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Friday, 16 March 2018

Sunti Golden Sugar: President commissions FMN’s N50bn investment in Niger State

L-R - Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the Executive Governor of Niger State. Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. John G. Coumantaros, The Chairman, FMN Group.

Flour Mills of Nigeria’s N50 billion Sugar production facility was just commissioned by President Muhammad Buhari in Mokwa, Niger state.

Flour Mills of Nigeria’s N50 billion Sugar production facility was just commissioned by President Muhammad Buhari in Mokwa, Niger state.

The sugar estate features 17, 000 hectares of irrigable farmland and a Sugar mill that processes 4,500 metric tons of sugarcane sweetness per day.

 

The event was the proverbial “Hello world, we’re here to save the day” introduction befitting of an Agribusiness company the size of FMN.

The estate is the purest representation of the Federal Government’s Nigerian Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) with an ambition to set Nigeria on the path to self-sufficient sugar production.

 

The farm at peak production will provide direct employment for about 10,000 people yearly, and impact up to 50,000 people indirectly.

Speaking after commissioning the Mill and touring the farm, the President said “Projects like the Sunti Sugar Estate are in tandem with the vision and objectives that we set out to achieve when this administration instituted the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

 

While, our focus is steadfast on delivering on our policy goals of tackling corruption, improving security and rebuilding the economy; more than ever, Government will work in close partnership with businesses to strengthen investments in Agriculture, Power, Manufacturing, Solid Minerals, and the Service sectors”

 

Along with the President at the event were the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Sani Bello, Kebbi State Governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu,  the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor,  the MD of the Bank of Industry, Captains of Industry and other dignitaries.

 

The FMN Group’s mantra, “Feeding the Nation, Everyday,” is at the heart of the company’s strategic decisions on what they produce, how and where factories are set up, the level of care that is put into products, and how they interact with host communities and the wider environment.

This is a featured post.

Sunti Golden Sugar: President commissions FMN’s N50bn investment in Niger State



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Labarin cikin hotuna: Shagalin bikin diyar mataimakin shugaban kasa a Aso rock

All the photos as Osinbajo's daughter gets married

An gudanar da bikin ba tare da gayyatar dinbim jama'a ba domin rage dawainiya da

Mataimakin shugaban kasa Yemi Osinbajo ya aurar da diyar shi ga dan attajira yar kasuwa Bola Shagaya.

An daura auren Oludamilola Osinbajo da angon ta Oluseun Bakare zauren Aso villa na Abuja ranar 15 ga watan maris.

 

Sai dai anyi shagalin bikin cikin sirri ba tare da gayyatar jama'a da dama ba domin rage dawainiya da kuma janyo tseigumi ganin matsayin da Osinbajo ke dashi a kasar. Wannan ya faru ne tare da yin la'akari da shagulgulan biki da ya faru kwanan baya.

A wata hira da yayi da Pulse makonni biyu baya kafin bikin, mai yi mataimakin shugaban kasa hidima ya bayana mana cewa Osinbajo ya shawo kan matsin lambar da ya fuskanta daga manyan kusoshin kasar na yin bikin fadi-aji.

 

Kan bikin dai mutane kadan suka samu katin gayyata mafi yawanci ma yan uwa da abokan arziki suka samu katin.

Labarin cikin hotuna: Shagalin bikin diyar mataimakin shugaban kasa a Aso rock



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Varane wants to avoid Barcelona in Champions League

Raphael Varane holds off Luis Suarez

The Real Madrid defender does not want a Clasico showdown when the draw for the quarter-finals of the competition is made on Friday

Varane wants to avoid Barcelona in Champions League



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Photo Of The Day: Omoni Oboli, the actress with the infectious smile

Omoni Oboli

Omoni Oboli's countdown to forty photo shoot caught our eyes and makes our photo of the day.

She is beautiful, she's a woman with a difference, she's one of the brightest talents to have come out from Nigeria.

On our photo of the day, Omoni Oboli looks all shades of awesome as she prepares for her fortieth birthday. The beautiful actress looks amazingly gorgeous in this outfit and crowns it up with her signature beautiful smile.

Omoni Oboli has indeed done pretty well for herself over the last decade. From starring in hit movies to her directorial debut, it's been an amazing journey for the wife and mother of three.

Oboli made her directorial debut in 2014 with "Being Mrs Elliott," and has since produced and directed "First Lady," "Okafor's Law," "Wives on Strike," and 'Wives on Strike; The Revolution.'

"Wives on Strike" was a hit at the box office, grossing 15 million naira in three days and completing its cinema run with 71 million naira, which earned it a spot as – at time of press – the 8th highest grossing Nollywood movie ever.

Photo Of The Day: Omoni Oboli, the actress with the infectious smile



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Blow for Russia as injury puts Kokorin's World Cup in doubt

The forward suffered knee ligament damage during Zenit’s defeat RB Leipzig and is set to sit out as his country hosts the world’s biggest tournament

Blow for Russia as injury puts Kokorin's World Cup in doubt



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Lifestyle: 7 alluring pictures of Nigeria’s VP daughter you should see

7 alluring pictures of Nigeria’s VP daughter you should see

A beautiful young woman, Kiki's aura will leave you drooling over both her brilliance and gait.

