₦airaland Forum

More than four months after its owner has died, a dog still refuses to leave the entrance of a hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The dog’s owner, a homeless man, was stabbed in a local park and rushed to Santa Casa de Novo Horizonte medical centre where he died from his injuries, according to local media reports.

Following the fatal incident, the dog chased the ambulance carrying his owner and has waited at the doors of the medical centre ever since.

A Hospital staff who have provided food and water for the loyal companion said the dog, whose name is unknown, has never tried to enter the building.

It sits quietly outside waiting for the master.

Local resident Cristine Sardella shared two images of the dog on her Facebook page on February 27, telling the story of his then-four-month wait, with her post going viral.

“We have lots to learn from the animals,” her post read. “He waits for him in vain, but the love he has for his owner is eternal.”

She first noticed the dog when visiting for an appointment.

“He would get up to let people pass by, very politely, and then lay right back down again,” Ms. Sardella, a lawyer, said.

Ms. Sardella said she arranged for the dog to be picked up by a rescue organisation. But it escaped within days and made his way back across the city, walking over three kilometres to get back to the hospital.

The hospital’s director, Osvaldo Sobrinho, said they were arranging for the dog to be seen by a veterinarian and vaccinated, and a staff member was waiting to adopt him if and when it decides to leave its vigil.

It is not the first story of a dog showing unwavering loyalty to its owner.

A Japanese pooch named Hachiko famously waited almost 10 years at a train station for its owner who died after leaving it on the platform in the 1920s.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/loyal-dog-waits-outside-hospital-four.html

A 28-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly beating his mother who he said refused to buy him a new mobile phone.

He added that the poor woman also did not cook his favourite delicacy for him.

The Kenyan man, Alphonce Onyango, facing charges of assault in Umoja Estate, was also said to have demanded to be served managu (African nightshade) and beef by his elderly mother, Josphine Okoth, who is now the complainant.

According to police records, the mother to the accused was cooking for her family when the accused arrived while drunk and started to demand to be served his favourite dish, ‘managu,’ with beef and ugali.

Reportedly, his mother told him that they had not prepared what he wanted. In a fit of rage, the man began throwing a tantrum, threatening to blow his nose in the cooking pot to mess whatever she was preparing for super.

Further, the accused was said to have complained that his younger brother has been favoured by the mother and even gifted with a new phone, yet he was the eldest and deserved some respect.

The prosecution states that the mother brushed him off that he was already grown up, a statement that irritated him in front of other siblings.

For this reason, he began roughing up his mother and threatened to clobber her.

Luckily, his sickly father arrived in time and attempted to cool him down. But he turned against his father and beat him up before vanishing.

The parents reported the matter to police who pursued and arrested the culprit.

He, however, denied the charges leveled against him, pleading for leniency.

He was set free on Sh10,000 cash bail. The matter is set for hearing on June 11, 2018.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/man-28-beats-up-mum-for-not-cooking-his.html

Team Nigeria athletes for the XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, are expected to depart for the games on March 24, an official of the Federal Ministry of Sports, Yemi Usikaye, said on Monday.

Usikaye, the Deputy Director, Para-Sports and coaching department in the ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 56 athletes and 22 coaches would depart from Abuja ahead of the games.

“This first batch of athletes and coaches will come from Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Gymnastics, Para Athletics, Para Power lifting, Para Table Tennis, Table Tennis and Weightlifting.


“The second batch which will consist of athletes and coaches from Wrestling and Athletics Federations will leave on April 2,’’ the official said.

An advance team of officials from the ministry departed Nigeria on March 18 to attend the Delegates’ Registration Meeting due to hold on March 22.

Athletes competing in the Games would round-off their training and proceed to Brisbane on March 24.

The athletics federation would depart with 25 home-based athletes and five coaches.

The Games Village will officially open on March 25 while team officials are allowed to check their athletes’ rooms five days before the commencement of the event.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will hold from April 4 to April 15.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/commonwealth-games-team-nigeria-to.html

Dame Julie Okah-Donli, Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said no fewer than 13,000 trafficked persons have been rescued by the agency.

Okah-Donli disclosed this in an interview with the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York at the premiere of a movie about human trafficking in Nigeria.

The movie, ‘Mrs Adams’, which premiered at the Nigeria House, came at a time Nigerians and Africans were taking the perilous Mediterranean Sea route to Europe, and was produced by QueenBlessing Itua.

“So far, we’ve rescued over 13,000 victims, we’ve prosecuted about 339 traffickers and we’ve rehabilitated about 8,000 victims as well,” she said.

According to her, the prostitution trade, which draws its recruits mainly from human trafficking, is estimated at roughly 150 billion dollars business.

She, however, cautioned Nigerians against referring to trafficked persons as prostitutes, saying they are victims, not criminals adding “a prostitute works for herself and cuts the shots”.

“But somebody who is sexually exploited does not work for herself, she work for someone else; she does not even have the freedom or access to the money”.

She said many victims were scared to talk because most traffickers were known to them – family friends, boyfriends, brothers, fear of reprisals or death because of sworn oath.

“Some of them came back with all sorts of conditions – some treatable, some untreatable, some with hepatitis, HIV, some with full-blown AIDS,” she said, adding many of the victims has psychological problems.

“A lot of them come back mentally sick and so we have to refer them to the mental hospitals because they were traumatised, they’ve been beaten, raped and used.”

Okah-Donli regretted that while NAPTIP tried to arrest the perpetrators, they sometimes connived with some law enforcement officers, who were supposed to protect the victims, and allowed them to escape.

According to her, NAPTIP is making a case to ensure that NAPTIP officials are at the airports and borders to check such abuses.


She said human trafficking involved recruitment, transporting and harbouring of human beings to exploit them sexually, for forced labour or for the purpose of organ harvesting through force, deceit, abduction, or fraud.

She accused destination countries of irregular migrants of corruption at the detention centres, saying that is where people go to buy them for organ harvesting, sexual exploitation and forced labour.

The NAPTIP chief, in an emotion-laden narrative, decried the rampant cases of organ harvesting, whereby people waiting for transplant went to the ‘black markets’ to buy the organs.

“People buy men, women, boys and girls, and use them for sexual purposes or for taking their organs off them and using them for whatever purpose or sell them outrightly.”

She said the Federal Government was responding to trafficking in persons through the domestication of the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crimes and establishment of NAPTIP, among others.

Okah-Donli added that trafficked persons, when rescued by NAPTIP, were counselled, treated, some went back to school while some were trained in skills acquisition programmes.

“For us, ‘prevention is better than cure’. We try to prevent by sensitising everyone and of course we are trying to change the mindset of our youth who think that anything outside Nigeria is the best.

“They think when they go abroad, there’s work waiting for them, there’s money everywhere. So we’re trying to make them believe, first of all, in their country and in themselves.”

The NAPTIP chief said the Federal Government was signing bilateral agreements with the various countries of destination adding, it planned to sign mutual legal assistance with all the endemic countries.

Another book, authored by Itua, ‘We are the Blessings of Africa’, which stressed the urgent need to change the perception about Africa adding, was also launched at the event.

