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Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it is expecting 28 ships to bring petroleum products, food and other goods from Monday, July 2 to July 30 at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.I buy

The authority stated in its “Shipping Position” bulletin on Monday in Lagos that six of the 28 ships will sail in with petrol, while one ship will bring base oil.

It noted that other 22 ships are carrying buckwheat, steel, general cargo, frozen fish, bulk sugar, bulk fertiliser and containers carrying different goods.

According to NPA, 14 ships have arrived the ports waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, soya beans, uria, aviation fuel, diesel, bulk gas and petrol.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/28-ships-with-petrol-others-expected-npa.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Sunday disclosed it had finalised a crude oil production financing deal it negotiated with Schlumberger for the Anyalu and Madu oil fields under Oil Mining Licences (OMLs) 83 and OML 85, offshore Nigeria.

It said the nod on the deal was given at the weekend in London with the execution of the final contractual agreement between it and the company under a joint venture agreement it has with First E&P.


According to a statement sent to us in Abuja by the corporation’s Group General Manager Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, the approval came one year after a tripartite term sheet for the financing and technical services arrangement was signed between the NNPC, First E&P and Schlumberger.

Under the agreement, Ughamadu said Schlumberger would provide $724.14 million out of the required project cost of $1.082 billion while the balance of $358.79 million would be funded with cash flows generated by the project.

He said the Anyala and Madu fields were projected to have 193 million barrels of crude oil and 0.637 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves with production plateau of 50,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 120 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscuf/d).

Ughamadu quoted the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, to have said at the signing ceremony that in arriving at the innovative alternative funding package, the corporation was guided by the need to instil transparent and accountable processes.

Baru, he explained, added that NNPC also followed strict compliance with all extant laws, regulations and established governance protocols, as well as overriding national interest and drive to achieve competitive market pricing for such green field project.

Additionally, Baru explained that the NNPC/First E&P joint venture project financing formula came as a creative approach to funding joint venture operations in response to the realities of the prevailing operating environment.

He said: “Apart from aligning wholly with government’s aspiration of increased crude oil and gas production, reserves growth and monetisation of the nation’s enormous gas resources, the model is in tandem with one of the corporation’s 12 Business Focus Areas (BUFAs); ramping up crude oil and gas reserves and production which also supports government’s 7 Big Wins aspirations.”

He said the Schlumberger financing package covers pre-Final Investment Decision (FID) funding, 100 per cent of capital expenditure for three years and pre-production operating expenses.

He added that the package would enable the country to generate $5.60 billion in taxes and royalties and $1.32 billion in net cash flows after Schlumberger’s cost recovery and compensation in line with the terms of the agreement.

NNPC explained that the OMLs 83 and 85 were located in shallow waters 40 kilometres offshore in the Niger Delta, adding that it held 60 per cent interest in the licences while, First E&P, the operator of the joint venture, held the remaining 40 per cent interest.

Apart from providing funding for the development of the fields, NNPC also stated that Schlumberger would provide other oilfield services to the joint venture on a limited exclusive basis.

It explained that a joint project team would drive technology transfer whilst leveraging on the global technical expertise of Schlumberger and the extensive local knowledge of the joint venture partners.

NNPC Accuses Governors of Inciting Nigerians against It

Meanwhile, the NNPC Sunday took a swipe at the 36 state governors over their stance on oil revenue remittance to the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The state oil corporation said the governors were reluctant to pay the monthly salaries of their workers and so using the claim that it had not remitted enough funds to the FAAC to excuse themselves of their obligation to their workers.

It also explained that it was not the custodian of all crude oil revenues accruable to the country, but the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which it claimed has an account where such sales proceeds are deposited.

Ughamadu, in a phone conversation with THISDAY in Abuja, said the corporation was disappointed with the governors whom he explained approved its plan to exit the joint oil venture cash call framework by paying off its outstanding obligations therein.

“The governors under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), antics of rushing to the press at the earliest opportunity of FAAC meeting is most unfortunate, using this as an unfortunate excuse not to pay salaries. It is a ploy to set the public against the NNPC,” said Ughamadu.

He further stated: “Yet, it is the same NGF that approved the cash call exit to restore investors’ confidence and boost crude oil production thereby generating more revenue for them to share,” adding, “All crude oil sales proceeds go straight into the CBN and not NNPC accounts.”

The governors recently claimed the NNPC had not remitted the amount of funds it was reportedly supposed to remit to the FAAC for sharing between the three tiers of government in the country.

This, reportedly led to the postponement of the FAAC last week, with the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, also stating that NNPC’s claims on cost of its operations were outrageous, unacceptable to FAAC and needed to be clarified.

However, the corporation in return alleged that the governors made requests on it to transfer an extra N40 billion for them to share in the FAAC, despite its remittance of N147 billion to the FAAC in the month under consideration for sharing by the three tiers of government.

NNPC equally noted that the extra request by the governors was against the terms of an agreement it had with them on the matter.

Ughamadu said in a statement in this regard that both parties reportedly reached an agreement that the NNPC would make a monthly remittance of N112 billion to FAAC subject to sufficient funds from sales of domestic crude oil allocation for the corresponding month after meeting cash call obligations on joint venture operations, as well as deductions of petrol-cost under recovery and pipeline maintenance.

He noted that for the remittance under contention, the NNPC was able to surpass the terms of its agreement with the governors, and paid the monthly funds over by N35 billion.

He nonetheless explained the corporation’s decision to make the excess payment above the agreed sum was based on the postures of the governors, adding that the extra N35 billion was sourced from the sum meant for settling its joint venture cash call obligations.

According to him, the corporation regretted the governors’ additional request of N40 billion, adding: “It was unfortunate, given the fact that NNPC is set to exit the cash call phenomenon.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/nnpc-finalises-724m-oil-finance-deal.html

Fears are rife that the ongoing face-off between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federation Accounts and Allocation Committee (FAAC), would have grave consequence on the finances of stateS across the country, as they largely really on the Federal Government for funding.

While states are finding it difficult to pay workers’ salaries in recent times, the concern of most stakeholders who spoke to The Guardian is that the situation could escalate in the face of high inflation, especially the rising cost of food items.Last Wednesday’s FAAC meeting ended in deadlock due to disagreements between the NNPC and the committee members over figures.

Though the NNPC claimed it only agreed on a monthly remittance of N112b to the states, stakeholders Are worried that the lack of accountability and transparency, and the persistent mutilation of figures by the national oil firm have become unbearable.However, last night, indication arose that the stand off between FAAC and the NNPC may not end soon until the latter pays into the Federation Account, the correct amount.

Addressing newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja, Chairman, Forum of Finance Commissioners, Mallam Mahmoud Yunusa said, “based on all provable assumption parameters, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to remit N87.6b being Petroleum Profit Tax (PTT) and N60b as royalty, amounting to N146b to the Federation Account as against N127b paid by the NNPC.”

Yunusa noted that while the NNPC claimed it spent N3.5b on product leakage, pipeline vandalism, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), an agency which is supposed to keep such record claims ignorance of the amount.He said NNPC remittances to Federation Account is a recurring issue, stating that the current development provides an opportunity to address it holistically.

“It’s better for us to stand down the FAAC with all the pains involved because some states have not paid salaries and it is a good development to trash this once and for all. In the past nobody dares NNPC, but not now that we have a transparent government in place. What is happening now is not a disagreement per say, but what I can call “progressive disagreement,” said Yunusa.

He said states as stakeholders in the Federation Account are not expected to take NNPC’s account hook, line and sinker, but are allowed by law to ask questions for clarity. And as shareholders and stakeholders interested in the running cost of this public investment, the major issue we are having with the NNPC is discrepancies in the figure. You don’t expect us to accept and adopt whatever amount remitted to FAAC by NNPC. We have to go through it and if we are convinced, then we accept it, but where it is not clear to us, we have to seek proper reconciliation.”

Only recently, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) accused NNPC of failing to remit over $16.8b to the Federation Account, which was reportedly paid as dividends by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited,

A political scientist, who heads Abuja-based Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International (Nigeria), Auwal Ibrahim Musa, said the situation would affect the financial crisis currently rocking states, considering that most have no financial options apart from depending on the Federal Government.

