Members of the Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, have threatened to commit suicide over their missing leader, Barr. Benjamin Onwuka.

Newsmen report that Onwuka is suspected to have been arrested by security operatives after another failed attempt to seize Enugu Government House on August 20.

He has remained incommunicado two months after the encounter.

In a statement on Sunday by the national coordinator of the BZF, Comrade Ogbu Gilbert, he said they had waited in vain for the Department of State Services, DSS, to either release their leader or charge him to court.

“We want to further inform Nigerians and the International community over the unlawful detention of our leader, Barr. Benjamin Onwuka, by men of the DSS.

“It is now over two months and they have refused to charge him to court, contrary to the provisions of Nigeria’s Constitution, which says nobody should be detained beyond 24 hours.


“More worrisome is the silence of the security agencies, the South-East governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo. We are beginning to think that there is a collaboration among them.”

He declared that “we are issuing a 7-day ultimatum, after which we have no option than to commit suicide. We shall occupy all the roads in the South-East and either get crushed by vehicles or have ourselves killed by security forces.

“By this statement, we are drawing the attention of the international community, especially the United Nations, the Amnesty International, the United States and Israel to the oppressive tendencies of the present federal government of Nigeria.

“We have our right to self determination as provided for in all international treaties and we are not ready to sacrifice it.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/biafra-zionists-threaten-suicide-over.html

A formal partnership has been launched between MTN and top Nigerian actress, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, who now becomes the face of MTN XtraValue and stars in the latest TV commercials. Speaking at the launch, Dakore said: “I think the XtraValue package was made just for me, as it helps me manage my busy schedule whenever I travel. I really love the roaming feature as it means I can use the same line in different countries at an affordable cost.“

MTN’s XtraValue bundle plan offers the best of both worlds for data and voice calls on a single proposition. It is available in two categories – XtraTalk (which offers customers more airtime for Voice calls than Data volume) and XtraData (which offers customers more Data volume and airtime for voice calls).

Speaking at the event, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Rahul De said the tariff plan was revamped “to give customers optimal experience and value for money. XtraValue did quite well when it was first launched in May 2016 and we saw the need to optimize the experience and improve the value offered to customers. We did this by introducing new functionalities such as roaming to ensure greater customer experience on the plan. This relaunch is in furthereance of MTN’s commitment to delivering tailor-made offerings that meet our subscribers’ needs.”


https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/actress-dakore-egbuson-akande-unveiled.html

When the official arrived Enugu we had our primary election at dragon center Enugu in gubernatorial primary, delegates where accredited by the electoral official.Members accredited were 46 delegates. Bede Chukwuekezie won by 45 votes out of 46 total votes cast,while Dr Emmanuel Nwamkpa got one vote only. It was counted in front of the INEC official ,The whole delegates ,the press and the party stakeholders present in the primary election.We the whole Local Government chairman were physically and participated in the process with the exception of chairman of Enugu north LGA and Igboetiti LGA who were unavoidably absent.After the counting of the votes,the returning officer,the APGA national vice chairman north central Engineer Sule Ajayi, declared Mr Bede Chukwuekezie the winner and returned Mr Bede Chukwuekezie as the dully elected APGA candidate for thhe 2019 gubernatorial election in the state. The INEC representation declared that our election was much organised, very free and certainly the fairest they have witnessed

In the state house of assembly, Mr Chijoke Udeani won in Awgu North constituency by affirmation, Mr Emmanuel Ozoene also won the Udi/Ezeagu federal constituency by affirmation. With the above facts please, why have these candidates not been given their certificate of return? Please chairman for the interest of peace and the party progress in Enugu State we appeal to you to give our flag bearers, Bede Chukwuekezie,Chijioke Udeani and others their certificate of return and forward their names to INEC

APGA Enugu is ready for election but we are distracted by the uncertainties surrounding our duly elected candidates. Rumors making rounds in Enugu state have it that the national leadership of our party is doing the bidding of the Enugu state PDP governor, We do not want to believe this.

We the under signed members are the authenticated party chairman of the seventeen local governments of APGA in the states,demand the party leadership to give our candidates their certificate of return and summit their name to INEC so we can resume our activities towards the forthcoming elections. If this is not done, we will be ready to support and stand with our candidates in the fight for justice in this matter.

President Muhammadu Buhari has got an attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result from the West African Examination Council, Special Adviser Mr. Femi Adesina disclosed today.

Adesina, who is special adviser on media and publicity disclosed this on Twitter Friday afternoon and taunted the President’s critics, who have been wailing over his certificate.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/breaking-waec-presents-attestation.html

Female Students of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Atani Campus in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state goes fishing which they take as fun

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/photos-federal-poly-oko-atani-campus.html

Sprint king Usain Bolt’s attempt to become a professional footballer with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners collapsed Friday as his trial period was terminated after contract talks failed.

The eight-time Olympic champion had been trying out with the A-League side for an indefinite period since arriving in August, hoping to fulfil a childhood dream to become a soccer player.

The 32-year-old superstar’s quest garnered worldwide attention, which intensified when he scored two goals in a pre-season friendly.

But his abilities were questioned and the club reportedly offered him only a fraction of the Aus$3 million (US$2.1 million) his management were said to be seeking, with outside sponsors needed to make the deal viable.

“As previously stated, the club and (Bolt’s representative) Ricky Simms have been in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties,” the Mariners said in a statement.

“Despite several promising potential partners, both Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners have amicably concluded that they will not be able to settle on a suitable deal in a timely manner.”

The 100m world record holder, who retired from athletics last year and has previously tried out with clubs in Germany, South Africa and Norway, thanked the Mariners for the opportunity.

“I would like to thank the Central Coast Mariners owners, management, staff, players and fans for making me feel so welcome during my time there,” said the Jamaican, who is reportedly in Melbourne and will head to Europe soon for a previously agreed commercial engagement.

“I wish the club success for the season ahead.”

Bolt recently turned down a trial-free contract from cashed-up Maltese champions Valletta to focus on trying to make the grade in Australia.

That offer prompted the Mariners to table their own deal, but they didn’t have the funds to make it work without outside help.

And coach Mike Mulvey made clear that Bolt, who favours playing up front, was unlikely to get much game time in the A-League even if he signed, with the team boosting an experienced front line.

It includes Aston Villa marksmen and Scottish international Ross McCormack, who is on a season-long loan deal, and Tommy Oar, who has played 28 times for the Socceroos.

Bolt’s abilities were also questioned by pundits and some players, including former Ireland striker Andy Keogh who last month said he had a “touch like a trampoline”.

Keogh, who used to play for Wolves and Cardiff, added: “He’s shown a bit (of potential) but it’s a little bit of a kick in the teeth to the professionals that are in the league.”

The breakdown in his Australian quest coincided with Jamaican FA chief Michael Ricketts urging him to sign for a club in his homeland, dangling the prospect of being picked for the national team.

