₦airaland Forum

She is a woman of many parts. She is an actress, a director and a producer. Above all, Uche Jombo is an entrepreneur with huge investments in the movies.

In this chat, the mother of one talks about her career and how her father’s death altered the course of her life for good. Enjoy it.


What are you currently working on?



I have a film I co-executive produced with Ini Edo called, ‘Heaven On My Mind’. That’s what I’m working on right now. I have another project, a series that will come out soon entitled, ‘Boys Are Not Smiling’. It’s a youthful series. These days, the youth think they know everything. So, I think I should give them a platform to actually let us know what they know. We did an online open audition, with all the leading characters cast online. I can’t wait for people to start watching it. We have filmed the first season and now preparing for the second season. We will soon start showing it.



Your last movie had Kalu Ikeagwu as one of the lead actors, what is the relationship between you and him?



He’s an actor I have worked with several times, and he’s an amazing actor. I have a good chemistry with him. I have always said that you don’t waste someone like Kalu; if you have to give him a role, give him something that is worth the trouble. There are some actors like that. There are some actors you put on your project because of marketability and some you put because of their commitment to the character.



What’s your growing up like?


I grew up with so much and little. I know what it means to have everything. Also I know what it means not to have at all. And so, all these formed me as a person, which is why I don’t attach importance to things of the world. If you know me well, you will know that’s how I am.



What is the most difficult moment in your life?



It would be when I lost my dad; it kind of changed a lot in my life. It also changed my situation and that of my siblings, and formed who I became as an adult. It’s a time that brought tears to my eyes; it’s also something that forced me to grow up.


What has fame denied you?



I used to sit down and say things like that, but I have grown, I’m an adult now. I don’t have time to do that any more; because if at all I want to think about what fame has denied me, all I need to do is get a book and write things I have gained and lost with fame. The longer list will contain what I have gained with fame, so why will I now start focusing on what I have lost?



What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you?



A fan almost squeezed the living daylight out of me at the airport, simply out of excitement. She was talking about a film I did with Patience Ozorkwo entitled, ‘After The Proposals’. She was so excited about the film, and she narrated how the same thing almost happened during her traditional marriage.



Before you got married, did you turn down proposals from men?


I think every girl will do that before she eventually gets married. I think you will have to kill some frogs before you meet your prince charming. People you don’t want to marry will ask you to marry them, before you eventually meet whom you want to marry.



Which do you like most – directing, acting or producing?



That’s not a fair question because I’m an actor first and foremost. Now I am passionate about certain projects that I just have to see them to the end. I look at directing as a passion project, and then for producing, I have been executive producing films for the last 10 years. I don’t know why people think I just started now. It all boils down to passion, but I am first and foremost an actor. I am passionate about anything I take on, whether I am on that project as an actor, a producer or director. I’m just one of those.


What should your fans expect from you?


You are going to see lots of projects from UJ Studios. You will see lots of collaborations; you will also see projects that I am passionate about like ‘Boys Are Not Smiling’, ‘The Hustle Is Real’, and ‘Heaven On My Mind’ etc. Someone commented on my (social media) page today and it was like ‘Uche, you are back’ and I said ‘I never left’.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/how-dads-death-changed-my-life-uche.html

The all-new Lexus LS flagship sedan, launched in Australia today, delivers premium levels of powertrain smoothness, spaciousness, handling, ride comfort, safety, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The fifth-generation LS is based on a new rear-drive platform and features a bold design with a coupe-like silhouette.

Two powertrains are offered, including the first turbocharged petrol engine offered in the LS and the first 10-speed transmission in the segment.


The powertrains are 310kW twin-turbo V6 LS 500 and multi-stage hybrid system LS 500h (combining V6 petrol and electric power for a maximum 264kW).

Pricing is identical for LS 500 and LS 500h, beginning at $190,500 for F Sport, with a $5000 premium for Sports Luxury. There are eight premium hand-crafted interior ornamentation options for Sports Luxury models, four of which command a premium of $9,880.

Lexus also expanded the customer care for which it is renowned, announcing an unconditional 10-year complimentary roadside assistance program to make ownership even easier and more beneficial.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the new LS 500 draws on the proud history of its predecessors.

“The new Lexus flagship is destined to repeat LS history as a car that redefines and advances automotive luxury expectations and customer satisfaction,” he said.

“With multiple world and Lexus firsts, it breaks new ground in design, technology and performance. More than any other model, the LS embodies the history and image of Lexus and serves as a symbol for everything the brands represents – a luxury lifestyle brand that offers amazing experiences.”

Mr Thompson said Japanese aesthetics, drawing on the skills of master craftsmen and the “omotenashi” or hospitality principle, reflected the human-centred engineering and attention to detail inherent with the Lexus brand.

“This human touch gives the Lexus brand its soul and sets it apart from our competitors,” he said. LS chief engineer Toshio Asahi said the challenge for Lexus with the fifth-generation model was not simply to go beyond the achievements of the past, but to re-imagine what a global flagship sedan should be.

“In doing so, four key pillars underpinned the development of the new LS – brave design, Takumi craftsmanship, exhilarating performance and imaginative technology,” he said.

Foundation for the new design and chassis was the GA-L platform that allowed Lexus to extend the wheelbase, provide a spacious interior, and achieve an ideal front-rear weight balance and the lowest centre of gravity in class for greater agility and comfort.

The latest Lexus Safety System+ includes a pre-collision system, all-speed radar active cruise control, lane keep assist and adaptive high-beam system to control the LED headlamps.

Every Lexus LS is equipped with blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, pop-up bonnet and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Advanced new front and rear seat designs offer class-leading levels of adjustment and sophisticated new massage functions.

In-cabin technology includes a 12.3-inch multi-media screen, head-up display with segment-leading size, Mark Levinson 23-speaker audio and auto-closing doors.

Performance benefits include standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), air suspension with access mode control and adaptive variable suspension.

LS 500 F Sport is the outright performance model, equipped with the V6 turbo, a world-first six-step VDIM system, four-wheel steering and active stabiliser bars to provide an even higher level of stability control while maintaining ride comfort.

F Sport features include unique exterior and interior treatments, 20-inch alloys with a front-rear tyre size differential, high-performance brakes, variable gear-ratio steering, dynamic rear steering and active stabiliser bars.

Sports Luxury additional features include four-zone climate control with rear cooler, 22-way power rear seats with passenger-side ottoman and seven massage programs, rear-seat entertainment and noise-dissipating 20-inch alloy wheels.

‘Get a Sports Car to Feel Good’

F

orget romance, fine dining or an epic boxset binge – new preliminary research reveals that driving a sports car on a daily basis is among the best ways to boost your sense of wellbeing and emotional fulfilment.

The study measured “buzz moments” – peak thrills that play a vital role in our overall wellness – as volunteers cheered on their favourite football team, watched a gripping Game of Thrones episode, enjoyed a passionate kiss with a loved one or took an intense salsa dancing class. Only the occasional highs of riding a roller coaster ranked higher than the daily buzz of a commute in a sports car.

Working with neuroscientists and designers, Ford brought the research to life with the unique Ford Performance Buzz Car: a customised Ford Focus RS incorporating wearable and artificial intelligence technology to animate the driver’s emotions in real time across the car’s exterior.

“A roller coaster may be good for a quick thrill, but it’s not great for getting you to work every day,” said Dr Harry Witchel, Discipline Leader in Physiology. “This study shows how driving a performance car does much more than get you from A to B – it could be a valuable part of your daily wellbeing routine.”

