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
Sylvester Emmanuel and Christy Agugbom have won the men's and women's singles titles respectively of the 30th Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship in Kano.
Emmanuel defeated Moses Michael 7-6, 6-4 in the men's final while Agugbom defeated Blessing Samuel 6-2, 6-7, 7-6.
For this effort, Emmanuel earned a cool sum of N800, 000 for his achievement while Agugbom bagged N500, 000 for emerging the best women's player in the tournament.
Impressed with the performance of the finalists, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje promised that his administration will continue sponsoring the tournament.
Interestingly, the governor was represented at the final by a former boss of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Galadima, who is the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission.
The tournament also got a big boost following the emergence of the Dangote Group as one of the major sponsors. A representative of Dangote Group, Danladi Hamza said the multi-million conglomerate was keen to support the championship.
Moved by the comments of the governor and Hamza, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Sani Ndanusa welcomed Dangote's decision to be part of tennis, stressing that the partnership will take tennis to new heights.
"The Dangote Group is a global brand of high repute and by backing the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship, they have demonstrated their desire to empower more youths across the country.
Dangote's involvement in tennis can only guarantee success for the game in Nigeria at regional, continental and international levels, and we are grateful for the privilege that they are associating with Nigerian tennis through this tournament," Ndanusa submitted.
In line with its initiative, Mamador Million Hearts Mission', premium cooking oil brand, Mamador, has again joined hands with Nigerian Heart Foundation, NHF, to promote healthy heart habits among Nigerians.
The partnership will ensure that the brand actively supports NHF's vision to propagate awareness for healthy heart habits among Nigerians through the National Heart Awareness Campaign.
This campaign is in accordance with the ongoing Mamador Million Hearts Mission launched recently.
It is a campaign that seeks to sensitise consumers on the importance of a healthy heart, and has engaged over 200,000 consumers via its free Blood Pressure and BMI checks while sharing healthy recipes and tips on the importance of heart health.
Speaking in Lagos, Category Marketing Manager, Mamador, Mrs. Chioma Mbanugo said there is a need to give high priority to the care of the body especially the heart because of its centrality.
"Mamador supports healthy heart habits and we are committed to the well-being of consumers. This has been evident in the campaigns we have embarked upon these past years, especially since the brand received the Nigerian Heart Foundation endorsement.
"The ongoing Mamador Million Heart Mission aims at providing consumers with heart healthy recipes that can be available locally for consumers to enjoy their foods without worries as well as daily healthy lifestyle tips, said the Marketing Director, PZ Wilmar, Mr. Kalyan Bandyopadhyay.
"After we got the NHF endorsement last year we promised that we will work closely with the foundation to promote our cause for a healthy heart and this new partnership is in keeping with that commitment."
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Heart Foundation, NHF, Dr. Kingsley Akinroye said such partnerships are beneficial, adding that one way to reduce heart disease is by consuming the right type of cooking oil. He said Mamador Oil has the NHF endorsement.
Ondo Election: The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the winner of the Ondo State Governorship election Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN).
Tinubu in a statement made available to news men said that the time has come for all the aggrieved members of the APC to come together saying that "I appeal to all party members including those who have been disaffected from the primary until today to come together for the good of our party and it's progressive ideals."Oyegun, Tinubu and Buhari
He also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, John Oyegun the national leader of the party, saying his stature and dignity has helped to guide ‘the APC to another victory that should advance the progressive aims of the party and the people.’
The statement reads in part
"Following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with regard to the governorship elections in Ondo State, I extend congratulations to Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN on the outcome of the election and for his perseverance and persistence in seeking that office," he said in a statement he personally signed.
"I must also congratulate the people of Ondo State for their generally exemplary conduct on election day and for demonstrating their will to shun the regressive politics of yesterday by returning to the progressive brand of politics that has been the trademark of the people of that state.
"I congratulate all party members in the state, particularly the party leadership in the Southwest.
"Finally, I must express profound congratulations to President Muhammadu Buhari, the national leader of the party, whose stature and dignity helped guide the APC to another victory that should advance the progressive aims of the party and the people.
"To all the people and parties in Ondo, your election has been had and held. Now is the time that all must work for the continued development, prosperity and peace of your state and our beloved country.
"I appeal to all party members including those who have been disaffected from the primary until today to come together for the good of our party and it's progressive ideals."
Senior Special Adviser on (Media & Publicity) to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Garba Shehu, has described the victory of All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the Ondo State governorship election, as the best birthday gift he got on Sunday.
