₦airaland Forum

The Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Lagos State, on Thursday admitted 14,912 National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) students for the 2017/2018 academic session.

The Rector of tge institution, Mr Obafemi Omokungbe, announced the figure at its 2017/2018 matriculation ceremony.

Omokungbe said that the number comprised full-time and part-time students.

He said 23.704 candidates applied for admission into the college’s ND (Full Time) but only 3,666 were offered admission.


The rector also said 3,871 candidates were given admission into the college’s HND (Full-Time) programme, adding that Yabatech offerred admission to a total of 7,375 candidates for both ND/HND (Part-Time) programmes.

“The matriculation is of utmost importance; the matriculation oath signifies that you accept to abide by all the rules and regulations governing the conduct of students in the college.

“You must shun all forms of anti-social activities such as cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, sexual misbehaviour and other unruly behaviour.

“You must at all times ensure that you abide by this oath. You will be introduced to various structures, systems, rules and regulations in the college during the orientation programme for new students,” the rector said.

He said that students who would
violate the rules of the college would be penalised as stipulated by the law.

The rector advised the students to behave well.


“In line with the Federal Government’s directive and our resolve at improving access to education, we will put more efforts to improve in our current capacity through development of physical structures that would provide additional sitting spaces for our students,“ he said.

The rector said the students must record 75 per cent lecture attendance to qualify to write examinations.

“You are, therefore, advised to attend lectures regularly to qualify to write examinations,” he said.

Omokungbe said that the management of the college had commenced refurbishment of hostel facilities by procuring 3,000 mattresses.

He added that the management provided modern equipment to upgrade classrooms, studios and laboratories.

“I implore you to be diligent, hardworking and focussed on your academics. Most importantly, you must refrain from all forms of examination misconduct.

“You must imbibe the culture of discipline in academics to excel in your career. Shun all forms of distraction and take your studies very seriously, let reading and learning be your sole pre-occupation.

“ You must also refrain from acts that may tarnish your image, the image of your family and that of the college.

“The college has high reputation of zero tolerance for all forms of indecent dressing,“ he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/yabatech-admits-14912.html

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has disclosed plans to invest $120 million within the next three years to boost productivity and transform cassava and eight other commodities in Africa.

The nine commodities include: cassava, rice, maize, sorghum/millet, wheat, livestock, aquaculture, high iron beans and orange fleshed sweet potatoes.

The Director for Agriculture at AfDB, Dr Martin Fregene disclosed this at the fourth International conference on cassava, being organized by the Global Cassava Partnerships for the 21st Century, GCP21, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

He stated that transforming cassava on the African continent would help African nations to cut imports and redirect about $1.2bn into African domestic economies.


A statement made available to journalists by the IITA Communication Specialist Godwin Atser disclosed that the cassava conference was attended by more than 450 local international partners in the cassava sector, coming from research and development organizations, government, farming community, and the private sector.

The bank’s investment in cassava is coming at a time when African governments are scaling up efforts to end food imports and create wealth.

Dr Fregene said cassava was a strategic crop for Africa’s food security and wealth creation for youth and women, adding that “another dimension to the importance of cassava is in nutrition where cassava can enhance the nutrition of children directly or as feed for poultry and other livestock.”

He added that with the largest volume of cassava coming from Africa, cassava supports more than 350 million people in Africa.

The Minister of Agriculture Republic of Benin, Dr Gaston Dossouhoui said cassava remained the cheapest staple consumed by Africans, adding that “addressing the constraints of cassava production in Africa will have a positive impact on African farmers.”

He lauded the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akin Adesina for his commitment of investing in agriculture and cassava, in particular.

The minister also commended the GCP21 for organizing the fourth International Conference on cassava, emphasizing that it would contribute to knowledge sharing that would help in removing the bottlenecks in the cassava sector.

Dr Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director General for Partnerships for Delivery at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), said unlocking the potential of cassava required partnerships and close collaboration of partners to address the constraints facing cassava.

Dr Dashiell commended GCP21 for filling the gaps in cassava R& by organizing a series of conferences with experts sharing knowledge on innovations in cassava.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/afdb-plans-120-million-to-boost-cassava.html

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc has said its gas business recorded $124 million revenue, representing over 27 per cent increase to the firm’s total revenue for the 2017 financial year.

The indigenous oil and gas company, which returned to profitability after making a loss before tax of $173 million in 2016, explained that its strategy to diversify income base through expansion of gas business has significantly strengthened its balance sheet.

Speaking at the 2017 yearly general meeting held in Lagos on Wednesday, the Chairman of the company, ABC Orjiakor, explained that the company is presently pursuing a Nigeria focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future divestment programmes by the international oil companies, farm–in opportunities and future licensing.


According to him, the firm completed and commissioned the phase 11 of its Oben gas processing hub, which added a further 225 MMscfde capacity to take a total capacity at the Oben plant to 465 MMscf.

Orjiakor, who assured shareholders of increased value on investments and enhanced profitability, said: “Following repeated disruptions to the TransForcados export route, Seplat is now focused on providing multiple export route to mitigate downtime and revenue loss.

“In 2017, the company successfully completed repairs and upgrades on two jetties at the Warri refinery that would enable sustained export of 30,000bopd (gross), up from 15,000bopd.”

Furthermore, he said the Amukpe-Escravos 160,000bopd capacity pipeline is set to come on stream and would provide a third export option for liquids production at OMLs 4, 38 and 41, which presently accounts for about 90 per cent of the firm’s total liquid production mix, expected to be completed by Q3, 2018.

He added that the firm’s profit before tax for the year stood at $44 million and reflected the return to profitability in the third and fourth quarters, where net quarterly profit before tax of $24 million and $46 million, respectively offset the $26 million loss before tax recorded at mid-year.

“Looking ahead, Seplat, which migrated to the premium board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on April 16, 2018, will focus on its early mover advantage in the domestic gas sector that will now be anchored around OML 53 large scale ANOH greenfield gas and condensate development.

“The company will also retain the flesibility and financial discipline that ha seen it emerge from a difficult chapter in its history a fitter and stronger business,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/seplats-gas-business-contributes-27-to.html

Top United States counterintelligence official has advised Americans travelling to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup scheduled to begin on June 14 not to take electronic devices.

The measure is called for because they are likely to be hacked by criminals or the Russian government.

In a statement to William Evanina, the officials warned World Cup travelers that even if they think they are insignificant, hackers could still target them.

Evanina is an FBI agent and the director of the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center.

“If you’re planning on taking a mobile phone, laptop, PDA, or other electronic device with you, make no mistake; any data on those devices may be accessed by the Russian government or cyber criminals,” he said.

Such data especially your personally identifiable information are vulnerable.

“Corporate and government officials are most at risk, but don’t assume you’re too insignificant to be targeted,” Evanina added.

“If you can do without the device, don’t take it. If you must take one, take a different device from your usual one and remove the battery when not in use.”

Evanina’s warning comes as U.S. intelligence, law enforcement and congressional officials are still investigating Russian hacking in the 2016 presidential election.

The probe is on whether anyone with President Donald Trump’s campaign was aware of or aided it.

Trump has repeatedly denied there was any collusion and Russia has said it did not meddle in the U.S. election.

Another U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said British security agencies have issued similar warnings to its public and England football team, which is competing for the World Cup.

Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said it was “providing expert cyber security advice to the (UK) Football Association ahead of their departure to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.”

The NCSC, a branch of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), Britain’s electronic eavesdropping agency, also issued a warning to the British public.

Private Cyber security expert Patrick Wardle said the official warnings constituted “really good advice.

“When I travel to Russia, I bring ‘burner’ devices, so if they get hacked, it doesn’t really matter.”

A burner device is typically bought for temporary use, then thrown away.

U.S. agencies have issued similar warnings before other major international sporting events, including the recent Winter Olympics in Seoul.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/2018-world-cup-beware-of-hackers-us.html

The value of the Nigerian equities market rose N117 billion to close at N14.2 trillion on continuing bullish trend.

The bargain hunting in heavy weight counters also led to a growth of 0.84 per cent in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) to close at 39,167.39. As a result, the year-to-date (YTD) growth has improved to 2.4 per cent.

Yesterday’s performance was influenced by gains in Dangote Cement Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Seplat Petroleum Company Development Plc. In all, 27 stocks appreciated while 21 depreciated.


