₦airaland Forum

BUHARI LAUDS TINUBU AT 65, SAYS ‘NIGERIA STANDS TO GAIN FROM HIS EXPERIENCE’
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/buhari-lauds-tinubu-at-65-says-nigeria.html

President Muhammadu Buhari believes that Nigeria has benefitted a lot from the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s personal sacrifices, political experience and intellectual foresight and still stands to gain more.
President Buhari said this on Tuesday when he congratulated Tinubu, on his 65th birthday.
Buhari’s goodwill message was contained in a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
The statement read, “President Buhari joins all members of the APC, political and business associates of the Asiwaju of Lagos, his friends and family, in celebrating another milestone in the life of the great leader, whose foray into politics ushered in a better understanding of building consensus to achieve historical feats, like unseating an incumbent government.
“As he turns 65 years, the President believes the Asiwaju raised the bar for many political leaders across the country as a two-term governor of Lagos State, and also bequeathed a style of leadership that completely altered the landscape of the commercial capital.
“Recalling his pleasant and intellectually enriching encounters with the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom over the years, the President reaffirms that the nation has benefitted a lot from the personal sacrifices, political experience and intellectual foresight of the APC chieftain, and still stands to gain more.
“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant the Asiwaju good health, longer life and more wisdom to serve his country and humanity.”

BBNAIJA: DID MARVIS JUST ROLL WEED IN THE HOUSE?
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/bbnaija-did-marvis-just-roll-weed-in.html

On Monday night, one of Big Brother Naija female housemate, Marvis, surprised the millions of fans watching and got the audience talking over her expertise at rolling weed.
If you are one of those that watched last night, you will agree that she rolled it perfectly, and although the substance was tobacco, most viewers were of the opinion that Marvis has proven that she smokes weed in real life.
After watching her skill, which elicited several reactions and huge buzz on social media, Big Brother called Marvis into the Diary Room for explanation and she confirmed that the substance was not weed but mere tobacco, which she prepared for herself and Bally.


Bally was also called to the diary room and he explained to Biggie that he requested Marvis to roll the tobacco, adding that he was feeling some way, and needed to smoke and cool off.
Meanwhile, Bisola and Efe are certain of their place in the final week of Big Brother Naija ‘See Gobbe’ competition. The duo escaped eviction on Monday, with Bally, Marvis, Tboss and Debbie-rise nominated.


TBoss, Efe, Marvis and Debie-Rise were initially the four up for eviction after every housemate spoke with Big Brother in the Diary Room.
But Biggie asked Head of House, Bisola, to save and replace one of the nominated housemates. She picked Bally as replacement for Efe.

MASKED BY SOPHIE LAWAL - EYESOFLAGOS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/masked-by-sophie-lawal.html

It seem pretty hard when you have totally forgotten how good it is to be real, rather than masked up, bottling up all raging emotion. When you have forgotten how to be pretty happy with yourself and people around but all you get from yourself is all fake emotion, covering up the pain from the past.

The feeling of being down casted and not being as whole as you out to have eaten deep down me for some period of time, not knowing how to feel alive again and Whole as one as one life is eating itself up. That feeling is always unbearable and you know the feeling of self loathe taking it place in your soul not giving yourself that breaking point needed, Yeah, that was what I felt.

You that thing you can’t relate to how you are supposed to be feeling actually, doubting what I really felt, you know having worn that mask for too long and people begin to relate the masked person as the real You. They don’t really know who you truly are but they only know what they see and sometimes you don’t even know yourself, Yeah I have completely forgotten about myself but it was too late when I realized it.

When I finally realized the masked person isn’t me, it really hurt after finding out who is really beneath the mask worn by me, like I don’t know how to feel, angry at everything cause I didn’t get what I really want and nobody understood, nobody did and it made me angry the more because I wanted people to figure out me for me, which is impossible, clearly it is.

I figured nobody can figure out you only if you figure out yourself, living just I anger and hurt doesn’t solve anything, if not it increases the fire burning, being scared, terrified and unhappy would not help figure out, for some time I felt I would burst out cause of all the emotions felt within and would be satisfied with that but it never happened, the emotions were there, it was terrifying and overwhelming.

One thing I came to notice I that, feeling bad for a long while won’t make you feel any better, I just had to walk away, it was hard at first but that was the best thing I ever did for myself, walking away for the anger and hurt, leaving it behind and not dragging a single guilt of it along with me. What I would have done in a long while but nothing is ever late so far you are trying to make the best out of, making your happiness priority is one way having a fulfilled life.

Most of us make such mistake of masking our emotion and we are laced with anger, and these emotions make us forget where we really belong to, where we are supposed to be at and making us lose sight of greater things that is coming our way, cause we have forgetting the real us, we have lost ourselves inside us, and it take a while to revive that good person we were.