Study participants who sat behind the wheel of a Ford Focus RS, Focus ST or Mustang experienced an average of 2.1 high-intensity buzz moments during a typical commute; this compared with an average of 3 buzz moments while riding on a roller coaster, 1.7 while on a shopping trip, 1.5 each while watching a Game of Thrones episode or a football match, and none at all while salsa dancing, fine dining or sharing a passionate kiss.

For the research, Ford took one Focus RS and worked with Designworks to create the Buzz Car:

From concept, design and installation to software development and programming, the Buzz Car took 1,400 man-hours to create. Each “buzz moment” experienced by the driver – analysed using a real-time “emotional AI” system developed by leading empathic technology firm Sensum – produces a dazzling animation across almost 200,000 LED lights integrated into the car. The Buzz Car also features: High-performance Zotac VR GO gaming PC; 110 x 500-lumen daylight-bright light strips; 82 display panels with 188,416 individually addressable LEDs.

Driver state research

Researchers at the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Aachen, Germany are already looking into how vehicles can better understand and respond to drivers’ emotions. As part of the EU‑funded ADAS&ME project, Ford experts are investigating how in-car systems may one day be aware of our emotions – as well as levels of stress, distraction and fatigue – providing prompts and warnings, and could even take control of the car in emergency situations.

“We think driving should be an enjoyable, emotional experience,” said Dr Marcel Mathissen, research scientist at Ford of Europe. “The driver-state research Ford and its partners are undertaking is helping to lead us towards safer roads and – importantly – healthier driving.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/lexus-launches-new-flagship-ls-sedan.html

At the North American International Auto Show, the Honda Accord was crowned Car of the Year, beating out other nominees like the Toyota Camry.

The judges for the North American Car of the Year Award announced that the all new Honda Accord would be taking home the prize. The Car of the Year award is reserved for models that are new or significantly updated for 2018.

This is the third win in a row for Honda, with the Civic taking Car of the Year in 2016 and the Ridgeline winning Truck of the Year in 2017.


With an increase in cargo space, a more luxurious interior, the new Accord is a faster, more efficient, and more comfortable cruiser than Honda’s past iterations. Plus, it has a front-mount intercooler to give you cred with the cool kids.

The mid-size sedan may be an ever-shrinking segment of the car buying market, but that hasn’t stopped Honda from giving that niche an exciting and practical package.

North American Car of the Year Juror Chris Paukert said of the Accord, “Honda seems to have executed some sort of magic trick—not only is this 10th-generation Accord far sleeker and more decisively styled than its predecessor, it’s somehow roomier inside, too.

Even in low-end trims, it drives well and offers a strong amount of standard equipment.”

Honda hopes to continue this run of good results with the white-hot Civic Type R, the recent release of the Clarity plug-in hybrid, and a rebooted Insight making its very first appearance at the North American International Auto Show.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/honda-accord-takes-north-american-car.html

Boards of Federal Government Agencies have been urged to adhere strictly to extant regulations and directives of the Federal Government on frequency of sittings and non- interference in the administrative routines and management of the agencies. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha reiterated on Thursday 12th April 2018 at a meeting with the Chairman and Board of Directors of the Federal Mortgage Bank. In a statement by the director media in the office of the SGF ,Lawrence Ojabo, he warned that any Managing Director that flouts the directives will bear the costs. He urged the management of the Federal Mortgage Bank to address the huge housing deficit challenge facing the country. He advised them to look reflectively and creatively into the National Housing Policy and the previous attempts at mass housing to address the obstacles to providing mass, affordable and quality housing for the people. The Chairman of the bank, Dr. Adewale Adeeyo who led the Board Members and Management of the bank to the meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had requested for a waiver on the rules for the board

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/sgf-warns-board-of-mdasto-maintain-fgs.html

The Apapa Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says it collected N81.74 billion in the first quarter of 2018, up from N77.43 billion collected in the same period of 2017.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Nkeiruka Nwala, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Friday.

According to Nwala, the command is optimistic that the roll-out of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System II (NICIS II) in Apapa will block all revenue leakages.

She said with the ongoing repair of roads in the Apapa axis, the command would build on its revenue profile in the months ahead.
“On anti-smuggling, the command in the first quarter recorded four seizures of 4 x 40 ft containers of controlled drugs including tramadol in excess of the approved milligrams.
“The Duty Paid Value on these 4 × 40 ft containers is put at N110.01 million.
“The Command in the first quarter of 2018 recorded a total of about 280,000 tonnes of various exports with a total Free On Board (FOB) value of 115.09 million dollars,’’ she said.
According to her, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Jibril Musa, has reinvigorated all strategies and mechanisms put in place for the effective implementation of the Federal Government’s Executive order on the Ease of Doing Business.
She said the NCS was the lead Agency in the implementation of the Presidential Mandate, adding that the Apapa Area Command was selected as the Pilot Command.
Nwala added that the Command had since created the Central Examination Centre (CEC) where all stakeholders involved in cargo clearance conduct examination at an agreed time with reports imputed almost immediately.
“This synergy/interfacing had paid off remarkably as consignments with no record of infractions are released within 24 hours, while those with infractions are referred to dispute resolutions committee for further interventions/investigations.
“The area controller has pledged to keep strengthening the already robust working relationship and collaboration among all agencies of government for enhanced international trade facilitation.
“Within the period under review, the controller played host to different high-level government delegations from within and outside the country with a view to promoting efficiency and facilitation of trade in the country,” Nwala said.
She said those received by the controller thus far were the Senate Committee on Customs led by its Chairman, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, and a delegation from Japanese Customs led by the Japan Ambassador to Nigeria.
The others are: the National Committee on Trade Facilitation led by its Chairman, Mr A. M. Abubakar, NAFDAC Director in charge of Ports Inspection, Prof. S. B. Adebayo among others.
“The purpose for these visits was to cement the already existing working relationship and to seek possible ways of improving speedy cargo clearance.
“However, one message from these visitations from the area controller was that Nigeria is the only country we have,” Nwala said.
According to her, the controller urged importers to make honest declarations in order to achieve timely clearance and release of their cargoes.
She appealed to all stakeholders and the general public to cooperate with the NCS always by ensuring total compliance with extant laws and regulations.
Nwala noted that compliance would in the long run improve Nigeria’s rating in the global trade indices for a seamless and speedy cargo clearance.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/ncs-apapa-command-generates-over-n80bn.html

The Nigerian equities market has lost N1.55 trillion following persistent bearish trend caused by profit taking and market correction.

The market, which rebounded in 2017 attracted more demand at the beginning of 2018 and lifted the equities capitalisation to a 10-year high of N16.154 trillion on January 19.

However, a continual sell-off since middle of February has depressed the market capitalisation to N14.604 trillion as at Monday, indicating a decline of 9.5 per cent. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) recorded a decline of 10 per cent, falling from a peak of 15,092.83 on January 19, to 40,429.18 last Monday.


Market analysts attributed the decline to profit taking, market correction and weak investors’ sentiments. The historic rally in the equities market had been linked to dollar inflows from foreign investors who took advantage of the Investors and Exporters (I&E) foreign exchange window.

Besides, investors’ high expectations for impressive results for 2017 financial year attracted many domestic investors, a situation, analysts said, led to most stocks being overbought.

“The unprecedented demand for stocks by investors at the beginning of the year in anticipation for impressive full year corporate earnings moved many stocks into overbought situation. Now that the corporate results are being released, the shares have little room to move up because they are mostly over valued already. The market is now going through a correction that can only be stabilised when the first quarter results begin to hit the market,” the head of research of an investment banking firm said on Monday.

