₦airaland Forum

Anyone got a link to stream?

SAMUELS3:
Safe flight brother, will join you soon in dallas.

Sam, please call me, I have news for you.
My phone is damaged so I can't access your number.

yankeeboi77:
@NoobSaibot1 Please can you share your contact with me, i went through your post and was very resourceful.
@SmartMugu also

Sorry, I'm just seeing this. Please email me at marvinsmith007@gmail.com

SAMUELS3:
I will reply you late in the evening. You can also drop your question(s) here bro.

Got your mail bro and promptly replied.

Awaiting your revert.

Thanks

SAMUELS3:
I got your mail, you don't need to edit anything. Boss, I told you to just click.

Bros, I still dey wait to hear from you oh

SAMUELS3:
I got your mail, you don't need to edit anything. Boss, I told you to just click.

Yeah yeah...

Please use this gmail instead.

Thanks

SAMUELS3:
Nope, just click on my name, you will see send e-mail message to SAMUELS3, click it also, another page will appear where you will see send email, just click that too and that's all.

I just did. I couldn't edit the message.

Please shoot me a mail via marvinsmith007@gmail.com instead. I just realized I may not have access to the email associated with this account.

I'll be looking out for your mail.

Thanks

SmartMugu:
I may be wrong, but I think it's fairly easier to get a US visa these days than in the past. I mean it like about 15 years ago, getting a US visa was something huge. Some folks would even go as far as celebrating because they got a visa.

These days, it appears everyone I knew back then comes to the US whenever they like. I even have a notorious friend that comes here like once a month for the past two years for just pleasure. This year alone, I think I may have had about 6 old friends visit me, and I'm expecting about 3 more in June. I guess I was somewhat famous for the wrong reasons back in school in Nigeria and old friends still remember me whenever they're in the US.

Flashing back to when I knew the people that visited, none had a visa before or never thought about getting one. But now, a visa is really nothing to them. Some have even visited at least 30 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia.

What I noticed about these set of people is that they are actually doing well in Nigeria themselves and have no reasons to abandon their families and their lives in Nigeria to become what the US government terms 'public charge'. You may want to Google that up to understand their thought approach.

I think the idea is pretty simple. Most governments don't want visitors to become liabilities to them, and all you have to do is prove to them you won't become a liability to their government.
How you can prove that to them could be proof that you're married (if you are or if you've already told them you are), bank statements showing your financial standing, proof of landed properties in Nigeria, proof of income of you're employed, stock earnings etc. You don't have to have all, just something to show you're ok in Nigeria and have no reasons not to return to your country. Everyone can say that verbally, but all US relies on is 'documented proof'.

If you're based in Lagos or know people in Lagos, I think it makes it much easier for you if you don't have all these documents. I said that cos back then, boys in Oluwole in Lagos Island can get you any travel document you need. That used to be one of my hustles back in Nigeria. I lost contacts with all the boys I knew there over the years, but it's easy. You don't even need a travel agent to do all this yourself. Just get some contacts with a trustworthy person in Lagos Island, and they'll hook you up with the right people. Unless thongs have changed now. You won't need this if you have legit documents to show them at the embassy, but back then most people around me visited Oluwole to generate travel document - bank statement, marriage certificates, divorce papers, proof of employment, proof for landed properties, etc for prospective travelers.

When you get your visa and you're enroute, please remember the same concept applies until you get out of the airport anywhere in the US. I mean you do need to still show the immigrations you have no plans to become 'public charge'. After stepping out of the airport, you can decide to change your mind and do what you really had in mind.
I stated that because I had friend that visited and got deported right at the airport here in Atlanta. I waited for hours outside the airport to pick him up, he didn't show up and I had no way to know if he missed his flight or something. I got a call from him in Nigeria a few days later telling me he got deported right at the airport. I thought that must have been painful, considering the stress he went through to get the visa in the first place (especially the ugly long queue at the embassy), the cost of of the flight etc.

I think it was his fault. It's all pyschology. That was his first time visiting the US. At the port of entry, he was asked a simple question that he failed. He already told them at the embassy he just wanted to visit, and had succeeded in meeting their requirements, got a visa and messed up at the airport because he forgot the lines he started with.
At the port of entry, he was asked "You said your friend is waiting for you outside and you'll be staying with him through your trip. If your friend offers you a job while you're here, would you take it?" A sane response would have been "No, because I have a family, a good job, many properties etc in Nigeria and have no reasons to leave them for any reason". Instead, my friends response was "Why not, I can do any job. I'm a very hardworking man. I even have a masters degree..." That statement automatically ruined his chances and he got deported because he forgot the lines he started with.



