₦airaland Forum

WE WANT FG TO OBEY COURT ORDER ON EL- ZAZZAKY – GIWA
Source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/we-want-fg-to-obey-court-order-on-el.html?m=1

Abdulmumin Giwa is the National Secretary of Media Forum, Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). In this interview with Eyes Of Lagos, he said the movement is demanding an unconditional release of Ibrahim El- Zazzaky because the court has ordered for his release, and also spoke on the current situation of the movement in the absence of its leader, among others. Excerpts What is the IMN all about? The Islamic Movement in Nigeria is a movement convened for the purpose of practicing the teachings of Islam. There are a lot of misinterpretations about the movement owing to persons that might have joined or developed sectarian activities. The Movement sends a vital message or information to our own immediate environment. An illustration, is the movement in Nigeria, we extend the message of fairness to all, irrespective of religion, region or tribe. Based on the Movement’s basic concept that every human being is either your brother in faith or humanity, as a result, you can see many people come from different sections of our society to participate in our activities despite the fact that they are not members of our movement. In fact, there was a Mr Chukwu among those killed in Zaria in 2014 when procession was attacked, alongside three sons of our leader. For someone to give his life for such a cause, it means it is something that our society needs, because our society has moved far away from what it should be. The allegation that our leader, Zakzaky is stubborn, is not true. It is rather a case of those in power wanting to use influential people for their own interest. Our leader is not ready or willing to sell his own ideas and so they saw him as an enemy and clamped down on him, hence the reason for the constant attacks on our leader. What specifically is the group doing now legally or otherwise on this matter? We had contacted a lot of pressure groups and international human rights organisations like the Amnesty International, which conducted its own private investigation. We also invited the Human Rights Watch, and Islamic Human Rights Commission in London, among other individuals who investigated the issue on their own. The Human Rights Watch called on the Nigerian Army to come clean on the genocide they committed. A lot of things went out to the public, particularly propagandist messages to convince people that the killings were in order. But we didn’t sit back, we did our part through our Free Refugees Campaign Committee, taking up the legal aspect of the issue. Thereon, we contacted Mr Femi Falana and his team, and took the matter to court, seeking the interpretation of the law concerning the fundamental human rights of the Sheikh. The case lasted one year. Then, in December 2016, the court arrived at the decision that the Sheikh be released immediately, and a residence of his choice be provided for him within 19 states of the federation. He should be paid N50m – N25m to him, and another N25m to his wife, alongside providing security for him, since the Army claimed that he is in danger. These were the verdicts of the Federal High Court. Justice Kolawole, who presided over the case and read his judgement, gave them about 40 days to attend to the aforementioned demands, but they acted in contempt of the court and refused to obey the court order, failed to explain what they said the Sheikh had done and could not justify the killings of over 1000 persons who died at the hands of the Army. The case caused a lot of embarrassment to Nigeria globally, with people protesting in India, Turkey, America and London. After that, we kept on protesting, and in the process of protesting, many have been killed. A lot of things happened in Kaduna where they came up and attacked, demolished a lot of our schools in the state. The state governor is directly fighting the IMN. He even said at some point that he has banned IMN. Is it possible to ban someone’s religion? Does he have the right to decide what religion people should practice? Why have you embarked on a weekly procession at the Unity Fountain in Abuja? We are not exactly holding a procession at the Unity Fountain, what we do is street actions, while we are protesting. We have protested in Kano and Sokoto. We are being tagged as terrorists and violent, yet we are the ones following the law while the authority is violating the laws. If there is anything wrong, why can’t they take us to court? They can’t do so because they don’t have any case against us. I wonder why Nigerians would sit still and watch such injustice continue. Imagine, the Senator of our zone, representing Kaduna North, where the massacre happened. He kept silent throughout this time, and was further swallowed up by injustice two years later. The same perpetrator of the events turned on him by bulldozing his house. We musn’t keep quiet, when we see injustice being meted out. That is why a lot of people, not members of the IMN, are speaking out. At a point, a concerned Nigerian group organised a permanent sit-out at the Unity Fountain. We are in solidarity with what they are doing and that is why we participate. We are not the direct organisers of the sit-out. We only participate. What is the purpose of the sit-out? We are calling for the immediate and non-conditional release of the Shaikh from illegal detention, because the court has ordered for his release, and we want President Buhari’s administration to obey the court’s order. It was during one of these protests that Sheikh Kassim, head of the Sokoto Islamic Movement, was shot in the leg by the policy, and he died three days after. Our message to the people is that they should lend their voice to the call for the freedom of our leader. To us, that is the only thing that can bring peace, progress and development to the nation. They cannot continue to keep him in detention, or continue to suppress him, denying him his fundamental human rights, or torture him, despite his urgent need for medical attention. If Nigerians see anything wrong in this case, they should speak out against it.

Tell us about about the Martyrs’ Foundation? The Shudada or Martyrs’ Foundation, was established by Shaikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky in 1991. The Foundation is saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the general welfare of Martyrs’ families, especially in the pursuance of moral and academic excellence, and hitherto victim of oppressive attacks. The Foundation receives humanitarian donations for the execution of its numerous assignments. Based on statistics, the Foundation has about 4000 dependents consequent to historic state aggressions on peaceful citizens, most notably, the Zaria. Guaranteeing the welfare of the large number of families affected, and related activities, are very challenging. Out of credible and insightful leadership, the Foundation was established in 1991. Saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the general welfare of martyrs’ families especially in pursuance of moral and academic excellence and hitherto victims of oppressive attacks, the Foundation receives humanitarian donations for the execution of its assignments On periodic basis, the Foundation organises programmes in honour of the martyrs with a grand annual, tagged “Day of the martyrs” in Rajab, the seventh month of Islamic calendar. The Foundation is very disciplined and focused towards achieving its aims and objectives, so as to have a lasting impact. Some of these aims and objectives are: providing orphans with necessary assistance, both (material and spiritual) with specific reference to children of Shuhada (including victims of natural disasters and social upheavals, prisoners etc); establishing schools from nursery to tertiary institutions – Universities, Polytechnics and School of Health Technologies; providing such orphans with scholarships at all levels of their education; creating and funding research in institutions, in fields which will be beneficial to humanity; providing adequate health facilities from basic health facilities to the highest possible medical facilities available at any point in time; acquiring land, developed and undeveloped, so as to provide orphanages, residential estates, schools etc; establishing organisations which will be solely responsible for making and publishing of Textbooks, periodicals, journals, Newspapers in areas deemed necessary by the Foundation; establishing good electronic and satellite media outfits; creating a conducive atmosphere for interaction, cross-fertilisation of ideas and co-operation with similar foundations and other organisations; organising and participating in seminars, conferences, workshops, within and outside the country; soliciting for and receiving donations in cash or kind from individuals, governments and NGO’s; investing part of the funds realised through the above-mentioned sources in companies; shareholdings; bonds etc, the proceeds of which shall be used in running the activities of the foundation The Chairman of the Foundation, officially registered as an orphanage, draws the attention of the Shaikh’s disciples and well-wishers on two significant aspects, namely Shuahada dues and their families’ general welfare. The monetary donation is used to support in moral upbringing of the martyrs’ families especially educational acquisition. Remarkably, of the martyrs’ children, none is out of school. In fact, all that attain school age are taking lessons at various levels from primary to university. But for the Foundation and the unrelenting effort of the committed followers of the Shaikh, some of the families might be equated to those in the IDPs camps. In view of the incessant remarks of the Chairman and his lieutenants, the need for generosity to the cause of these families in both cash and kind, cannot be overemphasised.

ORO FESTIVAL: MIXED REACTIONS TRAIL CURFEW IMPOSED ON FEMALE RESIDENTS IN IKORODU
Source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/oro-festival-mixed-reactions-trail.html?m=1

Following the curfew imposed on female residents in Ikorodu community as a result of the Oro festival celebrated in the area, residents of the community have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the situation.
Recall that Eyes Of Lagos earlier extensively reported the condemnations that trailed the festival including the joint order the by the Lagos State Police Command and the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, that the female residents be allowed to move freely.
During the festival, schools, major markets and some streets were shut with the economic activities in the community disrupted in the process.
Expressing their thoughts on the situation, some residents were in support of the age-long tradition while a few others condemned the traditionalists who still celebrate a festival that renders women helpless in the modern age.
Eyes Of Lagos report that, According to a resident Bisoye Egunjobi; “Tradition is at times superior. Women, especially the indigenous will never come out. That is the power of tradition. The Kabiesi understand the politics of Oro and its traditional values. He is trying to strike a balance. His Royal Majesty is in dilemma.
Yesterday I watched him dancing with the Magbo priest in his Palace, as tradition demands coupled with the letter he released earlier.”
Another resident, Ade Gbadamosi said that if the government is ready to stop the celebration of the festival, “there should have been radio jungles and TV adverts. Such an important and sensitive Information should not have been left this late (if it’s true )

To Hassan Larry; “When Badoo gangs were operating in Ikorodu, where were the so-called Oro traditional rulers and their obas? I am not disrespecting anybody but d truth most be said. In a civilized world under this great nation, this is so disgraceful when we are not in zoo.”
Sunmola Olawale in his submission in support of the festival said; “One of the factors limiting the application of rule of law is custom and tradition. Let all women comply with the age-long tradition of the community or risk the repercussions. The Police commissioner should respect our tradition.ORO will continue no matter the level of modernisation.”
He was corroborated by Soa Olaribigbe who posted that: “Nonsense. Oro is not a women’s affair. I can’t believe the Kabiyesi actually said women are free to go out on Isemo day. I can understand women going out around Lagos road, but women going out in the interior of Ikorodu would be taking a very big risk. This policeman is going beyond his boundary.”
However, Godwin Soloman in his thoughts said that “if you are a lady and you love yourself, please stay indoors. What played out during the meeting is pure politics. The Oba had to compromise to avoid a prolong argument. If Oro festival should be stopped, measures should have been taken before now and not when the date has been announced.”