Similarly, an analyst from another investment banking firm said apart from the market correction, the current political environment is impacting the stock market.

According to him, in a political period when there are preparations for elections, investment assets suffer.
“Some of the investors have invested in stocks and real estate to amass value and now that we are preparing for elections, such investors would sell and get out their money to execute their political plans,” he said.

While the market rallied at the beginning of the year, there were still some warning signs. Some analysts had said the 120-day correlation between Nigerian stocks and Brent crude was now around the highest in two years, adding that if oil prices reverse their 45 per cent climb since June, Nigerian assets could take a hit.
That was one reason HSBC Holdings Plc had a negative outlook on the Nigerian stocks. The United Kingdom had said Nigeria would have to free its currency further if it wants to attract more investment.

While the Central Bank of Nigeria eased some capital controls last year and opened a trading window for foreign portfolio traders, it continues to operate several exchange rates.
“Nigeria’s multiple exchange rate system is likely to remain a key drag, keeping long-term investors on the side lines,” HSBC analysts David Faulkner, John Lomax and Kishore Muktinutalapati had said in January.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nigerian-equities-market-sheds-n155tn.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the growing incidence of interference in the electoral process as a result of the deployment of counter-technology devices.

The commission said given the high stakes involved in conducting elections in developing countries, electoral management bodies should be worried about the twin issues of communications and security.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who shared the concern at a conference on the use of technology in elections in the West and Southern African sub regions in Abuja yesterday, observed that the concern is more in situations where data is indirectly transmitted to the tallying centres through offshore vendors rather than exclusively controlled within national boundaries by the election management bodies.


“In addition, we have to contend with the disturbing but rapidly evolving incidence of election meddling through the deployment of counter-technology on a global scale by state and non-state actors,” Yakubu said.

Also, Yakubu said given the deficit of infrastructure and expertise in many countries in this sub-regions and the regularity with which elections are conducted, concerns have been raised about cost, choice and effectiveness of technology.
However, the INEC boss said although there are some challenges associated with use of technology, adding that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

According to Yakubu, the deployment of technology has empowered citizens now more than before; to organise, mobilise and protect their mandates through the use of various social media platforms.
He said there was no going back in the deployment of technology in the conduct of elections in the country.

The commission boss noted that by coming together of election managers and experts from West and Southern African countries to share experiences, it would enable them come out with appropriate and cost-effective technology that would increase public confidence in the electoral process and further protect the sanctity and integrity of the ballot.

President of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), Ms. Monica Frassoni, however, noted that the introduction of technology in the electoral and democratic process were not given, adding that there are pros and cons associated with it.

”The perception of an impartial and competent electoral management body is a precondition for technology to be perceived as an aid to the perfection of the electoral process,” Frassoni stated.
She told the conference that the use of other technologies and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in elections have been seen both as a facilitator and a spoiler to the process.
According to her, “All too often, in Africa, Europe and the Americas, we hear about how ICTs have been used to influence the election results.”

The representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Francis Oke, advised that the deployment of technology in elections should be scrutinised, however, called for confidence building.

Oke, who noted that elections create tension in Africa, disclosed that this problem led to the formation of ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commission (ECONEC) to assist in information sharing by EMBs in the sub-region.

The Executive Committee Chairperson of South African Development Community (SADC), Advocate Notemba Tjipueja, numerated the benefits of the deployment of technology in the conduct of elections.
Tjipueja, who is also the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia, noted that most electoral management bodies around the world use new technologies in the conduct of elections.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/inec-worried-over-technology-intercepts.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday denied inducing a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ms Jumoke Akinjide, to make statements.

The former minister and her co-accused told the Federal High Court in Lagos that their statements to EFCC were not made voluntarily.

The accused persons claimed they were threatened with incarceration.

Akinjide disowned five extrajudicial statements which she allegedly made.


The other defendants – a former Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ayo Adeseun, and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in Oyo State, Chief Olarenwaju Otiti – made similar claims.

Akinjide’s lawyer, Mr. Olusegun Williams, opposed moves by EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, to tender the statements in evidence on the basis that they were obtained under duress.

He urged the court to order a trial-within-trial to determine if the statements were made voluntarily.

Other defence counsel, Mr. Michael Lana and Akinola Oladeji, also claimed that their clients’ statements were not made voluntarily.

Oladeji said: “The third defendant also made statements to the EFCC and we shall be contending that the statements were made under inducement and subsequently threat of incarceration.”

After Justice Muslim Hassan ordered a trial-within-trial, Oyedepo called his first witness, the leader of its Special Task Force 4, Usman Zakari, as a witness.


Zakari said: “I’m surprised. The first defendant (Akinjide), when she reported to our office, came along with Barrister Olusegun Williams and her husband. I was the one that interviewed her.

“During the course of the interview, the payment receipt of the N650million, which the defendant signed, was shown to her and she volunteered to react in writing regarding the payment receipt. There and then, I instructed my subordinate, Tosin Owobo, to caution her. And he read the cautionary words to her, which she understood.”

Zakari said Akinjide signed the statements, following which Williams also signed to indicate that they were made before him.

The investigator said Akinjide was granted administrative bail with her husband standing as the surety.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/akinjides-statements-were-voluntary-efcc.html

A member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasir Yahaya, has called on the Senate to urgently pass the Bill for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Daura, sponsored by late Sen. Mustafah Bukar.

Yahaya, representing Daura constituency of the state made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Daura on Monday.

He said that the polytechnic, if established, would promote the educational quest of the people of the area and the nation at large, stressing, “it would also boost the economic fortunes of the area.’’

The lawmaker stressed that education was the only asset that could be bequeathed to the next generation not distribution of cash gifts and construction of white elephant projects that has no impact on the lives of the people.
He lauded the efforts of Katsina State Government for earmarking 20 per cent of its 2018 budget to education.
Yahaya said that the state government has so far rehabilitated, renovated and constructed additional schools in order to increase access to education.
“It is painful that we have no federal polytechnic in Katsina State,’’ the lawmaker lamented, adding that state-owned College of Legal Studies in Daura could not accommodate the admission needs of the people of the zone.
Daura Zone has 12 local government areas comprised of Daura, Zango, Sandamu, Mai’adua, Baure, Dutsi, Mashi, Mani, Ingawa, Bindawa, Kusada and Kankiya.
The bill seeking for the establishment of the polytechnic has passed first reading.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/senate-urged-to-pass-federal.html

As the rainy season is fast approaching, a group under the auspices of Adamawa Social Media Group for Bindow has enjoined the people of the state, especially those from the grassroots who are mostly farmers and herdsmen to live in peace. The chairman of the group, Hon Nurudeen Kama who made the call yesterday said people at the grassroots must respect one another’s rights to farm. Kama, called on parents, guardians and well spirited individuals living in the state to caution their children from being used by politicians as political thugs ahead of party congresses and general elections. “We should imbibe the culture of community policing by reporting any suspicious items, materials and individuals to the nearest security formation across the state,” Kama advised. According to him, the group has the mandate of promoting the good works of governor Bindow with facts and figures through social media and also have a corporate responsibility as good citizens to reach out to others. The group also made a passionate appeal to those who had registered but are yet to collect their PVCs to be patriotic enough to go to their respective INEC offices and collect their PVCs. ‘’Those who are yet to register should please go out and register so that you can be able to take part in the process of consolidating on the successes of governor Bindow by reelecting him to continue transforming Adamawa into greatness,” Kama said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/farmers-and-herders-clashes-social.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said on Sunday that it had updated its outstanding audit of the group financial statements from 2011 to 2016.

