A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
By Prince Okafor IN a bid to alleviate the country's significant electricity deficit, Dutch firm, Nova-Lumos is set to roll out a 10 megawatt (mw) off-grid system for 75,000 households and SMEs in northern Nigeria.
In a report made available to Vanguard, by the Africa Corporate Data on its Nigeria off-grid solar overview for third quarter, 2016, the firm had received $15 million in the past twelve months from the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation and a $218,000 grant from the Department for International Developments (DFID's) Solar Nigeria Programme.
According to the report, "high capital costs for solar equipment and installation have traditionally limited the sustainability of off-grid systems in many parts of Africa, but increasingly, providers are targeting Pay As You Go (PAYG) schemes to help reduce the hurdles for lower-income clients.
"The off-grid equipment from Nova-lumos will be leased rather than sold, for example, the usage of a PAYG scheme is similar to a prepaid mobile subscription.
"The company is collaborating with mobile provider MTN Nigeria, which will allow consumers to pay using mobile wallets."
The report said: "Nigeria's government has targeted a 20 percent contribution from renewables by 2030, of which more than 5300 mega watt (mw) should come from solar alone." The report also said that, the authorities have already signed power purchase agreements for a number of larger solar facilities.
Increased capacity
These facilities according to the report, includes: Pan Africa Solar 75mw plant, located in Katsina State, Nigerian Solar Capital Partners 100mw plant in Bauchi State, Nova Scotia plant 100mw Located in Katsina, and Anjeed Innova Group in Kaduna State 100mw plant.
The report maintained that, much of the increased capacity will be coming from off-grid projects. "In spite of the ambitious plans currently underway, Nigeria's off-grid solar industry is hopeful as the report stated that, between H2 2014 to H1 2015, only 130,000 solar products were sold.
"The PAYG schemes for off-grid equipment are crucial for the provider cash flow, given that the bulk of potential clients in Nigeria, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, live on less than $2 a day.
"While off-grid PV electricity is far cheaper than diesel generators – at N35 to N53/kilowatt hour (kwh) versus N40 to N70/kwh usage is likely to remain modest, with Bloomberg estimating that the maximum average spend on lighting for off-grid Nigerians would be $144 annually," the report stated.
In July 2016, Nigeria's Bank of Industry distributed N75.8 million to partner Schneider Electric, ARNERGY and GVE Projects Limited for the pilot of off-grid solar systems in Anambra, Delta, Niger, Osun, Kadura, and Gombe state. A handful of communities in each state have been selected for the projects, which will consist of 2km long 230VAC mini-grid networks that connect roughly 200 households in each area.
Also, in June 2016, ARNERGY announced that it would focus solely on the PAYG model including for its six-state collaboration with GVE and Schneider Electric while British firm, BBOXX, has also announced its intention to establish a franchise in Nigeria before the end of the year.
POWERGAS has received the prestigious "Best Compressed and Liquefied Natural Gas Production Company" of the Year Award for 2016 from The "Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology" (IGRLT).
The award is bestowed to an internationally recognised organization that is performance-driven, innovative and contributes positively to the economic growth and prosperity of Nigeria following an intensive selection process.
The 2016 African Governance and Corporate Leadership Awards Ceremony was held in Abuja, with influencers from the Oil, Gas & Power Industry attending.
The IGRLT recognised Powergas as the pioneer in the off pipeline gas distribution network in Nigeria, with both gas compression and distribution capabilities and commended them for continued investment in the industry.
Powergas is not only the largest, but also the fastest growing CNG supplier in Nigeria, having doubled its client base in the past year.
Deepak Khilnani, Chairman, Clean Energy Group and CEO of Powergas, thanked IGRLT for recognising the company's efforts in the CNG and mini-LNG industry and also congratulated the Powergas team for continued hard work, saying: "We have an exciting phase of growth over the next two years with plans to produce enough CNG and LNG to generate 500 MW of electricity at power plants across Nigeria where the pipeline does not reach." While receiving the award on behalf of the company, Mr. Aloy Duru, Director, Powergas, said: "Powergas is committed to Nigeria's CNG & LNG development and we will continue to invest not only in additional compression and liquefaction stations, but also innovative customer solutions. Our aim is to get high quality gas to you safely at competitive rates."
