4000 students may be expelled at once - Osun state

4000 students of the Osun State University face the risk of expulsion if they fail to pay their school fees on the 28th of February.

This deadline was set by the University authorities, as disclosed by the Corporate Affairs Unit of the school. Exams are scheduled to begin on the 6th of March.

While the deadline was set earlier, 4410 students were yet to fulfill this obligation as at Saturday, 25th of February.

The deadline was set by the school management because, according to them, this was affecting the management and smooth running of the school.

According to reports, a lot of students owe fees of up two terms. Some of them, according to student sources, had put their money into the Ponzi scheme, MMM, with most of them losing their their money to the scam.

What evidence is there for this? The statement from the management read that parents and guardians of the defaulting students had been making calls to the university’s phone numbers claiming they already gave students their school fees.

This statement also asked students who couldn't pay to defer their admission and swear an affidavit guaranteeing they'll pay before resumption.
Exactly how much school fees is being owed?

About 2 billion naira. This is according to the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Labode Popoola.

Now, management is struggling to save their university from the financial gutters. Starting from the 2016/2017 session, there will be zero tolerance for not adhering to school fees payment deadlines and course resgistration.

Hopefully, there'll be no wastefull spending on M&Ms and ridiculous "investment" in MMM by students.

Ugwuanyi Urges FG to upgrade Enugu water scheme

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has appealed to the Federal Government to assist the state towards the upgrade of the Enugu Urban Water Supply Scheme to meet up with the water needs of the people of the state.

Governor Ugwuanyi made the appeal when he played host to the Honorable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu Kazaure, and his entourage, at the Government House, Enugu

The Minster and his team were in Enugu to inspect some water project sites with a view to completing some of them in the people’s interest.

The governor, who expressed delight at the visit, noted that the gesture was in line with the determined efforts of his administration to provide and significantly improve the supply of drinkable water to all parts of the state.

He therefore appealed for the urgent intervention of the federal government through the Water Resources Ministry to address the challenges of inadequate water supply in the state for the benefit of the people.

Governor Ugwuanyi pointed out that the Water Scheme, incidentally, “was executed with the support of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) then under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari”, and with the present Water Resources Minister as the Principal Consultant to the establishment.

The governor stated that the equipment is obsolete and in advanced state of disrepair, stressing that the state government cannot afford the huge maintenance costs with “its meager finaniacal receipts”. He added that erosion and other environmental factors have continued to damage the facilities, disrupting the operation of water supply.

Earlier in his address, the Minister informed the governor that the federal government has prioritized the completion of Adada Dam Water Scheme, which will supply water to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and its environs and has ordered the contractor back to the site, adding that it is the intention of the government to complete uncompleted water projects in the state before commencing new ones.

“It is our desire that we finish as many as possible, our uncompleted projects to make sure that the investment that was made before will be completed. Adada Dam Water Scheme is a top priority project for us”, the Minister said.

Amina Mohammed sworn in as the Deputy Secretary General of UN

Ms Amina Mohammed, the immediate past Minister of Environment, has been sworn-in as the fifth Deputy Secretary-General of the UN at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres administered the oath of office to Mohammed.

“I want to say that I am extremely, very, very proud that you accepted to join our team. Thank you very much,” Guterres told Mohammed.

The Deputy UN chief, after her swearing-in, immediately swung into action by declaring open the 2017 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Segment on Operational Activities for Development.

Her speech at the ECOSOC event was her first official engagement, followed by a brief press encounter with the UN Correspondents.

Mohammed, who was appointed by Guterres on Dec. 15, 2016, as his deputy, was supposed to have assumed office on Jan. 1, 2017.

She, however, delayed the assumption of her new role at the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to complete some ongoing responsibilities she was handling at that time.

The office of the UN Deputy Secretary-General was formally established by the General Assembly in 1997 to handle many of the administrative responsibilities of the Secretary-General.

As the fifth Deputy Secretary-General, Mohammed will help to manage the UN Secretariat operations, and “ensuring inter-sectoral and inter-institutional coherence of activities and programmes”.

She will also support the Secretary-General in elevating “the profile and leadership of the UN in the economic and social spheres, including further efforts to strengthen the UN as a leading centre for development policy and development assistance”.

In accepting the appointment, Mohammed had said she was humbled at the opportunity to serve humanity.

She added that “the opportunity and responsibility to serve people and planet as the next UN Deputy Secretary-General is truly humbling.

“I am most grateful for the confidence and trust demonstrated by the United Nations Secretary-General-designate António Guterres and President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The next phase of my continued service to the people of Nigeria at the global level, will certainly build on the rich insights and lessons drawn from engaging with leaders, colleagues and stakeholders across our beloved nation”.

She recalled her positions of responsibilities over the last three decades and her contributions to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and recently working for environment protection as part of Buhari administration’s vision to transform Nigeria.

Nigeria was represented at the swearing-in by the acting Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Mr Anthony Bosah, while other family members and top UN officials also attended the ceremony.

Mohammed served as UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Post-2015 Development Planning.

She was instrumental in bringing about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the SDGs.

Before joining the UN, Mohammed worked for three successive administrations in Nigeria, serving as Special Adviser on MDGs.

She provided advice on issues including poverty, public sector reform and sustainable development, and coordinating poverty reduction interventions.

(Source: NAN)

South Africa deports 97 Nigerians

South Africa has deported 97 Nigerians for the violation of the country’s immigration laws and for other criminal offences.
Immigration sources told Daily Sun that the deportees arrived the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos late Monday night onboard a chartered aircraft marked GBB710 from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Those deported comprised 95 males and two females. It was learnt that while six of them were deported for alleged trading and consuming of illegal drugs in that country, 10 were arrested and deported for other minor criminal offences like being of violent or unruly behavior. The other 81 deportees had breached the immigration laws of the country, with the bulk on this category having overstayed their visas.
Those deported for drug and criminal offences were immediately handed over to the Nigerian Police for further prosecution while others with civil related cases were left to go home after being profiled by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
In recent weeks, Nigerians and Nigerian businesses have been targets of repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa with the Nigerian government demanding for more protection for Nigerians residing in that country. The South African government has however promised to rid the country of all illegal immigrants and the deportation of the 97 Nigerians may just be the start in a series of deportation of hundreds of Nigerians residing illegally in South Africa.
The Nigerian government on its part has stepped up efforts in bringing back its citizens abused, trapped or stranded as illegal immigrants in Libya and Mali.

Hahaha this funny photos will crack your ribs, Dog trying to bite off the balls of a youn man

Dog trying to bite off the balls of a young man.  Na wah oo what if this happens to you what would you do. 

See also Rukky sanda caught holding a huge pyton snake.

Yemi Alade dazzling in new hair style.

