Hungry lion gets its head stuck in dead hippo's bum

One greedy lion got more than it bargained for when it got its head stuck in the massive butt of a dead hippo. Probably excited at the sight of all that meat just lying there, he got carried away and stuck its head down the smelly orifice. The video was filmed by a family thought to be on safari.

Man Unclad Himself Because LASTMA Wants To Tow His Vehicle

It is no news that Nigeria authorities especially the forces can frustrate the life of any individual in this country if they choose to do so. Lets not even talk about the Police or the RRS, or the Mopols or VIO or FRSC etc, but LASTMA is getting worst day by day.

For Instance: I don't see why following a road which the danfo drivers followed will get them to tow your vehicle but they wont even bat an eye on the Danfos. This is pathetic.

Anyway the picture above is the picture of a man who the LASTMA was trying to tow his vehicle and all of a sudden, he removed his cloths, sat down in front of his vehicle and started shouting on the officials to tell him what he has done.

What is really wrong with this people? And I love Lagos, no matter how tough the officials think they are, they will always meet their match one day.

Naira crashes to N465/ USD as CBN issues new directives on domiciliary accounts usage

As Naira came under fresh pressures in the parallel market Wednesday, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, issued more directives restricting usage of domiciliary accounts by bank customers, apparently to stem the pressures and improve official supply of foreign exchange to the interbank market. As a result of the pressure, Naira crashed to between N460 and N465/ USD1, against the opening rate of N445/USD1 in the parallel market segment, though the interbank rate depreciated just marginally to N312.9/ USD1, against N310 earlier in the week. Currency dealers at both segments of the market attributed the renewed pressure on rates to a worsening supply gap at all the segments, even as CBN’s intervention, according to them, has become too thin to assuage the huge demand. One of the dealers in a commercial bank said: “CBN may have started finding it difficult to intervene with significant supply of foreign currency to the interbank market. “On the other hand we have been having increased demand from our customers but we are unable to source their requirements for some weeks now.” Against the backdrop of the huge supply and demand gap, CBN appeared to have renewed its restriction measures on access and usage of independent foreign exchange resources. Yesterday, some bank customers said they had received messages from their banks warning them to desist from using foreign exchange inflows in their domiciliary accounts for trading purposes. The directives, according to a source in a bank, came against the emergence of a thriving currency trade by some individuals with their domiciliary accounts. An e-mail from one of the banks stated that CBN had mandated that all customers of financial institutions were expected to utilize their accounts within regulatory guidelines. According to the e-mail, the guidelines stated: “All customers of financial institutions are expected to only use their accounts for their direct personal/company related transactions. “No customer of any financial institution is permitted to engage in any activity that could be perceived as international money remittance service (IMTO) or bureau de change (BDC) activities without the express approval of the CBN. “Any customer who fails to adhere to these guidelines runs the risk of being reported not only to the CBN but subsequently to the security agencies.’’ The bank, in the same e-mail, encouraged customers to be mindful of these directives when using their bank accounts, adding that it would continue to provide updates regarding the proper use of domiciliary bank accounts. Some of the banks’ account officers who spoke to Vanguard believed the apex bank would follow up this directive with more stringent control of access and usage of domiciliary accounts. Worried by these developments, a financial analyst at CardinalStone Partners Limited, a Lagos-based investment house, Tiffany Adugwe, told Vanguard that the primary cause of the adversities and pressures on exchange rate was the increasing supply gaps. She stated: “There is no liquidity yet in the foreign exchange market and the situation is worsening. We need emergency borrowings, foreign exchange inflows as soon as yesterday. “The forex is not available at the interbank market and that is why the demands are going into the parallel market and hence the rate there is shooting up.”

Suspected Fulani herdsmen kidnap Catholic priest, shoot 2 others in Anambra

Nnewi—The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, yesterday alleged that suspected Fulani herdsmen armed with dangerous weapons including guns, attacked and kidnapped the Rector of Tansi Major Seminary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Dim, while two other priests Rev. Frs. Jude Chukwuneke and Jude Ezeokana who were in the same vehicle with him escaped with various degrees of gun shot wounds. Addressing reporters at the Nnewi Catholic Diocese Media House, located in Assumption Cathedral Nnewi, Director of Communication of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor, alleged that the herdsmen called, and demanded for a ransom of N2.5 million. He said: “Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has decided and directed that ransom should not be paid for the kidnap of any of its priests and anybody that is demanding for ransom for the release of any priest kidnapped is wasting time. “If anybody or group goes ahead to pay ransom for the release of any priest, the person or the group is on his own.” In a statement issued after addressing reporters, titled “Fulani herdsmen kidnap Rector of Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha, demands for ransom,” the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi said the incident happened on the September 26, 2016,  around  7pm  along Nkpologwu/Nimbo Road Enugu State. According to the statement, “the three Catholic priests were returning from Nsukka to Onitsha and Nnewi, after a condolence visit to Rev. Fr. Uchenna Ezeh of Nsukka Diocese who lost his mother, before they were attacked and while Rev. Fr. Dim is still being held by the herdsmen- kidnappers who are demanding a ransom of N2.5 million, Rev. Fr. Ezeokana, who lectures in both Fr. Tansi Major Seminary Onitsha and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, received treatment briefly at a hospital in Nsukka, but is now recuperating at Awka his home Diocese. “Rev. Fr. Chukwuemeka, who is the Chaplin of St Camillus de Lellis Chaplaincy, College of Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi ,who was shot on the head has been transferred from Memphis Specialist Hospital Enugu to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where he is currently receiving treatment.” “On a separate place the same Monday 26th  September, 2016, a Vincentian priest whose name is yet to be confirmed was also kidnapped with his brother along Abuja Lokoja express way, another Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ugwu was kidnapped on August 9,2014 along Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi and few weeks back a senior seminarian was killed in cold blooded in Attakwu, Enugu State, and one begins to wonder if Catholic priest have become endangered species”. The visibly angry Rev. Fr. Aghaulor lashed out on South East Governors for doing nothing to protect people they are governing, “while their counterparts in the North are influencing the Federal Government in spending billions of naira to contain the Boko Haram insurgents, when something more worrisome and sinister than the activities of Boko Haram is being done in the South East by the Fulani Herdsmen”. “The South East Governors and their Chairman have done nothing to protect the people of South East, the Enugu State Governor whose state is where the menacing activities of the of the herdsmen is worst and the state legislators have not done anything to protect the people there, they should borrow a leaf from Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State. “We are in Federalism, and each state have right to make certain law governing them, what prevents Enugu State Government from making laws that can protect the people there, Governors of South East and their State Assembly’s should make laws that will protect their people”. Rev. Fr. Aghaulor lamented that since the existence of Nigeria, nobody has seen the level of killing spree that is being perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen, adding that “while innocent people are left unprotected, we have seen barrage of military wares and personnel protecting the pipelines in Niger Delta, as if oil is more important than people’s life. Why should people be killed without provocation in their own traditional lands? “We are asking the government for how long would this continue, is this the type of country we all signed up for, is this part of the change, is there no rules and laws in this country , all over Nigeria women are being raped, people are intimidated, innocent Nigerians are being slaughtered and property worth billions of Naira destroyed by the suspected Fulani Herdsmen”.

We are already coming out of recession- Kemi Adeosun

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, yesterday said Nigeria was already coming of the economic recession. Speaking at the end of a two-day National Council of Finance and Economic Development conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun state yesterday September 28th, Adeosun said the measures being taken by the Federal government is an indication that the economy is on its way out of recession.


