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Showing posts with label 2017 at 06:42PM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2017 at 06:42PM. Show all posts

Monday, 13 March 2017

Bayelsa inaugurates c’ttee to probe Odioma, Nembe-Basssambiri land conflict

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By Samuel Oyadongha

YENAGOA—BAYELSA State Government has set up a 22- man committee to investigate the lingering land dispute between Odioma community in Brass Local Government Area and Nembe-Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area, with a warning to the warring communities to shun bloodletting and embrace peace.

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Admiral John-Jonah (retd.), who is also the state chairman of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, while setting up the committee in Yenagoa, weekend, said the move was to avert violence and bloodshed among the indigenes of the disputing communities.

The committee, which is headed by the Governor’s Special Representative to Ogbia Local Council, Chief Olalibo Osain-Ibokolo with Sir Alama Happy Theophilus as secretary has 30 days to submit its report. It is charged with the responsibility of identifying the immediate and remote causes of the boundary dispute between Odioma in Brass and Nembe-Bassanbiri in Nembe over the ownership of Obioku community.

The committee will also “determine the correct placement of satellite communities for the purpose of  appropriate categorization for the ongoing Enumeration Area Demarcation Exercise (EAD) and the extent of loss of life and or damage to property if any, in the course of the dispute.” 

The post Bayelsa inaugurates c’ttee to probe Odioma, Nembe-Basssambiri land conflict appeared first on Vanguard News.

Vía Vanguard News http://ift.tt/2mloqTM


ONSA restricts helicopter flights over Abuja

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ABUJA— Office of National Security Adviser, ONSA, has banned helicopter ferry flight over Abuja metropolis for security reasons and urged aviation authorities to enforce the ban.
The ban, which came against the backdrop of some companies to introduce helicopter service for passengers, in the wake of the relocation of flights from Abuja, was issued to regulatory authorities through a memo.
It was learned that the memo was issued to the aviation authorities as a reminder of existing ”no fly zone.”
It was further gathered that any helicopter that must fly across the city must seek security clearance to do so.
“In view of the closure of the (Abuja) airport, air travellers will be required to travel by road/train to Abuja from Kaduna International Airport. This will undoubtedly cause constraints on the movement of some passengers who will aim to travel using other means, notably the use of commercial ferry helicopters.

The post ONSA restricts helicopter flights over Abuja appeared first on Vanguard News.

Vía Vanguard News http://ift.tt/2n3duPb


Friday, 10 March 2017

AMVCA: ‘Viewers’ throw up their industry best for 2017

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Rita Dominic

In the wisdom of the viewers who participated in the voting process of this year’s African Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA), Sambassa Nzeribe and Rita Dominic are the best AMVCA’s actor and actress in a movie for this year.

The viewers also picked the long-standing actress, Ebele Okaro-Onyuike, new actor Rotimi Salami, Funke Akindele-Bello and Imeh Bishop Umoh as Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Movie or Television Series, Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Movie or Television Series, Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or Television Series and Best Actor in a Comedy Movie or Television Series, respectively.

There were winners in other categories of the award ceremony held last Saturday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

But the big winners of the night, in the estimation of informed observers, were the legendary actor, Chief Chika Okpala, aka Zebrudaya, and the amazing new actress, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama.

Okpala, who is famous for living delightfully for over two decades the role of Chief Zebrudaya in the long rested television drama series, New Masquerade, got the 2017 AMVCA Industry Merit Award, while Somkele received the Trailblazer Award.

Both Okpala and Somkele are now proud owners of GAC Motors’ luxury vehicles. While Okpala won the new luxury SU- the GS4, Somkele won a classic sedan- the GA3.

Celebrity salutes some of the screen actors who have by popular choice emerged industry best for this year.

Sambasa Nzeribe
Emerging Nollywood actor, Sambassa Nzeribe, is not new to winning the AMVCA. The product of the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos and actor of A Mile from Home fame was last year voted the Best Supporting Actor at the AMVCA for his inimitable performance in the war story, A Soldiers Story.

This year, it is his role in Eric Aghimien’s gun-trotting film, Slow Country, that gave Sambasa, whose real name is Chidozie Sixtus Nzeribe, his third major award in almost a year.

Late last year in New York, Sambassa was named Best Supporting Actor by organisers of the New York, United States-domiciled Nigerian Entertainment Award (NEA).

This AMVCA is huge. Sambasa was nominated in a category that has industry heavy weights, such as Richard Mofe-Damijo and the legendary actor, Olu Jacobs. But the viewers, who voted, chose him over these heavyweights and therefore the Ayes had it.

With this winning, the spotlight would be on Sambasa, who a notable critic described as ‘the actor to look out for.’

Rita Dominic
An award-winning actress and producer, Rita Dominic was named as the Best Actress in a movie.

The viewers chose Rita for the believable manner she interpreted her role in the award-winning movie, 76.

A trained theatre artiste and thoroughbred professional, Rita has with this, won two of the most significant awards for a Best Actress in the continent.

She had earlier in 2012 received the Best Actress crest from the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama
It was the emerging actress, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama that was the choice of the organisers of the AMVCA for the Trailblazer award.

This category is non-competitive, and it is usually awarded to a personality that has in a short time made tremendous impact in their field of endeavour.

And clearly, Somkele’s performance in three of the big movies (Arbitration, 93 Days and The Wedding Party) released last year made a way for her to grab this years Trailblazer award.

No doubt, Somkele has been having it good since she joined the industry a little over three years now. The Agbor, Delta State native got the spotlight fixed on her after her beatific performance in those three of the big movies.

