₦airaland Forum

Air Peace has unveiled its plan for the aviation sector in 2019, assuring air travellers of packages including exceptional long-haul flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Guangzhou-China, Houston, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, gave the assurance in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos.

Onyema urged staff of the airline to gear up to raise the bar of flight services to the travelling public in 2019.


The chairman commended the travelling public for preferring Air Peace and staying loyal to its brand in 2018.

He attributed the success of the airline in four years to the unflinching support its customers, pledging that the carrier would spare nothing in making their experience truly rewarding, exciting and safe.

“2018 was both challenging and exciting for us. It was the year we upped our record of firsts.

“In the year under review, we launched a number of domestic and regional routes under our no-city-left-behind project on the platform of our subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.

“We also made history as the first domestic airline to acquire and register the Boeing 777 aircraft in Nigeria. We have so far acquired four Boeing 777s, with two already delivered.

“We also successfully renewed our International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) after a very rigorous process.

“We also diversified the aircraft in our fleet with the inclusion of six 50-seater Embraer 145 jets, which have so far helped our yuletide operations in no small way,” Onyema said.”

According to him, the airline in September signed a deal with American plane maker, Boeing, for the delivery of 10 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, making Air Peace the first to achieve the feat on the West Coast of Africa.

“We are sincerely grateful to our loyal customers without whose support, preference for our brand and patronage we could not have made a success of the target we set for ourselves in 2018.

“It was quite a challenging year too, given the dire economic situation across the world, but our esteemed customers supported us through it all.

“In 2019, we are going to implement a series of bolder decisions aimed at giving the flying public a truly exciting experience.”

“Already, we have begun the expansion of our flight operations to the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) in response to our customers’ wish for a better space to serve them.

“This would become effective Jan. 2, 2019 with the operation of our Lagos-Akure, Lagos-Asaba, Lagos-Kaduna and Lagos-Port Harcourt NAF Base services from the facility.

“All flights under our subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper will eventually be moved to MMA2,”he said.

Onyema said Air Peace was also going to give the flying public a reliable, safe, affordable and comfortable alternative on some international routes, including Dubai, Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai, London, Houston and Johannesburg.

“Our staff has been wonderful with their commitment and dedication to duty through the years, but 2019 is one year all hands must be on the deck.

“This is to enable us give our customers the best flight experience on the domestic, regional and international routes and make our dear country, Nigeria and West Africa truly proud in the global aviation industry,” he said.

Read more at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/air-peace-to-fly-dubai-london-other.html

The former military governor of Lagos State, Buba Marwa has declared that there is no vacancy in the Presidential Villa till 2023.


He stressed that Buhari would return to power in 2019.

Marwa spoke while fielding questions from journalists on Thursday in Yola, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.


The Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on Drugs, said he was confident that Buhari would defeat other presidential candidates in the 2019 election.

According to him, “Buba Marwa Organization is the first to organise rally in support of President Buhari in 2016, because Buhari have done very well in three areas of economy, security and fight against corruption.

“He will return for the second time by the grace of God, and for that, I have no doubt all those vying for Aso Villa should wait till 2023.”


Marwa, while commenting on the recent security situation in the country, said the Army and other security agencies have done excellently and need more support and encouragement from the general public.

Read more at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2019-presidency-no-vacancy-in-aso-rock.html

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has announced the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Assa North Gas Development Project in Imo State.

At peak production, the project is expected to deliver 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and will be treated at SPDC JV’s Gas Processing Facility and distributed through the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline network.

The Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, who disclosed the development noted that the project would be a major game-changer in Nigeria’s quest for energy sufficiency and economic growth.

“This is good news for the SPDC JV and Nigeria as we look to grow the domestic market and optimise our onshore footprints,” he was quoted to have said in a statement.

“The project is key to driving the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ambition of marching away from a mono-economy through diverse industrial growth. It is premier amongst the seven critical gas projects initiative led by the Ministry of Petroleum and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Their integrated focus, support and drive were instrumental to this investment decision.”

Okunbor added that the SPDC JV would continue to explore other areas of support for the expansion of domestic gas supply and continue to make investments under the right conditions.

The SPDC’s Director and General Manager (Projects), Mr. Toyin Olagunju, said the Assa North project would be a significant contribution to the GDP growth in Imo State and across Nigeria as the gas produced would be utilised in-country across diverse industries, while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

Just three weeks ago, the SPDC JV signed a gas supply and aggregation agreement with Geometric Power Aba Limited (GPAL) for the supply of about 43 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to support the 140MW Aba Integrated Power plant at Ossisioma in Abia State.

By the agreement, SPDC will supply gas from its joint venture gas plant in Imo River traversing Abia and Rivers states to the power producer, GPAL, via a gas pipeline network which is already installed.

SPDC is the operator of a joint venture involving the NNPC, which holds 55 percent; Shell 30 percent; Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNG)10 percent; and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC), five per cent.

Recently, the Bonga vessel of the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) produced over 800 million barrels of crude oil, confirming the company as a pacesetter in offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of Guinea.

This is coming after 13 years of deep-water exploration, SNEPCo said in a statement.

In its review of the performance of the Bonga Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for 2018, SNEPCo’s Managing Director, Bayo Ojulari, expressed satisfaction with the consistent availability and optimal performance of the vessel, which began operation at the Bonga field in OML 118 in 2005 under a production sharing contract with the NNPC.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of excellence on all fronts, and this we have consistently demonstrated with the management of Bonga to the satisfaction of our government and co-venture partners,” Ojulari was quoted to have said.

“We leverage the Shell group’s global expertise in technology and new advancements in the industry to continue to unlock Bonga’s huge potential. One such example was the completion and inauguration of the Bonga North West Cross Over module in 2014, a first in the history of Shell which launched the beginning of a new phase delivering the reservoirs proven volumes and maintaining production of the FPSO at full capacity,” he added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/gas-production-shell-announces-fid-on.html

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented about the level of insecurity in Nigeria.


The former president on Saturday advocated collective efforts from all Nigerians in order to solve the current insecurity situation in the country.

Obasanjo said this at the 80th Anniversary of Prof. Ango Abdullahi, former Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria held at his farm at Basaa, Zaria, Kaduna State.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was organised by the Abdullahi Kwasau Dynasty.

The ex-president said the call became necessary in view of the incessant insecurity bedeviling the country.

He called on Nigerians not to allow things to go the way the way they were going in order not to plant the seed of destruction for the country.


Obasanjo said: “For as long as our nation is not what it should be, we have to work together to make our country what it should be.

“Nobody can say yes is my country, I can do whatever I like with it, God will not allow that to happen.”

Read more at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/obasanjo-reveals-how-to-end-insecurity.html

The Chairman, Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono Obla on Friday dismissed calls by the House of Representatives for his dismissal as a ploy to derail investigations into corrupt practices.

Obla said recent attacks against him, over an alleged forged WAEC certificate since he commenced investigations into the activities and finances of some senators and members of the House of Representatives, were premeditated.

He said: “The call by the House of Representatives on Mr President to sack me for alleged certificate forgery is hogwash, balderdash and absolute rubbish!

“It is a hatchet job by agents and merchants of corruption and graft that have looted the country for the past 19 years to intimidate, hound and harass me.

“They are agents of looters that I have investigated. Is the house of representatives the police?” he queried in a statement in Lagos.

On the allegation of certificate forgery, Obla stated that he graduated from the university over 30 years ago.