Yemi Alade has tuned on to a new look ditching her longtime hair signature as she comes through with a new afro style.
See more photos below

;Read also: Am scared of marriage -Ebube Nwagbo

See also: Photos: Nicki Minaj rocks a Nigerian guy 

Court sacks Senator, orders for return of allowance

The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sacked Senator Bassey Albert Akpan and declared Mr. Bassey Etim, winner of the 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries of the senatorial district.

Read also: Donald Trump barns 2-years entry visa for Nigerians

Akpan represents Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district in the Eighth Senate.

Consequently, the court, presided over by Justice Fatun Riman, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to Etim and set aside that of Albert, who chairs the Senate Committee on Gas.

Also, Clerk to the National Assembly has been directed to swear in Etim as the senator representing Akwa Ibom North East just as Albert has been ordered to refund entitlements and benefits attached he hs collected thus far.

The court equally placed N200,000 fine, each, against Albert and the PDP, in favour of Etim.

The court held that, from available evidence, Akpan had no interest in the senatorial seat as at the time when the primary election was held because he was one of the leading gubernatorial aspirants.

The court faulted the primary which threw up Akpan as the PDP flagbearer and subsequent election which gave him the senatorial seat.

It held that Akpan was smuggled into the race and foisted on the PDP, to the detriment of Etim, who had participated and was declared winner of the primary.

“The burden of proof shifted to Akpan and PDP, which failed to discharge their defence witnesses. The defence witnesses proved that they were not witnesses of truth because they presented conflicting and contradicting evidences and testimonies against themselves.

“The PDP, till today, had succeeded in robbing Etim to pay Albert.

“The third defendant relishes in the illegality penetrated during the primary. Therefore, Etim is the correct and only candidate of the PDP for Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district. What played out was the foisting of Bassey Albert Akpan on the PDP,” the judge stated.

 Read also: Am scared of marriage - Ebube Nwagbo

Etim’s counsel, Taiwo Abe (SAN), commended the judge “for causing justice to be done” in favour of Etim whom he said was the duly nominated candidate of the party.

The state PDP, however, described the judgment as shocking and dramatic.  Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ini Ememobong, the party said as a law abiding legal entity, the state Chairman, Obong Ekpo has directed the legal department to file a Notice of Appeal, in the Court of Appeal, while studying the judgment of the lower court.

 Meanwhile, senator Akpan has accused Justice Riman of bias.

Reacting to the judgment, Akpan reiterated that the judge was biased against him.

In a statement, yesterday, the senator said: “This judgment justifies and reflects the biased conduct of Justice Riman throughout the trial of this case which culminated in my petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court on November 7, 2016, accusing Justice Riman of bias and antagonism towards me and requesting him to disqualify himself from the case.

“I wish to inform my supporters and people of Akwa Ibom North East that this is a pre-election matter and, therefore, the judgment of Justice Riman is not final as I have directed my lawyers after their legal beefing on this matter to exercise my right of appeal to ensure that we get judgment at the Court of Appeal.”

Akpan said his lawyers have also informed him that they had filed an application for a stay of execution pending the hearing of his appeal at the Court of Appeal.

The lawmaker insisted he remains the senator representing Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district in the Senate.

Donald Trum to barn 2- years multiple entry visa for Nigerians

Except the federal government takes a proactive visa policy review, Nigerians will no longer be issued with American entry visas which have two-year validity following the Executive Order signed on Friday by President Donald Trump, TheCable can report.

Read also: Donald Trump's full speech on why he hates Africans

Also, Nigerians who hold dual nationality will be affected if their other passport is from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen — the seven Muslim-majority countries “of concern”.

A lot of attention has been on the temporary visa ban on citizens of the seven Muslim-majority countries, but the impact on Nigerians is far more than previously thought.

An analysis of the Executive Order by TheCable editors shows that at least two sections will affect Nigerians directly.

Nigeria currently only issues a one-year multiple-entry visa to Americans, which is a non-reciprocation of the two-year visa the country issues to Nigerians.

Section 9 of the Executive Order states: “The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable…”

By this provision, except the federal government quickly moves to extend the validity of Nigerian visa to Americans, Nigerians too will be issued with one-year visas.

Given that the Trump order takes immediate effect, Nigerians holding valid two-year US visa are most likely going to be affected.

Nigeria is also not reciprocating the fees charged by the American government — despite shorter visa validity.

While the US charges Nigerians $160 for a typical visit visa, Nigeria charges $180, in addition to a $35 “processing fee”.

The section on dual nationality involving seven Muslim-majority countries is not expected to affect a significant number of Nigerians because of a second citizenship of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen is not common.

Many Nigerians, including government officials, hold dual nationality with either the US or Europe.

Read also: Donald Trump's full speech on why he hates Africans 

However, Nigerians who have been to Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen in recent times may be subjected to extra immigration control with possible deportation.

President Donald Trump
NBC
THE EXECUTIVE ORDER IN FULL PROTECTING THE NATION FROM FOREIGN TERRORIST ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The visa-issuance process plays a crucial role in detecting individuals with terrorist ties and stopping them from entering the United States. Perhaps in no instance was that more apparent than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when State Department policy prevented consular officers from properly scrutinizing the visa applications of several of the 19 foreign nationals who went on to murder nearly 3,000 Americans. And while the visa-issuance process was reviewed and amended after the September 11 attacks to better detect would-be terrorists from receiving visas, these measures did not stop attacks by foreign nationals who were admitted to the United States.

Numerous foreign-born individuals have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes since September 11, 2001, including foreign nationals who entered the United States after receiving visitor, student, or employment visas, or who entered through the United States refugee resettlement program. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism.

In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including “honor” killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes.

Sec. 3. Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall immediately conduct a review to determine the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit under the INA (adjudications) in order to determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the President a report on the results of the review described in subsection (a) of this section, including the Secretary of Homeland Security’s determination of the information needed for adjudications and a list of countries that do not provide adequate information, within 30 days of the date of this order. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence.

(c) To temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies during the review period described in subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the proper review and maximum utilization of available resources for the screening of foreign nationals, and to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration by foreign terrorists or criminals, pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas).

(d) Immediately upon receipt of the report described in subsection (b) of this section regarding the information needed for adjudications, the Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals within 60 days of notification.

(e) After the 60-day period described in subsection (d) of this section expires, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest — including when the person is a religious minority in his country of nationality facing religious persecution, when admitting the person would enable the United States to conform its conduct to a preexisting international agreement, or when the person is already in transit and denying admission would cause undue hardship — and it would not pose a risk to the security or welfare of the United States.

(f) The Secretary of State shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of the directive in subsection (b) of this section regarding prioritization of claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution within 100 days of the date of this order and shall submit a second report within 200 days of the date of this order.

