₦airaland Forum

Former top officials of Mainstreet Bank Registrars Limited (MBRL) were today remanded in custody by an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, for allegedly forging documents belonging to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The documents, court heard were allegedly forged deliberately by the former Mainstreet Bank’s officials to convert the bank’s accounts with Skye Bank to personal use.

The officials, a former managing director, Mr. Chester Ukandu and the bank’s former director, Achi George, allegedly forged the CAC’s documents to defraud the bank.

The two accused persons were remanded after they pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of conspiracy and forgery initiated against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to EFCC prosecutor, Zainab Ettu, the two defendants allegedly between February 6 and 7, 2012 conspired to forge letter head papers of Mainstreet Bank Registrars Limited, with registration number: 613674, claiming that it emanated from Mainstreet Bank’s Registrars Limited.

Besides, EFCC said the accused persons allegedly forged the Corporate Affairs Commission Form 2A, claiming that it emanated from CAC to perpetrate the criminal offence.

Etu specifically told the court that the two accused persons, who were formerly managing director and director of the company, allegedly perpetrated the criminal offence after they had retired from the company with a view to unlawfully converting the company’s property and bank’s account with Skye Bank to personal use.

Their arrest, she said, followed an investigation conducted on a petition written by the bank’s lawyer, Dr. Charles Mekwunye, hence, they were consequently charged before the court.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their plea, their lawyer, Samuel Agwuh, informed the court that he had filed application for bail, urging the court to grant his clients application in liberal terms.

But Etu said they were just being served with the applications, urging the court to remand the accused persons in custody pending bail as she needed time to respond.

Justice O.A. Williams, however, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in Ikoyi prisons till April 10 when their bail applications would be entertained.

Strong indications have emerged that the recent protest by the Ikeja branch of Nigerian Bar Association was politically motivated.
This is because of recent findings that link major actors of the protest to the national legal adviser of APC, Dr. Muiz Banire who funded their activities with loads of money to print t-shirts, posters, fliers e.t.c and oil the pockets of the executives.
Investigations have revealed that the association was allegedly hijacked by supporters of the National Legal Adviser who has been in a running battle with his mentor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the APC in Lagos state.
Those in the know say many known supporters of the embittered legal Adviser were spotted in the recent march actively participating under the disguise of protesting against the Land Use Charge.
In another development, the lawyer protesters who have been severally linked as sympathizers of a former governor in Lagos State boasted that their agenda is to dent Amode’s image and popularity under the smokescreen of populist fight against the amended law of land use charge by making Lagos ungovernable for Ambode.
It would be recalled that in a rather display of comedy of errors, some group of lawyers, from Ikeja Branch,out of the five branches in Lagos State marched from Ikeja Roundabout to the Lagos State House of Assembly to protest the review of the state’s Land Use Charge (LUC) on Tuesday 13thMarch 2018.While is their democratic right to express their concerns or grievances on any policy, it is shameful when such agitation is jaundiced with political machinations and mischief.
Interestingly and in a curious twist of events, these ‘champions’ have been shown to be tax evaders, or at best have been grossly under-paying for their properties. This has been revealed in an exclusive document obtained from the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). For instance, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Barrister Adesina Ademola, Ogunlana, who led the protest pays a paltry pay-as-you-earn tax of N5,000 per annum. Same goes for the vice-chairman,Carol Ibharuneafe who also pays N5,000 annually as tax. More shocking is the revelation that the likes of the NBA Branch Secretary,Muna Esegine, the Treasurer, Coco-Bassey Thelma, the Social Secretary, Jemerigbe Eyinmofe and the Welfare Officer, Tanimowo Oluranti were not paying taxes as at 2009 as revealed by the same exclusive document! Others who paid taxes that cannot equate to liveable status are the Assistant Secretary, Adedokun Issa Akanji (N1,250), and the Publicity Secretary, Akinwale Ajibola (N15,000).
This sad and sordid scenario throws up some burning questions. Do these gentlemen of the bar stand on any high moral ground to hold protests against a government that means well for the good people of Lagos State? NO!
Truth be told, tax payment is an internationally agreed sustainable source of revenue generation. Anyone that does not support it certainly does not mean well for the state in particular, and Nigeria at large.

Leading retail banking giant, Diamond Bank Plc, has raised higher the bar in the delivery of unique financial services that suits customers changing lifestyles and needs.

In partnership with Women’s World Banking with support from Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) funded by UK aid from the UK government, Diamond Bank worked with Gamsole, Commonwealth (formerly D2D Fund) and Microsoft to open another window of money management opportunities for youth. The simplified digital financial platform will enable youths to plan their financial future, save, chat, and update their financial knowledge while playing games.

The financial service known as Dreamville, does not only enable youths to learn and develop healthy savings habit and build prudent expenditure profile, it also helps customers understand diverse investment portfolios, link their respective accounts with social media channels and chat with friends.

According to the Bank’s chief spokesperson, Chioma Afe, the Dreamville online community and the development of the multifunctional game-enabled platform are “revolutionary” and tallies with the Bank’s proposition to meet the changing needs and lifestyles of customers.

She added that the platform is aimed at motivating customer engagement, provide fun and entertainment with up-to-date financial information that will enable the customer to accomplish his/her future financial goals and needs with excitement.

“At Diamond, we value our Youth customers. We do not just acquire customers, we engage customers. That is why in collaboration with internal and external partners such as IT, Transaction Banking, Women’s World Banking, Commonwealth (formerly D2D Fund), Gamsole, Microsoft and other local vendors, we have developed a multifunctional engagement platform to cater to both the needs of customers and non-customers alike”

Ryan Newton, Manager for Strategic Advisory at Women’s World Banking stressed that the service will enable youth to build financial capability that will serve as a foundation for banking successfully as adults.

“By using a gamified platform, we not only drive engagement with youth, but we help these young clients build their financial capabilities and set them up for long-term success. Users earn points, badges and rewards for positive financial behaviors such as managing their finances and budgets, setting savings goals, and achieving those goals. They can also participate in championships and tournaments to reinforce these lessons in good banking.”

According to the Bank, the service will help customers imbibe a savings culture from an early age, by building financial capability and literacy in customers. “This entails teaching, assessment of risks and opportunities, development of entrepreneurial skills, teamwork and collaboration, goal setting and readying for the workplace”.

With the launch of the service, Diamond Bank has reaffirmed its leading revolutionary role in driving digital financial services as Nigeria’s fastest growing retail bank.

The Bank has continued to leverage innovation and technology to enhance customer experiences and drive financial inclusion in what it terms Beyond Banking. Since incorporation in December 1990, Diamond Bank has challenged the market environment by introducing new products, innovative technology and setting new benchmarks through international standards.

Today, Diamond Bank is best placed to respond to changing lifestyles and is leading the digital transformation in response to these societal shifts. Diamond Mobile app is Africa’s leading banking app and the first with the touch ID feature.

…Grants 50% reduction on commercial charges, 25% for owner-occupier, manufacturing concerns
… Gives tax credit for payment already made, introduces installment payment plan

In line with the administration’s tradition of inclusive governance and civic engagement, the Lagos State Government on Thursday, March 15 announced the downward review of the amended Land Use Charge Law 2018 to 50% for commercial property as well as other LUC waivers that will give economic succour to owners of property and taxpayers in Lagos State.
This announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade during a Press Conference held at the Baguda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos attended by members of the media in the state and other relevant stakeholders.
Mr. Ashade stated that the review to the amended LUC Law 2018 which was received with mixed feelings in the state came as a result of widespread dialogue with stakeholders such as the Organised Private Sector, Nigeria Bar Association, Real Estate Investors & Developers, Landlord & Resident Associations, Community Development Associations, Civil Society Organizations, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors & Valuers and several other professional groups.
“As a Government that is committed to the welfare of its citizens and which understands the importance of continuously engaging the populace, the Lagos State Government took this important decision for the good of the people”.
The after effect of the review of the amended LUC law means owners of property in Lagos State can now reap the benefits and waivers as follows:
Commercial Property Owners, who are undoubtedly the stakeholders mostly impacted by this amended Law will be granted 50% discount. This means a commercial property valued at N20 million which was earlier billed N91, 200 will now pay N45,600 per annum.
Property occupied by owner and third party & property used for industrial and manufacturing purposes will now enjoy 25% discount. This means that a N20 million property expected to pay N30,720 will now pay N23,040 per annum.
Owner-occupied property will enjoy 15% discount. For a N20 million property, this used to be N9,120. Now, it is N7,752 per annum.
Additionally, the penalty regime for late payment of LUC has been waived completely. Therefore, LUC payers who have received their bills will no longer be penalized for late payment of bills issued in 2018, thereby providing additional relief to LUC payers.
Apart from the earlier stated ones, other rates and reliefs will remain unchanged and will be implemented as stipulated by the Law. These include 40% general relief, 10% for 70 years and above, 10% for properties owned by persons living with disability and 10% for properties that are 25 years old and so on and so forth. Owners of Property across all categories will now be allowed to make payments by instalments. This will help to reduce the burden of taxation on Lagos citizens.
The Executive Director of Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), Comrade Femi Lawson who was elated at the new LUC review praised the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for its empathy with the people of the state. “This review shows a government that shares in the pain and concerns of the citizens of this state. Not only did they listen to our agitations but also LASG took action to allay our fears and worries by bringing the LUC rates down and introducing some other tax burden relief measures. This is surely a pro-people government.”
Similarly, Mr. Thomas Aderinola, a real estate investor in Lagos State, said the downward review of the amended LUC law by as much as 50% was a reassuring indication that the LASG is a listening government. “Imagine this huge waiver of 50%. It shows that the state government is sensitive to needs and is working for the interest of the people. We all can see what Governor Ambode is doing in the state in terms of Infrastructural development.”
More importantly, Aderinola applauded the government for introducing some other waivers like instalmental payment and the newly set up People’s Tribunal to resolve LUC payment cases in the state. “With developments like these, we will be happy to show our commitment to the growth of Lagos by paying our taxes as at when due”
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Finance appreciated and commended property owners of all categories who have been performing their civic duties faithfully by paying the LUC.
“Consequently, as a result of these new measures, those who have paid the original amount will be awarded tax credits to the extent of the excess amount paid and carried forward to next year”.
The Government also thanked Lagosians for their support and trust while encouraging them to participate effectively in the legislative proceedings.
“We appreciate you for trusting the current administration with the responsibility of investing the revenue from LUC in infrastructure renewal and overall development of our State. We promise we will continue to make your tax work for you”.