Seplat led the price gainers with 8.1 per cent on as investors increased their stake ahead of improved returns. The company hd last year returned to profitability last year and consolidated on the performance in the first quarter ended March 31, 2018.

The Managing Director of Seplat, Mr. Austin Avuru last week told investors at the company’s annual general meeting that the company ws well equipped to deliver long-term value for shareholders.

“I am pleased to report that Seplat made a return to full-year profitability in 2017, registered strong cash flow performance and significantly strengthened the balance sheet. In a year of contrast, we were plagued throughout most of the first half by force majeure at the Forcados terminal…Our proactive and decisive management coupled with the strong underlying fundamentals of the business have seen us emerge from an exceptionally challenging period a much fitter and stronger business that is well equipped to deliver long-term value for our shareholders,” he said.

Double 11 Plc closed as the second highest price gainer with 4.9 per cent, NEM Insurance Plc and Equity Assurance Plc garnered 4.8 per cent and 4.7 per cent in that order.

Conversely, Prestige Assurance Plc led the price losers with 4.6 per cent, followed by Eterna Plc with 4.4 per cent. FCMB Group Plc shed 4.1 per cent, just as Niger Insurance Plc and A.G Leventis Plc went down 3.7 per cent.

In terms of sectors, four of them appreciated while only one declined. The loser was the NSE Banking Index that shed 0.04 per cent. The NSE Oil & Gas Index led with 4.9 per cent on the back of gains by Seplat and Double 11.

The NSE Insurance Index rose 0.9 per cent, while the NSE Industrial Goods Index and NSE Consumer Goods Index depreciated by 0.5 per cent and 0.4 per cent.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/nse-capitalisation-adds-n117bn-on.html

Some fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria have expressed fears that the proliferation of sports betting outfits in the country might affect the expected unwavering support for the team in Russia.

Some of the fans expressed their fears while speaking on the Coupe de Mundial which begins on Thursday with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Eagles are in Group D alongside the Albiceleste of Argentina, Iceland’s Strákarnir Okkar (Our Boys) and Vatreni of Croatia.

The Eagles open their account at the World Cup against the Vatreni of Croatia on Saturday at 8 p.m.

A number of the fans said the supporters were now scampering for money through football betting.

They were of the opinion that the days when fans had no options than to support the team were gone, adding that sports betting had opened a new vista with which sports enthusiasts could make money.

Sports betting dates as far back as the time of Greek City States about 2,000 years ago.

The Romans then adopted this from the Greeks and turned it into a money generating source via the arena, gladiators’ games.

Although efforts were made to squash sports betting in the middle ages but sports betting already had its hold on the people and those efforts were futile.

A businessman, Chima Okenwa, said the introduction of football betting in the country had exposed the business aspect of the game.

Okenwa said it was now customary for some fans to tip their teams to lose a match against probable superior opponents to increase their chances during staking.

Vitalis Momah, a civil servant, aligning with Okenwa said: “It is now all about the money involved in staking a bet.

“Since I got into football betting, I erased emotion and sentiment from my lexicon. I now watch games with the hope to win money from them.’’

According to him, the World Cup provides 30 days of hope and aspiration for fans to make money from many fronts.

“However, I sincerely pray for the Super Eagles to perform well at the Coupe de Mundial, but the players need to assure me before I can tip them against their opponents while betting,’’ he said.

Smith Oklobia, also a civil servant, said he had prepared to invest money in all the matches that would be played, adding that he could only pray for teams he would mark for victory.

“This is not to say I will not pray for the Super Eagles, I am patriotic, but it is time to make some cash,’’ he said.

On his part, Mohammed Abubakar, said the Eagles remained his number one team to support, adding, however, that football betting had changed the fans following configuration in the country.

“I do bet sometimes with club football. The World Cup is like war and therefore, we must support our team,’’ Abubakar said.

There are approximately 19 functional Online Sports Betting sites that can be accessed by people in Nigeria.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/world-cup-sports-betting-threatens.html

Three male politicians from Bauchi State who claimed they are All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmen of Bogoro, Tafawa Balewa and Dass local governments areas of Bauchi State namely, have criticised Speaker Yakubu Dogara for his alleged involvement in the plot to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari.

Haruna Rikaya, Wakili Amadi and Zubairu Musa while addressing a joint Press Conference at the NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi, decried that Dogara’s act was selfish and not in the interest of the constituents whom he represents.


The lamented that Dogara had since the last election been at loggers head with the State Governor Mohammed Abubakar even as the party intensifies efforts to reconcile them.

“The Speaker is now indulging in an action capable of not only destabilizing the party but overheating the polity”


Aside the alleged plot to impeach the President, the APC chieftains expressed dismay over Dogara’s failure to show up at the recent wards, local governments and States Congresses conducted by the party in the State ‘without any excuses’.

” If Buhari could go to Daura to witness the conduct of his ward’s Congress despite his busy schedules, why can’t the speaker come to Bogoro, his local government of origin? Queried Bogoro APC Chairman Haruna Rikaya.

But in his reaction, a political associate of the speaker and member representing Tafawa Balewa local government in the State assembly Aminu Tukur said the allegation of plot to impeach the President leveled against the Speaker was baseless claiming that Dogara is Buhari’s highest campaign donor in 2015 in Bauchi state.

Tukur who described the utterances of the APC chairmen against the speaker as move to besmirch his image ahead of 2019 election alleged that the Bogoro Local government APC chairman Haruna Rikaya voted for Rochas Okorocha during the last party primaries instead of Buhari “as unanimously’resolved by party delegates from the State”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/impeachment-plot-bauchi-apc-chieftains.html

Nigerians travel a lot. That’s a given. However, they all seemingly engage in the same set of activities whenever they find themselves in a foreign land.

In a video which surfaced online recently, President Olusegun Obasanjo made an interesting remark on his eating preference when abroad. The former president told his interviewer, a lady, that he would be having a lunch with a friend soon, and she presumed he would be having the traditional Nigerian staples like Amala or Iyan like many Nigerians are wont to.


But Obasanjo wasn’t going to live by that rule! “I cannot be eating that in Nigeria, and come here and be eating it”, he said to the surprise of his interviewer. He said he preferred to have a taste of what the British people have in food than looking for where to get Nigerian foods while in the UK.

Obviously, Obasanjo wasn’t speaking for most Nigerians who live in or visit foreign countries in this regard. Most Nigerians will never contemplate culinary offerings of their host countries when their traditional cuisines are within reach.
Similarly, Nigerians have their unique ways of vacationing which is nothing like what other nationals do. For most Nigerians, a vacation is for one or more of the following activities.

Visit to the Stadia of Foreign Football Clubs

An average Nigerian is football crazy. Hence while Americans or Europeans often mark out vacation plans which usually include trying out sumptuous foreign foods, visiting iconic sites and letting down their hair in some fantastic entertainment spots or bars, most Nigerians often have a sports club in mind when they visit a country that plays host to their favourite football clubs.

Irrespective of class and background, Nigerians flow quite easily when it comes to discussions on the performance and superiority of their favourite football clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and the rest.
The love and passion for these clubs are so great that visiting them is a priority on the vacation plans of most Nigerians when they find themselves in a foreign land.

For most, their trips abroad are incomplete without some pictures in front of Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium or Chelsea’s Stamford bridge or the stadia of whichever club they are loyal to. And these outings must be complemented, of course, with orders of customised jerseys and other merchandise of the various clubs.

Perhaps one day someone will work out the figure that is consistently expended by Nigerians on the jerseys of these clubs and conduct a leg-count of those who are making compulsory vacation visits to the clubs. It’s simply amazing.

Foreign Medical

These days, medical checkups feature regularly on the to-do lists of Nigerians who vacation abroad.
And it’s a big deal in every sense of the word. After all, very few Nigerians have enough resources not only to vacation in a foreign land but also to undergo a medical checkup in private hospitals in Europe and other parts of the world.
So don’t be transfixed when you hear some privileged Nigerians say, “You know I just returned from my vacation abroad where I had my medical check-up”.

Get this, it doesn’t matter if these fellows are well and fine or if they had received a clean bill of health from the private health services they patronise in Nigeria.

