₦airaland Forum

'NNAMDI KANU’S NO ELECTION IN ANAMBRA STANDS, REFERENDUM OR NOTHING' - IPOB COORDINATOR
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/nnamdi-kanus-no-election-in-anambra.html

The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described the message accredited to the leader of the group and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as false and mischievous.


Recall there were reports in circulation that Kanu had retracted his earlier comments that election would not hold in Anambra in November which has caused confusion amongst his followers.

Efforts to reach the Spokesman and Abia Coordinator of the group, Emma Powerful and Ikechukwu failed, but Celestine Ohajianya, Abia South Coordinator of IPOB in a telephone conversation with newsmen dismissed such reports.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered, Ohajianya, who disclosed that the group was in a meeting at press time, described the report as malicious and one coming from their detractors.

According to him, the statement made by Kanu that election won’t hold in Anambra State come November still stands.

He stated that the position of Nnamdi was that it is either that the federal government of Nigeria holds referendum or should forget about holding election in Anambra or any part of the southeast.

RELEASED CHIBOK GIRLS READY FOR EDUCATION AFTER ORDEAL
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/released-chibok-girls-ready-for.html


According to report gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, The 106 Nigerian schoolgirls no longer in captivity by Boko Haram jihadists fighting against western-style education will all go to university from September, the country’s minister for women’s affairs said Friday.


One of the girls required a prosthetic leg following her ordeal, several needed surgery for injuries and four babies have been born as a result of their detention, Aisha Alhassan said in a statement.

The Islamist militants seized 276 schoolgirls from the remote northeast Nigerian town of Chibok in April 2014, triggering global condemnation and drawing attention to the bloody Boko Haram insurgency.

Former US first lady Michelle Obama led a worldwide social media campaign under the banner #BringBackOurGirls to raise awareness of the group’s plight. All 106 girls who either escaped or were released or rescued from their captors “will be resuming school at the American University of Nigeria foundation school in September 2017,” said Alhassan.

Twenty-four girls who had managed to escape were already studying courses at the institution and will be joined by the rest of their freed classmates in the new school year. The freed girls, who are all in good health, have received extensive trauma counselling since regaining their freedom. “Previously frequent incidents of flashbacks, insomnia and nightmares have now been successfully brought under control,” said Alhassan.

“The girls have become survivors and heroes in their own right.” In their quest to create a hardline Islamist state, Boko Haram, whose name roughly translated from Hausa means “Western education is sin”, has waged a relentless campaign against education in northeast Nigeria.

Along with attacks on schools, thousands of women and young girls have been abducted during the eight-year insurgency, which has left at least 20,000 people dead and displaced more than 2.6 million.

WE HAVE STABILISED ARIK AIR OPERATIONS — NEW MANAGEMENT
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/we-have-stabilised-arik-air-operations.html

The Managing Director of Arik Air, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, on Friday said the operations of the airline had been stabilised following the intervention of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).
Briefing journalists in Lagos, Ilegbodu commended the measures put in place by AMCON to revive the airline within the last few months.
“The airline business is complex and that complexity means that a lot of attention is needed to keep it efficient and safe.
“In the past few months since we assumed office, the new management has been able to enhance the value of the airline, improve customer experience, and sustained its safety procedures,’’ he said.
According to report gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, Ilegbodu said that Arik Air was not exempted from the challenges confronting all the airlines, noting that the new management had been able to come out from the challenges to bring stability to its operations.
“We have improved in our on-time performance which I think is a great feat to the airline.
“We have resumed flight operations in some West Africa countries and we have worked very hard to regain customer confidence which had been battered before we resumed,’’ Ilegbodu added.
According to him, the airline has also been able to pay up all its workers salaries, up-to-date.
“We can’t use our workers for 30 days and not pay them; as you all know, this is a safety industry.
“For instance, how do you want a pilot to feel if he is not paid his salary for two months?
“All he will be thinking of is how he will be able to survive without pay; thereby keeping the lives of the passengers and crew in danger,’’ he said.
Ilegbodu said that at the moment, the airline had resumed its flight operations to Senegal, Accra and Togo.
“We will eventually expand on our operations as time goes on. What we did when we came in was to shrink the operations to a manageable size and we are now expanding on our routes.
“Since Nigeria is a bigger market in the aviation industry business, we presently have 14 aircraft in our fleet; three have gone for C- Checks, while 11 aircraft are in operation.
“We can now boast of approximately 4,000 passengers daily in our various flight operations,’’ he said.
The managing director said most of the challenges it was facing at the moment were what other airlines were also experiencing.
“Apart from our workers that are paid in naira, most of our operational costs are paid in dollars, which is affecting the profit the airline is generating,’’ he said.
Ilegbodu also assured the flying public that the airline had put some measures in place to improve on safety operations across its routes.
He said the measures would ensure uninterrupted safety operations which Arik Air was known for since it began operations.
AMCON had on Feb. 9 taken over Arik Air as a result of its huge debt profile and thereafter appointed Capt. Roy Ilegbodu to manage the airline, under the receivership of Mr Oluseye Opasanya (SAN).

FLOOD DESTROYS 1,000 HOUSES IN BAUCHI
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/flood-destroys-1000-houses-in-bauchi.html

About 1,000 houses have been destroyed by flood in Faggo, Yana and many other villages in the Shira Local Government Area of Bauchi State.



The Press Secretary to the Bauchi State Governor, Abubakar Al-Sadique, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Thursday.

He said the state governor, Mohammed Abubakar, who visited the communities for an on-the-spot assessment, donated food items and other relief materials worth over N11m to the victims of the flood.

According to Al-Sadique, the governor said the news of the disaster was disturbing to his administration and the entire state, saying the relief materials were meant to bring succour to the victims.

Eyes Of Lagos source revealed that, He said, “Governor Abubakar said he personally decided to visit the area and sympathise with the community over the disaster that befell them.

“He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the complete implementation of all laudable projects and programmes that have direct bearings on the lives of the common man.

“The governor urged the people to continue to pray for bumper harvests in this farming season and the quick recovery and return of President Muhammadu Buhari to the country.”

The press secretary said the lawmaker representing Shira Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Auwal Hassan, appealed to the governor to construct feeder roads and drainages that would bring a lasting solution to the problem of flood which ravages the area.

Items distributed to the flood victims, according to Al-Sadique, included rice, maize, millet, mats and blankets.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Northern City News, the Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, Shehu Abu Ningi, said the agency had warned the people in the area to relocate.

“Because of the way the houses in those villages are sited, we have been warning them, for several years now, to relocate but they have failed to do so.

“The villages are prone to flooding and it will not stop until they leave those areas.”

Ningi added that if only the people were ready to relocate from those areas, “the state government is ready to provide them with permanent and befitting accommodation in a better place.”

IMPEACHED EDO DEPUTY SPEAKER REFUSES TO RETURN CARS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/impeached-edo-deputy-speaker-refuses-to.html

A fresh crisis may be brewing in the Edo State House of Assembly as the impeached Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, has held on to the cars, which the House directed her to return to new principal officers, claiming that the cars were given to her as gifts by a former governor, Adams Oshiomhole.



Eyes Of Lagos source revealed that, The member representing Igueben constituency, Dr. Justin Okonoboh, and Ativie were on Monday impeached by 19 out of the 24 members of the House. The former Majority Leader, Mr. Foly Ogedengbe, was also removed. He was accused of gross misconduct, incompetence and greed.

After taking over, the new Speaker, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. James Omoataman, to retrieve the vehicles and other official items with the impeached principal officers before the close of work on Tuesday

The clerk in a letter of reminder to Ativie, dated August 16, 2017, directed Ativie to return the official vehicles and hand over the keys to him.

But Ativie, who represents Uhunmwonde Constituency and the only female member of the House, claimed the vehicles, comprising a 2016 Lexus jeep, one Prado jeep and two Hilux vans, were officially given to her for personal use by Oshiomhole.

The lawmaker, in a letter dated August 16 and signed by her lawyer, Mr. Olayiwola Afolabi, and addressed to the clerk of the House, stated that Oshiomhole had in a letter he personally signed on June 19, 2016, given the vehicles to her in acknowledgement of the sacrifices she was expected to make for the peace, security and well-being of the state.

She stated that Adjoto, who was then the Chief Whip, led the delegation of the House to the executive arm of government where the decision to give her the vehicles as the ex-Speaker was taken and implemented.

“After the vehicles were given, our client went to the licence office with the said letter and registered the vehicles in her name. In the exercise of her bona fide right of ownership, our client has sold one of the vehicles (Lexus jeep, 2016 model),” Ativie’s lawyer said in the letter.

Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Speaker for comment were unsuccessful as calls to his mobile number indicated that he could not be reached.

Adjoto had yet to reply a text message sent to him.

The former governor could not also be reached for his reaction.