Good luck bro.

Hey,

Thanks for this input. I did apply, got the visa, went and came back.

It actually pays to be honest. I was quick enough to come clean for the VO. My visa was granted and I had never stepped foot outside Nigeria before!

God did it!

SAMUELS3:
PM me boss, i cant PM again for today have done that several time today.

Great!

Thanks for this. We'll have to follow each other first to PM.

Isn't that so?

SAMUELS3:
Visa approved today 7:30am appointment at abuja embassy.
i was scared like hell when i woke up, i went to a solitary and i prayed, confidence regained. on getting to the embassy the queue was long mehn... fast forward, we entered the interview room, did normal paparazzi (biometeric). i saw a lots of yellow paper flying helter skelter, lots of people with sad face, then i prayed again silently "baba jo mama je n pada wa to si bi bayi mo fun visa"

Transcript proper

We said Good morning simultaneously, i didn't want him to greet me first.

VO: why are going to the US?

Me: to congratulate the president elect donald J trump. LOL just kidding
to pursue my masters of science in operations and project management at the SNHU after which i will be coming back to Nigeria to return to my job in an elevated position as a senior project manager, as i am on study leave.

VO: where do you work?

Me: i work with BAnBAta Nigeria limited (not real name) as a quantity surveyor and project manager, banbata nigeria limited is a construction and project management firm.

VO: How did you come about the school?

Me: my friend elder bro who is an alumnus of the school informed of the numerous opportunity that the school offer such as internship palcement, research grant, i also check online critically to know more about the school, and i realised that 60% of the program curriculum consist of the area where i need to improve myself and the tuition is affordable.

VO: how many school did you applied to ?

Me: 3

VO; named them

Me: Arizona state university, university of arkansas at little rock and southern new hamsphire university

VO: why didnt you choose arizona state university

Me: i didnt research well when i applied to the school, i did extensively research again and i realised that the curriculum doesnt align with my career goals.

VO: Tell more about this course?

Me: the course is approximately 19 months and have got to complete 36 credits units before graduation in courses like.... i listed the courses(i mentioned like 10) the VO was just nodding, i also maintained eye contact naso he cut me o said ok

VO: have you been outside the country before?

Me: No, i have no tangible reason to leave niger... naso he cut, vias approved at this point, i didnt hear anything again i was in the state of euphoria, it was as if my whole body was in the air. No document asked (financial document and test score)
thanks to texrem for the sevis fee and mock interview, out of his busy schedule he created time for me, we were on phone yesterday, we talked extensively on the interview and same with walspring yesterday. Thanks coach texrem and walspring God bless you both abundantly.
Lagosismyhome i benefited from your numerous post, God bless you too and to others that are contributing to this thread day in day out... God bless you too. my days aint complete without opening this thread.
i was denied twice by canada... though i still want this canadian dream, after my masters, lol.

thanks my people.
can someone pick up the visa for me because i will be at work, on the pick up date?

Hello SAMUELS3,

Mind if we talk about the admission process? I'm interested in SNHU. A phone number or email would do.

I'd appreciate your assistance.

Awaiting your response

electronic:
All of you are silent readers till wahala start !! then you start looking for Prophet shey?........lol
1. provided the money is not deposited at once and shows cash flow for like six months and exceeds your I20 amount.
2.The better Bro!!
3.Yes!! apply wisdom sha
4.Going with him is also okay. Most importantly let the cash be enough for you uncle to feed his family after sponsoring you with millions get?
5. it helps but a sponsor is okay.
6. that depends on your school's policies ask your friends.

about the B1/B2 i think i can still fly... but pls confirm from the gurus

Thanks for your input.

But you didn't speak to my choice of school. Was wondering if I could get any help from guys in here on that.

I see SAMUELS3 is going to SNHU. Can we talk please? I need guidance.

Thanks

Hello Guys,

Kindly weigh in on my situation here. I've been a silent reader on this thread and other travel threads as well. I must admit that there's a wealth of information buried in this section. Thanks to all those who have contributed to this.

Here's my situation:

I'm interested in pursuing a Masters degree in the US. I actually refused to do this in Nigeria since cos I've always wanted to experience education outside Nigeria. I strongly feel the time is right for me to do so now.