“We are already getting out of recession because of the actions the federal government is taking. If you are in a problem, the day you start to step towards progression, you are already getting out of it, we are getting out of it. We are investing more in capital than we have ever invested. We are sorting out infrastructure, we are stopping wastage and so the sign of recovery already there” she said

Football Fives World Championship qualifiers begin November

National qualifiers for the 2017 Football Fives World Championship will begin across the country in November through December this year. Organisers of the event in Nigeria disclosed in Lagos yesterday that next year’s edition will be the biggest, in terms of team participation and nationwide reach as the Local Organising Committee is ready to take the qualifiers to almost all the states in the country. Speaking at the pre-event conference in Lagos, Technical Director, Shamshudeen Yusuf said the event was aimed at developing sports in Nigeria and to give budding players a platform to express their themselves. He further said that their goal is to reach out and help those players who are not fortunate enough to play overseas. According to the programme released by the LOC, there will be zonal qualifiers in the six geopolitical zones. After the zonal qualifiers, a three-day national final comprising 32 teams will be held in a yet-to be named city. The teams would be placed in 8 groups of four teams each. The overall winning team will automatically qualify for the World Championship in Beijing, China in May next year.

Edo Governorship Results: Obaseki Leads

Collation of votes was still on this morning – as of 1a.m. – in the Edo State governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which said the state collation would begin today, was yet to announce the results, but from unofficial but credible sources at the local governments collation centres, The Nation learnt that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was leading. Its candidate is Godwin Obaseki.
The party was said to be leading in four out of Edo North’s six local governments – Akoko Edo, Owan East, Owan West and Etsako West, home of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
There were no hints about Etsako Northeast and Etsako North Central.
In Edo South, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was leading in Orhionwon where its candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu hails from. It is also the home of Deputy Governor Pius Odubu.
Also in Edo South, APC was leading in Oredo, Egor, Ilepoba/Okha and Uhunmode.
In Ovia Northeast and Southwest, the situation was unclear as of the time of going to the press.
In Edo Central, PDP was leading in Esan West, Esan Central, Esan Northeast and Esan Northwest.
In Igueben, former Foreign Minister and PDP chieftain Tom Ikimi’s local government, the APC was leading.
Here are some details from Oredo Local Government:
Oredo Ward 12 (PDP)
Collation Officer (Adegoke YO)
Number of registered voters (20,143). Accredited (4,399). APC (2,041). PDP (2,066).
Valid votes (4178). Rejected (221). Vote cast (4399).
Oredo Ward five (APC)
Collation officer (Godwin Fajimi Ayodele).
Registered (21,848). Accredited (6,218). APC (3,445). PDP (2266).
Valid votes (5,842). Rejected votes (342). Votes cast (6,184).
New Benin Two (APC)
Collation Officer (Dr. Ruth Ajobiewe)
Registered (30,535). Accredited (9191). APC (4416). PDP (4047).
Valid votes (8627). Rejected votes (564). Votes cast (9191).
New Benin One (Ward 6) (APC)
Collation officer (Dr. Bifatife Adeseye)
Registered (16112). Accredited (4536). APC (2,327). PDP (1901).
Valid votes (4314). Rejected votes (216). Votes cast (4530).
Oredo Ward four (APC)
Collation officer (Mrs. Bridget Olaiya)
Registered voters (20,111). Accredited voters (4911). APC (3058). PDP (1541). Valid votes (4675). Rejected votes (218). Votes cast (4893).
Oredo Ward 10: (APC)
Collation Officer (Dr. Adeyefa Emmanuel)
Registered voters (22,349). Accredited voters (5,814). APC (2,910), PDP (2,384).
Total Valid Votes (5,389). Rejected (425). Total votes cast (5,814).
Oredo Ward nine (APC)
Collation officer (Dr. Olusola Ayanda)
Registered votes (13,765). Accredited (4,093). APC (1,918). PDP (1,833). Valid votes (3810). Rejected (283). Votes cast (4093).
Oredo Ward one (APC)
Collation officer (Dr. Olubosede Olusayo).
Total registered (28,027). Accredited (7275). APC (3964). PDP (2746).
Valid Votes (6,808). Rejected (310). Votes cast (7118).
Oredo Ward 8 (APC).
Collation officer (Dr. Anibueze Anslem Uchenna)
Registered (21,137). Accredited (6,097). APC (2816). PDP (2770). Valid votes (5673). Rejected (418). Votes cast (6091).

Alligator Caught At Gbagada Lagos, Used In Cooking

Evening Of Fun At Gbagada Swampy Area. Alligator And Its Eggs Were On The Menu.

A big Alligator was caught around the swampy area of Gbadaga Lagos, and the guys did the Nigerian usual to the harmless creature. It was ready in couple of hours.

Corper From Benue Serving In Kano Dies

About last night on my bed i cried so much over the death of this beautiful lady, i actually dont knw about her much but some close friends who shared her burial photos as she was killed by a hit and run driver, actually she is a corper named ene gertrude adole idoma by tribe from benue state serving in kano many facebook users shared elergy's on her wall, as she was buried in her home town read some and see burial photos below:

Adole Stephanie
"Kia Ene I can't get over you fa,I can't even close my eyes,I can't even think properly,kia ds pain is too much......... I wanted to see how you died thinking I wld feel better buh when I saw it d pain increased,u were lying lifeless,that beautiful face wasn't even there I cldnt even recognize my sister kia Ene fa,I dunno how I wld cope without you,I dunno how I wld concentrate when I get back to school,I dunno how I wld console the rest when am not even consoled yet,I dunno how our lives wld be without you in it,what will be become of me now you are no more here,Ene I know you are a fighter,so whosoever did this,where ever you are just get ready,I don't even need to tell you what to do Ene,cause you already know........kia ds pain is so unbearable I can't I can't I can't..........kia Ene fa?"

Akor Ada Queen

"I discovered that people fear Death nt because they dnt know death exist, but because of the manner they will or may die
God may u console my frdAdole Stephanie and her family,give them the heart to bear this loss..
RIP Ene Gertrude Adole"

OmohaDgreat OmohaAlfred

"So it happened like this, Ene Gertrude Adole.
We shall meet in the next life.
I pray for the repose of ur soul.
U r loved, forever!"

Adole Stephanie
"Ds was last year's Chrismas pictures of me you and mummy when we were trying to prepare food for Christmas ,,,,,,, come back so we can take more pictures ds Christmas........ Oh my sister pls come back"

Mauritius goalkeeper Leopold arrested after police find 22 doses of heroin in his house

Mauritius international goalkeeper, Joseph Kinsley Steward Leopold who was part of the country's team at the last Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign has been arrested by the Mauritius' Anti-drug Smuggling Police Unit after they found 22 doses of heroin,  razor blades, scales and materials used to package drugs in his Port Louis home.

According to the BBC, the police has been tracking Leopold, 27, for some time now while also gathering enough intelligence reports before they could swoop on him. Upon his arrest, some individuals around his home tried to stop the Anti Drug Smuggling unit (ADSU) from taking the player into police custody but he's now in police custody and has been charged with Drug dealing.

Leopold is the goalkeeper for Mauritius Professional Football League champions team ASPL 2000 and helped them win the Charity Shield on Saturday on Rodrigues Island where they beat Pamplemousses SC 1-0.

Sam Allardyce Sacked As England Manager

After one match and 67 days in charge, Sam Allardyce has been sacked as manager of the English football team for having behaved "inappropriately".

