Black Panther
The Fate of the Furious: The Album
The Greatest Showman
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2
Moana WINNER
Top R and B Album

Khalid, American Teen
Bruno Mars, 24K Magic WINNER
SZA, CTRL
The Weeknd, Starboy
XXXTentacion, 17
Top Rap Album

Drake, More Life
Kendrick Lamar, DAMN – WINNER
Lil Uzi Vert, Luv Is Rage 2
Migos, Culture
Post Malone, Stoney
Top Country Album

Kane Brown, Kane Brown
Luke Combs, This One’s For You
Thomas Rhett, Life Changes
Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Volume 1 WINNER
Brett Young, Brett Young
Top Rock Album

Imagine Dragons, Evolve WINNER
Linkin Park, One More Light
Panic! At The Disco, Death of a Bachelor
Portugal. The Man, Woodstock
U2, Songs of Experience
Top Latin Album

Nicky Jam, Fenix
Christian Nodal, Me Deje Llevar
Ozuna, Odisea WINNER
Romeo Santos, Golden
Shakira, El Dorado
Top Dance/Electronic Album

Avicii, AVĨCI (01)
The Chainsmokers, Memories…Do Not Open WINNER
Calvin Harris, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Kygo, Stargazing
ODESZA, A Moment Apart
Top Christian Album

Elevation Worship, There Is A Cloud
Hillsong UNITED, Wonder
Hillsong Worship, Let There Be Light
Alan Jackson, Precious Memories Collection WINNER
MercyMe, Lifer
Top Gospel Album

Anthony Brown & group therAPy, A Long Way From Sunday
Travis Greene, Crossover: Live From Music City
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, You Deserve It
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Heart. Passion. Pursuit WINNER
Marvin Sapp, Close
Top Hot 100 Song

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito” WINNER
Kendrick Lamar, “Humble.”
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage, “Rockstar”
Ed Sheeran, “Shape Of You”
Top Streaming Song (Audio)

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”
Kendrick Lamar, “Humble.” WINNER
Lil Uzi Vert, “XO Tour LLIF3”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage, “Rockstar”
Post Malone ft. Quavo, “Congratulations”
Top Streaming Song (Video)

Cardi B, “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito” WINNER
Lil Pump, “Gucci Gang”
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”
Top Selling Song

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito” WINNER
Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road”
Imagine Dragons “Believer”
Imagine Dragons “Thunder”
Ed Sheeran “Perfect”
Top Radio Song

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, “Something Just Like This”
Imagine Dragons, “Believer”
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Charlie Puth, “Attention”
Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You” WINNER
Top Collaboration

Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug, “Havana”
The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, “Something Just Like This”
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito” WINNER
French Montana ft. Swae Lee, “Unforgettable”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage, “Rockstar”
Top R&B Song

Childish Gambino, “Redbone”
DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller, “Wild Thoughts”
Khalid, “Young Dumb & Broke”
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like” WINNER
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B, “Finesse”
Top Rap Song

Cardi B, “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayne, “I’m The One
French Montana ft. Swae Lee, “Unforgettable”
Kendrick Lamar, “Humble.”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage, “Rockstar” WINNER
Top Country Song

Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs”
Sam Hunt, “Body Like A Back Road” WINNER
Dustin Lynch, “Small Town Boy”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be”
Brett Young, “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Top Rock Song

Imagine Dragons “Believer” WINNER
Imagine Dragons “Thunder”
Linkin Park ft. Kiiara “Heavy”
Portugal. The Man “Feel It Still”
The Revivalists “Wish I Knew You”
Top Latin Song

J Balvin & Willy William Ft. Beyonce, “Mi Gente”
Becky G ft. Bad Bunny, “Mayores”
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito” WINNER
Maluma, “Felices Los 4”
Wisin ft. Ozuna, “Escapate Conmigo”
Top Dance/Electronic Song

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, “Something Just Like This” WINNER
Cheat Codes ft. Demi Lovato, “No Promises”
Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Ann-Marie, “Rockabye”
Kygo & Selena Gomez, “It Ain’t Me”
Zedd & Alessia Cara, “Stay”
Top Christian Song

Elevation Worship, “O Come To The Altar”
Hillsong Worship, “What A Beautiful Name” WINNER
Lecrae ft. Tori Kelly, “I’ll Find You”
MercyMe, “Even If”
Zach Williams, “Old Church Choir”
Top Gospel Song

Anthony Brown & group therAPy, “Trust In You”
Travis Greene, “You Waited”
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, “You Deserve It” WINNER
Tamela Mann, “Change Me”
Charlie Wilson, “I’m Blessed”

http://akelicious..com/2018/05/2018-billboards-music-awards-full-list.html

Super Eagles campaign at the FIFA World Cup starting in barely 25 days from today in Russia will be devoid of all the trappings that make Nigeria to be in the news for the wrong reasons.

