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 Politics › PDP Chair: I’ll Run All-inclusive Administration – Secondus by edunwablog(op): 3:22pm On Dec 05, 2017 |
Leading chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged to run an all-inclusive leadership even as he assured other aspirants that they have nothing to fear about his chairmanship. In a statement issued after his visit to Jalingo, Taraba State, and signed by Bisi Ezekiel, Secondus assured party members and stakeholders that his leadership would give everyone a sense of belonging, while also guaranteeing good governance within the party. The aspirant, who affirmed that there was no reason for anybody to fear his chairmanship assured that “all interests will be accommodated. We will ensure a level playing for all contending forces within the party. “We will not engage in winners take all. All stakeholders will have a sense of belonging as we will enforce the party constitution .Please ignore those spreading fears and alarms about my candidature . “Those spreading rumours about what the party will look like under my leadership are mere blackmailers .I have occupied that chair before and our records of glowing performance speaks for us.We performed creditably in all capacities we have been opportuned to serve”,the aspirant said . He noted further that his leadership will be a team playing one where party interests from all the six geo-political zones will be harmonised to lead the party to victory in 2019. “I am a team player right from the beginning of my political career. Winning as a political party demands a team playing attitudes . I not only know this but I have practised it all along as a political leader. “Those spreading falsehood are scared of their shadows. I am running on my records as a leader with achievements to showcase .There is no doubt I am the best man for the PDP leadership”, the statement noted . more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/pdp-chair-ill-run-all-inclusive.html
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| Sports › Nigeria’s Ndidi Is Most Expensive African U21 Player, 11th In The World by edunwablog(op): 9:16am On Dec 05, 2017 |
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is the most valued African player aged 21 or under, and the 11th most expensive U21 player in the world. According to a study by CIES Football Observatory, the Leicester City star is worth more than highly-rated AC Milan and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donarumma, and Real Madrid’s top talent Marco Asensio, who are ranked 12th and 15th respectively. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigerias-ndidi-is-most-expensive.html
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| Health › Nigeria Has Second Largest HIV Epidemic Worldwide:unaids by edunwablog(op): 2:53am On Dec 05, 2017 |
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has reported that Nigeria purportedly has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and has one of the highest new infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa. This is just as it said 720,000 Nigerians are on United States PEPFAR-supported HIV treatment with approximately four million Nigerians having received HIV counseling and testing services in 2017 alone. The acting Public Affairs Officer of the United States Consulate, Kevin Krapf, made this disclosure during the commemoration of the 2017 World AIDS day held in Lagos. The commemoration was organised by the consulate in collaboration with the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) led by the Provost, Professor Babatunde Solagberu. With the programmed theme: ‘Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability and Partnerships’, Krapf said it reflects the US government longstanding leadership in addressing global HIV/AIDS, increasing our impact to move epidemics from crisis toward control. He said: “It also highlights the historic opportunity to accelerate progress toward controlling, and ultimately ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat in countries around the world. “Finally, it emphasises the critical role of transparency, accountability, and partnerships in reaching these goals. “According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and has one of the highest new infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa. “Many people living with HIV in Nigeria are unaware of their status due to insufficient recommended number of HIV testing and counselling centres. “Low access of antiretroviral treatment remains an issue for people living with HIV in Nigeria, and I welcome the new commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to use domestic funds to provide antiretroviral drugs to an additional 50,000 people living with HIV each year. “The US government, through PEPFAR, has helped not only to save and improve millions of lives, but also transformed the global HIV/AIDS response. “Currently, more than 720,000 Nigerians are on PEPFAR-supported HIV treatment and approximately four million Nigerians have received HIV counselling and testing services in 2017. “Also, approximately 50,000 pregnant women have received antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.” Krapf added: “We are at an unprecedented moment in the global HIV/AIDS response. For the first time in modern history, we have the opportunity to change the very course of a pandemic by controlling it without a vaccine or a cure. “Controlling the pandemic will lay the groundwork for eliminating or eradicating HIV which we hope will be possible through the future scientific breakthroughs which will lead to an effective HIV vaccine and cure. “The US government continues to lead the way in the global HIV/AIDS response. But no one country or entity alone can end the AIDS pandemic. “We are proud to partner governments, the private sector, philanthropic organisations, multilateral institutions, academic institutions, civil society and faith-based organisations, people living with HIV and many others in this project. “Through this collective effort, we also expect to reduce the future costs required to sustain the HIV/AIDS response.” It further said: “To accelerate progress toward HIV/AIDS epidemic control, PEPFAR continues to leverage the capabilities, assets, and technological know-how of the private sector, creating innovative solutions to complex problems.” While thanking the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency for conducting a state-wide aggressive campaign, counselling and HIV/AIDS testing through its mobile clinic initiative, Krapf said theirdetermination to ensure a zero prevalence of HIV in the state aligns with the strategic plan of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. He also commended the Society for Family Health for providing quality health services to Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigeria-has-second-largest-hiv-epidemic.html
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| Politics › Nigerians Can Live Happily Together Says Ekweremadu by edunwablog(op): 6:39am On Dec 04, 2017 |
@ www.Akelicious.com The Senate Deputy President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said a united Nigeria where every citizen could actualise his or her potential in any part of the country irrespective of his or her ethnic or religious background is possible. Ekweremadu spoke in Enugu when he was conferred with the Rotary International’s 2017 Outstanding Citizen of the World Award at the weekend. Explaining his usual reflective postures, the senator noted that there were abundant possibilities for Nigeria and Africa. He said: “I believe we can live happily together in Nigeria and everybody will have the blessings of democracy and all the economic gifts, which God has bestowed on this country. “I reflect about how somebody from Kano can live peacefully in and possibly become the Governor of Enugu State. I also reflect on how somebody from Imo State can one day become the Governor of Sokoto State. “I reflect on the about 350 million population of West African and how we can bring meaning to the protocol on enterprise, free movement, and residency to make the sub-region unique and prosperous. “I also believe that Africa can become a better continent where we can take advantage of all the blessings of raw materials and solid minerals that God has given to us in abundance. We can add value to these things and create a value chain that will make us the envy of the world.” While commending Rotary International for its commitment to reducing human suffering, he urged the international community to show more sincerity and commitment to building a prosperous and peaceful world. He expressed concern that global leaders spend time and resources on summits and seminars in search of global peace, but have not properly addressed the major issue of the manufacture of weapons of warfare and violence. “Can’t we turn these arms factories into schools, hospitals or where we can produce agricultural products and be able to add value to the rest of the world instead of producing arms to kill ourselves? “These things are possible if we truly want to build a better world,” he added. Speaking earlier, the President of the Rotary International, District 9142, Hon. Okezie Nwanjoku, said Senator Ekweremadu earned the award through his enormous philanthropy and efforts to better the lots of humanity. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/nigerians-can-live-happily-together.html
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| Politics › APC To Hold Elective National Convention In June by edunwablog(op): 7:07am On Dec 03, 2017 |