The 61-year-old's departure follows a Daily Telegraph investigation claiming he offered advice to a bogus group of Far East businessmen on how to get around rules on player transfers.

Allardyce was reported to have used his role to negotiate a deal worth £400,000 (NZ$713,000) to represent a Far East firm seeking advice on the transfer market.

The money would be paid for a series of visits and speeches, and though Allardyce made it clear to the meeting that any arrangement would have to be cleared with the FA and later apologised for what he described as an error of judgement, he was forced out of his dream job.


The FA said in a statement on Tuesday (Wednesday NZ Time): "Allardyce's conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. However, due to the serious nature of his actions, The FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect."

"This is not a decision that was taken lightly but The FA's priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football.

"The manager of the England men's senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times."

Allardyce was appointed in July following the departure of Roy Hodgson after this year's European Championship and has overseen only the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Slovakia.

One of the highest-paid managers in the game with a salary of about £3 million (NZ$5.35m) a year, Allardyce was secretly filmed by the Telegraph discussing England's failings with a group he had been told were businessmen with interests in Singapore and Hong Kong.

During his meetings with the newspaper's undercover reporters, Allardyce also criticised his predecessor Hodgson, referring to him as "Woy" and saying he "hasn't got the personality" for public speaking.

He leaves having become the shortest-serving England manager – albeit with a 100 per cent winning record.

Gareth Southgate will take charge of the England team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the FA searches for a new manager, with Bournemouth's Eddie Howe the early bookmaker's favourite.

I told governors, ‘please let us save for the rainy days’ they said no!. – OBASANJO

ABUJA—Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, accused former governors of contributing to the economic woes afflicting the nation by opposing his government’s efforts to save for the rainy day when the price of oil was higher. Obasanjo, who spoke at the 2016 World Pension Summit in Abuja, lamented that many of the former state executives frustrated his genuine attempt to save a substantial portion of the country’s resources when there was excess oil revenue. Obasanjo said at the event attended by global pension players and top government officials:   “I remember when I was in government and I told, particularly, the governors, ‘please let us save for the rainy days.’ They said no!.

“There was no rain at that time, now that the rain has come; there is nothing we can fall back on to cushion us.” Obasanjo, however, commended the secured nature of the pension scheme, stating that despite the many years of sleaze in the Nigerian polity, the pension funds were not touched. “One of the things that make me very happy in the pension scheme is that in the last five years, when almost everything goes, concerning public funds, pension funds remain sacrosanct. I believe that the pension funds are something we must preserve, no matter what we do,” he said. Obasanjo, however, called for caution in introducing innovations into the pension scheme to ensure that the ability of people to access their pension funds when they retire is not jeopardized. Obasanjo said:  “We must also find a way of using the pension fund in our development, particularly in infrastructural development. They are examples we can look at all over the world. The Singapore example ‘’For instance, in housing, Singapore is a good example where they have used their pension fund to make sure that there are no Singaporean who do not own a house. There is no reason why we cannot tow that line.” He maintained that Nigeria had strong laws and regulations for the pension scheme, warning that while efforts were ongoing to introduce innovations in the scheme, the law should not be diluted, while the innovations must also be done cautiously. “I like the theme of the programme, ‘Pension, Innovation and Sustainability.’ But I will add two things: your innovation must be with caution. ‘’Now, when people have to work all the days of their lives that they are strong and they make contributions for their future, we cannot afford to be too adventurous when making innovations. Because when they need the money, it must be there,” he advised. Obasanjo, however, noted that the innovation should focus on how to capture more people into the pension scheme, especially individuals in the formal and informal sectors. Buhari speaks Speaking in the same vein, President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced moves to defray inherited pension liabilities. Buhari, who was represented by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, also stated that the Federal Government had mandated the National Pension Commission, PENCOM, to extend the pension scheme to the informal sector. According to Buhari, part of the commitment of his administration is to ensure that within the scarce resources available to it, the inherited pension liabilities of the Federal Government is addressed. He further disclosed that PENCOM had been asked to step up its enforcement drive to ensure full compliance with the pension scheme by public and private sector institutions in line with the enabling law. He declared that the Federal Government was working to ensure that the required channels and support are put in place to ensure that pension funds and other investors make meaningful contributions in bridging Nigeria’s infrastructural financing gaps. He said, “Nigeria and indeed most African countries are facing many challenges in the areas of the economy and security. These challenges heightened the demands on our meagre resources and constrain our pursuit of infrastructure, which is traditionally seen as the sole responsibility of government. “The Federal Government on its part will work to ensure that the required channels and support are put in place for pension funds and other institutional investors to provide the required financial inter-mediation to address the Nigerian infrastructural gaps. I hope other African countries and governments would follow suit.”

32 seater bus manufactured by ex-Niger Delta agitators arrive Abuja for delivery to President Buhari

The 32-seater bus manufactured by ex-Niger Delta militants arrived Abuja today, for onward delivery to President Buhari in honour of his commitment to the Amnesty Programme and the Niger Delta Region. The 80 former militants who graduated from the Innoson Kiara Academy in Enugu on August, produced the vehicle any supervision

Man Proposes To His Fiancée With A New Car

The internet has gone agog as a lady recently disclosed how her sister got the surprise of her life when her lover proposed to her with a brand new car. She share the good news on instagram, and of course her sister said yea.(why won't she)

See how her sister captioned the photo below.
"The planning begins... countdown. My sister is getting married. Sooooo excited. I lost my voice that night. Could not stop screaming. She never hexperetit. Lol.. Can't wait to glam her up.We will be going all out on all her dresses. Watch this page Can't wait... so many dresses to be made. The list is unending. Congrats babyyy. *rolls up sleeves* time to get to work. #ProposalOnFleek#lovebirds"

Suspected kidnapper caught while trying to abduct a child from school in Benue State

Suspected member of a kidnapping gang was nabbed yesterday in Aliade, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State by men of the Gwer East Community Joint Task Force (CJTF)

According to eyewitnesses account who spoke to IPN, the suspect identified as one Aondolumum Nyimkaan, went into Mt.St. Michael’s Nursery and Primary School, Aliade, and snatched the child, Msendo Liamuza.
Some members of the community saw the suspect attempting to flee through the bush and alerted the CJTF who later arrested him in the bush. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to having successfully kidnapped children in Igbor of Gwer East and Gboko Local Governments of Benue State.

A member of the CJTF team, while applauding members of the community and Mt. St. Michael school for their efforts towards the arrest, urged parents and staff schools in Benue State to be more vigilant and watchful over their children, wards and pupils.

Businesses And Houses Underwater In Lekki

It is true that the nation is under the pang of Economic recession but many Nigerians are being made to suffer the more by the cooperation of rain and authorities of Ibeju Lekki Local Government in Lagos state.
Since yesterday day many businesses, Schools, Houses, Churches have been under water in Awoyaya, Lekki area of Lagos State due to heavy flooding as a result of blocked drainage without authorities doing anything about it.
The affected businesses are The Livingsprings Schools which is opposite Mayfair Gardens Estate, Unity estate which is behind the school is equally affected. Truelight Missionary school, Redeemed Christian of God, the Lord's Portion, Omega bakery, First Bank Nig PlC at Mayfair Gardens and Tantalizer eatery are all affected. All the Schools, businesses and Churches have been shut down, due to the said heavy flooding that occurred from the blockage of drainage in the area.
Pupils of these Schools can no longer go to School,Roads have been reduced to one lane causing terrible traffic, Cars are seen floating.
Law abiding Citizens living in this area said they have been to Ibeju Lekki Local Government Council, which they said are unresponsive. People are suffering in Awoyaya. They need immediate help from Ibeju Lekki Local Government and Lagos State Government Urgently.

