₦airaland Forum

The Lagos State University (LASU) is to admit 3,500 students for the 2017/2018 academic session.

The university’s Head of Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, Mr Adekoya Martins, made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday.

Martins said that 36,500 candidates applied for admission in LASU for the academic session. He described as false, purported information on some social media platforms that LASU was set to admit 5,500 out of 36,500 candidates.

“The university management wishes to state unequivocally that such information is false, baseless and unfounded.
“Consequently, members of the university community and the general public are advised to disregard such information,” he said.
In a bid to ensure transparency and merit-driven admission process, LASU recently launched an application to automate subsequent admissions in line with a directive from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The application will cut out undue interference from individuals in the admission process.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/lasu-to-admit-3500-of-36500-candidates.html

The Nigerian government on Thursday gave an indication that it would soon review the privatisation of power plants in the country to enable government restructure their ownership and capacity to deliver value to the people.

President Muhammadu Buhari said at the closing of the 23rd Nigerian Economic Summit, NES in Abuja that the review would involve the restructuring of the ownership of the power plants to ensure that owners who do not demonstrate sufficient capacity to operate the facilities cede their stakes to new investors.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said this was to open up the sector for new investors to bring in fresh capital to make the plants more functional.

He said negotiations would commence with power generation companies, DISCOs where the country is having the most difficulties in ensuring adequate power supply.

At the opening session of the summit, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, had rejected a proposal by one of the operators who urged the federal government to inject more money in the power plants sold to private investors.

Mr. Osinbajo said rather than give fresh funding, current owners of those companies who have no capacity to finance their operations should transfer their equity to fresh investors to help realize that objective.

The Chairman, Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited, Tony Elumelu, had urged the federal government to reconsider refinancing the electricity distribution companies, DISCos by acquiring fresh shares of the firms.

Mr. Elumelu had said injecting fresh capital would check the current situation where operators of these power plants were holding the government to ransom with endless demands.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/just-innigerian-govt-to-review-power.html

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has criticised the attitude of some churches, especially in Abuja, in inviting secular celebrities and entertainment stars to boost attendance at their programmes.

The General Secretary of CAN, Musa Asake, condemned the new trend saying it would only distract people from the teachings of Christ.

He said rather than the ‘‘church learning from the world, the church should be imparting the world.’’

The trend

It is now common for some churches to publicise upcoming programmes and services by printing massive bill-boards and circulating posters, bills, fliers to announce the attendance of actors, musicians and other celebrities at such events.

At times, local and international gospel acts are invited alongside these entertainment icons to boost attendance.

Years ago, this would have been an anomaly as the church is believed to frown at allowing the vestiges of worldly influence invade its terrain.

Recently, however, the trend seems to have changed, at least with some churches, with the invitation of A-list Nollywood celebrities, musicians and comedians to church programmes- perhaps to attract more crowd to such events.

Early last year, two churches, Action Faith Int’l and Prevailing Power Assembly in Abuja invited Nollywood star, Patience Ozokwor and Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) respectively to some of their events.

Also, last year, House on the Rock Church invited Akpopororo, a comedian, to its annual programme, ”The Experience”, also to perform.

And most recently, Firehouse Church, Nyanya invited entertainment stars, Ini Edo, Desmond Elliot and Osita Iheme in August and actress cum comedian, Funke Akindele (popularly known as Jenifa) in September.

Akelicious learnt that these churches invited the celebrities to their events to shore up attendance and also motivate their members to elicit more commitment.

Reactions

When Akelicious visited Firehouse Church (for the umpteenth time), to get a reaction, a pastor who gave her name as Julie simply said it was the decision of the church and commented no further.

However, a member of the church, Kelvin Chibueze, told Akelicious that he sees nothing wrong in the invites extended to celebrities by some churches.

‘‘If inviting them fulfils the purpose – which is to bless people, then, so be it,’’ he said.

“Using celebrities to bring people to church is secondary. I think the primary aim is to show God’s power in their lives. This man (the church’s leader) is a prophet, he doesn’t just prophesy, he sees things too. For example, when Ini Edo came, he just told her things about her life and then prayed for her,” he added.

Francis Monday, another member, said that ‘’the means of getting people blessed isn’t an issue, so long as they are blessed, no problem.’’

Johnson Olamilekan, a Christian worshipper in one of the churches told Akelicious that he had attended a church event which featured a comedian. He said the ploy is just to shore up attendance as well as ‘‘create excitement in the church.’’
“Left for me, I don’t see anything wrong with it. These comedians are Christians too and they don’t come to do atrocities in the church, they just ease tension among the people. I think it’s high time we stopped spiritualising things”, he said.

Equally, Philip Ogbaje, a worshipper in one of the Pentecostal churches in Abuja said the pressure on pastors to increase attendance at their events is a factor encouraging such invites.

“With the proliferation in the number of churches and drive for members, there’s pressure on pastors to not only get more members but to retain the existing ones. I think that pastors invite celebrities to their churches to attract more people to the church. Because the more members they have, the more offerings they will get and consequently, the more the increase in their influence. If inviting a celebrity would bring members, pastors wouldn’t mind, whether biblical or not,” he said.

CAN remains adamant

In a phone chat with Akelicious, Mr. Asake said ‘‘the church was in trouble.’’

“If the church has gotten to a place where it is making adverts like the world, then we are in trouble. The church is a serious place where we go to worship, not where we go for entertainment. In my personal opinion, I don’t support it because this will only divert the attention of people from Christ to human beings which is not supposed to be so”, he said.

He added, “If for example, I’m a fan of one of these celebrities and they are invited, I’ll stop thinking about my salvation, about Christ and my walk with the Lord, I’ll rather be focusing on that person. Once the church gets to that level, we are trying to side-track ourselves from the gospel message to a worldly kind of entertainment, which is not supposed to be so.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/can-criticises-churches-inviting.html

Former First Lady Patience Jonathan used her mother’s company to launder about N2.114b, according to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives.

Besides, Magel Resort Limited, which was incorporated by Mrs., Jonathan’s late mother, allegedly secured over N200m IT contract from the National Information Technology Development Agency.

Many people, including an hotelier in Abuja, also remitted funds into the account.

Also, uncovered is how some domestic aides of the former First Lady remitted about N5.7billion into the accounts of three firms linked to Mrs. Jonathan.


As part of the investigation, some Federal Government agencies were found to have remitted funds into the account of Ariwobai Aruera Reach Out Foundation, her NGO, which has N2,475,784,487.77.

Detectives put the cash in the two domiciliary accounts of the ex-First Lady at $20,731, 173.

According to sources in EFCC, the major highlights of the latest investigation of Mrs. Jonathan border on the use of her mum’s firm and domestic aides to launder funds.

The sources claimed that the ex-First Lady has a case to answer because of the “curious payments” made into more than five accounts linked to her.

A source, who pleaded not to be named so as not to jeopardise the investigation, said: “This is not a case of witch-hunt or vendetta. We have retrieved records of transactions and those concerned. There is a strong case of abuse of office.