Medical-vacation, as it’s called in some quarters, is a form of status symbol. So most privileged Nigerians do share their medical-vacation treats to demonstrate that it’s a costly experience for those who can afford quality health care.
Like a physician from Harley Street, a famous street in London noted for its huge number of private hospitals, once shared with this column, “most Nigerians are known to this street as charitable visitors not essential service users”.
After all, health, they say, is wealth.

Shopping Display

Often times good vacation would include a time to go round and pick some lovely personal effects such as good clothes and fine shoes.
But this moment itself is the main and only vacation experience for many Nigerians.
For instance, when most Nigerians discuss Dubai, it’s never on the amazing transformation of a desert into a globally noted tourist destination or other fascinating details about the city. Rather, it’s almost always about where to buy what and brandish it for some splendid pictures around the city malls.

That’s why on the back of Nigerians’ shopping prowess, the famous department store in London, Debenhams, added a Nigerian language to its foreign signages to attract more Nigerian customers.

For many Nigerians, a vacation is memorable and great only if they got on the magnificent floors of Harrods or Selfridges in London or that of other upscale stores around the world and walk out with the branded shopping bags of these luxury stores in hands.
Of course pictures of the bags of these stores in hands are very essential. They are fantastic fodder for the followers of these Nigerians on Instagram, Twitter and other social media channels who must know about the “shopping-vacation” and luxury lifestyles.

Indoor Treats

Nigerians are arguably about the only people who would be on vacation and still prefer to spend the whole of their holiday indoors.
It is never out of place to hear from Nigerians who have vacationed with their families in the UK, US and other such places that they had a great moment watching one African movie channel, especially Nigerian Nollywood or the other on satellite television.
Even those who stay in hotels are mostly on Youtube having the best of time viewing different movies with the bliss of the super-fast internet service that such private entertainment deserves unlike the slow internet service on offer back home.
In this case, a fantastic vacation is complete indoors with different movies, Nigerian dishes preferably, music, long sleep – especially during winter – and hours of telephone chats with friends and families back in Nigeria.

Graduation Ceremonies

Don’t be surprised that attending graduation ceremonies of wards, siblings, relatives and associates abroad constitute a unique vacation experience for some Nigerians.

After all an opportunity to see and feel the atmosphere of the famous academic institutions in America, Europe, Middle-East and some parts of Africa is a beautiful memory worth relishing.

Hence, to don flamboyant wears and flash glowing sets of teeth to a camera during graduations ceremonies in a foreign land is enough bliss for some vacationing Nigerians.

Of course, Nigerians have other interests which have not been captured in this piece, but the foregoing constitutes some of the most unique ways Nigerians vacation abroad.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/5-things-most-nigerians-do-on-vacation.html

Super Eagles of Nigeria will wear new locally flavoured attire when they fly into Russia on Monday for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,The Eagles were poised to wear the attire during their visit to President Muhammadu Buhari last month but the stylist reportedly failed to meet the deadline set by the Nigerian Football Federation, a camp source revealed to CSN.The white native attire has green embroidery of the Super Eagles emblem on the chest.

The white trousers and predominantly white tunic go with white shoes with knots of green at the top to match.A white South-South style hat completes the dashing outfit.

Odion Ighalo and John Ogu have both posted pictures of them wearing the new attire.

The team are expected to depart Austria on Monday for Russia after an eight-day intensive training camp.

More photos athttp://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/photos-super-eagles-to-fly-out-to.html

Nkem Ukandu, the South-East Zonal Secretary of African Democratic Congress, ADC, yesterday said Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has not formally joined the party formed by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

He also said the former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, has not also officially joined the party.
The ADC scribe confirmed this to Vanguard in Owerri, saying the doors are open for anybody who wants to join the party.

Recently, Obasanjo visited Imo State after his Coalition for Nigeria Movement, CNM, joined ADC, as part of his strategies to boost its membership.
Ukandu said, “You already know that our doors are open for anybody who wants to join the party. We already have a hand shake as our symbol.
“As we speak, I can categorically tell you that neither Ikedi Ohakim nor Rochas Okorocha has come to join ADC formally. We are encouraging our people to join the party but you have to abide by the rules and regulations. Our doors are wide open.

Meanwhile, Okorocha’s chosen one for 2019 gubernatorial election in the state, Nwosu, yesterday said he was going to be governor of the state come 2019.
He spoke in front of Imo Government House, when scores of youths came on solidarity visit.
Addressing the youths, Nwosu said, “When you look at my face, you will be happy. You have come to see my face and you will be happy.
“President Muhammadu Buhari needs another four years to stabilise this country. “In 2019, Buhari will continue as president of Nigeria and in 2019, I will be the next governor of Imo State.
“Forget these people who are busy running around in Abuja. I want to tell you that we have taken over. “For now, we are at the right step. Okorocha is a bishop in the cathedral and he is preparing people to take over the cathedral.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/adc-reacts-to-report-of-okorocha-ohakim.html

Ecobank Nigeria wednesday disclosed that in the past six months it attracted six million new customers as a result of its improved seamless applications on its mobile App.

The Executive Director, Consumer Bank, Ecobank Mrs. Carol Oyedeji said this at the digital Pay Expo 2018 that took place in Lagos.
Digital Pay Expo is an event which brings together stakeholders in digital financial services to discuss key issues affecting the payments industry.


Announcing Ecobank’ s participation,Oyedeji, said Ecobank is a frontline financial institution offering world class digital products that has further pushed the frontiers of financial inclusion across the continent.

According to Oyedeji the Digital Pay Expo 2018 was just another opportunity for Ecobank to showcase its leadership position in digital payments and financial inclusion with innovative financial services for the vast majority of Nigerians.

She further stated that the Ecobank Mobile App which has won several international awards does not only remove barriers to financial inclusion but also provides convenience on cardless withdrawals, transfers and bill payments.

“The Ecobank Mobile App has attracted over five million new customers in the past six months.
“Also on display, is the new EcobankPay, the newly launched unified payment solution using QR to accept MasterPass, mVisa and mCash payments at merchant’s locations.

“Products on display by Ecobank include the Ecobank Mobile App which enables customers instantly open Ecobank Xpress Account; this account type does not attract any account fees, paperwork or minimum balancerequirements,” she added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/ecobank-mobile-app-attracts-five.html

The Managing Director of Vowgas Nigeria Limited, Godwin Izomor, has commended the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) for assisting operators in the oil and gas industry.

His commendation followed the agency’s determination to shorten the contracting cycle, which has been blamed for the delay in execution of projects. The NCDMB had recently signed the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) to specifically shorten the Nigerian Oil and Gas Contracting Cycle, for which the Nigerian experience was considered the longest globally.

Izomor lauded the initiative of the NCDMB, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and OPTS in tackling the age-long problem, describing it as a significant milestone.

MG Vowgas Group, a fast-growing Nigerian EPIC currently operating from its ultramodern fabrication complex in Port Harcourt, recently got ISO Certification 9001: 2015 by Bureau Veritas Certification Holdings SAS-UK.

The certification comes with engineering, procurement, construction (fabrication) and installation, in recognition of its adherence to Total Quality Management System (TQMS), which conforms with acceptable international standards. Izomor explained that the content and terms of the SLA would boost investors’ confidence in the Oil and Gas market, which would usher-in new players. 


“In the same vein, it will reduce risk as banks can freely support oil and gas investments due to quicker return on investments (ROI), just as it is bound to remarkably reduce the cost of projects,” he said. He added that the new agreement would “significantly improve the Nigerian Content in line with the NOGICD Act, as it will terminate the unnecessary bureaucracy in the industry.” 


http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/vowgas-commends-ncdmb-over-agreement.html

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South East Zone has expressed shocked over the death of Mr. Uwakwe Abugu, the Chief Press Secretary to Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Abugu, who reportedly passed on June 4, 2018, in a hospital in India, after a protracted illness, was appointed Chief Press Secretary in June 2015.

Before his appointment, he was the South East Bureau Chief of New Telegraph Newspaper.

In a condolence message signed by the Vice President and Secretary, Zone C of the union, Messrs Chris Isiguzo and Ken Ofoma, they described Abugu as `man of peace, consummate professional and perfect gentleman’.

“Uwakwe, you ran a good race of life, you fought through life with amazing doggedness, and kind fortune smiled on you, only for the icy hands of death to come and snatch you when we, your family, Enugu State Government and humanity needed you most.

