Friday, January 22, 2016
Video - Nigeria has the highest rate of stillbirths in the world
A recent medical report has published some disturbing findings. Nigeria has the highest rate of stillbirths in the world. And most of those deaths are preventable.
Aliko Dangote and Bill Gates pledge $100m to combating malnutrion in Nigeria
Two of the world’s richest men, Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote, have committed $100 million, about N1.97 billion, to fighting malnutrition in Nigeria.
A deal to that effect was signed by the duo on behalf of Bill & Melinda Gates and Dangote Foundation, respectively, in a new partnership aimed at improving the nutrition of children in the country’s North-East and North-West Regions.
The programme will include community-based approaches and proven interventions linked to behavior change, fortification of staple foods with essential micronutrients; the community management of acute malnutrition and investments in local production of nutritious foods.
A key objective will be improving the livelihoods of households by supporting nutrition-sensitive agricultural programmes that can increase family income, improve diets and empower women and youth.
11 million children malnourished- Dangote
Speaking at the partnership, Dangote said that the programme was starting with the North-East and North-West because they had the highest number of acutely malnourished children in the country.
His words: “These two areas we are talking about, when you look at the numbers of malnourished children in Nigeria, they account for over 50 per cent. We therefore want to tackle those areas before we begin to look at other parts of the country.
“Globally, Nigeria has the second highest number of acute malnutrition cases, standing at 37 per cent. Malnourished children become stunted in their growth. They never reach their full potentials and are never able to contribute fully to the development of society. Stunted girls also grow to become stunted adult women who give birth to low weight babies who are at high risk of malnutrition, thus the vicious cycle of malnutrition continues, if not addressed.”
Vanguard
A deal to that effect was signed by the duo on behalf of Bill & Melinda Gates and Dangote Foundation, respectively, in a new partnership aimed at improving the nutrition of children in the country’s North-East and North-West Regions.
The programme will include community-based approaches and proven interventions linked to behavior change, fortification of staple foods with essential micronutrients; the community management of acute malnutrition and investments in local production of nutritious foods.
A key objective will be improving the livelihoods of households by supporting nutrition-sensitive agricultural programmes that can increase family income, improve diets and empower women and youth.
11 million children malnourished- Dangote
Speaking at the partnership, Dangote said that the programme was starting with the North-East and North-West because they had the highest number of acutely malnourished children in the country.
His words: “These two areas we are talking about, when you look at the numbers of malnourished children in Nigeria, they account for over 50 per cent. We therefore want to tackle those areas before we begin to look at other parts of the country.
“Globally, Nigeria has the second highest number of acute malnutrition cases, standing at 37 per cent. Malnourished children become stunted in their growth. They never reach their full potentials and are never able to contribute fully to the development of society. Stunted girls also grow to become stunted adult women who give birth to low weight babies who are at high risk of malnutrition, thus the vicious cycle of malnutrition continues, if not addressed.”
Vanguard
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Video - The expanding gap between the rich and poor in Nigeria
The 2016 Global Wealth Report which examines wealth distribution, opportunities and privileges within society has shown a stark disparity between the worlds rich and poor. Here’s a look at how Nigeria's inequality gap is impacting the nation, and how President Muhammadu Buhari 's change agenda is striving to address the needs of the poor.
Former Super Eagle Daniel Amokachi soon to be coaching Finnish club JS Hercules
The Finnish second division side, on their official website on Wednesday, announced the hiring of Amokachi and the other reshuffling in their technical crew.
“Oulu-based football club Hercules has signed an agreement with former Nigeria national team player and Coach Daniel Amokachi.
“The head coach for the previous season Pekka Haaranen will continue as assistant coach. Amokachi’s agreement with Hercules is one year,” the club stated.
Amokachi, who had a short stint as interim manager for the national team, was an assistant coach to Stephen Keshi when Nigeria won Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.
The last coaching job for the former Everton and Besiktas of Turkey player was a short spell with Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, which ended abruptly barely few weeks after the celebrated move.
Hercules, who are based in Oulu, Finland, were recently promoted to the Finnish second tier and will hope for more upward swing under their new Nigerian manager, Amokachi.
While Dan the Bull as Amokachi is fondly referred to, enjoyed much success as a player, he is yet to hit it big in coaching.
Premium Times
Oba of Ibadan Odulana Odugade passes away at 101
An influential monarch in south-west Nigeria, the Olubadan, or ruler of Ibadan land, has died at the age of 101, his son has confirmed to the BBC.
Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, who ruled over Nigeria's third largest city Ibadan, died in his sleep on Tuesday evening, Nigeria's Punch newspaper quotes palace sources as saying.
An official announcement of the Yoruba king's death is expected later.
Although largely symbolic, the Olubadan still has strong regional influence.
'Very stern'
Nigeria's many monarchs vary in hierarchy and importance with some ruling over large areas, while others are traditional rulers of a village or town.
The Olubadan is one of the few unelected figures whom the government would consult on major policy issues in the south-west, reports the BBC's Chris Ewokor from the capital, Abuja.
Speaking to the BBC, his son Prince Gbade Lana described the late Olubadan as "a good father, very very stern".
"He preached humility... he taught us that once you are humble you will be able to achieve anything in life."
BBC
Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, who ruled over Nigeria's third largest city Ibadan, died in his sleep on Tuesday evening, Nigeria's Punch newspaper quotes palace sources as saying.
An official announcement of the Yoruba king's death is expected later.
Although largely symbolic, the Olubadan still has strong regional influence.
'Very stern'
Nigeria's many monarchs vary in hierarchy and importance with some ruling over large areas, while others are traditional rulers of a village or town.
The Olubadan is one of the few unelected figures whom the government would consult on major policy issues in the south-west, reports the BBC's Chris Ewokor from the capital, Abuja.
Speaking to the BBC, his son Prince Gbade Lana described the late Olubadan as "a good father, very very stern".
"He preached humility... he taught us that once you are humble you will be able to achieve anything in life."
BBC
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Bill Gates visits Kaduna, Nigeria
Founder of Microsoft and one of the world's richest men Bill Gates is visiting Nigeria to sign a memorandum of understanding on routine immunization with the governors of six Nigerian states.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Nigeria signs deal with UAE to recover stolen funds
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Tuesday in Abu Dhabi signed six agreements to enhance bilateral relations between them.
The signing of the agreements on trade, finance and judicial matters was witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Obaid Attayar, signed the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, while the Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, signed the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Protection with the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs.
The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates, Bin Saeed Albadi, signed the Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth.
At a reception after the signing of the agreements, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and restoring Nigeria’s dignity in the comity of nations.
The president also urged all Islamic countries to support the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and denounce the atrocities of Boko Haram as un-Islamic and against the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.
In his remarks, Prince Zayed Al Nahyan said the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE would be strengthened by President Buhari’s visit and the signing of the agreements.
Premium Times
The signing of the agreements on trade, finance and judicial matters was witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Obaid Attayar, signed the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, while the Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, signed the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Protection with the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs.
The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates, Bin Saeed Albadi, signed the Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth.
At a reception after the signing of the agreements, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and restoring Nigeria’s dignity in the comity of nations.
The president also urged all Islamic countries to support the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and denounce the atrocities of Boko Haram as un-Islamic and against the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.
In his remarks, Prince Zayed Al Nahyan said the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE would be strengthened by President Buhari’s visit and the signing of the agreements.