STRIKE CONTINUES AS FG, ASUU MEETING DEADLOCKED
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/strike-continues-as-fg-ASUU-meeting.html

The Industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will still continue as government awaits the striking lecturers to meet with its National Executive Council (NEC) and decide when they will call off the strike.
The federal government had in the last two days pressured the union to call off its strike which started last Monday.
Addressing journalists at the end of a meeting held yesterday at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, ASUU president, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, said the union after, listening to the offer by the federal government, will get in touch with its NEC and get back in one week.
Eyes Of Lagos source revealed that, Speaking earlier, Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said government has made an offer to the striking lecturers in the quest to get them back to the classrooms.
He said, “The meeting was not very long and we touched the various issues. Within the last 48 hours, government has been working. The Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, Attorney General of the Federation and we have taken some government position which we have communicated to ASUU for them to take back to their members to see if that can be adequate enough for them to call off the strike.
“The major issue is that we want the strike called off so that our children in school can write their degree and promotion exams. ASUU graciously said they will come back to us on a date within the next one week. It will not be later than one week so that we then take it from there”.
In his reaction, the ASUU president said the union’s NEC will decide on whether to call off the strike after its meeting.
He said, “Like the minister said, government has made some offers in the issues we have raised and we have taken copious note of their offers and we have to get back to our members and make all the information available to them for them to consider and advice us. Based on their position, we will come back to government hopefully within the next one week.
“I am sorry that I can’t go into discussing specifics. The offers are for our members and when we meet with them, we will come back and unveil all the issues as agreed on.
On whether the strike will be called off before then, he said, “The leadership of the union did not call the strike, our members called the strike and they will decide when to suspend the strike. So, when our members decide otherwise, it will be off”.
Earlier before negotiation commenced, the federal government’s team and ASUU leadership expressed disagreement over the strike action.
Ngige said, “In all, government is desirous to attend to the issues raised and is not trying to show any bad faith. The issues are well known to all of us because they are a product of the 2009 agreement whose fallout was the memorandum of understanding signed in 2013 with which government was supposed to release some funds.
“Last November, we all agreed that the funds released should be audited forensically and that while that is going on, some amount of money should be released. One or two things happened and due to lapses to Labour administration there were some trajectories that made it impossible for some of the conditions not being fulfilled.
“The Babalakin committee is working on those issues and I know that ASUU, as knowledgeable men, are aware that ILO conventions permits that there should be renegotiation and that was why we allowed the Ministry of education go ahead with the renegotiation of the CBA”.
But the ASUU president denied the allegation that ASUU kept the relevant ministries, departments and agencies in the dark before proceeding on the strike action.
He said, “You will recall that when we came here two days ago, we drew your attention to a letter dated July 10 and it was why we were here that you confirmed that you were seeing that letter for the first time. Between July 10 and now, I don’t think it is one day. In the last ten months or so, we have written five letters and have tried to reach out to the relevant stakeholder since we suspended our action in November last year.
“One other issue I want to clear is about the Babalakin committee. What we had at the end of our discussion last November were areas that are actionable and we left that place with the impression that there will be follow-up. We appreciate what has been done since we started this action and we are here again to see what we can get. In summary, we want to take information from here to our members who are our principals”.

NNPC CUTS PRODUCTION COST TO $23/BARREL
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/nnpc-cuts-production-cost-to-23barrel.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said yesterday that the country has saved a minimum of $3billion per annum by cutting the cost of crude oil production from $78 dollars per barrel to $23 per barrel as at August 2015, representing 70.5 per cent reduction.
Eyes Of Lagos source revealed that, The Group General Manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a unit of NNPC, Engr. Dafe Sejebor, disclosed this during the inauguration of the anti-corruption committee of the unit.
A statement issued by the Corporation’s spokesperson, Ndu Ughamadu, noted that NAPIMS arrived at the figure after looking at the difference between the $78 and $23 which represent the old and new cost of production in relation to the present daily average production in the country.
“If you knock down your cost of production from $78 per barrel to $23, take the difference and multiply by the average daily production, you will discover that we are saving a minimum of $3billion in the upstream for both Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and Joint Ventures (JVs)”, Engr. Sejebor was quoted as saying.
The GGM added that the target was to bring the cost of production to between $17 and $19 for onshore and offshore production respectively.
On the new Petroleum Policy, Sejebor said it was necessitated by the increasing difficulty in operating the petroleum industry within the framework of the old Petroleum Act in the face of the delayed passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
He said the policy would restore investors’ confidence in the industry pending the full passage of the entire PIB by the National Assembly.
On the NAPIMS anti-corruption committee, Sajebor urged the management and staff to let the principles of accountability, integrity, honesty and transparency be their watchword.
He charged them to generate positive ideas to help tackle the challenges facing the industry and help reverse its fortunes.
He admonished staff to key into the NNPC management’s zero tolerance for corruption.
It would be recalled that the GMD of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, while inaugurating the Anti-Corruption Unit at the corporate headquarters recently, had directed all the Strategic Business Units (SBUs) and Corporate Service Units (CSUs) to establish their own anti-corruption committees, a directive which NAPIMS was the first to comply with.

OSINBAJO ASSIGNS PORTFOLIOS TO NEW MINISTERS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/osinbajo-assigns-portfolios-to-new.html

After weeks of uncertainty, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Wednesday assigned portfolios to the two new ministers.
The two new ministers are Stephen Ocheni (Kogi) and Suleiman Hassan (Gombe).
Osinbajo’s spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, announced this via his Twitter handle.
Akande tweeted “Ocheni was named Minister of State, Labour and Employment; while Hassan was named Minister of State, Power, Works and Housing.
“There are now two ministers of state in Power, Works and Housing ministries,” ‎

PPPRA REMAINS SILENT AS NLC ALLEGES ATTEMPT TO HIKE FUEL PRICE
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/pppra-remains-silent-as-nlc-alleges.html

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) has refused to confirm or refute allegations by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Ayuba Wabba who claimed during the weekend that the federal government is attempting to hike the prices of petroleum products.
According to the report gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, He was speaking at the opening of NLC’s National Executive Council meeting in Sokoto, stated that the body would not hesitate to protest against such increase.
According to the NLC president, such an act would further increase the sufferings of Nigerians, stressing that congress would mobilise Nigerians to resist any increase.
“While Nigerians are still struggling to cope with the severe hardship imposed on them by the last increase in the price of petroleum products, there are ongoing media campaigns and contradictory statements by the NNPC and government officials on yet another plan to review the template for the pricing of petroleum products,” Wabba stated.
“We are totally opposed to any further increases as we are yet to see the benefits of the last increase even as the current Minimum Wage Act has not been reviewed.
“It would amount to unleashing further hardship on workers and the poor if any further price increase is allowed.
“The government must not take us for granted. Indeed, the patience and perseverance of the entire populace must not be taken for granted, as we will sure mobilise the entire citizenry for mass protests in addition to other legitimate actions to resist any further increase.”
When contacted to comment on the purported price increase the spokesperson of PPPRA, Mr. Lanre Oladele did not pick his calls even as he failed to respond to short text messages sent to his phone.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has being import petroleum products in recent times with some persons claiming that the Corporation is subsidizing the products unofficially.

DANGOTE TO BOOST AGRIC BUSINESS IN NIGER STATE WITH $450M INVESTMENT
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/dangote-to-boost-agric-business-in.html

President Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, yesterday disclosed that the company will invest 450 million dollars in agriculture development in Niger State over the next three years
Dangote who gave the hint at the 2017 Niger State Investment Summit in Minna, Niger State capital, said the funds will be used in establishing a large scale rice processing mill to process over 200, 000 metric tonnes of paddy rice.
According to the report gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, He said that a state-of-the-art fully integrated sugar refining industry would also be established.
His words: “The Dangote Group is committed to invest around 450million dollars over the three next years to establish a large scale rice processing mill for out growers.
“Our company is also establishing a state of the art fully integrated sugar industry involving the development of over 30,000 hectares of sugar cane plantation and the production of about 500, 000 metric tonnes of refined sugar.
“We are very excited about these investments and look forward to kick starting this mutually beneficial partnership with the government and good people of Niger State.”
Dangote who was represented by Alhaji Mansur Ahmed noted that the company also planned to invest over one billion dollars in agricultural production and processing of selected commodities like sugar, rice and tomatoes across the country.
According to him, Niger has become the destination of choice for investment in the agricultural sector given its rich and vast arable land.
He said that the company was poised to leverage on that toward a virile agriculture based economy.
Dangote said that the group would also continue to engage governments at the federal and state levels where there were great potential to explore investment opportunities.
The Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Mrs Ramatu Yardua said the aim of the summit was to market the state as an investment destination in agriculture considering its enormous potential which were largely untapped.
Yardua said that agriculture was key to moving the country out of recession, adding that the state was committed to creating a conducive and enabling environment for would be investors.
On his part, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said that Niger has the capacity to produce assorted food crops that will feed the African continent.
Osinbajo said this when he declared open a two-day Niger State Economic Submit.
He commended the state governor, Gov. Abubakar Bello for organising the conference, noting that it would assist in attracting various investors, especially in the agricultural sector.
The acting president called on state governments to assist farmers with alternative sources of power, to enable them to process and preserve their farm produce.
He said that the federal government was ready to partner with state governments willing to rehabilitate federal infrastructure in their areas.
“Niger State Government is collaborating with the Federal Government to complete Baro Port”, the acting president said.
Osinbajo said that such projects would create enabling environment for business activities to thrive in the national economy.
He said that Niger was hosting three major hydro dams, adding that renewable energy was the way forward to increase the capacity of villagers and farmers for agricultural investment.
Osinbajo added that there was also the need to improve on roads infrastructure for enhanced agricultural development in the state.
Earlier, Governor Bello said that the state had large deposits of natural resources ranging from hydro carbon at the Bida Basin, gold, copper, tin, iron ore,tantalite, Kaoline and clay.
He said the potentials in the mining sector were wholly untapped and open for investment.

