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
Nigeria's quest for regular power supply may not be achieved in the nearest future as the distribution companies, DISCOs, still battle to cope with several failed expectations from the underlying agreement behind the electricity industry performance milestones. Meanwhile most consumers that are not part of this agreement are forced to carry the burden of the industry failures as services level deteriorates.
The DISCOs have now heightened their clamour for "cost reflective tariff", a euphemism for graduated increase in the tariff paid by consumers, but they have refused to disclose the average cost per unit of electricity delivered to consumers. They have not addressed the contentious issue of estimated billing system which gives them the latitude to impose exorbitant bills on consumers.
Many electricity consumers are still without meters. In fact, Sweetcrude learnt that out of a total of 6,159,775 customer accounts in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), only 3,206,599 customers, or 52 per cent, have so far been provided meters, leaving a gap of 2,953,176 unmetered customers.
Though none of the DISCOs contacted by Sweetcrude (Ikeja Electric, Ibadan Electric, Enugu Electric) was willing to talk on the cost of delivering electricity to consumers, the Head Corporate Communications, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Oyebode Fadipe, stated that the cost of electricity charged by the DISCOs was actually determined by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, as it is not within the powers of the DISCOs to determine.
He said the cost of a kilowatt of electricity is an aggregation of a number of factors, from the side of the generation companies, transmission companies and DISCOs. Fadipe said he could not give the accurate cost of a kilowatt per hour of electricity because it varies from region to region and from DISCOs to DISCO. He did not disclose the cost as it affects Abuja DISCO either.
He said, "We do not have the power to fix the cost of energy. The determination of the tariff from a unit of electricity is a function of NERC. If there is any need for an upward review of the cost, DISCOs meet and we later approach NERC to inform them of the need for a review.
"If the NERC sees reason with the DISCOs for an upward review, it goes ahead and makes the review and also announces it."
However, Interim President, Nigerian Electricity Consumers Advocacy Network, NECAN, Mr. Tomi Akingbogun, believes that the DISCOs, in connivance with NERC, have been manipulating the system to rip-off consumers.
He stated: "The DISCOs have us in their pockets courtesy of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC. They claim they are covered under one of so many Multi-Year-Tariff-Orders, MYTOs, that has been modified to the comfort of the DISCOs.
"The only way out is for the public to challenge the MYTOs in court like MAN did. But MAN has funds, while NECAN, the voice of the public has none. Until then, we will be taken for granted," he said.
Efforts made to get the reaction of NERC were not successful as Mr. Mike Faloseyi, Head Corporate Communications who promised to send the organisation's reaction could not get back to Sweetcrude as at the time of going to press. DISCOs have been lobbying for increment in the charges imposed on consumers even with favourable nine-year MYTO (2015 to 2024) which varies from one region to the other.
Abuja DISCO, for example is expected to charge N24.30 in 2016 and 2017 for consumers classified under residential 2 (R2), while residential 3, (R3), are expected to pay N46.23 and N47.09, per kilowatt hour, Kwh, respectively within the period under review. Also, consumers classified as commercial (C1) are expected to pay N36.65 and N37.39 in 2016 and 2017 respectively, while C2 are charged N46.23 and N47 within the period under review.
For Benin DISCO, R2, consumers are expected to pay N24.08 and N31.27 in 2016 and 2017, respectively, while those in the R3 category are expected to pay N38.56 and N40.46 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. C1 consumers are expected to pay N33.87 and N34.90 respectively, while C2 consumers are expected to pay N40.67 and N38.11, within the period under review.
R2 consumers under the jurisdiction of Enugu DISCO are meant to pay N27.13 and N34.28 in 2016 and 2017 respectively, while R3 consumers are meant to pay N45.10 and N48.12 respectively within the period under review. C1 consumers are meant to pay N32.13 and N34.28 respectively, while C2 consumers are meant to pay N42.40 and N45.24 within the period under review.
For Ibadan DISCO, consumers in the R2 category are meant to pay N23.09 and N24.97 in 2016 and 2017 respectively, while R3 consumers are meant to pay N41.31 and N44.66, respectively within the period under review. Also, consumers in the category of C1 are meant to pay N27.66 and N29.91 respectively, while the C2 class are meant tom pay N38,87 and N42,03 respectively.