CAF Footballer of the Year: Iwobi, Iheanacho, Mikel, Musa in

Sources at the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) have it that four Nigerians will be among the nominees for the 2016 African Footballer of the year. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang of Borrusia Dortmund and Gabon is currently the reigning African Player of the year, but he will have to fend off challenge from the Nigerians to retain his award. Ahmed Musa who made a record transfer to Premier League champions Leicester City is set to be in the list, alongside Chelsea Mikel Obi who captained Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Alex Iwobi’s rise with Arsenal will sure earn him a mention while Kelechi Iheanacho who has been a revelation for Manchester City and Nigeria is also guaranteed to be on the list. The list of nominees for the award will be released in two weeks time by the organisers of the award, which will be handed out next year to the eventual winner.

I’m ready to face probe —Emir Sanusi

*As Soludo describes Falana’s allegation of $7bn diversion as blatant lies Former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said weekend, he was ready for probe of his tenure in the apex bank, following allegations by Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, that he diverted government funds. Sanusi’s declaration came on a day his predecessor, Mr. Charles Soludo, described as blataAnt lies, Falana’s allegations that he unlawfully diverted $7 billion of the country’s reserves as loans to banks. The human rights lawyer had called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe both former governors of the apex bank over the allegations. Falana’s allegation “Sometime in 2006, former Central Bank Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, removed   $7 billion   from   the nation’s external reserves and doled it out to 14 Nigerian banks.  Two years later, the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (the current Emir of Kano), also gave a bailout of N600 billion   to the same   banks. ‘’The request of some civil society organisations for the recovery of the huge loan of $7 billion and N600 billion from the commercial banks has been ignored by the management of the Central Bank. Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II “In the Appropriation Act, 2011, the sum of N245 billion was earmarked for fuel subsidy.  In violation of the Act, the CBN headed by Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, paid the sum of N2.5 trillion to a cabal of fuel importers. ‘’Following our petition, the EFCC conducted an investigation into the fraud but the exercise was compromised due to pressure from the former Jonathan administration. Even though the EFCC has charged some of the suspects to court, the investigation ought to be reopened with a view to getting to the root of the monumental fraud,” Falana alleged in a statement on Saturday. But reacting to the allegations, Sanusi said he was always available to answer questions regarding his stewardship at the Central Bank. On fuel subsidy, he said: “The Central Bank does not pay and has never paid subsidy to marketers  and the only circumstance this would happen is the Central Bank acting as banker to government and carrying out instructions to make payments from government accounts. “There is absolutely no circumstance under which the CBN would have disbursed its own money for payment of subsidy or disbursed money on behalf of government without authorization.” He said the CBN was in the “forefront of the effort to expose the corruption in the subsidy regime and put a stop to it.” Sanusi responds Sanusi, who described the allegation on bank bailouts as strange, said: “The money was not given to bank shareholders and management but was provided to ensure that ordinary Nigerians and other depositors who kept their money in banks did not lose their savings as a result of the mismanagement of these banks and bad loans. “The money remains a loan to those banks and is to be repaid from a combination of sources over the years. These include sale of collateral backing non-performing loans held by AMCON, recovery of those loans, sale of share of the banks held by AMCON and a sinking fund into which all banks are to make annual contributions. “This will continue no matter how long it takes until the banking industry repays all amounts due to AMCON and the bondholders are repaid. “All of this is in line with the law setting up AMCON and the purpose of setting it up in the first place. “The resolution of the Nigerian banking crisis and the AMCON model are actually being held up as an example of how to deal with severe and systemic banking crisis. Not a single depositor in any Nigerian bank lost a single kobo due precisely to these arrangements.” Soludo hits back at Falana In his reaction, Sanusi’s predecessor as CBN governor, Charles Soludo, hit back at Falana, dismissing his allegation as “ignorant” and “blatant lies”, and demanded evidence or an apology. “I largely ignore such ignorant commentaries. However, Femi Falana is one of the Nigerians I deeply respect, and I am sure many Nigerians also hold him in very high esteem. I was, therefore, shocked beyond belief that someone like him could fabricate and peddle blatant lies,” Soludo said in a statement he issued, weekend. Soludo, who left the CBN in 2009, said throughout his tenure, Nigeria never lost one penny of the reserves. He said said one of the legacies of his tenure as CBN governor was the highest rate of reserve accumulation in Nigeria’s history as well as its effective and efficient management. “On assumption of office, I met exactly $10 billion in foreign reserves. With average monthly oil price of $59 during my tenure, we accumulated reserves to all time high of over $62 billion. Even after paying off Nigeria’s external debt with $12 billion and facing unprecedented global financial and economic crisis, I still left $45 billion upon leaving office in 2009,” he said. “Throughout my tenure, Nigeria never lost one penny of the reserves. It is particularly important to note that even during the global financial crisis of 2008/2009 when major international banks collapsed and some countries lost some of their reserves, our prudent management ensured that Nigeria never lost a penny but earned returns on the reserves. ‘’Given the powerful interests that I fought during the consolidation of banks and even since I left office, one can only imagine the international headlines that would have been made if just one penny of the reserves was unaccounted for. “That under the provisions of the CBN Act as well as the guidelines for the management of foreign reserves, it is impossible for anyone to ‘remove’ any sum of money from the reserves and give out as “loan” to commercial banks in Nigeria. ‘’To qualify as ‘foreign reserves’ such reserves are held in foreign currency abroad as deposits with banks or in sovereign instruments such as the US treasury bills,” he said. Soludo said he would be ready at any time to respond to any questions regarding his stewardship at the CBN.

Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer dead at age 87

Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer has died. According to his family, Palmer died Sunday at his home in Pennsylvania. Arnold Palmer was a 7-time major championship winner and became the most beloved figure associated with the golf in the 60s. Arnold Palmer, was a champion golfer whose full-bore style of play, thrilling tournament victories and magnetic personality inspired an American golf boom, attracted a following known as Arnie’s Army and made him one of the most popular athletes in the world.


A spokesman for his business enterprises, Doc Giffin, said the cause of death was complications from heart problems. Paul Wood, a spokesman for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, confirmed that Palmer died Sunday evening at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Cute photo of Flavour and his daughter with Anna Banner

She's so beautiful!

Lady Breaks A Man's Head At A Football Match In Zambia

When have ladies become this violent? A female football supporter was arrested and embarrassed by angry youths after assaulting another football fan during an epic match at in Lusaka, Zambia. According to reports, the lady broke the guy's head with a bottle after an heated argument on Saturday September 24, 2016 (yesterday)

Iheanacho: I won’t let fame get into my head

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho says that despite getting a chance under manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City he is not taking his place in the team for granted. Iheanacho joined City from the Taye Academy in Nigeria in January 2014 and broke into the club’s senior side last season with some eye-catching displays. His blistering form this season – which includes a goal and assist in City’s 2-1 derby win at Manchester United – has earned universal plaudits again, but he refuses to get carried away. “I’m not letting all the praise get to my head because I still have a lot to learn in this game,” Iheanacho, who has scored three goals in seven appearances this season, told BBC Sport. “It’s been a very progressive period for me at the club, but playing alongside stars like Sergio [Aguero], Yaya [Toure] and other great players provides a big chance to keep working hard. “I’m definitely learning, quietly listening and watching others closely every day – I know in doing that I will achieve bigger things in my career.” The 19-year-old scored 14 times and produced seven assists last season even though 25 of his 36 appearances were as a substitute. That feat saw him finish as City’s third-highest scorer in all competitions, behind Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne. Guardiola has  rewarded him with a long-term deal  on much improved terms at the Etihad, but the player admits he has a lot of work to do before he can nail down a regular place in the starting line-up. “We have experienced players in the team and as someone who is learning and improving, I am happy to take my chance when the manager calls,” Iheanacho said. “Our manager has confidence in me and has been encouraging me. All I want to do right now is to keep learning under him and work hard for the club.” The young striker’s goal-scoring form as a substitute is such that he is now seen as the most dangerous member of the squad on the bench. But he is refusing to get swept away by his new star status, saying his goals and assists are down to teamwork. “I score goals not just because I am playing up front but because I get to play in a fantastic team,” said Iheanacho. “Our defenders and midfielders supply the passes and support for me to deliver, so it is a collective effort.”

