Sunday, October 7, 2012

Flying Eagles trash South Africa 3-1



Nigeria’s Flying Eagles on Sunday qualified for the 2013 African Youth Championship in Algeria by beating South Africa’s Amajita 3-1 to emerge on 4-2 aggregate, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The squad coached by John Obuh comprised Europe-based professionals, Kenneth Omeruo and Aliyu Mohammed Goyi.

Both experienced defenders did not feature in the first leg in Nelspruit, which ended in a 1-1 draw a fortnight ago,mtnfootball reports.

The other change from the first game in South Africa was Wikki Tourists forward Umar Aminu, who was a second half substitute in Nelspruit.

South Africa were without influential midfielder Keagan Dolly after his club Ajax Cape Town refused to release him.

More Stories in Business


Source : punchng[dot]com

20-year-old girl raped, lip slashed off by attackers



20-year-old girl raped, lip slashed off by attackers

It was double tragedy for Ruth Simon, a 20-year-old girl who was raped and had part of her lower lip chopped off by her attackers. Ruth, who said the incident happened close to her house in Jenta Adamu area of Jos, explained that on September 23, at 11.30 pm while she was returning home, she was accosted by two men suspected to be residing in the area.

She said when they stopped her and started making overtures to her, she pleaded that they should let her go. But before she could get away, they grabbed and pinned her to the ground and one of them covered her mouth with his palm to prevent her from shouting while they began undressing her.

Ruth, who said she was a housemaid at the West of Mines area of Jos said she was still struggling and shouting for help as they were undressing when one of them brought out a knife and chopped off part of her lower lip.

She was wailing in pains when two of them, one after the other had sex with her and abandoned her at the spot afterwards. She later reported the incident at the ‘A’ Division Police Station and through the description she gave, one of her attackers, John Akwara, a welder was arrested, while the other man whose name was given as Ezra Dachalon was still at large. However, this had not solved her problem because Ruth had been unable to get adequate medical attention after the incident.

Her only sibling, Adigizi Simon, an OND holder of Plateau Polytechnic told Daily Sun that since the incident occurred, he had been solely responsible for his sister’s treatment. He said he was yet to get a job and had been depending on handouts from wellwishers to get treatment for his sister. Adigizi said they were natives of Nasarawa Eggon in Nasarawa State.Their father is dead while their mother works as a cleaner at the Police Children’s School in Jos. “It was because she could not afford to send both of us to school that Ruth is working as a housemaid,” Adigizi said. “Since the incident occurred, I have been unable to do anything for myself. I took her to a clinic where the lip was stitched but after some days, the stitches were removed because it developed some infections and pus was coming out of it.

Based on what people prescribed, I have been buying medicine for her to take to kill the pains. “The other boy they say is still at large lives in our area but his father is hiding him in the house. We have no means to bring in the police to arrest him when we spot him in the neighbourhood. We want the police to arrest his father because we believe if they do that, the boy will turn himself to the police.”

He said Ruth was examined after she was raped and was told she was not infected with HIV but they could not ascertain what could happen to her later. Adigizi maintained that he could not take his younger sister to a bigger hospital for treatment due to lack of fund. Meanwhile, Ruth who can no longer go to her place of work is often seen covering her mouth with a piece of rag, hoping that help would come her way, even as she urgently needs plastic surgery to put her lip back in shape.


View the original article here

PDP wins Plateau bye-elections



Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the October 6 bye-election into the Plateau North senatorial zone, Mr. Gyang Pwajok, has been declared the winner of the bye-election into the vacant seat of Plateau North senatorial zone.

Pwajok defeated five other candidates to emerge as the senator-elect, which became vacant following the death of Senator Gyang Dantong in an ethnic clashes on July 8,

Also the wife of Gyang Fulani, who also met his death in the same circumstance as Dantong was elected to replace he husband as member representing Barakin Ladi state constituency.

Pwajok polled195,349 votes, followed by the Col John Dungs of Democratic People Party who came a distant second with 38,847. Danladi Atu of ANPP came third with 30,237, whileACN’s Yusufu Pam scored 27,609 and Lumumba Dah-Adeh of LP coming last with 25,527 votes.

Announcing the result in the early hours of Sunday, the Returning Officer, Prof Fatima Sawa, said that Pwajok met the requirement of the E
Electoral

Those who contested the election, are the former, Military Administrator of Delta state, Col Dungs (DPP), Ambassador Christopher Giwa (APGA) Dr. Danladi Atu, (ANPP), Lumumba Dah Adeh, LP and Mr.Yusufu Pam, ACN.

Speaking on the conduct of the election, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Habu Zarma said he was overwhelmed by the peaceful conduct of the electorates and the stake holders, stressing that the success of the election was a credit to all.

He appealed to the electorate to sustain the spirit in future elections. Zarma also appealed to the losers to be magnanimous in defeat and to embrace their opponents and work as one family.

More Stories in Business

National President, Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria, Mr. Ina Ubi

Source : punchng[dot]com

Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village



Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village

Unknown gunmen have attacked Dogon Kuka village in Yobe State, killing and injuring an unspecified number of people.

The gunmen invaded the village on Saturday, and started firing indiscriminately.

Two people died immediately, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed to Agence France Presse.

“A group of unknown gunmen stormed Dogon Kuka village and opened fire on residents. From all indications, they were on a shooting spree. From reports reaching us, some people might have been killed,” Egbuniwe told AFP.

The state police commissioner said he could not put a figure on the number of deaths.

“I don’t have details yet but we have deployed security personnel to the village to ascertain the nature and extent of the attack,” he said.

He declined to say if the attackers were members of the extremist Boko Haram, which has been blamed for a string of deadly attacks in several parts of Yobe State and neighbouring Borno State.

The village is about 70 kilometres (45 miles) from Damaturu, the state capital.

