CHAN: DR Congo Thump Ethiopia In Group B Opener

 

Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Ethiopia 3-0 in Group B of match-day two of the African Nations Championship on Sunday.
Guy Lusadisu gave DRC the lead in the 44th minute.
 

Heritier Luvumvu made it 2-0 on 46 minutes before Meschack Elia scored the third goal 10 minutes later.

The wins sees DRC go top of Group B temporarily.
The group’s other game is between Angola and Cameroon.


Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/37234-2/

Home Eagles Captain: We Must Win Our First CHAN Match

Home-based Super Eagles captain, Chima Akas, says the side is determined to start their campaign at the African Nations Championship on a positive note, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

The Eagles will begin their quest to win a first African Nations Championship title when they take on fellow West Africans Niger at the Kigali Regional Stadium on Monday.
The Sharks defender told Completesportsnigeria.com here in Kigali that the Eagles are going for a win against the Mena.

“We are firmly focused on the first game against Niger,” the left-back told Completesportsnigeria.com.
“Our target here is to win the competition, but we want to take it one game at a time.
“In every competition, it’s always important to start on a good note. We not only want to win, but up a fine performance.”



Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/home-eagles-captain-we-must-win-our-first-chan-match/

NUC ANNOUNCES OVERALL BEST UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA [FULL LIST]

The Nigerian Universities Commission(NUC) has named University of Ibadan as the best among second generation Universities in the country in 2015.

University of Jos and University of Ilorin also made the list, The Nation reports.

A statement signed by Abdullahi Abdullahi, Principal Officer Assistant Registrar, Information and Publication of the university, noted that: “The second generation Universities are the 12 universities established between 1970 and 1985 to meet the increasing need for university education in Nigeria especially in the area of Science and Technology.”

Abduallhi said: “University of Jos was however ranked 7th in the overall ranking of all Federal, State and Private Universities in Nigeria.”

Covenant University was also named as the best private University in Nigeria.

UNIJOS Vice Chancellor, described the ranking as clear recognition of the enormous work being done in the university.

“It was encouraging that the university was being appreciated for the impact it is creating towards human capital development in the country, noting that the ranking was consistent with the University’s global rating.

“If not for some challenges, the University could have achieved greater success. I enjoin all stakeholders to rally round towards ensuring that the University achieves its full potential,” he said.

Check out the full list below: 

1. University of Ibadan, UI
2. University of Lagos, Unilag
3. University of Benin, Uniben
4. Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU
5. Ahmadu Bello University, Abu
6. University of Ilorin, Unilorin
7. University of Jos, Unijos
8. University of Port Harcourt, Uniport
9. University of Maiduguri, Unimaid
10. University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,
11. Lagos State University, Lasu
12. Federal University of Technology, Futo
13. Covenant University, CU
14. University of Nigeria, UNN
15. Federal University of Technology, Futa
16. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Unizik
17. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Esut
18. Pan African University
19. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, lautech
20. Modibbo Adama University of Technology
21. African University of Science and Technology
22. University of Uyo, Uniuyo
23. Bayero University Kano, Buk
24. Ambrose Alli University, AAU
25. Redeemer’s University,
26. Babcock University
27. Federal University of Technology,
28. University of Calabar, Unical
29. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,
30. Ajayi Crowther University
31. Bowen University
32. Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Rsust
33. Lead City University
34. Crawford University
35. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU
36. Abia State University, Absu
37. Usmanu Danfodio University,
38. Igbinedion University
39. Imo State University, Imsu
40. Niger Delta University
41. Bells University of Technology
42. Kwara State University
43. Nasarawa State University
44. Caleb University
45. Obong University Obong
46. Adekunle Ajasin University
47. Ekiti State University,
48. American University of Nigeria
49. Joseph Ayo Babalola University
50. Veritas University Abuja
51. Afe Babalola University
52. Kaduna State University Kaduna
53. Osun State University Oshogbo …
54. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University Katsina
55. Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ndufu-Alike
56. Salem University Lokoja
57. Novena University Ogume
58. Achievers University, Owo Owo
59. Benson Idahosa University Benin City
60. Ebonyi State University Abakaliki
61. University of Abuja Abuja
62. University of Mkar Mkar
63. Madonna University Okija
64. Bingham University Auta Balifi
65. Plateau State University Bokkos
66. Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun
67. Federal University, Dutse Dutse
68. Nigerian Turkish Nile University Abuja
69. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai
70. Landmark University Omu-Aran
71. Delta State University, Abraka Abraka
72. University of Agriculture, Makurdi Makurdi
73. Renaissance University Enugu
74. Federal University, Otuoke Otuoke
75. Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu-Ode
76. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti Oye …
77. Kano State University of Technology Wudil
78. Tansian University Umunya …
79. Akwa Ibom State University Uyo
80. Baze University Abuja
81. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero
82. Benue State University Makurdi
83. Adeleke University Ede
84. Ondo State University of Science & Technology Okitipupa
85. Kogi State University Anyigba
86. Western Delta University Oghara
87. Federal University, Wukari Wukari
88. Paul University Awka
89. Caritas University Enugu
90. Federal University, Lafia Lafia
91. Cross River University of Science &
Technology Calabar
92. Fountain University Oshogbo
93. Al-Hikmah University Ilorin
94. Godfrey Okoye University Ugwuomu-Nike
95. Oduduwa University Ile Ife
96. Anambra State University Uli
97. Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye
98. Federal University, Lokoja Lokoja
99. Federal University, Kashere Kashere
100. Rhema University Obeama-Asa

Source: http://lazyreporta.com/nuc-announces-overall-best-university-in-nigeria/

Traveller sends handwritten plea for help to flight attendant about a nearby passenger 'farting in rows 10 to 12'

Inconsiderate passengers can make even the smoothest of flights a stressful experience.