 

  • Kiki Osinbanjo is one of the beautiful daughters of  Nigeria's Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

  • Kiki is passionate about making a statement with her beauty company as well as variety of beauty products that is expected to be produced.


Her name is Kiki Osinbanjo and she is one of the beautiful daughters of the Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo.

This law graduate of the University of Aston, UK, doubles as the 25-year-old ceo of Glamdafrica that was launched in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria in 2017.

A beautiful young woman, Kiki's aura will leave you drooling over both her brilliance and gait.

Standing tall at barely 5’1, looking petite with slight of frame, Kiki exudes such alluring looks that have not only been well captured by camera lenses but by many of her beholders.

So fond of her parents, Kiki is passionate about making a statement with her beauty company as well as variety of beauty products that is expected to be produced.

Though she isn’t one willing to practice the law profession, Kiki says her father and Nigeria’s Vice President will always tease her about studying law but not willing to practise the profession despite earning a degree.

For Kiki, her mum, Dolapo Osinbajo, remains the most beautiful woman she knows.

Her reasons, “She has a beautiful spirit that has made such an impact on me. Besides her endless support, I’m still learning from her. The level of patience she exudes and the way she seeks to understand people and different situations are beautiful characteristics to me. They are also very useful traits to have in running a business.”

As Kiki turns 25 on Monday, March 19, 2018, she will be launching the first range of beauty products from her Glamdafrica beauty house known as ‘Konyin’.

We can only wait to see how far she would go.

Lifestyle: 7 alluring pictures of Nigeria’s VP daughter you should see



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Varane confirms interest from Man Utd

The France international continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford and admitted there has been contact from the Red Devils in the past

Varane confirms interest from Man Utd



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Gattuso 'not going to judge' English football on Welbeck dive

AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger

An apparent dive by the Gunners striker played a big role in Thursday’s win, but Gennaro Gattuso is not playing the blame game

Gattuso 'not going to judge' English football on Welbeck dive



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Krispy Kreme invests $7m in doughnuts theatre

By Tare Youdeowei

LAGOS—Krispy Kreme, a United States owned company, said it has invested $7 million in its new doughnuts theatre in Nigeria and has recruited 200 Nigerians in its workforce.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Ikeja City Mall, the Director Quality Foods Africa (QFA), Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alexandra Trotter said aside the doughnuts theatre in Ikeja, they are also set to open another one in Victoria Island in May this year.

“Krispy Kreme is offering 16 different varieties of doughnuts, as well as Nigerian blended coffee, with beans from Nigeria, Rwanda and Kenya brewed to be the perfect complement to our doughnuts. This shop in Nigeria will be the 34th country of operation for Krispy Kreme”

“Our mission is to do something which I think is quite rare. Sometimes people come to Nigeria and they get substandard stuffs, but we are preparing the same quality of doughnuts that we prepare in the United States, the exact same quality is what we are preparing here in Nigeria,” he said.

The post Krispy Kreme invests $7m in doughnuts theatre appeared first on Vanguard News.

Krispy Kreme invests m in doughnuts theatre



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Politics: 'He will get the documents he wants': Mueller's move to subpoena the Trump Organization shows he's playing 'hard ball'

Robert Mueller.

Donald Trump, Jr. stated in the past that a large portion of the family's wealth comes from Russia. Now, special counsel Robert Mueller wants a look at it.

  • The special counsel Robert Mueller's move to subpoena the Trump Organization brings him ever closer to President Donald Trump's personal finances — a "red line" Trump warned him against crossing.
  • Trump said last year that he does not "make money from Russia." But his son, Donald Trump Jr., wrote in a 2008 op-ed that a large chunk of the family's wealth flows in from Russia.
  • Mueller's subpoena likely indicates the Trump Organization has something of value to prosecutors, and that they want to "leave no doubt publicly or to Trump [that] this is important to them," said one legal expert.

The special counsel Robert Mueller's reported decision to subpoena the Trump Organization for documents related to its dealings in Russia shows he is not only homing in on President Donald Trump, but that Mueller believes the company has information crucial to the Russia investigation.

Mueller, who was appointed to oversee the investigation last year, is probing Russia's interference in the 2016 US election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow.

As part of that investigation, he has drilled down in recent weeks on the Trump family's dealings with Russia and other foreign governments to gauge whether outside entities used the Trumps' financial interests to influence the president's policies and platform.

Mueller's decision to subpoena the Trump Organization instead of merely requesting the documents suggests he "has reason to believe that the Trump folks have something of interest," said Michael Gerhardt, a constitutional law expert who once served as a federal special counsel. "It is not likely to be a fishing expedition for no good reason."

Gerhardt said there could be a few reasons why Mueller subpoenaed the business.

"One is that perhaps they anticipated resistance so they cut to the chase," he said. "The other is the Trump folks were already resisting on this or other stuff."

The third, he added, is that Mueller's team is playing "hard ball" to "leave no doubt publicly or to Trump [that] this is important to them."