It was attended by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, his Deputy, Amb. Samson Itegboje, and Senior Special Assistant to the Wife of the President, Dr Hajo Sani.

Others were Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Tanko Suleiman, representative of the Minister of Women Affairs, governors’ wives, commissioners for women affairs, and the civil society organisations.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/naptip-we-have-rescued-13000-and.html

As part of activities to mark this year’s Global Money Week and Financial Literacy Day (FLD) based on the theme ‘Money Matters Matter’, Union Bank said it has tutored over 3000 students from 30 secondary schools across the Country as part of activities. The chief executive officer of the Bank, Emeka Emuwa accompanied by the executive director, Commercial Banking, Adekunle Sonola led the team to African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta where they tutored the students on the basics of money, savings, gaining employment and becoming entrepreneurs. The Bank’s Head, Corporate Strategy and Innovation, Lola Cardoso and the Head of Corporate Affairs/ Corporate Communications, Ogochukwu Ekezie- Ekaidem were also part of the team to the school in Abeokuta. Senior employees of the Bank visited 29 other schools across the country including St. John’s School, Jos; Kabe College, Awka; Al-Birr College, Damaturu and Yewa College, Ilaro where they held similar classes for the students. During his remarks, Mr. Emuwa noted that one of the best approaches to driving financial inclusion is by engaging children and youths on the rudiments of savings in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) financial literacy initiative. While tutoring the students at African Church Grammar School, he stressed the need for the students to imbibe the savings culture at a young age. He further encouraged them to learn to prioritize their needs over their wants in order to cultivate the very useful habit of saving. Financial Literacy Day is a day set aside by the CBN during the Global Money Week (GMW) to focus on increasing the level of awareness of the youth on the importance of earning, managing and saving money in order to have a secure future. Union Bank aligns with this initiative that is targeted at getting more young people to participate in the formal banking system in order to create financially savvy citizens who trust and can navigate within the Nigerian financial system and its various institutions.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/union-bank-takes-on-3000-students-on.html

Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) effort to promote financial inclusion, Nigerian banks lost over two million customers between 2016 and 2017, with several customers abandoning their accounts due to the introduction of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) which would have linked them to illicit funds flows/transfers tied to corruption.

According to statistics from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the number of active bank accounts also reduced by 1.5 million, dropping from 65 million to 63.5 million.

The statistics obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from the NIBSS website yesterday, showed that the total number of bank customers dropped from 61 million in 2016 to 59 million in 2017.


According to NIBSS, the banking sector, however, made great strides in linking customers’ account using the BVN.

The report showed that linked BVN accounts grew from 26 million in 2016, to 41.3 million in 2017.

According to a banking industry source, the reduction in banking customers was not unconnected to the federal government’s fight against corruption.

“When Buhari assumed office, many people abandoned their accounts, especially civil servants because of fear of investigation.

“While some totally closed down their accounts, others opted for gradual withdrawal so as not to raise alarm,’’ the source said.

The source, who works at one of the top five banks in the country, blamed the BVN for the low patronage of banking products, especially in the rural areas, where awareness was already very low.

A bank customer, Mr. Olaitan Alagbe, said she closed some of her accounts due to unnecessary and illegal charges by banks.

“First of all, the interest rate is next to nothing, so there is little reason to keep your money at the bank when you can turn it over doing other businesses,” she said.

Another customer, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he opened several accounts during the Ponzi scheme boom in the country, but was forced to abandon them after the schemes crashed in late 2016 and early 2017.

However, a source at the CBN said that the reduction in the number of banking customers was caused mainly by the introduction of BVN.

“The reduction may not necessarily be a bad thing. For example, many people opened accounts using different variations of their names.

“A person bearing Musa Salisu Mohammed, may have other accounts as Salisu Mohammed or Musa Salisu.

“So with the introduction of BVN, such customers were forced to regularise their names, however, some opted to close down their accounts, which resulted in the reduction of active bank accounts and customers,’’ the source said.

The CBN source was, however, optimistic that the financial inclusion strategy of the bank would succeed in bringing in more people into the formal banking system.

The financial inclusion strategy aims to ensure that major bulk of the money in the economy remains within the banking sector.

A major challenge in the financial inclusion process is how to ensure that the poor rural dwellers are carried along considering the lack of financial sophistication among this segment.

The CBN, money deposit banks, micro-finance banks and other stakeholders are currently implementing different policies designed to enhance financial inclusion in the country.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/nibss-nigerian-lenders-lost-2-million.html

The Plateau Government has expressed its readiness to join the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) towards improving healthcare services to the people.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Kuden Deyin, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jos that the state government would adopt the scheme to make health delivery accessible to residents.
Deyin lamented that the state workers and other citizens in the informal sector were incurring “out of pocket expenditure” whenever they want to access healthcare services.

According to him, a bill towards the introduction of health insurance scheme would soon be sent to the state House of Assembly to enable residents to access healthcare services by paying a small percentage of the service charge.
The commissioner said the ministry would also be repositioning the Primary Health Care Development Board to ensure that healthcare was brought under one management.

“This will bring about efficiency in the primary health sector and will also boost public confidence in the sector,’’ Deyin said.
He further disclosed that the ministry would send a bill to the state legislature to give the state specialist hospital a legal backing and consolidate its service delivery.

Besides, he said the designated trauma General Hospital in Riyom, which is 80 per cent completed, was strategically placed and has a specialised unit for handling accident and emergency cases.

“This hospital is strategically placed, it is on-route to Abuja and other states; most accident victims are taken to Jos metropolis for medical attention and this delay would result to the death of victims.

“However, once this hospital commences operation, it would reduce the number of deaths to the barest,” Deyin said.
NAN reports that the Riyom trauma centre has an X-ray unit, a theatre, a mortuary and staff quarters.
http://akelicious..com/2018/03/nhis-plateau-govt-expresses-readiness.html

Nigerian Government has been enjoined to reactivate the Nigerian Press Council and review its Code of Conduct so as to enable it discharge its duties effectively as enshrined in the Constitution.

Chairman of Savannah Centre, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, made the call while delivering the Inaugural PSN Confab lecture on the topic “Towards 2019 Elections: Hate Speech and Implications For Ethnic Relations” in Abuja on Monday.

The Confab themed, “Hate Speech Vs Free Speech” was organised by the Peace and Security Network, PSN, in collaboration with the Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD.

Prof Gambari, a former Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, who was represented said Savanna Centre attaches great importance to the issue of Hate Speech, which he insisted is not Free Speech.

The Guest Speaker lamented that the level of hate and inflammatory speeches seen in recent times were the worst since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

According to him, “Freedom of Speech cannot be absolute, freedom of speech as its limit,” adding that there was an urgent need for National Law to “redress hate speech now not later.”

On the road to 2019 general elections, Savannah Centre enjoined media managers to demonstrate absolute patriotism by not promoting any individual or group above the nation.

While stressing the important roles that the media and civil society organisations must play in curbing hate speech, Prof Gambari, warned that “a major dislocation of Nigeria is a dislocation of the African continent.”