The DISCOs have blamed their call for increased charges on "difficult operating environment, unavailability of fund, as well as the inability of generation companies, GENCOs, to generate enough electricity due to shortage of gas. However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, debunked this claim, as it accused DISCOs and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, of frustrating stable power supply in the country, stating that the country currently has enough gas to generate up to 4,800 megawatts (MW) of electricity and 6,000 megawatts by the second quarter of 2017.
According to the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Maikanti Baru, Nigeria is currently producing an average of 8.0 billion Standard Cubic Feet per day of gas (SCFD), out of which 1.3 billion scfd is utilised for domestic consumption; 3.5 billion scfd for export, 2.5 billion scfd for re-injection/fuel gas use, while about 700 million scfd is flared.
He stated: "As we speak today (Thursday, March 02, 2017) there is enough gas to generate about 4800MW and 6000MW by second quarter 2017 based on our gas supply plan, but the power sector is presently struggling to evacuate 4500MW power due to DISCOs incessant rejection of allocated load and transmission line constraints."
Baru explained that despite the difficult environment in which it operates, the NNPC was committed to ensuring adequate gas supply to meet the Nigerian industrial growth.
The DISCOs have also alleged that the government is yet to fulfill its own side of the bargain following the performance agreement they reached at the inception of the privatization process.
According to them, it was agreed that full losses should be recognized in tariffs, but they said the situation on ground is that real losses are higher than what is contained in tariffs due to indebtedness by MDAs and a large number of consumers, widespread electricity theft and non – implementation of the tariff review.
Persons Living with Disabilities, PWLDs, across the 57 Local Government Areas of the state, numbering about a thousand, Tuesday, stormed office of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Alausa, Ikeja, to protest what they called unlawful arrest, detention and "inhuman treatment" of their members in the state.
The protesters, under the umbrella of Physically Challenged Empowerment Initiative, PCEI, mainly of Northerners, in a peaceful protest, presented four demands to the Governor for his immediate action.
Coordinator, PCEI, Mohammed Zanna, who led the placards carrying protesters, accused officials from the state's Ministry of Youth and Social Development, MYSD, of what he called "arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention for months without trial in a terrible conditions leading to health problems and even death.
Some street beggars protest in Alausa Ikeja Lagos on Tuesday photos by Olubunmi Azeez.Some street beggars protest in Alausa Ikeja Lagos on Tuesday.Some street beggars protest in Alausa Ikeja Lagos on Tuesday.Members of the CSOs in Anambra State.Homes in South East threatened by erosion.Ugo Agballa conducting participants around the erosion exhibition.Members of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria, with the Imo State commissioner of police, Mr. Tiwo Lekanu, (centre).Some street beggars protest in Alausa Ikeja Lagos on Tuesday.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has eulogised Nigeria's acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for demonstrating exceptional capacity, humility and patriotism in handling the affairs of state.
In a congratulatory message to mark Osinbajo's 60 years Birthday Anniversary, Dogara commended the acting president for exhibiting abiding faith and commitment to the ideals of democracy and rule of law.
Ag Pres Osinbajo
He noted that since his emergence as the Vice President and chairman of the country's Economic Council, the acting president had not left any one in doubt in his capacity to handle matters of national interest, development and progress.
He commended Osinbajo's disposition towards building national peace, unity and stability of Nigeria which he had always manifested while carrying out his duties.
Dogara wished his Excellency a happy birthday celebration, and prayed that God Almighty will continue to keep him in good health.
By Chidi Nkwopara THE opening of the 2017/2018 Legal Year of Imo State Judiciary, may have become history but the memory of what transpired at the event, especially the exchange of words between the lawyers and Governor Rochas Okorocha, will definitely remain evergreen to all that witnessed it.
Chief Rochas Okorocha
The day's event started with a concelebrated mass at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri. About 10 priests and three Catholic bishops, Anthony J. V. Obinna (Owerri), Solomon Amatu (Okigwe) and the bishop emeritus of Orlu Diocese, Gregory Ochiagha, officiated during the mass.
Preaching the homily, Archbishop Obinna condemned what he called "the non-implementation of judicial independence, enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution".
The second phase shifted to the Justice Paul Onumajulu Square, located in the High Court premises Owerri. Governor Okorocha, who probably, didn't want to face any ecclesiastical bashing in Assumpta Cathedral, chose to honour this later segment.
NBA releases the first missile: The verbal missiles against the state government commenced when Mr. Lawrence U. N. Nwakaeti, the Owerri NBA Chairman, read his seven-page address.
