₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission will on April 3, 2018 commence the enforcement of its recently unveiled Meter Asset Provider Regulations, 2018, a policy that seeks to bridge the widening metering gap in the electricity supply industry.
It was gathered that the country’s metering gap had increased to about 4.74 million, as power consumers welcomed the new policy, describing it as a panacea for meter unavailability.

In its MAPR 2018, with Regulation No. NERC-R-112, which was released by the regulator and obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Wednesday, NERC said, “These regulations shall come into effect on the 8th day of March, 2018.



“The provisions of these regulations shall be enforced by the commission from the 3rd day of April, 2018.”

On Monday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported a declaration by NERC that power distribution companies no longer had the sole responsibility of providing meters to electricity consumers.

The commission also announced the introduction of a new regulation that brought another class of operators in the power sector called Meter Asset Providers.

The Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance, NERC, Dafe Akpeneye, had explained that the MAPs would now take up the duty of providing meters to customers, among other functions.

Buttressing the objectives of the MAPR 2018, the commission stated that the main objective of the regulations was to provide standard rules to encourage the development of independent and competitive meter services in the electricity supply industry and eliminate estimated billing.

Other objectives are to attract private investments to the provision of metering services, close the metering gap through accelerated meter rollout, and enhance revenue assurance in the power sector.

On metering gap and obligations to power distribution companies, the MAPR 2018 stated that Discos were responsible for meeting their metering targets as specified by the commission from time to time.

It stated, “The metering gap for all distribution licensees was reported at 4,740,275 meters as of December 31, 2017. This is projected to significantly increase upon the conclusion of the ongoing customer enumeration exercise.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/15/nerc-enforce-new-metering-rule-april/

The lawmakers passed a resolution in Abuja, summoning sports minister Solomon Dalung; top officials of the AFN and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to explain the development.

IAAF reportedly paid the $150,000 to the AFN as its grant for 2017 in error, instead of the $15,000 it usually gives the Nigerian body as annual grant.



A member from Bayelsa State, Diri Douye, who brought the matter to the attention of the House, informed members that immediately IAAF discovered the error, they asked the AFN to return the excess payment.

Douye said, “The money now seems to have disappeared into thin air.

“Some board members of the AFN are calling for an emergency congress to look into the scandal and have faulted the Sports Minister Mr. Solomon Dalung, who was said to have set up a committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the missing money.”

Douye added that there were fears that the money might have been paid into the private pockets of some AFN officials “sometime last year when the sports minister had dissolved the boards of various sports federation.

House expressed concern that in spite of the Treasury Single Account policy, funds meant for public agencies could be received and spent without trace.

The motion noted further, “The House is concerned that not only is the image of the country being seriously tarnished by the seeming failure of the AFN to refund the excess payment at the instance of the IAAF, but also Nigeria runs the risk of being banned from international competitions.”

The session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, called for the refund of the money to the IAAF to prevent Nigeria from suffering any penalties by the international sports body.

The motion was passed in a unanimous voice vote and referred to the committee on sports to conduct a “forensic audit on the alleged looting of the excess grant payment and determine measures being put in place to prevent further infraction.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/15/reps-summon-minister-afn-cbn-missing-150000/

Home LOCAL Ijaw Youths reacts to Boroh’s sack, lauds move by FG
LOCAL
Ijaw Youths reacts to Boroh’s sack, lauds move by FG
By JournalNg - March 14, 201870



National executives of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has reacted to to the replacement of Boroh as Director of the Presidential Amnesty Program.

Paul Boroh yesterday was relieved of his duties by the Presidency and was subsequenty replaced by Prof. Charles Dokubo.



Spokesperson on the IYC, in a statement on Wednesday said it was a welcomed development at a time when the Niger Delta needs an implementation of it’s proposed vision.

“We are hopeful that with the wealth of experience Prof Dokubo brings to the table he will deal squarely with the true and pressing needs of the Niger Delta to ensure peace that will propel development.

“We therefore, urge him not to play politics with his position, but strive to introduce programs that will drive the development of the region and the fulfilment of the core objectives of the amnesty program.

“We wish you well in your new office and assure you of our support in ensuring your successful tenure”, it noted.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/14/ijaw-youths-reacts-borohs-sack-lauds-move-fg/

President Muhammadu Buhari has declined the amendment to the Electoral Act, which aims at reviewing the country’s elections sequence.

Findings reveals that the president highlighted three reasons for declining his assent to the bill which was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.



Inside sources further disclosed that the president has yesterday conveyed his decision to the federal legislature in two separate letters addressed to the Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, both of which are expected to read the letters to their members at plenary between today and Thursday.

The passage of the bill has seen different negative reactions from several civil society organizations (CSOs), senior lawyers and other prominent Nigerians asking the president to withhold his assent to the bill.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/president-buhari-rejects-electoral-amendment-act/

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), and erstwhile governor of Abia state, Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, has challenged President Mohammadu Buhari to detain and prosecute former President Olusegun Obasanjo to prove his resolve in ending the corruption menace in the country.

Kalu gave the challenge at the quarterly public lecture series of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) with the theme: Culture, Economy and good Governance: The Nigerian Experience held in Abuja.



He said President Buhari should be courageous enough to prove that he has gotten the will demanded of him to redeem Nigeria from bad governance by detaining former President Olusegun Obasanjo over alledged missing fund allocated for power during his regime, stressing that until Obasanjo is arrested, the administration’s anti-corruption agenda won’t be taken seriously.

“My prosecution is political. Our accounts in Abia state were transparent under my watch. The US knows, the UK knows. I have been given a red carpet in these two countries. I have been given a red carpet in China. In fact, I am stronger in fighting corruption than President Buhari because he is not fighting it well.

“I have recovered peoples’ money and given them back. I am a creator of wealth at every level. If any court finds me to be corrupt , it should jail me. Corruption is the bane of this country.“A corrupt judge and corrupt politician is worst than armed robber.

“Nigerians should start electing presidents that have meaning and gut to take decisions.

“President Buhari has got some guts but he should arrest Obasanjo for us to know that corruption is working.

“Without arresting Obasanjo, he has not started fighting corruption because Obasanjo took away our $16million electricity money. So, unless he arrests Obasanjo, corruption is not being fought in Nigeria.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/buhari-must-arrest-obasanjo-prove-serious-corruption/

The Army has warned killers to stop their evil act or “face decisive action by troops”.