Premium Times
Video - Nigeria fails to cut down oil production
Nigeria will not be cutting down it's oil production despite the persistent fall in crude oil prices. In fact, experts are advising them against it, unless the global oil regulatory body OPEC calls for a production cut for its member states. But experts also say that member countries have to act fast and salvage the situation.
President Buhari sends corrected 2016 Nigeria budget to National Assembly
President Muhammadu Buhari has formally sent amendments to the 2016 budget to the National Assembly.
A letter from the president notifying lawmakers of the “corrections” was read Tuesday by the senate president, Bukola Saraki, during senate plenary.
A document containing the corrections was attached to the letter.
The president in his letter said the “draft bill remains the same and there are no changes in figures”.
The letter reads: “It will be recalled that on Tuesday, 22 December, 2015, I presented my 2016 budget proposals to the joint sitting of the national assembly. I submitted a draft bill accompanied by a schedule of details.
“At the time of submission, we indicated that because the details had just been produced, we would have had to check to ensure that there were no errors in the detailed breakdown contained in the schedule.
“That has since been completed and I understand that the corrections have been submitted.
“The national assembly would therefore have the details as submitted on the 22nd and a copy containing the corrections submitted last week. It appears that this has led to some confusion.
“In this regard, please find attached the corrected version. This is the version the national assembly should work with as my 2016 budget estimates. The draft bill remains the same and there are no changes in any of the figures.”
Mr. Saraki asked the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, to ensure the copies of the corrected document are circulated today, Tuesday, so that the Senate will start debate on Wednesday.
The 2016 budget generated controversy last week after senators said the documents presented by the president were missing.
The senate on Thursday accused the president’s aide, Ita Enang, of distributing a version of the budget different from what the president submitted.
Premium Times
A letter from the president notifying lawmakers of the “corrections” was read Tuesday by the senate president, Bukola Saraki, during senate plenary.
A document containing the corrections was attached to the letter.
The president in his letter said the “draft bill remains the same and there are no changes in figures”.
The letter reads: “It will be recalled that on Tuesday, 22 December, 2015, I presented my 2016 budget proposals to the joint sitting of the national assembly. I submitted a draft bill accompanied by a schedule of details.
“At the time of submission, we indicated that because the details had just been produced, we would have had to check to ensure that there were no errors in the detailed breakdown contained in the schedule.
“That has since been completed and I understand that the corrections have been submitted.
“The national assembly would therefore have the details as submitted on the 22nd and a copy containing the corrections submitted last week. It appears that this has led to some confusion.
“In this regard, please find attached the corrected version. This is the version the national assembly should work with as my 2016 budget estimates. The draft bill remains the same and there are no changes in any of the figures.”
Mr. Saraki asked the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, to ensure the copies of the corrected document are circulated today, Tuesday, so that the Senate will start debate on Wednesday.
The 2016 budget generated controversy last week after senators said the documents presented by the president were missing.
The senate on Thursday accused the president’s aide, Ita Enang, of distributing a version of the budget different from what the president submitted.
Premium Times
Video - Nigeria Super Eagles beat Niger 4-1
Second half substitute Chisom Chikatara inspired Nigeria to a crushing 4-1 win over Niger in their African Nations Championships opening match at Kigali's Nyamirambo stadium on Monday.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Video - Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote creating jobs in Nigeria
It's a sector being described as Nigeria's new oil; the tomato industry. Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote is hoping to change tomato production in the country, with a giant factory that will boost domestic output, create jobs, and even, indirectly, fight Boko Haram.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Video - Mobile classrooms set-up in Nigeria to help displaced children
Its estimated that over a million children have been displaced during the past six years of conflict in Nigeria.
Now the government is setting up mobile classrooms, taking education to children who had their schools blown up by Boko Haram fighters.
Video - Lassa Fever death recorded in Abuja, Nigeria
Ebola also claimed victims in Nigeria...and the government there won plaudits for quickly containing the outbreak. Now though another virus is spreading - Lassa fever At least 43 people are dead so far. and it's reached the capital, Abuja. CCTV's Kelechi Emekalam with this update.
Pregnant woman flees Nigeria to Canada to save unborn children from female genital mutilation
A Nigerian woman has fled the country to Winnipeg, Canada, to help her daughters escape Female Genital Mutilation.
According to CBC.ca, the woman’s father-in-law had insisted that the woman’s first daughter must undergo FGM when she was just a few months old. That procedure almost led to the death of the baby.
To avoid the same from happening to her other children, the woman who is currently pregnant with triplets sought refuge outside the shores of the country.
CBC quoted a lawyer, Bashir Khan, who assisted the woman in obtaining a refugee status in Canada as saying, the woman was forced into vehicle and driven to a rural area where she couldn’t bear to stay and watch while her first daughter was forcibly mutilated.
FGM, also known as female circumcision, involves removing all or part of the clitoris as well as, often, the labia to make young girls appear “more virginal.”
In the case of the woman’s first daughter, “they cut off too much of her clitoris, and she nearly died from the infection,” said Khan.
When she became pregnant with triplets – all female – the woman was told she could have the procedure done on the babies when they were born or abort them, Khan added.
Instead, she fled Nigeria, and arrived in Canada in November 2015, when she was 29 weeks pregnant.
“It was pretty hard for her to get refugee status,” said Khan.
She was assigned Khan as a lawyer by legal aid, who assembled the documents for her refugee status claim.
But in January, Khan uncovered a letter alleging the woman was involved in FGM and thereby aggravated assault on her first daughter.
“The minister’s consul – that is the minister of citizenship and immigration here in Winnipeg — wrote a scathing four-page letter calling my client a bad mother and saying my client should not be able to make a refugee claim,” said Khan. “Statistics tell us that ministerial interventions in the last few years have skyrocketed in the past few years.”
Khan said there was no evidence that that had taken place.
“That was something that sat uncomfortably with me, my client and the board member who heard the case,” he said.
Khan called the statements disturbing and traumatising for his client.
“This is a horrible cultural practice. The purpose of FGM is to discourage sexual promiscuity and to promote chastity,” said Khan. “Parents subject their daughters to FGM based on the social belief that a young woman who refuses to undergo this will have difficulty in labour or will be unfaithful to her husband.”
He said she was in a state of shock when he explained to her what was happening.
“She was just horrified,” he said. “It was a disturbing and uncomfortable moment. The room got really cold.”
Since then, the woman was granted refugee status.
According to Khan, the woman is currently doing well in Canada and hopes to raise her three daughters there.
PUNCH
According to CBC.ca, the woman’s father-in-law had insisted that the woman’s first daughter must undergo FGM when she was just a few months old. That procedure almost led to the death of the baby.
To avoid the same from happening to her other children, the woman who is currently pregnant with triplets sought refuge outside the shores of the country.
CBC quoted a lawyer, Bashir Khan, who assisted the woman in obtaining a refugee status in Canada as saying, the woman was forced into vehicle and driven to a rural area where she couldn’t bear to stay and watch while her first daughter was forcibly mutilated.
FGM, also known as female circumcision, involves removing all or part of the clitoris as well as, often, the labia to make young girls appear “more virginal.”
In the case of the woman’s first daughter, “they cut off too much of her clitoris, and she nearly died from the infection,” said Khan.
When she became pregnant with triplets – all female – the woman was told she could have the procedure done on the babies when they were born or abort them, Khan added.
Instead, she fled Nigeria, and arrived in Canada in November 2015, when she was 29 weeks pregnant.