Mallam Shehu, who turned 57, Sunday, has continued to receive felicitations and encomiums on social media.
In a tweet via his Twitter handle, @GarShehu, the Presidential spokesman wrote:
Dear @RotimiAkeredolu, your victory at the polls is the best gift for me on my BIRTHDAY today.
FCMB Group Plc has reported a profit before tax, PBT, of N14.2 billion for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016. This represents an impressive increase of 453 per cent from N2.563 billion recorded in the comparative period of 2015. FCMB Group Plc, the holding firm with subsidiaries including First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, CSL Stockbrokers Limited and CSL Trustees Limited, attributed the result achieved partially to its soundness of ratios, steady buffers against the subsisting adverse operating environment, in addition to the bank's sustained revenue momentum combined with its cost optimization parogramme.
Details of its unaudited financial results released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, showed that the bank grew its retail banking business by significant 315 percent, while its gross revenue rose to N140.7 billion, a 29 per cent increase over N109.3 billion recorded in the same period in 2015.
The Group also recorded non-interest income of N44.8 billion which is an increase of 128 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY), from N19.6 billion for the same period prior year. This increase has been predicated on a 612 per cent YoY increase in foreign exchange income from N5.0 billion for the nine-months ended September 2015 to N35.3 billion for the nine-months ended September 2016.
The Managing Director, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Peter Obaseki, commenting said: "The audited nine months results for the period ended September 2016, reflects our focus on key soundness ratios and the need to maintain buffers against a sustained adverse operating environment.
Accordingly, capital adequacy and liquidity ratios have held up at 17.6 per cent and 36.8 per cent, respectively. Overall, profit before tax came in at N14.2 billion, a 453 per cent per cent growth, translating to an earning per Share, EPS, of 87 kobo, up 30.6 per cent, YoY, Underlying revenue momentum remains strong while cost optimization programme led to a two per cent YoY drop in operating expenses, despite inflationary spiral respectively.
The macro economic conditions in the final quarter remains challenging; we will keep up a conservative stance."
Mr. Ladi Balogun, Group Managing Director, FCMB Ltd, while also commenting on the Group's results said: "The audited results of the bank reveal that the extraordinary performance of Q2 2016 offset the loss recorded in Q3 of N2.4 billion, thereby resulting in strong year-on-year profit growth of 913 percent. In order to avoid an unsustainable, non-cash, spike in earnings from further revaluation gains in Q3, the bank also significantly stepped up its loan loss provisions. The macroeconomic climate is taking a significant toll on the bank's borrowing from customers across all segments. Accordingly, the bank will maintain high provision coverage ratios (currently 131%), continue to strengthen our capital adequacy ratio currently at 16.9 per cent and our liquidity ratio, which is currently at 36.8 per cent."
Deputy Governor, Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Adebayo Adelabu and chairman of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika will lead banking and electronic payments executives to examine the impact of disruptive technology and future of payment at the 2016 annual retreat of the Committee of Electronic Banking Industry Heads (CeBIH).
The theme of the retreat is: "Disruptive Technology and the Future of Payment", and it will hold from this week in Abuja.
While the CBN Deputy Governor, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu and Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & other Financial Institution, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, are the Special Guests of Honour, Chairman of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika is the Keynote Speaker.
The retreat will feature presentations by chief executives of leading electronic payment service providers in Nigeria and the United Kingdom including Mr. Risto Savolainen, Managing Director, iAxept United Kingdom Limited; Mr. Ade Shonubi, Managing Director, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc; Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, Group Managing Director, Interswitch Nigeria Limited; Mr. Agada Apochi, Managing Director, Unified Payments Services Limited; Mr. Valentine Obi, Managing Director, eTranzact International Plc; and Mr. John Obaro, Managing Director, SystemSpecs Limited.
Other speakers are: Oluwole Oyeniran, Technology & Digital Leader, West Africa- Akintola Williams Deloitte; Mrs. Adia Sowho, Digital Director, Etisalat Nigeria; and Mr. Ade Atobatele an e-Commerce Expert.
Speaking on the purpose of the retreat, CeBIH Chairman, Mr. Dele Adeyinka said: "The retreat is aimed at examining the impact of the various technological innovations and advancements in the field of payments are having on how payments and banking are done today and in terms of what is to be expected in the future."
This, he added, "will help the various stakeholders in positioning themselves for the opportunities that technology has brought to payments."