Just ask one disgruntled traveller who took issue with one particular neighbour - in the areas of rows 10 to 12 - who kept passing gas during the journey.

In fact, things got so bad at one point that the unhappy passenger even went so far as to pass a desperate note, written on a napkin, to a flight attendant

The plea for help was then posted to Reddit by user Garwee20, who wrote: 'My flight attendant mom got this napkin from an upset passenger.'

'I don't know if you can make an announcement,' the note reads. 'But if you can, you should say that whoever is farting in the areas of rows 10 to 12 should definitely see a doctor because they might have ass cancer'.

As it turns out, though, the situation may not have been the flatulent passenger's fault.

University of Copenhagen clinical professor Jacob Rosenburg tells Metro that the average amount of times a person breaks wind each day is exacerbated in the air due to a drop in air cabin pressure.

Still, being restricted to a confined space sure doesn't help matters.

Of course, many Reddit users were curious as to whether the flight attendant actually made the announcement. (She didn't.)

This isn't the first time flatulence has caused trouble in the air.

Just last November, 2,186 goats caused a 747-400 freighter plane to make an emergency landing in Bali Denpasar after their gas allegedly set off smoke alarms.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3403408/Traveller-sends-handwritten-plea-help-flight-attendant-nearby-passenger-farting-rows-10-12.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Cash Crunch Hits APC as Buhari Advises Party to Look Inward for Funding

As an aftermath of the ongoing probe of the Federal Government’s arms purchase budget, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hit a brick wall in its attempt to get funding assistance from the Presidency.

The leadership of the ruling party had held a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari last Monday to brief him on the state of affairs of the party.
Part of the discussion during the meeting centred on the critical state of the party finances and how the President and other elected members can assist in funding the operations of the party.

However, THISDAY gathered that the party did not succeed in persuading the President to play pivotal role in its fund-raising campaign as he declined to make any commitment, but rather advised the party’s leadership to go back and look inwards on how to mobilise funds internally through regular fees/donations from members.

Those who were at the meeting of the NWC with President Buhari included the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun; National Secretary, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni; Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawan Shuaibu, and Deputy National Chairman, Chief Segun Oni.

A highly reliable source at the Presidency told THISDAY that Buhari politely declined any commitment to bear the financial burden of running the party.

“Buhari declined from making any financial commitment. He rather reminded the APC NWC members of how the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) messed themselves up by dipping their hands into public funds to run the party campaigns. He said he would not want APC to be seen as behaving in the same manner, moreso now that it is running a corrective government,” the source said. Since its victory at the 2015 presidential polls in which it secured majority support based on its change mantra, the APC have been very careful to avoid the some of the pitfalls of the PDP.

Even at the risk of operating a very tight budget, the ruling party’s leadership has tried to avoid going to ask its members in government to allocate funds for its activities. The party had relied on voluntary donations from benevolent members until the internal struggles for power and relevance at the National Assembly smeared its relationship with some of these leaders.

For instance, it was learnt that one of the strong financiers of APC and former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided to go underground following his displeasure at the actions of the Oyegun-led NWC. Also the APC governors who along with their colleagues in the Governors Forum had gone to seek for federal government’s bail-out fund to pay workers’ salaries found it inexplicable to divert such borrowed funds to party coffers.

It was learnt that at the heat of the financial crunch, one of the governors from the Southern part of the country came to the aid of the party by donating a sum of N50 million last October.

Following the consultative meeting at the presidency, Oyegun summoned an enlarged meeting of members of the NWC on Thursday at the party’s headquarters in Abuja where they were briefed on the outcome of discussions with President Buhari. 

The NWC resolved that as part of a fund-raising strategy the party should implement provisions of its constitution which allowed for fees to be charged on members holding elective and appointive positions. Similarly, an initiative was proposed for all card-carrying members of the ruling party to henceforth pay levies in support of the day-to-day operations of the party. As part of the strategy, the party said it would henceforth become binding on all members to fulfill their financial obligations to the party as condition for eligibility to contest elective positions or to seek endorsement of the party for any appointive positions in government.

Efforts by THISDAY to speak with the National Secretary of APC or the Deputy spokesman, Timi Frank on the new plan of the party proved abortive as their telephone lines did not go through. But a top party source who did not want his name mentioned confirmed the plan and said the NWC has agreed to set in motion modalities for bringing all the fund-raising strategies into fruition as soon as possible at its next meeting this week.

 

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/cash-crunch-hits-apc-as-buhari-advises-party-to-look-inward-for-funding/230555/#.Vps_4NMPTsI.facebook

Lassa Fever - What you should know

INTRODUCTION
 

It was first described in the 1950s, however the virus causing the disease was not identified until 1969, when it’s discovered in two missionary hospitals in the Lassa town of Borno State, the virus is a single-stranded RNA. Most of the people infected (about 80%) usually are not symptomatic. In severe cases, it can result in multi-organ damage.

