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 Politics › Suspected Oil Militants Attack Niger Delta Pipeline by erunz(op): 2:54pm On May 23, 2017 |
Suspected oil rebels attacked a gas pipeline in Nigeria’s restive south, breaking a fragile truce between them and the government, an oil company spokesman told AFP Tuesday. The attack on a pipeline operated by the Nigerian Gas Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), took place on Saturday near Sanomi creek, close to the oil hub of Warri in Delta state. “It has been confirmed, even by the community people, that it was a third-party sabotage,” said Nigeria Gas Company spokesman Violin Antaih. “If you have a picture of the blast, you will know too well that was exactly what happened because the pipeline was cut into two. A ruptured pipeline will not have such effect.” The attack is the first on Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure in months and takes place amid ongoing negotiations between Niger Delta leaders and President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. In a cryptic tweet on Tuesday morning, the spokesman of main rebel group the Niger Delta Avengers wrote “la vittoria è nostra” (Italian for “victory is ours”). The Nigerian military said it was investigating. “I am aware of the incident and we are on top of it. A committee has been set up to unravel the circumstance,” Joint Task Force Commander Apochi Suleiman said. “We will see at the end of the day.” Ecobank energy analyst Dolapo Oni said the apparent attack was “worrying” at a time when Nigeria was wrestling to exit a recession. “This is probably a statement of intent, saying, ‘look, we can come back’,” he said. “It looks like a warning signal.” Nigeria has been in recession since August last year, as a result of lower global oil prices as well as the decrease in production from attacks on pipelines in the Niger Delta in 2016. Buhari — who is away on medical leave in London — initially responded to the resurgence of rebel activity in the region with force. But Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who is standing in for the ailing head of state, has shifted to a more conciliatory approach. Government funding for an amnesty programme for former rebels has been increased and a slew of infrastructure projects in the impoverished region has been promised. But a lasting ceasefire may be difficult to achieve in the maze of creeks and swamplands, where masses of young, unemployed men are forced to turn to crime to make a living. http://guardian.ng/news/suspected-oil-militants-attack-niger-delta-pipeline/?F 1 Like |
| Politics › EXCLUSIVE: All You Need To Know About The NIA $289million Covert Projects Contro by erunz(op): 11:23am On May 22, 2017 |
Perhaps the most difficult thing Nigerians are struggling to come to terms with about the recovered N13 billion is the fact that the money actually belonged to the National Intelligence Agency —and for covert operations. As PREMIUM TIMES reported on April 14, two days after the anti-graft EFCC announced the recovery of the cash haul, the NIA Director-General, Ayodele Oke, had claimed ownership of the funds on behalf of his agency, although, he didn’t disclose what it was meant for. This newspaper later published excerpts of letters between Mr. Oke and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, which clarified uncertainties over whether the NSA, and by extension President Muhammadu Buhari, knew about the operation beforehand. This revelation counters widespread speculation that the money might be part of unspent campaign funds from 2015 elections. A three-man investigative panel set up by Mr. Buhari to unravel other crucial questions about the operation was slated to submit its report last Monday. But that didn’t happen because the President left Nigeria on Sunday for a follow-up of his ongoing medical treatment. The constitution of the panel, led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also compounded Nigerians’ curiosity as they wondered why the administration decided to probe an operation its key officials had prior knowledge of. The national security dimension of the controversy also makes it even dicier. Hence, PREMIUM TIMES decided to construct a blow-by-blow account of the NIA’s $289 million covert operations: • 2013-2014: The NIA proposed upgrade to its operation in order to bring it up to speed with modern day intelligence gathering techniques. The upgrade was first proposed by Olaniyi Oladeji, Mr. Oke’s immediate past predecessor in the NIA. Mr. Oke took over the project after Mr. Jonathan appointed him on November 7, 2013. He continued working out the modalities for the project before eventually submitting the final proposal to Mr. Jonathan in February 2015. • February 14, 2015: Mr. Oke wrote a memo —Reference Number: T/S.8/5/Vol. 16— to the former President Goodluck Jonathan titled: National Intelligence Agency Critical Security and Infrastructure Requirement. Mr. Oke requested for $289, 202, 382 to “upgrade and professionalise agency operations” in order to “engender an effective clandestine communication systems central to the working of an intelligence service”. The NIA DG listed 12 high-level security projects that would run from 2015 to 2018. • February 16, 2015: Mr. Jonathan granted approval for the projects. In documents seen by this newspaper, Mr. Jonathan asked the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to release the requested sum to the NIA via a presidential directive dispatched by Matt Aikhionbare, Mr. Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant (Administration). A copy of the directive, with reference number: PRES/88-3/MPR/782, was sent to Mr. Oke’s office. A few weeks later, the NIA received the huge cash from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The security agency then began several covert and overt projects at strategic locations across the country. PREMIUM TIMES has withheld details of the projects for security reasons. • January 2016: The NIA gave progress reports on the projects and a detailed breakdown of its expenses to date in a letter to NSA Monguno. The breakdown included the total amount approved to the agency, how much had been paid to contractors for ongoing projects, the total cash at hand and the balance in the bank. The breakdown was rendered in U.S. dollars. Mr. Oke also told Mr. Monguno that his agency was willing to avail the NSA with audited reports of the foreign intelligence office’s expenses if utmost secrecy can be guaranteed. Mr. Oke said this would prevent the possibility of blowing the cover of its operations if the information was provided to other officials outside the NSA or NIA. “The NIA is keen to render an account of expenditures in the overarching interest