“The National Assembly has to step in; it needs to perform its oversight function. NEITI has continued to indict NNPC for impunity in this regard and yet the National Assembly is not giving the reports necessary attention so that there would be compliance and respect for the law,” Musa said.

Musa, who expressed worries that state’s continuous dependence on the Federal Government could cause catastrophe should the Federal Government be confronted with financial predicament, added that the country’s faulty federal system was undermining the growth of the states, particularly in the area of financial autonomy.




The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs of NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, said, “The agreement the NNPC has with the governors is that FAAC be given N112b monthly. This, however, will be subject to sufficient funds from sales of domestic crude oil allocation for the corresponding month after meeting cash call obligations on JVs, deductions of PMS cost under recovery and pipeline maintenance. Incidentally, due to the posture of governors, the NNPC was able to raise N147b this month (June) for the governors by taking from the amount meant for settling cash call obligations. Sadly, however, the Governors wanted additional N40b. Unarguably, this is very unfortunate considering that NNPC is exiting the cash call phenomenon.”A leading economist, who chairs the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Prof. Segun Ajibola, said the face-off between FAAC and NNPC has become recurring because of mutual suspicion.



He expressed concern over continuous allegations of lack of transparency in the financial records of NNPC.“What we are witnessing is a direct consequence of over reliance by states on allocation from the Federation Account. States should evolve initiatives to improve on Internally Generated Revenue. This would reduce the observed over-reliance on the central allocation with the attendant acrimonies and tension that often overshadow the FAAC meetings. Most states cannot survive without the FAAC and their economy is left prostrate anytime there is delay in the arrival of the allocation,” Ajibola stated.

A development economist Dr. Emmanuel Anoliefo, is advocating for the enhancement of transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources revenue in order to avert the repeated conflicts. Anoliefo said: “The only way to put this suspicion by the states to rest is to make a law that would enable states participate in the monitoring of revenue because the NNPC belongs to the states. The Federal Government is just a part owner of the NNPC. I do not think that there is any foul play any longer in the NNPC because of the many corruption-fighting initiatives, like the whistle blowing policy and the rest. Therefore, there should be no fear about bringing states on board,” the economist stated.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/stakeholders-express-concerns-over-faac.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Daura for Mauritania after a one-day official visit to Katsina State.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president took off from the Katina International Airport to Mauritania for an official engagement.

The Air Force helicopter marked NAF-600 left the Daura helipad at exactly 9.30 a.m on Saturday.

Buhari was in Katsina to commiserate with victims of windstorm which affected some parts of the state recently.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/president-buhari-departs-daria-for.html

The Lagos State Government yesterday said there would be partial restriction of movements on Oshodi flyover to enable it advance the ongoing construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Habib Haruna said in a statement that the closure would be from 10:00pm Sunday, July 1st to 5:00am Monday, July 2nd, 2018.

Haruna quoted the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, as saying construction work at the Oshodi Transport Interchange had entered critical stage and the contractor Messer Planet Projects Limited would be hoisting heavy structural steel trusses for the assembly of the Skywalk Bridge.


“Men of LASTMA, FRSC, Police, LAGESC, VIO, etc. would be on ground to manage traffic and provide safety and security support during the seven-hour night operation.

“The Skywalk Bridge, the longest free standing pedestrian bridge in Nigeria at 53.4m long and six metres wide, would link Terminal One and Two buildings at the Oshodi Transport Interchange.

“The flyover would be completely closed in the direction of Anthony to the Airport, while the motorists (in both directions) would now make use of the second carriageway, that is, the one in the direction from Airport to Oshodi to Anthony,” the statement said.

He said motorists coming from Anthony could either access Town Planning Way through Ikorodu Road or Apapa Oworonshoki Expressway and then turn to Ilupeju Industrial Avenue then link Agege Motor Road via Ilupeju bypass and make a U-turn at Bolade and turn to Apapa Oworonshoki Expressway.

“For motorists coming from Isolo/Airport Road, you can enter the service lane at Charity and turn to Agege Motor Road at Oshodi and then link Ilupeju Industrial Avenue via Ilupeju Bypass and then turn to Town Planning Way to link up Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway,” the Commissioner said.

Besides, Akinsanya added that in the days and weeks ahead, there would also be closure on some certain section of roads within the axis to vehicular and human traffic, just as he solicited the cooperation and support of all road users plying the corridor to observe all the precaution signs on the road.



“We encourage individuals and groups that may have cause to use the network of roads and bridges passing through, or linking Oshodi and environ, to be alert to disruptions and danger associated with movement of heavy steel and equipment,” he said.



He added that the State Government had also put in place effective traffic management strategies to manage traffic situation during the period of closure.



Furthermore, he pointed out that the notice of restriction of the road became expedient to enlighten motorists and other road users to utilise alternative routes to avoid delay as well as obey traffic officers deployed on the road to ease movement.



Akinsanya also thanked road users and motorists for their support, patience and understanding since the commencement of the project, assuring that on completion it would be an iconic facility that would change the face of Lagos forever.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/lagos-to-close-oshodi-flyover-sunday.html

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has admitted about N1.21 trillion worth of Federal Government’s new supplementary issuances in its daily official list in the first six month of 2018.

The new issuances, which was contained in the NSE X-Compliance Report as at June 22, 2018, comprising FGN Savings Bond; Supplementary listing/reopening at 14.50 per cent of the FGN March 2018 to July 2021; and matured 10.70 per cent FGN May 2018, among others.

Analysts said that the issuance of bonds, no doubt, will bring both local and foreign investors into the market and will step up government’s efforts to raise the funds needed for infrastructure development, among other projects.

According to them, with government’s economic reforms, prospects were high for the sustained development of the Nigerian bond market, as a tool for deepening the domestic capital market.


For instance, analysts at Afrinvest Limited noted that the performance of the bond market has been shaped by recent happenings in the domestic and global market space.

“On the global front, the key factors are the recent rate hike by the U.S. Fed for the second time this year, to a range of 1.75 to two per cent, which has further strengthened the dollar and stoked capital flow reversal from emerging markets.

“On the domestic front, the current Federal Government’s debt strategy, which is tilted towards reducing the proportion of domestic borrowings in favor of foreign debt sources, as well as falling headline inflation, has shaped investors’ decisions,” they noted.

Specifically, the nation’s bourse listed a total amount of N1.23 billion FGN Savings Bond as at June 22, 2018, with a total of N415.91 billion of supplementary listing/reopening for different coupon and year and a total of N200.33 billion new listing, which comprises the Sukuk Bond, while a total of N300 billion for the matured 10.7 per cent FGN May 2018 were also listed on NSE.

FGN bonds are debt securities of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO) for and on behalf of the sovereign state, with an obligation to pay the bondholder the principal and agreed interest as and when due.

The FGN Bonds are considered as the safest of all investments in domestic debt market because it is backed by the “full faith and credit” of the Federal Government and as such, classified as a risk free debt instrument.

It has no default risk, meaning that it is absolutely certain that investors’ interest and principal will be paid as and when due, even as the interest income earned from the securities is tax exempt.

The Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha, recently said government would be listing some of the securities that were issued in the international capital market, adding that government recognised the role of the capital market in developing the economy.

Oniha affirmed that government accessed the international capital markets four times in 2017, and amid uncertainty about the perception of Nigeria, was well met by investors with overwhelming success in each offering.

She stated that funding the budget deficit and refinancing the inherited debt portfolio have been the key drivers behind the capital raising plans and will lead to significant benefits, particularly a reduction in cost of funds, noting that the Diaspora bond provided an opportunity for Nigerians overseas to contribute to the development of the nation.

She said that funds raised would be applied towards developing key infrastructure, with proceeds to be used for budgeted capital expenditure, as well as support the drive towards economic diversification.