Lassa fever is mainly found in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria and is spread by rats. Other neighbouring countries are also at risk because the type of rat that spreads the virus is also found throughout the West African region.

Because the clinical course of the disease is so variable, detection of the disease in affected patients has been difficult. However, when presence of the disease is confirmed in a community, prompt isolation of affected patients, good infection protection and control practices and rigorous contact tracing can stop outbreaks.

TRANSMISSION

It is, ‘zoonotic,’ or animal-borne. Lassa fever is endemic in parts of west Africa which include the following areas:
Liberia
Guinea
Nigeria
Sierra Leone

Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus from exposure to urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever. There is no epidemiological evidence supporting airborne spread between humans. Person-to-person transmission occurs in both community and health-care settings, where the virus may be spread by contaminated medical equipment, such as re-used needles. Sexual transmission of Lassa virus has been reported.

Lassa fever occurs in all age groups and both sexes. Persons at greatest risk are those living in rural areas where Mastomys are usually found, especially in communities with poor sanitation or crowded living conditions. Health workers are at risk if caring for Lassa fever patients in the absence of proper barrier nursing and infection control practices.

The number of people who experience Lassa fever each year in west Africa is estimated to be between 100,000 and 300,000, with around 5,000 people dying from the virus.
 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of Lassa fever commonly happen 1-3 weeks after a person has come into contact with the virus. For most of those with a Lassa fever virus infection; around 80%, symptoms are mild and under-diagnosed. Mild symptoms include:
Weakness
Headaches
Slight fever
General malaise

Around 20% of infected people; however, the disease might progress to more serious symptoms which include:
Bleeding from the infected person’s eyes, gums, or nose and other parts of the body.
Repeated vomiting.
Respiratory distress.
Pain in the back, chest and abdomen.
Facial swelling and shock.
Neurological issues such as tremors, hearing loss and encephalitis.An infected person may die within two weeks of their initial symptoms because of multi-organ failure.The most common complication of Lassa fever is deafness. Different degrees of deafness happen in around one-third of those who become infected.

Between 15-20% of people who are hospitalized for Lassa fever die from the illness. Only 1% of all Lassa virus infections; however, result in the person’s death. The death rates for women in the third trimester of pregnancy are exceptionally high.
 

DIAGNOSIS
 

The symptoms of Lassa fever are varied and non-specific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early in the course of the disease.

Definitive diagnosis requires testing that is available only in specialized laboratories. Laboratory specimens may be hazardous and must be handled with extreme care. Lassa virus infections can only be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory using the following tests:
antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
antigen detection tests
reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay
virus isolation by cell culture.
 

TREATMENT 

‘Ribavirin,’ is an antiviral drug that has been used with success in people affected by Lassa fever in its early stage.
Supportive care that consists of maintenance of: 1. Oxygenation. 2. Blood pressure. 3. Treatment of complicating infections.4. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte balance.
 

PREVENTION

Prevention of Lassa fever relies on promoting good “community hygiene” to discourage rodents from entering homes. Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats. Because Mastomys are so abundant in endemic areas, it is not possible to completely eliminate them from the environment. Family members should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

In health-care settings, staff should always apply standard infection prevention and control precautions when caring for patients, regardless of their presumed diagnosis. These include basic hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (to block splashes or other contact with infected materials), safe injection practices and safe burial practices.

Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Lassa fever should apply extra infection control measures to prevent contact with the patient’s blood and body fluids and contaminated surfaces or materials such as clothing and bedding. When in close contact (within 1 metre) of patients with Lassa fever, health-care workers should wear face protection (a face shield or a medical mask and goggles), a clean, non-sterile long-sleeved gown, and gloves (sterile gloves for some procedures).

Laboratory workers are also at risk. Samples taken from humans and animals for investigation of Lassa virus infection should be handled by trained staff and processed in suitably equipped laboratories.

On rare occasions, travellers from areas where Lassa fever is endemic export the disease to other countries. Although malaria, typhoid fever, and many other tropical infections are much more common, the diagnosis of Lassa fever should be considered in febrile patients returning from West Africa, especially if they have had exposures in rural areas or hospitals in countries where Lassa fever is known to be endemic. Health-care workers seeing a patient suspected to have Lassa fever should immediately contact local and national experts for advice and to arrange for laboratory testing.

Source: http://www.dosunmukazeem.com/lassa-fever-what-you-should-know/

Niger Coach Boasts: We Can Beat Home Eagles

Niger coach, François Zahoui, insists his side can beat Nigeria in Monday’s Group C African Nations Championship fixture at the Kigali Regional Stadium, reports Completesportsnigeria.com. com.
Nigeria who came third at the last edition of the competition two years ago in South Africa head into the game as the overwhelming favourites.
But the Ivorien coach has refused to accept the underdog tag and instead has tipped his side to beat the Eagles.
“We are not afraid of Nigeria. We know they have a strong team, but they are beatable,” he told Completesportsnigeria.com. com.
“We expect a very competitive game against going by the quality of players in their team.
“I also believe in my players and they are in great spirit ahead of the game.
“It will be good if we can start the competition on a positive note as it will improve the confidence of my players.”

