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
Abuja – The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday said that the Federal Government through its agriculture empowerment programme had created new set of millionaires in farming.
The minister stated this when he featured on a special edition of Channels TV programme, "Sunrise Daily" on the mid-term report of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.Lai Mohammed
Mohammed said that many young farmers were empowered through the Central Bank of Nigeria's Anchor Borrower Programme and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture's Soil Map initiative.
He said that the programme, which recorded huge success in rice and grain productions, particularly in Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Sokoto states, had made farming attractive to young people.
Mohammed said the initiative had also helped in boosting the local production of rice, increasing yields per hectares in grains production and reducing importation of rice.
He said that in 2015, the country imported 580,000 metric tonnes of rice, which had been brought down to 58,000 metric tonnes in 2016 with the successful implementation of the programme.
The minister noted that though the price of local rice was still higher than the imported one, but the situation would change when production increased.
He said the imported rice was being subsidised and dumped into the country but assured that the trend would change by next harvest.
The minister said that the government had also been able to bring down the cost of fertiliser from N9, 000 to N5, 000 following a bilateral agreement it signed with the Kingdom of Morocco.
Mohammed said that the country was gradually moving out of recession, particularly in the agriculture, manufacturing and solid minerals sectors.
He explained that it was made possible because of committed investments in infrastructure, ease of doing business and increased budgetary votes for capital projects.
"When we came in, we inherited about N1.7 trillion in debt owed to contractors; 202 roads were abandoned. In the entire 2015, only N18 billion was spent on roads and N5 billion spent on power.
"In 2016/2017 we released N1.2 trillion for capital projects only; we spent N260 billion on roads and N99 billion on power generation.
"We have constructed 320 kilometres of roads and fixed 460 kilometres of road: We have built 24 bridges and repaired about 21
"On rail lines, we have commenced the construction of the 150 km per hour standard gauge from Lagos to Ibadan and working on others across the country," he said.
The minister reiterated that looking at what the government had done in areas of the economy, security and in fighting corruption it had fulfilled its electoral promises.
Mohammed said the situation would have been worse than it is now if Buhari was not in power, adding that he was proud to be a part of the administration.
He said in spite of recession brought about by defective economy run by past administration only on oil and the sharp drop in the price of crude, the administration has performed well.
"We are coming from a situation where we were earning over 100 dollar per barrel of oil and it was reduced to about 30 dollar per barrel
"It takes acute discipline and management of resources to be where we are today.
"In spite of recession, between October last year and today, we have been able to add additional 7 billion dollars to our federal reserves.
"We have also successfully added 87 million dollar to the Excess Crude Account and attract 500 million dollar to the Sovereign Wealth Fund," he said.
On security, the minister said that the government defeated Boko Haram insurgency which had taken over almost half of the North-East region before the administration came into power.
He said government was taken pro-active measures to address the challenge of clash between the herdsmen and farmers and incidences of kidnapping.
Berlin – U.S. President Donald Trump called Germany's trade and spending policies "very bad" on Tuesday, intensifying a row between the allies and immediately earning himself the moniker "destroyer of Western values" from a leading German politician.TRUMP
Trump took to Twitter early in the day in the U.S. to attack Germany, a day after Chancellor Angela Merkel ramped up her doubts about the reliability of Washington as an ally.
The tit-for-tat row has escalated rapidly after Trump criticised major NATO allies over their military spending and refused to endorse a global climate change accord at back-to-back summits on May 26.
"We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for U.S. This will change," Trump tweeted on Tuesday.
On Monday, Merkel showed how seriously she is concerned about Washington's dependability under Trump by repeating the message she delivered a day earlier that the times when Europe could fully rely on others were "over to a certain extent".
Those comments, which sent shock waves through Washington, vented Europe's frustration with Trump on climate policy in particular.
Senior German politicians responded swiftly to his tweet.
Martin Schulz, leader of the center-left Social Democrats, told reporters Trump was "the destroyer of all Western values", adding that the U.S. president was undermining the peaceful cooperation of nations based on mutual respect and tolerance.
"One must stand in the way of such a man with his ideology of rearmament," Schulz added.
Thomas Oppermann, head of the Social Democrats' parliamentary group, told reporters: "Donald Trump makes clear with his tweet that he views Germany as a political opponent."
Merkel on Monday repeated almost word for word her message from Sunday, when she told her Bavarian conservative allies in a packed Munich beer tent that "we Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands".
She also finessed her message slightly on Monday, stressing that she was a "convinced trans-Atlanticist".
On Tuesday, Merkel repeatedly stressed the importance of trans-Atlantic ties. She talked to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Berlin about developing cooperation with India.
"That's of huge importance and in no way directed against any other relationships and certainly not against the trans-Atlantic ties, which have historically been very important for us and will remain so in future," she said.