While describing the NBA as "the militant wing of the legal profession," Nwakaeti roundly condemned the prevailing executive interference with judicial independence. "Back here in Imo State, what we have is one illegality after the other. What is the essence of preaching recession as an excuse and at the same time spending huge sums of money on Christmas decorations? Such decorations can only be for the living and not the dead", Nwakaeti said.
Wave of illegalities
The NBA Chairman also bristled that "the State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, was not left out in this wave of illegalities", stressing that just recently, its non-statutory members were purportedly sacked, in clear violation of the Constitution. Let it be on record that the Bar does not recognize the present JSC, as constituted, until the executive respects the rule of law and reverts to the status quo. The executive has gone ahead to handover monies meant for the Judiciary to the JSC, comprising the Governor's handpicked men", Nwakaeti said.
While condemning government's act, the Bar also demanded that all monies standing to the credit of the judiciary, should be handed over to the heads of court. Recalling the protracted strike of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, and the role played by the Bar to get the workers back to work, Nwakaeti regretted that government unilaterally jettisoned the agreement it entered into with the Union.
"Now, they are being victimized by the government, who currently, is withholding their three months salary. The Bar is of the view that this action of the government is wrongful and hereby call on government to take immediate steps towards paying off these arrears", the Bar said. Nwakaeti then raised a pertinent question: "Why is the Government of Imo State finding it difficult to comply with the constitutionally guaranteed financial autonomy of the judiciary, even after freely signing an agreement to that effect?"
Okorocha fires back: In a reprisal attack, Governor Okorocha accused the lawyers of speaking out of crass ignorance and falsehood, instead of knowledge. While linking Ahamba's address to sheer partisan politics and a possible wish to occupy the Douglas House in 2019, Okorocha warned among other things that he will not handover to anybody above 50. "Let me make it abundantly clear to people like Chief Ahamba, who are angling to take over from me that I will not handover to anybody above 50 years", Okorocha said.
Responding to some of the issues raised by the NBA Chairman, the Governor said that the bulk of the presentation by the Bar, stemmed from an ill-informed position. "It is not true that any local government worker was sacked by this administration. I am shocked to hear that 1,100 local government staff has been sacked. I must warn that any worker found wanting in the discharge of his or her official duties, would be shown the way out", Okorocha said.
When the lawyers started murmuring, in apparent disagreement with the Governor's submissions, Okorocha said: "Educated people don't make noise when somebody is talking. When you were addressing us, I didn't talk and now that I am talking, you must shut up and listen". On the issue of pensioners and pension, Okorocha said that no pensioner was forced to sign any document.
"The pensioners signed the forms voluntarily. Imo pays N1.4 billion as pension monthly, the highest in Nigeria. Imo got N13 billion from the Paris Club Refund and has used it to offset the backlog of unpaid pensions", Okorocha said.
Addressing the outstanding three-month staff salaries of judicial workers, the Governor said that since the staff opted to go on strike, even after government entered into an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress, he declared the "no work, no pay policy".
After tutoring the NBA leaders on how to fashion their future addresses, Okorocha then said: "I came with the intention to change Imo State and indeed, Imo has changed for the better. I can boast that none of my predecessors, with the exception of Dee Sam Mbakwe, did not do 20 percent of what I have done. I deserve some commendation".
AHAMBA FIRES SECOND SALVO
Okorocha was still ruminating over the NBA Chairman's verbal canons when the Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, BOSAN, Chief Mike I. Ahamba, SAN, took the centre stage and berated the state government over the deteriorated court halls across the state.
"A check on either the High Court, Magistrate Courts or Customary Courts outside the capital city of Owerri will expose a gory spectacle of dilapidation of buildings and furniture, most times, with no conveniences. It would appear that any contraption called a building is considered good enough for the dispensation of justice", Ahamba said.
He also condemned what he branded "arbitrary slashing and non-payment of in-service and post-service remunerations of public officers" in the state.
"The most disturbing aspect of this unfortunate, wicked and indefensible situation is that it has extended to those who preside over our courts at all levels in Imo State. Blackmailing workers and retirees into signing ill-concocted documents, purporting same to tantamount to signing off their rights to due emoluments is, in my humble opinion, a journey in self deceit", Ahamba said.