I'm in my late 20s with over 4 years work experience in communications. I have my degree in English Language with a 2.2 GPA coupled with additional qualifications in PR and Advertising.

I've contacted a couple of schools who are willing to offer me admission. University of Southern Mississippi is willing to offer me a provisional admission (in Public Relations & Advertising which is where my passion lies) and I have to take GRE due to my CGPA. The other, Southern New Hampshire University offers me MBA (which is less relevant to my career in my opinion) does not require GRE or any other additional tests.

My dilemma is not being able to settle for one due to some circumstances. I have friends in SNHU and are encouraging me to come over, saying admission process is relatively easy there. USM however offers me what I need albeit with a little stress. Whichever I choose though, I have no problem defending my choice of program at the visa interview but I'd want to avoid needless grilling by the VO as much as possible.

The other dilemma is sponsor. I don't quite understand how the statement of account thing works. I have a maternal Uncle who's willing to sponsor but we don't share the same surname. I'm aware this may raise concerns at the visa interview so I'm not too keen on it. I intend to save up a large chunk of my salary for the program.

1. Is it advisable to present such savings account where money is solely lodged for the program? Will it be considered cash lodgement?
2. Do I have to back it up with a sponsor's account?
3. Can I have my Uncle run transactions through my account to enable me build up credibility?
4. Or do I just go with him as sponsor, even as an adult with 4 years work experience and earning a comfortable salary?
5. If I go with his sponsorship, do I still have to present my own statement?
6. If I settle for the MBA, can I change my course and school when I arrive US?

NB: I currently hold a B1/B2 visa and recently returned from a 3 weeks vacation in the US

I await your kind responses

Thanks

How can I keep my emotions in check?

Before now, I never cared much in relationships or I'd say I try to maintain a steady momentum. But these days, I tend to set my emotions lose when I fall in love. I love hopelessly but not stupidly. Suffice to say this has hurt me real bad in recent times. I recently got out of a triangular relationship. It sapped me emotionally and I'm still trying to get over it.

I'm not the instant ladies man but when they get close, they seem to fall for me and I'm unsure of what to make of it. I have too many ladies around me and trying not to hurt them. Currently, there's one cozying up to me. The feeling is mutual but I feel it's too early to enter into another relationship and I'm planning on relocating soon.

Honestly, I spend a lot of time thinking about this. I have a steady job and doing quite fine; I'm in my late 20s too.

Is there a way to shelve these emotions and stop these girls from coming too close?

Mods, kindly retain this thread here in the family section. I don't appreciate the juvenile comments of the Romance section.

Thanks

SmartMugu:
I may be wrong, but I think it's fairly easier to get a US visa these days than in the past. I mean it like about 15 years ago, getting a US visa was something huge. Some folks would even go as far as celebrating because they got a visa.

These days, it appears everyone I knew back then comes to the US whenever they like. I even have a notorious friend that comes here like once a month for the past two years for just pleasure. This year alone, I think I may have had about 6 old friends visit me, and I'm expecting about 3 more in June. I guess I was somewhat famous for the wrong reasons back in school, and old friends still remember me whenever they're in the US.

Flashing back to when I knew the people that visited, none had a visa before or never thought about getting one. But now, a visa is really nothing to them. Some have even visited at least 30 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia.

What I noticed about these set of people is that they are actually doing well in Nigeria themselves and have no reasons to abandon their families and their lives in Nigeria to become what the US government terms 'public charge'. You may want to Google that up to understand their thought approach.

I think the idea is pretty simple. Most governments don't want visitors to become liabilities to them, and all you have to do is prove to them you won't become a liability to their government.
How you can prove that to them could be proof that you're married (if you are or if you've already told them you are), bank statements showing your financial standing, proof of landed properties in Nigeria, proof of income of you're employed, stock earnings etc. You don't have to have all, just something to show you're ok in Nigeria and have reasons not to return. Everyone can say that verbally, but all US relies on is 'documented proof'.

If you're based in Lagos or know people in Lagos, I thinks it makes it much easier for you if you don't have all these documents. I said that cos back then, boys in Oluwole in Lagos Island can get you any travel document you need. That used to be one of my hustles back in Nigeria. I lost contacts with all the boys I knew there over the years, but it's easy. You don't even need a travel agent to do all this yourself. Just get some contacts with a trustworthy person in Lagos Island, and they'll hook you up with the right people. Unless thongs have changed now. You won't need this is you have legit documents to show them at the embassy, but back then most people around me visited Oluwole to generate travel document - bank statement, marriage certificates, divorce papers, proof of employment, proof for landed properties, etc for prospective travelers.