By Michael Eboh EFFORTS of the Federal Government at sanitizing the petroleum industry and attracting the much-needed investment into the industry appears to have started yielding positive results, as the foreign investment inflow into the oil and gas industry rose sharply to $392.85 million in the first nine months of 2016.
National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in its Nigerian Capital Importation Report for third quarter of 2016, Q3'16, stated that compared to $16.54 million recorded in the first nine months of 2015, the figure for the first nine months of 2016 appreciated by $375.31 million or 2,275.15 per cent.
Giving a breakdown of total inflow in 2016, the NBS report disclosed that in the first, second and third quarters of 2016, foreign capital inflow into the oil and gas industry stood at $20.83 million, $200.39 million and $171.63 million respectively.
This was in comparison to foreign capital inflow of $9.47 million, $4.86 million and $2.21 million recorded in the first, second and third quarter of 2015 respectively. In addition to the fourth quarter 2015 foreign capital inflow, which the NBS put at $13.22 million, total inflow into the oil and gas industry in 2015 stood at $29.76 million.
Commenting on the Q3'16 performance, NBS said, "The oil and gas sector maintained a high level of capital importation; although it decreased by 14.4 per cent relative to the previous quarter, it is still elevated relative to previous periods.
"This sector is characterised by isolated periods of high capital importation, and it is therefore unusual that the level has remained high for two consecutive quarters. This sector accounted for the third highest amount in the third quarter of 2016."
However, the significant improvement in foreign capital inflows into the oil and gas industry was not enough to buoy total inflow, as the value of foreign capital imported into the country in the nine-month period depreciated by 55.79 per cent.
Nigeria's Abubakar Adamu Isah has won the 2016 edition of the WTF World Taekwondo President's Cup which held in Portland, USA between October 27 and 30, 2016.
The tournament tagged G2, 20 points. Prior to this, Isah fought in the finals of the 9th Costa Rica Open in San Jose last August, 2016.
Barely seven months ago, Isah was ranked 380 in the world. His resilience, hardwork and determination culminated to his winning three International competitions in a row namely USA International Taekwondo Championships, Costa Rica Opens and the World Taekwondo President's Cup.
By this result, he is now ranked 62nd in the -58kg by the World Taekwondo Federation.
By Sebastine Obasi with Agency report ORGANISATION of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, crude output rose by 230,000 barrels per day to a record 33.83 million barrels per day, mb/d, in October after production recovered in Nigeria and Libya and flows from Iraq hit an all-time high, the International Energy Agency, IEA, stated.
IEA also highlighted the significant tasks ahead for OPEC if the oil cartel is to freeze or cut its production and boost the price of the commodity. "We can see the scale of the task ahead," the Paris-based organization said in its latest monthly report. Investors are said to be eagerly awaiting the outcome of OPEC's meeting, scheduled for November 30, after its members pledged at their last meeting in Algiers to cut oil production by as much as 2 percent. This proposed production ceiling would be between 32.5 mb/d and and 33 mb/d.
Proposed output range
It explained that output from the group's 14 members had climbed for five months running, led by Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
In October, OPEC supply stood at nearly 1.3 mb/d above what it was a year ago, it added. "OPEC members pumped, well in excess of the high end of the proposed output range. This means that OPEC must agree to significant cuts in Vienna to turn its Algiers commitment into reality.
It further said: "Unfortunately for those seeking higher prices, an analysis of the other components provides little comfort," IEA added, highlighting that output was increasing in Russia, Brazil, Canada and Kazakhstan.
"Total non-OPEC output will rise by 0.5 mb/d next year, compared to a fall of 0.9 mb/d in 2016. This means that 2017 could be another year of relentless global supply growth similar to that seen in 2016.