of accountability and stewardship,” Mr.Oke said. But “the attendant implications” of allowing other parties access to NIA finances “could irreparably damage the image of the agency, particularly with friendly intelligence services worldwide and ultimately undermine national security.” Mr. Oke said Instrument One of the NIA gave only the NSA the permission to inspect NIA projects as the coordinating body for national security departments. • February 29, 2016: Mr. Monguno’s three-man panel that inspected the NIA projects submitted its report and expressed its satisfaction with the way the $289 million operation was being implemented. • May 5, 2016: Mr. Monguno visited the NIA Headquarters for the first time since he assumed office in July 2015 and wrote in the visitors’ book: “On the occasion of my maiden visit to the NIA since assumption of official duties as NSA, I am extremely delighted by the warm reception and hospitality shown to me by H.E. Ambassador Ayo Oke, DG, NIA, the quality of works in progress is notably breathtaking but very inspiring also. “All the facilities being constructed have demonstrated that the NIA is far ahead of its sister agencies in terms of foresight and dealing with 21st Century intelligence issues. “It is my fervent prayer that the NIA achieve all the goals it has set for itself so that all other institutions of government, particularly the intelligence community, will bring about the desired change for this great country,” Mr. Monguno wrote in the NIA visitors’ book on May 5, 2016. • May 17, 2016: The NSA informed the NIA that President Buhari had been briefed about the ongoing projects and that the president expressed his gratitude to the NIA personnel. • April 12, 2017: The EFCC recovered $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 from an apartment at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos. • April 13, 2017: The anti-graft office approached the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court to seek forfeiture of the money. • April 13, 2017: President Buhari ordered that the money be returned to the CBN. • April 19, 2017: Mr. Oke was suspended from office. • April 19, 2017: The Osinbajo’s panel was set up to investigate the “circumstances in which the NIA came into possession of the funds, how and by whose or which authority the funds were made available to the NIA, and to establish whether or not there has been a breach of the law or security procedure in obtaining custody and use of the funds.” The panel was given 14 days to conclude its findings. • April 24, 2017: Mr. Oke appeared before the panel. • April 25, 2017: The House of Representatives raised a committee to investigate NIA’s involvement in the recovered funds. • April 25, 2017: A former Minister of External Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, advised President Buhari to exercise caution in exposing the NIA to external investigation. “External Intelligence operations do not belong into the same security genre as domestic security forces such as the SSS, EFCC and the Police,” Mr. Akinyemi said. As minister between 1985 and 1987, Mr. Akinyemi oversaw the activities of the NIA before the agency was restructured and placed under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser. • May 8, 2017: The report of Osinbajo’s panel was slated for submission to Mr. Buhari. But the president was flown abroad for further medical treatment on May 7. . May 21, 2017: Acting President Osinbajo’s spokesperson said Mr. Oke remained suspended. Laolu Akande urged for patience explaining that “when time comes the outcome of the panel would be made manifestly public and Nigerians would be satisfied.” http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/231809-exclusive-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-nia-289million-covert-projects-controversy.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter |
| Politics › Re: Jonathan Defeated Boko Haram, Not Buhari - Perry Brimah by erunz(m): 7:10pm On May 20, 2017 |
God bless GEJ 2 Likes |
| Travel › [BREAKING] LAUTECH Students Prevent UTME Candidates From Entering Premises by erunz(op): 12:04pm On May 15, 2017 |
Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, on Monday morning prevented candidates who were posted to the school to write the 2017 UTME from entering the premises or gain access to the examination centres in the school. The students were said to have mobilised themselves before the candidates’ arrival, blocking every entrance to the school. effectively denying the candidates entry. The students also prevented teaching and non teaching staff of the institution from entering the school. The students said the action was taken to alert the world to the problems facing the school after the two owner states, Oyo and Osun, ignored every plea to address the problems. http://punchng.com/breaking-%e2%80%8elautech-students-prevent-utme-candidates-from-entering-premises/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter |
| Politics › Re: BREAKING: Court Of Appeal Reverses Conviction Of Ex-nimasa DG by erunz(op): 3:40pm On May 11, 2017 |
Sealeddeal:Thats what we call karma |
| Politics › BREAKING: Court Of Appeal Reverses Conviction Of Ex-nimasa DG by erunz(op): 3:27pm On May 11, 2017 |
The Court of Appeal in Lagos on Thursday reversed the sentence on Raymond Omatseye, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on allegations of N1.5 billion fraud. Justice Yargata Nimpar, who read the decision of the court, said the High Court that tried him did not properly evaluate the evidence before it. The Federal High Court, Lagos, presided by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, had on May 20, 2016 sentenced Mr. Omatseye to five years in jail over an alleged N1.5 billion contract scam. Justice Nimpar said: “The prosecution should not ride roughshod over the Constitution. “The judiciary will do the war on corruption more harm by declaring someone a criminal, where no offence has been committed. “I find merit in the appeal. The conviction is hereby set aside and the appellant is hereby discharged and acquitted.” The High Court had found Mr. Omatseye guilty of 24 out of the 27 charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. (NAN) http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/230953-breaking-court-appeal-reverses-conviction-ex-nimasa-dg.html |
| Politics › National Assembly Moves To Invoke The Constitution Over Buhari's Health by erunz(op): 7:46am On May 08, 2017 |
NASS may invoke constitution over Buhari’s health statushttps://www.google.com.ng/amp/s/guardian.ng/news/nass-may-invoke-constitution-over-buharis-health-status/amp 1 Like
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| Politics › Re: Makarfi-led PDP Triggers Option B, Set To Fuse Into APDA by erunz(m): 10:00am On May 07, 2017 |