“If he can make the transition from being a superstar on the track to being a good enough football player, then we will certainly call him up,” he told ESPN.

Despite the failure to agree terms, Bolt’s presence at the Mariners has garnered huge publicity for a club that finished bottom of the A-League last season.

Owner Mike Charlesworth acknowledged Bolt’s massive pulling power and said it had been a pleasure to have him on the Central Coast, around an hour’s drive north of Sydney.

“This has been a mutually beneficial partnership that brought an increased level of excitement and attention to both the Mariners and the A-League,” he said.

“From day one, Usain dedicated himself to being part of the Mariners. He integrated very well into the team and made great strides as a footballer.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/bolt-sacked-by-leagues-coast-mariners.html

The Enugu State Government has released N810 million to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu for infrastructure development to encourage reading and learning.

The Rector of the institution, Prof. Austine Nweze, made this known in Enugu on Thursday in Enugu when members of the Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Education visited the institution, as part of their quarterly oversight function.

Nweze said that since his administration came on board in 2016, IMT came 29 out of 112 polytechnics in the country in a test conducted by the supervisory body.
He explained that with all support given to the institution by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, IMT took seventh position out of the same 112 this year in the test among polytechnics in the country.
The rector said that IMT came second in similar test conducted among state-owned polytechnics.
Nweze said that the management would do everything humanly possible to ensure that the polytechnic take first position; both at the state and federal in 2019.
He said that the polytechnic had implemented 2018 budget in terms of recurrent expenditure and up to date in terms of workers’ salaries.
The Rector said that the monthly subvention of the institution was N120m while the monthly wage bill was N200 million with 12, 000 students paying N40, 000 as school fees per session.
The rector said that the state government had released N25.5 million to the institution to purchase five fairly used vehicles for the management staff.
He said that the management, however, thought it wise to channel the money to another pressing issue- re-accreditation of 43 programmes of the institution.
Nweze said that the institution still lacked perimeter facing of the polytechnic due to limited resources.
In his remark, The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Mathew Ugwueze, commended the governor for the support he was giving tertiary institutions in the state.
Ugwueze called on the management of the institution to put more interest in vocational studies, reminding them that the world was moving toward vocation.
He also urged the stakeholders in education industry to put more effort in making sure that education thrived in the state.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/imt-enugu-gets-n810m-for.html

As the 2019 general elections draw nearer, former Bauchi state governor Mallam Isa Yuguda has dumped the Green Party of Nigeria for the All Progressives Congress, APC.


He defected with about 5000 of his supporters into the ruling party.

This was disclosed to journalists by his former commissioner for Information and chairman Yuguda Alheri Movement, Alhaji Salisu Barau Wakos at a press conference.


Wakos stated that Yuguda’s major decision to defect to the APC was to boost support for President Muhanmadu Buhari’s re-election bid and to ensure that the APC wins the 2019 election.

He said, “I want to declare that from today henceforth, Yuguda is a bonafide card-carrying member of the APC, including all his supporters in Nigeria. The defection is aimed at giving APC maximum support ahead of 2019.”

The movement reiterated that Yuguda’s defection was done after wide consultations with his political allies, stakeholders as well as his supporters.


The chairman stressed that the registration of Yuguda’s supporters into the fold of APC had since commenced nationwide.

“By this declaration, Yuguda has urged all his supporters to canvass votes for President Buhari and Governor Mohammed Abubakar’s re-election bid come 2019,” Wakos added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/2019-yuguda-defects-to-apc-in-bauchi.html

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described as false the alleged video clip circulating on the social media purporting to show how Nigerians are being maltreated in Angola.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Mr George Edokpa, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the attention of the ministry was drawn to the alleged video clip and urged the public to ignore it.

He said the purported clip circulating on the social media on maltreatment of Nigerians living in Angola was not true.

Edokpa maintained that the allegation was false and should be disregarded.

”The Ministry is in contact with the Nigerian Embassy in Luanda, Angola, and wishes to categorically attest that the incidence under reference in the video did not occur in Angola.

”However, in line with the mandate of the Ministry to protect Nigerians in any part of the world, the Ministry is conducting a comprehensive investigation on the matter,” he said

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/nigerians-in-angola-not-mistreated-fg.html

The member representing Calabar South/Bakassi/Akpabuyo federal constituency, Hon. Essien Ayi, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to circumvent the wishes of Nigerians in the forth coming 2019 general elections.


“If such is done, it will lead to final disintegration of this country, mark my word, and write it down” he stated.

Speaking while inaugurating his 2019 election central planning committee, the fifth time member in the House of Representatives said “We prayed, believed and hoped that the present INEC should be the kind of transparency the INEC of Jega showed, which make former President Good Luck Jonathan who losses to concede.

The present INEC should even improve on that, if they want this country to remain in peace and together, and if they try to circumvent the wishes of the people, it will lead to final disintegration of this country, mark my word, writes it down” he stated.

Hon Ayi who thanked God for making him a candidate for the 5th time in the history of Cross River State, regretted that his party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was going to contest the 2019 election on the position of opposition.


“This is the first time we are contesting election as opposition party, right from the beginning, we have been in the ruling party. We felt we should put everything in order so that we can kick start on Nov 18th when INEC would lift ban on open campaign for the forth coming elections for National Assembly and the Presidential elections.

“Coming from that position, we should re-arrange our things; it should not be as before. Today, we have formed our central planning committee for the elections.

“Even though it is a planning committee for Hon Essien Ayi 2019, we have the task of delivering all our candidates from President to governor to House of Assembly members.

“We are going to constitute our own and if others have theirs, we can synergize with a simple goal of delivering our party PDP” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/2019-calabar-lawmaker-reveals-what-will.html

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) growth index for Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), has ranked Nigeria low behind Kenya, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirate (UAE).According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the META region holds greater developmental keys, especially for the adoption of new technologies.

Speaking to journalists, IDC Group Vice President and Regional Managing Director META, Jyoti Lalchandani, said in countries where emerging technologies have been put on the national mandate, they lead in innovation and becoming more mature markets.

Lalchandani noted that IDC is seeing a major shift in the operating model of digital transformation, where organisations are increasingly looking towards areas like cloud and analytics, to change the landscape in terms of their core investments.He revealed that while there have been some significant changes for development in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and South Africa, growth in Nigeria has been slow, especially towards the adoption of new technologies.


Lalchandani said the slow growth seen in Nigeria’s IT market, is posing a serious challenge to the West African IT ecosystem expansion.
This challenge, which has been linked to some emerging issues in the country, including oil price volatility in the global market, and current political tension in Nigeria, are said to be affecting investors’ plans for the regional market.

Besides, he noted that the government’s non-diversification move especially towards ICT is projected to have also had a negative impact on the region’s growth, as such diverting investors’ focus from the market.He noted that the slow growth may persist owning to the too much dependence on oil, and insufficient diversification plans, saying the oil and gas sector, which is currently unstable, is putting so much pressure on the lean revenue.