Alan Dershowitz, a professor at Harvard Law School, echoed the third point. "When a subpoena is issued it becomes a crime to destroy records," he said. "Perhaps prosecutors want to send a message."

Asked by The New York Times' Michael Schmidt and Haberman last year about whether an investigation into his finances would breach a red line, Trump answered, "I would say yeah."

"I don't make money from Russia," he continued. "In fact, I put out a letter saying that I don't make — from one of the most highly respected law firms, accounting firms. I don't have buildings in Russia. They said I own buildings in Russia. I don't. They said I made money from Russia; I don't."

The comments appear to stand in contrast to those made by Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., in a 2008 New York Times op-ed. The younger Trump wrote, "In terms of high-end product influx into the US, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets."

"Say, in Dubai, and certainly with our project in SoHo, and anywhere in New York," he added. "We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia."

'Mueller will get the documents he wants'

The Trump Organization was also pursuing a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow as recently as late 2015 and early 2016, at the height of the presidential election.

Trump signed a non-binding letter of intent for the deal that was dated October 13, 2015.

Trump's longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, and the Russian-born businessman, Felix Sater, took point on pushing for the deal.

In a series of emails the two men exchanged weeks later, Sater bragged about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and told Cohen he would "get all of Putin's team to buy in" on the deal.

"Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it," Sater wrote, according to The Times. "I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected."

Sater walked back his claims in a recent interview with BuzzFeed, saying he did not know Putin and that he made an exaggerated claim about his relationship with the Russian leader to secure the deal.

The breadth and scope of documents Mueller is seeking from the Trump Organization remain unclear. But whatever he obtains may "provide evidence that witnesses lied under oath and can also be evidence regarding events that we already know are under investigation," wrote former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti.

"If documents are destroyed, that could be obstruction of justice," he added.

Meanwhile, Mueller's approach to dealing with the Trump Organization reflects that taken by most prosecutors investigating corruption and financial crime. Conversely, because the White House has been cooperating with the probe since it began, Mueller has merely sent document requests their way as opposed to subpoenas.

"Trump's commingling of his political and business affairs might ultimately be his Achilles heal," said Jens David Ohlin, a vice dean at Cornell Law School and an expert on criminal law. "Typically, a president might assert executive privilege in an attempt to shield documents and other evidence from public view. But there's no way that the Trump Organization, as a cooperation, or its officers and employees, can assert executive privilege."

Mariotti noted that the special counsel's decision to subpoena the Trump Organization may have been part of an effort to cast a wide net allowing him to compel the production of a vast array of documents and records beyond what may immediately be necessary to continue the investigation.

Once prosecutors can bring the subject of a subpoena to the negotiating table, they can narrow the request, he added. "The broad language in the subpoena, and the requirement to comply with the subpoena, gives the prosecutor the upper hand in that negotiation."

Either way, Ohlin said, "Mueller will get the documents he wants."

Politics: 'He will get the documents he wants': Mueller's move to subpoena the Trump Organization shows he's playing 'hard ball'



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Thursday, 15 March 2018

In Lagos: LAGBUS loses 7 vehicles in Olusosun dumpsite fire

LAGBUS

A LAGBUS official, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN on Thursday in Lagos that due to the thick smoke still surrounding the area, the company was yet to make further assessment of losses suffered.

The Wednesday morning fire at Olusosun dumpsite in Lagos burnt seven buses belonging to LAGBUS Asset Management Limite, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has learnt.

A LAGBUS official, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN on Thursday in Lagos that due to the thick smoke still surrounding the area, the company was yet to make further assessment of losses suffered.

The official said that the firm had moved staff away from the area because of the health implications of the smoky environment.

According to a NAN correspondent who visited the site, the environment is still very foggy as emergency response teams are seen with nose masks.

Commuters at the Toll Gate bus stop near the dumpsite were also seen covering their noses with handkerchiefs and seeking quick exit out of the environment.

Mr Adesina Tiamiyu, the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), told NAN that there was no casualty in the inferno.

Tiamiyu said that the emergency response teams, including the Lagos Fire Service and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), were at the site to curtail the fire.

NAN reports that the Lagos State Government had said that the Olusosun and other dumpsites would be shut down as part of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI).

The government had through an Environmental Utility Firm, Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, commenced the construction of the first engineered sanitary landfill in Epe.

However, the CLI on its website said it was necessary to clarify that the fire at Olusosun dumpsite was not an arson.

It said that the fire broke out as a result of pockets of unstable gases caused by indiscriminate dumping which was further compounded by the dry weather.

”It is important to note that a major aim of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative is to eventually shut down the unsanitary dumpsite at Olusosun.

”The government is well aware of the risk of having such a massive, unsafe, and unsanitary landfill so close to residential areas.

”This is why under the CLI, three Engineered Landfills in Epe and Ikorodu have been concessioned for construction and maintenance.

”We expect for the first to be fully operational by early 2019, although it is already being used as a viable alternative to these dumpsites,” it said.

In Lagos: LAGBUS loses 7 vehicles in Olusosun dumpsite fire



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Cardi B: Rapper pregnant, expecting baby July

Cardi B pregnant, expecting baby July

The rapper had earlier shut down rumours that she was pregnant, saying that she was just growing fat.