“I left university 30 years ago. I graduated and went to law school. I left Law School in 1990 and was called to Bar in June 1991.

“The university screened me and awarded me a degree after deeming me worthy and after fulfilling the entry requirements.

“I wrote JAMB and scored excellent grades in all the subjects I wrote.

“It is a blackmail contrived by looters and their agents using the House of Representatives,” he said.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obla has also filed a lawsuit against the House of Representatives over the matter.

He is challenging the power of the House of representatives to conduct such an investigation, adding that the report is a hatchet job with a premeditated mission, illegal and unconstitutional.

According to him, the call for his sack was a reaction to the information released by his panel forwarding the names of those under its investigation to the Nigeria Immigration Service.

He said the information required the Service to implement the travel ban stipulated by the Executive Order No 6 of 2018 for those under trial and investigation for corruption and abuse of office.

“I must be a genius to pass through University and Law School, practice law for more than two decades without a school certificate.

“The whole issue is really laughable but it is sad the extent to which corruption can fight back,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/buharis-ssa-obla-attacks-house-of-reps.html

The governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has approved the appointment of a new rector for Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.


According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Luke Yakubu, on Wednesday, the new rector is Professor Mohammed S. Atureta.

Professor Aturera, who hails from Okene Local Government Area of the State, was until his appointment a lecturer in the department of Mathematics Science, Abubakar Balewa University Bauchi.


The appointment, according to the statement, takes effect from 1st January, 2018.

Akelicious recalls that Dr. Attah Haruna has been the acting rector of the oolytechnic when the tenure of the former rector, Mr Isah Mohammed, expired in September 2018.

Full report at[url] https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/gov-bello-appoints-new-rector-for-kogi.html[/url]

Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has urged the federal government to expedite payment of its earned allowances.

In continuation of their strike, the members, yesterday, wielded placards bearing ‘Government, reinstate staff school teachers now’, ‘Government, pay us our earned allowances’, ‘FGN, pay our N8 billion earned allowances’, ‘SSANU says no to injustice over staff school’, ‘A law-abiding govt must obey court judgement’, ‘Pay staff school teachers’ salary’, ‘NUC, FGN: who is withholding our earned allowances’, among others.

Addressing journalists after the union’s meeting in FUTA yesterday, the national public relations officer (PRO), Mr. Abdulsobru Salawu, said that the three-day nationwide strike was pertinent. Salawu lamented that FG reneged on the promises it made to the association last year, attributing it to the insensitivity of the political class.

He added that there were over four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) that were not honoured. The PRO decried the blatant defiance to the judgement of the National Industrial Court (NIC) in December 2016 ordering it to re-absorb the staff. His words: “Mid last year, the federal government assured us that it had released N8 billion to be disbursed to all non-teaching staff unions in the university system. And as we speak, till today, no such disbursement has been made.

“As at today, we have over 2,000 staff that have been disengaged technically by the federal government on the account of an obnoxious circular that was released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.”

He revealed that “our re-negotiation with the Babalakin committee, we want to say that we are disappointed and hereby express our disenchantment with the pace of negotiation by the federal government’s team.

“We have been inaugurated almost two years now and as we speak, no movement has been made; we have had series of meetings, and none of them has yielded any result; they refused to agree with it.”

Full report at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/futa-staff-demand-n8b-earned-allowances.html

The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Plateau State in charge of the federal government Social Investment Programme (SIP), Dr. Sumaya Hamza, has disclosed that 20,918 persons from across six Local Government Areas of the state have benefitted from the programme since its inception.

Hamza, disclosed this while receiving delegations from Centre for Social Justice, Abuja, on Monitoring Recovered Assets in Nigeria through Transparency and Accountability (MANTRA), a subset of the Anti-Corruption in Nigeria (ACORN) project, which is supported by the Department for International Development (DFID).
She said after social register was generated, the poorest of the poor were captured based on poverty ranking.

“For us in Plateau State, we have 17 local governments; the first six in the state which are Bassa and Jos-East, Kanke, Bokkos, Langtang North and Wase. Beneficiaries are paid N5, 000 every month per household and this figure is at July.


“The National office is currently down-sizing and data cleansing, so the figure dropped drastically and some household have been removed from the intervention list and they are now are agitated.”

On its part, the Centre for Social Justice said it was monitoring the disbursement of $322.5 million Abacha loot and the $900,000 Alamieyeseigha loots.
Lead Director of the centre, Eze Onyekpere, said prior to the advocacy visit to the cash transfer office in Jos, they had already dialogued with government agencies on asset recoveries at the national level.

Represented by its Programme Officer Public Finance Management, Fidelis Onyejegbu, he said, the objective of the MANTRA’s project was to make the public more aware and knowledgeable enough to hold government accountable on issues of recovery and management of looted assets.

Onyejegbu, added that the project was aimed at enhancing the capacity of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and citizens to effectively monitor the use of the monitor the use of $322.5 million Abacha loot, $900,000 Alamieyeseigha loot and other looted assets recovered.

“MANTRA hopes to achieve these objectives by carrying out a number of activities. We have had a policy dialogue, discussions and workshop sessions with government agencies on asset recoveries at the national level under the Cash Transfer Programme of the federal government.

“So, we are here to formally introduce MANTRA and her partners and to get to know the role of the Cash Transfer Office of Plateau State.
“The project will also promote a robust civil society movement to be actively advocated for a policy framework that will engender transparent and accountable recovery and management of looted assets, adding that they will also promote societal and behavioural changes against corruption.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/20918-households-benefit-from-fgs-sip.html

The federal government has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its ongoing national strike action for national interest’s sake.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the charge on Tuesday during the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Udufu-Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi state.

President Buhari, represented by Barr.Victor Onuoha who serves as deputy executive secretary of Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), added that the federal government is committed to the funding of Nigeria Universities.

He maintained that providing adequate infrastructures, incentives, manpower by the present government was to improve learning and teaching in higher institutions.

He stressed that the federal government which would continue to invest so much on Nigerian youth in the task of national building.

“Consequently, l urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its ongoing national industrial action for the overall nation’s interest.

“Also, l assured Nigerians that the federal government would continue within her limited resources to develop and fund our universities”, he explained.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba said the institution had 355 graduands which record an increase of 108 in 2017.

Prof. Nwajiuba further noted that 15 emerged with first class honours, 188 with second class while 145 got lower class and 7 with third class.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/fg-urges-ASUU-to-call-off-nationwide.html

An Igbo political group, One-on-One Nigeria, says it will work for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections.

The group, which announced this at a press conference in Awka on Tuesday, said a lot of positive strides had been recorded under the Buhari-led administration.

Chief Chido Obidiegwu, National Coordinator of the group, noted that there had been massive upgrade of physical infrastructure across the country, especially in the South-East, under the present administration.

Obidiegwu expressed optimism that a second term for the president was the shortest means to the actualisation of Igbo presidency which he said, had eluded the region for a long time.

“We are determined to achieving Igbo Presidency by returning the president for a second term because we are convinced that four years of this present administration are better than eight years of any other person’s.

“In his wisdom and magnanimity, President Buhari has begun to address the Igbo’s most pressing needs which bordered mainly on infrastructure development.

“There is serious work going on, on the long abandoned second Niger Bridge, the long abandoned Enugu Port Harcourt expressway, the Zik’s Mausoleum and the Ariaria Aba Independent Power Project, among others.