(g) It is the policy of the executive branch that, to the extent permitted by law and as practicable, State and local jurisdictions be granted a role in the process of determining the placement or settlement in their jurisdictions of aliens eligible to be admitted to the United States as refugees. To that end, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall examine existing law to determine the extent to which, consistent with applicable law, State and local jurisdictions may have greater involvement in the process of determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions, and shall devise a proposal to lawfully promote such involvement.

Sec. 6. Rescission of Exercise of Authority Relating to the Terrorism Grounds of Inadmissibility. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, consider rescinding the exercises of authority in section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, relating to the terrorism grounds of inadmissibility, as well as any related implementing memoranda.

Sec. 7. Expedited Completion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Tracking System. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall expedite the completion and implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system for all travelers to the United States, as recommended by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President periodic reports on the progress of the directive contained in subsection (a) of this section. The initial report shall be submitted within 100 days of the date of this order, a second report shall be submitted within 200 days of the date of this order, and a third report shall be submitted within 365 days of the date of this order. Further, the Secretary shall submit a report every 180 days thereafter until the system is fully deployed and operational.

Sec. 8. Visa Interview Security. (a) The Secretary of State shall immediately suspend the Visa Interview Waiver Program and ensure compliance with section 222 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1222, which requires that all individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa undergo an in-person interview, subject to specific statutory exceptions.

(b) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of State shall immediately expand the Consular Fellows Program, including by substantially increasing the number of Fellows, lengthening or making permanent the period of service, and making language training at the Foreign Service Institute available to Fellows for assignment to posts outside of their area of core linguistic ability, to ensure that non-immigrant visa-interview wait times are not unduly affected.

Sec. 9. Visa Validity Reciprocity. The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar  as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable.

Sec. 10. Transparency and Data Collection. (a) To be more transparent with the American people, and to more effectively implement policies and practices that serve the national interest, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall, consistent with applicable law and national security, collect and make publicly available within 180 days, and every 180 days thereafter:

(i) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; convicted of terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; or removed from the United States based on terrorism-related activity, affiliation, or material support to a terrorism-related organization, or any other national security reasons since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later;

(ii) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been radicalized after entry into the United States and engaged in terrorism-related acts, or who have provided material support to terrorism-related organizations in countries that pose a threat to the United States, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iii) information regarding the number and types of acts of gender-based violence against women, including honor killings, in the United States by foreign nationals, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iv) any other information relevant to public safety and security as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, including information on the immigration status of foreign nationals charged with major offenses.

(b) The Secretary of State shall, within one year of the date of this order, provide a report on the estimated long-term costs of the USRAP at the Federal, State, and local levels.

Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE

Osibanjo consults Buhari on major issues - Osibanjo

The Presidency has disclosed that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo consults President Muhammadu Buhari on major issues before taking decisions.

This is even as it has described the comparison, on who is a better manager, between Osinbajo and Buhari as thoughtless and handiwork of opposition to cause division in the presidency and prevent Nigerians from enjoying the benefits they voted for.

Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Babafemi Ojodu, said these, yesterday, during an interactive session with newsmen at the State House, Abuja.

Read also: A soldier man caught his wife having sex with another man and marches them into the streets naked

He said current policies positively affecting the economy are manifestations of hard work in the past.

Ojudu insisted that Buhari and Osinbajo ran on a joint ticket and both men are implementing party manifestos presented to Nigerians during campaigns.

Reacting to the comparison which has been trending on social media, Ojudu said, “I think it is thoughtless. I also see it as a ploy by the opposition to cause unnecessary division. It is joint ticket, the president and the vice president were elected based on the manifesto of the party and since they were sworn-in they have been committed to implementing that manifesto. The same people who said we never had economic team and policy are the ones saying this. Now that the policies we are implementing are yielding result, it is not a question of one person being better than the other person.”

He said there’s nothing the vice president has done as acting president that was not started by the president.

“A good example is the Niger Delta initiative; the president called the vice president and said, I am giving you the mandate to go to the Niger Delta and meet with every stakeholder, all the communities, talk to the militants and make sure you solve this problem for the benefit of Nigerians,” Ojodu said.

Read also: I will run for 2019 only on one condition -Tinimbu

He said the nation loses about 1.2 million barrels of oil per day as a result of the gas pipelines being blown up by militants.

“The president has said unless and until we resolve this problem, we will not get out of recession. The vice president took up the mandate and went to the Niger Delta. It is the initiative of Mr. President not that of vice president.

“This is mischief makers, who do not wish this country well, are always promoting crisis and will not allow the people to benefit from this democracy; they are the ones promoting this kind of divisive tendencies.

Asked if he was implying that Osinbajo has been consulting Buhari, Ojodu replied: “Almost on a daily basis, yes. On major decisions he has to consult Mr. President. The president is still the president.”

On the insinuation that Osinbajo is not in charge, he said: “He is in charge, but like I said earlier on, this is a joint ticket, the president of Nigeria remains the president of Nigeria. The president and vice president work together and I know they both have confidence in this nation.”

Ojodu described as fake news a report that some clerics in Katsina alleged that the president was poisoned.

“Those of you in the media should be careful what you pick from the social media now; it is becoming factory for fake news in Nigeria. A lot of things you see on social media can never be true. I saw that, I read it and I assessed it using the prism of these factors, those indices we use to analyse stories in the media, and I found out that it cannot be true.

“For example, they said somebody kept N77 trillion somewhere, imagine that. What is the total value of Nigeria’s economy that because of somebody keeping N77 trillion, some people want to poison him so they can inherit the money. We have a president that nobody in this country can question his integrity. As a young officer, a middle officer, a senior officer and as a head of state, till now, nobody has been able to tarnish his image. For me, it is not even worth responding to; as soon as I read it, I dismissed it as ridiculous,” Ojodu said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed  said President Buhari is neither critically ill nor in life-threatening situation, stressing there is no cause for alarm.

The minister reiterated this position yesterday in Umuahia at the second town hall meeting for the South East and the launch of national reorientation campaign, “Change Begins With Me’’ in Abia.

“I can say here, very boldly and confidently, that there is absolutely no cause for alarm. Mr president called me at 2.43p.m. on Saturday and we spoke.

“If Mr President is in the hospital or is critically ill, as minister of information, I will give daily bulletin on his health.

“Mr president is neither critically ill nor in the hospital and there is nothing life threatening about the checks he is going through,”’ he said.

Sex--

One of the greatest headaches of many young
ladies in relationship is the issue of sex. While
they find themselves entangled in love, they also
would not want to offend God by fornicating.
Meanwhile, most young men of today are always
demanding sex before marriage as a proof of
love. If a lady denies her boyfriend (fiance) sex,
he tends to think she either does not love him or
she is seeing another guy.