NNPC Spokesman, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, said in a statement in Abuja that the audited backlog had since been approved by the board of the corporation in line with the laws governing its operations.

He quoted Mr Isiaka AbdulRazaq, Chief Financial Officer/Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, NNPC, as saying that the presentation of the audited financial statements would help foster better relationship between NNPC and stakeholders.

He said that the presentation would further promote transparency and accountability in the corporation.
Ughamadu said that the management inherited a total of 65 unaudited financial statements for NNPC group corporate and its subsidiaries covering 2011 – 2014.
”There were, undoubtedly, challenges that led to the backlog which may have been beyond the control of the previous managements.
”However, the important factor was not to look at the past. We saw an opportunity to challenge the problem, and resolved to clear the arrears in the shortest possible time,” he said.
He said the corporation management constituted a project steering committee, which met weekly with the auditors and relevant stakeholders to identify and isolate key challenges and give them priority attention.
“With this approach, management achieved the first step of concluding the audit of the 2011 – 2012 financial positions and presented same to the board in 2016.
”In recognition of that modest achievement, the NNPC board further mandated management to clear the remaining outstanding reports for theperiod 2013 – 2016.
“The result today is the delivery and board approval of the audited group financial statements as at Dec. 31, 2016,’’ he said.
Ughamadu said that the Managing Director, Nigerian Pipeline and Storage Company, Mr Luke Anele, would embark on a comprehensive audit of the over 5000 kilometre petroleum products and crude oil pipelines under its watch.
He said the project which had already been approved by the NNPC management would be executed by the National Engineering and Technical Company, an upstream subsidiary of the NNPC.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nnpc-says-financial-statemnet-up-to-date.html

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, has confessed that over-concentration on the Super Eagles World Cup campaign, which resulted in inadequate preparation by the Super Falcons, was the reason for the woeful 8-0 loss to France in Friday’s international friendly.

A hat-trick by Valérie Gauvin, with goals from Eugénie Le Sommer, Gaetane Thiney, Aminata Diallo, Marie-Charlotte Léger and an own goal from Super Falcon’s Faith Ikidi gave the host of this year’s Women’s World Cup, France victory over the Falcons.

The defeat is the first real test for the newly recruited Coach Thomas Dennerby, where the reigning African footballer of the year, Asisat Oshoala, was missing after a late withdrawal.


‘’Our Super Falcons team is the best female team in Africa. Our pride in them will never waver. As with any friendly match, the game against France was more for the technical team to look at the players now and see who and what will fit.
‘’The result, though very lopsided just shows how much work is in front of us. We concentrated a lot of our efforts on our Super Eagles, but it was unintentional.
‘’It was mainly due to situations beyond our control and not limited to finance. Our female football teams have always done us proud. ‘’Hopefully, we will do them proud as well. So, I would like to just tell Nigerians that I, the Executive Committee and Management of the NFF, are all very proud of our Super Falcons and we know they will make us proud as they usually do.‘’One bad experimental result does not change a priceless asset; our dear Super Falcons,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons striker, Desire Oparanozie, has explained that the loss was as a result of inadequate preparation by the team.“To be honest, I think we didn’t have adequate preparation going into this game, taking into consideration the fact that we were inactive for as long as we were – 16 months.
“We are the champions of Africa and we can all say it was rightly deserving. However, we can’t deny the fact that while we were out, our opposition has been busy getting stronger.
“They were definitely more prepared than we were. They began camping before us, even though most of them are home based. The bulk of us came from outside France and had just one full day of training together before match day,” Oparanozie told BBC Sport.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/blame-us-for-super-falcons-defeat.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said it is collaborating with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited for the provision of science and laboratories in six universities spread across all the geopolitical zones in the country at a whooping cost of $4Mn . They said each of the agency is committing two million dollars for the projects. Also, the NNPC said it is set to collaborate with the Nigerian academy of Engineers to raise the standard of Engineering and Technology in the country. Group managing diirector of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who disclosed this while receiving members of the Nigerian Academy of Engineers who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja noted that the corporation had a record of supporting the development of engineering and technology in the country through its various corporate social responsibility programmes like the annual national quiz competition for science students in the country. Speaking earlier, president of the Academy, who was also a former member of NNPC Board, Engr. (Mrs) Olu Maduka, said the standard of engineering in the country was falling and the trend must be arrested, saying only an organization like the NNPC with its track record of support to the development of science and Engineering technology could spearhead its revival. Also speaking at the event, former vice chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Yola, and a member of the Academy, Professor Salihu Mustapha, said there was an urgent need to link research, academic and industry, while expressing optimizing that NNPC remains one of the corporate bodies that could provide the needed support in that regard. The Nigerian Academy Of science was established in 1997 and membership is open to professionals who are sixty years and above. Meanwhile, Dr. Baru has restated his commitment to the growth of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market in Nigeria. Speaking while receiving members of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association in his office, Dr. Baru said he was looking forward to seeing that all domestic cooking in Nigeria were carried out using LPG. He tasked the association on public enlightenment of Nigerians on the advantages of switching to LPG in all their domestic cooking. Earlier the president of the association, Alhaji Nuhu Yakubu, commended the GMD on his vision and support, assuring that his association would help raise awareness on the advantages of using LPG over other means of cooking.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nnpc-nlng-earmark-4mn-for-establishment.html

Chief Orji Kalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that there is no division in the leadership of the party.

Kalu, a former governor of Abia, made this known during his advocacy visit to the palace of Deji of Akure, on Saturday.

He noted that all arms of the party had agreed to work together.

“The National Executive Committee of the party only asked Odigie Oyegun, the APC National Chairman, to act since elections are approaching.


“Oyegun himself never asked for tenure elongation and that is the truth.
“But President Muhammadu Buhari said everything must be done according to constitution of the party,” he said.
According to him, the party will hold its congress and every member of the party has right to contest.
Kalu, however, applauded the president’s giant stride to tackle insecurity in the country, saying the president had done well.
“I score President Buhari 89 per cent on security because Boko Haram almost took Abuja before he came to power and some of the equipment meant to tackle insecurity is being purchased now.
“Gradually, we are getting there,” he said.
He cautioned Nigerians, especially those at helms of affairs to guard their utterances that could endanger the peace of the country.
“It is unfortunate that some utterances emanating from some leaders are not well guarded.
“If we know what happened to Rwanda, people will not be making such mistake but preach peace.
“There is no good Miyetthi Allah that will kill his fellow Nigerians. We have been living with northerners for long without problem,” he said.
He added that the pockets of problems experienced in the country were being perpetrated by infiltrators from other neighbouring countries.
The APC chieftain told the traditional ruler that his mission to his palace was to solicit his continued support for Buhari’s re-election bid.
“Continue your purposeful leadership and support for President Buhari’s re-election bid because he is going to run except the Lord says no.
“He will run the forthcoming election because there is no alternative and I believe he will bring a lot of stimulus into the economy to make sure that Nigerians enjoy.
“Please preach peace advocacy within your area because I know traditional rulers are closer to the people.
“The president may have made mistakes but we are on ground to correct him and I know he has delivered in terms of service delivery what no past president had done,” Kalu said.
According to him, this is a very difficult time for Nigerians, adding that people making inflammatory comments are compounding our problems.
“It is right for people that want democracy to thrive to support the president because no man is perfect.
“It is not good making inflammatory statements that can divide the country and it is not the best.
“I felt I should go round and tell traditional rulers to continue to support him,” he said.
Responding, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, the Deji of Akure, said that though people’s expectation on the president was cut short, but urged that the president should be given another chance.
The traditional ruler also urged the Buhari-led Federal Government to remember its promise to appoint Akure indigene into his cabinet to reciprocate the town’s support for him.
“Akure is the largest local government area in Nigeria, which has been sidelined.
“The last time we had representative in Federal Government cabinet was about 40 years ago,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/no-division-in-apc-leadership-kalu.html

No fewer than 1,000 street sweepers would be engaged by the Edo Government to keep the state clean, the Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, has said.

