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Fans of Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, are asking him when will he get married as Bankole Wellington also known as Banky W engaged to Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi.
Don Jazzy
Many of Don Jazzy’s fans took to social media saying things like ‘Father!!!! You have done it for Banky W. Don Jazzy what are you waiting for? Marry By Fire! Marry By Fire!! Marry by Fire!! @Dephatcat
@Realkabas said ‘Banky W & Adesua planning wedding party but uncle Adekunle gold is on 50k tweet hunt. Lesson for Don Jazzy with Linda Ikeji’
Celebrities across the country's entertainment industry on Wednesday congratulated R and B sensation, Bankole Wellington also known as Banky W on his engagement to Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi. Banky W and Adesua Etomi Ace actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo popularly called RMD who played the role of Banky's father in the blockbuster movie "The Wedding Party,"' also joined array of celebrities to congratulate the duo.
RMD who took to his Instagram handle, Mofedamijo to felicitate with the duo wrote: "my babies, your love brings happiness to my spirit and tears of joy to my heart.
I'm proud of the man you @bankywellington are and you my sweetheart @adesuaetomi are one of the few young people who give me hope in this generation.
That both of you know Christ the way you do and love him with your hearts is such a joy.
Now that we've gone public, let's go wild with the wedding planning
Papa bear is proud of you both. God bless this union.
Similarly, Nollywood veteran, Sola Sobowale who played the role of Adesua's mother in the movie "The Wedding Party," expressed gladness over the engagement.
Sobowale on her Instagram handle, solasobowale extolled God for bringing the two together.
She described Banky as the sweetest, kindest and honest person who is determine and knows what he wants in life
When God says yes, nobody can say no!
"My Banky, my one and only Banky,.. Let me tell you, you did not fail in case. You were brave and took this bold step many always seem to run away from,'' she said.
Also, Sobowale recalled the conversation she had with Adesua while onset of the move.
"Omo mi, my Adesua, I remember the conversation we had about finding 'the one'. Funny thing is I saw this happening after seeing you both together on set. I am not sure what it was, but i was moved. I just decided to keep it to myself and simply pray for you.
"May God bless your union. As you both join together, you become stronger, greater and incredible forces. May you always find joy and solace in one another.
"No one and I repeat NO one shall ever get in the midst of both of you. You shall bless nations with this union. You shall inspire the world with your union. You shall live in eternal happiness for the rest of your lives.
Most of all, the love you share for one another shall ever flourish in the name of Jesus! Amen!!! I am so happy for you my darlings! Congratulations to you both.
Banky and Adesua as couple in the movie "The Wedding Party"
Jude Okoye, a brother to PSquare took to his social media page @judeengee to congratulate Banky W, "coman wake me up! Wow, congrats bro, I still never believe sha till I see wedding IV and asoebi.''
Mo Abdul, a popular TV personality could not also hide her joy for the latest engaged couple, when she took to her social media page @moabdul to express her feelings.
"Dear Adesua and Banky, I am so happy for you. You guys are truly made for each other. Congratulations on your engagement. May God Almighty bless your union. Hugs and kisses.''
Clarence Peter, an award winning video director was among the Nigerian celebrities that congratulated the couple.
He commented on his social media page, @cleranceshotit "big congratulation bro, may God bless you both with wisdom, patience and love.''
Meanwhile, Sola Sobowale who acted as Adesua's mother in the movie "The Wedding Party'' gave series of messages to the engaged couple through her social media page @solasobowale
"May God bless your union. As you both join together, you become stronger, greater and incredible forces, may you always find joy and solace in one another…''
Popular comedian, Helen Paul took to her social media handle @itshelenpaul to gave her comment, "Knowing who you are in Christ Jesus, helps you enjoy life. Congratulations.''
Nollywood diva, Omotola Ekeinde on her twitter handle @realomosexy commentated, "Wow! From Captain Ekeinde and I, he says to tell you Ehen…! Lol.''
Another talented actress, Chioma Okpotha was happy as she congratulated the couple, "L.O.VE. S.O. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L Congratulations.