It also warned that commanders who fail to act decisively would “face court martial”.



Killings have persisted in Taraba, Benue and Adamawa states, despite the ongoing operation “Cat Race”.

No fewer than 24 people were killed in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State last week in attacks by herdsmen. There was a resurgence of violence in Plateau State where between Wednesday and Saturday 25 people, including a family of five, were killed. But the police put the figure of the dead at 16.

Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu said the army and other security agencies were working assiduously to identify and arrest all those involved in those acts, “regardless of their disposition in the society, including government functionaries”.

Gen. Chukwu said the attention of the army had been drawn to the continued disturbing, senseless killings and wanton destruction of properties in the three states and “strongly warns the perpetrators of these crimes to desist forthwith”.

“We would like to unequivocally reiterate that the Army Headquarters warns the arsonists and the killers to stop or face decisive action by troops.

“Our Rules of Engagement (ROE) are clear on arson and murder. Therefore, no such criminal acts would be allowed in any of the aforementioned states.

“The public is please reminded that when troops are called out for internal security operations, they are not to joke or persuade anyone.

“We have warned our commanders on the ground to take decisive actions or face court martial.”

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia invaded Daffo village in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau State, killing among others five members of Rev. Bitrus Ishaya’s family. The victims have been buried in two mass graves.

An eyewitness, Jerry Datim, said: “I was part of the rescue team. Those killed are 25.

“This very attack was a fallout of the January conflict in Daffo between the youths and the Fulani; the Fulani vowed reprisal. So, on March 7, the Fulani numbering about 200 and fully armed, stormed the village at about 11:30pm. Some were dressed in black; others in red. After the attack, we recovered five bodies of victims.

“Rev. Bitrus Ishaya, his entire family was completely wiped out during the attack, including Stephen Ishaya, Patrick Ishaya, John Monday. We buried the five bodies we recovered last Friday. With the assistance of Mobile policemen, we recovered seven more bodies. The total number of bodies we recovered at the weekend is 25 and they have been buried in two mass graves in Daffo.”

A group of concerned members of the Ronkulere ethnic group in Daffo, who also confirmed the attack at a news conference in Jos yesterday, said the last attack by the Fulani militia was carried out on March7 and 8.

Ambassador Adams, said: ”The gunmen unleashed mayhem on people of Fahrundonghai hamlet and environs of Daffo district.

“This is one attack too many; we have had enough of these killings. This act of senselessness and share disregard for our kindness and hospitality as well as our respect for law and order must stop. Government should step in and stop these killings.

“We have the records of such killings in 2013, 2015 to the extent that our paramount ruler the Saf Ron Kulere was killed in 2016 in a similar manner. We will be compelled to petition the United Nations if the Nigerian security are not ready to protect us from these gunmen.

“More than 400 residents have been displaced because their houses have been razed by the attackers, families food stuff have been razed down and those displaced will not be able to prepare their farm land for the farming season, this is a serious disaster in our communities.

“We have so far recovered 25 bodies of victims and many more are still missing, we can’t find their bodies.”

The group said two suspects were arrested by men of the special military task force “Operation Safe Haven”. But the federal troops denied such arrests.

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has promised not to rest until every life in the state is secured. Commissioner for Information Yakubu Dati, in a statement, said: “Plateau State Government has given a marching order to the security agents in the state to immediately arrest and prosecute the criminals that perpetrated the killings of a couple of persons in Bassa and Bokkos Local Government Areas of the state.

“Governor Lalong believes that our differences are better resolved by sitting together to address them rather than taking arms against one another.

“He warned that the state will not fold its arms and watch the enemies of Plateau take us back to the dark old days when citizens distrusted one another, adding that we must emphasize the great values that unite us as a people.

“While condoling with the families that lost their loved ones in the attacks, the Governor assured that urgent steps are being taken in collaboration with the security agents to get to the roots of the problem, and to avoid the repeat of the ugly incident.”

The Police said they had arrested a herdsman with a military AK 47 rifle.

Plateau police spokesman Terna Tyopev gave the rifle’s number as HC2614.

He said the herdsman, Muhammadu Musa Bimini, was arrested by riot policemen on Thursday at Daffo.

Tyopev, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the suspect had been transferred from Bokkos to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Jos and was already being interrogated.

The police spokesman said 16 people were confirmed killed in the multiple attacks on several villages between Wednesday and Friday.

He said the command had deployed more personnel to restore peace to the trouble areas, and advised the people to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands.

Meanwhile, leaders of the affected communities have said that 25 people were killed in the attacks.

The community leaders, who briefed newsmen on Sunday in Jos, said that many others were still missing.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/12/army-draws-battle-line-killer-herdsmen/

The Edo State Government has called for 300 volunteers among primary school teachers working in public schools to pilot its Edo Best programme, an initiative designed to introduce and entrench the use of computers, tablets and other Information and Communication Technology-based gadgets for teaching across the state.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Basic Education and Acting Chairperson, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Oviawe, who disclosed this, urged teachers in public primary schools to tap from the opportunity to upgrade their skills and become versed in updated approach for impacting knowledge.



She said the programme is expected to lead to better learning outcomes and a more robust, up-to-date approach to classroom management in public schools.

Edo Best Programme is an initiative of Governor Obaseki administration, conceived to transform primary education in the state.

According to Dr. Oviawe, “In the pilot phase, 300 schools will be selected to launch the initiative and the headmasters/headmistresses and teachers who would head or teach in these schools have to be trained in the use of computers and other gadgets to teach in the classroom. By the next academic year, all headmasters/headmistresses and teachers in the state will be required to go through this training.”

She said at the end of the training, teachers and head teachers will each receive a computer tablet loaded with lesson notes.

On how the teachers can enroll for the programme, she said, “Teachers are requested to forward their Names, positions (HM or Teacher), salary grade level, academic qualifications, the LGAs where they currently teach and their present school to Edo SUBEB. Every volunteer must send their information.”

She allayed fears that the programme is intended to test teachers, noting that further enquiries on the programme should be routed to SUBEB.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/ict-based-teaching-edo-calls-300-primary-school-teachers/

The mass burial of victims killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in several communities in Bassa Local Government of Plateau State was on Tuesday disrupted by a fresh attack which left 25 persons dead.
Those to be given mass burial today were murdered between Thursday, March 8, 2018 when President Muhammadu Buhari paid an official visit to the beleaguered state, and Sunday, March 11.