FRANCIS ADEDAYO EMERGES NEW NMA PRESIDENT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/francis-adedayo-emerges-new-nma.html

Dr Francis Adedayo has been elected as the new President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Eyes Of Lagos learnt that, Adebayo was elected on Sunday at the end of the association’s 58th Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting held in Abuja.
Also elected into the National Officers Committee of the NMA to run the affairs of the association for the next two years were Dr Kenneth Tijo, first Vice President; Dr Ofem Enang, second Vice President.
Dr Olumuyiwa Peter, was elected Secretary General; while Dr Benjamin Ikechukwu, became Deputy Secretary General.
Others were Dr Ayuwaja Nayagawa as National Treasurer; Dr Abdulgafar Jimoh, National Financial Secretary; and Dr Obitade Obimakinde National Publicity Secretary.
In his acceptance remarks, Adebayo said that the new executives would deliver their duties with vigor and carry every member along in the running the affairs of the association.
“Every part of the health sector would be represented; we want to be fair and promote the profession, and also to see that our workers work well.
“We also want to sensitise the public on what NMA is doing so that they can support us as we need public support to move forward.”
The NMA president called on government to improve the work environment and upgrade the infrastructure in the health sector to meet international standard.

GLO SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL GIRLS IN ICT DAY 2018
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/glo-supports-international-girls-in-ict.html


Nigeria’s National Carrier, Globacom, has said that the ICT development at the international level has made it imperative for the girl-child in Nigeria to be fully integrated into the world of ICT. Globacom which recently partnered with e-Business Life Communications Limited, publishers of e-Business Life magazine, to celebrate the 2018 Edition of the International Girls-in-ICT Day, called for support for the girl-child to take advantage of the vast opportunities in ICT. The International Girls-in ICT Day, an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), is backed by all ITU members and is meant to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the field of information and communications technology (ICT) and is observed in 166 countries around the world. Speaking at the event held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Globacom’s representative, a manager at the company’s Call Centre, Mrs Kemi Fadipe, said the company partnered with the organizers to expose participants to the various career opportunities available in the ICT sector and courage them to aspire to such jobs. Mrs Fadipe reiterated to the students who were drawn from eleven secondary schools in Lagos that the world now revolved around ICT and that the future held a lot of promise for them should they go into the ICT sector. She noted that every enterprise, including commerce, banking, manufacturing, construction, medicine and social interaction now depend on ICT to thrive. “This is why Globacom continues to make massive investments in the telecommunications sector to boost telecom service delivery in different parts of the country and power economic and social life. Since inception, we have pioneered innovative solutions in the industry and our reliable data services and affordable tariff plans will help you in your school research,” she told the students, adding that Globacom offers a veritable platform for them to excel in different career areas of telecoms. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, In her opening remarks at the event, publisher of e-Business Life magazine and convener of Girls in ICT Day in Nigeria, Mrs Ufuoma Emuophedaro, said she held the event to “join our voices to the rest of the world to encourage our young girls to delve into ICT based careers or at best intensify its use in what they do”. The students who attended the event were from Lagoon Secondary School, Chrisland School, Wahab Folawiyo Secondary School, Kuramo College, Victoria Island Secondary School, Peaklane College, Baptist Girls Academy, Reagan Memorial Baptist College, Grace High School and Faith Academy.

CODELAGOS: CHECKOUT THE NEW CENTRES CREATED ACROSS LAGOS MAINLAND COMMUNITIES
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/codelagos-checkout-new-centres-created.html

As part of the continued drive of the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to train one million Lagos residents to code through the CodeLagos initiative, the State Government has scaled up its coding centres from 193 schools last year to 275 for the new term including 10 public centres.
For the next cycle of the initiative, the government has created new training centres across Lagos Mainland communities such as Ikeja, Ikorodu, Isolo, Meiran, Ikeja and Surulere. The new centres include; Ikeja Secretariat Library, Ikeja GRA; Ipaja Public Library, Akowonjo; Meiran Public Library, Meiran; e-Read Africa Learning Centre, Surulere and the Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Commenting on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh said; “We are excited to announce that the programme is expanding. We have scaled up the numbers of our coding centres, from 193 schools last year to 275 this term; and we have plans to keep scaling up. Out of the 275 schools, 130 of those are Government schools while 145 are private schools. We have already trained over 250 facilitators to deliver the Coding Framework to students in these schools. As a State, we are doing this so that more students can benefit from this free training,” he said.
He added that: “For the next cycle, we have added six new centres to widen the reach of the programme and accommodate more lagosians who want to learn to code. The new centres include; Ikeja Secretariat Library, Ikeja GRA.; Ipaja Public Library, Akowonjo; and Meiran Public Library, Meiran. Other centres are the e-Read Africa Learning Centre, Surulere and the Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu.”
Bank-Olemoh said residents within these locations and environs can now have access to free coding classes, while urging interested candidates to register by visiting the CodeLagos website at www.codelagos.org.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the opening of the registration portal for the 3rd batch of the Out-of-School programme for interested members of the public from Wednesday, April 25, 2018.
According to Bank-Olemoh, the programme which will run for six weeks will expose the trainees to courses in Java and Python programming languages as well as HTML and CSS for Web development.

CSOS TO MONITOR SPENDING OF $322.5 MILLION ABACHA LOOT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/csos-to-monitor-spending-of-3225.html

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Thursday in Lagos said they would closely monitor the spending of the recently repatriated $322.5 million Abacha loot by the federal government.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The CSOs said there was the need to scrutinise spending of the money which was returned by the Switzerland Government to ensure transparency and accountability.
They made this known at a Citizens Dialogue on “Trending Corruption Issues in Nigeria’’ organised by Strengthening Citizens Resistance Against Prevalence of Corruption (SCRAP-C), a United Kingdom Anti-Corruption Programme.
The CSOs which participated in the dialogue included Action Aid Nigeria, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Centre for Communication and Social Impact.
Others were Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA).
The Executive Director, ANEEJ, David Ugolor, said in 2004, the first tranche of the money illegally taken outside Nigeria by former Military Head of State, Sani Abacha, was returned.
Mr Ugolor noted that the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government which received the $480 million had claimed that it was used for various projects across Nigeria.
“When CSOs carried out investigations, we could not locate some of the projects and we prepared a shadow report on it.
“So, now that the Nigerian government has received another tranche, we have decided to monitor its utilisation.
“The government says it will be used as a social safety net for poor Nigerians through conditional cash transfers.
“Our role is to ensure that the money does not go into the hands of politicians and middlemen.
“We are also to sensitise the beneficiaries on how to judiciously use the money to improve their lives.’’
According to him, the CSOs will be working with the Cash Transfer Office to ensure that the process is transparent and beneficial to Nigeria.
Mr Ugolor also decried the delay in the passing of the Proceed of Crime Bill which is presently pending before the National Assembly.
He stressed that it would go a long way in tackling grand corruption in the country.
Earlier, the Project Manager, SCRAP-C, Newton Otsemaye, said the anti-corruption campaign was being hindered due to the huge disconnect between the government and the people.
“As citizens, we owe ourselves the responsibility of demanding for a better society where accountability and transparency in public and private sectors are norms.
“We are, however, only able to do this effectively if we have the right information to guide our engagements with the government and the private sector that engages in business with it.
“Therefore, this dialogue platform will give us the opportunity to interrogate the trend of corruption allegations in our government.
“It will also enable us recommend possible steps relevant to further strengthen the present anti-corruption agenda.’’

WATCH VIDEO OF MIRACLE AND NINA KISSING FOR THE FIRST TIME OUTSIDE THE BBNAIJA2018 HOUSE [VIDEO]
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/watch-video-of-miracle-and-nina-kissing.html

BBNAIJA2018 HOUSEMATES, MIRACLE AND NINA ARE ENJOYING THEIR LOVE ESCAPADE OUTSIDE THE HOUSE AS THEY ARE FILMED SHARING THEIR FIRST KISS SINCE THEY LEFT THE BIG BROTHER HOUSE.

The couple hung out yesterday evening and had the kiss after Nina asked for it. Video was shared on Miracle’s live video.
Watch the video below as shared Miracle’s live video below;


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPzm9lzn3tY

NCC: NATIONAL ROAMING WILL END RURAL-URBAN DIGITAL DIVIDE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/ncc-national-roaming-will-end-rural.html

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Wednesday said that national roaming and active Infrastructure Sharing in Nigeria would end rural-urban digital divide.
The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, made this known at a stakeholders’ forum on “Development of Framework for National Roaming and Active Infrastructure Sharing in Nigeria’’ held at Digital Bridge Institute, Lagos.
Danbatta, represented by the Director, Spectrum Administration, Engr. Austin Nwaulunne, said that national roaming had the potential of promoting seamless communication of subscribers.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to him, subscribers will be able to roam on the network of other service providers where their own service provider is unavailable or has limited network coverage.
“The benefits of encouraging active infrastructure sharing can also not be over emphasised.
“Not only will there be noticeable reduction in network deployment costs, the industry will also witness acceleration in the take-up of broadband services and gradual elimination of the rural-urban digital divide.’’
Danbatta said that NCC was committed toward ensuring the continued growth and development of the telecoms industry.
He said the industry in 2017 inaugurated an Industry Working Committee (IWC) to work out the procedure and modalities for implementing National Roaming and Active Infrastructure Sharing.
“The past few years have seen the trajectory of the global telecommunications industry shift toward the implementation of cost-saving mechanisms which facilitate the effective utilisation of network resources for the provision of telecommunications services.
“National Roaming and Active Infrastructure Sharing are two of such initiatives which have been successfully utilised to achieve improved coverage, cost reduction and the efficient utilisation of scarce network resources by regulatory agencies.
“To ensure that these benefits are realised, pertinent issues such as quality of service, mobile number portability, issues of fair competition, billing and reconciliation, appropriate roaming agreements, extent of regulation required the need to continue to incentivise operators.
“To rollout infrastructure in under populated areas which were also considered in the articulation of the framework,’’ he said.

LAGOS EVACUATES 1,680 BEGGARS, RESCUES 162 CHILDREN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/lagos-evacuates-1680-beggars-rescues.html

Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it has evacuated 1, 680 beggars, destitute and mentally challenged persons and also rescued 162 children off the streets of Lagos in the past one year. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Mr. Agboola Dabiri, made the disclosure at a press conference in Lagos said 1, 299 of the figure were rehabilitated and released to their relations for integration. Dabiri explained that of the 162 children rescued in the past one year 62 were males while 100 were females. The commissioner further disclosed that 79 abandoned children were found in Lagos, while 15 girls were sexually abused and 28 other girls physically abused, adding that five children were emotionally abused; 32 others placed on care and shelter and three children in conflict with the law. He said the government carried out reformatory services at the Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Majidun, specifically designed for rehabilitation of beggars, destitute and mentally challenged. “The Centre built as a transit Home presently has a population of 1,288 rehabilitee undergoing medical treatment, Psycho–social therapy, behavioural modification and further social investigation,” he disclosed. Dabiri who lamented increase in the number of youths engaging in drug abuse, adding that the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is doing everything humanly possible to tackle the surge.

