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In university, Bryce Edem studied physics and other science-related courses. But while spending some years afterwards in the United Kingdom, he devoted more time to speaking to big audiences under the aegis of an international agency, TED, an acronym for Technology, Entertainment and Design, which was founded in New York in 1984 and has now spread to many parts of the world, including Calabar, the Cross Rivers State capital. Edem, who is the Licensee, Curator and Lead Organiser for TED Calabar, in this interview, explains how the group is influencing Nigerians to think big and positively even in difficult times that the nation has found itself.
Excerpts:
By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor
What is TED all about and how widespread is it in Nigeria?
TEDxCalabar is an offshoot of the world's most prestigious idea-generating organization, which was established in New York in 1984 and devoted to spreading ideas in the form of powerful talks of 18 minutes or less, under the slogan "ideas worth spreading."
Why the sudden interest in public speaking instead of consolidating on your area of studies, which is science-oriented?
I want to say that I have many interests, passions and creative pursuits. I'm taking a life-long journey to discover if there is fulfilment and satisfaction in the opposite direction of the culturally-accepted, highly-romanticized, narrowly-focused life; to discover if succeeding at more than one thing is a possibility or a myth. That is why I am focussing more in trying to influence lives rather than being influenced by what I studied while in university. I want to influence leadership to do more for society and bring change to our people.
How can you explain TEDxCalabar to the ordinary Nigerian to appreciate that it has any bearing with their lives?
This is an annual event that features ideas that can change attitudes, lives and ultimately the world by offering free knowledge and inspiration from exceptional thinkers and doers who engage with a multi-disciplinary community that provides the richest possible landscape for creative collision.
In other words, TEDxCalabar is a journey through a world of extraordinary ideas, born of, and driven by, curiosity. It's a 'Talk Station' for people who have ideas that can solve specific, identifiable problems in the world. It's a platform that showcases unknown people who do remarkable things, who create significant values, who do cutting-edge work across different causes, who provide ingenious solutions to native and global challenges.
It's a space that fuels impassioned conversations which rouse individuals, brands and governments to set and achieve audacious, wildly-ambitions goals. It's a safe, congenial place for people to connect, network, and make meaningful contribution to the lives of others. It's a space for atypical, intrepid, disruptive chat that engenders introspection and retrospection. It's an event that reveals how the Calabar community is expanding perceptions, driving culture, tackling challenges, and creating new opportunities locally and globally.
What does that mean to the ordinary person?
Don't forget that more than money, it is actually ideas that rule the world that we live in.
Great economies are run on ideas. Though TED is an acronym for Technology, Entertainment and Design – three broad subjects that are collectively shaping our future – it showcases ideas that matter in any discipline. We try to create an immersive environment where creative innovators, organizations, thought leaders and key enablers from vastly different fields can cross-fertilize. We also try to build partnerships that will create, promote and support great ideas. Our overall goal is to strengthen and reposition TEDxCalabar as a veritable platform for discovering, clarifying and – hopefully – helping execute ideas.
What inspired the TEDxCalabar vision, motivation and drive?
Many things, I would say, gave rise to the vision chief among them being the desire to feature and fuel conversations with some of the most-fascinating thinkers and doers who can discover and amplify ideas that can change the world.
The unending desire to optimize the creative and innovative ecosystems to bring passionate, open-minded change-agents together in an inspired atmosphere of authentic dialogue and extraordinary thinking to build a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary community driven by big, bold and new ideas to unlock in people the capacity to advance and be more than they think they really are gave us the push to do what we are doing.
Bryce Edem
We really want to engender intense digging into the fertility of imagination to stoke the flames of an ideas-based revolution; the desire to connect people with live-changing anecdotal experiences which is a tool for personal transformation; the desire to cause a reformative construction of a better world; and the desire to make significant contribution to the world give us the energy to plod on.
You see, what we do for ourselves alone dies with us but what we do for others and the world remains; and is immortal. So it's that drive for self-actualization that has engendered Personal Social Responsibility. In a fable, the hummingbird – one of the animals affected by a forest fire – attempted to put out the fire, one drop of water at a time. When the animals asked, 'What are you doing?' the hummingbird said, "I'm doing the best I can". Through TEDxCalabar I could make a big impact with a small and persistent effort; I want to be a hummingbird, to do the best I can wherever I am.
Who are you targeting in an economy that is in recession?
In the tradition of TED, we serve a diversified, heterogeneous and broadly-inclusive audience. This diverse audience includes CEOs, scientists, creatives, students, philanthropists, people of faith, people in government and public service, people in the academia, entrepreneurs, professionals – just anyone who loves ideas, wants to spread ideas and sees ideas change the world.
Youth unemployment is one of Nigeria's biggest challenges. How can TEDxCalabar be a change agent? What's there for the youths?
This is one key area of our specialisation. Nigerian youths are really are target and we believe that at every of our event they end will justify their presence. One of our speakers, who holds a master's degree in leading Innovation and change, is enraptured by the creative and innovative ecosystems, and nurtures a passion to build capacities that will compete in the global knowledge economy. You see, the global crash in oil prices has imposed a new economic reality. The world – Nigeria inclusive – is searching for alternative economic options to save her from the horrible scenario presented by the fall in crude oil prices.
I believe strongly that in the face of the pressure on governments to diversify the economy, and as Nigeria bleeds from deep cuts by recession, this speaker offers a big, bold and audacious solution which lies not in concepts or theories; not in history or fantasies; but in the creative reservoir in us that calls out for change in order to succeed where others might have failed.
What is unique about the upcoming TEDxCalabar?
TEDxCalabar is configured for curious minds and will serve a potpourri of passion, inspiration, beauty, optimism, laughter, tears, authentic dialogue, strategic thinking, thought leadership, visionary insights, ingenuity and ideas capable of changing the world. We have a line-up of 10 speakers: A Sloan Fellow from Stanford University with financial services experience in 18 countries across four continents, one of which is a bank in Asia with a balance sheet size of $100 Billion; a Clinical Lead at Cross River State Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Treatment Service who was former acting Chief Medical Director University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and one of Nigeria's foremost Consultant Ophthalmologists; a marketing strategist, Distinguished Toastmaster, TEDxPortland speaking coach and author, 'How to Rock a TED Talk; a global voice in environmental activism and recipient of The 31st Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize) 2010; a Speaker of a State House of Assembly; a High School girl who won the 2015 Global Technovation Challenge; a Higher Education investor and Founder of Nigeria's first online University; a legendary mixed media and experimental artist who 'resurrects' rich, comatose cultural values through Art; and a female Executive Director of a leading, wholly-indigenous conglomerate who's passionate about shattering the mythical psychology and social construct of glass ceiling.
Aside speakers, we have four performers: A Calabar-based, all-female, instrumental music crew who, with poise, polish and panache, play excellent, exquisite and exceptional music of different genres; a Calabar-based recording artiste who was finalist at The Voice Nigeria – the internationally-acclaimed reality singing competition; a Performance Poet; and one of Africa's foremost percussionists.