The All Progressives Congress has finally resolved to hold an elective national convention middle of next year, preferably on or before June 13. The decision of the APC to move its convention to next year came just as the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), proceeded with plans to hold its national convention next Saturday by approving an 87-member planning committee headed by Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. After many false starts in its effort to hold a mid-term non-elective convention in this year, the ruling party has settled for a new schedule that will coincide with the terminal date of the present National Working Committee. The NWC led by the national chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun was elected to office on June 13, 2014 and is expected to complete its four -year tenure in June 2018. The party has been under pressure in the past one year to organise a mid-term non-elective convention in line with the provisions of its constitution but the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari who was abroad on sick leave for about a quarter of 2017 made it practically impossible. Akelicious gathered that the APC took many things into consideration in arriving at the decision, including the resources required to convoke a national covention, the period of notice it would give the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the convention, the timing for outstanding state congresses as well as the yet-to -be resolved intra party squabbles in some of the state chapters. It was learnt that the agreement to extend the convention date till next year was struck during the meeting of the national leadership caucus held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The National Executive Committee meeting of the party held penultimate week mandated the National Working Committee to set up a committee that would draw a new programme of activities for the party. While speaking to journalists on what the party is doing about its mini convention, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said though no date had been fixed for the non elective convention, the party had asked the committee to go ahead and fix dates for all outstanding activities of the party before the main elective convention. “Like I said after the NEC meeting because we were unable to hold the convention at the scheduled time and you are all aware that we earlier scheduled to hold our mini convention in July but we were not able to do that for one reason or the other . “That means that all the programmes that the party has would have to dovetail into one another. We have the party’s state congresses coming up, we have the mini convention and the elective convention coming up that must happen by the first half of next year. “So it is important we synchronise all the activities and that is why a committee has been set up by the NEC, just a couple of people being asked to sit together and harmonise all the various activities of the party starting with the mini convention and the various congresses across the states and local government areas which will now culminate in the national convention.” The spokesman said he did not know yet when the timetable would be out, “but that from the outcome of the committee’s assignment, we will now have a timetable that will align with the INEC’s calendar showing the activities of the party, beginning with state congresses and terminating with the national convention next year.” Sources within the party said its leaders were not oblivious of the implication of holding an elective national convention close to general elections and were only hoping that all would go well so as not to put the party in crisis before an important election. Going by INEC’s schedule for the conduct of general elections in 2019, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2019 The dates for the election is taken with consideration for a space of 100 days before the expiration of the tenure. To that effect the commission has decided that governorship elections will take place on a Saturday closest to the 100 days before the expiration of tenure. By implication, campaigns by aspirants and political parties would have been at fever pitch from the second half of next year when party primaries would be approaching. Meanwhile, the PDP has set up an 87-man member convention committee headed by Governor Okowa to help it organise the Saturday’s make or mar elective convention. A release signed by the National Organising Secretary, Senator Abdul Ningi, said the Committees would be inaugurated on Monday. Apart from the main convention planning committee, the party also constituted 12 sub committees to help in the organisation of the convention. Sources at the party headquarters revealed that there were certain intrigues that caused the delay in setting up the convention committee long before now. The sources said that initially the party leadership considered appointing another governor from one of the states in the South-South zone but when some of the aspirants raised concern about neutrality, it back-paddled. Those who kicked against the choice of a South-South governor argued that since the tussle for national chairmanship race appears to be between aspirants from South-south and South-west, it would be wise to assign a governor from the North to chair the convention committee. They suggested the appointment of Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo. However, the National Caretaker Committee’s decision to finally settle for the Delta State governor was said to be driven by the belief that such a position would need someone that has the financial muscle and who can come to the aid of the party in footing the bill if the need arise. Another reason for choosing Governor Okowa was because of the short timeframe within which the committee is expected to put up a good show at the convention. As a member of the caretaker committee explained, the Delta governor had exhibited grasp of what it takes to organise such an event having performed creditably well during the last non elective convention of the party. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/apc-to-hold-elective-national.html
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| Politics › Anambra Chief Judge Umeadi Elected President Of World Association Of Judges by edunwablog(op): 9:24pm On Dec 02, 2017 |
The State Chief judge Justice Peter Umeadi, has been elected the President of World Association of Judges. He was elected during the Twenty-fifth Biennial Congress of the World Jurist Association, held at the Carribbean Island of Aruba. By this election, Justice Umeadi, becomes a member of the Governing Board of World Jurist Association. The Association which was formed in 1963, as a non-governmental organization with special consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council, is a forum that provides support to the international community on issues of global peace, by strengthening institutions that guarantees the rule of law. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/anambra-chief-judge-umeadi-elected.html
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| Politics › My Achievements In Government Unrivaled, Visible -jonathan by edunwablog(op): 5:19am On Dec 02, 2017 |
Former President Goodluck Jonathan friday debunked Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima’s allegations of poor governance during his tenure, stressing that his achievements during his five years in power remained unrivaled. Shettima, during a book launch on Thursday in Abuja, had stated that Jonathan wasted the goodwill he commanded, because of his bad governance and poor choices he made while in office. The Borno State governor also accused Jonathan of thinking that he was behind the kidnap of the Chibok girls. But Jonathan, in a statement signed by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, debunked the allegations and also described the criticism of his handling of the Chibok girls saga by Shettima as “parochial and jaundiced.” Eze, in the statement, further challenged the governor to come clean on the role he allegedly played in the kidnap of the Chibok school girls, emphasising that “it goes beyond the dismissive claim that Jonathan thought I kidnapped Chibok girls.” The statement reads: “He (Shettima) should be able to tell us if it was Jonathan’s poor choices that led the governor to expose students of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok to avoidable danger, in total disregard of a federal government directive to the governors in the three states most affected by Boko Haram to relocate their students writing the West African School Certificate Examinations to safe zones.” Jonathan also expressed strong reservations about the recently launched book, “On a Platter of Gold- How Jonathan won and lost Nigeria,” authored by former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in which the former President was likewise severely criticised. The statement disclaimed the book, describing it “as sore grapes, full of lies and gossip.” Eze’s statement reads: “As a man who had never seen anything good in the administration of former President Jonathan on account of party and other differences, it has remained our considered view that in a democracy, Governor Kashim Shettima and others like him are entitled to their opinion, no matter how jaundiced. “However, it is a sad commentary on the character of some of our politicians that they go to any length to make spurious statements, in pursuit of the sad narrative to remain politically correct. We cannot be deceived by his crocodile tears and patronising claim that ‘Jonathan is essentially a decent man,” which is a ploy he deployed to justify his false allegation of a lost glory. “The man who today speaks of squandered goodwill should be able to tell Nigerians what percentage of the votes Jonathan got in 2011 from Borno State at the height of that his envisaged glory according to Shettima, and what it became in subsequent elections. What was obvious yesterday, and has remained so today, is that Governor Shettima and those who think like him never liked Jonathan based on some parochial and paternalistic sentiments. “We didn’t expect anything less from Governor Shettima, knowing the ignoble roles he played in frustrating the war waged by the past administration against Boko Haram, even in his own Borno State. “He should be able to tell us if it was Jonathan’s poor choices that led the Governor to expose students of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok to avoidable danger, in total disregard of a Federal Government directive to the Governors in the three states most affected by Boko Haram to relocate their students writing the West African School Certificate Examinations to safe zones. “The Governor is now denying that he had no hand in the kidnap of the Chibok girls even before anybody accused him of culpability. However, we share the view of those who insist that the Governor had other things up his sleeve when he promised the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) that he would secure the girls, and ended up doing the very opposite, by deliberately abandoning them to their fate, without any security presence in their school. “It is instructive that while other governors in the zone heeded the security advice, Shettima remained the only one that flagrantly flouted it. Should we also fail to point out that his decision to reward the principal of Chibok Secondary School, who was uncharacteristically absent on the night terrorists stormed the school, with the post of a commissioner, did throw up more questions than answers? “Talking about accountability, perhaps, Shettima should also do well to explain to the good people of Borno State and Nigerians what he did with the over N60 billion Local Governments fund, left by his predecessor, Ali Mode Sheriff. “We understand Shettima and those who spoke like him accused Jonathan of bad governance and poor choices, and we would like to know if it was bad governance that led Jonathan to assemble a-yet-to be matched crop of dynamic cabinet and economic management team made up of tested technocrats