Established July 2008, CeBIH comprises of all heads of e-business/e-channels and cards services of all the 23 banks in Nigeria. The primary objective of the Committee is to promote electronic banking services in line with global best practices and serve as a forum for sharing ideas and experiences by the E-banking industry Heads.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said that it has 340, 634 registered voters for the Dec. 3 bye-election in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
Clement Oha, INEC Administrative Secretary in Lagos State told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the distribution of Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) was ongoing ahead of the poll.
"We are distributing PVCs so eligible registered voters can still go to INEC office in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government and pick up their PVCs," Oha said.
The INEC official explained that not every registered voter had PVCs to exercise their voting rights as many were either dead or relocated out of the state.
He urged registered voters in the constituency to collect their PVCs at the local INEC office in order to participate in the election.
Oha said that INEC was ready to conduct a free and fair election urged politicians and their supporters to be peaceful before, during and after the poll.
According to the INEC official, Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency had 335 polling units and 687 voting points where accreditation and voting would be conducted simultaneously.
NAN reports that the commission had concluded the training of 50 Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and 3, 440 corps members for the election.
The six political parties that would contest in next Saturday's poll are: Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Party (ADC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rest are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Mr Elijah Adewale, who represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, died on July 20 and INEC had fixed Dec. 3 for the bye-election into the vacant seat. (NAN)
No fewer than 2,000 persons have been displaced by the activities of cattle rustlers in Niger State within the past three weeks, an emergency official said on Sunday.
Alhaji Ibrahim Inga, Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), made the disclosure while distributing relief materials to some of the displaced persons in Pandogari.
He said that the displaced persons were also sheltering in neighbouring communities in Shiroro and Rafi Local government areas.
The director general said that victims were displaced following continuous attacks by rustlers from nieghbouring states of Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna and Sokoto.
Inga said already, a Joint Task Force and the police were in Kukoki and Gbada to ensure security to lives and property and urged residents to return to home.(NAN)
The 2016 edition of Star Music The Trek ended with a dazzling spark, yesterday, as the city of Lagos was shutdown by amazing performances from 2Baba, Tiwa Savage, D'banj, Ycee, Burnaboy, Simi, Falz and Olamide.
Performing artistes at the end of 2016 Star Music The Trek in Lagos
The concert finale held at the Eagle Club in Surulere, Lagos with an overwhelming reaction from fans present at the venue to watch their favourite music stars perform.
Superlative mixes of both old and new tunes spun by DJ Neptune and Big N vibrated through the massive speakers, setting the upbeat mood for the night.
The audience had the task of choosing a winner from lyricists that participated in 'My City Rocks' pass the mic session.
The concert hosts, Gbenga Adeyinka and LaffUp spicing the night with rib cracking jokes later introduced more opening acts selected from the cypher competition of 'My City Rocks', as they rendered their versions on the beat produced by Del B. The theme song 'My City Rocks' originally featured verses from various Nigerian artistes performing at this year's Trek that included 2baba, Mr. Raw, Falz, Sound Sultan, Cynthia Morgan and others.
Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Franco Maria-Maggi said he was elated with the turnout of fans especially as Star Music The Trek had toured five cities including Lagos.
Maggi said: "I am particularly pleased with the engagement artistes had with fans all through the concert period. As a brand, we believe in delivering premium quality including entertainment. Star Music The Trek this year had also discovered new talents who will shine in the nearest future. We hope to bring a more fortified concert experience across the country.”
Main performances at Star Music The Trek finale began when Ycee opened with a captivating video montage of Lagos city scenery. As his 'Jagaban' sound boomed, the trendy rapper was heralded to the stage by Eyo masquerades that doubled as his backup dancers. The crowd at this time roared in excitement as he also sang 'Omo Alhaji'.
Exemplifying his status as a living Legend, 2baba graced the grand finale and performed chat-toping songs from his albums including a surprise guest appearance by 9ice to perform 'Street Credibility'. 2baba's entry was epic.
Initially, he was bond but later broke free as he performed 'We Don Dey Mad O'.
Naturally, the teeming crowd caught the bug and sang along with him.
Even 2baba's guitarist wasn't spared as he got restrained when the excitement went notches higher but that was part of the performance theatrics.
Up next was sonorous singer, Simi. Her performance showcased versatility in singing skills and was later joined by Falz as they both performed 'Soldier' before changing the tune to their recent collaboration 'Chemistry'. Their performances had sparked insinuation of a budding intimate relationship as the excited crowd cheered them.
Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Tokunbo Adodo described the concert as an integrated consumer experience.
"Annually, Star Music The Trek brings the best of performers to thrill fans in various cities across Nigeria. We are particularly excited about the turnout this year including the fact that the premium concert experience has contributed in delighting millions of Star fans. We hope to take it to another significant level next year", Adodo concluded.
Making her return to the Star Music The Trek grand finale was Tiwa Savage. Looking fit, she remained in control and electrified the arena with her hypnotic choreographed dance. Tiwa brought a strong energy to the concert as she later appreciated the crowd for responding positively during her performance.
"I'm extremely grateful for the support you've all shown me tonight. It's always my pleasure to bring you nothing but the best of me and I specially thank you for turning up at Star Music The Trek finale. Lagos Rocks!" Tiwa exclaimed excitedly.
Then came the Star dance party, a segment of the concert that featured fun dance-off competition at the concert deck. Gbenga Adeyinka and Laffup gleefully interacted with thousands of fans as they enjoyed the amazing concert ambience.
An excited fan said, "I'm so thrilled to watch these music stars perform at the concert. I never believed that one day I would see them perform live. This is very cool." Burnaboy's emergence from the crowd heightened the frenzy as he was lifted in a boat-like performance prop to the stage. The vibrant artiste gave a good rendition of his songs that included 'Soke' and 'Yawa Dey' as he sequined into random conversations. Nevertheless, he captured the hearts of many fans at the Lagos concert.
D'banj also made a come back at this year's grand finale of Star Music The Trek after three years, since he last performed at Abeokuta stadium in 2013. The entertainer took the crowd to another level of euphoria.
Sealing the night of great performances at the Lagos edition and finale of Star Music The Trek for this year was Olamide. The YBNL boss who is a custodian of indigenous rap music was the headliner and didn't disappoint his fans. Despite over-excitement from the crowd during his set, Olamide ensured he thrilled the eager crowd till the very end.
He performed hit songs like 'Durosoke', 'Shakiti Bobo', 'Lagos Boys' not forgetting to mention 'Goons Mi', and more. The crowd who couldn't hold back their emotions praised the artiste and sang word-for-word his every song.
"All the artistes were extraordinary with their performances. My friends and I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this year's edition of Star Music The Trek. Although I couldn't travel to other cities to see their versions of the concert but nothing would compare to what I have seen tonight in Lagos", commented a reveler.
The atmosphere at the Eagle Club in Surulere was electrifying. As the curtain fell on Star Music The Trek for this year, it's certain the concert gave thousands of Nigerians an unforgettable experience with a line up of the biggest music stars in the country.
Broadcast live on HIPTV, the concert had toured Makurdi, Abuja, Calabar and Owerri before culminating into the grand finale held in Lagos.
Star Music The Trek was introduced in 2002 as one of the legs from the erstwhile Star music sponsorship tripod including STAR Quest and STAR Mega Jam.
By Prince Okafor KPMG, a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services, has revealed that investment in Nigeria Financial services Technology, FinTech, over the last two years has exceeded $200 million.
This is even as it called on the Federal Government to provide incentives and regulatory support that would strengthen the ecosystem and allow the country to compete favourably in global space.
Partner & Head, Financial Services Technology, KPMG in Nigeria, Boye Ademola, said that FinTech opportunities in Nigeria are significant and could potentially redefine the financial services landscape over the next five years.
Speaking during the 2016 FinTech Summit and the launch of its in-house publication tagged, 'FinTech in Nigeria: Understanding the value proposition,' he explained: "Countries like China, United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong among others have used this technology to better their ecosystems to mature markets.
"In the first quarter of 2016, two Chinese FinTech; Lu.com and JD Finance raised $1.2 billion and $1 billion respectively, in record Asian deals. Lu.com is a wealth management platform while JD Finance is redefining the lending space in China."
Ademola added that currently, Nigeria’s performance was not bad as it lines up along Egypt and South Africa as top recipients of the technology investments in Africa over the last two years, "Our prognosis is that the FinTech opportunities in Nigeria are significant and could potentially redefine the financial services landscape over the next five years.
"The fast growing young population of about 115 million, below the age of 35 years, exponential growth of mobile phone lines estimated at 150 million as at July 2016; huge financial inclusion potential and relatively strong talent pool are pertinent indicators to opportunities of the technology."
