₦airaland Forum

The federal government on Thursday was urged by the Green Chambers to increase tax on tobacco as a means of curbing smoking.
This followed a motion moved by Sergius Ogun representing (Edo-Apc), who expressed concern on the health implication of smoking which he said accounted for over seven million deaths globally.
He further explained that he move was in view of public health and a means of assisting government generate revenue. He also encouraged the ban on tobacco advertorials. The house in response has mandated its committee on Healthcare to ensure implementation and provide feedback within the next six weeks.

http://economicplatform.ng/prices-cigarette-increase-house-representatives-urge-increase-taxation-tobacco/

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Lagos state government has announced it second phase of rehabilitation of inner roads in Epe.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Abiola Anifowose said the move was to curtail traffic pile up caused by increasing population toward better welfare of citizens.
He was quoted as saying “the project when completed will improve road connectivity and accommodate the expected increased traffic volume arising from industrial and commercial growth. The Epe area will soon become a major transport hub within Lagos State as well as the adjoining states”.
He further stated that owners of buildings marked for demolition will be duly compensated.


http://economicplatform.ng/lagos-state-government-begins-rehabilitation-epe-roads/

The General Assembly of the NFF in Jos on Thursday approved a total budget of N6.4billion naira to finance various football activities the country will be partaking in for next year. The Federations total budget for year 2018 is pegged at N6.4 billion naira while revenues from sponsorship deals is summed as been above N3 billion.
It will be recalled that Nigeria recently qualified for Russia 2018 World cup where they are to earn $12million from FIFA as participation fee. However in response to recent successes from the nation’s football team, the general assembly passed a vote of confidence on the present administration led by Mr. Amaju Pinnick.

http://economicplatform.ng/russia-2018-nigeria-spend-n6-4-billion-nff/

StarTimes Nigeria has on Thursday launched Pay Per Day option for their television subscribers across Nigeria. Also included in the proposed package is pay per week and per month option
The Chinese Multinational media hub is yet to release an official statement on the development but have however intimated Nigerians on their official twitter page which is quoted as saying” Nigeria: what if we told you that you can now pay per day, per week & per month? #StarTimesPaybyday.

http://economicplatform.ng/startimes-launches-payperday-plan-subscribers/

The current anti- corruption war by the APC administration suffered another setback today as court proceedings against the former FCT minister, Bala Mohammed was stalled due to his ill health. It was however gathered that his lead counsel was also absent as he was bereaved and sent a letter for adjournment.
The former minister is facing a six count charge of financial mismanagement of over 800 million and false asset declaration. The Efcc through its prosecutor, Prince Ben Ikanni however expressed his disappointment at the manner of the approach of court proceeding from the accused and later conceded to the adjourned date for hearing .
However medical report is to be produce by the minister who is to appear in court on Dec. 4 for the next hearing.


http://economicplatform.ng/anti-corruption-war-suffers-setback-minister-declared-sick/

Nigeria’s Sport minister Solomon Dalung has appealed to the National Assembly to do all within its power to ensure sufficient fund for sport in the 2018 budget.
Dalung said Nigeria’s sport sector needed sufficient fund in other for them to have a fruitful outing at the Common wealth games, the world cup and FIBA world cup scheduled to hold next year.
He however credited the super eagles world cup qualification to the support received from President Buhari and further stressed that, “in fact, let’s not be deceived. There was no budgetary allocation for the World cup in the 2017 budget”.
He urged the house committee on sport to key into the vision of the ministry and cited that Nigeria was a contended and not a participant in the highlighted competition, hence the need for proper preparation.

http://economicplatform.ng/russia-2o18-sport-minister-demands-proper-funding/

Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and 16 foreign partners are set to launch a scheme that will create 5.9 million new jobs. The scheme Comprehensive Agricultural Plans for Local Government Areas will officially kick start its activity with a seminar scheduled to hold on October 26 and 27.
Statement credited to the ALGON representatives explained that the initiated scheme was in view of Nigeria’s presence as a global stakeholder in agriculture as about 30 percent of Nigerias gross domestic product (Gdp) is provided by the agricultural sector. They further opined that, meeting Nigerias vision 2020 involves collaborative effort from private and public sector.
Some international partners of the scheme include International Rice Research Institute (Philippines): Ananya Seeds Ltd, Top Greenhouses Limited and International Tractors Limited.
The platform was however initiated for grass root development of Agriculture and is set to provide over 7000 jobs across all local government of the federation.

http://economicplatform.ng/algon-16-foreign-firms-create-5-9-million-new-jobs/

wow. they thought this was Fortaleza. where some guys robbed their central bank 12 years ago. The good guys need to get lucky once ,as for the bad guys ,they want it Everytime.

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President Muhammadu Buhari in company of the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) are scheduled to travel to turkey on bilateral talks with Turkish authorities, it was learnt yesterday.