In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said he agreed with Merkel that Europe needed to forge its own path.
"This takes nothing away from the importance of our trans-Atlantic ties and our alliance with the U.S., but the importance we put on these ties cannot mean that we abandon fundamental principles such as our commitment to fight climate change and in favor of open societies and free trade," he said.
FOR some time now, eating sugar-sweetened foods and beverages has been identified as the cause of overweight or even obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Because of this, many health care experts have proposed that non-caloric, high-intensity sweeteners (such as saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose) provide, if not a beneficial alternative to sugar, at least a less damaging one.
Many people switched from regular soft drinks to 'diet' versions of the same and started checking the labels on other foods and beverages to make sure they were made with something other than sugar.
New evidence, however, seems to show that people who frequently consume sugar substitutes may also be at increased risk of excessive weight gain, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Within given age groups, the risk for coronary heart disease was significantly elevated in women who consumed more than two artificially-sweetened beverages per day or more than two sugar-sweetened beverages per day. Another study shows the risk of coronary heart disease was significantly elevated by both types of drinks.
Consuming at least one artificially-sweetened beverage daily significantly elevated risk for hypertension for women in a number of studies; the same effect was found when the women in the study drank sugar-sweetened beverages. Truth is, when it comes to artificially-sweetened beverages, as few as one of these drinks per day may be, it is enough to significantly increase the risk for a number of health problems.
Los Angeles – U.S. pop star Ariana Grande will host a star-studded benefit concert in Manchester, England, on Sunday for the victims of the suicide bombing at her May 22 concert there, her record company announced on Tuesday. Bieber and Grande Pop stars Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and British bands Take That and Coldplay will also perform at the June 4 concert, organisers said in a statement.
American singers Pharrell Williams, Usher and One Direction singer Niall Horan will also perform.
Last week's suicide bombing, which killed 22 people, took place moment after Grande finished a concert in Manchester. All proceeds from the concert will go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund which was set up by the Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross.
Grande, 23, is offering free tickets to the charity concert to all of those who were at her Manchester show on May 22.
The suicide bombing injured more than 100, many of them members of Grande's large, young female fan base. Grande was unharmed but she later cancelled several concerts scheduled in London and Europe through June 5.
Sunday's show will take place at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket ground and will be broadcast live by BBC television and radio, Tuesday's statement said.
Grande said in an open letter on her social media accounts last week that "There is nothing I or anyone can do to take away the pain you (her fans) are feeling or to make this better. However, I extend my hand and heart and everything I possibly can give to you and yours, should you want or need my help in any way."
"We will not quit or operate in fear. We won't let this divide us. We won't let hate win," she added.
DO you know that human beings spend roughly 30 per cent of their lives sleeping? Yes! If the average night's sleep is about eight hours, then you can imagine how much of your lifetime you spend snoozing. If you live to 75 years old, it may add up to 25 years of your age.
This makes mattress one of the most important furniture purchases you must make for your home. Can you think of another item in your home that you use more than your bed? The reality is that, in this side of the world, we spend money more on electronics which, I believe, gives us happiness but what will give us joy, we don't see it as a priority.
The truth of the matter is that the backache, the body pains of all sorts that take money from our pockets may be avoided if we begin to shift our priority to making life comfortable for ourselves. We go out early in the morning to our various places of work, sitting sometimes in damaged seat in the bus only to get to our destination to sit on uncomfortable chair.
Uncomfortable chair
The cycle continues when we return home to sit on less than comfortable settees only to go to bed on bad mattresses. What a life! People oftentimes build or rent apartments, buy quality upholstery, couches, equip the kitchen, put quality toilet seats, install air conditioners, buy generators to power the house and even change their bed, but still move in with old mattresses.
Life can be good if we take pains to prioritise our needs. You need quality sleep to be alert and healthy to use those things you give priority over mattress.
Your mattress is a huge contributor to getting quality sleep for your health and general well-being. It pays to invest in your rest, and that means choosing the mattress that is right for you. Still not convinced? Here are some key reasons you should consider spending money on good mattress.
Good mattress decreases your stress level
A full and restful night's sleep is your number one defence against stress. A lack of good sleep leaves you more vulnerable to stress and you may find yourself overwhelmed by situations that you could normally handle with ease. Not just having seven to eight hours of sleep is what matters but doing it on a good mattress will better equip you to manage the demands of your day.
It increases productivity
You may have also experienced the impact of a sleepless night on your ability to get things done the next day. That foggy, zombie-like feeling interferes with your daily work activities, and your boss probably doesn't appreciate you nodding off during your office hours.
A good night's sleep helps you concentrate on the task at hand and stay alert and focused throughout your work day. This also relates to sitting on a good chair in the office. This will be discussed fully in future.