mrvitalis:when the new party comes up watch what will happen to Apc, Markafi faction test run this option in Delta state bye election last month and it worked. It's candidate in Labour party defeated APC and Sheriff 's candidate in PDP 2 Likes 2 Shares |
| Politics › Re: Makarfi-led PDP Triggers Option B, Set To Fuse Into APDA by erunz(m): 9:32am On May 07, 2017*. Modified: 9:55am On May 07, 2017 |
This is the best option so far, I remember advising markafi faction to abandon PDP for Sheriff. Welcome APDA I'm already to join, once markafi gives the go ahead. We've had enough of Sheriff. 12 Likes
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| Politics › Re: Laura Onochie Jabs PDP... Umbrella Of Loot Pix by erunz(m): 7:30pm On May 05, 2017 |
But seriously this government is taking Nigerians as fools. They seem to forget that they are in power, because they alway act as if they are still in opposition. Two year of APC government, no meaningful thing have been commissioned except the Helipad in Daura and the Abuja Airport Runway. Shame.... For me until the ex-governors in APC are being arrested and investigated like their PDP counterpart, the Anti-corruption war will continue to be a joke 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › Nigerian Finance Minister Hires British PR Firm For $2m Monthly Pay by erunz(op): 10:35am On Apr 28, 2017 |
BY SIMON ATEBA/WASHINGTON DC The Nigerian Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has hired an expensive British firm to do public relations for her at the monthly cost of $2 million (About N800 million), according to sources, even though her Ministry already has a communication department with many qualified people in it, from photographers to reporters. The Expensive British firm is known as Africapractice R & B and is said to be paid about two million dollars monthly, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. In Washington DC where Mrs. Adeosun spent a week attending the World Bank/IMF Spring meetings, she travelled with her British consultants led by Tim Newbold, its director who is white and who decided who spoke to her or not. Adeosun and Tim Newbold before the Minister’s appearance at one of the meetings, a way of controlling the message. Newbold and his staff were not only flown to Washington DC with Nigerian money, they were also comfortably lodged in expensive hotels in the expensive American capital, while Mrs. Adeosun’s Nigerian staff at the Ministry were left in Abuja, except for one junior one. In Washington DC, Nigerian journalists reached a boiling point as Mr. Newbold repeatedly shielded them from their country Minister, claiming that he was trying to “control the message” going to Nigerians. Journalists told THE SIMON ATEBA NEWS that many times, Mr. Newbold was overheard telling the Minister to ignore Nigerian journalists who approached her for interviews. “Just look straight, do not look in their direction,” he was overheard as saying at least once. The British consultants decided who spoke to the Minister in Washington DC and who did not, and insisted on seeing questions directed at the Minister in advance, to frame answers that would not be too controversial. The consultants controlled the message by dishing out carefully written press statements and abruptly stopped journalists from asking questions on two occasions. A Nigerian journalist bitterly told this newspaper that “everything the white man was hired to do could be done by a Nigerian journalist or public relations expert”. The expression “white man” was not a racist one, the journalist said, but a reference to an inferiority complex by many African leaders who prefer to hire white men and women, believing that they are superior to their countrymen. THE SINON ATEBA NEWS could not confirm whether the amount of money being paid was even higher than the $2 million monthly according to sources. THE SIMON ATEBA NEWS would detail specific incidents in the next article on the issue. https://www.simonateba.com/2017/04/24/waste-of-resources-nigerian-finance-minister-hires-british-pr-firm-for-2m-monthly-pay-flies-team-to-washington-dc-nigerian-journalists-revolt-struggle-to-talk-to-minister/ 1 Like |
| Politics › Re: PDP Crisis: Sheriff Rules Out Future Meeting With Jonathan by erunz(m): 7:41am On Apr 08, 2017 |
Its a good one seeing that Ex-president Jonathan calling for a reconciliatory stakeholders meeting with good intention , but it is very unfortunate that same sheriff who came late, was the same person who stormed out of the meeting, its very glaring Now that sheriff is an impostor in PDP and doesn't want peace in the party . I think political solution will not solve the problem of PDP. They should wait for the out come of the supreme court but if sheriff wins, Makafi should pull out all PDP Structure and form new party, then leave sheriff with the carcass of PDP, the new party will in turn blame sheriff's PDP for Nigerians current woes. my thought though . 8 Likes |
| Politics › #ekiti Petrol Marketers Strike: The Fact# by erunz(op): 2:21pm On Mar 21, 2017 |
#Ekiti Petrol Marketers Strike: The Fact# All the petrol stations in Ado- Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital are presently on strike because Governor Fayose stopped the ongoing construction of work at four (4) filling stations in the state. Certificate of Occupancy of FOUR PETROL stations (under construction) were revoked because they were sited close to residential areas and school. 12 are under construction, eight of them cleared to continue work while FOUR were directed to stop. The FOUR PETROL stations are: 1. Remog - Irona, Ado Ekiti (Close to a school) 2. TetraAbby - Ajilosun (Close to residential area) 3. Abound - Close to Tolu Pakad (On drainage) 4. Glorious Grace - Idemo (On less than one plot of land and close to residential area) Meaning that Petrol Marketers in Ekiti are on strike because govt stopped construction of FOUR PETROL STATIONS that are sited close to residential areas and schools. Contrary to claim by the petrol marketers, no new tax has been introduced and no CofO of existing Petrol station was revoked. Govt has gave all existing Petrol stations time to get comprehensive insurance, fire extinguishers (train staff how to use it), provide water, etc. Good news: Some of the petrol marketers will begin to sell fuel in a matter of minutes. BOVAS Petrol Station, close to School of Nursing, Adebayo, Ado Ekiti is now selling. Govt has provided enough security as the petrol marketers are threatening to invade the petrol station and harass people there. Security arrangements are also being made for others that are willing to sell. Lere Olayinka 21/3/2017 |
