Thursday, August 31, 2017
I’ve made over N1m, says robbery suspect Akeem Anthony – Bus conductor
By Joseph Undu
A 30-year-old suspect, Akeem Anthony, arrested by operatives of Lagos Police Command, has said he has made over N1 million since he ventured into robbery.
The suspect, who hails from Ondo State and was arrested with another gang member, told Vanguard: “I am married with two children. I was a bus conductor and I live at Ijegun, Ikotun area of Lagos.
“I was a member of Eiye confraternity. I was arrested for robbery at Ikotun. I have robbed about five victims since I started and had made over one million Naira.
“We were three in our group, but one of us is dead. This other guy was our motorcyclist. We bought our two locally-made pistols from Abule-Ado area of Lagos for N35,000 each, while a cartridge costs N1,000.
“Since I started robbery, I have never killed anybody and I regret going into it in the first place. I was arrested with my pistols, while I was going out; I was not arrested while in operation.
“I stopped going to school when I was in SSS one. I promise never to do it again.”
Another suspect, Segun Esan from Illesha in Osun State, told Vanguard that: “I am 30 years old and married with three children.
“I am a painter and do okada business whenever I do not have a job to do.
“I carried this man (Akeem) as a passenger. When policemen stopped us, he jumped down and ran away. I began to wonder why.
“When I went to the station to bail my motorcycle, they held me, alleging that the person I carried was a robber.”
Police authorities said two locally-made pistols were found on them, with three mobile phones and four cartridges. Two of which are live ones and two expended.
Also paraded were 13 suspected cultists, including a female, who were arrested during their initiation rites.
The post I’ve made over N1m, says robbery suspect Akeem Anthony – Bus conductor appeared first on Vanguard News.
Enugu APC crisis: Why Nwoye cannot expel Foreign Affairs Minister – Njeze
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – A chieftain of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Ejike Njeze, yesterday dismissed threats by the chairman of the party in Enugu state, Ben Nwoye, to expel the Minister of Foreign Affairs, for allegedly altering the list of delegates that will participate in the party’s forthcoming national convention, saying the allegations were unfounded.
Nwoye had alleged in a recent press briefing that the Minister breached Article 21 of the party’s delegates’ list and so deserved expulsion as punishment for such offence.
But in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja, Chief Njeze described the threat by the state chairman as an unfortunate and senseless protest against Onyeama’s foiling of his attempt to hijack and compromise the local government congresses in order to hand over a list of his cronies, family members and girlfriends as delegates to the party’s forthcoming national convention.
He added that Nwoye had no moral right to speak on the expulsion of a high-ranking member of the party from the state as he also has a heap of allegations bordering on fraudulent activities, criminalities and anti-party activities to answer to.
Njeze said; “the allegation that the Minister doctored the delegates’ list is unfounded. There is nothing like that. It is just an attempt to rubbish the name of the Minister and to put a stain on his impeccable record of integrity, credibility and uprightness.
“It is also an admittance of the fact that Ben Nwoye is also aware that the Minister is a man of impeccable character and he feels that he can just throw a mud on his name in a bid to run away from what the Minister has been trying to preach in the party.
“There is nothing like tinkering of list. What we had in the local government congress were situations where this same group of people who have plunged the party into crisis; who are APC in the morning and PDP in the evening and won’t even let the night come before they start playing the script of the PDP.
“This same people funded by the state government decided to divert, to their houses and hotels, the committee that was sent to conduct an all-inclusive delegates’ convention and handed over to them a list that was prepared before the actual congress.”
“That was what we observed and some of the major stakeholders got to our notice that this same people have hijacked the same local government convention process.”
So instead of coming to the party office to conduct an all-inclusive delegates’ congress, these people diverted the committee a
The post Enugu APC crisis: Why Nwoye cannot expel Foreign Affairs Minister – Njeze appeared first on Vanguard News.
Prince Ajayi emerges new Akarigbo one year after
By Daud Olatunji
ABEOKUTA—The new Akarigbo of Remoland in Ogun State has been elected by seven king-makers.
He is Prince Adewale Ajayi, a Chartered Accountant and Legal Practitioner who emerged as the new Akarigbo of Remoland through an open ballot yesterday.
The election which was held among the seven kingmakers took place at the Akarigbo’s palace, Sagamu, Ogun State.
Vanguard gathered that the kingmakers included; Chief Rasak Akinyemi Salami (Lisa), Chief Abdul Wasiu Awofala (Losi), Chief Taiwo Sule ( Oluwo Odofin), Chief Lamidi Olaitan Adesanya (Apena), Chief Ogunyemi Tijani Adesina (Ogbeni odi), Chief Kolawole Odumuyiwa (Balogun)and Olotu Omoba JAS Adekunle (Olotu Omoba Akarigbo).
A source at the palace said the election was supervised by the Secretary to the Local Government, Otunba Adewale Fakoya, who reportedly read the names of the 19 nominees to the kingmakers, requesting them to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice.
Further findings showed that the result of the election revealed that Prince Adewale Ajayi garnered five votes out of seven to emerge the new Akarigbo of Remoland while Prof. Babatunde Ogunmola got the remaining two votes. Other 17 nominees to the stool could not get any vote .
When contacted the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko confirmed the emergence of Ajayi as the newly elected Akarigbo of Remoland.
Ojuko said Ajayi got five votes as against two votes by the runner up, Prof. Babatunde Ogunmola in an election conducted by the seven-man King makers.
He disclosed that the nomination and election process were peaceful, adding that installation date would be announced very soon.
The post Prince Ajayi emerges new Akarigbo one year after appeared first on Vanguard News.
Victims of C-River communal clash cry for help
By Ike Uchechukwu
CALABAR—Victims of the communal clash between Wanihem and Wanikade communities in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the state and federal governments to come to their aid.
Some victims, who spoke with Vanguard at Yala, called on the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to assist them with relief materials.
The communal clash, which occurred between June 27 and 29, claimed lives and property worth millions of Naira destroyed.
A traditional ruler in Wanihem community, Mr. Samuel Lukpata, said the crisis had caused hardship in the area, as food and cash crops were also destroyed during the crisis.
His counterpart in Wanikade community, Mr. Stephen Odege, said some residents of the community now seek refuge in nearby communities.
Speaking further, Odege noted that in view of the destruction, majority of young men from the community have become labourers in nearby communities, to survive.
Contacted, Mr. John Inaku, state Director General of SEMA, told Vanguard there had been a joint assessment between SEMA and NEMA, adding that plans were on to provide succour to the victims.
He urged them to remain law abiding, saying government will respond to them accordingly.
The post Victims of C-River communal clash cry for help appeared first on Vanguard News.
Why US investment in Nigeria is restricted – US Senator
By Elizabeth Adegbesan, with Agency report
THE head of a United States of America’s congressional delegation on a visit to Nigeria, Senator Chris Coons, has said that American investors have held back their investment in Nigeria due to currency regulations, saying that they would increase their investment in the country when there is a free-floating Naira.
Coons told Bloomberg in an interview: “Some of the currency controls that remain I think raise the question of whether foreign direct investment, if successful and profitable, will be able to be returned to any country. I have heard concerns from American companies that before they significantly increase their investment here they would hope they return to a floating currency.”
Shortage of foreign exchange
Recall that Nigeria tightened currency restrictions after the 2014 crash in crude prices, a move analysts blamed for creating a severe shortage of foreign exchange that made it difficult for companies to pay for imports and repatriate profits. While the scarcity has eased this year, many foreign observers believe the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) still manages the Naira.
USA is Nigeria’s third biggest trading partner after India and China, with volumes between the two countries reaching $6.8 billion in 2016, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That was, however, down from $12 billion in 2014.
The stock of USA’s foreign direct investment in Nigeria was $5.5 billion in 2015, according to the State Department, mostly from oil and gas.
He, however, noted that the federal government has taken other steps to make the country more attractive to investors. “The Buhari administration has made significant progress in addressing some of the structural challenges, both security and economic challenges, that were a barrier to more active American investment,” he said.
Coons visited Nigeria with seven other members of US Congress. In Lagos, they met business leaders including Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc. They were also in Abuja, where they met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The post Why US investment in Nigeria is restricted – US Senator appeared first on Vanguard News.
NASS fully committed to Buhari’s vision for transport sector-Ashafa
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa has stated that the National Assembly is committed to the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for the transport sector which would be beneficial to all Nigerians.