He said the IDC saw significant slowdown in the areas of consumer devices, and SMEs business spending, adding that Personal Computer, tablet, mobile phone markets have gone down significantly in the last one year owing to economic pressures and volatility.


Read More: Nigeria’s slow IT market growth hinders West Africa’s expansion

According to him, large enterprises are also feeling the impact, there has been an increased pressure, especially in the currency exchange rate, which was at a time N250 to $1, but increased to about N500 to $1 but gradually coming down, now around N350 to $1. All these affects IT departments and organisation, “they don’t want unpredictability in prices. Information technology is still seen as a cost factor, it is still seen as a CAPEX investment in Nigeria and this is putting pressure on their lean revenues.”On the other hand, Lalchandani said the UAE is one of the more mature markets when it comes to ICT spend, and this is because the government has incorporated a lot of what the IDC calls ‘accelerating technologies.’

“The interesting dynamic about the UAE is that a lot of these shifts that we see in terms of transformation are being led by the public sector, compared to other countries where it is the private sector that leads digital transformation programmes and projects. Here, the public sector is actually taking the lead.”

According to him, the country is the first in the world to set up a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, and appointed a minister to the department, and the Dubai Government plans to become completely paperless by 2021, by placing all its transactions on blockchain.”Our research indicates that countries (within META) where the public sector has taken the lead in driving innovation by adopting accelerator technologies (blockchain, AI, IOT, next-gen security, AR/VR, robotics and drones), are generally more mature.

“In such cases, the private sector aligns itself with government direction, thereby increasing their own investments to keep pace. We have seen this also influence larger industry players (e.g, IBM, Oracle) to expand investments by establishing innovation hubs and other related investments.”Investment in analytics is changing from organisations looking to just leverage their data to gain a competitive advantage, to organisations looking into ways to monetise the data and create new revenue streams for both the public and private sectors, he pointed out.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/nigeria-ranks-low-in-meta-regions-ict.html

The governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), AlhaJi Bashir Adamu, has denied defecting to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jagawa.

Adamu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Tuesday that he has never discussed or told anybody or group that he would dump his party to join PDP.

“I am, therefore, warning those spreading that fake news aimed at scuttling my political ambition to desist because they will never succeed.

“PDP has already failed, so how can I leave SDP and join the party that is already dead.”

The governorship candidate said that if he secured the mandate of his people he will focus attention on education, both western and Islamic.

“This is because education is the ingredient for human development,

“When human beings have education, it will develop their skills and talents intellectually, socially, economically and otherwise.”

“Another critical area I am going to pay attention is capacity building stressing that people will be empowered with soft loans to engage on meaningful ventures and businesses to be self-reliant as well as create employment for others.

Adamu said that agriculture will also get a boost if he becomes the governor of jigawa, pointing out that improved seeds, fertilisers and other farm inputs will go down to meet the farmers at the grassroots.

He stated that his administration will create a synergy to seek for markets for the sales of farm produce harvested by farmers.

“The gubernatorial candidate, therefore, called on people of the state to support him saying that he will never betray the confidence they will repose in him.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/i-did-not-defect-to-pdp-adamu.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), its subsidiary, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), and companies in the oil and gas sector are yet to remit $22.06 billion and N481.75 billion into the Federation Account, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) declared yesterday.

NEITI made the disclosure at a remediation conference where it provided a summary of unremitted revenues, losses and reconciled differences in transactions and operations in the sector.

It insisted that the unremitted funds included earnings from oil and gas producing companies worth N5.2 billion and $152.69 million and another $498.6 million in revenue from companies involved in offshore processing contracts.


According to the statistics, the NPDC is yet to remit $2.38 billion and N51.95 billion while NNPC is holding on to $19.04 billion and N424.57 billion. The total loss to the federation arising from crude oil production, processing and transportation stood at $3.038 billion and N60.997 billion.

Also, unreconciled differences arising from the allocation, sale and remittance of proceeds from domestic crude allocated to NNPC amounted to N317.475 billion.

At the event, the NEITI’s executive secretary, Waziri Adio, expressed concern over growing remedial issues in the nation’s extractive sector. He regretted that regulations that set up the agency did not empower it to prosecute and called on stakeholders to address challenges of remediation.

NEITI equally raised the alarm over unpaid consideration on four oil fields in the NAOC Joint Venture assigned by NNPC to NPDC in 2012. It stressed that while the asset was previously valued at $2.25 billion, it was re-negotiated down to $1.554 billion, with NNPC claiming that before revaluation, it had remitted $1.65 billion from the gas revenue derived from the assigned assets as payment for the value of the assets.

Reacting, Peter Egbule, national coordinator of Publish What You Pay Nigeria, blamed regulatory lapses, weak institutions, determination by entities and individuals to divert public fund and the inability of government to act proactively.

He said while the Petroleum Industry Bill remains key to addressing the issues, the Federal Government must strengthen regulatory frameworks and show political will towards fighting corruption and blocking leakages in the oil sector.

Meanwhile, oil prices slid yesterday as Russia signaled output would remain high. Losses, however, were limited ahead of the United States’ sanctions on Iranian exports. The sanctions are expected to reduce supplies when they come into effect in just under a week.

Brent crude futures fell 12 cents to $77.50 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude lost 30 cents to $67.29 a barrel. Oil prices also fell about $10 a barrel since four-year highs reached in early October.

But Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu in an interview in London yesterday said the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is likely to keep prices at $70 per barrel when it meets in December. He described $70 as the “comfort level for us and everybody,” saying he would be surprised to see anything dramatic.


Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Saturday that there was no reason for Russia to freeze or cut its oil production levels, noting that there were risks that global oil markets could face a deficit.

OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC member, Russia, agreed in June to lift oil supplies, but OPEC signaled last week that it might have to re-impose output cuts as global inventories rise.

“When the Russians start talking about keeping the production levels high and even the possibility that they need to increase it because of a possible tightness in supply, that brought on some selling pressure,” Reuters quoted Gene McGillian, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut, as saying.

Industrial commodities such as crude and copper have also been rattled by hefty losses in global equities due to concern over corporate earnings and fears over the impact to economic growth from escalating trade tensions, as well as a stronger dollar.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/nnpc-others-yet-to-remit-2206b-n48175b.html

A new report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company has said that effort by Nigeria to revive its ailing refineries alongside other upcoming private refinery projects will place the country second in global refining capacity after China.

The report said Nigeria is planning a massive refinery expansion to meet growing domestic demand for petroleum products and is expected to expand its crude distillation units (CDU) capacity by 2.003 million barrels per day bpd, at a cost of $57.6 billion. Also, Kuwait will add 615,000 bpd of CDU capacity by 2022, and is expected to spend $7.5 billion through 2022.


According to the report, China will lead global refinery capacity expansion and investments with 3.12 million bpd additional refining capacity and $67.3 billion capital expenditure through 2022, GlobalData said.