like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Finance Ministry, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman in Planning, Mr. Olusegun Aganga in Trade and Investments, as well as Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, leading the charge in Agriculture. “The efforts of the Jonathan administration in repositioning Nigeria’s economy remain self-evident and it must have in deed been poor choices at their best for Jonathan and his team to have recorded the following key achievements: Nigeria’s Gross domestic Product rose to $503bn in 2013 and became Africa’s largest economy and 26th in the world; from 3rd and 46th respectively. “Nigeria became the number one destination for Foreign Direct Investment in Africa under former President Jonathan, with the numbers rising from US$24.9 million as at 2007 to over US$ 35 billion in 2014. Jonathan Government delivered over 25,000 kilometres of motorable federal roads from just a quarter of that number in 2011. “The Jonathan Administration resuscitated the railways in the country after about 30 years of hiatus. Jonathan’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda ended fertilizer racketeering, encouraged more young Nigerians to take to farming, boosted local food production and took the country closer to self-sufficiency in food production by recording more than 50% reduction in food imports. It was as a result of this that the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, for the first time, voted Nigeria the largest producer of Cassava in the world. “Power generation under Jonathan was boosted to about 5,000 megawatts in 2014 up from 2,000 megawatts in 2011. Prices of food and other household items remained stable and inflationary pressure was down to a single digit. “Under Jonathan, Nigeria controlled, clinically, Ebola outbreak to the admiration of the whole world, became Guinea-worm-free and also eradicated polio, with United States billionaire and renowned philanthropist Bill Gates, praising Nigeria’s successes against polio as one of the great world achievements of 2014. Sadly, polio has returned to the country with the likes of Shettima in charge of the endemic states. “Under Jonathan, life expectancy in Nigeria rose from 47 years in 2010 to 54 years in 2015. Just before Jonathan left office, CNN Money projected that Nigeria’s economy in 2015 would become the third fastest growing economy in the world at 7% behind China at 7.3% and Qatar at 7.1%. “Was it bad governance and poor choices that reformed the political and electoral processes to the extent that the United Nations is now pleading with the government of the day to strive to maintain the standards established by Jonathan? “Fortunately, Nigerians know where they stand with all of their leaders. All those who are calling Jonathan names today, and accusing him of having become quite unpopular, should simply take a walk on the streets of any Nigerian city as real leaders do. That way, they will accurately gauge their own approval and test their popularity with the Nigerian people. “On the book entitled ‘On a Platter of Gold- How Jonathan won and lost Nigeria’ written by Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, we have watched for some time as some outrageous fabrications are extracted from its pages day after day by the media. When the publication of the book, with an ominous title was first mooted, we knew it will be full of bile and sore grapes. We didn’t expect truth, sincerity and accuracy of narration, given that the author, who was sacked from his ministerial position by the subject of the book, is now the spokesman for the ruling APC. “We will therefore like to dissociate former President Jonathan from the book’s salacious contents, with all the obvious distortions, lies and exaggerations. Its pages are populated with gossip, politically influenced newspaper articles, uncoordinated raw data and unproven claims. Sadly, the author did not help matters, as there was no rigor or in-depth investigations towards establishing the veracity of the allegations the book contains. More details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/my-achievements-in-government-unrivaled.html?m=1
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| Phones › Ntel, 9mobile Get Ncc’s Approval To Commence National Roaming Test by edunwablog(op): 10:26am On Dec 01, 2017 |
Ntel, Nigeria’s most advanced 4G/LTE broadband operator has announced a national roaming field trial with 9mobile. The operators have received regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to commence a national roaming trial over a two-month period. According to ntel, the agreement will enable ntel’s customers to make calls on 9mobile’s network using any 2G or 3G handset within the specified trial zone. Commenting on the commencement of the national roaming trial, Ernest Akinlola, ntel’s CEO said “This agreement is a significant step in the right direction for us as a company and the telecommunications eco system as a whole.” A full national roaming agreement with 9Mobile would provide our growing customer base with a seamless service over 4G/LTE superfast data and voice clarity as well as ubiquitous 3G and 2G coverage nationwide. Both operators are pioneers in innovation and we are pleased to be charting a new path for the industry.” The national roaming test is expected to commence on both networks from December 1, 2017. ntel is Nigeria’s most advanced mobile 4G/LTE network providing superfast Internet Access that enables high-definition voice, data and video services. ntel’s network is built on the 900/1800 Mhz frequency bands which are the best propagation frequencies for the deployment of 4G/LTE technology. ntel’s range of services include: National Bandwidth; International Voice Termination, International Bandwidth; Mobile and Fixed Communications services. The company made its first on-net test data call in Lagos on January 18, 2016, and followed this up with the first on-net Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) call in Lagos on February 25, 2016, while full commercial operations commenced on April 8, 2016. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/ntel-9mobile-get-nccs-approval-to.html
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| Properties › 3 Storey Building Collapses In Anambra State by edunwablog(op): 7:33am On Dec 01, 2017 |
A three storey building under construction at Amansea, in Awka North local government area, has collapsed. Correspondent Chibuzor Okoye who visited the scene reports that the building was completely reduced to rubbles. Speaking to the Akelicious on the condition of anonymity, an eye witness revealed that the building collapsed due to the incompetence of the contractor handling the project, and the constant changing of construction engineers by the owner of the building who was said to be residing in Malaysia. Akelicious also observed that the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority had on tenth of October this year gave a stop work order which was blatantly ignored. All efforts to reach the wife of the owner of the building that was said to be living in Nnewi or any of the contractors proved abortive. more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/photo3-storey-building-collapses-in.html
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| Agriculture › Buhari Orders Single Digit Interest Rate For Agric Loans by edunwablog(op): 6:30am On Dec 01, 2017 |
President Mohammadu Buhari has given a directive to raise funds to support agriculture and industry at single digit interest rate.The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, at the NACCIMA/NIRSAL agribusiness conference held yesterday in Abuja said the president stated this at the federal executive council meeting. He disclosed that the committee, headed by the Vice President, would ensure they keeping the interest rate at 10 per cent.Stressing the need to restructure agricultural credit, he said: “At the council of ministers meeting, the president gave a directive to raise fund to support agriculture and industry at one digit interest rate. “If we don’t keep the interest rate as minimum as it should, there is trouble ahead. Manufacturing is not so easy, other countries support agriculture, in every farm in Europe government support it with six euros per day.” He lamented the inaccessibility of finance for agriculture, noting that farmers cannot borrow at 25 per cent interest rate as there is no production business that one can engage in with such interest rate.He said because the country is operating a federalism system of government has made it impossible for the Federal Government to interfere in the affairs of states He lamented that despite increased focus on agriculture, there are states that does not have a single working tractor for farmers. He urged the private sector to put pressure on the governors and local government chairmen to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday restated the determination of the administration to empower Nigerians if those in government resist the temptation to corner the nation’s resources to satisfy personal greed. Speaking in Osogbo, where he flagged off Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Osinbajo said the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) came to power because ordinary people on the streets gave it overwhelming support in order to give the nation a lease of life. He said, “When I arrived here I have seen for myself some products that should be supported by our administration. Our government will continue to work very hard to support them by making available resources to boost their businesses.’’ Governor Rauf Aregbsola said for serious-minded people ready to do business, his administration and government at the centre would do everything possible to enhance ease of doing business in order to boost the economic capacity of the society. His words, ‘‘for those ready to do business, there are abundant opportunities to create wealth and urged citizens of the state to key into GEEP to improve their businesses. ‘’ more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/12/buhari-orders-single-digit-interest.html
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| Politics › 99 Percent Importers Evade Duty, Says Customs Boss by edunwablog(op): 3:35pm On Nov 30, 2017 |