Akelicious checks revealed at the weekend that the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finally secured the $2.8million it budgeted for a successful outing at the Mundial this summer.


In addition to the $2million from FIFA for all the Russia-bound teams, the NFF has also been able to raise the balance $800,000 to complete the World Cup budget.

The funds cover the entire agreement the federation reached with Super Eagles players shortly before Nigeria’s friendly against Argentina in Russia last November.

As Eagles begin to troop into the Ibom Resort in Uyo today for the planned friendly with DR Congo on May 28 in Port Harcourt, handlers of the three-time African champions sole responsibility is purely technical without going grey over players allowances and bonuses.

President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, confirmed to Akelicious yesterday that money was not going to be the problem of Eagles in Russia.

“We are glad that our efforts and relationship with FIFA has always paid off. We were also able to raise $800,000 in addition which has given us at the NFF the exact money we need to prosecute the World Cup and the remaining pre-World Cup matches,” observed the NFF chief on telephone last night.

Pinnick is particularly happy that there will be no repeat of the ugly scenario that degenerated into Super Eagles abandoning training in Brazil due to unpaid bonuses shortly before Nigeria played crucial second round game against France.

“We are confident now that there will be no any form of distraction for the players in Russia. This will allow the players and officials concentrate on the business of the World Cup,” stressed Pinnick who also doubles as CAF executive committee member.

The current NFF board led by Pinnick has in the last three years worked assiduously at eliminating all forms of disagreements and distractions with the players.

All the 30 players selected in Gernot Rohr’s provincial 30-man list are expected to troop into the Uyo camp beginning today.

After the friendly with DR Congo, the final list of 23 players is expected to be released on June 1 before taking on England’s Three Lions 24 hours later at the Wembley Stadium.

However, according to Rohr, there will be two extra players on standby with the team in London in case of injury.

The team will then proceed to the third and final phase of camping in Austria with the final 23 players to take on Czech Republic in the last friendly game on June 6 before flying to their World Cup base camp in Yessentuki in Russia.

Eagles will open their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Croatia in Kaliningrad before playing debutants Iceland on June 22 at the Volgograd Arena. Their final group game is against two-time champions Argentina on June 26 in St. Petersburg

http://akelicious..com.ng/2018/05/russia-2018-nff-secures-eagles-28m.html

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has examined the recent Nigeria-China currency swap deal, which has been in the pipeline since 2016 and was finally consummated on April 27, 2018. We recall specifically that that on April 13, 2016, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC) signed a currency swap deal on behalf of both Countries. NANTS believes that the final signing the deal worth $2.5 billion by the Federal Government of Nigeria is a significant exhibition of wisdom, high political will, and courage on the part of the current administration to advance trade as a vehicle for economic growth and development in Nigeria, and must therefore be commended.
NANTS further believes that the secured agreement would help in providing adequate local currency liquidity to Nigerian and Chinese industrialists and other businesses, thereby reducing the demand for dollar and the attendant difficulties encountered in the search for third currencies. This smart move, which is long overdue, in NANTS estimation, would ease the lingering exchange rate crisis which has been heightened by the country’s high volume of imports. We, therefore, see the deal as a strategic move that would gradually strengthen the Naira against the US dollar and, certainly, reduce attention to and/or the unwitting dollarisation of the nation’s economy. While we do not have anything against the US dollar, we however note that its scarcity has remained a nightmare and punishment to the average Nigerian trader.
Statistically, we note that in 2015, Nigeria’s trade volume with China rose to $14.94 billion, representing 22.2 per cent of the $78.56 billion it traded with her eight biggest partners. At present, about 78.1 per cent of the nation’s import of consumables comes from the Asian Tiger, and these are items that flow into the market space in large volumes and turnover. As the umbrella body of Nigerian traders, it is worthy of note that in our calculation close to 68 per cent of traders regularly leaving the shores of the country at the various airports for imports on daily basis are heading towards the Chinese market. It, therefore, makes a lot of sense to tie the nuts with the Chinese currency, not only to facilitate seamless transactions, but also to reduce the multiple jeopardy faced by traders and importers who would exchange the local Naira to Dollar and from Dollar back to Chinese Yuan, thereby losing currency value at two poles. More so, the currency swap implies that Chinese Yuan is free to flow among different financial institutions in Nigeria just as is the case with the US dollar, Euro and Pounds Sterling, and to that end, Nigerian businesses could transfer funds to China in the local currency without the hassles of passing through bureau de change or creating unnecessary stress for the CBN.