The President of the Council of NSE, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, said: “We collaborated with the FGN through the DMO to launch the FGN Savings Bond. It is aimed at boosting the savings culture among retail investors.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/exchange-admits-n12-trillion-government.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ruled out an interest rate cut in near term, expressing fears that loosening its monetary policy stance at this time could exacerbate fiscal challenges in the economy and worsen inflationary pressure which it is trying to contain.
Moses Tule, CBN Director of Monetary Policy at the Central Bank ofNigeria (CBN) told journal ists on Thursday in Abuja that cutting the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) which the apex bank has retained at 14 percent and kept for the 10th straight time as well as other benchmark lending would trigger adverse consequences, including the demand for increased wages.

“When you reduce MPR, of course, the way the fundamentals are today, you are going to have the impact of that in other ways; which means the demand is going to be higher on the government to increase wages because inflation will erode the living wage.”

The CBN announced last month that it was waiting to see how far the huge anticipated spending from a combination of the over N9 trillion 2018 budget, expanded monthly disbursements by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), election spending, among others could have on price stability before deciding on how to move rates.

“We have to choose between having to improve infrastructure and interest rate will come down overtime and the whole economy will benefit or reduce interest rate now and then worsen inflation,” Tule argued, fielding questions from journalists.

Reacting to concerns that there is no convergence between monetary and fiscal policies, Tule explained that this was not true, and that the fiscal and monetary authorities have rather come up with measures that helped the country restore economic growth.

Citing the nation’s reserves now at about $48 billion, Tule said it was CBN’s tactical foreign exchange measures that led to the steady accretion being celebrated and had provided buffers in the past few weeks to temper the pressure caused by the normalisation of interest rateS in the United States of America. Tule equally commended fiscal measures put in place by the government, particularly the decision to look towards offshore borrowing in order not to crowd out the private sector.
But speaking earlier at the colloquium, and in a panel discussion on “Fiscal and Monetary Policies for Deepening the Capital Market in Nigeria,” Tule had pointed out that one of the derivatives of the structural policies is that “the market determines what the interest rate is.
“When we (CBN) reduce the MPR of course the way the economic fundamentals are today we are going to have the impact of that on higher prices.”

Tule cautioned that the capital market should not expect investment inflows, arguing that “people do not invest where they live from hand to mouth. You can only save to invest when you have leftover.”

“There are lots of funds offshore, those funds are eager to come into the nation,” he rather advised. Speaking at the event, Uche Uwaleke of Nasarawa state University noted that the Nigerian capital market is “challenged by depth and breadth.”

“We need to diversify the capital market. If the big quoted companies go under, that will be the end of the capital market.”

He lamented that Nigeria’s capital Market is “tied to the apron string of foreign investors so much so that if foreign investors sneeze, the market catches cold.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/cbn-fears-rate-cut-will-heighten.html

Following the recent killings in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country, General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries (a.k.a By Fire By Fire), Nnewi, Anambra State, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh, yesterday, called for President Muhammadu Buhari's resignation or be impeached by the National Assembly.

The Bishop said President Buhari is no longer fit to provide for security of lives and property of Nigerians and should, therefore, not pretend that he is in control. The priest said he prophesied that a situation would come when over 1,000 innocent would be killed in Nigeria in one day.

He called on the National Assembly to rise up to the occasion and impeach the President "before the entire nation is engulfed in blood bath." Bishop Udeh noted that there was no other way the ongoing killings in several parts of the country could be stopped other than leadership change.

"There is absolute insecurity in the country. And one begins to wonder why and how cattle rearers would be armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons, killing, maiming innocent souls and burning houses and other property. How do they acquire those weapons? There is more to it than the eyes can see. So, the President must go otherwise, from what I have seen in the spiritual realm, the entire nation would soon be plunged into a killing that cannot be controlled. He has failed Nigerians," Bishop Udeh said.

On late MKO Abiola, he described the posthumous national honour to the presumed winner of the June 12 presidential election, Abiola and others as a Greek gift, warning people of the South West to shine their eyes.

"Voting for Buhari again is voting for jihad. Voting for Islamization, more blood shed, nepotism, insecurity and more hardship in Nigeria. Buhari did not win the election in 2015 but the then Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Jega gave it to him," he alleged.

He said the current INEC Chairman should be removed to stop the chances of manipulating the 2019 presidential election that is drawing close. The cleric noted that since Mr President had clocked over 70 years of age, that it would be highly illogical and unreasonable to allow him to continue for a second tenure "when there are young Nigerians full of good ideas, fresh blood and who belong to this generation that can handle the affairs of this country."

The Bishop is of the view that the National Assembly should initiate the process of impeaching President Buhari without further delay for his inability to stop series of killings in the country, a situation he said had made the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre the bloodiest since Nigeria returned to democracy. He also accused Buhari's administration of being despotic with nepotism as a policy.

The cleric berated Igbo governors of the South Eastern States for allowing the proscription placed on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to subsist this long "while the Fulani herders who kill and maim people move freely around like princes because their father is a king." He condemned the recent Federal government proposal to build cattle ranches in ten States including Abonyi State. He noted that the ultimate objective of that plan was to Islamize Nigeria which he said would not work and called on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise up against the cattle ranches proposed project.

"Igbo governors must as a matter of urgency ensure that the (IPOB) who are armless and do not kill anybody is removed from a terrorist list. I mean that has to be done without wasting further time otherwise Jehovah the God of thunder will begin to strike them (the governors) down, one by one. And so shall it be," the Bishop decreed.

He said he had a prophesy that the wrath of God was about to descend on Nigeria, if the leadership of this country was not changed, adding that more blood that could not be quantified would be shed in Nigeria "except there is leadership change."

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/president-buhari-must-resign-or-be.html

Kwesé iflix, a joint venture between Econet Media and iflix, the entertainment service for emerging markets, have announced the launch of its premier digital entertainment platform in Nigeria, in partnership with Airtel.

The all-new Kwesé iflix is a world-class platform with the best international, regional and local content programs curated especially for African audiences, to stream or download. The service offers users the ultimate entertainment experience, with Kwesé’s extraordinary content offering including live coverage of the world’s most elite sporting competitions and the upcoming 2018FIFA World Cup Russia


Kwesé iflix’s vast library includes international first-run exclusive shows, award-winning TV series and blockbuster movies such as: Hot Ones, Saints & Sinners, Riviera, Grand Prince, Broken, Britannia, Tin Star, Being Mary Jane, Younger, Action Man, Freakish, Family Time and Luther, as well as popular local and regional content such as Jenifa’s Diary, V Republic and Dear Mother. Faith-based titles include Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer and Hal TV programs.The content offering also features children’s programming, lifestyle shows, and Nigerian quality content which can be watched for free, including short-form drama series, first episodes of TV shows, and live broadcast of local free-to-air TV stations, such as NTA & Kwesé Free Sports, as well as CNN, Revolt, Viceland, Cartoon Network and much more.

One of the most distinct propositions of Kwese iflix is the Live channels, which means that wherever and whenever you can watch live broadcast of your local and international news, music videos, and sports. Even the little ones can stream their cartoons 24/7 with no decoder box or set up costs.

Announcing the launch of the service, Kwesé iflix CEO, Mayur Patel said: “A marriage between Africa’s leading media providers, the Kwesé iflix app offers customersthe best in entertainment, anytime and anywhere. Created for the mobile generation, consumers now have unlimited access to all their favourite sports and shows in a way which suits their lifestyle – on-the-go and on their terms. We are excited to be working with Airtel to deliver our content into the hands of even more Nigerians.”

Leveraging Airtel’s 4G network, subscribers will be able to stream Kwesé iflix’s world-class programming on their connected devices through innovative data bundles, which will be available to Airtel customers.

To celebrate the launch, Airtel is offering an amazing streaming data offer that gives customers unlimited 24-hour streaming to all Kwesé iflix premium VIP content for as low as N300 per day.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/kwesi-iflix-partner-airtel-to-launch.html

Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and operators in the private sector have agreed to a partnership that would ensure credible polls in 2019.

The decision was part of the outcome of yesterday stakeholders’ meeting between INEC and the organised private sector held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos where both parties agreed that a collaboration is inevitable in the interest of good governance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event organised in collaboration with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and which attracted captains of industries, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, canvassed against private sector detaching themselves from electoral processes and called for a change of approach.


