Today on Tuesday’s product review, I bring to you something exciting that we all love to hear. AWOOF Product!

We all know, our world is more digital than it used to be. People now do everything on the internet, most especially buying and selling. Shopping or selling online is not only easy but also stress-free and it has been proven to be cost-efficient. No wonder why e-commerce websites are so popular. Why all this plenty talk?

There is one thing I know that online sellers and shoppers like myself look for regularly; a platform to advertise, buy and sell anything fast. So on one of my recent internet survey, while searching for something very rare that I cannot tell you, I found something cool. SELLFAST.NG!

SELLFAST.NG Product Review

product review for sellfast.ng on justopinions.com.ng
SELLFAST.NG is exactly as the name implies. For my fellow online shoppers, if you want to buy anything from New to an old or used product, this is the platform for you. I mean anything at all! And yes, If you are a buyer and you want to make fast sales just go to SELLFAST.NG. You can also sell anything on this platform. From goods to products and services. Everything is on this website.

I also compared SELLFAST.NG with other popular E-commerce platforms that I cannot mention here to be sure of the standard of this site. My Conclusion: SELLFAST.NG is too good to be true. Not to exaggerate, the standard and speed on the platform is fast and easy to use. I even went on to register as a vendor just to see the response, of which I did effortlessly and without stress.

As an efficient internet user, I called their customer care line to see if their efficiency matches up to mine and I was not disappointed. The response was swift professional and well addressed.

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We have all heard of the saying “If you do what you love, you can never get tired” Hmmmmm… this is not entirely true.

I discovered that even when you are doing what you love most, you can sometimes grow tired; get stressed out and run out of fume. I have battled with this feeling, trying to figure out if it is normal for me to feel this way. It turns out that it is!

Getting paid for doing what you love is a gift. Most people do not get paid for what they are passionate about. This is why they get tired of their jobs and burn out easily. The case is however different when you love your job or have successfully turned your passion into a career. That jumpy feeling and the rush of excitement, the zeal and drive that you get whenever it is work time. Best feeling Ever!

If you have experienced what I just describe, you would probably understand better why it is scary when; you start feeling less excited or when you have to listen to a motivational clip to jump-start your drive. Then thoughts like “Am I losing my touch” start running through your mind.

My advice for you is to chill out and take these self-assessments test. Click to continue.

Cruel

NNPC fuel station at Adura bus stop Abeokuta expressway on fire . According to Eyes of Lagos reporter that is at scene of the Incident said that there is no fire fighter and the fire is already moving to next shop where cars are being sold ... more details soon

Source:https://instagram.com/p/BdAIxPLj25b/

2019: I WILL NOT RUN FOR PRESIDENT – GOVERNOR OBIANO
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/anambra-state-governor-chief-willie.html

Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has said that he will not contest the 2019 presidential election as earlier speculated.
He said the report that he would contest the election against President Muhammadu Buhari was speculative and far away from the truth.
Report had emerged last week that Obiano would contest the 2019 Presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, after the party’s Publicity Secretary, Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, had hinted that the party would not make the mistake of the past by not fielding a presidential candidate in 2019.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, In a press release signed by James Eze, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Obiano on Media said, “Our attention has been drawn to some speculative reports in the media alleging that the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano may run for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the coming 2019 elections.
“We hereby refute the said reports as totally untrue, false and misleading. Governor Obiano has no intention of running for president.”
The statement said that after recording a historic victory at the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in which Anambra people gave him overwhelming mandate, Obiano was totally committed to initiating new revolutionary projects rather than vying for president.
Eze also added that Obiano will transform the state and justify the people’s confidence in his second term in office, and would be too occupied to seek the office of president.
It stated that, “Consequently, all reports about the likelihood of Governor Obiano running for president in 2019 are a manifestation of speculation carried too far and have no shred of truth to them.
“We therefore urge the general public to disregard these reports in their entirety as they are totally false.”

ARSENAL FORMER SUPER STRIKER THIERRY HENRY JOINS GUINNESS, FRSC ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN LAGOS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/arssenal-former-super-striker-thierry.html

In demonstration of its strong commitment to promoting the responsible consumption of alcohol, Nigeria’s beverage alcohol company, Guinness Nigeria Plc in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), yesterday concluded its ‘Ember months’ “Responsible Drinking Awareness Campaign”, with a grand rally attended by International football icon and Guinness Made of Black ambassador, Thierry Henry at the Ojota Motor Park in Lagos.
Thierry Henry, who is in Nigeria as part of the Guinness’ Made of Black campaign, joined officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other partners and road users at the event marking the end of the campaign. This year’s campaign which was flagged off at the Agege Park in Lagos has already had stops in Benin and Abuja so far.
EYES OF LAGOS gathered that, Speaking at the final rally, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa said: “Through our ember month’s campaigns, we aim to play a part in helping consumers make the right choices. The message we deliver to consumers through our annual campaigns is consistent with our values at Guinness Nigeria. For this event, it is also great to have such a well-known and respected person as Thierry Henry who is an ambassador for our brand but also a great advocate for the responsible use of alcohol.”
“Consumers are at the heart of everything we do as an organization and they are the basis for our success. We are therefore genuinely interested in educating consumers on the dangers of alcohol misuse and increasing awareness of the positive role that alcohol can play in society and as part of a balanced lifestyle.” Ndegwa said.
Guinness Nigeria has been running the Ember month’s campaign in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps for 13 years and it has blossomed into an impactful platform, making it possible for both parties to jointly life-changing responsible drinking messages that annually reach millions of Nigerians.