| Politics › Re: FT - Nigeria To Lose Crown As Africa’s Largest Economy by erunz(op): 8:33am On Mar 10, 2017 |
| Politics › FT - Nigeria To Lose Crown As Africa’s Largest Economy by erunz(op): 8:32am On Mar 10, 2017 |
In April 2014, Nigeria proudly declared that, as a result of a statistical revision, its economic output in 2013 had hit $509bn, almost twice as high as previously thought. With South Africa’s gross domestic product coming in at just $372bn, Nigeria had taken pole position as Africa’s largest economy. A year later, the gulf had grown wider still, with strong growth propelling Nigeria’s GDP to $568bn, even as South Africa, undermined by weak growth and a falling rand, saw its GDP, in dollar terms, slip to $352bn. With a fast-growing population of 187m, compared with South Africa’s much more slowly rising 55m, Nigeria looked set for a long reign as the continent’s largest economy. “With the size of population Nigeria had, the slowing growth in South Africa and the population trends it seemed [South Africa] had permanently lost its first place,” says Charles Robertson, global chief economist at Renaissance Capital, an investment bank focused on emerging markets. By 2015, South Africa, for long the region’s dominant industrial power, had slipped to third in the pecking order as Egypt, another country with a much larger and faster-growing population, eased into second. South Africa’s exceptionalism seemed over, as a perhaps more natural order asserted itself But, just two years later, South Africa is widely tipped to once again reclaim top spot: by one measure at least it has already done so. “I’m going to be talking to clients about South Africa being number one this year,” Mr Robertson says. It is not the case that South Africa has been a glittering success story in recent years, however, just that it has done less badly than its rivals. Beset by political scandals and a reliance on commodity exports, South Africa’s economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2016, meaning it chiselled out growth of just 0.3 per cent during the year as a whole. While most analysts expect growth to return during the first quarter, the IMF is pencilling in a full-year return of just 0.8 per cent. With the rand averaging 15.26 against the dollar last year, 52 per cent weaker than in 2011, the country’s GDP, in dollar terms, fell from a peak of $417bn in 2011 to $280bn last year. However, factoring in the modest growth and 6 per cent inflation forecast by the IMF for this year, and the partial recovery in the rand to 12.95 to the dollar, that figure could rise to $354bn in 2017. Nigeria has also endured a difficult period since becoming Africa’s top dog, assailed by the jihadis of Boko Haram in the country’s north and militants in its oil-producing south, sabotaging oil production. In conjunction with weaker oil prices, this has led to a shortage of dollars, shredded government finances and a recession, with the economy contracting last year for the first time in 25 years, by 1.5 per cent. The central bank bowed to the inevitable and devalued the naira from 199 to the dollar to 305 last year. Using this official exchange rate, and factoring in the IMF’s forecasts for tepid GDP growth and 17 per cent inflation this year, Nigeria’s economy will still be larger than that of South Africa, at $410bn, even if that is a far cry from its 2014 peak, as the first chart shows. However, the official exchange rate is not available to all people and businesses, due to a severe shortage of dollars. Moreover, foreign currency cannot be used at all to import 41 banned categories of goods, totalling 700-800 items, known as the “toothpick ban”. A truer picture may be given by the black market, or “parallel”, exchange rate that many Nigerians are forced to turn to. This currently has a midpoint of 460 naira to the dollar, according to AbokiFX, which monitors rates at Lagos’ bureaux de change. Based on this exchange rate, Nigeria’s GDP is likely be around $272bn this year, comfortably below that of South Africa, as the second chart, based on calculations by John Ashbourne, Africa economist at Capital Economics, shows. Indeed, using this measure, South Africa regained its crown in the third quarter of 2016, Mr Ashbourne says. Some argue that this black-market rate understates the true value of the naira, as it is determined by a market with a chronic shortage of dollars and poor liquidity. One counter-argument, as Mr Robertson points out, is that people said the same about Egypt’s black-market rate. Yet when that country allowed its pound to float freely in November, “the exchange rate blew out to below the black-market rate,” he notes, suggesting such a parallel rate does have validity. But even if we were to generously grant Nigeria a stronger exchange rate, it might still lose top spot. Last month Nigeria did indeed create a new rate: wealthy Nigerians can now pay foreign school fees and medical expenses at a rate of 366 naira to the dollar. “It may be that that [rate] is closer to the median and that is a reasonable number,” says Mr Ashbourne. Using the 366 rate, and feeding in the IMF’s assumptions for this year, Nigeria’s GDP will be $342bn, some $12bn behind South Africa’s. “It really will be very, very close [depending on the exchange rate used],” Mr Ashbourne says. “But Nigeria used to be hugely ahead of South Africa, so the fact that it’s down to being close is a pretty big shift.” Mr Robertson adds: “Unless oil goes up and therefore the exchange rate, I think it would be hard for [Nigeria] to argue they will be in first place this year”. He argues that South Africa has regained its mantle “partly because it did not interfere in the exchange rate,” when it was plummeting between 2011 and January 2016. “They stood back and that helped with the worst pain, and as a result South Africa is already bouncing back because it embraced the free market on the currency. Nigeria is struggling to bounce back because it has not,” says Mr Robertson, who notes that other oil exporters that let their currencies slide, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, are also now on the recovery trail. One legitimate question is how much it really matters that Nigeria, in particular, has seen its GDP in dollars fall sharply, and will seemingly be overtaken by South Africa. “From an economic perspective it doesn’t really matter that much,” says Mr Ashbourne. “It’s not as if in real terms Nigeria produces a third less than it used to, it’s just that the value in dollars is different. On a day-to-day basis it doesn’t really matter, except for imported goods.” Nevertheless, he adds: “It’s a status thing. I think it will be seen as a symptom of Nigeria’s decline after a period being this investor darling.” There is also a belief that Nigeria’s demotion will prove short term, and that the continent’s most populous country will ultimately reclaim its position as its economic kingpin. “It’s temporary. You can’t escape the demographic trends and the fact that Nigeria should be growing faster than South Africa for years ahead,” Mr Robertson says. “Over the longer term Nigeria will be the largest economy in Africa. It has so many more people and it’s difficult to imagine that growth in real terms will be higher in South Africa over a long period of time,” adds Mr Ashbourne. “Its growth potential is so much higher because of lower incomes and it doesn't have some of the structural problems that South Africa has.” @em_sqrd |