Read also: Soldier caught his wife having sex with another man and marches them into the streets naked

 And this throws the
lady into so much confusion. She genuinely loves
the guy but wouldn't want to give in to sex. If
she denies him, she may lose him and if she gives
in too she disobeys God. Sorry to our ladies.
Gentleman, please know that it is absolutely a lie
from the pit of hell that if your fiancee does not
give you sex it shows she doesn't love you. How
can you use sex as a LOVEOMETRE? Have you
never slept with ladies you didn't truly love? If
you haven't then let me tell you that many people
are having sex with people they never love. And
the men are themselves the worst culprits.
If sex is a proof of love then we have to conclude
that prostitutes love all the men they sleep with.
If sex is a proof of love then we have to go about
sleeping with our best friends and even family
members to show how deeply we love them.
Even married couples, do not have sex to prove
their love. They rather have sex because sex is
part of marriage and it is meant for both
procreation and recreation - child birth and
enjoyment. Don't you know that there are married
couples who are not genuinely in love but they
still have sex as a matter of duty or just for
cover-ups?
Surely, sex plays a major role in love affairs. But
Eccl 3:1 says, "For everything there is a
season..." It is never the right season to have sex
in a relationship. This is because sex is a blood
covenant between husband and wife not boyfriend
and girlfriend. Gen. 4:1 says, "Adam knew his
wife". It does not say "Adam knew his girlfriend".
Stop going that far with the lady. If you want to
know about a woman's love for you sex is never
the answer. Leave her alone to serve God right for
your own sake if you truly want to marry her.
Song of Songs 2:7 says, "I charge you, O
daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelle...that you
AWAKEN NOT LOVE UNTIL IT IS TIME".
The gazelle is a very swift animal. It runs at least
96 km per hour. Bible compares romance to the
gazelle. If you start romance at the wrong time
you may crush because you will not be able to
stop it from running your life at top speed. So
until you are married, don't AWAKEN LOVE. Sex
has been the main reason for most broken hearts
and disappointments.
Read also: soldier caught his wife having sex with another man and marches them into the streets naked
Sex is called love-making because it involves the
body, soul and spirit. Do you want your soul and
spirit to be tied to somebody who is not married
to you? Can you stand the consequences, Mr.
Young Man? Hear the Bible:
"O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
DO NOT SPEND YOUR STRENGTH ON WOMEN,
YOUR VIGOUR ON THOSE WHO DESTROY
KINGS." (Prov. 31:2)
Sex before marriage can destroy you, even your
Christian life. The funny thing is some
Brothers in Christ even worry the
Sisters in Christ for sex. So God says, "My
son...son of my vow". You are a son of God so
don't waste your energy on women. You should
rather be teaching her chastity and help her serve
God well.
Seeking love from sex is like looking for Jesus in
an empty tomb.(Word) Take it easy. When you marry
you will be fed up with sex. Your wife will be
chasing you with it and you will be running away,
saying, "Oh I'm tired, why?". Take time okay, Wait patiently. It will soon be laid at
your doorstep and you will notice how stupid it is
to chase sex when you are not married.
If you want a woman to prove her love to you,
allow her some space to be herself. Do not force
your will on her or control her. Her love, by
nature, will push her to do things that will signal
to you that you are her top priority. She will be
ready to marry you, than just have fun with you.
She will not be interested in you showering things
on her but rather, she would want both of you to
set your life and future right. She will support
your dreams and visions and help you build up
your Christian life. In fact, she will exhibit the
spirit of humility and you will also discover she is
a precious jewel in a glass jar, reserved for you
alone.
So from today, even if she herself brings sex, tell
her..."Do not awaken love until it is time." And if
you guys love each other, plan about marrying
and submit your plans to God. He will bless it and
put you two together as one.. Ladies...you should also
read before sending to him
I wish u read all to the last.....our ladies are dying in the hands of some unmerciful men.

 Sex has turned many ladies into a mystery of
thinking what they feel for a particular guy is true love.

You meet a guy, he takes you out; He had a
great sex with you, it was like heaven to you. He makes you feel happy because you enjoyed him so much
you start assuming both of you are meant to
be together as husband & wife.

You start dreaming of your future with him
while he's just having fun. Your feelings for him has blindfolded you from seeing things from the reality point
of view. You find yourself infatuated with him just because you don't want to feel used & dumped.

Sometimes you need to sit down & ask yourself; what do i really love about this guy?

Do I see Christ in him? Is he a guy I can boldly take to my pastor? Can I introduce him as my husband to people who
are responsible? You know the guy is not
capable of being a good husband & father; yet you want to kill yourself because of him. But sometimes you need
to differentiate between what you just feel and what you really deserve. (Deep)

Don't start dreaming of your future with a guy who is just catching his fun. Don't attach a permanent feeling to a temporal person. Don't open up your heart to
a guy who doesn't open his bible. Stop chasing
after a guy who doesn't chase after God.(Word👌🏻)

Look, Maybe as a lady your lifestyle is not
pleasing to God, today is your day of salvation. Don't wait till when you marry & divorce before you realize you need Jesus. You don't have to wait till when you become a single mother before you aspire to
be an evangelist.

Give your life to Jesus now and He will give
you a man who will take care of you. You cannot receive anything from God until you first receive His only Son
because Jesus is everything that God has given for you.

Pls share with all youth on ur contact list
Give to ur female frnds...Give to ur male friends.. First lengthy broadcast. I think I love the message it passes.

For we all👫

Ebube Nwagbo celebrates her birthday in style.

The beautiful actress who just celebrated her birthday yesterday has ever since been in gratitude to her fans for all the love they showered on her yesterday and praying for more fruitful years. Happy Birthday Ebube boo. Drop a birthday wish in the comment section.

See photos of Chacha Eke and her beautiful second daughter   

Am scared of marriage - Ebube Nwagbo

Nollywood Actress, Ebube Nwagbo, has shared her fears concerning marriage following the high cases of divorce in the industry.

See also: Ebube Nwagbo celebrates her birthday in style 

The Anambra State-born actress told ‘Star Gist’ in an interview.

She said: “I try to keep to myself, but the industry where I find myself is a complex one.

“You have to be very close to me to know the real Ebube, because most times I camouflage just to create an impression.

“The real me is not what you see in TV or read on the papers , but I am also human; I have my moods, my bad sides, my flaws, etc.

“I love the good thing of life, so I work hard to get them.

“I only stress myself when money is involved.

“Marriage is always going to be at the right time, and don’t ask me when is the right time.

See also: Ebube Nwagbo celebrates her birthday in style 

 “I’m single but I’m not searching, Why would I?
“Well, I am seeing somebody, but starting my own family I can’t say for now.

“But I will do that at the right time.

“I don’t like doing something and later jump out of it.

“I take my time to do whatsoever I want to do making sure it is the right decision.

“I am scared of marriage, we see divorce everyday.

“Although no one goes into marriage believing she would soon jump out of it.

“I strongly believe that before a couple considers divorce, they must have put in their best to make it work, all to no avail.