“It was pretty hard for her to get refugee status,” said Khan.
She was assigned Khan as a lawyer by legal aid, who assembled the documents for her refugee status claim.
But in January, Khan uncovered a letter alleging the woman was involved in FGM and thereby aggravated assault on her first daughter.
“The minister’s consul – that is the minister of citizenship and immigration here in Winnipeg — wrote a scathing four-page letter calling my client a bad mother and saying my client should not be able to make a refugee claim,” said Khan. “Statistics tell us that ministerial interventions in the last few years have skyrocketed in the past few years.”
Khan said there was no evidence that that had taken place.
“That was something that sat uncomfortably with me, my client and the board member who heard the case,” he said.
Khan called the statements disturbing and traumatising for his client.
“This is a horrible cultural practice. The purpose of FGM is to discourage sexual promiscuity and to promote chastity,” said Khan. “Parents subject their daughters to FGM based on the social belief that a young woman who refuses to undergo this will have difficulty in labour or will be unfaithful to her husband.”
He said she was in a state of shock when he explained to her what was happening.
“She was just horrified,” he said. “It was a disturbing and uncomfortable moment. The room got really cold.”
Since then, the woman was granted refugee status.
According to Khan, the woman is currently doing well in Canada and hopes to raise her three daughters there.
PUNCH
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Video - Nigeria oil refineries become operational
Nigeria's federal government spends nearly 10 million dollars per day in subsidizing imported fuel for domestic consumption- It is a huge cost President Muhammadu Buhari's government is now seeking to cut down by revitalizing domestic refineries. The government has been rehabilitating some of them recently to curb fuel shortage.
Britain deploys troops to Nigeria to help fight Boko Haram
More than 35 British troops are preparing for deployment to Nigeria where they will take part in training exercises to help the Nigerian army tackle Islamist group Boko Haram, which operates in the country’s northern territories.
The deployment comes a month after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced a bolstered British effort to combat the extremist group. Boko Haram, usually translated as “Western education is forbidden,” is responsible for a number of terrorist attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon.
On Wednesday the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Cameroon which killed 10.
In March 2015 the group pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) and began using its black and white flag as its symbol. It is also thought to have had links with Al-Qaeda.
In a statement on the deployment, Fallon said Britain is “united” with Nigeria in the common goal of defeating terrorism.
“We stand united with Nigeria in its efforts to defeat the murderous Boko Haram extremists.
“Stepping up our training efforts will help support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for crucial counter-insurgency operations,” he added.
During 2015, around 130 UK military personnel were sent to Nigeria. The latest pledge could see that number double to as many as 300.
Last year the troops were involved in a range of operations, including training in “infantry skills, civil-military affairs, media operations, command and leadership, IED-awareness, and support to Nigerian military training schools and establishments,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
In December, the MoD also said 1,000 Nigerian troops had received training for counter-insurgency operations in the north east of the country.
“The training uplift announced by Mr Fallon supports work already carried out by the UK’s resident British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT). BMATT has also grown in size since the government announced last year that the UK would increase its training and capacity building in Nigeria,” it said in a statement.
It is estimated that the conflict caused by Boko Haram in Nigeria has displaced 2.3 million people, of whom 250,000 are estimated to have left the country. In 2014, the extremist group killed more than 6,600 people.
According to local press reports, the Nigerian army killed three high-profile Boko Haram members in the north eastern Nigerian state of Borno during December as part of its counter-offensive.
RT
The deployment comes a month after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced a bolstered British effort to combat the extremist group. Boko Haram, usually translated as “Western education is forbidden,” is responsible for a number of terrorist attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon.
On Wednesday the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Cameroon which killed 10.
In March 2015 the group pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) and began using its black and white flag as its symbol. It is also thought to have had links with Al-Qaeda.
In a statement on the deployment, Fallon said Britain is “united” with Nigeria in the common goal of defeating terrorism.
“We stand united with Nigeria in its efforts to defeat the murderous Boko Haram extremists.
“Stepping up our training efforts will help support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for crucial counter-insurgency operations,” he added.
During 2015, around 130 UK military personnel were sent to Nigeria. The latest pledge could see that number double to as many as 300.
Last year the troops were involved in a range of operations, including training in “infantry skills, civil-military affairs, media operations, command and leadership, IED-awareness, and support to Nigerian military training schools and establishments,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
In December, the MoD also said 1,000 Nigerian troops had received training for counter-insurgency operations in the north east of the country.
“The training uplift announced by Mr Fallon supports work already carried out by the UK’s resident British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT). BMATT has also grown in size since the government announced last year that the UK would increase its training and capacity building in Nigeria,” it said in a statement.
It is estimated that the conflict caused by Boko Haram in Nigeria has displaced 2.3 million people, of whom 250,000 are estimated to have left the country. In 2014, the extremist group killed more than 6,600 people.
According to local press reports, the Nigerian army killed three high-profile Boko Haram members in the north eastern Nigerian state of Borno during December as part of its counter-offensive.
RT
Nigeria parliament loses documents for 2016 budget
Hundreds of copies of Nigeria's 2016 budget have gone missing at the country's parliament, an MP who requested anonymity has told the BBC.
The senate was unable to start considering the proposed budget because of the missing documentation, he said.
The delay could worsen the country's economic crisis as it deals with the impact of plunging oil prices.
President Muhammadu Buhari delivered the hard copies of his first budget to both houses at the end of last month.
It detailed his plans to raise spending by 20% by borrowing heavily amid falling global oil prices.
The president, who came to power last May, also pledged to improve tax collection and invest in other industries including mining and agriculture to create more jobs.
Senate President Bukola Saraki held a closed door meeting with Mr Buhari late on Tuesday, but it is not clear if the issue of the missing documents was discussed.
The BBC understands that the copies of the budget for the lower house are not missing and will be distributed on Wednesday.
BBC Nigeria analyst Naziru Mikailu says this is an embarrassing development for the country's parliament and the government in general.
The MPs are already facing criticism for refusing to cut their salaries and allowances at the time the Africa's largest economy is facing its worst economic crisis in recent years.
Some opposition senators have reacted angrily to the news of the missing documents, accusing the government of being behind their disappearance, Nigeria's Premium Times newspaper reports.
But Mr Buhari's spokesman Garba Shehu denied the allegation, saying: "Once the budget is submitted, it ceases to be our property."
Both houses are expected to take about two months to consider the $31bn (£20.8bn) budget.
BBC
The senate was unable to start considering the proposed budget because of the missing documentation, he said.
The delay could worsen the country's economic crisis as it deals with the impact of plunging oil prices.
President Muhammadu Buhari delivered the hard copies of his first budget to both houses at the end of last month.
It detailed his plans to raise spending by 20% by borrowing heavily amid falling global oil prices.
The president, who came to power last May, also pledged to improve tax collection and invest in other industries including mining and agriculture to create more jobs.
Senate President Bukola Saraki held a closed door meeting with Mr Buhari late on Tuesday, but it is not clear if the issue of the missing documents was discussed.
The BBC understands that the copies of the budget for the lower house are not missing and will be distributed on Wednesday.
BBC Nigeria analyst Naziru Mikailu says this is an embarrassing development for the country's parliament and the government in general.
The MPs are already facing criticism for refusing to cut their salaries and allowances at the time the Africa's largest economy is facing its worst economic crisis in recent years.
Some opposition senators have reacted angrily to the news of the missing documents, accusing the government of being behind their disappearance, Nigeria's Premium Times newspaper reports.