AND THE CHIEF JUDGE LAMENTS
In his own address, the state Chief Judge, CJ, Hon. Justice Paschal Nnadi, lamented that the judiciary did not witness much improvements and renovations in the past legal year.
"The renovation of the burnt Customary Court of Appeal at New Owerri, is yet to be completed, many years after work started thereon. The need to complete that office building cannot be overemphasized, as the Court presently sits in a makeshift accommodation and the situation has become worse with the appointment of an additional judge to that very busy court", Nnadi said.
The CJ reminded Okorocha that "there has not been any capital fund released to the Judiciary since my assumption of Office as the Chief Judge of Imo State in 2014".
He touched a number of other grey areas bothering the Judiciary and appealed to the Governor to take urgent steps to resolve the problems.
The Federal Government has released the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which unveils a road map for Nigeria's economic recovery growth and sustainable development.
The Media Adviser to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, James Akpandem, announced this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the adviser, the ERGP is available on the ministry's website, www.nationalplanning.gov.ng and that of the Budget Office, www.budgetoffice.gov.ng.
Akpandem said that the development of the plan went through rigorous processes, including wide consultation and robust engagement with stakeholders.
"The plan has been approved by the Federal Executive Council. The core vision of the plan is one of sustained inclusive growth.
"There is an urgent need as a nation, to drive structural economic transformation with emphasis on improving both public and private sector efficiency.
"The aim is to increase national productivity and achieve sustainable diversification of production, to significantly grow the economy and achieve maximum welfare for the citizens, beginning with food and energy security,'' he said.
President Buhari
The official said that the plan envisaged that by 2020, Nigeria would have made significant progress towards achieving structural economic change with a more diversified and inclusive economy.
He said that the plan was expected to deliver on five key broad outcomes, namely: a stable macroeconomic environment, agricultural transformation and food security as well as sufficiency in energy.
Other outcomes, he said, would be on improved transportation infrastructure and industrialisation, focusing on small and medium scale enterprises.
Akpandem said that the ERGP was different from previous strategies and plans because it focused on implementation, at the core of the delivery strategy over the next four years. He said that it outlined bold initiatives such as ramping up oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) by 2020.
"It focuses on privatising selected public enterprises/assets, and revamping local refineries to reduce petroleum product imports by 60 per cent by 2018. "It builds on existing sectoral plan such as the National Industrial Revolution Plan and the Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master-plan.
"The plan signals a changing relationship between the public and private sector, based on close partnership. "It also utilises the value of the merger of budget and planning functions into one ministry, to create a better and stronger link between annual budgets and the ERGP."
In addition, he said that the plan would provide for strong coordination with the states to ensure that the federal and sub-regional governments worked towards the same goals.
Akpandem said that the ceremonial presentation of the plan would take place when President Mohammadu Buhari, returned from vacation.
Another set of Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya on Tuesday.
Nigerians who voluntarily returned from Libya disembarking from the aircraft on their arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja in Lagos on TuesdayNigerians who voluntarily returned from Libya disembarking from the aircraft on their arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja in Lagos on TuesdayNigerians who voluntarily returned from Libya disembarking from the aircraft on their arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja in Lagos on Tuesday
The Federal Government has denied reports that its has reopened the N-Power portal for new applicants.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President, Laolu Akande made this known in disclaimer on Tuesday.
He said the reports circulating especially on the Social Media that new N-Power applications are now being is false and fraudulent.
The disclaimer read thus:
‘Our attention has been drawn to false and fraudulent reports circulating especially in the Social Media that new N-Power applications are now being received on the N-Power portal. There are also equally false reports and claims about an unauthorised request for vital personal information of beneficiaries on web portals not known to the Presidency or any arm of the Federal Government.
‘Nigerians, especially beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries of the N-Power Volunteer Corps should ignore such reports emanating from fake sources and outlets and only relate with bonafide presidency and FG sources and web portals. For the avoidance of doubt, legitimate communication about the N-Power is done through selection@npower.gov.ng or the relevant Focal Persons appointed by each of the 36 States and the FCT.
‘Any information that does not emanate from this identified sources or directly from the Presidency should be simply and outrightly dismissed.
‘In due time, we shall announce information regarding the Buhari administration’s plan to ramp up the number of N-Power beneficiaries from the current 200,000 to 350,000 under the 2017 budget proposals now before the National Assembly.’