Ademola pointed out that FinTechs focused on payments were the forerunners as they planned to see more traction on lending, financial inclusion, block chain, and digital bank in the next wave, "Wealth Tech and InsurTech are already emerging and we expect these FinTechs to question the status quo in the wealth management and insurance sectors."
On his part, KPMG Global FinTech Co-lead, Warren Mead, called for government incentives and regulatory support to strengthen the ecosystem.
"The right mix of technical skills, capital investment, government incentives, regulatory framework and an entrepreneurial and innovative mind-set is the catalyst needed to establish FinTech as a key enabler of financial services in Nigeria," he added.
By Peter Osalor In Nigeria, shaping the future beyond oil is a critical part of the national agenda. The current economy is dominated by the oil industry. The labour force of 47 million is growing, as is the unemployment rate currently at 20%, with millions of workers underemployed. Nigeria has the largest domestic market in Africa, a wide range of natural resources, and a diversely skilled labour pool. Given these economic realities, the country must constantly create new jobs, and diversify the industrial and commercial sector to take advantage of human and natural resources.
The entrepreneurial activities have been found to be capable of making impact on the economy of a nation and quality of life of the people through economic growth; employment generation and empowerment of the disadvantaged segment of the population, which include women and the poor.
Entrepreneurial development will encourage entrepreneurs to create new enterprises, new commercial activities, and new economic sectors. They will generate jobs for others; produce goods and services for society; introduce new technologies and improve or lower cost out puts; and earn foreign exchange through export expansion or the substitution of imports.
Entrepreneurial development will mobilise domestic savings and utilisation of local resources. The SMEs will serve as good agent for disposal of industrial products and some services and contribute immensely to production of raw materials in the form of Semi – processed goods for use by bigger Industries.
Entrepreneurial Development is also a base for development of appropriate technology which will provide a veritable ground for skilled, unskilled, semi – skilled workers; it will also provide productive self – employment to a number of educated and less educated young men and women graduates.
As Nigeria pursues the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), the millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and Vision 2020, a core part of the national strategy must be to grow and strengthen the vibrant elements of the MSME, largely informal business sector. As a nation Nigeria cannot afford not to – invest in MSMEs. The country's economic future depends on it.
Much of the activities in the informal economy go unreported. There are already existing governmental policies and activities which have helped spur entrepreneurship. Elements of SAP policy (1986), The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have all contributed to entrepreneurship and enterprise growth in Nigeria. SMEDAN sponsors and supervises entrepreneurship ventures while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provides financial support to entrepreneurs through the Small and Medium Enterprise Equity Investment Scheme (SMEEDS) of 2001. In addition, amendments to the indigenization decree in 1988, 1989 and 1995 boosted the development of indigenous Entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship has many multiplier effects on the economy, spurs innovation, and fosters investment in people, which is better of competitive advantage than other natural resources, which can be depleted. Though the rate of unemployment is still high, suffice to say that entrepreneurial development has helped in providing a safety net for some group of people, especially in the hidden economy or informal sector.
It is noted that currently "at 69% of GNP the country's informal economy is estimated to be one of the ten highest in the world, along with such countries as Georgia, Bolivia, Tanzania, Peru, and Azerbaijan and 21st in the world on GDP" It is estimated that 90% of all new jobs created in the informal sector are SMEs. Oil contributes about 9% to the GDP, though Nigeria produces about 2.7% of the world oil supply (In comparison, Saudi Arabia produces 12.9%, Russia produces 12.7% and United States produces 8.6%. The government still heavily rely on it for revenue generation.
This heavily dependence on oil has killed our local industries, frustrated our Agricultural sector and caused us economic recession, we can't continue like this, we need to focus on entrepreneurial Development.
Mr. Bashir Yankuzu, a lecturer with the Department of Sciences, Federal University of Technology Minna, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) and security agencies for the success of Ondo State governorship election.
INEC boss, Mahmood Yakubu
Yankuzu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that the peaceful conduct of the poll was a significant victory for the nation's nascent democracy.
He called on the commission to sustain the tempo and make all future polls free, fair and credible.
The lecturer noted that the deployment of security personnel to all nooks and crannies of the state allowed the electorates to come out and exercise their civic rights without any fear of molestation.
He called on the governor-elect, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu to carry the people along in all government policies and programmes to ensure inclusive governance.
"I am very optimistic that the governor-elect will implement people oriented policies and programmes that will make a difference in Ondo state.