It boosts your mood
You probably know firsthand that lack of sleep negatively impacts your mood. You may also notice that you are more irritable, impatient or even hostile after a sleepless night. While your body may feel tired, the emotional centres of your brain are 60% more reactive; suddenly molehills turn into mountains and it is more difficult to control your emotions.
So when you hear your co-workers whispering about how you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, they may have a point! Or maybe you woke up on the right side of the wrong mattress. Either way, you'll be amazed at how just a few extra hours of restful sleep can improve your attitude and outlook.
It maintains long-term health and well-being
The benefits of sleep go beyond the mental and emotional. Getting quality sleep is vital to your physical health as well. Practising healthy sleep habits over time decreases your risk for a number of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and arthritis. Sleep is also essential to maintaining a healthy weight, supporting your immune system and preventing premature aging. Yes, getting your beauty rest is a real thing!
It reduces back pain and body aches
One of the most common, and easily avoidable, causes of back pain and body aches is an unsupportive mattress.
It could be that your mattress is not right for your body type and sleep preferences, or it could be the age of your mattress. In either situation, the solution is finding a quality mattress that supports your spine and joints properly. A good mattress can do wonders for your body pain and sleep comfort.
It saves you money
Investing a few extra naira in your mattress now will save you money in the long run. Cheaper mattresses tend to use lower quality materials that won't stand the test of time. You'll end up replacing your mattress more often when you could have invested a little more upfront for a higher quality, better performing product. You can save yourself a future headache by purchasing the highest quality mattress available that fits your budget and comfort needs.
Lagos – The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday set-up a six-man committee to investigate the cancellation of the contract for the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, said at plenary that the committee would be chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun.*Pictorial representation of the 4th Mainland Bridge….A priority of the Ambode administration
Other members include the Majority Leader, Mr Sanai Agunbiade; the Chairman House Committee on Finance, Mr Yinka Ogundimu; and the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Muyiwa Jimoh.
The rest are Mr Moshood Oshun, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (State) and Mr Bisi Yusuff, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (Local).
The House mandated the committee to invite the State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, the Commissioner for Finance and the state Chairman of Lagos Global to clarify the termination of the contract.
The committee is to submit its report to the House on June 5.
Earlier, Mr Dayo Famakinwa (APC-Amuwo-Odofin) raised the issue of the cancellation of the contract on the floor of the House under urgent matter of public importance.
Famakinwa said the project would have led to massive employment and increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.
According to him, the project will ease movement of goods and services and lead the nation out of recession.
He said: "When the contract was signed by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, majority of the people of Lagos were happy. But we read in the newspapers last week that the contract was cancelled and this raised a lot of concerns.
"We need to know what the issues are. Residents of Lagos were happy with the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and at the centre," he said.
Contributing to the matter, Mr Olanrewaju Ogunyemi, the Chairman, House Committee on Education, also said the project had attracted the interest of many people in the state.
Ogunyemi said the project would improve the image of the governor and the party.
The lawmaker said that Ambode should also explain the outcome of the SMART City Project signed with the City of Dubai to the House.
Several other lawmakers also took turns to speak on the matter, referring to the Public Private Partnership Law of 2015.
They said the law made it mandatory for the state government to inform the House of any arrangement with private companies on any matter.
Agunbiade, the majority leader, said it was wrong for the executive not to obey that section of the law.
He said that the House needed to emphasise strict compliance with the law by the state government.
The state government had recently terminated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of firms to build the 4th Mainland Bridge at the cost of N844 billion.
The project was to be financed by Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, and other private investors who had already signified intention to be part of the construction, while the Visible Assets Limited was to be the coordinating firm.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Adebowale Akinsanya, during a ministerial briefing in Alausa, cited the slow pace at which the concessionaire was working as the reason behind the termination of the contract.
"Due to slow pace of work, the contract was terminated. We are now looking at many investors, though interest is very high," the commissioner had said.
The House adjourned its plenary session until Thursday.
Jos – A Jos High Court on Tuesday dissolved the marriage between Mr Leonard Dilkon, a former member of the House of Representatives, and his wife, Joy.Leonard Dilkon: Pastor Ewenji granted bail
Justice David Mann of High Court III, dissolved the marriage in his judgment on the petition filed by Joy, seeking an end to the union.
"The marriage between these two people has broken down irretrievably. It is hereby dissolved," Mann declared.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Joy, through her Counsel, Mrs. Juliet Esoro, had filed a petition on Aug. 5, 2016 asking the court to dissolve the marriage because she was no more in love with her husband.
She also prayed the court to grant her access to the three children the marriage was blessed with. The children had been with their father since the marital crisis began in 2011.