“Nigerians should prevail on Mrs. Jonathan to seek equity with clean hands by subjecting herself to legal process. How did domestic aides come about billions? Why will a resort company secure an IT contract? How did a furniture firm without a fixed address come about N1.140billion?


“As we investigate the ex-First Lady, our detectives dig out more evidence of alleged money laundering by her between 2009 and 2015.”

The source gave an insight into the latest findings by detectives on Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

The source added: “A company owned by Mrs. Jonathan is Magel Resort Ltd. It was incorporated by Mrs. Jonathan’s late mother. But Patience Jonathan became the sole signatory to the account of the company by board resolution upon the demise of her mother.

“The EFCC is probing the circumstance in which the firm though registered as a resort agency secured over N200m IT contract from the National Information Technology Development Agency.

“The contract was allegedly funded through the National Information Technology Development Fund.”

Several other persons under investigation for money laundering by the anti- graft agency were discovered to have made payments into the company’s account.

Some of them, including a hotelier in central area, Abuja, have been invited for questioning.

“The total sum allegedly laundered through the account of Magel Resorts Ltd run by Mrs. Jonathan and her late mother is N2.114billion.

“Also allegedly laundered by the former First Lady through the account of Lawari Furniture and Baths Ltd is N1.140billion. The company’s address is given as 100 Akamfa Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The bulk of the money was deposited by Bureau de Change operators.

“The BDC operators have already been invited by the EFCC for questioning.

EFCC sources said that the addresses of most of the companies were discovered to be fictitious as mails sent to them were returned undelivered.

Ariwobai Aruera Reach Out Foundation, an NGO, was discovered to have various accounts but the principal account is domiciled in Diamond Bank.

“The commission stumbled on evidence in which several government agencies made payments into the account. A total inflow of N2, 475,784,487.77 was recorded in the account between 2009 and 2015.”

The source also spoke about the deposits in the domiciliary accounts of the ex-First Lady.

The source said: “Investigation equally discovered that Mrs. Jonathan maintains a dollar account with Diamond Bank which received huge financial inflow from her domestic aides.

“Some of the domestic aides that made payments into the accounts are also trustees of her so- called NGO and director in her companies. The balance in the account was $12,831,173.

“Another dollar account of the former First Lady was discovered in Skye Bank. Inflows into the account came through deposits by domestic aides of Mrs. Jonathan.

“Intelligence reports indicate that most of the purchase of luxury items by the former First Lady was through the Platinum Card of the account. The total amount in the account is $7.9m.”

“Also under investigation is how N1.8billion was deposited in the account of Flinchley Top Homes Ltd, a company linked to Mrs. Jonathan, by her domestic aides between 2009 and 2015.

“Other discoveries are the N2.1billion and N1.8billion deposited into the accounts of AM PM Global Network Ltd and Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd, between 2009 and 2015. Both companies are linked to the former First Lady,” the source said.


http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/ex-first-lady-used-mums-account-to.html

In response to intractable traffic congestion crippling the Apapa Central Business District, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Tuesday promised that his administration would soon restore the pristine glory of Apapa as a hub of economic prosperity.

Ambode also assured that the 10-lane Oshodi-Airport road, which his administration started reconstructing about three months ago, would be completed by November 2018 in line with the plan.


He gave the assurance at the nineth quarterly townhall meeting he addressed yesterday at Kosofe Local Government Area, Ogudu, where he expressed concern about the devastating effect of intractable gridlock in Apapa.

The meeting was attended by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Speakers of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I and members of the State Executive Council.

At the meeting, the governor acknowledged that the traffic situation in the Apapa area in recent times “has been of major concern to our administration” citing its devastative impact on the national economy.
He noted that the state government had put measures in place to address it, disclosing that about 43 major link roads affected by rain would be rehabilitated before the end of the year.

He added that the state government “will therefore not relent in our efforts to reclaim Apapa as a liveable part of Lagos and return it to its pristine glory as a hub of economic prosperity.”
Ambode, also, gave more insight into the reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport road into a 10-lane highway of world class standard, noting that it “is our plan to complete the project within the next 15months – November 2018.”

He said the state government would always stand with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need to restructure and entrench true federalism.

The governor added that the clamour across the country for restructuring was not out of place as the current political structure was seriously hindering Nigeria’s development.

He said: “I support true federalism. I support all the issues our leader raised. We are on the same page. That is the page of APC. That is where we are and that is what we are committed to. Like I have always said, we need to deal with issues that relate to devolution of powers.

“Like somebody said, if I have more resources, all these items that you are coming to raise here. Once you raise it, I will just say done. I need more money. So, why should somebody be saying they are the ones in charge of inland waterways when the waterways are transporting my own people and my own services and when there is a law about it.”

Ambode decried attempts from the central government to regulate hotels and entertainment centres in the state despite the existence of Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law enacted by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He said: “We enact a law and somebody says he wants to do another law that regulates hotels inside Lagos. Is it not because of the roads that they put hotel there? That is what devolution of power is saying.

“If these things are on residual list, let local government and states deal with them. That is all that we are asking for. It is not that we will generate Value Added Tax (VAT) here and somebody will be sharing 50 per cent of the VAT somewhere else,” the governor explained.
Ambode also tasked chairmen of the 20 local government and 37 local council development areas to look into the welfare of persons living with disabilities and the elderly, noting that the all inclusive mantra of his administration should be felt in every part of the state.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/apapas-glory-will-soon-be-restored-says.html

The specialist hospital which was initially Felix Okolo Memorial hospital, was built by a son of Nnewi, Dr Simon Okolo and handed over to the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi under the name, St Felix Catholic Specialist Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Governor Obiano said the facility is strategic to his administration's health development agenda as it will serve as a referral centre for specialist health services to Ndi Anambra.
He explained that the State Health Insurance Scheme initiated by his administration is targeted at assisting the poor to access quality medicare, noting that so far, about one hundred hospitals across the three senatorial districts , have been listed under the scheme.
Commending the donor for the decision to handover the facility to the church, Governor Obiano assured him that it would be effectively utilized , calling on other privileged Ndi Anambra to take a cue from him and support government to build a state of everyone's dream.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Josephat Akabuike who said that under the health reforms which the present administration has introduced, the primary healthcare arrangement in the state has been strengthened especially at the grassroot, noted that with the facilities being put in place, there is now a more coordinated healthcare delivery system in the state, from the primary to the tertiary level.
Earlier in an address, the Chief Executive officer of the Hospital, Very Reverend Father Peter Uzochukwu said the hospital in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is poised to avail the state a one-stop health outfit that will engender the wholesome and inclusive medicare which the Catholic Faith is known for.
On his part, the donor of the Project, Dr Okolo expressed appreciation to Governor Obiano for identifying with the project and said it speaks volumes of his passion for supporting initiatives that will make life more meaningful for Ndi Anambra.
Also speaking, an APGA Stalwart and former gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Chief Peter Nwosu said Governor Obiano is attracting partnerships that have helped improve lives, adding that Ndi Anambra owe him the courtesy of a second term.
Formal inauguration of the project as well as musical rendition by nurses in the facility formed the highpoints of the event.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/anambra-lists-100-hospitals-for-state.html

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has vowed to prosecute the perpetrators of Monday killings in Mgbuoshimini community.Members of a rival cult group masterminded the attack in which over 15 people were killed.