It all takes determination to forfeit the hurting past and make ourselves a good one, most time we don’t need people to find out who we are for us, we know who we are but we are yet to realize it and that power is what we need to bring out, let the power fight it way through, let no mask keep us hidden for long. Stand up for who we are and not what they said we are.

5 BANKS’ EXPOSURE TO OIL & GAS SECTOR HITS N2.2TRN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/5-banks-exposure-to-oil-gas-sector-hits.html

Despite the dwindling global oil Prices, five commercial banks’ exposure to the oil & gas sector hits N2.2 trillion in 2016, reflecting an increased investment at the detriment of Non-Performing Loans and rising loan loss provision in the banking sector.
The exposure to the oil & gas sector of these banks in 2015 was at N1.4 trillion, representing an increase of 54.2 per cent or N758.8 million over that of 2015.

Our findings revealed that most of the Tier-1 banks in 2016 increased their exposure to the oil & gas sector.
An energy expert, founder and lead analyst at EnergyDatar, Mr. Chijioke Mama, said some areas in the oil & gas industry are still lucrative. According to him, “Despite the dwindling global oil prices, there are some areas in that sector that are still attractive. When you talk about the recent drop in oil prices, its impacts is mostly upstream. The downstream business in Nigeria is still an attractive and profitable business area.
“Petroleum products consumption in Nigeria has continued to grow aggressively for the past five years and even most recently. We are presently consuming about 50million liters per day. So I believe it still make sense to finance or acquire assets in the downstream sector, as we have seen with some recent transaction, involving mobile downstream and NIPCO.
“The only hitch is that foreign exchange has affected product importation since both banks and exporters cannot access adequate forex but that’s for that. Product retail, distribution and refining are still viable areas worthy of financing.
“When you talk about banks continued financing of the upstream projects in spite of low prices, some of these financial institutions may be involved in these projects by virtue of commitments that reach way back before commodity price fall.
“So there may be an obligation to continue. It’s just to restructure the finance to accommodate present realities but not an outright abandonment. So you have to look at what you call “increased exposure” on a case by case basis to understand the justification for continued funding.”
According to findings also revealed that the banks for 2016 provide N167 billion for loan loss provision, an increase of 168per cent over N62 billion in 2015.
The managing director, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri, explained that the country’s present recession has impacted on loans provided by banks.
According to him, “Nigeria’s economy is in recession. Any economy that experiences negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is in recession. If we are in recession, it means that Nigeria is having economy crisis and it is expected to impact negatively on banks banks’ loans.
“As a result of the recession this year, bad loans in the banking sector have increased because companies that borrowed those loans have failed to pay back. Banks are doing the right thing by making provision for these bad loans.
“Since those loans are nothing performing and it is doubted if those loans can be recovered, banks are forced to charge the losses from their profits. If those loans are recovered in future, they will be written back as profit.
“The rate at which loans have become delinquent is much higher now because of effect of recession on earnings of enterprises that have borrowed from banks.”
He noted that as the economy moves out of recession, some of those delinquent loans would start performing and it is expected by banks to rewrite them into their profit.
Also commenting, chief executive officer, Enterprise Stockbrokers Limited, Mr. Rotimi Fakayejo, said impairment charges on financial assets in the banking industry would continue to grow as banks struggled with fiscal and monetary challenges.
He said, “We do not have infrastructure for business to thrive and cost of doing business is now high. A lot of these banks are having it difficult to lend but they must lend.”

WENDY, THE YOUNGER SISTER OF BBNAIJA CONTESTANT, TBOSS, GETS ENGAGED TO DAMEON, HER BABYDADDY
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/wendy-younger-sister-of-bbnaija.html

On Instagram live, Wendy, the younger sister of BBNaija contestant, TBoss, gets engaged to Dameon, her babydaddy and boyfriend of 10 years

THREE-STOREY BUILDING COLLAPSES IN ANAMBRA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/three-storey-building-collapses-in.html

An uncompleted twin three-storey hotel at Nkwo-Eziudo market along the Ogidi-Abatete road, Ogidi near Onitsha has collapsed with no case of death or injuries reported.
Residents of the area said on Sunday that the incident occurred on Saturday at about 2.30pm when workers had left the construction site.
NAN reports that more than 20 workers are always on site during the work hours
The Ogidi Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr Hassan Musa, told NAN he was yet to be briefed on the incident.
He said that the police would visit the scene and conduct investigations to ascertain the cause of the collapse.

BIAFRA: OKOROCHA CALLS FOR RELEASE OF NNAMDI KANU
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/biafra-okorocha-calls-for-release-of.html

The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has called on the Federal Government to consider the release of the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The governor attributed Nnamdi Kanu’s actions to youthful exuberance, and believes that his continued detention is a distraction.
He added that some south east leaders are already coming together to make a case for his release and would caution his actions afterwards.
The governor gave this explanation in Owerri at the sideline of an event at the Government House in Imo state.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 25, 2017 for ruling on bail application filed by the self acclaimed leader and three others.
The court also reserved April 6, to hear the application seeking for a variation on its earlier ruling on protection of witnesses, in the matter through the use of screen or mask .