I live with my partner and lately, he's treating sex like a sort of competition. Iwork from home and I am very strict about the hours I work so I won't mix businesswith pleasure. He's currently on his annual leave and his first week at home, he went down on me under the desk. I didn't mind. I love him and it was fun.
I was engrossed in my favourite programme the next day when he came up to me, took out his penis and said it was my turn to make him happy. When I told him I didn't feel like it, he said I was selfish and sulked. I didn't ask him to go down on me when he did, and don't believe we have to match each other's performance. How do I handle this?
Racbel,
bye-mail.
Dear Rachel,
Your partner is being unreasonable and childish. It was his idea to give you oral sex, not yours. Sulking because you can't have what you want is a habit that should be grown out of, and has no place in an adult relationship.
A couple's 'sex account' should be reviewed every month or so, not every day.
The balance should be equal overall, not act for act, blow job for blow job.
That kind of accounting only leads to petty, childish arguments because it is petty childish behaviour. Tell your man to grow up and leave him to work things out for himself
Every time we go out, my boyfriend stares at other girls as if he's searching for eye contact – with me there beside him! Other than this, we have a trusting relationship as we've been an item for 10 months now and I love him.
Whenever I try to talk to him about this, he gets annoyed and says I'm
overreaching. Do you think I am? Or am I right to be furious?
Roli, bye-mail.
Dear Roli,
It seems to me that it's not his roving eye that's the basic problem – it's his
reluctance to keep that roving eye in check, even though it upsets you. His overdoing the flirt look suggests his ego needs a little TLC (tender loving care).
Talk to him – not about what he does that makes you feel bad – but about what he does that makes you feel wonderful. Also, try explaining that it's precisely because you love him that his ogling other women distresses you, and ask him to stop.
Be gentle and sincere, and don't accuse. You want his understanding this time, not a quarrel.
Away from being a laugh merchant, celebrated comedian and On Air Personality, Emeka Erem, aka Ajebo will be touring Nigerian campuses with his comedy and music concert, Ajebo Unleashed. However, the comedian revealed that this time around, he is taking with him a message of hope and inspiration.Ajebo
Sponsored by Minimie Chinchin in partnership with Wow Production, his production outfit, the comedian, who is popular on YouTube for his animation series, House of Ajebo revealed that the aim is to give back to students in campuses.
"We are going with two hash tags. One of is #DontDoDrugs. No matter how much it has been said, we will not stop talking about it. Drugs kill. As an entertainer, I can stand here today to tell you that I didn't need to take any performance enhancing drug to perform on stage," he said.
According to him, the second hash tag, #SurviveOnCreativity is geared towards letting Nigerian youths know that their future is in their hands. The idea, he said, is to urge them to survive on their God given talents by building an entrepreneurial mindset even while on campus.
"So we are trying to also push the message of entrepreneurship. We cannot protest, we cannot fight, we cannot take up arms. What we have is entertainment and that is what we are using to talk to the youths of this country," he said.
In addition to all that, Ajebo revealed that he will also be giving out a cash gift of N100,000 to one lucky person. "All they have to do is to shoot a one minute video of how they break the boredom on campus and tag his Instagram handle, @ajebodcomedian using the hashtag, #minimiechichinbreaktheboredomchallenge. Also on campuses, we will be giving out cash prizes to three lucky people in an open mic session at the show," he added.
The campus tour is set to kick off at the University of Abuja on March 8. On the 10th, it will berth at the Nasarawa State University while also stopping over at Babcock University on March 12, UNILAG on March 15, Lead City March on March 24 and UNIBEN on the 6th of April.
Among comedians who will be following him on the tour are Seyi Law, Akpororo, Elenu, Acapella, Pencil, Kenny Blaq, MC Shakara, Kilnt de Drunk, Osama, Ambassador Wahala, Chucks de General and others while the likes MI, Skales, MCGalaxy, Reekado Banks will be providing music.
I've just met this wonderful man who is clever, funny and sexy. The problem is he's massive 'down there'. I'm on the small size so sex is always a bit painful, but this is agony.
I'm frightened to try again. Do you think we have a future?
Jessica, by e-mail.
Dear Jessica,
Don't panic! You say sex is painful, so I think you may not be producing enough
bellow-the-belt lubrication. Take your time, and instead of rushing to get started,
indulge in a lot of fore play. Relax whilst you do that.