Rapper, Cardi B is pregnant and expecting a child with her fiancé, rapper Offset in July.

According to TMZ, the rapper had earlier shut down rumours that she was pregnant, saying that she was just growing fat.

 

A member of her team had earlier said that she was pregnant during her performance at a Super Bowl party in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Daily Mail also reports that Cardi B hid her pregnancy by wearing a purple tulle gown when she showed up at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

 

Despite her pregnancy the Hip-Hop star has been in the studio working on her debut album.

ALSO READ: Cardi B's fiance reportedly in another sextape scandal

The rapper’s calendar is packed full as she reportedly plans to go on a tour with Bruno Mars in September, exactly 2 months after her expected delivery date.

Cardi B is not letting her pregnancy stop her, as she is slated to perform at Coachella in April 2018.

In October 2017, Cardi B got engaged to fellow rapper, Offset.

The rapper popped the question during the Power 99's Powerhouse event in Philadelphia.

Cardi B: Rapper pregnant, expecting baby July



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France issues arrest warrant for sister of Saudi crown prince

Arsenal vs AC Milan: Live blog, text commentary, line-ups, stream & TV channel

The Gunners will attempt to book their place in the last eight of the competition and keep their hopes of Champions League football alive

Arsenal vs AC Milan: Live blog, text commentary, line-ups, stream & TV channel



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Ogbonnaya Onu: Minister pledges support to upgrading of military institute to university

Ogbonnaya Onu

Onu made the pledge when the Committee on upgrading of the institute to university paid him courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, has promised to assist the Nigerian Army to upgrade its Institute of Technology and Environmental Science, Biu in Borno to a university.

Onu made the pledge when the Committee on upgrading of the institute to university paid him courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister said that his ministry would assist in the area of technical know-how, technology and institutional capacity to enable the proposed university to stand on a firm footing.

According him, the present administration is giving priority to knowledge-based economy.

He said: “Upgrading of the institute to the status of a military university is a welcome development at this stage of the nation’s development.

“The Federal Government will continue to support any initiative that will enable Nigeria to utilise science and technology to solve her problem.

“With this kind of orientation, Nigeria will in no time be self-sufficient and becomes an industrial hub in the foreseeable future.’

Onu commended the military institution for keying into the ongoing technological revolution and thinking ahead of its time.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Major-General Mathias Efeobokhi, said that the university would serve as a solution centre for the technological and other operational problems of the military and the nation.

Efeobokhi said that the institution would create the critical mass required for research, innovation, testing and development of military equipment in a 21st century setting.

“The university will facilitate the creation of an enabling environment to produce modern military hardware in Nigeria,” he said. 

Ogbonnaya Onu: Minister pledges support to upgrading of military institute to university



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Putin’s election campaign expenditure totalled $6.4m – Election Commission

FG receives 1.1trn requests data for erosion, flood control ―Presidency

THE Federal Government, on Thursday, disclosed that it had received about 1.1 trillion requests data, particularly on soil erosion and flood control.

Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office (EFO) in the Presidency, Dr (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal who made this known during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, said since 2015 till date, no funds were set aside for anything other than the ecological intervention.

According to her, “we have 1.1 trillion request data specifically for soil erosion and flood control. That does not include drought, desertification and coastal zone management, nor does it include pollution control. But I can tell you the largest chunk of our work is soil erosion and soil control. Of all the 88 projects that are ongoing, almost 90% of them are soil erosion and flood control.

“That is not to say that we don’t have issues with flood control but because of the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) and they are actually doing something similar to that, so we stopped. We are just seeking approval now which has been endorsed that we can also continue the work on desertification and drought.

“If you read the news, all the stories going there is in 2009, 2010, 2013. In this administration, no approval has been granted out of the ecological fund to use the fund for the non ecological issue.”

“The greatest challenge we are facing is the dearth of funds. The country is faced with a lot of ecological issues with meagre funds to tackle them. Regrettably, what we noticed is that while one is being solved, another one is being created.” She affirmed.

While emphasizing on the judicious deployment of ecological funds by the Federal Government to problems across the country, the permanent secretary urged both the States and Local Governments to apply their own shares, rather than rely on government at the centre.

She said if the entire problems were left to the Federal Government alone, much less impact would ensure overall, because of the extent and severity of the ecological problems in Nigeria.

Court views videos of Evans confessing to his crimes

Dr (Mrs) Lawal, however, said all outstanding completed projects not yet inaugurated would be inaugurated very soon and handed-over to the respective benefiting communities.

“In another few weeks, EFO is going to present to Federal Executive Council (FEC) all the approvals and all projects we have done since the inception of this regime. We also expect that the ministers who will commission and hand over those projects that have been concluded plus those that may be completed in the next two to three weeks will also be approved to that same day so we can plan this for the commissioning and handing over.

“Since the inception of this administration in May 2015, 88 projects were awarded, 45 have been completed and 43 are still on-going. About 90% are on soil erosion because of the prevalence.” She added.