Rapper and YBNL boss, Olamide also commented @baddosneh "Congrats to the OG Mr Wellington baba o ariyin oh hey hey enowalowo hey hey…''
Also, Super Producer and Marvin Records boss, Don Jazzy hilariously reacted to the engagement of the love birds "Kai. Aye mi te mi ba mi." Maybe I need to act first. Who wee act film with me now ooo?.''
In a related development, Editor in Chief and Publisher of Genevieve Magazine, Mrs Betty Irabor took to her twitter page to commend celebrities for keeping their weddings and engagements secret.
She wrote @BettyIrabor; "So happy about this new trend where celebs spring engagement and wedding surprises.. I hope the trend catches fire. Less shared the better!
ABUJA- THE Economic Commission for Africa, ECA, has lamented few number of women in the field of Information and communication Technology, therefore charged school girls to study ICT in order to be at par with their male counterparts.
This was stated by Gender Section Director, ECA, Keiso Matashane-Marite, who led the ECA team to the ITU’s Girls in ICT Day held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which organised by the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, United Nations, UN Women, the ECA, African Union Commission, AUC, United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, Ethiotelecomm, Huawei and others.
Matashane-Marite said the ECA, while happy with the increasing number of girls and women using new technologies in Africa, expressed concern over few women and girls using these technologies, and few of them as leaders in science, technology and the innovation space.
ITU’s Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness among girls and young women about the importance of digital skills for a successful professional career in all sectors and encouraging them to consider studies and careers in ICT.
It is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of April and since 2011.
Achieve your dreams in this digital world
She said: "Today is a special day and it belongs to the girls. As ECA we are happy to be highlighting the importance of why girls should be involved in ICT; raising awareness and encouraging our young girls to consider careers in IT. My message to the girls is please embrace ICTs as an enabler to help you achieve your dreams in this digital world of today.
"I'm sure you will help us change this scenario. I can tell you that at the ECA we have just made history with the first woman being appointed as Executive Secretary.
20 years ago it would have been unthinkable, so girls, anything you set your heart on, you can do, you just need to be determined and assertive, ICT is not for men only; it's for girls too."
According to her the ECA's Gender Section ran two side events at the celebrations equipping young girls with social skills and how they can get into ICT careers by overcoming social barriers, real or imagined and other fears.
In her remarks, the UN Women Representative to the Ethiopia, Letty Chiwara, lamented the low number of women who have access to internet services, which on the average across the developing world, which she disclosed the nearly 25 percent fewer women than men have access to the internet, adding that the gender gap reaches nearly 45 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.
"Along with improving women and girls' educational opportunities, we must change stereotypes or narratives about women in ICT. It is essential to show that ICT is not a masculine profession. We must raise awareness of unconscious bias and ensure educators and employers avoid it.
"We must make sure that technological and digital changes work for women and girls and do not leave them behind. This will require political will and partnerships", Chiwara stated.
In the main plenary the young girls were inspired by speeches from leading African women who are working in the ICT field at the highest levels. They talked about their careers, barriers encountered, how they conquered and what they envisage for the future.
Hands-on workshops were organised to inspire the local school girls to become ICT creators with the support of experts from ITU, ECA. UN Women, Ethiotelecomm and others.
I HEAR shock across the country; I hear a sigh across the country!", declared Richard Quest, the CNN domiciled on air personality and business analyst who continues to make waves long after his visit to Nigeria ended last week. This was after the worst diplomatic faux pas of the decade took place and our own Information Minister scored an own goal against us.
It is not entirely clear what Quest's rather boisterous visit to Nigeria was about. While an international source had put it down to a cyber security forum held by a transnational in Lagos, he has been up to anything but.
National importance
Nor does it matter anymore as Quest has stirred the hornet 's nest on a matter of far greater importance: Jollof rice.
Once considered an issue bordering on the ridiculous, it is suddenly a matter of pressing national importance to conclude the Jollof wars once and for all – and who better to moderate the finale than a fellow who ambles round the world, trying to figure out how food- and various other things- affect the economy.