“Marriage in the limelight is not easy, even those outside it are not surviving easily.

“For me, before I take the decision, it just has to be right.

“I have Learnt a lot from other people’s mistake and that has helped me a lot.

See also: Rukky sanda caught holding a huge pyton snake

“Being in a relationship alone is not easy not to mention marriage, I just want to do it right to avoid regret.

“So I am treading carefully

Good news Naira appreciates sells at N450 to $1

 

The Naira on Monday continued to strengthen against the dollar and other major currencies, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Read also: Donald Trump's full speech on why he hates Africans

The Nigerian currency gained N10 to exchange at N450 to a dollar at the parallel market, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro exchanged at N560 and N470.

At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the Naira was sold at N399 to a dollar, CBN controlled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N610 and N500 .

The Naira traded at N305.50 to a dollar at the inter-bank market.

Traders at the market expressed confidence in the new FOREX policy and its ability to restore the Naira to its lost glory.

Meanwhile, some traders are still in shock at the performance of the Naira, as many believed that the Nigerian currency would sink further to N1,000 to a dollar.

FG evacuates 41 Nigerian girls from Mali

The Federal Government has evacuated  41 Nigerian girls who were victims of human trafficking from Bamako, Mali.

A military transport plane, the Charlie-130 Hercules (C-130H) belonging to the Nigerian Air Force and with the call sign NAF 913 dispatched by the Federal Government to evacuate the girls touched down the Air Force Hanger of Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos at about 7.25pm.
Read also: Donald Trump's full speech on why he hates Africans  

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as well as Police, Immigration, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) were at the airport to receive the girls who all looked exhausted and depressed on arrival.

They were first profiled by Nigerian Immigration officials to ascertain their true identities and subsequently handed over to NAPTIP. Daily Sun learnt that the girls were all heading to various countries in Europe and were only using Bamako as a transit. Dabiri-Erewa who briefed journalists said six key suspects – called “Madams” – that had picked up the girls mostly from Edo state in Nigeria for onward trafficking to Europe were also apprehended in Bamako and brought back alongside the 41 girls and handed over to security for prosecution. She said the evacuation of the girls was made possible by a joint collaboration between the Ministry of Defence , Nigerian Air Force, Office of the Senior Assistant to the President on Diaspora, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP).
She said their return home was part of directive from President Buhari, who insisted that Nigerians stranded anywhere in the world should be assisted to return home safely .
She praised the Chief of Defence Staff , Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff for granting the aircraft to facilitate the evacuation of the girls .
She Dabiri-Erewa :” NAPTIP will rehabilitate them, we have commenced profiling of the girls. But we call on Non Governmental Organizations to join us in tacking this problem.
” It goes beyond poverty for them to embark on such risky mission. They were deceived, they were lured, but We will ensure we train them to the state of proficiency in different vocations.
” We will monitor the girls for two years, so they do not sell the vocational equipment .We have arrested six suspects – the Madams – and have handed them over to security agencies for prosecution,” she added . Access to speak to the girls was prevented by NAPTIP officials who explained that most of them were in their teens ‎and needed to be shielded from any form of stigmatisation.

Dont expect Buhari to build sky scrapers -Rochas Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, has said that Nigerians should not expect the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari, to build sky scrapers.

Okorocha stated this at the Imo state polythecnic Umuagwo, during the 5th convocation ceremony of the institution.

Also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir David Lawal, said that corruption has dwarfed Nigeria and prevent it from progressing.

Okorocha added thatBuhari’s administration was only laying the foundation for development.C

“This is not the time to weep or complain in the struggle to nationhood, it is a time to comply. Nigeria must write the history of this recession just like other developed nations in their journey to greatness.

“President Buhari is building a strong foundation for sustainable growth of the nation. Whoever that is waiting for Buhari to build sky scrapers and historic tunnels may be wasting time as his job is to lay a solid foundation so that successive governments will have a good foundation to build upon.

“We must all support him and pray for him as his coming as the President is divine and its purpose must be fulfilled.

Okorocha who also conferred on Emeka Offor, the chairman governing council of the Imo state polytechnic also said that the days of frivolities has gone.

He said: “We must adopt wisdom by tying this institution around the neck of successful business men in our society because government alone cannot carry this responsibility.

“To the graduands, the institution has honoured them with certificates after years of tiling, reading, burning candles, but let me tell you that this is the beginning of your journey.

“The certificate in your hands would determine your future depending on how you apply and use it. The days of white collar jobs are gone. The days of frivolities are over. This is the time to think outside the box and see a way to contribute your quota to nationhood.”

Also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir David Lawal, said that corruption has dwarfed Nigeria and prevent it from progressing.

The SGF, who was conferred with a fellowship award of the institution noted that “What has held us down as a nation is corruption.”

According to the release, “In this bid, we must in earnest commence a new journey of rapid and sustained economic growth that will usher in prosperity for all our citizens.

“Despite the challenges that we are confronted with, Nigerians should not despair. The journey for a better Nigeria has commenced in earnest.

“Nigeria being a great nation is not in doubt that with our population and natural resources our economy should be amongst the best in the world. What has held us down as a nation is corruption.

“Corruption in government at all levels has totally destroyed our nation. It is evident in key sectors like educational system, healthcare delivery, infrastructural development and provision of social services.

“Massive corruption has crippled our economy and dwarfed our individual potentials including limiting the enterprising and intellectual capacity of our people.”

Make millions producing chalk -You won't believe it.

With the growing number of schools in Nigeria, chalk business is still one of the most lucrative activities today because the demand is strong. Even in spite of the current economic situation you can still smile to the bank with cool cash as you don’t need much marketing to sell your product.

The advent of marker boards likewise has not affected school chalk business from thriving in this part of the world. So for somebody who wants a fast return on investment, most especially those looking for business that could be started with little capital, school chalk business, is it! At least researchers say it’s a business you can start with under N100,000.

Besides, that chalk is used in schools, it is also used by tailors, furniture makers, surveyors, construction workers, machine fabricators and many other people for making marks on the materials they work on. So, the market for chalk goes beyond schools. In addition, starting this business requires no technical expertise.

Chalk making mold is used for making school chalks as the name implies. In the business of chalk making, it plays an important role because without it the business of chalk making would not be possible.

However, these are the things you must take note of when buying your chalk mold or when trying to procure one; elasticity of the mold is very important, smoothness of the cavities, durability, closeness of the mold when they are coupled together.

Chalk molds are of different types, we have the rubber type and the metal type. The rubber type is the most commonly used of the two because of flexibility in usage and it’s more convenient when producing with it. You can produce faster with it than with the metal mold, it is also easy to maintain.

Just like any other business, you need some basic information before venturing into the business of chalk production. Hence some of the guidelines below would be valuable to your success in this line of business: 

Research

Before taking the plunge, it is important to take on some study on the market you intend to service. It is very important to check if the market is large enough to sustain your business in the long term.