She claimed that since July 3, 2011, when the crises started, she had lived separately with her husband "without any conjugal relationship between them".
But Dilkon, who did not oppose her plea for divorce, accused Joy of committing adultery with her Pastor, Damjuma Fwenji.
The former lawmaker, through his counsel, Mr Francis Okafor, accused the wife of being unfaithful to him "for à very long time".
In his cross petition to the court, Dilkon claimed Joy once took in for Fwenji, but alleged that the pregnancy was aborted.
Fwenji, however, denied the allegation, and filed a motion seeking N10 million as compensation for the damage to his image and reputation.,
Mann, in his judgement, declared that from all indications, especially from the evidences of the prosecution and defence witnesses, the marriage could not stand since all attempts to reconcile the couple had failed.
"From all indications, the marriage between Mr and Mrs. Dilkon has broken down irretrievable and I hereby declared it dissolved.
"As for the prayer for access to the children, the court hereby grants the mother of the three children equal access as their father, both at home and at school,'' he declared.
On the issue of Dilkon's claim of adultery against the wife and the clergy, the judge declared that that petition had failed as the "petitioner could not substantiate his claim before this honourable court.''
"I hereby declare that Dilkon's claim of adultery has failed and therefore is struck out.
"Fwenji's demand for N10 million as damage can also not stand since he did not follow due process in filing his appeal. It is therefore discarded,'' Mann further declared.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA – Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday inaugurated the Presidential Industrial Policy and Competiveness Advisory Council, mandating it to develop policies that would make the Nigerian economy competitive.AG PRESIDENT OSINBAJO DEMOCRACY DAY CHURCH SERVICE 1. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo during the 2017 Democracy day Church service at the Economical Center in Abuja.
Essentially, the Council was set up to spur greater partnership between the government and the private sector on industrialization.
It will be recalled that the Federal Executive Council had on March 15, 2017 gave the approval for the establishment of the Council.
Speaking at the inauguration which was held in his Conference Room at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Osinbajo said that the input of the private sector was very important if the country must industrialize.
"The public sector, by itself, cannot do business and simply cannot even deliver on any industrialization effort. Government does not make the best businessmen and women”, he said.
Members of the Council from the Private Sector included: Chairman, Nigerian Breweries and PZ Cussons, Kola Jamodu; Chairman, BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabi; Chairman, IVM Innoson Group of Companies Limited Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma; GMD, Chi Foods Nigeria, Mr. Rahul Savara; Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, John Coumantarous; CEO, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Stella Okoli; Country Head, Olam; Mukul Mathur; President/CEO Beloxxi Industries Limited Obi Ezeude; MD/CEO Fidson Healthcare Plc; Fidelis Ayebea; Founder, Flutterwave, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji;
Others were President & CEO, GE Business Operations Nigeria, Lazarus Angbazo; CEO, Jumia, Mrs. Juliet Anamah; CEO, SecureID Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe; Chairman/C.E.O, AMMASCO International Limited, Ado Mustapha; Chairman, KAM Industries, Kamaldeen Yusuf; Chairman, United Textiles Plc, Adamu Atta; Chairman Candel Corporation; CEO Swift Networks, Charles Anudu; Chairman, Rumbu Sacks Nigeria Limited, Ibrahim Salisu Buhari; Chairman, Tofa Group, Isiaku Tofa; MD/CEO Proforce Limited, Ade Ogundeyin; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Frank Udemba Jacobs.
Other Public Sector Members included: Minister for Budget & National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh; Minister for Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Minister for Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi; Minister for Science & Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu; and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Technical members of the Council included: Economic Adviser to the President, Yemi Dipeolu; Trade Adviser/Chief Negotiator, Chiedu Osakwe; MD, Bank of Industry, Waheed Olagunju; Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Olusegun Awolowo; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Yewande Sadiku; Statistician-General, National Bureau of Statistics, Yemi Kale and CEO, Economic Associates, Ayo Teriba.
*seeks better rewards for them By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA- Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung Tuesday said the country had not accorded Nigerian Journalists their rightful place in the nation’s democratic practice, saying that they have been neglected.
He also said that many Nigerians are usually turned off by objective reports of most Journalists as they feel repulsive, hearing the truth.
To this end, the Minister said that Journalists build a lot of enmity in the line of duty.
Dalung spoke to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja while paying tributes to Chukwuma Onuekwusi, the State House correspondents for Channels Television who died last week.
Evolving what he called a Wheel-Barrow theory, the Minister said that Nigerian Journalists have been ignored after fighting for the restoration of democracy.
He advocated for a good reward system for the members of the fourth estate of the realm.
He said: “Yes, it has been my sentiment too and you are not too far from being very accurate. Looking at the role journalists play even in entrenching this democracy, I don't think and believe that they had actually been accommodated within the structure with which they sought to build. I believe that the absence of journalists in the present democratic experiment is also one of the major factors with which we have not appreciated them much.