Her performance in those three quality Nigerian movies, which all made it to the City-to-City programme of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) earned Somkele and the actor, OC Ukeje, an invitation to be part of the TIFF’s Rising Star Programme, which spotlights two up-and-coming actors from an industry that is in focus under the festivals City-to-City programme.

Okpala

A warm and friendly personality, Somkele revealed that she would have been a health worker if acting had not called her up.

She hinted that this year would be a busy one for her, as she has a couple of offers to feature in some movie productions and television soaps.
The other winners were Best Make-up Artist (Movie/TV Series)- Hakeem Onilogbo Ajibola and Perekeme Odon (Oloibiri); Best Costume Design- Pat Egwurube (’76); Best Art Director- Pat Nebo (’76); Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV Series)- Guy Steer (Vaya); Best Picture Editor (Movie/TV Series)- Nnodim Chigozie and Paula Peterson (Oloibiri); Best Lighting Designer (Movie/TV Series)- Elliot Sewape (93 Days); Best Cinematographer- Lance Gewer (Happiness is a Four Letter Word); Best Short Film or Online Video- Ogo Okpue (Cat Face); Best Documentary- Uga Carlini (Alison); Best Actress in a Comedy (Mnet Original Series)- Deborah Anungwa (Hustle); Best Actor in a Comedy (Mnet Original Series)- Samuel Ajibola (Johnsons); Best Actress in a Drama (Mnet Original Series)- Meg Otanwa (Hush); Best Actor in a Drama (Mnet Original Series)- David Jones David (Hotel Majestic); Mnet Original Best Comedy Series- The Johnsons; Mnet Original Best Drama Series- Tinsel; Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Swahili)- Zilizala; Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Hausa)- Tijjani Shehu Yahaya (Yaki Da Zuciya); Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Yoruba)- Jumoke Odetola and Abiodun Jimoh (Somewhere in the Dark); and Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series (Igbo)- Crey Ahanonu (Amonye Bu Onye).

Others include Best Soundtrack/Original Score- Michael Ogunlade (The Encounter); Best TV Series- Funke Akindele (Jenifa’s Diary); Best Writer(s) in a Movie or TV Series- Craig Freimond, Tshabalira Lebakeng, Anthony Mafela, David Majoka, Madoda Ntuli, Harriet Perlman and Robbie Thorpe (Vaya); Best Movie (East Africa)- Sarika Hemi Lakhani (Kati Kati); Best Movie (West Africa)- Rogers Ofime (Oloibiri); Best Movie (Southern Africa)- Elvis Chuks (All About Love); Best Actress in a Drama Movie or TV Series- Rita Dominic (’76); Best Actor in a Drama Movie or TV Series- Sambasa Nzeribe (Slow Country); Best Director- Izu Ojukwu (’76); Best Overall Movie- Adonijah Owiriwa and Izu Ojukwu (’76).

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lMzWMA


Apo traders, victims’ families protest over court judgment

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They were charged with culpable homicide for the killing of Ifeanyi Ozor, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwodike and Augustina Arebun.

Members of the Apo Traders Association and families of the six murdered Igbo traders stormed the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) to register their displeasure over the judgment of an FCT High Court, which sentenced two of the six prosecuted Police officers to death.

The aggrieved protesters criticised the judgment read by the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, on Thursday, where two Police officers, Ezekiel Acheneje and Emmanuel Baba, were sentenced to death for killing two of the six Igbo traders in Abuja on June 8, 2005.

The two policemen were found guilty of the extra-judicial killing of Augustina Arebun and Anthony Nwokike at the Gaduwa Estate of Abuja.

Chairman of the association, Chimezie Ifeh, who led the aggrieved protesters, said they were opposed to the court judgment, saying: “The real culprits of the gruesome of murder of the ‘Apo Six’ are left of the hook.

“It was Danjuma Ibrahim, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) that orchestrated and executed our brothers and sister. But the same Police officer and his cohorts were freed on Thursday by the court.

“We urge the AGF to appeal against the judgment and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

“The two people that were sentenced were acting under instructions from Danjuma. So, I don’t see the reason why Danjuma would be free and the two other policemen would be sentenced to death.

“Why did the court set Danjuma free and sentenced the two to death? We are not happy; we don’t understand. We are praying the minister to look into the matter.”

A brother to one of the deceased, Mr. Edwin Meniru, told journalists that his brother’s death left the family devastated.

He disclosed that his father died one year after his brother’s death, following the shock from the gruesome murder of Chinedu, whom he said his father loved so much.

The peaceful protest, which began from the premises of the FCT High Court at Maitama, terminated at the Ministry of Justice with a call on the minister to properly review the case with a view to appeal against it.

The protesters carried placards and banners, with various inscriptions, such as, ‘We want justice done in Apo Six killings,’ DCP Danjuma Ibrahim can’t go scot-free,’ among others.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the AGF, Director of Legal Drafting in the ministry, Mr. Tahir Hamza, commended them for the orderly manner they carried out the protest, promising that the AGF would look into their grievances.

He appealed to the aggrieved families to remain law abiding, promising that the judgment would be studied and appropriate steps taken to address the issues.

Justice Bello, while delivering judgment in a nine-count criminal charge brought against the six policemen by the Federal Government, said the court had no option than to convict the two men on account of their own confessional statements that they shot the two traders upon instruction from a superior officer.

Justice Bello said the action of the two policemen was callous and barbaric, because by law, they were supposed to preserve lives of innocent citizens.

The three freed policemen, including Danjuma (alleged to have given orders to the two convicted police men to kill the traders), Othman Abdulsalami and Sadiq Salami, who were charged with conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code, were discharged and acquitted by the court for want of evidence.