Ashafa made the remarks, Thursday, at the just concluded 15th National Council on Transportation in Sokoto, themed “Efficiency of Inter-Modalism in Transportation; Panacea for Economic Recovery.”
His words: “Let me seize this August occasion to remind you that the National Assembly is your partner, as we are fully committed to ensuring the success of President Muhamadu Buhari’s vision for the transport sector, for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
The summit had in attendance; Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, heads of agencies and departments under the ministry and Muhamadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.
The Senator highlighted the role of transportation and logistics in the economy of the country stating that, “transportation sits at the heart of trade facilitation.”, and that the age of intermodalism, the various modes of transportation in Nigeria had worked at best without synergy.
He identified the interventions of the National Assembly, in laying a foundation for an intermodal transport sector in Nigeria as follows, “At the National Assembly, particularly in the Senate Committee on Land Transport, we discovered the forgoing early and immediately set to work in laying the foundation for synergy in the Transport Landscape of Nigeria.
To ensure the passage of the Nigerian Railway Authority Bill 2016 which effectively, opens up the rail sector to private participation. To work on the more complex National Transport Commission Bill, which seek to create to create a multi-modal transport sector regulator.
“It is our belief, that both Bills amongst others being worked on by various committees’ of the National Assembly possess the capacity to transform our transport sector and aide the switch to intermodalism in the sector.”
Ashafa therefore, charged the council to ensure implementation of all the action points agreed upon throughout the period of the summit.
The post NASS fully committed to Buhari’s vision for transport sector-Ashafa appeared first on Vanguard News.
UNPAID SUBSIDY: NUPENG rejects planned mass sack by marketers
By Victor Ahiuma-Young
Lagos—THE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, yesterday rejected threat by Petroleum oil marketers to embark on mass sack of workers, over unpaid subsidy claims, warning the oil marketers not to use workers as scapegoats.
NUPENG in a statement by its President, Mr. Achese Igwe, in Lagos, insisted that the threat to embark on the mass sack was uncalled for, unjustified and unethical as the workers had always performed their duties well, threatening that any attempt to sack workers would be resisted and could lead to an industrial crisis in the industry.
The union however pleaded with the federal government to verify the N720 billion claims the oil marketers and pay them to avert fuel scarcity and suffering of the masses.
According to the statement: “The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, wants to use this medium to warn the oil marketers over the threat of mass retrenchment of workers if the federal government fails to pay outstanding subsidy owed it on the importation of petroleum products. We want to state that the threat to sack the workers should not be used as a bait or weapon to get government to pay but apply other sanctions that will compel the government to pay genuine claims. The threat to embark on the mass sack is uncalled for, unjustified and unethical as the workers have always performed their duties well.
“NUPENG warns that workers cannot be used as scapegoats or guinea pigs for government’s ineptitude and nonchalant attitude to pay for products imported on their behalf. We call on the federal government to verify the N720 billion claims by oil marketers and pay in order to avert fuel scarcity and suffering of the masses. The oil marketers borrowed money to import these products and as a result government should fulfil its obligations to the marketers. Government must develop the political will to do the turn-around-maintenance of the nation’s refineries to make them work optimally so that the drain on our foreign exchange will be reduced due to massive importation of petroleum products.”
The Union added that “any attempt to sack workers in the oil marketing firms will be resisted and will lead to an industrial crisis in the industry. We advise the government and the oil companies to sort out themselves and not to use the workers as cannon fodder.”
The post UNPAID SUBSIDY: NUPENG rejects planned mass sack by marketers appeared first on Vanguard News.
HP launches Ink Tank printers for high-volume home users
By Prince Osuagwu
HP Inc. has unveiled the new HP DeskJet GT 5820/10 All-in-One series targeted at high-volume home users looking for a wireless ink tank printer that never stops.
Speaking on the essence of the new series, Kevin Van Wyk, HPS Category Manager for South Africa disclosed; “High volume home users are focused on efficiency and are constantly on the look out for innovation that can reduce cost and minimise disruption to their work. The new HP DeskJet GT series makes high-quality, reliable printing more affordable and wireless printing and ink refill easy and fuss-free.
“The HP DeskJet GT series prints up to 8,000 pages with a set of three HP colour bottles or up to 5,000 pages with a HP black ink bottle out of the box. Original HP inks are specially formulated to deliver sharp text, vibrant graphics and photos that resist water and fading, as well as professional quality, borderless printing.”
Harping on the ease of ink refilling, Wyk reiterated; “Replenishing ink is also clean and easy with HP’s innovative spill-free refill system. The bottles can simply be plugged into the tank without any squeezing required. Users can also easily monitor ink levels with the transparent ink tanks.”
On connectivity and ease of use, Wyk explained that, “The working environment today needs to be connected and wireless. The new HP DeskJet GT 5820 All-in-One printer makes it easy for users working remotely to connect via smartphones and tablets. The printer can be set up out of the box using just a mobile device. Even without a wireless network, Wi-Fi direct enables users to directly connect their printer to the mobile device at home.
“In addition, with the HP All-in-One Printer Remote app, users can quickly send scans to email or cloud storage through their mobile device; iPhone and iPad, using AirPrint or smart phones and tablets running Androi, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Google Chrome operating systems.”
The post HP launches Ink Tank printers for high-volume home users appeared first on Vanguard News.
3rd generation Porsche Cayenne completes 4.4m kilometre hot and cold test
By Duru Precious
THE third generation of Porsche’s Cayenne is in the starting blocks. The new edition of this successful model, which has achieved more than 760,000 sales since 2002, has undergone a complex and challenging series of examinations. Taking place across the globe and under extreme conditions, these tests ensure that the SUV meets the highest quality requirements set by Porsche.
In conditions ranging from minus 45 degrees to plus 50 degrees, the prototypes and pre-series vehicles complete a total of around 4.4 million test kilometres.
Porsche celebrated the world première of the completely redeveloped Cayenne on August 29, 2017. The drive, chassis, display and control concepts of the new model have been redesigned to further increase the spread between sportiness and comfort. The main objective of the extensive testing process is to achieve a perfect balance between the many components, some of which were developed especially for the Cayenne. The assessment process began as far back as 2014 with the unit carriers and has continued to this day with prototypes and pre-series vehicles. In addition to increasingly accurate virtual simulations, testing under real-life conditions is still highly valued at Porsche and represents the final examination for every new model produced by the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer.
The full vehicle test is implemented to harmonise the interaction of all individual components, whilst also analysing operational stability and functionality in customer usage scenarios. The aim is always to meet the highest quality standards set at Porsche. Specifically, this process includes tough endurance tests on Hydropuls units – a hydraulic testing facility that applies artificial vibrations to both the chassis and body. The range of assessments also cover on and offroad operational stability, which take place at the Porsche Weissach development centre, inside and around the facility.
During the programme, a vehicle’s life span is simulated under conditions that are so tough, they are unlikely to ever occur once the car is owned by the customer. Under everyday conditions in urban traffic, on country roads and on the motorways, the test models cover up to 240,000 km within a few months in shifts.
To simulate extreme stresses, prototypes of the new Cayenne were tested around the world, including on race tracks traditionally used by Porsche to assess all its models. In Germany, the Hockenheimring and the especially challenging Nürburgring-Nordschleife are used.
In Italy, the vehicles are put through their paces in continuous operation on the 12.6-km high-speed track at Nardò.
Materials, sensors and electronics have to prove their quality and durability in different climate conditions – at up to plus 50 degrees Celsius in the sand dunes of Dubai (UAE) and on dusty slopes in Death Valley (USA), as well as at up to minus 45 degrees Celsius on ice and snow in Alaska (USA).
The third generation of the Cayenne also had to endure the stop-start traffic in the hot and humid conditions of Chinese cities, master test tracks in Sweden, Finland, Spain, and was transported to South Africa, Japan and New Zealand to complete an extensive on and offroad testing programme.
The post 3rd generation Porsche Cayenne completes 4.4m kilometre hot and cold test appeared first on Vanguard News.
Buhari directs emergency response to Benue, as flood displaces 100,000
Abuja—President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to immediately mobilise personnel and resources to come to the aid of the victims of the flooding in Benue State.
President Buhari gave the directive in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja, yesterday.
Recall that Benue Radio Station, Wurukum Market and several other communities have been submerged, occasioned by the downpour in the state.
No fewer than 100,000 persons were also displaced across 12 local government areas of the state as a result of the calamity.
President Buhari, who expressed grave concern over the unfortunate incident in the state, said he will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure compliance with his directives on the incident.