“Anybody who participated in the struggle for democracy in this country would know the role journalists play. Many lost their lives in the struggle but unfortunately, when democracy finally came, what has actually become of journalism is the wheelbarrow Theory.
“The wheelbarrow is a very important tool that has no garage. It is kept in the sun and under the rain but when there is the need for you to convey any bag of either garri or rice, you rush, you dust it and use it and return it to where you keep it.
“It is unfortunate. We need to begin to appreciate contributions in this country before we will take our bearing properly. Our reward system is fundamentally faulty.
“So what is left of journalism is well, you build a lot of enmity in terms of trying to file reports because for you to be objective and report events, you are going to build also a profile of enmity in a country where people do not appreciate being truthful. At the end of the day, when you phased out as Chukwuma has done, you are only now left with story telling.
“The State chapel here and the Nigerian Union of Journalists will now be left as the final constituency to be responsible for him, his family and his little kids and how long can they go?
“So, I am of the opinion that we must look at our laws and entrench a very solid reward system to guarantee contributions of key actors like journalists.”
In his tribute, Dalung who said he had been away, described late Onuekwusi as a gentleman.
“Well, I have been on medical vacation, I just returned. I am here to pay a condolence to the State House Chapter over the sudden exit of a very great man, gentle man, a friend, somebody who personally I appreciated so much, Chukwuma Onuebgusi.
“The news came to me as a devastating blow because hitherto he never exhibited signs or symptoms of sickness.
“So, I couldn't comprehend actually what could have been the circumstances that led to his demise. I was even imagining it could have been accident. But indeed, it wasn't. It is a great loss not only to the State House Chapel but to Nigeria in general. We have lost a rear gem and I believe that the vacuum his exit created might not be occupied too easily.
“It is my sincere and honest prayers that the Lord God, the custodian of human destiny and source will grant him paradise. May his soul rest in perfect peace”, he said.
The Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has said that there is nothing wrong in pro-Biafra agitators observing the Biafra Day so long as no life is lost, no property destroyed and nobody is molested.
The Governor also said that it was up to the businessmen to either come to market for their businesses of otherwise because democracy provides for freedom of expression and lawful gathering.
He however said that Government offices and agencies must be opened for business of the day even though pro-Biafrans declared May 30th as Biafra Remembrance Day.
Governor Ikpeazu made the statement some days ago while marking his second year in office in the state. According to him, "you know the beauty of democracy; there is freedom of expression and we also have the freedom of gathering and meeting.
"My experience in that area is that we have two major cities in Abia, Umuhia was quiet, Aba is calm also. Government offices and agencies opened but is up to businessmen to either open their shops or close them at will.
"Two reasons, one, some people want to comply and the second reason is that a few people will want to close their shops for fear of hoodlum may hijack the exercise to loot.
"So, in all, as long as no life is lost, as long as nobody is molested, as long as lives and properties are secured is okay. That's my assessment of it".
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday intervened in the inter-bank market to the tune of 482.6 million dollars in the first trading day after the Democracy Day celebrations.
A statement issued by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor in Abuja said that this was part of measures to underline its determination to guard the international value of the naira.
Okorafor said that a breakdown of the intervention indicates that the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) was allocated 285.7 million dollars, while the 100 million dollar was offered in the Wholesale SMIS auction window.
The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) window got an allocation of 52 million dollars, while the invisibles segment, comprising Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), Personal Travel Allowance (PTA), medicals and tuition fees, among others was allocated 45 million dollars.
Okorafor said that the interventions were in line with the Bank's resolve, echoed by the Governor, Godwin Emefiele at last Tuesday's briefing of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.
While expressing pleasure that the intervention of the bank had ensured stability across all segments of the Foreign Exchange market, Okorafor expressed optimism that the bank's objective of exchange rate convergence would be achieved soon.
Okorafor reiterated his call to all stakeholders to play their respective roles in ensuring a smooth running of the Foreign Exchange market for the overall benefit of the economy.
According to him, surveys in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port-Harcourt on Tuesday indicated that the dollar traded to the Naira at an average rate of N375 to one dollar.
Luis Enrique reportedly blames Lionel Messi and Neymar for Barcelona not winning La Liga.
Suarez, Messi and Neymar
Enrique has left the Nou Camp after beating Alaves in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.
His departure was announced in March but despite ending the season on a high, the campaign was a disappointing one after losing the La Liga title to Real Madrid.
Messi and Neymar both scored against Alaves but reports in Spain suggest the duo were behind Enrique's decision to call it a day.
Diario Gol report the superstar duo told senior club figures a new manager should be brought in.