If no agreement is reached on November 30 then the market is expected to remain in surplus throughout the year and if this persists in 2017 there "must be some risk of prices falling back," according to the IEA.
Price of oil collapsed from near $120 a barrel in June 2014 to below $30 early this year before recovering to around $50 and then a fall back to around $46 more recently..
Weak demand, a strong dollar and booming United States oil production have all been seen as reasons for the dramatic fall, as well as OPEC's reluctance to cut.
The IEA also reaffirmed its view that oil demand peaked at a five-year high of 1.8 mb/d in 2015. It still predicts that demand growth would ease to 1.2 mb/d in 2016 due to sharp slowdowns in the Organisation for Economic Corporation and Development, OECD Americas and China.
He said, "I will not like to join issues with NNPC on this matter. I was at that event. I am yet to get a grasp of what Mr Kyari said.
Last night, dancehall king, Timaya brought the Real Deal Experience show in Onitsha, to a standstill as he thrilled the fans to a great performance of some of his biggest hits yet.
The show which made it Timaya's fourth appearance on the Real Deal Experience tour also featured the live band, Tipsy Kelvano, a full-sized rotating bar and exciting onstage performances from other acts.
Timaya rocking Onitsha at Legend Real Deal Experience
Slowly coming to an end, the nationwide tour has visited Okokomaiko, Ekwulobia in Onitsha, Umuahia, Ibadan, Ikorodu, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Abakaliki and Owerri with 9ice, Kcee, Timaya and Oritsefemi.
Speaking on his yet again impeccable performance, Timaya stated that,
"It's always a blast spending time with my fans on Legend Real Deal Experience and I'm grateful to Legend Extra Stout for giving the core fans the opportunity. It was a great show, as usual, and I'll like to thank the fans for always coming out because I'll be nowhere without them."
Lucky members of the audience got to go home with exciting gifts like refrigerators, generators, televisions, face caps, t-shirts, and free drinks from the Taste, Tell and Win promotion and the Real Deal Experience game show.
Congratulating the lucky winners, Portfolio Manager- Mainstream Lager and Stout, Nigerian Breweries, Emmanuel Agu said,
"Connecting with our consumers has always been at the top of our to-do list and I'm glad everyone that came out tonight had a good time. I especially want to congratulate the lucky consumers from tonight that won the gifts from the Taste, Tell and Win promotion and the Real Deal Experience game show. It was a close competition but they emerged winners."
Having set the tone for an amazing finale, the Real Deal Experience will head to Enugu on Sunday November 27th to bring to a great close the nationwide tour.
See other photos below:
Timaya rocking Onitsha at Legend Real Deal ExperienceDe don the MC rocking Onitsha at Legend Real Deal ExperienceOnitsha fans at Legend Real Deal ExperienceTipsy Kelvano rocking Onitsha at Legend Real Deal Experience
By Peter Egwuatu Ahead of MTN listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE in 2017, operators in the Nigerian capital market have said that its adherence to corporate governance will go along way in attracting local investors.
Capital market operators have described MTN Nigeria's decision to become a Public Liability Company (Plc) as a 'welcome development', saying it would would boost corporate governance and deepen the market and encourage the active participation of indigenous consumers in the company's wealth creation process.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has made huge progress in its effort to join the emerging connected society, although a lot of work remains to be done.
The progress has been driven largely by the massive investment in ICT by the digital mobile services providers; over $32 Billion in 15 years with over 150 million connected lines. (MTN alone has invested $15 billion of that amount with over 60 million customers). The mobile today provides the most viable access to the internet in Nigeria.
There have been growing agitations for multinationals in telecoms, oil and gas companies to list on the exchange by way of public offer.
Analysts have argued that listing big corporations on the exchange will significantly raise the capitalisation of the stock market currently estimated at slightly above N9 trillion.
A sectorial analysis of the market shows that the telecommunications sector is under-represented. MTN, if listed, would become the first major national telecoms company whose shares would be traded on the NSE.
