₦airaland Forum

The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Public Works Corporation has commenced the construction of a major collector drain at Magodo-Shangisha canal to avert flooding in the neighbourhood.


FAILED PORTION OF MAGODO-SHANGISHA ROAD
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The Corporation, according to the Chief Executive Office (LSPWC), Engineer Ayotunde Sodeinde is currently working on the long stretch of the Magodo-Shagisha drainage canal embedded in a gorge in order to ease the flow of rainwater and domestic discharge from residential buildings within the neighbourhood.


AERIAL VIEW OF MAGODO-SHANGISHA GORGE
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He said, the newly constructed drainage canal will serve as a collector drain for water flowing from all the tributary drainages to be discharged into the Alapere canal and onward flow into the Lagos Lagoon.


Sodeinde said, the height of the collector drain measuring about 1.5m (both sides), with the basement measuring about 5m wide needed to be constructed because in the last four years the gorge had posed terrible danger to the residence and motorist, citing a recent incident where an “Okada rider” fell into the gorge as a result of the failed portion of the road which has began to cave in.


DEFECTIVE TRIPPLE CELL DRAIN TO BE FORTIFIED
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The LSPWC Boss stated that following the directive of the Governor, “we moved into this site two weeks ago”. Initially, we did a palliative work there but we later discovered it required a lot more.



He added that “we noticed that the triple cell drain which transports water to the Alapere canal before entering the lagoon may collapse anytime from now, so we are constructing a retailing wall to stabilize the drain from collapsing”.


ON-GOING CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE CANAL
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The Chief Executive Officer also pointed out that a 4ft walk-way will be built around the drain to protect the people; stressing that all the street drains around the neighbourhood will be cleared to ease the flow of rain water and other domestic discharge from Magodo and Shangisha environs.


A resident, Pastor Joseph Adeoye described the situation around that area as pathetic saying “when it rains, the entire area become flooded, but I was full of joy when Governor Ambode directed the Lagos State Public Works to step in. In just two weeks, you can see the level of work carried out on the drainage. This is incredible, we are very happy”.


The LSPWC boss therefore disclosed that the entire drainage project will be completed in the next eight weeks.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/construction-magodo-shangisha-drainage-canal-commences/

The Expanded National Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just ended at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja with several leaders and other stakeholders of the Party in attendance.

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The Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, H. E. Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, presided over the Meeting with the Secretary, Senator Ben Obi, CON and other members of the Committee present.

Also in attendance is the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, CFR and other leaders of the National Assembly. It also had the Executive Governors of Ondo, Gombe, Taraba, Rivers and Ekiti states while other states were represented by their deputies. Other invited stakeholders include: former governors, former ministers, former national officers, etc.

The Meeting deliberated on several issues affecting the Party and arrived at the following decisions:

(i) The National Convention of the Party will hold on Wednesday, the 17th of August 2016 still in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
(ii) A new zoning arrangement is to take into consideration, the decision of the last Convention which zoned the Presidency to the North and by implication, the position of National Chairman is to be zoned to the South, and the Committee is to report back within a week.
(iii) A Reconciliation Committee was constituted headed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu to reconcile only members of the PDP in the South West ahead of the National Convention.

Finally, Senator Kashamu Buruji representing Ijebu Labo Constituency of Ogun State in the 8th National Assembly was also in the Meeting; and he declared his unalloyed loyalty and support to the PDP National Caretaker Committee. His declaration foretells the successful outcome of the reconciliation currently going on in the Party.

The Meeting came to an end with all Caucus members pledging to work with the National Caretaker Committee towards a successful forthcoming National Convention.

Signed:

Adm. Chinwe I. Nnorom
Head, Publicity Division
For: The Chief Spokesman

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/pdp-expanded-national-caucus/

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has engaged the services of eighteen Professionals Audit companies to undertake the Audit of Federal Parastatals and Agencies.

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In a statement, the Accountant General of the Federal underscores the importance of the assignment during an interactive session to kick start the assignment.

He urged the Consultants to be effective and Professional while carrying out their assignment.
According to the AGF, the first phase of the assignment is divided into two categories and will involve thirty-three agencies.

Some of the terms of reference given to the Consultants for the Audit Process includes the review the source of revenue accruing to the organisations and the effectiveness of revenue generation and accounting.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/agf-engages-18-firms-audit-parastatals-agencies/

Last year, Afrocen3– the hottest afrobeat music group in Vancouver, Canada – made huge strides in their career; they won local and international awards, toured with various international artistes like AKON, KARL WOLF, and WOCKA FLOCKA FLAME, and released their first EP.

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This year, the group comes back bigger, better and stronger in a way that will blow your mind!

https://m.soundcloud.com/afrocen3/afrocen3-ft-lasgiidi-bando-prod-btb

BANDO is the first of many projects to be released by the group. BANDO was produced by the talented BTB and features fast rising US act Lasgiidi. If this track is a description of the quality/style of their music, then Afrocen3 is a group to watch closely this year.

It’s Afrocen3 ft. Lasgiidi- BANDO.

ENJOY!!

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/bando-afrocen3-featuring-lasgiidi/

Truppr is the social tool that connects people to fun and fitness activities around them so that regular exercise and healthy living becomes a lifestyle. Founded in 2014, the community boasts over 19,890 users with 1581 events created across multiple locations till date.

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Every month, Truppr organizes the TrupprRUN. It’s a 5km timed run that has grown from Lagos, to taking place across various cities in Nigeria and counting with over 4,506 signups till date. The 5KM run sees runners of all fitness levels coming together to enjoy a morning of running as one big Truppr.


The event is non competitive and it’s a way of encouraging those in Ibadan that being mindful or conscious of our health is necessary and there are fun ways to stay active especially when you have a community cheering you on.


Truppr Run July is a FREE event happening on the 23rd of July, kids are welcomed. It is always fun because we have a dance aerobics session afterwards.

To join in the Truppr Run – Run, Sweat and Pant, download the Truppr app on Android or iOS to sign up. http://www.truppr.com


Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/truppr-run-run-sweat-pant/

Glory Agbebaku is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, recording artist, performer and entertainer best known for his new hit single ‘MAJURU’.

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The Afro-Pop artist, known as GLOBABA ‘MAJURU’, his first single, will be released on June 27th.
Produced by DMM, and mixed and mastered by Zino Foster, the video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria and directed by Dr. Nell, styled by Kinabuti.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69pCgLIpb2U

GLOBABA graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University where he studied History & International Relations.
Listen & Download: GloBaba Majuru Official Video /Audio.
INSTAGRAM: Globabaofficial FACEBOOK: Globaba Main.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/new-single-globaba-majuru/

Senator Representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Senator Dino Melaye has debunked rumours doing the round about his involvement in some moves to impeach the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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It is pertinent to note that the incredulously machinated misinformation was orchestrated by forces bent on destabilizing the upper chambers of the Nigerian Parliament for selfish reasons.
One of the mushroom and faceless online platform used to promote the ill-fated, calumnious write-up has been notorious for serving as the propagandist machinery of political commercialists who are pushing for the extension of their fiefdom to the National Assembly .
While I remain unimpeachably committed to the leadership of the Senate, I believe the respected arm of government charged with the onerous responsibility of law making should be given the independence to conduct its business.
It is untrue and malicious ; the narrative of the attack dogs of demagogues who have decided to turn Nigeria upside down for failing to choose leaders for Senators.
I am a responsible Nigerian, role model and a champion of anti-corruption and equity which my party stands for . I therefore urge the general public to discountenance the libellous publication as I will continue to respect the history, culture and excellence of my Kogi West people on the floor of the Senate.
The true threat to the current Republic are those who believe a Nigeria not led by them must not exist.
Thanks and God bless.
Sen. Dino Melaye

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/senator-dino-melaye-denies-involvement-buhari-impeachment-moves/

Following a Direction to the telecommunications service providers in the country, the operators, will from July 1, 2016, activate the DO NOT DISTURB facility which gives subscribers the freedom to choose what messages to receive from the various networks.