A number of other Barca players are said to have shared their view and Enrique felt it would have been a more successful season, had he had his players' backing.
It is even suggested some players felt Enrique should have lost his job after defeat to Real Sociedad in January 2015.
GARETH Bale is FIT for the Champions League final on Saturday.
Gareth Bale
The Welsh star has not played since El Clasico on April 23 because of a series of calf injuries.
But the 27-year-old is "desperate" to play against Juventus in what will be a homecoming to Cardiff.
Bale's season has been marred by injuries with the former world record winger starting just 23 matches in all competitions this season.
Spanish playmaker Isco has been sensational in Bale's place, with Zinedine Zidane's squad winning six games in a row at the end of the season to win La Liga for the first time since 2012.
But with Bale back in training on Tuesday, Zidane now has a massive decision headache.
The French manager said: "Gareth doesn't need to tell me anything.
"He is ready, he is back with us and he is absolutely desperate to play because it is his home.
"We are happy that Gareth is with us. I'm glad he has recovered and we will prepare for the game together as always."
Zidane even raised the possibility of starting BOTH against the Italian champions.
"The two of them are very good players," he added.
"They played 16 games together this season, everyone speaks about Gareth or Isco but they can play together."
Legendary golfer Tiger Woods, said alcohol wasn't involved in his arrest for drink driving on Monday and that he had an unforeseen reaction to prescribed medications.
Woods was arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Florida on Monday, an arrest that jolted the sporting world.
"I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions," Woods said in a release on Monday night.
"I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn't realise the mix of medications had affected me so strongly," he said.
"I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again. I fully cooperated with law enforcement, and I would like to personally thank the representatives of the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's office for their professionalism."
Tiger Woods: blames medications for his drink driving
Woods, a Jupiter resident, was taken into custody at 3 a.m. Monday, according to WPTV. The golfer was booked into a county jail under his birth name Eldrick Woods, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office's website.
Woods, 41, was charged with DUI and released on his own recognizance about 10:50 a.m.
The golfer has been living on Jupiter Island since 2006 after buying a $40 million estate there, The New York Times reported.
Woods has won 14 major tournaments and ranks second with his 79 career victories on the PGA Tour.
His attempts to jump-start his career again after being derailed by chronic injuries has been unsuccessful. He has not played for four months and is out for the rest of the season while he recovers from his fourth back surgery.
In an update Friday on his website, Woods said last month's surgery to fuse disks in his lower back provided instant relief and he hasn't "felt this good in years."
Woods' first major scandal happened the day after Thanksgiving in 2009 when he was injured in a car crash in front of his Orlando, Florida home. Days later, reports surfaced that Woods cheated on his then-wife Elin Nordegren with dozens of women during their five-year marriage. The couple got divorced in 2010.
ABUJA- A whistle-blower, Mr. Ahmed Echoda has landed himself in trouble after he allegedly gave wrong information that led the Nigerian Police Force to raid the Abuja home of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
Echoda, who is 50 years old, was arraigned before an Upper Area Court sitting at the Gudu District of Abuja on Tuesday, and was subsequently remanded in Keffi Prison.
Chief Magistrate Umar Kagarko ordered that he should remain in prison custody till June 5 when his bail request will be considered.
The defendant is facing a one count charge of criminal conspiracy and giving false information to mislead the police, contrary to section 97(1) and 140 of the Penal Code Law.
His trial was endorsed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris.
Police told the court that Echoda's alleged accomplice, identified as Maiwada Adamu, is currently at large.
Specifically, the charge against the defendant read: "That you Ahmed Echoda, age 50 of No 44 living truth street Masaka Nassarawa State and one Maiwada Adamu now at large, did conspired within yourselves by informing the office of the IGP at Guzepe Area of FCT Abuja that house no 10 Ganges street Maitama FCT Abuja occupied by Oliver Ogbenyi is being maintained and used for criminal activities including keeping of arms and ammunitions, unfortunately after the police carried out diligence execution of the search warrant no incriminating items were found there. You by such action mislead the police and hereby committed the above offences".
Shortly after the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, he sought and secured permission of the court to speak from the sock.
Echoda told the court that the Police had yet to establish to him how he passed the alleged false information to them.
"They (Police) have not proved that I was the one that passed the said information to them. How did I pass it to them?'', he queried.
"They need to tell this court how I blew the whistle for them! I never at any time passed either written or verbal information to the Police", the defendant insisted.
Spirited effort by his lawyer, Mr Peter Ugwuoke to secure his bail after the arraignment proved abortive.
Police prosecutor, Mr. David Taiwo, objected to the bail request, maintaining that the offence the defendant committed was not ordinarily a bailabel one.