Justice Bello said from the totality of the evidence placed before the court, the charge of conspiracy cannot be established against the freed policemen, because of the inability of the prosecution to convince the court that the men met and agreed to kill the six traders on June 7, 2005 while returning from a night club along Gimbiya Street in Area 12 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2noMdmI


Monday, 6 March 2017

Nigerite promotes safety practices for work efficiency, profitability

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General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerite Ltd., Mr. Joshua Bamigboye; Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Gbolahan Tijani; Chief Operating Officer, Nigerite Ltd., Mr. Bart Verlinden; Quality Safety Health and Environment Manager, Nigerite Ltd., Mr. John Bamigboye and Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, Lagos State Secretary, Mr. Harold Echendu during the one year accident free operations celebration by the company at its premises.

In line with its commitment to safety, Nigerite‎ Limited has unveiled a safe workplace model designed to drive its corporate culture’s zero tolerance for accidents, cost reduction and profit maximization.
 
According to the company, for businesses in the country to be profitable and sustainable, they must develop an effective and efficient safety management model, noting that the model saves lots of financial resources that would have gone into unnecessary and preventable expenses.
   
Speaking at a just concluded staff training tagged ‘Safe Start’ organised by Dupont for Nigerite Limited, Quality, Safety Health and Environment Manager, for the company, John Bamigboye,  disclosed that with its latest initiative targeted towards ensuring a safe workplace, the company is aiming to achieve a zero tolerance for accidents, cost reduction and profit maximization.

 
According to him, any business that is safety conscious, saves a lot of money, pointing out that two years ago, the company invested heavily in safety to boost our operations while stressing that doing things in a safe way is key for businesses to stand the test of time especially in a business environment like Nigeria .
 
Announcing the SafeStart training, Bamigboye said: “We have put so many things in place to make our workers and machines safe. What we have been doing in recent time is to carry out a risk assessment to make our old machines to comply with the new norms.
We can put all the safety mechanisms in place, but the behavior of the end users is also important.”
 
He explained that, SafeStart training, is designed to address the underlying things that causes human error and proffer solutions that are not only beneficial to the company, but also to the staff families.
 
In his words, “SafeStart has to do with behavioural based safety approach. It has to do with the state of minds. We have developed the theory behind reducing errors at workplace. SafeStart is about reducing errors that can lead to injuries.  

Some of the many benefits to be derived from the SafeStart model are cost reduction, and more importantly, fewer injuries or no injury at all because we have worked on our minds to reduce our errors.”
 
The ‎Quality, Safety Health and Environment Manager added that the company in August this year, the company will record a landmark achievement of achieving a two year accident free work place, an enviable feat he said was made possible courtesy of the company’s strategic and innovative solutions geared towards safety management.
‎ 
‎”We are involved in many national safety competitions through the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) where we compete every year. We won an ambulance free of charge in this competition and emerged third best after Guinness and Nigeria Breweries,” he added
‎   
Also speaking at the event, a safety management consultant, Dupont Sustainable Solutions, Mrs. Rose Mosiane, added that since November last year, SafeStart commenced in Nigerite and its sister company Emenite, noting that SafeStart is not all about the work place, but also encompasses every aspect of life outside the work place.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mPKBX5


Sunday, 26 February 2017

Oak Homes showcases affordable luxury apartments

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Real estate

Another residential estate in the heart of Lagos, Oak Homes is set to join the ranks of private housing estates in the country.

Up to 90 apartments are planned for the estate, developed and financed by Messrs Oak Homes Limited. The mortgage is being offered in partnership with the Standard Chartered Bank and Imperial Homes.

The project, located in upscale and serene environment within Victoria Island annex; Dideolu, and Oniru axis and Ikoyi comes in various categories, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, pent house, terrace duplexes and semi-detached duplexes. All units will be finished with high quality materials sourced locally and internationally.

The price for the apartments ranges from N50 million. The developer disclosed that about 50 per cent level of interest in some of the residences have been received.

Amenities proposed include generator, fully fitted kitchens, top-notch POP Ceiling and screeded walls, CCTV infrastructure, private swimming pool, Gym, top quality sanitary wares, tennis court, fitted wardrobes and air conditioners pre-installation, the company will cut its take in the real estate market.

Speaking at the launch of the projects in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Olukayode Olusanya said the company’s goal is to build luxury apartments that are globally competitive and affordable for Nigerians.

Olusanya who is also a financial economist observed that the value chain of development which include manpower, made the company to involved foreign partners in the execution of its projects for professional delivery.

He stressed that the company recognizes the current low purchasing power in the real estate, which has resulted into high vacancy rates, but expressed optimism that there is always a need for housing that must be satisfied.

“We have put together six developments and each of these projects cost over N1 billion in value. We have also put together something for the lower scale and the upper scale. The company has a qualified team of facility managers who ensures that the luxury buildings are preserved as legacy, work of art and pure imaginative thinking”, he explained.

The Sales Manager of the company, Nelson Nlemuzor said the unveiling of the products is to serve as a selling point and to reach out to highly networked individuals and the society.

According to him, the company is also extending its products to cooperative, associations and companies, encouraging them to sensitise their members on the need to key into ‘Oak Homes’ products.
“Based on experience from the past, we tried to take part of our experiences from other real estate that have low quality of materials and so we tried to use quality materials to boost our brand. We are building a home and not just a house ”, he stated.

The company says it hopes to be the best choice company for luxury apartments in the Nigeria real estate in the next five years and is determined to give back to the society through special purpose housing in Ibeju-Lekki.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lKv7lv


Unity Bank’s product to deepen electronic transactions

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Unity Bank has launched an electronic product tagged Unity1 Account that puts customers in charge of their banking experience, offering greater convenience and interactivity for online account opening with minimal documentation.