More details later.

More Stories in News

NDLEA sniffer dogs detect N351m heroin in footballs, rugs

Source : punchng[dot]com

News




       

Value Of Newspapers/News

Newspapers have really become a crucial part of contemporary lifestyle. The modern person starts his working day by studying above the reports using  cup of coffee. Equally unimaginable is often in the morning without having the each day newspaper for many people. It can be due to the fact newspapers are noticed all over the place in the world.


Newspapers can be referred to as the main supporter of democracy. They have keep the common people effectively-informed about the earth concerning what is going on around us. Properly-informed the masses is essential to the success of democracy. People today should be made to be aware important things happening around them. In-fact, newspapers have also add to the know-how from the readers/people by informing them regarding the new inventions, discoveries, & products. The selections of newspapers provide a wonderful bouquet of info and leisure.
Newspapers enable the career seekers to discover appropriate work opportunities through the ‘wished/wanted’ columns. Ads enable a fantastic deal by boosting up income in the consume merchandise and other folks. Newspaper also assists men and women in spending the money wisely from the commodity-current market.



Nationwide Investigative Reporting
You'll find no doubt fewer nationwide newspapers and TV stations devoting options to investigative reporting than
there have been inside past, but that contraction may be partly offset by a combo of two variables: the greatest newspapers have
maintained their ultimost commitment to investigative reporting, and nonprofit companies have elevated their commitment to it.

Nationwide News (NTA)
On equilibrium, we are a lot more optimistic concerning the fiscal vitality of nationwide information models than we're about local or
worldwide information. It's surely not a uniformly encouraging image—and every person no doubt has their gripes about
unique national thing businesses and practices—but we observed great dynamism in terms of innovation and enterprise unit development.



The Importance of Worldwide News

As the nation fights 2 wars & suffers from an international tough economy, coverage of global announcement by most traditional
mass media appears to have declined. World news plays an essential part in numerous democratic countries. People have far more awareness about what is happening in western nations, gulf countries & quite a few a lot more international locations. You will find many people that are eager to learn current events/news through the significantly-flung corners from the globe. Many people wish to get prime quality info and analyses in order that they'll understand how the planet news has an effect on in politics of any nation.
A number of world-wide newspapers supply various forms of announcement/activities online and offline edition. When you need to study ancient information tales/ gossips, then on the net edition is the very best possibility. News internet sites present interesting editorials, capabilities, essay, Hollywood gossips /fluff, intercontinental overall economy, International crime, industrial marketing and a lot of a lot more.







Nutrition Announcement/News
The most recent Nutrition News and Diet plan News content articles revealed every day are essential to many people. Includes reports on balanced and unhealthy foods,additives,diets GM food items, university meals, malnutrition, vitamins, calorie restriction and much more.






Festus Ojagbemi, Nigerian Doctor In UK Committs Suicide After Plan To Marry Two Women Exposed



Lover: Dr Festus Ojagbemi, 49, known as 'Wally', who had a surgery in Strood, Kent, lived with long term partner Jackie Hammond in the week and Bamidele Ayeni (pictured) on the weekends - for seven years Lover: Dr Festus Ojagbemi, 49, known as 'Wally', who had a surgery in Strood, Kent, lived with long term partner Jackie Hammond in the week and Bamidele Ayeni (pictured) on the weekends - for seven years

A cheating Nigerian-born GP who led a double life with two women for seven years and promised to marry both of them one month apart hanged himself when his secret was exposed, an inquest heard.

Dr Festus Ojagbemi, 49, known as ‘Wally’, who had a surgery in Strood, Kent, lived with long-term partner Jackie Hammond in the week and lover Bamidele Ayeni on weekends - for seven years.

He fathered a child with Miss Ayeni - a Nigerian juju singer known as Dele Achiever - and said he would wed them both, while racking up thousands of pounds worth of debt taking them on holidays
But when the secret was discovered by Miss Hammond he stabbed himself twice in the chest at his surgery, St Mary’s Medical Centre, the inquest was told. But he survived that attempt on his life.
While recovering in hospital he told police and both women he was attacked by a stranger. But he eventually confessed the truth to officers - only to take his own life four days later on February 12.
Miss Hammond later found him at the detached house they shared in Hempstead, Kent. A note signed with his nickname was on the TV cabinet near where he was found in the conservatory.

The cost of leading the double life emerged after his death, the inquest in Maidstone, Kent, heard. Miss Hammond said a credit card firm phoned after he died, claiming he owed them £10,000.

She said: ‘I started phoning and everyone told me how much he owed them. By the time we got to the 10th or 11th, the bill was huge. We just couldn’t get our heads around it.

‘I work, I get paid, so we don’t talk about finances. If we go on holiday he would be the one that pays.’

The couple had planned their wedding for this May after almost 20 years together.

Miss Hammond said he killed himself because he felt guilty after the double life was uncovered, adding: ‘He just wanted me to notice he was hurting because of what he had done to me.’

Miss Ayeni did not appear at the inquest but the hearing was told of evidence she gave to police. She claimed Dr Ojagbemi proposed last October and that they were planning a wedding in April.

They had a child, he rented a flat for them, visited on weekends and they would talk six or seven times a day, she said.

Miss Ayeni, who sings Juju and pop music, said she knew about the other partner, but he told her he ‘did not love her any more’. She told officers: ‘I would call him “baby” because he was my baby. I would also call him my "husband".
‘He’s intelligent, loving, caring, he buys me lots of things. Why would he do this to himself? Wally told me not to give anyone the news that we were getting married in April because everyone would go on about it.’

'He’s intelligent, loving, caring, he buys me lots of things. Why would he do this to himself?'
The court heard how the doctor, who also had two other children to two other women, had been off sick from work since December 2011, suffering from high blood pressure and vertigo.

