₦airaland Forum

Mr Wale Abass, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos, has promised top-class security at the ongoing Olamide concert holding at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Abass, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday, said the Police was collaborating with other security outfits to ensure safety and stability at the concert.

“I can assure of a free celebration free of violence because we are on ground and have put measures in place to check any excesses.

The ACP said that security dogs were also deployed as part of crowd control mechanisms to ensure order at the venue.


Mr Leke Adeleke, Operations Officer, Lagos Safety Neighbourhood Corps said several intelligence officers had been deployed at the venue since last night to ascertain areas of high security risk.

“We designated the VIP Section, Car Parks, the Main Bowl and all entrances of the stadium as high potential risk areas.

“Therefore, we have deployed necessary security agents to ensure that the safeguarding of these areas is paramount,” Adeleke said.

Olubukola Olonimoyo, Chief Executive Officer, Maximus Security Outfit said: “I am glad to be among one of the three private security outfits employed by the Lagos State Government to guarantee safety of life and property during the concert.

“We have designated our men to man the gates where the effect of the crowd that wants to come in would be at its greatest,” he said.

Olonimoyo said that the massive security mobilisation to the concert was enough to deter any miscreant with evil intentions.


“The assurance of security is not only limited within the venue alone but also guaranteed outside the venue too.

“We have deployed over 200 men to different strategic corners around the stadium and are also helping with traffic control outside the venue,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/police-promises-top-class-security-at.html

The verbal fiasco between music star, Kiss Daniel, and his erstwhile record label, G-Worldwide, has taken a new twist.

There have been lots of accusations and counter-accusations between both parties.


However, in a statement made available during the weekend, G-Worldwide not only dismissed reports that Kiss Daniel only received a paltry sum of N30, 000 monthly for his efforts but also revealed why the ‘Laye’ crooner shunned his father’s funeral.
Kiss Daniel’s camp had earlier alleged that G-Worldwide prevented him from attending his father’s burial in 2015.
However, the label said Kiss Daniel shunned his father’s funeral because he feared his relatives who were engaged in fetish practices would kill him.
The statement read in part: “Immediately the news of his father’s demise filtered in, Emperor Geezy, CEO of the label, authorised that his personal car should be used to convey Kiss Daniel to Abeokuta to attend his father’s burial.

“The singer only requested for two days’ leave, and N200,000 to send to his relatives, who had to bury the dad immediately because he was a Muslim. At that time, Kiss was bitterly angry that none of his family members could come up with even N10,000 to support his dad’s burial. The company was willing to give him more money but he said he needed only N200,000.
“The label CEO’s brother and one other person from the company even accompanied him on the trip back home. Interestingly, on arriving at a hotel in Abeokuta, which had been fully paid for by the label, Kiss refused to attend his own father’s burial on the grounds that he believed that his family was fetish. He said that his father’s death was not ordinary, considering the way he suddenly fell ill and died, after going through a lot of pain. He was scared and said he did not want to be exposed to any dangers.
“On the night of his arrival in Abeokuta, his younger brother was on his way to visit him when he got involved in a car accident. The label took care of his brother’s medical bills, and paid up to N300,000,” the statement read.
Reacting also to claims that G-Worldwide barred Daniel from supporting other artistes, the label stated that Kiss on his own, he decided not to attend some events, even though his management had approved them.

The label wrote, “In response to the claim that Kiss Daniel was barred from supporting other artistes, especially those who supported him and the label at the New Era album launch, we would like to put it on record that at no time did the label bar him from performing at events where friends in the industry had asked for his support. Kiss Daniel however made it a habit to turn up at events late or not at all, always blaming the label for his truancy.
“Clear examples include his failing to appear at Reekado Banks’ album listening party and 2face’s Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless concert. He did this even when 2Baba had provided two separate accommodations for him and his manager at Eko Hotels. He stood up 2face and his manager from 6pm till 1am the next day, claiming that he was on his way, but he never showed up. He repeated the same behaviour at the Chronicles of Ushebebe show, Soundcity’s 2016 MVP Awards, and many others.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/why-kiss-daniel-shunned-his-fathers.html

@ www.Akelicious.com
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released 2017 November/December External Senior School Certificate Examination results.

Prospective candidates are expected to purchase NECO result checking scratch card before proceeding to check their results online,

Cards are available in all NECO offices.
How To Check Result…
1)Go to NECO result checking portal http://www.mynecoexams.com/results/default.aspx
2)Select your examination type i.e. Nov/Dec

3)Select your year of examination i.e. 2017
4)Enter the result checking scratch card PIN number in the required column
5)Enter your examination number
Finally, click on Check My Result button to access your 2017 NECO GCE result.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/neco-releases-2017-novdec-gce-results.html

@ www.Akelicious.com
All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has debunked the speculation that he may be picked by President Muhammadu Buhari as his running mate in 2019.

The Sun reported the story, which Tinubu described as a “classic case of utterly and irredeemably-fake news”.

He said he and the people of the Southwest “have absolute confidence and are exceedingly proud of the excellent job Professor Osinbajo is doing as Vice-President of Nigeria”.

The Sun, in a front page lead story yesterday, claimed that Prof. Osinbajo was considering returning to full-time church work and that Tinubu was being mooted as a replacement for him, according to the newspaper, “as a way to have a solid Southwest support for the APC, in the face of a Southeast/Southsouth alliance in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.


But Tinubu, in a statement by his Media Office in Lagos, said there was no empirical or logical basis for the speculative story.

The statement entitled: “Asiwaju Tinubu Debunks The Sun report on 2019 VP Slot” reads: “The attention of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Office has been drawn to the front page lead story of The Sun newspaper of yesterday, December 13, 2017, which sensationally and ridiculously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari may pick Asiwaju Tinubu as his running mate for the 2019 election. This is a classic case of utterly and irredeemably fake news.

“There is no empirical or logical basis for this mischievously speculative story. Is it even conceivable, as the story recklessly insinuates, that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would be considering returning to full church work rather than run with his boss, President Buhari for a second term if the latter so decides without as much as discussing such a sensitive issue with his party and with Asiwaju Tinubu? In any case, is this story not entirely unwarranted and indefensible as the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket has an electoral mandate of four years out of which it has spent only over two years and a half years?

“This is clearly an attempt to distract the APC Federal Government from the yeoman’s job it has been doing in rescuing the country from the deep rooted socio-economic, political, security and moral mess inherited from the PDP’s 16 years misrule of Nigeria, instigate crisis within the party, stoke dangerous embers of religious disaffection within the party and the country generally and stem the remarkable progress being made in the reinvention and revitalisation of Nigeria.

“The Sun newspaper, through this kind of story, does great discredit to Nigerian journalism, which has made considerable strides towards greater professionalism and excellence over the years. For the avoidance of doubt, Asiwaju Tinubu has absolute confidence and faith in both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo who have been working hard harmoniously in offering inspirational leadership to Nigeria at a most critical period in her history. The heamorrhaging of the national economy through the wanton and unprecedented corruption that obtained before the advent of the APC Federal Government has been stanched.

“There is greater sanity, accountability and transparency in the management of the country’s finances. The Boko Haram insurgency has been substantially contained. We should not allow ourselves to be derailed from the job we are effectively undertaking in fulfilling our campaign promises anchored on the tripod of containing insecurity, taming the scourge of corruption and resuscitating the economy.


“The Buhari and Osinbajo-led Federal Government is deftly steering the country out of an economic recession that was the result of the ineptness of the PDP years of the locusts. Asiwaju Tinubu will never support any attempt to distract Buhari and Osinbajo from the job they are passionately doing through the kind of false report carried by The Sun. In particular, this story does great injustice to Vice President Osinbajo. Here is a man of the highest integrity, moral rectitude, amazing humility, high intellect and unimpeachable credibility. Here is a man of fierce loyalty and absolute trustworthiness who will never do anything in word, thought or deed to undermine his boss. His unquestionable dependability and indisputable fidelity to his oath of office was demonstrated beyond question by his honourable conduct during the President’s medical vacation. Asiwaju Tinubu and the people of the Southwest have absolute confidence and are exceedingly proud of the excellent job Prof. Osinbajo is doing as Vice President of Nigeria.