POWER SUPPLY: TCN INAUGURATES 100MVA TRANSFORMER
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/power-supply-tcn-inaugurates-100mva.html

The management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on Monday inaugurated 100 MVA transformer at Alimosho substation, Lagos to boost electricity supply to residents within Ikeja Disco.
Mr Usman Mohammed, the Managing Director of TCN, while inaugurating the project, said the company was not just concerned in increasing the quantum of power, but also the quality of electricity being supplied.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Mohammed said that the upgrading of 1X30MVA with 1x100MVA transformer at Alimosho 132/33KV transmission substation had raised the station output capacity from 160 MVA to 230 MVA.
“With this development, TCN has not only established adequate Transformer capacity to serve these parts of Lagos but has also provided the necessary redundancy in line with the requirements of N-1 reliability criterion at Alimosho transmission substations at present.
“In addition, two projects under the transmission rehabilitation and expansion programme will intervene in Lagos and environs.
“The Nigeria Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP) will significantly upgrade the following substations; Ijora, Lekki, Alagbon, Alausa, Maryland, Otta, Egbin, Omowu Odofun, Itire and Akoka.
“Similarly, the preparation for the Lagos Ogun Transmission Project financed by JICA has reached advanced stage.
“The project will build transmission lines and substations in Likosi, Arigbajo, Badagry, New Agbara, Mountain of Fire and Redeem among others,’’ he said.
According to Mohammed, all the projects that TCN is implementing in Lagos and Ogun are consistent with both states policies on power development.
He said that TCN would appreciate the support of the two states in resolving disputes over land where substations had been built.
Mohammed said that the ongoing project was part of the World Bank 300 million dollars on International Development Association credit to support the rehabilitation and upgrade of Nigeria’s electricity transmission substations and lines.
He said that the project was part of the Federal Government’s power sector recovery programme to boost electricity generation and distribution system.
The managing director noted that the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project would help to address key bottlenecks in the transmission network and improve access to affordable and reliable electricity service to Nigerians.
The TCN boss said that the company had secured close to two billion dollars for the rehabilitation of National Grid infrastructure and expansion of its transmission capacities up to 20,000 megawatts target within the next three years.
He, however, lauded Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing under whose leadership, TCN was transformed from the weakest to the strongest in the NEI value chain.
“I wish to use this occasion to call on the distribution companies to invest in their network so that the massive investment by TCN and generation companies can lead to economic growth and development of Nigeria.’’
According to him, with the replacement of 1X30MVA with 1X100MVA, 132/33kV transformers at Alimosho 132/33KV substation, the communities under the network of Ikeja DISCO are expected to experience remarkable improvement in power supply.
“This would increase supply to Gowon and Shagari Estates, New Ipaja, Ayobo, Abule Egba, Ekoro, Ajasa Command, Okunola, Idimu Road, Olorun Adaba, Shasha, Sanyos Layout, Akowonjo, Orile-Agege, Arigbanla, Dopemu, Tower Alumium, Oko Oba and Oki areas.’’

Soyinka, Falana attack ex-presidents Obasanjo, IBB
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/soyinka-falana-attack-ex-presidents.html

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo came under fire yesterday for what was termed his posturing on national issues.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) carpeted him and former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida for pretending to be “messiahs”.

Soyinka, Falana, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, former Kaduna State Governor Balarabe Musa, Senator Shehu Sani, Afenifere chieftain Femi Okurounmu and a presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, among others spoke at the 80th posthumous birthday for Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN).
The theme of the lecture was “Democracy for the masses through proper and effective governance.”

Though Soyinka and Falana did not name Obasanjo, it was clear they were referring to him in their speeches.

Nigeria, according to them, is in danger when politicians like Obasanjo, who “supervised the sacking of democratic governments” in Oyo and Anambra states pretend to be messiahs.

Under Obasanjo’s presidency, Dr. Chris Ngige was abducted by armed policemen and forced to sign a resignation letter at gunpoint in July 2003.

In January 2006, his administration influenced Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja’s impeachment by the House of Assembly.

The Court of Appeal in November 2006 quashed Ladoja’s impeachment.


In a special statement on January 23, Obasanjo asked President Muhammadu Buhari not to contest the 2019 election as he has “failed.” He promised to lead the battle to prevent Buhari’s return to office with his coalition. He has also been meeting with groups and individuals in his bid to truncate Buhari’s second term bid.

The President has announced his intention to run again on April 9.

Soyinka said: “All I want to say in connection with the title of today is just one word: vigilance….There is no question whatsoever that democracy is in danger.

“And so I find it ironic that those who’ve proved themselves the enemies of democracy who’ve really taken, they’ve really committed acts, not just negligence, but actually inaugurated certain policies which contributed to our being at this point again are once again coming out and positioning themselves as saviours, as messiahs, as the sole possible rescue mission that this nation can even dream of, a nation of nearly 200 million people.

“I find it very strange, and I find it even stranger because at the beginning of this movement towards ‘rescue mission’, there were one or two organisations that came out under different names and they had people in them whom I considered worth following, worth encouraging, worth encouraging others to study closely and even consider following.

“The next thing I knew, these movements were being hijacked by the very people who laid the foundation, an ironic word by the way, for the collapse of the democratic edifice.”

Soyinka said he turned one of the groups down when it approached him.

He said: “The next thing we know, they are forming coalitions and I was invited by one of the rescue missions to address them and I telephoned them and I asked the question, ‘wait a minute, which one are you? Are you the original people I saw or is there a faction or is there now a fatherly umbrella under which everybody is moving?’

“And I told them; don’t even come near me, if you’ve signed up on one of those who are the enemies of democracy in this nation.

“Those who inaugurated so-called constitutional amendment programmes, total charades, to assist them to continue to run, which has been scuttled by the direction known as tenure elongation, third term, etcetera for which the entire national treasury was almost bankrupted.”

There were claims that Obasanjo attempted to seek a third term following the expiration of his tenure in 2007. The bid hit the rocks when the Ken Nnamani led-Senate threw out the tenure elongation clause during Constitution amendment.

The Nobel laureate went on: “And suddenly, here they are they are forming coalitions all over the place, once again, confusing people.

“Who are the genuine leaders, who are those that we can trust? The answer to that is very simple: look at their track records. That’s all”.

He advised Nigerians not to allow themselves “to plunge into a zone of amnesia, in which you conveniently forget unpleasant realities.

“We’ve had presidents in this nation, some of whom inaugurated a never-ending democratic process, which landed us eventually under the most brutal dictators that this nation has ever known.”

Under Babangida, who was in office between 1985 and 1993, his transition programme was the longest ever in the country’s history. On several occasion, he promised to hand over to a democratically elected government but failed to do so.

In June 1993, he annulled the presidential election won by the late Bashorun MKO Abiola.

He was forced to “step aside” in August 1993.

Babangida handed over to the Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government (ING), which was sacked by the late Gen. Sani Abacha, who tried to perpetuate himself in office before his sudden death.

Soyinka was not done: “We had others also who actually supervised sacking of ‘democratic government’; I’m speaking of Anambra, I’m speaking of Oyo State. A governor was kidnapped under their watch with their complicity; in another instance, thugs actually entered the House of Assembly, sacked the legislators and installed their own candidates; under the same watch.

“And they call themselves the God-designated watchmen over the fortunes of this nation? And suddenly, here they are and I see Nigerians flocking to them and asking them once again to lead.

“Mind you, they’ve said very clearly if it becomes a political party count me out o, but paths are already being beaten to their doors, control by subrogation.

“Even if they do not individually put themselves back in the position of power, they are already smoothening the way for their surrogates, their stooges, so that they can continue to misrule from their cosy farmsteads. So, all I’m urging is: be very vigilant. Just look closely at their records, look at the company they keep.

He urged the youth to “grow up” and take political power.

“Why can’t a new generation actually rise, throw us all out of the window and take control of their own lives by themselves? Why do we keep recycling the same jaded traitors, enemies of the people? Why do you need to go for blessing somewhere if you’ve made up your mind that it is time to take control of your own existence?

”Once again, I don’t want to be misunderstood, I know what I think about this government when voting time comes, I know exactly where I’m going to cast my vote but I’m not going to allow anybody to hoodwink me and say I will show you the path. No, this will be adding insult to injury.”

Falana urged the government to confiscate some assets of those people, including a university, “at the right time.” Obasanjo is known to own the Ota-Ogun State based Bells University. He also owns a farm in Ota.

The activist lawyer said: “Our country is undergoing serious crises of governance but we must be very careful so that we do not allow those who destroyed the country, those who ruined the nation to pose as the saviour of our people.

“There’s somebody living very close to this place who has been parading himself as the saviour of our people; this guy ruled the country for 11 ½ years cumulatively – 3 ½ years under the military, eight years under a civilian dispensation. And even wanted to do a third term but Nigerians rejected him. Obasanjo was military head of state between February 1976 and October 1, 1979. He was president from 1999 to 2007.

Falana added: “The guy is going round the country now, claiming to have solutions to our problems; I wish to say here and we are challenging him to name one thing that he did, any problem of the country that he solved.

“On the contrary, this guy wasted $16billion to generate darkness for the country. This guy formed and took over the resources of the country blindly under what he called blind trust.

“Nigeria is the only country in the world where a sitting president and a sitting vice-president established private universities when the government refused to fund public universities and other tertiary institutions.

“Gani went to court to challenge the extortion of state governments and contractors by a man who realised about N7billion to set up a so-called library” Obasanjo has a presidential library in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The SAN said: “Under the constitution, any gift received while you are in office, other than customary gifts, is forfeitable to the state; therefore, at the right time, this country, when it is properly organised, will take over all those universities and libraries that were set up with public funds and that may be sooner than you think.”

Senator Sani (Kaduna Central) said Nigeria was not yet in a true democracy.

He said: “In fact, our country is sick, the republic is sick; our people are dying, violence, bloodshed, killings, mass murder is becoming the emblem of our democracy today.