The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) Thursday said that 99 per cent of the nation’s importers are non-compliant with the customs duty and charges. According to him, the importers are unpatriotic to Nigeria even when they pay duty to other countries they deny theirs its dues. Ali, who was speaking as the Chief Host at the public presentation of the book “Appraisal of Crime of Smuggling in Nigeria,” in Abuja, pointed out that the belief of a typical Nigerian, is that he does not owe his country any obligation. Narrating his encounter with an importer, who settled all the charges for two cars in Benin Republic and Niger Republic and evaded Nigeria’s, he said that “somebody picked up two cars from Benin Republic, when he landed in Benin he paid every charges, he move them to Niger, and paid every charges he is supposed to pay. “But those cars are destined for Nigeria. When he now comes to Nigeria, he decided to take an un-costumed route and brought those cars to Nigeria. And when we did apprehend those vehicles the question I asked him is why are you so unpatriotic? “You could pay to Benin Republic, you could pay to Niger, and then coming to your own home, you don’t want to pay. He said the duty is too high. “And I said then why did you buy the two cars in the first place? This is the mentality of the Nigerian; he does not believe that he owes anything to his own country.” The country, he said, cannot make progress in a situation, where people are not complying with the law and unfortunately, all that Nigerians think is how to circumvent the law. He commended the author of the book, Musa Omale for not allowing his knowledge, experience and writing skills to die. The customs boss noted that the book has made the job of the NCS easier and enjoined all the stakeholders to buy and read it. He assured the author that the Nigeria Customs Service will deploy copies of the books to its libraries and commands. Speaking with journalists, immediate past president of Association of Nigerian License Customs Agents, Chief Ernest Elochukwu noted that book is an exposure of the dimension of smuggling and the laws that are in place to tackle it. He said that the fight against smuggling can also be viewed from other angles like the creation of an enabling environment that does not promote smuggling. This, he said, government can achieve that by making sensible policies in terms of what it bans and does not ban. He submitted that “when there is so much of ban in the list of items that could be imported into the country, especially if they are essential items, the issue of smuggling becomes inevitable.” Meanwhile, the author said that what motivated him is that he has been in the Customs for past 26 years and as an experience officer about the level of damage of smuggling to the economy and decided to turn his research for PhD on smuggling into a book. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/99-percent-importers-evade-duty-says.html
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| Politics › Buhari Seeks Senate Confirmation Of CCB Members by edunwablog(op): 7:26am On Nov 30, 2017 |
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a request to the Senate seeking the confirmation of 10 nominees as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The president’s letter was read at plenary wednesday by Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. In the letter which the president said is in compliance with Section 541 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and in pursuant to sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Act Law of Federation of Nigeria 2004, Buhari sought urgent confirmation of the nominees. “The curriculum vitae of the nominees are attached herewith. It is my hope that this Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will in their usual expeditious manner consider and confirm the nominees. Please accept Mr. Senate President, my assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter read. The nominees are: Muhammed Isa – Chairman (Jigawa, North West), Murtala Kankia – member, (Katsina North West), Emmanuel Attah – member, (Cross River, South-south), Danjuma Sado, member, (Edo South–south), Obolo Opanachi, member, (Kogi North-central), Ken Madaki Alkali, member (Nasarawa, North-central), S.F. Ogundare, member, (Oyo, South-west), Ganiyu Hamzat, member, (Ogun South-west), Sahad Abubakar, member, (Gombe North-east) and Vincent Nwanne, member, (Ebonyi South-east). Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday also directed its Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the nomination of Mr. Ahmad Bello Mahmud as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) representing Zamfara State. Mahmud’s nomination was rejected by the Senate last week, following claims that he is from Kebbi State, and not Zamfara State. The Senate however agreed to reconsider the nomination after a submission by Senator Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara APC) who noted that the nominee has held several appointive positions in the state, and is from the state. Marafa added that the screening committee’s report has confirmed that the nominee was born in Gusau, the state capital. The nominee had his primary and secondary education in the state, and was one time Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zamfara, and Chairman, Zamfara State Anti-Corruption Commission, Marafa added. “Further aware that the assertion by the senator representing Zamfara North senatorial district (Senator Tijjani Kaura) that the nominee is from Kebbi State and not from Zamfara is therefore false,” he said. Marafa urged the Senate to rescind its earlier decision and approve the nomination. Presiding, Saraki, said to rescind the rejection at plenary would be an indictment of the committee on INEC. He therefore referred the matter back to the committee and directed the Chairman, Senator Sulaiman Nazif, to report back in one week. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/buhari-seeks-senate-confirmation-of-ccb.html
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| Phones › 22 Million Nigerians Now On Facebook Says Ebele Okobi by edunwablog(op): 1:52am On Nov 29, 2017 |
Popular social media platform, Facebook, has disclosed that over 22 million Nigerians now use its space every month, with 87 per cent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) utilising it for digital skills and more. This was disclosed recently by the public policy director, Facebook Africa, Ebele Okobi, during the launch of its Nigerian initiative to reinforce its commitment and investment in the country, and across the continent. According to her, Facebook’s mission was to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. And this demonstrates that the power of digital skills to aid economic growth and development has never been more important. “Our investments and commitments announced in Lagos today further reflect our intent to partner with Nigeria’s policymakers and its vibrant tech and entrepreneurial eco-system to create economic opportunity and independence in Nigeria and across Africa,” she said. Okobi disclosed that Facebook plans to launch a hub intiative early next year. “Facebook believes that, for it to be relevant and people to be connected, everyone needs to collaborate to actualise a closer community. Facebook’s vision of fostering a close community would result in the hub training over 50,000 people across Nigeria in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Lagos,” she said. The multi-faceted creative hub would be In partnership with CC Hub, and it is expected to connect and bring together developers, start-ups and the wider community to collaborate, learn and share ideas. The “ng-hub” will also host a start-up incubator programme, as well as bespoke training, guest speakers and a dedicated event space, with an intent of attracting the best talent and driving innovation in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Also, head of platform partnerships, Middle East and Africa, Emeka Afigbo, said, “Nigeria is producing a new generation of exciting start-ups that have incredible potential. “We understand the important role Facebook plays here in Nigeria with developers and start-ups and are invested in helping these communities build for the next billion,” he said. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/22-million-nigerians-now-on-facebook.html
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| Politics › Shell In Eye Of The Storm Over ‘crimes’ In Ogoniland by edunwablog(op): 5:45am On Nov 28, 2017 |
Three decades after alleged atrocities by Shell in Ogoniland, fresh evidence indicates the Anglo-Dutch oil giant may still have questions to answer. Amnesty International is calling on Nigeria, the United Kingdom and The Netherlands to investigate the company over a series of alleged crimes committed by the Nigerian military government in Ogoniland in the 1990s. The organisation has released a review of thousands of pages of internal company documents and witness statements as well as Amnesty International’s own archive from the period. “The evidence we have reviewed shows that Shell repeatedly encouraged the Nigerian military to deal with community protests, even when it knew the horrors this would lead to, such as unlawful killings, rape, torture and the burning of villages,” said Audrey Gaughran, Director of Global Issues at Amnesty International. “In the midst of this brutal crackdown, Shell even provided the military with material support, including transport. And in at least one instance, paid a military commander notorious for human rights violations. That it has never answered for this is an outrage. “It is indisputable that Shell played a key role in the devastating events in Ogoniland in the 1990s, but we now believe that there are grounds for a criminal investigation. Bringing the massive cache of evidence together was the first step in bringing Shell to justice. We will now be preparing a criminal file to submit to the relevant authorities, with a view to prosecution.” But responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) said: “We have always denied, in the strongest possible terms, the allegations made in this tragic case. The executions of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow Ogoni in 1995 were tragic events that were carried out by the military government in power at the time. “We were shocked and saddened when we heard the news of the executions. Shell appealed to the Nigerian government to grant clemency. To our deep regret, that appeal, and the appeals made by many others within and outside Nigeria, went unheard. “Support for human rights in line with the legitimate role of business is fundamental to Shell’s core values of honesty, integrity and respect for people. Amnesty International’s allegations concerning SPDC are false and without merit. SPDC did not collude with the authorities to suppress community unrest, and in no way encouraged or advocated any act of violence in Nigeria. We believe that the evidence will show clearly that Shell was not responsible for these tragic events.” The Nigerian government’s campaign against the Ogoni people culminated in the execution, 22 years ago, of nine Ogoni men, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, a writer and activist who led the protests. The executions followed an alleged unfair trial that sparked a global outcry. In June 2017, the widows of four of the men filed a writ against Shell in the Netherlands, accusing the company of complicity in their deaths. An individual or company can be held criminally responsible for a crime if they encourage, enable, exacerbate or facilitate it, even if they were not direct actors. For example, knowledge of the risks that corporate conduct could contribute to a crime, or a close connection to the perpetrators, could lead to criminal liability. Amnesty International’s new report ‘A Criminal Enterprise?’ makes the case that Shell was involved in crimes committed in Ogoniland in this way. In the 1990s, Shell was the single most important company in Nigeria. During the Ogoni crisis, the firm and the Nigerian government allegedly operated as business partners, holding regular meetings to discuss the protection of their interests. Internal memos and minutes from meetings allegedly show Shell lobbying senior government officials for military support, even after the security forces had carried out mass killings of protesters. They also show that on several occasions, Shell provided logistical or financial assistance to military or police personnel when it was aware that they had been involved in attacks on defenceless villagers. Shell has always denied that it was involved in the human rights violations, but there has never been an investigation into the allegations. Protests in Ogoniland were led by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), in response to years of Shell oil spills which devastated the environment. In January 1993, MOSOP declared that Shell was no longer welcome to operate in the region, forcing the company to leave temporarily, citing security concerns. While Shell publicly sought to downplay the environmental damage it had caused, internal documents allegedly reveal that senior staff knew MOSOP had a legitimate grievance, and were concerned about the poor state of pipelines. On October 29, 1990, Shell allegedly requested “security protection” from the police at its facility in Umuechem village, where peaceful protests were taking place. Over the next two days, the police reportedly attacked the village with guns and grenades, killing at least 80 people and torching 595 houses. Many of the bodies were said to have been dumped in a nearby river. Amnesty International argued that Shell executives, at this point, would have understood the risks associated with calling for intervention from security forces. Despite this, it said there was clear evidence the oil firm continued to do just that. Amnesty alleged that in 1993, shortly after Shell had left Ogoniland, it repeatedly asked the Nigerian government to deploy the army to Ogoniland to protect a new pipeline, which was being laid by contractors. And that this resulted in the shooting of 11 people at a village called Biara on April 30, and the shooting to death of a man at Nonwa village on May 4. Also, less than a week after the shooting at Nonwa, Shell executives were said to have had a series of meetings with senior government and security officials. The minutes of these meetings allegedly show that, rather than raise concerns about the shootings of unarmed protesters, Shell was actively lobbying for the government and the security forces to allow them to continue work in Ogoniland, and was offering “logistical” help in return. Shell also allegedly offered financial support. One internal company document reveals that on March 3, 1994, the company made a payment of more than $900 dollars to the ISTF, a special unit created to “restore order” in Ogoniland. This was just 10 days after the unit commander ordered the shooting of unarmed protesters outside Shell’s regional headquarters in Port Harcourt. The document states that this payment was a “show of gratitude and motivation for a sustained favourable disposition towards (Shell) in future assignments.” “On a number of occasions, Shell’s request to the government for help in tackling what it termed the “Ogoni issue” was followed by a new wave of brutal human rights violations by the military in Ogoniland. It is difficult not to see causal links or to suppose that Shell was not aware at the time how its requests were being interpreted,” said Audrey Gaughran. “Sometimes Shell played a more direct role in the bloodshed, for example by transporting armed forces to break up protests, even when it was clear what the consequences would be. This clearly amounts to enabling or facilitating the horrific crimes that followed.” The Senate meanwhile has said it would ensure the Ogoni clean up is carried out without further delay. The chairman, Senate committee on environment, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, stated this yesterday after members visited two oil spill sites in B-Dere and Nsisiokem in Gokana and Eleme Local Government Areas of the state. She said: “We decided to visit Ogoniland because more agitations have been going on and are still ongoing on the clean up. We decided to go and see things by ourselves to get first hand information. And thank God, in the budget of 2018, there is more commitment by the President. We have gone to two sites and we have seen the extent of damage.” http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/shell-in-eye-of-storm-over-crimes-in.html
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| Politics › Governor Wike Wrestling Challenge Cup Kicks Off Today by edunwablog(op): 6:35am On Nov 26, 2017 |
Action begins today at the maiden Governor Wike Wrestling Challenge Cup, just as President of the Liberia Wrestling Federation, Mr. Bonokai George Golud, arrived in Port Harcourt yesterday as one of the dignitaries to grace the occasion. Contingents from 22 states including the Federal Capital Abuja (FCT), the Nigerian Army and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, are listed for the championships, which holds at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt. President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, who received Golud yesterday, told reporters that his visit was to intensify the existing partnership between the two nations in sports, particularly wrestling. According to Golud, Nigeria has always positioned herself as the big brother of the black race, adding that he is happy and proud of the position occupied by the nation, as he has never been disappointed learning from her. “I’ve been meeting Nigeria in various sporting competitions, especially in West Africa traditional Wrestling Competition and her athletes are very domineering and highly competitive as they have been leaders and an inspiration to us. “At competitions, they provide a lot of support for us. So, we have all been talking about how we can collaborate and benefit from some of their expertise, he said. The Liberian wrestling boss, who described the relationship between the two nations in sports as cordial said, “We had a good relationship with the NWF past president, Chief Austin Udeze, and since Dr. Igali took over, our relationship with Nigeria has increased and my personal relationship has also increased. “So he has invited me here today to have first-hand experience in terms of participation and how we can tap into the opportunities and resources that Nigeria has, that can help us to strengthen our wrestling, in order to develop and be much more competitive.” The competition will serve as a test run for next year’s cadet, junior and senior African Wrestling Championships at the same venue. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/governor-wike-wrestling-challenge-cup.html
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| Politics › Medplus, Partners Offer Free Health Assessments On World Diabetes Day by edunwablog(op): 6:43am On Nov 25, 2017 |
Medplus, a leading retail pharmacy chain in Nigeria, with over 35 stores in the country, commemorated World Diabetes Day on the 14th of this month with series of activities across its outlets. World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year all over the world on the 14th of November and is championed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The IDF marks this day to create awareness about the increasing health risks posed by diabetes. The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day is “Women and Diabetes- Our right to a healthy future.” The aim of the campaign is to promote the importance of affordable and equitable access for all women at risk of or living with diabetes to essential diabetes medicines, care, technologies and self-management information. There are close to 200 million women living with diabetes worldwide and over 5 million Nigerians currently suffering from the disease, the company said in a statement. “Health screenings are important in early diagnosis and treatment of Type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of serious complications.” To address this, Medplus in partnership with Pfizer, Sanofi, MG Ross and PharmacyPlus conducted free blood glucose tests for the public, especially women, in Medplus stores across the country. Beneficiaries of the screenings said they were grateful for the activity and those that needed treatment were given free diabetes medicines courtesy of PharmacyPlus. Mrs. Toyin Oke, an insurance executive said of the exercise, “I normally do not like going for tests, but I saw the advert for the blood glucose test and since it was free, I decided to come. I am happy that my blood glucose level is normal. I also got information on nutrition and adopting a healthier lifestyle to prevent diabetes.” Medplus Pharmacy pioneers a preventive approach to healthcare through its community outreaches and health services to help Nigerians live life to the fullest. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/medplus-partners-offer-free-health.html
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| Politics › Community Cries Out For Help Against Industrial Pollution by edunwablog(op): 6:18am On Nov 25, 2017 |