The inquest was also told he had called Miss Ayeni on the day he died to tell her he loved her - and even discussed a wedding photographer with Miss Hammond on the morning he killed himself.

Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant deputy coroner Gail Elliman, said: ‘I am satisfied Dr Ojagbemi took his own life. I won’t go into any speculation about the reasons for doing so.’


View the original article here

Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village



Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village

Unknown gunmen have attacked Dogon Kuka village in Yobe State, killing and injuring an unspecified number of people.

The gunmen invaded the village on Saturday, and started firing indiscriminately.

Two people died immediately, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed to Agence France Presse.

“A group of unknown gunmen stormed Dogon Kuka village and opened fire on residents. From all indications, they were on a shooting spree. From reports reaching us, some people might have been killed,” Egbuniwe told AFP.

The state police commissioner said he could not put a figure on the number of deaths.

“I don’t have details yet but we have deployed security personnel to the village to ascertain the nature and extent of the attack,” he said.

He declined to say if the attackers were members of the extremist Boko Haram, which has been blamed for a string of deadly attacks in several parts of Yobe State and neighbouring Borno State.

The village is about 70 kilometres (45 miles) from Damaturu, the state capital.

More details later.

More Stories in Business


Source : punchng[dot]com

Saturday, October 6, 2012

To Those Who Cast Stones: Comments On The Northern Elder’s Forum On Nigeria at 52 By Alh. Gambo Jimeta



Highlight as a Top Item

 “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe.  No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise.  Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those others that have been tried from time to time.”  ~Winston Churchill


I wish to congratulate all Nigerians as we place another candle on the proverbial national birthday cake to celebrate 52 years independence. Indeed, 52 years ago today, I was privileged enough to witness the brand new flag of our great nation Nigeria being raised as the Union Jack that had dominated our skylines for almost a century was lowered and folded away. The green white green waving in the cool breeze against the backdrop of fireworks, huge cheers and celebration marked a turning point for millions of young Nigerians like me who were looking towards the future with great hope and excitement for better things to come. Sadly, many of the friends and colleagues I celebrated with on that historic day died without witnessing the fulfilment of the dreams of our founding fathers.


As the years past, I witnessed the gradual emergence of new generations of Nigerians who despite many disappointments and truncated national aspirations, continued to celebrate every October 1st still carrying the same sense of optimism that the next independence day would be better than the last. Even after our troubling history and the recent upheavals that have put the nation through trying times,the Nigerian spirit of resilience has kept faith, love and pride alive in our determination to remain united. I want to urge all Nigerians to take courage and remain steadfast in their prayers to support President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in his efforts to restore hope, justice and good governance to our nation.


It is heartening to note that Nigerians are beginning to find their voice in this young democracy in their demands for their rights and better governance. We all as Nigerians have the responsibility to build on this opportunity to forge our own destiny. We must all increase our collective effortsby actively participating in building a better nation where all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, tongue or creed will have a better quality of life.


As for the unfortunate comments credited to the Northern Elder’s Forum that, “Jonathan’s Government is worse than Obasanjo’s” (Leadership Newspaper, October 1, 2012, pg11), it is disappointing to note that other Nigerians who should have been steering the course of nation building decided to pull those pillars down by sowing the seeds of enmity, divisionism, and political hypocrisy in order to distract Nigerians from the truth. Rather than rolling up their sleeves to actively find solutions to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, they chose to pull us backward again and force us to play the blame game. The hydra headed monster of collective responsibility in the nation’s downfall also has thousands of fingers pointing straight back at those who sit in judgement in the Northern Elder’s Forum. For they have all, at one point or another contributed to the quagmire we find ourselves today. For as Robert Bloch (an American Author)once wrote “The man who can smile when things go wrong has thought of someone else he can blame it on.” Wasn’t it recently that Obasanjo himself was quoted as saying, “I just dey laugh…”?


How short is the memory of these Nigerians that they would choose to sweep away the cases of massive corruption that plagued the Obasanjo administration or the flagrant disregard of court judgements? What about the elections that brought violent ethnic and religious crisis? The Jos and Kaduna crisis all happened under his watch! Have they so easily forgotten the crisis in the aviation industry that saw a season of death through multiple air crashes? What ever happened to the power sector he bequeathed to Nigerians that both the Yar ‘Adua and Jonathan administrations were left with? Or did they suddenly forget that an investment of $16 billion after 8 years in office did nothing to end power failure? What about the privatisation drive that has been riddled by shady deals and political intrigues, the repercussions of which are still being felt today? What about the Niger Delta crisis that raged on in full force during Obasanjo’s reign? Or did they also forget to realise that the solution to the Niger Delta crisiswas brought about thanks to the establishment of the amnesty programme by President Yar’adua and which was continued by President Jonathan? And where were they when the “Third Term Agenda” was being rolled out of the propaganda machine? How many of them were courageous enough to stand up against the manipulation of the nation’s constitution to serve one man’s selfish ambition for power? This was part of the messy legacy that the Obasanjo administration left for his successors to clean up after him and for which Nigeriansare still suffering from today.


Besides that, the story doesn’t end there. Obasanjo has managed to design his resurrection in such a way that he continues to haunt the corridors of power to whisper into the left ears of his cronies. He continues to manipulate the system to put stumbling blocks in the path of progress in Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration all in a bid to perfect his own will and ambitions.


The analysis of the nation state by the Northern Elders Forum that President Jonathan’s Administration has been the worst since independence can best be described as naïve, highly subjective and mischievous. I am surprised that such conclusions could be drawn by so called eminent and scholarly elder statesmen whom ordinarily should have known better than to drag the national discourse into the gutter. Instead of standing up against tyranny and hypocrisy to find real solutions to the nation’s problems, they chose the cowardly path of using this blame game as a distraction to create confusion and mistrust…or are they also playing to a piper’s tune?