Total refining capacity in the world is expected to grow by 15.1 percent between 2018 and 2022, with global crude distillation units (CDU) capacity expected to hit 117 million bpd by 2022, GlobalData said in its report.

Asia will lead the pack with the highest planned and announced CDU capacity of 5.4 million bpd in 2022, followed by Africa and the Middle East with 3.2 million bpd and 2.7 million bpd, respectively. In capital expenditure (capex), Asia will again be the leader with expected capex for new build refineries of $194.9 billion, followed by Africa and the Middle East, with $126.6 billion and $87.1 billion, respectively, GlobalData has estimated.



Among individual countries, China is the leader, with ten new-build refineries expected to come on line by 2022, followed by Nigeria and Kuwait. The top ten also includes Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia, GlobalData’s report shows. “China’s ambitious refinery capacity expansion programme continues fuelled by the country’s industrial growth, and growing demand from the transportation sector.

The capacity expansion program is powering China’s crude imports, and will transform the country to become a strong contender for exports of petroleum products globally,” Sumit Kumar Chaudhuri, Oil & Gas Analyst at GlobalData, said, as carried by East African Business Week. Last month, Chinese refiners processed a record daily amount of crude oil. At a calculated 12.49 million bpd, the September run rate of Chinese refineries was more than 600,000 bpd higher than the August figure.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/nigeria-emerges-2nd-after-china-in.html

Diamond Bank Plc’s third quarter (Q3) financial report for the period ended September 30, 2018, has shown funds disbursement of more than N1 billion to small business owners, under the cash flow-based SME lending scheme.

The initiative, which is in partnership with the Women’s World Banking (WWB), has already earned the financial institution a ranking among the first five SME customer bank in Nigeria in the KPMG customer service survey of 2018.

The unaudited result, presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), affirmed the bank’s strong focus on the Nigerian market, rather than foreign markets, with a retail sector driven by technology to boost its growth and position SMEs for competitiveness.

Specifically Tech-driven retail boosts Diamond Bank’s Q3 result, the bank’s retail and digital strategy has supported the expansion of financial inclusion programme, with the number of banking agents rising to 70,052 in Q3, througStandard Chartered hosts mortgage fair
h Diamond Y’ello, BETA and CLOSA product lines.

Besides, it introduced SMEzone to the market- an information-sharing platform, aimed at positioning entrepreneurs for competitiveness while the sale of its UK subsidiary expected to be completed by year-end.

The Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Uzoma Dozie, said the global economy is currently witnessing a shift in trade relations alongside continued interest rate adjustments.

“This has led to greater volatility across markets and increasingly fragile economies. Nigeria’s economy has not been immune to certain headwinds, so that while the economy recorded quarters of expansion, the rate of growth has weakened.




“However, against this backdrop, our digital-led retail strategy has remained robust. Through this strategy we have been able to continue scaling up by reaching a wide pool of customers both cost effectively and efficiently.

“Our investors can expect a further decline in Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), a further increase in our digital footprint and completion of the sale of the UK subsidiary. Through these actions we remain optimistic about the medium to long term outlook of Diamond Bank and its return to strong profitability,” he said.

An analysis of the result showed that despite the challenging trading environment, the bank’s non-interest income to profit increased by 10.81% from N24.66 billion in 2017, to N27.32 billion in Q3 of 2018.

Impairment charges decreased by 24.21% from N33.21 billion in Q3 of 2017, to N25.17 billion in the period under review, while interest expense, however, rose by 18.32% to N41.26 billion year-on-year.

The level of interest expense showed a continued to decline in-line with guidance, falling by 15.36% from N14.83 billion in Q1 of 2018, to N12.56 billion in Q3 of 2018, while a 2.89% year-on-year increase in operating expense to N66.20 billion in Q3 of 2018.

The bank said that cost containment measures are underway with its digitisation process contributing to quarter-on-quarter gains, as the operating expense declined by 0.36% from N22.15 billion in Q2 2018, to N22.07 billion in Q3.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/tech-driven-retail-boosts-diamond-banks.html

The escalating violent Kaduna crisis has forced the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to suspend its Abuja-Kaduna route.

The Managing Director of NRC, Mr Fidet Okhiria, announced that the Abuja-Kaduna train services has been suspended till the security situation in Kaduna improves.

Okhiria told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the train service was suspended on Friday because of the safety of the passengers, goods, coaches and wagons.

“We decided to stop the train services yesterday (Oct. 27) because of the curfew and the crisis situation in Kaduna, passengers cannot go in and out of Kaduna and for the safety of the passengers and our vehicles we decided to stop the services.

“We will resume normal operations when the situation in Kaduna state improves and the curfew is lifted,” he said.

Kaduna State Government had imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna city and environs due to violent clashes recorded on Oct. 18 at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

A fresh crisis erupted again later in the month over the death of the kidnapped traditional ruler of Kachia, Dr Maiwada Galadima.

Meanwhile, the government has relaxed Kachia curfew, Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Saturday.

Aruwan said the State’s Security Council noted with gratitude the exemplary conduct of the people of Kachia, who remained peaceful while mourning the loss of a much-revered monarch.

He stated that in recognition of this positive contribution to harmony, the Security Council directed that the curfew in Kachia be relaxed immediately today, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.

He added that “residents of Kachia are free to go about their legitimate businesses from now till 5 p.m. today (Saturday).

“Also From tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, Kachia residents are also free to move from 6 a.m. till 5 p.m.

“The Security Council advises residents of Kaduna to continue to comply with curfew hours.

“The state government warns that only persons involved in delivering essential services will be permitted free passage, as curfew violation is crime that will earn arrest and prosecution.”

No fewer than 32 persons have been arrested in Kaduna in connection with the renewed violence in Kaduna metropolis.

Aruwan, announced this in a statement in Kaduna that the number of arrested persons over the renewed disturbances was given by the Police at the state’s Security Council meeting, adding that “these persons will be investigated and prosecuted’’.

Aruwan also said that within the areas covered by the curfew, “security agencies thwarted attempts to destroy places of worship in Kawo and Hayin Banki.

“It was also reported that one person was killed in Kasuwan Magani and another arrested with a weapon overnight while attempting to burn down the market there.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/kaduna-crisis-hampers-train-service.html

Anambra State chapter of Young Progressive Party (YPP) have received over 500 defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) respectively.

The defectors were received by the chairman of YPP in aguata Local Government Area in Anambra state , chief Edward Chinedu Ezeabasili (Ogbaturuenyi).

Chief chief Edward Chinedu Ezeabasili said the party was poised to take over power from the APC senator Dr Andy Ubah who have been on the sit for eight years.

According to him, “We are poised to take over from APC in state come 2019 because over the years, they have been promising the people so many things without achieving any, but what we in YPP promise is what we believe in and will definitely fulfill because the party is founded on Godly principles.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/500-apc-pdp-apga-supporters-dump-party.html

About 2.34 million subscribers have been added to the telecommunications network, according to figures released yesterday by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The report showed that the quartet of MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9Mobile added 2.31 million fresh users, while the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, Fixed Wired/Wireles and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) operators added to the remainder.The total number of subscribers has, by these figures increased from 241.7 million in August, to 244.1 million in September.