“Asiwaju takes serious exception to the insinuation by The Sun and in some other quarters that there was ever any so-called frosty relationship between Buhari and Tinubu. We challenge The Sun to provide any evidence where Tinubu has ever complained of any grouse against Buhari. As Asiwaju had cause to point out recently, having been elected President, Buhari had to be given the space to run his government. There have always been and will always be channels of communication between Tinubu and Buhari as members of the same party. Their interaction must not necessarily always be conducted in the public space.

“Contrary to the impression The Sun seeks to create, Asiwaju’s politics is not that of unbridled personal ambition for selfish interest. When at some point in the build-up to the 2015 election, President Buhari offered him the Vice –Presidential ticket, Tinubu gratefully and publicly thanked the President. When it turned out that such an offer would not be in the interest of the party and would play into the hands of enemies of change, Asiwaju unreservedly and passionately threw his support behind Osinbajo as the best man for the job. His opinion has not changed. Indeed, his confidence and belief in Osinbajo has been amply justified by the latter’s sterling performance in the office. This attempt to cause disaffection between the duo cannot and will not fly.

“As Asiwaju firmly asserted in a public statement on December 17th 2014 endorsing Professor Osinbajo for the position of running mate to President Buhari. ‘After all the political calculations are made and the dust of competition has settled, it must be this nation and its people who stand first and foremost. The question becomes whether we stand strong, able to shape ourselves into our best future or will we stand frail and trembling, burdened by the abject failure to surmount the multiple problems confronting us…For me, political ambition will never triumph over patriotic conviction. This delicate moment affords no space for emotion to intrude to blind us from what is best. The APC is the best and only vehicle to enact the progressive and broad change this nation cries for. I eagerly lend myself to this fine cause without me having to be on the ticket. This is a time for cohesion and an overriding sense of mission. We must defeat the foe before us and resist all temptations intended to entice us to fight among ourselves’. As it was then so it remains today and on this patriotic and selfless commitment Asiwaju stands unshakably”.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/i-have-confidence-in-buhari-osinbajo.html

@ www.Akelicious.com

Dangote Foundation on Wednesday said it would commit N36 billion to implement its malnutrition intervention plan in Nigeria from January 2018.



The Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, who made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna, said 13 states would benefit from the intervention plan in the next five years.

Youssoufou said the states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara.


She said the intervention was as a result of the foundation’s pledge during the 2017 Global Nutrition Summit in Italy to spend 100 million dollars toward improving nutrition among Nigerians.

She added that the N36 billion was part of the pledge to reduce malnutrition by 60 per cent in the selected states.

Youssoufou, however, said the foundation would focus on six states namely Kano, Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina and Kebbi in the first two years, before extending the intervention to the remaining seven states.

She noted that without proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, children are less likely to survive childhood diseases like malaria and pneumonia.

According to her, 70 per cent of the fund would be expended to treat malnourished children using Ready to Use Therapeutic Food and other vitamins at Community Management of Acute Malnutrition Centres in the selected states.

The official added that the remaining 30 per cent of the fund would go into “sensitive interventions designed to prevent children from becoming malnourished.

“We will not just treat but also intervene at the level of the family so that parents could provide the needed nutritious meals to the family and prevent the possibility of treated children relapsing.

“Our intervention is tagged `CMAM Plus’, where we treat the child and support the parents with a means of generating income under our Livelihood Programme to provide the nutritious needs of their children.’’

Youssoufou said the livelihood programme would assist parents to engage in economic activities like poultry farming and animal rearing to support their families.

“We will provide the necessary capital and training to ensure sustainability; the idea is for the parents to be self sustaining food-wise so that they will be able to manage their day-to-day eating habits.


“This is necessary because a malnourished child is a proxy to extreme poverty.

“The livelihood programme would be added with other components of sensitive interventions like behavioural change communication, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and promotion of Infant and Young Child Feeding,’’ she said.

The CEO described nutrition as the building blocks of life for children and crucial in building a healthy generation of developers.

“We believe, therefore, that the noble thing to do is to provide proper nutrition to children by utilising the first 1,000 days window when a child’s brain is developing to help them become what they want to be.

“If we don’t act now, we will be creating a generation of stunted children with impaired brains and less capacity to be what they can be, who will end up contributing little or nothing to the development of the country.

“It would be too late to make a difference if we don’t intervene at this level because no amount of intervention can reverse the negative effect of stunting in children. Stunting is irreversible,’’ she said.

NAN reports that the foundation was established in 1993 by business mogul, Aliko Dangote, to support healthcare, education and economic empowerment as well as provide support to disaster victims.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/dangote-foundation-commits-n36bn-to.html

@ www.Akelicious.com
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Paris appealed to the international community to support Nigeria’s commitment to reducing the effects of climate change.

In a submission to the One Planet Summit attended by over 60 heads of state and governments, as well as representatives of non-governmental and private organisations, the President said: “We cannot implement our Nationally Determined Contribution without adequate financial, technical and capacity building support from the developed countries.”

Buhari’s appeal came as the three co-chairmen of the plenary session, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, stressed the need for a global, comprehensive and speedy action, including private sector financing against the devastating impact of climate change.


Buhari noted that although the country had been strengthening efforts towards implementing the Paris Agreement and the Marrakech Call for Action, plan to reduce its emission by 20 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2030 cannot be attained alone. “Having just come out of recession, we are under no illusion of the challenges we face in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, “Nigeria recognises that ensuring sustainable funding is a major constraint in efforts to implement the Nationally Determined Contribution. To respond effectively to climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges, critical mass of financial resources beyond what we can provide from our national resources will be required.”

On steps Nigeria has taken to meet its national goal in this respect, he said the country “embraced the issuance of the green bond as an innovative and alternative source of projects funding that would help reduce emissions and provide robust climate infrastructure, such as renewable energy, low carbon transport, water infrastructure and sustainable agriculture in line with the Paris Agreement”.

In furtherance of efforts to deliver on the country’s pledges, he noted that government was “tightening the existing governance structure for more effective implementation of climate change activities, including the additional responsibilities that are consequent on adoption of the all-encompassing climate change treaty”.


Government was actively promoting technologies and practices such as sustainable land management, climate resilient agriculture, water efficiency, clean energy, and skills for reducing greenhouse gas emissions among others, Buhari said, stressing that sustaining these efforts would require external support.

Other measures included “accelerating research and development on facilitating access to climate friendly technologies, through technology pooling and collective approach to financing research and development, regulating restrictive practices in licensing agreements and anti-competitive uses of intellectual property and international declaration on climate technologies”.

He said: “In Nigeria, we are looking at insurance-based proposals to deal with loss, damage and adaptation to the poor, vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Risk mitigation through insurance must benefit those groups who currently have negligible access to any form of indemnity coverage. Vulnerable groups will also benefit from new technologies and ways to make insurance schemes affordable, including through long-term premium support.”

He said Nigeria would require “a long-term solution for a source of clean power, which can be achieved through private investments to create economic competitiveness for industrialisation, job creation and agricultural programmes throughout the country; and the inclusion of Nigeria in climate regional programmes, especially strong financial support to our planned project for the replenishment of the Lake Chad”.

The President noted: “This long-term solution will ensure sustained livelihood for rural and urban communities, and permanently address the conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism and terrorism, and stem illegal migration especially of our youths abroad.”

Acknowledging that external support must be sustained on a long-term basis, Buhari said: “The changes Nigeria and other developing countries need to make cannot be undertaken overnight.”

He said he looked up to developed countries to jointly take a leading role in mobilising support for addressing the challenges of climate change within the framework of the General Assembly of the United Nations.


The UN scribe had in his earlier address warned that governments who failed to bet on a green economy would be living in a grey future.He said the Paris Agreement laid the basis for ambitious action, but regretted that countries were not winning the war on climate change, which is “the defining challenge of our time”.

Guterres noted that everyday in every region front pages are dominated by weather-related disasters such as storms, floods, droughts and fires. He lamented current financial commitment by governments, saying it was not enough to address climate change problems.

Buhari had before the summit attended a luncheon hosted by his French counterpart in honour of visiting heads of state and governments at the Elysee Palace.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigeria-seeks-global-support-on-climate.html

@ www.Akelicious.com
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has drawn the attention of candidates for the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to fake past question papers in circulation.