He therefore, called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and the Nigerian Press Council to work together to deal with hate speech ahead of 2019 elections while CSOs must redouble their advocacy.

Contributing, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mrs Funke Egbemode, who was a panelist, expressed concern about promulgating new law to deal with hate speech when there are existing laws that have not been enforced.

Mrs Egbemode posited that rather than making new law, government should be more interested in getting to the root cause of hate speech so as to guide against it.


She said many people are unhappy and would always find a way of expressing their feelings, insisting that “the laws won’t fix it.”

Another panelist, President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, said making new laws to regulate the social media gives the impression that the federal government “is out to gag the media.”

Mr Oladipo, noted that enlightened and well-informed people are not that active on the social media especially on Twitter.

He therefore, enjoined media managers in Ministries, Agencies and Departments, MDAs, to be more proactive by ensuring timely release of genuine information to the public via the Twitter.

Also speaking, the President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Waheed Odusile, said the issue of hate speech must be looked at holistically.

He said politicians must be mindful of their utterances ahead of elections, adding that media has a responsibility not to report hate speech.

Prof Bolade Eyinla, who represented the INEC chairman, said the citizens must recognise the importance of respecting the rights of others.

According to him, social media platforms have become instruments for propagating hate speech, saying that all conscious citizens must condemn inciting the population through hate speech.

The Executive Director CITAD, Mr Y.Z Yau, also lamented that hate speech is increasing as we approach 2019 elections, calling on all hands to be on deck.

According to him, there should be clear understanding about what is hate speech and free speech, steesing “it is important that we amplify that.”

Earlier, the Manager of Peace and Security Network Nigeria, PSN, Mr. Adeolu Adewumi, said the Network was established in 2013, to support better coordination of conflict prevention, response and resolution in Nigeria.

He said the PSN Confab series gathers policy makers, government officials, community leaders, experts and development partners for the purpose of discussing and reinforcing a common narrative around mitigating Hate Speeches towards 2019 and ensuring the continued presence of peace and stability.

http://akelicious..com/2018/03/hate-speech-federal-govt-urged-to.html

The latest Lassa fever outbreak in country has claimed four more lives, caused 12 confirmed new cases and 265 fresh suspected infections in one week.

An update released yesterday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), showed that between March 5-11, 2018, 12 new confirmed cases were recorded from seven states: Edo (three), Ondo (two), Bauchi (two), Ebonyi (one), Plateau (one), Taraba (one), Ekiti (one) and Kaduna (one) with four new deaths, three in confirmed cases from Plateau, Edo and Kaduna and one probable death in Ondo.

According to the NCDC, from January 1 to March 11, 2018, a total of 1,386 suspected cases: of these, 365 are confirmed positive, nine are probable, 988 are negative (not a case) and 24 are awaiting laboratory results (pending)

The NCDC in the latest update signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/National Coordinator, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said since the onset of the 2018 outbreak, there have been 114 deaths; 81 in positive-confirmed cases, nine in probable cases and 24 in negative cases. However, Case Fatality Rate (CFR) in confirmed and probable cases increased from 23.9 to 24 per cent.

According to the report, 19 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 55 Local council areas (Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo, Plateau, Lagos, Taraba, Delta, Osun, Rivers, FCT, Gombe, Ekiti and Kaduna).

The NCDC said Kaduna State reported one new confirmed case for the first time in this outbreak as seven states have exited the active phase of the outbreak with 12 states still active.

http://akelicious..com/2018/03/lassa-fever-death-toll-hits-114-with.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCXR6_zPPDs

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola said that the Federal was making efforts to ensure steady power supply in the country. Fashola said this at the 25th Monthly Power Sector meeting on Monday in Uyo. He said that the power sector recovery programme put in place by the ministry and other stakeholders in the power sector was beginning to yield results. The minister said that the Federal Government had secured the World Bank approval for 486 million dollars Transmission Company of Nigeria transmission expansion funding. “Progress is being made with the same bank for the Rural Electrification and Distribution Expansion Funding. “Clearly, our implemental power initiative is well underway, some jobs are manifesting and the promise of steady power is real. “If we persevere, I am certain that we will witness uninterrupted power, which is the final destination of our journey.’’ The minister said that the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP), policies, actions and programmes in the sector were meant to solve the power sector problems. He said that the policies, programmes and actions were delivering results. “One of the results is the regulation that will democratise access to meters for power sector customers. “We have reached a 7,000 Megawatts (MW) Generation Capacity and have a 5,000 MW Distribution Capacity, what is newsworthy is that in the last month, we have met with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), DisCos, and GenCos. “On how to implement the Eligible Customer Policy and increase connectivity to the 2,000 MW that is available. “In many parts of the country connected to the grid, citizens’ feedback is positive, even though all the problems are not solved. “Citizens acknowledge more power in dry weather, reduced hours of running their generators and reduction in fuel (diesel and petrol) purchase to power generators,” Fashola said. He, however, described solar energy as cleaner and more efficient source of power, emphasising that in many states, solar power is being accepted and used. The minister said consumers were already embracing the solar power generation plan, an initiative of the government to boost electricity. Fashola said that the country was moving away from theorising power to actual provision of efficient power to support trade and business, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The minister also inaugurated the Meter Asset Provider Regulation 2018, and presented a copy of the regulation to Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom. In his remarks, Emmanuel said his administration was working toward the provision of digitalised meters in the state, adding that by 2019, every household in the state would be using a digitalised meter. Emmanuel said the metering company in the state would solve the four million meters need of the country. The governor, however, called on the Federal Government to take advantage of the metering company existing in the state. He warned against vandalism of power installations, adding that the state government would wage a war on vandals to protect the infrastructure in the sector. “The major cardinal point when we did our five-point agenda that anchored on industrialisation is also the drive that we are doing on electricity generation and distribution.’’ The governor commended Fashola for his drive and efforts in solving the power problem in the country. “If the effort is sustained, the country is close to solving its power problems,’’ he said. (NAN)

http://akelicious..com/2018/03/fashola-reassures-nigerians-of-steady.html

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a
statement signed by its State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu
Ikanya and circulated by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze his Media
Consultant on Friday to Media Organisations stated that the leadership
of Rivers State APC has counselled itself not to react to most of the
unfortunate and misguided innuendos usually credited to Governor
Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike of Rivers State as the party is not so sure of
the soundness of his mind but attacking and using uncouth words on
President Muhammadu Buhari, the President and Commander in Chief of
the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a comment
the party can sweep under the carpet.


Governor Wike in the said statement attempts to incite the Rivers
State people against their President by insinuating that the President
abandoned the State since he assumed office. The exact words of Gov
Wike: "Since the administration has abandoned Rivers State for three
years, this visit may be a blessing in disguise". To us this statement
is inciting, provoking, uncouth and unacceptable and should be
withdrawn as a matter of urgency as we will not for any reason risk
the life of our dear President in the hands of Gov Wike and his
misguided cohorts.