With this, customers are able to open their bank accounts and carry out transactions instantly, from anywhere in the world, but requires virtual documentation (name, phone number, passport photograph, address and the customer’s BVN) as a means of authenticating the customer’s identity.

The Group Head, e- Business of Unity Bank, Benedict Anyalenkeya, described Unity1 Account as ‘‘banking simplified’’ and “the game changer  in electronic and digital banking which harnesses the potentials of the online space in driving financial inclusion while also addressing personal banking needs of Nigerians from all walks of life”.

It is accessible online through the bank’s website and other social media platforms’ with its debit card becoming active instantly on mobile and internet banking platforms, as well as certain degree of discounts at designated merchant locations.

With the account, customers can make a maximum single deposit of N100, 000 per day and a maximum cumulative balance of N400, 000 in the account, while holders will transact with their mobile phones up to a daily limit of N30,000.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lp6GHk


The infrastructure imperative

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PHOTO: Jumia travel

Sir: If there is a consensus right now in Nigeria, it is on the need for investment in infrastructure in order to reduce the cost of doing business in the country and making Nigerian businesses competitive. For Nigeria, the lack of adequate infrastructure serves as one of the most significant obstacles to building, sustaining and distributing wealth.

According to the National Planning Commission’s “National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan,” Nigeria needs to spend USD3.0 trillion over the next 30 years in order to close the infrastructure gap. Similarly a 2011 World Bank publication assessed that Nigeria needs to increase its spending to a total of USD142 billion, with USD10.5 billion per annum needed for federal infrastructure and USD3.7 billion for municipal level assets over the same time frame.

The development of infrastructure in Nigeria has customarily been financed through traditional forms of contract-awards by the government; but in the face of diminished government revenue, the Federal Government has sought to leverage more on debt-financing with the government expressing its intention to borrow USD30 billion in order to finance major infrastructure projects across the federation.

The government has assured the Nigerian public that the loan will be strictly applied to infrastructure-financing. In light of these challenges, it has been suggested that “Public-Private Partnerships” (PPP) offers a more sustainable and efficient mode of financing infrastructure in Nigeria. PPPs are essentially contractual arrangements between the government and private companies for the purpose of financing, building, operating and or maintaining of infrastructure projects.

An excellent example of a completed PPP project is the concessioned Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone port facility in Rivers State, where over 169 companies in the oil and gas sector are running operations. The advantages of the PPP model for infrastructure-financing are several. A few of these advantages include: the accelerated provision of infrastructure; job creation as the utilisation of PPP occasionally entails a joint venture with large international firms, which usually provides opportunities for local firms in areas such as civil works, facility management; transfer of technology and expertise as PPPs afford the public sector the opportunity to adopt and leverage on the expertise, experience and technology of the private sector and savings as PPP arrangements remove the responsibility of funding projects from the government’s balance sheet, thus saving the money for the country, which can be invested into other critical sectors.

The government should also preserve the independence of the Central Bank to independently determine monetary policy and ensure a friendly tax and regulatory environment. It is hoped that Nigeria’s policymakers will see the need to fully embrace the utilisation of PPP in the financing of infrastructure. Nigeria has all to gain and nothing to lose from the adoption and utilisation of public-private-partnerships.

• Ugochukwu J. Amasike, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lKzDjB


Thursday, 23 February 2017

Adelabu backs ‘new generation’ campaign against Hayatou…See full details

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Hayatou

Former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu believes the time to ‘force’ the long-serving president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou from office is now.

Hayatou’s decision to stand for an eighth successive term of office is under serious threat, particularly from a “new generation” of African football leaders, who are backing the candidacy of Madagascar’s FA boss, Ahmad Ahmad.

Among those championing the “new generation” crusade against Hayatou is said to be the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, who said on Tuesday that the CAF election on March 16 would be “a defining moment for African football.”

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Adelabu, who played for the then IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, said Hayatou’s continuous stay as CAF President was doing great harm than good to Africa’s football.

Hayatou, who hails from northern Cameroun, has been at the helm of African football for the past 28 years and never at any time since then has an African football association leader been bold enough to come out to oppose his re-election.

Since his ascendancy to power in 1988, many believe that Hayatou has ruled African football with an iron fist, silencing the continent’s soccer administrators as no one dare oppose his decisions even when he is wrong.

But this time, a courageous Ahmad from Madagascar, and the ‘new generation’ crusaders have come forward to challenge Hayatou.

This move, according to Adelabu, needs the support of all true lovers of African football. “African football has suffered too long in the hand of Issa Hayatou and it is time for him to go. Those who have the voting powers should stand their ground and we will support the move to edge Hayatou out.

“African football now needs a younger leader who is creative and innovative. Hayatou’s continuous stay in power is taking us backward and everyone must unite to force him out since he is not ready to follow the path of honour by taking a bow. The wider football world is changing and logic dictates that Africa cannot remain immune from this trend. After 28 years in office, Hayatou no longer has anything new to offer and it is time for him to go,” Adelabu said yesterday.

Even before the emergence of the ‘new generation’ that is championing the move to stop Hayatou in the March 16 election, FA chairmen in southern, East and Central Africa had labeled the Camerounian a ‘bad influence’ for African football.

The President of Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), Phillip Chiyangwa, said recently that Hayatou’s tenure had not been fruitful for people in the southern, East and Central Africa.