Face with the problems toxic waste and industrial pollution, residents of Wudil community in Kano State have cried out for urgent intervention from the federal government to save them from the environmental disaster ravaging the area. Wudil community, about 40 kilometers from Kano city, is known for fishery business for several years, on which majority of households rely as source of livelihood, besides the traditional crop farming. But the booming occupation is being threatened by industrial effluent from tanneries and other manufacturing companies in the state. Addressing journalists yesterday at a press conference organised by Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Kano State chapter, leader of Wudil Social Forum, Alhaji Ali Ahmad Wudi, lamented the devastating ecology the community has faced for years and the little or no intervention from government. Ali narrated how Wudil became endangered a few years ago when industries and manufacturing companies in Sharada and Challawa channeled untreated toxic waste and effluent into Kano Rivers, which flows into the community. He said over the years, the community has suffered strange sickness, which he claimed led to loss of lives, with many still critically ill as a result. Besides, he claimed that the devastating effect of toxic waste channelled into Wudil Rivers has ruined the traditional source of livelihood in the community, as all aquatic lives could no longer survive in the contaminated water, just as it is also contaminating the surviving plants from few farms in the community. “We have being experiencing this situation for over five years now without any intervention. Only God know how many people that have lost their lives as a result of strange sickness,” he noted. Ali regretted that several complaints lodged before the state Ministry of Environment have not yield positive results, as the discharge continues unabated. Council member of Environmental Management Association of Nigeria and Head, Department of Environmental Management, Bayero University, Dr. Luka Fitto-Buba, who confirmed the devastating effect of contaminated water, called for urgent intervention. He noted that environmental law is clear on the mandate of industries and manufacturing companies regarding treatment and detoxification of waste before disposing into communities. Fitto-Buba appealed to the federal government to enforce the relevant environmental laws to save the community from endemic ecological disaster. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/community-cries-out-for-help-against.html
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| Politics › NYSC United Nigerians After Civil War – Gov. Bagudu by edunwablog(op): 1:29pm On Nov 23, 2017 |
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, on Thursday, said that the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has helped bring Nigerians together irrespective ethnic differences. The scheme which was founded in 1973 has united the nation after the bloody civil war where millions of people died. While speaking during the official opening and swearing ceremony of 2,169 of the 2017 batch ‘B’ Corps members at NYSC permanent camp, Dakingeri, the governor who was represented by his deputy, Col. Samaila Yombe Dabai (rtd) described the scheme as a child of necessity in the country immediately after the war. “The establishment of the National Youth Service Corps came as a child of necessity, arising from the bloody civil war that left millions of casualties on both sides of the conflicts. “We appreciate the founding fathers of the scheme for looking the way of youths to begin the acceleration of true journey to nationhood, through the promotion of a united egalitarian and integrated country devoid of ethnic hatred and suspicion.” He assured the newly deplored Corps members that the state is secured adding that other security measured are been put in place. “Already, various security organs of government have been directed to double their efforts towards giving you additional security. The state government on its part will continue to do everything possible to see to your general welfare and sustenance. ” While the government is determined to see to the security, welfare and overall success of the scheme, the NYSC on its part should not relent in complementing the efforts of the government and people of Kebbi State”. The State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr. Lawal Turawa in his welcome address, disclosed that 1,078 female and 1,091 male Corps members have registered as at 12 midnight of Wednesday, 22nd November, 2017 before the official registration was cut off. Turawa further commended Kebbi State Government for releasing N147 million to settle backlog arrears owed Corps members of 2016 batch A stream 1 and 2 and 2016 Batch B stream 1 and 2. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/nysc-united-nigerians-after-civil-war.html
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| Politics › Photos:oba Of Benin In Abuja To Visit Buhari by edunwablog(op): 12:51pm On Nov 23, 2017 |
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has arrived Abuja on a historic visit. The monarch who arrived in company of other high chiefs was welcomed warmly by the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, John Oyegun.Oba Ewuare II plans to make a nationwide thank you visit since his coronation which begins with a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the so Rock Villa, Abuja. more photos:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/photosoba-of-benin-in-abuja-to-visit.html
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| Politics › 21 Years After, Zik's Wife Calls For Completion Of Mausoleum Of Late Husband by edunwablog(op): 6:08am On Nov 23, 2017 |
The Federal Government has been urged to swing into action to complete the mausoleum in honour of late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. The wife of the late Sage and nationalist , Professor Uche Azikiwe made the call at the six Zik Lecture Series at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Awka. Professor Azikiwe who decried the failure of the Federal Government to complete the project, twenty one years after the death of the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said there is need to complete the project as it is the only way to preserve his legacies. She lamented that every year money is budgeted for the project, yet no meaningful progress has been made on the project and thanked all who took it upon themselves to ensure that the Zik's Lecture Series is being held yearly. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/21-years-after-ziks-wife-calls-for.html
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| Sports › Nigeria Begins Sale Of FIFA Hospitality Packages by edunwablog(op): 5:54am On Nov 23, 2017 |
Nigerian football fans, who want to watch matches of the Russia 2018 World Cup, now have the opportunity to get the packages from the official sources. Yesterday, Match Hospitality confirmed that Nigerian events and hospitality outfit, Integral, has acquired the rights as its exclusive sales agent in the country for the sale of the 2018 FIFA World Cup packages. MATCH Hospitality is the exclusive rights holder of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA hospitality programme offers fans guaranteed match tickets bundled together with such services as facilities at the stadiums (including private suites, lounges and marquee tents), gourmet catering, preferential parking, entertainment and gifts. Speaking on Integral’s appointment as agent for Nigeria, Match Hospitality’s Chief Operating Officer, Pascal Portes said: “We feel a tremendous sense of pride in the product range offered by Match Hospitality as FIFA’s official hospitality rights holder for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. “Nigeria is an established and very passionate market, and we are extremely optimistic about the sales potential for our hospitality programme in 2018. We know that Integral are our best partners to open the door to a thriving Nigerian market ready for the extraordinary experiences promised by this exceptional FIFA World Cup environment.” Also speaking on the development, Managing Director of Integral, Abimbola Ilo said: “We are delighted to act as the exclusive sales agent of Match Hospitality in Nigeria for the sale of the 2018 FIFA World Cup’s official hospitality programme. “After months of negotiations and discussions, this deal clearly confirms Integral’s pedigree to have been selected, and on an exclusive basis in Nigeria. This basically means now that we have the entire inventory to deliver unforgettable experience to all our clients during the FIFA World Cup, right from the moment they think about attending the event to support their team.” http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/nigeria-begins-sale-of-fifa-hospitality.html
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| Education › ABUAD Warns New Students Against Crime, Threatens To Rusticate Culprits by edunwablog(op): 5:35am On Nov 23, 2017 |
Management of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) has warned the newly admitted students to shun vices such as drug, cultism and rape or risk been expelled. The vice chancellor, Prof Michael Ajisafe, who read the riot act during the 9th matriculation ceremony of the institution, said ABUAD has zero tolerance for all forms of rascality. He also used the occasion to announce that the university has got accreditation for all its courses, and there won’t be any reason for students to be afraid of the future. The vice chancellor advised the students not to abuse the academic independence they enjoy on campus, saying any decision they take at this moment would either truncate or enhance their future plans. Prof Ajisafe added that ABUAD was ranked in 2017 as second best private university in Nigeria and 13 on the Webometric ranking among the 268 tertiary institutions in the country, describing the feat as novel in the history of the nation’s education system. “Hardwork like our founder, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) said does not kill. But let me say this, there will be avalanche of influences and pressure in the university from which you are not insulated.” more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/abuad-warns-new-students-against-crime.html
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| Politics › Photos:gov-obiano Receives Certificate Of Return by edunwablog(op): 1:13pm On Nov 22, 2017 |
Re-elected governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following his victory in the Saturday’s governorship poll. The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, handed over the certificate of return to Obiano at INEC’s headquarters in Awka, the state cdapital.. Presidenting the certificate to Obiano, the state REC urged the re-elected governor to live up to expectations and continue to develop the state. In attendance were Obiano’s wife, the Deputy Governor; Dr Nkem Okeke, and many of his supporters and top officials. Also present were the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Chairman of the Willie Obiano Re-election Committee, Victor Umeh, and several traditional rulers and party chieftains. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/photosgov-obiano-receives-certificate.html
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| Politics › Photos:obiano Visits Late VP Ekwueme's Family by edunwablog(op): 12:20pm On Nov 22, 2017 |