What's the TEDxCalabar view about Nigeria of our dreams?
Even 'established' democracies still grapple with stuff. Nigeria is evolving. We see a Nigeria which will live-out the true meaning of its creed: "One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity." Let me use this opportunity to re-affirm that creed: "I pledge to Nigeria my country, to uphold her honour and glory. So help me God"
An election observer group, the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG) has condemned the widespread violence during Saturday’s re-run election in Rivers state.
The group however commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for showing leadership, while it called on political parties to eschew rancour and inflammatory statements capable of causing breach of the security and possible loss of lives and property as well as discourage their agents from obstructing INEC duties or officers from carrying out their legitimate mandate.
This was contained in a statement signed by the ISDMG Director Communications/ Team Leader, Faith Nwadishi
She said whereas INEC has shown enough improvement in the last two elections in Edo and Ondo states, Rivers state re-run election is proving more daunting and challenging with reports from our observers indicating willingness by citizens to exercise their franchise but being frustrated by activities of hoodlums and party thugs, clearly acting out instructions of their promoters.
She frowned at the conduct of the politicians across parties, saying they have conducted themselves most despicably and have become agents of darkness and crass manipulation.
She said, “The politicians are acting contrary to known norms of civilization and have aided and abated the disruption of the election process with clear intent to discredit the outcome of the election if not in their favour. Sadly, INEC has been vindicated in its earlier stance not to conduct elections in the state due to threats of violence by politicians.
“It is now apparent that all the hue and cry by political actors in the state was to set the grand stage for this mayhem. Interestingly though, were violence was not unleashed INEC deployed materials readily and elections conducted freely and without any ugly incidents .
She said further, “We had earlier issued a statement before the re-run urging party leaders, the citizens, security agencies and all stakeholders to help INEC conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful election in River state.
“However, it is disheartening to note at this juncture that reports from election observers and monitors indicate unpleasant activities by party thugs in some polling units and centres across the zones and constituencies where elections are taking place.
“In Etche LGA, hoodlums prevented INEC staff from deploying personnel and materials to the following areas; Afra ward with 20 Pus and 3441 registered voters; Mba ward 18 with 14 Pus and 4503 registered voters; Udofor ward 8 with 8Pus and 2373 registered voters; Ogwi/Obiro ward 6 (had result sheets snatched); Obite Ward 10 with 6 Pus and 1866 registered voters; Ulakwo ward 13 with 21 Pus and 5420 registered voters; Obibi/ Akwukabi ward 9 with 12 Pus and 2444 registered voters. These numbers are significant enough to affect the outcome of the election negatively.
“Equally, sack bags were used as ballot boxes in PU32/11/13/012, Ulakwo Ward, Etche LGA as a result of the snatching of the ballot boxes by thugs and hoodlums leading citizens to insist on voting with the sacks no matter the intimidation.
“It is also reported that party supporters clashed in Opobo. We observed that voting materials moved late to many polling units at about 9 am when the voting process ought to have started. Most of these delays are attributable to disruptive activities of hoodlums and party urchins who were clearly on a mission to prevent the EMB from carrying out its functions.
According to Nwadishi, citizens and stakeholders must see this election as a legitimate citizen's duty and absolutely, not a war
She insist that the electoral process be transparent and devoid of violence and deliberate disenfranchisement of citizens by action of thugs or their sponsors or through connivance of any sort by partisan parties.
After the successful release of his widely accepted single "Boom Galala", Afro pop/R&B artiste, Ekwuta Moses Onu, otherwise known as 2Spen is back with another hit single "Let You Go".
''Let You Go" was actually ''inspired by my failed relationship," said the singer. "It ended up the way I never wanted and writing that song was the only way I could speak my heart out. I intend to stay true to myself, work hard and never give up," he added.
2spen
2spen who is also a student of Nigeria Institution of Public Relations (NIPR) started miming songs from RnB legends like KC and Jojo, Boyz 2 Men and also Fela Anikulapo Kuti which served as a very pivotal influence while growing up.
When asked how he intends to remain relevant in the industry, he said "I intend to stay true to myself, work hard and never give up. I will also introduce strategies to reach my target audience better and also drop the right music content for air play and distribution. Learning from veterans in the industry, emulate their strong attributes and also learn from their flaws will also keep me afloat."
The 2016 edition of the high profile Glo Ovation Carols has been slated for December 18 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and internationally-acclaimed Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade will be adding colour and panache to the event with his performance. The organizers of Ovation Carol planned to use the event to commemorate his 70th birthday.
Top American hip-hop group, Cameo, which sang the global hit, Attack me with your love, has also confirmed participation as the headline act of the night of glitz, glamour and music. The audience will have opportunity to relive the good old days with the monster hits of this group, such as "Cameosis", "Thank God it's Friday", "Attack Me With Your Love", "Real Men… Wear Black", amongst others.
king Sunny Ade
The trio of Globacom brand ambassadors, Nabania crooner, Flavour, Katapot exponent, Reekado Banks and Korede Bello will also perform at the event.
Nollywood great, Richard Mofe-Damijo and the delectable Dala Oruwari, are billed to compere the carol which will feature other wave-making artistes including saxophonist, Olu Jazz.
The carol which has become a permanent fixture in the annual calendar of some of Nigeria's most influential people will kick off at 7 pm and last till late evening to give music lovers ample time to enjoy themselves.
By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief The federal government is to abolish the Central Bank's 41 items exemption from foreign exchange market policy in its newly leased 2017 Fiscal policy Roadmap under.
The policy document prepared by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, will, instead, come up with fiscal measures to reduce pressure in the parallel market.
According to the document, the FG "will replace administrative measures on list of 41-items with fiscal measures to reduce demand pressure in parallel market."
To streamline its efforts to help ensure life is good for many people across the Middle East and Africa, MEA, LG Electronics has outlined how it is engaging communities across the region.
In keeping with its CSR, slogan, Life's Good with LG, the company aims to continue to actively contribute and sustain its integrated CSR initiatives in 2017 by continuing to support and engage with various communities across MEA.
Looking at its CRS activities in three areas including, education, environment and empowerment, in MEA market, Kevin Cha, President, LG Electronics, Middle East and Africa. said that, "Like many global companies, LG is engaged in a number of prominent CSR activities throughout the year. In the MEA region, we focus on our global CSR pillars to remain true to our brand, but we also keep in mind what matters most to our local communities and implement programs accordingly, ensuring authenticity remains at the core of what we do,"
"In a day and age where we increasingly witness corporate greed on one hand and distressed populations on the other, there is no chance on earth that global organizations like LG cannot but be engrained in the effort of helping make life better for our societies. CSR is not an expense; CSR is an investment in our communities who have every right to live on a clean planet, have the opportunity to learn, and eventually become empowered to foster change in their lives and in the world. At LG, it is our responsibility to try our utmost best to make that change happen," Cha, added.