ONE KILLED, 14 WOUNDED IN OHIO NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/one-killed-14-wounded-in-ohio-nightclub.html

One person was killed and 14 others wounded early Sunday in a shooting involving at least two attackers at a packed nightclub in Cincinnati, Ohio, police reported.
“We are in the middle of a very horrific situation that occurred at the nightclub with multiple victims,” assistant police chief Paul Neudigate said, WLWT5 News reported.
He said hundreds of people were in the Cameo nightclub when the shooting broke out, causing many to flee the scene.
The Cincinnati Police Department said there were “15 gunshot victims, one deceased” and that its “homicide unit and all available resources are being utilized.”
It was not immediately clear where the shooter was but no one has been taken into custody, Sergeant Eric Franz told ABC News, describing the aftermath as a “large and complicated homicide scene.”
He said police were interviewing multiple witnesses to the shooting, which broke out at around 1 am (0500 GMT).
Captain Kimberly Williams told CNN there were at least two shooters.
“We are sure there was more than one, but we’re not sure if there was more than two at this point,” she said.
“It was a young crowd and we have had incidents in the past, but this is the worst by far.
By the time … the shots were fired, individuals ran outside, so there was not a lot of people inside the club. I believe there was a large crowd earlier this evening, but just a lot of chaos when the shots went off,” she said.

UNIILORIN PARTNERS US COMPANY TO BUILD $1.5BN SOLAR ENERGY PLANT – VC
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/uniilorin-partners-us-company-to-build.html

The University of Ilorin is partnering with a U.S company to build a 500 megawatts solar energy plant as part of efforts to tackle the challenge of power supply in Nigeria.
AbdulGaniyu Ambali, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, disclosed this while speaking at the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, forum in Abuja on Sunday.
“The 500 megawatts is too much for the university alone to utilise; in fact, we in the university require just a maximum of four megawatts.
“Which means the extra 496 megawatts would have to be given to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, either the immediate community or nationwide. I think that is what is being processed.
“We have had talks with various stakeholders who are going to be party to the consumption and payment of the 496 megawatts because the project is going to cost about 1.5 billion dollars.
“It is a heavy investment. Which means the company that is going to bring the 1.5 billion dollars, has to be convinced that it will recoup its investment.
“They (company) have made tremendous progress, they have talked to the government, they are talking with agencies of government and by the time they harmonise all these products of their discussion, I am sure they will take off and the government and Nigeria will now be the overall beneficiary of all those efforts.’’
Brain Travis, Managing Director of the American company, said the selection of Uni-Ilorin as its partner was because the university had many reliable innovative projects.
Mr. Travis, who described the project as the largest solar plant in Africa, said it would help empower the locals in terms of employment and training.
“Most of us probably know there are difficulties with the whole power system in Nigeria. We will all like to have stable power.
“We also are going to not sell into the national grid but try to solve the problem by entering into direct contract with Discos; because of the location of Ilorin, we have direct access to six district discos up and down the coast.
“Each of those discos is determining how much of the power they want; they determine when they need the power, how they need it and how they are going to sell it.
“So we will be effectively dealing with the people who need the power. So that we do not have the supply chain issues that exists now and that is the reason we are doing the solar project here. It has got good solar radiation.
“We have an excellent host; you heard about the innovative projects of the Vice-Chancellor and it’s that spirit that allows us to come in and negotiate for a significant piece of property.
“Also there is an obligation I understand from the university to help the local community. So we are going to be hiring local people as contractors as well as training local people in solar and renewable.”
He said the project would be completed in 18 months.

APPEAL COURT NULLIFIES IMPEACHMENT OF EX-ONDO DEPUTY GOV
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/appeal-court-nullifies-impeachment-of.html