Recession: In Niger State, hungry youths snatch food packs from nursery and primary school children

Hunger-induced crimes in Minna, Niger State capital have taken a worrying dimension as hungry youths now go about snatching food packs from nursery and primary school children on their way to school, The Guardian reports.

The latest victim, one Fati Sanusi, a four-year-old nursery two pupil of Mega Stars Academy, located in Kpakungu, Minna, alleged that her food pack, prepared by her mother was snatched from her by a youth.

Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Cecilia Bunmi Koseemani, who confirmed the incident exclusively to The Guardian, said that it was difficult to get the little girl to stop crying.

"We had to send for her mother who prevailed on the four-year-old girl before she stopped crying. The mother later rushed back home to prepare Indomie for her instead of the rice meal that was initially snatched from her." said Mrs Koseemani.

The Headmistress appealed to parents to try and put their little school children in the care of grown up schoolmates, so as to avoid such things in the future, describing the incident as a reflection of the prevailing hardship in the country.

Other cases of hunger-induced crimes includes reports of people stealing food still on fire, as well as women collecting food items from sellers in the market and deliberately taking to their heels instead of paying. It was also reported that a housewife stabbed her rival to death over the modalities for sharing a measure of Gaari (Cassava flour) brought home by their husband.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu demands John Odigie-Oyegun resignation

All Progressives Congress, APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demanded the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun who he claimed Sunday had derailed from the path of progressives. In a stinking communiqué from his media office, Tinubu accused Oyegun of sabotaging the will of democracy in Ondo State by overriding the decision of the appeal panel that asked for a fresh governorship primary following investigations that showed that the delegates’ list used had been tampered with. Tinubu in the communiqué further alleged that Oyegun’s action in allegedly subverting the will of the people was not of his doing, saying that for a man of the age of the national chairman to have done what he did that he must have been under the influence of a “powerful and sinister arm at work.” Tinubu who said that the APC was now under threat of being suffocated by anti-democratic forces pretending to be progressives, said: “The APC, a party born of the quest for democratic good governance, is under critical threat by those who managed to be in the party but never of it. From the party’s inception, the principles of democratic fairness and justice were to guide APC internal deliberations. Party founders realized that only by intramural fair dealing could the party remain faithful to the progressive ideals that we presented to the Nigerian electorate as our governing creed. If the party could not justly govern itself, it would find it difficult to establish and maintain just government throughout the nation. “In essence, the party was the embodiment of a democratic promise made between its members as well as a democratic vow made to the public. Evidently, some errant members believe promises and vows are mere words to be easily spoken and more easily broken.  Chairman John Oyegun has breached these good pledges in a most overt and brazen display. In doing so, Oyegun has dealt a heavy blow to the very party he professes to lead. It is an awful parent who suffocates his own child for the sake of a few naira. The party was supposed to buttress APC members elected to government at all levels. Because of Oyegun’s conduct of our affairs, the party is rapidly becoming an albatross to those it was meant to help. “Oyegun’s comportment regarding the Ondo State primary will become the textbook definition of political treachery and malfeasance of the basest order. In early September, the state primary was held. A purported winner was named. Having faith in the ways of the party, Tinubu publicly accepted what he assumed to be a verdict honestly derived.  As a democrat, one must face the possibility of defeat and accept such as outcome with as much grace as one would embrace victory. One of the few bright spots during the conduct of the primaries was Jigawa Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. He chaired the primary convention with decorum and impartiality.  He was unaware that a tampered list had been slipped into the process. “Indeed within hours of the announcement, news began to filter in that gravely disturbed me. Credible allegations of fraud troubled the waters. The delegate list had been materially altered by someone in a strategic position to so do. The names of over 150 valid delegates were excised to make room for an equal number of impostors. This was not a clerical error. The alteration was wilfully executed that the primary would be directed toward a chosen end that bore nothing in common with the will of most state party members. A cunning few had tried to deceive the many into believing they were outnumbered. “A conspiracy to steal the Ondo primary had been uncovered. Fortunately, the grand deception afoot had been unable to cover its tracks fast enough. Truth began to cry for justice. “Several candidates filed petitions contesting the result. The party established an investigative board to review the evidence. In a two to one decision, the panel found the delegate roster had suffered tampering. The panel recommended that a new primary should be held using the valid delegate list. This recommendation was tabled before the National Working Committee (NWC). “After many hours of deliberations spanning several days, a final vote was held by the NWC. Before hand, NWC members agreed that the decision of the majority would become the stance of the party. Such is the way of democracy. The NWC voted six against five to cancel the fraudulent results and hold an honest primary. For a moment, it seemed the party would restore its integrity by giving democracy a chance. However, those who sought to scam an entire state would not let the vote of 11 people spoil their enterprise. “After the NWC vote, a noticeably agitated Chairman Oyegun proposed the NWC engage in prayer before concluding the meeting. Adhering to this chairman’s request, NWC members began to pray. Seeing that the others had taken his bait, Oyegun used the prayerful interlude to secretly excuse himself from the meeting. Contravening the NWC decision and in violation of all rules of fundamental decency, Oyegun decided to safeguard the fraud done in Ondo by perpetrating a greater fraud. Oyegun arrogated to himself the right to submit the name of Rotimi Akeredolu to INEC as the candidate of the party. “Truth has finally come to light. There exists a regressive element in the party that cares nothing for the progressive ideas upon which this party was founded. They joined the APC because it was the best ride available at the time. Now they want to guide the party into the ditch. They want to turn the party into a soulless entity incapable of doing good, just like they are.  When such a person tastes power, they shed all good restraint. They come to abuse the trust given them as if they are the owners of that trust and not its mere custodians. These people did little to build the party but now will do much to wreck it. “Our party was to stand for change. Oyegun and his fellows seem to be on a different wave length. They are the cohort of Unchange. The APC wants to guide Nigeria into a better tomorrow. Oyegun and the cohort of unchange want to pull Nigeria back into the past where rigging and vote stealing were the old and new testaments of politics. They want the people to think that there is no alternative to their reactionary system of skewed politics and imperious government. Thus, they seek to turn the APC into a factory of the very political malpractices the people soundly rejected in the past election. To choke the APC in this manner is to kill the chance for progressive reform for the foreseeable future. Much more than the Ondo primary is at stake. Oyegun has revealed his team’s game plan: It is the destruction of progressive politics and governance on behalf of the people. “As party chairman, Oyegun was supposed to protect our internal processes and be an impartial arbiter, a person in whom all had confidence. Instead, he donned the garment of a confident man, duping the NWC, the party, and INEC in one fell blow. He has robbed APC members in Ondo State of the chance to pick in a fair manner who they believe is the best candidate. “As such, he has broken faith with the party and probably has broken a few laws. The consequences of what he has done are more expansive than a man of his scope can fathom,” Tinubu said as he said that Oyegun must have been under some major sinister influence as to allow what happened. “With strong expectation, we await a response to Oyegun’s wrongdoing from those who clamored so long and loudly about Tinubu’s alleged role in the Ondo primary. “Leading into the primary, a prominent lawyer from Ondo published lengthy missives alleging that Tinubu was a malicious hand intent on rigging the primary. His letters spoke of his great love for democracy and justice. Though Oyegun has assaulted democracy in a most public and vulgar way, this lawyer’s prolific pen will remain stilled. He dare not publish a word about this travesty. His silence will be sign for all who care to decipher its meaning. “The plan was to point the accusing finger at Tinubu. With everyone focused on Tinubu, they would have distracted all attention from the heist they had set in motion. As fate would have it, the trickery they hoped to conduct in the shadows has come to light. “Those who so actively attributed imaginary wrong to Tinubu now stand dumb and mute in the face of confirmed impropriety. They remain silent for reasons they cannot divulge. Oyegun and his ilk turn out to be gangsters adorned in the tunic of party authority. “Oyegun has engaged in the strange math where five is greater than six. This smacks of how the PDP conducted its affairs and orchestrated its own downfall. Tinubu disparaged such malpractice when it was not in his party. Tinubu surely disowns it now that it has invaded the party he helped bring to fruition. “Tinubu has consciously refused to hold any official position with the party to avoid the perception that he was trying to control all and sundry. Tinubu has even kept his peace for some time despite many things that happened within the party that were not quite right. He exercised this forbearance because the party is young.  A collective endeavor cannot avoid the mistakes and errors of organizational newness and evolution. “Yet, the wrongs Oyegun committed had nothing to do with newness or the mistakes occasioned by the path of reform. His actions are in the nature of the old wrongs that have afflicted our national politics much too long. If Oyegun wants to walk backward into the past, he has every right to it. However, he has no right to drag the party or any of us with him. Against our choosing. “The informal title of national leader of the party was given to Tinubu  at the onset which he accepted it as a sign from those who wished to recognize my contributions to the party’s formation. It is an honorific title which he has been proud to wear until today. I would rather not have any title yet reside in a party that honors democracy than hold a title in a party that says it honors me but that treats justice with indecency. I find greater honour and comfort where democracy and fairness are found and respected. “Oyegun has done the irredeemable. His coup is an insult to party and to patriot, to reason and to the reform agenda of this government.  To remain silent would be to admit the defeat of the reform and progressive change many have labored to bring forth. While the forces resistant to change and reform are strong, Tinubu dare not submit to them.  Tinubu encourages all party members not to submit to them. If we acquiesce in this wrong, the one greater than this shall cascade upon us. “Oyegun’s transgressions are a warning. He is but the mercenary of forces that seek to return the nation to the old ways. If they get away with this infraction, no telling what or whom they will undermine tomorrow. Much is at stake. On the chopping block, lies the future of the political party in which the majority of voters had placed their confidence. To rescue the party, Oyegun must go. He has shown that he and democratic fair play cannot exist in the same party at the same time. If Tinubu is to choose between John Oyegun and progress toward a better Nigeria, the choice has already been made. For those who care about the party, who care about Nigeria and its chance for a better tomorrow, now is the time to stand against this brewing evil before it grows to encompass all we have built and all we hold dear.”