The party warned Wike that the President's visit is not the same as
the visit of some Northern Governors that visited Port Harcourt in
2014 to sympathise with their colleague the then Governor of Rivers
State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi over the wicked humiliation he
suffered in the hands of Wike and his collaborators. The party
recalled with nostalgia how Wike then State Minister of Education of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria ordered his militia group the
Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) to attack these Governors in
2014. The party warns that incase Wike is nursing similar thought
against President Buhari during his visit he should bury it before it
germinates as the scenario is no longer thesame as that of 2014.


The party states that, “Our fear is not misplaced as we all know the
type of politics associated with Wike - politics of violence but we
wish to reiterate that no harm should be visited either on our
President or any member of his delegates for any reason whatsoever
during the said visit”.


The party further stated that the visit of Mr. President is to
commiserate with the people of Omoku in ONELGA for the sad and
unfortunate killings of their loved ones during the New Year massacre
by some associates of Governor Wike and not to come and commission
Motor Parks and markets as projects allegedly claimed to have been
constructed by Governor Wike.
On the false allegation that President Buhari abandoned Rivers State
since he assumed office, the party reiterated that the present Federal
Government under the watchful eyes of President Buhari has not and
will not abandon Rivers State knowing very well the risks that most of
us took to get him elected even at the risk of our lives in the hands
of Gov Wike and his collaborators.


The party affirmed this by stating that President Buhari has visited
Rivers State on four remarkable occasions through Vice President Yemi
Osibanjo to either establish a peace pact in Niger Delta region,
commission or flag off key projects in Rivers State and for Gov Wike
because of politics to turn around to accuse President Buhari of
abandoning Rivers State is to us unacceptable, wicked, evil, divisive
and exhibition of ingratitude to a man who have done much to develop
Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.


For avoidance of doubt, the party recalled that Prof Yemi Osibanjo
with the express approval of President Buhari visited Rivers State to
kick-start the Ogoni cleanup exercise abandoned by the PDP government
with the connivance of Governor Wike; visited Rivers State to kick
start the Bonny-Bodo Road and was in Rivers State in another occasion
to inaugurate the world-class fertilizer plant built by Indorama Eleme
Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, in Port Harcourt among other visits
by the Presidency.


Gov. Wike forgot so soon that Dr. Jonathan a son of the region in his
six years as the President of Nigeria acknowledged that he failed
Rivers State and the Niger Delta region by not embarking on any
meaningful project in the region apart from imposing him Chief Nyesom
Wike as the Governor of Rivers State to promote insecurity in the
State and the region.


The party further stated that the APC led FG under President Buhari
has proved within less than three years that APC has the best interest
of the State and region at heart by the various interventions the
Federal Government has embarked upon in the region within the last
three years:

1. The party recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari Administration
released a whopping sum of N900 billion owed the Niger Delta
Development Corporation (NDDC) by previous federal administrations
including the administration of Dr. Jonathan to assist the body
complete most of her projects in Rivers State and other States in the
Niger Delta region.

2. Rivers State will benefit from the unprecedented allocation of over
one Hundred and twenty five billion Naira (N125b) out of the N8.612
trillion appropriation bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on
Tuesday, November 7, 2017 to the National Assembly to fund capital
projects in 2018 in the Niger Delta region.

3. Rivers State will surely benefit from the N53.89 billion earmarked
for Niger Delta Ministry and N71.2 billion for Niger Delta Development
Commission for capital projects, also to benefit from the budgetary
allocation for the Niger Delta amnesty programme retained at N65
billion with the budgetary allocation of N17.32 billion earmarked for
the completion of the East-West Road.

4. Rivers State will benefit from the Maritime University located at
Okerenkoko in Delta State with N5bn budgeted in the 2018 budget for
its formal take off. This is a university aimed at to assist in the
development and emancipation of the Niger Delta region

5. To demonstrate the seriousness over the full implementation of the
Ogoni clean-up exercise and the execution of the Multi-Billion Naira
Bomu-Bonny road project budgetary provisions were all made in the 2018
budget which when completed would open up the economic potentials of
the Niger Delta Region beyond the shores of Nigeria all in Rivers
State.

6. The APC-led Federal Government apart from above named projects,
embarked upon the following projects - the Calabar – Lagos Rail Line
that cuts across the State, the renovation/reconstruction of both
Enugu – Port Harcourt and the West-East Road, the renovation of the
Afam Power plant in Rivers State, resumption of work on the Port
Harcourt International Airport, renovation and reconstruction of the
Enugu – Port Harcourt Rail Line, among other projects all these
projects that were abandoned by the PDP governments.

The Rivers State people should call Wike to order and ask him to
explain how President Buhari has abandoned the State while embarking
upon all these named projects.

Gov Wike in his misguided statement titled, "BUHARI'S VISIT TO RIVERS
WILL NOT REVIVE DEAD APC IN THE STATE." further stated and we quote,
"Maybe the President is coming to make sure that he will improve the
fortunes of the APC that is dead in Rivers State. Apart from Jesus
Christ, we don't know of anyone who has risen a dead thing. APC is a
dead party in Rivers State. No matter how you fast and pray, it will
never wake up".
The party described Wike’s statement as laughable because a party with
two Senators (Senator Abe and Senator Uchendu) to Wike's dying party
(PDP) one sleeping Senator can't be said to be a dead party in Rivers
state unless he was misquoted. The party expresses joy that Wike by
today is the Chief Campaign Officer of APC for the 2019 general
elections based on his wicked policies against the youths, students,
civil servants, pensioners and foreign investors in the State; “though
we are sad over Wike’s lack of good policies to improve the lots of
our people but we will ensure that he is voted out come 2019
unfailingly to enable us enthrone a government that will be ready to
work for the people of Rivers State.

In the said statement credited to Wike, he stated further, "Let nobody
bother him or herself that the President is coming for security
reasons. We don't have security challenges in the state" If that is
the case, we will like to ask Governor Wike alias Mr. Disaster, “why
is he budgeting a whopping sum of twenty Billion Naira (N22b) to
establish a private Army Unit named Neighbourhood Watch or is he
saying that he intends to divert this fund to his private businesses.
Wike should educate us on what his actual motive is if we don't have
any security challenges in the State.

Finally, the party commends and congratulates President Buhari not
only for this initiative to visit the State at this period but to wish
him a happy stay as a true son of the State based on his love and
commitment towards the development of the State.
http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/wikes-statement-on-visit-of-president.html

Disturbed by the number of unclaimed Permanent Voters Card (PVCs), numbering over 370,000 in various 27 Local Councils in Imo State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in the state, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu, has directed the various Electoral Officers in charge of the commission in the various councils to send the list of owners of the PVCs to the monarchs of the about 644 autonomous communities in the state with the view of sorting the owners and appealing to them to collect them.

Ezeonu gave the directive yesterday during his visit at the Ohaji/Egbema Local Council headquarters, Mmahu, and some councils at a pre-electoral sensitization programme by the commission.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Kingsley Uju, monarchs, community heads and leaders amongst others were at the event. According to Ezeonu, he was disturbed that there were over 19,139 unclaimed PVCs in the council, regretting that only 119 cards were claimed. He promised that the commission would organise credible polls in the 305 electoral wards in the state, warning against double registration. Ezeonu, said he has put in motion mechanisms to register registrable prospective voters, warning that only those with their cards would be allowed to cast their votes.