Furthermore, this deal, which makes Nigeria become the third African country to have such an agreement in place with China, will make it easier for Chinese manufacturers seeking to buy raw materials from Nigeria to obtain enough Naira from banks in China to pay for their imports from Nigeria. In summary, the Naira is expected to appreciate against the US dollar in the short-term, as the demand for dollar eases. It will encourage Nigerian importers to open Letters of Credit (L/Cs) in Yuan for the importation of raw materials, equipment, and machinery from China. It will facilitate greater foreign exchange transactions and promote bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and China, eliminate the cost of exchange rate differential caused by dollar exchange conversion and scarcity, ease the pressure on Naira and potentially stabilise Nigeria’s forex market, help to conserve Nigeria’s forex reserves, and shore up the value of the Naira in the foreign exchange market. It is hopeful that the deal as an instrument of bilateral relationship could encourage China to increase their imports from Nigeria, especially in crude oil, solid minerals, and other raw materials, thereby closing the huge trade gaps between the two countries.
While we commend the vision of the federal government in this direction, NANTS, however, wishes to sound the following notes of caution.
• The currency swap deal (with its unrestricted access to the Yuan, at an overvalued Naira exchange rate, N30/Yuan) has the propensity to trigger increased volume of imports to the country. The surge in Chinese imports if unchecked, especially given the history of appetite of Nigerians for imported goods, would negate the federal government’s import substitution agenda, stifle domestic production and place local industries in a pitiable and vulnerable condition with attendant effects that would defeat government’s efforts at job creation. Against this backdrop, NANTS calls on the government’s agencies and, in particular, the Nigeria Customs Service, to rise up to its billing in order to guard the nation against unbridled influx of goods.




• The CBN must ensure that constant oversight and regulation is at its peak so that the rise in demand for the Yuan will not result in a possible depreciation of the Naira against the Chinese currency and further widen the gaps in trade balance and balance of payments in favour of China.

• NANTS calls on government agencies, such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), to be alert and ready for combat to ensure that the currency swap deal and its possible attendant surge in imports does not turn the country into a dumping ground for inferior/substandard Chinese products. The existing trade deal between Nigeria and China must be revisited and retooled at this moment to strengthen control and sanction mechanism against irregular and sub-standard exports from China targeting the Nigerian market.


• Nigerian business actors and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in particular, have an urgent call to duty against the realisation that the currency deal not only opens the vista for imports from China but also throws open the window of opportunities for Nigerian exports to China that must be explored. In practical terms, NEPC must, therefore, step up the collaboration with Nigerian traders and the Nigerian representative/diplomatic offices in China to identify such local commodities and items that could be exported to the Asian Tiger. NANTS believes that Nigeria’s recent increase in agricultural productivity should dynamise efforts towards exportable agro-commodities, which would further trigger proportionate increase in productivity that will benefit farmers as well as industrialists. In addition, government must sit up and aggressively pursue export-based economic policies (including a predictable/secured business environment and reliable trade policy enactment) as well as technology transfer agenda capable of attracting and receiving Chinese and other investors to confidently engage the nation’s economy for the expansion of their business interests.

http://akelicious..com.ng/2018/05/nigeria-china-currency-swap-commendable.html

Shehu Sani, the senator representing Kaduna central, has reacted to foiled suicide attack on Yobe mosque.

Akelicious reports that a vigilant member of Gashua village in Gujba local government area of Yobe state on Sunday averted a devastating suicide bomb attack on a mosque.