Source: http://www.supersport.com/football/absa-premiership/news/160117/Maritzburg_Utd_player_dies_in_car_crash

Maritzburg Utd player dies in car crash

 

Mondli Cele, a player from Premier Soccer League club Maritzburg United, has died in an accident in Alexandra Park, Pietermaritzburg early this morning.

According to Sport24,one other person also passed away in the incident.

The 27-year old Cele scored the opening goal in Martizburg's 3-3 draw with Orlando Pirates in a PSL fixture played at Harry Gwala stadium on Saturday evening.

It is believed the vehicle in which he was travelling veered off the road and into the Duzi river.

Source: http://www.supersport.com/football/absa-premiership/news/160117/Maritzburg_Utd_player_dies_in_car_crash

RETURN OF N-DELTA MILITANCY? Major crude oil, gas pipelines bombed

Attacks on oil installations in Delta State entered the third day, yesterday, as militants blew-up major crude oil and gas pipelines to the Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, Tank Farm in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.

Blown up on Friday night was the main crude line from Makaraba through Otunana and Abiteye to Escravos while Olero to Escravos gas line was attacked in the early hours of yesterday.

Earlier on Thursday, the Escravos – Warri – Abuja – Lagos pipelines came under attack. The Itsekiri raised the alarm, yesterday, that the attacks could metamorphose into another Ijaw-Itsekiri war.






These acts of sabotage are coming at a time when global crude oil price continues its downward move.

THE military, yesterday, deployed army and naval personnel in the creeks of Delta State to contain the militants.

Our source, who spoke from one of the Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, at about 5.30 pm said, “The situation is not clear yet, but there are gunboats everywhere. It is a combined team of soldiers and navy people patrolling the creeks

.“Movement is restricted. The military personnel are going about to show their presence and scare the militants, who strike in the night and not in the daytime. But, at least, their presence has shown that the military was ready to confront them.”

The authorities, caught napping by the resumption of hostilities four days ago, reportedly saw the danger of allowing further bombings and mobilised to counter the militants.

After bombing the Escravos-Warri-Abuja-Lagos pipelines at about 10.00 pm on Thursday, the militants were emboldened to blow up Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL’s Utunana –Makaraba crude oil line at 10.30 pm on Friday and proceeded to bomb Olero gas line in the early hours of yesterday.

Their target it is believed is to cripple crude oil production and arm-twist the Federal Government. Already, CNL, heavily hit by the Thursday and Friday attacks, was considering shutting down operations, even as workers have been restricted to their camps in the affected locations.

 

The Itsekiri fear

Chair, Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC, Chief Ayiri Emami, expressed concern, yesterday, that with attacks targeted at oil facilities in Itsekiri towns and villages, it might metamorphose into another Ijaw/Itsekiri war.

He said those carrying out the attacks were Ijaw militants known to the security agencies, state and federal governments, and challenged them to rein in the gunmen.

Meanwhile, ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, maintained, yesterday, that he had no hands in the bombings. His media adviser, Paul Bebenimibo, told Sunday Vanguard: “Tompolo has nothing to do with the ongoing attacks.”

Emami, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on phone, said, “The situation right now is unpredictable. This was how the Itsekiri and Ijaw crisis started in 2003 and 2007. Government and security agencies know the person blowing up the pipelines and his boys, they cannot say that that they do not know them. I do not see how the entire local government area should be put on edge because of one person and his selfish interests.”

He went on “We are concerned because they have left their areas to bomb oil facilities in Itsekiri areas of Dibi, Abiteye and Kpokpo and the next thing now; they want to bomb Itsekiri villages. They started on Thursday night; government and security agents are looking at them, so they continued again on Friday night.

“Probably, they will continue again on Saturday night. That is why we are calling on government to stop them because we know their plan. They want to make this place ungovernable, but we will not fold our arms and watch them.

“It is the same set of boys who blew up the Escravos-Warri-Lagos-Abuja gas pipeline that they sent to blow up Chevron pipelines. They have been holding nocturnal meetings on where to bomb in the last few days.”

Last night, on industry source told Sunday Vanguard that CNL and other oil companies in the riverside areas of Delta State were on the verge of shutting operations out of fear of the unknown.

‘Tompolo stepped on toes’

Also, yesterday, the Warri Ijaw Peace Monitoring Group, WIPMG, Warri, Delta State, said Ekpemupolo stepped on powerful toes while executing his contract to protect gvernment oil installations and the forces have now coalesced against him.

The group, in a statement by its chair, Chief Patrick Bigha, condemning the bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in Warri in the last few days, said the involvement of All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains in Bayelsa state, who are out to spite Tompolo should not be ruled out.

It said: “The Warri Ijaw Peace Monitoring Group wishes to condemn the renewed wanton destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region. We are truly disturbed with this happening as the Nigerian economy is in a bad shape; therefore, we are calling on those behind this act to cease hostilities immediately.

“We are not happy over the incident as it look like a smear campaign against the person of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo,because of his position in the Bayelsa State governorship election as well as the issue with the EFCC, which is a legal issue that will be appropriately addressed.

“It is worthy of note that Tompolo will not embark on such self destructive mission as one that fervently believes in the Nigeria project, and has contributed to peace building and development of Nigeria.”

 

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/return-of-n-delta-militancy-major-crude-oil-gas-pipelines-bombed/

FOREX CRISIS: Naira may crash further this week

Banks have recorded near zero foreign currency deposit inflow from high net-worth individuals indicating that their domiciliary account customers are staying cautious on the reversal of foreign currency deposit ban by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, early last week.