The board said the fake past questions in circulation in CD are intended to defraud unsuspecting candidates.
The agency’s Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, gave the warning in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

The statement read: “The fake past questions in CD Rom titled: ‘JAMB PRO CBT practice software for UTME’ was purported to have emanated from JAMB in other to give credence to the products market and perpetuate their nefarious activities.



“The JAMB wish to dissociate itself from the production and sale of the fake CD and warned the public to be vigilant and avoid being defrauded.”

Benjamin said the board had not authorised anybody or group to do so on its behalf.
According to him, preliminary investigation by the Board showed that the past questions in circulation are fake and had no semblance to JAMB question papers both in context, content and forms.

He added: “The board as a responsible and responsive organisation would not be part of any ploy to defraud innocent candidate and has put machinery in motion for any of her outlets and service providers not be used as channel of exploitation or distribution of such fake items.
“Following the unfortunate development, the board has directed all its CBT centres to be wary of this CD in circulation in other not to be used as a channel to market this product.

“The board will continue to ensure that candidates applying for its examination are not misled. Some of these questions in the past have led to some brilliant candidates failing the examination because they relied on them. Please be mindful of these cheats with www.jproonline.com as their website.

“Candidates are therefore advised to study for the examination and channel all enquires to any of the board offices nationwide for any redress, challenges or information.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/jamb-warns-utme-candidates-against-fake.html

@ www.Akelicious.com
Oil prices in the international market sustained their rally on Tuesday, with the Brent crude, the international benchmark for crude oil, trading at $65.24 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures traded at 58.21 dollars a barrel
The last time oil prices exceeded the $65-mark was in June 2015 when it traded at $65.49.

Reuters reported that Brent crude oil prices jumped above $65 per barrel after the closure of the Forties North Sea pipeline knocked out significant supplies from a market that was already tightening due to OPEC-led production cuts.


Britain’s Forties oil pipeline, the country’s largest at a capacity of 450,000 barrels per day (bpd), was shut down on Monday after cracks were revealed.
Its operators said that the pipeline could be shut down for weeks as they pursue repairs, adding that a hairline crack was discovered last week.

“It is a supply concern not only because the pipeline transports a significant portion of North Sea crude oil output, but also because it may take weeks before the issue is resolved,” Abhishek Kumar, Senior Energy Analyst at Interfax Energy’s Global Gas Analytics, told Reuters.
Also, market analysts who weighed in on the development said there was equally an oil price support from the consumer side.

“Demand growth across the commodity complex is extremely robust. And inventories across the complex have been declining sharply,” said US bank Goldman Sachs, in a note to clients.
“The market reaction shows that in a tight market, any supply issue will quickly be reflected in higher prices,” added ANZ bank.
The jump in Brent prices widened its premium to WTI prices, making U.S. oil exports more attractive.
OPEC and its allies started withholding supplies last January and currently plan to continue doing so throughout 2018.

However, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has expressed fears that a continuing rise in prices of oil could incentivise U.S. shale oil producers to ramp up production and perhaps derail the production cuts agreements reached by OPEC and its non-OPEC allies.
Kachikwu said the recent meeting of the group in Vienna last month, where the decision was taken to extend the production cuts till the end of 2018, that he feared shale oil producers could ramp up production even though the price rise was good for Nigeria to fund its 2018 budget.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/oil-prices-hit-65-on-north-sea-pipeline.html

Bayelsa House of Assembly on Tuesday held a public hearing on a Bill seeking to prohibit open grazing of cattle in the state.

The bill entitled “Cattle Breeding, Rearing, Marketing, Regulation and Control 2017’’ was sponsored by the Leader of the House, Mr Peter Akpe, representing Sagbama Constituency 1.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hearing was organised by House’s Joint Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and Security and Special Duties.


Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the Assembly, Konbowei Benson, said that the House had resolved to adopt international best practices in its activities.

According to him, henceforth, all bills being considered by the House must go through public hearing.

Represented by the Chief Whip of the house, Mr Tonye Isenah, the speaker noted that law-making process was not an exclusive preserve of the 24-member assembly.

“We want to liberalize and open up for public participation. This bill was even at the Committee of the Whole discussion before it was stood down in order to seek input from the public,” he said.

Stressing the importance of the bill, Benson said that the assembly was trying to forestall a situation, having seen what was happening in parts of the country, with clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

“Even if nothing has happened at this other side, we should not rest on our oars.

“We need to ensure that we nip it in the bud before we start having crisis in our hands,” he said.

Presenting an overview of the bill, Akpe pointed out that the bill was aimed at solving a lot of challenges.

He stressed the need to incorporate direct professional expertise in making the bill so that it would stand the test of time.

Akpe said the usefulness of cattle in our everyday life had made it imperative for a legislation to further maximize the value to the society.

“There have been a lot of challenges in the management of cattle all over the country, not only in Bayelsa.

“We are also aware that a lot of lives have been lost both ways, by the cattle herders on one hand and the farmers on the other. What of the economic losses?

“Somebody will finish planting with the hope of harvest, invest so much time, energy and money, then all of a sudden we hear that some kind of animals have come to do grazing there, eating up everything.

“It takes the government and the people and law and order to put institutions in place such that we will have the best out of the cattle and the best out of the farms.

“We the people of Nigeria will continue to live more in peace and harmony,” he said.

According to the house leader, the bill has 15 sections, specifying the formation of a committee to manage the activities of cattle in the state and other ancillary responsibilities.

He also said that the bill contained sanctions for violation of any aspect of its provisions.

He said that by the time this bill was law, the wandering of cattle around, causing unnecessary road accidents and pollution would be laid to rest.

“The intent of this bill is necessary to ensure the continued co-existence of Bayelsa people in the Nigeria entity in peace, harmony and prosperity”

Earlier, Mr Daniel Igal, Chairman of the committee, had said that the committee received seven position papers on the bill from stakeholders.

He said the bill was not a Bayelsa affair, but a response to what had become a national problem with incessant clashes between herdsmen and people who went about their businesses, especially farmers.

“What we are trying to do in Bayelsa which is almost novel is that while respecting the freedom of movement, you are also not to trespass on other people’s rights.

“We are also ensuring that those who rear cattle do it within the limits of the law, and that is why we are here,” Igal said.

The hearing witnessed presentations from All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), National Butchers Union of Nigeria, Association of Cattle Dealers and Rearers, Butchers Association of Bayelsa, Police, DSS, among others.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/bayelsa-assembly-moves-to-outlaw-open.html

@ Akelicious.com
The Federal Government has disclosed that it would be saving about N43 trillion in five years, from the importation of raw materials.

Minister of Science and Technology Dr, Ogbonnaya Onu made the revelation at the weekend in Lagos at the interactive session on the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap (2017-2030) with staff of the agencies of the Ministry in the South West geopolitical zone held at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO).

Deputy Director Press AbdulGaniyu Aminu in a press statement, stated that Dr Onu said that the ministry is embarking on a silent revolution.

He stated, “The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has put in place a mechanism that would save Nigeria about N43 trillion in five years from the importation of raw materials


“The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr, Ogbonnaya Onu disclosed that the ministry is embarking on silent revolution that will put Nigeria in a position to create jobs and fight poverty, adding that the big countries in the world do not have natural resources but her endowed with knowledge-economy.

“The revolution, he added, would also ensure that Nigeria utilised her resources and intellectual capacity to add value to our Gross Domestic Products(GDP).

“He said that the Ministry had already identified those raw materials and products that Nigeria can produce and also provide guidelines involving programmes and designs to ensure that Nigerians processionals are given preference in execution of contracts in Nigeria.

“According to Dr.Onu, in the next 20 years we want Nigeria Firms to compete with Americans firms for jobs ,adding that the interest of Nigeria must first be considered above that of any expatriate.

“The Minister appealed to members of Academic Union of Research Institutes (ASURI) to reconsider their on-going strike action while urging them to educate their members about the Road Map.

“We are committed to making sure that the welfare of our workers is


given top priority in the Ministry” he added

“We are working to form a policy framework that will move our country from resource-based to Knowledge-based innovation driven economy where professionals can help to create jobs” the Minister added.