The electoral chief disclosed that corps members who will work at various communities for the commission would sleep a night before elections in their communities of assigned duty, urging the monarchs and their hosts to protect them.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/imo-inec-rec-asks-eos-to-send-unclaimed.html

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has stated that attack on the Food Basket state by Fulani herdsmen has posed a threat to food security. He stated this in Makurdi during a courtesy call on him by the Presidential Committee on Rehabilitation of Communities affected by farmers and herdsmen crisis. He stated that renewed attacks on Benue communities came at a time farmers were harvesting their produce, stressing that crops seeds were being used as feeds for cattle after invading and displacing the farmers. The governor expressed worry that people were still in IDPs camps when agricultural activities such as preparation of land for the next cropping season were approaching, saying it was a sign of famine. While tasking the committee on amplification of the Benue voice for the need to embrace ranching as global best method of animal husbandry, the governor said what was happening in the state was an invasion for occupation and not grazing as being alleged in some quarters. He wondered which hate speech could be worse than issuing threats of attacks and executing same. Governor Ortom called for the reconstruction of ravaged communities and provision of public amenities, including portable drinking water, provision of agricultural inputs and credit facilities, adding that the attacks had caused social, emotional and psychological damage to Benue people. Earlier, leader of the delegation and Director of Relief and Rehabilitation of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr Kayode Fagbemi said they were in the state to carry out an assessment of damages caused to communities with a view to rebuilding them. He sympathised with the government and people of the state over the massacre of Benue people by Fulani herdsmen.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/benue-killings-threat-to-food-security.html

Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has donated the sum of N3.6 million to the police officers who exhibited outstanding performance in the cause of their duty in Jigawa State. The 13 valiant police officers, who received the reward of selfless commitment, including those who lost their lives as a result of gun shots or accidents while on duty. Speaking while presenting the checks to the beneficiaries, the IG, who was represented by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bala Zama Senchi, said the gesture was aimed at boosting the moral of other serving officers to discharge their duties diligently. He said, the police commission has always accorded priority to safety and welfare of its officers as well as supporting them and their children to have a good life. “I am today presenting these checks (donation) to families of seven officers of this command who gallantly lost their lives on duty, not as conpensation but it is in recognition of their sacrifice, also to other five who survived the wounds and are still with police command.” ‎However, five other officers, who demonstrated professionalism while on their duty post, were given commendation letters for excellent performance. CP Zama stressed that, the IG donation to the gallant officers is an evidence of high level of concern the police authority has on its personnel while alive and after death. He then reiterated the commitment of the police authority to take care of the entitlements and welfare of its men, and also urge the officers to uphold the concept of professionalism and nationalism while discharging their duties at all time.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/ig-donates-n36m-to-gallant-officers-in.html

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday congratulated the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on his 61st birthday.

Buhari described Osinbajo as a loyal and dependable partner in their “journey” of governing Nigeria.


In a tweet via his official Twitter handle, the president wished his deputy many more years of service to “God, to Nigeria and humanity.”
Buhari wrote: “Happy 61st Birthday, @ProfOsinbajo. Thank you for being a loyal and dependable partner on this journey. I join millions of your friends and well-wishers around the world to wish you many more years of service to God, to Nigeria, and to humanity.”
Recall that the Speaker of the House of Representatives,Yakubu Dogara, national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu alongside other eminent Nigerians have continued to congratulate Osinbajo on his 61st Birthday.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/osinbajo-at-61-buhari-speaks-on-vps.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos for a two-day working visit to Plateau State.
The President, however, arrived the state at 11:54am in a Nigerian Air Force aircaft 5N-FGW.

He was received by Governor Simon Lalong, Senator Jonah Jang and Senator Joshua Dariye.

Other dignities include National Assembly members across different political parties in the middlebelt state.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/photos-crowd-welcomes-president-buhari.html

Boko Haram Commander Freed In Chibok Girls Swap Deal Resurfaces, Issues Fresh Threat Against Nigeria

Shuibu Moni, a Boko Haram commander who was freed in exchange for some 82 kidnapped Chibok girls in a deal facilitated by the Swedish government last May has issued fresh threats against the Nigerian state. A video exclusively obtained by Saharareporters shows Moni and some members of his team displaying firepower in Sambisa forest. Moni, who spoke in Hausa and Arabic stated that contrary to claims by the Nigerian government that Boko Haram fighters have been chased out of Sambisa forest in Borno state, they (Boko Haram terrorists) remain firmly on ground.

He subsequently threatened to unleash further violence on Nigeria in coming days. Moni made no mention of the recently kidnapped Dapchi school girls. the girls are believed to be in the custody of another faction controlled by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, the splinter group recognized by ISIS.

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/07/boko-haram-commander-freed-chibok-girls-swap-deal-resurfaces-issues-fresh-threat-against

The decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to end the persistent scarcity of the lower denomination banknotes in the country is a right step in the right direction. It is also understood to be part of its resolve to increase the circulation of the denomination in the country so as to ensure that effective trade and commerce are carried out seamlessly at market levels where such denominations are required. To activate that resolve, the apex bank has commenced direct disbursement of these currency denominations. Prior to this, the scarcity of the notes, especially N5, N20, N50 and N100, had posed a serious challenge to market men and women who need those in their transactions. Without doubt, the measure by the CBN will bring some measure of relief to many Nigerians, especially the men and women who operate in the streets and need these currency denominations as an indispensable companion. Before now, they have been groaning under the inflationary effect of the scarcity of the notes mostly used for economic transactions among the masses. To ensure that this policy thrust achieved the desired effect, the apex bank embarked on a sensitisation campaign during which its officials told the traders that the CBN is determined to make the policy a success. To this effect, it will ensure that the lower denominations are made available to Nigerians who need them in their business transactions. Before this policy was rolled out, there was a growing concern regarding the economic implications of the scarcity of the lower denomination naira notes in the country. The Senate on February 13 noted that this development portends severe threat to the nation’s economy, which is just recovering from recession. The lawmakers said that traders had taken advantage of the scarcity of lower denomination notes to raise the prices of goods. And not only traders, service providers like bus drivers, for instance, have used the excuse of the scarcity of the denominations to hike their fares. This apprehension was worsened with the commercial banks’ reluctance to continue dispensing the lower naira denominations to customers claiming that they hardly receive enough of them from the CBN. Now that the CBN has said it will increase the circulation of the naira notes, we hope there will be no arguments against the relevance of the denominations in the economic activities of the nation. Another factor blamed for the scarcity of the naira notes is the printing and procurement of the smaller denomination currencies abroad with the attendant economic and security implications. Even with this consideration, the federal government, through the apex bank, must have taken cognisance of those before the policy intervention. Without doubt, it is a commendable monetary policy that is well intentioned. But we urge the CBN to step up its monitoring mechanisms to check the inanities of some unscrupulous people who are likely to see it as an opportunity to make brisk business by hoarding the currencies and after hawk them at public places like motor parks, social events venues, and sometimes, in the banks’ premises. It is a fact that such people will not let go of the illegal and high yielding business. In our opinion, the apex bank should put in place stern punishment for anyone caught in the business of hoarding and hawking the currencies so as to serve as a deterrent. In our view, this move by the apex bank to increase the circulation of the smaller banknotes will help lower inflation because it is a fact that when the petty businesses cannot get these small denominations to transact business, it shows that inflation is catching up on them resulting in increase in prices of goods and services. On a positive note, the scarcity of these denominations enhanced the average Nigerian’s banking habit. It necessitated the penetration of e-banking. With the introduction of facilities like Point of Sale (POS) facility and the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), financial activities among that segment of the population became keen as no one was interested in losing money, it doesn’t matter how much, just because there is no change. A electronic bank transfer will make everyone happy. A recent data from the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) for four major electronic payment channels showed that the total value of transactions rose by 35 per cent to N69.7 trillion in 2017, from N51.6 trillion in 2016. Even with this positive indicator, there is no denying the fact that the lower banknotes are very much needed in the economic space.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/cbn-markets-and-lower-naira.html