Between us, we all know Jollof is low on the list of our list of national palate kissers – way beneath Amala and Gbegiri, Banga and Starch; Garri and Edikaikong and so forth. Yet there was genuine reason for Nigerian s to be outraged when the Information minister Lai Mohammed, in a misguided moment of objectivity, tried to give the shiny Jollof war trophy to Senegal.
First of all, Jollof is the food for our favourite national pastime- partying. To say no Nigerian party is complete without Jollof is to overstate an understatement .
Most of it would not get eaten and would be abandoned in the dish along with the chicken bones, yet the hostess dares not not serve it. The silent understanding of this is one of the idiosyncrasies all Nigerians have in common.
Secondly, it is in Nigeria that the word 'Jollof' has got connotations other than the common noun .
Here Jollof is a metaphor for enjoyment, and can be used interchangeably as both a verb or an abstract noun. When you tell a Nigerian you are 'jollofing', he and only he knows exactly what you are talking about.
Last but not least the Nigerian woman is coy and modest about just about every matter but what goes on in her cooking pot.
Thus you will be forgiven eventually if you criticized her hair, her car, even her man. But you will never be forgiven for criticizing the street credibility of her Jollof rice.
So, Messrs Lai Mohammed and Richard Quest both need to watch out, lest they end up casualties in a war they know little about.
And by the way, this is not over, by the look of things!
Lagos – Some financial experts on Wednesday said the policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had improved dollar liquidity in the foreign exchange market.
The experts, who spoke at the Access Bank 2017 FX Seminar in Lagos, said accessibility to foreign exchange was no longer a challenge, but sustaining the ability to fund the market.
They said that the opening of Investors' and Exporters' (I&E) Window by the Central Bank had helped in building up confidence in the system, resulting in more offers than bids at the foreign exchange market.
Mr Herbert Wigwe, the Managing Director of Access Bank, said that the Small and Medium Enterprises' window through which participants had access to foreign exchange was an evidence of the CBN's effort in ensuring availability.
"Apart from the I&E window, the recently opened SMEs window, wherein the CBN has persistently sold forex to all market participants with varied needs, has further lent credence to the CBN's mandate to boost liquidity in the market.
"It has foster the timely execution of all eligible transactions."
Wigwe said that this had led to increased supply of foreign exchange to the market which had narrowed the spread between the official and parallel market rates as well as a declined inflation rate.
He said that there was the need for all stakeholders to understand the operation of the current foreign exchange market.
"We as regulators, market participants and businesses should sit down together to understand the modus operandi of the recently introduced forex markets and how it will impact on our businesses going forward."
Mr Dapo Olagunju, the Group Head, Global Markets in Access Bank, said there were more people at the I&E window who wanted to sell foreign exchange than those willing to buy.
Olagunju assured that the era of dollar scarcity might end soon, saying that the CBN's capacity to sustain its interventions in the foreign exchange market would increase.
He said that this was because the effect of the rising oil price and production output had began to reflect on the revenue receipts of the government. Mrs Jumoke Olaniyan, the Associate Vice President, Market Development and Regulation, FMDQ OTC, said that the Nigerian foreign exchange market was halfway to getting a free float.
Olaniyan attributed the likely free float to the I&E window that allowed the value of the naira to be determined by the forces of demand and supply.
Mr F. John Bray, United States Consul-General says the media has a duty to play in ensuring that government and political leaders are accountable to the people in a democratic government.
Bray, who spoke at an event to mark the 2017 World Press Freedom Day in Lagos on Wednesday, urged the press to scrutinise and expose any abuse of power by elected government officials.
John Bray
The theme of this year's Press Freedom Day is: "Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media's role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies''.
Bray said the role of the media as the watchdog of the society was necessary to ensure checks and balances and smooth running of every democracy.
"Unfortunately, not all governments accept such public attention.''
According to Reporters without Borders, more than a third of the world's people live in countries where there is no press freedom.
Bray said; "most of them are quasi democracies, with systemic deficiencies in the electoral process, or countries where there is no system of democracy at all''.