“Dr.Onu further said that more two hundred organised private and manufacturing sectors were fully involved in the preparation and final drafting of the National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw materials which made it all-inclusive.

“Earlier, in his opening remark,the Director of Science and Technology Promotion, in the Ministry, MR Ekanem Udo said that the Roadmap will stimulate Researchactivities and ensure the commercialization of research results for economic development.

“According to him, it is also intended to provide a long-term science and Technology Framework as well as facilitate the creation of knowledge while creating the platform to change the mindset of Nigerians to Science and Technology.

“In her remarks, the Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Professor Gloria Elemo said that the institute is 75% ready to face the assignment as contained in the Roadmap.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/fg-to-save-n43-trillion-from-importation.html

@ Akelicious.com
Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has pledged to provide adequate security and ensure welfare of corps members posted to the various Local Government Areas in the state.


He said this during the closing ceremony of the 2017 Batch “B’’ corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Paiko on Monday.

Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, advised corps members to continue to play vital roles in the area of education, health care, agriculture and rural development.

He enjoined them to be committed to their work, adding that government would strengthen awards to recognise distinguished corps members.In her remarks, Mrs Theresa Arokoyo, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger, commended the State Government for the provision of drugs to facilitate the smooth running of the camp clinic.

She appealed to employers to create an enabling environment for corps members to excel in their places of primary assignments rather than rejecting them.

Arokoyo urged corps members to be good ambassadors of the scheme and practice all they have learnt during the three weeks orientation course in the camp.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/you-are-safe-in-niger-gov-bello-to.html

Lauretta Onochie, Special Assistant on New Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, has reacted to the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Convention in Abuja.

The elective convention which produced a South-South member , Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of PDP, was held on Saturday in Abuja.

In a tweet on Sunday, the Presidential aide while agreeing with an Abuja based lawyer, Daniel Bwalla, said 2019 will swing in favour of Buhari.
She also declared that no Northerner alive can defeat Buhari in 2019.
She wrote: “I agree. There is no Northerner alive who can beat President Buhari at the polls in the North.
“In terms of what PDP did yesterday, 2019 election is done and dusted – Daniel Bwalla on ChannelsTV.”

Recall that Uche Secondus was declared National Chairman of the former ruling party after polling over 2000 votes at the party’s convention in Abuja.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/2019-no-northerner-alive-can-beat.html

@ Akelicious.com
The Nigeria Police Force has created a new hashtag in reaction to the #EndSARS movement which followed series of complaints shared online by Nigerian youths on alleged harassment, assault by the Special Anti-robbery squad, SARS.

The police has called on Nigerians to support the #ReformSARS movement in a bid to become better, and serve the county better.


Recall, that the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Idris Kpotun directed the immediate reorganizarion of SARS,renamed squad, and provided number for complaints.
According to the force, the new #ReformSARS is to reposition the Federal SARS (FSARS ) to respect human rights and for more efficient and effective delivery to Nigerians.
The police, in a statement on its Twitter handle wrote: ”The IGP concerned with Public Interest on allegations, complaints & grievances of some members of the public, especially those on Social Media, against the activities of some members of SARS has so far made consequent orders for the rehabilitation & reform of SARS. #ReformSARS
”This reorganization was announced four days ago. We are certain that Nigerians have begun to see the impact of these reforms and in the coming days, it would even be more visible. #ReformSARS

”Irrespective of some infractions from few personnel of SARS who allegedly acted against the ethics of the Police Profession which are now being investigated, majority of Police personnel attached to SARS are good, sound, disciplined and commendable officers. #SupportSARS
”We assure the general public that we are sieving out the wheat from the chaff in this regard. #ReformSARS #SupportSARS
”We must also highlight that the Federal SARS (FSARS) play a fundamental role in Nigeria’s Security architecture. #ReformSARS #SupportSARS
”SARS personnel have been primarily instrumental to dropping the previously high rate of crime such as armed robbery across the country; we must not discountenance their good work – which they continue to do. #ReformSARS #SupportSARS

”We also commend Nigerians, who out of patriotism, called for these reforms in SARS. Rest assured we are a listening Force working for the good of our country. #ReformSARS #SupportSARS
”We call on Nigerians to Support FSARS to become better, and serve the county better. Thank you. #ReformSARS #SupportSARS

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigeria-police-launches-new-movement-to.html

@ Akelicious.com
The All Progressives Congress,APC has reacted to the emergence of Uche Secondus as national chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party amid allegations of rigging.

APC says reports of rigging during the election shows that PDP is rooted in corruption and cannot change, stating that South West Chairmanship candidates lost as a punishment of not voting for the Party in 2015.



APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi in a statement on Sunday noted that PDP which used to be the biggest political party in Nigeria is now a regional party.
Mr. Secondus was elected at the Saturday’s convention of the party amid allegations of vote buying and ballot rigging .
The statement reads, ” In reacting to revelations of how money-for-votes and systematic rigging was brazenly perpetuated during the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) is mindful of the popular axiom: “A leopard cannot change its spot”.
“The abnormalities that trailed the PDP National Convention have further exposed the PDP as a Party not ready and willing to change. Indeed, the PDP has once again displayed itself to the generality of Nigerians that it is a Party with corruption deeply rooted in its DNA.

“Again, it is tragic that the PDP which used to pride itself as “the biggest political Party in Africa” has now been reduced to a regional party. By frustrating South West Chairmanship candidates, it is unfortunate that the PDP has decided to punish the South West for not voting for the Party in 2015.
“We urge members of the PDP that can pass the integrity test to join the APC so that we can together bring about the much-needed Change the country deserves.”

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/rigging-at-pdp-convention-shows-party.html

@ Akelicious.com

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has described the late Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Kabir Umar, as a just ruler whose reign brought peace and development to the Katagum Emirate of Bauchi State.


In a condolence message on Sunday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, the Governor said the late Emir lived a life of service to his people and the nation at large.

“I have interacted with the late Emir in the past and every time I had the opportunity of meeting him, I was left with the impression of a very honest leader who dedicated himself to the service of others.

“Through his vast knowledge, he made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State in particular, and Nigeria in general,” the Governor stated.

While extending the condolence of the people and government of Sokoto state to their Bauchi counterparts, Tambuwal prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest, and his immediate and extended families the fortitude to bear the loss.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/gov-tambuwal-mourns-passage-of-emir-of.html

@ Akelicious.com
Unknown gunmen have shot a reporter with the Africa Independent Television (AIT), Miss Owe Patience, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The victim was reportedly shot at close range along Edepie area by her assailants, who dispossessed her of her mobile phones, cash and other valuables.
Owei, who covers the Government House, was attacked at about 10.30pm on Friday while returning home from a church service, Shilloh 2017, organised by the Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel,.
It was learnt that the suspected armed robbers shot her in the back after collecting her phones and handbag, leaving her in the pool of her blood.

It was gathered that she was unconscious and in a critical condition

Some journalists and members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), who visited her at the State Government House hospital, where she was rushed to for treatment lamented her condition saying she could not talk.

A Good Samaritan, who rushed her to the hospital, narrated how the journalist was shot.
The source, who identified himself as Bokoru said: “Last night (Friday night) at about 10:40pm, I had an urgent call from James Baridi a few metres from my house. When I went it was the fresh scene of a rather violent robbery.
“A girl I would later identity as an AIT staff was laying half-conscious in a pool of her blood. Witnesses said it was a lone gunman who had trailed her from Shiloh.
“Just in front of her house he showed her the gun, took her phone, jewellery and cash. But the animal didn’t end there. He took steps backwards and shot her at close range even as she gave him no problems.