“Above all, when you were about to enjoy the fruit of your labour.

“Oh death! Where is thy sting! Oh coward death, why do you come like a thief to snatch our best? But you came late,’’ they said.

In her condolence message, the state Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Ifeoma Amuta described Abugu’s death as `a big blow to journalism profession’.

“Comrade Abugu, since his assumption of office as Chief Press Secretary, had been a father to the association. He was always there for us collectively and individually.

“Uwakwe has made his mark and left his foot print on the sands of time. That is our consolation as we express our gratitude to the all knowing God for his life,’’ she said.

They prayed for the peaceful repose of Uwakwe’s soul and the souls of other faithful departed and condoled the immediate family, Enugu State Government and colleagues in general the heart to bear `this irreparable and irreplaceable’ soul with fortitude.

The Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, Mr Felix Nwadioha described Abugu as a `perfect gentleman who saw self esteem as the best legacy to bequeath to this noble profession’.

“The media in Enugu has lost a colossus, media gentleman, a man who seems self esteem as the best legacy to bequeath to this noble profession.

“I receive the death with rude shock and will remember him with all legacies he has left behind,’’ he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/enugu-nuj-nawoj-mourn-uwakwe-gov.html

The dumping of an unidentified three-month-old baby at the waste site along Asaba-Benin expressway, has unsettled residents in that environment.
It was gathered that the infant was allegedly dumped at the refuse site around 4:30am by a yet-to-be-identified person, who immediately disappeared into thin air.

But a source, Festus Owie, a mechanic who claimed to had seen the baby being dumped, told Akelicious “I was in my workshop very early morning when a woman with an escort holding a gun,came to dump the baby, I was afraid not to shout because of the man with a gun, they then disappeared after dumping the baby”

DSP Andrew Aniamaka, police spokesman in Delta state confirmed that the police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, adding that “we took the baby to orphanage home for now, we are investigating the incident, it’s painful, and unfortunate”.

Some of the residents of the area, who besieged the dump site, were seen in tears as they rained curses on the perpetrators.

One of the residents, Uche Franklin said, “This is why God will continue to make some women barren, just imagine what a woman did? God will not forgive her anywhere she goes.”
Investigations revealed that people in the recent times take advantage of the night and early hours to dump all manner of refuse including sanitary pads at the dump site, causing the place to emit offensive odour posing health hazards to neighbours and road users.

Motorists plying the road, who spoke to Akelicious on condition of anonymity, said “the emitting odour from the dump site, indeed, is some thing else. We drive through the place with speed, the odour is too much, we want government to do something about it”.

But the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr John Nani, who spoke to Akelicious, said “We already have those who will bring to book illegal waste dumpers, we are doing every thing possible to make the site good, the odour would soon be a thing of the past. The new task-force will bring sanity to the dump site, as for the baby dumped, we will ensure the mother is brought to book.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/shock-as-asaba-residents-wake-to-sight.html

Second Republic Senator Ayo Fasanmi yesterday urged Southwest All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to resolve the crisis ravaging some of the chapters in the region before the preparations for next year’s elections.

He said the surviving associates of the sage, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were worried by the controversy over state congresses in Oyo State.

According to him, these may undermine the chances of the party in future elections.

Fasanmi, an APC elder, who spoke on phone, sought speedy resolution of the crisis in Oyo, Ondo and Lagos states, warning that delay could be dangerous.


The elder statesman admonished the warring factions and groups in the state chapters to make sacrifice and promote peace in the interest of the party.

Pa Fasanmi spoke on the heels of the rejection of the reconciliation proposed by Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi by party chieftains under the aegis of the Oyo APC Unity Forum.

The Unity Forum, in a statement by its Secretary, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, attributed the crisis to Ajimobi, adding that he was paying a lip service to reconciliation.

He said: “Governor Ajimobi is not known for keeping promises and the reconciliation effort will not yield any fruit. The political landscape of Oyo State and Ajimobi’s political career are littered with carcasses of victims of his deceit. His offer of reconciliation is a poisoned chalice that anyone will accept at his own peril. We reject it.”

Olatunbosun added: “The governor will parade some men of shady character before his kangaroo reconciliation panel and call them members of the Unity Forum. Whoever buys that fraud does so at its own risk. The crisis in the party resulted from actions of the governor; they are undemocratic. The governor cannot, therefore, lead genuine reconciliation in the party…”

Fasanmi said: “I am very worried and sad. I have invested all my life in the progressive camp. Those of us who were associates of Awolowo are sad. We should come together to discuss. The next election is critical. No election can be won on the platform of disunity and crass opportunism.”


He added: “If we continue in this manner, it will be difficult to win the elections of 2019. We should come together. I am worried. In Lagos, Oyo and Ondo APC, there are crises. APC came together, not due to ideological similarity but the fight for federal power. We need to promote democracy in the party.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/southwest-elders-should-wade-into-oyo.html

Wife of the Lagos State Governor and founder, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative, HOFOWEM, Mrs Bolanle Ambode on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of 50,000 shoes and branded socks for primary one pupils of public schools across the state.

Mrs Ambode flagged off the distribution at the Cherubim and Seraphim Primary School, Lagos Road, Majidun in Ikorodu. The distribution is the 2018 edition of the “Project Bright Steps,” a pet project of HOFOWEM, to boost the morale of the children and sensitize the society that the welfare of pupils is important, in getting the best of them in their academic pursuits.

In the first edition of Project Bright Steps in February last year, 175,000 shoes and HOFOWEM-branded socks, were distributed to all primary 1 – 3 pupils of public primary schools across Lagos State.

Flagging off the distribution, Mrs Ambode said getting the best from education began with proper dressing to school, saying that the foundation had observed with some pain, that many pupils were less than properly dressed to school, as some turned up in bathroom slippers while many others went barefooted.

The First Lady stated that this sort of daily appearance for school activities certainly could not guarantee them the desired self-esteem, for confidence to excel in their academic work.

“Our Foundation had pondered this and settled on the mass procurement and distribution of shoes and socks to the pupils, at least to prepare them for school. By the grace of God, upon the huge success recorded in the first edition, we are flagging-off the second edition of the project today, with a plan to distribute no less than 50,000 shoes and branded socks, to the primary one pupils of public schools across the state.

“The distribution centres are: Agege, Maryland, Yaba, Ojo, Amuwo Odofin, Epe, Lagos Island and Ikorodu which doubles as the flag-off venue. This arrangement is for easier accessibility to the various schools and the benefitting pupils,” she disclosed.

Mrs Ambode noted that Project Bright Steps was planned as an annual event, and would continue as such, by God’s grace, to touch as many pupils as possible in the state’s public primary schools.

Thanking all public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies, who had assisted HOFOWEM in its humanitarian endeavours, she urged the pupils to be serious with their academic work and that they should not make excuses of challenges and limitations.

“You can learn something new every day, if you listen attentively in class. And with strong determination, you can overcome all barriers to achieve your desired dream. Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet to the ground, do small things, in great ways. It is about your attitude of mind,” she counseled the pupils.Chief Executive Officer, CEO, HOFOWEM, Mrs Oyefunke Olayinka said since the commencement of operations, the foundation had touched the lives of many and is still putting smiles on the faces of the less-privileged without wavering, adding that through the foundation’s various humanitarian programmes, hundreds of women, children and youths had been reached.

She said the Project Bright Steps was a programme aimed at increasing school attendance by equipping pupils for school, thereby serving as a means of support for indigent parents, who might find it difficult to provide the basic school needs, required by their children and wards for enjoyable schooling.


“Parents and guardians should know that anything worth having does not come easy. All hands must be on deck, backed by prayers to achieve our most ambitious goals for our children,” she said, while charging the pupils to put in their best in everything they set out to do.

Speaking at the event, Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Ganiyu Sopeyin said the distribution of the shoes and socks would take place in all 1,016 public primary schools across the State.

He said last year, pupils in primary one to three benefitted from the distribution in 1,010 primary schools.

Commending the First Lady for the gesture, Sopeyin added that the exercise was a testimony that the present administration’s clarion call to Non-Governmental Organisations, NGO, was yielding the needed synergy between government and well meaning Nigerians to raise the standard of basic education in the State.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Elizabeth Adekanye described the project as laudable and a step in the right direction to provide quality and accessible education to pupils in Lagos State Primary Schools.