This was confirmed by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Public Relations Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole in a statement.
Reacting, Sani commended the civilians that captured the female suicide bomber.
According to him, they deserve commendation by the federal government.
The Kaduna lawmaker on his Twitter page wrote: “Today’s good news that some courageous civilians in Gashua, Yobe state foiled a female suicide bomb attack on a mosque deserves commendation and appreciation.
“Not just whistle blowing, but a big reward for such act of bravery should be given by the FG to show appreciation.”

http://akelicious..com.ng/2018/05/shehu-sani-reacts-to-foiled-suicide.html

The Police Command in Jigawa says 1,728 of the 4,705 applicants who passed the medical and physical fitness screening for recruitment into the Force would sit for Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The command said the test would be conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB).

Spokesman of the command, SP Abdu Jinjiri, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Saturday.

Jinjiri said the command had designated six centres for the CTB that would hold on May 25.
He said four of the centres were situated in Dutse, the state capital, while two others were in Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, Kano State.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had given approval for the recruitment of 6,000 additional policemen into the Force.

http://akelicious..com/2018/05/police-recruitment1728-successful.html

BMW’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday this week, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Harald Krüger, unveiled an initial design concept for the BMW iNEXT.

The pure-electric BMW iNEXT will be built at Plant Dingolfing from 2021. The company’s new technology flagship incorporates all major strategic areas of innovation in a road-ready vehicle.

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: “The iNEXT project is our building kit for the future.


It will benefit the entire company and all our brands. For the first time, we are combining all key technologies for future mobility in one vehicle.

The iNEXT is fully electric, fully connected and also offers highly automated driving. Today, we gave our shareholders a very first glimpse of the design of the BMW iNEXT. Later this year, we will be presenting the BMW iNEXT as a Vision Vehicle.”

http://akelicious..com.ng/2018/05/first-glimpse-of-bmw-inext-vision.html

Aggrieved soldiers stormed Rumukpakani police station in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, on Thursday over the death of one of their colleagues.

A resident told TheCable that a policeman opened fire on a soldier after a heated argument.

Two soldiers who lodged at a hotel in Rumukpakani were said to have gone in search of food in the community.

The soldiers were said to be in mufti and one of them a gun on him. Some residents who could not ascertain his identity reportedly alerted the police.

“Some soldiers lodged in a hotel around Ada George Road. Two of them came outside to get food, and one was with a gun,” the resident said.
“When the police came, they asked the soldiers to follow them to their station but the soldiers refused and an argument broke out.

“One of the policemen opened fire on the soldier who died in the process and the other one ran back to inform his colleagues.”

http://akelicious..com/2018/05/just-in-confusion-as-soldiers-storm.html

Here are brief profiles of the main participants at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle:

PRINCE HARRY

Groom, 33

Aged 12, his mother Diana’s death shook Harry, who became a wild child in his youth. After a decade in the army and two tours in Afghanistan, the prince is a more settled character. He is now devoted to royal duties and his Invictus Games for wounded troops.

MEGHAN MARKLE

Bride, 36

Raised in Hollywood, Markle graduated from Northwestern University in theatre and international relations. She made her name starring as Rachel Zane in the US legal drama television series “Suits” from 2011 to 2017. She was also a women’s rights activist. Her two-year marriage to film producer Trevor Engelson ended in 2013.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Grandmother of the groom, 92

Her Majesty has reigned since 1952. A steadfast monarch in a changing world, Queen Elizabeth has been an impeccable sovereign through more than 65 years of duty, a figure of constancy who has overseen post-war Britain into the new millennium.

PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Grandfather of the groom, 96

Prince Philip has been at the Queen’s side since they wed in 1947, but may not be at the wedding after the family revealed he was still recovering from hip surgery. A naval officer, he served in World War II and witnessed the Japanese surrender. He retired from royal duties in 2017. The duke is renowned for his off-the-cuff remarks.

PRINCE WILLIAM, DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE

Best man

Older brother William returns the favour Harry performed at his wedding in 2011. William, who is in line to become king after their father Prince Charles, has given up his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot to become a full-time royal. He is now a father of three after the arrival of Prince Louis on April 23.

PRINCE CHARLES, PRINCE OF WALES

Father of the groom

The heir to the throne has spent a lifetime preparing to be king. His “fairytale” marriage to Diana, princess of Wales disintegrated. Outspoken on the environment and architecture, he also heads the wide-ranging Prince’s Trust charity.

CAMILLA, DUCHESS OF CORNWALL

Stepmother of the groom

Charles’s former mistress married the heir to the throne in 2005. She uses one of her husband’s lesser titles and has kept a low profile accompanying him on visits. Camilla is set to become princess consort upon Charles’ accession to the throne.