“Her landlady, James and I rushed her to Tobis Hospital at Akenfa. To our surprise … They would not save her life except we provide a police report and a wholesome amount.
“We took her to another hospital at Igbogene, the people here were humans and they commenced treatment instantly including fresh pounds of blood.
“By morning we realised we needed to contact her family, but how? She lives alone and her phones were gone. In the area no one knows much about her except that she’s a journalist for AIT. We also reported the matter to the Akenfa police division
“For a start, I called NUJ Bayelsa scribe Ebiowei Lawal who called her office. It’s been a very long day. Patience Owe will make it and we have God to thank. Our prayers will remain with her”.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development and said the police were investigating.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/unknown-gunmen-shoot-female-ait-reporter.html

@ Akelicious.com
Irate indigenes of Ikebiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Council of Bayelsa State, yesterday, shut down three oil production wells belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

The protesters, while shutting down the facilities, alleged that NAOC refused to re-award contracts for abandoned projects under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).
‎
The affected wellheads including 9, 14 and 11, were shut by the indigenes numbering over a hundred. They displayed placards with inscriptions such as ‘Enough is enough’, ‘Ikebiri says no to Agip’s neglect’, ‘Stop divide and rule’, and ‘Give us our impact jobs’.


It was gathered that though armed soldiers were later deployed to unlock the wells, the indigenes vowed they would continue to disrupt the company’s operations.

Chairman of Ikebiri Community Development Committee (CDC), Comrade Timiondi Fabofirghe, told The Guardian that their action‎ was in response to refusal by Agip to re-award abandoned projects and include the community as beneficiary of quick impact projects in the absence of the GMoU.

An indigene of the community and the State Secretary of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Comrade Timi Igoli, while confirming the development, said instead of NAOC to discuss with the indigenes, “they invited armed soldiers into the dispute. This was what led to the killing of seven indigenes in the last protest.

“Ikebiri, which is rich in oil and gas, has been neglected and cheated by Agip. The abandoned water project must be completed. The NAOC built a hospital at Ikebiri 1 without beds and equipment. Patients now lie down on bare floor.”

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/bayelsa-community-shuts-down-agip-oil.html

Currently, the head office of the Leadership Newspapers located in Utako, Abuja is under siege by security operatives over 100 million Naira debt.

Akelicious gathered that the Newspapers is allegedly indebted to one Senator Isah from Niger State.

The operatives working under a court order has been mandated to shut down the office and claim all Leadership property including all vehicles found within the premises belonging to the Newspapers.
Already, about six vehicles have been towed away by the assigned officers.
Akelicious gathered that the official vehicle of the General Editor has equally been towed away by the officers.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/security-operatives-shut-down.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has urged fuel consumers across the country to desist from panic buying, assuring that it has enough stock to meet the needs of consumers.

Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, who confirmed this in a statement yesterday, said the ex-depot price of N133.38 per litre and the pump price of N143/N145 per litre of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) have not changed, hence there was no need for panic buying.

The Guardian’s investigations yesterday revealed that a significant number of filling stations in Lagos metropolis have no stock, while others were rationing the product.


The situation led to long queues and unethical bargaining with dealers by consumers leading to obstructing traffic thereby causing gridlock for road users and attendant pains and disappointments.

Stations monitored include Mobil at Isolo, Al-Mourof, Total (Agege), Pinnacle, Petroleum Manager, Wheel Oil among others.

Some commercial bus operators are already taking advantage of the situation to indiscriminately hike fares by as mush as 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Kacalla Baru, made an emergency return from London yesterday in a bid to salvage the fuel supply and distribution challenges.

Baru, who was billed to receive the Forbes Oil & Gas Man of the Year Award 2017 in the British Capital on Tuesday, flew back home to attend to what he described as a “matter of urgent national importance.”


















Before leaving for London, Baru had directed that more truckload of petroleum products be dispatched to various parts of the country to cushion the effects of excessive demand caused by panic buying.

Also, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has expressed dissatisfaction with the situation as it plans to embark on picketing of erring filling stations today.

The Public Affairs Officer, Mrs. Olaide Shonola, who confirmed the inspection, said there was no reason whatsoever for the scarcity that seems to be spreading gradually, and the department would leave no stone unturned to restore sanity into the system.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream yesterday summoned Baru, to appear before it on Thursday, Dec. 7, having failed to appear before it yesterday. It also announced plans to commence nationwide inspection of filling stations over fuel scarcity in the country.

The Chairman of the committee, Kabiru Marafa, made this known while briefing newsmen shortly after an investigative hearing on the matter in Abuja.

Marafa said the senate would not watch some unpatriotic persons put Nigerians through any form of hardship, particularly given the yuletide.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/stop-panic-buying-nnpc-tells-nigerians.html

The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a non-profit United States’ business association dedicated to forging relationships and promoting dialogue between business and government communities across the globe, Tuesday presented the prestigious Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Entrepreneurship Award to both Tony O. Elumelu and Bill Marriott, Chairman, Marriott International Inc.

The award was conferred on Elumelu in recognition of his outstanding work in promoting entrepreneurship on the continent of Africa and across the globe.
Elumelu, a serial entrepreneur, through his Tony Elumelu Foundation, has funded over 3,000 African entrepreneurs to date with his $100 million commitment to 10,000 entrepreneurs over a period of 10 years.

These entrepreneurs are expected to create a million new jobs and over $10 billion in revenue as a result of the initiative of Elumelu’s foundation.
At the award’s gala, former American President George W. Bush acknowledged the efforts of the African entrepreneur, saying: ‘I am impressed with Tony’s philanthropic initiatives which are powering job creation and entrepreneurship in a region (Africa), that is very dear to Laura and me. To receive an award founded by President Eisenhower, has added meaning. Eisenhower provided example in leadership, which we can all learn from. Additionally, his belief in promoting international understanding is a vitally important responsibility.


Speaking on the reason why Elumelu was selected as the recipient of this prestigious award, Peter Tichansky, the CEO of BCIU, said: “Mr. Elumelu’s bold approach and can-do mindset are exemplary characteristics of a visionary entrepreneur. He embodies the idea that companies must take the lead in bringing business and society together. His advocacy is proving that businesses, acting as businesses and not charitable donors, are the most powerful force for addressing social challenges and economic development.”

Indeed this is the philosophy of Elumelu, founder of the concept of Africapitalism, which essentially states that Africa’s private sector must play a leading role in the development and growth of the continent as both governments and the private sector come together to make this happen.

Elumelu who was presented his award by Kip Forbes and Anne Eisenhower (the granddaughter of President Eisenhower,) in his acceptance speech stated: “President Eisenhower was a man of many dimensions and most important is his leadership. Being recognised today as a recipient of the inaugural global entrepreneurship award is an honour that resonates with so many people in Africa. What our entrepreneurs in Africa need is powerful leadership to further energise, encourage and motivate them to transform the continent.”
He went on to say: “I hope this will further spur on other Africans and friends of Africa to make sure we work together for an inclusive prosperity.”

Elumelu dedicated his award to his wife and children as well as the staff of UBA, Transcorp, Heirs Holdings, the Tony Elumelu Foundation and all the other companies within his group of companies.
He thanked BCIU on behalf of entrepreneurs in Africa: “On behalf of the over 3,000 entrepreneurs who have benefitted from the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship programme, I say thank you very much,” Elumelu added.
The award ceremony and gala took place at the historic venue, the Cipriani on Wall Street in New York.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/us-business-association-honours-elumelu.html

Google is to deploy a staff of 10,000 to hunt down extremist content on its YouTube platform following recent criticism, the video-sharing site’s chief executive told Britain’s Daily Telegraph Tuesday.

Susan Wojcicki admitted in the broadsheet that “bad actors” had used the website to “mislead, manipulate, harass or even harm.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May has put pressure on internet giants to root out online radical material following a spate of terror attacks, while YouTube last week pulled 150,000 videos of children after lewd comments about them were posted by viewers.


Wojcicki claimed that her company had developed “computer-learning” technology to identify extremist videos, and that it could also be used to identify content that risked children’s safety.

“We will continue the growth of our teams, with the goal of bringing the total number of people across Google working to address content that might violate our policies to over 10,000 in 2018.”

Last week’s move to take down suspect content came after a British newspaper reported that ads for big-name brands were displayed alongside videos of children or teens which, while innocent on their own, drew viewer comments that seemed paedophilic in nature.

Media reports indicate the situation made advertisers skittish, with some halting YouTube advertising.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/10000-google-staff-set-to-police.html

Nigeria and Switzerland have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the return of $321 million traced to the late former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, The Cable reported on Monday.

The deal was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Washington DC, United States on Monday at the headquarters of the World Bank Group.