NIGERIANS CELEBRATE CORRUPTION – MAGU
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/nigerians-celebrate-corruption-magu.html

Acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, is one man who is much dreaded in the country at the moment. Both in the public and private sectors, his name send quivers through the spines of public servants, especially those who have something to do with public funds. There is, however, nothing strange about him, save for the fact that he is the captain of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption ship. In an interview with Eyes Of Lagos where he fielded questions from editors and management staff of the media organisation on the activities of the commission.
What prompted this August visit?
I am here just to thank you for your support and urge you not to get tired as well as appeal to you to continue to stand by the truth and nothing but the truth. I urge you to maintain that record is known for and continue to sensitize Nigerians on the fight against corruption. I want you to partner with us; if we don’t do this this time around it will take a long time. It is like corruption is being celebrated in the country, but it shouldn’t be allowed to continue. We want you to continue to support the course of anti-corruption. As journalists, you are also corruption fighters and you have a better stance of sensitizing Nigerians. Let people know that corruption is bad and that unless we chase out corruption, we cannot succeed. All these agitations going on in the country are as a result of corruption. Every Nigerian has a responsibility of sensitising Nigerians against corruption. There is no one best strategy to fighting corruption; just fight it. God has anointed you as journalists to fight corruption.
Some Nigerians believe strongly that EFCC engages more in media trial than doing the main job. They argue that this, coupled with lack of synergy among the security agencies in the country, is adversely affecting the war against corruption. Some have specifically cited the frosty relationship between EFCC and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation as a case in point. What do you have to say?
Affecting the war against corruption how? I have not lost any high profile case since I came on board. I have not lost any case apart from the Oransoy’s case. Secondly, I have no problem with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. By my character, I am a disciplined person. Naturally, I am a disciplined person and I respect constituted authority. There is no question of frosty relationship here. I have not less than 12 prosecutors from the office of AGF working under me. We have lawyers from AGF who are working for us in all the offices in EFCC and they are assigned by the AGF. So, I don’t know the lack of synergy you are talking about.
But you wouldn’t say you don’t have any problem with the Department of State Security. Would you?
I believe that in the fight against corruption you should carry everybody along because the monster is everywhere. Unless you use every weapon within your arsenal, you will only be engaging in a wild goose chase. You cannot arrogate the knowledge of fighting corruption to yourself alone. So, if you must do this why should we have issues with anybody or a sister agency
The Senate has consistently maintained its ground that you are not worthy to be EFCC chairman having failed integrity test. One of the lawmakers in the Red Chamber even claimed that your mates are DPOs in divisional Police stations and that there is nothing that makes it mandatory that you must be the one at the helm of the anti-graft agency. One would have expected that you say ‘since they don’t want me, let me graciously resign for the sake of my reputation’, but you seem not to be bothered about, even when you were also accused of fraud. How do you feel doing this job?
(Cuts in) The man who said that my mates are DPO’s never met me at the University. I think my mates in the Force answered him. I am talking about the commissioner of Police in Anambra and Cross River States. There are no assistant commissioners of Police who are my mates. The least of them is assistant commissioner of Police. I think it is ignorance. I have been in the Police Force for 28years now; I entered as a cadet. So, I don’t join issues with such people. Even my becoming commissioner of Police was belated. Some people became commissioner of police before me. What you must know is that the interest of the great masses of Nigerians supersedes in everything we do. The job we are doing is a thankless job. If you want somebody to thank you, you will not do it. That is why I am here. When the time comes for me to leave, I will leave. I know you have been trying. The media is the watch dog of the society and so, don’t be deterred.
Should the presidency succumb to the whims of the Senate and eventually drop you what, how would you feel?
I shouldn’t be the one to blow my trumpet. What we are doing will show itself. It is real; as long as we believe in what we are doing without expectation of reward we will succeed.
I am not bothered about Senate confirmation. As long as you are fighting corruption, corruption must fight back. This is corruption fighting back. A lot of things are going on on a daily basis. The hurdles are too much. I have never seen it like this. It is only God’s infinite mercy that is sustaining us. Luckily, we have a leadership that is committed to the fight against corruption. If we can’t do it this time, we should forget it, but it can be done. We have been able to create awareness. Prevention is an aspect of our job. It is not every day we arrest, detain and prosecute. This morning I was with the NUC to partner with them in sensitizing students against corruption. We have agreed to set up a task force to clampdown on mushroom universities collecting money from parents. The number of universities has gone up. We will close them down. I have also appealed to NUC to sensitize the youths.
Of recent, the EFCC resorted to going to markets places for sting operations. Some persons have alleged the way you mop up monies belonging to traders on the ground that they are stolen funds affects businesses.
I am not aware of EFCC going to the market place, but have you wondered why somebody should have 849 ATM cards, with the intention of flying abroad? It means this ATM cards are not the ordinary ones we have. It is not the one me and you have; it is not the naira card and he wants to go to Dubai to withdraw money. There is one incident, involving a Chinese national who had this brand of 5 Naira notes and he is trying to move them out. He is traveling abroad, one wonder what he is going to do with them. This has the capacity of weakening the value of naira because it will cause artificial scarcity. We have a responsibility of attracting foreign investors in the country.
These are some of the things we do to address economic recession. So, if you see something unusual please let us know. You can benefit from the 5 per cent provided by the whistleblowing policy. Five per cent of what is recovered through your whistleblowing goes to you.

PDP CHIEFTAINS BEHIND ANTI-PMB PROTESTS – CTJ
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/pdp-chieftains-behind-anti-pmb-protests.html

A Civil Society group, the Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has accused top members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko of being behind what it described as “sponsored anti-Buhari protests” in Abuja.
The group said it is obvious that the protest against the recuperating President is being orchestrated by those who fear that once the President is fully fit and resumes duty, they will be forced to pay for thier corrupt past.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, national coordinator of CTJ, Barrister Timothy Charles said the group is aware that N300 million was paid to celebrity activists Deji, Danfulani and Charlieboy to organise the protests with a single instruction of causing civil disorder so as to portray the Buhari presidency as anti-people.
He said, patriotic citizens would have conducted themselves in orderly manner and cooperated with law enforcement to ensure their march was not hijacked, adding that same cannot be said for the #ourmumudondo protesters, whose thugs were confrontational against law enforcement agents from the start.
Barr. Chalse said it has no grudge with the protesters, saying most of them were hoodwink by the sponsors into believing that they were carrying out a patriotic action.
According to the reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, He said, “Another thing that these protesters are unaware of was that their sponsors have equally mobilized thugs to join the so-called protests for the sole aim of fomenting trouble. The strategy is for these thugs to deliberately clash with law enforcement and then cause widespread violence, arson and looting that will eventually result in a breakdown of law and order.
“Even more worrisome is the specific request from these sponsors that the thugs must ensure there is loss of life from the protest so that they can claim that security agencies and by implication the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is killing protesters.
He alleged that those behind the protests have tried all manners of gimmicks in the past, in an attempt to throw the country into confusion but have failed.
He said, “some of them have sponsored terrorism or militancy, depending on the region, and failed to use these to bring Nigeria down. They have now resorted to street protests under the guise that they are demanding President Muhammadu Buhari to cut short his medical vacation and resume duties.”
“For those who have not noticed, we want to point out that these protesters are not new. They had held similar protests in the past under different names and with multiple excuses. What they have simply done this time is to rebrand their name into #ourmumudondo and add a few more desperate celebrity activists to their ranks; their driving ideology for causing chaos has not changed one bit.”
He said further, “to prove that these protests have motives other than the one the protesters are presenting, even the explanation by the Senate that President Buhari has not breached any rule did not suffice to educate them to desist from their foolish ways. Instead, they are heaping insults on the lawmakers simply because they could not have their way.
“Such intolerance smacks of people with a fascist bend of mind even when they masquerade that their actions were driven by a law for democracy. Unfortunately, their own brand of democracy does not accept a National Assembly.
It is true that the installment death of the corruption industry is compelling Nigerians to live within their means, which some have interpreted as hardship in the land.”
He described the protesters as mere fodders and tools in the hands of those that paid them to take to the streets, saying the CTJ warning is not directed at the protesters but at their sponsors.

WHEN SAGAY, OSHIOMHOLE, OTHERS DISSECTED RESTRUCTURING DEBATE
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/when-sagay-oshiomhole-others-dissected.html