"He is a true progressive who excelled in his profession and will pave way for massive development of Ondo state." (NAN)
The biennial conference, International Health Safety and Environment (HSE) organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and others, will see the minister for State Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu, speak on ways of improving security in the oil and gas industry.
This year's conference themed: “Integrated Security Approach, New Strategies and the way to go in the Nigerian oil and gas industry” is aimed at promoting and entrenching safe and environmentally sustainable oil and gas industry in Nigeria had also been held in different parts of the country.
According to the organisers, "Each of the conference focuses on the three aspects of the HSE.
"Planning and Management Committee of the conference (CPMC) decided that the 17th edition of the conference would focus on issues bothering on Security in the Oil and Gas Industry.
Dr. Ibe Kachikwu
A statement released by the planning committee said that, "Contemporary and pertinent issues on security, safety of life and assets vis a vis its effect on the environment would be discussed by experts from various fields with extensive experience in the Oil and Gas Industry.
"During the three-day event it is planned that four plenary sessions will be held with various discussants who have been chosen from the industry based on their wealth of experience while 36 technical papers will also be delivered during the technical sessions by authors who have also been chosen by the CPMC."
The conference is co organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Petroleum Equalization fund (PEF), Oil Producers’ Trade Section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OPTS) and other Upstream Operators.
Other includes: operators in the Downstream Sector, Oil and Gas Service Providers, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Nigerian Association of Indigenous, Petroleum Explorers and Producers (NAIPEC), Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN).
THE recent report released by BudgIT, a data-simplifying civic organisation, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that can fulfill obligations to their workers, was not only a remarkable feat for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State but also a demonstration of his managerial instinct to navigate the state through the current economic crunch.
The verdict, which is widely adjudged as echt and objective based on facts and figures, flaunts the commitment of the governor to advance good governance and deliver on his campaign promises despite the current economic recession.
It has also showcased the governor's ethos in prudent management of the state's lean resources for the wellbeing of the people through financial discipline and application of the best economic practices that would engender sustainable growth and development.
Enugu state is third from the bottom of the federal allocation chart. Enugu is also predominantly a Civil Service state with high expectations from the people borne out of the long held belief in the expansion of the state's economic potentials.
It is pertinent to note that among the three states listed by BudgIT that are still able to meet their recurrent needs, Enugu is the least in terms of federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue,IGR.
As a civil service state, Enugu is not economically viable like Lagos and Rivers states which generate huge resources from commercial activities; still it was able to make the list alongside the two economic giant states – a feat, which many have described as outstanding.
It is on record, that while Ugwuanyi's administration pays workers' salaries regularly, it has also embarked on numerous massive infrastructural development in the state with some road projects completed for inauguration in December.
The governor in a bid to alleviate the pains motorists go through while plying some federal government roads in the state, recently embarked on the quality rehabilitation of failed sections of the federal roads along Oji River- Ugwuoba- Anambra State border (by old road) and 9th Mile – Nsukka – Benue State border. This is inspite of the huge sum of money owed the state on past rehabilitated roads by the federal government.
Regardless of the fact that the roads are federal roads and do not necessarily require the intervention of the state government to fix them, Gov. Ugwuanyi noted that "this administration cannot sit down and watch road users suffer this much on the roads, hence the need for the rehabilitation".
On the vision to take development to the rural areas as part of the grassroots development initiatives to create new urban centres, boost socio-economic activities, create employment opportunities and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis, the administration recently flagged off 35 development projects spread across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. All these capital projects and other remarkable feats in various strata of the economy are ongoing while the state is still able to fulfill obligations to its workers.
Reacting to the BudgIT's report, the state chapters of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were first to applaud the governor for his vision, administrative ingenuity and sheer dexterity in prudent management of the state's lean resources.
They said that the BudgIT's verdict was objective and represents the true position of things in Enugu State, regarding the manner in which the governor has been carefully managing the resources of the state for the overall interest of the people.
In a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,TUC, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Ben Asogwa, the workers said that "it was an exceptional display of quality leadership for the governor to pay salaries regularly and still execute capital projects, despite the current economic crisis in the country".
The labour leaders added that "for Enugu to be listed alongside Lagos and Rivers as the only states in the federation still able to meet their recurrent needs, shows that Gov. Ugwuanyi is a visionary leader who is committed to the wellbeing of the people".
On his part, the state Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, said that the party was not surprised by the BudgIT's report, stressing that "Ugwuanyi had maintained a culture of financial discipline that has helped his administration to save cost and ensure that its lean resources were adequately utilized for priority issues that would add value to the lives of the people of the state".