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has nullified the impeachment of a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ali Olanusi.
The court held that Honourable Olanusi’s impeachment in 2015 by the Ondo State House of Assembly was not done in accordance with the provisions of the law.
In his ruling, Justice Muhammed Danjuma, said Olanusi was wrongfully impeached, and that he was not accorded fair hearing before he was impeached by the State Assembly.
Justice Danjuma ordered the restoration of all the rights and benefits due to the former Deputy Governor from the time of his impeachment from office to the period his tenure ended.
Speaking to reporters on the ruling, Olanusi’s Counsel, Richard Alade, said the releases sought by his client from the lower court have been granted by the Appellate Court.
He commended the industry and effort put into the judgement which he said resulted in a sound idea.
Mr Alade described the judgment as a fantastic one and a victory for the Nigerian people and the constitutional system of the country.
“The Appellate Court has given judgment and the judgment is sound enough and it’s touching on all aspects of law that bother on constitutionality and means to uphold the tenets of justice and legality. This is what has been in place as the justice system must not be brutalised by the powers that be.
“By the grace of God, all the releases being sought by the appellant from the lower court have been granted. Anybody that has the reason to listen to that judgment will be appreciative of the industry and efforts put into it for it to become a sound idea. I will best refer to it as fantastic and a victory for the Nigerian people and the constitutional system of Nigeria,” he said.
The former Deputy Governor, on his part, thanked God and the judiciary, as well as the people of Ondo State who stood by him during the legal battle.
He noted that despite all the charges brought against him, there was no impeachable offence traceable to him.
“We have cause to thank God and we have to thank the judiciary too, judiciary is improving in Nigeria. In a civilised country, such a thing can never happen. They did not see any file where I committed an impeachable offence.
“At last, the truth has prevailed and I’m happy. I have to thank God, the judiciary and the people of Ondo State, they stood by me,” Olanusi said.
He defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress shortly before the 2015 general elections.
Consequently, Mr Olanusi was impeached as deputy to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko by the Ondo State House of Assembly on allegations of corruption and abuse of office

DELE ALLI BANNED FOR THREE EUROPEAN MATCHES FOR HORROR TACKLE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/dele-alli-banned-for-three-european.html

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been suspended for three European club matches for his sending off against Gent last month, UEFA announced on Friday.
Alli, 20, received a straight red card for his horror tackle on Gent’s Brecht Dejaegere during the Premier League club’s shock Europa League exit.
Alli speared his right foot high into Dejaegere’s shin. The Belgian midfielder was able to continue initially but had to be substituted, limping off with a bloodied shin.
Alli will miss the first three games of next season’s Champions League if Spurs qualify for the tournament again.
Gent earned a 2-2 draw and 3-2 win on aggregate in the last 32 tie.

POLICE RESCUE WOMAN IN FRESH SUICIDE ATTEMPT IN LAGOS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/police-rescue-woman-in-fresh-suicide.html

The Lagos State Police Command on Friday rescued a woman identified as Taiwo Titilayo Momoh who attempted to jump into the Lagoon from Third Mainland Bridge. The suicide attempt is coming few days after a medical doctor, Allwell Orji jumped into the Lagoon from Third Mainland Bridge as his remains was retrieved from the water on Wednesday. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni who disclosed this to journalists at the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, headquarters, Lagos Government Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos on Friday said Momoh was in a taxi heading towards Oworonshoki on Third Mainland Bridge when she told the taxi driver to stop on the bridge. According to Owoseni, the woman was about to jump into the water when a police patrol team on a routine patrol on the Third Mainland Bridge sighted her and rushed to save her before she jumped into the Lagoon. “She attempted suicide by attempting to jump into the Lagoon around Oworonshoki inward Mainland on Third Mainland Bridge. Unfortunately for her, she was rescued. The woman was in a taxi and alighted on the bridge and wanted to commit suicide by jumping into the Lagoon.

“The police patrol team sighted her and rushed to rescue her before she jumped into the Lagoon,” he said. The commissioner said from his interaction with the woman, she had depression as a result of unpaid loans, adding that “she is still insisting that she wants to end her life.” Owoseni noted that committing suicide was an offence under the law but that the police would try to talk the woman out of committing suicide. He said the woman would be taken through post-trauma programme to ensure that she had hope and not commit suicide, adding that the police would do a medical evaluation on her to ascertain her condition. The Lagos police boss lamented the rate at which people commit suicide in the country, describing it as worrisome, adding that the police had begun patrol of bridges across the state to forestall other cases of suicide. He added that it was now an offence for individuals to walk on bridges in the state and that no vehicle would be allowed to stop on any bridge in the state henceforth in order to prevent suicide incidences.

“Right now, the woman is still in trauma and she still insists that she wants to end her life,” he said.

GOVT. COMMENCES 12 YEARS ABANDONED COLLAGE HOSPITAL’S REHABILITATION IN DELTA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/govt-commences-12-years-abandoned.html

The Delta State government has commenced twelve years abandoned Collage Hospital’s rehabilitation in Okeren Koko, Gbaramatus kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of the State.
Dr. Nicholas Azinge, the State Commissioner for Health who confirmed this to journalists yesterday in Asaba, disclosed that the hospital was built by the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) but was put in use, thereby making rot of the facilities. Saying that on inspection last Tuesday, the collage hospital was only being run by Tompolo Foundation in Okerenkoko, adding: “we were in Okerenkoko to see things on ground and we found out the collage hospital abandoned for 12 years ago, was only being run by Tompolo Foundation, and we as a government have commenced rehabilitation immediately”.
The Commissioner explained that the hospital, a decently built collage hospital was a decent operation theatre, laboratory, waiting room and 15 capacity bed space, adding: “we are impressed with what we saw on ground, the hospital has its own generating plant, and government will only spend less”.