LONG QUEUES RESURFACE IN LAGOS, PETROL HAWKERS BACK
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/long-queues-resurface-in-lagos-petrol.html

Lagos residents on Monday saw the return of long queues at petrol filling stations, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
A NAN correspondent, who monitored the situation, reports that many petrol stations did not have petrol, while the few ones that had sold above the official pump price of N145 per litre.
Petrol hawkers were sighted along some routes selling 10 litres of petrol at N3,000 against the official pump price of N1,450 per litre.
The scarcity is allegedly due to the pronouncement of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) to embark on an industrial action.
The announcement led to abrupt shut of flow stations across parts of the country which caused panic buying.
Some motorists, who spoke to NAN, said that they had spent hours on queues.
They said that some filling stations were exploiting the situation to increase price of the product.
NAN observed that some filling stations at Berger-Iyana-Oworo Expressway, Ikorodu, Bariga, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, among others, sold petrol at between N160 and N170 per litre.
At NIPCO filling station in Ikorodu, a banker, Mr Anthony Sunday, said that there was no justification for the current fuel scarcity as the government had assured citizens of abundant fuel supply during the Yuletide.
He said that marketers were taking advantage of PENGASSAN’s planned strike and the festive period to exploit citizens.
At Conoil filling station at Alapere, a trader, Mrs Alice Jubril, condemned its management for selling above the pump price of N145 per litre.
Jubril said that marketers were also the cause of the long queues at filling stations.
” I bought a litre of petrol at N160 against the regulated price of N145 per litre.
“This is an indication of exploitation, ” she said.
Another motorist, Mrs Ifeoma Vincent, urged the regulatory agencies to intervene to stop arbitrary increase in pump price.
She said that the development had compelled commercial drivers to increase their fares, adding that the drivers often cited difficulties in getting fuel as the main reason.
“For instance, the fare for a trip from Ikorodu to Ojuelegba which used to be N250 is now N700, while a journey to Ketu which formerly was N100 is now N300.
“Apart from the hike in transport fares, the fuel situation has also affected the traffic situation as parts of the roads have now been taken over by vehicles queuing for fuel, ‘’she said.
The NNPC has, however, advised motorists and other petroleum products consumers not to engage in panic buying.
Its Group General Manger (Group Public Affairs), Mr Ndu Ughamadu, gave the advice in a statement on Monday.
Ughamadu said that relevant government agencies were in consultation with the industrial unions to arrive at amicable resolution of issues over threats of an industrial action.
NNPC warned marketers not to hoard products as law enforcement agencies, working with industry regulators, had been mandated to take appropriate measures against any defaulter.
It said that there were enough petroleum products to go round the nation.

POPULAR NIGERIAN NIGHT CLUB OWNER AKEEM BURIES 2 CHILDREN, & PIGLET IN FRONT OF CLUB TO ATTRACT CUSTOMERS (VIDEO)
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/popular-nigerian-night-club-owner-akeem.html

A Nigerian man identified Victor Ufot shared a news about how a Calabar Night Club Owner Amber Named Akeem buried 2 children & piglets to attract customers.
Here’s what he wrote;
There was tension, last week in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, following the discovery of three corpse reported to be two infants and a Pig were exhumed at the entrance of a popular night Club, Amber Karaoke and Lounge. The suspect who is also the owner of the Night Club simply identified as Mr. Akeem allegedly opened the Club about a year ago at 112 Marian road, Calabar after he reported resigned as a bouncer at Jasper Night Club to start up his own.
Investigation reveals that Mr. Akeem rented the apartment from Southern Fried Chicken SFC last year.
The complex which also houses other businesses whose owners were unaware of the diabolical practices of Mr. Akeem until last week when God decided to expose him in a broad day light. A resident of the building who confided in this reporter said that luck ran out of Akeem when a Lady who owns a shop in the complex started noticing shortage in sales and customers and resorted to take her problems to God through a powerful Pastor in Cross River State.

Eyes Of Lagos Reports has it that on getting to the Prophet the shop owner was told that they were strange things buried in the complex that were preventing customers from patronizing her. The prophet promised to exhume the things if he is granted permission to do so.
It was further gathered that the shop owner reported the matter to the police and was granted permission to exhume the body.
According to verbal and video clips obtained by this reporter and attached to this report, the Prophet with the help of his servants is seen exhuming the bodies which were buried in 3 bags about a year ago.

Eye witnesses say that two of the bags contained skulls and bones suspected to be little babies while one contained bones and skull of a pig.
Meanwhile, the matter is currently being investigated by the State CID. Police sources who confided in this reporter say that the suspect initially denied any wrong doing but later confessed that in their tradition burying of pigs attract customers to any business and had no diabolical connotation.
Still in a bid to further cover up the crime, Mr. Akeem ran to a popular phone-in Radio programme hosted by a top Comedian in Cross River State, Last Prophet, on Hit FM to debunk the story. He informed listeners that nothing of such ever happened in his Club only for people who were present when the bodies were exhumed to phone in and affirm that they were present when the incident took place.
“Shot up Akeem I was there when the bodies were dug out from your club! A listener exclaimed on air.
A cross section of Cross River State indigenes and residents who spoke with our medium promised to follow up the matter and ensure that justice takes full its course. They described the incident as embarrassing and evil.
“My brother you can imagine what on earth will make a man to kill two children just because of attracting customers to a club. This is evil and embarrassing to all of us who reside here in Cross Rivers State. Thank God the issue is now with the police CID, we will follow it up till justice is achieved, God is still in the business of exposing evil doers and we thank him for this one”. Mr. Okon, a resident of Marian said.
WATCH THE UNEDITED VIDEO CLIPS HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEDMAEgtwV4