The governor made the pledge yesterday when he led members of the state security council on an assessment of the community, located in Obio/Akpor Local Council Area.
He said: “This is most unfortunate and those involved in this dastardly act would not go scot-free. The security agencies have been empowered to go after them. Everybody should remain calm, as we are taking measures to ensure that our people are protected from such ugly attacks.”

Wike also promised to build a police station and quarters in the area to check the activities of criminals. He explained that an initial security report indicated that it was a cult-related violence and expressed concern that the perpetrators targeted innocent persons for the attack.
The governor promised to assist the families of the deceased, while urging members of the public to volunteer useful information to the security agencies.“We will not leave any stone unturned. We promise to fight the cultists to a point where they would know that Rivers State is not a safe haven for them.
“But we require the support of the public. The security agencies have given us the assurance that they would do their best. For sometime, we have had relative peace before this unfortunate incident,” he said.
The state Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, who promised to apprehend the criminals, said members of Icelander cult group carried out the attack.Already, the police have declared eight persons wanted in connection with the killings, while many residents of the community have deserted the place for fear of reprisal attack.
The State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obuah, also condemned the attack.According to him: “It is a very regrettable self-inflicted injury, since security reports hinted that the rival cult groups of the same kith and kin carried out the attack.”
He warned of the dire consequences of politicising security issues, adding that any breach of law and order would not be in the interest of the people.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/wike-vows-to-prosecute-those-involved.html

The Police in Fegge Division, Onitsha, Anambra State, have assured that it will do all within the law to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election will not witness, any kind of violence, including ballot box snatching, thuggery and other election violent activities, assures the electorate of their safety before, during and after the election.The Divisional Police Officer, DPO in charge of Fegge Division of the Nigerian Police, Onitsha, Mr. Rabiu Garba gave the assurance during the send off party, he organized for his 13 retiring officers at the Fegge Police Station, weekend.

While urging the electorate to come out en-mass to vote their choice candidates, the DPO said he has zero tolerance for any criminal and violent activity that will mar the election, warning trouble makers to steer clear of the area while appealing to the politicians not to heat up the polity with inflammatory statements that are likely to cause trouble.

“I continue to advise the politicians whenever they are having any public gathering or engaging in their campaign that will attract the public to always inform the police for security, there is no charge for that we do not have any interest, we belong to all, they should call us to provide security, there is no charge for doing our work, it is our administrationally established function,” he said.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/onitsha-police-vow-no-room-for-election.html?m=1

A 38-year-old woman and hairdresser, Mrs. Toyin Ijiyemi, has been reported killed by tax officials from Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State while trying to exert payment from her.

The Guardian gathered that Ijiyemi slumped while she engaged in a brawl with the government officials, who tried to seize her television set for alleged failure to pay tax.
According to eyewitnesses, the officials had successfully dragged the television from her and went away with it, leaving her on the ground unattended to.

One of the deceased’s aunts, Mojisola Otitilowo, narrated that “Toyin was at her shop at Bolajoko Street, Oke-Aro area in the state capital around 2:00p.m. when the council officials invaded her shop. They were four in number.
“The council officials ask her to pay the rate for her shop. All efforts made by Toyin to appeal to them not to seize her television set failed. She did not have money and that was why she begged them that she would come and pay the money the second day.
“Her persistent plea fell on deaf ears. One of them removed the television from where it was but Toyin started dragging it with them. She fell down. Despite her fall, the council officials went away with the television.”
Otitolowo noted that a customer who came to buy sachet water, “discovered that Toyin was unconscious where she laid on the floor of the shop and raised an alarm, which attracted neighbours who rushed in and started pouring water on Toyin to revive her.
“When it was realized that Toyin had given up the ghost, the matter was reported at the B Division police station, Oke-Aro,” she said.
She noted that her body had been deposited at the morgue of the State Specialists Hospital, Akure, adding that the local government tax officials were later arrested by the police.
Mother of the deceased, Mrs. Abike Ijiyemi, who was crying profusely when our correspondent visited her home at Alade-Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area of the state, demanded justice.
Recounting her grief, she said: “She called me yesterday morning and said she had bought some foodstuffs for me. She promised to bring them to me in Idanre the second day. Instead of her coming to fulfill her promise, it was the announcement of her death they brought to me.”
All efforts to speak with the caretaker chairman of Akure South L.G.A., Mrs. Margret Atere, proved abortive but a source at the council had been to the state police headquarters on the matter.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that those arrested concerning the case are not original staff of the local government but those engaged by the political heads of the council to collect taxes.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, described it as unfortunate, revealing that some suspects had been arrested over the murder.

Joseph added further that investigation into the matter was still going on, saying that the suspects in their custody would soon be arraigned in court.
“The political heads of the council are fond of bringing people outside to collect taxes. I am sure if they had allowed the staff to do their job, things such as this would not happen. This is because the original staff are well-trained about how to relate with members of the public,” a source added.
“My daughter was a widow. Her husband died for years ago. She has been singlehandedly taking care of their only child since then. She was the one who sponsored the education of their 24-year-old son up to the Gateway Polytechnic in Ogun state before her death. She was the person taking care of me and paying my debts for me.”
While the only child of the deceased, Ayodele Adelanke, also demanded that the killers of his mother should be brought to book, saying she must not die in vain.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/tax-collectors-allegedly-kill.html

Following the outbreak of the monkey pox virus in Bayelsa State recently, other suspected cases have been reported in six more states in the country, bringing the total number of suspected cases so far to 31.
The states that have reported cases of the virus are Bayelsa, Rivers, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun and Cross River.


Making this known Monday, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said samples had been collected from each of the suspected cases for laboratory confirmation and results were still being awaited.

According to the centre’s chief executive officer, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, no deaths had been recorded as a result of the virus, adding that it remained unlikely that many of the suspected cases were actually monkey pox.
“All the suspected cases are currently receiving appropriate medical care and the patients are all improving clinically in their various states.

“The Federal Ministry of Health, through the NCDC, is supporting the affected states to ensure the outbreak is brought under control and to limit further spread.
“NCDC has activated an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to coordinate the outbreak’s investigation and response across the affected states.

“The EOC is currently supporting state ministries of health in their response to the outbreak through active case finding, epidemiological investigation and contact tracing.
“Measures have been put in place to ensure effective sample collection and testing to enable laboratory confirmation.
“Risk communication activities have been heightened to advise the public on preventive measures. All 36 states and the FCT have been notified for preparedness,” he said.
Ihekweazu warned that the monkey pox virus was a rare viral zoonotic disease with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in small pox patients, but much less severe and with a low fatality rate.