When you get your visa and you're enroute, please remember the same concept applies until you get out of the airport anywhere in the US. I mean you do need to still show the immigrations you have no plans to become 'public charge'. After stepping out of the airport, you can decide to change your mind and do what you really had in mind.
I stated that because I had friend that visited and got deported right at the airport here in Atlanta. I waited for hours outside the airport to pick him up, he didn't show up and I had no way to know if he missed his flight or something. I got a call from him in Nigeria a few days later telling me he got deported right at the airport. I thought that must have been painful, considering the stress he went through to get the visa in the first place (especially the ugly long queue at the embassy), the cost of of the flight etc.

I think it was his fault. It's all pyschology. That was his first time visiting the US. At the port of entry, he was asked a simple question that he failed. He already told them at the embassy he just wanted to visit, and had succeeded in meeting their requirements, got a visa and messed at the airport because he forgot the lines he started with.
At the port of entry, he was asked "You said your friend is waiting for you outside and you'll be staying with him through your trip. If your friend offers you a job while you're here, would you take it?" A sane response would have been "No, because I have a family, a good job, many properties etc in Nigeria and have no reasons to leave them for any reason". Instead, my friends response was "Why not, I can do any job. I'm a very hardworking man. I even have a masters degree..." That statement automatically ruined his chances and he got deported because he forgot the lines he started with.


Good luck bro.

Thank you for your prompt response, SmartMugu.

What I can glean from your post is that it pays to stick with the storyline I started with. I guess that's the way to go then. I have discussed this with my friend though and he's of same opinion.

I'm not interested in any Oluwole docs. I plan to use all legit documents and will even get letters from my employer if need be.

I just want to know my chances, hence my inquiry. I'm quite ok with life here. Going to US for business or pleasure will do just fine. My kids can school there when I start a family though.

I forgot to add that I've never been outside Nigeria before. I welcome more opinions.

I need useful tips and advice from experts here on my proposed trip to the US. TWood Jwillng Smartmugu and others, please chip in and assist a brother.

Here is it.

I once applied to visit the US for a conference about 3 years ago but was denied visa. My application was submitted by my late Dad who indicated I was married in the form. I'm aware all my info is with the US and I have no intention of denying the info. I regret that he did though as I like to be truthful always.

I currently earn about 200k and I plan to attend a bosom friend's wedding scheduled for the ember months. I'm planning my annual leave for then. My friend will be sending me an invitation letter.

My question is, what documents will I require for the application and how do I go about it?

In as much as I used to harbor plans of living in the US, currently realities have made me to shelve the idea. I'm fairly comfortable here and not interested in relocating to the US. Periodic visits will do me. My career is on course in Nigeria so I'm not up for the stress of relocating. In fact, I have no intention of staying beyond a month.

I'm single by the way.

What are my chances?

More...

More here...

More pictures...

Enugu residents proved they really know what it means to turn up as Music+ delivered on its promise of a thrilling Friday groove for the fun seekers at the Toscana, last night. Armed with headphones streaming music from the DJs, the fun lovers partied until dawn and couldn’t get enough of the unique experience.

Enugu, done and dusted! On to the next one! Can your city outdo Enugu? The #Noiseless Party is coming to a city near you, watch out for it!

Remember, #MusicIsTheKey

Meanwhile, see how the 042 gig went down…

More...

More photos from the night...

It was no-holds-barred session for music lovers as MTN Music+, Nigeria's largest music streaming and download service feted music lovers to the first ever noiseless party in Nigeria.

The music enthusiasts expectations of what a noiseless party would be was surpassed when what was intended to last for few minutes as test run, became an all-night musical dose with no dull moment of dance and unbelievable excitement.
With this innovation from Music+, it has truly affirmed its position as the largest music streaming and download service in Nigeria.

Best described as the party that ended all parties in 2015 in Nigeria, the noiseless party enjoyed the presence of top DJs led by DJ Neptune. As the DJs took their turn on the turn-tables to thrill the audience with best of Nigerian music, the audience who listened to the sound through their headphones responded with dance steps that made the party indeed the party of the year.