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With this Direction the operators have been mandated to dedicate a common Short Code (2442) which will enable subscribers take informed decisions.
Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in a statement, said this action was taken in order to protect subscribers from the nuisance of unsolicited texts, and therefore a direct regulatory response to the yearnings of the subscribers.


By this action, he explained, the Commission has invoked a regulatory provision which had hitherto been overlooked by the operators.


Taking cognizance of the broad range of services which include: Banking/Insurance/ Financial Products, Real Estate, Education, Health, Consumer Goods and Automobiles, Communication/ Broadcasting/ Entertainment/ IT, Tourism and leisure, Sports, Religion(Christianity, Islam, others), the Commission directed the operators to give the necessary instructions and clarifications that will enable subscribers subscribe to a particular service/services /none at all.


In fact, a Full DND which is SMS “STOP” to 2442 does not allow the subscriber to receive any unsolicited message from the operators at all.


Below are the various options:


“SMS 1” for receiving SMS relating to Banking? Insurance/ Financial products to 2442
“SMS 2” for receiving |SMS relating to real Estate to 2442
“SMS 3” for receiving SMS relating to Education to 2442
“SMS 4” for receiving SMS relating to Health to 2442
“SMS 5” for receiving SMS relating to Consumer goods and Automobiles to 2442”
“SMS 6” for receiving SMS relating to Communication/ Broadcasting Entertainment/IT to 2442
“SMS 7” for receiving SMS relating to Tourism and leisure to 2442
“SMS 8” for receiving SMS relating to Sports to 2442
“SMS 9” for receiving SMS relating to Religion to 2442

Ojobo pointed out however that the decision of the Commission does not affect personal messages or person to person messages which are private communication by individuals.

He urged the operators to comply immediately with the Direction issued by the Commission and never again harass subscribers with unwanted messages.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/nigerian-communications-commission-enforces-2442-not-disturb-short-code/

Why I didn’t think this could happen to me is beyond me. Lagos corporate lifestyle has a way of making one feel untouchable. See, it’s not a case of what I feared the most eventually came upon me, I was taken by surprise when it happened: The life-changing, income-stifling, ego-bruising, future-altering event called getting laid off.

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Last year, when Banks began laying people off, when close friends and valuable co-workers were let go, I actually thought I was indispensable; afterall, I schooled abroad, I don’t mean, I did masters abroad type-of-thing oh. I mean, I did last three years of secondary school and all of my higher education abroad. After which I moved back to Nigeria in search of greener pastures(even though we IJGBs like to say we returned to make our country great, na lie, na greener pastures all of us dey find, opportunities no dey “the abroad again”).


It couldn’t happen to me! How could a department of numbers people (CPAs and accountants and such) live without its words person (yours truly: writer, editor, speller, and self-proclaimed grammar cop)? They think they’re going to be able to write letters, policies, instructions, and newsletters on their own? They can’t let me go—there’ll be so many mistakes! Typos and “your”s instead of “you’re”s, misplaced commas, incorrect use of “their,” “there” and “they’re.” As far as I was concerned, they needed me more than I needed them.

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Turns out I was wrong (not about the typos and grammar mistakes!) — but about being 100% needed. In an instant, I learned that I wasn’t as vital to the company as I thought I was.

When I was shown the door after nearly 7 years of service and loyalty, I was not so much shocked as I was disappointed and perhaps a bit vindicated. I discovered that the company didn’t see me as a member of the family, but as a position that could simply be eliminated.

When I started working there at age 23, right after NYSC, I was made to feel like I was part of a family. I developed friendships and became social with many of my co-workers outside of office hours.

I wish I had known…

I wish I had known that I was dispensable because then I would’ve realized that I had choices on that first day, five or so years ago, when I realized I was no longer happy. But like we all do, I tried to convince myself that maybe becoming chartered or getting more accountant qualifications would one day make me an ED in this bank, in Nigeria, it is not by like that jare.

I didn’t have to stay at a job that was making me miserable simply because I was hoping for a “safe” retirement. It wouldn’t have been a walk in the park—job searching in my late twenties when must job applications I see these days requires that one has ten years experience and be under 30—but now I know I would’ve survived it and have gotten a better job, if only I had jumped ship and confronted that fear I had of leaving a comfort zone.

I wish I had known…
I wish I had known that it’s OK to admit that it’s really not OK.

Staying in a job where you’re unhappy because you think its better than nothing+. I put all my eggs in one basket, and when that basket was ripped away from me, I was left without a job, without an income, and without the future I had pictured in my mind for so many years.

I wish I had known…

I wish I had known how much I would like doing something new.

I quickly learned it wasn’t too late for me to pick up the pieces and move on with grace and an idea for what I wanted in my next role—to be myself, feel appreciated, and be proud of the work I’m doing right now even though it is not paying as much as I would like, I unbelievably feel more fulfilled and I have time to pursue my passion, the kind that doesn’t involve sing along to anything playing on radio in Lagos traffic. If I had known it was going to be this invigorating, I would’ve done it a long time ago.

What I know now…

So even though I’m earning less now, nothing is better for the CV like have multiple experiences with various different companies, it actually makes one more marketable.

Emotional stability, personal satisfaction, and physical health are as important as a paycheck, if not more so. And I now know that if, down the line, I find myself unhappy where I am, I have choices. I’m not stuck or afraid. Most importantly, I am replaceable.

I wish I had known a lot of things, but above all, I wish I’d known that few things are forever. The option to find something better and brighter was always there. It just took getting laid off for me to realize it. But I can’t worry about how long it took me or what might’ve been if I’d quit and not been let go.

What matters is that I’m here now, doing work I like, surrounded by people who inspire me, grateful to be in a better place and most importantly growing.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/three-things-learnt-laid-off/

Theresa May set to become the next British prime minister after her only rival Andrea Leadsom quit the Conservative Party’s leadership race.

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Leadsom, the UK energy minister, announced on Monday that she is pulling out of the contest to replace David Cameron as the premier.

Her move paved the way for Home Secretary Theresa May, who backed staying in the EU, to be named as Tory leader and prime minister.

Leadsom, who supported Brexit, said a nine-week leadership campaign is “highly undesirable” for the UK at this crucial moment.

“I have concluded that the interests of our country are best served by the immediate appointment of a strong and well-supported prime minister,” she added, noting that she will fully support May.

The contest was originally due to end on September 9 and was overseen by the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs.

Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee, said May will be formally confirmed as the new Conservative leader but did not confirm whether this will happen by the end of Monday.

According to reports, Downing Street was holding discussions about the exact date for the departure of Cameron.

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Andrea Leadsom gestures as she delivers a leadership rally speech in central London on July 7, 2016. ©AFP
May, 59, has been the Home Secretary since 2010. She presented herself as the unity candidate to bring the divided Tory party and the country back together following the June 23 vote to leave the European Union.

May will be the second-ever female prime minister after Margaret Thatcher.

Tim Farron, the leader of Liberal Democrat Party, called for an early general election, saying, “With Theresa May’s coronation we need an early general election. The Tories now have no mandate. Britain deserves better than this.”

On June 23, nearly 52 percent of Britons who voted in an EU referendum opted to leave the union. Cameron, who was a firm pro-EU campaigner, stepped down the next day.

The vote sent shock waves through the political and economic sectors of both the UK and Europe. It led Cameron to announce his resignation as he had campaigned extensively for the UK to stay in the EU. The pound also fell to its lowest point since 1985.

Leadsom’s withdrawal from the leadership race came after she came under heavy criticism for implying that she was more qualified to lead the country because she had children.

May is married but has no child. Leadsom told The Times that being a mum meant she had a “very real stake” in the country’s future.

She later apologized to May and said the article said “completely the opposite of what I said and believe. ” When will Theresa May take office? Cameron should formally resign to Queen Elizabeth, who is not in London at the moment.

She is anticipated to get back to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. After her return, Cameron can leave No 10 Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to resign, as part of a formal procedure that would be followed by May’s meeting with the Queen. May will then enter No 10 Downing Street as the UK prime minister.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/theresa-may-next-uk-prime-minister-rival-quits/

The much-touted notion that the EFCC is biased and selective in its operations has been described as a falsehood informed by ignorance by many and a calculated attempt of corruption fighting back at the commission.