INDUSTRIAL COURT HALTS SACK OF OVER 20,000 KADUNA TEACHERS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/industrial-court-halts-sack-of-over.html

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna judicial division, yesterday, granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining Kaduna State governor , Nasiru el-Rufai, from the planned sack of 21,780 primary school teachers who reportedly failed a competency test meant for primary four pupils.
Dakun Rindi Esq and Augustina Joshua (Miss) Esq had, on October 30, 2017, filed a motion of notice brought pursuant to order 17 rule 1(1)to (9) and order 22 rule 1 and 2 of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (civil procedure) rules, 2017 and the inherent powers and sanctions of the honourable court as conferred by section 6(6)a 1999 constitution (as amended) in a suit number NICN/KD/53/2017 on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and Comrade Audu Titus Amba (suing on behalf of primary school teachers in the public schools of Kaduna State) against the Governor of Kaduna State, Attorney general of Kaduna State and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
The suit sought an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the governor of Kaduna State and the Attorney general of the state whether acting by themselves, their officers, servants, agents and privies whosoever and howsoever otherwise from dismissing, terminating or in any manner whatsoever disengaging any primary teacher in the public schools of Kaduna State from his employment on the grounds of having failed a competency test conducted at the instance of the Kaduna State government pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating summons.
Justice Lawal Mani granted the application pending the determination of the substantive suit and adjourned to February 6, 2018.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Speaking to newsmen shortly after the adjournment, counsel who stood in for the teachers Sunday Atum Esq commended the court for granting the order.

AMBODE COMMISSIONS JOHNSON, JAKANDE AND TINUBU PARK, ALAUSA; CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/ambode-commissions-johnson-jakande-and.html

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, commissioned the Johnson, Jakande and Tinubu (JJT) ultra-modern recreational park in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland.
The JJT recreational park was commissioned in honour of three past Governors of Lagos State; Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson Rtd. Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Governor while speaking at the opening ceremony praised his successors for their outstanding contribution to the development of the state during their time in office, he added that the former Governors are the true legends of Lagos State.
“One of the hallmarks of any progressive society is to always recognize and reward the efforts of heroes who contribute to the growth of that society. In the case of Lagos State, we have so many heroes who toiled and laid a solid foundation for the Lagos we enjoy today.
“Today, we are here to celebrate and honour three past governors of our dear state who were outstanding in their contributions to the development of Lagos Sate. These eminent Lagosians are some of the very few brave men that stood to be counted on the side of justice and even by their performances while in office have written their name in gold for future generations.”
“The roles played by Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson Rtd., the First Governor and Military Administrator of the State; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the First Civilian Governor of Lagos State; and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor and Architect of modern Lagos; can never be forgotten. They are the true legends of our State, and architects of the Lagos we are proud of today” Ambode said.

WHY I CAN’T STOP SUPPORTING PDP – DOKPESI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/why-i-cant-stop-supporting-pdp-dokpesi.html

Media mogul and contender for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the recent convention, Raymond Dokpesi, yesterday said he will not withdraw his support for the party.
Dokpesi who stated this when the PDP National Reconciliation Committee led by Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, visited him at his residence in Abuja, noted that his mission to ensure the All Progressives Congress (APC) is removed from power in 2019 made him restrain from making statements that damaged the convention.
He also recalled his pre convention position that the outcome of the convention would accepted since the chairmanship tussle was not a do or die affair.
This comes as the reconciliation committee will be in South west tomorrow to meet former deputy national chairman, Chief Bode George and other aggrieved candidates from the region.
Dokpesi who polled 66 votes at the election had expressed reservations over the outcome of the election.
Eyes of Lagos gathered that when he was speaking yesterday he said In his reaction, Dokpesi said, “There are quite a number of things that were said before the convention. I believe that Nigerians will recall that I said that the convention and the election that we are going into was not a matter of life and death. That I did say that I was conscious of the fact that power comes from God, and whoever emerges, I will give my unconditional support, to ensure that this party is able to fulfill its mission, to ensure that the challenges that are ahead can be overcome much more easily.
“I had defining moments where I would have on that Saturday made one or two statements that would have totally damaged the convention. But that is not my mission. My mission is to ensure that this present APC Government is removed out of office.
“So whatever were the shortcomings, I had already agreed and and I signed documents twice that I would unconditionally support whoever comes out of it.
“So here I am, I am willing, ready, prepared to allow the PDP have its breath, I pray for the PDP, I pray that we get it right. Be assured I will continue to give the PDP all the support that I need to give the party.
“I will not because of the events of that day withdraw my support from the party. Except that the younger generation that would be in charge at the helm of affairs, would have to be looking at the way and manner that support would be given,” he said
He commended Dickson for his commitment and sacrifices in ensuring the prevalence of peace within the PDP.
On his part, Dickson urged the PDP leaders and members to focus priority attention on the future in order to actualize the objectives of the party to take over power in 2019.
Dickson said that while it was a fact that the past was important as a guide to shape the future, the PDP leaders and members had a responsibility to focus their energy on the challenges ahead of the party.
He commended Dokpesi for his maturity and love for the party as shown by the statement he issued accepting the outcome of the convention and restraining his supporters.
He said, “Now the convention has come and gone the way it did. As party leaders, we know that even though it was a family contest, there was need to reach out to leaders who have played key roles in the party, and whose contributions moving forward would continue to be significant. We thought we should interact with you, to share ideas with you, to discuss some of the concerns and issues that have arisen after the convention.
“Primarily, it is not with a view to looking back as much as we would like all of us to focus on the future to see how we can get to our desired destination.
“The purpose of this engagement is not so much with a view to looking at the past than the future. We know the past is important to guide the future. But the purpose, the aim of this interaction is how we can move forward.”