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government will partner private healthcare service provider, Cedarcrest Hospital, in driving the state’s Primary Healthcare reforms.

Governor Obaseki said this when he received the Medical Director, Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe, at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor said the state government is driving reforms to improve the standard of healthcare delivery in the state, with a grand-plan to re-vamp the healthcare system and attract investors.

He said, “The aim of our reforms is to improve the healthcare system and provide access to quality healthcare to Edo people. A wing of the specialist hospital was built with the objective to partner with private healthcare providers, who have the experience and resources to collaborate with government to provide better medical care. This is expected to end medical tourism.”

Obaseki commended Dr. Ogedegbe for establishing a medical hospital of international standard in Abuja, noting, “Similar investment can be replicated here in Edo through collaboration with the state government. Edo State prides itself as a state with capable human resources. We are proud to identify with Dr. Ogedegbe to deliver excellent healthcare.”

On his part, Dr. Ogedegbe applauded Governor Obaseki for providing leadership capable of transforming the state, adding “Cedarcrest Hospital is ready to partner with the state government to provide complex, surgical and medical procedures. We have the resources to save the country’s foreign exchange and end medical tourism.”

He added, “Cedarcrest is reputed for providing quality healthcare services to prominent Nigerians and we are open to replicating similar services here in Edo State and to review how we can provide quality and affordable healthcare services in the state.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/photos-edo-govt-partners-cedarcrest.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Monday said its cost of producing a barrel of crude oil from Nigeria’s oil fields has further dropped to $20, adding that it was targeting to lower it further to $15 per barrel soon.

It also said it would ensure that all the pipes to be used in the construction of the 683-kilometre Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are sourced from pipe mills in Nigeria, in adherence with the Nigerian Content Law.


Speaking at the ongoing technology and innovation expo organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who was represented by NNPC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Gas and Power, Mr. Seidu Mohammed, explained that the corporation had been innovative in its operations, hence the drop in the production cost per barrel of oil.

“What NNPC will like Nigerians to know is the drive we are making to bring down costs. The more we bring down the production cost of oil and gas, the more money that comes eventually to the federal government and the pockets of the states and local governments. That is the kind of thing we are trying to do.

“We have been innovative in our work to bring down the cost. Many Nigerians don’t even know that we have started the local content drive. We have brought down the cost of producing a barrel of oil today to the neighbourhood of $20 and our target is to make sure we are at $15 and we continue to match forward.”
The NNPC had in August 2017, disclosed that it had driven down the cost of oil production from $78 per barrel to $23 per barrel, representing a 70.5 per cent drop in production cost.

Baru equally explained at the expo that the corporation would continue to work with agencies like the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) to ensure that the cost of production in the country’s oil and gas sector is competitive.
He said: “Engineering and technology are the bedrock of oil and gas, without that we may not have been where we are today. But then, what have we been doing at the NNPC? We have been trying to make sure that all the activities are domiciled in Nigeria.
“There was a time when even tender documents had to go to London for evaluation, but today, we have fully domesticated the engineering aspect of it.

“We have, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development Management Board, gone ahead to get Nigerians who are innovative and willing to invest in fabrication.
“In other words, what we want to do is to also domesticate the big chunk of where we spend the money, that is procurement, and we have gone far.

“Today, there are fabrications going on in areas of line pipes and valves. What we are doing in NNPC is to support all forms of innovations in the upstream, midstream and downstream.”
On the AKK pipeline and how NNPC plans to use locally-sourced pipes to build it, Baru stated: “I said engineering is part of it, so when you come to the procurement of the project, The main input in that project is the line pipes.
“And what we have done to drive the Nigerian content agenda is to make sure that until we fill the capacity of existing mills in Nigeria, we cannot import pipes.

“So, those who are coming in to build this pipeline will bear it in mind that at the end of the day, they may have to come in with their mills to manufacture the line pipes here.
“As for the other areas of services, Nigerians are there, and mostly Nigerians will construct the lines and do all the pre-commissioning and commissioning processes.”
He added that the rehabilitation programme for the NNPC refineries would also take into cognisance the requirement for local content in executing it.

According to the NNPC boss, “Upfront, we have already started training Nigerians that will eventually manage the place. But the whole process of revamping the refineries involves all the facets and Nigerians have to be there.
“Services will be provided by Nigerians and after revamping we expect a lot has to be done to ensure that the inputs to make it work will be provided by Nigerians.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/oil-production-cost-per-barrel-down-to.html

Finally, motorists plying the Hadejia-Nguru road may heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has assured of its readiness to eventually complete the abandoned 70 kilometre road construction that was awarded since September 2010 at the cost of N7.5 billion.

Director Highways in charge of the North-west, Engr. Olalokan Busari, said there was a presidential directive to complete all the ongoing road projects within the zone before the end of this year‎.

The Director who stated this, on Sunday, while inspecting ongoing road projects on Hadejia‎, Birniwa and Nguru in Yobe State, told reporters that President Muhammadu Buhari has released enough funds and directs for the immediate completion of all the ongoing Federal Government roads across the nation.

According to him, “Because of the importance of these road to the people within the zone, the Federal Government has released enough funds for the completion of these projects”.

“The phase one of this road has been completed, out of the 70 km, about 32 km was completed while the remaining from Birniwa to Nguru will soon be completed.”

“The road project which was awarded since 2010 has suffered neglect due to poor funding and the recession that characterised the beginning of this administration”, he noted.

He also said “Now that the Federal Government has released enough funds for the completion of the road I can assure you that with the pace with which the contractor is working the road may be commissioned at the end of 2018″.

Adding that, “This road if completed will be of immense ‎benefit to both motorists and communities residing along the road which would definitely improve the economic development and wellbeing of the people in the area.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/fg-to-complete-neglected-8-yr-old-70km.html

The Lagos State government has uncovered an alleged illegal baby factory in Lekki area of the state and arrested a Togolese woman who allegedly runs the home and rescued three children.

Also arrested was a pregnant woman and seven others who were brought to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development on Friday evening.