LG first announced its environmental vision in 1994 and has since been practising environmental management through researching and introducing environmentally friendly products and by reducing the environmental impact that occurs during business activities.
The company actively participates and contributes to global initiatives like World Environment Day. More than 41 business sites in 24 countries across the globe participated in this global initiative in 2016.
Within the realm of education, LG's efforts include developing products that bridge the digital divide, establish IT training facilities and run vocational training and environmental education programs.
In 2014, LG opened a vocational school in Ethiopia to foster a technical workforce for the country by leveraging its strength in electronics repair. The school trains 75 students annually through its three-year electronics repair course.
Another notable association under LG's CSR education pillar included a UAE initiative, known as AT EDUCOM (Assistive Technology Education & Competition). This is an example of how technology and education work hand in hand.
AT EDUCOM is a local competition that has run in two successful editions, and it gives university students across many nationalities in the UAE and Korea a platform to enhance their educational skill set and use technologies to help push boundaries and create a better world for people with disabilities.
Whether it is by supporting individuals with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, underprivileged youth, or families with limited access to basic needs or career opportunities, LG through its empowerment pillar supports many individuals in making positive change in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones.
In 2016, over 10 countries across LG MEA subsidiaries have helped empower individuals and families with unique initiatives with the support of local LG staff.
One initiative to highlight is the "LG Hope Series", which helps the underprivileged in developing countries to achieve self-reliance and work toward eradicating waterborne diseases to further facilitate its efforts.
LG Hope Series started in 2009 in Africa where LG supported low-income citizens build their capacity and engaged them in the developing activities.
In order to turn LG Electronics CSR Slogan "Life's Good with LG" into reality, the technology company continues to put in a lot of energy into social contribution efforts that empower communities in which it operates.
The recent suspension of data price floor by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has continued to receive reactions among industry stakeholders in the Nigerian Information Technology industry.
Price floor is one of the regulatory safeguards normally put in place by the telecommunications regulator to check anticompetitive practices particularly by the dominant operators.
But following the concerns that visited the recent directive to introduce price floor for data segment of the telecommunications sector, NCC had suspended any further action in that direction.
The decision to suspend the directive, NCC, explained was taken after due consultation with industry stakeholders and the general complaints by consumers across the country.
The decision to have a price floor, according to Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, was primarily to promote a level playing field for all operators in the industry, encourage small operators and new entrants.
Meanwhile, the price floor in 2014 was N3.11k/MB but was removed in 2015. The price floor that was supposed to flag off on December 1, 2016 was N0.90k/MB.
Good step at the right time—NIRA
Reacting to the new development, the President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association NiRA, Sunday Folayan said that the suspension was the right step at the right time.
"The focus of NCC at this time is to set the Minimum acceptable quality of service and enforce this. Providers will naturally meet such quality at a cost effective price.
" Setting a price floor without assuring that consumers get a good service for what they already pay for, is counter productive. Good the policy is suspended it will be great if it is never revisited", he explained.
For the President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Olusola Teniola, the suspension of the data floor plan was to allow NCC enough time to complete the data cost determination for both wholesale and retail.
Eradicate predatory pricing that excludes effective competition—ATCON
"ATCON believes that the true cost of effectively delivering data services at the best quality that allows both small and large operators to exist is paramount.
" Any suspicion of predatory pricing that excludes effective competition in the market must be eradicated for the consumers long term benefit", he added.
NCC consulted-ALTON
Clearing the air that NCC did not consult the industry stakeholders before taking the initial decision, the Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria ,ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo in a statement said that the NCC commenced extensive consultation with the industry prior to the finalization of the data tariff floor.
"ALTON notes that it is within the statutory remit of the NCC for it to make decisive interventions to address the data price concerns which had led to data prices falling to unreasonably low levels with the effect that telecommunications operators were unable to recover the cost of providing data services and reinvest in capacity expansion to accommodate the increased usage arising from lower tariffs.
"The situation has been compounded by the recent economic challenges characterized by the steep depreciation of the naira, the need to resort to the parallel market and foreign exchange scarcity which have considerably increased the capital and operational cost of providing telecommunications services, thus making current data tariffs unsustainable”, he said.
"This situation, if left unaddressed, could result in a sustained deterioration in the quality of data services across all networks and the attendant poor quality of experience for users. In this regard, our members await the conclusion of NCC's market study when the Commission will be in a position to determine its requisite intervention", the ALTON President explained.
DETERMINED to contribute its quota to societal development, the Neo-Black Movement, NBM, Asia region, has donated power generating set, mosquito nets, disinfectants, pillows, stationeries and other medical items worth over N2 million to General Hospital, Okwe, Asaba, Delta State.
Making the presentation on behalf of the NBM, the Asia regional head, Web Dubois, said that the initiative of the movement tagged ‘Mitigating Maternal Mortality’ was borne out of its desire to reduce maternal mortality.
Decrying that most of such deaths were occassioned by poverty and lack of access to good medical facilities, Dubois said that “we believe that this donation will be of great assistance in the sustenance of the reduction or eradication of maternal mortality which usually occur from preventable medical conditions”.
Noting that their visit to Asaba was one of the several visits lined up to achieve the eradication of maternal mortality as listed by the United Nations as one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and also to commemorate World Kindness Day, he urged the hospital management to put the items into good use.
Receiving the items, Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Akpe Aghogho thanked the movement for the kind gesture, adding that such gestures were very rare these days because of the present economic hardship.
While appealing to the movement to continue the good work to assist humanity, Aghogho said that “government alone cannot provide all the needs in the health sector”.
DELTA State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has commended the role being played by the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Councillors in crisis management.
Speaking at the induction of new members into the institute, including the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Peter Mrakpor in Asaba, Okowa said Alternative to Dispute Resolution, ADR has been identified as a veritable means to achieving lasting peace.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ovie Agas, said peace and justice were cardinal to the growth of the society. He stressed the need for government at all levels to embrace dialogue rather than the use of arms to mediate in crisis.
Gov Ifeanyi Okowa
The state Attorney General And Commissioner for Justice, Mr Peter Mrakpor said his induction was a call for greater service and to do more for peace building, pledging to ensure that ADR center was established in Delta State. Mrakpor said there was no alternative to peace in any society and charged Deltans to use the various avenues created by government for peace to resolve issues.
The immediate President of the institute, Dr Louis Ogbeifun, the new president, Mr Emeka Ebegolu and the Registrar, Mr Segun Ogunyannwo, said those inducted as fellows, full members and associate members of the institute met the required criteria and charged them to see their admission as a call for higher service.
They said there must be relative peace in the society and sued for cooperation of members in making the impact of the body more relevant in the society.
Dr Paddy Njoku who chaired the ceremony said the cardinal goal of any progress minded person was to champion peace and not crisis or disaffection.
The ceremony was attended by a cross section of the society.