The foremost institutional Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank plc has released its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2017 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

A review of the results shows positive performance across all financial indices, reaffirming the Bank’s position as one of the most profitable and well managed financial institutions in Nigeria. Gross earnings for the year grew by 1.1% to ₦419.2billion from ₦414.6billion reported in the December 2016; driven primarily by growth in interest income as well as e-payment revenues.

Profit before tax stood at ₦200.2billion, representing a growth of 21.3% over ₦165.1billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2016. The Bank’s loan book dipped by 8.9% from ₦1.590trillion recorded as at December 2016 to ₦1.449trillion in December 2017 while customer deposits increased by 3.8% to ₦2.062trillion from ₦1.986trillion in December 2016.

The Bank’s balance sheet remained strong with a 3.9% growth in Total Assets and Contingents as the Bank closed the year ended December 2017 with Total Assets and Contingents of ₦3.845trillion and Shareholders’ Funds of ₦625.2Billion. In terms of Assets quality, NPL ratio increased to 7.7% in December 2017 from 3.7% in December 2016 largely as a result of classification of a single exposure within the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.

However, non-performing loans would moderate to 4.6%, which is below regulatory threshold, if we exclude this name from NPL ratio computation. Overall, asset quality remains stable with adequate coverage of 119.6%, while Capital remains strong with CAR of 25.7%. On the backdrop of this result, Return on Equity (ROAE) and Return on Assets (ROAA) closed at 35.4% and 6.2% respectively.

The Bank is proposing a final dividend of 240k per unit of ordinary shareheld by shareholders in addition to interim dividend of 30k per unit of ordinary share bringing total dividend for 2017 financial year to ₦2.70 per unit of ordinary share.

Commenting on the financial results, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “2017 was a pivotal year for the bank. We delivered a strong result in a challenging environment; achieving record growth in earnings, carefully managing cost margins and leveraging our digital-first customer-centric strategy to deliver world-class services that are simple, cheap and easily accessible.”

He further stated that “The result demonstrates the fundamental strength of our franchise as well as the progress we are making in transforming our organization into a platform on which our customers could build their businesses, connect with their consumers and access all the resources that they need to make their lives better.”

GTBank has continued to report the best financial ratios for a Financial Institution in the industry as revealed by its return on equity (ROE) of 35.4% and cost to income ratio of 38.1% evidencing the efficient management of assets and operational efficiency. Overall, the Bank has enshrined its position as a clear leader in the industry. In recognition of its innovation and hard work, the Bank received over 20 international awards in 2017.

The Senate has drafted two of its committees to investigate the establishment of the Vigilante Service Group by Kogi state government.

The attention of the Senate was drawn to the development by Dino Melaye (Kogi-APC) on Wednesday.

Mr. Melaye, while presenting a motion, said the establishment of the state police in Kogi contravened provision of the constitution.

“Mr. President, I bring to the senate a law passed by the Kogi state government and signed into law by the governor of Kogi state that talks about the establishment of the Vigilante Service Group. Mr. President, I have that law here, it’s already a law of the Kogi state government. By the time I perused this law, this law is in conflict with the provisions of the constitution. This law alters the functions of the Nigeria Police as stipulated in section 214 of the constitution.

“Mr. President, it is a fact that state can make laws through the Houses of Assembly as enshrined in section 4 of the constitution but the law they will make must not be in conflict with the provisions of the constitution. Mr. President, I seek your indulgence to read a section of the law passed by Kogi state government. It says that Vigilante Group will be involved in detection and prevention of crime, the apprehension of criminals, the preservation of law and order, the protection of lives and property. Will assist other security and para-military agencies in the discharge of their duties to assist other security agencies in government installations, to assist other security agencies in maintaining law and order in any economic, political and social gathering. There shall be a controller of Vigilante services. There is also a Deputy Controller-General.

“Mr. President, the most affront on the constitution is in section 15 of that law which says the vigilante Service Group shall carry dane guns, other guns and other light weapons that are commiserate with their duties and responsibilities.”

He warned against condoning such group in Kogi state. Mr. Melaye said the group are already ‘killing people in Kogi.’

“This is how it started in Kano, it was not contained, it started ravaging. This is how Boko Haram started, this is how Sara Suka started. The senate will not fold our arms and close our eyes where a governor is equipping militia to wreak havoc on innocent citizens. As I speak to you, this group is already killing in every parts of Kogi state. There is record of killings in Okene, Adabi, Lokoja and this group are carrying AK-47 and pump actions openly in Kogi.

“This will now justify the reason why uniforms and hardwares are imported into Nigeria. It will now justify why military weapons and gadgets were addressed as sporting equipment for the purpose of illegal importation. The laws of Kogi state shall not override the constitution.”

Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, said the activities of Governor Bello is an indication of incapability of youth in government.

“Quite unfortunately it is Kogi again. Here we are at the Senate trying to make laws to enable the youth who can go to elections to be voted for and we are seeing a very youthful governor who is giving impression that we elders should continue to recycle ourselves. But I do know that the youth of Nigeria are ready.

“Having been a governor before, we were very circumspect about arming militants or arming youth because at the end of the day, even after you’ve left office, for you to retrieve that weapon. To hear that there is a law at all mentioning people to carry light weapons in a state is not only condemnable but must be looked into because Nigeria has been struggling with proliferation of arms. What is happening is almost like legalising illegality.”

Taraba senator, Emmanuel Bwacha, urged the federal government ‘to stop virtually everything and focus on security.’

“If we do not stop everything and face this matter, we will wake up one day and our country will not be there,” he said.

Magnus Abe (Rivers) called the attention of the senate to a similar group in his state.

“Mr. President as we all know, I have always been and I will remain an advocate of state policing as solution to the problems of this nation but for us to do this thing and do it well, we have to be careful.

“In my own state, Rivers, the state House of Assembly has just passed a law called the neighbourhood something bill and law provides for this people to carry arms, provides for them to take every order for the governor, makes all sorts of provisions and even provide for these corps members that even the Nigeria Police does not have. Mr. President, this problem is not just a Kogi problem, it is a Nigerian problem.”

Meanwhile, Victor Umeh (Anambra-APGA), said the vigilante group had been a success in his state. He urged the senate to limit the proscription of such parallel groups to states where they constitute threat to citizens.

“This is a very critical issue. It is very unfortunate that Kogi has been in the news for this abuse for some time now but it behoves on me to point out to this senate that vigilante service has worked in some parts of this country in helping to maintain peace in those states. Anambra is an example.

Orji Kalu, former Abia State Governor, has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to arrest and prosecute ex-President, Olusegun Obasanjo to prove his seriousness in his fight against corruption.

He gave the call while speaking at the quarterly public lecture series of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) in Abuja.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain said Buhari should be bold enough to prove that he has what it takes to salvage Nigeria from bad governance by arresting Obasanjo.

Kalu said Obasanjo should be arrested for alleged missing fund meant for power during his regime.

He said: “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 rubber. ”

“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.”

GOtv subscribers will, on Wednesday, watch the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League round of 16 return match between Barcelona and Chelsea on SuperSport Select 2 (channel 32) at 8:40pm on GOtv.
The second leg of the round of 16 match between Barcelona and Chelsea promises to be full of excitement for lovers of football.

Chelsea travel to Nou camp with the hope of securing a win, although Barcelona have an edge after Lionel Messi equalized at Stamford Bridge in the first leg. It was Messi’s first goal against the Blues.

Both teams are determined to make it through to the quarter-finals of the league with Barcelona hoping for history not to repeat itself.

The most recent official meeting between both teams was in 2011/2012 season when a late strike from Chelsea’s Fernando Torres kicked Barcelona out of the race and delivered the Champions League title to Chelsea for the first time.
Meanwhile, GOtv subscribers can also look forward to other live matches this week including the Emirates FA Cup match between Manchester United and Brighton on Saturday, 17 March and La Liga match between Villarreal and Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 18 March. The entertainment never stops on GOtv!
For subscribers to enjoy all the live matches and other exciting programmes on GOtv, renew your GOtv subscription with N3,800 monthly for GOtv MAX and N1,900 for GOtv Plus.
For more information about the exciting local and international content lined up on our platform, please log on to www.gotvafrica.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter; GOtv Nigeria and @GOtvNg respectively.

US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, who was fired by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, said he was delegating all of his responsibilities to the State Department’s No. 2 official.

He also disclosed that he would leave office at the end of the month.

Tillerson spoke to reporters in a packed briefing room at the State Department in Washington.

“What is most important is to ensure an orderly and smooth transition during a time that the country continues to face significant policy and national security challenges,” he said.

Tillerson said “much work remains’’ to respond to “troubling behaviour and actions’’ by Russia.

He added that the Russian government “must assess carefully’’ how its actions are in the best interest of the Russian people “and of the world more broadly.’’

“Continuing on their current trajectory is likely to lead to greater isolation on their part, a situation which is not in anyone’s interest,’’ the outgoing top U.S. diplomat says.

Nigerian television viewers are in for exciting times, as Ultima Studios (Ultima) – the leading reality television programmes producer in West Africa – adds Family Feud, one of the longest-running, highest-rated and most loved TV shows in the world, to its list of content offerings in 2018.