As Werner Finck once said, “Everybody wants to eat at the government's table, but nobody wants to do the dishes.” 52 years ago, independence was not given to us on a platter of gold. Most of our founding fathers not only washed dishes, they swept floors, washed toilets and shed their own blood. Let us not let their legacy die in vain. We must also roll up our sleeves and work towards building the nation we want to have.


It is time for all of us to shun treachery, intrigue, religious bigotry, tribalism, hypocrisy, corruption, all types of prejudice and violence and support President Jonathan in trying to correct the ills of the past and the present. For as Almighty God in His infinite Wisdom decided to place President Goodluck Jonathan on the mantle of leadership, he should also take courage in the fact that he has the authority to take bold action against any evil political manipulations that might pose a threat to the nation’s unity. President Jonathan should take this opportunity to break down all the ethnic and religious barriers and reunite Nigerians under one family with a commitment for peace and justice for all. We all have a collective responsibility to contribute to a better future for our children, our people and our Nation.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!


October 1st 2012


View the original article here

VIDEO: KCee ft Flavour – Give It 2 Me



VIDEO: KCee ft Flavour – Give It 2 Me -

Friday, October 5, 2012

Dpzle ft. Sinzu, May D & Davido – Way You Whine (Remix) -

Friday, October 5, 2012

One Mic Naija Independence Day Special -

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Saeon performs for Nigerian Ambassador to France & UK At NEL Awards. -

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

T-KROSS “YE MO” Premiere “Free Download” -

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

MOELOGO DEBUTS BRAND NEW SINGLE “BO SI TA” -

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

World Premeire: PUCADO – NAIJA SOCA -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

New MUSIC: Dokta Frabz – Kowole -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Exclusive : Albino Flash ft Zoro – i’m Sorry -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

CAP B – BADDA DAN DEM (NEW MUSIC) -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

ICE PRINCE – ABOKI (OFFICIAL VIDEO) -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

DJ FRIZZIE presents 2SHOTZ FT TIMAYA & RIHANNA IN “WE DESIRE TO FIND LOVE” -

Friday, September 28, 2012

ShoCash Ft Autonomous Queen and ChiiDo- Dance To The Streets -

Thursday, September 27, 2012

JJohnson Sunbebe -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sultan Marshall Feat Kwam 1 – Talazo -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

New Music: Brymo – Go Hard -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

iROKO Partners and Rancard join forces at Nigeria Com -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Unchained – “City on a Hill” NEW GOSPEL GROUP -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Adey: Back for the 1st time – The documentary -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

WED EXPO PLANS BIG FOR WED EXPO 2013 -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012


View the original article here

This Green-white-green groove!



DSC_0490

There was no better way to have celebrated a nation at 52 years. Last Monday, in keeping with its annual tradition in the last five years, the Encomium magazine and Primetime Entertainment staged the Green and White Groove. The soiree that held at the Anchor Event Place, Ikeja was witnessed by eminent Nigerians.

The hosts

The publisher of Encomium magazine, Kunle Bakare, and the Primetime entertainment duo of Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye proved to be the most charitable hosts. In their green and white attire, they ensured guests had a good time.

Queen Ure gets groovy again

Following her marital troubles, banker turned pastor turned musician is gradually finding her feet in the social circuit again. The very light complexioned Queen Ure whose controversial marriage to her younger lover, Soul E dominated social discourse while it lasted was at the party looking refreshed.

Now trying out her hands at music, her new slim silhouette turned many heads.

Ishioma Onyebo’s bright looks

Since debuting on the modelling scene via Mnet Face of Africa, Ishioma Onyebo has maintained a pleasurable presence on the social milieu. One of the most celebrated in this part of the world, the nearly rake-thin model is lighter than never before. Those who sighted her at the groove marvelled at her skin that is now several shades lighter.

What is Rukky Sanda looking for?

Nollywood actress, Rukky Sanda would easily be voted as the most mobile guest at the party. Attired in a short dress that put on display her seemingly long legs, she made quite a show of herself by parading the length and breadth of the hall at close intervals.

Tunde Braimah grooves anew

Affable and stylish politician cum socialite, Tunde Braimah, was also at the party. The former council chairman of Kosofe Local Government during Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term in office, Braimah after his failed ambition to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives last year had gone underground. Although a friend of the Encomium family having identified with them in previous editions of the yearly groove, many were still surprised seeing him; owing to the no party stance he had adopted in recent times.

Uju Murphy rebrands

Pretty Uju Murphy is not a small fry in the social arena. She has been around for upwards of five years and apart from her ravishing beauty; her carriage amongst other things, instantly draws attention to her. The mother of three became embattled last year when news of her marriage squabbles made the rounds. The pretty woman, unfazed by the episode, was present and let her hair down. She grooved like never before.

Yemisi Alufa and Tokunbo Eko steal show

The two friends have made a habit of identifying with the organisers over the years and this time around, they did not fail to exhibit their affiliation. This year, they chose to be different by way of their dressing and actually stood out of the crowd.

While a large percentage of the guests settled for western attire, they preferred to remain indigenous in their well-sewn traditional attire.

Essence raises the bar

Musician, Essence, seems to be finding her feet already as regards her wardrobe. In the past, she had been subjected to several uncomplimentary remarks owing to her alleged poor dress sense. Having taken it in good faith, she seems to have overhauled her wardrobe.

She arrived at the party looking elegant in her long green form-fitting dress.

Huge turnout

The huge turnout of celebrities at the event did not come as a surprise to those who are conversant with parties hosted by the organisers. The guests were a mixture of musicians, comedians, actors, models, Deejays, on air personalities, captains of industries and designers to mention a few.