According to him, he will also be receiving regular updates on the scale of the disaster, as well as the Federal Government’s humanitarian response.
He assured that the Federal Government will make available any assistance needed to enable the state government and the affected communities cope with and surmount the impact of the flooding, and extended his sympathies to the government and people of Benue State.
The post Buhari directs emergency response to Benue, as flood displaces 100,000 appeared first on Vanguard News.
Cameroon target 4 points from Eagles
Cameroon coach Hugo Broos has said his team hope to get four points from their two World Cup qualifying matches against Nigeria so as to get their qualification for Russia 2018 back on track.
Nigeria host the first qualifier today, while the second encounter will be on Monday in Yaounde.
“We are targeting four points in the double-header,” said the Belgian coach, who led the Indomitable Lions to win the AFCON in February in Gabon.
“It is an important game for us as a team, we know it’s going to be difficult, but we are prepared to beat Nigeria. We are under pressure to beat Nigeria as we are four points behind the leaders, so losing tomorrow will dent our aspiration of going to the World Cup.
“There will be a big fight tomorrow (today) and quality and luck can give either side the maximum points.”
The post Cameroon target 4 points from Eagles appeared first on Vanguard News.
Erosion: NEWMAP maps out 5 communities for engineering design in Delta
By Festus Ahon
ASABA—Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, has made a public presentation of the engineering designs and other technical details of the five identified flood and erosion sites in Delta State.
The exercise at a workshop in Asaba, was aimed at discussing all technical options that will guarantee standards in the world bank assisted project.
The identified flood and erosion sites for the first phase of the project, include Owanta in Ika North East, Obomkpa and Nkwu-Nzu communities in Aniocha North, Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South and Jesse in Ethiope West of the state.
State Commissioner for Environment, Mr John Nani, while declaring the workshop open for the presentation and selection of the engineering design concept, said the exercise was a show of the state government’s commitment to standards.
State Project Coordinator, NEWMAP, Mr. Isaac Ufiofio, who commended the commitment of the Federal and Delta State governments as well as the World Bank towards addressing the devastating effects of erosion and flooding, said quality and standards were key to the execution of the projects.
Earlier in his presentation, Team Leader of AURECON Consulting Firm, Almeroux Loubser, identified irregularities in existing drainages as a major cause of erosions and flooding in the affected localities.
The post Erosion: NEWMAP maps out 5 communities for engineering design in Delta appeared first on Vanguard News.
Hajj 2017: Tears flow as Lagos pilgrims hold special prayers in Makkah
*Moved to Mina for core rite
By Ishola Balogun, Saudi Arabia
In a solemn gathering, tears flow freely while prayers for protection and safe return filled the air as the 2332 pilgrims from Lagos state prepare for another important stage in the annual hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.
It will be recalled that on September, 24, 2015, there was a stampede which caused over 760 death of pilgrims on their way to Jamarat for the symbolic stoning of the devil as well as the accident at the Kaaba same year.
The prayer session which was held at Makkah shortly before leaving for Mina and coordinated by the Amirul Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdluLateef drew tears from both male and female pilgrims, crying unto Allah for safety and acceptable hajj rites.
They also offered intense prayers for continued development of the state led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Nigeria at large.
Different scholars including Dr Sulaiman Yusuf of Zakaat & Sadaqat Foundation led the first session while Imam Shuaib Abdullah and the Amirul hajj, Dr. AbdulLateef led the second and the third sessions respectively.
Meanwhile, the entire 2332 pilgrims from the state have arrived Mina, adorning the seamless white garment preparatory to the core hajj rite – Arafat day.
At Mina, the pilgrims were accommodated in executive tents, temporary homes for the multitude of pilgrims as they began the five-day ritual central to hajj.
Lagos is the only state among Nigerian pilgrims that got executive temporal abode for its pilgrims at the tented city, about 15kilometers away from the city of Makkah which was said to have been facilitated by Governor Ambode of the state.
After the standing in prayer at the Mount Arafat on Thursday, Pilgrims will proceed to Muzdaliffah where will pick pebbles and head towards Jamarat on Friday for the stoning which basically symbolises denunciation of the devil. There after, they will shave their heads and return to Makkah for the final rites – tawaf on Saturday.
The post Hajj 2017: Tears flow as Lagos pilgrims hold special prayers in Makkah appeared first on Vanguard News.
Peace Mass Transit bemoans high levies, threatens to vacate C’River
By Emma Una
CALABAR —PEACE Mass Transit, a popular mass transport company that operates in Cross River State and other states in the South-South and South-East has bemoaned the multiple taxes and levies imposed on it by agents of the Cross River State Government and has threatened to vacate the state if the trend continues.
Managing Director of the company, Dr Sam Onyishi, in a letter to the Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, obtained by Vanguard, said the persistent and unfriendly activities of persons who parade themselves as state and local government representatives on levies and taxes in various forms were ruining the operations of the company in the state.
He said: “These persons have continually inundated us with requests for all manner of levies and taxes including those we are not owing.
“May we point out to you sir, that one sure implication of these people whom we refrain from calling touts is disruption of our business, consequently, damage to our investment and we have genuine fears that with this state of affairs, we are being forced out of Calabar and other cities in the state.”
Contacted, Chairman, Internal Revenue Service, Dr Ukam Edodi, said only consultants were authorised to collect revenue on behalf of the government as he warned touts harassing companies and individuals to desist from such actions.
The post Peace Mass Transit bemoans high levies, threatens to vacate C’River appeared first on Vanguard News.
4 Great Apps For Taking Pictures
You can get more out of your smartphone camera with these awesome photo apps that help enhance and give improvements to your simple everyday camera shots. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 4 great apps for taking pictures.
VSCO Cam
This is a great app for photography and image editing. It helps you capture images, tweak and tune them to your preferences, then sync the images across devices and share them with as many people as you want. It even has a Grid feature that helps you discover the best original photography from other VSCO users.
Snapseed
This photo app is owned by Google and is one of the most accessible photo editing apps for Android users. It has a wide range of features for experienced users and newcomers, and at it’s most basic level, gives users the option to scroll through image enhancement options and control the intensity of effects used. It has a diverse range of features from basic automatic colour and contrast enhancement to cropping and sharpening. It also gives the option of selectively adjusting colour properties within a particular radius, and has varieties of filters and frames to choose from.
Pics Art Photo Studio and Collage
This app includes a robust photo editor with photo editing tools that allow you adjust white balance, tone, crop etc. However, Pics Art goes a step further by letting you purchase sticker packs on the app to use to adorn your photos; you can also add adjustable lens flares to your images, access varieties of filters and even apply Prisma-like features to transform your photos. In addition, Pics Art has its own tiny social media network that lets you share your photos on the app and make it free to edit, so others can edit or tweak your photos into something new and different.
Camera+
This app offers the ability to manually control both the exposure and focus of your images, which gives you total control of elements like brightness. It also has a ‘stabilizer-like’ feature that helps you avoid blurry pictures, and a one-touch ‘clarity’ button that instantly improves the results of a photograph. Basically, it gives instant improvements to your everyday shot, however, it is an iOS only option for now.
The post 4 Great Apps For Taking Pictures appeared first on Vanguard News.
Everything You Need To Know About the Ojude-Oba Festival
During Sallah or Eid al-Adha, there is one festival that everyone looks forward to in South West, Nigeria. It’s the Ojude-Oba festival.
The festival is a gathering of indigenes of Ijebuland who gather at the Awujale palace to pay homage to the Royal Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. It is a very colourful parade and it is celebrated with extreme pomp and pageantry. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, takes you on a ride to the festival as the 2017 edition beckons!
Origin of the festival
Long before the Ojude-Oba festival became an all-encompassing gig, it was a small gathering of adherents and followers of the Islamic religion. The festival came into existence over 100 years ago when the earliest Muslim converts in Ijebu-ode paid homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland to thank him for granting them the freedom to practice their religion. Today, however, the festival has transcended religious lines and now attracts people of all faiths as well as tourists from within and outside Nigeria.
Where
The festival is held in the town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, South West, Nigeria.
When
The festival is celebrated on the 3rd day of Eid al-Adha. That means the 2017 festival will be held on Sunday, 3rd, 2017.
Getting there
Ijebu-Ode has been made very popular by the Ojude-Oba festival. Hence, it is not really difficult getting to Ijebu-Ode. From Lagos, locate a major bus park, preferably Oshodi, board a bus en route Ijebu-Ode. The bus fare is between N1,500 and N2,000. If you want to drive, make sure you are familiar with the route or you get someone that does.