"Working under such conditions, journalists risk everything to hold regimes accountable.''
He said that the U.S strongly supports press freedom and believed that an unfettered press was essential for every democracy to thrive.
The U.S envoy said his country passed the Freedom of Information Act in July 1966, which became a law in 1967, adding that there had been several amendments to strengthen the law.
"More recently, on May 17, 2010 to be specific, former U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Freedom of the Press Act.
"It was named after the Wall Street reporter, Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan, four months after the September 11 attacks in the U.S.
"The U.S, however, understands that with more freedom comes more responsibility,'' Bray said.
According to him, advances in technology and increased reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make the accuracy and objectivity of reporting crucial.
He, therefore, urged Journalists to check and double check facts before putting out a story, to ensure personal credibility and the reliability of their platforms.
"Be thorough in your research and strive to look for every side of a story before you hit the send button," Bray said.
The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday reaffirmed Senate's commitment toward upholding the rights of the media.
Saraki gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on the event of World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
"As we all know, today is World Press Freedom Day, a day that gives all of us, both members and non-members of the press, an opportunity to reflect and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights of the media.
"This is because, time and time again, as demonstrated throughout history, the power of the pen has been proven to be more potent than the power of the sword.
"The stories that you tell, the articles that you write, the videos that you edit and release on your various platforms, have the power to shape public perception," he said.
According to him, the media, especially here in Nigeria, have played a crucial role as watchdog at various points of our momentous history.
Saraki said that the media must evolve beyond carrying ordinary propaganda and sensational news to sell newspapers and increase viewership to pushing out truthful, verifiable and pertinent information to the public.
"All of you here have the power to shape all that happens here, by pushing relevant issues, not stories of who is insulting who or what Senator A said about Senator B.
"You have the opportunity to define the discourse in the public arena, and by so doing, positively define our agenda.
"I urge you all to look beyond the propaganda that is being sponsored to put down the Senate and judge us based on facts and figures about our genuine performance.
"These facts and figures are readily available, therefore, judge us by our actions. You participate indirectly in our daily plenary, committee and oversight sessions.
"You are a constant feature around here. So, please let the public know and understand that this Senate is working for them, and it is people-centred.
"This is why we continue to pass motion after motion to call attention to critical national issues.
"We have passed critical laws that will make positive impact on the standard of living and rate of development in our country," he said
Former Portland Trail Blazers star Brandon Roy is recovering after being injured in a shooting in Los Angeles, reports said Wednesday.
Brandon Roy
KING-TV in Seattle said Roy was treated for wounds following the shooting before returning to Washington state, where he works as a high school basketball coach.
USA Today reported that the 32-year-old was injured as he shielded children from gunfire during the incident, which occurred outside his grandmother’s house.
“Like many others, we’re just learning of the injury suffered by former Trail Blazers player Brandon Roy in a shooting over the weekend in California,” the Blazers said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Brandon and his family during this time.”
Roy played five seasons in Portland before retiring in 2011 because of knee problems. An attempted comeback in 2012 was cut short by a further knee injury.
Mrs Shola Daibo, a new member of Delta House of Assembly, representing Warri South I Constituency, was sworn in on Wednesday.
Daibo emerged from the bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 26, following the death of occupant of the constituency's seat in the assembly, Mrs Omawumu Udoh.
Mrs Shola Daibo,
The Speaker of the house, Mr Monday Igbuya, who performed the ceremony at plenary, urged the new member to ensure compliance with rules of the legislature.
After the exercise, the new lawmaker told newsmen that her constituency would be her priority, adding that with adequate support from her constituents, dividends of democracy would get to her people.
Daibo, who contested the election under the platform of Accord Party (AP), appealed to her opponents to partner her in attracting development to the constituency.
Waheed Odusile, National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has commended the Federal Government for the cordial relationship existing between the executive and journalists in Nigeria.
He made the commendation on Wednesday in Sokoto at the celebration of the 2017 edition of World Press Freedom Day.
The theme of the 2017 World Press Freedom Day is: "Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media's Role in Advancing Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies."