Officials of the ministry, escorted by 20 policemen from the Ajah Police Station and Area ‘J’ police Command stormed the area at Baboon Village, Ajele area of Ajah and arrested the suspects.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Agboola Dabiri said it received a report of a woman who allegedly harbors pregnant ladies, kept them until they delivered and sold the babies under the guise of being a traditional birth attendant.

“Surveillance was carried out at the location, a shanty area off Mobil Road, Ajah area of Lekki. The assistance of the Area ‘J’ Police Command and the Ajah Police Station was sought and they deployed 20 police officers to assist with the mission.

“Adults (including the suspected perpetrator) were apprehended along with three babies, two of who were extremely sick,” he said.

Dabiri said the government had recently issued two weeks ultimatum to people running illegal homes to close them or have them registered or face the wrath of the law, adding that the raid on the illegal home was after the expiration of the ultimatum.

The prime suspect, Mrs. Regina Bankole, who said she hailed from Togo but married to a Nigeria, denied that she runs a baby factory, but admitted that she is a traditional birth attendant which she had been doing for the about 30 years.

She said she did not sell babies and that she was well known in the area as a traditional birth attendant who conducted delivery for pregnant women in the traditional way.

Bankole also said she registered with the Eti-Osa Local Government as a traditional birth attendant and that she was about preparing to take a course in traditional birth attendant.

She said one of the three babies recovered from her place was her child and that the other two belonged to someone else kept in her custody.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/lagos-state-government-uncovers-baby.html

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kwara has constituted a 63-man security committee to fight against sharp practices in the distribution of petroleum products in the state.

The committee has the mandate to police the porous borders and prevent smuggling of the products.

Inaugurating the committee, the DPR operation controller in Kwara state, (DPR) Philip Salvation, told members to discharge their duties dispassionately.

Kwara borders the Benin Republic and there are reports that petroleum products are smuggled to the neighbouring West African countries through Kwara borders.

The committee which includes Police, Civil Defence, Customs and firefighters also has the mandate to prevent diversion, hoarding, adulteration, black marketeering, over-pricing and under dispensing of petroleum products.

Mr Salvation advocated zero tolerance for corruption among the committee members while the state government assured of its readiness to continue partnering in ensuring availability of fuel in the state.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/dpr-inaugurates-63-man-security.html

Happening Now: Governor Nasir Ahmad Elrufai is hosting the Quarterly Northern Governors’ Forum meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/photosgovernor-el-rufai-host-quarterly.html

The management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Awka has organized training for no fewer than 7000 fresh students in leadership and entrepreneurship programme.The Dean Students Affairs of the institution, Prof Stanley Udedi said in Awka that resource persons including captains of industries, politicians and Director Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Professor Ngozi Anyikwa briefed the students on various topics during the training.

According to the Dean, the event which took place at the Basil Oli Hostel, had the theme: ‘Leadership and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Education’, pointing out that the fresh students were exposed to diverse topics, ranging from acquiring entrepreneurial skills while in school, and encouraged the freshmen to take advantage of Chike Okoli Centre’s capacity as a foremost skill acquisition centre to build themselves as creators of labour.

Prof Udedi said they were warned not to tow lazy path considering the high unemployment situation in the country, just as he highlighted some of the measures put in place to ensure that students remain the primary focus of the university.

He added: “One of such measures included inauguration of a Student Education Endowment Fund to help indigent students that can’t afford their tuition or living expenses, with the hope they pay back when they graduate and are gainfully employed”.He commended the NAU Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the event, Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof Charles Esimone for their support to make the event worthwhile.

While inaugurating a committee that would look into how such funds will be sourced and administered in a sustainable way, Prof Udedi further reiterated his commitment to ensuring that students study in a friendly environment that is devoid of harassment whilst their needs are promptly responded to.The Vice- Chancellor of Unizik Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku, in his opening remark expressed delight at the huge turnout of students and commended the students for being the lucky few to be admitted out of thousands of candidates that applied to the University.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/03/nnamdi-azikiwe-varsity-organises.html

According to the advert, the man is a retired Nigerian-American lost his wife and now needs to re-marry. The man was identified as John D Williams and resides in Garki, Abuja. He did not end there but further disclosed that all entries must be sent within two weeks and all applicants must be between the ages of 40 to 60 years.

The requirement says: “Retired Nigerian-American lost his wife and now needs to remarry. Preferred features for lady: A. Age range: 40-60 years, B. Height: 5’5-5’10ft, C. Education: HND, BA/BSc or Higher, D. Complexion: Light dark or fair skinned, E. Employment: She does not have to work, unless she insists on working (Widower makes more than enough for both), F. Residence: Widower resides both in Abuja and US. If interested, please send your answers for items (A) – (D) above, along with a recent (3x5) picture (full face) and phone number within two weeks. Please note: 1. Write your name at the back of your picture, 2. Your response will be seen by a widower, that is a promise.”

The post was shared by Ahmed Olam’lekan Tijani with the caption: “Conspicuously advertised on page 11 of Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, February 27. I have done my bit for single ladies.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/abuja-based-widower-advertises-for-wife.html

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a pan-African banking group, and China Development Bank (CDB), the world’s largest development finance institution, yesterday announced the signing of a $100 million seven-year loan agreement to finance the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.

The $100 million loan would enhance UBA’s capacity to provide access to finance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the 19 African countries where UBA currently operates.


“We are excited to partner CDB, the Development Financial Institution of the Chinese Government, on this historic transaction, as we strongly believe that the facility will serve as a catalyst to the sustainable development of commerce and industry in Africa through provision of critical financial interventions to SMEs across our presence countries,” Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, said.

Uzoka noted that this line of credit is timely, as it would complement the recovery of economic activities.

It will also further encourage African entrepreneurship particularly as the funds will be applied to SMEs, which are important for inclusive growth on the continent.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said the fund would boost small and medium scale enterprises across Africa, noting that CDB’s interest in supporting SMEs aligns with UBA’s vision in growing business across Africa.

“In UBA, CDB would have an enduring partner in reaching out to Africans as UBA provides banking services to over 14 million people across 20 African countries, and like CDB, UBA funds critical infrastructural projects on the African continent,” Elumelu said. He expressed hope that he would like to see a stronger relationship grow with CDB and UBA as well as with China and Nigeria.

Also commenting, the President of CDB, Mr. Zheng Zhijie, said the agreement was the beginning of cooperation between UBA and CDB that would translate into an enduring business relationship between China and Africa and Nigeria in particular.

“UBA is a leading and dependable bank not only in Nigeria but Africa, and this partnership will help our Bank to accelerate its business objectives in Africa, more importantly as we deepen our investment in energy, road and rail constructions, infrastructure in Africa,” Zhije said.

UBA, Africa’s global bank, is one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria which operates in 19 African countries while providing a wide range of products and services.
It is the leading bank in infrastructure financing particularly in the power, telecoms and transport sectors.
UBA leads in social infrastructure such as hospital and education facilities to various countries in Africa.

In Nigeria, the bank operates in each of the country’s 36 states, helping to deepen financial inclusion through its brick and mortar network as well as through its cutting edge digital platforms. Globally, UBA has over 1,000 branches and customer touch points, serving over 14 million customers.