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Director of Public Affairs Department, (PAD) of EFCC, Osita Nwajah, made this position during the continuation of his media tour across the South East zone which took him to some selected media houses in Enugu and Anambra states.

At the Dream FM Enugu flagship live programme, ‘Poltical Voices’, he went with one on one with Hon. Nwabuze Ugwu, a constitutional lawyer and human right activist.

Similarly, on ‘Insight’, a phone –in- programme at the Anambra State Broadcasting Service Awka, he was received by the Managing Director, Nze Uche North. At Orient Daily and Unizik FM, Osita spoke against youths’ involvement in advance fee fraud and internet fraud saying that being a youth does not preclude anyone from facing the full weight of the law if found culpable.

Nwajah who was hosted by Head of PAD, South East Zonal, Chris Oluka, who also made presentation in Ibo language, was accompanied on the visit by Theresa Nwosu, Progress Bennet and Ayo Adebayo, all staff of the department

EFCC

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/efcc-systematic-not-selective-nwajah/

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says the point system copied from its website as criteria for admission into tertiary institutions in the country and currently circulating was a mere illustration.

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This is contained in a statement by the board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

It said that on the contrary, the Federal Government had approved the re-enforcement of admission guideline as recognised by law.

According to the statement the admission of candidates into tertiary institutions will be based purely on three pillars namely, merit, catchment and educationally less developed states.

It said that the point system that was wrongfully copied from the board’s website and currently being circulated by some media was used for illustration by the Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde.

“Sequel to the recent workshop convened by the Minister of Education on the modality for 2016 admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the Federal Government approved the re-enforcement of admissions guideline recognised by law.

“This is following the cancellation of the post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

“This is not the point system as widely circulated in some media.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the board wishes to state clearly that the point system is an illustration by the Registrar of JAMB.

“It is meant to demonstrate how a few institutions were using the point system to select candidates while some of their counterparts were subjecting candidates to written test.

“The illustrations are contained in a paper presented by the registrar and placed on our website and was adopted by the media wrongly as the 2016 guideline for admission,’’ the statement said.

It added that the 2016 admissions will be conducted purely on the three existing admission pillars of merit, catchment area and educationally less developed states through the following process.

According to the statement, firstly, a list of candidates who qualified for screening into individual institutions based on the three stipulated criteria will be presented.

It added that such screening did not demand for another test in any form written, oral or electronic.

According to the statement, candidates are to present their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results/Advanced Level (AL) results for verification and clearing purposes.

It noted that WAEC, NECO and NBTE results or its equivalent were acceptable as matriculation requirements.

The statement added that each candidate was expected to have a minimum of five credits at SSCE, including English, Mathematics and any other three relevant subjects to his or her discipline.

It said that the list of qualified candidates awaiting SSCE/AL results could be kept in view pending the release of their results.

“Any candidate that does not possess the requirements as listed above is deemed to have failed the screening.

“Consideration of the recommended list as forward by JAMB should be completed within one month from the date of receipt of the list.

“Any institution that has a shortfall in the admitted candidates could make-up for candidates from other departments on the institutions list.

“Reasons for rejection of candidates on the list should be clearly stated with proof provided alongside.

“This is imperative so that the general public will note the correct process,’’ the statement said.

It said that the government had directed that the guidelines must be strictly adhered to without any alterations.

(NAN)

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/point-system-circulation-not-criteria-admission-jamb/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would wait for the final outcome of court cases in deciding on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate for the governorship election in Edo.

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Mr Nick Dazang, Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The two factions of PDP led by National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Sen. Ahmed Markafi and disputed National Chairman of the party, Ali Modu Sheriff, conducted separate primaries to pick a candidate.

The Makarfi’s group, supported by all organs of the party, including the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, conducted its primary on June 20 in Benin and elected Osagie Ize-Iyamu as a candidate.

On June 29, in another primary also in Benin, but was not supervised by INEC as required by the Electoral Act, Sheriff’s faction picked Matthew Iduoriyekwemwen as the party’s candidate for the Sept. 10 election.

Insisting on the final pronouncement of the court of the issue, Dazang said, “as at now we have not received the certified true copy of the July 4 judgment of a Federal high Court, Port Harcourt, on the matter.

He said that the commission would studying the judgment and then seek advice from its lawyers before taking a position.

He added that INEC is still waiting for the last judgment which was on July 4.

“It will be like from next week by the time we receive them and when the commission sits, a position will be taken.

“It is when the commission has done that that it will then decide on any faction or candidate it is going to be accepted.’’ Dazang said.

It will be recalled that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja had on June 30, affirmed Sheriff as the PDP National Chairman and ordered INEC to recognize any candidate presented by him.

But, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on July 4 held that the May 21 national convention that removed Sheriff as chairman and constituted the National Caretaker Committee was duly constituted.

The court also declared that the dissolution of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee by that convention was valid.

In the judgment, Justice Abdullahi Liman, declared that the appointment of the caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs was legal and in line with the provisions of PDP Constitution.

(NAN)

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/inec-await-courts-decision-pdps-candidate-edo-2016/

The Gambia and Tanzania have banned child marriage, with tough penalties for those who breach the rulings. Gambia’s President Yayha Jammeh announced that anyone marrying a girl below 18 would be jailed for up to 20 years.

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Girl Children in West Africa, Africa

In Tanzania, the high court imposed a landmark ruling outlawing marriage under the age of 18 for boys and girls.

Some 30% of underage girls are married in The Gambia, while in Tanzania the rate is 37%.

Before the Tanzania ruling, girls as young as 14 could marry with parental consent, while it was 18 for boys.

The BBC’s Tulanana Bohela in Dar es Salaam says this is a big win for child rights groups and activists, who will now have an easier time rescuing girls from child marriage.

The case was brought by lobby group Msichana Initiative.

Gambia’s President speaking at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at the end of Ramadan, said parents and imams who perform the ceremonies would also face prison.

“If you want to know whether what I am saying is true or not, try it tomorrow and see,” he warned.

Women’s rights campaigners have welcomed the ban, however some say that it would be better to engage with local communities to try to change attitudes towards child marriage instead of threatening families with prison sentences,

“I don’t think locking parents up is the answer… it could lead to a major backlash and sabotage the ban,” Isatou Jeng of the women’s rights organisation Girls Agenda told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from the Gambian capital, Banjul.

In December last year, Mr Jammeh also outlawed female genital mutilation (FGM), with a prison sentence of up to three years for those that ignored the ban.

He said the practice had no place in Islam or in modern society.

Three-quarters of women in the mostly Muslim country have had the procedure, according to Unicef.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/gambia-tanzania-criminalize-child-marriage/

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the military for the progress recorded in the clearance operations in northern Borno. This is contained in a message by the president to the 119 Task Force and Armed Forces Special Forces Battalions’ temporary harbour at Kangarwa.

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The message was conveyed to the troops by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who visited them at the base. Buhari acknowledged the impact of the operations on the North-East, and said that Nigerians were proud of them and “grateful for the sacrifice’’.

He said the entire country was behind the troops and praying for the successful completion of their task in the region. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to troops’ logistics and other needs required to finally clear the remnant of the boko haram terrorists on Nigerian territory.

In his address to the troops, Buratai commended their efforts and urged them to sustain the tempo as they advanced towards other border communities in northern Borno.

“The president is proud of you; he is satisfied with your progress and he conveys his greetings to you all.

“Since you advanced from Baga, you have made progress and I must commend you for it.

“I am aware of the challenges you are facing and we will address them accordingly.

“You must continue with the good job that you are doing; the remnant of these criminals must be flushed out as soon as possible,” he said.

Buratai later told newsmen in an interview that more men and equipment would be sent to the unit as they advanced to other hideouts of the insurgents.

He expressed satisfaction with the troops’ conduct since the commencement of the northern Borno operation tagged “Operation Gaman Aiki”.