Represented by Mr Shehu Ahmed, Secretary, Zone "A", Odusile confirmed that the federal government, under President Muhammadu Buhari had not been antagonistic but friendly to journalists.
"This is truly so if not for the recent expulsion of the Punch reporter from the villa; that was just an isolated act of an over zealous security agent," he said.
The NUJ President, while stressing the need for sustenance of the relationship, called on journalists to be objective in their reportage.
In his remarks, Sokoto state Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jeli, urged the media to be fair and accurate in their reportage.
He said that freedom of information entails dissemination of knowledge and ideas without hindrance.
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abu Shekara, called for the protection of the rights of journalists, as well as improvement of their welfare.
Shekara is the Managing Director, Sokoto State Media Corporation,
In a paper he presented at the occasion, the state Commissioner of Justice, Mr Suleiman Usman, stated that a free and independent media plays vital role in promoting social security.
"It can also contribute in making Nigeria a free and democratic nation; a just and egalitarian society and a land of equity with full opportunities for its citizens," he said.
The state chairman of the NUJ, Mr Isa Shuni, said that the celebration of the day provided opportunity to assess the state of press freedom in Nigeria.
He added that it also provided opportunity to brainstorm on how to surmount the challenges facing media practitioners in Nigeria.
Shuni called for the provision of sustainable free and conducive environment for the media to operate.
The Federal Government has described as "inaccurate'' the recent survey by Reporters Without Borders, which alleged that Nigeria's press freedom rating has been on sustained decline since 2015.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja to mark the World Press Freedom Day 2017.
According to the minister, President Muhammadu Buhari's Administration is committed to the freedom of the press.
He said in spite of the inaccurate and fake news saturating the media space, the Federal Government had not put a single journalist behind bars as a result of his or her professional conduct.
Lai said though there were reports that some states had been hard on some journalists and bloggers for alleged misconduct, it had not been the policy of this government to join issues with the media.
The minister reiterated Federal Government's unflinching commitment to upholding the tenets of democracy, which include free press and freedom of speech.
He said the recent incident involving the Punch Correspondent covering the dState House, Olalekan Adetayo" is an aberration".
Mohammed noted that the speed with which the order barring the correspondent from the State House was reversed lent credence to the fact that the government was not out to muzzle the press.
He recalled that the accreditation of the current Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Ubale Musa, which was withdrawn by the previous administration, was immediately restored upon the assumption of office by the Buhari Administration.
He said actions were to give the media unhindered access to the seat of power.
The minister pledged the readiness of the present administration to always create a conducive environment for the media to thrive and to continue to discharge its constitutional mandate without hindrance.
Many have continued to show their support and love for Adesua Etomi and Olubankole Wellington aka Banky as they today officially announced their engagement.
Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi on her Instagram page announced the engagement to Banky.
Many of their fans took to tweeter and Instagram showering encomium on Adesua Etomi and Banky W wishing them the very best.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Timi Frank, has appealed to Prophet T.B Joshua to rescind his decision to locate his church to Israel.
Frank made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that Joshua's prayers were needed more now, considering the challenges confronting the country.
"I am making this appeal bearing in mind millions of people who daily benefit from welfare programmes of this man of God, not only in Nigeria but in Africa,'' Frank said.
He also called on government at all levels, their agencies and peace-loving religious leaders across the country to prevail on the prophet not to abandon the country.
He maintained that Joshua's presence in Nigeria went beyond religion, adding that it had positive economic impact on the lives of Nigerians and the country.
The politician said that statistics from the Nigerian Immigration Service revealed that six out of every 10 travellers to Nigeria visited the country because of T.B Joshua's ministry, The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
According to him, such religious tourism into the country impacts positively on local businesses.
Frank urged the prophet to consider all what he termed persecution to what the Lord Jesus Christ paid to save humanity.
"Prophet Joshua should know that God did not make mistake to create him a Nigerian and an African with a big assignment.
"I believe that his God will vindicate him of whatever persecution that might come his way,'' he said.
Joshua declared his intention to relocate to Israel in his address on sermon on Sunday, on his return from the Holy Land.