If you need further help, a reputable chemist will recommend some lubricants, and remember, some positions are better than others. Talk to him about your fears – then have fun discovering ways to make love-making more pleasurable for both of you. Your bits are designed to accommodate the head of a baby – and I'm sure that even he’s is not that big!
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA – Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari has decried the socio-ecomomic disparity she said exists between Nigerian men and women, saying it has impeded the development of the women.
According to her, women were the most vulnerable and poorest group globally.
Mrs. Buhari however encouraged the women not to be “deterred as they are the fountain of wisdom and endurance”
The President’s wife expressed the view in her message to Nigerian women on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
“Today is a historic day in the struggle for the upliftment of Women across the continents. I recall with happiness the series of steps taken at different levels to drive attention to the plight of women in the areas of health, education and opportunities in the scheme of things.
“Today has provided yet another opportunity to reflect on the condition of women both at the global arena and national level with a view to providing a way forward for the betterment of the Nigerian women.
“As you may be aware, records have shown that women are the most vulnerable and poorest group globally. “In Nigeria, this gap exists as a result of socio-economic and other factors. Despite these challenges that women face in their journey, however, they must not be deterred as they are the fountain of wisdom and endurance.
“This year's theme, Be Bold for Change, encourages taking groundbreaking action that drives the greatest change for women; accelerating gender parity and helping women advance and unleash their limitless potential.
“Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment towards the cause of women through my initiative "Future Assured" from which thousands of women and children have benefitted.
“It is imperative to appeal to all stakeholders particularly Governments at all levels to rise to the global challenge of ensuring the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls in line with the objective of sustainable development goals.
"Educating a woman it is said is educating a Nation or generation" it is my wish therefore to felicitate with fellow Nigerian women and women all over the world on this very memorable and important day”, she said.
The acting president Yemi Osinbajo storms Lagos on Tuesday 7, march 2017 with his entourage to grace the occasion of the breaking ceremony of segment -2, railway modernization project in Lagos. This is as a result of APC campaign promises made to people to increase and improve transportation system in Nigeria. People that embellished the occasion includes Rotimi Amaechi, transportion minister, Gov. Ambode, lagos state governor and other cohorts. Going by his posits on Saturday in his home town, Osinbajo stressed that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will strive to deliver on its campaign promises to the people of Nigeria.
Osinbajo gave the assurance on Saturday at Ikenne, his home town where he was the Special Guest of Honour at the 39th Ereke Day celebration. Ereke is an annual festival organised in Ikenne, Ogun State, as platform for addressing the town's developmental challenges. Osinbajo pointed out that the opportunity to address the nation's numerous challenges and reposition the country for greatness is now. He said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration would keep its promises, saying "the President has no other business besides fixing the problems of the country.'' He restated the commitment of the Federal Government to address the challenges facing the country.
On the other hand the minister of science and technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, had said that President Muhammadu Buhari's administration has delivered on the campaign promises of All Progressives Congress, APC, to the country. The minister also said a lot of policies had been put in place by the administration and assured that by the end of 2017, Nigerians would start seeing tangible results of the policies. In a bid to achieving their campaign promises the acting president Yemi Osinbajo storms Lagos to commission the breaking ceremony of segment -2 modernization railway project. Below are the pictures taken during the event:
Osinbajo flanked by Ambode and other prominent Nigerians
Osinbajo commissioning the projectOsinbajo leading by exampleOsinbajo delivering a speech at the occasionProminent Nigeria at the occasion
musical performersDancers at the occasionOsinbajo greeting the oba of LagosObservers from abroad
The Delta Police Command has intensified efforts to rescue the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) in charge of 'C' Division, Asaba, who was allegedly kidnapped by gunmen last Sunday along Agbor-Asaba highway.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, told newsmen on Tuesday in Asaba that the police had launched manhunt to rescue the DPO.
"The command has dispatched a crack team of detectives to track down the hoodlums and rescue the victim.
"We are presently on the heels of the hoodlums and detectives have been mandated to rescue the DPO unhurt.
"As a police force, we have always responded swiftly to issues of security and safety of all residents in the state. It is our duty call.
"Moreso, when our own flesh and blood is involved. We will do everything humanly possible to secure his freedom.
"All we need from the public is support and information," Aniamaka said.
The police image maker vowed that the command would ensure that the DPO was rescued unhurt, adding, "it is our task to make sure that the officer is freed and unharmed."
He gave an assurance that the command would not relent in its commitment and determination to track down the perpetrators of the criminal act and bring them to justice.