On the public hearing held on Wednesday on the Bill to establish the ecological fund, she said: “my take on the public hearing is that under the past regimes they feel that some of the ecological funds were not utilized for the ecological interventions. Some were utilized for other developmental projects of the country and they feel in order to ensure that ecological funds are restricted to ecological interventions; they sort to put a bill.”

The post FG receives 1.1trn requests data for erosion, flood control ―Presidency appeared first on Tribune.

FG receives 1.1trn requests data for erosion, flood control ―Presidency



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Buhari: Reps ask President to stop concession of Ajaokuta steel company

Reps ask Buhari to stop concession of Ajaokuta steel company

The resolution followed a motion by Rep. Ahmed Yerima and 24 other lawmakers.

The House of Representatives on Thursday advised President Muhammadu Buhari to stop Mines and Steel Development Minister, Dr Kayode Fayemi, from concession moves of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The House said that the stoppage was to give time for conclusion of review of the process ordered by the chamber as part of its drive to get the company back on stream.

The resolution followed a motion by Rep. Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara-APC) and 24 other lawmakers.

The motion is entitled “Urgent Need to Investigate the Circumstances under Which the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Engaged the Globally Discredited PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to audit Ajaokuta Steel Complex for Purposes of Concession.”

Moving the motion, Yerima said he was aware that Fayemi recently announced, “and it was widely published’’, that Ajaokuta Steel Company would be given out on concession after an ongoing audit.

He disclosed that audit of the company was undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which he alleged, had been discredited, “having been sanctioned in India with a two-year audit ban for infractions of over one billion dollars’’.

The lawmaker said that the firm was also sanctioned in Brazil for which it paid 50 million dollars as fine, and was fined in the United Kingdom for 5.1 million pounds.

He also said that the firm paid 225 million dollars and 25 million dollars, respectively, as fines to TYCO shareholders in the U.S and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishiw for laundering money for Iran, Sudan and Myanmar.

He added that it was blacklisted for roles in terrorism and human rights abuses, among other infractions and irregularities in its operations, “which has left its reputation in tatters.”

Yerima expressed concern by the allegation that PricewaterhouseCoopers was informally engaged by Global Steel to assist and advise them on how to recover Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe, from the Federal Government.

He said he was worried that the minister engaged a company whose antecedents may suggest that they were engaged to audit and prepare reports which may skew the outcome in a pre-conceived manner.

According to him, it may have done to favour parties which the minister may have lined up or which may represent the interests of their former clients (GINL).

The legislator wondered why Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), established by law, was not involved in the audit and concession process.

He accused Fayemi of deliberate plot to concession Ajaokuta Steel Company to a pre-determined group.

He decried the minister’s submission that government could no longer spend additional funds on the company “when he is already spending N2 billion for the concession process’’ and where Nigeria spent over 3.5 billion dollars on steel importation."

Yerima said since NIOMCO was handed again to Global Steel in “so called modified concession for a seven-year period with an option of a further 10 years, the plant which is integrated with Ajaokuta Steel Complex has remained moribund’’.

According to him, this development is an indication of likely failure of yet another concession.

Supporting the motion, Rep. Nicholas Ossai (Delta-PDP) said “this is a man that says that Ajaokuta cannot be brought to life but has spent N2 billion on the company.

“This has to be investigated in line with section 88 of the 1999 Constitution.”

In his contribution, Rep. Mohammed Abdu (Bauchi-APC) said “we know that the five countries of the world that have become world powers have their roots in steel industry. We cannot play with our common sovereign wealth.”

Similarly, Rep. Bashir Babale (Kano-APC) reminded members that “this is a government that promised change and to fight corruption.

“How much are we spending to import steel in this country? I wonder why the minister was in a hurry for this concession.

“We need to be patriotic enough to make sure that what we do, we do it for Nigerians. I urge my colleagues to support this motion.”

ALSO READ: Here are 10 quotes from Obasanjo's letter 'bomb' to Buhari

On his part, House Leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, called for a Bill to stop the concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company or amend existing law to check the process.

Many lawmakers, including Edward Pwalok (Plateau-APC), Toby Okechukwu (Enugu-PDP), Aminu Shagari (Sokoto-APC) and Emmanuel Orker-Jev (Benue-APC) supported the motion.

The House agreed that the decision to stop the concession process was in the interest of the nation’s economy and the anti-corruption fight of the Buhari administration.

In adopting the motion, the lawmakers resolved to expand the mandate of its Ad Hoc Committee on Ajaokuta Steel Complex to include urgent consideration of possibility of a bill for completion of the company and prohibit its concession.

It equally mandated the committee to inquire into the rationale of engaging “a globally discredited firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to audit the company, without due process."

The House consequently urged the Senate to concur on the motion and resolved to amend the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) Act to delete Ajaokuta Steel Complex from the list of companies for concession.

Buhari: Reps ask President to stop concession of Ajaokuta steel company



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LIVE: Arsenal vs AC Milan

The Gunners hold a 2-0 lead over their Italian opponents as they aim to secure a place in the Europa League quarter-finals – follow it LIVE!

LIVE: Arsenal vs AC Milan



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3.8m Nigerians may face acute food shortage, global agencies warn

FG receives 1.1trn requests data for erosion, flood control ―Presidency

THE Federal Government, on Thursday, disclosed that it had received about 1.1 trillion requests data, particularly on soil erosion and flood control.

Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office (EFO) in the Presidency, Dr (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal who made this known during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, said since 2015 till date, no funds were set aside for anything other than the ecological intervention.

According to her, “we have 1.1 trillion request data specifically for soil erosion and flood control. That does not include drought, desertification and coastal zone management, nor does it include pollution control. But I can tell you the largest chunk of our work is soil erosion and soil control. Of all the 88 projects that are ongoing, almost 90% of them are soil erosion and flood control.

“That is not to say that we don’t have issues with flood control but because of the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) and they are actually doing something similar to that, so we stopped. We are just seeking approval now which has been endorsed that we can also continue the work on desertification and drought.

“If you read the news, all the stories going there is in 2009, 2010, 2013. In this administration, no approval has been granted out of the ecological fund to use the fund for the non ecological issue.”

“The greatest challenge we are facing is the dearth of funds. The country is faced with a lot of ecological issues with meagre funds to tackle them. Regrettably, what we noticed is that while one is being solved, another one is being created.” She affirmed.

While emphasizing on the judicious deployment of ecological funds by the Federal Government to problems across the country, the permanent secretary urged both the States and Local Governments to apply their own shares, rather than rely on government at the centre.

She said if the entire problems were left to the Federal Government alone, much less impact would ensure overall, because of the extent and severity of the ecological problems in Nigeria.

Court views videos of Evans confessing to his crimes

Dr (Mrs) Lawal, however, said all outstanding completed projects not yet inaugurated would be inaugurated very soon and handed-over to the respective benefiting communities.

“In another few weeks, EFO is going to present to Federal Executive Council (FEC) all the approvals and all projects we have done since the inception of this regime. We also expect that the ministers who will commission and hand over those projects that have been concluded plus those that may be completed in the next two to three weeks will also be approved to that same day so we can plan this for the commissioning and handing over.

“Since the inception of this administration in May 2015, 88 projects were awarded, 45 have been completed and 43 are still on-going. About 90% are on soil erosion because of the prevalence.” She added.

On the public hearing held on Wednesday on the Bill to establish the ecological fund, she said: “my take on the public hearing is that under the past regimes they feel that some of the ecological funds were not utilized for the ecological interventions. Some were utilized for other developmental projects of the country and they feel in order to ensure that ecological funds are restricted to ecological interventions; they sort to put a bill.”

The post FG receives 1.1trn requests data for erosion, flood control ―Presidency appeared first on Tribune.

FG receives 1.1trn requests data for erosion, flood control ―Presidency



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In Abuja: FCTA threatens to revoke undeveloped plots

Abuja City Gate

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Coordinator, Umar Shuaibu, issued the warning during clearing of the Abuja airport road corridor on Thursday in Abuja.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has threatened to revoke all undeveloped plots in the FCT, especially those within layouts where infrastructure has been provided.

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Coordinator, Umar Shuaibu, issued the warning during clearing of the Abuja airport road corridor on Thursday in Abuja.

He advised owners of plots on both sides of the road to choose between either developing their plots or having them revoked by the Administration.

According to him, we are hereby, once again, sending a strong message to owners of plots of land in Abuja, especially in places where infrastructure have been provided.

They should come out and develop their property, because failure to do so will have those plots revoked by the administration.

“It is their responsibility to clear all dirt in and around their plots.

“We are not the ones to do it for them. All property developers who are given allocations across the++ territory should also develop them as a matter of urgency,’’ he ordered.

Shuaibu said if the owners cannot develop their plots, it means they do not have capacity to do so, “so we will go ahead and revoke those plots and allocate them to those who are willing and able to develop them.’

The coordinator said the administration will not continue to waste resources meant for other equally important ventures on cleaning of some of the places for the plots owners.

He said the exercise was part of restoring the beauty of the Airport road, similar to what it used to be before the rehabilitation and expansion to the current 10-lane expressway.

Shuaibu said whatever the administration will do to make the important road beautiful, they will do it.

“The Minister is very concerned that we keep this expressway beautiful, and that is exactly what we are going to do and will continue to do.

“It is not just this road, it is a major gateway into the city, and we do not want it to be an eyesore for both our visitors and residents.

“We are making sure that the entire city is kept clean at all times.” he said.

The coordinator said it is AMMC’s task to clean up both sides of the road from the city gate up to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and also to maintain its cleanliness.
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According to him, we will do a pin down, where security personnel will be stationed around for surveillance, preventing the return of dirt to these places.

Shuaibu also stressed the possibility of planting trees and flowers on both sides of the expressway, as the corridors were being cleared.

The coordinator assured residents that in the cleaning process, bushes would be cleared, grounds level, illegal car wash spots, mechanic workshops, abandoned cars and bad tires will be removed.

In Abuja: FCTA threatens to revoke undeveloped plots



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England ‘desperate’ to attend World Cup despite Russia tensions

Lokomotiv Moscow 1 Atletico Madrid 5 (1-8 agg): Torres double helps pile misery on Russians

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres

Angel Correa and Saul Niguez were on target before Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann got in on the act for a rampant Atletico Madrid.