During the latest attack which took place by 7:00pm on Monday, 11 houses were also razed down.



Persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen were said to have killed the 25 persons, including three children and two women, in Dundu Village of Kwall District in Bassa LGA of Plateau State.

The spokesperson of Miango Youth Development Association, Lawrence Zongo, confirmed the casualty rate in an interview with journalists in Jos on Tuesday.

He said, “Very sad! Again, Fulani terrorists killed 25 persons in Dundu Village of Kwall District in Bassa LGA of Plateau State.

“Eleven houses were razed down. The villagers were attacked around 7pm yesterday (Monday). Among the victims were three children and two women.

“Others, including two women, are now receiving treatment in a nearby hospital in the community. This is too bad, as we are planning the mass burial of the last attack.

“So far, we have more than 500 Internally Displaced Persons camp. International organisations should please come to our aid.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of Plateau State Police Command, Matthias Tyopev, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, also confirmed the attack , but said the information was sketchy.

According to him, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Adie Undie, has ordered a Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Taiwo Jebiyisu, to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

He said, “There was an attack yesterday (Monday) in Bassa; as such, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, has directed the DCP Taiwo Jebiyisu, a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Department of Operations, to go to the scene of crime for an on-the-spot assessment.

“As such, he is there now. The information is sketchy. I shall inform you when the details of the attack are made available, please.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/25-killed-11-houses-razed-fresh-attacks-guests-flee-plateau-mass-burial/

The United States has described the abduction of 110 Dapchi schoolgirls as “horrendous, unacceptable and terrible”.

Department of State officials stated the U.S. position yesterday during a background briefing ahead of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s first trip to Africa.



Tillerson is due to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders of Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya between today and March 13.

The officials described Nigeria as critical to the stability of West Africa and the future engagement of the U.S. in the subregion.
They pledged continued U.S. commitment in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the official said “on Nigeria, this fight against Boko Haram is really an important issue.

“And I know that in the last administrations, even the last three, we have always said going to Nigeria is critical to stability and the future for the U.S. relationship in West Africa.

“We are following the recent kidnappings of 110 school girls, which really kind of follows up on several years ago of the Chibok girls.

“And those are horrendous, they’re unacceptable and terrible.

“But the issue that comes in, it’s not only a security issue – and it is a terrible security challenge – but it’s also political issue and really building those institutions and political dialogue between north and south, and also with the region.
“And so those are some of the things that we need to look at. It’s a comprehensive approach. The other issue, too, is on economic development and education.”

The U.S. noted recent UN reports about some of the extremist operations in the G-5 countries and the Trans-Sahel.

The department, however, regretted that the operations of some of these criminal groups were “about getting jobs” and “about looking at getting an income for families”.

“And if terrorism or trafficking of persons, if that’s going to get them the jobs, then that’s unacceptable and we really need to find alternative ways to help the economic development in these regions.

“And so those are some of the issues and challenges that we’ll be working on political institutions, political dialogue, reconciliation, supporting community-based development, helping growth, education.”

It said another issue was enhancing the security, particularly in the North, saying “it just can’t be constantly a kinetic strike operation or bring in U.S. military”.

“That’s not the answer. The answer has to be developing institutions and also providing good police training, military training, and having governments accountable to the people and having people really have faith in their institutions, and also having opportunities for job creation.

“And what happens in Nigeria is going to affect the Lake Chad region, and that includes Cameroon as well as the G-5 countries.

“So those are some of the things that we’re looking at, much more broad-based, comprehensive, and really interrelated with security.”

The U.S. added that Nigeria’s 2019 general election and a peaceful transition remained its major priority in view of the country’s strategic position in the region.

The department said over two decades ago, the number of countries in Africa with really democratically elected government was really very few, only three or four.

It said, however, now we had over two dozen African countries with democratically elected governments and which are hopefully not going to have transitions in government through coup d’etats and other illegal methods.

“As we look at the 20 elections, obviously Nigeria, though it’s not this year – it’s going to be next year – that really is a major priority focus, because that’s going to be the third most populous country in the world by 2050.

“It has really very complex political issues and ethnic and tribal issues and security issues,

“And that’s an area that we really are focusing on how to do a peaceful transition, a democratic transition, but more important is how to hold governments accountable to the people,” the State Department said.

The department explained that, obviously, a lot of those African countries were still fragile democracies and the U.S. was trying to strengthen them.

The U.S. commended the most recent elections in Liberia, saying it was the first open, fair, and peaceful transition of governments in over 75 years, saying that is a good thing.

It regretted what it called the “horrendous rule of Charles Taylor and the degradation of the institutions there, but now we’ll going back and they’re building, and I think with the election of George Weah that’s going to be a positive thing”.

The U.S. also noted the election of Nana Akufo-Addo in Ghana, Alassane Ouattara in Cote d’Ivoire and Macky Sall in Senegal, describing them as positive developments.

It said, however, that Ethiopia remained a challenge for the U.S. and a focus for it as well and an opportunity.

The U.S. explained that it was looking at trying to build institutions, really strengthen institutions, and also have peaceful transitions and hold governments accountable to the people in Ethiopia.

It said it was also looking at how it could have reconciliation and dialogue among all of the various groups; the Oromos, the Amharas, the Tigrays, and also in Kenya with the opposition and with the ruling government.

Accordingly, the department said building strong institutions and holding governments accountable are some of the things that are certainly going to be the subjects of discussion during Tillerson trip.

“How do we advance political and economic reform that will help in the transition process? Those are issues too that we’re working in Zimbabwe with the transition between Robert Mugabe and Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“And also we’re looking hopefully at South Africa with the election of Cyril Ramaphosa from Jacob Zuma and seeing how that’s going to transition,” the State Department said.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/06/dapchi-kidnap-terrible-u-s/

North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un and United States President, Donald Trump, are to meet in person as early as May, it has been announced, an extraordinary overture after months of mutual hostility.
News of the meeting was delivered by South Korean officials after talks with Mr. Trump at the White House, the BBC reports.

They passed a verbal message from Mr. Kim, saying the North Korean leader was “committed to denuclearisation.”



South Korea’s President, Moon Jae-in, said the news “came like a miracle.”

“If President Trump and Chairman Kim meet following an inter-Korean summit, complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula will be put on the right track in earnest,” he said.