| Politics › Nigerians proving video Cam Photos Of Apostle Suleiman was Photoshopped by erunz(op): 8:51am On Mar 08, 2017 |
It’s funny how people are adding a little bit of humour to the controversy that has been trailing clergyman, Apostle Suleman, over his alleged mistress scandal the past few days now. It’s no news that the video cam photos said to be between him and Stephanie Otabo were allegedly photoshopped, even his wife, had come out to stand by her hubby urging Nigerians to stop being gullible and open their eyes and see the ingenuity of the photos. Well, disciples of the clergyman, have in a humorous way, proven that the cam photos were indeed photoshopped… It’s kinda funny when you look at the photos though but in truth it helps in debunking the fake blackmail of the alleged mistress. See what some Nigerians did to the photos below: 1 Like
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| Politics › Federal Government To Revive Goodluck Jonathan Cassava Bread Initiative by erunz(op): 10:58am On Mar 06, 2017 |
The Federal Government says it will revive the cassava bread initiative introduced by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja the move was to effectively utilise cassava in food production and processing. Former President Jonathan in 2012 launched the cassava bread, which was made from composite flour containing 40 per cent cassava and 60 per cent wheat. Ogbeh expressed regrets that although Nigeria was the largest producer of cassava in the world, the economic and industrial potential of the crop had yet to be fully explored and utilised. He said that the revival of the cassava bread initiative would help reduce importation of wheat, as different proportions of cassava and wheat would be combined to produce the composite flour used for baking bread. FG Returns Federal Agric Universities to the Ministry of Agriculture He said that the venture would save a lot of foreign exchange, hitherto used in importing wheat, for Nigeria, while encouraging cassava farmers to increase their productivity. “The use to which we have put cassava has been very low. We haven’t produced industrial starch even though we are trying to revive textiles, we haven’t done ethanol, we are importing ethanol. “We haven’t exported cassava chips because of the cost of transportation from the hinterland to the ports. `We haven’t done syrup which is used in the brewery industry, even industrial brews, the peels for feeding livestock, the leaves for feeding livestock; we haven’t done much. “The bread one is still coming up. There is something you must add to bread if you use the cassava flour called bake shop. “There is a Nigerian who wants to come and set up the factory here. You add that so that the bread can rise; that is what we are waiting for, it will be done.’’ Ogbeh said that the Federal Government was also working to get flour millers to add 15 per cent cassava in the wheat they milled. On farmers/herdsmen clashes in the country, the minister said that the military was currently training no fewer than 3,000 agro-rangers to protect the farmers. He, however, said that the government would tactically handle the issue so as to ensure that farmers and herdsmen were comfortable with the decisions reached. “For many years, we didn’t quite realise that the herdsman is also a farmer, so while we were supporting cassava farmers, maize farmers and rice farmers, we did nothing for him. “We didn’t develop grass. You cannot grow your diary and cattle industry without grass. “We have to grow grass for cattle and grow fodder for them and some of these grasses contain 25 per cent crude protein. “With that, your cow will give you not one litre of milk, which we are getting now, but 25 litres. “We are taking over what is left of the old grazing reserves; we have acquired more lands in different states but our approach will be slightly different. “After harvesting all the rice that we are growing now, we will take the rice straw and pack it and then add molasses from Dangote Sugar Factory. “You will soon see the pyramids of cattle feeds as we slowly keep the cows in one location, give them water. The less they roam, the more milk they give you, the more tender their meat. “It will take a while, we will bring it to a halt.’’ Ogbeh said that the government was also collaborating with some Muslim organisations to sensitise the herdsmen to the need to stop their clashes with farmers. (NAN) http://www.nta.ng/news/20170305-fg-cassava-bread-initiative/ |
| Business › Ex Nigerian Billionaire Goddy Anabor Turn Taxi Driver by erunz(op): 5:10pm On Mar 02, 2017 |
Explains His Tragic Fall In fact, in Lagos Sheraton Hotel, I spent 86million Naira in hosting people from London for one year and three months. I have the receipts, and you can go and ask them there. Today, things are very rough for me and my family; in fact, I don’t even know what to say anymore. I see my name in all the newspapers, and I don’t know why. I trained people like Chris Sogunro, Tokunbo Sodunke, Dare Babayemi, Wale Awesu, and many of them like that. I made them what they are, and today, they are Billionaires. I’m surprised that they see me in this condition; some of them say I’m pushing drugs, but they can’t help me out. I don’t why they are such ingrates. It is only one man called Mike Biggy who lives somewhere in Akowonjo that has helped me. He rented a house for me and really takes care of me. I wonder why this people decided to treat me this way considering the amount of money I spent on them. There was a time I had N3bn in Equity Bank at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, which I spent on people. Anyway, I thank God for my life. I started colour printing in Nigeria, and I was printing for Thisday Newspaper, Punch, and many others. I also registered a security company which was approved and I had a license. They gave three of us the license. We had Vanni, Gordon and another one. I was even guarding the airport. You were quite big then; didn’t you invest your money wisely then? I invested a lot of my money, but because of corruption, mismanagement