“The First Lady has a burning desire to touch the lives of the less privileged in the society. She is everywhere assisting the indigents. This initiative is continuous all through the year,” she said.

A representative of the parents, Mr Ajayi Ajibola commended Mrs Ambode for the gesture, as it would relieve parents the burden of providing shoes and socks for their wards.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/ambodes-wife-flags-off-distribution-of.html

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has admonished Nigerian bishops not to be wolves but to promote love among their congregation.

Governor Obiano speaking at the All Saints Anglican Church Cathedral, Onitsha, during the consecration of four new bishops of the Anglican Communion, urged clerics to be purposeful leaders of their various religious denominations by showing love, quality leadership, accountability as well as mercy to their congregation.
Obiano said: “Now the spirit of most Nigerians are down because of hardship in the country; I urge Nigerian bishops, especially these newly ordained ones, not to be wolfs but leaders that will show love, directions and mercy to their various congregation.

” They should see the people of other denominations as brothers and sisters, let them show God-kind love to everybody irrespective of status and tribe.”
Also present was the primate of Anglican Communion in Nigeria, Most Revered Nicholas Okoh, who in his speech urged Christians to discard their earlier beliefs that politics is a dirty game,while lamenting growing security challenges in the country.
He advised them to be active in politics in order to make it decent.

According to him, “It is time for Christians in the country make it a matter of priority to register, collect their voters cards and make sure they vote during elections.
“They should also join political parties and play active roles.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/nigerian-bishops-should-not-be-wolves.html

The Rivers state House of Assembly has said it is not aware of the defection of the member representing Ahaoda-East Constituency 1, Martins Mannah to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mannah had during his defection to the All Progressives Congress said Rivers state lawmakers are being intimidated and denied their rights by Governor Nyesom Wike.
“All the Governor sold to us was a big fat lie. When they were campaigning they told us that there was a blueprint of what they will do when they enter government. Let them show us the blueprint.

“Let me tell you, there is no blueprint anywhere. The leader of the PDP in Rivers state is leading the party like a dictator.
“In the history of Rivers state, we have never been in opposition. Opposition politics cannot pay us, our people must understand this,” he had said.
But the Rivers state House of Assembly stated that the House will use its internal mechanism to address issues of any infraction against the legislature.

Chairman, House Committee on Information and Training, Sam Ogeh said this while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Sam Ogeh also dissociated members of the Rivers state House of Assembly from claims by Martins Mannah that members are not happy with the Speaker, Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani.
He further emphasized that it is not true that members of the eight Assembly suffers intimidation and are denied their rights by the Executive.
According to Ogeh, “We operate a democracy and we have our rules. As a responsible Assembly we work by the rules of the House. If there is any infraction against the House we will use our internal mechanism to address it.
“On the defection of Martins Mannah I can tell you that it is not before the House.
“The House under the leadership of the Speaker, Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani is not in anyway intimidated. We conduct our business to the best of our ability devoid of pressure or interference from any quarters.
“We are united and we are committed to the course of collaborating with the Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike to develop the state.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/rivers-assembly-denies-defection-of-pdp.html

Transactions at the nation’s autonomous foreign exchange market- the Investors and Exporters (I&E) Window, hit a record $1.7 billion in one week, despite relative losses by the local unit across segments.

The huge transactions, which also indicated a resurging confidence in the forex market, came amid the take off of the three-time weekly auctions for the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).Already, CBN’s data on Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for May 2018, showed sustained expansion in both the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors for the 14th and 13th consecutive months respectively, riding on increasing forex.

This persistent improvement was attributed largely to the positives that have translated into improved access to forex by businesses, particularly since the launch of Investors’ and Exporters (I&E) FX window in April 2017.The manufacturing PMI expanded to 56.5 points, growing at a slower pace compared to 56.9 points recorded in April 2018, due to a slower increase in two components of the index – Inventories (58.7 points) and new orders (54.9 points).


Similarly, the non-manufacturing PMI, expanded to 57.3 points, 0.2 points lower than 57.5 points recorded in April 2018, with a slower growth rate in three components of the index – Business activity (58.7 points), New orders (55.9 points) and Inventories (59.2 points).The I&E Window had opened the week’s trading with the naira flat at N361.57/$ and by midweek, it depreciated by 45 kobo to N362.02/$, but reversed the losses with N1.05 and 12 kobo gians on Thursday and Friday respectively, to close the week at N360.85/$.

Subsequently, activity level in the I & E window strengthened as total turnover on Thursday rose by 92.8% to $1.7 billion against $883.9 million recorded the previous week.Also, the CBN spot rate weakened at the start of the week, depreciating five kobo to N305.95/$ against N305.90/$ recorded in the previous week and remained unchanged till Thursday.

At the close of transactions on Friday, the CBN spot rate further declined by five kobo to N306/$, while the parallel market, which opened the week at N364/$, depreciating by N1 against the previous week’s record, regained the loss as it ended the week at N363/$.

Meanwhile, the nation’s stock of external reserves remained at $47.6 billion, despite sustained interventions, which volume notched up with the new mandate to BDCs to increase the purchase of foreign exchange thrice a week.The apex bank, last week, auctioned a total of $541.41 million to the forex market in two interventions that helped the local unit to regain lost weight against other major currencies.

But in preparation for the resumption of trading activities this week, CBN ended the week with the second intervention worth $331.41 million to players in different sectors of the forex market.CBN’s Bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor, said companies in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors were the beneficiaries of the intervention.He explained that the continued interventions in the forex market was to guard against illiquidity and checkmate actions of speculators that could mount pressure on the country’s reserves.

Reiterating the assurances of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, he said the bank was buoyant enough to meet the foreign exchange requests of various customers cut across the different segments of the market. He therefore charged every customer requiring foreign exchange to approach their respective banks with relevant documents to make formal requests, stressing that the authorized dealers had enough supply to meet every legitimate request.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/investors-transact-17b-at-i-window.html

The executive Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, is a small man of big ideas. He is indeed highly intelligent and soundly educated. He was the former FCT Minister under the Olusegun Obasanjo 'Babacracy'. He authored a controversial book entitled "The Accidental Public Servant" which sold very well at home and elsewhere. He knows how to provoke the opposition and how to defend the principles he believes in. He is both intrepid and outspoken. Ever since he ascended to the position of the Chief Executive of Kaduna state he has been at his best element making himself heard and seen and courting controversy at the state and national levels. Noted for his huge ego El-Rufai could be dscribed as a politician with ambition.

Senator Shehu Sani, on the other hand, was an author, playwright and a human rights activist before becoming a Senator representing the Kaduna Central Senatorial District on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Like Governor El-Rufai Sani is fearless, soundly educated and uses his mouth loudly. Senator Sani is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt. The handsome fair-complexioned Senator has lately been at loggerheads with the Governor over the issue of fresh loan sought after the World Bank by the state government for "developmental projects".

Some weeks back Gov. El-Rufai had approached the Senate to approve a $350 million loan from the World Bank but the Senate dutifully turned down the request on the grounds that the northern state
is already indebted to the tune of about $225 million making her the second most indebted state in the country. The three Senators representing Kaduna state (Messrs Sani, Suleiman Hunkuyi representing Kaduna north and Danjuma Laah representing Kaduna south) had worked assiduously for the loan request to be rejected in the Senate. They vigorously opposed the loan application arguing that the future generation would be subjected to unmerited suffering if the loan was granted as Governor El-Rufai may not be able to repay the entire loan before he quits the government house.

The Governor was livid as he was informed of the defeat his request had suffered on the Senate plenary decrying the "wicked" role played by the three distinguished lawmakers in frustrating the fiscal move. (Foreign funds could be as sweet as honey in the mouths of those in power!) He has been unrelenting in accusing them of betraying the Kaduna people; even urging the 'talakawas' at a point to "stone" them whenever they come back home and whereever they are seen on the streets of Kaduna! In a fit of uncontrollable rage El-Rufai had, while addressing a meeting of APC stakeholders in Kaduna, asked the people of the state to "shave the heads and beards of the Senators when they come to Kaduna"!