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MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS ON ADENIRAN OGUNSANYA ROAD SURULERE – SEE PHOTOS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/multiple-accidents-on-adeniran.html


Just as the yuletide season is filled with celebrations and so much merriment, it is important for Lagos Mainland residents not to get carried away with all the fun that the season brings. At different times, safety should be paramount for everyone.
Yesterday, Thursday, December 7, 2017, an auto crash occurred on Adeniran Ogunsanya road by Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos Mainland, leaving the vehicles involved in tatters
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that there were no casualties in the accident but the two vehicles and another trailer involved were terribly damaged.
After the incident occurred, the rescue officers of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) responded to a distress call by onlookers before rushing to the scene to tend to the victims.
See photos from the accident scene below.

TRUCK CRUSHES 2 TO DEATH IN OGUN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/truck-crushes-2-to-death-in-ogun.html

The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) on Tuesday said that two persons lost their lives in an accident that happened along Atan-Idiroko road.
Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of TRACE, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, that the accident happened around 9.30 a.m.
Mr. Akinbiyi said the truck with an unknown registration number coming from Oke-Odan, Idiroko, lost control due to speeding and rammed into a vulcaniser and his friend working by the road side.
“The corpses of the victims had been deposited at the morgue at Kayode Hospital at Atan, Ogun, while the truck driver is in the custody of the police at area,’’ he said.
Mr. Akinbiyi, however, advised motorists and road users to exercise caution on the highways as we approach the end of the year.

2,778 NIGERIANS IN DETENTION CAMPS IN LIBYA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/2778-nigerians-in-detention-camps-in.htm

The Federal Government says it has a record of 2,778 Nigerian migrants registered in “accessible” detention camps in Libya, ready for repatriation.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by the Spokesperson Mr Tiwatope Elias-Fatiile on Tuesday, said the country’s embassy in Libya had been visiting detention camps to identify Nigerians for registration.
The ministry stated that those registered were issued Emergency Travel Certificates.
The ministry also explained that the embassy in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) repatriates 250 migrants weekly and had returned 3,000 of them so far.
“From the 2,778 registered Nigerians who are still in detention camps, another set of 250 Nigerian migrants will be arriving on Tuesday Dec. 5, at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos at 7.00.p.m. to be received by NEMA officials.
“The Embassy, in collaboration with the IOM repatriates 250 Nigerian migrants by flight to Lagos weekly – each flight can accommodate only 250 passengers.
“The repatriation is a continuous exercise and the Embassy routinely issues the requisite travel documents to the migrants.
“The Embassy will continue to engage the legitimate government in Libya and other stakeholders in addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants in that country.”
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Ministry further said that the Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama had invited the Nigerian Embassy’s Head of Mission, Mr Iliya Fachano, to Abuja for consultations.
“He is in Abuja already and during the period of the consultations, arrangements have been made for him to address press conferences on the issue.
“This would afford the Nigerian public the opportunity to hear from him directly.”
The ministry, however, advised intending Nigerian travellers to “avoid Libya at this period, because of the dangers they may encounter in the process of their journey”.
The ministry also urged citizens to reach the Nigerian Embassy in Libya for assistance through these emergency numbers: +218910144487, +218925099384 and +218917953365.
“The contact email addresses for the embassy and the ministry are: nigeria@nigeriantripoli.organd help@foreignaffairs.gov.ng.
It said that the embassy had received requests for intervention from some relations of the victims based in Nigeria through these contacts.
While condemning the slave market in Libya, the ministry said it would engage the UN, African Union, European Union and other stakeholders to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
“It violates the fundamental human rights of the victims and it is unacceptable to the civilised world.”

FOREIGN RESERVES INCREASES TO $34.8BN IN NOVEMBER – CBN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/foreign-reserves-increases-to-348bn-in.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said nation’s foreign exchange reserves added at $991 million in November to close at $34.8 billion as of November 29, 2017.
In November, 2017, the nation’s foreign exchange reserves sustained its momentum with an opening figure of $33.8 billion in November 1, 2017. The nation’s foreign exchange buffer has climbed 34.7 per cent or $8.97 billion this year, but is still far off a peak of $64 billion hit in August 2008.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The price of Organization of Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket of 14 crude countries gained 9.9 per cent to $60.06 per barrel as at November 30, 2017 from $53.3 it started trading early this year.
Global oil prices continued to rally above $60 per barrel extended to new heights in 2017 with Brent crude climbing to a level last seen in mid-2015, stoking hopes in the industry that the market has finally turned a corner following a three-year slump.
An oil price recovery has been under way since June as crude demand finally starts to outpace supply, with Brent rallying by almost 40 per cent to $61 a barrel, as the global oil glut that had built up over the previous three years starts to draw down.
The CBN Governor. Mr. Godwin Emefiele last week said the country’s foreign reserves had risen to $35.2 billion from $23 billion in October last year. He did not mention specifically when the foreign exchange buffer rose to $35.2 billion.
He had attributed the rise in foreign reserves and domestic production to what he described as “our development finance effort and the dogged implementation of our foreign exchange policies.”