Just a few weeks ago, CEO of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, was in London, where he signed an agreement with the franchise distributors, Fremantle Media, to produce Family Feud in Nigeria.

At the signing ceremony, Femi Ayeni said: ‘Ultima Studios is fully committed to ensuring that Nigerians are afforded the same opportunities, to enjoy the most riveting television contents available to the rest of the world, and entering this agreement with Fremantle Media, to produce in Nigeria, the multi-award winning format, Family Feud, is just another display of that commitment.’

Currently hosted in the US, by the award-winning host and comedian, Steve Harvey, Family Feud is an American family game show created by Mark Goodson. The format features two families, each composed of four or five members, going head-to-head to guess the most popular responses to a series of survey questions, posted to 100 people. The simplicity of the Family Feud format allows both nuclear and extended families to participate in the game show irrespective of their educational background or knowledge.

With the Nigerian version to be produced by Ultima Studios, Nigeria joins the list of over 50 countries, such as Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Indonesia, and many more, to have adapted Family Feud; the worldwide franchise which ranked at number 3 on Game Show Network (GSN)’s 2006 list of the 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time, and was included on TV Guide‘s 2013 list of the 60 greatest game shows ever.

Ultima’s decision to bring Family Feud to Nigeria is fueled by a desire to produce a quality TV game show that engages families across Nigeria; thus ensuring that participating families and audiences alike are guaranteed an entertaining, fun-filled, wholesome viewing experience that brings families together.

Family Feud joins Lion’s Den on Ultima Studio’s list of offerings for 2018, as Ultima Studios also recently announced an agreement with UK-based Sony Pictures Television, to produce in Nigeria, the world’s number one business reality television show, Lions’ Den; The internatioSPT Logo_high res copynally acclaimed format is popularly known as Dragon’s Den in the UK and Shark Tank in the US, but has also been titled Lion’s Den in countries such as Germany, Denmark, Kenya and Romania.

Ultima Limited is the leading reality television programmes producer in West Africa, best known for its flagship programmes – “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” and “Project Fame West Africa”. Ultima produced 14 seasons of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, making the multi-award winning programme the longest-running reality show in Nigeria. Ultima also produced 9 seasons of “Project Fame West Africa”, also a multi-award winning programme that remains the longest running music reality show in Nigeria.

For more on Family Feud, please visit – www.ultima.ng/family-feud.

In the anointed, spiritually charged programmes of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide led by Apostle (Prof.) Johnson Suleman, the Holy Spirit is changing lives.

This is evident by the divine healing of the sick, saving of the lost, filling believers with His power, and setting free captives from sinful bondages and broken relationships, through the servant of God’s annual healing crusade tagged ‘The Supernatural’ which is usually followed by testimonies of supernatural supply, strength, abilities, insight, wisdom, knowledge and health that are beyond human understanding.

‘The Supernatural’ experience is being felt in nations under Africa, Europe and Asia continents all year round. The ongoing edition in Ghana which started on Tuesday 13th of March and billed to end on Wednesday 14th of March, 2018, will be another experience to ever remember. At each ‘The Supernatural’ crusade, destinies are gloriously altered and lives transformed forever.

During the sessions, the ‘Oracle of God’, Apostle Suleman, regularly lifts the spirit of the highly anticipated with such statement of conviction as “you’re going to see the unexpected; you’re about to see the unimaginable.” And, indeed, after each version of the destiny-altering impartation, every participant, from every corner of the hosting country will experience the glory of God. The divine outpour is always awesome.

As the ‘The Supernatural’ Ghana edition is in progress, the OFM train is set for the next; a four-day spread programme starting with Moscow, capital city of Russia, between the 9th and 10th of April, 2018, followed by the ‘The Supernatural’ in Helsinki, capital city of Finland, on 11th and 12th of April, 2018. The Malaysia and Thailand editions will follow and later ‘The Supernatural’ will be hosted in the United Arab Emirate city of Dubai between the 31st of July and 1st of August, 2018.

Meanwhile, the birthday celebration of the servant of God comes up on Saturday, March 24th, 2018. Remarkably, Apostle Suleman’s birthday celebration is not only about singing, dancing and eating, it promises yet another moment for the uncommon signs of the anointing as well as sign of blessings for the needy.

Porn actress Stormy Daniels on Monday offered to return the $130,000 she received from President Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen, in an effort to fully void the 2016 “hush agreement” that has prevented her from speaking publicly about her alleged 2006 sexual tryst with Trump.

In a letter addressed to Cohen, which was obtained by The New York Times, Daniels’ lawyer Michael Avenatti wrote that she “would wire the money into an account of Mr. Trump’s choosing by Friday” in exchange of nullifying the agreement of silence Daniels took.

Avenatti outlined that if the offer was accepted, Daniels could “(a) speak openly and freely about her prior relationship with the president and the attempts to silence her and (b) use or publish any text messages, photos and/or videos relating to the president that she may have in her possession, all without fear of retribution and legal liability for damages.”

The deal also stipulated that, if accepted, the 60 Minutes interview Daniels taped last week with Anderson Cooper would be allowed to air without blocking efforts from the Trump camp.

With a noon Tuesday deadline, the letter will essentially bait Cohen into a choice between letting Daniels talk freely about her alleged Trump affair; or publicly confirm that a silencing campaign had been in effect.

Avenatti told The Daily Beast that he has yet to hear from Cohen or anyone from the Trump legal team.

A series of underpayments and outright failure to remit taxes from Value Added Tax (VAT) and With Holding Tax (WHT) by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been uncovered by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The accumulated deductions is thought to be up to N2 billion that should have accrued to the Federal Government.

Following the discovery, the tax agency has swung into action to determine the exact amount of money that has been under remitted to the federation account between 2013 and 2015.

According to a report by The Bridge News, NIMASA has underpaid the Federal Government VAT and WHT in local and foreign currencies to the tune of over N2 billion

Breakdown of the under payment of the tax in local currency include With-Holding Tax of N1,732,640,167.89 billion and VAT to the tune of N850,583,503.53 million respectively.

The dollar and pound sterling components of the unremitted tax include WHT of $84,458.68, VAT of $5,595,175.23 million; WHT £37,512.47 and VAT to the amount of £37,512.47.

Investigations revealed that FIRS, following routine audit of NIMASA early 2018, discovered the fraud and consequently opened up detailed investigations into the case to determine the level of culpability of the revenue generating agency.

The WHT and VAT realised between 2013 and 2015 were collected on behalf of the federal government by NIMASA but the agency failed to remit the tax into the federation account.

It is suspected that some top NIMASA management staff attempted to employ underhand tactics to have the over N2 billion written off but failed in the process to get the deal done, a development that prompted a wider and thorough investigation of the case by the FIRS audit department, in Abuja.

Spokesmen of NIMASA Mr. Isichei Osamgbi said last Thursday that he was not aware of the case and several text messages sent to NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside did not yield any response.

Wahab Gbadamosi, head of media, FIRS also failed to respond to emailed questions to him for confirmation.

It would be recalled that worried by the underpayment of taxes and remittances into the federation account by NIMASA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and 18 other revenue generating agencies, the National Economic Council (NEC) had at its meeting in February accused the key revenue generating agencies of under remittances and consequently employed the services of KPMG, a renowned audit firm to look into the books of the respective agencies.

NEC had at that meeting resolved to “decide on repayment plans for all concerned as well as stepping up oversight function on the relevant agencies to ensure remittance as and at when due”.

Minister of Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, at a recent public function, identified the common violations by non-compliant tax payers to include: under-declaration of and non-declaration of income earned including income from government contracts and overseas trading; collection of VAT not duly remitted to FIRS; charging of non-allowable personal expenses to company accounts particularly with reference to overseas school fees and inconsistency between income declared for tax purposes and the value of assets owned.

Under the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), the Federal Government gave till the end on March 31, 2018 for every tax defaulter to regularize their tax payment or face prosecution.

After yet another week filled with drama, intrigue and clashes, Sunday’s live show marked an emotional departure from the Big Brother Naija house for the evicted pair of Ifu Ennada and Leo Da Silva, popularly known as ‘LIFU.’

Their eviction marks the last paired departure as housemates now have to play the Big Brother game individually.

The show took off with performances from Nigerian rapper Ycee, who performed his hit track ‘Juice’ and a medley of his other songs ‘Omo Alhaji’ and ‘Bye Bye’. The ante was further upped when Ebuka mentioned that immunity for the Head of House might be stripped, guaranteeing a forthcoming frenzy in the house.

Ifu and Leo leave with their heads high, having recently excelled in their team task. Their departure was however made truly memorable following Alex’s emotional and tear filled reaction as she had forged a bond with Leo.

Voting for nominated housemates begins on Monday at 6.30 pm Nigerian time, and viewers can vote via SMS, mobile and website. To vote via SMS, simple text the word “vote” followed by the team name to 32052. Voting costs N30 per SMS. To vote via mobile site and website, simply register on africamagic.tv/bbvote with your mobile number and password, then enter the OTP number and vote for FREE. Voting opens at 6.30pm on Monday and closes at 9.30pm Nigerian time on Thursday.

Make sure you tune in to DStv 198 and GOtv channel 29 to catch all the excitement, drama and suspense on Big Brother Naija, proudly sponsored by PayPorte, your preferred online store.

For more information, please visit www.dstv.com. Also follow us on twitter @BBNaija and on Instagram @bigbronaija to find out more. You can also visit africamagic.dstv.com/show/big-brother-nigeria-s3

…As Lagos gov, wife, deputy gov, CJ, CP, others lead walk against menace in Alausa



Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday threw his weight behind the 25 years jail term for rapist and perpetrators of all forms of domestic violence, saying that the time has come to take aggressive steps to put a stop to the menace.