The party therefore, urged the governor to remain focused and steadfast in his vision to advance good governance and deliver on his campaign promises to the people of the state in line with the PDP Manifesto.
Also commenting on the BudgIt's report, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, during a solidarity rally in commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the slaying of 21 workers who were agitating for better working conditions at the Iva Valley Coal Mine, in Enugu, paid glowing tributes on Gov. Ugwuanyi for prioritizing the welfare of workers in Enugu state and ensuring that their wages are paid regularly.
Describing Ugwuanyi as the man with the magic wand, the NLC’s head of Industrial Relations and Organising Department, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboajah, who represented the body’s national president, noted that the accolades Enugu State received as one of three states that is regular in taking care of basic responsibilities of its workers was because the governor was committed to prudent management of resources and welfare of the workers, urging him to share same with his colleagues.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who had reassured the people of his resolve to ensure even development of the state, had also attributed the feat his administration has recorded so far to the grace of God and prudent management of the state's lean resources.
From all indications, it is obvious that Gov. Ugwuanyi is at his peak in providing the dividends of democracy for the people Enugu State. Enugu state is truly in the hands of God.
Mr. Louis Amoke, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Enugu, Enugu State.
President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has congratulated the Governor-elect of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akerodolu over his victory at the poll.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Sunday, said the people of Ondo state "could not have had a better choice.''
Saraki said Akeredolu's victory did not come to him as a surprise, going by his excellent credentials and years of preparedness for the business of governance.
Akeredolu
He, however, urged the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory by working with all relevant stakeholders in the arduous task of moving the Sunshine State to the next level.
He urged Akeredolu to fully deploy his wealth of experience garnered over many years in private legal practice in running the affairs of the state.
Saraki lauded the security agencies and INEC for the peaceful conduct of the election and thanked the people of the state for voting for APC during the election.
Saraki said: "The people of Ondo have made a clear choice by voting for the APC. I can only assure the good people of Ondo state that APC and its flag bearer have all it takes to wipe away your tears.
''Akeredolu will provide you the dividends of democracy that have hitherto eluded you.
"With Akeredolu on the saddle of governance, I have no doubt that the state will soon witness unparalleled development socially, economically and politically.''
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Sunday, said the victory of the All Progressives Congress standard-bearer, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN at the Ondo State governorship poll is a proof that the APC is still popular among Nigerians.
APC Governor-Elect in Ondo state ,Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife Betty in jubilation at his residence in owo after his declaration as the winner of the Ondo Gov election by INEC.PHOTO;AKEEM SALAU
Dogara in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan said: "The election of Barrister Akeredolu and the APC in Ondo state is a clear indication of the popularity of our political party.
"The victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election is proof that the party is still loved by Nigerians.
"I would like to congratulate my learned colleague on his victory at the poll, and also commend our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for a thorough and successful campaign."
He urged all stakeholders to come together and ensure that the incoming APC government in Ondo delivers on the mandate given by the people inline with the party's manifesto.
"As a party, we must take our victory in Ondo seriously since the people have placed enormous trust in us," he said.
"We must, therefore, deliver on policies that will improve their standard of living."
Dogara, who commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for "ensuring a hitch-free exercise," also praised the people of Ondo state for "keeping the election process peaceful and coming out to perform their civic duty".
Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi, Sunday, said the people of Ondo state have made the right choice by electing Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the next governor of the state.
APC Governor-Elect in Ondo state ,Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife Betty jubilation at his residence in owo after the declaration of the result by INEC.PHOTO;AKEEM SALAU
A statement by his spokesperson, Yinka Oyebode, quoted Fayemi to have said this while congratulating Akeredolu on his victory at the governorship election.
Akeredolu polled 244,842 votes to defeat Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who recorded 150,380 votes.
"Ondo State people deserve to be congratulated for the right choice they have made. They have demonstrated their confidence in Mr Akeredolu's ability to take the state to the next level of development and prosperity," the statement read.
"The state would surely witness greater level of development, judging by Mr Akeredolu's pedigree as a highly experienced professional, tested and trusted technocrat and strategic planner."
He urged the people to cooperate fully with the soon-to-be-inaugurated APC-led government, which will usher the state into a new era of all-round development.
Fayemi who commended all the contestants for their maturity which they showed at the election, however, asked the governor-elect, Akeredolu to commence a process of reconciliation aimed at uniting the party in the state.