The deputy governor made this known when he inaugurated the Repositioned Environmental Sanitation in the state on Saturday in Benin

He said that the state government would enforce its sanitation and pollution management laws in order to make Edo the cleanest state in Nigeria.

According to him, the state government will synergise with local governments and other stakeholders to actualise this objectives.

He said that the state government would create new dump sites, carry out routine maintenance and rehabilitate existing dump sites across the state.
Shaibu said the waste management would be private sector-driven, adding that the state had over 60 accredited waste managers and 70 prospective waste managers on ground.
Earlier, the state government environmental consultant, Mr Ola Oronsaye, said there were between 40 and 45 private companies that would collaborate with the state government.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/edo-govt-to-engage-1000-street-sweepers.html

A coalition of Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) stakeholders in Bauchi state has accused the party leadership in the state of bias and alleged endorsement of a governorship aspirant.

The group 'Concerned Bauchi State PDP Stakeholders' at a press conference in Bauchi accused the state executive of the party of aligning with a support group of the said governorship aspirant called 'Coalition of Bauchi Political Stakeholders' to align with the governorship aspirants.

Addressing the Press Conference, Maijama'a Mohammed Bununu accused the leadership of appending their names in a publication which appears in a national daily depending an alleged embezzlement being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

"The Concerned Bauchi State PDP Stakeholders' as loyal party members who have been working tirelessly in enlightening party members across the state on the birth of New PDP and it's reforms, share in the pains of some PDP members in the country that are being subjected to unfair media trials on various allegation of corrupt practices even when their cases are being handled by competent courts of law,"the group stated.

The group added that, while it aligned itself with the party's national leadership that the fight against corruption must be unbiased and in accordance with the law, what the party leadership in Bauchi State did was a breach of law.

"We as Concerned Bauchi PDP Stakeholders noted with great dismay, how the State Executive of our party in their call for the observance of rule of law in the fight against corruption exceeded bounds of reasons, threw away decorum and fairness as posited in their endorsement of one of the candidates for the forthcoming 2019 PDP primaries under the subtitle 'Bauchi 2019'," it added.

According to the group, the alleged endorsement contravenes Section 15 (2) and 15 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended as well as Section 7, (3) (c) of the PDP Constitution which is an aberration on the promotion of internal democracy, fairness and provision of a level playing field for all aspirants.

In an earlier reaction, Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) assured that it will be fair to all its governorship aspirants as well as others wishing to contest for any elective office in the state.

State Publicity Secretary of the party, Yayanuwa Zainabari stated that the party is always ready to protect the dignity of all its members facing any form of intimidation.

He added that state executives of the party will always remain neutral in its dealing with any of its members interested in running for governor and other elective offices in the ‎2019 elections.
According to him, there are at present three people who have indicated interest in running for governorship in Bauchi that include;Senator Bala Mohammed, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi and Senator Adamu Gumba.
"All the three people who have indicated interest are men of political pedigree that can give the ruling APC in the state a run for their money. We have made our position clear, we will support all our candidates until the electorates make their choice in the primaries,"he said.
Zainabari however stated that supporting‎ any PDP member who is running for an elective office on an issue must not be interpreted as taking sides with the person.
"The party leadership will do everything possible to protect anybody. That is the essence of belonging to a party. The national leadership of our party is always ready and protect the interest of its members across the country and that is what we are doing in the state chapters. So our members should be rest assured that we will always be with them, wether they are vying for any office or not,"he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/bauchi-pdp-group-trade-blames-over.html

Union Bank has officially rounded off its 100 years’ anniversary promo where it appreciated its loyal customers with varieties of gifts including three brand new cars, flat-screen televisions, generators, microwave ovens, shopping vouchers and airtime.
The promo which started last year was part of the company’s programmes to mark its hundred years of business sustainability as well as to express gratitude to customers Speaking at the final draw of the exercise in Lagos where an Osogbo trader won a brand new MG3 car, the bank’s Head of Retail Segments, Paul Aseme, stated that the bank would continue to partner with its customers towards the realisation if its goals and objectives.
“We ran the customer promo as part of efforts to thank our customers for their commitment to us. They remain the focus of our business and we will continue to invest in innovative products and services so as to provide them with the required support to live a more productive live,” he said.
Mr. Ijibadejo, who emerged winner in the final draw said, “I am very grateful to the bank for this car. At first I did not believe this was real, but now I have the car keys in my hand. I am very excited about it and I promise to remain loyal to the bank.”
As the financial institution launched into its second century, it has promised to strengthen its offerings as well as deliver quality banking services and improved customer experience across all its touch points.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/union-bank-wraps-up-centenary-promo.html

A coalition of civil society group, OurMumuDonDo, led by Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charlyboy, on Friday demanded the the prosecution of former Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, over his rigging claim.

The coalition during a visit to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja, said Mantu should be prosecuted for electoral malpractices.

In a letter to the INEC chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, the Charlyboy-led coalition said Mantu should be arraigned for allegedly “subverting the will of the people during several elections.”
The letter reads, “This is a good opportunity for the electoral commission to demonstrate its resolve to prosecute electoral offenders as a deterrent to others.”
“As we have mentioned in our previous engagements with the INEC, the number of Nigerians going to the polling booths has been in a consistent decline since 2003 and the reason for this, among other disturbing factors, is the downright rigging of elections — a vile act which blatantly infringes on the right of the Nigerian people to freely exercise their franchise.
“It is therefore imperative that the electoral umpire, the INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the law enforcement agencies, rise to this clarion call to prosecute Senator Mantu and all his accomplices.”

The former Senate President had said he helped the PDP rig elections by bribing officials of INEC as well as security agents.
“Let me tell you one thing, yes I did. I am now confessing the truth.
“What do I need? I don’t have to go and change election… but you know, when you provide money, you give money to INEC boys to help you, if they see any chance, they should favour you. You (also) provide money to the security,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/charlyboys-group-storms-inec-office.html

Presidential media adviser, Femi Adesina says those opposing or criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of one billion dollars for security funding are only playing politics with the lives of Nigerians.

The Minister of Defence, retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali had on Wednesday revealed that President Buhari had granted assent for the release of the one billion dollars fund for the procurement of security equipment to fight insecurity in the country.

Dan-Ali disclosed this when he spoke to State House correspondents after a security meeting involving President Buhari, heads of security agencies and service chiefs which was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The National Economic Council (NEC) had in 2017 approved the (one billion dollars) amount to be sourced from the country’s excess crude account for the fight against insurgency and other violent criminal activities across the country.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday condemned the presidential approval of the one billion dollars to procure military equipment to fight insurgency without recourse to the National Assembly.

The party made the condemnation in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja.

Mr Femi Adesina responded to the PDP’s condemnation of the approval in a special interview on Channels Television on Thursday night, saying that proper procedures for the release of the fund were being followed.