FG STOPPED PAYING MAINA SALARY SINCE MARCH 2013 – ADEOSUN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/12/fg-stopped-paying-maina-salary-since.html

Finance minister Kemi Adeosun yesterday claimed that the federal government stopped paying salary to the embattled former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, in March 2013.
The minister made this disclosure in Abuja during her appearance before the House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee investigating the disappearance, re-appearance, re-instatement and promotion of Maina, according to a statement by Adeosun’s special adviser, Media and Communication, Oluyinka Akintunde.
Adeosun told members of the ad hoc committee that Maina was last paid by the federal government in February 2013.
“We have checked our records and we have no record or evidence from the two platforms that salary was paid to Maina since March 2013. We have no biometric data of Maina and he is not a member of staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance or its agencies,” the minister said.
Adeosun gave the two platforms government uses for the payment of salaries as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
The accountant-general of the federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, who appeared before the committee, corroborated Adeosun’s position that Maina was removed from federal government’s payroll in March 2013.
Ahmed stated that following reports that Maina was earning salaries, he investigated the matter and found the claim to be unsubstantiated.
“From our records,” he said, “Maina last received salary from the federal government in February 2013. From March 2013, Maina was removed from the government’s payroll. I don’t know where he is getting his salary from.
“I even did a test-run by inputting his name in different platforms but nothing came up. Salaries are paid through pay slips; he couldn’t have been paid through the air.
He challenged Maina to produce evidence to back up his claims of payment by the government.
Meanwhile, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, yesterday, took responsibility for the role his ministry played in Maina’s controversial reinstatement to public service.
Magaji said this yesterday at the investigative hearing of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the disappearance, reappearing, reinstatement and promotion of former chairman of Pension Reform Task Team.
The permanent secretary, who explained that he was not in the ministry when Maina was dismissed, also disclosed that the ministry conducted a senior staff committee meeting following a letter asking that Maina be reinstated, which was attended by representatives from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission.
“The reference letter made to inform the head of civil service that Maina had assumed duty was a letter sent to the Federal Civil Service Commission and I erroneously acted on it. Whatever happened, as the permanent secretary, I take responsibility. I take responsibility for whatever the Ministry of Interior has done wrongly with regards to administrative procedure in this matter.
“I received a letter from the Office of the Head of Service referring to the reinstatement of Maina. The ministry conducted a senior staff committee meeting based on that letter with the representatives of the OHSF and FCSC present when the decision to reinstate him was reached, and after that, the decision was forwarded to the OHSF for adoption. It is important to note that FSCS has no power to order that meeting.”
Magaji also insisted that Maina was neither documented nor paid salaries.
“After the reinstatement, Maina came to me but I told him that I can’t place him on salary until I get further instructions. He was never documented, nor does he have an office.”
On his part, the acting chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, dismissed assertions by Maina that the anti-graft commission was in custody of the funds and properties recovered by the Pension Task Team.
“Maina didn’t hand over any assets to the commission. If he has done, so let him come and prove it,” he said.
In her closing testimony at the hearing, the head of service, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, declared that since her office did not act on the letter of reinstatement from the Federal Civil Service Commission, Maina’s reinstatement was never activated in principle, hence the letter directing the reinstatement should be returned to the FCSC.
Eyes Of Lagos recallls, the committee tasked the attorney-general of the federation and minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to hasten the ongoing investigation into the authorship of the letter directing Maina’s reinstatement.
We recalls that the justice minister has repeatedly denied signing the letter which purportedly emanated from his office, saying that the case “is work in progress”.
Any trip Abdulrasheed Maina made outside Nigeria since September 2013 was illegally and clandestinely made, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said yesterday.
NIS comptroller-general, Mohammed Babandede, said that Maina had not travelled out of the country through any of the nation’s airports or legal boundaries since 2013.
Speaking at an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee, Babandede also revealed that Maina has three passports and dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States of America.
“We have checked our records and we have not seen a single name of Maina pass through our airports since 2013 when he was blocked; so the record available to us shows that Maina has not been travelling.
“If he has been travelling, then it means he has not been travelling through an airport, we can see. By law, if you pass through a border, you are entitled to report to an immigration officer. So, if Maina has been travelling from 2013 till date, we don’t know. If he has been passing through borders, he has not reported to an immigration officer. As far as we are concerned, Maina has not been travelling since 2013,” Babandede said.
“We knew about Maina from September 27, 2013 when he was leaving the country and he was stopped at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport because of the letter from EFCC.
“Prior to that time, Maina was never in our stop list. He had been a frequent traveller across airports. He has three passports: an official passport which has expired and has not been renewed; a standard passport which is currently valid till 2018 and an American passport.
“So in an addition to being a citizen of Nigeria, he is also a citizen of America. He has a valid U.S. passport which will be expiring on 26th August, 2022.”
The immigration chief also explained that, at some point, Maina’s name was removed from the stop list.
“On December 1, 2015, the EFCC gave us a letter directing us to remove his name from the stop list, which we removed. But when the case of Maina started and a directive was given by the president that he should be probed, we blocked his name again in our stop list. We blocked all his passports – which means he cannot reissue his passport any longer and he cannot pass through our recognised borders,” he said.