Noble Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, former Governor Adams Oshiomhiole, the Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof Itse Sagay, among others were guest at a recent Annual Lecture in Benin in search of solutions to the nation’s woes. PATRICK OCHOGA writes on the divergent views that emerged from the high-powered gathering
There is no gainsaying that the nation is faced with imminent threat of disintegration more than ever before since its amalgamation in 1914, when the Northern and Southern protectorates were merged into what is today known as Nigeria.
In the North, the activities of killer herdsmen on one hand and the on-going war against Boko Haram insurgency remain a sad history of the nation’s quest for peace, stability and prosperity.
In the Southern part of the country, there is a mounting agitation by the Independent People of Biafra, (IPOB) who are calling for the Independent State of biafra.
The secessionist call as led by Nnamdi Kanu has equally paved way for other region within the zone to commence a demand for an independent nation to be carved out of from the Nigerian state.
Some of the major problems posing danger to the unity of the country informed successive administration to convene a National Conference at different times to find solution to agitations of imbalance.
However, recommendations of such confab had been dumped in the archives even in the face of mounting agitations from various regions.
In the search for solution to the visible sign for a breakaway, stakeholders under differ platform have continue to brainstorm and fashion out solutions aimed at fostering the unity restoring a sense belonging among all the component that constituted the Nigeria nation.
No doubt the seeming ill –feeling across the land may have informed the topic “Nigeria State in the Aftermath of the Centenary: Prospect For its Indivisibility” as the theme by the Organizers of the 2017 Professor Wole Soyinka 20th Annual Lecture recently held in Benin City, pen-ultimate week.
It was gathered by Eyes Of Lagos that, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, former Governor Anambra State, Chukwu Emeka Ezeife, at the lecture made attempts to answer questions about the knotty issue of restructuring the nation.
Governor Obaseki who was the chairman of the occasion, said Nigeria’s unity was non-negotiable and maintained that it was possible to make Nigeria great and prosperous again.
Obaseki said that having the right leadership at all levels of government and the different aspects of life was the panacea to the recurring problem of the clamour for self-determination in the country.
“The question of whether Nigeria has come to stay is a non-issue, the real issue is what sort of country should we create for ourselves?” He queried.
He explained that his administration was making concerted efforts to provide good leadership for Edo people and make positive impact in the lives of the youths to enable them take charge of their future.
He commended the organisers of the lecture, noting that the topic was apt and timely, considering the agitations across the country.
Also, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole argued that the nation’s problem is not structural issues but hinge majorly on leadership, attitude and character questions and these must be tackled with deserved urgency as no structure would deliver if the character and attitudes remain the same with the power elites.
Oshiomhole said the emphasis should not be restructuring rather attention must be how to make Nigeria project work, saying that there is no one part of the country that is doing the other favour because not one needs Nigeria more than the other.
He insisted that if there is anything at all to restructure, it must be the character and attitude of leaders for a guaranteed peace and sanity in the polity.
Prof. Sagay on his part, harped on the imperative of making sure that states, and not the federal government, determine the minimum wage payable to their workers and not stifling the states as civil servants who beg for their monthly pay of what is due to them from the center.
Sagay, who is the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, condemned in very strong terms the position of the workers umbrella body, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that the issue of minimum wage should remain in the exclusive list.
He described as shocking the position of the trade union, however made a call for true federalism to be substituted for the present “suffocating unitary constitution.”
He stated that, “The current unitary system is suffocating and is preventing the states from enjoying individual autonomy and development. There is stifling uniformity, without unity. States are stunted in growth and are perpetually dependent on the federal government’s feeding bottle. This has to stop if Nigeria is to ever develop.”
According to the Law Professor, “For the NLC, the federal government should continue to determine for States, what minimum wage they should pay to their employees. And yet, it is a basic and fundamental aspect of federalism; that no federating units should dictate to or interfere into the areas of governance of others.”

“A state, no matter how meager it’s resources, has to accept the dictates of the federal government on this critical issue of its own internal governance. This trade union opposition to federalism is the most shocking all those resisting the re-introduction of true federalism in accordance with our pre-independence concord.”
“The fathers of Nigerian trade unionism were great nationalist and progressives. The later day successors are ready to sacrifice the interest of this country for their own narrow and short term selfish interests. Chief Michael Imoudu would disown this anti-federalism position, if he were still alive,” he said
While describing the 1999 constitution as essentially the same as a unitary constitution masquerading as federal constitution, he explained that “this has created the present stagnant, crisis ridden and disfunctional geographical entity called modern Nigeria.”
In addition, he said the present constitution has made the federal government becomes the “center of a titanic and destructive struggle for control,” adding that under this arrangement, the states indolence and parasitic tendencies had follow, resulting in an unproductive and underdeveloped country.
“In our present condition of tight unitarism, any act of misgovernance in Abuja reverberates throughout the country. In order words, if Abuja sneezes, the whole country catches cold. In a real federation, federal government colds begin and end in that government. Nigeria’s federating units, whether states or zones, need breathing space from an overbearing federal government, he added.
“In order words, it is imperative that we return to the 1963 constitution, modified to suit our present circumstance, if we are to co-exist in a stable, crisis free and fast developing Nigeria. For Nigeria is a country of many nations which had existed independently long before the arrival of the all-conquering colonial power,” he stated
While former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife called for one united Nigeria built on equity, justice and fair play.
He also cautioned proponents Biafra Republic and northern protagonists under the guise of Arewa Youth with the quit notice on the Igbo, to retrace their steps in the interest of peace and corporate of all and a break up would not do the country and her people any good.
Ezeife said, “Nigeria is at the brink of extinction, Nigeria will cease to exist if we did not restructure. It is not joke; only those who are joking are saying-the unity of Nigeria is indissoluble; that is nonsense. Anybody who knows, know that the clock is ticking violently now because we have something called aggrieved Nigeria.”
Continuing he added “The country must have been created to be the rallying point of all black Africans. Nigeria is designed for greatness by God, which attracted the British who manipulated it to the nation underdeveloped. Nigeria needs God’s intervention and this is time to restructure. Unless we restructure, we will not make progress. God doesn’t make mistake”
Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta state urged the body to intensify massive sensitization of youths on the need to embrace peace and shun violence in all its ramifications.
Okowa who also lauded the initiative of the association, lamented the hazards caused by ugly upsurge of cultism and drug abuse as well as other social vices within the institutions of leanring and the larger society but assured that the state has taken steps to nip the incidents in the bud.

LASG EMPOWERS 2000 PERSONS WITH DISABILITY
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/lasg-empowers-2000-persons-with.html

More than 2,000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos State were yesterday, Wednesday, August 9, 2017, handed financial grants, assistive technologies and mobility aids by the Lagos State Government. This is also in addition with the plans to employ 250 physically-challenged persons into the mainstream of the State and Local Government service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Adebule said the setting up of the Disability Trust Fund and different empowerment programmes for PWDs was in fulfillment of electoral promise to make life worth living for PWDs and support them in realizing their dreams.
According to the reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, Ambode explained that the gesture was aimed at moving away from the charitable model of empowerment to a model that would make PWDs self-reliant and wealth creators.
He urged other physically challenged bodies and individuals who are not captured in the first phase of the gesture to be calm and show understanding with the State Government, adding that more beneficiaries would be captured in the future.

In her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf said that the gesture would go a long way in enhancing the productivity of this category of persons and also facilitate their contributions to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.
She maintained that in line with the social inclusion policy of the State government, the administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will continue to ensure that the rights of PLWDs are protected and promoted through relevant policies and programmes.
While noting that the gesture of the State Government had assisted in reducing the menace of street begging in Lagos, the Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to see the empowerment as an opportunity to break away from the shackle of poverty by making judicious use of the grants and other assistive aids provided for them.
“Beneficiaries of this gesture of the State government must imbibe the spirit of giving and contributing to society and see themselves as instruments of positive change”, she reiterated.
She listed some of the items distributed to the selected beneficiaries to include: 1 Hyundai 30-Seater bus for Pacelli School for the visually impaired/Blind, Surulere, Lagos; 1 Hyundai 12-Seater mini bus for Joint National Association of Persons Living With Disabilities (Lagos State Chapter) and 1 Index Express Embosser with Duxbury Braille for Nigerian Society for the Blind among several others.
She added that10 Non-Governmental Organisations dealing with issues of disability in the State will receive N500,000 each as grants while 500 PWDs will also receive N100,000 each as financial empowerment.

GROUP THREATENS TO BREAK OUT OF NIGERIA AND DECLARE BENDEL REPUBLIC


A group, Midwest Movement, has threatened to declare Bendel Republic if the Federal Government fails to address ethnic agitations.


It urged the government to revert to the 1960 and 1963 constitutions, to entrench true federalism.

Addressing reporters in Benin City, the group’s convener, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, said restructuring was the solution to the agitations.

Obaseki, who noted that the Nigerian federation was in dire straits, said the body was concerned about the country’s situation.

Eyes Of Lagos investigations show that, Reading the movement’s eight-point demand, he advocated structural deconstruction of the federation, saying the nation should be reconstructed through a re-federalisation process, using the 1963 Constitution as template.

Obaseki advised the Federal Government to broaden its consultation and engagement with stakeholders of ethnic nationalities, including the Midwest, to ensure restructuring.

Said he: “The uncertainty pervading the country is as a result of years of injustice, neglect and violation of terms agreed by the founding fathers at independence in 1960.

“We belong to the Midwest Region and we condemn attempts by ethnic groups trying to include it in their agitations. We will resist attempt by ethnic jingoists to annex, attach or conscript the Midwest territory as part of their territories.”

source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/group-threatens-to-break-out-of-nigeria.html

Eedris Abdulkareem Ft Sir Shina Peters – Made In Nigeria
Source : https://makesensemusic.com/eedris-abdulkareem-ft-sir-shina-peters-made-nigeria/

It’s been a while since we’ve heard new street song from the Legendary Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem but his is out with a song for the street and to promote made in Nigeria product with a song Title “MADE IN NIGERIA” the song that feature another Music Legend; Sir Shina Peters.
This track will definitely get you moving so, get ready to put on your dancing shoes.
Download and Enjoy!!!

Download: https://makesensemusic.com/?action=dzsap_download&id=2605

NAF DESTROYS B’HARAM HIDEOUTS IN SAMBISA
sourrce: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/naf-destroys-bharam-hideouts-in-sambisa.html


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of operation “LAFIA DOLE” conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission over Parisu in the Sambisa general area and destroyed insurgents hideouts.
According to the reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos that, The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore, Olatokunbo Adesanya, made the disclosure, yesterday, in Abuja in a statement issued to newsmen. He said the mission was in furtherance of the operations to completely defeat the insurgents.
“During the ISR mission, a large group of insurgents were seen converging under a tree close to a prominent zinc-roofed structure.
“Part of the structure was concealed by the foliage of a tree, making it a seemingly unobtrusive gathering point for the terrorists. “A confirmatory ISR mission indicated that the structure was indeed insurgents’ hideout, housing a large number of them. “Accordingly, the Air Component detailed four fighter jets namely: one F-7Ni and three Alpha Jet aircraft to strike the target in succession. “The first and second strike completely destroyed the building while the third aircraft strafed some fleeing insurgents,” he said. Adesanya said the fourth attack was re-directed to a close by building, where the insurgents activities were also noticed. He said, “subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the insurgents hideout was completely reduced to rubble and scores were killed while some of them were seen evacuating the casualties.”