MTN-Office
NSE had provided a legislation that covers incentives, unbundling of stringent eligibility requirements that create high barriers for potential entrants and hinder participation by willing businesses, adopting options that promote foreign investment in the economy under terms that support national interest without exposing the market to the dangers of the past.
President of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars, Bayo Olugbemi said we expect other telecoms players as well as major oil companies and the power sector to join the train.
In his own part, the President, Renaissance Shareholders Association, Timothy Olufemi said: "It is good for the NSE. It would deepen the market. It is to the advantage of the operators especially.”
The Managing Director, Crane Securities Limited, Mike Eze also affirmed that the listing would help to deepen the market. He added that it would stimulate other telecoms participants to list as it would trigger.
"The indication by MTN that they intend to get listed is a sign of one of the long-overdue listings that the market had anticipated but they kept dilly-dallying. First, it is going to help deepen the market. Secondly, it will help to stimulate Airtel, Glo, Etisalat among others, to come to the stock market and be listed."
Meanwhile, MTN in a statement had said “the listing was part of a settlement arrangement with the Federal Government.
"The Board of Directors has resolved to proceed with preparations for a listing of MTN Nigeria on the NSE as soon as commercially and legally possible, and has established a management task team with the responsibility to guide the company towards a listing," it said in the statement.
"At present, MTN Nigeria is targeting that the listing takes place during 2017, subject to suitable market conditions."
The statement was signed by MTN Nigeria's Public Relations and Protocol Manager, Mr. Funso Aina.
The telecoms firm said it had appointed Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited (together with its affiliates, The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Standard Advisory London Limited) (collectively "Stanbic") and Citigroup Global Markets Limited ('Citi') as Joint Transaction Advisors and Joint Global Coordinators, with Stanbic acting as Lead Issuing House.
It added, "A full syndicate including Nigerian receiving agents, Nigerian receiving banks and other advisers would be appointed in due course, as appropriate.
"The proposed listing would be subject to suitable market circumstances and conditions and the appropriate approvals from relevant regulators and other stakeholders."
By Sebastine Obasi THREE years after the privatisation of the power sector, not less than 2.9 million customers are still without electricity meters, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Sunday Oduntan said.
This came as electricity meter manufacturers fear they may close shop due to scarcity of foreign exchange, Forex.
Oduntan told Vanguard that out of the 6.2 million registered customers, only 3.3 million have meters. He, however, said enumeration is still on-going to capture more customers and have better industry statistics.
Meter manufacturers who import some of the needed machinery have been lamenting their inability to access Forex to meet their needs.
Managing Director of Mojec International Limited, a Lagos – based meter manufacturing company, Chantelle Abdul, said Forex scarcity is the biggest challenge facing meter manufacturers in the country.
"One of our critical issues at the moment is the lack of access to foreign exchange. A lot of our manufacturing inputs rely on inputs from abroad. My goal as a manufacturer is to produce as much of my manufacturing input here in Nigeria," she said.
She explained that some of the components being imported include chips, PCD, which is the brain of the meter, batteries, relays and capacitors.
She stated: "There is nothing that stops us from producing the batteries, relays and capacitors that we need. It is sad to say that we don't even have factories that produce those things here in Nigeria.
"Forex is posing to be our biggest problem as it continued to hamper the ability of meter manufacturers to import those components.
While explaining that financing still remains a big challenge, Abdul said, "We cannot be borrowing at double-digit rate. It will automatically increase the price of the meter.
"Already, Nigerians are struggling to buy the meters, even the electricity distribution companies themselves. So, imagine doubling the price of the meter that already costs between N40,000 and N65,000; it means that we will not be able to bridge the metering gap that already exists in the country."
For the Executive Secretary, Electricity Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Muyideen Ibrahim, the situation is frustrating. "The challenges are really biting harder. We can't produce as and when due. Forex is not readily available because manufacturers can't be going to the black market to buy at almost N400 to a dollar.
"As we speak, over N50 billion worth of investment from all of the manufacturers is just wasting away, as it were," he said.
Ibrahim also said that apart from Forex challenge, poor power supply has been a major problem facing the manufacturers, who, according to him, rely almost completely on generators.