More Stories in Local Entertainment

djzeez
Martins
Nigerian Idols

Source : punchng[dot]com

Campaign for PIB intensifies amid fresh controversy



Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke
| credits:

Some provisions of the Petroleum Industry draft Bill are still being criticised, four years after the first bill was prepared. STANLEY OPARA writes on the fresh controversy

The reason for the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is beyond illusion. It is a fundamental necessity to ensure the survival of the industry for the benefit of the citizenry.

Experts say laws made some 50 years ago cannot adequately envision the reality of today.

In enacting a new legislation or effecting changes to what already exists, every nation’s parliament must place the sovereign interest of the state above any other interests.

According to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, the Petroleum Industry Bill remains a vehicle for the realisation of this feat.

In 2008, under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Nigeria began the arduous process of changing the institutional framework governing the nation’s oil and gas industry. The main objective of that effort was to accelerate development of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of all Nigerians. The effort gave birth to what is now known as the Petroleum Industry Draft Bill.

Following  the criticism of the initial draft of the  bill sent by late President Umaru Yar’Adua, President Goodluck Jonathan, on assumption of office ordered a withdrawal of the draft bill to enable the executive to address contentious areas and ensure all stakeholders are carried along.

On July 19, 2012, Jonathan sent to both chambers of the National Assembly a revised version of the PIB for consideration and passage into law.

On resumption of deliberation on the bill by the legislators, there have been criticisms of certain aspects of the draft bill. Chief among the criticism is that the draft legislation vested too much power in minister of petroleum resources; gave discretionary award authority to the President; and failed to adequately accommodate interest of non-oil producing states.

Just last week, Shell Nigeria said the tax terms in the PIB were uncompetitive as they risked rendering offshore oil and gas projects unviable.

The Managing Director, Shell Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, also warned that the bill might stifle investment if its terms were not improved.

However, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, said the PIB was an important bill expected to drive the reforms in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, by providing a solid foundation for the regulatory, structural, commercial and fiscal frameworks for the operations of the sector.

According to her, the move will help to halt mismanagement, inefficiency and lack of transparency in the sector, which NEITI has over the years identified as the bane of the industry.

She said, “As an agency set up to develop a framework for transparency and accountability in the Nigerian extractive industries and to ensure conformity with the principles of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI has legitimate stake in the PIB. The PIB is, therefore, an important milestone in the implementation of EITI in Nigeria.

“We in NEITI believe that the bill must emerge as a law that respects fair competition, efficiency, professionalism, openness and prudent resource management while promoting investors’ interests. NEITI also thinks that financial, physical and governance issues provisions in the PIB should be such that citizens of Nigeria will feel the impact of the natural resources in their country.”

On the minister of petroleum and the President wielding so much powers, oil and gas consultant and Chairman, International Energy Services, Dr. Oladiran Fawibe, said power had to reside with somebody, adding that, “I don’t know what people mean by too much power. There has to be checks and balances and we have to build mechanisms for these.

“For instance, we can’t say the power of the President is too much because there are checks and balances ensuring that the power is not absolute.”

According to the former Minister of Petroleum, King Edmund Dakoru, the major point of divergence between the industry and the government in the PIB is that while it is true that oil prices have risen over the years, costs in Nigeria have also risen dramatically; hence to increase the government take in that situation is to make the business more uneconomic for investors.

However, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum, Senator Magnus Abe, said that Nigerians needed to see better treatment of the environment and better operations by indigenous producers than what the international oil companies do.

His message to the IOCs was that the National Assembly in considering the PIB would want the IOCs to help them to understand how to ascertain the profit per barrel to IOCS as that will be a benchmark that the NASS would apply in assessing the robustness or otherwise of the fiscal provisions of the PIB.

An economist and public policy analyst, Mr. Sanusi Bala, said it was not correct to say that the PIB gave excessive powers to the minister of petroleum resources to make regulations on practically all issues.

He said, “This is not true. Although the draft bill vests powers of coordination and general supervision of all institutions in the industry in the minister of petroleum resources, it nonetheless requires that the minister holds public inquiry before any regulation is made.

“The draft bill further requests publication of notice of the public inquiry in at least two national dailies.”

This provision, he noted, served as a check on the minister because the opinion of stakeholders and the public must be taken into consideration before regulations were made.

He also said, “The conferment of power of discretional award on the President was cited as a factor, which may impede transparency in the industry. However, the draft bill states that the President can only make discretional award in special circumstances.

“This is a buffer against abuse and which will ensure that the exercise is in the interest of Nigerians. It should be noted that discretional award by the President is not peculiar to Nigeria. The Norwegian petroleum industry law, for instance, provides for discretional award by the King.”

Throwing more light on the subject, Bala said PIB critics were also miffed about the proposal in respect of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund.

“Their concern relates to the clause, which gives the minister of petroleum resources powers to scrap the PEF when it is assumed that its functions are over. Why would they want an agency to exist when there is no obvious need?

“Certain persons from some non-oil producing geopolitical zones of the country were recently quoted to have said that the 2012 PIB, in the long run, intends to replace the Petroleum Equalisation Management Fund as well as its functions with the proposed Petroleum Host Communities Fund, which seeks to compel oil and gas companies to pay 10 per cent of their profit to host communities.

“This is far from the truth as the provision for Host Communities Funds was introduced to promote a sense of stake holding in the communities as a panacea for assuring peace and uninterrupted production operations.

“The power recommended for the minister of petroleum resources to scrap the PEF when it is assumed that its functions are over is consistent with the regulatory and supervisory functions of the minister as enshrined in the 2012 PIB.”

According to him, the insinuation that the 2012 PIB was heavily tilted towards the interest of the Niger Delta region while other components of the country are schemed out is a weak attempt to whip up emotions.