He added that the accused person could tamper with police investigations since his alleged accomplice is still on the run. It will be recalled that a Special Squad under the IGP had on May 26, raided the house which belongs to Ekweremadu, following a tip-off from a whistle-blower.
Ekweremadu had in a statement he issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, condemned the raid which he said was not only conducted without a search warrant, but also a calculated plot to undermine him.
The statement revealed that the police search team only met Ekweremadu's steward, Oliver Ogenyi, some staff and their children in the house.
"In spite of the fact that they were informed that the property is the guest house of the Deputy President of the Senate, they nevertheless proceeded to thoroughly search the house without establishing any contact with the Deputy President of the Senate or any of his senior staff. The steward was taken away by the police to the Special Anti-Robbery (SARS) Office, Garki, Abuja, where the IGP Special Squad's office is also located. Ogenyi was later released after making a statement.
"The Deputy President of the Senate is a law-abiding citizen and does not dispute the fact that the security agencies are empowered by law to carry out searches on premises in accordance with the law. However, the law requires that the owner of the property or his representative must be informed and should be present during the search.
"Senator Ekweremadu is worried about the manner in which his guest house was raided. The questions are: Was there a search warrant? What were they looking for? Who searched the police officers before the search? Who supervised the search?
"Instructively, this incident comes just a few weeks after Senator Ekweremadu, on May 3, 2017, read to the Senate in plenary a written, but anonymous tip-off by a patriotic Nigerian on a plot to plant incriminating sums of foreign currencies, arms, and ammunitions in a house linked to him under the pretext of the whistleblower policy. The aim, according to the source, was to rubbish, arrest, prosecute, and ultimately remove Senator Ekweremadu from office", the statement read.
Picture shows a woman alleged to be a food vendor sitting lonely with her benches spread in anticipation of her Igbo customers to come and buy food.
But, alas, it was a bad market day for her as her customers failed to show up following their obedience to the call by the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and other pro-Biafran groups to sit-at-home in commemoration of the Biafra Day.
The question is, “are there such people like this woman who failed to make her sales for the day because her customers sat at home observing Biafra Day?”
Type your comments below lets here you.
Food vendor sits lonely and gloomy as she met no customer after preparing food for sale on Biafra Remembrance DayOnitsha market deserted as Biafrans mark DayFood vendor sits lonely and gloomy as she met no customer after preparing food for sale on Biafra Remembrance DaySome markets in South-EastFood vendor sits lonely and gloomy as she met no customer after preparing food for sale on Biafra Remembrance Day
Mr Robert Azibaola, a cousin to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has asked a Federal High Court, Lagos to declare that the EFCC has no power to remand suspects under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Azibaola, a lawyer and environmental activist, had filed the suit following his arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2016.
He has since been arraigned and granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Azibaola, in the suit filed on his behalf by a Human Rights lawyer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, joined the EFCC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
He is challenging his alleged illegal detention.
On Tuesday, Adegboruwa informed the court that he was ready to move the applicant's originating summons.
However, Justice Mojosola Olatoregun, asked him to return on another date for the hearing.
She, consequently, fixed July 5, for hearing.
Azibaola had been accused of receiving 40 million dollars in September 2014 from a former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) for supplying "tactical communication kits".
The commission said he received another N650 million from Dasuki on Dec. 8, 2014.
The plaintiff, however, is praying the court to hold that sections 293 and 294 of the ACJA 2015, which the EFCC relied on to secure remand orders from magistrate courts, were inapplicable in his case.
He said the sections were for capital offences such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping or treasonable felony, for which a legal advice from the Attorney-General is required before a charge is filed.
Azibaola said that the sections do not apply to financial crimes.
He is also praying the court to hold that EFCC's alleged attempt to force him to implicate Jonathan is contrary to section 7 of the ACJA, which he said has outlawed the practice of arresting a citizen in lieu of another.
The applicant said that he was engaged to meet with stakeholders in the Niger Delta to explore how to prevent oil pipelines vandalism, oil bunkering and crude oil theft, among others.
According to him, the assignment was duly executed upon payment, adding that under Section 8 of the ACJA, he should not be arrested or prosecuted for a civil contract or transaction.
He avers that he is being persecuted on account of his blood ties with Jonathan.
Meanwhile, in its processes, EFCC denied detaining the applicant illegally, describing his claims as unfounded.
The commission said Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011 empowered it to detain suspects based on remand warrants issued by magistrate courts.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has signed into law two bills that would give easy access to credit facility for Nigerians. AG PRESIDENT OSINBAJO DEMOCRACY DAY CHURCH SERVICE 1. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo during the 2017 Democracy day Church service at the Economical Center in Abuja.
The bills which have now become ‘Acts’ were the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act, 2017 (otherwise known as Collateral Registry Act) and the Credit Reporting Act, 2017.