The development has sustained scarcity of foreign exchange in the market as well as the high exchange rate above N300/ USD1

CBN had hoped to buoy foreign currency supply from independent sources through the de-freezing of foreign currency deposits, and hence help douse the pressure on exchange rate which had accentuated last week.

Sunday Vanguard investigations last weekend, however, showed that only low-end domiciliary account holders responded to the policy with a few dollar deposits, a situation which prompted some of the banks to send out marketing sensitization to their customers to come forward and deposit their dollar with them.

Some of the bankers who spoke to Sunday Vanguard expressed surprise that much dollar did not come in during the week contrary to the expectations that customers who had inundated them with inquiry on how to deposit their foreign currencies did not turn up in response to CBN’s directive.

CBN had, mid last year, barred banks from accepting foreign currency deposits from their customers, a development that cut most of the customers napping, with foreign currency cash in their homes, with the attendant danger.

Last week, CBN reversed itself, allowing the deposits but it appeared the domiciliary account depositors have found alternatives.

Some of the bankers told Sunday Vanguard that some of the depositors now trade or invest their dollar cash with Bureau de Changes, BDCs, where exchange rates and returns on investments are far higher, not minding the risks involved.

However, they also explained that some of the bigger volume customers are finding options with foreign bank accounts.

Consequently, the expected inflow of dollar into the domiciliary accounts with local banks did not come as much as was anticipated.

But some financial sector observers said the high volume dollar account customers were skeptical about the policy reversal which was silent on withdrawals.

The CBN foreign currency deposit restriction policies had come with imposition of limits on foreign currency withdrawals, but the unbanning of deposits last week was silent on withdrawals.

This gap, according to the analysts, may have short-circuited the expected positive response from most domiciliary account holders especially the high-end customers.

Commenting on the policy reversal, financial sector analysts at Afrinvest Group said “CBN reneged on its earlier policy, announcing its decision to allow commercial banks accept foreign currency deposits but was not clear on whether foreign currency transfers or withdrawals can be made”.

They are also worried that despite the huge crash in value of the Naira against world’s major currencies, CBN maintained its official rate at N197/ USD1 thereby creating wider parallel market margin of about 50 per cent, the highest so far in the history of Nigeria’s currency market.

Consequently, Afrinvest stated that “this calls for a quick response of the monetary authority given the huge margin between the official and parallel market rates.

“With foreign reserves at lows of US$28.7 billion and oil prices at US$29.47 per barrel, a compelling argument to devalue the Naira at the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting cannot be jettisoned”, it stated. Analysts at Cowry Asset Management, a Lagos based investment house, expressed discomfort at the policy reversal which they believe fell short of capturing other factors that would have made it achieve desired results. They stated, “we are worried that the policies of CBN on the foreign exchange management seem to be made in silos as all the ramifications didn’t seem to have been factored in before the announcements, hence the frequent reversals and consequent loss of confidence by the business and investing public.

“We will advice the Monetary authorities to articulate an integrated policy on foreign exchange management taking into consideration the fiscal policy objectives of the federal government.

“We also think that CBN being the recipient and owner of 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings must evolve a channel for injecting dollar cash liquidity into the system, to meet legitimate needs”. Concluding its prognosis of the foreign currency market situation, Cowry Assets analysts stated, “this week we expect further depreciation of the Naira at the alternative market segments on aggravated supply scarcity buoyed by the closure of CBN’s window to BDCs”.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/forex-crisis-naira-may-crash-further-this-week/

U.N. gives go-ahead to lift Iran sanctions

 

VIENNA — The U.N. atomic agency announced Saturday that Iran has met all of its obligations under a landmark nuclear deal with six world powers.

Certification by the International Atomic Energy Agency will allow Iran to immediately recoup some $100 billion in assets frozen overseas and see huge benefits from new oil, trade and financial opportunities that will come after Western sanctions against Iran are lifted.

“Relations between Iran and the IAEA now enter a new phase,” said IAEA director general Yukiya Amano.

“It is an important day for the international community.”

Earlier Saturday, Iranian Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held a series of meetings with his European Union and U.S. counterparts — including U.S. Secretary of State Kerry — on implementing the accord.

“All oppressive sanctions imposed against Iran will be annulled today,” Zarif said on Iranian state TV.

Progress also came Saturday on another area of Iran-U.S. tensions: U.S. and Iranian officials announced that Iran was releasing four detained Iranian-Americans in exchange for seven Iranians held or charged in the United States.

U.S. officials said the four Americans — Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati, pastor Saeed Abedini and Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari — were to be flown from Iran to Switzerland on a Swiss plane and then brought to a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, for medical treatment.

In return, the U.S. will either pardon or drop charges against seven Iranians — six of whom are dual citizens — accused or convicted of violating U.S. sanctions. The U.S. will also drop Interpol “red notices” — essentially arrest warrants — on a handful of Iranian fugitives it has sought.

Rezaian is a dual Iran-U.S. citizen convicted of espionage by Iran in a closed-door trial in 2015. The Post and the U.S. government have denied the accusations, as has Rezaian.

The landmark Iran nuclear agreement, struck July 14 after decades of hostility, defused the likelihood of U.S. or Israeli military action against Iran, something Zarif alluded to.