But Mr Buhari's spokesman Garba Shehu denied the allegation, saying: "Once the budget is submitted, it ceases to be our property."
Both houses are expected to take about two months to consider the $31bn (£20.8bn) budget.
BBC
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Nigeria Broadcasting Commission boss arrested for fraud
In a bid to put an end to the lingering corruption practices in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday arrested the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Emeka Mba, over an alleged N15 billion fraud.
Media reports indicate that Mba was arrested in Abuja with some key accounts staffs of the commission. He was taken to the EFCC’s headquarters where he is currently being interrogated.
EFCC has been investigating the NBC in the past few months.
Some detectives recently stormed the headwaters of the NBC ransacking computers and files in the Finance and Accounts department.
Some key staff were taken away after the operation. Reports indicate that they made confessional statements to the graft body implicating Mba and some other key officials of the commission.
EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren claimed he has not been briefed on the matter as he was on an official assignment in Lagos.
However, a top official of the anti-graft agency confirmed that Mba is with the agency
“We are investigating massive diversion of public funds and we are making progress. Mba definitely has questions to answer”
The National Broadcasting Commission is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, empowered to regulate the broadcasting industry.
Africa News
Media reports indicate that Mba was arrested in Abuja with some key accounts staffs of the commission. He was taken to the EFCC’s headquarters where he is currently being interrogated.
EFCC has been investigating the NBC in the past few months.
Some detectives recently stormed the headwaters of the NBC ransacking computers and files in the Finance and Accounts department.
Some key staff were taken away after the operation. Reports indicate that they made confessional statements to the graft body implicating Mba and some other key officials of the commission.
EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren claimed he has not been briefed on the matter as he was on an official assignment in Lagos.
However, a top official of the anti-graft agency confirmed that Mba is with the agency
“We are investigating massive diversion of public funds and we are making progress. Mba definitely has questions to answer”
The National Broadcasting Commission is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, empowered to regulate the broadcasting industry.
Africa News
Nigeria U-17 World Cup winners being scouted by Arsenal and Manchester City
Arsenal and Manchester City are battling it out to sign two members of the Nigerian squad who won the Under-17 World Cup.
Kelechi Nwakali, 17 and Samuel Chukwueze, 16, who play for Diamond Football Academy in Umuahia, southeastern Nigeria have been scouted by several of Europe’s leading clubs after both scored three goals at the World Cup in Chile in November. The playmaker Nwakali was named as the tournament’s most valuable player, while Everton have been linked with the winger Chukwueze.
Reports have stated Arsenal are the favourites to sign both players for a combined £3m but according to Diamond Football Academy’s general manager, Prince Apugo, they have yet to reach a decision over their futures.
“Samuel is like my son, I am his legal guardian and I have been taking good care of him for many years now. Likewise Kelechi, so naturally I would want the best for them,” Apugo told News24.
“Both players have great potentials and we cannot afford to let money becloud our judgment in choosing a club for them. Our priority is their development and we are determined to ensure this is put into consideration before we accept any offers for them. Already we are deep in discussions and have gone very far with a big club with a rich history of encouraging young players and giving them chances.
“At the fullness of time, when the deal is sealed the whole world will know and agree with us that we made the best choice for the players.”
Bayern Munich and Belgian club Standard Liège are understood to also be interested in signing the duo, who are represented by Gareth Bale’s agents, the Stellar Group.
Guardian
Kelechi Nwakali, 17 and Samuel Chukwueze, 16, who play for Diamond Football Academy in Umuahia, southeastern Nigeria have been scouted by several of Europe’s leading clubs after both scored three goals at the World Cup in Chile in November. The playmaker Nwakali was named as the tournament’s most valuable player, while Everton have been linked with the winger Chukwueze.
Reports have stated Arsenal are the favourites to sign both players for a combined £3m but according to Diamond Football Academy’s general manager, Prince Apugo, they have yet to reach a decision over their futures.
“Samuel is like my son, I am his legal guardian and I have been taking good care of him for many years now. Likewise Kelechi, so naturally I would want the best for them,” Apugo told News24.
“Both players have great potentials and we cannot afford to let money becloud our judgment in choosing a club for them. Our priority is their development and we are determined to ensure this is put into consideration before we accept any offers for them. Already we are deep in discussions and have gone very far with a big club with a rich history of encouraging young players and giving them chances.
“At the fullness of time, when the deal is sealed the whole world will know and agree with us that we made the best choice for the players.”
Bayern Munich and Belgian club Standard Liège are understood to also be interested in signing the duo, who are represented by Gareth Bale’s agents, the Stellar Group.
Guardian
Monday, January 11, 2016
Switzerland to return $300m of stolen funds to Nigeria
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, on Monday, assured Nigerians that negotiations are ongoing with a number of countries on modalities for the repatriation of some of the funds that were stolen and stashed abroad.
The minister stated that the Federal Government is in touch with Switzerland, which he said had repatriated $700m, noting that another $300m that was recovered would soon be repatriated to Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja, Onyeama stated that the FG was in discussion with the United Kingdom, the United States, among other foreign governments on how all looted funds could be recovered.
He said, “We are in touch with Switzerland; they have recently recovered quite a significant amount of money and I met last week with Swiss representatives to work out the modality for the repatriation of this fund.
“The Swiss government has already repatriated over $700m from Abacha loot and that agreement has been reached on how the money would be applied.
“They have also now recovered in the same context another $300m of which there is ongoing discussion to have that repatriated as well. There are discussions with other countries; United Kingdom for instance, as you all know where there are ongoing discussions there.”
The minister explained that the goodwill generated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s visits to the US and other countries had helped enormously in getting various countries to cooperate with Nigeria on the fund repatriation issue.
PUNCH
The minister stated that the Federal Government is in touch with Switzerland, which he said had repatriated $700m, noting that another $300m that was recovered would soon be repatriated to Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja, Onyeama stated that the FG was in discussion with the United Kingdom, the United States, among other foreign governments on how all looted funds could be recovered.
He said, “We are in touch with Switzerland; they have recently recovered quite a significant amount of money and I met last week with Swiss representatives to work out the modality for the repatriation of this fund.
“The Swiss government has already repatriated over $700m from Abacha loot and that agreement has been reached on how the money would be applied.
“They have also now recovered in the same context another $300m of which there is ongoing discussion to have that repatriated as well. There are discussions with other countries; United Kingdom for instance, as you all know where there are ongoing discussions there.”
The minister explained that the goodwill generated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s visits to the US and other countries had helped enormously in getting various countries to cooperate with Nigeria on the fund repatriation issue.
PUNCH
Associate of President Buhari returns N100million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
A former military governor of Kaduna State and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Jafaru Isa, has refunded N100million of the N170 million he allegedly received from embattled ex-NSA, Sambo Dasuki.
Mr. Isa, a retired brigadier-general, was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, at his Asokoro residence in Abuja.
Mr. Isa, a political associate of President Muhammadu Buhari, was grilled for several hours in connection with about N170 million he received from Mr. Dasuki.
A reliable source familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES the APC chieftain and member of the 19-man Buhari Transition Committee was released after refunding N100million to the anti-graft commission.
The source said Mr. Isa pledged to return the remaining N70million soon.
“We let him go after returning the sum of N100million. We are expecting him to return the rest soon,” the source said.