“These, among other projects that the Igbos yearned for, for over 16 years now and can only be realised under President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

The coordinator commended the president for his achievements in the fight against terrorism, corruption, and other anti-social vices in the country.

“On the national sphere, it may not be gainsaying to posit that the war against insurgency, militancy and insecurity has been reasonably contained.

“Corruption, profligacy and unbridled brigandage among public office holders have reduced drastically and recovery of stolen public funds is going on with huge success.

“The bar has also been raised in accountability and transparency in government and leakages are also been effectively blocked through the single treasury account.

“Agricultural revolution especially in rice production has guaranteed food security in our country; federal pensioners’ backlog of emolument have been cleared by the President.

“In addition, several social intervention platforms have been enunciated to touch the lives of ordinary citizens of Nigeria and provide employment for the youth such as N-power and School Feeding Programme.

“Monthly Stipend for Indigent People, Paris Club Refund, Bailout for State Governments, Anchor Borrowers Fund, Bank of Agriculture and Industry Loans to MSME, Trader Moni, among others.

“There are also massive enhancements of roads, rail and water transportation more than ever before, the construction of 365 road projects across the 36 States of the country.”

The group, therefore, promised to campaign vigorously for the president across the zone and the entire country to ensure his victory in 2019.

“The President is doing his best for the region to realise its dream of clinching the presidency. As such, we are resolute and unequivocal in our support for his re-election.

“To achieve this, we are already on course in the execution of several vistas of action in the 1694 political wards in the region, 95 Local Government Areas, and 15 Senatorial Districts across the five states.

“We have paid a courtesy call on the President where we intimated him with our plans and from his body language it is now left for us, to fulfill our own part of the bargain.

“In the light of the foregoing, we humbly and effusively invite our brothers and sisters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu State, Imo, Delta and our people in diaspora to join us in this noble cause,’’ the national coordinator said.

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2019-presidency-how-igbos-are-working.html

A sense of fulfilment and excitement pervaded the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos on Wednesday, December 12, at the 16th matriculation ceremony of the institution.

A breakdown of the 229 students who matricuated revealed that 115 are for the National Diploma, 62 offered admission for Higher National Diploma and 92 for Postgraduate Diploma.

The provost, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye, in his address on behalf of the Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Mallam Ismaila Isa, called for the upliftment of the profession through certification, welfare, ethics and professionalism in the practice of journalism.

Ogunleye said many people venture into the profession without getting certification, arguing that anyone who desire to practice the profession just like other professions in the country must be certified before practicing journalism as this has made the profession look like a job for all comers where anybody can just practice, that should be addressed.

He said most journalist who are certified have value for the profession and that they ventured into the profession based on passion for the job, stating anyone that is looking for money can not practice journalism.

“Most media organisations solely depend on advert and copy sales to generate income for their media outfit and this is making media organisations struggle, especially with the welfare of staff which is a major challenge, because running a media organisation require a lot of money to maintain’’, he added.

Ogunleye advised media organisations to venture into other areas where they can generate income for their organisation apart from the normal way of sourcing for fund.

He noted “They can take a leap from developed world where media organisations have created other avenue of generating income. This is an area that media organisations in Nigeria has not really exploit.

“There are various storms confronting our educational system as a nation and the world over such as moral storms which is affecting the quality of education, question mark on the integrity of professionals, technocrats and the general products of institutions across the globe.”

Ogunleye told the newly 229 admitted students that the matriculation ceremony confers on them the right to every privilege and opportunity on campus but reminded them to face their study and shun social vices.

“Matriculation is an important rung in the academic career ladder of a student. In fact, no student may claim to be one until such a student has passed through the process of matriculation.’’


He explained that the institution will stay within the approved admission quota by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), noting ‘’the implication of this is that we do not have over-crowded classrooms or lecture sessions. Our practical classes are reasonably small for every student to have a true practical experience while in school.

The provost urged the new students to understand that in the pursuit of rigorous journalism, they must have passion and value the profession, stressing that it take passion to do the job.

“Although, we are in the era of social media, what we call new journalism which is on the rise, you should developed ideas and make used of professionalism in your study’’. He added, “Journalism is a much more rigorous affair, with layers of reporters, supervisors and editors who are tutored in both the canons of professional practice and ethical imperatives.”

Ogunleye said the institute will encourage the students to become bloggers and have website because it is digital journalism era. He urged the students to stay on the side of truth and help to represent the gold standard in journalism,’’said he.

“There is a lot of fake news and falsehood in the social media. There is also a lot of useful information. Stay on the side of the truth, facts and verified figures correctly. Help to pursue the holy grail of truth and do not circulate falsehood because it can hurt your career and your country.”

He encouraged the students to make use of what they will taught and also utilise the opportunity by applying every details as instruments of work.

‘’Whether you are in broadcasting, print journalism, public relations, advertising or marketing communications, you must realise that there is a sea of change in the way our industry is arranged which has also affected the way journalism is practise today.’’

Ogunleye stated that the mainstream media have the social media to compete with and that the social media have changed the communications dynamics.

While advising the students to address the challenges facing journalism and the nation, Ogunleye urged them ‘’to make use of the opportunity and go into the world and make the necessary impact with the knowledge gained.

“There must be a paradigm shift in our profession. You are young and energetic. So, think of creative ways of addressing the challenges of our profession and the nation.”

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nij-provost-calls-for-certification-of.html

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has said his presidency would bequeath a good future to the younger generation.

Atiku said this while reeling out his agenda at a Youth Town Hall Meeting on Monday in Lagos.

He said that not less than 40 per cent of his cabinet would be made up of Nigerian youths and women if elected president in the 2019 general elections.

“Our gathering here today is about the future of our youths. I am concerned about the plight of the Nigerian youths.

”They are the future and we need to bequeath a good and secured future to our younger generation.

”I will work more with the youth and even my Minister for youth will not be more than 30 years of age,” he said.

Atiku also promised to enthrone technology in the nation’s education.

Also speaking, the vice-presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi said that Atiku’s government would invest in education, saying that the more educated the people, the more the nation progresses.

”Nigerian youths deserve better education and jobs. Therefore, vote Atiku because he is capable of reviving and managing our country’s economy,” Obi said.

In his address, Mr Uche Secondus, PDP National Chairman said that the youth would matter in Atiku’s presidency.

”We recognised that Nigerian youth are innovative, industrious and hardworking.

“As you vote in Atiku in 2019, you are voting for your liberation,” he said.

Mr Jimi Agbaje, PDP Governorship candidate in Lagos, said his campaign was about freedom for the residents of Lagos.

”It is about freedom for ‘Lagosians’. Lagos is not a ‘One-Man-Lagos’ but people’s Lagos.

”To achieve this, I urge our youth to ensure they vote in PDP at every levels of government for us to enjoy a better Lagos and Nigeria,” Agbaje said.

Mr Ayodele Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State said that Atiku was a product of democracy and deserved to be elected as president.

”Atiku is our president in waiting. He is the man who can harness the talents and potential of the youth for a better future,” Fayose said.

In his remarks, Mr Udeh Okoye, PDP National youth leader, said that the Nigerian youths have endorsed Atiku’s candidacy because he believed in the political vibrancy of the youth.

”This is also a forum to assure Atiku and Obi of our full support at the 2019 polls,” he said.

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/my-presidential-ambition-is-about.html

After the seeming return of peace to the southern part of Kaduna State, unidentified gunmen Sunday invaded Angwan Pah village, Jama’a Local Government killing 14 persons.