He said the 2012 PIB provided for general development of the country through revenues from oil and gas, and the draft bill only made special derivation provision to accommodate the interest of oil bearing communities in order to tackle unrest and promote development.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, recently said the increase in government stake in the deep offshore blocks from the current level of 61 per cent to a new figure of 73 per cent, as enshrined in the draft PIB, was necessitated by prevailing realities in the global oil and gas industry.

Throwing more light on why the Federal Government was proposing a review of the fiscal terms in the Production Sharing Contracts for deep water fields in the draft PIB, she said, “I like to state once again that the proposed increase of government take to about 73 per cent is not only competitive but considerate when we look at the scale of other entities around the world like Norway, Indonesia and even Angola with even higher government take.

Alison-Madueke noted that based on prevailing realities in the global oil industry, it was only natural to review the terms of the PSC to reflect the current trend, adding that the novel 1993 PSC agreement was based on $20 per barrel price for crude oil real time but records indicated that since the start of production in the PSC fields crude prices had been on the upward swing, thus the consensus to have a review of the terms.

Alison-Madueke also stated that the new PIB provided for a refreshing fiscal regime, which has strong incentives for enhanced exploration of new frontiers especially in the Inland Sedimentary Basins as well as providing strong support base for the complete activation of the Gas Master Plan.

Under the new arrangement, the minister had said the fiscal regime was anchored on royalty and tax, which is now predicated on production as opposed to terrain and investment as was previously done.

The PIB is meant to overhaul everything from fiscal terms to the NNPC. Its comprehensive nature has sparked disputes among lawmakers, ministers and the oil majors that have held it back for more than five years. A previous draft never got through parliament.

More Stories in Energy


Source : punchng[dot]com

70 year-old man gets two years for molesting five-year old girl



70 year-old man gets two years for molesting five-year old girl

A 70 year-old man, tailor by profession, Mr. Pius Agu has been sentenced to two years in jail by Magistrate court sitting in Benin for molesting and defiling a five-year old girl (names withheld) on Wednesday in Edo state, Nigeria.

He was charged under Section 360 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates two year jails term for anyone who unlawfully and indecently assaults a woman or a girl.
Agu who pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of sexual assault allegedly assaulted the minor on August 15' 2012, when she went into his room to watch video/television. He was found guilty for dipping his finger into the private part of the little girl.

Mother of the victim, told the court that she returned from the market on the fateful day and heard her five year old daughter crying while coming towards her.
She further told the court that after a close examination of the girl, she discovered blood coming out from her private part, after which she raised alarm that attracted the neighbour’s attention to the scene.

Testifying before the court, a police pathologist attached to central hospital, Benin, said he examined the girl’s external genital and observed bruises on the wall of the virginal with a tear on the anal, an indication of forceful penetration into the virgina because there was no free flow of the penetration.


View the original article here

Keshi unveils squad against Liberia



Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi on Saturday named Godfrey Oboabona and six others from the Nigerian Premier League for next weekend’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia.

Also invited are Chigozie Agbim of Warri Wolves and his teammate Azubuike Egwueke, Enyimba’s Henry Uche, Benjamin Francis of Heartland , hardworking Kano Pillars central defender Umar Zango and dare-devil Rangers winger Ejike Uzoenyi.

The list was announced to the players at lunch time after they were again held to a 1-1 draw in a second tune game against Pro League side FC Abuja, in a match played at the practice pitch of the Abuja National Stadium, mtnfootball.com reports.

It leaves 15 home based players stranded and they have since left camp, but Keshi made them a firm promise even as he questioned their fitness as a result of the break of the Nigeria Premier League, “Keep yourself busy and fit football-wise because we have a friendly soon and we have other qualifiers that you will again be called upon to come and fight for a shirts.”

Before the announcement, the players showed some lethargy when they took on a more forceful FC Abuja Saturday morning in a game that spoils were evenly shared, which led the technical crew to order for training after the game to jerk up the players’ fitness level.

After near misses by Saviour Fidelis-header, Sanni Sanusi-over the bar and Philip Asuquo’s miskick, Tony Okpotu finally rose to the occasion when he nodded home a well taken angular from Asuquo in the 37th minute of the game.

FC Abuja responded through Awolo Shuaibu and midfield anchor, Peter Adah, but the half ended 1-0, in favour of the Eagles.

The Eagles continued their wastefulness in front of goal when centre referee Aniete Okoh, restarted the game with Ejike Uzoenyi, Brendon Ogbu and Sunday Mba, the fresh culprits. It was no surprise when rampaging Awolo of the Abuja side connected an Adah cross with his head to even scores in the 80th minute. The scoreline stood like that till the referee’s final whistle.

Keshi said he was not surprised at his side’s display, as most of them were called back from holidays but advised them as professional footballers they must never play with their level of fitness.

The team will depart for Calabar, venue of the match on Monday.

Dropped Players are: Akpeyi Daniel-Heartland,Stanley Okoronkwo-Sharks, Kalu Orji-Heartland, Ezekiel Bassey-Lobi Stars, Kingsley Udo-Heartland, Mba Sunday-Warri Wolves, Christian Ofili-ABS, Kwara, Jabason Solomon-Akwa United, Sanusi Sanni-Gombe United, Philip Asuquo-3SC, Brendan Ogbu-Heartland, Anthony Okpotu-Lobi Stars, Ubale Manir-Kano Pillars, Ohanduku Gomo-Sharks, Fidelis Saviour-Nasarawa United.

More Stories in Business

Bags of cements
Managing Director, Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement Systems, Mr. Ade Shonubi

Source : punchng[dot]com

Record-breaking mum has three sets of twins in 10 years



Record-breaking mum

Record-breaking mum
| credits:

Any mum or dad of twins will tell you it’s one of life’s most thrilling and exhausting ­experiences.

But Sara Jones, 33, knows just how true that is… a record THREE times over.