Abuja – The All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for calm and appealed to opposition parties and their candidates to accept defeat in the Ondo state Governorship election in good faith.
The National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, made the appeal in a statement issued by Mr Edegbe Odemwingie, the party`s Assistant Director of Publicity in Abuja on Sunday.
The statement was issued on behalf of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).Governor Elect in Ondo State ,Rotimi Akeredolu jubilating after the INEC declared him winner of Ondo Governorship election in Owo Town. PHOTO; AKEEM SALAU
Odigie-Oyegun congratulated the APC`s governorship candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu and his running mate, Mr Agboola Ajayi on their landslide electoral victory.
The party also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their impressive turnout and peaceful conduct during the election.
APC also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and other party leaders for their invaluable support to the party.
"The APC thanks the Ondo electorate for voting for the party in the keenly-contested election.
"The Ondo electorate had voted for the candidate with a proven track record of performance who will bring about the kind of focused leadership and multi-faceted development the state deserved.
The party assured the people of the state that its candidate will deliver on their expectations.
The NWC said that the outcome of the Ondo governorship election demonstrated the confidence and trust of the people in the overall leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari's APC-led administration.
According to the party, APC and the President hold such confidence in sacred trust.
APC said the task before its leadership was to unite the party and heal wounds, with the 2016 governorship concluded.
Akeredolu was declared winner of the Ondo governorship poll by Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali, the INEC Chief Returning Officer in the election.
He won the election by 244,842 votes, followed by the candidate of PDP, Eyitayo Jegede, who scored 150,380 votes, AD candidate, Olusola Oke, came third with 126,889 votes.
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has pooh-poohed the outcome of the Ondo State Governorship election, saying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) connived with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its collaborators in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the election before it was conducted.
APC Governor-Elect in Ondo state ,Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife Betty in jubilation at his residence in owo after his declaration as the winner of the Ondo Gov election by INEC.PHOTO;AKEEM SALAU
He said; "Just as I would have loved to congratulate the winner, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), because in every contest, there must be a winner and a loser, the role of INEC in awarding victory to him in the election left much to be desired."
The governor, who reacted to the outcome of the election in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said INEC gave the APC victory in the election by deliberately replacing the name of Mr Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP candidate, thereby creating legal logjam that lasted till three days to the election.
He said that the PDP went to the election with its hands tied to the back because of the uncharitable actions of INEC, which has no doubt become an arm of the APC.
He maintained that apart from the APC, political parties in Nigeria are now contesting elections against INEC.
Governor Fayose lamented that "to sustain the 'see and buy' strategy and legalise money politics, the APC-led federal government deliberately created poverty in the country so as to continue to enslave the minds of Nigerians with peanuts to get their votes on election day, saying; "Dibo ko sebe (vote and collect money to cook soup) was the slang used by the APC in the Ondo State election and that only worked because the APC federal government have put Nigerians in abject poverty."
He said; "Even though INEC allowed what appeared like a free and fair atmosphere on the election day, the election had been won and lost before it was held.
"For instance, INEC that witnessed the PDP primary election that produced Mr Eyitayo Jegede succumbed to pressure from the APC cabal to replace him with Jimoh Ibrahim, who did not take part in any primary election known to the Electoral Act.
"What could anyone have done under 72 hours in an election that was heavily monetised by the APC? "The whole process was a deliberate sabotage by INEC, which has totally bastardised the electoral process.
"Obviously, all these shenanigans are geared towards turning Nigeria to a one part state by weakening all opposition parties ahead of the 2019 general elections but I can assure Nigerians that this will not last because the people will always be defeat tyranny."
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands for angrily kicking a water bottle during his side’s Premier League home game with West Ham United on Sunday.
With the score 1-1, Mourinho took his displeasure out on a plastic bottle standing beside his technical area after Paul Pogba was booked for diving by referee Jonathan Moss.
It is the second time Mourinho has been sent to the stands during a game this season, following his dismissal at half-time of United’s recent 0-0 draw at home to Burnley.
Mourinho
The Portuguese, 53, received a one-match touchline ban as punishment.
He received a fine earlier this month after discussing Anthony Taylor’s suitability to referee his side’s league game at Liverpool.
Mourinho had a run-in with Moss during the final weeks of his tenure as Chelsea manager last season.
Mourinho confronted Moss at half-time after being sent to the stands during a 2-1 loss at West Ham and was hit with a one-game stadium ban by the Football Association.
(@GarShehu) 