He had told his followers that while in the Holy Land, he held meetings with Mayors of Jerusalem, Tiberias and the Jordan Valley.
He said that the Mayors offered land and facilities in an area around the biblical site of the Sea of Galilee for him to organise meetings for international pilgrims.
The Senate has called for prosecution of suspended Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal and others over alleged irregularities in Presidential Initiative on North-East (PINE) activities.
The call followed the adoption of the recommendations in the report of the Senate Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East.
Chairman of the committee, Sen. Shehu Sani, who read the report during plenary on Wednesday, said the committee recommended the retrieval of all resources that seemed to have been misapplied or stolen by public officials.
"Anybody found culpable of contravening any section of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations pertaining to the awards of these contracts should be dully prosecuted by the relevant authorities.
"Since all the contracts awarded by PINE were awarded under the principle of emergency situation, PINE should forward a detailed report of all contracts awarded by it to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
"This should be done in accordance with section 43(4) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
"Since it was observed that there was no Bill of Quantities on most of the contracts awarded by PINE under the emergency situation, the BPP should undertake re-evaluation of such contracts to recover any proceeds from the over-inflated contracts," he said.
According to Sani, relevant agencies should ensure that contracts partially executed but fully paid for must be completed by the concerned contractors or equivalent money for outstanding jobs should be returned to the government treasury.
He said that bank transactions by Rholavision Limited and confirmation from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed through Bank Verification Number (BVN) that Mr Babachir Lawal was signatory to the company's account.
He further said that Lawal's BVN also showed that he was signatory to 13 other accounts but with different names.
"The committee is of the opinion that Mr Lawal has contravened the provisions of part one of Fifth Schedule of 1999 Constitution, the Public Procurement Act 2007 and breached oath of office as SGF.
"So, he should be disciplined by the relevant authority.
"The committee also recommends further investigations by relevant agencies of government as to why contracts benefiting companies spread over 500 million naira into Rholavision Engineering account a company in which Mr Lawal has interest.''
Sani further said that with the evidence of malnutrition, hunger and starvation among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the Federal Government and states in the North-East should urgently provide food items, shelter and other essentials to the IDPs.
"The issue of out-of-school children among the IDPs is a sign that concerted efforts should be made by both the states and Federal Governments to provide atmosphere conducive for learning for the IDPs.
"The committee condemn the failure by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to appear before the committee in spite several invitations.''
He said that the committee also recommended that the newly-constituted Presidential Committee on the North-East Initiative (PCNI) should ensure that there was proper synergy and coordination among all humanitarian crisis managers in the IDPs' camps.
"Government should ensure that PCNI be manned by people of high integrity and inclusive enough to accommodate the leaders of the various committees that are involved."
In his contribution, Sen. George Sekibo (PDP-Rivers) commended the committee for a good job.
He said that members of the committee had been hunted and blackmailed by a lot of people but that they stood their ground to execute the job.
"This is one of the richest committee reports that I have seen with necessary evidence," he said.
Sekibo said the papers for Bill of Quantities in some of the PINE contracts were fraudulent and called for immediate arrest of those concerned and further investigation.
"This is a whistle that has been blown. Money has been taken wrongly and the EFCC has not said anything. EFCC should also go into action immediately.''
Similarly, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Lagos) said "I am in total support of all that is contained in that report.
"I congratulate the Senate and the committee. At least for once we have stood our grounds and showed our total support for Buhari's government.
"I don't want to belabour you. There are evidences from CBN, other banks and other financial institutions and these are independent bodies who gave us these evidences.
"The Senate has led by example by coming up with its report before the Yemi Osinbajo's committee," he said.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said that the investigation was beyond the content of the report.
"There is also a systemic issue here. One is the issue of humanitarian crisis.
"My concern is that going forward, some of these organisations might not give us the support we require anymore,'' he said.
Saraki commended the committee, especially the chairman, for being firm to carry out his responsibility.
"The quality of the report leaves nothing to debate. The fact speaks for itself. I am proud to be part of a Senate that can produce this report. We need to build from this," he said.