About 20 others were also said to have sustained injuries from gunshots and were rushed to hospitals.


The incident was said to have occurred at about 7:45 pm when the victims were at a wedding celebration.

One of the leaders in the community, who pleaded anonymity, said on arrival at the community, the gunmen, numbering about 10, started shooting sporadically at the crowd of women and children who were at the wedding programme.

According to him, 10 people were killed on the spot while five others later died at the Kafanchan General Hospital.

Speaking in a telephone interview, he said: “There was a wedding that took place in the community and the celebration lasted till evening as people, mostly women and children were dancing.

“At about 7:45pm or so, the gunmen, about 10 of them, I cannot precisely say, came and started shooting sporadically at the crowd.

“Everybody was terrified at the sound of gunshots and ran for safety. Unfortunately, 15 people died as a result of the gunshots. Ten of them died on the spot while five died today (Monday) in the hospital.

“We are really shocked by this development because we assumed that peace had returned to our communities.”

He called on the Kaduna State government and security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this evil act so as to avoid yet another crisis in Southern Kaduna.

Also reacting to the attack in a statement, a member of House of Representatives, representing Jama’a/Sanga federal constituency, Hon. Shehu Nicholas Garba, said the attack was an affront on the fragile peace that is being nurtured.

He noted that there had been brewing crisis of recent between indigenous Fulanis and some communities in the area which led to the killings of 12 people.

According to the lawmaker, “Frantic efforts were made by the local authorities, including notable leaders within the communities to contain the situation and prevent it from escalating.

“These efforts included bringing the Military Task Force, which has a unit in Jagindi Tasha into the matter. Sadly, it is now obvious that we are confronted with yet another unexpected tragedy.”

Commiserating with the injured victims and families of the bereaved, Garba urged the community to be calm, law abiding and be vigilant while security personnel are mobilised to fish out the culprits.

“Our communities were denied the joy of Christmas celebration last year. We should refuse to be pushed into taking retaliatory measures which the enemy wants to exploit to deny us yet another Christmas and New Year celebrations and perhaps peaceful elections next year.

“I urge the security establishments to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act for the law to take its cause and also reinforce its presence in these communities to restore confidence,” the lawmaker said.

Efforts to get the reaction of the police were abortive as the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command Yakubu Sabo did not respond to phone calls and a text message sent to his mobile phone.

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/gunmen-kill-15-injure-20-in-southern.html

The Nigerian Army has called for the closure of Amnesty International offices in Nigeria, alleging there is credible evidence the organisation is working hard to destabilise the country.

The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen Sani Usman said today that the organisation’s attempt to destabilise the nation was reflected through fabrication of fictitious allegations of alleged human rights abuses against the Nigerian security forces.

Usman also alleged the AI had engaged in clandestine sponsorship of dissident groups to protest, as well as making unfounded allegations against the leadership of the Nigerian military, all to destabilise Nigeria.

According to him, the Nigerian branch of Amnesty International that has hitherto been well respected has deviated from the core values, principles and objectives of the original Amnesty International domiciled in the United Kingdom.

“They have tried over the years using Boko Haram terrorist conflicts, Islamic Movement in Nigeria, some activists and now herders-farmers conflicts.

“The NGO is at the verge of releasing yet another concocted report against the military, ostensibly against the Nigerian Army.

“Consequently, Nigerians should be wary of Amnesty International (Nigeria) because its goals are to destabilise Nigeria and to dismember it.

“The Nigerian Army has no option than to call for the closure of Amnesty International offices in Nigeria, if such recklessness continues”, Usman said.

It was not the first time the Nigerian army and Amnesty International would have some misunderstanding over the latter’s various reports on human rights in the country.

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/breaking-army-wants-amnesty.html

The federal government has proposed a meeting with the independent oil marketers as one of the measures aimed at averting fuel crisis this Yuletide season.

The oil marketers have threatened to shut down their depots over continued non-payment of oil subsidies by the federal government.


But the presidency and the National Assembly in a swift reaction, have appealed to the marketers to give them a little more time to sort out issues bordering on non-payment of oil subsidies within the next few days.

Making the disclosure after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Kabiru Marafa, said both the president and himself had critically examined the matter and a strong commitment would be made to promptly resolve the matter.

According to Marafa, delay in payment of the subsidies, which he said was inherited by the current government, was caused by technicalities bordering on forex differentials and attendant interest.

Marafa also said bureaucracy surrounding computation of figures had further compounded the matter adding that the oil marketers are not happy with the Ministry of Finance over its handling of the matter.

“That is what I said, so we are now talking of technicalities, there is fuel in the country, in our seas, in our depots all across the country. But there are some technicalities now regarding payment of subsidies, forex differentials and interest, which this government inherited.

“They are not a creation of this government. However, government is a continuum and when the president came in, he was confronted with it and he agreed and said, ‘fine, I have stopped subsidy but since there are claims, we will look into it and pay.’

“But now, the bureaucratic nature of the computations is what dragged up to this time and depot owners are not too happy with what the Ministry of Finance has done and maybe some other agencies.

“So, we have been on it in the Senate and the House of Representatives for almost two weeks now. Finally, today, I have had quality time with the president and we have looked into the whole thing.

“By next week, we will invite all the stakeholders. I believe we should be able to get to the root of the matter. “As for the depot owners, we are going to plead with them again to give more time, especially now that we have discussed with the head of the executive arm of government.

“So, I’m sure everything will be resolved in the next few days,” he added.

Marafa also said the need for diligent handling of the matter had become imminent if sabotage by some unscrupulous individuals who want to orchestrate fuel crisis, despite availability of fuel which can last for six months must be averted.

He added, “There has been some disquiet in the industry regarding marketers’ payment with Ministry of Finance, (Debt Management Office) DMO and the Central Bank, which we feel if not carefully handled, some enemies of the administration might bring about technical issues that could lead to queues on the line, especially as government has provided enormous quantities of petroleum products across the country that can last the country up to six months through NNPC.

“So, some people are not too happy about it and they want to sabotage the efforts of the government.”

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/presidency-nassembly-move-to-avert-fuel.html

It was another week of negative performance at the stock market as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index went down further by 0.63 per cent to close at 30,672.79, while market capitalisation depreciated by 0.58 per cent to close at N11.204 trillion.

Year-to-date the index has declined by 19.8 per cent. The negative performance extended due to sell-offs in bellwethers as investors go for cash to take care of end of year festivities.


A look at the market performance showed that fluctuation of the previous week continued last week. For instance, the market opened with a decline. However, it rebounded on Tuesday with 0.34 per cent growth. By Wednesday, the market returned to the control of the bears which was extended to Thursday. Although Friday’s trading session was positive, the losses of the previous days overwhelmed that growth. Consequently, the market shed 0.63 per cent for the week.

A further breakdown of the performance indicated that three of the five tracked ended higher. The NSE Industrial Goods Index led gainers, following price appreciation in Dangote Cement Plc. The NSE Banking Index and NSE Insurance Index chalked up 0.2 per cent apiece. Conversely, the NSE Consumer Goods Index declined the most, shedding 2.8 per cent followed by the NSE Oil & Gas Index that shed 0.8 per cent.

Other Markets

Looking at other markets across the globe, analyst at Afrinvest stated they ended the week gloomy as growth outlook for major economies were anything but exciting.

The markets opened the week optimistic on advancement in trade talks between the United States and China, however the trade-fuelled market rally was quelled by global growth concerns.