Noting that the 2019 general election is an enormous task with 119, 973 polling units, 8, 809 wards (registration areas), 68 political parties (largest in Nigeria’s electoral history – with a probability to increase as INEC processes 138 more applications) and an anticipated over 80 million voters, Mahmood said the commission has expectations from the business community.

According to him, “The business community has a stake on our democracy of which the conduct of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections is an integral part. You are a major influencer of public opinion. Since a good election is good for business, our first appeal to you is to use your influence in doing advocacy for peaceful elections.

“Secondly, the business community can assist in the area of voters’ education through corporate social responsibility. Those in advertising, telecommunications, transport, the media, hospitality and entertainment, can play important roles. We can work together to develop messages and dissemination of same.

“Thirdly, many of you have seamlessly delivered goods and services to customers. You have, over time, perfected the capacity to deliver products to the remotest locations nationwide. The commission can leverage on such expertise to organise electoral logistics such that staff and material arrive at polling units at the appointed time without citizens having to wait long hours to be served on election day.”

Responding, LCCI president, Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase, called on businessmen and women to assist INEC actualise the vision of credible elections in 2019.

“We have responsibility as citizens and stakeholders, to support him (Mahmood) to achieve his objective. May I also appeal to the judiciary and the security agencies to support INEC in ensuring the credibility and integrity of our elections,” he said.

Stressing that the quality of political governance has significant implication for the sustainability and prosperity of businesses, Ruwase said: “Since it is the politicians that determine the quality of economic policies; it is the politicians that determine the quality of institutions; it is the politicians that appropriate the resources of the state, this is why we need to get involved.”

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and the Publisher, Business Day Newspaper, Frank Aigbogun, who were speakers at the event both agreed on the need for actors in the private sector to join hands with INEC to deliver a credible election in 2019.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/inec-partners-private-sector-on-2019.html

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is set to launch an initiative called the Growth Board, which is aimed at raising funding for Nigerian high-growth potential businesses.

Head, Primary Markets, NSE, Tony Ibeziako made this disclosure at an executive roundtable discussion held at exchange in Lagos yesterday.


According to him, the NSE is at the advanced stages of launching the Growth Board which is going to have over a 100 companies.

“The rules are currently undergoing our rule making process and is presently waiting for stakeholders’ comments. After the collation of the comments, what would happen is that we would go back to present some of those comments where necessary and present it our national council. Once that is approved, then we would have a Growth Board. We are also in partnership with the public sector and other institutions such as The World Bank, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture amongst others,” he said.

He noted that the exchange WAs looking at the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) eco-system to understand the importance role it plays.

“Many people that are employed are employed in that space but we haven’t seen that traction when it comes to that eco system being able to access capital, and we are beginning to ask ourselves what can we do as capital market operators to begin to help businesses to move their businesses to the next level with the necessary corporate governance that is required in place and begin to expose them to the public market.

“It requires a lot of discipline, disclosures and the management or owners of the business having a paradigm shift in the way they see the business. We hope this engagement would begin to throw more light on our expectations,” Ibeziako said.

Also speaking, Partner, AO2 Law, Bidemi Olumide said: “ The Growth Board is an initiative of the NSE. We came in contact with it at a point where we were trying to raise funds for one of our businesses and also, a client of the firm and we appreciated the initiative of the exchange and decided to work with them in terms of promoting it more than what the current conception is.”

According to him, high growth businesses are species of business that require adequate care and attention in terms of capitalisation and visibility and also, reached about 20 per cent annually in terms of their growth rate. They are typically businesses that are growing faster than the economy.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/nse-to-launch-initiatives-to-grow-small.html

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has congratulated the newly-elected National Chairman of the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiohmole.

Prince Secondus, in a congratulatory statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, on Monday in Abuja, wished the former Edo Governor well in his new position.

Secondus expressed hope that the coming of Oshiohmole would help to deepen democracy in the country.

“On behalf of my party, the main opposition PDP, I wish to congratulate you and pray that democracy would gain a lot in your climbing to the exalted office of your party.

“May I assure you of the PDP’s readiness to provide robust and constructive criticism and hope that the environment would be made conducive for all democratic institutions to strive,’’ he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/pdp-congratulates-new-apc-national.html

The Chairman, Akwa Ibom Board of Internal Revenue Service, Mr Okon Okon, has said the state recorded N6. 85 billion from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the first quarter of 2018.

Okon disclosed this when he led other members of the board to brief Committee on Finance and Appropriation, state House of Assembly, on the revenue generation performance of the state on Monday.

The chairman was accompanied on the occasion by tax consultants.

He said that the amount represented 72 per cent of the initial average quarterly revenue of N9. 5 billion projected by the Service for the period.

Okon said: “It gives me delight to let the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance to know that for the 2018 fiscal year we signed off a budget of N38 billion.

‘’The money is to be generated by Internal Revenue Service and we broke it into quarters.

“The first quarter amounted to N9.5billion.

‘’Accordingly, by the end of the first quarter, our record performance in the first quarter of the year 2018 yielded N6. 85 billion representing, 72 per cent achievement of the budget for the quarter.

“When you relate that to the previous year,you will see the sharp difference between the transformation that has taken place this year and the year before.

“Also you will notice that in first quarter of 2017, the Service achieved N4. 85 billion. The first quarter of 2018, it achieved N6. 85 billion, indicating an improvement.

He said the Service was able to enhance revenue collection and management system through the introduction of automation and technology in tax payment system.

Okon said the Service also achieved the feat by blocking leakages, expanding tax nets, involving tax agents, tax consultants and hiring of the services of a lead tax consultant by the state governor.

“Others are: Introduction of E- payment channels like, POS, banks, e- payment receipt, interactive operational website, massive enlightenment and tax education via radio programme, door-to-door, seminars, and even road shows.

The chairman also attributed the improvement in revenue generation by the Service to emphasis on transparency and accountability in the operation of the revenue collection system.

He, however, identified tax evasion as one the challenges facing by the Service.

Mr Usoro Akpanusoh, Chairman of the committee, said the interface by the committee was part of its oversight function with the revenue agency.

Akpanusoh said the House needed to know the performance of the Service in the area of revenue generation needed by the state to grow its economy.

He commended the Service for the innovation in the revenue collection system and urged it to sustain the tempo to enable it achieve the set target before the end of 2018.

“We will soon visit the Internal Revenue Service office to witness the automated system payment and the printing of the automated system,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/aibom-rakes-in-n685bn-igr.html

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, sworn in on Sunday as National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), says he is in a hurry to assume office to tackle the party’s challenges without delay.

Oshiomhole, who emerged as chairman of the party at the National Convention in Abuja, stated this in his acceptance speech at the Eagle Square, venue of the convention.

He was elected through an affirmative vote by delegates, having run as a sole candidate following the withdrawal of his opponents, days before the convention.

The former governor of Edo urged aggrieved members of the party, especially members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) to remain in the APC, which “we jointly built”.

He assured members of the party that his leadership would put in place a conflict resolution mechanism which would handle crisis within the party.

Specifically, Oshiomhole said that he would ensure effective reward system for party members who had worked for its success at all levels.

While paying tribute to the founding fathers of the party, he said that its pioneer interim national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and National Leader, Bola Tinubu, were outstanding.

He also appreciated the immediate past National Chairman of the party,

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, saying “since 1999, no national chairman of any political party in the country accomplished what you have accomplished”.

In his remarks, Tinubu said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had no moral justification to ask President Muhammadu Buhari not to re-contest the presidency in 2019

He described Obasanjo as “a busybody” meddling into the affairs of APC without being a member, and even of any party, after openly tearing his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) membership card.

Obasanjo had in January, asked Buhari not to seek re-election in the forthcoming 2019 presidential election, saying he was no longer fit to lead the country.

“This man has the temerity of writing a letter.

“What is your business, busybody? Unfortunately, he has torn the card of his party so he does not have one anymore,” Tinubu said.

He added that he was happy to be in the APC and for not listening to those who advised him against associating with Buhari.

He thanked Buhari for his tenacity and commitment to fight corruption in the country and for working hard to develop the country.