Telecoms firm, Globacom, this Yuletide season is putting its weight behind major events organised to add to the fun level of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. One of the events being sponsored by Globacom for the pleasure of Nigerians is the 2016 Ovation Carols.
The event is scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 18th, 2016 at the Eko Hotel and Suites from 7 O'clock in the evening.
This year's event is designed to beat that of last year as top American hip-hop group, Cameo which sang the phenomenal hit, 'Attack me with your love' has been confirmed to hit the concert. The group will re-play its popular tunes like "Cameosis", "Thank God it's Friday", "Real Men…Wear Black", amongst others.
Others slated to entertain at the occasion include internationally renowned Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, Nabania crooner, Flavour, Katapot exponent, Reekado Banks , sensationalsaxophonist Olu Jazz and Korede Bello of theGod-Win fame .
Award winning Nollywood icon, Richard Mofe-Damijo and pretty Dala Oruwari will spice up the evening as they anchor the carol event.
In a statement released in Lagos, Globacom said that the 2016 Ovation Carol will come with an eclectic blend of carols, pop, rock and blues, electro and hip-hop that would kick start the yuletide celebrations.
"We are proud to associate with the Ovation Carols again this year to further our support for African musical culture. We acknowledge the Yuletide as a period of mirth and celebration and a time to employ music as a tool of appreciation to God for preserving mankind. We will therefore be rewarding our loyal subscribers with special invitations to the event to savour the sublime menu of fun, music and laughter in continuation of our culture of appreciating our stakeholders in this season of goodwill," Globacom declared.
Organizers of the Ovation Carol say the event will also be used to celebrate King Sunny Ade's 70th birthday.
By Janet Adetu Ummm…. That was so refreshing" I am a regular tea drinker back in the days I would have no less than four cups a day. I stil find it most refreshing, soothing a great kick start to my day but I have since reduced my daily consumption.
But you will agree with me that a cup of tea is one of the most widely and popularly consumed beverages worldwide second only to water. Tea is drank everywhere in spite of hot temperatures and more so during cold temperatures.
There are different reasons for tea drinking depending on the culture and geographical location. Many other countries have simply imbibed the art of drinking tea, as a common custom too. Tea is often dran first thing in the morning as part of breakfast, or in the afternoon as high tea break or in the evening to complete dinner.
Art of Taking Tea
They say that drinking tea can awaken the senses and emotions. Research has shown that Theanine is present in all tea plants has been known to induce a calmer, yet more alert state of mind. The strength of the tea is in the hot water and the length of brewing time. Most tea will brew well in boiling water.
All tea is stored in a teabag for easy preparation, for better storage teabags should be kept in a cool place. Today there are countless types of tea from Earl Grey, to English Breakfast, Ceylon, Assam, to a range of herbal teas including Green tea, Chamomile, Lemon among many.
Your tea should ideally be served in a teapot with its accompanying tea-set. The simple set includes: teapot, teacups, tea strainer, spoon, milk jug and sugar pot. The most exclusive tea sets are made from bone china dawned with beautiful designs.
Just as there are ways and Etiquette of doing things, Tea isn't left out. Although etiquette and customs evolve over time, some issues are not negotiable and proper behavior cannot be raised.
Let's take a look at general Etiquette around having Tea.
Once you arrive a tea invitation sit and place your napkin on you lap Place your bag on a spare seat or on your lap if it is a pusre iii. Place your tea bag in a cup then pour hot water immediately leaving to brew for ta little while.
Remove the teabag once you are satisfied with strength of the tea Request a saucer to hold the used tea bag, sugar wrappers or any disposables used. Add sugar or honey for sweetening and stir gently vii. Add lemon slices for taste if required avoid using lemon wedges
viii. Add milk to black tea as a compliment it can be full cream, semi skimmed or skimmed milk
ix.Never add milk to herbal tea to avoid curdling, Milk and lemon are enemies in a cup of tea
Always take your spoon out of your cup after stirring, then place your spoon in front of your cup Hold your cup along with the saucer placing the teaspoon by the side of the saucer xii. Never drink your tea with the spoon left inside
xiii. Avoid flying your pinky /baby finger while holding cup
xiv. Never use a spoon to drink your teas even when piping hot
Compliment your cup of tea with edibles such as scones, mini sandwiches, muffins xvi. Begin to converse with those around you, socialize and build your relationships.
xvii. Bon Appetite
xviii. Enjoy the conversation at the table
Dos & Don'ts of Tea Etiquette
Shake hands and greet to acclimatize yourself with your locality Look into and not over your cup when drinking Sip your tea calmly Try a little of each course served at tea When eating scones spread a little jam Use your napkin before your start Don't slurp when drinking your tea Don't overload your cup with too much water leave room for milk and sugar Don't make noises when stirring your tea No need to turn your cup upside down after use Don't touch your face while at the table Never talk with your mouth full Not everyone is inclined to drinking tea others will say they prefer to drink coffee. To a large extent the same principles apply. The art of Tea etiquette should not be taken for granted many acquaintances, deals and proposals have emanated from afternoon tea meetings. Cold drinks are also acceptable during these sessions. Why note sign contracts and seal deals at your next tea invitation.
Mere mention of the word 'masturbation' could be irritating. In some settings, masturbation is considered an evil act. Apparently, not many would want to talk about it either because of their religious backgrounds, morality or it is simply considered absurd.
In this part of the world, masturbation is a taboo to discuss but nevertheless remains quite a common and almost natural activity among men and women and even children.
By definition, masturbation means touching one's own body, including sex organs, for sexual pleasure. It has raised a lot of controversy in religious circles.
Many individuals wonder if the Bible talks about masturbation.
However, while religion does not give thumbs up or thumbs down to it, a study by the Gossard Big M Survey shows that 92 percent of women regularly take time out to masturbate, a huge jump from the findings of previous studies (74 per cent in 1979 and 62 per cent in 1953). While men and women who masturbate live with guilt, shame and fear associated with it, many have also described it as self-abuse.
But the other side to it is that, scientifically, studies have shown that masturbating more can dramatically increase individuals' health and cut the risk of infections.
To Miss Bola Oshodi (not real name), who confessed that she started masturbating at the age of 18, it has helped her in so many ways.
"I was not influenced by anyone; it started as a result of my menstrual cramps. Each time I do that, it helps to relieve my pains", she stated.
"While I was growing up, I tried to avoid keeping boyfriends. I masturbated just to satisfy my urge for sex. Now that I am married, I do it sometimes. But I can tell you it literally replaced my emotion for males then. Each time I do that, I usually feel like I'm having sex. At the end, I feel good.
"I think, there are so many positive effects of masturbating — and it's fun. It can help you stay in touch with yourself and your sexuality, and is also an extremely satisfying way to pass the time. I also do that each time I am stressed."
Bola's case is one of the many benefits of masturbation, according to medical experts.
According to a study published in European Urology, aside masturbation being a great stress reliever, it has distinct health benefits.