According to him, the president will soon communicate to the National Assembly through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters about the matter.

He said: “As we speak now the communication to the National Assembly is about ready. Those who have been flexing muscles over the matter should just have bothered to make inquiries from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters.

“If they had inquired they would have been told that the communication would soon be on the way to the National Assembly.

“Talking about the timing, there is no timing that is not good for security. Every time is security time. Those who are reading political meaning into it is just unfortunate they play politics with everything and they will play politics with the very lives of Nigerians, which is very bad.’’

He dismissed the insinuation that the amount was too huge to be spent only on security matters, saying that no government could quantify the amount of funds being expended on security as no individual or government could quantify the value of human lives.

“It is not something that I think any government could begin to disclose. But we know that it is expensive. I remember that the Chief of Army Staff spoke about some trillions of naira recently – security is expensive but human life is much, much expensive,’’ he added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/critics-of-1b-security-fund-playing.html

A religious group United Christian Leaders Eagle Eye Forum (UCLEEF) has rejected calls in some quarters especially from the Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging President Muhammadu Buhari to run for a second term.

The group through its National Chairman, Pastor Aminchi Habu, rejected the calls on Thursday during a press conference/inauguration of an Advisory Board for the group in Abuja.

Habu said the APC led-government has failed Nigerians going by its inability to solve the security challenges, youth unemployment issue, stabilize the economy and reduce poverty in the country.

According to him, it is time for northern leaders and their counterparts in the south to unite and present a formidable candidate that will take over from the present government.

“We are calling on prominent Nigerians like Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), Gen. Abdusalami Abubarkar (rtd), and Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd), to team up and work together towards presenting a formidable candidate who will be accepted by all Nigerians in the 2019 Presidential Election.
“Prof. Jerry Gana, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, Gen. Theophilous Danjuma (rtd); Emir of Zazzua, Dr Shehu Idris; the Northern Elders Forum (NEF); the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); leaders of Northern Youths Organizations and other prominent Nigerians are not left out in this call,” Habu said.
He urged the youths to actively participate in the political process by obtaining their PVCs so as to wrestle power from the “old brigade politicians” who have ran out of ideas.
He also urged the youths not to mortgage their future for the peanuts they get from the current political elite who have taken the country several steps backwards.
“Just like PDP failed Nigerians before the 2015 election, APC as a party has also failed Nigerians ahead of 2019 election.
“All we see within the ruling party is disunity, and the party is good at blaming PDP for their incompetence to bring solution to Nigeria’s problem.
“And it is also a shame that the party members are fighting themselves in almost all the states of the country.
“If they can’t coordinate themselves, then, how can they coordinate Nigeria; so, on this point, I am saying that PDP and APC have failed Nigeria and we can’t allow them to rule us again.
“In 2015, Nigerians where looking for a saviour to bring them out of hardship, and APC promised us a bright future under the change mantra if elected; the result is this present hardship,” Habu added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/christian-leaders-reject-buharis-second.html

The Nigeria Police Force said it would arraign Sen. Dino Melaye and the four suspects rearrested for alleged conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms at the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi on May 10.

The suspects are: Kabiru Seidu, 31, alias Osama, Nuhu Salisu, 25, alias small, Musa Mohammed, 27, alias Iko and Emmanuel Audu, 26.

On March 28, the Police Command in Kogi announced the escape from lawful custody of six suspects including Seidu and Salisu.
On March 30, the police announced the re-arrest of four of the six suspects.
The Force Spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the arrest of four of the six suspects on Tuesday in Abuja, said two of the suspects were still at large.
Moshood said that Seidu and Salisu who were principal suspects were rearrested in Tafa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State and Ganaja Village, Lokoja, Kogi.
The spokesman said that the six accomplice in the case arrested by the police would be prosecuted with the six rearrested suspects.
The suspects are: John Beneche, 22, Seye Atowoju, 27 Danjuma Yunusa, 35 , Egga Ochai,50 Abbas Haruna, 30 and Gloria Audu, 28.
He said that the suspects would be arraigned in court for prosecution on completion of investigation.
Moshood warned that the police would not relent in its efforts to check activities of unscrupulous politicians, adding that they must play the game according to the rules.
He commended members of the public for giving the police timely information that aided the re-arrest of the suspects.
The spokesman said that the force`s fight against crimes and criminality in the country remained unequivocal and unwavering.
Seidu had confessed that Melaye handed over to him a bag containing one AK47 rifle, two Pump Action guns and N430,000.00 to share with his boys.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/dino-melaye-4-rearrested-suspects-to-be.html

Dangote Sugar Plc has posted a profit before tax of N53.599 billion in its full year ended December 31, 2017. The company’s result released on the Nigerian Stock Exchange at the weekend revealed that profit before tax for the period increased by 173 per cent to N53.599 billion from N19.614 billion recorded in the corresponding period of last year. Also, the sugar refiner’s group profit after taxation for the year increased by 176.3 per cent to N39.78 billion compared to N14.395 billion in 2016, while its earnings per share rose to N3.31 from N1.20 in 2016. The management of the company proposed a final dividend of N1.25 per share, bring the total dividend for the 2017 business year to N1.75 per share. The company had earlier paid interim dividend of 50 kobo per share. Furthermore, Dangote Sugar grew its revenue for the period by 20.44 per cent to N204.42 billion from N169.72 billion a year ago, which was driven by price of refined sugar. In the financial results, the firm said its gross profit increased for the period by 121.8 per cent to N50.99 billion from N22.99 billion recorded last year as a result of different strategies the management put in place to save cost. The Group liquidity position improved from N35 billion to N41 billion as at December 31, 2017. The company’s EBITDA up 113 per cent to N51.4 billion from N24.14 billion, while EBITDA margin stood at 25.15 per cent up from 14.2 per cent. Speaking on the results, acting group managing director, Abdullahi Sule, said, “we are very pleased with the 2017 business year, with an increased revenue growth of 20.4 per cent over N167.7 billion recorded during the same period in 2016, and N28 billion gross profit increase of 121.8 per cent, the best recorded in the history of the company.” For 2018, Sule said “our focus remains the actualization of our Backward Integration Programme (BIP) plan with focus on the achievement of 1.080 million metric tonnes (MMT) sugar from our BIP sites in the next 6 years.” He added that while concerted efforts are being made to leverage our strengths and maximise every opportunity to increase the company’s market share and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/dangote-sugar-posts-n54bn-profit-before.html

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who is eyeing the presidency in 2019, has stressed the need for the youths to be properly mentored before venturing into politics.

He spoke as a special guest of honour at a symposium tagged: ‘The Man Atiku’ organised by Turaki Youth Ambassadors (TURAYA) at the weekend in Abuja.

The vice president from 1999 to 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), identified poor quality of education as one of the factors affecting youths’ participation in high quality politics in Nigeria.


The presidential aspirant who defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to his former PDP again, was represented by the Chairman, All Atiku, Support Group, Mr Oladimeji Fabiyi, at the symposium with the topic “Politics qua politic: Atiku Abubakar, the Youths and the Nigerian state.’’

Abubakar said in developed countries, young people who had the potential of being politicians were identified in schools and exposed to political activities along their academic programmes.

“By the time they graduate from school they have mastered the political terrains of their countries. They also try to empower themselves before going full blast into politics.’’

Abubakar, however, said in Nigeria, a large chunk of youths get involved in politics by accident, adding that they ventured into politics because politics was seen as a quick way to make money.