According to Dr. Azinge, “In his quest to make his prosperity for all agenda possible, we ensure the hospital serves not only the neighbouring communities, but also people from Edo, Bayelsa and Ondo States” disclosing that a taskforce that would put specific things in place, had been set up to ensure everything about the hospital is completed in the shortest possible periods

THE STAGE IS SET FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SECOND OJOTA PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/the-stage-is-set-for-official-opening.html

The stage is set for the official opening of the second Ojota pedestrian bridge.

See Photos

MEET JIM OVIA, HE IS THE FOUNDER OF ZENITH BANK
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/meet-jim-ovia-he-is-founder-of-zenith.html

JIM OVIA IS A NIGERIAN BUSINESSMAN WHO FOUNDED ZENITH BANK IN 1990. AFTER GAINING DEGREES AT BOTH SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE, HE ATTENDED HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL. HE SERVED AS CEO UNTIL 2010, WHEN HE TRANSFERRED INTO THE CHAIRMAN ROLE. HE HAS BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF A NIGERIAN NATIONAL HONOR.

JIM OVIA IS THE FOUNDER OF ZENITH BANK PLC WHERE HE RETIRED AS PIONEER GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR / CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AFTER TWO DECADES OF MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP WHICH POSITIONED THE BANK AS ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST PROFITABLE BANKS IN AFRICA.HE IS THE CHAIRMAN AND LARGEST INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDER WITH A STAKE OF SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 9% STAKE. HE ALSO OWNS PRIME REAL ESTATE ACROSS NIGERIA, AND MOBILE TELECOM OPERATOR VISAFONE, WHICH HAS 3 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS.

2019: NO INTIMIDATION CAN STOP ATIKU’S PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION – YOUTH GROUP
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/2019-no-intimidation-can-stop-atikus.html


Ahead of the 2019 general elections youths under the auspices of Concerned Nigerian Youth Development Organisation (CYNDO), at the weekend declared that no intimidation can stop the presidential ambition of former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar.
This was stated by the National Coordinator, CNYDO, Comrade Joel Edegba, while appraising the gradual build up towards the 2019 general elections following early release of election time table by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Edegba who has been in the vanguard of youth development and campaign to actively participate in political activities for over 10 years said the former number two man of Nigeria (Atiku) has the constitutional right to contest any election in Nigeria based on his pedigree and track record.
He said: “We in Concerned Nigerian Youth Development Organisation, CNYDO, commends the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the first time to promptly release an election time table ahead of 2019. It is an indication that the electoral body is very prepared and ready to conduct elections. We commend their move and early preparation.
“We have it on record that some top political figures are beating their chest that Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will be stopped from realising his presidential ambition come 2019.
“We think is an intimidation to Atiku by them and have made themselves demi-gods in Nigerian politics. We declare that no height nor breadth of intimidation can stop Atiku, and we the youths will see who will stop him come 2019.
“Former Vice President like every Nigerian has the constitutional right to contest in 2019 on any political platform which he desires. So we the youth in this country discard that intimidation because it is a storm in a tea cup.”
He (Edegba) also called on Nigerian youths to discard such intimidations and give their support to credible candidates before, during and after the 2019 general elections.
“It is important to state that people like Atiku should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights to seek political positions through election because he is a Nigerian who has made positive impact in the democratic development of Nigeria since 1999 and now. I urge Nigerian youth to discard such intimidations and support credible candidates”, he stated.

I WILL NOT REST UNTIL I ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES THAT AFFECT OUR PEOPLE- BUHARI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/i-will-not-rest-until-i-address-those.html

President Buhari share this on twitter to show Nigerians that he his working so hard to get Nigeria out of the economic recession. He pledge on twitter saying : i will not rest until i address those issues that affect our people. One of these basic things is the issue of salaries. It is most important that workers are able to feed their families, and pay rent and school fees.

See Photo

BURNA BOY TO STORM USA FOR HIS FIRST EVER AMERICAN TOUR
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/burna-boy-to-storm-usa-for-his-first.html

Popular Nigerian Reggae and Pop Star Burna Boy express his joy on Instagram for his first ever tour in the United State of America

See Photo

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SEYI TINUBU AND HIS WIFE, LAYAL ARE EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/seyi-tinubu-and-his-wife-layal-are.html

Seyi, one of the sons of APC Chieftain Bola Tinubu, and his beautiful wife, Layal are expecting their first child, a baby girl. They got engaged in Ghana in November 2015 and had their court wedding + engagement party in Lagos in August 2016. They also had a destination white wedding in Lake Como, Italy. Congrats to the expecting couple!