TRADE UNIONS’ DEMANDS THREATEN TAKEOFF OF N3TRN MICRO PENSION SCHEME
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/11/trade-unions-demands-threaten-takeoff.html

There are indications that the Micro Pension Scheme expected to generate about N3 trillion within five years of its take off may suffer a major set back, as most trade unions in the informal sector who are the target of this initiative have decided not to join the scheme until certain conditions are met.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that because the demands of the trade unions in the informal sector are too outrageous, the scheme might not take off in the next eight years if these players still maintain their stand.
Micro pension is a scheme targeted at self-employed people, especially those with irregular income usually in the informal sector and are largely financially uninformed with limited or no access to financial services like pension plan.
This segment, which is estimated to be 70 per cent of the country’s population, largely exists in Nigeria as artisans and self-employed persons.
Our investigations revealed that at different stakeholders’ meetings organised by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to lobby artisans to subscribe to micro pension, most trade unions were demanding that the Commission should provide working tools for their members as part of the requirements to join the micro pension scheme.
The commission, it was learnt, disagreed with this demand, stating that PenCom, as a regulator, does not have the capacity under the law that establishes it to fulfill such demand.
To this end, most of the trade unions are unwilling to subscribe to the scheme until their demands were met.
A credible source in the pension industry who confided in Eyes Of Lagos said, “For instance, the association of tailors and fashion designers is demanding that PenCom should buy sewing machine to its members to be part of the scheme. This is beyond the purview of the commission”.
Moreover, with the promoter of the scheme and former Director General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, no longer in the commission, it remains a hilly task to kick-off the scheme.
Meanwhile, Eyes Of Lagos gathered that players in the Nollywood industry and law profession, which are expected to be under this scheme as well, objected to the name ‘Micro Pension’, calling for change of name before they could subscribe to the scheme.
This entails that the scheme may require a total rebranding to cajole more people to subscribe to it.
If the scheme finally takes off, it will generate about N3 trillion to the pension assets, while mobilising about 12 million contributors within five years.
Highlighting the challenges of the scheme, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mr. Eric Fajemisi, said although micro pension scheme is good for the country, it has challenges.
These challenges, according to him, include insufficient awareness and negative perception towards it, modest financial literacy in the country, high cost of promoting awareness on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), lack of reliable data on the informal sector and low buy-in by unions in the pension sector, among others.
These challenges, he noted, must be addressed prior to the commencement of the scheme and thereafter.
Fajemisi said on the other hand, the micro pension scheme, when finalised, would ensure improved standard of living for the elderly, guarantee the safety of funds and may provide access to other incentives such as mortgage facilities and health insurance.
He listed other benefits to include flexible contribution remittances, the opportunity to make withdrawal prior to retirement and the enhancement of financial inclusion and attainment of economic stability objectives.
He described the proposed micro pension scheme as having the capacity to deepen asset accumulation in Nigeria, which will also provide the vital capital required for investment in critical sectors of the economy.
Head of Micro Pensions Department of PenCom, Mr. Polycarp Anyanwu, had said the micro pension scheme is expected to help boost the pension contributors to 20 million Nigerians by 2019 and 30 million by the year 2024.
Anyanwu added that micro pensions directly addresses breakdown of family support, averts old age poverty as it engages and extends pension to the large working population that are self-employed.
He said PenCom’s target is the self-employed in various trades and professions in Nigeria – artisans, accountants, lawyers, mechanics, tailors, market men/women, hair dressers, architects, engineers, among others.

PMB PRESENTS 2018 BUDGET
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/11/pmb-presents-2018-budget.html

President Muhammadu Buhari will today lay the 2018 budget estimates to a Joint session of the National Assembly by 2:00pm.
The president had last week notified the legislature in a letter addressed to the two chambers of the National Assembly requesting for a slot to address a joint session of the National Assembly and lay his third budget proposal on November 7.
Buhari had presented the 2016 Budget Proposal on December 22, 2015 and that of 2017 on December 14, 2016.
The president’s letter titled, ‘Laying of the 2018 Budget Proposal Before the National Assembly’, was read by Senate President Bukola Saraki during plenary last Thursday.
The letter reads in part: “Pursuant to Section 81 of the 1999 Constitution, may I crave the indulgence of the National Assembly to grant me the slot of 1400 hours onTuesday, 7th November, 2017 to formally address the joint session of and lay before the National Assembly the 2018 budget proposal.”
Preparatory to the presentation of the 2018 budget to the National Assembly, President Buhari had on Tuesday, October 18 transmitted the 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP to the legislature.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, In a letter addressed to the Senate president, Buhari also noted that pursuant to the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the preparation for the eventual submission of the 2018 budget to the National Assembly was “progressing well.”
Under the MTEF, the Executive is proposing an oil benchmark of $45 per barrel for the 2018 budget, a production target of 2.3 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of $305 to the dollar.
The presentation of the MTEF came on the heels of the appeal made by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the National Assembly to consider the plight of Nigeria’s unborn children and reject the president’s request for approval of $5.5 billion external loans.
Again, the MTEF and FSP were designed against the backdrop of an adverse global economic environment.
Buhari, in the covering letter for the MTEF, said the document had been prepared against the backdrop of generally adverse global economic uncertainty as well as fiscal challenges and recovery in the domestic economy to ensure that planned spending is set at prudent and sustainable levels and consistent with government’s overall developmental objectives and inclusive growth.
The president further sought the consideration and expeditious approval of the MTEF and FSP “to bring the 2018 FGN Budget preparation process to a timely closure”.
The House of Representatives had on December 13, 2016 adopted the 2017 to 2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), just as it fixed the exchange rate of Naira to a dollar at N350 as against the N290 recommended by the executive.
Meanwhile, the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, met briefly with the Senate leadership yesterday for reasons not completely unconnected to the budget presentation.
For over 45 minutes, the SGF met behind closed doors with Saraki and other Principal Officers during which he was reassured that the Senate was not leaving any stone unturned to have a hitch-free budget presentation.