“We are out of PDP misrule but we will be deceiving ourselves to say we are in the Promised Land; we are not in the Promised Land. We must keep vigil,

“The political ruling elite are not yet prepared to see to a democratic Nigeria. Nigeria’s political reality is about personal interest.

“Those who destroyed our country in the past are very much present as born-again.”

He urged Nigerians of integrity to support Buhari because “you can’t build a country because of the integrity of one person. The integrity of one person is not enough to rule and sustain a state. We have a President who is a man of integrity but integrity is not enough for leadership.”

Oshiomhole, represented by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba said Obasanjo was not worthy to determine Nigerians’ political destiny.

Oshiomhole said Obasanjo “acted like a civilian dictator” while in power and prevented Nigerians from protesting an unjustified fuel price increase.

He urged the Federal Government to emulate Lagos State and honour Fawehinmi.

“Lagos did a good job to build a befitting statue in Fawehinmi’s honour. The Federal Government should do better,” Oshiomhole said.

Sowore lamented that Nigerians rejected Fawehinmi for Obasanjo in 1999.

He said: “I want to say very briefly that Nigeria must be regretting that when they had a chance to choose between Chief Gani Fawehinmi and a Barabbas, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, they decided to choose Obasanjo instead of choosing Gani Fawehinmi and that is why we are regretting today.

NIGERIA’S EXTERNAL RESERVES HIT $47.93 BILLION
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/nigerias-external-reserves-hit-4793.html

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, on Sunday disclosed that the nation’s foreign reserves has hit US$47.93 billion.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s positive growth outlook, noting that a growth of 2.5 per cent had been projected by the IMF and World Bank for Nigeria.
“There is need to save for the raining day and also continue to grow the foreign reserves. If we had enough reserves, we wouldn’t have suffered the recession shocks,” he explained at a joint press briefing at the end of the 2018 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meeting in Washington DC, United States.
He assured that concerted efforts were ongoing to realise the 80 per cent target for financial inclusion by 2020.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who noted that the present growth outlook contrasted with the outlook in 2015, stated that inflation rate was slowing down while the foreign reserves were rising.
Expressing optimistic on the Federal Government’s sustenance of the growth trajectory, the Minister however called for vigilance and focus for the country not to fall back into recession.
Eyes Of Lagos reports gathered that, She said, “We are confident that if we diligently implement our economic plan, we will grow the economy. We have room to grow but other countries do not have rooms to grow.
“By 2019, the growth will be far more robust than the present level in 2018. We are therefore very optimistic in sustaining Nigeria’s economic growth. We are going to use this opportunity to grow our fiscal buffers, particularly aggressively growing our revenue base.
“The Administration has succeeded in building macroeconomic resilience for Nigeria, particularly revising the funding mix, rebuilding fiscal buffers, enhancing foreign exchange reserves and focusing on import substitution strategies.”
On the State-Owned-Enterprises such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, she disclosed that the Government would continue to efficiently and effectively manage their costs and plug leakages.
“We must make sure that every money that is earned comes in. We will drive the process of improving governance,” she added.
On the nation’s domestic debt, the Minister stated that the Government would not aggressively grow the debt.
“We are refinancing our inherited debt portfolio from short term Treasury Bills to longer tenured debt which has resulted in huge savings and reduction in costs of funds for the Government,” she said.
She disclosed that the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) deadline was extended by three months till June 30, 2018 due to the appeals from tax payers for more time to regularise their tax status.
She revealed that the present Administration has raised the tax payers’ base from 13 million in 2015 to 17 million as at 2018.
The Minister confirmed the recovery of the sum of US$322,515,931.83 Abacha funds from the Swiss Government into a special account in the CBN.
The funds, according to her, have been earmarked for the National Social Safety Nets programme of the Government.
“The objective of the National Social Safety Nets Project for Nigeria is to provide access to targeted transfers to poor and vulnerable households under an expanded national social safety nets system,” Adeosun stated.

UBA HONOURS STAFF AT 2018 CEO AWARDS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/uba-honours-staff-at-2018-ceo-awards.html

It was a night of excitement as Pan African financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc once again gathered together a stunning audience from across Africa at the 2018 edition of the UBA CEO Awards. Eyes Of Lagos report that, The event which was held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, was the talk of the town and trended all night as staff members, their clients and friends all let go and got totally immersed in the celebrations of the special evening. The UBA CEO is in its 10th year since inception in 2008. The chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who was at the event with his lovely wife, Dr Awele, said as he was interviewed on the golden carpet, that the bank chose this day to reward staff who had worked hard to ensure that the company remains a leading financial institution on the continent. “It is a time to reward dignity, hard work, and excellence in execution, and to show our multitude of staff globally that they are very much appreciated for their contributions,’’ said Elumelu. The group managing director/chief executive officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who congratulated the recipients of the various awards in different categories, charged them to continue to work hard and exhale the core values of UBA. He re -iterated that the Customer is the employer and all staff must focus on ensuring that they are given excellent services always. He said: “Every year, it is our tradition to appreciate our people who have put in their very best and gone far and beyond the call of duty to deliver excellent services to the bank and the customers by extension. As you may well know, UBA has promoted about 47 per cent of its staff within the last twelve months, and this is something that is very rare in our industry. It is a statement about our commitment to the employees.’’ Continuing, Uzoka said, “We know that when you have been rewarded, you will be motivated to do more, so I encourage you all to put in your best and remain focused on satisfying the customers, which is the reason why we are here.” In attendance were captains of industries, media moguls, Nollywood stars, public servants and politicians including President of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and wife, Angela, Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Mr. Dele Momodu, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, CEO, Ebony LifeTV Mrs Mo Abudu and some Nollywood stars, Richard Mofe Damijo, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, Omoni Oboli. Also present to honour UBA at the event were Former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Wale Edun, CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr, Bismarck Rewane, CEO, Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya, Directors of UBA Plc, Ambassador Joe Keshi, Chief Kola Jamodu, Ambassador Adekunle Olumide, Mrs Rose Okwechime, among many others Great performances by A-list artists such as ‘science students’ crooner, Olamide, Flavor, Kiss Daniels, Styl Plus and Falz the bad guy as well rib-cracking comedy from Basketmouth ensured that staff and guests alike were kept off their seats as they each performed to the massive enjoyment of those present. Ace TV Presenter, IK Osakioduwa and Ayo, were the compere of the event led the guests through a night of fun and laughter and of course lots to eat and drink.

CBN CAPITALISES AGSMEIS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/cbn-capitalises-agsmeis.html

As we all are aware, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the rate of unemployment in Nigeria worsened somewhat marginally during the third quarter of 2017. Reflecting the concerns and risks that this situation could pose for our collective peace and progress, we all committed, during the 2016 Bankers’ Committee Retreat, to design and fund a suitable scheme that will not only reduce the huge financing gap for Macro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), but also fully commits to the pursuits of job creation, financial inclusion and inclusive growth for Nigerians, particularly the teeming youth population It was on this premise that the Bankers’ Committee came up with the Agribusiness Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) as an initiative to improve access to affordable financing for MSMEs, particularly those operating in the informal sector of the economy and to support the Federal Government’s efforts and policy measures to promote sustainable economic development and employment generation. As a commitment, to the successful implementation of the Scheme, all deposit money banks, voluntarily agreed to set aside and contribute 5 percent of their Profit after Tax (PAT) annually to finance eligible projects under the Scheme. As at today, the size of the Fund stands at about N26 billion and this is expected to exceed N60 billion by June 2018. I am, therefore, very delighted that we have come to this stage where we are ready to begin the disbursement of these funds to deserving beneficiaries. These beneficiaries are youths who have been trained on various entrepreneurship, vocational and management skills across the country by Entrepreneurship Development Institutions and Centres, such as Fate Foundation, Lagos Business School, House of Tara and Thrive Agric. Upon completion of their vocational training, the specific implements needed to practice their vocations, are procured under the scheme. The beneficiaries’ details including their Biometric Verification Numbers (BVN) are forwarded to the deposit money banks to confirm that they are their customers before accessing the fund. It is indeed an auspicious occasion as the outcome of today’s engagement is expected, in no half measures, to significantly, reduce youth unemployment and restiveness, increase social cohesion and drive inclusive economic growth. In Nigeria, the challenges of youth unemployment and restiveness must be confronted with strategic innovative thinking to provide sustainable solution. No matter how daunting the challenge might seem, I believe that with unity of purpose we can fight this scourge together. There is no gainsaying the fact that one of the most effective ways to tackle this scourge, is through entrepreneurship development and easy access to affordable financing. Yet, access to finance has been an Achilles heel on entrepreneurship development in the country today. A situation often credited to financial intermediaries’ apathy to youth entrepreneurship and startups, which are usually perceived as being too risky, lacking relevant managerial skills and not possessing adequate collaterals acceptable for conventional credit. I am quite aware that even with the quantum of funds already available, a few people are still raising eyebrows about the genuine commitment of the banking sector to the success of this Scheme. Indeed, there is a common cliché that describes a banker as “someone who lends an umbrella when the sun is shining and takes it back when it rains”. I will like to assure you all, that under the AGSMEIS, no bank will lend a beneficiary an umbrella and take it back during the rainy season. Needless to say, the commencement of funds disbursement under the AGSMEIS, continues a tradition of voluntary initiatives by the Bankers’ Committee to promote developmental programs for sustainable economic growth. Other funding initiatives implemented in the past by the Bankers’ Committee includes the Small and Medium Equity Investment Scheme (SMEEIS). More recently, the CBN and the banking sector are collaborating on a national Shared Agent Network program, designed to ramp up access to basic financial services such as cash-in, cash-out, funds transfer, bill payments, airtime purchase and government disbursements to an estimated 50 million persons who are currently either under-banked or unbanked. This initiative in partnership with licensed mobile money operators and super agents is expected to roll out about 500,000 Shared Agent Networks within two years through the use of mobile technology. In designing the AGSMEIS, the Bankers’ Committee engaged with key stakeholders and relied on anecdotal evidence and lessons learnt from the implementation of the SMEEIS. Pivotal to such lessons, is that during a business life cycle, different types of financing are required, at the birth of the business, initial growth stage, expansion and mature operations phases. In line with this, AGSMEIS has been designed to be implemented in three (3) broad components, namely Direct, Indirect and Developmental components. Under the Direct component of the AGSMEIS, beneficiaries can access loans to a limit of N10 million, at interest rate of 5% per annum and a maximum tenor of up to 7 years. There is also a moratorium period of 18 months on principal and 6 months on interest element, depending on the nature of the business. However, it is mandatory that all loan beneficiaries must have valid BVN, which shall be registered on the National Collateral Registry and used to track repayments and blacklist any defaulters. At this junction, I must emphasize that the interest rate of 5% per annum being offered under the AGSMEIS further attests to the unflinching commitment of the deposit money banks to support entrepreneurs to actualize their dreams and ensure that the twin goals of increased employment and poverty reduction are attained. Under the Indirect component of the Scheme, beneficiaries can access equity and quasi-equity investments of up to 10 years with an initial lock up period of three years before divestment. Finally, the developmental component of the scheme shall be used for capacity building and technical assistance to support beneficiaries. In the past three years, aside from the initiatives of the Bankers’ Committee, the CBN has also designed and implemented developmental initiatives, few of which include: The Anchor Borrowers’ Program – since its launch in November 2015, the Anchor Borrowers’ Program has so far achieved tremendous success in terms of outreach and coverage, making the scheme one of the most successful CBN Development Finance initiatives to date. Currently, about N80 billion has been disbursed to over 358,000 small holder farmers in 34 states, cultivating 8 commodities. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The success of the Program has culminated in wealth creation for the small holder farmers, who hitherto had been crowded out of the formal financial system, deepening of markets and value addition along the value chain of the various commodities. The National Collateral Registry – the registry was introduced to unlock access to credit, which has always been a major concern to MSMEs, particularly the micro enterprises which account for 99% of the 37.1 million MSMEs in the country. Since commencement of live operations in May 2016, 410 financial institutions have registered 26,899 financing statements valued at over N540 billion on the platform. I am very optimistic that the Collateral Registry will have tremendous impacts on MSME lending in Nigeria in the foreseeable future, particularly in the implementation of the AGSMEIS, as all equipment financed under the Scheme must be registered on the platform. In conclusion, I am excited to inform us all, that this flag off ceremony will not be the usual symbolic handing over of large cardboard cheques, but physical distribution of equipment as required by beneficiaries to kick start their businesses. – Being remarks by CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the flag-off ceremony for the disbursement of funds under the Agribusiness/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS)