Benefits for men
The study, which linked masturbation and frequent ejaculation, also found that men who ejaculate regularly have reduced risk of prostate cancer. In the study, which tracked 30,000 men for almost 20 years, scientists found that men in their 20s, who ejaculated at least 21 times a month, were 19 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who did seven times a month or less.
The study – published in European Urology-also found that masturbating a lot when younger decreases health problems in later life.
Masturbation is important to medical practice – Dr. Adebayo
In an interview with Sunday Vanguard, a consultant obstetric gynaecologist, Dr Samuel Adebayo,, who stated that there are many ways to look at the issue of masturbation, said apart from the benefit of sexual pleasure, it helps people suffering from premature ejaculation to get better.
"We have been able to see that people with premature ejaculation tend to get better with masturbation", Adebayo said.
According to him, masturbation also helps in infertility treatment and also in sperm collection for other medical use.
The Medical Director, Dayspring Hospital, Lagos explained that there are two indications for masturbation in medical practice.
"One of the major indications is that it is a procedure to collect male sperm in the case of infertility. We believe that collecting a sample through masturbation is far better than through sexual intercourse where, most of the times, that of the female would have gotten contaminated with bacteria in the vagina. But if it is by masturbation, you are sure that you will be able to estimate the quantity of the semen and you can accurately estimate the volume, which is one of the parameters we always use when we are estimating the quality of a man's sperm in relation to infertility. Then if you culture any growth or bacteria, you are sure it is directly from the semen not that it may came from the vagina".
He further stated that masturbation is also used to collect sperm for some gynaecological procedures in Intro-fertilisation, IVF, IUI, among others.
On if there is any health implication, Adebayo said he could not say if there are health implications but that masturbation has helped people get better.
However, another research also confirmed that masturbation is an important and wonderful way of knowing oneself physically and emotionally.
Benefits for women
Generally speaking, women often think their sexual desires are less important than their partners. Because of cultural taboos, many women feel that the urge or desire to masturbate is somehow wrong, or the idea of it makes them feel guilty or ashamed.
Experts say there is enormous potential for healing, growth and well-being through exploring your sexuality, expressing it, and experiencing it with joy.
According to them, women who masturbate experience a wide range of health benefits. They say female masturbation helps prevent cervical infections and relieves urinary tract infections.
Studies are showing that female masturbation can provide protection against cervical infections because, when women masturbate, the orgasm "tents" opens the cervix.
Many women with urinary tract infections (UTI) report the desire to masturbate when they feel a UTI coming on, and, for a good reason, masturbating helps relieve pain, lubricates the vagina, and flushes old, "unfriendly" bacteria from the cervix.
Again, studies have shown that masturbation is associated with improved cardiovascular health and lower risk of type-2 diabetes.
In a number of studies, women who experienced more orgasms, and overall greater frequency and satisfaction with sex — with a partner or not — were shown to have greater resistance to coronary heart disease (CHD) and type-2 diabetes.
Masturbation can help prevent insomnia naturally through hormonal and tension release. Many women masturbate to wind down at night or to help them fall asleep, but they might not know that there's a hormonal reason why that works.
Masturbation makes the body tick and function – Sex therapist
A sex therapist, and Chief Executive Officer, Zee Virtual Media Ltd, Mr. Uche Edochie, the case against masturbation is one that has raged on for ages, especially within religious and political circles.
Edochie, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, explained that it is no coincidence as well that these are the two circles where people are often pressured to deny the obvious for fear of a backlash from their constituents.
According to him, everybody masturbates.
"Humans need masturbation for the very reasons they need sex, food and sleep. Masturbation, like sex, is part of what makes our bodies tick and function. There is a raging and insatiable sexual hunger that humans and animals are born with and masturbation helps feed that hunger. Human beings are sexual beings and sexual beings need sex to function and thrive amongst other things. That is okay. Sex is part of our constitution and we shouldn't be unnerved by it. I get that we are embarrassed by the crude and animalistic nature of sexual intercourse but that is not enough grounds to deny the obvious. The human need for food is one that goes without saying and the same goes for our need for medicine when we are ill, sleep when we are tired etc."
He queried why people should question the need for sex when all harbour sexual desire.
"Such denial is childish, dangerous and makes no sense. Masturbation is simple the very act of pleasuring yourself to meet your sexual needs when the opportunity for actual sex with another human being is absent. Society largely underrates the importance of sex and it is alarming.
"We take the life we have for granted when we question our need for sexual gratification. Our daughters, sisters, wives and mothers are able to go out and come home relatively unharmed, thanks to a masturbating populace. Rape, sexual molestation, child sexual abuse, incest and domestic violence are all consequences of sexual deprivation and if you thought the stats are bad now, imagine how horrible it would be if we never had the opportunity to relieve ourselves sexually.
Edochie argued that if masturbation is taken for granted, sexual violence will become an epidemic in the society.
"Sexual violence will be an epidemic of stratospheric proportions. We have all witnessed how the uncountable incidents of child sexual molestation has ravaged the Catholic Church and robed it of all credibility, empathy and common sense.
"As a catholic, it has left me stunned beyond words. This is what happens when priests are denied the opportunity to have sexual relationships and marry. They turn on helpless children for sexual succour. Priests are people too and they need sex like everyone else."
The sex therapist posited that sex is important for mental health, emotional well-being and social security, adding that there is no need to demonize masturbation. "Celebrate it. Our world is safer because of it," he added.
Experts say Dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone, rises during the anticipation of a sexual climax. After the orgasm, the calming hormones oxytocin and endorphins are released, allowing you to feel a warm afterglow that helps you sleep.
Orgasm increases pelvic floor strength. There are so many advantages to having a healthy pelvic floor. In the "plateau" stage of orgasm, the pelvic floor gets a real workout. The clitoris surges with increased blood pressure. Muscle tone, heart rate, and respiration all increase. The uterus "lifts" off the pelvic floor, increasing pelvic muscle tension and strengthening the entire region, as well as your sexual satisfaction.
Psychological and emotional benefits of female masturbation
It is said that fatigue is the main reason for women's decrease in, or loss of, libido, and it's a legitimate one.
According to medical experts, tired body should focus on resting and taking care of itself. The second most common reason for women's decreased interest in sex is dissatisfaction with their appearance.
Masturbation also has the potential to heal the memory of past negative sexual experiences and replace them with positive ones.
Masturbation can help you feel more confident and connected because it improves your mood. Masturbation helps relieve depressed feelings. As you become aroused, the hormone levels of mood-boosting dopamine and epinephrine soar in your body. Many studies show that women who report personal satisfaction with their sex lives live a better quality of life overall.
For couples
Masturbation also relieves stress. According to a sex therapist, Lonnie Barbach, avoiding sex due to stress can create body imbalances.