“Hayatou has made plenty of promises yet his track record has shown that he clearly favours West Africa, where he comes from,” Chiyangwa said.
“Statistics reveal that since Hayatou’s election, southern Africa has hosted the Africa Cup of Nations on only three occasions — in South Africa in 1996 and 2013 and in Angola in 2010.

“Yet during the same period, West Africa has hosted the football competition on eight occasions in 1992, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2015 and 2017, and is set to host three more consecutive tournaments.

“West Africa has been awarded the rights to host the contest in Hayatou’s home country of Cameroun in 2019, and later in the Ivory Coast in 2021 and in Guinea in 2023.

Yet the Cecafa region, for which Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda are also members, are still to host the tournament under Hayatou’s reign, while north Africa has hosted the competition on four occasions,” he stated.

Like the views expressed by Adelabu, the Zimbabwean FA boss (Chiyangwa) is of the opinion that African football needs a youthful leader, who has the energy and vision to take the continent to a higher lever.

It would be recalled that Pinnick told the BBC on Tuesday that the March 16 election would be “a defining moment for African football,” adding that CAF needs a “new generation” of leadership following the change at the world governing body, FIFA.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lfqT2v


Monday, 20 February 2017

SystemSpecs appoints Olowe as executive director

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Adedeji Olowe

SystemSpecs, owner of electronic payment solution Remita, has appointed Adedeji Olowe as its new executive director to enhance its drive towards attaining greater innovation in the financial technology industry.

Adedeji is tasked with further growing the organisation’s portfolio across the nation and endearing its brands to end users. In this role, he would be responsible for transforming the organisation’s emergence as a key player in retail payment, working with key stakeholders to ensure improved user experience.

“Adedeji has joined us as we herald our entry into newer terrains in the payment industry,” said SystemSpecs’ Managing Director, John Obaro. “We believe he will produce exceptional results capable of transforming our organisation, and by extension, the entire African payment landscape.”

Adedeji said: “This is yet another opportunity to contribute to making a difference in payment experience. It is such an auspicious time to join SystemSpecs – just as Remita App is about to be launched and is set to transform electronic payments in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.”
Adedeji comes with a wealth of experience spanning about two decades across the payment industry in and outside Nigeria, where he led many transformative initiatives.

Prior to joining SystemSpecs, Adedeji was the Head of Cards and Digital Payments at Atlas Mara Limited where he worked closely with FinTech firms, experts and customers to build the next generation of digital payment platforms and solutions across Africa.

Earlier, he was the Divisional Head of Electronic Banking at Fidelity Bank Plc, Nigeria where he was responsible for the transformation of the bank’s digital business through implementation of innovative and profitable products. Before Fidelity Bank, he was the Head of Cards at United Bank for Africa Group where he was responsible for the group’s card business across 19 countries.

The Master’s degree holder from King’s College London has a vast experience across the banking and financial technology industries which has seen him lead many initiatives in business automation, customer experience, electronic banking, sales and marketing, product development and performance management.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lFLPms


Saturday, 18 February 2017

Dan Mou’s new book harps on educating The African Girl Child

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In countries around the world today, women groups of all kinds are campaigning for equal rights for both men and women in the critical areas of politics, education, job provision, custody rights, land ownership, and so on. Regardless of advancements made in certain quarters, most countries in Africa still have laws that restrict girls or women from gaining education. Some of these laws are not particularly legal, but result from the superstitious and patriarchal beliefs that are handovers from past generations.

Dan Mou’s Girl Child Education, Democratic Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa (Pan African Publishing House, Abuja; 2015) comprises of 13 chapters and 120 pages. The first section contains 10 chapters, which ‘examines the issues of girl child education, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Africa’, while the second part consists of three chapters, which ‘focus squarely on the questions of the African family, the woman, and societal values.’

Whereas, the girl child embodies as much talent and skills as the boy child, the girl child tends to be given less considerations in most African societies. The author informs about this prevalent neglect and discrimination, addresses the causes, and provides alternate solutions.

“The greatest weakness of this neo-classical micro-economic approach to the problem of girl child education is its exclusive focus at the individual level; thereby ignoring the structural factors by so doing. It provides little insight into the structural determinants of girl child discrimination in education and other areas by the fathers.”

Why has the problem of girl child education persisted till this century? The book gives explicit reasons for this, and itemises the factors responsible for the dilemma. The author also states that the problem persists today due to failure in state policies.

Mou writes, “The argument is that the state lacks the autonomy to ensure that its policies are in the interests of all groups and classes in the society. Instead, the state, therefore, its policies, is completely hostaged to serving the interest of the dominant classes and groups on which it depends.”

The author, in dealing with this plight, makes several suggestions, which, if applied, could yield positive change. A major suggestion the author makes is in adopting the policies of good, democratic governance.

In section two, on the other hand, Mou focuses on the African family, the woman, and societal values. Quoting former President Jimmy Carter, he said, “The family is the first Government. If we want less Government, we must have stronger families, for Government steps in by necessity when families have failed.”

The author uses this pithy submission to emphasise the core role the family plays in society and in allocating roles to its members. The author wraps up the section in a concise style, when he said, “Clearly, even though the bourgeoisie (liberal) and Marxist thinking and analysis may not have adequately conceptualised or reckoned with it, the family is a very potent unit to target or focus public policies, especially if they are to benefit the children, including the girl child, the youth, the women, the disabled, the aged and other venerable members of the society or nation.”

Mou’s Girl Child Education, Democratic Governance… is a must read, as the book contains astounding information needed to correct a major societal lapse. It exposes the average African to the persisting problem of discriminatory actions the girl child still experiences even in 21st century. If government really wants to practice good democracy, it needs to wake up to the call for reorientation of its citizenry in this aspect. Education should not be the exclusive preserve of only one gender – the boy or girl child. All hands being on deck to make Africa great and must include giving the girl child deserving education!