Senator Shehu Sani had defended their position robustly stressing that the loan would further erode the economic viability of the state asking the Governor to borrow a leaf from Gombe state whose Governor has been managing the resources of the relatively young state prudently with little or no foreign loan and archieving great things and delivering democracy dividends to the people. Sani and his fellow Senators from Kaduna state must have meant well but their Governor thought otherwise hence his vituperations against them. Yet it goes without saying that such antics hardly solved the problem.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai is a diminutive man who suffers from self-imposed hubris. His stewardship in Kaduna state cannot be said to be the best (yet not the least either). Sometime ago he had 'attacked' the daily menace of street begging in the state by initiating a model of legislation which criminalizes begging, street trading and 10-year imprisonment of parents who allowed their kids to roam about at school hours. He has taken Kaduna to new heights in terms of raising the bar of good governance but in this matter of external loan he has exhibited a manifest irresponsibility unbecoming of a man holding such high office. He has shown that he may have had a certain personal interest in this issue beyond his powers.

While Senator Sani is sounding more statesmanly and convincing El-Rufai is sounding emotional betraying a nauseating hypocritical 'love' of the Kaduna peoplz. We are not fooled by his aggressive display of 'affection' for the interest of the downtrodden. The 'talakawas' he sought to incite against the Seantors may be ignorant of the consequencies of going a-borrowing but that is his cup of tea.

For a state like Kaduna to want to go a-borrowing again is a stark demonstration of the failure of the government led by Mallam Nasir to internally generate the revenue requirred to power the state and meet the daily needs of the people. The challenges of governance go beyond making available millions of Dollars of cheap money! Kaduna is not the poorest state in Nigeria so the borrowing blues speaks volume of the depth of misapplication of resources and values. El-Rufai must not think that whatever he wants is his for the asking; there are constitutional rules and regulations to be adhered to strictly to avoid abuse of office. His haughty acts of intimidation did not present him well before discerning minds in Kaduna state and elsewhere in Nigeria.

Senator Shehu Sani and his legislative 'brothers' in the Senate were right by refusing to endorse a loan the Governor could not pay off before he relocates from the government house in Kaduna city. The Governor was wrong for throwing insults at the distinguished Senators and inciting violence against them. It is never a crime for one to say no to fiscal 'manna' from the Bretton Woods whose conditionalities are capable of becoming an economic enslavement of the Kaduna people post El-Rufai! Let the Governor work harder to boost the internally-generated revenue of the state rather than looking for easy solutions.

Following the incessant verbal attacks directed at the federal legislators from Kaduna Senator Sani had raised an important medical issue with some national implications. Earlier this month he had written to the Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, to carry out a mental state examination on Nasir El-Rufai. He maintained in his memo that the Governor needed urgent medical attention. A Governor of a state to be made to go through psychiatric examination to ascertain his mental state? Besides the fiery Senator declared that he would be initiating, in the Senate, the process for inclusion in the Electoral Act provisions compelling elective holders to undergo psychiatric evaluation. Such office holders and their appointees, Senator Sani added, must also be made to undergo tests for substance abuse before being elected or appointed! Great idea!

On a broader scale, however, there is a legislative need, as Sani suggested, for public office holders in a new Nigeria under construction to go through psychiatric and dope tests before contesting any elective position or being appointed into any office. Over time we have seen some insane mortals occupying positions of authority as Judges, Governors, legislators and what have you. Often they presented doctored (or outright fake) medical and academic certificates with which they swindled the electorate electorally. And once they assumed office they would start misbehaving and stealing the state resources. Some of them, upon commission of crime, would readily plead 'immunity' hiding under the obnoxious clause to stand above the law!

We hold that the Kaduna Senator raised a serious health issue worth considering without sentiment, for in Nigeria the truth is self-evident that we have had many psychopaths in power from Abuja down to the states' capitals. It is not necessarily when a man or woman roams the street aimlessly and muttering to themselves (sometimes naked) that they are considered mad. Insanity could manifest in many ways mentally or physically without the sufferer being in the know of their condition. The issue of mental stability goes beyond physical appearance or life of opulence. Through actions and inactions one could exhibit early or advanced signs or stages of madness!

Kleptocracy, for instance, is said to be a form of insanity arising from accumulating wealth beyond what one needs in his lifetime. Infirmity of the mind could be a product of executive or judicial or legislative hubris. It could be associated with the oppressive tendencies of leaders whose anti-people wicked policies and programmes tend to pauperize the people. It could equally arise from megalomania and vindictiveness.

The Governor of Kaduna state may not be a victim of lunacy of whatever definition but he may have surpassed a limit within which a doctor could be called in, as Senator Sani had suggested, to examine clinically his mental state. Perhaps by taking up the challenge thrown at him by the national law-maker in Abuja Nasir El-Rufai could prove to Sani that all is well upstairs! Otherwise, the suspicions that something is wrong somewhere above his neck area could persist!

In conclusion, is it not in order to insinuate that the mind-boggling figures -- millions and billions -- (looted, recovered or borrowed by our politicians) are turning our compatriots into depressive glorified 'lunatics'? Not only Gov. El-Rufai but all of us need some mental examination soonest. Someone, please, call the doctor to come over!

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/kaduna-borrowing-blues-by-soc-okenwa.html

A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday fixed June 19, for parties to adopt their addresses on a no-case submission filed by Waripamo Owei-Dudafa, a former presidential aide, facing charges of N5.1 billion fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arraigned Owei-Dudafa, a former aide to then President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside one Joseph Iwejuo, on a 23-count charge bordering on conspiracy and concealment of crime proceeds.
Also charged are some companies namely: Seagate Property Development & Investment Ltd, Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd, Pluto Property Ltd, Investment Company Ltd, and Rotate Interlink Services Ltd.
Others are : LIbejige Services Ltd, De Jakes Fast Food & Restaurant Nigeria Ltd and Ebiwise Resources After the prosecution closed its case at the last adjourned date, the defence had informed the court of a no-case submission, filed on behalf of the defendant.

According to the defence team, no prima facie case had been established against the accused.


Defence had brought its application pursuant to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, as well as the 1999 Constitution as amended.


When the case was called up on Wednesday, the Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that he had filed his response to the no-case submission of the defence and had also served same on them.


In response, Mr A. Ademola, who represented first defendant, confirmed the service by the prosecution.


Justice Mohammed Idris, consequently adjourned the case until June 19 for adoption of addresses.
The offences for which the defendants are being tried, contravened the provisions of Sections 17(a), 18 (c), and 27 (3) (c) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/ex-presidential-aide-files-no-case.html

A South African company has begun selling what it calls “Entomilk”, a special milk made from farmed insects.

“Think of Entomilk as a sustainable, nature-friendly, nutritious, lactose free, delicious, guilt-free dairy alternative of the future,” Gourmet Grubb said on its website.

According to the company, one of the most pivotal benefits of Entomilk is that it has a high protein content and is rich in minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium.

Entomilk entered the market two years after the debut of the so-called “cockroach milk,” a milk made from the viviparous cockroach named Diploptera punctata.

This particular kind of cockroach, which is usually found on Pacific islands like Hawaii, is the only known cockroach that gives birth to their babies, as opposed to laying eggs.

Their milk is a crystal of proteins, fats and sugars, which are important for the growth of baby cockroaches.

A study carried out by Indian researchers in 2016 found that the cockroach milk is estimated to contain over three times the energy of the equivalent mass of cow milk.

However, scientists did not expect the cockroach milk to be found in supermarkets anytime soon. Besides its unappealing name, it’s also unclear if the milk is safe to consume.

“We have no evidence that it is actually safe for human consumption,” said Subramanian Ramaswamy, the lead author of the 2016 study.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/south-african-firm-begins-selling.html

As the bears continue to ravage the stock market, depressing prices of many stocks at the nation’s equities market, investment analysts have said the low prices are presenting opportunities for investors to invest in the market.

The dominance of the bears for three consecutive weeks has driven the market to new low with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) declining below the 40,000 mark. Also, the year-to-date growth of the market has contracted to below three per cent.
The bear run has been attributed by some analysts to foreign investors who are reducing their holdings in emerging and frontier markets.

Although the development has left many domestic investors to be skeptical and confused over the potential near term upsides, analysts at Afrinvest said investors should rather take advantage of the current cheaper valuation presents.


Akelicious checks showed that the stocks of some companies that either recently declared improved financial results or are have put strategies in place to deliver good returns to investors are trading significantly lower than their opening prices.