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NNPC TO SUPPORT INVESTMENTS IN OIL, GAS SECTOR – BARU
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/nnpc-to-support-investments-in-oil-gas.html

Group managing director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru said the corporation will encourage initiatives targeted at enhancing Nigerian investors in the oil and gas sector. Baru, who made the pledge while speaking at the induction ceremony of the GMD of ARCO Group, Alfred Irabor Okoigun, who was honoured with Honourary Fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), said NNPC would support engineering development to ensure technological advancement of the nation’s oil and gas industry. “NNPC will continue to support ARCO Group and many other indigenous companies alike so that your story and the story of others will continue to be savoured by generations yet unborn,” Baru said in a statement. Okoigun established ARCO Petrochemical Engineering Company Ltd in 1980 after a two-year stint as a Material Management Officer with NNPC’s Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). “The company has since grown over the last three decades to become a conglomerate that not only deals in engineering and maintenance, but has also diversified into marine logistics, maritime security, pipelines & facilities inspection, property development and consumer power generation. “Congratulating Alfred on his fellowship by the nation’s foremost engineering academy, Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Baru said he was a leading example in the development and promotion of engineering education in the country. This fellowship is a testament to your distinguished leadership and contribution to the Engineering profession as well as your outstanding achievements and contributions towards the well-being of the society at large,” Baru added. He also commended the NAE for promoting policies that ensure the advancement of Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation for a better economy and society. He said in the academy’s 21 years of existence, it has proven to be the national “Think Tank” for Engineering and Technology, adding that “we in the NNPC are proud to be associated with you.” In his lecture at the occasion, former VC of University of Lagos, Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe called on innovators in the engineering profession to look towards providing solutions that would make the world a better place to for all. Speaking earlier, the President of the Academy, J. O. Maduka described the fellowship conferred on Engr. Okoigun as well-deserved following his contributions to the development of Engineering education in Nigeria. She charged him to be a good ambassador of the Academy by striving to do more for the Engineering profession as several young engineers are looking up to him for his remarkable achievements. Established in 1997, the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a non-profit and non-governmental institution for the promotion of excellence in Engineering training and practice to ensure the technological growth of Nigeria. The Academy is a national “Think Tank” for Engineering and Technology that provides leadership in national engineering and technological issues by conducting studies and research on relevant issues and making inputs to developmental policies at the highest possible level

ANXIETY AS IMPORTERS SMUGGLED 530 EXPIRED ENERGY DRINK, SPAGETTI OUT OF LAGOS PORTS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/anxiety-as-importers-smuggled-530.html

A total of 530 packages of expired energy drink imported from Europe and banned spaghetti from Turkey were smuggled out of the Lagos Port Complex without necessary Customs clearance, last week, EYES OF LAGOS has learnt. At the time of filling this report, it was not clear whether the containers illegally exited through the Apapa Port or the Tin-Can Island Port, but importation of Spagetti is on the federal government’s import prohibition list. According to the import prohibition list on the website of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Spaghetti/Noodles – H.S. Codes 1902.1100 – 1902.30.0000 are banned from being imported into Nigeria. Confirming this, the Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Compt. Mohammed Uba, disclosed that the container also contained 2,260 cartoons of Gonca Spagetti made in Turkey. EYES OF LAGOS recalls that that was not the first time cargoes would be smuggled out of the Lagos port without proper clearance procedure. Last year, 661 pump action rifles were smuggled out of the Apapa Port without necessary clearance but was intercepted by officers of FOU Zone A on its way to the owners’ warehouses. Also, in May 2016, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Maritime Command, Musa Katsina, intercepted a truck conveying a 40-foot container that he alleged was smuggled out of the ports at midnight. The container when examined contained used tyres that were not declared and used vehicles that were under declared. Stakeholders at the port have, however, confirmed that containers especially contrabands are smuggled on a daily basis out of the Lagos Port -Apapa and Tin-Can – with the connivance of Customs officers. Confirming further, the Customs CAC said the container even though was declared as baking powder in the Single Goods Declaration (SGD), further investigation revealed it was cartons of Gonca Spagetti and energy drinks that were not examined nor cleared from the seaport. He said: “The 1x20ft container no: CSNU 106087/4 carried 2,260 cartoons of Gonca Spagetti made in Turkey and 530 package of Rifle Energy drinks made in Europe as against baking powder declared in the SGD. Investigation revealed that the container was never exited, we are still investigating and all those found culpable will face the full wrath of the law. “While 1x40ft container no: PCIU 865957/1 was seized for carrying 200 cartons of ladies shoes, 134 cartons of children’s ware among other items as against keyboard and mouse declared in the SGD; 1x40ft container no:FCIU 80992/0 was seized for carrying 2,300 cartons of tiffany chocolate,385 cartons of tiffany crunch ‘n’ cream biscuit as against “Tapet for fuel pump complete”. These are clear cases of false declarations, liable to seizure and forfeiture.” The Customs boss also warned smugglers both at the ‎nation’s seaports and land borders to desist as his officers are on standby to subdue them. “Let me warn all smugglers/intending ones and their accomplices to desist from such trade malpractices and invest their money in legitimate business, as the Unit has devised other operational modalities that will give them a run for their money and count their losses and finally end in jail” he said.

JONATHAN REPLIES OSINBAJO - 'PROVIDE EVIDENCE THAT WE SHARED N150 BILLION 2 WEEKS TO 2015 ELECTIONS'
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/jonathan-replies-osinbajo-provide.html

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, replied Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on claims that his government shared N150 billion two weeks before the 2015 elections, asking him to provide documentary evidence of the sharing.


The Vice President had at the 7th Presidential Quarterly Business Forum for private sector stakeholders at the Conference Centre, Old banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, said: “In one single transaction, a few weeks to the 2015 elections, sums of $100.289 million were just frittered away by a few.

When you consider that in 2014, as the Minister of Finance has said, that oil price was an average of $110 a barrel and only N99 billion was spent on power, works and housing and when we talk about the economy, we talk as if these are normal by every standard. “Nobody should talk about the economy when you have this kind of huge leakages and huge corruption that completely makes nonsense of even what you are allocating to capital projects.

“We saw from the presentation of Minister of Finance that N14 billion was spent on agriculture in 2014, transportation N15 billion; so the total spent on infrastructure in those three years was N153 billion and in two weeks before the elections, N150 billion was essentially shared. “So if your total infrastructure spending is N153 billion and you can share N150 billion, that is completely incredible. That sort of thing doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world. And when we are talking about the economy, we must simply understand that it is the problem.


But responding to the allegation, Media aide to former President Jonathan, Reno Omokri, noted in a statement, yesterday, that the Vice President, being a professor of Law must know that he who alleges must also prove, in order to be taken seriously. He said: “My attention has been drawn to rehashed lies in the media by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, against the person of former President Jonathan.

“On this most recent allegation by Vice President Osinbajo, let me state categorically that former President Jonathan did not share N150 billion two weeks to the 2015 election. If Professor Osinbajo has proof that former President Jonathan did so, then we challenge him to publish his proof. He is a professor of law and ought to know that he who alleges must prove.’’


Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to him, the statements credited to Osinbajo not only represented deliberately twisted facts and figures but has also exposed the nation’s second citizen as a man incapable of telling the truth in matters relating to the former President. He said further: “Only on October 20, 2017, Vice President Osinbajo was in Anambra State where he said that the present administration had paid $2 billion for the second Niger Bridge. ‘’I personally exposed that lie and forced the Presidency to issue a ‘clarification’.

The money released was N2 billion and it came from the Sovereign Wealth Fund set up by the Jonathan administration which the APC resisted and challenged in court. “Even after Jonathan left office, it is still monies that he left behind that the Buhari administration is using. It will also be recalled that in February 2016, the Vice President again lied when he claimed that both the Jonathan and Yar’ Adua governments did not build a single road. ‘’This fact was easily disproved when even members of this administration, including Osinbajo’s boss, President Buhari, began commissioning projects, including roads built by the Jonathan administration. ‘’Some of the roads either built or rebuilt by the Jonathan administration include the Benin-Ore portions of the Benin-Lagos Road, the Vom-Manchok Road, the Kano-Zaria Road Bridge (named after late Emir Ado Bayero) and many more.’’