YELLOW BUSES HAVE NO PLACE IN THE LAGOS WE DREAM OF - GOV. AMBODE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/yellow-buses-have-no-place-in-lagos-we.html

Governor Akinwunmi ambode share on twitter saying this:

We have decided that the Yellow buses have no place in the Lagos we dream of.We'll bring in new buses befitting of a true cosmopolitan City.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is currently working hard to turn Lagos to a Mega City and he is still holding on to his word on the ban on the Yellow Bus popularly called (Danfo) .

REPS CAUTION MILITARY AGAINST DESTROYING ILLEGAL REFINERIES
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/reps-caution-military-against.html

The House of Representatives has urged the military to desist from destroying illegal refineries in the country and adopt a global and a more standard system of dealing with it.
The lawmakers made the call on Wednesday after adopting a motion by Chidi Wihioka (Rivers-APC) on the need to address the menace of hazardous soot causing panic in Port Harcourt.
In the motion, Mr. Wihioka said that burning of the illegal refineries was partly responsible for the soot challenge.
Mr. Wihioka said soot could cause a wide array of health challenges to humans.
In his contribution, Deputy Speaker of the House, Yussuf Lasun, said that burning illegal refineries was not a solution to the problems in the coastal areas.
Mr. Lasun said that no Nigerian had complained that the petrol, kerosene, diesel and other products from the illegal refineries were inferior to the imported products.
He said it was high time the government sat with the operators of the illegal refineries to develop modalities for standardising them.
According to him, if the technology is developed, local companies could independently take over the oil sector without depending on foreigners.
Mr. Lasun said that a country could develop either through agriculture, technology transfer “or development of local technology’’.
After the debate and adoption of the motion, the legislators urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Health to constitute an emergency team of experts to identify the source of the soot and propose remedy.
They asked the ministries to create awareness on the effect of the soot, adding that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should offer first aid measures to the people.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, mandated the Committees on Environment and Habitat and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.

LAGOS NEEDS N60BN TO REVAMP PUBLIC SCHOOLS – GOV. AMBODE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/lagos-needs-n60bn-to-revamp-public.html

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that his administration would require about N60billion to give public schools in the State a befitting facelift as well as set up new schools especially in the riverine areas.
The Governor, who said this during an interview with journalists, said though his administration has spent about N10billion in the last 22 months to boost the quality of education in the State, there was still a lot to be done in the sector.
He said the State Government had carried out a study last year on the interventions needed in public schools and the construction of new ones, assuring that the funds set aside in the 2017 budget for education would be judiciously put to good use.
“The result showed that we need about N60billion to put our schools together. But we have started the massive rehabilitation of our schools last year and you can go round to confirm. We expended about N10billion trying to put the worst set of schools back in place.
“This year, a major intervention is also going to take place from our budget to see that at least let the existing schools even compete favourably with the private sector schools. That is the whole idea. I went to a public school and I must give back. Then, some of our riverine areas don’t really have schools. If you go to Ilaje and other places, there are no schools there and you see people taking canoes to go to school. So, that intervention is what we are also doing this year to see that there is continuous capital expenditure in public schools,” Governor Ambode said.
He said over 2300 qualified teachers have also being employed and posted across the various primary and secondary schools in the State to improve the performance of students, which according to him is already yielding results.
Explaining the delay in the take off for the A-Meal-A-Day programme, the Governor said his administration was working towards a sustainable plan for the programme to cater for the eventual take off.
He said that since the programme was a combination of resources from the Federal Government in partnership with State Governments, it was pertinent that the necessary funds to be provided to prevent hiccups after the take off.
“Yes, it was in our manifesto but again in practical terms, we are still on it. The number of students in Lagos and the budgetary provision also do not really match for us to start. I don’t like a situation whereby we come out for two to three months and then stop.
“I will like to sustain it when we start and don’t forget also that the project is a combination of resources from the Federal in partnership with State Governments. So, obviously in terms of provisions and resources, we in Lagos think we should have a long drawn sustainable plan and that is why we have not started it. What I can assure the people is that we are working on it,” Governor Ambode said.

ABSENCE OF EFCC WITNESS STALLS FANI-KAYODE’S TRIAL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/absence-of-efcc-witness-stalls-fani.html

The failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to produce its first witness on Tuesday stalled the trial of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, before a Federal High Court, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode is currently standing trial on a five-count of alleged money laundering.
He was accused of collecting N26m from the office of the former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, and using same for media campaigns.
It would be recalled that at the last sitting on February 6, Fani-Kayode’s counsel, Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), sought for an adjournment to enable him go through the files as he was new in the case.
He said, “My lord, I am just coming into the case, I will need time to go through the file, so I will like to crave the indulgence of the court to enable me familiarise myself with the case.”
However, at the resumed hearing, counsel to EFCC, Johnson Ojogbane, informed the court that the witness to testify today was unavoidably absent.
Ojogbane said: “I was informed that the witness was around, but I do not know why he was absent in court.
“This is the first time we are asking for an adjournment, and I am pleading with the court to grant our request,’’ he said.
The application for the adjournment was not opposed by the defence counsel.
Justice John Tsoho adjourned the case till April 25 for the commencement of trial.