Masturbation also strengthens your relationship with yourself. When you know and love yourself on deeply emotional and physical levels, you gain confidence and let yourself grow through self-awareness. Masturbation also strengthens sexual relationship with your partner because many couples have different sexual drives and needs; masturbation is one way to meet the personal needs not met by a partner. Still, it can be shared with a partner. Watching a partner masturbate can teach us what methods our partners use and enjoy. It can also open up communication between partners who might assume that the old routine is okay when it could use a refresher.
The other side of masturbation
However, certain masturbating habits can wreak havoc on sex life. Studies have also identified negative effect of masturbation as its inability to help in terms of infertility. The frequent ejaculation of the fluid, semen reduces the quality of the sperm as it gets watery.
Experts say frequent masturbation can irritate the skin of the penis and constant masturbation with the penis pressed down against the sheets can injure the urethra such a way that urine leaves the penis, not in a stream, but in a hard-to-control spray. This they say can cause severe urethral trauma. Men who masturbate may often fail to satisfy their wives during sex. As you keep masturbating, your desire for your partner decreases and this is one of such situations that can spell doom for your relationship.
Experts have warned that men who frequently stimulate themselves sexually in ways different from what their partner does can develop retarded ejaculation, a sexual dysfunction where you find it difficult to climax during sex with a partner.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the conduct of the Saturday re-run legislative elections in Rivers as an improvement compared to the suspended exercise in March in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said in a telephone interview with newsmen on Saturday in Abuja while assessing the exercise.
Oyekanmi said that though there were few cases of violence during the election, there was no confirmed case of killing.
"Generally, the trail of violent is not as what we witnessed in March.
"In March, a person was killed and the commission was forced to close the election, but in this Saturday exercise, there is no strong indication for us to say that we are suspending the election again.
"We think that relatively, we should be able to conclude the process peacefully, the security agencies should be commended for securing most of the places used for the elections,.
''Voting in some places have been concluded and collation ongoing.
"We are assuring Nigerians that we are building on our achievements in Edo and Ondo in term of credibility of elections in the country,'' he said.
The chief press secretary further said that there were measures put in place to ensure that collation of results remain peaceful and transparent.
"A lot of precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure that hijacking of election results witnessed in the suspended elections in March does not reoccur.''
Kano – The Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, has assured local industries in the country of Federal Government's support to enable them thrive in the prevailing economic recession.
The minister, who stated this during a visit to some leather industries at Chalawa Industrial area on Saturday, said this would enable them remain afloat and provide employment to Nigerians.
She said that the Federal Government was committed to providing the needed support to the industries for the economic development of the country.
According to her, the current economic recession in the country is a good opportunity for people to look inwards towards developing the economy.
Abubakar called on small scale businesses to register with the relevant departments to enable them access facilities for the growth of their businesses.
She expressed happiness that, despite the prevailing economic challenges, some of the industries were still operating.
Earlier, the Chairman of Whanu Shoe Ltd, Alhaji Bashir Danyaro, called on the Federal Government to provide immediate support to the ailing industries in the country.
He said the call was necessary in view of the fact that most of the industries had stopped operation, while others were operating below installed capacity.
The Minister had earlier held meeting with stakeholders including members of the state Manufacturer Association of Nigeria and Association of Small scale industries, among others.
Two persons have been feared dead as serious gunfight erupt at Luawii community area in Tai LGA,
SARS/Civil Defence Corps snatching electoral materials in Gokana LGA. When people tried to chase they opened fire. #RiversRerunpic.twitter.com/f70v8bdJ9C
Suspected members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, have allegedly invaded a polling unit in Bodo, Gokana LGA of Rivers state where they shot sporadically in the air before carting away election materials. Reports also indicated that a voter was killed in the process while others were earlier on ordered to lie down by the hoodlums in SARS uniforms.
Agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ward 8 Unit 1, Rumumasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers, have commended INEC for peaceful rerun election in the area.
The agents, who spoke at the polling unit, said that INEC had proved its readiness to conduct a free and fair election in the area.
*Amaechi, security team go after hoodlum who hijacked electoral materials
Some gunmen have invaded unit 16 in Ubima ward 8, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, the home of Chibuike Amaechi and hijacked electoral material.
The unidentified gunmen led by a man simply identified as Presido, shot severally to scare voters before carting away all the electoral materials at the unit, just after Sir Celestine Omehia has concluded voting.
Meanwhile, Chibuike Amaechi has led a team of security in search of the hoodlums. The situation has caused tension in the area.
Don’t come with money to polling units or… – Police tell voters
The Nigerian police in Rivers on Saturday warned voters not to come with money to polling units to guard against such money being used to influence voters. The police equally commenced Stop and Search operation on vehicles plying various roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
*Breaking: INEC cancels election in Ward 9 over violence, material snatching
Reports not yet confirmed indicated that INEC has canceled the election in ward 9 unit 3 of Ogu/Bolo LGA over election violence and material snatching. Some party supporters had carted away result sheets in the unit, raising accusation between APC and PDP claiming the other masterminded the illegal acts.
Also, violence reportedly broke out at St. Pius College, Bodo community, Gokana LGA while operatives of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) were reported to have clashed with youths of Beera community in Gokana LGA.
*Panic as original result sheet misses at Amaechi’s unit
There is panic at unit 14 ward 8, Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, the unit of the Transportation Minister, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, as it has been discovered that Form EC8A is missing.
Election has been suspended. This was discovered after Amaechi had visited.
The Presiding Officer Siminore Oshinokho said the form was misplaced. This caused panic leading to manhandling of a journalist.
He said he has contacted the EO to send it.
*Rivers re-run polls: Party supporters protest, accuse INEC of bias
Some political party supporters in Ahoada-West council area on Saturday protested against alleged bias by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the conduct of the legislative rerun elections in Rivers.
The supporters claimed that the election materials sent to polling units were fake and would not be allowed to be used for the exercise.
*Residents embark on clean-up in non-election area
Residents of Elioparanwo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers observed the re-run legislative election with clean-up exercise.
The community is not affected by the re-run election.
Some residents were seen clearing the drains while others cut grasses to clean their homes and streets.
A resident, Mr Emmanuel Chuku, said he mobilized people in their street to clear the blocked drains, cut over grown grasses and remove piles of garbage's that littered the area.
" We decided to do clean-up exercise since our area is not voting. We used the opportunity to mobilize people to join the exercise.
*The polling units in Ogale, Alesa and Aledo in Eleme council areas also witnessed late arrival of voting materials, which affected early commencement of balloting.
*Voting had been stalled in ward 9, unit 3, of Ogu/Bolo, following the activities of suspected hoodlums, who allegedly carted away some polling materials.
Re-run election: Voting begins late in Gokonna, Eleme
Voting did not begin early in various wards and units in Gokanna and Eleme council areas in Rivers.