When returned, the money is expected to be expended on social protection programme in Nigeria.
Abacha ruled Nigeria from November 1993 till his sudden death in June 1998 — during which he stashed billions of dollars abroad.
Recoveries have been made since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 with suspicion that they have been mismanaged.


Civil society organisations were involved in the negotiation of the new MoU and are expected to monitor the use of the funds.
The Global Forum on Asset Recovery was established as an outcome of the London 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit hosted by former UK Prime Minister, David Cameron.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigeria-seals-deal-with-switzerland-to.html

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), yesterday predicted that Nigeria will split into three new nations in 2019.

The group said the three new nations will be Biafra, Oduduwa and Arewa Republics.

This was even as it said President Muhammadu Buhari would be the last President of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu, and made available to newsmen in Awka, the group advised politicians nursing ambition for 2019 to drop it as it would not materialise.

“We wish to inform the political gladiators of Nigerian state that their 2019 political ambitions will no longer materialise because Nigeria, as an entity, will not exist beyond the year 2019.

“Before the end of the year 2019, there will be no more Nigeria as a political entity, there will be newborn nations called Biafra, Oduduwa and Arewa Republics.

“MASSOB also wishes to inform the voluntary and forced citizens of Nigeria that Muhammed Buhari is the last president of Nigeria.

“As every nation of the universe has its spiritual anchor and stronghold, MASSOB gladly wishes to inform the people of Biafra that the spiritual anchor and stronghold of Nigeria entity has been broken. No military might or alliances will stop the emergence of Biafra soon.”

The group said it was coming up with new strategies where all the pro-Biafran groups will ensure that Biafra is achieved soon without violence.

“MASSOB in collaboration with other groups in the genuine spirit of Biafra revolution declare that enough is enough. A new strategy and consolidation anchored on the principles of non violence will soon be unveiled. The coming together of pro-Biafra groups will multiply our synergies and double our consistent efforts towards Biafra actualisation and restoration through our undying demand and pressure for a referendum that will determine our stake in Nigerian project.

“We wish to remind citizens and inhabitants of Nigeria that God did not create us as Nigerians. We inherited and anchored our names through our native, cultural and traditional inclinations. It is only dogs and other domestic pets that retain and maintain names given to them by their lords and owners.

Urging Nigerians to take a cue from other African nations that rejected colonial change of their original names, MASSOB said: “Some other nations in Africa who pride their native, cultural and traditional values as a mark of respect to their forefathers rejected the change of their names by British colonial master s. But political gladiators in Nigeria want to sustain and preserve this geographical expression called Nigeria. We are naturally and ancestrally called Biafra, Odududuwa and Arewa.

“British colonial lords named the indigenous people, Burma, they rejected it and renamed themselves their native name, Myanmar.


They also named another indigenous people, Upper Volta, they rejected it and renamed themselves Burkina Faso.”

which means land of incorruptible people.

‘British colonial masters also changed Ghana to Gold Coast, they rejected it and renamed themselves Ghana. They renamed Zimbabwe to Southern Rhodesia, they rejected it and renamed themselves Zimbabwe. They changed Zambia to Northern Rhodesia, they rejected it and renamed themselves Zambia. They also changed Tanzania to Tanganyika, they rejected it and renamed themselves Tanzania.

“Even Germany renamed Namibia to colony of South West Africa, they rejected it and renamed themselves Namibia. France named indigenous people of Benin to Dahomey, they rejected it and renamed themselves Benin. Belgium renamed Congo to Zaire they rejected it and renamed themselves DRC or Democratic Republic of Congo.

But, British colonial masters named some indigenous people, Nigeria, 57 years ago, they prefer to kill themselves just to preserve it than reject it. It is only an animal that bears the name that is given to it by another person.”

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigeria-will-split-into-3-new-nations.html

Twenty-two ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from Dec. 22 to Dec. 30.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication, “Shipping Position’’ on Monday in Lagos.

NPA said that the ships contained buck wheat, empty container, bulk salt, aviation fuel, diesel, petrol and containers laden with goods.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five ships had arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser and petrol.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/22-ships-laden-with-petroleum-products.html

In about eight years of its effort to sanitise the nation’s banking industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has committed over N3 trillion to bail out distressed banks in the country just as the sinking fund established to absorb cost of banking crises in the country has welled up to N931 billion from inception, Daily Sun investigation has shown.

The bailout scheme included the N1.725 trillion spent by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to acquire the non-performing loans of banks in the wake of the global financial crises of 2008–2010.

Commenting on the bail out, the former Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc and Finance Consultant, Rislanudeen Muhammad, said: “specifically bail out funds by the CBN as a prelude to AMCON take over for example was a potent way in which financial stability was restored without a single depositor losing his or her funds.

“It also ensures weak non-performing loan and capital adequacy ratios do not graduate into insolvency. Interventions also ensures financial intermediation capacity of banks is guaranteed. As a one off arrangement, that is very good but if it becomes endemic in a vicious cycle, it could give room for what Economists call ‘Moral hazard’ or a situation where banks simply create bad loans because they know at some time some government organisation will take over and free their balance sheets”, he explained. In 2009, the apex bank had injected N620 billion to rescue 10 banks at the heat of the financial crisis. Another N679 billion was expended by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to recapitalise the three Bridge Banks in August, 2011.

Commenting on the resolution of the banking crises then, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, the erstwhile CBN Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, noted that unlike other economies where financial stimulus and bailout packages came at huge cost to the tax payers, the CBN, banks and AMCON established the Banking Sector Resolution Cost Fund (Sinking Fund) to absorb cost of crises. He said the 24 banks in the country and the CBN have been designated to contribute 0.5 per cent of their total assets and N50 billion per annum respectively to the fund.

“The net financial cost of stabilising the Nigerian financial system sequel to the global financial crises is estimated at N1.725 trillion. However, following the recent regulatory intervention and takeover of defunct Afribank, Bank PHB and Spring Bank by the AMCON and injection of N679 billion to recapitalise the emergent bridge banks, the cost has moved far higher,” he said. As for the sinking fund, AMCON) has said that the banks have so far contributed N931billion to the fund since inception.

AMCON Managing Director, Ahmed Kuru,who disclosed this last May in Lagos, added that banks contributed N136billion to the sinking fund during the 2016 financial year. Kuru however lamented that the projection was that banks were going to grow at 20 per cent, which never came to pass because of theeconomic recession that hit Nigeria that year.

He said: “In 2016, we had envisaged that the banks would have contributed about N288 billion, but they actually contributed only N136 billion. What we did was just to service the interest of our loan from the CBN. We pray that the contribution to the sinking fund would improve and then our losses would begin to go down.”

Speaking on the performance of the company in 2016, Kuru said, “In 2016, our total recovery was N134billion. Not all of them are cash.

N86.9billion came from cash collection and some debtors that felt that they could settle some outstanding obligation through forfeiture of their assets”.

“So, assets forfeiture amounted to about N30.4 billion, while N8 billion came from sale of properties,” he said. The Chief Financial Officer, AMCON, Olugbenga Ataiyero, who gave a breakdown of the account, noted also that the group losses were reduced by N57 billion to N352 billion at end of December 2016 from N295 billion at end of December 2015.

Therefore, in over a six-year period, AMCON was said to have recovered over N760 billion so far. But according to CBN’s 2016 Financial Stability Report, the amount represents a fraction of its total Eligible Bank Asset (EBAs) purchase price of N1.75 trillion.

Giving the breakdown, the report states that, as at September, 2016, the Corporation made total recovery of N78.76 billion for 2016, which was made up of cash recoveries, asset forfeiture and securities forfeiture.

“This represented a 90.2 per cent increase in the recoveries of N41.42 billion recorded in the corresponding period to September 30, 2015. From its inception to September 30, 2015, the corporation has made total recoveries of N681.541 billion, representing 38.95 per cent of its total Eligible Bank Asset purchase price of N1.75 trillion.” The CBN repot stated that the routine examination of AMCON was conducted during the second half of 2016. The examination focused on the management of the acquired and restructured Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs), the recoveries made, assets disposed and strategies for redemption of liabilities.