The increase has also pushed the country’s telephone density, also called teledensity, from 114 per cent to 115.8 per cent in the period under review.

Teledensity is the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area. It varies widely across the nations and also between urban and rural areas within a country.

According to the figures, active telephone lines increased from 160.8 million in August to 162 million in September, with the GSM operators adding 1.1 million new subscribers within the period.

The statistics also showed an increase in Internet penetration from 104 million users in August to 105.9 million in September.Further analysis of the report showed a fierce battle between Globacom and Airtel. Globacom, which had maintained the number two spot after MTN, appeared to have been displaced.

Airtel, the statistics added, currently controls 25.6 per cent market share with 41.3 million subscribers, after MTN, which is still the biggest operator in Nigeria with 64.2 million users and 39.9 per cent market share.

Globacom within this period has 40.9 million users with 25.3 per cent market share. 9Mobile, formerly Etisalat trading as Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS) in Nigeria, which celebrates 10 years of operations in Nigeria has 15.4 million subscribers amounting to 9.5 per cent market share.

Chief Executive Officer of 9Mobile, Boye Olusanya, said in a statement that as the company, which marked its 10th anniversary in the country, reflects on the journey so far: “We take great joy in our heritage as a truly Nigerian company renowned for innovation, customer-centricity and youthfulness.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/telecoms-operators-have-increased.html

The federal government and Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the second phase of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) for Change Programme.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who spoke during the MoU signing in Abuja yesterday, noted that the programme exemplified government’s partnership with private sector organisations to drive the implementation of its policies and programmes.



According to the SGF: “The signing of the MoU signifies the commencement of the second phase of the programme to train and empower 1000 federal civil servants across MDAs in capacity building.

“It’s a further demonstration of the strengthening of the existing partnership between government and the private sector, represented by Huawei technologies.

“This phase of the programme shall be jointly anchored by Huawei technologies company Nigeria limited and galaxy backbone

“This laudable project has directly impacted the Nigerian youth in some key areas such as, human capacity building and cultivating ICT talent, provision of further advanced training in China to 10 high performing students and their subsequent engagement by Huawei sub-contractors in the telecoms sector, issuance of globally recognised Huawei certificate to 1,345 Nigerian trainees based on performance, equipping the students with necessary skillet to begin their own ICT start-ups and partner with Huawei in the telecoms and ICT industry.”

He added that the ICT for Change Programme was also in alignment with the Federal Civil Strategy and Implementation Plan (2017-2020) to enhance the capacities and capabilities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) performance and delivery systems.

Also, Huawei’s Vice President of Middle East and African Region, Xue Man, in his address, said the programme, which is a training initiative aimed at empowering civil servants with fundamental ICT knowledge and skills, was part of efforts to be more localised and fulfil its social responsibility, not by simple material donation but by mind enlightenment and talent cultivation.

“With our rich experience in ICT, we will design and deliver the programme with our best subject matter experts. Our target is to provide free ICT knowledge training to 1000 civil servants.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/fg-huawei-seal-deal-on-ict-programme.html

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it seized contraband comprising rice and other items valued at N105.3 million in Benin, Edo, between Sept. 20 and Oct. 19.

The National Coordinator, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Strike Force, Mr Abdullahi Kirawa, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Benin on Thursday.

Kirawa said that the impounded contraband were 2,185 bags of 50 kilogrammes of foreign par boiled rice valued at N52 million, 600 pieces of used tyres valued at N4.05 million.

Others, according to him, are 516 bales of used clothing valued at N33.35 million, 35 sacks of used shoes whose cost was N840, 000 and 100 cartons of vegetable oil valued at N3 million.

He added that 67 cartons of Tramadol tablets and Codeine syrups valued at N12.06 million and 538 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, with 10 kilogrammes in each bag, were also seized during the period.

Kirawa said that the seizure was mainly in the hinterland of the state and attributed the success recorded by the strike force to credible information from the public and Customs Intelligence Unit.

He appealed to the public to continue to avail the Service of useful information to ensure that smuggling in the country was reduced.

The coordinator, who handed the seized drugs and suspected substances to representatives of NAFDAC and NDLEA, respectively, said that the action was to show the level of synergy among security agencies.

Receiving the drugs, NAFDAC Controller in the state, Mrs Esther Itua, said that the Director-General of the agency was vigorously championing the war against illicit drugs, including Tramadol and Codeine.

Similarly, Mr Peter Ogar, Assistant Commander of NDLEA in Edo command, said that fighting illicit drug trafficking was a collective responsibility which required all hands to be on deck.

Zone ‘C’ of NCS comprises 11 states – Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Ebonyi.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/ncs-seizes-n105m-contraband-in-benin_7.html

Work wil begin soon on the Lagos-Abidjan international highway and the Lagos-Badagry-Seme expressway following approvals yesterday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC)

Finance Minister Mrs. Zainab Ahmed announced the approval for Nigeria to receive $1.5 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the Lagos-Abidjan highway.

The fund is part of the $13.5 million approved by the AfDB in 2016 to finance the project, according to the minister.

She said: “Today (yesterday) the ministry of Finance went to council to obtain approval for a loan of $1.5 million from the AfDB to finance the multi-national Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway development project study.

”The multi-national project that is running from Abidjan-Lagos corridor will be a highway project that will be in six lanes, a dual carriageway highway that will involve five countries, including the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Republic of Benin, Republic of Cote’d’Ivoire, Republic of Ghana and the Togolese Republic.

”At the 42nd Ordinary Session of Heads of State meeting of the ECOWAS countries in 2013, this project was discussed and approved, the AfDB in 2016 approved the sum of $13.5 million for the whole of the project to finance, both the study in the form of a loan as well as the grant.

”So, this $13.5 million has been distributed among the participating countries and the component for Nigeria is $1.5 million. The project study can be commissioned towards the planning of the execution of the highway project itself,” she stated.

The Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said his ministry presented a memorandum for the award of the Lagos-Badagry-Seme border road for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

He said: “It’s a total of 46 kilometres that excludes the part under contract by the Lagos State government from Eric Moore to Okokomaiko.

”Council approved 46 kilometres from Agbara to seme border. Out of that 46 kilometers, 24 kilometre will be six lanes and 22 kilometres will retain the current four lanes without expansion, but with reconstruction and rehabilitation. The contract price is N63.023 billion,” Fashola said.

He added: “Just for clarity, this road is part of the Lagos-Abidjan highway corridor. So, the Nigeria section is the Lagos-Eric Moore-Badagry-Seme border. We are constructing our part, Ghana has done theirs, and I think Ivory Coast has done theirs. Togo and Benin have something in place.

“Some of them have to move because of coastal erosion by the Atlantic and how to reintegrate all of that is part of the studies that are been funded by the AfDB and also how to ensure single and efficient border control,” he said.