He said transmission could be via contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated materials.
“Animal-to-human transmission occurs through bites or a scratch from animals and bush meat preparation.
“It can also be transmitted from one person to another. Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.

“Control measures include isolation of suspected or confirmed cases, strict adherence to universal precautions, especially frequent hand washing with soap and water, and use of personal protective equipment,” he added.
The Lagos State Government Monday also confirmed the outbreak of the virus in the state, adding that two suspected cases had been recorded.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this at a news conference, saying that the two suspected cases were currently being investigated in the state.
“Though no confirmed case has been recorded, there is need to sensitise members of the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the state government,” he said.
Idris disclosed that the two suspected cases were recorded in a private hospital but did not disclose the name of the hospital.

He added that one of the suspects had just arrived Lagos from Bayelsa State and ate bush meat.
Idris said the two suspects were currently being quarantined in their various homes, pending the result of the investigation.
The commissioner said in the wake of this outbreak, the state government was reiterating the need for members of the public to observe and maintain high standards of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state.

He urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of the disease to the nearest public health facility or the Directorate of Disease Control in the state ministry of health.
“Also, health workers are advised to practise universal safety precautions in the management of suspected or confirmed cases, wear appropriate personal protective equipment when attending to cases, wash hands after each contact with a patient or contaminated materials while surveillance systems must be strengthened.

“The state government has mobilised the Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state and health workers in both public and private health facilities have been placed on high alert,” Idris said.
Idris called on residents of the state to remain calm and go about their businesses without fear, as the government had put in place adequate measures to effectively prevent and control the spread of the infection to Lagos.
“In case of any suspected case of monkey pox, the Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified through the following mobile lines: 08037170614, 09087106072,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/monkey-pox-spreads-to-lagos-rivers-five.html

Projects that proceeds of the​ N100bn ​Sukuk bond will be spent on have been revealed.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had said that the federal government would spend the money on reconstruction and rehabilitation of 25 arterial roads

​Below is full list of the projects in order of title, amount and estimated delivery date.
​
1. Construction of Oju/Loko-Oweto bridge over​ ​River Benue to link Loko (Nasarawa state) and Oweto (Benue state) along route F2384
​N​144,708,134.18
December 2017

2. Dualisation of Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja road section I (international airport link road junction​)​ – Sheda village
​N​3,000,000,000.00
March 2018

3. Dualisation of Suleja-Minna road in Niger state phase II (km 40+000-km101+000)
​N​3,521,958,532,49
April 2018

4. Dualisation of Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja road: Section IV Koton Karfe-Lokoja in Kogi state
​N​3,500,000,000.00
January 2018


5. Dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road: Obajana-Okene in Kogi state
​N​2,500,000,000
January 2018

6. Dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road linking Kano-jigawa-Bauchi-Yobe
​N​4,166,666,666.67
March 2018

7. Dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road linking Kano-Jigawa-Bauchi-Yobe and Borno states. Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi
​N​3,500,000,000.00
December 2017

8. Dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road linking Kano-Jigawa-Bauchi-Yobe and Borno states. Section IV (Potiskum-Damaturu road) in Yobe
​N​4,000,000,000.00
December 2017


9. Dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road linking Kano-Jigawa-Bauchi-Yobe and Borno states. Section V (Damaturu-Maiduguri)
​N​5,000,000,000.00
June 2018

10. Dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road linking Kano-Jigawa-Bauchi-Yobe and Borno states. Section I (Kano-Wudil-Shuari) in Kano
​N​5,000,000,000.00
June 2018

11. Dualisation of Kano-Katsina road phase I, Kano town at Dawanau roundabout to Katsina border in Kano
​N​3,000,000,000.00
September2018

12. Construction of Kano western bypass as an extension of dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road section I
​N​4,000,000,000.00
May 2018

13. Construction of Kaduna eastern bypass
​N​4,666,666,666.67
January 2018

14. Rehabilitation of outstanding section of Onitsha-Enugu expressway: Amansea-Enugu border
​N​5,166,666,666,67
December 2017

15. Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriage section I: Lokpanta-Umuahia in Abia
​N​4,000,000,000.00
March 2018

16. Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriage sectionII Umuahia tower-Aba township rail
​N​3,750,000,000.00
December 2017

17. Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt road section III: Enugu-Lokpanta
​N​3,750,000,000.00
December 2017

18. Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt road section IV: Aba-Port Harcourt in Rivers
​N​3,500,000,000.00
July 2018

19. Dualisation of Yenegwe road junction-Kolo-Otuoke-Bayelsa palm in Bayelsa
​N​3,500,000,000.00
July 2018

20. Dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road: Obajana junction-Benin section II phase I: Okene-Auchi, Kogi/Edo states
​N​3,000,000,000.00
December 2017

21. Dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road: Obajana junction-Benin section III phase I: Auchi-Ehor in Edo
​N​3,166,666,666.67
June 2018

22. Dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road: Obajana junction-Benin section IV phase I: Ehor-Benin city, Edo state
​N​3,500,000,000.00
December 2017

23. Reconstruction and asphalt overlay of Benin-Ofosu-Ore-Ajebandele-Shagamu dual carriageway phase IV
​N​6,000,000,000.00
December 2017

24. Reconstruction of outstanding section of sections of Benin-Ofusu-Ore-Ajebandele-Shagamu dual carriageway phase III
​N​5,000,000,000.00
December 2017

25. Dualisation of Ibadan-Ilorin road. Section II: Oyo -Ogbomosho road in Oyo
​N​5,666,666,666.67
December 2017

TOTAL​ – ​100,000,000,000.02

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/full-list-of-25-roads-n100billion.html?m=1

In spite of his much-vaunted zero tolerance for corruption, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has been too slow to act on the report which indicted two senior government officials.

"On the specific issue of the suspended Secretary to the Federal Government and the Director of the NIA, I would agree that action has been much too slow," Professor Itse Sagay told Channels TV's Politics Today on Sunday evening.
Sagay, who heads Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, said Buhari needed to take an "immediate action" on the two of the high-profile corruption cases that came to light under his watch.

"There should be an immediate decision on this matter so that we can put it to rest and move on.”
The boss of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency Ambassador Ayo Oke and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal were suspended in April for their alleged complicit in separate corrupt practices.
A three-man committee comprising Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, National Security Adviser Mohammed Babagana Monguno and Attorney-General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami was set up by President Buhari to investigate the allegations against the two men.
Lawal was grilled by the Osinbajo-led three-man Presidential panel over the N220 million meant for welfare of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in North-East, while Oke was suspended over the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which NIA has made a claim.
The Committee's report was submitted in August but the president is yet to take action on it.
Professor Sagay, however, said he had no doubt that the government is committed to fighting corruption in accordance with its mandate and promises. The government, he said, is fighting corruption “all its might and resources.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/buhari-too-slow-to-act-on-sfg-dg-nia.html

The International Press Institute (IPI) has stated that it will hold its annual World Congress in Abuja from June 21 to 23, 2018, under the theme, ‘Why Good Journalism Matters.’