In the banking sector, instance, Fidelity Bank Plc is trading 26 per cent lower than the price at which it opened for the year.
The bank reported a growth of 93.7 per cent in profit after tax (PAT) to N18.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, up from N9.7 billion recorded in 2016.

Only last Friday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said the bank would take advantage of growing opportunities in the nation’s economy to deliver quality services to customer and good returns to shareholders.

“Clearly, our success in 2017 financial year has set a strong pedestal for sustained growth in revenue. We are optimistic about a favourable operating environment and we look forward to delivering decent set of numbers at the end of 2018 financial year, ” Okonkwo said.

Similarly, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc is 25.6 per cent cheaper than its price at the beginning of the year, just as Zenith Bank Plc, which delivered one of the best results in 2017, is trading just 1.7 per cent above its 2018 opening price.
The price of Dangote Flour Mills Plc, as at Monday, was 29 per cent cheaper than its year�s opening price.
Two oil stocks, that also posted improved financial performances, Double 11 Plc and Total Nigeria Plc, are trading 15 per cent and 7.8 per cent lower.

However, the insurance sector has many stocks trading between 20 per cent and 60 per cent lower. UNIC Diversified Holdings Plc is 60 per cent cheaper, Niger Insurance Plc, 52 per cent; Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, 48 per cent; Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc,46 per cent; Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc,32 per cent; Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, 30 per cent; LASACO Assurance Plc, 24 per cent and Guinea Insurance Plc, 20 per cent among others.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/new-entry-opportunities-beckon-as-bears.html

The National Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Muhammed Nalado, has commended the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari led-All Progressives Congress (APC) administration as read in his democracy day speech.

Nalado, in an interview with Our Reporter in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the achievements listed in Buhari’s speech were verifiable and that Nigerians could judge them.

He said that the fight against corruption by the Buhari-led administration had helped to correct a lot of wrong practices in the country, adding that it had brought the country back on track.

“In the area of security, even though we still have insecurity challenge, this administration has been able to reduce it, though government can still do more to protect Nigerians.


“The insecurity in the North east has reduced and the numbers of road blocks across the country have reduced.

“Our foreign reserve has also increased. Many children are now benefiting from the Home Grown School Feeding Programme. I believe in what Buhari said he has done.’’

He said that government policy on diversification had also helped many Nigerians to go back to farming unlike before that the country’s economy relied solely on oil revenue.

Nalado also said that Nigerians have course to celebrate democracy day, saying the sustained long years of democracy was an evidence that politicians and democratic governments were back on track, in spite of contrary opinions.

“If you look back at the level of development, you will see we have achieved dividends of democracy than under military regime.

“Our education sector under the democratic government has improved and road construction across the country is increasing.


“The most important dividend we are enjoining now is the freedom; freedom of speech and association, which we couldn’t enjoy under the military era.

The IPAC Chairman advised Nigerians to engage the government in positive criticism that would further strengthen the country’s democracy, security of lives and economic growth.

“I believe citizens need to support the government and criticize objectively.

“I also want to advise Nigerians to use this democracy day to reflect on ways to do things in positive and united ways to improve the situation of the country.’’

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/ipac-chairman-lauds-buharis.html

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), based in Gombe, Dandalin-Matasa Initiative for Rapid Development, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari administration for creating employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerian youths.

The NGO said in Gombe on Tuesday that it was committed to building young people towards better society through capacity building and other areas.

Speaking with our reporters, Executive Director, Mr Bachama Yusuf, said in the last three years of Buhari’s stewardship, youth in the country were given priority through various programmes that were introduced.

“In the area of youth empowerment, we have seen conscious effort by the government in bringing youths to a new level in terms of their lives and development.


“Youth were empowered and given opportunity to be self-reliant, particularly through the N-power where thousands are benefiting.

“Now young people have more confidence in the political and governance system in Nigeria.

“Before it was like all hopes were lost; because everything has to do with whom you know.

“However, President Buhari-led administration saw that as long as you have a genuine cause, citizen can decide and bring whoever they want to bring on board.

He further said in spite the achievements there were areas that need improvement, adding that youths were not adequately represented in the present administration.

“Looking at the cabinet, how many young people are in government, for instance the Minister for Youth is not a young person.


“From the initial stage, we thought Minister for Youth will be a young person at least not less than 40 years that knows the plight of the youth.

“I am appealing to the government to look at the possibility of involving more youths.

“Please, Mr President, we want to be seeing the faces of youth at the helm of affairs at various levels,” he pleaded.

Yusuf, therefore, called on the government to introduce additional initiative to augment the N-Power.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/democracy-day-group-lauds-buhari-for.html

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Monday said the threat by the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) to declare May 30 as ‘a sit-at-home day’ was destructive and a threat to national cohesion.
In a statement, the forum urged governors and elders from the South-east region to call their wards to order, stressing that such action is capable of causing chaos in the country.

The statement signed by the spokesman of the forum, Muhammad Ibrahim, recalled that the sit-at-home order last year by the IPOB did not only infringe on the liberty and rights of innocent and law-abiding citizens residing in the South-east, but was also hijacked by hoodlums who used the opportunity to unleash terror and mayhem on non indigenes.

“It would be recalled that the sit-at-home order of last year by IPOB did not only infringe on the liberty and rights of innocent and law abiding citizens residing in the South-east zone of Nigeria, it was also hijacked by hoodlums who unleashed terror on non-indigenes. We therefore cannot afford a repeat of such incidence.


“Given the benefit of hindsight, ACF therefore, calls on the South-east governors to prevail on their citizens to ignore such acts that seek to affect our sense of oneness and could also affect the economy and political stability of not only in the South-east but of Nigeria as a whole,” the statement said.

The forum urged members of IPOB to listen to the wise counsel of their elders and elected political representatives at both the national and state assemblies and adopt due democratic process.
“Our present democratic structure provides sufficient avenue for people to give voice to their aspirations and vent their concerns. Nigerians should therefore avail themselves to this opportunity rather than seek to heat up the polity.

“ACF also calls on the security agencies to put in adequate measures that will ensure the safety of all citizens in every part of country…
“Our faith in one indivisible Nigeria despite our moments of national instability and challenges has continued to be reaffirmed by individuals and groups at different fora.

“We have also demonstrated it in words and deeds in our political sojourn. We cannot therefore jettison our collective sacrifice for primordial sentiments that would do no one any good,” the ACF said.

The forum said further that Nigeria, like all developing nations, has challenges which can be overcome through collective hard work and due democratic process, stressing that intimidation and threats are not viable means that give voice to people’s aspiration as it is unnecessary and unhelpful.

IPOB had in a statement by its
Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, directed people of the South-east to sit at home on May 30 in remembrance of the Biafra struggle, victims of Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram violence and those who died in the hands of security agencies in Nigeria over the years.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/acf-warns-ipob-against-undermining.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said it will soon dock a self proclaimed pastor ThankGod Udechukwu, founder Jesus the General Outreach Ministry based in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos for alleged swindling of a kinsman and member of his church.

Udechukwu who hails from Ozalla, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was arrested by the EFCC, Enugu Zonal Office on 23 May.

He reportedly took advantage of one of his kinsmen who trusted him as a ‘Man of God’.
“I am his pastor and man of God, in fact, I used to pray for him to succeed and indeed, I prayed for him before he travelled out to Dubai,” he said.
Apparently with this ‘Messiah’ mindset, the self-styled minister of God set out to rip-off his victim using lies, half-truths and manipulations.
According to the victim and complainant who resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, his ordeal in the hands of Udechukwu started with a suggestion that he hand over to him four Toyota Highlander SUVs he imported, claiming that one of his church members was willing to buy the vehicles and other consignments, valued at N16 million.
The pastor helped himself to a huge part of the proceeds, claiming it was for logistics.
Later, the pastor mooted the idea of starting a transport services business and suggested to the Dubai based businessman to buy two Sienna buses to kick it off.
As if under a spell, the complainant still agreed to the business idea.
With no return from the transport business, the complainant instructed the suspect to sell off the two buses.
Udechukwu sold one of the buses and converted the proceed to his personal use.
Some months after, the pastor further suggested a business to the complainant and introduced him to one Amechi Chuks Amechi who claimed to work with Nigeria Breweries and that he could assist in securing a dealership from the company.
He claimed the deal will cost the complainant N2.37 Million, which he transferred to Amechi’s company account in the name of Royal Homes Furniture Company Limited at First Bank Plc.
The petitioner who had hoped to use part of the proceeds from his investments to start some businesses here in Nigeria was totally devastated when on coming home, he discovered to his chagrin that nothing was left as the pastor and his friend had diverted most of the monies realised for their personal use.
Investigation revealed that he used the monies in all the businesses to expand his church buildings and take care of personal issues.