According to the former governor of Lagos, the President Buhari-led APC has adhered more to the tenets of internal democracy more than any government in the past.

“We thank you that you have offered yourself to re-contest the presidency in 2019; you must run, and you will win,” he said.

He said that the winning signs had been displayed at convention, stating “we have changed leaders of our party, not at gunpoint (ask Audu Ogbeh).

“Thank God we have been able to stop looting and abuse of power.”

He commended Gov. Abubakar Baduru of Jigawa, who was also Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee for the success of the event.

“Baduru, you have delivered in spite of negative prediction that we will never see this day and that our party will fall apart,” he said.

He also congratulated Oshiomhole, saying “you are a true reflection of the saying that no matter how short a man is, he will see the sky.”

He, however, advised the new National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC not to abuse the trust reposed in them, assuring it of support of the leaders.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/i-am-in-hurry-to-assume-office.html

The Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has announced that the state is fully prepared to accord President Muhammadu Bubari a grand reception as he visits the state on Tuesday to commission the multi-billion naira Rice Seedlings factory in Calabar.

Making the announcement while speaking to journalists, ahead of the president’s visit, the second in three years, Ayade said everything has been put in place for the president’s visit.


“We are perfectly in order. This is home coming for Mr. President, and as far as I am concerned, Cross River is ready to receive him. We are going to give him a perfect reception,” Ayade said.

The governor said the president’s visit, which is the second since assuming the Presidency, was an indication of the president’s love for the state and a stamp of approval for his administration’s investments in agriculture.

“The first visit of President Buhari was on infrastructure but this second visit will be agriculture related and it shows consistency and a pass mark on my government,” Ayade said.

During the visit, the president is expected to commission the multi-billion naira automated rice seeds and seedlings factory in Calabar reputed to be the first in Africa.

It is also a seed multiplication centre that produces high yielding, disease resistant and vitaminised rice seedlings.

The president will also inaugurate the ultra-modern Navy Hospital in Carlsbad.

The state governor projects that with the federal government’s support, the state will be generating at least, N50 billion annually from the factory.

At the moment, Calabar, the state capital, is looking spick and span in readiness for the visit, with a lot of roads rehabilitation ongoing.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has kicked against the proposed commissioning of the rice seedling factory, advising the federal government to retrace its steps.

A statement to that effect from the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr.Bassey Ita, in Calabar read: “The party recalls that more than two years ago, Mr. President was here to perform the official ground breaking of a superhighway. The implication of that speaks of massive support and endorsement of the president for such a project. But, the issue is, when the project fails by virtue of mis-governance, how then do we look away from the very succinct, but terrible public perception of that failure, especially with Mr. President’s involvement?”

Describing the project as a failure from conception, the APC said: “The proposed rice seedling factory is an agenda that is made in the Republic-of-Projects- Failure, and could have some laughable implications in the political landscape of the state.”

The APC said the federal government should “first, query the success or otherwise of the superhighway project Mr. President came to kick start, get the reactions of most Cross Riverians, and their views about the project, collate the feedback and do a dispassionate assessment and judgment of the situation we are referring viz-a-viz the proposed rice seedlings project and it will realise that it has to jump over the scandal the Ayade government is plotting for it”.

The party said that a lot of such projects have only remained in the imagination of the initiators.

“The CalVegas, the Deep Seaport, the mountains and the plains have in one way or the other only been mentioned, and in that realm there have been left. Even social security and overheads for which the federal government has made substantial input are a failure,” it said.

According to the statement, the party was merely advising President Buhari to stay off another round of embarrassment by Ayade’s administration.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/cross-river-ready-for-buharis-second.html

The Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed Oct. 4, to hear an address on a no-case submission by Nanle Dariye, son of a former Plateau Governor, Joshua Dariye.

On June 13, the senior Dariye bagged 14 years imprisonment for embezzling state funds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nanle is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count amended charge of money laundering in the sum of N1.5 billion.


At the resumed trial on Friday, following the cross- examination of the third prosecution witness, Mr Effa Imoh-Okim, the Prosecutor, Mr George Adebola closed the case of the prosecution.

“My Lord, that is the case of the prosecution, we have no more witnesses to call,” he said.

Counsel to Nanle, Mr Peter Erivwode then asked the court for a date to enable him prove that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima-facie case against his client.

“My Lord, the prosecution having closed its case, we ask for a date to establish that no case has been made against the defendant, to warrant him to open his defence.”

The trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, adjourned the matter until Oct. 4 for address on a “no-case” submission.

Earlier, during cross-examination, the witness had told the court that the signature on the statement Nanle made to the EFCC was different from the one on the documents obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Erivwode asked the court to show the documents to the witness to confirm if the signatures on them were the same, and he said they were different.

The documents from the CAC are in respect to the registration status of a hotel, Apartment le Paradis, the second defendant in the matter where Nanle is alleged to be a director.

The EFCC alleges that Nanle, sometime in 2013, failed to report a cash transaction to the tune of N1.5 billion which he received through the hotel’s bank account.

According to the anti-graft agency, the offence contravenes Section 5(1) (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and is punishable under Section 5 (b) of the same Act.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/court-fixes-new-date-for-alleged-n15bn.html

Nigeria was missing in the second edition of world digital competitiveness ranking 2018 as only South Africa which ranked 49th out of 63 economies were ranked. Introduced last year, the digital competitiveness report is produced by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre.The report’s objective is to assess the extent to which a country adopts and explores digital technologies leading to transformation in government practices, business models and society.

The methodology of the ranking defines digital competitiveness according to three main factors: knowledge, technology and future readiness.The knowledge factor refers to the intangible infrastructure, which underlines the process of digital transformation through the discovery, understanding and learning of new technologies.The technology indicator assesses the overall context through which the development of digital technologies is enabled. Future readiness examines the level of country preparedness of an economy to assume its digital transformation.

The 63 economies, most of which have a high or middle level of income per capita, are then ranked from the most to the least competitive and the results are compared to the previous year’s ranking.In terms of this year’s results, 29 countries, which represent the majority of the economies in the study, experienced an improvement in their level of digital competitiveness. However, 26 nations, including SA, declined. Only eight economies remained in the same position.


According to the report, South Africa the only African country in the report drop in rankings was influenced by the decline in knowledge and future readiness.It shows knowledge dropped to 52nd from 49th, while future readiness declined to 43rd from 42nd. The drop in knowledge is partly due to declines in talent, as well as training and education. Future readiness is negatively affected by decreases in adaptive attitudes and business agility, states the report.

While two indicators declined, there was a slight improvement in the technology factor. The improved ranking in technology, the study notes, results from the slight advancement of the country’s regulatory framework and an increase in investment in telecommunications.

The overall study results show the US as the leading digital nation, overtaking Singapore to top the spot.

In 2017, Singapore was ranked in first place, but has dropped to second place this year. Sweden gets bumped from second place to the third spot in the overall ranking. Other top 10 digital countries include: Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Canada, the Netherlands and the UK.

According to Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, “The USA capitalises on its improvements in knowledge and in technology. It remains stable in future readiness.”

He adds: “Gains in knowledge result from a strong performance in employee training and an increase in the share of scientific and technical employment, while the furthering of the technology factor capitalises on slight advancement in all its sub-factors, including connectivity infrastructure.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/nigeria-missing-in-digital-ranking.html

A Karu Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, on Thursday discharged a 25-year-old man, Bernard Feyisayo, accused of stealing a mopping stick.

The judge, Sani Mohammed, discharged Feyisayo, based on the value of the alleged stolen item which cost between N300 and N500.

Feyisayo, who resides at Karu Site, Abuja, was docked on a three-charge of criminal trespass, theft and membership of an unlawful assembly, offences he denied committing.‎
Earlier, the prosecutor, Vincent Osuji, told the court that one Taminu Makeri attached to Karu police station, reported the matter at the Karu Police Station, Abuja, on June 3, at about 10 a.m.
He said that the complainant alleged that on same date, while on his usual routine patrol along Karu Site, he found the defendant in possession of moping stick value yet unknown.
Osuji also informed the court that during police investigation, the defendant confessed to haven committed the crime and it was also discovered that he specialises in stealing.
The prosecutor said the offences contravene Sections 348, 287 and 102 of the Penal Code.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/court-discharges-mopping-stick-thief.html

Over 337 schools across the six Educational Districts in Lagos State are set to slug it out in a four-day Code Week Competition, Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh said, on Thursday.