The World Congress will affirm the indispensable role of quality media in building strong societies, showcasing investigative stories and projects that bring positive change to individuals and communities in Africa and around the world.


According to a statement issued from Vienna, Austria by the Director of Press Freedom Programmes at International Press Institute (IPI), Scott Griffen, the event is coming as media outlets everywhere face tremendous challenges not only in terms of economic survival, but also from a loss of public trust driven by governmental hostility to critical journalism and the rise of “fake news” and propaganda.

“IPI is thrilled to hold its 2018 World Congress in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, which boasts a vibrant and highly innovative media scene,” IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said, after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian host Committee during an IPI Executive Board meeting in Washington, D.C.

A former IPI Executive Board member from Nigeria, Mallam Ismaila Isa, who signed the memorandum on behalf of the Nigerian Host Committee, added: “Nigeria is prepared and looking forward to receiving the world’s media in June 2018. We hope to make this the most successful world congress in the history of IPI.”

The Nigeria Host Committee is headed by President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Mr. Nduka Obaigbena.

In addition to Isa, other members of the host committee include: Chairman of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf; Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu; Secretary of IPI Nigeria National Committee, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin; President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs. Funke Egbemode and President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Waheed Odusile.

The statement added that 2018 would also mark the 55th anniversary of IPI’s Africa Initiative, a comprehensive journalists’ training programme established in 1963 in Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria with a grant from the Ford Foundation.

The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), which was born out of the initiative, still exists today as one of the leading communication and journalism training institutions in Africa.

The statement added that the congress would start with an opening ceremony on the afternoon of Thursday, June 21 and would run until the evening of Friday, June 23.

It said registration would open soon at ipiworldcongress.com (link) with discounted rates for our members.

IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, dedicated to the furtherance and safeguarding of press freedom, the protection of freedom of opinion and expression, the promotion of the free flow of news and information, and the improvement of the practices of journalism.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/ipi-to-hold-world-congress-in-nigeria.html

The federal government has said that all open drug markets in Nigeria will be permanently shut by December 31, 2018, even as it said it will be introducing drug Coordinated Wholesale Centres nationwide to check the menace of falsified medical products in the country.

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, disclosed this in Lagos during a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on ‘The prevention, Detection and Response of Substandard and Falsified medical Products.’


He said the new measures were designed to allow drugs to be sourced directly from importers or manufacturers down to the end users instead of buying drugs from the open drug markets.

According to him, the FMOH had developed the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, (NDDG) in 2012 to address the unsatisfactory chaotic drug distribution system of the country.

“Coordinated Wholesale Centres to accommodate open market medicines sellers have been approved and are being developed in Lagos, Onitsha, Aba and Kano and will commence operation by January 1, 2019.

“Medicine is an important component of healthcare delivery service and without the infusion of medicines; the health care service delivery system of a nation is sterile.

“A good-quality medicine supply system is essential for healthcare delivery. There is a special need to prevent therapeutic drug falsification in order to safeguard against health and maintain trust in healthcare system. The overall scale of trading in medicine and the resultant harm done to global health has not been adequately accessed,” he said.

On his part, the Acting Director General, NAFDAC, Mr. Ademola Mogbojuri, noted that the public health implications of substandard and falsified medical products include treatment failure, high treatment cost, development of resistance, loss of confidence in the healthcare providers and healthcare system and may ultimately, result in fatality and death.

Mogbojuri who raised the alarm that the problem has become a serious, threat to global public health said the fight against this nefarious act requires a sustained action by both governmental and non governmental bodies.

Stating that single and isolated interventions cannot address the issue of substandard falsified medical products, he called for coordinated actions with international organisations to reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of the ugly menace.

The Acting Director General said WHO established member states mechanism on substandard, spurious, falsely labelled, falsified and counterfeit medical products following its resolution 65:19 in May 2012 to promote public health, and access to affordable, safe, efficacious and quality medical product, across the globe.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/fed-govt-to-permanently-shut-open-drug.html

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Nigerians to explore dialogue, reconciliation and understanding in resolving disputes rather than engaging in actions that could lead the nation to another civil war.

The Governor made the call at the weekend at the 50th anniversary of the Asaba massacre held in Asaba, Delta State.At the solemn ceremony were former Nigeria’s Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr. Donald Duke; former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue; business mogul, Ide Sonny Odogwu; Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma; Igwe Laz Ekwueme, among others.
Okowa noted that the prevention of a repeat of such brutality must start on the benches of schools and places of worship. The governor said that there must be a prevention of hate speeches and prejudice by weakening the grounds for ignorance, promotion of peaceful coexistence and cultivation of respect for all people.

He added that in a world where the local is, but one click away from the global, there is a need for renewed commitment to dialogue, tolerance, reconciliation and understanding.
Former Vice President Ekwueme called for activities that will deepen Nigeria’s unity and ensure that it remains an indissoluble entity while Prof. Soyinka stated that it is never too early to forgive and there is no time limit for restitution.National President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, in a solidarity speech, decried the level of impunity in Nigeria.
Chairman of organising committee, Ogbueshi Ofili Okonkwo, said: “Every Asaba woman, man or child carries a memory of genocide, it is a communal memory of loss and anguish that has stayed with us for fifty years; on 7th October, 1967, soldiers of the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army entered Asaba” and their activities led to the death of more than 700 innocent Nigerians.’’
He stated: “All we want is to remember our dead and ensure that future generations of Nigerians know that no good comes from war.”
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/10/okowa-urges-nigerians-to-shun-acts.html

more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/will-you-buy-this-car-for-100m.html

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez plan to tie the knots after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Real Madrid superstar has given his fiancee a £232,000 five-carat diamond ring.


And Portuguese daily, Correio de Manha, claims the pair will officially get married next year.
Georgina, 23, is pregnant with Ronaldo’s baby. And her new dance teachers have accidentally revealed the sex of the couple’s unborn child .
The salsa pair confirmed suspicions Cristiano and his partner were expecting a girl in an Instagram gaffe.
Georgina posted a video of her enjoying her first class in a loose top which hid her baby bump and said: “Dancing makes your heart happy. Thanks to my teachers Basi and Deisy for giving me my first salsa lessons. I’m happy.”

Their reply, removed from social media after it was spotted by eagle-eyed fans, was: “A pleasure giving you salsa lessons.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/cristiano-ronaldo-fixes-wedding-date.html

Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, has said most states of the Federation see their Houses of Assembly as a department in Government House.

To correct that impression, Nnamani has canvassed strong and truly independent legislature that would promote and bring about democratic dividends to the citizenry.

Nnamani said this at the 2017 Conference of the Commonwealth Parliament Association (CPA), Africa region in Abuja, yesterday.