He said that a lot of them crashed in and crashed out of politics because they failed to achieve their targets within a short period.

“I have come to realise that the damage that poor quality of education has done to Nigerian youths.

“This is a matter that has to be addressed to raise high number of intellectually sound youths to play high quality politics.

“They also need exposure and financial empowerment in their quest to wrestle power from the older generation who have mastered the game over time.

“Remember, the older generation of Nigerian politicians ventured into politics when they were young and since politics is addictive it is not usually easy to quit.

“The reality is that young persons must work hard and should device superior arguments and strategies to send the older generation into retirement and to achieve their political targets,’’ Abubakar said.

He noted that a lot of mentorship is required in the country’s clime to come out of smoky political terrain.

“I did mine with the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua just as am impacting my knowledge, skills and experience on young persons I come across.’’

He advised Nigerian youths interested in politics to subject themselves to mentorship.

Earlier, the president TURAYA, Mr Ayo Akinrimisi, said that Abubakar has paid his dues to be the next president of Nigeria, saying he has empowered many Nigerian youths.

He pledged that TURAYA formed in 2003 would work with over 500 support groups now working and other available groups to elect Abubakar in 2019.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/atiku-tasks-youths-on-mentorship.html

Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative (MHEI) an NGO, has urged National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify campaign against drug abuse in the country.

Its President, Mr Ameh Zion, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.

He said many Nigerians were ignorant of the effect of hard drugs to their health and that trafficking, distributing or consuming illicit drugs constitute an offence.


Zion added that though NDLEA had been championing campaigns against drug and substance abuse, it needed to do more.

He said “I want to challenge NDLEA to step up campaigns to enable citizens to make informed decisions when it comes to issues relating to drugs.

“How many Nigerians know the consequences of peddling drugs or substances?.

“People should be educated about punishments that await them if caught selling or buying drugs and substances like cocaine, marijuana, among others.”

The NGO boss explained that though there were laws guiding the use and sale of hard drugs and substances in the country, the degree of punishment for offences related to this varied.

Zion said educating citizens about those laws and the health effects of using drugs would help to address the increasing number of Nigerians smuggling or abusing drugs in the country.

He added that enlightenment would also help to address cases of citizens being arrested or killed abroad due to drug peddling.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/ngo-urges-ndlea-to-intensify-campaign.html

Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre in collaboration with Voices for Food Security and OXFAM have decried the rising levels of poverty and gender inequality in the country. The group opposed the situation where despite an expansion in the Nigerian economy at an average of 6 per cent, more than half of its populace continue to live in poverty. Addressing participants at a one -day colloquium on Inequality in Nigeria, the executive director, HEDA, Mr Arigbabu Sulaimon , noted that the scale of economic inequality has reached an extreme level, finding an expression in the struggles of the majority poor against the the few rich. According to him, “We are looking at inequality in the private sector and public sector, in terms of access to equal services, inclusion in all sector, and access to opportunities. Women constitute a bigger chunk of the population and yet, they do not have access to means of production delivery, they are the worst impacted by climate change. “Government policy is hinged on equality but unfortunately, the life of Nigerian women are affected by a myriad of discriminatory, traditional, socio-cultural practices. For instance, majority of women are employed in casual low paid jobs, 75 per cent of the poorest women have never been to school; these disadvantages make women poorer compared to men.” Country director of OXFAM, Mr Iftikar Nizami , represented by Mr Abdulazees Musa, said the issue of inequality has become one of the biggest economic, social and political challenges of our time. Nizami said to combat high levels of inequality in the country, there was urgent need for political and business leaders to build a country that puts the needs of the people, particularly that of women and children first. In a report launched by OXFAM, the amount of money that the richest Nigerian can earn annually is sufficient to lift two million people out of poverty for one year. “Lifting all Nigerians living below extreme poverty line of $1.90 out of poverty for one year will cost about $24billion and yet, this amount is just lower than the total wealth owned by overall five richest Nigerians which is about $29.9billion,” he said. He urged for an evolution of economic thinking that recognises the well-being of all and make reducing inequality and eliminating poverty the absolute goal of for economic policy making. In his presentation, a partner with OXFAM, Dr. Otive Igbuzor , who acknowledged that poverty and inequality is a global phenomenon said Nigeria presents harsh cases in terms of societal statues, standard and opportunities. Igbuzor revealed that while global wealth increased seven times, income has only increased three times hence increased among t of poverty among the populace. He identified the driver of inequality as retrogressive tax, poor budgeting system and allocation, poor resource management and implementation and prohibitive cost governance. According to him, “ Nigeria is among 30 most unequal countries of the world, women in the parliament is low compared to some African countries, we live in a country where people make money by peddling influence.” The group called for the strengthening of economic empowerment that ensures equality, make tax system more progressive, take adequate measure to address unemployment crisis and increase support for small – scale businesses to address the poverty and inequality crisis.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/oxfam-civil-society-group-advocate-for.html

Men of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory in Calabar, Cross River State, have seized a large wooden boat with about 130 litres of suspected illegally refined Automative Gas Oil (AGO) commonly known as diesel.

Also arrested along with the items were seven suspects.

Addressing reporters while handing over the items and suspects to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Commander of NNS Victory, Commodore Julius Nwagu, said they were intercepted along the Calabar channel.

He said the boat contained 520 drums (250 litres each) of suspected illegally refined diesel.


The Navy commander put the worth of the product at about N24 million.

“My men on patrol intercepted a wooden boat laden with 520 drums of suspected illegally refined AGO and when I was informed, I asked them to arrest the boat and bring the boat to my base. That was done and the following day we commenced offloading and I am here hand over the drums to Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“Seven men were arrested with the products. We are handing over everything. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, gave me directives and the directives were clear on issues of illegalities and I want to assure you that I will not blink until perpetrators of heinous sabotage to our national economy are brought to book.

“On investigation, we found that that these products came from Rivers State and the final destination was Calabar before they ran into my security patrol boats,” Nwagu said.

Commander of the NSCDC in Cross River State, Haliru Usman Alhassan thanked the Navy for a good job.

“They are fighting illegality successfully, and this is a good synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps. I am here to receive the items and suspects to be charged to court and prosecute them diligently. I promise the Navy that each level we are in the prosecution, we would be furnishing them with the information, so that at least they know how we are going. This is a lesson and others involved in such illegalities should desist,” Alhassan said.


He said what would happen to the products would depend on what they court says.

The leader of the suspects, Christopher Okon, 30, from Mbo in Akwa Ibom State said it was his second time on such trip.

He said they brought the products from Rivers State to sell in Calabar.

He said the business belonged to one Mr Tony.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/navy-seizes-130000-litres-of-illegally.html

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has stated that national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu ran an unusual government during his tenure as Lagos governor.

Osinbajo stated this at the 10th Bola Tinubu Colloquium which had President Muhammadu Buhari and top dignitaries in attendance.

The Vice President, while giving his speech, hailed Tinubu for his contributions to Lagos state and the country at large.
He said the Buhari’s administration will continue to talk about the Jonathan’s administration because the corruption in that administration killed the country.
Osinbajo, who served as commissioner of Justice under Tinubu’s government, said, “I must commend Tinubu for allowing younger generation to develop ideas and contradict his ideas to yield fruitful result.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed ran an unusual government. It was full of intelligent arguments.
“He allowed us to develop our ideas. He gave in to our ideas and the result is here for all to see.
“How many leaders and employers would tolerate disagreements from employees.
“I want to commend him for his resilience in the country, I believe the best time for our country is yet to come our country.
“The government of Pres. @MBuhari has chosen to be on the side of the people. We will stand by the people of Nigeria
“The corruption of the last five years of the last administration killed our nation. And those who did it say we cannot talk about it. We must talk about it.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/tinubu-ran-unusual-government-osinbajo.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly given an order that all blocked roads in Lagos be opened, until he is close. Roads will be closed for him to make a pass through and will be opened after he passes.