Transgender couple become first in the world to give birth to their own biological baby

A transgender man, Fernando Machado who was assigned female at birth and his partner Diane Rodriguez, who was assigned male at birth, gave birth to a healthy child after conceiving with his transgender wife, making the couple the first transgender couple in South America to do so.
The couple who gave birth in June, live in Ecuador have expressed their desire to have more children.

Machado told BBC:
“We are the same as other families. Even though we might not have the same rights, we are the same,”

The transgender couple met after meeting on social media more than two years ago.
Diane told the BBC :
"We don't have a name yet - or rather we do - we are just waiting to announce it.
"Being a mother was never something I thought I would do because I am a transsexual.The law before demanded that to be recognised as a woman you had to be castrated."We are the same as other families. Even though we might not have the same rights, we're the same.
Ms Rodriguez on the other hand said, said she never thought she would have the opportunity to be a mother.

 The couple have not undergone full gender reassignment so were able to conceive naturally.

'We live as man and woman. I'm a transfeminine woman and Fernando is a transmasculine man. The process to get here was complex for each of us,” Mr Machado said.

Man U star Phil Jones turns up for training in new customized £200,000 Bentley

Man U star defender Phil Jones was the talk of the Aon Training Complex today as he cruised in for a training session in his custom-built Bentley Onyx. The super-car is valued at £200,000 . The player earns about £50,000 per week

Former Adamawa state governor, Ngilari, gets N1million bail

Former Governor of Adamawa state, James Bala Ngilari was today granted bail by Justice Nathan Musa of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola in the sum of one million naira and a surety with landed property in Yola who must provide a court affidavit of means to that effect.

Ngilari was remanded in the EFCC custody yesterday September 21st following his arraignment on 19-count charge bordering on alleged rigging of procurement process in the award of contract worth one hundred and sixty-seven million naira.




The court has adjourned to 0ctober 10 for commencement of trial. Ngilari is being tried alongside his former secretary to the government and his commissioner for finance and budget, Messrs Ibrahim Andrew Welye and Sanda Jonathan Lamurde respectively

Fayose Storms Aso Rock In Buhari's Absence

At a time President Muhammadu Buhari is in the United States of America for the United Nations General Assembly, his staunch critic, Governor Ayodele Fayose, of Ekiti state, is currently at the presidential villa in Abuja attending the national economic council meeting chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

According to sources, some of the governors in attendance are Governors;
Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).

Fayose has attended a few of the economic meetings hosted at the presidential villa.

Recall that at a two-day economic retreat held at the villa in March, he stormed out of the old banquet hall, venue of the programme, midway into the programme.

Speaking with journalists shortly after, Fayose dared Buhari to declare a state of emergency in Rivers where there were incidents of violence ahead of the legislative rerun election and in Ekiti.

He later issued a statement, in which he described the economic retreat as a jamboree.

“I was at the retreat and I can tell Nigerians categorically that it was just a jamboree. It was a waste of over N250m public fund because most of the resource persons were the same people who ran their states aground.

“Instead of wasting over N250 million on such a jamboree, it would have been better if the fund was given to those downtrodden Nigerians, who are trading with as little as N5,000.

“For instance, at N10,000 each, N250 million will go round 25,000 pepper sellers whose capital is not more than N5,000 and that would go a long way in boosting their trade,” he had said.

South Korea reveals plans to assasinate North Korean tyrant Kim Jong-Un using undercover hitmen

South Korea's defence minister Han Min-koo has said his country has a plan to launch a special forces Unit to go to North Korea and kill Supreme leader Kim Jong-Un if he decides to attack South Korea with missiles.
According to Han Min-koo, military chiefs are “considering launching a special forces unit to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.”
The operation would be part of ‘Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation’ plan (KMPR), which was announced after North Korea’s tested it's fifth nuclear warhead earlier this month, Han added during a parliamentary meeting in Seoul on Wednesday.