The theme of the conference was: “State and Local Government Relation on Public Finance and Governance.”

The former Senate president opined that many state assemblies have become appendages of the state government houses, thus, abdicating their responsibility as makers of laws that should bring succour and development to the people.

“We are not matured enough to give the people the real democratic practise. If you look at our Constitution, those who did it have done a great work; it may not be perfect but, it will get better some day.

“Democracy is based on the principles of local control which is what we call town hall democracy.

“ In our country, there are few states that have strength. Most states see their houses of assembly as a department in their government houses. In other words, the growth of democracy will be more emphasised if we have strong Houses of Assembly, to debate issues that will better the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

Nnamani noted that many states where the governors had become reckless and drunk with power, was traceable to the absence of a strong and truly independent houses of assembly to checkmate these excesses.

He said absence of machinery for proper checks and balances, between the legislature and the executive, usually results in power-drunk syndrome, and added that “this must be corrected.”

The former lawmaker also called for critical appraisal of the quality of state legislators who can guarantee quality governance with accountability and transparency trappings in governance.

On her part, Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mrs Habiba Lawal, called for re-orientation of legislators’ priority, whose loyalty should be to the people, rather than the governor.

Lawal, who was represented by Mr Gabriel Aduda, a permanent secretary, in the SGF’s ffice, said negligence on the part of governments was responsible for the plethora of social vices in the country.

“Governments in the state, who are misbehaving, are also having free -day because parliamentarians are not doing their jobs.

“More Nigerians live in the rural communities than in the cities and separating the finances of the state from local government will make the parliamentarians work more efficiently.

“We have mortgaged our rights to the state governments, the result of insurgency, baby factories, gang-raping, and the rest, are as a result of misplacement of our priority.


“There is a lot we can achieve for this nation if loyalty is shifted to the people. Your work to the people is more important to that of the state governor because, you are the eyes of the people,” she said.

Also, CPA President, Dr Acho Ihim, called for synergy between the state and the local government, to allow for meaningful development.

Ihim, represented by Imo State Commissioner for Health, Mr Edward Ihejirika, said there would be a lot of development in many regions of the country if local governments were granted autonomy.

“I see state responsibility in the area of development.

“What this means is that there should be synergy between the state and local governments. The autonomy will only make it convenient for the efforts of local governments to be visible leading to meaningful development.

“These developments will then cut across state of the Federation.”

In his contribution, Chairman, Senior Secondary Schools Board, River State, Mr David Briggs, called on parliamentarians in every state to begin to speak out against bad governance at all levels.

full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/most-states-see-assemblies-as.html

Nigeria’s president is under no obligation to disclose his medical condition even though he has spent most of the year being treated abroad, one of his ministers said on Tuesday.

Muhammadu Buhari has spent lengthy periods in London since January, sparking speculation about his fitness to govern — and also questions about who was footing the bill.
The 74-year-old former army general has said only that he required blood transfusions and had never been as sick in his life.
Claims from political opponents that he had prostate cancer have been denied but civil society groups still want to know whether tax-payers’ money was used for the private treatment.
Buhari’s information minister suggested the silence was not unusual, just hours after the president returned to Abuja from another round of check-ups in the British capital.
“It’s not strange at all for a sitting president to be ill and it’s not strange either for the state to take care of his medical bill,” Lai Mohammed told AFP in an interview, without elaborating.
“I think there’s so much speculation as to what he’s been treated for.
“I think we would rather respect his privacy. If Mr President feels like telling the world his ailment, so be it. I don’t think he’s under an obligation to tell anyone.”
The health of Nigeria’s head of state is a sensitive issue. Former president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua fell ill and died while in office in 2010, sparking months of political turmoil.
Buhari’s mystery illness also comes as political parties and potential candidates jockey for position ahead of the next presidential election in 2019.
Buhari’s women’s affairs minister Aisha Alhassan claimed earlier this month that he had said he would only serve one, four-year term of office.
But Mohammed, who was spokesman for Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) that unseated Goodluck Jonathan at the last vote in 2015, refused to be drawn.
“If he’s going to run that’s left to him but right now, his major preoccupation is delivering on all his electoral promises,” he said.
Buhari returned to Nigeria in late August after more than 100 days away. He has since been met with a rising tide of support in southeastern Nigeria for a breakaway state of Biafra.
The government last week formally proscribed the main separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after repeated clashes with the security services.
IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu is currently on bail pending the resumption of his trial in Abuja next month on charges of treasonable felony.
Kanu’s supporters say he has not been seen since the unrest.
Mohammed, who said the group had been banned because it had “crossed a line” from legal protest, said he suspected the separatist leader was “in hiding”.
But he added: “He’s not being held by government at all.”
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/buharis-health-private-even-if-nigeria.html

Counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has said Nnamdi Kanu would never jump bail if he is still alive.

Ejiofor said this while disclosing that Kanu had not been seen since September 14 when men of the Nigerian Army allegedly invaded the IPOB leader’s residence in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Speaking with Vanguard, Ejiofor maintained that it is now the responsibility of the federal government to produce Kanu in court on his next adjourned date.
According to Ejiofor: “The fact is that they are in a position to produce him at the next adjourned date. It is public knowledge that my client had before his house was invaded, always made himself available for trial.
“He never evaded trial as he made it known that he was ready. If he wanted to jump bail, he would have done so immediately he was released from prison. But he did not run.
“The last time I spoke with my client was the day his house was invaded by soldiers. He called me and complained that he was being attacked by soldiers who he said were shooting sporadically. since then, I have not heard from my client again.

“If he is alive, they should tell the court on that day. They will not only explain to the trial court, but will also produce the soldiers that went to his home to attack him.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/if-federal-government-produces-nnamdi.html

My name is Godwin am a blogger yesterday all my dream was all about popular and famous blogger Linda Ikeji .In my last night dream Linda Ikeji gave birth to baby girl .I no this may sound funny or people may think am using it for traffic but no it not.because when i woke-up my spirit have been disturbing me to tell Linda that she should get ready to be a mother.

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/linda-ikeji-will-be-mother-soon-godwin.html

Twelve communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River have been flooded following two days of heavy rain, while more than 3,000 farmlands were equally destroyed.

The incident, which occurred last week, has rendered hundreds of residents homeless as properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Mr. John Inaku, the Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), told the News Agency of nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, during an inspection of the affected areas that the economic survival of residents of the submerged communities had been seriously affected.