Lokomotiv Moscow 1 Atletico Madrid 5 (1-8 agg): Torres double helps pile misery on Russians



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Igbo group backs Ohanaeze, says unfortunate INEC disenfranchising South-East

Unlimited By Disability: Super human skills of armless teacher has made her #GhanaTrueHero

The super human skills of Madam Enyonam, presumed to be a mathematics teacher is being named a #GhanaTrueHero.

The exceptional skills of a physically impaired female teacher has earned her praises on social media.

A viral picture of an armless Ghanaian teacher, Madam Enyonam, now referred to as a #GhanaTrueHero, has got Twitter users believing in themselves.

The woman who was captured writing with a marker has received the attention of admirers who were full of praise following a super human display that saw her scribbling a mathematical problem on a board.

Her show of commitment and passion for the teaching profession made her a good example for some Twitter users who used her for emphasis on how a disability shouldn't mean the end for one who is physically impaired.

Comments shared via the hashtag #GhanaTrueHero contained gthe emotions of her admirers.

ALSO READ: Crippled thief strikes again at book launch

Though not as knowledgeable as Madam Enyonam, a crippled man in Calabar, Cross River State, Effanga Francis Umoh, has chosen the path of hard work over crime as exhibited by his relationship with some market woman.

Meet poor crippled old man who cures diseases by smoking weed

In Calabar, Cross River State, a crippled waste collector, Effanga Francis Umoh, has found better result from smoking weed.

An elderly Umoh told Vanguard News that he has had no reason to visit the hospital due to a consumption of the drug substance.

This has saved him from the challenge of visiting the hospital – a venture that will have cost money he does not have in abundance.

He survives on payment made to him by market women who have been serviced by his waste disposal activity.

Umoh had an air of pride while describing his dedication to his occupation despite hindrances caused by his physical challenge. He attributed it as a personality common with individuals from his ethnic group.

“I am an Efik man and we do not beg for alms in any circumstance because we are a proud nation.

"So I will rather work than bring shame to my people," says Umoh who was captured sitting on the floor in a picture.

ALSO READ: Tramadol user goes mad in Lagos

His display of honour should have served as a motivation for a man known as the Crippled Thief. The latter is notorious for CCTV captured acts of theft and is currently at large.

Unlimited By Disability: Super human skills of armless teacher has made her #GhanaTrueHero



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Lambert: Shaqiri cannot do it on his own, he's not Messi

Stoke City midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri

While the former Bayern star has been crucial for his side this year, Lambert admits he cannot be relied on like the incredible Argentine

Lambert: Shaqiri cannot do it on his own, he's not Messi



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Finance: Here's the salary you need to be in the top 50% of earners in 50 major US cities

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We've highlighted the annual household income required to be in the top 50% in 50 major US metro areas, from lowest to highest income needed.

If you're working toward earning a salary that will deem you "rich" in your city, it may take some time.

One benchmark you can use on your way to wealth: Making it into the top 50% of earners.

If you're earning at least $71,897 in New York City, you make more money than half the population there. You're also technically middle class. To make it into the top 50% of earners in Los Angeles, you need to bring in $65,950 annually.

Here, we've highlighted the annual household income required to be in the top 50% in 50 major US metro areas, from lowest to highest.

All data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2016 American Community Survey 1-year estimates.

50. New Orleans, Louisiana: $48,804

49. Memphis, Tennessee: at least $49,809

48. Tampa, Florida: at least $51,115

47. Miami, Florida: at least $51,362

46. Cleveland, Ohio: at least $52,131

45. Birmingham, Alabama: at least $52,226

44. Orlando, Florida: at least $52,385

43. Buffalo, New York: $53,487

42. Las Vegas, Nevada: at least $54,384

41. Louisville, Kentucky: at least $54,546

40. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: at least $55,065

39. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: at least $56,063

38. San Antonio, Texas: at least $56,105

37. Detroit, Michigan: at least $56,142

36. Indianapolis, Indiana: at least $56,750

35. Jacksonville, Florida: at least $56,840

34. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: at least $58,029

33. Phoenix, Arizona: at least $58,075

32. Riverside, California: at least $58,236

31. St. Louis, Missouri: at least $59,780

30. Charlotte, North Carolina: at least $59,979

29. Nashville, Tennessee: at least $60,030

28. Cincinnati, Ohio: at least $60,260

27. Columbus, Ohio: at least $60,294

26. Kansas City, Missouri: at least $61,385

25. Houston, Texas: $61,708

24. Virginia Beach, Virginia: at least $61,805

23. Providence, Rhode Island: at least $61,948

22. Atlanta, Georgia: at least $62,613

21. Richmond, Virginia: at least $62,929

20. Dallas, Texas: at least $63,812

19. Sacramento, California: at least $64,052

18. Los Angeles, California: at least $65,950

17. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at least $65,996

16. Chicago, Illinois: at least $66,020

15. Salt Lake City, Utah: at least $68,196

14. Portland, Oregon: at least $68,676

13. San Diego, California: at least $70,824

12. Austin, Texas: at least $71,000

11. Raleigh, North Carolina: at least $71,685

10. New York City, New York: at least $71,897

9. Denver, Colorado: at least $71,926

8. Hartford, Connecticut: at least $72,559

7. Minneapolis, Minnesota: $73,231

6. Baltimore, Maryland: at least $76,788

5. Seattle, Washington: at least $78,612

4. Boston, Massachusetts: at least $82,380

3. Washington, DC: $95,843

2. San Francisco, California: at least $96,677

1. San Jose, California: at least $110,040

Finance: Here's the salary you need to be in the top 50% of earners in 50 major US cities



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Paul Okoye (Psquare): Singer shares a cute photo of his adorable twins

Paul Okoye

Paul Okoye's adorable twins are gradually growing into cute kids.