The meeting is aimed at finalizing agreement on effective restriction on the importation of weapons from the country. It will be recalled that the custom service recently impounded over 2000 pump action riffles illegally imported from the country.
Dangaladima (Deputy Comptroller-General) while addressing journalist yesterday, praised proactive measure taken by the custom service and also gave a hint on the arrest of suspects involved in the illegal importation. He futher explained their recent raid of a car stand along Kubwa Expressway, where 27 Toyota Hilux pick- up vehicles suspected to be smuggled where seized.

Dangaladima urged the owners to come forward with their valid clearance papers and urged the public to follow laid down rules of the Custom service as the agency is all out to enforce its mandate in view section 3 of the Custom and Excise Act that contravenes smuggled items.

http://economicplatform.ng/buhari-others-head-turkey-arms-smuggling/

World Farmer centre a platform for agricultural based advocacy, training and exhibition for famers have officially been launched in Lagos. Statement issued from the centre explains that, continuous free training courses will be offered to intimate investors on modern farming techniques in line with global best practices as it will go a long way in promoting self sufficiency in food production.

The platform also plans periodic lecture series, where speakers and investors from the sector will address issues on farm productivity and profitability.

The centre however applauded the current administration’s effort in providing easier loans and grant to farmers and opined that, agriculture is a sector with prospect hence the need for wider knowledge base for maximum productivity.


http://economicplatform.ng/world-farmer-centre-launches-lagos/

The price of local rice has significantly dropped in some major markets in Jalingo, Taraba.

A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday at Gadar Bobboji, Kasuwan Bera and Mile Six Markets, shows that the price has significantly decreased.

NAN reports that a measure of local rice selling between N650 and N750, two to three weeks ago, is now sold between N480 and N550.

Similarly, a bag of local rice sold between N28, 000 and N30, 000 two to three weeks ago is now selling at between N23, 000 and N24, 000.

When contacted for comment, the leader of rice sellers at Gadar Bobboji Market, Alhaji Nura Mohammed, attributed the price decrease to the availability of the commodity in the market.

He said that the bumper harvest recorded by farmers in the state had contributed to the increase in supply.

Mohammed predicted that the price could drop further ahead of the Yuletides if the current supply of rice to the market was sustained.

NAN, however, discovered that the price of foreign rice has slightly increased in the markets.

A measure of foreign rice which costs N950 two weeks ago is now selling at N1, 000, while a 50kg bag of foreign rice has gone up from N18, 500 to N19, 000.
The price of local rice has significantly dropped in some major markets in Jalingo, Taraba. A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday at Gadar Bobboji, Kasuwan Bera and Mile Six Markets, shows that the price has significantly decreased. NAN reports that a measure of local rice selling between N650 and N750, … Continue reading :

http://economicplatform.ng/price-local-rice-drops/

Abiodun (Abby) Koya (Born 22 December 1980) is a Nigerian born Classical /Opera Singer, Songwriter, Poet, Actress, Screenwriter and Philanthropist based in the United States.

She is one of the very few professionally trained opera singers of an African origin. She is called the Presidents’ and Kings’ singer. Abiodun Koya has performed at the White House, Presidential inauguration and at the Democratic National Convention to name a few. Born in Nigeria’s Ogun State, encouraged by her father who introduced classical music to her at the tender age of three, Koya became interested in music when she turned six, playing the violin and singing classical music at church. She left Nigeria in 2001 for the United States where she studied Business Management at University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. She went on to study Music for her Master’s Degree at Catholic University, Washington. D.C. Koya loves to indulge in the music of her two favorite instruments: the pipe organ and the trumpet.

While singing for some of the world’s most influential leaders of today, she has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful voices. Today, she has established herself as an all-round artiste with passion, purpose and an illustrious voice that is powerful and inspiring. As much as she has sung around the world for numerous world leaders including Presidents, Royal Kings & Queens, Ambassadors and Members of Congress, she loves caring for orphans, widows and the less privileged. She visits the shelters and orphanages to sing for those who wouldn’t have otherwise had the luxury or privilege of hearing classical music at the Opera or at the King’s court.

To continue reading visit:
http://economicplatform.ng/nigerians-underdeveloped-nigeria/