He said that the operation in the area would be intensified in the coming days as ground forces cleared remnants of terrorists in northern Borno.

“I am here to further raise the troops’ morale in the fight against insurgency.

“We will ensure that the morale remains high amid the momentum and to also keep the initiative on our side.

“This area extends to the border toward Niger and Chad; this is also where these insurgents sneak into the country whenever they are pushed in Niger, Chad or even in Nigeria.

“We are on the final push to ensure that we defeat them; they are the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents that we have been talking about,” he said.

The Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lt. -Col. Muhammadu Ali, conducted Buratai and the Commander, “Operation Lafiya Dole’’, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, round the unit’s defensive positions. The army chief distributed food and drinks to the troops in the spirit of the Eid-el-fitri celebration. The ground clearance operation is strongly supported by aerial reconnaissance and bombardments by Nigerian Air Forces fighter jets.

NAN/Nnenna.O

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/president-buhari-commends-military-operations-borno/

The Artisanal Fishermen Association of Nigeria (ARFAN), Bayelsa chapter, has commended the Federal Government for seeking legal redress over the January, 2011 oil spill at Bonga Oilfields.

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The government, through the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) instituted the suit in May, 2016 against Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, operators of the oilfield. The matter which is at the Federal High Court, Abuja, took that dimension after Shell failed to honour a demand by NOSDRA to pay 3.96 billion dollars (about N1.13 trillion) compensation for the spill.

The Director, Oilfields Assessment of NOSDRA, Dr Idris Musa, had said that over 40,000 barrels of oil spilled into the Atlantic Ocean and had polluted the waters, compelling fishermen to suspend fishing. Chairman of the fishermen’s association, Elizabeth Egbe, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Yenagoa, that steps taken by NOSDRA to get redress for communities and fishermen affected by the spill were commendable.

“For the first time, government has taken a giant stride by taking Shell to court to seek compensation for fishermen and communities in the Niger Delta region. “The spill had taken a negative toll on fishermen from the region. The intervention showed that the President is genuinely interested in the welfare of Niger Delta people.

“We commend the Federal Government for taking Shell to court to press for the compensation of impacted fishermen. Since the spill occurred fishermen have been adversely affected. “The spill had also wiped out the Bonga fish specie, which the oilfield was named after; Bonga fish has gone into extinction. Bonga fish is the mainstay of Niger Delta fishermen.

“The move by government to protect the economic interest of the citizens of the Niger Delta is very encouraging and we have never had it this well in the past,” Egbe said. She urged the Federal Government to work out a palliative to assist the fishermen to revive their fishing business and boost fish production while awaiting the resolution of the court on the issue. Egbe also lauded the move by the Nigerian government to clean Ogoni land.

She urged the government to extend the clean-up to the entire Niger Delta region as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

(NAN)

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/fishermen-commend-fg-suing-shell-bonga-spillage/

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Sokoto State on the passing away of one of their illustrious sons, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi.

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This was stated in a press release issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina on Wednesday in Abuja.

President Buhari describes the departed politician, administrator and technocrat, as an expert whose contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria remains indelible, adding that others carried on where he left off.

The President recalls that the former Federal Commissioner of Internal Affairs and boss of the National Security Organisation (NSO), played frontline roles in the activities leading to the eventual return and enthronement of democracy in the country.

He calls on family members, friends and associates of the departed community leader who held the Marafan Sokoto traditional title to take solace in the fact that the late Umaru Shinkafi played the parts assigned to him diligently , conscientiously and patriotically , enjoining them to emulate the good virtues that he left behind.

President Buhari prays that Almighty Allah will grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/president-buhari-mourns-umaru-shinkafi/

Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB) met representatives of Universities, Polythecnics and Colleges of Education, to reveal the new criteria for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. In essence, creating a more national screening models for all schools.

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Guideline 1(A): Public Schools Admission Course Ratio

Federal Universities
Ratio: 60/ 40 (SCIENCES Courses / ARTS Courses)
A. CONVENTIONAL INSTITUTIONS
(Universities and Colleges of Education)
Sciences (60) : Arts/Social Sciences (40)
B. SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITIES(Technology, Agriculture, etc)
Sciences (100%)
C. POLYTECHNICS/COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY
Science Related Courses(70) : Arts Related Courses(30)

Guideline 1(B): Admission Entry-Mode Quota

UTME/DIRECT ENTRY: 9 : 1
That is:
– 90% for UTME
– 10% for DE
However, if the 10% for DE is not utilized, it may be added to the UTME quota.

Guideline 2(A): Private Schools Admission Course Ratio

Private Universities:
Ratio: 60 / 40 (SCIENCES Courses/ ARTS Courses)
A. CONVENTIONAL INSTITUTIONS(Universities and Colleges of Education)
Sciences (60) : Arts/Social Sciences (40)
B. SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITIES
– Sciences, Technology, Agriculture, etc (Not less than 80%)
– Others (Not more than 20%)
C. POLYTECHNICS, COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY, etc
– Science/Technology Related (70) : Arts Related (30)

Guideline 2(B): Admission Entry-Mode Quota

UTME/DIRECT ENTRY RATIO: 9 : 1
That is:
– 90% for UTME
– 10% for DE
ISSUES TO NOTE
– The list of candidates that have scored above the minimum cut-off mark, and are NOT admitted may be forwarded to other institutions that need them for consideration. Especially their Second (2nd) Choice institutions of preferences.

The rules:
1. Screening of candidates shall be for those offered Provisional Admissions only.
2. No written examination to be conducted.
3. Verification of Course Requirements (O levels or A levels).
4. Verification of valid JAMB results by checking
i.Online Result Slip
ii.Printout
iii.Provisional Admission Letter
iv.Photo Album
v.Check list
vi.Biometrics
vii. Before a candidate can seat be considered for screening, he/she must have been given provisional admission by Jamb.
viii. Institutions are free to source from other Course(s) to compensate for SHORTFALL in any of the criteria.

Guideline 3: The Point System
This is the most important part of the new process. The points are evenly spread out between your O’level and Jamb results to provide a level playing field for all. In the first case, any candidate who submits only one result which contains his/her relevant subjects already has 10 Points, the exam could be NECO, WAEC, GCE etc, but any candidate who has 2 sittings only gets 3 Points. So this means that aspirants with only one result are at an advantage but only just.

The next point grades fall into the O’level grades. Each grades has it’s equivalent point, A=6 marks, B=4 marks, C=3 marks, so the better your grades the better your chances.
The next point is the UTME scores. Each score range has its equivalent point which can be summarized thus, 180-200=20-23 marks, 200-250=24-33 points, 251-300=34-43, 300-400=44-60 points. Each categories contains 5 Jamb results per point added, for example a candidate with 180-185 gets 20points, a candidate with 186-190 gets 21 points etc.

Points system for Direct Entry is yet to be released.
– Schools might still charge screening fees, this depends on the school.
– Catchment and ELDS will still be used!

ILLUSTRATED Point System

OFFICIAL JAMB GRADING SYSTEM FOR 2016/2017 ADMISSION
JAMB SCORE GRADE POINTS
180 – 185 ————————20 points
186 – 190————————21points
191 -195————————-22points
196 – 200———————–23points
201 – 205———————–24points
206 – 210———————–25 points
211 – 215———————–26 points
216 -220————————27 points
221 -225————————28 points
226 -230————————29 points
231 -235————————30 points
236 – 240———————–31 points
241 – 245———————–32 points
246 -250————————33 points
251 -300———————– (34- 43points)
300 -400———————–(44 – 60 points)

WAEC / NECO O’LEVEL GRADE POINTS
1. Single sitting——————- 10 points
2. Combined Results————- 2 points
A1——————————6 points
B2 and B3———————4 points
C4 – C6————————3 points

For example
If Kenayo O Micheal scored 205 in UTME = 24 points
Applied for Political Science

He presents only one WAEC result= 10 Points
He has 5 credits in the necessary subjects (3 x 5) =15 Points
His total points =49 points.
He will now await the school to release the cut off Point for his course before admission can be guaranteed.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/jambs-new-national-screening-model-replace-post-utme-examination/

The Nigeria Police Force on July 4 rescued a woman and her children kidnapped on July 3, 2016 at her residence in Ayobo Area of Lagos State.