Key highlights
Parade by different age grades (Regberegbes)
There are three different age-grade that show off their colourful attires to the Awujale. There are different regberegbes from both the male and female sides. Both genders belonging to different age-grades will attempt to outwit each other employing different tactics to be declared the best. The winners are awarded cash prizes.
Horse-riding
There are different horse riding families led by the Balogun. The Balogun is the descendants of Ijebu war heroes who executed wars. Some of the horse-riding families include Balogun Odunuga, Balogun Bello Odueyungbo Kuku, Balogun Agboola Alausa, Balogun Alatishe, Balogun Otubu, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Odejayi, Balogun Adesoye Onasanya, Balogun Towobola, Balogun Aregbesola and Balogun Ajibike Odedina. Their entry is announced by intermittent gunshots which send almost everyone into a frenzy!
Tips for surviving the Ojude-Oba festival
Arrive as early as possible to the festival
If you can, take public transport to Ijebu-Ode. In addition, have a pouch where you keep all your gadgets. Better still book a hotel close to where the festival will be held.
Leave your kids at home. Importantly, ensure that you stay together because it may be difficult to locate anyone who strays.
The post Everything You Need To Know About the Ojude-Oba Festival appeared first on Vanguard News.
OPEC output falls by 170,000 bpd
OIL output from the Or-ganization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) fell in August by 170,000 barrels per day (bpd), a Reuters survey said. The fall, according to the survey, is due to renewed unrest leading to supplies cut in Libya and other members’ compliant with OPEC’s production-cutting deal.
A dip in supply from top two producers, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, helped to boost OPEC’s adherence to its output curbs to 89 percent, up five percentage points from July, but still short of the levels above 90 percent achieved earlier in the year.
The decline from Libya, and the lack of a further sizeable increase from Nigeria, will ease concerns that extra barrels from the two nations could swamp cutback made elsewhere. Libya and Nigeria were exempt from the cuts because conflict had curbed their production. High compliance and much-reduced output in the exempt countries pushed supply lower in early 2017. But extra Libyan and Nigerian production, and slipping adherence in some countries, prompted output to rise to a 2017 high last month.
To address this, ministers at a July 24, 2017 meeting moved to cap Nigerian output, although they stopped short of asking Libya to join the supply-cutting deal, and called on several members to boost compliance.
August’s biggest drop came from Libya, where output slipped to an average of 900,000 bpd as unrest forced the shutdown of the country’s largest oilfield, Sharara, plus other sites, putting a supply recovery on hold for now. Among countries with higher output, Angola exported more cargoes than in July and supply in Nigeria edged higher as Shell’s Nigerian venture lifted a force majeure on Bonny Light crude exports.
OPEC announced a production target of 32.50 million bpd last year, which was based on low figures for Libya and Nigeria.
The post OPEC output falls by 170,000 bpd appeared first on Vanguard News.
5 Useful Tips For Working With Family and Friends
Working with family and friends might generally not be an easy, but there are ways to make it work. However, you have to be determined and ready to put in the required effort to make it work. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 useful tips for working with family and friends.
Ask Yourself This Question
Before bringing a family or friend on board, you need to first ask yourself, “If your friend/family wasn’t your friend/family, would you think he/she was the best candidate for the job?”. If you must bring your friend or family aboard your business, you need to be totally sure it is worth it because it’s not going to be easy, so it has to at least be worth it.
Be Distinctive
Be distinctive about work and family, keep business discussions out of family and personal gatherings. If you must talk about work, let it be to just joke around and share funny work stories, it shouldn’t be anything too sensitive or critical.
Don’t Take Contracts Lightly
Contracts are particularly crucial when working with family and friends, because where sentiments might weaken your stand, a contract will help to give strength to it. If there is a ‘push-back’ while working with family or friends, a legally binding contract can easily help to bring everyone back on the same page. It’s best to have a contract to guide all critical and sensitive parts of the business (like the salary aspect etc.), so everything is well spelt out for everyone to understand without misinterpretation or being sentimental about it.
Properly and Clearly Define Everyone’s Roles
This is very important when working with family and friends. It is important that everyone knows their place in the business. Too often, people jump into a business without clearly defining the roles and extent of authority of each employee, especially with family businesses. Clearly and properly defining everyone’s roles in the business helps to keep employees from stepping on each other’s toes, prevents avoidable problems and keeps everyone focused on what they need to do.
Try Reworking Your Office Space
This can be especially helpful if you’re working with a spouse. Try to mix things up within the workplace and find ways to work remotely, so you’re not all in each other’s faces all the time. This can help to reduce some of the friction that might occasionally arise from working with family and friends.
The post 5 Useful Tips For Working With Family and Friends appeared first on Vanguard News.
Nursing mother, octogenarian, others cry to Ambode over demolition of homes
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Residents of Lagoon View Estate, along Ibeshe Road, Ikorodu, including the nursing mother of a three-week old baby, and an 87-year-old woman, stormed the office of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and State House of Assembly to protest the demolition of their residential buildings.
The protesters displayed placards with several inscriptions, such as “Governor Ambode save us from landgrabbers,” “Nigeria is not a jungle, Ambode give us justice,” among others.
They claimed that officials of the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development stormed their residence on August 16 with bulldozers without prior notice and demolished 16 buildings.
Spokesperson of the protesters and a resident, Mr. Victor Hamstrong, who presented a protest letter to representatives of Governor Ambode, demanded immediate intervention and investigation to determine those responsible, as well as seek redress to right the wrong and forestall future occurrence.
Hamstrong said: “The task force demolished buildings, occupied and unoccupied, on over two hectares of land, worth N1 billion.
“We are here to seek the intervention of Governor Ambode and the lawmakers to get justice and redress over the unlawful and unjust demolition of our homes by agents, who claimed to be officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
“We have been rendered homeless with our children left on the streets. We are using this opportunity to appeal to the state governor to come to our aid, to save us from dying on the streets and reclaim our homes.”
Their solicitor, Mr. Akin Duyilemi, argued that the land of the estate belonging to his clients was not subject to litigation or liable to judgment execution.
The post Nursing mother, octogenarian, others cry to Ambode over demolition of homes appeared first on Vanguard News.
UK ministers meet Osinbajo, pledge assistance on insurgency, corruption
Abuja—Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, and Secretary for International Development, Ms. Priti Patel, yesterday, met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in continuation of their official visit to Nigeria, promising to assist Nigeria in the wars against insurgency and corruption.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Johnson said United Kingdom was ready to assist Nigeria in humanitarian , development and military fronts.
Johnson, who described Nigeria as an incredible country and power house of the African economy, said: “This is an incredible place. It is the power house of the African economy. We are here with Nigeria every step of the way.’’
The envoy said the delegation had fruitful meeting with Osinbajo and looked forward to better relationship with Nigeria
He said: “We had a very good meeting with the Vice President and I want to stress that the reason we had two cabinet ministers in Nigeria today is that we attach immense importance to this relationship.
“Today (yesterday), we discussed it with the Vice President and his ministers. We discussed some of the contributions the UK can make on the military front, on the humanitarian side and the development aid side,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Ms Priti Patel, Secretary of State for International Development, said the she was satisfied with the outcome of the meetings the delegation held with the Vice President and other Nigerian officials s in the past two days.
Noting that the United Kingdom always viewed Nigeria as a partner, Patel said: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and the strength of the UK relationship with Nigeria on all aspects including the diversification and development going on in the country.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, said the meeting covered three priority areas of the government: security, fight against corruption and the economy.
He said: “They have been here, and Maiduguri. The UK is partnering us in facing our security challenges and global threats by terrorists. And of course, UK is engaged with us in the anti-corruption crusade that we embarked upon and very importantly also with regard to the economy.”
The post UK ministers meet Osinbajo, pledge assistance on insurgency, corruption appeared first on Vanguard News.
AU ECOSCC, GRC Motorsport partner to build U-city across states
….project to bridge infrastrucral deficit
By Gabriel Ewepu
ABUJA- FOLLOWING infrastructural deficit in Africa, the African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council, AU ECOSOCC, Nigerian Chapter, and GRC Motorsport have partnered to build Ubiquitous- City, U-City, for rural people in Nigeria.
The move was unveiled at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, were the Nigerian Representative and Chairperson, AU ECOSOCC Nigeria, Dr Tunji Asaolu, in his address stated that the U-City became necessary, because the project will address a lot of economic and infrastructural challenge faced by rural people.