“Our region has been freed from shadow of an unnecessary conflict that could have caused concerns for the region,” he said. “Today is also a good day for the world. Today will prove that we can solve important problems through diplomacy.”

Iran insists all of its nuclear activities are peaceful. But under the July 14 deal, it agreed to crimp programs which could be used to make nuclear weapons in return for an end to sanctions. The agreement puts Iran’s various nuclear activities under IAEA watch for up to 15 years, with an option to re-impose sanctions should Tehran break its commitments.


Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/u-n-go-ahead-lift-iran-sanctions-article-1.2499174?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NydnRss+%28Top+Stories+-+NY+Daily+News%29

We Got BEYONCE’S First BABY BUMP

We Already Told You BEYONCE’S PREGNANT . . . And Now We Got Her First BABY BUMP PIC . . . There’s NO ABSOLUTELY DENYING IT NOW!!! (We Dare You . . . 

To Tell Us . . . She Ain’t Pregnant)

 

Source: http://mediatakeout.com/

Magic Johnson Oscars Screwed Black People ... Will, Idris, Sam

Magic Johnson says he won't sit quietly while the Oscars run a snow job on black people -- claiming there were a BUNCH of black actors who deserved nominations ... including Will Smith.

The NBA legend went to Twitter and wrote ... "[Cookie] and I are avid movie goers and we are disappointed by the lack of diversity with the Oscar nominations."

"Saw Leo/TheRevenant and Matt/TheMartian both spectacular & deserve noms, but you can’t ignore Will/Concussion and Idris/BONN."

"And we can’t forget about Michael B Jordan & Ryan Coogler w/ Creed, Sam Jackson in The Hateful 8, all deserved to be nominated."

Of course, there were NO black actors nominated in the best lead or best supporting actor & actress categories ... and the top movies all featured white people.

 

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/15/magic-johnson-oscars-screwed-black-people-will-idris-sam/#ixzz3xSlQVQOo

Steve Harvey Sobs and Begs Miss Colombia for Forgiveness

Steve Harvey has done an interview with Miss Colombia, begging forgiveness ... and we've learned the waterworks were turned on in a big, big way -- and we're not talking her. Our sources say ... an NBC producer brokered the deal in which Ariadna Gutierrez appeared on Harvey's talk show and did a segment for "Today," as well as Telemundo ... all NBC-owned properties. Our sources say Harvey told Ariadna he's apologized to everyone, but a face-to-face with her was the most meaningful. "He sobbed and sobbed," our sources say.




Harvey also had the winner, Miss Philippines, on the show but we're told she was never on the same stage as Ariadna. Right after Steve's show, filmed in Chicago, Natalie Morales from "Today," interviewed Ariadna, followed by an anchor from Telemundo. Today, Ariadna is shooting a cover for People Espanol. As one source said, "Ariadna thought having the crown taken away was the worst day of her life. She now realizes it was the best day," adding, 'She's making a fortune!"


Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/15/steve-harvey-miss-colombia-cries-talk-show/#ixzz3xSjvUwIs

Rob Kardashian diabetes diagnosis is not a WAKE UP CALL!

 

 Rob Kardashian's diabetes diagnosis did not scare him healthy ... not by a long shot ... and his family is worried sick if he doesn't radically change his ways he could die.

Our Kardashian sources tell us they were confident after Rob was admitted to the hospital late last month and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes he'd begin eating healthy, exercising and doing whatever it took to beat the disease.

It's so bad, Rob has to give himself insulin injections once a day ... but he's still unfazed by the scare.

Our sources say he's still eating crap and not seriously doing anything to lose weight.

We're told Kris and Rob's sisters have stepped up and hired a full-time chef who specializes in diabetes diets to prepare all of his meals. They've also hired a nutritionist and trainer.

Problem is -- Rob is halfhearted about the whole thing ... not committing to the diet or exercise, and the family is worried his condition will worsen and his life will be in peril.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/16/rob-kardashian-diabetes-chef-trainer-nutritionist/#ixzz3xShFaEam

Celine Dion's Brother Dies From Cancer

 

 Celine Dion's older brother Daniel has died from cancer ... TMZ has learned.

Daniel, 59, passed away early Saturday morning surrounded by family in Celine's native Montreal. He had been fighting brain, tongue and throat cancer.

A memorial will be held next Saturday in Charlemagne Quebec, where the family was raised.

Celine's husband, Rene Angelil, passed Thursday from throat cancer.

R.I.P.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/16/celine-dion-brother-daniel-dead-cancer/#ixzz3xSeuvHKC

Customs Officers have 14 Days To Declare Assets

All Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service are to make full disclosure of their assets in a new measure put in place to push transparency and compliance with the Rule of Law.

The directive on Assets Declaration is contained in a Circular, signed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and addressed to all Deputy Comptrollers-General, Zonal Coordinators and Customs Area Controllers. All Officers are to comply with the directive within 14 days.
 

 

According to the Circular, the directive on Assets Declaration is in compliance with “The Bank Employees Declaration of Assets Act Cap B1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Though the Act provides for Asset Declaration by all Bank employees, it also empowers the President to extend its application to other categories of persons.

Specifically, Section 12 (1) states that “The provision of this Act shall apply to the Comptroller-General, Deputy Comptroller-General, Assistant Comptroller-General, Chief Collector, Principal Collector and other Officer, Staff or employee of the Nigeria Customs Service as the apply to a Chief Executive or an employee of a Bank”.