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mauQW5


Wednesday, 8 February 2017

FG files charges against Ngwuta, Ademola at CCT

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Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

The Federal Government yesterday filed two separate charges against Supreme Court judge, Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta and his Federal High Court counterpart, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for allegedly contravening the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) Act.

A statement from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), requested the tribunal to commence trial of the two judges.

It also disclosed that the Principal State Counsel in the ministry, Hajara Yusuf, filed the charges on behalf of the minister, pursuant to Section 24 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

For Justice Ngwuta, the application averred that he allegedly engaged in private business as a public officer, contrary to Section 6(b) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

He was also alleged to have refused to declare his assets as a public officer, contrary to Section 15 of the Act, Cap C15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 23(2) of the same Act. Justice Ngwuta would be facing a 10-count charge.

The affidavit to support the charges against Justice Ngwuta was deposed to by the Head, Investigation Division, CCB, Mr. Samuel Ozigbe Madojemu, who said: “I am aware that the said Mr. Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta filed the following assets declaration forms for public officers with the Code of Conduct Bureau while serving as a public officer; (a) Code of Conduct Bureau assets declaration form CCB1 dated 2nd June, 2011, (b) Code of Conduct Bureau assets declaration form CCB dated 19th July, 2016.”

On his part, Justice Ademola faces a two-count allegation for which an affidavit was also deposed to by Madojemu.Count one claimed that the judge failed to declare his assets to the CCB, thereby breaching Section 15 of the Act, Cap C15 and punishable under Section 23(2) of the same Act. The second charge alleged that he engaged in private business contrary to Section 6 of the CCB and Tribunal Act and punishable under Section 23(2) of same Act.

He was particularly accused of engaging in the purchase and sale of foreign exchange currencies as sitting judge of the Federal High Court, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 6 of the CCB and Tribunal Act.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2kV68vE


Insurance company SA merges with Standard Life

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Foremost underwriting company, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, has formally merged with its sister company, Standard Life Assurance, to become a one big insurance company, underwriting life and non-life insurance businesses. The court-sanctioned merger makes Standard Alliance Insurance Plc a leading composite insurance company with a shareholders fund of N6.392billion and asset base of N13.651billion.

Speaking on the merger, the Group Managing Director, Standard Alliance, Mr. Bode Akinboye, explained that “the merger was a deliberate and strategic decision by the boards of both companies to form a frontline composite insurance company which will play a leading role in the nation’s insurance sector with the ultimate goal of making the company the most preferred place to invest in.”

Akinboye further said that “the emergent composite company means combined professional and result-oriented workforce. Standard Alliance Insurance Plc is now better poised to continue to provide more innovative products and deliver on its promises to all stakeholders.

In another development, Mrs. Orerhime Emerhor-Iwuagwu, Executive Director, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, has resigned her appointment. Mr. Akinboye thanked her for invaluable contributions to the company.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lqdqEN


Faith-based varsities need strong finances to stay afloat, says Okojie

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Former ES of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie

For privately owned universities, especially faith-based ones, to be financially independent and function at optimal levels, a solid and comprehensive plan that should guarantee adequate revenue generation should be put in place by their administrators.

According to Professor Julius Okojie, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), this is necessary to keep the universities, which are currently not receiving subvention from governments, afloat.

Okojie in his paper at the 7th convocation lecture of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State and titled “The Fate of Faith-Based Institutions: Whither The Faithful,” said the solid and comprehensive plan for revenue generation should include establishment of consultancy services, small and medium-scale enterprises and alumni associations to raise funds.”

The former NUC boss who was represented by Professor Bisi Balogun, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), also urged the universities to consider raising funds “through establishment of agro-processing industries using the public-private partnership platform with additional support from donors and the church hierarchy for Christian faith-based universities.”

He also identified lack of grants from government as one of the challenges facing private university institutions while urging them to solidify their engagements through the triple mandate of knowledge generation (in research), transmission (in teaching) and application (in responsive social engagement).

He however offered a platform of support for the institutions in their quest to benefit from funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) of the Federal Government.

He said, “In terms of funding, let all the heads of religious organisations that float universities come together and put pressure on the Federal Government to ensure that faith-based institutions get little out of the TetFund for the growth of the institutions.”

He noted that the essence of establishing private universities, including the faith-based ones, in Nigeria was to create wealth for the country, to train future leaders and advance research that will promote industries in the country.

He however frowned at the mode of appointments of personnel in some faith-based universities which is allegedly based nepotism, saying this often result to appointments of incompetent hands to manage the affairs of the institutions.

“When some of them (faith-based varsities) appointed someone who is not from their faith, some people will cook up offences in order to get the person out so as to appoint their own person, ” the don stated.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2kUW9pW


Want to boost your sex drive this Valentine?

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Exercise for better sex: Exercise also has been proven to increase sex drive for men and women<br />

Are you having problems with erection and premature ejaculation? Experiencing dryness of the vagina? Having problems to reach orgasm? Experts advise that it may be time to look at one’s diet. Indeed, what couples eat has one of the biggest impacts on their sex drive and libido.

Besides ‘foods of love’ including watermelon, unripe plantain, alligator pepper, nutmeg, fluted pumpkin leaves, velvet bean, garlic, and avocados, researchers have found that physical fitness improves sexual function in men and women.

Exercise for better sex: The goal of exercise is to obtain a healthier lifestyle. Exercise is a powerful tool in the development of muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, mind-body coordination and stress relief. Exercise also has been proven to increase sex drive for men and women.