According to him, some of the suspected recipients of the slush funds who claimed they had no idea the money sent to them was taken from the public till were handed opportunities to return what they got from the former NSA but refused.
“We offered them the chance of returning the money honorably but they keep deploying tactics to avoid prosecution, while also going away with the loot,” he said.
A close associate of Mr. Isa told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Dasuki lodged over N100 million into Mr. Isa’s account in instalments to buy a house, located on Mohammed Mohammed Avenue, Kano, for the former NSA.
PREMIUM TIMES gathered that deposits were in turn made by Mr. Isa to the owner of the house, Ali Tukur, in two instalments.
However, the house purchase deal collapsed as a former Minister of Finance, Yarima Ngama, reportedly offered to pay the sum of N150 million cash when Mr. Dasuki reneged on the payment agreement.
Those familiar with their relationship say Messrs. Isa and Dasuki have been close friends since their cadet days at the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) and had spent four years together while on military training in the United States.
The Peoples Democratic Party had on Sunday protested the release of Mr. Isa barely eight hours after his arrest while its own spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, remained detained.
The PDP, in a statement signed by its National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon, said there could be no clearer indication that the APC-led administration was on a manhunt against PDP leaders, and that it had a personal grudge against Mr. Metuh, ostensibly for his stance as opposition spokesperson, particularly his recent exchange with the government and the APC over their dictatorial activities.
““The release of Jafaru Isa, a known associate of the President and chieftain of the APC eight hours after his arrest while our spokesman remains in detention even when the two are being investigated over the same allegation clearly shows that the President Buhari-led APC government is not fighting corruption but using the much hyped crusade as a cover to persecute PDP leaders and decimate the opposition, a project the EFCC has clearly yielded itself as a willing tool,” the statement said.
Premium Times
Mr. Isa, a retired brigadier-general, was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, at his Asokoro residence in Abuja.
Mr. Isa, a political associate of President Muhammadu Buhari, was grilled for several hours in connection with about N170 million he received from Mr. Dasuki.
A reliable source familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES the APC chieftain and member of the 19-man Buhari Transition Committee was released after refunding N100million to the anti-graft commission.
The source said Mr. Isa pledged to return the remaining N70million soon.
“We let him go after returning the sum of N100million. We are expecting him to return the rest soon,” the source said.
According to him, some of the suspected recipients of the slush funds who claimed they had no idea the money sent to them was taken from the public till were handed opportunities to return what they got from the former NSA but refused.
“We offered them the chance of returning the money honorably but they keep deploying tactics to avoid prosecution, while also going away with the loot,” he said.
A close associate of Mr. Isa told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Dasuki lodged over N100 million into Mr. Isa’s account in instalments to buy a house, located on Mohammed Mohammed Avenue, Kano, for the former NSA.
PREMIUM TIMES gathered that deposits were in turn made by Mr. Isa to the owner of the house, Ali Tukur, in two instalments.
However, the house purchase deal collapsed as a former Minister of Finance, Yarima Ngama, reportedly offered to pay the sum of N150 million cash when Mr. Dasuki reneged on the payment agreement.
Those familiar with their relationship say Messrs. Isa and Dasuki have been close friends since their cadet days at the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) and had spent four years together while on military training in the United States.
The Peoples Democratic Party had on Sunday protested the release of Mr. Isa barely eight hours after his arrest while its own spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, remained detained.
The PDP, in a statement signed by its National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon, said there could be no clearer indication that the APC-led administration was on a manhunt against PDP leaders, and that it had a personal grudge against Mr. Metuh, ostensibly for his stance as opposition spokesperson, particularly his recent exchange with the government and the APC over their dictatorial activities.
““The release of Jafaru Isa, a known associate of the President and chieftain of the APC eight hours after his arrest while our spokesman remains in detention even when the two are being investigated over the same allegation clearly shows that the President Buhari-led APC government is not fighting corruption but using the much hyped crusade as a cover to persecute PDP leaders and decimate the opposition, a project the EFCC has clearly yielded itself as a willing tool,” the statement said.
Premium Times
Friday, January 8, 2016
Video - Bail for Nigeria defense minister and son set at $3 million
The High Court in Abuja, Nigeria has granted a staggering Three Million US Dollars bail, to the country's former defence Minister and his son facing money laundering charges. Bello Haliru Mohammed and Abba Bello's bail is equivalent to the money they are alleged to have stolen. As CCTV'S Kelechi Emekalam reports, the bail terms may be well beyond the accused means.
Panasonic builds assembling plant in Nigeria
Japan based electronics giant, Panasonic has established an assembly plant in Lagos to complement its manufacturing plant in India. In a statement, Shinichi Wakita, Managing Director of Panasonic, Middle East and Africa, said the company is extending the manufacturing of its air-conditioners and TV sets to the shores of Nigeria.
He disclosed that the company is making this commitment in partnership with SIMS Nigeria Limited, an electronics and home appliances marketing/distribution company in Lagos. “As a contribution towards the society which is based on our basic business philosophy, we are establishing our local manufacturing unit for air-conditioners and TVs in Lagos. We believe this will make a small contribution towards job creation and the economy of Nigeria.
“Africa is one of the fastest growing economies with a rising consumer class; setting up this manufacturing base in Nigeria is our strategy to deal with the business challenges in this market. We will be working closely with the Nigerian population with an aim to provide products which are ‘locally-fit’ and in accordance with their demands,” he said.
Andrew Uwazuruike, an electronic dealer, commended the company for its decision to establish their assembly plant in the country.
“This is a welcome development. A lot of people have been making demands for Panasonic products but we don’t really have it in the market. But now that the company has partnered with SIMS for distribution, we are very happy that we can purchase their products and sell them without stress,” he said.
An Oyo-based dealer, Dayo Fagade, described the return of Panasonic as a huge relief that will enable him provide his customers quality products offered by the company. He revealed that he has always recommended the Japanese products to its customers due to their durability, innovation and quality.
“Panasonic is a big brand that needs no further introduction. We just want to appeal to Panasonic and SIM to make the products available all across the country, especially at the beginning of the year where people buy more electronic items,” he said.
Also, a consumer in Ikeja, Suliat Farouk said she has always loved Panasonic products because of their easy-to-know features. She urged the company to further consolidate their presence in the country and also make the product available in the North where, according to her, ‘there is a big market for electronic products’.
Vanguard
He disclosed that the company is making this commitment in partnership with SIMS Nigeria Limited, an electronics and home appliances marketing/distribution company in Lagos. “As a contribution towards the society which is based on our basic business philosophy, we are establishing our local manufacturing unit for air-conditioners and TVs in Lagos. We believe this will make a small contribution towards job creation and the economy of Nigeria.
“Africa is one of the fastest growing economies with a rising consumer class; setting up this manufacturing base in Nigeria is our strategy to deal with the business challenges in this market. We will be working closely with the Nigerian population with an aim to provide products which are ‘locally-fit’ and in accordance with their demands,” he said.
Andrew Uwazuruike, an electronic dealer, commended the company for its decision to establish their assembly plant in the country.
“This is a welcome development. A lot of people have been making demands for Panasonic products but we don’t really have it in the market. But now that the company has partnered with SIMS for distribution, we are very happy that we can purchase their products and sell them without stress,” he said.
An Oyo-based dealer, Dayo Fagade, described the return of Panasonic as a huge relief that will enable him provide his customers quality products offered by the company. He revealed that he has always recommended the Japanese products to its customers due to their durability, innovation and quality.