of the people handling the businesses ran them down. When you have a business, it’s very good to employ people who are reliable and give them some percentage of the investment or profits to get their commitments. That lesson I learnt greatly. I was putting my wife and my family, they ran the business down. My wife, Anthonia was even sharing money with people on purchases and supplies. My workers were building houses from the money they were making from the companies without letting me know. How did you meet Anthonia? I met her at a Police Station when I was having a problem then. She was a Sergeant then, very beautiful woman. She was working with Dan Baba then and she was trying to assist me. Was she your first wife? No, my first wife is an Ijebu woman called Toyin, and she is still alive. I used to call her Toyin Tomato; she was always with Kolington, Tayelolu and the likes. Why did you part with her? I parted with her because she likes parties a lot. But you were also going to parties then? I went to parties, but I could not leave my family and go to parties. She used to leave our little son and go to parties. She had three children for me. My first daughter, Bose, is a Phd holder in London. I have another one who is a doctor, and Tunde who is in America. Are they aware of your situation? Yes. They’ve tried. I knew you had properties on Isaac John and Alabi Crescent in Ikeja, what happened to them? They took advantage of me because they knew I needed money. I was offered N80m by a man called Basorun A.K for a house of about N300m. He has been in jail for about 10 years now because he was a drug dealer. What about your Guest House on Joel Ogunnaike, GRA, Ikeja? I rented it, and I gave it to Shina Eddo, who also rented it from the family that owns it. Shina is a very good person to me. What happened to your fleet of cars because you had a penchant for them? I had more than 50 cars like Bentley, Rolls Royce and others. I usually bought cars that were newly manufactured. Household enemies are the problems of my life. God has made me to see that the people I trusted don’t even care about me. Why do you think everyone neglected you? It’s corruption, distrust. I gave at least 60 percent of all I had to people. I’m so happy on the street because people like Ade Balogun take care of me. What about Dare Babs; who was he to you? He was my driver. I brought him from Abeokuta to Lagos when I was working at the Breweries. We had a problem because of some little money of $5m, which was stolen by one Kenny, though we’ve settled it. He’s a very good person, but I haven’t heard from him for some years now. What’s your relationship with Oghadiome? He is my village brother; in fact, my compound brother from Fuga in Edo State. The late Admiral Akhigbe was the governor of Lagos State then; I think he was the one that made Oghadiome to become a deputy to Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State then. When he became the Chief of Staff to Jonathan, I went to Abuja to look for him. I was thinking he would call me for something important because when his mother died, I was there. Even when they were building the secretariat in Fugar, I was the one that contributed the most and they named a hall there after me: Godwin Anabor Hall. Today, none of them recognises me, and it’s very funny.20150805_0005122 Do you think what is happening to you is Karma because you used to ‘obtain’ people then? In the Bible, God says ”if you believe him, he will give you joy. And for those that don’t believe him, he will give them power to acquire, but those who believe in Him will take it from you.” God gave me money; I did not obtain, it just came. If I obtained, they would have arrested me. I’ve never been on trial; or jailed for any offence. I don’t have such a record. For your information, I know I will come back again; that’s why I’m speaking like this. I will come back again because you’re bound to go up and down seven times and still have the grace. I believe in God. What is your greatest joy in life? My joy is that I did not die and give people opportunity to say good things about me when I’m gone. I’m alive to see how people are treating me when I don’t have. In fact, people that I taught how to make money then and who are now rich don’t want to touch me. Ambassadors of foreign countries used to attend your parties, what was your connection with them? It’s because I’m honest. If you’re honest, people will come to you. Tell me about your background, where are you from? I’m from Fugar, Auchi in Edo state, but I was born in Kano, and grew up in Osogbo. What about Ade Bendel, I learnt he is your friend? He is like my brother because he is from Owan in Edo State; I met him in Lagos. I heard that he had some problems and he’s in prison; that’s all I know about him so far. If you come back again, what lessons have you learnt in life? I want people to know that the friend you have now is not your best friend; in fact, your household enemy is your family. It’s just you and God, believe me. Always watch your back. Who is left with you now? It’s God, and He is working because I’m living and enjoying. I still believe in Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’ There was a report that you are now driving cab, is that true? People are just writing whatever they like. A lot of people want to give me cars and other things. When God has blessed you, he has blessed you. Did you not see my driver, yes, he drives me in a Toyota call Pencil Light, but I’m not the one driving or doing kabukabu with it. I’ve learnt to live with my condition after all; I’m alive to see it all. What is your greatest prayer to God now? My prayer can be found in Psalm 1 which says, ‘Blessed is the man who does not walk in the midst of the wicked.’ He says he will bless them and make them like trees planted by the riverside. That’s what I prayed that I became a rich man. Forget about gossips. How old are you chief? I’m 55, and I was born on February 19. Where is Anthonia and your children now? They’re in London. Tell me your last word? My last word is that everybody should watch their back, because there are household enemies. |
| Adverts › Re: Ex Nigerian Billionaire Goddy Anabor Turn Taxi Driver by erunz(op): 10:00am On Mar 02, 2017 |
My brother this is the handiwork of Awon Aye. |
| Adverts › Ex Nigerian Billionaire Goddy Anabor Turn Taxi Driver by erunz(op): 9:39am On Mar 02, 2017 |