Exercise has positive effects on the sex drives of men. A 1990 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior revealed that men participating in exercise (60 minutes per day, three to five days a week, with a peak sustained intensity of 75 percent to 80 percent) developed “significantly greater sexual enhancements ” (example frequency of various intimate activities, reliability of adequate functioning during sex, percentage of satisfying orgasms).

Exercise has positive effects on women’s sex drives as well. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that intense, short-duration exercise (20 minutes with a target heart rate of 70 percent) significantly enhances the physiological sexual arousal of women (that is genital arousal). An additional study published in a 2007 issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine discovered a link between increased body awareness and increased perceptions of arousal. The researchers concluded: “Exercise could feasibly increase body awareness via increased bodily sensations (example, increased heartbeat and muscle tension).”

Alligator pepper: Another 100 per cent natural product from alligator pepper or grains of paradise (botanically called Aframomum melegueta) has shown promise in resolving erectile dysfunction and delaying ejaculation.

A preparation from alligator pepper has received a United States (U.S.) patent as a potent aphrodisiac.It has been shown that alligator pepper is more effective when used with Piper guineense (Uziza in Ibo), kola nut and bitter kola. In a research, this combination was used on male rats. The results showed that this combination has an ability to “turn on” male rats.

Indeed, the patented invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions based on the use of Aframomum seeds to solve the problem of male erectile dysfunction as well as premature ejaculation in men.

Nutmeg: The dried kernel of broadly ovoid seeds of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) of the family Myristicaceae has been mentioned in Unani medicine to be of value in the management of male sexual disorders. In a study by Tajuddin et al., it was found that administration of 50 per cent ethanolic extract of a single dose of nutmeg and clove, and penegra resulted in the increase in the mating performance of the mice. It was found that out of six control animals only two males mated (inseminated) two females and the remaining four males mated one female each during the overnight experimental period. Whereas, Nutmeg treated male animals mated three females each except two, which mated five females each. In the Clove treated male animals three mated two females each, two mated four females each and remaining one mated three females each. In the Penegra treated animals four mated five females each and two mated three females each.

Watermelon juice: Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction may benefit from drinking watermelon juice, “nature’s Viagra,” to improve blood flow to the penis without the side effects of the blue pill.

A cold slice of watermelon is devoured to satisfy our thirst and hunger during the warmer months, but the juicy fruit could even satisfy us in the bedroom in between the sheets. Coined as “nature’s Viagra” by Italian scientists, watermelon juice can provide a big benefit to men who suffer from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.

According to a study published in the journal Urology, citrulline- an amino acid found in high concentrations of watermelon- is found to improve blood flow to the penis without the side effects of Viagra.

Made up of 92 percent water, a great source of vitamin C, and only 71 calories per serving, watermelon juice has become a fad that has attracted both weight-loss hopefuls and those who want to treat their impotence.

In 2008, a team of researchers at Texas A&M found ingredients in watermelon that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels may even increase libido. “Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it,” said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station, according to Science Daily.

Fluted pumpkin: A study published in the African Journal of Biotechnology suggests that aqueous extract of Telfaira occidentalis could improve haematological parameters and sperm quality, and could be a potent hypoglycemic agent.

The study titled: “Aqueous extract of Telfairia occidentalis leaves reduces blood sugar and increases haematological and reproductive indices in male rats” was published by Toyin M. Salman, Luqman A. Olayaki and Wahab A. Oyeyemi of the Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to the study, the significant increases in the sperm motility, viability and counts could also be attributed to the actions of some of its active ingredients, which have well-documented spermatogenic activities.

The researchers noted that the ability of T. occidentalis to increase sperm motility, viability and counts, as observed in this study, is of great interest because these parameters are determinants of the fertilising capacity of sperm cells.

Velvet bean: Another study published last year in BioMed Research International identified Mucuna pruriens as one of the plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility.

Mucuna pruriens belongs to the plant family Leguminosae. Velvet bean or Cowhage is called werepe in Yoruba and agbala in Ibo. Researchers have shown that Mucuna pruriens enhances fertility by producing a dose dependent increase in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone which in turn increased the number of eggs released at ovulation possibly through its rich source of L-Dopa and its metabolite, dopamine.

The total alkaloids from the seeds of M. pruriens were found to increase spermatogenesis and weight of the testes, seminal vesicles, and prostate in the albino rat.

M. pruriens stimulated sexual function in normal male rats which was observed by increase in mounting frequency, intromission frequency, and ejaculation latency.

Unripe plantain: A meal of unripe plantain with local spices like cloves, onions, garlic and ginger could be the answer to erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, ulcer, kidney problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Unripe plantain cooked or roasted has been proven over the years to induce, sustain and maintain erection. It also helps to make semen thick and increases sperm volume.

“Roasted plantain fruit is good for men with weak erection and low sperm count. Make a habit of eating one or two roasted plantain daily. If you wish, you can eat it with vegetable soup. Enjoy yourself while you improve your health the natural way. The ripe plantain fruit can be used to treat indigestion. Mash some ripe plantain to make a paste. Take one tablespoon twice daily,” said Director, Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Centre Ewu, Edo State, Rev. Fr. Anslem Adodo.

Adodo added: “Take more plantain or unripe bananas. They help to rejuvenate the sexual organ with high level of potassium. Include garlic in every meal. Garlic is generally a good anti oxidant and a good remedy for impotence in particular. Include ginger in every meal too. Ginger has healing properties to treat erectile dysfunction. Include onion as much as possible in all your meals. It has been taken fresh by ancient Greece to lighten the balance of blood and to firm up their muscles. Fresh green vegetables, all kinds of nuts, grains and fresh fruits, which are rich in mineral are generally good to impotence cure.”