The victim, Mr Valentine Mbalu, a Superintendent of Police, was abducted at gunpoint by armed hoodlums last Sunday on his way from Agbor to Asaba.
Police sources told newsmen on Monday last week in Asaba that the kidnappers allegedly blocked the victim's car, forced him out at gunpoint and whisked him away in their waiting car.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday injected another sum of 100 million dollars into the interbank foreign exchange market, its acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor has said.
Okorafor said the measure became necessary as part of the initiatives to make Forex easily accessible, thereby crashing demand at the black market.
The director made this known to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that the measure was to fund the commercial banks with enough Forex to cater for the request of customers and to meet basic travelling allowance, medicals and tuition fees.
This fresh injection by the apex bank brings the amount so far pumped into the interbank Forex market within the last two weeks to 1.14 billion dollars for both forwards and invisibles.
A former Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Ode Ojowu said the measure would further create problems for currency speculators who had not recover from the sudden appreciation of the Naira.
"It appears this time around, the CBN has decided to become smarter than the market manipulators by putting on its cap of authority to look beneath the market forces," he said.
Ojowu also commended the efforts of the CBN in ensuring the continuous appreciation of the Naira.
He attributed this to good policy and effective communication strategy, which had increased dollar supply to the market.
A 17-year-old girl, Fatima Baba, has appealed to the Niger Child Right Protection Agency to dissolve her one-month-old marriage.
Fatima, who is married to 35-year-old Salihu Mohammed, told the agency on Tuesday in Minna, that she was no more in love with her husband, a resident of Shaba Legbo village in Gbako Local Government Area of the state.
She pleaded with the agency to dissolve her marriage to enable her further her education.
"I was given in marriage to Salihu by my family, who thought I will have a better life with him.
"I do not want this marriage; I do not love this man. I want a divorce because I want to go to school and it is only when I am divorced that I can return to school," she said.
In his response, Mohammed said that he married his wife legally, and with the consent of her family.
He said that Malam Salihu Mustapha, his wife's uncle, gave her to him in marriage after she consented.
"At first, my wife was happy with the marriage until she suddenly changed her mind and opted for a divorce.
"I still love my wife and I want to spend my life with her, but if she wants a divorce, I have no objection. I cannot force her to remain in the union," he said.
Malam Halilu Shaba, the District Head of Shaba Legbo, in his reaction, told the agency that parents in the community were fond of forcing their children into early marriage.
"Some also send their children to become house-maids, thereby denying them the opportunity to go to school," he said.
He commended the agency for its intervention, adding that such step would serve as deterrent to parents.
The Director-General of the agency, Hajiya Maryam Kolo, commended Fatima for the courage to seek for divorce, and gave both families a two-week ultimatum within which to dissolve the marriage.
"If you fail to do so within the two weeks, the agency will file for divorce on behalf of the girl in a Sharia Court," she said.
Kolo warned parents and community leaders against forcing children into early marriage thereby denying them the opportunity to acquire western education.
She said that early marriage had many disadvantages including the risk of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) diseases.
Kolo advised other girls to emulate Fatima's bravery and report similar matters to the agency.
Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief, Chris Ochayi & Grace Udofia The Federal government yesterday released its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) with a view to restoring macroeconomic stability and unleashing various sectors towards achieving the nation's full economic potentials.
The ERGP's core vision of the plan is sustained inclusive growth through structural economic transformation with emphasis on improving both public and private sector efficiency in order to increase national productivity and achieve sustainable diversification of production. According to the document released yesterday by the Minister of Budget and national Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, "The Plan envisages that by 2020, Nigeria would have made significant progress towards achieving structural economic change with a more diversified and inclusive economy. Overall, the Plan is expected to deliver on 5 key broad outcomes, namely: a stable macroeconomic environment, agricultural transformation and food security, sufficiency in energy (power and petroleum products), improved transportation infrastructure and industrialization focusing on small and medium scale enterprise." Agric
In the agriculture sector, the federal government agric policy objectives: Increase agriculture GDP from N16.0 trillion in 2015 to N21.0 trillion in 2020 at an average annual growth rate of 6.92 per cent (2017-2020).
The federal government also plans to "Significantly reduce food imports and become a net exporter of key agricultural products, e.g., rice, tomatoes, vegetable oil, cashew nuts, groundnuts, cassava, poultry, fish, livestock" and become self-sufficient in tomato paste (by 2017), rice (by 2018), and wheat (by 2019/2020).