MARADONA REVEALS INTEREST IN NIGERIAN STRIKER
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/11/maradona-reveals-interest-in-nigerian.html



Argentine retired professional footballer, Diego Armando Maradona has revealed his interest in Nigeria young striker, Danjuma Ademola Kuti.
Maradona picked interest in Kuti who was signed into the United Arab Emirate First Division league recently, also invited him to the senior side for training session and admired the skills of the 19year old striker.
This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the U.A.E Sports Agency in Abuja.
The statement said Maradona was impressed by the striker’s way of scoring goals and playing skill and assured him of a promising future and that under him the young striker will be a successful payer.
He said the striker possesses what it takes to be outstanding and the club will ensure he is a successful player considering his abilities.
Presently Kuti is the leading scorer of the youth team which is topping the U.A.E . Youth league table.
Last session the youth team were champions of the U19 league after Kuti put them on the lead by scoring the only goal in a keenly contested match against Al Wasl F.C.
The football legend also encouraged the striker to becoming a legend and revealed that he will be the first Nigerian footballer to be coached by him.
Maradona who wants Kuti to play in the on going First division league competition is restricted by the U.A.E.F.A policy that allow only two foreigners to play in the league competition.
Two foreigners Omar Kossoko from France and one other have been registered in the first division league competition.
Maradona is presently working to put the club at top of the league and is saddled with the task of ensuring Fujairah FC is promoted back to Asian Gulf league after its relegation in 2015.
Fujairah won the right to be in the Emirati premier professional league (Asian Gulf League) at the end of the 2012–2013 season.
At the start of the 2014–2015 they began the first ever match in the AGL, ending the season in April 2015 in 9th place.
Presently in First division league, Maradona who just took up coaching job with the club is putting effort to make the club promote back to Asian Gulf league.

FIRE GUTS ACCESS BANK IN IKOTUN, LAGOS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/10/fire-guts-access-bank-in-ikotun-lagos.html

A commercial bank, Access Bank, Ikotun branch in Lagos state, was gutted by fire today, Tuesday 31st October, 2017.



Eyes Of Lagos gathered that the thick smoke oozing out of the building further attracted residents of the community who also assisted the bank officials in contacting the Lagos state emergency rescue team.

The fire has been put off, but causalities and cause of the fire remain unknown as at press time.

PRESIDENT BUHARI RETURNS TO ABU
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/10/president-buhari-returns-to-abuja.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after participating in the 4th meeting of the Presidential Task Force on the ECOWAS Common Currency Programme, in Niamey, Republic of Niger.
The President’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, Bashir Ahmed, confirmed this development on his twitter handle on Tuesday in Abuja.
Member-countries of the ECOWAS Task Force on Common Currency are ‎Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Niger.
In his speech at the meeting, President Buhari had urged the ECOWAS member countries to tread carefully in pushing for a single currency in the sub-region by 2020.
The President drew the attention of ECOWAS member countries to the challenges faced by the European Union in realising the same goal.
According to him, the necessary economic fundamentals among countries continue to differ over the years, making it more difficult to pull through with the project by 2020.
“Nigeria advises that we proceed cautiously with the integration agenda, taking into consideration the above concerns and the lessons currently unfolding in the European Union.
“To that end, Nigeria will caution against any position that pushes for a fast-track approach to monetary union, while neglecting fundamentals and other pertinent issues,’’ he said.

building house under power line is profitless and risky , the lord is with you all

ARMY KILLS 2 BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN BORNO
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/10/army-kills-2-boko-haram-terrorists-in.html

The Nigerian Army yesterday said its troops had killed two Boko Haram insurgents at Mayanti village of Bama Local Government Council of Borno State.
Lt Col Kingsley Samuel, the Deputy Director Army Public Rations, 7 Division, said in Maiguri the troops had ambushed a group of insurgents while trying to cross into the Sambisa Forest.
He explained that the troops neutralised two insurgents while many others escaped with gunshot wounds, adding that some food items were also recovered from the insurgents.
“The Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE resolve to rout out the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.
“MST yielded yet another result with the troops successfully ambushed unsuspecting terrorists at about 10: 45 pm on Friday, 6th October 2017.
“The insurgents were attempting to cross into Sambisa Forest from Mayanti village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The troops sprung the ambush on the terrorists and neutralised two of them, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered two bags of maize from the ambush site.”
“The MST has been a potent deadly mobile lethal force engaging and neutralising the insurgents in several staging areas.”
By NAN

COMMOTION AS TRADERS ATTACK KAI OFFICIALS OVER N50 BRIBE IN EGBEDA
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/09/commotion-as-traders-attack-kai.html