"You can imagine the impact of that on the manufacturers' cost of production. This is making them unable to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts, especially those from China.
"The difference between China and Nigeria is that the Chinese government supports its manufacturers, because they have a good policy framework that is actually working. That is why some of the Chinese companies are saying, 'We will give some of the Discos meters with a one year moratorium before we start collecting money.' No Nigerian meter manufacturer can do that," he explained.
According to Ibrahim, "We have five manufacturers registered with us, and each of them can produce at least 5,000 meters in a month. But now, there are no orders because some of the Discos are not patronising them. So, low patronage is another critical factor affecting the manufacturers.
"In fact, some of them have downsized because they are not producing optimally; their ability to service their loans is being threatened. When you are not producing to capacity, you will fold up eventually if there is no patronage."
Cpl. Ibrahim Usman, one of wounded soldiers in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, has called on Nigerians to pay more attention to troops' welfare.
Usman made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on Monday, when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, visited wounded soldiers at hospitals in Maiduguri.
The soldier, who was admitted to military hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, about three weeks ago, urged Nigerians to pay attention to soldiers' well being in the frontline just as they were doing for the missing Chibok girls.
According to Usman, his two legs break during an explosion when a vehicle conveying him and nine other soldiers to Monguno in Borno north during an operation stepped on mine planted by the terrorists.
"We need Nigerians to take care of us. Like this my injury, broken legs, they suppose to take me to a specialist hospital or abroad for a good treatment.
"If it is these girls – Chibok school girls, they will take them abroad. We are the ones fighting in the bush,'' Usman said.
Although the solider said that he was responding to treatment, he said would retire from the military when he gets well due to the injury.
"I cannot fight again because I do not have that strength any more. My legs are broken.
"If I get well, I will retire because my legs are broken. I can no longer go and fight the insurgents,'' Usman.
Another soldier, Sgt. Ahmed Musa, however, thanked the army chief for visiting wounded soldiers in the hospital.
Musa of 119 Battalion Task Force, Mallam Fatori said: "My situation when I got here was worse but God I am getting healed.
"I have injury in one of my hands. When he – Buratai came here we are happy because when we came here we did not see anybody. We appreciate the way he comes here,'' he said.
According to Cpl. Innocent Gabriel, a nurse attending to one of the wounded soldiers at the time of the visit, the common cases of injury are fractures resulting from explosions and gunshots.
Gabriel said that most of wounded soldiers were responding to treatment, adding that some of them may be taken to the theatre.
The doctor in charge of the hospital, Lt.-Col. Ndidi Onuchukwu, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, said that 97 wounded soldiers were being treated in the facility which had capacity for 105 patients.
Onuchukwu said that the worst cases come from combat injuries, adding that the hospital was collaborating with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital – UMTH to give the best to them.
Speaking after the visit, Buratai described it as "operation and welfare visit" to encourage the wounded soldiers.
He said that most of them would soon be discharged and commended troops for efforts in the war against the insurgents.
Prof. Abdurrahman Tahir, the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, lauded the army for the prompt settlement of its personnel medical bills. (NAN)
Katsina State Government has presented a memo before the Katsina State Judicial Commission of Inquiry alleging diversion of N8.6 billion by a immediate past governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, and other top officials.
Mr Hassan Liman, SAN, counsel to the commission, stated this on Monday during the sitting of the commission.
Liman, said the amount was diverted from the accounts of the Ministry of Environment, Department of Community Development, Special Duties, Girl-child Education and the Department of Almajirai Affairs.
He explained that available records showed that the funds were allegedly diverted by the former governor and other government officials.
According to him, there was no evidence on how the funds were utilized during the period under review.
Liman, however, told the commission that the former governor had filed a case before the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, on infringement of his fundamental human rights.
He asked the commission to adjourn the sitting pending the determination of the case.
In his ruling, the chairman of the commission, Justice Muhammad Surajo, adjourned the sitting indefinitely, saying that the commission would communicate to all parties involved.