Inaku stated that more than 1,000 people have been displaced and are taking refuge in nearby communities. According to him, the state government has promised to address the plight of the people.
Some of the communities affected are Bago, Unu, Bagabo, Bakie, Bufua, and Kakwe-Beebo.
“The deluge of September 18 and 19 has caused massive flooding in 12 communities in Cross River. Properties worth millions of naira were equally destroyed in the process. The flood also destroyed farmlands; crops such as banana, cassava, plantain, yam, cocoa and others were affected while some bridges were washed away.
“The worst aspect of the flood is that it also destroyed streams, which served as the only source of drinking water for the people, while the main access road was washed away as a result of landslide,’’ he said.
One of the victims, Mr. Bette Obi, chairman of Cross River Forestry Commission, told NAN that the flood had wreaked serious havoc on residents of the area.
Obi, who said his cocoa and plantain farms were destroyed by the flood, appealed to the state and Federal Government to come to their aid.
“As we speak, our farmlands have been washed away by flood. The streams where we fetch water for drinking has been polluted. We urgently need government’s assistance in our communities to ameliorate our plights,’’ Obi said.
Another victim, Mr. Gabriel Ofre, traditional ruler of Bago community, said the flood had displaced his entire household, and that his property and other vital materials destroyed as well.
Ofre appealed to SEMA and NEMA to come to their aid, saying that residents of the area were peasant farmers, who lived on the meager earnings from their farm produce.
Full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/flood-sacks-12-communities-destroys_25.html

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have agreed terms that would see Diego Costa return to the La Liga club, Spanish press reported Thursday.

Costa, 28, has been frozen out by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and spent the transfer window angling for a return to former club Atletico that never materialised.
But both Marca and Mundo Deportivo newspapers said the two clubs had sealed a deal Thursday for the Brazil-born forward’s return to Spain until 2021.

As added that Costa would shortly undergo a medical and be officially unveiled in the coming days.
The deal was worth 60 million euros ($71.3m), according to As, while Marca said Atletico will pay 55m euros with a further 10m euros in add-ons.
Costa will not, however, find himself straight back in action, with Atletico officially banned from signing new players until January.
Costa was not included in Chelsea’s 25-man squad for the Champions League group phase, ironically drawn in Group C along with Atletico. That ensured he would not become cup-tied and therefore remains free to play in the competition for another team in the second part of the season.
Source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/chelsea-and-atletico-reach-terms-on.html

The Lagos State police command on Wednesday demolished the shrine used by members of the secret cult (Badoo) to terrorize the Ikorodu area of the state.

The owner of the shrine identified as Alhaji Alaka Aboyomi, led a team of policemen into the shrine located on a large expanse of land that is surrounded by thick bush.
Lagos state police commissioner, Edgal Imohimi, led the demolition exercise.

See photos below..................
more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/breakinglagos-police-demolishes-badoo.html

Popular Nollywood actor, Ramsey Noah has appealed to the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for cinemas to thrive across the country.

Noah, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sideline of the ongoing Tozali African Fashion and Cultural Week in Abuja.
He said that more cinemas would attract more viewers and motivate film makers to inject indigenous content.
“I will like the Federal Government to create enabling environment for cinemas to be established in all parts of the country.

`’The cost of obtaining license should be reduce to encourage more people to go into cinema operation; this is because the demand for local contents in cinema is quite high.
“When that is achieved, we the practitioners will then create demand, raise funds and create quality indigenous contents that will attract many to the cinemas.
“If we have more cinemas in the country, it will also provide opportunity for more Nigerians to watch movies of their choice,’’ Noah said.
He explained that it was a good thing that Nollywood had contents that could be consumed globally, stressing that the contents transient language, culture and traditional barriers.
He, however, stressed that some Nollywood movies did not currently have enough content but with more cinemas, film makers would be encouraged to begin to inject quality local contents in their movies.
On piracy, the Nollywood star said that pirates were encroaching into the industry and that it was affecting film makers, producers and actors in many ways.
Noah who also spoke on his achievements in the movie industry said, “ it is great and overwhelming; I did not envisage fame and success at the beginning of my career in Nollywood.
“However, it feels good to see that you are in a position in the industry where you are respected and leave a legacy behind.
“In movies, I play someone’s character; what you are seeing is not me, the Ramsey you see in movies is different from the one you see in real life.
“ I try everything possible to spearhead so many productions that are successful; whatever I can add to make it good, I do it; that is what sustains me till now,’’ he said.
The `My Wife and I’ star expressed concern about technicalities in movie production in the country.
According to him, there was the need for film makers in the industry to coordinate technicalities with actors’ performance to give better delivery.
“I think we need to coordinate the technical side of film making and blend it with the actors so as to avoid unnecessary disconnect.
“It has been observed that there is a disconnection between technicalities and actors; technicalities like showing of doubt by an actor but the actor’s action do not connect.
“This makes the act in the movie obviously unnatural and unprofessional; thus we need to sync the two so as to have a balance,’’ Noah said.
He also revealed that himself and comedian Ayo Makun also known as `AY’ are currently working on a project, `Life of Ramsey Noah.’
“It is like a story. We will start production next month.
“I also have my own project for `Ramsey Films’ that I am working on. I want to thank God for Bank of Industry (BoI) for their support and assistance in the project,’’ he said.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/ramsey-noah-makes-case-for-cinemas.html

A coalition of Niger Delta agitators on Monday vowed to resist attempt to drag the Niger Delta region into the secession agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but said it was time the Nigerian government allow the Igbos to have a country of their own in the interest of the nation’s nascent democracy.

The group said Nigeria must not be allowed to go into another civil war, pointing out that the same antics currently being employed by the group was employed in 1966, when Igbos masterminded the Civil War and involved the South-South in Biafra map and major infrastructures were destroy in Niger Delta with over 15 million south south people killed.

In a statement signed by leaders of the group, the group said it has reliable information that some top businessmen and politicians from South East zone are the sponsors of IPOB.

Those who signed the statement included General John Duku (Niger Delta Watchdogs and convener Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators); General Ekpo Ekpo (Niger Delta Volunteers); General Osarolor Nedam (Niger Delta Warriors); Major-Gen. Henry Okon Etete (Niger Delta Peoples Fighters); Major-Gen. Asukwo Henshaw


(Bakassi Freedom Fighters) among others.

They condemned calls by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo for the government to negotiate with the Nnamdi Kanu, saying it was surprised that the same man who ordered the destruction of Odi, in Bayelsa state would be talking about negotiation.

They said: “we hereby call on the Nigerian government, international community and the general public to monitor the activities IPOB and her sponsors carefully as we shall resist any attempt to drag the Niger Delta region into the ill advised secession activities of IPOB.


Any member of IPOB that causes mayhem in South East and want to hide in the Niger Delta region shall be severely dealt with. We are surprised that the South East Governors Forum could not call Nnamdi Kanu to order before things got worse as witnessed today.

“We call on the Nigerian government to follow due process and the rule of law in declaring a group a “terrorist organization” as the recent declaration of IPOB by the Nigerian Army as a terrorist organization is contrary to the tenets of our nascent democracy.

“Rather the government should allow them to be on their own, stop funding the South Eastern states with the Niger Delta money, they should be on their own, generate their funds and pay their bills. It is high time Nigeria allow Igbos to be on their own to avoid another civil war.


“We are appealing to the Nigerian government to allow Igbo to go and have their independence without the involvement of other zones since they are tire of being in Nigeria. Nigeria is not ready to go into another civil war. We therefore appeal to the government to allow Igbo to go and be on their own.