“Panasonic is a big brand that needs no further introduction. We just want to appeal to Panasonic and SIM to make the products available all across the country, especially at the beginning of the year where people buy more electronic items,” he said.
Also, a consumer in Ikeja, Suliat Farouk said she has always loved Panasonic products because of their easy-to-know features. She urged the company to further consolidate their presence in the country and also make the product available in the North where, according to her, ‘there is a big market for electronic products’.
Vanguard
MTN Nigeria acquires Visafone
MTN Nigeria on Thursday said that it had completed the acquisition of Visafone, the only surviving Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
MTN Executive, Amina Oyagbola, made this known in a statement in Lagos.
Ms. Oyagbola said the acquisition of Visafone was in line with a continued commitment by MTN to improve the quality of broadband services for its subscribers.
She said the acquisition, which sought to leverage resources for service enhancement, was also reflective of the company’s concerted efforts to deepen the growth and roll out of broadband services across the country.
According to her, the acquisition of the CDMA network was in support of the National Broadband Plan, for the benefit of Nigerians.
"We are committed to exploring avenues for meeting our customers’ increasing data needs in line with our vision ‘to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers."
"As we work to maximise our data capabilities towards achieving broadband of international quality, our objective is to ensure that Nigerians experience a boost in the quality of broadband internet services."
"This will translate to the much needed enhanced data speeds and value to enhance personal and business productivity."
"The acquisition of Visafone highlights MTN’s commitment to Nigeria. More capacity will facilitate enhanced product/service offerings and experience in the data space to the delight of our valued customers."
"Voice is still King. However, data is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives and our energies are focused on enhancing data and internet services to the benefit of our customers and the country at large," she said.
Visafone is one of the leading CDMA/ICT companies in Nigeria, offering a number of services, which include voice, high speed data (3G), internet and other Value Added Services (VAS).
Visafone also provides business solutions to small and medium sized companies and corporate organisations in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that over 2,000 employees of Visafone were disengaged with effect from January 5 and were paid three months salaries as severance package.
The only employees said to been left are those in the personnel and transmission departments.
Premium Times
MTN Executive, Amina Oyagbola, made this known in a statement in Lagos.
Ms. Oyagbola said the acquisition of Visafone was in line with a continued commitment by MTN to improve the quality of broadband services for its subscribers.
She said the acquisition, which sought to leverage resources for service enhancement, was also reflective of the company’s concerted efforts to deepen the growth and roll out of broadband services across the country.
According to her, the acquisition of the CDMA network was in support of the National Broadband Plan, for the benefit of Nigerians.
"We are committed to exploring avenues for meeting our customers’ increasing data needs in line with our vision ‘to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers."
"As we work to maximise our data capabilities towards achieving broadband of international quality, our objective is to ensure that Nigerians experience a boost in the quality of broadband internet services."
"This will translate to the much needed enhanced data speeds and value to enhance personal and business productivity."
"The acquisition of Visafone highlights MTN’s commitment to Nigeria. More capacity will facilitate enhanced product/service offerings and experience in the data space to the delight of our valued customers."
"Voice is still King. However, data is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives and our energies are focused on enhancing data and internet services to the benefit of our customers and the country at large," she said.
Visafone is one of the leading CDMA/ICT companies in Nigeria, offering a number of services, which include voice, high speed data (3G), internet and other Value Added Services (VAS).
Visafone also provides business solutions to small and medium sized companies and corporate organisations in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that over 2,000 employees of Visafone were disengaged with effect from January 5 and were paid three months salaries as severance package.
The only employees said to been left are those in the personnel and transmission departments.
Premium Times
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Film institute in Jos gets N600 million grant
The managing director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Danjuma Dadu, on Tuesday said the National Film Institute, Jos, has received a grant of N600 million from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to equip the institution for better productivity.
The institute’s chief executive officer disclosed this while briefing journalists during the opening ceremony of the Entrepreneurship Film Training Programme for Kogi youth.
The youth were sponsored by a federal lawmaker representing Kogi West, Umar Jibril.
Mr. Dadu said N300 million was first accessed to purchase critical equipment, while an additional N300 million was accessed for the building of classrooms and offices at the institute’s permanent site in Lamingo, Jos.
He said the grant was accessed through the University of Jos, and a part of it had already been used to purchase about 100 of the latest iMac computers with animation software as well as the construction of a sound complex for the institute.
“We are a monotechnic so we cannot access the TETFund. The only way was to go through University of Jos because UniJos supervises our degree programme and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Haywad Mafuyai gave us his platform so that TETFund can assist the NFI.
“In the first stage, TETFund provided N300 million through the university and there is an additional N300 million now for the building complex at the permanent site.
“The contract has already been awarded; they are only waiting for TETFund to pay them the first tranche,” Mr. Dadu said while conducting journalists round the facilities.
Premium Times
The institute’s chief executive officer disclosed this while briefing journalists during the opening ceremony of the Entrepreneurship Film Training Programme for Kogi youth.
The youth were sponsored by a federal lawmaker representing Kogi West, Umar Jibril.
Mr. Dadu said N300 million was first accessed to purchase critical equipment, while an additional N300 million was accessed for the building of classrooms and offices at the institute’s permanent site in Lamingo, Jos.
He said the grant was accessed through the University of Jos, and a part of it had already been used to purchase about 100 of the latest iMac computers with animation software as well as the construction of a sound complex for the institute.
“We are a monotechnic so we cannot access the TETFund. The only way was to go through University of Jos because UniJos supervises our degree programme and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Haywad Mafuyai gave us his platform so that TETFund can assist the NFI.
“In the first stage, TETFund provided N300 million through the university and there is an additional N300 million now for the building complex at the permanent site.
“The contract has already been awarded; they are only waiting for TETFund to pay them the first tranche,” Mr. Dadu said while conducting journalists round the facilities.
Premium Times
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Video - President Buhari wants to recruit half a million teachers
For several years, there has been a major learning crises in Nigerian public schools, rising from a huge deficit in the number and quality of teachers. Nigeria needs about 1.3million teachers to meet the needs of basic education alone. President, Muhammadu Buhari proposes to recruit 500,000, the biggest ever. Development expert Ezenwa Nwagwu believes it's a right step, but so much more needs to be done to elevate the living standard of teachers.
IMF Chief, Christine Lagard has fears for Nigeria's economy
After her meeting with President Buhari at the presidential villa, she addressed a brief press conference during which she outlined her organisation’s concern for the Nigerian economy, and the help she is offering.
PREMIUM TIMES’ Sani Tukur was at the session, and below is a full transcript of the briefing.
"The last time I was in Nigeria was years ago. Since then, many things have changed. That was the topic of our discussion with President Buhari and his team. Massive democratic change has occurred in the country, peacefully. Nigeria has become the largest economy in Africa, certainly the most populated and attractive market."
"But, change has come in a more complicated way, in the sense that the source of revenue for Nigeria, which was predominantly oil, has seen its prices divided by more than half, and the financing cost are beginning to rise, if only the economic situation of the United States has improved and interest rates are beginning to rise."
"Also, emerging markets are decelerating their growths and they are no longer going to contribute to the massive growth that they have been doing over time."
"It’s in that context of a great Nigeria, which a leader in Africa is, that we had this excellent discussion with President Buhari."
"We discussed the challenges ahead, starting from the oil price reduction, the necessity to apply fiscal discipline, and the need to also respond to the population needs by addressing the medium term necessity of improving the competitiveness of Nigeria."
