Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Restoring Nigeria's banking image



A year after a crisis, Nigeria's banking system has improved, says Tony Elumelu, a former African Business leader of the year.


Related stories: Nigerian Banks


Video report on the EFCC crackdown on corruption in Nigeria


CNBC coves investment in Nigeria


BBC reports on Nigeria's free trade zone


'No insolvency' in Nigerian state oil firm




Osaze wants to be Eagles' Point Man

Super Eagles and West Bromwich Albion striker Osaze Odemwingie has vowed to bang in more goals for club and country if he is played as top striker.


"I prefer to play as a point man because I will be closer to the goal and hopefully my manager at my club at West Bromwich Albion would keep me as the point man, which would help me score more goals for my team as well as my country," Osaze said.


"I started out for West Brom as the top striker and I scored on my debut, but for my next game against Liverpool, I was played on the wing because one of our wingers was injured."


He fired blanks in the game at Liverpool and he was also not on the score sheet in Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar after Obafemi Martins and Michael Eneramo were picked to lead the Eagles attack.


Osaze also predicted a tough match for the Eagles away to Guinea in a Nations Cup qualifier next month.


"The match against Guinea will be very tough because I heard that they won their game (4-1 away to Ethiopia) and they are currently topping our group while we are second with same points. Definitely playing the match at home soil will give them an advantage, said Odemwingie.


"I remember the last time we played, we lost 1-0 and it was a very hard game for us."


The former Locomotiv Moscow star said he has put behind him a racist's attack by fans of his former Russian club.


"It is not affecting me that much now. I have put it behind but definitely no one is happy about it. It is very sad but I would advise that such things should be totally eradicated in world football," Osaze enjoined.


"It is not good for the game. We should do everything humanly possible to remove racism from the game."


Leadership


Related story: Osaze to miss Nations Cup opener




Thursday, September 9, 2010

Obi Mikel has improved, says Ancelotti

Chelsea coach, Carlo Ancelotti said that midfielder, John Obi Mikel has improved tremendously. He added that Mikel was a contributory factor to the 13 goals, the Blues have scored so far this season.


Ancelotti said that last season, the former Nigerian youth international and a regular with the Eagles, struggled to impose himself on the team, but he has been exceptionally different so far.


"Last season, Mikel had an average of 18 per cent forward passes and in the three games this season he had 38 per cent. He's trying to put more balls directly to strikers," Ancelotti said.


The Italian said that Chelsea's aim this season was to play good and attractive football. And he was banking on the likes of Mikel to be in good form.


But during the Nations Cup qualifier against Madagascar last Sunday in Abuja, Mikel hopped off the field after he picked a minor injury.


However, he said that he will be fit for Chelsea's weekend game against West Ham.


"My injury was not a serious one. I had cramps in my thigh and I did not want to risk it any further. That was why I was pulled off," Mikel said.


Vanguard


Related stories: Mikel Obi responds to Super Eagles boycott rumour


West Ham vs Chelsea featuring Obi Mikel and his Funky hats




Women entrepreneurs to converge in Abuja

Women entrepreneurs from various sectors of the economy will converge next month in Abuja, courtesy of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Business Women Group (NAWORG).


The National Vice President of NACCIMA/Chairperson, NAWORG, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, who disclosed this, Tuesday, in Lagos, said that the decision by NAWORG to bring these women together was for them to use the Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Exhibition (NIWEX), to showcase their products and services, with a view to bringing to the fore, their business successes and achievements.


According to her, NAWORG is doing this in collaboration with Medallion Marketing Limited.


"The theme of the exhibition, which is "The Role of Women in Economic Development", is appropriate and timely, given the increasing role being played by the women folks in business world over. It is also in line with the on-going reform agenda of the federal government directed at boosting business/trading related activities towards achieving economic growth and development," she stated.


She also urged the political office holders at the federal, state and local government level, and other stakeholders in the economy not to allow politics to crowd or monopolize the economy, especially as Nigerians approach the 2011 election year, adding that it is necessary in order not to derail the positive in road already being made with nascent democracy to make Nigeria a vibrant strong economy as it pursue its vision 20:2020 agenda.


Vanguard


Related stories: Nigerian women win The 2009 African Women Leadership Awards


CNN's Walter Rogers writes women are the future of Nigeria


Chimamanda Adichie at 2009 TED Conference




Friday, September 3, 2010

Video - Olusegun Aganga talks state asset sales



Nigerian Finance Minister Olusegun Aganga talks about preparations for elections next January and the government's plans to boost economic growth through state asset sales and the upcoming presidential elections.


Related stories: CNBC coves investment in Nigeria


Video report on growing middle class in Nigeria


BBC reports on Nigeria's free trade zone


'No insolvency' in Nigerian state oil firm