A statement signed the spokesman to the Acting President, Mr. Laolu Akande on Tuesday stated that the laws would ultimately facilitate the achievement of the goals of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) set up by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2016 and make Nigeria an easier place for businesses to start and thrive.
The statement stated thus: “The Collateral Registry Act’ ensures that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria can register their movable assets such as motor vehicles, equipment and accounts receivable in the National Collateral Registry, and use same as collateral for accessing loans. This in turn will increase their chances at accessing financing and tackle one of the major obstacles faced by MSMEs.
“On the other hand, ‘The Credit Reporting Act’ provides for credit information sharing between Credit Bureaus and lenders (such as banks), as well as other institutions that provide services on credit such as telecommunication companies and retailers. (A Credit Bureau is defined as a company that collects information relating to the credit ratings of individuals and makes it available to financial institutions, who need such information to determine an individual’s credit-worthiness and whether or not to grant loan applications to such individuals.)
“Access to credit is critical to economic growth and is considered to be the motor for driving private sector development. However, in Nigeria more than 70% of private enterprises, typically MSMEs, have limited or no access to credit. Credit applications get rejected due to insufficient credit history and information for the lender to use to make a reasonable judgement, as well as unacceptable collateral. The two new Acts remove those obstacles for MSMEs.
“Traditionally, banks only give loans to businesses that can provide fixed land and property as collateral. This shuts out MSMEs which usually own only movable assets like motor vehicles and equipment. The Collateral Registry Bill, 2017, will give confidence to lenders to utilise the Registry and thereby make credit available to MSMEs and individuals through the use of their movable assets as collateral.
“The Credit Reporting Act now enables lenders to make reasonable judgement on whether or not to extend credit to an individual, and reduces the cases of bad loans.
“On February 21st, 2017, the leadership of the National Assembly publicly committed to passing the two bills as part of the 60-Day National Action Plan for Ease of Doing Business initiated by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). That promise was kept by the National Assembly last week with the Bills forwarded to the Acting President for assent.
“With the passage of these Acts, the existing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Guidelines regulating the operations of the National Collateral Registry and Credit Bureaux have now been replaced by formal legal frameworks.”
Awka- THE Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, have expressed delight with the level of the observation of the sit-at-home order for the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra today.
Parts of South East deserted as Biafrans mark Day
In their separate statements, the media and publicity secretary of IPOB, Comrade Emma Powerful and the MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu congratulated Biafrans, saying the huge success showed that Biafra was divinely ordained by God.
The statement by Powerful read: "IPOB and its leadership worldwide congratulate Biafrans and all the IPOB family members worldwide both in Biafraland and Diaspora for their compliance to the sit- at- home order issued by our indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
"Our supreme leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu issued this order of sit at home when he was still in Kuje Prison Abuja and it has come to pass as all the people of Biafra, both home and abroad, complied in totality, which had not been done in the history of Biafra struggle.
"Biafrans have proved to the entire world that they need freedom and the world must know that we are not going back in the quest for independence of Biafra.
"The sit- at- home order was a success as all the markets, schools, banks, companies/industries, transport companies and businesses in Biafraland were in total compliance. May God Almighty bless you all.
"We, however, blame those saboteurs who were paid by the government to sabotage the restoration project because Biafrans and IPOB members worldwide obeyed our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We in IPOB must be strong and we promise everybody that Biafra is here."
In a similar statement, the MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu said the huge success achieved during the sit- at- home exercise was marvelous and glorious because Almighty God divinely approved the programme of commemorating the golden jubilee celebration of declaration of Biafra by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
His statement read: "The honour and pride go to the people of Biafra. The success achieved is not a selfish pride for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu- led IPOB or Comrade Uchenna Madu- led MASSOB or any other group; it is an honour for the people of Biafra; it is an honour for the gallant and brave soldiers of Biafra and civilians that bravely laid down their lives for the establishment of Republic of Biafra.
"It is an honour for Biafra school children, commercial motorcyclists, tricycle, bus and other vehicle operators; it is an honour to the corporate firms/establishments that complied with the exercise.
"The huge success is express evidence that the coming Biafra referendum shall be a walk over against Nigeria state. The success is also a direct confirmation that light and darkness can never walk together. The huge success has further proved the acceptability of Nnamdi Kanu- led IPOB and Uchenna Madu- led MASSOB.
"The huge success should be an eye- opener to the international community that Biafrans are ever willing to stay on their own. MASSOB is not against Nigeria's existence, Biafra nation can as well exist as a sister nation with Nigeria like any other African country.
"As this exercise is the greatest of all civil disobedience applied in the struggle for Biafra actualization and restoration, the success has opened a new dimension to Biafra struggle, a new dimension anchored on nonviolence."