Bank-Olemoh, in a statement, said that participating schools, including government and private schools across the state, through the competition, being put together by the State Ministry of Education through the CodeLagos initiative, would be exposed to the world of computer programming as well as foster the rapid growth and development of coding skills among students.

He said the four-day competition which kicks off, on Monday, June 25, was designed to further encourage the use of a wider range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills within the school curriculum and raise ICT standards among Lagos state schools.


According to him, “CodeLagos is a response to the mandate of His Excellency, Governor Akinwumi Ambode to prepare Lagos residents for the technology driven future. Our intention through this competition is to foster problem solving and algorithmic thinking abilities among these students by simulating real-case problem solving scenarios.

“By so doing, we will position our students for the 21st century workforce. We will also identify talented young programmers and help nurture their skills and expertise.”

He said the Lagos Code Week would commence with a preliminary competition among CodeLagos schools in each of the six Educational Districts in the State.


He added that each participating school whether Government or private-owned would be represented by a team of up to three contestants who would be required to respond to a coding-related design challenge.

Besides, over 1340 Lagos residents are currently being trained in the third session of CodeLagos out-of-School programme holding in 12 centres across the State. Centres are located in Ikeja, Ipaja, Isolo, Yaba, Ilupeju, Meiran, Onikan, Surulere, Fadeyi, and Igbogbo Ikorodu.


“Before the end of 2018, we would have set up 1500 In-School coding centres and 50 Out-of-School centres across Lagos State and by our projections, over 150,000 Lagos residents would have been trained by December 2018,” Bank-Olemoh.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/codelagos-337-schools-to-participate-in.html

The naira appreciated to N359.5 to a dollar on the parallel market yesterday, compared with the N360 to a dollar it closed on Tuesday.

Also, on the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) window, the nation’s currency strengthened to N361.06 to the dollar, as against the N361.18 to the dollar it closed the previous day.


On the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment, the naira closed at N360 to a dollar yesterday.

This is just as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), once more, made available the sum of $210 million, to meet customers’ requests in various segments of the foreign exchange market.

In its desire to meet customers’ needs in the various segments of the market, the CBN offered $100 million to authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market, while the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) segment got boosted with the sum of $55 million.

According to figures made available by the bank yesterday, customers needing foreign exchange for invisibles such as tuition fees, medical payments and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), among others, were also allocated the sum of $55 million.

The CBN had last Thursday intervened to the tune of $343.06 million to cater for requests in the retail segment of the forex market.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/naira-gains-as-cbn-injects-210m-into-fx.html

The Nigerian telecoms sector achieved steady teledensity growth in the last nine months to reach 114.66 per cent in April this year.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed this in a report posted on its website.

According to the NCC, the growth was driven by the rise in telecoms subscribers number, which reached 160,524,590 across all networks as at April.
The country had experienced a slide in its teledensity between January and July 2017, before picking up in August 2017 and maintained a steady growth up till April 2018, where it reached its highest peak of 114.66 per cent.


Teledensity is the number of active telephone connections per one hundred inhabitants living within an area and is expressed as a percentage figure.

Precisely, the report showed that after a slide in teledensity between January and July 2017, from 110.8 per cent to 99.39 per cent respectively, it picked up again from 99.39 per cent in July 2017, to 99.60 per cent in August same year.

Furthermore, it increased to 99.93 per cent in September and 100.55 per cent in October.
It grew again to 101.66 per cent in November, 103.61 per cent in December same year, 105.21 per cent in January 2018, 106 per cent in February 2018, 106.64 per cent in March 2018, until it reached 114.66 per cent in April 2018, which was the highest ever since the inception of GSM network rollout in 2001.

According to the NCC’s figures, the over 160 million subscriber number was a clear indication of a steady growth of subscriber base across networks.
The report showed the market share of each operator, revealing that MTN still leads the Nigerian telecoms market with a total of 65.2 million active subscribers on its network, with a market share of 41 per cent.

It was closely followed by Globacom, with an active subscriber number of 39.5 million, and a market share of 25 per cent.

Airtel held on to the third position with total number of 39.2 million active subscribers on its network and a market share of 24 per cent. 9mobile, the fourth GSM company to roll out its services on October 23, 2008, which is also undergoing some transformational changes in terms of ownership and re-branding, has a total number of 16.1 million active subscribers on its network, with a market share 10 per cent.

ntel, the fifth GSM company to roll out its services in 2016, after acquiring NITEL and MTel, is still battling to find its feet in the telecoms sector. Since its rollout, the telecoms company has been faced with funding challenge that is threatening its speed of network rollout and its ability to compete with other GSM operators. For this reason, its data statistics have not been recorded by the NCC to show its level of performance.

Giving reason for the steady growth in teledensity and subscriber number in the last nine months, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, attributed it to better regulatory functions, availability of telecoms services, improved reliability of telecoms services and steady economic growth of the country.

According to him, “Regulation is not counter productive, there is availability of telecoms services that have improved over the past months and the economy is showing signs of good growth, which when combined together gave telecoms subscribers the confidence to patronise telecoms operators more than before.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/nigeria-maintains-teledensity-growth.html

Dr Kemi Ademola-Aremu, a Gender Activist, on Wednesday incidents of rape are alarming and under-reported in the country.

She also described as worrisome the non-availability of correct statistics on rape cases in Oyo State.

Ademola-Aremu, the Executive Director, Choice Solution Welfare Initiative International (CSWII), made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

She noted that rape incidences were underreported despite its high prevalence in Oyo state.

She said that in spite of the hues and cries about rape and other acts of domestic violence against the girl-child and women, possible stigmatisation had prevented victims from reporting their ordeals.

“Because of the stigma placed on the victims it had become increasingly difficult to come out and report rape cases.

“Even when cases are reported to relevant government agencies, such are not bothered to document them.

“The government, hospitals, police and other stakeholders should be more proactive in reporting and documenting rape cases.

“Kudos should be given to the Federal Government for promulgating the Child Rights Act of 2003, which many states of the federation have domesticated.

“But a lot still needs to be done in the area of getting required and effective statistics on rape incidences,” the director said.

According to her, in the US, they use a formula to calculate rape incidence based on the reported cases and they came up with a statistics of “one in five’’.

She said that such formula could be used by stakeholders in Nigeria, adding that there is urgent need to create such statistics.

Ademola-Aremu disclosed that her NGO had started generation of data on rape and would soon publish same.

She appealed to all stakeholders to collaborate on efforts to report rape incidents and in generating relevant data for record purposes.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/rape-incidents-are-under-reported-expert.html

The Federal Government has concluded plans to train qualified candidates on rail engineering in China for five years.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, S. Zakari, in a letter to the Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Okechukwu Enelamah, said the government is seeking for nomination of suitable candidates for training as railway engineer in China.

It would be recalled that local contractors have been excluded from $20 billion rail projects by the government, which triggered concerns from stakeholders.


There are a number of other rail projects, 98 per cent of which were awarded to Chinese firms. They include: Kano State rail, $1.85 billion; Lagos Blue Line light rail, $1.2 billion; Lagos monorail, $1billion; and Abuja light rail, $841.64 million. Ogun and Oyo states are also working on some rail projects.

Going by this offer, the candidates upon completion of course would be beneficial to the railway revolution projects being undertaken by the Federal Government.

They would be instrumental to repair and maintenance of railways in the country especially the Lagos-Ibadan modern gauge, which the government is keen on completing by December this year.

The candidates are to undergo a five-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Railway Engineering training who must be within the ages of 17 to 20 years.

Interview for the candidates is expected to be conducted from tomorrow till Saturday 23 by 9am prompt at the CCECC Nigeria Limited headquarters along airport road, Abuja.

The candidates according to the letter, on return from the course are bonded and expected to report and work under the instructions of the Ministry of Transportation.