Governor Ambode, who led a symbolic walk against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Alausa, Ikeja, with top government functionaries including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olufunmilayo Oke, wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, Attorney General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, members of the State Executive Council, members of the House of Assembly, stakeholders in the justice sector, celebrities, students, among others, said it was time to walk the talk and ensure that all hands are on deck towards safeguarding the rights of every citizen and the most vulnerable in the society.

Backing the 25 year jail term for rapists, the Governor, decked in a red t-shirt with inscriptions including ‘I Say No To Rape’, ‘Stop Domestic Violence’, among others, said it was time to take the fight one step further by amending the Protection against Domestic Violence Law, 2007 and also come up with strict punitive measures that would serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of such act.

“Rape should not be met with light sentencing; the minimum sentence of 25 years is highly recommended. We need new laws, which will respond adequately to the nature and occurrences of this era. Domestic Violence is a crime, and should be treated as such. The Protection Against Domestic Violence Law, 2007, should therefore be amended accordingly,” Governor Ambode said.

He said in the last two and half years, the State has made a lot of in the war against the oppression of the female gender, noting that the State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team has executed interventions and initiatives including easy access to reporting incidents, speedy rescue and access to justice, medical & psycho-social support for survivors, sensitization & policy advocacy and the establishment of the lagos state domestic and sexual violence trust fund to ensure survivors are financially independent.

Governor Ambode, however, said that his administration would not rest on its oars until the menace is totally eradicated.

“A lot of progress has been made in the steps taken to protect the rights of women and the girl child and in the war against the oppression of the female gender. However, there is still so much to be done. We need to ask ourselves the hard question: for this cause we honour today, how can we truly ensure we are walking the talk?

“What we are tackling today is an almost innate culture which relegates women to the background and forces them to suffer in silence. In Lagos, we are waging a war against this culture and we will do everything within our power to transform ours to a culture of equality, respect and dignity for all. It is a journey of radical transformation, and our government is wholly committed to seeing it through.

“We are not just reactive in helping survivors but also taking aggressive steps to prevent future occurrences. Our aim is to build a system of trust and accountability, where survivors are encouraged to speak out and potential perpetrators are discouraged to commit future acts,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor commended the Lagos State Judiciary for heeding the call to establish a Sexual Offences Court, just as he also lauded the State House of Assembly for enacting the Protection against Domestic Violence Law, 2007, the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State, 2015 and the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, noting that all efforts was geared towards providing a solid platform for waging the war against Sexual and gender based Violence.

Besides, Governor Ambode, urged the Nigeria Police Force to strive to be more professional and ensure proper investigation of reported cases by grooming specialist officers, since they were mostly the first point of call for victims of sexual and domestic violence.

“As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now. We firmly believe that the actions we take today will be the seeds sown for a brighter future for our women and indeed, our children. We believe our State can continue to pioneer in this agenda and become a benchmark not just in Nigeria, but globally”, he said.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge commended Governor Ambode for leading the symbolic walk, saying the development as well as other efforts geared towards combating the menace eloquently confirmed the commitment of the State Government to reduce the menace to the bearest minimum, just as she urged victims to come out and seek justice.

On his part, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa who was represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Rotimi Abiru, said Lagos has set the pace in putting issues of rape, domestic violence, child abuse and others on the front bunner adding that the coming together of the three arms of governments was a proof of political will to fight the menace in the State to a standstill.

With over 100, 000 Nigerian women suffering from Endometriosis every year and a general – but sorely harmful – lack of awareness for the condition, there has never been a more important time to keep motivated and #PressforProgress in the awareness and treatment of Endometriosis.

Last weekend, as part of its activities for its #BankOnHer campaign, Diamond Bank’s expression of Women’s History Month, carried this mandate in Lagos by walking Five Kilometers from City Mall, Lagos to Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, sharing information on the condition.

The Head, Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank, Chioma Afe said the walk became necessary in order to raise awareness for the condition. She went on to further say that Diamond Bank will always support women as this is the 5th year the bank is organizing this walk

Endometriosis is a widespread uncomfortable disease affecting tens of thousands of girls and women in Nigeria and a sweeping lack of awareness by both sufferers and health care providers delay diagnosis. This lack of awareness is often due to a normalization of symptoms and it was to this end that Diamond Bank took to the streets.

This year’s walk was held in partnership with the Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) and Nordica Fertility Center.

Below is the link of a short video of the walk and attached some pictures from the event:

The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has sacked the 18 commissioners in his cabinet including all Special assistants and political appointees in ministries, departments and agencies.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, the Governor ordered the affected officers to hand over to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries, departments and agencies or to the most senior civil servants in the absence of permanent secretaries.

Obiano also directed the affected appointees to hand over any project vehicles in their possession to the office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March 2018.

“His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State, has directed that all political appointees and non-civil servants, heads of MDAs in the state submit their hand over notes/reports on or before Friday, 16th March 2018 to the Permanent Secretary of their respective MDAs, or to the most senior civil servant there in the absence of a Permanent Secretary,” the statement read.

“All SSAs/SAs are to submit their handover notes/reports to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the SSG.

“A copy of the handover note/report must be submitted to the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March 2018.

“Further to the above, political appointees and non-civil servants, heads of MDAs and SSAs/SAs under reference, are to also hand over any government project/utility vehicles in their custody to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March 2018.

“The contents of this letter are for your attention and necessary actions, as I assure you of my high regards.”

We noted that the Governor will start his second term on 17th of March having been re-elected on 18th of November 2018.

A former governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomhole, says the federal government’s proposal to implement a new minimum wage is not a political gimmick to win the 2019 general elections.

Mr. Oshiomhole said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the 26th convocation lecture of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu.

The title of the lecture was “Crisis of Governance, Governance of Crisis: The Role of Education in Nibbling Governance Crisis in Nigeria.’’

According to the former governor, the government has said it will begin implementation of workers minimum wage by the third quarter of 2018.

Mr. Oshiomhole, who is also a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the government’s pronouncement on the minimum wage “is only about a political will.’’

He said there was already a case to review the wages prior to the election, adding that he was not bothered about when the implementation of the new minimum wage would start.

According to him, he was only bothered by the fact that some workers in some states are still not paid the current N18,000 minimum wage in use.

He said denying a worker the minimum of N18,000 was enough to prick the conscience.

Mr. Oshiomhole quoted President Muhammadu Buhari as saying that “he does not know how anyone who has not paid workers for two, three months or even one year is able to sleep.’’

“As governor of Edo, I increased the minimum wage from N18,000 to N25,000 a month for the least paid worker.

“And I did that to dismiss and to close the debate whether a higher minimum wage is desirable.
“Rather than going to be giving a lecture on why a higher minimum wage is inevitable, I thought it is better to use my executive power to increase the minimum wage and to pay it.

“Not only did I pay it for as long as I was governor, my successor has continued to pay it.

“And Edo has continued to deliver on infrastructure and on its mandate to the admiration of its residents,’’ the former governor said.

The federal government, through the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, had on February 27 said the implementation of the new minimum wage would begin in the third quarter of the year.

NLC had proposed N56,000 for the least paid worker to the federal government.

A 30-member committee on minimum wage headed by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Ama Pepple, was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2017.

A group of candidates preparing for the forthcoming Joint Admission Matriculation Board, JAMB examination has donated several food items to the Citadel of Grace Mission International Orphanage home in Igando, Lagos
The over 100 candidates currently attend Success Mandate Pre-Varsity l Academy which organises an annual Mandate to Save-A-Soul Project to orphanage homes.
Items donated by the candidates includes, bags of rice, tubers of yam, vegetable oil, noddles, custard, toiletries and baby care products.
Speaking during the presentation of the items to the orphanage home, Coordinator of Success Academy and Founder of Save-A-Soul Charity Outreach, Mr. Ken Anoruo said that the idea behind the gesture of mobilising the candidates to donate items to orphanage homes, is to inculcate empathy in them.
Mr. Anoruo noted that as the students prepare to enter another phase of their academic pursuit, it is important that they should be exposed to the noble goal of giving to the needy and less privileged in the society.
“We have been doing this for the past eight years and the impact has been tremendous. Through our charity organization, we encourage the candidates in our tutorial academy to donate whatever they can afford to orphanage homes.
“We do this to encourage them to develop the attitude of giving and to let them know that a little gift of love can make a meaningful impact in the life of less privileged persons”.
He also added that beyond donating to orphanage homes, the occasion is also used to give career talks to the candidates to prepare them for the tough educational and life challenges ahead of then.
Anoruo also used the event to call on JAMB to heed the call of many candidates who are clamoring for the extension of the examination date.
He noted that if examination malpractice must be totally eliminated, candidates sitting for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination must be given adequate time to prepare for the examination.
The career talk at the event was delivered by Mr. Evans Ufeli who spoke to the candidates on career paths and life in tertiary institutions.
Commending the candidates and their coordinator, Head of Citadel of Grace International Mission Orphange, Mrs Christy Obehi Iyile said that it is always a delight every year to see different set of candidates come to donate food items to the orphanage home.
“Mr Anoruo through his charity organization has been doing this every year for the past eight years. We always look forward to receiving them every year. It is really a commendable course and I believe the candidates learn empathy through the programme.
“On our part, we pray for them and we believe that our prayers has been helping a lot of them in their examinations and life challenges,” she said.
Iyile also appealed to individuals and organisations in the country to always remember orphanage homes as the needs of children in the homes are endless.

The government of Lagos state is not unaware of the reactions of a section of the public on the reviewed land use charge law of 2001. According to statistics, by 2030, Lagos state is projected to become the third largest consumer market in the world with a population of 35.8 million, closely behind Tokyo and New Delhi. Expectedly, high population growth and rapid urbanisation will put infrastructure and public services under enormous pressure. The question is, are we ready? In order to improve on service delivery, increase internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and not depend on the federal revenue, Lagos State has sought to grow its revenue base by ensuring all economic activities on Real estate gives a return to the government for the sole purpose of improving the living conditions of residents of Lgaos State.