The Comptroller-General observed that many Officers have not complied with the provisions of the Act over the years, stating that the 14-day ultimatum for compliance will be strictly enforced.

Signed

Wale Adeniyi
Public Relations Officer
For: Comptroller-General of Customs

 

 

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2016/01/15/customs-officers-declare-assets-14-days

#Dasukigate: Court Orders Metuh To Be Remanded In Prison Custody

Embattled spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh was today remanded in prison custody following his arraignment before a Federal High Court in sitting in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he engaged in N400 million fraud that involved his firm, Destra Investment Limited. 

Embattled spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh was today remanded in prison custody following his arraignment before a Federal High Court in sitting in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he engaged in N400 million fraud that involved his firm, Destra Investment Limited.
Metuh is standing trial on a 7-count charge brought against him for allegedly diverting and sharing part of the $2.1bn arms purchase funds by a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Metuh, who was arrested on January 5, has been in the custody of the EFCC. During his arraignment today, a bearded Metuh donned a white native dress with matching red cap arrived the court at 9.00am with retinue of his political supporters who came to show solidarity support. Mr. Metuh's supporters began chanting "Free Metuh, Free Metuh, Free Metuh" however they were prevented from gaining access into the court by the security operatives.

After the charges had been read to him in the dock Mr. Metuh pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, made an oral application for bail to prevent the accused from staying further in EFCC custody. He argued that the trial is a 'summary trial' as the case is not being tried on the information that a formal written application is not necessary in this case because the application rests on the constitutional right of the defendant. He maintained that the condition for bail has been spelt out in section 162 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He submitted that the request for the written application by the prosecution counsel should not arise as the court can take any application orally. He, therefore, prayed the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant.
But the Prosecution counsel, Tahir Sylvanus opposed to the oral application and asked the court to reject and discountenance the bail application made by the defence counsel as such does not envisage in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) as being cited by the defence counsel saying that the application is illegal and contrary to law.

The prosecution counsel argued that the defendant was duly served a copy of the hearing notice of the case and insisted that the formal application must be made.
 

The presiding Judge, Justice Abang Okon while ruling on the oral application held that he has carefully considered the argument of both parties and said that the court cannot prevent the defendant from making a bail application. But since there was an objection to the oral application of the defendant he would ask the defendant to file a formal application for bail within 6 hours and asked the prosecution counsel to file their reply within 24 hours after that. He held that if parties comply with the order, the court shall resume on January 19th by 12.00pm to take the argument on bail application while the hearing of the case will commence on Jan. 25th 2016.
 

Abang, therefore, warned on the frivolous application for adjournment from the lawyers saying such would not be allowed in his court.

The charge against Metuh borders on money laundering, breach of trust and criminal diversion of public funds.

The anti-graft agency said it has established that Metuh had in November 2014, collected N400 million from the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

The fund, which was withdrawn from an account of the Office of the NSA operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria was allegedly transferred and traced to Metuh through account no. 0040437573, which Destra Investments Limited operated with Diamond Bank Plc.

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2016/01/15/dasukigate-court-orders-metuh-be-remanded-prison-custody

Cristiano Ronaldo with Alessandra Ambrosio on GQ Magazine cover

 

 He painstakingly makes sure he is one of the fittest men in the world and Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to show off the result of his hard-work to the world.

Never shy to take up his cloths, Ronaldo was happy to show off his ripped abs on the cover of GQ's latest body issue.

He appeared on the cover together with Brazilian model and actress Alessandra Ambrosio.

In the racy cover, Ambrosio who is just in bikini, drape her body over Ronaldo who wears just a pair of tiny red swimming trunks

The photos for the magazine was shot in October when Ronaldo shared a video on social media of the two behind-the-scenes on a 'top secret project'.

"Hi guys, we've finished photo-shooting, it was amazing filming with Alessandra, she is fantastic, she does a fantastic job," the 30-year-old says in the clip.

"We are not going to say what we did because it's a secret, we hope you are going to like it."

"I had a great time with you," the Victoria Secret model replied.

"You're an amazing person, a super-nice guy and I hope you guys have fun and it's a top secret project so you're not going to find out."

 

 

Source: http://pulse.ng/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-stars-shows-off-ripped-abs-on-gq-magazine-cover-id4566944.html

Stolen Yams: Billions Spent on Faulty Helicopters for Air Force

 

Several faulty helicopters were procured at inflated prices for the Nigerian Air Force, a committee established to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to 2015 has said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said on Friday that the Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment accused some retired and serving officer of the Air Force and Nigerian Army of misconduct and corruption, leading to the development.

In its first interim report, the audit committee identified several breaches, noting that the procurement processes were arbitrarily carried out and generally characterised by irregularities and fraud with the items procured failing to meet the purpose for which they were procured in many cases.

Shehu said, “​A major procurement activity undertaken by ONSA for NAF was that concerning the contracts awarded to Societe D’ Equipment Internationaux (SEI) Nig Ltd.

“Between January 2014 and February 2015, NAF awarded 10 contracts totalling nine hundred and thirty million, five hundred thousand, six hundred and ninety US Dollars ($930,500,690.00) to SEI Nigeria Limited.