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When the information of the Kidnap got to the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag.IGP Ibrahim Idris, NPM, mni, ordered the immediate deployment of a detachment of Counter Terrorism Unit to the area for the safe rescue of the victims.

It could be recalled that when the news of the kidnap spread around the Ayobo area, some good spirited members of the community mobilized to apprehend the hoodlums, until the Police were contacted.

This community collaboration with the Nigeria Police ensured that the hoodlums were traced to the Igando waterfront, Lagos, on July 4, 2016 where the criminals abandoned their victims and fled.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Idris warns those involved in acts of kidnapping and other heinous crimes to turn a new leaf as the Police in the new dispensation is ready to clampdown on all forms of criminality throughout the country.

IGP Ibrahim Idris further stated that safety, peace and security of law abiding citizens are uppermost in his policing objectives. He affirmed that community partnership in crime control and prevention is critical to police ability to render quality service.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/lagos-police-rescue-woman-3-children-kidnappers/

Senator Dino Melaye, Chairman, Senator Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has raised the alarm on what he called a plan by certain individuals to doctor the Police report on the investigation of allegation of forgery leveled against the leadership of the Senate so as to make the report to indict Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

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This was disclosed in a press release signed by Senator Melaye and made available to the media through the Senate President’s Media Office on Monday in Abuja.

Melaye stated that those behind the sinister plot are scheming to forge a police report different from the one signed by AIG James Caulcrick in other to justify and prove a case of forgery against the Senate President and the deputy president.

He said it was necessary for members of the public to be aware of the ‘unlawful plan’.

“We have our own sources and we have been reliably informed that the prosecution having realized that there is a big hole in their case against Saraki and Ekweremadu who were not mentioned in the police report, are now trying to doctor the report and include the names of both presiding officers of the Senate.

“It is because of this plan that they refused to include the police report in the process they filed in court.

“We have said it repeatedly that the government and specifically, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami has no case against our presiding officers.” He said.

According to him, the case was filed to distract the two men, embarrass them, force a change of leadership and eventually cow the Senate, in particular, and the National Assembly, in general.

“The forgery case is the height of desperation by some elements to bring down the legislature.

“Malami has a personal agenda to achieve an objective for which he has been hired as a counsel by a few aggrieved Senators.

“Now, a court has affirmed our claim that he is abusing his office and that there is a conflict of interest involving him.

“We will be watching them to see how they will smuggle Saraki and Ekweremadu’s names into it.

He added that it is clear that those who initiated the forgery suit against the leadership of the Senate know that they have made a mistake.

He said that they should cut their losses and discontinue the error.

“To think that they will now use forgery to justify a false case of forgery, further, their abuse of the court process as well as the abuse of office and think we will be looking at them will not be possible.” Melaye said.

Senator Melaye called on the courts to continue to play their role as the last resort for every man who wants justice at all times and in all circumstances.

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/melaye-cries-foul-play-senate-forgery-case/

Airtel has announced its ‘Do not Disturb’ short code, 2442, designed to allow subscribers manage all promotional messages sent to their lines.

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The self-service platform allows customers to either opt-in or out of the ‘Do Not Disturb’ service, thereby empowering subscribers to end unsolicited promotional SMS or promotional voice calls. To use the service customers can text ‘help’ to 2442.

Its Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Ahmad Mokhles, said the code was introduced in compliance with the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and in response to complaints of unsolicited SMS or promotional voice calls by some customers.

“Airtel is committed to offering excellent customer service and we are pleased to introduce the ‘Do Not Disturb’ self-service to empower our esteemed customers to decide what messages or calls they receive from the network.

“While there are customers that demand promotional services to keep abreast with various innovative products and services, there are others who do not want to be disturbed – that is why NCC has mandated telecoms companies in Nigeria to create this service, providing options for customers to either opt-in or out,” he said.

Source>>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/airtel-unveils-code-end-unsolicited-sms/

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of Agriculture, is the President of African Development Bank (AfDB).

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In this interview, Adesina speaks on the AfDB’s moves to help the continent eradicate poverty and position Africa as an industrial and economic giant. You have a very interesting mandate as a bank, which is to support Africa in areas that constitute a critical part of the continent’s development strategy.

How has the AfDB approached this mandate so far?

We are adopting a selective focused approach away from the shotgun approach. We have identified five elements that we believe if dealt with appropriately will allow the developmental potential of the continent to run free. Coined “The High Fives”, these five priority areas within the context of the bank’s Ten-Year Strategy—to light up and power Africa, feed Africa, integrate Africa, industrialize Africa, and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa— represent the bank’s blueprint for African countries to embark on a course of sustainable transformation. You have worn many different hats at global institutions in the course of your career. Your appointment as President of the AfDB is your first outing in a financial institution.

What do you think you will enjoy most about being a development banker? What does being a development banker symbolize or mean to you?

My mandate as President of the African Development Bank affords me the opportunity to work with highly trained and qualified professionals on some of the continent’s most challenging development goals (i.e access to clean energy for all). At the end of my tenure, it will mean a lot to me, if the general sentiment on the continent is that there has been in improvement of the quality of life of African women and men as a result of the operations and projects led by the African Development Bank.

By any measure, you are successful in your chosen endeavor. I’m sure there are several reasons for your success, but why do you believe that you have so been successful?

I think I have been successful for two main reasons. First, I have always believed in myself- I always set very high targets for myself and I firmly believe that if I can think of something, then I certainly can do it. Second, I believe in excellence. My father was a farmer and so we lived with limited resources. My father only went to school at the age of 14 and upon completion of his education, he joined the civil service at a very low level and made his way to the top. I therefore, believed in my father, who served as my role model.

Under your leadership, how will the bank encourage entrepreneurship on the continent? What have been the biggest challenges of helping to establish a culture of entrepreneurship in Africa?

The bank will have a strong focus on job creation for the youth. After all, Africa has a very young population and these youngsters need to become entrepreneurs to create growth for themselves and for others. Africa has a legacy that does not promote entrepreneurship amongst young people seeking white collar jobs instead of entrepreneurship opportunities.

And small businesses are often driven by survival needs rather than through entrepreneurial drive. The bank is spearheading an initiative that will boost African entrepreneurs, by channeling both ‘patient investments’ and technical assistance through a wide range of funds, incubators and other agencies that support early stage and start-up SMEs.

The bank will also support education systems that prepare students for life as entrepreneurs. And the bank will have a strong focus on agriculture and agribusiness, and in particular on smallholder farmers, to enhance productivity and value chains. After all, agriculture remains the mainstay of many Africans, but it is not commonly viewed from an entrepreneurial perspective.

The AfDB has come to adapt to Africa’s growth and focus –to what extent will you look at the world’s other development banks as models to follow? In addition to the 40/50 year old+ Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the Asian Development Bank (AsDB), other development banks have been created in the last two years- these include the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB).

There are, therefore, many more partners from which we can learn. There is indeed more complementarity between our bank and other MDBs than ever before. Just in 2015, we signed an MDB- risk exposure exchange with the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which is expected to increase our lending headroom by over $10 billion.

What degree of inter-continental partnership is appropriate for the AfDB, and how will the prevailing macroeconomic situation affect your assessment of partnership moves?

The size of investments needed to take the continent from where it is today to where the bank wants it to be at the end of my tenure is very ambitious. And this will not be attained with the bank’s own resources alone. Therefore, the bank is gearing itself to play a leading role in bringing together all partners sharing the same development objectives and vision for the African continent.

The current mobilization of partners has scaled up to a level never reached before but this was not at the expense of quality. The current economic downside fueled by depressed commodity prices should not be a big deterrent to our mobilization effort.

As a matter of fact, this is an opportunity for the continent to boost its growth by the supply of services. How does the AfDB’s strategic partnership with the AFRICA CEO FORUM factor into the bank group’s strategy?