Voting yet to commence in Ward 9, Unit 3, Ogubolo local government area
1) Accreditation, voting commences 2)Wike deploys drones to monitor elections 3)Two chased, arrested and handcuffed for carting away election materials 3)APC candidate, Magnus Abe carrives polling unit 4)Party supporters accuse INEC of sending fake election materials to some units 5) Late arrival of materials delay voting in some polling units, wards
Rivers election Update: As early as 8.am, voters trooped out en mass across the various polling units in Rivers state to exercise their franchise in the state’s re-run election.
At Tai Local Government Area, both accreditation and voting are ongoing in Nonwa unit 13. Voting has equally commenced at Gokana LGA and the atmosphere is peaceful.
Voting process in parts of Ikwerre LGA
However, as at 10.30am, election materials and INEC Officials were yet to arrive at any of the PUs in OPUOKO/KALAOKO Ward, KHANA LGA.
Also, low turnout of voters has been reported at Alesa in Eleme LGA.
However, Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike is alleged to be monitoring the elections with drones. One of the drones is spotted hovering over some polling units while the election process is ongoing.
Also, Voters are reportedly casting their votes into sack bags in PU32/11/13/012, Ulakwo Ward, Etche LGA due to lack of ballot boxes from INEC.
Voters are casting their votes into sack bags in PU32/11/13/012, Ulakwo Ward, Etche LGA due to lack of ballot boxes from INEC #RiversRerunpic.twitter.com/4wPWsqSYO3
Also, alleged two APC supporters were claimed to have snatched result sheets at Elele Unit 003 but were chased, overpowered and caught by alleged PDP supporters who then handed the two over to the Police. The suspects are seen in the pictures below handcuffed.
Rivers re-run: Two arrested for trying to rig electionsRivers re-run: Two arrested for trying to rig electionsRivers re-run: Two arrested for trying to rig elections
Also, the APC candidate for Rivers east senatorial district, Magnus Abe, has arrived Eleme to cast his vote. In the pictures, Abe is seen being accompanied by his wife and supporters.
Rivers re-run: APC candidate, Magnus Abe arrives to cast his vote
Also, some party supporters have accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of sending fake election materials to some units. The supporters claimed that the election materials sent to polling units were fake and would not be allowed to be used for the exercise.
The party faithful chanted slogans such as " we no gree'', no result sheet, no election'', "our votes must count.''
The supporters said they had lost confidence on INEC's ability to conduct a free, fair and credible election in the area.
Meanwhile, INEC Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang, denied the allegations, saying INEC could not have deployed fake election materials for any election.
"How can INEC deploy fake election materials of which we are the custodian of our materials?
In a telephone interview, Mr. Dazang said that "what happened in Ahoada-West is that some result sheets were snatched and from available report, the result sheets have been replaced.
"INEC cannot deploy fake result sheets. It is like saying Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is producing fake currency. Is this possible?"
Late arrival:
As Rivers people vote in the legislative re-run elections, late arrival of materials has delayed commencement of voting in some wards and units in the state. The wards and units affected include; Eleme, Ahoada-West, Etche, Bonny, Tai and Ikwerre Local Governments Areas.
Rivers Rerun election: Voters in Ward 8, Unit 1, Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area have defied an afternoon downpour to perform their civil responsibility.
The rain which started at 2.10pm drenched some voters who came for the re-run legislative election.
The unit was situated at the state Primary School, Rumuomasi and has been one of the volatile areas during election.
The security agents, in the efforts to avert any unpalatable situation, only opened one of the gates into the school where they conducted No Voters, Card No Entry.
This made many youths to hang around streets outside the school fences where gun shots were heard occasionally as the rain was on.
Security agents' organisation of the unit made the eligible voters to be coming in one after the other even while it was the raining.
One of the security men who did not want his name mentioned, said that the way the voters were organised was the only way to avert undesirable situation.
"You know this ward has a history of gun shooting and snatching of election sensitive materials; we can't afford to allow such in this election.
"You see many youths outside the fence, most of them do not have voters card and still they came out en masse.
"What did they come out for when they know they don't have the requirement to vote; just to cause chaos," he said. (NAN)
For residents in Lagos, the year 2016 was by far a good year. Despite the nationwide economic recession, the State witnessed tremendous growth especially in the areas of infrastructural development and economic growth.
When the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on December 17, 2015 presented the N662,588billion 2016 Budget, tagged 'The Peoples Budget' he was very optimistic that not only would the Budget propel the State to greater development, but would also work for all Lagosians.
Two weeks after the House of Assembly passed the budget, precisely on December 31, 2015 Governor Ambode wasted no time in accenting to the document on the first working day of the New Year and immediately hit the ground running.
By all standards, this year's Budget lived up to expectation despite cynicism in some quarters who at the onset posited that the Lagos 2016 budget was overambitious and unrealistic. In the last 11 months, series of projects have dotted across the metropolis including slip roads, lay-bys, segregated bus parks, pedestrian bridges rehabilitation and construction of road networks.
Little wonder, as at the end of October, 2016, the overall performance of the budget stood at 71 percent.
It was with this momentum that Governor Ambode on Tuesday, November 29, presented the Year 2017 Budget proposal of N813billion to the House of Assembly, so far the biggest ever by a State in the Federation.
Much as the size of the budget looks ambitious, the projects expected to benefit from it would certainly go a long way to improve the economy of the State and make life more comfortable for Lagosians.
At the brief but impressive ceremony, the Governor assured thousands of Lagosians who had thronged the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly, including former speakers of the House of Assembly including party chieftains, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, among others that the budget would be judiciously implemented to continue the massive infrastructural renewal and the enhancement of Lagos as one of the foremost tourism and investment destination in Africa.
Christened "The Golden Jubilee Budget" as it coincides with the State's 50th Anniversary, Governor Ambode said it would focus on physical infrastructure, while social sectors especially health, education, youth and social development would get adequate attention.
Giving the key components of budget, he said recurrent expenditure would gulp N300.535billion while N512.464billion would be dedicated to capital expenditure, representing a Capital/Recurrent ratio of 63 percent to 37 percent.
According to the Governor, road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance would be one of the key focuses of the budget, adding that efforts would be geared towards roads that will open up the hinterlands, improve connectivity in the State and reduce travel time.
He listed some of the road projects to include Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road from Oshodi, Agric-Isawo-Owotu-Arepo Road in Ikorodu, Igbe-Igbogbo Phase II- Bola Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, Ijegun Imore Phase II Amuwo in Ojo axis, Oke-Oso-Araga-Poka in Epe, Epe-Poka-Mojoda in the Epe axis and the completion of the Abule-Egba, Ajah and Pen Cinema flyovers.
The Governor also said that within the course of the budget implementation, his administration would enter into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to execute some road projects including Oke Oso-Itoikin dualisation Project in the Epe axis, Okokomaiko-Seme Road Project in Badagry axis and Ikorodu-Agbowa-Itoikin-Ijebu Ode Road Project in Ikorodu axis, just as he disclosed that the Phase II of the 114 Local Government Roads project as well as the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge would also kick off in 2017.