It adds: “The net carrying value of AMCON’s outstanding liabilities remained unchanged at N4.5 trillion at end-December 2016. However, the carrying value of its assets net of impairment was N624 billion at end-December 2016, down from N846.41 billion at end-June 2016 following recoveries realised and additional impairments booked by the Corporation. The gap between AMCON’s assets and its liabilities would potentially be covered through the Banking Sector Resolution Cost Trust Fund (BSRCTF) as well as credit recoveries and assets sales by AMCON.

The BSRCTF realised total collections of N175.97 billion during the 2016 financial year while AMCON realised total recoveries of N139.04 billion during the year.”

At the time of its establishment in 2010, AMCON identified 10 banks with crisis in system asset and responded by the injection of N736 billion liquidity to buy up their assets. The original book value of the acquired non-performing loans (NPLs) was N4.02trillion at a price of N1.76 trillion with a commensurate issue of Zero Bond for the NPL acquired. Among the 10 banks, only three banks were unable to meet up and were finally acquired by AMCON and tagged as Bridged Banks: They included Mainstreet Bank, formely Afribank; Keystone Bank(Bank PHB) and Enterprise Bank (Spring Bank). The CBN report also raised a red flag about the rising NPL in the banking sector as NPL ratio moved from 11.7 per cent to 12.8 per cent at the end of 2016.

The report states: “During the period under review, credit risk trended higher as the industry wide NPL ratio moved from 11.7 per cent to 12.8 per cent at the end of 2016 and non-performing loans grew to N2.09 trillion at end-December 2016, from N1.7trillion at end-June 2016. Total exposure of the top 50 obligors stood at N5.59 trillion (34 per cent) of total industry credit exposure of N16.29 trillion.

At end-December 2016, loans to the oil and gas sector constituted 30.02 per cent of the gross loan portfolio of the banking system as credit to that sector grew from N4.51trillion, to N4.89trillion. Loans to state governments declined marginally to N1.38 trillion from N1.4trillion at end-June 2016.”AMCON tags debtors economic saboteurs.


The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has described debtors of the Corporation as economic saboteurs and should be made to fulfill their obligations for economic growth.

The Corporation described as unacceptable the way economy was ‘bleeding’ while the debts owed it by 350 Nigerians would be enough to fund the deficit in the 2017 budget.

Its Managing Director , Kuru said that henceforth AMCON would move hard on such debtors with a view to freeing some money for the economy to grow.

Kuru, who spoke in Enugu during a retreat for AMCON and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency said that the obligors owed the corporation to the tune of N2.5 trillion, adding that the prevailing situation had hampered business models in the country. He said that it was more intriguing that the debtors had sued in various courts across the country either by disputing the debt or claiming damages against AMCON.

“Our recent assessment of obligors identified 350 accounts that represent about 80 per cent of AMCON’s current exposure of N2.5 trillion as at Dec. 31, 2016.

“Consequently, we have repositioned our debt recovery approach to strengthen legal and credit restructuring units to collaborate on the aforementioned accounts termed defaulters,” he said.

He said that the Corporation was established to intervene in the banking sector to maintain economic and social stability in Nigeria due to the unprecedented rise in nonperforming loans.

“AMCON acquired over 13, 000 of such loans worth N3.7 trillion from 22 banks and injected N2.2 trillion as financial accommodation to 10 banks in order to prevent systemic failure.

“This intervention helped stabilise the financial system as about N3.66 trillion of depositors’ funds and interbank takings were protected and approximately 14,000 jobs were saved,” he said.

Kuru said that AMCON had so far recovered N716.1 billion from obligors of which cash and assets accounted for 45 per cent and 55 per cent respectively.

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/cbn-spends-over-n3trn-in-8-years.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected a total of $14.184 billion into the interbank segment of the foreign exchange (FX) market since it started its forays in the market in February this year, figures compiled by Akelicious have shown.

This is just as the naira has been projected to appreciate against the U.S. dollar in the coming days following the anticipated inflow from the $3 billion Eurobond that was recently issued by the government as well as additional $2.5 billion borrowing plan that has been approved by the Senate to support the funding of the budget.


According to weekly FX sales by the central bank between February 21 and November 30, compiled by Akelicious, the CBN sold the greenback to authorised dealers in 60 sessions.

A breakdown of the dollar sales showed that $680 million was pumped into the market in February, $1.542 billion was sold in March, $1.616 billion in April, $2.102 billion in May, and $1.631 billion in June.

Also, while the central bank offered $1.639 billion to banks to sell to their customers in July, in August it sold a total of $1.051 billion.

Additionally, the central bank offered $1.548 billion in September, $1.567 billion in October, and $810 million in November.

The $2.102 billion sold by the central bank in May remained the highest in the nine months under review.
The dollar sales have been targeted at retail invisibles for PTA, BTA, school fees and medical bills, wholesale forwards, SMEs, and Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS).

A market analyst said the interventions by the central bank have helped in eliminating the pressure on the forex market, ensured exchange rate stability and eliminated currency speculators.

The naira exchange rate has remained stable in the past few months, exchanging at around N360 to a dollar in almost all the FX market segments.

Besides the push by the CBN, analysts reckon that the influx of forex from Nigerians abroad, especially during the yuletide season, is expected to strengthen the naira as demand for the currency has been largely met by the banks and other dealers in the market.

The President of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe praised the CBN’s drive to stabilise the forex market, saying that the measures stemmed rampant cases of forex leakages and illicit money transfer from the country.

He also assured the central bank of continuous support by his association.
Also, CBN spokesman, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, expressed optimism that the naira would firm up against other currencies in the weeks ahead considering the $3 billion inflow expected from the recent purchase of Eurobonds and the $2.5 billion borrowing approved by the Senate to support the funding of the budget.

According to him, the Bank’s resolve to ensure adequate supply of forex to genuine customers through authorised dealers was sure to guarantee liquidity and boost confidence in the market by checking the activities of speculators.

The aggressive interventions, notwithstanding, Nigeria’s external reserves increased by $5.488 billion to $34.816 billion as of November 29, compared to the $29.328 billion when the new forex policy was unveiled in February.
CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele recently projected that the external reserves would hit $40 billion before the end of 2018.

He also pointed out that the dogged implementation of the FX restriction on certain items had led to a 65 per cent drop in the country’s monthly import bill, from an average of $5.5 billion to $1.9 billion in the first half of 2017.

The governor expressed optimism that with the aggressive development finance interventions by the CBN, the nation’s import bill would reduce further.

This, according to him, would further strengthen the nation’s currency.
While stating that over the last 12 months Nigeria’s FX reserves had grown by over $11 billion, from about $23 billion in October 2016 to its present value, Emefiele said: “if we remain resolute with our efforts, policies and actions, we can attain FX reserves position of about US$40 billion by end 2018.”

He also expects a return to very low double digit or high single digit inflation levels next year but warned policymakers in the country not to become complacent or over-confident, stressing the need for all to continue to work to improve and sustain the pace of recovery.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/cbn-injects-142bn-into-fx-market-in9.html

@ www.Akelicious.com

The Media Aide to former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, has described Chief Victor Umeh as a “lying Machine”.

Obienyem was reacting to statements by Umeh on AIT Focus Programme at the weekend, where he said, among other things, that Innoson Factory at Nnewi was closed down after some Chinese workers were kidnapped and did not open until Obi left office; that Obi’s Commissioner for Science and Technology was kidnapped during Obi’s tenure; that Obi’s first tenure in office was a monumental failure; that Obi left APGA because he wanted to become a Minister or Vice President, and that Obi left no signature project.

In a release made available to the press, Obienyem said the entire programme did not contain an iota of truth. On the issue of Innoson Factory, Obienyem said in Umeh’s voyage of dealing with Obi, he forgot that it was from the same Innoson that he claimed did not open during Obi’s tenure because of kidnapping that Obi bought vehicles for schools, security, traditional rulers and for refuse disposal. “The man is turning into another thing, he was present when Obi successfully invited President Goodluck Jonathan to commission that project in the State.”


Frowning on the claim that Obi’s Commissioner for Science and Technology was kidnapped and killed under Obi, Obienyem said such a statement was evident that Umeh was just childishly moving around and telling pitiable lies.

On the issue of signature project and, Obi, according to Umeh, being a monumental failure in his first tenure, Obienyem said it had become clear that most people bandying “signature” project did not actually know what it meant.