He also faulted the position of Osinbajo on Jonathan’s handling of the agricultural and infrastructural sectors. “It is a lie that the Jonathan administration spent only N14 billion on agriculture and N153 billion on infrastructure in three years as alleged by Osinbajo. “The Jonathan administration budgeted and spent over $10 billion on infrastructure in the five years between May 6, 2010 and May 29, 2015. The single most expensive and valuable project built in Nigeria in the last 20 years is the $1.8 billion Abuja-Kaduna 187 kilometres super-fast railway that enables Nigerians work in Abuja and live in Kaduna.

This project was built and completed by the Jonathan administration. “Also, former President Jonathan revived Railways in five of the six geo-political zones and restored direct rail services from Lagos to Kano, Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and Makurdi to Gombe.

“In contrast, the Buhari administration, which in less than three years, has borrowed more money than the PDP borrowed in 16 years, cannot point to even one major project they have started and completed. Both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo keep accusing the Jonathan administration of being corrupt and claim that they run an anti corruption government.

“If this is true, how come Nigeria made her best ever improvement in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index under former President Jonathan in 2014 when we moved 8 places forward from 144 to 136 and why have we made our worst ever retrogression in the Corruption Perception Index under President Buhari, moving 12 places backward from 136 to 148 in 2018? “The truth is that Vice President Osinbajo continues to make these discredited comments because he is a man promoted above his competence,” Omokri alleged.

Osinbajo on corruption

Describing corruption as a cankerworm that had become systemic in the country, he said: “I do not think that any consideration about our economic development can be properly and honestly done without fully analyzing corruption, especially grand corruption, in the public finance space. “You see that despite record high levels of oil prices, very little was invested in infrastructure and a record level of leakages was recorded in the past few years. This is the fundamental issue in our economy. ‘’Corruption affects everything. It affects even judgment as to what sort of infrastructure to put in place or whether infrastructure will ever be complete. It is so fundamental that we can’t even think of our economy without thinking of what to do about it.

“Sometimes when we talk about our economy, we talk about the fact that we have relied on single commodity and that is one of the reasons we are where we are. Yes, that’s quite true but the fact is that proceeds from that single commodity were regularly hijacked consistently by a few. ‘’That is really the problem. If we had spent the proceeds from that single commodity the way we ought to, we won’t be where we are today.

Most of the proceeds went to rent seekers in the industry and production. “For example, I am sure many of us are familiar with the so called Strategic Alliance Contract with the NNPC and NDDC. The promoters of the companies made away with close to $3 billion, almost a tenth of our reserves. ‘’There is no way, if someone made away with a tenth of your reserves, that you will not have a major economic shock. And if we don’t deal with it, if we don’t talk about it, how will we be able to discuss our economy in a real honest way, with a view to ensuring that these things do not happen again?”

HERITAGE BANK GETS ISO CERTIFICATION
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/heritage-bank-gets-iso-certification.html


Heritage Bank Plc has achieved the Information Security Management Certification, International Standards Organisation (ISO) 27001: 2013. The certification is part of the ISO 27000 family of standards which helps organisations keep information assets secure. The certification was achieved on the heels of the bank’s drive to revolutionalise the banking sector digital experience with Octopus, by putting in place a systematic approach to managing sensitive organisational information, ensuring it remains seamless, secure and available. The Octopus platform enables small businesses key into electronic payment system easily, efficient collections, social integration, retention strategy, bills payment, mobile virtual top-up, funds transfer, balance enquiry, movie show time, news. Heritage Bank in a statement said with the introduction of Octopus, the ISO 27001: 2013 Information Security Management Certification is proof of its demonstrated ability to consistently provide products and services that gives service consumers and customers an easily recognisable security hallmark. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Speaking on the award received, managing director and chief executive of the bank, Ifie Sekibo reiterated commitment for secured services, whilst assuring customers that their information is appropriately protected and, as such, reduces the need to undertake time consuming and costly onsite security audits reducing time and cost for both parties. According to him, the certification demonstrates credibility and trust, which reduces customer and supply chain audit and ISO 27001 certification reduces third party scrutiny of your Information Security Management by customers and the wider supply chain. “The achievement of ISO 27001 will differentiate two competing organisations in the market place, providing a valuable competitive advantage. Increased legislative and regulatory compliance ISO 27001 supports compliance with relevant laws such as the Data Protection Act 1998 and software copyright legislation. This in turn reduces the risk of facing prosecution and fines. An organisation’s liability in security incidents may be reduced if it is certified ISO 27001 compliant.” He further explained that it reduces customer and supply chain audit, stating that ISO 27001 certification reduces third party scrutiny of your Information Security Management by customers and the wider supply chain. As ISO 27001 is the current international benchmark for Information Security Management, it is increasingly recognised that compliance with the standard is supportive evidence of adequate security.

DANGOTE CEMENT INCREASES DIVIDEND BY 23.5% TO N178.9BN FOR 2017
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/dangote-cement-increases-dividend-by.html

Shareholders of Dangote Cement Plc are surely in for a good deal as the company’s directors have recommended an increase of 23.5 per cent in the dividend payout to the shareholders, for the year ended on 31st December 2017. The amount will translate to N178.9 billion as against a dividend of N8.70 kobo per share that was paid in the corresponding period of 2016.Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The company’s result released on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), yesterday showed a revenue growth of 31 percent, from N615.1 billion in 2016 to N805.6 billion, while its net profit rose by 43 percent, from N142.86 billion to N204.25 billion. Earnings per share rose to N11.65 compared to N8.78 at the previous year indicating an increase of 32.7 percent. A breakdown of the report indicated that sales from the three plants in Nigeria contributed N552.36 billion to the group’s revenue, while the balance of N258.44 billion was accounted for by plants in other African countries. Revenue attributable to Nigeria grew by 29.6 percent while that from Pan-African operations rose by 32.5 percent. Though group sales volumes were lower by seven percent due to depressed Nigerian market, Pan-African sales volumes went up by 8.4 percent to 9.4Mt with strong volume increases in Senegal, Ethiopia and Cameroon and new capacities of 1.5Mta in Congo, 0.5Mta in Sierra Leone. Speaking on the results, the acting group chief executive officer, Dangote Cement, Joe Makoju, said, “Dangote Cement turned in a record year with revenues up 31.0 percent to N805.6B and EBITDA up by 50.9 percent to N388.1 billion. Although Nigerian volumes were lower in 2017, our Pan-African operations increased volumes by 8.4 per cent and now make up 42 per cent of the Group’s total cement sales, demonstrating the robust diversification of our business. “We expanded our footprint from eight countries to ten with the opening of new facilities in the Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, while our operations in Cameroon, Senegal and Ethiopia achieved strong sales growth during the year. With total sales volumes of nearly 22 million tonnes, we are by far the leading manufacturer of cement in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with nearly 46Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer, with a production capacity of 29.25Mta in its home market, Nigeria. Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 13.25Mta of capacity across four lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta and Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta. Through recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement serving neighbouring countries. In addition, Dangote Cement have operations in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (1.5Mta import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.5Mta import), South Africa (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).

COURT JAILS PASTOR WHO SPRAYS INSECTICIDE ON FOLLOWERS FOR HEALING
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/court-jails-pastor-who-sprays.html

A South African court has fined a self-styled prophet who sprayed his followers in the face with insecticide as a supposed cure for illness.
Pastor Lethebo Rabalago was found guilty by a court in the northwest town of Limpopo of five charges of grievous assault and contravening chemicals laws .
He used “Doom”, a household insecticide on his followers, earning the sobriquet “Prophet of Doom”.
The Sowetan daily reported Wednesday that the presiding judge jailed Rabalago to four years or a 21,000 ($1,700) fine.
Lawyer Edmund Lubusi said Tuesday his client would pay the money.
“We have made an arrangement that my client will pay 3,000 rand in instalments every month until the fine is fully paid,” Lubusi told the paper.
Photographs of Rabalago spraying volunteers at his church in Limpopo spread on social media in 2016.
The pastor claimed that some people were healed of various medical complaints after he had sprayed them.
However some suffered the effects for several months.
Rabalago said at the time he was “glorifying God” by spraying his congregation at the Mount Zion General Assembly (MZGA) church.
“Everything here on Earth belongs to God. Petrol belongs to God. Doom belongs to God,” he said.
Brand Tigers, which manufactures the spray, had issued a statement calling on Rabalago to halt his ritual healing and stressing the dangers of using their product on humans.

WE FOUND $1 MILLION CASH IN EX-NAF CHIEF ALEX BADEH’S WARDROBE - WITNESS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/we-found-1-million-cash-in-ex-naf-chief.html

Anna Akuson, a witness in the N3.9 billion fraud trial involving Alex Badeh, former Chief of Air Staff, on Wednesday told Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja how a search conducted on a property allegedly belonging to defendant led to the recovery of $1 million suspected to be proceeds of illicit deals.
Eyes Of Lagos reports gathered that, Mr. Akuson, an operative of the EFCC, who testified as PW20, said that the money was found in a wardrobe at the upper apartment of the building located at No. 6 Ogun River Street, Off Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Akuson said: “I am a cameraman working with the EFCC. On February 24, 2016, I was assigned to go on a search with some operatives. The team leader told me the properties (we were to search) belong to Alex Badeh.
“On reaching the place, I started my recording from outside. In the master bedroom (upstairs), we found a travelling bag covered with a pillow-case in the wardrobe. We opened the travelling bag and found US dollars inside. We brought the bag down and the money was counted.
“After the search, we returned to the office and I copied the visual from my camera to a hard drive, after which I burned it to a DVD disc”.
Thereafter, the prosecution sought to tender the certificate of identification and the DVD disc of the recording, but its admissibility was strongly objected to by Mr. Badeh’s counsel, Akin Olujimi.
While relying on Section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Mr. Olujimi argued, “I am for the first time seeing these documents in court now that the Registrar handed them over to me.
“There is no doubt that the prosecutor did not include these two documents in the information he filed before this court. That means we have been deprived of the rights of an accused person by the law. These two documents ought to have accompanied the information which the court has”.
Responding, Mr. Jacobs argued that the documents had been made available to the defence when the EFCC’s investigating officer (who testified as PW19) gave his evidence. However, he offered to avail the defence counsel copies of the documents.
Mr. Olujimi further applied that the next date of hearing, which is March 1 be vacated to enable the defence study the documents and prepare their defence.
Consequently, Justice Abang adjourned to March 14 for continuation of trial.
Mr. Badeh is facing trial alongside Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, on a 10-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N3.9billion.
He, among other things, allegedly between January and December, 2013, used dollar equivalent of N1.4 billion removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase a mansion situated at No. 6, Ogun River Street, Off Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja.