That’s how many sets of twins Sara has had in the space of 10 years. She’s the only woman in Britain to achieve that feat, beating odds of 500,000 to one.

She even had her last two pairs only 10 months apart.

Most parents would gasp at the thought, but Sara, who has four other children – says: “For most families having twins is something out of the ordinary.

“But it’s so ­normal for our family. It would almost be weird for me to fall pregnant and NOT have twins.

Sara’s road to the record books began in November 2001 when she gave birth to Liam and ­Niamh. She split from their dad Rhys but found love again with Craig Morgan, 31, who is now her ­fiance. In 2010 she discovered she was expecting another twin boy and girl. Shay and Aoife, now two, were born that June. To cap it all, along came identical twin girls Keeva and Ceira, born in April last year.

Add to that a few single births in the shape of Brogane, 16, Siobhan, 13, Calam, 12, and Sean, four, and it’s easy to see why Sara and unemployed furniture salesman Craig’s home life is a bit of a whirlwind.

“They keep me on my toes,” says Sara. “Some families can’t have children, so I see every single one as a blessing. The second time I had twins I was a bit daunted… but by the time the third pair came along I knew what I was doing.

Life is twin-credibly hectic at their three-bedroom semi in Southport, Merseyside, with all the boys sharing one bedroom.and the girls in another.

Each day the family get through eight pints of milk and two loaves of bread, plus two bulk packs of ­nappies a week.

“We have to budget very strictly,” says Sara. “I try to get everything for about £100 a week, but every day I go to the supermarket and spend ­another £15 to top up.”

More Stories in Mixed Grill

Chao

Source : punchng[dot]com

UPDATE:MOBBED UNI-PORT STUDENTS DID NOT STEAL PHONES or LAPTOPS [FULL STORY]



Yesterday, News Suurfaced Online about some students in university of port-harcourt being mobbed after stealing Phones and laptops . The story went viral online on blogs platforms and social networks with so many comments from people. TON Contacted a student who witnessed the whole act and he gave us Full details about what happened. According to him, The Students involved are Cultists, They went to Attack Someone, they were about 5 in number, , so on their way out, A girl saw them and screamed, these alerted people and they attacked them..

Trade between Nigeria, Brazil hits N1.5trn



By PROVIDENCE OBUH
Bilateral trade between Nigeria and Brazil recorded an overall balance of $9.6 billion (N1.5 trillion) in 2011.

Speaking at the Nigerian Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI) 3rd anniversary cocktail in Lagos, President of the chamber, Mr. Emmanuel Ibru said that the bilateral trade has all along been in favour of Nigeria, mainly because of the value of its crude oil export to the country.

Ibru said, “The total figure of bilateral trade between Nigeria and Brazil for 2011 stood at $9.6 billion. Nigerian import from Brazil was $1.2 billion while her export to Brazil was $8.4 billion.”

To correct the unfavorable trade balance against Brazil, he emphasized the need for increased trade between the two countries to achieve a reasonable balance of trade.

According to him, “There is a big potential for the flow of goods and services from Brazil and there is again, the question of making information available to the business community here in Nigeria of what is available in brazil that Nigerians require. Also, Brazilians have a lot of manufacturing and agricultural expertise, they can also export to Nigeria not just the finished product but they can also export the technical expertise to come and help Nigeria set up businesses over here.

“Another thing is joint venture between Nigerian and Brazilian companies. A situation where we are producing here and exporting to Brazil, and then creating employment in Nigeria and the Nigerian economy is getting an advantage not just from there but from the sale of the goods over there.

“They should give Nigerian manufacturers the enabling environment to produce our goods with a comparative advantage and you find that they require a lot of things, the oil is obvious. If there is a comparative advantage we can attract Brazilian companies to come over here and manufacture here, with that it becomes a two-way thing and not we pushing oil over there.”

He added that the Brazilians should consider setting up companies in Nigeria, a huge market that will not only serve the Nigerians but the West African sub-region in general.

On the challenges of the chamber, he lamented that the major challenge of the chamber is the incapability of a direct air link between Nigeria and Brazil, saying, “To get to Brazil from Nigeria is very difficult, so this is challenging in terms of cost, and in terms of travel.

The Brazilians come from a different culture, they are Portuguese speaking, so they don’t know much about the Nigerian market being an Anglophone market, so when you go to them to talk to them how important it is to come here and establish they are a little bit worried and disturbed because they don’t know the market.”

Nigeria is the second largest trade partner of Brazil in Sub-Saharan Africa and 11th in the world. Brazil is the third largest importer of Nigerian crude oil after USA and India. Brazil’s key industries include textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, agriculture, motor vehicles and parts, other are machineries and equipment.

“Major export products include aircraft, coffee, vehicles, soybean, sugar, rice, orange juice, iron ore, steel, textiles, footwear, electrical equipment and others. Brazil’s current account surpluses had continued to hit record levels, indicating that exports were growing strongly.”

Comments are moderated. Please keep them clean and brief.


View the original article here

5 more photos:3 UNIPORT Students Burnt Alive For Allegedly Stealing Laptops And Mobile Phones







Woman killed, five children injured as fresh blast hits Jalingo



A woman has been killed and five children injured after a fresh bomb blast in a district of the Taraba State capital, Jalingo.

Witnesses said the blast occurred in Mallam Joda area of the state capital on Friday night near the Nigerian Television Authority station.

It came 24 hours after an earlier blast in a pub in Doruwa area of the city claimed one life and left 14 persons injured.

Spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency, Yushau Shuaibu, confirmed the incident, saying the injured children had been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo for treatment.

The spate of bomb attacks in Northern Nigeria believed to be the handiwork of extremists has risen in recent weeks, even as security agents continue with raids on suspected bomb factories.

More details later.