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is to plunge into a business out of sheer enthusiasm and optimism that a business idea will work. Such entrepreneurs who don’t take their time to analyse the market usually end up failing woefully. So, avoid this deadly mistake.

Take further steps at starting this business only if there is a good market for it in your locality and probably state. If the market size isn’t encouraging, there’s no point going further, since there are thousands of alternative business ideas you can exploit. If you are convinced that the market is favourable, and you have made up your mind to kick-start your chalk production business, then go ahead.

Business plan

After the research, the next step to take when starting a new business is the plan. With a business plan, you will be able to highlight your goals and objectives, your target market, your financial projections, your budget, the market and competition, and so on. A business plan gives you more insight into your business and allows you to stay focused as your business continues to push its way to success.

Funds

One of the most important points central to the success of your business could be how to source for the funds you will need to start and run your chalk production business if you cannot afford all of the startup costs required, then consider seeking financial help from friends and family.

You will need money to acquire the site you will use for chalk production. You will also need money for procuring the necessary equipment and raw materials. Even after starting the business, you will need some money to run the business until the profits start to trickle in. Remember marketing costs, too. If your business plan is comprehensive enough, then you shouldn’t be caught unawares by any hidden costs.

Volunteering

You may need to learn the rope from an established organisation. No doubt this process would come in handy as theoretical knowledge of chalk production is not substantive. You would need to either volunteer to work for one who already has a chalk production business for free so as to have some practical knowledge, or you serve as an intern to acquire the same knowledge.

Business registration

Its equally essential to give your new business an identity. Hence you may need to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Decide on the name you would settle for and begin the necessary documentation. A lawyer as stated by the law of each country would be needed to help you do this documentation. In this age of technology the CRC now offers an online service which speeds up the registration.

Facility

The best location for any business is near the target market. Most of the time, a chalk production company would do fine when located in an urban area where there are many schools as well as individuals who use chalk very frequently. You can either purchase a site or take the cheaper route; that is renting it for a specified period. Or rather you can also start from home if you have some space.

Equipment

Below are the equipment you will need: Chalk moulds, Scrapers, Paint brushes, Dryer, Hand gloves, Packaging materials such as branded cartons and nylon bags.

Raw materials

The following raw materials are needed for chalk production: Plaster of Paris: commonly called “POP,” this is the major raw material required for chalk production. Scientifically called “calcium carbonate,” it quickly forms a hard paste when mixed with water. Aside chalk production, it is also commonly used in hospitals for molding casts around broken limbs.

Cooking oil or coconut oil is also used as lubricant during chalk production. It is usually mixed with kerosene and the mixture is used to line the interior of the mould used for shaping the chalk to prevent the chalk from sticking to the mould.

Colors such as ultramarine blue will be needed to give your chalk the desired color you want.

Clean water is used for mixing the ingredients to produce chalk.

Before starting your chalk production business, you must find suppliers from whom you will be sourcing the raw materials you need. You need to have two to three different suppliers for each material because you never know when a supplier will run out of the commodity.

Employees

To succeed, you will need to hire right hands, that means getting the experienced workers involved in the day to day production of your business. It is very expedient to do a thorough job during the recruitment. This is because you do not want to be at the mercy of inexperienced operators who might slow down your production.

Marketing Strategy

After production, getting the products out is as important as others. So it is good to put in place a good and concrete marketing strategies. Know the various distribution channels that are available to you, also because of the level of competition that abounds, you might have to look at ways of getting your already packaged chalks to those in demand ahead of others.

For instance; you might have to device means where your production is done at the wee hours of the night, so as to reach consumers pretty early enough. Also you might consider giving freebies to wholesalers who would be willing to push your products.

If you produce high quality chalk, your customer base will grow, and you will make more money as your business continues to expand over time.

It is also the age of global marketing through social media, so it would not be out of place if you can create a niche for yourself by launching an online presence. Make good use of all the social media like facebook, Instagram, ‎Twitter and others to push your products.

Another staff of Katsina Ala college of education killed in Benue

A staff of College of Education (COE), Katsina-Ala, Godwin Yanbee Bosua, has been found dead few hours after his abduction last Saturday.

According to sources, Bosua, a former bursar with the College of Education, Katsina-Ala had strolled to his private nursery and primary school, close to the college and didn’t return.

Efforts by family, friends and colleagues to find him failed until his body was found yesterday morning in an orchard belonging to the nursery and primary school.

A close confidant of the deceased family disclosed that there were bruises on Bosua’s body, indicating that he must have been severely beaten by his assailants.

Our correspondent gathered that the remains of the victim had been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital Katsina-Ala.

Last Thursday, some gunmen shot and killed one Ugoh Terseer Akagbue, an assistant registrar with the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Benue State in his residence.

In reaction to the killings, a group known as ‘Peace Initiative,’ has sent an SOS to the Inspector General of Police to wade into the matter and save the people.

In a statement signed by President, Mr. Jonah, the group expressed worry over the continuous threats to members of the college community, adding that the situation had made many of them to run away.

The group also appealed to Governor Samuel Ortom to wade into the crisis by evolving appropriate security measures in Sankera axis of the state to safeguard life and property.

When contacted, state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, said he was yet to be briefed on the killing of Bosua.

Kebbi state governor weeps during prayer for Buhari

Tears rolled down the cheeks of Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu during a special prayer held at Birnin Kebbi Eid praying ground  for President Muhammadu Buhari who is on medical vacation in London, United Kingdom.
The prayer, which was organised by  residents of Birnin Kebbi, witnessed a large turnout of people who converged on the praying ground as earlier as 8:30am to offer special prayers for Buhari and the unity of Nigeria.
Islamic leaders,  chief imams of different mosques and associations, as well as Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar,  deputy governor  Samaila Dabai and other top government officers attended the prayer session.
They recited various verses of the Holy Qur’an and other selected prayers for the quick recovery of the president.
Governor Bagudu, who could not hold back his emotion during the session burst into tears and left. The crowd shouted “Allahu Akbar!” The prayer session  came to an abrupt  end thereafter.
Before then, Bagudu had described the gathering as a sign of unity in the state and urged all Nigerians to continue to protect the unity of the country, irrespective of location and tribe.
Leading the prayer at about 10:30am, Chief Imam of Birnin Kebbi Central Mosque, Alhaji Muktaru Abdullahi Wali-Gwandu  appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for Buhari and assist those who need help.
Other Islamic clerics who offered prayers at the  gathering were the  Chief Imam of Gwandu, Alhaji  Musa Abdullahi, Chief Imam of Birnin Kebbi Eid ground, Imam Ahmadu Rufai, and Chairman of Ulamas Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bayewa, among others.
During the ceremony,  the emir charged all  Islamic clerics to continue to pray for the country and president Buhari in their various mosques and homes. In a related development, Niger State government has called for one week of prayer and fasting, for the president’s quick recovery.
Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan  Tsado Vatsa, in a statement in Minna, yesterday,  said although indications show that the president is doing well,  there was need for prayers for him as the father of the nation.
He added that “the president also needs prayers in his bid to take Nigeria through the path of greatness. As a government, we are praying and we urge all Nigerlites to, starting today (Sunday), pray for Mr. President’s good health as he leads the nation through the path of greatness all through the week.”
He pointed out that everybody in the state, regardless of their religious affiliation, will be expected to pray for the president’s health “because president  Muhamnadu Buhari’s success is for all Nigerians’.’