CBN CAUTIONED NIGERIANS AGAINST CRYPTOCURRENCY
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/cbn-cautioned-nigerians-against.html

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again cautioned Nigerians to be wary of investments in cryptocurrency, stressing that virtual currencies are not legal tender in Nigeria. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, In a press release issued by the apex bank yesterday, it reiterated that cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ripples, Monero, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Onecoin, etc and Exchanges such as NairaEx were not licensed or regulated by the CBN. The statement signed by the bank’s acting director in charge of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, emphasised that dealers and investors in any kind of crypto currency in Nigeria were not protected by law, thus may be unable to seek legal redress in event of failure of the exchangers or collapse of the business. The CBN therefore warned Nigerians against investing in cryptocurrency as doing so would be at their own risk. It will be recalled that the CBN on January 12, 2017, issued a circular to Banks and other financial institutions on virtual currency operations in Nigeria. In the 2017 circular signed by the director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Kevin Amugo, the CBN had among other issues noted that virtual currencies were traded in exchange platforms that are unregulated, all over the world. It further noted that transactions in virtual transactions in virtual currencies were largely untraceable and anonymous thereby making them susceptible to abuse by criminals, in money laundering and financing of terrorism.

HOODLUMS SEIZE TASKFORCE OFFICER’S GUN IN IKEJA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/hoodlums-seize-taskforce-officers-gun.html

There was mild drama in the Ikeja end of Lagos Mainland earlier today, February 27, 2018, following the unusual situation that occurred in the community.
It was gathered that the team of the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce got more than it bargained in the community when it visited the area in an attempt to arrest suspected miscreants on Ajao road, Ikeja Lagos Mainland.
The Taskforce team may have acted on a tipoff about the unusual convergence of over 500 Nigerien and Chadians in clusters along Ajao road/ Obanta junction. The foreigners usually gather at regular hangout with one Alhaji Haruna, a Nigerien who sells cigarette and other petty provisions in the community.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that the hoodlums outnumbered the Taskforce team whose personnel in fracas, lost a gun to the foreigners. However, Alhaji Haruna was said to have returned the gun to the MAN Center Divisional Police station before he was subsequently detained by the operatives.
Alhaji Haruna had operated the tobacco chain store for over 30 years within the Ajao / Adeniyi Jones road mentoring his Nigerien immigrants franchising tobacco stores and ‘Okada’ hire purchase business supplying his Nigeriens brothers on hire purchase, Lagos Panorama reports.
Commenting on the incident, the CDA Chairman of the area, Mr. Yemi Adebowale who expressed his fears on the sudden invasion of the community by the foreigners said: “The sudden surge of the Nigeriens in the community since late last year calls for concern. They are a big threat to our community. We have about two occasions where they gang up to beat innocent members of the community”.
However, the DPO MAN Center, Tanaruna Anthonia, debunked story that the miscreants seized the gun of a Taskforce personnel saying: “They didn’t seize any gun. We still have Haruna with us under interrogation. We need to reduce the numbers of these foreigners in this neighborhood.”

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS RELEASES NAMES OF DAPCHI SCHOOLGIRLS, SETS UP PROBE COMMITTEE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/the-federal-government-has-releases.html

The federal government has released the names and other details of the 110 girls who are yet to be accounted for, following the attack on Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe State, on 19 February, 2018. According to Eyes Of Lagos, The list was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, and signed by the minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The list, according to the minister was handed over to him by the Yobe State government. The list contains the name, age and class of each of the 110 students.Eyes Of Lagos reports that the minister has led a federal government delegation to Yobe State twice since the tragic incident occurred. Out of the 110 missing girls, 8 are in JSS1, 17 in JSS2, 12 in JSS3, 40 in SS1, 19 in SS2 and 14 in SS3. The girls’ ages range from 11 to 19 years. Alhaji Mohammed noted that the list, handed over to him also contains the contact address and phone number of each missing girl and was verified by a 26-member Screening Committee that includes the executive secretary, State Teaching Service Board, Musa Abdulsalam; director, Schools’ Management, Ministry of Education, Shuaibu Bulama; principal of GGSTC, Adama Abdulkarim; the two vice principals, Ali Musa Mabu and Abdullahi Sule Lampo; admission officer, Bashir Ali Yerima, and the form masters for all the classes. The minister said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadie Abubakar, yesterday relocated to Yobe State to personally superintend the search for the girls. He said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had earlier deployed more platforms to the North-east for the search, as the security agencies ramp up their efforts to locate and rescue the girls. “As at 6 pm on Monday, the NAF had flown a total of 200 hours while conducting the search,” he added. Meanwhile, the federal government has set up a 12-member committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of 110 students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) in Dapchi, Yobe State. The committee was convened by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), according to a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, by the minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The committee, which will be chaired by a military officer of the rank of Major-General, comprises one senior Provost each from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force; representatives of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA); Nigeria Police Force (NPF); Department of State Services (DSS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); two representatives of the Yobe State Government and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser. The minister said the terms of reference of the committee include ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls, confirming the presence, composition, scale and disposition of security emplaced in Dapchi as well as in GGSTC before the incident and suggesting measures that can lead to the location and rescue of the girls. “The panel, which is expected to submit its report by 15 March 2018, is also saddled with recommending measures to prevent future occurrence. “The committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday 28 February, 2018,” the statement added.

GOVERNOR FAYOSE: BUHARI’S FAILURE IS CRYSTAL CLEAR
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/governor-fayose-buharis-failure-is.html

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has reiterated his call for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the present insecurity and economic problems in the country as evidence of the President’s cluelessness and inability to steer the ship of the country.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The governor said; “For a President that was elected because he promised to fight corruption and clear the Northeast of the Boko Haram insurgents within three months, the signs that he must take a bow and return home are clear even more than crystal.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said latest events in the country, especially the abduction of over 100 pupils of the Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, and the Transparency International (TI) damning report revealing that the perception of corruption in Nigeria worsened between 2016 and 2017, further vindicated his position before the 2015 presidential election that President Muhammadu Buhari lacked the required capacity to govern a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria.
He said; “President Buhari promised Nigerians that he will bring back the missing Chibok Girls and defeat Boko Haram within three months.
After more than 32 months in office, Boko Haram is still killing Nigerians, with herdsmen also on a killing spree.
“Painfully, the same Boko Haram they claimed to have defeated suddenly became strong enough to kidnap over 100 students. Now, Nigeria is not only looking for the remaining Chibok Girls, another over 100 innocent students have joined, this is unacceptable!
“Funny enough, a few days ago, the President called on all Nigerians to be prepared to pay the ‘ultimate price’ for the progress and unity of the nation and I wish to ask him what other price does he wants Nigerians to pay.
“Already, Nigerians are sacrificing their lives by getting killed while seeking what to eat. Some have even committed suicide! Yet, the same President who is enjoying all the benefits of his office is calling on Nigerians to forgo personal pleasures and pay the ultimate price. ”
Governor Fayose, who described those urging President Buhari to seek reelection as selfish people whose do not have the interests of Nigerians at heart, added that no right-thinking Nigerian would pray to have the fate of the country in the hands of a clueless individual like President Buhari for another four years.
When President Buhari mounts the campaign podium, what will he tell Nigerians? Will he tell Nigerians that corruption and insecurity has not worsened than it was in 2015? Will the President say that Nigerians deserve to be buying petrol that they were buying at N86 per litre in 2015 at N180 now?
“Is President Buhari going to justify that within 30 months, Nigeria’s debt that was N12.06 trillion in 2015 increased by over N10 trillion?
“Fact is that Nigeria is under a rudderless federal government. Everything is now upside down, with everywhere in the country becoming insecure. What Nigerians expect in a situation like this is a clean break from this calamitous government and new breath of life, not a continuation of a government lacking a direction.”

See full names of missing Dapchi girls recently kidnapped by Boko Haram
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/see-full-names-of-missing-dapchi-girls.html

The full names of missing Dapchi girls recently kidnapped by Boko Haram



1. Fatima Bashir
2. Aisha Kachalla
3. Zainab Abubakar
4. Falmata Wakil
5. Fatima Isa6. Fatima Musa
7. Aisha Usman
8. Aisha Adamu
9. Fatima Isa
10. Hauwa A. Mohammed Idriss
11. Maryam Mohammed
12. Fatima Mohammed II
13. Hauwa Salisu
14. Hassana Gambo
15. Aisha Adamu
16. Adama Garba
17. Zara Grema
18. Maryam Daamkontoma
19. Zainab Bama
20. Fatsuma Abdullahi
21. Fatima Yahaya Tarbutu
22. Amina Yahaya Tarbutu
23. Amina Adamu
24. Hajara Ali
25. Fatima Abdullahi
26. Fatsuma Ali
27. Zara’U Mohammed
28. Salamatu Garba
29. Falmata Alh. Inuwa
30. Falmata Alh. Ali
31. Aisha B. Danjuma
32. Maryam Bashir
33. Maryam Aliyu Mabu
34. Fatima Modu Bamba
35. Aisha Modu Bamba
36. Hafsat Haruna
37. Rabi Alh. Nasiru
38. Hadiza Moh’D
39. Fatima Aji Hassan
40. Falmata Wakil
41. Aisha Wakil
42. Falmata A. Audu
43. Aisha Maina
44. Aisha Mohammed
45. Aisha Mamuda
46. Name missing on list
47.Zainab Usman
48. Hadiza Mohammed Taiduma
49. Maryam Ibrahim
50. Fatima M. Gira
51. Hafsat Ibrahim Gira
52. Maryam Ibrahim
53. Zara Tijjani
54. Amina Haruna
55. Fatima Adamu
56. Khadija Mai Sale
57. Khadija Ali
58. Habiba Musa Jakana
59 Fatima Bukar
60. Hajara Gidado
61. Maryam Basiru
62. Fatima Usman
63. Maryam Ibrahim
64. Leah Sherubu
65. Aisha Alh. Deri
66. Fatima Hassan Mustapha
67. Zainab Manu
68. Zara Tijjani
69. Zainab Bukar Abba
70. Hauwa Saidu Abubakar
71. Karima Inusa
72. Amina A. Abubakar
73. Yakura Sani
74. Rabi Yahaya Tela
75. Hajara Yahaya Tela
76. Marya Mustapha
77. Aisha Abdullahi
78. Maryam Adamu Mohammed
79. Bintu Usman
80. Fatsuma Mohammed
81. Salamatu Isiyaku
82. Hauwa Lawan
83. Aisha B. Danjuma
84. Aisha Moh’D Jakusko
85. Hauwa Bulama
86. Fatima Abubakar Jambo
87. Walida Adamu
88. Fanna Mohammed
89. Aisha M. Bukar
90. Maryam Usman
91. Aisha Abba Aji
92. Maryam Usman
93. Maimuna A. Hassan
94. Zara Musa
95. Maryam Mohammed Kaku
96. Khadija Suleiman
97. Habiba Nuhu Dan Inu
98. Fatima Isiyaku Aliyu
99. Sahura Jibir Mohammed
100. Khadija Grema Dabuwa
101. Zara Grema Dabuwa
102. Zara Mohammed Lawan
103. Fatima Mohammed
104. Fati Modu Aisami
105. Fatsuma Alli.