Ex Nigerian Billionaire Goddy Anabor Turn Taxi Driver, Explains His Tragic Fall In fact, in Lagos Sheraton Hotel, I spent 86million Naira in hosting people from London for one year and three months. I have the receipts, and you can go and ask them there. Today, things are very rough for me and my family; in fact, I don’t even know what to say anymore. I see my name in all the newspapers, and I don’t know why. I trained people like Chris Sogunro, Tokunbo Sodunke, Dare Babayemi, Wale Awesu, and many of them like that. I made them what they are, and today, they are Billionaires. I’m surprised that they see me in this condition; some of them say I’m pushing drugs, but they can’t help me out. I don’t why they are such ingrates. It is only one man called Mike Biggy who lives somewhere in Akowonjo that has helped me. He rented a house for me and really takes care of me. I wonder why this people decided to treat me this way considering the amount of money I spent on them. There was a time I had N3bn in Equity Bank at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, which I spent on people. Anyway, I thank God for my life. I started colour printing in Nigeria, and I was printing for Thisday Newspaper, Punch, and many others. I also registered a security company which was approved and I had a license. They gave three of us the license. We had Vanni, Gordon and another one. I was even guarding the airport. You were quite big then; didn’t you invest your money wisely then? I invested a lot of my money, but because of corruption, mismanagement of the people handling the businesses ran them down. When you have a business, it’s very good to employ people who are reliable and give them some percentage of the investment or profits to get their commitments. That lesson I learnt greatly. I was putting my wife and my family, they ran the business down. My wife, Anthonia was even sharing money with people on purchases and supplies. My workers were building houses from the money they were making from the companies without letting me know. How did you meet Anthonia? I met her at a Police Station when I was having a problem then. She was a Sergeant then, very beautiful woman. She was working with Dan Baba then and she was trying to assist me. Was she your first wife? No, my first wife is an Ijebu woman called Toyin, and she is still alive. I used to call her Toyin Tomato; she was always with Kolington, Tayelolu and the likes. Why did you part with her? I parted with her because she likes parties a lot. But you were also going to parties then? I went to parties, but I could not leave my family and go to parties. She used to leave our little son and go to parties. She had three children for me. My first daughter, Bose, is a Phd holder in London. I have another one who is a doctor, and Tunde who is in America. Are they aware of your situation? Yes. They’ve tried. I knew you had properties on Isaac John and Alabi Crescent in Ikeja, what happened to them? They took advantage of me because they knew I needed money. I was offered N80m by a man called Basorun A.K for a house of about N300m. He has been in jail for about 10 years now because he was a drug dealer. What about your Guest House on Joel Ogunnaike, GRA, Ikeja? I rented it, and I gave it to Shina Eddo, who also rented it from the family that owns it. Shina is a very good person to me. What happened to your fleet of cars because you had a penchant for them? I had more than 50 cars like Bentley, Rolls Royce and others. I usually bought cars that were newly manufactured. Household enemies are the problems of my life. God has made me to see that the people I trusted don’t even care about me. Why do you think everyone neglected you? It’s corruption, distrust. I gave at least 60 percent of all I had to people. I’m so happy on the street because people like Ade Balogun take care of me. What about Dare Babs; who was he to you? He was my driver. I brought him from Abeokuta to Lagos when I was working at the Breweries. We had a problem because of some little money of $5m, which was stolen by one Kenny, though we’ve settled it. He’s a very good person, but I haven’t heard from him for some years now. What’s your relationship with Oghadiome? He is my village brother; in fact, my compound brother from Fuga in Edo State. The late Admiral Akhigbe was the governor of Lagos State then; I think he was the one that made Oghadiome to become a deputy to Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State then. When he became the Chief of Staff to Jonathan, I went to Abuja to look for him. I was thinking he would call me for something important because when his mother died, I was there. Even when they were building the secretariat in Fugar, I was the one that contributed the most and they named a hall there after me: Godwin Anabor Hall. Today, none of them recognises me, and it’s very funny.20150805_0005122 Do you think what is happening to you is Karma because you used to ‘obtain’ people then? In the Bible, God says ”if you believe him, he will give you joy. And for those that don’t believe him, he will give them power to acquire, but those who believe in Him will take it from you.” God gave me money; I did not obtain, it just came. If I obtained, they would have arrested me. I’ve never been on trial; or jailed for any offence. I don’t have such a record. For your information, I know I will come back again; that’s why I’m speaking like this. I will come back again because you’re bound to go up and down seven times and still have the grace. I believe in God. What is your greatest joy in life? My joy is that I did not die and give people opportunity to say good things about me when I’m gone. I’m alive to see how people are treating me when I don’t have. In fact, people that I taught how to make money then and who are now rich don’t want to touch me. Ambassadors of foreign countries used to attend your parties, what was your connection with them? It’s because I’m honest. If you’re honest, people will come to you. Tell me about your background, where are you from? I’m from Fugar, Auchi in Edo state, but I was born in Kano, and grew up in Osogbo. What about Ade Bendel, I learnt he is your friend? He is like my brother because he is from Owan in Edo State; I met him in Lagos. I heard that he had some problems and he’s in prison; that’s all I know about him so far. If you come back again, what lessons have you learnt in life? I want people to know that the friend you have now is not your best friend; in fact, your household enemy is your family. It’s just you and God, believe me. Always watch your back. Who is left with you now? It’s God, and He is working because I’m living and enjoying. I still believe in Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’ There was a report that you are now driving cab, is that true? People are just writing whatever they like. A lot of people want to give me cars and other things. When God has blessed you, he has blessed you. Did you not see my driver, yes, he drives me in a Toyota call Pencil Light, but I’m not the one driving or doing kabukabu with it. I’ve learnt to live with my condition after all; I’m alive to see it all. What is your greatest prayer to God now? My prayer can be found in Psalm 1 which says, ‘Blessed is the man who does not walk in the midst of the wicked.’ He says he will bless them and make them like trees planted by the riverside. That’s what I prayed that I became a rich man. Forget about gossips. How old are you chief? I’m 55, and I was born on February 19. Where is Anthonia and your children now? They’re in London. Tell me your last word? My last word is that everybody should watch their back, because there are household enemies. |