@www.Akelicious.com Governor Willie Obiano disclosed this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the former Vice-president at his country home, Ezioko village, Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area. The govetrnor, accompanied on the visit by his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, was received by the junior brother of the late elder statesman and traditional ruler of Oko, Igwe Laz Ekwueme.Addressing newsmen after he gave his condolences to the family, Governor Obiano revealed that due to the personality of the deceased, the Committee will draw members from the five Southeastern states and beyond. According to him, the committee will be charged with the responsibility of planning for the state on how to give the late Dr Ekwueme a befitting burial, whether or not the Federal Government provides assistance. The Governor described the late elder statesman as a father, whom he shared very intimate relationship with, describing his demise as a great loss to the state and the country. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/photosobiano-visits-late-vp-ekwuemes.html
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| Politics › Kaduna Commissioner, Prof Nok, Dies At 55 by edunwablog(op): 6:02am On Nov 22, 2017 |
Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday, shed tears at the residence of his commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Jonathan Andrew Nok, who died after a brief illness. Professor Nok, died at a private hospital in Kaduna at about 6:30am yesterday. He was born on 11 February 1962 and hailed from Nok Village in Jaba local government area of Kaduna State. Governor el-Rufai, who was among the first callers to the resident of his late commissioner with his cabinet members, could not control his tears. Professor Nok, began his public life as commissioner of Health and Human Services and was later moved to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. A laureate of the National Merit Award, Professor Nok was a distinguished scientist. Kaduna State Health Team won two consecutive first prizes in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) week during Professor Nok’s stay at the Ministry of Health and Home Services. The late commissioner was a professor of Biochemistry at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Acknowledged in the science community for his contributions, Professor Nok won the Alexander Humboldt prize in 2013 for his research into finding a cure for trypanosomiasis. In 2009, he won the NLNG prize for identifying the gene responsible for the enzyme which causes sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis). The federal government of Nigeria also honoured him with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/kaduna-commissioner-prof-nok-dies-at-55.html
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| Politics › PANDEF Meets In Warri, Accuses FG Of Creating Tension In Niger Delta by edunwablog(op): 5:40am On Nov 22, 2017 |
Niger Delta leaders from Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Cross Rivers, Ondo and Akwa Ibom states yesterday accused the Federal Government of worsening the security situation by the frequent deployment of troops to the region. The leaders who met yesterday in Warri, Delta State under the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) deliberated on the current insecurity situation in the region, especially the recent threat by Niger Delta Avengers to resume attack on oil facilities. The meeting which was chaired by Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), former governor of Akwa Ibom State, with Chief Edwin Clark as chief host, blamed the Federal Government for the recent threat to the fragile peace in the Niger Delta by refusing to address the remaining 15 out of the 16 demands submitted to the presidency by PANDEF. In a welcome address read by Prof. G.G. Darah, he said the issuance of statements by aggrieved Niger Delta groups to attack oil and gas facilities and the response of the government by deploying troops and weapons to the region, particularly Delta State, had again worsened the security situation in the region. “Fear and tension have replaced the fragile peace in many oil producing communities in the riverine areas of the region, particularly in Delta State”, he said. According to him, the emergency meeting will offer PANDEF the opportunity to work out strategies for restoring peace and stability for the development of “the oppressed and neglected region.” Darah said the Niger Delta urgently needed peace and stability for sustainable development to take place. He urged the Federa Government to discontinue its use of force to intimidate and terrorize the exploited people of the region. Chief Edwin Clark in his long speech at meeting wondered why the government kept making promises to the region and will not fulfill any of them.He said despite cries, the government had abandoned the Ogoni clean-up even though it claimed $1million was made available to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/pandef-meets-in-warri-accuses-fg-of.html
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| Politics › Nigeria Spends N8.4b To Feed Inmates On Awaiting Trial Yearly by edunwablog(op): 5:32am On Nov 22, 2017 |
Fed Govt Spends N8.4b Yearly To Feed 51,614 Pre-trial Inmateshttps://guardian.ng/news/government-spends-n8-4b-yearly-to-feed-51614-pre-trial-inmates/
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| Business › Zenith Bank Named “best Company In Sustainability Reporting In Africa” by edunwablog(op): 6:19pm On Nov 20, 2017 |
Zenith Bank has been named ‘Best Company in Sustainability Reporting In Africa” at the 2017 Sustainability Enterprise Responsibility Awards (SERAS) CSR Awards. The bank said in Lagos on Monday that with the new award held at the weekend, Zenith Bank had blazed a trail as the winner of the award for the second consecutive year. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bank also won the 2016 Sustainability Report titled “Creating Wealth Sustainably” being the first Sustainability report in Nigeria and Africa financial services sector. The award was instituted in October 2016 by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB). The bank said it had raised the bar in sustainability reporting within and outside the financial services sector, while setting the pace in the adoption of global best standards in reporting. It said that the award had been widely acknowledged in the global Sustainability arena with the GRI featuring it on the homepage of its official website: https://www.globalreporting.org. “The bank has not only supported the global climate action and has prioritized investment in green and sustainable business projects, but has fully integrated environmental and social considerations into its business and credit administration processes. “As part of its green earth policy, Zenith Bank is the first bank in Nigeria to have carried out an external audit on its greenhouse gas footprints, using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standards, a globally certified GHG audit procedure.” The bank said that new standards was designed to replace the older GRI G4 reporting guidelines which was the reporting standard Zenith Bank adopted in its 2015 Sustainability Report. “Though the timeframe set by the GSSB for institutions to comply with the new Standards is July 2018, Zenith Bank, however, emerged as one of the first institutions in the world to have mastered and adopted the new Standards one year ahead of schedule. “As shown in the reporting database of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), over 100 companies have so far adopted the new GRI Standards worldwide including major brands such as Accenture, Bank Audi, Citi Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, European Investment Bank and Ford Motor Company, among others. “Zenith Bank is one of these global early birds,” the bank said. Sustainability reporting provides a tool for measuring progress in the adoption of sustainable business principles. These principles require organizations to adopt responsible environmental and social policies and practices in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles, the IFC Performance Standards and the UNGC Sustainability Principles, among others. “As a responsible corporate citizen, Zenith Bank takes seriously its environmental and social responsibilities in all the communities where it operates. “Reporting progress in the adoption of these best practices to stakeholders is also a major corporate responsibility. “Sustainability reporting compels transparency, accountability and good corporate governance. “It is also a major self-assessment tool that enables reporting institutions to see the gaps in their sustainability implementation with a view to closing them. “This is why reporting has become a key performance indicator, especially among leading global brands,” it said. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/zenith-bank-named-best-company-in.html
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| Politics › Anambra Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke Hails Voters For Re-election by edunwablog(op): 12:37pm On Nov 20, 2017 |
@ www.Akelicious.com Anambra State Deputy-Gov. Nkem Okeke on Monday hailed the people of the state for huge support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Saturday’s governorship poll, which led to his re-election. Okeke made the commendation in an interview with the Newsmen in Awka.He said that the decision of the people to renew the mandate of the present administration showed that they had taken their destiny in their hands. Okeke added that the support was an expression of confidence in the Mr Willie Obiano-administration. He assured members of the electorate that APGA would adhere strictly to its manifesto. According to him, the administration will not relent in developing all sectors of the state’s economy to achieve a secure future. He told NAN that the administration would consolidate on the achievements it recorded in agriculture, education, commerce and industry and healthcare delivery, among others. Okeke said that APGA’s victory in the poll was a call for more work. “The administration would make the people proud; we will not fail Anambra people,” he said. NAN reports that Obiano secured 234,074 of the 457,311 valid votes to defeat Dr Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 98,752 and Mr Oseloka Obaze of the Peoples Democratic Party who polled 70,293 votes. More details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/anambra-deputy-governor-nkem-okeke.html?m=1
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| Politics › Anambra Election:605 Journalists Accredited As Anambra Votes For Governor by edunwablog(op): 6:01am On Nov 18, 2017 |