Experts had earlier insisted that Nigerians have the capacity to handle key aspects of the projects, especially laying of tracks, survey and design.

They also expressed the fear that Nigeria would end up becoming a dumping ground for rail contractors engaged just to provide infrastructure without adequate manpower to operate and maintain it.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/government-to-train-candidates-on-rail.html

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to caution the Adamawa State Government against “hasty implementation” of the death sentence passed on five Christian youths alleged to have killed a Fulani herdsman.


Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri of a High Court in Adamawa State recently sentenced Alex Amos, Alheri Phanuel, Holy Boniface, Jerry Gideon and Jari Sabagi to death for culpable homicide.

The convicts were alleged to had on June 1, 2017, at Kadamun village in Demsa Local Government Area ‘willfully and intentionally conspired and attacked three herdsmen rearing cattle, killing one of them, Adamu Buba, whose body they threw into a river and also maimed several cows.’


Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant on media to CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, in a statement on Tuesday, warned that while CAN is not supporting jungle justice or any criminality, there has been no persecution of perpetrators of the killing of of hundreds Christians over the years.

It read: “We note with regret how hundreds of our members in Southern Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Plateau states in the North-central geo-political zones, and a state like Enugu in the South, have been killed and are still being killed on a daily basis by some criminals parading themselves as Fulani herdsmen, but are yet to be apprehended.

“While citizens stood helpless at the massacre of their peaceful fellow Nigerians, the international community watched in anguish how government security agencies could not bring perpetrators of these heinous killings to book.


“We recall with sadness how President Donald Trump had expressed sadness over killings of Christians in Nigeria and even told President Muhammadu Buhari when he recently visited the White House in Washington DC that the United States of America would no longer tolerate a situation where Christians are being killed with impunity.

“Despite the outrage that has trailed the killings of Christians in Nigeria, it is disheartening that none of the killers has been brought to justice. We are shocked at the speed of light deployed by security and judicial officers in sentencing the alleged killers of the herdsman in Adamawa state.

“Why did the court discharge the alleged killers of Madam Bridget Agbahime on the orders of the Kano State Government? Why have security officials not arrested those behind the killings of Christians in Southern Kaduna, while those arrested for the murder of Mrs. Eunice Elisha Olawale in Kubwa, Abuja, have been set free by the Nigeria Police?

“In view of the above, we are asking President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the death sentence passed on these Christian youths in Adamawa. We have called on our legal team to secure and study the text of the judgment with a view to preventing a miscarriage of justice and a future re-occurence.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/can-warns-adamawa-govt-against.html

Two thousand and forty-three Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in Bakassi Camp have started moving to their homes in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, the Nigerian Army said on Tuesday.

It said the number comprising 378 households, were the first batch of IDPs who willingly expressed desire to return to their communities and resume their farming, fishing occupation as well as other social cultural activities.

According to a statement by the spokesman, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the resettlement exercise was flagged on at Maiduguri, adding that modalities to return the people home were worked out by the army, Borno State Government and Guzamala LGA.

Nwachukwu said: “At the flag-off, the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, stated that the earnest desire of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai was to ensure that IDPs who are willing, return home to begin a normal life.” He noted that the modalities to return the IDPs home were jointly worked out by the Theatre Command, the Borno State Government and the Guzamala Local Authorities. Gen. Nicholas added that the military has reinforced security in the locality and that the traditional farm clearing (sharandaji) to declare the farming season open has been earlier conducted in Gudumbali.

“He assured the returnee IDPs of adequate protection while they resettle, adding that Operation Last Hold has been inaugurated in the theatre to cover the locality and other communities.

“The Theatre Commander also urged well-meaning Nigerians and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to support returnee IDPs with farming implements and other relief materials to enable them settle back quickly into their respective communities.

“Borno State Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Prof. Babagana Umara, while addressing the returnees said their resolve to return home was a welcome development that will fast track their socio-economic well-being. He assured them of the support of the Borno State Government as they return home.

“Other dignitaries who graced the event were the Chairman Guzamala Local Government, Lawan Zanna, representative of the Commander Operation Last Hold, Brig Gen Victor Offiong, representative of the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Gbemiga Adeshina, District Head of Guzamala Alhaji Zanna Arjinoma and heads of security agencies in the state.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/over-2000-idps-return-to-their.html

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says that no fewer than 1.02 million passengers travelled through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja during the first quarter of 2018.

FAAN’s First Quarter Report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday, in Abuja showed a 38.9 per cent growth from 623,727 recorded during the same quarter in 2017.

NAN reports that the growth recorded could not be unconnected to the closure of the airport between March 8 and April 19, 2017 for the rehabilitation of its runway.

The report indicated that 822,059 passengers travelled within the country (domestic passengers), while 199,925 passengers traveled out of and into Nigeria (international passengers) during the period.
It also said that 481,997 passengers were recorded at arrivals while 539,987 passengers were recorded at the departures during the period.
The monthly breakdown showed that 339,452 passengers comprising 263,625 domestic and 75,827 international passengers were recorded in January.
In February, 303,571 passengers comprising 248,863 domestic and 54,698 international passengers were recorded while 378,881 passengers comprising 309,571 domestic and 69,310 international passengers were recorded in March.
The report further revealed that there were 16,254 aircraft movements during the period as against the 9,956 aircraft movements recorded during the first quarter of 2017, showing a growth of about 42 per cent.
The report showed that 10,406 aircraft movements were recorded on domestic routes and 2,144 on international route.
In January, there were 5,278 aircraft movements, 5,422 in February and 5,702 in March.
The report further disclosed that 866,664 tons of cargo was recorded on international flights comprising 801,144 tons on arrivals and 65,520 tons on departures during the period.
It also showed a 65.9 per cent growth from the 522,145 tons recorded in the first quarter of 2017.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/abuja-airport-records-102m-passengers.html

Many Nigerians, including children were among the 630 migrants saved by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ship Aquarius and two other ships, that were allowed to dock in Spanish city of Valencia on Sunday, a week after Italy refused to let them.

Although their specific number has not been given, the Nigerians were among the 31 nationalities rescued from the Mediterranean Sea by the Aquarius.

The two ships from Italy’s coast guard and navy shared out the passengers to make the long journey safer.

The Aquarius, with 106 migrants, entered the mouth of the Valencia port shortly before eleven in the morning
The Dattilo, the largest ship owned by the Italian Coast Guard, was the first to dock. It transported 274 people.
The last was Orione, a military frigate with 250 more.
Apart from the Nigerians, the Sudanese, the Eritreans and the Algerians were also in large numbers.
There were Sierra Leonians too among the rescued like a young mother who claimed she left her country because she wanted to avoid circumcision for her girls:
“I left Sierra Leone almost 11 months ago…because I want to protect my baby girls who they want to circumcise. I tell them I don’t want to circumcise my children. I went to the desert, to Libya and on the boat, she said.”
After Italy’s refusal, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered to take the ships in, meaning they had to travel an extra 700 nautical miles after plucking the migrants from unstable boats off the coast of Libya.
The odyssey of the migrants was vividly narrated by MSF Head of Emergencies. Karline Kleijer who slammed Italy for its shameful behaviour.
“We are grateful to Spain for stepping in, even as Italian and other European governments have shamefully failed in their humanitarian responsibilities and placed politics over the lives of vulnerable people.”
“Over the weekend of 9 and 10 June, the Aquarius search and rescue vessel, operated by SOS Méditerranée in partnership with MSF, rescued more than 200 people and received an additional 400 people from Italian naval and coastguard ships.
“Although the rescue and transfers of the 630 people were initiated and coordinated by the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), the Italian authorities denied Aquarius authorisation to bring them ashore in the closest port of safety in Italy. In doing so, they broke with past practice and international law. Malta, which had the nearest safe port, also refused to allow the Aquarius to disembark, citing Italy’s coordination role and responsibility.
Eventually, on 11 June, the Spanish government intervened and offered to let the Aquarius disembark in Valencia, 1,300 kilometres away.
“MSF continued to press the Italian authorities to authorise disembarkation in the closest safe port as stipulated under international maritime law. MSF also raised serious safety and humanitarian concerns connected to sailing with 630 passengers in an overcrowded boat for four more days without adequate shelter or sufficient food.
“Often, the Italian authorities appeared callous. At first, they suggested that MSF transfer any vulnerable people. However, when MSF provided a list of almost 200 people, including unaccompanied minors, the sick and injured, pregnant women and women with children traveling alone, they refused. The Italian authorities then requested that we transfer only the seven pregnant women, but failed to respond to MSF’s concern about separating families and the need for husbands to accompany their pregnant partners,” said Kleijer.
“Despite MSF’s concerns about the humanitarian and medical impact of the sea journey to Valencia, the Italian authorities instructed Aquarius on 12 June to transfer 524 people back to Italian ships and embark with the remaining 106 rescued on a four-day journey to Spain.
“Italian authorities shamefully closed their ports to 630 rescued people and moved them around the sea for political point-scoring,” says Kleijer.
“Even if Italy has legitimate grievances about other European governments failing to accept their share of refugees, that’s no justification for this degrading treatment.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/many-nigerians-among-630-migrants.html

Branch International, an emerging digital financial platform, has facilitated about N1 billion worth of loans for users of its innovative solutions in Nigeria.