Full report at[url] http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/efcc-arrests-pastor-udechukwu-for.html[/url]

Mr Usman Aliyu, a prosecution witness in the N2.1bn fraud case filed against Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on Monday told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the defendant received the money without executing any contract.

Dokpesi, a chieftain of the PDP, was docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for allegedly receiving the money from the office of former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki.

Aliyu, an operative of the EFCC, led in evidence by the Commission’s counsel, Mr Oluwaleke Atolagbe, said that Dokpesi received the funds through his company, DAAR Investments and Holdings Ltd.

Dokpesi, former Chairman of DAAR Communications, is facing a seven-count charge, bordering on money laundering and procurement fraud.
Aliyu further said that N60million out of the N2.1billion was transferred to two companies, including Archithesis Ltd and Wood Country Investment Ltd.
“We invited the owners and promoters of these companies, one Ayonbani, who volunteered his statement and confirmed that he received the fund from Dokpesi.
“He stated that the fund was for renovation and reconstruction work he was to carry out at the home of Dokpesi in Edo.’’
An exhibit, marked D- statement of account, was produced in court by the witness to show the details of the transactions.
According to the exhibit, on Jan. 22, 2015, the sum of N500million was credited to the account of DAAR Investment and Holdings Ltd. by the office of the former NSA with no work done.
“The balance in the account before the transaction was N113, 885.28.’’
He also said that on Feb. 4, 2015, there was a credit deposit of another N500million from the office of the NSA to DAAR Investment and Holdings account.
On Feb. 9, 2015, another deposit of N620million was made into the account by the same office of the former NSA.
“On March 19, 2015, Dokpesi’s company account was also credited with N500million.”
Aliyu also analysed the bank statements for the transactions between Dokpesi and the two companies (Archithesis and Wood Country Investment Ltd) with dates.
Responding to a question by the defence counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), on whether the account of the office of the NSA was kept with the Central Bank of Nigeria, he answered in the affirmative.
Agabi also asked if funds kept in such account were the proceeds of crime and the witness said no.
The witness also responded in the negative, when he was asked whether he obtained a statement from the defendant.
The witness said he read the defendant’s statement but did not investigate the allegations Dokpesi made, because he was only limited to the N2.1billion received by his company.
Upon further interrogation, he admitted that the defendant had no control over the procedure for making payments in the office of the former NSA.
Justice John Tsoho adjourned the case until Oct. 4 for adoption of addresses.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/n21bn-fraud-dokpesi-received-funds.html

Ijaw youths at the weekend vowed to resist plots by some politicians to destabilise Bayelsa State ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The youths said the politicization of the recent violence that unsettled Amassoma, a host community to the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Southern Ijaw, was an indication that some persons were promoting the crisis for political advantages.

The Central Zone Chairman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr. Tari Pori, said it was unfortunate that “unscrupulous elements” encouraged the bloodshed in Amassoma to score political points.

Speaking in Yenagoa, Pori said: “What happened in Amassoma a few days ago was quite sad, very unfortunate and of course without a doubt, avoidable. For us as ijaw youths, there is no gainsaying that people score political goals while blood is being shed, no sane ijaw youth will pray for the death of another ijaw youth.


“The IYC is not happy with the way and manner in which some of our leaders are going about it. When there is crisis, the best form of resolving it in this world is dialogue. You cannot resolve crisis with violence and those who are fanning the embers of war and crisis should go and ask those who had tasted one.

“I call on all political leaders in Bayelsa state to come together and support government, Amassoma community, the NDU to make sure that all the crises are resolved, instead of instigating more crisis to the already crisised environment.

“So the IYC under our leadership is working very closely with the government of Bayelsa state, the Amassoma community and the school management to resolving all the crisis lingering in Niger Delta university and that of Amassoma community”.

Pori said the IYC was founded to defend and protect the rights of Ijaw people and thanked Governor Seriake Dickson, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their inputs in resolving the crisis.

He lamented that persons instigating the crisis sent their children to the best universities abroad and were only interested in playing politics with the blood of the youths.

“We are very pained that this is a matter that could have been resolved through dialogue but a lot of people were fanning the embers of crisis and look at where it has led us to.


“The crisis in Amassoma is avoidable but unfortunately a lot of people are still writing on Facebook and other social media, politicians who are interested in the internet, causing crisis, who derive pleasure when there is crisis in ijaw land.

“We are begging them to join the IYC, join Amassoma community, the governor and the government of Bayelsa state, with a view to resolving the crisis instead of calling for war.

“All our leaders who are interested in using other people’s blood to make money and gain cheap political popularity, we are warning them to desist from it because ijaw youths are not cowards and we will not allow any politician in Bayelsa to deceive ijaw youths”, he said.

Pori sympathized with the families of the slain youths and appealed to all stakeholders to work against recurrence of such violence.

He said: “For the umpteenth time let us again warn, all those ijaw leaders across the Ijaw nation, from Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-ibom and Abuja, Lagos who are only interested in promoting crisis in Bayelsa state to should stop.

“Those who cannot even raise their heads in their states when there are issues should stop because the IYC central zone will not tolerate them. The ijaw leaders who are interested in promoting peace and tranquility, we commend you, ijaw youths will stand with you anyday anytime but those who are interested in promoting crisis, don’t forget we serve a God who is fair to all.

“We call on all ijaw leaders to come together and rally round the governor and other well meaning ijaw leaders in order to promote ijaw national interest because in the end, it is the young people that are still suffering.

“Those who have used our common patrimony, our common wealth to make monies and wealth, to send their children abroad, who are interested in promoting crisis we appeal to you to please desist”.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/ijaw-youths-warn-against-plot-to.html

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested no fewer than 1000 suspected illegal miners across the country in the last two years.

Chike Ikpeamonwu, the corps’ Commandant in charge of Mines and Steel Department, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Ikpeamonwu said that 50 of the arrested suspected illegal miners had been convicted.
“NSCDC was able to prosecute and convict them because we are mandated and empowered by the NSCDC Act, 2007 (as amended) to do so,” he said.

He said 50 Chinese and Indian were among those arrested, adding that they were given serious warning and freed due to the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and their countries.
The commandant said that the corps performed efficiently due to the staff expertise in security and the Federal Government support through the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
“The ministry has continually trained our staff in charge of mining on how to identify the 44 different minerals available in Nigeria and the hazards associated with some of them.
“NSCDC has trained staff on peace and conflict resolution,” he added.
He said that due to insecurity in the Northeast, especially in Borno where mining activities had been shut down, the corps had suspended operation in area.
Ikpeamaonwu noted that the core mandate of the corps as provided in the NSCDC act was to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, among others.
He, however, said that logistics problems, including lack of vehicles, constrained the corps’ fight against illegal mining across the country

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/nscdc-arrests-1000-illegal-miners-in.html

At least 30 persons were reportedly killed in a fresh attack by bandits in Malikawa village of Gidan Goga district in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Akelicious checks yesterday revealed that the bandits had earlier attacked and killed five persons who had gone to work in their farms.
A resident of the village who pleaded anonymity told journalists that the attackers shot the five persons who had gone to their farms to plant seeds.
According to him, the attackers also refused to allow the residents to bury the victims by attacking those who attended the funeral procession.

“Five villagers who had gone to plant seeds on their farmlands were shot dead in the morning by the armed bandits hiding in a forest near our community.
“Thus, when people of the area went to get the corpses for burial, the gunmen started shooting sporadically and they killed about 25 persons,” he said.
He, however, disclosed that the villagers were able to hold funeral prayers for the victims after soldiers arrived in the community.


The Police Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Police Command and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Muhammad Shehu, who confirmed the incident, said the attack was a result of a land dispute between two warring factions.
He added that security operatives had been deployed to the area to restore law and order as well as prevent further attacks.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/05/bandits-kill-another-30-persons-in.html