“Letters of award and End User Certificates for all the contracts issued by NAF and ONSA respectively did not reflect the contract sums. Rather, these were only found in the vendor’s invoices, all dated 19 March, 2015.

“Additionally, some of the award letters contained misleading delivery dates suggesting fraudulent intent in the award process. The observed discrepancies are in clear contravention of extant procurement regulations.

“The SEI contracts included procurement of two used Mi-24V helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at the cost of one hundred and thirty six million, nine hundred and forty four thousand US Dollars ($136,944,000.00).

“However, it was confirmed that the helicopters were excessively priced and not operationally air worthy at the time of delivery. A brand new unit of such helicopters goes for about thirty million US Dollars ($30m). Furthermore, the helicopters were delivered without rotor blades and upgrade accessories.”

Shehu added that the helicopters were undergoing upgrade while being deployed for operation in the North-East without proper documentation.

He said it was further established that as at date, only one of the helicopters is in service while the other crashed and claimed the lives of two NAF personnel.

The presidential spokesman also said the committee established that ONSA also funded the procurement of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at the cost of seven million, one hundred and eighty thousand US Dollars ($7,180,000.00).

However, according of him, it was confirmed that only two of the Alpha-Jet aircraft were ferried to Nigeria after cannibalisation of engines from NAF fleet.

This, he added, was contrary to the written Amosu’s assertion to the former NSA that all the four procured Alpha-Jets aircraft were delivered to the NAF.

He said the non-militarisation of the Alpha-Jets made them unsuitable for deployment to the North-East and they are currently deployed only for training at NAF Kainji.

He added, “Furthermore, the procurement of the Alpha-Jets was contrary to the recommendation of the assessment team. The committee found that the conduct of Air Marshal Adesola Amosun (retd.) was deliberately misleading and unpatriotic.

“The contract for the procurement of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar for the NAF was awarded to GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd in April 2014 at the cost of thirty three million US Dollars ($33m) and was funded by ONSA.

“The committee established that the radars were excessively priced as a complete set of such radars (comprising six radars including the Control Centre) goes for six million US Dollars ($6m) averagely.

“The committee observed that the radars were delivered without the vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft, which has significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the NAF in the North-East.

“It was further observed that the sum of three million, three hundred thousand US Dollars ($3.3m) was fraudulently included in the contract agreement as VAT and withholding tax and subsequently paid into the bank accounts of Spacewebs Interservices Limited and Delfina Oil and Gas Limited.

“The committee further established that two million US Dollars ($2m) from the proceeds was transferred to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited, which is jointly owned by principal characters in this deal. The committee opined that the infractions of extant regulations by these companies were clearly intended to defraud.

“It was established that between September 2009 and May 2015, the NAF expended about fifteen billion Naira (N15bn) on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.

“Of this amount, four billion, four hundred and two million, six hundred and eighty seven thousand, five hundred and sixty nine Naira, forty one Kobo (N4,402,687,569.41) was paid out for contracts not executed.

“It was also observed that in carrying out these maintenance activities, contracts worth over two billion, five hundred million naira (N2.5bn) were awarded to Syrius Technologies, a Ukrainian company that was not registered in Nigeria.

“Regrettably, in spite of these expenditures, the status of NAF fleet remained operationally appalling as only three Alpha-Jets, two C-130H and one each of Mi-24V and Mi-35P were serviceable as of 28 May, 2015.”

Shehu also disclosed that in October 2013, NAF awarded contracts to DICON for the supply of weapons and ammunition at the cost of five hundred and ninety nine million, one hundred and eighteen thousand naira (N599, 118,000.00).

He said only two of the seven items contracted were delivered to NAF while the outstanding five items remained undelivered despite repeated requests to DICON.

He said the committee also found that the delivered ammunition was about 40 years old, thereby casting doubts on their shelf life.

The failure of DICON to fully execute the contract and the delivery of aged ammunition, he explained, diminished the capacity of the NAF in North-East operation.

“The committee uncovered insider dealings by military officers in procurement activities undertaken by ONSA and the NAF. The officers were found to have misused or abused their offices for personal gains by influencing award of contracts to private companies in which they have substantial interests.

“For instance, an officer serving in the ONSA used his office to secure two contracts for his company, Geonel Integrated Services Limited for the protection of 20 Dams and Presidential Air Fleet security at the cost of six billion, two hundred and fifty million Naira (N6,250,000,000.00) and five million US Dollars ($5m) respectively.

“Furthermore, some NAF officers used their companies to collect VAT and Withholding Tax that were never remitted to FIRS while another officer was found to have cross transferred about five hundred million naira (N500m) between a NAF company, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, SkyExperts Nigeria Limited and Huzee Nigeria Limited, companies in which he had personal interests.

“In continuation of its assignment, the Committee has so far established that the nation spent about twenty nine billion naira (N29bn) and two billion US dollars ($2bn) on NAF procurement activities alone,” Shehu said.

The development and the recommendation of the committee led President Buhari to direct the EFCC top military officials indicted in the scandal.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the EFCC has asked 18 generals to appear before it on Monday in connection with the scandal.

Those affected in the order include embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. ​Sambo Dasuki (retd.); former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.); and two former Chiefs of Air Staff, Air Marshal MD Umar (retd.) and Air Marshal Adesola Amosun (retd.).


Source: http://www.punchng.com/scandal-billions-spent-faulty-helicopters-air-force/