The commission also adjourned the hearing of memo on activities of Katsina Road Maintenance Agency (KASROMA) and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs pending the determination of the appeal case before the Court of Appeal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Aminu Masari, inaugurated the commission to investigate how some funds were lost during Shema's tenure and to advise the government accordingly.(NAN)
Suspicion and fear permeates Lagos parallel market as traders struggle to come to terms with last week's raid by security operatives, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The situation worsened the scarcity of the greenback as traders' fear that men of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) were still disguising as potential foreign exchange buyers in the market.
A currency trader, who pleaded anonymity, said the situation might further erode the gains made by the CBN in ensuring the sale of the proceeds of Diaspora remittances to BDCs.
Meanwhile, currency traders said that it was difficult to put a price on the dollar since it had become scarce.
However, the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N560 and N500 at the parallel market.
At the BDC window, a dollar traded at N385/N400, CBN controlled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N555 and N500, respectively.
The Naira lost 25 kobo at the interbank market to close at N305.25, from N304.75 recorded on Friday.
NAN recalls that some operatives of the DSS had on Thursday raided some unregistered BDCs and parallel market traders over an alleged arbitrary sale of forex above the official price. (NAN)
Super Eagles' Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Monday said that positive attitude, discipline, dedication, good team spirit and mental strength were responsible for the team's recent fascinating run.
A relaxed and jovial Rohr was at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Secretariat to meet with NFF President, Amaju Pinnick.
Others at the meeting were 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko; Executive Committee member, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh; General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi and Members of Management of NFF.
Acting Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode and Acting Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, were also in attendance.
"A positive attitude has helped us thus far and I also want to commend the players for their discipline, dedication and very good spirit in camp; they have been excellent.
"The mental strength is also there, because if you have to survive in such a difficult group, you need very good mental strength and focus.
"We have shown in the first two matches that we have the personnel and the good spirit to go all the way", Rohr said.
Rohr was in company of Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf and Special Assistant Tunde Adelakun at the Glass House.
The Franco-German is the darling of the NFF and Nigerian football fans after winning all his first three matches, two of which were in the so-called Group of Death in Africa's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
"We must prepare very hard for Cameroon even though that is still nine months away. The Lions are a good team and we must be at our best", Rohr said.
The National Legal Adviser of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr Kehinde Aworele, on Monday said that there was no crack in the party's ranks.
Aworele stated this during the official presentation of flag to the governorship candidate of the party in the Nov. 26 election, Chief Olusola Oke, in Akure.
He said that the initial rift in the party was a mere misunderstanding on issues of Oke's candidacy, which according to him, has been resolved amicably.
He added that the court case involving the party with its candidate had been withdrawn.
"The virtue of being here with this mammoth crowd shows that there is no crack in AD," Aworele said.
Also speaking, Sen. Mojisoluwa Akinfehinwa, national leader of the party, said that the party would rescue the state from "13 years of wilderness" on Nov. 26.
Akinfehinwa said that Oke was a man of integrity, who would take the state to the promise land, and urged the electorate in the state to come en masse to vote for the candidate.
He asked the people not to hobnob with political parties enmeshed in crises, saying that AD was only party without crisis in the state.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Joseph Avazi, noted that the party was poised for real change, saying that pure democracy was being revealed by the party.
Avazi said that AD would serve the state and the country better if voted into power.
Appreciating his supporters, Oke said that AD was returning for complete transformation, adding that he would be in a hurry to deliver good governance if elected.
Oke promised that he would take the state to era of plenty, assuring that he would not destroy but build on good legacy of the state.
He said that he would revive moribund companies to create employment, adding that people's wellbeing would be his priority.
The governorship candidate urged his supporter to shun campaign of calumny and hatred. (NAN)
The Anambra Government says it will screen its civil servants for diabetes and hypertension to check the rising cases of the diseases in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Akabuike, said this while speaking at this year's World Diabetes Day in Awka.
Akabuike explained that the day was set aside in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.