Chinese data for November released this week indicates that economic activity is slowing down as retail sales grew by 8.1 per cent (the lowest in 15 years ) and Industrial production growth was 5.4 per cent – the lowest since early 2016 ) both significantly missing estimates. In ripple effect, Asian markets temporarily reversed trend after days of broad consecutive gains.

In Europe, the European Central Bank officially ended its Quantitative Easing programme, thus reducing its monetary support for the European economy. The forward guidance on outlook by ECB President, Mario Draghi, suggested a downside risk to economic growth in the EU.

However, performance in major markets by the end of the week was mostly in the green. In the United States markets, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ closed up 0.7 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively; while the United Kingdom FTSE edged higher by 0.3 per cent. In Europe, France’s CAC 40 (0.8 per cent) and Germany’s XETRA DAX (0.1 per cent) were up for the week. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng inched up 0.1 per cent while Japan’s Nikkei 225 was lower by 1.4 per cent.

Afrinvest in a report also noted that markets in the BRICS regions were mixed but with a bearish tilt as three out of five indices were negative. Brazil’s Ibovespa was 0.3 per cent down alongside China’s Shanghai Composite that went down by 0.5 per cent.

Russia recorded the highest decline of 3.4 per cent. On the positive end, India’s BSE Sens and South Africa’s JSE All Share were up 0.8 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively.

In Asian, four of the five indices tracked were positive except for Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul that fell 0.8 per cent. Thailand’s SET Index recorded the strongest performance with a 2.4 per cent gain. Turkey’s BIST 100, Qatar’s DSM and UAE’s ADX appreciated by 1.6 per cent, 1.4 per cent and 0.3 per cent in that order.

Similarly, in African markets, four of six indices ended in negative territory.

But Egypt’s EGX 30 had the best performance of the pack posting a gain of 4.9 per cent, trailed by Morocco’s Casablanca that shed 0.3 per cent. Conversely, Kenya’s NSE (-2.0 per cent) was the steepest fall, while Ghana and Mauritius went down by 0.7 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively.

Market Turnover

Meanwhile, investors traded 1.169 billion shares worth N14.762 billion in 14,554 deals, up from 1.107 billion shares valued at N11.192 billion that exchanged hands the previous week in 14,430 deals.

But the Financial Services Industry remained the most active with 983.374 million shares valued at N9.358 billion traded in 8,484 deals thus contributing 84.15 per cent and 63.39 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Healthcare Industry followed with 44.802 million shares worth N183.753 million in 253 deals, while the third place was Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 42.758 million shares worth N3.553 billion in 2,227 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely: Zenith Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc and accounted for 438.938 million shares worth N 5.691 billion in 2,962 deals, contributing 37.56 per cent and 38.55 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 316 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N849,000 executed in five deals compared with a total of 84,714 units valued at N1.219 million that was transacted last week in 10 deals.

A total of 10,934 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N10.746 million were traded last week in 31 deals compared with a total of 2,908 units valued at N2.516 million transacted the previous week in 11 deals.

Price Gainers and Losers

A total of 34 stocks appreciated in value higher than the 30 the previous week, while 37 equities depreciated in price, lower than 38 of the previous week. Forte Oil Plc led the price gainers with 33.8 per cent, trailed by John Holt Plc, Veritas Kapital Assurance with 20 per cent, 19 per cent respectively. CAP Plc garnered 18.2 per cent, just as Union Bank of Nigeria Plc chalked up 14 per cent. Other to price gainers included: First Aluminium Nigeria Plc, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Japaul Oil & Maritime Plc that appreciated by 10 per cent apiece.

Conversely, Double 11 Plc and Conoil Plc shed 10 per cent each to lead the price losers’ table. Cutix Plc and Livestock Feeds Plc went downy by 9.6 per cent each. Chams Plc, Cornerstone Insurance Plc and Daar Communications Plc shed 9.0 per cent apiece). Other top price losers were: Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc (8.7 per cent); C & I Leasing Plc (8.2 per cent) and ABC Transport Plc (7.4 per cent).

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/all-share-index-year-to-date-decline.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has validated his rejection by Nigerians by admitting, before state governors yesterday, that he has failed to fix the economy of the nation, in negation of his 2015 campaign promises.

The party said: “By asking Nigerians to tighten their belts, President Buhari has admitted that our economy has terribly worsened under his watch and that he has no solution to our economic realities.”

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP further said: “Mr. President by this statement has admitted that he is tired and that the task of running a competitive economy such as ours is way above his capacity.”


According to the party, “if President Buhari had heeded wise counsel from Nigerians and the international community to hands off critical sectors of our economy and allow competent hands to manage them, our economy would not have gone into a biting recession, for which he is now asking Nigerians to tighten their belts.

The statement further reads: “Nigerians must hold President Buhari directly responsible for the official flops, harsh economic policies and humongous corruption in his regime, which led to the collapse of our once robust economy, turned our nation to the poverty capital of the world with the worse form of hunger and starvation to the extent that compatriots now consider suicide mission and slavery as options.

“Most reprehensible is that Mr. President wants Nigerians to tighten their belts at a time he, his officials and associates are swimming in very expensive lifestyles.

“Our party holds that Nigerians across the board have made enough sacrifices in accommodating the incompetent, insensitive and corrupt Buhari administration and must not be forced to carry this burden beyond May 29, 2019, the very reason they are now rallying behind the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the February, 2019 Presidential election.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/pdp-asks-buhari-to-quit-for-failing-to.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, says Nigerians everywhere deserve to live healthy, educated and productive lives regardless of where in Nigeria they reside, what God they worship or language they speak.

Osinbajo said this on Friday in Abuja while addressing the extended National Economic Council (NEC) meeting with focus on Human Capital Development (HCD) held at the State House Banquet Hall.The theme of meeting was “Achieving Nigeria’s Visions for Human Capital Development.’’

The vice president said that the Federal Government was fully committed to ensuring that it positively transformed the Nigerian experience as it related to the quality of life and well-being of its people.


He said that Nigeria had struggled with high levels of poverty for several decades in spite of its potential, as the last poverty study done by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2012 showed that 112 million Nigerians were living in extreme poverty.

Osinbajo said that when the present government came into office in 2015, three things were very clear, one that it needed to move quickly and ambitiously in its response to the issues of poverty and malnutrition and disease and illiteracy.

“Two, there would be no quick fixes or miracles cures as it would be a long and painful journey out of the status quo which required patience and consistence in the implementation of our interventions.

“Three, just as we are reaping the consequences of the poor decisions we have taken in the past, we can change the consequences that await us in the future by changing the decisions we take in the present.

“These realisations have guided us over the last three years, even as we have developed a vision for a Nigeria that is healthy, educated and positioned to fully unleash its development potential.

“This is what informed the creation and implementation of our Social Investment Programme, which is now the largest in Africa.

“A multi-faceted intervention simultaneously targeting poverty, hunger, unemployment, financial exclusion, and the absence of skills needed for our large youth population to thrive in the 21st century.

“Nigerians everywhere deserve to live healthy, educated and productive lives, regardless of where in Nigeria they live or what God they worship or what language they speak.’’

He said that the N-Power, Jobs Scheme for unemployed graduates had more than doubled since then to cater to 500,000 beneficiaries; while Trader-Moni Microcredit scheme for petty traders excluded from formal lending opportunities had benefited well over a million people.