Akelicious gathered that the president has already arrived Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command, in obedience to the president’s order, has said that all routes are open for traffic.
The Police in a statement Thursday morning advised the public to go about their business as all routes are open to both human and vehicular traffic.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/buhari-orders-police-to-open-all-lagos.html

Dozens of armed police officers have laid siege at the secretariat of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association over the body’s decision to stage a protest on Thursday.

Adeshina Ogunlana, the chairman of Ikeja NBA.

“The police have invaded my secretariat, there are about 50 of them who are armed, and they are saying that they don’t want the protest tomorrow,” Mr. Ogunlana said over the phone on Wednesday night.

“And we told them that we are not interested in disrupting the presidential visit, our protest is not going to take place in Ikeja, and that there is no need for any alarm. We are not blocking any route.”

President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to arrive Lagos on Thursday for a two-day official visit.

After a march two weeks ago to protest the state government’s newly introduced land use charge, the lawyers had planned another round of protest to coincide with the president’s visit.

The police siege on Wednesday evening came shortly after police authorities issued a statement ordering the lawyers to shelve their planned protest on Thursday.

The statement issued by Chike Oti, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, said the police would not tolerate any protest from the NBA or any group during Mr. Buhari’s visit.

“The CP believes strongly that the planned protest by the NBA is the handiwork of mischief makers who are using the NBA as a launching pad to possibly compromise the security emplaced for the presidential visit,” Mr. Oti, a superintendent of Police, said in the statement.

“It must be recalled that on the 12th of March 2018, the Lagos State Police Command availed the NBA Ikeja branch its security assets and escorted them to the Government House Alausa to protest the increase in the Land Use Charge. At Alausa they were addressed and afterwards escorted back to their base.

“It is baffling that the same NBA whose right to protest has never been denied to use the auspicious occasion of the President’s visit to protest and disrupt the occasion and by extension compromise the security of the President is to say the least most incomprehensible (sic).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State Police Command will not tolerate any protest from the NBA or from any group or individual for that matter during the visit of Mr President whom Lagosians are ready to receive warmly.

“The NBA and any group wanting to protest at this time are warned to jettison the idea or face dire consequences which may include arrest and prosecution of participants.

“It is curious that of all the NBA branches in Lagos, it is only the Ikeja branch that has been using the option of protest and civil disobedience despite several options available to it thus lending credence to the intelligence report that the Chairman of the NBA is a pawn in the hands of some disgruntled politicians. Please be warned.”

Mr. Ogunlana told PREMIUM TIMES he had summoned an emergency meeting of the Ikeja NBA branch in reaction to the police siege.

He also insisted that Thursday’s protest would hold at a location and time “far, far away” from the president.

He further promised to sue the Lagos police hierarchy for them to disclose the names of those allegedly using the Ikeja NBA against the state government.

Reacting to the police siege, the Education Rights Campaign, described it as “undemocratic and tyrannical.”

“It constitutes harrasment of innocent citizens reminiscent of the dark days of military rule,” said Hassan Soweto, national coordinator, ERC.

“We hereby call for immediate lift of the siege and the recognition of the rights of Nigerians to protest any anti-poor policy.

“We condemn the statement issued by the Lagos state police commissioner where he justified the illegal action of the police on the basis of the need to ensure that the security of President Buhari who is scheduled to visit Lagos tomorrow is not jeopardized on account of the NBA protest.

“While as law-abiding citizens we understand the need to ensure maximum security for the president even though poor Nigerians live in conditions of daily insecurity, we beg to disagree that the protest of the NBA scheduled much before the president visit was announced can cause a breach of security.”

A human rights activist, Femi Aborisade, also condemned the police action.

“The APC Federal Government should bury its head in shame for suppressing the NBA Ikeja branch from exercising a constitutionally donated or guaranteed right of movement and peaceful protest against imposition of harsh land use charge.

“The Police should know that the right of peaceful protest cannot be subjected to the whims and caprices of the police.

Mr Aborishade accused the APC of muzzling opposition voices after coming to power on the wave of mass protests against the “ruinous economic policies” of the previous administration.

“We reject and condemn the undemocratic attacks on the right to peaceful protest.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/buharis-visit-armed-police-storm-nba.html

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has spoken of the possibility of having up to 80 political parties participate in next year’s general elections.

He spoke on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the national colloquium organised by the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group, ISDMG, in Abuja.


Recall that the electoral umpire had last December announced the registration of 21 new political parties, bringing the number of registered parties in the country as at then to 67.
Yakubu pointed out that at the moment, INEC has received over 100 additional applications for new political parties, while nine had met the criteria.
According to him, “We may end up having up to 80 political parties for the 2019 general election.”
The INEC chairman, however, gave the assurance that the 2019 elections would be better than that of 2015.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of ISDMG, Dr Chima Amadi said INEC had been the most responsive of all government agencies involved in the election value chain.
He added that the commission had been taking advice and constructive criticisms and adjusting its activities to reflect same while such could not be said about others within the chain.
In Amadi’s words, “The security agencies continue to behave true to type and are even getting worse, while political gladiators horn their manipulative stock-in-trade.
“However, we are resolved to take them to task with the same resilience that we used in getting INEC to act properly.

“For the 2019 elections, the ISDMG will be deploying cutting edge technology to the field to ensure that history is properly documented,’’ he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/inec-reveals-number-of-political.html

Mr Dipo Olorunrinu, (PDP Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I), Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the party to give former Vice-President Atiku Abukakar a chance to run for the 2019 Presidential election.

Olorunrinu, the only PDP member in the state Assembly, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

“Let me quickly congratulate his (Abubakar’s) boldness and courage to come out for this position at a time when our party needs a very credible and formidable personality.

“Abukakar is someone that has people around him. We should give him a very big applaud for coming out.
“Let’s see what he has on the table. Personally, I want to appreciate his decision to rule.
“The truth is that, Abubakar’s declaration will actually give the ruling party a run not just for their money, but also their interest in governing in 2019.
“Abubakar is somebody that cuts across geo-political and ethnic zones and he should be given a chance,” Olorunrinu said.
The lawmaker said that Abubakar had garnered enough experience over the years and not seen to be a tribalistic person but a nationalistic politician.
He said that some people didn’t want Abubakar because of their personal interest.
On the rising number of PDP aspirants for the seat of the President, the lawmaker urged them to support the best aspirant that could guarantee victory for the party in 2019.
He urged all aspirants to desist from selfish interest that could ruin the PDP’s chances in the next general elections, saying that the party should be fair to all.
On the apology tendered by the PDP to Nigerians for its past mistakes, Olorunrinu said that the step showed the party’s remorsefulness, sympathy and readiness to make Nigeria great again.
“I can assure you, the party might have failed but learnt how not to fail again.”
Abubakar officially declared his intention to run for the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the PDP on Tuesday in Rivers.
His declaration came few months after he left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abubakar made his position known while addressing stakeholders of the PDP drawn from the 23 local government areas of Rivers at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/2019-lawmaker-urges-pdp-to-give-atiku.html