"Diabetes affects all organs of the body leading to complications such as stroke, heart attack, hypertension, peripheral nerve damage and blindness.
"The health condition could be prevented by adopting good eating habits, physical exercises and maintaining a normal body weight.
"It is advisable that people should eat local foods as is the case in the olden days, since the cause of diabetes is poor dietary system.
"Diabetes could develop due to absence of insulin or reduced response of cells to insulin and blood sugar is not moved into cells for energy generation,'' he said.
Akabuike said that the prevalence cases in Nigeria were over 1.5 million people suffering from it.
He said that the state government had created a unit with a focal person where periodic tests are carried out with counselling and health education.
Besides, the commissioner said that all hospitals in the state screen for diabetes and encouraged residents of the state to go to the nearest hospital for screening. (NAN)
Jephthah Bowoto, popularly known and referred to as Akpororo took to Instagram today to celebrate one year of marital bliss with his wife Josephine.
In his post he wrote “My world, my all in one. Thank you for coming into my life, thank you for your understanding and for been a good wife bcos with you I can go extra miles, with you I can fight any Battle, your love they burst my brain. To say I know say naso marriage they sweet I for done marry you since. May God strengthen you to do more. Pls friends help me celebrate my heart and Padi of live for believing in me. Our little princess and I are saying HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO THE BEST WOMAN/MOTHER IN THE WORLD”
The Warri born comedian welcomed his daughter and first child August this year.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved additional 15 new courses for the Federal University, Oye, in Ekiti State.
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
The Information Officer of FUOYE, Mr Godfrey Bakji, made the disclosure in Oye-Ekiti on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Bakji said that the approval was contained in a letter from NUC dated Nov 14, 2016 and addressed to FUOYE Vice Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremilekun.
He listed the newly-approved degree programmes to include Public Administration, Business Administration, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Library and Information Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management and Mass Communication.
Others are: Banking and Finance, Criminology and Security Studies, Political Science, History and International Studies, Agricultural Science Education, Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Mathematics Education and English Education.
"This development brings to 46, the total numbers of academic programmes with seven faculties in the university established in 2011,'' he said.
He said the programmes would run in the campus of the university with effect from 2016/2017 session. (NAN)
By Prince Okafor AS the Federal Government of Nigeria considers deployment of mini-grids for Rural Electrification (RE), experts said RE can improve quality of life by increasing economic activity necessary for rural economic development.
According to a report made available to Vanguard, by Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) "Mini-grid is an enabler of rural industrial development, through enabling productive use of electricity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
"It can drive economic development and improve household incomes by enabling households to establish micro home enterprises and by providing existing SMEs the possibility to switch to a cheaper, cleaner more convenient form of energy for their vehicles. However, this depends on higher voltage services and thus on grid or mini-grid access.
The report further stated that Mini-grid has multiple specific benefits in comparison to other RE options. These include: The possible speed of deployment, additional private sector growth, and flexibility of technical and operational models.
"The development of mini-grids is driven by different national priorities and takes various forms around the world. Mini-grid operating models are constantly improving as lessons are shared and governments are gradually opening up to alternatives to extension of the national grid," the report asserted.
The report stated that in the past, most national Governments in sub-Saharan Africa have prioritised the grid extension approach for rural electrification. However, progress often stayed very slow due to the remoteness of many areas and the costly investment required for grid extension and large-scale central power plant development.
According to the report, "in some cases, the rate of electrification was even lower than population growth. Mini-grids are therefore seeing a surge in interest as governments and private developers take stock of the socio-economic implications of large unelectrified rural populations, national grid extension costs and the potential for innovative public-private partnerships to deliver commercially sustainable, effective, reliable, 'green' power to improve rural livelihoods.
The report noted that, Kenya has traditionally set up diesel-powered mini-grids in off-grid areas of commercial or strategic importance. These are managed by the national utility.
However, political pressure to continue expanding electricity access to the entire population has led to a revised policy framework under which the national Rural Electrification Authority now handles development of mini-grid sites throughout the country.