Chimamanda adichie's 'Americana' for reading in london

Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie’s bestseller novel ‘Americanah’ has been selected as one of the five award-winning books to be chosen for the ‘One Book, One New York’ programme.

The concept of ‘One Book, One New York’ is an initiative to bring together bookworms in the US largest city to read the same book at the same time.

New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment said a committee made up of “the heads of the New York Public Library, the deans of the major academic institutions, and leaders of the book publishing industry,” all helped to select the five books among hundreds.

The Mayor’s office said the programme aims to get all of New York City on the same page literally adding, the idea is essentially a giant book club, or a “one book read campaign”.

The office has planned at least six community-based reading events, some of which will be with the authors.

“New York City is proud to be the creative capital of the world.

“The ‘One Book, One New York’ initiative provides the perfect opportunity to bring city residents from all five boroughs together through reading,” Mayor Bill de Blasio, said.

According to Julie Menin, Commissioner, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, once the book is chosen, the city will host an author event at the New York Public Library, as well as a number of ancillary events at bookstores throughout the city.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate our enduring literary capital with the ‘One Book, One New York’ program.

“All five of the nominated titles are fantastic, and we invite New Yorkers from all five boroughs for the chance to vote for your favorite NYC read.

“One Book, One New York” will help readers connect with one another while rediscovering their libraries and their independent neighbourhood bookstores.

“Something that makes it incredibly timely in this moment our country is in is that all five of these books deal with themes of immigration, of race, oftentimes of being an outsider.

“These books are incredibly timely. These are really thought-provoking books that really speak to the age that we’re in,” Menin said.

The programme also features celebrity advocates who have all taped on-camera segments touting the importance of each book and urging New Yorkers to vote online.

The book to be read will be chosen by city residents, who have been voting for their favourites online at nyc.gov/onebook and at subway platform kiosks, which will end on Feb. 28.

The final book selection will be announced in early March, with events taking place around the city to follow through early June when the culminating event will take place.

The culminating event, in June, will be something of a big book club meeting, with fans of the book coming to the New York Public Library to take part in a conversation between its author and the senior book editor at BuzzFeed.

The publishers of the five nominated books have provided at least 800 copies of those books to New York City’s more than 200 library branches.

According to chimamanda.com, Americanah is a powerful tender story of race and identity.

Chimamanda’s works’ have been translated into over 30 languages and have won several prizes including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, the Orange Prize.

Others are, the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and The Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize for Fiction as well as one of The New York Times Ten Best Books of the Year.

Those works include, Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun which was also adapted into a movie.

A recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, her works have also made a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, a New York Times Notable Book, and a People and Black Issues Book Review Best Book of the Year. (NAN)

N-Power scheme -Additional 350,000 to get job soon -Presidency

Following defense of the 2017 budget proposals before the National Assembly by Ministries and agencies, new details are emerging on the continuation of the Social Investment Programmes, (SIP) of the Buhari presidency, including a plan to hire 350,000 more unemployed graduates under the N-Power Volunteer Corps.

Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, in a statement on Sunday noted that President Buhari had requested appropriation of N157.75B in the 2017 budget estimates for the N-Power scheme.

“350,000 unemployed graduates more would be hired and trained, alongside 50,000 non-graduates youths to be engaged as artisans and in other creative ventures,” he said.

Under the N157.75B, a sum of N4.5B has been earmarked for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM program to support young Nigerians in building skills in those disciplines.

“While we were able to engage 200,000 unemployed graduates last year, we will do 350,000 more this year,” he assured, adding that some of the teething problems were giving way to lessons that would smoothen implementation under the 2017 budget.

Akande disclosed that about N75B had been allocated for the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme, which will provide one hot meal a day to 5 million primary school pupils.

He explained that this would be an improvement on how far the feeding programme had been implemented so far under the 2016 budget which has so far attained the feeding of about one million pupils.

Akande also stated that under the 2017 budget, a sum of N112.2B had been allocated for the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme aimed at providing interest-free loans to up to 1.2million market men and women, traders, artisans, youths and farmers.

Under the GEEP, he explained that beneficiaries will receive between N10,000 and N100,000 loans with a one-time 5% administrative fee. Already under the 2016 budget, over 20,000 Nigerians in about 14 states and counting, have been benefiting from GEEP.

Similarly, the Conditional Cash Transfer which has kicked off in 9 states would be further expanded under the 2016 budget and will reach more states and much more Nigerians.

“The plan in 2016 budget targets one million poorest and vulnerable Nigerians. And in the 2017 budget an additional N54.98B has been allocated for the continuation of the N5000 monthly social safety net payments to the poorest Nigerians”, he said.

Akande further clarified that while President Muhammadu Buhari has further approved another N500B this year for all the social intervention programmes, N100B out of it has been allocated for the Family Homes Fund as already announced by the Ministry of Finance.

“2017 implementation of the SIP is going to be far more impactful than what we were able to do under the 2016 budget, so Nigerians should expect more this year, the resolve of the Buhari presidency is firm that more lives must be touched positively under this programmes which Nigerians have come to appreciate,” Akande concluded.

Getting banks to fund agriculture - CBN governor

THE recent announcement by the Bankers’ Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria {CBN) that banks are henceforth to set aside five per cent of their profits after tax to finance the agriculture sector and non-oil exports should have been  cause for cheers nationwide.

But, few people will take the declaration seriously because it pretends to offer a solution to the perennial under-funding of agriculture without actually doing it. Habitually, governments and the people of Nigeria recognise that agriculture is the backbone of our economy. In addition to providing food to keep the populace alive, it employs more people than the other leading sectors. Agriculture also contributes a far greater share to our Gross Domestic Productivity (GDP) than oil and manufacturing.

Yet, it receives next to no support from governments and banks compared to other sectors. The oil sector, for instance, had gobbled trillions of naira in subsidy payments by successive administrations if just ten per cent of these huge, corruption-riddled payouts had been diverted to agriculture in an effort to diversify the economy, we would have successfully escaped the sledgehammer of recession when oil prices nosedived.
Emefiele CBN Governor

The CBN announcement is even more cynical because it failed to acknowledge that all  attempts since 1960 to compel banks to set aside stated percentages of either loans or profits (before or after tax) to fund agriculture had ended in dismal failures. The previous attempts failed even when there were penalties for failure to comply with the guidelines by banks. Almost without exception, the banks preferred to pay the penalties because governments were often so lenient that they virtually promoted non-compliance.