NSE MARKET INCREASES BY 0.38% TO HIT 38,000 MARK, AMID BULLISH
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/nse-market-increases-by-038-to-hit.html

Activities on the equities market on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for the seventh consecutive day, yesterday sustained bullish run with the All-Share Index (ASI) rising by 0.38 per cent to cross the 38,000 mark.
In summary, the All Share Index gained 144.46 absolute points, representing a loss of 0.38 per cent to close at 38,144.02 points. Similarly, the market capitalisation increased by N50 billion, to close at N13.147 trillion.
The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Nestle, Guinness, Presco, PZ Industries and Dangote Flour.
Market breadth was negative, with 21 gainers versus 23 losers. Guinness recorded the highest price gain of 10.23 per cent, to close at N87.50 per share. Jaiz Bank followed with a gain of 10 per cent to close at 88 kobo, while Nahco gained 9.97 per cent, to close at N3.75 per share.
Dangote Flour appreciated by 9.55 per cent to close at N7, while Vitafoam went up by 5.02 per cent to close at N2.93 per share.
On the other hand, Champion Breweries led the losers’ chart by 9.32 per cent, to close at N2.53 per share. Livestock followed with a loss of five per cent to close at 95 kobo, while Conoil declined by 4.97 per cent to close at N32.86 per share.
Continental Reinsurance depreciated by 4.51 per cent to close at N1.27 and Eterna declined by 4.50 per cent to close at N3.61 per share.
The total volume traded increased by 50.6 per cent to 328.65 million shares, worth N6.10 billion, and traded in 4,983 deals.

source : eyesoflagos

ASSESSING CBN’S PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT ON NAIRA NOTES PROTECTION
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/assessing-cbns-public-enlightenment-on.html

Seeing the Naira note and coins as the symbol of pride and nationhood, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unrelenting enlightened the public of its relevant to our day-to-day transactions.
Recently, the apex bank embarked on public sensitization in three states that include Aba and Umuahia both in Abia state, Abeokuta in Ogun State and Lagos, aimed at reaching out to the majority of Nigerians.
The public sensitisation program further highlights offence to hawk, sell or otherwise trade in Naira notes, coins or any other notes issued by the CBN and warning against counterfeiting the Naira.
As the value of Naira currency against other foreign exchange continued declined so has its condition despite CBN’s consistently sensitisation program across the country.
Wallets and purses are not used by the majority of citizens. Specifically, market women do not fold money regularly as Bus Conductors and Drivers in major cities crumple and squeeze notes on a daily basis.
In Nigeria markets the bacteria, sweat and moisture accumulated by notes being kept in the ample cleavages of market women contributes in no small measure to the problem.
The CBN highlighted that demerit of unclean currency notes in terms of social and economic costs such as spreading of diseases and high cost of printing banknotes on frequent basis.
Imagine the Naira notes are properly handled, apex bank will save more money to be channeled into the real sector of the nation’s economy like Agriculture, Power, among others.
In June, the CBN said it spent about N192 billion on Naira management between 2005 and 2010.
According to Assistant Director, Currency Operations Department of the apex bank, Benedict Maduagwu, the whopping sum was spent on managing the naira in five years.
Maduagwu, at an event in Lagos said the huge cost of currency management in the country has increased in recent times.
His words, “CBN is promoting the cashless policy because we discovered that the way currency is being handled and abused could cause some diseases.
“So the efforts in the cashless policy and also the public sensitisation is to tell people how to handle our naira, how to carry clean naira; these are all aimed at reducing the huge cost of currency management.”
According to him, there are interventions under the CBN, which are promoting the wellbeing and also diversifying the economy like the Anchor Borrowers Scheme.
He explained, “We have N220 billion MSME intervention scheme and about 60 per cent of it is reserved for women. We also have it for the crippled, we also have the youth development empowerment programme, which has to do with corps members that have served. They can access it and have N3 million as part of efforts to reduce unemployment in the country.”
CBN over the years has reiterated that patriotic Nigerians, young or old are expected to respect Naira currency the same way national flag is respected and handle it with pride
Naira as a mirror of our country and that, the quality of the Naira reflects the kind of people we are, both in character and values.
The provision of section 21 of the CBN Act of 2007 (as amended) is still effective as CBN is collaborating with the police to ensure that the Nigerian currencies are not abused and it has yielded fruitful results as most notable shops in major cities have been shut down.
The apex bank continued to reiterate that it is still a crime to hawk or sell mint notes in the country with a penalty of N50,000 fine or six months imprisonment or both
The CBN Act 2007 also stipulates that the offence of counterfeiting now attracts five year jail term upon conviction, while refusal to accept the Naira as a means of payment for goods and services attracts six months imprisonment or N50,000 fine.
The CBN is the sole issuer of legal tender currency in Nigeria. It regulates the volume of money supply in the economy in order to ensure monetary and price stability.
The Currency structure by CBN comprises three coin denominations: (50 kobo, 2 Naira and 1 Naira) and eight note denominations; 5 Naira, 10 Naira, 20 Naira, 50 Naira, 100 Naira, 200 Naira, 500 Naira and 1000 Naira)
Each Naira note and coins own special print features that deterred counterfeiters from creating one. On each Naira note is watermark, the eagle is replaced with CBN logo and letters “CBN” in a vertical format which can be seen more clearly when the notes are held up against light.
Also, on the N20 note, there is an oval-shaped, green coloured area in the lower part of the window. When the note is tilted, the colour changes from green to gold.
The CBN over the years continued to makechange the Naira notes in a move to them more secure, make them last longer in circulation and look cleaner, reduce the cost of replacing dirty notes and smaller in size and would easily fit into wallets.
Alternative Channels as Future of Banking
In a move to reduce Naira in circulation, the CBN has realized that Nigerians need a Cashless society where transactions happen electronically as online activities continue to grow rapidly.
The alternative electronic channels by CBN was designed at reducing (not eliminating) the amount of physical cash (coins and notes) circulating in the economy, and encouraging more electronic-based transactions (payments for goods, services, transfers, among others.)
Cash policy by CBN was introduced to drive development and modernization of payment system in line vision 2020 goal of being amongst the top 20 economies by the year 2020.
It was also introduced to reduce the cost of banking services (including cost of credit) and drive financial inclusion by providing more efficient transaction options and greater reach.
Today, the number of people handling cash has been on the decrease as emphasis continues to shift to electronic payment services. Electronic payments and online financial services are turning the banking system and regulators on their heads.
Electronic payment refers to technological systems that enables bank customers perform financial transactions electronically.
A sound payment system infrastructure, where banks and their customers can transact business with confidence and convenience, trust and timeliness, underpins many of the reforms.
That is why in Nigeria, CBN efforts over the years aimed at creating a robust financial system framework through several reform initiatives targeted at fostering stability and restoring confidence in the system.
About 10 years ago, the CBN launched the Payment Systems Vision 2020, which identified series of recommendations to increase the resilience of the payment system infrastructure in order to encourage the usage of electronic payment methods.
Indeed, the economic benefits of migrating from cash-dominated environment to an electronic payment market are unquestionable.
Often, the CBN has been running targeted stakeholder engagement sessions for key groups that will be most impacted by the cash, with the objective of creating awareness and providing an opportunity for stakeholders to raise issues and get on the spot clarifications.
These stakeholders include markets, associations, professional bodies, religious bodies etc. These stakeholder sessions have run nationwide while the media campaign continued.
For example, The CBN in April announced the immediate suspension of the implementation of the Cashless Nigeria Policy in 30 states of the federation. This came exactly 21 days after the CBN commenced the nationwide implementation of the cashless policy on April 1, 2017.
In a circular signed by the Director, Banking and Payment System, CBN, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, the regulatory agency ordered Deposit Money Banks to revert to the old charges and refund customers who had been debited for withdrawing and making cash deposits above the limits allowed under the policy.
The CBN had earlier announced new charges on deposits and withdrawals above a threshold of N500,000 for individuals and N3million for corporate organisations.
The bank had fixed 1.5 per cent and two per cent for deposits above N500,000 and N1million in the individual category.
Fatokun, however said the implementation of the policy would remain in Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Abia, Anambra and Rivers states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
An Eyes Of Lagos source had hinted that CBN intend to consult with stakeholders across the affected states before fully implementing the policy.