The fact that the Africa CEO Forum offers the Bank another platform to connect with CEOs and leaders of main African businesses and enterprises is very important. Large businesses have the moral responsibility to support the growth and development of the continent.

The sharing of ideas and exchanges that happen during the Africa CEO Forum allows us, at AfDB, to better implement our strategies. In what way is the AfDB shifting Africa’s industrial base into more technologically oriented enterprises? Akinwumi Adesina Technological progress offers Africa opportunities to leapfrog its development and have its own kind of industrial revolution.

For instance, mobile phone-based technological innovations are changing the service delivery landscape in Africa in a number of sectors such as mobile-money, pay-to-go energy payment, health care and agricultural services. Not only are these innovations leapfrogging traditional service delivery constraints, they are also expanding the service delivery frontier—making more and better services available with any given level of resources.

They also provide budgetary relief/savings for government and improving service delivery and efficiency gains. The potential of Africa’s technology innovation is evident with the likes of enterprises such as Mpesa, Jumia, Iroko TV, etc, and the bank is powering these opportunities to new record levels – transforming Africa to an Innovation continent.

Technology and innovation parks have been financed by the bank to support technology oriented enterprises in Senegal, and Cape Verde, while Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia are soon to follow. In addition to building innovation ecosystem capacity in our member-countries, the bank is also facilitating access to finance these businesses via the development of Africa’s venture capital markets.

A pan-African Fund – Africa Innovation Fund-is in process, which will mobilize over US$ 3 billion for technology enabled ventures, while innovation funds in Rwanda (US$100 million), Cote d’ Ivoire (US$120 million) and Nigeria (US$150 million) are being established.

Are there certain sectors in which SMEs have the potentials to play a more active role in AFRICA’s development?

SMEs are crucial for Africa’s development. More than 90% of businesses in Africa are SMEs. SMEs make a huge contribution to GDP. This is not only so in Africa, this is globally the case. In Africa, a lot of SMEs are still operating in the informal sector, often for good reasons, but it hinders their growth.

There are challenges in the enabling environment that must be overcome that will assist SMEs to reach their growth potential. You asked me earlier about entrepreneurship. I believe SMEs and entrepreneurship are essentially the same. Entrepreneurially-driven SMEs are the drivers of growth in our economies. We need to create such growth- oriented SMEs and assist them, through a level playing ground, to grow, prosper and create jobs. It is true that growth opportunities may be more abundant in some sectors compared to others; agribusiness, health, education, clean energy offer tremendous opportunities.

But there are also lots of opportunities in many other sectors, and if we can get small businesses to innovate and industrialize, they can also play important roles in local and internal value chains.

How do you go about scaling up the AfDB’s trade finance activities to channel critical trade support to companies across the African continent?

AfDB has always recognized the importance of access to trade finance for businesses, especially SMEs, as a means of promoting trade and hence economic development. In the past, the Bank worked through regional Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) such as Afreximbank, PTA

I believe SMEs and entrepreneurship are essentially the same. Entrepreneurially-driven SMEs are the drivers of growth in our economies. We need to create such growth- oriented SMEs and assist them, through a level playing ground, to grow, prosper and create jobs.

It is true that growth opportunities may be more abundant in some sectors compared to others; agribusiness, health, education, clean energy offer tremendous opportunities. But there are also lots of opportunities in many other sectors, and if we can get small businesses to innovate and industrialize, they can also play important roles in local and internal value chains.

How do you go about scaling up the AfDB’s trade finance activities to channel critical trade support to companies across the African continent?

AfDB has always recognized the importance of access to trade finance for businesses, especially SMEs, as a means of promoting trade and hence economic development.

In the past, the Bank worked through regional Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) such as Afreximbank, PTA Bank and Africa Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) to provide critical trade support to businesses on the continent. However, the recent global financial crisis and the dislocation that followed revealed deep structural issues in the market that required a different approach from the bank. And we responded by setting up a dedicated trade finance operation to intervene directly in the market.

In just over 2 years our program has supported more than 80 local banks in 25 African countries. We have catalyzed approximately USD 3 billion of trade in vital sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and construction. More than 60% of the transactions supported are on account of SMEs. In recognition of these achievements in such a short period of time and cognizant of the estimated large and growing trade finance gap in Africa, currently projected at USD 130 billion, the bank plans to considerably scale up its trade finance operations.

My team is currently preparing an updated trade finance business plan to consolidate our role as a major provider of trade finance on the continent. When this plan is implemented, we will support at least USD 10 billion of trade in 5 years. We will provide greater financing where it is needed including to regional DFIs active in trade finance and strengthen our engagement with other Multilateral Development Banks such as IFC, EBRD and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) to build the capacity of local financial institutions to improve access to trade finance for local businesses across Africa.

In recognition of these achievements in such a short period of time and cognizant of the estimated large and growing trade finance gap in Africa, currently projected at USD 130 billion, the bank plans to considerably scale up its trade finance operations. My team is currently preparing an updated trade finance business plan to consolidate our role as a major provider of trade finance on the continent.

When this plan is implemented, we will support at least USD 10 billion of trade in 5 years. We will provide greater financing where it is needed including to regional DFIs active in trade finance and strengthen our engagement with other Multilateral Development Banks such as IFC, EBRD and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) to build the capacity of local financial institutions to improve access to trade finance for local businesses across Africa.

My team is currently preparing an updated trade finance business plan to consolidate our role as a major provider of trade finance on the continent. When this plan is implemented, we will support at least USD 10 billion of trade in 5 years. We will provide greater financing where it is needed including to regional DFIs active in trade finance and strengthen our engagement with other Multilateral Development Banks such as IFC, EBRD and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) to build the capacity of local financial institutions to improve access to trade finance for local businesses across Africa.

It is therefore, important that we scale up our trade finance activities and remain meaningfully engaged in this space for the benefit of our Regional Member-Countries. You have identified poverty as a scourge that “the continent must not simply manage but eradicate”.

What do you think is the best way to address this problem, and with what resources? How has the AfDB approached this scourge since its inception?

The best way to address this problem is by financing SMEs which constitute over 80% of the continent’s private sector, and, as you know, the private sector is the creator of wealth and veritable engine of economic growth in Africa.

We have launched several programs, such as the Africa SME program the Trade Finance Program, the Private Sector Credit Enhancement Facility, to increase financial support to the private sector in Africa with the aim of eradicating poverty.

What could be your challenges managing an African Bank Group, in a continent where the global economic crisis meets an ongoing local crisis of poverty and unrest?

The main challenge is that of a slowdown in the global economy. But I must state that Africa is a resilient continent- expected to grow by 4.4% in 2016, above 3.5% for the global economy and slightly behind the 6% for Asia. However, at the back of challenges lie opportunities.

And in the case of Africa, the opportunities are the need to increase energy production, build infrastructure and diversify our economies. What lessons did you learn on your way to becoming the President of the AfDB?

What do you think is the best way to address this problem, and with what resources? How has the AfDB approached this scourge since its inception?

The best way to address this problem is by financing SMEs which constitute over 80% of the continent’s private sector, and, as you know, the private sector is the creator of wealth and veritable engine of economic growth in Africa.

We have launched several programs, such as the Africa SME program the Trade Finance Program, the Private Sector Credit Enhancement Facility, to increase financial support to the private sector in Africa with the aim of eradicating poverty.

What could be your challenges managing an African Bank Group, in a continent where the global economic crisis meets an ongoing local crisis of poverty and unrest?

The main challenge is that of a slowdown in the global economy. But I must state that Africa is a resilient continent- expected to grow by 4.4% in 2016, above 3.5% for the global economy and slightly behind the 6% for Asia.

However, at the back of challenges lie opportunities. And in the case of Africa, the opportunities are the need to increase energy production, build infrastructure and diversify our economies. What lessons did you learn on your way to becoming the President of the AfDB?