According to Asaolu the U-City development that would drastically reduce rural-urban migration as the infrastructure and facilities that attract them to the urban areas would be provided at their doorstep.
It focuses on Tourism, Agriculture, Mining and Human Resources development on infusion of modernity and Africa ways of life as the U-City concept will stir Africa to 21st Century growth, and the aspiration will be to sustain the Africa ways of life, which varies from one community to another, therefore every U-City concept development will be designed with huge emphasis laid on the ways of life; culture and heritage of the local community, making U-City to be unique and ubiquitous.
U-City Infrastructure U-City infrastructure will be a modern city infrastructure of global standards, with well-planned management structure to be put in place for good quality service delivery and sustainability. The infrastructure includes housing, power, water supply, road networks, social amenities, transportation, communication and security.
He said: “The developmental nature of the African Union isa being brought into culmination with the AU ECOSOCC Nigerian chapter partnership with GRC Motorsport on the U-City development.
“The U-City is a global city meant to be established across the African continent with vast lands, natural resources, rich cultural assets and human resources that exist everywhere in Africa. The idea of the city briefly captioned the main objectives of the AU Agenda 2063 initiative.
“AU ECOSOCC is partnering with GRC Motorsport because its vision and aspiration is to have development all over Africa which is the central focus of the Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want’.
“The project is targeted at creating rural urbanisation living across rural Africa. The project has identified some of the key issues that are contributing to the development across Africa and some commodity-export sectors that can be adopted to make each city self-reliant with its own independent economy.
“This will help reverse the rural-urban migration that has been a burden to Africa’s development, thereby achieving the United Nations Sustain development Goals, SDGs that would have an impact on improving the quality of life of local communities.
“The aspiration of U-City concept is to bring urban development, quality living and integrated economic sectors to all parts of Africa, which will greatly improve the quality of life, social activities, job creation and economic stability for the people across Africa.”
In his remarks Chief Executive Officer, GCR Motorsport, Mr Ribi Adeshokan, explained that the following infrastructural deficit in the country, particularly the rural areas and government alone cannot provide the needed infrastructure promoted the U-City concept to bridge the infrastructural gap, which they do not necessarily depend on government rather carry the rural people along and give them a sense of belonging and not to displace or relocate them from their original home, but would also be part of the city.
“The infrastructural deficit is very high in the country. We have challenge of infrastructure in rural areas, the African population is growing and the pressure on areas and its facilities are being over stressed due to rural-urban migration.
“This is why we want to urbanise the rural areas, which is the concept of U-City to reverse the rural-urban migration. Lagos State for instance because of the 21 million people there it has now put pressure on development. U-City is a concept to be self-reliant and generate its own economy and also to move away from oil.
“The best way to achieve this is to look at the commodities in that area, which will attract investors. Like in agriculture the country is blessed with vast arable lands. The structure deficit is still there and all the efforts government has been making has not been able to achieve the maximal goal and part of it is the bottleneck of doing business, which the government is working on”, Adeshokan stated.
According to him the U-City project has no value for it because it will spread across Africa.
“But the Usuma One, in Abuja, which we are currently working on, is about $5 billion, and is one of the U-City concepts and the Madison one is another concept. The Usuma One is tailored towards tourism, and it will be hosting the Commonwealth Games, and it is projected to generate $20 billion every year to Nigeria from our projection.
“The Madison One is tailored towards agro and mining. We have investors already from outside the country. The Usoma One and Madison are projects to be completed around four years time”, he said.
The post AU ECOSCC, GRC Motorsport partner to build U-city across states appeared first on Vanguard News.
NDE trains graduates in solar energy technology
By Oboh Agbonkhese
LAGOS—THE National Directorate of Employment, NDE, has commenced its Solar Energy Training Scheme, SETS, in Lagos State for unemployed graduates to explore new areas of job creation and develop a critical sector.
Speaking during the launch of SETS, the Director-General of NDE, Dr. Nasiru Mohammed said power is the bedrock of sustained technological development of any nation.
Represented by Mr. Adebowale Ologbenla, NDE Lagos State Coordinator, Dr. Mohammed said: “NDE will not relent in her efforts to towards mass employment generation in SETS to key into the Federal Government’s target of attaining 30 percent renewable energy for the country by 2030.”
SETS, organised by NDE’s Special Public Works Department, with Mrs Achigbu H. I. as Director, comprise a week-long theoretical work and then attachment to master trainers for practicals free of charge
The post NDE trains graduates in solar energy technology appeared first on Vanguard News.
Brute! Woman arraigned in Abuja court for pouring pepper in daughter's vagina
The incident was reported by a neighbour which prompted an investigation from the police.
A Karmo Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja has arraigned a woman, Mercy Segun, 42, for pouring pepper in her daughter's vagina causing her serious pain.
The accused who was arraigned on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, is now facing a three-count charge of criminal force, assault and causing hurt to a minor, the Daily Post News reports.
Her neighbour, Gift, reported the matter to the Karmo Police Station which led to an investigation and subsequent arrest, police prosecutor Florence Auhioboh told the court.
The listed offences which Segun pleaded not guilty to, contravenes against Sections 246, 265 and 238 and of the Penal Code.
ALSO READ: Pregnant wife, friends apply hot pepper in husband's mistress' vagina [Graphic Photos]
She was able to secure bail granted by court judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, in the sum of N30,000 and a surety expected to pay like-sum.
The hearing was adjourned till Monday, September 25, 2017, for further deliberation.
In Delta: 8 people dead as bus rails off bridge
A FRSC spokesperson blamed the accident on fatigue experienced by the driver of the vehicle.
A tragedy involving a commercial bus has claimed the lives of eight people after the vehicle fell of a bridge in Delta state.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, around the Agbor/Ogwashi-Uku axis of the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha highway also rendered others seriously injured.
All the survivors of the road accident were taken to a private hospital in the state but their chances of survival is considered very low according to an eyewitness who spoke to the Daily Times News.
ALSO READ: 3 die in highway accident
The corpses of the deceased, six males and two females, have already been deposited at a mortuary in the state.
Mr. Rindom Kumven, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) submitted that the accident occurred due to fatigue experienced by the driver who lost control of the vehicle as a result.
NAHCO Acting MD task staff on efficiency
The Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance), Mrs. Folashade Ode has enjoined the company’s staff to be dedicated to their duty as that is the only way to ensure efficiency.
Addressing the staff at the company’s export warehouse recently, Ode, who was named the acting managing director and chief executive officer of nacho aviance recently appreciated the staff and urged them not to rest on their oars.
She charged them to adhere strictly to the guidelines governing the exportation of cargoes through the warehouse. She also urged the workers to “educate and update themselves on prohibited items on the export list so as to guide against taking them from shippers”.
Such items, as published on the website of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) “include, maize, timber (rough or sawn), raw hides and skin (including wet blue and all unfinished leather) H.S. Codes 4101.2000.00 – 4108.9200.00, scrap metals and unprocessed rubber latex and rubber lumps”.
“Others are artifacts and antiquities and wildlife animals classified as endangered species and their products e.g. crocodile; elephant, lizard, eagle, monkey, zebra, lion etc. and all goods imported”. She further urged the staff to watch out especially for donkey skin which she said “is prominent on the list of prohibited items and has been the source of concerns for shippers and the customs.”
“Nahco has never and will never accept to export any item on the list of prohibited items including donkey skin. You should always be on your guard,” she said.
She also revealed that the board had mapped out a phased plan to reconfigure and re-align the top management as part of the reorganization process to re-position the company for better performance and growth.
“The re-organization is part of the board’s response to the ever-changing market conditions, the overall nacho aviance growth strategy and to demonstrate the board’s resolve to improve performance and pursue the business sustainability and growth agenda going forward,” she added.
The post NAHCO Acting MD task staff on efficiency appeared first on Vanguard News.
Facebook’s Watch goes up against YouTube for revenue in dollars
New York – Facebook Inc launched its Watch video service to United States users on Thursday with plans to allow people to submit shows, as the No. 1 social media network vies with Alphabet Inc’s YouTube for advertising revenue.
Advertisers are shifting more of their budgets from television to online as viewers have migrated to watching shows on smartphones and tablets.
On Watch, which Facebook began testing earlier this month, users can see hundreds of shows from the likes of Vox, Buzzfeed, Discovery Communications Inc, A&E Networks, Walt Disney Co’s ABC, as well as live sports like Major League Baseball.
Americans spend more than 73 minutes a day watching digital video, up more than seven per cent from last year, according to eMarketer data.