“How can you say that a man that was clearly returned on the basis of his first tenure work, including the completion of the first State Secretariat, the Teaching Hospital, the return of schools to the Church and granting of over N6 billion for the rehabilitation of returned schools, the completion of more than 10 bridges, massive construction of roads, the presentation of first set of buses and computers to schools in Anambra State, among others, did not have a signature project? Obienyem asked.

Recalling that Nigerians thought he was coming on air to react to revelations by observers about Anambra election, Obienyem expressed regret that he ended up showcasing his little mindedness by proving that his mission was to destroy Obi’s reputation and integrity and even what he perceived as his future.

Obienyem advised Umeh to grow up and stop displaying what he called the antics of immature minds that secretly designed how to deal with an “enemy during election’ and is happy executing it, even when every other participant in that election is facing the outcome maturely.

He reminded Umeh that what he should be doing at this time is assisting Governor Willie Obiano to deliver his campaign promises for the good of Anambra people; rather than breeding hate.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/victor-umehs-lying-machine-says-obis.html

The Federal Government has promised to establish eight radiotherapy centres and chemotherapy facilities for the treatment of cancer, across the six geo-political zones in 2018.

The Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, who disclosed this in Abuja, at the flag- off of radiotherapy treatment, at the National hospital, explained that provisions have been made in the 2018 appropriation bill for the funding of the initiative.

“I am particularly happy to say that radiotherapy treatment would now be available to Nigerians both in National Hospital, Abuja and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. Let me use this opportunity to inform Nigerians that a second machine of the same type and model would be available in the next three months.”

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/fed-govt-to-tackle-cancer-with-8.html

The Presidency on Saturday described as “fictitious concoction” a claim credited to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that President Muhammadu Buhari was banned from entering United States over religious considerations.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said in a statement on Saturday it was mind-boggling that a person of Atiku’s calibre who should know the truth was spreading lies about the President.

He said the claim made by the former vice president only existed in the realm of his imagination, as President Buhari was never stopped from entering America.

The statement reads: “Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, claims in an interview published Saturday that ‘for about 15 years, Buhari could not enter America on account of religious considerations.’


“This fictive concoction being passed off as truth is mind-boggling, coming from a former Number Two Man of Nigeria, who should know the truth.

“At no time was President Buhari, as a private person, ever forbidden from entering any country in the world.

“Rather, the rest of the world has always held Muhammadu Buhari as a man of sterling qualities, strong on integrity, transparency and accountability.

“The same testimony is still borne of the Nigerian President by many world leaders today.

“It is curious that former VP Abubakar had been asked why he had not visited America for over a decade, something that had been a stubborn fact dogging his footsteps. Instead of answering directly, he begged the question, saying Buhari also had been disallowed from entering the same country for 15 years before becoming President.

“We hereby make it resoundingly clear that what the former vice president said only exists in the realm of his imagination.


“If he has issues to settle with American authorities, he should do so, rather than clutch at a straw.”

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/atikus-claim-on-buhari-fictitious-says.html

No fewer than 83, 771 cases of the the Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV infections were recorded in Ondo and Borno States between 2017 and 2017 officials of the two states have disclosed, a pointer that the virus was still very active and spreading in society despite campaigns to check it.

While Ondo State which took stock toll December 2016 discovered that 81,871 people were infected Borno State discovered that in 2017, over 1,900 persons were afflicted with HIV in the state.


Borno State in the year 2017, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Haruna Mshelia disclosed on Friday.

Briefing the Press as one of the activities marking the 2017 World AIDS Day in the state, Borno State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Haruna Mshelia disclosed on Friday that the state government had scaled up HIV services in 237 health facilities in wards across the state to achieve UNAIDS global strategy of 90:90:90 by 2030, that is “90% of population should be tested, 90% positives should be placed on therapy and 90% of those on drugs should have viral load suppressed.”

He said among the planned activities of the ministry to combat HIV/AIDS was “intensification of sensitisation and awareness creation to the public on the HIV issues.”

He said though HIVservices was a donor-driven programme, the state “will implement the five-year state strategic plan and the four year sustainability roadmap developed this year.”

He said 42 HIV Testing sites had been established, including 15 at internally displaced persons camps.

He also disclosed that 12 anti-retroviral therapy sites had been established in the state, as well as 52 prevention of mother to child transmission sites.

He said a total of 263,404 persons made themselves available for HIV test with 1,902 new infections discovered in 2017, revealing that 11,303 persons are currently receiving anti-retro viral therapy in the state.

Mshelia said since 2011 to date 1,402,227 cumulative HIV testing and counseling services were held in the state.

This figure Ondo State statistics was disclosed in Akure yesterday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Ifedayo Abegunde in his speech at a ceremony to mark the 2017 World Aids Day in the state.

According to Abegunde, who is the Chairman of the Ondo State Action Committee of Aids (ODSACA), 5,048 people were newly infected.

The SSG also disclosed that 8,048 persons were on treatment while 4,701 women were positive of the disease out of which 748 were on antiretroviral therapy in the year under review.

Abegunde said the administration in the state would not relent in its effort to ensuring that the disease was eradicated in the state.

The SSG also declared the state had “HIV zero-prevalence of 1.6 per cent.” adding that the government put the issue of the disease at the top of its political and practical agenda.

In his keynote address, at the occasion, the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, who declared the event open said the state government had been up and doing to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of the disease and also preventing new infections within the state.

The governor noted that the state government had been doing its best to protect the people living with HIV from being stigmatised.

“Awareness and mobilisation is going to be scaled up in the state. In addition, an investment in testing, treatment and elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV will slow down the spread of HIV infection and lead to early treatment which is the key to viral suppression and long term survival.

“This treatment will also lead to reduced death and new infections among children. Also the plight of the People Living with HIV is a major concern of this administration”, Akeredolu stated.

The Governor advised people to avoid multiple sex partners, non-use of condom, saying that collective fight against HIV would reduce the prevalence of the disease .

More details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/83771-hiv-infections-recorded-in-borno.html?m=1

The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday graduated 414 special forces of its personnel out which 396 were airmen, airwomen and 18 were Officers.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar made the disclosure during the Combined graduation of Basic Regiment Officers, airmen and Gunnery II Course and special forces course 2017, at the Military Training Centre NAF base in Kaduna.

The Air Chief was represented by Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, AVM Samson Akpasa.

Abubakar said the 414 personnel undergone various special courses, which include intermediate regiment airmen course and special forces course, others are basic regiment officers course and basic regiment airmen,and airwomen course.


“All these culminated to the force protection in complex air ground environment course.

“The knowledge you have acquired couple with the practical exercise in basic field tactics, weapon training, map reading and airfield defence training are designed to prepare you for prompt deployment as the need arises.

“I am sure you have imbibed the attributes of the military profession absolutely loyalty discipline, honesty, intelligence, accountability, teamwork and courage among other values.

“I want you to note that it is the possession of these virtues that binds all ranks in the service,” he said

Abubakar reminded the personnel that the service invested enormous resources in accomplishing the training, saying “it is therefore desirable that you reciprocate the good gesture.”

He said that NAF will continue to support all efforts to make the regiment a fighting force with the requisite capacity in the protection of NAF asset.


The Air Chief appreciated the unending support of President Muhammadu Buhari, who adequately provided funding for training and operational activities of NAF.

Earlier the Commandant Regiment Training Centre, Group Captain, Isa’ac Subi , said the curriculum of regiment training centre were re-structured to make more effective and efficient in training personnel to meet changing complexities of military operation.

Subi said the topics covered include, understanding threats, the motivation, methodologies of attack, troops leading, signal communication, combat medics counter terrorism among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training were conducted by the Israeli Military Training Organisation and British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).

more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/naf-graduates-414-special-forces.html

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim on Thursday in Kano disclosed that the corporation had so far paid N105 billion to 442, 615 depositors of closed deposit money banks (DMBs) at the end of September 2017.

Similarly, the corporation paid a cumulative sum of N2.88 billion to 525, 009 Depositors of closed Microfinance banks (MFBs), as well as N60 million to 756 depositors of closed Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs).

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/ndic-has-paid-n105bn-to-depositors-of.html