86 GROUPS SEEK REGISTRATION AS POLITICAL PARTIES – INEC
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/86-groups-seek-registration-as.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the number of political associations seeking registration as political parties ahead of the 2019 general elections is currently 86.
The chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, made this known during the commission’s quarterly meeting with leaders of political parties at INEC headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Mr. Yakubu described political parties as important vehicles in the management of the country’s democracy.
“The number of applications for registration of new associations as political parties now stands at 86,” he said.
He congratulated the 10 political parties recently re-registered after being deregistered following their performances during the 2015 general elections.
The political parties, according to him, are Better Nigeria Peoples Parties (BNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Peoples Progressives Party (PPP), Democratic Alternative (DA), National Action Council (NAC) and National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP).
Others are Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN), National Conscience Party (NCP), Nigeria Element Progressives Party (NEPP) and the National Unity Party (NUP).
“The names of these political parties have already been uploaded on our website.
“But, I will like to appeal to those of them, out of the ten that are yet to open their offices, to do so and immediately notify the commission,” Mr. Yakubu said.
He also congratulated the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on the successful conduct of its election, which he said was useful for the development of the country’s electoral system.
“I wish to assure you that INEC will continue to partner IPAC.”
The chairman said that agenda of the quarterly meeting included INEC’s proposed strategic plan for 2017-2021, court judgement on the roles of political parties, violence in the conduct of parties’ primaries and elections generally.
He also said that internal democracy of political parties, parties’ campaign finances, nationwide continuous voter registration, outstanding Anambra Central senatorial re-run election and presentation on INEC innovations.
In his remarks, IPAC Chairman, Mohammed Nalado, urged INEC to seek alternatives to deregistration of political parties.
He also expressed displeasure with INEC for not properly consulting political parties before fixing date s for 2019 general elections .
Mr. Nalado admitted that INEC chairman notified IPAC of the decision, but said that the council did not know whether the information was official or not until it was in the newspapers.
“We had meeting with INEC chairman, unfortunately we did not understand him whether he was telling us officially or he was just giving us information on how our elections should be done.
“I hope this issue will be discussed thoroughly here,” Mr. Nalado said.
He affirmed IPAC’s commitment to work with INEC in deepening the country’s democracy.
Mr. Nalado also urged the commission’s new National Commissioners to make their inputs to the development of the electoral system.
The National Chairman of United Democratic Party (UDP), Mr Godson Okoye, in an interview with newsmen, said it was disrespect for INEC to fixed date for elections without consulting political parties.
“We are surprised that dates were fixed for elections that will take place in two years’ time.
“I think if that is the official position of INEC, the position of UDP is that it marks some disrespect for political parties from INEC,’’ he said.

CONTROVERSIAL JOURNALIST KEMI OLUNLOYO ARRESTED BY THE POLICE
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/controversial-journalist-kemi-olunloyo.html
The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested journalist and social critic, Kemi Olunloyo in Ibadan, Oyo state.


The Social media personality and daughter of a former governor of Oyo State, Kemi Olunloyo, took to her Twitter handle this morning alleging that she has been arrested by the police.

She revealed that officers stormed her home and whisked her away to the Oyo state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office in Ibadan, but added that the offence she was said to have committed was not criminal.

ETISALAT GROUP TO SELL STAKE IN ETISALAT NIGERIA OVER DEBT FIASCO
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/etisalat-group-to-sell-stake-in.html
Abu Dhabi telecoms group Etisalat may sell its stake in Etisalat Nigeria, which has defaulted on a $1.2 billion loan, but wants the company’s debt restructured before it does so, it was gathered yesterday.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Friday agreed with local banks to pursue a default deal rather than a receivership for Etisalat Nigeria so as not to deter investors and to avoid a wider debt crisis.
Etisalat is due to meet with creditors in the country today or tomorow to discuss the default, two sources told Reuters yesterday.
It was not clear whether Etisalat, which has a 45 per cent holding in Etisalat Nigeria after converting a loan to equity in February, would divest completely.
Senior Vice President of Etisalat, Ahmed Bin Ali, declined to comment, while Etisalat Nigeria could not be reached as at press time.
“It is at an early stage,” one source said of the sale.
Last week a banking source the telco had given notice to its lenders that it would miss a payment in February but the two sides are yet to agree terms.
Etisalat signed a $1.2 billion medium-term facility with 13 local lenders in 2013, which it used to refinance an existing $650 million loan and modernise its network.
But an economic downturn, a currency devaluation and dollar shortages on Nigeria’s interbank market led to it missing payment, Ibrahim Dikko, vice president for regulatory affairs at Etisalat Nigeria, said.

omo see scam beef

AUDU MAIKORI FINALLY RELEASED ON BAIL AS COURT ADJOURNS CASE...SEE DETAILS

source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/audu-maikori-finally-released-on-bail.html

Chocolate City boss, Audu Maikori, who allegedly spent the night in the same cell with killer herdsmen, has been granted bail after he was arraigned before a Court on Monday.