China has welcomed the development, saying the Korean peninsula issue was “heading in the right direction” and calling for “political courage.”

However, the BBC says the North has halted missile and nuclear tests during previous talks, only to resume them when it lost patience or felt it was not getting what it demanded.

The latest announcement came days after the South Korean delegation met Mr. Kim in Pyongyang.

Speaking outside the White House after briefing Mr. Trump, South Korean National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong, said he had passed on a message that Mr. Kim was “committed to denuclearisation” and had “pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/09/trump-north-korea-leader-hold-milestone-meeting/

An Igbosere High Court in Lagos has dismissed the no-case submission filed by the Registered Trustees of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and the two engineers involved in the six-storey guesthouse that collapsed and killed 116 people, 85 South Africans on 12 September, 2014.

The Lagos State Government had sued the church over the building.



The engineers, Ms Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun were charged alongside their companies Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Ltd.

They are facing 110-count charge of involuntary manslaughter while the registered trustees of SCOAN were charged with one count of building without approval.

The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions accused the defendants of violating Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of Lagos State 2010 as well as Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

They were arraigned on April 19, 2016, but they pleaded ‘not guilty’.

NAN reports that the prosecution subsequently opened its case, called witnesses and tendered documents to prove the allegations against the defendants.

However, upon the close of the prosecution’s case in October 2017, the defendants, rather than enter their defence, filed a ‘no-case’ submission, contending that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

The defence insisted there was nothing in the evidence by the prosecution to warrant their client to proceed into any defence.

They, therefore, urged the court to discharge the defendants.

However, the prosecution opposed the no-case submission and argued that the defendants had a case to answer based on the evidence of all the prosecution witnesses.

The prosecution maintained that a prima facie case had been established which the defendants must defend.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, dismissed the no-case submission filed by the defendants.

He adjourned the case until April 27 for the defence to open its case.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/09/synagogue-case-answer-guest-house-collapse-court/

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposed visit to the state may be geared towards resuscitating the comatosed All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

Flagging off the reconstruction of Egbelu Street and construction of link roads in East-West in Rumuodara, Obio Akpor Local Government Area on Thursday, Wike said that the Federal Government is yet to inform him on the President’s visit and the purpose of the visit.



He said: “I hear they say that the President is coming to our state. I have not been told the President is coming and why he is coming. He has the right to come to any state.

“Maybe the President is coming to make sure that he will improve the fortunes of the APC that is dead in Rivers State.

“Apart from Jesus Christ, we don’t know of anyone who has risen a dead thing. APC is a dead party in Rivers State. No matter how you fast and pray, it will never wake up”.

Governor Wike encouraged Rivers people to be unperturbed by the politics or otherwise of the visit, because the state is very peaceful.

“Let nobody bother him or herself that the President is coming for security reasons. We don’t have security challenges in the state.We have never had herdsmen killings or crisis in the state except when some criminals tried to disrupt the peace and they were checked. We resolved that challenge.

“Wike, also noted that since the state produces a large chunk of the wealth that sustains the nation, the president is welcomed to the treasure base of the nation.

According to him: “Since the administration has abandoned Rivers State for three years, this visit may be a blessing in disguise.

“The President may use the visit to complete the Port Harcourt International Airport, the neglected East West road, the neglected sea ports and the rejected Port Harcourt-Aba road”.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/08/buhari-yet-inform-planned-rivers-visit-wike/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has promised to improve women’s access to formal financial services especially credit through its various intervention programmes.

This promise was made by the Director, Development Finance Department of the CBN, Dr Mudashiru Olaitan Wednesday in Abuja at the CBN 2018 International Women’s Day workshop tagged “Women Inspiring Change”.



Represented by Mrs. Hadiza Maina, a senior Development Finance Officer at the CBN, Olaitan said the apex bank was favourably disposed to increasing women’s access to finance “to enable them play their expected role in economic development.”

By promoting gender equality in access to finance, 50 per cent of the population would be empowered to contribute effectively to economic development Olaitan noted.

To ensure greater access to finance by woman, the CBN he said has allocated resources through different programmes devoted to women alone.
For instance, he said that under the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), 60% of the Fund was allocated to women based enterprises.

According to him, “Access to finance is often cited as one of the major factors impeding the growth of women-owned businesses in developing countries. In view of the peculiar challenges faced by women in accessing financial services in Nigeria, the CBN has established the N220 million MSMEDF, Agric credit guarantees scheme, Anchor Borrowers Programme and financial inclusion programmes.”

These financial interventions he explained “are innovative ways of improving women’s access to finance at mainly single digit interest rate, which will improve their potentials for job creation and inclusive growth on our country.”

Earlier, the Special Advicer to the CBN Governor on Sustainable Banking, Dr Aisha Mahmood, said women were key to the economic development of Nigeria.

According to her, “it has been proven that women have immense potentials as engines of growth and economic development. Consequently, empowering them becomes beneficial to the society as large,” she said.

During the technical session, it was revealed that a 2016 report by Elfina, a U.K. Government project on Access to Financial Services in Nigeria, showed that 21.4 million females, that is 42.7 per cent of the total female population in Nigeria were financially excluded.
The report showed that financial access was skewed towards the male population, which had only 35.8 per cent of its population financially excluded.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/07/cbn-promises-increase-womens-access-credit/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has promised to improve women’s access to formal financial services especially credit through its various intervention programmes.

This promise was made by the Director, Development Finance Department of the CBN, Dr Mudashiru Olaitan Wednesday in Abuja at the CBN 2018 International Women’s Day workshop tagged “Women Inspiring Change”.



Represented by Mrs. Hadiza Maina, a senior Development Finance Officer at the CBN, Olaitan said the apex bank was favourably disposed to increasing women’s access to finance “to enable them play their expected role in economic development.”

By promoting gender equality in access to finance, 50 per cent of the population would be empowered to contribute effectively to economic development Olaitan noted.

To ensure greater access to finance by woman, the CBN he said has allocated resources through different programmes devoted to women alone.
For instance, he said that under the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), 60% of the Fund was allocated to women based enterprises.

According to him, “Access to finance is often cited as one of the major factors impeding the growth of women-owned businesses in developing countries. In view of the peculiar challenges faced by women in accessing financial services in Nigeria, the CBN has established the N220 million MSMEDF, Agric credit guarantees scheme, Anchor Borrowers Programme and financial inclusion programmes.”