TV watching has dropped 2 percent from last year to 244 minutes a day, a trend that is expected to continue.
Facebook is initially paying some content creators for shows to drive interest.
The company is paying 10,000-35,000 dollars for shorter form shows and up to 250,000 dollars for longer shows, sources told Media in May.
The company declined to comment on how much it was spending on shows.
Facebook does not intend to make buying content a core piece of its strategy, Dan Rose, vice president of partnerships at Facebook, told Media.
“We are not focused on acquiring exclusive rights,” he said. “The idea is to seed this with good content.”
Facebook plans to eventually open the platform to everyone to submit shows for approval and share 55 percent of ad revenue, Rose said. (Reuters/NAN)
The post Facebook’s Watch goes up against YouTube for revenue in dollars appeared first on Vanguard News.
Aviation experts express surprise at FAAN’s deployment controversy
By Lawani Mikairu
Aviation experts have expressed surprise that the deployment of the Director of Human Resources in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Hajia Salamatu Umar Elumah to the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, by the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika in the recent reorganisation in the aviation industry, could generate controversy.
Elumah who was posted to AIB as part of the reorganisation in the aviation industry has resisted the posting and petitioned the Presidency and rather than move to her new office chose to go on leave without pay. She alleged that she was being victimized by the Minister who” allegedly singled her out for denigration”.
Many of the aviation stakeholders who spoke on the controversy were surprised that “ Mrs. Elumah could question and resist a normal deployment in the civil service and defied the Minister’s directive, employing all kinds of tactics to rubbish her deployment”.
An official of Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association, ATSSSAN, who does not want to be named, said the association was disappointed with Mrs. Elumah’s protest against her deployment, saying that it was normal process, which predates her coming to FAAN.
According to the official, “She should follow the civil service rules or resign. This is not the first time that people were deployed. Even in the past she played roles in the sack and deployment of some staff and heaven did not fall”.
“Mrs. Elumah has thrown her weight so much and she needs to be cut to size. If she is allowed to have her way now a bad precedence will be laid which in future will be deterrent to the industry.”
Another industry officials noted that similar reorganisation has just taken place in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and nobody is questioning government’s decision. An official of FAAN who spoke also on condition of anonymity, said : “Despite her connections and powers, she should simply obey civil service rules because she cannot rewrite a system that has been there over the years, which she also benefited from.”
Sources from the Minister of State, Aviation , Senator Sirika said that for the very first time in the industry the unions did not kick against the recent reorganisation in the industry because the Minister did the right thing by promoting those who needed to be promoted and who had put in years working for the agencies, “So it is round pegs that were put in the right holes.
The post Aviation experts express surprise at FAAN’s deployment controversy appeared first on Vanguard News.
We are already seeing signs of hate speeches, we would not tolerate it, NBC warns
Ahead of the forthcoming elections, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says it will impose heavy sanctions on broadcast stations which promote hate speeches.
The Director General of the commission, Mr Is’haq Kawu, said this on Thursday in Enugu at the inauguration of Family Love FM 99.9 at the European Quarters in Ngwo.
Kawu was represented at the event by a director in the commission, Mr Armstrong Idachaba.
He said that the commission had taken note of hate speeches from some parts of the country, adding that it would guard against its infiltration in the broadcast industry.
“We are already seeing signs of hate speeches among Nigerians and would not tolerate it in the broadcast industry as we prepare for the 2019 elections.
“Our broadcast stations should rather be used to engender tolerance, mutual respect as well as promote unity among Nigerians,” he said.
Kawu said that the broadcast industry had witnessed tremendous growth in the last few years owing to the complete deregulation of the sector.
He said that there were about 800 radio stations in the country, adding that what was expected of them was healthy competition.
“We now have a very competitive private sector that is experiencing great growth.
“Competition in the sector now has multiplier effects in the country in terms of job creation and education.
“The competition among the various players in the industry must continue to be friendly, ‘’ Kawu said.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Group Managing Director of Multimesh Broadcasting Company Ltd., Mr Godfrey Ohuabunwa, said that company was conceived 32 years ago.
Ohuabunwa said that the station would usher in a new dimension to broadcasting in the South East Zone of Nigeria.
“Our passion for broadcasting has its roots on the need to affect the society that is virtually derailing from basic tenets of upright living and morality.
“This decay has affected our society much so that there seem not to be value for life, stewardship and right standing with God,” he said.
He said that programmes of the station were structured toward the improvement of family values and standards.
Ohuabunwa appealed to regulators in the industry to provide a level playing ground and opportunities for private sector participation in the industry.
He also appealed to relevant government agencies to review downwards customs duties and taxes payable on communication and broadcast equipment for greater results.
“One of the problems which has continued to bedevil this industry is the cost of operations and roll out,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company is also licensed as a private cable satellite broadcasting company and one of the biggest satellite distribution Pay TV companies.
It also has a radio station in Rivers, Abia and Abuja. (NAN)
The post We are already seeing signs of hate speeches, we would not tolerate it, NBC warns appeared first on Vanguard News.
Energy theft: PHED moves against perpetrators
By Soni Daniel
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, has threatened to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in stealing energy from its network.
Stealing of energy from the network, which covers Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa and Rivers states, involves meter tampering, by-passing through diversion of load and hooking directly to power lines by electricity consumers without paying for such usage.
But while addressing customers at a town hall meeting in Rumuolumeni, near Port Harcourt, the Acting Chief Executive of the Port Harcourt Electricity, PHED, Engr. Kingsley Achife, frowned at the constant loss of about 30 percent of revenue to energy theft on monthly basis, a situation he described as unacceptable.
Achife announced that PHED had collaborated with security agencies and a crack team of anti-energy theft squad established to work on daily basis with the Revenue Protection Department, RPD, of the company in order to arrest and prosecute those engaged in the illicit act.
Achife said, “We can assure you that anybody caught in meter tampering, by-pass through diversion of load or hooking directly to power lines shall not go scot free, he or she must face the full weight of law.
“We cannot continue to condone energy thieves in our network; it must be stopped.This is an era of energy accountability and for us to sustain the power industry, energy theft must be eradicated.
“We urge you to join in the war against energy theft and it must be won”, Achife concluded.
A statement signed by the Manager Corporate Communication of the company, John Onyi, said that the spate of energy theft in PHED has become a major source of huge revenue leakage to the distribution company.
The post Energy theft: PHED moves against perpetrators appeared first on Vanguard News.
Apah lauds Okowa, Nani on Otu-Jeremi flood control
By Gab Ejuwa
Leader of Ughelli South Local Government Council Legislative Arm, Delta State, Mr. Sunday Apah, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Commissioner for Environment, Mr. John Nani, for the quick response to the flood situation in Otu-Jeremi.
According to Apah, “it is a good initiative by the government because my people have been suffering for a very long time. Many have been rendered homeless because of the flood. For government to come to our rescue at this time is quite commendable.
“I appreciate the efforts of the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Nani, whose team made it possible to execute the state government’s decision to de-flood Otu-Jeremi community. I thank him and I pray that God will bless him.”
Apah, who spoke at Otu-Jeremi, however, appealed to government to “extend the good gesture to other areas in Ughelli South, particularly Ewu, Gbaregolor, Ughevwughe, Oto-Edo, Okwagbe and others that are suffering more than Otu-Jeremi.”
The post Apah lauds Okowa, Nani on Otu-Jeremi flood control appeared first on Vanguard News.
On the crisis of TSA ownership…
The Treasury Single Account(TSA) has been a major talking point in the Nigerian political sphere for the past two years. The ongoing debates in the country concerning the TSA have culminated in the Accountant-General of the Federation declaring an audit of the system. This followed the order given by a House of Representatives ad-hoc committee to audit all aspects of the TSA, both the inbound and outbound flows of cash.
The committee held an interactive session on August 16, 2017 with financial regulatory agencies, banks and stakeholders. The aim of the meeting was to ascertain the proceeds of the TSA and improve the efficiency of the policy for greater accountability and transparency.
However, a drama ensued at the National assembly when the Auditor-General of the Federation Anthony Ayene could not properly respond to queries from the Reps about the TSA, admitting that it was an act of omission that the TSA has not been audited in two years of operation. The government has consequently appointed Price Waterhouse Cooper and Ernst & Young as consultant auditors.