THOMAS MARKLE

Father of the bride

Thomas Markle, a former television lighting director, is now not expected to walk the bride down the aisle as he is reportedly due to undergo heart surgery Wednesday. There was already confusion over whether he would attend after he was accused of staging some paparazzi photos of himself.

Markle worked on top US shows including “Married With Children”. He won an Emmy award for his work on the soap “General Hospital”. Twice divorced, he now lives a secluded life in Mexico.

DORIA RAGLAND

Mother of the bride

A social worker and a yoga instructor with dreadlocks and a nose ring, Meghan calls her mother a “free spirit”. She met Thomas while working in television make-up. She has a master’s degree in social work and ran the 2017 Los Angeles marathon.

JUSTIN WELBY, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

Spiritual leader of the Church of England

The Anglican Communion’s most senior bishop will officiate as the couple make their marriage vows. A former oil executive, Welby baptised Markle after her engagement. He went to Eton College, as did Harry.

DAVID CONNER, DEAN OF WINDSOR

Ceremony leader

Conner is the senior cleric at St. George’s Chapel and will therefore conduct the service. He has been the dean since 1998 and was also the bishop to the armed forces during Harry’s time in the army. He was formerly the vicar of the Cambridge University church.

OTHER GUESTS:

Royal officials have said they will reveal details about Markle’s bridesmaids nearer the time. The public will also have to wait to find out if any celebrity friends of the couple are attending.

NOT INVITED:

Markle’s half-brother and half-sister Thomas and Samantha. Thomas Markle Junior has said Markle is “probably embarrassed” by them and sent an open letter to Prince Harry asking him to cancel the marriage.

http://akelicious..com/2018/05/profiles-of-key-figures-at-royal-wedding.html

The total value of currency-in-circulation in the country reduced by N269 billion year-on-year to N1.668trillion as of the end of March thisyear, down from the N1.937 trillionrecorded in February 2018, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)revealed in its latest money and credit statistics for March.

Currency- in- circulation refers to the total value of currency (coins and paper currency) issued during a given period, minus the amount that has been removed from the economy by the central bank.


Also, the data showed that banking sector credit to the private sectorreduced marginally year-on-year to N22.444 trillion at the end of March, compared to the N22.621 trillion it was as at the end of the previous month.

The central bank data showed that broad money (M2), which is made up of demand deposits at commercial banks and monies held in easily accessible accounts increased slightly year-on-year from N24.019 trillion the previous month, to N24.303 trillion at the end of the review month.

Similarly, narrow money (M1), which included all physical monies such as coins and currency along with demand deposits and other assets held by the central bank rose year-on-year to N10.913 trillion in the review month, as against the N10.731 trillion recorded the previous month. In the same vein, the data gathered from the central bank’s website showed that the amount of currency outside banks increased to N1.668 trillion, up marginally from the N1.571 trillion it was as at the end of February 2018.

Furthermore, it put the total amount of banks’ reserves with the central bankat N4.357 trillion as of the end of March, compared with the N4.160 trillion recorded at the end of the previous month.

In addition, demand deposits, which are funds held in an account from which deposited funds can be withdrawn at any time without any advance notice to the depository institution increased to N9.244 trillionin March, compared to the N9.160 trillion recorded the previous month, just as Quasi Money, which are highly liquid assets other than cash, that can be quickly converted, stood at N13.390 trillion in March, up from N13.288 trillion the previous month.

Analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited had projected that banking sector credit to the private sector would rise this year. The firm held the view that the manufacturing sector would attract the highest credit this year, further adding that the uncertainties surrounding the fuel subsidy in the petroleum marketing sector may lead to a contraction of credit to that sector.

It noted that the improvement in the macroeconomic and business environment; improved consumers’ confidence; and the drop in the yields on the Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) would be the main drivers of the expected credit growth.
“Our findings show that the agriculture sector in Nigeria is faced with many problems. Thus, the sector is unable to attract the required
credit.

“Some of the problems are: inadequate storage facilities; poor transport network; inadequate research to develop improved seedlings; and weak integration between the sector and the manufacturing sector in providing manufacturing inputs.”
The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had assured Nigerians that the central bank would continue to explore measures that would see that
interest rates are supportive of domestic production.