These financial interventions he explained “are innovative ways of improving women’s access to finance at mainly single digit interest rate, which will improve their potentials for job creation and inclusive growth on our country.”

Earlier, the Special Advicer to the CBN Governor on Sustainable Banking, Dr Aisha Mahmood, said women were key to the economic development of Nigeria.

According to her, “it has been proven that women have immense potentials as engines of growth and economic development. Consequently, empowering them becomes beneficial to the society as large,” she said.

During the technical session, it was revealed that a 2016 report by Elfina, a U.K. Government project on Access to Financial Services in Nigeria, showed that 21.4 million females, that is 42.7 per cent of the total female population in Nigeria were financially excluded.
The report showed that financial access was skewed towards the male population, which had only 35.8 per cent of its population financially excluded.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/07/cbn-promises-increase-womens-access-credit/

The police on Wednesday docked a businessman, Anthony Okonji, who allegedly fraudulently obtained $30,840.00 (about N11.1 million), at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Okonji, 31, was accused of collecting the sum from the complainant, Yusuf Zakanji, under the guise of supplying its naira equivalent.



The defendant is standing trial before Mr. W. B. Balogun on a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.

Prosecuting police officer, Spt. Susan Ezema, alleged that the defendant committed the offences between May 23 and 25 last year in Lagos and Kano.

“After obtaining the $30,840 the defendant failed to supply the naira equivalent to Zakanji,” the prosecutor said.
The offences, she said, contravened Sections 312 (3) and 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 and punishable under same.

Okonji pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Balogun granted him bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

The case continues on May 17.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/07/man-arraigned-30840-forex-scam/

Africa’s wealthiest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that running businesses in Nigeria is akin to hell.

He however classified Lagos as the most business friendly state.



He said this while fielding questions from journalists in an interactive session in Lagos.

He said, “I am not advertising for Lagos, but try another state, you will see hell,’’ he said in a terse remark at the forum of ‘Lagos Means Business.

“You should pay your taxes to Lagos state.”

In the course of the session, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had earlier guaranteed the Lagos people that he will ensure their taxes are being utilized in a transparent and righteous manner.

“We are not true citizens until we become responsible tax payers.” Ambode said.

The Governor added, “If the vision of a prosperous Lagos is to be achieved, the State must retreat from borrowing to finance its infrastructure and pay back later in the future with high interest rate.

“The good part of the arguments trailing the Lagos Land Use Charge is that the State Government is ready for dialogue and will welcome the complaints of dissatisfied members of the public in this regards.

“Business owners paying Land Use Charge should see it as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities.’’

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/06/business-nigerian-cities-hell-dangote/

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Wednesday cautioned the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo against holding any public fora to plan on the issue restructuring and one-Nigeria in the South East.

The group threatened that if such meeting aimed at discussing one-Nigeria is convened “what happened at the end of ECA event will be nothing compared to what shall become” of the apex Igbo socio-political organisation.



Branding the Ohanaeze leaders as “Abuja errand boys,” the pro-Biafra group added that, “Any day these so-called Igbo leaders gather in public, we will make sure we show them how upset we are.”

In a statement by the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group said, the leaders of Ohaneze has failed the region.

The statement reads reads, “We read with disdain the statement credited to an Ohaneze Ndigbo spokesperson regarding the events that up took place at the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) event in Enugu recently. What happened at the said event will be nothing compared to what shall become of Ohaneze Ndigbo should they attempt to convene any public meeting anywhere in Biafraland to discuss restructuring or how to keep Nigeria one.

“The spontaneous disruption of the ECA event at Enugu, though regrettable, is what shall become of any gathering where compromised, washed-out politicians gather to sell out our people to their Hausa-Fulani masters from the north. What we want and are being killed for is referendum not restructuring; freedom not continued bondage in Nigeria.

“It is unfortunate that very few individuals who arrogate the title of elders and leaders to themselves cannot point to any legacy they built or are presently building for the coming generation except betrayal, treachery, back-stabbing, avarice and lust for power. All the excellent work done by Dr. Michael Okpara and Chief Sam Mbakwe has been laid to waste by a ravenous breed of caliphate appointed Igbo leadership devoid of any sense of responsibility to the people.

“What is beyond belief is that these politicians and Aso Rock informants claiming to be Igbo leaders would come out openly to say that IPOB has no experience in the politics of Nigeria, whereas they that claim to have all the experience in the world have done nothing with their supposed wealth of experience to adequately address the issues confronting the people today which is freedom.

“The impact of the failure of present Igbo leadership is a worse trauma than losing the war. In their utterances, often devoid of logic, they ignorantly equate the demand for freedom to mere youthful exuberance or clamor for war. Does it therefore mean that every demand for self determination automatically equates to war? Where did they get such perverted idea from that a demand for referendum, which is a democratic exercise, somehow translates into war. We are interested to know which history or philosophy text teaches that or where they got the absurd notion from. Such assertions are often made from a position of ignorance, therefore we encourage them to study the history of liberation movements around the world and stop equating our quest for referendum to a declaration of war.

“IPOB is made up of elders from across all nationalities in Biafraland that are older than almost every Ohaneze Ndigbo executive member. These IPOB elders/leaders are visible and not hidden. Mothers and grand-mothers openly identify with IPOB but Ohaneze Ndigbo feign ignorance of this fact and have continued to peddle the lie that we are exclusively a collection of angry, disgruntled youths. Rather than wake up to the reality that IPOB is a global mass movement with every age bracket adequately represented, they comfort themselves with the notion that we are exclusively populated by inexperienced youths which is clearly not the case.

“To any keen observer, it is evident that IPOB leadership has amongst its ranks, experienced administrators and intellectuals that are successfully piloting the affairs of the movement worldwide. It is appalling that this present Ohaneze Ndigbo, its leadership and South East governors have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to maintain the one Nigeria state with or without restructuring.

“We believe there is something wrong with the mentality of a leadership that will publicly state their desire to sabotage Biafra restoration. These are the supposed leaders, fathers and elders who it would appear enjoy watching their people suffer, perhaps because it makes them feel valued by the oppressor.“It is a well known fact that IPOB is made up of both the old and young, with experienced public administrators all over the world that pilot the affairs of the movement. So the tag of inexperience is both misplaced and misconceived.