The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr Garba Deen Muhammad, on Monday in Abuja denied being removed from office as reported in some national dailies.
NNPC spokesman, Garba Deen Muhammad
Muhammad told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) through the telephone that he had not been officially informed of his removal or purported reshuffle in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
"I cannot comment on the rumour of reshuffle. I heard about it but I've not received any communication officially.
"I cannot confirm or deny the story because I have not been informed; when I get any information I will update you.''
There were reports that he was moved in a major shake-up and degraded to the level of General Manager.
Also, the report said he had been replaced with Mr Ndu Ughamadu, former NNPC spokesperson under ex-NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr Jackson Gaius-Obaseki.
A prosecution witness, Mrs Fatima Dauda, on Monday told a Federal High Court that she opened a "Visa Gold Account" for the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh.
The witness made this known to Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja division of the court while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr O.A Atolagbe.
According to the witness, an initial deposit of 50,000 dollars was made into the account in two installments by Badeh's officers.
The witness said that she personally filled the deposit teller and wrote her name on it.
The witness also told the court that 702, 000 dollars was paid into the account between June 13, 2013 and Oct. 24, 2013 by Badeh and a third party.
The witness said she was the Relationship Manager of the First Bank since 2011 with a distinct function of marketing and securing customers as well as managing the relationship.
Dauda told the court that she was the relationship manager of Badeh's visa gold account from 2012 when the account was opened.
According to the witness, the visa gold account cannot be operated over the counter except in case of deposits.
Dauda told the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had in May, requested for information regarding the said account.
The witness said that the information released to the EFCC included certificate of identification, vouchers, statement of account and other relevant documents.
The documents were admitted in evidence as exhibit F1 to exhibit F15.
Atolagbe pleaded with the court to permit a detailed explanation of some of the exhibits by the witness without any objection from the defence counsel, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN).
"The witness recognises some of the documents, part of which is in the investigation process addressed to Head of Operations, EFCC and bearing Alex Badeh as account holder.
"Other exhibits are also acknowledged by the witness as Application Form, Letter of Exemption from Payment of Utility Bills and documents showing cash deposits by the first defendant, all bearing Alex Badeh," the prosecutor said.
Justice Abang granted the request by prosecution counsel for more time to collate other evidences and adjourned continuation of hearing until Nov. 17. (NAN)
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA – Trial of an ally to Governor Ayodele Fayose, Mr. Abiodun Agbele, continued Monday, with the Federal High Court in Abuja, admitting into evidence, documents detailing how the defendant lodged N1.2billion into various Zenith Bank accounts.
Trial Justice Nnamdi Dimgba admitted the documents on a day the star witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Alade Oluseye Sunday, told the court that he became worried upon sighting the “raw cash” he said was brought by air.
Sunday, who is the Branch head of Zenith Bank in Akure, said the fund which was moved in two tranches, was stuffed inside Ghana-must-go bags.
The witness said he was among the team that evacuated the money to the bank with a bullion van after it was flown to the Akure airport in a medium sized aircraft by Senator Musliu Obanikoro, before the 2015 general election.
Asked if he was aware of the Suspicion Transaction Report (STR) or any financial task force against such financial deal, the witness answered in the affirmative, saying he however did not report the transactions because it was not his duty to do so.
He told the court that there was a department in charge of making such report, and it was duly notified.
The witness who was cross-examined by the defence counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said he never met the defendant prior to the June 17, 2014 transactions.
He said he was however not scared that a customer he had not met before was bringing raw cash to his branch by air, but got worried when the second aircraft arrived.
He told the court that when the aircraft landed at the Akure airport, Agbele took custody of the money and transferred same to the bank officials, including instructions on how they were to be transported to the Akure branch of the Zenith Bank.
When asked on whose instruction the monies were transferred, he said; “The instruction was given by Biodun Agbele. The transaction was processed on behalf of Agbele, the cash was mostly in 1000 bill while the rest were in 500, and were deposited into the accounts of Spotless Investment, De Privateer limited and to Ayodele Fayose’s account”.
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