On the revenue expected from federal Allocation, the Governor said a conservative approach was taken owing to the falling oil prices, which according to him, was about $41.98per barrel at the time of finalising the budget.
He however expressed optimism that the State would get an increase in Federal allocation through the 13 percent derivation from Oil & Gas in 2017.
"In view of our financing gap, we shall continue to sustain deficit financing in the short-to-medium term; enhance revenue growth throughout the year on several initiatives including automation and efficient revenue administration.
Giving a sectoral breakdown of the 2017 Budget Estimates, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade said the Governor earmarked N205.85billion for General Public Services representing 25.32 percent of the budget, N36.43billion to Public Order and Safety, representing 4.48 percent, while Economic Affairs received a lion share of N295.84billion representing 36.39 percent.
In other sectors, Ashade told journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa Secretariat that Environment got 56.31billion, representing 6.93 percent, Health got 57.29billion representing 7.05 percent, while Education got N92.4billion representing 11.37 percent of the budget.
The Commissioner said the Budget would be funded from a total revenue estimate of N642.849billion while the balance of N170.150billion would be funded through a N100bn Bond Issuance program and a combination of internal and external loans.
On the N138.249b earmarked for road infrastructure, the fund will be used to complete the Abule-Egba overhead bridge, Ajah bridge, continued massive road rehabilitation in partnership with the Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road from Oshodi, Agric-Isawo-Owutu-Arepo Road in Ikorodu, Igbe-Igbogbo Phase II- Bola Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, Ijegun Imore Phase II, Amuwo in Ojo axis, Oke-Oso-Araga-Poka in Epe, Epe-Poka-Majoda in Epe and Pen Cinema flyovers, among others.
The N51.376bn budgeted for transportation has been earmarked for the Blue Rail Line, advancement of 10-Lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway, construction of jetties and terminals (especially at Epe and Marina with shoreline protection) and procurement of ferries to improve water transportation and encourage tourism.
"The government is also committed to the expansion of BRT Lanes in Lagos and we shall pay due attention to Oshodi – Abule Egba BRT Corridor. In the course of the 2017 Financial Year, we shall carry out fundamental reforms on all our modes of transportation – Roads, Water and the Walkways. In this wise, a Public Transport Infrastructure Bond will be issued in the course of the year," Ashade said.
On housing, Ashade said the N50.290bn investment would allow government to focus on affordable housing units through rent-to-own schemes (Badagry, Lagoon View Topo-Idale and Imota), while the total sum of N15.291bn out of the allocation is committed to completion of on-going housing estates (Sangotedo, Odo Nasa Agowa, Ikorodu Ibeshe).
On health, N57.290bn earmarked is for the continuous upgrading/renovation of health facilities and completion of on-going healthcare infrastructure, including MCCs, upgrading / renovation of primary healthcare centres, completion / equipping of Drug Quality Control Laboratory (DQCL), prevention of blindness / special health projects, construction of specialist hospital, construction of Medical Park, among others.
On education, the N92.4bn earmarked has been set aside for continued rehabilitation / upgrading of public school buildings/facilities, continued provision of furniture for secondary schools, construction of new schools, schools improvement plan for secondary schools, provision of equipment for science laboratories, among others.
In the area of Science and Technology, Ashade said the sum of N11.006bn had been proposed for strategic information management, building and upgrade of IT infrastructure statewide, e-GIS land automation, single billing system and ease of payment for taxes, levies and other revenue items, as this would include Smart City project targeted at deploying technology to enhance security in the State and will also enhance our revenue generating efforts.
In the budget, the sum of N11.098bn has been proposed for spending in the area of governance, which Ashade said N1.250bn out of the amount would be spent on various capacity building programmes through the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions to expose public servants to both local and international trainings in order to equip them for their role in actualizing the Lagos State Development Plan 2012-2025.
The commissioner explained further that the sum of N3.8bn had been set aside for the 7.5% government share to pension contribution and N7.15bn for Pension Redemption Bond Fund-shortfall.
On women affairs, Ashade explained that N2.193bn had been proposed for various initiatives, such as upkeep and maintenance of skill acquisition centres, special poverty alleviation intervention programme for women, construction/maintenance of skill acquisition centres and other poverty alleviation related projects at Isheri, Ibeshe, Eredo, among others.
The commissioner said the sum of N6.177bn has been proposed under Commerce for the on-going development of Lekki Free Zone, Industrial Park development, development of enterprise zones, Badagry Deep Sea Port, Eko Atlantic project and other areas.
However, the budget proposed a total of N9.457bn has been earmarked for the development of four mini stadia, upgrading of Teslim Balogun Stadium hostel, construction of 50 community youth recreation centres across the state and provision of sporting facilities in schools and Local Governments across the State. N18.181bn has also been proposed for advancement of Adiyan waterworks (phase II) and rehabilitation of mini waterworks all over the State and the improvement of water pipeline and reticulation.
The tourism sector, with the sum of N20.247bn will provide for the development of heritage centre for leadership (Lugard House), Centre for Yoruba Culture & History (Lagos House), J.K Randle Centre, transformation of the Onikan Museum, establishment of Museum for Art and Culture in Ikeja, development of tourism hubs in Lagos-West and Lagos-East and the construction of 5 Cultural Theatres in Alimosho, Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikeja.
More so, the N4.795bn earmarked for Agriculture and Food Security will cater for accelerated food expansion programme focused on rice production, animal husbandry and root crops as well as collaborate with other States in the Federation in the area of food production.
Receiving the Budget, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, commended the Governor for keeping faith with the 2016 budget in the area of implementation, adding that Lagos has witnessed a quantum leap in the last one year.
Obasa, while assuring the Governor that members of the House would give the 2017 fiscal document due diligence for the benefit of Lagosians, called on the Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to furnish the House with all the necessary documents to enable it fast-track the budget approval process.
The Lagos Speaker also seized the occasion to call on the Senate to reconsider the Special Status Bill for Lagos State, saying there was no better time to accord the State such recognition.
With the Year 2017 fast approaching, there is a sense of optimism in the air among Lagosians that as the State gets set to roll out the drums to celebrate its 50 years of existence, Governor Ambode would yet again wield his magic wand and unravel the 'Golden Jubilee Budget' to consolidate on the modest achievements and propel the State to enviable heights.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Collation of the Rivers Re-run elections will take place in the respective constituencies where such elections took place and not in one central location.
Robert Lewandowski netted twice as Bayern Munich returned to the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 win over Wolfsburg after RB Leipzig lost their unbeaten record.
Leipzig’s shock 1-0 defeat at bottom side Ingolstadt, who finished with ten men, ended their three-week stint as leaders after Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern cut the three-point gap and regained top spot on goal difference with both teams on 33 points.
Second-placed RB had their 13-match unbeaten run ended, a record for a club at the start of their first Bundesliga season, as coach Ralph Hasenhuettl was stunned on his return to Ingolstadt, who he left after last season.
Bayern will host Leipzig at Munich’s Allianz Arena on December 21.