“We agree that IPOB lacks experience in certain areas like selling out the collective interest of the people, sabotage and subservience to Hausa-Fulani hegemony. We also don’t have experience in serving Arewa core north slavishly or agreeing to whatever Arewa Consultative Forum says. We don’t have experience of blissful existence in a slave master relationship that obtains between the Fulani dominated north and segments of Igbo leadership. We don’t have experience in treachery, betrayal, lies and deception.

“IPOB is well organised movement and platform to restore Biafra and with it the lost dignity of a once proud race. A few Abuja based errand boys that call themselves politicians cannot understand why we have roundly rejected their approach, which is nothing short of the appeasement of an obnoxious, brutal, oppressive alien regime from the Sahel.

“Any day these so-called Igbo leaders gather in public, we will make sure we show them how upset we are. The era of selling the collective interest of the masses to the highest bidder has come to an end. All we want is referendum not restructuring; we want Biafra not Nigeria. We have buried too many people, we have lost too many souls, we are pained by the innocent who are still languishing in illegal detention all over Nigeria and we are enraged by the betrayal of those we call socio-political leaders. Only the total restoration of Biafra will suffice, anything else is mere waste of time.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/07/ipob-threatens-disrupt-ohaneze-meeting-igbo-land/

The FIFA World Cup trophy has arrived Nigeria. The trophy is presently on a tour of 91 cities in 51 countries across six continents before the finals.

The trophy was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard a chartered flight at 11am today.



The prestigious trophy was received by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola; President of The Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick; NFF Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko and; NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.

From the airport, the trophy made it’s way to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja for a press conference, accompanied by some officials of Coca-cola and Nigerian Bottling Company.

It’s the third time the trophy would be visiting Nigeria and it’s fourth Global Tour.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/07/original-fifa-world-cup-lands-nigeria/

A 20-year-old woman, Loveth Augustine, who allegedly cut another woman with a razor blade on the upper eyes, was on Tuesday arraigned at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, a student, who resides at 6, Adebisi St., Egbeda, suburb of Lagos, is being tried for assault.



The Prosecutor, Insp. Raji Akeem, told the court that the offence was committed on Feb. 20, at Royale Club, Oba Akran, Ikeja.

Akeem said that a fight ensued between the accused and the complainant, Miss Motunrayo Fatai, at the night club at 1:00 am.

“The accused beat her and used razor blade to cut the upper part of her right eyes which caused her deep cut on the place.
“She was rushed to the hospital and was treated,” he said.

The offence contravened Sections 170 and 173 of Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Chief Magistrate T. O Shomade granted the accused a bail of N20,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until March 28 for mention

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/06/woman-docked-slicing-another-womans-face-razor/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others in the State High Court sitting in Ibadan over alleged N11.5 billion fraud.

Other defendants are: a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Senator Hosea Agboola and an Ibadan-based businessman, Femi Babalola.



The defendants are facing an 11-count charge of conspiracy, awarding contract without budgetary provision, obtaining by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property, among others.

EFCC’s counsel Dr. B. Ubi told the court that when Alao-Akala was the governor, he awarded a road contract worth N8.5 billion between 2007 and 2009 to Pentagon Engineering Services.

Ubi alleged, among others, that the firm owned by Babalola handled the contract on behalf of the 33 local governments without budgetary provision.
The counsel added that Alao-Akala ordered the supply of drilling machines on behalf of the 33 local governments for N3.5 billion.

The prosecutor told the court that Alao-Akala also illegally acquired some property on Old Bodija Road, off Rotimi Williams Road, when he was the governor. He said the offences contravened Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and Section 1 (18) of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Hakeem Afolabi, SAN, who is a counsel to Alao-Akala and Babalola, prayed the court to exercise its discretion in granting bail to the defendants.

Afolabi said the charge before the court was not a fresh one but a re-arraignment. He said the matter was first filed on October 11, 2011, before Justice Moshood Abas and bail was granted after the defendants met the conditions.

The defendants had also appeared before Justice Akintunde Boade and Justice Bayo Taiwo, who was recently transferred out of Ibadan Division.
Afolabi urged the court to allow the defendants to enjoy the earlier bail condition granted to the defendants.

Mr. Richard Ogunwole, SAN, who is counsel to Ayoola, aligned with the submission of Alao-Akala’s counsel.

The EFCC counsel said he would not oppose the bail applications.

Justice Muniru Owolabi granted the defendants’ prayers and adjourned the case till April 16 for trial.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/06/efcc-re-arraigns-alao-akala-two-others-alleged-n11-5b-fraud/

President Muhammadu Buhari has awarded cash awards and scholarships up to PHD levels to three Nigerian students in secondary schools.

The students who came first, second and third in the just concluded Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential competition, came out as the best in the 774 local government areas of the country.

President Buhari made this revelation yesterday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the 2018 technology and innovation expo taking place at the eagle square.


The President who was represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo added that the government is setting up technology hubs in universities in the six geopolitical zones.

He also added that the president has approved a new science, technology and innovation Roadmap 2017-2030 for Nigeria.

His words, ” In September 2016 the state house hosted the first Aso villa demo day ro showvase the innovation of emerging startups from around the country, since the the world bank has supported a batch of those innovatiors with grants totally about $3m, the first batch of which has aleeady been disbursed and the world bank is committing an additional $3m in the funding for six~ technology hubs across Nigeria in our universities.

“The Federal Government is collaborating with the Bank of Industry and other private sector entities to run a Presidental technology innovation challenge in all Nigerian universities, public and private and also some Polytechnics in April of this year, each university winner will be invited to an award event hosted by Mr President at the villa, we are also setting up technology hubs in universities in the six geopolitical zones.

“We will also establish centres of acquisition of technology in each of the six geopolitical zones, we will provide intervention funds that will strengthen research and development through training programs and partnerships in Nigerian universities and polytechnics, our goal is to develop self confident nation that is quickly avle to identify and take advantage of emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

“Congratulate our best science students who have emerged as the best in the 774 local government areas of the country, I am pleased to announce that the candidates who emerged first, second and third respectively in the final examination of the recently concluded Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential competition have been granted full scholarships, up to PHD levels in any science related discipline of their choice in any of our universities, the future of Nigeria belongs to the young people and it is our duty as a government to create the enabling environment for them to grow to their full potential.
“As part of our effort to create a nurturing environment for technology and innovation in Nigeria, President Buhari has approved a new national science, technology and innovation Roadmap 2017-2030 for Nigeria.