OIL PRICE STABILISES AS BRENT CRUDE GAINS AT $65.30 PER BARREL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/oil-price-stabilises-as-brent-crude.html

Oil price yesterday extended gains to hit highest level in nearly two weeks as Asian shares joined a global recovery in equity markets. London Brent crude was up 46 cents, or 0.7 percent, at $65.30, after rising more than 3 percent last week.Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, “The upside momentum since WTI hit last week’s low of $58 has been continuing,” said Tetsu Emori, CEO of Emori Capital Management in Tokyo. “Oil got mild support from gains in Asian equity markets, but has been getting pressure from the rise in U.S. rig count and a slight recovery in the dollar,” he said. Trading is expected to be slower than usual due to market holidays in the United States as well as Greater China and India. The U.S. oil rig count, an indicator of future production, rose by seven to 798, its highest since April 2015, according to a weekly report from General Electric’s Baker Hughes unit. That marked the first time since June that drillers added rigs for four consecutive weeks, and the figure was well up on the 597 rigs that were active a year earlier as energy companies have boosted spending since mid-2016 when crude prices began recovering from a two-year crash. Surging U.S. production is offsetting efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some other producers including Russia to curb production by 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) until the end of 2018.

I’M NOT AFRAID OF GOING TO PRISON – SENATOR MELAYE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/im-not-afraid-of-going-to-prison.html

The Senator representing Kogi west, Dino Melaye, says he is not afraid of going to prison.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Melaye said this on Tuesday on the floor of the senate while drawing the attention of the upper legislative chamber to the charges filed against him by the federal government.
The government had accused Melaye of framing Edward David, chief of staff to Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, over the alleged assassination attempt on his life.
The senator argued that those who attempted to kill him in April were paraded by the police.
He wondered why the federal government would quote the police as saying he gave false information in the naming of the suspects.
Vowing not to be intimidated, Melaye said he would continue to criticise any public office holder.
“Edward is the chief of staff to Kogi state governor and Taofeek is the caretaker chairman of Ijumu local government of Kogi state. I stated this in my statement to the Nigerian police,” Melaye said.
“As a result of that information, they immediately moved to the residence of Alhaji Taofeek where ammunition were recovered immediately that morning. If naming suspects now becomes misinformation, I am wondering. The police swung into action. The tactical command of the IGP swung into action.
“Ten days after, they apprehended six out of the ten that came to kill me. Not only were they apprehended, the spokesperson of the Nigerian police paraded them in a national press conference.
“Not only were they paraded, the spokesperson of the Nigerian police informed Nigerians that all the riffles used for their missions have to be recovered by the police. Not only were the ammunition recovered, confessional statements have been made by those who were directly involved and they also invited this same Taofeek.
“I shall continue to speak. I shall continue to ask questions. I shall continue to criticise any public officer including the president of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“I have conquered fear, I am not afraid of the prison. The last administration arrested me 14 times, Abacha’s government detained me. Babangida’s government detained me. I am not afraid of the prison. It is built because of human beings but we will not stop speaking the truth.
“In an unjust society, silence is a crime. The battle to bring Nigeria back on track from these criminals in power is a battle of no retreat no surrender and I am ready to fight the federal government on this matter and I will fight with the last drop of my blood.”

DANGER IN MUSHIN AS PETROL TANKER SUFFERS BRAKE FAILURE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/danger-in-mushin-as-petrol-tanker.html

For the bravery of a petrol tanker driver and the quick intervention of rescue officers of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), some residents of Mushin community, Lagos Mainland would have suffered an irreparable loss yesterday, Monday, February 12, 2018.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered from the residents that at about 2:00 pm yesterday, a petrol laden tanker was being driven along the Olorunshogo axis of Mushin community. In the process, the tanker suffered a brake failure.
It, however, took the bravery of the tanker driver who in the twinkle of an eye, screamed at passerby and other motorists to alert them about the situation. He also swerved off the road to face the opposite lane where he almost crushed an oncoming vehicle and the properties of the Zenith and Guaranty Trust Banks in the area.
Residents and other onlookers were however left in awe of the entire happenings with the driver able to save the entire area from being wrecked by an explosion.

A resident of Mushin community, Aribigbe Afeez who spoke to InsideMainland about the incident said: “I am just getting over the shock. The entire thing happened so fast. It was like a magician performing a trick on everyone present. All I heard was the driver was screaming at the top of his voice while the motor boy quickly opened the tanker door to run for safety.
“The driver was able to control the tanker from colliding with the GTB entrance. If that had happened, a lot of lives and properties would have gone with it. I salute the driver’s courage.”
Meanwhile, Eyes Of Lagos gathered that the officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) quickly mobilized to the incident scene to prevent a blast associated with such accidents.
The officials we learnt cordoned off the area with the assistance of men of the Fire Service. The tanker was subsequently fixed and has been moved out of the area.

Recall that a similar occurrence occurred on the Lagos Mainland in December 2015 when a petrol tanker fell off the Ojuelegba bridge, Ikorodu road, Lagos Mainland, claiming properties worth several millions of naira in the process.
During the explosion, about four houses and cars parked in the area were lost to the inferno which occurred after a petrol tanker spilled its contents on the road.

GLOBAL DAILY OIL DEMAND MAY HIT 1.59M BARRELS – OPEC
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/global-daily-oil-demand-may-hit-159m.html

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has expressed optimism that crude oil demand will experience growth this year rising by 1.59 million barrels per day (bpd), an increase of 60,000 bpd from the previous forecast. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, It said the global market will return to balance only towards the end of 2018 as higher prices encourage the United States and other non-member producers to pump more. “Recently, healthy and steady economic development in major global oil demand centres was the key driver behind strong oil demand growth,” OPEC said in its report. This close linkage between economic growth and oil demand is foreseen to continue, at least for the short term. Oil prices held on to earlier gains after the release of the report, trading just below $64 a barrel. Prices topped $70 this year for the first time since late 2014, supported by the OPEC-led cut and robust demand. Balancing the higher demand forecast, OPEC said the United States and other outside producers would boost supply by 1.4 million bpd this year, up 250,000 bpd from last month and the third consecutive rise from 870,000 bpd in November. “The steady oil price recovery since summer 2017 and renewed interest in growth opportunities have led to oil majors catching up in terms of exploration activity this year, both in the shale industry and offshore deep water. The market is only expected to return to balance towards the end of this year”, OPEC said, referring to the U.S. outlook. OPEC’s assessment of when the market would rebalance is no earlier than its previous projection, despite the outlook for higher demand, falling inventories and strong compliance with the supply-cutting deal. OPEC’s stated goal, through a deal starting a year ago to cut output with Russia and other outside producers, is to reduce oil inventories in developed economies to the five-year average and they have extended the pact until the end of 2018. In a further sign of progress, OPEC said inventories in those economies declined by 22.9 million barrels in December to 2.888 billion barrels, 109 million above the five-year average. OPEC’s compliance remains strong and in January, OPEC output fell by 8,000 bpd to 32.302 million bpd, the report said. Adherence by the members with output targets rose to 137 per cent, according to a Reuters calculation, up from December. The report gave contrasting figures on production in Venezuela where output has been dropping due to an economic crisis. Venezuela told OPEC its production recovered in January to 1.769 million bpd from December’s multi-decade low, while figures from secondary sources that OPEC uses to monitor its output showed a decline to 1.60 million bpd, a new low. OPEC uses an average of figures from six secondary sources to monitor its output rather than countries’ own due to old disputes about real production rates. With outside producers expected to increase supply this year by more than the upward revision to demand, OPEC in the report cut its estimate of the global requirement for its crude in 2018 by 230,000 bpd to 32.86 million bpd. Should OPEC keep pumping at January’s level and other things remain equal, the market could move into a deficit of about 560,000 bpd, suggesting inventories will be drawn down further. Last month’s report pointed to a larger deficit of about 670,000 bpd.

CENTRAL BANK INJECTS $210 MILLION INTO CURRENCY MARKET
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/central-bank-injects-210-million-into.html

Nigeria’s central bank said on Monday it had injected $210 million into the interbank foreign exchange market, part of an effort to improve liquidity and alleviate the dollar shortages of the past few years.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The bank said in a statement it had released $100 million earmarked for the wholesale market, $55 million for small businesses and individuals, and $55 million for certain dollar expenses such as school fees and medical bills.
“The bank will continue to intervene in the interbank foreign exchange market, in line with its pledge to sustain liquidity in the market and maintain stability,” the central bank said in an emailed statement.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, fell into recession in 2016 largely because of low crude oil prices. Lower oil revenues led to dollar shortages, since crude sales are the country’s main source of dollars.
Africa’s largest economy emerged from recession in the second quarter of last year as crude prices recovered and militant attacks against Niger Delta oil production facilities ended.
Successful debt sales, including multiple Eurobond offerings last year, have helped Nigeria to accrue billions of dollars in foreign reserves.