CDB, founded in 1994, is the world’s largest development finance institution and, the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation.
It provides medium-to-long-term financing facilities that serve China’s major long-term economic and social development strategies.

By the end of 2016, its assets grew to RMB 14.34 trillion, a balance of loans of RMB 10.32 trillion.
CDB currently has 37 primary branches and three secondary branches on the Chinese mainland, one offshore branch in Hong Kong and five representative offices in Cairo, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas and London

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/china-development-bank-uba-sign-100m.html

Suspected herdsmen reportedly stormed Chille Island in the Mbatoho area, a suburb community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue state and ordered the residents to vacate. According to New Telegraph, the herdsmen invaded the community on Tuesday, February 27 and asked the residents to leave

Mr. John Terhemen who is the leader of the community led other members to the office of the deputy governor, Engineer Benson Abounu to narrate their ordeal in the hands of the herdsmen. He said the herdsmen asked them to vacate their lands to allow them graze their cattle. He however said the invaders “did not harm anyone and did not burn down our home, they simply asked us to leave.” Fatai Owoseni, the commissioner of police in the state also confirmed the report saying ‘we have received a report about that’ The deputy governor said they had gotten report of the story and wanted to confirm it veracity. He said: “The people said the Fulani herdsmen have sacked them, and it is just across the River in Makurdi town. But I have sent the Special Adviser on Security to go there and determine the authenticity of the story. Until that is done, then we will know the next action to take.” Meanwhile, Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have invaded Gwamba community in Demsa local government area of Adamawa state. The attackers reportedly stormed two villages in the community in the early hours of Tuesday, February 27, and opened fire.

Several houses are reported to have been set ablaze, while the residents fled in different directions. Though details of the casualties are yet to be ascertained, an eyewitness who spoke to Channels Television said security forces have been drafted to the area to contain the attack.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/herdsmen-reportedly-storm-benue.html

The Nigerian government has set up a committee to probe the sabduction of 110 girls from Dapchi government school.

Information minister, Lai Mohammed announced this on Tuesday afternoon.
He said the committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday, February 2018.
The 12-member committee is largely made up of security and government representatives.
Lai Mohammed’s full statement below…
“The Federal Government has set up a 12-member committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of 110 students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) in Dapchi, Yobe State, following the attack on the school by insurgents on 19 February
2018.
“The committee was convened by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, according to a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
“The committee, which will be chaired by a military officer of the rank of Major-General, comprises one senior provost each from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force; representatives of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA); Nigeria Police Force (NPF); Department of State Services (DSS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); two representatives of the Yobe State Government and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“The terms of reference of the committee include ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls, confirming the presence, composition, scale and disposition of security emplaced in Dapchi as well as in GGSTC before the incident and suggesting measures that can lead to the location and rescue of the girls.
“The panel, which is expected to submit its report by March 15, 2018, is also saddled with recommending measures to prevent future occurrence.
“The committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday, February 2018.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/dapchi-schoolgirls-abduction-nigeria.html

Doreen Moraa Moracha, now 25-years old was just 13 when she learned that she was HIV positive. This was despite her parents being aware of her status five years earlier. "My parents knew about it when I was 8. But they informed me about my status when I was 13," she opened up in an exclusive interview with TUKO. The question is how exactly did she contract a disease that would otherwise pass as deadly among most African societies at such a tender age?

Apparently, Doreen was born with the virus to an HIV discordant couple whereby she is the only child among her siblings to have been diagnosed of HIV. Owing to the stigma that surrounds HIV and the horror of getting rejected by her peers, she was asked to remain silent about her condition through her teenage years.

However, she could not remain silent forever. In 2015, Doreen resolved to go public about her status in a move aimed at offering encouragement and hope for a full life with adherence to treatment to others living with HIV. She also wanted to use her story to raise awareness about the virus and to help the fight against the stigma HIV still has in her community. This was amid protestation and censure from her father who is HIV negative. "I was doing my attachment at TSC and most of the times we would go out to learning institutions for outreaches and HIV testing and while at the field, that is when I learnt that there was need for more information about HIV out there. My boss then, also pushed me that I should come out and try make a change with my story," she recalls.

She, however, acknowledges that this was certainly not an easy process and that disclosure took a lot of courage. "I was afraid considering the stigma associated with HIV. The first time my story came out and NTV shared it on their Facebook page and my friends were commenting how they know me and all that, I got scared and deactivated my Facebook account temporarily," she remarks. Emboldened, Doreen has been unstoppable ever since. She has been able to share her story at countless conferences, talk shows, and the very latest - the internet. Like many in her generation, she has turned to Facebook to share her 25-year journey with HIV. In one profound Facebook post, Doreen uncovers how she, alongside her mother traveled over 500km from Kenya to the remote village of Loliondo in Arusha, Tanzania to get a cure for the virus.

At the time, the village had shot to fame with thousands of people flocking the area to get a herbal concoction purported to cure HIV/Aids, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension and any other ailment. "I wanted to get well so bad that I convinced my mum that we head to Loliondo for a cup of the herbal medicine. She agreed, but I didn't get better and this led me to defaulting from taking my ARVs for 2 years which most definitely affected my health," she narrates. "The journey has not been easy but I finally accepted my status and i'm using my story to end stigma related to HIV and to encourage people infected that they shouldn't let a small virus that cant talk to control their lives," she contends.

Her posts have since been gaining so much traction, with many social media users commending her for being bold enough to share her story. Despite her condition, her beautiful and sassy photos have still attracted potential suitors who would love to get into a relationship with her. "I use my social media mostly Facebook for advocacy and motivational purposes and yes, I do get men sliding into my inbox, some even promising to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) dr*gs as long as I agree to date them," she recounts. Her greatest piece of advice to the young people is the very same one that most have likely heard time without number: abstaining or use of protection.

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The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has urged Christians to shun corrupt tendencies in their dealings.Kumuyi, who made the call yesterday at the Eagle Square, Abuja said this was necessary to avoid eternal condemnation.

He said corruption should not be part and parcel of peoples’ lifestyles in the country, adding that though corrupt people are hiding now, but God would exclude them from the Kingdom of heaven.He enjoined Christians to consider Christ as their High Priest, who is sinless and holy, and who came to the world to redeem humanity from the power of sin and the consequences, stressing, at salvation, He normally comes to dwell with believers.

The cleric stressed that Christ is building individuals, families and the national life so that good things would follow.He admonished Christians to avoid backsliding and compromise, but to continue with Him in order to conquer.

The FCT State Overseer at the Federal Capital Territory, Pastor Joshua O. Esho, maintained that Christ is superior to all prophets past, present and ones to come. He said God has redemption plans for humanity and the things that accompany our salvation.Esho added that Christ is supreme, as his sacrifice on the Calvary cross has purchased eternal life for man.

“Therefore, if any man be in Him, he is a new creature, old habits are passed away, and behold all things become new.’’The minister prayed for Nigerians to have a desirable country by coming out of the present insecurity to transformation, clean and perfect national life.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/why-nigerians-must-shun-corruption-by.html