Manufacturing Manufacturing accounted for 9.5 per cent of Nigeria's GDP in 2015. In 2010-2015 period, the sector grew at an average annual growth rate of 13.3 per cent, almost three times the 4.8 per cent growth experienced by GDP. The ERGP seeks to improve this performance and double manufacturing's share of GDP, largely by developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract manufacturing away from economies where the labour cost advantage is declining and re-energize local industries that have suffered as a result of, e.g., the influx and dumping of goods in Nigeria.
The ERGP will build on the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), a key pillar of the country's industrial policy focusing on agro-business, solid minerals and metals, oil and gas; as well as, construction, light manufacturing services.
Solid minerals Solid minerals is one of Nigeria's most promising growth sectors. Although its overall contribution to GDP growth is small, its contribution to GDP doubled from N52 billion in 2010 to N103 billion in 2015. Nigeria has 44 known types of minerals of varying mixes and proven quantities, some of which are concentrated in certain regions. Consequently, the administration has planned to grow solid minerals GDP from N103 billion (2015) to N141 billion (2020) at an average annual growth rate of 8.54 per cent (2017-2020).
It also wants to facilitate the production of coal to fire power plants and integrate artisanal miners into the formal sector.
It also plans to produce geological maps of the entire country by 2020 (on a scale of 1:100,000) and encourage and promote mineral processing and value addition industries that strengthen backward and forward linkage
All Progressives Congress (APC) has attributed Federal Government`s recent achievements in spite of President Muhamadu Buhari`s absence, to the party's team spirit underscored in Acting President Yemi Osinbajo's commitment and loyalty.
The party in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, congratulated Osinbajo on his 60th birthday and said he had demonstrated high level loyalty and commitment to the "change agenda'' of Buhari and APC.
According to the statement by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, no doubt, his wisdom, vigour and innovativeness have been essential to the numerous achievements recorded by this administration.
"At 60, Prof. Osinbajo has recorded several landmark achievements as a man of God and a man of the law," it said.
The party said that the acting president had visited crisis-prone areas, stabilised the economy and promoted good governance.
It commended Buhari for the vision and wisdom in choosing Osinbajo as his running mate.
The APC wished the acting president a happy birthday filled with God's blessings and grace.
It also prayed that God would continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and many more years in the service of God and country.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), on Tuesday appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the signing of National Peace Corps bill recently passed by the National Assembly.
Mr Murtala Muhammed, National President of the council, made the appeal while addressing youth in Jalingo.
Muhammed said the signing the Peace Corps bill into law would engage hundreds of youth meaningfully in service of the nation.
He led the youth into a five minute prayer session for quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to him, Buhari's administration meant well for the youth of the country and should be supported by all and sundry to succeed.
He commended the Federal Government for various youth empowerment programmes such as N-Power, Yes P among others.
He also challenged Taraba youth to find solution to the nation's problems with the support of the government.
"I urge you to develop yourselves and become people that will solve problems and those of the nation instead of waiting on government.
He told the youth to promote ethnic and religious harmony to enhance the unity of the country.
Mr Kalu David, a member of the Board of Directors of the council, urged the youth to develop themselves as future leaders of the country and shun crime and violence.
Newly appointed Ekiti State Police Commissioner, Mr Abdullahi Chafe, on Tuesday said he was not posted by the Federal Government to do a hatchet job ahead of next year's gubernatorial election in Ekiti.
Chafe, who assumed office last week, said in his maiden press conference in Ado Ekiti that he was also not in the state to fight the Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose.
He was reacting to concerns expressed by some Ekiti elders, who accused the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, of transferring the former Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, to Kogi State without the knowledge of Gov. Fayose.
Chafe said he was in Ekiti State to perform his constitutional role as a police officer.
"My mission in Ekiti is to sanitize it and make it a no-go-area for criminals, so that investors can see the state as a safe haven.
"I am not here acting under any instruction to fight anybody. I never knew there was any election coming anytime soon until I arrived and was briefed," he said.
Chafe promised to sustain all the anti-crime strategies and structures already put in place by his predecessor, to combat crime.
He promised to work together with various unions and administrators of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State against disruption of public peace, cultism and fraudsters.
The commissioner said his men would sustain the raids on black spots in Ado Ekiti and motor parks to check crime.
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