According to Korean times, Commandos and precision missile attacks will be deployed in Pyongyang if Kim Jong-un deploys one of his nukes on South Korean soil.

According to Han, the retaliatory attack will be supported by Seoul's missile defence system and a pre-emptive attack system operated by the US called 'Kill Chain'.
Han added:
“If it becomes clear the enemy is moving to attack the South with nuclear missiles, in order to suppress its aims, the concept [of the special forces] is to destroy key figures and areas that include the North Korean leadership,” Han told lawmakers.

‘my Husband Sacked Me For Refusing To Terminate 6 Months Pregnancy’

A 40-year-old housewife, Amudalat Afolabi has told an Ilorin Area Court that her husband,Tajudeen, sent her out because she refused to terminate a six month-old pregnancy.

Amudalat made this known when she testified in a divorce petition filed against her by Tajudeen in Ilorin on Thursday.

“My husband sent me away from our matrimonial home because I refused to terminate the six pregnancy am carrying,” she said.

Amadalat, 40, did not oppose the dissolution of the 20-year-old marriage, but described Tajudeen as “an irresponsible man”.

She said that was tired of being enslave by a useless man.

Tajudeen,50, a residence of Edun Area, Ilorin, had prayed the court to dissolved for his wife’s alleged infidelity.amorous behaviour.

He said the marriage was contacted in 1996 and had produce five children, Monsurat,18; Ibrahim,16; Mohammed,12; Lateefat, 10; Fatimoh, eight; and they were all living with him because their mother had left the matrimonial home.

“I am fed up with her waywardness. She is not stable and always frame excuses for her actions. I pray the court to put an end to this union because my wife can kill me as she move around town like dog,”

He, therefore urged the court to dissolve the marriage and award him custody of the children.

The Area court judge, Mr AbdulQudri Ibrahim, dissolved the marriage between the two parties and issued the certificate of divorce to the complainant.

25 Yrs Old Hindatu Umar Assumes Office As Arugungu LGA Chairperson

25 year old lady has been appointed as a care-taker chair-person of Arugungu local government of Kebbi state. The young lady was appointed after the tenure of the past caretaker management had come to an end.

Governors pass vote of confidence on Kemi Adeosun, Udoma Udo Udoma, support sale of national assets

The 36 state governors Thursday passed a vote of confidence on Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and her counterpart at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma.
According to a statement from the spokesperson of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, the governors passed their votes on the ministers at the monthly National Economic Council meeting which was presided over by Osinbajo at the presidential villa in Abuja.
The Economic Council also supported the sale of some national assets to rescue Nigeria from current economic recession. Read the full statement below:
Rising from its monthly meeting today at the Presidential Villa, members of the National Economic Council, NEC, presided over by Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, expressed support for the plans and proposals of the Federal Government to steer the country out of recession.
While acknowledging the current economic challenges and difficulties, state governors at the meeting also endorsed the work of the President’s Economic Management Team and specifically commended the Budget & Planning and Finance Ministers.
The Vice President is the Chairman of the Council, which advises the President on economic affairs of the federation and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning in the country. NEC is composed of Governors of all 36 states of the federation, and the Central Bank Governor.
BELOW ARE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING AS PRESENTED TO THE PRESS BY THE GOVERNORS OF KEBBI, OYO STATES & DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING THAT LASTED OVER FOUR HOURS.
A. PRESENTATION ON STATE OF THE ECONOMY BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING
Highlights of the presentation:
Economy is currently in recession
Dependence on a Single Commodity (Crude Oil) whose price we do not control is a major factor
Oil price collapsed to less than $30 per barrel in Q1 2016 and market expectations are that it will stay lower for longer
However, this crisis is an opportunity to restructure and reset the economy
Measures for Economic Revitalisation:
The President’s Economic Management Team (EMT) working on plan to generate immediate larger injection of fund into the economy through:
Asset sales
Advance payment of license renewals
Infrastructure concessioning
Use of recovered funds etc to reduce funding gaps
Implementation of Fiscal Stimulus/Budget Priorities
Fast-track procedures through legislation and implementation of Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) of the budget
Meaningful diversification of the economy and cut down importation
*RESPONSE TO THE PRESENTATION AND GENERAL COMMENTS
Council members in response commended the Economic Management Team and generally welcomed the presentation and expressed support for the plan to steer the nation out of recession
Under AOB, Council members expressed confidence in and unanimously commended the EMT and both the Budget & National Planning and Finance Ministers for the presentations to the Council, praising their efforts, competence and capabilities.
B1. PRESENTATION OF DRAFT REGULATIONS ON LAND USE ACT, 2013 BY THE PRESIDENTIAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON LAND REFORM (PTCLR)
The PTCLR presented to Council draft regulations on Land Use Act 2013 which seeks to make provisions to Streamline mortgage transactions and clearly delineate the rights, duties and obligations of a mortgage
Other aspects of the draft are:
Conditions for disposal of proceeds of sale and subsequent mortgages and implied terms of a mortgage
Rights of redemption and remedies and issues on mortgage by companies
Power of Assignment by mortgage and right of transfer and application of insurance money by the receiver
B2 PRESENTATION ON PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) INITIATIVES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FINANCE
Highlights of presentation among others:
Target of N1billion fund to operate PPP (N500 billion initial) to create a blended pool of long term funds to intervene in housing development finance and mortgage provision
Funds aims to deliver family housing priced from as low as N2.5 million up to N18 million delivered in a ready to occupy condition with essential services (water and power connected)
The delivery target is 400,000 to 500,000 housing units per annum
The ultimate aim of the programme is to channel funds from savers to borrowers, so that builders have the required capital to construct and prospective buyers can access credit to purchase
The fund will attract low cost local and international capital, including from domestic pension and insurance funds, FG funding, as well as contributions from State Governments and other agencies.
Roles of the States
State to designate a liaison with whom Family Homes Fund can interface
Expedite building plan approval process and security of land title
Invest in enabling infrastructure e.g. Federal roads
Other benefits among others are:
Improved urban planning and development
Employment generation and skills enhancement
Expansion of tax base
C1 REPORT ON EXCESS CRUDE PROCEEDS
Honourable Minister of Finance reported to Council that the balance in Excess Crude Account is USD 2.453 billion as at September 20, 2016.
C2 PRESENTATION ON BEST OPTIONS FOR MANAGING FLOATING FOREX POLICY INTRODUCED BY CBN: A JOINT PRESENTATION BY CBN/HM FINANCE
Highlights
CBN introduced cautious Monetary Policy orientation as dictated by consumer price and exchange rate
Adoption of policy tightening measures for flexible forex rate to address persistent pressures occasioned by scarcity and speculative demands
Improving market dynamics by CBN
Interventions to States in the area of salaries and in commercial agriculture
The presentation also noted the following:
Controlling inflation is key to stabilising other macroeconomic indices and the current stance of monetary policy is expected to continue to help lock-in inflation expectations
C3 UPDATE ON BUDGET SUPPORT LOAN FACILITY
Honourable Minister of Finance reported to Council that N50 billion has so far been disbursed to state governments, and the facility is ongoing.
Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President.