The vice president said there was also Market-Moni, designed to provide loans to market women and traders, artisans, enterprising youths and small scale farmers and agric workers nationwide.

“In terms of healthcare, we have recorded a landmark accomplishment, the setting up of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, with seed funding of one per cent of our Consolidated Revenue Fund as outlined in the National Health Act.

“I am pleased to say that Nigeria is for the first time complying with these stipulations since the Act was signed into law in 2014,’’ he said.

In a presentation, Mr Yosola Akinbi, HCD Core Working Group (CWG) Coordinator, said that the HCD initiative was a response to Nigeria’s ranking as a country with low HCD.

She said that the CWG selected six outcomes and several proxy measures to access and track progress across HCD thematic areas.

Akinbi listed the areas as under-five mortality rate, malnutrition, adult mortality, expected years of school completion, quality of learning and labour force participation.

She said that Nigeria’s vision to accelerate HCD by 2030 was in three strategic themes, health and nutrition, education and labour force.

“Provide equitable access to affordable and quality healthcare for every Nigerian, promote a quality, inclusive and functional educational system and empower youth to have the capacity and skills to create or seek employment,’’ she said.

In his remarks, Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, said that the governors had been working hard to ensure economic growth and promote transparency in governance.

He said that finance was critical in addressing all the issues bordering on HCD.

According to him, more efforts should be channeled toward revenue generation in order to achieve the vision of HCD.

In goodwill message, Mr Rachid Benmessaoud, Country Director, World Bank Nigeria, said that for the world to do well, Nigeria had to do well.

He said that the Federal Government’s Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (ERGP) was yielding results.

Mrs Debbie Palmer, DFID Country Representative, in a goodwill message, said that given that Nigeria would be the third largest nation in the world by 2050, it needed well-nourished, healthy, educated and skilled people.


Also speaking, Sen. Lanre Tejuosho, the chairman, Senate Committee on Health, urged the executive to ensure timely release of money appropriated by the National Assembly for HCD.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were also goodwill messages from representatives of UNICEF, Dangote Group, Belinda and Gates Foundation,and U.S. Mission among others.

The extended NEC had in attendance state governors, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, private sector representatives and development partners.The highlight of the event was unveiling of the Vision to Accelerate Human Capital Development by 2030 by the vice president.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nigerians-everywhere-deserve-healthy.html

Google recently released its year report for 2018, highlighting the most searched words globally and even in respective countries. The report reveals top trends in 2018 compared to the previous years.

World Cup was the most big winner in 2018 as the most searched word. The FIFA tournament that took place in Russia was the most-trending search term.

Other most searched words varied in terms of complexity and the nature of the world. They include weather which also include the hurricane.

The top five most searched news items included World Cup, Hurricane Florence, Mega millions, election results and Hurricane Michael respectively.

Politics also featured among the most searched word globally. The term “election results” was the fifth-most trending news term in the world. Major elections happened in Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Malaysia, India, and elsewhere.

Google further classified top most trending searches in each and every respective country globally and African countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe featured among the list.


In Nigeria, Alexis Sanchez was the most searched person followed by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Meghan Markle respectively. Black Panther made it as the most searched movie while Osun election lead in the most searched news item.

Former South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma topped as the most searched personality in the Southern African state. Current president Cyril Ramaphosa took the second position.

Slain Kenyan University female student Sharon Otieno has emerged as the most searched personality on Google by 2018. Sharon, who was seven months pregnant was brutally murdered and his body dumped in a forest in Homa Bay county in September.

Controversial deported Kenyan-Canadian lawyer Miguna Miguna is the second most searched person on the global search engine by Kenyans followed by Manchester United Chilean attacker Alexis Sanchez.

Interactive sex doll dubbed Samantha was the fourth most-looked-for ‘person’ on Google as Kenyans sought to find out how it works and looks.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/world-cup-tops-2018-google-searches.html

Primate of Nigeria’s Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has urged clerics across the country to maintain political neutrality on the pulpit.

Addressing newsmen at the sidelines of a stakeholders’ meeting organised for eminent Anglicans in Abuja.

The archbishop warned that “on no account should a cleric surrender his pulpit for politicians to carry out any form of political campaign.”

The pulpit is for preaching the word of God, not for endorsing political candidates as done by some clerics, the primate noted.

Okoh asserted that any cleric using the pulpit for political campaign was doing something that is inconsistent with the teachings of the bible.

He said: “In our diocese, we don’t give politicians opportunity to use the church for campaign. It could happen elsewhere, but not in our church. The pulpit is dedicated for preaching the word of God, not for politics or criticising a friend or enemy.

“If you go to the service of dedication, you will see that the pulpit is for preaching the word of God. So, anybody surrendering his pulpit for political campaign is doing the wrong thing.”

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended electoral act, if the country is ready for elections next year.

“People want the electoral act signed. I don’t know whether these people are in the majority or minority; but of course if we are going to have an election, I think the president should sign it,” he said.

He warned against making provocative statements in the build-up to the elections.

“Those making provocative statements should not set us at conflict with one another because if you look at most of these statements, they are made from the point of self-advancement. They (politicians) calculated that their chances are limited and they begin to talk.

“We appeal to everyone to ensure that we still have a country because if there is a country, all of us will be in a good condition; but if there is no country, everybody scatters,” he said.

Okoh disclosed that the church decided to summon prominent Anglicans to find solutions to some internal crises.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/stay-away-from-politics-primate-tells.html

The federal government is working at entering the list of top 100 countries on the global ranking in Ease of Doing Business by 2020. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stated this at the presentation of the ‘2018 Making Business Work Report’ of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Abuja. Oduwole, who is also the Secretary of PEBEC, noted that in order to achieve the goal, the country needs to move up 45 places in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index over the next two years. Nigeria is currently ranked 145 among 190 economies, according to the latest World Bank annual rating. Oduwole said PEBEC had initiated industry-wide reforms in order to ensure better public service delivery and an improved business environment for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). She stated: “Nigeria must improve its ranking by 45 places in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index over the next two years to achieve its goal of attaining the top 100 by 2020. Such an ambitious goal requires accelerated and focused execution of Government Executive Order and National Action Plans (NAP). “It is clear that Nigeria must now intensify its reform efforts and PEBEC will continue to work closely with the public and private sectors to institutionalise its reforms, cascade them to state level, and refine and improve the business environment. “In the second half of 2018 and into 2019, PEBEC will focus primarily on regulators, an Omnibus Bill on business facilitation, and consolidating gains for the economy through the deepening of the sub-national Ease of Doing Business project.” The presidential aide noted that Nigeria is “bouncing back from significant macroeconomic distress” and setting an example for other African countries to emulate. According to her, PEBEC is building the capacity of the ministries, departments and agencies to foster cooperation between them and states, the national assembly and private sector.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/ease-of-doing-business-fg-targets-top.html

Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pa Moses Ekpo has debunked reports of his resignation and subsequent dumping of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported Ekpo’s resignation and defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, with a former governor of the state, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Pa Ekpo was quoted in the statement as saying there was no reason for him to seek to quit his membership of the PDP.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State has been drawn to certain rumours and misrepresentations in a section of the media to the effect that the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses F. Ekpo, MFR, has resigned from office.
“The reports particularly from the online community further make allusions to the effect that the Deputy Governor has also defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
“Given the temperament of the times and the implications of such innuendos, we are constrained to categorically state as follows:

“There is no iota of truth in the story making the rounds.
“The purported report is therefore nothing but a poorly concocted piece of a malicious hatchet job and a pack of lies, and should be appropriately ignored.
“It is instructive to note that currently, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor is representing the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as Special Guest of Honour at the 2018 International Convention of Ati Annang holding in New York, United States of America, and is yet to return to the state.
“In his reaction to the rumour from New York on phone today, the Deputy Governor said ‘I have not resigned. I have no reason whatsoever to resign or jump ship from a government that is both responsive and performing optimally, while giving practical meaning to democratic dividends for the people of Akwa Ibom. I cannot, and will not jump ship.’
“To that extent, he has called on Akwa Ibom people, both at home and in the Diaspora, as well as the PDP family in the state to remain resolute and committed to support the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to take Akwa Ibom to the next level.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/akwa-ibom-deputy-governor-breaks.html

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has said it is targeting to deliver the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) consignments from its upcoming eight million tonnes per annum (mtpa) Train-7 plant between 2023 and 2024.