The implemented Land Use Charge Law (LUCL) is a repeal of the Land Use Charge Law 2001, it was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on February 8, 2018. The LUCL 2018 which replaced the 2001 law is a merger of all Property and Land Based Rates and Charges in Lagos State

There was an urgent need for the repeal, as the old law had not been reviewed for over 15years, since 2001. Under the old law, the LUC rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive which deprived the state of keeping track of all economic activities that relates to land in Lagos State.

The new law is a consolidation of Ground Rent, Tenement Rate, and Neighbourhood Improvement Levy. This charge is payable annually in respect of all real estate properties in the state, which means owners and occupiers holding a lease to a Property for ten (10) years or more are now liable to pay the annual LUC invoice charged.

Thus, the Tenement Rates Law, the Land Based Rates Law, the Neighbourhood Improvement Charge and all other similar Property Rates or Charges, Laws or amendments to any such property Laws shall cease to apply to any property in Lagos State as from 2018. Nonetheless, all pending invoices, orders, rules, regulations, etc. under the 2001 repealed Law shall continue to be in effect until such obligations are discharged.

Amount payable is expected to be made from January 1 of every year and can be calculated by multiplying the Market Value (MV) of that property by the Applicable Relief Rate (RR) and Annual Charge Rate (CR). Upon receiving a notice or not, the new law has made it possible for owners to calculate their charge, and enable prompt payment, which allows them to benefit from a 15% discount for early payment, applicable to payments made within 15 days of receipt of Demand Notice.

For people saying the use of Market Value should not be the basis for deriving the LUC rate. We ask, what better application should be used? The cost of building houses varies according to area, so each property needs to be valued according to its location, in order to achieve a standardized rate for everyone that is progressive and rational. It is instructive to note that, according to the law, the incidence of payment is on the Landlord and not the tenant.

The State Government has made available some exemptions, which means that after some years of paying your LUC, you may fall under the category of property owners who do not need to pay LUC anymore. This exemption applies to pensioners of 60 years and above who are owners and occupiers of the property.

Other properties exempted include; properties used for public and religious activities, properties used as registered educational institutes and charitable activities, , public cemeteries and burial ground and all palaces of recognized Obas and Chiefs in the State.

Furthermore, various reliefs have been made available to payers, they include a general 40% relief for all property liable to LUC payment, a 10% relief for owners and occupiers with persons with disabilities, a 10% relief for owners and occupiers of 70years and above, a 10% relief for properties above 25years, a 5% relief for properties occupied by their owners for over 12years, a 20% relief for non-revenue generating federal and state government property, and 20% partial relief for non-profit making organizations. To enjoy any of these reliefs, applicants must make claims with evidence for approval to the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance.

Let me demonstrate some scenarios here:…

Also, the ministry has engaged professional services of over 100 registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers who in the next six months will visit various properties to get accurate data for valuation that will be used as the basis for billing for another five years. Owners and Occupiers are expected to provide the officials with valid documents to help with the valuation. The LUC 2018 has been reviewed to enable self-assessment, which means property owners can now make their own calculation and know their rate with the help of professional valuers.

The new law also established an Assessment Appeal Tribunal (LUCAAT) which is authorized to adopt the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in resolving disputes concerning LUC Demand Notice, provided the appeal is lodged within 30 days after the receipt of the Demand Notice. Should any property owner is unsure of his or her LUC bill or assessment, we implore such persons to visit any of our help desks in all the local Government Council Areas or Room 11,Ministry of Finance, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja or send us an email on luc@lagosstate.gov.ng .We are ready to talk, attend to you and clarify issues on individual basis as tax is a personal affair.

How to pay?

Property owners can pay at any branch of the twenty accredited banks in Lagos State as well as on the available online platforms in the comfort of their homes.

Failure to comply in any form with the LUC Law, obstruct of LUCL officials and/or damage to LUC Property Identification Plaques is an offense punishable under the LUCL.

In order to enable the implementation and enforcement of the new LUC, the Lagos State Government has extended the period for the payment of all annual Land Use Charge Demand Notices for 2018 to April 14, 2018.

…Extends period for discounted payment to April 14

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday clarified the figures circulating in the media on the rate for the newly reviewed Land Use Charge Law of 2018, saying many of the numbers were based on several years of arrears on the levy not paid by affected property owners.
Speaking at a news briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan said there were so many misconceptions and misinformation about the new law, adding that the law was a progressive enactment duly made by the House of Assembly and handed over to the Executive for implementation in the overall interest of the people.
He specifically dismissed the humongous figures being bandied about on the social media, saying many of the calculations were based on arrears of many years of non-payment.
“The fact is that this law took a long process to be made. It started as a bill and went through the first reading, second reading, public hearing to which all stakeholders were brought together to debate it and some of the relieves we have seen were part of the debate expressed by the stakeholders about the need to protect the vulnerable segment of the society. Having made the law, the Lagos State House of Assembly has handed it over to the executive to implement.
“The second important part is that a lot of relieves have been built into the law but many people are confusing arrears with the actual figure. If you see those figures, ask whether it is for one year or arrears of several years of non-payment. The humongous figures that are being bandied around particularly in the social media relate to the arrears of many years of non-payment which are computed together,” Bamigbetan said.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade said the government has extended the period for tax payers to enjoy the 15 per cent discount in the reviewed Land Use Charge Law to April 14, 2018 in order to enable the implementation and enforcement of the new law, as well as allow many property owners to benefit from the discount.
Ashade, who took time to clarify reactions in some section of the public on the new law, said under the old law, which had not been reviewed for over 15 years since 2001, the Land Use Charge rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive and was depriving the State of keeping track of all economic activities that relate to land in Lagos State.
He said the Law, which was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on February 8, 2018 is a merger of all Property and Land Based Rates and Charges in the State.
Ashade said: “There was an urgent need for the repeal, as the old law had not been reviewed for over 15 years, since 2001. Under the old law, the LUC rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive which deprived the State of keeping track of all economic activities that relate to land in Lagos State.
“The new law is a consolidation of Ground Rent, Tenement Rate, and Neighbourhood Improvement Levy. This charge is payable annually in respect of all real estate properties in the State, which means owners and occupiers holding a lease to a Property for ten (10) years or more are now liable to pay the annual LUC invoice charged.
“Thus, the Tenement Rates Law, the Land Based Rates Law, the Neighbourhood Improvement Charge and all other similar Property Rates or Charges, Laws or amendments to any such property Laws shall cease to apply to any property in Lagos State as from 2018. Nonetheless, all pending invoices, orders, rules, regulations, etc. under the 2001 repealed Law shall continue to be in effect until such obligations are discharged.”
Explaining the calculation of amount payable, the Commissioner said that property owners can determine the amount by multiplying the Market Value of their property by the Applicable Relief Rate of 40 per cent and Annual Charge rate.
“Upon receiving a notice or not, the new law has made it possible for owners to calculate their charge, and enable prompt payment, which allows them to benefit from a 15% discount for early payment, applicable to payments made within 15 days of receipt of Demand Notice,” he said.
Responding to fears of tenants that the new Law might force landlords to increase rent, Ashade said aside the fact that the Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011 was still in force, the incidence of payment for Land Use Charge under the new law is on the Landlord and not the tenant.
He said the minimum rate was only increased from N1,200 it was in 2001 to N5,000, while there is provision for self-assessment and Assessment Appeal Tribunal under the new law.
On vacant properties, Ashade said such would be treated based on owner-occupier and not as a commercial property, explaining that the target of government is to make commercial property owners to pay a little bit more.

…it is a more scientific and standardised payment

Following the announcement of the re-enacted Land Use Charge Law (LUCL) 2018 of Lagos State, the Coalition of Real Estate Investors and Surveyors in Lagos State has revealed that after its thorough analysis of the LUCL 2018, Owners-Occupiers are expected to pay a token percentage of 0.076% of the value of the assessed property.
Mr. Ayokunle Gregory, the convener of Coalition of Real Estate Investors and Surveyors in Lagos, made this revelation through a press statement after a closed-door meeting of the Coalition held in Lagos on Friday, March 2, 2018. While also expressing dismay at the level of misinformation circulating about the law among the unsuspecting public, Mr. Gregory further stated that some mischief-makers were bent on exploiting the new law for their selfish purpose by confusing the entire populace through dissemination of half-truth.
“And as such, we feel obliged to address the falsehood from a professional perspective before the unsuspecting public is misguided to bewilderment and violation of the law”.
The newly implemented LUCL 2018 is a repeal of the Land Use Charge Law 2001 (the LUCL 2001) that lacked clarity on the formula used to derive an accurate rate. Also, under the old law, the LUC rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive which deprived the state of keeping track of all economic activities that relate land in Lagos State.
According to the coalition, the reviewed LUCL 2018 is to put in place a regulated and standardised system that enables clarity and self-assessment. It was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on February 8, 2018. Property owners in the state have gone ahead to pay their LUC following the flag off by the Lagos State Governor on February 19, 2018.
The law is a consolidation of Ground Rent, Tenement Rate, and Neighbourhood Improvement Levy. Thus, the Tenement Rates Law, the Land Based Rates Law, the Neighbourhood Improvement Charge and all other similar Property Rates or Charges, Laws or amendments to any such property Laws shall cease to apply to any property in the State as from February 2018.
Nonetheless, all pending invoices, orders, rules, regulations, etc. under the 2001 repealed Law shall continue to be in effect until such obligations are discharged.
The LUCL is payable annually by owners and occupiers holding a lease to a property for 10 years or more. Using the applicable formula provided by the reviewed law, owners and occupiers can now calculate their rate by multiplying the Market Value (MV) of a property by the Applicable Relief Rate (RR) and Annual Charge Rate (CR).
Providing detailed breakdown on the law, Ayokunle Gregory said, “For Owner-occupied residential property, the LUC per annum is at 0.076%. For instance, if the Market Value of an owner-occupied property is at N15, 000,000.00 it means that that the amount payable is N6,840 per annum only which amounts to N570.00 per month. For a property occupied by tenants, used for commercial purposes, at the same Market Value of N15, 000,000.00, the LUC rate of that property will be N68, 400 per annum”.
It was made known that the state government has made available some reliefs applicable to the entire property owners and also some specific owners according to their status.
“These include a general 40% relief for all property liable to LUC payment, a 10% relief for owners and occupiers with persons with disabilities, a 10% relief for owners and occupiers of 70 years and above, a 10% relief for properties above 25 years, a 5% relief for properties occupied by their owners for over 12 years, a 20 % relief for non-revenue generating federal and state government property, and 20% partial relief for non-profit making organisations,” he disclosed.
In addition, some properties are exempted from the LUC payment, such as properties used for public and religious activities, properties used as registered educational institutes and charitable activities, properties occupied and owned by pensioners of 60 years and above, public cemeteries and burial ground and all palaces of recognised Obas and Chiefs in the State.
According to the press statement, the state has provided professional services of registered Estate Surveyors and Values to get accurate data which will help in assessment and valuation of properties in the state.
“In order to clear the air of any misinformation, we implore all owners and occupiers of properties in Lagos to do a self-assessment using the formula provided, and also provide officials with valid documents to ensure a smooth run of the exercise for the benefits of all,” the coalition concluded.