FOREIGN RESERVES ROSE BY $554.7M IN JULY – CBN
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/foreign-reserves-rose-by-5547m-in-july.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that foreign reserves appreciated by $554.7 million or 1.8 per cent in July, to bring the year till date growth to 19.3 per cent. The foreign reserves closed July at $30.8 billion from $30.29 billion it opened the month under review.
The $30.8 billion foreign reserve reordered by CBN was the highest since May 12, 2017, as global oil prices stabilized and inflow from International Money Transfer Operations continued to increase.
In 2017, the foreign reserves appreciated by estimated $5billion from $25.8 billion it opened despite CBN unrelenting intervention in the foreign exchange market.
The nation’s foreign reserves appreciated by $4.45 billion in first three months (Q1) of 2017 amid CBN sustained pressure in bridging the gap between official foreign exchange and parallel market rates with the introduction of several foreign exchange windows.
Statistics on the CBN website revealed that the foreign exchange reserves increased by 17.2per cent to $30.29 billion on March 30, 2016 from $25.84 billion it opened this year. Specifically, the foreign reserves for the first time in 2017 hit $30 billion on March 8, and hovering around $29 billion and $28 billion in February.
According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) price basket of 14 crudes stood at $50.04 a barrel on Monday, compared with $49.94 the previous Friday. Finance analysts said the steady increase in global oil prices has positively impacted on CBN’s weekly intervention and foreign reserves.
An economic expert, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said recent rise in global oil price has continued to up thrust the nation’s foreign reserves. He said, “Of recent, we have witnessed growth in global oil prices and Nigeria oil output has continued to grow to 1.8 million barrel per day. Mind you the global oil prices have grown to an average $50 per barrel. The increase in crude oil price and stability in Nigeria output continued to impact positively on the foreign reserves.

BUHARI: NO MEASURE OF INTIMIDATION WILL DETER US – PROTESTERS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/buhari-no-measure-of-intimidation-will.html

Protesters under the aegis of “OurMumuDonDo” have vowed to continue the action, saying that no amount of intimidation would deter them.
According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, In a statement in Abuja yesterday by its Special Assistant on Media and Public, Mr Ezrel Tabiowo, the group said that nobody could discourage or intimidate its members on the mission.
It stated this at the backdrop of alleged harassment of its members by the Police during its peaceful sit-out on Tuesday in Abuja.
It also condemned reports credited to the Senate, distancing itself from the protest.
The Senate had said yester day that President Muhammadu Buhari had not violated any law by being away from the country for health reason for a long time.
In a statement by its spokesman, Sen, Sabi Abdullahi, the Senate said that the president had met his constitutional obligations as far as the issue was concerned.
It therefore, described the protest for the president’s return or resignation as unnecessary and instead, called for sustained prayer for him and the country.
But, the leader of the protesters, Mr Charles Oputa otherwise known as “Charly Boy”, said in the group’s statement that the senate’s position was “ridiculous”.
“I am disappointed in this country, but let it be known that no amount of intimidation on us by security agencies will deter us from demanding explanations from government.
”They must be accountable to Nigerians because they were elected into power by us, and on the basis that they will account for their actions.

DUMP A REFUSE AND GO TO JAIL!
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/dump-refuse-and-go-to-jail.html


The Lagos State Government has warned residents who deliberately dump refuse in unauthorized places to henceforth, desist from such act or face the full wrath of the law.
According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, This warning was issued by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare during an “Operation Deep Clean” exercise which the State Government embarked upon, in collaboration with Visionscape, to rid the State of refuse black spots.
The Commissioner, who affirmed the commitment of the government to the attainment of a sustainable environment, frowned at the ugly development whereby some anti-progressive forces strive to frustrate the efforts of the State Government by deliberately creating black spots of refuse to give the impression of nonperformance by the government.
His words: “we totally frown at acts of sabotage by people who are bent on short-changing Lagosians from the continuous enjoyment of the dividends of democracy being provided by the Akinwunmi Ambode Administration by trying to discredit the well-conceived environment reforms of the State tagged, the Cleaner Lagos Initiative.”
Adejare, who recalled that current administration, being so passionate about the environment, had initiated reforms for a sustainable and more efficient system to replace the old order, stressed that Lagosians would be the direct beneficiaries of the new system aimed at eradicating diseases and creating wealth and job opportunities for the people.
The Commissioner said the “Operation Deep Clean” which took effect two weeks ago has accounted for the clearing of over 12,600 tonnes of waste from illegal dump sites across the State.
Adejare stated that the exercise had recorded successes in different locations across the State, including Ojuwoye-Mushin, Eti-Osa, Agege, Alimosho, Ojo, Ikeja, Badagry, Oshodi-Isolo, and Lagos Mainland amongst others.
He warned Lagosians to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in their areas and urged residents to be vigilant and report anyone engaging in such acts as Government would not hesitate to bring the Law to bear on anyone caught working against the public interest.

DAILY STAFF PROTEST ROCKS LASPOTECH
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/daily-staff-protest-rocks-laspotech.html

Few days after the news of the indefinite strike by the Unions in the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter became public knowledge, events in the school has taken a new turn.
Presently, lecturers, staff members and students have commenced a daily protest across the various campuses to press home their demands.
Earlier today, the protesting staff members blocked the Deputy Rector Academics, Nurudeen Senayon, from entering the Administrative Block of the institution.
During the protest march which involved members of the three Unions – Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnic (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) – the protesters demanded all its demands are met by the management.
Meanwhile, Eyes Of Lagos exclusively gathered that security operatives attached to the Lagos State Police Command, Civil Defence, Directorate of State Security Services, and the LASPOTECH security team were seen across the school with arms while the staff members protest.
In addition, the Rector of the institution, Mr. Olayinka Sogunro went across the various departments in the institution to take attendance of members in a bid to force the striking lecturers to return to class.
Speaking on this, a lecturer in the institution said: “Heavily armed Police, Civil Defence and School security officers were walking around the school in a bid to harass us to go to classes.
“Helicopters were hovering in the sky while the Rector visit departments to take attendance of lecturers around. This is happening because the management want to enforce the notice for interlocutory injunction filed by the State government before the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos to restrain the unions from embarking on another strike.
“We have decided to go on daily protests now to iron home our point.”
Recall that the State Government recently filed a suit against the striking Unions before the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos to restrain the unions from embarking on another indefinite strike action.
In a direct response, the Academic Unions in the institution described the information as false saying “it is a deliberate attempt by the Lagos State functionaries/ LASPOTECH management to cause and create confusion among the members of the unions.”

FOUR DEAD AS EXPLOSION ROCKS ANAMBRA
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/four-dead-as-explosion-rocks-anambra.html


At least, four persons were feared killed on Wednesday, at Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State when a cooking gas exploded.

Several persons sustained injuries in the incident.

It was gathered by Eyes Of Lagos that the incident which happened at Trinity Gas Limited Station, at Obosi, occurred during refilling of gas to a customer’s cylinder.

The blast killed the gas station attendant and three others instantly, injuring scores at the scene.
An eyewitness, Nnaemeka Chidum, told newsmen the explosion scattered the bodies of the victims at the gas station to the extent that parts of their bodies could not be identified.

His words, “I was at the other side of the road when I heard a sound like bomb and fire from the gas station. I wanted to run when I heard the sound but feel down.
“After some time I stood up and saw people running towards the station. When I got there I saw many human parts scattered all over the place, many people were injured which I cannot count but they were rushed to hospital for treatment.” Chidum stated.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Nkeiruka Nwode, who confirmed the incident, said that four yet-to-be identified dead bodies, suspected to be customers, were killed by the explosion while many were injured.
He added that their bodies had been deposited at a mortuary at Obosi.

She said that the gas station has been cordoned off while investigation had commenced to ascertain the cause of the explosion, saying that the police would make the report public after the investigation.

PRISON OFFICERS ACCUSE CG OF HIJACKING SALARIES
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/prison-officers-accuse-cg-of-hijacking.html