Nothing in the attitudes (and general financial standing) of banks at the moment would lead anybody to believe that they will actually set aside the funds as required, especially when the five per cent is meant to fund non-oil exports as well. In the end, the banks will most probably not comply, or, they will allocate the lion’s share of the funds to non-oil exports which have the added advantage of earning foreign exchange. Agriculture may still get next to nothing.

Our annual food import bills prove conclusively that despite all the high-sounding pronouncements by governments, Nigeria is falling steadily behind in food production to feed a population growing at close to three per cent per annum.

For banks to be able to perform this function, the initiative must come from the government. Government must, through policies empower the banks and use the CBN to ensure that funds channelled through them are administered for the benefit of farmers, not diverted.

This partnership between  government and banks to increasing funding for agriculture will eventually convert exportable agricultural products into foreign exchange earners, and the banks will eventually have no problem funding agriculture on a profitably sustainable basis.

PZ Nigeria - market sentiments

ONE month after PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc announced  its financial results which clearly show a less optimistic outlook, investors’ sentiment has returned positive with cumulative value depreciation coming down to -1.85%.

Investors had reacted adversely to the results with a bear run crashing the price -25% to N10.70 from the pre-result level of N14.25.

Though analysts had recommended a SELL for the stock at target price of N10.41, the share price did not decline to that point; instead it rebounded last week after the initial drop.

Many investors believe the multinational has strong fundamentals to weather the economic headwind which had affected its performance in recent times.

Following the loss after tax suffered at the beginning of the current financial year, PZ’s earnings got a reprieve in the second quarter (September-November 2016) after forex losses associated with cost of goods sold (COGS) reduced significantly (-95% quarter-on-quarter).
PZ’s CEO, Christos Gianopolous

Products price increases

Moreover the company’s products price increases during the period positively impacted revenue (+6% year-on-year), with gross margin reaching record high of 33% over the three months period.

But at the backdrop of this, analysts at Cordros Capital Limited, a Lagos based investment house, still waiver on the outlook for the stock.

They stated: ‘‘Our less optimistic view of PZ, and indeed the Nigerian consumer environment, is unchanged. Importantly, we think the recovery prospect of the HPC (Household Product Category) segment of the consumer goods sector is well behind the Food Products category. Worse still for PZ is that recovery prospect is a lot weaker in the higher margin Household Durables category accounting for 34% of total revenue.’’

According to them the company’s management confirmed to significant decline in volume across the business divisions in the first 2016/17 (HPC -20/30% and Electricals -40%) accompanying the 40/60% increase in prices (taken in phases, via absolute increases and product resizing) during the period.

They further stated: ‘‘Considering the low visibility on the near end to the ongoing strain on consumer purchasing power (particularly in relation to the potential downward adjustment of the Naira exchange rate), we think PZ will struggle to keep up with management’s 10-13% revenue growth forecast over 2017F and 2018F.

‘‘In addition, the possibility of costs doubling from current levels limits the prospect of improvement in margins. Added to exchange rate fluctuation risk, PZ’s input costs face potential pressure from the likely increase in raw materials prices with global commodities prices poised to adjust upwards alongside the rally in crude oil prices and a strengthening  the US Dollar .‘‘This, in essence, is reflective of management’s guidance to 22% sustainable gross margin, 400bps below the long term average.

‘‘On the potential impact of foreign exchange, we note the build-up in payables over the first half (to N41.5 billion, from end-2016 N25.7 billion) on continued US Dollar scarcity.’’

According to the analysts, the company had noted specifically that further devaluation would lead to additional transactional impacts on outstanding US Dollar liabilities and ongoing input costs. The impact on earnings could be a replica of the first quarter (June-August 2016) experience.

On the positive, Cordros Capital analysts noted that a visible success has been achieved with the containment of operating expenses. Growth was 2% in 2016FY and was only 1% in first half 2016/17.

However, the analysts still stated: ‘‘PZ will need to improve top-line growth for earnings to fully benefit from the seemingly stable OPEX (Operating Expenses).’’

The proportion of OPEX to revenue has increased consistently since 2010 (15.2%), reaching 21% as at end-November 2016.

But analysts at ARM Investments Limited, another Lagos based investment house, were more optimistic on PZ’s outlook.

According to them on input costs, recent rally in crude oil prices should translate to higher costs on the company’s petrochemical inputs.

Unaudited financial results

However, they were of the view that in first quarter 2016/17, PZ retained a tight lid on costs, which thus guides our revised OPEX-sales ratio forecast 1percentage points lower to 20% (vs our prior forecast of 21%).

‘‘In the light of these revisions, we revise our rating on the stock to a neutral.’’

PZ Financial Results

PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc. (PZ) released its latest unaudited financial results, the second quarter 2016/17 for the period ended November 30, 2016 on January 27, 2017 wherein revenues rose 8.8% year-on-year (YoY) to ¦ 33.3 billion

Though largely reflecting unrealized foreign exchange losses of N4.9 billion, PZ posted pre-tax and post-tax losses of N 425 million and N289 million respectively. Excluding the forex loss reported, PZ would have recognized a PBT of ¦ 4.6 billion (+292% YoY).

In line with trends across big names in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, revenues tracked higher in Q2 ‘17 (+6% YoY to N16.5 billion) which PZ links to impact of higher pricing across its product lines. Given depressed real consumer incomes, PZ’s parent company noted in its commentary that the price review was negative for volumes.

Assisted by tamer petrochemical input prices, gross margin expanded 8% YoY to 34.4%, with gross profit rising 5.6% YoY to N5.8 billion. Similar to companies operating in the FMCG space, PZ reported a cut back on OPEX with corresponding OPEX-to-sales ratio declining 15 percentage points YoY to 21.4%.

Long standing trade payables

Further down, PZ booked a lower forex loss on its trade payables of N237.2 million (Q1‘17: N4.7 billion) which reflects the high Q1‘17 base when the company took charges on long standing trade payables following the 43% Naira depreciation in the period.

Largely reflecting the benign movements in the exchange rate, PZ reported PBT and PAT of N2 billion and N1.3 billion respectively in Q2‘17 (vs. pre-tax and post-tax losses of N1.5 billion and N1.7 billion in Q2‘16).

Ahead of the fiscal year 2017, the company’s management indicated a further upward product pricing and size adjustments to capture actual forex sourcing costs and future replacement costs.

Industry observers believe that given the price-sensitive nature of HPC segment and weak consumer real incomes (first half 2016: -14% YoY), the strategy should result in volume contraction.