The failure of the Auditor-General to properly elucidate on a process in which he is supposed to be a key stakeholder indicates the gross incompetency among senior government officials that is putting the success of laudable programmes like the TSA at risk. It is unfortunate that the narrative is being shaped by misinformation and suspicion because the major stakeholders who should own the policy have been inept at communicating its essence to the public. It is ridiculous that senior government officials such as the Finance Minister and the CBN governor are incapable of defending one of the major policies of their government.
Since 2015 when it became a cornerstone policy of the Buhari government, the TSA has attracted a lot of scrutiny from various quarters, including the media, opposition, and the legislature. Many of these inquiries are simply mischievous attempts by special interests to discredit the process, while some are genuine inquiries arising from inadequate information.
If the various stakeholders including senior government officials, advocacy agencies, and the media had pushed forward the right message concerning what the TSA is about, there wouldn’t have been calls for an audit in the first place as the TSA is a self-auditing system with enough trail to show evidence of cash flow. While the calls for audit cannot be faulted, it is necessary for the right information to be released to the public because there is currently a gap between people who should be communicating and the relevant citizens who should be receiving. Most of these issues occur because of the fears associated with the sudden onset of a new system, inadequate information on the TSA in the public domain, and deliberate attacks by some sectional interests that may be affected by its successful implementation.
There is ample reason why some people may want to attack the TSA out of personal interest. To many, the TSA is a major anti-corruption instrument being used by the current regime, and the government may eventually use it against anybody perceived to be corrupt. However, the TSA is not an initiative of this regime; it fell on their laps and suddenly became a talking point of their administration. This explains their inability to explain the policy to the public. However, the TSA was an idea hatched during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan, on the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Nevertheless, the TSA became imperative in 2015, when Buhari ordered that all government revenue be paid into a single account(TSA) held by the CBN. Bank compliance was fast. The following day, all banks checked the government accounts with them and emptied the funds therein into the TSA.
The TSA became the ultimate banking system of the Federal government, wherein all the myriad bank accounts operated by the government and its agencies are unified on a single platform operated electronically. All incoming and outgoing funds are now open to monitoring and the Federal government can easily access and asses its financial status at any given time from a screen.
Ironically, one of the staunchest critics of the TSA is Ayodele Fayose, a PDP governor and a Jonathan ally. For instance, Fayose had accused the APC of using proceeds from the TSA to fund political elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states. Fayose’s statement is a misnomer because the TSA is not a fund generating scheme, neither is it a sitting reserve of money. With the TSA, we cannot have ‘proceeds’ because it is simply a system of collecting and reallocating money.
Whenever the Federal Government quotes figures like N3 trillion being collected through the TSA, it is usually implied to the public that this money is lying fallow somewhere, waiting to be used. But this depiction is very wrong and leads to misconceptions. The TSA is not a special fund; it is a system of collecting and disbursing government funds so that all the accounts of the MDAs are domiciled with the CBN and they can access them directly. The Federal government has placed so much emphasis on the money being collected through the TSA without talking about what has been disbursed to various MDAs for execution of projects. All these figures can easily be accessed via the electronic records. Unfortunately, the government has failed to pass the right message across and that is why people are calling for an audit, which should not have been in the first instance.
It is pertinent to note that the TSA was originally created to facilitate effective cash management by the Federal government. It was meant to help the government report its financial status to international institutions and other relevant stakeholders. It would help government to keep track of all its funds and disburse them efficiently. Because it is an electronic platform that leaves a trail, it would also be able to track and record movement of funds, making it an effective anticorruption tool. It is therefore, understandable that the system will ruffle a couple of feathers, who will feed into the misinformation to bring down the process.
Today, the TSA has recorded several milestones and it is necessary for the government to own it and drive its narrative in a simple, transparent manner that is easy for the public to understand. This is necessary to stop the outpour of speculations, suspicions and misinformation currently dominating the narrative on the TSA.
Through the implementation of the TSA, it was discovered that many of the 17, 000 accounts owned by the Federal Government were fictitious accounts operated by private individuals impersonating the government to swindle other entities. It has helped government curtail frivolous spending in a time of recession. It has also helped in reporting the government’s financial standing to its international stakeholders, improving its integrity. Other African countries including Ghana are currently planning to emulate Nigeria and launch a similar financial system.
Despite all the drama surrounding its implementation, the TSA has come to stay. However, for the system to operate successfully, the narrative must be accurately crafted and the message properly delivered to the relevant publics. The Federal government should stop beating about the bush and communicate the real essence of the initiative to the people.
Fatima Yusuf, an accountant, wrote in from Kaduna
—
The post On the crisis of TSA ownership… appeared first on Vanguard News.
Eid el-Kabir: Yobe restricts movement
By Ndahi Marama & Bala Ajiya
To ensure the safety and security of people across the state, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has approved the placement of restrictions on all vehicular movement from 10p.m. last night till 11a.m. today.
This was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego.
Bego said: “The public is also advised that no vehicle, except those on official duty and with valid security clearance, will be allowed in or around Eid prayer grounds.
“The Yobe State government takes this measures in consultation with the heads of security and law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth, secure and hitch-free Eid prayers tomorrow (today).
“The public is also kindly advised to cooperate with security agents in this regard.”
The post Eid el-Kabir: Yobe restricts movement appeared first on Vanguard News.
Eid el-Kabir: Gov Abubakar distributes food in Bauchi
By Suzan Edeh
BAUCHI—As part of efforts to bring succour to the less-privileged in the state, Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State, yesterday, donated food items to the needy at Lusa and Boi villages in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government areas of the state.
Presenting the donation on behalf of the governor, a former member of the state House of Assembly (Bogoro council constituency), Rifkatu Samson, explained that items to be distributed include 150 bags of rice, 50 bags of maize, 500 bags of cement, 50 bundles of zinc, 10 drums of paints, mats and kettles for selected mosques in the two local governments.
The governor, who noted that orphans and widows were mostly vulnerable people in the society, said the gesture was aimed at making them enjoy the Sallah celebration like all other citizens, so they could have a sense of belonging.
The governor has also donated 50 pieces of plastic chairs, drums and cash to some churches in the areas.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman, Council of Ulama of Bogoro council, Rabiu Halilu, thanked the governor for the gesture, assuring that the items would be shared fairly among the beneficiaries.
In his remarks, Chairman, Christian Asso-ciation of Nigeria, CAN, Bogoro chapter, Reverend Zakka Gata, expressed appreciation to the governor for the donation.
The post Eid el-Kabir: Gov Abubakar distributes food in Bauchi appeared first on Vanguard News.
Customs intercepts 147 sacks of Indian hemp worth N72.9m
By Godfrey Bivbere & Joshua Yousouph
THE Federal Operations unit, FOU, Zone “A”, of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 147 sacks and 120 parcels of Indian hemp with Duty Paid Value, DPV of N72.9 million from importers within the last three weeks.
The Indian hemp sacks were intercepted in three seizures and a cumulative total of N783million in 54 seizures were recorded while 16 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. The unit which is the anti-smuggling arm of the service, also impounded two trucks carrying 1,104 cartons of different medicaments worth N12.135 million.
According to the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Mohammed Umar Garba, the seized consignments of Indian hemp and medicaments have been handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC for further investigations.
He commended the NDLEA and NAFDAC for their cooperation and assistance and other security agencies, especially the military and the police for their continuous support in curbing the crime.
The Customs boss also disclosed that other contrabands intercepted by the Service were 27 assorted vehicles, foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, bales of used cloths and lace materials, used tyres, and other general merchandise.
The post Customs intercepts 147 sacks of Indian hemp worth N72.9m appeared first on Vanguard News.
Apple set to unveil latest iPhone next week
By Emmanuel Elebeke
APPLE has set September 12 for the launch of its anticipated fall keynote.
The company is expected to release the 10th anniversary flagship iPhone likely to be called the iPhone 8, a successor to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, at the company’s annual fall keynote event typically used to showcase the latest and greatest hardware offerings from Apple.
The iPhone 8, which is to be fitted with an edge-to-edge OLED display and 3D face-scanning technology, would be on diplay with a new LTE connected Apple Watch, and a new 4K-enabled Apple TV.
For several years, Apple has announced a new iPhone in September, and it is not unexpected that the company would maintain the tradition this year, although there have been rumours about the iPhone 8 launching after its siblings.
The post Apple set to unveil latest iPhone next week appeared first on Vanguard News.
Agribusiness needs support to improve market competitiveness — Study
By Providence Emmanuel
A STUDY conducted by two development partners – Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Market Development Project in the Niger Delta (MADE), has shown that for the ongoing successes being recorded in local agricultural production to continue, agricultural businesses would require targeted policies and support.