Saraki said that the statistics from the crisis in the North-East was alarming and that it would not get better if the lawmakers did nothing about it.
"This matter needs some serious action on our part. There is also need for greater oversight because of the kind of money being spent.
"There are people underneath him that made it comfortable for him to do this. It is an indictment if the people there are not the right people," he said.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, says Nigeria will seek for a further six-month extension of its exemption from reducing oil production granted by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Kachikwu said this at a world news conference in Houston on Wednesday.
Dr Ibe Kachikwu
Thirteen OPEC members and 11 non-OPEC countries, led by Russia, had agreed on Nov. 30, 2016 to reduce their production by about 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) for six months beginning from January in an effort to drain a glut of crude that held down prices for over two years.
Member countries at the meeting agreed to exempt Iran, Libya and Nigeria from the deal while Nigeria got the exemption because of the production challenges caused by militant attacks on the country's oil facilities.
As the expiration of the production cut deal draws near, OPEC is due to meet on May 24 in Vienna where decision on extension of the pact would be discussed though there have been recommendations from different quarters for OPEC to extend the deal for another six months from June.
"The indications that I have so far is that there is a willingness to extending that. I expect we (Nigeria) will get OPEC exemption but one year from now will it be renewed? I am not too sure.
"Over and above extending, we need to continue to engage; we need to find a way to stabilise international oil price, otherwise everybody will lose out," Kachikwu said.
He said the country would need a little more time to complete a number of critical export pipelines, some of which were nearing completion.
Houston (U.S.), May 3, 2017 The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has disclosed that it would be shopping for about 16.5 billion dollars to execute several oil and gas projects lined up for execution.
The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, said this at a function organised by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) on the margins of the annual Offshore Technology Conference going on in Houston.
Baru, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer Gas and Power, Saidu Mohammed, at the meeting said the corporation would seek to raise about 13 billion dollars to 16.5 billion dollars over the next five years.
In an address titled "Global Energy Dynamics: Challenges and Opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector," Baru said the NNPC had multi-billion dollar investment opportunities in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
Baru said the funds were geared towards developing seven giant gas fields at about seven billion dollars to nine billion dollars, upgrade the upstream assets of its subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) with between six billion dollars to 7.5 billion dollars and build gas infrastructure and power plants with between nine billion dollars to to 11 billion dollars.
"By coming here to the OTC, we are not only looking out for potential investors, we are looking at partners that will deploy their cutting-edge technology that will enable us achieve the goals we have set up for ourselves," he said.
Baru said the opportunities had been segmented into upstream oil and gas development, gas infrastructure and power plants, refineries, downstream and the ventures and new businesses.
"In the upstream segment, NNPC plans to increase its oil reserve base to 40 billion oil barrels reserves by 2020, hence would raise upto about 16.5 billion dollars over the next five years.
"Under the gas infrastructure and power plants, there are investment opportunities ranging from nine billion dollars to 11 billion dollars. For the refineries, our plan is to rehabilitate and revamp our existing four refineries.
"When successfully rehabilitated and revamped, our plan is to upgrade their combined nameplate capacity from 445,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 700,000 bpd within the next few years.
"We would require investments of between five billion dollars to six billion dollars," he said.
He said other areas the NNPC was seeking investors were "the construction and laying of 897 kilometres gas pipelines which would cost between two billion dollars to three billion dollars; design, construction and operation of Western Central Processing Facility (CPF) with 2.6 billion dollars.
Others are the design, construction and operation of Eastern CPF and construction of three power plants with generation capacity of 3,150 megawatts (MW).
He also showcased the downstream segment where he said opportunities abound in the construction of new crude and product pipelines, pumping station upgrades, revamp of LPG plants, construction of new LPG storage tanks, filling stations, and equipment supply.
In the Ventures and New Business Segment, Baru said opportunities existed in the establishment of pipe mills, equipment leasing (Rigs, FPSOs) and operations & maintenance services among other segments.
Others also are construction of gas storage/Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fillings as well as development of multi-specialist hospitals.