No fewer than 2,000 prison officers have accused the Controller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Ahmed Ja’afaru, of diverting part of their salaries, using the service’s micro finance bank.
But the Controller-General who dismissed the allegation as funny and laughable said it has no iota of truth because he does not control the micro finance bank which has a board of directors.
According to the disgruntled prison officers, Ja’afaru has a secret account where money meant for staff salaries are kept.
Some of the prison warders who spoke with Eyes Of Lagos on condition of anonymity, apparently for fear of sanction by the prison authority, lamented that many of their colleagues in far Northern states like Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, among others had been involved in ghastly motor accidents while plying roads to the prisons micro finance bank in Kaduna which covers all the commands and zones in the North.
They said for two months now, they ended up getting nothing after borrowing money for transport fare to Kaduna from relatives or colleagues to withdraw part of their salaries sent to the micro finance bank by their original commercial banks.
One of the aggrieved prison warders said, “We have our prison service micro finance bank in Kaduna to take care of the Northern commands and zones, Enugu micro finance bank for South South and South East warders and Ibadan for South West warders. Our salaries have been divided into two; we do collect part of it from our various commercial banks and the other part is being sent to our micro finance bank but unfortunately, whenever they pay part of our salaries into micro finance bank, the money will be nowhere to be found.
“We later discovered that our Controller General has a secret account where part of our salaries is being diverted into. Over 2,000 warders have been affected and are frustrated. You are working and the same time begging to feed your family and pay school fee of your children. Even our Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society in Kuje is headed by a controller but it is indirectly controlled by our Controller- General. Our Oga should help us and not to kill us before our time.
“Over 2,000 prison officers and men are affected by what we are telling you. Many who came from far Northern states to withdraw their money through our micro finance bank here in Kaduna, apart from involving in accidents, ended up with nothing as no money in their accounts to cash. Many do borrow to come to Kaduna and end up spending weeks without seeing the money to withdraw”.
Another prison warder said, “Some of our children are out of school due to non-release of the money through the prison micro finance bank. We are pleading with the Federal Ministry of Interior and the federal government to intervene before things gets out of hands”.
Effort to get reaction from the Controller of Nigerian Prison Service,Kaduna State Command, Yazid Alhassan, on the allegation raised by the warders was not successful, but one of the officials of Kaduna State Prison Command who spoke in confidence not to offend the authorities said, “All what you got is true. We are all suffering here, not only in Kaduna State Command. Warders from Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano and I can say the entire states are facing this problem.
“Another issue is that if one collects loan from our micro finance bank, even after finishing paying the loan they will still continue deducting your salaries. We don’t know where our hard earned money is going to. The media should help us”.
When contacted, the public relations officer of the Service, Mr Francis Enobore, dismissed the allegation as funny and laughable, saying it has no iota of truth in it.
According to him, the controller-general does not control the micro finance bank which has a board of directors.
He said, “Salaries of staff are paid directly into their accounts. No officer is under compulsion to domicile his salary account in the micro finance bank. The controller-general does not have any share in the bank.
“I know of officers, whose salaries are domiciled in Police Micro Finance Bank. And in case of any delay in getting their salaries, I don’t see why the CG should be blamed. As far as I am concerned, the allegation has no iota of truth in it”.
Major Shake-Up In NPS Affects 32 Top Officers
Meanwhile, the Controller General of Prisons, Ja’afaru Ahmed, has announced a major shakeup in some of its directorates, formations and divisions in a desperate bid to restrategise.
Part of the shakeup includes the redeployment of Deputy Controller General (DCG), Shehu Kangiwa, who was moved to head the Finance& Account Directorate, while DCG Dorathy Atagiri takes charge of the Directorate of Health & Social Welfare Services.
In a statement he issued yesterday, spokesman of the Nigerian Prisons Service, Francis Enobore, disclosed that the massive shakeup followed a posting instruction issued on the August 1, 2017 and signed by the CGP.
The statement explained that the directive followed the need to have the recently promoted Deputy Controllers General take charge as heads of substantive Directorates and also address some administrative gaps pursuant to the present administration’s drive for excellent service delivery.
The statement indicated that Deputy Controller General (DCG), MBE Shemfe was moved to head the Directorate of Operations, while DCG Charles Ahaotu heads Works & Logistics Directorate.
DCG Ogundana Jerome who was the Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone “A “Lagos now takes charge of the Directorate of Inmates Training & Productivity.
Others include ACG Emmanuel Ogundele who took over Prisons Academy, Ijebu-Igbo as Commandant, ACG KA Babalola who is moved to Zone A, Lagos as Zonal Coordinator, even as ACG AI Omale, CP Bukar Shema Hauwa and CP KN Okuori will proceed on retirement.
The statement also noted that the redeployment affected 21 other senior officers across board.
Last month, five Assistant Controllers General promoted to the rank of Deputy Controllers General of Prisons were formally decorated by the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulraman Dambazau (retd).

PDP RESTRATEGISES, RECEIVES LADOJA, AKALA
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/pdp-restrategises-receives-ladoja-akala.html

National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen Ahmed Makarfi, yesterday, declared that the party cannot afford to cut corners anymore if it intends to thrive.
This comes as former governors of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja and Alao Akala, have returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as their representatives attended a meeting of party leaders with the national leadership of the party in Abuja.
Ladoja and Akala, after serving single terms each as governor of the state at different dispensations, defected to Accord Party (APC) and the All Progressives Cong.ress (APC), respectively.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Representatives of the former governors participated in a meeting of PDP stakeholders in Oyo State and the national leadership of the party.
While Sen Femi Lanlehin was one of the representatives of Rasheed Ladoja, Biodun Tajudeen Kareem was one of the representatives of Alao Akala. Speaking at the meeting, with former principal officers, Sen Makarfi, said, “I will stick to the party guideline and constitution in doing whatever we do. We must stop cutting corners. We live in a high litigious society.
“When we cut corners thinking that nobody will see you, a lot of people have seen you, and at a time you least expect, somebody will drag you to court again. Therefore, what is worth doing is worth doing well. We must consult on fundamental issues, use consensus as much as possible and move forward.”
He added “We’ve gotten judiciary victory, we need to consolidate and translate it into political victory. Political victory means expanding the scope of the party, reconciling with the reconcilable and attracting members into the party that will enable us regain political power at the centre by overwhelming majority. What I don’t want is for one party to dominate. We want a healthy competitive democracy where people will freely choose their leaders.”
Speaking with leaders from Oyo State, Makarfi who regretted that the party lost the state, noted that nobody stands to gain when internal acrimony results in loss of election.
He further said, “We are not in politics to suffer but form government”, adding “PDP was the dominant party in the state but internal crisis caused us to lose election.”
While he added that everybody would have been accommodated if they had won the election, the chairman asked “What are we benefitting for losing election now? Nothing. So we have to draw a line.”
Makarfi who also met with party leaders from Osun State, urged them to close ranks and work together to reclaim the state.
While he commended them for setting a record in forging a common front in the recent Osun West senatorial election, he urged them to sheathe their swords.
Reacting to conflicting court judgments over party leadership in the state he said, “If you wait for the conflicting judgements to be settled, it will get to Supreme Court and it won’t guarantee victory.

“The problem is not as big as it is made to look like. All we need in our opinion is to resolve to accommodate and have a state committee that is inclusive.

“Short cuts in PDP won’t work anymore. It can be used against us when they see that we are winning.
“We should look out for our common interest and clear the mess so that when we succeed at the polls, that success won’t be at the mercy of the tribunal to interpret it any way it likes.”

ZENITH BANK, 2 OTHERS EMERGE BEST PERFORMING STOCKS IN JULY
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/zenith-bank-2-others-emerge-best.html

Zenith Bank Plc, Ecobank Transactional Incorporated Plc, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) lead 13 others to emerge as best performing stocks in the banking sector in July.
As at the close of trading on Monday, July 31, the stock price of ETI added 18.1 per cent or N2.25 per share to close at N16.50 from opening figure of N13.97. Similarly, prices of Zenith Bank and GTBank shares appreciated by 17.8 per cent and 12.1 per cent in July respectively.
Price appreciation in banks leveraged Nigerian Stock Exchange Banking Index growth of about per cent from 397 basis points to 445.33 basis points in July, an increase of 12.2 per cent or 48.33 basis points. It implies that the NSE banking Index has appreciated by 63.3 per cent and 171.01 basis points in seven months from 274.32 basis points it opened for trading in 2017.
Data collected by Eyes Of Lagos revealed that Zenith Bank’s stock opened the month under review at N20.89 and closed at N24.61 while GTBank, the third highest price gainer in the banking sector closed July at N39.05 from N34.82 it opened for trading. For the month under review, GTBank recorded the highest market capitalisation of about N1.15 trillion, behind Dangote Cement Plc that has N3.8 trillion in market last month.
Zenith Bank on the other hand, has a market capitalisation of N772.8 billion while ETI has N302.8 billion in market capitalisation in July 2017. Ironically, investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) continued to buy stock prices of these financial institutions over speculation of proposed interim dividend, Zenith Bank and GTBank specifically.
The above banks are yet to announce their earnings to the Exchange, Eyes Of Lagos can exclusively report. A stockbroker who spoke with us that does want his name in print said, “Zenith Bank and GTBank have a model that is working and delivering returns shareholders.
“If you look at their books you will realize that they have delivered value over the years, and with them, it’s a steady growth, that’s what the investors are looking at,” he noted.
Other financial institution with stock price appreciation includes Skye bank Plc, United Bank For Africa Plc, Access Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.
The stock price of Skye Bank added 13 per cent or N0.08 to close at N0.68 while United Bank for Africa rose by 10.7 per cent or N0.94 to close in July at N9.70 from N8.76 it opened. Access Bank stock’s price added 8.1per cent or N0.75 to close at N10.05 per share. Furthermore, the stock price of Stanbic IBTC Holdings increased by 8.8 per cent or N2.90 to close July at N35.90.
Despite impressive profitability in the half year ended June 2017, the stock price of Diamond Bank inched up by four per cent or N0.05 to close at N1.29. The interim report and accounts of Diamond Bank showed significant growth in all key financial parameters as profit before tax surged year-on-year by 2.8 per cent to N10.8 billion, this followed the leapfrogging of gross income over total expenses during the period under review.
Commenting on the bank’s stock performance, chief executive officer, Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie stated that despite the economic headwind, the Bank would remain resilient and sustain the positive growth throughout the two remaining business quarters.
Further investigations by Eyes Of Lagos revealed that Unity Bank Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria recorded the highest decline in July, followed by Fidelity Bank Plc. The stock of Unity Bank fell by 8.9 per cent or N0.06 to close at N0.61 from N0.67 in June. The stock price of Union Bank of Nigeria shed 14.4 per cent to N5.24 from N6.12 it opened in July while Fidelity Bank dropped by 4.6 per cent to close July at N1.25.

VIDEO: Patoranking Ft. Wizkid – This Kind Love
Download : https://makesensemusic.com/video-patoranking-ft-wizkid-kind-love/

Patoranking drops the awesome video for his track “This Kind Love” off his album God Over Everything. “This Kind Love” track which features one of the Kings of African Music, Wizkid now has a visual.

The video preaches strongly against domestic Violence and also stands for upholding happy love values

The video was directed by Clarence Peters.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGJuX7Gjbdo

NIGERIANS SMOKE 20 BILLION CIGARETTES EVERY YEAR
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/08/nigerians-smoke-20-billion-cigarettes.html

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health has lamented the high consumption rate of tobacco in the country, saying that about 4.5 million Nigerians consumed 20 billion cigarettes yearly.



The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said this on Monday at a sensitisation workshop for law enforcement agencies and mass media on the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 in Abuja.