He also said the FEC approved N1.029 billion for the 20-kilometre section of Gwarzo-Karaye highway in Kano State.

According to him, the Council also terminated and re-awarded the contract for the 10 Megawatts Katsina Wind Energy project.

He explained that the project, with 37 turbines, has 15 already completed, while 22 were at different stages of completion, adding that the completed turbines were already generating about four megawatts of electricity and being used by one of the power Distribution Companies (DisCos).

He noted that the main French contractor had not been cooperating with the government and therefore re-awarded the contract to the local contractor, who has been working on the project.

According to him, N121 million was approved for the re-award out of the money for the initial contact.

He said the project is scheduled for completion within five months.

The minister added: “Council also approved the African Trans-Sahara Highway project from Algiers to Lagos. The Nigerian section is the Lagos to Katsina border side, transversing Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ilorin, Katsina, Abuja and Kano, among others.

“If you look at what the President has done in the last few days, a committee on the African Free Trade Agreement protocols, these are the critical infrastructures that link us. So, from South to North, from Lagos through the West Coast, are the interconnections on how we relate with other African countries.”

The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, said that Council approved the revised estimated total cost for the construction of Zobe Regional Water Supply Scheme in Katsina State, Phases I (a) and II, as part of efforts to complete infrastructures inherited by the Federal Government.

According to him, the project was first awarded in 1992 but bandoned with a new contractor taking over in 2009, but was never paid.

Adamu said that the Buhari administration inherited the project at 75 per cent completion in 2015, adding, “Council approved the augmentation of N12.15 billion to bring the project to a total of N22.1 billion with an additional completion period of 18 months.”

He disclosed that the Federal Government recently signed a N10 billion agreement with the Katsina State government for the completion of Phase I(b) of the project.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/15-million-afdb-loan-for-lagos-abidjan.html

Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, has been named the sixth most charitable man in the World, by Richtopia, a digital periodical that covers business, economics, and financial news, based in the United Kingdom.

Dangote recently endowed his foundation to the tune of $1.25 billion.

Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and J. K. Rowlings occupied the first three positions while Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk were in the fourth and fifth position respectively.

Aside Dangote, Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa was 11th on the list and these two were the only Nigerians on the list.

Dangote started his foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation in 1981, with a mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities.

Aliko Dangote Foundation was, however, incorporated in 1994 as a charity in Lagos, Nigeria. 20 years later, the Foundation has become the largest private Foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/aliko-dangote-named-6th-most-charitable.html

The Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have berated the federal and the state governments for reneging on the agreement reached with the organised labour over the issue of new minimum wage.

This Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) had threatened to commence an indefinite strike from November 6 if both the federal and state governments fail to meet their demands on minimum wage for Nigerian workers.


Reacting to the development yesterday in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of ANN, Mr. Akinloye Oyeniyi, decried the horrible state of Nigerian workers who he described as the engine room of the nation governance mechanism.

According to him, “It was devastating reading the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, and that of the United Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, saying in a press statement on Sunday that the unions will be going on indefinite because of federal government’s stance on new minimum wage for workers.”

Oyeniyi said that the federal government shouldn’t be threatening no work no pay in a negotiation which is yet to end.

He stated: “These are workers being owed months of salary arrears and never threaten ‘no pay no work’. The government should have placated the workers that it could only increase the minimum wage from the current N18,000 to N24,000, instead of claiming no amount was agreed with the labour representatives at the tripartite committee meeting.”

“Before possible solution is reached, we beseech the labour unions to reconsider their stance to save the nation from hardship that may accompany the said strike.”

On her part, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Ms. Yemi Kolapo said that the federal government should not play hide and seek game on this matter and find a way of reaching a compromise with the labour unions.

She said, “You don’t play hide and seek with matter like this, today they will tell you they have met with all the conditions of labour, just as a form of propaganda, tomorrow something else will happen…”

Kolapo added that, “If a former labour leader can be a frontline leader in the ruling party, then it’s ironical that things like this will be happening under his watch.

“So, it means people do not really practice what they preach and people have always said that the Buhari government does not even have an agenda for Nigeria, they don’t know how to go about the economy, much less this is a body of labour put together.”

Kolapo noted that why she doesnt subscribe to strike, but added that the labour unions have a good reason for deciding go embark on this strike.

“I don’t see the Buhari government settling it, I don’t, they will promise them but they won’t fulfil their promises. Let the government wake up to its responsibility.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/labour-strike-ann-adc-berate-fg-states.html

The African Development Bank has approved a US$50 million line of credit to Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank Plc to support small and medium-sized, and women-owned enterprises in selected transformative sectors.

The credit will also accommodate close to 100 SMEs in manufacturing, health and education.

According to a statement by AfDB, the credit was approved by the bank’s board on October 10, 2018, and the facility is fully dedicated to financing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a minimum of 30 per cent going to women-owned enterprises.

The statement read: "The loan will enhance Fidelity Bank’s liquidity and help meet the demand for medium-term funding to players in the target sectors, contributing to improved quality of lives, job and wealth creation and tax-revenue generation.

"The facility complements the Nigerian government's long-term development strategy, as espoused in its Vision 20:2020 agenda. Aligned with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-2020 (ERPG), the AfDB noted that the funding will ultimately boost enterprise competitiveness and expand Nigeria’s economic base. The ERPG seeks to stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth, catalyse macroeconomic stability, foster diversification of the economy, and enhance social inclusion as well as governance.

"SMEs account for 30 per cent of Fidelity Bank’s loan portfolio. The selection of the tier 2 Nigerian bank for this seven-year credit facility (with a grace period of two years) is based on its strong niche presence in the SME and mid-sized corporates space. It is also in recognition of the bank’s credit management and strong track record with the African Development Bank. The Nigerian lender has previously received US$18 million and US$75 million lines of credit from the development finance institution in 2001 and 2013, respectively."

Ebrima Faal, Senior Director, Nigeria Country Office at the African Development Bank, was quoted as saying: “Fidelity Bank is a niche player, focused on the SME space and this US$50 million credit line will contribute to strengthening its presence in its key market segments. The Nigerian financial institution also continues to meet its ongoing credit obligations under the terms of previous support received from the African Development Bank".

The statement continued: "The line of credit to the Nigerian financial institution is consistent with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2013–2022). It also aligns with two of its High 5 priorities – Industrialize Africa and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.

"Founded in 1987, Fidelity Bank Plc has grown from its marginal position into a stable banking institution. Currently the 10th largest commercial bank in Nigeria by asset size, it was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in May 2005. It has a broad client base of about four million customers nationwide, served from a network of over 240 branches and business offices, supported by alternative service delivery channels like ATMs, mobile and electronic banking, and agency banking channels.

"Following its renewed digital banking and retail drive, Fidelity Bank was ranked 4th best bank in Nigeria in the retail market segment in the KPMG Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS) in 2017."