“He has also approved a national strategy for competitiveness in raq materials and product development in Nigeria. It is our intention as a government to utilize this initiative to stimulate local production of our raw materials and support our ambition for a diversified economy.”

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu stated that the ministry is refocusing the nation to embrace science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

This he said will enable our manufacturers to do more research in order to improve their products to enable them meet local demand as well as have excess for export.

His words, “Your Excellencies, Most distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, from Owerri to Oshogbo; Birnin Kebbi to Benin; Maiduguri to Makurdi, never before has the future of science and technology as the engine of Nigeria’s rebirth been so bright. Today as I speak, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technoiogy is refocusing the nation to embrace science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. This will enable our manufacturers to do more research in order to improve their products to enable them meet local demand as well as have excess for export.

“I believe that with our huge population and vast natural resources, if we remain determined and focused, we can utilize the power of science and technology to become the technological leader in Africa and hence play a ieading roie in,the global battle against poverty, disease and illiteracy.

“It is With this aim of involving all and sundry in addressing this important chaiienge that I am happy to announce that the inauguration of the Boards of Parastatais under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technoiogy will hold on Thursday March 8 2018 by 2pm at the Auditorium of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/buhari-awards-cash-phd-level-scholarships-three-students/

Everton are considering a possible move for embattled Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, to replace Sam Allardyce.

Calls for Wenger’s sack rose to a crescendo following his 2-1 loss to Brighton marking the Gunner’s fourth straight loss in all competitions.



As for Allardyce, he has received his own share of criticisms after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Burnley on Saturday and a 1-0 defeat to Watford last Saturday.

According to Daily Star, Toffees owner and Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri thinks Wenger “is the ideal candidate to revive the Merseyside club’s fortunes.

Moshiri formerly co-owned a 15 percent stake in Arsenal with Alisher Usmanov, and is expected to make his move in the summer.

When quizzed about his future at Arsenal following Arsenal’s recent defeat spell to Brighton, Wenger said: “I don’t want to talk about my future. At the moment, my future is not my main worry.

“My worry is to get Arsenal winning football games. Then we’ll see where we go from there. I’ll try and give my best as long as I am here.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/everton-owner-wants-wenger-replacement-allardyce/

The Senator representing Kogi West District in the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, has alienated himself from the campaign posters announcing his presidential ambition.

Dino said the flyers were not his making, that they were acts of mischiefs in a sheer bid to distract him.



Last week, posters bearing Dino’s presidential ambition were seen around major cities in Nigeria.

The poster bore the image of the Kogi lawmaker attired in a white kaftan and a white cap with the inscription, ‘vote Dino Melaye for president 2019, ‘let’s take our tomorrow today. Enough of old age and clueless.’

In a tweet on Sunday, the Kogi lawmaker denied the posters. In the tweet he simply said: “disclaimer, this is not from me.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/2019-dino-melaye-reacts-election-campaign-posters/

After bleaching their faces and hands, very obvious that they can't change the colour of their buttocks.
What an awful act ?

The graduating class of the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe, will in the meantime be transfered to Government Girls Secondary School, Nguru, to enable them prepare for the forthcoming senior secondary school certificate examination.

Mohammed Lamin, the Yobe State commissioner for education, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Damaturu, the state capital.



Lamin said “We are right now making arrangements for the SS3 students, to take them to GGSS Nguru, to prepare them for their examination which is coming up in March-April. The practical aspect of their exam will start around that time, and we don’t want them to miss any part of their examinations.

“guru is also a boarding school, but we are already taking steps to ensure security.

“Only SS3 girls of the over 900 students will be relocated for now.

“The other students will still remain with their parents until the government is able to solve the issue on ground.”

Recall that the Yobe State Government had shut down the school following the abduction of 110 girls by the deadly terrorist group, Boko Haram on February 20, 2018.

Nguru is further north, about 300 kilometres from Damaturu, while Dapchi is about 100 kilometres, from the state capital.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/28/dapchi-ss3-students-relocate-nguru-waec/

Arsenal’s coach, Arsene Wenger, has said his future at the club is the least of his concerns.

Wenger’s stance has been under scrutiny, in the wake of their 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final last Sunday.



However, while speaking ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash against City at the Emirates, the Frenchman said his only goal at the moment is on preparing his team.

“My position is my position. Honestly, that’s the last worry I have at the moment. My worry is to focus on getting the team ready for tomorrow’s game.

“I turned the whole world down to respect my contracts so I am amazed that I still have to answer these type of questions,” he told reporters.

Speculations are going rife that the board at the Emirates will review Wenger’s position this summer and there are very fat chances that this review might mark the end of a 22-year reign for the Frenchman.

According to Sportmail, the Gunners have already began a profiling and compilation of potential coaches in Wenger’s stead.

senal’s coach, Arsene Wenger, has said his future at the club is the least of his concerns.

Wenger’s stance has been under scrutiny, in the wake of their 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final last Sunday.



However, while speaking ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash against City at the Emirates, the Frenchman said his only goal at the moment is on preparing his team.

“My position is my position. Honestly, that’s the last worry I have at the moment. My worry is to focus on getting the team ready for tomorrow’s game.

“I turned the whole world down to respect my contracts so I am amazed that I still have to answer these type of questions,” he told reporters.

Speculations are going rife that the board at the Emirates will review Wenger’s position this summer and there are very fat chances that this review might mark the end of a 22-year reign for the Frenchman.

According to Sportmail, the Gunners have already began a profiling and compilation of potential coaches in Wenger’s stead.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/28/wenger-speaks-future-arsenal/

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has inspected the second Radiotherapy machine for Cancer treatment at the National Hospital Abuja, Wednesday.

The Elekta machine for Linear Accelerator (LINAC) is made up of several components which would be coupled and made functional for patients in June, 2018.



Speaking during the inspection tour, Prof. Adewole said the Abuja Radiotherapy centre would be running two Linear accelerators at the same time.

He further said that “the beauty of having two Machines is that if one pack up, the second one will be in use for the benefit of cancer patients’’.

Prof. Adewole lauded the Shell Petroleum Development Company for donating the cancer treatment machine which he said would contribute immensely to the fight against cancer while calling on other Multi National Organisations, Individuals and Groups to undertake such gesture as part of their social reponsibility to the citizenry.
He further reiterated Federal Government’s commitment towards reducing the effect of cancer in Nigeria which is being demonstrated by the on-going phased installation of one cancer treatment machine in each of the Six Geo- Political Zones plus two in FCT.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Jeff Momoh noted that the second machine would greatly assist in the provision of standard cancer treatment to patients in Nigeria and other African countries thereby reducing cancer burden in the entire continent.