The event went viral, trending for over 6hours on Twitter as the music enthusiasts couldn't hide their feeling of the awesome party night. They took to social media to relish and share their experiences using the hashtag #MusicIsTheKey.

It’s only one day to go for the coolest party of the year-. In case you don’t know the biggest noiseless party in Nigeria is set to go down tomorrow at the King’s College Annex, Victoria Island by 7pm.

So what’s the party about? MTN is re-launching its digital music service- Music+ App with this one-of-a-kind party- the noiseless party. And it promises to be breathtaking, exciting, fun and optimum entertainment!

Brace yourself because it’s a party like you’ve never witnessed before! It will blow your mind! Stars like Falzthebahdguy, Davido, Don Jazzy, Harrysong, Kcee, Dr Sid, Tiwa Savage, Tekno and the MTN Project Fame stars like Jeff, Geoffrey, Monica, Emmaculate, Shola will be thrilling you in a unique way.

Then you’ll also be part of a unique experience of the noiseless party!

But to attend this party, you need a key! You need to get your own key to access this party. Here’s how you can get your own key. Simply tweet at @MTNNG on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag, #MusicIsTheKey; tell them what music means to you and how it has helped you unlock closed doors. It’s that simple.

So, grab your phone and get tweeting! Get started in the quest for that key to unlock your world of fun this season. For more info, please follow @MTNNG on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Hurry, there aren’t many keys left!

More...

More pictures...

Last week Friday, MTN launched the Music+ Next Rated campaign with Dr Sid in Ibadan. It was no holds barred as the “Surulere” crooner entertained students of University of Ibadan with non-stops hit songs for hours. The electrifying atmosphere speaks so much of how the students longed for such moments as a way of balancing their primary purpose of being in school to study and excel.

The campaign promises more excitements as the train berths in the City of Calabar this Friday. To steer and move the campaign to the next level on the Next Rated, the Limpopo crooner himself, Kcee will be there live at the Mayfair Club. With the Limpopo king himself, nothing less than the best of entertainment outing is expected in the lively city of Calabar, in University of Calabar. Fans and enthusiast can follow the campaign on social media with the #mtncampustweetguest and #musicplusnextrated.

Still wondering what the MTN Next Rated is about, read this. The MTN Music+ Next Rated, is another exciting initiative from MTN Nigeria set up to assist artists especially the up and coming acts in the Music industry. The Next Rated is a new feature on MTN Music+, Nigeria’s largest digital music platform where artistes can upload their songs to get visibility and build up their fan base.

To participate, simply upload your song on the Music+ platform via the Next Rated section; get friends and family to like your song. Artistes with the highest like per week get his/her song played on MTN partner radio stations.

Ten entries with the highest Likes will be selected and judged by a 5 man panel of MTN ambassadors, pruning it down to 5. The last 5 songs will be uploaded again for Likes over a period of one week. A final winner emerges afterwards. The winner will get a mid-size saloon car!

Get started by texting ‘music’ to 5900 or visit musicplus.mtnonline.com!

Meanwhile, see some pictures from the launch in Ibadan last Friday…

There's an ongoing issue that if not highlighted in the Business sector of Nigeria, could hamper the economic growth of Nigeria in the long run. The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria has basically shifted its from its primary focus as a regulator of financial reporting, accounting and auditing with global standards to a tax collector and money making enterprise. I took my time to do this write-up and share here.

As with global standards, the Federal Government set up the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria in 2011. Established under Act 6, 2011, its mandate is to protect the investor and stakeholder interest, give guidance on issues relating to financial reporting and corporate governance, ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports and harmonize activities of relevant professional and regulatory bodies. It also has the mandate to promote the highest standard among auditors and other professionals engaged in the financial reporting process.

These among other duties explain the purpose of the FRCN. One thing that the FRCN is clearly not empowered to do is play the role of ‘tax collector’ or levy financial and business entities with impunity. When these things happen, it is expedient that it must be highlighted and issues are set clear.

FRCN has become an exorbitant tax collector, charging registration fees up to N219, 000 per professional and annual dues of N5, 000 each. Unlike the UK, whose financial regulator asks for voluntary levies from regulated entities who pay according to their market capitalization. FRCN is shifting from its primary focus on public interest enterprises to focus on money making. It seeks to extend its universe of compulsory levies to all entities in the private sector.