Nigerian billionaire businesswoman, Folorunsho Alakija has reveals what she considered her biggest regret in life.

“I would have said I would have loved to have a female child. But I can’t say that now because God has been merciful.

“We have two female grandchildren already. They made up for it.”

Alakija also says she’s not ready to join politics “for now”.

She explained that her reason for staying away for partisan politics is because she doesn’t like being in the limelight.

“God has not called me to politics. I know that I am not the only one around.

“There are those who would be interested in that area”, the oil tycoon told Punch.

“For now, it is not my calling. I would certainly not object to people with such aspirations.

“In whatever way I can support, I would but if it is something that would bring me into the limelight, I would take a step back.”

Alakija was recently named among Forbes top ten black billionaires in the world.

Supermodel, Naomi Campbell has officially confirmed to her curious fans that she is dating British musician Skepta, whose real name is Joseph Junior Adenuga.

Skepta, who is 15 years younger than the fashion icon, was born in North London on September 19, 1982, to Nigerian immigrant parents.

There had been rumour about their relationship, but Naomi, 47, confirmed it via an Instagram post on Thursday, when she shared a GQ cover featuring her and her beau cuddled close while wearing nothing but jewelry.

Skepta is the first man Naomi has been linked to since Egyptian millionaire Louis C. Camilleri in July 2017, the Mail Online reported.

He made his musical debut in 2007 with the release of his cleverly titled album, Greatest Hits.

Skepta’s second album, Microphone Champion, followed in 2009. Both albums were independent releases. By the time his third album, Doin’ It Again, was released in 2011, he had signed with AATW.

Skepta didn’t begin to really draw attention until his fourth album, however. The project, titled Konnichiwa, was released in May 2016. It won him a Mercury Prize.

Since gaining notoriety, he’s collaborated and performed with major names in the music business like Flatbush Zombies, Wizkid and Drake, Kanye West and more

The rapper has four siblings, two of whom music aficionados may be familiar with. His one brother is a grime rapper called Jme. Skepta has another sibling, Julie Adenuga, who’s a DJ on Beats 1.

In addition to musical pursuits, Skepta founded a clothing company called Mains. The brand dropped its first line in June 2017.

Renowned entrepreneur and committed philanthropist, Dr. Babatope Agbeyo, Chairman, Cornfield Group will share the stage with notable world leaders and achievers at the 5th Commonwealth Africa Summit taking place in London between March 12 and 14, 2018.

Dr. Agbeyo has been invited by the organisers of the Commonwealth Africa Summit to speak on the topic: Africa for Africans; A New Era of Africa Philanthropic Giving and Its Impact on the Continent.

Agbeyo will deliver a keynote address during the opening ceremony alongside renowned global leaders like Lord Alan Watson of Richmond (Former Chair, Coca Cola Europe Advisory Board), John Dramani Mahama (Former President of Ghana), Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed (U.N. Deputy Secretary General), and Baroness Shreela Flather (Co-Chair Commonwealth Africa Initiative) among others.

Other keynote speakers at the event includes: Senator Bukola Saraki (Senate President of Nigeria), Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija (Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil), Ashish Thakkar (Founder, Mara Group) respectively.

The event kick-starts with an exclusive invites only wreath laying ceremony and Welcome reception at House of Lords in honour of the UN Decade for People of African Descent on Monday, March 12.

Now in its fifth year, The Commonwealth Africa Summit is a high level, multi-stakeholder event that annually brings together government and business leaders from across the Commonwealth, Africa and allied nations to facilitate dialogue and action on key and relevant issues ranging from trade and investment, entrepreneurship and job creation, economic development, Security and counterterrorism, Energy and Power amongst other issues relevant to Africa.

The Summit will be attended by Senior Government and Business Leaders from across Africa and other parts of the Commonwealth including CEOS, COOs, Ministers, Governors, Civil Society representatives, High Commissioners, Mayors and other stakeholders.

This year’s Summit will explore best practices towards achieving Common Good in the Commonwealth and how other member states can help Africa achieve her Development Agenda, and to chart a way forward towards achieving shared prosperity in our family of nations.

Agbeyo will be joining the league of renowned global leaders who have presented keynote address in the past. The list includes Prince Andrew The Duke of York, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Rt Hon Baleka Mbete (Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey; Lord Alan Watson of Richmond; Lord Ahmed of Rotherham; Baroness Uddin of Bethnal Green; Simon Walker, Director General of the British Institute of Directors (IOD); Clive Carpenter, Vice Chairman Business Council on Africa; Dr. Caroline Harper CBE – CEO Commonwealth Sightsavers; Mr Tonye Cole – CEO Sahara Energy; Ministers of Government, and many other Global Leaders.

Panelists at the summit includes a wide array of senior cabinet ministers and Chief Executives of Corporations from Africa and across the commonwealth including Dr. Hassan Ahmed Hilal (Minister of Environment, Sudan), Kate Osamor (UK Shadow Secretary for International Development, Henry Sands (SABI Group), Isha Johansen (President of Sierra Leone Football Association), and Muriel Maupoint (CEO, Hope for Children).

Others are Sally Anne Wilson (CEO, Public Media Alliance), Dr. Justina Mutale (Advisory Board Member-World Leaders Forum), Tim Loughton MP, John Penrose MP (UK Prime Minister’s Anti-Corruption Champion and many others.

SHADRACH I. TANIMOLA

I am perhaps getting a bit too old to remain plugged into pop culture. Except in a few instances, today’s music does not interest me. I am, however, not that set in my ways to say today’s music is all garbage. Even while growing up and in era ceaselessly advertised as representing chaste tastes, I heard music (lyrics, more like), that went against the grain, heavily so.

Tastes do not stay the same eternally. We have no option, but to accept that. It is exactly why I am moved to challenge the view that Big Brother Naija (BBN for short) is show without benefits. Looked at carefully enough, it offers benefits, which we fail to see, most likely, because we already harbor prefabricated notions that blind us to modern realities.

It verges on the spectacularly hyperbolic to claim that a show so feverishly followed by millions has no single benefit. If we could calm down a bit, we would see that there are economic, psychological and social benefits. The economic benefits, it has to be stated, are not enjoyed exclusively by the creators of the show or sponsors, but also by the housemates and others involved in the production.

Not many Nigerian would sniff at an opportunity to walk away with N25million and a brand new SUV, which BBN is offering to the eventual winner. Not many. Similarly, not many are going to pass up a chance to have whatever skills they have advertised to a continent-wide audience and establish business contacts they otherwise would not without the exposure that the show provides. BBN housemates have been known to become very popular within a very short period of time and kick on from there, notably in showbiz.

Nobody familiar with the showbiz scene in the country could claim not to know who Uti Unachukwu is. Post-BBN, he has built a successful career as an actor and television personality. Could this have happened without BBN? Of course, it could have. Did BBN provide a launch pad? You bet. Bisola Aiyeola, first runner-up on BBN 2, has also enjoyed boost in her acting career since participating in the second edition of the show, starring in movies and television shows such as Glimpse, Ovy’s Voice, Picture Perfect, Skinny Girl In Transit Season 4 and Life of A Nigerian Couple Season 2. Soma, the first evictee from BBN 2, made his acting debut on the hit television show, Jenifa’s Diary.

What BBN has done, essentially, is to show us that ordinary people can become celebrities and big stars in their own right, status they probably would have had difficulty attaining without the exposure the show offers by bringing their talents and personality to a wider audience, which appreciates them.

Another factor ignored in our blind rage is the show’s capacity to address social issues. Bisola Aiyeola (sorry to mention her again) attended the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York as an Ambassador of One Campaign Initiative, which advocates improvement of access to and quality of education for girls in Nigeria, especially in the Northern states. She was chosen on account of her presentation on BBN, which highlighted impediments to girl-child education in the country. Since her participation in BBN, she has appeared in a number of television commercials and by any definition, she is a celebrity.

We remain obdurate in our view that BBN has no value without asking why it is feverishly followed and provokes discussions on end. We ignore the fact that people have varied tastes and some may prefer reality shows to other TV programmes. Many of us have the habit of listening to news. Similarly, there are people who love to kill their time by watching other things. Can we let them enjoy such full freedom? Young people seem to derive great enjoyment from watching BBN because they find it easier to relate to than the “turgid” stuff others want. I follow football passionately, but I have friends who do not. They probably think that my passion for the game is a wasteful expense of time. However, they have been civil enough to keep their opinions to themselves. I have also not bothered to ask why they do not like the game-each person to his own.