Avocados: Avocados are rich in vitamin B6, a vitamin that helps regulate our hormones. Avocados also contain a trio of heart healthy nutrients – vitamin E, a key antioxidant to help maintain healthy cells; potassium to help reduce high blood pressure and counteract the effect of salt, and beta sitosterol, a phytochemical which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated ones, such as monounsaturates, helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and a healthy circulation is necessary to supply nutrients and oxygen to all parts of your body, including to your sexual organs.
Garlic: Not good for garlic-breath, but garlic contains high levels of allicin, which is good for boosting blood flow to the sexual organs. A small three month study found that eating four cloves of raw garlic every day helped to improve men’s chances of maintaining an erection, in those who were experiencing erectile dysfunction.

Dark chocolate: Studies have shown that dark chocolate increases the levels of dopamine – the feel-good chemical that affects the pleasure centres in the brain.

Research published in the Journal of Proteome found that eating 40 grams of dark chocolate daily for a period of two weeks reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol and also lowered blood pressure – obesity and high blood pressure are risk factors for erectile dysfunction, and in turn a low level of sexual desire.

Oily fish: Protein and omega-3 rich oily fish can help boost the feel good brain chemical dopamine, and in turn get you in the mood for sex. Don’t like fish? Try taking a supplement like Seven Seas Simply Timeless Cod Liver Oil, which contains vitamin D to support normal bones and is a rich source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps maintain normal vision and brain function.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lq3ScC


Scientists warn pandemics, climate change, others could wipe out world

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It is a scene that sparks fear into us all – a catastrophic event occurs, wiping all human life off of the planet.But experts have warned that it is a terrifying prospect that could soon become a reality.

They say that the three most pressing risks for humanity are pandemics, extreme climate change, and nuclear war – and that there is a ‘dire need’ for world leaders to limit the risks of each.

The warning comes from a new report, produced by Oxford University. The authors called on the international community to recognise the importance of humanity’s future and the need to reduce these threats to our existence.

The Future of Humanity Institute (FHI) carried out the report, which is part of the Faculty of Philosophy at Oxford University.Researchers interviewed experts in their field and based on these interviews they laid out the key steps that could reduce these existential risks.

Leaders must put more effort into planning for extreme diseases such as Ebola and Zika, said the report, which was launched at the Finnish Embassy in London.Emerging diseases pose the biggest problem, since they involve unknown pathogens with no existing vaccinations.

The researchers have laid out three steps that could reduce these risks:
1) Regional and global cooperation in planning for pandemics, and putting more effort into planning for extreme diseases.
2) Increased attention to the governance of geo-engineering research
3) Recognise the value of preserving humanity’s future and reducing existential risks

“As the Ebola and Zika crises showed, managing pandemics is a global responsibility,” said lead author Sebastian Farquhar.

“But too much planning is still national, and little attention is paid to worst-case scenarios including risks from deliberately engineered pathogens,” he added.

In 2003, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) – a serious form of pneumonia – spread to six of the world’s seven continents within months, infecting an estimated 8,000 people and killing 750.

More recently, Ebola – a grisly disease ravaging West Africa with a death toll over 11,000 – threatened to go pandemic in late 2014 after cases seen in travellers arriving back in North America and Europe.

Emerging diseases pose the biggest problem, since they involve unknown pathogens with no existing vaccinations.The most dangerous are highly contagious but have delayed symptom onset, meaning that infected people unwittingly spread the disease to many others before realising they are sick. Shape-shifting diseases that mutate fast are almost impossible to vaccinate against. In today’s hyper-mobile, city-dominated world, a deadly disease combining these three features could spell doom for the human race.

The report also highlighted the need for more sustained focus on identifying biological weapons. “A recent survey of the views of national technical experts on biological weapons highlighted a dire need for broader and more sustained international focus,” said Piers Millett, a biosecurity expert at the Future of Humanity Institute.

With the power to demolish entire cities in seconds, nuclear bombs are the most devastating weapons on the planet.Geoengineering, including the release of sulphates in the stratosphere to reduce the planet’s temperature, was an important tool for managing the impact of climate change.

Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have been blamed for upsetting the delicate balance of the atmosphere.The authors said we need greater attention to the governance of geoengineering research – currently there is no fit-for-purpose governance framework to manage the risk. The authors called on the international community to recognise the importance of humanity’s future and the need to reduce existential threats. They asked for a declaration of responsibility from key global leaders to manage future risks.

They also proposed building international teams to work on managing catastrophic risk and enshrining these commitments into international law.
*Adapted from DailyMailUK Online

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Monday, 30 January 2017

Group seeks SGF’s suspension over alleged diversion of funds

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David Babachir Lawal

David Babachir Lawal

A group, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has urged the Presidency to suspend the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Lawal Babachir, over alleged diversion of funds meant for the rebuilding of the North-East.

Executive Director of CITAD, Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, at a press briefing in Kano yesterday, said that the Presidency was not handling the corruption accusation within its kitchen cabinet with seriousness despite the weighty evidence against the SGF by the Senate.

He said: “This would be sad for someone who has made a name as a man of integrity, committed to fighting corruption wherever. This has sadly thrown the anti-corruption agenda of the regime into disrepute. We believe the President can still retrieve it and there is only one way to do so; the immediate suspension of Babachir from office to face thorough investigation.”

The group said the allegation against the SGF was no less different from that of a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), adding that failure to commit Babachir to similar prosecution would amount to double-standard.

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