Serena Williams attends Milan Fashion Week braless, NA WAO

Tennis champion, Serena Williams who is still relaxing by touring Europe was pictured at the Gucci SS17 show at the 2016 Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday wearing nothing underneath her jacket. She was also pictured with Vogue editor, Anna Wintour

17 die as bus plunges into Kaduna river

Tragedy struck, Tuesday night, on the Kaduna-Abuja Road when an 18-seater bus plunged into River Rijana. At press time, only three bodies had been recovered from the river. However, one of the passengers survived. It was gathered that the passengers in the bus were relatives who had gone to celebrate the Eid el-Kabir in Kano State. They were returning to their Lokoja station, Kogi State, when the bus plunged into the river at 11p.m. Confirming the incident yesterday, the Kaduna Sector’s Head of Operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr. Salisus Galadunci, said: “An 18-seater bus travelling to Lokoja from Kano plunged into River Rijana with about 18 persons, all related, returning from Sallah break. “The incident was reported by the only survivor, a woman who managed to report to an FRSC ambulance stationed at Doka unit, along Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, around 7a.m. yesterday. “Rescuers from FRSC Doka, Katari and Kakau were immediately dispatched with ambulances. They were supported by local divers to search for survivors. “Eventually, only three bodies were recovered, while the remaining persons could not be found, including the survivor’s daughter. “Among the FRSC rescue team were the Zone 1 Commander, Bulus Darwang; Kaduan State Sector Commander, Francis Udoma, and Zone 1 Head of Operations, Yomi Asaniyan,” adding that efforts were still on to recover bodies of the missing passengers. The incident, as explained by the survivor, was caused by speeding as well as fatigue. Galadunci informed that the recovered bodies had been buried by the river side, by villagers in the area.

Man strips naked in front of his debtors house in a bid to collect his money

To show that he is serious and wants his money back, the man pictured above who spoke mostly in Igbo in a video shared online, stripped naked in front of his debtor's house. It appears his debtor had been avoiding him and he wanted to show that he is indeed serious and wants his money back. This recession is really biting Nigerians hard.

Rochas Okorocha Celebrates His 54th Birthday Today

The Man, Rochas Okorocha @54

Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha (born 22 September 1962) is a Nigerian multi billionaire businessman, education philanthropist and politician from Imo State ,
Nigeria who won the 6 May 2011 gubernatorial election in Imo State and was reelected for his second term on April 11, 2015. He is the founder of Rochas Foundation, a charity comprising a number of special schools that are spread all over Nigeria that gives scholarship to the less privileged children in the Nigerian society.

In his first attempt, he ran on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform [1] and ran on the All Progressives Congress in his second shot. In both occasions, Rochas defeated his closest rival, incumbent governor Ikedi Ohakim and serving Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha , by a close margin of votes and had to go for reruns.

Background
Rochas, an Igbo , was born on 22 September 1962 in
Ogboko, Ideato South , Imo State . He attended Juladaco High School, Jos (1976-1981). He studied at the University of Jos (1990-1991), obtaining a diploma in Public Administration. He returned to the University of Jos (1993-1994) to obtain an advanced diploma in Public Administration.

[2] Career positions include President, Nigeria Red Cross Society, President/Founder, Rochas Foundation Inc, President, Rochas Group of Companies Limited, Pro Chancellor, African Business School and Former Chairman, Board of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. [2]

From Rags to Riches
Rochas Okorocha wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was born into a poor family. And as he puts it, “I found out that I was born into a home that is relatively poor from all the definitions of poverty. So, I understand from the onset that I have a task ahead of me and the name of the game is survival." [3] He said he had to work extra hard to make both ends meet by combining education with street trading. He said he didn’t have a straight school experience while growing up. He was involved in street trading at one point in time or the other. He said, "Honestly, there has never been a dull moment in my life. In fact, I engaged in too many things just for the sole purpose to survive.” [3]

Okorocha, who acknowledged that he broke even early in life, said “The first one was at a very tender age of my life when I was selling used clothes. I broke even because I was able to buy a bus. I was able to buy a bus in secondary school and I bought television set in primary school as small as I was from the sale of oranges, coconuts and used clothes. What I do is that if I sell, I post some of the profits and at the end of the year I buy something with it. So, it has been a worthwhile experience but where I would say I made the first one million dollars, was as a commission agent from the sale of used equipment in Bauchi State where Balfour Beatty was constructing the Balanga Dam. When the company was winding up I was one of the agents that sold used equipment and I made N1.1 million when it was equivalent to $1 million dollars. And I put the entire money into the business of used cars then later graduated to the sale of new cars to what they called ‘Rochas Motors” but what made me really rich was real estate business. [3]
“At the age of nine I bought a television set, at 14 I bought a bus, at the age of 19/20 I became head of a commercial school, at the 22/23 years I became a proprietor of a school and I went into cement business (BBC) in Gboko, Benue State. And at the age of 24 plus I got married, at the age of 29 I became a member of National Constitutional Conference, I became a member of Federal Character Commission thereafter then I went to contest for governor and failed and shortly after that I ran for presidency and later became a presidential adviser. I ran for presidency again. You see, I moved on and on in life with hard work and challenges." [3]

Early political career
Okorocha was a Commissioner on the Federal Character Commission and a Member of the National Constitutional Conference. [2] When democracy was restored in 1999, Rochas Okorocha competed in the primaries to be People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor of Imo State, but lost to Achike Udenwa . [4] He moved to the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP), and was an unsuccessful candidate for President on the ANPP platform in 2003. He returned to the PDP, and President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Special Adviser on Inter-Party affairs. [5]
Rochas Okorocha formed the Action Alliance (AA) party in 2005, planning to become a Presidential candidate for the AA in the 2007 elections. [5] He again returned to the PDP, and in September 2007 indicated that he was interested in becoming PDP National Chairman. [6] After Governor Ikedi Ohakim decamped from the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) to the PDP in July 2009, Okorocha denied that Ohakim had taken over the PDP in the state, saying he was named as leader since he was governor, but a proper PDP congress should be held to decide on policy. [7]

Imo state governor
Okorocha decamped from the PDP to the All Progressive Congress. [9] However, Okorocha went on to campaign as APGA candidate and won subsequently. Rochas in 2013 decamped to the All Progressive Congress.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that the Imo State gubernatorial elections held on 26 April 2011 were inconclusive since the collation of results was marred by irregularities. [10] The INEC ordered reruns in four local government areas and one ward, to be held on 6 May 2011. [11] In the event, elections were not held in
Oguta local government area due to a security threat.
[12] The final results had Okorocha of the APGA declared winner with 336,859 votes. He was followed by the incumbent governor Ikedi Ohakim of the PDP with 290,490 votes. Former Senator Ifeanyi Araraume of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was third with 107,068 votes. [11] President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Okorocha on his election, saying the people of Imo State had spoken through the ballot box. [13]

In preparatory for the 2015 elections, former deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, threw in his hat for the governorship tussle. After being able to snatch away the PDP tickets from other contenders, he had to slug it out with the incumbent, Okorocha. The election eventually took place on April 11, 2015 after the first date was shifted by six weeks when the federal authorities cited security concerns. Just as Okorocha's first election debacle, the second one was also declared inconclusive.
INEC declared the April 11 governorship polls in Imo inconclusive, a development that led to the cancellation of elections in more than 250 polling units in 23 of the 27 local government areas. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Gabriel Ada, listed the state constituencies affected in the re-run to include; Ikeduru, Isiala Mbano, Isu, Oguta, Owerri West, and Oru East. He explained that the electoral commission ordered re-run for the governorship election because of the 79,000 difference between the votes scored by the leading and the second candidates. [14]
Okorocha won the rerun election fixed for April 25, 2015. [14]
APC
On 2 March 2013 Rochas led an APGA faction to form the All Progressives Congress . [15] He was later elected by his colleague governors in the opposition as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. [16]

Ik Ogbonna
SA, ICT