Nigeria’s 57 th independence ceremony reminds us of our colonial past and our eventual victory in our fight for self governance. But a slow motion cascade of the Nigerian fabrics throws us back to the stark ethos of the Stone Age society, one mired in all forms of brutish behavioral projection which are still self evident.
It was first the Portuguese blazing the trail in slave trade with the first raid dating back to 1444 and as African native rulers sold their conscience for objects like mirrors, guns etc, the continent was mired in under population. And to enjoy their much promised benefits from the Europeans, the continent became a theatre of warfare enveloped in the Darwinist idea of “the survival of the fittest”. Over 12.5 million People across west and central Africa were lost to the slave trade episode. Notable names like Ajayi Crowther, Olaudah are innocent victims involved in such ineptitude and thus first form of shaving a man’s hair in his absence became visible.
Post independence experience has not been far from the aforementioned narrative, as self acclaimed custodians of power subverted the instrument of power through the military in usurping power oneself evident in the January 1966 coup that crumbled the existing political format created by the Brits, however without the consent of Nigerians. The outcome cannot be worse than the Biafra crisis that renewed ethnic rivalries and patrimonial politics that still pervades the political landscape. General Babangida’s defied the odds of Nigerians by annulling the 1992 election which on all fronts Abiola won. To save his face, a caretaker government headed by Ernest Shonekan did little in banishing his erroneous action. Similar scenarios are still self evident in our 4th republic with election manipulation becoming norms.
So the question I raise today is in view of financial mismanagement prevalent in our dispensation. Do our votes really count during elections? Are the funds stashed in foreign banks in our interest and with our consent? Abacha’s financial manipulation, 1.9 billion naira Ebola funds and other cases of financial misappropriation cannot be said to be in the interest of we Nigerians. Senators and political representatives wine and dine in financial prosperity of funds for constituency projects while electorates wane in poverty lacking access to facilities that can better their lots.

To continue reading check

http://economicplatform.ng/politics-act-shaving-mans-hair-absence/

Stanbic Ibtc Bank plc has unveiled a customer value based scheme aimed at meeting the financial needs of middle income earners .The idea offers a comprehensive platform for financial products and services.
It however offers organizational heads a platform to reward clients with high financial solution to meet their desire needs and also avails customers the vast range of financial solution like the Max Yield account, life style perks, offshore and onshore banking plan, lending and legacy services and the wealth, investment and advisory services .
The bank through their Chief executive officer Demola Sogunle opined that the silver plan is in line with their bank mission geared at providing world class financial solution to meet customer needs across all societal strata. He also added that the plan offers a hub to continually build long and lasting relationship with their customers.

http://economicplatform.ng/stanbic-ibtc-bank-rolls-silver-banking-service-middle-income-earners/

Maikanti Baru says there is no law requiring him to review or discuss contract matters with the minister of state or the NNPC Board

The NNPC GMD states that what the law stipulates is for the processing and approval of contracts by the NNPC Tenders Board

He says the president in his executive capacity or as minister of petroleum is required by law to approve contracts
The group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, has given his reasons why he did not seek the permission of the minister of state for petroleum resources, Ibe Kachikwu or the NNPC board before approving some contracts at the corporation.

Baru has been in the spotlight since Kachikwu in a memo to Buhari detailed several alleged misdeeds against the NNPC GMD, including the unilateral award of hefty oil and gas contracts totaling about N9 trillion.

However, the NNPC boss in a statement on Monday, October 9, stated that there was no law requiring him to review or discuss with the minister of state or the NNPC board, matters relating to the approval of contracts.
http://economicplatform.ng/nnpc-gmd-debunks-kachikwus-corruption-allegation/

Beyond customer care services , banking sectors, insurance firms and including betting clubs now embraces USSD due to it competitive advantage in providing mobile financial services to individuals especially as smartphone applications and internet connectivity still excludes the poor, by thus providing security and effective user experience against its nearest neighbor SMS(short message services).

For more info follow the link below:
http://economicplatform.ng/emerging-cashless-technology-nigeria/

Cashless policy is a policy established in the year 2012 by Central Bank of Nigeria to curb excesses in the handling of cash in Nigeria. It prescribed a cash handling charges on daily withdrawals above five hundred thousand Naira (N500, 000) for individuals and three million Naira for corporate bodies (N3, 000,000). The policy was enforced not to eliminate the use of cash but to reduce the volume of cash in circulation In Nigeria.
Could this be true . just saw this to here your opinion .find out at
http://economicplatform.ng/nigerians-without-bank-account-will-soon-business/

The rate at which queues at the Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) dispensing points grow nowadays is becoming alarming! In an ATM gallery of Seven machines, only two works. Others are either out of service, not dispensing or simply off. This is particularly worse towards the outskirts of Lagos; Ikorodu, Okoko, Abule Egba, Iyana Ipaja etc. Some locations do not even have enough ATMs to serve the populace. The situation is worse in other states. What could be responsible for this geometric outburst? Why has a time-saver become a major time waster? These questions are weeping for answers

Could it be a liquidity problem (A situation where there is cash shortage) in the banking system? Could this be as a result of inadequate maintenance personnel or high cost of maintenance? How can we combat this menace and concentrate on the good side of the machine. Is it a result of improper geometric distribution of these machines? Could it be as a result of the 65 Naira charge attached to using other ATM machines?
The images below are just a tip of the iceberg regarding the frustrations encountered at ATM points. What are your views?

Click here to see pictures
http://economicplatform.ng/growing-frustration-atm-happening/

"Praying for time" still echoes through the dark. Tribute

it reminds me of a movies series "Blindspot"

must morality always be based on religion.

is this an epistle

rip