Many people find BBN and other reality shows a relief from the protracted serials, which depict struggles of people. We must understand that many viewers prefer to have fun, not crying or being upset by watching serials. For such category, BBN is a blessing.

I doubt if there is still a huge audience for protest music like we used to have. Protest music and other art forms have their place. But many of today’s people would rather not invest their time in such. They want lyrics talking about partying, generally having a good time and taking their minds off the sufficiently punishing demands of daily existence. They are entitled to such, just as those who cannot have enough of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh are.

I understand the complaint that there are things some people find distasteful. Even then, are we forced to watch? No. Do kids have to watch? No. We can block the channel showing BBN if we do not want to watch or we do not want our children to watch. Yes. Can we say the internet has no benefit because it provides access to the good, the bad and downright grotesque? We all know the answer to that.

Tanimola, an artist, writes from Ibadan

…Promises to end rice importation

The Dangote Rice Outgrower Scheme in Jigawa State reached a turning point yesterday when the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote laid a foundation stone for the construction of a multi-billion Naira rice-processing mill in Hadin, Jigawa state.

The mill with capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour, when completed will in a year process paddy rice worth N14 billion bought directly from the famers in Jigawa at market rate.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in Hadin, Kaugama local government area, Dangote said the commencement of the construction of the integrated rice processing plant was the culmination of series of events which began with the signing of a $1billion agreement with the federal government for the integrated rice production in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Jigawa.

“We have continued to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrowers programme thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers. Also, creating access to finance, mechanization and irrigation services so as to enhance agricultural productivity,” he stated.

Recalling that the Dangote Rice limited started the outgrowers scheme in 2016 with thousands of hectares of land in Hadejia, Jigawa state, creating over 10,000 jobs (direct and indirect) to farmers, the business mogul said with the new ultra modern mill enough paddy rice will be grown and harvested for processing.

According to him, the mill which will take only months for installation and commissioning is the first in the series of five other mills coming up in Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger States in the first phase, while in the second phase, other mills will be built in Nasarawa, Kogi, and other states.

Said he: When these planned six mills come fully on stream, we will achieve a capacity of seven hundred thousand metric tons per annum of Par boiled rice, which will make Dangote Rice the largest rice producer in Africa and will make a bold step in making Nigeria self-sufficient in Rice production, stop importation Nduka save the nation foreign exchange ”

Dangote stated further that towards co-creating value for all stakeholders, the company has engaged about 20,000 out growers who are expected to produce an average of 180,000 tons of paddy rice on about 30,000 hectares of land. “We are focused on engaging in the region of 300,000 farmers in the next 12 months when our rice mills are all functional and we achieve steady state.

“We will continue to launch massive agricultural projects across the country in rice and dairy farming. Our push for backward integration in providing our own raw materials on a massive scale has led to the planned investment of $4.6 billion over the next three years in sugar, rice and dairy production alone. That will eliminate the country’s reliance on imported materials, and the foreign exchange headaches that comes with it.”

In his opening remarks, the Dangote Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin explained that the Dangote Rice team has been involved in scaling up the outgrower operations to a least 5,000 hectares this season and this will very soon increase and grow to over 15,000 hectares cultivated per cycle or season to fully optimise operations.

He said the establishment of a Multi-billion Naira state-of-the-art integrated rice processing facility to process at least 260 metric tons of rice paddy per day grown which is produced from thousands of local rice out growers within Jigawa state is a giant step forward and expresses his company’s confidence and faith in local farmers to continuously stand with Dangote to make this project a success.

Located on 25 hectares site in Hadin, Edwin noted that the mill is earmarked to begin operations in the last quarter of 2018. “During the construction phase and when it becomes fully operational, hundreds of employment opportunities will be created, knowledge transference and skills developed among our teeming youthful population thereby boosting local economy.”

According to him: “The Jigawa famers are in for a good times as the 125, 000 metric tons of paddy rice that this plant requires for processing will be brought from the farmers of Jigawa for an estimated purchase price of N14 billion per annum. This is a huge benefit for the farmers in Jigawa. This mill will be producing high quality parboiled rice that competes with the best in the world this is in-line with our continuous aim to touch the lives of millions who believe in the Dangote brand.

“Jigawa State is endowed and blessed with vast fertile land, water resources, climate and progressive people, as well as one of the fastest growing agricultural destinations in Nigeria, was identified as an ideal location for us to set up our first facility in Nigeria. This obviously reinforces our commitment to supporting the efforts of the present administration in developing a robust agro-industry in Nigeria.

“We made commitment to Nigerians that we will produce 1 million metric ton of quality par boiled rice. Since then we have embarked on several initiatives towards achieving this objective with support and collaboration from state and federal government agencies, ministries and departments, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, traditional and financial institutions, etc., we continue to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrower program thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes, poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers.”

Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru expressed delight at the stage of the Dangote Rice project in the state saying it was in line with the vision of the Invest Jigawa, an organ set up to accelerate investments in the state.

He said Jigawa is one of the States reputed to be on top on ease of doing business in Nigeria saying the Dangote Rice presence in the state is a pointer to the fact. He added that the state is also in the forefront of the diversification efforts of the federal government from oil to non oil ventures especially agriculture.

He concluded by saying that the state will be willing to do whatever it will take to ensure the Dangote rice operate smoothly to the satisfaction of all parties in the state.

Search engine giant, Google, on Thursday unveiled a new job search experience designed to help job seekers find employment opportunities.

Unveiling the feature in Lagos, Google’s Country Director, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, said the new job search would help millions of Nigerians in searching for new opportunities.

“We believe that the web allows anyone, anywhere, of any age, to grow their business, learn the skills they need to
get a job, to grow in their career, become an entrepreneur or developer.

“This new jobs search tool will be a key driver for connecting job seekers to open opportunities, helping more people to grow with Google.

“For the first time, when someone uses their phone or computer to search on Google for a job; they will see a streamlined experience letting them explore, research and find relevant local job postings.

“This launch builds on Google’s existing commitment in Sub Saharan Africa to improve economic opportunities for job seekers and employers, demonstrated through its Grow with Google initiatives.

“The Digital Skills for Africa programme, Google’s commitment to train one million African youth between April 2016 and March 2017, was achieved and surpassed.

“In July 2017 this programme was extended to see 10 million youth trained by 2022 as well as 100 000 developers trained across the region, these are in bid to get the youth employed,’’ she said.

Ehimuan-Chiazor said that “as of today, job seekers in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria would be able to use the new job search experience to help them quickly and easily find opportunities suited to them.’’

She said that it would be through an immersive experience that would let them explore jobs from across the web and refine their search to meet their specific needs.

“Users will be able to view at-a-glance details about the posting, such as job title, location, whether it’s full-time, part-time or an internship, as well as detailed information should a job be of interest.
“Using Google Maps integration, job seekers can search for jobs any place they can find on the map, and if they are signed in, they can even see how long it will take to commute to the job from home.

“Searching for a new job can take time, so if you step away from your job search, Google has made it easy to pick up where you left off as well as stay in the loop on opportunities that are right for you.

“Simply push the “get alerts” button to get email notifications when new jobs matching your search appear,’’ Ehimuan-Chiazor said.

The country director said that this being an open ecosystem, Google invited all job sites, platforms and employers, big and small to integrate with them and make their jobs eligible to display in the new jobs search experience.

“With Google’s newly released open documentation, any job provider is able to integrate its content through open structured schema.org web mark-up standards Google supports.

“To optimise the feature and make it more useful, Google is working with a broad and growing cross-section of partners, such as Jobberman, NGCareers, MyJobMag and other job resource websites in Nigeria.

“These collaborations ensure Google is able to present job postings content accurately, as soon as it is posted, to exactly the people that will find it most relevant.

“The launch of this new jobs search experience is part of our broader commitment to improve economic opportunities for job seekers and employers through Google technologies in partnership with the broader employment industry.

“Google is committed to providing useful, accurate and relevant information based on your search queries and helping you connect to your next job.”

…Reiterates commitment to promote tourism all year round

The Lagos State Government has released a calendar of over 70 state-sponsored and endorsed arts and culture programmes slated for Y2018 in its bid to garner visibility for tourism-oriented art programmes.
The State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde in a statement on Thursday, described the calendar as a novel exercise designed to frontload State and privately driven arts, culture and entertainment events that will have positive effects on tourism promotion.
“This is in fulfilment of the State Government promise to announce a yearly calendar of events to guide programming, tourist and visitors’ decision,” he said.
According to Ayorinde, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, kick-started the year with his attendance at Ali Baba’s January 1st Comedy concert at Eko Hotel. Other arts and culture events held in January and February 2018 and included in the calendar are Angel and Muse, an art exhibition by a Lagos trained world renowned artist; Eebi; a month-long Indigenous Cultural Festival in Epe; Wazobia FM Carnival as well as the Lagos Marathon amongst others.
The idea of creating a calendar of events for state-sponsored and state-endorsed programmes, he said, is to make event planning, tour bookings and business decisions easier for tour operators and the general public.
He added that the calendar is part of the State’s innovation to project arts, entertainment and leisure benefits inherent in Lagos and makes the state attractive to domestic tourists; business travellers and stop-over passers-by.
The Commissioner said, “The State is forging ahead of expanding the consumption of its tourism products by improving access to tourism information and creating an events guide for the media and tour bloggers”.
Although not exhaustive, the calendar contains many of the indigenous cultural festivals across the state, entertainment events; concerts; visual; performing and fashion and culinary events.

The State is expected to leverage on infrastructural development, regeneration of old and creation of iconic attractions for entertainment, arts and culture enthusiasts to boost economic activities and expand opportunities for job creation during the various events slated on the calendar.
“The administration of Governor Ambode believes that the quantum of cash transactions across the tourism and entertainment value-chain, as tracked in December 2017 when about N50billion was spent on entertainment and leisure alone, is a testimony to the huge economic gain in promoting tourism in Lagos State. This and other economic factors make Lagos one of the most vibrant culturally significant cities in Africa with potentials to make enormous impact in driving in-bound tourists from across the globe,” Ayorinde said.