The expansionist mindset was contested by Eko Hotels and the court ruled that Section 77 of the FRCN Act excluded private companies from the entities subject to regulatory powers of the FRCN.

FRCN has reviewed its penalties up to 5,000%. These penalties are exorbitant, even exceeding the constitutional limits approved by the National Assembly. The agency showed its complete disregard of the law in requiring that penalty must be paid within 14 days, failing which an additional penalty of 0.1% shall accrue daily. This is despite the fact that Section 64 para (1) states that regulated entities are only liable to fines upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The UK-FRC, unlike FRCN, works to establish whether or not a financial reporting breach has occurred, the courts are responsible for determining sanctions. The FRCN on its part has chosen to copy some aspects of the UK code but not copy those that will require it to properly engage with the market that it regulates or refer matters that should be addressed or interpreted in court to the courts.

If the FRCN is meant to achieve a unified regulator that will reshape the national risk management system, sanction misbehavior of the management of public interest entities then FRCN has not lived up to its expectations.

In a nation that has been having a running battle with multiple taxation and over-lapping regulatory agencies, FRCN’s impunity is another unwanted burden that can and must be avoided at all cost. If unchecked, the consequences are grave for the economy in the long term. Foreign direct investments could plummet and slow growth of indigenous companies could happen. This surely does not give the full implementation of local content act a boost.

The FRCN should focus on developments of standards, codes and guidelines that will support the fair presentation of financial statements by stewards of business enterprises, provision of guidance, engage stakeholders to encourage compliance with the codes and standards

FRCN leadership should be transparent and should set the tone by publishing its own annual reports from 2011 to 2014 as is required by section 38 of the FRC Act and as it demands from regulated entities. All FRCs across the globe publish their reports on their websites

Since FRCN believes strongly in rotation and “fresh look”, it is past due for its Executive Secretary to step aside having dominated corporate reporting from serving as Technical Director of the defunct Nigerian Accounting Standards Boards, through to its CEO to Executive Secretary of FRCN for over 10 years.

The national assembly should urgently establish a committee to review the activities of the FRCN, its governance systems, recent pronouncements and planned enactments are in line with the Act establishing the FRCN. It will also be necessary for the national assembly to review the FRC Act itself to determine whether the powers being exercised by FRCN are appropriate.

Seun & Mods, please a front page will do this issue a lot of good. kindly use your good offices to help

There's an ongoing issue that if not highlighted in the Business sector of Nigeria, could hamper the economic growth of Nigeria in the long run. The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria has basically shifted its from its primary focus as a regulator of financial reporting, accounting and auditing with global standards to a tax collector and money making enterprise. I took my time to do this write-up and share here.

As with global standards, the Federal Government set up the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria in 2011. Established under Act 6, 2011, its mandate is to protect the investor and stakeholder interest, give guidance on issues relating to financial reporting and corporate governance, ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports and harmonize activities of relevant professional and regulatory bodies. It also has the mandate to promote the highest standard among auditors and other professionals engaged in the financial reporting process.

These among other duties explain the purpose of the FRCN. One thing that the FRCN is clearly not empowered to do is play the role of ‘tax collector’ or levy financial and business entities with impunity. When these things happen, it is expedient that it must be highlighted and issues are set clear.

FRCN has become an exorbitant tax collector, charging registration fees up to N219, 000 per professional and annual dues of N5, 000 each. Unlike the UK, whose financial regulator asks for voluntary levies from regulated entities who pay according to their market capitalization. FRCN is shifting from its primary focus on public interest enterprises to focus on money making. It seeks to extend its universe of compulsory levies to all entities in the private sector.

The expansionist mindset was contested by Eko Hotels and the court ruled that Section 77 of the FRCN Act excluded private companies from the entities subject to regulatory powers of the FRCN.

FRCN has reviewed its penalties up to 5,000%. These penalties are exorbitant, even exceeding the constitutional limits approved by the National Assembly. The agency showed its complete disregard of the law in requiring that penalty must be paid within 14 days, failing which an additional penalty of 0.1% shall accrue daily. This is despite the fact that Section 64 para (1) states that regulated entities are only liable to fines upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The UK-FRC, unlike FRCN, works to establish whether or not a financial reporting breach has occurred, the courts are responsible for determining sanctions. The FRCN on its part has chosen to copy some aspects of the UK code but not copy those that will require it to properly engage with the market that it regulates or refer matters that should be addressed or interpreted in court to the courts.