All the serving Governors, Senators, House of Reps members, Ministers, Ambassadors from South East extraction should resign immediately and join Nnamdi Kanu to form Biafra government. Let peace reign in Nigeria. It was the agitation of Biafra that brought the last Civil war in Nigeria and we are not prepared for such. Reliable information at our disposal shows that some top businessmen and politicians from South East zone are the sponsors of IPOB.

“We totally condemn the call by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the federal government should dialogue with Nnamdi Kanu. It is totally wrong that the man who destroyed Udi, Bayelsa state in Niger Delta can today talk about dialogue. During his tenure, Asari Dokubo and others were locked up for over one year without trial while he was busy siphoning Niger Delta money. Today he is talking about dialogue.

“We condemn the IPOB attack and destruction of properties in Oyibo in Rivers State. We have warned these people severally that Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta region is not and would not be part of Biafra. They rush to Rivers state to attack Hausa community in order to involve the Niger Delta territory in the ill advised secession agenda of IPOB.

“It will be recalled that the same antics was employed in 1966, when they criminally masterminded the Civil War and involved the South-South in Biafra map and major infrastructures were destroy in Niger Delta and over 15 million of our people were executed. We want to warn IPOB and its sponsors to steer clear from Niger Delta region, we shall resist them with everything within our reach.”
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/stay-off-niger-delta-states-agitators.html

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has discharged and acquitted former Group Managing Director of Transcorp Plc, Mr. Tom Iseghohi, of money laundering charges.In a unanimous decision, the court also set aside the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja dated October 20, 2014, which over-ruled his no-case submission.

The court further dismissed entirely the 32-count criminal charge of money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).The anti-graft commission had arraigned Isoghohi, the former Company Secretary, Mohammed Buba and Deputy General Manager, Mike Okoli, in 2009.
They were tried for fraud and money laundering in connection with the botched acquisition of the Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) by Transcorp.Trial began before Justice D.U. Okorowo before it was transferred to Justice Evoh Chukwu.

Consequently, the defendants’ counsel, A. Ozioko, John Egwuonwu and Sunny Tadi, filed a no-case submission, urging the court to dismiss the charge because it established no prima facie case against them.
They argued that the prosecution had failed to make out a prima facie case against the accused persons to warrant their being called to enter a defence.He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the charges and acquit the accused persons.
Responding, prosecution counsel, Sylvester Ogbedu, urged the court to ignore the defence’s arguments and hold that the prosecution has sufficiently proved its case against the accused persons.
After listening to their arguments, Justice Chukwu in his ruling, dismissed the no-case argument, holding that the accused persons had cases to answer.But the Court of Appeal in setting aside the decision of the Federal High Court held that from the evidence adduced by the prosecution at the trial, there was no basis for the refusal of the no-case submission.
It ruled that no evidence was adduced to establish the offence of money laundering against Isoghohi and subsequently discharged and acquitted him of all 32 counts of N15 billion money laundering charge levelled against him.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/court-acquits-transcorps-ex-boss-of.html

Charismatic Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, has finally spoken about the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu and the agitation for secession.

In a three-minute video posted online, Mbaka insisted that Igbos were not hated.


The infulential cleric also stated that Kanu and the other Biafra fighters, should not be the ones in the forefront of the battle.
Mbaka said: “Nobody should deceive you saying that ‘Igbos are hated’. That’s how we (Igbos) believe nonsense. The poor masses are told to agitate for Biafra.
“There is nothing wrong in Biafra. But those that say they want Biafra now (or never) should come out let us see the crème of the Igbos them we all will push for Biafra.
“Let the crème de la crème among the Igbos be at the forefront while the poor masses that loiter the streets in the name of Biafra will support from behind.

“The right thing is for parents to protect their children from danger. I am not against Biafra but let the Igbo political elites; the Ubas of Anambra, Peter Obi, Ekwueme, Ekweremadu, Nnamanis, Sullivan Chime, Anyim Pius Anyim, I (Mbaka) etc should be the ones pushing for Biafra not our children who get killed on the streets every day.
“Where are the Igbo political elites? They are in hiding in Abuja and overseas.
“They have sent these children to push for Biafra and they have gone in hiding. That is not leadership. A leader should be in front to take bullets for his followers just as Christ willingly gave his life for his followers. A leader is not one who will sit and sacrifice the poor for his ambition.”
More details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/fr-mbaka-breaks-silence-on-nnamdi-kanu.html?m=1

The Rivers State Police Command has nabbed a fake police officer in Port Harcourt.

Spokesman of the Command, Nnamdi Omoni in a statement obtained by DAILY POST, said the impersonator identified as Benjamin Tanko was arrested in Eleme area of the State.

Omoni stated that Tanko who had been posing as a police officer to extort money from ignorant members of the public was arrested by men of the Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit
“The Rivers State Police Command in her continued determination and relentless efforts in fighting all criminal elements in the State, on 13/9/17 at about 0945 hrs arrested a fake Police Sergeant, Mr Benjamin Tanko an indigene of Kajuru in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.
“He was arrested in a Police Camouflage at the Oil Mill Motor Park by Men of the CP Monitoring Unit led by the officer in-charge, Sp Grace Wonwu.
“The suspect who claimed to be an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Port Harcourt Area Command is helping the Police in Investigation and will be arraigned as soon as investigation is over.

“Items found on him include; three different Police I.D cards with different force numbers.
“The CP wishes to appeal to the public to continue to support the Police with useful information,” the statement read.
source:http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/rivers-police-nabs-fake-officer.html

Nollywood top actress Stephanie Linus Okereke looks adorable in her new outfit as she heads to most beautiful girl in Nigeria event

http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/photosstephanie-linus-okereke-looked.html?m=1

Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has sued for peace in the Southeast following the face off between the Nigeria Army and members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

In similar vein, the National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams condemned the militarization of some part of the region under Operation Python Dance, in the obvious attempt to arrest the growing influence of the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
Adams however canvassed dialogue to the military option in resolving the issues at stake. In a statement yesterday, the former governor decried the needless loss of lives in the state and also commiserated with the families of the bereaved.

Expressing his disturbance by the development, Kalu, who just returned from the United States said he resolved to engage in extensive consultations to see to the end of the unrest and fear the alleged army incursions in many areas of Abia state has created.
He also called on IPOB to remain law abiding as he consults with the federal authorities and IPOB stakeholders towards finding a common ground to the alarming crisis.
However, OPC in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Yinka Oguntimehin said the agitation of IPOB would be fruitfully addressed through dialogue rather than the military option being adopted by the Federal Government.
The OPC said the nation’s democracy is daily being threatened by sundry issues, chief among them injustice, security and the economy, which it said could naturally be resolved without bloodletting if the Federal Government could be sincere enough to take the best possible option of restructuring the country.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/09/opc-kalu-sue-for-peace-over-military.html