Major events listed in the calendar include Gidi Fest, Lagos Water Regatta and Fanti Carnival around the Easter Period; the International Jazz Day celebration on April 30 which will be dedicated to the South-African Jazz legend, Huge Masekela; the Lagos Comedy Festival on May 6 and the Eko Art Expo at the last weekend in May.
June will be rich with the first ever Lagos Golf Funfair and the Lagos Cinefest, which is designed to take cinema-going experience to all the five divisions of the State.
The Lagos Festival of Plays is a major highlight in the third quarter of the year; so is the Lagos Fishing Festival (Oshoroko) in Ibeju-Lekki; Akwaaba Travel Market and Faaji Agba – a special concert for the elderly to mark World Elders Day.
October to December will be the most intense period on the calendar with Olokun Festival; MUSON Festival; AFRIMA, AFRIFF; Kayo-Kayo Festival in Epe; the Lagos Luxury Summit/Fair; Felabration; Lagos Books & Arts Festival (LABAF) as well as the One Lagos Fiesta.
“The State is grateful to corporate sponsors who will make many of these events happen. Our aim is to use the calendar and other strategic initiatives to enrich the entertainment and cultural content to drive tourism promotion in this mega city,” Ayorinde said.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a pan-African banking group and China Development Bank (CDB), the world’s largest development finance institution, on February 27, 2018 announced the signing of a letter of intent for $100 million seven-year to finance the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.

The $100 million loan will enhance UBA’s capacity to provide access to finance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the 19 African countries where UBA currently operates.

“We are excited to partner with China Development Bank (CDB), the Development Financial Institution of the Chinese Government, on this historic transaction, as we strongly believe that the facility will serve as a catalyst to the sustainable development of commerce and industry in Africa through provision of critical financial interventions to SMEs across our presence countries,” says Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka.

Uzoka noted that fund would be timely, as it should complement the recovery of economic activities. It will also further encourage African entrepreneurship particularly as the funds will be applied to SMEs, which are important for inclusive growth on the continent.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu said that the fund will boost small and medium scale enterprises across Africa, noting that CDB’s interest in supporting SMEs aligns with UBA’s vision in growing business across Africa.

“In UBA, CDB would have an enduring partner in reaching out to Africans as UBA provides banking services to over 14 million people across 20 African countries, and like CDB, UBA funds critical infrastructural projects on the continent’ Elumelu said. He expressed that he would like to see an even stronger relationship grow with CDB and UBA as well as with China and Nigeria.

Also commenting, the President of CDB, Mr. Zheng Zhijie, said the loan intent is the beginning of cooperation between UBA and CDB that would translate into an enduring business relationship between China and Africa and Nigeria in particular.

“UBA is a leading and dependable bank not only in Nigeria but Africa, and this partnership will help our Bank to accelerate its business objectives in Africa, more importantly as we deepen our investment in energy, road and rail constructions, infrastructure in Africa,” Zhije said.

The Honourable Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun has called on tax invaders or those who have not declared their income or pay taxes accordingly to take advantage of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) or face prosecution at its expiration on 31st March, 2018.

She stated this during the Stakeholder Interactive Session on VAIDS which held on Thursday at the Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna State.

The one-day Stakeholder interactive session had in attendance business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, state government officials and professional tax advisors and administrators.

Mrs. Adeosun who reiterated government’s commitment to improving on her income generation for improved service delivery to the good people of Nigeria, however said citizens must play their part of effecting accurate tax payments for owned properties.

She lamented that from available data, only low income earners and mostly civil servants whose taxes are deducted at source comply while large business tycoons who earn more evade taxes.

“Currently, we have just 14 million tax payers out of 70 million who are economically active. So, many people who should be paying are not paying anything. It is the development of taxes that will help the States and the Federal Government to achieve their true potentials”

“The government is not stigmatizing or accusing anybody but will not tolerate it any further, hence Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of the window now or invaders should be ready to face prosecution at the expiration of the window by the end of this month” she stressed.

Mrs. Adeosun recalled that VAIDS was launched on 29th June, 2017, by the then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to help many Nigerians whose tax status are not up-to-date, doubtful or lagging, to regularise their tax status.

The scheme, she said, is reflective of the Federal Government’s desire to bring many more eligible tax payers into the tax net and encourage with incentives of confidentiality as well as waiver of the interests and penalties, those who had knowingly or otherwise under-declared or never declared previously earned incomes and acquired assets.

“The scheme also offers tax defaulters the option of spreading payment of outstanding liabilities over a maximum period of three years as may be agreed with the relevant tax authority.

“For tax evaders that fail to key into the VAIDS window by 31st March, 2018, they will be liable for interest on overdue tax balances, forfeiture of assets as well as imprisonment of up to five years” she stated.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler and the Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmad Idris, in their separate speeches, said the concept of VAIDS is to rekindle the very essence of collection of taxes to aid socio-economic development.

They both posited that expected development cannot come from nothing but through the commitment of resources which mostly must come through tax payments by citizens.

This is just as the FIRS boss appealed to the consciousness of Nigerians to be mindful of moral responsibility by giving what is due to government by way of tax payments which will be judiciously utilized to provide dividends of democracy.

Kaduna state Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai on his part promised to provide all relevant information on all property owners in the state to all the tax authorities in the country through the Kaduna Geographical Information Service (KADGIS).

He said it is unjust and unfair that big men are mostly the ones evading taxes in Nigeria, stressing that at whatever cost, he will collaborate with relevant tax authorities to ensure that such people who fail to take advantage of the window provided by VAIDS are brought to book accordingly.

The one-day Stakeholder interactive session had in attendance business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, state government officials and professional tax advisors and administrators.

…FG commends Ambode, Ganduje for economic partnership
…States must leverage on comparative advantages, says lagos, kano govs
…Our investments in Lekki free Zone’ll earn nigeria n8trn annually -Dangote

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday said at least $2billion would be required to revive the Lagos-Kano Rail Line as part of efforts to boost local and international trade along the Northern and Southern zones.
Osinbajo, who spoke at the opening of the inaugural edition of the Lagos-Kano Economic and Investment Summit held at the Jubilee Chalets in Epe, Lagos, said the Federal Government in partnership with a private firm, General Electric (GE) is already proposing to invest in the project to enhance the movement of cargo from Apapa ports to Kano via the rail line.
Commending the Lagos and Kano State Governors for creating a platform to collaborate for economic growth, Osinbajo expressed optimism that such initiatives would open up the investment opportunities that abound in both States to would-be investors both locally and internationally.
“I believe that Lagos and Kano States have by this collaboration underscored the cornerstone of the Federal Government’s economic recovery and growth plan, namely the leveraging of synergies among States and between government and the private sector.
“The strategic role of the federal government is of course to create an enabling environment for commerce beginning with the provision of infrastructure.
“For us, what this meant especially in the context of Lagos and Kano collaboration is the refurbishing of the narrow gauge Lagos to Kano Rail with a concession to General Electric who are proposing to invest almost $2billion to ensure that the rail route is effective for movement of cargo from Apapa port to Kano.
“Similarly, we are investing in the Lagos to Kano standard gauge line, the Lagos Ibadan portion of that is expected to be ready by the end of this year. Also, we have budgeted N80billion for the development of special economic zones in the six geo-political zones of the country,” Osinbajo said.
While reeling out plans by the Federal Government on power, the Vice President said arrangements have been firmed up to establish independent power projects to specifically service printers in Somolu area and traders in Sura Market.
He said the Federal Government would keep a close tap on the decisions reached at the Summit and would use it direct its engagement with State Governments going forward.
“Let me again commend Governors Ganduje and Ambode for this Summit. I want to commend Governor Ganduje for making the long journey to Lagos. I must also say that Governor Ambode deserves special mention for his foresightedness in establishing this collaboration, working with Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi on the famous LAKE Rice and even leasing land from Ogun State to grow rice which I think is another act of collaboration,” Osinbajo said.
In his address, State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said the decision of the State Government to join the Oodua Investment Group triggered what has evolved over the last two years to become a signpost for effective partnerships between Lagos and other States.
He said with the current economic challenges facing the nation, there was no better time for States to begin to look beyond an oil driven economy and take advantage of their comparative advantages to engender economic growth.
“We urge other States and Regions to begin to leverage on their respective areas of comparative advantage by establishing partnerships towards establishing an inter-state or inter-regional commodity value chain.
“The idea of an intra and inter-regional trade and cooperation is not new to Lagos State. Over the past years, our State has collaborated with Kebbi and other states from within the western region to drive economic growth and development,” Governor Ambode said.
He said the immediate aim of the strategic partnership with Kano is to produce about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s agro-allied inputs such as wheat, groundnut, onions, maize, millet, sorghum, sugar cane and beef, adding that a Memorandum of Understanding would be signed by both States at the end of the Summit to demonstrate commitment to the sustainability of the partnership.
Also speaking, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said his administration entered into the partnership with Lagos with a strong belief that it would create a veritable platform to drive home grown investments in the face of volatile global oil prices.
“We need to redefine our investment climate and find alternative sources of financing critical sectors and projects as well as improve public service delivery,” he said.
He said the State was looking towards effective partnership in Infrastructure, Agricultural Value Chain, Solid Minerals, ICT, Commence and Industry, medium and Small Scale Enterprises, Tourism, Governance and Institutions.
On his part, president of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote commended the partnership between both States, just as he said that Lagos has clearly demonstrated its readiness for serious investments.
“Lagos is more than ready for business. Our refinery, petrochemical, fertilizer and gas projects will generate N8trillion per annum for Nigeria when fully on stream.” he said.