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/afdb-approves-50m-credit-facility-for.html

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has refuted claims that the State Assembly is planning to impeach the state governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Ambode, early October, amid dramas, lost the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress in the state to his rival Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a most humiliating defeat.

“Impeachment is constitutional and has its process. we are not embarking on that yet,” the assembly speaker Mudashiru Obasa said on Monday.

“Akinwunmi Ambode has not committed any impeachable offence.”


There have been speculations that there is a fast-paced plot is unfolding in the state assembly to unseat Ambode before the expiration of his single term.

The impeachment rumours thicken after the lawmakers on Thursday ordered Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators in all the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state to resume refuse collection and disposal with immediate effect.

The PSP operators were disengaged by Ambode following the introduction of a new environmental initiative, through the Visionscape Sanitation Solution Limited.

There was a discontent of residents of the state over the challenged capacity of Visionscape to handle the refuse business is now being explored by the party elite to push the impeachment.

However, the speaker while reacting to the rumours said “We don’t need wailers to advise us on how to go about our duties. For now, we are still working in one accord to move Lagos forward. This is to clear the rumours.”


Meanwhile, a Lagos-based civil rights movement, Save Lagos Group (SLG) last Friday threatened to picket the Lagos State House of Assembly if it goes ahead with its alleged plans to impeach Ambode.

It also warned lawmakers against being the tool to be used by some selfish individuals to impeach Ambode, saying that the group had prepared to legally, constitutionally and democratically resist any attempt by the State Assembly to impeach the governor.

“They wanted Ambode out of office prematurely because they didn’t want him to be entitled to the pension emolument of the exalted office,” the Group said in a statement.

“As a civil rights group that stood for truth and Justice, we must say capital ‘NO’ to selfish removal of the Lagos governor.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/no-plan-to-impeach-ambode-lagos-assembly_22.html

Dr. Muhammad Ya’u, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa-Eggon Federal Constituency has denied allegation of sexual gratification levelled against him, as he prepares for the 2019 elections.

Ya’u in a statement issued on Sunday by Innocent Pada, Director-General of his campaign organisation described the allegation as untrue and handwork of his political detractors.

The politician was reacting to an allegation on how he pestered a married female admission applicant (name withheld) for sex, as a former university staff.

NAN further reports that Yau until recently served at the Nasawara State University, Keffi as the Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT), before joining politics.

He said that “The said scandalous report is unfounded, untrue, ill motivated and the handiwork of our political detractors bent on dragging the reputation of our candidate in the mud.

“We would like to put the record straight by saying that our candidate does not have the power to offer admission to any student.

“He would never engage in any action that would undermine the laid down pre-requisite for admission into the university.

“Our candidate does not know, have not spoken or met with the said woman in the report before.

“He was never arrested nor spoke with any journalist on any issue relating to sexual assault as being speculated by the fictitious report.”

The organisation urged supporters of the APC candidate to remain calm and be committed to the vision and benefits of quality representation awaiting them after the 2019 general elections.

When contacted the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Mr Abraham Ekpo, he said that “I am not aware of any official complaint or communication to the institution in respect of the sexual allegation against Dr Muhammad Ya’u”.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/2019-nasarawa-apc-reps-candidate-denies.html

Cross River State government, in partnership with Blue Ocean, India, has unveiled a new set of wears, ranging from tee-shirts, boxers, polo, shirts and trousers at the Calabar Garment factory.

Governor Ben Ayade, speaking at the unveiling of ‘Callyphina wears’ said: “The state is proud to showcase high quality wears with special finishing, which will be formally launched during 2018 Calabar Carnival.

“If you look at the finishing and lining, you will see precision and expertise. And if you look at the hemming and final knitting, it just could be a Versace, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana.”

Managing Consultant, Blue Ocean, Atul Kakkar, explained that the job specification handled in his two-week stay in Calabar was in line with the governor’s vision of creating world-class garment factory.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/cross-river-garment-factory-unveils.html

Gov Wike Shuns Opportunity to Visit Suffering Victims of Flooding
…. as VP Osinbajo Visits Rivers and Bayelsa States

While the Vice President, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday visited some flooded communities in Rivers and Bayelsa States to give hope and succour to victims of flooding in the two states, Gov. Nyesom Wike and his government officials were ostensibly absent even if the governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson was personally present as the Vice President toured the affected communities in both States.


Warisenibo Chris Finebone, Rivers APC Spokesman in a statement noted that despite the absence of Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Arc. Tonye Patrick Cole and a number of APC chieftains in the State among whom were Rivers West Senatorial Candidate of the party, Hon. Asita Honourable and Free Rivers President, Engr. Sampson Ngerebara were also on hand to receive the VP and his team.

According Finebone, “The only visible presence of Rivers State Government was the Deputy Governor, Dame Ipalibo Harry who was at the Port Harcourt International Airport to merely receive the VP on arrival and returned to bid him farewell at the end of the visit as strictly required by protocol.”

While Prof. Osinbajo and Gov. Seriake Dickson undertook the visit by means of a chopper from the Port Harcourt International Airport, APC Chieftains including Arc Tonye Cole were on hand at Mbiama to receive the VP and his entourage. Thereafter, Arc. Cole and Gov. Dickson accompanied the VP to visit Internally Displaced Persons camps in Mbiama and Akinama in Rivers State after the VP had done aerial assessment of the affected communities in Bayelsa State.

Rivers APC profoundly thanked the VP, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari for this kind gesture of visiting the flood affected areas and the victims.

“We are convinced beyond doubt that the promised intervention will be swift in coming to cushion the excruciating suffering of victims of the devastating flooding” Rivers APC expressed optimism.

“It must be mentioned that whereas the APC has been nudging the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to show compassion by visiting the flooded communities and the victims so as to assess and assuage their needs, the governor simply underlined his lack of duty of care that a governor owes his people by shunning a golden opportunity to latch on to the window provided by the visit of the VP. This goes to confirm that the governor has no compassionate heart expected of a governor. It underscores that Gov Wike is totally bereft of what governance entails. For him, politics is the beginning and the end of everything. Indeed, what this explains is that governor Wike has no business being a councillor much more a governor of a state” the statement finally declared.

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/gov-wike-shuns-opportunity-to-visit.html

In his determination to assert authority, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, said yesterday that his detractors, who called him all sorts of names and allegedly engaged the military to truncate his re-election bid in 2015, must apologise to him before he could allow them to have ground membership of the party in the state.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha, was angered that he was referred to as “Okoro- Hausa” and “Alhaji in Government House and “APC Boko Haram”, apparently to stop his chances and that of President Muhammadu Buhari to clinch power.

The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) Imo state which Governor Rochas Okorocha is the leader will never allow those who called him “Okoro-Hausa” and “Alhaji in Government House” and who branded APC Boko Haram party and harassed members of the party with armed personnel in 2015, to make any valid claim in the party, unless they first apologise to the governor and APC members in the State.