The best way to address this problem is by financing SMEs which constitute over 80% of the continent’s private sector, and, as you know, the private sector is the creator of wealth and veritable engine of economic growth in Africa. We have launched several programs, such as the Africa SME program the Trade Finance Program, the Private Sector Credit Enhancement Facility, to increase financial support to the private sector in Africa with the aim of eradicating poverty.

What could be your challenges managing an African Bank Group, in a continent where the global economic crisis meets an ongoing local crisis of poverty and unrest?

The main challenge is that of a slowdown in the global economy. But I must state that Africa is a resilient continent- expected to grow by 4.4% in 2016, above 3.5% for the global economy and slightly behind the 6% for Asia. However, at the back of challenges lie opportunities.

And in the case of Africa, the opportunities are the need to increase energy production, build infrastructure and diversify our economies. What lessons did you learn on your way to becoming the President of the AfDB?

I leant one main lesson. That we have to believe in ourselves and in whatever we do. I wanted to be the President of the AfDB. I believed in myself and I worked hard towards achieving this.

What are the key success factors for a President of the AfDB?

I believe there are four main success factors. First, the ability to set ambitious targets. Second, the need to be reform-minded: to change the Bank’s processes from “business as usual” to those that are more efficient and faster. One needs to be close to his clients and respond adequately to their needs.

Finally, one needs to strengthen strategic partnerships with all stakeholders- the private sector, civil society, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and philanthropic organizations, amongst others. If you had to define the AfDB in one sentence, what would it be? The African Development Bank: The engine of the winning Africa

Source>>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/akinwumi-adesina-mobilises-3-billion-boost-technology-nigeria-african-countries/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has laid its hands on a bank account with over N2.5billion opened in the name of a former female minister’s housemaid.

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Investigators of the anti-graft agency believe the account was opened by the former influential minister in the name of the housemaid as part of the effort to cover her track.

However, preliminary investigation has shown that the former minister is the sole signatory to the account, The Nation gathered authoritatively yesterday.

A highly placed EFCC source said yesterday that she would be brought to justice.

“Our findings indicated that the ex-female minister opened an account in the name of her housemaid and with her photograph. But the signature in the account is that of the ex-minister,” the source said.

“At the time we made the discovery, over N2.5billion was in the account. But the volume of transactions in the account has been huge.

“We are suspecting that the ex-minister did not put the housemaid in the picture of what she wanted to do with her passport photograph.

“We have established that the ex-minister has been drawing funds from the said account. We have retrieved records of all transactions by the ex-Minister. We will soon bring her to justice no matter how long it takes to follow due process.”

The EFCC, it was also gathered, has secured a court order to detain Abiodun Agbele (Alias Abbey), an associate of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State.

Agbele was arrested during the week in respect of ongoing investigation into how about N4.745billion of the $2. 1billion arms cash was diverted to a former Minister of Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro and Governor Fayose.

The cash was allegedly sourced from the SAS Imprest Account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under ex-NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki prior to the conduct of the June 21,2014 Ekiti Governorship poll.

About N1.219billion was allegedly disbursed to Fayose through Abiodun Agbele and De Privateer Limited which is owned by the associate.

The ONSA allegedly wired the N4.745billion via Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, a phony company allegedly run by the Obanikoros.

Said a source, “We have obtained a remand warrant from the court to detain Agbele; who was central to the collection and sharing of the N1.219billion into the accounts of Fayose and other beneficiaries.

“His arrest has enabled us to get to the root of how the funds came about and the disbursement formula.

“When presented with records of transactions and accruing tellers, the suspect admitted carrying out the transactions. He is helping our investigation and we will soon reveal the details to the public.”

Before Agele’s arrest, investigation had uncovered that:

“The N1, 219, 490,000 was not deposited in any account but it was kept in a vault in the bank. It took the bank officials about 10 days to count. The bankers refused to make entry until it was counted,

“Shortly after confirming the figure, Abiodun Agbele was used to coordinate the disbursement of the funds. On June 26, 2014, the wanted associate (Abiodun Agbele) paid N137million into Ayodele Fayose’s account 10003126654 with Zenith Bank through Teller-0556814. Fayose’s BVN on the teller is 22338867502. On August 22, 2014, he paid N50million into the same account. By the records from the bank, Abiodun Agbele paid another N118, 760,000 into Fayose’s account on 27/8/14.

“Based on the transfers, Fayose moved N300million to a Fixed Deposit Account No 9013074033 with Zenith Bank at 15, Olusola Abiona Street, Olorunda Estate, Alapere Ketu. He has the same BVN-22338867502.

“After that, Abiodun deposited another N100million from the N1, 219, 490,000 into Spotless Hotel Account run by Fayose and his wife, Helen Olayemi Fayose with Account No. 1010170969, Fayose’s BVN is 223338867502 and his wife’s BVN in the account is 22298990256.

“The governor and his wife are the two directors and signatories of Spotless Hotel account.”

In the course of the investigation, the EFCC team dug up how De Privateer Limited (a company owned by Abiodun Agbele) with Account No. 1013835889 received the sum of N219, 490,000 on June 18, 2014.

“On June 19, 2014, the same account received N300million and another N200million on June 23, 2014. The BVN of the account is 22235692890.”

Source>>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/efcc-traces-n2-5b-ex-female-ministers-housemaids-account/

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the Nigerian Army would sustain its partnership with communities close to its formations in cleaning the environment across the country.

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Buratai said this when he led officers and soldiers to clear refuse dumps along the Abuja-Keffi expressway in commemoration of the 2016 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) at Nyanya on Saturday. He said the joint regular environmental sanitation would also boost the army’s relations with the public.
The army chief said it would mobilise logistics and men at specified times to support the cleaning of the environment.
“Environment is very important to our wellbeing, so we want to convey this message that if we want to live healthy lives we must keep our environment clean.
“Chairman of Nyanya Market Traders Association and the chief of Nyanya are here with us. And with this collaboration; the civil military relations that we have always strived to uphold will be boosted. “We protect them in the battle filed against adversaries and we also collaborate with them to keep the environment clean so that they will understand that we are indeed their army.
“This is something that we do regularly across the country as part of our civil military relations and our contribution to a healthy environment’’, he said. Chief Enoch Jiaba, the Sarkin Pada of Nyanya, expressed gratitude to the military for restoring the pride of Nyanya. He said since the bombings that occurred in the area, Nyanya was seen as a place associated with terror and criminals.

“If you look at the days past, Nyanya has witnessed its share of the bombings and since then Nyanya had not known anything good. “The area has not witnessed any coming of dignitaries on issues that will move the area forward; they only come here on issues concerning the bombings. “So, we are happy with what the army is doing now.’’
Chairman of Nyanya Market Traders Association, Mr Ahmed Sadique said the development portrayed the army in a different light as traders and commuters would now see the army as partners in progress.
According to him, this partnership on environmental sanitation with the military of today is commendable and a step in the right direction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that officers and soldiers of the Army Headquarters and formations around Abuja participated in the environmental sanitation. (NAN)

Source>>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/army-pledges-partnership-environmental-sanitation/

TOKYO — The decision by the U.K. to leave the European Union has sent shock waves around the globe, prompting many countries and businesses to reassess their business ties with both Britain and the EU. Africa will need to do the same, Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) agency, told the Nikkei Asian Review in an interview.

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Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) agency, speaks with the Nikkei Asian Review in Tokyo on June 30. (Photo by Rie Ishii)

Mayaki, who is also a former prime minister of Niger, was in Tokyo to attend a seminar on structural economic transformation in Africa, organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and NEPAD. The seminar was held in relation to TICAD VI (the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development), due to be held in Africa for the first time in August.

Q: What effect will Brexit have on Africa and Africa’s development?

A: It is true that we should have a prospective analysis of possible consequences. One possible consequence is that the EU has economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Africa. Some regions have started signing, some of us have not signed, and some countries within the regions have framework agreements with the EU. It will have an impact, on this specific trade issue, because when the EU negotiated with the African countries, the U.K. was part of it.

So evidently, somehow it will have a consequence, but I can’t evaluate what consequence. I think it has to be technically looked at. … A lot of question marks, but evidently, we need to ask our technicians in trade, that are at the core of the negotiations of EPA, to make an evaluation of what will it have as consequence.