The Chief Executive Officer, Chocolate City Records, Audu Maikori, who was re-arrested in Abuja last week and was held at the Gabasawa Police Station in Kaduna State, has been granted bail after he was arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrate’s Court along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, his lawyer said Monday.

According to Premium Times, Audu's lawyer and associate, John Danfulani, said his client received the bail on “very liberal terms” on Monday afternoon.

It was gathered that the record label executive was taken to court by police officers and the Director of Public Prosecution in Kaduna State, Dari Bayero.

Audu Maikori was facing allegations of incitement to violence initiated by the Kaduna State Government over inaccurate tweets he posted in which he alleged assassination of some college students in Southern Kaduna.

Danfulani said his client was granted bail after being charged for the first time on Monday, under the controversial Cybercrime Act.

The government “charged him under Section 24 of Cybercrime Act. He will appear before the Chief Magistrate,” Danfulani told Premium Times by telephone on Monday afternoon.

The court adjourned further hearing on the matter until May 24.

ON RECESSION, HUMILITY AND THE CULTURE OF BEGGING BY FESTUS OGUN - EYESOFLAGOS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/on-recession-humility-and-culture-of.html

AS THE ECONOMIC RECESSION CONTINUES TO BITE HARDER, THERE HAS BEEN SERIES OF SOCIO-CULTURAL LESSONS THAT HAVE TRAVELLED ALONG WITH IT. WITHOUT ANY FORM OF DOUBT, APART FROM STRIKING THE NATION WITH PERPETUAL HARDSHIP, THIS RECESSION HAS PARTLY SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING BACK OUR LOST VALUES. THESE VALUES, WHICH HAD BEEN LOST FOR LONG, ARE DEFINITELY NEEDED FOR THE GROWTH AND UPKEEP OF THE ‘NIGERIA OF OUR DREAM’.


One of those values that got evaporated from the face of Nigeria is the fine virtue of humility. When Nigeria was still Nigeria, citizens of the state were set of humble individuals. And since being humble has been described as the father of all virtues, Nigeria of those days progressed in all ramifications – at least, to a very reasonable extent.

Those days, leaders were so humble to their citizens that the business of governance was quite fair – compared to what we have today. Citizens were also very humble and things were quite good. Sadly, what obtains in this present day is a sheer patronage of “constituted authority” and “constituted citizenship”. Prima facie, our values are vanished.

But, at times, in life we will be forced to do what we would not have actually done. The condition we find ourselves often times serves as a determinant factor of who we are and the kind of character we wear upon ourselves. You see, poverty and hunger can bring back so many sane elements of a society. The psyches of many have been restored to ‘factory setting’ as this recession continues to get harder.

Consequently, those lost values have been equally partly restored by the recession that has overthrown this present government. The period of lavish spending is part of history already. Lavish spending is now on exile and many of us are now prudent. Do you spend foolishly that which isn’t enough?

Look, pride ‘was’ one of the symptom of a healthy Nigerian. And this is caused by the answer to the question: what pride has he a poor man? In our cultural history, poor people are not usually proud and arrogant. They are usually stubborn. See, during those times when there was money everywhere, everyone was boss in their different lanes. Hence, ‘everyone’ was proud.

Now that there is recession, everywhere is calm and many are trying to cope with the hardship. There is no more laulau. People are now being forced to be humble. But, at this critical stage, this humility we talk about may be insufficient. Your humility, at times, may not allow you get what you want. So, you need to deploy the father of humility which is BEGGING.

Look at me very well, when your humility won’t allow you get the needful from the other party, you cannot just but pick up your pride, get kerosene, burn it to ashes and swallow it with pap. After consuming your pride, you must just apply the art of ‘begging’ so as to fasten the effect of your humility. It is noteworthy that many beg not because they feel like, but simply because you cannot just but do it; if not you may not get what you want.

Take for instance: you are left with only #50 and you want to urgently see a friend in his home that you know for long to cost you #100. While you stop the bikeman, you need to be humble at first( though that’s not the style, most Nigerians don’t respect okada riders). Then, if you don’t want to trek to your destination, you must just beg the man. Who says he’ll hear your pleadings in the first place? So, maybe after three okadamen have left you, you’ll meet a passionate one. I know you don’t like humility, but, you will be forced to be humble since recession is affecting your slim pocket.

In the market, saying “mummy, e please ma”, “mummy alata, e jowo, e bami fisi ma”, “daddy, e jowo e ta fun mi ni #250 sir” are now the popular slangs. At times, the other party will ask you not to beg HER, inquiring if you’re not a Nigerian. Do you know what that mean?

Can you see the government you all voted for?