If the FRCN is meant to achieve a unified regulator that will reshape the national risk management system, sanction misbehavior of the management of public interest entities then FRCN has not lived up to its expectations.

In a nation that has been having a running battle with multiple taxation and over-lapping regulatory agencies, FRCN’s impunity is another unwanted burden that can and must be avoided at all cost. If unchecked, the consequences are grave for the economy in the long term. Foreign direct investments could plummet and retarded growth of indigenous companies could happen. This surely does not give the full implementation of local content act a boost.

The FRCN should focus on developments of standards, codes and guidelines that will support the fair presentation of financial statements by stewards of business enterprises, provision of guidance, engage stakeholders to encourage compliance with the codes and standards

FRCN leadership should be transparent and should set the tone by publishing its own annual reports from 2011 to 2014 as is required by section 38 of the FRC Act and as it demands from regulated entities. All FRCs across the globe publish their reports on their websites

Since FRCN believes strongly in rotation and “fresh look”, it is past due for its Executive Secretary to step aside having dominated corporate reporting from serving as Technical Director of the defunct Nigerian Accounting Standards Boards, through to its CEO to Executive Secretary of FRCN for over 10 years.

The national assembly should urgently establish a committee to review the activities of the FRCN, its governance systems, recent pronouncements and planned enactments are in line with the Act establishing the FRCN. It will also be necessary for the national assembly to review the FRC Act itself to determine whether the powers being exercised by FRCN are appropriate.

Mods, please do the needful

Shoppers in the country can now bask in the euphoria of making massive savings on the purchase of their favourite items in preparation for the yuletide, as Nigeria’s largest online mall, Konga.com, for the second year running, launched ‘Yakata’, its biggest sales of the year. The great deals, which are scheduled to kick off on Thursday, November 27, 2014, a day earlier than the global ‘Black Friday’ sales, apply to all items on Konga.com. However, some other items will attract bigger discounts during the 5-day period of the sales.

Konga’s Yakata sales last year recorded an exceptional success as several consumers made away with unbelievable deals on their purchases. Following the huge buzz it generated, Yakata has since been referred to, by many, as Nigeria’s biggest shopping event of the year.

Yakata is Konga’s version of the global ‘Black Friday’ sales, and it was introduced by the company to give Nigerian online retail shoppers the opportunity to make massive savings on the purchase of their favorite items.

Commenting on the upcoming 2014 sales, Konga’s Head of Marketing, Gabriel Gab-Umoden said, “We know that our customers are looking to us to provide the lowest prices and greatest deals this shopping season. This year Konga is going even bigger with our Yakata sales. We would have discounts on almost all items on the site. Konga’s consumers will have the opportunity to purchase items at rates slashed by up to 90% in some cases. We know that our customers’ expectations are not limited to discounts this Yakata period but also extend to the actual fulfillment of their delivery. This is a key reason we have been working hard all year and have invested millions in talent and infrastructure to ensure that all our operations are world class.”

Recently, the company has been beefing up its software engineering, logistics and delivery team to be able to cater satisfactorily to the forecasted order demands from its customers, and ensure that it maintains the highest level of professionalism in the industry.

Hi Everyone,

Anyone with useful information on international scholarships? I'm interested in pursing a Masters Degree and won't mind a scholarship (full or half) to assist me. Please furnish me with details on how and where to apply.

I have a background in communication and presently work in PR

Thanks

I really don't know why I keep stumbling upon these kinda posts and write ups today. Frankly, a lot of patience is required when online business and shipping are being undertaken by people. Whether we like it or not, issues like this will happen. More so, this is Nigeria where we have to been spoonfed on almost everything.

I really don't know Shippyme but my cousin once used them and they were excellent. Initially, he was ranting about his shipment being delayed and all. Out of curiosity, I asked him if he placed his booking on time or his vendor never delivered on time and they said they did. He couldn't say, so I had to ask him to retrace his ordering steps and see where the error came from before he brings down the roof on us. Alas, he made errors in his booking! Sometimes, a lil patience helps.

@Dear OP, this is not to take anything away from you. After all, it your money and package. But if maybe you will take some time to review the whole episode, things might just work out. Coming here to run them down really won't help. Many have done so to Jumia but people still shop there.

@Shippyme abi na Catlanta, you guys should help the OP as much as possible. Incidents like these are inevitable. How well you solve them shows your readiness. I'm sure you guys would anyway.

Goodluck!