"Also, focusing on the short-term fiscal situation, which requires that revenue sources be identified, in order to compensate the short-fall, resulting from the oil price decline."
"Oil revenue itself is not the major contributor to Nigeria’s gross domestic product, GDP. It is only about 14 per cent, but it’s a big source of revenue for the government."
"We had a good chat with the President and Vice President, along key ministers, including the Ministers of Finance and Budget on how more efficiency, transparency and better accountability could be achieved; enlarging of the revenue base could actually contribute to sound budget going forward."
"I cannot comment on the budget here and now, because we have a procedure in the IMF under which a team of economists would come next week to do what we call the Article 4, which is the review of the budget."
"The group will hold discussion between the IMF on the one hand and the country’s authorities on the other hand. They would look at whether the debt is sustainable, whether the borrowing costs are sensible, and what strategy must be put in place in order to arrest charges going forward."
"What I actually mentioned to President Buhari was that his fight and his determination to fight corruption and bring back transparency and accountability at all levels of the economy were very important agenda items, and a very ambitious goal that need to be deliberated upon. He himself is definitely committed to that as he indicated."
"We would be discussing with the Central Bank about issues of fiscal discipline, financing, monetary policy and the degree of flexibility."
"Nigeria with a vibrant and large economy still has to deal with a lot of poor people with a lot of inequality. Those two components should always be the drivers of reforms. Whether it is looking at subsidy, and how they are structured and how they can be phased out; whether it is monetary policy and the flexibility needed, and how all that impact on the poor. All of those are additions, which we completely recognize and support."
"To those of you who wonder why the Managing Director is visiting Nigeria, it is precisely to have a good discussion with the Nigerian government about these new objectives, these reform agendas that have been identified and also to appreciate the impact that it will have on neighbouring countries, because when you have a very large economy like Nigeria, anything that it decides, any hardship that it faces, would actually have consequences around it. That is certainly what our research and analytical work is demonstrating."
"Nigeria is one of those that actually have impact not just on itself and its people, but also around it and its neighbours."
Q: How much longer do you think Nigeria’s weak current account position can sustain the economy, which is due largely to the dwindling price of crude oil; and were there talk about loans; when people hear of IMF, their heart skip a bit because IMF is coming again with loans and conditionalities. Were there also discussions about the devaluation of the Naira and the deregulation of petroleum pump price?
Lagarde: First of all, let me be very clear. I am not here, nor is my team here to negotiate a loan with conditionalities. Frankly, at this point in time, given the determination and the resilience displayed by the President and his team, I don’t see why an IMF programme would be needed here.
Of course, discipline is going to be needed; implementation is going to be key, but the objectives and the ambition will serve the country well in order for it to be actually sustainable.
On the current account front, we believe that with the very clear ambition to support the poor people of Nigeria, there could be added flexibility of the monetary policy, particularly, if as we think, the price of oil is likely to be low for longer, because clearly, the authorities should not deplete the reserves of the country.
Q: In developing nations, when IMF sneezes, we catch cold, because we believe that the IMF does not represent the interest of the poor. When you come and talk, you sound very well, but when we key into the policies, our nation and our people don’t get the best out of it. What assurances are you going to give us that if we buy into IMF policies, advice and policy thrust, we are not going into a situation where the poor will get poorer, and the very rich boys will smile to the bank?
Lagarde: If I may say, I think you have a slightly outdated view of the IMF. Certainly, in the last four and half years that I have been Managing Director of this institution, this is not the recipe that we have recommended and certainly this is not the feedback that I have received from the countries with which we partner.
I just want to point out one thing, we are essentially in three lines of activity.
The first one, which is the most traditional one, is under which we give policy advice to our members. We have currently 188 countries that are members of this institution.
It is our duty and our accountability to them to review their economy every year, to give them status report independently without pressure. We don’t do what is necessarily going to please them. We say things as we see them.
The second activity, which is the fastest growing one in the institution, is technical assistance and capacity building, and there is plenty of that available to all the countries of the world.
You may be surprised to know that about 150 countries have had the benefit of technical assistance and capacity building.
We have discussed that with the Minister of Finance and her team, and we will be happy to provide technical assistance and capacity building, because you need a strong Tax department; you need a strong debt management; you need strong Customs authorities in order to achieve a strong economy of the country.
The third activity, which is probably the one you are referring to, is the lending that we provide, because we are also prepared to provide lending to countries, whether the balance of payment is in a bad situation and no financing is available.
At that point in time, in order to bail the country out of that difficult position that it is in, then we come in and we lend.
But we do that because it is the requirement of the international community, because it is not my money.
It is the international community’s money and we do so with the right guarantees that the International community wants, which is that economy is going to be improved; that fiscal discipline is going to be brought in; that corruption is going to be punished and so and so forth.
We do that, but we don’t do as much now, as we do four years ago. But like I said earlier on, I am not here to negotiate a programme at all.
Premium Times
Cleric sentenced to death by hanging for blasphemy in Kano, Nigeria
An Islamic court has sentenced a Nigerian cleric to death by hanging for insulting the Prophet Muhammad in the northern city of Kano.
Abdulazeez Dauda, popularly known as Abdul Inyass, was convicted after a trial held in secret to avoid protests.
Five of his followers were also sentenced to death last year.
These are the first death sentences for blasphemy handed down by a Nigerian Sharia court; those delivered for other offences have not been carried out.
Mr Inyass is a preacher at a local faction of the Tijaniya sect, founded in Senegal by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, which has a large following across West Africa.
He was reported to have said that "Niasse was bigger than Prophet Muhammad" during a lecture at an event in May, leading to violent protests in the city.
The BBC's Yusuf Ibrahim Yakasai in Kano says he then fled to the capital, Abuja, and nine of his followers were arrested for their alleged part in organising the event.
When they were arraigned in court, there were further clashes and the courthouse was set on fire, he says.
Four of the followers were acquitted and the five sentenced to death are appealing against their conviction at the state's high court.
Kano has a predominately Muslim population and Islamic courts operate alongside secular courts.
Mr Inyass, whose five-month trial was held in secret for security reasons, will also be able to appeal against the verdict at a the high court.
Several states in northern Nigeria introduced Sharia after the country returned to civilian rule in 1999.
The Sufi sect of Tijaniya was founded in Algeria in 1784 by Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tijani.
It spread all over the world, with large following in North and West Africa. It also has followers in South Africa, Indonesia and other parts of the world.
There are other Sufi sects in Islam but Tijaniya is the largest.
They have three main daily practices: Asking the forgiveness of God; sending prayers to the Prophet Muhammad and affirming the Oneness of Allah.
Senegalese-born Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse was credited with reviving the sect in the 20th Century. People travel from across the continent to visit his shrine.
They have several factions including the Haqiqa (Realist) group, whose members were convicted of blasphemy in Kano.
BBC
Abdulazeez Dauda, popularly known as Abdul Inyass, was convicted after a trial held in secret to avoid protests.
Five of his followers were also sentenced to death last year.
These are the first death sentences for blasphemy handed down by a Nigerian Sharia court; those delivered for other offences have not been carried out.
Mr Inyass is a preacher at a local faction of the Tijaniya sect, founded in Senegal by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, which has a large following across West Africa.
He was reported to have said that "Niasse was bigger than Prophet Muhammad" during a lecture at an event in May, leading to violent protests in the city.