Motorists and onlookers along Egbeda bus stop were left stunned after angry traders yesterday, Wednesday, September 20, attacked officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) for allegedly demanding N50 bribe from traders.
During the attack which occurred at the Egbeda bus stop, the traders vandalized the vehicle (Black Maria) brought by the officials. The traders also released all the traders arrested by the KAI officials kept in the vehicle, InsideMainland learnt.
According to PM News, the KAI officials were reportedly fond of harassing and extorting money from the traders under various guises.
The traders reportedly trailed the KAI officials were trailed by traders from Iyana Ipaja to Egbeda where the officials were attacked.
Prior to the attack, the officials had arrested many traders and seized their wares for not paying them bribe money, a source revealed.
Speaking on the incident, one of the traders, Bolaji Ayorinde told that he was selling his wares when KAI officials approached him for the daily N50 collected from traders.
“When the KAI official approached me, I gave him my N50 but another trader refused to pay the money because he has not sold anything,” he narrated.
He added that: “Trouble started when the KAI officials arrested him and carried his wares, other traders got angry and attacked the officials. Everybody was fed up with the illegal collection of N50 from traders who are trying to make ends meet.”
A food vendor in the area disclosed that: “KAI officials will come to your shop and demand for rice and beans and they will not pay. In some cases, they come to demand uncooked rice, beans, garri, corn, and others from us. If you refused to give them, they will arrest you and keep you in their Black Maria for long hours before taking you to their office in Alausa where they will extort money from you.
“The harassment is just too much. That was why we joined the mob to attack them. I want the government to call these people to order. They are very wicked. They don’t care and they are thieves. The government should look into their activities and remove the bad eggs among them.”
Another trader, Kemi Towobola, in her own account of the incident said the traders got angry and attacked the KAI officials because they nearly caused the death of a hawker they were chasing. ”If not that the people shouted, a trailer driver would have crushed the boy to death. This was what infuriated the traders and they attacked the KAI men,” she said.

NUPENG WARNS OIL MARKETERS OVER MASS SACK THREAT
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/nupeng-warns-oil-marketers-over-mass.html

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has warned oil marketers over the threat of mass retrenchment of workers if the federal government fails to pay outstanding subsidy owed to them on the importation of petroleum products.
The union stated in a press statement signed by its National President, Comrade Achese Igwe, on Thursday that the threat to sack the workers should not be used as a bait or weapon to get government to pay but apply other sanctions that will compel them.
It stressed that the threat to embark on the mass sack is uncalled for, unjustified and unethical as the workers have always performed their duties well.
The union warns that workers cannot be used as scapegoats or guinea pigs for government’s ineptitude and nonchalant attitude to pay products imported on their behalf.
The union therefore called on the federal government to verify the N720 billion owed the oil marketers and pay them in order to avert fuel scarcity and suffering of the masses.
It reiterated that the oil marketers borrowed money to import the products and as a result they should fulfil their obligations to them.
It stated that government must develop the political will to do the turn-around maintenance of the nation’s refineries to make them work optimally so that the drain on our foreign exchange will be reduced due to massive importation of petroleum products.
The union warned that any attempt to sack workers in the oil marketing firms will be resisted and will lead to an industrial crisis in the industry.
It advised the government and the oil companies to sort out themselves and not to use the workers as cannon fodder.

FIDELITY BANK GROWS PROFIT AFTER TAX BY 66% TO N9BN IN 6 MONTHS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/fidelity-bank-grows-profit-after-tax-by.html

Shareholders of Fidelity Bank Plc should expect a bounteous harvest at the end of the current year given its impressive performance for the half year (H1) ended June 30, 2017.
According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, The results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) wednesday showed that Fidelity Bank Plc posted gross earnings of N85.8 billion in H1 of 2017, up 22 per cent from N70.2 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2016. Interest income grew by 27.8 per cent, while interest expenses grew faster by 48 per cent to hit N38.2 billion compared with 25.7 billion in 2016. As a result, net interest income stood at N34.7 billion in 2017 compared with N31.2 billion, indicating a rise of 11 per cent. Impairment charges remained flat at N4.8 billion in 2017 as against N4.79 billion in 2016.
Despite the high inflationary trend, the bank reduced operating expenses by 1.7 per cent to N30.9 billion, from N31.4 billion in the corresponding period of 2016.
Consequently, profit before tax (PBT) rose by 66.6 per cent to N10.2 billion, from N6.131 billion in 2016, while profit after tax (PAT) improved by 65.6 per cent from N5.457 billion to N9.04 billion in 2017. Earnings per share similarly improved to 31 kobo as against 19 kobo in 2016.
When the Fidelity Bank opened the 2017 with similar double digit growth in the first quarter, its managing director/CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo had attributed the performance to the disciplined execution of its medium-term strategy and a business model that enables the bank to continue to deliver improved performance in line with its 2017 financial year targets.
“Gross earnings growth was driven by a combination of increased yields on earning assets and an absolute growth in the volume of earning assets which led to growth in interest income,” he had said.
Speaking on the cost efforts to reduce costs, he said the cost optimisation initiatives continued to deliver cost savings.
“We will continue to optimise our cost profile without impacting service delivery through the disciplined execution of the initiatives from our recently completed business optimisation project,” Okonkwo had assured.
Meanwhile, trading at the stock market closed on bearish note yesterday for the third consecutive day as profit taking activities continued.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSE ASI) depreciated by 1.48 per cent to close at 35,629.13 to reduce the year-to-date appreciation to 32.5 per cent.