Paul Okoye has shared a cute photo of his adorable twins which has got us praying for twins!

The music star and former member of the estranged music group, Psquare, got us all tripping as he posted the photo of the twins on his Instagram page on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Paul Okoye couldn't help but blush over the twins, Nathan and Nadia who both looked all grown and cute as he captioned the photo with the quote.

 

"#doubledouble     ❤❤ #8month      Obinna and adaobi   #nathanandnadia the real #nkenjikeke,'' he wrote.

 

It would be recalled that Paul Okoye and wife, Anita Okoye welcomed their twins back in July 2017 in Atlanta, United States of America. We all love it when celebrities show off their kids on Instagram as we get to see how these adorable babies grow.

ALSO READ: 10 celebrities who welcomed babies in 2017

 

Recall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, music star, Runtown shared a cute photo of his son on Instagram. The photo which shows how fast the little boy is growing got a caption from his proud daddy "Yung SG ❤."

 

Just like Runtown, another celebrity who can't hide his love for his kids is the music star, Wizkid also posted photos of his sons a couple of days ago on his Instagram page which was widely applauded by his fans and admirers.

Paul Okoye (Psquare): Singer shares a cute photo of his adorable twins



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Ben Yedder earns maiden France selection after stunning Pogba and Man Utd

Sevilla striker Wissam Ben Yedder

After sending the Red Devils crashing out of the Champions League, the Sevilla striker has been called upon by Didier Deschamps for the first time

Ben Yedder earns maiden France selection after stunning Pogba and Man Utd



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Reps to probe Gov. Bello alleged importation of arms, ammunition

Abuja – The House of Representatives says it will investigate the alleged importation of arms, ammunition and military equipment by Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

This followed a matter of urgent public importance by Rep. Sunday Karimi (Kogi-PDP), who noted that the House must act fast to save the lives of ordinary citizens in the state.

Karimi also expressed worry that the Nigeria Customs had done little or nothing about the said subject matter.

“Instead of the Nigeria Custom Service to promptly arrest the importer of the treasonable act of importing military hardware and items into the country, it only requested the importer to provide End-user certificate from the National Security Adviser.

The lawmaker noted that only the military was constitutionally empowered to import such item.

“I am afraid that if the trend is allowed to continue, politicians, state governors and private citizens will start to import arms under the guise of equipping the military.

“This, in the long run, will jeopardize security and lives of innocent Nigerians,” he said.

Supporting the motion, Reps. Hassan Saleh (Benue-APC) and Nnena Elendu-Ukeje (Abia-PDP), said that the problem facing the country today had to do with security.

The lawmakers stressed the need for the executive to take the proliferation of arms in the country seriously.

The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

The House, therefore, resolved to invite the Comptroller General of Customs, Retired Col Hameed Ali to explain why it only requested end user permit.

The post Reps to probe Gov. Bello alleged importation of arms, ammunition appeared first on Vanguard News.

Reps to probe Gov. Bello alleged importation of arms, ammunition



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Falz: Rapper to make Hollywood debut in new TV series

Falz to make Hollywood debut in new TV series

Falz, who is popular for his role as Segun in "Jenifa's Diarys" is set to make his Hollywood debut in new TV series, "Church."

Nigerian rapper, Falz, will make his Hollywood debut in a new TV series titled "Church."

BLK Prime, a Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) service available worldwide, has signed a multi-season deal with Falz to play the lead role in the original drama series.

In the series, Falz plays Church (short for William Randolph Church), a charismatic and intense Nigerian billionaire.

"I am so excited to introduce my character, Church, to the audience around the world and be part of BLK Prime's mission of offering diverse streaming entertainment worldwide," the rapper said in a statement via Instagram.

 

Falz is no stranger to acting. He has featured in movies such as "Couple of Days" and the award-winning "Jenifa's Diary."

In 2016, he beat IK Ogbonna and Imeh Umoh Bishop to win the AMVCA Best Actor in a Comedy for his role as Segun in "Jenifa's Diary."

He will be seen next in the highly anticipated movies "New Money" and "Muna."

 

Also an award-winning rapper, Falz currently owns an independent record label called Bahd Guys Records.

Falz recently released a movie inspired by a cinematic concert, which he headlined in December 2017. It was his first ever concert and was applauded and described as a near-perfect show.

"Church" will premiere on BLK Worldwide in late Spring, 2018.

Falz: Rapper to make Hollywood debut in new TV series



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