The BBC's Yusuf Ibrahim Yakasai in Kano says he then fled to the capital, Abuja, and nine of his followers were arrested for their alleged part in organising the event.
When they were arraigned in court, there were further clashes and the courthouse was set on fire, he says.
Four of the followers were acquitted and the five sentenced to death are appealing against their conviction at the state's high court.
Kano has a predominately Muslim population and Islamic courts operate alongside secular courts.
Mr Inyass, whose five-month trial was held in secret for security reasons, will also be able to appeal against the verdict at a the high court.
Several states in northern Nigeria introduced Sharia after the country returned to civilian rule in 1999.
The Sufi sect of Tijaniya was founded in Algeria in 1784 by Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tijani.
It spread all over the world, with large following in North and West Africa. It also has followers in South Africa, Indonesia and other parts of the world.
There are other Sufi sects in Islam but Tijaniya is the largest.
They have three main daily practices: Asking the forgiveness of God; sending prayers to the Prophet Muhammad and affirming the Oneness of Allah.
Senegalese-born Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse was credited with reviving the sect in the 20th Century. People travel from across the continent to visit his shrine.
They have several factions including the Haqiqa (Realist) group, whose members were convicted of blasphemy in Kano.
BBC
Robbers shoot and kill Nigeria Football Federation official Ibrahim Abubakar
The country’s football governing body announced on Twitter that armed robbers had killed the head of protocol.
It was explained that Abubakar’s remains will be taken to Kaduna, in the northwest of the country, for burial.
The NFF’s official Twitter feed read: ‘NFF’s Head of Protocol Ibrahim Abubakar was shot dead by armed robbers in his house in Abuja in the early hours of today.
‘Abubakar’s remains is being taken to Kaduna for burial.’
No more details are yet known about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ex-Arsenal and Portmouth forward Nwankwo Kanu offered his condolences via Tiwtter.
METRO
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Nigerian comic startup creating its own universe of superheroes
Comic Republic, a Nigerian comics startup based in Lagos, is creating a universe of superheroes for Africans and black readers around the world. The cast of characters—”Africa’s Avengers” according to some fans—ranges from Guardian Prime, a 25-year old Nigerian fashion designer by day who uses his extraordinary strength to fight for a better Nigeria, to Hilda Avonomemi Moses, a woman from a remote village in Edo state who can see spirits, and Marcus Chigozie, a privileged but angry teenager who can move at supersonic speeds.
“I thought about when I was young and what I used to make my decisions on: What would Superman do, what would Batman do? I thought, why not African superheroes?” Chief executive Jide Martin, who founded the company in 2013, told Quartz. Its tagline is, “We can all be heroes.”
The startup may be a sign that comics are having a moment on the continent as well as in a market once said to lack interest in African-inspired characters. The nine-person team has seen downloads of its issues, published online and available for free, grow from a couple hundred in 2013 to 25,000 in its latest release last month as the series has become more popular. Comic Republic plans to make money from sponsorships and advertisers.
So far, companies have asked Comic Republic to create comics for their products and NGOs have asked for help illustrating public health risks like malaria. The head of one of the country’s largest e-commerce outfits, has asked for a portrait of himself rendered as a superhero. The story of one the characters, Aje—Yoruba for “witch”—may be made into a movie by a local filmmaker. Another edition of Guardian Prime’s story is scheduled for this month.
The startup is part of what some say is a renaissance of made-in-Africa music, literature, and art that resonate beyond the continent. Over half of Comic Republic’s downloads are from readers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and a scattering are from other countries like Brazil and the Philippines. About 30% come from Nigeria, according to Martin. Lagos now hosts an annual Comic Con for the comic and entertainment industry. Kenya hosted one for the first time in 2015.
The comic book industry has potential in Africa in part because of the popularity of superhero-themed films, Martin points out. His company launched with Guardian Prime, “a black Superman,” he says, on the same day as the 2013 premiere of Man of Steel.
Other African characters have already emerged. A popular South African comic, Kwezi, or “star” in Xhosa and Zulu, created by designer and artist Loyiso Mkize, follows a teenage superhero in Gold City, a metropolis imagined after Johannesburg. The comic, which features plenty of local slang and cultural references, is a “a coming of age story about finding one’s heritage,” according to Mkize. Nigerian animator Roye Okupe’s graphic novel, E.X.O: The Legend of Wale Williams released in August, is meant to “put Africa on the map when it comes to telling superhero stories,” according to Okupe.
Comic Republic’s universe of heroes differs from its Western peers in other ways. Of the nine characters created by Comic Republic, four are women, which Martin believes is a reflection of the fact that women are active in politics and business circles. “Today’s Nigeria, we’re very indifferent to whether someone is a man or woman. I wouldn’t say there was any strategic decision. It’s just a way of life for us,” he said.
Beyond battling evil and saving the day, the comics are meant to show how individuals can come together to provide for a “better safer Africa,” chief operations officer, Tobe Ezeogu said in November.
That message appears to be getting across to some readers. One fan wrote on Comic Republic’s Facebook wall of its flagship character, Guardian Prime, “My favorite quote [by him]: ‘All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to stand by and do nothing. I won’t stand by. I am Nigerian.’ I’m not Nigerian, but heroes are going to help the youth and stimulate patriotism.”
Quartz
Related story: Nigeria's own Comic-Con celebrates 3 years
EXO - Nigeria's Super Hero
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Tallest Jesus Christ statue in Africa unveiled in Nigeria
The Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Augustine Ukwuoma, on Friday unveiled the African tallest statue of Jesus Christ weighing 8.5 metres (28 ft) at St. Aloysius Catholic Parish, Abajah, Imo.
The statue, made of marble, is bigger than the 20 metres (66 foot) Ramesses ii Abusimbel statue in Egypt.
Mr. Ukwuoma performed the ceremony shortly after a mass attended by the Bishop Emeritus of Orlu Diocese, Gregory Ochiagha, and more than 100 priests at St. Aloysius Parish Abajah compound on Friday.
One Obinna Onuoha, who donated the Jesus statue, had constructed 2, 000 seating capacity parish church at St. Aloysius in the year 2012.
The unveiling of the statue was used to mark the wedding golden jubilee ceremony of the parents of Mr. Obinna, Geoffrey, and Lolo Justina Onuoha.
Mr. Ukwuoma, who described the statue as magnificent, commended the Mr. Onuoha family for the gift and their benevolence to the church.
“This statue is a great symbol of Christian faith, and I pray that for the Catholics that the statue will continue to constantly remind us of what Jesus Christ stands for us.
“For other passersby, looking at the statue will also bring them closer to Jesus,’’ the Bishop said.
Speaking on the golden jubilee, the cleric used the medium to remind marital couples on the need to see marriage as a vocation through which they could positively impact on the society.
“God did not call any of us clergy and religious to be fathers and mothers, but those called into this vocation must use it to reflect God’s peace, love and unity.
Mr. Onuoha, the Managing Director of Premier Petroleum Ltd., and the donor of the statue, said he constructed the statue to fulfill a vow he made to God in the year 1997.
“Asking why I constructed this statue is like asking how do I came to this world, I am a Christian and a Catholic and Jesus statue represents my faith.
“I believe we are here on earth for different purposes and each person moves with his/her instincts, and I was motivated to do this to build up the faith of this community,’’ he said.
Mr. Onuoha, who did not mention the cost of the statue, added, “It took about three years to construct and erect the Jesus De Saviour statue at Abajah.’’
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