The people of Anambra State, South East Nigeria, will today choose between continuity and a fresh mandate in a governorship election that promises to be a keen contest among the candidates. The Guardian investigations revealed that the residents of the state are showing strong enthusiasm in the process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and their candidates yesterday engaged in last-minute bids to either see to the success of the exercise or personal campaigns for victory. About 37 candidates from different political parties would scramble for the votes of 2, 158,171 registered voters in the state at the poll. Factors that will produce the next governor of the state currently dominate the landscape. Residents discuss the chances of the major gladiators including All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate and incumbent governor, Willie Obiano and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Tony Nwoye. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Oseloka Obaze, United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate, Osita Chidoka and the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) candidate, Godwin Ezeemo, are also considered as having ‘bright’ chances at the election. Among the five, however, many say the contest would be mainly between Obiano and Nwoye. As a way of ensuring the credibility of the exercise, INEC had started delivering sensitive and non-sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Awka. Distribution of the materials to the 21 local council headquarters began early yesterday morning. The state’s INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nwachukwu Orji, told journalists that the commission was doing its best to ensure a free, fair and credible exercise, urging the electorate to turn out for the election. He stated that to reduce the problems associated with the exercise, eligible voters would no longer need to wait after accreditation, but would vote immediately. He denied reports that the commission was working to favour a particular candidate in the election, following allegations that one of its officials, Amina Zakari, who attended a meeting in Awka with the National Chairman, lodged in a hotel owned by one of the contestants. Awka, the state capital, however, witnessed massive influx of a huge number of persons yesterday including those who are deemed to have no stakes in the election. Several trucks bearing mobile and regular policemen and soldiers were also moved into the state to strengthen security. Several drinking joints are also witnessing a robust patronage of customers. Although, several road junctions witnessed traffic gridlocks, this is not as a result of security check-points but basically because of human and vehicular movements, as most residents are either moving in or out of the state. The state government had declared a work-free day in the state to enable civil servants return to their polling units to cast their votes. Meanwhile, some APC governors held an all night closed-door meeting in Awka with stakeholders and leaders of the party, apparently to perfect plans for the election. Although, details of the meeting were not disclosed, a source said the attendance included party leaders from the Southeast, adding that it disrupted certain engagements of the party’s candidate in the election. Former President Goodluck Jonathan had led PDP governors and leaders to campaign for Obaze, the party’s candidate, at Onitsha on Thursday and thereafter held an all night meeting at Peter Obi’s residence. Governor Obiano had asked the Anambra electorate to come out and perform their civil obligations, assuring that adequate security of lives and property has been provided. Obiano in a statewide broadcast, also told troublemakers to stay away from the state, stressing that the long arm of the law would catch up with anyone who attempts to derail the election process. Meanwhile, no fewer than 605 journalists have been accredited to cover today’s governorship election. Also accredited were 42 local observers and seven international observers to cover the 21 local councils, three senatorial districts, 4,608 polling units, 731 voting points and 2,158,171 registered voters. A politician, Ugo Ofodile, said the tension associated with governorship elections could be reduced if the state adopts a development charter that should be abided to by all candidates. Speaking to The Guardian in Awka, he argued that the desperation for political office and the imposition of candidates, among other negative vices associated with the electoral process, could be curbed by an acceptable blueprint drawn up by the people. He said the adoption of a development charter in the state had also become imperative, following the campaigns ran by the candidates in the governorship election, which, according to him, lacked the people’s input. His words: “I think what is lacking in the campaigns is that it failed to address the core needs of the people and returns us to the same old story of what the politicians want Anambra people want. “All the candidates have their blueprints and ideas on how to run and develop the state if given opportunity, but did any of them consult the people while drawing up the blueprint? This is the big question.” “I believe that the time has come when people should be prepared to get into office, when people should take a study of their environment and relate with their people so as to feel their pulse before embarking on any assignment of note like the governorship election. They are speaking differently on what they think they know but are these things what Anambra people want?” Continuing, he said: “I listened to one of the candidates talk about an airport in Uli. Do you talk about an airport when you have not been able to maintain and fix the bad roads in the state? “If you want to build an airport in Anambra, it is good, but who are you building it for? Are you looking for something that will not be used by the masses, are you thinking of bettering the welfare of the elite class and the few still occupying the various strata? “These are the issues. I believe that the ordinary people of Anambra are looking for the basic things of life. I believe that they are interested in anything that will put food on their table, make their children receive the best education at affordable rates, provide them with good roads and access to health care services. “The trader or artisan in Onitsha and Nnewi desires stable power supply to enable him concentrate on his trade and put food on the table. If you want to be governor, we need to understand whether the person is thinking of development or some other things. The parties have ideology and manifestos, but we discovered that the moment anybody assumes office, he starts thinking and behaving differently from the ideals of his party. “So, for me, these are the issues and the campaign rallies I have been opportune to attend so far have not given me the conviction that we have learnt something new. We have insisted on the old method where people gather and the hired crowd will continue to sing praises until the event is over and then we share money and go. It does not make for development of any society.” The Estate Management expert added: “What I really think is that if we are able to actualise these, whoever becomes the governor is now immaterial. We would have solved a major problem in the polity. We would have reduced the level of contention and animosity that arise any time there is an election. “Democracy is all about the people. It is government of the people but what is the input of the people in the programme of the government? “Should we continue to vote all the time for people to go into office and do whatever they like and however they like it? That is what I think this election should correct, but that may be a far cry because, we have not been able to clearly articulate a programme for the state,” he stated. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/anambra-election605-journalists.html
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| Crime › 2 Suspects Arrested For Murder In Shell Office by edunwablog(op): 5:39am On Nov 18, 2017 |
Forensic detectives have arrested two suspects, who allegedly murder one Mr Cletus Onyekwele, in his office at the industrial area of Shell Petroleum Development Company headquarters, in Port Harcourt. The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Zaki Ahmed, said the police, in course of the investigation, arrested the suspects, Kingsley Nwankor and Joseph Francis, through the use of forensic science and DNA samples obtained. Ahmed explained that the deceased Onyekwele, who was a staff of Alfamead Nigeria ltd, a sub-contracting firm with Shell was found dead in his pool of blood inside his office at Shell headquarters in Port Harcourt at about 11: 45pm on 13 April, 2017. He said as soon as the matter was reported, the Divisional Police Officer, Elekahia Division led a police team to the scene, where they carefully condoned and preserve the scene, after evacuating the deceased. In a bid to unravel this rare murder, he said the case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SIID) with the main focus on the use of forensic science. According to him, the police collected DNA samples pieces of physical evidence and eyewitnesses’ account were deployed in tacking the case. Ahmed said in the course of the investigation, a total of fifty suspects made up of contract and security staff of Shell were arrested for questioning, after which they were unconditional released on bail after relevant forensic exhibits were obtained from them for procession in appropriate laboratories for analysis within and outside the country. “This effort paid off handsomely when after three months of submitting the forensic exhibits, a match was found belonging to one of the profiles earlier sent, identified as that of Kingsley Nwankor (40 years) staff of M.B and C Investment Ltd, a sub contracting firm with SPDC) he said. He stated that after Kingsley was confronted with overwhelming evidence, particularly the presence of his DNA at the crime scene, coupled with other demining pieces of evidence, he broke down in tears and confessed to have carried out the acts that led to the dead of the deceased. “His confession led to the arrest of the second suspect, Joseph Francis, 37 years, also a staff of MB and C Investment who is currently helping us in our investigation” he said. The Commissioner of Police pointed out the command has made a breakthrough not only through the use of sophisticated forensic technology, but has secured justice for the family of the deceased and equally guaranteed a safer environment for all workers and visitors with Shell headquarters. Ahmed, who said he was elated by the arrest of the culprits, pointed out that this case highlights the importance of the use of forensic tools in criminal investigation. According to him, upon the successful prosecution, this case will find its place in the annals of remarkable breakthrough by the police. http://www.akelicious.com/2017/11/2-suspects-arrested-for-murder-in-shell.html 1 Share
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| Politics › Obaseki Warns Ijaws: "Don’t Take My Tolerance For Granted" by edunwablog(op): 5:03am On Nov 18, 2017 |
• Releases N500m counterpart funding to access N2bn facilityhttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/11/18/dont-take-my-tolerance-for-granted-obaseki-warns-ijaws/ 1 Share
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