It also stated it would procure between seven and eight new vessels which would be used to deliver the new LNG volumes from the new plant to destination markets. The Train-7 project would make NLNG’s combined production capacity shoot up to 30mtpa when completed, and reportedly lift Nigeria’s LNG export market share.


In addition, the firm explained the new LNG train will need about 1150 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of natural gas supplied to it as feedstock from oil fields in the Niger Delta.

These were contained in a presentation made to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, on the upcoming Train-7 project, which NLNG plans to take a final investment decision (FID) on by December 2018.

Kachikwu, was at the Bonny Island operational hub of the NLNG at the weekend, and NLNG’s General Manager Production, Mr. Tayo Oginni, made the presentation to him and his team.

“We are taking inspiration from Qatar which at some point was a fishing base. They are currently at 77mtpa.

“Train-7 will take us from 22 million tonnes per annum to 30 million tonnes per annum. The FEED contract has just been signed. We see there is significant amount of jobs, more than 8000 jobs coming to the island and this is at the same time the Bonny-Bodo road is being built.

“We are targeting FID for end of year, it is a lot of work to get there and the market we are targeting is the 2023 to 2024 market. We need to be in that market. In the old days, it was possible to sign long term sales agreements with the market but nobody wants that anymore. You need to be very nimble, be very ready otherwise you are going to have the LNG plant sitting on your hands,” Oginni said in the presentation.

Providing more details on the Train-7 project, Oginni, explained: “We will need additional gas, investments upstream need to match our own vision. And, we will need addition of seven to eight ships to be able to then evacuate what is in there. We can’t use our current 23 ships.”

He noted the facility’s current storage capacity and jetties are busy and would perhaps need to be expanded to accommodate volumes from the new train.

“We have only one to two days of endurance in our storage capacity. If we don’t load on a two-day basis, we have to shut down and if we shutdown upstream suppliers have to shut down, then flaring will go up and oil production will be down,” he added.

According to him, the NLNG was also thinking about new market around Africa and close home for its LNG. He said such market would include landlocked opportunities within Africa where traditionally pipelines may not get to.

Oginni, equally warned that if no new LNG investments were done by Nigeria, the country could by 2025 drop from its current fourth position to 10th in the global market.

“We are currently number four in terms of LNG capacity that we put into the world. Very easily, we can drop to number 10 because of a number of investments that will come on stream, capacity will outstrip ours and they will take the market before we can ever get there. If you miss the market, you miss it for almost a generation. If no new FID or investments, Nigeria may possibly drop from fourth to 10th by 2025,” he added.

The presentation similarly showed that Nigeria’s current LNG market share was 7.3 per cent, behind Qatar, Australia and Malaysia which are the first top three respectively.

The Train-7 project, Oginni added would push Nigeria to become the world’s third largest gas LNG exporter, displacing Malaysia which currently has a 26.6mtpa production capacity and accounts for 9 per cent of the world’s supply. Australia on the other hand has a 56.2mtpa production capacity.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/nlng-targets-2024-for-first-shipment-of.html

The 2020 financial inclusion target of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has received a boost as Inlaks has reiterated its commitment to extend the frontier of the apex bank’s project in the country.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Inlaks, Femi Adeoti, while making the pledge, expressed the hopes that the project would make a far-reaching impact on the nation’s economy.

Adeoti, who delivered a keynote address at the Nigerian ICT Impact CEO Forum and African Digital Awards in Lagos, later bagged the ICT Man of the Year award.

At the event, where Inlaks was also named ICT Conglomerate of the Year, he said the CBN’s approval to Inlaks to operate as a Super-Agent was also part of the efforts to bring financial services closer to the people.
Adeoti, who was represented by the Director of Value Added Services, Oladimeji Talabi Koyejo, said that the organisation through the provision of its services to the people is committed to extend the frontiers of CBN’s financial inclusion in Nigeria.

“We are committed to the CBN’s financial inclusion agenda, most importantly, in the areas of poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth creation, improving welfare and general standards of living of Nigerians”, he said.

He explained that 61 per cent of adults in the country who are currently excluded from the formal financial systems are under 65 years.

To attract these set of Nigerians into the formal financial system, Adeoti listed agency banking, mobile banking, electronic wallet, internet banking, call centre banking and the innovative use of automated teller machines, as some of the requisite channels that would make it possible to bring them closer to the forefront of financial development.

“Mobile payment technology has become increasingly significant, especially in the context of developing economies, where many low income households and micro enterprises do not have ready access to financial services”, he continued.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/inlaks-raises-stake-in-cbns-financial.html

The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole, has absolved herdsmen of the killings in some states of the federation.

He stated that those “turning the truth upside down to portray” the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in a bad light were linking herdsmen to all the killings in some states in the country.

Oshiomhole said this at a rally in Abakaliki on Saturday.
The former Edo State governor assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies were working hard to end insecurity in the country.
He urged Nigerians not, “to allow themselves to be deceived by the antics of selfish politicians in the country who are trying to give the security challenges in the country an ethnic colouration in order to score cheap political points.”
Oshiomhole noted that the security challenges were a ploy “to portray the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in bad light by portraying all the killings in some states in the country as the handiwork of herdsmen.
“Let me urge you to be more careful because this season, people are spreading untruth. People are being hired to turn the gospel upside down. They want us to believe that every problem should be explained in ethnic and religious terms.
“We have a problem and we must confront those problems. Criminals must be dealt with individually as criminals and government at all levels must work hard to protect every Nigerian regardless of tribe or religion.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/why-herdsmen-are-not-responsible-for_5.html

Nigeria’s sole representatives at the 2018 edition of Morocco international cup,F .C cola football Academy emerged champions of the Morocco international cup concluded on Saturday in the city of Casablanca, Mohammadia.
The F.c cola football Academy in Morocco were the cynosure of all eyes at the tournament which had teams from over 5 countries across the world competing as the Nigerian boys displayed exceptional skills right from the preliminary round.
Modric Nake, who has been a revelation at the tournament, netted the lone goal that secured a deserved 1-0 win for the Morocco based side.

More photos at http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/photos-fc-cola-football-academy-make.html

Veteran musician, Sunny Neji, has explained why it seems he has been off the music scene for a while. He said, “I am trying to reinvent a direction, I am thinking deeper now before I write songs. I am trying to redefine a more inspirational path before I write my songs. If you want to connect with people at that level, it has to do with more thinking.”

Speaking on his hit songs, Neji said he will consider some of his songs as very successful but there are still some of his songs that have not got enough accolades as they should.