More Stories in Business

Bags of cements
Managing Director, Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement Systems, Mr. Ade Shonubi

Source : punchng[dot]com

Friday, October 5, 2012

kaka returns



Kaka

| credits:

OLUFEMI ATOYEBI writes on the sudden return of Kaka to the heart of Real Madrid as the 2012 El Clasico first leg looms

With the El Clasico coming up on Sunday, Real Madrid midfielder, Kaka, could not have wished for a better time to regain his position in Jose Mourinho team after months of struggle to return to full fitness.

In a week when Barcelona suffered the loss of captain and defender Carles Puyol in the Champions League match against Benfica, Real revel in the return of Kaka as he had an impressive appearance on Wednesday, a day after Puyol dislocated his shoulder. Kaka was involved in all the thrilling moments against Ajax, providing an assist and coming so close to getting on the score sheet in the 4-1 win.

Apart from Puyol loss, Barcelona will be without Gerard Pique for the match against Real on Sunday with coach Tito Vilanova being forced to rely on make-shift defenders Javier Mascherano and Alex Song.

Kaka’s sudden return to Mourinho’s team is like unleashing a secret weapon ahead of the clash against rivals Barca.

But his return was not a smooth one. The Brazilian endured difficult 12 months, culminating in the rumour of his sale back to AC Milan, where he spent six years, scoring 70 goals in 193 appearances, before joining Real in 2009. But the deal fell through and the 2007 World Football of the Year was forced to play his way back to reckoning. After scoring a hat-trick in a friendly match against Millionares last week Mourinho was convinced that the player should be given a second chance in the heart of the team.

Since joining Real in £53m deal, Kaka has not had an injury-free season and the coming of Geran Mesut Ozil from Shalke 04 in 2010 was a sign of how frustrated Real were with the Brazilian.

At the beginning of the season, Mourinho surprised many by including the midfielder in his Champions League team list, despite growing rumour that the player would leave in January.

But he did not play his first match of the season until Sunday, coming off the bench in Real’s 5-1 La Liga win at home to Deportivo Coruna, their ninth game of the season. But Kaka seized the moment to win Mourinho’s confidence. The coach said there was never a problem with the midfielder’s quality, even though he had confined him to the bench in crucial games.

He said, “I decided that with his characteristics, the nature of the opponents and the work he did during the week, it would be good for us if Kaka played against Ajax.

“The media thinks every time a player of status is on the bench it’s a big problem. My job is to think about who will play and to tease out the best performances. I have to choose 11 players and there will always be someone left out.”

Aware of his growing recognition, Kaka knows there is a chance of featuring in the El Clasico on Sunday, agreeing that the week had been a great one for him.

“This has been a very good week for us so far. I think I’m headed in the right direction. I showed that the work I’ve been doing is paying off and I’m regaining the confidence of the coach, and that’s what I always hoped would happen.

“I want to gain his trust, play more, and bit by bit I think things will turn out the way they should. Now we can look forward to giving our all in the clásico because it’s a crucial match for us.”

Mourinho was not the only coach that is happy about Kaka’s return, Brazil coach, Mano Menezes, was quick to recall the player to the national team after the hat-trick against Millionares. The call came two years after Kaka last played for Brazil and he will feature in the two friendly matches against Japan and Poland in October. The last time he was called to the team, an injury prevented him from featuring against Egypt and Gabon in November 2011.

More Stories in Sports

Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
TEAM Nigeria has continued to win medals at the London 2012 Paralympics as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Victoria Nneji won silver and bronze medals respectively on Monday.Oluwafemiayo broke the world record twice before setting a new one at 148kg to better Chinese Taoying Fu’s 147kg in the women’s powerlifting -75kg class.Oluwafemiayo and Fu lifted 146kg in their third attempts respectively but the Chinese was awarded the gold medal because she weighed 2kg less than the Nigerian. Fu weighed 72.53kg, while Oluwafemiayo weighed 74.17kg. Tzu-Hui Lin of Chinese Taipei won the bronze medal with her 137kg lift.Their fourth attempts where Fu lifted 147kg and Oluwafemiayo 148kg were not to determine the winner but to have a new world record in the category.Nneji, who earlier in the day had a poor start in the women’s powerlifting -67.5kg class, attributed her failure to win gold to a shoulder injury she sustained during camping for the Games in Korea.She lifted 125kg to finish behind France’s Souhad Ghazouani (gold) and China’s Yujiao Tan (silver). Ghazouani had lifted 146kg in her first attempt but failed to complement in the subsequent attempts, while Nneji was only able to lift 125kg in her third attempt.“My bronze is like gold to me because I didn’t enter the competition very fit. The injury I sustained from the camp actually hindered me from making a better attempt,” Nneji, who lifted 132.5kg to win silver at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, said on Monday.“I knew I was a medal prospect but I was not sure how I would end up in the competition because of the injury. I was not able to train very well due to the pain.”

Source : punchng[dot]com

Militants criminalised N’Delta struggle – Amaechi



Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has said that militants in the Niger Delta criminalised the struggle for the development of the region.

Amaechi faulted the mode of operation of those who paraded themselves as Niger Delta militants, but commit atrocities against their brothers.

The governor who spoke in Port Harcourt on Thursday while declaring open the first Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Economic Zone Development Summit.

He expressed worry that the so-called militants could kidnap a three-year-old child in the name of the struggle for the development of the region.

He also recalled that militants had once kidnapped a 97-year-old man and demanded ransom, describing the act as a crime that had nothing to do with the Niger Delta struggle.

Represented by the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Tele Ikuru, the governor queried the rationale behind kidnapping in the region, insisting it was wrong for anybody to link the agitation for a better life in the region to abduction of innocent human beings.

More Stories in News

Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah

Source : punchng[dot]com

ST

Please Like Us On facebook