According to him, oil and gas resources will still be relevant in the global energy mix for a long time to come as inferred from the global demand and supply forecasts.
"The Nigerian Petroleum Industry remains by far the largest and most vibrant in Sub-Saharan Africa with lots of potentials, especially in the deep water and untapped gas resources and refining.
"We invite you all to come and participate in this process," he said.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Wednesday sentenced an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yisa Olarenwaju, charged with obtaining proceeds of unlawfal act.
Justice Mohammed Idris sentenced the INEC official based on a plea bargain agreement he reached with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC had rearraigned, in absentia, the immediate past Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, alongside three officials of INEC -Christian Nwosu, Yisa Olarenwaju and Tijani Bashir.
They were brought to court on a six-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N500 million, which they pleaded not guilty but the second defendant later changed his plea to guilty.
Olarenwaju, thereafter, entered into a plea bargain agreement with the EFCC on May 2.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Mohammed Idris convicted and sentenced the INEC official.
In sentencing the INEC official, Olarenwaju, who is the second defendant, Justice Idris held that, "there is no doubt that the second defendant is an elderly man.
" It is also not in contention that the second defendant is a first time offender.
"This court will temper justice with mercy.
"The court hereby adopts the plea bargain agreement as the judgment of the court".
The plea bargain agreement stated that," Upon the conviction of the second defendant, he should forfeit to the Federal Government of Nigeria all the parcel of land and its appurtenances which was acquired with the sum of N23 million, the proceed of the second defendant's unlawful acts.
"That a fine of N10 million be imposed on the second defendant, upon his conviction based on count four of the amended charge.
" That in paying the fine of the sum of N10 million, the second defendant shall raise a draft of N5 million in addition to the sum of N5 million already recovered from him.
"He shall within seven days after the payment of the fine imposed by the court, enter into a bond with the EFCC, never to be involved in economic and financial crimes within and outside the shores of Nigeria".
Newsmen report that at the last hearing, Justice Idris had thrown out an earlier plea bargain arrangement reached by the first defendant, Christian Nwosu.
The judge had clearly maintained that the plea bargain arrangement could not save Nwosu from serving a stiffer sentence.
Justice Idris made a declaration that the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) stipulates that such a convict deserves a sentence that was stiffer.
Meanwhile, the third defendant, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, was admitted to bail in the sum of N50m with two sureties in like sum.
Idris held that the sureties must be owners of landed property within the court's jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned until May 15, for counsel to return and address the court on whether the case should be transferred to another judge for it to start afresh.
Ibrahim Welye, prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Adamawa governor, Umaru Fintiri, has said that he did not verify the contract document he used in writing petition against the former governor.
Welye was the former Secretary to Adamawa State Government (SSG).
The witness, who made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja while being cross examined by Mr Mahmoud Magaji (SAN) Nyako's counsel, said he did not take time to verify the contract document.
When Magaji asked the witness if he took his time to peruse the contract document for the electrification of Kirchinga in Madagali LGC, Welye replied in the negative.
The witness also told the court that although the contract sum was N75 million, he could not recall when it was awarded.
He added that he could not also recall the duration and the number of companies that bided for the contract.
Welye however admitted writing petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 11, 2015.
The petition was admitted in evidence by the court and marked as exhibit `A.'
Welye insisted that he stood by the content of his petition, saying he took his time to verify the allegations he made in the petition.
He said that the contract in question was one of the allegations.
However when Magaji attempted to tender the contract document as evidence, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Larry Aso objected on the grounds that it was an ambush.
He told the court that he had not seen the document before.
The presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, however ruled that the documents satisfied all the provisions of the law including the Evidence Act 2011.
He admitted the documents as evidence and marked them exhibit `C.'
He judge adjourned the matter until June 7 for continuation of trial.
Newsmen recall that Fintiri was arraigned by the EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering involving about N2 billion.
The former governor was alleged to have defrauded Adamawa government to the tune of N970 million and another 4. 830 million dollars during the three months period he held sway as chief executive officer of the state.
Fintiri denied all the charges leveled against him.