“Oruka remains relevant; it is just like the Nigerian wedding anthem. Songs that will address societal issues, family issues relationship issues. Some of my greatest songs did not get the kind of reaction I expected. Oruka and Mr Fantastic can be considered to be some of my most successful songs. Some of my deep materials have not received so much accolade; maybe because they didn’t get the kind of promotion the other ones got. “One of my recent songs called ‘Aeroplane turner’ is a highly philosophical song that if Nigerians listen to it they will understand what I’m talking about. There is variety of music out there. When I was young, you could find a song for every situation. A true music lover should be open to any type of music.”
The Oruka crooner also notes that he knows there is a need for him to be more active on social media because that’s the new market place.

“I am not really an extrovert, God created us to be different to create a balance, I am not active on social media, but I know I need to work on it because that is where everything is happening now.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/i-think-deeper-now-before-i-write-songs.html

To consolidate its hold on the African market, South Africa’s mobile telecommunications firm, MTN is divesting from Europe.

With operations in 22 countries in Africa, and the Middle East, the firm announced recently the sale of its Cyprus unit for $305million to Monaco Telecom.



MTN Cyprus was its only presence in Europe, and “falls outside the group’s core footprint of Africa and the Middle East,” MTN had said in the sale announcement.


Though, report had it that the telecommunications firm may move against some non-performing African countries including Liberia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau because they have the lowest number of subscribers after Cyprus, but did not give details.

In an interview with The Guardian, the Corporate Relations Executive of MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo, confirmed the exit from Cyprus, saying the purpose is to give more attention to the African markets.

“MTN just sold its only European operation in Cyprus to focus on other key markets, which is Africa.



As we speak, the focus of MTN is Africa and Nigeria is a very key market, a priority one for that matter and it is investing,” he said.

MTN currently has over 240 million subscribers across its markets of operations, with Nigeria being the largest arm. MTN Nigeria has over 66 million customers and enjoys 40 per cent market share in the country.

As part of its African commitment, the firm on May 29, launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in Ghana.

The IPO is expected to have been closed on July 31.

A total of up to 4,637,394,533 ordinary shares of MTN Ghana, representing 35 per cent of its equity were offered to qualifying applicants.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/mtn-divests-from-europe-targets-more.html

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has issued accreditation to 53 Healthcare Facilities (HCF) and delisted four others over poor performance in Bauchi State.

Sani Affa, the NHIS Coordinator in the state said in a statement on Thursday in Bauchi that the facilities were approved to provide primary and secondary healthcare services to NHIS clients.

The coordinator explained that the number of HCF in the state has gone up from 49 to 53, adding that the scheme would scale up qualitative and affordable health care coverage, enforce standard, compliance and discipline.

She said that the newly accredited healthcare facilities are; 261 Nigeria Air Force Reference Hospital, Nagari Medical Clinic Laboratory and Maternity and As-Salam Hospital all in Bauchi, and Katagum Medical Centre, Azare.

“The scheme accredited four existing health care facilities for the provision of additional secondary services in key areas of healthcare needs to complement the range of services being offered,” Affa added.

The facilities includes: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, Reeme Medicare Nigeria Limited all in Bauchi and the Federal Medical Centre, Azare.

The coordinator explained that four healthcare facilities were delisted over poor performance and non adherence to required minimum standard.

“The facilities are: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Health Centre, Peoples Clinic Ltd, Alwadata Consultants Hospital and Under-5 Health Centre all in Bauchi,”the coordinator stated. ‎

She explained that the action followed the recent assessment of NHIS programmes in health care facilities in the country, and warned against the violation of the scheme`s operational guidelines by existing HCF.

Affa stressed that the NHIS would not compromise standard in the ongoing efforts to sanitise the scheme.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/nhis-accredits-53-healthcare-facilities.html

Diamond Bank Plc., a leading retail bank in Nigeria with a track record of quality banking solutions for customers has been appointed a member of the Board of FMDQ OTC Plc., Nigeria’s foremost debt capital, currencies securities exchange and derivatives over-the-counter securities exchange.

According to the letter that conveyed the appointment, Diamond Bank’s selection as a member to the board is hinged on its leadership in the financial space, which has been adjudged by stakeholders in FMDQ as relevant to FMDQ markets, as well as recognitions as a Financial Market Active Bank (FMAB) and a Systemically Important Bank (SIB).

Commenting on the appointment, Head, Corporate Communications,Diamond Bank Plc., Chioma Afe said: “This appointment is great news for us at Diamond as it not only validates our strategy, we also have an opportunity to develop the nation’s financial industry through the securities exchange.”

Diamond Bank will work in collaboration with other board members in setting out the broad operational and governance architecture designed to drive the OTC Securities Exchange.The appointment and induction is effective from July 27, 2018

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/diamond-bank-becomes-member-of-fmdq-otc.html

China and Nigeria have agreed to further strengthen their military and security partnership and cooperation under the principle of Mutual Assistance.

Col. Liu Yongxuan, Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said this at an occasion to mark the 91st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Liu said both countries shared similarities in contributing to global peace and security.

He further described the military exchange and cooperation between both countries as fruitful.

“China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor of world development and an upholder of international order.

“Nigeria has dispatched military personnel to participate in UN peacekeeping operations since its independence and the total number is up to 100,000, one of the largest among African countries.

“This year, Chinese Naval warship for the first time participated in the joint maritime exercises hosted by Nigerian Navy and has given impetus to the call by the Nigerian Government for a combined maritime force in the Gulf of Guinea.

He also expressed confidence in increased cooperation between both countries in areas of common interest through the promotion of the “One Belt and One Road” initiative.

The initiative is known as a foreign policy and economic strategy of the Chinese Government to create a network of infrastructure to economically link China to Europe, other parts of Asia, Africa and Oceania.

It aims to develop the largest global platform for economic cooperation and more than 60 countries and international organisations have reportedly signed up for the infrastructure project.

In his remarks, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar commended the efforts of the PLA in promoting world peace and global order.

Abubakar, who was represented by Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Abdulganiyu Olabisi, said that military cooperation between both countries “was growing”.

“One thing I can take away from their development is I see hope for Nigeria and other African countries, looking at the humble beginnings of the People’s Liberation Army.

“There are also examples of your collaboration with other countries across the world and on that note, I want to say that the military bilateral relations between China and Nigeria have been growing especially in the past decade.

“We do appreciate your invaluable contributions to our counterinsurgency operations. We are hopeful that this relationship will be strengthened for the mutual benefit of our countries.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/china-nigeria-boost-military-ties.html

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the Senate president, Bukola Saraki and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed back to the party.



The duo announced their exit from the ruling party, All Progressive Congress(APC), on Tuesday.
While Ahmed said he was returning to the PDP, which he dumped prior the 2015 general elections, Saraki did not state if he is returning to the PDP.

However, the opposition party has taken its official Twitter account to welcome Saraki and Ahmed back to the party.

“The President of the Nigerian Senate @SPNigeria @NGRSenate Senator Bukola Saraki @bukolasaraki has also dumped the failed and dysfunctional @OfficialAPCNg and has returned to the PDP. @OfficialPDPNig. We welcome him back home,” the PDP said in a post on Twitter.

“The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed has also dumped the failed and dysfunctional @OfficialAPCNg and has returned to the @OfficialPDPNig. We welcome him back to the PDP family. More are coming,” PDP added

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/welcome-back-home-pdp-tells-saraki-ahmed.html