“Some of these elements include Chief Hope Uzodinma who wants to be governor today on the platform of APC and their cohorts in PDP gave Governor Okorocha all sorts of derogatory names during the 2015 elections. They did all they could to ensure that Imo people and indeed, Ndi-Igbo in general reject APC and President Muhammadu Buhari at the poll.
“They called the governor, “Okoro-Hausa” and “Alhaji in Government House” and called APC Boko Haram Party.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/my-detractors-must-apologise-to-imo-apc.html

One of the leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria, Globacom, was adjudged the best exhibitor in the telecoms sector at the just- concluded 13th Abuja International Trade Fair.

Presenting the award to Globacom, Director General of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Tonia Shoyele, expressed gratitude to the company for constantly supporting the chamber.

She said that Globacom won the award, having showcased unique products and services at the 12-day event, including ‘SME Flexi,’ designed for stakeholders in the small, medium and micro enterprises.

Visitors to the Glo stand expressed delight with the 4G LTE gadgets on sale at the fair, saying the speed and quality of its Internet service gave them a beautiful experience on the network.

The visitors commended Globacom for providing them with free Wi-Fi at the pavilion, free corporate gift items and Glo Free access prepaid SIMs and CUG lines.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/glo-bags-best-exhibitor-award-at-abuja.html

The people of Ekiti State are still basking in the euphoria of having a new governor, a ritual that happens once in every four years.

History was made on Tuesday, October 16, when Dr. John Kayode Fayemi was sworn into office alongside his deputy, Otunba Adebisi Adegboyega Egbeyemi, at an impressive inauguration ceremony at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

For the residents and guests who made it to the inauguration venue and others who watched the event life on the television sets, Fayemi has a huge burden of expectations and he has expressed the determination to perform.

Based on his performance in his first term, which ran from 2010 to 2014, Fayemi, having been armed with previous experience in governance, is not expected to act as a novice having had a three-month interregnum between his electoral victory and installation.

With the hoopla of the swearing-in over, Fayemi later on that day announce the appointment of the first set of principal aides to set the machinery of governance in motion.

The governor appointed former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, as Secretary to the State Government.

Former Chairman of Ijero Local Government and ex-Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Mr. Biodun Omoleye, was appointed the Chief of Staff, while Mr. Olayinka Oyebode returned to the office of the Chief Press Secretary, which he held during the governor’s first term.

The appointments drew applause in many quarters but knocks in some, especially among the Muslim folks, who had expected that one of their own will clinch the SSG job as it was during Fayemi’s first term.

On Wednesday, Fayemi followed up with Town Hall meetings in Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts.

The governor, the deputy governor and the wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi, party leaders and other admirers moved to Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti North senatorial district headquarters and Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti South senatorial district headquarters to thank the people for his July 14 electoral victory and to unveil what is in store for the people.

Town hall meetings are key features of the first tenure of Fayemi and they are used to preparing budgets in which the chief executive asked people in villages, towns and cities to submit at least three projects in order of priority to be incorporated into the budget. This resulted in projects like palaces, civic centres, transformers, school rehabilitations, construction of community roads, health centres, markets etc, which are still standing in those communities to date. Apparently impressed by the governor’s decision to visit them barely a day after coming into office, residents in the two senatorial districts turned out in large numbers to receive Fayemi and Egbeyemi. Traditional rulers, community leaders, opinion leaders, politicians and other residents, who didn’t belong to any political party, waited enthusiastically for the governor at Odo Udo Primary School grounds, Ido-Ekiti and Ereja Park, Ikere-Ekiti where the parleys were held. Fayemi unfolded some policy thrusts of his administration which, he said, would go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the people. The governor, during the town hall meetings in the two locations, announced the cancellation of the education development levy imposed on pupils in private and public schools by the Ayo Fayose administration. Under the Fayose regime, pupils in primary school pupils paid N500 each as tax, while students in secondary schools coughed out N1,000 per term.


The imposition of the levy sparked outrage in the state and it later turned to a court battle spearheaded by the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti with the verdict being awaited at the Court of Appeal. Also at the town hall meetings, Fayemi also announced the return of free education in public primary and secondary schools where students paid sundry fees under Fayose. The order for the scrapping of the education development levy and return of free education threw the crowd that thronged the town hall meetings into a frenzy. In Ikere, as the ovation that greeted the policy statement was yet to die down, Fayemi further disclosed that Ekiti pupils in public schools would be enjoying free meals latest by December. Besides, the governor said the welfare of civil servants, who were traumatized by irregular salaries and low morale, would be a top priority for him as he settled down to his gubernatorial duties. Fayemi further gladdened the hearts of the residents by revealing that the monthly payment of stipends to the aged people and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) established during his first term would come back.

The policies,he said, are geared towards making life easier for the citizenry, especially the senior citizens, bring government closer to the people thereby reducing less pressure on the state government and offer opportunities of career progression to council workers and politicians at the grassroots. By Thursday, Fayemi hit Abuja for the first time since coming to power to attend the meetings of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF). He was the cynosure of all eyes at the two meetings as personalities like Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other governors, led by the NGF Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Yari Abubakar, welcomed him back to their fold. Fayemi’s presence in Abuja denied him the opportunity to attend an Inter-Faith Prayer/Thanksgiving Service held at the Government House grounds as part of activities to mark his inauguration. Hide original message But the deputy governor held forte for the governor at the inter-faith service where he (Egbeyemi) said the government will not discriminate against anybody in spreading dividends of democracy. Egbeyemi said: “Whether you are a member of APC, PDP or any other party, if your children are in public schools, they will enjoy free education because this government is a friend to everybody. “We will do more than what we did during the first tenure. I moved round with the governor during the campaign and there are projects to show in all towns and villages. “We have said we are not probing anybody but we want to look into the books because workers want us to pay them, pensioners want us to pay them and we are going to work out how we will pay them.” With the action-packed first week, Ekiti people have tasted the stuff the Fayemi administration is made of and they will, of course, continue to ask for more in the next four years.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/fayemis-first-week-as-ekiti-governor.html

The job of a passport is primarily to allow you to enter another country and given that Nigerians are in practically every country in world, how can we accuse our passport of uselessness?

The second reason you may come up with this assertion is that Nigerian passport holders do not have visa free entry to as many countries as we would want, but, take note that visa matters and many diplomatic matters are reciprocal. Nigeria does not allow citizens of countries that require visas from Nigerians free access too.

Even visa fees are reciprocal, most countries charge the same amount the corresponding country charge in visa fees.

Since it does the job it is meant to do well, I don't see how you can allege that it is useless.

One point though, Nigerian passports in the hands of 2 individuals can be miles apart in usefulness, Otedola, Adenuga, Dangote may have over 50 visas in their Nigerian passports whereas a poor fresh uni graduate may have none in his. Obviously one Nigerian passport will then be deemed to be more powerful than another.

Not everything about Nigeria is bad and the passport that gives you visa free access to about 44 African countries can't be called useless.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/why-is-nigerian-passport-so-useless.html