The representative of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Dr. Akinwumi Fajola, said the donation of the Cancer Treatment Machine was one of the company’s way of giving back to the Society in which it operates.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/28/health-minister-inspects-cancer-treatment-machine-abuja/

Nigerian music act Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid. will make his debut at popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival popular known as Coachella in Indio, California.

Coachella is one of the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the United States and all over the world.



The 2017 edition of the festival was attended by 250,000 people and grossed $114.6 million.

Wizkid who is one of Nigeria’s biggest exports, confirmed his participation tweeted on Tuesday, “We taking the African culture to Coachella BTW and am bringing out everybody”.
‘
The “Soco” crooner will be performing along sides international acts such as The Weekend, Beyoncé, and Eminem.

Others are Black Coffee, Jorja Smith, Migos, Cardi B, Jidenna, Tyler the Creator.
Meanwhile, `Daddy Yo’, Wizkid’s 2017 hit song is part of the soundtrack for British-Nigerian actor John Boyega’s new film, ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’.

‘Pacific Rim Uprising’, is an upcoming American science fiction and action film set for release on March 23.

The film is co-produced by Boyega, written and directed by Steven DeKnight in his feature film directorial debut.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/28/wizkid-makes-debut-coachella-festival-california/

A 50-year-old treasurer at Omole Phase 2 Residential Association, Lekan Somorin, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos over alleged theft of N9.5 million.

Somorin, who resides at Omole Phase 2, Olowora, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of forgery and theft.



The prosecutor, Insp. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the accused committed the offence between March 2016 and Nov. 2017 at Omole Phase 2 Residential Association C.D.A office, Lagos.

Emuerhi said that the accused stole the money and falsified the association’s account records.

“When he was asked about the N9.5 million, he could not give any satisfactory explanation on how the money got missing.”
“All efforts made by the complainant to get the accused to refund the money proved abortive,” he said.

The offences contravened Sections 287 and 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 337 provides a 15-year jail term for offenders, if found guilty.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused bail of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

Osunsanmi said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until May 31 for mention.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/28/treasurer-court-alleged-theft-n9-5m/

The church in Jerusalem built at the traditional site of Jesus’s burial remained closed for a third day Tuesday as Christian leaders protested against Israeli tax measures and a controversial proposed law.

Christian leaders closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday at noon in a rare move, leaving thousands of pilgrims and tourists seeking to visit what many see as the holiest site in Christianity locked outside.

Church officials say the church will be closed until further notice as they seek to pressure Israeli authorities to reverse their measures.

The church is built where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Custody of it is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations.
Christian leaders are angry over attempts by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem to enforce tax collection on church property they consider commercial, saying exemptions only apply to places of worship or religious teaching.

They also say legislation being considered by Israel’s government would allow church property to be expropriated.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the city is due 650 million shekels ($186 million/152 million euros) in uncollected taxes on church properties.

He stresses the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and all other churches are exempt, with the changes only affecting establishments like “hotels, halls and businesses” owned by the churches.

A separate bill seeks to allay the fears of Israelis who live in homes on lands previously held by the Greek Orthodox Church and which were sold to private developers, according to the lawmaker proposing the legislation.

The bill would allow certain lands sold by the Greek Orthodox Church to be handed over to the state, which would then compensate those who bought it from the church.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/27/jerusalem-holy-site-remains-shut-christians-protest/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indicted a banker, Nsa Ayi, before Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for fraudulent and false accounting to the tune of N700m.

He was also said to have altered instructions and falsified signatures of customers to transfer money into various accounts outside the bank.

The EFCC, which arraigned Ayi on 11 counts of fraud, said the offences were contrary to Section 335(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.


The defendant, a former Relationship Officer, Coronation Merchant Bank, allegedly connived with unknown parties to move funds using customers’ electronic instructions meant for investment in the Federal Government of Nigeria Bonds, Treasury Bills and Fixed Deposits.

The money was allegedly transferred in tranches into the defendant’s Guaranty Trust Bank account, 0001600855, as well as his Zenith Bank account, 1002771899.

He, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Nnemeka Omewa, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody.

The defence counsel, B.A. Ayeni, informed the court of a pending application for bail on behalf of his client.

However, in his response, the prosecution counsel, Omewa, opposed the bail application, saying that “he is a flight-risk who had plans to relocate with his entire family to the United States last year, if not for the timely response in arresting him by the EFCC.”

Omewa further informed the court that there was no document showing that the defendant’s son was critically ill to warrant him being flown abroad for treatment.

“My Lord, the defendant’s health is very much okay, as he was well fed in the EFCC custody,” the prosecution counsel added.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada ruled that if the defendant’s son was truly ill and needed medical treatment abroad, the defendant should not be pleading with the court to allow him travel out with his entire family only to treat his son.

“I, therefore, conclude that the defendant is a flight-risk as put before the court by the prosecution.”

“There is no guarantee of him coming back to Nigeria, if he had travelled out with his family, despite booking for return tickets,” Justice Dada held.

Consequently, Justice Dada adjourned the case till March 6, 26, 29 and April 16 and 27, 2018 for the commencement of trial and remanded the defendant in Kirikiri prison pending the hearing of his bail application.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/27/efcc-indicts-banker-diverting-n700m-customers-account/

A magistrate court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Tuesday arraigned two men, Ahmed Abdullahi, and Nura Musa for allegedly obstructing the convoy of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

Abdullahi, 37, and Musa, 23, both of Asokoro, Abuja, are faced with a count charge of public nuisance.



The prosecutor, Adeniyi Oyeyemi, informed the court that the defendants committed the act on February 24 at Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

He said the accused persons unlawfully pulled over their car and caused an obstruction to the flow of traffic while they sat unpertubed not until the security details of the governor came down to arrest them.

According to the prosecutor, a bottle of codeine was found in their vehicle.

He said that the offence contravened Section 183 of the Penal Code.

The defendants pleaded not guilty, while the Magistrate, Emenisi Ebiwari, granted them bail in the sum of N500, 000 each and a surety in like sum.

He adjourned the case until March 15 for further hearing.(NAN)

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/27/two-men-fined-1m-blocking-gov-bellos-convoy/