Q: Will some countries be put off from signing the EPA after Brexit?

A: I can’t answer intelligently to that. The only thing I can say is that we need to reassess again the EPA negotiations and look at them by integrating quantitative factors that might emerge from Brexit. It is too early to say. What is sure is that we need to reassess.

Q: TICAD — A Japan-led conference on African development — will be held in Africa for the first time. What is the significance of this?

A: It is significant because it shows an equal partnership, and politically, it is very important. It [also] comes at a moment when many countries are transforming economically, and opening to the private sector. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will have a very significant group of Japanese private sector operators [coming with him]. I don’t think these people will want to lose their time. They want to go to discuss; otherwise they wouldn’t go. So there is an appetite which is very positive.

Q: What does Africa need to develop?

A: Botswana and the Central African Republic [had] approximately the same period of independence, and the same endowments. Between the 1960s and today, Botswana went from $400 GDP per capita to $7,000. CAR went from $400 to $200. In Botswana you had a planning process which never ceased, you had agreed upon a redistribution of the fruits of growth and you had high priority given to human capital. So on the one hand you have inclusive institutions, [and] on the other hand you have extractive institutions that have not changed since the [colonial times]. Our objective is to reduce the number of countries looking like CAR.

The second issue is that not every African country will need to industrialize. We need to think regionally. Ethiopia, 100 million inhabitants: makes sense. Kenya: makes sense, etc. [But] there are very small countries which need to fit into their regional space. With the creation of a regional market, economies of scale, intraregional trade — in that regional space you can have a learning curve of competitiveness that will allow Africa to be more present on the global scene. We need to increase intra-African trade, so we can be more competitive on the international scene.

Q: What role should African companies play in the development of Africa?

A: It is a very important question. More than 50% of African economies are informal. In terms of entrepreneurship, there is a huge potential there. We need to transition them toward becoming formal entrepreneurs in small and midsize enterprises. And it’s a role of the state to allow that transition to take place. This is really the future of the African private sector. You have billionaires, but there are not many. Industrialization will come from small and midsize enterprises, and it will come from the transformation of the informal economy and there you will have the huge potential of entrepreneurship.

Q: Why hasn’t that happened yet?

A: It hasn’t happened yet because historically, if you look at how political regimes have evolved, they always looked outwards, through strategies like the Washington Consensus. My hypothesis is that the role of the elites was to look at the world and not think about internal modernization.

Now the big issue is that the majority of the population is very young. They have the real political power because it is a unique configuration in the history of demographics — 75% under [the age of] 25 — and they know they have the power to change. So the governments need to think about how to create employment, how do we plan better, because it is their own stability which is at stake. A Boko Haram fighter in Niger, Nigeria or Chad earns $3 a day, which is three times the $1 a day of the World Bank [poverty line]. He lives in an underprivileged territory. So if you create these conditions, you will have an expansion of Boko Haram. And then the states will fail, and your stability will be totally erased. There is that consciousness now, but whatever the policymaker does, he needs to think about that huge young population.

Interviewed by Nikkei staff writer Shotaro Tani

Source>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/brexits-implication-africa/

President who left Abuja at about two o’clock Friday after the Jumaat prayers was seen off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by the Minister of FCT Muhammad Musa Bello and other senior Government officials.

On hand to receive him at the Katsina International Airport were Governor Aminu Bello Masari, his deputy, Members of the State Executive council, principal officers of the state Assembly, the Political class as well as the Business community.

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President Buhari in Katsina

The Emir of Katsina Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman also led other traditional title holders to give the President a rousing welcome.

From the Airport, President Buhari proceeded to his home town Daura where hundreds of people turn up to receive him.

Among them is the Emir of the Ancient Kingdom of Daura Dr Farouk Umar Farouk as well as the locl Council officials.

This is the first time the President is visiting home after his vacation in the United Kingdom early last month.

Source>>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/president-muhammadu-buhari-daura-katsina-state-private-visit/

Am coming #APC

Hiss #iranu

GentleNaaz:
Bro, either APC or PDP is bhind ds

All dis pple line no dey ever connect! I didn't input my NYSC call up number, and am still trying to reach them but I can't.. 9ja tins no dey always make sense.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has flagged off the pilot phase of the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP), on Thursday in Abuja.

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The Programme is aimed at empowering 1,500 youths with a total of N2.5 billion loan.

The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele in his remarks said that the inability of Nigerian youths to access funding for businesses had been the bane of entrepreneurship.

Emefiele said that entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths had been hindered by low capacity and funding which has made many of them opt for white collar jobs which are not even available.

The CBN governor said that these challenges have continually made many youths to jettison their laudable ideas in pursuit of white collar jobs.

He said that the programme would address the problem of high and rising youth unemployment and restiveness.

While stressing that it was a loan that would be paid back and not a grant, he said that the single digit interest rate of the loan was to allow the youths to grow their businesses without much ado.

He admonished the beneficiaries to be of good character by repaying the loan when due as the success of the scheme depends solely on this first phase.

“We do not anticipate that they would not pay, we have as collateral their NYSC and Degree certificates and we know that our youths know the importance of their certificates.

Emefiele enjoined the youths who accessed the loan to please pay when due, as he saw no reason for them not to re-pay.

The YEDP is aimed at harnessing the latent entrepreneurial spirit among the teeming youths by providing timely and affordable loans to implement their business ideas.

It is also serving as a training sponsored by the CBN for National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members in collaboration with Heritage Bank.

It targets youths between the age of 18 and 35 to create one million direct jobs in the productive sectors of the economy within four years.

Some of the qualified business sectors are agro-allied, food processing and preservation, arts and crafts, construction support and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The Director General, NYSC , Brig.-Gen. Sule Kazaure said that the programme was a milestone for the NYSC because it was in line with the its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

He said under the SAED scheme, over 600,000 corps members had been trained in various entrepreneurship programmes but lacked funding to establish their own businesses.

He urged the corps members to take the programme seriously saying their future and the nation’s may depend on it.

The Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo told the youths that their success was important as it might mean that a path to creating a society that is worth our while was being charted.

He urged them to exhibit a flawless character and be tenacious in the pursuit of their goals.

“The spirit of entrepreneurship is not just in word but in the character you exhibit and the tenacity you bring to bear, the ability to follow your dreams despite the challenges.”He added.

Mr Success Obi, who spoke on behalf of the applicants, thanked the three organisations for providing such employment opportunity for the teeming Nigerian youths.

He assured that if granted the loan they would do their best to create employment opportunity for themselves ourselves and fellow youth and pay back the loan when stipulated.

Media reports say that the flag-off was done simultaneously in Plateau, Katsina, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Osun and Lagos states, including Abuja.

Source>>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/cbn-flags-off-entrepreneurship-programme-empower-1500-youths/

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration would rebuild Nigeria, including the Niger Delta region, and therefore solicits patience and understanding from the citizenry.

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Receiving a delegation of Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group, led by His Royal Highness, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, at State House, Abuja, Thursday, President Buhari pledged that under his watch Nigeria will witness judicious utilization of resources.

“We intend to rebuild this country; so that our children and grand-children will have a good place they can call their own. A lot of damage has been done, so I want you to tell the people to be patient.

“When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people. We will utilize the resources of Nigeria with integrity and rebuild the country.”

The President said the gazette on the Niger Delta amnesty programme by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration is being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled, promising that whatever is left would equally be addressed.

“I want to get as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta. I have encouraged law enforcement agencies to contact leaders like you in order to have enough information to deal with the issues once and for all, “the President said.

He sympathised with investors who borrowed lots of money to invest in the Niger Delta region and have not recouped their investments due to insecurity.

He used the occasion of his audience with the Group to reiterate his appeal to those who perpetrate violence to embrace peace and gives government a chance.

The leader of the Group, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, said the group was made of peace builders, dedicated to peace and stability in the region.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President ((Media and Publicity)

Source>>>http://www.barbaric.com.ng/well-rebuild-niger-delta-president-buhari-assures/