The firm, which started operations in the country’s financial-technology industry last year, said despite the proliferation of Fintech operators, it has successfully distinguished its activities as providers of trusted financial services.

According to the company, through its innovative approach to lending, Branch has provided financial services to the underserved and unlocked financial access to customers around the country.


It also said it provides fast, fair and flexible loans without late fees, hidden charges, rollover fees or restrictions on money expenditures.

The company, which operates in Kenya, Tanzania, India, Mexico and Nigeria, said it has over one million users, processed six million loans and disbursed about $250 million loans so far these years across countries of operations.

In Nigeria, it has over 200, 000 users, issued over 100,000 loans and disbursed about N1 billion to users of the financial app.

The Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Flannery said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working in Nigeria with Branch. The startup community is incredibly dynamic, and the country is poised for a FinTech explosion.

“The early response from our customers shows that there is a massive need for a product like Branch. We hope to play a significant role in increasing access to modern financial services in Nigeria over the next decade.”

Flannery explained that Branch offers a unique proposition to the average Nigerian, providing users with access to instant loans on their mobile devices.

He said Android smartphone users can receive loans between N3,000 to N150,000 requiring no face-to-face meetings, lengthy application processes, collateral or paperwork.

“As Branch customers repay their loan, they unlock access to larger loan amounts and more flexible terms. More than 75 per cent of customers use Branch loans to help start or grow their business or meet financial obligations.

“Notwithstanding, Branch has no restrictions on the usage of the loans; customers are given the independence to make their own financial decisions.

“Unlike traditional financial institutions, Branch provides customers with the opportunity to build their credit regardless of their banking history.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/branch-international-facilitates-n1.html

Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique, has revealed that the club’s president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, was left “pissed off” by Antoine Griezmann’s decision to remain with Atletico Madrid.


Griezmann was heavily tipped to join Barca this summer, but revealed in a special documentary that he was staying with the Europa League champions.

“I spoke with Bartomeu [on Friday] morning, he called me, everything is fine.


“He’s pissed off because he wanted Griezmann to sign and thought he would end up coming.

“But Barca are much bigger than one player. If one player doesn’t want to come, he will have his reasons, be that sporting or financial, but there are others that will come,” Pique said.

Pique also hit back at suggestions that his involvement in the documentary, displayed a lack of respect towards his club.


“It’s surprising to hear doubts about my commitment towards the club,” Pique told reporters after Spain’s 3-3 draw with Portugal at the World Cup on Friday.

“Obviously, at the end of the day, it’s one of my companies, but that’s it. Griezmann told me months ago there was the chance he could come to [Barca] and he didn’t know what to do. I proposed the documentary and my team got to work,” he added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/barcelona-president-angry-over.html

It is so amazing that the police instead of fighting crime, has now compromised after having been bribed and the police is now supporting crime and supporting a landlord who brazenly broke a woman's shop in Abule-Egba, Lagos, in an attempt to forcefully eject her from his apartment and her money and goods worth over nine hundred thousand naira were stolen.

The police has now compromised the case at Area "G" Ogba, Lagos and they refused to charge the landlord and his accomplice the Iyalode to court claiming they have not committed any offense. We have now obtained the audio where the Area Commander was caught justifying this crime after having been compromised as the police is now trying to step the case down from going to court in order to perpetrate injustice. Despite this woman's condition and the pains she is going through, the police at Area "G" Ogba led by one ASP Bimpe Babatunde still extorted five thousand naira from her before going to inspect her shop which was broken by her Landlord Mr Bernard Adekunle Santos on 23rd May 2018. This is pure wickedness of the highest order.

The story is also published on page 5 of today's Punch newspapers June 15th 2018. Here is the link to the Punch publication http://punchng.com/hairdresser-accuses-landlord-of-destroying-shop/

We must not allow this type of injustice to prevail in Nigeria. We must all share this message and speak out against injustice, oppression, tyranny, intimidation, bribery and corruption and any public official found wanting should be shown the way out of the system as the government of President Muhammadu Buhari keeps working to fight corruption in Nigeria.

We have now obtained the audio leakage of where the Area Commander justified this crime committed by the Landlord and the Iyalode by breaking this woman's shop. This is really shameful and Nigeria cannot move forward if law enforcement agencies especially the police collects bribe to support crime and favour those that bribe them. The Lagos state Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of police are hereby called upon to investigate this matter and ensure that justice is done.

We will not rest until justice is done on this matter because this is a clear case of a crime that has been committed with all the evidence and witnesses available, yet the police is trying to cover it up and sweep it under the carpet at the expense of the severe suffering this innocent woman is going through and all the pains and psychological trauma she has been going through. All Nigerians must rise up and speak against this type of evil because that's the only way Nigeria can develop. It happened to this woman today, tomorrow it can happen to you or someone you know or to your own relation if we don't speak against this type of injustice so that it can stop.
Say no to impunity. Say no to bribery and corruption in Nigeria. Say no to illegality in Nigeria. Justice must prevail.

click here to watch video http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/shameful-police-compromises-area.html

Branch International, a digital financial firm, which majorly disburses instant loans through its mobile application (app) said it disbursed N1 billion loans since its inception one year ago.

The firm revealed this at media briefing in Lagos Thursday. The Country Manager, Branch Nigeria, Mrs. Maria Rotilu, who disclosed this said: “We have been in the country for about a year now and the growth has been great. I think what is fascinating about it is that it underscores the fact that there is a need here.


“Since we started, we have issued over 100,000 loans with over 250,000 and we have disbursed over N1 billion.”

Also, the CEO & Co-founder Branch International Mr. Matthew Flannery said the mission of the firm is to provide world class financial services to the mobile generation, adding that it decided to start with loans because it is a way to appeal to the general public and gain lots of users.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working in Nigeria with Branch. The start-up community is incredibly dynamic, and the country is poised for a fintech explosion.

“The early response from our customers shows that there is a massive need for a product like Branch. We hope to play a significant role in increasing access to modern financial services in Nigeria over the next decade.”

Branch offers a unique proposition to the average Nigerian, providing users with access to instant loans on their mobile devices.

Android smartphone users can receive loans between N3,000 to N150,000 requiring no face-to-face meetings, lengthy application processes, collateral or paperwork.

“As branch customers repay their loan, they unlock access to larger loan amounts and more flexible terms. More than 75 per cent of customers use Branch loans to help start or grow their business or meet financial obligations. Notwithstanding, Branch has no restrictions on the usage of the loans; customers are given the independence to make their own financial decisions,” the firm explained.

“Unlike traditional financial institutions, Branch provides customers with the opportunity to build their credit regardless of their banking history by assessing their loan eligibility based on the data procured from customer’s smartphones.

“With the customers’ consent, Branch’s algorithm processes thousands of data points to create customised loan options.

“These data are protected using world class security and encryption techniques to ensure the safety of customers’ private information,”the firm added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/firm-records-n1bn-loan-disbursement-in.html