The minister said preventive measures to be taken by the government through the Tobacco Control Act would include prohibition of smoking for persons under 18 years of age as well as the ban on smoking in parks, markets, restaurants and other public places.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Adewole, whose speech was read by the Head of Department, Public Health, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, said, “According to Nigeria’s adult tobacco survey, over 20 billion sticks of cigarettes are consumed in the country by 4.5 million adults. This is 5.6 per cent of our population annually. The survey shows that 4.1 million men and 500,000 women smoke in Nigeria, while 6.4 million adults are exposed to smokers. We have to fight this looming epidemic now.

“In May 2017, the World Health Organisation reported that tobacco presently kills more than seven million people each year. Six million deaths are from direct use while others are due to exposure to tobacco smoking.

“Low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria account for 80 per cent tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. This is an increased strain on our already weak and fragile health system.”

The minister called on security agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service to bring stringent conditions on tobacco companies and sellers so as to discourage the culture of smoking.

“Tobacco is the only drug that has been linked to many cancers. It also contributes to many other health conditions. The government will begin the prohibition of the sale of tobacco to anyone below the age of 18 years. Secondly, the buying and sale of cigarettes will be sold in only a pack of 20 sticks. We will also ban the sale of tobacco through mails and other online devices. Smoking anywhere in the premises of a childcare, educational and healthcare facility shall also be prohibited.”

$1.5 BILLION LOAN FOR LAGOS-IBADAN RAILWAY STUCK
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/07/15-billion-loan-for-lagos-ibadan.html

Federal lawmakers came under fire yesterday for delaying the $1.5billion Chinese loan for the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan standard rail gauge.


The National Assembly slashed N21billion off the N31billion estimate in the 2017 budget for the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

All conditions for the loan were met over six months ago. Only the lawmakers’ approval is yet to be obtained.

Last month, the presidential request for the loan’s approval was read by Senate President Bukola Saraki and referred to the Committee on Foreign Loans headed by Senator Shehu Sani. Since then, it has been kept in abeyance.

Stakeholders faulted the lawmakers, wondering why such an important rail project which connects the nation’s economic hub to other parts of the country was left unattended to.

Former Senate Minority Leader Senator Olurunnimbe Mamora said the issue deserved expedited action given the importance of the Lagos-Ibadan rail project. “Whatever the reason the lawmakers have for not according it the priority it deserves, they should have a re-think”.

According to him, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is the busiest road in the country and there is an absolute necessity to have an alternative. “That’s why the rail project is not only desirable, but inevitable. The earlier we did it, the better. It would take off a lot of load, as far as the transportation of heavy goods is concerned. This way, it would reduce haulage on the roads.”

Mamora added: “It should be a priority thing for us to do. My appeal is to the National Assembly to have a re-think and approve the loan in the interest of the nation.

”We have many ports in Lagos and we need to use the train to evacuate goods to all parts of the country. Too much pressure on the roads is responsible for the state of disrepair of our roads nationwide. The plan of the present government is to connect all state capitals with rail.”



Lawyer and human rights activist Monday Ubani said if it was true that the National Assembly is dilly-dallying on the matter, then it amount to “the worst decision taken by the National Assembly, because 90 per cent of Nigerians will want an efficient railway system in Lagos, which would connect other parts of the country”.

The Second National Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said having an efficient railway system would reduce pressure exerted on roads by trucks.

He said: “What baffles me is that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is in the majority in the National Assembly; must the lawmakers sabotage the programme of their party? Whose interest are they representing?”

Afenifere Publicity Secretary Yinka Odumakin said the issue had been on for quite sometime, adding that it appeared there were forces bent on sabotaging the Southwest.

Odumakin said: “What they are doing cannot be an accident; they want to deny the Southwest projects that are very dear to it. I want to say doing that would be very daring and unacceptable.

“We are waiting for them and will definitely rise up against this abnormally. The Southwest has a lot to offer in terms of ensuring the advancement of the country. What they do not understand is that the project does not stand to benefit the Southwest alone, but the entire country through mutual interaction, facilitated by communication.”

Fromer Transport Minister Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said it would be a bad omen, if the National Assembly worked against the project.

He said: “The issue of railways again? When I was minister, we did everything within our powers to give the necessary support to the project. We ensured that the railways from Lagos to Calabar functioned well. Again, we have not got full rail development in Nigeria.

“Whoever offers us any assistance we should embrace it. I want to appeal to the National Assembly to reconsider its stand and support what will bring progress to the Southwest and the entire country.”

1999 CONSTITUTION INCURABLY DEFECTIVE – BISI AKANDE
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/07/1999-constitution-incurably-defective.html

Few hours after the national assembly commenced debates on the amendments to the 1999 constitution, former interim Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande said no amount of tinkering would cure defects on the document.
Akande said, the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly to review the constitution is a mere waste of time as no amount of amendment would make it work.
He advocated for total scrapping of the constitution which is currently the working document guiding governance and general conduct of the Nigerian nation suggesting that a new one be drafted in its stead, rather than wasting efforts on amendment.
The former governor of Osun State stated this, yesterday, at the launch of a book titled “Nigeria: The path we refused to take” written by the Afinefer scribe, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, held at the main auditorium of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
He said, the constitution should be scrapped and new one written for the benefit of the Nigerian people rather than amending it just as he advised that the nation resort to using the 1963 constitution pending the drafting of a new.
Akande who was the chairman of the occasion said “The 1999 constitution is the greatest Nigeria misadventure since Lord Lugard amalgamation of 1914.”
According to him, Nigerians must be prepared to discard the 1999 constitution and on time too or risk living with its negative consequences which included the fact that it would continue to dwarf Nigerian economy and stifle the country’s social structure ending in a disastrous and catastrophic bankruptcy.
“The constitution put emphasis on spending money rather than making it, thereby intensify the battles for the supremacy between the legislature and the executive while the judiciary is been corruptly tainted and discredited.
“The constitution breeds and protects practices and criminal impunity in governance. The constitution can never be beneficially reviewed and the ongoing adjustment or amendment can only totally bloat the essence of national values and accelerate the amalgamation of Nigeria. All the angels coming from the heaven cannot make that constitution work for the progress of Nigeria” he enthused.
In a thought provoking speech, AKande said “Today Nigeria is at a stage of what we can call criminal revolution. We gathered here today to present a book titled Nigeria: the path we refuse to take by Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa. I choose to talk not on the path we refuse to take but on the path of misadventure that led Nigeria to the present cross road.
“The military involvement in politics for 29 years out of Nigeria 57 years of independence has done badly to the sense of democracy and good governance among Nigeria political leaders, so much, that political discussions are no longer issue based and are no longer interesting.
In his remark, the author, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa urged the Federal Government to start the implementation of 2014 National Conference in phases in order to douse the tension in the country stressing that restructuring is the only panacea to the myriads of problems bedeviling the country.
Dignitaries present at the book launch included Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Osun state deputy governor, Titi Laoye Tomori and former Kano state governor Ibrahim Shekarau.

DIAMOND, UBA, FCMB LEAD 6 OTHERS IN 71,516 POS TERMINALS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/07/diamond-uba-fcmb-lead-6-others-in-71516.html

In furtherance of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) drive for a cashless economy, a group of nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) accounted for 71,516 Point of Sale (POS) terminals data gathered by Eyes Of Lagos has shown.
A point of sale (POS) terminal is a computerized replacement for a cash register. Data gathered by Eyes Of Lagos indicated that Diamond Bank Plc recorded the highest figure among the reviewed banks with 15,092 PoS, followed by United Bank for Africa Plc and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) with 13,500 and 12,041 PoS terminals respectively.
Closely followed is Access Bank Plc with 9,622 PoS and First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc with 7,048 PoS terminals. Others are Wema Bank Plc, 5,508 PoS; Fidelity Bank Plc, 3,734 PoS; Union Bank of Nigeria, 3,100 PoS and Sterling Bank Plc, 1,871 PoS.
The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) revealed that value of PoS transactions in June 2017 raises to N107.66 billion, bringing the total of N610.11 billion value of transactions traded on PoS in six months of 2017. NIBSS had reported N91.99 billion in January and it dropped to N90.29 billion in February.
Report by NIBSS disclosed further that value on PoS transactions increased to N104.48 billion in March and N111.63 billion in May this year. The value of transactions through PoS channels across the country increased significantly by 69.2 per cent to N758.99 billion between Janaury and December 2016, compared with the N448.5 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015, data gathered from the NIBSS revealed.
The apex bank had introduced the cash-less policy with a view to significantly reduce the volume of cash-based transactions, and PoS was one of the tools to achieve this objective. The policy was introduced for a number of key reasons, including driving development and modernisation of the payment system in line with Nigeria’s vision 2020 goal of being amongst the top 20 economies by the year 2020.
The target for Nigeria, according to CBN is to meet Brazil’s PoS deployment rate of 2,247 per 100,000 people by 2020. The initiative would lead to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions and job creation with a ripple effect on the economy while boosting national pride and reducing exposure of national security in the area of espionage.
As part of efforts to encourage Nigerians to widely make use of electronic payment systems, the CBN had introduced an awareness campaign for electronic payment users. A report stated that Nigeria occupies seventh position among African countries where the use of PoS form part of transactions.
According to a report by Indexmundi only 21 per cent of total transactions in the country are done through the PoS device. South Africa stands at the top with 91 percent followed by Ghana 80 percent while Tunisia is third with 79 per cent. Other countries ahead of Nigeria are Egypt, Morocco and Kenya in that order.