Presenting the report of the research at an event in Lagos, the lead researcher, Dr. Ogho Okiti, explained that the research became necessary to inform stakeholders – including government, investors, development partners and even consumers – of the market realities and the positive and negative impacts of some policies on market performance.
According to Okiti, the issue of naira depreciation could be seen as a blessing in disguise, saying it has resulted in a fall in the value of people’s income and a decline in their preference for foreign products. He noted, however, that though the pricing of local goods has gone up, the proportion of the increase is not as high as that of the imported products. As a result, this has left some profit margin for the local producers. Okiti said the research findings, which apart from being shared with private investors and organisations, will also be shared with government at all levels to identify areas that are deserving of urgent attention in order to maximise the current gains.
During an interview on the sidelines of the event, PIND’s Executive Director, Dr. Dara Akala, said through the report the private sector can easily identify fresh opportunities where they can put their funds while those already operating in specific sectors can also note potentials for shifting their operations. He stated: “For instance, if you are a cassava processor and you have been processing for the industrial markets, you can shift your focus to the food market where you will find there are more opportunities. If you are a palm oil processor and you currently process technical palm oil (TPO) which is used in the households, you can begin to shift your products to the industrial markets where products attract better pricing.”
Also speaking, the Communication and Advocacy Manager for MADE, Mr. Fidelis Ekom, noted that the partnership between his organisation and PIND was the type required among stakeholders to address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians. He urged all stakeholders to take advantage of the report to understand market operations, especially in the Niger Delta area, and determine their next investment options.
The post Agribusiness needs support to improve market competitiveness — Study appeared first on Vanguard News.
In Lagos: 1 person lynched as new ritualist den emerges in Mushin
Two other suspects reported to be members of the ritualist gang were saved from being killed by a mob.
A suspected ritualist was burnt to death by a mob following the discovery of a new ritualist den located in Mushin, Lagos.
The incident which occurred on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, saw accomplices of the deceased rescued by the police before the mob could kill them.
According to the Daily Post News, the suspects were found hiding at the tunnel that leads to one declining company.
ALSO READ: Ritualists notorious for beheading victims arrested in Niger state
It also reported that "syringes believed to be used in injecting their victim with sedative drugs were discovered in the hideout".
This is following a recent discovery of a ritualist enclave at Ile-Zik located along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway earlier in August.
BREAKING: Mbappe joins PSG from Monaco
Paris Saint-Germain are thrilled to announce the signing of Kylian Mbappé!
#BienvenueKylian http://pic.twitter.com/dOLX2YpP7x
— PSG English (@PSG_English) August 31, 2017
France international striker Kylian Mbappe has joined Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco on a season-long loan, the two clubs announced Thursday just hours before the transfer deadline.
“The loan agreement also includes an option to buy which, when exercised, will bind the player to Paris Saint-Germain until June 30, 2022,” PSG said on the club’s website.
According to media reports, the overall transfer fee could rise to 180 million euros ($214 million) including add-ons, which would make Mbappe, 18, the second most expensive player in history behind his new team-mate Neymar.
The post BREAKING: Mbappe joins PSG from Monaco appeared first on Vanguard News.
U.S. lauds Nigerian army on successes in counter-terrorism war
The United States has commended the operational efforts of the Nigerian Army in the counter-terrorism war in North-East Nigeria.
This is just as the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, led a Congressional delegation from the US on a visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after a closed-door session with the Theatre Commander, Major General Attahiru Ibrahim, and other officials of the command, Ambassador Symington commended the efforts of the Army.
He said, “I was pleased to have a chance to lead a delegation of six members of the United States Congress – three senators and three house members – to come and hear about the hard work of the Nigerian Military in Borno State and in northeastern Nigeria.”
The Ambassador thanked Major General Ibrahim and staff of the command for the brief and the chance to discuss the way forward in their operations with them.
“The United States strongly supports the hard work of the Nigerian military in combatting terrorism and we are grateful for the chance to be here and to see both and the response to the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria and the hard work that is being done to confront terrorism,” he added.
In his response, the theatre commander thanked the US government for its renewed partnership and support for the military.
He said, “This intentionally outlined the healthy relationship we have with the United States; they came here to assess our needs for assistance and they have promised they are going to address that.”
“So it goes a long way to tell you how the United States is also extending its hands in the counter insurgency efforts in Nigeria.”
The post U.S. lauds Nigerian army on successes in counter-terrorism war appeared first on Vanguard News.
Delta Assembly dissolves state electoral commission
The Board of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has been dissolved by the State House of Assembly.
The dissolution of the board followed a motion by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Tim Owhefere during the plenary on Thursday in Asaba.
Moving the motion, Owhefere noted that the dissolution of the board was due to the exigency of the nation’s fast moving democracy and the need for the state to move in tandem with world best practices in the electoral process.
He said that the commission could now be dissolved in line with Section 7, Sub section 1 of DSIEC Law 2012.
The majority leader explained that the development was necessitated by noticeable defects and shortcomings in the electoral process as a result of the law establishing the commission.
He said that law was currently before the Assembly for amendment.
Owhefere said that the dissolution would enable the Assembly work on the proposed new law that would enhance the electoral process in the state.
The motion was seconded my Mr Samuel Mariere, representing Ughelli North I Constituency.
Supporting the motion, the lawmaker representing Warri South II constituency and of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that the constitutional requirement to dissolve the commission was two third majority, and stressed the need to follow due process to be followed.
Following his submission, the speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori called for voting by members who immediately filed out in from of the clerk of the House to append their signatures for the dissolution of the board.
Announcing the result of the voting, the Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor said that 20 members voted for the dissolution of the board, while eight members were absent and nobody voted against.
The Speaker said in line with Section 7, Sub section 1 of the law setting up DSIEC, the board now stood dissolved having fulflled two third requirement by the House for the dissolution.
He therefore called on Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa to immediately act on the House dissolution.
The post Delta Assembly dissolves state electoral commission appeared first on Vanguard News.
Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria 2017 Kicks Off Search For New Modelling Talent
100 young aspiring models have moved one step closer to making their dreams of walking international runways for the world’s biggest designers a reality.
The aspiring models who showed up for the Aquafina Elite Model Look 2017 National Casting on August 26 2017 were screened by a judging panel which included Elizabeth Aisien, Creative Director EMLN, and 2014 EMLN winner, Victor Ndigwe.
Davidson Obennebo, the 2016 winner of EMLN was also present at the event. The 21 year old who went on to win the global edition of Elite
Model Look spoke about his experience as the first person of colour to win EML International while answering questions from the audience.
According to the Senior Brand Manager Seven-Up Bottling Company, Segun Ogunleye, “Aquafina Premium Drinking Water has partnered with the Elite Model Look Nigeria over the years and we are proud of career successes past winners and contestants have been able to achieve via their participation in Elite Model Look Nigeria.”
Aquafina’s goal is to showcase Nigerian talent in the modelling and fashion industry and offer aspiring models the opportunity to start a career in modelling from the same launching pad as models like Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bundchen, Mayowa Nicholas and Victor Ndigwe.
The lucky contestants preselected at the event will have their images sent to Paris where 20 finalists will be selected, according to Elizabeth Aisien, the Creative Director of Aquafina EMLN.
The winners of the Aquafina EMLN 2017 will go on to represent Nigeria at the Elite Model Look International world finals. They also stand to win a modelling contract with Elite Model Management Worldwide.
The post Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria 2017 Kicks Off Search For New Modelling Talent appeared first on Vanguard News.
Naira closes at N362 as CBN injects $547m in one week
Abuja – In anticipation of Sallah holiday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday raised the total intervention for the week to 547 million dollars as against 195 million dollars offred the previous week.
The CBN spokesman, Mr Isaac Okorafor in a statement in Abuja, said that the intervention would uplift the Naira exchange rate, boost liquidity in the forex market and ensure timely execution and settlement of eligible transactions.
Okorafor, also expressed confidence that the interventions would continue to guarantee stability in the market and ensure availability to individuals and business concerns with genuine demand for Forex transactions.
Meanwhile, the Naira on Thursday closed at N362 to a dollar as supply by CBN improves. This is a far improvement over the N370 it was selling earlier in the week.
Also, the Pound Sterling and the Euro have maintained their strength against the Naira, exchanging at N462 and N428 respectively. (NAN)
The post Naira closes at N362 as CBN injects $547m in one week appeared first on Vanguard News.