| Politics › Biafra: We Demand ‘immediate’ Release Of Nnamdi Kanu – Ex-cbn Governor, Soludo by erunz(op): 4:56pm On Feb 28, 2017 |
Former Governor of Central Bank, CBN, Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday demanded the “immediate” release of incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu. Soludo gave the call while speaking in Abuja. He said, “We are a delegation of Nzuko Umunna, a pan-Igbo group. ”We visited Nnamdi Kanu to hear his own point of view as well as share our own point of view with him. “We believe that Nigeria has the potential to be great, and like most countries has its own challenges. “Nigeria has never been more divided than now. Most discerning patriots have come to the conclusion that Nigeria as currently structured is destined to be a failed state. “It is our considered view that most of the agitation is in response to a looting elite. We do not condone violence. “We note that in 2015 Nigerians voted for change. As the ruling party, the APC has it duty to deliver to the Nigerian people. “So far APC seems to have abandoned its cardinal duty to Nigeria. ”We are in a state of emergency at all levels. ”We demand the urgent release of Nnamdi Kanu, and his colleagues as part of the process of engineering a new Nigeria. “No citizen of Nigeria deserves the treatment that is being meted to Nnamdi Kanu and his colleagues. Nnamdi Kanu is not above the law, and he should not be put below the law. http://dailypost.ng/2017/02/28/biafra-demand-immediate-release-nnamdi-kanu-ex-cbn-governor-soludo/?utm_source=snap_dp1&utm_medium=twitter |
| Politics › Re: Breaking News: PDP Wins Rerun Election In Rivers State by erunz(m): 10:16am On Feb 26, 2017 |
When they tell you PDP is a dead political party, tell them dead Party don't win elections PDP!!!!! POWER 7 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › Re: Osinbajo Summons IGP Idris Over Kidnap Of German Archaeologists by erunz(m): 10:31am On Feb 24, 2017 |
over 800 were killed in Southern Kaduna, No police officer was summoned, but because two Germans were kidnapped, IG have being summoned also six special forces have also been deployed. this just shows that, the government don't really care about its citizen 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › Re: 2018 Ekiti Governorship Election: Fayose Launches Political Movement by erunz(op): 8:22am On Feb 24, 2017 |
Aufbauh:Fayose is the husband to APC, he will f*UK them anytime anyday. I foresee what happened in rivers state repeating itself because Fayose is loved by his people and they believe in him. 5 Likes 2 Shares |
| Politics › 2018 Ekiti Governorship Election: Fayose Launches Political Movement by erunz(op): 7:35am On Feb 24, 2017 |
political movement in EkitiBy Emmanuel Ani on February 23, 2017 Loyalists and supporters of Governor Ayodele Fayose, as well as members of the Peoples Democratic Party have launched a political group ahead of 2018 Governorship Election in the state.http://dailypost.ng/2017/02/23/2018-guber-fayose-launches-political-movement-ekiti/?utm_source=snap_dp1&utm_medium=twitter 1 Share
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| Politics › Re: PDP Asks Fayose, Wike To Visit Buhari In London by erunz(op): 2:38pm On Feb 16, 2017 |
| Politics › PDP Asks Fayose, Wike To Visit Buhari In London by erunz(op): 2:31pm On Feb 16, 2017 |
The youth group of Peoples Democratic Party PDP called the PDP Youth Frontier has demanded that Governor Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose should visit President Muhammad Buhari in London. The group on it twitter handle lamented that visiting the President Muhammad Buhari who is on a medical vacation in London was not the exclusive right of the All Progressive Congress members only. WIKE AND FAYOSE Recalled that yesterday the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki led the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives on a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in London. Also the National Leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the former Ogun State governor Bisi Akande and Ibikunle Amosun last week visited Buahri in London The PDP Youth Frontier said ‘Buhari health is not the APC internal affairs alone therefore PDP youths recommending that Fayose & Wike should also visit him in London.’ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/02/pdp-asks-fayose-wike-visit-buhari-london/ 1 Like |
| Politics › Re: Today, I Am So Proud Of PDP by erunz(m): 7:53pm On Feb 08, 2017 |
Nice one, PDP POWER 3 Likes |
| Politics › #FLASH_BACK: AC Asks FG To Give Nigerians #daily_update On Yar’adua’s Health by erunz(op): 2:58pm On Feb 07, 2017 |
#FLASH_BACK: AC asks FG to give Nigerians #daily_update on Yar’Adua’s health ON DECEMBER 21, 2009 The Action Congress (AC) has renewed its call on the Federal Government to give Nigerians a daily update on the health of President Umaru Yar’Adua to stem the growing rumours surrounding his state of health. In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the current situation whereby ministers and aides of the President give out uncoordinated information on his health, is doing more harm than good. “It is clear to discerning Nigerians that those pretending to speak authoritatively on the President’s health are deceiving the public, since they are neither well informed on the issue nor competent to speak on it. “Therefore, a daily briefing by the Minister of Information, based on authentic details provided by the President’s doctors, should start forthwith. As we have said many times, the health of the President, as a public figure can no longer be of interest only to his family and friends. Nigerians have a right to know,’’ AC said. The party also called on the Federal Executive Council,FEC, the only body constitutionally empowered to start the process of determining whether or not the President can continue in office on the basis of his health, to rise above mundane considerations and put the nation’s interest first. My take...... Where is the change? |
| Education › Re: Protesting Students Of TASUED Confront Gov Amosun Over Funding Of Education by erunz(m): 12:50pm On Feb 07, 2017 |
i love this, |