According to him, the Bank would continue to fine tune measures to ensure and guarantee a stable exchange rate regime.
Emefiele had pointed out that with on-going recovery in economic performance, he was optimistic that improved outcomes would be recorded in the central bank’s work towards taming inflation, bringing down interest rates and guaranteeing exchange rate stability.

http://akelicious..com/2018/05/currency-in-circulation-drops-to-n1668.html

President Buhari’s frequent trips to the United Kingdom for medical treatment is raising the country’s political risk and economic uncertainty as economic agents are now questioning his fitness to remain in office, his decision to stand for re-election in 2019, and the wider implication for effective governance in a challenging economy.
“No one is sure of what illness the president is suffering from. No one is sure how bad things really are. The cloud of uncertainty over the president’s health puts a cost on both political and business decisions. We are all in dark and that comes at a significant cost to the economy,” said a banker who did not want his name mentioned.
Since coming to power in 2015, President Buhari medical trips to the United Kingdom has become routine.
On June 6, 2016, Buhari took ten days leave to go treat an ear infection in London, the United Kingdom. In January 2017, he spent another 50 days in London undergoing what his handlers described as “routine medical check-ups,” but which the president, on his return, confessed to be full blown treatment and that he had never been so sick all his life.
He remained in the country for three months, during which time he hardly stepped out, postponed and missed several weekly Federal Executive Council meetings, and his handlers declared that following the doctor’s prescription, Buhari will work from home, triggering speculation about the severity of his condition.
He eventually returned to the UK on May 7 and spent another 104 days still tending to his health.
Although, he returned to the country last year August in much improved health, there has been speculation that he often punctuates his foreign travels with secret visits to see his doctors in the UK since then.
Last month, the President travelled a week earlier for the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings. Also, on his way back from his trip to the United States where he held talks with President Donald Trump, Buhari, according his media handlers, made a technical stopover in London to “refuel and carry out routine checks.”
But the presidency later acknowledged, for the first time, that Buhari actually met his doctor who asked him to return to London for further treatment.
As Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, explained: “In the course of the technical stop-over for aircraft maintenance in London on his way back from Washington last week, the President had a meeting with his doctor [and] the doctor requested the President to return for a meeting which he agreed to do. The president has since embarked on the four-day medical trip to the United Kingdom.
“It really is a reproach on Nigeria that our president is perennially in and out of hospital in a foreign country, and none of us (Nigerians) know what illness or illnesses afflicts him,” Opeyemi Agbaje, political economist and CEO of RTC Advisory Services Ltd, said via phone.
“It questions our status as a democracy in which leaders are accountable to the people. And of course, it has political and economic costs as it increases uncertainty and perceptions of risks.”
Clement Nwankwo, executive director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, says the president “really needs to take a break and attend to his health. For a lot of people who are asking the question whether he is healthy enough to run for re-election, this trip further reinforces those concerns.”
President Buhari has come under intense criticism lately for his lethargic style of leadership and inability to revamp the economy and prevent or adequately respond to the several security crises in the country including the killings by alleged Fulani herdsmen and bandits over most parts of the north-central and north-western states of the country.
In January, former president Obasanjo, in a strongly-worded letter, urged Buhari to honourably “dismount the horse” and go tend to his failing health in peace. Ex-military president, Ibrahim Babangida agreed with Obasanjo, saying Nigeria needs a new breed of leaders that are quick and smart and can better handle the complex challenges facing the country.
Olusegun Sotola, Senior researcher at the Lagos-based Initiative for Public Policy, says: “The president’s health woes will ultimately affect his ability to campaign.”
Much more important however to Sotola is the public perception that “governance is suffering”.
Tolani Animasheun, a member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) berated the president for his constant medical trips abroad even at a time when medical workers were on strike in the country.

“The president embarked on medical trip when medical workers are on strike [for more than a month] in the country. Is this how a president is supposed to leave the country when his people cannot access medical treatment?”
Also speaking, a social commentator and critic, Femi Aborishade, said it was obvious that the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Buhari-led administration has failed Nigerians, noting that the frequent medical trips abroad by the president did not make any sense in the prevailing circumstances.
“I think there is a general concern about the performance of the Buhari administration.”
He says the impression is being created that President is not in control of his government, considering his frequent trips to take care of his health.
Buhari is expected back in the country on May 12 and then proceed on an official two-day visit to Jigawa state.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/frequent-health-travels-raise-questions.html